Peace - It is that Simple.

“Peace - You cannot acquire peace if you are at war.”
–Cindy Kochis

Peace.  Sounds simple, right?  Consider the terminology loosely used in the media, ‘War on Cancer’, ‘War on Hunger’, ‘ At War with (enter a country’s name)”.  

The vast majority of people desire peace at some level.  It may be a conflict with a sibling, disagreement with an organization, at war with the world, or battling something internally.  If there is conflict, you cannot have peace.  It is that simple.

Just a thought to consider today.

“If we ourselves remain angry and then sing world peace, it has little meaning.  First, our individual self must learn peace.  This we practice.  Then we can teach the rest of the world."
-Jenzin Gyatso, 14^th Dalai Lama

Name Change - Key Elements of Life

I am please to announce onegigglingwriter.blogspot is now keyelementsoflife.blogspot.com

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Over the years I have had various nicknames, usually coinciding with my red hair.  I acquired One Giggling Writer, a good description of me, and it functions as a great penname.  The direction, in regards to this blog, has morphed into something I didn’t expect.  Initially the intent was to write about quirky things that happen in the day-to-day events.  Over time I found myself writing about life and the various things I observed, felt, channeled and always from the heart. 

A while back I was reviewing some of the posts on OneGigglingWriter.blogspot.com and realized the name truly was not fitting for the content.   OneGiggling insinuates humor or comedy, and this blog is more about the elements of life.  For about two months I teeter-tottered on whether or not to revise the title to something more appropriate.  I promised myself I wasn’t going to just slap a new name to the blog and say, “Here ya go.  I hope this works better.”

Two mornings ago, as I lay in bed writing in my journal, Key Elements of Life flowed out of the pen and onto the blank page.  One of my bad habits is to put into motion an impulsive idea; so I waited 24 hours before I considering it and did it impulsively anyways. 

There is a voice that doesn’t use words. 
Listen.
~Rumi

Now the joy is locating passwords for web pages I have not been on in a while and updating as many of the links I’d established over the years.  The next task will be to contact my followers, and fellow bloggers and webmasters so they can update their web sites with the current link.  I feel this is a good change, maybe even a new beginning.  Life is an amazing adventure.

Blessings to all,

Cindy

Life Adjustments

Life is unpredictable, to say the least. It's an adventure. At various points it feels as though you're on top of the world; and other times, no so much.

I'm not the type of person to fluff up the subject of Life-Altering Change with artificial sweetener. When the words, “Oh my God, what am I going to do now?” crossed my lips, I didn't want to hear someone tell me, “You'll get over it,” or “Just think how better your life will be.”

Get over it? Be better? I liked things the way they were. They were comfortable. The routine was predictable. I knew what to expect.

"This is a time of adjustment...
This is not a time to re-focus...
This is not a time of planning...
This is not a time to do anything other than adjusting to your circumstance.

It is okay to rest.
It is okay to sit in silence.
It is okay to contemplate.
It is okay to remain motionless...
It is okay to be just as you are in this moment."
-Cindy Kochis

Change provides challenges, especially when you're broadsided with it. Even if I were to win the lottery, it would bring on a whole series of new stresses. Sounds silly, but when you think of it, ”What do I do?” “Where do I go from here?” “What do I expect from ME (forget about what others think)?”

This is a time of adjustment. Allow your emotions freedom and give yourself the opportunity to feel it to the core. That is when the healing gains momentum. When I'm listening to a friend talk about what they are going through, I listen. It's not for me to know why we have to go through these experiences, understand the “lesson” to be learned or even see the point of it... What I am witnessing is, in some way, life adjustments encourage us to find that same kind of love we feel for others within ourSelf – to feel unconditional love for Self.

Witnessing the Alignment

The key is Awareness.

The answer is Love.

And life is meant to be full of Giggles.

It never seizes to amaze me when pondering thoughts fill my mind as I awaken from slumber. Life is continuously evolving. Mind-sets shift; old beliefs fall off to the side when new one materialize; and then, then you finally understand the messages you've been given over and over and over...

