Everyone Gets the Same 24 Hours

      Life — it’s what we do between the time we get here and when we go. We only get one at time, and despite what other folks might suppose, it’s ours to determine what to do with it.

* We don’t measure life in hours and minutes. We measure life in memories and moments.

* Life is when we take hold of it and live it. 

Here are 10 Ways to get a life and start living it.

  1.  Give yourself permission to claim your life. That’s right — permission. You’re the only one who can decide you are in charge of your life. Even though it feels like you’re not supposed to do so, turn off the internal editors, the old tape recordings, the “shoulds, have tos, and musts”, and the rules that didn’t come from you.

  

 2.  Define what living means to you. It’s not as hard as it sounds. Just picture yourself at the end of your life looking back. What words would you want to describe how you lived your life and who you are as a person?

 3.  Stop living in the future. Every time you think “someday” or “when I have time I will,” stop. Ask yourself, “Why not now?” Think about this sentence, “I always wanted to, but never did.” Start doing the things you always planned to do. Choose your life every morning. Plan one thing you will do that day to feel alive.

 4.   Surround yourself with people who enjoy living. They’ve obviously discovered how to have a life and live it. Why not hang with the pros?

 5.  Lay down your pain and your anger. Carrying them around makes living harder and less fun. It doesn’t bring anything, and it steals a lot.

 6.  Let the losers win. Don’t argue about things that you don’t care about. Unless there’s some real threat, let the folks who have something to prove, prove what they need to. Why waste your living time trying to fix what’s wrong with them?

 7.  Create energy. Jump to forgiveness and love, then figure things out. Most conclusions we jump to are not only wrong, they’re negative. Negative conclusions lead us to prepare a defense. Being on the defensive isn’t living. It’s hiding from life.

 8.  Learn the physical symptoms of when your head and heart become disconnected. We know when we’re having a knee jerk reaction, when we’re feeling sorry for ourselves, and when we’re being blind to people’s feelings. We can remember how it felt physically while we were behaving badly. Get to know those symptoms, and you can stop the behavior. Living life will feel a whole lot safer because you won’t be in danger of shooting yourself in the foot.

  

9.  Take small risks that push your boundaries in every way. The joy of life is packed in learning that matches our skill set. When we stretch just a bit intellectually, physically, emotionally, we grow. Living is growing. Even your cells know that.

 10.  Value and protect the people and the places you care about. A job isn’t a life. It’s just a part of one. Let the people you care about come first, and let everyone know that you do. Re-read numbers 1 and 2.

(by Liz Strauss)

We come to life with an immense amount of possibilities & potential. Are you fully expressing yours ?

Take a moment BREATHE ~ evaluate it....... and as you choose, make the necessary changes for your own light to shine brighter and brighter....and this way our world will be also shining brighter and brighter.

much love to you

Namaste

Lydie Om.

www.innerseayoga.com

Opening up Obstacles...

(A beautiful writing by Leanne Hall)

      Often when I'm teaching a Yoga class I will remind students (especially when they are attempting to be in the splits), that the tightness they're experiencing in their bodies is not an obstacle to flexibility, but an opening. The awareness of tightness/tension being present, is the beginning of flexibility being created. When we feel this tightness in our bodies, our first instinct is usually to back away from it or avoid it. It is not comfortable and the mind almost immediately begins to feel distressed.

At this point the teacher usually reminds us to breathe into the tightness of the uncomfortable stretch we feel screaming back at us in our bodies. As we begin to breathe and allow the tightness to be there, something amazing begins to happen. The breath we're breathing begins to relax our mind and our instinctive re-activeness, and we begin to feel the body start to open up and let go of the tightness. As we allow ourselves to stay in the splits, we begin to discover that if we just allow ourselves to breathe, then the stretch we're in actually starts to feel good. Before we know it, we come into the splits again and again seeking relief from the tightness and tension within our bodies...

