Every Day a Blessing

We had a wonderful Christmas and visit with the sons. I had my Christmas cry on Christmas Eve day. I expect I'll have another as the sons leave to return to Colorado, and I clean up the aftermath of Christmas.
While "beam me up, Scotty" would be awesome for personal travel, right now I'd like to use it to put away all the Christmas stuff in the blink of an eye. Something to look forward to!
I am excited about 2013 as well. Travels, good times with family and friends, more basketball and another baseball season (Go, Cubbies!). Life is so good. Please live every day like Christmas, for each one is an awesome blessing!
Love and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Leta

The Christmas Cry

There's lots of emotion for me around Christmas. Being a person who prefers hanging out in my head (logic, etc.), there's some discomfort with an emotional roller coaster. I love Christmas--I've made conscious choices to lessen the stress and appreciate those events that focus on the many wonderful people in my life. I feel very blessed year-round, but especially at Christmas.
My sons moved from Kansas to Colorado this year, and thus have a much longer drive to get home for Christmas. I'm not a worrier, but I'm still a bit concerned about the weather potentials, driving at night, etc. Will they be home next Christmas? Will I be on the planet still next Christmas? These questions put pressure on me to really be enjoying the NOW, THIS Christmas, and am I doing that sufficiently? This kind of "head stuff" makes me crazy.
All that said, my best option for diffusing all these thoughts and emotions is to have the all-out annual Christmas cry. It serves me best to do it before Christmas, as my family really wonders why I would cry on Christmas Day.
I can feel it coming, and I know some blessing will occur to cause the tears to spill out, finally. That's a great thing.
So maybe consider it--a Christmas cry. I'm betting those around you will be glad you did!
Gratefully celebrating the Christ consciousness,
Leta

Don't Blame the Gun

The school shooting in Newtown is definitely a tragedy. I can't imagine the horror of the experience for the children, school personnel and families. However, it's a human tragedy, not a gun tragedy.
Unable to comprehend how such a thing could happen, humans take the easy route and blame the gun, and say we humans shouldn't be allowed to have them. That's like saying if someone is killed in a car accident, we shouldn't be allowed to have cars.
In our Bill of Rights, immediately following freedom of speech and assembly (#1) is the right to keep and bear arms (#2). The right to keep and bear arms is THAT important. There is no greater way to control a people than to prevent them from defending themselves by taking away their arms. This fundamental freedom must be maintained.
Those who want to do damage to other humans will always find a way, so it does absolutely no good to take away guns from people with the intent of preventing such tragedies. It simply does not work. I offer as an example that the bomb detonated by Timothy McVeigh in Oklahoma City was made primarily from fertilizer. I don't remember an outcry to outlaw fertilizer.
I don't own a gun. I don't care for them or hunting or sport shooting. But I will always defend my right to own one if I choose.
The real issue here is one of mental and spiritual health, a much bigger issue to deal with than a gun. Don't blame the gun!

Not another toy!

Christmas time can be a time of great stress due to gift-giving. Or not.
There are alternatives, if we just give ourselves the gift of slowing down and taking some time to think of other possibilities.
Here's an example: for years I stressed about getting gifts for my 11 great-nieces and great-nephews, wrapping, shipping, etc. At last I realized that this was a fairly meaningless process, because I can promise you, none of those gifts are remembered or in their possession now.
Seven years ago, I decided to stop the Christmas gift giving, and I set up an investment account for their benefit, and invested in it regularly. Each one gets his or her share (1/11th of the account) when they graduate from high school. That process has resulted in gifts of over $2,000 each, way better than the forgotten toys of Christmas. It's so easy for me--I send an annual update to their parents each Christmastime, and I get the thrill of giving a very nice cash gift when one elects to withdraw his or her share.
Let yourself explore the possibilities relative to reducing Christmas stress. It can be done!
Relaxed and lovin' it!
Leta

Baggage be gone!

From Eugene Holden: "There is nothing that blocks the emergence of God's perfect world more than hanging on to the past. You see, when we hang on to the past, we are not free to experience what is at hand right now. And what is at hand in this moment is perfection."
We can drag the hurts and negativity of the past around like a suitcase full of rocks. Gee, let's see, who is burdened by that? No one but person with the grip on the suitcase handle. Let's let stuff go.
We can also be burdened hanging onto great stuff from the past, thinking life will never be that good again. With those thoughts, we miss the fact that right now is fabulous, and life keeps on getting better.
There's a lot of pressure at Christmas time to make things "perfect," to fulfill longings of the past. How about starting new traditions, or lightening your activity load, or just considering that there are other options? The past does not need to be a drag on the present. It's our choice!
Blessings!
Leta

Don't Say It!

