Today is my child's birthday. My son, Lucas, is 24 years old. This is the day I gave birth to a human being who has and will impact this world in unknown and beautiful ways, for no other reason than that he is a child of the divine. He is love incarnate.
Beyond this, he has chosen a spiritual path. He is intelligent, good looking, talented and very insightful, and he has chosen a spiritual path. In fact, he is a spiritual warrior. He devotes every day to becoming more aware and more open to the way the divine wishes to move through him. When I can see him without the "mom" glasses on, I see a beautiful, warm, loving young man, who also is pretty funny a lot of the time. I am so grateful to know him.
Many have remarked to me that he is so young to have made this choice. For him, it is the perfect time, and I, for one, am glad he has chosen to take on the "stuff" of his life and know who and what he really is. Then, he can live his life at choice.
So, on his birthday, I say, congratulations and I love you, Lucas. I celebrate you and all you came here to do and give.
Love,
Andrea
Friday, October 8, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
Are you willing to give your gifts?
This is the question. Are you willing to give your gifts? Are you willing to be amazing? Are you willing to allow the great love of the universe to work through you so you can support others?
I have been asking myself this question because I have noticed those times when I have resistance or reluctance to acknowledge the gifts I have been given and let them loose on the world. Whatever the fear has been, I have, at times, unknowingly, allowed it to be in charge. This is not black and white, yes or no. This is a matter of degree. Do you allow yourself to express your gifts fully? Or do you hold back?
We are given these gifts to give to others. And, we get to experience them moving through us as well, which is so great! Speaking for myself, I have opened so much more fully to sharing these gifts that I can't help but grin, because the people I am sharing them with are benefiting so deeply. This is the beauty and this is what I am grateful for every day -- to have the chance to be a vehicle for love and inspiration in this world. Are you willing to do that as well?
The trick is this -- to recognize that those gifts come through you -- to not get caught up in your ego. To understand that our job is to open that space and allow it to flow. At the same, time, it is to understand that you are the one to share these gifts. This is how the divine is realizing itself through you.
My son and I were having lunch yesterday, talking about the whole idea of paying dues. As a Wall Street trader, he has spent years cultivating the emotional, spiritual and technical knowledge and abilities he needs to play that game. And when he plays well, he sometimes feels that it's just too easy. That he hasn't earned the rewards. I say, forget about it! I've watched him sweat bullets to get to the place he is in. He has payed his dues. Otherwise, he wouldn't be receiving.
When I think about myself, I have, at times, minimized the dues I've paid. But I have. I have spent years and years doing the deep spiritual, emotional and intellectual work essential to honing the knowledge and abilities I need to do the work I do.
So, say yes. Say yes to sharing that knowledge, wisdom, talent and skill you have with those who will benefit. This is the way of it. This is what we are supposed to do! This is how the divine works in this world to the benefit of everyone. This is the expression of love we are all a part of. Are you willing to give your gifts? I hope, for all our sakes, you are.
Love,
Andrea
I have been asking myself this question because I have noticed those times when I have resistance or reluctance to acknowledge the gifts I have been given and let them loose on the world. Whatever the fear has been, I have, at times, unknowingly, allowed it to be in charge. This is not black and white, yes or no. This is a matter of degree. Do you allow yourself to express your gifts fully? Or do you hold back?
We are given these gifts to give to others. And, we get to experience them moving through us as well, which is so great! Speaking for myself, I have opened so much more fully to sharing these gifts that I can't help but grin, because the people I am sharing them with are benefiting so deeply. This is the beauty and this is what I am grateful for every day -- to have the chance to be a vehicle for love and inspiration in this world. Are you willing to do that as well?
The trick is this -- to recognize that those gifts come through you -- to not get caught up in your ego. To understand that our job is to open that space and allow it to flow. At the same, time, it is to understand that you are the one to share these gifts. This is how the divine is realizing itself through you.
