Serenity Serendipitously Shared............

I would like to share with you, dear reader, a little photo journal of things that speak "serenity" to me. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. Go ahead (if you are so inclined) and take the meditational suggestions given under each, in order to clear your head/mind of all that is bothersome.

Even if it is for just a moment.

Breath Deep.......

Clear your mind of all negative thoughts....

Think of only the good in your life.....

Smile and be grateful....

Know how lucky you really are......

Enjoy these moments in which you are able to reflect in peace....

Know that you are loved.....

Imaging yourself in the "place" you'd like to be.....

Let yourself linger there for as long as you like.....

Breath deep.....

Know that you are not alone....

Know that you are a gift.....

Know that you have purpose....

Now revel in these peacefully positive thoughts....

POST NOTE: 

After drafting up this post last night for publishing today, I serendipitously  came across the photo below. It just so happens to explain in clearer and more precise terms a more defining and meaningful approach to meditation.

I was so excited when I found this and thought that you, dear reader, may appreciate being more enlighten on this subject as I have. I guess this post was meant to be. I just love when this kinda thing happens!

Oh No...Time to Turn it ON!

 

This is what I woke up to, this morning. A fire (made by my husband) in the family room fireplace. Why is this so unusual? Because it's October in Virginia and we have snow. It's also a bit chilly out and I have an issue, twice a year, when it comes to turning on the heat and turning on the air conditioning.

Let me explain.

There are a few reasons why I dread doing both. Let me just start with that fact that before each "turn on", I have enjoyed a lower than usual electric bill for a month or two prior (our whole house is electric) without the heat pump running.

Secondly, I have this "thing" with turning on the heat before November 1st and the air conditioning before June 1st. I'm not quite sure what it is. Maybe, I have a weird psychological issue with the month justifying the change in temperature and therefore justifying the turning on of the heat pump.

Third, and most importantly, our system is just as old as our house. Our house was built-in 1974. We have owned it for about 11 years. We bought it from the original owner who was quite proud of the fact that he replaced nothing in the house, ever! Therefore, we are the only ones in the neighborhood who still have the original heat pump system (the others have replaced theirs at least twice now)

We would have replaced it if it had broken down, but it hasn't yet. It works great and everyone else in the neighborhood who has upgraded has had issues with their systems. So why invest $6,000 to $8,000 of funds we do not have if we don't have to? With that being said, whenever I turn the system on, I have a bit of an anxiety attack beforehand because I'm afraid that it will not work. We can only hope for so long that it lasts, and so far, we've been lucky.

And so, the modus operandi  for turning the heat/ac on is this: I announce to the entire family that I am going to turn it on. I hold my breath. I close my eyes. I open my eyes. I turn the switch to on, (mind you I'm still holding my breath at this point) and wait, and wait a bit more, till I see, hear, and feel the air being pushed out of the vents. When the mission is accomplished successfully, I say a prayer of gratitude and keep my hope up that it will last through the season.

Well, it's about that time, dear reader, that I have to do the "dirty deed", as I refer to it. I will be holding out till November, which is right around the corner. And when all is said and one, and it turns on without a hitch, I will then have Peace Of Mind.

WISH ME LUCK!

 

HAPPY HALLOWEEN PUMPKINS !!

After much deliberation, my kids decided on carving our pumpkin  into a Pac Man theme. I told them not to get too upset if it did not turn out the way in which they intended. Reason being, they had no template and were a little sketchy on the ultimate design. They both dismissed my words of caution and went for it with great intent. The result, a surprisingly great job!

(pictured below, photo skills lacking)

Since they were so successful, I thought I'd share these crazy good carvings with you, dear readers, as to maybe inspire your creative pumpkin carving side (if you are so inclined)!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN PUMPKIN CARVING!!!

Believe, Imagine, Dream, and LOVE...

BELIEVE you can accomplish any task.

BELIEVE you have purpose.

BELIEVE in the unbelievable.

BELIEVE in yourself.

IMAGINE a better world.

IMAGINE a brighter future.

IMAGINE yourself in harmony with your surroundings.

IMAGINE yourself with Peace of  Mind.

DREAM in colors every night.

DREAM of a better tomorrow.

DREAM of being who you aspire to be.

DREAM your wildest Dreams even when others try to sway you not to.

LOVE your life.

LOVE your family.

LOVE each other.

LOVE yourself.

Confessions of a Worrier.......

I must admit, from to time, I tend to worry a bit too much about things (and that's putting it lightly). It's in my genes. I come from a long line of worriers. You name it, and I have worried about it. Following are just a FEW (and I stress "Few") examples:

On a Personal Level...

My Kids/Husband.

Finances.

Relatives.

Job Security.

The Cars.

The House.

The Garden.

The Dog.

My Appearance.

The Weather.

Safety and Security.

Getting Lost.

On a Broader Scale...

World Hunger.

War.

Dictatorships.

Human/Civil Rights.

Natural Disasters/Devastation.

Orphaned Children.

The World Market.

I used to feel that being the consummate worrier that I am, was maybe a good thing. It meant that I took things seriously. That I was cautious and therefore well-informed before going forth. That maybe fear was an asset because it helped me to make better/safer decisions.

Unfortunately, I have also realized that by being so worrisome, it has caused me to miss/forfeit opportunities. To hold back on taking some chances. To stunt my growth in certain areas of my life, and worst of all, to develop an anxiety issue.

