Resist or Surrender

"...to offer no resistance to life is to be in a state of grace, ease and lightness." Eckart Tolle I love to randomly open an inspirational book and read whatever my eye falls upon first.  There are no accidents. The above quote was just what I needed to read yesterday morning.  "To offer no resistance." That seems a pretty tall order these days. Everyone on the planet is in their own personal struggle to adapt and ultimately accept. As emotional beings we cling to what we know. We live in the illusion that we have control over our lives. Then something big happens. An unexpected breakup, a death, disease, or the life-changing Coronavirus.  As you observe your reactions to this unprecedented time, first don't beat up on yourself. It is normal to feel fear. Strive to be mindful of the tendency to stay mired in that emotion. It is understandable to feel anxious. We have no touchstone, no comparison to equate this to in our lives.  We are grappling to develop the tools to maneuver through a completely new reality. As we gain footing I would like to make a request: Be highly aware of what makes you anxious and where your thoughts are taking you.  When we cease to resist we may make room for inner peace. This occurs when we surrender. That inner peace is the state of grace that Eckart Tolle is suggesting.  Surrender does not create victimhood.  Surrender is spiritual action. It frees us from the impossible belief that we can push and shove life to where we want it to be. Start to develop the ability to surrender by watching your thoughts. Be aware when your mind is filled with imagined horrors and decide not to live in future fear. We are in this together. We always have been. The veil of separation is being exposed for what it truly is. An illusion. As we are forced to actually physically separate we will have an opportunity to appreciate how much our connections truly mean to us. How much we need and love others. Surrender can open pathways to creativity. We begin to adapt by living in the moment. This crisis may lead people to recognize their true purpose and contribution. What if an outcome of this pandemic means more people go into medicine or science? What if a love of teaching emerges through home schooling? What if broken families heal when individuals see the fragility of life? What if Coronavirus shines a light on the insignificance of our petty emotions, grudges and attachments? I have no doubt that good will come as a result of this global crisis. Perhaps we will begin to understand the truth. Our value has nothing to do with what we own, drive or live in. It has to do with how we think, act, and be. You can do your part by surrendering your worry and fear and deciding that you will create love and magic by using your unique gifts. Find a way to laugh each day. Use FaceTime to visit with friends and family, take advantage of the links available to visit art museums and virtually wander through their exhibitions. But mostly commit to love. Help in whatever way you can. Breath. That is probably the most impactful thing you can do for stress. Meditate on what is meaningful to you and know this too shall pass.   Here is an affirmation for today Today I connect with my inner core of strength, love and joy. I spread love and light with each breath I take. I am safe, loved and loving. Sending you love and light.

7 Truths to Live By

We all need a little help from our friends to aid us in getting back on track, releasing sadness, getting over a breakup, or loss, refocusing our energies and feeling loved.  I hope this list of " 

7 Truths to Live By" helps you be the best you can and love bigger and better.

Devotion to self growth and mindfulness is a life long journey, one that offers many blessings along the way. It takes courage to make the commitment.  There is no magic formula for inner transformation. Each person's journey is a beautiful roadmap unique to them. 

The steps to self love and self expression are simple yet profoundly challenging. I wanted to share some "truths" I have learned along the way. I return to them again and again, forgetting one week and remembering the next. When I stumble I go to this list to remind me of what is important and redirect  my mind and heart to what is truly important, the creating and sharing of love.

As I change my thinking, my life will change.

My reality is shaped by how I choose to interpret events in my life. Holding myself responsible for how I feel enables me to live life through love and grace rather than fear and worry.

Worry is a waste of physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual energy.

My physical chemistry  transforms when I worry.  Cortisol levels rise which can boost blood sugar. Worrying is living in future fear.

I need time for me.

Taking time out for myself heals me. I refuel when visiting friends, spending time doing art, listening to music and enjoying the out-of-doors. Discover what you love to do and do it!

My power comes from love and joy.

When I am connecting with another in the purest form it is through love. Love ignites joy.

Being able to say "I was wrong." is a freeing experience.

Admitting when I am in error stimulates forgiveness and harmony.

Appreciating that most people are doing their best leads me to compassion. 

Judging others can be sticky business. When I begin to observe others with an eye for compassion I open my heart. 

Gratitude feels good.

When I am grateful I open my heart and mind for more. More love, more flow and more grace. Life feels good.

I leave you with a playful quote by one of my favorite authors... Dr. Suess

"I've heard there are troubles of more than one kind; 

some come from ahead, and some come from behind. 

But I've brought a big bat. I'm all ready, you see; 

now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!"

Love and light,

Nora