Rodney Yee and Colleen Saidman! 

Last weekend, I enjoyed watching their special on PBS called, “The Practical Power of Yoga.”  I almost screamed, “Get out!!!” much like Elaine Bemis in the t.v. show “Seinfeld” when Colleen referred to herself being in the fifth decade of life!  Both her and her husband Rodney are 50 years old!  They look like they are 30 years old, in my humble opinion.

That’s it!  I’m keeping up with my yoga practice!

I know that I look good for my age (I’m close to 37 years old myself), but this brings new motivation to my life–seriously!

I’ve always been an active athlete most of my life, along with eating well.  I’ve taken good care of myself.  I’m not one to buy into the limiting beliefs about aging.  I refuse to actually.  I still wear Roxy t-shirts now and then.  I wear Vans and Converse.  I listen to punk.  I have never had cosmetic surgery, but I do color my hair (I like variety).  I rarely wear makeup and everyone compliments me on my skin. 

For me, it’s not just the things I’ve done physically, but also, mentally.  I’ve been mostly a positive person so far in my life.  Being positive keeps you young and looking and feeling great!

Plus, I really think that by me choosing not to watch television this year, I’ve let go of some of the limiting beliefs about aging.  I am not constantly subjecting myself to commercials for Botox, incontinence medications, menopause, and the like.  And, do you notice how most of the commericals are focused on people in their 20-40’s?  American culture has a long way to go when it comes to fairly representing all age groups in a positive way in advertising.

I’ve also stopped reading most fashion and beauty magazines.  When I read them, I’d find myself wanting a certain product or outfit.  I also notice that most of the models are in their 20’s or younger.  I can’t relate to them.  I’ve got muscle ’cause I’ve worked out all of my life.  Yeah, sure I’m a size 4 and can wear some of those clothes–I do at times.  But, I just don’t get into the whole consumerism bit any more.  I decided to find my happiness through other means than shopping!

But, back to the age subject.  Seriously, I never remember my late grandparents acting their age.  They were both active all of their lives.  They helped many people.  My late grandma had friends of all ages.  She was a fiery red-head and a mentor to many younger women besides myself.  So, being youthful is about service too.  The more you give, the younger you’ll stay.

And, I really think that growing up is optional.  Who wants to be all serious and well, grown up.  This is boring.  I’m not advocating being irresponsible, but rather, seeing the world as a fun, exciting place filled with possibilities–retaining that childlike state of wonder.  It’s a more fun place to be.

I’m choosing to be young and to stay that way

Blessings,

Lisa

Today, I made a mistake by watching the news briefly in the a.m. to get the weather report.  Oops, I’ve done this before.  In case you don’t know, I don’t watch television or the news on television.  Yes, I know you can get the weather on the Internet. 

Anyway, I saw the story about how the U.S. Senate refused to give the American automakers the bailout money.  The story was filled with such doom and gloom.  Then, to top it off, they had to follow up with another story about layoffs in the banking industry.  And, the kicker was that the news added that whole tagline, “things are only going to get worse.”

I had to do a lot of mental canceling in my mind after seeing that brief 60 second sound byte.  This made me remember that my true Source is the Universe (God, if you prefer).  My abundance doesn’t come from any company, any government, any industry, or any certain economic condition.

I live in Michigan and many are in fear right now due to our economy being so tied to the automotive industry.  A friend of mine who lives outside of Michigan stopped me once in conversation and asked, “Who’s the Big 3?  The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit?”  Now, I’m not a religious person–at all.  But, this sent me cracking up because of her humor.  My friend is in a younger generation and has not heard of the term “Big 3″ used to describe GM, Chrysler, and Ford.

But, you know, my young friend echoes my sentiment.  The Big 3 automotive makers are not Source.  Things have to shift in many industries in the world economy, not just the automotive industry.  And, I really feel that our economy in Michigan–and the rest of the world, for that matter–will be just fine.  If anything, the transition provides a way for people to follow their true passions and to work in a field that brings them fulfillment.  I really think that entrepeneurship is the wave of the future.  Actually, that is how the world used to be set up–small businesses.  Maybe it’s time for us to go back to our roots as a country and for the world too?

