Beach Tip of the Day: Some say seasons are missing at our Southern beaches. But really, they are just more subtle. As fall approaches – look for the changing of the birds – from skimmers to cormorans. Or the Monarch butterflies and hummingbirds, stopping by on their migration to even warmer areas. I love when the dragonflies begin to hover and dip everywhere. And lest we forget – the lovebugs. Tune in and enjoy.

I know that if I confidently – with both inner passion and peace – live my purpose, I manifest the Divine. And in manifesting the Divine I suddenly and magnificently have everything I could ever imagine and more. My purpose is as simple as supporting others with an open heart. It realizes itself in every aspect of my life. And only goes awry when I don’t remember to support myself first.

How many teachers need to come along with the same message until it speaks to us both as individuals and as a society? The “Virtues” applied in each moment can revolutionize the world.

1) Reverence for all Life
2) Natural Sincererity (being honest in who we are)
3) Gentleness
4) Service to Others

Finding my own personal tipping point in the moment by moment practice will create a universal tipping point filled with love and miracles. I know it must be done from the perspective of my inner source. Divine Love. I can move toward more moments of living the virtues by:

1) Being Quiet
2) Imagining
3) Assuming the feeling of my imaginination
4) Contemplating the imagined (especially before bed)
5) Living from the End

I must persist with my imagination until all of it feels natural. Refining and aligning until it breathes me. I have more and more moments when that happens – it is as though nothing else different could happen because my “imagined” just is.

When we follow the Virtues, we find our purpose. When we follow our purpose, we find the Virtues.

Tapping into this connects us with Universal Divinity, not pop culture. The pop spirituality message for the most part is based on love – as most religions. It is our ego’s desire for a “quick fix” that makes the messages less than effective. Living purposefully, living the Divinity within you – isn’t a quick fix – it is a moment by moment awareness that can be hard.

Be a host for God (Divinity), not a hostage to your ego.

Blessed Be.

So, should we honor our Divine Spirit. With simple welcome…

Beach tip of the day: Honor the beach life and beach people around you by picking up your garbage, coolers, beach chairs and tents. It is nature (not your backyard) and frankly, those of us who walk at sunset and sunrise don’t want to dodge your crap.

It is always funny how you can be reading or come in contact with seemingly unrelated ideas and have them gel in a life changing way.

The 80th verse of the Tao talks of a simple people who have a simple, nature filled life. They don’t need a lot of “stuff”, have a desire to travel or get involved with anyone else’s business. They just want to live simply and peacefully.

At the same time I am reading a Sonia Choquette book. One of her stories jumped out at me – being a hostess to your Spirit.

Daydreaming about all that I was reading and learning – a lot of new concepts since the Alaska cruise – I remembered staying at my Aunt Mary’s as a child. It was only for special occasions – because we lived close to each other and there was no need. Her house always smelled like her – peaceful, solid, homey, soft. And in the little back room – with the little couch – there was always a book to capture my imagination and a deck of well worn cards. It was a deck that as a child I was allowed to choose from a slew of decks used for their weekly bridge games. It had a pink kitten on the front, worn guilt edges and lived in a faded pink velvet box. It smelled like comfort and welcome. It was a simple gesture – yet, one that told me I was special and completely loved. (There were cookies too – but that is a different story.)

I realized that all of the grand gestures of welcome don’t matter as much as being comfortable with yourself and extending that outward in simple ways that honor another.

Why would that be any different for our Spirit? Our ego says – okay, fine – do it up right! Go to grand churches, have elaborate alters, learn all of the doctrine… but our Spirit doesn’t feel welcomed with ego and intellect. It feels welcomed by simple gestures of Spirit welcoming. A quiet moment when you breathe. The awe you feel watching an osprey fish. A small conversation filled with thank you.

I will strive to be a simple hostess to my Spirit and yours.

Blessed be…

Beach Tip: Be mindful of how sound travels around water. Everything is much louder than you think. Some people (and certainly the area critters) are trying to enjoy the peace of nature. Enjoy, but remember to dial it back a notch and enjoy the natural sounds and rhythms provided for you!

I am having trouble losing the 20-25lbs that has creeped up on me. I haven’t really had a huge lifestyle or diet change. And the weight has come on so gradually – I really didn’t notice. All of my life I have been skinny without thinking about it – a high metabolism. Okay, and high energy. For the first time I am actually actively trying to lose weight – not just be healthy. And it isn’t working.

Now, at the same time I believe in the abundance of the Universe. I believe all is provided for me. And that I attract what I think. Attention is intention. Yada, yada, yada.

So, I attacked this goal. I really started thinking about everything going in my body. I started walking on the beach as a part of all of this – not just because I love the beach. Bought a Wii fit and do the body test every day.

