Wounded Women Rising

Wounded Women Rising

A Wounded Women's Way to Wisdom

Personal Practices
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AFFIRMATIONS CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE

Affirmations are short, powerful sentences that can help you overcome negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones. An affirmation is anything we say or think, positive or negative. Our self talk is a cascade of affirmations. Every thought you think and every word you speak is an affirmation. This includes all the negative things we think and say to ourselves. Positive affirmations create love, joy, peace, prosperity, and a sense of well-being for yourself. When affirmations are used thoughtfully and consistently, they are incredibly effective in helping to combat the effects of trauma. To make a change in our life we need to retrain our thinking and speaking into positive patterns. Positive affirmations are the beginning points of change.

It is very easy to concentrate on the negatives in life. The negatives are plentiful. Louise Hay said, “Every complaint is an affirmation of something you think you don’t want in your life. Every time you get angry you are affirming you want more anger in your life. Every time you feel like a victim you are affirming you want to continue to feel like a victim. If you feel like your life does not give you want you want in your life, it is certain you will never have the goodies life gives to others until you change the way you think and talk.” We are not bad people because of the way we talk and think. No one is wrong. We have not been taught how to think and talk.  We have been taught by our parents they way they were taught to think and talk.

It is possible to find the positives and talk to ourselves in positive terms. Talking in a positive manner requires a choice. The choice is to be willing to change your focus, to ignore the negativity that exists and find something positive in every piece of self talk and circumstance we encounter. The choice is to affirm, believe and focus on the good things that float through your mind. What you believe you deserve and what you want can be two very different matters.  It takes effort and determination to change your focus from the negative to the affirmative. Pay attention to your thoughts so you can eliminate the experiences you do not want in your life and create the experiences you desire. It is time for each of us to wake up and begin to consciously create our lives in a way that pleases and support us. 

How Do Affirmations Work?

Affirmations work by re-wiring our brains to focus on the positive rather than the negative. Affirmations help us break free from negative patterns of thinking by teaching our minds to focus more on what we do want rather than what we do not want. Affirmations tell your subconscious that you are taking responsibility and there is something you can do to change. Affirmations create something new in your life. By repeating positive statements aloud (or even just in your head) frequently, we create a new neural pathway in our brains that reinforces these positive thoughts and feelings. This helps us to shift our mindset from one that is dominated by fear and negativity to one that is focused on possibility and growth. Whenever you use an affirmation say it with feeling and meaning.

If you believe that affirmations do not work, you are actually saying you do not know how to use affirmations correctly. You can say things like, “my prosperity is growing” yet think “this is stupid, it does not work.” Which affirmation will win out? If you say your affirmations once a day and complain the rest of the time. Which affirmation will win out? The negative one wins every time. The negative affirmation is part of a long-standing, habitual way of looking at life. It can take a long time for affirmations to work when practiced this way, and probably won’t work at all. People give up and discard the practice as garbage because they did not see results in a short time. In truth, they did not embrace positive affirmations. They allowed negative affirmations to win.

Tips for Incorporating Affirmations into Your Life

The most important tip is to make sure you’re actually using your affirmations regularly! You can incorporate them into your daily life easily with these simple tips:

  1. Write down your affirmations every morning or evening. It’s a great way to start or end your day with something positive. Writing down your affirmations helps you remember them better throughout the day so you can repeat them whenever you need an extra boost of positivity. Put them in your phone. Create a wallpaper or photo show on your phone.
  • Find an affirmation buddy! Having someone else who’s also trying to incorporate affirmations into their life can be really helpful in keeping each other accountable and staying motivated. You can exchange affirmations with each other or even just check in periodically throughout the week to see how it’s going!
  • Put reminders around your house or workspace so you remember to practice your affirmations throughout the day. Post-it notes, sticky tabs, phone reminders, anything you can think of. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Find something that works for you and stick with it!
  • Incorporate music into your practice – create a playlist of songs that make you feel good.  Music has an amazing ability to shift our moods quickly. This is a great way to change your state into a positive frame of mind before starting up with your affirmations for the day!

What Affirmations Should You Use.

The first thing you need to do is determine which area or areas of your life you wish to focus. Once you have made that decision you can find numerous positive affirmations. Write down the ones that ring true with you. Below are some examples. Louise Hay was the Queen of affirmations. Many of the following affirmations were taken from her work, I CAN DO IT. How to Use Affirmations to Change Your Life. Pick and choose the one you will use. If you want some positive affirmations for other areas of your life, send me an email at [email protected]. I would be overjoyed to provide what you need.

Begin your affirmation practice with the following declaration:

I allow these affirmations to fill my consciousness knowing they are true for me.

