Prescription for a gloomy, quiet day!

I"m in Cambridge MA visiting with my sister, Jenn.  It has been a busy few months at work; relentless, really.  I'm sure many other people can relate.   I finally have a quiet bit of time to just rest and reflect.  In reality, it has been 24 hours since I boarded the Amtrak to Back Bay station, ran out to a wonderful baby shower, dinner, etc, so I haven't had a chance to let my mind rest too much until this morning.  I'm staying at a lovely B&B, and am now tucked away able to write my first blog in a couple of months.

It is a gloomy morning, but I am anticipating a nice day of yoga, planning a party and lovely meal with loved ones, so there are fun things planned.  I don't have to leave until late Monday morning, also a bonus.  Until this present project in process at work is turned into a completed project, I'll just have to make due with the occasional respite.  I'll take it.

My suggestion for a gloomy day when you find yourself with a little extra time?  First, let yourself feel it.  Sometimes we roll through our days, and have the emotional ups and downs that we all have, aware or unaware of the reasons. If we don't let ourselves feel those feelings, they eventually make themselves known.  I woke up this morning still feeling that emotional roller coaster. Instead of immediately rushing to "feel better", I thought about where those feelings had come from, trying to put some framework around them.  Sometimes they are just there.  However, giving myself a chance to connect the dots was very helpful this morning.  The other point is that I actually had the time to clear my mind and do this!

I spent about 5 minutes meditating and clearing my mind as best I could.  Trust me, even after many years of meditating and self-hypnosis, this can take some doing.  After clearing my mind, I always ask if there is a message, thought or feeling for the day that will help.   Today I got the message to be grateful for all of the other people who are working hard right along side of me.  This is an important message as it took me out of feeling alone and left me feeling supported and, yes, loved, and grateful for those other people there with me in the trenches, day in and day out!

Easiest way to take those 5 minutes?  Find yourself a quiet place to just sit.  Turn off the TV or radio, set the alarm for 5 minutes.  Close your eyes and begin to breathe slowly and deeply.  Alternately, instead of breathing, just notice how your body is feeling and try to relax any spots that are holding tension by focusing your love and attention,one spot at a time.  At first, your mind may wander.  Just bring it back.  If you have trouble clearing your mind, think of a clear blue sky or the sound, feeling or look of running water. 

You will be amazed how fast those five minutes go.  Remember, this is called a practice for a reason - because we get better at it as we practice.  Some days are easier or harder than others.  Be gentle with yourself.  I promise to let myself have five minutes a day!

Words to live by!

One of my favorite sayings, from Uncle Al Pusz:
What you see here,
What you hear here,
When you leave here,
Leave it here.

(a framed slogan hanging in my Uncle Al's bar in the basement)

Adorable - Michaela Wallace and her viral video "Justin Bieber's Girlfriend"

or if you prefer to visit

Source Yahoo says Michaela Wallace, 14, has co-written the tween new girl anthem: a bubbly, Hanson "Mmmmbop"-esque song called "Justin Bieber's Girlfriend." The video for the song depicts Wallace receiving Bieber concert tickets in the mail and then attending his meet-and-greet and concert. It has received more than 1 million plays on YouTube.

Thought for a gloomy Monday afternoon

Someone always has it better, somebody always has it worse.  However, Oliver Julius, my sister Jenn's kitty, has it made in the shade.

In other news, Jim and I spent a really nice weekend in beautiful California!  It rained a lot, but finally cleared up long enough to get a couple of photos in the sun.

I'm not complaining, and feel like I am among the luckier today.

Like, loving this, you know?

Melina shared this with me - need i say more, like really?

hope you enjoy, if, like, maybe, it is your thing?

Reincarnation, Past Life Regression - Brian Weiss in NYC

I was fortunate enough to be invited to my friend, medium Karen Noe's, show a few months ago on a Saturday afternoon.  We talked about past life regression, reincarnation and healing.  It was a wonderful time, as we rarely have the opportunity to just sit down and talk.

Dr. Brian Weiss will be hosting an experiential workshop on Sunday, March 6, that i will attend in NYC with one of my sisters and a friend.  For details go to Hay House.  I loved the 2 hour session I participated in a few months ago - amazing!  This should be a great day.  Here is another blog I posted months ago about past life regression that might interest you.  Namaste!

Happy New Year

As cliche as it sounds, many find the new year a time for new beginnings, a fresh start.  I love this concept, and believe that a new beginning is available to us every day, every moment.  Seize the opportunity, at this moment, to accept yourself as you are and to believe in your highest potential and to make this moment the time to change, develop and grow.  You are perfect at this moment in time.

The light that is within me honors the light that is within you.  Namaste!