by Susyn Reeve of self-esteem-experts.com

What I think is a mountain today, is a molehill tomorrow.
- Gail Lynne Goodwin

In 1991 – 1992 I attended Jean Houston’s Mystery School. I clearly remember an exercise we did one morning. Through a guided visualization process she asked us to focus our attention on a problem, challenge, difficulty we were currently experiencing in our lives. As the process continued she instructed us to view the problem as though it has occurred 1 year ago, 5 years ago, 10 years ago, 100 years ago.

Not only did my mountain turn into a molehill – from the vantage point of 100 years into the future it was barely the size of a speck of sand!

I have used this exercise repeatedly over the years. Simply transforming mountains into molehills accesses my creative juices to connect with my intention and opens my heart and mind to my next step!

What mountain are willing to turn into a molehill today?

Practice: Transforming Mountains to Molehills

• Close your eyes and focus your attention on a current problem (mountain).
• Take a deep breath, clear your focus.
• Now leap into the future and see this same problem from the vantage point of 1 year into the future, 5 years, 10 years, 100 years into the future.
• Take a deep breath and open your eyes.
• What was your experience when you viewed your problem from the future?

Today’s Affirmation: I approach today’s mountains as tomorrow’s molehills.

by David Wall

As children our world is full of wonder – every little thing is an amazing discovery. I remember as a baby you used to find the most ordinary things incredible, like a piece of chocolate wrapping you found. I watched as you picked it up, looked at it, crumpled it, even took a bite at it then dropped it on the floor. After that you did the same thing over and over again.

You were so engaged – it was funny and very cute to watch but it made me wonder why you where so amazed by it. Watching closely, I realised your chocolate wrapping routine wasn’t repetitive – every view, sound and touch of the crumpling paper was different. It helped me remember that everything we do and every moment we have, even if it looks repetitive is always uniquely different.

Really everything is a new experience but when we get older we tend to miss or forget that. Sometimes it makes us sad because we start believing we’re stuck in a situation that doesn’t end and we fail to see all the differences happening right before us. We miss all the different moments and even a whole host of potential ones because we start believing that some experiences are more important than others. The ones that are not so important like crumpling a shiny gold and silver chocolate wrapping are dismissed, forgotten or not even acted upon. It takes a whole lot of practice but we eventually learn to stop ourselves from crumpling the chocolate wrapping paper and miss all the joy and amazement that goes with it.

We adults get so convinced we need to accomplish something that simply enjoying things becomes less and less important. After a while, we want to get things done as fast as possible hoping we’ll have more time to enjoy it all later. The problem is we become so used to putting our enjoyment later that even when our later comes, we’ve forgotten how to enjoy it. So we scramble around looking for some new thing that will help us find it again. But it’s not something to find or even accomplish – really it’s already here because everything that happens is an amazing experience. We adults just forget how to see it that way.

When I was a boy my teachers always wrote the words: “day-dreamer” on all my early report cards – I was still being amazed by things but they probably thought it was much more important that I start doing things. I must have been a bit slow on the doing side of things. Adults are just like that, they feel better about themselves and other people when they believe things are being done. They’ll usually call it ‘taking action’ or ‘moving forward’ but most of the time they just end up going in circles. Eventually your Daddy started doing things too. It’s what everyone else was doing, so it must have seemed right. But Daddy also lost seeing the amazing in things and other things got lost or forgotten too.

When I was really young I felt I knew what would happen from one thing to the next before other people could and also remembered feeling connected to things much bigger than me. Once I made the clouds move away from the sun, maybe it was by chance but what matters is I believed it and felt nothing was impossible.

I know one day too sweety, you will be more interested in doing, achieving, and progressing to something or somewhere better but I want you to know there is nothing wrong with that at all too. It’s all part of how we learn and grow up. But sometimes everyone feels like they have too much on or too much to do and it can really get us down. So if by chance you feel bad, pick up something like the piece of chocolate paper wrapping, scrunch it up and even bite it. Because I want you to remember the amazing is still here in everything and no matter what anyone tells you – everything and anything is always possible!

By Louise Baker

Inspiration: the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions.

