A few words from Martha Beck

I saved this quote from Martha Beck to be the last post for 2013.

"Passion can take you to some frightening places. It can leave you facing seemingly insoluble problems. But it also brings friends, magical experiences and a range of understanding that just continues to increase. The world needs you to follow your passion."  Martha Beck

Passion has and continues to take me to all those places.

Happy New Year everyone, and thanks for your continued support! 

2014 will be a great year!

Don't forget my eBook is coming in the new year.

A Still and Sparkly Night

Dona Anderson

I had to share this photo from last Thursday evening.  Magical...

Twitter

I recently joined Twitter so you can follow me Dona Anderson @rootstobreath and some tweets will be at #SimplyOneBreath

Simply, will soon be an eBook!

I'm excited to share with you that Simply, will soon be an eBook so it can travel even more throughout the world. 

2014 will be a great year .... http://www.balboapress.com/

Poem on Christmas Cards

Christmas Cards, here's the poem I referred to in my Dec 2, post.

Christmas Cards

I have a list of friends I know

all written in a book,

And every year at Christmas time

I op to take a look.

And that is when I realize that

these names are a part,

Not of the book they're written in

but of my heart.

 

For each name stands for someone who

has crossed my path sometime,

And in that meeting they've become

the "Rhythm of the Rhyme"

And while it sounds fantastic for

me to make this claim,

I really feel I am composed of

EACH REMEMBERED NAME.

 

And while you may not be aware

of any special link,

Just meeting you has shaped my life

more than you can think

For once you've met somebody

the years cannot erase,

The memory of a pleasant word

or a friendly face.

 

So never think that Christmas Cards

are just a mere routine,

Of names upon a Christmas list

forgotten in between.

For when I send a Christmas card,

that is addressed to you,

It's because you're on the list

of folks I'm indebted to.

 

For you are a part of the many

folks that I have met,

And you happen to be one of those

I prefer not to forget.

And whether I have known you

for many years or few,

In some way you have had a part

of shaping things I do.

 

And every year when Christmas comes

I realize anew,

The biggest gift that life can give

is meeting friends like you.

And may the Spirit of Christmas

that forever and ever endures

Leave it's richest blessings

In the hearts of you and yours.

(Author Unknown)

Enjoying a reminder of summer!

One Rose Wellness Card, and what the message meant to one lady!

One Rose Wellness Card, and what the message meant to one lady!

Yesterday at the last show for the year I shared a special moment with a lady after she picked one of the message cards.  A gentle smile of knowing came across her face and I knew whatever she picked had a special meaning.

Her card said, "Say to yourself, the rest of my life begins with my next breath..." She told me had cardiac arrest and she knew exactly how much those few words meant.  That next breath meant life!

I'm so lucky to have had the privilege to share that moment with her, and thanks everyone for your support this past year.

One Rose Wellness cards created from Simply, One Breath At a Time, by Dona Anderson

Christmas Card List

Christmas Card List  As the holiday season approaches and I get out my cards and list of names, I will again be wondering about the people on my list that I only seem to for sure connect with this time of year, how they are, and what has happened in the last year. 

 

Years ago a lovely poem about Christmas cards (author unknown) circulated and it rekindled my need to keep sending out cards even when I felt I didn’t have time and the times had changed.  It starts with “ I have a list of friends I know all written in a book, and every year at Christmas time I op to take a look.  And this is when I realize that these names are a part, not of the book they’re written in but of my heart.”

 

It goes on to say how the list was made of  people that come into our lives, ones who have shaped our lives in some way, ones the years cannot erase, ones we’re indebted to, and ones whose meeting was a gift.  It kind of reminded me of the poem about people coming into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime, see my post April 10, 2013.

I remember when I was little watching my Mom get her cards ready.  It was a big event and would take her several days to finish.  She’d set up the card table in the living room, make  several piles of cards, envelopes and stamps all nice and neat on the table, and then sit down all ready to go with her various lists of names and addresses.  She lovingly signed and addressed the cards to go out to all their special friends and family, and even to local acquaintances as  it was their form of social networking for the time.

My list from many years ago used to also be full of all those same kind of names and now with all the current ways to connect with people at our fingertips, sending Christmas cards gets less and less each year but it is still a special time to think about and be grateful for each person that is on the list.

As our old ways continue to change over time and even if you don’t celebrate this holiday, I hope you can still find that special moment to think about or connect individually somehow with those people in your life that you prefer not to forget, that would be on your list to remember and acknowledge … to let some know they will always be a part of your life, and to let others know that they are the ones that will forever have a special place in your heart …

 Take Care Everyone!

