tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41166936487827210932024-03-08T03:32:32.159-08:00Aligning with GraceA Journey into Aligning Body, Mind, and Spirit with the DivineOlga Rasmussenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17308834095547304604noreply@blogger.comBlogger1283125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116693648782721093.post-16418270847834802112024-01-04T11:05:00.000-08:002024-01-04T11:22:40.007-08:00Journaling as an Act of Grace<p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I am marveling at things I recorded in a journal a year ago. Though I have journals going back to when I was 15 years old, I rarely revisit them. Why? Many reasons, but that's beyond what I want to share today...</span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">This year, I decided to go back and review what I wrote and plan to dive further back into the shelves housing my collection. I am deeply touched by the level of insight and prescience I experienced in the last year and look forward to revisiting other journal entries.</span></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>"For last year's words belong to last year's language.</i></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>And next year's words await another voice."</i></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>T.S. Eliot</i><br style="text-align: justify;" /></span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Maybe you already keep a journal. Maybe you think you can't do it. But here's the thing: It can be whatever you want, when you want. </span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Over a period of nearly 55 years, my journals have taken shape as poetry volumes, and evolved into various formats. They have been collections of favorite quotes or lists of books read, or pictures, or an assembly of practices I found helpful, or insights given to me by soul companions. I have recorded them in composition books, or expensive journals - and they have been typed or written by hand. But looking back, I have a sense of who I was and what was important to me at the time.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">So you see, there is no right or wrong way to keep a journal.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">And, it's never too late for you to start. Just settle on a format that works for you.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">On December 31st, I made my last entry into one composition book, and on January 1st, I started another.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">For years I typed my journal entry, or kept salient emails back forth from dear souls that enabled me to clearly see where I was at that point, but in the last 8 years or so, I have returned to putting pen to paper - truly a lost art. My penmanship is so much worse and handwriting is a challenge to read at times, but it seems to me, a much more personal endeavor.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">I also have a ritual for writing, but I'll save that for another entry.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">My invitation to you, is to return to this practice if you've drifted away from it, or perhaps take it up for the first time. It is a wonderful practice to review your life's journey and see how far you've truly come! And let me know how it goes!</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">As the writer Anne Lamott is often quoted:</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><em style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; position: relative; text-align: justify;">"I do not understand the mystery of grace - only that it meets us where we are and does not leave us where it found us."</em><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">And journaling dear ones, is an act of grace.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">And it's gift to you, is hope.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">For more offerings, visit.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.meditationsimple.com/" style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; opacity: 0.7; text-decoration: none; transition: opacity 200ms ease-in-out;" target="_blank">www.meditationsimple.com</a></strong></span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Montserrat; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1499QasLPz08vQluOt0S-cvcjJyI9RvpExPob6LxWAhyzk8E9yIJxaEb2kQhGBTgJa22faPjzDufAUsmAojx4IiORudzoEgar9RfRLBuScHJ105x1iIiu3Sv905BvC1tCCvKi67nwU84mUbYzwsd-BWpFdE3HVxv3H6XeRC3jEN0lhGDG7ogTILKNsvQ/s4027/IMG_0429.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4027" data-original-width="3952" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1499QasLPz08vQluOt0S-cvcjJyI9RvpExPob6LxWAhyzk8E9yIJxaEb2kQhGBTgJa22faPjzDufAUsmAojx4IiORudzoEgar9RfRLBuScHJ105x1iIiu3Sv905BvC1tCCvKi67nwU84mUbYzwsd-BWpFdE3HVxv3H6XeRC3jEN0lhGDG7ogTILKNsvQ/s320/IMG_0429.jpeg" width="314" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div></div>Olga Rasmussenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17308834095547304604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116693648782721093.post-4824487761620401712024-01-02T10:25:00.000-08:002024-01-02T10:25:15.462-08:00What Will You Give Birth To?<p><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.02em;"><span style="font-family: arial;">What will you give birth to in this new year of 2024?</span></span></p><div class="paragraph" style="color: rgb(42, 42, 42) !important; font-size: 16px !important; letter-spacing: 0.02em; line-height: 30px !important; margin: 0px auto 30px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Many people like to begin the new year with a word that exemplifies what they want to focus on, give birth to, and embody in the coming year. This year, the word "Hope" chose me.<br /><br />Perhaps it did, because it is so needed in our world right now. I certainly need it this year. You can always pick a word for yourself - one that you want to work on or experience more of. Or a word can come to you spontaneously. Mine came in so many ways - it was insistent - demanding my attention. I couldn't avoid it. It showed up in everything I seemed to read.<br /><br />It does not have to be one word. It can certainly be more than one, but I find that even with a couple of words, one of them tends to be the predominant one.<br /><br />If this speaks to, it is a simple yet wonderful practice to anchor in the coming year and refer to from time to time. You might want to journal on it periodically to see where you might currently be in your life and decide whether you want to work on it a bit more..<br /><br />If you meditate, sit and ask for the right word to come to you. If you don't, go for a walk, or sit quietly and ask. See what comes to you. Don't overthink the process and take whatever comes..<br /><br />Or, you can simply choose something you want to focus on. I have done that many times myself. Sometimes, some words are recurring. Maybe you need to work on it some more. It doesn't really matter. There is no right or wrong way to do this.<br /><br />What word speaks to you? And what will you give birth to in 2024?<br /><br />Simple gifts to sustain your practice await you here:<br /><strong><a href="https://mailchi.mp/53d1cf65ef3f/meditation-simple-gifts-for-you" style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; opacity: 0.7; text-decoration: none; transition: opacity 200ms ease-in-out;">https://mailchi.mp/53d1cf65ef3f/meditation-simple-gifts-for-you</a></strong></span></div><div class="paragraph" style="color: rgb(42, 42, 42) !important; font-size: 16px !important; letter-spacing: 0.02em; line-height: 30px !important; margin: 0px auto 30px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5uzqb74hrSTW6qITP877DlUTuaGIzte6bahrJ4L-V2_C51Fo8cHL1TqN7RzprJZ_K9OeOnQLmZSFsabRavnyp3BkN2bdd8NaSxibpRkX8Q2-beDpMFgs84lK2VqqQL6ARV0ObgAXV6-KtGQeaZkBa79ysUygjAm9jbmnwLlW9-CyPe95bCwRCL8hrtg/s1795/Birthing%20in%202024%20New%20copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1346" data-original-width="1795" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5uzqb74hrSTW6qITP877DlUTuaGIzte6bahrJ4L-V2_C51Fo8cHL1TqN7RzprJZ_K9OeOnQLmZSFsabRavnyp3BkN2bdd8NaSxibpRkX8Q2-beDpMFgs84lK2VqqQL6ARV0ObgAXV6-KtGQeaZkBa79ysUygjAm9jbmnwLlW9-CyPe95bCwRCL8hrtg/s320/Birthing%20in%202024%20New%20copy.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Olga Rasmussenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17308834095547304604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116693648782721093.post-51896663756014564922023-11-07T08:09:00.001-08:002023-11-07T11:54:21.901-08:00May Our Hearts Overflow With Compassion<p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It is a difficult time to witness what is happening on our planet...</span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">The sorrow, the suffering, the violence the pain...</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">This morning I woke up with this short, lovingkindness practice on my lips:</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><em style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; position: relative; text-align: justify;"><strong>"May our hearts overflow with compassion."<br /></strong></em><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">The only solution possible to all that is happening is greater Love. Greater compassion. I believe it is the foundation for everything else: greater insight, understanding, and practical solutions.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">This is all I am going to leave you with today. Let us all practice it and embody it, to shift the energy on this planet.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><em style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; position: relative; text-align: justify;"><strong>"May our hearts overflow with compassion."<br /></strong></em><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">For more practices to support you on your journey, visit: </span><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.meditationsimple.com/" style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; opacity: 0.7; text-decoration: none; transition: opacity 200ms ease-in-out;" target="_blank">www.meditationsimple.com</a></strong></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMmq8oYP6pHX81eMYOQkwpJzeM2CDcg__930v9lkZgMSJQY6vvDEY_M1XWoB-tXc-ygxtxJjL1hY-zDaxsj6hyQOcnWA4QIoaY5VM_tcA34jrTq1tGgiZkHo2qgTgsJ1h7mfkvLb4d8lp7Ew5Tn-2DVUgF0d026mtzfDoulGFm-TBlzCDqm4gvRjAsLA/s1528/hearts%20overflow%20with%20compassion.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1246" data-original-width="1528" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMmq8oYP6pHX81eMYOQkwpJzeM2CDcg__930v9lkZgMSJQY6vvDEY_M1XWoB-tXc-ygxtxJjL1hY-zDaxsj6hyQOcnWA4QIoaY5VM_tcA34jrTq1tGgiZkHo2qgTgsJ1h7mfkvLb4d8lp7Ew5Tn-2DVUgF0d026mtzfDoulGFm-TBlzCDqm4gvRjAsLA/s320/hearts%20overflow%20with%20compassion.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>Olga Rasmussenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17308834095547304604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116693648782721093.post-72731553897748547182023-10-24T08:42:00.003-07:002023-10-24T08:46:36.138-07:00Never Forget<div class="paragraph" style="color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.02em; line-height: 30px; margin: 0px auto 30px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I took this picture in Dachau last year. It was such a haunting experience and I have thought of my time there over and over again. It was profoundly moving. And while the focus of that trip was something totally different - this is what I think of the most and it is what haunts me.<br /><br />A friend of mine told me her father had been held there. I cannot imagine what that must have been like. Since then, I have read many books on the need for ancestral healing and how the wounds of one generation are passed on to the next and the next...