These words come from Rev. Sally Robbins:

One of my former teachers challenged my class, "For the next week, don't say anything unkind, untrue, or unnecessary." None of us made it past one day without breaking that rule, much less a week. It's amazing how much comes out of our mouths that falls into the category of being unkind, untrue, or unnecessary. That exercise made me much more aware of my words, and it helped me clean up my speech.

There's a challenge for us! Are you willing to at least give it a try? I am!
Joy-full,
Leta

And the trip was awesome!

My trip to Italy totally re-affirmed one of my favorite sayings: "I lead a charmed life, especially when traveling." We had a superb tour manager and bus driver, the weather was mostly great, we saw many beautiful and historic sights, our accommodations were exceptional, and we had a great group of folks to meet and enjoy. The food and wine were bountiful and delicious. I learned enough about olive oil to become an "olive oil snob." :)
The artwork that had the biggest effect on me was the original statue of David by Michelangelo in Florence. The energy of its magnificence was so wonderful to be immersed in. 
A friend asked me what was my biggest "aha." I said, "Do it while you can." Follow your heart's desire, explore, do that bucket list while you're still healthy and vital.
As Nike says, Just Do It!
Joyfully,
Leta

An adventure of joy!

A friend and I are about to embark on a trip to Italy, a cherished dream for both of us, and a prominent part of my vision board display (another one nailed!).
Yesterday's Daily Guide in Science of Mind magazine, written by Rev. Sally Robbins, gives me a mission for my trip:
"You never know the ripples that you create in the universe by choosing the highest levels of energy such as joy, love, and peace. Your joy is contagious, and the more you give away, the more you get to keep for yourself."  Affirmation: "I choose happiness today, knowing that my happiness is contagious and spreads to those in my world."
I'll be back here in a couple weeks to report how awesome the trip was!
Love,
Leta

Here's an awesome practice...

In a workshop this weekend, we were given the exercise of answering the question, "What's happening now?" As in NOW, not the past or future. Now I am typing, I feel joyful, I'm thinking and wondering what to type next. Witnessing this process, lots of folks talked about past or future stuff. As a general rule, we humans tend to be unacquainted with hanging out in NOW.
I practiced this yesterday morning as I was swimming laps. It was amazing how much more powerfully and efficiently I swam when I kept my attention IN the pool and IN my body.
Play with it--it's fun and VERY rewarding.
Love,
Leta

Absorb these into your very cells....

Dr. Eben Alexander, a neurosurgeon, didn't believe in such things as heaven and afterlife, until he had a near-death experience.  (His new book is titled Proof of Heaven.)
During his experience, three potent messages were, for lack of a better phrase, implanted in his understanding (i.e., not spoken as we know it):

“You are loved and cherished, dearly, forever.”
“You have nothing to fear.”
“There is nothing you can do wrong.”

Meditate on those and take them into your very cells. Feels SO good!

Love,
Leta

Are you a victim of time?

I highly recommend learning and using Einstein time, a concept presented in the book, The Big Leap, by Gay Hendricks. The basic idea is that time is not something outside of us, but rather, we are the creators of time. We can create as much of it as we want. Einstein's physics proves this. If we view time as something that controls us, something outside of us, then we are victims of time.
It's a radical concept, to be sure. But I use it, and it works. The results are:

• You get more done in less time.
• You enjoy plenty of time and abundant energy for your most important creative activities.
• You discover your unique abilities and how to express them.
• You feel good inside--no more rushing, time pressure or exhaustion.

Worth it? Hell, yes!!!
What are signals of time-victimhood? Thoughts or statements such as these:

• I don't have time for that.
• Can't chat, I'm in a hurry.
• Where did the time go?
• There aren't enough hours in the day.

To begin using Einstein time, start with these two things:
1. Stop complaining about time.
2. Take ownership of how you want to use the time you create--say NO to those things you truly don't care to do, and start doing those things you truly want to do. Trust me, this is not as easy as it may sound, but your happiness depends on it!
Einstein time is a gas! Get the book, read more on it, practice it, feel great!
Love,
Leta

Yippee, celebrate!!!!!

