Friday, September 27, 2013

Making Peace With Uncertainty

I am clear that my current reality is merely a single moment in time on my journey as I chase my dreams and live my life.  I also know that more is possible for me that I can even imagine.  Persistence in focusing on the positive, attainable things is uplifting and up-leveling my life as I maintain my daily spiritual practices.

I am also clear that it is only a matter of time before shifts will happen and that the vision of good I have been holding will show up.  What I'm struggling with currently is the uncertainty.

Am I wandering aimlessly or am I exactly where I should be?  When will things start to shift?  Did I miss a sign that I should have done something differently?

Uncertainty is NOT my friend.  I think that's a major reason why I don't enjoy the Space Mountain roller coaster at Disneyland.  Not knowing when a big drop or a twist is coming up is not my idea of a good time.  Haunted houses are not much fun for me either.  I don't enjoy being scared unexpectedly by things that jump out of dark spaces.

And because uncertainty is not comfortable for me, I know it's something I not only need to make space for but I need to embrace it.  I need to make peace with uncertainty.

Knowing that what I focus on grows, I have to keep my focus on being strong enough to let go and let God.  When I am experiencing uncertainty, it is the perfect time to take a breath and pray - to go within and tap into the Divine.

Most of the time, I get it - the idea that it's not mine to say WHEN things happen. That is the job of the Universe.  And, I also realize that I don't get to choose HOW things will happen - again, that is for the Universe to show me.

What I am coming to understand is that it's okay for me to ask for clear signs from Spirit that I'm heading in the right direction, that my timing is perfect and that the choices I'm making are for my highest and best good.

I am always connected to Spirit and It is always leading me.  So, I keep moving forward, one step at a time.  And, I hold the intention that I am more and more comfortable with uncertainty, trusting that events in my life unfold in perfect, Divine timing.


"There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated 
through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, 
this expression is unique.  And if you block it, it will never exist through any 
other medium and it will be lost.  The world will not have it.  It is not your business 
to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with 
other expressions.  It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to 
keep the channel open."
~Martha Graham

"A dream is your creative vision for your life in the future.  You must break out
of your current comfort zone and become comfortable with the unfamiliar 
and the unknown."
~Denis Waitley


Affirmative Prayer:
Today, and every day, there exists unlimited abundance and infinite supply, all contained within the One and Only Source.   It is a magnificence that knows no limits as It expresses through all that is.  And I open my heart to let this Source of magnificence flow through and around and as me.

Holding this consciousness, I open to the possibilities of being well on every level.  My good is showing up in a variety of ways and even through changes and uncertainty, I accept all that God has for me.  I am always supported in amazing, magical ways.  Affirming the support of Spirit, I stay present to being receptive to whatever shows up.  I place no limits or boundaries on my flow of grace and no judgement of myself as I simply allow.  Everything is happening exactly as it should and at the perfect time for my highest and best good.

I am so grateful for all that I have been given in all the various forms that Spirit has made manifest.  Thank you, God, for the magnificence that expresses through me.  Feeling the magnificence wash over me, I release my Word to the Divine action of the Law, knowing that it is already taking place and I simply need to let go and let God.  Life is so good!  And I let it be so.  And so it is!




Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Courage To Be A Spontaneous Giver

Spontaneous generosity to other people is not something that comes easy for me.  As an example, I have friends who are always gifting things to others that they know will match their interests.  For me, when I see this, I can feel my shadow side start to emerge and there is a push-pull between jealousy and insecurity.

I believe I feel jealous because this type of spontaneous gifting is something I would love to do.  But - my insecurities around being rejected rise pretty quickly to the surface.

So, instead, I play it safe.  I mention to a friend that I saw something I thought they would love.  Sure enough, they agree.  How much more satisfying to be able to give the item to them rather than simply talk about it.  I have the validation that my intuition is spot on.  I just need the courage to follow through on my intuition.

Now that I realize this is happening, I can make space for observing and healing the feelings.  I can honor the jealousy and insecurity and let them go.  And, I can also make space for something new to emerge.

Rather than let my monkey mind take charge, I can become intentional about my giving.  I already get the intuitive urges and nudges from the Universe.  I simply need to trust them and to follow them.

Most importantly, I will not judge myself if it turns out their first reaction is not enthusiasm over my gift.  I am starting to see that it is not about the gift at all - it is really about my experience in the giving.   It is about opening up to possibility.

Knowing that, today, I set the intention to treat giving as a sacred spiritual practice, having faith the Universe will never steer me wrong as I follow my intuition.

"One must still have chaos in oneself to be able to 
give birth to a dancing star."

"We always know which is the best road to follow, but we follow 
only the road that we have become accustomed to."

