tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10246810661027701202024-03-05T03:01:17.206-08:00Soul-cial LivingLife is really quite simple when we live our life from a place of love; our souls true self. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08643854194187364757noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024681066102770120.post-75951481215570204232014-09-17T03:00:00.000-07:002014-09-17T04:02:42.242-07:005 things I learned from Life You Want - Detroit <div class="MsoNormal">
Covering Oprah's<a href="http://www.oprahweekend.com/events" target="_blank"> "Life You Want Tour – Detroit”</a> for Soulful Living on <a href="http://www.empoweradio.com/home/shows/759051-Soulful-Living-with-Teri-Williams.html" target="_blank">Empower Radio</a> and <a href="http://simplestepsrealchangemagazine.com/" target="_blank">Simple Steps Real Change Magazine</a> was an incredible
honor. People from all over the country
came to The Palace of Auburn Hills to hang out with Oprah and her friends in
the hopes of learning a little more about living life to the fullest. We had
the opportunity to meet people from all over the country including Georgia,
Ohio, Virginia, and California. We even connected
with OWN President Erik Logan.</div>
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On the way in I mentioned to my assistant, aka my daughter,
how incredibly detailed the logistics must be to successfully pull off an event
of this magnitude – the details are endless. Being the one that’s “always
prepared”, I’m glad she was with me when the message, “not enough storage”
popped up on my phone. She had my back,
like I always have hers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRZwTDJuiATNVbVRSgiTiVoFu8zOsVEwRzZ8qsGUE161phLbNB2RPmTqqMpVqOZXbNB1e-HOBj9G-yiOhpeF61yf7icoAx4JEH1LcMRLtGc-tNxRA6YakQHr1CduJmbckgXt7-zdJcksj/s1600/Teri+Williams+Molly+Livingstone+Oprah+Life+You+Want+Tour+Det.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRZwTDJuiATNVbVRSgiTiVoFu8zOsVEwRzZ8qsGUE161phLbNB2RPmTqqMpVqOZXbNB1e-HOBj9G-yiOhpeF61yf7icoAx4JEH1LcMRLtGc-tNxRA6YakQHr1CduJmbckgXt7-zdJcksj/s1600/Teri+Williams+Molly+Livingstone+Oprah+Life+You+Want+Tour+Det.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>On top of the “Trailblazers” present: Mark Nepo, Elizabeth Gilbert, Rob Bell, and
Iyanla Vanzant, the event included self-work with ways to make the most of your
life, on your own terms. Believe me when I say tears were flowing from the
moment the lights went out and Oprah took the stage Friday evening until the moment the lights
went on and she walked off the stage for the last time Saturday afternoon. Oprah
is a force of love and light so strong that her life should be an inspiration
to us all. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I am a “soulcial activist”.
For years I have practiced, preached and lived much of what was shared
during this event. In my practice,
nothing prepared me for the moment when my daughter reached over and grabbed my
hand, saying, “OMG mom, these are the things you always say to me!” <o:p></o:p></div>
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It doesn’t matter how we “get it” in life, it matters that
we do get it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So, what is it that made such a profound impact on us? Below are five <b>SIMPLE</b> “takeaways” from the Life You Want Tour-Detroit that I
think are worth sharing.<br />
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> 1. <b>"The energy you put out is responsible for what
you get back”</b>.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Oprah Winfrey– That’s
right, what you give is what you get.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">It’s really that simple.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Each
positive, joyful thought is going to bring that much more positivity and joy
right back to you – x 1000 I say.</span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> 2. <b style="font-size: 7pt;"> </b></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>“Negative thoughts are like humping puppies –
get them down!”</b> Iyanla Vanzant – As soon as that negative thought appears, swat it down.You have to practice, YES, re-train your mind
to recognize more joy and less pain to be more aware of the good in your life
now. </span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> 3. </span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">“The longest journey you will ever take is from
your head to your heart”</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> Mark Nepo – Take time to listen daily to what your
heart and soul are telling you. Don’t
let the voices in your head scare you away from the longings of your heart.</span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> 4. </span><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>“It’s better to live your life imperfectly than
to live someone else’s life perfectly”</b>.
