Thursday, November 28, 2013

Life Exists To Indulge

I have been making extra efforts this week to eat healthy and fit exercise into my schedule, including running a 10k Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning.  Why?   Because I am ready to take a day off and feast on turkey and stuffing and potatoes and desserts.

Every once in a while I am reminded that life exists to indulge, to be undisciplined, to be extravagant.  Forget the moderation for just one day.

More than that, I am releasing any judgements I might have about myself for indulging.  For one day, I am allowing myself the treats that my soul desires without the  nagging voice within saying "Do you know how many calories are in that artichoke dip???"

And - I am excited!  There is a giddiness rising up in me just by knowing that I am going to be undisciplined in my eating.  I feel an aliveness that is sparking something almost childlike in me.

There is no doubt that balance is necessary and I'll get back on the moderation bandwagon on Friday (or maybe Saturday haha).  But - I'm am making space for the joy in letting go of what MUST be done and I am reveling in the thrill of what I'd LOVE to do.

As for clean-up, there will be no washing dishes. I've got nice paper plates that can be tossed when we're done.   The turkey is being cooked in an oven bag and the aluminum tray is disposable.

And, I refuse to feel guilty about being less than environmentally-friendly.

Today is my day and I am letting my Spirit out to celebrate.  I am acknowledging the "slacker" side of my personality and setting it free to simply experience the feelings.    And I am doing it all in gratitude that the possibility to be extravagant is an option in my life.

So my intention for today is to enjoy my social butterfly status and to let the party unfold in perfect ways for everyone to celebrate.



"You can reshape your thinking so that you never have to think
 in negative again.  You and only you choose your thoughts."



Monday, November 25, 2013

Prayer Works When I Let It Go

I have spent the last few days writing my term paper for the end of my Year 2, Term 1 Practitioner Studies.  What has become clear is that Affirmative Prayer, or a Spiritual Mind Treatment, is more than just a 5-step process to create the life I desire.

It is really tapping into who I am at my core and my relationship to the Divine Presence within me.  It is from that perspective that I feel the last step in the treatment - release - is so vital.

For me, the last step requires complete faith that everything that has preceded in my affirmative prayer - recognition of God as my source, making God personal to me through unification, realization of my desires, and gratitude for receiving my good - will absolutely work.  

From that place of faith and trust, I can allow my intuition to guide me, allow God to work through me, knowing the Universe is showing me the best way to make manifest my good.

Even more amazing is when I release any fear and take a leap of faith, something EVEN BETTER shows up.  When I hang on to "how" things should look based on my past experience, I will always limit the possibility of what will show up.  

When I let the Universe do the work, I then create the space for miracles.

Ernest Holmes says in Science of Mind, "Because we fail to realize that Principle is not bound by precedent, we limit our faith to that which has already been accomplished, and few "miracles" result.  When, through intuition, faith finds its proper place under Divine Law, there are no limitations, and what are called miraculous results follow."

The really funny thing is that the release of the prayer to the Law is the shortest part of the treatment.  It highlights for me that prayer does not need to be extensive or complicated - it just needs to be heartfelt AND we must let it go.

So, my intention today is to trust that Life supports me when I let go and let God, knowing I am absolutely entitled to the best in all things.


"You have a very powerful mind that can make anything happen." 
 ~Wayne Dyer

"The sooner we release our minds from the thought that we have to create, 
the sooner we shall be able to work in line with Spirit.  
~Ernest Holmes, Science of Mind


Affirmative Prayer:
In this moment, a Divine Love exists at the center of all that is.  It is in the expectancy and the possibility of Life.  It is in the all-good that flows with no effort.  And this Life allows for the full expression of living - of touching and tasting and feeling - until the senses are in a state of wonder and bliss.

It is from this place of wonder and bliss that a knowing of Divine Love is felt as it moves through and around and as me.  It is me and I am it.  There is no separation, only a Oneness that enfolds and uplifts me as I experience each day fully.

Feeling the energy of the Oneness, I lean into God's vision for my life.  It is a vision filled with beauty and harmony and joy and greatness.  And sometimes there are tears and frustration as I learn the lesson that is for my highest expansion.  From this lesson, I know that something even better is here now.  And because I release what it looks like, I know that it is incredible.  My life is incredible and extraordinary!

I am filled with gratitude for the greatness that is my destiny.  And I am so thankful for a Universe that stands me in a life that is extraordinary.  It is all good and exactly as it should be.

Embracing the good, I release my word to the Divine Action of the Law, knowing it is already done in amazing ways.  I need say nothing more other than I let it be so.  And so it is.  Amen.











Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Jumping On The Healthy Living Bandwagon

I have been traveling for work quite a bit lately and it has meant eating out, night after night.  On top of that, exercise has been limited if not non-existent.  And, after eating my way around Lake Tahoe all weekend, I noticed today that my jeans are fitting just a little bit tighter.

Note to self: time to get back on the healthy living bandwagon again.

The challenge for me is I am a foodie.  I love all of the flavors in a good Italian pasta and the spiciness in a Mexican dish is to die for.  Then there is dessert - especially chocolate.  Pair anything with a good red wine and I can munch and nibble my way through the day.

Knowing that I need to change some habits, I've now been obsessing over diets and cleanses and workouts.  I've been scouring through Pinterest to get ideas.  I've spent hours on websites like Dr. Oz, Jorge Cruise and Bob Greene.

Quite honestly, for me, it's just not that easy to stick to some of the stringent meal plans that I'm finding.

On top of that, I am beating myself up about the choices I have made.  Why did we stop at Carl's Jr. and eat the Bacon Cheeseburger?  Did I really need the extra large bag of popcorn at the movies?  I'm so weak....

Fortunately, I've been catching my negative self-talk and have been able to stop those thoughts immediately.  In stopping the negative thoughts and breathing into the space I just created, the word "choices" popped out at me.

I am ALWAYS at choice.  Wow!

I have the ability to start fresh each day.  I have the ability to set myself up for success.   I have the ability to make better choices.

So, I'm giving myself permission to enjoy my food and to indulge sparingly.  I'm giving myself permission to choose protein over carbs.  I'm giving myself permission to love my curves.

I will never stop being a foodie.  Nor will I ever likely be as thin as a pin.   I CAN set the intention to stay aware of my food choices.  I CAN still enjoy eating and be mindful of my portion size.  I CAN ask that the Universe support me in my new healthier lifestyle.

And, what I KNOW - when I ask the Universe for support, it is ALWAYS given.

I am guided to cook healthier meals at home vs. eating out.  Images on TV or in magazines show up to inspire me to stick with my eating plan.  I attract activities and events that get me up and out and exercising more.

So, my intention for today is to take my food choices and my exercise more seriously, trusting that the Universe is supplying me with will-power and with inspiration to live well.


"Be not the slave of your own past.  Plunge into the sublime seas, dive deep 
and swim far so you shall come back with self-respect, with new power, 
with an advanced experience that shall explain and overlook the old." 
 ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Go ahead: Live with abandon.  Be outrageous at any age.  
What are you saving your best self for?"  
~Oprah Winfrey


Affirmative Prayer:
In every decision, in every choice, in every breath, there is only One Divine Intelligence.  Whole, perfect and complete.   As steady as a heartbeat and as solid as a mountain. This Divine Intelligence that I call God is filled with a love that knows no bounds and is rooted in the beauty and the grace that is unending.

Standing in the freedom of this love, there is a realization that all that God is, flows in and through me.  I feel God in the beating of my heart and I know God in the wisdom of the words I speak.  My vision is filled with the wonder and awe of that which is made manifest through God as Sandy.

As I let Spirit fill me and move me, I am swept along a path that unfolds in ways for my perfect expansion.  Life is good and provides a bounty of abundance in all things.  And as I take part in this abundance, I am guided to make healthy choices in my eating.  I am inspired to exercise in ways that are perfect for my body type.  I eat and enjoy my food and do not feel compelled to over-indulge.  My will power is strong and the Universe says Yes! as I continue to honor my body temple with nutrients that allow it to flourish and thrive.  It is so easy to make good choices in my life.  And it feels wonderful to savor and enjoy life in ways that allow me to shine and prosper.  Life is good!

Claiming perfect health as mine, I give thanks for the truth of the Universe that provides me the opportunity to express and expand in perfect Divine order.  And I am thankful as I leap with faith into the unknown, coming out the other side in grace and in peace with who I am.

Leaning into a future that is bright with possibility, I release my word to the Divine Action of the Law, knowing it is done and made manifest.  My good is here now.  And I let it be so.  And so it is.




Friday, November 15, 2013

Focusing On Being Perfectly "Me"

My husband, Kevin, and I are heading off to Reno for the San Jose State football game and we'll be staying with some friends at their house.  In theory, staying with friends can be fun and I've done it once or twice, however, there's a part of me that enjoys having my own space when I travel.

I like being able to escape to my hotel room and just chill.  I like being able to take as long as I like in the bathroom and not worry about what others will think.