Affirmative Prayer:
The Power to create, the unlimited possibilities of Life - it is all contained within the Divine Intelligence that is God.  Stepping into this awareness and connecting with Divine Intelligence, all is made new in the quiet stillness that exists within me.

It is from within that I can see the grace that moves through me and the love that surrounds me.  I live my life on purpose, remaining open to the support of the Universe to guide me.  Affirming the grace that always supports me, I give spontaneously and freely, just as I am given to by Source, by Spirit.  Life flows harmoniously in the giving and receiving and I am open and receptive as God's thoughts become my thoughts.  I let myself be directed in my choices, trusting they are for my highest and best expression.  I can let go of any insecurities, knowing that my intuition is guiding me in perfect and abundant ways.  Joyfully I give and joyfully I receive.

And joyfully I give thanks for the abundance and prosperity that is a natural outcome of circulation.  I am grateful for the growth I experience and I am grateful for the people who come into my life as part of this growth.  We are all connected in possibilities of Life and it is all good.

It is from this place of the all-good that I release my Word to the Divine action of the Law, knowing the work is already done and I need only follow my intuition.  And I let it be so.  And so it is.  Amen.



Monday, September 23, 2013

Allow Your Dream To Live Inside You

Pulled by a vision.  I love Michael Beckwith's approach to living life - let yourself be pulled by a vision.  There is beauty in chasing a dream.  And - that beauty includes the challenges and the obstacles.

It's been a concept that takes some time to wrap my mind around.  The idea that painful things can be exactly what we need to propel our dreams forward is scary.

My belief - I think they exist because it forces us to get up and take action.

As I spend time each day asking "What is trying to emerge through me?" and "What do I need to become for this vision to manifest?", things show up that, quite, frankly, I'd rather not do.  It involves effort and moving outside of my comfort zone.

And after spending so much time with the knowing that my life is Divinely guided, I STILL hesitate.  If I sit around and spend time in wonder, the spiritual part of me knows that the miracles will be missed if I wait.  If I grab the dream and run with it, the logical part of me comes up with excuses and reasons and creates fear that I will fall firmly on my face.

What has been taking place, though, is something happens that makes it too painful NOT to take action.  Trauma is forcing me to face the realization that I am a Spiritual Being with unique gifts and talents to share.  And by not sharing my gifts and talents, I am impacting others dreams and visions for their life.

We are all connected.  Our lives unfold through a series of events and synchronicities as we interact.  Sometimes, my vision is not about ME.  I can be of service to OTHERS by taking a chance, by planting the seed that is my dream and by starting something new.

In the long run, as I look back at the struggles, it's amazing how often I can see that they were really just a small speed bump on my life path.  It is evidence that I should not let my fears hold me back.

And, it is clear that life is not about the destination - it is about the journey.

So, today, I set the intention to have the courage to go out in the world and try new things, with faith they'll unfold in perfect and beautiful ways.

"Whatever outrageous dream keeps flowing across your mind, allow it to live inside you.  Don't deflect it, diminish it, invalidate it or come up with some excuse for why it can't happen.  This will allow it to explain itself to you - why it's there, what it means,  and what if anything you should do about it."

"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them."
~Walt Disney

Affirmative Prayer:
Today, and every day, there is a Universal magnificence that is everywhere present and always available.  This Divine magnificence that I call God is seeking unique expression through me and as me and in me and I let all that is God move me in amazing ways.

Knowing that I can never be separate from my good, I allow myself to follow the vision of God's life as Sandy.  I dream big dreams and follow my heart as I step out in faith.  Affirming my courage to take a leap and jump into trying new things, I can see clearly how I am Divinely guided in sharing my gifts and talents and in so doing, allow others full expression of their gifts and talents.  It is all about circulation and it is with joy that I notice the blessings that show up as I take action.

I am so grateful for the prosperity that flows easily and effortlessly all around me.  Spirit breathes in me and on me and I am thankful for the peace that comes through that breath, thankful for the dreams that are inspired by that breath.

Affirming how much I am loved, I gladly release my Word to the Divine action of the Law, knowing it is already done in the Universal Mind.  I accept that something wonderful is happening right now!  And I let it be so.  And so it is.


Friday, September 20, 2013

Mindful Of My Worthiness

Like the popular Christmas poem, I've had visions of sugar plums dancing through my head.  Well - not really sugar plums.  More like new art for my walls, a new dresser and night stands for my bedroom and new fixtures for the guest bathroom.

It really struck me this morning how much my home is my sanctuary.  I was sitting in the dining room that we newly furnished in July and felt such gratitude for having this beautiful space.