<br /><br />I felt compelled to thank the guide I had for teaching countless others about what happened in that camp, so that we would never forget.<br /><br />I asked myself then, how could this have happened? But the truth is, I knew. And we all know. And yet it continues to happen.<br /><br />Like many, I am profoundly affected by what is going on in Israel and Gaza. I am also very concerned about all of this escalating into something much bigger.<br /><br />I have many friends who are Jewish. And I have many Muslim friends as well. All are wonderful people. All would have my back in an instant. And I would have theirs. <br /><br />I stand with those who are suffering in Israel. And with those who have missing and detained family and those grieving the deaths of loved ones. I cannot begin to imagine what it would be to be in such a situation. I am at a loss for words but I find myself thinking of Dachau - and Israel, where I have also been, and the people who are being targeted or used by terrorists.<br /><br />I can only pray…<br /><br />And I long and hope for a better day and future for all. <br /><br />I long for a day where there are no divisions such as we see here, in the US. <br /><br />I pray for a day when our diversity is celebrated - not feared or despised.<br /><br />I envision a day where violence is no more - or is so rare that it would be shocking - and not so mainstream that it dulls our senses.<br /><br />I do believe we can ALL make a difference: One person, one experience, one moment a time.<br /><br />We can open our hearts and listen - listen deeply - and express kindness - and reach out wherever it is necessary.<br /><br />I heard it said once, that a mother's prayers are so very strong and that if we could see the energy of those prayers - we would see the whole planet surrounded in the Light and Love of those prayers.<br /><br />Let us all do what we can to make it so.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPNDopAiM_m0D2gtH0QjGGXr2iSKPN1dZKhdNpZIZDSzmAx0Nlnr_UxuTjVUEH4QENL_djMMdypFbqsufRFE2UKssvdTe_AKCtKiMTMb10nuaYzbgYlSffgyIboYYKJ5MZ6d9iIPOrSQav6QAh6X_KjPqST4U0eB55qNMYd_t9uwZ0Dp2XqdzGbQbMhk/s2048/394612888_706896688138768_6350550217914901076_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPNDopAiM_m0D2gtH0QjGGXr2iSKPN1dZKhdNpZIZDSzmAx0Nlnr_UxuTjVUEH4QENL_djMMdypFbqsufRFE2UKssvdTe_AKCtKiMTMb10nuaYzbgYlSffgyIboYYKJ5MZ6d9iIPOrSQav6QAh6X_KjPqST4U0eB55qNMYd_t9uwZ0Dp2XqdzGbQbMhk/s320/394612888_706896688138768_6350550217914901076_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><br /><p><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></p><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"></div>Olga Rasmussenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17308834095547304604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116693648782721093.post-26281214379272181492023-10-03T10:19:00.004-07:002023-10-03T10:19:45.799-07:00The River at Rest<p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">There was a time I came to this river, about a mile from my home, almost daily, but it has been a while.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">This morning, the river itself was very still. Quiet. At rest. Even if people walking around or sitting by it were not. The leaves have not quite taken on their autumn mantel of brilliant colors, and it was a warm morning and definitely not very fall like.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Despite all the details and concerns that might be floating around in my head, or taking up real estate in my mind, there was something about the calmness and stillness of the river that spoke to me. It invited me to slow down and be present. It reminded me that there are times in our lives when we are called to be more active, but there are also periods where we are invited to slow down, and just simply be. And the thing is, neither one is better than the other. There are times for motion and activity and there are times for rest and stillness.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">What is your life calling you to right now? Greater activity? Or rest?</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">We are beginning to head into a time of shorter days and longer nights, of cooler weather - at least in some parts of the world, like the one I live in. The harvest may be done, and in another era, people slowed down and turned more inward.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Listen. Listen deeply. What is your life calling you to do right now? And follow that. Do that. Whatever it is, it will be the right thing for you. And eventually, it will be time to do the exact opposite. The seasons, and this river remind me that every day I step into the river and circle of life anew, with a different invitation., until the next day or the next season.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">For free resources for your journey, visit this link:</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"></span><a href="https://mailchi.mp/53d1cf65ef3f/meditation-simple-gifts-for-you" style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; opacity: 0.7; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; transition: opacity 200ms ease-in-out;" target="_blank">mailchi.mp/53d1cf65ef3f/meditation-simple-gifts-for-you</a></span><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggV0tsoN6WSd_l5OAco2U1pAR-VLaXR7pE50kx_9jJ3WwrbDEqtgyJzAv8azXe_7SHB0jysy1w57vgzf8B-K3JDRUgI8uKzKEjBH3fetROILY17hB3eKYr8I7vLLPFMYKjRs69aHmLDtQi3rIzaI0O00ta4jRG7HbmGM7VCjvZWxzJ0qbx0qvxJh4VaMo/s4032/IMG_0449.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggV0tsoN6WSd_l5OAco2U1pAR-VLaXR7pE50kx_9jJ3WwrbDEqtgyJzAv8azXe_7SHB0jysy1w57vgzf8B-K3JDRUgI8uKzKEjBH3fetROILY17hB3eKYr8I7vLLPFMYKjRs69aHmLDtQi3rIzaI0O00ta4jRG7HbmGM7VCjvZWxzJ0qbx0qvxJh4VaMo/s320/IMG_0449.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Olga Rasmussenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17308834095547304604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116693648782721093.post-80482401130114482142023-08-29T11:36:00.006-07:002023-08-29T11:36:55.139-07:00Be a Spirit Gardener<p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This quote, from the poet May Sarton's writings, is one that is often repeated and illustrated. It is a favorite of many, and certainly of mine as well:</span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px;" /><em style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; position: relative;">"Help us to be always hopeful gardeners of spirit,<br />who know that without darkness<br />nothing comes to birth,<br />as without light,<br />nothing flowers."</em><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px;">You and I, might not be actual gardeners in the traditional sense, but we are all called to be gardeners of spirit - tending our own inner, delicate, souls. </span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px;">Another famous writer and spiritual figure, John Henry Newman, wrote:</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px;" /><em style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; position: relative;">"Growth is the only evidence of life."<br /></em><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px;">And still another, Francis de Sales, noted in the 17th century, that true growth is often a slow and hidden process.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px;">What is to be learned from all this wisdom?</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px;">We are told that true growth - within and without - is often slow, and perhaps not noticeable to many outside of us. There are difficult and challenging experiences to be dealt with along the way. There are days of both light and darkness, as well as days of aridity and rain. And we also know that this slow growth is truly evidence of an effervescent life, waiting for its moment to burst forth and shine through.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px;">So, do not be discouraged. Turn these lessons into some positive affirmations that you can repeat to yourself along the way, as reminders of your slow, hidden, but beautiful inner growth:</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px;" /><em style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; position: relative;">I am growing deeply, day by day.<br />My deep roots ground me firmly.<br />I grow slowly but continously, my branches reaching towards the sky.<br />Day by day, the sun and soil nourish me.<br />I am a unique blossom,<br />and I am a thing of beauty.</em><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px;">Be a spirit gardener and seed the earth with your beauty and uniqueness!</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px;">For free resources to support you in your growth and practice, visit:</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px;"></span><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px;"><a href="https://mailchi.mp/53d1cf65ef3f/meditation-simple-gifts-for-you" style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; opacity: 0.7; text-decoration: none; transition: opacity 200ms ease-in-out;" target="_blank">Gifts 4 U!</a></strong></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3fSiEdYa-tknUEfatjnupdUb6Yeq2RsFKCs2SWxZFBgrjWaDL_dghR8YX3tIVBfKWkLjE_KI7VTWwHcyjSd44xAwoVBtJOVPcIdaYXR5McnBi9PhKV9NCPMxsEs4rqJDu4vvpK_9aByDyrMT8ryILwtfpQTCOMtHj1ElZITogxPiENQjvuunT7NVDHEA/s1138/IMG_9864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1138" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3fSiEdYa-tknUEfatjnupdUb6Yeq2RsFKCs2SWxZFBgrjWaDL_dghR8YX3tIVBfKWkLjE_KI7VTWwHcyjSd44xAwoVBtJOVPcIdaYXR5McnBi9PhKV9NCPMxsEs4rqJDu4vvpK_9aByDyrMT8ryILwtfpQTCOMtHj1ElZITogxPiENQjvuunT7NVDHEA/s320/IMG_9864.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>Olga Rasmussenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17308834095547304604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116693648782721093.post-43541686933787147462023-08-22T08:58:00.002-07:002023-08-22T08:58:18.723-07:00Triggers are Gifts<p><span style="font-family: arial;"> <span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">If you are anything like me, you are probably easily triggered. By the silliest of things.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Some of mine are: The noise my hard of hearing husband makes in the morning as I am trying to meditate. Or, towels that are not folded "correctly." Or, the overflowing neighborhood cars parked in front of my house. I'll fret over a hypothetical situation like - what if a workman is coming.to repair something that happened overnight? Where will he park?</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">We all have thoughts and concerns that fill our minds - many of which we can't control - and others which we simply want to control all of the time. Sometimes I remind myself, that NO ONE appointed me Master of the Universe! A hard reality to swallow!</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">But the reality is, that the things that upset us most about others are things we harbor within ourselves that need our attention and that we need to change. In other words, others hold up a mirror to where we need to do our own work to further our growth.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">A couple of days ago, as I was exasperated at all these things I found annoying and irritating - all of them rather silly, I exclaimed to a Higher Power - the Universe: </span><em style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; position: relative; text-align: justify;">"When will all this stop bothering me?"</em><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">And then the answer came so quickly it surprised me: </span><em style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; position: relative; text-align: justify;">"When it stops bothering you!"</em><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Ah! So, only I can stop this pointless exercise in futility.