Choose to heal, not hurt.

Sometimes some incredibly small experience can offer you an enormous opportunity for healing. And, yet they are often over looked in our attempt to get out of the raw emotions, which were brought on by this small occurrence. When we encounter those deep intense feelings, as humans, we look for any way possible to get passed them-through distraction, numbing ourselves or simple stuffing it or ignoring it.  We just go on ignoring the thunder shower that just happened in our lives in response to a tiny annoyance. We ignore our meltdown!

And that’s Mars retrograde.  And, if you’ve been trying to just ride this one out, you’ll be plum out of luck and you’ll be robbing yourself of some deep healing.

Granted no one likes to suffer, but we are individually and collectively being given heaps of opportunity to suffer, so we can heal.  And, despite all this suffering being exhausting, it also brings the promise of new beginnings-beginnings from a healthier, more whole place. We cannot continue our old ways of being because they are not working. Today, take real note of what throws you for a loop.  Whether it be a simple human mistake that you made or something larger, see how hard you are on yourself.  See how perhaps how you treat yourself is being mirrored in your relationships and your other life choices.  See how your unresolved self-loathing appears out of nowhere and then see how you can heal that hurt child.

We are under intense energies, today choose not to fill it with suffering.  Rather choose to see how your unresolved issues may be the cause of your current unfulfilled feelings and feelings of uncertainty and fear.  Today choose to heal not hurt.  Choose to change your life.

New Month!

It's a New Month and yet we continue to be under the introspective energies of the Eclipse season and the heavy energies of Mars retrograde. So, we will all continue to be asked to look within to find what we have been longing for and to be willing to make big changes. The key to weathering those transformational energies is to stop resisting the changes and let go of the plans that your mind created for you to keep things the same so that you can feel safe. Today, instead of setting intentions for this new month, surrender to what is and let go of the resistance that has not let you rest or feel comfortable, as you shed your old skins and become new again. Today, begin this new month by recognizing that what you resist will persist. Whatever pain from your past you’ve tried to outrun, you can’t avoid it forever. It will follow you until you face it and work through it. Once you learn the lessons you need to learn, you can break your patterns and you can stop suffering. Today, consciously let go of making yourself the victim in any situation. Surrender to the fact that life isn't always fair but hanging onto the injustices that you have experiences will stop you from moving forward., despite your best thinking. Today, stop blaming anyone or anything for your present situation. When you blame others instead of accepting that sometimes things just don’t play out the way you wanted them to, you remain stuck in that situation and in all likelihood will find new opportunities to remain a victim. Finally, today start this new month off by stop rushing and pushing things to happen more quickly than they are supposed to and remember to breath. When discomfort arises in our lives it is counterintuitive to do nothing, but not all struggle is a question to be answered.And, sometimes, we can become addicted to or attached to the familiarity of suffering. In truth, we are the ones that created the situations that keep us suffering. Today, begin this new month with gratitude. Be thankful for the experiences and subsequent lessons. Painful though they may have been, they can make you stronger, wiser, happier, and better able to love and be loved. Knowing this makes it much easier to let go of what was so you can receive what is to come. Begin this new month by remembering that “Nothing ever goes away until it has taught us what we need to know." This new month set your intentions to surrender and to learn your lessons.

Just for today, I surrender to what is. I let go of what was and I have faith in what will be. And so it is.

Settling

There is no passion to be found in playing your life small—in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living. But, far too often we convince ourselves that we must accept our current circumstances – that there’s nothing more we should expect out of life. We grow complacent and secure in our environments, but are rarely ever truly happy or satisfied with the quality of our existence. And, yet we all settle in some areas of our life out of fear -that staying small keeps us safe; or because our ego has convinced us that we are being a realistic, a mature adult or just because we have come to believe that we just don't deserve any more. Today the Universe wants you to stop limiting your life by settling for "less than". Whether you’re settling in your friendships, your relationships, your work, your family, or your self-care, settling feels terrible and it’s bad for you, for your work, for your relationships. Today, set your intentions to be honest with yourself about where you have been settling for boring or small in your life and why? Begin to really question your rationalizations and fears that stop you from living bigger and accepting more. Today, recognize that you deserve more and that confronting your fears will open up a whole new world for you-bigger and more abundant than you ever could imagine. Don't settle for less because you deserve so much more.

Just for today, I am willing to release the need to feel unworthy. I recognize that I deserve the best and I accept it now. I willingly release the need to struggle and suffer. I deserve all that is good in Life. I am willing to change in ways that broaden my life experiences. I am safe. It is only change and everything is always working out for my highest good. And so it is.

