Help For A Challenging 2020

Help - For A Challenging 2020 Thus Far

For many people, I know, 2020 is already presenting challenges.

Some friends of mine have shared that they feel fatigued by world events thus far. Things like the interference in Ukraine, the impeachment trial, concerns for the mobs of protesters in Hong Kong, trade tensions with China. 

The escalating tensions with Iran and the Middle East following the assassination of Major General Qassem Soleimani are not helping matters any.

Perhaps the most critical questions we could ask ourselves would be, "How will I act in response to these events?" and "What values and capacities will I draw upon?" 

Many politicians and others are saying that this is the time to "fight," to stand up for what we believe in by fighting back in a caustic, intolerant, and aggressive manner. 

I feel this is precisely the wrong thing to do. 

As a conscious leader, I suggest rephrasing this anger by being the best human being example you can be. Do your best to be the change you wish to see in the world. 

Some may feel that the peaceful solution is soft and weak, but I believe this is the furthest thing from the truth. 

Mahatma Gandhi said, "Peace is the most powerful weapon of mankind," and he demonstrated this with his life lived. His way of being helped India become an independent nation during the process.

So, perhaps, rather than showing up in fight-mode, we could wisely instead, practice taking deep breaths. Then connect with the enduring wisdom of our heart. Reopen your compassion, which can ignite your connective and creative expressions of your human-ness. 

This practice can calm your nervous system, and then help you more fully grasp the possibilities of what you are inspired to do to be of assistance to our world.

You might find this could be as simple as continuing to live your life as is - being the best human being you can be. Or you may be activated to create processes to help the lives of others.

Meditation is one of the most effective ways of tuning-in to the wisdom of the universe and transmuting the way we see, interpret, and react to the world around us. 

Don't let yourself get caught up in the destructive and adverse elements in the world, which can lead to a downward spiral. Instead, participate as a positive expression, uplifting your heart as you move

in your daily life. As I like to say, "Turn that frown upsidedown." 

Blessings to you and yours in 2020!

Lisa

 www.MeditationFromTheHeart.com

Year of the Dog 2018

Happy Chinese New Year!

2018 Year of the Dog

Happy Chinese New Year! February 16, 2018 is the 4,715th Chinese Year.

This year will be Male (Yang) Earth Dog. Often characterized by two mountains close to
each other. This 11th sign in the Chinese Astrology is a symbol of intelligence and
protection.

People will focus on real estate, agriculture, fashion, art, entertainment, environment
and integrity. There will be people coming together to help the less fortunate.
Perhaps we will see changes to make a better balance between the rich and the poor.

As one makes their plans, be sure to think through possible obstacles and clear any
foreseen blockages with ‘dogged’ perseverance before proceeding.
There is a ancient Chinese saying, “A happy event can counteract three disasters.”
Be sure to plan some happy events for yourself.
It is a good year to change the way you think and actively seek new ways to
launch or share your ideas among friends or the marketplace.

Political note: The year of the Dog could be a turning point in human history.

President Trump is born in the Year of the Fire Dog, and while a dog is usually
‘man’s best friend’, it can also have a dark side. Perhaps the dog is quick to anger,
critical of others, stubbornly will not take advice, hypersensitive to criticism and
deeply emotional.

The energy of the dog will be emphasized – both the positive traits (friendliness, loyalty,
caring of others) and the negative (could bite or attack if mistreated or given a command.)

Dog folks may find themselves challenged emotionally. Remind yourself to not quarrel
over simple matters with loved ones or colleagues.
Get good sleep. Number 9 will be lucky.

Please join me Monday mornings and Wednesday nights. See calendar page for the dates. www.MeditationFromTheHeart.com

7 Tips for Meditation

Helpful Tips from My Latest Meditation Workshop

As a meditation teacher I find it important to go see my Teacher periodically to get recharged, inspired and to have a sense of progress. I recently traveled to L.A. to attend a weekend workshop and here are some of my take a ways.

We use meditation to find peace until we (permanently) R.I.P.  As you go into meditation you are entering a state of peace for a few minutes or longer. Meditation is best if approached in a very relaxed way. If you are too ridged you cannot learn as well. As you progress with your practice a few minutes can extend to a long time.

After Teacher meditated, he said, “If I sat here longer, my meditation would have been sustained for a lengthy time. Do you know why? It is because I am aware of the Divine in everything. The Divine can be a place to where you can go as well.”

In the story of Siddhartha (Buddha) it is said that he left the palace to get a better understanding about life, living, suffering and getting old.

In life there is suffering. But you can choose to do more learning about suffering or you can choose to live with lots of suffering for yourself. Suffering is a natural part of life. It comes in many forms. Cultivate to transcend the self. Do the best you can. Also, add lots of happiness to your life.

