Words Versus Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

In August of 2009, this blog started off as a public means for me to track the novel I've been writing. The idea was that if I told you about my progress, I would quit loosing ambition to follow through. I'm afraid to open the computer file and see when the last time I added to the content of the story, but I'm sure it's somewhere around a year. There's a printed rough draft that lays dormant on my desktop having a love affair with the wood-grain Formica. For some reason, I get the feeling the romance is over and I need to do something with the novel. And soon.

‎"The difference between fiction and reality? Fiction has to make sense." —Tom Clancy

As my attention shifted, the words filling the text box evolved into observations; you know, things in life I was witnessing. Tossing in my two cents, I began writing from the heart on ways to empower, encourage and remind readers of the importance of Self-love. Isn't that was life is about – falling in love with Self. The blog took me on a journey that led me to self-publishing Get A Compass Not A Clock full quotes and pearls of wisdom I'd mainly wrote here.

‎"People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is light from within." -Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

Now, things are shifting again. Not sure which direction I'm traveling but I'm up for the adventure. Thoughts of my novel poke and prod me into either finishing the work of art I've started or begin yet another and let go of the practice run. As Stephen King clearly states in his book, On Writing, “Learn to kill your babies.”

‎"Whatever we focus on expands. We focus so much on what's wrong in our lives; shouldn't we focus more on what's right?" -Marianne Williamson

There are so many beliefs, concepts... oh hell, things... that we feel we must hang onto, fix or reevaluate till we get it (what we consider) right. Writing is a passion of mine; always has been. I get such a natural 'high' from it. I can travel the world, even visit different realms and never disturb my Siberian husky sleeping on the floor right next to the casters on my office chair. When I was a kid, I'd take my mother's typewriter to the basement, use a sheet or two of her carbon paper (yes, I know what you're going to say) that I swiped from her desk and wrote my own version of a newspaper. Of course I got the best satisfaction from making my younger (you're welcome, Sis) sister purchase a copy for a nickle or whatever spare change we could find around the house.

”Words hang like wash on the line, blowing in the winds of the mind.” -Rameshwar Das

Sitting here contemplating my next paragraph, the Monkey Mind is begging me to make chocolate chip cookie dough. Not to bake cookies. Oh no... To eat the raw dough. I've conquered the house-cleaning-procrastination gremlins that go around tossing tissues on the floor and spilling houseplants onto the floor till I start cleaning. Ignoring them has gotten easier, however the cookie dough bunnies might be a different story.

‎"Choosing To Be A Victim Of Your Circumstances And Re - Living In The Shadow Of The Pain That Holds You Bonded In The Darkness , As Some Wear It Like A Badge . Yes It Happened But You " Survived " Move Past It." -Donna Genovese

Shifting Gears

Focus is shifting from the sense that we have to get it all done to how can I relax? Realizing that being overworked, bombarded with deadlines, a to-do list without an ending is no longer a desired way of life; we seek serenity.

Meditation can be used to release the beliefs that no longer fulfill our journey, silence the continuous chatter of the monkey mind, balance energies, access internal wisdom, grounding and align with Self. Like exercise, we know meditation will help us to feel better, be healthier and so forth. Even though the intent is there, it's still resisted. Clocks are watched; and for the Go-Getter's on a constant run, the idea of stopping their busy life for 30-minutes (forget an hour) of meditation is put off for another day. Belief that there isn't enough time delays the action because how could it possibly be productive to stop the forward motion?

On the other side of the pendulum, there are those who try so hard they exert themselves to exhaustion to create a sense of relaxation that when achieved, it's not relaxing at all. Go, go, go, stop. Go, go, go, screeching brakes. This way of life can cause metaphoric whiplash. Ease into the new routine. Do it in baby steps if need be. As a friend told me years ago, "Take your time. This isn't a race. It takes practice. What happens when you slam on the brakes too hard? You smash your forehead on the steering wheel; and who needs the headache?"