HEALTH

  • I have respect for myself.
  • I accept my body as it is.
  • I love every cell of my body.
  • I make healthy choices.
  • For my own health and well being I am relentlessly positive about everything.
  • I enjoy the foods that are best for my body. I can resist anything if I choose to.
  • I take care of my body.
  • I give my body what it needs on every level.
  • I look forward to a healthy old age.
  • I am constantly discovering new ways to improve my health.
  • Healing happens. My body has what it needs to heal naturally.
  • Perfect health is my divine right. I claim it now.
  • I am grateful for my healthy body.
  • Water is my favorite beverage. I drink lots of water to cleanse my body and mind.
  • Filling my mind with pleasant thoughts is my quickest road to health.

PROSPERITY

  • Everything I need comes to me at the perfect time.
  • I willingly move from poverty thinking to prosperity thinking and my finances reflect this change.
  • I express gratitude for all the good in my life.
  • I deserve all that I desire.
  • Life supplies all my needs in great abundance. I trust life.
  • I am open to the unlimited prosperity that exists everywhere.
  • I am a magnet for money.
  • Wherever it is that I work, I am deeply appreciated and well compensated.
  • Abundance flows freely through me.
  • I pay my bills with love, and I rejoice each time.
  • I deserve the best and I accept the best now.
  • I release all resistance to money, and I allow it to flow joyously into my life.
  • I have all that I need and wealth flows to me in abundance.
  • My prosperity is always increasing.
  • I give thanks for all that I have now and for all of God’s riches.

STRESS FREE LIVING

  • I let go of all fear and doubt.
  • Life is simple and easy for me.
  • I create a stress-free world for myself.
  • I relax all my neck muscles and I let go of all tension in my shoulders.
  • I slowly breathe in and out. I relax more and more with each breath.
  • I am a capable person. I can handle anything that comes my way.
  • I am centered, focused.
  • I feel more secure each day.
  • I express my feelings.
  • I can be serene in any situation.
  • I am comfortable with my finances. I can always pay my bills on time.
  • I trust myself to deal with any problems that arise during the day.
  • I realize that stress is only fear. I now release those fears.
  • I am in the process of positive changes in all areas of my life.
  • My confidence is unshakeable because I live with integrity.

FORGIVENESS

  • The door to my heart opens inwards. I open the door to forgiveness.
  • The world around me changes when I change my thoughts.
  • I am willing to be willing to forgive.
  • The past is over, it has no power now.
  • I refuse to be helpless. I refuse to be a victim. I claim my own power.
  • I give myself the gift of freedom from the past and move with joy into the now.
  • There is no problem too big or too small that it cannot be solved with love.
  • I am ready to be healed. I am willing to forgive. All is well.
  • As I forgive myself it becomes easier to forgive others.
  • I forgive myself for not being perfect.
  • It is safe for me to release all of my childhood traumas and move into love.
  • I forgive everyone from my past for all perceived wrongs. I release them with love.
  • All the changes that lie before me are positive ones and I am safe.
  • I choose to forgive the past and I choose to move into a joyous life.
  • I am living the very best way I know how.

RELATIONSHIPS AND ROMANCE

  • I practice profound self-love.
  • From time to time, I ask those I love, “How can I love you more?”
  • I choose to see clearly with eyes of love. I love what I see.
  • I draw love and romance into my life, and I accept it now.
  • Love is around every corner and joy fills my entire world.
  • I rejoice in the love I encounter every day.
  • I am comfortable looking in the mirror and saying, “I love you. I really really love you.”
  • I deserve love, romance, and joy and all the good life has to offer me.
  • I am surrounded by love. All is well.
  • I am in a joyous, intimate relationship with a person who truly loves me. That person is me.
  • I am beautiful and everybody loves me.
  • I am greeted by love wherever I go.
  • I attract only healthy relationships.
  • I am always treated well.
  • I am very thankful for all the love in my life.
  • I find love everywhere.

SELF-ESTEEM

  • I am totally adequate for all situations.
  • I choose to feel good about myself.
  • I am worthy of my own love.
  • I stand on my own two feet. I accept and use my own power.
  • It is safe for me to speak up for myself.
  • I am loved and accepted exactly as I am right now.
  • My self esteem is high because I honour who I am.
  • My life gets more fabulous each day. I look forward to what each new hour brings.
  • I am neither too little nor too much. I do not have to prove myself to anyone.
  • Life supports me in every possible way.
  • My consciousness is filled with healthy loving thoughts that reflect themselves in my experience.
  • The greatest gift I give myself is unconditional love.
  • I love myself exactly as I am.
  • I am the master of my mind.
  • I am a pure powerful soul.

Today is a new day. Today is the day you begin to create a new joyous life. Today is the day to release all of your limitations. You can change your life for the better. You have the tools within you to create the life you desire. These tools are your thoughts and beliefs. Affirmations are powerful tools for shifting your perspective from one dominated by fear and negativity towards one focused on possibility and growth. With consistent practice, affirmations can help us break patterns of negative thinking and we learn to respond more positively to challenging situations in our lives. I trust this article has given you some practical tips about how to start incorporating affirming statements into your everyday life. Start this new practice and watch how your life will change.

