We are energy...

“We are energy. Energy cannot be created or destroyed, it just changes form. Einstein realized that. When seen out of context, a cloud in thy sky could just as easily be a wave in the sand. Perceptual experience is choice. Can you open your mind to the infinite possibilities?”

~D. L. Robinson

http://www.mysticmamma.com/we-are-energy/ 

Don’t Always Trust Your Perceptions – Thich Nhat Hanh

Breathing in, I see myself as still water. 
Breathing out, I reflect things as they are. 

Near the mountain, there is a lake with clear, still water reflecting the mountain and the sky with pristine clarity. You can do the same. If you are calm and still enough, you can reflect the mountain, the blue sky, and the moon exactly as they are. You reflect whatever you see exactly as it is, without distorting anything.

Have you ever seen yourself in a mirror that distorts the image? Your face is long, your eyes are huge, and your legs are really short. Don’t be like that mirror. It is better to be like the still water on the mountain lake. 

We often do not reflect things clearly, and we suffer because of our wrong perceptions. Suppose you are walking in the twilight and see a snake. You scream and run into the house to get your friends, and all of you run outside with a flashlight. But when you shine your light on the snake, you discover that it isn’t a snake at all, just a piece of rope. This is a distorted perception. 

When we see things or listen to other people, we often don’t see clearly or really listen. We see and hear our projections and our prejudices. We are not clear enough, and we have a wrong perception. Even if our friend is giving us a compliment, we may argue with him because we distort what he says. 

If we are not calm, if we only listen to our hopes or our anger, we will not be able to receive the truth that is trying to reflect itself on our lake. We need to make our water still if we want to receive reality as it is. If you feel agitated, don’t do or say anything. Just breathe in and out until you are calm enough. Then ask your friend to repeat what he has said. This will avoid a lot of damage. Stillness is the foundation of understanding and insight. Stillness is strength.

Compassionate Action – Pema Chödrön

Compassionate action, being there for others, being able to act and speak in a way that communicates, starts with seeing ourselves when we start to make ourselves right or wrong. At that particular point, we could just contemplate the fact that there is a larger alternative to either of those, a more tender, shaky kind of place where we could live. This place, if we can touch it, will help us train ourselves throughout our lives to open further to whatever we feel, to open further rather than shut down more.

We’ll find that as we begin to commit ourselves to this practice, as we begin to have a sense of celebrating the aspects of ourselves that we found so impossible before, something will shift in us. Something will shift permanently in us. Our ancient habitual patterns will begin to soften, and we’ll begin to see the faces and hear the words of people who are talking to us.

getting past fear...

http://dharmawisdom.org/teachings/articles/getting-past-fear

Needed to read this tonight...
S

Be The Change...

Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.

- -George Bernard Shaw- -

Teaching to Learn...

http://www.dailygood.org/story/1089/-i-teach-to-learn-compassion-in-education-nipun-mehta/

“Sometimes things fall apart so that better things can fall together.” ~Marilyn Monroe

http://tinybuddha.com/blog/finding-strength-and-moving-on-from-heartbreak/

You Are Alive;)

http://www.intuition-physician.com/lifes-ups-and-downs/

“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” ~Confucius

“No one saves us but ourselves. We alone must walk the path.” ~Buddha

perceptions... and misperceptions...

http://www.mysticmamma.com/remove-the-buffers-of-perception/

clarity...

-unknown

Hopes & Dreams...

Heart light...

There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. 

-Anais Nin

Can you see the light?

Mantra...
'My true self has no limits or boundaries.'

Ananta Swa Bhava

One Breath At A Time...

"If you want to conquer the anxiety of life, live in the moment, live in the breath." 
~Amit Ray

True Self...

"Don't change so people will like you, be yourself and the right people will love you." ~unknown

(unknown) 


"We can judge others or we can love others, but we can't do them both at the same time." ~unknown

My true self choosing LOVE.
S

Intentions

http://www.oprah.com/inspiration/Recover-from-Pain-and-Loss

For my Spiritual Partner, 
even when you feel lost, I will be here to help you find your way through the forest.
All my love,
S

Confucius

I LOVE this one:)

xoxo-

S

Mantra...

