Personal freedom & inspirational jewelry

Beautiful morning today!  This is how I answered my phone and  started off a  conversation with my dearest friend who recently lost her job.  "I guess so", she replied quietly.  "I am actually calling to get one of your inspirational jewelry dangle things."  


Yippee! a sale... 

We talked for a bit more about how and when I could get her the dangle that she wanted as a gift  for a friend's celebration party.  The conversation quickly turned to the fact that she was unemployed and how the trauma of losing her job was really taking its toll on her daily happiness quotient.  We walked  together again through her long detailed workplace story, as  a good friend does. Me, listening and waiting for a moment to interject with  some good jokes to help with moving the pain of disappointment through her memory cells.  

Awe... a hurting bunny.

I thought I would offer up an  analogy on moving past pain to help cheer her up.  I acknowledged the fact that she had lost a job that she felt should be hers.  I also agreed with her that she did a good job and reminded her sometimes even when people do a good job there may be no reward for that  deed, in hard cold cash.  However, knowing you did a good job and feeling peaceful on a spiritual level,  does not pay the rent. 

I get it. 

So, how do you emotionally move ahead?

I brought up another dog story for my friend.  This one was of my beloved dog Dakota that passed away earlier this year 2012.  He had an amazing nose for food.  Whenever I sat in the living room with my dinner plate,  it seems he would appear from nowhere.  If I put my plate down on the coffee table to go grab something, he would be up on his feet and start cruising.  "No, I would say with authority."  Just keep moving." He always would immediately choose to slip into the default  hard of hearing mode.  I would raise my voice one octave and say again. "Come on now, move along.  Move along Dakota".

A bit of a standoff here. He would look at me and start with the telepathic dog talking  he had mastered over his ninety-eight years.   Technically because the food was at his eye level this should mean (in dog logic) at least, a taste of my meal should go his way.  He would then walk on by slowly like he was doing me a favour.  As he moved on by  he would look over his shoulder at me, surrendering to the outcome.

I think there is a lesson to be enjoyed here from the late great doG Dakota. In actuality he  probably went across the road and ate some horse manure at the neighbours' pasture just to get even. However the most key element to my story is that albeit reluctantly.. he did...move along.  

That is my point I said to my friend.  You have to move along. Think of the Himalayan yaks working their way up the narrow path of Mt. Everest, one hoof in front of the other with their load of human supplies on their furry backs.  Not knowing or thinking about the reward of the view at the top for their steady easy pace up the mountainside.  When the landscape of your world appears to be  really tough and chaotic on the outside, move your thinking to something that you can accomplish, like the Yaks of the Himalayas do. 



One foot in front of the other.  Keep moving forward. Don't look back and for sure do not look down...

"Not to change the subject my friend asked, but have you ever heard of Don Miguel Ruiz?"  I was at a dinner party and someone brought his name up."


"Yes I replied.  That's another conversation.  I have to get going here.  Talk to you soon." 

"Thanks for listening to me" -  she blurts back  through the still lingering  pain of disappointment".


"Like you haven't done this for me?  That is what friends do. Lean on each other.
Listen to each other."









Have a beautiful day,



Photo: 'safe landing' rc


Joy,


Rena 


www.talktotheturtle.com

Fun sayings, positive affirmations and powerful quotes:

Tears may be dried up, but the heart - never.
~Marguerite De Valois (1553-1615)
  French princess & scholar



There is no pleasure in having nothing to do; the fun is in 
having lots to do and not doing it.
~Mary E. Little  (1912-1999)
  American writer & illustrator




Taking joy in life is a woman's best cosmetic.
~Rosalind Russell (1911-1976)
  American actress & philanthropist



Conscience is the chamber of justice.
~Origen Adamantius (185-255)
  Alexandrian Christian scholar and theologian







This is one of my favorite positive affirmations statements:

Write down all the great things about everyone you know. Make a huge list of all the wonderful things about you. Compliment people wherever you go. Praise every single thing you see.  Be a ray of sunshine to everyone you meet, and make his or her day better for having seen you.  Say "Thank you" at every turn. Walk, talk, think and breathe appreciation and gratitude.