The intent is Compassion.

The focus is on Blissful Joy.

And life is meant to be full of Precious Moments.

Situations present themselves in our day-to-day lives for us to notice. When ignored, they become louder and larger until the words, "Oh, now I get it," are vocalized in one way or another.

The action is Trust.

The integrity is Divine.

And life is an Alignment with Oneness.

Way of Thinking

The conversation took a turn that I truly wasn't expecting. Walking back into the room, my friend says to me, "Don't take this the wrong way, but..."

Unfamiliar with Abraham-Hicks, I played several clips posted on the internet for her to hear. In my excitement of introducing another person to the concept of seeing how our thoughts affect our perceptions, manifestations - our lives - I was shocked to hear her compare Ester Hicks with a dangerous cult leader. The charisma, the repeating of certain words, ability to get people to listen and follow instruction; it was not for her.

Right now there are millions of us artisans, in one way or another, aspiring to encourage others to explore Self-empowerment. Each one has a message, a reminder and on occasion something that sparks a new way of 'being'. Inspiration to create a desired life is one of the most powerful gifts a person can give from the heart.

There are many artisans that'll never know, understand, witness the impact of their work. And that's perfectly fine. Sure, to have the ego stroked and told how wonderful our works of art are offer more encouragement; it's not the real reason behind the passion.

If you think about it, why do we do certain things that make us feel good? Okay, silly question. But is it? Those with the set intention of highest good for all, with harm to none including the Self-help gurus, channellers of non-physical beings, friends, family, and even co-workers all share generically the same message: Love Self.

Personally I would rather learn more about the teachings to look in the mirror and say, "I love you" instead of "Damn you're fat and ugly." I'm all for having the awareness of how positive thinking can, and will, affect what we manifest. Abraham-Hicks' message is clear, "Ask And It Is Given."

Interwoven Messages

Fear is a belief. Fear from a past life can affect this life. Fear is part of our shadow work; an aspect of Self to be nurtured and seen for what it really is ~ withdrawal from Love.

In a conversation with a friend, I asked him if it was okay to tell him something he may or may not believe. He was open to what I had to say and listened. I asked him if he knew a woman who has passed on with long, straight black hair and the most beautiful brown eyes (the kind you cannot look away from). She appeared to be Native American Indian or at least part Indian. She came to me (she's visited on several occasions) this time just before I was getting in the bath tub for a soak and requested I share with this man her gratitude and love. He made a difference in her life. [As a side note, there's nothing like standing naked getting ready to put a foot in the warm water when something like this happens. Of course, I giggle at the irony as I write this article - vulnerability.]

At the time of the conversation, he seemed okay with the message. Uncertain of who the woman was, he was still appreciative. As we parted ways, I wondered if it was bothering him on some level. The next day I emailed a quick note just make sure I hadn't upset him. I explained, "It's that vulnerability issue - putting myself out there to 'get noticed' (and burnt at the stake)." The moment those consonances and vowels spread across the page, a flash back of the morning I woke up in absolute terror filled the mind.

The dream what horrifying to say the least. However, it answered the question I'd been asking for years - "What's holding me back?" I woke up knowing who it was that turned me into the council for being a witch in the days when innocent women where being burned at the stake or hung. The person was a loved one, a person I (in that lifetime) trusted with all of my heart and loved to the core of my being. Forgiveness, compassion and love surround the dream and still continues to provide me insight.

Learning to trust in the trust of trusting is not bravery ~ it is embracing love of Self unconditionally. Love is the key element to everything... What belief is holding you back?

Giggling My Way Through Adversity

Ever have a couple of days where nothing seems to be going right? Roadblocks to dodge, small animals running out in front of you, white knuckle grip on the steering wheel... and the brake pedal is missing. That's how the past eight days have felt. I can proudly say that my patience has been tested and I giggled through the whole process. Well, most of it anyhow - I did cry on Thursday.