Done in niblets, meditation does not require a person to sit in an uncomfortable position with index fingertips pressed against the tips of the thumb forming circular symbols to experience inner peace. Inconspicuous ways people meditate without realizing they are doing it may include:

• Taking a long walk through the woods
• Focusing on and repeating an affirmation
• Sitting in a boat waiting for a fish to bite
• Soaking in a warm bath watching the flame of a candle flicker
• Listening to a favorite song that teleports the senses to a peaceful momory
• Stepping outside from a long day at work and taking in a deep breath of fresh air
• Watching the sun set
• Staring out the kitchen window while washing a sink full of dirty dishes
• Loosing track of time while working on a hobby

Truly there is no right or wrong way to experience serenity; what matters is the intent. It is when focus shifts to developing a healthy relationship between physical and divine Self that true love of Self blossoms naturally.

Please share the ways in which you take time for yourself.

Message in the Sky

Few thoughts invaded my mind as we rode through the countryside looking at the autumn colors. Nature is beautiful. It doesn't matter why or how the leaves turn to glowing yellows, flaming yellows or deep baritone shades of red. Truly I don't need or even desire an explanation; I revel in the miracle of evolving from one season to another.

Perched on the back of the motorcycle with camera ready to capture the moving scenery, I snapped a picture that took my breath away. A message in the sky. I didn't see the image before I took the photo. There was not a desired outcome or expectation. As soon as the image appeared in the LCD screen, I immediately snapped another picture of the same part of the skyline. The Cherub, male in appearance, looking down on us was gone, however the message was clear.

Our environment provides us with signs continuously. It is our option to pay attention. What is the message you receive when you watch the family of otters play near the riverbanks? How about the deer standing on the edge of the road? When you hear the caw of a crow gliding through the air, what's your first thought?

When something like this happens, trust your intuition to provide its meaning. Be open to the infinite possibilities. The first knowing (thought from the heart) that pops into your head is the message. The more you dwell on whether or not your are right or wrong, the less likely you will understand the intention.

Way, way back when while I was exploring my intuitive skills, a friend would have me interpret dreams. "What do they mean?" she'd ask. "What's your interpretation?" I would write it out, email it back to her and in most cases my version (let's just say) were not textbook. I got frustrated because I never had (and still don't) any interest in getting a dream interpretation book and was flat out told my answers were wrong. It didn't matter what the different symbols meant to me - I wasn't following the guidelines someone else established. Basically, it wasn't to her satisfaction. After some time later, in a completely unrelated conversation the experience was brought up and she informed me on the accuracy of the readings. She was impressed with the personalized insights she would never have gotten from her book.

We tend to discredit what we know (believe) to be true because we listen to the mind. The ego can be ready at a moments notice to dispense doubt like a candy dispenser. Instead of following our hearts, we have become accustom to turning to books and people we consider to be more knowledgeable for justification or approval or their interpretations. The priceless lesson my friend provided me was to trust my intuition and not to rely on another's. In some cases, their insight is based from their personal experience, fears, beliefs, and anything else you'd like to add to the list even though it doesn't pertain to your situation.

If the message is loving, nurturing and supportive, it came from the heart. Fear, doubt, lack, anger, rage and so forth only come from ego (mind) - not the heart. Only unconditional, pure love comes from the heart. Who's messages do you wish to hear?

Loving the Naysayer

Forging past fear appears easy on the big screen as we encourage the hero from the safety of a cushioned theater chair. It can be another thing to stand up in the face of our own fears to move past self-imposed challenges. Fight or flight. Stand up sit down. Do it yourSelf or pray that someone else will come along to handle the situation. An old way of thinking is to have everyone else decide how to find the looming solution or seek out someone willing to stroke the ego enough to boost the internal courage hidden behind the spinal cord to come forth.

It takes practice and determination to let old beliefs fall to the wayside. As mentioned over and over, there is no right or wrong decisions - only awareness. Each choice causes a ripple effect. The problem lies in the lack of decision making while waiting for an exterior source to help. Fear can be crippling as it creates more fear until there is no movement. Yikes! In order to grow, find peace, experience joy, laugh, love, some kind of motion has to take place. Take in a deep breath and allow your shoulders to relax as you exhale. Feel better? Yeah me, too.

