This month we invited you to be part of our 7 Day Gratitude Experience and received so much love and wonderful feedback, thank you all who participated and for those that gave their comments, it was greatly appreciated. For those that missed it, here is the link.
One of the comments we received was from Alison, Let Love Bloom who incorporated the experience into her self care bloom tools and received a channelled message that we both felt was so poetical, it was meant for all of us to hear. Below was her message:
Hi everyone, I have been loving the 7 day gratitude experience this week and been using the meditations in my daily self care bloom tools. Today I was guided to channel a few words from spirit. I do this often in my journal but today what I channelled was all about gratitude and took me to a new and deeper level of gratitude. Thought I would share it with you. Love Alison x
The Love and light that we share and you feel is infinite and universal.
Surrender and let go
There is no need to push, struggle or fight…
Just sit back, let go, trust, receive and go with the flow.
Everything is already on its way and is divinely planned.
Your tension and un happiness is just blocking the flow and slowing down the process, thats why you feel like things come in dribs and drabs.
Everyday is a gift and miracle
Everyday you get to wake up in your body is a gift and miracle in itself.
You underestimate the miracle and work that went on behind the scenes to get you where you are today.
- to be born;
- to form your body;
- to give you wings;
- the gift of sight, sound and reason;
- the perfection in it all is highly overlooked, forgotten and taken for granted.
Do not forget the miracle that you are, the chance that you have to be on earth.
Experience life, love, travel, food, children, touch, the magnificence of the earth and all it’s animals, plants, mountains and oceans.
Do not take it for granted.
Infinite love and gratitude from spirit.
“The princess shall not die, but fall into a deep sleep for a hundred years.” said the witch.
“When will my daughter waken?” asked the Queen weeping.
“If a man of pure heart was to fall in love with her that would bring her back to life” the witch answered.
“How can a man fall in love with a sleeping girl?” the Queen went on.
Exactly my thought.
To be perfectly honest, I didn’t like fairy tales when I was a child. They are so impossible! A kiss with true love is the cure? No way. A prince charming will come to her rescue? Yeah Right. Moreover, I couldn’t stand the evil witch in Sleeping Beauty, the mean sisters in Cinderella and the unrequited love in Little Mermaid. There was just too much psychological drama for my little mind to bear.
But of course, fairy tales are written for adults, not children!
I now appreciate the psycho-spiritual drama, the value and emotional depth in those stories. From the spiritual teachings of A Course In Miracles, we learn that only Love is real, the rest is just illusions. Every thought is either an extension of love or a projection of fear. When we buy into the fearful thoughts or the ego mind, we experience the effect of an illusion (aka the spell!). Just like in the Sleeping Beauty, the spell makes us fall asleep. Sometimes we may experience a nightmare, and even though the nightmare is not real, it feels real.
So what needs to happen in order to awaken us?
In Sleeping Beauty, the Prince wakes up the Princess with a tender kiss. The Prince symbolizes a principle or truth that must overcome his adversaries (a fearsome dragon and a wicked witch), which are in fact the false beliefs or ego thoughts, in order to realize the spiritual truth. The Kiss symbolizes connection and conjunction between truth and love. Love wakes up the mind and lets the heart open its eyes. At the end, we all see true love prevails, as it is the most powerful force there is.
A miracle occurs when we shift our perception from fear to love. In order for us to wake up and to be conscious in our life, we must see beyond the veil of illusion. We must quiet our ego mind and allow our loving thoughts to come forth and be our saviour.
That is when the magic starts. That is when we experience a miracle.
Sze Wing is an intuitive coach, speaker and spiritual teacher. She has a diverse background in the corporate world as well as the creative and spiritual realm. She is part of the Embrace Life community as the Central Sydney Festival Ambassador and part of the editorial team of GratitudeOnline.com.au
Sze Wing holds a master degree in European Studies and a bachelor degree in Economics. She graduated from the prestigious London School of Economics & Political Sciences, and University College of London.
Currently she facilitates reviews and trainings for an international corporation and she also teaches self-care and life coaching workshops in Sydney. You can contact her via her email: szewingyip@mac.com or www.IntuitiveCoachingNow.com and her Facebook page
“In life, one has a choice to take one of two paths, to wait for a special day or to celebrate each day as special” ~ Rasheed Ogun Laru
Welcome to Day 6 of our Gratitude Experience.
