Signs & the Butterfly Effect

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I am a believer of butterfly effect. A small positive vibration can change the entire cosmos.
–Amit Ray

The French call it Déjà vu – a sensation of familiarity, an experience that has already been known or perceived. I do believe that this happenstance occurs for many of us, via dreams or even with practicing meditation. Throughout the day, when I am in search of a sign or a nudge from the universe, an unexpected sign occurs. A butterfly or blue jay appears, quite commonly something with a hue of blue. It can be in a picture, artwork or a marvel from nature. It brings such comfort and peace knowing that this is truly a miracle being shown.

Do you believe in signs? I trust there has to be a grander meaning to why things materialize in our daily lives. For example, a few weeks ago I had particular challenging morning. I missed my alarm and woke up later then anticipated. There was traffic on the drive to the office, all in which made the work day start later then anticipated. It literally felt like the day was spiraling. I walked into the lunchroom and was just about to make a cup of tea and saw a ladybug! Right away, I knew it was a sign from the universe. I was reminded of the beauty and grace of this little bug. It brought infinite joy and abundance to my day. A ladybug is symbolic for it is an embodiment of luck, good fortune and prosperity. This little insect influences your life in a positive way as unexpected happiness is unfolding for you.

Have you ever had one of those moments, when you are consumed with a particular task and a stranger comes along and delivers a significant message meant for you? This seems to occur on a frequent basis these days. A few weeks ago I was sitting in a coffee store and reading a book called Destiny of Souls by Michael Newton. (A novel about the “soul” that has impacted my life in many ways – I highly recommend this read). An older man approached me and asked if “I liked the book and that it was translated into Egyptian”. He was actually a Fine Arts teacher and an artist. He encouraged me to write more and consider being an author. It was as if he was picking up on my vibration. Lately, I have neglected my personal writing and felt the pull to get back onto this path.

What is the Butterfly Effect?

This subject matter I have wanted to write about for awhile. It is now the right time to approach this topic of interest. The Butterfly Effect evolved from the Chaos Theory. This was discovered by meteorologist Edward Lorenz. The Chaos Theory suggested that a minor change in the environment can influence and alter the weather. It was believed that once a butterfly flaps or moves its wings, it creates an effect somewhere else in the world. Is it possible if a butterfly flutters in South Africa the action is felt in another part of the world? I am not sure but find this theory fascinating.

What does this mean Spiritually?

That for every decision we make there are multiple ways in which our story unravels. To every action there is a unique response. Your choices can shape or determine our destiny. We can not see everything in the physical world however things are constantly moving, shifting and evolving. We have free will to how we live and make decisions However, there are alternative paths in which life can unfold. Every living being impacts one another just as the artist did for me that that. By encountering the artist at the cafe, it gave me that push to write my heart out.

The goal of life is to make your heartbeat match the beat of the universe, to match your nature with Nature. –Joseph Campbell

What do Butterflies Symbolize:

Butterflies represent grace, freedom and expression. They are a reminder of internal metamorphosis, renewal, and many traditions equate the butterfly as the psyche or soul. Every time I see a butterfly it is a reminder to embody lightness and allow life to unravel. Is there something you always see or are drawn too? It may have a significant meaning.

Signs can arrive from unexpected instances and are orchestrated on your behalf. EVERY sign has significance from seeing 11:11 an angelic number pattern, hearing a song or a conversation with a stranger. Reflect on The Butterfly Effect, can you see synchronicity in your present life? Be thankful of all the blessings being presented to you. I often recite this to students in yoga class “stay open and connected, what is it that you need to hear”? Remain grounded, aware and allow yourself to see the vastness of the universe throughout your day. You are grand, and have a mission to fulfill. The next time you see a shooting star, remember to make a wish – a sign is being revealed to you!

Beyond the edge of the world there’s a space where emptiness and substance neatly overlap, where past and future form a continuous, endless loop. And, hovering about, there are signs no one has ever read, chords no one has ever heard. –Haruki Murakami

Life Is – Mother Teresa

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Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.

