May 21st, 2013

“H e a l i n g” …..musingS for this month of May 2013.

Sometimes a situation cannot heal until you release the challenge completely – allowing healing light to enter it.  

To realize a healing, you must first stop focusing on “what is wrong” and instead affirm: “Everything is in Divine and perfect order right now”.

Hold thoughts of love around any situation that needs healing.  Visualize the situation as HEALED NOW.  Give thanks to the Divine (God) for this healing and completely release it.  

 

Practice this method of healing in your quiet moments of meditation and see what profound impact it holds for yourself and others.  Namaste everyone!!

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May 18th, 2013

Your AUTHENTIC Self

Perhaps one of the most undervalued privileges of the human experience is self-knowledge.  Beyond describing what it is that we do for a living, our preference of music genre, or our favourite ice-cream flavour, how well do we really know our self?  Much of our adolescence is spent contemplating who we would like to be (or self-loathing who we think we are) in comparison to peer groups and current media influences.   As we enter adulthood and strive to be autonomous, self-knowledge is somehow less important than the perception others have of us.  We decide on a vocation, a life partner and all of the other tangible items (e.g. job status, accumulation of material goods, even our decision to have children) that fulfill society’s requirement for living a meaningful existence – all without placing value on knowing our self.

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Knowing your self comes from journeying within.  At the core of self-knowledge is honesty and authenticity.  You need to be willing to see yourself accurately, and yet with acceptance rather than judgment.  Sometimes this is best achieved when a loved one can act as a mirror, reflecting back to you what they observe.  More often, it is your commitment and perseverance to self-awareness that elicits insight, knowledge, and understanding.  Out of the honest observation of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, it becomes intolerable to ignore the truth.  Self-knowledge promotes positive action.

 

Out of self-knowledge you are forced to examine your vulnerabilities and imperfections.  Through self-awareness and self-responsibility, you see the various events of your life as challenges to grow – and to become more.  Through this process of growth, you evolve.  Self-actualization (the motive to realize one’s full potential) in experienced as the result of the relentless pursuit of conscious awareness and personal growth.*

 

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While clients may initially seek therapy for help and guidance with a specific problem or situation, the inescapable benefit of the therapeutic process is the opportunity for self-honesty and clarity.  The net result is an understanding and authenticity that comes from being truthful.  You may not always like what you see, but your commitment to self-honesty is what facilities positive change.

 

 

 

 

 

Some suggestions for attaining greater self-knowledge and truth:

 

Create a ‘Who Am I’ List

Use a journal to record an exhaustive list of qualities that best describe who you are.  Without screening or judging your thoughts, note all of your traits, core competencies, positive attributes as well as what aspects of yourself you would like to change.  The process of creating such a comprehensive list requires you to identify yourself-concept (how you see yourself).  The qualities that you wish to change provide you with a place for personal growth.

 

Practice Conscious Awareness

Self-knowledge and understanding cannot exist without conscious awareness.  Practice present moment awareness for bringing your attention to your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours – particularly at times when you are not your ‘best’ self.  With conscious awareness, you continue to learn about yourself.  Out of self-knowledge you choose how you want to be, rather than simply doing what you have always done.  Being self-aware reflects empowerment and provides you with the insightful information that you alone can be responsible for.

 

‘Live in your Truth’

With self-honesty, it is possible to develop a healthy (empowered) sense of self.  Out of honesty comes the ability to grow self-esteem.  Healthy self-esteem requires that you value yourself and your happiness.  You feel confident in your ability to express yourself with honesty and authenticity.  To live in your truth means that you honour what is best and right for you and you live according to that.

 

If we consider that self-discovery and self-knowledge exists on a continuum, then we accept that the possibility for learning about who we are is endless.  Self-awareness transcends age, educational level, and intelligence.  In fact, the more self-aware and reflective we are, the more incredible we become as a human being.

 

Namaste everyone!

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*Expressing one’s creativity, quest for spiritual enlightenment, pursuit of knowledge, and the desire to give to society are some other examples of self-actualization.

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May 15th, 2013

90 DAYS….

The idea of 90 days comes from a recent conversation with a client.  His partner’s father went for medical tests after he exhibited some problems with his cognitive functioning.  The tests revealed a diagnosis of cancer and a life expectancy of  90 days.

