The Ever Unfolding Life…

One is never prepared for events that bring angst to your soul.  You are bewildered, as you have minimal time to digest your current situation. How you respond to circumstances of difficulty defines who you are.  This chapter of my life began in June 2022.

On that particular summer day, a piece of my heart was displaced into pieces.  It has taken me over a year to process and write down the events which transpired. I stopped writing, it didn’t feel right.  I needed time to process my emotions.  In hindsight, writing has always helped me find solace and clear my conscience.  I now feel the pull to write again.

It was mid June.  On this day, I received a call from my brother.  I intuitively knew something had happened.  That morning, I sensed that I needed to keep my personal vibration calm.  The call I received while at work, left me speechless.  My brother asked me “Are you at the hospital”.  Then continued to ask me to breathe and calm down.  He gently explained that our father had a heart attack.

Now my reaction was of shock and disbelief.  My existence was in turmoil.  I had minimal time to comprehend my emotions.  All I could decipher was that I had to get to the hospital – and fast. Spirituality and the teachings of mindfulness kept me at peace. I began to breathe and pray.  Reminded myself all is well, and stay in the present moment.  Communicated to my inner being to be strong, that everything was going to be ok. It was essential that my demeanor and energy were full of joy, especially when seeing my Father.  

How do you react to circumstances that bring you to your knees?  Have you ever been in a situation that shook you to your core?  Had you crying on your knees?  Heart upside down. The significant life lesson I learned was to be a pillar of light.  To go within, tune into my internal dialogue and be mindful of my thought process. 

As I entered the hospital, I asked for strength from source energy and the angels.  There I saw my father in smiles and positive spirits.  Afterwards, I learned that he drove himself to the hospital.  Later was then admitted to emergency for an angioplasty.  How our family deals with crises is humor.  I had a long laugh with my father on how he drove himself to the hospital!  My father listened to his intuition.  The morning of his experience, he spoke to his dear friend who is a retired Doctor. His friend recommended that my father go to emergency.  Spirit works in mysterious ways.     

This story takes another turn.  A few months after this transpired, my mother had a minor surgery on her foot.  The surgery ended up being more invasive.  She was unable to walk and was admitted to a rehab facility.  In a span of three months both of my parents were going through a health crisis.  My mother was admitted home before the Holiday Season. This was our Christmas gift. 

The year of 2022 was all about service to the family.  My personal life took a back seat.  There were times I was existing in body and not in mind.  How do you come back to yourself after being so disconnected?  For about seven months my life was devoted to taking care of my parents.  I have no regrets about this.  It’s a sacred connection I share with them.  What kept me grounded was nature, meditation, being around my soul tribe and making sure I was in joy.  A year later my parents are on their path to healing, living their best lives and traveling when they can.  Like that old adage goes “this too shall pass”.          

Metta Prayer – Buddha

Loving Kindness Meditation - Metta Meditation - Trauma Resolution in  Millburn, NJ | Jennifer L. Todd, LCSW

The Discourse on Loving Kindness

May I be filled with loving kindness.

May I be healthy. May I be at peace.

May I be happy.

May you be filled with loving kindness.

May you be healthy. May you be at peace.

May you be happy.

May all beings be filled with loving kindness.

May all beings be healthy. May all beings be at peace.

May all beings be happy.

I have recently started a 21 Day Meditation Practice. The Metta Prayer, was originally chanted by Buddha. It was recited in order to bring peace and inner clarity. This was something I felt inclined to share with everyone. May you all be happy, successful and full of love. Stay in faith during these times on the planet. Be joyful, kind and stay humble. xoxo

J’ Adore Paris

Travel Quotes Paris 25+ Ideas | Paris quotes, France travel, Paris travel

Breathe Paris in. It nourishes the soul – Victor Hugo

Is there a country or city that captivates your spirit?  That instant, the airplane arrives at this sacred destination, you feel at home?  Everything becomes clear.  You begin to glow, exhilarated and full of possibility.  For me, this is Paris, France!  The moment my heart arrives in Paris, I am reborn.  I recognize, there are many of us who have shared this calling when traveling.  You can not explain it however, being in a specific city or country makes you feel utterly free.