Life is meant to be fun and not taken so seriously. Personal growth is key. Are you willing to step back, look at the situation while in the moment and ask Self, "What aspect of ME am I being made aware of?"

Ah-ha. Is this a characterization, or better yet, a misunderstanding of the phrase be in the moment. Being in the moment doesn't mean to be nonchalant about the situation, it is about being aware. Does this make sense? The more I attempted to make "it" work my way, the faster the roadblocks were built. I spent all of my morning and afternoon, hence why I'm posting this today and not on Monday, trying to get the recorded show of Guided Journeys with Cindy to the producer. I spent countless hours trying to figure out how to get my voice data recorder to download the show onto the computer. Even though it was obvious Plan A was not working, I still pursued it. Then Plan B pooped up. "Yes!" I hollered and giggled with delight.

Plan B was wonderful, exciting and unexpected. Now I felt really good for having spent the $20-25 on a headset/microphone for a completely different project. A new buzz of energy rose and I spent the next hour and a half recording Guided Journeys with Cindy. A key element needs to be noted is the fact the show is 55 minutes long.

So at this point I'm all happy and giddy driving back into town for the high speed wireless internet at the library only to find out the file is too big to email. This beautiful, wonderful show is too flipping big. Ka-thud. My wild and woolly crazy buzzin' energy screeched to a halt. "What?" I exclaimed from inside my truck, "No!" I tried several ways. Nothing worked. Nervous energy started flowing out of control until I realized what I was allowing to happen and turned the focus on the fact that everything will be okay. I giggled and took the revised approach of maybe this is not how it was meant to be, but everything works out for the best.

Then Plan C hits me like a bolt of lightening. Vroom.... I drove back home like a mad woman. I recorded the beginning and ending of the show thinking the producer could cut out the meditation portion from last week's show and plunk in the middle right where it belongs. "Yes! This will work!" I spend another 30 minutes getting Plan C completed and, vroom, back into town for the high speed internet. The email was sent in a few seconds. A message was left on the producer's voice mail during the drive to work giving her a brief description of the events of the day and of the email sent to her.

Later in the evening, when it was too late to do anything regarding the show, I checked my email only to find out that there was no sound on the file. I laughed at the situation. After spending literally all day working on this project, worrying, hustling, getting frustrated only to find this out, I simply laughed. Sahvanna, the producer, reassured me all was well. In the email she wrote, "No problem Cindy, don't stress. :)" How awesome is that? My guess, she was giggling at the absurdity of the situation as I was. She made the show happen and all is well.

Everything works out. I trust that it will... I have faith.

Thoughtful Choices

'Careful of your thoughts' is an understatement for they possess more power than we acknowledge. Thoughts create perceptions and formulate beliefs to be held as current Truth. This is not a new concept, just one that should receive more attention.

The things our minds dwell on (work, relationships, money, status) puts focus on our intent - the experiences we wish to attract into our lives. If thoughts are centered on how horrible Monday is going to be at work, the person seeks out to notice all the challenges of the day to confirm the desire (belief) without recognizing any joy. It is, afterall, what Self is expecting. And when the day goes better than expected, that person will believe it was only a fluke and that won't happen again. Well, maybe on Friday. Here's something to ponder, people are typically fired or let go from their jobs on Fridays - not on a Monday.

Let's chat about relationships, shall we? This is a very sensitive subject to most. The number one question a psychic is asked is in regards to relationships. "Will I ever meet my soul mate?" "Does he love me?" "Is she the one?" "Will this relationship last forever?" "Will we get married?" If you think about it, the person asking has already set doubt into motion - perception established. If the questioner were to sit quietly in the energy of the relationship and listen to the heart, the answer is already there because you are creating it. The ego, on the other hand, may certainly have a completely different answer. "I'm not worthy of his love." "She'll take care of all my needs." "Can't wait to see So-and-so's reaction when I bring him to the party."

