When-Then Syndrome

“A belief is a thought you continue to think” ~Abraham

Do you suffer from "when-then" syndrome?  In other words- "when I lose weight, then I can begin to date again." OR, "when I get a new job, make more money, find a better house, get in shape, etc; then I will be happy...

This syndrome (also known as the If-Then syndrome) is prevalent in our society and unfortunately, many of us suffer from it. (Think of how many times you’ve said- “If I had more money in the bank, then I’d be happier) Sometimes this is in one particular area of our lives or it may seep throughout our whole experience. We humans are an interesting bunch.  We set goals, have hopes, dreams and desires; and we also have a set of underlying beliefs that tell us that we can’t be truly happy until….How often have we put off our happiness “UNTIL” we have that elusive something?

Here is something interesting that I’ve learned about life.  Not everything is “Light and Love.”  Life can be messy, joyous, sad, happy, gross, shocking, boring, tiresome, irrationally exuberant, uplifting, creative, funky…I could go on and on, but you get the idea.  And not just the extremes either.  There are so many shades of in-between-ness too. Sometimes there is a sort of beneath the surface unrest. A sense of unrest that we can’t quite identify. Yet, it is this very unrest wherein lies the key to our peace of mind. When we are aware of the underlying belief system that is at play- we can begin to take steps toward freedom. 

Being the optimist that I am, here are some suggestions to help you break away from this mind-numbing or soul dampening thought syndrome– When you catch yourself using the “when-then” phrasing or something similar:

~Begin where you are (acceptance)

~Consciously choose Peace (openness)

~Be Grateful for everything that is in your life right now (appreciation)

~Follow your own energy (observation)

~Be Mindful (awareness without judgment)

~Don’t believe everything you think ( detachment)

Remember ~don’t be so busy looking at the mountain that you forget to take the first step on the path!

When I begin to LOVE me in totality , then I can truly LOVE everything…

Namaste~ cathie

www.jewelsofthelotus.com

“Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, 

and remember what peace there may be in silence”

~Max Ehrmann (Desiderata)

One of the most important aspects I’ve learned in sound healing (and life!) is the value of silence….   When was the last time you sat in silence?  I mean real silence- the full on, cut the mental chatter, out of this world, silence?  When have you last taken the time to hear the space between the notes, or taken the time to sit in silence in your own heart?  There is so much to learn when you take the journey into your own soul and just to allow yourself to be.  Sit in the center of your heart and allow the sounds of your inner world to become prominent.

  An interesting paradox- to learn about silence in working with sound- but think about it for a moment…technically speaking, there is no true silence- but the absence of noise.  When you can actually rise above the noise of every day life, and calm the torrent of thoughts, there is another layer of sound to behold!  The leaves rustle in a gentle breeze, the birds sing when we stop to listen, the crickets at night, all create a symphony that we can tune into when we are mindful.  Take a beautiful and peaceful break from the hecticness of life.  Sit in silence and connect with the depths of your soul.  

One of the easiest ways to calm the mind and settle into the essence of one’s own being is to focus on the breath, and bring your awareness of a feeling state.  In other words, open your heart to gratitude.  Feel the feelings of being really grateful for something in your life.  Connect with the expansiveness of energy that comes with that feeling- and continue to breathe it in.  Getting into a feeling state is the quickest way to stay connected in the heart. 

The birds, the trees, the earth are whispering to you in song, a gentle song – sent to awaken your heart and to uplift your soul.  Heed the gentle song and you will be in the flow of divine grace!  Abandon the clutter in your mind and make way for the state of grace. 

This month we are grateful and are able to share the joys and heartbreak with those close to us.  We are able to share the bonds of friends and family as we connect to our inner core as well as the things that lift us to the higher realms.  Feel yourself flowing on the breeze of the wind as you sail toward freedom!  Feel this freedom as it calls to your very soul and let go of all the things that hold you back!  When you are in alignment with your life as it is in this moment- suddenly, it feels like a breath of fresh air flows into your world.  Allow sweetness and grace to enter your life and bask in the purity of that energy…Connect with silence- and stay pure of heart and lovingly grateful for all that you have and all that you are.

