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ARE YOU LIVING IN THE PRESENT?

ARE YOU LIVING IN THE PRESENT?

by | Mar 10, 2017 | Blog

Living in the present

WHAT DOES LIVING IN THE PRESENT MEAN?

What does living in the present even mean? Present moment attention focuses entirely on what is in front of you and what you are doing right now; this is how your life plays out. Too much of the time, we occupy our minds with past experiences or daydream about future ones, which cause us to lose sight of what is before us—our lives.

So many of us have lived our lives in our heads rather than through experiences. One of the points I stress in my yoga classes is to let go of thinking about how a pose should look and begin to experience how the pose feels. Noticing what a yoga pose feels like allows you to go within for the experience instead of looking outward, allowing you to be present.river in woods

The easiest way to discover how to live now is to visit your favorite park, river, woods, or another place in nature. Admire everything you see. Touch whatever is before you, feeling its texture: a gnarled tree, the smoothness of a blade of grass. Smell whatever scents there are: the air, the fragrance of flowers wafting, the earth.

Using your five senses brings you to the perfect present. Examine how you feel when you bring your awareness to the forefront and savor the beauty of God’s creations. Things you may have missed, such as the laughter of children playing, the birds chirping noisily, the warmth of the sun, or the brightness of a star, now penetrate your physical being, making you feel alive.

When you are more present, your body relaxes, causing you to release stress. Stress occurs in your body when you don’t have relief between continuous physical, mental, or emotional challenges and can lead to harmful symptoms or diseases. When you live in the moment, all thoughts of stressors are gone because everything is taken care of; you have no issues, worries, or problems.

Living in the present allows you to connect with people more fully by listening, letting go of past judgments, and improving your focus. They can sense when you are distracted by your surroundings and when you able to tune out interruptions, making them feel that you are listening.

The more present you are, the more energy and creativity you have. Meditation is an excellent way to provide you with a deeper level of intuition and creativity; it opens up the channels within you and comes from the space between your thoughts, rather than thoughts themselves. By calming your mind through meditation practice, you allow this space to be discovered.th 20

If you are overwhelmed, stressed out, and don’t know what to do, breathe. Watch your breath as it enters your body, and watch it leaving. If you find yourself creating fantasies that haven’t happened yet, breathe. If you find yourself in a state of mourning, grief, or resentment, breathe.

Meditation is a practice, not a goal, and being more present in your life results from that practice. Set aside five minutes a day to start, then gradually increase a minute each day or two. Decide to notice new things in your life, especially using your senses. Remember, life is all about the journey (the present moment) and not the destination (the future).

For further information about how you can learn to live in the moment, schedule your free 15-minute Assessment today!

MANIFESTING THROUGH THE CHAKRAS

MANIFESTING THROUGH THE CHAKRAS

by | Feb 19, 2017 | Blog

Manifesting through the chakras 1

MANIFESTING THROUGH THE CHAKRAS

In February of 2014, I signed up for John Holland and Sonia Choquette‘s, “Awaken Your Spirit” cruise. Little did I know, my life was about to change dramatically ~ my intuition was about to explode!  

I boarded the plane home and took my aisle seat, barely noticing the man sitting by the window. Since the flight was full, I found it odd nobody was sitting in the center. Several minutes after take-off, the word “fish” entered my mind. I noticed it return several times and began to get annoyed at myself. The more I tried to stop it, the stronger it became. After fifteen minutes I gave up and turned to the man by the window.fish

“Excuse me, sir,” I politely spoke. “This may seem like a strange question, but do you fish?” “Why,” he replied. “Do I smell like a fish?” Of course not, I told him and went on to say I couldn’t get the word out of my head. He did say he visited his brother in the Keys and went fishing with him for two weeks. Hmmm…

We chatted the entire three hours to Philadelphia, and I soon discovered “fish” was the opening for me to help him become present. In short, he was worried about his adult children’s addictions and behaviors, and I mentioned mindfulness meditation might be helpful. As we landed, he asked me how he could find information on meditation. I smiled as I pulled out my new Mindful magazine and handed it to him.