Happy Affirming!

Personal Practices
Featured

PASSION

What is passion? What comes to mind when you say the word passion?

It is a word often bandied about to promote the latest item to be desired, or acquired.

Why is the word associated with the colour red?

Why are certain women portrayed or described as a fiery woman, independent women … the passionate Italian actress, Sophia Loren. Golden Globe winner, Racquel Welch, even Katherine Hepburn and Sofía Vergara. Does their passion for their work or their lives make them independent, out-spoken?

Or does our society simply label them as such, because they speak their truth?

Is passion something that exists in all of us?

In researching this article I asked a number of people what is it that they are passionate about?

Many answered that their passion stemmed from their talent. If it was music, or art, or composition or fashion, or cooking. Sport also ranked highly on the list , both competing in sport or watching sports.

What all these things have in common is that they are creative pursuits.

Our creativity is something that defines us as humans.

In the yogic tradition the creativity energy lies in the 2nd chakra. This is the area just below the navel, in the center of the lower belly at the front and the lumbar spine at the back. The pelvic area is also where our fertility rests, our creative center.

As women so much of our life is affected by our fertility. Be it preventing a pregnancy, encouraging a pregnancy, carrying a pregnancy , becoming mothers and all the creativity that comes with that. Yes, negotiating with a toddler is a creative endeavour. As is communicating with a teenager.

That creative energy never leaves us. It may be transmuted into different venues.

What are you passionate about? What kick starts you to do that “thing” that you choose to do?

Whether you are a maiden/woman/mother/grandmother, with or without a child, that sacred part of you, your passion is an essential gift that you bring to the world.

Let’s embrace our passions. Let’s encourage one another to share what matters to you.

To stifle this energy is a disservice to ourselves and to the greater good.

We were all created with a red hot, fiery passion. Something that sets our hearts on fire, something we can talk for hours on when the spark is lit.

Let us get excited. Embrace that joy and let loose with abandon. Fear not what others may think. We are not thinking. We are being. We are doing. We are creating that Life that is worth living. We are making some noise, banging our toys and scaring the boys. That vast well of creative energy is there for you to use. Let’s shake things up. Let’s create something great.

Personal Practices
Featured

Building Self Esteem

There is and has been much talk about self-esteem. Have you ever wondered why there is a lot of chatter about it? Have you wondered why self-esteem is so important? Or do you glance at those articles out of the corner of your eye, give it a humph and move on?

I often would glance at the article, give it humph and move on. That was until my self-esteem was no where to be found. This has happened to me more than once in my life. To be open and honest with you, my self-esteem was absent three times in my life.

I was one of those kids who believed what people in authority told me. As a kid we were told you don’t question those in authority. I didn’t question them – out loud. I did, however question their words in my mind and heart but never out loud.  As an adult I see that never allowing a child to question anyone is detrimental to their mental health.

When a person in authority tells you, “You’re too stupid” or “You’ll never amount to much” or are criticized for what you do repeatedly, you start to believe them. I figured they knew something I didn’t. I do admit I wasn’t the sharpest knife in the drawer, but I was far from stupid. I stuttered. I learned differently than most kids in my class. I needed extra time to grasp the concepts. I also asked too many “why” questions. I needed the world to make sense to me. No one had time for those who are different. Those who are different required too much, and no one wanted to put in the time or effort to discover what made those who are different, different.

Eventually I learned to be invisible. I learned to be an observer rather than a participant. I preferred to be in the background. There were times I put myself out there to be seen. Those were fun times. It wasn’t long after that, that I would be put in my place again by a comment from one in authority. This cycle repeated itself throughout my life. This cycle eroded my self-esteem.

What do you do with eroded self-esteem? I went looking for it. I was a frequent visitor to the self-help section at the library. I read about self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-worth. I knew I had to do more than read. I had to do something about it. The first thing I did was find something I was good at. Through trial and error, I found that I was good at creating things with my hands. I took classes on things I was interested in. I worked in a craft shop so I could learn more. I started teaching others to do what I was learning.

I learned that as I spent time with people who had similar interests, they liked me, and I also started to like myself. I began to take better care of myself. I saw that I had value and could positively contribute to my world. I became excited about what I was doing, and imagining owning a business.  I did start my own business teaching others to create with their hands. I felt successful when people signed up and paid for my knowledge.

I learned to be kind to myself. I talked to myself using positive words. I decided how I wanted to treat others. I decided how I would treat myself. I spoke to myself with kindness and affection. I believed in myself and my abilities. I accepted my limitations but did not accept that I could not overcome them.

I had to make some really difficult decisions; decisions that affected not just me but my children as well. I learned that making difficult decisions doesn’t kill a person. Making those decisions can actually keep you alive. I also learned that with those decisions, there may come some guilt and doubt. Both guilt and doubt can be overcome. I learned to sit with the doubts and the guilt until the feelings went away. I would have a good angel, bad angel conversation. The good angel would speak kindly. The bad angel would laugh at the good angel and “tell me how it really is”. These two would go back and forth until I had relived the entire relationship and I decided that I would not and could not go back to THAT! Then I would pick myself up, dust myself off and forge ahead.

