mindfulness – Butterfly Spirit!

The Beauty of Aging

35 Best Birthday Quotes - Happy Birthday Wishes, Quotes, and Messages

Life isn’t about your age. Life is about living. So when your birthday comes be thankful for the year that has just past and anticipate with a happy heart what the coming year will bring -Catherine Pulsifer

Life is about living, seeing everything as a gift. When a Birthday arrives, it’s a celebration of YOUR divinity. Your Birthday is that special moment in time, when you were created. Each breathe an extension to your soul. Grateful for your memories, experiences that have contributed to you who you are. To be alive here and now.

What does the process of aging signify to you? Do you define yourself by a number or can get beyond this paradigm? You are daily evolving into the best version of yourself. Seeing the development of your spirit at any given age. Appreciating all you have, the daily blessings. Over the summer of 2021, I turned 40 – a milestone. That big BIRTHDAY! I could feel something stirring inside me. Knowing that things are about to shake up this decade. An end to playing it safe, and time to embark on a new horizon. Inner growth and an anticipation for a new phase of life.

Prior to turning 40, a few of my girlfriends offered their sentiments. It was articulated that 40 would bring some unrest. There will be soul-searching, questioning my life path and who I AM. I thought to myself, “I do this daily”. Truth be told, turning 40 was not a simple process. Even to write this blog-post I hesitated, as to whether I wanted to share my experience. After a peaceful meditation, the decision was clear. I needed to share my story. It is being honest with ourselves that helps one heal and assist others. Maybe this is what was meant all along?

The years ahead are ours to win and cherish. We cannot let anything, least of all our age, stand in our way! -Tina Sloan

My 40^th was spent with my family. This filled my heart with such compassion and love. I could not have asked for a better celebration. Being in the company of family is all one needs to feel cherished. I had every type of Italian dessert you could imagine and was surrounded by love. Phone calls from family and friends lifted the spirit.

On the opposite side of the pendulum, I kept thinking where have the last 40 years of my life gone? I wanted to avoid my emotions and was in denial. I felt inadequate unworthiness crept in. My choices, decisions and past were all flooding forward. I thought by 40, I would have my life together. What does having together really mean anyway? I had to allow this to surface. Release all preconceived notions and judgments. There was a long list and I was tormenting myself. I needed to embrace all contrasting emotions to find clarity. This was a turning point. There were plenty of tears, ice-cream and journaling.

Spiritually speaking, I was being governed by my ego. Sitting in regret and unkind to my heart. It took an enlightening conversation with my brother to break the funk. I was thankful for his insight. He offered words of guidance that allowed me to soften. Age is meaningless, and can not let this rule your life. Try not to allow a number to define your existence. What we need to give more attention to is our consciousness and passions. No matter what age you are, follow your passions. This will always keep you young at heart.

There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of the people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age. –Sophia Loren

With every age you will shift. Your insights will change continuously. It is your perception on how you grasp experiences. This defines your character. I often question whether women or men feel societal expectations with becoming older? We may all feel this at any stage of our lives. One can not allow to be influenced by media or societal pressures. Count your blessings, instead of the candles on your cake. See the beauty of all the daily positive influences around you. You are golden.

Your life is a gift. What holds significance is how much you value yourself. Life is a paradox. We are here for a brief period, learning lessons and evolving our mind. I finish with this, adhere to what sparks the light within. Advocate for yourself, be subversive, create the life you are destined for. The blessing of 40 has shown me, it’s time to live my dreams. To take the reign of my life. I hope at any age you do this as well. Live each day as if it’s – YOUR BIRTHDAY.

I believe the second half of one’s life is meant to be better than the first half. The first half is finding out how you do it. And the second half is enjoying it -Frances Lear

Kindness

Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind. Henry James

Wherever you are living, every human being has been impacted by Covid. We are all collectively sharing a similar dialogue. Though life has transformed, let us play our part by being kind to ourselves and others. Have you ever noticed, when you smile at a stranger they respond in the same manner? A smile is a warm exchange, that you are acknowledging someone. This is true kind-heartedness. It is an expression of gratitude from your heart to another.

