Tuesday, November 6, 2012

NY State of Mindfulness

Here in NY, we are witness to the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, continuing to watch the drama unfold.

There are long lines for gas, many folks are still in the dark,others have watched their homes slip
into the sea, temperatures are dropping and tempers are rising.  
Everyone handles stress in ways that are unique to them.  There are those that have a deep need to help others, so they organize food and supply drives.  Others stay rooted to their own homes, nesting and cleaning long forgotten closets.  Some are panicking and are engaging in mind-numbing activities like being glued to a working TV, listening to the news constantly, overeating, or drinking more alcohol more than usual. Then there are those that are in need of comfort and those that have a need to comfort. Still others rally around in their own communities and have social gatherings akin to a summertime block party without the warmth.

This is an amazing time we are in.  We get to witness our own reactions to adversity in ways many have never even thought of.  By allowing the full range of feelings that may surface; fears and anger, gratefulness and appreciation, panic, guilt, agitation, disgust, or even relief-  we can flow through the wave of emotions with an acceptance, rather than a fighting of what is.  

Let this serve as a reminder to celebrate the day. The light is more precious to those who have been in the dark. Kindness is more precious when so many are acting out. Having a roof over your head is more precious when so many have none. 
Allow yourself to feel all the emotions that may come up during these times, but don't let them swallow you. Everyone handles difficult times in different ways. 
Take time today to appreciate all that you have! 
By coming together,we can help to rebuild.
 ~namaste,  cathy~
www.jewelsofthelotus.com

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Inner Wisdom


 Listening to your Inner Wisdom

Everyone has a place within the heart- the place that knows.  However we don’t always trust this inner knowing.  Sometimes what is in our hearts, is so different from what our outer life looks like, or is far beyond logic, that we deny its existence.
I get asked all the time, “how do I know it is the right thing?” I too ask myself as I don’t always trust.  What I have learned along the way is that intuition is like a muscle.  It needs to be flexed and used- AND with more use, it will grow stronger.  Practice on things that don’t have much importance- like when choosing from a menu in a restaurant.  Go with your gut choice, even though it might not be logical.  (ie: you had chicken 3 nights already) You’ve all had the experience of ordering something you “should” like a salad, and then eyeing your companions dinner hungrily.  Learning to listen to your gut in small instances helps strengthen it. 

Here are  a few exercises:
-          Is it fun, and does it bring me joy?
-          Does it serve my higher purpose?
-          Does it serve spirit?

Exercise #2- visualize a candle in your solar plexus.  Get centered and ask a yes or no question and visualize the candle either glowing brighter or growing dim.  Even a flickering candle can give you insight.

Exercise #3-  Visualize two doors.  See the writing on the door as choice A or choice B.  Visualize yourself facing the doors- and then going thru them one at a time.  Sense, or see which choice holds more light. I usually see bright light coming from behind one door even before I open it. 

Some Affirmations:

“I trust and follow my inner guidance”

I spend quiet, reflective time; I hear my inner guidance”

“I always choose the path of most light”

“I honor my integrity in all that I do”

“I am in charge of my destiny, I am the builder of my life”

“I demonstrate love with action, every day”

“I follow my highest joy”

“I love getting there, as much as being there”

“I am always being guided to the higher solution”

“I accept myself for who and what I am, RIGHT NOW”




Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Dust Off Your Dreams


“The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant.  We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift.”  ~Albert Einstein

Dust off your Dreams!

What would your life be like if you were to allow yourself to bring up some of  your old  dreams, dust them off and let them tickle you again?  How would it feel if you could tap back into your intuitive mind and remember what it feels like to live from your heart?
We have all heard that we have the answers within, but how many of us actually believe that?  We all look to gurus, read lots of books, ask others- then heave a heavy sigh and give up or put our dreams on hold. 
Where are you in this very moment?  Are you content with your life?  Are you feeling joy and calm?  OR, are you feeling restless- like you’ve been through the mill and are just going through the motions of everyday life?  What is in you that has been dormant for so long that has been muted or even silenced? 
The world needs you now and the gifts you have to bring forth.  If you doubt this, just think of how it would feel to do what you truly desire- letting go of all fear?  Can you imagine how freeing this can be?  What if the only thing you really want is to live a simple and peaceful life- and learn how to flow through challenges with ease? 
Where do you find your groove?  If you tap in for a moment into the rhythm of the earth, you can feel the steady beat- and the life force energy of this planet.  We are all part of this beat, and can feel an amazing connection when we tune in.
It is said that the most precious gift is this moment- and it is your choice of how to receive this gift.  What a luxury it is to savor this moment and embrace an intuitive mind!  Bring forth all of you and dance in joy and freedom…you’ll be more connected to the rational mind and know it indeed has its place.  By sitting in silence for 20 minutes a day, you will reconnect with your intuition and have direct access to your answers.  The rational mind will balk- but tell it to take a back seat and watch what happens.  Let us continue to create the new earth by honoring all our intuitive gifts!

