Sunday, November 29, 2009

Couch-Potatoe-itus

I don't watch TV much, but when I do, it's always an interesting experience....

My husband's daughter was visiting over Thanksgiving and we spent Friday evening watching TV.... So for the first time ever, I watched Ghost Whisperer, Medium, and Burn Notice. All very fascinating, but after 3-hours my brain was toast. (Interesting.... I have a 3-hour tolerance for shopping and cooking as well....?)

I had been finishing some things up back in my home office and had gone down to the den to see what everyone else was up to. And even though I would have rather done something else, and Ghost Whisperer was already 20-minutes into the story, I quickly got pulled in.

Then Medium started.... and I noticed that even though I could have gotten up and left the room, I continued staying there... watching.... It was sort of an "addiction" feeling. Then I got caught up in the story and forgot about it.

By the end of that show, my brain was feeling very full and I was tired... but I stayed put.... I felt that "addiction" feeling taking over again... and it was easier to just "give up" and stay there.

Was I suffering from a bad case of "couch-potatoe-itus"?

The next morning, thinking about all this... I marveled at how people could spend hours and hours watching TV each week.... giving up all that time watching other people making money living their dream.  - Remember, all those actors in the shows AND in the commercials are getting paid. I've not heard of anyone ever getting paid for Watching TV.

But... maybe I'm the weird one... I'm "psychologically  unemployable" as well.... I can't understand spending 40-hours a week, every week, building someone else's Dream!

I've got dreams of my own. And I'd rather spend my time and energy making my own dreams come true!

What are your dreams? Desires? Goals?

Do you spend time working toward them?

Here's to continuing the Journey... being entertained.... working on dreams..... finding a balance...

-Becky

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

The Magic of Gratitude

I love what Meister  Eckhart (1260-1328, German theologian, philosopher, philosopher and mystic) said....
"If the only prayer you ever said was 'Thank You' that would be enough."
During this holiday weekend... and even on through the end of the year, what if....
  • You said "Thank You" to every time someone handed you something, or you handed them something?
  • "Thank You" was your automatic reply to everything someone said to you... no matter what it was - positive or negative?
  • You said "Thank You" to every incident that happens to you... good or bad?
There's a sort of 'magic' in gratitude...
  • Gratitude... keeps us present and in the moment
  • Gratitude... keeps us in a better mindset for dealing with life's upsets
  • Gratitude... helps us keep an open mind and allows room for creative problem solving
  • Gratitude... keeps your heart open and gives Soul Wisdom an opportunity to be heard
"Gratitude and Love are like twin flames. When you feel love you feel gratitude. And whan you feel gratitude, you open your heart."  - Tania Gabrielle

May you feel the magic of gratitude and an open heart this Thanksgiving weekend and beyond!

Here's to continuing the Journey... saying Thank You... feeling grateful for all that life has to give.

-Becky

Monday, November 23, 2009

7 Soul Messages for Spiritual Healing - Message 7

This "7 Soul Messages for Spiritual Healing" Series is meant to offer a different perspective, or a new way of looking at things, and give some tips to help heal those "imbalances and disharmonies" we've collected along the way.... (see original post)

Soul Message #7:  Communication is The Golden Key

Clear communication is critical in relationships - whether at work or at home.

At work... If you're the supervisor or manager, you must know what you want and be able to express it in a way that is understood by your employees....

If you're the employee, you have to have a clear understanding of what's expected, and be able to communicate any needs or limitions to fellow colleagues or management....

At home, communicating needs, desires, wants, feelings, and upsets is essential for harmonious co-habitation!

You also need to be able to communicate with your Self.

To communcate means to "be in touch" and... don't you really have to "be in touch" with yourself BEFORE you can communicate honestly with another person?
  • How can you truthfully speak about your needs and desires if you haven't made time to reflect on what they are?
  • How can you set healthy boundaries or limits when you haven't explored what really means for you?
  • How can you verbelize an upset when you're unclear about what it is you're actually feeling?
Sometimes it may seem that not speaking up - not communicating - is good judgement. But how many times has it really been FEAR - not "discretion" - that kept you from reaching out?