Your choice in music, movies and television shows can also alter your manifestations. Listen to the influential words when you sing along with the radio. Are you singing about love gone bad or of the power of love? Is the television show jam backed with violence and deception or about a supportive friends? Our emotions guide our perceptions, in turn establishing our desires. How do you feel when listening to a favorite song? Seriously. Does it help you to heal from a heartbreak or stir up emotions of lack, doubt, failure? Compassion or rage... Our words, verbal and internal, hold more power then our awakening minds can comprehend.

Ask youSelf, "What would happen if I changed my perception?" Look at any situation in your life. We get so wrapped up in our emotions that sometimes we miss the miracles of the moment. Yes, the Miracles of the Moment. There are reasons (lessons) we experience what we currently consider less than desirable events. They serve as a compass to direct our course and, in some cases, force a necessary change in our awareness. Be open and available to new possibilites, new understandings and allow the wall of self-righteousness to crumble to the wayside. Be curious as a young child and know there is no right or wrong decisions - only awareness.

"Sometimes, by taking a moment to return to where you are right now, you will be able to see the moment with greater clarity and insight and the next step on your ongoing journey will be clearer as well." - Brian & Wendy Froud from "The Heart of Faerie Oracle"

Power of Empowering

Feelin' a bit feisty, I let thoughts swirl around fears and employment as I washed the dishes this morning. In view is the floral garden I haven't tended to in two weeks. There's also a hiking trail two miles down the road I haven't stepped foot on in over three weeks. I've allowed working to consume my energy and time. As I stood at the kitchen sink looking at the wheelbarrow full of rotting vegetation in the middle of a pathway, a gentle voice quietly asked, “Where's your focus?”

I smiled. I knew. “Yep,” I said aloud, “I'm not setting my energy on the things that matter the most to me. Huh....” Excuses could have spewed from my mouth, if I allowed, but talk about counterproductive. We as a society worry too much about money, jobs, lack of 'something.' When, or why, did we move away from the rhythm of life – nature – being? What happened to the idea of living peacefully in the moment? Listen to friends, family and Self on a Sunday evening and most likely you'll hear the discord of “I hate Mondays, I don't want to go to work tomorrow, I can't wait for next weekend.” Anxiety builds and more fear is set forth along with annoyance, dissatisfaction and plenty of other unpleasant emotions. Why do we insist on suffering? Ha! Here's a thought, how about I go to work to recoup (rest) from life instead of resting because work is exhausting.

For as long as I can remember I have said, “Tell me I do good and I will do better. I want to hear the phrase again and again.” Honestly, I've only encountered a couple of managers/employers that functions in this manner. Instead most stood on their shaky pedestal tossing their self-fabricated power around like they were the keepers of the kingdom, holder of the keys, instilling fear in hopes to maintain the illusion of control. There's this false premise that in order to feel good about Self, a person needs to knock everyone else off the I-feel-confident-in-myself soapbox. Why? How does belittling a person make anyone believe they are more important and stand on a higher rung of the so-called ladder?

There's a joyful life just waiting to be embraced. Life is meant to feel good. It is our own personal interpretation of _______ (work, relationships, money, and etc.) that holds us in the position of powerlessness. Ouch. We mirror, attract, situations based on what we believe while following our intuition – perception. Motivate Self and Others with love, compassion, and empowering words. There is so much satisfaction in feeling the energy vibration rise when intent is focused on encouraging versus dismantling.

We create our own heaven and hell. The challenge to leaving behind fear is to go within and find the Hidden One – the Shadow – and learn from this aspect of Self. The Shadow has so much to teach. Do not resist this awareness. Seek the part of “I” pushed out of the way in hopes of never revealing. Ah, for only a fool would believe it possible. As a wise one shared with me using visuals tools I could then comprehend, he explained energy needs three three things in order for the current to flow – a positive, a negative and a ground. “It is YOU that has defined positive as good, negative as bad and grounding as the wire that keeps it functioning properly. There is no good. There is no bad. There is only awareness.”