I am humbled to write this piece from my own personal experience. We learn by hearing stories from others. Similar to our ancestors, they shared stories throughout generations to guide and teach us. These narratives were created to help you progress. We are able to relate, reflect and share our experience for the better. My story begins with nurturing of the spirit. I was in need of some vitamins and required a visit to a health and wellness store.

While searching for a few items, I saw a customer service representative and decided to ask for assistance. We spoke for a few moments. Instantly, I felt myself being triggered and judged. The guidance was unfriendly and it caused emotions to arise. Has this happened to you before? An interaction with a complete stranger can cause you to feel intense emotions? “I kept thinking, is this all about me? Am I projecting energy this is causing this all to happen”?

I absorbed the energy from the sales representative and was quite upset. They were condescending, and right away I felt small. Not a good feeling for the soul. Instead of walking away, I took a few breaths and came back to equanimity. Started to regain my strength and approached him. I needed to advocate for myself. I honoured myself and told him how the interaction made me feel. I explained the importance of being heart centered and kind – especially during Covid.

My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness. Dalai Lama

What I reflect on daily, is that I am unaware of what someone may be experiencing. When you demean someone else, majority of the time it is all about “YOU”. Kindness is inner job, first and foremost are you being kind to yourself? Your self-talk is vital to your wellbeing. Plant seeds of kindness within. They will begin to blossom from you heart and expand. Your inner discourse towards yourself impacts the mind and body connection.

When one stands up for themselves, it creates a domino affect. No matter what the situation is, may you always remember that you have every right to be heard and appreciated. You are strong and here to make an impact in the world. Kindness touches others. You do this by loving strangers unconditionally. Not by hiding yourself, however by shining your “LIGHT”. Let us all rise to by extending our best selves forward.

During the time of Covid, many have been soul searching. May you be mindful when encountering others, to be empathetic and genuine. It cost nothing to be kind to people. Why are we so guarded? How can we return to the essence of love? Love is a spiritual energy that changes the chemistry of our being. My observation over the past year is that we need to extend our compassion and be kind. Each day make it a priority to see someone smile. Uplift others for no reason or expectation.

Kindness is about giving from a sincere place within. Giving can take on many forms: listening to others or leaving a thank you note, this is kindness. Doing something for the sake of giving, to see someone light up from the inside out. Let kindness be in your smile, radiating from your heart – this will impact those around you. Do your best to do an act of kindness towards yourself and others daily. Lets create a world based on this principle.

Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love. Lao-Tzu

Innsaei – The Sea Within

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Intuition is seeing with the soul. –Dean Koontz

It was a few years ago, when I watched a documentary called Innsaei on Netflix. It is no coincidence that I recently found this article on an old laptop. It was a frigid winter’s day in 2018, and I was feeling under the weather. A cold was brewing and my soul needed tending on every level. During times when a cold emerges – it’s time to go inwards and be still. On this particular day, I stumbled upon a Netflix documentary that spoke to the soul. Innsaei, written by Hrund Gunnstiensdottir and Kristin Olafsdottir from Iceland. At that precise moment, everything made sense – intuition is always working on your behalf.

Innsaei is an Icelandic term – translates to seeing from the inside out. The sea within – to perceive yourself. The documentary was about soul-searching and tuning into your intuition. The narrator was sharing her own personal legend. The questions I pose to you – how would life unfold if you let go of distractions, inner dialogue and most importantly stress? This is exactly what inspired her to write this documentary.

The film begins with Hrund, leaving a career indefinitely with the United Nations. She felt the UN was keeping her back from the life path she was intended for. Hrund wanted to connect with people. Share their stories, visions and perception on living a holistic life. This brave soul was choosing to go against the grain, leaving the conventional. The documentary intertwines the arts, spirituality, psychology, and education.

The filmmaker’s compelling narrative was a masterpiece. Something that I needed to hear on that particular day. Her burnout, disconnect from her workplace created space for opportunities. One could sense, she lost purpose with serving a system of bureaucracy and financial rewards. Her heart was interested in serving humanity – Mother Earth.

