About to get real

This is a theme I've seen presented again and again this fall.  I keep watching people and having conversations with folks who are so super focused on what is happening around them.  They are spending little time looking inwardly.  This is where all of the answers to the questions are... inside of you. 


I know this sounds cliché and we've heard it for years but it's so true.  It's like the quote I posted over on TLC Services Facebook page the other day:


"Everything happens for you, not to you. Everything happens at exactly the right moment, neither too soon nor too late. You don’t have to like it—it’s just easier if you do.”
 ~Byron Katie


So all of those folks you've been spending your time focusing on, thinking of and talking about - how many of them do you think are doing the same for you?  I'll answer that... none (ok, we can cut them some slack maybe a few).  But for the most part the world is not sitting back worrying for you or about you.

Isn't it time you started?  All of these things are happening through you for a reason.  It's about time you start paying attention.


Focusing your energies on who said what or who is doing whatever has nothing to do with you.   You came to this planet to work on yourself so why my friend are you not doing exactly that?


So yeah this shit just got real - it's time to stop wasting your precious life moments on everyone else and bring the focus back to where it belongs ...............you.


Much love,
Tam
x


PS. And you know what they say.. if everything is a mirror showing ourselves what to work on then I'd say I've got some work to do too.


Lucy?......I'm home!

The Sound of now

Do you ever stop and pay attention to the sounds of life within your home?

This week I've been practicing much present moment awareness. 
I practice what I preach mostly because I know it works. 

Sometimes it's not as evident and has an effortless flow.  Sometimes I really have to work toward listening to myself.  This has been one of those weeks.  A week where I need to practice to be present.  A challenge with my inner self.  I've chanted....

I am, here now.
I am here.
Here I am in this present moment.
There is only this moment.
And I breathe.

It's been a process of forgetting in one moment.  A wave of anxiety.  A moment of remembering.  A soothing state of rest of relaxation.

Another tool I've worked with this week is listening to the sounds around me.

Here are some sounds which have brought me into the now....

-Fish tank water cycling.
-Sophie screeching for someone, anyone to throw her ball for her (yes she is one strange cat).
-Bella meowing beside her window (this is one Russian Blue that adores her window time).
-Rodney Yee's Yoga Burn playing in the living room.
-The Oracle's struggle with downward dog (he secretly hates down dog).
-Vishen Lakhiani's Envisoning Method Meditation playing.

I adore the sounds I live with.  Who knew how wonderful and blissful these sounds are?
It's been working albeit slowly.  Give it a go.  Listen then repeat after me:  "Every sound I hear draws me more into the presence of this moment."

And so it will be.

Wishing you much peace,
Tammy
x

PS.  A few changes over on my Etsy page - from its name to some new additions:

Mini journal covers....

 

 

And a book to journal in....

 

 

This is so adorable!  And a great reminder of what is needed this week.

 

Rise.  That's right....rise above it all.

 

Om Shanti Love

 

 

Eternally guided

I was first introduced to Rumi's poem "The Guest House" from a reading by Lilias Folan at a Yoga conference a few years ago.  It was so comforting and so applied to what I had learnt about myself over the years.

I have, in past, suffered from pretty severe depression (I was actually stuck there for years).  One day during this time of suffering a girlfriend said to me, "It's the best thing that could happen!  Depression is such a blessing!"

I thought she was nuts - dropped off the deep end... riding the short bus... loosing her shit.....

I wondered, "How the hell can depression be a blessing?"  It took me a few years, but I finally got it - without knowing or understanding true pain can we truly appreciate what the other side feels like. 

She was so right - you can not have up without down, right without left, incorrect and truth... it's relative.  For us to really appreciate living an abundant life we need to live it's flipside.

I've also learned that happiness takes work.  

This knowing took me so many years to understand. 

I think that's why "The Guest House" made such an impression on me like no other. 

May it do the same for you,
Namaste,
Tammy


THE GUEST HOUSE

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!

Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.

He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice.
meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.

Be grateful for whatever comes.
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

~Rumi

My wish for you is eternal guidance

Time sure flies!

12 Years and one day ago I started the journey into Yoga teacher training.  It was such a powerfilled day being it was also 9/11.  (Prayers to all who lost family on this day) 

It was such an emotional day which makes it easier to recall.  Think about that for a moment - it's really easy to recall days when trauma occurs.  It's more challenging to recall the better days.  When we have emotional charges we can easily recall life.

So think back now 12 years ago.  Where were you then?  What were you doing when the towers went down?  What were the larger issues of your life at that time?

Now take a step back.

A bird's eye view if you will and look at your life from a larger perspective.

Consider all of the things that have occurred.... the triumphs, the blessings, the passing of souls, the loss, the trauma.  What a roller coaster ride it's been!