I know that many people have fear and anger right now.  You may even not resonate with what I wrote or be angry or upset at me.  How could I possibly understand?  I don’t work in the U.S. automotive industry, but many of my family (including my husband) and friends work in it.  Things feel stressful.  But, that is how any shift or transition feels.  It will feel stressful at first, but then, we’re all going to put our heads together and figure out a way to make it.  In fact, I don’t see anyone in survival mode.  I believe we’ll find new ways to thrive individually and collectively.

Just some thoughts on a snowy day…

Blessings to all,

Lisa

Gosh, I am finally writing here again.

It’s been close to a month since I arrived home from my Hawaiian vacation.  I’m still not really feeling “home.”  I think I left part of myself there, especially given the 18 F weather today.  It was so cold for me.  Less than a month ago, I was wearing tank tops and swimsuits.

To be honest, I haven’t been so sure about keeping my blog here.  I’ve felt like hiding, as I mentioned in another post.  I’m not really one to every quit anything, so here I am again. 

I’m not even sure why I don’t write.  I think life happens.  I get busy.  This year, I’ve been taking guitar lessons–so I practice, along with everything else there is to do every day.

I also am just not feeling the holidays this year for whatever reason.  I haven’t put up a tree or decorations or sent any cards.  I just don’t feel like it.  Time with family and friends is more important to me than all of that green and red stuff.  It’s pretty to look at, but this year, it’s not going up in my house.

I’ve had so much happen and learend so much this year.  I don’t even know where to begin.  Hawaii was a very life-changing, healing trip too.  It took me about a month to get it all down in my journal.  It was not a laying-on the-beach-all- day type of vacation, either.  We were really on the go every day.  I’ll write more about it later.

I’m excited about some new changes coming to my website www.indigoangelbear.com  I worked really hard on it and I can’t wait to publish it.  The new version will be out next week. 

Hope all is well,

Lisa

I thought that title would get your attention.  What do I mean by it, you may be asking?  Well, I’ll get to that in a minute.

I’ve been working on not being reactive when my buttons are pushed.  I’m working to have compassion when others are negative.  These lessons have been with me quite a long time because I’m human.  It’s part of the human experience.  We’re here on the planet to teach each other.  And, yes, sometimes, we’re not always nice or loving towards each other.  But, yet, we are all mirroring to each other what we are–and, sometimes, it ain’t pretty (don’t cringe, grammar buffs!).

The hardest aspect of these lessons for me has been about projection.  I’ve never been good at coping with others projecting their stuff onto me.  I used to apologize profusely, thinking it was my fault.  Or, I’d just be quiet and let them be abusive towards me.  I didn’t want to rock the boat.  I felt hurt inside.  Sometimes, it would rip me apart.  I wondered, “Did I just eat glass?”  I’d do anything in my power to make the projector happy or to shift the energies.  I was worried that if I didn’t do something, they would take their stuff out on me further and gasp, get mad at me.  All of my life, until very recently, I was extremely cautious about making anyone mad at me.  You armchair psychologists out there can call me a conflict avoider.  Yep, that was me.

The thing is that I have no control over whether someone gets mad at me.  I’ve learned to just be me and well, I’m rather polite, kind, and loving.  If someone gets mad at me, guess what?  It’s their stuff.

Yeah, yeah, I know–what about the Law of Attraction?  You want to say I attracted what I am.  Yes, I take responsibility for the energy I’m putting out there and what it brings to me.  But, sometimes, you attract what you need to learn in order to grow.  Say for instance, I ask the Universe to help me heal a certain area of my relationships.  Well, I’m going to be given opportunities to practice what I know.  Once the buttons no longer get pushed and I’m peaceful, then, I can move on to learn new things.

For me, the worst thing was when someone would project their stuff onto me.  I was able to get over someone taking their bad mood out on me or their bad day.  That is easier to release and transmute the energies.  But, what do you do when someone you love or you’re close to is not happy.  So, instead of being happy for you, including your goals and dreams, they find little ways to try to drag you down.  They don’t want you to be happy or fulfilled because they are not there yet.  And, in their eyes, you are stealing it from them.  They are coming from a place of lack, of course.  