I learned it is okay to assert oneself. This was one of the scariest things I ever did. Asserting oneself when you have learned to disappear is super hard. I do not remember the first time I asserted myself. I do remember the feelings that went with it. I was nauseous. I had sweaty palms and armpits. My legs shook uncontrollably. I thought I would poop myself. I thought I would collapse. I wanted to run away. Nothing bad happened when I asserted myself. The outcome was pretty good. I got what I needed. No one hated me for asserting myself.

One of my counsellors suggested acting confidently even when I did not feel like it. This was hard, really hard. I am not one to fake it until you make it. I found that reciting positive affirmations was helpful. Over the past 4 years I have accumulated over 160 affirmations I can turn to. I recite what I need for a few days or weeks. During those days and weeks my mind believes what I am telling it. My confidence increases exponentially.

I built my self-esteem by taking part in activities that I enjoyed. I learned that I did not have to do only what others wanted to do.  I opened myself up to new experiences that I wanted to pursue. I have always liked music. My interests were not too varied. I started to listen to other genres of music other than rock and country. I now enjoy a wide variety of music including symphonies and opera. I learned to golf and love the game but not for competitive reasons. I started gardening and decided that I like flowers a whole lot better than vegetables. I figure there is a farmers’ market close by. I will buy my vegetables. I like to ride a bike. I am a destination cyclist. Riding a bike for the sake of riding a bike just isn’t for me. I like being on the water in a boat. I do not like fishing.  I like sitting by a river and reading. I love downhill skiing. I’m not really good at it but I enjoy the thrill of coasting down a mountain. I like to stop on occasion and take in my surroundings. Discovering what I like and don’t like has helped to build my self-esteem.

One of my coaches keeps telling me to focus only on the positives. This develops my positive mental attitude. I, like you, can focus on the negative aspects of life. There are so many of them. It takes effort to focus on the positives. Focusing on the positives and building a positive mental attitude is so worth it. It has become a way of life. I am constantly looking for the positive in any and every situation. This includes the way I talk to myself. When my self-talk starts to become negative, I turn it around by focusing on the positives. It is not always easy to find the positive in any situation. Trust me, positives are there. I have found it helpful to stop and breathe. If I have to, I remove myself from the situation so I can get clarity. The more I do this, the faster I can find a positive. Then, I focus on the positive.

Here is a simple exercise you can do to build a positive mental attitude.

  1. Notice each enjoyable thing that happens to you during your day, even if it seems insignificant.
  2. Keep these moments in your mind or write them down in a notebook you carry with you. I do this at the end of each day. I call it my Joy Moments journal. Before going to bed I review my day. I pick up on the moments that brought me joy, such as the words or actions of a child, a conversation with a friend, a goal I achieved or something I heard or read that brought a smile to my face. This journal does not have any space for my struggles or upsets. This is for joy moments only.
  3. Over the coming weeks you will notice that these events are increasing in number and that some of them are not only fleeting moments of joy but that they are having an impact on your future.
  4. Review your entries from time to time. You will see that you do have a very good life.

Creating a positive mental attitude is a giant step in building self-esteem.

We have heard that meditating cleans your head-space. It’s true. I have found meditating to be a beautiful practice. We should all do something beautiful for ourselves. Through meditating I am able to see things more clearly. I listen to my heart instead of my head. My head is full of what other people say. My heart knows me. My heart is a better leader than my head will ever be. When I take the time to listen to my heart, I know who I am. I know what I want. I know what I value. I am a kinder person. I am a more loving person. I can handle life better.

Building my self-esteem has been like meeting an old friend, maybe even – a new friend. I like the girl I see in the mirror. She’s not perfect because perfection is an illusion. She still has a whole world of discoveries to make. She is a perfect creation of God. I pray that each of you will find a way to develop your self-esteem. You are worth it. You are a perfect creation of God. It is time to discover her.

Healing Practices
Featured

Healing

Healing

To heal is to make whole.  To heal is to be happy.  Happiness and health go hand in hand.

When we are operating at our maximum potential we are happy, energetic, enthusiastic, and joyful.  We are a pleasure to be around, and we are social.  We like ourselves and others.

When illness, stress, worry, pain, anxiety and fear upset our biological balance.  We get cranky.

We complain, we have a difficult time to see the joy in the moment.  The items, activities, and people that would usually add  to our enjoyment, don’t.   Our thoughts turn to the lower energy frequencies of hopelessness, depression, anger and despair.  We want to rant, cry, bitch about something, anything, everything.    “I am not happy. I don’t feel good.  I am angry. I am disappointed.  I am despondent.  I am hurt.  My body hurts, my feelings hurt, my mind hurts.  I have no joy. No love, no fun, no goodness. Nothing good ever happens for me”

Peace to you my child. The goodness is always with you.  The peace resides within you.

