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

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

Jewels of the Lotus- Gratitude Rocks

"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~

jewelsofthlotus.com

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.)

‎"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