Sometimes we don’t realize just how powerful we are. But the truth is that if you really want to change the world, it’s actually quite simple: tune into love.
This might sound simplistic but hear me out. In fact, let me give you an example of one thing I do, as well as the science behind it!
I live near the Puget Sound, a part of the Pacific Ocean that runs through western Washington state.
Whenever I’m near the water, I look out at it and say, “I love you ocean. I really, really love you. Thank you for providing food, shelter and oxygen for us and for so many creatures.”
Before you roll your eyes in disbelief, keep reading because there’s actual science behind my actions!
You know that expression, “wherever you go, there you are.”?
I was thinking about that the other morning.
If you’re like me, you want to world to be a better place, more loving, peaceful, sane.
But what if the real way to succeed at changing the world isn’t by going out and tangibly changing the politics, or environment but is all about changing yourself? In other words, changing your mind about the world.
This is what I think the above quote actually means.
Boundaries often get a bad rap, as if they’re not a good thing, as if they prevent us from genuine connection.
Is that really true?
First off, let’s define what we’re really talking about.
A boundary can be physical like a fence or a wall, even your skin is a natural physical boundary.
Boundaries can also be set by social or cultural standards. For example, in Japan, people greet one another with a bow, rather than in the United States where we often shake hands or hug.
Boundaries – in terms of dictating behavior- also differ in public versus private spaces, and vary depending on the types of relationship you have with someone.
When you were a child, did you have an imaginary friend? Someone you held tea parties with, read to in bed, played hide and seek with, or blamed for the mess in your room?
According to WebMD, around 65% of children under the age of seven have them, so if you did, you’re in the majority!
Naturally, there are social and emotional reasons that children have imaginary friends. It’s good company. It’s also a way to try out new social behaviors, or process feelings. An imaginary friend can offer support, too. After all, it’s YOUR special friend, someone who loves you, won’t leave, and doesn’t judge.
February is the month for lovers, for love, for reminding us of what our hearts yearn for.
Are you like me? Have you always been a romantic, from the time you were little?
I completely bought into the fantasy. You know it, right? Get rescued from your unhappy situation when you meet the love of your dreams, and live happily ever after.
As part this, I was HOOKED on the idea of falling in love even though I had NO idea of what love actually was.
I harbored this romantic dream for years.
Actually, the entire sentence reads like this:
Don’t roll your eyes or stop reading!
I understand that this idea- that there is nothing wrong with you can be a hard to accept. Especially because believing something is wrong with you has been the story of your life.
Right?
Do you know anything about Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)? Think acupuncture, and even by extension Tai Chi and Qi Gong.
Recently I learned about a cool TCM concept, dantian.
Dantian are power centers in our bodies, similar to chakras. There are only three, known as: upper, middle and lower.
The upper dantian (shen) is said to relate to spirit and intelligent consciousness. It is located on the body approximately where your 3rd eye is.
The middle dantian (qi/chi) is known as the home of universal energy and sits right around the heart chakra, in the center of your chest. This one is directly linked to the idea of life force.
Many years ago, I read the Dalai Lama’s autobiography, Freedom in Exile. In the book, he shares a Buddhist practice that helps foster bodhicitta, the idea of awakening your mind with wisdom and compassion in order to benefit (yourself) and all sentient beings.
Here’s the premise: you look upon every person you meet as if they could be your mother.
Every time I turn around, it seems that someone is lamenting their inability to focus!
Is that you, too?
Whether it’s pandemic haze, overwhelm, or the chaos that seems to be swirling all around, some days are a hard slog. I know.
So, what can you do to improve focus?
How many times have you heard that real power (feeling truly happy & successful) lies in the present moment?
Think about books, talks, spiritual leaders… The Power of Now. Return to Love. Be Here Now…
And while those phrases are helpful reminders, stepping fully into the moment can actually feel difficult and elusive.
Which is why I’m sharing my top 3 ways to embody the present, feel engaged, happy and experience greater success!
Louise Hay’s birthday is this month and she is considered the “Queen” of affirmations. She literally transformed her life by saying them. She overcame cancer, supported countless others and created a self-help empire.
Not only did she say affirmations, she lived them.
As you likely know, affirmations are positive statements. They are a powerful tool to control your thoughts and ultimately transform your life.
Because when you control your thoughts, not only do you feel happier and more successful, you also create a better future! Wahoo!
I heard the coolest saying recently.
It's from Senegal and is the polite way to refer to someone who has died. They say, “their library has burned.”
Those words made me think of my father who passed away in 2010. He had a wonderful mind and especially loved historic facts, classical music and details of New York City where he’d lived his entire life. Whenever I had to go someplace, I’d ask him how to get there and he’d instantly rattle off which highway, subway or bus to take. I think the public transit routes and roads were seared into his memory.
Okay, confession time.
I've been into books about mystics lately.
Maybe it's where my mind is, maybe it's the time we're in... but the other day, I read a passage from The Cloud of Unknowing, where the author was distinguishing between living a life of activity and a life of contemplation.
Those lines struck me.
I know we're trying to get beyond Covid, the economy has re-opened, yet in many ways, we are still being asked to have patience.
I admit it. We think the idea of life is to NOT have any problems.
But seriously, when has that ever been true for you?
There's always something, right?
So what do we do about this?
First (of course) we have to get past the feelings of “ugh, I don’t want this problem! I’ll just pretend I don’t have it, ignore it, push it away…
Then we have to acknowledge that the problem is lingering at the edges of our awareness, pressing in on us.
And finally make the decision to deal with it.
That’s when the fun really starts!
Giving up something for Lent?
The other day I heard someone tell me they were giving up judgment for Lent and I thought, now that is a great idea!
If you think about it, we can reframe Lent, and it really is like a 40-day challenge.
Right?
Let’s use this time, in between winter and the beginning of spring, as a way to shed something old, something that no longer works for us.
Have you ever had the experience that no matter how hard you work at something, you just don't seem to move the needle?
Yeah?
Maybe you're trying to have a breakthrough with work or school. Or striving to get to the next level with your art or sport. Maybe it's a block that simply feels insurmountable.
We've ALL been there - so rest assured, you are NOT alone.
The question is, what will help you finally have the breakthrough?
If you’re like me and want to start 2021 off right, here’s one of my favorite tools for launching the year with intention, guidance and inquiry - vision boards.
But this year I have a twist-
I created a new thing- a Soul Vision Board!!!!!
Did you download the free pdf? If not, you can right here. Or watch this quick video of me explaining a vision board on TV a few years ago, too!
Making vision boards is one of my family’s New Year’s Eve traditions. The fireplace is roaring, the Christmas lights (and music) are blasting, and I’m typically on the rug, ripping, cutting and gluing, making a giant mess!
Curiosity sometimes gets a bad wrap. You know that adage about it killing the cat.
It turns out, however, that curiosity boosts survival, happiness, learning, empathy, and more. It’s also considered a vital 21st century skill. Recent neuroscience studies have also shown that curiosity acts as both a primer to learning as well as making the learning more satisfying.
And let’s face it, a key way we’re going to get through this pandemic is, to quote Steve Jobs, “think different.” That requires curiosity.