Look next at your own growth and give yourself credit for doing the best you could throughout these times; it's where you were in your process of life.

Now set a clear intention for change for the next 12 years...it flies by so fast.  And it's so easy to take it all for granted, n'est pas?

Don't loose a moment!
Love
Tam
xo

PS.  Here is a copy of my latest newsletter in case you missed it.  Send me an email if you'd like to be on the list for the 1/4-ly newsletter to be sure you don't miss one!
http://www.reikiandyoga.com/mindful_melody39.pdf

And the times they are a'changin

As I typed the title of this post I just realized how long it's been since I've played this song on the guitar.  I'll definitely have to fiddle with the Fender later and see how I make out with that. 

Yes change, it's that time of year - change in so many ways.

Children are back to school so it's a time for change with students, for parents and for teachers.  As a Yoga teacher its time for me to get back to the mat with my yoga tribe (something I've truly missed over the past month and can't wait to get back to).  It's growing close to a change of season and the energy of the planet is also in it's state of change and flux as we embrace a cooler climate in Ontario.

It's how we show up for the changes that is significant. 

How are we embracing change?

Are we able to show up fully?  And if so do we do with tired feelings, anxiousness or happiness? 

It is interesting to become an observer and simply watch ourselves in the midst of change.

There is so much we can learn simply by being and watching.

The trick is to do so without giving our inner critic energy; without judgement as we allow the process of change to unfold within our lives and our hearts.

Embrace the changes around you with an open heart and an open mind; knowing that some changes can result in our largest amounts of growth.

Trust you are being guided and remember you have so much potential in there!

Much love,
Tam
xo

PS.  So one thing I've changed is how I'm going to be using my Etsy shop.  I am now ready and will make the time to sell physical paintings and not only offer digital.  Here are the first two that are no longer digital:

The Beach

 

and

 

Burst

 

 

 Thank you so much for your support!   You rock!

Nice thoughts to take us into the weekend

May all beings have happiness and the causes of happiness.

May all beings be free from suffering and the causes of suffering.

May all beings dwell in bliss.

May all being rest in great equanimity.

And may all beings wake up to remember their true nature which really is aum-azing!

Shining much love & light beams to you to into your weekend!

Namaste,
Tammy
x

 

PS.  This is a great meditation technique with eyes open or closed simply repeat the above sentences and send your light into the world!

 

Guided toward WellBeing

Ok, so I was wrong about the Royal baby - there was a 50% shot that I was right.  Still think its funny he was born on a full moon though.

Just a fast post today as I promised to let you know when I had posted my Exercise & Wellbeing  product over on my Etsy page.

 So did you hear, I posted my 40 Day Mini Exercise and Wellbeing Journal Printable Weight loss guide and planner over on my Etsy page?  LOL

I had so much fun putting this program together.  The mini journal above supports 40 days of recording your behaviours & a place for you to pre-plan some changes.  Plus you get all of these:

 



Exercise Plan, shopping list, Weight & Wellbeing Journal, Health & Wellbeing script (all of these are 8 1/2 x 11") and more... go see them on the Etsy shop.  Anyhow they'll help you to get through the 40 days of shifting your behaviours. 

We can all have a plan, but it is those who write their plans down succeed more than those who do not.  The act of writing puts the plan into action and allows you to see where you are headed, record your success & progress and helps you to overcome resistances in this case to release.  This not only applies to weight release but all other aspect of life also.

That's really what it is about when it comes down to releasing whatever it is we no longer wish to hold onto.  Realize for the most part it is only a behaviour pattern and behaviours can be changed. 

Repeat after me, "Changing is effortless and easy"

Now you may not believe that, but the more you say it the more the mind will believe it.  It is our wish that you live your best life possible.  May you be happy, peaceful, loving & enjoy the health and wellbeing that is your birth right. 

May you be continually blessed and find peace.

Namaste,
Tammy

PS. Here's a mini meditation for today I stumbled upon written by Ram Dass:

"Ask yourself: Where am I?

 Answer: Here.

Ask yourself: What time is it?

Answer: Now.

Say it until you can hear it."

PPS.  Now if I can remember to use this later while I'm at the dentist it will all be good.  I did just write it down or type it (in this case) so in this thinking it will be!

So Very Blessed

"May love carry you and guide your breath, guide your thoughts, guide your actions, and guide your words. May you be a bright light in this world. May your soul catch fire... and with that light, light many other lights."
~Rod Stryker

I adore Rod.  A few years ago I took his meditation class at the Yoga Show in Toronto.  I remember leaving him feeling so light and airy - so relaxed as I had dropped so many layers of holding.

We all tend to have holding patterns - some we aren't even consciously aware of.  This can stem not only from the physical body, but also the mind. 

Think of the last time you crept facebook or any other social media site and felt less worthy than whomever's page you were creeping. 

