Monday, April 29, 2013

Coconut, Collards and a moment with Divine Mother

As I rinse and peel the vegetables for my new self-imagined soup recipe, I think about how the illusion of separation ravages our world and so much pain would dissolve if only we could embrace our unity and connection to All That Is. Much of what I teach is that of Unity and closing the separation, or rather exposing the illusion of separation. As I stand there at the kitchen sink, a host of methods to embody this unity in a Group Gathering light up my consciousness. A cool breeze pours through the kitchen window blowing my face in the most loving way. As I toss the vegetables into the pot I think how that was a nice endorsement from Divine Mother and my heart is joyful. In the other room "Awake My Soul" by Mumford and Sons plays. I smile.

The blessing of divine guidance and connection is all around. The practice is being open, sensitive and quiet enough to gather these messages. And the reward is the joy and peace it brings.

***************************************************************************
Mark your calendars for the upcoming Group Gatherings: 
May 16th at 7pm and May 19th at 12pm  
This month's theme: "Exposing the Illusion of Separation: Restoring the Harmony Within" 
Full details and event flyer coming soon... 
*************************************************************************** 

Now for fun, here is the recipe. I consider this my Healing and Nurturing Soup:

Coconut Collards Soup
(Vegan and Gluten Free)

I put everything in the pot in this order:

Medium heat
1 box Vegetable Broth
4 cloves garlic chopped (tiny)
1 yellow onion chopped
1 1/2 inch ginger cut like coins
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon curry powder
salt to taste
4 carrots peeled
3 celery stocks
1 zucchini
1 bunch of collard greens
(chop or cut up the veggies any way you please)
Change heat to medium/low for 10 or 15 minutes

Lower heat to low of simmer
Half can of coconut milk
Bragg's Amino Acids to taste
Leave for 1 hour then turn off heat.

I serve it with Jasmine Rice

I am not a chef (by any means), but I am pretty pleased and proud of this culinary adventure. It got me through laryngitis, minor sinus infection and allergies. Perfect for when you want to eat something nurturing and easy for your body to process. I have recreated it a couple times. The vegetables can be exchanged for whatever veggie you like best. This is just what I used today.



Friday, April 26, 2013

Embody Truth Messages: Breaking the Same Old Pattern

photo by Jhonathan Florez
There are times in this life where we see a direction we want to go. This desire feels good and pure. The kind of good and pure that tells you it is the True, authentic desire of your Soul and Higher Self. You can visualize and even enact some steps in this direction, but repeatedly you are drawn back to your same old pattern, that same old direction. Even so, you keep this vision and knowledge of where you want to go. In fact, you can't really help but keep the vision because the desire is so innate that it is more you than even your current understanding is you.

By keeping this vision and praying for your embodiment of it, you keep it close to manifestation. And if you are lucky, the elements in your life and the Universe will conspire to push you again and again in the desired direction. Even when you choose to fall into the old pattern and when you are convinced that you are doing good by your True Self and Soul, you are lucky if this path is interrupted. Perhaps your ability to perform the same old task is taken from you: you injure your leg, you lose your voice, you damage your instruments or tools. Temporarily you are paralyzed from any action, be it the same old pattern or the True desired path. Do not despair. This is just to drive home, embed within you, the lesson that you not only want, but you need to take this new path. And the sooner you take the leap of faith, change the direction of your sails and do as you truly wish, the better for you and the better for All That Is.

Monday, April 8, 2013

Passion Searching and How to Get Payment for Your Passion

“Find what you are passionate about, and figure out how to make money doing it.” 

This is some age old advice that many of us probably heard from our parents or mentors at some point in our upbringing. So despite it's popularity, why do so many of us not follow it?

Let's break it down... Starting with the first part: “Find what you are passionate about...”
The problem can start right here. What if a person cannot find what they are passionate about? Maybe they have a number of interests but nothing really takes them to the point of passion. I have heard my mother say it numerous times. “Not everyone is fortunate enough to discover their passion.” And I do believe there is truth to this. So I decided to take a look at why? What would keep someone from discovering a passion? In taking a quick look at the environment that many of us are raised in, I identified some possible contributing factors. Let's look at some vague examples:

Vague Example #1: 
Triple Espresso Shot blog
Perhaps you did find your passion when you were a child, but social norms steered you away from them. Maybe it was an activity attributed to "nerds" or "jocks" (or whatever group it was that you didn't want to be associated with) or it wasn't typical for your gender. One might say, "well if it was really a passion then you would have stuck with it." But let's take a moment to remember being a kid or an adolescent: sometimes the desire to “fit in” outweighed our ability to stay true to ourself. The ego is a tricky little thing and it preys on all potential victims.