Elizabeth Gilbert – Stop thinking about, and doing what, “you are supposed
to do” by everyone else’s standards. Do
what your heart and soul are calling you to do.</span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> 5. </span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">“The life you want begins when you embrace the
life you have, and the life you have is a miracle – life matters!”</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> Rob Bell – Yes it does! Realize that you and your life matter. Everything about you matters. See it in yourself – see the miracle of you.</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Oprah said, <i><b>“The greatest power is love – show it, receive
it, feel it.”</b></i> Imagine simply beginning
to love yourself enough to live the life you want? Miracles happen every day – you’re one of
them!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thanks, Oprah, for shining your light so bright that others
can’t help but shine, too! And thanks to
your team for helping make it all happen.
Everyone matters! Aho...<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08643854194187364757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024681066102770120.post-32820970182182456832014-08-07T05:26:00.000-07:002014-08-07T05:26:11.126-07:00What would you do?Have you seen the show, <a href="http://abc.go.com/shows/what-would-you-do" target="_blank">"What Would You Do?"</a> with John Quiñones on ABC? If you haven't, take some time to watch a few episodes. It's a hidden camera show where actors act out scenes of conflict or illegal activity in public settings. The focus is whether or not bystanders will intervene when they think no one is watching. The scenarios make you think about what you would do if certain events took place right in front of you. I've watched some very powerful acts on this show and often wondered what I would do had it been me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDw9ZSyQVGvNAqkSwOiyOadAVdAT7yuQoWD7CSLuSLOuKmGPOzaZ5kmLq1NwJ8fjTQByfdB7sk49GEADyqJWhhWKMb5WWas033zzesRqtk7_oQKg5mQCDUFw_6aUr1QPdFDTMDgUVivDkj/s1600/whatwouldyoudo_abc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDw9ZSyQVGvNAqkSwOiyOadAVdAT7yuQoWD7CSLuSLOuKmGPOzaZ5kmLq1NwJ8fjTQByfdB7sk49GEADyqJWhhWKMb5WWas033zzesRqtk7_oQKg5mQCDUFw_6aUr1QPdFDTMDgUVivDkj/s1600/whatwouldyoudo_abc.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>As you might guess, I'm pretty verbal and passionate when it comes to stepping up to do the "right" thing; not perfect by any means. I've hit some low places in my life and have always been beyond grateful to the people who have showed up to help me out. Many of those have been complete strangers. So when offered the "chance" to pay it forward, I respond to the Universes nudge accordingly.<br />
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<b>It's no wonder I did what I'm about to share. <i>(Some of you have probably done the same).</i></b><br />
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The other day I was at the grocery store. The woman in front of me was buying a few essentials and a few "non essentials". Those non essentials were a box of no brand cake mix, a tub of no brand frosting and a few birthday candles - for her sons birthday. She didn't have enough cash and began putting away the birthday stuff. You can guess that the people behind us were getting very frustrated. Who knows, maybe they were in a hurry. <br />
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Well, those are considered ESSENTIALS in my life. So, I offered up the cash to pay for them. Not because I wanted a thank you or any other type of recognition; because I wanted a child to receive recognition from his mother - something symbolic of the love she had for him. There have been many more instances like this in my life; some more dramatic, some less dramatic. (I think John Quiñones and his team would approve!)<br />
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One of my own low places was just after my divorce, when my kids were babies. I was a single parent and didn't have quite enough money to buy presents for Christmas. That year my sister and her husband, my sister in law and my brother, made sure my kids had more than enough presents from their mom and "Santa". We awoke to bags of gifts on our front porch. It was our own Christmas Miracle.<br />
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Next time you're in a situation that calls for stepping up, just act as if John Quiñones and a whole TV crew were watching and ask yourself, "What would you do?" Practice Soul-cial Living, I hope!<br />
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Peace and blissings....<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08643854194187364757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024681066102770120.post-50836932419755384892014-01-21T04:24:00.002-08:002014-01-21T04:24:20.681-08:00A hug a day keeps the doctor away :)Reprised and updated from January 2011<br />