It kinda goes like this…You’re happy and you feel safe sharing a win with a friend.  Suddenly, the friend’s inner naysayer rears its ugly head.  It’s those little passive-aggressive comments sometimes that sting the most.  I usually brush these off, especially, if I know the person is having a rough day or time in their life. 

But, what do you do when it gets repetitive?

Then, it’s time to think about shifting the relationship, in my opinion.  Gently phase them out of your life.  Sometimes, when you learn and grow or raise your vibration, people and things that you once resonated with will fall away.  It’s not always fun, but it makes room for the new, higher vibrational things and people to enter in your life to bless you, not project their stuff onto you.

I often wish though that instead of being passive-aggressive in our relationships or being naysayers and projecting our stuff, that we would just be vulnerable.  Can’t we just tell each other what we need?  I’d respond much better to “I need a hug” or “I am not happy, can you help me?” verus the passive-aggressive comments or energy directed at me.  I know that sometimes, I’ll attract people into my life that I can help in some way.  I’m okay with this and giving to others. 

I know that sometimes, people don’t feel they can reach out to loved ones.  Asking for help sometimes will feel like a sign of weakness in some people’s eyes.  So, no one asks for help.  Wait a second!  Aren’t we here to help each other out?  I mean, seriously!  We’re on the same team.  There is no need for competition, jealousy, or projection, in reality.  That’s my 2 cents!

Now, for the monkeys.  No, no, don’t worry, I’m not going to get out those flying monkeys (like in the movie, “The Wizard of Oz”).  But, I am gonna get out those monkeys in the zoo that are sometimes, well, a bit naughty.  Warning:  Next part is a bit graphic.  Years ago, I heard stories about monkeys throwing their poop at zoo patrons.  I’m not sure if it really happened or it’s an urban legend.  But, I still am very cautious when frequenting the monkey exhibits. 

What does monkeys throwing poop have to do with this topic of projection?  Everything!  You see, sometimes, as humans, we throw our “crap” at others.  Maybe we don’t know what to do with our negative feelings or thoughts, so when unsuspecting, loving person shows up, we think, “Oh, cool, an opening, I can throw my crap/stuff/issues at them!”  The unsuspecting person has to clean it off.  I don’t consider the one getting nailed as a victim, however.  We can always choose how we respond to things, including when the poop comes our way. 

But, wouldn’t the world smell a lot nicer if we took responsibility for our stuff?  Maybe it can help to see a counselor or a life coach or a healer.  Or, talk to a trusted friend who is non-judgmental.  Or, you can journal, exercise, go in Nature, meditate, or get a massage.  Take care of yourself and your stuff (*ahem*, crap!) won’t need projected onto others.

I used to come fully locked and loaded in some interactions with others.  I’d wear the etheric Goretex jacket as well as my Teflon Poop Deflector Shield.  I was ready and prepared to defend my energy field (no worries, I never wear all white!).  But, still, I felt hurt by the projection.  I don’t want to chaulk it up to being sensitive (that’s too wussy for me).  The other day, I just decided that I won’t look for the projection any more.  If I don’t find it, it won’t find me.  Besides, it’s not my poop.  There are skillful ways to not even notice it.  It’s not unloving to speak up for yourself either.  I’m not advocating being a push-over.  Just do it with love. 

Be grateful for the monkeys in your life, for they are teaching you how to be loving.  It may not seem that way at times, but look deeper.

Do it with love and gratitude–not poop, please!

(Whew, glad this post is over ’cause I’ve talked about poop more than I care to!  Let’s not give it any more energy! )

Namaste,

Lisa

Today, I had an early morning appointment and then, I went to my favorite metaphysical store.  I rarely listen to the news on the radio, except for traffic and weather.  I have been hearing people talk so much about the economy and the whole bailout package that is being negotiated now in the United States government.  It was the talk of the radio.  The news also mentioned how the Dow is losing points, etc.  I decided to change the station.

Life is like that too–you can change the station any time if you don’t like the news or what’s being played.  I’m not advocating that people walk around in denial or anything.  I’m a big propent of positive thoughts.  Thoughts are things made up of energy.  By having positive thoughts and feelings about our world economy, it helps to raise the vibration up of the planet. 

