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?

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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

THE MARRIAGE OF HEAD AND HEART

Dear Mind: 

I know you are busy, but please take a moment.  It’s important.

You are always thinking, busy, busy, busy, always doing, ruminating,

Planning, organizing, and you are trying to do it all alone! Although I can appreciate your functions and practicality, sometimes it is too much to bear!

Well, I would like to introduce to you to a wonderful partner.  Meet your HEART.  The heart will b a wonderful partner for you in all of your decisions and help you through any painful situations as well as appreciating the JOY that is within your life. 

When you join with the Heart, you will learn that every moment has a gift and this will help you flow with more Grace .  Spend at least 10 minutes a day sitting with the energy of your heart.   Get to know it deeply. 

While this may sound tough, MIND; I know that you will be much happier and calmer with the new partnership.

Happy Merging!

Love and peace,         Your Higher  Self

www.jewelsofthelotus.com

The mind can be a powerful tool, it works best when partnered with the heart.

Welcome to the Year of 2013!  This year is all about creating consciously- by not letting our minds
rule, but allowing our hearts to steer the bus.  Let's begin by learning how to listen.  

Instead of New Years resolutions, how about setting intentions- to:

~exercise your Gratitude Muscle
~fill your belly with Love
~surround yourself with positive people
~live fully each day
~let go of fear
~listen to the music of your soul
~sit quietly for 30 minutes EACH day
~Give your mind take a rest and let your HEART take charge!

Wishing all an abundant and peaceful 2013!

~cathie

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

http://www.jewelsofthelotus.com

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

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”

   www.jewelsofthelotus.com