INSPIRATION IS CONTAGIOUS...PASS IT ON

A gift for you in this FREE NLP guided imagery

2011-10-15T12:58:00.000-07:00

Click here to download COMING HOME: Embracing Your Own Creative Power ~ Free NLP Guided Imagery

LISTEN, RELAX, LET GO AND GROW...

PRACTICING CREATIVITY is the art of acknowledging what CAN BE through expanded AWARENESS in the process.

Through
relaxation your mind becomes open, thus allowing you to easily let go
of the blocks that have been standing in the way of consciously
connecting with this pure Creative Spirit within you. Through the use
of NLP during this deep state of relaxation you can gently and
effectively clear the way for this pure creative energy to flow freely
through you into all aspects of your life with grace and ease. Weaving
Its essence and transformational energy through each and every moment
of your existence, pure creativity will enhance all of your experiences
in the most wonderful ways, allowing the BEST to BE.

BREAKING DOWN KAIZEN

2009-05-25T11:04:00.001-07:00

I have recently come to realize the enormous significance of habits in my daily life and how they have been affecting me. It seems that, on any given day, I am either stuck in one unconsciously, or striving to create a new and improved one, or attempting to break free from an old one that I find is no longer serving me. I have found that even the way I think is a habit. What I place my attention on, or for that matter what I do automatically with no attention paid to it whatsoever, my actions, my reactions... good, bad or indifferent, it’s all habit. Even trying something new, breaking free and seeing true is an ongoing attempt at creating the habit of conscious awareness.

Old recordings, new experiences, neural pathways flooded with sparks of energy, thought and idea... wouldn’t it be wonderful if all of our habits were healthy, productive and leading us along the path to our highest potential? So why aren’t they?

Fear!

We’re afraid to leave the safety of what we know, what we’re used to. We do want to change, to improve, but how? We may start off the year with all of these wonderful resolutions, but in short order most, if not all of them, pass away and eventually we fall back into our old ruts. Why? Because it’s comfortable. Our brains are programmed for it. The question is... is there a way that we can change this? Can we change our programming? I honestly believe the answer is yes. And I believe that I have found a way to do this.

In the Kaizen philosophy (pronounced Keye zen) it has been proven that small steps - often ridiculously small steps taken in a steady and progressive manner - can actually bypass the fear center in the brain (Amygdala) allowing us to move into the direction of our choosing. The steps may be small but they can definitely produce wonderful, significant results by building momentum which leads to more steps.

Asking small questions, thinking small thoughts, taking small actions, solving small problems, giving yourself small rewards, and identifying small moments all combined with the occasional burst of innovation now and then when the time is right, can actually produce amazing results. They say that it takes 28 days to instill a new habit. Most of us, me included, cannot stretch our willpower to fight the fear and discomfort of radical change for that long. And that’s why we give up. But if we take a different approach and become gentler with ourselves... taking one small step at a time, keeping the process easy and comfortable, and taking care to avoid waking the fear center, it is guaranteed that the results will be well worth it.

In closing I would like to recommend two books that I have found incredibly helpful:

One small step can change your life by Robert Maurer, Ph.D. and The Nine Modern Day Muses (and a Bodyguard) by Jill Badonsky, M.Ed.

These books have helped me immensely and I’m sure that they could help anyone who would like to create happier, healthier, more productive habits in their life.

Till the next time
All the best you you, always
~Pam

THE ART OF SPIRITUAL PAINTING

2009-05-21T10:48:00.000-07:00

The Muse has been working overtime!

So many times I've heard people say that they'd love to take my workshop, The Art of Spiritual Painting. But for the most part the problem has been distance... I have traveled in the past with the workshop but found this to be quite the feat. I just knew there had to be a better way.

Like I keep saying... if it's right, there's always a way... ALWAYS!
In this case there definitely is!

So here we go...

This morning I was inspired to begin the process of bringing the ART OF SPIRITUAL PAINTING workshop to the web in the form of an e-course...

video instruction,
great music to paint with... catch the wave, grab the feeling,
guided imagery & focused meditations to get you into the flow,
powerful exercises to expand your awareness... opening your heart and mind to connect you with Spirit,
plus follow up coaching support to boot!

Now I've just got to figure out the details. Thankfully I'm always up for a challenge!

Any thoughts, ideas or for more info...

Come on by and drop me a line at

http://kaizeninspiredlife.com/CONTACT.html

I'd love to hear from you!

THINGS ARE MOVING ALONG...

2009-04-08T12:15:00.000-07:00

I am so happy to say that both practicum spots have been filled and one of my early client spots has also been spoken for.
I am also happy to say that there are still 11 more early client positions that are still available.

11...I love that number...Two ones together....Quite symbolic if you think about it. I think perhaps that the other reason why I like it could be because it is also the day I was born

Anyhow, back on track here...Things are definitely moving along. I am so very grateful for this.

What an incredible blessing it is when a new path opens up...changes begin to take place and everything begins to fall into place.

IT IS ABSOLUTELY MAGICAL!

Like the way that I fell into this course in the first place. I really did not know that anything like this existed until just a couple of weeks before the first day of class.

Synchronicity definitely had a hand in bringing me here.
And now I can also see that it did not just happen overnight.

The truth is that since the launch of my website and sharing my art through this means I have been contacted over and over again by people from so many different areas in the world...all asking for the same kind of stuff that this coaching is made up of. I have responded to them all and have enjoyed every single minute of these interactions. I have also made some good friends along the way. What a blessing and what an incredible thing it is to be able to share in this way.

While I was thinking about this one night it came to me that this “new” path has actually been under construction for quite some time...in fact it was under construction even before the website began. The truth is that I have been doing what I am now training to do for quite some time now. Who knew?

Such a wonderful realization to look back and see the puzzle pieces that have fallen into place when at the time I had no conscious awareness of what was really happening.

Something to be said for "going with the flow"

But in going with this flow it is easy to forget how far we have come. Sometimes we just take it for granted and do not realize the incredible progress that we have made.

This being said, I must also admit that there is great worth in looking back while we are in the midst of the flow...not to lament past mistakes or to long for the days gone by...but simply to see where we are now in relation to where we have been.

It is a trip worth taking from time to time that can actually bring more clarity and focus into the present moment.

I have recently taken this trip down memory lane and because of this I know without a doubt that I AM definitely on the right path in my current endeavor...in fact it seems now that I have been “on track” in each and every endeavor that I’ve undertaken to this point whether I’ve succeeded in them or not.

