TOT Tip: Reclaim Your Power by Making a Running Action List Notebook

In my old job I often found myself with so many action items I would run in circles trying to figure out which thing to do next—and more often than not unable to find my notes on that thing I was supposed to do next!  It was crazy!  I had a different notebook for each project, which also meant I had all my various actions in multiple locations.  To make matters worse, I would often get called into an impromptu meeting without any notebook—say while taking the risk of being seen by all the other action-givers by leaving my office to get a drink or go to the bathroom!

The actions from those unplanned meetings often resulted in making "to-do" notes on scraps of paper, post-it notes, and sometimes even a napkin if it was over lunch or dinner.  My action lists were out of control—they were more like my inaction lists!  Barely surviving, my nostrils the only thing above the water line, I treaded in the deep end as my legs were giving out. It was time to sink or swim.  It was time to get organized because I was definitely sinking. 

One day it occurred to me that I should put all my action items in one place.  I know that might seem obvious—and it was to me too once I thought of it! ...a big "duh" moment for sure—but I was so overwhelmed I couldn't think clearly ...and sometimes not at all!  So I grabbed a small notebook from the office supply cabinet and wrote across the front in bold letters "Ruthie's To-Do List"  with a note (reminder to me) "Actions Only!"   I started transferring all my various actions and scribbled to-do notes into the "one" notebook.  And I carried it with me everywhere I went.  Even the bathroom!

***

TOT Tip: Make a Running Action List

Get a small notebook that is easy for you to carry around—at least most of the time.  Write on the front of it: ACTION LIST for _________ (your name) or something along those lines. When you get an idea for a birthday or holiday gift write it down.  When you have to renew your tabs, pay a bill, pick up friend at the airport next week, or send a thank you note, write it down. Make your entry a really short and simple statement (action) though—this is really important.  If it ends up looking like a bunch of journal entries or a grocery list it becomes more work to plow through and pluck out the "to-do" items.  This notebook is ONLY for things you want to do and nothing more!

And if you do need to make a quick note on a napkin or post-it just tuck it inside your Action List Notebook when you get home.  Transfer these loose notes over next time you sit to update your Action List.

***

How does this TOT Tip help you on an energetic level?

This TOT Tip supports your Root Chakra because being organized is super grounding!  Being grounded gives a sense of peace; a key aspect of the root chakra.  When we feel that our surroundings and "to-do" lists are scattered all over the place, we lose our footing and—literally—run around in circles! And what a sense of Peace it is to see all the items lined through upon completion! 

The Third Chakra also benefits because the more productive you are—that is to say the more you follow through on your intentions (your to-do's)—the more emPOWERed and confident you become!  The third chakra is about "self stuff"—like self-confidence and personal power.  

I had a teacher a few years back tell me to stop making lists because it limited my intuition.  And that may feel true for you but, honestly, it's the complete opposite for me.  We agreed to disagree on that one.   Once I did this same exercise for my personal life my whole world became more peaceful.  I felt a sense of control which allowed me to relax, and become "more" open to my intuition, not less. 

Bottom line: lists are not all bad.  Don't think you are boring or too structured or rigid because you need a list.  Let's face it, we live in a hectic and demanding culture.  If you're feeling scattered or overwhelmed with too many action items, see if this might help.

And, oh, having an organized Action List Notebook is a great way to start the New Year!

Happy Holidays to You!

PS:  This could be a great gift idea for someone you know who could use a little help staying afloat. 

Trinity of Truth Tip: Be Pretty ...Inside and Out

As a kid my mom used to say to me and my brothers and sisters, "If you're not pretty on the inside it doesn't matter how pretty you are on the outside."  I mostly heard this, as you might guess, when I wasn't being pretty.  What does it mean to be pretty on the inside and how can you know if you're not? 

A simple technique is this:

Close your eyes.  Just for a moment, imagine you have no eyes. Imagine you can only "see" without the benefit of eyes.  In your mind's eye, what would you see?  How do others feel to you? 

Now, imagine everyone else is the same.  Everyone can see, but without eyes.  How would you express feelings with each other?  How would you know if they are pretty?  If you are? How would you like for others to see you?

There are many ways, but the number one means to show others if you are pretty on the inside or not is reflected in your tone of voice. 

Your tone of voice reflects your feelings (your insides) ...and it never lies.  Ever.  Specifically, what's reflected in our tone of voice is ...attitude, perspective, judgments, emotions ...whether you're happy, sad, or mad.  You don't have to see anything to feel everything.    

Others can see your insides...pretty or not...by the tone of your voice.

