Tag: prayer

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

Ano Ano The Seed – By Kristin Zambucka

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Life is full of change.

The good passes…but so does the bad.

Nothing remains the same in this unstable world.

Not a single element of anything…physical or mental…is the

same today as it was yesterday.

When we are down at the bottom of pit of despair…the only

way to go is up.

If we only wait a little…the cycle…the endless unfailing tide of

things will sweep us up again.

“Without darkness, “said the old ones,” we would not appreciate

the light when it comes.”

This excerpt, is taken from Ano Ano The Seed by Kristin Zambucka.  This book is full of Ancient Hawaiian wisdom & poetry.  Universal truths are conveyed throughout each page, that all can relate too.  The message is clear, to be light, love and oneness.  Stay blessed xo

Desiderata – Max Ehrmann

Be Gentle with Yourself by Max Ehrmann. $38.00, via Etsy ...

GO PLACIDLY amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.

The Desiderata was written by Max Ehrmann in 1927.  He was an American writer who wrote on spiritual themes.  I hope this selection of poetry provides comfort and peace during this time on Earth.  A reminder that the universe is working with you.  All things are coming together.  Stay humble, remember self-love and care. SHINE your radiant heart xo

How To Let Your Little Inner Light Shine

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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 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!

  

When You Believe – Mariah Carey & Whitney Houston

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Many nights we prayed
With no proof anyone could hear
In our hearts a hope for a song
We barely understood

Now we are not afraid
Although we know there’s much to fear
We were moving mountains
Long before we knew we could, whoa, yes

There can be miracles
When you believe
Though hope is frail
Its hard to kill

Who knows what miracles
You can achieve
When you believe somehow you will
You will when you believe

Mmmyeah
In this time of fear
When prayer so often proves in vain

Hope seems like the summer bird
Too swiftly flown away
Yet now I’m standing here
My hearts so full, I can’t explain

Seeking faith and speakin’ words
I never thought I’d say
There can be miracles
When you believe (When you believe)

Though hope is frail
Its hard to kill (Mmm)
Who knows what miracles
You can…

“When You Believe”, by Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston.  This song was included in the 1998 animated film called “The Prince of Egypt”.  Always remember anything is possible with faith, trust and belief.  Stay blessed xo 

A Blessing – John O’ Donohue

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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

 

St.Francis Prayer

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The Prayer of St. Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy;

O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Angels

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An Angel can illuminate the thought and mind of man by strengthening the power of vision. — St Thomas Aquinas

The moment we arrive into the physical realm they walk among us throughout our existence, guiding, whispering, and showing us miracles of each day. These enlightened beings are known as our “Guardian Angels”. What is a guardian angel one may ask? Angels are messengers from the divine who illuminate our life path the day we are born. Our guardian angels want each and every one of us to honor our spirits and live an abundant life. They see our potential and know that we can achieve anything we desire through prayer, affirmation and faith.

I have a profound connection to Angels and feel each individual we encounter is an angel in disguise who has a message to share. We are placed on the earth realm to learn valuable life lessons by experiences that shape our soul. Archangel Michael, Archangel Raphael and Archangel Gabriel are three Archangels significant in religious texts who provide comfort and peace. You can call upon Angels at any time for guidance and reassurance. Essential oils and crystals are also two channels that can assist with contact. Always know the Angels are listening and want the utmost best for you!

Archangel Michael – Call upon Archangel Michael for spiritual protection, life purpose and to clear your energy field , cutting cords with experiences or people that do not serve you

Archangel Raphael– Provides healing light to earth. Invoke Archangel Raphael for healing any ailments, finding a health care provider and traveling

Archangel Gabriel– Shines light on our career path, assists with pregnancy and birth, Connects us to our inner guidance system

Angels gently relay messages to us that already are embedded within our soul, messages such as: change is inevitable, life is what we make of it, follow your own path, honour your heart, love one another and be of service to mankind. They come to us in our intuition or dreams and provide reassurance on a daily basis. We are surrounded by angels always and just need to ask for guidance when we require a little push in the right direction. I have always felt that angels are disguised as family, friends, coworkers, pets and even strangers.