I also realized my nesting instincts are kicking in.

We have a few spaces left that are being taken over by clutter.  There is no great place to put the mail so it ends up on the edge of the kitchen counter.  Our built-in computer desk is becoming a catch-all for random pieces of paper and books.  And, my closet needs some serious organizing.

And so, my search begins for shelving and organizing tools along with some fun pictures to hang on my walls.  Shopping - yay!

The best part - I hold no judgement against myself for this redecorating urge.  I know that I can stick to my spending plan while sprucing up my home.  In fact, it's something of a game to see what I can find that feeds my soul's urge to refresh my "nest" and is still affordable for me.

It makes my heart happy to follow this vision and I'm going for it.   Today,  I set the intention that I am worthy of updating my home and I am free to move forward with decorating plans.


"In every aspect of our lives, we are always asking ourselves, How am I of
 value?  What is my worth?  Yet I believe that worthiness is our birthright."

"The snow goose need not bathe to make itself white. Neither need you 
do anything but be yourself."
~Lao Tzu

Affirmative Prayer:
The Divine Indwelling Presence is all that exists in every moment of the day and night.  God, Source, Spirit - the Essence of the Infinite - is contained in every thought, in every word, in every dream, in every vision.  It is endless and forever expressing through me. My life is rich in experience as I allow the Essence to flow in me and as me and I experience greatness as I step into knowing the truth of my Divine nature.

Affirming my worthiness of the amazing good that Life is offering, I allow the abundance of the Universe to flow easily into my day.  As my desire to refresh my sacred space that I call home rises up in me, I have the means to shop for items that speak to my soul.  My prosperity shows up as art for my walls and new bedroom furniture and shelves and organizing tools for my computer center.  My heart grows as I see new creation happening and I am excited to simply sit and enjoy my sanctuary that has been blessed with love and joy.

I am so grateful for the true knowing that the Universe is yearning to support my dreams and desires.  Thank you, God, for showing me how much I am loved.  Life is good and I choose abundance and prosperity as my birthright.  And I am thankful for the freedom to be at choice in every moment.

Claiming the blessings in my life, I release my Word to the Divine action of the Law, knowing that as I let go, it is already happening.  And I let it be so.  And so it is.


Wednesday, September 18, 2013

2 Tips To Upright The Shipwrecks In Your Life

Over a span of 19 hours, the Costa Concordia cruise ship was pulled completely upright yesterday, after capsizing last year off the Italian coast.  Watching a time-lapsed video of the ship being righted, I could feel my inner observer turning on.

How often in my life have I felt like the battered hull of ship that has been run aground?  How often have I languished in old grievances, letting my damaged ego keep me under water?

One issue that challenges me - I do not like being told what to do.  When someone talks to me as if they have authority over me, I get my back up and some choice words start to fly.  I am certain that my conditioned response in those situations has created a few shipwrecks.

Acknowledging that, what if I could time-lapse my life when there is some clean-up and releasing that needs to be done?

Just like the Costa Concordia, salvage work - whether its relationships or finances or even our health - can be costly and take painstaking efforts.  Looking at how the engineers managed this project, I see two tools that can help me clean up any wreckage I have created, in a seemingly fast-forward manner.

Ease my thoughts away from the need to be right 

The first phase for the salvage crew was to ease the vessel away from its rocky perch.  It took a few hours but they were successful as they used specialized tools and some big equipment.  The need to be right once my "authority button" has been pushed is my rocky perch.

My specialized tool - walking meditation.  Knowing that I carry beliefs around being told what to do, I get out and start moving.  Increased breathing through walking has been key to my awareness and the subsequent release.   Then - I let one word or one phrase surface when I think of the feelings I have around being right and being in charge.  Noticing the words and becoming aware of the feelings, I can now consciously re-pattern my mind to associate new thoughts with the feelings.

As part of this process, I will often ask Divine Spirit to bring me the right words or phrases that need healing as I start my walk.  And, I usually reach a point where I am simply repeating "Thank You", knowing that the Universe is supporting me in this exercise of release.

Prepare for complications

This one seems counter to what we believe in New Thought.  We are always told to sit in expectancy of our good and affirm the positive.

Looking at the second phase of the ship rescue, the salvage workers siphoned off most, but not all, of the fuel.  That leaves the possibility that fuel and chemicals can leak into the sea.  Knowing there was a chance of a spill, as the ship was rotated, engineers monitored the water quality.

As I live my life and travel my path, I realize that while I may heal old patterns, there is always the possibility new challenges will arise.  As I wrote about earlier, some days are great and others, I feel like I'm being swept against the rocks.  And I know that the challenges serve their purpose so I don't want to avoid them necessarily.  What I CAN do is prepare for the ebb and flow - for the fuel leak, for the toxic chemicals.