Tomorrow is the Brave Broad's birthday. With the monthly (and post-grand-puppy-visit) house-cleaning looming over me, I busted it today to get the cleaning done, because I will NOT clean on my birthday! (Did too much cleaning as a youngster--just saying!) Now I have a lovely clean home to enjoy.
So what will I do?  I am blessed to have prayer time with a dear friend to start my day, then I get to teach Forrest Yoga. Mid-day is open, and will include the daily nap, then I get to spend the evening with friends in a class I am leading on The Big Leap (Gay Hendricks).
My life is incredibly awesome, and I am so joyfully grateful. I truly am uninterested in stuff--as I get older, I so appreciate experiences more than things. I love spending time with my husband and sons. I love to travel. I love to discuss spiritual principles and share Forrest Yoga and all its healing benefits with others. I appreciate who I am, and I feel so loved. I know that I am never alone--there is a presence in the Universe that adores and supports me endlessly.
Can't add much more to that!  I hope YOUR birthday finds you feeling so in love with your life! If not, give me a call--I can help :)
Joy and love,
Leta

Trigger

Never waste a good trigger.  This is a quote and an exceptionally great practice offered by Ana Forrest, creatrix of Forrest Yoga, a powerfully-healing form of yoga which I am blessed and trained to teach.
What does that quote mean? A trigger is anything--person, place, situation, organization--that causes some sort of physiological response in us, such as muscle-tightening, emotional stress, sweating, addictive behavior, or general discomfort. An example for me is when I make a mistake. I get very nervous, emotional, and frustrated with myself. The mistake is a trigger, and when I explore that trigger, I see that my perception of myself as perfect has been shattered. Exploring further, why do I feel I must be perfect? Well, to be good enough. What's good enough? I think you can see the endlessly frustrating moving target of perfectionism that I've set myself up for. Making productive use of this trigger, I practice savoring my successes and being happy with who I am and whatever I do, without applying some lofty standard I can't possibly hit that only serves to bring myself down.
A key point here is to use the trigger for its gift of information, then release it. We don't want to store away the triggers in our bodies--buried triggers become cancer, arthritis, heart disease, fibromyalgia and Alzheimer's, to name a few. 
Simply begin to notice your triggers. That's a great start. Practice becoming an explorer for the gifts hidden in the trigger. It's a great way to get stuck energy moving in your body and in your spirit.
Blessings!
Leta

Fixing others

We humans have a glorious tendency to think we have it together enough to go off and try to fix others, too. While I believe this is generally motivated by good intent, we're missing a key point here. This attitude that it's appropriate to try to fix others says that we think we have some inside knowledge that the other person isn't capable of having. We lose sight of the fact that we are all Spirit in form, all one, and all have access to the same "support system" in Spirit. We are all unique in our process, no doubt, but one process is no better than the other.  Yes, one may appear more satisfying than another, but that's not for us, looking in from the outside, to judge. Everyone is capable of choosing differently in any given moment.

Ernest Holmes states this idea quite nicely: If our human relations are to mean the most to us, we must sense that there is hidden within, around, and through each of us a Divine Presence manifesting itself in infinite variations—the same impulse, the same Love and Life, but never quite alike in any two persons.

Let's celebrate our uniqueness rather than try to fix it!

Enjoy your day!

Leta

How did you spend the day?

Today is Saturday, a day off for many folks.  If it was a day off for you, did you do something fun and enjoyable? Did you do something that fed your soul? Or did you just do chores and stuff that "HAD" to be done? Are you exhausted or energized now towards the end of the day?
How you spent the day says volumes about your priorities. Did you spend time on the things that you WANT to be your priorities? Are you a priority in your life, or does everyone else (and the house and assorted chores) come first?
You don't get a do-over on today, or this weekend, or this year. Maybe you want to reconsider how you spend your precious time?
Lovingly,
Leta

In all things, persist gently.

I love that phrase: persist gently.  It comes from a daily meditation written by Katherine Saux.
In two circumstances in my life right now, this idea is especially relevant. I tend to be quite impatient, especially where business development is concerned. I'm doing what I love, business IS growing, just not fast enough for me. Sometimes I slip into a "Why bother?" funk. Sometimes it feels like effort is maximum while income is minimal. Well, I don't want to stop doing what I love, so it is considerably easier on my spirit if I persist gently, rather than stomping my foot and demanding of the Universe.
I'm also working with someone who recently experienced the transition of a close family member. Our society tends to be so hard-hearted toward the grieving--just suck it up and get over it. NO! We serve ourselves and our long-term health as we feel and release the many mixed emotions that accompany such a loss. Persist gently--feel, express, release, and repeat as needed, no matter how long it takes. Sometimes it seems like "they" have set a timetable or perfect process for grieving. It is different for each person, and it takes what it takes. Persist gently.
Take this idea--persist gently--into your spirit and use it.  Your body and soul will so appreciate it!
Blessings,
Leta

Artist's Date at the State Fair

I went to the Kansas State Fair yesterday. It was an Artist's Date--that term comes from The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. It's an outing whereby you feed your soul with some sort of artistry that is meaningful to you. 
I especially enjoyed the quilts, photography, painting and various arts and crafts.  The creativity and variety are amazing. Even the canned goods are works of art.
I also enjoyed the animals. I experienced a renewed appreciation for the variety of animals and for the humans that lovingly care for them. The two women who did the milking demonstration answered lots of questions for me and delighted me with their sharing of the various cow personalities.
Care for something, create something, be passionate about something--using your gifts blesses us all!
Thank you!
Leta

I've Been Wondering...

