Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Lucky to have ...everything


If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice. 
 ~Meister Eckhar


Sometimes things like grocery stores, gas stations, shopping centres, jobs and money overwhelm me. I think, "How spoiled are we? We have all this money, food, clothing, housing and THINGS at our disposal and yet we rarely think about those who have nothing." 
Last year I met an Anglican minister originally from Africa who moved to Canada in his 30s. He was born in a refugee camp and spent years moving across that great continent to come to the land of the free.When he came through US immigration  they asked him for the colour of his eyes but he could not tell them. He could not tell them because he had never seen himself in a mirror. He had no idea what he looked like or what colour his eyes were. This story shook me.


To this day I think of all the people who live without electricity, running water, heat, the Internet, phones, jobs, transportation, money, FOOD, safety, love, clothes, and family. How tough can the human race be?How weak we can be> In North America we have everything at our finger tips, yet we are rarely thankful and we rarely use them to their full potential. I feel that if we gave thanks more often for all these miracle we take for granted we would help ourselves and in turn help others.


Here is a list of things along with a video of things I am thankful for in my life. What about you?

My fridge, my bed, weekends and evenings, yoga classes every day, shampoo, make-up, coconut milk, coffee, cook books, sushi, sneakers, jeans, my car, veggie chips, Facebook, vacuums, the beach, the desert, work friends, old friends, flying, lines of credit, credit cards, and bank accounts.





Saturday, June 4, 2011

Do You Listen?

I came across this poem yesterday on my computer. I had forgotten all about it like most of the other files on there. This poem came to me during another time of awakening and often made me cry tears of thanks for the gift of change, which is so vital in our lives.
I also felt it was important to share it now as Spring has somewhat arrived to those of us on the East Coast.  It only takes about  5 minutes for a smile to show up on your face when you allow yourself to be outside and experience nature.
Dr. Charles Roper wrote this poem in 1992 during his experience with "Outward Bound," a wilderness training intensive for therapists. Dr. Roper writes recovery related books. A big Namaste and Thank-you to him for this amazing poem.
I Listen
by Chuck Roper

I Listen to the trees, and they say:

"Stand tall and yield.
Be tolerant and flexible.
Be true to yourself.
Stand alone, and stand together.
Be brave.
Be patient.
With time, you will grow."

I Listen to the wind, and it says:
"Breathe.
Take care of yourself --
body, mind, and spirit.
Take time.
Be quiet.
Listen from your heart.
Forgive."

I Listen to the sun, and it says:
"Nurture others.
Let your warmth radiate for others to feel.
Give yourself without expectations."




I Listen to the creek, and it says:

"Relax; go with the flow.
Tend to what's really important,
and let the rest go by.
Keep moving -- don't be hesitant or afraid.
Lighten up -- laugh, giggle."

I Listen to the mountains, and they say:

"Be there.
Be honest.
Be trustworthy.
Do what you say you're going to do.
Be true, genuine, and real.
Speak from the heart.
Don't cheat."



I Listen to the birds, and they say:

"Set yourself free.
Sing."





I Listen to the clouds, and they say:
"Be creative.
Be expressive.
Let your spirit run free.
Let yourself be light and gay,
but let yourself be heavy and sad.
Cry when you feel like it."


I Listen to the sky, and it says:
"Open up. Let go of the boundaries and barriers                                                                                                        which you have created to protect yourself.                                                                                                                          Experience change.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Fly."
I Listen to the flowers and small plants, and they say:

"Be humble.
Be simple.
Respect the beauty of small things.
Respect the beauty of humility and truth.
Let go of perfectionism.
Love yourself as you are; it opens the door to change.
Practice acceptance."

I Listen to the bugs and flying insects, and they say:


"Work.
Be productive.
Use your hands.
Focus on what's in front of you.
Ignore the past; there is only the present."



I Listen to the moon, and it says:
"Love.
Share love.
Make love.
Be romantic -- touch and caress.
Allow yourself to be loved.
Be gentle, kind, and understanding.
Use candles."





I Listen to the stars, and they wink and say:

"Play.
Dance, be silly, have fun."






I Listen to the earth, and it says:

"I am your mother.
I give you life.
Respect all that is around you.
Find beauty in all things -- living and not -- including
yourself; for we are all one -- not separate.
Be especially respectful to the very young and the very old,
for they are both very near God.
Give up the belief that you are a higher form of life;
there is no higher form of life.
We are equal because we are the same.
When you return to me, I will welcome you,
and I will set your spirit free.
Love and nurture your children; cook good food for them,
and hold them very close to you often.
Hold me close to you often as well,
and I will hold you in return; I will support you.
Have faith.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Looking younger....


So, I haven't been blogging lately due to some other family commitments but I am back with a little update on life.
Lately, I've been feeling like I LOOK old. Not FEEL old, but merely look it. And even though I HATE that I notice it, I can't help it but I want to do something about it.

I am not one for manicures, facials, creams, wraps and such. I am more of a - work from the inside out kind of girl.. I like my vitamins, juices, good food, meditation and yoga! They along with good books, funny movies, great meals, hanging out with friends and watching my kitties.However, lately this is not totally cutting it.

So I've decided to take a look online for some advice on how to LOOK younger.

Here are some of the best tips I found:

1.Prevention Magazine - great tips here that are very helpful like - take 1,00mg of omega 3 a day, wear V-necks instead of scoop necks, avoid refined flour and pasta to avoid acne and eat honey to keep your lips plump and soft.

2. Shine -Lots of links to great site with fabulous tips like: soften your hairstyles and add highlights, wear less make-up, whiten your teeth,  and use navy instead of black eyeliner to whiten your eyes.


3.Telegraph - The Brits have always been known for their honesty and I really like a few of their gems such as: cut sugar from your diet, get more sleep, sleep on a silk pillow case, shape your eyebrows,  wear the right colour blush, and my favorite, try facial acupuncture.

4.Makeupgeek - I am not a big make-up person but I do know it's value when it comes to looking younger. This site offers advice such as : use a tinted moisturiser instead of powder, curl your lashes, wear light shimmer powder and wing your lines!

Okay to be honest I am getting caught up with these superficial tips. Can't wait to try some out soon.

Let me know your best youthful tips!

Namaste:0)