And, just like the ship's engineers, I will have to monitor the quality of my thoughts and the choices I make as I take inspired action.  I have to be aware of the people I choose to spend time with.  If I notice a friend is always complaining when we're together, I can either redirect the conversation or choose to spend less time with her/him.

I also have to be aware of the words I'm using.  I was reading something Dr. Bernie Siegel wrote recently about word choice.   He mentioned noticing how often we say "I have to."  "I have to pay the bills."  "I should exercise today."  Changing "I have to" to "I get to" brings a different emotional feeling to the task.

If I say, "I get to pay the bills", I notice that my feeling is more about gratitude than dread.  If I mention that "I get to go to the gym today", I feel excited about the opportunity to exercise.

Making a regular practice in using these tools, regardless of how I feel, is where the power lies.  They highlight the subtle nuances that our choices can make and the energy we attach to the challenges.

Life events are about growth and expansion.  They are here to serve a purpose, however, we do not need to spend lengthy amounts of time with a broken hull, rusting and decaying.    We can take the lesson and move on.

So, today, I set the intention to let go of my need to be right and choose happiness instead. 

"In reading the lives of great men, I found that the first victory they won was over themselves...self-discipline with all of them came first."
~Harry Truman

"Our repeated failure to fully act as we would wish must not discourage us.  It is the sincere intention that is the essential thing, and this will in time release us from the bondage of habits which at present seem almost insuperable."
~Thomas Troward

Affirmative Prayer:
Knowing here in this moment that the abundant power and presence of all things is God, there is an awareness that there is no where that God is not.  God is all Life.  God is all Good.  And as I know that, I embrace the presence of the Divine that flows around and in and through me.  I am love and I am loved beyond measure.

Affirming the presence of the Divine is always available, filled with wisdom and grace, I step forward on my path, trusting each decision I make leads me toward my highest and best good.  I am always at choice and choose to use words that affirm my good, my prosperity, my health, my abundance and my joy.  In each moment, I need only turn within to find that I am guided with a gentle hand.  I let the ease of life flow through me and the excitement of opportunities fill my heart and mind.

And as I let excitement and anticipation roll over me, I am filled with gratitude that my highest and best is always at hand.  The Universe has my back and always says Yes! in support of my thoughts and I am thankful.

Releasing my Word to the Divine action of the Law, I am at peace knowing it is already done.  A way is made out of no way.  And I let it be so.  And so it is.  Amen.




Monday, September 16, 2013

Don't Be Afraid To Honor Your Emotions

Lately, I find myself on an emotional roller coaster ride.  Some days, I feel so good and life seems easy.  Other days, like today, I feel like a lead weight is sitting in the pit of my stomach.  It was hard to get out of bed for work and the need to cry was taking hold of me.

Knowing that our thoughts create our life, it's tempting to ignore my feelings and put on my happy face.  But - I can't discount the emotions that continue to nag at me.

Going through the motions of getting ready for the day, I picked up September's Creative Thought magazine and landed on Rev. Jane Beach's article, Exploring Emotions.

In her article, Rev. Beach says that "emotions become the conduit through which we understand ourselves in a deeper, more compassionate way.  As spiritual beings having a human experience, it's time to honor the feelings and emotions that come with the human experience - all of them."

Processing that thought, I can see that the Universe is giving me an opportunity to take a deeper dive into who I am through the emotions I am feeling.  I don't have to be happy all the time.  The real value is to look at the whole range of feelings that I have and to appreciate the healing opportunity.

For me, I realize that I carry around things in my subconscious that are creating my life.  If I look at my emotions and really FEEL them, I can raise things to my conscious mind to be revealed and healed.

During my meditation this morning, I allowed myself to sit with my angst and sadness.  I let the feelings surface, trusting that I was protected by Spirit, and I asked the questions, "What am I supposed to know from this?" and "What needs to be healed?"

After some time, feelings of love started to wash over me.  At that point, I could bless my sadness and my angst and let them go.  There were no clear images that came out of the quiet, however, I did experience the release of closing the door on things in the past that belong in the past.

And, as I came out of my meditation, I carried with me an idea that another door is opening for me - a door that will lead to a beautiful experience that will be exactly what I need for my highest and best expression.

I will have to contemplate this more but I can see where this will take me down the path of compassion for the person I am, just as I am, right now.  As Rev. Beach writes, "once you become open to feeling your emotions, you will get into the flow of nonresistance, where emotions are noticed, felt, and then released on an ongoing basis as a normal and natural part of your life."