Vague Example #2:
Let's look at when we are a little older. Maybe by the time you are a young adult, fitting in isn’t your main priority anymore. But you now live in a time and space where all of your emphasis is put on how to make money. And all your exploits, be them professional or recreational, are dictated by the dollar. You go for jobs based on potential income. You choose your weekend activities based on how much they cost and what you can afford, or you avoid doing many recreational activities at all. 

In either of these examples, the opportunity to find a passion at all has been severely damaged. You have unintentionally stifled your ability to find a passion, by not listening to the possibilities. The good news is that for most of us, the search is still salvageable. We just have to start observing how our behavior and mental blocks play a role.

Let's say you have a job that is simply a paycheck. You yearn for a job that will light your fire, but you know it is not this one and you have no idea where to look. Since spending time with your passion is not embedded in your work regimen, it is absolutely imperative that you make time for it. Create a regular routine of Passion Searching. 
Passion searching: the quest for discovering an activity (or activities) that one is passionate about. Once activity is discovered one must continue to regularly participate in them. And/or discover more. 
Before you begin Passion Searching, there is a prerequisite: Go into it with an open mind: There should be no timeline for passion searching.  Do not set guidelines for how long the search should take or what field it might be in. If you already have activities that you enjoy doing, make sure you explore those activities inside out. Become curious!

Life's Perks blog
If you don't have any idea where to start, your new favorite word should be "Yes!" Let people around you know that you are interested in finding a new hobby or past time and be open to their suggestions. When they invite you on an adventure you say "Yes!" (Obviously you can be realistic about what resources the activity will take such as time and money). But let's say one day you are asked to go to a yoga class. Then the next week you are invited to a knitting class. Then the next week you are invited to rock climb. Start getting in the habit of trying new things and be open to trying them a few times.  

Eventually you will find something that interests you. Maybe you wouldn't classify it as a "passion" yet. But pay attention to the activities that make you feel good. And please know that you deserve to feel good. Have the courage to do the thing that you enjoy NOW and it just might be the gateway to more things that you will enjoy. More knowledge, more experience, more opportunity for a joyful life. 

Perhaps the second part of that advice is where we get discouraged “...and figure out how to make money doing it.” 
Well, at first you may not be able to make money doing that one thing you love. But don’t let this stop you from doing it. Because someday that dedication might pay off. And even if it doesn't, notice how the journey of looking for, practicing and living your passion will alter your entire perception of life. You may no longer feel the need to make money through your passion. But instead by revitalizing your extra curricular activities, you just might find that commute to the office every day less cumbersome. You might even begin to enjoy your job a little. Why? Because you will have begun collecting the most important payment and that is the one to your heart. A truly happy heart will find pleasure where you once thought it was impossible.

Never underestimate the power of a joyful heart...
photo by Jhonathan Floez
When we live joyful lives we are showing gratitude to our maker for the tremendous gift of life we have been given. This is an incredibly valuable and important thing to do.  Gratitude is the most powerful emotion and sentiment to experience and share. It has the power to envelop your entire being and lift you up. All you have to do is feel it, think it and express it. When you search for the passion in your life, you are telling your Maker, "Thank You for this opportunity to live. Thank you for creating a playground for me to express the nature of my soul and to experience You. Thank you for teaching me why I am here."

Speaking of that, why are we here? The purpose of life is a question that people ask all the time. I am not here to give you the answer as I am still discovering it myself everyday. But I will say that if you want to find the answer you have to experience your life. And experience it as fully as possible. Notice the colors of the trees, the feel of the wind, the taste of the water, the sound of your breath, the smell of the morning dew, the sense of gratitude, peace, love and joy. Find activities that make you feel happy, uncomfortable, exhilarated, self-conscious, curious, angry, motivated, proud. Find activities that make you feel ALIVE.

Regardless if you have found your passion or not, keep looking! The adventure in looking might be exactly what you learn to be passionate about. You have the rest of your life to enjoy this journey.
Hikers





Saturday, March 9, 2013

Group Gathering: Exploring the Balance of Light and Dark Within


Join March 23rd at12:00pm - 1:30pm

When you allow yourself to be guided by the Heart and Divine Spirit, it is such a magical feeling! In Group Gatherings you are led through a variety of methods including meditation, breathing, yoga/body movement and discussion to help you find your own inner guidance.

Inspired by the Vernal (Spring) Equinox, the theme for the March 23rd Group Gathering is "Exploring the Existence of the Light and Dark Within". 

In order for there to be Light there must be Dark. And it benefits us as individuals to acknowledge the Light and Dark we have within so that we may recognize how and when we experience them. From this recognition we can direct our actions in a way that will align us with our highest good.

In this small group setting, together we will create a safe and sacred space to relax, be open and be free.

There is a space limit. Email embodyingme@gmail.com to reserve your spot today!


Recommended Donation: $20
(give as you can)


*Also available for individual sessions


Monday, February 18, 2013

Introducing GROUP SESSIONS!!

