Grief and the New Normal

We individually and collectively are now experiencing a "new normal". Adjusting to this new normal has many phases of consciousness, similar to those of the grieving process, beginning with shock/denial and moving onto to fear/anger, bargaining, depression, and finally acceptance. And, just as in the grieving process, those steps are not linear and you may find yourself moving forward and backward from each step. In a sense we all are grieving and mourning a loss-a loss of our old life, whether it was what we really wanted or not. Moreover, this new normal which involves isolating ourselves can bring up buried trauma from your past. Today, allow yourself to experience whatever comes to you and to feel all your feelings. You and I are collectively awakening and it is important that we stay awake, process our feelings and know that we will emerge from this challenging time healed and ready to begin anew, in our new normal.

Just for today, I will feel my grief but will not wallow in it. I will feel all my feelings, not just the ones I like. When I allow myself to grieve, I am allowing myself to heal. All things are unfolding as they are supposed to. I allow love to guide my Life. I am divinely guided, protected and loved. I love life and Life loves me. I am healed and so it is.

Let go...

"Sometimes when things are falling apart they may actually be falling into place.” Nothing in life is permanent. Everything is changing all of the time. And the more you resist, the more you cling, the more you struggle against reality, the more you are going to suffer. Today, it is time for us to let go of our old beliefs that we are in control of everything in our lives. The reality is, most of what happens in life is out of your control. And in attempting to change, force, or manipulate your circumstances to meet your ideals, you are setting yourself up for a lifetime of disappointment, aggravation and finally despair. Today, since you have the time set your intentions to learn how to relax with the uncertainty of life, how to surrender to the natural flow of life, and how to release what no longer serves you, so you can make way for what will serve you. Today, consciously let go of the old blueprint you had for your life, the expectations that you set for yourself, and the idea that the past could or should have been different. Today, be willing and be open to change. Allow things to fall away and trust that things will unfold as they are supposed to, even if you did not control how and when they happened. Today, let go of what was so you can allow was is to happen.

Just for today, I am willing to let go. I release all negative thoughts about the past and all worries of the future. I practice forgiveness daily so I can move out of the past and into this present moment. I let go of all expectations, knowing that Life will always take care of me. I let go of everything that is not love. I am safe and out of this situation only good will come. And so it is.

"Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional."

“Pain is inevitable; suffering is optional.” Most of us have heard that quote and wonder what it really means since the two emotions seem inextricably linked together-that one was the inevitable consequence of the other. Today, begin to recognize that while pain can’t be avoided, there are ways you can reduce your self-generated suffering. Today, you can begin to suffer less by embracing the changes you and I are being forced to make. What might seem horrible today may in the long run turn out to be just what you and I need to take us to the next step of our lives. If you can learn to lean into change rather than resist it, you just might find the possibilities inherent in your challenging situation. Today, recognize that suffering is something that you and I create to hold onto the pain, to remain attached to the ways we thought our lives should be and to fight the truth of impermanence of this Life. Today, you can stop suffering even if nothing in your life looks like it did before; even in the face of profound loss. Today remember that while suffering is always self-generated, happiness is also self-generated. Today, allow yourself to feel all your feelings, including sadness and pain but also allow yourself to generate some happiness too. You always have the choice, today choose some happiness.

Just for today, I willingly release the need to suffer or struggle. I deserve all that is good in life. I know if I dwell on what I do not want. That is exactly what I will get more of. I let go with ease of all the people, places, things and beliefs that no longer serve any purpose in my life. I am safe and out of this situation only good will come. And so it is.

Stay present

Knowing the importance of living in the moment is one thing, actually doing it is another story, especially during these challenging times. Today, consciously stay in the present moment. Begin by recognizing that your thoughts aren't always reality. Consciously stop yourself from creating what-ifs and imagined scenarios. Although all your imagined scenarios may seem real, you must consciously recognize that they are not in the present moment and may never become real. Consciously staying in the present will help you to recognize the difference between what-ifs and what is. Next, breath! Instead of instantly reacting, today consciously stop and take three deep breaths. No matter what the situation, there is always time for a deep breath, for a pause that will bring you back to the moment.Finally, stop comparing then with now. To make the most of the moment, you must accept what is and stop comparing it to what was. Today focus on the happy moments that certainly still exist in our new normal. Today, know that if you worry about what might be, and wonder what might have been, you will ignore what is and that is in truth the only thing that is real. Today, stay present it is where you will find peace and your truth.

