Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Challenge

"Even if you have a lot of work to do, if you think of it as wonderful, and if you feel it as wonderful, it will transform into the energy of joy and fire, instead of becoming a burden."
~ Tulku Thondup Rinpoche

Each day I receive an inspirational quote in my email. Like clockwork it arrives and I ponder the message it is sending me. Truth be told some are in fact inspirational to me and others, not so much. Then today it hit me. Of course each quote will hold different meaning for different people. It's about what we bring to it, what we are in need of and what we are looking for.

So when I read today's quote (above) I considered the variety of responses it could conjure up in folks. And then I considered sharing it with you Dear Readers, as a challenge. I can clearly see how the quote feels "easier said than done", but consider the sweet reward when we can master the skill of making tasks feel wonderful and turn it into joy. 

We could all use a bit more joy and if it is at our fingertips by how we view something, it's up to us to give it a try.

So off I go to tackle paperwork and bills that have piled up, while I chant a mantra that helps me see it as wonderful and good......as I eagerly await that feeling of joy and the task no longer feeling like a burden.

So when faced with your own pile of work......go ahead and give it a try ~

If you too would like to receive a daily quote of inspiration and contemplation, be sure to visit Gratefulness.org and sign up. They touch my Life every day.

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Sharing More Of My World................

Gestures of "saw this and thought of you", pictures that capture a special moment, cards that touched my heart, treats that harness a memory and accomplishments of my own, all adorn a corner in my studio.

Now mind you, it hadn't even occurred to me that I had such a special space. It came to light the other day when an article that someone copied for me because she said "it made me think of you and your family" made it's way to the shelf after I read it and wanted to hold onto it and preserve the happy feeling a special someone brought me. (you can see it there in the left lower corner. "Live Your Song")

There are all kinds of things stashed here, from a photo of friends and I with author Jodi Piccoult and even an email Jodi sent me after I invited her to girls hang out night when she was going to be in town...she replied to me...such a joy! (she couldn't attend...but still such a joy she replied!!) A note from E that made me smile ear to ear and an ornament of the world that my oh so talented husband painted the word PEACE on one Christmas when he asked the boys "what do you think Mom would like for Christmas. I mean tender, right?

 
It is an accumulation of years and memories that initially started on this fabric covered board that just kept expanding onto the wall next to it. It's now my own kind of I Spy book that brings me smiles when I take time to really look and remember each piece and the joy it brought me when first placed there.

So today's message Dear Readers is to think about creating a place for you, whether it be a bulletin board in your laundry room, or a decorative box on a nearby table or an artist's book of blank pages to fill. Create some place to capture your own moments, that you can randomly add to in no particular order, and so importantly go back to when you need that reminder, that bit of love or that shot of inspiration.

Take a close look and see what you can find.....like Life it holds so much more and we just have to take time to see it!

Peace ~

Sunday, June 8, 2014

When Was The Last Time You Did It?...................

While gardening last weekend and feeling the warming sun on my back and the beach towel under my knees, I decided to just do it! I rolled over on my back and did a little cloud gazing. It felt relaxing, whimsical, child like and a little playing hooky. Perfect combination for this sometimes wound tight mama. (there I said it...I can be wound tight!..I know it and realizing that working on it sure is helping)

Thinking about it now, I did recently dance, let's say, very enthusiastically while home alone a few weeks ago. My mission is to, yes, live in the moment, but also to psyche myself out that I am a carefree, don't need to plan everything kind of gal, who can spontaneously
roll on her back...for a little cloud gazing! 

It's working! My body reaps the benefits of my mind chilling out and being silly. Serotonin is increased and that my friends lends itself to a happy and content place to be.

So today's recommendation Dear Readers is to make a little fun happen on a regular basis. It feels great, it stays with you even after you stop and it's down right healthy for you.