I guess I’m tired of the mass consciousness that things are so dismal.  Let’s focus on the abundance we do have and the good things in life.  By having that focus, it will create more of the same–more abundance and good.  These are not new concepts–they can be found in ancient religious texts. 

Driving around today, I noticed a tense energy about in the atmosphere.  I am super sensitive.  I shield myself, but I still could feel it and it didn’t feel so good.  I know you know what I mean.  It’s the energy of fear, anxiety, worry, etc.  I had to shift myself and go out in Nature.  I’m going to pray, meditate, and play my guitar.  The world is going to be okay, you know?

Together we can shift these energies and transmute them into love.  That’s what I am planning on doing.

So, off I go to do some transmutation…

Abundant blessings,

Lisa

I’ve consciously been on the spiritual path for a while.  I’m sure you’re like me and have read a lot of books, taken different classes by different teachers, and socialized with other spiritual seekers.  It’s great fun to be learning and growing in these ways.

I also studied energy work modalities in my prior career (I was a bodyworker/massage therapist).  I’ve also been working on understanding the quantum theories and apply them in a practical way to my life.  Everything is energy.  This is a pretty cool concept! 

Along my path, I’m discovered some terminology that I have a beef with regarding the concepts of energy.  I have heard and read the terms low vibrational or high vibrational when it comes to energy.  Actually, more specifically, these terms low or high vibrational are applied to people, objects, chakras, essential oils, music, foods, geographic locations, etc.  I get that energy vibrates at a certain level and has a frequency measured in megahertz (I think that is the term). 

I don’t object to the scientific aspect of different things, people, objects, and places having a certain vibratory level.  What I object to are blanket statements about vibrations being low or high without any scientific measurements being made.  Also, what is high vibrational for me may not be so high vibrational for you.  Or, what is low vibrational for me may not be low vibrationally for you.

Confused yet?  Well, I have to say that I’ve seen foods, supplements, essential oils, body parts, chakras, tuning forks, and other substances measured for their frequency.  I mean, it’s pretty much common sense that fresh produce has a higher vibration or frequency than frozen or canned.  Also, continual use of drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, and fast food is going to adversely affect the physical body, lowering the vibration of the human body’s energy field too. (It’s okay, I can hear ya saying, “Well, duhhh,” and I totally feel the same way!  So, I’ll try to get to my point fast).

But, I want to say a few things here that I need to get off my chest.  I’m tired of lightworkers generalizing by saying that rock and roll or other types of music are not high vibrational.  Long before I considered myself a “lightworker,” I was always a rocker chic and even a punk rocker.  When I became aware of being on the spiritual path as a healer, I didn’t suddenly chuck my Ramones CD’s out the window or burn my concert t-shirts. 

It took me a long time to be okay with myself.  I’m into rockin’ music.  I enjoy live music.  I started taking guitar lessons this year.  My music makes me very happy.  It’s hard to be depressed very long when you turn on your stereo and crank up a song that you like.  It makes me feel lifted up to yes, a higher vibration.  I will clean my house to Bob Marley singing, “Every little thing gonna be alright.”  I do work at home on the computer listening to the great late Eddie Cochran–50 years later and he still sounds fresh and new, so timeless.  I spend a lot of time listening to 1950’s rockabilly and 1970’s punk.  It makes me smile and I get a spring in my step in public.  Yep, I’m that girl that lets you cut in ahead of her in traffic.  I hold the doors open for everyone.  I smile at everyone I meet ’cause I’m truly happy.

So, please, don’t go saying that the music I like is low vibrational when I have such a high vibrational energy output.  I’m friendly, happy, and helpful.  I enjoy helping people.  Yeah, I’m human and have a bad day from time to time, but I shift that “bad day” rather easily and quickly with my music. 

I do want to acknowledge that music (just like anything else) affects different people differently.  That is cool ’cause it makes the world go ’round.  You may not like the feedback in Jimi Hendrix’ music, but I do.  And, it’s all good.  It’s wonderful that we are different–don’t you think?