One of the suggestions offered by author Gay Hendricks in his book The Big Leap (the subject of the current class I am facilitating) is to spend time wondering. As a card-carrying control freak and person who prides herself on being organized, to simply hang out wondering is a challenge for me. I like stuff figured out and organized in a neat and tidy package. 
So I am wondering about assorted things: how I really want to spend my time, how to further expand my business enterprises, how to gently draw myself out of my comfort zone.
I really appreciate the concept of wondering. Prior to reading The Big Leap, I would have simply been frustrated with my confusion at not having everything figured out! Wondering lets me tap into the infinite potentials available to me, and gives the Universe more ways to support me--always a great thing!
How might you bring wondering into your life experience?
Enjoy!
Leta

New Forrest Yoga Class Schedule beginning 9/1/12

Here's the updated schedule for my Forrest Yoga Classes:

Class Schedule (all morning classes, 3 per week)
Wednesday, 8:45-10 am, Clearwater Wellness Center, Clearwater, KS
Thursday, 8:45-9:45 am, InnerWorks Holistic Health Center, 3425 W. Central, Wichita, KS
Saturday, 10-11:15 am, at my home studio, Wichita, KS
~~~~~~~~~~~

Drop-in rate, multi-class packages and gift certificates available.

Do you want to try yoga without being seen by the general public? Do you have special physical needs that don't fit in a regular yoga class? I will come to you! Private sessions available--contact me to schedule.

I also offer Forrest Yoga employee benefit classes at your workplace. 
You can learn more about Forrest Yoga at www.forrestyoga.com.
Please contact me for information and appointment scheduling.  Thank you!

The Big Leap--a "Love Your Life!" Class

This fall on Thursday evenings, I'll be hosting a book study on the book, The Big Leap, by Gay Hendricks.  There are two spots left, including the option to participate via Skype.

We have a wonderful group of folks collected who are committed to living the fullest life, supporting each other through the adventures and pitfalls of creating lives we love.

Here are the details:

When: Thursday evenings, September 6 through October 25, 7-9 pm (Central time)
Cost: $150. A deposit of $25 reserves your place in the class.  The balance is due by the END of the class.
Where: My home in northwest Wichita, Kansas, or via Skype.
You are responsible for purchase of the book. There are no prerequisites for this class, and all are welcome! Contact me to register or for information.

Choose Happiness

The following is the Daily Guide (a daily meditation) from the Science of Mind magazine for Monday, August 6, written by Rev. Bob Luckin:

The time a friend interrupted my depression to tell me that I could choose to be happy was the time I became angry and walked away from the friendship. Eventually, I discovered that choosing to be happy meant that, if I was willing, I could take off the blinders I had been wearing. I learned to make room for more light. I found my depression was a kind of filter that distorted things. I had been seeing eyes as a source of tears instead of windows to the soul.

As I allowed myself to see more life, I found that there was much more to see than I had imagined. I had a profound awakening. I saw that both depression and happiness are decisions we make that create the conditions in which we live. I also discovered that many of the decisions were small ones and hardly noticeable. It wasn't until I added up all my little decisions about life that I discovered I had built a wall separating me from much of it. I suspect that, at the time, living behind a wall had some value. I just didn't realize I was doing so.

Your thoughts are things that create the conditions of your life. Choose your thoughts wisely, for you are the architect of your happiness. You are always building walls or gardens, opening or closing off to life.

Affirmation: Happiness is not something accidental that happens to me. Happiness is the result of my thinking. 

Joy in Silence

This coming weekend I get to experience the joy and wholeness of meditation and Forrest Yoga in the mountains of Colorado. I can hardly wait!
In the spirit of this long-anticipated trip, I offer these words of Thomas Moore from his book, Meditations:
"Silence is not the absence of sound. That would be to imagine it negatively. Silence is a toning down of inner and outer static, noise that occupies not only the ears but also the attention. Silence allows many sounds to reach awareness that otherwise would go unheard--the sounds of birds, water, wind, trees, frogs, insects, and chipmunks, as well as conscience, daydreams, intuitions, inhibitions, and wishes.
One cultivates silence not by forcing the ears not to hear, but by turning up the volume on the music of the world and the soul."
Peace,
Leta

The Universe is "Multiple Choice"

A quote from Mike Dooley: Options multiply when insistence lessens. 

     When my sons were young, I told them they ALWAYS have a choice. Even if they had to do something they didn't want to do, I reminded them that they could do it with a good attitude or a bad attitude--up to them. 
     So many times we think that there is only one solution, and we get so focused on that, we miss other options. This happened to me recently with our Chicago trip arrangements. I was totally focused on getting good airfares.  When I expanded my vision to look at flight & hotel packages, I found a deal that was truly exceptional and perfect in every way. The Universe had to practically 2x4 me to get me to expand my vision!