What inspires you? What inspires you to be a better person or to seek the unknown? It can be something as simple as a budding flower or as profound as an insight that changes the way you view life. In these times with the wavering economy, the far reaching oil spill, and wars that are tearing families apart, we can all certainly use a little inspiration!

Let’s start at the very beginning!

1. Babies: There is something about the innocence of a baby, their tiny, chubby perfectly developed fingers and toes, their little pink tongues, and their innate knowledge that they are safe in their mother’s arms that is inspiring.
2. Love: The love I feel for myself and for others allows me to constantly work to be a better person. Little expressions of love and respect that are witnessed between two people who do not know they are being watched is also inspiring.
3. Country: “Liberty and Justice for all”, the freedoms we enjoy due to other’s sacrifices, and the displaying of the red, white, and blue all make me proud and encourage me to be a better citizen of our great nation.
4. Seasons: The changing of the seasons, out with the old, in with the new – tiny blooms, hot sun, crisp fall leaves, and fresh snow – all evoke strong feelings of new beginnings and helps me to remember that change is good and inevitable.
5. Organ donors: The selflessness of those who give to allow another person to live is amazing. Giving without the expectation of receiving anything in return, what could be better? organdonor.gov
6. Art: Art of all kinds, be it paintings, music, or poetry, can unite and inspire humanity and can comfort and restore the lonely and downtrodden.
7. Shuttle launches: Mankind reaching beyond the ordinary into the extraordinary, stretching beyond our normal, everyday boundaries, and soaring high and flying through space always tugs at my heart.
8. Random acts of kindness: A toll already paid when I reach the booth, a dime dropped in my almost expired meter, a helping hand when mine are full, even a smile of acknowledgement all inspire me to ‘pay it forward’ and help the next person.
9. Exercise: Ah, if I could just bottle that feeling I get from a good run or a fast-paced spin class I could conquer the world, or at least that pile of laundry in the closet!
10. Writing: The inner workings of my mind as I process thoughts into written words – the writings become poetry on paper that often inspires deeper thinking, a looking inward, and constant reevaluation of who I am and who I want to be.

Inspiration comes in soo many forms and oftentimes when you least expect it. Truly, what does inspire you? Seek and find your inspiration and then spread your wings and soar!

Louise Baker is an inspiring freelance writer. She mainly writes about Zen for College Life.

by Suzanna Gratz

Today the Grandmothers woke me with this message and asked me to send it out. Please forward it on so we reach as many people as possible.

“We ask you to cast, anchor, and hold the Net of Light steady for the Gulf of Mexico,” the Grandmothers said. “This crisis is affecting the entire world, and humanity is asleep. Wake up!” they cried. “Animals are dying, plants are dying, and your Mother is writhing in agony. If you hold the Net of Light steady at this time you will help stave off further catastrophe.

“You have been lulled into a false sleep,” they said, “told that others (B.P.) will take care of this problem. This is not so,” they said. “And this is not the time for you to fall into oblivion. Determine now to stay awake, and once you have made that commitment, think of, cast, and hold the Net of Light. Hold it deep and hold it wide. Amplify its reach to penetrate the waters of the Gulf and dive deep beneath the crust of Mother Earth. Anchor it at the earth’s core and as you hold it there, ask it to unify with the mineral kingdom of this planet. It will do this and will harmonize with all the solid and liquid mineral states on earth-including oil and gas. The Net of Light will call these minerals back into harmony. Men have wreaked havoc. They have abused the kingdoms of life on earth for many years, but this time their destruction has reached crisis proportions.

“Whatever human beings have damaged, human beings must correct,” the Grandmothers said. “This is the law. We repeat: This is the law. You cannot sit back and ask God to fix the mess humanity has created. Each of you must throw your shoulders to the wheel and work. We are asking for your help. Several years ago we gave you the Net of Light so you would be able to help the earth at times like this. Step forward now. This is the Net of Light that will hold the earth during the times of change that are upon you,” they said.

“First move into your heart and call on us. We will meet you there. The Net of Light is lit by the jewel of your heart,” they said, “so move into this lighted place within you and open to the Net of which you are a part. Bask in its calming presence. It holds you at the same time that you hold it.