When you allow yourself to be guided by the Heart and Divine Spirit, it is such a magical feeling! The trouble is that many people do not know how to be guided. This is why I am so excited to announce that I am going to be leading my first Group Gathering.

In this 60-90 minute Group Gathering you will be led through a variety of methods including meditation, breathing, yoga/body movement and discussion to bring yourselves to a more heart centered existence. This experience is intended to help you develop your own devotional practice, a practice that will align you with the Divine Guidance within. In this small group setting together we will create a safe and sacred space to relax, be open and be free.

I welcome you to join me on this first Group Gathering on Saturday, February 23rd at 12:00pm.

There is no fee for this first gathering. If you wish to give it is appreciated, perhaps base it on what you felt you received from the experience.

Please email me at embodyingme@gmail.com to reserve your spot or ask questions. The Group Gathering is limited to six participants, so if you are interested don't hesitate to inquire more.

*Available for individual sessions


Monday, January 21, 2013

Tales of My Travels: The Boy With the Golden Coin


After spending a few days at a farm in the Department of Santander with friends, my husband, Jhonathan and I needed to get back to Medellin to spend New Year's Eve with his family. Our friends were staying at the farm for a few more days so Jhonathan and I used a service they recommended called "Puerta a Puerta" which means Door to Door. It is sorta like a long distance Taxi Service. Since we were in a 5 seat car there were two available spots for other passengers. One was an older gentleman and the other was a young boy, maybe 6 years old. The boy's father was following us on his motorbike. Motorbikes are really popular around here both for traffic and economic purposes. You will see some families transporting their kids and even moms with infants on one of these things. It is crazy to think of putting a baby on a motorcycle with such aggressive drivers on the road, but they don't know (or have) any other way. 


This particular family (the boy and his father) appeared to not be very wealthy. And many families in their circumstances would have had the boy travel the 3 hours of extremely windy roads on the motorbike. But the boy told Jhonny that he and his father had fallen off the bike one time, so the father didn't want to make that trip with his son. I can imagine that finding the money to get this boy a ride was challenging for them. It was equivalent to about $45 US dollars. But the devotion to his son's safety prevailed. This touched me immediately. 


The boy who went by the name of Juan Esteban was the last one we picked up. He sat in the back seat in the middle between Jhonny and the other gentleman. I was sitting in the front because I have a tendency to get car sick. When the boy entered the car, the driver asked him if he gets carsick. (Like I said, the road was really windy). The boy said that he would be fine because his dad had given him a coin to hold tightly so he wouldn't get sick. The driver seemed happy enough with that answer and we were off.


On the ride, Jhonny noticed that Juan Esteban was nodding off so he grabbed his sweatshirt and put it against his own side so the boy could lean against him to sleep. He managed to catch a little snooze before waking up when we were in a very windy part of the trip. Jhonny then saw that Juan Esteban has started to tremble. Jhonny asked what was wrong and the boy said he was frightened. "Why are you frightened?" Jhonny asked. He answered that he was worried about his dad because the road was so windy. Jhonny looked behind our car and saw his dad was still following us. He told the boy his father was fine and was right behind us. Seat belts are not required if you are in the back seat, so the boy was able to easily jump up and see his dad. With his hand in a fist as an expression of victory and relief the boy exclaimed "Si!" ("Yes!"). 

We were still on the windiest part of the trip so it wasn't long before his relief turned to carsickness. (I'm guessing he wasn't squeezing the coin hard enough.) Luckily there was a plastic bag on board so he didn't make a mess. Shortly after his mini explosion we were able to pull over to a roadside market so his father could get him a drink and we could all get some air. I must admit, I needed this break as well. That car ride left me feeling pretty woozy. 

At this point most of the really windy road was behind us and soon we were at a multi lane highway. The boy's father sped ahead of us to lead the way which proved to be a thrilling experience for young Juan Esteban. He was so excited, like he was cheering on his father at a Motocross race. He was yelling to his dad to be safe and was so happy when he thought his dad heard him, exclaiming "Si! Si!" repeatedly. His father led the car to the house they were staying. It was in one of the worst neighborhoods I had been in. Jhonny insisted I roll up my window because thieves will steal the sunglasses right off your face. The driver didn't seem to want to hang around much longer than he needed to either. While I understood the desire to get out of the neighborhood, I did not see darkness as much as I just saw a lot of people trying to live their life. They do not have a lot, but they are very social. Lots of people in the street, getting ready for the New Year celebrations. Jhonny said crime goes up around the holidays. He said it is not that the people are evil, they are just more desperate to have what they see. 

My thoughts can't help but go back to young Juan Esteban. My heart is so with that little boy. He is so sweet and so pure. I have found myself sending him blessings and prayers that he lives a good life. Even if he is in the poor neighborhoods his whole life, I prayer for his safety and happiness. The moment he got in the car with us that morning I knew that I was destined to meet him. Our souls were supposed to spend that time together.