Today we invite you to broaden and expand your love and gratitude – let’s take it up a notch!
The world gets a little brighter and we feel a sense of connection when we bring gratitude into our relationships. Reflecting this state of being into our daily interactions with others through a smile, eye contact or the words we share, we can experience happiness and gratitude on a whole different level.
Thought these 7 days, we have recommended you:
- Use a journal for your thoughts, reflections and to capture any inspiration or ideas; are you getting any “a-ha moments”?
- Look forward to your morning or evening meditation and in doing so, have you experienced a calmness or heightened clarity in the past few days?
- Open your heart and mind to enjoy the experience and be willing to allow what arises
We also have welcomed your thoughts and comments on our Facebook page. Remember if you would like to connect to anyone in our Embrace Life community, check out out our members directory or visit us at one of our upcoming festivals within in your local area.
Today’s affirmation: ” I feel myself growing in gratitude every day”
You may want to reflect on this affirmation, and set the intention to bring into your meditation.
Remember that the use of an affirmation can assist you when your mind drifts in a meditation, so if you feel you drifting off and becoming aware of your busy mind, then come back the affirmation. It also is a wonderful way to keep focussed throughout the day.
Your Daily Meditation
Now, take a few moments to look at the image we have captured today, what does this image reflect for you?
Take a few deep breaths and concentrate on the image, breathe it in, and with each breath, bring in what you are grateful for and if need on your breath out, any letting go.
Mother Nature always reminds us to slow down, be in the present moment and appreciate it, in the knowledge that you are supported and very loved.
Today is your gift, unwrap it, savour it and enjoy it for all it brings you. (Remember to capture your thoughts in your journal)
Our quote: “In life, one has a choice to take one of two paths, to wait for a special day or to celebrate each day as special” how will this influence your day?
Here is a great video made by Soul Pancake, the Science of Happiness: An Experiment in Gratitude, you may be surprised on what they found out.
Some further questions to ponder:
- Who are the people in your life, that you are most grateful for?
- What would you like to tell them if you had the chance to do so?
- Knowing that the impact to both you and them, what is stopping you letting them know today?
These questions do not have right or wrong answers, they are here to allow you to take time to become more self-aware, your inner thoughts and feelings are shaping your world.
What do you want to focus on creating today?
Today, we invite you to do your own Gratitude Experiment, spend some time thinking about the person that you feel has influenced you the most, write it down and if it is possible, give them a call or connect and let them know how much it means to you to have them in your life.
Make today a day you both will remember!
This month Mignon Mukti from Sounds Divine get to know the Sydney-based acoustic indie duo/band Rani’s Fire, chatting to Lex about her musical journey.
Rani’s Fire combines pop and alternative music with smooth vocals and cheeky lyric to seduce their audiences and will part of the amazing program we are creating for the upcoming Sutherland Shire Embrace Life festival on Sunday 28 June, check out the details.
Singer/songwriter Alex Stengl formed Rani’s Fire in 2008, releasing a debut studio album ‘From the Left Side’ featuring a full band and strings in 2010. Since then, Rani’s Fire have performed at high class Australian venues and festivals in New South Wales and interstate, such as the Basement, the Vanguard, Woodford Folk Festival, Illawarra Folk Festival and Sydney Mardi Gras festival.
The EP ‘My Secret Heart’ Released in 2013. Tracks from the EP have received airplay on Triple J’s ‘Roots and All’ and Sydney’s FBi Radio.
Rani’s Fire can be found on Facebook, Reverbnation, Triple J Unearthed and at www.ranisfire.com.
“Gratitude and attitude are not challenges, they are choices” ~ Robert Braather
Welcome to Day 5 of our Gratitude Experience.
The work of Masaru Emoto in 1994 demonstrated how our thoughts, surroundings and intent all had effect on the molecular structure of water and as our physical bodies are mainly composed of water, the question was posed, “how do our thoughts influence our reality”?
If you are interested to watch a video of the many images of water molecules and the impact of the words and intent, including the word Gratitude, please click here.