“Now think of magnifying your union with us. We, the Great Council of the Grandmothers, are with you now, and all those who work with the Net of Light are also with you. There are thousands, even millions now connected in light,” they said. “Along with this union, call forth the power of the sacred places on earth. These will amplify the potency of our joint effort. Then call on the sacred beings that have come to prevent the catastrophe that threatens to overwhelm your planet. We will work together,” they said, nodding slowly.

“Think of, cast and magnify the presence of the Net of Light in the Gulf of Mexico. See, imagine or think of it holding the waters, holding the land, the plants, the sea life, and the people. Holding them all!” they said. “The Net of Light is holding them steady; it is returning them to balance. Let the love within your lighted heart keep pouring into the Net of Light and hold, hold, hold. Calmly and reverently watch as the light from your heart flows along the strands of the Net. It will follow your command and continuously move forth. As soon as you think of it, it will happen. We ask you to practice this for only a few minutes at a time, but to repeat it throughout the day and night.

“We promise that this work with the Net of Light will do untold good,” the Grandmothers said. “We are calling you to service now. You are needed. Do not miss this opportunity. We thank you and bless you.”

To lean more about the Grandmothers and the Net of Light, go to grandmothersspeak.com.and the Net of Light, go to www.grandmothersspeak.com.

By Kim Phillips

It’s hard to believe after a long, snowy winter in Boston , but Spring is just around the corner! Time to ditch the boots and sweaters for some lighter gear! Time to go through the closets and donate those jeans and bridesmaids dresses that you swear you’ll find a use for again! Time to go through the shoes, the bags, the make-up, the clothes… Spring cleaning ladies! After doing a bit of early Spring cleaning myself this past weekend, something occurred to me. We all spend a lot of time cleaning- PHYSICALLY cleaning; our bodies, our laundry, our homes, our cars, our food. Don’t get me wrong, this is all absolutely necessary for many reasons, but we also go beyond just cleaning these things. Many of us take the time to get a manicure, change our wall color, purchase a newer car, update our shoe collection, etc. My point is, we go beyond the necessary in these areas before many of us even think about one of the most critical areas that we need to de-clutter. We are painting our toe nails while ignoring something that can literally change our lives-our minds!

The mind is such a powerful tool, and so many of us go along on auto pilot under the assumption that things just happen to us by default, luck or coincidence-not so! We create our realities, and that is empowering news! During this time of seasonal change, known for clearing space and new beginnings, lets take the time to find our own personal way to clear our minds of the thoughts and attitudes that no longer serve us. For some this may mean taking a yoga class or spending time meditating and for others, it may mean less hours at work and more time spent with family, keeping a journal, or spending more time with friends that are uplifting. We all operate differently and some things work better than others for us to de-stress, clear our minds, relax and reevaluate. The point I want to reiterate here is to find way this Spring to not only de-clutter your closet, but de-clutter your mind. Clear out the negative, bring in the positive and relax! When we are clear, happy and chill out, we are magnets that attract our goals and desires! Sounds simple right? It IS! Spring is approaching ladies, so grab the magic mind broom and get sweeping!

Spring is a time of warm, sunny days, with occasional passing showers. Somewhat a brief, concise metaphor for life. RENEWAL. Rebirth. Laughter, vacations, new opportunity, RECYCLING, out with the old, in with the new. CHANGE. It’s like another shot at those New Year’s resolutions! I know that you are health conscious, spiritually savvy, fashionably hip, intelligent women who strive to live the best lives possible, all the while having fun and living passionate, loving lives! Are you with me? Take this opportunity and grab the reins, I believe in you! Spring is just around the corner, clean out your life, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. BALANCE is the key here. Once you de-clutter your life in these areas, you will be in a position to not only reach for the stars, but to grab them and throw them in your purse! I know, easier said than done, and I know some of you may be in situations that may leave you in despair and doubt, but the reality is, you’re like a magnet! It’s very simple-what you think, speak and act upon you draw toward you. If you can’t make big changes right now, that’s fine! Small changes have a big impact! Continue to keep a clear mind, body and spirit, and focus on your goals. Before long, you will see the effects of your work! The mind is an amazing tool and thoughts fuel your future. You are the artist and your palate is filled with amazing, bright, colorful choices! So ladies, how will you add color to your world today?