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">And so I told myself, "This has to stop! NONE OF THIS is in any way important!" Really. In the grand scheme of things, this needless worry was taking up oxygen and precious inner resources. And then, I felt an almost immediate sigh of relief.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">For a simple practice today, examine the things that are most triggering you. Pick one, and decide you are done with letting it take up free rent in your brain.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Then, start to chip away at the stack systematically. Revisit periodically as needed and you start to let go of all the thoughts that do not serve you.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Practice, and enjoy!</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">For more simple practices and free resources, visit:</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://mailchi.mp/53d1cf65ef3f/meditation-simple-gifts-for-you" style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; opacity: 0.7; text-decoration: none; transition: opacity 200ms ease-in-out;" target="_blank">GIFTS 4 U!</a></strong></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnJA8dLGv0yIlpwMcAAEVIL3gwbjQqYKqDHumvRDWna8vGwJTH02ZsujBqBamtD0gEG8vk4U6o7zLnaI6nbDFfM-uw7Du1oba6HQdlPAeiCXYYCNNworMZylEaIEXJTfoHw6jQjnl6VRDP_nsb_P1PGh4UThaFtnyGchT5HBSL5zC6mewV4ViLyVrk2M/s1920/triggers%20are%20gifts.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1920" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnJA8dLGv0yIlpwMcAAEVIL3gwbjQqYKqDHumvRDWna8vGwJTH02ZsujBqBamtD0gEG8vk4U6o7zLnaI6nbDFfM-uw7Du1oba6HQdlPAeiCXYYCNNworMZylEaIEXJTfoHw6jQjnl6VRDP_nsb_P1PGh4UThaFtnyGchT5HBSL5zC6mewV4ViLyVrk2M/s320/triggers%20are%20gifts.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>Olga Rasmussenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17308834095547304604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116693648782721093.post-91070381241600880192023-08-15T07:25:00.003-07:002023-08-15T07:25:31.348-07:00Be Bold Be Brave Be YOU!<div class="paragraph" style="color: rgb(42, 42, 42) !important; font-size: 16px !important; letter-spacing: 0.02em; line-height: 30px !important; margin: 0px auto 30px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">You have probably heard the old adage, "Be yourself. Everyone else is taken."<br /><br />This is so true, but so hard to wrap our brains around because we often do not believe that we are enough - not good enough, not smart enough - well, just not enough...<br /><br />But we are. Why? Because each one of us is an irrepeatable spark of Divine Light. No one like us has ever been, or will be again. <br /><br />Read that again.<br /><br />So I say to you:<br /><b>Be bold. Be brave. Be you!</b><br /><br />This morning, I read this wonderful quote:<br /><br /><span style="color: #202020;">"The way you treat yourself is one of the few things you control in life. There’s no reason to be anything but kind to yourself, in both your speech and your actions."</span><br /><span style="color: #202020;">Toni Bernhard, “Self-Care in an Uncertain World”<br /><br />So yes, you are you - unique in every way. Notice your self talk. Treating others well begins with us treating ourselves well.<br /><br />Go out today - and every day, and simply,<br /><b>Be Bold! Be Brave. Be Beautiful. Be who you are and BE that well! Be YOU!<br /></b><br />Supportive resources wait for you here:<br /><strong><a href="https://mailchi.mp/53d1cf65ef3f/meditation-simple-gifts-for-you" style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; opacity: 0.7; text-decoration: none; transition: opacity 200ms ease-in-out;" target="_blank" title="">Gifts 4 U!<br /></a></strong></span>Visit website:<br /><a href="https://www.meditationpureandsimple.com/" style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; opacity: 0.7; text-decoration: none; transition: opacity 200ms ease-in-out;" target="_blank" title="">MeditationSimple</a><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ndYEAVNfsYAmDf17nfkZyEMumwnnwZsim9EyL3pukJeNLffk6lQJA9ePChQoMaTvMiMZzXkNjouErbFv8pXghm73uzUyVE4sQzTHZF7H2xb_9kcvllpCaGvlZJwSjVPHoLV3SPfGI8psptoeyQQ9PhGaT3bEO9ivWTEIenh_OaBSOPchgeywyeRUvf4/s2048/be%20bold.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ndYEAVNfsYAmDf17nfkZyEMumwnnwZsim9EyL3pukJeNLffk6lQJA9ePChQoMaTvMiMZzXkNjouErbFv8pXghm73uzUyVE4sQzTHZF7H2xb_9kcvllpCaGvlZJwSjVPHoLV3SPfGI8psptoeyQQ9PhGaT3bEO9ivWTEIenh_OaBSOPchgeywyeRUvf4/s320/be%20bold.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="paragraph" style="color: rgb(42, 42, 42) !important; font-size: 16px !important; letter-spacing: 0.02em; line-height: 30px !important; margin: 0px auto 30px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><p><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></p><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"></div>Olga Rasmussenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17308834095547304604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116693648782721093.post-46898514414948420422023-08-08T08:40:00.002-07:002023-08-08T08:40:10.599-07:00Believe You are Pure Love<span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">On this day of August 8th, often called the Lion's Gate, because the numbers of the day are 8:8, there is supposed to be a special energy that permeates the day and allows for creativity and change.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">I don't think it matters whether you believe in this or not. I think you can choose to see this day as one of change or transformation. But then, I sincerely believe that all days can be that, if we invite that change and transformation into our lives.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">One of the easiest ways to do this is by formulating an affirmation that is relevant to our circumstance, and then repeating it over and over again, until it becomes our reality.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Mostly, the affirmations should benefit us on a personal level, but they can also have an impact on a global level as well. When we change. The world changes too. You have have heard the adage, </span><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">"Change your mind, and change your life."</strong><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"> I would also add this:</span><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"> "Change your life and you change the world."</strong><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Here is a wonderful affirmation for all of to embody:</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">"I am Pure Love."</strong><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Close your eyes and think of what your life would be like, and the impact you would have if you truly believed that you are pure love. Then imagine the world this would be if everyone believed it as well. There would be peace, and harmony, acceptance, cooperation, and creative solutions would flow from all those things.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Repeat this affirmation over and over again in your meditation or quiet moments. Repetition will make it your mantra.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">You ARE Pure Love!</strong><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Yes! I believe it. YOU are pure Love. And so am I. It's just that many of us have just not recognized it.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Go out and shine that Love and Light that you are at your essence!</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">And if you would like FREE helpful resources to enable you to engage in more mindful living, visit:</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /></span><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://mailchi.mp/53d1cf65ef3f/meditation-simple-gifts-for-you" style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; opacity: 0.7; text-decoration: none; transition: opacity 200ms ease-in-out;" target="_blank">GIFTS 4 U!</a></strong> </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKA4zafj12d7xtNDfGNR4nZgxm3CTt84RMc-MFHccGX-ANqzmR8w-DojLRTPP9veARj0TW6LLJqelzMbwpr0lwA859oYiiFLzI5fjo9h-bPYMAWYO467kTY1IcAczj91mEiv47bpCN8HSnEOXlYY0Z4x9e1ErUHjZXFs_sf5xEfBpKxtGg-U8hTzfC8o/s1893/believe%20you%20are%20pure%20love.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1893" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKA4zafj12d7xtNDfGNR4nZgxm3CTt84RMc-MFHccGX-ANqzmR8w-DojLRTPP9veARj0TW6LLJqelzMbwpr0lwA859oYiiFLzI5fjo9h-bPYMAWYO467kTY1IcAczj91mEiv47bpCN8HSnEOXlYY0Z4x9e1ErUHjZXFs_sf5xEfBpKxtGg-U8hTzfC8o/s320/believe%20you%20are%20pure%20love.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Montserrat; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"></strong>Olga Rasmussenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17308834095547304604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116693648782721093.post-40888155600253957382023-07-11T12:47:00.003-07:002023-07-11T12:47:42.186-07:00A Journey of the Heart<p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This is the time of year many of us go on vacation...</span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">We begin to slow down....</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">My favorite places to visit are religious or spiritual in nature - mostly connected to a spiritual titan of the past. I relish walking the same land and perhaps the same path that someone I hold in high esteem for their thoughts or insightful writings once walked.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">But don't get me wrong, I like a beach trip or a European trip as much as much as anyone else as well!</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">For several years, at least before the pandemic, I loved going to Florida, where I went to college, to visit many friends, and relatives that live there.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">But I've especially enjoyed exploring places - or journeying deep inside of myself just as much as getting on a plane. Yes, I call it - taking a journey of the heart...</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Whether you go away this summer, or whether you are unable to venture forth, go on a pilgrimage of the heart, It doesn't take much or cost anything. Just some quiet time is all that is needed. And some stillness. A good meditation. A leisurely walk. Or, reading a good book. </span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Just try it and see. You might surprise yourself and venture much further than you ever imagined or thought possible, without stepping out anywhere!</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Gifts to nourish your soul can be accessed here:</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://mailchi.mp/53d1cf65ef3f/meditation-simple-gifts-for-you" style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; opacity: 0.7; text-decoration: none; transition: opacity 200ms ease-in-out;" target="_blank">Gifts 4 U!</a></strong></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlgOb-OlWXCxeky8X5urqNKNmwfDC_CNqERMqIBFyT4h64neqoMPkhJCtYdZGq8xopy_7ALBsy4wqRMRHmXogOS_Q3GRwrjzM5PRucvf5qEsMydHx23X4KI0gK_2zINo7qGf1V2iUxBsjhNCxJDFB9mgZg3KM3241-H5Q6uW4OnI-nC2zxLDFgdEzGe4/s1080/IMG_9323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlgOb-OlWXCxeky8X5urqNKNmwfDC_CNqERMqIBFyT4h64neqoMPkhJCtYdZGq8xopy_7ALBsy4wqRMRHmXogOS_Q3GRwrjzM5PRucvf5qEsMydHx23X4KI0gK_2zINo7qGf1V2iUxBsjhNCxJDFB9mgZg3KM3241-H5Q6uW4OnI-nC2zxLDFgdEzGe4/s320/IMG_9323.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>Olga Rasmussenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17308834095547304604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116693648782721093.post-22288782199552233642023-06-27T09:29:00.002-07:002023-06-27T09:29:18.268-07:00It is Achievable<p> </p><table class="wsite-not-footer" id="blogTable" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-caps: normal; table-layout: fixed; width: 1286px;"><tbody><tr><td valign="top"><div class="blog-body" id="481911717968386461-blog" style="float: left; width: 894px;"><div id="wsite-content"><div class="blog-post" id="blog-post-327470151859956947" style="position: relative; zoom: 1;"><div class="blog-header" style="border: medium !important; line-height: 1.5 !