     Another time to note when we are missing options: if something is difficult, it's because we are missing an easier way.  We are not meant to struggle--that happens when we limit our options with insistence (see quote above).
     Brainstorm!  It's an awesome practice. Come up with ideas and let the Universe figure out the "how."
Lovin' life,
Leta
 

Baseball Heaven AND Art Heaven!

Chicago was awesome!  The Broads had a great time, and jam-packed 3 days with fabulous adventures.
The Wrigley field tour was everything I hoped for, and more.  We covered it all from the dugout to the press box. My new profile photo on Facebook (Leta Renee Miller) is my feet right next to the infield grass.  Keep off the grass! But I did touch it. And I got a photo of the CUBS on-deck circle before the guide hollered at me.
Art Heaven... The Blue Man Group was outstanding, I would recommend the show to everyone! Knowing one of the Blue Men personally only added to the coolness.  Another recommendation--the Art Institute of Chicago. It would take days to see everything, but don't let that deter you. I saw, in 1 1/2 hours, some of my favorite Impressionists, Picasso, Grant Wood, a giant Buddha, and way more. Did you know that the models for "American Gothic" (the famous painting with the farmer & his pitchfork next to his wife) were the artist's sister and a DENTIST!?!?!  Yep, it's true.
Create an adventure for yourself--you'll be glad you did!
Joy and fun,
Leta

Chicago - here we come!

The Brave Broads are heading to Chicago!  One of the highlights is seeing the Blue Man Group. The grandson of one of the Broads is a Blue Man, and we have front-row seats. 
My personal highlight is getting to tour Wrigley Field.  I am a die-hard Cubs fan, I've been to two games at Wrigley, and now I get to see the "innards."  Words cannot describe my excitement!
Think of something that would thrill you that much, and go do it! 
Check back for more on "baseball heaven!"
Joyfully,
Leta

Sometimes It Pays to Whine

A couple weeks ago I was whining to some friends that my laser printer had died. I did not realize how dependent I am on a printer until this much-beloved super-deal screeched to a halt. Long story short--my friends had a nearly new laser printer packed up in storage that they didn't need, they gladly passed it on to me, and I'm up and running again. I am super-grateful.
Actually, my point isn't about whining.  My point is that the Universe is always seeking ways to help us.  If I hadn't expressed my need to my friends (ASKED!), this heckuva deal would have never made its way to me.
It's not only OK, it's essential that we ask for help.  We are creatures of free will, first and foremost.  If we ask for help, we get it. If we don't ask for help, oftentimes we struggle. Asking for help inspires all sorts of magnificent synchronicity. It makes life easy, as opposed to the 2-year-old mentality, "I do it myself!" With an infinite source of support at our beck and call, why do things the hard way?
Happily printing away,
Leta

Comfortable in Your Own Skin

I love the Dove commercials where famous athletes talk about being comfortable in their own skin.  Having come to that point only in recent years, I can attest to what an incredibly glorious feeling it is.
These words come from Julie Hanna:  I will celebrate that which I like most about myself. Unless we are happy with who we are, we'll never be happy with what we have. 
Powerful words!  What can you celebrate about yourself today?  We are WAY too critical of ourselves and too easily dismiss our good qualities.  Celebrate yourself often today, and see how it changes your attitude!
Blessings,
Leta

Check it out!

Big summer project well on the way to "mostly completed"...my revised and totally-awesome website:  www.believeenterprises.com. As my husband could surely confirm, it was rough on the start-up, but the learning curve became less and less bumpy as time passed.  I do love the Godaddy web development product, now.  I didn't at first.  Please check it out--I welcome any and all feedback. 
Happy 4th of July!
Leta

Have a good thought

From Rev. Jesse Jennings, discussing those times when we don't have time to say a whole prayer:
"Have a good thought...Never underestimate what this can accomplish. In an unstructured way, we may just know the highest and best for other people or a situation, and it's a tonic to them, wherever they are now.  Have a good thought for the other drivers on the highway with us, and a palpable reaction stirs in them somehow."
That's easy!
Leta

LET it be easy, rather than making it difficult...

I have been devoting time, creativity, and discussions to business development concepts and practices over the past few weeks.  Inevitably, as I look to "experts" for help, the word "networking" enters the conversation.  The word "networking" immediately brings to my mind the phrase "I'd rather have a root canal." The idea of networking feels artificial, sleazy, and uncomfortable to me.  If I can't develop my business by being my own natural, comfortable self, then why bother?  I can't sustain trying to be someone I am not.

I recently had a wonderful incident wherein several "coincidences" (I don't believe in such things) happened in a very short time. I was able to be of service helping out in what was for me a "good" incident, and for someone else was embarrassing and "bad."  Truly, a whole lot of networking went on, but it was all easy, because the whole time I was just being my friendly, useful, enthusiastic self. 

