Does more make it better?

This last year I've worked on several writing projects with a specified word count.  I always found that I had already reached the limit and still had several more thoughts and details I wanted to add in.  This was a really good learning experience for me as it makes you think about what you are saying, how it could be reworded, what can be left out, and what is really of value to the story. 

There are probably lots of situations like this where more doesn’t make it better.  I’ll refer to words here but it could be about other things as well.  We let more words fill the page thinking more is better but then the message may not be clear, it gets confusing, the page is too full, or maybe we even stop reading.

One thing I have noticed though is that sometimes one or two words placed just right can open you up to a whole different space and moment.  It can be the breakthrough, the key, the opening of the door to finding the real message inside! 

Happy Holidays

I wish you a very happy holiday season ahead and much success for your future!

2013 will be a great year!

One Rose Wellness Card

I love the one I picked today and I know it does make such a difference.

"Give yourself the gift

         of a smile,

give the gift to others,

see and feel what happens..."

I can see a big smile lighting up your face!

One Rose Wellness Cards - Handouts for 2012

My takeaway treasures...

Each year at the shows I go to as a vendor to sell my Book, CD and cards, I hand out a sample version of my One Rose Wellness Cards, to those who pass by my table.  They have the same messages but I print them on colored paper and include my blog address.  The card messages are all taken directly from my book, so it is always a special time for me to connect through them with so many people and get their responses such as this one is perfect for me, this is just what I needed, I got a good one, and there are so many thank you’s and big smiles sent back to me.  If I return the  following year, I get many people coming back for another card and some tell me they still have last year’s card in a special place, and each year I am honored to come back home with some very special memories from these exchanges.

 

I’d like to share a few that I’ll treasure from this year.

 

A mother and her 3 adult daughters all took a card and as they read each other’s they laughed about how each card suited them.  It was so nice to watch them having this special moment!  Another mother and daughter picked a card and they each got the same one.  I explained that when I only have a few left in the bowl and add in a new set of 105 there will be a few duplicates.  They were so happy to each pick the same message card and the daughter said the mother had just moved back and they were noticing that they were very much alike, each saying and thinking the same things so the same card was perfect and meant to be!

 

A lady picked a card and I could see her immediately starting to get teary eyed.  She told me that she had been working well over her limit for several months.  The card she picked told her what she really needed to hear, it was time to rest, and she was even happier when she found out the card was hers to keep!

 

An elderly man picked a card after his wife insisted ... later he came back and leaned over the table to tell me that he was 86, in poor health and the message he got was just what he needed.

 

Another elderly man picked a card and after reading it, thanked me, and then put it away in his wallet to keep.  The following day he returned to the show and we exchanged smiles. Later he came to my table and again thanked me and got his wallet out to show me the few other things he carried with him.  He had two poems each on a tiny piece of folded newsprint, one was over 30 years old and was by the Irish poet Yates, he also had a small paper coaster that was from his parent’s pub in Ireland, and the only other thing was the wellness card from me.

 

A lady selected a card and didn’t really get the message so she put it back in the bowl to let someone else pick it.  About an hour later she returned with a big smile on her face and said she had just won the hourly door prize and although not sure why she now wanted the card she put back.  It was a yellow one so we pulled out all the yellow ones that were left in the bowl and luckily we found the one she put back.  She was so happy that no one else had picked it during that time and then she happily went on her way.

 

I don’t know what any of their cards picks actually said as there are 105 cards in a set, and each one can have a special meaning to that person in that moment.  I have been asked by other vendors around me what I’m handing out and why I stand up all day to hand out the cards.  I reply because these few words can make a difference and change someone’s moments or day.  They like the book invite us to rest, soften, relax, and let go of stress.  They can connect us to the present moment to offer stillness, calm, comfort, caring, and awareness, or they can just remind us to smile, give ourselves a hug, or to simply breathe!

 

And, this year I was so fortunate to hand out over 2600 cards!

 

My One Rose Wellness Card pick for today says –

“Soften your whole body,

and invite a smile to fill your

face and your heart ...”

 

Thanks Everyone for a Great Year!

One Rose Wellness Card, Todays pick!