When you do this, your outer life will change to reflect your inner state of being.

Rhonda Byrne
Creator of "The Secret"







Here is an excerpt from Deepak Chopra M.D. book, Creating Affluence~Wealth Consciousness in the Field of all Possibilities

"S" stands for Spending and Service.  Money is like blood; it must flow. Hoarding and holding on to it causes sludging.  In order to grow, it must flow. Otherwise it gets blocked and, like clotted blood, it can only cause damage.

Money is life energy that we exchange and use as a result of the service we provide to the universe.  And in order to keep it coming to us, we must keep it circulating.






A lovely quote by Author, Louise L. Hay
Here is an excerpt from her book, Heart Thoughts.

I am at the center of peace.
The outer world touches me not.  I am in charge of my own being. I guard my inner world for it is there that I create.  I do whatever I need to do to keep my inner world peaceful.  My inner peace is essential for my health and well being.  I go within and find that space where all is quiet and serene.  I may see it as a peaceful, deep, quiet pool surrounded by green grass and tall, silent trees. I may feel it as white, billowy clouds upon which to lay and be caressed. I may hear it as a flowing delightful music soothing my senses.  However I choose to experience my inner space, I find peace. At this center of peace I am.  I am the pureness and stillness of the center of my creative process. In peace I create. In peace I live and move and experience life. Because I keep myself centered in inner peace, I have peace in my outer world. Though there may be madness all around me, I am calm and peaceful.


Have a beautiful day,



Photo: 'pool of mindful thought' PKM



Joy,



Rena 


www.talktotheturtle.com

Unusual gift ideas for you; List 100 things to do before you go. pt 3

Well I have made it to the final posting of writing a life list of 100 things to do here on planet earth before I go.  I really did indulge myself by dividing my list into three separate postings, and I have so enjoyed savouring the process.  I  liken this unusual gift idea  to  opening a box of your favorite chocolates but for your mind. The main difference is that you get all the goodness,  giddiness and excitement without the calories. You can check out the first pt. 1 on this February link-click here. For my pt. 2 listing  of my 100 life list as inspired by  Maggie Mason's website check out this April link-click here. 



Oprah on Joy.  I watched this video on Oprah's website with the introduction banner: 'What Oprah knows about the power of gratitude.'  I am including this link for you to view it on her site.  The words that Oprah shares on her video does  slow you down to take a mindful moment to consider her inspirational view. 
Oprah knows that if you don't have anything to be thankful for, you should start by just being grateful for your breath.


By focusing on one thing you are grateful for it increases the energy of gratitude and raises just a little bit of the joy inside yourself.


One good feeling helps build on another good feeling.


Focus on the good you have, not the lack of it, because whatever gets your attention will increase the energy of gratitude. That's how joy rises.

Click here to video link: 'What Oprah knows about the power of gratitude'




My own joy experience was praying every day for two years in gratitude.  The inspiration was actually two fold.  As a child I had watched  my Grandma reciting rote prayer as a Catholic.  That memory came up for me when I read the new age book Conversations with God where the author, Neale Donald Walsch asks the question about prayer.  From these two very different ways of thought I was inspired to  pray in gratitude for my health everyday.  I focused on what I had and not on what was lost. 


When I viewed Oprah's experience of joy I made an instant connection.  Exposing yourself to positive thoughts may not keep you from ending up on the gangplank of discouragement in your mind, but it will surely be that safety line available to keep you from falling into the drink.



There are numerous  distractions dotted along the way of our daily lives.  Make a conscious effort to treat yourself to something beautiful that eases your mind. This BBC video spot kind of speaks to me.  It is with this thought that I share this 100 things to do  before I go life list.