Life is beauty, admire it.

Life is a dream, realize it.

Life is a challenge, meet it.

Life is a duty, complete it.

Life is a game, play it.

Life is a promise, fulfill it.

Life is sorrow, overcome it.

Life is a song, sing it.

Life is a struggle, accept it.

Life is a tragedy, confront it.

Life is an adventure, dare it.

Life is luck, make it.

Life is too precious, do not destroy it.

Life is life, fight for it.

Words that stir the soul, written by beloved Mother Teresa. A saint and angel who was an embodiment of pure light. Life is what we make of it – choose wisely!

The Invitation – Oriah Mountain Dreamer

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It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart’s longing.

It doesn’t interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dream, for the adventure of being alive.

It doesn’t interest me what planets are squaring your moon.

I want to know if you have touched the centre of your own sorrow, if you have been opened by life’s betrayals or have become shrivelled and closed from fear of further pain.

I want to know if you can sit with pain, mine or your own, without moving to hide it, or fade it, or fix it.

I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own; if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful, be realistic, remember the limitations of being human.

It doesn’t interest me if the story you are telling me is true

I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself. If you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul.

If you can be faithless and therefore trustworthy.

I want to know if you can see Beauty even when it is not pretty every day. And if you can source your own life from its presence.

I want to know if you can live with failure, yours and mine, and still stand at the edge of the lake and shout to the silver of the full moon, ‘Yes.’

It doesn’t interest me to know where you live or how much money you have.

I want to know if you can get up after the night of grief and despair, weary and bruised to the bone and do what needs to be done to feed the children.

It doesn’t interest me who you know or how you came to be here.
I want to know if you will stand in the centre of the fire with me and not shrink back.

It doesn’t interest me where or what or with whom you have studied.
I want to know what sustains you from the inside when all else falls away.

I want to know if you can be alone with yourself and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments.

A touching poem by Oriah Mountain Dreamer, one for the heart and soul. Love, a spiritual exchange of two souls who are ready to share there lives with one another. A journey to go beyond limitations, and fly into the abyss of their sacred union.

Your Light is Contagious – Rebecca Campbell

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You have an inner light within you that is craving to be shared by those around you, by the world at large – but mostly by you.

When you share your unique light, bit by bit, you light up the lives of those around you.

And, one by one, you inspire them to light up too.

It’s a chain reaction.

And before long, the world lights up.

Your light is contagious.

Excerpt taken from “Light Is The New Black” by Rebecca Campbell”. A New Age Spiritual guide that will have you answering your soul’s calling. Shine your light xo

Footprints in the Sand – Margaret Fishback Powers

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“One night I dreamed a dream.
As I was walking along the beach with my Lord.
Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand,
One belonging to me and one to my Lord.

After the last scene of my life flashed before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that at many times along the path of my life,
especially at the very lowest and saddest times,
there was only one set of footprints.

This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it.
“Lord, you said once I decided to follow you,
You’d walk with me all the way.
But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life,
there was only one set of footprints.
I don’t understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me.”

He whispered, “My precious child, I love you and will never leave you
Never, ever, during your trials and testings.
When you saw only one set of footprints,
It was then that I carried you.”

A reminder to keep faith when challenges arise or difficulties occur. Always know you will be taken care of. There is a bigger plan happening that is beyond our comprehension. Do know how much you are loved and appreciated.

Below is a link to an article I wrote titled “What is the Meaning of Prayer” on a inspiring website called Purpose Fairy. Blessings to you xo

What Is the Meaning of Prayer

Maya Angelou – Still I Rise

Still I Rise

You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
‘Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I’ll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.

Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don’t you take it awful hard
‘Cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines
Diggin’ in my own back yard.

You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I’ll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I’ve got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history’s shame
I rise
Up from a past that’s rooted in pain
I rise
I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.

Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.

