Wednesday, September 30, 2009

A Time to Begin

Inspiration: To begin again today.

Greetings. So many of us have aspirations, whether it is to lose some weight, change vocations, or find a life partner. It is so easy to get discouraged after things do not turn out how you would like. There is always a reason and a season. Each moment of each day, affords us the opportunity to choose where to focus our energy.

It does not matter how long or how many times, we can always begin again. Possibly from a new perspective. Maybe we have to change our thinking into a new behavior. As James Arthur Ray, a prominent motivational speaker says: "It is going three for three. Our thoughts, feelings and actions." Are these three in sync for you? It is one thing to say I want it, but are you taking the necessary steps to fulfill your desires.

This takes consistency and a lot of patience. Trust me. It is a place I am very familiar with. If it was easy, then the manifestation would
not be so amazing. Trust yourself, trust life and have some faith.

I wish you all a very "peaceful" day.

With Love, Denise

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Inspiration from the Woodstock Documentary: Now and Then

Inspiration: To find the seeds of success amidst the chaos.

Last night I watched the documentary Woodstock, Now and Then. It combined footage from the original Woodstock festival to modern day. How the music still stands the test of time. It was one person's vision of creating a festival of music for the sake of bringing people together to experience freedom, harmony and love. His name is Michael Lang. He did whatever it took to make this happen.

Initially, after a location was decided upon nearly a month before the show, they were boycotted. Instead of giving up, while driving around, Michael "spotted" the area of "his dreams". AS he recalls, " A bucolic farm, with hills and water." To make a long story short, they contacted the owner and within minutes, struck a deal.

They had nearly 20 something days to build the stage,fences and whatever else was necessary. Rain persisted for about 85% of the time. The show must go on,and it did. The acts began with Richie Havens who was not scheduled to go on for a while. Most of the acts went on out of order. Chaos or spontaneity, turned into a magnificent showcase. There was even a point that some of the top performers would not go onstage until they were paid cash. The organizers managed to make this happen and some even played two sets.....At the end of the day, the festival cost almost double of what it was supposed to. When all was said and done, it was a great success!!! Why am I recounting all of this?

Because, when you have a dream, a passion for doing something, you will stop at nothing to make it happen. That is what happened here. And 40 years later, it is still iconic and will never be duplicated.

So it is with us, myself included. We feel passion and have a vision, but stop when we are ooohhh so close. AS I have scribed before; "perseverance, persistence and patience", are a necessary combo to bring our desired manifestations into physical form. This creates magic and miracles when we least expect it !

May we all reach for the stars.:)

Warmly, Denise

Thursday, September 24, 2009

The Serenity Prayer : A reminder

Inspiration: An easy prayer and release of what is.

The Serenity Prayer Intro:

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.


Whether you are religious or not, the beginning of this prayer is universal. We are all faced with moments, that becoming so overwhelming. We are stuck, lose our center and sometimes our minds. This simply prayer will help to get you grounded and centered in the midst of the chaos. Feel the words as you say it either silently or aloud. Then take a very deep breath and surrender. You will be amazed at how you will feel.

We are all at the right moments on our path to healing and wholeness. Trust in the process of life, trust in yourself and know you are always taken care of.

I wish you a very joyful and easy day.

With Love, Denise

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Injuries and exercise

Inspiration: To lovingly listen to the body's messages.

Injuries. At one time or another, many of us acquire some form of breakdown in the body. Some of us rest entirely, others persevere through. Depending on the nature of the injury, we should be careful and listen to our body. Especially those recovering from an surgeries. To "push" too soon, literally pushes our body beyond the comfort level for true healing.

Yesterday, there was a woman I know at a gym I am affiliated with. A few months ago she had shoulder surgery. She was bench pressing and doing all these movement I felt were definitely counter-intuitive. Shortly into her workout, I slowly approached her.In our conversation, I was being the "trainer" and suggesting a different way of moving until she is fully healed. This only caused us to talk in circles. I then remembered what I had written in my recent newsletter about coming from the heart.

From the heart, I approached this woman. It all came down to her fears about not being able to do what she did before and aging. Mind you, she may have been in her early 50"s, but looked no older that 42. As we both spoke from our hearts, there was an acknowledgement of being where she needed to be. It is our beliefs or fears that keep us in a place which does not serve us. She needed to honor her body and healing and from that place. Then when the moment is ripe, she could once again do what her body craves.