Inside all of us is a wise one that knows only Truth. Find time each day to pause and listen to the internal voice through meditation, reflection, daydreaming, staring off into the distant sunset and even during a long hot shower. Learn a variety of techniques to quiet the chattering monkey mind. Excuses can be found as to the why not's. What do you desired? How can you expand your experience? How can it get any better than this?

Recently I've made a significant decision. And it was easy. I trust my inner voice. Yes, it will involve spending money. Yes, it involves going more public with my services. And yes, I am feeling fear. I also know from the depths of my being this is the path in which I desire to journey. Listening to Self during quiet moments, I gracefully understand how many different experiences have lead to this moment - a manifestation. There is a stubborn, nay-saying three year-old girl sitting on my right shoulder that I've asked to be my friend. I'm listening to her fears and embracing them. I am nurturing fear with love. What better way can you think of to develop a healthy relationship? The more I love and get to understand the three year-old naysayer, the softer her tantrums and the complaints lessen. Somehow she will get my attention. I rather it come through love.

Mantra of Possibilities

Spending time and energy working with my shadows, the parts of me that I've buried alive and attempted to keep hidden deep within the interior walls (the naysayer, victim, lack-luster, unworthy, unqualified, incapable and etc.), has provided me with insight and key elements of wisdom.

Becoming friends with my shadow is providing me freedom from the nagging and unjustified monkey mind. As quick as thoughts start down the spiral of despair and nastiness, changing them to beliefs with loving qualities has become easier. Each time another shadow makes an entrance I envision hugging myself and whispering in the ear of the shadow, "I forgive you. I love you." The six word phrase is repeated over and over until the emotions of anxiety, pain or drama settles and I feel more at peace. I know miracles are happening with each expression of love and forgiveness of Self with focus shifting to living peacefully.

Get to know and become friends with ALL of you - even the events you claim as a mistake. There are no mistakes, only awareness. Allow your emotions to guide your internal healing. Joyful and painful moments serve as a compass leading us to our true desires. Without conflict, we would not know peace. Go ahead, tell Self, "I won't be doing that again," when you remember a bad relationship, a less than enjoyable job, a regretted purchase five minutes after it was made. Realizing what you do not want to experience the phrase "How does it get better than this?" can easily serve as a new mantra. Opportunities will begin to open because while you were so busy believing how bad life sucked, it was impossible to see the possibilities. What are the infinite possibilities?

Shadow Work

A day late and much wiser for it. I’m dealing with my shadows. They are parts of me (memories) that I have blocked, are unaware of (from past lives) and have simply forgotten. The shadows are the unresolved issues within me - emotional triggers/reactions/behavioral patterns. And yes, you have them as well. That’s a good thing. It’s time to start acknowledging that side of Self.

Awareness is vital for it holds the keys to unlocking what is either out of reach or hidden from us. The more I’m exposed to the subject of shadows the more I’m realizing how unaware I was to them. I heard the descriptive title shadows for the first time last week and now it seems to be my new theme word. Let me clarify, I’ve heard the word used in the same context, but hadn’t felt its meaning and value as I do at this moment. It’s time to heal another aspect of me – the part that I dread and feared for all these years.

Emotions serve as a compass. When we are happy go lucky and joyful, we are in our vibrational flow and aligned with Self. When we begin to spiral downward with negative thoughts, we are no longer in the flow and life seems to suck big time. It hurts and the more we dwell on the pain and frustration, the more we fall downward like a slinky on a tall, steep staircase. Tumbling with an occasional thud, but the momentum seems to carry us down, down, down until we consciously say, “STOP!”