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px !important; width: 894px;"><h2 class="blog-title" style="border: medium !important; font-size: 28px; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: 0.015em; line-height: 21px !important; margin: 0px 0px 10px !important; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px !important; text-transform: uppercase;"><a class="blog-title-link blog-link" href="https://www.meditationpureandsimple.com/blog/it-is-achievable" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">IT IS ACHIEVABLE!</span></a></h2><p class="blog-date" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.6); float: left; letter-spacing: 0.02em; line-height: 30px !important; margin: 0px 30px 0px 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><span class="date-text" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; margin: 0px 8px 0px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 4px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">6/27/2023</span></span></p><p class="blog-comments" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.6); float: left; letter-spacing: 0.02em; line-height: 30px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px 0px 4px !important;"><a class="blog-link" href="https://www.meditationpureandsimple.com/blog/it-is-achievable#comments" style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; opacity: 0.7; text-decoration: none; transition: opacity 200ms ease-in-out;"><span style="font-family: arial;">0 Comments</span></a></p></div><div class="blog-separator" style="border: medium; clear: both; font-size: 2px; height: 2px; margin: 0px auto 20px; padding-top: 2px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></div><div class="blog-content" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 40px; text-align: justify;"><div class="paragraph" style="color: rgb(42, 42, 42) !important; letter-spacing: 0.02em; line-height: 30px !important; margin: 0px auto 30px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Recently I came across this wonderful African word - "tinogona." It simply means, it is achievable.<br />We do not have a similar word in English. It often amazes me, how in other cultures and languages there can be tens of words to designate unique qualities or aspects of emotions such as love or things like snow - but English is not really that kind of language - perhaps it is more precise than it is nuanced.<br /><br />Tinogona - it is achievable - is an incredibly hopeful word - at least to me. It seems to convey encouragement and positivity and the belief that anything can be possible. There is a certain solace and comfort to that.<br /><br />Take a moment to consider your greatest and seemingly most insurmountable challenges in this moment of your life. Close your eyes. Hone into the scene. Then imagine a different outcome from the one you have been playing out in your mind. See the situation resolved with ease and grace. And perhaps, a solution arises in your mind you could not have have envisioned otherwise.<br /><br />Or, consider the same scene or another experience or challenge. Perhaps something you would like to achieve or create. Focus on the perceived difficulties but imagine that they can be overcome. Simply say to yourself, "It is achievable."<br /><br />We can turn this simple word into a practice in our lives. It is both plain and powerful. I invite you to follow these suggestions or one of your own making and see if the challenge in question does not become achievable in some way.<br /><br />For more offerings and practices offered to you with love, visit:<br /><strong><a href="https://linktr.ee/meditationsimple" style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; opacity: 0.7; text-decoration: none; transition: opacity 200ms ease-in-out;" target="_blank">Offerings 4 U!</a></strong></span></div><div class="paragraph" style="color: rgb(42, 42, 42) !important; letter-spacing: 0.02em; line-height: 30px !important; margin: 0px auto 30px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB6oV6Wk1L5kiyBdqXOY-hbkLiGzi722QgB82fFmlqqT4I0Y6KX6b1wf81nhqMiWNSEIzOZN2VjzhRyBYI0r0YTB_Fn3lAu5_hZFr5XH8jgjGf135Q-8rbeUQB1xRMolUgV8k6PXqEVSAYYKq5TlKSFATuikiHmcz5dQ3ekR9B3F7qXjrIYByzCQDsD_w/s1464/tinogona.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1464" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB6oV6Wk1L5kiyBdqXOY-hbkLiGzi722QgB82fFmlqqT4I0Y6KX6b1wf81nhqMiWNSEIzOZN2VjzhRyBYI0r0YTB_Fn3lAu5_hZFr5XH8jgjGf135Q-8rbeUQB1xRMolUgV8k6PXqEVSAYYKq5TlKSFATuikiHmcz5dQ3ekR9B3F7qXjrIYByzCQDsD_w/s320/tinogona.jpeg" width="236" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table>Olga Rasmussenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17308834095547304604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116693648782721093.post-70967527829527366692023-06-21T11:53:00.006-07:002023-06-21T11:55:39.103-07:00Observe - Don't Absorb<p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">One of the hardest things to do is to simply observe things. As they are. Without judgment.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Often, when we observe we are already imagining an outcome to our liking. Or we allow ourselves to get involved emotionally in the situation in question. Then we absorb everything going on in that situation, whether it pertains to us or not.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Have you ever noticed how others are quick to give advice on social media? Someone recently posted on a thread I was following, that the ones who are often most prone to offer advice, especially to people they don't know, are the least equipped to do so.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">This morning, I had a person call me and unload her personal drama on me. I tried to be empathetic without involving myself in the drama, and merely listen. At the end I suggested that perhaps she and the other person involved were seeing things from very different perspectives. And perhaps the behavior that was being perceived as aggressive really stemmed from the other individual having a deep fear of losing a grip or control in several areas of her life..</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">I don't know if what I suggested was received. I don't know if it made a difference. And, it really doesn't matter. I don't have all the information or both sides of the story. I simply tried my best to observe, and not absorb and most especially not be drawn into the drama.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Normally, I get emotionally tied up in other people's drama, but not today. I choose to listen. To observe. And not absorb. And then at the end, I let go of it all. At least for today. Tomorrow is another day.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">All I can do is observe. Not absorb. One day at a time. And try to make this a habit over time.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">For more on simple practices, visit:</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><a href="https://linktr.ee/meditationsimple" style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; opacity: 0.7; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; transition: opacity 200ms ease-in-out;" target="_blank">https://linktr.ee/meditationsimple</a></span><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRnDPIgtHiCsjvKRwtsXuvBwXp7dQ7ddBSCOcpwLtIN1tAWyLoh2nHkEYyY9U40kbz38M4P8k-VTHXHRoZTsnIIbPyLIZ-LxGtqqXMiEjj39ftY_hIP48mJHFBUTl4NFpy-PjyWSGNhD1JAgUEp7dbJO8igbXihjwigcmEUQfX79l8gTo4ioqhPQMqTro/s940/observe.%20not%20absorb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRnDPIgtHiCsjvKRwtsXuvBwXp7dQ7ddBSCOcpwLtIN1tAWyLoh2nHkEYyY9U40kbz38M4P8k-VTHXHRoZTsnIIbPyLIZ-LxGtqqXMiEjj39ftY_hIP48mJHFBUTl4NFpy-PjyWSGNhD1JAgUEp7dbJO8igbXihjwigcmEUQfX79l8gTo4ioqhPQMqTro/s320/observe.%20not%20absorb.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Olga Rasmussenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17308834095547304604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116693648782721093.post-51591860655436887472023-06-13T09:41:00.001-07:002023-06-13T09:41:02.009-07:00A Season to Rest<p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Today's entry is very simple. It is summer in one part of the world and that invites us to live in greater simplicity. In another part of the world, it is going into winter, and that invites introspection and one to slow down as well. Either way, the season invites rest.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Are you too busy? Feeling overwhelmed?</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Then rest! Take time to:</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">REST.<br />REFLECT.<br />AND REPLENISH.</strong><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">That is what I am doing right now. </span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Last night I gave myself permission to let go of tasks and goals I had set out for the year. It felt instantly freeing. Instead, I thought to myself - "Let's just see where things go. Let me be open to whatever presents itself." So yes! Just:</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">REST.<br />REFLECT.<br />AND REPLENISH.</strong><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">If you don't take time to rest, you can't reflect. And if you don't have time to reflect, you won't be able to figure out what you need to replenish - and make your life better, more peaceful, and joyous. </span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">It's really that simple. Try it!</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Want some tools to help you on your journey? Check out:</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://mailchi.mp/53d1cf65ef3f/meditation-simple-gifts-for-you" style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; opacity: 0.7; text-decoration: none; transition: opacity 200ms ease-in-out;" target="_blank">GIFTS 4 U!</a></strong></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinCp5bLpo7AQM7bceRxUWKMTiZUokwHLK53DpZNcX7hoLttOpNhZYLwgVrOmLm3XHUZKsdW-WE301AQXC-d3K769xU4ApAr08RHP4CQgdMuAIh2yU2kLNNsC_fjko_xSHrUIG4tnYu74YZ0ON0phM2wX626NOSy7UXGiwC8qwxL_8olEhyGtb8p4FJ/s768/131744811_2967830626807882_6818723263522698608_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinCp5bLpo7AQM7bceRxUWKMTiZUokwHLK53DpZNcX7hoLttOpNhZYLwgVrOmLm3XHUZKsdW-WE301AQXC-d3K769xU4ApAr08RHP4CQgdMuAIh2yU2kLNNsC_fjko_xSHrUIG4tnYu74YZ0ON0phM2wX626NOSy7UXGiwC8qwxL_8olEhyGtb8p4FJ/s320/131744811_2967830626807882_6818723263522698608_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p>Olga Rasmussenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17308834095547304604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116693648782721093.post-60920448379869289762023-06-06T12:19:00.006-07:002023-06-06T12:19:39.532-07:00It's About the Journey<p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Are you one of those persons always in motion? Always trying to get from point A to point B?</span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Have you spent most of your life acquiring things - degrees, trainings, certificates, collectibles? </span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Is life always about "more this" or "more that?"</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Is it about traveling to every state or as many countries as you can? Or learning more languages? Or getting better at a game - a sport - or something?</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Are things always a means to an end?