Life can often feel like being in the splits. There are times when we feel emotionally split apart, insecure, doubtful, and faithless toward our own self and Creator. We find ourselves wrestling with what is and struggling to comprehend how it can be so bad, painful, unhappy and miserable. We resist feeling whatever is going on inside of us and feel like it's never going to get better.

 These feelings are the awakening, not the obstacle. Each time we find ourselves feeling pulled apart, uncertain of all that is and how to get out of what we're in, this is actually the moment we're being put back together. It is the transformation of ourselves into a new way of thinking and Being.

The truth is we were split apart long before we became aware of the tension or distress being within us. Inflexibility is when we have no feeling and are not even attempting to stretch ourselves. The moment we come into a stretch and become aware of tightness, that's flexibility, that's the opening up. So, next time you find yourself in the splits, whether it's in Yoga class or in an emotional, mental or spiritual challenge in your life, remember to allow yourself to breathe into it, the breath is the Life Force which heals and opens up the obstacles to the body, mind and spirit. Remember that no matter how bad it feels, if you can remember to breathe into yourself with the intention of healing whatever you're feeling, it can only get better…

 "May You enjoy every moment of your 'openness' on and out of your yoga mat" w/ love Lydie Ometto.

www.innerseayoga.com

 

The Art of Appreciation

 This is a beautiful article written by Laura Grace which I choose to share with you here ~ enjoy it!

"Love is the way I walk in gratitude." ~ A Course in Miracles 

Appreciating all that we have in our life produces harmonious relationships, creative and meaningful work, physical wellness, and genuine, long lasting prosperity. Appreciation validates our worthwhile affirming we are deserving of having everything our heart desires. And as we relish all the wonderful aspects of our life, more abundance is allowed to pour forth, creating a consistent wellspring of balance, joy and peace.

While teaching, I regularly pose the question, "How abundant do you feel in your life's work? How many of you are allowing your creativity to be your livelihood?" People will often wrinkle their noses for very few feel they are doing what they love to do. Yet, whenever we perceive we're not receiving something it’s usually because we’re failing to appreciate what we already have and blocking the natural flow of abundance. Thus, the most common way to keep a trickle from being a torrent, is to not appreciate what we currently have. For example, a common theme I hear from people who are not experiencing creative, rewarding work is, "I'll be much happier when I'm doing what I love to do," or, "I'll be all set when I get a real career," not realizing their encounters and the quality they put forth in those encounters is their "real" career.

Negating our self, our relationships, or our work, does not bring forth abundance. Focusing on what we already have, that which is good in our life creates abundance. I once read an article on prayer where a Unity minister stated, "Most people pray for what they don't want, not what they want." This observation is indicative of the tremendous resistance we have to staying in the moment and to affirming the beauty presently in our life.

Everything is pure energy. As powerful transmitters, we are constantly broadcasting our beliefs into the universe. Like magnets, our thoughts create a dynamic force field, attracting people, resources and events into our life. Therefore, if we slam our work, we are by definition, slamming our own ability to create. It's never the situation, which needs correcting but our thoughts about the situation that need healing. And since each circumstance reflects our self-perception, our lives are enhanced by focusing not on our perceived darkness, but on our inherent light.

People sometimes ask, "Am I supposed to stay in an environment where I'm not treated as an equal or with respect?" "Should I stay employed where my work isn't appreciated?" We all need respect and appreciation in order to feel good about ourselves. It's not emotionally, physically, intellectually or spiritually healthy for anyone to stay in a position where appreciation is lacking (this pertains to relationships as well). Yet, we must ask, "Are we appreciating ourselves?" Truly, if we discount our work situation, we must feel discounting of ourselves. Further, "What thoughts do I hold about myself that are attracting this circumstance?" And finally, "Am I really giving everything I have to the situation to make it meaningful for myself and others?" At one point in my own life, while transitioning from the world of corporate business to spiritual writing and teaching, I performed some temporary work for a consulting firm. During that time, I concentrated on what A Course in Miracles calls a holy encounter which teaches, "When you meet anyone, remember it is a holy encounter. As you see him you will see yourself. As you treat him you will treat yourself. Never forget this, for in him you will find yourself or lose yourself." I became clear that my purpose for being at work was not merely for making money, but for connecting with others on a meaningful level.

