Rise Above

"We truly believe you can rise up above anger. That is not to say we rise up above all of our anger. We are still human and, as such, anger will appear. But with a higher consciousness, we are able to see more perspectives; we understand more, therefore we are able to choose different avenues than anger. After all, traffic is merely a whole bunch of cars going the same direction you are; a slow line at the grocery store is just other people who are also buying groceries for their families; and children make mistakes all the time, as do we all. "

Today, at least for today, think of yourself as a better person. The kind of person who can put yourself in another person's shoes and imagine what they must be going through. Right now, in this world, there are a lot of people who are hurting. They are hurting because they are afraid. They are hurting because they are hungry. They are hurting because they are confused and don't know what will happen next. Take stock of your life and be grateful for everything you do have. Step away from your pride and ego and let yourself be the calm one or the compassionate one. Be the one that helps another human being simply because you can.

Humans have a tremendous ability to rush to the aid of others in traumatic situations- a baby in a well, hurricane victims, cancer patients, plane crashes. Yet if we don't visibly see the source of suffering we allow ourselves to get irritated if people don't act the way we want them to. Enough is enough. Just for today reach out to someone, ANY ONE. Be a better person than you normally are.

A Farewell to the Year.

     Walking in the night;

Snow is falling,

     A farewell to the year.

Shara

The word farewell is from Middle English (faren wel) and means a wish of happiness or welfare at parting.  It also means a last look at, or reference to something.  I have also read that it was used previously to wish someone a good and safe journey.  I think it's safe to say all of these apply to 2008. 

I hope that you, as I do, have no regrets about the last year.  It was a spectacular year in terms of my personal growth and I believe has set me up for bigger and better things to come.  Things didn't always go the way I wanted or planned.  I have learned to go with the flow and be more in harmony.  Now, things may not go the way I want but I do understand that in some way or another I have asked for it and I can't always dictate exactly how I get it.  Be it physical things, experiences or life lessons.

As I have no regrets I do wish the last year well.  In other words, I depart in happiness.  I plan to take what I've learned - the things I liked - about last year and repeat them with bigger and better results.  Likewise, for all those that have touched my life, or I theirs, I wish them happiness and well being too.

I look forward to a good and safe journey for 2008 and beyond.  A recent Muselan discussion regarding New Year's Resolutions brought up the idea of a theme for the year, instead of a list of goals.  Some of the themes offered by others included creativity, adventure, nonattachment and growth.  I had initially set a theme of Bigger and Better.  But recently, one of my friends who is turning 40 in a few weeks told me this is her year of "me".  I said, "More power to you!".  So in the spirit of a bigger and better me, let 2009 be the year of Personal Power!

In the New Year may you all be happy, healthy, wealthy, wise and whole!

Thanks Giving

"When you arise in the morning give thanks for the morning light, for your life and strength. Give thanks for your food and the joy of living. If you see no reason to give thanks the fault likes in yourself."

- Tecumseh, Shawnee Chief

Today I give thanks for:
My loving husband, his partnership and his humor.
My amazing children, their wonder and authenticity.
My family, their unconditional love and everything they have taught me.
The Muses, their inspiration and acceptance.
Yoga, it's benefits of health and opening my mind to many more things.
My body, for all that it is capable of and for being not flawless, but whole.
Nature, for teaching me and feeding me (in more ways than one).
Money, not a weapon but a tool.
And for all the things that I have resisted and disliked and feared, for they have taught me the most.

my new computer

I'm manifesting a new computer.

2 years ago, here is how it would have went:
"I need a new computer. This computer is old and slow. I'm so tired of this computer being so slow, it takes forever! I can't even watch videos because they're so broken up because of this darned thing. It takes 15 minutes just for it to start up! I can't run the new programs and gadgets because this thing is so old. etc. etc. etc."

Now I know that that line of thinking will probably just create a scenario whereby my current computer works even slower (essentially perpetuating the same thing) and may not actually get me a new computer. Remember, you get what you think about whether you want it or not. Why not make it intentional?