In general, practice using a kind, loving, gentle tone.  If you're mad or sad, work to express your feelings with calmness instead of harsh or unkind words (take the high road). Others listen better when they are not on guard for fear of being cut by your sharp tongue. 

Really work to see yourself as an expression of love, kindness, and understanding ...pretty.  Then.... turn yourself inside out. 

Trinity of Truth Tip: Count Your Blessings, Not Your Worries

In my old job I sat at a desk staring at a computer screen for many hours per day.  I was one of those people who taped little inspirational quotes and affirmations all around the perimeter of the monitor—easily in sight.  One of those items, a small plastic frame with a positive saying, was right in the middle—front and center—on the flat edge along the top.    

The simple saying was, "Count your blessings, not your worries."  The words were surrounded by cute little flowers, simply drawn and in a variety of colors.  But the flowers were, what looked to me like, dancing!  Exploding with energy, enthusiasm ...life, as they smiled back at me.  Bouncing with joy as if they were actually showing off!  Shouting "I am super happy and so I dance! ...because I can."   

I didn't always remember to look up when feeling bad, but when I did, it only took me a moment to count the infinite blessings in my life.  I had just forgotten about them for a minute. 

***
TOT Tip: Count Your Blessings Not Your Worries

The moment you feel overwhelmed, tense, worried, alone, fearful, sad, agitated, depressed, or any other feeling that is the opposite of joy, stop ...right then and there. 

Next, take a deep cleansing breath.  Now, think of how special it is to have that breath.  Feel your breath deep inside your chest, right at your heart center. On your next inhale and exhale, feel the energy of your breath expand into your arms, legs, belly, throat, up into your brain ....replenishing every cell in your body with light, joy, vitality ...life. 

Starting from there, feeling deep gratitude for your breath ...thank your breath for giving you life, for sustaining you.

Next, count some other blessings.  Think about a few things you are grateful for—it can be anything that makes you feel happy, appreciative, thankful, or privileged.  And then accept these things as precious gifts. 

Next, be like those flowers bouncing with joy.  Feel the dance of your breath ...because you can.   

***

On this day of Thanksgiving, like those dancing flowers, I am super happy ...feeling the life force running through my veins, pulsating, vibrating, filling me with joy!  And so I breathe ...because I can.

Peace to all ....and Happy Thanksgiving!

Trinity of Truth Tip: Through Humbleness Find Your Greatness

When I am humbled it is then that I see how truly great I am. It is in the smallness (of being humbled) where I see the grandness of my true Self, my Soul.

For me, being humbled often happens when I am reminded that I do not in fact know everything or that perhaps I am not being a very good listener. And, actually, both---thinking I know everything and not listening---go hand-in-hand. Isn't it true that we stop listening because we feel there is no value in the noise we hear or too busy conjuring up our retort?

But when I stop and really listen to the other, my outer voice stills as my inner voice silently speaks---be it through a nod, a gesture, or calm presence. When I celebrate the voice of another my inner knowing expands, my Soul rejoices. It is in this moment of awareness---where I am reminded how small the ego is in comparison to my cosmic Being---that the little (ego) self releases into the grandness of my Soul as it merges with Divine love.

It is through humility that one's Soul may truly shine.

Trinity of Truth Tip: If It's Not 100% YES Then It's NO!

Most of the time, I am a pretty decisive person. I can usually know how to make the best choice for any given situation, but sometimes I do get stuck. My friend, Kathleen, gave me a very simple—yet powerful—tip on how to make a decision when on the fence about something. It works every time. She said, "If it's not 100% yes, then it's NO!". I have been using this trick for making decisions for all sorts things—from what to eat, where to go on vacation, to important financial matters.

Give it a try next time you're trying to make a decision. Accepting the answer as NO—at least for now—is very freeing and depending on the issue NO is often a very a positive answer. For me, I no longer wallow with indecisiveness—where I lose clarity or get myself into situations where I am spread too thin—but make the most of my time by being confident in making a "yes or no" decision.

Making a decision, any decision—yes or no—is like finally reaching the light of day after a long and stressful drive through thick fog on a slippery mountain pass. You feel so happy to be on the other side of it where you can finally relax and enjoy the moment of the here and now instead of worrying about what's behind or in front of you.

If it's not 100% yes, it's no ...let it go ...get in "this" moment ...where life really happens anyway.

Trinity of Truth Tip: Study Basic Anatomy

Having a clear picture in your mind helps to see a specific body part the way you want it to look—perfect. Buy a book or go online for images on everything from the thymus gland to the femur. Study how the particular body part you're working with is supposed to function and visualize it doing that.

