Inspiration: To live simply, from the heart.:)
I hope everyone is enjoying summer. For me, this has been a time of great growth. Taking inventory of what is really important. Going inwards and clearing out that which no longer serves.
The simple truth is you just never know what is right around the corner. For better or worse. Not to put a negative spin on anything but just to remind myself and whoever may be reading this, that what really counts is what we are doing right now. Not tomorrow, next week or year, but NOW.
To appreciate those close to you, your health, your body, your freedom. At times, we can become self-centered (guilty) and think only about what is going on in our world. My needs, my this, my that. If we could just embrace the myriad of gifts and blessings that are around us now, we would experience each moment with bright eyes; like those of a child.
So I lovingly invite you to reflect. How are you currently living? From a state of gratitude and expansion or a state of negativity and contraction. Remember each moment is a choice.Choose wisely. Think about that and have a beautiful evening.
With Love, Denise
Monday, July 23, 2012
Thursday, June 28, 2012
The Spanish Man ON Broadway
Inspiration: To be open to receiving others in ALL ways.:)
It has been a few since I last posted, basically because I need inspiration in the external world so I can authentically share with you from my heart. This past week, I became inspired by a homeless man on Broadway.
I have seen the Spanish man for a couple of years now, always digging in and out of various garbage cans looking for "I don't know what." A close intuitive friend of mine suggested that maybe they aren't really so kray kray and possibly really intelligent, just a bid "off". I took this in and looked to see if what he said was correct.
So about a month ago, coming out of Fairway on 74th and Broadway (he frequents the Upper West Side) I offered him some almonds. Needless to say, he didn't have many teeth, at least in the front. He then goes into this long soliloquy of sorts...almost poetic. He said to just stop and say hello when I see him. Interesting.
Fast forward some weeks, and I run into him again, on Broadway...this time 79th street. I offer him some money and he wouldn't take it ( as he was barreling through the garbage). He said if he took the money someone would say he was stealing and then went on again in a profound and poetic kinda way. He then looked at me and said " You look familiar." To which I replied, "We have spoken before." I asked him his name and he said "Just call me the Spanish Man on Broadway."
As I said goodbye to him and walked away I did realize this man was actually quite complex.. He needed a shower, but he was well spoken and courteous. Truth is, we never really know others until we give them, and us the opportunity...What they are thinking, feeling and going through. Maybe he was some kind of "ANGEL" meant to teach me and others a valuable lesson. In truth, we are all spiritual beings, created equal in the mind of the creator, living a physical (or are we really) existence.
Ponder that, and talk to strangers.:)
Have a "wonderful" day.
With Love, Denise
It has been a few since I last posted, basically because I need inspiration in the external world so I can authentically share with you from my heart. This past week, I became inspired by a homeless man on Broadway.
I have seen the Spanish man for a couple of years now, always digging in and out of various garbage cans looking for "I don't know what." A close intuitive friend of mine suggested that maybe they aren't really so kray kray and possibly really intelligent, just a bid "off". I took this in and looked to see if what he said was correct.
So about a month ago, coming out of Fairway on 74th and Broadway (he frequents the Upper West Side) I offered him some almonds. Needless to say, he didn't have many teeth, at least in the front. He then goes into this long soliloquy of sorts...almost poetic. He said to just stop and say hello when I see him. Interesting.
Fast forward some weeks, and I run into him again, on Broadway...this time 79th street. I offer him some money and he wouldn't take it ( as he was barreling through the garbage). He said if he took the money someone would say he was stealing and then went on again in a profound and poetic kinda way. He then looked at me and said " You look familiar." To which I replied, "We have spoken before." I asked him his name and he said "Just call me the Spanish Man on Broadway."
As I said goodbye to him and walked away I did realize this man was actually quite complex.. He needed a shower, but he was well spoken and courteous. Truth is, we never really know others until we give them, and us the opportunity...What they are thinking, feeling and going through. Maybe he was some kind of "ANGEL" meant to teach me and others a valuable lesson. In truth, we are all spiritual beings, created equal in the mind of the creator, living a physical (or are we really) existence.