Paris is not a city; it’s a world – King Francis I

Oui Oui Paris

I’ve been blessed to journey to Paris on several occasions.  Have explored this sacred city in all seasons as well.  Often, I am asked why Paris?  The country of France has appealed to me for decades.  I AM eternally drawn to the magic of Paris.  The culture, food, art, history and fashion are a few aspects which are captivating.  One of my favourite activities is walking along the Seine River.  Sitting close to the water, and absorbing the energy.  Getting lost in the city streets, people watching in local cafes are a must.  Exploring Boulevard Saint-Germain is on top of my list as well.  Having a baguette, trying every type of dessert is an absolute treat while in France.  One of my fondest memories in Paris was watching a film  at the Parc de La Villette.  It was full of local Parisians, who were enjoying the simplicity of life.    

My firm belief is that there is a calling to Paris.  One trip does not suffice.  You will rediscover other parts of the city and sites every time you return.  I am sure many have seen the nostalgic film called “A Midnight In Paris”.  Watching the movie evokes a yearning always.   Every aspect of the film I can relate to.  I feel the writer in me, is influenced by philosophical narratives that derived from Paris and France.  There is an inclination that I will relocate there one day soon.  The soul has an inner knowing of where it needs to be next.   

Paris is a place in which we can forget ourselves, reinvent, expunge the dead weight of our past -Michael Simkins

Highlights of Paris

Traveling is a personal journey.  Particular sites or attractions may appeal to you and are uninviting to others.  My advice is to immerse yourself wherever you go.  Learn the language, meet locals and be open to everything.  Listed below are a few highlights that may be of interest:

Jardin de Plantes – A botanical garden located  in the heart of Paris.  The Museum of Natural History is also located in this garden.  Be prepared to spend hours taking in the aesthetics of horticulture.

Rodin Museum – Visiting the Rodin museum in Paris will leave you in awe and inspiration.  A must see in Paris. 

Sacre Coeur Basilica – The Sacred Heart of Paris, located at the top of Montmartre.  The interior of the Basilica is mystical, you will feel a deep connection to spirit.  The Montmartre area will leave you breathless with artists, performers and shops in proximity.      

Montparnasse Tower – Has one of the best views of Paris.  You can take in the whole city of Paris from here! 

At night I would climb the steps to the Sacre-Coeur, and I would watch Paris, that futile oasis, scintillating in the wilderness of space. I would weep, because it was so beautiful 

 – Simone de Beauvoir

Why do you travel?  

What motivates you to travel?  In my perspective it’s a soul calling.  Spiritually speaking, could it be that you have had past-lives in a particular country, city or region?  Perhaps your soul is being called back for some inner awakenings?  Personally speaking, I have had vivid dreams of traveling to Paris.  Sometimes it is unexplainable why we gravitate to particular places.  The world is your oyster, it is meant to be discovered and explored.

Traveling is invigorating.  I encourage you to visit all parts of the world.  It is getting out of your comfort zone which helps you to learn and mature.  When you travel on your own, it’s relying solely on yourself.  You expand exponentially on a soul level once you venture out on your own.   You answer to no one but yourself.   This experience  is worth traveling.  You have the opportunity to evolve, make ever lasting contacts and discover a new way of living.  When are you leaving for Paris? 

I love Paris in the springtime
I love Paris in the fall
I love Paris in the winter when it drizzles
I love Paris in the summer when it sizzles

I love Paris every moment
Every moment of the year
I love Paris
Why, oh, why do I love Paris?
Because my love is here

-Georgia Gibbs 

The Divine Essence of Nature

13 Beautiful Nature Quotes - LAUGHTARD

Love the world as your own self; then you can truly care for all things – Lao Tzu

The year 2020 was a period of inner awakening and reflection.  Not a single person anticipated Covid-19 or a global lock-down.   Life was placed on pause for all of humanity.  Visiting your family, going to work, dramatically shifted.  Communicating via online resources, is how everyone stays connected.  Social distancing and masks have become somewhat the norm for the mass.