“I see that this plan, this purpose of mine,Is going to take some time.And part of the process,Is a need to discuss it,So boundaries are clearly defined.”

http://www.mysticmamma.com/kaypacha-report-boundaries-are-clearly-defined/ 

Peace...

“It’s okay to not be okay.” ~Unknown

http://tinybuddha.com/blog/highs-and-lows-are-a-part-of-life-its-okay-to-feel-down-sometimes/

Strength...

Encouragement...

Hang in there...

New Moon Enchantment...

" I will plant my dream seeds in the fertile earth of my imagination & reap a harvest of love, creativity & harmony."

-->

One Step at a Time...

I was on a search for some super quote, or thought, or meditation, something to go with the picture below... one phrase kept coming to my mind over and over the past week, so tonight I googled 'One Step At A Time"... have never heard the song below or the gal that sings it, had no idea it even existed, but I was so inspired by this young girl. First of all, she can totally walk in high heels like a rockstar too!  This has been a resolution for me the last 2 years- I'm not even close to her runway abilities;)  Along with that, her voice is amazing & the lyrics are so reassuring.  I have felt so overwhelmed lately, wondering how the hell I am gonna make it through each day.  Worry overwhelms me, my emotions get magnified, sometimes to the point I feel paralyzed, not sure where to even start.  Over the holiday weekend I decided while sitting on Center Street watching a car parade~ soaking my feet in the ditch, and having fun~ to hell with worry, I want to enjoy my kids, and my family & friends.  Life is too short!  Guilt tried to creep in, anxiety came knocking, sadness was trying to text me, depression wanted to hang out, and frustration wanted to say 'hi.'  I had to gently acknowledge their existence, as they are such a strong part of me, and send them on their way.  So often I will put others before me, and I'm ok with that, and so often my ego tries to put itself before Sarah.  It becomes this constant battle to make everyone happy.  I get exhausted, and start losing hope.  Next time your feeling like your losing Sarah... just remember to take one step at a time, be patient, and keep smiling. I know it'll all work out:) 

STRENGTH OF THE HEART

"The only demons in this world are those running around in our hearts, and that is where all our battles ought to be fought."
~Mahatma Gahndi

Oneness...

The moment I die,
I will try to come back to you
as quickly as possible.
I promise it will not take long.
Isn’t it true
I am already with you
in every moment?
I come back to you
in every moment.
Just look,
feel my presence.
If you want to cry,
please cry.
And know
that I will cry with you.
The tears you shed
will heal us both.
Your tears are mine.
The earth I tread this morning
transcends history.
Spring and Winter are both present in the moment.
The young leaf and the dead leaf are really one.
My feet touch deathlessness,
and my feet are yours.
Walk with me now.
Let us enter the dimension of oneness
and see the cherry tree blossom in Winter.
Why should we talk about death?
I don’t need to die
to be back with you.

— Thich Nhat Hanh – The Collection of Poems – page 141

I Love You And Buddha Too

Five of my favorite men:)  Only missing 
my numero uno:)

Home...

 

 

Sun, moon, and mother earth. Much needed healing with my family:)

Waxing Gibbous:)

Belle Luna:)
xoxo,
S

The moon...

1st Qtr moon:)

This picture doesn't do any justice to this enchanting being.

Peace,
S

Jack Johnson - Breakdown

“It’s okay to not be okay.” ~Unknown

Sometimes you need to breakdown to breakthrough:)

Keep on surfing, xoxoxo.

Hugs,
S

Kindness

“There is a kindness that dwells deep down in things; it presides everywhere, often in the places we least expect. The world can be harsh and negative, but if we remain generous and patient, kindness inevitably reveals itself.”

“Something deep in the human soul seems to depend on the presence of kindness; something instinctive in us expects it, and once we sense it we are able to trust and open ourselves…”

“The word kindness has a gentle sound that seems to echo compassionate goodness. When someone is kind to you, you feel understood and seen. There is no judgement or harsh perception directed towards you.”

