Social Media Marketing and Search Engine Optimization and Honoring your Soul's Intent

Though my blogs are so often about nurturing, self help, and self discovery, it has come to mind so often, especially in the past few months, regarding social media marketing, social networking and search engine optimization.  Without getting too philosophical or stretching the limits too much, aren't we still talking about communicating effectively and persuasively?  And, more importantly, isn't that what so many of us are striving for, frustrated by and working on, namely, communicating with others, and being heard?  Further, though our lives are not about being accepted and being a part of the bigger scheme of things, don't we also look to find a place that is comfortable for us, where we have people who understand us, and where we can serve our life's purpose, our soul's intent on this planet, so we can be happy, find our bliss?
Now we have jumped from the internet to the soul.  A bit scary, perhaps, but not so weird, after all.  To take it even a bit further, does anyone remember that song by Joan Osborne, "What if God Was One of Us"?  "...just a stranger on a bus trying to make his way home"...  I always loved this, as we often see the divine by looking into the eyes (or dreams or conversation) of another person.  Does the same hold true when we post, blog, text, chat?
Look for it, and be it.

Time to Reflect

Seems that the theme of many of my (infrequent) blogs lately have been rest and reflection.  I find myself with little time to do this, though it is so important for mind, heart, body and spirit.  Working in higher education and also separately in an independent therapeutic practice, I'm often working, but joyful for the varied and fascinating challenges, and the many wonderful people who I have the opportunity to meet and to work with.

In my education related position, working at a small, private college, we have faced many challenges.  The US Department of Education has put many regulations upon our sector of education has caused us to take time away from students, as well as away from our normal responsibilities and duties, and go in to "show me" mode.  Without going into great detail, we meet and exceed challenges, and continue to thrive while helping students to succeed.

My biggest challenge, apart from the one mentioned above, has been to develop and create an online division at The College of Westchester.  I am happy to report that as of June 29 we are fully operational.  Phase one of this project, creating the division, has taken two years to complete.  From inception, through to the present date, we have developed and received approval (from the New York State Education Department and Middle States Commission on Higher Education) to offer two programs fully online including our Associate Degree in Business Administration - Management/Marketing and our Bachelor (BBA) in Business Administration.  Phase two includes attracting and enrolling qualified students to participate in the first classes this September, and growing the college.  We already have some interest among alumni. 

Aside from raising two wonderful daughters and receiving my Masters in Social Work, this has been my greatest challenge and accomplishment.  I'm not going to take credit for it all myself, though.  It has taken so many people so much time and effort, and vision from our president and board, that I'm just the lucky one who has had the job to push through the process and steer the boat this time around.  It has been and continues to be great fun, and I truly am grateful for the opportunity.

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?