Practicing Compassion and Kindness

Every time I step on my yoga mat, my wise teacher reminds the class, “Yoga is a practice.” 

I’ve learned that a “practice” means you approach whatever you are doing without expectation, taking what comes in the moment with gratitude.

It’s a simple concept but not always easy to do. My mind likes to assess the status of the body and judge whether this will be a good or bad day for yoga. But, really, is there ever a bad day for yoga? Ha!

The same could be said for compassion and kindness. It’s a practice and there really isn’t a bad day or time to practice. Regardless of what’s going on in your world, compassion and kindness, just like love, seem to improve any situation even if it’s just your experience of it.

Last year I took a class with Rev. Pattie called Living My Life Purpose. One of the practices in that class was to raise and praise people and situations in our experience. At that time, I felt like I was living in my car, driving my kids to and from three different schools and a variety of after school activities nearly daily. I decided to start raising and praising all the other drivers on the road. Out loud declaring, “I raise you and praise you!” when someone cut me off. “I raise you and praise you!” when someone didn’t stop at the intersection. “I raise you and praise you!” to the road workers causing delays. First it added humor to the situation because my kids thought it was hilarious, and second, 

it reminded me of the power I have in the moment
to invite God into any situation by means of me.

In August, we are exploring the ideas of compassion and kindness. How can you invite God into the moment by means of you through your practice of compassion and kindness? How can you make your life more vibrant and alive by practicing compassion and kindness in the moments when it's not easy?

If you are looking for some ideas, here are a bunch! Pick something and do it, then share with us on our Facebook page how you noticed your life expand.

Listen to Your Inner Voice

This month we have been featuring the creativity of members of our community and what a wide variety we have! Have you been going to our Facebook page to check out the variety of artists that we have? If not, now is a great time to do so. Of course, I remind you that the art that is featured represents only a small sample of the artistic endeavors in our Center. In addition to gifted photographers, painters, jewelers and teachers, we have a host of musicians, singers and song-writers. Our wonderful member Juli Isola has been posting the artwork on our Facebook page. She is an amazing artist herself.

Where does all this creativity come from? Well, it comes through each person as the individualized expression of the Divine that he or she is. Since there is only one Life, one causative impulse, why are these creations so different? I believe that we are individualizing the Creative Process through our unique talents and abilities, perceptions and context.

There may be a creative expression in you that is just waiting to blossom.

You may feel drawn to take up a new form of creative expression or re-visit an old one. What I know is that Spirit in you is timeless and is simply awaiting direction from you as to which direction to go.

In high school I memorized a stanza of Thomas Gray's epic poem, "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard."

I remember feeling the sadness that not all talent or beauty is discovered.
The stanza is:

"Full many a gem of purest ray serene,
         The dark unfathom'd caves of ocean bear:
Full many a flow'r is born to blush unseen,
         And waste its sweetness on the desert air. "

Now is the time to let your light shine. Listen to the inner voice and express yourself. Live out loud. 

I do not have any artistic expression to share with you but I wanted to share one of my favorite photographs by Juli Isola. Juli let me use this photo for a presentation I was doing on Faith. She captured it in this photograph.

Faith by Juli Isola

My Favorite Parenting Advice for this Mother's Day

You know that old saying, "It takes a village to raise a child"? I think that's true. And, also, I think it takes a village to support the parents.

One of my best sources of parenting inspiration and guidance is the Parent Forum and Rev. Pattie Mercado. She is my North Star when it comes to parenting insight. Here are some words of wisdom that I hold close to my heart as I walk along my parenting journey.

"Our children are our best mirrors to what's going on within us. 

Because really, everything is an inside job." ~ Rev. Pattie Mercado.

Did you know that?? We are so connected to our children that they act as perfect mirrors of our internal beliefs and thinking. Instead of trying to change them, it's a good idea to look within first and ask:

Why does this behavior bother me?
What do I believe about how my child is acting?
What is my work to do?