Through daily spiritual practice, maintaining this awareness brought me joy. My encounters were peaceful and I felt my skills and talents were truly being employed by God. Each day, I expressed appreciation for the work before me and I had faith it was a stepping stone to something even greater.

During this period, I did much inner reflecting and it dawned on me that my former attraction to business was because of the safe, sterile haven it provided, a place where people often kept each other at arm's length. Yet at this passage in my development, I was prepared to bond more deeply. I began exposing myself in greater depth than ever before and shortly thereafter, the consulting work concluded. I then started exerting energy toward writing and healing on a full-time basis, and within one year, I was reaching out to, meeting, and assisting others in ways I had only dreamed of.

This example illustrates that my clarity of my strengths and talents, in and of itself, was not enough. The driving force behind my changes was the appreciation for what was in front of me. Through my willingness to express the highest quality effort into every task, I outgrew the form of the job and was graciously supplied with even more gratifying work.

Serving from your deepest truth while appreciating all that you have builds integrity and is the key to fulfilling your life's work. In The Gift of Love, Joel Goldsmith eloquently reminds us,

"Let us do each day the task that is given us to do now, regardless of how mundane it may appear to be; and if we fulfill that which is given us to do now, we shall find that more important things, and eventually what appear to be more spiritual things, will be given us to do--but not until we have done that which has already been given us to do."

Honor whatever work has been given to you. Know it is in your life for a very important reason and appreciate all of the lessons it is providing you with. As you recognize it as a stepping stone toward higher ground, you will begin to leap forward in your next adventure!

lauragrace.net

May your day be filled with Gratitude & Appreciation :)

~Namaste (the light in me honors the light in you)

Lydie Ometto

www.innerseayoga.com

 

The Art of Being Present !

 Being Present in all moments open the door to experiencing life within a sacred reality, the life of the soul and of other souls, the life that is emerging from within, the life of the Divine within time and space. 

Being in the Present enables us to participate in each moment without preconditions, anticipating the new, letting go of the old, and rejoicing in what is possible with others as the eyes of the soul awaken.

Being present in the moment does not just mean taking part fully in the external situation that may be happening, whether it is a crisis, a conversation, or a life-event that evokes feelings. It means bringing one's whole Self to that moment, including all the threads of love, wisdom, and relationship that are part of the self.

To be present in the moment is to exist in it with the full integrity of one's being. Here, all relationships are honored and all love is intact. Respect for life is integrated with the totality of what may be happening on the outer level.

Being present means being present to what is inside as well as to what is outside. This is a way of existing in the fullness of who you are. It is a great learning and surely a great task of pure consciousness. 

How are you "Being in the Present" in all moments of your life ?

Take a deep Breath and Feel !!!

Much love and presentness

Namaste

Lydie Ometto

InnerSeaYoga.com

What is love !!!

Love is a Might Power.
 It is the energy of life. It bring us into life and sustains us while we live and breathe.
    Love is an energy, not a substance. It is essence, not matter. You can not contain it; you can not put it in a box, but you can feel it, you can taste it, and know it.Its presence is unmistakable. It is exquisite and profound.      And when you are expressing love, nobody, not your best friend, your parents or even your own mind can talk you out of it.
   Love is mysterious and beautiful. it makes us happy, gives us hope, allows us to believe that the impossible can happen.
   
    And yet, it is inexplicable. it can not be defined or analyzed, cataloged or priced. Its premier property is that when it exists, it can never be mistaken for anything else, and nothing else, no matter how worthwhile or supposedly grand, can ever be passed off as love.