This path I can see has been paved with the stones of my experience...good and bad. At the very base it has given me huge compassion for anyone in struggle, change, transition...

I can now see that in this coaching endeavor I am absolutely meant to specialize in the area of transition…this does not necessarily mean huge transition for everyone but transition nevertheless.

I believe that all of my experiences have led me to this position where I can walk with others on their own path of transition.
The truth is that I have MUCH experience in this area personally. Some of the transitions I have passed through in the past 15 years have been:

~ The torment of struggling with infertility and then miraculously giving birth to three amazing children.

~ Job changes, career changes and never feeling as though I had hit the mark, that is until now.

~ Household changes, many moves, shifting dynamics in my closest relationships.

~ The miraculous discovery of paint, art, and expression.

~ Observing the hideous journey of one living with ALS

~ The passing of my mentor, dear friend and Mother in law because of this disease

~ The passing of my Dad after a 3 year battle with esophageal cancer.

~ More changing dynamics in relationships with family and friends.

~ The sickening fear of breast cancer and eventually finding out that I am ok.

~ The separation of my marriage.

~ Living life as a single mother of three

The list goes on...There is so much more that I could add but I am pretty sure this is enough to illustrate what I’m talking about.

The one solid blessing throughout all of this... the happiness and grief, joy and terror... the one thing I know that has kept me afloat... has been the creative flow and not just in painting but through life in general.

The realization of this blessing has shown me that I have a gift to share in compassionate understanding of how difficult transition can be. But at the same time knowing without a doubt that there is a way to get through it all and come out on the other side a better person.

The key to this I know is creativity.

When we break through the blocks that are holding us back and use our own creative spirit for all its worth everything is just a little bit better…in fact sometimes a lot better.

I KNOW that this spirit lives in each of us. It brings life to our beings...

It is life...CREATION.

I also know that the more we can get in touch with this part of ourselves the more that we are able to live in harmony and find peace and happiness in the moment within our own lives no matter what may be happening at the time.

Anyhow...Those are my thoughts for the day. Thank you so much for reading and for sharing this journey with me.

Hoping that you are doing well and that the creative spirit is flowing freely in your life...

All my very best to you always,
Pam

A WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY

2009-03-30T20:41:00.000-07:00

So much FUN...

So deeply and genuinely LIFE ENHANCING

With so much GRATITUDE I have to share...

How time flies. It seems only yesterday that I bought my beautiful potted tulips in celebration before I embarked on my journey of becoming a certified creativity coach and now here it is nearing conclusion. With only five weeks remaining in the course, the time has come to arrange for my practicum.

Because of this I now find myself in the wonderful position to share what I've learned. This being said...I am very excited for the opportunity to offer you something special!

The first two people who respond will receive:

A package of 4 Kaizen-Muse creative coaching sessions via telephone with me.
This also includes a minimum of 4 follow up emails with tips and suggestions that can help you take those precious steps toward your dreams.
On top of that I will also be sending you a special surprise. But I'm not going to tell you what that surprise will be...because then it wouldn't be a surprise, would it?... Intrigued?
All of this for only $85.00.*
(This is 75% savings off the regular $340.00 value.)

This discount will go to the first two people who respond to my offer.

However, being that I am still new to this particular style of coaching and am looking to dive right in and share all that it has to offer I am also presenting to the following 12 people who respond, the same special package at a reduced rate of $120.00 (65% off the regular price)**

*Practice client telephone sessions will be taped and passed on to my instructor for feedback. All follow up emails will be cc’d to my instructor as well, for the same reason. Rest assured your sessions will remain confidential between you, me and my instructor. No one else will have access to the calls or email correspondence.

**The following 12 discount packages that I am offering will not have to be taped and all information will remain confidential between you and me.

The following is a little of what I have to offer through creativity coaching…

~KAIZEN INSPIRED LIFE~

It's not what you'd expect!!!

Kaizen-Muse creativity coaching honors the non-linear process of creativity. It works well with people who are new to coaching as well as with those who have been turned off by goal oriented life coaching in the past. It is a completely different approach.

It's FUN

Coaching creatively

Emphasis is placed on the pure enjoyment of the process allowing for unlimited possibility in the product.

KMCC is a gentle, nurturing experience, and fully takes into consideration the rebellious nature of the creative spirit within all of us.

The process is geared toward all areas of life!

Although it is highly beneficial for those pursuing a specific creative venture and for those wishing to re-visit an old hobby or passion, and for those who wish to pursue a new creative outlet,

It is definitely not limited to the arts.

The truth is that each and every human being is creative...each in our own unique way.

Painting, Gardening, Cooking, Music, Business, Writing, Pottery, Playfully enjoying Life...the list is endless!

What is your way?

Throughout the coaching, focus is placed on: Awareness, Tools and Education, all within the spirit of playful discovery. Emphasis is placed on continual growth!

Simply stated, Kaizen-Muse Creativity coaching sessions are

EFFECTIVE but they are also FUN!

Blocks are met and overcome through a gentle approach of compassion, play and awareness building activities.

Through the coaching process, hidden blocks are also unearthed and managed in the same effective way.

You will gain wonderful new tools that you can use in both your specific creative pursuit and in your life as a whole. Because…

When it comes right down to it...
Your life IS your ultimate creation!

The Kaizen practice of asking small questions, thinking small thoughts, taking small actions, solving small problems, giving yourself small rewards, and identifying small moments is an integral component that is utilized throughout the process. This effectively helps to bypass fear and encourages continuous, steady growth.

All coaching packages include specialized guided imagery sessions which are tailored specifically for you. These sessions may be taped for you to use whenever you’d like.

Joy in the process
Awareness in the moment

ONE STEP CLOSER TO
LIVING THE LIFE OF YOUR DREAMS

Please contact me at Kaizen Inspired Life

to begin your journey of discovery

DISCOVERING INSPIRATION WHILE YOU SLEEP

2009-03-27T08:49:00.000-07:00

In the beginning of the year 2000 I began a study of my dreams. Along with meditative contemplation, painting and writing, this exercise has proven to be a very powerful, inspiring spiritual exercise and has affected my life profoundly in more ways than I can possibly mention here.

Recently I decided to re-read some of the entries from my dream journal that I wrote a few years ago. I was amazed at what I found. The amount of inspiration present in the pages was incredible. As I read, I also became aware of a variety of other things that were equally as intriguing; revelations had been made, lessons had been learned, and I might add, in a far easier fashion than they would have been out here in the “real world.” Discoveries about myself and about my life had also been made and to my astonishment I realized that an incredible amount of prophecy had presented itself to me through my dreams. I have to admit that I was not fully aware of the profound nature of this information until the act of re-reading. What a wonderful discovery!