Ponder that, and talk to strangers.:)
Have a "wonderful" day.
With Love, Denise
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Sometimes You Gotta Just Ask
Inspiration: To continue to listen and ask for help when I most need it...:-)
The inspiration for this musing, comes from an experience I had last night in yoga class. The students (including me) were all at the wall practicing various types of inversions. By this I mean, handstand, forearm stand etc. It's amazing having "assistance via the wall" encourages me to find the full expression of the pose at hand.
After this playful time, the teacher then encouraged us to try a bridge (wheel pose) and walk our feet up the wall and flip over. He said it was "liberating" ! A week prior, with the assistance of a different teacher, I was able to perform the "stunt" or as I call it gymnastics from when I was a youngster. So here I am getting ready...I make my way up into full wheel and begin to walk my legs up the wall. I take a breathe and my ego says YES! I will do it now....Well guess what? It didn't happen.
In fact, I know myself and my body so well that I call across the extremely large space "Get the teacher!" I couldn't move. Thank heaven, I was strong enough to stay in the pose until help arrived. It arrived in the form of both a student and a teacher. They were both encouraging me to get out of the shape I was in differently. Hence, I was still in the pose. Finally, the student helped me come down by flipping over (I think as I was kinda freakin at this point).
Anyway, you had to be there to really see and understand the complexity of it all. In my nearly nine years of practice, I have never called; bellowed out to get the teacher. The teacher came. I needed help. The moral of this post is "Do you know when to ask for help?" Or are you too proud?
Think about it and have an AWESOME DAY !!!
With Love, Denise
The inspiration for this musing, comes from an experience I had last night in yoga class. The students (including me) were all at the wall practicing various types of inversions. By this I mean, handstand, forearm stand etc. It's amazing having "assistance via the wall" encourages me to find the full expression of the pose at hand.
After this playful time, the teacher then encouraged us to try a bridge (wheel pose) and walk our feet up the wall and flip over. He said it was "liberating" ! A week prior, with the assistance of a different teacher, I was able to perform the "stunt" or as I call it gymnastics from when I was a youngster. So here I am getting ready...I make my way up into full wheel and begin to walk my legs up the wall. I take a breathe and my ego says YES! I will do it now....Well guess what? It didn't happen.
In fact, I know myself and my body so well that I call across the extremely large space "Get the teacher!" I couldn't move. Thank heaven, I was strong enough to stay in the pose until help arrived. It arrived in the form of both a student and a teacher. They were both encouraging me to get out of the shape I was in differently. Hence, I was still in the pose. Finally, the student helped me come down by flipping over (I think as I was kinda freakin at this point).
Anyway, you had to be there to really see and understand the complexity of it all. In my nearly nine years of practice, I have never called; bellowed out to get the teacher. The teacher came. I needed help. The moral of this post is "Do you know when to ask for help?" Or are you too proud?
Think about it and have an AWESOME DAY !!!
With Love, Denise
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
On Meditation
Inspiration: To continue to "breathe" through the noise with ease.:-)
Each morning, I start my day by sitting, noticing, breathing (I guess meditating). Yesterday I awoke later than my usual time of around 6am. The light was already passing through my window and the street noise was beginning. Either way, I was committing myself to my seat.
Perched up on about three yummy, velvety pillows to support my lower back, I began to breathe. I began to let the thoughts and prayers move in my minds eye. Then it was time to invite in everything. To hold a space for all of it. As I began to deepen into a more peaceful state, I heard the cleaning lady from upstairs (I reside in a brownstone) make her way down. She began to have a conversation with my landlord who had just walked in from his morning dog walk. I say " breathe Denise breathe." Then, about five minutes later it happens...What always happens at 9:30am on Mondays. The vacuum cleaner in the hallway.