This experience really brought home to me the idea of "let it be easy, rather than making it difficult."  If I let the process of building business relationships happen easily by being simply who I am (which I love and enjoy), my business WILL continue to flourish.  If I make myself "get out there and network," I'll be frustrated and not myself, and I won't attract anything of value operating in that mode. 

Easy does it--so very true!

Leta

A Lovely Prayer from a Wise Woman

From St. Teresa of Avila:

 

Let nothing upset you,

Let nothing afright you.

Everything is changing;

God alone is changeless.

Patience attains the goal.

Who has God lacks nothing;

God alone fills all her needs.

Get Comfortable

This is by Melodie Bellagio, RScP, her 5/27/12 Daily Guide in Science of Mind magazine.  It's worth sharing here...

Has anyone else noticed how much we complain? Complaining has become an epidemic in our country. Often, the first thing said when we meet someone is a complaint, which elicits a comparable or worse complaint from the other person, and so it goes. It seems harmless, but it's really not. Complaining can rob us of ease and spread discontent while, much of the time, it's become a habitual way of connecting.

I like being comfortable, and for me to be comfortable requires that I do and say those things that I believe in, have confidence in, and truly enjoy. I'm comfortable when I care for myself, practice what I believe, spend time with positive people, and go places that uplift me. In general, to be comfortable means that I'm living in alignment with my values. Some regular housekeeping is necessary to be comfortable with myself and my life.

Your job, should you decide to accept it, is to love yourself enough to create comfort in your life: release those things that don't resonate with your inner guidance, and nurture what does.

 

AFFIRMATION: I am willing to do what it takes to be comfortable.

Supporting those things that are important to you

I've been thinking a lot about stores or services I value, and if I truly am supporting them to help them continue to thrive.  One instance is a store that is unique in Wichita, where I've shopped for years.  Yep, supporting that one.  Another is a support group I've attended for years. Well, yes, I mostly support that.  I've been aware that I sometimes have the thought that OTHERS are supporting it, so it will always be there for ME, even if I don't feel like supporting it consistently.  That's not necessarily so.  If it's important to me, I need to support it. 
Over the years I've seen quite a few services come and go, and I've experienced that in my own little "conglomerate" of services.  Don't depend on others to support stores or services you value--take a stand and support them yourself.  It's a win-win for everyone!
Blessings,
Leta

Fearless Love

Recently my 2 sons and grand-puppy Dusty visited Tuttle Lake near Manhattan, Kansas.  We went to a part of the lake with rocky edges; the ledge we relaxed on was probably 25 feet above the water's surface.  Humans could have climbed down and up the rocks VERY carefully, but it would take a while to navigate.

Dusty is a Golden Retriever, wired to retrieve, that is, it is his nature.  I witnessed an amazing feat.  Derek, from the ledge, threw a floating frisbee into the water, and Dusty literally RAN down the rocks, leapt into the water, got the frisbee, raced back up the rocks, and brought back the frisbee to Derek.  There was no fear or caution in Dusty, he went after that frisbee and nothing was stopping him--his love for Derek was completely revealed and he was unstoppable as he determinedly swam to the disc and returned it to Derek.  This joyful game of fetch was repeated probably a dozen times, and Dusty didn't slow down.

Something to ponder--is there anything in your life that you go after with a passion you'd describe as "fearless love"?  Is that something you'd like to experience?  I can help--call me at 316-722-9617.

Love and Blessings,
Leta

It's about time!

A quote from Gay Hendricks (from his book, The Big Leap):  You'll never have enough money to buy all the stuff you don't really need, and you'll never have enough time to do all the things you really don't want to do.

I want to focus on the second half of this quote.  Time is something we create--it is not outside of us and we are not victims of time.  Think a while on that statement by Hendricks about time.  It causes us to truly evaluate what we want to do with the time we create, and to take responsibility for saying "no" to those things that we really don't care to do.  Just like anything we create, time is valuable, and it supports our happiness (and the well-being of the world) when we are doing those things we truly want to be doing.

Here's a different option relative to time:  Instead of saying, "I don't have time for that" (whatever "that" is), say "That's not how I care to spend my time right now" or "I prefer to complete this task before I do that." This makes your use of time come from a personal choice standpoint rather than from a victim standpoint.  This is much more empowering behavior.

I feel passionate about sharing these ideas, so this took almost no time to write!

Blessings,

Leta

You are a Genius!

