Challenge 38

The electoral season is upon us.  Well, it has been for awhile now and it is perplexing to me.  On one hand I feel like I should stay centered and focused and in a space of love.  On the other, I feel like being loving and true to myself is being open and honest and sharing about what I am reading and hearing.  I want to spread the knowledge so I fall back on sharing is caring.

It doesn't matter if I spin my come from like a politician spins the facts, I can't deny the feeling that I am trapped in my ego.  Stuck in right and wrong.  Making others wrong for their views.  Making others wrong for their perceptions.  Who am I to know what someone else has experienced?  Who am I to judge others, lest I be judged.  Time to wake up.  Time to be accountable for who I am being.  Time to look at the facts.

I am committed to being open to others and their perspectives.  I am committed to asking questions and listening with an open heart and an open mind.
Be the change you wish to see in the world.  - Ghandi
Be the peace.  Be the love.

Challenge 37

The biggest mistake I see people (including me) make is living in a state of fear.  Making decisions from fear, helping from fear, working from fear doesn't work.  It is impossible to listen and be present when in fear.  Fear is a state of future being.  A state of what if...  Love cannot exist where there is fear.
I had a dear friend that was very sick and dying.  It was so amazing to me to see people in such fear of loss around her.  Fear of losing their own lives, fearing deep feelings and emotions.  They were so well intentioned and yet they missed the mark.  They couldn't connect to her because rather than being in that moment and present with her.  Rather than celebrating her life at that moment, they brought all their fears instead of their love and their presence.  It was heart breaking to watch and seemed like a play of people dancing and performing.  It was surreal.  It was my journey to have the experience and knowledge to live in the moment.  To live past the fear, put it to the side and be truly present.  I concentrated on helping from the perspective of 'let's go through this journey together day by day and let's celebrate life.  Let's see what isn't working and heal it together'.
Did her family and friends love her, of course.  They loved her with all their hearts.  Did she know they loved her deeply? Absolutely.  Fear just keeps an unnecessary disconnection.  I know without a doubt that she knew and knows how loved she was/is.  I am sure everyone had their journey, moments of clarity and shared love with her.  I am speaking from my experience and observation of this space and time.
Am I better than others? No.  That by no means is my purpose in sharing my experience and thoughts.  I am the same as anyone else.  Awareness and presence is possible for all of us.  Living in a space of love is always a possibility.
Where are you living today?

Challenge 36

Whatever holiday you may be celebrating this time of year, take it on fully.  Envelope the spirit of the season and share your presence with those around you.  Your presence is the present.  Show up and have fun!  Happy Holidays!

Challenge 35

Say "Yes!".... I often hear people say they need to learn to say "No!"  but not often the opposite.  This week take time to say, "Yes!"   Why is this a loving thing to do?  Well, try it out and tell me why.  I can't wait to hear all about it!  Have a wonderful and loving week!

Challenge 34

This weeks challenge is to love people enough to let them be as they are without trying to change or fix them.  In times of stress, which happen around the holidays, people often show their egos full blown.  It can be challenging to work around others, their egos and their schedules.  So often we find ourselves stressed or upset with someone else and their list of priorities that may not match our list.  Take a moment and a breathe this week and reflect on your own frustrations.  Do you want someone or something to change?  Love yourself and the other person by taking time to realize that people are where they are at in their life journey and you aren't going to change that or fix it and they don't need your help in creating a new space.  Take time to realize that situations are as they are and that you can't change them either.  Communicate your needs but do everyone a favor and just let people be who they are and where they are in their life.  If someone drives you nuts, let them be.  You can bless them, love them and leave them to their own selves.

Challenge 33

Well, let's just say this will be a BIG challenge for me so I hesitate to even write it down.  Here is goes:  This week, after all the hustle and bustle of the Thanksgiving weekend and, if you are anything like me, the hustle and bustle of preparing for the next holiday,  take a deep breath and relax.  Just make time to relax and take care of your self (that is two words on purpose).  I know that I am able to connect to my loving self when I take time to meditate in the morning and /or evening.  Even staying up a little late to have a cup of sleepy time tea by the fire can be a big help and go a long way in the end of the year madness.  This week, take time to relax and regenerate by doing something loving and kind for yourself each day. Deep Breathes!

Challenge 32

This past week I attended a seminar on girls brains vs. boys brains.  It was fascinating to realize there are so many differences that are found in our brain chemistry and make up.  One thing that looks different but is strongly needed by both men and women is friendship.  Take time to honor that need this week by making time to hang out in the "man cave" with your buddies or by going to coffee with your girlfriends.  Whatever increases your dopamine and oxytocin levels and drops the cortisol.  Be kind and loving to yourself and your friends by making time to spend together.