Labels are limiting your life

We live in a society of labels. Everyone will try to label you, including yourself. Eventually, we begin to subconsciously believe those labels and we start to feel as though to be whole, to be someone in this world, we need to appease our egos and the voices around us by “fitting-in somewhere, usually within the labels we have chosen to accept as ourselves. But, even though those labels make us feel safe, they begin to limit our growth and our lives. Today, it is time to release those labels and begin to take your power back and choose to go beyond those limits-go beyond the labels. Today, acknowledge that you can become whoever you wish to become, or do whatever you previously and falsely thought you couldn’t. Today, consciously begin to erase the labels that are limiting your life. First, you must come to terms with what is real and what isn’t real—what is a self-imposed limitation and what is something you know, in your heart of hearts to be true. Then, you must consciously decide to step outside of the familiar box and into the unknown, which can be easier said than done. Releasing who you are to become who you want to be can be frightening because we all fear the unknown and change. We each fear not being good enough, we fear rejection, we fear failing, and we fear not knowing what is going to happen to us. Today you can overcome your fear and self limiting labels and recognize that life is short; don’t waste it living in fear of failure or judgment. You are not a victim of your past and in truth you are not your labels. You are a human being capable of anything you set your heart, mind, and soul to. Once you drop the labels, open yourself up to the endless possibilities of who you are and can be, you will be free. Most importantly, you will no longer be a victim of your past or your perceived faults or your self imposed labels. Know in your heart that you can overcome anything, simply by doing the work, facing your fears, and staying open to the endless possibilities that this life has to offer. Today, hold onto your character, integrity, and morals, but leave every other part of yourself open to the universe of possibilities. Today, recognize that wakening up to who you really are means letting go of who you imagined or labeled yourself to be.

Just for today, I go beyond barriers into possibilities. I relax and know that the Universe supports me at all times. I now live in the totality of possibilities. I am loved and supported by Life itself. I am safe. It is only change and out of this situation only good will come. And so it is.

Communication

Many of us have trouble being truly honest and direct in our communication. Perhaps, we don't want to "hurt" another person's feelings or we fear being rejected by the other person. As a result, we sugar coat the truth and we tell people what they want to hear. However, with all our beating around the bush and making people feel better, our communication suffers and people are never sure what we think, what we want or need. In fact, you may even have forgotten what you truly believe or want. Today, begin to recognize how honestly and directly you communicate with others. If you are having trouble being direct, it's most likely because you fear the other person's response. And, even though you may be frightened, the more straight forward you are the easier it will be for you and everyone involved. Today, if you fear that what you have to say may bring you rejection, remember to accept yourself first. Then it doesn't matter what others think. Today, summon up the courage to be honest and direct even if it scares you! When we learn to speak our truth, we become courageous, we value ourselves, we become worthy, we become enough, we finally become ourselves.

Just for today, I have the courage to speak my truth. I have the courage to ask for what I want in healthy ways. I am courageous. I am whole. I stand in my power. And everything is working out for my highest good. And so it is.

Letting go-your path towards peace

Today, it is time to acknowledge that there will never be a time when life is simple. But, there will always be time to practice accepting that fact and that every moment offers you a chance to let go and feel peaceful. Today, set your intentions to LET GO-let go of the frustration with yourself or your life and instead focus all your energy on something you can actually control instead of dwelling on things you can’t; let go of anger and bitterness by reminding yourself that you always have the choice to remove yourself from the situation, change it, or accept it. These acts create happiness; holding onto bitterness never does; Let go of the relationships in your life that you absolutely know serve no purpose in your life except to consistently end up hurting you. Today, let go of all your hurt, disappointment, fear, anxiety, anger, regret and frustration so that you can find peace. Today, remember if you let go a little, you will have a little peace. If you let go a lot, you will have a lot of peace. Let go today!

Just for today, I am willing to let go. I let go of all fear and doubt and life becomes simple and easy for me. I surrender to what is, I let go of what was and I have faith in what will be. I forgive and let go. And so it is.