With this internal inquiry, we reveal a lot about our internal thought process and through recognition we have the opportunity to change our perspective. Now, that's not to say that we completely ignore our child's behavior. After all, it's our job as parents to act as tour guide in this world, pointing out potential dangers and local customs. But...

"Every experience is an opportunity to know myself better." ~ Rev. Pattie Mercado

Yes, it's true. Every experience we encounter as parents offers us (not our kids, not our spouse, not our neighbor or best friend) the opportunity to uncover our own beliefs, likes, dislikes, preferences and perspectives. And by knowing myself better, I get the opportunity to say, "Yes, this is true of me" or "No, this is something I want to change." Because, above all....

"I matter. You matter. Every choice you make matters." ~ Rev. Pattie Mercado

Yep! I matter. It matters how I parent my children. It matters how I choose to spend my money. It matters what I think. I know...sometimes it feels like you are just one little person in a whole sea of people, thoughts, Facebook posts. And you think...I think...my voice doesn't really matter. But, it does! It matters a lot! We are here on purpose. Our children chose us for a reason. Just remember...

"You are the perfect parent for your child." ~ Rev. Pattie Mercado

And it's true. You are. I am. Even in a sea of parenting advice and judgments, I know my child best and I can trust my intuition to make the best choice for my family. Yes, even when I feel like I made a mistake or I don't really know what the heck I'm doing, I am still the best parent for my child. The bond of mother (or father) and child is sacred.

So this Mother's Day, take a moment to let all these gems of wisdom sink in. Know you are right where you are supposed to be in this life, regardless of how it looks in the moment. And, if you want to receive more of Rev. Pattie's amazing and honoring conscious parenting wisdom, join us for the Parent Forum, Wednesday, June 11, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch and child care is provided. Click HERE for more information.

Happy Mother's Day Friends!!

New Thought's Musical Minister Comes to San Clemente

Music is the quickest way to the heart, they say, and I believe it. Anthems, like Pharrell Williams' Happy, take over the collective consciousness because they remind us what's right and true in this life and just make us feel good.

This weekend one of New Thoughts' anthem singer/songwriters comes to the Center to open our hearts and minds with music and a message of finding true purpose.

Yes, the one and only Rev. Michael Gott, Unity's musical minister, will grace our stage for his final Southern California appearance for 2014. We are so blessed to have him! And YOU don't want to miss him!

On Sunday, he will offer the morning message and then lead a workshop from 1 to 4 p.m. titled "Living on Purpose."

From Rev. Michael:

Each of us comes fully equipped with a unique set of gifts, talents, desires and interests. How do we connect who we ARE with what we DO in the world? This workshop offers specific tools to put you in touch with your inner widsom and your own divine spark that will lead you to a new understanding of Jesus' statement ~ "Don't you know? You are the light of the world."

The workshop features tools for manifesting dreams into lived experiences; dynamic and inspiring music; and the opportunity to ask questions that will activate your personal vision.

Dr. Heather first heard Rev. Michael at Asilimar many years ago and has been asking him to visit our Center since then. Because Rev. Michael is the music director for his home church, Unity Houston, his travel schedule is carefully chosen each year. This is OUR weekend! Woohoo!

Join us on Sunday and open your heart through the ideas and music of Rev. Michael Gott!!

Here is his anthem Amazing Things. I dare you to not sing along...lol!

Balance Found

Yoga is one of my favorite exercises. I love how my body feels after a series of poses: relaxed, energized, free.

Last year, I committed to a regular practice, going to class a few times a week. Then life got busy and yoga seemed an expensive luxury so I stopped going. I missed it, but my excuses won over.

A few weeks ago, I attended a single yoga class at the Center led by a friend of mine. The flow was gentle but afterwards my body felt sore; my muscles needed to move. I realized that no one and nothing was stopping me from rolling out my mat and moving through some poses at home. A few Sun Salutations would do me a world of good. So I started.

I thought, "what would my body and life look like if I practiced yoga daily?" I challenged myself to find a few moments every day to roll out my mat and step on it. I decided to release my attachment to the amount of dedicated time. Five, 10, or 30 minutes would qualify.