68. Have lunch with Ellie Drake (founder Braveheart Women)
69. Express gratitude everyday
70. Learn how to play soccer
71. Design a finding
72. Attend 100 Art Gallery openings
73. Learn CPR 
74. Be invited to a poetry recital
75. Make a paper bird mobile
76. Take Thai food cooking lessons  
77. Have a gratitude journal that lists 5 things everyday
78. Learn how to play poker
79. Take a class on adobe illustrator
80. Talk to Vito Montone and Kim Castle for an hour
81. Have a dinner party with full on place settings and decoration
82. Make someone laugh every day
83. Camp at Yosemite National Park, CA
84. Play scrabble in Antigua, Caribbean
85. See Earth Wind & Fire play live (don't care how old they are)
86. Get Seasons tickets to the Opera
87. Juice every other day (I've tried every day and failed)
88. Go on a cattle drive - yippee horses!
89. Visit the J. Paul Getty museum in Los Angeles
90. Rent a houseboat for a weekend with friends 
91. Have a fruit yielding cherry tree
92. Create a salad dressing that  friends want the recipe for
93. Remember to create time to give thanks every day
94. Get married
95. A porch swing
96. To own an  apartment-makes me smile just to think it.
97. My own pool
98. Touch a Moose's nose
99. Visit Mt. Rushmore, North Dakota U.S.A.
100. A clear night  to see a meteorite shower in the sky




Have a beautiful day, 




photo: 'awesome shot Paul' PKM



Joy,




Rena


www.talktotheturtle.com

What's Feng Shui got to do with it?

I am the most optimistic person to have around on a blue day.  However,even with a space that has been energetically cleared and has the best Feng Shui going, one can be hit with the challenges of a hard day at work. If this happens to you remember that  stepping across the threshold into a  sanctuary that has been created to nourish and support you can feel like a dear old friend that knows you so well.

Aahh, made it home.  Regroup, recharge, reassess, revitalize. 

It is a blessing to be able to count on your friends to listen to your story and empathize with the craziness that can go on in the modern day workplace.  Listening, I have come to realize is an art that you actually grow into with age.  

My friend's story of her workplace drama was long and entwined.  It had all the components of what Eckhart Tolle writes about in his book, A New Earth.  Eckhart talks about our ego and how it wraps itself around  jealousy, envy, greed, and then feeds the  "painbody" (which basically is stuck emotions) with the emotions gathered from high drama.   


"So, what do you think?" she asked me halfway through sharing the long complicated layout  of the toxic  events of  her day.  

"Hmm.. I replied. Let's turn on the computer, I want to show you something".

I then moused up a YouTube video for us to watch.  The singing dog.  "Just what angle are you taking with this video you want me to watch?" my friend asked me.   "Well, the way I see it,  this singing dog clearly has a story to tell".  Now just because you don't understand  "dog opera" does not mean that you won't feel there is a lot to the story.  However that is all it is .  A story.  

 She watched it.  The singing dog video.






She laughed out loud.  Well we both did for that matter.  Before she could slide back into the pattern of getting me to agree with her how bad her story of the betrayal that was going on in her workplace I added this:  Viktor Frankl (1905-1997) is a legendary psychiatrist, Holocaust survivor and author of Man's search for meaning. He writes, "We  are not defined by our environment or an experience". 

"Too deep." she quipped.

Then it came to me.  My idea or thought (and I was really grateful because I was sort of winging it with the singing dog video) was to distract her and cheer her up.  
"When I think about the quintessential bad day at work, with betrayal and deceit on every corner I feel no better story is portrayed than through the character J.J. Giddes in the  movie, Chinatown". 

I clicked on the movie trailer  for Chinatown and we watched it together.








When the energy  gets crazy at the workplace I suggest you remember this movie's  final line.   "Go home Jake."  "Forget it Jake, it's Chinatown".
  

At the end of the day all you  have is your integrity.  This does not mean that you will always win in the workplace.  However, you will be a winner by playing a fair game with yourself and you can find solace in these words of  Mother Teresa.

People are often unreasonable and self-centered. 
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat you.
Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough.
Give your best anyway.
For you see, in the end, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway.

~Mother Teresa, (1910-1997)
  Roman Catholic Nun, Nobel Peace Prize recipient (1979)  

When  big challenges come up in life, the main focus should be on retaining your joy of each moment.  Oprah suggests just starting with  being grateful that you are  breathing.  

Had a bad day at work?  Try this out: Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth five times.  Slowly...  I did not create this; an elderly heart attack survivor shared this technique with me.