 (check back later for the whole poem)

Imagine Relaxing this Christmas Holiday!

Relax this Christmas Holiday!

 See what happens when you read this one line to yourself,

“Let each breath be familiar, welcoming, like opening the door to an old friend…”

 So easy, no stress, shop online at home!

Simply, One Breath At a Time is the perfect gift.  Let it find its way into your home, school, church, office, yoga studio or into any wellness center or practice.

 

Or, maybe you’d like to start a wellness circle in the New Year!

It can go anywhere, even your travel bag and it is coil bound for easy reading!

 

Online sales  http://www.amazon.ca/Simply-One-Breath-At-Time/dp/1897518870

Christmas Shopping Time!

Christmas Shopping Time!

What do you want? Imagine a gift that goes on giving for a lifetime.  Imagine learning how the breath, relaxation and meditation can be your companion through life.

The older I get the more I want to have things in my life that will teach and help me to live more and live well.  I want things in my life that teach me the beauty of simple things, and that bring me to a place of awareness and gratitude for where I am and what I have in my life.

Simply, One Breath At a Time reminds me that the rest of my life does begin with my next breath, and I want to know it, I want to feel it.

What do you want? 

 Online sales  http://www.amazon.ca/Simply-One-Breath-At-Time/dp/1897518870

 

One Rose Wellness Card

My message today says!

"The breath gives us choice and strength,

courage and confidence,

calmness and healing..."

 

One Rose Wellness cards created from Simply, One Breath At a Time, by Dona Anderson

Cheryl Richardson video about Tapping

Sharing a video of Cheryl Richardson speaking about Tapping.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KShnY3SB8RY

Affects of Stress

How does stress affect my body?

Roots to Breath, Dona Anderson

Affects of Stress - Google stress and how it affects us! In a couple of minutes you can make quite a list from physical symptoms to emotional  and behavioral symptoms and everything in between.  In just a few minutes I had over 60 so I stopped looking for more as I was feeling depressed (one of the symptoms) 

In looking at the list I can see a few that I have had to deal with.  I remember my how my lower back was and still is a great place for stress to visit frequently,  I checked off worry, frustration, digestive disorders, fatigue, mood changes, headaches, jaw and muscle tension, and weight gain to list a few.

If we have a few of these how do we then escape the accumulative affects that interfere with our daily work, home, and family life? 

How do we take back our health and wellness?  

How do we bring balance  back into our lives and breathe?

Medical research shows us more and more how stress is a link to so many illnesses and personal changes, I even saw articles saying it is a silent killer.  So that is why I try to keep learning and  sharing what I can.  I am finding that the more I present things to others the more I get someone talking and thinking.  Often they don't realize what is bothering them or they're maybe wanting to change but are not sure of what to do or how to do it.  And sometimes they don't realize that a few small changes can make a big difference!

This post is a request to us all!

Dona Anderson

What if we all got fed up with the stress in our lives and did something positive to make a change.  What if we could easily make a huge difference with a few small changes!

What if we extended a safe place out to others where we could honestly talk, listen, exchange ideas, respect and value each other, and maybe ask for help or offer help to others.  What if we talked more about change, easy things we can change, how we could do it.  What if we could just get some ideas flowing that could be workable and maintainable.

Imagine how you'd feel if you noticed a change in the air, felt life opening up, or you heard someone take a deep breath and then relax a bit today, then a bit more tomorrow and the next day.

What if you could cross off some of those items on that list that affect you

and say, no, not here any more!

Imagine!

I found this great link with pages of articles to pick from so we can start sharing and talking right away!



If you're interested in guided breathing, relaxation and meditation check out my book.  Online sales at Amazon  other ebook formats at online booksellers 

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Grains of Sand

Grains of sand - If you think it all looks the same, it isn't.  

http://www.inspirationgreen.com/index.php?q=magnified-grains-of-sand.html

Sharing a blog post by Louise Hay.

When did your life get started?

 Dona Anderson

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I love this post I read this morning by Louise Hay

so I'm sharing it with you! 

Her post really spoke to me and I saw similarities between what she wrote and how my life and activities have changed from years ago to now.

I've heard lots of wonderful people say their life really started and even got better at certain ages and for me, I sometimes think of it as when the turtle is finally ready to stick his head out a bit further from his shell to see all there is and finds out there is still so much more!

Yes, it can be scary...

And it can take us out of our comfort zone.

It can take us a while to find what it is you do like and want in your life, and if we look back we'd see that through our lives we've always been changing, practicing and gaining experience in everything we have learned and done. 

This post encourages us to not stop as we age. 