After making the commitment, the Universe jumped in to support me. A parent at my daughter's preschool, who is a yoga instructor, offered me suggestions for my practice and helped me create a wonderfully balanced flow. My husband helped me uncover ways to access the internet on my TV so I could support my practice online. And, time seems to open up when I need it the most. Often, I get a good uninterrupted 30 minutes.

Today, I'm on day 10. I feel stronger, centered and relaxed. My body moves with ease throughout the day. I breathe deeper in stressful situations and my mind is calm more often than cluttered.

I'm learning about balance, surrender and flexibility, both physically and mentally. And, mostly, I'm reminding myself that it's a practice rather than a goal or a destination.

What could you commit to today that will bring more balance to your life? What might you need to surrender in order to make room? For me, surrendering my limiting belief that yoga benefits only happen at a studio with an instructor opened up possibilities for greater physical and mental health and balance.

San Clemente Experiment: An Affirmation for Gracious Driving

The Joyous Living Journal entry for yesterday was titled Hurry, Busy, Rush, but I didn't actually see it until today because I was too busy. Ha! And that was right action, because it caused me to stop and think about that.

 I drive carpool most mornings. Do you drive carpool??

The journey to school quite often reminds me of driving the Mario Cart video game. It's almost comical when I think about it. People jump out of no where. Construction crews set up cones and funnel traffic for seemingly never-ending construction (have you driven Vista Hermosa lately??). Drivers blow through stop signs and red lights. And, while I'm keeping a watchful eye out for obstacles and driving the car to the best of my ability, I keep thinking to myself, "Hurry, hurry, we are going to be late!!"

Maybe most drivers on the road between 7:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. are thinking the same thing. "Hurry, hurry, I'm going to be late...for school, for work, for a meeting, etc." And because we all believe, or at least tell ourselves over and over, that we are going to be late we attract these obstacles to fulfill our wish. Because...as we know...the Universe always responds to our thoughts; whether we like it or not!

 The writers in the Joyous Living journal suggest an affirmation:

 I have all the time I need because there is an infinite eternity in God.

 Another great affirmation to try (from my good friend Melissa Echelberger):

 I always arrive at the perfect right time.

 How would my morning carpool experience be different if I changed my thinking? Instead of "Hurry, hurry, we're going to be late!", I might try:

Relax. Be present. I always arrive at the perfect right time.

That feels better already!

Okay San Clemente...If you find yourself on the road between 7:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. on a week day morning, let's all try "Relax. Be present. I always arrive at the perfect right time." Followed by a deep satisfying breath.

We can do this! We can change our morning experience from one of rushing and anxiety to one of peace, generosity and gracious driving.

I will report back any changes I notice and I encourage you to add your experience with this new affirmation in the comments.

Photography as a Spiritual Practice

Join Juli Isola, San Clemente photographer and spiritual seeker, for March's Center for Spiritual Living Capistrano Valley Women's Group meeting on Friday, March 7, 7 p.m., for an evening discovering Photography as a Spiritual Practice. The event is free and participants are asked to identify and bring 3 to 5 favorite images that they have created. The images can be from an Instagram feed, on their smart phone, printed on a home printer or snap shots from the past. We will be learning how to read photos and studying the ones people bring.

More about the Workshop:

From the moment Juli started her photography journey she realized that something greater than her was at work; and within the images she captured she found clues to revealing more of her spiritual truth. The more she studies the very accessible art of photography, the more she notices spiritual principle at work.

Photographer Juli Isola offers insight into photography as a spiritual practice
at March's Women's group meeting.

Juli believes that every photo we take is a window to our soul. It's the Divine within that entices us to bring out the camera or phone and snap the photo. We think, on the surface, it's the beauty or humor or memory we are trying to capture and preserve, but in reality it's our higher consciousness inviting us to stop and study what's right in front of us; to notice the reflection of our thinking.

Do you think of photography that way? Do you know why you pick up your camera? Do you see the visionary messages in your photographs?

Mark your calendar for Friday, March 7th, 7 p.m. You don't want to miss this enlightening photography workshop designed to give you more insight and a greater experience of higher consciousness in your life.