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It's that time of year again - time to celebrate one of my favorite forms of therapy - hugging. Yes, folks, today, January 21 is National Hugging Day. As I say with most holidays, National Hugging Day needs to be celebrated every day for us to thrive. Virginia Satir, a Wisconsin Marriage and Family Therapist agrees, "For human beings, you need two hugs a day to survive, four hugs for maintenance, six hugs to grow." </div>
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<b><i>The hug is one of the most common human signs of love and affection.</i></b></div>
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My Dad was the first person I knew to celebrate hugging! He was truly an inspiration to me and many others. Talk about a giver! He wore a button on his suit coat that said, “Everyday is a hug day” and treated his employees with compassion, honesty and integrity. His team knew they could count on him for support, no matter what, and they knew they’d get a big hug when needed!</div>
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According to an article I found in his effects after he died, “Hugging is painless, unless you are hugged by Hulk Hogan." The article ran June 11, 1986 in <b>The Way We Live</b> section of <b>The Detroit Free Press</b> and was titled, <i>“Get Ready for the Big Squeeze”</i> celebrating the 3rd Huggers Holiday. What better way to get your mojo on than a friendly hug.</div>
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There are some pretty basic hug styles. Below is a list of the most common types:</div>
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<b>• The A-Frame: </b>Shoulders are barely touching. Mostly done by members of the opposite sex</div>
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<b>• One Sided:</b> Moving only slightly closer, the huggers have close contact at one shoulder</div>
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<b>• Two-Sided: </b>There is close contact with both shoulders, but both stand with lower torsos apart. Sometimes the huggers may even step back and kiss each cheek.</div>
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<b>• The Full On: </b>From shoulders to the tips of your toes and every place in between!</div>
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<b>• The Group Hug: </b>You get it! Someone in the group yells, “Group Hug” and everyone joins in a big hug!</div>
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<b>• The Run-and-Jump:</b> Ever watch reunions at the airport? Those are my favorite – when two people run and jump into each others arms, with huge smiles on their faces – sometimes even tears!</div>
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One of my very favorite hug styles is in the form of a <b>"Deep Hugging Meditation"</b>. A few years ago my friend Sean, Director at the Detroit Lotus Sangha, and I shared this practice with the group. It is one of the most powerfully moving styles of hugging I've experienced. It truly connects you with the person you are hugging in a way that shows a deep honor and regard for that soul, affirming that you are really there for them. In his book, <b><i>Teachings on Love,</i></b> Thich Nhat Hanh writes, "To be really there, you only need to breathe mindfully, and suddenly both of you become real. It may be one of the best moments in your life."</div>
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You might want to let people know ahead of time that you are celebrating National Hugging Day. Click <a href="http://nationalhuggingday.com/" target="_blank">here</a> now to watch a few great National Hugging Day videos!! Brighten the life of another with a hug and a smile. </div>
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For free meditations and more visit the resources page at <a href="http://terigriffinwilliams.com/" target="_blank">TeriGriffinWilliams.com</a>.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08643854194187364757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024681066102770120.post-14198464927690652002013-11-06T05:46:00.001-08:002013-11-06T06:05:41.769-08:00And they sniff..<b><span style="font-size: large;">A dogs path to enlightenment</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4Wd8GRurWh5n0sG-PXghKKKIbl_KwYuvAmVgFVfbuA-Gk0mzF6MUQm9Bl8C183hCfOT0fjaJPLhyLohkJiuuqSfSSXHfAx4AQiwu2sX4rarmwuG8hyphenhyphenjLplHeSYtj4W-988HhSAueG7iC/s1600/bone+sniffing+good.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="78" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4Wd8GRurWh5n0sG-PXghKKKIbl_KwYuvAmVgFVfbuA-Gk0mzF6MUQm9Bl8C183hCfOT0fjaJPLhyLohkJiuuqSfSSXHfAx4AQiwu2sX4rarmwuG8hyphenhyphenjLplHeSYtj4W-988HhSAueG7iC/s200/bone+sniffing+good.JPG" width="200" /></a>Dogs are really pretty simple creatures, I should know, I live with two of them. As a matter of fact, dogs have been in my life since the day I was born. I've learned much from observing them. <br />
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In my opinion they ARE the enlightened ones. The meaning of life is simply "to sniff" more often. Here's what I mean:<br />
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They wake up, they sniff.<br />