There is a wonderful way to heal. It has been in existence since the beginning. It is pure.

Healing is a profound journey that extends beyond the conscious mind.  In reality, healing starts with the non-conscious.   It involves the creative energy that gives life to all living things.  The Latin word bios means life .

Zoran Hochstatter , expert, author, speaker, filmmaker, innovator in Biofield Therapy and the key educator behind Purebioenergy Training says, ” Bioenergy is the life sustaining force of the Universe.  There is no life without Bioenergy.”  

The information of health is contained within this bioenergy.  All forces of the universe, including human consciousness , are transformations of this cosmic energy.

Every living being has a biofield.  The biofield is the energetic, electro-magnetic essence of each living thing. It is  affected by the environment, our thoughts, and habits. The biofield communicates at the speed of light with every cell in our bodies.  The body is  self-healing.

Purebioenergy restores and balances bioenergetic information to activate the body’s own innate healing mechanisms.   Purebioenergy addresses the information/ frequency of Health , not illness.  Transmission of this information of Health, adjusts and balances the biofield to restore health on all the levels of the human existence – physical, emotional, mental and spiritual.

When a person is under stress, be it physical, mental or environmental, their immune system will break at its weakest point.   Cells become weak, misinformed, confused and do not function as they should.    

Information contained in this pure, coherent, all-knowing energy, helps reactivate the immune system to operate at its best.  The immune system spreads this performance-enhancing “information” to all the cells and enables the body to heal at source.  Bioenergy is intelligent and knows what the body needs.  This means it has the power to create or recreate well-being of the person.  It happens on the physical level, emotional level, the mental level and the spiritual level. ”  

Purebioenergy Healing Therapy is structured, precise and effective.

Healing happens when the whole is restored in it’s optimal state.  When your biofield is balanced, you are healthy and happy. Life flows through you.  Joy, confidence, peace, harmony fill you.  This journey may include a transformational shift in how one chooses to be in the world.   In so doing, you not only benefit yourself but the ripple effect of happy, healthy people will  be positive to all.   

Life is good.  

Blog Posts Handling Life
Featured

Wisdom

Wisdom is a word we hear a lot. We all seek it. We believe life will be better if we have it. But can you define it? It struck me last week that Judy and I talk a lot about wisdom. Our website tag line is “The Wounded Woman’s Way to Wisdom.” So, what do we mean? What drives us to lead you into wisdom?

Let me start by defining wisdom.

Wisdom, sapience, or sagacity is the ability to contemplate and act productively using knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense, and insight.

Wikipedia

When I first read this definition, I paused. I realized that no one escapes gaining wisdom. As we live our lives, we all gain knowledge, experience, and insight. Most of us gain understanding or common sense, but not everyone. We cannot escape obtaining wisdom. We can, however, lack the ability to contemplate and act productively. When you live your life with “your head stuck in the sand” or being oblivious, you may miss the opportunities to act on what you have gained through experience. When we do not take responsibility for our actions we are not performing in our wisdom.

Why is wisdom such a big deal? Wisdom is key to making choices that bring joy. We all seek joy. Joy appears elusive to most. Could it be we do not experience joy because we are lacking in the pursuit or exercise of wisdom?

During my research for this article and years of seeking wisdom I was and am aware that wisdom is normally referred to in the feminine. Wisdom is called “she” and “her” in scripture. The book of Proverbs is full of thoughts on wisdom and refers to wisdom in the feminine. For example, “Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.” Proverbs 3:15

Wisdom is said to originate with God and God gives wisdom.

The Koran says that only Allah has wisdom and gives intelligence at his will.

Buddha says wisdom can be reached by knowing the impermanent nature of all objects we hanker after and annihilate cravings for them. Wisdom is knowledge.

Hinduism says that wisdom is higher than knowledge obtained by reasoning and inference. The path to wisdom is meditation, self inquiry, and contemplation.

Humanism states that wisdom comes from many diverse sources but is primarily something that develops over time through sharing and challenging of ideas.

Our Indigenous People say that wisdom is about the interconnectedness of all things. Wisdom deepens understanding. Wisdom is gained experience. Knowledge is to know the difference between wisdom and knowledge and accept responsibility and accountability. Wisdom is the future.

I found this online at mooshwalks.com. They say wisdom is a virtue that is not innate but can only be acquired through experience. Anyone who is interested in trying new things and reflecting has the ability to gain wisdom. This website says to

  • try new things,
    • talk to people you do not know and listen,
    • do things the hard way,
    • make mistakes,
    • share your wisdom with others.