Throughout the whole 7 day experience remember to:
- Capture any thoughts, inspiration or ideas as this is a wonderful way to anchor your learnings and experiences;
- Honour your meditation time, this practice alone will serve you well way after the experience has completed; and
- Maintain an open your heart and mind, and remain in the flow;
We also would love to hear from you throughout the experience, add any comments on our Facebook page. And remember if you would like to connect to anyone in our Embrace Life community, check out out our members directory or visit us at one of our upcoming festivals within in your local area.
Today’s affirmation: ” I am always open to be in the flow”
You may want to reflect on this affirmation, and set the intention to bring into your meditation.
Remember that the use of an affirmation can assist you when your mind drifts in a meditation, so if you feel you drifting off and becoming aware of your busy mind, then come back the affirmation.
It also is a wonderful way to keep focussed throughout the day.
Your Daily Meditation
Now, take a few moments to look at the image we have captured today, what does this image reflect for you?
This image of water captures the essence of oneness. One drop of water, in itself is whole and yet it also merges with others to create an ocean. Water is the symbol of emotion, feeling and the intuitive. It also a giver of life, as is our breathe and without it, life would not exist.
How often do you refresh our bodies with a bath or shower, have access to clear running water, we cook with it, drink a warm cup of tea, it is something we only really appreciate when it is scarce.
Take a few deep breaths and concentrate on the image, breathe it in, connect to the energy of water, acknowledge it and allow your gratefulness connect with the image.
“Gratitude and attitude are not challenges, they are choices”, what does that mean for you?
Here is a wonderful video from Oprah Winfrey around making choices; and how you approach the challenges that life presents and what you decide to do with it.
We have shared this, as when you are in a state of Gratitude and aligned with your divine source, then you are truly in the flow.
Every thought that flows into action will come back to you. Either you are in flow or out of it; and this shows how in sync you are in your life, in direct proportion to how aligned you are with the divine source.
Some further questions to ponder today:
- Are you listening to your whispers? are you experiencing the falling of the brick wall?
- Do you know what gift you are here to give?
- What is your self talk, and have you claimed your authentic power?
These questions do not have right or wrong answers, they are here to allow you to take time to become more self-aware, your inner thoughts and feelings are shaping your world.
What do you want to focus on creating today?
Be grateful of all your gifts, take a moment to truly honour who you are and what you have brought into this world.
If you are not aware of your purpose, take some time to reflect on what it may be; taking a moment to understand what comes to you naturally, what makes your heart sing and when you doing or being in this space, things seem to just naturally flow – these are great signposts of your purpose.
If you are at cross road, then maybe you need to shift a direction, build on a foundation or have lost your connection, coming back into a state of gratitude will assist you to get back on track; start by acknowledging the blessing of spending your time and energy in where you needed to be for right now.
“Be thankful for what you have, you will end up having more. If you concentrate on what you do not have, you will never, ever have enough” ~ Oprah Winfrey
Welcome to Day 4 of our Gratitude Experience.
We are half way through the Gratitude Experience, and trust you are enjoying the connection and joy that can be experienced when you take time to bring this wonderful state of being into your life.
If at times, you have forgotten; that is ok to – often when we introduce something new; like learning a new skill or being part of a gym, we can find it takes awhile to be in a rhythm and for our new state of being to become the norm.
See this experience as building your gratitude muscles, an invitation and willingness to see the world in a different way and so whenever you feel you have stepped back into old ways of being; just anchor yourself to this moment, remember within it there is a new opportunity and you can always make a different choice.
And this by no means, is taking away that there will be times when you will feel anger, pain, frustration, and it is important when this happens you honour and acknowledge it, the question raised is how long do you feel you need to be there?
The answer could be a few seconds or a few days, it is as long as it takes to honour how you feel however, once you have done this, you need to decide when you are comfortable to see the gift and move forward, and this timing – well again, this is your choice.
Throughout these 7 days, you have been:
- Using a journal for your thoughts, reflections and to capture any inspiration or ideas; have you noticed any patterns?
- Given an opportunity to meditate each day – how have you enjoyed the experience, have you noticed you approaching the day a little different?
- Ask to notice any changes to the way you approach a situation or a relationship, have you seen a difference?
We welcome any thoughts from you throughout the experience on our Facebook page.
Or perhaps, you would like to post an image on our Facebook page of something you are grateful for and using the hashtag #gratitude, we would love to hear from you?