A Dizzy Path to Consciousness Connection

"The children are acting like a bunch of whirling dervishes!!" I would tell my husband amid screaming and wild energy, thinking in my mind of the Tasmanian devil from Looney Tunes fame.

Well, this weekend I was schooled! During the after-Sunday-service Conscious Connection, September Warren, Conscious Connection leader and practioner, revealed that a whirling dervish is actually a sacred order of the Islamic Sufi tradition and was created by the centered, wise Rumi. And they still exist! The whirling dervishes' Sema Ritual dance, a seven-centuries-old tradition, is a sacred event.

September shared the science behind this traditional dance:
It is scientifically recognized that the fundamental condition of our existence is to revolve. There is no being or object which does not revolve, because all beings are comprised of revolving electrons, protons and neutrons in atoms.  All of these revolutions are natural and unconscious. But the human being possesses a mind and an intelligence which distinguishes him from other beings. Thus, the whirling dervish or samazen, intentionally and consciously participates in the shared revolution of other beings. (sourced from http://www.whirlingdervishes.org/whirlingdervishes.htm)

During Conscious Connection, September explained how to whirl and we did!

Left foot remains connected to the ground and the right foot facilitates the spin. 

The right arm reaches up to the heavens and the left palm points down to the Earth. 

Then you move counter-clockwise. 

Now, the true whirling dervishes also rotate around each other. So, imagine that you are planet Earth spinning on it's axis and rotating around the sun. That's exactly what the whirling dervishes look like. It's an amazing feat.

I will say, I found a true respect for these individuals who spin for more than a few seconds and at an amazing rate. After about 5 or 6 revolutions, I was feeling extremely dizzy. But, I did notice, in less than 30 seconds, an energy or vibration coming from the heavens, through me, down to the Earth. My fellow participant suggested the feeling of centrifugal force and maybe that's what it was or maybe it was a new realization of the sacredness of whirling. Either way, I felt something and it was really cool.

And that's exactly what Conscious Connection is all about. It's an opportunity to notice and touch the sacred and spiritual being within, using an experiential exercise. For me, Conscious Connection moves the spiritual ideas from my mind into my body, grounding me in the spiritual energy of life. Conscious Connection takes place after Sunday service at noon in the sanctuary and everyone is welcome to attend.

In life, there are no accidents. After contemplating the truth of the whirling dervishes, I now realize that maybe calling my children a sacred order of Rumi followers was more correct than incorrect. Maybe simply affirming their divinity in a moment of wild energy was absolutely perfect, a recognition of oneness with all life.

The Secret Turning

A secret turning in us

makes the universe turn.

Head unaware of feet,

and feet head. Neither cares.

They keep turning.

Rumi

Compiled by Coleman Barks, i.b.i.d

Delay is not a Denial

Moving toward our dreams is not always easy. Sometimes we can feel lost at sea, unsure about which direction to go. The ego serves up fears and negative thoughts about our choices and then we find evidence to support "staying stuck" in our experience. The well-meaning friend who warns you of the unseen dangers, or the famous "how-to" author who cautions about mistakes to avoid. Then, of course, there is always your own past mistakes looming in the mind. Ego offers past failures and missed steps as reasons to stay right where you are and avoid moving forward.

This week the book "Joyous Living Journal" asked us to look at our challenges and obstacles and examine doubt, fears, and old beliefs. Sitting in meditation, a lot came up for me. Like cleaning out that junk drawer in the kitchen, I found thoughts and ideas long forgotten but useful in my growth. Although, I didn't know quite what to do with all these thoughts. My process and Spirit led me to this video where Rev. Dr. Michael Beckwith talks about delays in realizing your dreams. He says, "A delay is not a denial." Beckwith believes that a delay simply means you are getting something you need to move forward. Wow! What a great new perspective!

Are you feeling stuck on the path to manifesting your dreams or maybe overwhelmed by the choices ahead?Check out this video. It might offer you a different perspective; a way to look at this time of perceived in action that empowers your dreams rather than negates them.

