something to think about ~

If you've ever been on the back of a bucking horse you've not doubt felt the power of these magnificent creatures...along with the pure exhilaration and absolute terror of the moment. When it happens, all you can do is hold and and hope it doesn't kill you. I've experienced this more than a few times, and I can tell ya...it's something you never forget.

I'm one of the lucky ones.
I'm still here to talk about it.

Why horses buck is no mystery. There are a few reasons why horses buck ~ out of fear, or because they have some extra 'ya-ya's they need to get out (younger horses do this all the time. It's fun to watch...so long as you're not right next to them when they do it!), and sometimes, it's plain old frustration. They don't know what you're asking for. There are some 'links of knowledge' that are missing. They're confused, which leads to fear, which leads to full-blown YEEEEEHAWW! The trick, of course, is to remain calm (right!) and ride it out.

People, on the other hand, tend to handle frustration quite a bit differently. Some may react with anger and try to force a solution to the issue. Or maybe resort to the 'same old same old', as in repeating the same behavior and/or reaction, making the same unsuccessful efforts over and over and expecting a different result. I believe Mr. Einstein called this the definition of insanity. Some people react with resignation and abandon their efforts completely.

Another way to respond is with deliberation. Seeing that we're in over our heads, we can step back from the situation and start looking for ways to gain enough knowledge to come up with a workable solution. That is, if we don't let our egos get in the way. Always a problem. After all, it can be kinda hard to admit when we've come up against a situation we thought we were prepared for, but really weren't. It's not an easy thing, coming to the 'last link' in our chain of knowledge.

But here's the thing: whenever we're met with situations like this, especially if we're having to deal with someone else in their frustrated state, it's absolutely essential to not react. Take a minute (or 10) to see what's going on. Don't retaliate. Don't make some snarky comment. Don't push back. Because every time we do that, all we do is fuel the flames of that icky fire, make the other person feel even more defensive, AND make ourselves feel equally icky. It just doesn't work. The crap just grows and grows, turning into some ridiculous contest of wills. And it's not uncommon for the conversation to turn into the same kind of stupid crap we did when we were in grade school. Name calling. Finger pointing. Foot stomping insanity. NOT fun.

While some may argue that it's important to resolve an issue quickly, I tend to think there are times when it's best to just IGNORE them. When someone resorts to name calling and the like, it's usually because they're scared, insecure and simply not mature enough to handle the situation. Why bother fighting with that? If you just walk away, without saying a single word, it's quite likely (that) you'll simply take the air out of the whole stupid mess. If you don't retaliate, there's not a whole hellofalot they can do. Like the proverbial air in a balloon...it just fizzes out and drops to the floor. Then, after the person in question has a little time to think about what they've said and/or done, they may just see what you were trying to show them in the first place. But even if they don't, you still don't have to do their dance. After all, it is NOT your job to school every person you run across. It's their job to figure it out. Your only responsibility is to insure your own evolution, without harm, without malice, without judgment.

Just remember: It takes TWO to Tango.

sunrise sanctuary ~

Up until about 8 years ago, the only time I saw a sunrise was when I hadn't yet gone to bed from the night before. I was a night owl. I worked nights, usually not home until after 3 a.m., so there were many times when I'd be heading to bed at about the time the sun was coming up. All that changed when I finally got out of the restaurant business and moved to Taos, NM.

When I arrived I was graced with a most unusual and perfectly suited living space. It was a studio of about 1000 sq. ft., that had been built by the landowner for the purpose of wood crafting. It was a wide open space with lots of windows, high ceilings and double wide doors to get big pieces of furniture in and out with ease. There was a very old wood burning stove, the only source of heat, and 360 degree view of the mountains.

When I set up what was to become my bedroom area, I faced the bed Eastward, toward the stunning Taos Mountain. So, within a very short period of time I was waking up with the sunrise. I wasn't working a 'real' job at the time, so I had no set schedule for anything. I slept when I was tired, ate when I was hungry, played whenever I wanted and generally found a groove I'd never before experienced.