My son and I were having lunch yesterday, talking about the whole idea of paying dues. As a Wall Street trader, he has spent years cultivating the emotional, spiritual and technical knowledge and abilities he needs to play that game. And when he plays well, he sometimes feels that it's just too easy. That he hasn't earned the rewards. I say, forget about it! I've watched him sweat bullets to get to the place he is in. He has payed his dues. Otherwise, he wouldn't be receiving.
When I think about myself, I have, at times, minimized the dues I've paid. But I have. I have spent years and years doing the deep spiritual, emotional and intellectual work essential to honing the knowledge and abilities I need to do the work I do.
So, say yes. Say yes to sharing that knowledge, wisdom, talent and skill you have with those who will benefit. This is the way of it. This is what we are supposed to do! This is how the divine works in this world to the benefit of everyone. This is the expression of love we are all a part of. Are you willing to give your gifts? I hope, for all our sakes, you are.
Love,
Andrea
Friday, September 10, 2010
Fear, or faith?
At any and every moment, we have a choice to be in fear, or faith. This is life. Our thoughts tell us what to think or believe about life, and sometimes, they are relentlessly challenging. I honestly believe if we question our thoughts -- especially those that ignite fear -- we will ultimately develop faith that life is not doing things to us, but is there for us.
This is an ongoing endeavor. It is particularly challenging when something in your life is going through a major change and uncertainty reigns. Many of us are experiencing this, and many of us are experiencing significant fear.
Fear is not just an emotional experience. It is a physical experience. Some get adrenaline rushes. Others get sick to their stomach, or break out in a rash. Some become accident prone. When this is ongoing, fear, in the form of stress or anxiety, can wreak havoc on our bodies and make us sick. It's helpful to have a way to relieve ourselves of this.
Here's what I know from experience: cultivating your connection to the divine, through meditation and other forms of quiet practice like prayer, breathing techniques, and contemplation, just to name a few, is the only long-term answer to quieting our minds, letting go of fear, and finding peace. Over time, it helps us remain centered, even in the midst of chaos. It cultivates faith and trust. It is the answer to our prayers.
I practice prayer and meditation. I read inspiring texts. I practice a form of stress relief called kriya yoga. I question my thoughts. I meet with spiritual counselors. And, like others, I sometimes make up reasons to not do this work. It can feel hard to let go of the stuff going on in our lives, get quiet and be with ourselves. Just be. However, every time I do, I am so glad. It makes a huge difference. Over time, it helps me stay more and more centered in the present moment, and less and less reactive to my thoughts or the things going on around me. I develop faith and trust that life is for me. I feel happier and more at peace. I feel more love.
Fear, or faith? How do you manage this? What do you do to help yourself stave off the ravages of fear and embrace the balm of faith?
Love,
Andrea
This is an ongoing endeavor. It is particularly challenging when something in your life is going through a major change and uncertainty reigns. Many of us are experiencing this, and many of us are experiencing significant fear.
Fear is not just an emotional experience. It is a physical experience. Some get adrenaline rushes. Others get sick to their stomach, or break out in a rash. Some become accident prone. When this is ongoing, fear, in the form of stress or anxiety, can wreak havoc on our bodies and make us sick. It's helpful to have a way to relieve ourselves of this.
Here's what I know from experience: cultivating your connection to the divine, through meditation and other forms of quiet practice like prayer, breathing techniques, and contemplation, just to name a few, is the only long-term answer to quieting our minds, letting go of fear, and finding peace. Over time, it helps us remain centered, even in the midst of chaos. It cultivates faith and trust. It is the answer to our prayers.
I practice prayer and meditation. I read inspiring texts. I practice a form of stress relief called kriya yoga. I question my thoughts. I meet with spiritual counselors. And, like others, I sometimes make up reasons to not do this work. It can feel hard to let go of the stuff going on in our lives, get quiet and be with ourselves. Just be. However, every time I do, I am so glad. It makes a huge difference. Over time, it helps me stay more and more centered in the present moment, and less and less reactive to my thoughts or the things going on around me. I develop faith and trust that life is for me. I feel happier and more at peace. I feel more love.
