This weekend I had the pleasure of traveling up to Maine with one of my daughters for a soccer tournament.  It was an energizing experience of sensory stimulation.  Seeing the vivid display of colorful fall foliage along coastal marshes, hearing the cheers of fans and players as goals were scored, smelling the salty sea air as we strolled by lobster shacks, feeling the warm embrace of an old friend’s hug, and experiencing the immense heart-opening gratitude afforded from uninterrupted one-on-one quality time with one of my girls. Sometimes moving out of the daily routine into a new surrounding can help one to be more present. The gift of this is the ability to live more fully in the moment, which will give you a heightened awareness and appreciation for each sensory experience.  We notice colors more, are aware of new sounds, can smell foreign scents, and overall grow our capacity to appreciate and feel gratitude for this thing called life. What would it be like if you were able to open your sensory awareness, and enable yourself to move out of  the habits of daily living into a place of constant appreciation and heart opening gratitude that would help your spirit soar?

Did you know that more than 86% of your behavior is based on habitual patterns that you do every day without even thinking about what you are doing or experiencing?  These habitual behaviors create dulled sensations that move you from one activity to the next without thinking, feeling or sensing anything… unless for some reason you are jarred out of the routine and quickly need to think or experience, usually for safety sake.  What if you could awaken your senses to experience more vibrancy, feelings of aliveness or being energized?

Let’s look at 3 simple steps to make this happen today!

1.  Intentional Living

Take a moment to set an intention at the beginning of the day to live in the present moment becoming fully aware and appreciative of each experience that touches your senses.  “Stop and smell the roses” is one of those sayings that we often hear, but don’t take the time to practice.  Sometimes it takes moving out of one’s comfort zone (whether on a trip or experiencing something new) to shift gears.  The repetitiousness of your routines puts one into a trance like the dance of rhythmic living that leaves you moving on auto-pilot verses noticing the intoxicating, beautiful, and awe inspiring world around you. Setting an intention at the beginning of the day can help you step out of these habitual patterns and help you to move to a new, energizing and spirit lifting beat.

2.  Sensory Awareness

Take this week to become fully aware of each of your senses within your daily routine. Maybe on Monday you choose to focus on what you smell. Observe the aromas wafting through the air; notice the scent of each new place you walk in or through and how different things smell. Often times our routines become so rote that we forget to notice. When we first moved to our new town every time I would walk outside I would experience the faint scent of sea air. Now, four years later, I don’t notice it unless I purposefully take the time, and have the intention to be aware of the salty smell. Do this for each of your senses.

3.  Attitude of Gratitude

Taking the time to write about your experiences helps to activate the part of your brain that has fallen asleep from years of inactivity. Otherwise, this inactivity allows the habit-forming center of the brain to continuously be in use, and this repetition creates the same effect as an over-flexed muscle, which builds strength.  Writing about your sensory experience helps to move you from the autopilot mode to an awareness approach that assists you in fully experiencing the richer, deeper, and more vibrant sensations that you were meant to enjoy.   At the end of your day evaluate which miracles you experienced that created a feeling of gratitude. It is also important to be aware of the sensations that you might not have enjoyed. I love the smell of lobster boats, my daughter, not so much. The gift is in the awakening of conscious awareness.

Reflection and gratitude increase your awareness and move you from habitual routine to joyful creation. This helps you to draw more of those sights, smells, feeling and sounds to your consciousness and opens your heart to experience these inspirations at every turn.

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Happy Soaring!

XOXO

T Harv Eker wisely said, “How you do one thing is how you do everything.” Looking at life through this lens can give you such incredible insight into your behaviors, habits, relationship, home, body and mind. Take 48 hours to notice how you do all the little ‘one thing’s. Do you procrastinate, rush, over-think, become scattered or distracted? These are a few of the many ways people show up in their lives. Taking the time to notice how you show up in yours allows you the opening to evaluate and determine if the way you do things is really working for you.  It gives you the power of choice and the opportunity to change.

As you decide to keep or clear the behaviors that have become habits in your life you will notice how other areas begin to adjust as well. Cleaning or detoxifying one area of our life shifts our being-ness and clearings are manifested in other areas of our life.  When the ripple of change, growth and awareness shifts in one area all other areas are touched.  The way we show up can shift and be reflected in our home, body, mind and soul!

As I ran on the equestrian trails through New Seabury, past the inlets of Ockway Bay and along the shores of Nantucket Sound, I realized that how we show up in any area of our life is a direct reflection and representation of how we show up everywhere in our life.

Running down the slopes of the winding path I realized that I was holding myself back, assessing, before I allowed gravity to speed my pace and take me effortlessly down the trail.  “Interesting”, I thought to myself. This was  a direct reflection of how I sometimes showed up in life.  Actually, if I was being honest with myself, it was a direct reflection of how I show up in this lifetime all the time.  Instead of just allowing and going with the flow, I assess the situation. I make sure that I am going to be safe and not trip over something in my path.  This hinders the natural flow, ease and momentum of my run and can slow the graceful evolution of synchronistic events in my life.  Do you move with ease and grace down the slopes of your life?