 Teacher asked the contemplative question, “Does it matter where you go at death?” You know, Heaven can be had now by virtue of having peace with yourself.

Happiness can come from knowing we are a part of the Divine.

Make personal changes before you crossover so that others will think kindly of you when you have ‘passed’. Use your life now to become the best person you can be. The strength for this can be found through a solid meditation practice.

It is so easy to feel lousy. It is the continuous feeling good that is difficult. Start by being mindful of what you say to yourself. In the morning look at your reflection in the mirror and be happy to see that wonderful person!

We all have a ‘small self’ and a ‘big self’. Meditation helps to bring the ‘big self’ forward or to the surface more. Every time we meditate, not only do we sit with the daily small bits of our lives, but we address something greater than ourselves as well.

Better Sleep: Meditate before bed. If you have had a “long day” then this is an especially good practice.  Do not focus on the things you cannot fix.  If you wake up in the middle of the night; breathe deeply; inhale and exhale while focusing on the tan tien (Just below your navel.). This is also considered meditation. Another Technique: In standing meditation, tighten both fists at your sides. Hold firmly for about a minute. Then relax everything. This will help with your sleep as well.

Please join me Monday mornings and Wednesday nights. See calendar page for the dates. www.MeditationFromTheHeart.com

Fire Rooster - 2017

The Year of the Fire Rooster – 2017Gong Hey Fat Choy! Happy New Year!

January 28, 2017 is the first day of the Year of the Fire Rooster.

People born in 1957 or 2017 are Fire Roosters and are considered trustworthy, with a strong sense of timeliness and responsibility at work. Besides being loyal they are talkative and popular in a crowd. Lucky numbers are 5, 7 and 8. Lucky colors are gold, brown and yellow. Please avoid red and be wary of 1, 3 and 9.

How will this year play out? Conflicts and plenty of debate can be expected during the year of the Rooster. The cocky presence and fearless action will bring about change, whether it is needed or wanted by the masses.

The Rooster is often compared to a ‘Don Quixote’ – ready to take on any challenge that presents itself with a notable strut of confidence and a progressive attitude that is impossible to beat.

This year is perfect for those who wish to put effort into reaching the ultimate levels in health – mental, physical and financial, but not so well for those who favor being lazy. Living the life of a couch potato may have disastrous results.

This will not be a year of hand-holding, but rather more like finger pointing and judging. This is especially true for those who haven’t lived up to expectations or promises made.

If you lack discipline, you will be criticized and left behind, but if you strive for perfection and accomplishment, then all is possible.

In the bigger picture, loyalty and a wiliness to work in concord with the majority will help the outcome of a year of posturing. It will take strong savvy leadership to navigate through the challenges that face the world physically and financially.

In other words, showing excellence and integrity along with compassion and logic will be the best course during this year’s muddled moments. Hopefully, this will help prevent hasty reactions based on assumptions instead of facts.

I am hoping to see relationships strengthened globally with countries united in striving for freedom and peace on earth as well as making smart environmental decisions.

Remember, that taking daily moments in meditation has a humongous ripple effect for the positive. Please join me in the spirit of meditation.

Please join me Monday mornings and Wednesday nights. See calendar page for the dates. www.MeditationFromTheHeart.com

New Year Beginnings

New Year - New Beginnings

Happy New Year!

As the New Year begins we often have some resolutions or habits we want to implement. Let’s breathe deeply and take a moment to remember that creating new ways of being can temporarily cause confusion or other discomforts in our life or routines. But hey, in the long run, it will be worth it, right?

Exercise and meditation are examples of ‘keystone’ habits (habits that create a ‘virtuous circle’. i.e. have a beneficial domino effect or feedback loop.) Keystone habits are intentional repetitive activities, which at first require effort and discipline, but are done because they are good in nature and build solid foundations for your future endeavors. 

‘Bad habits’, on the other hand, result from avoiding effort, discipline and intention. These habits feel like they are going towards comfort, rest, pleasure, but they actually slowly make us less capable, less healthy, and happy and often lead us toward pain cycles. Did you know that sustaining a bad habit often takes just as much effort as implementing or working on one that is better for you?

Unfortunately there is no “one step to heaven” secret to instant success for new habits, but I have learned some tricks which have helped me with creating new good habits.

1.     I schedule into my calendar when I will be doing the  new activity.

      2.     I make it as fun as possible.

      3.     If appropriate, I engage a friend to help be my 'conscience’. Usually this person is interested in creating a similar new habit.

      4.     As I decide to do the new habit I take a moment to write down all the benefits and reasons I have    to make the change (including the cons for not doing it). When the going gets tough I review my reasons. Laugh at myself for trying to take a shortcut. Realize how little time it will take me and  then I go for it!