It is so not working. In fact, everything I put in my body now feels like a little failure. And watching my Mii blow up and the cartoon balance board declare me overweight – reminds me how far I have fallen. I walk by a mirror and say – yuck, what happened to you? Instead of reveling in a great steak, wine and fresh green beans – I feel like I should punish myself.

How do people live this way? No wonder we are an obese nation… and all on anti depressants. This sucks. I haven’t had so much negative self talk and loathing going on in my head in – okay, forever. How many times do I have to say to myself – “no excuses, you have no reason to be out of shape just work harder”. Only to follow it up with a little voice inside trying to counteract the negativity by saying – “it isn’t your fault, it is your thyroid, metabolism, age, hormones” (I pick one for that moment).

So, I am changing the way I am approaching this whole project. I am going to only focus on my thoughts and mindset. Replacing them with the thoughts and mindset of me – 20-25lbs lighter.

What would I be saying to myself at that point? “Wow, I love living here and being able to kayak and walk every day.” “I am so glad I started learning about how fresh food flavors go together and how simple pairings of tomatoes and basil work.” “I love how I look in this outfit.” “Thank heavens I still have my fabulous metabolism – it is true that thyroid problems don’t equal weight gain.”

I am going to live the life of that person. I certainly live my best life in other areas – why wouldn’t I apply it here?

I believe that society influences us in evil and insidious ways. This dieting/obesity ickiness is one. Now that I recognize it – it is out of my life!

Blessed be.

Beach tip of the Day: Oldie but goodie. Shuffle your feet when wading and you won’t step on sting rays.

I felt resentment towards my former mother-in-law this week. It was surprising because I thought I was “more evolved” than that. (I love how the Universe smacks you off your high horse – sometimes before you even know you climbed aboard.)

After all, I am out of the situation. I no longer feel the need to protect the man or the life I had. He can take care of himself. And I have now chosen the life of my dreams.

I understand that she lives her life out of fear and scarcity. That society, the depression and religion taught her both. That she is old and has lived all her life this way – it has served her well in her own mind. That I should be empathetic of her situation. Her husband is gone mentally yet the shell is there. That she is alone for the first time. Yada, yada…

Normally – I am fine with all of that. And then, an overwhelming feeling of resentment slammed me. But this time, I stopped. I voiced it and breathed. And sat with it – letting curiousity roll around with it in the back of my head.

And I found myself.

Scary stuff. That feeling was not about her, it was about me.

I choose to live knowing I am a beloved child of the Universe – I am she and she is me. I choose to believe that the right things/people come into your life just as you need them. I choose abundance and love.

But I realized that I am worried that somehow I could “slip and fall” into fear and scarcity. And that just by having that thought – I confirm it. That if I don’t work hard or do everything right – abundance and love will abandon me. All because I don’t deserve it. So, in that moment of resentment – I resented the societal beliefs inside me that can still crop up and challenge me.

It wasn’t about her at all. It was that I too can be manipulative and self centered. I probably always will have those moments. Hopefully I will limit them and temper them with kindness and awareness – but it still scared the crap out of me that I saw her in me.

And so, I stopped and loved that part of myself. Understanding that we all have a “survival” mode and it crops up in odd ways. That I choose the behavior and beliefs that deal with it.

I choose the abundance and love of an interconnected Universe. I choose to baby and love that part of me and know that no matter how I react – that non judgemental abundance and love will never change.

And so, that tiny bit of resentment awareness has reminded me of everything good.

Blessed be…

Beach tip of the day: Instead of bringing the usual cases of bottled water on your beach vacation, try an earth friendly alternative. Bring a water filter pitcher, gallon milk jugs and some cheap reusable water bottles. Decorate the water bottles with permanent marker – put names, drawings or nicknames on each. Everyone can choose a favorite and “own” it! Bring out the jugs in the cooler… instead of the individual plastic bottles and refill as needed. Easy!

My life has changed drastically over the past few months. And yet if you looked at the surface – you wouldn’t see much change at all. I still live the same, work the same and enjoy the same things.

But because I have let go of the thinking that things HAVE to be a certain way, new (and old) things have opened for me.

First, it is just easier to think – things are as they should be. Takes a hell of a lot of stress and angst out of my daily life. Not that I don’t choose to live a certain way or know what I like and don’t like – but I feel more open to letting things be.

Second, relationships have become fun and happy things. I have weeded out those who don’t respect or bring value into my life, instead of struggling to “make it work”. I am revisiting old ones that I had ditched but did work in some ways with a different attitude. And finding miracles. Following my peaceful core, understanding that everyone is not only in the right place for them – but if I choose them for my life – I must respect where they are.

Finally, I truly honor and respect where I am – and have allow Universal flow into my life. I guess because I feel strong in my connections and trust – I no longer have to make it all happen. I choose. But I am finding myself choosing by checking into the me that is connected with the Universe – then opening up if there are no conflicts.

I know my awareness will ebb and flow. But now I am trying to build in “check in” moments to remind myself that I want to live from my heart – not my ego.