Fear, or faith? How do you manage this? What do you do to help yourself stave off the ravages of fear and embrace the balm of faith?
Love,
Andrea
Friday, September 3, 2010
Self-love, or self-sabotage?
What is integrity? At its deepest level, I believe it is our true self -- our connection to spirit. In our human form, it often shows up as an alignment of what we think, feel and do. It is living our truth.
Isn't it easy to notice when others are out of integrity? When they make promises they don't keep, act inconsistently, or are dishonest? But, what about ourselves? Is it as easy to see when we are not in integrity?
I have been noticing this in myself lately, and it has shown itself through a couple of relationships. I have been accepting behavior from others that is out of integrity with who I am and what I value. I might want to point fingers, but what it really says is, I am out of integrity with myself. I am acting out of fear, accepting circumstances that are not in my highest good. Doing this, I have realized, is an act of self-sabotage. This is so great to know, because now I can make a change.
This became very evident recently with a relationship with one of my service providers. I won't say who because that's not necessary. This was someone who would say he would call, then wouldn't. Who would tell me he would follow up on my requests, then didn't. Even after more than one conversation about it, things did not change. But, out of fear, and because this is an area I do not feel confident in, I kept accepting this. Sounds crazy, doesn't it? But, I believed some of the messages that I heard in my head, and from others, about "everybody makes mistakes," "people aren't perfect," "don't be so anal." Ever heard that? I agree when it is something that happens once in a while, but not as a pattern. Then, there is a problem.
So, I had to look at this. This was not what I valued. Not what I do, at least not on any consistent basis. But, this was something I have accepted in many relationships since I was a little girl. It was a pattern and a way that I could be a victim. Being in relationship with someone who has a good heart, good intentions, great expertise, etc., but just couldn't get it together. Staying in relationship with this can be heartbreaking, and definitely is self-sabotage because I expect/hope things will change, and they never do. I had to realize that, for whatever reason, this was this person's choice and I had to honor it. It doesn't mean anything other than this was not a good fit. So, I had to let this relationship go.
Letting this go was an act of self-love. It was a choice to be in integrity with my truth, my values. As it turned out, this person also wanted to let go, so all is well. Did I suffer some feelings of loss? Yes, because, even with the challenges, there was value in the relationship. But what was happening here went even deeper. It was about letting go of a pattern -- a long-held pattern of self-sabotage. Something that my ego obviously felt protected me in some way, but really didn't. So, there were feelings of loss.
Today, I am celebrating this shift. It is so empowering. I feel renewed. And, funny thing, I had a dream last night that I was cleaning house -- getting rid of all the gunk and making all things beautiful. Quite a metaphor, huh?
What about you? Are you out of integrity with yourself in some area of your life? Do you have some house cleaning to do? Are you choosing self-sabotage, or self-love? Please share.
Love,
Andrea
Isn't it easy to notice when others are out of integrity? When they make promises they don't keep, act inconsistently, or are dishonest? But, what about ourselves? Is it as easy to see when we are not in integrity?
I have been noticing this in myself lately, and it has shown itself through a couple of relationships. I have been accepting behavior from others that is out of integrity with who I am and what I value. I might want to point fingers, but what it really says is, I am out of integrity with myself. I am acting out of fear, accepting circumstances that are not in my highest good. Doing this, I have realized, is an act of self-sabotage. This is so great to know, because now I can make a change.
This became very evident recently with a relationship with one of my service providers. I won't say who because that's not necessary. This was someone who would say he would call, then wouldn't. Who would tell me he would follow up on my requests, then didn't. Even after more than one conversation about it, things did not change. But, out of fear, and because this is an area I do not feel confident in, I kept accepting this. Sounds crazy, doesn't it? But, I believed some of the messages that I heard in my head, and from others, about "everybody makes mistakes," "people aren't perfect," "don't be so anal." Ever heard that? I agree when it is something that happens once in a while, but not as a pattern. Then, there is a problem.
