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20 ways of taking on the fullness of who you really are:

‎20 ways of taking on the fullness of who you really are:

1. Making peace with your religious past.
2. Taking responsibility for your spiritual journey.
3. Dissolving the line between “sacred” and “secular."
4. Listening to and trusting your inner voice.
5. Looking past the labels and differences, and relating to the deepest reality in other human beings.
6. Dissolving the line between "us" and "them."
7. Resisting the temptation to build a persona around being an enlightened person or spiritually     superior.
8. Exploring the mystery, rhythm and flow of life in the natural world. 
9. Expanding what it means to be “present” – exploring your spiritual aura and energy.
10. Addressing the root of your suffering.
11. Awakening and living from your inner passion.
12. Exploring the connection between spirituality and sexuality.
13. Expanding your relational world beyond religious sub-culture.
14. Not creating a new religion out of your latest discovery.
15. Assuming every human being knows something you need to know.
16. Not latching onto the latest guru – learn from everybody but consider yourself to be your own guru.
17. Exploring new fields of knowledge, understanding or experience. 
18. No longer viewing your humanity as an obstacle to but a vehicle of being who you really are.
19. Giving up the story that something is wring with you. 
20. Discover, explore, develop avenues of creative expression that resonate with you.

 - Jessica Blessica Vesica

Natural Spirituality

The adorable Rachael shares some excellent Tips on Uncovering Your Natural Spirituality.

The powerful changing of the seasons reminds me of the majesty of nature and leaves me in humble awe of Creation.

"Perhaps you have noticed that even in the very lightest breeze you can hear the voice of the cottonwood tree; this we understand is its prayer to the Great Spirit, for not only men, but all things and all beings pray to Him continually in differing ways"

 - Black Elk, ca 1863-1950

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Love > Pain

For anyone who has suffered from pain or depression or anxiety... (HUG) <3


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I'm Fine, Thanks!

A few months ago, I saw this trailer for an indie documentary called "I'm Fine, Thanks" and was really impressed with the trailer (ok, I got all choked up - it was exactly what I was going through).  So I supported them, morally and financially, on Kickstarter.  In exchange, I was promised a digital download of the film as well as the DVD.

The film is really inspiring to follow your heart and dreams, all about people who felt something wasn't quite right with their life path, and so they changed it :-)  And Steve from Nerd Fitness appears!

They sent me the digital file several weeks ago, but the dvd shipment was delayed.  However, last week I got an email with this hilarious picture:

How cool is that personalized thank you note!?!

5 Cures for Loneliness

Last night I was alone...  I missed my kids like crazy and was exhausted from a long, sick week.  And then I decided to watch "Finding Neverland."  Epic tears....

Great movie, but lines like "Don't ever put a little boy to bed, they will wake up a day older" didn't help my mood.  I was so lonely and cold.

But I'm ok now :-) It is a gorgeous sunny day, not windy like it has been, and I re-opened this blog!  Long story, but I will not let silly misunderstandings stand in my way again.

I really want to share this wonderful video with you.  It's by Christone Arylo on 5 ways to get rid of Loneliness.  She only covers the first 3 in the clip, so I listed them all below:

1.  Yourself. Spend an evening or entire day by yourself, no electronic connection devices to others. Take yourself to dinner or make a romantic dinner at home, and spend the night having a deeply intimate check-in with yourself. Ask yourself questions like, "How are you doing? What do you really need right now? What would make you happiest? What are you really proud of me for? What do you really love about me? What can we do to make my life even better?" Write the answers down and promise to take a least one action towards your happiness. Go to sleep feeling loved, by yourself.

2.  Other people - Send out a love line. Call someone you can trust and tell them that you are feeling a little love starved. Ask them to share some of their love with you. Tell them what you need to hear and ask them to say those things back to you plus whatever else their heart has to offer. Hang up the phone or leave the date feeling seen, and go to sleep feeling cared for.

3.  Spirit - Connect to the divine, to the bigger universal source, whatever that is for you. Get out of your narrow perspective of feeling isolated or like you are on a desert island alone, by opening up your heart to receive love from spirit. Do this by journaling a letter to the Universe, by praying, doing yoga, singing, meditating, reading a spiritual book, going for a long walk, whatever connects you to a higher force than yourself.

4.  Nature and Animals - Get connected with your senses and body to nature and animals. Flowers open hearts, as do trees, mountains, lakes, anything in the natural world. Animals too! Fill your house with flowers. Lay on the ground or in the grass and feel the support of the earth. Go for a long hike or walk and notice how alive nature is. Pet a dog. Cuddle a cat.

5.  Public places where people gather -  Belong to the world. The Dalai Lama was once asked if he ever got lonely, and he replied that he couldn't be lonely when he was surrounded by so many people. Take yourself out to a public place - the movies, a café, the bus -- and observe the people around you, then begin to interact with them through smiling, small talk, or giving love to them via a compliment. When you generate love for others, especially strangers, you receive it back ten fold.

Hugs and smiles and sunshine,

Mel

I am a Fitness Nerd!

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Today I discovered my new favorite site, Nerd Fitness!


With creative and useful posts such as A Hobbit's Guide To Walking and The Nerd Fitness Playground Workout, you will be motivated to bolt from your computer screen to the gym, your backyard or the other side of your bedroom to do some pushups like I did :-)


The pictures are very clever, I'm not sure if creator Steve makes them himself... The entire site is very educational and energetic and inspiring!  Here is one of my favorite quotes:


You might be unemployed, but you are buff and unemployed.


You may be single, but you are single and look great naked, which hopefully means you won’t be single for long!


You may be living in your Mom’s basement, but you are in the best shape of your life.

- from Getting Back on Track When Life Sucks 

I was thinking about goals a lot this morning (I know... thinking about goals doesn't accomplish much...) But one thing I confirmed is important to me is to have a healthy, active lifestyle.  I am quite skilled at making excuses and currently exercise randomly.  This morning I also read an email from Live Your Legend on why regular exercise is vital to success in all areas of your life. 
Perfect timing!  

I commit to exercise regularly and get in the best shape of my life!  

So no matter how many times I am rejected, no matter how long I live with my parents, no matter how long I spend on the computer.... I am going to look good!