Uncovering A Self-Imposed Truth

After taking care of business, a friend and I sat in her office talking about our boys; her three teens and my two adult sons. Conversation rolled from sports, interests, natural skills and shifting sixteen year old attitudes. A phrase she said brought out a self-imposed truth I'd suppressed deep within. She mentioned how one of her sons “has it figured out that the world is his oyster and everything is available to him. All he has to do is go for it.” She followed up with, “You know, like when we realized it.”

Without a hint of hesitation, I replied, “I've never really felt that way. For me it's always been a sense of survival.” Metaphorically speaking, I dropped to my knees. An awareness, a perception of life, a belief of my truth was in that moment brought out into the spotlight for me to view, bless and release.

“Time is only there to impede the soul of doing its job - to enjoy the things that surround us.” -Jeremiah Kochis

Several days later, I spent a few minutes with a dear friend chatting about something completely different – yet carrying the same emotions. With tender words of kindness he expressed how he believes I am being tested to find, speak, express my truth. Finding the value of saying “No” to things that don't resonate for my highest good. Sitting next to him on a park bench in the shade of the porch, I said, “I'm so tired of the struggle. I don't like this 'being tested' crap. I want to enjoy life without all the struggle.”

He responded in the big brother way he always does with me, “Turn it around. How are you looking at this? Turn it around and see the lesson. See the good in the experience. It's only awareness. You have to live from here,” he tapped is chest indicating the heart. “How can you change your perception?”

We are loved beyond our verbal comprehension of the meaning. Allow the love from within your heart to guide you. Trust Self. Bless each situation and use the experiences like a compass to direct the journey. We are guided to express and live our truth. How can you change your perception to that of knowing there is unlimited potential? What are the infinite possibilities?

A personal notation - sometimes shared insight helps to open the thoughts of others. Many blessing to you...

Early Morning Energy

More time was spent tossing and turning last night than the act of sleeping. Odd dreams of my young sons and I in a house that wasn't ours, a snippet of working in a job I've never held, and any of the other bazaar glimpses I remember involved cleaning. In the house, that wan't ours but was, I washed dishes in a household kitchen with two sinks and getting the trash ready to be taken out. At the place of work, I had to run across the street to the bakery for more paper towels because our office ran out and no one filled out a requisition form. Funny thing was while I was being told by the employees of the bakery that they too were out of paper towels, the owner gave me some outdated sherbet in plastic sleeves instead of the usual bucket. It did look yummy.

At 4:11 a.m. I effortlessly woke up wondering, "what's with all the cleaning?" As quick as the thought entered, it was gone and my internal conversation started to focus on meditation. Yeah, weird I know. I was awake and unable to slip back in to sleep. I suppose it could have been simply that I didn't want to do any more cleaning.

The thoughts filling my less than groggy mind were not on the why's to meditate, but on the techniques and sacred space journeying. Did you know that zoning out or daydreaming is a form of meditation? How about sitting and watching the waves lap up the shoreline? It's not just about sitting Indian style with palms face up balancing on your knees with thumps and index fingers lightly pressed together to create a circle. It's actually less complicated (and you cannot do it wrong). It is about allowing (giving opportunity) the spirit within to communicate freely with the mind and body on all dimensions. We receive the best information and guidance from our internal compass for the soul's only intent is for the highest good.

As I tossed one more time this time facing the curtain dancing in the wind, I started thinking of the energy flow that occurs during the Heart Source Healing Guided Meditation I wrote. It was then I realized we harmonize, balance and cleanse the chakras, but what about the other energy ports in our physical bodies. The 'oh yeah' and 'ah-ha' phrases settled and I wondered why I hadn't thought of this earlier? They deserve just as much attention as the chakras.

Hands are well known portals for energy flow. The loving touch of a mother or loved one can bring comfort and peace of mind. The healing touch of someone who cares during a crisis instills support. The reminder of purity when a young child touches your hand and says, "I love you."

