Sail Away…

Wouldn’t it be nice, once in a while, if we could actually go where our imagination takes us? Maybe it would be somewhere that you have never been before. It could be someplace that you have been and would love to revisit. I truly believe that it’s possible to have our dreams and visions become a reality.

I recently had a tarot card reading. Now, I’m not normally a person who believes in this sort of stuff. I was introduced to the reader by a friend who described him as a visionary. He was a wonderful, smart, funny man and he was actually coming to give our mutual friend a card reading. Before he got started with her, he said, “When I’m done, I’d like to do a short reading for you. I have some things to tell you.”

One of the things that stood out is when he asked me if I meditated. I told him that it was a recent practice I had adopted to help me start and end my day. He asked me, “Where do you go when you meditate?” Where do I go? What? I told him that I generally have to really concentrate on my breathing, just to let go of my whirring brain. It takes a lot of work to get to that place where my mind is clear; focusing on the breathing seemed to help me get there. He said that he felt that when I was meditating, my mind and spirit was actually going to play, to relax and have fun. He said that I should concentrate on that and perhaps I would understand my thought process and life journey a little more.

So that evening I thought I would try to use my imagination. Maybe if I tried to open my brain and think about somewhere or something pleasurable, it would make my meditation easier, to help me relax. Meditation shouldn’t be such hard work! It’s supposed to ease your mind, not scare or frustrate you because it’s time to try to clear your head.

So now, I look forward to those 10 minutes before and after my busy day even more. I close my eyes, begin my breathing and let my imagination be free. My favorite place to go is a beach, where the sky and the water are almost the same bright blue. The sun is shining; the sand is white and warm. I am alone and I am at peace. I feel strong and safe, happy. I have my own heart in my own hands, protected and ready for whatever comes my way. When I’m finished, it’s amazing to me how hopeful I feel about the day ahead or how restful I sleep.

There isn’t always an explanation for the way some people are or the things that they do. All I can do is explain the way that I feel inside and how I get there. Take some time for you at the beginning or the end of your day, or both. Sail away on your ship of dreams, your imagination, find the place that makes you happy and at peace. I will be on that beach of my dreams for real again someday, basking in the warmth and happiness that I deserve. You can too. Dreams to reality, what a concept…With love…

What’s Been Going On…

I’m expanding my horizons. I’m trying out some new things.  Guitar playing, (using the term playing rather loosely here,) cooking a little more adventurously, reading new things, (other than guilty-pleasure fiction,) exercising more, eating less, expanding and embracing relationships that I am enjoying, releasing and getting over the ones that I’m not. I’m not trying to set hard and fast rules to live by here, just trying to work on what’s best for me. I am feeling a little more peace every single day. We are all works in progress.

My relationships are changing, some are growing and some are not. The ones that are growing feel comfortable and easy, like the progressive pattern it should be. The ones that aren’t are getting easier to let go of; I can’t save anyone but myself.  I’m sad, especially when I have tried what feels like every single thing and still it doesn’t work out. It takes more than one person to have a relationship. Sometimes, you don’t even realize when you are out, or if you do, you ignore it in the hopes that this too shall pass. There are those in my life that depend that someone else will take care of the problem or issue. It’s time to stand on your own two feet.

The bottom line is that I’m living a life for me. It doesn’t mean that I’m not content with the many gifts I have been given. I used to see things very rigidly, black and white, cut and dry. Inflexibility wasn’t working; I had to find a happy medium. Expanding your heart and mind to let things in and out is what we should be doing. This will help us feel a measure of success, a bit of happiness, and some peace.

What’s been going on with you? Are you taking good care of yourself? Are you expanding your interests, trying new things? Fear is something that can hold you back from doing what you want to. It’s time to let go of the fear and embrace the goodness that you can feel with your eyes wide open. I am who I am, inside and out, growing and learning every day. You’ll find self-acceptance is what is most important to live a full, productive life.