Sharing what has been withheld can be a transformational, healing experience. It helps you clarify your ideas, feelings, and position. And it restores trust. This is true whether the "sharing" is with another person or with your Self - your Higher Self.

Writing down your thoughts and feelings on paper is the best way I know to honestly get "in touch" with your Self. You can sit and just "think" about it... but it's too easy to get off track, start day-dreaming, or allow distracting mind-chatter to get in the way.

Using a pen and paper to physically write things down slows your brain so that you CAN actually think! Plus the kinesthetic act of writing taps in to the subconscious mind where non-verbalized thoughts, feelings, and beliefs live.

Writing also helps you tap in to your intuition, which is the language of the Soul.

Journal Exercise

Start keeping track of your ideas, feelings, insights, questions, beliefs, goals, commitments, etc. No need to write in it everyday, but write in it at least 3-4 times a week.

Writing things down opens the door for what's deep inside and gives it permission to come out and be heard. And with that comes growth, change, and deeper understanding.

And the more deeply we understand ourselves, the clearer we can communcate to others.... Because communication IS the golden key.... to healthy, happy relationships with others... and with ourselves.

Here's to continuing the Journey... speaking up and speaking out.... communicating clearly from the heart...

-Becky

Sunday, November 22, 2009

7 Soul Messages for Spiritual Healing - Message 6

This "7 Soul Messages for Spiritual Healing" Series is meant to offer a different perspective, or a new way of looking at things, and give some tips to help heal those "imbalances and disharmonies" we've collected along the way.... (see original post)

Soul Message # 6:  Peace is a gift you give yourself

Peace comes from that still place of knowing that you are are loved and that you are not alone. And that everything is flowing as it is meant to be - in perfect harmony - in accordance with Divine planning. (Even if you can't "see" it with your human eyes.)

Peace is already within you. All you have to do is open to it and allow it to surface. You do this by simplifying your life, spending time in nature, and listening to the "still small voice" within.

Doing this intimately connects you to God, All-That-Is, and enables you to transcend fear, doubt, and worry. It gives you the ability to break through the illusion of separation that the ego purports.

"Peace, be still." .... BREATHE....

Take a deep breath and feel into your heart. This helps to puts your awareness internally instead of externally.

Try this breathing mantra exercise anytime when you are feeling out of harmony:
  • As you take a deep breath in, say to yourself "I am..."
  • As you exhale slowly, say "... Peace."
  • You can substitute the word "peace" with "calm," "peaceful and calm," or any other positive feeling word you choose.
  • Do this exercise for at least 2-3 minutes - which will be about 7 breaths. For maximum benefits, continue for 10-15 minutes.
The act of deep breathing signals an automatic response to the body to relax - which also slows the heart rate and brain-wave activity. Additionally, the repetition of the phrase gives the conscious mind something to focus on which lessens the mind-chatter.

Peace is a gift you can give yourself at any moment, at any time. It is a choice.

And for those times when the upset seems to be more than you can handle at the moment, ask for help.... Take a deep breath and say, "Holy Spirit, choose peace for me." Then continue with your day expecting your prayer to be answered.

Here's to continuing the Journey.... asking, expecting... and receiving the gift of peace.

-Becky

Saturday, November 21, 2009

7 Soul Messages for Spiritual Healing - Message 5

This "7 Soul Messages for Spiritual Healing" Series is meant to offer a different perspective, or a new way of looking at things, and give some tips to help heal those "imbalances and disharmonies" we've collected along the way.... (see original post

Soul Message # 5:  Strength is Silent and Deep

Our greatest strength is not found in the outer show of force. It is in the silence deep within us.

This strength, or inner power, is found in the stillness... it's heard in the "still small voice" inside our being... It's found through reflection, contemplation, and meditation.

This deep, silent inner power is in all of us. Sometimes it comes through times of growth and change. Sometimes it comes through surviving and overcoming painful situations.... But it's always there waiting - waiting to be accessed, waiting to be shared.

I woke up this morning with a song going through my head... It's an old hymn text that I adapted and wrote a new melody for back in 1991. Here are the words:
In shady green pastures so rich and so sweet,
God leads his children along
Where the water's cool flow bathes the weary one's feet
God leads his children along.