“Kindness has gracious eyes; it is not small-minded or competitive; it wants nothing back from itself. Kindness strikes a resonance with the depths of your own heart; it also suggests that your vulnerability, though somehow exposed, is not taken advantage of; rather, it has become an occasion for dignity and empathy…”

“Despite all the darkness, human hope is based on the instinct that at the deepest level of reality some intimate kindness holds sway. This is the heart of blessing. To believe in blessing is to believe that our being here, our very presence in the world, is itself the first gift, the primal blessing.”

~John O’ Donohue from To Bless the Space Between Us

http://www.mysticmamma.com/there-is-a-kindness-that-dwells-deep-down/ 

Learning to fly...

“I can complain and criticize,
Finding fault with you and I,
But I would rather spend my time,
Learning how to fly.”

~Kaypacha

Found myself humming this tune, as I traveled the trail...

Soul Searching Summer Solstice...

-->

With my grandfather's today on this great grandfather rock... 

learning to listen to my heart, send light, give & 
receive love,  & then let go.

Been doing a lot of soul searching, and asking the universe for
guidance.  I woke up today feeling as though I needed to jump a
huge hurdle in life, and with so much uncertainty I needed help from
my grandfathers this father's day.  As I hiked up to "my spot" I was trying to
connect to my ancestors, asking them to help me find my way
through these tears, through this suffering.  I found  myself repeating
"Listen, Light, Love..."  but something was missing.  I knew 

there was one more piece of the puzzle I needed to put it all together.  
I trekked on in the sun & the heat, made it to the grandfather
rock, climbed up top and sat.  As I sat looking out over the landscape,
the most beautiful hawk circled the valley below from afar, slowly it 
came towards me, I could feel it carrying the message I knew I 
needed, the missing puzzle piece. I watched as is it soared so 
graciously, came across the sky, and right up over me.  I could
not touch it, but I could see it and feel it,  I knew in my soul it
was my love, and all I could do was LET GO of fear & doubt. 

Father's Day Metta

One of my favorite guided meditations  by Vinny Ferraro.

Copy and paste the address below, or click on the Heavy Metta link.
Love this guy, Happy Father's Day:)

http://www.dharmaseed.org/talks/audio_player/215/6494.html 

Heavy Metta

You have a power...

“You have a power that has nothing to do with what you do

or what you say

or who you know or what you know

or where you are or what you look like or your skills

or your talents

or what you have.

It is the power of your presence.

It is the heat and light from your burning log.

And it touches everyone who comes in contact with you….

~Paul Williams, Remember your Essence

http://www.mysticmamma.com/you-have-a-power/

Re-Evaluation Affirmation...

"Though I may have lost my way, the light of Truth has saved the day.  Now everyday, in every way, I'm getting  better & better."

Sending more Strength...

Strength...

Blind Pilot - White Apple Lyrics

Feeling this album so strong on this new moon

Surrender Sarah~

Shut down...

Very overloaded with emotion and uncertainty today, need an escape button for my life.
It has been 60 days since my last cigarette and today is oh so hard, I am trying so hard and you are not here.  Do you ever want to just shutdown?

Gonna check out for a bit, I'm here tho.
S

Never the same moon...

"The soul, like the moon, 
is new, and always new again."
~Lal Ded

Pathways...

"We have all been placed on this earth 
to discover our own path, 

and we will never be happy 
if we live someone else's idea of life."

~James Van Praugh

My intention today is to release negative thoughts & emotions from my life, and to discover inner peace, joy & happiness.
S

Your light...

It is our light that scares me the most.
S

Following Your Bliss...

Always Remember...

my heart hugging yours~

Presence...

"When you love someone, the best thing you can offer is your presence. How can you love if you are not there?" 

~Thich Nhat Hanh

Faith

"I will go forth in perfect faith
In the power of Omnipresent Good
To bring me what I need
At the time I need it."

