Get Your Creative Juices Flowing

Every time I focus on a creative project, whether it’s problem solving, cooking, decorating, collage making, etc., I experience joy.  When I’m having a temporary lull in work, I often get out some of my creative play tools and do something.  The process often opens up more opportunities for me.  For example, I recently created the collage below after I stumbled upon a beautiful quote on the internet.  I had the time to devote an afternoon to the project because I was having one of those lulls.  Then, shortly after completing my project, I started getting new request for appointments.  It happens every time!  This tells me, my creative expression is an integral part of my process to be open and receptive to new opportunities.  What gets your creative juices flowing and hence makes you even more magnetic?

Bridging Heaven & Earth

Choosing Words Carefully

“You are the Master of your words – until they are spoken.  Then your words are the master of you.  Choose your words carefully.”

Planet Earth

Care of the Earth

The Importance of Removing Physical Blocks in Our Spaces

In my work (and in my own life), I often find a direct correlation between what’s going on in a person’s life and it’s physical representation in the home. For example, I consulted with a successful business woman who had all the exterior symbols of success. She had a lovely home, beautiful furnishings and an orderly overall appearance. Her walk-in closet was another story which prompted a conversation between us. She admitted that on the outside she appeared calm and together, yet inside herself she often felt chaotic. Her home reflected this statement. Everything that was open for public viewing was orderly and together, however, her private closet that no one saw but her, was in chaos.

There are many translations between how we experience life and how those experiences show up in our homes and businesses. This particular post will explore the area of blocked energy which may be experienced in life as swimming up stream, going around in circles, inability to make desired changes, and feeling especially weighted down. Because our homes are physical representations of ourselves, if we are feeling stuck or blocked, their physical expression may look like the following bullet points.

* Doors and drawers that don’t open completely, are in need of repair, or are not used.
* Hallways, walkways, and doorways that are congested with objects, furnishings, and clutter.
* Overgrown bushes, trees and vegetation.
* Garages, basements and attics filled with unused items.
* Passageways narrowed with furniture.
* Closets and cupboards filled to capacity.
* Oversized furniture in small spaces.
* Clothes, shoes, accessories that are not worn.
* An over abundance of toys, electronics, televisions, books, collections, etc.
* Anything broken or in need of repair.

The approaching season of winter (yikes, it will be here before we know it!), is an ideal time to address any issues of stuck energy in the home. The season of winter is quieter than others and is naturally aligned with looking inward. Winter also gets us ready for spring, the time of year that bursts forth with new growth and change.

In getting started, chose the area that is the “loudest”. In other words, the project or task that has been the most nagging. By addressing the most annoying task first, it often provides the support to continue tackling the rest of the project. When addressing any project, it helps to solicit the support of friends and family to stay committed. And remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Have reasonable expectations in setting time lines to meet your goals. The best way to make permanent change is to be consistent, persistent, dedicated and loving. Your body will thank you and so will your home!

A Cost Effective Cleaning Tip

A friend turned me on to cleaning with micro fiber cleaning cloths.  He was telling me how he used them to clean the windows of his home without using any cleaning products.  I was intrigued since we have 35 windows in our home and I ordered some.   And he was right, they worked great.  For cleaning windows, you need a clean wet micro fiber cloth and a clean dry cloth.  Use the wet one to do the first pass and then use the dry one to provide a streak free end result.  It’s easy to keep the wet cloth clean because you can rinse it as you use it.  For the dry cloth, have several on hand to complete your project.  I have about 6 of them for cleaning our windows.

I’ve also discovered the micro fiber cloths are great to dust and clean wood floors (we have all wood floors) using a swiffer sweeper type tool.  For dusting, I attach a dry cloth and go to town.  For cleaning, I use a clean wet cloth and rinse often.  I also use a dry cloth for dusting the rest of the house.  When they’re dirty, I throw them in the wash.

Can you tell I like these things?  (And no, I’m not getting any kickbacks for promoting them!!!)

The Importance Of Creating Sacred, Inspiring Spaces

Autumn a Time of Preparation

I don’t watch the news and read very little of the newspaper.  I choose not to be part of the fear and lack that most news stories focus on.  That doesn’t mean I don’t know what’s going on.  It’s very easy to tap into the pulse of our economic times, political adventures and other news worthy stories because it’s everywhere.  It’s amazing how much I know without even trying.  And that’s how I like it, I dip my toe into the flow of what’s happening without jumping in and getting swept away by the current.  I am able to keep my focus on what makes a positive difference in my life and move forward without being caught up in the drama swirling all around me.  As I’ve gotten older, I find drama extremely fatiguing and chose not to engage as I am able.

Another factor that makes a huge difference in our lives, is that my husband and I created a living space that feels uplighting, inspiring, safe, and nuturing.   We incorporated chi enhancers with music, colors, smells, objects, furnishings and art that are chosen to create a vibe of health, abundance and well-being.  For example, in my office I have painted the walls a color that is very uplifting to me, hung art that I made myself, arranged the furniture to keep “chi” flowing easily, address clutter, play music while I work (when possible), light incense and candles regularly, added live plants, and placed meaningful objects on my office altar that includes a small fountain.  Over time, my husband and I did the same thing in our entire home. It’s taken about eight years, and the payoff has been immeasurable.

The result of our diligent and purposeful creation of all our rooms, is we are refreshed and rejuvenated by our home.  Then, we are better able to be our best “out” in the world doing our work.  Our home supports us in every way, physically, emotional, mentally and spiritually.  It’s like eating specific food in preparation for a running marathon.  The proper food provides the fuel in a vital, efficient way to best run in the race.  The same is true in our physical environments.  Our homes provide fuel for our bodies so we can operate efficiently and effectively “out” there.  I call that creating sacred space.  Creating space that honors our body temple on all levels.  Our sacred space can also provide rejuvenation, inspiration, etc. to all who spend time there.  It’s a gift we give to ourselves and others.  Especially now with all the craziness happening all around us.

We deserve it and so do you.

A Favorite Quote

“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs, ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go and do that.  Because what the world needs are people who have come alive”

–Harold Whitman

Hundreds of Cats Living in Harmony

I was turned on to this video by my sister Eileen who owns Mr. Scruff’s Pet Care in Memphis.  What I want to know is if hundreds of cats can live in harmony, why can’t we?????

Cat House on the Kings

Another Courageous Woman

I had the good fortune to be a guest on Lisa J. Smith’s radio show again this week.  As many of you may know, I love the internet as evidenced by this blog, myspace, facebook, LinkedIn, Shelfari, etc!  I mention this because that’s how I met Lisa…through the internet on myspace and we hit it off immediately.

Lisa is another one of my friends who took a leap and made huge changes in her life.  Changes that were heart wrenching and difficult.  I am inspired by people who are willing to listen to their inner whispers (or shouts for that matter!) and act upon them.  And we all hear those inner whispers that nudge us in directions that we may not want to take.  I know I’ve had them…..

Why are some people able to make difficult changes that are usually unsupported and unpopular?  Courage for sure, however, I believe it’s also about the ability to trust and surrender to something beyond ourselves.  Is there fear?  Usually yes, yet the ability to trust and surrender is greater than the fear.

Live on PsychicOnAir.com

How does one cultivate trust and surrender? Is the ability to surrender and trust what you have or who you are?  Can we trust when we’ve been deeply hurt in life? Can we let go of control and surrender?

For me, cultivating the ability to trust and surrender has been a journey and by the looks of things will continue to be so….ugh!!!!