They stretch, they sniff.<br />
They wake me up, they sniff.<br />
They wait for me, they wag their tail, they sniff.<br />
They go out, they sniff the air.<br />
They walk down the stairs, they sniff the steps.<br />
They pee, they sniff the ground.<br />
They look around, they sniff the rose bush.<br />
(Ok...that really gets me...they stop to smell the roses!)<br />
They come in, they sniff their food.<br />
They see their bones, they sniff (and chew).<br />
They go back out, they sniff the ground.<br />
They poop, they sniff the air.<br />
They see Leo (their boyfriend next door), they sniff his face.<br />
They come back in, they sniff their beds.<br />
They lay down, they sniff the air.<br />
They wake up, they sniff.....<br />
And they sniff, and they sniff, and they sniff!<br />
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Yes, that's right, "the sniff" says it all. With everything dogs do, they stop to sniff. Sounds so simple - <b><i>sniffing is the way to enlightenment</i></b>. <br />
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There's still one bud left on my bush. I'm off to sniff the roses!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08643854194187364757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024681066102770120.post-5912333105976147342013-08-14T06:53:00.000-07:002013-11-06T05:26:35.682-08:00<b>When did you stop thinking you were beautiful? </b><br />
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That is a question the makers of Dove posed in a recent video that my friend and colleague, <a href="http://www.birgitkeil.com/" target="_blank">Birgit Keil</a>, shared just this morning. I KNOW when I started realizing, again, how beautiful I am -<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/SPFsa6FLvlg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe>From a distance many of you would never suspect that I was quite camera shy. Yes, I was one of those women who would run from the camera. What I saw in my pictures were flaws, lines, pimples, the hidden scars from listening to callous, insensitive, abusive people; from a society who suffers greatly; from believing I was not "good enough".<br />
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Well....Enough is ENOUGH. I, like all of you, am <b>more than enough</b>. There is nothing wrong with me or YOU! We all have a spark, a shine, that when nurtured can light up even the darkest of moments. <br />
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My moment came when I shot my first video, with ME in the scene. While reviewing the piece, I began critiquing it, cutting and cutting until there was nothing left. My production partner, <a href="http://royaloak.patch.com/users/judy-davids" target="_blank">Judy Davids</a>, gave me sound advice. She said, "Stop watching yourself with judgement and simply let it be. The world sees only your beauty and hears only your words of love and encouragement, because THAT'S who you are!" <br />
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Wow! Really, that's who I am? Well, sisters (and brothers) if that's who I am then that's who YOU are - because I am you and you are me. <br />
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<i>"I'm ready for my close up, Mr. DeMille!" </i>Gloria Swanson, Sunset Boulevard, 1950</div>
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Are you ready?<br />
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When will you <b>start</b> thinking you are beautiful? How about right now? Just say, "yes I am" - it's that simple!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08643854194187364757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024681066102770120.post-51666878875732557612013-02-27T11:09:00.002-08:002013-02-27T11:53:38.206-08:00Reset yourself back to your factory settings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Comparatively speaking, our minds and bodies are very similar to a computers hard drive and how the web operates. All are warehouses and storage units for unlimited information and stimuli. As humans, information begins "uploading" into our system before we are even born.<br />
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In computer lingo <a href="http://info.ssl.com/article.aspx?id=10241">SSL</a> (Secure Sockets Layer), in short, it is an industry standard used by millions of websites in the protection of their online transactions with their customers.<br />
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In my world <a href="http://simplesoulfulliving.com/" target="_blank">SSL is Simple Soulful Living</a> – is the standard used for protecting and enhancing my place in the world; that I might live with a greater sense of love and joy.<br />
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Like a computer, when we are constantly exposed to viral threats, pop ups, and daily intrusions our system gets overloaded and can crash. For humans the "blue screen of death" shows up in the form of extreme exhaustion, unending stress, and sometimes, debilitating disease.<br />