Some through the waters, some through the flood,
Some through the fire, but all through his Love;
Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song
to lead us in the night season and all the day long.


Though sorrows befall us and evil oppose us;
Through grace we can conquer
and defeat all our foes because we know


The times on the mountain where the sun shines so bright,
God is there leading us along;
And the times in the valley, in the darkest of night,
God is there; He leads us along.
Take a few moments to reflect on your life....
  • What did you learn from those challenging times?
  • How did they made you stronger?
  • What were the times in your life that you grew the most?
  • How did they change you for the better?
  • What did the good times... those "mountain top" experiences teach you?
  • What did you learn about yourself?
Our greatest strength is silent and deep.... I encourage you to access it often!

Here's to continuing the Journey... making it through the ups and downs... gaining strength and inner power along the way....

-Becky

Jesus Song Running Through My Head

All week I've had this song going through my head....
Jesus is the answer for the world today
Without him there's no other
Jesus is the way...
That's all I remember..... click here to listen to the tune that goes with it

Since I believe that our Soul speaks to us in many different ways.... including through snatches of songs that play in our head.... I explored this further in my meditation this morning.

Asking the question, "What does this mean metaphysically? What does "Jesus" represent? Here's what I got....

"One-ness with God" - to be so "in tune" with God (Source, Life Force Energy) that nothing else matters.

Being "one with God" means that that is the "filter" through which all your thoughts, experiences, emotions, etc go through. You live your life from a place of Love instead of fear.

THAT is the answer for the world today. Especially now, as we are moving into the new Age - into a more spiritually-minded place.

We are being called to step it up - to evolve - to BE the spiritual beings that we are.

Jesus was God and Man: spiritual and physical. So are we. When the "spiritual" part leaves, the physical part can not continue - we die, i.e. go back to being spirit/energy 100%. The physical part of us - our body - is just a vehicle so we can exist in this 3rd dimensional world.

When we fully embrace this - when it becomes "mainstream" thinking - the world we live in will be a completely different place.

Here's to continuing the Journey... singing songs in your head.... listening deeper for the message....

-Becky

Friday, November 20, 2009

7 Soul Messages for Spiritual Healing - Message 4

This "7 Soul Messages for Spiritual Healing" Series is meant to offer a different perspective, or a new way of looking at things, and give some tips to help heal those "imbalances and disharmonies" we've collected along the way.... (see original post)

Soul Message # 4:  Courage Builds Confidence

When you follow the inner urgings of your heart - even if it's scary - the courage you use to do this becomes confidence. Having courage doesn't mean that you act without fear... it means you take action in spite of the fear.

The confidence comes AFTER you do that thing you're afraid of doing.

Think of the Wright Brothers working on their dream of a flying machine, Thomas Edison and the light bulb, Alexander Graham Bell and the telephone.... and all the inventors, musicians, actors, writers, and others who had the courage to live their dream.

They achieved what they did because they stayed true to their heart's desire. They stayed true to their inner calling in spite of fear, doubt, or any self-imposed limitations.

They had the courage to step out.... and let the confidence come later.

Do you?

Make a list of all the things you are avoiding because you think you lack confidence.

Then, if you want to take the fast-track to success, start doing the things on your list. This list is your personal fast-track to success!

By the time you've done just half of the things on your list, you confidence level will be huge.

Here's to continuing the Journey... following your heart... building confidence with each courageous step...

-Becky

Thursday, November 19, 2009

7 Soul Messages for Spiritual Healing - Message 3

This "7 Soul Messages for Spiritual Healing" Series is meant to offer a different perspective, or a new way of looking at things, and give some tips to help heal those "imbalances and disharmonies" we've collected along the way.... (see original post)


Soul Message # 3:  Commit for the Long Haul

When you decide to take a trip, whether it's just a few days or a couple of months, you don't typically start out the first day saying, "Well, we'll try this for a little while and see if we like it...."

No, you commit to the whole trip!

But when it comes to making changes in our life, I hear so many of my clients say... "Yeah, I know I need to (insert desired change)... but (insert excuse)....."

Or they get started then peter out because of (insert your favorite excuse)......

To make any kind of life or personal change, you've got to commit for the long haul..... NO MATTER WHAT! You can't have one foot in the door and expect to go anywhere.