I am up for the challenge of the short, steep inclines that stand in my way as I traverse up the sandy path.  “Interesting”, I think to myself, do I enjoy the obstacles that life brings as much as I enjoy the conquest of the hill ahead? Is it the satisfaction of the accomplishment that makes me stride and strive along?  How do you meet the hill ahead?

Little bugs bite at the salty sweat that trickles down my legs. The distraction stops me, for a moment, in my tracks.  I refocus and continue along my journey.  Is this similar to how I handle distractions in life? The realization that this was a distraction and awareness of it (or them) allows me to mindfully continue on my journey.  Are you easily distracted from your vision? Can awareness penetrate through to your consciousness?

The distraction awakens my awareness.  I set out on this morning run to detoxify my body, enjoy the wonders of nature around every turn that bring a sense of peace and calmness to my mind and to contemplate and connect to the Divine that nurtures my Soul.

As I return to the little cottage by the sea, I am intrigued that I have decided to do a bit of cleaning and clearing.  Again, I think to myself, “Interesting”. I am actually looking forward to cleansing, cleaning and opening windows to let the sea air in to my home.

Cleaning or detoxifying one area of our life shifts our being-ness and clearings are manifested in other areas of our life.  When the ripple of change, growth and awareness shifts one area all other areas are touched.  The way we show up can shift and be reflected in our home, body, mind and soul.

This morning’s run let me witness how I show up for my journey.  How are you showing up in yours?

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Happy Soaring!

XOXO

“If you can dream it, you can do it.”

Walking around Disney was an awe-inspiring experience! I know what you are thinking, “How could the pinnacle of big business and material consumption be an inspiring experience?” I guess it depends on where one focuses their attention. For me, every corner of Disney was yet another incredible example of dreaming big. From the magnificent lush botanical displays, magical set designs to the astonishing big vision of the creator, Walt Disney, who said, “If you can dream it, you can do it.” The questions are; Do you dream big? Are you living the life of your dreams? Let’s look at ways to make your life a place where dreams come true.

When we are children are dreams soar and the sky is the limit to our invincible spirit.  Can you remember back to what you thought you would be one day? Did you fulfill those dreams?  I love to hear children speak of what their future holds because there are no barriers, should’s, or cant’s. The world is their playground and they are excited with the sense of possibility that is only restricted by their imagination.  Which is often limitless. In most cases as people get older their sense of possibility diminishes. Begin to think, no scratch that, don’t ‘think’ instead use your imagination to design the infinite possibilities that your life could hold.

As we age we become contained in set beliefs. We accept the expectations that others have for us or that we have made for ourselves.  This limited viewpoint undermines your ability to imagine the expansive potential of possibilities that you can create for yourself.  Maneuvering through life containing your potential moves you into a coping mindset instead of claiming life on your terms. Imagine the array of opportunities for your life and begin living your full potential. If Walt Disney had allowed others to define his life, we would not enjoy the gifts of his imagination.

Design Your Big Vision

Take time to create a big vision allowing your imagination to fly free.  It is never to late to realize your dreams. It is just a matter of figuring out what they are!  Begin to look at what makes your heart sing.  We are all unique individuals that have amazing gifts to share with the world.  The orchestration of talents at Disney produces an amazing symphony of sights, sounds and textures.  It is only with the combination of these elements and talents that an amazing experience is created. The microcosm of Disney is an example of the larger cosmos of life.  Sharing your special gift with the world brightens and adds the textures, sounds and sights that only you can create which will allow others to benefit from your contribution to the world in whatever way you choose to shine your light.

Believe That Your Dreams Can Come True

Believing in you is an integral step in moving mountains, building castles or soaring to new heights.  If the Wright brothers didn’t believe in themselves they would never have flown through the sky.  Surround yourself with people who believe in you and inspire you to soar.  The seeds of faith intuitively grow especially when watered by encouragement and support.

Begin Today

Do one small thing today that will help you realize your vision for tomorrow. Disney did not build his kingdom in a day. He had a big vision that started with a simple paper and pencil that allowed him to draw his dreams.  His paper and pencil created all the lands in his realm including his Tomorrow Land that we enjoy today.  You can build the life of your dreams by taking one small step today. It is in the many small steps that a path is paved.

The idea that you have no limits might seem like a foreign concept to you.  Begin to believe that your dreams are meant to come true. Step out of the box of contained expectations and step into a mindset of infinite expression that will allow you to realize your power. Dream, believe and begin. Because, “If you can dream it, you can do it.”

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Happy Soaring!

XOXO

I love the fact that the Universe provides us with so many examples everyday of the wonder of Creation and our ability to create in it.  The idea of manifesting our dreams and desires is a new “buzz” word that people are excited about with the hope that they are able to create a life with more baubles, shiny items and piles of cash.

For some, the ability to visualize and manifest comes quite naturally.  For others, manifesting can be frustrating, hard to grasp and difficult to assimilate.  Why the difference?  Why the ability to manifest some areas of our lives with ease and other areas seem indiscernible? The art of manifestation can flow with grace like a stream heading towards the ocean, natural and unencumbered.  Alternatively, the journey can feel like an arduous climb to the top of the Himalayan Mountains. Let me share a story that might help you begin to make sense of this art and gift of Creation.