The potency and power of these recollections seemed almost eerie to me. I was amazed at how, in retrospect, the sequence of these dreams seemed to have been arranged in such a perfect order. It was like seeing puzzle pieces falling into place, creating a larger picture that I could now look at and appreciate with a grateful heart and soul. I also realized as I re-read these dream pages, I was able to view them in a far more detached and nonjudgmental way. This caused me to wonder if perhaps this is what it will be like when I pass on to the next world. Looking back at my life lived, will I see all of the events from this existence fitting together in a very exacting, functional and perfect order? Hmmm….....But that’s another topic all together.

You cannot completely preplan dreams. Although you can prepare yourself for them, they happen in the way they are meant to. And from my experience, I can see that they happen in a particular way for a particular reason. They are, in fact, another key that can help us to open the door to pure inspiration.

I can hear some people right now saying loud and clear,

“I don’t dream.” Or,

“I can never remember my dreams.”

Please don’t be too quick to say this. The fact is, at some point during sleep we all dream. I do agree that it can be very difficult to remember. But with practice, patience, persistence and preparation over time the quality and quantity of memories can and will improve dramatically. There is no doubt in my mind about this because I have experienced it first hand.

So how do you start a study of your dreams?

This is very easy but does require a certain amount of dedication and self discipline. With a committed effort of at least one month to this process, I have no doubt that you will begin to see a significant change in the vividness and quality of your dream recollections.
I assure you that it is not difficult to do.
And with the right outlook, I have found that it can also be a very pleasant way to start your day.

The first thing that I must say is this:

PLEASE DO NOT RUN OUT AND BUY A DREAM SYMBOL DICTIONARY!

When it comes to dream symbols...One size does not fit all. The symbols in our dreams are very personal and after time and careful consideration you can and will create your own dream dictionary with symbols and meanings that are perfectly suited to you alone.

What you can get for yourself is a special notebook and a pencil or pen to record your dream discoveries upon waking. It doesn’t need to be anything fancy, unless of course you want it to be. You can even use loose pieces of paper if you’d like. However, in my experience, I have found that a notebook makes it far easier to keep everything in one place, and well ordered. This will allow you to access and refer to specific entries with ease.

Keep this notebook and pen or pencil close to where you sleep and in one place at all times. This way you will not need to go searching for it when you wake. Searching for something is enough of a distraction to cause the dream to slip from your memory. Be sure to keep it somewhere handy…THE SAME PLACE AT ALL TIMES.

Time to dream:

Before you go to sleep make a conscious decision that
YOU WILL REMEMBER SOME OF WHAT YOU DREAM.

Repeat this to yourself at least once or twice before you fall asleep (The more times, the better... really let it sink in). In doing this it will strengthen the idea within your subconscious mind and help you to remember your intention upon waking. Then, when you feel ready, simply let the thought go and fall asleep as usual.

The trick to remembering your dreams is to quickly catch them in the net of your conscious mind AS SOON AS YOU WAKE. For some people this comes easily, but for others it is a little more difficult and may take numerous attempts, thus the commitment of at least one month's practice.
Think about these dream memories for a few moments before you rise.

REMEMBER THEM.

Solidify them in your mind, then get up and immediately write those memories down, in point form only (otherwise you might find yourself writing a book every morning – I did this for a while but found it to be quite tiresome) write down any details that happen to stick out in your mind.

Where do you think you were: Indoors or out? Were you with other people: who were they or what did they look like? What was the atmosphere like? What was happening to you and to those around you? How did you feel? Write down anything that appears to be an important detail and everything that shines like a beacon in your memory.

Occasionally I find that all I am able to recall is the FEELING I am left with when I wake. No other details or conscious memories of events are present. THIS IS OK TOO. WRITE IT DOWN. If you do this every time that you wake from a sleep, before you know it you will discover that you are dreaming in far greater detail and you are remembering these details with greater ease.

Date each entry with the day, month and year. You will find this to be of great importance when you go back to re-read your dreams later on.

Finally, once you have written all that you can recall , contemplate for a moment what you think this dream might be trying to tell you.

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT DREAMS ARE SYMBOLIC!!!

This is vitally important. DO NOT TAKE THINGS LITERALLY. Look at the SYMBOLS that have presented themselves to you and decide what these symbols might mean to you. Also remember that the people you meet in your dream state do not always represent those same people in the waking world. Sometimes, in fact usually, they may actually be showing you a side or quality of YOURELF. Be sure to take notice of this.

When deciphering your symbols, think with all parts of yourself...body, mind and spirit.
Pay attention to what your body energy is telling you...
Go with your intuition...
gut feelings are important here.
If you see a tree…what does that say to you…quickly…what does it mean: family, earth, life, comfort, nourishment or?
Write down all answers that come to you and then while re-reading your answers, notice how each one makes you feel, inside and out.

To illustrate this idea, I will give you a couple of my own dream symbols and meanings. Please remember that they may not mean the same thing to you.

I have found that:

A CAR = MY PHYSICAL BODY It is my vehicle in this world
Is it well tuned and shining or broken and in need of repair?
Where is it going and how?
Who is driving it?
These are important things for me to note when I receive a car in my dreams.

RAIN = A CLEANSING, RENEWAL OR CHANGE
Change is occurring or about to occur which will help me to learn, grow and relieve myself of some hardship or challenge that I may be facing.

Another type of dream that I have experienced is what I call a “PURE LEARNING DREAM.” I have actually experienced inner art lessons in the dream state, where I have been engaged in discovering or learning new techniques while my physical body sleeps. These techniques have then transferred into my waking life...I can do things that I could not do before the dream...it's magical!

There have also been many times when I have had a problem with no solution in sight. I take these challenges to my dreams.
I ask myself before sleep, what the solution may be...what is my next step? And then I assure myself that by morning I will have an answer.
Sure enough, more often than not, I do wake up with the answer or at least I have found a direction to follow that eventually leads me to the place or experience where I do find the solution.
Sometimes, I must admit, that this technique takes persistence and I must repeat the statement to myself numerous nights in a row, but eventually I find that the answer does come through in one way or another. It comes when the time is right...when I’m ready.