 

How would you live each day – each hour – each minute ….if you knew you had 90 days left to live?

 

I quietly cringe when I hear people use the phrase: “I had time to kill…..”

Likely they don’t deliberate on what meaning their words have.  I never want to “kill away” any time of precious life; one can never get that time back in moments when we wish we had more; and we can certainly never go back to re-live something.

I wonder how different we might approach our life if we lived with the hopeful anticipation of living forever, yet with the inner awareness and deliberate action of knowing that it can also be as little as 90 days….or less.

Would all of the needless thoughts still take up so much space in our mind?  Would we say: “I’m sorry” sooner?  Would we begin that project now?  Would we drop everything and find a beach to walk on?

The point isn’t to try and fit in all that you can if you only had 90 days to live.  It’s to consider how you would best spend the time you have, living life.  Practice living the greatest life you can for the next 90 days.  See where your dreams and deepest desires take you.  Consider that quiet introspection and reflection is just as important (perhaps more so), as taking action.

 

If you had 90 days to live, could you do so with inner peace, calm, and purpose?

Why not make your personal 90 day list.  What are the most important things to you? How could you experience them NOW?  Challenge yourself with making the next 90 days incredible beginning TODAY… What will you do?

Namaste everyone!

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April 17th, 2013

RETREATING Within

April has begun with a gentle quietness.  There are signs indicating a ‘break’ in the weather and the coming ‘thaw’ of Spring.  Yet even with the promise of warmer temperatures and the anticipation of nature’s gentle ‘rebirth’, there are also gentle reminders (like the small snow pellets falling last week and the intermittent cold days!) of the need for patience; to prepare, contemplate, and plan.  One does not walk into a new or next phase of life without having some things remaining to completefinish, or perhaps release

 

Now is the perfect time to introspect and to deepen one’s resolve toward what we desire most.  Working toward our goals and ambitions means we can enjoy the fruits of our labour – much like the enchanted gardener who, even while she carefully plants spring bulbs in the late fall …. hoping, trusting, and believing in her efforts in the months to come; continues to prepare the soil in early spring; planting more. 

 

While we may be in anticipation of the coming warmer months, there is perfection in using this time thoughtfully, considering what gentle preparation and ‘inner’ work is needed in order to experience our self in bloom in the months to come.

 

One way you can easily do this is to commit to quiet time in self-reflection and meditation.  Let yourself be guided by your true desires; all you need to do is decide on the ensuing action steps that will move you toward what you most want.

 

I also know how helpful it is to have a sacred Meditation practice; a personal and intimate time that you dedicate in quiet silence – allowing the inner voice of your soul to be heard.  Whether you have such a beautiful gift already in place in your life, or you would like to begin one…. this Mediation ‘retreat’ is a perfect experience both for how you contemplate being LOVE in the world, but also how you develop the ability to open yourself to the experience of Meditation in your life.  Namaste!!

 

Being Love

A Meditation Retreat with Dorothy Ratusny

This Retreat is ideal for anyone who has ever wanted to experience Meditation, deepen an existing practice, and for those who have been “in love”, grieved love, or who may be looking for a new love relationship.

Being Love is both a deliberate action and a state of mind – a conscious decision to act and live in ways that model love in the world and in your life.  We have evolved as humans to a place of conscious transformation where living “as love” is no longer a lofty ideal but a certainty we can all work toward.  Acts of our love already show us the power of being love. If we ever needed a reminder all we have to do is remember how our loving words and actions touch the hearts and minds of others so deeply.”                 - Dorothy Ratusny

Retreat Highlights:

* Experience how to heal the past with meditation, love, and compassion.

* Discover the inner peace that comes with unconditional self-love and acceptance; and the freedom of feeling LOVE from within rather than seeking others to love us.

* Experience the freedom of healthy detachment and the ability to ‘let go with love’.

* Learn how to send loving energy in a way that improves and heals relationships, and opens the hearts of those you care about so deeply.

* Experience through meditation how you can live with your heart open and as a being of love without being hurt; and how your open heart helps you to enjoy the richness and natural “bliss” of life.