And remember if you would like to connect to anyone in our Embrace Life community, check out out our members directory or visit us at one of our upcoming festivals within in your local area.
Today’s affirmation: ” I breathe in gratitude, and breathe out disappointment”
You may want to reflect on this affirmation, and set the intention to bring into your meditation. Feel free to replace the word “disappointment” with any feeling you are willing and open to release.
Remember that the use of an affirmation can assist you when your mind drifts in a meditation, and is a wonderful way to keep focussed throughout the day.
Your Daily Meditation
Now, take a few moments to look at the image we have captured today, what does this image reflect for you?
These beautiful rocks have weathered many seasons, are still standing strong and have a wonderful glow around them. See how the sunlight shines on them, and the water laps around them, a testament to the inner strength and conviction that we can all possess.
What does this image mean for you? (Remember to capture your thoughts in your journal)
Take a few deep breaths and concentrate on the image, breathe it in and connect.
And what about the quote : ““Be thankful for what you have, you will end up having more. If you concentrate on what you do not have, you will never, ever have enough”, how does this play out for you?
Below is a clip with Eckhart Tolle and Oprah Winfrey, that describes that Gratitude has its own energy field, and will draw more towards you, in acknowledging all that is good in your life, you have abundance.
Abundance are is an inner state of gratitude of what you already have, take a few moments for yourself to listen to this wonderful interview around Abundance and Gratitude.
Some further questions to ponder today:
- Do you take time throughout your day to acknowledge the abundance you have around you?
- Do you resist the present moment, and in doing so experience periods of stress, do you invite yourself to make a different choice?
- Are you giving to others, what you are seeking?
These questions do not have right or wrong answers, they are here to allow you to take time to become more self-aware, your inner thoughts and feelings are shaping your world.
What do you want to focus on creating today?
Knowing that gratitude has its own energy field, and what you focus on is drawn to you, have a willingness to seek out all that is in abundance in your life. Remain in the present moment. And know, you can start with simple things such as your breath, the sun, fresh air, your physical body, etc. and expand your horizon beyond if you choose, knowing you are abundant in all ways.
“Gratitude opens your eyes to the limitless potential of the universe, while dissatisfaction closes your eyes to it” ~ Stephen Richards
Welcome to Day 3 of our Gratitude Experience.
Today we invite you to choose a different way to see the world, to see the opportunity that each moment brings and to live in a grateful way, as we touched on yesterday with Brother David’s TED talk.
Please continue to take the time to:
- Use your journal, it is a great way to allow your thoughts a way to express into your consciousness and much awareness comes with this self-dialogue;
- Enjoy your meditation, it is a gift you can give yourself every day that really does amazing things for your health and wellbeing,
- Integrate the much needed step of living a grateful life by the first step of STOP; and
- Give yourself love and compassion, things may be coming up that need to be honoured, this process is inviting you to step out of your comfort zone, sometimes this is wonderful and other times it can be challenging; remember it is all part of the process;
We also would love to hear from you throughout the experience, add your thoughts in our comments section or post on our Facebook page. And remember if you would like to connect to anyone in our Embrace Life community, check out out our members directory or visit us at one of our upcoming festivals within in your local area.
Today’s affirmation: ” My heart expands with love and joy”
You may want to reflect on this affirmation, and set the intention to bring into your meditation.
Remember that the use of an affirmation can assist you when your mind drifts in a meditation, so if you feel you drifting off and becoming aware of your busy mind, then come back to the affirmation.
It also is a wonderful way to keep focussed throughout the day.
Your Daily Meditation
Now, take a few moments to look at the image we have captured today, what does this image reflect for you? Look at the colours, the vibrancy and within its simplicity; there also lies a complexity and beauty that only nature eloquently provides us.
Do you take the time each day to really look at your surroundings in this way, do you find it hard to remain in the present, or do you spend your time on things that have already happened, or concern about the future?
Does life pass you by in a blur? what would life be if you just focussed on the NOW (Remember to capture your thoughts in your journal)
Take a few deep breaths and concentrate on the image, breathe it in, connect to the simplicity of the flower and with each breath, bring in what you are grateful for and if need be, on your breath out the letting go of anything you feel you would like to release.
I often pick a word say “gratitude”, “peace” “joy” a feeling you want to invite in your life and say it as you breathe in, “I breathe in….”