I think that my beef with this whole high or low vibrational labels is that for me it feels like a judgment.  High vibrational is not synonymous with good.  Low vibrational is not synonymous with bad.  Sure, there are things in life that are better for us than other things.  But the thing is, what is good for one person is not good for another, etc.  There are no absolutes in the world when it comes to certain things.  I mean, even given my above examples of cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, etc., you can’t say with absolute certainty that those things are bad.  I mean, some people have lived to be in their 90’s even though they smoked or ate a so-called unhealthy diet.

I think the lowest vibration is judgment.  I know I’ve judged others from time to time for doing things a certain way that is different from me.  I’ve had to go into my heart and see that we are all One.  We are all One, but simultaneously different.  It’s a wonderful thing, in my book.

So what if I don’t wear flowy skirts and dance around to New Age music, I’m still a lightworker.  I am just as likely to listen to a taped lecture by the Dalai Lama as a CD by Joan Jett.  I count both in my people that I admire.  I see nothing weird, wrong, or inconsistent with my love of rock and roll (including punk rock) and my spiritual path.

One thing I’d like to propose in some lightworker circles that I’ve been in is to quit being so fundamentalist. Yep, you heard me right…I used that one “F” word–fundamentalism.  As Fat Mike from the punk band NOFX says, “There’s no fun in fundamentalism.”  Don’t try to put people in a box.  Don’t write others’ tastes or way of life off as being low vibrational.  My late gran used to say that people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. 

Everyone has lessons in this life.  Everyone is learning and living their life in their own way–in a way that works best for them.  So, do things the way you like.  Enjoy life in your own way.  Dance to the music you enjoy.  It’s all good.

On that note, I’m off to cook dinner to some good, rockin’ music…

Blessings,

Lisa

What’s the first thing you think of when you notice the word revolution?  You may think of revolting, which makes sense and shows you have a good command of the English language   Recently though, I looked up the word revolution in an on-line dictionary and another meaning is about a sudden, rapid change.

Ooh, “a sudden, rapid change,” I really like that!  I don’t know about you, but I’m not always the most patient type of person.  I like things to change or to shift–quickly.  (Hey, at least, I’m honest about this.  I’m not B.S.’ing you about how I am always so calm and Zen-like!  I’m human, after all besides a spiritual being!).

The thing is that I can’t change others, but I can (and do) change myself.  And, these changes can (and do) happen quickly.  All it takes is changing one thought.  Yep, thoughts are things.  Thoughts are energy.  Thoughts create.  You get it, I’m sure.

When I was a youngster, I used to want the world to change.  I liked to be rebellious.  I still enjoy being different from the pack.  I don’t want to follow the herd (’cause you know whatcha step in when you follow the herd?).  I like to color outside the lines.  As I’ve accumulated experiences (and hopefully, wisdom in the process), I see that change starts with me.  If I want world peace, well, I better be peaceful myself.  So, yep, I have to kinda rethink my impatience, I mentioned above!

I notice that so many Lightworkers discuss the idea of evolution when it comes to the planet and humanity.  For me, evolution is a constant or a given.  I’m evolving whether I choose to or not.  I see evolution kind of like a law like gravity.  Not that I’m a scientist or anything, but I have taken anthropology courses and wow, evolution takes a long time.  It’s a process like anything else.  Some people like to call it Ascension.  Tomato, tomatto (phoenetically spelled so you get my drift)…it’s all good.  All the terms are good.

I just like the idea of revolution ’cause for me it’s an internal thing.  Evolution is a given.  Revolution or the sudden change or shift starts with me.  And, well, we’re all connected.  Ooh, I like the ramifications of all of this!

Off to think about all of this!

Enjoy your revolution,

Lisa

For a long time now, I’ve been examining what it means to be happy–specifically, what does it look like for me to be happy?  For many years, I’ve felt on a quest to find myself or to find my life purpose.  My reasoning was that if I found work that was a part of my life purpose, then, I could finally relax and be happy.  I thought that happiness involved finding my purpose first. [Later, I noticed, my purpose came to me.  I didn't have to find it 'cause my purpose is only something that I can do.  So, all I have to do is to show up as my happy self!].

I realized recently something for myself.  I realized that happiness comes first.  In Buddhist teachings, the first level of happiness is contentment.  You gotta be content before you can be happy.  That struck a chord with me!

