Ride the breath

What a crazy end to the summer watching our neighbours to the south go through so many weather related challenges.  We've been sending our thoughts and prayers to everyone effected by these experiences.  And being Sept. 11th, we remember and honour those who have lost their lives.

In these times it's important to remember to breathe; fully and  deeply.  The mind follows the breath.  Breathing won't change what you are going through... stress is stress; however it will help the mind to calm within the experience.

As you inhale expand your belly; fill from the bottom to the top.  In this way you are utilizing your full lung capacity.   Release the breath in the opposite manner.
Inhale completely.
Exhale completely.

And without judgement allow yourself to be.
Things will change much is guaranteed.

Birthright

"Despite illness of body or mind, in spite of blinding despair or habitual belief, who you are is whole.

Let nothing keep you separate from the truth. The soul, illumined from within, longs to be known for what it is.

Undying, untouched by fire or the storms of life, there is a place inside where stillness and abiding peace reside.You can ride the breath to go there.

Despite doubt or hopeless turns of mind, you are not broken. Spirit surrounds, embraces, fills you from the inside out. Release everything that isn't your true nature. What's left, the fullness, light and shadow, claim all that as your birthright."

~Danna Faulds

May this week find you consciously riding the breath
Tammy


PS.  Hard to believe I'm almost finished this series!  Year of the Goat/Sheep/Ram will be out soon.  Check out the series on Amazon here:
  

White Light

So it seems I shouldn't wear white after Victoria Day.  And yesterday I learnt I should look in the mirror more often.  After I got home from teaching I went to put my hair up and when I finally did look into the mirror saw I had spilled my morning coffee all over my white shirt!

Not one of the 45 people I had contact with during classes (or the others I spoke to all day) told me.  New rule... no more white!  At least I didn't walk around all day with egg on my face - or did I?

I have a new obsession... Matt Kahn

Have you heard of him?  I just cyberly met him this past week and I have a serious soul crush on this guy!  He is an amazing spiritual teacher.  Here's one of his videos that really resonated with me...

What was interesting, among many other things, was the portion of the video where he discusses emptiness.

Years ago when I lived alone I would go to bed at night and feel empty - which at the time associated with loneliness and depression.  There was this void that would enter and feel overwhelming.  At the time I hated this feeling. Then if you had told me this was a connection to the divine I would have told you to F-O or similar words.

Years later, I enjoy this sensation when it arrives.  I embrace it.  This void is so expansive; comforting truly without pain, without peril. It was interesting to hear him explain this emptiness, this connection to source.

The space between the breaths can hold this sensation as well.  The gap where the inhale meets the exhale, or the exhale greets the inhale.  It was either Rod Stryker or Stephen Cope ( can't recall which one) who taught this during a meditation retreat.  This space or void is your connection to the soul.  Today I receive this idea with a new understanding.

I'll leave you with this for today.  And ask if you see me wearing white with a coffee stain please mention it!  I'll do the same so we have each other's backs... or front so it seems.

Keep shining your light.

Namaste,

Tammy

Got through it

The first holiday without Dave we got through.  It was pretty much as challenging as I thought it would be.  There were moments when we thought we wouldn't get through, then were other's that had an easy flow.


We met for Quesadilla's which is what we going to eat on the 14th; the day that was to be the collective party and turned into the shock of Dave's passing.  We had a birthday cake for Zach and talked to Dave's wife about where she is at.  I know how hard this is for me sharing 44 years with him.  I can't begin to imagine her experience, he was her everyday.. wow.


I still haven't had a day when my cheeks have been fully dry.  I wonder if today is that day?  It's only been 25 days without him.  I'm still smelling the cigarette smoke occasionally, but it has eased way off from what it was (this has been a sign to me as I quit smoking in 2012... Dave was a heavy smoker especially since he had lost his job in Jan).  He doesn't feel as close as he did a week ago though.  People say he'll say with me so long as I need him to.   It's a nice thought. 


I know he's in a better place, pain free and that in itself is wonderful.  But being here, with all of the pains left, and problems yet to be solved is overwhelming.


I guess this is how we learn.  How we are forced to move ahead.


One moment.  One breath at a time.


I'm in awe of our time shared, feeling so blessed to have had him around yet at the same time feeling so broken and wonder when that will heal.


Thanks for listening.