Poetry by – Becca Lee

Image result for becca lee Poetry for the heart by Becca Lee. Just at the moon has its phases of expansion and growth so do we. Change takes time and be gentle with yourself. Always know you are learning valuable life lessons each day. Your time is coming to shed your wings and fly. Remember its not about the destination but the journey. Reflect, surrender and shine.

Humble And Kind – Tim McGraw

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You know there’s a light that glows by the front door
Don’t forget the key’s under the mat
When childhood stars shine
Always stay humble and kind

Go to church ’cause your mamma says to
Visit grandpa every chance that you can
It won’t be wasted time
Always stay humble and kind

Hold the door, say “please”, say “thank you”
Don’t steal, don’t cheat, and don’t lie
I know you got mountains to climb
But always stay humble and kind
When the dreams you’re dreamin’ come to you
When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride
But always stay humble and kind

Don’t expect a free ride from no one
Don’t hold a grudge or a chip and here’s why
Bitterness keeps you from flyin’
Always stay humble and kind

Know the difference between sleeping with someone
And sleeping with someone you love
“I love you” ain’t no pick-up line
So always stay humble and kind

Hold the door, say “please”, say “thank you”
Don’t steal, don’t cheat, and don’t lie
I know you got mountains to climb
But always stay humble and kind
When those dreams you’re dreamin’ come to you
When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride
But always stay humble and kind

When it’s hot, eat a root beer popsicle
Shut off the AC and roll the windows down
Let that summer sun shine
Always stay humble and kind

Don’t take for granted the love this life gives you
When you get where you’re going don’t forget turn back around
And help the next one in line
Always stay humble and kind

This song is truly a reminder of the simple truths to life – being humble and kind. I felt so propelled to share it with others. First of all, are you being kind to yourself? Take this time to let go of the energy of winter, shed your old skin as spring is upon the horizon. Being kind towards others helps left one’s heart and soul. A simple smile, compliment or encouragement can truly make one’s day. Stay inspired xo

Eat, Pray, Love – Part II

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The path to our destination is not always a straight one. We go down the wrong road, we get lost, we turn back. Maybe it doesn’t matter which road we embark on. Maybe what matters is that we embark.”
― Barbara Hall

In the autumn of 2017, I had written an article titled Eat, Pray Love. A new path was unfolding – it was a journey of soul searching and to go inwards. To summarize, the article touched upon a one year sabbatical leave from the corporate world. I did not realize how much I needed this break and the influence it had upon my spirit. It truly was placing pause on everything and learning to trust.

I had a million expectations on how the year would unravel, which in all honestly taught me a valuable life lesson. What came forward was to expect nothing, and allow each day to progress naturally. In my mind, I anticipated to be working in a new high paying job, living in a big city and to be in a new relationship. Having all answers to come instantantly and everything to be perfect harmony. Traveling to India was high on my bucket list as well as “finding myself”.

Did I ever get a dose of reality! My perceived expectations on how the year was to unfold was completely unrealistic. I wanted to be in control and had to surrender, progression happens on its own terms. I wanted all the answers however, had to be patient. Teaching yoga, meditating, writing along with self-care is what my heart truly desired. I began to understand what I was really seeking was balance, serenity and connecting with the higher-self.

To find the balance you want, this is what you must become. You must keep your feet grounded so firmly on the earth that it’s like you have 4 legs instead of 2. That way, you can stay in the world. But you must stop looking at the world through your head. You must look through your heart, instead. That way, you will know God.”
― Elizabeth Gilbert

On my year off, I began to pay closer attention to nature, and its cyclic rhythms. The sun shines without any hesitation and provides light to the world. This light changes with each season, as we now are into winter it offers retreat. It’s time to reflect and nourish yourself during the darker days. Each season offers a gift, this miracle I never would have recognized if I had not taken a year leave. Falling snow reminds of me of patience and to be in sheer appreciation of what life is. “Every blade of grass has its angel that bends over and it whispers grow” . The beautiful quote from the Talmud was so humbling to reflect upon as there truly are unforeseen forces that guide us along our path.