Our Thoughts on New Thought in San Clemente

If you follow this blog regularly, you know that nearly every day in 2013 you were greeted with new-thought insight and inspiration from one of our 10 committed bloggers. As a group, we discovered that blogging can be a spiritual practice. With our intention and attention on principle, we shared our individual expressions of Spiritual Living. Throughout the year we opened our hearts and minds to what was coming up for us and how we were mindfully and attentively processing it. Perspectives shifted. Lives expanded. And, as a result, we noticed demonstration after demonstration of our power to co-create this beautiful life.

I personally loved getting to know each blogger. Each day of the week, I came to this blog eager to receive what each writer had to share, and there were so many "aha" moments!

So on this day...the second day of 2014...I honor my friends who walk this blogging journey with me ~ Dr. Heather, Rev. Pattie, Rev. Karyn, Darin, Lisa, September, Vidette, Melissa, and Robin.  I know we all sat at our computers often thinking,"What the heck am I going to write about this time?" We prayed. We noticed. And with faith we just started typing. Spirit never failed to come through with something wonderful, written in just the right way to touch others.

And I give thanks for all our guest bloggers who gave us the best of themselves. Thank you for joining our journey and come back often! You are always welcome here.

I acknowledge each one who read the words we wrote and discovered a little more love or courage or peace. We are all in this together folks; more alike than we are different. Our shared blogging experience proved that what one person has the courage to express benefits others.

We will continue in 2014. But for today, if you need a little inspiration, I encourage you to check out one of the many blog-post topics listed to the right in red. There is a lot of wisdom in those words.

Happy New Year everyone!!

Perfectly Imperfect

In the Navajo culture potters, weavers and artisans purposely leave slight imperfections in their work.

There is a magical idea that the Indian thinks is more important. Every enclosed blanket must have an outlet -- that is an outlet for the creative idea, a part of the mind which the weaver has put into it. The Navajo word for it is shih nih bi-teen' meaning "Mind my road." It is usually a mere thread of a different color, or a slight, apparently accidental, which looks like an imperfection. ~ from navajopeople.org

Isn't that great? A society that encourages it's people to embrace a mistake, in fact it was required. Later in the explanation of artistic imperfection the Navajo site says the flaw was needed to keep the artist from going crazy, like the quest for perfection is almost too much to bear.

As a photographer, I've spent a lot of time learning the rules of composition and contemplating the best way to communicate my idea, but then, in the moment when I push the shutter button, there becomes a moment of chance. Sometimes I achieve perfect focus...sometimes I don't. Sometimes a bird flies into the frame or a person closes their eyes. I've learned that for me, those imperfections enhance my personal style. Yes, I could choose to photograph people in a studio with perfect lighting, but I don't. I would rather photograph a person on the beach with the flaws of wind-blown hair and splashing waves. There is a carefree, human aspect to my art and I like that.

What would our world, our community, be like if we encouraged people to embrace their perceived flaws as a sign of perfect creation? I think we all might feel a tremendous sense of liberation and joy that only embracing our uniqueness can bring.

I Can't Hear Myself Think

When I was growing up my mom used to say, "It's so loud in here, I can't hear myself think." As a child I thought, "Whatever." Now, as a parent, I totally understand what she was saying.

There are moments, more often than I like, that the noise and busyness of family life are so loud that I can't keep my train of thought. After one particularly noisy trip to the grocery store with all three of my daughters vying for my attention and requesting sweet treats and other extras, I called my mom and told her my tale of woe. I felt on edge and worn out. My mom, in her wisdom and probably remembering similar moments in her parenting experience said, "I'm going to send you a check and I want you to download these meditations. I think they will really help. They have helped me." In her wisdom, my mom was suggesting meditation as a coping strategy and it works! Now I get up every day before every one else to have my 15 minutes of meditation and, on most days, I can, more clearly, "hear myself think."