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How do we recover? By<i> resetting our human system back to its factory settings; back to the state of the pure love and joy we knew in the womb and at birth. </i><br />
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<b>How to reset your inner hard drive:</b><br />
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<b>1. Do a virus scan -</b> Old emotions and trauma get lodged in our body just like a bad file on the computer. Pay attention to the way your body feels and moves in the world; pay attention to what triggers and stresses you by tuning in. Set aside time on a regular basis to sit quiet then scan and listen to what your body, mind and soul are telling you.<br />
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<b>2. Empty your temporary files</b> - We carry a lot of baggage that's not ours. Let it go by focusing on allowing only that which serves your highest good to enter your life. Begin practicing <a href="http://www.eatnakednow.com/nakedlifestyle/2013/01/16/radical-self-care-are-you-truly-prioritizing-you/" target="_blank">radical self care</a> and <a href="http://www.radicalforgiveness.com/radicalforgiveness.html" target="_blank">radical forgiveness</a>. Follow up with radical kindness.<br />
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<b>3. Clean your inner/outer hard drive</b> - Cleanse your system. Begin feeding your body and soul the foods and activities that support your system, particularly H2O and a little exercise. Both are essential elements for your operating system to work properly. Other ways to clean your inner and outer hard drive include <a href="http://www.santetoyourhealth.org/index.html" target="_blank">raw juice fasts</a>, <a href="http://www.simplesoulfulliving.com/#!soul-work--healing/c1u6t" target="_blank">soul retrieval</a>, <a href="http://www.completewellnesscare.com/" target="_blank">massage</a>, and <a href="http://catherinehilker.com/" target="_blank">inner (and outer) space clearing</a>.<br />
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When our minds and bodies become overloaded with everything that is thrown at us on a regular basis, we can't help but crash. It's crucial to give ourselves time, space and permission to reboot - back to our factory settings and SSL - <b><i><a href="http://simplesoulfulliving.com/" target="_blank">simple soulful living</a>.</i></b><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08643854194187364757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024681066102770120.post-90745092221936778092013-02-20T11:35:00.002-08:002013-02-20T11:35:41.222-08:00What is soulful living? <br />
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<b><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What does it mean to live a life led by your
souls calling? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>First of all, let's define soulful living. Below are four definitions I found on Wikipedia, all of
which I have heard many times throughout my lifetime. I’m sure you have, too. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>1. the principle of life,
feeling, thought, and action in humans, regarded
as a distinct entity
separate from
the body, and commonly
held to be separable in
existence from
the body; the spiritual
part of humans as distinct from the physical part. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2. the
spiritual part of humans
regarded in its moral aspect, or as believed
to survive death
and be subject to happiness or misery in a life to come:
arguing the immortality of the soul. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>3. the disembodied
spirit of a deceased person: He feared the soul
of the deceased would
haunt him. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>4. the emotional part of human nature<span style="font-size: small;">; </span>the
seat of the feelings or sentiments. <span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What's my definition? Simply being in the flow with your your soul self and allowing yourself to be guided by that voice instead of the voice of your ego.</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I grew up in an Irish Catholic household. My pre-programmed vision of the soul was like
this ethereal like fog that lives outside of me. It seemed like it should be a part of me -
that my soul held wisdom – a wisdom I wanted to tap in to. I began reading about
<a href="http://www.simplesoulfulliving.com/#!shamanic-practice/c1pw6">shamanic work</a> and knew it was the work I needed to be doing. It made so much sense.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4k_s2Lg_ZxpHJNDg5Ix7jvnNQGU0cWzQepczpNi6R6wkxR3cUocqSOfsk3c2zXfe9hyv95_SyBhr44qJnXepRbWfciAJ6dHSvbENNlBgqHW4dhPjiQzUDamKFa9DGcJ8WRBYj9Z6u8eL0/s1600/soul+flower.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4k_s2Lg_ZxpHJNDg5Ix7jvnNQGU0cWzQepczpNi6R6wkxR3cUocqSOfsk3c2zXfe9hyv95_SyBhr44qJnXepRbWfciAJ6dHSvbENNlBgqHW4dhPjiQzUDamKFa9DGcJ8WRBYj9Z6u8eL0/s320/soul+flower.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painting by <a href="http://andreaspaperboutique.blogspot.com/">Andrea Tiffany</a><b><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While reading about the many different cultures who