So far this year, I’ve been focusing on what brings me happiness–playing guitar, doing yoga, meditating, being in Nature, running, walking, biking, reading, journaling, time with loved ones, etc.  I’m not really certain of my next career steps and mid-year, I had to take stock.  I was very stressed out because my ego didn’t think I was where I should be in my career.  I was pushing myself hard to figure out the next steps.  I felt so much self-imposed pressure to BE someone or to DO something.  With this pressure, I felt a stuck quality.  It felt like I was caught between sets (if your’e a surfer, you know what I mean).  Waves kept hitting me and it felt like I’d never catch one and ride to shore.

I had to make the decision to stop struggling so much.  The emotional and mental stress was wreaking havoc on my physical health especially.  I don’t share much of health challenges with others because I don’t want to dwell on negativity.  But, I had to stop pushing so hard and to let go of all of this self-imposed pressure.  Many vitamins, treatments, etc. later, I’m happy to report I’m feeling much better.  Yep, these lessons have recycled for me at various times in my life.  This time, I get it–as Ram Dass said, “Be Here Now” [musician Mason Jennings has a song too with this title, if you're interested!]

And, well, the other part of the lesson is to be happy first.  I went into my left brain and realized that the state of happiness is actually awesome(some call it love or gratitude, so whatever floats your boat!).  Happiness is high vibrational.  If you’re happy, you’ll attract happy people.  And, well, usually, happy people are loving, don’t you think?  So, you’ll attract love and all the mushy-gushy goodness that life and the Universe have to offer you.  There’s plenty to go ’round for everyone!  Whohoo!  Sign me up!

I’ve decided to not put off my happiness.  So many times, I have made my happiness contingent on accomplishing some goal.  I’ve witnessed so many people thinking that they need to do the following and in this order to be happy–graduate from college, get the perfect job, find the perfect mate, find the perfect house, have kids, have nice stuff, and then, it’s time to be happy–but wait, you gotta find a bigger house first!  Okay, now, you can be happy. 

It is so common to see these patterns.  While it may work for some, it doesn’t have to be the norm.  It doesn’t have to be your norm.  No degree or certificate, no job, no person, no house, no material thing, etc. can make you happy.  But, you can make yourself happy.  Yep, you can.

I’m not against having nice things in life or having loving, meaningful relationships.  If those things and people make you happy, that is great–more power to you.

The thing is, I believe it’s possible to have happiness come from within.  As one of my favorite bands says, “It starts and ends with you.” [Rancid lyrics].

First, be happy.  You may protest, thinking, “But, Lisa, I can’t be happy because I can’t pay my mortgage, I lost my job, my boyfriend left me, I wrecked the car, my cat died, and I got this horrible case of dysentery.” [insert the jangling country guitar finger-picking noises]  Yeah, I know what some of those things feel like.  But, you know what?  There is always some good to come out of all the seemingly bad “crap.”  Maybe you move some place better or get a better job.  Maybe you get a better car.  Or, perhaps, you meet someone that is more in alignment with you.  Or, finally, you get a handle on your health.  It’s simple–you shift.  Change is good.  The question is–can you be happy no matter what?

Now, I hear you asking, “What good does it do to be happy no matter what?”  Well, umm, excuse me, but 1) It’s okay not to be happy all of the time.  Yes, you heard me correctly.  Do I seem like I’m contradicting myself?  If so, good!  Yes, you can be moody or bitchy–you don’t have to be happy all of the time.  The thing is–DON’T DWELL on the crappy stuff or what doesn’t make you happy.  If you go there, just acknowledge it and see it as feedback.  Then, step aside from it and find something quickly to return you to your happiness. 2) It does you good to be happy no matter what ’cause you are infecting the quantum field–yep, just little ‘ol you and your energy does affect and well, infect the quantum field [the entire Universe].  So, think about being happy for others if you can’t do it for yourself.  You don’t want to pollute the quantum field with your negative energy, do you?

I know I sound harsh, but seriously, I just can’t NOT be happy any more.  I have a short attention span these days when it comes to the pity parties.  And, the naysayers–well, fuhgeddabout it!  I won’t even allow naysayers to have a voice in my life, including my own internal naysayer(s).  I politely change the subject to something positive like the cute squirrels in my backyard or how I love my Ruby Retro Red lipstick by MAC.  If that doesn’t work, I may cover my ears and start singing a song of some kind.  Just don’t be offended.

