This is a tool that I was introduced to for writing your story. It helps you to remember and analyze your earlier life experiences. You also work on your present by examining personality shadows and then you focus on your personality strengths. Finally, it helps you visualize your best future. You make a plan to implement your goals and how to bring them to fruition. I have been writing in this program since 2018, and I sent a friend this program, which has been helpful to her as well.
Self Authoring Suite
“The Self-Authoring Suite is a series of online writing programs that collectively help you explore your past, present and future.”
We don’t always know how to find the right doctor or what questions to ask. Or, how to answer questions. In my first day of class I listened to Dr. Oz speak about this topic. He mentioned an app where you can ask health questions called AskMD but I haven’t had luck with this app. The app from his ShareCare site is ShareCare. This app helps with health management, measuring your health, and helps the individual with their personal well-being journey.
At class we had been talking about typos and how it’s hard to catch your own. I posted this on my Instagram, and Justin Michael Williams commented on it. It wasn’t until after this that I noticed the typo. With Instagram you can’t exchange an image without losing the comments that went with the original image.
So, It will forever remain (as below) with the typo π π
In looking at common thinking on the topic of our past, I see the same messages over and over:
Leave the past behind
Donβt allow your past to limit your life
Donβt be controlled by your past
Donβt allow your past backstory to define you
Make peace with your past
Heal your past
How to move on
Leave your past in the past
These are all great, but I was looking for something different. I didnβt know what, but in the middle of this search, I came across a new message I did not expect. Perhaps not new so much as, approaching the topic of our past from a different angle.
Aditya Jaykumar Iyer says it like this: βUse your circumstances and your childhood memories to your advantage.”
We can accept the past, heal, and move on. However, we can also use it.
I have often thought about the memories and circumstances of the past and wondered what it was all about. What was the point? Yet those memories, liked or unliked, make up our story.
It seems that we often work for a separation from the past to start out new…? We want a divorce from what was. We segregate these memories or these circumstances (the past) and say, βYou stay in the trash pile. You donβt benefit me anymore. Or, you never benefitted me at all. All I want to do is move on.β
But, what do you find when you analyze your life story so far… you might find that many things from the past have prepared you for this exact moment in time… that your voice is needed at this time, because you have something to say that no one else can say. Because there is only one you and no one else has your exact story.
After all, what is only half a story? If your story started today, youβd lose a lot of the background that made you who you are in the first place. What makes your voice unique? What have been the disadvantages and advantages that make you who you are? Your story, comes from your entire life, not just part of it, not from only the parts that you liked, but from the whole picture.
In working to move forward and step into new things, its funny, but:
βLife has a way of bringing us back a full circle.β
When outside influences want you to adhere to the status quo or to a certain standard, what is it about you, that brings you back to your own voice? If you revisit experiences youβve had, you may find clues that were always there, pointing you in the direction of your path now.
βA path is not a straight line. Itβs a cycle.β
Life has seasons. It changes and grows, twists and turns, but all of your experiences combined is where the depth of your story and the strength of your individual voice comes from.
Aditya Jaykumar Iyer may have been talking about careers, but I really liked this message applied to the overall topic of βOur Pastβ.
Allowing. Acceptance. These are struggle words for me. I always want to resist the things I havenβt liked or donβt like now. But Iβm being encouraged more and more to allow and accept and use what was and is, to move forward.
Your past doesn’t have to be segregated, it can be sourced and used.
BH2019
I can also see in this message (allowing it and using it) the true meaning of: Make peace with your past.
The first step in setting intentions and manifesting our desires is to know, and to be clear, on what they are. If you don’t know, try closing your eyes, slowing your breath, and simply ask. When your ideas become clear, write them down.
A simple question to ask yourself is, “What am I passionate about? What brings me joy?”
“Serenely watching the fireworks set off in her honor, the Fire Queen revels in their beauty and magic. She is an adventuress who is fond of entertainments and sparkly toys. She revels in the hunt, more for the chase than the kill, for her heart is kind and honorable. As a mate, she is passionate, and she enjoys her kittens for their playfulness and unpredictability. This queen’s sense of humor keeps her heart light. She is a source of inspiration and creative vision.”