Affirmation...

I trust my higher Self. I listen with love to my inner voice & release all that is unlike Love.

Reminder...

Monday Mantra...

Shanti-Hum
~I am peace~

FYI...

Never stop being a bad-ass!! So proud of you and your strength :)
~My Sister

February Seven...

I went on the search for something true
I was almost there when I found you
Sooner than my fate was wrote
A perfect blade, it slit my throat
And beads of lust released in to the air
When I awoke you were standing there
I was on the mend when I fell through
The sky around was anything but blue
I found as I regained my feet
A wound across my memory
That no amount of stitches would repair
But I awoke and you were standing there


Chorus
There's no fortune at the end of the road
That has no end
There's no returning to the spoils
Once you've spoiled the thought of them
There's no falling back to sleep
Once you've waken from the dream
Now I'm rested and I'm ready
I'm rested and I'm ready to begin
I'm ready to begin


I went on the search for something real
I traded what I know for how I feel
But the ceiling and the walls collapsed
Upon the darkness I was trapped
And as the last of breath was drawn from me
The light broke in and brought me to my feet


Chorus
There's no fortune at the end of the road
That has no end
There's no returning to the spoils
Once you've spoiled the thought of them
There's no falling back to sleep
Once you've waken from the dream
Now I'm rested and I'm ready
I'm rested and I'm ready
Yeah I'm rested and I'm ready
I'm rested and I'm ready
Yeah I'm rested and I'm ready
I'm rested and I'm ready to begin
I'm ready to begin

by The Avett Brothers

A song I'd like to to dedicate to all those that are awakening:)
With Love,
S

Think about it...

~Surprise someone with a nice thank you card~

That...

There is a life-force within your soul, seek that life.
There is a gem in the mountain of your body, seek that mine.
O traveler, if you are in search of That
Don't look outside, look inside yourself and seek That.

~Rumi

Change...

“Some changes look negative on the surface but you will soon realize that space is being created in your life for something new to emerge.” 
~Eckhart Tolle

The Field of Love

Finding Joy in Release

"Learn to let go. 

That is the key to happiness." 

~the Buddha

Haha, much easier said than done eh?  But really when you think about it, 

letting go is really the only choice you have to make.  Just wish it wasn't so hard to do.

Monday Mantra... RE- Lease.  

What is soft is strong...

"Water is fluid, soft, and yielding.  But water will wear away rock, which is rigid and cannot yield. As a rule, whatever is fluid, soft, and yielding will overcome whatever is rigid and hard.  What is soft is strong." 
~Lao Tzu

Today at work...

"Your work is to discover your world and then with all you heart to give yourself to it."
~The Buddha

Mason Jennings - The Light

The Light..

"Find things that shine & move toward them." 
~Mia Farrow

Sound of Silence...

"Remember always - not with my speech, not with my eyes, not even with my mind will that Self be reached. It will declare itself to me only in my stillness." ~KATHA UPANISHAD (800-400BCE), INDIA

 A friend & I have been conversing today about 'Silence'.   This topic surprised me so much, in our own silence today the both of us were thinking of the same thing!  When the word 'silence' is spoken I cannot help but start to hum the tune "Sound of Silence" by Simon & Garfunkel in my mind.  

For some reason silence scares me, it always has, and I'm afraid that I have lived in fear for a long time.  Much longer than I have ever realized.  A question has been lingering, one I haven't been able to answer because I have not even known what the question is, but now I get it.  LOVE or FEAR? Do we choose LOVE or do we choose FEAR?  Easier said than done eh. 

My Choice...

 

 

ACCEPTANCE

 

 

 
A friend asked me the other day "What does HAPPINESS mean to you?"
So, when I witnessed my dog and cat asleep on the kitchen floor, 
I couldn't help but think that is a great example of picture perfect happiness. 
 
[(UNDERSTANDING+ACCPTANCE) * TOLERANCE]= UNCONDITIONAL LOVE,
my formula for HAPPINESS.
 
What does HAPPINESS mean to you?"