This holding is so very damaging our psyche. 

In order to release this - stop yourself from comparing you to them. 

Let go of this holding. 

Remember you are a beautiful, gorgeous soul who is here to share your strength and your knowledge with the whole.

You are so very blessed.

Never forget that.

Namaste & sing it with me now ... "Come on baby light my fire!"

Love,
Tammy

PS.  I'm so excited and almost ready to reveal my Exercise & Wellbeing series on my Etsy Page - it will definitely help you to create a positive shift in your life (and waistline).  Speaking of holding patterns it will help you to release a few.  Watch for it.  In the mean time be sure to check out my Zodiac Series.  I had a blast creating these guys - aren't they cute?

 

Metta and a grudge

This week while teaching meditation we explored "Metta".  Metta is a term which means loving kindness.  During the process of Metta we sent love to our loved ones, friends, work colleagues and those in general who help make our lives easier.

Then we sent love to someone we had a grievance with... ouch....much more challenging.

Some of the students when it was over shared they couldn't believe they were still holding onto this "________" (fill in the blank but realistically we're talking grudges here... fear, anger, disappointment... whatever it may be) for so many years.

Face it you may still be upset with "So and so"  for doing/not doing/overdoing "that thing" and have been for the past 8+ years.  Yeah, admit it, they still really tick you off! 

Here's the thing.  ______(so & so)________ hasn't given you a second  thought in all of those years!

Guess Buddha was onto something when he said, "Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned."

Rather than clearing the toxic emotions, you've held them, you're still getting burned up by them like a boomerang nothing has cleared.


......dang enlightenment!


Here's a process I've used for years to let people and grudges go. 

Maybe it'll work for you to?

Take a moment and focus on your physical heart or the essence of the heart center (anahatha) located at the center of the chest.

Begin to send your breathe into this space.

Imagine you are breathing from this heart center (not so much from the lungs, but rather the heart).

Allow yourself to expand love, kindness and compassion from this space.

Imagine you are a vessel sending love out to the planet, bathe the planet and all sentient beings with your love, your compassion.

Think of the one you need to release and say these (or similar words), "I forgive you, I release you, I let you go."

Remember to send these same feelings to yourself.
Much love,
Tam

"If you're compassion doesn't include yourself it is incomplete." ~Buddha

“Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.” ~Rumi

PS.  You may have to chant these words like a mantra a million times before it takes, but trust it will. 

"I forgive you.  I release you.  I let you go."

PPS.  Oh and when you say "I forgive you" let it be to yourself first for not letting this go before now!  And while you are at it don't be hard on yourself you are human after all!

 

 

 

 

“Slowly does it every time!”

This week I was creating a YouTube video to share our garden.   I snapped pictures all over the place; the front porch, the back porch, the side garden.  As I was beside the pond a wild little rabbit jumped in front of me.  I adore how they blink at us....

It was too cute.  I didn't realize until later I had caught the perfect shot! 

What the heck are the chances of this?

 

When I realized what I had captured I couldn't wait to share this with you.... for all of us need to recall everything happens for a reason.  In its own time.  Nothing can be rushed, even if we wish it could.

 

Remember things work by universal design - at all times, just like this picture.  I could not have staged this even if I had tried.  Message received loud and clear Universe!

 

Trust the process of life

 

You are being so guided.

 

Much love,

Tam

 

PS.  And in the mean time if you take "forty winks" friends remember not to rush upon awakening.  Life is always about the journey, "Slowly does it every time!"

 

PPS.  I've taken the time to Photoshop this for you to download, remember and enjoy!  I believe this one is priceless....

 

 

Oh Limitless Being

Do you understand that you really are limitless?   That it is you who sets the rules and regulations for your life? 

So many people blame someone else for their experience.  They give away their power and not allow themselves to thrive onward.  Sadly they have already given up.  They have forgotten how to connect.  They have forgotten life is not static.

They have become a slave to the mind (and even worse some to the cell phone... can't put the dang thing down when it sends a text notification they have to respond.  They can't help themselves...oops ... where'd that rant come from?  LOL  OK, ok, ... right now ....back on track..)

Our mind constantly lies to us.  It teaches us that we have a body, feelings, thoughts, time, space and limits. 

We are far more than these things.

If we can silence the mind we can discover this truth.  You my friend are a timeless, spaceless, witnessing being, one of spiritual abundance riding around in a physical body.

Here's an exercise to work with.  In meditation repeat the ancient words of Nisaradatta, "I am That" repetitively.

Notice how the mind will attempt to fill in the ____that_____. 

Go beyond the lies of the mind and discover the quality of all that "I am".

Remember who you really are.

Do not give up.  You are here to have a glorious experience.

You're only limitations are those you set for yourself.

Reach beyond your limitations with me & let's enjoy this ride!