Yes, you! You are a genius! "Genius" means that we are expressing our uniqueness--talents, quirks, ways of being that distinguish us from everyone else.  Wouldn't the world be dreadful if we all were the same in every way?!?!  Maybe you can't do math like Einstein--I surely can't! But I'm a loving and enthusiastic Practitioner and Yoga Instructor, and doing those things to the best of my ability is one way I show my genius. 

From Wayne Dyer's book, The Power of Intention:

"…use your genius to engage in pursuits that please and attract you. Expand your reality to the point where you pursue what you love doing and excel at it."

"Genius can show up in as many ways as there are human beings."

Genius is not compatible with judgment, measurement or comparison.  I invite you to ponder your own sense of the genius that you are.

With love,

Leta 

Feeling Good

Are you willing to feel good all the time? 
This is the theme question of the book, The Big Leap, by Gay Hendricks. 
The answer may seem to be a quick and obvious, "Duh, of course!"  But further consideration leads to these limiting possibilities:
1. That means I have to take FULL responsibility for how I feel every moment, without blame, criticism or being able to be a victim.  That sounds like a lot of work.
2. It's not possible to feel good ALL the time.  Well, even 95% of the time would be a vast improvement for most folks.
3. People who feel good all the time are faking it, hiding something, "wearing a mask"--I don't want to be one of those people.  Wouldn't it be worth it to feel good all the time, authentically?  It is possible!

The Big Leap is about living in our Zone of Genius and feeling good all the time.  I am psyched for this journey.  More to come...
Jumping for joy,
Leta

Thoughts on Happiness from Dr. James Rouse

When you are happier, you will be healthier, and you will most likely live longer, too.  The majority of our happiness is created and sustained by our daily behaviors and habits.
What makes you happy will make you happier.  Get clear about what turns you on and light it up now and often.
The work of happy requires that you dig deep.  Happy lives when you are giving large. You will be most happy when you see life with the eyes of gratitude and passionately express your appreciation for every miracle moment unfolding in you, as you, and all around you.
And so it is!
Happy blessings,
Leta

The Lorax

      My son and I went to see the movie The Lorax this week. I used to read this Dr. Seuss classic to the boys when they were little. I loved the movie, and I highly recommend seeing it. I leave you with the theme quote from the book:

“UNLESS someone like you...cares a whole awful lot...

nothing is going to get better...It's not.”

Practice kindness, see beauty, open your heart.

Blessings,

Leta

 

Being Authentic

From Ralph Waldo Emerson: "Insist on yourself, never imitate. Your own gift you can present every  moment with the cumulative force of a whole lifetime's cultivation..."
I had the experience this week of taking over as yoga instructor for a teacher who is quitting to have twins soon. It could have been a highly stressful experience--new, unknown person who does things differently--yes, CHANGE!  I set the intent going into it to simply be myself, and let the experience unfold as it may, knowing that being authentic and true to myself truly is the best I can offer. 
The result...I'm happy with how it went, and I have no attachment to the ongoing result. If no one comes back next week, I'll know that someone else is better suited to lead them.  I really doubt that will happen.  I'll show up again this week and be me, and let Spirit handle the details. That's easy!
Be yourself--you ARE a gift to all of creation, or you wouldn't be here!
Love and joy!
Leta

Lovingkindness

Today's blog comes from Joan Borysenko's Pocketful of Miracles (Feb11/12):
We can only love others to the degree that we have opened our hearts to ourselves. It is not selfish to bless ourselves first, because if our heart remains closed we have nothing to give. The most selfless prayer is to awaken so that we can serve others and help alleviate the suffering that comes from ignorance of our unity with the Big Mind of God.

The lovingkindness blessing process:
Breathe and be still. Imagine the light and love of the Divine Beloved pouring over you and washing through you, revealing the purity of your own heart, extending beyond you and merging with the Divine Light. See yourself totally enclosed in the egg of light, and then repeat these lovingkindness blessings for yourself:
May I be at peace, May my heart remain open,
May I awaken to the light of my own true nature,
May I be healed, May I be a source of healing for all beings.

Repeat these blessings for yourself anytime during the day when you feel alone, afraid or out of touch with the Light within.
Love and joy,
Leta

Sing!

Joan Borysenko: Everything in the Universe has its own song.
Think on this a moment... the chirp of the cricket, the howl of the wind, the roar of the lion, the purr of a kitten, a baby's giggle. Music is infinite, and we each have our own special sounds within us.
I LOVE the movie Happy Feet (I haven't seen the sequel yet), and the concept of each one of us having our own heartsong. I don't remember the person who said this, but I've often heard the quote, "Don't die with your music still inside you." What's your heartsong? What does your heart really want to say and do and be? What makes you sing or dance with pure joy?  How about humming as you explore these questions?