For our community wisdom is not something to be attained. It is something to be developed as we heal from our traumas, our mistakes, and the mistakes we see others make. Wisdom is developed when we celebrate our successes, For us wisdom is the pursuit of knowledge to share with you so you can heal and become whole. Judy and I actively search for the wisdom others have received and shared to help you. Judy and I have walked the path of trauma throughout our lives. We have managed situations we wish we could take back and get a do-over. We have managed situations the best we could with the information we had at the time. We have been brave. We have been crushed. We have been restored to a place where helping other women navigate the waters of healing is the deepest desire of our souls.

We believe that when one woman heals, a community is healed. The life of one woman touches so many people. Heal her. Heal her community. Teach her and you teach her community. Love her and she loves her community. This is what drives us in the pursuit of wisdom.

Blog Posts Handling Life
Featured

Running towards vs running away from something

I have always been a runner. I like the feeling of lightness, exuberance and joy, running in the woods brings me. I like hearing the crunch of the leaves, or the squeaky cushion of the new grass. I like smelling the earth’s many changing fragrances, from spring’s damp musty revival to summer’s fresh bright green scent to the autumn’s yellow gold crisp aroma of harvest’s transition.

I often run with a song in my head. I don’t wear headphones. The songs are just the playlist and the rhythms that accompany me on this journey of life.

So often the scurry of a squirrel or chipmunk will catch my attention. A garter snake may slither across the path, as I jump up to avoid treading on its tail. Being in the forest, or meadow, or riverbank brings all of the 5 senses to the forefront. Yes, even taste as water tastes better when the air around one is clean.

There is another reason why I enjoy running. Running brings my mind into alignment. The chatter that accompanies me daily can be filtered out. It is necessary to focus on the inhale and exhale as the heart pumps, and the lungs expand to fill the need for more oxygen. The rhythm of a footfall, one step leading to the next, creates synergy. The rigid limitations of my brain start to become flexible. The challenge of a complex tax form, is as attainable as the steep incline up a pine needled strewn hill. Place one foot in front of the other, even if you have to slow to a walk or a crawl. When you get really tired, stop and walk.

Something worth pondering on this journey is: are we running towards something? Or are we running away from something. It can be a combination of the two. The difference is in how one chooses to feel about what you are running towards or away from.

At one time, I knew I was running away from the noise, chaos, and emotional upheaval of where and how I was living. I couldn’t wait to get my shoes on and get out that door. When I got balanced, got the emotions out, I could come back and manage the activities that had to be done. Eventually, a decision had to be made to change the template, because running away from it would not solve the problem. It was a coping tactic. It gave me the outlet needed until I had the courage, wisdom and energy to make a big decision to change. I am grateful for the ladies that I had the opportunity to run with along those trails, and roads. Each of them has a story worth sharing.

When we set a goal, we give ourselves something to run toward. If you want to complete a 10K race or an obstacle race, you start by training to reach small objectives. The first 5K accomplished, the first 25 pushups, the first time you sign up and show up for your own objective. I encourage you to celebrate those successes along the training trail. Don’t wait til the final tape is crossed. Celebrate and build on your successes. They are successes. Each one carrying you towards the next success. Have a look at how you define your success. Just showing up and giving your best is a success. It is personal.

Forgive yourself if you don’t accomplish what you set out to do. Rest, renew and start again. Remember you are not your accomplishments. You are not your degree, your accreditations, your last promotion. You are You. That beautiful creative spirit, shining out, that thought of God.

Have a look at what you are running towards. Is it your heart’s desire? Is it what society tells us we are to seek? Can you refine your goal and put it in alignment with what your heart truly wants? Can you commit to that which brings you joy? What would change if you were to do that?

Set your objective, adjust your visor and lace up your shoes. Take those first steps on a new path. Soon you will be finding your stride, focusing on the rhythm and feeling the elation as you round the bend and head up that hill. The view is worth it. The joy is worth it. You are worth it.

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We Are Love

We are all love and spirit beings, no matter who we are or where we come from. We are all connected in our spirits, which allows us to see the beauty in each other, even when it is difficult to do so. When someone has hurt us or made decisions that have damaged our trust in them, we can remember that they too are a spirit being. They may have acted out of fear or lack of love, but this does not make them any less worthy of compassion. I know it is difficult to consider the other person when they have wronged and hurt you. However, when we see them as fellow broken humans we can turn from anger to compassion.

It is important to recognize that although there may be actions that someone has taken that you do not approve of or condone, it is essential to differentiate between the person and their actions. When a child strikes another person, are we able to separate the action from the child? Do you start calling the child a devil or other awful names? Or do you remove the child and instruct them on their behaviour?

It cannot be assumed that because one action was wrong, the person that committed it is completely bad. We have all heard that we should give the benefit of the doubt. Giving the benefit of the doubt means to believe something good about someone, rather than something bad.  We have the choice of doing either. Every individual has a unique spirit, and as such should be treated as an individual rather than defined by their past choices and actions.