* Discover how to access the Divine wisdom of your heart chakra for knowing TRUTH.

* Learn an essential breathing technique for reconnecting with the loving energy of your Divine nature.

Please join us!

Venue: Metropolitan United Church56 Queen St. East., TORONTO, Ont. 

Workshop Fee: $95 (includes hst)

SATURDAY, APRIL 20th Noon-5:00pm

Please Register with: Dorothy Ratusny  t: 647.889.8722e: dorothy@dorothyratusny.com

Dorothy Ratusny is a Certified Psychotherapist in private practice in Toronto, Canada who specializes in Cognitive Therapy. She is the Author of ‘The Purpose of Love’ (Insomniac Press, 2007), ‘Live Your Life’s Purpose’ (Insomniac Press, 2008), ‘WISDOM: Divine Guidance for your Spiritual Journey’ (2013), and her NEW Meditation CD, ‘Being Love’ (2013).  She maintains a longstanding devout daily meditation practice and teaches meditation extensively.  For more information please visit: www.dorothyratusny.com

 

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March 7th, 2013

Experiencing the After Life

 

What does it mean to have eternal life?  How are we immortal?

If you choose to honour life in its infinite perfection, and for the many experiences – all of which give us incredible opportunity for knowledge, growth, healing, joy (and fun), etc. – then the experience of death is yet another experience of life.

Experiencing death through the expression of life means that we see death as the ending point of ‘this’ life experience, but certainly not the end.  The majority of organized religions believe in the immortality of the soul; and of another life that follows when the embodied soul leaves our physical being.

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The soul as a densely inspired grouping of matter (energy) is what returns to Source.  In it’s divine state, our soul looks to reclaim all of its earthly ‘physical’ experiences, to acknowledge its sojourn as pureness and infinite love.  The hopeful ideal is that the soul’s earthly time in physical form has served to heal and release past karma from previous lives spent as a physical being and to become acknowledged and integrated by the “self”.  Remember the soul is both within us and a part of the universal soul (universal consciousness) and is infinite love.  Our free will determines whether we allow the soul to shine outwardly from within us - its presence to be felt and integrated wholly as the energy of love – or not.  (Free will whether experienced as conscious or unconscious choices exist in humans and in animals; and is always challenged by impulse, instinct, habit – and specifically in humans as ego, and the busy ‘thought’ distractions of the mind).

 

Does the soul consciousness know when it is “time” to leave the physical body?  Can the soul experience a sense of ‘completion’ of its “work” or “objectives” in the physical world and is this related to why some people claim they feel peacefully “ready” for death in the final stages of life?

The physical body does what it is designed to do; live (thrive in fact) until it can no longer (either by our free will choice to die and with that, a refusal to care for our physical body until its uncertain demise, or in some cases, our continued mistreatment of our physical ‘home’, and the unnecessary ‘suffering’ and eventually failure of our physical condition).

If you believe in the theory that we are all energy… that “our” soul energy never ‘dies’ with our physical body but returns to ‘Source’, then all of us are never really dying.  While our physical body does have an ultimate ending point; the soul is eternal.  Remember that the soul (as energy) will at some later time, be embodied in another physical being. Those of us who have the ability to know we are about to ‘leave’ this world have the luxury of making some final plans, of perhaps ‘making peace’ with others, or simply preparing to go.

The soul doesn’t experience physical death – only the moments just prior to death. At ‘death’ the soul consciousness if it is prepared to leave, simply moves from the physical (body) form back into the world of energy.

In the case of animal souls, it has been said that their ‘shorter’ life span has very much to do with the fact that they have completed what experiences or ‘purpose’ they set out in search of.  An animal (and most certainly a domesticated pet) is infinitely loving – something that we as humans spend a great deal of our life failing to master.

 

Do our animal pets contemplate the ending of their life?  Do they have thoughts of “wishing” they were “healthy” or “wishing to die?”  Perhaps we will never have a provable answer to these questions, although it is likely that an animal is more often than not – simply living each moment in the present – and in the best way that they can.