Someday you might find me, sitting in my favorite bar, playing my guitar (HA!) or at the very least, listening to someone sing my words. I’ll have stars in my eyes and freedom in my heart. I’m a dreamer working on living in the present. Dream a little dream for yourself once in a while, if you’re lucky, it just might come true…With love…

Birds Of A Feather…

There are many things that draw people together. We are given opportunities in our lives to encounter other individuals in a lot of different circumstances. Thanks to our family connections, school, our jobs, social situations, we get a chance at a diverse number of potential relationships. Yes, relationships – romantic or friendly, business or pleasure, healthy or unhealthy, we get the chance to interact, to bond, to share a brief or lengthy time together.

What draws the closest ones together in friendship? I would venture to say that it’s the things we have in common that start and form the relationship. It’s our growth and differences that keep it interesting. Whether we are talking about long-term friendships or brand new ones, there are reasons that you continue to build on the foundation, to nurture the relationship. Talking, laughing, spending time together, doing things that you enjoy is what it’s all about. You probably have friends that have been a part of your life for years. Tomorrow you could meet someone that you never knew you missed. Friends are so important to our health and wellbeing. It’s giving and receiving on a basic human level.

What draws the closest ones together in romance? I believe in it, that romance. I love the heart pounding, breath quickening, tingling feeling when someone gets under your skin. You know what I’m talking about; the anticipation, frustration, hesitation, and culmination of emotions and passion that hits you like a punch to the gut. I also appreciate the tentative, uncertain, simple dance that’s done when you are friends and sometimes you think it might be nice to be more than that. I believe in the passion that should still burn brightly in long-term, sustainable relationships; it’s very sad when it doesn’t. Never give up on romance. Whether you are lucky enough to have it or you are looking forward to relishing in it, appreciate your passion when you are in the moment.

There are reasons that certain people cross your path. The common denominators soothe and comfort a worried mind and an unsettled heart. The differences give you an opportunity to learn and teach. Those people in your life who are friends, lovers or both are important to develop and sustain a passion inside you that will affect every aspect of your life.

When you feel good, physically and mentally and know that there is love and support all around you, anything is possible. Loneliness doesn’t have to be part of your equation all the time. Find the people you can depend on and that you can be there for too. There is a purpose in the individuals that you flock to, we might not look the same, do the same things, but we have a goal – to experience endless possibilities. We can see with clearer eyes that it’s what’s on the inside that really counts. Enjoy yourself…With love…

Even Flow…

I had an experience recently that I would like to share. It was interesting in that it couldn’t have come at a more appropriate time for me and my life journey. As I have mentioned, validation means quite a bit to me. I’m learning to appreciate that from within, but hearing it from someone on the outside helps me believe that I am on the right path.

At my monthly WomenHeart meeting we had a guest speaker, Dr. Bruno Cortis. He has written a book called “Heart and Soul.” His presentation was very informative in that he firmly believes that it is necessary to heal the spiritual heart and mind before any physical healing can begin. When he started speaking, I got very emotional. I felt like he was reaching right into my brain. He seemed to take everything that I have attempted to shift in my life and lifestyle, put it out on the table with a huge stamp of approval.

He spoke about how it is necessary to try to let your heart be free, so that it can communicate most effectively with your brain/mind. In order to free your heart and find peace, there is some work required. A few minutes each day of meditation - closing your eyes, take some deep breaths, concentrating on your breathing. Release any thoughts that might try to invade on this time, continue to bring your thinking back to your breathing. If you spend about 10 minutes each day, first thing, before you get too busy and daily life begins, to take this time to regroup and refocus, the whole outlook of your day could be changed.

At the beginning of his talk, he had the lights turned down and he asked us all to take a few minutes to meditate with him. You could feel instant tenseness in the room from some of the attendees; they were obviously uncomfortable with the thought of this exercise, but what choice did they have? I suppose they could have gotten up and left, but they didn’t. They were good sports about it. We all closed our eyes and listened to Dr. Cortis and his voice. He gave instructions calmly and quietly; everyone was participating.

It only took a few moments, but I could feel the whole atmosphere in the room shift to a much more calm level. The whole group seemed to take a big sigh of relief and comfort that was needed by everyone. We did this for the first 10 minutes of the meeting. When we turned the lights on, a bit dimmer this time, and Dr. Cortis started to speak about really living, you got the sense that everyone was paying closer attention.