My audaciously daring 14 year old son, Bailey, decided to go off a 40 foot ski jump on his first run of the day 8 weeks ago.  As he often does, he threw caution to the wind (literally) and decided that it was wise to act first.  In the air, he “knew” that he was in trouble.  The rest of the family was finishing breakfast as Bailey stumbled into the lodge with a look of shear pain and agony on his face while holding both hands.  We knew without a shadow of a doubt that he had broken at least one of his hands if not both.  We were off to the emergency room…

Six weeks later, after 4 trendy colored casts, surgery and the removal of two metal pins that had held Bailey’s hand together, we sat in the hand surgeon’s office waiting to hear what we could expect next for our athletically active son.  The surgeon explained that it could take months to get a “somewhat normal” range of motion into his fingers and there was a chance that he would never have complete range of motion again.  He gave Bailey exercises to help him gain back mobility in his hand and explained that at the next visit we could determine if he was able to go back to his two loves, hockey & lacrosse.

We were forewarned that initially the exercise movements could be painful but that he would need to push through the pain to gain back a level of motion close to normal.  Out of the corner of my eye, on the ride home, I watched Bailey move his fingers gingerly.  As we got closer to home he seemed to be pushing it way beyond what the doctor said he would or should be able to.  I winced a little at the thought of what I was watching.  However, I decided to take the highroad and not tell him what to do (that usually backfires with this, “I’m going to do it my way” 14 year old). Instead, I nonchalantly inquired if it hurt at all. His response was that he couldn’t feel anything. “Ok, just don’t push it too far, you don’t want to break it again.” I figured that some motherly wisdom needed to permeate through to his seemingly imperceptible common sense.

Everyone in the house felt the weeks drag by as we waited for Bailey’s next doctor’s appointment. I was frustrated that he would often loose his splint even though he was supposed to keep it on “at all times”.  I would find him bouncing balls off the lacrosse rebounder as he practiced lax or I would see pictures of him on Facebook jumping his mountain bike off big logs.  Again, I would shutter and wince at the idea of any impact on his fingers.  He would come home elated from a friend’s house excited to share with me that he had just learned to do a flip on a friend’s trampoline. I would try to patiently remind him that the surgeon had said, “No impact, don’t do anything where you could fall on it.”  Bailey’s response would be, “Mommm, I am fine! It is fine! It doesn’t hurt! It is totally normal.” I would have to walk away from these discussions because although I knew (or at least thought I knew), how the healing process worked, I was very conscious of how my words could plant seeds, negative or positive, that could activate the process of manifestation for him and I certainly didn’t want to put negative ideas in his head.

Finally the day arrived for the recheck.  The surgeon was astounded at Bailey’s recovery.  The x-ray’s showed a full restoration without a hint of any break or pins.  Again, with complete astonishment the surgeon watched the unimpaired mobility of the fingers that could stretch in one direction and contract in another.  In disbelief the doctor begin to manipulate the hand himself asking if it hurt at all.  The surgeon was given the same response that I had been hearing for weeks, “It is fine, I don’t feel anything.”  The hand surgeon shared with us that he was amazed because he had an identical case to this one with a child of about the same age.  The other child was three months out from surgery and was experiencing a very limited range of motion.  He had expected the case to be the same today with Bailey.  He was baffled at the miraculous healing that had rapidly occurred.

This story poignantly illustrates that the art of manifesting is in the unfettered belief that ‘It’, (whatever ‘it’ is for you) is possible, probable and unequivocally going to happen! Manifesting materializes in whatever form when you can feel it without a shadow of a doubt in every cell of your body. Actually, every cell of your body “hears” and feels your command thus, reacting to your command. Even the ancient Book of Proverbs (23:7) teaches us that, “For as he thinks in his heart, so he is.” The idea that we can “think” the design of our whole life and as long as we can feel it in our hearts is really the basic tenant and message of this phrase.  It means that if we don’t naturally have thoughts that create an ideal life in all areas, we need to practice this mindfulness.

Take a look at those around you living vibrantly, joyful, successful lives full of vitality and good health.  Are they naturally inclined to a positive outlook?  Is one of their core beliefs that everything always works out for the best? Do they know, without a shadow of a doubt that they will be healed? These people are living examples of proof positive. As the Buddha shared, “All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think we become.”

Bailey knew in his heart and mind that his finger’s would be healed. He had no doubt that he would join his team at lacrosse practice the same afternoon that he had his recheck with the hand surgeon. He knew it with every inch of his being. He felt it to his core. His thoughts created his reality, “For as he thinks in his heart, so he is.”

Do the dreams you wish to create radiate from your heart with the unfettered knowing that anything and everything is possible? Maybe we all can take a lesson from an audaciously daring and confident teen who unabashedly believes that he is in charge of the design, creation and destiny of his life.

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Happy Soaring!

XOXO