We can also remember that those who hurt will in turn become hurtful. By understanding this cycle of pain, we can cultivate empathy and compassion for those whom we perceive to have wronged us, if we realize that they acted out of fear or lack of love. There may be times when it is best to distance ourselves from people who have been damaging in our lives, yet we still need to remember our connection in spirit.

Consider this example. The relationship with your sister is strained and has been most of your life. Do you treat her the way she treats you? Do you distance yourself from her to minimize the effect she has on you? Do you try to understand her behaviour? My experience says that option 2 and 3 are the best ways to go. Option one only leaves you feeling bad about yourself. Option one is sandbox mentality. To rise above the situation, put some distance between the two of you. When your emotions are calm you could try to understand her behaviour. You may not come to a place of understanding. That is okay. Distance is an effective way to manage the situation – even during family gatherings. I do not see distance as being a way to run away. I see distance as a positive mental health strategy and setting healthy boundaries.

Ultimately, remembering that we are all love and spirit beings, brings greater peace and harmony into our lives. No matter how broken or scared someone might seem on the outside, we can keep in mind that at their core they are love. After all, God is Love and we are a thought of God. Then it follows that we each have an innate capacity for love. It is this spiritual connection between us which allows us to act in a loving manner towards one another, even during times of difficulty or strife.

It is important to consider that despite the circumstances of our lives and the challenges we face, no one can ever take away our worth as spirit beings. Others and God love us, and more importantly than anything else, we are lovable! Let us strive towards creating a world where every person can feel secure in knowing that their spirit is worthy of respect and compassion. By embodying this truth, we can all become more connected in love.

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Judgements

If you’re like me, you’ve experienced some form of trauma in your life. And if you’re anything like me, you might also be prone to being judged by others because of it. I’m here to tell you that it’s okay to be who you are, and that no one deserves to be judged for their trauma. Keep reading to find out why.

We all make judgements.

It is inevitable that we make judgements about other people – whether we realize it or not. These judgements can lead to pain and difficulty with our relationships. But while it may seem hard, the best thing we can do is try to be aware of your own judgements and be mindful of how those judgements may affect those around us. The important thing to remember is that everyone is just doing their best, even if it doesn’t look the same as yours.

Why do we judge others? 

Judging others is something we’ve all done, but why do we do it? Is it because deep down, we’re scared of them and/or their differences? Or maybe it’s because their behavior doesn’t fit our idea of what’s “normal”. Since we are unable to understand it, we make assumptions about them. Whatever the reason may be, it’s clear that judging people isn’t a healthy habit to have. Instead of looking for the negatives in someone else’s life, try to see the good that others bring. This practice can make us more tolerant and open-minded people and give us a chance to become better versions of ourselves.

Can we break down the barriers that our judgements create between us and others?

Breaking down the barriers created by judgement can seem like a difficult challenge. In reality, it is one of the simple things to do. All it takes is a little vulnerability and an open mind – something that a lot of people are scared of. Because we have been judged should we be actively judging others? Is there a possibility that because we know the hurt of being judged we can stop the cycle of “you hurt me, now I get to hurt you”? If the person who hurt you is not in the line of fire, could we quit taking it out on the next person who comes into your field of vision?

If we worked to view the world around us through a different lens, we would be choosing to challenge ourselves and our perspective. Instead of seeing the worst in people, what if we actively chose to seek out the best? While it may not always be the easiest path to take, the personal growth we can gain from taking this approach is invaluable. By recognizing and appreciating the good within someone, we open ourselves up to a more meaningful connection with that person. It’s never too late to start noticing all of the wonderful things that are waiting for us as soon as we make a conscious effort to look for them!

A few months ago, I ran into someone at the mall that I had gone to school with a way back when. I hadn’t ever really talked to them much before and honestly, the first time we’d ever interacted wasn’t memorable in a good way. So, when I saw them, I expected it to be awkward and maybe even hostile. But instead, they treated me like an old friend and joked around with me while we caught up on our lives. In that moment, I couldn’t help but realize how wrong my first judgement of them had been; my mind was completely changed at the fact they were just so warm and kind. It left me thinking twice about judging people on appearances or quick conversations afterward; you never fully know what someone is like until you’ve gotten to know them better!

We all have certain prejudices and biases – it’s unavoidable, but that doesn’t mean we should shy away from challenging them. We have the ability to think critically. We have the ability to ask ourselves why we’re feeling a certain way. We have the ability to work through our judgemental assumptions. 

If we want to make progress in creating more unity between ourselves and the people around us, stop being so quick to judge and start having conversations with people who think differently than we do. During open conversations we may even learn why they judged us in the first place. When we come together and openly discuss our opinions while understanding that we may disagree at times, it helps us become more tolerant of each other’s beliefs which creates a safe environment where relationships can grow. 

Join me in making a conscious effort to see the best in people; when we look past surface-level differences, we may find qualities we deeply connect with. We won’t always be proven right in our judgements of those around us, but isn’t it better to give someone a chance than jump to conclusions?