To "change" means to undergo a transformation or a transition to something different. And just like changing any habit, that takes dedication and persistence.

It takes being willing to let go of your fear, doubt, limiting beliefs.... whatever it is that's holding you back, and giving yourself permission to expand, grow, and achieve.

Even if it's scary...

Actually, if you're feeling a little uncomfortable... that's a good sign! Feeling "comfortable" means you've still got one foot in the door and you're not really moving forward.

So take a stand and declare to yourself and the Universe that you will accept nothing but excellence. Then get a move on!

Not moving forward because of fear of failure sends a message to your subconscious mind that you ARE a failure. And that's simply not true!

The only failure is not deciding.

Fear also keeps your joy and freedom at bay. So forge ahead! Make that decision you've been putting off.... and Commit to it 100%

Commit for the long haul. If you get side-tracked, that's okay. Just forgive yourself - without shame - and recommit.

The more committed.... the more joy and freedom you'll have.

Here's to continuing the Journey.... letting go of fear, making that decision..... and going for it!

-Becky

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

7 Soul Messages for Spiritual Healing - Message 2

This "7 Soul Messages for Spiritual Healing" Series is meant to offer a different perspective, or a new way of looking at things, and give some tips to help heal those "imbalances and disharmonies" we've collected along the way.... (see original post)

Soul Message # 2: Take Care of Yourself First

Everytime you ride in an airplane you're reminded of this.... if there's an emergency, put the oxygen mask on YOURSELF first, then help those around you.

But in everyday life, conventional wisdom tells us to do the opposite - take care of others... put yourself last.

It's even programed into most of us as we pay bills - we pay everyone else first and then if there's some left....

But what usually happens? There's none left -or we at least we feel like there's none left.

Same when you give and give to others.... pretty soon there's nothing left and you begin to feel drained and resentful.

But like Beverly De Angelis says, You've got to fill your own love take.

You do this by taking care of yourself - physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Physically

Do you give yourself enough sleep to feel refreshed in the morning?
Do you eat nutritious food that gives your body the energy it needs to maintain health?
Do you exercise to maintain the flexibility and strength your body can give you?

Mentally

Do you give yourself a mental "time-out" when your brain is tired?
Do you you move beyond your fears and let go of worry and "what if" games?
Can you maintain a positive attitide even when things are not going according to plan?

Emotionally

Can you maintain a sense of calm when everyone else is in a panic?
Do you feel your emotions fully - the positive ones and the negative ones?
Do you have a system to work through the negative emotions that come up?

Spiritually

Do you have a spiritual practice that you do daily to keep you centered and grounded?
Do you know your higher purpose and mission in life?
Are your thoughts, words and actions inline with your values and purpose?

We aren't here to be ordinary. We're here to step beyond self-imposed boundaries and limitations. Taking care of yourself on all levels - physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually - allows your Soul to shine through and gives your Spirit freedom to fly.

Here's to continuing the Journey... taking care of your Self on all levels.... breaking out of the bonds of "ordinary".....

-Becky

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

7 Soul Messages for Spiritual Healing

Over the next several days, I will be posting a series of 7 Soul Messages for Spiritual Healing.

But first, let's look at what I mean by "spiritual healing."

"Spiritual" has to do with the intangible and non-material... those things "of, concerned with, or affecting the soul."

To "heal" means to "restore to health; to restore to spiritual wholeness."

So, when I speak of "spiritual healing" I'm talking about returning to a state of balance and harmony; reaching a sense of "unity" within ourselves.

The word "perfection" as referenced in "Journey to Perfection" refers to "lacking nothing essential to the whole; complete of its nature or kind; pure." To me, our journey - this adventure called LIFE is all about moving toward a state of wholeness, unity.... "perfection."

When we were born we were pure love and light, in harmony with God, Source, All-That-Is. As we grow up, we take in the energies of those around us and learn about life here on planet Earth through their words, actions, attitudes, and beliefs.

Unfortunately though, most of those who raised us were not fully in a state of balance and harmony themselves, so we also picked up their fears, doubts, limiting beliefs, and perceptions as well.

So as adults on a spiritual path, we spend a great deal of time working through and "healing" all the imbalances and disharmonies we learned along the way.