By: Perry Hicks

Most of what we think we need can really be resolved down to one thing: Love. Blind to the lush garden of affection all around us, too many wander alone, thirsting as if they we were in the midst of a barren desert.

Succombing to our fears, love becomes as elusive as a mirage shimmering on the horizon; a destination to be despaired of ever attaining.

The truth is that we need not trudge on through a life of emotional desolation. Love does always find a way. Furthermore, it will not come walking or running, but literally flying to any and all of us who believe.

The secret is that what comes into our lives is dependent on where we allow our hearts to dwell. Loneliness begets loneliness. Depression more still. And struggle as we might, we will not find relief in pulling up buckets of bitterness from a dark empty well.

Instead, we must only step into the sunlight and embrace the preciousness of life. Ultimately, the choice is ours.

It took my good friend Gail Goodwin to convince me this was so. My epiphany came quite literally in the form of a surprise package waiting on my doorstep. I gathered it up at the very instant she rang my phone. Together we opened it; me unwrapping as her voice reached my ear from at least a thousand miles away.

Inside the package was a large glass cube mounted diagonally on a pedestal. The cube was tinted gold with the very same coating used on space helmet face shields. Light collected within the glass is reflected about the inside.

“Look into it,” Gail said, “And you will see something beautiful.”

I peered down as she wished and what I saw was unexpected. Centered in a kalidoscopic frame deep within the cube was an image of me.

Gail primarily meant the cube to be a kind of surrogate for a trophy I had in part won but would never receive. However, her secondary purpose was to mend my aching heart and the gesture of friendship touched me deeply.

Sensing my reaction from so far away, Gail then said softly, “I didn’t mean to make you cry.”

My tears brought me a turning point in that I was assured there was nothing that could preclude the blessing of love coming into my life. Indeed, it was already there. It just hadn’t been quite recognized, much less accepted.

I had just met a wonderful woman, Ann, who is now my loving wife. I had loyalty from friends that I had long discounted. As modest as it may be, materially I truly had most everything I had ever wanted. My work life had been rewarding.

In short, I stood in the nexus of so many blessings to which I had been quite blind. All that had been lacking was for me to believe in two things: I was worthy and that love would someday come.

These are consequences of what might be called the “Law of Attraction.” What we think is what we receive. Negative thinking brings us failure. Positive thinking brings us success.

In other words, we create our own reality.

As ethreal as all this might sound, there is a physical basis for it: the interconnectiveness of everthing.

Consider existance. The deeper scientists explore into the physical properties of matter the more it becomes an enigma.

Matter and energy are interchangable. One can be converted into the other but in no case can either be destroyed. The smallest sub-atomic particles have properties that suggest to our senses that they may be made up of nothing at all.

Then there are the various attractive forces associated with matter. Subatomic particles self-organize into atoms and atoms self-organize into molecules. The organization of molecules, of course, make up what we perceive as the material world and even life itself.

These attractive forces literaly reach out across the vast stretches of deep space- formerly supposed to be voids of anything- but now thought to be created by matter existing all around it.

These little understood forces are able to cause physical reactions between great celestial bodies separated by distances so vast that measurements in light-years are inadequate to express them.

In a definitive sense, no one knows where the Universe came from or where it is going. It simply exists and it is indistructible. Furthermore, there appears to be no way “out.”

As fearfully awesome as the Universe may be, we may take comfort in knowing that we are as much a part of it as anything else within it. We are made of the same stuff as the planets and the stars so the same array of forces that coelese sub-atomic particles into the great swirling galaxies, and the galaxies into an endless Universe, also act on us.

So then how can one mock the idea that our thoughts have real consequences? That the energy of our thoughts can have a direct impact on our material lives?

One cannot.

So, let your heart take flight. Soar high aloft on the wings of desire. Feel the precious touch of life in everone and everything you embrace.