Funny enough, I'm also a preteen teacher in the Youth Center. I had the opportunity to enlighten the preteens about meditation. Remembering my own preteen "whatever" reaction to my mom's comment about hearing herself think, I asked the kids what they thought when they heard the word "meditation." They responded with:

• boring
• sitting still for a long time 
• eyes closed
• not fun
• something adults do 

I told them about Thich Nhat Hanh and his ideas about meditation. In his book "Present Moment, Wonderful Moment," he suggests meditation can be done while walking, washing your hands, driving a car, picking a flower, cleaning the bathroom, and hearing a bell. All we need to do is use the activity to bring our awareness back to the present moment. To pay attention to how the water feels on our hands or the bell sounds in our ears. And, most importantly, to breathe. Meditation can be as simple as one mindful breath.

So, what do you do when life gets so loud that you can't hear yourself think? For families, Thich Nhat Hanh suggests having a bell in a central location in the house. When someone in the family feels like things are getting a little too noisy or chaotic, he or she rings the bell. Upon hearing the sound of the bell, every family member is reminded to stop and take three mindful breaths. Can you spare 30 seconds for three mindful breaths? If that's too hard or you don't think your family would play along, what about three mindful breaths at every red light or when your phone announces a text message has arrived? How could our lives be different if we embraced the concepts of meditation and incorporated them into our everyday moments?

How and when do you practice meditation? What have you noticed? Share your answers with me in the comments!

Halloween: A Perfect Demonstration

In a recent conversation I learned that many spiritual faiths focus on abundance in October because in ancient times October was the time of harvest and repaying of debts before the long winter months. It's not surprising to me that the origins of abundance morphed into children knocking on doors asking neighbors to share their abundance in candy.

Do you know how much children love Halloween?? I'm pretty careful when it comes to giving my kids sugar. Candy bars are definitely a treat. So when Halloween comes around and the children are literally swimming in candy bars, life feels extra abundant. It's the one time of the year when children have the opportunity to go out and earn or ask for their good.

For the past couple of weeks, I have been struggling to make sense of fair compensation, prosperity, abundance and wants. I've learned a tremendous amount about myself. Out of determination to know the Truth, this morning I looked to the Science of Mind textbook and found some interesting insight in the meditation section. Ernest Holmes writes:

My affairs are in the hands of Him, 

who guides the planets on their course, 

and who causes the Sun to shine.

And I shall not be hindered in my work. 

My affairs are controlled by Perfect Intelligence,

And cannot be hindered from expression.

I know that all that I do is done from the One Motive;

To express Life; and Life will be expressed

In and through me. I cannot hinder it.

Isn't trick-or-treating the perfect example of perfect work combined with Life expressing. The Universe (and maybe the candy manufacturers) so loved it's children that it created a day to express and demonstrate abundance. A time for children to express themselves in costume, go out and ask for their good. And working through the love of adults in the neighborhood, Spirit provides in abundance. With delight we give and with gratitude they receive regardless of worth, without judgement and with incredible joy. We are all blessed.

The same can be said for my good and your good. It's all expressing right now through you and through the people around you. Just open you hands or bags or buckets and receive..receive your good in all its forms...candy, money, love, you name it. Knowing that simply being and showing up is enough.

So Happy Halloween Friends! May you all experience the abundance of Spirit tonight and throughout the year. 

Romancing the Presence

Week one of the Commitment Experiment started last Sunday. The Commitment Experiment challenges us to test the hypothesis that committing to something or someone wholly, completely, both-feet-in will bring:

 "A whole stream of events issues from the decision, 

raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, 

meetings and material assistance, 

which no man could have dreamt would have come his way. (W.H. Murray)"

The first assignment: determine how you like to be courted. This task took me back about 19 years to when I first started dating my husband. I remembered how I wanted to spend every minute with him. We would touch base throughout the day and my heart skipped a beat when I noticed his number coming up on my work phone. Mundane lunch hours became exciting knowing I would see him. I realized from these memories that during our courtship I felt special, noticed and important. There was an electricity in the air. Life was exciting.

After our Sunday afternoon workshop together, I asked Dr. Heather why we needed to explore the elements of courtship and she said to use that information to court the Divine within. That idea hit me like a lighting bolt and lingered in my mind for the rest of the day and into the next.