So, I had to look at this. This was not what I valued. Not what I do, at least not on any consistent basis. But, this was something I have accepted in many relationships since I was a little girl. It was a pattern and a way that I could be a victim. Being in relationship with someone who has a good heart, good intentions, great expertise, etc., but just couldn't get it together. Staying in relationship with this can be heartbreaking, and definitely is self-sabotage because I expect/hope things will change, and they never do. I had to realize that, for whatever reason, this was this person's choice and I had to honor it. It doesn't mean anything other than this was not a good fit. So, I had to let this relationship go.
Letting this go was an act of self-love. It was a choice to be in integrity with my truth, my values. As it turned out, this person also wanted to let go, so all is well. Did I suffer some feelings of loss? Yes, because, even with the challenges, there was value in the relationship. But what was happening here went even deeper. It was about letting go of a pattern -- a long-held pattern of self-sabotage. Something that my ego obviously felt protected me in some way, but really didn't. So, there were feelings of loss.
Today, I am celebrating this shift. It is so empowering. I feel renewed. And, funny thing, I had a dream last night that I was cleaning house -- getting rid of all the gunk and making all things beautiful. Quite a metaphor, huh?
What about you? Are you out of integrity with yourself in some area of your life? Do you have some house cleaning to do? Are you choosing self-sabotage, or self-love? Please share.
Love,
Andrea
Friday, August 27, 2010
Being of service
Are there circumstances in which you almost always get nervous? Do you question your ability to meet a challenge? I know I've felt this way many times. I get that adrenaline rush, that queasy feeling in my stomach, a racing heart. Even after I have attempted and successfully completed the same thing many times. What gives?
Listening to a neurologist the other day, he said it has something to do with our brain's wired response to avoid a perceived loss -- this is an automatic function based on dopamine. Okay. That at least helps me understand . . . a little. I still feel it. So, I have come up with different coping tools -- reframing the situation in my mind into something nonthreatening, getting support from friends, de-emphasizing "me" in favor of "them," not making a story out of it. That helps with self-consciousness.
However much all these help, I am finding one way that seems to be the best -- see it as service. Find your heart in your endeavor, and see yourself as the vehicle to deliver a service in whatever form that is appearing in that moment. For me, I see myself delivering love. This takes the focus off of me. I shift my thinking and thus my perception to how my contribution is meaningful, and I open and accept myself as a "love" deliverer.
Next time you find yourself feeling nervous about anything, I invite you to try this, and please, let me know what happens.
Love,
Andrea
Listening to a neurologist the other day, he said it has something to do with our brain's wired response to avoid a perceived loss -- this is an automatic function based on dopamine. Okay. That at least helps me understand . . . a little. I still feel it. So, I have come up with different coping tools -- reframing the situation in my mind into something nonthreatening, getting support from friends, de-emphasizing "me" in favor of "them," not making a story out of it. That helps with self-consciousness.
However much all these help, I am finding one way that seems to be the best -- see it as service. Find your heart in your endeavor, and see yourself as the vehicle to deliver a service in whatever form that is appearing in that moment. For me, I see myself delivering love. This takes the focus off of me. I shift my thinking and thus my perception to how my contribution is meaningful, and I open and accept myself as a "love" deliverer.
Next time you find yourself feeling nervous about anything, I invite you to try this, and please, let me know what happens.
Love,
Andrea
Friday, August 6, 2010
Working ourselves to death
Are you on the hamster wheel? Are you working yourself literally, "to death?" Do you know someone who is?
I've known several someones who have or are doing this. It is really quite remarkable to see a beautiful soul clutch the belief that if I just work myself to the point of exhaustion where I'm falling asleep at my desk, that that is somehow necessary and normal. Just amazing, and, quite honestly, a little sad.