We are living in a new timeline on Earth and unaware of what lies ahead.  We may be fearful of what is to transpire,  however life can only get better from this moment forward.  There are also many blessings from Covid.  I often question,  how did this all happen?  Has Mother Earth been trying to get our attention all along?  What comes to mind is nature, how can we learn from the elements of the earth?    If we listen intently, they speak to our soul.  

Moon  

First and foremost I am a Moon child, born under the sign of Cancer.  The Cancer sign is governed by the moon.  The moon is Yin energy, associated with the Divine Feminine.  When a Full Moon occurs, it is a time of retreat.  The themes of forgiveness, self-compassion and surrender are apparent during the transition to the full-moon.  The luminous moon is an elixir of dark and light.  As the moon enters different phases, human beings feel the gravitational pull as well.  The moon is asking you to honor where you are, and nurture your being.  

Sun

“Here comes the sun, and I say its all right”  Beautiful lyrics sung by the infamous Beatles.  The sun is known to have masculine Yang energy.  It is that inner fire within your soul.  Correlated to the solar chakra, which represents confidence, will-power, strength and more.  Do you ever notice when the sun shines, it brightens your day?  The sun gives light to the earth, helps with growth and vegetation and showers us with vitamin D.  The sun can be seen as a force so powerful, one can not comprehend its magnitude.  

Water

Water fluid, ever changing and representing the veins of Gaia.  Water represents our emotions.  The veins of water are oceans, lakes, streams and rivers.  With Covid how have you been, emotionally and spiritually?  Are you able to flow with everything or have resistance.  The more you can flow with life and surrender, it creates space for change.  Remember, water represents 70% of your body.  The more water you drink, it aids with nourishing your inner temple.  

Nature always wears the colors of the spirit –Ralph Waldo Emerson

Air 

Historically the element of air is associated with new beginnings, creativity and intelligence.   When the forces of wind are roaring in the air, Mother Nature is trying to get our attention.  Could it be the wisdom of our ancestors speaking to us through the wind?  Perhaps, whispering messages for us to decipher or understand.  Have you ever heard that expression, spring is in the air?  Air is what we breathe in each day, gives us vitality.  Spring air brings in expansion, similar to all seasons.  The question is, are you listening? 

Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature — the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter — Rachel Carson

Fire

Fire is depicted as a masculine energy, providing light and transformation.  It starts out as a flame and has the capacity to burn anything which comes in its way.  Fire represents strength as there is a power in the flame.  It could be seen as a destroyer of the darkness.  This element takes out the old and brings in the new.  Fire is a force to be reckoned with. 

Earth

Earth energy is stillness, life and rebirth.  It is grounding, nurturing and wise.  By planting your feet outside on the earth you are healing.  There are many who noticed a shift during 2019 and the beginning of 2020.  On a personal level, my soul felt tired.  I was feeling lethargic, sensed I needed to rest.  I was not angry when Covid occurred.  I recognized it as a time of healing the spirit.  SELF-CARE became a priority for many.  There were many signs that Gaia was tired.  During 2019 Mama Earth, experienced wildfires in Australia and drought along with floods in the USA.  The fires may have been her anger, the floods her tears.  We needed to listen.  Earth, if you interchange the words – becomes Heart.  One could assume, the Divine Earth is the heart of everything.  

What have you Learned from Covid?  

The earth is the foundation to everything.  My firm belief is that we needed to go back to basics.  Be love, shine love, be an expression of love.  Nature is our source of healing, by being outdoors our senses are heightened and soul expanded.  Family time is something to never take for granted.  The value of making your meals and sitting with family is golden.  Memories that are irreplaceable.  Many realize that they require less to be happy.  Relationships have been tested and jobs as well.  However, there is balance.