As part of a year-long energy medicine mentoring program I participated in we studied anatomy. We did this to aid in our work to "see" the perfect organ, muscle, tissue, or bone. This past weekend I completed my first (of many) weekend classes for a Yoga Teacher Training program and, of course, we're studying anatomy! We do this to help understand how the body (should) move and what's happening in different poses.

When we have a clear picture in our minds-eye it is so much easier to absorb information and visualize what it is we want—perfect health!

BTW, one of my favorite parts of the yoga certification program is my new anatomy coloring book ...recommend it!

Try this "Trinity of Truth" Tip and see if you can bring your body back into a state of harmony.

Peace to all :o)

Boot Camp for Balance

As part of an all-women's boot camp I've been doing my body is finally starting to feel the results. My muscles and bones support me while lifting heavy things, including throwing my 40 lb grandson on my shoulders, my posture is decent, even while sitting at a computer for hours on end, and I can run several miles without getting shin splints or a kink in my hip.

About five years ago I began noticing how hard it was becoming to do ordinary things (for me at least) without some level of difficulty. It felt like my body was giving up on me. For example, I was having a hard time making it down one ski run without several rest stops while watching my husband bounce through the mogul field. And some days I could hardly walk a basket of laundry up the stairs without my left leg buckling. These were only a few physical telltale signs that something was off.

I went through the typical scenario of going to the doc and getting checked for all sorts of things and although not hearing all positive news, I actually got to know my body really well and how to respond to its needs. For example, because I now know that I have a predisposition for hypothyroidism, I have made adjustments in diet and lifestyle to minimize, or at least prolong, the potential onset of the disorder. And I've learned that my arrhythmia can be managed by just the right amount of exercise, meditation, and dietary supplements. Before getting to this point, though, my once very healthy diet had shifted to marginally okay, my once positive mental attitude had turned inside out as I lamented to my friends and family about my job, people ...life. I even found myself in the gossip circle with certain co-workers.

Often I would look in the mirror and think, "Who is that person?" ...she looks familiar, but something seems distant, out of touch. Tears streaming, I searched in those eyes looking back at me for a glimmer of sparkle, of life, of joy only to see a look of indifference. Where did Ruthie go?

What I ultimately came to know about myself was that I'd lost any sense of balance in my overall lifestyle. I couldn't recall the last time I'd been to church, read any spiritual text, or meditated. And getting outdoors, something that gave me a deep sense of spiritual connection had been put on the back burner. I reasoned with thoughts like, I'd get back to it once I got through one more business trip, meeting, dinner with a customer, or whatever happened to be competing, and winning the battle, for my time. My diet had fallen by the wayside too. Generally, I was not in touch with what sustained me---balance. I was working way too much which included a fair amount of travel, overtime, working from home in the evenings, weekends, and even on the warm sandy beach on the islands of Maui or Kauai ...watching my husband snorkel ...alone.

Even though I've transformed my life and gotten back on track, some days it is still very challenging to sustain the balance I've found. I've come to realize that in order to reconnect with all aspects of myself—and staying connected—requires the same level of discipline as getting up at o-dark thirty for my boot camp class. Do I like crawling out of my warm bed at 4:30'ish in the morning do pushups, lunges, squats, dips, and run in the dark, cold, and sometimes rainy outdoors? Of course not. Do I like the way I feel when I'm done. Absolutely! Drawing on this deep sense of satisfaction when faced with the dread of getting up is what lures me out of bed. And the more I do it, the less dreadful it becomes.

The same holds true with fining balance. Although my attitude has had a positive shift, every now and then I am faced with a challenging situation that tests my ability to stay true to my commitment of being less reactive (to the negative event) and more proactive (taking the high road). In the heat of the moment, I've learned to recognize pretty quickly when I've succumbed to the forces of negativity and I can make a correction much sooner than before. I've learned to do this through working on my mental attitude on a daily basis. Even when, especially when, I'm in a crappy mood or someone is getting on my nerves for whatever reason, having the discipline not to react takes as much, if not more, work than my 5:30 AM boot camp. It takes a lot of mental focus to stay aware of what's working and what's not and then doing something about it. But the end result is life-changing.

If I stick to my plan of paying attention to my actions, how my body is feeling, and my overall sense of joy, I have a clue of what area I'm neglecting and where to make adjustments. If I can work to eat well at least most of the time and move my body a little every day, it responds by allowing me to play without injury or pain. If I can see beauty in all things and people, my mental attitude stays positive and my emotions are calm. If I do something like hiking, meditating, creating, dancing, or playing, my batteries are recharged. My enthusiasm for doing even the most mundane activity is then elevated, my spirit is renewed.

Paying attention to what is needed and then doing one thing to correct what's off is like having a customized boot camp for balancing mind, body, and spirit. And if we can balance these three things, we find a sense of strength to keep showing up. Just like getting up at the crack of dawn when I don't want to, the end results feel so good, I strive to do it anyway.