And then on your breath out, the letting go of a feeling that you are willing to release, say : “disappointment”, “anger”, “fear”, “rejection”
Try it with something that may have occurred in your reflection today, or your journalling from yesterday.
And what about the quote : “Gratitude opens your eyes to the limitless potential of the universe, while dissatisfaction closes your eyes to it”, what does this mean for you?
Have you ever captured yourself, focussing on the one thing that isn’t the way you want it, and doing so missing out on the wonderful things that surround it?
Nature’s beauty can be easily missed but not through Louie Schwartzberg’s lens. His stunning time-lapse photography, accompanied by powerful words from Benedictine monk Brother David Steindl-Rast, serves as a meditation on being grateful for every day, in this inspirational video called Moving Art: Gratitude
Some further questions to ponder today:
- Do you take the time to see and enjoy the little things that life provides you?
- What do you do for yourself to allow your heart to open?
- How will you bless people you meet you today?
These questions do not have right or wrong answers, they are here to allow you to take time to become more self-aware, your inner thoughts and feelings are shaping your world.
What do you want to focus on creating today?
Today be very present to whatever may come into your awareness and rejoice in it. Take the time to eat your lunch, connect with a friend, breathe!
Why not make every connection today with an open heart and when you may jump into judgement or blocking, stop yourself and ask, is there a different way to see this experience?
How can I see this in a compassionate and loving way? If I wanted a different experience, what would I choose?
Sometimes things happen to us that we cannot control however, we always have the choice on how we will perceive it, so this week practice seeing things in light of the “limitless potential” it provides.
Have a beautiful day, and look forward to connecting with you tomorrow.
“There are many things for which we cannot be grateful but there is no moment for which we cannot be grateful, because in every moment, even difficult ones, we have the opportunity to do something.” — Brother David Steindl-Rast
Welcome to Day 2 of our Gratitude Experience.
Today we invite you to choose a different way to see the world, through being consciously aware and choosing to live a grateful life.
How do you take yourself from moments of gratitude to experiencing a grateful life? And does this mean you have to be grateful for all life’s experiences, even the ones that don’t feel so good?
Throughout these 7 days, we recommend you:
- Use a journal for your thoughts, reflections and to capture any inspiration or ideas; and if you are interested in why we suggest writing in your journal, check out why Oprah has been doing it for 16 years;
- Continue with your meditation as this is a great way to integrate your experiences and provides much needed reflection time; and
- Take the time to really immerse yourself into activities or videos that are posed each day
We also would love to hear from you throughout the experience, add your thoughts and comments on our Facebook page. And remember if you would like to connect to anyone in our Embrace Life community, check out out our members directory or visit us at one of our upcoming festivals within in your local area.
Today’s affirmation: ” For all that is, I am Grateful”
You may want to reflect on this affirmation, and set the intention to bring into your meditation.
Remember that the use of an affirmation can assist you when your mind drifts in a meditation, so if you feel you drifting off and becoming aware of your busy mind, then come back to the affirmation.
It also is a wonderful way to keep focussed throughout the day.
Your Daily Meditation
Now, take a few moments to look at the image we have captured for you today, what does this image reflect for you?
Breathe in the quietness and stillness and ponder on the beauty that nature provides. Feel the serenity of the colours, the whispers of mother nature – are you sensing any messages that are just for you?
Do you take the time to look at your surroundings in this way, remaining in the present or does life pass you by in a blur? (Remember to capture your thoughts in your journal)
And what about the quote :“There are many things for which we cannot be grateful, but there is no moment for which we cannot be grateful, because in every moment, even difficult ones, we have the opportunity to do something.” what does that mean for you?
Brother David is a Benedictine monk and talks about how we all look for happiness in life, it may differ on what will actually make us happy, but we all seek it. He believes that happiness comes from the state of gratitude ( and not the other way around).
He explains and on his return from Africa, he noticed how grateful he was for clear water and electricity; yet over time he started to not notice it as much, and took his surroundings for granted.
Here is the wonderful TED Talk that Brother David Steindl-Rast gave around living a grateful life.
Brother David believes that all experiences hold potential, and it is the opportunity within each moment that is the true gift for us.
At each moment, there is a new opportunity and a new gift, as long as we stay in the present.