I cracked up once when I heard Wayne Dyer lecture and say that he has an outgoing message on his personal phone about how he wants to be happy so he’d appreciate you leaving only positive messages for him.  It’s tongue-in-cheek humor by him and no, he’s not saying his happiness is the result of others being nice or polite.  It’s just a reminder to watch your energy output.

And, yes, I hear you object to my idea of being happy not only first before all else, but no matter what?  I know, you think I fell off my rocker.  I hear you mention hurricanes and other things going on “out there” in the world.  You wonder, “How can I be happy when there is so much suffering in the world?”  I put this back onto you…Do you think it helps the world and those in it to suffer right along with the suffering?  And, honestly, where are you getting this information about suffering?  If it’s from the popular mass media, check in to see if those “facts” are true and where the media is getting them from.  True, people suffer and die, but I don’t think it helps them for me to be unhappy.  If I am unhappy, will I be in the vibrational space to pray for them?  Will I attract money/funds to help others in need if I am unhappy?  Think about the energy output of unhappiness.  It’s not very pretty, is it?

I’m choosing to continue the path of happiness–who’s with me?

Blessings of love,

Lisa

You may have noticed that I’ve been absent from here for a while–over two months to be exact.  I kept my blog locked for a number of reasons, which I’ll get into later.

It is good to be back.  I’m not the type of gal that likes to dwell on the negative side of life, but I figured you may be interested in why I shut down my blog.  So, I want to be absolutely honest here.

To be absolutely honest, I just didn’t feel it any more here.  I felt a bit burned out and at times, demoralized from some of the negative comments I received.  You see, there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes when you have a blog.  You get to moderate things, so that is the positive part, but you get to read them too (unless, you have a Virtual Assistant or someone who does this for you). 

I can be a very sensitive gal at times and some of the comments were, in my own eyes, not very “nice.”  I know that I seem very rebellious or punk rock in my attitude or energy, but I do have a gentle, soft side too.  I’m human after all.  It’s only human to want people to be well, nice and loving [but, they are entitled to be however they want.  I'm deciding to no longer be affected by others' negativity or bad moods!].

I also just felt like hiding for a bit.  In hindsight, it feels like I did a big, bold thing a while back in putting my full name as the name of my blog.  I mean, anyone can Google or search for me on-line and find out a number of things about me.  What was I thinking?  I laugh at this now because I just see that I was just afraid of letting the real me out.

What’s the worse that can happen if I let the real me out?  This is a question that my life coach has posed to me with similar phrasing.  The question actually stopped me in my tracks.  I couldn’t think of one bad thing that could happen to me if I let the real me out of hiding again.

Well, actually, I did think of one bad thing.  It’s not really bad, but at the time it just felt that way.  It was similar to the old addage, “What will the neighbors think?”  Ha ha ha!  I crack up now because this lesson of worrying about what others think has been a biggie for me.  When I started to blog so publicly, I thought, “What if this causes problems in my life?”  I had sent out a postcard to get the lessons from the Self-Realization Fellowship–just for an application.  Then, fear struck me.  What if they Googled me (you never know, nuns and monks living in an ashram could have the Internet…ha ha ha!).  What if they didn’t like me?

This is just one example of things that were going through my head.  My ego was working overtime, you could say.  Now I just laugh.  I didn’t hear from the SRF as of yet, but oh well, not my stuff.  I know the information will come to me via other channels one day.

I also had this big thing weighing heavily on me.  Now, when you read this, please understand that what I’m about to share is very difficult for me, but yet, I feel I need to share it.  I just have to walk my talk by being real and well, being honest.  I have studied with different teachers along the way, like many of you probably have on your spiritual path.  I had this fear inside of me about posting something that may reflect badly on them.  It felt like I was this kid who was worried about getting into trouble for being “bad.” 

I don’t know where this came from, but it really weighed on my shoulders.  I mean, I am not your typical “Lightworker”–sorry, all the flowy skirts are at the dry cleaners…permanently.  I listen to Johnny Cash.  I sometimes drink a cafe Americano at Starbuck’s.  I’m into punk rock.  I am not a vegetarian any more.  I could go on, but you get it that I don’t fit the protype of a New Ager. 