So, Boot Camp for Balance means to do at least one thing each day to bring all parts of your being into harmony: mind, body, and spirit.

Try this Trinity of Truth Tip: Be scared, feel like crap, have a negative attitude ...then do it anyway! Basically, do whatever it takes to show up, but do show up. Make a commitment to get there.

Every time you show up and do it anyway, despite of—IN spite of—the opposing forces, you send a powerful energetic message that YOU are in the driver's seat and are not, will not be, absolutely cannot be, controlled by forces that oppose what's best for your highest good.

When I don't show up for boot camp, the trainer will shoot an email to me and the other slackers who enjoyed a nice "lay in" ...as my girlfriend from England calls it. Like any good drill sergeant, it's just part of her job to motivate us by telling us how awesome we are and what we might be missing out on while slumbering away. She'll often include some article about how eating a certain food is good for you, or how great it really is to get up so early! And like any good drill sergeant, her nice emails are balanced with a heavy hand at times ...like the emails with a subject line "get your ASS to camp!".

Boot Camp for Balance is open to all and registration never closes. You can show up any day, any time, but do show up! Showing up, getting to the starting line, as they say, is the hardest part. Do it anyway ....Show UP! Get your ass to camp.

Trinity of Truth Tip: Intention & Gratitude

The first thing I do every morning before getting out of bed is give thanks for the rest I've received and set an intention for my day ahead. My intention begins with, "Today I am centered as I encounter each new opportunity". Then I might add something like, "Today, I have only good and positive thoughts. Today, I nurture my body. Today, I tune in with my Higher, wiser Self". Doing this sets the tone for the day and sends the message that I choose balance because I've addressed each element of the Trinity of Truth. If I give attention to mind, body, spirit—as a whole—first thing, my day is more balanced and I feel better, more satisfied, at the end of the day.

To close the day on a good note I have a similar routine upon going to bed, except instead of an intention, I state what I am grateful for that day. Basically, I count my blessings. Next, I ask for Spirit's protection as I close my eyes and place one hand on my heart and one on my belly. With one-pointed focus either at my heart center or at the point between my eyebrows, I breathe in and mentally say, "I am". I hold the breath for just a moment as I feel the energy calming my body beneath my hands and throughout my entire body. Then, I exhale, and mentally say, "peace". I keep doing this breath cycle and mantra for as long as I feel like; often it takes me into a deep and peaceful sleep. This practice is very helpful for insomnia.

Root Chakra

The last post, heart chakra, mentioned the root chakra as related to feeling grounded or getting knocked off center. So, I will pick it up with the root chakra here.

The root (first) chakra is literally the foundation of the chakra system and resides at the base of the spine. The root chakra corresponds to the feeling of being grounded, secure, and safe and cultivates our sense of belonging or community. With a healthy vibration in the root chakra, all other chakras are more easily awakened, opening up potential healing in all areas of our Being. The first chakra is red in color.

Let's say you have issues related to feeling unsafe and insecure in your environment. Or, perhaps you feel like a loner and have no sense of belonging. If you grew up in a highly-dysfunctional family or where one or both parents suffered from alcoholism, drug addiction, or mental illness---things that took their attention off you, the child in need, to their needs---you may lack the sense that someone's "got your back". Lacking a sense of someone being there for you negatively affects the root chakra. 

It's not to place blame on your parents, but to simply understand, become aware, that they were doing the best they could ...at the time. You might come to see that your parents were in the midst of their own battle to survive. Perhaps they lacked the skill or desire to function as you would have liked. The bottom line is that it's not about you! Their actions are "their" actions. Take no responsibility. But, perhaps you did feel a sense neglect and continue to feel unsafe, insecure, or even paranoid in your environment. Basically, you don't have that deep knowing of someone looking out for you. This is a scary place to be!

When we lack a sense of security we tend to hold back on taking risks, exploring life, and just going for it. We fear that if we fail, no one will be there to pick us up, kiss our wounds, give us encouragement to keep going, and continue cheering us on. We feel abandoned, alone, scared.

A few things that can block energy in the root chakra:

• Believing you are not worthy of the perfect "tribe" (community, family).
• Staying in a job or relationship that feels toxic because you're afraid to move on.
• Not following through on commitments to others.
• Shutting others off out of fear.
• Feeling judged by family and loved ones for not following the "mold" (maybe you are being judged, but "it's not about you" ...it's their problem!).