It is so important to really get in touch with our body and what it is telling us. So many of us, go past our comfort levels, whether it is through exercise or in other areas. Whenever we are in fear, this is an illusion, a trick being played on us by our ego. In these moments, take a deep breath, ask what is really going on, and move from a place of strength and empowerment. This is tricky, but through practice, patience and persistence, it becomes an easy choice.

Have a very "peaceful" day.
Warmly, Denise

Monday, September 21, 2009

It's Monday !!!

Inspiration: To embrace the beginning of this new week with open arms.

It's Monday. For many of you that means stepping into a scheduled work week routine. Instead of looking at this as drudgery, view it as an opportunity. It is the start of bringing into consciousness all that you would like to see show up for you.

Whether it be your vocation, health or relationships, look to the present to create the future you desire. Start with small steps. Set an intention at the beginning of the day. When difficult thoughts or moments arise, go back to your intention. Take a few long deep breaths, followed by a sigh of release. This will help to clear the muddy thoughts in your head. Remember, in each moment we are given a choice.

One of the very first alternative books I stumbled upon, says in each moment, there are only two thoughts; love or fear. It seems obvious to choose the first but many of us, through our programming, choose the latter. It is not easy, but through deliberate and consistent choice, we will transform into what we desire.

So, here it is MONDAY. Do something nice for yourself. Talk a long walk in the park, have an ice cream cone, dare to dream, BIG !!!

Have a very "peaceful" day.

Warmly, Denise

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Awakenings

Inspiration: To be fully present, conscious and grounded.

Greetings. We are all being asked to be alive in our lives. When we worry about the past or future, this keeps us from receiving the gifts inherent in each moment. To be AWAKE is to experience the unfolding of life with an open heart. From this point, we remain open to listen and receive answers to our deepest dreams and desires.

Many times, we injure ourselves, both literally (through the body) or emotionally (in our thought patterns). This occurs when we are out of touch with what is happening in the moment. While it is very easy to project onto the future, it is imperative to remain present, breathe deeply and pray. For those who at stuck by the word "pray" this does not have to be to anyone or thing in particular. Just ask for help, direction, guidance, in general. There is power in the asking. Then stay awake to the moment and you will slowly receive your answers.

Have a very "peaceful" day.......Warmly, Denise

Monday, September 14, 2009

MTV Video Music Awards tribute to Michael Jackson

Inspiration: To appreciate those great people in the world, with their humanness.

Last night, I watched part of the MTV video music awards. The reason being, I was curious to see the tribute to Michael Jackson by his sister Janet. I was surprised to see Madonna begin the experience. The last thing I expected was my eyes to fill up with tears as she spoke. Mind you, I am not a Madonna fan, but for the first time, I actually felt her speak from the heart and any previous judgement I have harbored was released.

She spoke of Michael from her own experience and how she briefly befriended the gloved-one but was not there for him. How many of us abandon those who truly need us the most. She spoke of his "humanness", he was an icon that would never be again. My eyes began to fill even more. It was in these moments, that I started to remember that we are all really on a journey of oneness to love and expression. It is easy to stand by those when things are flourishing. When times are difficult, many of us have look the other way.

It was a gentle reminder to choose love and to see the light in each other no matter what physical circumstances are occurring. Madonna also mentioned that she hopes where ever Michael rests, that he finds some happiness in this moment. I felt him smiling, and the true gratitude and appreciation from those assembled that had deeply been influenced by his greatness.

When Janet took the stage, she danced along side Michael while the"SCREAM" video was being played. I felt deep sadness for her. You could feel her keep her professionalism and at the same time the deep love for her brother. A truly gifted man has departed. He was in a lot of pain and I hope he is resting peacefully now.:)

It is our separation that causes us distress. If we could just choose to help and love one another, the world would be a much more "peaceful" place.

God bless you Michael.........With Love, Denise

Friday, September 11, 2009

Believe

Inspiration: Lenny Kravitz's song "Believe".