</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">We spend a lot of our lives working towards something. But what I am coming to realize more and more as I get older is - that it's not about the destination. It's always about the journey.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Now, looking back at my life, I am seeing more deeply that "less is more."</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">If I could do some things again - I'd certainly acquire less. Now, I am consumed with establishing a more zen like life - with less material things - less striving - and less "to do" things on my list. But it's not easy. There is the continual matter of what to do with stuff. There is an overwhelming urge to simplify.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">It's the journey that matters. It's what shapes us and makes us who we really are.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">But here's the thing. It's never too late to change.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Stop. Slow down. Simplify. Savor and enjoy the journey. Don't worry about getting anywhere! It's all about the ride!</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">For more simple practices, visit:</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://mailchi.mp/53d1cf65ef3f/meditation-simple-gifts-for-you" style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; opacity: 0.7; text-decoration: none; transition: opacity 200ms ease-in-out;" target="_blank">FREE Gifts 4 U!</a></strong></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl3Y7Ez39dh6eAallR249jJKpC4wPXVp-jnb4SDa2GNYaKOwErHIQrBOej-hHsAKKbp0qsOa9Inn7mUklNxV_liiR5Co2dc6J7xED3pPIZt57aroa2a_hA2MS0_AeCDfVymh8CLYt-y0cWsuk3OCOYhPMQjb3GsENpsDJLxFeNPCpGg5j6lNQP6UdH/s2048/journey%20not%20destination.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl3Y7Ez39dh6eAallR249jJKpC4wPXVp-jnb4SDa2GNYaKOwErHIQrBOej-hHsAKKbp0qsOa9Inn7mUklNxV_liiR5Co2dc6J7xED3pPIZt57aroa2a_hA2MS0_AeCDfVymh8CLYt-y0cWsuk3OCOYhPMQjb3GsENpsDJLxFeNPCpGg5j6lNQP6UdH/s320/journey%20not%20destination.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>Olga Rasmussenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17308834095547304604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116693648782721093.post-61544822228343435622023-05-30T11:00:00.003-07:002023-05-30T11:00:38.355-07:00What Was, Is, and Will Be<p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Recently, on a walk, I was almost oblivious to the beauty surrounding me, worrying about something that I can't even remember right now. And then, out of nowhere - I felt this message, very clearly, in the depths of my soul:</span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><em style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; position: relative; text-align: justify;"><strong>What was, was.<br />What is, is.<br />What will be, will be.</strong></em><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">I sighed.</span></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">What does this even mean, you might ask? I certainly did.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">I cannot change the past - or maybe even what is happening right now. Whatever happens will happen regardless of what I may or may not do. I could influence some outcomes and change my life and its direction - but I can't be assured of any of those things.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">What I can change is my attachment to whatever happened in the past - whatever cards I am dealt with now or in the future. </span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">I can look at things with dispassion - and accept them as they are - without attachment. I can also consider things from a non-reactive place. I can change my perspective of what happened in the past or what is occurring right now.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">I know, it is easier said than done.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">I can also strive to be the best person I that I can be - live the best life that I can - and not beat myself up for whatever happens or what I consider my failings to be. Because, after all, we all fail. </span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">How many of us live and re-live past infractions over and and over again in our minds, as if we could possibly change the outcomes? I know I do. But here's the thing. We can't go back and change what happened. But we can look at it differently. There are always lessons for us in every experience or past event. There are lessons we are learning right now, it this moment. And others that we have yet to experience and digest.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">I felt I was also being reminded to live in the present moment and to let go of the past and future. For really, now is the only moment there is. To really live this way, would be to live in a way that is unencumbered. </span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Maybe you need this message as well:</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><em style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; position: relative; text-align: justify;"><strong>What was, was.<br />What is, is.<br />What will be, will be.</strong></em><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">For more simple spiritual practices, and free gifts, visit:</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://mailchi.mp/53d1cf65ef3f/meditation-simple-gifts-for-you" style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; opacity: 0.7; text-decoration: none; transition: opacity 200ms ease-in-out;" target="_blank">Gifts 4 U!</a></strong></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2cwsicnIXLW_pc6qrUhN-fslYowbTO_RvuWGlYx_m4NPbm-fFjrROkXhBofE8baVRdU3-ix9Rn9QRph8zMNPThtzEPw8AVmICUseB52vZxR5V6yodCKhhRpd41zvP_nBqE2jTT7XaGh93zOHY4NAdl1yXtGCYHA2xx3o8QSXPPfFUEeO9_LVXEtJJ/s2048/what%20was%20was.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2cwsicnIXLW_pc6qrUhN-fslYowbTO_RvuWGlYx_m4NPbm-fFjrROkXhBofE8baVRdU3-ix9Rn9QRph8zMNPThtzEPw8AVmICUseB52vZxR5V6yodCKhhRpd41zvP_nBqE2jTT7XaGh93zOHY4NAdl1yXtGCYHA2xx3o8QSXPPfFUEeO9_LVXEtJJ/s320/what%20was%20was.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>Olga Rasmussenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17308834095547304604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116693648782721093.post-61720694734272238902023-05-23T12:58:00.004-07:002023-05-23T12:58:37.201-07:00Aligning Words and Actions in Love<p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I have this yard stick, or as a dear soul friend today pointed out - a litmus test - that helps me navigate this often confusing and turbulent world.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">We live in times filled with misinformation, violence, and division. If I chose to focus on that, I would constantly live in fear and erode years from my sanity and life.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">How to decide what is real?</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">How to know whether to trust or believe in anyone, most especially, those in leadership or seeking it?</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">The answer for me, is very simple. It contains the essence of every ethical, spiritual, and practice traditions:</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Are the words and actions rooted in Love?</strong><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">I look at the information, I consider the character of a person and what and how they are presenting their information - and:</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><em style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; position: relative; text-align: justify;"><strong>I simply ask myself whether what they are saying or how they acting - is in alignment with love.</strong></em><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Does it engender love - or at least strive to? We may not always succeed in all of our endeavors, but what is our intention in the long run? Is it to be a better person and make this world a better place? If it is, it will be evident in the overall pattern of what we say and do over time.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">I apply this yardstick or litmus test unconsciously now, almost all of the time. This is how I decide what to read, who to spend my precious time with, and what news to pay attention to. Important news information and messages need to be delivered - but how is it being delivered? Is it in a way that is meant to inform, or in a way that will sow more division among us? </span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">It is a simple practice for me, and I share it with you in hopes that it may be useful. If it resonates, great - and if it doesn't that's fine too. You might have a better method, and if so, I'd love to hear about it. I am always in search of good tips and better ways to live my life!</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">May our words and actions, always be rooted in Love! </span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">May we live in such at way that at the end of our lives, others will say, that we lived it in alignment with Love.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">For more practices, visit:</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://mailchi.mp/53d1cf65ef3f/meditation-simple-gifts-for-you" style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; opacity: 0.7; text-decoration: none; transition: opacity 200ms ease-in-out;" target="_blank">Gifts 4 U!</a></strong></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6e2FDCYNtQ92DMy5bokkb64ckLgpytGuWhX8QOcA2HpcbVXfEqDg6g2Zw3oUNB3VygH_17d9j3s1VhSMw0LC7oSrB_SFcGJGIAktceiwIyismtgQLmYtmSMYJEgl2joMpvhisoS8mzhJK81nvX5vf6-vmtT2sVT1hEDTT9ZBJQ8aLQLBoHYrF9HM/s2048/words%20and%20actions%20rooted%20in%20love.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6e2FDCYNtQ92DMy5bokkb64ckLgpytGuWhX8QOcA2HpcbVXfEqDg6g2Zw3oUNB3VygH_17d9j3s1VhSMw0LC7oSrB_SFcGJGIAktceiwIyismtgQLmYtmSMYJEgl2joMpvhisoS8mzhJK81nvX5vf6-vmtT2sVT1hEDTT9ZBJQ8aLQLBoHYrF9HM/s320/words%20and%20actions%20rooted%20in%20love.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>Olga Rasmussenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17308834095547304604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116693648782721093.post-62784677620129120582023-05-16T07:57:00.002-07:002023-05-16T07:57:06.886-07:00Hold on to Hope<p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">There are days that are filled with good things. Those days are easy and bright.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">And then there are days that are challenges - filled with anxiety and fear. And perhaps without even a ray of hope or sense of possibility.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">And in those days, we must especially hold on to hope - grasping it as tightly as we can. Yes my friends - despite everything - we must:</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Hold on to hope.</strong><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">As I went to a park near where I live this morning, feeling all kinds of things, this beautiful instrumental piece came on the radio, and it just happened to be titled, </span><em style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; position: relative; text-align: justify;">"Hold on to Hope." </em><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">I sensed immediately that it was a message for me sent from the Beyond.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Holding on to hope may not always be an easy thing - but it is a necessary thing. Hope gives us life. It helps us put one foot in front of the other when everything else seems challenging and bleak. We can even turn it into an affirmation, to repeat over and over again until it becomes ingrained in us:</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">I hold on to hope.