Meditation

People around the world have practiced meditation for centuries It’s one of the most effective ways to find inner peace, relax, and cope with stress. And yet, mention the word meditation and instantly everyone has a "good" reason why they "can't" meditate or why hobbies, sports or even napping are their ways of meditating or you don't have enough time-all lies of your ego and fear. Today, begin to examine the reasons why you have chosen not to give your mind and heart a rest through meditation. Today, recognize that all your reasons are just excuses. Today, recognize that it is easier than ever to create a meditation habit-there are apps, classes and books that can help you create a regular meditation practice. And when you do, you will find more peace, more concentration, more tolerance and forgiveness for yourself and others. Today, stop fighting and start investing in your future and inner peace by creating a meditation practice. Small shifts in your thinking, and small changes in your energy, can lead to massive changes in your life.

Just for today, my mind and body are in perfect balance. I am a harmonious being. I allow myself to become quiet and still and I am amazed at what I find, the Universe is just waiting to share its secrets with me. I love myself enough to go beyond my childhood limiting beliefs and thoughts. I am now a secure, empowered adult. I am safe and everything is always working out for my highest good. And so it is

Just be yourself?!

Today the Universe wants you to just be yourself! And, that may not be as easy as it sounds! First, you need to recognize who your true self really is. Your true self is who you really are when you let go of all of the stories, labels, and judgments that you have placed upon yourself. It is who you naturally are without the masks and pretense. It is who you really are when you let go of other people’s stuff that you have taken on. Everything else that you claim to be when you say, “This is who I am!” is only a story. Today, begin to get to know YOU so you can begin to be" just be yourself". Begin to peel through the layers of other people's opinions and beliefs about who you are and begin to see and understand who you really are underneath all those layers. When you let go of the old ways of thinking, follow your heart, and do what you love, you begin to align with happiness and peace. And, when you reach peace and joy, you will then know you are connected with your true self-you are just being yourself. Today, allow yourself to go beyond all of those conditioned beliefs and thought patterns that you have accumulated throughout your life and just be yourself.

Just for today, as I move through the layers of other people's opinions and beliefs, I see within myself a magnificent being-wise and beautiful. I love what I see when I look inside me. I am willing to let go of every thought, belief and idea that no longer serves any purpose in my life. I am willing to change. I am safe and everything is always working out for my highest good. And so it is

Self pity

One of our worst enemies as we are faced with challenges is to succumb to self pity. And even if you have been facing what seem to be insurmountable challenges self pity will only keep you stuck right where you are. Today begin to acknowledge that self pity is a sign of insecurity. You want to be pitied because you crave attention, and without pity, you may worry that nobody will care about you. There is something inherently alluring about having a victim mentality. If you believe yourself to be a victim, you surrender your personal responsibility, which essentially gives you “permission” to blame someone or something else for your negative situation. And blaming others is such a waste of time. It also means that you somehow believe that you “deserve” pity. So if something bad happens, your ego seeks out pity in order to reinforce a victim mentality, which then allows you to abdicate your personal responsibility to do something to change your circumstance—while receiving attention that you might associate with feeling important or loved. Today, begin to listen to the victim stories that you may have been telling yourself like the unfairness of it all and how you have it more difficult than others. When you notice yourself engaging in pity-seeking behaviors, short-circuit your conditioning by practicing gratitude and recognizing how good it feels. Instead of focusing on how you have been wronged or hurt, immediately think about something positive in your life. Repeatedly practicing gratitude will reverse the conditioning that caused your behaviors in the first place and help you create positive feelings without needing negative reinforcement. Over the long term, you need to build a sense of self-worth by accepting personal responsibility for your life and consciously choosing to change the situations that aren’t working for you. When you feel like you control your own fate, you stop being a victim and you feel far more valuable as a person. Today, substitute your sad, victim stories with tales of victories that you have in reality accomplished. Know that gaining self pity is not the road to self actualization or for that matter happiness. Today, know that you always have a choice to perceive things differently. You can focus on what’s wrong in your life, or you can focus on what’s right. Today choose to see what's right in your life.

Just for today, I choose to feel good about myself. I remind myself each morning that I have the choice to feel good about myself. It is a new habit for me to cultivate. I release the need to blame anyone. I always have the power to change my life and my thoughts. I am safe. I am strong and out of this situation only good will come. And so it is.

