Life can get crazy around the holidays, with a mountain of extra busy-ness we pull down upon ourselves. Let's give ourselves the gift of taking a few moments to consider all we do relative to the holidays--does it really need to be done, or done in the way "it has always been done"? Here are some suggestions:
1) Clean AFTER a party or a visit by guests, and not so much before. Those folks who would fuss about your cleaning efforts should maybe be dropped from the guest list? Most folks don't notice or care about such things.
2) Start an investment account for beloved children in your life, rather than giving them meaningless toys or clothes they'll soon grow out of or dislike. Regular contributions build up to an amazing gift in the future, and greatly simplify your gift-giving efforts.
3) Ask for help. This is an excellent practical and spiritual practice. We are here to be blessings for each other--give someone the opportunity to help you and you both benefit.
4) At least once a week, enjoy a "get to" activity (as opposed to "have to"), such as attending a concert, reading a good book by the fire, or relaxing in a warm, scented bath. A well-cared-for and relaxed you is much more pleasant to be around.
5) Invite those you celebrate with to consider new ways of doing things. More thinkers mean more creative ideas, such as a new theme for a Christmas feast. We had "Christmas pizza" for several years, because that was the one food everyone in the family loved.
We can change, and we can simplify, and we can live a graceful, peaceful December. Give it some thought! Merry Christmas!
Love and joy,
Leta
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Living on Purpose
A quote from Eugene Holden:
"In order for you to be a beneficial presence in the world, you must be disciplined enough to live your purpose and shine your light in the world."
"Living your purpose" is a loaded phrase that seems to cause lots of frustration. There is a tendency to think that one's purpose has to be some lofty save-the-world thing. Not so. It can be a daily thing, for example, "to smile no matter what comes my way today." It can also be broad and open. I consider my purpose to be "bringing people together." That has happened through me in all sorts of joyful ways. The latest means in this process is the yoga teacher training. Discipline was definitely involved--on many days, it was all I could do just to show up for another 12-hour day. But it was SO worth it, and the 45 lights that have gone out from that training are shining brightly, literally, around the world.
We all have something unique to contribute as "a beneficial presence in the world." Otherwise we would not be here. You are not doing yourself or anyone else any favors by hiding your light. Be disciplined, be courageous, be open-hearted, shine brightly!
Love and Blessings,
Leta
"In order for you to be a beneficial presence in the world, you must be disciplined enough to live your purpose and shine your light in the world."
"Living your purpose" is a loaded phrase that seems to cause lots of frustration. There is a tendency to think that one's purpose has to be some lofty save-the-world thing. Not so. It can be a daily thing, for example, "to smile no matter what comes my way today." It can also be broad and open. I consider my purpose to be "bringing people together." That has happened through me in all sorts of joyful ways. The latest means in this process is the yoga teacher training. Discipline was definitely involved--on many days, it was all I could do just to show up for another 12-hour day. But it was SO worth it, and the 45 lights that have gone out from that training are shining brightly, literally, around the world.
We all have something unique to contribute as "a beneficial presence in the world." Otherwise we would not be here. You are not doing yourself or anyone else any favors by hiding your light. Be disciplined, be courageous, be open-hearted, shine brightly!
Love and Blessings,
Leta
Friday, November 4, 2011
Stop apologizing for your existence!
This is the first in a series of "Lessons Learned in Forrest Yoga Teacher Training."
I spent the month of October in an intensive (to put it mildly!) yoga teacher training in Houston, Texas, with the wonderful yogi, Ana Forrest. The first learning directive I received was "stop apologizing for your existence!" How quickly Ana and her assistants saw through my exterior. "Apologizing" is a pattern I've operated under since I was a young child.
The most noticeable way this shows up is automatically saying "Sorry" even when it's not applicable or I don't mean it. Other examples are saying "Sorry" about something over which I have no control, and for minor mistakes that are common to all and no big deal. Another is apologizing when I feel the need to ask for help. There's nothing wrong with asking for help!
I've found that a good way to become more aware of this tendency in myself is to notice when others say "Sorry," and note whether it's meaningful or simply automatic and unnecessary. This helps me pay more attention to "Sorry" coming out of my mouth.
It's an ongoing learning process, to be sure. And I'm NOT sorry about that :)
Love and joy,
Leta
I spent the month of October in an intensive (to put it mildly!) yoga teacher training in Houston, Texas, with the wonderful yogi, Ana Forrest. The first learning directive I received was "stop apologizing for your existence!" How quickly Ana and her assistants saw through my exterior. "Apologizing" is a pattern I've operated under since I was a young child.
The most noticeable way this shows up is automatically saying "Sorry" even when it's not applicable or I don't mean it. Other examples are saying "Sorry" about something over which I have no control, and for minor mistakes that are common to all and no big deal. Another is apologizing when I feel the need to ask for help. There's nothing wrong with asking for help!
I've found that a good way to become more aware of this tendency in myself is to notice when others say "Sorry," and note whether it's meaningful or simply automatic and unnecessary. This helps me pay more attention to "Sorry" coming out of my mouth.
It's an ongoing learning process, to be sure. And I'm NOT sorry about that :)
Love and joy,
Leta
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Celebrate!