I surely could guess at what is behind this -- fears about survival, a desire to escape the present, a need to validate one's worth or existence, or any other number of things. Plus, our culture is so workaholic. Have you seen the latest show from Tony Robbins? Breakthrough? I watched it for the first time the other night. He arranged for a man who needed a job to go to work for this maniac restaurant owner in NYC who was an extreme workaholic and expected that of his employees. He was unpleasant to his employees, to say the least. Tony Robbins obviously saw this as a good thing, or he wouldn't have recommended this. Somehow, this was going to make things right for this man and his family. This man was certainly happy to have a job! But, what are the values expressed in this? In order to succeed, one must subject oneself to an angry, abusive boss, and become a slave to the work. It's all or nothing. All this was justified by the idea that this is what it took to be "great." It is the quest for perfection.
I don't buy it. I'm not saying this isn't what this individual needs. Obviously it is, because it is happening. I am saying that there is a cost. Perhaps there will be success in the short run, but what about the long run? No human being can survive that for long and maintain wellness. We wonder why people are suffering from chronic illness, obesity and mental health issues.
I understand the fear that drives one to become what a wise spiritual master calls "feverish" -- that frantic energy that comes from fear and need and pain and desire. I've been a victim of this myself. I don't think it's worth it. It's not loving to yourself, or the people around you. The cost is very high.
Of course, you can't tell someone who is suffering from this to stop, or change. They have to come to that themselves. Sometimes you can make an observation, or suggest they take a look. Sometimes this works, depending on how open that person is. But, if they are caught in the grips of fear, and trying to take control, I wouldn't count on it.
It's best to accept that what is, is. It is exactly what must happen. Then choose to love. Your thoughts?
Love,
Andrea
I've known several someones who have or are doing this. It is really quite remarkable to see a beautiful soul clutch the belief that if I just work myself to the point of exhaustion where I'm falling asleep at my desk, that that is somehow necessary and normal. Just amazing, and, quite honestly, a little sad.
I surely could guess at what is behind this -- fears about survival, a desire to escape the present, a need to validate one's worth or existence, or any other number of things. Plus, our culture is so workaholic. Have you seen the latest show from Tony Robbins? Breakthrough? I watched it for the first time the other night. He arranged for a man who needed a job to go to work for this maniac restaurant owner in NYC who was an extreme workaholic and expected that of his employees. He was unpleasant to his employees, to say the least. Tony Robbins obviously saw this as a good thing, or he wouldn't have recommended this. Somehow, this was going to make things right for this man and his family. This man was certainly happy to have a job! But, what are the values expressed in this? In order to succeed, one must subject oneself to an angry, abusive boss, and become a slave to the work. It's all or nothing. All this was justified by the idea that this is what it took to be "great." It is the quest for perfection.
I don't buy it. I'm not saying this isn't what this individual needs. Obviously it is, because it is happening. I am saying that there is a cost. Perhaps there will be success in the short run, but what about the long run? No human being can survive that for long and maintain wellness. We wonder why people are suffering from chronic illness, obesity and mental health issues.
I understand the fear that drives one to become what a wise spiritual master calls "feverish" -- that frantic energy that comes from fear and need and pain and desire. I've been a victim of this myself. I don't think it's worth it. It's not loving to yourself, or the people around you. The cost is very high.
Of course, you can't tell someone who is suffering from this to stop, or change. They have to come to that themselves. Sometimes you can make an observation, or suggest they take a look. Sometimes this works, depending on how open that person is. But, if they are caught in the grips of fear, and trying to take control, I wouldn't count on it.
It's best to accept that what is, is. It is exactly what must happen. Then choose to love. Your thoughts?
Love,
Andrea
Friday, July 30, 2010
Joy and gratitude within
Last Sunday, I did my regular Kriya practice. After the practice, we watched a webcast of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar at the annual Gurupurnima event, this time held in Connecticut. Gurupurnima is an annual celebration where one reflects on the past year's growth, and recognizes all the master teachers who have come to earth to share their truth. It is also the time to make your request for the upcoming year. The greatest request, of course, is for liberation -- for enlightenment.