As I said earlier, there is much to gain by studying our dreams. It does take dedication, patience and time, but I assure you that if you put forth the small effort that it takes, the results can be truly inspiring.

All the best to you always, day or night...
~Pam

"It was so real!" You say as you wake from your dream, placing your feet on the solid floor beside your bed. Your mind racing through the intricate details of the experience. "It felt so real!"..."But I guess it was only a dream."...Or was it? Could you see it? Could you hear it? Could you feel it? What exactly did you experience? How real did it feel? As "Real" as this moment you are experiencing right now? What in fact is reality? An experience?...
Ponder that for a moment.

“Conscious Dream”

DISCOVER THE ESSENCE OF MAGIC IN THE ORDINARY

2009-02-28T14:05:00.001-08:00

"To see a world in a grain of sand
and a heaven in a wild flower,
hold infinity in the palm of your hand
and eternity in an hour."

~ William Blake

What images do you see when you read these words?
How deeply do these images touch you?
Can you hear the deeper meaning resonating within your being?
What does that sound like to you?
What sensations or memories does all of this stir up inside of you?

For me, each time this quote crosses my path shivers instantly begin to run up my spine propelling me into a magical state of wordless understanding. I immediately recognize the awareness Blake speaks of; the depth of life that goes far beyond the physical senses where time and space cease to exist, pure connection, pure being; the essence of all that is.
Microcosm emerges with macrocosm. Energy is visible. Light emerges, streaming through the void between particles. Thought or thing, I’m not really sure. Experience…absolutely! This picture I am attempting to paint with words is a vague watered down version of the actual sight that I see. I cannot describe it any better than this. The experience is also audible although again I cannot begin to describe the sound that I am hearing. There are words on the tip of my tongue although I sense that these words are inadequate and could never truly describe the sound I am hearing so there they remain on my tongue. Maybe one day I will be able to express them. Although, most likely not.

At some point in our lives, if only for a flash in time, we have all sensed this golden thread of energy that connects, nourishes and animates all life. However we each experience it in our own unique way. Another word for this experience, for this incredible sensation is AWE. It is an Awe filled moment, an experience that is far beyond words, in fact it is beyond expression by any means. Although we attempt to convey it in a physical sense through words, sound, movement, or images…nothing can quite portray the experience accurately. Although, what our attempts can do is to create a catalyst that helps us and others to return to this feeling of connection. That is what this quote is to me…a catalyst… a very powerful and effective one.

Now, right now, only now…and again now!

Can you remember the moments when somewhere deep inside you heard yourself say “I GET IT!” You were there! For that split second you knew…you understood!!! Even if though those moments usually come in a flash and disappears just as quickly…these are the moments that bring pure joy, magic and intense meaning to our lives! They are the source of pure creativity.

How about now…Can you feel it? Does any of this bring something back for you? Do you remember that incredible feeling of connection? That feeling of Awe? It may not be the same as my experience but I’ll bet it was just as intense. Right now as I write these words I can feel the electricity of those experiences coursing through me remembering those flashes of insight as I write these words.

How about you?
Is there a way that you can you bring this feeling back to you?
Would you like to?
Of course you would!
Who wouldn’t?!

The good news is that there is a way to do this…really there is! And when you get really good at it, you can do it at will!!! How about that?! But to get to this place it takes practice. Just like anything, the more we do it, the easier it is to do.

As for me, I would love to immerse myself in this feeling 24/7/365 but of course I’m not there yet. Yet…is the operative word here. Is it possible? You know, I’m not really sure, but I’m most definitely assuming that it is and I’m certainly going to keep moving in that direction. The thing is that I choose to believe that it is possible. Do I expect myself to be there right now? No I don’t, but the truth is that I used to. This brought nothing but grief and disappointment. Thankfully I have finally realized that this wanting, striving and self berating when I couldn’t get there was actually pushing the experience away from me or vice versa. I discovered that it wasn’t in searching for the feeling that would bring it to me but in finding the catalyst that worked for me, then letting go and relaxing into the feeling when I felt it begin to emerge.

At least once per day I consciously put myself into the place where I can open up to receiving the experience of connection and awareness.
Opening up rather than looking for.
These really are two different things.
And one more thing to note here...no two experiences are ever the same even within the same person!

There are many different ways to achieve this state of “opening up” and one size definitely does not fit all. In fact often throughout the course of the day, many different approaches can be taken. What worked a minute ago may not be working now. Time to move on.

One thing I have found that works for me is to look at something ordinary through the eyes of my inner child. I completely and totally immerse myself in that one thing; whatever it may be. Then I call upon my curious “why” mind…the mind of that inner child. It’s very easy as an adult to fall into the rut of accepting the obvious answer for something. Our minds are so full of information on pretty well every subject imaginable. Why do we need to look any further when it’s so obvious? But is it really? The truth is that much of this information that has been fed to us by others over the course of our lives is sadly too often not true at all. Still, we blindly accept this information anyway. Why wouldn’t we? Everyone else does. But if we think about it…whose truth is it really? And is it as true today as it was yesterday? Have you ever believed that the world is flat?

Personally I find there are times when it feels as though my mind is a sponge that is completely saturated and I feel as though it could not possibly hold one more drop of information, stimulus, nothing…another word from anyone, including myself and I might just explode.
KABOOM…TO THE MOON!!!
Times like these I feel myself buckling up, bracing myself against the world, against searching, against information, against everything. Body, mind and spirit I can feel myself tightening up. What a horrible feeling. So why do I do it? I guess that I just forget not to.

Actually it is exactly those times when the catalyst is what I need the most, not the brace. When I can remember this and manage to loosen the belt of control on my rational mind everything begins to feel better. “Rational” thoughts are released for a moment allowing myself the freedom to momentarily wipe the slate clean and with pure intention I am able to ask the powers that be, whatever it is that they be, “Why?”
More often than not, the simple act of asking why is exactly the catalyst that I need to bring the experience of connection and awe to me. A bonus to this is that all of a sudden the inner turmoil dissipates into the nothingness where it belongs. I can see again! The trick is to remember to do this.

This has become a mission for me…finding external ways to remind myself when internally my life is in turmoil. I am in the process of gathering a collection of catalysts to use at will when I need them the most. Here are a few things that I’ve come up with:

Cards I’ve made with quotations that I’ve written down. I place them here and there throughout the house; on the wall, in the cupboard, in the drawers, where ever…places where I can bump into them and connect with them throughout the day.

Brightly colored pictures that spark my attention hang on the walls; my paintings, my children's drawings...anything that brings energy.