In Joy,
Cathy

catherine epstein, graduate gemologist, reiki master, certified life coach
www.jewelsofthelotus.com
316 sea cliff ave
sea cliff ny  11579
516 759 1217

Sunday, August 19, 2012




"When you discover the wonder of giving, you will wonder how you could have lived so long in any other way."
-Norman Vincent Peale
What an amazing thing it is to give a gift from the heart.  When we give from this place, we ride the continuous flow of energy and feel it flowing back to us.   Scientific studies have shown that one of the fastest ways to heal your heart is to be of service to others.  And, being of service comes in many forms.  We can be of service financially, by donating to worthwhile causes.  We can be of service by listening to a friend in need.  We can be in service while praying, creating, donating time, and countless other ways.  We can also be of service by showing others how we appreciate them by passing along a touchstone or reminder for them to carry.  One great way to show appreciation and gratitude for another is to give them a Gratitude Rock.  A Gratitude Rock is a randomly chosen crystal that has energetic properties.  Conveniently packaged, a Gratitude Rock comes with a card explaining the individual properties and another card explaining the pay-it-forward meaning.
The energy of the abundance of the universe stands behind the concept of Gratitude Rocks and helps to remind you to be in flow with all of life.  The premise is simple. Throughout your day, show your appreciation to someone by giving a Gratitude Rock.  Tell them you are grateful for them and the stone is intended to be a show of appreciation.  Know that if you receive a stone, set your intention that it will serve as a reminder to stay very mindful throughout the day.  This includes speaking kindly, staying authentic, and being in the present moment.
 While Gratitude Rocks is not a new idea, it helps one tap into the flow of giving.  Gratitude Rocks- is a pay-it-forward concept.  It is based on the idea of appreciation and acknowledging others for touching our lives in some way.  When we express our appreciation with something tangible, like a Gratitude ROCK, it is a reminder that honors the light in another person.
So many heart-warming stories are being reported and how amazing it is to watch the recipient’s face as he or she lights up.  And even more so when they read the property card that accompanies the stone.  The universe always gives us what we need in any moment and Gratitude Rocks is our validation.  From Yoga teachers, therapists, and other people who love the pay-it-forward idea- to people who give them as party favors or simply give them out to those they encounter during the day- people’s lives are being touched in a wonderful way. 
  Ride the flow of the energy of gratitude!  Enhance your life with a pouch of gems/crystals to share freely with those who touch your life.  This inspiring “pay it forward” idea helps to keep the energy flowing and will open your heart even further.    A great way to show your gratitude!  Together we can make the world a better place. ~ Namaste~

Available at www.jewelsofthelotus.com OR, @ 316 Sea Cliff Ave, Sea Cliff NY  11579-
516 759 1217       ( in packages of 12 or 30, or custom quantities.)

Monday, August 6, 2012


‎"Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it."
~Rumi

Getting to know YOU!

Are you living with a defended heart, too afraid to jump in the game?  What barriers to love have you built?  Where in your life do you prevent yourself from fully living?  Do you fear success, or failure, or is it just fear of getting hurt or being disappointed?  Many of us have said that “we are our own worst enemy. When we know how we sabotage ourselves, in whatever way is unique to us, it can be an eye-opening experience. There are some people who even fear the positive outcome.  How often have you felt in the back of your mind that if your plan succeeded, that you wouldn’t know how to handle it?  It might make you too busy, or too overwhelmed. Does fear of success ever get in your way?