Blessed be…

Beach tip of the day: Take the time to watch the rhythm of the different shorebirds walk. Stately herons, darting sanderlings, determined willets, goofy seagulls. All will make you smile!

My feelings were hurt yesterday. And all I could think of is why? Why would someone do that if they profess to care for me? I was filled with righteous indignation for about a minute, red hot fury for 30 seconds and finally the knowing that I chose this. And that really stunk – I liked the righteous fury better…

I realized that I have allowed the poor behavior and even though I have stood up for myself several times – nothing changed at the core. And I allowed it by choosing to have a relationship with this person.

I determine how people treat me. I choose who I want in my life. And I can walk away from those who don’t honor me. Just as they can do the same thing.

And even if it is a person who is tied to you for life – family, an ex, etc. You can choose to walk away mentally and shield yourself.

I take responsibility for my hurt feelings. Sure, the action wasn’t cool or kind. But I stuck around for it.

Walk away and know that you have honored the Universe. (It will also make you happier!)

Blessed be

Beach tip of the day: Walk the beach at the same time daily. You will realize how it changes dramatically each day. The weather, surf, tides and animal life vary in a surprising way, constantly delighting in its newness. Enjoy the same and different!

My soul is settling. It told me so this morning. I was startled because it was a whisper from inside so loud I looked around. I have been “nesting” within for a while now. Putting thoughts and feelings in order. Making choices that bring peace, passion and purpose. I am not finished, but today I knew that I have come a long way. I know my dharma and am acting on that knowledge. I stand up for myself in a strong, centered way – with conviction and (hopefully) kindness. I no longer feel the need to go anywhere but within to make these choices.

And so, I got an “atta girl” from within this morning. A peaceful settling that lets me know I am enjoying the space that is me. A deep down sigh of content. A snuggling of my soul – like when my physical body enjoys a rainy afternoon with a good book, cup of tea and soft afghan.

I know this is a plateau for me. A breather on the long journey. I savor this moment and yet, I am excited about the next surprise in store for me.

I love it when a plan comes together!

Blessed be

Beach tip of the day: If you can hear thunder, get off the beach. Don’t wait until you see lightening.

I realized this morning that I no longer balk and hide my inner freak. Instead, I am reveling in her. I used to think I needed to live a suburban mom life or my children would be scarred. Not learning how to become happy productive adults. What a bunch of hooey. I taught them fear and conformity instead.

I have been filled with longing to find someone to share my life with – a.b. (after Bob). Now, through a series of small wake up calls I have realized that it isn’t what I am suppose to be focused on. That isn’t my dharma. It is pressure from society and fear of being alone. Both are old leftover thoughts that I don’t believe.

But, my inner freak knew the right thing. Without conscious thought I developed my living arrangement just for me. It has no room for a full time man. No room in the closet, no room in my bathroom, no room in my nuturing soul. Doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy men – or love them. Just means that I have arranged my house so they are only guests. At least for now.

My inner freak seems to know just what I need at this moment – what the Universe is asking of me.

So, I find myself listening and getting more and more excited about work and my life. Being in the now. Not needing to angst, worry or rage against the machine. It is odd but the more I embrace the little critter – the more peaceful I get.

A clear sign that my inner freak is in tune with the Universe and for the moment – so am I. I am incredibly grateful.

Blessed be…

Beach Tip of the Day: Obey the warning flags.

beach safety warning flags

The right people come into my life exactly at the right time. I believe that the Universe is caring for me – so this isn’t a stretch. I read a book recently that said when you change, people fall by the wayside. That your “elevator is empty”. But soon, you attract people that are just what you need.

It is happening. More and more I am running into people who are spiritual, who “get” me.

I also am finding that as I concentrate on career options – doors are opening. It isn’t easy or exactly right, but it is interesting and a challenge.

I think that is better!

Blessed be.

Beach tip of the day: Want the best floatie for the beach? Swimways Recliner Float. Many have been tested by us – these hold up and are super comfortable. You can find them at the mass retailers.

I woke up this Sunday morning at 6:15 to the sounds of excited young boy cries. Laying there for a moment, I thought how fun to be that excited at the beginning of the day.

I wandered out with the dogs to find three boys (ranging from 6-11 years old) crawling on seawalls, leaning precariously low over the dock and wading in the boat launch area. Each one making their own discoveries and yelling to share with the others. It was such a happy sound. (Although, others who like to sleep in on Sunday mornings may not have thought so.)

When I asked what they had found – one proudly showed me a “hermit” and said he was hunting “hermits”. Another had found a school of minnows – and was fascinated with how they moved together. And the other was going between the two, too busy to be bothered by an adult.

It reminded me that right outside my door I can find the excitement, awe and enthusiasm of small discoveries. Every day, every moment.

Life is so good.

Blessed be….