    Love is a divine energy that steps into human circumstances, a timeless essence that enters time. It is older, wiser, finer, truer, sweeter, and more radiant than any human being itself. It is what makes us wise, fine, true, sweet, and radiant. It is best - the essence of God - in us.
~ Daphane R. Kingma

May we feel the amazing 'essence of God' in us and express it unconditionally; as we express out we are also bringing in!

Have a magnificent day ~ Namaste

Lydie Ometto

www.innerseayoga.com 

"The Flows of our Inner Selves"

As I went through the many 'flows of my own selves' today,  I reconnected with the preciousness of life, as every and each moment just exists in the now !! 

Last night, as I participated in a beautiful 'Fire Walk Ceremony' I received an awesome reminder, the words of Heraclitus: "You can't step into the same river twice".

As the "present" is a slippery little concept,  a snapshot of a moment. ~ Nothing stands still.

For that I share a poem with you.

You  

You may not think the world needs you, but it does.

For you are unique, like no one that has ever come before or will come after.

No one can speak your voice, say your piece, smile your smile or shine your light. 

No one can take your place, for it is yours alone to fill.

If you are not there to shine your light, 

who knows how many travelers will lose their way 

as they try to pass by your empty place in the darkness.

~  Anonymous

Brothers and Sisters be at peace and love yourself.........

Namaste ~ Lydie Ometto  

www.innerseayoga.com

Are You a reflection of Nature ? Is Nature a reflection of You ?

   Two days ago during one of my "nature watching moments" I caught myself mesmerized with 3 bunnies playing and running around on a field of wild grass, showing no signs of fatigue, worries or fear. Surely the presence of predators in the wild is inevitable, but at that particular moment they were totally and completely immersed in the magic of the now.

   Suddenly I observe my thoughts (and being on the 7th day of a body cleanse, I feel a bit more in-tune with my thoughts, feeling and awareness of what is going on inside of me and around me) and within the flow of thoughts, the question of prime importance was, 'Am i being fully present within each moment of my day?'
   As quite often I say, share and hear  within the practice of Yoga "...feel your body grounding on Earth, feel and sense the Earth, feel Nature, breathe in to the awareness of being the reflection of Nature, as Nature is the reflection of you..."
    With that in mind, being me the reflection of Nature how much during my day do I feel light as the clouds, strong as the rain, rooted as the oak tree, flexible as the willow, bright

as the sunflower, wild as the open ocean, determined as the humming bird ?
Well, you got the point. Leaping from here to Nature as reflection of me/us, I keep on observing the overall planet Earth's weather patterns lately, wild tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, erupting volcanoes, torrential floods, massive landslides, drought and so on.
From the perspective of Nature as reflection of us, are we as a race creating so much internal and external turmoil bringing about inner and outer destruction? Are we massively polluting our inner temples and all the layers of mother Earth resulting in a massive 'internal shaking' in efforts to detox 'the gunk'? Are we firing our emotions beyond boundaries and spilling major rage and smoke only as a way of not internally imploding or are we literally spinning in circles without direction and creating vortex of untamed reactions?

   Maybe beyond the limits of saying, sharing and listening on the reflections of Nature in us and us in Nature we can take it deeply to the core, the core of Self, the core of communities, the core of Nations and maybe, just maybe as we take the proper actions on the efforts of cleansing in and cleansing out, we as individuals will be able to not only reflect but truly embrace the peace of a sunset over the lake, taste the vibrancy of the orange right from the tree, own the courage of the tiger, acknowledge the wisdom of the turtle and the patience of the ostrich's egg.
And from that inner detox we assist on mother Earth care and cleanse so she will be embracing her on transformational /weather flows within a more and gentle ease.

Well, a thought just a thought!
Have a great day and enjoy the eyes and the mirrors of Nature on your daily path !
namaste

Lydie Ometto
www.innerseayoga.com