The Narrator left her lucrative job and dove into the unfamiliar. I know for many of us, the unknown can be daunting or even terrifying. You are in the uncomfortable and the only thing to do is surrender to divine grace. The void of the unknown is where transformation begins. There was a vision the filmmaker had which propelled her life forward. At the age of 60, she would travel the entire globe. Her desire was to meet people and inspire humanity. She was going to be the writer she dreamt of being, collecting stories and uniting hearts. The realization was the United Nations career no longer kept her motivated. It was time to move onto something new.

Practice listening to your intuition, your inner voice; ask questions; be curious; see what you see; hear what you hear; and then act upon what you know to be true. These intuitive powers were given to your soul at birth. —Clarissa Pinkola Estés

What is Intuition:

Intuition is your inner source of guidance. When you are in a state of equanimity and flow your intuition begins to whisper. It is that gut feeling you have about a particular situation, person or circumstance. The quiet voice within, that you may disregard is spirit talking to you. There are times when I have not listened to my intuition, however experiences became blessings in disguise.

The narrator traveled around the world to find the true meaning of intuition, and why we should use this inner intelligence to govern our lives. Here are three enlightening stories you may connect to with regards to intuition.

Interview with Malidoma Patrice, West African Leader/Elder

Malidoma Patrice, believed that Mother Earth is a symbol of the wound that all which live in it. Nature is a silent witness of intuition. Nature speaks in all kinds of languages. Our eyes, and ears are to hear and see, something that we often disregard. The sense of the internal. What is blocking us is the world noise of distractions. Nature is how we ignite our intuition. “Intuition binds us together” every human being.

Marina Abramovic – Grandmother of Performing Arts

Marina Abramovic, known as a Visual Arts Medium. She is a performance artist, writer and filmmaker. She uses her body to connect to emotions and the audience. Her message is to confront pain by observation and focus. Abramovic, teaches that ‘in order to create something new, human beings need to go into the unknown”. Intuition is something not to be afraid of. We all have inner gifts inside waiting to be expressed. Whether you are an artist, chef, poet or composer, your talents impact the world. Release your fears, honour your talents, you give others the courage to pursue their calling.

British School – Mindfulness

The narrator went to a school in the United Kingdom. Here she was shown how moments of mindfulness impact the behaviour and attitude of students. It was a new way of learning, as facilitators incorporated breathing practices, meditation and yoga into education. Children, even adults need time to breathe, connect with their hearts and have moments of stillness. The element of mindfulness allows one to be fully present in a state of peace.

What this documentary gave me was clarity. That everyone has their own unique timeline. Life unfolds the way it is supposed to. Focus on your daily objectives, wins and things which touch your spirit. It is never about anyone else but you. Suffering brings you closer to the higher-power for a reason. You need to create space for faith and your vision. Intuition is connecting to your higher self, it will never lead you astray. If you are at a crossroads in your life, may the next step elevate you towards your dream Allow the forces of nature to guide you, remember to seek within.

Come from the heart, the true heart, not the head. When in doubt, choose the heart. This does not mean to deny your own experiences and that which you have empirically learned through the years. It means to trust yourself to integrate intuition and experience. There is a balance, a harmony to be nurtured, between the head and the heart. When the intuition rings clear and true, loving impulses are favored. –Brian Weiss

Magic of the Universe

Speak To The Universe Quotes. QuotesGram

All the powers in the universe are already ours. It is we who have put our hands before our eyes and cry that it is dark. –Swami Vivekanada

What is the Universe? Defined by Wikipedia, “The universe is all of space and time and their contents, including planets, stars, galaxies, and all other forms of matter and energy”. The universe is precisely made up of components of the ethers! I once read that stars and humans consist of similar chemical elements. Think how magical you are, you are like stardust! In my own interpretation, the universe is a grand phenomenon. It listens and responds to our intentions and overall frequency. The universe is beyond our grasp, however resides within you. Listening intently to your thoughts and heart desires. An awareness that there is invisible force guiding your life and destiny.

The Universe is cosmically woven: embodies Mother Nature, galaxies, consciousness and humanity. It is endless, formless, it will always continue. For example, think of the symbol of infinity, there are two circles that overlap one another. Circles are infinite, never ceasing to stop. A circle is symbolic as it represents divine nature, chakra spiritual energy and patterns. The circle unifies and expands, it is associated with totality, wholeness and eternity. When you master your life lessons, everything comes full circle – you make a conscious choice to evolve.