What's really a challenge for me is that Kevin has a good time staying with others.  He's social and can easily relax where ever he's at.  It's something I've been a little envious of at times.  How can I deny him the opportunity for something that brings him such joy and yet, remain true to honoring my feelings?

I find myself balancing between nervousness of a new situation, resentment that I won't have my own room, and excitement to spend time with good friends.

What I've decided is that I can release the "where" we stay and just voice "how" I'd like to spend my time.

If I'd like to make a Starbucks run for coffee, I have the freedom to let others know and offer to bring them something back.  If I'd like to go to bed earlier than the group, I can just explain that I'm tired and head off for some sleep.

I don't have to always be a "Yes" person, it's okay for me to say "No, thanks."

And, I know that Kevin and our friends would be absolutely okay with it.

I am anticipating responses that I am fearful of.  The others will be hurt if I don't want to take part in everything they do.  The others will be upset if I go to bed early.

But, what if all they said was "See you in the morning".  What if nobody hated me for doing my own thing?

So, today I set the intention to be secure in stating my desires for the trip this weekend, lovingly voicing my opinion in ways the others can respect.


"The beginning of love is the will to let those we love be perfectly themselves, 
the resolution not to twist them to fit our own image."  

"Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies."

Affirmative Prayer:
Each night, as the stars light up the sky, there is a recognition of a Divine Power guiding the way. In every turn of the road, in every hillside path, this Power sheds wisdom and grace, acting as a compass for this journey that is life.

Leaning into and embracing the night sky, I know this Power also moves through me, watching over me and expressing as me.  No mountain is to high and no river is too deep.  I am loved beyond measure by a Source that knows only good and leads me with stunning clarity into that which is for my highest and best.

Trusting in this good, I need only look within to honor my soul and what It is feeling in each moment.  I need only listen to the still small voice to realize that I am exactly where I should be in each moment.  My friendships are filled with beautiful moments of sharing and I am supported in the choices I make as part of these friendships.  I can feel the joy in my relationship with my husband and we share good times and connect to ourselves and others in ways that are insightful.  There is such abundance in friendships and sharing special times.  And these times are filled with a Spirit that sings over each one of us during this time.  It is magnificent to be a part of the expansion of the Universe in such amazing ways!

I am so thankful for the experiences that bring me closer to seeing the truth of who I am.  And I am grateful that I can lean into each situation, each opportunity, feeling the fullness of love and harmony and joy that resonates throughout each person I meet along the way.

And it is from this place of gratitude that I release my Word to the Divine Action of the Law, knowing it is already done, that I am nudged onto the path that is all for my best.  And I let it be so.  And so it is.  Amen.



Monday, November 11, 2013

The Freedom in Tasting Life


I am always reminded of how much of life truly is a journey. I was again reminded of that reading the section of Mark Nepo’s Seven Thousand Ways To Listen, titled In the Presence of Sages. When I listen to or read anything by Eckhart Tolle, it is a good reminder to be present in the moment and fully available for what is happening now.

For me, Nepo takes that even a step farther when he talks about “tasting” life.

It’s not just about being present and aware but about experiencing what is happening and letting it flow through you. And, it is what makes this life such a wonderful journey.

I can reflect and contemplate all that I want about life but when I internalize all that I am experiencing, it allows me to tap into a Divine Wisdom that knows exactly what is for my highest and best in this life. It allows me the freedom to be who I am AND it tames my ego which says I must judge people and situations and circumstances.

 I do not have to judge any of it – I simply need to lean in and experience it.

I believe it is also this tasting, this internalizing, that allows me to work through and move past any limiting race consciousness beliefs. When I consider the idea that I continue to repeat the same mistakes, it seems like a daunting task to undo any limiting beliefs.

But, instead of running away from those experiences that seem less than ideal, when I allow them to be felt, to be honored and then to be released, I seem to move to another level of understanding. The same goes for moments of joy and beauty.

Rather than rush through them on the way to another experience, when I savor them and revel in them, I am filled with a deeper “consciousness of good” as Ernest Holmes calls it. Further, Holmes says that the consciousness of good “acts as a law of right action.”

 I am no longer limited in my experiences but am open to endless possibilities for “tasting” and for expressing God as Sandy. I am open to be who I came here to be.

So, today, I set the intention to taste life, letting every experience flow through me, knowing I am free to be exactly who I am called to be.


"Sell your cleverness and buy bewilderment."  ~Rumi

"Be patient and loving with every fearful thought.  Practice observing your fears as a witness, as you'll see them dissolve."  ~Wayne Dyer


Affirmative Prayer:
In every moment, there is a clarity that all is Divine Intelligence, that all is Divine Wisdom, that all is God.  This Wisdom and Intelligence guides in ways that inspire wonder at the magic of life.