I change the picture on my desktop when the spirit moves me to do so as well...anything to grab my attention.

I have also written one large note on the chalkboard in my kitchen that simply states…
SEEK THE MAGIC IN THE ORDINARY!

Another thing that I did after my shower a couple of days ago was this: I wrote the word BREATHE in the steam on the mirror. It felt like such a rebel thing to do. No fingers on the mirror... right? I did it anyway. Well, today after my morning shower…there it was again in the steam on the mirror…”Breathe” This isn’t magic…we all know how it works, but it sure feels magical. And while reading it I actually did remember to breathe! CONSCIOUSLY! Deep, thoughtful cleansing breaths are another great way to bring us into the present moment where inspiration exists. Just a simple act, but it sure makes a big difference.

The thing is that if we can consciously place our attention on the little things throughout the day bringing awareness into our lives one moment at a time it is possible to enjoy and participate in that wonderful magical joy of living in the NOW…
Go ahead...

“hold infinity in the palm of your hand
and eternity in an hour.”

Eternity
P.A.Ellis Vision Art

CHANGE + AWARENESS = INSPIRATION

2007-07-18T13:32:00.000-07:00

After the long cold dark winter, how good does it feel to throw open the windows, let the light shine in and experience the sweetness of the warm spring breeze as it flows through your home?

Change + Awareness = Inspiration!!!

How often do we get stuck in a routine? We do the same things day after day after day. Life becomes extremely predictable. It may not be boring as such, because we are still very busy. But where is the inspiration? Where is the zest? Living like this is not such a terrible thing. It just is what it is. But in my opinion, life could be so much more!

When is the last time you flew out of bed in the morning, thinking,” I can’t wait to start this day?” Do you remember? I asked myself this very question recently. To be perfectly honest, I had a hard time remembering when it happened last and what the occasion was. But what I do remember is that the only time I really feel this way is when something is going to happen that is out of the ordinary. CHANGE!

Personally, I have a love / hate relationship with change. I love it. I thrive on it. I crave it. But at the same time I find that it can also be unnerving and stressful…walking into the land of the unknown.

Just that phrase alone…WALKING INTO THE LAND OF THE UNKNOWN. Doesn’t that sound exciting? I think so. It sends chills up my arms. But at the same time I can’t help but feel a little tightening of fear in my stomach as well. It takes courage to change, to try something different. But I find that in most cases, when I finally do manage to gather up the strength and courage to face that fear and try something new, the experience brings a new quality to my life. I actually feel ALIVE!

Change doesn’t have to be huge to have an effect on our lives. Even the smallest things can make a difference. What are you going to make for dinner? The regular meat and potatoes or how about dusting off that old cookbook that’s been shoved to the back of the cupboard and try something new? How about taking a different route to work? How about just taking a drive somewhere new, just to explore? I can hear some people saying, “Are you nuts? With the price of gas the way it is?” Fine, then don’t drive, take a walk…someplace new. Go in a different direction. See something NEW! It is amazing how alert and aware we are when we are encountering a new experience, exploring new territory. We can’t just cruise though it like we do with our regular routines. We have to pay attention.

I remember my Grandpa had a saying, “Take care of your pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves.” This may seem completely irrelevant to the topic here but the theory behind it can apply to experience and change as well. If we take the initiative to expose ourselves to new things on a regular basis, just little things, simple things, then after a while we will begin to notice that our entire lives begin to change in many wonderful ways. And the next time someone asks you, “What’s new?” You won’t respond with the typical, “Not much.” Instead you will have something to share, which may, in turn, provide inspiration for that person or someone else. Who knows for sure until we try?

Inspiration is not found by idly standing by. It is found in action, in doing, in exploring and discovering.

One final note that I would like to make about change is this:

I believe that if we constantly expose ourselves to little self induced changes in our own lives, then the ominous fear of the unknown will begin to diminish slightly. This, I believe can greatly help us when big changes arise in our lives. Because of our conditioning, we may find it easier to adapt more readily to these bigger changes and to use our new found ability to discover the light in the darkness of the unknown.

THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ MY POST. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ADD ANY COMMENTS THAT YOU MAY HAVE. I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU.

HAVE A GREAT DAY...PAM

THE ART OF EXPERIENCE

2007-06-20T09:54:00.000-07:00

What is this life for? Why are we here?

Recently a friend of mine sent me a story that she had written for her granddaughter. It was a story about her life up till the age of about 12. I read it with interest and curiosity. Her writing was very good. I could clearly visualize being there in those special moments with her. It was funny though, while I was reading it, and visualizing, I was also reminded of so many memories from my own childhood. Vivid images flooded my mind. Simple things, special things that I had long ago forgotten.

One memory in particular was a time when I was playing in the backyard of our home on Morgan Avenue. I remember that it was a warm sunny day. I was at the far side of the yard when I caught glimpse of a snail inching its way along the rough wooden fence. In that instant, time stopped for me. I became lost in the moment while watching this tiny creature. I remember observing intently; its body expanding and contracting as it slowly moved along. The grayish brown texture of that slimy skin glistened with the reflection of the sun’s rays, beautiful. Its shell was held aloft, like a prize trophy, smooth and spiraled to the center point. I remember being absolutely amazed by this tiny creature. I could feel its life, its energy. I could imagine being that little snail. I was totally immersed in the moment. I also remember being shocked back into “reality” when my Mother called my name.

I would have been about four or five at that time. The interesting thing about this memory is that I realized, even at that young age, without consciously knowing it, I was meditating. In retrospect, I have actually been meditating my entire life, without knowing it. This meditation, of course, was not the formal type; sitting in the lotus position, fingers touching thumbs, straight back etc. This can be a wonderful practice but I can see clearly that it is not the only route to go. Being immersed in the moment, aware of every sensation, no distraction, fully absorbed in the experience, interest and curiosity, this too is meditation.

Why are we here? What is this life all about? In my heart, I feel that it is all about experience. Good, bad, or indifferent, small, large or in between, it makes no difference. What makes the difference is what we make of it and what we learn from it. All of our experiences happen for a reason. Sometimes we are aware of this and sometimes we’re not. What did this memory from my childhood do for me today? How did it affect my life? It is far too difficult and detailed to explain fully, but what I can say is that it did, in fact, affect me as a person. It played a part in making me who I am today. Reflecting on this, I am inspired to accept the experiences that I am currently having today and truly accept them for what they are. Because I know that they are simply building blocks for the future.