I’ve found the courage to see the shadow for what it is – a part of me. My shadows affect you and yours affects my life. Working individually on our shadows, yet united, we co-create the lives we truly attract. Let’s begin by appreciating the shadow’s willingness to come to the surface to be recognized. Get to know the shadow and make friends with it. Love this part of me. It serves as another gateway for love and light – the source of healing energy. The biggest realization that I’ve noticed is how I use distraction (television, radio, chores, busy work, and etc) to keep my mind unfocused on the issues at hand. I’m taking time each day, as often as I can, to allow silence to fill the environment. Without the distractions, I am not interfering with my own personal awareness and this provides me the opportunity to become familiar with the destructive patterns/behaviors so I can alter my beliefs.

I foresee this will be a topic I continue to discuss on this blog. The flowing is more or less the suggestions that I’ve noted for me and wish to share with you as it may help you with your own enlightenment:

By being thankful for what you have versus what you don’t have will help a person to get closer to aligning with Self.

Know you are loved.

You are never alone for your Higher Self is always with you and will never ever separate connection with you. We are surrounded by angelic guides gently offering guidance and with freewill we choose to either accept or deny the assistance. Spend time in nature. Talk to the trees, the rocks, the birds and the deer – pausing long enough to hear to their wisdom. Slow down and listen.

There is power in your thoughts and words.

Learn to silence the monkey-mind and turn off the distractions we use to drown out his chatting.

Focus on and see the goodness of Self – the Universe.

Value Self as a Being of Pure Love and Light.

Ask “What are the infinite possibilities?” from a point of positive belief (not lack).

Know that you are the creator of your own reality – Perception and Awareness are key.

Love and Forgive Self. Always be compassionate with Self.

A knowing comes from the Heart; a thought is the current belief in this moment.

“A belief is only a thought I continue to think. A belief is only my habit of thought; it’s only a practiced thought – a belief is only a thought that I think a lot.” –Abraham/Hicks (The Vortex - Where the Law of Attraction Assembles All Cooperative Relationships, written by Ester and Jerry Hicks)

Childish Behavior

Without a plan or written list of things to do, the next three days will be what we adults label impulsive as I live in the moment. I was blessed with three consecutive days off in a row. After I did my woo-hoo dance in the office my first thought was, Yes! Thank you. And the following kinda went like this: I can go up to Marquette again. Or I could stay home and finally get my garden taken care of. Oh, camping sounds like fun. I could hang out in nature and do nothing all day. The 'I could's' became overwhelming. Another list started forming, I could make candles, draw, finish writing my novel, clean the closets, make jewelry.... I could... The sound of the needle scratching over the vinyl record filled my mind. Stop! What was I doing? I was becoming exhausted and I still had plenty of days to work before the mini-vacation.

What happened to the days when I was a child and flowed from one moment, one event, one activity to another? There was no itinerary, no plan of action, no list to scratch off the completed projects – it was just what it was. In a way I feel a bit lost as to what to do. Letting go of the I hafta's is a little trickier than I expected. There's this compulsive need to make a list, but refusing to do so is actually quite liberating. As a matter of fact, the normal routine is to have the rough draft of my Monday morning blog post completed by 8am and today the computer was turned on at 9:15.

When we were children, our thoughts were on the activities we were currently participating in not focused on what's next. Shifting from playing with my toys upstairs to romping around the neighborhood with the boys next door to riding bikes to the beach to going to another friend's house and eventually ending up back home in time for dinner. A simple suggestion turned into, “Okay, let's go.”

As I live in the moment for the next couple of days may my need to control every minute fall to the wayside and hopefully spillover into the following days when I go back to the office. Oh look, a humming bird feasting on the nectar of the flowering bush outside the window. Gotta go.

Soaking in the Words

I was driving down a county road when the cluster of words came to me begging to be put to paper. It doesn’t matter who the phrase is intended for or how they come across the poem. It always comes into light in perfect time.

Self -love, -worth, -appreciation, -gratification may not come easy some days. Years back I found in a book or on the internet to verbalize the statement “I love you” in the mirror. At first I felt a tad bit awkward. Okay, downright silly. I wondered how this was going to help me feel better about the person looking back at me. In a short amount of time it became easier and less (for a lack of a better word) embarrassing. A new sense of pride, appreciation, value percolated and the statement developed strength. There is power in our words, especially the unspoken.

