Monthly Archives: November 2009

Gratitude

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Gratitude

I recently read a beautiful sign:

"Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, but the realization of how much you already have." (Author unknown)

Wow…read that again! It is one of life's large lessons beautifully expressed in a few short thought-provoking words. 
Of course, we will still want for more; however, stopping and really counting all the good already in our lives has its own rewards.

I keep a gratitude journal and write things, people, and experiences I am grateful for at the end of every day. (Okay, so I skip a few days!) It is a great exercise. Going to bed feeling thankful even helps you sleep better!

When emotions are high and things are challenging, as they can be during the holiday season, just remember that quote…consider writing it down on an index card so you can see it as a regular reminder.

Thank you for the rising sun,
mozella

A Breathing Place

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Imagine my surprise at seeing this sign in a park. Click, click goes my camera as I wondered at BBC's intent. (It is a wonderful project, and not what I took it to mean at the time!)

It felt like an invitation to me – I breathe in and out, slowly and deeply. Thank you for this reminder. I get this…I let go.

This was not about the automatic breaths we take to stay alive. It is the breath that has our full attention and awareness: the breath that helps us feel a sense of well-being and aliveness.

Mindful breathing – it is so natural and vital to our state of being. We forget how easy it is to take advantage of the most readily available, internal support system we have.

As we approach this season so full of hectic 'things' we must do and places we must go; remember to be where you are with your breath, your companion for life.

Create whatever signs you need to remind yourself that this too is a breathing place….and also remember, BBC didn't intend my interpretation of their sign…let's just call it our gift!

be well,
mozella

Through The Window…

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On a rainy day in Staines, overlooking the River Thames, the beauty on and through my window was captivating. A soft pitter patter of drops glistened and reflected light from inside and out.


On a sunny day in Staines, from the same window, I watched another episode. A graceful, white swan glided by proudly and smoothly through the murky waters of this famed river – seemingly oblivious to her marred environment – somehow one with it.


And each of these days, I pondered the significance of what was before me. These were quiet moments, yet powerful opportunities to capture some insight by simply looking through … Because, there are two sides of a window – that which is within and that which exists without.

Every window is and represents an opening, an invitation to pause, reflect and absorb life's lessons.

What do you see through your windows?

Serenity on your mountain

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1Mountains hold some of the most powerful 'chi' (energy force) on earth. I find mountain climbing exhilarating…I think it is also beneficial to "just be" near them too. Mountains literally and metaphorically call us to higher ground. I believe seeking peace and understanding through a relationship with our natural world enhances a nurturing link between our earth mother and us.

Our pace is so hectic – vacations feel too far apart. I have a longstanding habit of taking time in the Fall for personal work retreats, to plan for the coming year. It was so easy to plan a 'work' retreat, tending to all my external things to do. Yet my body, mind and soul were pleading: "What about me?" So now, I stop once every quarter to mark each new season and celebrate my life within it. I have also committed to bringing women together each season to facilitate their own soul journey celebrations individually and collectively.

I do my very best to create space and time for myself – sometimes alone, sometimes with like-minded others. The key is to pause, feel, be with and talk to oneself. I enjoy the warmth of the sun, trees, flowers and the moon in a star-lit sky. These are amongst my favorite things – what are some of yours?

I put serenity on and in my mountain (my life) as often as I can. I have a busy, full life too and know it takes determination to maintain balance. On a daily basis I create me times, I reflect and practice stillness in the quiet. It's sustaining: energizes my day and offers calmness at night.

How serene is your mountain? It's never too late to create rituals to honor and celebrate your whole self.

Warmly,

mozella