Peace Ripple...

How are you sitting right now? Is your back strong and straight or hunched over? Are your feet flat on the floor or footrest or turned outwards? Are you breathing deeply and evenly or shallowly? Take time today to be aware of what is happening with your body. Take time to stand straight. Notice how you feel when you change from slouching to shoulders back. Stand with your feet flat on the floor rather than curling away so that you can connect with the earth more fully. When you go to sleep, do you clench your fists or relax them open? Be aware of any tension spots within your body and allow them to relax. Think of your body as a garden hose. If it has a kink in it, the water will not flow through easily. It is the same with your body, spots of tension will not let your love and light and peace flow through easily. Be aware, let go of tension, be peace.

So many of us focus on the things we have to do to make us a "better" person. The self-help section in bookstores and libraries has grown into one of the most popular departments. There is no doubt that personal development is on a lot of peoples minds. I'm always hearing about new books, audio programs, CD's, workshops, internet courses etc, along these lines. I am impressed with all of the information available. But I want you to know that your most important teacher is within yourself. Don't give your power away to follow what other people claim you must do in order to be "better". Certainly listen to others, take what works for you, but don't be afraid to say "no" to the bits you don't like or want. Just because someone may have published a book, or been on tv, does not make them better than you. Today, think of all of the things that you do that are great. Is it the way you cook or play with your kids or do your job or help your ne...

One of the keys to simplify your life is to release attachment to material possessions that you just don't need or want anymore. By uncluttering your physical environment, you can unclutter your mind. Let's take that a step further to unclutter your mental environment which can lighten your Spiritual Self. It's a similar idea, just not as easy to "see". It requires thought about the way you think. It is easy to get stuck in familiar habits of relating to others and ourselves, just as it is easy to accumulate material possessions that become a part of our environment to the extent that we don't even notice them anymore. Being stuck in a mental habit that does not serve our highest good, actually blocks the flow of harmony in our lives. Feelings of disharmony may manifest themselves in many ways from little irritations to depression, overeating and other unhealthy habits, among other things. It can be very hard to release yourself from these. First it takes rec...

Affirmations are often overlooked as being "too easy - they can't possibly work". If that's what you think, then you're right. And wrong. Yes, they are easy, but they can work. The trick is to "fake it until you make it". Affirmations involve repeating positive phrases to yourself, either silently, or aloud, frequently throughout the day. Just after you wake up and just before you go to sleep are powerful times to do this, as well as throughout the day - especially when you are facing a challenging situation. (This happened to me this weekend. I was having a conversation with someone close to me who was very upset and was starting to verbally attack me. I have a long history with this person and I knew that this was not their true nature. Instead of going into my past habit of getting defensive, I said to myself "I communicate clearly and with love". This mantra played in my head while the person spoke a little longer. Their pain became clear t...

How can there be peace in the world if there is not peace within ourselves? Surely nations of peaceful people would find alternative methods of dealing with conflicts than with guns and violence. Inner Peace is not something that comes overnight. It can take many years - even a lifetime - to achieve. In todays crazy world, maintaining inner peace is a very challenging thing to do. Sometimes it can even feel like the steps that can lead us there have to be scheduled and crammed into already busy lives. Like we really need more things we have to do, right? But doing these things will help especially if you can just let go of everything else you need to do afterwards, and enjoy the moment. Let go of any guilt you may feel for taking the time out. Go and get a massage, or a facial or go to a yoga class, or take a little time to go and walk in a beautiful place - a beach, a nice park, whatever you have in your area. The more moments of peace you can find, the more you be able to draw on tho...

No, really, ...are you listening? Are you so busy you don't really hear what other people are really saying? Do you just tolerate their words until you can jump in and talk? Some people can't even wait and will start talking over the top of someone else. How does that make them feel? Try slowing down your thoughts today. Really listen when someone talks to you. Ask them questions to understand what they are saying. Things like "How did that make you feel?", "What would you like to have happen ?". Put your own need to be heard aside for a few minutes to connect deeper with others. Listen to yourself too. Not your mind and the hundreds of racing thoughts of things you have to do or should have done. Listen with your heart to the essence of you. Are you comfortable with yourself? Are your own needs being met? Is there anything that needs to change in order for you to feel a deeper connection to your true self? Honour the guidance you receiv...

Who am I to teach about Peace? Who am I not to? We all teach what we most need to learn. Seeking Peace has been a constant ache in my life. I was raised in the Catholic religion. My favourite parts of that was, as a young girl, snuggling next to my Dad or mum during Mass on Sundays. They were always so busy during the week that to have them to cuddle for almost an hour was a nice way for me to connect with them. For many reasons, I walked away from organised religion when I was a teenager. But, while I was at Catholic school, I did enjoy hearing stories about some of the Saints. My favourite was always St. Francis. his famous Peace Prayer has woven it's way into my life on so many occasions that it's not a coincidence. I know I am being called to assist in the movement of the world towards Peace. To Inspire Peace in my own way. To be the stone making a ripple of Peace in this giant pond of Life. It is time to stop doubting my ability and just start from now. I know I already ha...