 

 

.. not necessarily in Warrior 3, although it is super fun and be forewarned it may make you smile! 

 

Be Radiant!

You don't need to change one thing about yourself to continue to be the perfect you!

Goddess Leonie Dawson 2 min reminder
 

Love yourself my friends

You are Aum-azing!
Namaste,
Tammy

Letting go & Self love

Sometimes when we let go we have to visualize ourselves releasing whatever is holding us back. This truly is one way to help us develop unconditional self love for ourselves.

Wishing you all the best!
Namaste,
Tammy

PS. Here's the poem I was talking about, Derek Walcott's Love after love:

Love After Love

The time will come when,
with elation you will greet yourself arriving at your own door,
in your own mirror and each will smile at the other's welcome,
and say, sit here. Eat.

You will love again the stranger who was your self.
Give wine. Give bread. Give back your heart to itself,
to the stranger who has loved you all your life,
whom you ignored for another,
who knows you by heart.

Take down the love letters from the bookshelf,
the photographs, the desperate notes,
peel your own image from the mirror.
Sit. Feast on your life.
~Derek Walcott

http://famouspoetsandpoems.com/poets/derek_walcott

Above all else May you feast on your life! x

A Place to be Free

When I was a kid we used to have a tree fort.  I loved that place as the magical center of the universe in those years.  Truth be told it was my brother's fort, but I used to love to climb up into it myself.

We lived on a hobby farm which had 4 acres of land.  Behind the house you would walk down a ginormous hill and at the bottom was the Dunford's rickety old fence which lead to where their dairy cattle grazed.  Just inside their fence was a huge Maple tree.  My Dad & brother built two platforms in the tree.  I remember how scared I was to climb to the top platform.

The memories of that tree always bring me such peace and happiness.  The years may have had challenges for other reasons, but for the moment in time it brought so much joy. 

We need to rekindle these feelings as adults. 

We need not be SO serious all the time.  And the places that bring these joys need not cost a lot of money, nor be far away.  (I mean, come on, I adore the Caribbean but I can't go there today.)

What places can you go to bring about the feelings of joy, playfulness in your life?  Where can you go back to basics where the simplest things made your heart sing?

If you don't have an answer, you're homework my friend is to find it.

You seriously need to.

Wishing you much more love & abundant play!
Tam
xo

PS.  Sending you the best eagle arms, warrior hug... ready.....

 

Rise, Rinse, Repeat

I was talking to a stranger the other day and wondered if they were channeling a ZOMBIE?

Seriously... they were hardly in there. 

It got me thinking how many people are living (or should I say not living) their lives.

They are merely existing; which looks a little something like this:

Get up
Have a shower
Have Breakfast
Do some stuff....boring, boring stuff
Have Lunch
Do some more stuff.... even more boring stuff than the first boring stuff
Have Supper
Clean up Supper
Watch TV
Go to bed

Rise, rinse, repeat

In the process of all of this really boring stuff make lots of sighing, depressed sounds to resemble this little guy...

 

 

You know the type..... "Thanks for noticin' me, ohhh-kayyy" you haff-tah say it with a long drawn out depressive, pessimistic and gloomy response.

 

Seriously isn't life filled with more joy, enthusiasm? Where is the "WOOT" or the "WAhoooooo's"?  Maybe that's where we should start. 

 

Beginning today to use words that make you feel fired up, enthusiast, thriving, super charged.

Come on folks...

 

Let's get this party started!

 

List 5 words that fire you up, here's my list:

1. Woot

2. Wahoooo

3. WOW

 

(What the heck... how come all my words are starting with a 'w'...... Wonder Why? ... who cares let's run with it....)

 

4. Wonderful

5. Willing

 

Now, what are yours?

 

 

Loving yourself is the key

The Secret to life....

all you have to do is be happy.

Do you know how to do that?

Just be happy!

“And you? When will you begin that long journey into yourself?” ~Rumi

May you allow it to begin in this moment?

"Every leaf that grows will tell you: what you sow will bear fruit, so if you have any sense my friend, don’t plant anything but Love." ~Rumi

Understand my dear?

Love
Tam
xo

PS. And Rumi said, "If all you can do is crawl, start crawling."

Begin to use this key today!
Repeat after me, "I love you!"

Use your own name say, " _____________ I love you" Repeat it again and again until you really mean it.

Sometimes this process brings wonder-filled tears... let them flow as you let you, love you!

OM Shanti

Taking stock....

"You must learn one thing: the world was made to be free in... anything or anyone that does not bring you alive is too small for you.” ~David Whyte

We can take David's words to another level when we take a look at the five people you spend you're most time with.

You see, dear soul you are a culmination of these folks.

Our wish for you is this group is helping you play large and more importantly free.

Namaste & much love
Tammy