Using the issue of growing up without nurturing and supportive parents or being judged by family or loved ones, below are some issues that might show up:

• Mental/Emotional: rigid, stubborn, hot-headed, closed-off, secretive.
• Physical: blood-related illness, legs, feet, hips, knees.
• Spiritual: lack trust in life, your surroundings, and people.

What to do to get back to center, balanced:

For repairing damage: To correct an imbalance in the root chakra search out like-minded people and begin building and expanding your community. Build a "tribe" that supports YOU---no matter what. This is the best way to gain confidence and break out of your mold of holding back out of fear to living a more peaceful, joy-filled, and exciting life. When we feel safe, we release our fears and live from the heart ...we become more childlike, authentic. We let loose!

For preventative maintenance: See other people (everybody!) as related to you. I believe we are all related in the sense that we share the same "life-force", or source of energy, that keeps us alive. I see all other human beings as what I call my soul-siblings. I see everyone as a soul. Doing this helps me feel, and stay, connected. And we see those who judge us with a sense of compassion instead of feeling defended.

Seek out whatever gives you a connection to Spirit. Maybe it's going on more hikes (join a club to meet others), sitting beneath trees (and talking with them), observing nature (feeling the vibration as you breathe), going to church, learning to meditate (or increase your time), volunteer (where you'll meet like-minded people). Whatever it is, do it often and never stop ...ever.

A healthy root chakra will keep you grounded while the higher more creative and spiritual chakras provide guidance on what makes your heart dance, your voice sing, and lights a fire in your belly!

Try this: Settle into a quiet state of mind. Take a deep cleansing breath. Hold briefly with a focus on your heart center. On the exhalation, breathe out any old belief patterns that have held you back. Next, inhale a radiant light. Let this light penetrate deeply, touching each and every cell of your body. Hold for a brief moment. Feel a vibration inside you shaking loose the old beliefs filled with fear. Now, exhale through the mouth with great will all that has been shaken loose. See this old energy evaporating into the light. Do this five times. Then sit quietly for as long as you like.

Know that there is a divine connection within each of us; therefore, you do, and always will, have a tribe, a community. You are safe, secure, and loved ...always, and in all ways.

Namaste

Heart Chakra

I have decided to write some short pieces on the individual chakras. Posts will include some basic information about each energy center, how they are influenced, and a little "how to" stuff on what to do for clearing blocked or negative energy!

You might think that starting with the first chakra would seem logical, but I am called to write about the fourth chakra to kick this series off!

The heart chakra is the fourth of the major energy centers running along the spine. The heart center plays a powerful role in our overall wellness as it connects the lower, or physically-oriented chakras, with the upper, more spiritually-oriented chakras. For this reason, when we have an energetic blockage in the heart center, all other chakras are also impacted making us feel completely off-center. We may find ourselves having issues related to the root chakra, for example, if having in a conflict with a close family member. Not only is there a disruption in the heart center, our foundation is knocked out from under us too. More on the root chakra, next post!

A few things that can block energy in the fourth (heart) chakra:

• Holding onto past hurts, harboring resentment or anger.
• Unable or unwilling to forgive others—fully and completely.
• Unable or unwilling to forgive ourselves—fully and completely.
• Unwilling to love yourself—fully and completely.
• Loving others with "conditions" or "expectations"—the opposite of "unconditional" love.

Love is the governing energy behind the heart chakra. The problem is that when we choose to ignore the warning signs that something is off; such as feeling out of sorts with a loved one and not taking action to correct it, we are at risk of mental, physical, and spiritual issues.

Using the issue of having a fight, for example, with a loved one, below are some issues that might show up:

• Mental/Emotional: lack of compassion and understanding.
• Physical: breast cancer, lung cancer, respiratory issues, thymus gland (the master gland of the immune system).
• Spiritual: lack of devotion or trust in Life (be it God, Guru, Nature ...that "higher source" that binds us)

What to do:

For repairing damage: The number one thing we can do to correct an imbalance in the heart center is to simply express love, even a little bit, toward the person—and surround them in pure light. We must also surround ourselves in light and expand our radiance, filling our aura with pureness, truth, love.

For preventative maintenance: Always commit to looking out for each other. My husband and I have a pact that no matter what, we will look out for each other. We learned this the hard way— by not looking out for each other in the past—and value the power behind these simple words. We fully understand that if we simply remember to "look out for each other" love automatically fuels our relationship and makes it flourish.  This is what family does (a root chakra aspect ...more on that later!).

When it comes to family, looking out for each other is what builds trust, which allows us to be more open to receiving the very thing that binds us—love. Without trust—knowing "you've got my back"—we block our ability to receive.  Family, above all others, is where we find true, unconditional love.  But, it takes all parties to "look out for each other" in order to be completely vulnerable to receiving.

