I was reminded today, about a book I had not read for a long time. It is called, “Meditations, by Marcus Aurelius.”
Marcus Aurelius Antonius’ real name was M. Annius Verus. Upon his father’s death, Marcus was adopted by his grandfather who taught him to be “gentle and meek, and to refrain from all anger and passion.” It is written that Marcus’ education was, “conducted with all care”…and that “He was taught to dress plainly and to live simply” and “to avoid all softness and luxury.”
What makes a great man? Perhaps it is in his act of being open to learning and in recognizing the masters and teachers that are brought into his path. Is this then wisdom, to be able to say, “All that I am is here, listed below, by name: These were my masters.”
Marcus Aurelius, wrote, in detail, about the people who were instrumental in shaping his life: “…whether Parents, Friends, or Masters; by their good examples, or good advice and counsel, he had learned…”
In our writing today, this would be seen many times in the beginning of the book under, “Acknowledgements” or “Dedication”, with a name and a short note of thanks and appreciation.
If I were to write anything noteworthy, I would want a dedication, such as Aurelius wrote, that honored all the teachers that have influenced my life. And, the more I think on it, the longer my list grows.
Our health journey does not have to be full of super complicated or difficult tasks. It can start with one single step, which leads to another and another.
One small step could be as simple as giving an area of your home or office a splash of color or breath of fresh air by adding a new houseplant. They help to clean our air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.
NASA research has shown that houseplants can remove up to 87% of air toxins in one day and night cycle. –NASA SPINOFF
This makes plants great for your home space and workplace as well.
African Violet
Symbolism: the African Violet speaks the language of deepest love and commitment.
Plants for the Bedroom
At night, when photosynthesis stops, many plants can give off carbon dioxide. “However plants such as orchids, succulents, snake plants and bromeliads do the opposite and emit oxygen” which makes them perfect for sleeping areas.
For eight hours every night, during sleep (or however long you rest), our subconscious mind is marinating. So what we think on in those few moments before sleep, is like setting the channel for the night. Consciously place those thoughts that you want to rest with, in your mind.
Subconscious Mind Marinade
1 tsp: I am Well
1 tsp: I am at Peace
1 tsp: I am Content
1 tsp: I am Prosperous
1 tsp: I am Abundant
1 tsp: I am Happy
1 tsp: I enjoy my Life
1 tsp: Inner Quietness
1 tsp: I am Secure
1 tsp: Releasing all Burdens
1 tsp: Knowing, that all answers will come to me at the right time, without struggle or worry.
Directions
Mix up all ingredients 5 minutes before sleep.
Pour on your mind to marinate overnight, and know, that you are about to program your subconscious.
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 😂 😜
In looking at common thinking on the topic of our past, I see the same messages over and over:
Leave the past behind
Don’t allow your past to limit your life
Don’t be controlled by your past
Don’t 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 didn’t 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: “Use 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, “You stay in the trash pile. You don’t benefit me anymore. Or, you never benefitted me at all. All I want to do is move on.”
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, you’d 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:
“Life has a way of bringing us back a full circle.”
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 you’ve had, you may find clues that were always there, pointing you in the direction of your path now.
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 “Our Past”.
Allowing. Acceptance. These are struggle words for me. I always want to resist the things I haven’t liked or don’t like now. But I’m 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.
Today seemed to be all about synchronicity. Message after message spoke to me about familiar places I’ve visited on my journey recently. 😊
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 it’s 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. 😊
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 🧘♀️ 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!
Pilgrimage Studio 