Be Joyful

This time of year our attention is often pulled to material happiness and external validation but joy truly comes from within.

I read an article that suggested using the mantra, "Happiness is within."  As I rest on the table for an acupuncture treatment, I repeated that sentence over and over.  I was feeling horrible that day and it showed.  The acupuncturist came back and said I looked bright and at ease.  I shared my mantra.  He wasn't surprised.

Mind over matter.  Good words not only feel nice but have the power to heal.  And intention... well you know I believe.

I pray that as we enjoy the festivities, family and friends that we not be saddened, angered or distracted by our external needs but nurtured by the joy within.  May you share words from your heart and act with love.  May your joy warm and inspire all who cross your path this day and everyday.

Celebrate Today

The Mayan calendar ends today causing many to interpret that as the end of the world.  We're here... we made it.  Not without hardship, struggle and fear.  Perhaps those feelings weren't from the "looming" end but from life itself.  This adventure takes us up and down and sometimes knocks us on our butt.  We have a choice - stay there or get back up.

Is it possible to feel the elation of joy, happiness and love without the feelings of pain and sorrow?  Would we be truly living if we moved through life numb and distracted?  I don't think so... we'd be going through the motions void of gifts so graciously given to us.  So let's feel it all.  Let's take the bad and embrace the good.  Let's pick each other up with words, smiles and hugs.  Let's be open to receive and share.

Today... it's the end of running and hiding.  It's the end of thinking we're not good enough or worthy of joy.  Today we let go of the fears and move past the distractions.  Today we jump on and enjoy the ride.

Join me in celebrating today by shining your light for all to see.  A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.  As today's winter solstice marks the coming of light, let us welcome this light into our hearts fueling the flame the burns within.  As Christina Sell said, "Shine brightly.  The world needs you."

More Than a Happy Belly

One way to my heart is through my belly.  Each meal serves as a source of life giving energy.  Mental clarity and weight control are a few other benefits of a wholesome breakfast.  I have been mixing it up in the kitchen and hope you’ll find my new favs mouthwatering or inspiring.  More recipe ideas can be found on my Pinterest Yummy board.

• Pumpkin Quinoa Breakfast – Super easy, nutrient rich, full of flavor and you can make it the night before.
• Eggs & Sauteed Veggies – Mix and match these veggies: peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach, cabbage, bok choy, green onions, chard, chives and avocado.  You can even toss in a lil sweet potato.
• Breakfast Burritos – Add a sprinkle of cumin and red pepper flakes to your scrambled eggs and or veggies then throw in a tortilla.  The spice kicks it up a notch without the need for extra salt or cheese.  The veggies can be leftover, cooked or raw.  You can even buy them cut at the store fresh or frozen.
• Quinoa Flakes – I like to add 2 teaspoons of coconut oil per serving for a little extra flavor.  Fresh mint leaves also add to this belly warming breakfast.    

Breakfast does more than make my belly happy.  It begins my day with love and intention.  When I take the time to prepare and eat a meal in the morning, I honor my need for nourishment and ground myself in peace.  May you savor your next breakfast in the company of family, friends or in your own quiet meditation.

A Letter to Your Spirit

Unconditionally... that's the love that is embracing every inch of you.  It will warm you; if you let it.

You are never alone.  Emotions may be tough; soften within.  Like a fish glides in the changing water allow yourself to flow with the changing current of emotions.  Be fluid in your thoughts, needs and actions.

Life will be better than you ever imagined.  

You are a beautiful gift that has yet to be fully opened.  The grace you are bestowed with goes far beyond the ages and deeper than your heart.  Your true beauty comes from what lives inside.

Think abundance... You have all that you need.  Say that, "I have all that I need."

Shine brightly my friend.  Allow others to see and be guided by your light.  It's there and it's brilliant.  Begin to share with your smile, then your words.  Your inner fire, a beacon for happiness never dulls.

Things I Learned From... The Village Retirement Center Yogis

Love may end but it can always begin again.

Genuine care is felt by ways of words, hugs and the simple act of asking.

Learning never stops.

One can age with grace and humor.

Community embraces and welcomes all.

Hope in the future has no expiration.

Through the Eyes of a Child... Boat Pose

"Lift your heart." I say to Olivia while we're in Boat Pose.

She responds, "I'm going in the water."  After we capsized and regained our composure, we captured the shot to the right with our hearts lifted.

This story reminds me...

• Have fun.
• Don't take things so seriously.
• Size doesn't matter.  

May you float with the current of today and enjoy the view.

Celebrate the Color in Each Other

The convergence of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers is the main attraction at one of my morning spots.  Before the sun made its debut for the day, it lit the sky with vibrant colors of orange, teal, yellow and blue.  Having pondered the decorative canopy throughout this fall, I was easily absorbed in the delight of color once again.  

To focus on one hue would not cast the same alluring image.  The beauty came to life in the play of colors.  I was reminded of my thoughts from years ago... Sometimes we need to step back and see the beauty of the forest instead of critiquing each tree.  

The reflection was not only about trees but each other and society.  Every day presents opportunities to focus on the ignorant, unintentional or annoying words or actions of others.  Lately, I have found myself in situations that I become unaware of the gifts each individual brings and focus on the "ick" instead.  This has cast a shadow on my ability to recognize the unique charm of each person and lowered my enjoyment and peace in life.  

Although it seemed the sun pulled me away from my morning intentions, the color meditation brought me back... I strive to see others as a colorful illustration of the divine.

I invite you to join me as I refocus.  Let's celebrate the color in each other.