Breathe

I am reminding myself to –

Breathe... as I sit in the silence with Spirit
Breathe... while I do my yoga stretches
Breathe... as I deal with computer issues
Breathe... while on the Arizona freeways filled with drivers crying out for love
Breathe... as I express gratitude for all the blessings in my life
Breathe... as I go through this day, surrounded by and immersed in Spirit, the giver of Life, the giver of breath.

Ahhhh.

Toilet Tuesdays

Almost 2 months ago, I entered into my first barter agreement: I clean the men and women’s restrooms at a yoga studio once a week in exchange for attending my favorite yoga class. It’s been a fine arrangement, win-win.

This past week was the last as I needed to free up my time. I will miss this task as well as my favorite teacher and the Gentle Healing/Restorative class postures.

As my cleaning was coming to an end, I realized that I really appreciated doing the work as an exchange. I even told one of the owners that if she’d been paying me an hourly wage, I don’t think I’d have enjoyed the task as much. The reward of attending the yoga class had greater meaning to me than receiving greenbacks, and this made me more focused, strongly motivated, and full of pride too as I went about doing my job. If I’d been given a wage, it would have been far less than my usual hourly rate as a tech writer, and, in all likelihood, my ego would have felt resentful that it had to engage in such activities, and I’d have been less than thrilled with the task. That was not the case, and I was very grateful the owners had been willing to barter.

During Tuesday toilet-cleaning days, I’ve often thought about the servant leader, Gandhi. My experience made me feel a bit connected to this spiritual man. It doesn’t matter that the toilets he cleaned were far less glamorous and technologically advanced or the reasons behind his actions were quite different from mine. It was not beneath Gandhi to clean toilets and, it was not beneath me to do so either.

It’s surprising the places one can find connection, inspiration, and meaning...

Rising Energy

During our recent first energy shifting & frequency raising connection meeting, it was suggested to me to start practicing Kundalini yoga to help open blockages within. The suggestion resonated with me because about ten years ago I was given the same guidance. For whatever reasons, I never followed through. In re-listening to the recording of that healing session, I know that this is still sound guidance.

Now I’m ready to follow through on this suggestion. I am so done with repeating the same patterns that do not serve me well. I want to be all that I can be and receive all of God’s blessings. And, my new friend who is experienced in Kundalini, volunteered to guide me in the experience. I’m not passing up this opportunity.

Kundalini is an enormous reserve of untapped potential within each of us. It is normally depicted as a coiled or sleeping serpent, located in an area towards the base of the spine. The benefits of gradually and safely awakening this serpent and employing its power include an elevation in consciousness, promotion of physical well-being, and an expansion of awareness. These benefits sound like they could have a direct positive impact on my life.

I know I’m always connected to Spirit – I cannot not be. But I’ve been missing the feeling that it is so. I’m looking forward to regaining that feeling and am open to learning new spiritual practices that help me move forward on my path.

A Successful Day

Yesterday was a full, rich day – I nourished myself in many ways, the ways that I believe this body, mind, and spirit needs to be fueled up.

The morning was spent mostly on my spiritual life:
. Meditation time and daily readings
. ‘Kawfee’ time and spirituality-focused conversation with Rog
. Writing for You, Me, and Spirit blog

Afternoon time was mind-focused, mostly work oriented, and included the following:
. Internet reading and research
. Posted listing online for my freelance technical writing, editing, and graphics services
. Design work for one of our e-newsletters

Throw in a little bit of socializing with people other than Rog, healthy eating, and fresh air and sunshine. I finished up the day with a Yin/Flow yoga class, fueling my body, mind, and spirit all at once.

There’s always room for improvement, i.e., volunteer work, but I was pleased with the day. I treated others kindly. And, I took good care of myself, something that I’ve not been doing religiously but which is so vital for my spiritual condition. If I’m not in fit spiritual condition, then my emotional, mental, and physical conditions are adversely impacted – and that means those I come into contact might be also; that would not be loving for anyone.

I know that “it’s an inside job” and “peace begins with me.” When I take care of myself and am at peace, I’m walking my path and helping to heal the world. That’s a successful, meaningful day to me. I am grateful.