Animals in general… and certainly the animals I have chosen to raise, love, and care for… have always gifted me with lessons of hope, bravery, strength, and unconditional love.  They remind me of the beauty in the simplest of actions, and the perfection in being present in each moment, living intentionally, and of course loving purely and intensely.

 

If we remain observant, animals remind us of our innate nature as: peaceful, curious, vulnerable, playful and loving.  They show us the pure joy in being their innate perfection: watching, running, jumping, chasing what moves, and thriving on being alive.  Sadly it is our ‘human nature’ that creates the complexities, confusion, and angst we live with, robbing us of our pure infinite potential.  Our four legged loved ones also teach us about the simple actions of life and death and of simply moving to another place as ‘energy’.  While most of us fear death, or at the least feel unsettled about it; animals teach us how to live in the physical world until at some point they no longer do so.  They don’t contemplate the ‘ending’ of their life in the same way we do; nor do they (likely) deliberate on it.

 

Animals are instinctive by nature.  They accept whatever is and do their ‘best’ in that moment.  They do not understand labels such as ‘terminal illness’ so they continue living in whatever way possible (and as best as they can) until they can no longer do so.  In many terminal conditions such as cancer, the body slowly deteriorates and the animal’s physical abilities decline until they are just a physical ‘shell’.  The soul remains until the moment of physical death but the animal (and how it was known to be) certainly appears to be ‘gone’.

 

 

It remains to be seen whether all of the ways we attempt to hold off death are really humane after all.

If you knew that you were going to a better place; (if you were shown pictures, or able to watch a movie depicting what your experience would be), would it make it easier to pass, leaving behind this life?  If you were able to remain present and to live each moment, then you likely would not spend much time contemplating what was coming.  Your attention would remain on how you were living right now.

 

Perhaps the most significant thing death teaches us is how to live…how to free ourselves of the unneeded worry and suffering and instead – thrive, enjoy, honour the life we have been given.  Remember all of our experiences are experiences the soul yearns for.

 

Namaste!

www.dorothyratusny.com

 

An added afterthought and update:

This is what we want to hold onto; we want to enjoy the privilege of having the physical moments of: holding, hugging, touching, kissing, and feeling the kinesthetic luxury of being spirit embodied.  We absolutely want to hold onto this physical life and all of its gracious pleasures for as long as we can – even if the quality of our life has changed or deteriorated.

We can also influence a soul’s decision to leave by not wanting the physical being to go.  The idea of ‘giving permission’ for the animal or human to die is a way of energetically detaching – of gently releasing the soul from the physical body – particularly in cases where the soul energy is ‘hanging on’ for the sake of others.

 

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February 3rd, 2013

February 2013: Surrender and Release…

The message of February’s ‘SURRENDER AND RELEASE’ reminds us of the power in “letting go”, of shedding the parts of our self (and our life) that are no longer working, nor contributing to the good of our Highest Self.   When you surrender it means you can stop forcing something that may not be divine timing or ‘right’ for you; instead looking at what is available, what is in front of you, what is more aligned with your ‘truth’.

 

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When you ‘let go’, ASK for help and Divine Guidance from your Highest Self.

Then trust that everything you surrender and release to will either be replaced by something BETTER or become HEALED.

These become powerful lessons in “faith” and “trust”; important for all of us on a spiritual path.

This month’s message comes at a perfect time when we need to consider everything that is not working in our life and make a conscious decision about what to do with it.  Holding onto (whether physically or metaphorically) the things that aren’t contributing to our quality of life, that feel like a burden or ‘difficult’, or that cause us stress and unhappiness – are the precise ‘things’ what we need to surrender to.

 

This doesn’t mean we have permission to give up on a relationship, or stop working on our goals; rather surrendering is about pausing, observing, and ASKING to be ‘shown’ the gift or blessing in what we are struggling with in order to learn something important.  What we learn always helps us! 

 

Be willing to surrender your fears; visualizing them being carried away –  and replaced with what you need instead.  (Consider what you need in any situation.  e.g. courage, confidence, patience, etc).

When you think of issues you want resolved you can ask your Highest Self to give you a “higher” or “healed” version of the issue.  