I recall the first morning I awoke just before the sun rose. The sky was the most eerie color...full of purples and deep black-blues. I laid there, stunned by the beauty of it, and watched as the sun made it's way up and over the mountains. I remember distinctly how it made me feel...and the tears that ran down my cheeks for the sheer magnificence of its beauty. I'd never seen anything like it.

From that day on I woke up just before the sun rose. My body seemed to take on a whole new rhythm as it adjusted to the earth's movement around the sun. Everything seemed to fall into sync with the cycles of sunrise and sunset, with the changing of seasons, with the universe as a whole. It was quite a mystical experience.

Thus began the change of my own cycles. Now, some 7 years later, even though I'm in Southern California and not New Mexico, I still have the luxury of mountains out my windows (yes, there are mountains here, although nothing like the ones in New Mexico. More like 'hills'..but still...)I also have the luxury of living rurally, which means there are lots of critters around. Among them are roosters that live on the property directly behind ours. Every morning, regardless of season or weather temps, those crazy roosters get to cock-a-doodling just after the sun begins its rise. Most mornings I'm awake before they are. And so, I make my way to the kitchen, brew my morning coffee and go sit out on the back patio to watch and listen.

This is my morning sanctuary. This is the way I begin most of my days. This is why it's so easy for me to live in this grace of gratitude. And on the days when that grace eludes me, all I need do is step outside for a few minutes and look around at the wonders that surround me. There is nothing quite like a sunrise sanctuary to make everything right again.

do the happy dance

I LOVE this video. And whenever I need a 'pick-me-up', I just go watch it...and do the Happy Dance. Four and a half minutes is all it takes (actually, not even that long. About a minute into it, I'm gigglin' my arse off...) Have a peek!

embrace your changes

Do you really think that life would be 'better' if you never had to face change? Isn't change what life IS? Think about it...

If there were no change, you'd be born...and stay an infant. Forever.
The flowers would not bloom.
The grass would not grow.
The food you eat would not exist.
Day light would not come.
Nor would night.
New friends would not be made.
Love would not blossom.
Kindness would not spread.
Knowledge would not be gained.
Life would not even exist.

Change is as much a part of Life as breathing is. Change must be. Else we wouldn't. We all seem to resist change with every fiber of our beings, yet when those changes have been met, we always come out the other side better for them. Always. Even when it appears that these changes will destroy us, they do not.

Change is essential to our existence. To our unfolding. To our own becoming. If we were to stop resisting change, and rather embrace it, just think how much more fun it would be while we're going 'through' it. And isn't fun the very best thing to have?

Seems to me that change is one of the very best gifts we are bestowed as we walk through these lives that were meant to be lived in joy.

And yea...I just gotta say it (again!)

It's all about CHOICES.

how sound is sound?

Ever wonder how sound affects you? Ever wonder why people are so drawn to music in general? Like how we all have our own 'flavors' and we're dead set on it's THE BEST, regardless of anyone else's opinions? Yea. Me too. Sound is cool. Sound is deep. Sound is life-changing sometimes. Used to have a shirt that read:

Life without music isn't worth living.

Still believe that. I loved that movie "Mr. Holland's Opus" when the son who was profoundly deaf cranked up his dad's stereo and sat on the speakers so he could 'hear' the music. Makes me sob every time I see it. Music does that to me.

So...recently I got invited to go to a 'gathering' where there was to be chanting. Now, first off I gotta tell ya...I've never been big on religious kinda stuff. Actually that's understating a bit. I've always been quite against religious gatherings...for myself. I don't begrudge anyone who's into it. In fact, I think it's terrific if it makes your life better and YOU a better human being. It's just that I've had my share of nightmares in this particular arena...and so have spent most of my adult life avoiding such things. Just doesn't work for me. But then...that's me, right?

So I got invited to this gathering and a some very cool 'synchronicities' had occurred prior to the invite, so I decided to forgo my usual "anti" attitude and go for the fun of it. What was the worst that could happen? I'd not like it and have to get up and walk out until they were done. That was the worst that could have happened. Turns out, I was dead wrong. Turns out it was one of THE most amazing experiences I've ever experienced (is that a double entendre?). Turns out that by the time the chanting was over...I was hoping there would be more.

Imagine that???