When the world seems less than ideal, I’ve learned it is important to care for the sensitive person inside. Being empathetic is a blessing and at moments not so much. On one hand it makes forgiveness easier because I understand – I feel what the other person is feeling. With this gift of sensitive energy and strong intuition, it took me a long time to realize how easy it is to absorb the ‘not-so-nice information’ internally. Mood swings like a pendulum slamming to the left and then the right without resistance.

“Claiming “I’m fine” with tears flowing internally is a difficult way of life.” –Cindy Kochis

Years ago, I became aware of how other people’s ‘stuff’ affected me. It became very important for me to explore ways to resist the temptation to and prevent myself from soaking up their vibrational energy and take claim to it involuntarily. The ‘ick’ clouds my mood and provides the monkey mind with destructive ammunition. Again, there is great power in unspoken words. The ongoing practice to shield the aura is vital. A few of the techniques I find work the best for me is meditation, journaling, affirmations and an evolving believe in Self.

Yesterday was one of those ouch days at work. My aura was wide open like a barn door and a dry sponge in the heart of it eager for anything. I soaked up the aggression, the insecurity and whatever else was ready to attach to my being. I felt as though I’d been beaten with the metaphorical 2x4 and then toss out into the highway in front of a Mack truck. Splat. It was a long ride home once I completed my shift. After I tossed another tissue into the trash, rolled over, snuggled deep in the safety of my quilts, I recalled what I wrote over a week ago:

“I extend to you

The security of a mother’s hug

The warmth of a lover’s embrace

The joy of child’s curiosity

The peace of calm water

The harmony in a celebrated moment

This is the gift of love I share with you…”

Sit Monkey. Sit.

See, feel, the knowing within the heart center. It is there - waiting patiently. Distraction can be labeled the culprit, but it is only an action. The monkey mind (ego) often time finds other things for us to tend to versus seeking answers, peace, balance, harmony.

Meditation is a common method for quieting the monkey mind so the intuitive voice can be acknowledged. The line, "I don't have the time," is a well-used excuse and one I've used. There's always another load of laundry to throw in the washer, floors needing vacuuming, dishes to be washed, dust bunnies to be rounded up and put outside, a dog wanting to be groomed and heaven forbid if we didn't clip our toe nails! I almost added cleaning the closets but then you'd know I was over dramatizing.

In the silence of our mind, our spirit is able to communicate with Self on many levels. The hesitation or resistance to find our answers through the means of meditation is the ego wishing to control or stifle the situation. Growth cannot happen without light and light comes from love. Believe, or better yet, know that you can do - be - create anything. Become aware of the time spent worrying needlessly and avoidance of personal growth. Change occurred through observation. Nurture the loving being within and the self-imposed barriers will begin to dissolve.

Near the beginning of one of the guided meditation, I wrote, "Feel your thoughts soften as the monkey mind slows down and takes a seat on a comfortable recliner in the back of your mind. He is comfortable. He is silent. This is your time." Meditation can take as long as a deep breath in and the exhale out, or as long as an hour. The choice is up to you.

In the calmness of the mind, the heart center opens to the continuous flow of giving and receiving of love without resistance. Personal healing and the strengthening bond of Self-love permeates to and from your being. Witness the miracles. Open your mind to the powerful energy you already possess. Nothing can stop you from fulfilling your desires. For if you believe, it must be. So it is...

Wordless Conversations

Wordless conversations surround us. Signs and symbols provide awareness to the truth within. The messages serve as reminders, encouragement, inspiration, warning, in-sight. And they are there, when you see them.

Recently I composed a Guided Meditation titled ‘Nature Within.’ Each time I read it to an audience, the response is magnificent. Words cannot begin to describe the heartfelt emotions emanating from the group. After we’ve had a few minutes to ponder the journey to our sacred space, I ask, “What is the one thing that stood out for you.” It amazes me, a sense of a proud mother, to hear the moment that was to them profound. Of course, I respect everyone’s privacy and no one has to divulge anything they wish to keep silent.