Each of us truly does many things each day worthy of celebration, even if it's just a couple of steps of "happy dance." Yet we tend to focus on what we did wrong, or what we didn't do that we should have done, or that we are simply inadequate in general. This focus does not support well-being on any level.
Instead, let's change thought by thought by thought, the way change truly happens anyway. Right now, think of something you've done in the last hour, no matter how small, and celebrate it. I went to both the Farmers' Market and the grocery store. Though these seem like ordinary activities, I can celebrate that it is a beautiful morning to be outside, I was able to smile at lots of folks, I stocked our frig with fresh healthy food, and I saved my husband from having to do the shopping chores later. See-even the routine activities have lots to celebrate if we give ourselves a positive focus rather than the negative one. I'll let you in on a personal secret--when I do something I feel especially good about, I say to myself, "Damn, I'm good!" It makes me smile, and it inspires me to keep the joy flowing, and CELEBRATE IT!
Love and joy,
Leta
Instead, let's change thought by thought by thought, the way change truly happens anyway. Right now, think of something you've done in the last hour, no matter how small, and celebrate it. I went to both the Farmers' Market and the grocery store. Though these seem like ordinary activities, I can celebrate that it is a beautiful morning to be outside, I was able to smile at lots of folks, I stocked our frig with fresh healthy food, and I saved my husband from having to do the shopping chores later. See-even the routine activities have lots to celebrate if we give ourselves a positive focus rather than the negative one. I'll let you in on a personal secret--when I do something I feel especially good about, I say to myself, "Damn, I'm good!" It makes me smile, and it inspires me to keep the joy flowing, and CELEBRATE IT!
Love and joy,
Leta
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Super Learning Opportunity in Wichita...
Leta’s “LOVE YOUR LIFE!” Class
An in-depth book study of The Journey Home, The Story of Michael Thomas and the Seven Angels
This book is a Kryon (www.kryon.com) parable rich in loving and uplifting spiritual wisdom. We'll look at its meaning and application in daily life. The class will be an extremely "Feel Great!" experience.
Kryon is a channeled entity similar to Abraham that comes through Esther Hicks (Money and The Law of Attraction, etc.).
The class is 8 weeks long, Thursday evenings from 7-9:30 pm. September 1/8/15/22, NO OCTOBER CLASSES, November 3/10/17, December 1
The class is 8 weeks long, Thursday evenings from 7-9:30 pm. September 1/8/15/22, NO OCTOBER CLASSES, November 3/10/17, December 1
The cost is $150. A deposit of $25 reserves your place in the class. The balance is due by the end of the class--you do not have to pay it all up front! The class will be held at Leta’s home in Wichita. Class size is limited to 12--get your reservation in early. You need to purchase your own copy of the book--it is available on the Kryon website or Amazon. There are NO prerequisites for this class, all are welcome!
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Foolishness is a good thing...
This quote comes from my mother-in-law's church bulletin, author unknown:
"May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done."
Every single one of us DOES make a difference in the world. We would not bother coming here if that were not the case. So yes, let's have the foolishness to put ourselves to good use! Do you have the confidence, courage, and persistence to try new things, or do you live in fear of failure or of what others may think of you?
There's an element of joy and fun in "foolishness"--it truly is an adventure to push yourself beyond what you think are your limits. Those personal limits don't actually exist--we can always do at least a bit more than we think we can.
I can think of lots of things that others claimed could not be done: people flying, a man on the moon, cures for various diseases, portable phones, and so on. What great idea is lying within you? Do us all a favor and let your foolishness shine!
Blessings!
Leta
"May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done."
Every single one of us DOES make a difference in the world. We would not bother coming here if that were not the case. So yes, let's have the foolishness to put ourselves to good use! Do you have the confidence, courage, and persistence to try new things, or do you live in fear of failure or of what others may think of you?
There's an element of joy and fun in "foolishness"--it truly is an adventure to push yourself beyond what you think are your limits. Those personal limits don't actually exist--we can always do at least a bit more than we think we can.
I can think of lots of things that others claimed could not be done: people flying, a man on the moon, cures for various diseases, portable phones, and so on. What great idea is lying within you? Do us all a favor and let your foolishness shine!
Blessings!
Leta
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Persistence and Patience
If one hangs out in time and space long enough, they'll inevitably learn it's through the twin gateways of persistence and patience that masters become masters, of all things. Mike Dooley, Notes from the Universe
Persistence and patience—two things that require practice. Speaking of practice, truly I believe that is the story of life here on earth. Practice, practice, practice. As babes, we practice walking until we “get it.” We practice reading and writing until we “get it.” Relationships are a life-long practice. I could go on and on.
One practice I especially love is yoga. Not only is it good for me physically, but it also helps me tremendously with the aforementioned persistence and patience. Persistent dedication to yoga has enabled me to develop great love for and patience with my body, and these spread into every area of my life. The breathing practice that is an essential element of yoga gives me a vibrantly healthy, well-oxygenated body. The balance practice in yoga brings balance into all aspects of living. Yoga is definitely a path to mastery—why not give it a try?
Practicing joy,
Leta
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