Is there one thing you can do today or be aware of today to ease your burden of judgmental thinking? Be kind to yourself and others; recognize where our minds take us when it comes to assessing someone else’s character. 

We’re all human beings with feelings, flaws, strengths, and worries. Champion yourself in being open minded towards others. Consciously let go of judgement, so that meaningful connections can be established with those that share the same world. Let us take actions together towards breaking down these limits. You never know what kind of meaningful connection you just might find!

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Forgiveness

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is the fragrance emitted by the violet as it is crushed by the heel that treads upon it. (Mark Twain)

Have you ever heard someone say, “I will say I am sorry but I am not going to forgive you.”

From a young age, we are taught forgive and forget. 

Just as  nutritionally, our cells grow from  what we consume, absorb the vitamins and detox the remainder.   Emotionally, spiritually to grow we also need to have an experience, learn from the experience, and detox what is not good for us.  Get rid of it. Let it go.

Imagine if the garbage did not get collected every 2 weeks.  How much rotting stuff would accumulate?  What would that do to the smell, and comfort of your home?  What would that waste attract? Mice, rats, flies, creepie crawlies?   If we do not take out the emotional refuse/garbage that stink, accumulates. It increases. 
There is a Proverbs saying bitterness rots the bones. A bitter mindset affects our whole being.  It rots the bones.  We are energetic beings.  Holding on to the hurts, pain, anger, feelings of betrayal locks us into a cycle of pain.  When one harbours an emotional pain, it will become a physical pain. To heal a physical pain, forgive an emotional pain. Forgiving releases the grip the pain has on you.  

Imagine the issue you have, with yourself or with someone else.  Holding the grudge, the hurt, the anger, and below the anger,  the fear hurts you.  You cannot receive anything when you have a closed hand. By holding onto these issues, we close our hands, and we close our hearts.  Eventually we poison our minds. To end this cycle, start at the high end.  Start with an old mediation prayer from Hawaii.

This is the prayer called The  Ho’oponopono .  It translates to the correction. It can be said with eyes closed. Think of the transgression, the person or the situation. Repeat this phrase aloud 7 or 8 times.

I am sorry.

Please forgive me.

I forgive you.

I love you.

Thank you.

The remorse, forgiveness, gratitude and love will change the energy.  Even if a person has passed away, or you are not speaking with them, say it.   There is always 2 sides to every disagreement.  Acknowledging our contribution, I am sorry.  Ask for forgiveness. Release.  Give forgiveness. Release. Love from the agape love, the humanity love, remembering we are love. Be thankful. Have gratitude for the lesson, the relationship, the past, the love.

It may take more than one time to release an old, imbedded hurt.  Keep at it. When the hurt arises, say it again.  This is for your well-being. Your heart health. Your body will be freer, or flexible.  Your thoughts will be clear and without malice or angst.  Your heart will be open.  You will be able to receive. Watch for the changes. Expect the miracles.

If you need help with this, contact us.  I have discovered that through Purebioenergy Healing Therapy many things I have encountered through life, I have been able to heal. To let go of the pain, worry, and bitterness that binds us.

This is a Big thing I had to forgive.  When I was in my early 30’s, I was going to a local Fertility Clinic . I had met Dr. Daya through the clinic on Pine St. in Kitchener.  He suggested to go to the MacMaster Clinic as it was superior to the clinic we had been attending.  After many tests, (many which I had already done), he recommended a surgical procedure that was quite significant. Cutting and changing the uterus shape, called a Tompkins Metroplasty.  I did not feel comfortable with this type of invasive procedure. It had a long 6 week recouperation period.  I declined.  He brought it back up at a meeting when my then husband( now ex) was present. My ex told me that I had to comply and get this surgery done.  Even while awaiting the surgery, my intuition was screaming at me. Get up, leave , just walk away.  I did have the surgery. It was shoddily completed with the students doing the final stitching up. There was damage to nerves, muscles were cut and not properly stitched. It created a ridge on my abdomen which has never flattened out.

A number of years later, I received a letter from MacMaster Hospital that an inquiry and lawsuit was in process, as this outdated surgical procedure by Dr. Daya had been done on women who did not even have the issue, the surgery was meant to correct.  I was one of those 35 women who did not have anything wrong with my uterus. It was healthy. Dr. Daya committed medical fraud, damaging 189 women, some permanently disabled as a result.   My physical body was damaged by him. My emotional body was affected resulting in a big lack of trust. There are many layers to this unnecessary trauma.  The only thing I can do is to address how I feel, and think and act.  I choose to heal.  During a Purebioenergy Healing Therapy healing session many years later, Zoran, my mentor, asked me whether there was something that I was angry about.  I didn’t think I was angry.  Unrecognized anger can show up looking like depression. I am grateful to say I have healed from this.  All of it. It no longer defines me in anyway. You can forgive and release carrying the burden of it.

What do you want to release, forgive and need to let go of?   

Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it. (Mark Twain)