The things we perceive as challenges will give us a gift in the opportunity to step into our power, learn patience, slow down, etc – so every moment holds an opportunity and a reason to be grateful.
Some further questions to ponder today:
- Are there parts in in your life, that you find it hard to be grateful for, why is this?
- Do you give yourself time to STOP, LOOK and GO?
- What possibilities could come in your life, if you choose a different way to view it?
These questions do not have right or wrong answers, they are here to allow you to take time to become more self-aware, and see how your inner thoughts and feelings are shaping your world.
What do you want to focus on creating today?
We invite you today to take moments of being fully present, become quiet and stop to appreciate what you are doing and experiencing – this could be the clear running water in your shower or bath, the fresh air that you breathe, the electricity you have access to, a warm cup of tea, the sounds of the birds or just even sounds, the sun on your back, the crispness of air, the food you consume, the list could be endless.
Take the time to remind yourself of the things you already have today, acknowledge them and appreciate the abundance surrounding you on a daily basis.
Working as a Kinesiologist and holistic practitioner Alison Filihia believes that the body has a perfect design and has built in tools to maintain perfect health and happiness, given the right, support and conditions. Plenty of rest, good nutrition, exercise, water, sunlight, happy relationships, love, laughter and doing things that make you feel good.
It seems logical right? So, why don’t so many people do it?
Sometimes life can get in the way. Stress, pressures and responsibilities can appear and pile up. Life changing events can happen out of the blue. Over time your body can be pulled way out of balance and start to show signs that it’s struggling to cope.
If you are interested in how your body is speaking to you, check out Alison’s recent video.
The pressure to say “Yes” when you should say “No”, feeling guilty or selfish if you don’t help or let people down and the high expectations we put on ourselves can get way out of control…..until we crash and burn, get sick or something happens to make us stop.
Lets face it, many people have to wait till they are really sick, in pain or our car breaks down to have a decent excuse to slow down, say “no” and put themselves first. You may have even told a little “white lie” sometimes instead of saying “No, sorry I can’t come or help this time”.
So why is this? Why does self care and the thought of making yourself a bigger priority feel like a luxury and not a necessity?
In her clinic Alison hears many “reasonable excuses” why people don’t, won’t or can’t make themselves a priority or take better care of themselves, such as:
If they are happy and coping, then I can be happy and do what I need to do, so I have to wait until then.
- Saying “No” to someone would be selfish and I hate selfish people;
- I hate letting people down and causing them to feel bad, I would feel so guilty;
- It’s easier if I just do it because I just don’t like conflict and arguments; or
- People would think I was lazy and not pulling my weight if I rested more or took time out.
Over time, these underlying beliefs that have been formed, often way back in childhood, can get way out of balance and can make you feel tired, burnt out, overwhelmed, angry and frustrated. As little children we want our mums and dads to be happy and often take on the responsibility of that.
But life is about balance and being able give and receive equally from an unconditionally loving place. When your body, heart and soul start to feel like you are listening and taking action, then it no longer needs to scream louder and your body can do what it needs to do to restore its health and wellbeing.
By clearing and dissolving these underlying beliefs you automatically start to feel free to love, nurture yourself and to Bloom.
For more information on “The Simple truth about why you need to STOP THE STRESS and increase your rest and digest” please visit her blog
Alison Filihia is a professional Holistic Kinesiologist, intuitive reader and messenger. Her business Let Love Bloom is located on the beautiful Central Coast, Australia.
Through her own healing journey with chronic fatigue and dealing with a loved ones addiction problems, she now uses a range of modalities to help her clients dissolve any blocks to healing their body, mind and spirit, restore balance, self love and inner peace.
Helping her clients understand that self love and self care is not a luxury but a necessity and creating a daily self care tool kit is vital to maintaining health, vitality, happiness and a life that Blooms.
For more details please visit her website or email bloomkinesiology@live.com.au
For more articles please go to Alison’s blogs “What’s Blooming” and to read about her journey with a loved ones addiction go to www.frominsantiytoclarity.tumblr.com
“Gratitude is not an attitude in our mind. Gratitude is an internal experience of fullness and expansion in the heart” ~ Dr. Barbara De Angelis
Welcome to Day 1 of our Gratitude Experience.