What does that mean?
I ASK (setting the intention)
I decide exactly what it is I want: A new computer. An Apple MacBook Pro to be exact.
I picture that computer on my desk. I see myself using that new computer as I'm using the current one. I think about how fast the new laptop is (especially with my wireless keyboard) and how I can do video conferencing with the Muses and create great podcast visualizations (my genius, I'm told) and all kinds of other great stuff.
I ALLOW
I RECEIVE
These 2 are similar in that now I just wait. I know eventually it will happen whether by my saving for it, or a financial windfall, or financing it, or a gift or an exchange. It really doesn't matter. I have just have to be ready to recognize the opportunity when it comes and be grateful for it when it does.

I'm talking about computers mainly because I really do want a new one and every time I'm posting I'm reminded of it. It doesn't have to be this or even anything material. You apply the same principal to anything you want. More time. Greater joy. Experiences. Relationships.
My mantra has become, "don't focus on what you DON'T want, focus on what you DO want!" Then you might actually get what you want.

29 Days of Giving

I have been feeling greatly abundant and generous lately yet not really knowing what to do about it. This weekend I went to a hotel for a couple of days with some of my girlfriends for some R and R - we ate good food, read, talked, painted our nails, watched movies. One of the movies was The Ultimate Gift. I actually didn't see it myself although it seems to have started this trend of synchronicities around giving in my life. My horoscope yesterday was titled "Gift of Giving", then this morning I randomly checked a blog I rarely read and it was all about the 29 Days of Giving challenge. The idea is to get beyond yourself (or over yourself!) by giving something each day for at least 29 days. It can be money or gifts, it can be time, attention, love, old sweaters, hugs or smiles. Without hesitation I signed up.
So today, my official day 1, my gift is something I've thought about and really just needed a push to do. I've been getting e-mails from Moveon.org. Here is what their site says about them:

"The MoveOn family of organizations brings real Americans back into the political process. With over 3.2 million members across America – from carpenters to stay-at-home moms to business leaders – we work together to realize the progressive promise of our country. MoveOn is a service – a way for busy but concerned citizens to find their political voice in a system dominated by big money and big media."

So today, for the first time ever, I gave money in support of a political campaign. One person can make a difference, especially if you partner with 3.2 million other one persons. Now, can we get 20,000 to sign up to give for 29 days? I've already got day 2 planned and several other great ideas in the works. I can't wait!

Today is the beginning

Today is the beginning of my new life
I am starting over today
All good things are coming to me today
I am grateful to be alive
I see beauty all around me
I live with passion and purpose
I take time to laugh and play every day
I am awake, energized and alive
I am free to be myself
I am magnificence in human form
I am the perfection of life
I am grateful to be me.
Today is the Best Day of my Life



What a Wonderful World
Originally uploaded by MontanaRaven

Open Arms

open arms and the clouds
Originally uploaded by Reza Vaziri

"Whatever tomorrow brings, I'll be there with open arms and open eyes, yeah!"

- from the song Drive by Incubus

On a positive note

Another day, another smile :-) (thanks, Karen)
Another day, another hug
Another day, another squeal of delight
Another day, another sweet sleepy toddler
Another day, another special Godzilla drawing for me
Another day, another snuggle with my squidgy widgy
Another day, another song
Another day, another laugh
Another day, another I Love You

I asked for it

I asked for strength
and God gave me difficulties to make me strong.
I asked for wisdom
and God gave me problems to learn to solve.
I asked for prosperity
and God gave me a brain and brawn to work.
I asked for courage
and God gave me dangers to overcome.
I asked for love
and God gave me people to help.
I asked for favours
and God gave me opportunities.
I received nothing I wanted.
I received everything I needed.

From a Sufi poem, attributed to Hazrat Inayat Khan, referenced in the book The Soul of Money by Lynne Twist.

Mother's Day Gratitude

Lately I've been focused on choosing to see the positive. The duality of life is that there is positive and negative. I just believe there can be a lot more positive if that is what we choose to focus on. I'm not going to focus on or dwell on the negative, it just makes me feel bad and tends to attract more of the same. Likewise, if I focus on the positive I feel good and I get even more of the good stuff.

Someone (Wayne Dyer? Judith Lasater?) said, "What you appreciate, appreciates". Gratitude is such a big part of being positive, because as the quote says, what you appreciates grows and you get "more of the good stuff".

This idea came from Nona over at Everyday Yogini. In honor of Mother's Day, a chance to express my gratitude for my family, my children and the incredible experience of being a mother.

Marya's top 10 Mommy Gratitude List

1. I am grateful for each of my children - that they chose me as their mother, for each of the unique ways they came to be, that I get the joy of seeing them live and grow.