In loving gratitude,

cathie

www.jewelsofthelotus.com 

4 Foundations of Mindfulness

Four Foundations of Mindfulness:

Many people ask me about Mindfulness- exactly what does it mean?  Mindfulness is about being in the present moment. Not thinking about the past or the future; it is about being fully focused on the NOW moment.  When you are mindful, you are focused and aware.  This means that when you are driving to work, or eating a meal- you are fully engaged and aware of what you are doing, what you are feeling, and what you are thinking.  Not easy in our society- but a Mindfulness practice can help relieve stress and will help to uncover the sense of calmness and peace that is already within you.  As you begin to be more Mindful in your daily living; be sure to be very compassionate with yourself.  Notice too, your desire to numb out or turn away unpleasant thoughts.  It is by accepting that unpleasant thoughts are there; that will help to dissipate them.                                                     Here are some ideas to help you get started.   **********************************************************************************************

Mindful Mind- Thinking about what you are thinking about. It is about your level of awareness and how present you are in this moment. Are you floating through the days, in a state of semi-consciousness?  When you are fully engaged in the activity you are doing- whether washing dishes, cooking or eating dinner, working on a project, or driving to work-be fully present with whatever you are doing at the moment.

Make sure your awareness is in the NOW moment.

Mindful Body- This is about paying attention to the signals that the body gives us at all times. Are you hungry, thirsty, exhausted, achy, or feeling great and energized? Is the body tense or relaxed- and how do you heed the signals?

How is your body speaking to you in this moment?

Mindful Feelings/emotions- What is present for you right now? We run the gamut of many emotions during the course of the day. Understand that you are not your emotions. Say “I feel sad” rather than “I am sad.”  That helps you to distinguish the fluid nature of the emotions.  How in touch with your emotions are you?  Awareness of what you are feeling: whether it is joyful, or sad or anything in between; simply by being aware of how you are feeling is the key to mindfulness. Know that “this too shall pass.”

Identify and observe existing emotions without judging yourself.

Mindful Thoughts- How often do you criticize yourself?  What does your self-talk sound like?  When we are aware of how we judge thoughts as ‘good’ or ‘bad’; or tell ourselves we ‘should’ or ‘shouldn’t,’ we can flow more easily with the current of life.

How can you be more compassionate with yourself?

catherine epstein november 2013

www.jewelsofthelotus.com

My wish for YOU!

May all beings know and dwell in universal love.  May everyone awaken to their true, divine selves. 

May we all live in peace, harmony and gentleness.  Our souls have hungered for this, especially as of late- and we are ready to create and open to the new Earth. 

My life has improved to the point that I am in total joy, each and every day….no matter what is happening in my life, I have released struggle.  I have opened my heart. 

Business has taken on a new dimension in my life.  I’ve pared down to doing only that which I came here to do.  That is to bring others peaceful and loving vibes-  My work with stones has gone to a new level and I provide a source and haven for all those wishing to connect with their higher self. 

Life is filled with beauty for me and I am able to connect more fully with the core being of others.  I’ve released judgment and I have a renewed sense of community…

I no longer get caught up in fear, sadness, grief and other emotions.  I simply feel them come up, recognize them and then allow them to release.  The present moment is where I reside- and I allow myself to observe-

I have had a glimpse, a brief glimpse-

of  living in a community with like-minded souls,.

Where we share support, laughter and great love.

I have had a glimpse, a brief glimpse-

Of living in a world with peaceful souls-

Where we share creativity, passions and joy.

I have had a glimpse, a brief glimpse-

Of living on the New Earth…

January 01 2010- cme

Let's PLAY 20 Questions

Take a moment (or an hour)- and sit with your journal while you answer these questions. This is a self-coaching exercise that will help you channel your higher self.  Don't think too much- allow what is in your heart to drive the answers.  

1)    What would you do if you could do anything?

2)    If you were to start with a clean slate in your life, what would that look like?

3)    What does courage feel like?

4)    How well do you know your heart?

5)    If you only had a week to live, what would you do?