We are so pleased you have invited more gratitude into your life, and would love to hear from you throughout the experience, be it in our comments section or post on our Facebook page.
We recommend to get the most out of the next 7 day experience:
- Use a journal for your thoughts, reflections and to capture any inspiration or ideas;
- Commit yourself to meditating each day, explore the provoking questions and immerse yourself into activities that are posed each day; and
- Open your heart and mind to enjoy the experience and be willing to allow what arises
If an uncomfortable emotion comes to your awareness, it is best to acknowledge it, rather than ignore it – emotions can range from sadness, anger, frustration, scepticism, disappointment, etc – remember these emotions are ‘signposts’ of what may be holding you back in experiencing a life of gratitude and have appeared for a reason.
Whenever you get drawn to these experiences, it may be time for you to let them go or to work them through and it is important you do it in a safe and supportive way. Some methods can range from acknowledging and breathing through it, writing about it and be open to for further understanding or consider connecting and being supported by a qualified practitioner.
If you would like to explore this, check out our members directory or we welcome you to visit one of our upcoming festivals in your local area.
Or you may experience a lightness, a joy and your heart expanding; your experience will be yours – remember nothing is wrong, or right; we all have our own way of experiencing our world, so give yourself permission to not judge, just explore and be open to what it brings for you.
For those that are new to meditation, here a few tips that may assist you:
1. Set a time and place that will give you time for yourself, it is always good to set up a routine when you are introducing something new;
2. When your mind wanders, do not get concerned – you are just becoming aware of how busy your mind is, it is easy to use an anchor back, I find focussing on your breathing, listening to your heartbeat and as you breathe deeply allow the beat to slow down can assist;
3. We will also give you an affirmation each day, repeating this when you mind wanders can also assist;
4. This week we are focussing on gratitude, so visualise your heart space expanding and allowing it to be open – if you focus on one or two things that you are grateful for;
5. It is a personal preference, some of us love the gentleness of silence however, you may be assisted in putting on a peaceful piece of music
Meditation is a practice that can assist with many things, bringing focus and attention to what you want to create while providing the physical benefits of stress relief and your overall health and wellbeing.
For the next 7 days, make the commitment to yourself to this meditative practice and spend a few moments both at the start and end of the day to capture your thoughts, how your day has been and what you are being grateful for. The way we suggest you can do this:
In the morning: close your eyes, imagine your day and set an intention for everything to flow
In the evening : before you go to sleep, write your 5 things to be grateful for and set an intention that tomorrow will be wonderful.
Ok, Let’s get started!
Today’s affirmation: ” I open my awareness to all I have” 
You may want to reflect on this affirmation, and set the intention to bring into your meditation.
I find having an affirmation a great anchor when your mind drifts in a meditation, so if you feel yourself drifting off and becoming aware of your busy mind, then always come back to the affirmation.
Your Daily Meditation
Now, take a few moments to look at the image we have captured today, what does this image reflect for you? Any memories? Does the image conjure up any feeling or thoughts? (Remember to capture your thoughts in your journal)
Take a few deep breaths and concentrate on the image, breathe it in, feel the silence and the peace that is held within this moment. With each breath, bring in what you are grateful for and if needed, on your breath out, the letting go.
The image could remind you about the expansion that nature often shows us and the fullness of mother nature and when we take the time to really be within nature, how she replenishes our soul.
When is the last time you have take time out, do you want to do this today?
Can you feel/hear/sense your breathing, has it been awhile since you have just allow yourself to “be” in a moment?
And what about the quote : “Gratitude is not an attitude in our mind. Gratitude is an internal experience of fullness and expansion in the heart”, what does that mean for you?
Some further questions to ponder today:
- What does gratitude mean to you?
- What would your life be like, if you were fully grateful for what you had?
- How does the quote above play out in your life?
These questions do not have right or wrong answers, they are here to allow you to take time to become more self-aware, your inner thoughts and feelings are shaping your world.
What do you want to focus on creating today?
We invite you to set an intention to enjoy whatever comes your way today, notice what comes into your awareness and know whatever it is, it is a “gift”; rejoice in it, be grateful for what life is bringing you.
The more you focus on the things you are grateful for, the more you attract; know you deserve all you desire your life to be.
And we look forward to connecting tomorrow!