</strong><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">I used to come down to the river every day for years, when I was going through a challenging period in my life. Today, I was reminded how this beautiful spot was teaming with life - cardinals dancing in the air, birds of all kinds chirping, the riverbanks containing the inevitable flow of the river, the magnificent greening everywhere of a gorgeous spring. In the midst of all this beauty and life, I asked myself:</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">How could I not hold on to hope?</strong><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">I thought of the birds eating seeds off of the pavement - oblivious to the news and all the frightening things going on in the world that can fill me with anxiety and dread. They do not concern themselves with such things. They simply live in the present moment. There is a lesson in this for me. Whatever might scare me is not permanent. It too shall pass. Every day is a new day. Every day the sun sets but it rises again with its promises of new beginnings.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Hold on to hope.</strong><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">This was my message for today. This is truly a message for all of us. I hope it speaks to you.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">To hear this beautiful piece, click here:</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyu2FAqognc" style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; opacity: 0.7; text-decoration: none; transition: opacity 200ms ease-in-out;" target="_blank">"Hold on to Hope."</a></strong><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">For FREE gifts to support your practice, click here:</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"></span><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://mailchi.mp/53d1cf65ef3f/meditation-simple-gifts-for-you" style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; opacity: 0.7; text-decoration: none; transition: opacity 200ms ease-in-out;" target="_blank">Gifts 4 U!</a></strong></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsqc1UHsAaT6k8AVy4Vh4QVIj-qUQR8WbWAqCQ7jtsmS3H2Y4pCIzgc618yff532eJbU2DEKsXiwPofB2MQxrgW6SEqQc4S__Kyk_q9-YoyVaW4-IKRnZh6vtE8YisBdz5_YJfakqlmSHQe1MUNf-frxkEAKzN6uTQm8wIm2ehL5_pt9KLReKlzbvt/s4032/IMG_9069.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsqc1UHsAaT6k8AVy4Vh4QVIj-qUQR8WbWAqCQ7jtsmS3H2Y4pCIzgc618yff532eJbU2DEKsXiwPofB2MQxrgW6SEqQc4S__Kyk_q9-YoyVaW4-IKRnZh6vtE8YisBdz5_YJfakqlmSHQe1MUNf-frxkEAKzN6uTQm8wIm2ehL5_pt9KLReKlzbvt/s320/IMG_9069.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>Olga Rasmussenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17308834095547304604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116693648782721093.post-27569572378517428892023-05-09T08:15:00.001-07:002023-05-09T08:17:06.759-07:00I Have the Power to Change<p><em style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; position: relative; text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-family: arial;">I have the power to change.</span></strong></em></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Read that again.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><em style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; position: relative; text-align: justify;"><strong>I have the power to change.<br /></strong></em><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">To change what?</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">EVERYTHING!<br /></strong><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">But first of all, I have to power to change myself - and the direction of my life. Because I can make choices.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">I can change what I allow into my energy field, what I focus on and dwell on - what I read - who I spend time with. Even the direction of my life. Yes, especially that. I can end what does not serve and always begin again. Every single day. The list goes on.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Even well known figures like Nelson Mandela and Viktor Frankl who were incarcerated, have written about what enabled them to survive. It was ultimately about changing their thoughts and seeking and finding meaning in their lives.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">You may not believe you have the power to change. I'll be honest and tell you that at times, I don't either. But we can "change" that by converting our long held beliefs into a simple mantra:</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><em style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; position: relative; text-align: justify;"><strong>I have the power to change.<br /></strong></em><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Commit to saying this to yourself several times a day for a week, and let me know how it goes. Many blessings to you in this endeavor. Together, we can change the world - one person - one action - one thought at a time.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Dive further into simple practices with these </span><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://mailchi.mp/53d1cf65ef3f/meditation-simple-gifts-for-you" target="_blank">Gifts 4 U!</a></strong></span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Montserrat; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR2Wl2cmJ99TD3rIPgBvHLW7AfvY3og7HjzddARXCtAODe9yckMpk7fIxgS2Blyuhpxwjk8R6ZOrIuElxLLl45lB2FdztoS28BCkCBvP0E2flVIqj-N17JzpibH4vPs8FdbAsuBnAmT-cHyzKlZVT2KBtSapjS3sYuWGoBdSBvpGF3486gMaHUo4Bq/s2048/i%20have%20the%20power%20to%20change.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR2Wl2cmJ99TD3rIPgBvHLW7AfvY3og7HjzddARXCtAODe9yckMpk7fIxgS2Blyuhpxwjk8R6ZOrIuElxLLl45lB2FdztoS28BCkCBvP0E2flVIqj-N17JzpibH4vPs8FdbAsuBnAmT-cHyzKlZVT2KBtSapjS3sYuWGoBdSBvpGF3486gMaHUo4Bq/s320/i%20have%20the%20power%20to%20change.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>Olga Rasmussenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17308834095547304604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116693648782721093.post-56367719543866058942023-05-02T10:14:00.005-07:002023-05-02T10:15:56.571-07:00I Don't Do Fear<p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Recently, I heard Marie Forleo, the marketing guru, speak about a mantra she uses that is life-changing for her.She was able to reverse all sorts of situations, attitudes, and outcomes, by simply by saying to herself, something like:</span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"><em style="position: relative;">"I don't do overwhelm."</em></strong><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">The key is to implement the words at the beginning of the sentence:</span><em style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; position: relative; text-align: justify;"><strong> "I don't do..."</strong></em><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"> and then finish it with whatever speaks to you in a particular moment or situation.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">I immediately asked myself, what would speak to me in this moment? What do I want to most let go of right now? I had an instant response:</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"><em style="position: relative;">"I don't do fear."</em></strong><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">I went around repeating this mantra over and over again, particularly in anxious moments, and I found myself slowing down, becoming more calm, and being able to handle situations that normally paralyze me.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><em style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; position: relative; text-align: justify;"><strong>"I don't do fear."</strong></em><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">What speaks to you? What do you need to let go of? Where do you need more strength?</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Simply say to yourself - </span><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"><em style="position: relative;">"I don't do</em></strong><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">....(and fill in the blank)."</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><em style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; position: relative; text-align: justify;"><strong>I don't do anxiety.<br />I don't do bullying.<br />I don't do undermining.<br />I don't do ignorance.<br />I don't do intimidation...<br />I don't do lack.</strong></em><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Say whatever your sentence - your mantra is for yourself - and do it out loud. For more effect, pair it with a gesture, as if you were pushing something away or breaking chains.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">I guarantee, as Marie Forleo pointed out, you will let go of whatever limitations you need to let go of in this moment.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Try it! It may be very freeing!</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">For more information and gifts to support you on your journey, visit:</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"></span><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://mailchi.mp/53d1cf65ef3f/meditation-simple-gifts-for-you" style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; opacity: 0.7; text-decoration: none; transition: opacity 200ms ease-in-out;" target="_blank">GIFTS 4 U!</a></strong></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVg87CiYstPSL7wK4-VT_y7Kv9f1qinvvD122n_Acf5lbpLWtjcvRy0zZa1C9wgbL4HXqATHdJ194RYAE1enQqkeLWA9WlM8xbuQAWoC3nebjsXoVYQRX13tCbQpg-slu6h4a3CJrxgv6nqHR1hHi7FLI_gNdn8qFMEq0N4Nn3jHzwNEUY4idYRSP/s2048/I%20don't%20do%20fear.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVg87CiYstPSL7wK4-VT_y7Kv9f1qinvvD122n_Acf5lbpLWtjcvRy0zZa1C9wgbL4HXqATHdJ194RYAE1enQqkeLWA9WlM8xbuQAWoC3nebjsXoVYQRX13tCbQpg-slu6h4a3CJrxgv6nqHR1hHi7FLI_gNdn8qFMEq0N4Nn3jHzwNEUY4idYRSP/s320/I%20don't%20do%20fear.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>Olga Rasmussenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17308834095547304604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116693648782721093.post-11719859841369493652023-04-28T10:33:00.007-07:002023-04-28T10:50:32.087-07:00Do Your Work and Let Go of the Rest<p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Do the work that you came here to do and let go of the rest.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">What do I mean by that?</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">One can easily get overwhelmed by all that is going on in the world and consequently in our individual lives as well - overwhelmed by what we see going on in the the macrocosm as well as the microcosm. We may be especially overcome by not be able to control either one. </span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Or, can we?</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">I am not implying that we should drop out of life or not work at all in the traditional sense. We all have our responsibilities and obligations to meet in this life. But, I believe that we can make a difference in both the larger world around us - and the smaller world of our immediate lives. We can have a profound impact on both.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">How?</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">By being the best person we can be. By doing the work that we came here to do. And the best part is, that it's never too late to start.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Each of us is a unique expression of Divine Love and by striving to become the best that we are, we can make a difference. Each of us has a unique role to play and unique gifts to share. There has never been another you - or me. EVER!</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">We all have a deeper work we came here to do. You know that deep inside.