Ideas for romancing the presence came to mind:

• Carve out special time for Spiritual practices
• Put my connection with Spirit at the top of my list
• Make my time with the Divine private and intimate
• Pay attention to Spirit throughout the day
• Be playful, open, excited

On Monday morning as I was exercising, I listened to Jason Mraz's CD Love is a Four Letter Word. As the song "The Woman I Love" played in my ear buds I realized it could be the love song of my romance with the Divine. Spirit talking directly to me.



Some of my favorite lines...

"And in those times that you stop loving the woman I adore,
you can relax because babe I've got your back..."

And...

"I don't wish to change you, you've got it under control
You wake up each day different, another reason for me to keep holding on
I'm not attached to anyway you're showing up
I just want to love you
You're the woman I love."

So, as I explore this romance with the presence, I look forward to the greater expression of life that it brings. And I ask...How do you want to be courted? Can you apply that to your Spiritual practices this week?

Share any changes you notice in your experience in the comments.

Is the Call to Serve the Answer to Your Prayers?

What do you believe about volunteering?

Do you believe you don't have enough time? Do you believe it's a good thing to do when you can? Do you think you don't have anything of value to contribute?

Or do you believe it could be the answer to your prayers?

In December, during a visioning session at our Center, I got the clear message to volunteer my time and public relations skills in support of our Center. Knowing the amount of work and attention required, I immediately questioned Spirit's guidance, "What about my photography business?"

Spirit replied, "You can and will do both."

With faith, I took our Center's marketing on like I would a paying PR client. I jumped in with both feet. At times I felt like Evan in Evan Almighty. Do you remember that movie? God tells Evan, a modern-day Noah, to build an arc.



There were a few times when I was really busy and spending a lot of time at my computer writing and my husband asked, "What are you doing?" And, I simply replied, "I don't really know."

Over the past 9 months, I've discovered that my photography skills offer the perfect compliment to my public relations efforts. Because I can submit professional photos with my news releases, they appear in the local newspaper with a photo credit. My photos accompany my blog posts, our Center's advertisements and direct mail marketing, and my photos have gone viral on social media.

Spirit knew that the perfect way to bring me closer to living my dream as a photographer was to serve our Center's marketing needs. My photos and photography business have received more exposure than I ever could have imagined. Volunteering for our Center brought me into perfect alignment with my good.

On the Sundays I volunteer in the youth Center, I remind the kids during the offering to, "Look for what you put in the basket to show up for you in your experience."

So I ask you, what are you putting into the Center and are you ready to see it show up in your experience, pressed down, multiplied and spilling over? Where are you being called to serve? It just might be the answer to your prayers.

Learning to Trust Your Inner GPS

Within me is a presence that knows exactly where to go and how to get there. 

It calls to me as a whisper or a longing and it pulls me forward. 

I surrender, trust and follow it's guidance, 

discovering my highest calling and greatest joy.

And So It Is! 

Words Have Power

At Rev. Bruce's recent workshop, Turbocharging the Law of Attraction, he explained that "no" is the most powerful word in the English language. As children, we were trained by our parents using the word "no." Our brain learned that "no" meant "you can't have that" or "you did something wrong." We internalized the feelings associated with hearing "no" and, as a result, when we hear it our body turns on the fight-or-flight response. The brain releases cortisol which attacks the emotional center of the brain and causes us to feel sad, stressed or depressed.

But here is the beautiful thing to know...there are other powerful words in the English language. Love, peace, joy, beauty, prosperity, freedom and abundance are just a few.

Bruce said it takes 3 to 5 positives to counteract the effects of one "no."

1. For two minutes repeat your favorite positive power word in your mind (love, joy, freedom, beauty, etc.)
2. Hug someone (friend, family member) or a pet and tell them you love them. Receive their love.
3. Make a gratitude list.
4. Recite a positive affirmation, like: I am all right, right now. 
5. Meditate for 10 minutes.
6. Say an affirmative prayer or call someone to pray with you.

