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At this time of the year we are concerned about giving gifts to our family and friends. For some of us its often a stressful time of the year. How many of us actually pause to think about the gift of giving. We want to make sure its the right gift. We wonder if they will like it and then look for their reaction. The true gift is one that is given with a generous heart. having the right intent is more important than the actual gift itself.
when the intent is to give with an open heart with no expectations attached to the giving – that is the true gift of giving. We believe that gifts need to be of material value and yet some of the most precious gifts are free. Can you think of a time that someone made your heart sing with joy just by their words or deeds?
This Christmas choose a gift for a special person in your life that comes from your heart. Take time and allow your heart to open to love and allow heartfelt messages to pour out of your heart space. Have a pen and paper ready to write the message down. Create a gift with the words that have emerged from you heart and wrap them with love and golden light and give it to your special someone with no expectations.
When you receive a gift accept graciously whether its of a material nature or from someone’s heart space. take a moment to truly open your own heart and appreciate the other person’s generosity without judgment.
The art of giving and receiving is the same. I know many people that find it hard to receive. Although they accept the gift the intent is to reciprocate. They find it hard to just accept and feel compelled to buy something in return.
Next time you receive a gift take a moment and notice what is your intent. Can you accept the gift and really see the generosity of the person giving you the gift with no expectations of yourself? The gift to you is in the noticing – discovering another little piece to the puzzle of who you are.
A.My heart swells up when you whisper in my ear.B.Thank you my precious friend.
I have always been fascinated by rocks and enjoy observing their shapes, colours and patterns but none more than Uluru.
Uluru is the Rock sitting in the vast expanse of the desert and with commanding presence she dominates the outback. Like a queen, she rules with majestic silence that can be heard from afar.
The emergence of the sunrise from the horizon gently illuminates its form as she sits to be witnessed in its glorious grand opening moment. The onlookers pause to breathe in her wonder as their hearts open to receive her essence.
Uluru closes the day with a grand finale as the sunset begins to descend over the horizon; the backdrop filled with all the colours of the rainbow. Watching the sun slowly disappear behind the Rock as she goes to sleep. Knowing well within our hearts she will wake up once again with the dawn for another magnificent performance.
When she senses your open heart she gives you her warm energy as you extend your hand to touch her. She reveals the secrets of the Holy Grail Dreamtime stories only to her People; the entrusted keepers of her mystery and wonder. To them she is the Goddess of the desert to be revered and honoured for all eternity.
There is a teleseminar coming up on November 4. It’s called Life, Love & Relationships teleseminar and it’s produced by Anne Pustil the host of the Life, Love & Relationships Teleseminar. It will give you specific strategies and tools that will help you live your best life-a life of vibrant health, personal fulfillment, and great relationships. If you have time and are interested in this, I recommend you sign up
and best of all- its free.
To sign up for the teleseminar and see an introductory video go here:
In my meditation group we discussed how easy we break a promise to ourselves especially around self care. If we had a meeting with a friend we would not let them down as easily, but if its ourselves we find many justifications why we can’t keep the commitment. I wonder why it seems ok to let ourselves down?
We have made a decision to make a commitment to ourselves that we each will meditate every morning for a certain amount of time and then report back to the group.
I have been waking up every morning and remembering to meditate. It seems to be working because I have made the promise in front of others.
I wonder if you are the same that you promise to take better care of yourself with every intention to go through with it and then you find you stop. You will have a really good reason too that justifies your lack of commitment to yourself. I recommend you tell someone about your commitment and then make an agreement with the other person to ask you how you are going every few weeks. Let me know how you go if you try it out. Good luck.
Leura
This photo was taken at a meditation retreat in Leura. It’s the most amazing photo I have ever taken.
Recently I was walking through the park and there in the playground I saw the swing beckoning me to get on it. I put aside all the rules in my head and allowed myself to get on the swing, with childlike freedom I swung higher and higher. It was such a joyful, fun and freeing thing to do. Last time I swung on a swing I was a young girl. As adults we forget how to play and in the process deny ourselves the pleasure of the simple things in life. I encourage my clients to find a simple and fun thing they can do that they haven’t done since they were kids. Next time you come upon a park dare to let yourself free for a moment or two. Play on the swing, take your shoes off and rub your feet in the grass, collect leaves or hug a tree – just let yourself free!!
Being a ‘Good Enough Mother’( term used by child psychiatrist Donald Winnicott) is what you should aim for as you enter motherhood. High expectations of yourself can increase anxiety and guilt. When you are at ease with yourself you become attuned to baby’s needs that are being communicated to you. Reflecting back emotions in your facial expression, tone of voice and other behaviours soothes and calms baby. PND interferes with your ability to be attuned to your baby’s cues.
Recently I was interviewed by Cass Megraw, a journalist from Inner West Courier on Post Natal Depression. Please check link for the interview:
Inner West Courier Interview on PND
PND can affect many mothers and it doesn’t have to spoil the joy and happiness that a new baby brings into your life. By recognising problem symptoms early you can avoid unnecessary suffering by getting support and professional help where necessary. Sometimes knowing you can talk to someone about your doubts and worries can be enough to ease the anxiety of being a mum. Here are some symptoms of PND:
- Low self-esteem and lack of confidence
- Feelings of inadequacy and guilt
- Negative thoughts
- Feeling that life is meaningless
- Feeling unable to cope
- Tearfulness and irritability
- Difficulty sleeping or changes in sleeping patterns
- Low sex drive
- Anxiety, panic attacks or heart palpitations
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering thing
Stand back from the situation and be objective and then decide if you could do with some help. When you are calm and relaxed you can cope better with what life presents to you.
Here are some common way to cultivate more joy in your life:
Connection: Human beings are social creatures — we like companionship. Connecting with family and friends in a healthy, loving way is one of the best joy-makers around. Or think about what you like to do for pleasure and do it. Join a local class or group that shares your interest.
Exercise: Moving your body, even through deep breathing and mild stretching, reduces stress, oxygenates your cells, and boosts mood-elevating substances in your bloodstream called endorphins. This process can actually change your body chemistry for the better. Meditation is also useful in this way.
Spirituality: The ability to entertain the idea of some sort of larger power, be it natural or divine, is a powerful component of joy. Rituals of worship and contemplation, from a walk in the woods to yoga to prayer, helps us make space in our busy lives to focus on what is truly meaningful to us and who we really are.
Play: As we enter the grown-up world of work and responsibility our endorphins are reduced. Playtime shouldn’t be just for kids. Give yourself permission to go out and PLAY and have fun without feeling guilty. Kick up your heels — it’s good for your overall health!
Attitude: Develop a positive attitude to life. Focusing on the good things and having gratitude will help you maintain a positive outlook on life. In each situation you have a choice on what attitude you will adopt. Start every morning with a positive thought and decide what kind of day you will have. Keep the thought at the front of your mind and watch as the day unfolds.
