Look Around
February 22nd, 2013
You are surrounded by beauty.
Look within.
You are surrounded by beauty.
Enjoy your weekend! Enjoy your beautiful self.
(Photo by Mary Anne Flanagan)
You are surrounded by beauty.
Look within.
You are surrounded by beauty.
Enjoy your weekend! Enjoy your beautiful self.
Hang Out with Joy
February 21st, 2013
Meditation: A worried mind is a wasted mind. Why not waste time with play, with joy, with peace, with laughter, and with serenity? Spend time there and see how you feel. Hang out with joy. Invite others to hang out with joy. Have a joy(full) party.
Enjoy spending time with joy.
Meditations to Warm Your Soul
February 20th, 2013
Have you wanted to start a meditation practice? Or do you want to deepen your meditation practice? Start by drawing your breath inward and allow yourself to take a deep dive into your heart.
In our busy lives, we rarely experience an extended period of quiet. For our meditation session(s), we will enter the quiet within ourselves as a way to deepen our connection to our soul’s journey. You are invited to enter the space of Being, rather than Doing.
Our 45-minute meditations will open you to thinking differently about meditation. Meditation is about zoning in, not zoning out. Our session(s) may include looking at where your mind wanders, focusing your gaze, guided visualizations, making movement an integral part of our lives, resonating with a (personal) mantra, and stepping more fully into your thoughts. All levels of students are welcome. You may book as many sessions as you want through March 29, 2013. Each session is 45-minutes and will take place on the phone.
What to Bring: A notebook and pen, water
Investment: $50 in (No refunds.)
Register: by texting your name and ‘Meditation Session’ to 917.238.9726.
For more information, click the link: Breathing Warmth – Meditations for the Soul.
From Failed Book Reports to Book Reviewer
February 13th, 2013
I remember the first day of English class in my sophomore year of high school. The teacher gave us a test on the summer reading books. Usually I was able to get by because the tests were in essay form. This test was multiple choice. I was in trouble. When the teacher gave me back my test with a 33% circled at the top in red ink, she said I was lucky she drops the lowest score. It was clear that I had not read any of the books and that I had just guessed the answers (not so well, apparently).
Actually, I had never read one summer book throughout high school. Back then I dreaded reading. I often received a failing grade on my book reports. Reading books was as dreadful as eating vegetables. It wasn’t until college that I began to read a lot and started to enjoy books. I had a college professor who made novels come alive and made learning about stories of the past into lessons of the present. I read so much that I became a tutor and declared myself an English major.
My love of books continues today. I am an avid reader who has now become a book reviewer. Starting in the New Year, I began to write to publishers about sending books in exchange for book reviews on my website. The books I review are ones I believe my readers would enjoy. I am thrilled to share books that I think are inspirational and informative.
If back in high school, someone told me I would have been an English major or would be reviewing books, I would have told them they were crazy. There is always a chance we can grow and expand. Who we are now is not who we always have to be forever. We can take chances, try new things, listen to fresh ideas, and create more possibilities. I know change is possible – I live it (I eat lots of veggies as a vegetarian too!).
Sometimes all it takes to be open to change is an invitation. You are all invited to try on something new in your life. Let me know how it goes (no book report required).
Sit. Just Sit.
February 11th, 2013
Meditation is a practice of unknowing. When you just sit, you let each breath teach you. When you allow thoughts to flow through you, you learn from each moment.
Breath by breath.
Moment by moment.
Sit. Just sit.
You Are the Sunrise
January 28th, 2013
I sit on the bus and watch the sun rise.
I walk on the beach and I see the sun rise.
I drive on the highway and notice the sun rise.
I pass you on the street and welcome your sunrise.
{Photo by Mary Anne Flanagan}
Unthought Known
January 25th, 2013
Move into doing the impossible and notice how much your heart expands.
Move into doing the uncertain and notice how much your mind expands.
Move into doing the unattainable and watch how much your body expands.
Move into doing the unknown and watch how much your life expands.
Savor the Moment…
January 22nd, 2013
My meditation this morning was about savoring. My message was clear:
Our path is not so much to find things to savor as it is to savor all of life, and all people.
My focus of savor came to mind because I spent the weekend going for long walks and took delight in the exploration of new trails, beautiful sunsets, and serene surroundings. I appreciated taking paths that were unknown to me. As I walked around a beach trail on Saturday afternoon, the sky changed colors and I could tell the light was going to be beautiful and I wanted to savor the day. As the sun started to descend, I began to follow the cars towards the west point of the trail. As I sat on the rocks, I looked deep into the horizon and watched an incredible sunset over the Long Island Sound. I gazed in awe as the light changed, the colors in the sky expanded, and an entire cloud turned pink. I knew I had to savor the moment. I quietly meditated, took photos, and smiled at the brilliant sky.
By the time Monday came, all I could think about were the trails and the sunsets. I felt a sense of renewed spirit. I was even furthered inspired by watching hours of the Inauguration. I was struck not only by the power and energy of President Barack Obama’s speech, but by his ability to savor the moment. As the President re-entered the Capital after the ceremony, he took a moment to pause and reflect. “I want to take a look, one more time,” the President said. “I’m not going to see this again.”
Whether stopping to look at the sky, walking slower on a trail, or watching a few hours of the Inauguration, each day offered me an opportunity to savor the moment.
What are you savoring?
Surround yourself with people who know what brings you joy and want to celebrate it. Savor the moment. Savor your moment.
Lead with Heart
January 21st, 2013
Lead your wildest dream.
Lead with vulnerability.
Lead with generosity.
Lead with service.
Lead with your growing edge.
Lead with a smile.
Lead with expansiveness.
Lead with kindness.
Lead beyond your reach.
Lead with your heart.
{Photo by Mary Anne Flanagan}
The Heart of Nature
January 19th, 2013
Always remember that Nature refuses to be rushed. She can only be made to evolve and that takes time… Take heart! ~Sri Dharma Mittra