The "7 Soul Messages for Spiritual Healing" are meant to give you a different perspective, or a new way of looking at things, and some tips you can use to help you heal those "imbalances and disharmonies" as you move forward on your journey.

Soul Message # 1: Look for the Abundance

Do you tend to see the glass half empty or the glass half full? Whichever you look for, you will find. It's the law of attraction at work - what you focus on grows.

When you look for the abundance, you will find it. When you look for what's lacking, you'll find that too.

In the Bible it says, "seek and ye shall find." Another way of saying that is... you always get what you expect.

There is an abundance of everything - time, energy, love, money - you just have to be willing to see it. As Wayne Dyer says, "When you BELIEVE it, you'll SEE it."

Begin where you are - at home. Focus on being grateful for what you already have. Be willing to release any fear of lack or loss. Remember, they are only perceptions - And perceptions can be changed.

Align your energy - your thoughts, feelings, and actions - with your desires and what you want to manifest.

Then have fun! Pretend you are the chef of your life.... You make the cake (the substance of your life) and you get to decorate it (dress it up, dress it down, use it) any way you want.

What you focus on grows.... expect to find the surplus!

And you will.

Here's to continuing the Journey... seeking and finding... abundance in all things...

-Becky

Friday, November 13, 2009

How to Release Negative Emotions Immediately

The days between November 11 (11:11:11) and November 29 (another 11:11:11 day) are extremely powerful days.

11:11 alone is like an energetic doorway opening to the energies of Creation on all levels. Add to that this year is an 11 year (2009=2+9=11) giving it added boost. (11 is a master number that represents illumination, insight, intuition, and a channel to the subconscious.)

What does this mean for you?

It can be a conduit for moving you into a higher vibrational state OR it can sink you deeper into the spiritual quicksand.

The choice is yours. (Hurray for Free Will!)

For me, I am doing whatever I can to keep my vibration up! You see, we are all vibrating energy. And energy of our thoughts, feelings, emotions, words send out vibrational "messages" that come back to us as our life experience. It's the Law of Attraction, "cause and effect"... the "as ye sow, so shall ye reap" principle.

Now more than ever, it's critically important to nip those negative thoughts and negative feelings in the bud!

Here's the 4-step process I've been using....

1. Be Aware of what you're feeling.

Even though I consider myself pretty good in this area, as I've more consciously monitored myself, I've discovered that I often walk around in sort of a "numb" state. I know that in order to attract what I want in life, I need to stay positive. But I'm human and "stuff" does come up. And I've noticed that I tend to go into denial about what I'm really feeling.

So I sat myself down with my journal and asked: "What are you feeling?" And made a list.

This step is extremely important. Writing down your feelings and emotions (thoughts too) gets them out of your mind, heart, and body so that you can look at them from a different perspective. If you "name it" you can "claim it." And claiming it puts the power back into YOUR hands.

2. Do EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) on those feelings.

If you're not familiar with EFT, please download this short introduction of it.

Determine the number of intensity that you are feeling these emotions and write that number beside your list.

For the set up, while tapping on the karate chop point say, "Even though I'm feeling (read your list), I deeply and completely love, support, and accept myself." Say this a total of 3 times as you continue tapping.

Then go through the tapping sequence saying your list of feelings at each tapping point. I typically do the whole sequence 3 times as one "round" of EFT.

When you're done, take a deep breath and feel inside to determine the intensity level. If it is down to 1, great!! If not, do the set up again with "Even though I'm still feeling (your list of emotions)..."

And do the tapping sequence with "Remaining (your list of emotions)..."

3. Turn your list of negative feelings into positive ones.

When you get the intensity down to 1 or 0, look at your list again and turn each feeling on your list into a positive emotion that you would rather be feeling. For example, if you were feeling "anxious," turn that into "trusting," "deflated" could be "energized," "foggy/fuzzy" could be "clear headed," "what's the use/defeated" could be "motivated/ready for action."

After you have your positive emotions list, do a tapping sequence on this new list to anchor in these positive emotions. (No need to do the setup here.)