Our bodies consist of a network of energy points (hands, feet, hips, elbows, shoulders, etcetera). And what some may not understand is these portals are connected to a matrix of all energies. For example: How do you feel around one person versus another? If your were standing next to person A in a group of their friends, how would their energy differ than when alone? Change it around again and while standing next to person A surrounded by person B's aggressive peers, how does the network of energy feel?

Energy is information. Our intuition deciphers the energy and provides us with information internally though our sensory system. The "good feeling" you have about a person, the "fear" of the location. It's how we make choices.

So, at four o'clock this morning what were you thinking about? I remembered to add a technique to assist listeners of Heart Source Healing Guided Meditation to harmonize, balance and cleanse all their energy ports.

I'm Attracting That?

The repetitive sounds of the waves and the breeze fill my ears with the sweet harmony of bliss. Me and Lake Michigan and wet sand between my toes. Only a few people have claimed their piece of paradise as I find mine. The fold-up chair is placed in a perfect spot so the occasional wave can tickle my feet. Pad of paper and pen ready to capture whimsical thoughts and dreams as odd looking beach bugs scurried on the hot sand running to and fro and rarely in a straight line. These were the thoughts I had yesterday when I began to journal. Quickly they changed as awareness of the law of attraction was making its point.

Here's insight to yesterday's journal entry and a wonderful example of how our vibrations affect what we are manifesting. On the way out here, I was made aware... yes, I noticed it. If law of attraction is listening – paying attention – boy, am I in trouble. At the grocery store, the cashier asked where I was working and if I liked it. My response was less than enthused as I responded, “I'm grateful for the paycheck.” At the post office, the gal behind the counter weighing my box to be shipped mentions she hadn't seen me in a long time and asked where I was working and how I like it. This time I feel a touch of resentment build internally as I told her, “I'm going to the beach for the first time all summer.” The discussion went from me feeling good about my day off to not so good vibrations when I mentioned that I work most weekends and usually work six days a week with several short shifts so I barely hit 40 hours. Wow, at this point my day of relaxation is not feeling so relaxing.

My journal entry then continues: This is not what I want... so how do I manifest things I enjoy, feel valued and respected, receive a fair paycheck for my services, and without all the office drama-luster. My goal is for the highest good for all with harm to none ~ my focus is to assist others. I am a writer with many stories to tell... stories to warm the heart, inspire people to be authentic and encourage personal growth.

“Women are repeatedly accused of taking things personally. I cannot see any other honest way of taking them.” -Marya Mannes

As I sit at my computer this morning allowing my fingers to tap dance on the keyboard I truly see how awareness brings change in various forms. A common thing we as a society whine about is our jobs. I most certainly am not discrediting my employers as I am very grateful I am one of their employees. We have fun and plenty of 'good stuff' is accomplished. The ultimate point being made is to pay attention to how your energy feels when speaking on any subject.

Observing the rise and fall of our vibration can make a difference in our perception. The key element to manifesting is the focus of energy we feel in any given moment. Yesterday, I allowed my emotions to be altered by the lack I was feeling. Today, as I get ready for work, I am feeling gratitude. Joy that I have a job close to home, every time I pick up the phone I have the opportunity to make a new friend and assist them to the best of my abilities, and for the steady paycheck.

Going back to my afternoon at the beach, I made a list of questions to create an internal dialog for change, bring forth emotions and view my desires on paper. I closed the journal after I wrote '...and do what? Listen to the music of the waves and wind.'

Today as you go about your business, note the emotions you feel when speaking – and listening. Are you aware of your manifestations?

Trusting the Chosen Path

Returning to the truck, water squished between my toes inside the hiking boots that once, years ago, bore a waterproof tag. The torn and worn beyond comfortable jeans are soaked from the rain jacket down. Rain water dripped from my bangs into my eyes. I was literally soaked from the top of my head to the soles of my feet and haven’t felt that refreshed in a long time.