The One Rose message I picked today says -

"Because you can, start to see and feel the beauty in you,
see your uniqueness, your powers, your strengths..."

Have a great Day!

Me a cover Island Gals!!

The third issue of Island Gals Magazine for 2012 is available now and I'm on the cover!

That was never on my list of to do's but I'll gladly accept this wonderful gift. 

In it is my third of four stories about retirement, this one titled, Sprinking of Courage.

For more info check out their website http://www.islandgals.ca/

Song about being Happy!

Sometimes when I'm out walking I get lines from old songs in my head.  Those simple ones from childhood that are catchy tunes.

So anyway I found it on You Tube so sharing this fun version!

Enjoy.

http://youtu.be/qmCEQVcNp4s

Christmas Shows for 2012

It's that time of year to get some gifts picked out for under the Christmas tree and I'm excited to be attending the shows listed below.  The WinterFest show is a new one for me and they have a Celtic theme this year so I get to hear my kind of music!

I already know of a few things I will be picking up at the Touch of Saltspring show, and I will get to see my friend Johanna, publisher of Island Gals magazine.

Looking forward to seeing all the happy smiling faces again this year, and handing out lots more One Rose cards!

Evergreen's Annual Christmas Bazaar & Luncheon, Courtenay BC, Nov 7, 2012

WinterFest & Craft Fair, Parksville BC, Nov 16-18, 2012

A Touch of Saltspring, North Saanich BC, Nov 30 - Dec 2, 2012

What is a Garden?

It seems every year our flower and vegetable garden produces one thing in abundance over the rest.  This year it was the small cherry type tomatoes.  We had hundreds and hundreds of these little juicy pop in your mouth delights.

It was these tomatoes travelling to neighbors and friends by the bowl full and it is always wonderful to watch the smiles and sparkle in the eyes of others as they gaze at and sample whatever is being shared. It is even more wonderful to know the gardener passes these gifts on with just as much delight. 

So the old Chinese Proverb “he who plants a garden plants happiness” is right!

I'd like to think that perhaps a garden is not just a plot of land for growing vegetables, flowers, fruit, or shrubs - to me there may be other kinds of gardens.  I wonder if anywhere we are nurtured and allowed to grow, develop, and flourish is a garden setting. 

 

Our home and neighborhood is a place where we plant roots and provide an environment for our family to be cared for and grow to be healthy and strong.  It’s a place where we want to be and feel nourished, supported, protected, and safe. 

 

Our many levels of schools and learning centers nurture and tends to our needs from childhood to adults so we can establish a strong foundation from which we can give our best and blossom through our accomplishments.  Our job, hobbies, and passions can also be a place for us to establish ourselves, to grow, mature, and display our potential and talents.

 

So here’s the question - could any place that nourishes and supports our body, mind, and soul to blossom and flourish also be considered a kind of garden?

 

I wonder if perhaps it might even be that place in our heart that fills up and sometimes overflows with pleasure, caring, giving, and love ... oh, I think this one sounds like the gardener!

Rumi Quote

Inspiring Rumi Quote 

With Beautiful Autumn picture!

Another quote that fits into my life and what I want to share!


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One Rose Card

The One Rose Wellness Card I picked today says -

"Say to yourself, perhaps this will be another perfect day ..."

We get to enjoy our Thanksgiving weekend with sunshine, blue skies,
flowers and some fresh produce still from the garden.

Much to be thankful for, and it will be another perfect day!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Restorative Yoga Workshop

I just spent 5 days last week in Vancouver taking the Relax and Renew Restorative Yoga workshop taught by Judith Hanson Lasater.

 

Judith is a wonderful master teacher who passes on not only all her experience in Yoga but speaks to us about how to live with grace, kindness, compassion, and how to listen and pay attention to others as everyone is important.  In this workshop we had homework such as not rushing, and no waiting.  We talked about how our thoughts and emotions can either lead us to anxiety, anger, and frustration, or go the other way to find time to do something else, find compassion, or just move quickly without adding in the stress or worry.  

 

Several ladies reported back at how one small change they did that one night made such a difference in their interactions with others, or how they found a few minutes to do something else they needed to do.