The Cat’s Advice
“What brings the sparkle to your eyes? What kindles the flame of passion within you? When you are filled with warm enthusiasm for life, your radiant spirit inspires others to glow as well. Find your own muse so that you may continue to be a muse for others.”
On the flip side: If your passion for living is dampened at the present, or “If you have lost interest in the things that used to inflame your ardor, you can either find ways to rekindle the spark, or move on to new passions. One way or another, you must reclaim your inner glow.”
Today seemed to be all about synchronicity. Message after message spoke to me about familiar places I’ve visited on my journey recently. π
Writer’s Block
Almost every day, I enter my writing time with, literally, no idea what I will write about. I gather my books, listen to my podcasts, watch videos, listen to my audio books, and I wait…for that spark of inspiration. Sometimes itβs a picture, or a quote, a voice, a song, or lyrics. Today however, my thoughts were inspired by my fellow bloggers and here are some highlights.
I have finally turned a room into a meditation space. It’s been a long time in coming, but its so nice to have this zen space at last. I came across this beautiful thought today at Puplerays called Create your own Secret Place. Talk about synchronicity. π
Change
I’ve been brooding over change recently. I’ve been having these visions where I see on my left side, what has been (old thoughts and ways of believing and being) and on my right side I see the new ideas and the state of being I am drawing towards. And I see me in the middle. Not caught. There’s a waver here and there; those moments where you hesitate between what is old and comfortable, and the new and a bit scary. Wobbly at times, but still moving forward.
The vision I really don’t like is with me sitting on the fence between two concepts. I don’t want the fence. It always reminds me of Karate Kid and “Squash like grape…”
Being in the middle of change is not the same as being stuck. I’m moving away from one state of being, towards new ways… I’m not quite there yet with all of it, but It’s still progress. I’m still moving. Some days its hard to be patient.
As someone who struggles with social phobia, I am very conscious about pushing myself to stay involved with my people and groups. Otherwise, I’d never leave the house. This is my therapy: To leave home everyday, take up my courage, and forge the connections I so desire, despite the fear.
On the other side of this, I forget sometimes that it is also ok to set aside my alone time to reboot. As an HSP, the wear and tear of noise, light, and people can be completely exhausting. With my constant onward push to always be moving forward, I needed this reminder today to take a time-out when needed, in the sheltering arms of peace and quiet…my soul’s haven.
I remind myself that I am not caught in the middle. It is a matter of choice: what do I need most right now? A time out, or connection. The choice is mine.
What about when I can’t have it both ways? When I’m out and about and I am not able to step away, I remind myself that there is peace waiting for me at home, and that I am almost there. I keep home in sight throughout the day. My sanity!
I came across this post today and had to smile: JoyPassionDesire
It’s time to call it a day, and head for my meditation π§ββοΈ spot! It is amazing the answers I can find when I enter my sacred space, take that quiet moment to search within, and really listen.
We can all create a sacred space. Sometimes it is just a walk in the woods, or listening to the rain. A moment of calm is a sacred space in and of itself.
Have you taken a time-out today to listen?
Last but not least, you are nominated! Please leave your link in the comments section of the Meet and Greet page!
With school starting up again for me in just a few days, I’ve been thinking more about organizing my time for productivity. I am getting nervous about fitting all this into my schedule. I look at what well-known people have accomplished and wonder how they managed it all. But here’s the thing: Oprah, Stephen King, Brene Brown, and the president of any nation… they all have the same 24 hours in their day as I do. So why am I not president already? π€ππ²
Words we associate with time:
It’s a fight against time.
I don’t have enough time.
There’s never enough time.
Time Slips away.
I lost track of time (my favorite).
Yet, time is an energy that responds to how we use it.
When do we use these excuses to explain why we aren’t farther along with our projects?
A lot of the “time”?
Maybe the truth is that many of the things we procrastinate with, really aren’t a high priority. It is more empowering to know that we are not a victim of time, but need to define what is the most important for each day.
Time management is an individual experiment and process. Each day seems to have its own flow and some practices work well at certain times and not as well at other times. Sometimes it seems like it is a moment to moment process, and adjustments are needed as we go along.