And here's something else that's really cool:

Turns out that this whole chanting thing actually helps me to NOT feel pain in my body. Honest-To-Pete! Whenever I'm hurting real bad, if I just go sit and chant for a while, the pain seems to dissipate at rates previously unknown. Even more than the Qi Gong I've been doing. Now...if I do both...that is chant AND Qi Gong...wonder what would happen then?

Hmmmmmm. All these new mysteries.

How fun is life?!

a word from the Prez

I still don't understand why so many people feel the need to criticize this beautiful man, but I suppose there will always be those who mask their fear with hateful commentary. I don't much care for 'politics' either. I, too, know how hard it is to trust those in office as we have been duped so many times. But the fact remains that unless somebody can come up with a solution to 'politics', we might be better served to listen with our hearts and support this man in his endeavors to spread peace. How bad can that be???

To that end, I'm posting this short video to help spread the message further. I'm thrilled that he takes the time to do these things. And I don't give a rip what anyone else thinks: this man wants peace for ALL nations. For all the world. All the rest is just semantics. Let us join him in his efforts to spread the love!

another great mystery

You know what's really weird? Watching things change even when you don't understand the 'why' of it. Especially when it happens quick. It's so weird that it makes me wonder just how much I limit myself with old beliefs and self-imposed limitations. For example:

I have a friend who is a Buddhist. For the past couple of years she's invited me to gatherings to go chant and learn about Buddhism to see if it might 'suit' me. I have resisted at every turn. One reason was that back a million years ago (when I was in my twenties) I had, in fact, gone to a Buddhist gathering to chant with a friend of mine. He was so certain that it would help me, he just kept nagging until I finally went. About half way through this chanting 'session', I thought I was going to lose my mind. The sound of those voices droning on and on was enough to make me want to scream. I kept thinking, 'why can't they add some melody to it? why does it have to be so monotone?' I just didn't get it.

Needless to say, that was my first and last visit to a Buddhist gathering. My friend was bummed, but he never said another word about it. To each his own.

Fast-forward to NOW. My friend has invited me each week, but never, ever pushed. She just kept sending the emails to notify me of when and where a gathering was taking place, and left it at that. At one point I did tell her that I appreciated her including me, but that I just didn't feel it was something I'd get into. She said that was perfectly okay. But that unless I was offended by her offerings, she'd just continue to let me know, in case I changed my mind. I knew her intentions were good, loving, helpful ones and told her that I didn't mind at all.

Then, a few days ago, something pretty icky was going on in my world. BIG icky. And the stress of it was making me pretty nutso. I kept trying to calm myself and do my own meditations, but nothing seemed to be helping. I left the house that afternoon to go get a bottle of wine. I figured that since nothing else was working and I'd literally reached a frenzied state, I would just have some vino and say 'screw it'. I'll deal with it tomorrow.

On my way home from the store, I found my truck taking me to her house. (We live very near to each other; one turn is the difference between the road home or the road to her house). As I was dreamily driving down her road, pretty much unaware that I was, I turned up to her driveway and realized that I'd gotten there without even knowing it. I caught myself giggling over it, but went to the door and rang the doorbell.

When she opened the door, I knew exactly why I was there. I felt this surge of calm wash over me. I felt huge love coming from her. And my heart rate immediately dropped down to normal. She didn't seem at all surprised to see me. It was very strange, but very cool too.

We went out to her beautiful back yard, with the stunning views and the quiet you can only find in rural settings. It was a magnificent afternoon; temps just perfect for sitting and visiting. Before long, we were chatting about my arrival and what had been going on. We talked for a long time about the nature of our spirits and how much our intuition leads us. We talked about all sorts of paths and beliefs and people who inspire us. And then, out of the blue, I said, 'ya know, I think I'd like to chant with you for a few minutes. Could we do that?'

The smile that slid across her face was indescribable. She said, 'well of course we can' and she commenced to tell me the mantra and then sit us comfortably right beside the pool. For the next 10 minutes, we chanted. And when we were done, I had goose bumps all over me. I felt calm and happy and strangely 'new' in my skin. Weird. Weird. Weird. When I was about to leave, she asked me if I'd like to go over the next morning and chant again for a little while. I said I would...and left for home.