 

I love it when you go to a workshop on one thing and come away with much more to think about.  It is always these small simple things that if we can bring them into our lives on a regular basis they add up, and teach us to  live and connect to our life from a more peaceful, calm, and understanding place. 

One Rose Wellness Card

The message I picked today says -

" As you rest, think only of wonderful things,
wish with your heart and dream with your soul..."

One Rose Wellness Card

The message I picked today says -

 

"In this moment, say to yourself,

my breath brings me back to stillness,

to silence, to a feeling of being free..."

Telling our Stories!

One Year Later – A dog story!

Adjustments and changes are always part of life, some are easy while others take some time. 

Last September we said good bye to our lovely Scottie dog girl, Tilly.  It was very unexpected so that added even more to the feelings of love, sadness, and loss. 

Yes, we still have our Westie dog girl Chloe, and even she went through her own period of loss and missing her sister.

In the days that followed we learned that Chloe’s nightly not eating was just a game to tease Tilly, and we all fell for it. We had rushed to save her food from Tilly when she walked away from it almost every night for the previous seven years.  

We found out that when we go for our morning walks the person who doesn’t have a leash to hold on to feels left out, so we share the one back and forth.  

We found out how Tilly taught us about trusting, loving, and being kind even when you don’t feel well.  And, we found out we all have our own memories and unique ways we love and remember others in our heart.

This past summer was full of memories of Tilly who loved eating all the fallen cherries, raiding the garden for peas and green beans, playing with and then trying to bury the fallen apples in the garden or her various beds, and loving to be in the ocean trying to catch the little fishes. (Yes, she was a food lover!)

Below are a few lines from one of my new writings that seems to fit here.  It’s about telling our story, and helping to pass on stories of others so they can be remembered in the future as well. (I wasn’t thinking about pets when I wrote it but sharing their stories is important as well)

“Maybe when you write your stories, you can also dedicate a few chapters to others you can remember so they don’t get forgotten … you can speak about them, tell a few of their stories and experiences so they can go along with you into the future … they may not even know they are remembered, loved, or admired for their struggles, strengths, courage, and for being like you, the best they could be.”

A dear friend recently wrote and shared a beautiful story about her lovely little dog Sadie. It was inspiring to read how so many people and experiences are connected to one tiny dog, and to know that Sadie will also live on through the hearts and stories of others!

Now I really need another tissue!

Earlier story 

Supersize or Downsize?

What do you think?

I'm leaning towards downsizing

Roots to Breath, Dona Anderson

I’ve been thinking about how we shop with all these stores and the other services we get.  What’s with all this more or bigger is better and unlimited or limited this and that, and then there’s the super sizing and the bundling. 

They say they’re adding more, giving us a deal, more time or access, but doesn’t all this feed our mind to want more, and a lot of the times it’s not needed, wanted, or even used.  We fall into the idea that we need it or will use it, it’s a good deal, so we get more for less or lots for just a bit more.

I’m all for saving money wherever I can but lots of times we get the unlimited this and that, and after a while do we even appreciate it anymore?  We buy the bigger meal because it is only a bit more or we buy more of something on sale then eat or waste more.  We buy the box of six when we really only want one and then can’t even find the others when we run out.  We buy this or that just because we can, we see it, or it’s the new model.  We sign up for a long membership and then only go a few times.

Do we really need or even want what we’re getting, using, or paying for?  Are we really appreciating what we get or is it just a lot more things filling our lives, homes, heads, and stomachs.  Are we living with excess clutter, pounds, services, and creating more and more waste just to make our heads feel happier to think we got a good deal? 

Does this make any sense?

Downsizing is starting to mean so much more!

Buddha said...

Island Gals Magazine

The second issue for 2012 is now out. 

My article is on page 34!  This is the second story in a series of four for the year and is titled, I'm the new manager of me!

The series is about my surprises and activities in retirement. 

This second story ends with the thought that whenever I want, I can give myself permission to rest or do nothing while knowing that is perfectly OK!


http://www.islandgals.ca/index.html

Wellness, Relaxation, Meditation...and much more!

