Peace on Earth begins with You and Me

"Let there be peace on Earth and let it begin with me."

This global anthem for peace has been playing in my mind all day. It was written in 1955 by Jill Jackson Miller, and was inspired by a quote she and a friend heard....

"Peace, to become a reality, has to be in the hearts and practice of the individual."

Like Lzo Tu said centuries ago, there can only be peace in the world when there is peace in your heart and peace in my heart.

And that peace can begin today... on Christmas Eve. It can begin any time this holiday season as we gather around family and friends..... If you choose.

It can begin by allowing others to be who they are without judgment. It can begin by forgiving that family member or friend. It can begin by expressing patience instead of frustration.

It can begin by always striving to come from a place of love.... for yourself and for others... instead of fear.

A simple concept.... but an idea that has to be practiced consciously.

Because, in reality, we are not that different from each other....

"I laugh, I love, I hope, I try, I hurt, I need, I fear, I cry. And I know you do the same things too. So we're really not that different, me and you." - Colin Raye

May you practice peace today, tomorrow, and in the days ahead.... And remember, "There is no way to peace, peace IS the way." - A. J. Muste

Let there be peace on Earth and let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on Earth, the peace that was meant to be.

With God as our Father, Brothers all are we.
Let me walk with my brother in perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me, Let this be the moment now.
With every step I take, Let this be my solemn vow

To take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally;
Let there be peace on Earth and let it begin with me.

Here's to continuing the Journey.... choosing peace and BEing peace today.

-Becky

Gladys Knight Singing "Let There Be Peace..."

(Read the history behind this song by Jill Jackson Miller and listen to an inspiring radio interview with her.)

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

10 Tips for Reducing Holiday Stress

I've just posted a new podcast at http://blog.spiritualcoachingcenter.com/ where I give 10 tips to help you keep a positive attitude and stay in a light, happy, uplifted state of mind during this holiday season. These tips come from my own experience and from the collected wisdom of the people who participated in my recent holiday stress survey.

A Reader's Digest version of the tips are:

1. Stress happens in the mind. Monitor your thoughts and feelings to stay light, happy, and uplifted during the holidays
2. In all the busy-ness, if the activity energizes you, do it. If it doesn't, don't do it. If it just HAS to be done, deligate it
3. Respect yourself - set boundaries and limits on your finances and on your time spent in tense family situations
4. Ask people what they want for a gift, or if you don't feel comfortable with that, listen to your heart for guidance on what to purchase (within your budget!)
5. Family gatherings are not the time to solve long-standing issues or conduct group therapy sessions, so don't go there!
6. If you can't be with family because of divorce or long-distances, let them know you love them. If they've passed on, celebrate their life & share the good memories. If you're single, find a way to be of service to others less fortunate than you
7. Let go of perfectionism and the idealized "Norman Rockwell" Christmas. Stay connected to what the season is really all about.
8. Expect the crowds to be there. That's just the way it is. Spread happy vibrations wherever you go instead of being frustrated.
9. Give yourself a gift!
10. Take care of yourself - physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually

Here's to continuing the Journey... and staying light, happy, uplifted and stress free!

-Becky