Some things to consider for time management are as follows:
When replacing a time-waster habit, replace it with something that helps you toward your goal. What are you wanting to accomplish? Instead of replacing one bad habit for another, such as replacing chocolate chip cookies for eating cocoa mix out of the container, dry, with a spoon…I wish both of those balanced each other out, but alas… replace a bad habit with one that helps in manifesting your intention.
Distractions, such as phone notifications, can sidetrack your game-plan for endless moments. Instagram? I turn the sound on my phone off when I’m working. Make a list of things that distract you.
Notice when your energy is at its peak, and when it naturally starts to wane. Plan your busy time for those peak energy hours if you can. (I wish I could do this more).
Don’t make a huge to-do list (unless this works for you). What can happen with a long to-do list, is it is easy to look at it, feel overwhelmed, and just say, “Maybe another day to all of it.” So pick just one thing you absolutely need to accomplish for the day, and make that your mission. I usually get more things done besides that one thing, but at least I will have gotten that one major thing done toward reaching a goal.
Create routine
Journaling
What are the things I truly need to accomplish?
This week I completed _______ which helped me toward my goal of ______.
This week I did not complete _______ because ______.
I am often distracted from my work by _______.
I remember information better when I ______. (take notes)
I keep track of my schedule better by ______. This works for me because ______.
I say no to other projects or people when ______.
I know that I am getting stressed when ______.
I have the best energy when I ______. (do my yoga)
I can focus better when I ______.
What is the most important thing to do, right now?
I am so thankful to be nominated again! Thank you Saba for nominating me. I am thankful for this great community of bloggers and want to dedicate this page to each and every one of you, and to all the blogs that have inspired me along the way.
The Liebster Award
11 facts about me:
1: I love horses
2: I am an MTT for disabled Veterans
3: I use Reiki every day
4: I read everything I can get my hands on
5: I love yoga, and want to do more of it
6: I love learning new things about different cultures
7: I have always wanted to live in Arabia? Not sure why. I currently live in South Carolina, USA, but I spend most of my time traveling across 6 other states π
8: I’d settle on a trip to England, Ireland, and Scotland
9: My friends are from many different cultures and religions
10: I just made my first meditation room and I also lead meditations
11: I am an introvert, but I enjoy time with my groups and people as well
My question (s) and Nominations:
I’m setting up this page for you to introduce yourself and share the link to your blog in the comments, so that everyone who visits here, as well as myself, can come visit you!
I’ll begin adding a link to this page on my blog posts, so we can check on new additions. Feel free to leave a comment below with your blog information. I would love to see where everyone is from, so that is my question:
Where are you from?
I hope we can get a lot of great connections and have a resource that leads us to all the wonderful bloggers who stop by!
Pali is a liturgical language native to the Indian subcontinent. Although Sanskrit is older, Pali is also a sacred language of religious texts. The common translation of the Pali word, metta, is “loving-kindness.” It represents friendship, love for self, love for others without self-interest, and a strong intention for the wellbeing of others and the world. It builds generosity and kindness within us as we send our “metta” to all beings, and in their happiness we also find our own.
The wishes of metta are: to live happily, to be free from hostility, affliction and distress, and to be filled with inner love.
First you offer metta to someone you love. Bring their image into your mind, and open your heart as you say your prayer:
May s/he be well, happy, and at ease.
May s/he be cherished and untroubled.
May s/he be healthy and strong.
May s/he have an abundance of well-being,
and may all beings and creatures be blessed.
Now pray metta for yourself:
May I be well, happy, and at ease.
May I be cherished and untroubled.
May I be healthy and strong.
May I have an abundance of well-being,
and may all beings and creatures be blessed.
Then visualize a casual acquaintance (someone neutral), perhaps a neighbor you recognize, but may not know well and extend metta to them in the same way.
The last step is to pray metta for someone who is difficult. It may be something you can do now, or something you work up to doing.
My metta for you:
May you be well, happy, and at ease.
May you be cherished and untroubled.
May you be healthy and strong.
May you have an abundance of well-being,
and may all beings and creatures be blessed.
Pilgrimage Studio 