Training, Resource, Wellness!

September is fast approaching and a lot of us are busy planning and scheduling our fall activities.

Simply, One Breath At a Time, can be part of your training and resource tools.  It offers 65 guided relaxations to refresh your body and soul. It’s full of different titles to ease you into wellness, relaxation, meditation, gratitude, stillness, or just being with the breath.

Just think of yoga teacher training and the students taking this book away to use in their classes, or for any yoga class and home practice.   

Reiki Level One training focuses on self healing and sharing with others.  Reflexology also promotes self healing. This book was written for that purpose, and it would be a wonderful addition to any training package.

The book uses simple words and thoughts to help reduce stress and encourage presence and awareness.  It can go anywhere and be used by anyone interested in bringing wellness into their own lives, or the lives of others.

Namaste.

More information on Simply, here!

"Simply One Breath At a Time offers us such simple truths of how to live this life with presence and ease.  This book is both practical and beautiful in its expression.  Author Dona Anderson writes with clarity about a subject she loves, the power of breath and relaxation.  Open it anywhere and begin to feel happier and healthier in your skin.  Recommended for everyone."

Judith Hanson Lasater, Ph.D., PT, has taught yoga since 1971 and is the author of eight books, including the latest, What We Say Matters.

Rumi Quote

Rumi quote

I have posted a few of Rumi's quotes this last year, and the first one was even before I had the winter course.  I had even put one in the new book I'm working on.

After I did the previous posts with Rumi poems I decided I'd let the next few find me.  Anyway, I got the new book  by Dr. Wayne Dyer, Wishes Fulfilled, and on page 197 he shares this poem.

You were born with potential.

You were born with goodness and trust.

You were born with ideals and dreams.

Your were born with greatness.

You were born with wings.

You are not meant for crawling, so don't.

You have wings.

Learn to use them and fly.

                    ~Rumi~

The other Rumi quotes I've shared so far are on posts dated

June 26, 2011

March 22, 2012

April 11, 2012


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Nautical Days, Aug 4-6, 2012

Summer is going by so fast and in a few weeks I'll be back at Nautical Days for the 3 day festival.

It is always a fun time to meet lots of people and share my book, CD, and wellness cards.

I'm hoping Elvis is appearing on stage again!

Comox BC
Aug 4-6, 2012

One Rose is all you need!

Reiki and Reflexology !

Pieces to One of my Life’s many Puzzles.

Roots to Breath, Dona Anderson

Life sometimes gets a bit confusing and it is only later when we put the pieces together that it starts to make some sense.

I often say that I’m doing things I wouldn’t have ever imagined and two of them came to me through meditation, and were things I really didn’t know anything about, Reflexology and Reiki.

Reflexology came to me first. I knew it had something to do with feet but nothing else, so I checked it out and looked at where I could get training.  I was very surprised to find out that the trainer for the one I was looking at worked in my little town, and at the time was the trainer for Western Canada and parts of the US as well.  Who could have imagined that?

Reiki came to me several years later.  I had heard the word and thought they did it at spas but not much else.  So again I looked it up to learn more and to find out about training. Then I saw an advertisement in the paper for a free workshop for level one.  Unfortunately it was full, but the same lady was teaching a different workshop the day before that I was able to go to.  I mentioned to her that I had also wanted to do the Reiki workshop but it was full.  Later in the day she came to me and said there was a cancellation for the Reiki, and did I want to take that spot.  I was lucky again!

I guess this is about putting what you want out there, and seeing what comes back. Before, I only had questions about what other things I could possibly use my yoga room for, and this is what I got back.  Since then, I use both of these practices for  my own self healing, and I enjoy introducing them to friends and family to help them relax and to receive these wonderful healing benefits. 

I’m sure there will be more reasons why I was introduced to and then agreed to learn and use these healing practices, and those will be the pieces that eventually finish this very interesting puzzle.  

But, I think the most important piece was the one for listening ... without that piece, none of this would have ever happened!

Share this below

Quote from Dr. Wayne Dyer

"There's always something beautiful to be experienced wherever you are.

 Right now, look around you and select beauty as your focus. 

What do you see?"