You can also ‘release’ the issue to your Highest Self and ask that it be taken care of for you.  Sit quietly, relax, and close your eyes.  Surround the issue or situation in light and release it.  For the next 5-10 minutes, see yourself receiving answers and ‘right’ guidance.  

 

Feel yourself being supported by the divine Wisdom of your Highest Self. 

Namaste everyone!

 

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January 29th, 2013

January 2013: FIND the BLESSINGS in everything……

How do you embrace January?  What events and life circumstances have been presented that you need to examine; to experience; to go within and contemplate… and to feel BLESSED by?

 

What situations have you been ‘challenged’ by this month?  It’s not too late to reflect on the notion of BLESSINGS and the idea of looking for the hidden BLESSINGS in each life event.  Can you see the BLESSINGS of what is? of what will be?

 

If we can wait ever so patiently for what we contemplate, to provide meaning for us… for life’s answers to reveal themselves with perfect presence, giving us the tools and information that we truly need, then we will always see the perfection in everything.

How do you find the BLESSINGS in what you judge to be ‘sad’, ‘unjust’, or ‘deeply painful’?
This month in particular, we are reminded we have extra blessings around. Perhaps, you too have recently experienced some challenges, or maybe you are currently asking for extra help. Either way, trust that you are surrounded now with more Divine LOVE than ever.

 

This month’s message of BLESSINGS is to hopefully remind you that you are not alone. It is only our fear that makes us forget (and ignore) the presence of divine support that exists for us. Ask that your fears and (perceived) challenges be lifted away …and then …let them go.

Feel truly BLESSED and very loved; knowing that you are.

Namaste everyone!

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December 31st, 2012

December 31st: BLESSINGS

Blessings are DIVINE GIFTS. They are what remind us of the remarkable way we exist in the world and for one another.

What are some of the blessings of divine spirit that you have been ‘gifted’ with this past year? What blessings might you take for granted that you could acknowledge now with gratitude?

When we easily recognize life’s blessings… appreciating the simplest gifts of the universe that we might otherwise overlook, we open ourselves to receiving more. As the nature of the Universal Law of Attraction suggests, “that which you give attention to increases”. The more you look to the many blessings of life which you already receive and hold, the more that will continue to come to you.

On the eve of a brand new year, it is perhaps most fitting to reflect (even record) what have been some of your most profound blessings. (Profound blessings are not simply grand gifts in size or monetary value; rather they are blessings of life which have significance; or a profound meaning attached to them). Often it is in the simplest of things: sharing of laughter between loved ones, knowing glances of unconditional love felt between two people, feeling lightness coursing through your body as you feel the joy that comes from your unsolicited gift of kindness to someone. These daily blessings are what fill us with much love, joy, and inspiration.

Begin to record the daily blessings you receive and notice with gratitude how perfect and special each one is. Honour life by appreciating all of what you are given, what you receive, and what you already have.

Blessings to you for a very special and magical NEW year of LIFE, and may you always receive all of the very BEST! Namaste!

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December 30th, 2012

December 30th: COURAGE

Courage is important as life continues to move you – inspire you – call you to infinite grace and subtle change.

For what we may feel hopeful for, what we look forward to, what dreams and aspirations we imagine… let today be a day of inner strength and courage.

Be courageous in your choices (yesterday’s blessing word) – for today, for tomorrow, and for what follows. Let your willingness for change – for promise of the future – and for all of the rest of your life be what exists through courage.

Hold true to the courage of your heart, to the freedom of your soul as inspiration – kindness – and joy. Use courage not only to plan the days and months of this coming new year but allow the courage of your heart to drive you forward to all of the wonderful blessings of life awaiting you.

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December 29th, 2012

December 29th: CHOICE

Choosing requires that we have made a decision; that we have carefully considered; arriving at what can be a confident certainty about something of value to us.

Choice what moves us toward action. Choice can hold us accountable to live authentically and with consciousness. Our choice dictates what action and with it, the ability to live as we have decided.

The ending of a calendar year symbolizes many opportunities for choice…. for choosing the moments of our life and for living according to our choices. Some of the hardest decisions come out of the choice to follow in a particular path. The freedom to choose comes with the responsibility of action. Choice without action, follow-through, discipline, – is simply an idea – a daydream that flutters in our waking moments but without what is needed to realize our choice.