Try this: surrender to love, breathe it in to the heart center, then let it expand ....release all negativity and blockages. In this place of grace, find peace ...balance.  Send these blessings of love to all those whom you cherish ...family, loved ones, all those in need of your love.

Love is at the heart (pun intended!) of all healing.

Balance Begins with Awareness

Saying that I coined the phrase, Trinity of Truth, is only true when put in the context of Mind-Body-Spirit balance. If you look up the words, Trinity of Truth, on the Internet, for example, you will find several hits that relate to Christianity's holy trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Although my use of the term could be the basis for one's religious practice, it is not a religion, per se, and is not my intent.

My intention is to bring awareness to the need for balance between Mind, Body, and Spirit—as a way of life—for bringing peace and good health into our lives.

If we over-intellectualize things, we tend to get stuck in our minds. If we work out like a maniac, we leave little time for family or spiritual practice and pose a risk for injury. If we sit and meditate all day, our laundry goes undone and projects get behind. My point is that for overall day-to-day wellness in all three—mind, body, spirit—it's important to strike a balance and pay equal respect to each.  And the real beauty lies in the fact that when we work to balance each—mind, body, spirt—all three flourish!  The three components of the trinity are inter-related. 

For me, my various writing projects, reading, and teaching feeds my mind. When I slack off, I feel disappointment for not achieving my goals or not putting together the best lesson plan I can.

I joined an all-women's boot camp for keeping me motivated to workout—on a regular basis!—and to keep my body strong. With a strong body I can get on the floor (and back up!) to play with my grandsons.  I can go skiing, ride my bike, or hike—all things that bring joy and laughter into my life.  And my body just functions better, inside and out, when I move it.

My meditation and yoga practices are the cornerstone for me. Without regular attention and dedication, and awareness that this part of my trinity holds everything else together, my practice will slip, causing body and mind to also be impacted.

Take a scan of your life. Are you paying equal respect to mind, body, and spirit? If you are feeling unbalanced—or just "off" for some reason—bring your awareness in with your breath.

Try this.  Take a deep cleansing breath in through your nose, throw it out through your mouth.  Do this three times.  Now, settle in to "this" moment. Ask yourself three questions: is my mental attitude one that serves my highest and best self?; 2) am I consuming good things when I eat and moving my body just the right amount?; 3) what brings me a sense of joy or calmness and when is the last time I did that? It could be a nature walk, sitting under a tree, gazing into the sky, communion with like-minded souls, or sitting on your meditation cushion.  It's whatever brings you into a peaceful state and present-moment awareness; it's what feeds your spirit.

Having an awareness of how much attention you are (or are not) paying to each—mind, body, and spirit—will help you identify what needs correction. From here, you will gain clarity where creative ideas come in on how to get back to center, and balanced! 

Peace, joy, and wellness are found when we are in balance. We find balance—first and foremost—through awareness.

For more reading on what I call "Full-Circle Awareness" see my monthly blog post for April 2011 on the Seattle Energy Medicine blog at: http://seattleenergymedicine.blogspot.com/

Eight of Nine

Unlike the character, Seven of Nine, from Star Trek, I am all human (at least I think so!) but I do relate to one part of her—the "of nine" part. When people learn that I am from a family of nine kids they often want to know where I fall in line. So, I find myself saying, "I'm eight of nine" a lot. I only learned about Seven of Nine when a "trekkie" replied back with, "Oh, you're like Seven!" Learning that someone, albeit, a science-fiction character, was referred to as "of nine" piqued my interest. It made me think about where I was in the line "of nine" and what it could mean. It made me think a bit more about Eight.

The number eight is pretty significant for me, as it turns out. For example, an eight-legged creature has been showing up in my life quite a lot over the past few years. The spider. It used to freak me out—they were everywhere! I had recurring dreams with all colors, shapes, and sizes of spiders. While walking through the middle of my house a spider would be hanging at eye level in the middle of the room! I nearly side-swiped another car one time as spider dangled from my visor, happily twirling as it basked in the warmth of the day's sunshine. While sitting at my vanity, I saw a regular visitor in the mirror strolling across the wall behind me . Or, one time, the blackest spider I've ever seen sat on the sleeve of the white shirt I was pulling from my wardrobe. The worst, though, was probably last year as I turned down the covers to crawl into bed. I startled the little bugger as he scurried under my pillow for safety. Yikes, now they're in my bed! By this time, though, I'd come to expect them and knew they meant no harm.

I've actually come to respect Spider as a close ally, a guide—one of my teachers in life.

After doing a bit of reading on the symbolism of spider, I was both stunned and relieved. What I learned was fascinating, given all that was going on in my life. The spider represents feminine power, creativity, weaving (designing) one's life (web), and actually capturing what is needed in that web. All things which resonated deeply in me.