                                                   Dr. Wayne Dyer

I love this and will use!

How something so simple and we see all the time but in a different form can

mean so much ...

 Thank you to whoever made it and thanks so much for sharing!

Book 2, 2011

As this time of year is a bit slower and not much on my calendar, I have been thinking about getting back to work on book 2 that I started last year.  I guess I was on a roll for a couple of months and then the sun came out for summer and the pages of the book were left for another time.

Even though I’ve been writing these posts and some other things, they don’t require the same commitment from me that I need when writing for the book.  I really have to go to a different place and I’m not sure how long it will take me to get there.

When I stopped last year, I thought it would be for a week or month or so and not a whole year.  So I’ve just tried to start by reading what I did, making changes, editing etc to see if I will get a spark and be inspired to start up again.  I really forgot most of what I did so now I’m looking at it being both surprised and amazed, and asking myself, where did that come from! 

Wish me Luck!

Happy Wednesday To You!

Another Retirement Story!

I was thrilled when asked to do another story of thoughts and experiences on retirement for the quarterly magazine, Island Gals, and even more thrilled when several days later it became three more to make a series of four for the year!

As I was thinking about what to write, I thought about how others I know are using this time and I discovered so much variety.  One lady told me she couldn’t wait for her early retirement because she wanted to volunteer more, others I know expanded their love of gardening or quilt making, others golf, travel, take courses, teach, sing, play cards, exercise, do yoga, or read more.  Some look after grandchildren, are caregivers, visit and help neighbors and friends, and some have found new passions, new careers, or take on projects to help with theater plays or charities.  

Never before has there been so much available for us to do and retirees have so many choices available to them.  So far this year I’ve been fortunate to enjoy some of my regular activities, have had lots of do nothing days, took and taught some classes, travelled to see family and friends, bought lots of new books, enjoyed the beautiful changing flowers of spring, met some great ladies, and continued with my writings!  

I won’t mention my sometimes frustration with the computer, that the rain makes the weeds grow, I need new glasses again, and that I don’t like our new microwave. 

And, I finally went out and bought some of that anti-aging cream ...  I’m just wondering now if I waited too long!

Old Sayings

I’ve got a Bone to Pick...

My mother used to say when she was mad at us, “I have a bone to pick with you”.  I never really figured out what bone meant, but I knew she was not happy.

I’m sure every family has their own sayings and favourite words that are getting lost through the years and generations.  

This post is just to let you walk down Old Sayings Street for a moment and see if you can find an old one, or think about the new ones you’re creating that may be remembered in the future.

Enjoying a few hours at the beach!

Yesterday I treated myself to some time alone with my book and an ice tea at the beach.  I sat in my car with the windows down and enjoyed the scent of the ocean air, the sounds of the soft waves and the birds swirling around.  The water was a soft blue and it was all so beautiful.

Others came and went, a dog was playing, a plane landed and later took off, and it was a wonderful time to let the sun shine in and absorb whatever there was.  I even got to see a parade of old cars on my way there as they drove past me.

Happiness is then coming home and with the windows down, the CD loudly playing the Hallelujah Chorus and me singing along! 

Just one of those days!

I remember hearing this story years ago about a top executive of a company complaining that he couldn’t get away from the office to take time off for his vacation.  The owner reminded him that if he was really good at his job he should be able to plan and take his time off as he was getting paid as a very highly skilled manager.

I kind of feel that with retirement.  We worked hard for all those years and we can use those same resources, dedication, support, creative energy, and time management skills to find out how to be our best in this time of our lives. 

But some days are just so busy with trying to find your glasses, the dog is barking again, doing the dishes that we forgot last night, finding the remote and then the satellite isn’t even working, making the bed, fixing up what the wind blew over outside, another newspaper to look at, having to make real food, check the emails, etc etc.

And then it starts all over again! 

ISLAND Gals

Last December I was asked to write an article for the spring issue of the magazine Island Gals.  This issue arrived and there I am, on page 6.

This is a great local magazine created by women who are sharing with us words of inspiration, motivation, humour, and information.  All of which are things we need and want, and it focuses on celebrating and connecting women.