These are just a few ideas. I bet you can think of a bunch more. Now incorporate those ideas into your daily activities. Create a strong list of powerful practices with power words that take the sting out of no.

Soaring with Confidence

Today, the stories of the past fall away. 

I am released from regret, mistakes and fear; set free to soar to great heights. 

Confidence supports my rise. 

Faith leads the way.

Dreams or Fears? You choose!

What are you thinking? Does it support your dreams or your fears? That's what Bruce Fredenburg asked me a few weeks ago. 

In the moment he asked I didn't really know what I was thinking. It was just that same old self talk. But after he brought it to my attention, I discovered that much of my self talk supported my fears.

"What if they don't like it?" 

         "I can't believe I said that. What a stupid thing to say." 

                   "How could you miss that photo? What were you thinking?"

                            "Oh she is definitely a better photographer than me. I will never be that good."

That voice in my head just chattered on with commentary. 

Not once did I hear: 

"Wow, that was really awesome!" 

          "Beautiful photo! I can't wait to share that one!"

                     "I am such a great photographer."

Since Bruce said, "What are you thinking? Does it support your dreams or your fears?" I think about what I think about. When I catch myself feeling defeated or sad, I notice that inner commentary. And, by simply noticing, I can change it.

"Don't make yourself bad or wrong, just notice," Bruce encouraged me. And so I notice. With awareness, I can choose a thought that supports my dreams. So, now, I find myself changing my thoughts. I'm supporting my dreams more and more. 

I've come a long way in three short weeks since my coaching session with Bruce. His wisdom, insight and effective coaching has launched me on a path toward success and fulfillment. Could I have gotten here without his help? Maybe, but definitely not as quickly. 

You get to choose to support your fears or your dreams every moment, every day. Do you want to make better choices? Join Rev. BruceFredenburg for his workshop, Turbocharging the Law of Attraction, for easy-to-use, practical exercises to live the life of your dreams. It's this Saturday and you don't want to miss it!

A Gratitude List and the Law of Attraction

Looking for things to be grateful for retrains the brain and lifts our vibration to live the good life.

Keeping a gratitude list is not a new idea. For years, I heard about it from a variety of sources.  Most commonly, the prescribed gratitude list included 5 items or occurrences each day. I would keep a list for a time and then get out of the habit. Honestly, I seemed to put the same things on the list: my family, my health, our home, etc. and never really noticed a profound change in my life. So, when Rev. Bruce suggested I keep a gratitude list I nearly objected. Just so you know, Bruce doesn't simply suggest a list of 5 things but rather a list of 50 to 100 things. Fifty to 100 things!!! He sympathized, "I know that sounds like a lot, but here is why."

He said, the brain is bombarded with input and hardwired to look for danger. It's designed to keep us safe. The problem is focusing on danger creates a life lived from fear. You can train your brain to see the good that's going on in your life which lifts your vibration and attracts more good. By suggesting I keep a daily list of 50 to 100 things that made my day better, he explained, I would start looking for things to be grateful for throughout the day.The simple act of looking for things to be grateful for is one way to retrain the brain to live the good life.

That evening, right before bed, I found a tablet with 25 lines and made two columns so I didn't have to count my items and started listing. It didn't take too long to come up with 50 items, but it did require me to look a little deeper. I gave thanks for clean air and water; for a warm shower and cozy bed; and for my health and the health of each family member. After about 3 days of the same process, I noticed that I was sleeping better.

Now, about two weeks into this evening ritual, I notice that I am feeling happier throughout the day. When things go sideways, I'm calmer. In traffic the other day, I found myself lost in thought with gratitude for the sunny day and my purring car motor rather than focusing on panic thoughts and the rush to get somewhere. I smiled.

I feel more energized during the day and as a result I'm working on things that get me closer to accomplishing my dreams. I've taken steps to establishing a website for my photography business and have some new personal projects in the works. It's exciting!

Join Rev.Bruce Fredenburg for his workshop, Turbocharging the Law of Attraction, to learn more simple and effective ways to retrain your brain to focus on the good.