I was ready to scream!!! Instead, I turned inward to remind myself that this is part of the practice. To let go of distractions. What a perfect way to practice, right? So I breathe more deeply, surrender more fully. But the vacuum cleaner is now outside my door, which is right near where I sit. My blood was starting to boil. Again, "breathe Denise breathe."
This is how much of life is. Noise and distraction. But there is the gift: Can we remain peaceful in the midst of the chaos? Can we stay true to this present moment? This is what meditation is for. To create that space, that pause for everything to be as it is. For guidance and answers to flow our way (that is the wish anyway, and often it does). But on this particular Monday morning, my sitting was less than divine. A gentle reminder for me to embrace perfection in the imperfection. So perfect.:-)
So the next time you sit, sit with an open heart, an open mind and just breathe in the fullness of who you are.
Think about it and have a blessed day !!!
With Love, Denise
Each morning, I start my day by sitting, noticing, breathing (I guess meditating). Yesterday I awoke later than my usual time of around 6am. The light was already passing through my window and the street noise was beginning. Either way, I was committing myself to my seat.
Perched up on about three yummy, velvety pillows to support my lower back, I began to breathe. I began to let the thoughts and prayers move in my minds eye. Then it was time to invite in everything. To hold a space for all of it. As I began to deepen into a more peaceful state, I heard the cleaning lady from upstairs (I reside in a brownstone) make her way down. She began to have a conversation with my landlord who had just walked in from his morning dog walk. I say " breathe Denise breathe." Then, about five minutes later it happens...What always happens at 9:30am on Mondays. The vacuum cleaner in the hallway.
I was ready to scream!!! Instead, I turned inward to remind myself that this is part of the practice. To let go of distractions. What a perfect way to practice, right? So I breathe more deeply, surrender more fully. But the vacuum cleaner is now outside my door, which is right near where I sit. My blood was starting to boil. Again, "breathe Denise breathe."
This is how much of life is. Noise and distraction. But there is the gift: Can we remain peaceful in the midst of the chaos? Can we stay true to this present moment? This is what meditation is for. To create that space, that pause for everything to be as it is. For guidance and answers to flow our way (that is the wish anyway, and often it does). But on this particular Monday morning, my sitting was less than divine. A gentle reminder for me to embrace perfection in the imperfection. So perfect.:-)
So the next time you sit, sit with an open heart, an open mind and just breathe in the fullness of who you are.
Think about it and have a blessed day !!!
With Love, Denise
Friday, May 11, 2012
A "DIVINE" Conversation
Inspiration: To continue to know and believe, thought know no distance...:-)
For some years now, I have been thinking about my ex sister-in-law from California. We were both married to identical twins and spent many Friday evenings together at our local Laguna Beach hangout. At the time, we weren't very close. This was because of me, my unhappiness in my situation.
During the last few months of my living in California, we became closer and I really enjoyed spending time getting to know her better. Mainly because I was finally at peace after having made the decision to leave and start over again in NYC. At 36 years young, I felt that I had to be true to myself and not stay where my "SOUL" was not happy. The year was 2003.
We had spoken only once since then, after I received a lovely card and picture in the mail. This was in 2004. She will never know how helpful and "heart-shocking" that conversation was to me. It helped me change the course of my actions in the final dissolution of my "starter" marriage (meaning warm-up for the right ONE). I was so very grateful !!!
So here it is 2012. I have been thinking about her a lot recently. Wondering if it would be "cool" to connect with her at some point since I last knew she was also looking to get divorced from the other twin. I just kept on hoping she was well and happy.
Just a couple of weeks ago, I mentioned her to a friend and said something to the effect of " I really liked my ex-sister in law. I wasn't nice very kind to her a majority of the time (could you believe) but we bonded as my stay in California was coming to a close." A week later after coming out of yoga class, I see an email message from HER !!! I was like WOWWWWW! Thought knows know distance...
We have since spoken and I so look forward to continuing the dialogue and seeing her again in the future:-)...The "BIG" message is that you should never underestimate the creative power of your thoughts; coupled with pure intention and complete surrender for the highest good of all concerned.
