Blog articles: FEELING IMPORTANT AND THAT WE MATTER TO OUR PARTNER & GUILT BE GONE
YouTube videos: OVERCOME WORRIES - 20 QUOTES TO HELP YOU & AFFIRMATIONS TO IMPROVE YOUR SELF-ESTEEM
Below are samples of past articles. Go to "Join our Mailing List" on the right to sign up.
In order to fully appreciate the good things in life, we almost have to experience their opposite.” – Talane Miedaner
There is much we take for granted in life and when certain things happen, it gives us an opportunity to truly appreciate what we have.
Would we appreciate health as much if we were never sick? Or sunny, mild days if we didn’t have cold, grey ones? Or relish joy as much if we did not know sadness or depression? And ultimately, would we appreciate living and having loved ones, if we did not know death?
“What seems nasty, painful, evil, can become a source of beauty, joy and strength, if faced with an open mind. Every moment is a golden one for him who has the vision to recognize it as such.” – Henry Miller
I think none of us want to experience bad things, but when they come it helps to remind ourselves that good can come out of bad. If we resist the bad, it will persist. When we are looking for the good in a person or situation, we will eventually find it!
Blessings,
Mylene
MEDITATION
“Prayer is when you talk to God; meditation is when you listen to God.” ~ Diana Robinson
The practice of meditation has existed in all religions since ancient times. It involves contemplation, reflection and focused attention that allows one to quiet the mind in order to experience relaxation and a deep spiritual connection if desired.
Over a thousand studies have been conducted on the practice of meditation. They have shown that among the many positive benefits, meditation can lower blood pressure, and also reduce stress and pain.
Meditation helps us stop the internal chatter so we can enjoy peace and go deep within ourselves to obtain clarity. It helps us focus and be fully present in the moment. In doing this, one clears the path to experience a profound spiritual connection. For me meditation is the path that allows me to most fully and intimately commune with God.
In meditation we can more easily detach from the external world with all of its stressors and problems. Then, by going inward, we can create an internal world in which we experience peace and oneness.
There is a wide range of meditation practices. I am going to share with you some basic meditation techniques. Here is an excerpt from the chapter on stress from my Anger Resolution Course (ARC) book:
1) Select a space that is conducive to relaxation – uncluttered and quiet.
2) Decide whether you prefer silence or relaxing music.
3) Sit (or lay down) in a comfortable position and close your eyes.
4) Focus on the breath - choose one, a combination of or all of the following:
i) Take deep but comfortable breaths and slowly release the breath. Count from one up to five with each in-breath and do the same on the out-breath
ii) Observe the pause between the in-breath and the out-breath
iii) Observe the difference in temperature between the in and out-breaths - cooler on the in-breath and warmer on the out-breath
iv) Use the breath to release what you don’t want and breathe in what you want. (For example: release tension and breathe in relaxation, release anger and breathe in peace, etc.)
If you have never meditated or it has been a while, I encourage you to make time for this wonderful experience and reap its many benefits. There are books, CD’s and classes to help you get going.
Be well & be happy,
Mylene
DISCOURAGEMENT
“Anyone can give up, it’s the easiest thing to do in the world.” - Unknown
I hope you had a wonderful 4th of July and are enjoying your summer. This month’s newsletter topic is on discouragement. To become dis-COURAGE-d is to lose our courage and feel dispirited or disheartened. I hope that what I share with you in this newsletter will provide you with some encouragement and support.
“Do not be discouraged if your plans do not succeed the first time. No one learns to walk by taking only one step… Don’t accept discouragement, keep going!” - Catherine Pulsifer
We all face challenges at different times in our lives and we may experience disappointment in the way things are going in our lives and/or with our relationships. What have you been discouraged about recently – finances, work, relationships, spirituality, health issues..?
If dis-COURAGE-ment means losing our courage then we must find it back. What is lost can be found! Reclaim your courage by recognizing you are probably stronger than you think. Look back at the challenges you have faced in the past and recognize that you handled them and probably learned a thing or two in the process.
“The most essential factor is persistence – the determination never to allow your energy or enthusiasm to be dampened by the discouragement that must inevitably come.” – James Whitcomb Riley
When those negative thoughts and feelings surface you can use the Sedona Method to help you release them. Here is how it works – ask yourself these three questions:
· “Could I release this thought/feeling?”
· “Would I release this thought/feeling?”
· “When?”
So let’s get off the “pity pot” and take action. Here are some other ideas to help you move from discouragement to encouragement:
1. Pick up an inspiring book to read
2. Listen to uplifting music &/or motivational CD
3. Set some goals & do at least one thing every day to move you
closer to achieving your goals
4. Practice gratitude, gratitude, gratitude
5. Acknowledge your efforts – give yourself a pat on the back for
trying
“Remember that for every downside in your life there is an upside waiting in the wings. Upsiders are individuals who create their success based on realistic expectations, smart career and lifestyle choices, a strong inner core that sustains them through difficult times, and the wisdom to build a network of supportive family and friends. Upsiders are the individuals that rise to the top in times of adversity and change. They are the survivors, and can adapt, thrive and be happy regardless of circumstance.” - Bonnie Michaels