identify with Shamanic practices, the words “soul retrieval” kept popping
up. What did that mean? Did that confirm that my soul was something
outside of me? No, it simply meant that
pieces of me needed to be brought home.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Several years ago, I decided it was time to integrate
that part of me, the essence of who I am, into my life, then listen to her voice
more than my ego’s. Ah, yes, ego,
“Everything’s Going On” - everything besides the truth of your souls’ calling,
your soul self. I began a path to
soulful living. Here’s what I
found: When you tune in and listen, life
becomes easier and easier – effortless and joyful. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How do you tune in? By getting quiet, meditating, prayer - whatever you want to call it. Tuning out what's happening around you and tuning into what's happening inside of you.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Oh, I’m not so naive to think that nothing’s going to rock
my boat – I’m human. When it feels good,
when there’s no tension, when it sends “God bumps” up and down my spine – I
know it’s part my soul’s path. What is
your soul calling out for you to do today?
Not sure – STOP and listen. It's that simple.</b></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08643854194187364757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024681066102770120.post-14329118846662614532013-02-14T09:03:00.000-08:002013-02-14T09:03:49.503-08:00Three Lessons for Living a Soulful LifePeople are constantly asking me how I do it, how I am seemingly so happy. For me, every second is like “rebirth”. We simply have to stop long enough to breath into it and recognize, again, that we create our own reality. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCwl8QNWBZ5GadBmSU_uRXBBrPm-oyx_DFQ2Voh1Zirp0NshMqPjvSBlLijltdByIVDbnRKVclKayW63fvj6sC6269DaiD3iM0UcQpYB8MDv383agOtvIcZrSySiftbNBU3PWJZr_ML2JD/s1600/incomparably+unique.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCwl8QNWBZ5GadBmSU_uRXBBrPm-oyx_DFQ2Voh1Zirp0NshMqPjvSBlLijltdByIVDbnRKVclKayW63fvj6sC6269DaiD3iM0UcQpYB8MDv383agOtvIcZrSySiftbNBU3PWJZr_ML2JD/s200/incomparably+unique.jpg" width="200" /></a>Every morning when we wake up we are given another opportunity to live a life we love, a life that completely honors our soul’s purpose. We must simply make the choice to create that as our reality and then act upon it.</div>
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<b>What’s my strategy? Here are three parts to my soulful journey. </b></div>
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<b>Minimize to Maximize</b> – After having experienced a devastating house fire years ago I realize “it’s just stuff”. That “stuff” takes up almost as much space in my head as my house – its clutter. For maximum enjoyment in my life, I pay attention to what I really love – whether it’s stuff or people – and I surround myself with what I love. I make a point of minimizing that (or those) which no longer serve my highest good, or the highest good of all, and I let it go, with gratitude and blessings. </div>
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<b>Little Things</b> – Do little things every day for others. Those little things can mean mountains to someone else. Sometimes it’s as simple as asking someone how they are, then sitting down to listen to their response or asking how to help. Last week I left my friends favorite tea and honey in her cupboard so when she came home from giving birth to her second child she’d find a little joy, something to relax and smile with. It’s that simple. Below is a list of “little things” that matter most.</div>
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<b>Perfectly Imperfect</b> – Celebrate your perfectly imperfect self, allow yourself to “be” just that. Look around. Everything and everyone is needed. No one is higher or lower than you! We are all incomparably unique. A branch broke off the tree in my backyard. It doesn't mean it’s not perfect just the way it is. It’s still an incredible part of nature, providing me with what I need to breathe. </div>
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These three parts of my soulful journey are what I practice everyday. I’m not always perfect at following my strategy and sometimes I veer off course. Yes, I am human and my EGO can get the best of me. There are many parts to my strategy for living a <b><i>Simple Soulful Life</i></b>. The best thing I can do for myself and others is to tune into what my inner Goddess has to say and act upon her promptings!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08643854194187364757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024681066102770120.post-44409291117928100042013-02-13T13:51:00.004-08:002013-02-13T13:51:50.260-08:0050 Little things that can uplift another soul<br />