Here’s a simple exercise: Pull out some old pictures from when you were a child. Look at them and let yourself be taken back in time. When you’re ready, close your eyes and let yourself slip away deeper into those memories. Do this for about 5 to 20 minutes. When you open your eyes, write down the qualities that you noticed in yourself through those memories and any thoughts of how they may have affected your life today. If anything else comes to mind (even if it seems unrelated) write that down too.

If the above mentioned exercise doesn’t appeal to you then alternately, you may choose to immerse yourself in a moment right now. One thing I like to do is meditate on a tree.

First I start by seeing the entire tree. This is actually very difficult to do in any detail so next, I look at one single branch. In doing this there is still too much to see, it is difficult to take it all in. So next, I look at one single leaf, I study the varying shades of green, the veins, and the way it curls up on the edges. I carefully study any spots or imperfections, every single detail. I find that it doesn’t take long before I am totally immersed in this moment. In one tiny leaf there is an amazing amount of power that can be felt and experienced in a very profound way, if only we take the time to really notice and appreciate it. This experience, like all others will have an impact on the future. Perhaps it will simply slow us down, help us to relax and appreciate things a little more. Or perhaps the effects may be far more profound.
Enlightenment comes when you least expect it.

THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ MY POST. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ADD ANY COMMENTS THAT YOU MAY HAVE. I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU.

HAVE A GREAT DAY...PAM

ATTITUDE AND INTENTION

2007-06-13T09:17:00.000-07:00

So often we feel the need for approval and yet we do not like to be judged.

This makes absolutely no sense to me. Yet despite the senselessness of it all, I constantly find myself in the midst of this struggle, in one way or another. What is it all about? Living up to what I think is expected of me, feeling like it is never enough, I continue to do, do, do. But why am I doing this? I’ve found that it is interesting sometimes to stop and ask myself these questions, “Why am I doing this? What is my intention behind this? What am I hoping to gain by all of this? Where is my heart and head in this? What is really going on here?” Usually my answer at this time is DUTY! RESPONSIBILITY! And my personal least favorite, WHAT CHOICE DO I HAVE?!

I have learned that when I start feeling overly tired, depleted and ill, that there is something seriously wrong in my world. I do not mean in the world around me but IN my own world – the way that I am seeing and experiencing things, and the INTENTION behind what I am doing. Usually it takes me a while to click into this though. I suffer until I can’t take anymore. I guess that I need to get myself completely stuck in the muck of the duty rut before I can get the ball rolling and ask myself the question “Why am I doing this?” Then typically what I hear myself saying serves to be the electric shock therapy that I need, at that particular moment to positively alter this negative thought pattern. Without manipulating it, this practice has helped me, time and time again, in many different situations to catch myself deeply imbedded in this muddy mess that I have let myself sink into. It provides me with the blazing jolt of pure energy that enables me to fly out of this rut and resume my course on the path of pure inspiration.

I do not want to live a life filled with duty. I want to be FREE! I do not want to do things because I have no choice. I want the freedom to CHOOSE! To sum it up, I want to create my life and my experiences with the freedom of choice. I want to use my creativity instead of being dragged along. I want to give because it fills my heart with love, not because I expect approval in the fact that I’ve done my duty. I want to create what comes from within, not what I feel others want to see from me or expect to see from me. I want to be perfectly true to who I am, not truly perfect in someone else’s eyes. The latter is impossible. I cannot alter another’s thoughts, likes, dislikes or expectations. In fact, I cannot even truly make someone else happy. That is a choice that they must make for themselves. If it makes me happy to help someone else (which it does) then I’m going to do it. No expectations of reward or judgment allowed.

I hope that this has not come across as a selfish way to live. I can assure you that it is not. Allowing yourself permission to be happy and live an authentic life, in my opinion is the complete opposite to a selfish life. I believe that it is living a life of example, which grants other people the courage to do the same. I also believe that you may just find that you are still doing all of the same things you did before, with maybe a minor alteration here and there. Something small, like a quiet walk, by yourself to clear your mind. Big changes may be necessary at times, but usually not. The main difference for me, I have found, is in the way that I look at things. Attitude and intention. This makes all the difference in the world. If my actions are a result of, or stream from, anything but love, then I know that I am accomplishing nothing. No happiness can be found there from anyone.

In my opinion, if we could all live this way all of the time, I believe that we would find ourselves in a much more peaceful, bountiful world. We would be far more willing to give to others because we would feel no lack within ourselves. In fact, I think that we would feel the need to share our abundance with everyone at all times. I also feel that we would be more apt to let others be, just as they are, again no judgment and no expectation, because we would not feel the need to struggle for power, knowing full well that we already have access to all of the power that we could ever desire, within ourselves.

Don’t you find that it is easier to be happy around happy people and inspired in the midst of inspiring people, than it is when we are surrounded by those who are stuck in the muck. Doesn’t it seem that life flows much more smoothly when we are happy than when we are struggling with despair and duty?

THIS MAKES SENSE TO ME. Inspiration and happiness are contagious. The question is….Who will get this ball rolling? Who will pass it around?

“ Work like you don’t need the money, love like you’ve never been hurt, and dance like no one is watching.”
--- Satchel Paige

DAYDREAMING FOR INSPIRATION

2007-06-07T12:55:00.000-07:00

Do you remember your childhood days? Do you remember what it felt like to daydream? Do you remember how natural and easy it was to play? Do you remember how your imagination would bring you to places beyond the known world? Do you remember the time when you believed in your dreams, imaginary friends and secretly wondered if a giant actually did live in a castle built in the clouds? Did you believe in fairies, dragons, elves that played in the forest, the troll that lived under the bridge and leprechauns that guarded the treasure at the end of the rainbow? Do you remember wondering where the end of the rainbow actually was? And do you remember wishing you had wings to fly there, picturing yourself soaring with the birds and sliding down that rainbow into the pot of gold itself? Do you remember how magical everything appeared to your senses? Nothing seemed to be beyond the realm of possibility. Do you remember what it felt like in the days when you allowed yourself to play in these magical worlds?

Take a minute to recall some of these special moments from your own childhood days. While you are there, visiting these memories, please don’t judge them to be silly or ridiculous or any of the “Grown Up” titles that we tend to put onto the imaginary world of children. Try only to remember what you felt like, way back then. Try to recall that feeling of magic and endless possibility that lived in your heart. Let yourself sense the wonder and excitement of whatever memory comes back to you. No justification, no judgment, just be there, feel it. Give yourself about 20 minutes or so to contemplate this notion. Let yourself plunge entirely into the waters of pure blissful childhood imagination. Be there. Then, when you are ready, gradually bring yourself back to the present moment and write a note about what you experienced and how you felt.