In hindsight, could it be possible that collectively a break was given to us, to reflect?  To converse with your inner self and higher power?  I am a firm believer that everything happens for our highest good.  There is much to learn from 2020 on an individual and collective level.  Gaia is teaching valuable life lessons, we were finally listening to the frequencies.  The strongest energetic vibration is love.       

We need the tonic of wildness…At the same time that we are earnest to explore and learn all things, we require that all things be mysterious and unexplorable, that land and sea be indefinitely wild, unsurveyed and unfathomed by us because unfathomable. We can never have enough of nature  — Henry David Thoreau        

The Secret of Life

25 Jack Canfield Quotes To Nourish Your Soul (2019)

As the Lord was creating the world he called upon his Archangels.

The Lord asked his Archangels to help him decide where to put the secret of Life.

“Bury it in the ground, “one angel replied”.

“Put it on the bottom of the sea, said another”.

“Hide it in the mountains, “another suggested”.

The Lord replied, “if I see to do any of those only a few will find the secret of Life.

The Secret of Life must be accessible to EVERYONE!”

One angel, replied, “I know: put it in each man’s heart.

Nobody will think to look there”.

“Yes!  Said the Lord. “Within each man’s heart”.

And so it was –

The SECRET OF LIFE lies within all of us. 

Taken from the Chicken Soup For the Soul, by Jack Canfield.  A gentle reminder to pay attention to your heart space.  An energy center, that is always whispering messages to you.  Are you taking time to slow down and listen?  May you always remember that you have divine wisdom within your soul.   Stay well xo

 

An Inspiring Story About Breathe

Great Sayings of Wisdom | Spiritual quotes, Yoga quotes, Upanishads

There is an old Vedic story about prana that occurs in various Upanishads.  The five main faculties of our nature – the mind, breathe (prana), speech, ear and eye – were arguing with each other as to which was the best and most important.  This reflects the ordinary human condition in which our faculties are not integrated but fight with each other, competing for their rule of our attention.  To resolve this dispute they decided that each would leave the body and see whose absence was most missed.

First speech left the body, but the body continued though mute.  Next the eye left, but the body continued though blind.  Next the ear left, but the body continued though deaf.  Then the mind left, but the body continued though the unconscious.  Finally the prana began to leave and the body began to die and all the other faculties began to lose their energy.  So they all rushed to prana and told it to stay, lauding its supremacy.  Clearly prana won the argument.  Prana gives energy to all our faculties.  The moral of this story is that to control all our faculties the key is the control of prana/breathe.

The excerpt above is taken from “Yoga and Ayurveda” written by David Frawley pg. 120.  I opened this book recently, and landed on this specific page.  It was a gentle reminder to breathe.  The power of our breathe brings us back to the present moment.  Your breathe is home.  Remember calm is a “superpower “- stay well xo

The Pilgrimage – Paulo Coelho

The good fight is the one that's fought in the name of our dreams ...

The first novel I ever read by Paulo Coelho was The Alchemist.  His text spoke to my heart in profound ways.  I was hooked!  I have read many of his novels and presently reading The Pilgrimage.  I feel to some degree, I am on my own individual “Pilgrimage”.  Things come to you when the time is right.

My friends we are in a time where our faith will carry us forward.  The higher power, universe and angels are by your side.  We must remember love, and not let fear influence us.  We are all feeling the effects of Corona Virus, however it is a time where humanity must all come together as a collective family.  Its time to heal, just as Mother Earth is experiencing.

Taken from The Pilgrimage, I share The Blue Sphere Exercise:

Seat yourself comfortably, and relax.  Try not to think about anything.