Being anxious because of worry is never a good thing, unless you are considering jumping off the roof of a building, etc.

In knowing this about myself, I have made efforts in order to control my worry/anxiety/fear. I have to be constantly mindful of that little voice that enables me to dwell, causes me to lose sleep, and stops me from the spontaneity that is sometimes required in life.

I share this with you, dear reader, because I know that I am not the only one who has a difficult time with these issues. To let you know that I can empathize with you. To hold your hand while walking the fine line between realistic caution and concern, and over exaggerated worry and anxiety.

Peace of Mind comes with being able to balance these emotions, moving forward with confidence and care.

Quick.....Make A Wish!

 

We all have something(s) we wish for. 

We should all hold hope dear.

We all need to look up now and then.

We all seek Peace of Mind.

Go ahead, this wish is on me!

Life Intentions, a funny thing happened...........

 Sometimes, no matter how focused and driven we are, we end up finding ourselves in situations that we would have never imagined ourselves being in, while wondering how in the heck we ended up there.

It's as though all of our efforts were done in futility.

But wait.

It's alright.

And please do not be disappointed in yourself.

There could be many reasons why your journey has taken a left in stead of right (and visa-versa) turn. You may become aware of some of them sooner rather than later. And others will not show themselves but in an epiphany or two (or three and so on) much later on.

We must learn to accept these situations in faith, that maybe there are other forces around (based on your belief system) that have guided you to this place in life, in order to serve a greater purpose for yourself and in some instances, for those around you.

With this acceptance comes the Peace Of Mind that is needed to relax and enjoy this place that we find ourselves in, even though, we may have never intended to be here.

Gardening Gifts and the Connections they Make.....

We are, as humans, creators. As you invest your time in the reproduction/replenishing of flower and fauna, you are connecting with nature in a most wonderful way. You are, in essence, the mother of what you propagate, watching your offspring grow and thrive, nurturing/guiding it along when needed, and reaping the benefits of its strong growth and great beauty

 

To me, gardening is more than just digging a hole in the ground and dropping in a plant or two. it's a completely spiritual experience; a time to connect with Mother Nature and all her glory. As I dig in the dirt, it take in the aroma of the earth and feel as though i am making a contribution of sorts to my family, friends, community, and to myself. I feel that it is of great benefit to beautify your surroundings to every other living creature in your midst. I use the time spent in the garden for reflection, thinking of what was and what will become. I cannot help but feel a sense of hope and peace when I am in the garden.

 

 

This connection brings me to a great place of gratitude as well as accomplishment. Being grateful for the opportunity and ability to be one with the earth and the satisfaction of the contribution I have been able to make in my own little way.

 

 

In sharing my thoughts and feelings about my "garden experience" to you, I hope that the next time you go out into your garden you are able to take a moment and truly reflect on what it means to you, and how it benefits your well-being and peace of mind. If you do not have a garden (for whatever reason) you may want to reconsider the idea of being a gardener. you don't have to "go big". Start out small with a manageable space that does not overwhelm you at first. you can always increase its size as is wanted or needed. If land is unavailable, please consider container gardening. This type of gardening can be most creative as well as inspirational!

 

(All these photos are courtesy of my own garden!)

We are, as humans, creators. As you invest your time in the reproduction/replenishing of flower and fauna, you are connecting with nature in a most wonderful way. You are, in essence, the mother of what you propagate, watching your offspring grow and thrive, nurturing/guiding it along when needed, and reaping the benefits of its strong growth and great beauty

 

To me, gardening is more than just digging a hole in the ground and dropping in a plant or two. it's a completely spiritual experience; a time to connect with Mother Nature and all her glory. As I dig in the dirt, it take in the aroma of the earth and feel as though i am making a contribution of sorts to my family, friends, community, and to myself. I feel that it is of great benefit to beautify your surroundings to every other living creature in your midst. I use the time spent in the garden for reflection, thinking of what was and what will become. I cannot help but feel a sense of hope and peace when I am in the garden.

 

 

This connection brings me to a great place of gratitude as well as accomplishment. Being grateful for the opportunity and ability to be one with the earth and the satisfaction of the contribution I have been able to make in my own little way.

 

 

In sharing my thoughts and feelings about my "garden experience" to you, I hope that the next time you go out into your garden you are able to take a moment and truly reflect on what it means to you, and how it benefits your well being and peace of mind. If you do not have a garden (for whatever reason) you may want to reconsider the idea of being a gardener. you don't have to "go big". Start out small with a manageable space that does not overwhelm you at first. you can always increase its size as is wanted or needed. If land is unavailable, please consider container gardening. This type of gardening can be most creative as well as inspirational!

 

(All these photos are courtesy of my own garden!)

Come Fly with Me.......

SET YOUR SIGHTS HIGH!

ALWAYS LOOK UP!

LOOK FOR THE SILVER LINING!

THE SKY'S THE LIMIT!

KEEP YOURSELF OPEN TO THE MESSAGES FROM ABOVE!

IT'S ALWAYS DARKEST BEFORE THE STORM..........

MAY YOU ALWAYS HAVE PEACE OF MIND IN KNOWING THAT STORMS HAVE AN END AS WELL AS A BEGINNING. MAY YOU WEATHER THROUGH THEM ALL WITH GRACE AND COURAGE.

BE WELL. BE OPTIMISTIC. BE STRONG.