When the encounters with spider first started (at least when I began noticing them), I was in transition from a masculine (engineering) line of work to more feminine and nurturing (healing) work; I had hired a writing coach to help me focus on some important (creative) projects; I was tearing down an old way of living and literally reweaving my new life (web); and I was attracting people, things, and opportunities (capturing them in my web) to support my transformation. It was uncanny. I had a newfound respect for all the spiders in my life. Absolutely fascinating—and very helpful!

Animals play a significant role in our lives. And once we come to understand this, we are armed with more tools to run our lives. Since spider became so prevalent in my life, I started paying attention to other animal friends. In addition to Spider, many animals have shown up for me—and the message is always relevant for whatever I have going on or need to pay attention to. The book, "Animal Speak" by Ted Andrews, has provided a lot of information about my various encounters and how to interpret them. I've learned, for example, Bear is about "Awakening to The Power of The Unconscious"; Finch is about "Energy of Variety and Multiplicity"—meaning an increase in opportunities and a variety of activities (life is about to get busier!); and Cougar is about "Coming into Your Own Power". In light of all the changes in my life, I found this to be quite amazing ...and very believable!

As far as I know, the only thing I have in common with Seven is the "of nine" part. But I do appreciate her help in prompting me to look into the significance of my own "of nine" number. And out of curiosity, I looked up Seven on the Internet. I read about the Borgs, the alien species that abducted her at age six—to claim her as their own and to "enhance" her. I learned that the Borg's mission is to achieve, what they believe to be, perfection. Although the antagonist in the script, these aliens, the Borgs, were Truth-seekers, in their own right. Aren't we all....

Now when I say I am number eight of nine, I get a little sentimental as I honor the (feminine) energy that has awakened in me. My eight-legged friends have arrived to help me create and design my journey. They've helped me attract exactly what I've needed—in my web—along the way. Now, each time I encounter Spider, I am reminded to align with her powerful energy and claim it as my own.

When we become aware of the messages in and around our lives we come to know ourselves a bit more. With a little study, we begin to consider how this new awareness might shift our thoughts, our attitude, in a way that helps our growth. When we follow the guidance, and take action, we are lead toward our authentic Self, our Truth.

For The Love of Water!

A friend of mine gave me a "Life's Little Instructions" poster many years ago. And, luckily, I've managed to hold on to it after my many moves over the years! It hangs in my dressing room where I can easily see it every day. That doesn't mean I always look at it, but because it is in my line of sight, pretty often, I do. Like this morning, while sitting at my vanity drying my hair, it catches my eye. Always curious of what my eyes might land on, it is like a game. Today, the words "Sing in The Shower" jumped out. As a feeling of joy rose up from my heart, I smiled.

I didn't always sing in the shower, but with the arrival of my first grandson, I found myself humming lullabies not only to him, but throughout other daily activities, like singing in the shower. Now, singing in the shower is a regular thing for me. I found myself feeling so happy and fresh after these (lullaby) showers, I made it a habit. The more I sang in the shower, I felt the water come alive with joy! I imagined the joy-water penetrating my insides as well cleansing my outsides.

Turns out, this was a pretty insightful thing to do on my part! Did you know that our mere thoughts can change the composition of water!?! Whoa! What? Yep, it's true! In the book, Messages from Water, by Masaru Emoto, he claims that a person's thoughts can, and, in fact, do influence the makeup water. Through special imaging he has expertly captured the before and after effects---the change is clearly happening. The before image shows a gray-looking blob. The after-effects look more like a piece of crystal under the sunlight in the shape of a snowflake. It is stunning, filled with light! Although, some people debate these findings, I totally agree. How could it not be true? Since everything IS energy---including water---our thoughts (also energy) certainly do have an influence!

So, if water is influenced by your thoughts, I just have to say, be careful what you're drinking---er, I mean thinking!  Water is everywhere! And we humans are up to 75% water as I understand it.  Start sending loving thoughts into the water you drink and cook with. While consuming food or drink, imagine the water is touching every cell at the very core of your body---see it as perfect light, filled with exactly what your body needs in that moment. While in the shower, think of your body as a sponge, soaking up the water and cleansing you of all impurities. Instead of thinking about the upcoming meeting at work while you rush to get ready, think about how good the water feels as it runs down your spine. Taking with it any physical dirt as well as all unhealthy or anxious thinking, right down the drain! Now, be in the moment with the water. Look at it and see the uniqueness in every drop. Just stand under the shower and become lighter in body and mind. Bring in the light you see sparkling from the water. Embody the light. Now, gently hum as you melt with it, becoming one with the water. Share this vibration of humming with the water, the light. Allow the water, the light, to cleanse and replenish.