  1. Feel how good it is to be alive. Let your heart feel free and affectionate, let it rise above and beyond the details of the problems that my be bothering you.  Begin to sing softly a song from your childhood.  Imagine that your heart is growing, filling the room – and later your home – with an intense shining blue light.
  2. When you reach this point, begin to sense the presence of the saints (or other beings) in which you placed your faith when you were child.  Notice that they are present, arriving from everywhere, smiling and giving you faith and confidence.
  3. Picture the saints approaching you, placing their hands on your head and wishing you love, peace, and communion with the world – the communion of the saints.
  4. When the sensation becomes strong, feel that the blue light is a current that enters you and leaves you like a shining, flowing river.  This blue light begins to spread through your house, then through your neighborhood, your city, and your country; eventually envelops the world in immense blue sphere.  This is the manifestation of the great love that goes beyond the day-to-day struggle; it reinforces and invigorates, as it provides energy and peace.
  5. Keep the light spread around the world for as along as possible.  Your heart is open, spreading love.  This phase of the exercise should last for a minimum of five minutes.
  6. Come out of your trance, bit by bit, return to reality.  The saints will remain near.  The blue light will continue to spread around the world.

This ritual can and should be done with more than one person.  When this is the case, the participants should hold hands while they do this exercise.

I felt inclined to share this exercise as soon as I read it.   Perhaps it can shift the energy we are presently in, raising our vibration and Mother Earth’s as well.  Sending love and blessings xo

 

 

 

 

How To Let Your Little Inner Light Shine

Image result for light quotes spiritual"

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 whole world lights up. Your light is contagious.” ~ Rebecca Campbell

This inspiring quote by Rebecca Campbell speaks volumes to my soul!  In her book, Light is the New Black the author helps you uncover your magic and potential aka your “LIGHT”.  It illustrates how important your gifts are and elevate your life.

The inner light is your home, something that each individual has.  I remember asking the universe for guidance at a young age unaware of what that truly meant.

There was something larger than myself and somehow knew I had to trust.  When family or friends are in situations and need comfort and prayers I often say “ I am sending healing love and light your way”.

Inner Light: What Does it Really Mean?

I am going to backtrack here, I remember in grade school singing a moving song in a choir called “This Little Light of Mine” by Harry Dixon.  Known as a gospel and children’s song in the 1950s, it later evolved into having a different connotation.  I was about 11 years old and not aware of the actual meaning of this song.

However, as an adult now recognize it was a gospel song that became the anthem of the civil rights movement in the United States.  

This song provided faith during a time of strife.  It was about giving hope during a turbulent period in history.  It is a reminder of the higher power and that grace is on your side.  I often reflect on those choir days and still hum and sing this inspirational song.  Below are a few lyrics from This Little Light of Mine:

For each day of the week, there is a deeper spiritual connotation to reflect upon. Wouldn’t it be a blessing if we could incorporate these lyrics into our week and days?  It would be a constant reminder of love, peace, faith, grace, and prayer. 

I feel that these five words are so powerful!

An excerpt taken from one of my articles that was Published on Purpose Fairy.  Remember your light is powerful, your aura glows every time you smile.  Full article can be viewed here :  https://www.purposefairy.com/89284/how-to-let-your-little-inner-light-shine/  HAPPY NEW YEAR!

  

A Blessing – John O’ Donohue

Image result for anam cara quotes

May the light of your soul guide you.

May the light of your soul bless the work you do with the secret love and warmth of your heart.

May you see in what you do the beauty of your own soul.

May the sacredness of your work bring healing, light and renewal to those who work with you and those who see and receive your work.

May your work never weary you.

May it release within you wellsprings of refreshment, inspiration, and excitement.

May you be present in what you do.

May you never become lost in the bland absences.

May the day never burden.

May the dawn find you awake and alert, approaching your new day with dreams, possibilities, and promises.  May evening find you gracious and fulfilled.

May you go into the night blessed, sheltered, and protected.

May your soul calm, console, and renew you.

Excerpt taken from the Anam Cara – A Book of Celtic Wisdom by John O’Donohue.   I hope that you are honoring your soul always.  Stay true to yourself & follow your heart.  May you always be blessed, happy and at peace.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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