When we look to nature, we find peace. The intriguing part is each symbol can provide a different meaning from one person to another - one situation to another. For example when I see a deer grazing behind near my home, it reminds me to be gentle on my Self and express only loving emotions. Other times the doe can signify that I need to slow down, take time to be aware. A sign received especially while driving. The meanings I receive may or may not vary from you. Each time I go to search the meanings from a book, I sense that I already know the answer. I do. You do, too. All our answers can be found internally when we pay attention. Meditation is a wonderful way to get tuned in, tapped on and connected with our divine Self. It is a gift we can give Self and unites us with our own awareness – our truth.

I would like to share with you a few of my experiences. A single coyote standing in the middle of the road about a half mile ahead, motionless, watching me arrive in my truck. Fear evaporates and is transformed as I see the innocence in his eyes and the expression of unconditional love in his gaze. The turtle on a road far, far away from a natural water source served as a reminder that home is within. It is an emotion I carry with me. A house is a structure; home is the energy and emotions felt. The crows on the side of the road symbolize multi-dimensional information while to others they may see it as a sign of magic or a message from the wise ones. The interpretation is ours to explore. Think about a recent sighting you paused and thought, “What are you trying to show me?” Usually the first thought provides insight to the answer you seek. Here’s where you need to pay attention, is the internal dialog coming from a loving space or from the ego (monkey mind)? I suggest listening to only the communications from the heart.

Explore the following list. What does each represent to you?
Hawk
Dolphin
Butterfly
Deer
Coyote
Ant
Rose
Tulip

Download the FREE worksheet: Nature Within

Silence the Bully

Self-talk can be more vicious then the roughest, toughest fourteen year old bully leaning on the chain link fence in the schoolyard playground. Do you voice sincerity or can your words of cruelty out wit and pulverize Self-confidence before the bully even has a chance to open his mouth? People tend to believe in the demeaning thoughts without even realizing it. Go ahead and make a simple mistake like not entering in a payment into your checkbook and finding the expensive error on a holiday weekend. What would your monkey mind (ego) say?

The beautiful part of becoming aware of a once unnoticed belief is when the discovery is made. The Oh... moment when the chin lowers towards the chest and the “I'm sorry, but it'll be okay,” is said silently to Self. It's fine to experience absent mindedness. Considering there is no right way, no instruction manual, you cannot get anything wrong. It is through perception we interpret what's good or bad.

In a conscious effort to living what we feel is a better life, some people overextend their reach and set their expectation too high. They strive for imaginary perfection, doing what they believe others expect of them, and when they fall short lack of worthiness settles in the mind. Learning to be gentle on Self is vital. The harmful words expressed internally will hold us back from joy, peace, harmony...

Attempt as many times as it takes to turn the mental dialog around to listen to what you wish to hear. Sit quietly and begin to talk to Self as you would your best friend, or ninety-four year old grandmother. Console the internal being with encouragement. Embrace her with comforting feelings of forgiveness and love. Talk to the inner child with kindness and with the nurturing voice of a loving parent. Focus on the qualities of life you value and deserve. Cry if need be; it is through the tears we release so many emotions. There is so much power in our non-verbalized words. Use them to reinforce the joy, peace and harmony on your journey of personal growth. Know that life is meant to be loving and kind, you are not here to suffer. Forgive the experiences in your life that have created change. See the situation as a blessing to motivate your desires. Tell Self your dreams and ambitions. Feel the movement of excitement raise your spirits and surround you. Never give up on hope. Miracles happen when you speak with love.

Walking on Words

Tuned in, tapped on to all those words of wisdom. How often is a person's opinion and love-lacking advice taken to heart? I've met a few people who have the ability to toss those conjoined letters and vowels and scatter them onto the floor like confetti with total disregard to the manipulated meanings. There are days I wish I could do that – throw my self-doubts and worries into a heap and simply walk away. Wouldn't that be nice. Like dirty laundry piling in the utility room hamper, eventually it will start to stink and reproduce like rabbits. I can see the headlines now, “Overpopulation of People's Stuff! Watch Your Step!”