The whole way home I kept hearing that sound in my head. And for the remainder of that day, and into the night, every time I felt the icky trying to come back, I'd stop and say the words. I said them over and over until the icky went away and I was breathing normally again.

The next morning, I honestly felt different. Hard to explain 'how' I felt different, but I did. So I went back over at the designated time, and we did it again. Spent another hour talking and then I went back home to do some work. Now, here's the weird part:

Part of the huge ickiness had to do with my house mate. He was in a huge snit because I'd pissed him off (all around some money crap) and was being very, very nasty toward me. Nasty to the point of verbally abusive. But when I got home after that second session, everything in the house had changed. EVERYTHING. The energy was completely devoid of malice. He was being more friendly than he's ever been in the year and a half I've been living here. And going out of his way to 'do' things to help around the house (which he rarely does). I mean, it was almost a Dr. Jekyl/Mr. Hyde thing. WEIRD!

I don't know why, nor do I really care. All I know is, for whatever reason, the chanting had to have had something to do with it. My friend says it's about altering our own 'vibration', thereby altering everything around us. I can certainly buy that part. But this was such a drastic and noticeable change, it almost stunned me.

Go figure.

give it a whirl ~

There is enormous grace in laughter. ENORMOUS. And sometimes, when we need it most is when we're least likely to use it. I know. Oh, how I know. When the poop hits the fan and it seems like disaster is inevitable, we completely lose sight of our ability to find humor in the situation...and continue to dwell in the horror of the moment. By doing so, we give it more power. We water the seeds of fear and watch as it becomes larger than life. We GROW OUR FEAR by giving it all our attention.

How much sense does that make?

Every great Sage has said, in some way or another, that we draw our fears to us so that we may learn to conquer them. We cannot grow into our truest Selves until we meet those fears, face to face, and finally realize that they were not real in the first place. There's even an acronym that puts it beautifully:

False
Evidence
Appearing
Real

More often than not, the things we fear are broadcasts of a future event that hasn't even arrived. We THINK we know what's going to happen, when, in truth, we have no idea. We're merely creating a future event in our minds, as if we have some crystal ball and can project what is to come. Have you ever really succeeded in doing this?

The flip side of that is: you DO create your future by what you focus on right now. You plan it all out in your head, seeing the horror unfold in great detail, giving it so much attention that you actually DO create it. But why would you create something horrible instead of something awesome? Why would you spend even a single moment there? It feels horrible, it looks horrible, it IS horrible. And you're creating it with your keen and focused attention to it.

WHY???

One great teacher (of mine) says it this way:

"Whatever you're thinking about is literally like planning a future event. When you're worrying, you are planning. When you are appreciating, you are planning...What are you planning?"

I realize that when you're in such a moment it can be quite challenging indeed to NOT think about whatever it is that's freaking you out. Believe me when I tell you, I've been there too. It's like playing tug-of-war with a gang of linebackers; them on one end of the rope and only yourself on the other end. Not a fair fight to be sure. It's enough to make a person scream at the heavens, and jump out the nearest window. Or worse.

But there is a way to stop that struggle...and it merely takes a bit of practice and a lot of focus. A moment-by-moment exercise that will eventually lead you back to your Center. A dandy little 'trick' that works...if you will DO IT.

That exercise?

BREATHE.

Close your eyes, put your hands on your belly. And BREATHE.

It's called Manipura, or the Solar Plexus chakra. Key issues governed by Manipura are issues of personal power, fear, anxiety, opinion-formation, introversion, and transition from simple or base emotions to complex. Physically, Manipura governs digestion, mentally it governs personal power, emotionally it governs expansiveness, and spiritually, all matters of growth. By focusing on this chakra, and breathing deeply through it, you will find all manner of calm wash over you. You'll alleviate those false fears and return to a place of connection...to YOUR Source. You'll find, in a very short time, that all the world falls away and you can once again make your way to the Joy that is your birthright. And, before you know it, you'll be laughing your ass off.

Sound hokey? Maybe. But ya never know til you give it a whirl.

You ARE a STAR!