      5.     At the end of the day I take a moment to be grateful for what I have done or assure myself that            tomorrow I have another chance if I happened to have skipped it today.

     Let’s make 2017 the best year ever! Use your wisdom from the past to help create a better you for the future. Good luck implementing some keystone habits.   

   

I hope that meditation is one of them!

Please join me Monday mornings and Wednesday nights. See calendar page for the dates.www.MeditationFromTheHeart.com

Spiritual Cramming

Spiritual Cramming

I’ve found myself – as I do periodically – with the feeling that I have some ‘free time’ on my hands. With that feeling, faithfully comes the itch to fill it right on up. Yes, folks I definitely scratched that itch.

This time I’ve gone for the spiritual gusto. My regular Sum Faht Meditation practice is firmly in place and inside of that practice I occasionally use a timing device (app) called the Insight Timer. This app is connected to other users. It is quite a delight to know that during my Wednesday evening classes there are usually another 3,500 people meditating across the world at the same time we are.

I decided to join a 12 week course called the Practice of Direct Awakening lead by Craig

Hamilton. Awakening is beyond the mind. One of the fun things he challenged our group with an exercise of sitting for 15 seconds and simply let everything be as it is. Success! Now do it for 30 seconds. No matter where your mind goes let it be and have no judgement. How about you try this too!  And when you are done, add a few more minutes of meditation. (Simple – Right!?) Be easy with it. Be who you really are right now.

Meanwhile, I have also joined an 8 week women’s group which

involves creating and singing beautiful heartfelt songs about life, love and feminine mysteries. Plus we are delving into our direct lineage and honoring all of the women who without whom we would not exist. This intention is also a powerful healing around being a woman in this world.

There is a gentleman, David Nicol, who is making a huge effort to join and educate people about the phenomena of Group Subtle Fields. I am listening in periodically to these talks. Even if you are not in the same room together you can actively connect/feel the energy a group.

The Book of Joy – an – audio book with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu – narrated by the husband, Doug, of my friend and medical doctor, Dr. Rachel Abrams, is currently escorting me during my drives to the various places life takes me. It is a personal goal of mine to be as happy as possible all day long. I am learning about the spiritual depths of joy versus the state of being happy from listening to these amazing spiritual leaders. I highly recommend enjoying your own copy of this fabulous book. One key component is the mental aspect of having a good attitude with compassion and generosity toward yourself and other human beings.

I’m laughing right now because I’m remembering that during all these years of meditating  (29) my Teacher has encouraged most people to not read books on spirituality because any questions you may have you can find the answer to by going within. You need only to sit in meditation. This advice really has worked for me. I am, however, reading a book right now called The Diamond Cutter – The Buddha On Managing Your Business and Your Life. This book has not only been entertaining, but has given me some sweet insights on the art of detachment. And a gentle reminder about how every moment contains the flow for infinite possibilities.

Lastly, I am giving a heartfelt plug for the book Cultivating Compassion – Simple Every Day Practices For Discovering Peace of Mind and Resilience. Why? Because I am proud of my little sister, Amy Pattee Colvin, who authored this book. Within its pages you will find help day by day for 66 days to develop a personal practice – discovering more about yourself with a compassionate heart.  

Of course all of this spiritual cramming is on top of my regular day to day life of running Water Star Motors, home and self-maintenance. I love my life!  

Please join me Monday mornings and Wednesday nights. Or, if you prefer, book a private session. See calendar page for the dates. www.MeditationFromTheHeart.com

Work Hard, Play Hard

Conscientious Work Has Great Benefit

One of my motto's for years has been, "Work hard, play hard." Another one that I live by is, "If I am to do something then I will do it to the best of my ability."

I was reminded about this as I spent time finishing one of my wood carvings to be judged in a show this coming weekend.

This is the way of the old craftsman who spends days, even weeks, working on a single piece because he wants to create something useful, beautiful, and meaningful. Not mass produced, not factory made, not mindlessly manufactured and consumed. Artistically enriching one's life and possibly bettering another's.

This is the way of the writer who pours her soul into a novel, not to crank out a best-seller every year but to perhaps change the way someone sees the world.

This is the way of anyone who works at a company - not just to clock in and get a paycheck, but to make a contribution. To do work s/he’s proud of. To create something powerful in the world.

This is the work of any artist or creator, any entrepreneur, any coach or athlete, any parent or auto mechanic … who puts more effort than is required into the work, because from that effort is created meaning.

My meditation Teacher is always reminding me (irritatingly so at times) that the work never ends. There is the practical work of making a lively-hood. The work of simplifying life as much as possible. The work of cultivating yourself to become the best human being you can be. We are given this gift to improve ourselves until the moment we die.