Just for today, I recognize that my point of power is always in the present moment. I am a powerful person because I live in the present moment. I release the past and turn my total attention to this present moment. I surrender to what is, I let go of what was and I have faith in what will be. I am safe. It is only profound change and everything is always working out for my highest good. And so it is.

Stop complaining!!

We all complain! Sometimes we complain without even realizing it, but rarely is it helpful. And, sometimes, it is much easier to complain about a situation than it is to fix the problem, like quitting a job, having a talk with someone or moving out of a bad situation. Today, set your intentions to stop complaining about everything since most of us are encountering more challenges than usual. Today try to see things from a different perspective and challenge yourself to stop complaining, it is possible! Today, consciously listen to yourself and then consciously stop yourself. Then re-focus your mind on all the things that you have to be grateful for. Second, stop being so judgemental of everything and everyone, including yourself. We often complain about others because we think they are not living up to our standards. Once you stop judging people without knowing their stories, you will most likely complain less about the things people do. And, lastly start accepting responsibility for your own happiness. If something is bothering you, either fix it or accept it. If nothing can be done about the situation right now, why complain? Complaining is a passive activity. Today, recognize that complaining does nothing but add more negativity to what is probably a negative situation to begin with. Complaining changes nothing so you would be best served to simply accept it and give your mind something else to focus on. Today, instead of complaining choose happiness; choose to focus on the positive, and choose to be kind always! It is always your choice and no one else’s-today choose to not complain.

Just for today, I let go of the need to complain about anyone or anything. I no longer choose to judge or criticize anyone, including myself. We are all doing the best we can with the knowledge, understanding and awareness that we have right now. As I release all judgement, judgmental people leave my life. I accept everyone as they are including myself. I have the strength to remain calm in the face of change. I am safe and in truth, all is truly well in my world. And so it is.

Patience

It has been said that patience is a virtue. However, it is something that many of us struggle to cultivate and maintain. In fact, patience is hard and it takes practice. And, having patience is really about having the inner strength to stick to your guns, face your fears, repeatedly let go of your expectations, and to trust that it will all work out in the end. And, patience is exactly what we all need right now. Today recognize that it is only with patience will you and I will emerge from our struggles and challenges wiser, stronger and more aligned with our true purpose. Today, consciously stop yourself from putting a time frame to your healing and everything else that is happening in your life. Allow yourself to be still, and remember that if you’re aligned with who you really are, all the pieces of the puzzle will fall into place at the right time. Today, spend some time in silence, and listen to the voice of your intuition, which is the voice of your true self. Sometimes you won’t be able to hear that voice, so be patient. Trust that you will receive the answers you seek in time. Trust and have patience that everything is always working out for your highest good, at the right time, in the right way-no matter what your mind had mind!

Just for today, I recognize that patience is being at peace with the process of life. I am patient, tolerant and diplomatic. I will not allow noise, chatter or setbacks to distract me. I will allow patience, commitment, purpose and grace to guide me. I am safe and I am certain that everything is always working out for my highest good. And so it is.

New Moon in Aries

Today we have a New Moon in Aries, marking the true beginning of the new zodiac year. Aries is a sign that brings new life, courage and physical vitality-all things that we are in need of right now. It is also the sign most associated with self-and we all have aspects of ourselves that truly need to be healed, right now. And, on this New Aries moon, you can also begin to deepen your connection with Spirit and use it as a tool to connect with who you are and what you can do to feel more at home within yourself. Sometimes one of the most powerful intentions you can set is to surrender to the Divine, Source, the Universe, or whatever you choose to call it, and just allow it to show you the way to the perfect new beginnings for your soul. Today, know that you cannot do this alone and that help is always available to you, when you are willing. Today, tune into your intentions for healing for yourself and for the world. Then send those intentions far and wide. The world's healing truly begins with you, being healed. Begin today.