The little things really do make a huge difference. Do something for someone every day - your own life will change in BIG ways!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJkAztjhDSlrVAuslrYZ7iNhG6LBQS_b5P8FFpES6m1Xt0uu2LgelRL-jGMY2T6PSK_cUDOd2ugSOUDVxYmwl_YnxZF306eijsJJbDzwg9hSLrNhwxeuqjih6cZ2u4V_F_3Fp3hL3lxUH/s1600/Little+things+make+a+big+difference.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJkAztjhDSlrVAuslrYZ7iNhG6LBQS_b5P8FFpES6m1Xt0uu2LgelRL-jGMY2T6PSK_cUDOd2ugSOUDVxYmwl_YnxZF306eijsJJbDzwg9hSLrNhwxeuqjih6cZ2u4V_F_3Fp3hL3lxUH/s320/Little+things+make+a+big+difference.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Talking less – listening more<br />
2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Community service/Volunteer<br />
3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Mentor a child<br />
4.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Mentor an entrepreneur<br />
5.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Offer to show someone your town<br />
6.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Pay a toll for the person behind you<br />
7.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Donate to charity<br />
8.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Donate to a local family/friend in need<br />
9.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Say hi to a stranger<br />
10.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Smile at a stranger<br />
11.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Hug someone<br />
12.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Call someone long distance<br />
13.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Send a card to someone<br />
14.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Give a heartfelt gift (it doesn’t have to be expensive)<br />
15.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Throw a random dinner party<br />
16.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Invite a friend out to breakfast/lunch/dinner<br />
17.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Have a free garage ssle<br />
18.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Send a client a note or gift thanking them for their service<br />
19.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Put money in a meter that has expired<br />
20.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Mow a neighbors lawn<br />
21.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Shovel your neighbors snow<br />
22.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Take a senior citizen for a ride through their old neighborhood<br />
23.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Start a free book exchange<br />
24.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Buy the person behind you a cup of coffee<br />
25.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Let someone in front of you in line<br />
26.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Hug your significant other as soon as you see him/her<br />
27.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Tell everyone you meet to “make it a great day”<br />
28.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Open doors for strangers<br />
29.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Say Thank you for everything<br />
30.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Tell someonethey’re doing a great job<br />
31.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Give random compliments<br />
32.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Go to the funeral of a friend or co-worker who has lost a loved one<br />
33.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Plan a special day with your child<br />
34.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Submit positive feedback to a business you like<br />
35.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Donate blood<br />
36.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Adopt an animal<br />
37.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Write a thank you card to the postal carrier<br />
38.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Say please<br />
39.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Give food to a homeless person<br />
40.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Take your pet to a nursing or childrens home<br />
41.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Make soup for a sick friend<br />
42.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Make cookies for someone that least expects it<br />
43.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Send flowers to someone on a long trip<br />
44.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Show support to a friend going through a difficult time<br />
45.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Run an errand for someone<br />
46.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Tell someone you are proud of them<br />
47.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Give an extra tip to your server or service provider<br />
48.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Offer to babysit for a friend’s children for a date night/day<br />
49.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Give your spouse a “just because I love you” gift<br />