Choice is all we have. In any situation, you are given the freedom to choose. You may have limited choices but you always have choice. The greatest gift you could remember as you move toward the beginning of this new year is the idea that choosing provides you with freedom, possibility, hope – and the belief that there is more to your life that you are in charge of than you might have otherwise imagined.

You don’t have to wait until the new year begins to start living your choices. First, choose to honour yourself with the gift of time; to be alone to contemplate, consider, and then decide on some of the areas of your life that are not ideal. Choose the ‘right’ action, the ‘right’ change, the ‘right’ movement for yourself instead; together with the plan of action that will bring you toward ‘ideal’. Choose how you will begin positive change; self-improvement, and feel the freedom that comes with living on purpose.

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December 28th, 2012

December 28th: PROMISE

Promise is more than a commitment you hold. It is a way of living life. You hold promise when you choose to see the world with open arms….as though everything ‘holds’ promise, new opportunity – hope – and joy.

Promise is what you profess when you move yourself to action; often the change of what is to come – directed, driven by your true intentions, and with the desired need for more.

Promise is what we give one another as we hold respect for their lives close to our hearts….when we choose to stand by them – living in the perfect nature of who they are.

Promise yourself of something that you will hold to – commit to – that you believe in.

Promise yourself of the proactive change you seek and then hold to that promise so you achieve your goals…as you look ahead at all that you may be hopeful for in 2013.

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December 27th, 2012

December 27th: DECISIONS

Today’s blessing is about making the decisions that will set in motion countless possibilities. Honour the freedom of the choice that comes with deciding what you want most.

Sometimes we forget that we have been given the gift of ‘free will’. When you make decisions on the course of your life, you set in motion the experiences and circumstances of those decisions.

As you contemplate the ending of another year and deciding all that you look forward to in the next one…consider what decisions will bring you closer to your goals, ideals, and the blessings of tomorrow.

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December 26th, 2012

December 26th: RELAX

After all of the many days of December in which you may have been preoccupied with planning and preparation; of enjoying the company of others; and the gentle distractions of adding joy to the lives of others; let today be a day of recovery, relaxation, enjoyment, and perhaps even quiet should it be what feels right and perfect for you.

Relaxation reminds us of the gentle parts of life that are both important and needed in order for us to truly feel deserving of life’s greatest gifts. In honour of life’s perfect moments and the many blessings of this month, honour yourself today with a promise of relaxation and the gentle contemplation of what “new” and “special” blessings you will bring into your life in the upcoming year.

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December 25th, 2012

December 25th: MIRACLES

Expect miracles….. today and every day.

Let your imagination dream infinite possibilities beginning with something you truly want! Imagine so perfectly what your inner ideal revealed outwardly would feel like – be like – in such deliberate and perfect ways.

A miracle is hope expressed openly for something wonderful; grand; magical; and perfect. Often we overlook the small miracles that we receive daily. We discount the possibility of bringing something larger – more incredible into our life because we do not hold belief.

Ask the universe for a miracle. Begin with a small miracle – something that you would deeply like and that is easily possible. Ask for it to come to you now and move toward it; make the space for it; make its arrival possible by expecting it is coming and seeking ways to make it happen.

Then do the same for the big ones! Merry Christmas everyone!

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December 24th, 2012

December 24th: PEACE

Peace is the inner calm that you already are at your core. It is the perfection of your inner being shared outwardly.

We feel ‘peace-full’ whenever we take those few deep breaths, sitting still before moving into action. Being in stillness allows our mind to calm, and gives us a moment to feel the inner peace alive within us.

Peace is our natural tendency. It is not something we must try and do. We simply are peaceful.

Acknowledge the ways you seek peace in your life. Do you smile and offer kindness; reply with, “I’m sorry” even if you believe you are not wrong? Do you ever make an effort to help calm someone with peacefulness when they are out of sorts? Have you ever made a peaceful gesture when someone has wronged you?

There are many ways you can practice living peace in everyday life. Choose to make peace your priority today and consider how this gesture moves you to right actions with family and loved ones.

Celebrate the world in peace. Celebrate peace in your life. Namaste!

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