But above all, love and surely love will find a way to you, too.

by Julie Okuma

1. Immerse yourself in the terror and fear of that horrible “C” word that was just thrown at you. If you’re not there yet, just let the doctors tell you about the treatments and statistics and you’ll be there in an instant. Trust me.
2. Cry from all the pain, sorrow, and yes – more fear, until you’re pretty sure that no store will be able to keep up with your demand for tissues.
3. Be furious over this injustice – after all, you don’t deserve this, you’re a good person, and you try to live as healthily as possible.
4. Laugh at yourself for not being a little more careful with your prayers. After all, you did beg the Gods for something – anything to change because you’re so miserable in your life.
5. Search for some great tools or techniques that will teach you how to change your view on all these unwanted feelings.

These are some of the basic steps I took which ultimately led me to truly enjoying this wild and crazy ride called cancer. But it is only through the use of the tools from the Busting Loose teachings of Robert Scheinfeld, that I have been able to get to this place of enjoyment. The tools helped me to transform incredible pain and fear – feelings that I once avoided like the plague, into welcomed opportunities in which to expand and grow from. It has completely changed this cancer game for me.

I also learned through Scheinfeld, that feelings such as fear, sorrow, and anger, are actually just true joy in disguise – just as the different shades of red on a color wheel are still classified as “red”.

If you really think about it, part of the joy of watching a movie is the range of emotions it takes you through. I have seen the movie Avatar, four times so far. Each time I saw it, my heart would still beat from fear and my adrenaline still pumped with excitement. I could still work up a fury over the bad guys, and manage to cry during the sad and moving scenes. It is because the movie elicited such a range of emotions within me, that I kept returning to it for a second, third, and fourth time.

The day I no longer find myself fully immersed in the story, feeling everything – including the discomforts, is the day I will stop watching it. It is this full immersion into any story that is what’s joyful.

Before my cancer experience, my goal was to seek perfection and happiness at all times. I tried to control everything to ensure that I would have very little exposure to any unwanted feelings. I was terrified of them. I preferred to stay in that neutral (otherwise known as numb) zone as often as possible. This only brought misery because life was very stale and gray as I shied away from all colors in my pursuit of perfection.

Cancer taught me to cry! To fear! To be angry! To feel! It pushed me down a path of seeking that unexpectedly led me to this place of joyousness. Joy now does not only consist of happiness and peace, but is made up of the ugly and difficult, the sad and lonely, and the terrifying and horrific too. It is this full spectrum of welcomed feelings that makes life joyful because it is now filled with vibrant colors. So now I paint the walls of my life with many shades of colors, grateful that I can finally see all of its beauty.

wholeheartedlyliving.wordpress.com

By Edie Weinstein

Breathe in the warmth of this place, allowing yourself to feel a sense of welcome
It is your own love, your own beauty that beckons you inside
How long has it been, since you have crossed this threshold?
The door has always been open, the invitation always extended
Will you accept it now?

Through the windows streams sunlight, casting rainbow designs on the walls
As prism glass reflects the scattered sparkling illumination
The floor beneath your feet is soft
Caressing your skin as you tap your bare toes on its surface
Daring to dance upon it to the lilting music that only you can hear.

The table is set with all manner of lusciousness
Nourishment for body and soul awaits you
Always plenty to savor and share; a bounty spread before you
Every imaginable treat to delight your senses
The sweet aroma that curls around you.

The mirror on the wall reflects your exquisite nature
As you gaze into the eyes of the One who has been with you
Through all eternity, questioning what has kept you from recognizing
Your own ineffable Divinity
Express your adoration for the God(dess) who winks back at you.

Feel the all-embracing comfort of this structure that was created
Brick by brick, log by log, though your daily intention
The experiences and the people you draw into your world
The thoughts that permeate your mind
The wild magic of your infinite imagination.

By Nina McLaughlin

When I was still a teenage an art therapist asked me to paint myself how I saw myself with 5 images. The center image was my core self, how I view myself, the other four were painted in equal sized quarter sections of a circle; they were what I want to be and or do with my life. In the middle I drew a lioness always strong and protective no matter how much struggle she sees. On the four sections I drew myself helping animals, helping people, becoming closer with God, and having a child.

As I grew older I lost track of my goals. I did get closer to God for a while, I did have a son, but I never finished all my goals Life kept getting worse the furthar away I became from those childhood aspirations until I recently hit rock bottom. I was far from close to God, no longer on my path to helping animals OR people, and a financial mess.