What happened next is a beautiful illustration of how Go Within Yoga was manifested through my chakras.conceptionofanidea

As I drove home, an idea was formed in my stream of awareness, (chakra seven) and it moved down into my consciousness. The thought was a yoga studio with the name “Go Within Yoga.” This is the conception of the idea.  Next, I needed to check if it was aligned with my life purpose. Discovering the domain www.gowithinyoga.com was available was proof it was congruent with my intentions.

This led me to give substance to that intention using my imagination (chakra six) to visualize what the studio would look like when finished.

Then I stepped it down to the realm of communication (chakra five) when I told Fr. Bill and a few close friends about the idea. Fr. Bill told me to “go for it” and my friends offered their encouragement with their feedback. This step led me to the realm of relationships (chakra four), where I connected with others to work with; the people who installed my floor, mirrors, and blinds, those who would become clients and potential clients.

Using my will (chakra three), I began to move toward my goal. I have specific deadlines for the painting and various installations, as well as what I need to furnish and decorate the reception area of the studio. I take action and when obstacles appear, I overcome them.

Now, results can be seen, which drives my enthusiasm (chakra two). I know what items I want, ask for them, and attract what I need. They appear in front of me whenever I’m out. It fills me with enough excitement to keep my momentum going. My dream is coming into reality.

After I complete all the steps necessary (chakra one), my vision has now manifested into physical form.  I have created a new business that is in alignment with my life’s purpose and serves others. Go Within Yoga In essences, I have given birth to Go Within Yoga through my chakras!

If you want to learn more about manifesting through the chakras, connect with me on Facebook under Events.

Some of the material included in this post came from “Creating on Purpose,” by  Anodea Judith and Lion Goodman under the “fair use” rule of copyright law.

BE THE CHANGE – LET GO OF MONEY

BE THE CHANGE – LET GO OF MONEY

by | Dec 5, 2016 | Blog

BE THE CHANGE – LET GO OF MONEY

Have you ever wondered, perhaps even sought the meaning behind your actions, thoughts, and behavior? The “why” you do the things you do, think, and believe?

The world we live in today is a stark contrast to the one from twenty, even ten years ago. For the past sixteen years, my awareness, or consciousness, began to awaken as a consequence of sobriety. For me, the process was my rebirth into a life I  so desperately longed for – a life of happiness, peace, love, grace, and truth. To continue to learn the “why” of my actions, it was necessary for me to “go within.”

The first and foremost change I made was to let go. Let go of what, you ask? changeAnything and everything. I learned in the rooms of AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) there was only one thing I needed to change; that one thing was everything!     Letting go of control, as emphasized in Step 3, “Made a decision to turn my will and care over to the God of my understanding,” was a significant contribution in facilitating that change.

Although simple in concept, it is not easy to do. Fear holds a grip sometimes as tight as a boa constrictor on its prey. However, I have determined, if you start small, you eventually can let go of old patterns programmed into you since childhood.

What are your beliefs about money? Did you grow up hearing “money doesn’t grow on trees”? Do you fear not having enough money? Fear is by far, one of the most powerful emotions impacting your reality whether you realize it or not. And many people have no clue the extent they hold on to it.

Money doesn't grow on trees illustration

Money doesn’t grow on trees illustration

When I, as they say, let go and let God, my financial situation became not only stable but abundant. I turned my will (control of my life) over to God (my HP) and completed the necessary footwork. In less than thirteen years, on top of eradicating over $50,000 in debt left from a divorce, I managed to pay off my mortgage.

“Money flows freely and abundantly to me” is a mantra, if not affirmation, suggested by Jack Canfield’s, “The Success Principles,” coach designated to me during six months of 2006. Since then, I have had a blessed life, but I did, and continue to do the footwork.

Imagine what letting go of one small thing can do for your entire life. It has a ripple effect that can lead you to a life beyond your wildest dreams. And it all begins with you and your decision, your choice, to let go of something.

What will you let go of today?