Advice seems to be everywhere telling us 'be happy,' 'let it go,' 'no one can take away your dignity without your permission' and yadda dadda dadda dadda. But... What if you work in a hostile environment where the lies and deceptions are so intertwined into the fabric of the office truth no longer exists. The relationship in which you are completely blind to the unhealthy nature of its existence. Or the friends and family members who voice their dissatisfaction to the decision to rock the boat and alter your life to fit your personal desires. There are so many to-the-core realities the simple quote band-aids cannot fix. The phrases of inspiration are reminders and affirmations to help guide desires; a target in the wind for you to shoot towards. All attempts to bury and stifle raw emotions felt without expressing them one way or another will backfire.

If you want change, make the decision. I know, easier said than done. Don't hold back your emotions. In the mood to giggle? Go ahead. Inspired? Create something new. Having a rough day when the weight of the world seems to be crashing down on your shoulders is okay. It's bound to happen. Have the courage to cry. It takes more internal strength to be vulnerable than to manufacture the statement, “everything's fine.” Give power to all of your emotions. Allow the drop-to-your-knees-in-pain moments to be felt and release the rivers of tears to cascade down your cheeks. Be what it is you are feeling in this moment. Once the release has expelled, finding the joyful pieces you left nearby will be easier to gather.

Positive changes begin with seeking the blessing in your current situation. Big, small, it doesn't matter as long as you work towards a loving, nurturing relationship with Self. Practicing peace daily with your internal vocal cords will strengthen your focus and assist you in detaching from the unwanted drama. What does the intuition say when you ask, How is this affecting me now? For you, my words of wisdom goes like this: be who you are without hesitation - be authentic - be You.

Blossoming Opportunities

Opportunities are popping up like daisies with the winds of change rearranging a few things I wasn't anticipating. There are a handful of weeds going to seed in my garden of life and I think it's wonderful. They serve as reminders that the experiences are not meant to be flawless. They are lessons yet to enlighten and possibly challenge current beliefs. Perfection is only interpretation – an illusion. It is what it is and we are eternally evolving.

“This or something better is now manifesting for me in totally harmonious and satisfying ways for the highest good for all concerned.” -Shakti Gawain

A couple of years ago I wrote the quote "Get a compass, not a clock" to serve as a reminder to follow the heart at its pace and stop keeping track of exterior influences. So often we seek guidance from outside sources and shushing the all-knowing voice within. At times we are in such a hurry to get to the mind-made finish line we don't take the time to become aware of internal wisdom. We manifest every situation we deem good and bad into our existence. “Careful what you wish for” is a statement worth remembering.

As for me in this moment, I'm still getting used to the idea of what I will term as 'an upcoming life altering change' I've recently discovered. The puzzle pieces are still falling into place and some still hidden from view. The missing pieces are probably on the floor under the chair I'm sitting on; if you have spent time working on puzzles at your dining room table I'm sure you understand the metaphor.

There are many changes happening right now for a large number of people. Isn't wonderful? Sure, a little scary because the journey is a bit unpredictable. See, that's the joyful part. We are breaking new ground and pushing through the mind-made jungle to get to our desired destination. The key element is to be patient, easy on Self and rest when needed. There are no deadlines. Find ways to let go of the accumulated stuff (mental and physical) that no longer serves your highest good. Like a fluttering butterfly in the garden - travel light. New opportunities will feel magical when there isn't so much baggage to carry on the adventure. Enjoy the upcoming changes as awareness expands and opportunities blossom.

Are you in the midst of an unexpected change? Share your positive insight with me.

Pick a Voice, Not Just ANY Voice

What do you deserve? Are you unknowingly holding yourSelf back because you don't feel worthy, smart or talented? Thoughts of, I'm not good enough. Someone else has already done it. So-and-so is much better than I am. Whose voice are we listening to? If we are focusing our attention on the voice of our Inner Self – Higher Self – the Universal voice – Heart Source – God – that part of You that speaks Your truth – it would express only love.

