Friday, November 18, 2016

In the contrast

I had two great days back-to-back earlier this week. They were the kind of day in which everything flows smoothly – everything from my mood to my circumstances and interactions. I felt so thankful. Today hasn't been such a good day, though. I feel overwhelmed and disoriented. It is such a contrast from two days ago. It's ok. I appreciate it.

It is in the contrast that we know what we like, what we don't, what makes us happy, what angers us, what inspires us, what bores us, what we enjoy, what drives us crazy, what we love about life. It is in today's contrast that I appreciate the sun, the way his face lights up when I walk in the door, eating slowly, courteous customer service, big belly laughs, not being nervous, the time I spend with friends,  getting it right, a good drive, and so much more. 

Today is a good day to appreciate the contrast, to find sweetness in the ordinary things of life, to know that the bitterness is part of life's flavor, and that the nuances make a beautiful difference. 

Image found on Instagram (@eutopie.eu)

© Millicent Maldonado and www.soulcerer.com. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. All rights reserved.

Friday, November 11, 2016

Out of my mind

The day began heavy. My heart was racing from the moment I stepped out of bed. My mind was going twice as fast. There was so much to do and so much to worry about. There was so much to think of. As a habit, I went into my meditation room. Yet, I meditated in a hurry, disconnected, unable to let go. The flow of thoughts was now rushing. Then, just as I thought I was going to lose it, just as I thought that this day was just too much, I asked for help. I put on some music, I lit incense and I closed my eyes again. I asked aloud, What else do I have to do?! The answer came: Do nothing. Trust. I did.

Within a few minutes I felt comfortable and was no longer in a hurry. My spirits lifted. Intuitively, I figured out some things that had worried me. I started flowing. I was out of my mind.

Today is not a day for analysis and conclusions. It is a day to trust. Today is a good day to trust in the friendship of the Universe. It is not a day to try to solve the conflicts of the world, to look for solutions for everything that worries us, to control anything, or to try to perfect ourselves to self-imposed standards as a way to minimize the struggle. Today is one of those days to not think, to be out of our minds and to flow in the trust that we are where and when we need to be and that we will achieve what we must and handle what comes our way. Creativity is ours. Obstacles fall away. We are loved. We are protected. Today we are here, now and we flow out of our minds.

Image found at wallcoo.net.
© Millicent Maldonado and www.soulcerer.com. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. All rights reserved.

Friday, November 4, 2016

Feel the magic

Well, it's Friday. I don't know about your schedule, but around here, we are busier than ever. We are trying to keep it together. At home, at the office, at school – it is busy all around for us and most everyone we know. We would be celebrating that it's Friday, except that it seems to have become a day to catch up on everything we didn't get done during the week. Today feels like a Monday.

Let's take a breath. You and me. Come. Let's breathe together.

This is one of my favorite recharge, refocus, get-calm breathing techniques. It's what I use to bring down my speed, recenter, and reignite my energy. This technique goes by many names. Today, we will call it Magic. Use it now or at any moment of any day that you need an energetic pick-me-up.

Start by sitting up straight, on a chair or on the floor. Be comfortable. Just keep your torso straight.
Become aware of your body.
Relax your shoulders.
Relax your neck.
Relax the muscles on your face.
Float your eyes closed.
Inhale through your nose. Exhale through your nose.
Focus on your breath.

Inhale to the count of four.
Hold for a count of four.
Exhale for a count of four.
Hold for a count of four.

In – 2 – 3 – 4
Hold – 2 – 3 – 4
Out – 2 – 3 – 4
Hold – 2 – 3 – 4

In – 2 – 3 – 4
Hold – 2 – 3 – 4
Out – 2 – 3 – 4
Hold – 2 – 3 – 4

In – 2 – 3 – 4
Hold – 2 – 3 – 4
Out – 2 – 3 – 4
Hold – 2 – 3 – 4

Repeat until you are calm.
Then open your eyes.
Feel the magic?

Image found at keithallenkay.com
© Millicent Maldonado and www.soulcerer.com. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. All rights reserved.