Think about it for a moment, and have a blessed day.
With Love, D
For some years now, I have been thinking about my ex sister-in-law from California. We were both married to identical twins and spent many Friday evenings together at our local Laguna Beach hangout. At the time, we weren't very close. This was because of me, my unhappiness in my situation.
During the last few months of my living in California, we became closer and I really enjoyed spending time getting to know her better. Mainly because I was finally at peace after having made the decision to leave and start over again in NYC. At 36 years young, I felt that I had to be true to myself and not stay where my "SOUL" was not happy. The year was 2003.
We had spoken only once since then, after I received a lovely card and picture in the mail. This was in 2004. She will never know how helpful and "heart-shocking" that conversation was to me. It helped me change the course of my actions in the final dissolution of my "starter" marriage (meaning warm-up for the right ONE). I was so very grateful !!!
So here it is 2012. I have been thinking about her a lot recently. Wondering if it would be "cool" to connect with her at some point since I last knew she was also looking to get divorced from the other twin. I just kept on hoping she was well and happy.
Just a couple of weeks ago, I mentioned her to a friend and said something to the effect of " I really liked my ex-sister in law. I wasn't nice very kind to her a majority of the time (could you believe) but we bonded as my stay in California was coming to a close." A week later after coming out of yoga class, I see an email message from HER !!! I was like WOWWWWW! Thought knows know distance...
We have since spoken and I so look forward to continuing the dialogue and seeing her again in the future:-)...The "BIG" message is that you should never underestimate the creative power of your thoughts; coupled with pure intention and complete surrender for the highest good of all concerned.
Think about it for a moment, and have a blessed day.
With Love, D
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Is It " The Best EXOTIC Marigold Hotel?"
Inspiration: To continue to be in awe of the "magic" of exotic lands. :-)
This past weekend, I took myself on a date to see the limited release. "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel." The main star of the film is the fabulous Dame Judy Dench. She is one of seven retired, elderly who venture to the land of India for change and inspiration.
Upon arriving, the guests are greeted by the uplifting, hotel owner Sonny (played so well my Devi Patel of Slumdog Millionaire fame). The hotel is a bit run-down and in need of work, to say the least. It is not quite what the retirees had expected.
Without giving too much away, Sonny tells one of the guests when she wants to go to another hotel:
" In India we have a saying, everything will be alright in the end. So if it is not alright, it is not yet the end."
As the movie progresses, it's characters begin to see the beauty that is all around in the ordinary and mundane. How life pulsates with color and experience... So it is with us. We desire and ask for change. When this occurs, we may experience feelings that run counter to our expectations. But as long as you can stay true to you, your path, the more you will begin to enjoy "the dance of life".
So if you get a chance, check out this inspiring flick. It makes you believe in MAGIC again!!!
Think about that....and have a "wonderful" day.
With Love, Denise
This past weekend, I took myself on a date to see the limited release. "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel." The main star of the film is the fabulous Dame Judy Dench. She is one of seven retired, elderly who venture to the land of India for change and inspiration.
Upon arriving, the guests are greeted by the uplifting, hotel owner Sonny (played so well my Devi Patel of Slumdog Millionaire fame). The hotel is a bit run-down and in need of work, to say the least. It is not quite what the retirees had expected.
Without giving too much away, Sonny tells one of the guests when she wants to go to another hotel:
" In India we have a saying, everything will be alright in the end. So if it is not alright, it is not yet the end."
As the movie progresses, it's characters begin to see the beauty that is all around in the ordinary and mundane. How life pulsates with color and experience... So it is with us. We desire and ask for change. When this occurs, we may experience feelings that run counter to our expectations. But as long as you can stay true to you, your path, the more you will begin to enjoy "the dance of life".
So if you get a chance, check out this inspiring flick. It makes you believe in MAGIC again!!!
Think about that....and have a "wonderful" day.