He shared the importance of a more even flow of communication and self-appreciation was needed to help all of us heal – physically and mentally. He encouraged us to do what we love, every day – read, write, play music, whatever made us feel happy, even if it’s just for a few minutes. We should relish in our strengths and accept our weaknesses. If we let go of fear or uneasiness and let some love in, our strength and health will grow and our weaknesses might have less of an effect on our life.

It was a form of validation for me on personal levels that raised my awareness and appreciation for the work I am doing to live a life I like. I’m working towards and achieving, life that has less anger and frustration that has more happiness and peace, a life that is fun and appreciated every single day.

Try to make the flow of communication between your heart and your head a little more even. It’s vitally important for you to make the connection and prosper. I have mentioned before, simple changes can mean so much to you and your wellbeing. Try it sometime…With love…

Good Day Sunshine…

There have been studies over the last several years about how sunshine and the weather affect our mood. We are experiencing a true summer in Chicago. We have had many days that are hot, sticky, lots of bright sunshine, with temperatures over the 90s and 100s.

Personally, I find myself much happier about my day, warm or cold, when the sun is shining. I feel a bit of pep in my step with the warmth on my skin. I welcome the rain and the snow because our plants and flowers need it to grow. But when the sun is shining and the day is bright, it really has a positive effect on how I feel. I want to be out in the sunshine, enjoying the day.

Try to look at the bright side, your internal sunshine. It’s difficult at times to remember to do that, but the outlook of things to come can be elevated to another level. Positive, productive levels that will make you feel better and help your decision making. You will look at the world around you with eyes wide open, a brighter, better place where you can make a life worth living. It takes some work, but it’s worth it in the end.

In the meantime, when you have a chance, if the sun is shining, get out there and enjoy it. Bask in the warmth of the sun…it will lift your spirits…With love…

Give Peace A Chance…

I am horrified. I am scared. I am very sad. What’s going on? What’s our world coming to? Our children are not safe on the streets. They can’t play outside without the danger of abduction or a stray, whizzing bullet in a drive-by. We have to be mindful and on high alert, it seems, all the time now. You can’t let your guard down? You might have someone who has lost their mind, come to your job, school, and now the movie theater armed and ready to take you down.

I can’t think of anything positive to say to turn this type of reality around. Maybe I’m not supposed to turn it around? Maybe I’m supposed to be reminded that no matter what there are always going to be those with a hateful, disturbed mind and heart? Man, I hate that.

Be mindful and cautious when you are traveling unfamiliar territory, physically or mentally. If you need a friend to help you get through a rough patch, find one, use their shoulder to cry or laugh on. Take care of your mental wellbeing. Continue focusing on your strengths and strengthening your weaknesses.

Say a prayer, to whatever higher power you believe in, that we all remember to always give peace a chance…With love…

PS. I Love You…

I love you. Those three words that we long to, like to, love to, want to, hear directed to us.

I had a conversation with a friend recently about the phrase – I love you. On both sides of the discussion there was a bit of a quest for definition or meaning when the words are spoken. Why was it said, in what context, who said it, what did they mean by it? Why the suspicion? Why the question? Why not just feel it? Shouldn’t it be nice to have someone say “I love you,” no matter what the context? Well, of course it should! I had forgotten that.

Is it a phrase that is overused? I don’t really think so. If it’s sincere and comes unsolicited, it should make your heart beat a little faster, endorphins release, your spirit soar. I don’t know when or why I became so cynical or almost suspicious when those words were spoken to me. Perhaps it’s because at times in my life it was said to pacify me rather than to share the feeling. I’m not sure; all I know is that I want to find the joy in that phrase. I am rediscovering what it is supposed to feel like when someone tells you that they love you, no matter what the circumstance.

I want to have the majority of what I say or do be with a caring or loving purpose. I had the tendency to be a little harsh until I discovered how short life really is. I am working to be taken both seriously and sincerely. It’s important to me to open my heart and mind to love and to give it back. It’s not only romantic; it’s cathartic, friendly, and positive, like a special tool to help heal whatever ails us.

Say the words with meaning and truth. Listen when someone says it to you. Let it in your heart and in your head. It will promote the release of negative energy and have good things come back to you. Enjoy it, you deserve it, remember that. Don’t overthink or question, just feel…you will be amazed at what it can do for you…With love…