Think of an image of a young child, with nose pressed to the glass- looking in at a wonderful party going on.  Everyone is dancing and laughing and having a great time.  The child feels a longing yet is too afraid to go inside.  How often do you find yourself in this situation- trying to hide behind a guise of “busy or busy-ness?”  Conversely, in a different image, picture a child on the inside.  It is a nice, cozy and comfortable space.  Nose pressed to the glass, the child is looking to the outside world.  It is nice and cozy inside, and outside, there is weather, and many unknowns.  It can be more dangerous yet exhilarating.  The child feels this sense of longing.
 Wants to take a chance, but the fear is too great. 
Are you sitting in the inside wanting to go out, or on the outside wanting to come in?
Which child do you see as yourself?

What would it feel like to live as the care-free child? Going in and out, with purpose and meaning- sharing the joy, and adventure, yet always returning to the home within
- a safe haven?

Sit down with yourself. And have a long chat.  Spend time thinking about your needs and values.  What is important to you and are you living in alignment with those values?  When you live more in alignment, and more from your heart- things will fall into place.  If you are skimming the surface of life and not digging deep into the core of truth, then you will know it- as it feels out of balance. 
Know that we are all different people at different times with different needs.  The purpose of this self-directed chat, is to get you to think in terms of "what's important in this moment" and it can be a great way to help you make decisions.  As when we are aligned with our values, it is easier to navigate through life.  When we are not aligned, it creates an imbalance- and we know it instantly.  

Your sole/soul purpose is to find and remove all barriers to love. When you remove the barriers that prevent you from feeling the truth of love and fully connecting with your own heart, the universe responds in joy! 
Remember this old adage
Don’t be so consumed with making a living that you forget to make a life.

In JOY~ cathy
www.jewelsofthelotus.com  

Wednesday, July 18, 2012


Time to scrap the "TO DO" List


TO "BE" LIST

1)    Own your power
2)    Know you are the master of your creations
3)    Your relationship to self is the most important one
4)    Know that you are always protected
5)    Take time for yourself everyday
6)    Lovingly parent your inner child
7)    Know that we are all ONE
8)    Practice non-attachment
9)    Simplify your life
10)  Every interaction is an opportunity to heal
11)  Practice Forgiveness
12)  Look for the positive in all situations
13)  Be aware of the Divinity within
14)  Practice Peace in all areas of your life
15)  Become a Spiritual Warrior
16)  Live with Integrity
17)  Be humble
18)  Have a Gentle Heart
19)  Be non-reactive
20)  Live consciously
21)  Be  the embodiment of Spirit On Earth

Monday, July 9, 2012

PEACE

Peace within is peace without.  Peace is a state of mind and being.  When you are centered and peaceful, it radiates out from your heart center to those around you.  No matter what frenzy is going on, you will have the ability to stay rooted ~this is what we strive for.  No matter how challenging the situation is, we stay focused and steady.  The place of peace is available to those who are ready to tap into it.  We only need to remember...The seeds of peace have been planted by the Divine...it is up to us to sow them.

Picture peace pulsating throughout the planet.  Picture peace pulsating throughout your heart.  Is it possible?  We need to remember that for every positive thought, a lot of negativity gets cancelled out. If you believe that the seeds of peace are already planted, and are only waiting for us to sow them- then peace is possible. Transmitting a peaceful vibe begins within our own hearts.  

Begin by putting yourself in a comfortable seated position.  After becoming centered and grounded, imagine that a beam of light is streaming out of the top of your head- all the way up to the angelic realm.  Become more relaxed as you feel the transmission of peace pouring down through you- and send your love and gratitude back to the Angels.  Tap into the loving vibe emanating and let it fill your body.   Just feel it flowing out and around you- send it out in waves to your loved ones, your community, your country and the world!  Picture peace pulsating throughout the planet.

Namaste~  

www.jewelsofthelotus.com   

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

If I were my own Life Coach....

“If I were my own coach, I would…”
-      Remind myself to be grateful for all that I am and all that I have.
-      Release the past history of my life to a loving and peaceful place
-      Release all the negative self talk that has been in the background of my mind
-      Allow forgiveness to permeate my heart, and especially be forgiving of myself
-      Replace all lower vibrational thoughts with higher and loving thoughts
-      Welcome the changes that are imminent as exciting and wonderful adventures that will help keep me moving
-      Put self-care on my priority list
-      Stop making excuses and start living and breathing again
-      Learn to trust in my own heart and be true to my own heart
-      Stand tall  and shine light to all those around me
Stand fully in my true radiance and own my power~!