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">It's actually quite simple:</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><em style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; position: relative; text-align: justify;"><strong>Be true to who you are, and share that</strong></em><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">. </span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">It is all any of us can do.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">If you and I - together vow to do this work of being who we are - over and over again - subtle changes within us will occur and lead to other changes that can be more significant. </span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">We will become more compassionate and love more deeply. That alone will have an incredible impact.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">You matter. You can make a difference. Every major change throughout history began small. With one person. One thought. One act.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">So, do the work you came here to do - that is, to be truly who you are at the core of your essence - share your gifts - and let go of the rest.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">For FREE resources to help you in your journey, visit:</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://mailchi.mp/53d1cf65ef3f/meditation-simple-gifts-for-you" style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; opacity: 0.7; text-decoration: none; transition: opacity 200ms ease-in-out;" target="_blank">GIFTS 4 U! </a></strong></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGEQZVkf3EEgBO0VVuBI8oR3dYh8Jm-4VuRHMG2qq6MdUnhQTXZrmjKEGTpvG3-ZZxgmWX-JgMFcP2BwWbG9lW1Llz6ldyBk-E7pG3YxKfvtWh3wCg-UbYgfdMquIkgzhKKrU96oUDRjeEvMCVrhimenW6iaz_qmUsxYrFXd9w1ILDeZUFKyEF5gZ/s2048/do%20your%20work.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGEQZVkf3EEgBO0VVuBI8oR3dYh8Jm-4VuRHMG2qq6MdUnhQTXZrmjKEGTpvG3-ZZxgmWX-JgMFcP2BwWbG9lW1Llz6ldyBk-E7pG3YxKfvtWh3wCg-UbYgfdMquIkgzhKKrU96oUDRjeEvMCVrhimenW6iaz_qmUsxYrFXd9w1ILDeZUFKyEF5gZ/s320/do%20your%20work.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>Olga Rasmussenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17308834095547304604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116693648782721093.post-2958147404606750322023-04-25T09:52:00.004-07:002023-04-25T09:52:54.068-07:00The Only Perfect Practice is Your Own<p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">There is no perfect practice.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Read that again.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">There is no perfect meditation.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Yes, read that again...</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Your practice is YOURS. It is unique. Your practice springs from the depths of your soul - your spirit - your heart. It is what you make it be. It is what nourishes you.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">What speaks to you and nourishes you - does not necessarily work for me. And that's okay. Because we are unique expressions of Spirit - of God - of the Universe - of Divine Love.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">We can certainly enrich each other's lives by sharing our practices or techniques that work for each other. For example, my friend Mary Davis at </span><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.everydayspirit.net/" style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; opacity: 0.7; text-decoration: none; transition: opacity 200ms ease-in-out;" target="_blank" title="">Every Day Spirit</a></strong><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"> has her routine and I have mine. But we like to share them and talk about them. There are some things she does that I don't do at all. And guess what? That's okay!</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">What works for one person, doesn't necessarily work for someone else.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">You getting the dr</span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">ift?</span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">I have a friend named Joe who plays golf practically every day. I know nothing about golf - except for what I learned watching and reading "The Legend of Bagger Vance." But he comes alive on the - field? Course? Whatever it is you call it. See what I mean?</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Maybe you can't sit. Or do yoga. Maybe you like to go on walks, or sit quietly with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. That's enough. It is more than enough.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Start there...</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">But then go beyond. </span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Find your thing and DO it! Why? Because it makes you come alive - it makes you most truly who you are. And that is what meditation is all about!</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">It will be PERFECT for you! And that is all that matters. You'll change. And in changing those around you will as well.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">And maybe our paths will cross and we'll see each other on a walk or somewhere!</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">For more info on meditation and some FREE gifts for you, visit:</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"></span><a href="https://mailchi.mp/53d1cf65ef3f/meditation-simple-gifts-for-you" style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; opacity: 0.7; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; transition: opacity 200ms ease-in-out;" target="_blank" title="">GIFTS 4 U!</a></span><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nVbYpWANLU3454LuWGkm5wlNI7eas4o5nWzmH7x-W-Y3VfYyW4_83UqI8Ivz5jclfffBMqiXo4xVUDJrNLorRF9LqDix2BlC0K7FZKZaK0V8uMfq-7HiA4WTbVYXcyskLNFAnLXwfCXrZOmRlAiuqHk2uzGY603PDWWI8hxmmIJ6PZAnSADrtMke/s2048/only%20perfect%20practice%20is%20yours.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nVbYpWANLU3454LuWGkm5wlNI7eas4o5nWzmH7x-W-Y3VfYyW4_83UqI8Ivz5jclfffBMqiXo4xVUDJrNLorRF9LqDix2BlC0K7FZKZaK0V8uMfq-7HiA4WTbVYXcyskLNFAnLXwfCXrZOmRlAiuqHk2uzGY603PDWWI8hxmmIJ6PZAnSADrtMke/s320/only%20perfect%20practice%20is%20yours.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Olga Rasmussenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17308834095547304604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116693648782721093.post-70880543512473637772023-04-18T08:14:00.001-07:002023-04-18T08:14:09.485-07:00Pause. Breathe. Practice Self Care.<p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Pause.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Breathe.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Practice self care.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">That seems simple enough - right? Almost too simple.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">But I can't think of a better way to start my day. Or, a better way to get it back on track if the train of my life has derailed.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">In fact, just last night I was talking to a small group about something similar. I told them how I start my day. How I take two hours for a morning practice.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">I know. That sounds daunting.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">But I didn't start there. I started with ten minutes. Then twenty, and after I retired I added more time as I found myself more comfortable with it all.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">This time includes breathing, affirmations, mantras, asking guidance from a litany of saints and beloveds on the other side, tapping, spiritual reading, offering blessings, and doing Lovingkindness, and not in that order. Some days I spend more time with fewer things. I let my inner guidance select the morning rituals.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">But other days, I linger in silence, with eyes closed, and a hot cup of coffee in my hands. Yes, coffee.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">I used to drink it afterward, but it's been part of my morning routine for a long time. now. Why? It makes me happy.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">When I am traveling, I try to keep to this ritual as best as I can. Sometimes it is hard. So I do what I can, and don't worry about the rest. I don't judge any of it. Or, at least I try not to.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Why?</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Because it is only over time that one notices the fruits of the practice - not in one individual session. Over time we change. And maybe, just maybe - those around us change as well..</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">So if this is all you have time for right now in your life - that's okay.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Just pause.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">And breathe.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Because you are practicing self care.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">And you are embracing Divine Love, and perhaps a steaming cup of tea or coffee.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Try it.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">All shall be well with your soul.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">I have some other FREE simple practices for you here:</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://mailchi.mp/53d1cf65ef3f/meditation-simple-gifts-for-you" style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; opacity: 0.7; text-decoration: none; transition: opacity 200ms ease-in-out;" target="_blank">Gifts for Your Practice</a></strong><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">And a simple course with other practices:</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://oraz.mastermind.com/masterminds/36122" style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; opacity: 0.7; text-decoration: none; transition: opacity 200ms ease-in-out;" target="_blank">MeditationSimple</a></strong></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5lUecehiG7hJ2QhEQEGs8TjrJ2zEDxFFlNTO1vSjB5b_X-5wuAeJFPx9lU5dtuqfhOm6BG39IediyNNJWLYUIreBt9rkmLR-36IyLXY4fFA8-vlaPcaXZOHBCFHNQ6mu46neIeLEm8qXEP5_6vlVK6muLsSfOxOHCwV_HbPS1FarTCuyTqO8YMbgF/s1080/pause%20breathe.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5lUecehiG7hJ2QhEQEGs8TjrJ2zEDxFFlNTO1vSjB5b_X-5wuAeJFPx9lU5dtuqfhOm6BG39IediyNNJWLYUIreBt9rkmLR-36IyLXY4fFA8-vlaPcaXZOHBCFHNQ6mu46neIeLEm8qXEP5_6vlVK6muLsSfOxOHCwV_HbPS1FarTCuyTqO8YMbgF/s320/pause%20breathe.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>Olga Rasmussenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17308834095547304604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116693648782721093.post-70562835842904554952023-04-11T10:51:00.004-07:002023-04-11T10:51:27.192-07:00Walking is a Practice<p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Walking is a practice.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Who knew?</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">It can be a spiritual practice as well as a sacred time for the soul.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Going for a walk can be a time to replenish your spirit, soothe your mind, and allow for your creative juices to flow. I often get so many amazing insights on my walks I can hardly wait to write them down!</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">This beautiful spring morning, as I went on my walk, I admired the lushness all around me: green lawns, flowering dogwoods and redbuds - fresh on the heels of the majestic cherries in bloom recently. The birds were chirping all around me - having a party - cardinals, robins and a pair of blue jays, joyfully flying from tree to tree.