Imagination, inspiration, where did the magic go? Life has become so serious for most of us. We have forgotten how to play, imagine, dream. At least I know that I have, for the most part. But the time has come to recapture the magic. Why not believe in fairies, elves and the castle in the clouds? It really doesn’t hurt anyone and as a bonus, it can add a little element of intrigue and delight into the day. Besides, how do you know they are not real? We cannot always trust our eyes to tell us what is real…Perhaps…Who knows for sure?

If you have trouble recalling the magical feeling from those childhood days, I suggest renting a movie that you used to love watching as a very young child. For me that movie is The Wizard of Oz. Wow, does that bring me back, in a heartbeat. But the same thing happens when I watch Mary Poppins with my own kids, and I never actually watched that movie as a child. If you cannot recall your favorite childhood movie, then go ahead, give Mary Poppins a try. See what happens. Or more accurately, I guess I should say, “Feel what happens”.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be able to live in this world as a fully functioning, responsible adult but with the added bonus of the active imagination, daydreams and pure wonder of a child? If this is not pure inspiration, then I do not know what is. That’s all from me for now. I am off to play; first with my kids, and then with my paint. Who knows what will happen from there.

For this particular blog entry I felt inspired to include a quote from one of the great “Daydreamers” of our times. But in searching for the “one” that felt just right, I was flooded with inspiration by so many. I could not seem to narrow it down to just one. So instead I have included five.

“There is a garden in every childhood, an enchanted place where colors are brighter, the air softer, and the morning more fragrant than ever again.”

Elizabeth Lawrence

“I am enough of an artist to draw feely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”

Albert Einstein

“I think there’s a little child in all of us and we all too often forget to let the child out to play.”

Donna A. Favors

“They who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night”

Edgar Allan Poe

“You see things; and you say, Why? But I dream things that never were; and I say, Why not?”

George Bernard Shaw

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO LEAVE A COMMENT, SHARE A DAYDREAM OR PASS ON SOME OF YOUR OWN INSPIRATION

All the Best to you

Pam

ATTRACTING INSPIRATION

2007-06-06T13:49:00.000-07:00

By now many people have heard about the law of attraction. Basically, where you put your attention, is where you will be. What you focus your full attention on, is what you will get. If you haven’t heard about this yet, I strongly recommend checking it out! There are hundreds of articles and books written on this subject as well as many DVDs available. I recommend “WHAT THE BLEEP DO WE KNOW” I like it because it doesn’t seem to step on any religious toes (in fact one person I talked to said that it actually strengthened her belief). I also found that it does not put an overly excessive amount of weight on material gain alone. It’s kind of like Quantum Physics for Dummies (don’t let the words quantum physics turn you off. It’s actually very entertaining.)

I think that we all instinctively know about the law of attraction. We use it all of the time! If I sit here thinking “I’m angry, I’m sad, I’m blocked, I can’t do this anymore” then that is exactly what and where I will be. But if I tell myself that I’m letting the spirit of creativity flow, in whatever direction it wants to (NON-JUDGEMENTAL) then that is what happens. And when it does, I cannot help but feel happiness. In this state, blocks do not exist!

I think that the reason why I’m writing about this today is because I need a serious reminder myself, a giant kick in the pants with the boot of inspiration. The truth is that I found myself, once again, off track, and needed to affirm and clarify (in my own mind) the truth of how things actually work in my life. This morning I was sitting at my computer thinking…”I’m all out. I have nothing to say. How can I do this week after week? I’m tired. I didn’t sleep well. Why am I doing this in the first place? I don’t think anyone really cares anyway. Or worse yet, maybe they think I’m somebody trying to be some freaky modern day prophet, better than thou, with all of this “Divinely inspired knowledge”. But of course on my end, I know that there is no truth in this. Wah, wah, wah. So why did these thoughts enter my mind? I don’t know for sure. I think it all started with an incident this morning that I just could not seem to let go of. From that point until now my day was on a downward spiral plummeting at the speed of light toward the ground, ready to crash and burn! But luckily, before the complete and total annihilation of my day occurred, a voice inside myself reminded me once again to walk the walk. Click, the light bulb turned on and I remembered.

Really, the reason why I write is to provide an ongoing reminder for myself to actually DO the things that I know work for me. It’s like a self affirmation…a reminder of the things I’ve uncovered along the way and lessons that I’ve learned. It’s a way to refocus my attention on the positive aspects of my life and the route to pure inspiration. If anyone else gets anything from my blah, blah, blah, then that’s a bonus, and I’m thrilled!

So what did this refocusing do for me today? It reminded me of the law of attraction, helped me to shift my attention to something positive and affirmed to me how the process of writing things down helps me to remember the tools that I know will help me to stay in the stream of inspiration. I guess that I’m not “all out” after all

THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ MY BLOG. IF YOU HAVE ANY COMMENTS TO ADD, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO DO SO. YOU ARE WELCOME AND ENCOURAGED TO SHARE YOUR IDEAS AND POINT OF VIEW. I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU.

PLEASE GIVE ME A SIGN

2007-05-30T11:26:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been at a cross roads in your life and did not know which way to turn? Have you ever had a decision to make, but just couldn’t seem to decide? Have you ever said “PLEASE GIVE ME A SIGN!”

I know that I have, In fact many many times. But it’s a funny thing. Each time that I receive the sign that I have asked for, it surprises me, and I find myself saying, “WOW! I can’t believe it! That actually worked!” Even though, of course, I know that this exercise works. I’ve used it and seen the results over and over again. Will I ever get used to it? Who knows. In a way, I hope that I don’t.

In fact, just recently I was thinking about my art. I was wondering where I should go next. I had completed all of the short term goals that I had recently set for myself. So now what? What would be the next step in this journey? I could not even begin to think of where to start. My mind was blank. So I set up a sign. Or rather, I simply said, “Wherever I am meant to go next will present itself when the time is right and then I will know.” Now I don’t usually just sit back waiting for the universe to bring all opportunities and experience to my door. I believe that we need to take responsibility for our own lives and every decision that we make. I believe that we need to use our creative imagination to the best of our ability by accessing all of the tools we have gathered in our lives, and decide what we are going to do next. But at the same time I feel that it is important not to cling to the details of these ideas too stubbornly as there are so many factors that we are not consciously aware of. As the saying goes, “Watch what you wish for because you might just get it!” Thankfully, I also believe that there is a higher energy (or consciousness) with a 360 degree view that can help us to make responsible choices. Well this time I was just so unsure, I couldn’t even seem to choose a sign or a time frame that I would like to see, so I decided instead to leave it all to the hands of fate (or this higher consciousness). Well lo and behold, that same day that I set up the “open sign” I received two emails about upcoming shows, asking if I would be interested in joining. TAH DAH!!! The answer to my sign had arrived, and very quickly, I might add.