No more tail-spinning down into faulting and blaming myself.  I love ALL of my emotions and I am worthy of a destiny filled with light and with love.

So, today, I set the intention to embrace my emotions, having compassion for myself, and allowing Life to fill me with joy and goodness and freedom.


"This being human is a guest house.  Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness
 comes as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!  Even if they're a crowd of sorrows, who violently sweep your house of its furniture, still treat each guest honorably.  He may be clearing you out for some new delight."

~Rumi, from The Guest House

Affirmative Prayer:
In this moment right now, there is only One - One Power, One Love, One Infinite Intelligence - that expresses as the beauty of nature and unfolds as unlimited possibilities.   And as I am part of the One, it is all contained within me.  A love and a light so bright, standing perfect, whole and complete throughout every fiber of my being.

Affirming that I am loved and knowing the truth of who I am, I allow each and every emotion I feel to have its place in my being.  I acknowledge it and I let it run its course, whether it is joy or sadness, wonder or worry, I realize that it has a purpose.  I trust that once I have felt these emotions, it is safe to let them go.  And I open to the goodness that Life has to offer me.  I open to joy and the freedom to be exactly who I am - a Spiritual being having a human incarnation.  

I am so thankful for the knowing that every day, I am made new, as God flows through me.  And it is with gratitude that I release the past and that which no longer serves my highest and best expression.  Thank you, Life, for guiding me to my destiny of greatness.

As I release my word to the Divine action of the Law, I accept that it is already done in perfect ways.  All is well.  And I let it be so.  And so it is!



Friday, September 13, 2013

Escaping My Prison Walls

I have a story about my life, complete with characters full of drama and events filled with struggle and suffering.  My story is what I've been used to living and it is my comfort zone.

Because it's so comfortable, I don't even realize that I easily fall back into the pattern of suffering until I'm in the midst of the drama.  In fact, I'm starting to believe that I'm addicted to struggle.  It keeps me safe in what I know, especially around money.

Yesterday, I read a post by Science of Mind Magazine contributor, Austin Vickers.  He said, "When we recognize that it is we who have created prison walls through our choices and our lack of courage to pursue our dreams, we begin to empower ourselves with the knowledge necessary to escape."

And on goes the lightbulb!  It was exactly what I needed to hear.  I can empower myself with the knowledge necessary to escape.  Recognition that I can change what I have created with my thoughts and with my words is the first step.

Just like any addiction, I'm not sure that I will ever be completely free.  After all, the struggle might be there to polish and refine the person I'm becoming.

But - taking it a day at a time, claiming responsibility for my choices and continuing to practice my practice, I can take back my power.

Tapping (EFT) and Afformations have been two of my favorite tools recently to help release old thought patterns.  I was tapping yesterday around abundance and prosperity when I suddenly heard my parent's voices - "We don't have enough money for that."

Talk about a prison wall!  I have built a sturdy cell to keep me locked in to thoughts of having just enough money to get by.  Now - I can start to take down the bricks by affirming thoughts and words of "more than enough".  And, I can still be safe as I change how I perceive having money SHOULD be.

Above all, I have the power of affirmative prayer to help me make a real change.  With that, I can let go and let God.

And, I can get out of the way!

My intention for today - to be an original thinker, filled with brilliance and breaking through old patterns of lack.


"Beliefs have the power to create and the power to destroy.  Human beings 
have the awesome ability to take any experience of their lives and create
 a meaning that disempowers them or one that can literally save their lives."

"The world we have created is a product of our thinking.  It cannot
 be changed without changing our thinking."

Affirmative Prayer:
In this moment and every moment, there is only One Divine Presence.  It is an Intelligence filled with magic and wonder, with love and joy, with peace and goodness.  It fills who I am, surrounding me and moving through me with a richness that knows no end.  And as I embrace the magnificence of the One, I breathe deeply and easily and lean into the Power.

Affirming my connection to Source, I know I am filled with a brilliance to create a world that supports my circulation.  My thoughts become things and I choose to think thoughts of abundance and prosperity, for myself and for others I am blessed to meet in my journey.  My life is filled with goodness and I am safe to chase my dreams, to align with my purpose.

I am so grateful for the overflowing love of Spirit.  I walk in faith and in trust, thankful that each and every day, the Universe has my back.  And in the perfection of this moment, I release my Word to the Divine Action of the Law, know that it is already done and all is well.  And I let it be so.  And so it is!




Monday, September 9, 2013

Breaking Free From a Kindness Rut

There is no doubt that kindness on my part comes back to me several times over.  I always try to be mindful of others in need, even if it's just to listen and give my full attention to another person.

I wonder, though, if I've fallen into a kindness rut.