4. Add a Physical Trigger

To give this process added impetus, think of a physical movement you can do while saying these emotions. This will act as a trigger as you go about your day to keep you in this more "happy" high vibrational mindset. It could be something like, snap your fingers 3 times, pat your knees in a certain rhythm, raise your arms in a "victory" sign... anything that is quick to do and has meaning for you.

Try out this process and let me know how it works for you!

Here's to continuing the journey, staying in that positive, high vibrational state of mind.... releasing negative thoughts and emotions... and tapping your way to a happier, more fulfilling life.

-Becky

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

11 - 11 - 11 - Watch your thoughts!

Today is a triple "11" day: 11/11/11 (2009=2+9=11). The last time this phenomenon appeared was in 1910.


In numerology, 11 is a Master number symbolizing spirituality, illumination, and deep insight. It opens the doors of awareness and opportunities for the energies of Creation on all levels.


In Tarot, the 11 card is "Strength" which encompasses not just physical strength but the ability to cope with extreme pressure and get through it all in one piece. It also signifies triumph over life challenges.


The symbolism of three 11's is important as well. Three is about unity, balance, wholeness - as in two parts united to create a unique whole. It represents the trinity: Mind, Body, Spirit.... Father, Son, Holy Ghost..... Mother, Father, Child... etc


I think it is really interesting that this day is also Veterans Day - the day we honor those who fought for our freedom.


So putting this all together, what does this mean for you and me? Doreen Virtue, in her Angel Numbers book says it best:


"An energetic gateway has opened for you, rapidly manifesting your thoughts into reality. Choose your thoughts wisely at this time, ensuring that they match your desires. Don't put any energy into thinking about fears at all, lest you manifest them. Watch your thoughts, focus on your desires rather than your fears."


As our veterans fought for our freedom. Today embrace that freedom and take it to heart....


Free yourself from duality. It doesn't have to be "either/or" - How can you make it "both/and"?

Free yourself from negative thinking. When a negative thought comes up, say "cancel, cancel" and turn it around to a positive.

Let go of fear. Fear holds us back from reaching our potential. If a fear thought comes up, look underneath the fear to see what's really there. Do you need more information? Or to learn a new skill? Just changing the statement from "I'm afraid..." to "I choose not to..." changes it to a more empowering energy.

The main thing is..... be careful what you think about. This is a powerful day for manifesting. As Ms Virtue says, "a gateway has opened." Use it for your highest good!

And... even if you don't believe all this..... what could it hurt to only entertain positive, life-affirming thoughts today?!



Here's to continuing the Journey.... letting go of fear, negativity... embracing our freedom to choose and to create our lives.... one thought at a time.


-Becky

Sunday, November 08, 2009

What Changes are You Willing to Make?

With the new year - 2010 - looming in the not-to-far-off distance - 54 days or 1 month, 24 days to be exact.... I've been thinking a lot about goals and stuff - reviewing this year and looking at what I want to accomplish and how I want to BE next year.

Even though I did not accomplish all my goals, I made a lot of progress in their direction. AND - the most important part - I've done a lot of changing and growing along the way. Most of the goals, I discovered, required internal changes - i.e. stepping out of my comfort zone: doing things differently, setting up new routines, getting out in front of people more.

And that required going within and clearing up some negative thought patterns and limiting beliefs.

It's interesting, with all the uncertainty around us - all the external systems we've depended on beginning to break down - it's like we are being forced to look inside our self.

We are being urged very strongly to go inside and re-evaluate what's important....

  • What do you value? What do you really need to be your best self?
  • What negative thoughts or limiting beliefs are keeping you in drama and stress?
  • What do you need to let go of that no longer serves your highest good?
  • What is in the way of you feeling at peace? What changes are you willing to make?
We went to see the Michael Jackson movie last week.... and I've had his "Man in the Mirror" song going through my head all week! It seems very apropos for the times....

I'm starting with the man in the mirror
I'm asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself, and then make a change.

Lao Tze said basically the same thing back in 600 BC....

If there is to be peace in the world... there has to be peace in your heart.

Thinking about it..... What changes are you willing to make?

Here's to expanding, growing, making changes....

-Becky


Here are two versions of this video:
man in the mirror link - though I really don't "get" all the fainting girls! (Moonwalker version)
This version features film clips from various news events