2. I am grateful for Sammy, my oldest boy. 'Super Sammy Salad' I love his creativity and imagination, his ease of life and willingness to try just about anything. I love his humor and goofy stories. I appreciate his love of nature and desire to learn. I've learned more about dinosaurs, sharks, frogs and bugs than I ever knew I wanted.

3. I am grateful for Anthony, middle child. 'Freight Train', 'Monkey Bucket' I love his noodley little body and the way it squidges. I love his emotions, his drama and his quest for attention, even when it drives me crazy sometimes. I love his persistence and sense of order and his quiet calm when he focuses on something he enjoys. I love his funny little giggle, the kind that makes you laugh with him. His love of garbage trucks and obsession with recycling has made us all more aware. (We even have a compost bin now)

4. I am grateful for Eden, baby girl. 'Pink Pocket of Perpetrating Baby' I love her facial expressions and breath talk and the way she twists her hair when she's tired, knots and all. I love her persistence and perpetrating. (It was the butter dish this morning) I love her contemplation and quiet yet also the running and squeeling. Every day is an adventure.

5. I am grateful for my husband who loves me, treats me like a queen and allows me "mommy time" for my sanity. And as my mom reminds me, he is partly responsible for me being a Mom.

6. I am grateful for all of the support of my family and friends. Especially the reminder that someday I'll even look back on the really bad days and miss them too.

7. I am grateful for my health and strength. I've often said that as long as I'm healthy and feel well I can handle anything.

8. I am grateful that we have access to everything we need, that there is always enough, and that my children are truly blessed.

9. I am grateful for the love and affection we display. That I can say "I love you" to my kids all the time and that they know I mean it. That they say it back is even better.

10. I am grateful for everything. There is not a single thing in my life I regret and that is what keeps me constantly working to make my life not just the best it can be, but unforgettable. I want it to just keep getting better. My kids are such a big part of that because they have changed me and pushed me and calmed me and taught me in ways I could have never imagined before.

Happy Mother's Day!

Past Year, Next Year Tag

I have been tagged. My friend Laura started this tag with questions she has done with her friends and family on their birthday. While it's not my birthday, I'm always good for answering a question or two. Here goes.

In the Past year:

What was your most embarrassing moment?
Can't really think of one. I don't really get embarrassed anymore. I mean, I've given birth 3 times and have small children. At this stage in my life I think it would take a lot to get me embarrassed.

What are you proudest of achieving?
One - I completed a 2 year long advanced Yoga Teacher training (500 hours over 2 years). It was long and grueling (just kidding) - actually it was fun and inspiring. I became friends with some of the most beautiful (inside and out) women in the world! Two - that I have 3 amazing little humans in my care that are doing so wonderfully, that I celebrated my 12th wedding anniversary and my marriage is better than ever, and that life just keeps getting better the more I learn (and let go).

What would you do differently with the benefit of hindsight?
Not a thing. Not sure I could have planned it any differently. Yes, I would have liked to have had more money, less frustration and pain or completely skipped by all the family drama, but then I wouldn't be where I am right now and I like where I am just fine, thank you.

What did you love about last year?
Where to begin? My baby's 1st birthday, golf league, Manifesting classes, teaching yoga and teacher training, Belly dancing classes at the Cassandra School, Camping, parties with the neighbors, fishing camp, my garden got bigger(holy tomatoes!), the garbage truck field trip, the list goes on.

In the Next year:

What do you want to say you accomplished next year on this day?
I just finished my New Year's vision board (in lieu of a list of resolutions). On it are that I'm going to write a book, I'm going to be a part of a great new business venture, I'm going to get certified as a Personal Trainer, I'm going to go back to Florida and DisneyWorld with the family and I'm going to do even more of what I love - spend fun time with my kids, spend quality time with my hubby (Gasparilla?), yoga, dancing, writing, gardening, golf, and getting more massages.

What are you looking most forward to in the next year?
I could almost quote Laura on this one. Like my body and yoga, I'm just fascinated by every new little thing that comes up. I used to hate when employers would ask "Where do you want to be in 5 years?" I mean, WOW! 5 years is a long time, and so is 1 year, and there are so many possibilities! I've grown to love surprises (let go and be surprised!) so I am excited for each and every day to see what fun new thing might happen. Even today, my best friend called me and asked if I want to go to her house next week to see 2 friends of ours from High School that we haven't seen in 5 years. Yesterday I would have never guessed that would happen. What fun!