6)    Is your imagination as wide as the universe?

7)    What limitations do you place upon yourself?

8)    What if you combined compassion with action?

9)    What do you need to do in this moment to begin your new way of life?

10)  What beliefs do you need to let go of?

11)  Where would you live if you were not bound to your current residence?

12)  What would you do with fire energy?

13)  If you were a bird, where would you soar?

14)  If you could have direct contact with God/Spirit, what would you say?

15)  How can you be more authentic in your relationships?

16)  What is your body trying to tell you?

17)  What if you have the ability to see a project through to completion?

18)  What would you say to your fears?

19)  How can you tap into an internal energy source for unlimited power?

20)  What is the brightest, highest, best wish you have for your life?

For more information: jewelsofthelotus.com

PRESS THE RESET BUTTON

One morning, I woke up to these words:  “The separation of two worlds is within me.  With every thought, I can create my reality.  If I am fearful, I create more fear- if I am joyful, I create more joy.  In every moment, I have the ability to expand or contract.  My world is changing so fast.  I either flow with it, or cling to the shore.  I choose to stay in the flow.  I choose joy!”

Every decision, every choice, every moment has immediate consequences.  I don’t wish to dwell in the uncomfortable place in my mind anymore.  I wish to dwell in my heart.  When we all embrace this truth, together, we will form communities of the heart.  When we all consciously choose joy, we take humanity forward. 

When you observe your thoughts leading you to an uncomfortable place, press the reset button. Replace the thoughts with higher, more loving thoughts and try not to get caught in the loop.  Simply catch yourself and gently stop. Imagine that you are changing the channel in your mind to a higher vibration.   In other words, choose joy.  Be aware of your thoughts during the day.  Even happy, upbeat people have little nagging thoughts that can hinder their progress.  Be constantly aware of the direction of your thoughts and allow them to be flooded by the light of higher consciousness.  Letting go of expectations and attachments is the key that will unlock the door to a more vibrant and abundant life!

Many of us identify with our stream of thoughts and try to stop them.  We want to sit in peaceful repose and find ourselves caught up in the mind chatter. Then we get frustrated at the process.  One of the tools that I find most helpful is to simply not attach to to thoughts that go running through.  When we withdraw our energy from the thinking mind, we are able to stay tapped into the peaceful place within.  This is the aspect of conscious creation that will help you in your process.  Would you rather contribute to more fear in the world or ride on the flow of unconditional love?  Personally, I would rather choose to ride the wave, than to be pulled under by the tsunami.  Remember to shine the light of your consciousness on all of your thoughts.  Only allow yourself to stay in the truth and beauty of that which is possible in your life. 

We have all made choices out of fear, and we’ve made choices out of love.  Ask yourself- what would you like to create?  Remember to press the reset button and create joy!

Enjoy-            cathy

www.jewelsofthelotus.com

“Even-ing Up the Pie”

Ever had this experience?  You are standing in the kitchen- or cleaning up the dining room table….you are alone.  The edges of the cake, or pie (or casserole, or a container of ice-cream) are UN-EVEN.  You pick up a fork and say- “just one little nibble to even it up.” 

MMMMM!  It tastes so good- but look! It made the other side un-even.  So, again, you take the fork and dive in again.   And, again and again and again.  Until a short while later, after you emerge back into consciousness, you realize that you have eaten nearly the whole thing!  So- then you say, “what the heck?” and then finish it off.

Every time I share this experience at the Dining Workshops- almost everyone in the room can relate!  We have all had Un-Conscious eating episodes and then when we “wake up” we beat ourselves up for having been so weak. 

 It is amazing how our thoughts can lead us down this slippery slope. So, here is a way to break that cycle:  Next time you have the urge to “Even-up the Pie”…bring your full awareness into it. Ask yourself if it is what you truly want.  If the answer is YES, then do it mindfully.   Decide to take a sliver- and put it on a plate.  THEN, sit down with it- bless it – and eat it while enjoying every bite. 

Decisions when made consciously and with LOVE behind them; change the vibration and the energy of how our bodies process what we eat.

jewelsofthelotus.com