Lifestyle
Being In Your Element
A former work associate, whom I hadn’t heard from in several years, recently called me to touch base. She asked me how I was doing and out popped my words: “I am in my element! I am working from home, doing what I love and surrounded by my menagerie of many”.
After we ended the call, I began analyzing what I had just said, and just what “being in my element” really meant, because it isn’t a term I use regularly. It made me more aware of how I had specifically set my intention and manifested the actual circumstances I wanted to work in, even though, right now, I am in the process of manifesting them on another continent! Continue reading
The Dream That Saved My Life
In my senior year in high school I started to have a dream about me being in the hospital. The dream was so disturbing. It always woke me up out of dead sleep. I told my sister about it and she said don’t worry, it was just a dream.
As a high school student I was seriously into sports. I was running every day, doing exercises and riding my bicycle all over the place. My big goal was to go on a bike tour with other people who were also serious bike riders, going from Columbus to Portsmouth, Ohio. The trip was 125 miles one way and then you had to ride it back too. This is something I had never done before, so I had to push my body in overdrive to reach the highest level of fitness possible. Continue reading
From The Inner Circle At Stonehenge
A radiant dusk was upon us when we reached the top of the concrete staircase. Emerging from below, our trivial conversation abruptly ceased. We were stunned into an instant, breathless, respectful silence. Before us rose the towering magnificence of Stonehenge… graceful and glimmering in the late Summer sunset!
Being so suddenly in the presence of the most famous prehistoric monument in Europe, was the most memorable moment of my entire journey. I had the privilege of being a member of a small private party on a special tour to this magical place. Our visit took place after hours, with special permission from the authorities.
The exclusive access we were granted enabled us to visit Stonehenge at sunset, and later under starlight, after the site was closed to the public. Most importantly, we had the unique privilege to enter into the inner circle, which is not accessible to day visitors. Continue reading
The First Chakra
Chakra literally means “wheel” or “circle of light.”
The first chakra, or Muladhara, is located in the coccygeal region at the base of the spine where we sit. It is symbolized by a four petaled red lotus flower.
The animal totem of the first chakra is the elephant. The musical note that resonates with this chakra is C. It is considered the root chakra.
The color of the root chakra is red. It rules the feet, legs, anus, hips, bowels and bladder.
Foods to stimulate the first chakra include beets, strawberries, raspberries, cherries.
Corresponding gland: Adrenal glands. Continue reading
My Dad’s Missing Slipper
After my father passed, my wife said that she could hear me talking to my dad in my sleep, both as an adult and as a child. I didn’t remember talking to my dad. Apparently I would talk about my dog when I was growing up, and I would carry on a conversation with him for a long time, as if he was standing right next to me. She said I also mentioned a teacher, Mrs. Whooton, my fifth grade teacher. In time the dreams with my dad stopped, because my wife says she no longer hears me talk to my father anymore.
My sister had asked me if I wanted any of his stuff. I already received a lot from him growing up and before his passing, so I could not really think of anything. But I remembered a pair of very nice slippers my wife and I had bought him for Christmas, shortly before he passed away. Continue reading
Solitary Bliss
I like to do many things by myself – alone. I can concentrate better when I’m left to my own devices. I feel centered and complete when I’m in my own little retreat; my energy is my own and I don’t have to be disrupted in any way, shape or form.
When I am out in nature taking walks, or wanting to spend time with God in prayer, I am at my most peaceful. I like to meditate alone. I get more out of whatever I’m doing when I am doing it with just me, myself and I.
I respect those who need others to feel connected. I feel we are all on our own journeys and that is what makes us all unique. Continue reading
What Did You Give Up For Lent?
You’re out with your friends on a Friday night and suddenly you notice that one of them has switched from his favorite microbrew beer to lemonade? Is it time for Lent already?
Giving up something for Lent sometimes evokes head-scratching in non-Catholics, but what might seem like just another Catholic eccentricity can actually be a practice with deep spiritual significance.
Lent, the period of 40 days that precedes the celebration of Easter, has its origin in the early days of the Church. This year Lent began on March 5th and it ends on April 17th.
Converts seeking to become Christian, who at that time were mostly adults, spent several years in study and preparation. Under the threat of Roman persecution, becoming a Christian was serious business, so their process of preparation was intensive. Then they went through a final period of “purification and enlightenment” for the 40 days before their baptism at Easter. The rest of the Church began to observe the season of Lent in solidarity with these newest Christians. It became an opportunity for all Christians to recall and renew the commitment of their baptism. Continue reading