Life is a full circle, widening until it joins the circle motions of the infinite. –Anais Nin.

For example, the sun, moon and earth are all circular. They are in harmony with the sacred universe, flowing like the cycles of nature. There is always balance and unification within the universe. A unified field of possibilities. All things have potential in every aspect of your life. Every decision you make connects you to your soul purpose. There is no separation, everyone is connected.

I have written about the concept of “Universe” in a few articles. Recently, I have felt compelled to research this topic further and understand how it was orchestrated. The definition of the universe may vary from each individual. How many times have you done this, looked up at the sky and asked how did creation begin? How did everything evolve? Evolution of mankind, it all started somewhere. Do you ever stargaze in the evening, hoping to see a shooting star or are mesmerized by the beauty of the sky? These are tiny miracles that shine upon us daily.

Look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see, and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious. –Stephen Hawking

The marvel of the Egyptian Pyramids, Stonehenge in the UK, and the Acropolis in Greece. These are all Ancient Wonders of the world, with profound historical significance. They were constructed or self-made centuries ago. It is remarkable how these ancient wonders are still standing. There are several theories on this, however this is an entire different article.

Did you know that the Universe resides in you? Within you, are all the answers your soul seeks. The Universe supports you and wants you to live your best life. For example, think of the universe as Aladdin’s lamp. The tale of Aladdin is about a young boy who discovers a magical lamp. He was only permitted three wishes to be granted by his companion the “Genie”. The universe is like the genie! It wants you to live beyond your dreams. Your emotions, thoughts, are all vibrations you transmit. The universe picks up on your requests and sends the frequency out to the universe. This can be defined and termed as the “Law of Attraction”.

The universe loves and cares for YOU in every way. Serendipities, signs, happenstances are all manifestations of the universe. Every aspect of your life is a blessing whether positive or negative. When you face doubt or lack, know source energy is taking care of you. All you have to do is ask. Asking? How many times do you forget to do that? Once you make a conscious decision on what you desire the universe hears that request instantly. Your only job is to be clear, trust the process of life and surrender. The universe is going to arrange every aspect of your life. As a musical symphony is composed of melodies and harmony, all the notes align together to make a masterpiece. Your life is like a beautiful song from the universe – sing it loud! It is meant to be absolutely glorious. Through our eyes, the universe is perceiving itself. Through our ears, the universe is listening to its harmonies. We are the witnesses through which the universe becomes conscious of its glory, of its magnificence – Alan Watts

You have been given the gifts from the beginning of birth, can you remember? The year 2020 has certainly been full of surprises. Can you align yourself to the light of the universe and open yourself to miracles? Perhaps, this is the time humanity is seeking transformation for the best. Let this year be a turning point for you. Healing, growing and shedding the past are central to 2020. Listen to your inner voice, the universe is YOU! Know you chose to be on earth, at this pivotal point in time. The unpredictable and unknown will create the life you have been waiting for!

An Inspiring Story About Breathe

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

Yoga Inspiration – Yogi Bhajan

Never try to impress others, try to impress yourself and find ...

Let the wind be behind you
Angels dance with you
And your consciousness
Guide you to victory.
Let the angels
The Great Souls, the Avatars,
And all incarnations of God
Pray for you.
Walk tall and bless all,
In your innocence with your love,
For each one’s peace
And prosperity.
Remember what time wants:
Serve the needs of the time and space.
You will be sacred, exalted,
Beautiful, bountiful and fulfilled.

An enlightening quote from Yogi Bhajan. Due to Corona Virus, I have not been able to teach yoga since March. However, I have been following a few individuals online that have helped develop my individual practice. Yoga with Adriene, Yoga TX and Sarah Beth Yoga are great resources to enhance your yoga journey. Yoga brings me home, as I feel more balance, peace and light. This quote I often recited while teaching class to invigorate spirit and the soul! Let your heart guide you, dance with the angels and remember to L O V E xo!