What goal of yours are you most tantalized by?
The book and the business venture. Oh heck, I wouldn't have it as a goal if I weren't tantalized by it!

If you knew you only had the next year to live, what would you make sure to do? What is stopping you?
Everything I'm doing. Maybe more time with the kids? I say that and yet... we all need some space to ourselves. P.S. Thank God nothing is stopping me.

Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy

25 days of my favorite things, #6: Happiness
I found this great quote on the Abraham-Hicks blog www.abraham-hicks.lilly6.com and I am in love.

“A happy life is just a string of happy moments. But most people don’t allow the happy moment, because they’re so busy trying to get a happy life.” – Abraham-Hicks

Yesterday I had the most beautiful happy moment. I actually thought to myself “I’m so happy I could just cry!”. We (kids and me - husband has been out of town for 13 days now) were scheduled to get the venerable holiday photo yesterday morning. We tried last weekend but Anthony kept throwing up (which turned out to be strep). 10 minutes before we were to leave yesterday, Eden threw up too. It really makes me think we were never meant to have these pictures.

It is 2 days before Christmas and my baby is vomiting. I know at some point last week she actually had her brother’s toothbrush in her mouth so I suppose on some level I’d be surprised if this didn’t happen. I figured it would be best to just go get the strep test out of the way. I also had to go to the bank and the post office. So I loaded up the van and drove in to Shakopee (sung to the tune of the Beverly Hillbillies by the way). Before our day at the MinuteClinic (minute my patootie) I went through the drive-through at Caribou Coffee to get a latte.

We are sitting in the car listening to Christmas songs. We are watching people bustling in and out of the shops in the adjacent strip mall, people shoveling the fresh snow off the sidewalks, and people generally moving about their business. There is an air of cheer. It seems so clichéd but it’s true. I think the stress of the holidays has melted into excitement now that it’s so close. You can feel it out loud. I looked over and saw a woman from the beauty shop shoveling outside. A couple walked up to her and gave her a card and a gift. I don’t know why (besides the obvious) but it was such a touching moment. In that moment I felt generosity, caring, human tenderness. I felt so happy I wanted to cry.

May you all be blessed with many happy moments, and the ability to allow the happy moments.

Thanks and Gratitude

I teach Yoga at a suburban Gold's Gym. Not the kind of place you'd expect for a teacher like me. Some of the other teachers (exercise class teachers) call me a 'mat girl' as in, "do you teach other classes or are you just a 'mat girl'?" But I like it because it's close to my house and I have all my props there and they let me teach whenever I want. I've also developed a pretty regular group of students who are looking for more than just a 'mat girl'. Believe me, they wouldn't keep coming back if they didn't.
Yesterday morning I taught a class with a Gratitude theme. I started by reading this great quote recently sent me from my dear friend Karen (thanks, Karen!):

“We have noticed that when you are in the mode of appreciation, that is the closest physical thought process that harmonizes perfectly with the pure positive energy that comes forth from within you of anything we have seen in your physical experience.

Someone said ‘Isn’t love closer to that pure vibration?’ And we say Love and Appreciation are the identical vibration.” ~ Abraham – Hicks

Then I told a story about myself and a time when I overcame a really angry moment by focusing on what I was grateful for (let's just say it involves knives and mushrooms). The inspiration was to find small things that we're grateful for. As we went through class I gave examples of things I was grateful for in the moment, to help keep our focus and give inspiration. Here are some examples:

• I'm grateful for my hands and fingers (all 10 of them!)
• I'm grateful for my yoga mat
• I'm grateful for being able to make mistakes and nobody really cares (in a good way)
• I'm grateful I can stand up
• I'm grateful for laughter
• I'm grateful I can relax

At the end of class I expressed my gratitude for my students and the opportunity to share my knowledge of yoga with them. After gathering their things, one student came up to me after class and said "I'm grateful for you" and walked away. Luckily I was able to blurt out a "thank you" as she left but I have to say I was a little dumbstruck (or awestruck?). Sometimes we forget how much impact we can and do have on others. Wow, am I grateful for that moment. Happy Thanksgiving!