We all have to find our own way through to unloading and dissolving disturbing life experiences.  A good friend is a great place to start, and even a kindly therapist whose life passion is to comfort the hurting is another alternative.  There is a lot to be said for a psychologist's help to put certain thoughts about events  that hurt you into imaginary  balloons and let them drift away into the sky...forever gone.

Learn to find that space between you and your emotions.  

Create a sanctuary that will feed your mind and heart with wellness of being.


Have a beautiful day,


photo: PKM


joy,


Rena


www.talktotheturtle.com




   

Fun sayings, positive affirmations and powerful quotes.

We grow neither better nor worse as we get old, but more like ourselves.
~May Lamberton Becker (1873-1958)
  American literary critic




 In real love you want the other person's good.  In romantic love, you want the other person.
~Margaret Anderson (1893-1973)
  American publisher






I'm just going to write because I cannot help it.
~Charlotte Bronte (1816-1855)
  English writer






This is one of my favorite positive affirmations statements:


When you find your purpose, it is like your heart has been set alight with passion. You know it absolutely, without any doubt.


Rhonda Byrne
Creator of "The Secret"








Here is an excerpt from Deepak Chopra M.D. book Creating Affluence~Wealth Consciousness in the Field of all Possibilities.


"R" stands for the fact that receiving is as necessary as giving. To graciously receive is an expression of the dignity of giving. Those who are unable to receive are actually incapable of giving.  Giving and receiving are different aspects of the flow of energy in the universe.


Giving and receiving do not have to be in the form of material things. To graciously receive a compliment or admiration or respect also implies the ability to be able to give these to others.  And absence of respect, courtesy, manners, or admiration creates a state of poverty irrespective of the amount of money you have in the bank.










Eckhart Tolle's book ~ A New Earth  shares his view on being able to let go of the "stuff" inside your head.


Carrying the Past:


The inability or rather unwillingness of the human mind to let go of the past is beautifully illustrated in the story of two Zen monks, Tanzan and Ekido, who were walking along a country road that had become extremely muddy after heavy rains. Near a village, they came upon a young woman who was trying to cross the road, but the mud was so deep it would have ruined the silk kimono she was wearing. Tanzan at once picked her up and carried her to the other side.


The monks walked on in silence.  Five hours later, as they were approaching the lodging temple, Ekido couldn't restrain himself any longer. "Why did you carry that girl across the road?" he asked.  "We monks are not supposed to do things like that."


"I put the girl down hours ago," said Tanzan.  "Are you still carrying her?"








Have a beautiful day,




photo: 'big mountain' PKM




joy,




Rena




www.talktotheturtle.com

The art and charm of gratitude

Guest teachers Deepak Chopra, Tony Robbins, Iyanla Vanzant, & Bishop T.D. Jakes on the Oprah life class tour in Toronto, Ontario Canada was pretty amazing.  The real charm of the life class televised event this April for me was   the mentioned quiet layering of gratitude as a daily practice.  Oprah speaks very openly about writing down in a gratitude journal five things that you are grateful for everyday. 


The thing I notice more and more about Oprah as her own positive quiet corner is a  honest level of gratitude.  In true Oprah form she doesn't lay claim to inventing the idea of a  gratitude journal, she just shares openly and  in a very soft voice that she actively engages with gratitude as a  daily practice.  I have actually been inspired to use this level of "gratitude happiness"  with my friends.  If there is a situation that a girlfriend is having trouble with I will bring up the Oprah gratitude idea and instead of saying "just stop those negative thoughts", I offer this question up instead.  "Quick, tell me two things that you are grateful for right now at this moment."  What it does is it makes you stop and come back into your present moment, and back into your body where you can breathe in and out and collect your thoughts. 


The idea or the common thread I see amongst all these different teachers that are pursuers  of inner happiness is being present with the moment at hand.  I  am now able to comprehend  the significance of  genuinely tapping into where you are right now.

By being present where you are right now, it gives you the opportunity of clarity to have acceptance of where you are.  When you have acceptance of where you are at this moment you are able to create new positive  thoughts  in your mind.  If you are always in a place of gratitude you energetically list yourself available to welcome happy experiences into your life. 