Many Blessings,                                                                                                                           Debbie

letgoandletgod1

ARCHETYPES AND CHAKRAS

ARCHETYPES AND CHAKRAS

by | Nov 22, 2016 | Blog

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Over the course of the past few years, I have been fascinated with learning about archetypes and chakras, and the power they hold when you become familiar with them. As a student of Caroline Myss, I have delved deep into their realm and, as a result, have concluded that to become fully empowered, you must know what your archetypes are and how they affect your chakras.

So, you ask, just what is an archetype? An archetype is a universal pattern of power or behavior.  They represent both the positive and negative qualities within each of us. I have written on them in a prior blog, but my focus here is to share the positive (light) and negative (shadow) archetype that corresponds to each of the seven chakras in the next seven weeks, starting with the Root Chakra.

What is a chakra? A chakra is a spinning vortex of subtle energy located along the spine from the base to the crown. They give you access to your programmed responses – responses that are automatic from programming during the first seven years of your life – so you can minimize their adverse effects and maximize the positive ones.

Each of the seven chakras has a corresponding positive archetype as well as a negative one, that not only relate to your health issues, but emotional issues, habits, attitudes, and even thoughts. It is your thoughts and attitudes more than anything else that either release or block the flow of energy through the chakras.

Imagine a building with seven floors where each one represents a chakra. Consciousness begins in the basement where you only see yourself, and it’s all about you – that’s your EGO. But as you ascend each floor, your perception expands, and you have a significantly different view from the previous floor. You become aware of a larger reality.

On the first level, the Root chakra is found at the base of your spine and is concerned with physical needs and basic human survival; it is your foundation. The underlying issues associated with the root chakra are instinct, safety, survival, grounding, family, security, boundaries and new beginnings.

You will find family wounds and tribal beliefs are stored in this area of the body. The health of this chakra is associated with your upbringing and early life. The passing of ideas or “tribal programming” from previous generations of immigrants is prevalent here.

When we lose our grounding in our physical world, we become victims and everything becomes a struggle. Feeling like a victim, you allow yourself to become vulnerable, needy, and hence ungrounded because you regard every disappointment, separation, or loss as something you cannot control or change.

Identifying the Victim

The lowest level of energy and awareness is the Victim (dysfunctional) archetype. The Victim feels defenseless of outside forces which work against it. The Victim feels that “something has happened to me” and they suffer because they think all choices have been taken from them and they have no control over their fate. They are in a helpless state, entirely dependent on others, and disconnected from their inner core of feelings. They have no sense of empowerment.

There are distinct layers of the Victim’s fear of survival; not just the physical survival, but the survival of their identity or sense of self. In many cases, people feel some wrong has been done to them, and they were taken advantage of, or they are not responsible or at fault. They have no choice in the matter, and their power has been taken away from them. Being given attention through pity or sympathy can be a source of positive feedback for Victims. It is in these situations where the Victim may begin to feel they cannot continue living this way, and that may empower them to transform.

Changing this dysfunctional archetype involves taking personal responsibility for yourself, recognizing there are choices available to you and that you deserve to live your best life. When you finally admit the truth about your life, you then own your power. The primary function of the Victim is to help you develop your self-esteem and personal power. You accomplish this when you feel your fear and move through it. And when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade, not a sour face.

Identifying the Mother

On the opposite side of the Root chakra is the Mother (functional) archetype, which is associated with nourishment, caring, and unconditional love. By identifying the Mother within you, you realize you have what it takes to provide for yourself not only physically, but emotionally as well.

When we are a Victim and permit others to take care of all our responsibilities, we shut the Mother archetype out, not allowing her to teach us the crucial aspects of self-care and self-love. It is when we look within to our inner child to provide ourselves with the necessary nurturing and love the Mother instills in us, that we can move from the state of helplessness and insecurity to the state of independence and security.

Becoming self-sufficient in all areas of your life, financially, emotionally, and physically, is the goal of creating a strong Mother archetype. When you can feel secure, loved, and cared for by yourself, you have reached this mode of being.

