I was able to listen today and hear some insightful beliefs and contemplate their depth of meaning. All it took was the last half hour of a discussion book study on The Course in Miracles to set me right and back on the path of remembering how to wisely use my thoughts. It also made me ponder and re-affirm the value of our lives, in whatever form that takes. It reinforced and validated my journey.

If my shoulders relax, my breath slows, deepens and elongates, I know I have chosen well and done the right thing, for the highest good of all. If I tense up or my stomach knots up, I have gone against my authentic self. That is why it is imperative that I listen to my body. I knew immediately, by my body’s response, I was in the best place and space for me today and I had made the correct decision to attend the discussion, even if a bit late.

We have choices today. I am grateful just for that. I also know that I do not want to be in fear, anger or worry. I recognize what that looks and feels like on me first. Then, I get to work through it. And then, I have an option. Do I want to dwell in that or do I want to be in the expansiveness of creation? When I choose the latter, a whole new world opens up and I get to accomplish my real purpose here and all because I had a change in my perspective, taking the focus off my ego self and adjusting the view to my highest Self.

In my Higher Self state, I do not think self absorbed thoughts, I do not say stupid, insipid, empty and trite things and I act appropriately.

I seek peace and I live with wonder and awe!

Twenty five years on this planet! Today is my eldest’s birthday and knowing him now for a quarter century is beyond belief!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

If anyone wants to get teary-eyed they can search this date for 2013 and 2014 (or rather Day 97 – I remember when or Y2 – Day 54 – Wisdom) and they can read previous tributes and anecdotes on our first born son’s birth.

Today, I want to send out greetings to a young man who has become his own person, still learning, growing and enjoying his life with optimism, joy and reason. M is kind, generous and sweet; his smile or rather smirk, the look of surprise in almost every photograph, his gentleness and patience with his sisters, his chivalry and loyalty to all, his depth, his eagerness, his enthusiasm and his self-awareness – is just the tip of the iceberg.

In honor of this boy turned into man who turned his curiosity of dinosaurs into a love of learning, his aptitude for Nintendo into a career into computer engineering and his sensitive nature into a loving partner, caring friend, dedicated, helpful and supportive brother and Best Son Ever – I say proudly and loudly – Happy Birthday, M, Happy Birthday, and may all your days be as precious as you are!

Love, Mom

Knowing what to look for and appreciating it today.

We need a spiritual movement that has no allegiance to political or religious parties. It would have only one purpose. We need to let it begin with us, in each of our hearts. We need to be an example to our families, our neighbors and to all we meet. We need to keep the ideal, our connection and our agreed upon oneness, our united reason for existing, as our highest priority, at all times of the day. Or we WILL perish, leaving nothing to no one.

We need to think, say, do, pray and give out love and positive energy, every minute.

Remember the sixties? Remember the message. We need to extend love, forgiveness, compassion and peace.

We probably need the Dalai Lama as our world leader, but in his humbleness he has never sought this rightful role, nor would he accept it because of his humility. The irony is thick and not lost. We need something or someone to bring everybody together, on the same page.

We need to open up our hearts, not close them up to fear, longing and apathy. We need to be unafraid, stand up and act super courageous if we are to survive as humans before we blow up the planet or slowly die as a race because of carelessness.

Why were we given brains? Or hearts? Can we combine the two and isn’t it one? We are One. And, we are the one that can make a difference. I don’t want to hear the defeatist attitude of “what can one person do?” Plenty. Start somewhere.

Let it begin with me.

I am filled with gratitude today!

There is a new branch of psychology called positivity. Pollyana had it right all along and knew the deal before modern man called it. All meditators since ancient times knew it too. They found our thoughts create our perception. The glass half full vs. the glass half empty idea finally has a name and science to back up what believers always knew.

Trust and know that positive influences will open the doors when you exhibit positive feelings and exude positive thoughts. This is powerful knowledge.

Endeavor to focus on the positive. Every last one of us has negative thoughts, we are not yet Gurus. Practicing to shake off the worry, anxiety and fatalistic thinking and replacing it with optimism and hope is healthy. Try It.

Instead of watching or reading the news, programs on devastation, doomsday and zombies, movies or books full of violent descriptions… Go within, meditate on peace in silence and send it out to the world. Switch out your old, scary tapes with new and improved ones.

Don’t complain, judge or criticize for 24 hours. Notice how it feels emotionally and how your outlook lightens, even for an hour. Focus instead on gratitude, giving compliments, encouraging others, acknowledging the good you see in the world and validating your right to happiness. Test it out. I dare you.