This is just another trick that I’ve found that helps me to enter into the flow of inspiration. I have found that it can be used in so many different situations, and in so many different ways. It is limited only by our own imagination. You see, in my heart I truly believe that we all have access to signs or guidance, whatever you want to call it, at all times but usually we just aren’t paying attention. We just don’t notice the help that is available to us. But when we set up our own signs, sure enough, then we pay attention. We are alert, watching, listening and waiting for that inner guidance to present itself. Sometimes it happens quickly, and other times it takes a while. In my own experience I have found that when it does show up, it usually presents itself in a subtle way, and the only time that I can see this is when I am paying attention.

THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ MY POST. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ADD ANY COMMENTS THAT YOU MAY HAVE. I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU.

All the best to you

Pam

GIVE A LITTLE...GET A LOT OF INSPIRATION

2007-05-24T08:46:00.000-07:00

When I was a young girl, I remember my Mom telling me, “Let’s make them a surprise…” Looking back at this, I realize that it was a clever parenting tactic designed to encourage me to do something that I really didn’t want to do, (ie: clean up my room, finish eating my dinner, etc). But I also remember feeling very excited at the prospect of doing something special to surprise someone. This feeling of excitement would cause me to eagerly complete the dreaded task with enthusiasm and newfound energy.

Today I still get excited at the prospect of surprising someone. I feel such a surge of energy. Once, I remember my Mother-in-law telling me that I was glowing when I unexpectedly brought her a small potted plant for no particular reason. The truth is that I could, in fact, feel myself glowing! I felt that I was able to brighten someone’s day a little with a small surprise. But these surprises, I know, do not have to be a material gift at all. I have realized that anything done for, or given to someone strictly out of love for the person will cause me to feel this way.

Another word of advice I remember receiving from my Mom, in my childhood years was this: When you are feeling blue, (having a bad day) do something nice for someone else and you will find that you feel much better. Your day will improve and you will feel happy. This is a message that I, in turn, am trying to pass on to my own children. My five year old daughter, in particular, has taken this to heart. She is constantly giving, with no thought of reward. She draws, paints and colors dozens of pictures for the special people in her life. She loves to be helpful, if she thinks it will brighten our day. In fact, just a few moments ago she gave me her last little chocolate Easter egg, because she knows that I adore chocolate. It did brighten my day and when I looked into her eyes to thank her, I noticed that she was glowing! It’s funny how things work. My Mom taught this to me, I taught this to my kids and when I forget to follow this advice, one of my kids will teach it to me once again. I am very grateful for this!

We all like to feel helpful. We all want to feel necessary. We all want to feel as though we are making a difference in this world. Without giving a little to those around us, purely out of love, I do not know how we can accomplish this. I guess, once again, the trick is to remember to do it.

WHERE IS YOUR INSPIRATION?

2007-05-10T09:26:00.000-07:00

What has made your heart beat faster? What has forced the wind from your lungs, leaving you breathless? What has filled your heart with an unspeakable joy and has brought tears to your eyes? What has caused goose bumps to creep up your arms, with no adequate way to describe the awe filled moment with words alone? When have you lost all conception of time? You looked up at the clock and noticed that hours have vanished. Where did they go?

We have all felt these sensations at one time or another. But can you remember the moment? What caused this feeling? How can you recapture that feeling when pure unobstructed spirit was allowed to flow through you in that magical moment of intense inspiration?

This is why I paint.

Here’s an interesting exercise to try: Quietly contemplate the questions mentioned above at a time when you know you will not be disturbed. Do not search too hard though. By trying too hard to remember, you will only chase the memory away. Just like the word that’s stuck on the tip of your tongue, it will come to you when you least expect it. When something does come to you, and it will, even if it happens to be 3:00 in the morning, write it down! In fact, write down all of the moments that come to you. Then take some time to contemplate upon these memories. Be careful not to dwell on the past in doing this exercise, wishing in vain that you were back in those days gone by. Instead look for the message that these memories are bringing to you today. What are they trying to tell you? What can you use right now? Where is your inspiration? Write it all down and see what happens next… Until next week… Pam

Please feel free to visit my website: http://www.PAEllisVisionArt.com to view the results of my own inspiration through my artwork.

GRATITUDE = INSPIRATION

2007-05-05T22:07:00.000-07:00

One sure way I have found to experience the flood of inspiration is to acknowledge all that I have to be grateful for and to fully embrace this feeling with my entire being - heart and soul. But how do we accomplish this? How do we capture and keep this feeling alive within ourselves? The saying "count your blessings" has become so cliche. It seems that the words barely register in our brains any longer, let alone in our hearts.
So many times, throughout our days, we let the little moments pass us by. We don’t notice the smile from a stranger and we don’t hear the birds singing in the trees. The sunrise and sunset go by without a second look from us. And we wonder, what have we got to be grateful for? It’s not as though we are ungrateful people. We are just so busy, cluttered with the details of our own lives, that we barely notice anything that is going on outside our own heads. Unless, of course, it ticks us off.
However, one thing that I have found which changes all of this for a moment, is consciously starting my day by declaring it to be "A Day Filled With Blessings". Then I get up and actively look for the blessings. This immediately changes my perspective on the moment and lightens my mood. I quickly find, that as I look around myself, I am actually surrounded by blessings on all sides, both big and small, they are everywhere I look. At times this realization can be quite overwhelming.
In fact this morning, I went to the mailbox and found a thank you card from someone. She wrote to express her gratitude for my invitation to attend the opening reception of my recent art show. I was blown away with gratitude by this gesture of hers. It was funny, but I could visualize her conceiving the idea to write this note. I could envision her writing it and feeling the gratitude towards me. This visualization was so uplifting, that I felt inspired to write this entry. Gratitude is also contagious, it goes hand in hand with inspiration...So pass it around.
Until next week...Warm wishes to you all,Pam