The reason for my question - Nipun Mehta, founder of ServiceSpace.  I had a chance to hear Nipun speak at CSL San Jose on Sunday and it awakened a desire to look at how I have been sharing kindness in my life.

Small acts of kindness, no problem.  I get that.  I hold the door open for others.  I share a smile when I feel compelled to reach out.  I let other drivers move into my lane.

But - it's the thought of trying to pay ahead for someone else's lunch or to just grab a neighbors trash cans and take them down to the curb.  It creates an angst inside that I will look awkward or less than perfect.

It takes me outside of my comfort zone of how I approach being kind and my perception of giving.  And, that's where I can see I've fallen into a rut.  I'm comfortable in my "kindness space".   I am hanging on to my happy little bubble of generosity.

Because of that, I know it's time to cut the ties to what I know and create space for a new way - possibly a better way - of kindness to emerge.

This may sound "corporate" but it almost seems that kindness is a skill to develop.  I watch others, including my husband, who make it look so easy, and I marvel at their ease in being generous.

In meditation this morning, I could hear the Universe telling me now is my chance to reset my focus and think of new, creative ways to be kind.  It's time to hone and expand upon my skills in giving.

The Center will be starting a 21-Day Kindness challenge on 9/11.  This is an opportunity to muster up my courage and start practicing my new ways of generosity.  I can be in a community of others who have unique thoughts about how to be in service.

I can watch them and learn.  But, more importantly, I can DO.  I can make a choice to be brave, knowing I may look clumsy or silly.

So today, I allow the magic of Spirit to move through me, lifting me into extraordinary kindness and giving.   


"Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you."

"In the end, though, maybe we must all give up trying to pay back the people in this world who sustain our lives.  In the end, maybe it's wiser to surrender before the miraculous scope of human generosity and to just keep saying thank you, forever and sincerely, for as long as we have voices."
~Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love


Affirmative Prayer:
In the unlimited potential of this moment, there is the Presence of the Divine.  This Presence fills my heart and my mind and my soul and I have a knowing that we are One. 

Affirming the goodness of the Indwelling Spirit, I know that I, too, am unlimited potential.   I step into the flow of extraordinary generosity with faith and trust that I am supported.  There is a magic as I move out of my comfort zone of giving and move into acts of kindness that are creative.  Knowing the Universe has my back, I am safe to try new ways of generosity.  And as I give, I also receive in ways that are beyond what I can even imagine.  I pay it forward and the Universe says Yes!  

I am so thankful for the generosity and the abundance of Spirit, of Source, of God, that moves through each and every thing.   And I have such gratitude in every minute of the day for the blessings that rain down as I learn new ways of creative kindness.  For the beauty and love that emerges through acts of giving, I say Thank You.

As as I release my Word to the Divine action of the Law, I breathe easily in the knowing that it is already done in the One Mind.  Life flows for my highest and best expression and I embrace the journey.  I let it be so.  And so it is!



Friday, September 6, 2013

The Empowering Process of Learning to Play

Everywhere I turn, I see the ads for back to school.  Back from vacation.  Back to work.  Ugh!  That's the reaction I'm hearing to the end of summer.

As I continue asking the questions posed in Disciplined Dreaming (see blog post Cultivating Creativity), I have to throw this one out there.   "What if...we got to play ALL the time?"

My first response is Yippee!!  I am outta' here and off to the beach.

The next question that pops up, again from Disciplined Dreaming, is this.  At a certain age, we start resisting going to work and to school.  Why?

What has happened in our evolution that makes us push back against the learning environment of school or the routine of holding a job?  For me, it seems somewhere along the way, we have set up so much structure and developed a world of the "way things must be done to be successful", we no longer embrace having fun.

The answer I get back from the Universe almost immediately -  it starts with me.

So, I have two strategies I'm going to start using and I'm curious to see how they pan out down the road.  First, I'm going to look for ways to make a game out of tasks that have become mind-numbing and less than fulfilling.

I'm sure we have all seen the parent who tries to get the child to eat their vegetables.  We fly the spoon or fork around like an airplane, making silly noises to distract the child and pretty soon, it has become fun to eat the foods that might not be their first choice.  I've also seen A LOT of creative recipes using healthy foods disguised as chicken nuggets or chocolate brownies.

Since I'm in sales, why not give myself points for the number of calls I make to my customers within 30 minutes?  I can earn a different point value if I reach someone live or if I have to leave a voicemail.  A race against the clock to earn points.  Then I can reward myself at the end of the call time.  A different reward based on points earned.

I tried it today and it actually had me smiling by the time I hit the end of my 30 minutes.  More than that, I FELT so productive.  I also noticed that I started humming to myself as I moved through the task (kinda' like making the airplane noises to distract the child).