We could plunge into the deep well of ego, but it's not how I want to share this precious time with you. Not today. Let's journey in the direction of Self awareness. There is peace in our monkey minds when we listen to the soft, loving, gentle and sometimes barely above a whisper inner voice that is Self.

The transition of manifesting reality comes from emotions towards Self, what we believe we're worthy of and where we focus our energy consciously and subconsciously. We deserve to be loved. We deserve to enjoy all of life's bounty. We deserve limitless amounts of joy. You and I have infinite potential to accomplish any and every -thing by releasing fear, the sensation of lack, and doubt. Some days it will seem easier to do than others, but keep practicing. That's all it is. You cannot do this wrong since there is no right way. It is the repetition of strengthening our Inner voice that encourages it to become loud and clear.

Meditation is one way of establishing a stronger connection to Self. By taking even a few minutes when waking up, in a stressful moment, in a joyful moment or as you close your eyes before sleep, will assist in developing your bond with Self. There are many versions of meditation: sitting with legs crossed, hands palm side up resting on the knees and eyes closed; listening to a guided meditation; repeating a phrase/mantra; and even watching the sunrise/sunset. The list is long and I believe you will find your favorite way of traveling inward and finding your sacred space within.

There is so much in life to explore. No matter what someone else has ever said to you to cause any form of heartbreak, they are only words. It's time to step out of the muck, cleanse off and release the binding affects that hold you back. Take a moment and tell Self, “I love you. I respect you. I forgive you and all that have brought harm to me or others. I deserve to give and receive only the purest of love.”

Give your dreams and desires the freedom from the less-than-loving voice to experience your Soul's expressions. -Cindy Kochis

Calming the Great Lake

Drifting closer to sleep thoughts rolled in and out of my mind like waves of Lake Michigan lapping onto the sandy shoreline. Relaxation consumed my body until I internally heard the words, “What do you think about in the empty space between turning off the lights and sleep cradles your mind, body and spirit?”

I ran to my office to hunt down my journal and wrote until 1:20am.

Since work, the dread of, seems to be a common issue, let’s spend a few minutes on the subject. I’ve said it, you’ve said it, “Ugh, I don’t wanna go to work. I hate Mondays.” If the job is undesirable, consider ways to move closer towards something more suited to the passion seated inside the creative mind. Will taking a new look at your employment help to ease the frustrations? Currently I work in customer service and try to look at is as though I am going to meet a lot of really wonderful people every day. Yes, some days are a little harder than others, but I continue drawing my attention to the growing gratitude list. I live within a 15 minute drive. I work with some really wonderful and carrying co-workers. The perks are generous. And so forth. Do remember I am human and bad days happen; on more than one occasion the little cheerleader within has thrown her pom-poms on the floor and kicked them to the side. Emotions settle, I realign with the perspective I want to place focus on and life is magical again.

We are what we think. We are what we focus our energies on and in reviewing a situation, the more we search for signs to establish and alter our truths. In silence of nightfall, are your thoughts centered on love and the day’s joyful events or are you dwelling on loneliness, disappointments, lack, pain?

“Perception ~ take a new look at it. ” –Cindy Kochis

Once aware of this ah-ha moment you start to see how the internal dialog converts Self-talk into belief. When you look in the mirror, what do you say? Are your words gentle, kind, loving and rich with encouragement? Who’s in control, the monkey mind or you?

Fall in love with yourSelf. You are a beautiful person blessed in so many that you may or may not be aware of in this moment. Treat yourSelf as you would a close friend. Nurture yourSelf as you would a child. Embrace yourSelf as you would your grandparent. Trust youSelf enough to know you are perfect in every way just as you are today. Create a gratitude list of the things that provoke joy. Discover the components in life that bring you closer to the person within yourSelf.

Don’t be upset if it takes time to change thought patterns. Realize how many years you’ve developed this habit and understand it takes practice to dissolve it. Please be easy on yourSelf and with determination to experience peace of mind, you can manipulate the white caps waves from crashing with mighty force onto the mental shore to gentle ripples of water.