The more ah ha's and revelations one has during meditation; the more you know that you don't know. This is not in a sad way, however, it is in a joyous exploration of life's full offerings.

I hope you can find yourself working hard and playing hard today.

Please join me Monday mornings and Wednesday nights. See calendar page for the dates. www.MeditationFromTheHeart.com

Earth Day Inspirations

Can Meditation Save the World? 

Some people dismiss meditation as “contemplating one’s navel.” Others feel it is a self-indulgent luxury for the privileged. Could it be possible, however, that meditation could be one of the most important things human beings can do to help create a more compassionate, fair-minded and enlightened society?

Have you ever had questions such as:

• Is meditation really time well-spent when there seems to be so many other urgent actions calling my attention?
• What is the relationship between cultivating deeper awareness and refined (‘enlightened’) action in the world?
• What is the real purpose of meditation?
• How does meditation help me to break out of my old (no longer useful) habits of thinking and acting?
• What does “letting things be” have to do with being an agent for positive change?

If not, then I hope that I have well stimulated your mind, opened your heart, and inspired new insights about doing your inner work, meditation, and the future of our planet.

I encourage you to be engaged in right action today— at this moment in history when the personal growth and environmental movements are well past their infancy. 

We live in exciting times. Times where “doing nothing” may be one of the most important skills we need to master if we wish to be of service to the world.
I hope to do 'nothing' with you soon in one of my classes.


Please join me Monday mornings and Wednesday nights. See calendar page for the dates. www.MeditationFromTheHeart.com

Ease in Changing Habits for the New Year

Happy New year 2015!

This is the time of year for reflection and changes.

When are you going to change that old habit?

Someday?

Someday is today!

Our spiritual journey is to let go of pressure, not to add more. If you battle with yourself a wall goes up. But if we focus instead on deep change from within then our behavior modifies naturally.

What Gets in the Way?

None of these are insurmountable, but they can often cause us to put off major changes. So be aware of them: 

·  Fear of change

·  Not wanting to be uncomfortable

·  Fear of uncertainty

·  Being tired

·  Fear of failure

·  Fear of not being good enough/Perfectionism

·  Not having the time/Being busy

·  Waiting for something to happen

·  Being overwhelmed with all that you have to do

·  Not knowing how

We all have these fears and reasons for not taking action.

These are only excuses.

Yes, the fear of failure and change and discomfort and uncertainty are real … but they’re not good enough reasons for inaction. They can all be overcome.

Human Beings everywhere have overcome their ‘small’ selves to create positive changes by facing their fears. I occasionally have. You can too.

5 Actions to Make it Happen:

   1.  Find a purpose. You might already know what your purpose is, but it’s good to review it and keep it at the forefront of your thoughts. If you don’t have a purpose, start here: what will you want to look back on at the end of your life? What will be your legacy? What fulfills you? What will make your life feel significant? What will give your life some meaning? If you don’t have an answer to these questions, it’s worth spending a little time here. Go for a walk and think about it.

2.  Embrace your desire. Do you have a desire to do something positive in your life? Embrace that. Isn’t it wonderful that you have this desire? See this as the first positive step, one you’ve already taken. Now use that as your impetus to take action.

3.  Create the space. You won’t make any changes if you don’t create a small space for the change. When is best for you? In the morning, in the evening, during your lunch break? Don’t wait for the change to happen — make it happen. Don’t get stuck wishing for the magic wand or miracle to occur. Block off some time on your calendar each day, even if it’s just 10 or 15 minutes. If you don’t have the time, think about how long you spend each day on Facebook, TV, games, or doing smaller tasks that aren’t as important. Push those back for just a bit, and do what’s most important to you first.

4.  Surround yourself and have accountability. The best way to make change happen is to surround yourself with others making a similar change themselves, others who will support your change. Find at least one person who will hold you accountable for making this change… a coach, or an accountability partner. Tell them not to let you off the hook. You could start by meditating with me in group or private sessions.

5.  Take a small action. If you’re overwhelmed by a large change, or a bunch of large changes, just focus on one small step. What small action can you take today that will move you forward? It might be something as simple as, “do an Internet search about selling my artwork online”, or “call Susie to ask her to hold me accountable”. Take a small step, and get moving. Movement begets movement. Now take another small step. This is how making change for yourself is created. 

Small actions make big effect

Change is a constant. In some cases, if your life needs a ‘course correction’ then life will throw you a curve-ball. Which may not feel like the most friendly or desirable way to create change in your life. Be your own master. Face what needs changing and do it as a willing participant.

Please join me Monday mornings and Wednesday nights. See calendar page for the dates. www.MeditationFromTheHeart.com