Second, I do something every day that feeds my soul.

I love music and I love languages and I love riding my bike.  I also enjoy volunteering for certain functions at the Center and taking the dog for a walk.  Between all of these choices, I can find something that calls to me when I need to get back to having fun.

And that's when I have chosen to take a minute to surrender to the Universe.  I have stopped what I'm doing when I can feel the joy being sucked out of me and I open up to the possibility of what to do next.

When I get still for just one minute and ask Spirit to show me something I can do to move back into "play" mode, the answer shows up pretty quickly.  I can feel that internal tug toward some activity that refreshes my energy level.

I've also found that sometimes just sitting still and simply daydreaming is enough to shake me out of my responsible adult mode.  I see this in children too.  They'll sit and start to use their imagination, moving into games and stories that they enjoy.  Pretty soon, they've distracted themselves from whatever was making them unhappy.

 I have been believing that things must look a certain way so that I am provided for.   Wrong!

I am surrendering how I think things should look and turning them over to the Universe.  I am stating my intention to have more fun, trusting that whatever my soul needs in that moment is what I am open to receiving.   And, I am holding no judgement on what it looks like.

Well, sort of...

Dear God, can you please make doing the laundry feel like I'm eating a big piece of chocolate cake???

"You cannot teach a man anything; you can only 
help him to find it within himself."

"And in our willingness to step into the unknown, the field of 
all possibilities, we surrender ourselves to the creative mind that 
orchestrates the dance of the Universe."

Affirmative Prayer:
In the field of all possibilities is a knowing that there is only One - One Mind, One Power, One Presence, that guides just as the stars guide a navigator on the sea.  It is bright with dreams and choices and I let Its light shine through me and and as me.  Remembering the truth of who I am, I allow this Presence to move me in ways known only to Source.

As my soul yearns for the expression of Spirit, in longing to dance and to sing and to play,  I am shown ways to give full expression to my dreams, enjoying the journey in every fun action that I take.  I can skip and jump-rope and hula hoop and laugh, affirming each of these are for the highest and best I need in that moment.  I am free to leave behind how things should be and to embrace the unknown.  I am secure in the spontaneous choices I make and I revel in the adventure and magic that comes from leaning into surrender.

Knowing that Life is always for me, I am grateful that the Universe has my back.  I am always supported and blessed and I give thanks for the sweetness of each day.  In great gratitude, I open to the flow of Spirit and I receive the abundance that I am surrounded by.

And as I am enveloped in bliss and beauty, I release my Word to the action of Divine Law, knowing it is already done and piece of the puzzles matches perfectly.  And I let it be so.  And so it is!  Amen.





Tuesday, September 3, 2013

The Strength of Purpose and Passion

At the age of 28, Diana Nyad made her first attempt to swim from Cuba to Florida.  This weekend, at the age of 64, she accomplished her task.

Listening to some of the details, I am in awe of her perseverance.  53 hours in the water.  No cage to protect from sharks.  Safeguarding against jellyfish stings.  Swollen lips and tongue.  And - this was her fourth attempt!

Repeatedly, she returned for the challenge.  Why?  What drives a person to keep going even though they are tired and and in pain?  Why did she  keep trying again and again after experiencing defeat?

For me, it seems there are three things that brought her success:  unwavering faith in her dream, confidence in her ability to achieve her goal, and taking actionable steps every day toward accomplishing her dream.

I also considered that there might be something in her past that drove her.  After all, we all have some kind of baggage we carry that directs our actions or responses to events.  But - it doesn't often turn into this extreme drive toward a vision.

From a metaphysical perspective, I believe there was a single reason she continued day after day to chase her dream - she followed her bliss.   I've heard she had such a love for seeing the light shine on the water that it kept driving her forward.

That is one of the beautiful things about the Universe.  It truly is here to support us.  And when we trust what we know, have faith in the dream and do what brings us joy, we cannot fail.   We may not succeed right away and things may get intense but for those who are driven with such a purpose, it's as if they have fallen in love with the journey.

It is a reminder for me to not just enjoy what I do but to be passionate about the path I am on.  In my last post, I talked about disciplined dreaming and asking Why?, What if?, and Why not?.

What if I lived my life with such a passion and a knowing that I could not fail?  

I can feel the nudge of Spirit telling me...it's time to go all in.


"An athlete is an advanced artist who brings the joy of his feelings 
into the activity of his body."
~Maharishi

"Your purpose in life is to find your purpose and give
your whole heart and soul to it."