Yesterday, after waking up from my second nap of the day, my body begged for movement. Working my backyard garden in the rain is a common practice, but not what I was craving. I wanted longer strides to my steps. A raising of the heart rate. A hike on one of the nearby Nature Preserve trails. The gentle summer sprinkle turned to rain and as the first few steps were firmly placed on the path it began to pour.

The 1.3 mile trail is marked by a well-traveled path. Signs are not necessary here. The aroma of wet cedar, birch trees, grasses, wild flowers and countless other plant life exhilarated my sense of smell. The entrance is in a thick cluster of cedar trees leading the adventurer to an area where, this time of the year, the thick brush is almost taller than the five feet five inches I claim. The corridor weaves to the left, then the right and at points I am unable to see more than a few feet ahead of me. This was when the phrase a friend offered to me to ponder returned from memory. He said, “Trust in the trust of trusting.”

Read the line again. “Trust in the trust of trusting.” The meaning, for me, is profound when repeated aloud and becomes even more so each time I repeat it internally. It’s easy to say we trust something, however to believe and feel the unconditional faith is forever evolving. To relax and be free of the need to control a situation or circumstance. The thought, “If you want to hear God laugh, tell him your plans,” just now crossed my mind.

Approaching another tight corner I trusted the path would lead me safely to the clearing I know is ahead. Something seemed different. A sense of unfamiliarity. I've walked this trail countless times, in all sorts of weather conditions; under blue skies, trees swayin’ in the harsh fall winds, snow up past my knees. For a new-comer walking this particular part of the path where the tree branches hang low and the bush full of red berries have overgrown the space may pose intimidation and the sense of the claustrophobia. A choice will be made to either trust the path is safe or be convinced by internal forces to turn back towards the vehicle with the intent to try a different day.

The deeper into the swampland I got the more I understood how my emotions accurately measure the level of trust. I know I will be okay. I know that everything has its season and it always works out. But this refers to the future, what about right now? How do I feel about work, my relationships, my financial situation? At what level am I trusting that in this moment I am being taken care of by the Universe? Am trying to control it? Am I, as the saying goes, giving it to the angels and God to handle? Or am I holding myself back from the joy I wish to experience? What am I allowing life to be?

Pausing on one of the sturdy wooden bridges, I watched the creek flow effortlessly towards the lake. The temptation to release tears of frustration was there, yet something lit up inside my heart and I knew instantly everything is bliss. Life is good. A little further down the trail, as I wiped the rain off my face again, I giggled at the thought, I trust the waterproof mascara will hold up under the rain.

Time in Motion

11:11 "Careful of what you’re thinking." Dabbling in numerology that is the line I think of when I see a series of ones. Usually the numbers are noticed on a clock; ironic since I quit wearing a wrist watch after writing the quote “Get a compass, not a clock.” A handful of minutes ago as I walked into my bedroom, the alarm clock read 11:11. The line careful what you’re thinking entered my mind and shifted to “Bless the thought you’re feeling in this moment.”

The movie The Shift with inspirational speaker Dr. Wayne Dyer is currently paused in the living room. The intent was to grab my journal and capture a line from the movie that resonated very deeply within my spirit, but after catching the time and receiving the message, I am writing to you and myself.

“To touch someone’s life is more valuable than any amount of money.” –Dr. Wayne Dyer The Shift

When we focus on ourSelf and ask the question how may I serve, I’m learning – no, I’m witnessing, doors open and abundance flows. I’m not talking about financial abundance, although that’s always welcome, I’m talking about inspiration, ideas, creative ah-ha moments, dharma, purpose. Life is about being happy, finding joy, experiencing peace and doing the things we love. When we let go of the need to please others and do what we believe they want - magic happens. A part of being authentic is finding your music, what makes your soul sing, what fills your heart with passion and allows you the ability to lose track of time while you breathe in life.

“Bless the thought you’re feeling in this moment.” -Cindy Kochis

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.