There are reasons why we are intellegent self aware people; self improvement, self love, self happiness/ fulfillment, and the worst thing one can do is live an empty life. And my life had become just that; empty. So much so that even having my son around was no longer enough to keep me happy. One night I took too many pills misserable and tired of the fight and no friends to REALLY talk too. I awoke the next morning with a headache. (To many pills to me was 5; not enough to kill me but enough to numb the pain so I could rest an entire night.)

As always, when things get this bad, I went into deep meditation about my life and choices. I realized that I was no longer being true to myself, I had started doing what I thought would make me happy but was in reality making me misserable.

I decided that I would return to those 5 paintings I did as a child and do what my true self told me would make me happy all those years ago. I would re-build my relationship with God, I would be the greatest parent I can be, I will remain strong and fight like the lioness, and when all that is done I will be able to help others.

Therefore, the words I would choose to share with the world if it were my last day on earth are, “Find yourself. Not the image that has become what you see in the mirror; rather the person you were as a child, so innocent and full of hope, love, happiness, (not that “I want money” selfish kind of happiness; rather true core happiness) and best of all, full of honesty about what makes YOU happy!”

The rest of my words would be used telling my son how much I love him!

By Dr Michelle Gannon – a Psychologist specializing in Relationships, Wellness and Women’s Issues. She writes at Dr Michelle Gannon and Marriage Prep 101

I realize that times are tough for many people, yet as an optimistic person I will go out on a limb, and say, “You are responsible for your own happiness. You deserve to be happy… Take charge of your mood”.

What does it really mean to be happy? When you think of yourself and your life, are you being the person you want to be? Are you living a life that brings you joy and pleasure? Do you have satisfying relationships? Are you living your life according to your values and priorities? And if not… why not? Let’s see if we can make some changes together.

Like every other working mom, I feel stressed and pressured in my life. So much to do…Never enough time. As a psycholologist, I take care of people in my professional life, and as a mother/wife/daughter/friend I take care of others the rest of the time too. I lean towards perfectionism and workaholism, and I had an epiphany a few years ago when I turned 40 years old.

I do not need to be perfect. Actually perfectionism is over-rated. I need to be “good-enough”. Of course, I still try to do my best in whatever I do, but the difference is I am much kinder and more compassionate with my own flaws. When I think of my friends or clients sharing their imperfections, I am loving, kind and accepting towards them. I used to be much more judgmental and critical with myself than others. However, I realized that I need to be a better friend to myself. When my inner critic’s voice appears, I ask myself, “What would I say to a friend?” and I turn around and tell myself the same supportive message.

Many of us believe that in order to be the best wife, mother, employee or friend that we need to be self-sacrificing. Interestingly, that does not work. To take care of others, you need to first take care of yourself. Starting now, give yourself permission to make you the focus in your life for a change. If you take time and effort to nurture and refuel yourself, you will become a better partner, mother, friend, worker and more. We have to prioritize taking care of ourselves especially if we need to take care of others.

When we think back to times in our life where we were the most happy and content, we can sometimes find keys to improve our present day happiness. What was happening then that we may have forgotten, overlooked or misplaced now? Are you happiest when you have personal time with others? Do you need more solitude or creativity outlets? Are you most happy when you are learning or exploring? Are you happiest when you feel healthy and strong in your body? Are you happier when you get more sleep? Are you happiest when you have more fun? Are you happiest when you have more romance?

I was hiking the other day with a good friend and our dogs. My friend has three children, and one of them is severely autistic. She is usually in a positive, sunny mood although her life is certainly not easy. When I asked her how does she do it? How does she stay so positive and happy? She calmly replied, “Yes, life is challenging, but I just prefer to live in the positive”. She has chosen to have a positive, happy attitude. Sometimes I think we are too loyal to our suffering. Yes, we need empathy and support, but sometimes we also need a gentle kick in the pants.

I propose that we make a commitment to support each other in becoming more happy and content with our lives. Let’s act the way we want to feel. One step at a time…let’s take charge of our moods – We all deserve to be happy.