All of the guest teachers on the Oprah show used their life experiences to shape their desire to help others understand themselves. Louise Hay is no exception to this group and her video on healing your life is really good to watch.  Particularly her clear explanation of mirror work.  Mirror work is looking in the mirror into your own eyes and saying "I Love YOU".  You have to try it just once. It is a very powerful experience.  It is not as easy and swift as you would think at first glance.






Enjoy the wisdom in this Louise Hay video: Approx. 12 min in length.













Have a beautiful day,






photo:  'reflection' PKM






Joy,




Rena


www.talktotheturtle.com

Unusual gift ideas for you; List 100 things to do before you go. pt 2

The inspiration of writing a life list of 100 things to do while you are here on planet earth is really a liberating and freedom based process. Not limited to ten things you want to do but 100 really opens the door for your imagination.  There are many websites available as idea platforms, but my original inspiration was from Maggie Mason of Mighty girl.  The unusual gift idea for yourself in creating a life list is to make the most of every moment of our existence.  It is giving yourself permission to be happy.  Clarity and focus of forgotten thoughts is what you stand to benefit from.

One website that I found inspirational was that of John Goddard.  His website shows a checklist spreadsheet ledger format.  He has accomplished so many adventure based goals that it makes me gasp and say to myself, oh my goodness. What I took away from  his website  by reading the many things that were on his list was to focus on the journey and not the destination.  

Although goal setting is important it is by  living our daily truth of self love that sets the seeds in the ground firmly to grow.  By being honest with ourselves and filling our day with integrity and small rituals of peaceful thoughts this can keep us on our path of happiness.  We all need to find our own way to find inner harmony, and working with a life list is a very uplifting energetic experience.  What is really fun is to know is that your life list is exclusive to you.  It does not need to meet anyone else's criteria. It is your dream.

I find couture fashion to be beautiful art expression.  When you study fashion history you  discover that we interpret our economic and social commentary through the way we dress as individuals and even as communities.  I spent some time this last week  looking at the runway shows of the larger houses in Paris, France.  Givenchy, Dior, Prada, Chanel, for example and I so appreciate the beautiful construction of these garments on the runway and the sheer mastery of the tailors and seamstresses who take these visions and turn them into art.  

You can visit the shows themselves now online and also the Couture houses now include short videos outlining their overall theme.   It is with this admiration of the art form of couture I kick off my life list part 2 with house of  Lanvin Fall 2011 video.  (click here to read the first 33)

34. Sit at a Couture fashion show of a legendary label

35. Buy that cowboy hat in Ennis Mt. I missed the last time

36. Take photography lessons 

37. Be a prolific photographer

38. Meet Joel Osteen-a handshake at a book signing

39. Own some land

40. Learn how to fly fish (catch & release)

41. Go swimming at Lake Havasu, Az.

42. Go swimming in  Antigua 

43. Bake my own bread (like Grandma's)

44. Go to a flea market in 3 different countries

45. Walk on the Great Wall of China

46. Visit Fernie, B.C.

47. Meet Hillary Clinton

48. Never use a swear word (no matter what)

49. Go for lunch in Santa Barbara

50. Swim at Lake Ennis Mt. (again)

51. Visit Switzerland

52. Swim at the Mandalay wave pool in Vegas

53. Own a Porta-bote (a folding boat)

54. Attend the Rose bowl parade in Pasadena

55. Tickets to the NFL Super Bowl

56.  Fourth of July parade in Cody Wyoming

57. Take a creative writing class

58. Write a book that is filled with wit and laughter

59. Have a beautiful garden

60. Create a cookie for a baking contest

61. Experience a Tony Robbins workshop

63. Visit the gem show in Arizona 

64. Meet Louise Hay (again)

66. Go to San Francisco for business

67. Visit 3 art galleries in New York City

I am back to dreaming my last entries to finish my life list.  My imagination is already dancing out the door  across the lawn on the way down to the ocean....

Have a beautiful day,

Photo:  'Happy trails Mare' PKM

Joy,

Rena

www.talktotheturtle.com