Just for today, I recognize that healing means to make whole and to accept all parts of myself, not just the ones I like, but all of me. Healing happens when I get out of my mind and allow the intelligence of my body and the Universe to do its healing work naturally. I trust the power that created me to protect me, guide me and to love me at all times and under all circumstances. I am safe and I love myself enough to take excellent care of myself. Everything is working out for my highest good and out of this situation only good will come. And so it is.

We are ONE

We are all recognizing right now,perhaps for the first time in all of our lives, exactly how connected we truly are. Every single person in this world is on some level being affected by Covid-19. It doesn't matter what country you are from, your gender, or how much money you have - we all are experiencing this phenomenon together. We are all the same in the face of the virus. And, from this awakened state in which we understand that in truth we are all the same that we are beginning to look out for one another - doing what needs to be done to help each other. The entire world is in this together. Today, recognize that in truth we are all connected, despite how polarized our world has become. The same pain, joy, love, and wisdom that runs through you, runs through everyone you come in contact with. We are all experiencing the same fear and uncertainty and the only way we will win this fight is together. Today, begin to see we are far more alike than we knew before, we are in fact one.

Just for today, I recognize that I am connected to all life. Every person, place or thing is connected by love. I am at home in the Universe. I know that peace begins with me. The more peaceful I am inside, the more peace I have to share with others. I am safe and everything is working out for my highest good. And so it is.

All that you seek is already within you

Everyone that crosses your path is a mirror and every experience is presented to you to teach you something about how you are keeping yourself limited and blocking love from entering your life. And, from all of those people and experiences you are intended to learn that in truth everything you want is already within yourself- rather than from something or someone outside yourself. It’s about waking up and somehow staying awake no matter how challenged you feel. Today, awaken to the truth that things do not happen to you but rather for you-for you to learn, to grow and to change. Today, begin to see all of your experiences as opportunities to break down the fear that keeps you from fully giving and receiving your own love and love from other people. If you can live life consciously and authentically—understanding that things do not happen to you, but rather for you—you can use everything that comes in to your life as experience to your benefit. Today, use your life experiences to break down the barriers within you that are stopping you from returning to love and keeping you stuck in fear. Today, know that your external world is only a reflection of your inside world and when you change the inside your outer world will change too. Today, set your intentions to be open to change and to begin to look within to find everything that you've been seeking from your outside world.

Just for today, I recognize that all that I seek is already within me. I do not fix my problems. I fix my thinking and my problems fix themselves. Every person, place or thing is a mirror of who and what I am. I attract only positive loving relationships and experiences into my life for they are a reflection of who and what I am. I am safe. I am divinely guided, protected and loved. Everything is working out for my highest good and out of this situation only good will come. And so it is.

Faith is the antidote for fear

Fear is all around us and it is our job to learn to substitute faith for fear if we are going to heal. You may have heard that you need to take a leap of faith in order to develop faith. But, in reality, there is no need to leap anywhere. Faith in truth doesn't require logic, intellect or reasoning. In fact, faith can be what we carry with us in each step we take of our daily lives, as the rule and not the exception. So there really is no need to take any "leap" in order to have faith, faith in the Universe. It is only with faith that you can accomplish your dreams; it is with faith that you can build visions of new beginnings, filled with possibilities; it is with faith that your creativity grows; and it is with faith that you can take hold of the energy you need to get you through all the changes we are all facing right now; and it is with faith that you will be able to create an entire new way of being. Today, begin to allow yourself to trust in the Universe, to trust in a power greater than yourself! Today allow yourself to let go of the need to control every aspect of your life. Today, simply accept the wonderful things you already have and then adjust our expectations, while trusting that everything you need either is already within you, available to you now and in your future. Today, trust and have faith that everything is always working out for your and my highest good.