Oh, that Michael Beckwith...how he makes me sing! I don't know if I mentioned this part before, but there's a sight called IndigoPlatforms where you can actually watch the streaming video of the Mighty Reverend Michael Beckwith as he takes the stage each Sunday. And it's INCREDIBLE. Second best thing to being there. Even though it's only a couple of hours from my home, getting there (at the moment) is a bit of a challenge. So, instead, I can watch it from the comfort of my home...and I swear it's amazing how much it feels like I'm there. Yep. He's that powerful.

If you don't happen to be into loud gospel music or that pounding cadence of a true Gospel 'preacher', he's definitely not your guy. But if you are (into such things), you'll probably love it as much as I do. The music is outstanding. Their choir is world-renowned for good reason. They ROCK! And then there's Michael. He just is so...engaging. And funny. And truly moved by his Spirit. He just let's it rip...and you can feel it comin' right through the computer. I'm tellin' ya, it's awesome!

Anyway, the focus for September was "You are a star!" and each week he delves a little further into this idea, carrying you with him as he reminds us all that we're part of the whole universe...which is to say, Beings of Light. It's really hard to explain how moving all this is, so I'd suggest you just go have a look for yourself. Be warned: these videos are about 1.5 hours long, so if you don't have that kind of time to be inspired, don't do it. It's not the same if you watch it in pieces. I've tried. Just doesn't work.

I'll leave you with that. The links will bring you right to the Agape Live page, where you'll find a listing of all the recordings (there are quite a few). There are also videos from various other gatherings at the Agape Center. They have lots going on there, usually all week long. Wednesdays and Sundays seem to be the most prominent, though. And, again, you can pick and choose.

EnJOY!

And remember: You ARE a STAR!

just a thought....

Saw this really cool missive this morning and it got me to thinking about a little "something" that would be SUCH fun to do:

Bake a batch of your fave cookies. Put "Smiley Faces" on them. Then, put them in a box, and carry them with you next time you leave your home. Hand them out...to strangers! Watch and see how many smiles you get back!

Won't that be FUN?

some stuff to share ~

Sometimes the best thing I can do to share the Joy is to tell you about some new stuff...and let you explore on your own. So, for the moment, that's what I'm going to offer up today.

First off: I have just been hired to write for the Examiner. Specifically, the Escondido Food Examiner. If you're not familiar with this site yet, you will be soon. They're growing faster than Jack's beanstalk...and I'm thrilled to be in on the ground floor. Having been awarded this spot makes me an "official" columnist...and I can't even begin to tell you how that thrills me. That they're letting me write about food....well, let's just say it's a terrific way to do what I used to do without all the long hours. Running a restaurant or writing a column? Yep. The latter suits me just fine, thankyouverymuch!

Anyhoooo....if you're into food (who isn't???) and you want new ideas, recipes, tips, etc., from your favorite Italiana (no, the recipes are not exclusively Italian food recipes. I like to spread my culinary wings...and so the column will include much, much more), go have a look. This is my first piece, so please be sure to subscribe to my page...and then you'll get notice when a new one goes up. My aim, for the moment, is to post a new piece 3 times a week. We'll take it from there.

Here's that link:

Camille @ Escondido Food Examiner

Next up: I'm going to be interviewed by the marvelous Eileen Williams of FeistySideOfFifty fame. The date is set for Wednesday, October 21st, at 8:30 a.m. (Pacific time). But no worries if you don't catch it live. It'll be on the site for your listening pleasure any time you like. Here's the site address...now you can just mark your calendars and go back later! Very exciting stuff! My first live interview. Who knew????

Last little tidbit: there's a new Blog that I just have to tell ya about. It's called Bodacious Boomer and this lady is as much fun as a bucket full of puppies. Great sense of humor and some very fun 'tips'. Today's post is about a very unusual gift...and it'll crack you up when you read it. I'm thinking about getting one for a few of my more bodacious girlfriends. And then I'll hide a little camera in the box so I can watch what happens when they open it up. FUN FUN FUN!

When all else fails...REST. How often do you try to 'fight through' stuff? You're tired or you don't feel all that hot or you just don't seem to be getting anything done right. You keep plugging away, hoping that it'll all just work itself out. Maybe you're dealing with pain of some kind: emotional, physical, spiritual. Or maybe you're just plain BLAH.