Doin' the happy dance,
Leta

Let It Be Amazing!

Sometimes in my affirmative prayers, I get a bit too into the details of how I want something to show up.  This is part of my control-freak nature, but I must say, this desire to control IS lessening over time!
We are created of the same Source that hangs the stars, spins the galaxies, and makes each single cell in our bodies do its amazing work without our conscious control.  Let's give It credit for knowing what It is doing!
Here's a quote from Rev. Cynthia James: "Invite Spirit to expand you and give you the highest and best for your life." I'll grant you, that does take considerable trust, but I certainly know that Spirit's "highest and best" is WAY more amazing than anything I could outline for it!
I've used the phrase "trust the flow" for many years, and life has become better and better as I let Spirit guide me.  Recently I've changed it to "trust the overflow" because, as I've become more trusting and allowing, Spirit has been more and more amazing through me.
So let's invite Spirit to be amazing and pour on the good, and we get to celebrate and circulate it!
Blessings,
Leta

3 Questions to Consider

I was blessed yesterday with the opportunity to attend a Sunday celebration at the Kansas City Center for Spiritual Living, a mere 3.5 hour drive from my home.  In his message, Rev. Chris Michaels offered these three questions to consider from the standpoint of knowing your death is soon:
1.  What is my legacy?
2.  What was my greatest impact in this earthly life?
3.  Will I be missed?
Do enjoy this "food for thought."  Inspiring questions, they are.  Thanks, Rev. Chris!
Blessings,
Leta

Bring It On!

Words of Rev. Chris Michaels:
"God created you to live well and prosper. You were designed by a limitless life to receive all of the good you can imagine for yourself. You have a right to live well and prosper. And not only is it your right, it is also your duty--because in doing so, you reveal the true nature of God. By living a prosperous life and accepting your good, you provide the world with an example of a life lived in communion with Spirit. Say yes to everything good coming your way and let your life be made prosperous again."
Think on this: If I'm the creator of all that is, am I going to feel good if my creations (human beings) are poor, suffering, unhealthy, weak, ashamed and sad?  Hell, no!  I want my creations to thrive and expand and be all they can be! Let's live our lives so that we are the absolute joy and delight of Spirit!
And so it is!
In abundance!
Leta

Who's in charge?

Sometimes it feels like there's a ADHD monkey in our brains scattering our thoughts.  Do you really want that monkey to be in charge?  We DO have control over our thoughts!  And we organize, control and change them one thought at a time. 
We can only think in the now, one thought, and it's truly is what we CHOOSE to think.  So why think a negative thought?  We all know folks who are such negative thinkers that they are a drag to be around.  Do you want to be one of those folks?  No.
Start to take control of your thoughts right now.  You can begin with, "I have the power to choose what I think." Expect good. Appreciate yourself and others. Be grateful that you can read this. Offer a "thank you" to Mother Earth for supporting your very life. Thought by thought by thought life gets better--it's the only way, because it is our thoughts that create our experience. 
Think joy, think love, think peace!
Leta

Practice yoga--good for your breath...

These quotes come from Joan Borysenko's Pocketful of Miracles:
"The breath is the lifeforce itself, the holy spirit that binds us to the mind of God.  Known as Ruach in Hebrew and Pneuma in Greek, the breath controls the winds of our energy body and the activity of our minds. Control of breath is the cornerstone for health and for letting go of our small mind and entering the Big Mind of God."
--and--
"Awareness of breath is the cornerstone for developing control of the bodymind. When breath is shallow and fast, body responds with an increase in heart rate, blood pressure and fear hormones. Mind responds with fantasies of loneliness, unworthiness and negativity.  When breath is long and slow, body becomes peaceful and relaxed. Mind stops churning and comes to rest in its own true nature, the Big Mind of God."
Practicing yoga is an excellent way to BREATHE your way to health, wholeness, and happiness!
Love,
Leta

Another Day in Paradise!

I was reminded of the title phrase a few days ago.  Though I'm not perfect at it, I strive to see this as the description of my daily life.  Here's a quote from Rev. Chris Michaels in support of paradise:
"No one is exactly like you. No one thinks or feels exactly the way you do. You are a unique creation, a singular opportunity for God to express. Your happiness does not come from trying to get others to be more like you, or from pretending to be like someone else. It comes from having the courage to be yourself and from embracing others who are different."
I truly believe that it is an incredible honor, opportunity and delight to come to this earthly paradise. The idea comes to mind of souls waiting in line and chomping at the bit to birth here.  Let's act like it!  Let's contribute with the passion we intended when we incarnated. Let's be love and joy. Smile! And at the end of each day, give thanks and say, "Another day in paradise!" What a great way to go to sleep!
Happy New Year!
Love,
Leta