Author Archive
Music Education Benefits: Why Students Need Them
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Navy Specialist plays tuba, image in public domain
Guest Post by Alexis Bonari
- New England Flowers
Today is the first day of spring! I love this time of year – the days are getting longer, flowers are blooming, and there is a sense of hope and joy in the air after the long, dark winter. There is the feeling of a new beginning and we feel like clearing out the cobwebs from our lives.
Many people feel like spring cleaning their homes and starting new projects. This is great but it has certain limitations. We all know that change must start from the inside out. So instead of just focusing on the physical space and spring cleaning your home (which is a good start), why not pay attention to your entire being - body, mind, and spirit too? Read More→
Jade Buddha Promotes Peace
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Jade Buddha for Universal Peace by Niamh Savani
Who wouldn’t want more peace in their mind, body, and spirit? We all want to be happy, but at the core of happiness is peace – being able to accept whatever changes and events occur in our lives – no matter what! We all know that the only constant is change, but we so often fight against unexpected or even predictable changes and don’t accept the lessons they bring. We lose our sense of peace, and therefore suffer and are not happy.
“The point of Buddhism is to just see. That’s all.” ~ Steve Hagen
There are many ways to try to bring more peace into your life, but perhaps one of the easiest is just being in the presence and looking at sacred objects. This will allow you to imbibe the powerful energies of the sacred art and can increase your state of awareness.
Recently the Jade Buddha for Universal Peace tour arrived in Mesa, Arizona. I visited Read More→
Embrace Completion Consciousness
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Botanical Gardens, Co. Dublin, Ireland, photo by Niamh Savani
If you call yourself a seeker or are interested in spirituality even a tiny bit, no doubt you’ve heard or read the advice to live in the present, be aware now or something similar.
“When you don’t complete the past, you can’t be free to fully embrace the present.” ~ Jack Canfield
Many people, me included often find it difficult to be fully present. We are constantly thinking about Read More→
The End of Busy
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To Do List by Epantha, Dreamstime
Guest post by Leo Babauta
“Doing nothing is better than being busy doing nothing.” ~Lao Tzu
Stop being busy and your job is half done.
Think about how busy we are, and how it has become a way of bragging: I’m so busy, I must be important.
“I have a million things to do! I never have time for anything! I can’t slow down — I’m too busy.” This is thought to be a good thing in a society where we must be productive, active, occupied. Read More→
V is for Validation: Artistic Rejection and Recognition
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Thumbs up or down by Vlue
The vast majority of people whether they are aware of it or not are constantly seeking approval from others. Our day may be going great, and a slight negative comment or rude remark from someone can set us off balance. Outside validation from others affirms our self worth but any form of criticism or rejection can really hurt and diminish our self esteem.
“People who want the most approval get the least and people who need approval the least get the most.” ~ Wayne Dyer
Artists are even more vulnerable to outside validation because they are putting their work out there in front of others. Your work is an extension of yourself, and therefore criticism or rejection of your artistic work seems like a direct attack on your being. On the flip side, recognition and praise for your work validates your sense of self and may inflate your ego. As an artist you will definitely experience both approval and negative responses to your work. You must learn to accept both and not take either too seriously. Read More→
The 3 Stages of Love
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Love Heart, photo by Niamh Savani
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, many people may be reflecting on the state of their current love relationship, or either the lack of such a relationship in their life. Maybe you’re at the butterflies in the stomach, stars in your eyes stage of a relationship, or maybe you’re currently going through a relationship crisis. Perhaps you’ve recently exited an unhealthy relationship and are just loving being alone. Maybe you never want to be in a relationship again. You may be enjoying a beautiful, mature, yummy stage of your relationship where peace, passion, and tranquility reign. Read More→
It’s Time!
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Vibrant Woman by Dolgachov, Dreamstime
I was just looking at the Super Bowl game on TV, and during a time out, a coach was telling one of the players “It is time …it is time”. What a great affirmation and intention!
What is your secret dream?
What is your deepest desire?
What have you been waiting to do when the time is just right?
Why not follow the advice of the coach and affirm “It is time”! Getting clear about what you want, setting a clear intention, and using affirmations to manifest your desire does work.
We often postpone what we truly desire and what really serves us until a more convenient time. We think that at some magical date or moment in the future everything will fall into place, and then we can begin our journey. As the old saying goes, every journey begins with a single step. Why not take that step today. What are you waiting for? Read More→
Photo by Neve, Arizona Sunrise
Guest Post by Christine Kane
Your habits create your destiny. Have you ever heard that one? Even if you have, read it again. Then read it again. And yea, one more time.
Then, consider this:
Your habits also create your confidence, courage and even your creativity!
Don’t believe me? Read on … Read More→
V is for Vortex: Find Your Special Place
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Rock formation, photo by Niamh Savani
Have you ever been somewhere and felt a definite “vibe” or energy in the place? Cultures all over the world have recognized that certain places seem to resonate with a special energy. They are often called sacred sites and are places where the veil between the physical and spiritual world is very thin. Just being in such an energy field can raise your consciousness. Sacred sites can be places of great natural beauty, locations where miracles occurred, important historical or legendary sites, or man-made structures such as the pyramids.
“The silence of landscape conceals vast presence. Place is not simply location. A place is a profound individuality. Its surface texture of grass and stone is blessed by rain, wind and light. With complete attention landscape celebrates the liturgy of the seasons, giving itself unreservedly to the passion of the goddess”. ~ John O’Donohue, Anam Cara