Life led me to the United Kingdom instead of India. My grandma fell ill at the end of 2017 and familial energy pulled me to England. I knew traveling would happen at some point. In summer/ autumn of 2018 I flew to Paris, France as my first destination. Then ventured to Austria, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Spain and Italy. Traveling to India was not in the stars during my year off. I realize that I was trying to force this trip. Instead I was brought to a new energy and love – Paris. The city has such a bright light as there is much is to be seen & discovered. It is a soul calling just as much as Italy was.

In hindsight your own unique experience of Eat, Pray Love can happen anywhere. Cities or countries call on your spirit for a reason. It is so enriching to travel but ultimately, we are what we believe. Sometimes I wonder if traveling has all the answers or do we need to just silence the mind and meditate? I believe we must do what feeds our soul. Will I ever stop traveling – NEVER!

Throughout our life, there are unpredictable circumstances in which we are never ready for. In November of 2018, my Grandmother from the United Kingdom passed away. We truly never know what each day has to offer or which direction we will pursue. My new perspective on Eat, Pray, Love in remembrance of my Grandmother.

My Grandmother was 92 and lived an abundant peaceful life. She personified Eat, Pray, Love for many reasons.

Eat: From the moment I would arrive home Grandma would always ask me if I had each meal throughout the day. She was simple and really just wanted everyone to be together especially at tea time.

Pray: My Grandma whom we also called Beji prayed profusely and this is one thing I take from her legacy. To always know you will be taken care of, believe in the unknown.

Love: Grandma had 5 children, 18 Grandchildren & 17 Great Grandchildren, for me this embodies love. Family always came first, along with service, prayer and laughter. She remains in my heart and soul and I dedicate this article to her light. I do feel when one leaves the earth plane, the memories are never forgotten, if anything there are etched into our being forever.

What does Eat, Pray, Love mean to you? Your path with unfold, allow the signs to come and know that there are no mistakes but lessons. Travel, learn about yourself and never forget to leave a bit of sunshine wherever you go. Take time to understand yourself, and take those moments to appreciate where you are and how far you have come. There is a purpose to everything in your life story. One day you will look back and connect the dots as Steve Jobs said in his famous dialogue.

Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy. — Eskimo Proverb

(Everything I Do) I Do It for You – Bryan Adams

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Look into my eyes – you will see
What you mean to me.
Search your heart, search your soul
And when you find me there you’ll search no more.Don’t tell me it’s not worth tryin’ for.
You can’t tell me it’s not worth dyin’ for.
You know it’s true:
Everything I do, I do it for you.Look into your heart – you will find
There’s nothin’ there to hide.
Take me as I am, take my life.
I would give it all, I would sacrifice.Don’t tell me it’s not worth fightin’ for
I can’t help it, there’s nothin’ I want more
You know it’s true:
Everything I do, I do it for you, oh, yeah.There’s no love like your love
And no other could give more love.
There’s nowhere unless you’re there
All the time, all the way, yeah.

Look into your heart, baby…

Oh, you can’t tell me it’s not worth tryin’ for.
I can’t help it, there’s nothin’ I want more.

Yeah, I would fight for you, I’d lie for you,
Walk the wire for you, yeah, I’d die for you.

You know it’s true:
Everything I do, oh, I do it for you.

Everything I do, darling.
You will see it’s true.
You will see it’s true.
Yeah!
Search your heart and your soul
You can’t tell it’s not worth dying for
I’ll be there
I’d walk the fire for you
I’d die for you
Oh, yeah.
I’m going all the time, all the way.

This past week I saw live Bryan Adams in concert! It was the perfect way to end January. A Canadian Pop Icon who has recorded 14 albums and truly is a legend. I regret that I never saw George Micheal or Prince in concert. However, seeing Bryan Adams was truly inspiring, such talent and inspiration. He sang all of his classic hits and his love ballads were just beautiful! What is your favorite Bryan Adams song?