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"> </span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Why do I say that walking is a practice, and perhaps a sacred one at that?</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Because taking a walk is an invitation to dwell in the present moment. And that, is simply, the only time there is, and the only time we have. It is an invitation to experience mindfulness. Rather than rush through our day, we might find ourselves slowing down, and stopping to smell the flowers as it were. Taking a walk invites us to let go of worries and concerns, the news, and instead immerse ourselves in beauty.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">There is something very healing about being in nature. </span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">During the pandemic, I was always amazed on my walks to notice squirrels frolicking about, and birds in animated conversations from limb to limb, totally oblivious to what was going on all around me. It was a constant reminder that some things were all right in the world. </span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Almost 30 ago, I had the privilege to spend a day with the Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh. We walked mindfully, ate mindfully, and sat in meditation.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">I remember being struck by how he ate - he was so present to the experience it blew me away - eating his rice so mindfully - that it seemed he was loving and admiring and consuming one grain at a time, while I had devoured my own lunch pretty quickly!</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">So here is the thing: We can choose to make our walks more mindful - and allow them to nourish our day and our souls - or, not. </span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">I am saddened when I see people on their phones as they walk, oblivious to the beauty all around them, instead multi-tasking.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">How will you choose to spend your day? You can approach anything in life more mindfully and vibrantly, aligned with all of creation.</span></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">I can't think of a more wonderful way to live.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.meditationsimple.com">www.meditationsimple.com</a></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5o5idCw5h2plyimmwGZ0qTAxxkzsOcVC1V0yjvVYN-KwxZFVeuW8Cghz0xrOYMUW0ivbMG3SRitEiBkgORwhsI5eyi_fp7qEYnCMhOBdFjYa7e4OOqkVKPcjCbdgK7yUoWdoZbzuwwmyIiVrTGJh4xTrnI0KTwu68A-lmDasi5836_zJNbPOJpWw/s2048/walking%20is%20a%20practtice%20copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5o5idCw5h2plyimmwGZ0qTAxxkzsOcVC1V0yjvVYN-KwxZFVeuW8Cghz0xrOYMUW0ivbMG3SRitEiBkgORwhsI5eyi_fp7qEYnCMhOBdFjYa7e4OOqkVKPcjCbdgK7yUoWdoZbzuwwmyIiVrTGJh4xTrnI0KTwu68A-lmDasi5836_zJNbPOJpWw/s320/walking%20is%20a%20practtice%20copy.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>Olga Rasmussenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17308834095547304604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116693648782721093.post-58477921497709557782023-04-04T09:11:00.001-07:002023-04-04T09:11:40.686-07:00Breathe and Release<p> <span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.02em;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Today is a glorious spring day where I live.</span></span></p><div class="paragraph" style="color: rgb(42, 42, 42) !important; font-size: 16px !important; letter-spacing: 0.02em; line-height: 30px !important; margin: 0px auto 30px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />I marveled, on my morning walk, how blessed I am to be able to step out of my home and access a myriad connection of pathways through meandering green spaces and parks.<br /><br />And yet, I am also very aware of the many tribulations we are facing in the world. Still, to commit to seeing beauty and goodness in the midst of all that is not well, is for me - a choice, a need, and an imperative.<br /><br />I also know that many of us live in difficult and challenging circumstances, fording a constant stream of anxiety and fear.<br /><br />How could we not?<br /><br />Just look around...<br /><br />And yet, there is more to see as well...<br /><br />We can focus on the fear and the steady diet of negativity the media feeds us - or we can choose other staples for our diet.<br /><br />We must also feed our souls...<br /><br />But, how to do that?<br /><br />I can only share with you some of the things I am currently doing.<br /><br />For example, I am limiting the content of news I am consuming. Recently, a dear friend of mine and I spoke of becoming "a headline kind of girl." It does not mean you totally shut out everything that is going on, but if your buttons are being pushed and your anxiety is peaking, perhaps rethinking your consumption is warranted.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">I am also doing this practice which calms me in just a few breaths. Let me share it with you:</span></div><div class="paragraph" style="color: rgb(42, 42, 42) !important; font-size: 16px !important; letter-spacing: 0.02em; line-height: 30px !important; margin: 0px auto 30px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />I place my hands over my heart, and begin taking deep breaths, in and out - making sure that my abdomen expands as I inhale, and draws in as I exhale.<br /><br />I do this for a few moments or minutes until I literally feel myself relax. Then I say:<br /><br /><em style="position: relative;"><strong>I breathe.<br />I release.<br />I am calm.</strong></em><br /><br />I repeat this mantra several times.<br /><br />It reminds me of my connection to the earth, to all beings, and my heart, which is the seat of the soul.<br /><br />Try this and let me know if it helps you! You can even turn it into a Lovingkindness practice. Just thing of someone who needs your love, your prayers, and your energy right now:<br /><br /><em style="position: relative;"><strong>May you breathe.<br />May you release.<br />May you be calm.<br /></strong></em><br />This is my offering for all of you, today, and every day.<br /></span><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyKsbdm3FyewjS-hDjjIya-hcPbawdZ2ZEpjj4sIInkSinkOX9Fc7EG6uj0IfHMkEB6fkmpy3cXgznbDsNlleGGj5ngmINAMa7RoY8mN9hWVbcefJAA7ahAEfdIRJBA3kbrnuKlRI7JGv_3a9HrJT1GP2QKjUoKFfufuUmLKXjKqjjLOEA93oEKjb/s2048/335066389_973267897361150_2020030211833828903_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1457" data-original-width="2048" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyKsbdm3FyewjS-hDjjIya-hcPbawdZ2ZEpjj4sIInkSinkOX9Fc7EG6uj0IfHMkEB6fkmpy3cXgznbDsNlleGGj5ngmINAMa7RoY8mN9hWVbcefJAA7ahAEfdIRJBA3kbrnuKlRI7JGv_3a9HrJT1GP2QKjUoKFfufuUmLKXjKqjjLOEA93oEKjb/s320/335066389_973267897361150_2020030211833828903_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Olga Rasmussenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17308834095547304604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4116693648782721093.post-75891114836954456852023-03-28T11:43:00.000-07:002023-03-28T11:43:11.045-07:00May All Beings Everywhere Open Their Hearts<p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">One of my favorite morning practices is </span><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Lovingkindness</strong><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">, which is very powerful and is sourced from ancient Buddhist teaching and practices.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">There are many things I like about this practice.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">First of all, it is </span><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">SIMPLE</strong><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Secondly, it is </span><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">TRANSFORMATIVE</strong><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">. The more you do it, the more you will notice things shift around you - only because the shifts are occurring within you first.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">If we </span><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">CHANGE</strong><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">, the world also </span><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">CHANGES</strong><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">. </span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Yes, it is as simple as that.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">But the thing is, we have to constantly work at changing ourselves. It is the essence of human nature, and of Buddhist teachings as well. Buddhists teach about the impermanence of all things. Nothing lasts forever. Many of us have heard the old adage, "</span><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">The only constant in life is change</strong><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">."</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">But in order to change, we must be willing to open our hearts first, and then subsequently our minds. But I believe all change begins in the heart.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">We could become disillusioned by all the violence in the world - the constant mass killings, the instances of war - and its displacement of of people - creating millions of refugees, the political strife present in so many places and the impossible battle between opposing philosophical systems and beliefs.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Or</strong><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">, we can resolve to change ourselves. In doing so, we change our little corner of the world, as I used to tell my students.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">But first - we must open our hearts - ALL of us - everywhere.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">And so, now I begin my </span><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Metta</strong><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"> - or </span><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Lovingkindness</strong><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"> practice with the phrase: "</span><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">May my heart open</strong><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">."</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">Let us resolve to open our hearts - to what is - and then to what could be. Let us open our hearts to each other. </span><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">We CAN make a difference</strong><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"> - you and me - together. One person and one place and one situation at a time.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">And let us ask: </span><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;" /><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;">MAY ALL BEINGS EVERYWHERE,<br />OPEN THEIR HEARTS.</strong></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"><br /></strong></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmNlHxlwgI21v5_Nb_rNau4P6NwSkuG8ebIV3AUTeux1Yy2ZsSZUQTpteDtpnUKZMge2jzcuw6f9tIJG0p2zkxDI_KRRTvNJMngCJS2K9J8dXo5LBUWjG6gL8Zxa-wpXms-ZZhU2EK_GxHXmoeeBdzljmURjj_NDSJNz47fzE1psaNgu_g3dx5gXY/s2048/May%20all%20open%20hearts.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmNlHxlwgI21v5_Nb_rNau4P6NwSkuG8ebIV3AUTeux1Yy2ZsSZUQTpteDtpnUKZMge2jzcuw6f9tIJG0p2zkxDI_KRRTvNJMngCJS2K9J8dXo5LBUWjG6gL8Zxa-wpXms-ZZhU2EK_GxHXmoeeBdzljmURjj_NDSJNz47fzE1psaNgu_g3dx5gXY/s320/May%20all%20open%20hearts.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><strong style="caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; text-align: justify;"><br /></strong></span></div>Olga Rasmussenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17308834095547304604noreply@blogger.com0