QUESTIONS TO ASK:  BLOCKED ROOT CHAKRA? 

root-chakra3

  1. In what areas do you not feel safe?
  2. In what areas do you feel there is not enough?
  3. In what areas do you feel you have no control or choice?
  4. Where are you missing healthy boundaries?
  5. Do you trust that life supports you?
  6. Do you trust yourself to make supportive, healthy decisions?
  7. Are you able to quickly make decisions?

 

The fair use of information above may contain material from Chakras and Their Archetypes, by Ambika Wauters, and  The Book of Chakra Healing, by Liz Simpson.

I AM

I AM

by | Sep 30, 2016 | Blog

i-am

I AM

I hear a soft tapping on the door,

The door of my soul.                                                                                                                                                                                                                   It grows louder and soon pounds.                                                                                                                                                                                           I cannot bear it any longer, and now,                                                                                                                                                                           Shuttered for countless seasons, the knob                                                                                                                                                                   Begins to rotate, ever so gently,                                                                                                                                                                                             A sliver of light                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Tiptoes through the crack.

Little by little, it awakens a foreign mystery                                                                                                                                                                   That lies asleep deep within                                                                                                                                                                                                   My physical body.                                                                                                                                                                                                                         I am in awe.

I whisper quietly to myself, yet no words come forth.                                                                                                                                                 What is this experience?                                                                                                                                                                                                             I hear the answer without a sound.                                                                                                                                                                                         I know.

Like a lost and frightened child                                                                                                                                                                                         Searching endlessly for her mother,                                                                                                                                                                                 Until once reunited with her,                                                                                                                                                                                                    I am safe.

My essence, my being, my soul,                                                                                                                                                                                     Gradually emerges, awakening to wholeness,                                                                                                                                                                        As the shadow of enlightenment retreats.                                                                                                                                                                              I am free.

Conscious of the fear, pain, and sorrow                                                                                                                                                                                 In my life’s journey are stepping stones                                                                                                                                                                                 That allow me to reach my highest potential.                                                                                                                                                                       I AM.

 

Debbie Gill

Letting Go

Letting Go

by | Aug 18, 2016 | Blog

As I was composing my thoughts for an abbreviated and tardy newsletter, I realized I had overextended myself with more than I could accomplish. As a result, I noticed pain creeping back into the nerves of my shin, a clear indicator of stress, reminding me it was necessary to let some things go. logo-caron@2xMy priority was to honor my uncle, the Rev. William J. Hultberg, for his 85th birthday. For several weeks I was taking the necessary steps to prepare a family BBQ for the celebration, which included creating a patio for my Weber grill. Fr. Bill literally saved my life, paying for my stay at the Caron Foundation, where he was the Spiritual Director and where I learned just how important the art of letting go is. He is my hero and guardian angel, and to say I am grateful for him, is an understatement.

In class, I often remind my students to let go if they are in a particularly challenging pose. Letting go does not mean to disengage your muscles, but rather the struggle in your mind. letting go of thoughtLetting go of the thoughts or judgment of what the pose should look like, and placing the attention on the breath and what the pose feels like to them. Letting go of the external world is indeed difficult when your entire life is programmed around it. Going within, however, is where ultimate freedom takes place, allowing yourself to “be“ in the external world without fear or judgment. You begin to open slowly, just as the rose gently unfolds one petal at a time, allowing yourself to “just be”.

Many times, while in the middle of a class, when a student is struggling, the Divine downloads an image to use as an b is for boaanalogy, and to assist with the understanding. The image for letting go that was placed in my mind’s eye, was that of a boa constrictor. A boa, once it takes hold of you, will squeeze the life out of you, holding on until you die. If it lets go and releases you, you thrive. The same is true for life itself. Holding onto anything, whether it be thoughts, people, or beliefs, will only suffocate your life, stifling it. True freedom arises when you let go.

Letting go is not easy, but it is simple. Begin by letting go of something minor or trivial, such as a household item or an article of clothing. Just tell the item it has served you well in the past, but now it is time for someone else to receive the joy it provides. You may even hum the tune, “Please release me, let me go….” as you lovingly pack it away.

Let go and let God!

let go and let god