Action:

Drink your water with loving, grateful, and joyful thoughts. See light in the water as it showers over your body. This doesn't take any extra time, it only requires focus from your mind. Before you know it, this action will be second nature---bringing healing light into your body with seemingly no effort at all.

For the love of Water, drink up! And Sing in the Shower!

I love it, I hate it!

While out on a little run this morning, I found myself hunching over as I ran against the cold and bitter wind. It was hurting my tender and oh so sensitive face, OK?!? Once I became aware of my posture and attitude, I laughed out loud at myself. What was I thinking? The sun was out (in Seattle! in February!) and the temperature wasn't even that bad—upper 30's.

I laughed because the slight burning sensation on my face reminded me of a time when I was on a climb with a mountaineering class I was in. It was on a ridge and we were very exposed. Visibility was maybe 20 feet. The steps in the snow from the climbers ahead were the only thing guiding me. The horizontal sleet was slicing the skin right off my face—at least that's what it felt like! I had no choice but to grin and bear it, I had to keep moving. I remember thinking, oh shit, what have I gotten myself into—this is hard, dangerous, and I hate it! But, the storm passed, the sun came out, and we were looking down on creation—on top of the world! This image put my current situation, if you want to call it that, in a new light. In an instant, I corrected my posture, inhaled the crisp air, and picked up my pace. It was exhilarating!

The simple act of changing our thoughts can give us the ability to power through things we don't want to do; things that are otherwise very good for us (like running). I recently bought a t-shirt at a local 5K my hubby ran. Across the front in big white letters it said, I LOVE RUNNING. Then, as if fading into the background, in more subtle, gray, letters said, I HATE RUNNING! This repeated two times. I almost didn't buy it because it had the word hate on it and I "hate" giving negative words the time of day! But, it made me smile. My husband saw me eyeing it (and smiling) and said, you should buy it. It served as a reminder to pick the stronger, more bold, and out front message: I love running! Smothering the other message that doesn't serve me. I like to replace the word running with whatever strikes me! Yes, I love the cold air on my face. I love it that I have strong legs to get me up the hill. I love running up this hill! I love the way my lungs are burning from the cold air! I love the sunshine on my face! I love the other runners! I love!

Affirming the positive, that's all I mean. It is powerful.

Exercise for the mind (and maybe the body depending on what goes in the blank!):

I love _________. Repeat often. That's it. Simple. Do it.

Trinity Tree

By the shores of a lake near my house lives a big tree who often calls to me. She towers over the trail where people walk, exposed roots twist and turn as they meander into the water. Sometimes I just walk by and say hello from afar. Other times, like this morning, she invites me over for a visit.

Before entering her sacred space, I always ask permission to walk upon her strong, yet vulnerable, roots. Gently bending beneath the low-hanging branches, I approach the massive trunk. Excitement fills me. Her vibration underfoot keeps me alert and aware of her strength. A sense of awe comes. My heart grows warm as I anticipate her sharing of love. Her presence penetrates deep into my soul with each breath we share. I will be renewed today.

My hand rests on one of her large outstretched limbs as I balance near water's edge. Energy pulsates through my arm from hers. At my heart center, this energy merges with that energy coming up from her roots, through my feet, legs, and trunk of my body. I thank her as I inhale her magnificent power, her love, protection.  And I ask for God's blessing of courage, strength, love, and protection, as he has given to my dear friend.

The vibration between us deepens as I close my eyes. Soon, I find myself humming a gentle aum, matching the life-force she pulls from the depths of earth's center. I breathe. We fall into sync— together, we aum. Every cell in my body is vibrating. My feet are firmly planted, yet I have the sense of floating, of being held, cradled. Soon, I feel centered, grounded—I am one with the Universe.

In a trance-like place, I am still very aware of my surroundings. I hear water lapping at the banks reminding me of her power as she dives deeper still, far beneath where I can't go. My respect for her grows. My friend fills me with grounding energy to replenish my first chakra, but as an extra measure of love, she renews my second chakra too. She knows I wish to be in a creative mode today. I accept her gift of the water element, encouraging my creative juices to bubble and move me in new directions.

As the earth's song of aum reverberates deep within my bones, eyes open. With a surge of energy my head goes back. I look to see, not one, but three powerful trunks reaching up into the sky. Instantly, I know these represent perfect unity of mind, body, spirit—Trinity of Truth. Life-force energy clears my mind, strengthens my body, renews my spirit. I feel whole and balanced. And I now understand why she has been calling my name.

With respect and honor, I will now call my tree friend by her true name—Trinity.