A noble truth about suffering

One of the four noble truths of Buddhism is that life always involves suffering in obvious and subtle forms. Even when things seem good, we, as human beings, always feel an undercurrent of anxiety and uncertainty inside. And yet, most of us spend our entire life trying to avoid suffering; are completely shocked by our suffering or that there is something wrong with us because we suffer. Today, it is time to stop viewing yourself as broken, damaged or in need of being "fixed". Today, begin to see that in truth there is nothing to fix in your life. There is nothing to do and that there is nothing to become. Coping with human challenges does not mean that you are less-than or that you are damaged; it only means that you are experiencing things all human beings experience even if your ego has some other idea about being perfect. The trick is not to bend life’s will to your personal desires-to try to make like what you "think" it should be. It is the other way around. You must find the flexibility to bend to Life. Today, accept what life is offering you now and stop focusing on your suffering and how you think your life should be different. Today be willing to unconditionally accept whatever life is at this exact moment. Today, just accept and know that you are healing which means to make whole not perfect And, that healing begins when your acceptance of your life and its lessons begins.

Just for today, I willingly release any need for struggle or suffering. I am willing to accept my life as it is. I deserve all that is good in life. I recognize that peace begins within me. The more peaceful I am inside the more peace I have to share with others. The inner creates the outer always. I now go beyond barriers to possibilities and everything is always working out for my highest good. And so it is.

Sensitive season

We are in the midst of Cancer season, which may be making your feel extra sensitive and unsure of yourself. Yet, universally you and I are all being asked to to make bigger, bolder and more expansive choices - to take risks. And, that means you need to let go of a lot of people, ideas, intentions, and circumstances, which are keeping you mired in struggle, suffering and basically stuck where you are at. And even if it is tempting to want to forge ahead, you need to process what you have been feeling and experiencing. You need time to grieve, to feel, to release, and ultimately plan for your fantastic future. Today, recognize that there is a lot going on inside of you that you need to process before moving forward even if you are tempted to ignore it all and force your way forward, no matter what. Today, recognize that you will get to where you want to be one step at a time, one day at a time.

Just for today, I listen to my feelings and I am gentle with myself. I know that all my feelings are my friends, not just the ones I like. I am safe when I express my feelings. I can remain serene under all circumstances. I am centered and focused. I feel more secure each day. I joyously let go of everything that no longer serves any purpose in my life. I am safe, divinely guided and loved. Life supports me in every possible way and all is truly well in my world. And so it is.

Your happiness is right here

Have you been waiting for the big moment when you can make that big change that will lead to happiness? Well, today it is time to wake up to the fact that you have been wasting your time waiting for whatever you think will make you happy. Today, it is time to recognize that your ability to feel happier comes from inside yourself, not from external circumstances. You don’t need to quit your job, move to an exotic location, lose weight, have more friends or more money to be happy. You can embody happiness right now. Today, no matter your situation, you can start right now to experience that happiness that you've been waiting for when something happens or when you get something that you have wanted for a very long time. Today, recognize that the key to happiness is appreciating what you have at this moment. Sure, we all want to make changes sometimes. But one change, no matter how big, is unlikely to transform your current misery into a state of elation. Today, begin to appreciate the small things in the world around you that do make you smile and laugh. Appreciating the small things in your life right now will add up to big changes in your mindset. Today, stop criticizing yourself for everything you aren’t, stop longing for that one thing that you think will make you happy, stop missing what is right in front of you and start appreciating your life for everything it is.

Just for today, I awaken appreciating everything in sight and I give thanks for it all. I recognize that the Universe totally supports every thought I think and choose to believe. I have unlimited choices about what I think. I choose balance, harmony and peace and I express it in my life. I am perfect exactly as I am right now and everything is always working out for my highest good, even if I don't know it right now. I am safe and all is truly well in my world. And so it is.

New Moon in Cancer

We have a New Moon in Cancer, the compassionate and nurturing crab . New Moons are always a potent time for setting intentions, for as the moon's light grows so do your intentions. And, since Cancer, the crab carries its home on its back, representing its desire to always feel safe and secure, you too may be looking for new ways to feel more secure and “at home” with wherever you are right now. Feeling at home is really about acceptance, accepting where you are right now, even if you do not want to be there any longer. It is about embracing the reality that where you are is where you need to be, even though you may feel challenged, fearful, or at odds with what lies before you. You may feel like you don't fit any longer where you are nor do you really know how to get to your next place-a place where you feel at home and that you fit in. Today, set your intentions to practice radical and unwavering self-care by being gentle with yourself, standing up for yourself, setting boundaries, and moving from a place of compassion. On this New Moon, set your intentions with the knowing that you are building a better life for yourself. You may feel uncertain on the journey. But, today have unwavering faith that you are always safe, divinely guided and protected. Just for today, I move through life, knowing that I am divinely guided and protected. I am safe. It is only change. I now cross all bridges with joy and ease. The old unfolds into wonderful new experiences. My life gets better all the time. And so it is.