The reason so many 'gurus' are always talking about the merits of meditation is simple. When you quiet yourself; when you finally say ENOUGH and just go be still, everything seems to fall away and before you know it...all is well again.

It works.

Every time.

So next time you feel that ICK oozing all over you, step aside for a bit. If you're at a workplace where you can't just go lie down somewhere, a closet will do. Go find one and lock yourself in for 15 minutes. Turn off the lights and just sit. If you happen to be lucky enough to work from home, then get out of your office; get off the computer and go chill for a while.

I'm tellin' ya.

It works!

a note from the Universe~

The following excerpt is from Mike Dooley's "Notes From The Universe" Book 2. Mike is one of my ... heroes...cuz he really has a way of saying stuff differently...and with humor. Love that part. Anyway, I want to share this with ya...just cuz it's cool. And perhaps, perfectly appropriate for where you are right now.

OK. Let's say you're walking through the woods. All alone, miles from home, just minding your own business and lost in your own wondrous thoughts. Then suddenly, from absolutely nowhere, a huge grizzly bear literally "appears" on the path just a short distance in front of you, rears up on its hind legs, towering 10 feet tall, waving both fore paws high in the air over its head, and roars unendingly. Immediately you see his large white teeth, his claws slicing the air, feel the heat from his breath in the cool morning air, and you feel your whole body spasm with fear as if you'd just been electrocuted. Nanoseconds seem like eernity. Your mind wants to shut down, but suddenly you regain control of the moment. Your adrenaline is pumping, your muscles are primed, and your heart is racing. Your instincts confrim what you feel in your heart. This "thing" is mad! It's scared! It wants to destroy you! What do you do next?

Freeze frame.

OK. Now let's say you're living your normal, everyday life. For the most part, you're a happy camper. Then suddenly, from absolutely nowhere, a huge bill appears. An important relationship stands on the brink of ruin. Your career of umpteen years is horribly threatened. Or you just plain can't seem to break through to "more". More of everything; abundance, health or harmony. You're perplexed. You're angry. You're terrified. How? Why you? What gives? Your mind races. You want to put out the fires, throw a fit, wring a neck and rail against an unfair world and the idiots who take you for granted. What do you do next?

Freeze frame.

Do you see the similarities?

Do you see how engaging your 'beasts', whether you fight of flee, only strengthens them and lures you further into their spell? That when facing a crisis or a challenge, the thing to do is be still, go within, turn your attention away from it? The exact opposite of what 'common sense' would have you do.

Easy? No.
Life saving? Yes.
How? PRACTICE.

easy to forgive?

Talking to a dear friend yesterday, after a long very long lapse. No matter, though. She's one of those with whom we just pick right up where we left off. No linear time stuff. Love that part!

We got to talking about forgiveness. About how she'd been really pissed off at god and felt really bad about that. Actually, the word she used was 'ashamed'. Ashamed that she was pissed off at god. When her hubby heard her say it out loud the first time, he was shocked. Not that she was P.O.'d. But that he hadn't realized she was there. When he told her he thought it was perfectly okay...that she needn't be ashamed, she said that she felt the greatest sense of relief...and right after that...forgiveness. She forgave herself. And then...she moved onward. NICE!

So we got to expanding on all that and I mentioned how it used to be so hard for me to forgive. Mostly cuz I'd never considered that I had to forgive my SELF first. When I got that part, the next part was fairly easy...that I could forgive anyone for anything just as soon as I dropped all the judgments. No judgment turns into a more clear 'seeing' of stuff. That always boils down to ONE thing:

Everybody's doin' the very best they know how. Cut 'em some slack. As the ultra-beautiful Jesus of Nazareth said: 'forgive them for they know not what they do'.

Pretty clever of him, huh?

The rest of this 'story' is that today, after not seeing nor hearing from an "ex-friend" (she divorced me...and I let her)for almost 2 years, she showed up on one of those social network sites...begging forgiveness for being such a 'bee-atch' (her word, not mine). The moment I saw it, I laughed out loud. Damn! That forgiveness stuff sure does work, huh? I wrote her back pronto...and told her she'd been forgiven long, long ago. Now I'm wondering if she's forgiven herself.

Guess we'll see soon enough.