And from this place of wonder is a knowing that this same Wisdom and Intelligence moves through me, uplifting me in ways that are magical.  I sit in anticipation of the good of God that expresses as me as I travel this path that is laid out before me.

My life is filled with endless possibilities and I remain present to each opportunity to taste and to experience life to its fullest.  I have a great destiny that is always unfolding in amazing ways and I am free to be exactly who I am called to be.  In this freedom, I take each step, knowing that my steps are guided by Grace and by Love. There is no need to fear or worry - all is well in my life and keeps getting better each and every day.  The Universe has my back and I can feel the pulsating of Source eagerly encouraging me to be brave, to take a chance, and to feel blessed that bigger and better plans are lining up to meet me, better than I can even imagine.

I am so thankful for the love, the joy and the prosperity that I receive each day.  And I am grateful for a Spirit that always says Yes!  Go for it!  I give great thanks for the support of a loving Universe that creates through me.

And from this place of love, I release my Word to the Divine action of the Law, knowing it is done, it is manifest and becoming form in this very moment.  And I let it be so.  And so it is.


Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Intentionally Loving Everything

Life is a journey.  I know it's something I keep repeating as I remind myself not to stress about the little things that happen.  And I continue to nurture my dreams just like I would tend a garden - weeding out the limiting beliefs, planting new thoughts and desires.

But, I also feel the need to balance dreaming with accepting and allowing what is in my world right now.  For me, that means loving everything in my life - the things I label good and the things I label not so good.

So, when I had the flu recently, I decided to try an experiment.  After the second bout of the stomach bug hit and I realized what this was, I started paying attention to my breathing and talking lovingly to myself.

I embraced the virus, gave it thanks for whatever its purpose was and released the need to have the virus in my body.  Repeating this exercise - breathing deeply and really feeling the feelings of love throughout my body - I noticed that my body started responding by calming the waves of nausea that had taken over.

As I noticed the effect this exercise was having,  I became more present to the headache that had been slowly throbbing.  Continuing to give myself loving feelings, I went back to my mantra of releasing the need for the pounding in my head and not long after, the pain started to soften.  It took some time, however, after about 30 minutes, my head also started to feel much better.

Pretty soon, I was able to drift off into sleep and get some much needed rest.  (Why does the flu always hit at 3am in the morning???)

Talk about a beautiful practice!  By simply giving my full, loving attention to my body and what it needed in that moment, I was able to move through my flu bug easier than I have ever moved through an illness before.

Now that I've seen how magical it can be to not only accept EVERYTHING that is in my life but to LOVE it, I am looking for other areas of my "garden" that I can tend in this way.

So, today I set the intention to love what is in my life right now, moving through it all with grace and with ease.

"Each aspect within us needs understanding and compassion.  If we are 
unwilling to give it to ourselves how can we expect the world to give it to us?  
As we are, so is the Universe."  

"Compassion and love are not mere luxuries.  As a source of both inner and
 outer peace, they are fundamental to the continued survival of our species." 

Affirmative Prayer:
In this moment, there is an all-powerful, all-knowing Presence that moves just as fire burns through a forest.  It is filled with brilliant flames of light and it makes the way for the new to grow and to thrive within a forest of brilliant sights and sounds and smells.

This Presence guides my steps with a passion that is unquenchable.  It surrounds and empowers each waking moment of my day until I am immersed in the knowing that Spirit is all there is and all there is exists within me. 

Taking step after step after step, I am uplifted with a confidence that I am Divinely guided as I move forward on my path.  I am loved beyond measure and see that reflected back in the everyday miracles that flow into my life.  Knowing that everything serves a purpose, I acknowledge the challenges and I move through them, lovingly releasing them when they are no longer needed.  The truth is that even in sickness, I am perfection.  Even with the appearance of lack, I am abundant.  I watch my thoughts and words, knowing that these are great tools for co-creating the life I desire.  And I embrace it all, praying without ceasing, and excited for what will be revealed in my life.  Right here and right now, I live like there is no tomorrow.

As I lean into this excitement, I give great thanks for the passion and desires that rise out of my soul.  And I am grateful for the embrace of Spirit as I accept and allow my dreams to rise to the surface and express in beautiful ways.  Breathing in courage, I am thankful for the wisdom of the Universe that always has my back.

Claiming the love of the Universe as my birthright, I release my Word to the Divine Action of the Law, knowing it is already done.  It is done with grace and it is done with ease.  And I let it be so.  And so it is.