  

My story was about how my retirement to do list needed changing.  I talked about how I needed to find new things, and how they have excited and surprised me at the same time.

A few days ago I received an email from a reader thanking me for sharing my story, I was so thrilled and grateful.  This really confirmed that the magazine is truly about celebrating and connecting!

Here's a link to the magazine. 

http://www.islandgals.ca/index.html

eBook

I'm considering checking into the process to put Simply, One Breath At a Time, out as an ebook.

Anyone intersted??

If so please comment to let me know, thanks.

From Martha Beck

Sometimes I get the chance to read the little messages I get on facebook.   I found this one and saved it to share another day. Thanks Martha Beck!

"Experience enlarges you by weaving itself into the fabric of your identity;
you are the sum of all you have experienced.

Namaste…what it means to me!

Namaste

Roots to Breath, Dona Anderson

A special word with a special meaning!

I loved it when a new beginner to yoga told me that when she had first heard the word Namaste, she thought that the person said, have a nice day, so that was what she repeated back.

Some usage is as a simple greeting like good day, hello, be well, or as a goodbye so have a nice day does certainly fit in.

I use the word here on my blog sometimes so I thought I would write a bit about how I interpret and use this word. The silent or spoken non contact hand greeting brings your two palms together at the level of your heart.  This greeting can be used by anyone, any age, and it is often used as a written closing notation.  Depending where and how it is used it can have different meanings but normally it is a sign of respect and recognition. 

I’m glad there are various usages for this word as I use it differently as well.  I have used it as a general greeting when arriving or leaving a place, and I’ve used it as a very personal deep thank you. Namaste used in yoga, meditation, and healing practices generally goes a bit deeper and may acknowledge a feeling or sense of oneness. 

In yoga and other group activities and practices it can also be used as a group equalizer, or directed to someone for specific acknowledgment.   I use it as well for personal recognition that our practice is deepening, as a direct thank you and acknowledgment for partner work, at the end of class, or it is sent out to be shared by the group as a whole. 

Namaste, is a Sanskrit word that means, I bow to you.

 A few common versions are:

* I greet the place where you and I are one

* The soul in me acknowledges the soul in you

* The spirit in me respects the spirit in you

* I honor the spirit in you

I’d like to end with this one:

* I honor the place within you (me) that is of love, of truth, of light, and of peace...

Namaste.

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Thoughts on the Relaxation titled, Change

Life is always Changing!

How do you cope with change?


 

Roots to Breath, Dona Anderson

 

Is change a good thing or does it

create stress?

Sometimes I like to just let Simply, One Breath At a Time open up and see what page appears.

A couple of days ago, I opened it and found the relaxation titled, Change.

This relaxation starts with “Our lives can change in a heartbeat, a second a minute, an hour, a day…a word can change us, a thought, a song, a story, a picture, even a breath”

I know change can be a good or bad thing for all kinds of reasons so I look at change as a process, an evolving process, a period of some kind of learning, adjusting, experiencing, noticing, and responding. 

This relaxation simply guides you to notice how your breath can be that evolving process as you are asked to breathe and soften.   It says you can change your thoughts, and give yourself a chance to rest.  You are asked to notice how you are responding to its comfort and nurturing, and it also asks you to allow stillness into your day.

In this short relaxation, you get to experience how a few minutes to let your natural breath nurture you can bring change, and bring you to a place to let go and rest for a moment.

Our life can change in a heartbeat, a second, a minute … or even a breath!

Namaste.

More information on Simply, here 

Thank You for sharing with others below

and you can also comment on this post.

Andre Rieu is Amazing!

I love his concerts especially the one we went to a few years ago in Vancouver.  It was a lot of Christmas music and at the end we were all standing up for 45 minutes singing and humming.  I will always remember the audience humming Silent Night.

Anyway, I just got this link to Andre playing "My Way"  it is amazing so I had to share it with you.

Enjoy!



http://www.youtube.com/embed/e-y581HdWfY?rel=0

Celebrating Rumi, Last Class!

Rumi, sharing a poem for Two!