50.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Smile, Smile, Smile<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08643854194187364757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024681066102770120.post-5060377800620935482013-01-28T09:15:00.001-08:002013-01-30T17:10:16.623-08:00Are you practicing?<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When you read the title, "Are you practicing" did the voice in your head sound like your mothers voice or the gentle voice of your soul saying, "come join me"? Practice is everything. Living life soulfully is a daily, minute by minute, practice. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit7nWdjYW9dKzyi-utE8GmGww3bHdCgdD2Wxq06xWNBtuU6NtY9hOOLoifNJ-mF9QCgC2RqcULRdSlol4fsXr7mIQ_Qa9AE2t-x-d8zBqbIlbBogvHDpJWDzHbbtmKBHvDcnJIPvSmu1IC/s1600/glorification+of+busy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit7nWdjYW9dKzyi-utE8GmGww3bHdCgdD2Wxq06xWNBtuU6NtY9hOOLoifNJ-mF9QCgC2RqcULRdSlol4fsXr7mIQ_Qa9AE2t-x-d8zBqbIlbBogvHDpJWDzHbbtmKBHvDcnJIPvSmu1IC/s200/glorification+of+busy.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This weekend I attended a workshop. Upon reflection I realize where I am neglecting to <b>"practice"</b> in my own life, where I am <i>"glorifying busy"</i>. Was it coincidence that my husband posted this picture on his Facebook page while I was in the workshop. (I doubt it! - Thanks, Mr. Williams) Mainly, it showed up in the way I take care of my own needs. </span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One BIG need is listening to my soul's voice, not the voice of my mother or the voices of the many teachers in my life. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What speaks to me? What keeps me in flow? What do I need to do everyday?</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Meditation and/or journeying</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Commune with Mother Earth</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Connect with my family</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Connect with my animal family</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Play </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Celebrate LOVE</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been distracted, filling my life with busy - ness and business; neglecting those aspects of my life where I felt as if I was truly in flow and listening to my souls voice. My soul is calling, "Come join me"! So...I'm off to join her in journey and align with my mission of Simple Soulful Living! </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08643854194187364757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024681066102770120.post-43053479638668719792013-01-28T08:52:00.000-08:002013-01-30T17:11:28.653-08:00Living a life you love!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6ji0xpa31K77Jy-xlx4sXgB3eO5xtX4wYVUlKlD_JKn_Cr3nvY_hGbDGuAhwOkvSDcHAIFBv8EjIsp3PFt-COrN1hI5FQBg8qf4BoRHKUPtgRa_IZzvcf6N9YHEwoiJ5rS8sLh1EHpeg/s1600/Listen_to_Your_Heart_by_cho_oka.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6ji0xpa31K77Jy-xlx4sXgB3eO5xtX4wYVUlKlD_JKn_Cr3nvY_hGbDGuAhwOkvSDcHAIFBv8EjIsp3PFt-COrN1hI5FQBg8qf4BoRHKUPtgRa_IZzvcf6N9YHEwoiJ5rS8sLh1EHpeg/s200/Listen_to_Your_Heart_by_cho_oka.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 15.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">That's what we are here for - to live a life we love. We, as
humans, make things so darn complicated. Why is that? Because we
let our ego self lead (our "everything's going on" self) instead of
listening to our heart, our soul's true voice.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 15.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 15pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">You know you are NOT in tune
with your soul essence when you're all tied up in knots, when your life feels
like it's spinning out of control.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 15pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 15pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">Sound too easy? It's NOT!
You know you are in tune with your soul essence when life is in flow,
when the little things are just that - little things! This is <b>Simple Soulful
Living</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 15pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 15pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">How do we get there? My
answer - it's pretty simple. By taking time, every day, to practice, yes,
practice moving with the flow of life - instead of moving against it (that's
where the EGO comes in) - little by little your life will become less complicated
and more fulfilling. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 15pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 15pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">Here's my challenge.
Today decide to listen to your heart, your soul's voice by taking just a few minutes
to get quiet and still. You may just be amazed by what you hear!</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08643854194187364757noreply@blogger.com0