With Love, Denise
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
The Infamous Ryan O'Neal of "Love Story" Fame
Inspiration: To continue to honor and bless every person and situation with compassion.:-)
Celebrities. At one time of another, many tend to write a book about their life. Ryan O'Neal can now be added to that list. He is the father of infamous child actress Tatum O'Neal and life partner of divine "angel" Farah Fawcett (who has passed over).
This past Monday evening, he was giving a talk and book signing for his new book "Both of Us". An account of his life with the beautiful Farah. So at nearly 7pm, I make my way into Barnes and Noble at 82nd and Broadway in NYC. I thought it would be nice to get a signed autographed copy of this book for my mom . I was thinking (assuming he was) of asking him to write "for Beverly." So I quickly purchase the book and rush upstairs; since it had already started.
To my complete surprise, I hear no speaker and cameras flashing. Then I am told he wasn't speaking and only signing. I was quite agitated, because for almost $30 bucks, I was expecting a brief (at least) reading. I then see line forming and I proceed to go over. I chat briefly with a couple of fellows waiting as well. Here are the brief dialogues.
Denise: " I thought he was going to speak?"
Guy 1 :" You know celebrities; they are too good for that."
Denise: "OK, I am a bit disappointed but am not going to judge."
Guy 2 : " He has stage two prostrate cancer and even cancelled his talk this am on the Today Show."
Denise: " Oh, so sorry to hear that."
While waiting online with guy 2, he told me he attended high school with Farah. He was a warm, inviting, happy man that exuded a sense of real compassion and patience. A sense of peace radiated in every fiber of his being...
So now, it's my turn...He signs the book, Ryan O'Neal. What happened to "Your name?" Anyways, he looked much, much older and weathered. His "soul", spirit, felt drained to me. I had compassion for him. After he signed, I shook his hand and uttered these words; " May peace be with you." I then left the bookstore and made my way back home.
The gift I leave you with is that you never really know the story. Many of us tend to be quick to judge. At the core, we are all doing the best we can in each moment...May our hearts grow as we continue to honor the deep self with love and compassionate action.
Have a "wonderful" day.
With Love, Denise
Celebrities. At one time of another, many tend to write a book about their life. Ryan O'Neal can now be added to that list. He is the father of infamous child actress Tatum O'Neal and life partner of divine "angel" Farah Fawcett (who has passed over).
This past Monday evening, he was giving a talk and book signing for his new book "Both of Us". An account of his life with the beautiful Farah. So at nearly 7pm, I make my way into Barnes and Noble at 82nd and Broadway in NYC. I thought it would be nice to get a signed autographed copy of this book for my mom . I was thinking (assuming he was) of asking him to write "for Beverly." So I quickly purchase the book and rush upstairs; since it had already started.
To my complete surprise, I hear no speaker and cameras flashing. Then I am told he wasn't speaking and only signing. I was quite agitated, because for almost $30 bucks, I was expecting a brief (at least) reading. I then see line forming and I proceed to go over. I chat briefly with a couple of fellows waiting as well. Here are the brief dialogues.
Denise: " I thought he was going to speak?"
Guy 1 :" You know celebrities; they are too good for that."
Denise: "OK, I am a bit disappointed but am not going to judge."
Guy 2 : " He has stage two prostrate cancer and even cancelled his talk this am on the Today Show."
Denise: " Oh, so sorry to hear that."
While waiting online with guy 2, he told me he attended high school with Farah. He was a warm, inviting, happy man that exuded a sense of real compassion and patience. A sense of peace radiated in every fiber of his being...
So now, it's my turn...He signs the book, Ryan O'Neal. What happened to "Your name?" Anyways, he looked much, much older and weathered. His "soul", spirit, felt drained to me. I had compassion for him. After he signed, I shook his hand and uttered these words; " May peace be with you." I then left the bookstore and made my way back home.
The gift I leave you with is that you never really know the story. Many of us tend to be quick to judge. At the core, we are all doing the best we can in each moment...May our hearts grow as we continue to honor the deep self with love and compassionate action.
Have a "wonderful" day.
With Love, Denise
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)