Affirmative Prayer:
As the breeze blows through the trees, and the sun shines down on the flowers, there is a recognition of the One Presence and One Power that is here right now, always available and always giving of Itself.  This Presence moves and dances through and around all that is and I am filled with peace and with joy as I become aware of this Power that is also within me.   It is a Power that I call God, lovingly reminding me of the richness of my life when I simply allow It to flow and support me.

Knowing that my thoughts have great power and I am a co-creator with Source Energy, I open myself up to full expression of the passion of my soul.  My life is a reflection of that passion, each day taking shape and form as I dream big dreams and reveal my gifts and talents.  Moving my feet down the path toward my vision, I make time to pray and to give thanks, seeing signs that my life is unfolding exactly as it should be in each and every moment.  I follow my bliss and my joy and I affirm that the Universe rises up to meet me, showering me with good and with abundance as I meet each task I set with confidence.  With a tenacity and perseverance to live my soul's purpose, I am successful beyond what I can even imagine.  

I give great thanks for the all-good of Life, for the ability to use my thoughts to create a life where I can go "all in" and be supported in loving ways.  I am so grateful for the everyday miracles that show up as I pursue my dreams.  And, I am thankful that I can dance with Spirit, embraced in prosperity in every area of my life.  Thank you, God!

Affirming the richness of life, I release my Word to the Divine Action of the Law, knowing it is already done.  And I smile as I lean into the experience of Life as Sandy.  I let it be so.  And so it is.

Diana Nyad

Monday, September 2, 2013

How to Cultivate Creativity

If I am spending more time being in the "Now", being in the moment, am I forgetting how to dream?  This question came up as I thought about Disciplined Dreaming, the Book of the Month at CSL and part of the sermon on Sunday.

My understanding is that using the five techniques in the book will spur creativity.  The piece that caught my attention talked about asking questions.  I love asking questions and allowing the Universe to answer.

Part of what I think I have been missing is curiosity.  In particular, curiosity about practices and processes.  Why things are the way they are.  And, therein lies the dreaming.

While I'm sitting in the Now, enjoying the hummingbirds, I never let my mind wander or contemplate their flight and how they hover, seemingly still, while their wings flutter at incredible speeds.  While I'm enjoying the flowers I pass on my walks, I don't wonder at the fragrances they emit or the varied colors of the petals.

For me to start dreaming about the possibilities, the book suggests asking three questions - Why?, What if? and Why not?  Asking these questions will help you understand how things are currently, what else might be possible, and what the limitations to positive change are.

Just letting questions start to flow randomly, here are a few that came up for me.

Why do certain types of music makes me feel energized?

What if I quit my job tomorrow and took a month to travel?

I don't go for hikes as often as I used to.  Why not?

What's scary is that even as I am trying to ask questions, they are slow in coming.  Have I gotten that rusty in my dreaming?  Is my creativity really that lacking?  Funny that those questions come easily to mind.

I'm considering this the first step toward a new spiritual practice for me - to start asking questions and being curious about life in a way that will develop my creativity and dreaming.  In fact, I am making this my intention for today - to cultivate my dreaming and creativity, savoring the answers that the Universe will provide.

"Give your personal dreams a place to hang out so that you can 
see them in your imagination and they can soak up the energy
 they deserve.  Thoughts are mental energy; they're the currency 
you have to attract what you desire."

"When you discover your essential nature and know who you really are, in 
that knowing itself is the ability to fulfill any dream you have,
 because you are the eternal possibility, the immeasurable potential 
of all that was, is  and will be.

Affirmative Prayer:
In the stillness of this moment, there is a Beauty and a Love and a Grace that surrounds and supports all of Life.  It exists in the hummingbirds and the flowers and it exists within me.  This Beauty and Love and Grace fills me with possibility and I embrace the expansion of Spirit that is happening with each breath I take.  I am a unique expression of the all-good that I call God and I see through a lens of joy and peace as I look outward throughout my day.

Knowing there is a sufficiency of Grace working through me, I allow myself the time to ask questions and dream as a seeker of knowledge.  I explore the possibilities and make room for answers that are beyond what I can even imagine.  The Universe is limitless and there is Power as I tap into the unlimited and imagine what I have yet to explore.  Just by dreaming, I am co-creating a life that works, abundant with opportunities to shine and to thrive. 

I am so grateful that I simply need ask and I will receive.  There is always an answer and I'm thankful that it is shown to me in amazing and wonderful ways.  Love is always present and I am filled with gratitude as my creativity flourishes with Source walking beside me and moving through me.  

Knowing that as I put this prayer down in words, it is already done in the One Mind, I release my Word to the action of the Law.  I can move through my day, staying curious and remaining open to God as my guide.  And I let it be so.  And so it is.