Slow down!

"There is little in our lives we need to do that we cannot do better if we are peaceful. Few situations--no matter how greatly they appear to demand it--can be bettered by us going berserk." From Codependent No More by Melody Beattie.

Chances are there are way too much rush, panic, pressure and demands for immediate reactions in your life.  There's the issue--we react, instead of taking the time to consider and CHOOSE our responses.  I am (slowly!) learning from my husband the calm, thoughtful, "just the facts, ma'am" approach to handling situations. It's a good thing to ask for time to consider your response rather than emotionally jumping into quicksand!  Been there, done that, plenty of times! 

So today, when pressured, give some thought to slowing down and considering options--there are always at least two--good attitude and bad attitude.  :)
Blessings,
Leta

Gracious Hosts

'I wonder what would happen if we all acted as gracious hosts in our world in every moment. In order to do that, we would have to consider ourselves "at home" wherever we are.' From Rev. Dr. Linda McNamar
This is an invitation to be so comfortable in our own skin that wherever we are, we are focused on the grace that lives as us and how we can practice it in our world.  Simple acts of kindness practiced regularly uplift the entire human consciousness. Some examples: smile; help a fellow shopper; be patient waiting in line; say "please" and "thank you"; surprise someone with a flower and uplifting note; silently bless harried travelers and workers in an airport.  What other ways can you live as a "gracious host"? 
Blessings and grace,
Leta

Holy Gardening

I spent a couple hours on Mother's Day morning sitting on the front steps transplanting seedlings into bigger pots.  It was a beautiful morning and it felt very meditative and holy.  The basil plants I was moving into bigger pots started out as seeds about the size of the period at the end of this sentence.  In that tiny seed was the pattern for the shape and size of leaves and how the plant grows, the smell of the leaves (not rose-smell or orange-smell, but basil-smell), and the glorious taste of the leaves.  I see yummy pesto in each plant's future.
All I did was plant the seeds and give them the proper conditions to grow.  The Universe took care of the rest.  What seeds might you plant today?  Can you trust the Universe to provide the details? 
Truly, gardening is a holy pursuit!!!
Have a great week!
Leta

Choosing what to celebrate...

While I understand the relief of some folks that Osama bin Laden is no longer on earth, I do not see his killing as an event appropriate to celebrate.  Do we want to teach our children that murder should be celebrated, especially when it's someone we don't like?!?!?
What I AM celebrating is that so very many folks are NOT celebrating this event.  Hatred and violence only breed more of the same, and the human consciousness is realizing this on a more massive scale every day.  Now THAT is worth celebrating!  Let's be the peace and love we want to see in our world!
Blessings,
Leta

Which party?

I purchased an artsy little poster on a recent visit to Omaha.  It says: "You choose which party you shall attend!"  This powerful quote and associated artwork is by Mary Anne Radmacher.
So, which party are you attending here on earth?  The one with the fun, uplifting, adventuresome people who are always ready to do, be and have something new? -or- The doom-and-gloom party with the folks who discuss the problems of the world and their lives ad nauseum, and who see nothing good to celebrate?
Edwene Gaines, fabulous spiritual teacher, says, "Earth is the party planet, didn't you know?"  We did not come here to suffer! We are here to glorify life with ever-expanding joy. 
Maybe it's time for a change of party?  Worth considering...
Blessings,
Leta

How new? How alive?

This quote comes from Chris Michaels: "You are alive only to the degree that you're trying something new." Trying something new pulls us out of our comfort zone, and stirs up that God-given, powerful, creative force within us. It brings us into the flow of life that is always seeking to expand through us.  

How alive will you be today?  What new thing, no matter how small, can you try? Here are some ideas:

-compliment a job well done

-smile and greet a stranger

-start that art project you've been considering

-sign up for a class

-start a garden

-sing and dance

Whatever your "something new" is, enjoy!

Blessings,

Leta

What do you value?

Today’s Notes from the Universe by Mike Dooley:

“In all of time and space, can you think of anything more valuable than just another day? How's that for a reality-check?”

How will you experience this precious day?  In love and laughter, doing what you enjoy?  Or surviving to the weekend?  Worth considering, I’d say.  

Joyful Thursday to you!

Leta