Roots to Breath Dona Anderson

As I mentioned in my earlier post dated, March 22, 2012, I had a great time being introduced to so many wonderful poems by Rumi, and listening to them being read aloud by the different voices of the class.

I enjoyed some of the poems just as they were on the surface, while others beckoned me to look further and deeper.  There can be many layers of interpretation, thoughts, and feelings arising from these writings, and I found that as I read more, I experienced and understood more.  Even as a beginner to these poems, some left me thinking about things, people, and experiences in my own life, and some will change the way I look at things.

The last class was especially memorable.   We got to take turns sharing one of our favourite poems with the class, and then something wonderful happened. 

One of the ladies brought to share the poem below.  She also brought her classical guitar and had arranged music so she could play and sing the poem for us.  For me, who had just started learning guitar, it was the best way to end this class, and let me know I was where I was supposed to be.  For me that day, it compared to a big bowl of the best fresh garden strawberries of my dreams, on delicious smooth ice cream…in that moment, everything else melted away. 

I sat, loved it all, and wanted more!  Namaste.

You & I
by Rumi

“A moment of happiness,

You and I sitting on the verandah,

Apparently two, but one in soul, you and I.

We feel the flowing water of life here,

You and I, with the garden’s beauty

And the birds singing.

The stars will be watching us,

And we will show them

What it is to be a thin crescent moon.

You and I unselfed, will be together,

Indifferent to idle speculation, you and I.

The parrots of heaven will be cracking sugar

As we laugh together, you and I.

In one form upon this earth,

And in another form in a timeless sweet land.”

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Body Soul & Spirit Expo, Edmonton Alberta, May 4-6, 2012

Simply One Breath At a Time, is travelling to Edmonton Alberta. 

I am very excited to be attending the spring Body Soul & Spirit Expo in Edmonton, May 4-6, 2012.

It will be a great chance for me to visit with all the other exhibitors, and to share information about my book, CD, and wellness cards with everyone attending. 

Some of the things you’ll find in this book of 65 gentle guided relaxations are gentle breathing, easy visualizations, hugs, smiles, nature, gratitude, progressive relaxations, and time to be quiet and still for meditation.  Through positive words and thoughts, each page inspires and encourages its readers and listeners to rest, let go of stress, nourish and support their own wellness. 

Go to the Wellwishers tab above and see what others have said about the book!

It is great for home use and gifts, for caregivers, yoga teachers, training resource, schools, self healing, and other wellness and relaxation practices to list a few! Each relaxation in the book offers practical and easy ways to bring presence and ease into your daily life. 

You can also get your own copy of the book, Simply, One Breath At a Time, and/or the CD, Permission To Rest, online at Amazon.ca 

How do you interpret messages from the universe?

Last Friday, while sitting at my desk I thought I’d just take a moment to see what my pick of an Oracle card said.  Years ago whenever I picked a card, they never seemed to make any sense to me or I didn’t know how to interpret what they said.  Then this last couple of years I have been quite surprised at what I’ve been picking.

Anyway, I opened my box of Life Purpose Cards and after I shuffled several times, I finally picked a card that seemed to be moving as I fanned them out, it was a card for Crystals.  This was so weird for me because I had just a minute before looked at a box sitting on my floor with crystals in it that I bought and since have not taken out or found a home for yet, and then I pick the card on crystals. 

Then I thought I’d see what the Messages from Angels had to say.  I opened the box and after taking out the guidebook, the top card facing me was Crystal.  After a pause and a breath, I kept going.  I shuffled lots of times and then just picked one from all of them fanned out, and this is true, I picked that same Crystal card.

I really don’t know what goes on in this universe of energy, messages, and how to figure out the meanings to all of this.  Both of these cards had different messages that were for me that day.  One was gentle reminder that I wanted to learn more about cyrstals and they are still sitting in the box,  and the other was to encourage me to keep going along my path.

Later that same afternoon, I received an email that the interview I had done for Live your dream workshops site was now online.  The email was from Crystal.  

I’ll share the link to my interview again, it was the third Crystal message and must be the lucky one!

 

http://liveyourdreamworkshops.com/2012/03/success-story-dona-anderson/

Please feel free to share with others.