This fear of getting into trouble was actually so ridiculous.  I mean, if a teacher is really worth their salt and has integrity, they are going to encourage you to be the real you.  There is no other way.  They also will challenge you to become a bigger person–not a better person, but the person you are meant to be, meaning all of your potential is fully expressed.

And, when some kind of fear comes up for me, I know it’s time to really examine myself.  It’s not about others.  It’s not about what is “out there.”  It’s about what’s inside of me.  Yep, time for honest self-reflection.  I decided to look at what this fear was really about in my life.  I realized it was the fear of showing up fully as the real me.  Ah, yes, that fear again!  You know, the one where you are starting the first day of high school and you’re all worried that you’ll have no friends?  It’s so similar for me, this fear.

The thing is, I’m 36 years old.  I just don’t have time to have high school-level fears any more.  I actually don’t have time for anyone or anything that isn’t loving.  I really don’t have time any more to ponder what others think about me–or to care.  I mean, this doesn’t mean I’m going to go around being rude or being a “b” to anyone because I don’t care what people think of me.  No, I still have an intention to be loving and do it while being myself, in my own special way.

It feels good to get all of this off my shoulders and to be honest.  I figure that I would have never been guided to start a blog if what I had to say wasn’t important or meaningful to at least one person.  And, even though there are times, I feel that I’m being watched or I’ll feel vulnerable in having such a public blog, oh well, it’s my issue.  I’m not worried any more what people think.  Heck, maybe I’ll re-open the comments feature again even!  So, feel free to comment back…just no Viagara ads or porn, please!

I can only be me.  That is all I can really do at the end of the day.  I can only do my best.  Yep, I’m a big fan of the book by Don Miguel Ruiz called The Four Agreements.  One of the agreements is to always do your best.  I don’t think it’s possible to do your best unless you are being the real you–’cause if you are not being authentic, you’re doing someone else’s best.  No thanks! 

I feel like I’m opening a new chapter in my life.  I am becoming more of me.  So many times with healing work and other self-development (or self-help, whichever term strikes your fancy), there is this idea of needing to give yourself a sort of extreme makeover.  You need to change and become someone or something else to be happy.  I think that is like putting the cart before the horse.  Nope, I’m going to be happy first, enjoy being me, and everything else in life will fall into place.  Sounds good to me!  It doesn’t mean that I slack off or don’t take action on my vision at all.  It just means that I live in a state of gratitude–or work on it daily.

So, thanks for reading.  I’m coming out of my shell.  Don’t say I didn’t warn ya!  Ha ha ha!

Namaste (yep, that cool yoga word…ha ha ha!),

Lisa

It was just the 4th of July weekend, so I am contemplating independence and what it means in my own life.  For me, freedom is being able to be me and to do things in my own special way.

That is all I need really in order to be happy.  I just need to be the real ME.  Recently, I have had this message right in my face.  I keep hearing and seeing things like, “Be the real you.”  I even saw a woman wearing a t-shirt that said, “Living Authentically.”  When I’ve recently done readings for myself, I’ve been drawing oracle cards that are about authenticity.  Okay, I get it!  I have work to do on myself!

I feel truly free and independent by being the real me.  It’s a nice feeling to wake up in the morning and look in the mirror when I’m living authentically versus under the rules or laws of someone else’s consciousness.  I think the true work for me in my own healing process has been undoing years of programming.  Spiritual teacher and author, James Arthur Ray talks about how we are all the product of someone else’s thinking.  Think about what this means for you. 

I don’t want to be someone else.  I was reading in Christine Kloser’s book, The Freedom Formula about how some people go into business and are trying to be someone else.  That hit me hard over the weekend.  (Great book, by the way!  Check it out!).  I thought of the ways in which I wasn’t being true to myself in my own business.  I’m the result of many teachings, teachers, and my own experiences.  I can’t be anyone else.  I can only be me.

So as I refine things, I’m going to share thoughts along the way to this journey back to myself–the authentic self that is me.

Authentically yours,

Lisa