Just for today, I am willing to release my fears. I now live and move in a safe and secure world. I free myself from all destructive fears and doubts. I surrender to what is. I let go of what was and I have faith in what will be. Everything is working out for my highest good. And so it is.

Happy Spring!

Happy Spring! Yesterday, marked the exact halfway point of this year and officially ushered in Spring. And, although you may have been distracted by the uncertainty of our times, this is truly a time to find balance in our lives, for new growth, rejuvenation and renewal. Today, re-focus your attention and allow the energy of the March Equinox, to help you create balance within yourself. You and I are being called to find our center, and to restore equilibrium to our mind, body, and soul. Today, honor the incredible journey that we are all on and all the pain and joy it brings. But, also honor the light that lives in each and every one of us and the optimism and hope it can bring. Today, let us all be washed with hope and healing that every Spring brings.

Just for today, I am renewed and restored by the faith I have in my own healing power of love. My mind and body are in perfect balance. I am a harmonious being. My life is joyously balanced between work and play. I am safe. It is only change and everything in my life works now and forever more. And so it is.

YOU are not alone

We are living in a time of great fear and uncertainty. Compounding that fear is our forced social isolation, also known as social distancing, which is showing us all how in reality we had already lost our inter-connectedness, way before we were forced to isolate, we have lost our sense of community. Ironically, the internet, social media and texts, which were meant to keep us connected, have kept us isolated, with shallow meaningless relationships. Somewhere along the line, we began to substitute meeting people face to face or reaching out to them for a conversation with liking things on social media or sending an emoji's. Today, however, from the forced isolation, we can begin to reconnect with one another on a more meaningful and deeper level. As we practice social distancing we will have to find new ways to stay connected-ways that can help one another; ways in which we show true concern. Today we can begin to heal through connecting with others; by forming a new world community in which we care for one another. Today, know that you are not alone and that there are people that want to help you. So, ask for help if you need help and help if you can be of assistance. Let the people in your life know you are here for them in a real way. And let go of those people who serve no purpose in your life. None of us have any more time to waste on this planet on superficial, energy draining relationships. Please know that I am here for you for whatever you could need from me. And, that I love you. Today, know that we will get through this and we will be stronger and better 'cause we will be together through it all.

Just for today, I recognize that every person, place and thing on this planet is interconnected by love. I am at home in the Universe. I have come to this planet to learn to love myself more and to share that love with others. I am safe. I am loved and I feel connected to all of Life. In this present moment, all is truly well in my world. And so it is.

Change is coming

Saturn is our teacher this year and it will be changing signs for the first time in three decades on March 21st. Saturn is the planet that is known as the taskmaster and is associated with limitations, restrictions, responsibility, boundaries, and discipline, as well as time, age, older people, patriarchy, and fathers. And, when Saturn is present he often invokes a lot of FEAR. It is human nature to want to expand and grow but Saturn likes to contract, which is often what makes him so scary and it is what has made us all feel stuck and mired in fear! However once you learn the lessons of Saturn, despite how challenging they are, he ultimately brings FREEDOM and STRENGTH. And, when Saturn moves out of its present sign of Capricorn into the visionary and humanitarian Aquarius, we will all get a welcome relief from the intense and heavy energy of Saturn. Aquarius, an air sign, will bring new ways for us to communicate, technology that will move us forward and advance the planet, and a humanitarian spirit, which we desperately need right now. Furthermore, Aquarius is an air sign, and with the current limitations placed on travel, the air we breathe is having some much-needed healing. All of the shock and revelations that this cycle is bringing us is intended to force us individually and collectively to slow down, take some time alone, go within and do some real soul searching. And as with all cycles, this too shall pass. Today, trust that change is coming. Trust that you will get through this and in the meantime, let's all look after each other with love and compassion so that we can all heal and find new and better ways of living for our future.

Just for today, I will not allow noise, chatter or setbacks to distract me. I will allow patience, purpose, commitment and grace to guide me. Regardless of my setbacks, I always have a comeback in me. I return to the basics of life forgiveness, gratitude, compassion, love and humor. I am safe. It is only change and out of this situation only good will come. And so it is.