I was very comfortably sitting on my back-jack (a yoga "seat" that supports your back) watching as Sri Sri entered the room and greeted the thousands of people in attendance, who were also sitting on their back jacks, yoga mats and blankets. Many were on their feet to greet the guru.
I had just completed my two-hour practice, so was very calm. I felt great. When Sri Sri walked in, I started crying. Even though he was in Connecticut, and I was in Tempe, and I was watching a webcast, my soul felt his soul. My heart opened, and I cried at the love I felt. The love that someone who has let go of everything that stands in the way of his connection to divine love is and can share. I could not hold it back. My tears flowed.
In that moment, I felt nothing but love, joy, and gratitude. Gratitude that I was experiencing the love that I am, and for what he is doing in the world -- helping others to experience that for themselves, and helping the world heal in other more practical ways through the foundation. Contributing money and volunteers to help people in need in so many parts of the world. I felt deep gratitude for what all the people involved in this organization are doing for our earth and all the people on it.
I love it when this happens. Just like those times when I have meditated and experienced the deep joy that already exists within me, it reminds me that I have all I need, right now. And so does everyone else. It is just a matter of unlearning and opening.
Of course, that also means that I am part of the love -- I am part of the healing of our planet and of the people who I touch. We are all connected. We are one. So, whatever we can do to allow that which we truly are to surface, the better are our lives and everyone else's. For me, that involves doing Kriya, meditation, gaining knowledge and expressing the God-given gifts I've been given.
I've also found that embracing this life and living it to the fullest is part of the divine plan. We are human. Experiencing our humanity is why we are here. So, I embrace my humanness and want to experience the most I can out of this trip to earth. I want it all. But what is "all?" It is loving the experience, whatever it is. It is loving, period.
We don't need to "try" to be joyful or grateful. When we place our attention on love, it happens. Just like that. In the moment. Because that is what we are. Nice to know, huh? Your thoughts?
Love,
Andrea
I was very comfortably sitting on my back-jack (a yoga "seat" that supports your back) watching as Sri Sri entered the room and greeted the thousands of people in attendance, who were also sitting on their back jacks, yoga mats and blankets. Many were on their feet to greet the guru.
I had just completed my two-hour practice, so was very calm. I felt great. When Sri Sri walked in, I started crying. Even though he was in Connecticut, and I was in Tempe, and I was watching a webcast, my soul felt his soul. My heart opened, and I cried at the love I felt. The love that someone who has let go of everything that stands in the way of his connection to divine love is and can share. I could not hold it back. My tears flowed.
In that moment, I felt nothing but love, joy, and gratitude. Gratitude that I was experiencing the love that I am, and for what he is doing in the world -- helping others to experience that for themselves, and helping the world heal in other more practical ways through the foundation. Contributing money and volunteers to help people in need in so many parts of the world. I felt deep gratitude for what all the people involved in this organization are doing for our earth and all the people on it.
I love it when this happens. Just like those times when I have meditated and experienced the deep joy that already exists within me, it reminds me that I have all I need, right now. And so does everyone else. It is just a matter of unlearning and opening.
Of course, that also means that I am part of the love -- I am part of the healing of our planet and of the people who I touch. We are all connected. We are one. So, whatever we can do to allow that which we truly are to surface, the better are our lives and everyone else's. For me, that involves doing Kriya, meditation, gaining knowledge and expressing the God-given gifts I've been given.
I've also found that embracing this life and living it to the fullest is part of the divine plan. We are human. Experiencing our humanity is why we are here. So, I embrace my humanness and want to experience the most I can out of this trip to earth. I want it all. But what is "all?" It is loving the experience, whatever it is. It is loving, period.
We don't need to "try" to be joyful or grateful. When we place our attention on love, it happens. Just like that. In the moment. Because that is what we are. Nice to know, huh? Your thoughts?
Love,
Andrea
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