AS I was headed off to sleep last night, I asked for guidance about the trajectory of my life's path. The message I received was in a song I love by Lenny Kravitz. Here are the lyrics:

I am you and you are me
Whys that such a mystery?
If you want it you got to believe
Who are we? were who we are
Riding on the great big star
We've got to stand up if were gonna be free yeah

If you want it you got it
You just got to believe
Believe in yourself
cause its all just a game
We just want to be loved

The son of God is in our face
Offering us eternal grace
If you want it you've got to believe
cause being free is a state of mind
Well one day leave this all behind
Just put your faith in God and one day you ll see it

If you want it you got it
You just got to believe
Believe in yourself
cause its all just a game
We just want to be loved

The futures in our present hands
Lets reach right in
Lets understand
If you want it you've got to believe yeah

If you want it you got it
You just got to believe
Believe in yourself yeah
cause its all just a game
We just want to be loved

Today I am filled with the possibilities that exist. Remember, if you want it, you have to believe.......:)

Have an "amazing" day......... Love, Denise

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Transitions

Inspiration: To ride the waves with ease and grace.

AS the weather is beginning to shift, as are the sunrise and sunset hours, we too are in the process of realigning. Summer is nearing its end, Autumn is approaching. Many of you have traveled and explored the endless possibilities that summer (expansion) holds for us.

As we approach a new season, it is a good opportunity for us to move forward in an authentic way with our dreams. This is a time for stability and being grounded. The legs, feet, and base of the spine are our connection to the earth. It is our first chakra, which is our safety and security as well as family of origin.
How are you feeling at this present moment?
Do you feel sluggish or stuck?

Simply walking in a peaceful environment holds tremendous healing potential. Standing yoga poses are also an excellent way to find our footing. It is essential to move so we can release any negative energies and toxins our bodies are holding.
For me personally, I have found the integration of a consistent yoga practice coupled with gym workouts, provide me with the essentials I need to keep my center.

I invite you all to take inventory of your feelings. If you are one of those people reading that has not actively moved in a bit, I ask you to please consider the myriad of physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual benefits that can be attained.

May you have a very "peaceful" evening.
Warmly, Denise

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Simplicity

Inspiration: To experience each moment as simple as it is.

Sitting on a porch this past weekend up in Marion, Massachusetts, I fell into a blissful sleep. My legs were perched up on a small table. The sun was beating down on my legs, the wind on my face. I had just finished reading an excerpt from Marianne Williamson's book "A Return to Love." After I had read the section on surrender, I too surrendered and felt much peace and ease. This literally meant me falling asleep in an awkward position. Nevertheless, when I awoke, I felt that all was as it should be.

Now that I am back in NYC, I will keep this moment alive. Being away in a tranquil environment, near the water, made me realize that it is life's simple moments that bring the greatest insights. It brought me closer to my truth and path. The struggle is not necessary. Simply being and allowing the good that is around us on a daily basis to enter, will show us the way. The more ease we have, the more peace. The more peace, the more joy. The more joy, the more abundance......:)

Have a very "peaceful" day.
Warmly, Denise

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Letting Go of the Ego

Inspiration: To relinquish my need to be superior in whatever I am doing.

The ego. It is identified as the "I" or me. An inflated feeling of pride or superiority. The majority of us display this ego in one way or another.In some areas we may be quite humble. In others the opposite is true.

Most recently, I ran into a woman who was one of my first acquaintances in my pursuit of a different way of being. She is a Buddhist nun. Whenever I would see her I would feel something like "Wow! If I could just be as peaceful and present as her." I had an encounter after not seeing her for a bit. She was very kind and asked how I was doing. I then asked her how things were going. Her reply was " My private practice is really busy, I have 27 clients." We had this conversation after I had finished a yoga class. Maybe I was just in a zen state. I found this response a bit grandiose. Maybe that is a judgment but the truth is she could have just said her practice was flourishing. I did not need to know an exact number.

Not that I am without ego. My new feat is to be able to do some arm balance poses in yoga. I have the strength but my left shoulder/arm and hand have suffered many an injury. I am still recovering after a long time. Anyway, here I am in classes. So focused on the pose that I fall. The teachers always says to keep your head up and lean forward. After reading a blog by a teacher I adore, he mentioned leading from the heart and not the head. The next time I attempted these postures I had greater success. What is my point? The head is where the ego lives. The mind. The heart is where all is possible. It is nice to be reminded that we are all students living and learning on a daily, moment to moment basis.

To my surprise, I realized my ego is still more present than I would like it to be. I will continue to breathe, work on my judgements and be a more loving, patient and peaceful warrior. Yes, I am an Aries. Can't get away from it. I am very firey.

Namaste,
Denise