There is a bond, something that has existed beyond time and space. These messengers are sent to us to help us facilitate our life plan and foster our growth. Author, Doreen Virtue in many of her books discusses the concept of earth angels. These individuals are placed on earth to help inspire, motivate and encourage people. Earth angels are essentially people who walk on earth as miracle workers who desire to make others dreams come true.

When the road is steep, or you find yourself at a crossroads, Angels are always there to guide you
–Florence Akinremi

Angels are the voice of reason the light at the end of the tunnel. Remember when you hear a bell, an angel has received its wings. Music on the radio is your angel talking to you, the number 11:11 appearing is a sign that your angels are by your side. Serendipitous coincidences or seeing butterflies are your angels showing you miracles. We are all angels in disguise it’s a matter of awakening to our full potential. It is our soul’s that reach out to each other when we have angel contact with another human being. We all have a mission to fulfill on earth, what is yours? Are you ready to use your wings and fly?

We are each of us angels with only one wing, and we can only fly by embracing one another.  -Luciano de Crescenzo

Broken Open

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You have the power to heal your life, and you need to know that. We think so often that we are helpless, but we’re not. We always have the power of our minds…Claim and consciously use your power.
― Louise L. Hay

It was at the age of 21 when the foundations beneath her started shaking. Nothing like this ever happened before. Within the last year of University is when life got very real. The month was December; her grandmother had just passed away. She was in the midst of writing mid-terms, and on her way to a family wedding In Europe. She did not understand the implications of everything that was happening to her internally, until her body began to send her signs. All those events caused this soul to evaluate her life as she became broken open.

From the experiences in December, it caused upheavals to her mind, body and spirit. Things fell apart and needed to at that point in life. She was shattered into a million pieces. Fear and anxiety got a hold of her, and it felt like a lifelong sentence. This soul had to confront her past and make peace with it. She was quite good at pretending everything was fine and that nothing bothered her internally. It was now time to confront everything that she had avoided. It was essentially time to let go and walk forward.

What is anxiety? It is living in the past and not being centred in the totality of the present moment. Everything that happened to you is over now. I will not go into medical terms, physiological effects, or statistics; however there are many of us who have experienced these symptoms. You will rise from this and see the light, this I promise you. She had to stop carrying things inside her that were weighing her spirit down. Looking back she was holding onto experiences that were not serving her anymore. She had to set herself free like a bird, spread your wings and fly.

It is our birthright to uncover the soul—to remove the layers of fear or shame or apathy or cynicism that conceal it. —Elizabeth Lesser, Broken Open

She labelled herself and within the mid-twenties decided to go on medication. It worked for a bit but that even took a toll on her body as she felt the side effects internally. It affected her stomach, sleeping patterns and things just didn’t feel right. By her thirties she went down in dosages, exercised regularly, began to mediate and take control. She began to rise after the storm and shine like the exuberant sun. Coming off medication was the best thing she did for her soul. She was wide awake, and felt every emotion that she needed to feel.

How did I stay grounded and centered during this shift? I dedicated my time to spiritual growth – this encompassed prayer, reading material on inspiration which directed me towards yoga. I became a certified yoga teacher in 2014 and knew that my purpose was to help others heal. Yoga elevated my spirit and I wanted to share this gift. I had to confront parts of myself that I did not want to. It was terrifying , however I felt the veil had been lifted. This was my life and I needed to find peace and surrender to the circumstances. Faith, family, friends and having a clean diet are elements that assisted to healing.

This is my personal story, and what I want to reiterate is that you will rise. You are not alone; everyone faces challenges at some point in their life. Understand your emotions, they are here to guide you and help you foster internal growth. Uncover the layers of yourself, reclaim your soul and never lose faith. Do not see any setback as a limitation, you are braver then you know and stronger for everything that has happen to you, bless you.

I can see clearly now the rain is gone
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It’s gonna be a bright (bright)
Bright (bright) sunshiny day
It’s gonna be a bright (bright)
Bright (bright) sunshiny day

Oh, yes I can make it now the pain is gone
All of the bad feelings have disappeared
Here is that rainbow I’ve been praying for
It’s gonna be a bright (bright)
Bright (bright) sunshiny day

–Jimmy Cliff