It's about loving life, still getting out there, investing in our self and continuing to make our life richer and fuller. 

Here's the link.

Blogging for Roots to Breath after 3 years!

How I Found New Ways to Express Myself!

Wow, I can't believe its been just over three years since I started this blog.  I initially started it to coincide with the launch of the 100 books I sent out on a travelling wellness journey (see post dated October 13, 2011).

It is interesting that writing my book felt different than this form of communication.  I remember my fears at writing something that anyone could instantly read, and the thought of my words and thoughts travelling around the world was terrifying,  This new way to communicate offered the words click here to get started which wasn't bad but the publish tab was very hard to do.  Well I got over that as you can see and this last year the page visitors have more than doubled.  And, I am especially excited to have now had visitors from 62 countries.
 

Absolutely Fabulous!  Thank You! Thank You!

As with all the things I seem to be getting myself into these past 10 years I owe it all to yoga and how yoga taught me to take my time, that it was Ok to just do what I could that day, and how I could move slowly to improve over time.  My teaching yoga also gently challenges me to keep learning and improving especially my weaker areas not only on the mat but also off the mat in my life.

All this has become my retirement to do's, and before retirement my list of things I thought I wanted to do had none of these things except yoga.  I guess it's better to say the old list was ripped up and the only thing I did take from it was yoga teacher that I put on the list during my second last week of work.   I am so glad I tossed out the old as my time now revolves around new thinking, new ideas, new learning, new dreams, new people and hopefully it will continue that way for as long as I'm able.

It's interesting how when we enter this change/not working/retirement phase we sometimes forget about how efficient we were and we may forget about how to make new contacts and find new resources.  We sometimes forget about planning for the future and how to organize and prioritize the day.  I remember how we usually got less done on the long weekends because we sat too much and sometimes we had to give ourselves that friendly kick in the butt. 

Even though I still do sit too long it is now always at the computer working on something because my life has new uses for my time, new uses for my creativity, it has new problems to solve, new ways to express myself, and it has many new magic moments to reflect upon.

This last year I also got to sit here and listen to some wonderful wellness related free online conferences.  I got to learn about Tapping, I did meditations with Oprah and Deepak Chopra,  heard lots of the great interviews from the Hay House World Summit, and just finished listening to most of the Recovery 2.0 conference.
 

We all have our lists to work with and I hope the small contribution I make here through my blog will also help send a few seeds of wellness out to blossom!
 

Thanks so much for your visit!

Namaste.

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Much thanks!

Sharing a photo message

Wellness secrets can be this simple!

Roots to Breath, Dona Anderson

A One Rose Wellness message guides you down the path!

Remember to Breathe!

Dona Anderson

Photo by Dona Anderson
Message from Simply, One Breath At a Time

My DREAM

My Dream

Roots to Breath, Dona Anderson
 
It all started with a dream, a dream that I could send out into the world.  Simply, One Breath At a Time began from the dream to help others relax, breathe, soften and let go of their stress.  A book you can take anywhere and use as a tool and resource for yourself or to share with others.  It was my way to be a giver of care.

And, like the healing energy that travels through the hands and words of so many practioners, parents, teachers, and caregivers the simple, gentle and positive words in this book can help bring a person back to balance, and encourage ongoing healing through breath, reducing stress, and body and mind relaxation.

Dona Anderson

You can change your thoughts,

You can reduce your stresses, and

You can bring more wellness into your life.

I hope my dream can be a part of 

your better results!

Online sales for Simply, ... at Amazon

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Thoughts on the relaxation, Shifting Down

Dona Anderson

Shifting Down

Roots to Breath, Dona Anderson

How are you at visualization?

Thoughts on the relaxation Shifting Down that starts on page 76, in my book Simply, One Breath At a Time.

I like the title shifting down as it immediately signals you to think about making a change to something slower, and here you are asked to release, find stillness, and move your body from the outside world to a place of quiet, rest, possibilities....

Then you are asked to picture a beautiful place you'd like to be.  I am getting better at this technique but I do need a bit more concentration and practice ... I sometimes can't complete the picture in detail but I do get the feelings and this visualization requests a place that is restful and comfortable so that is pretty easy.

This type of imagery/visualization is great for calming emotions, reducing stress and improving our mood.  Each time you can create something unique to you and if you want you can even bring all your senses into the details.  Imagine adding in the smells of a bakery, the sounds of birds or the ocean, the taste of something you love and so on, the possibilities are endless ...

The relaxation continues on with breath awareness, relaxing areas throughout the body, and then at the end asks you to return to that beautiful place so you can rest there a little longer and take care of  yourself.

Whenever I do this combination of imagery and guided relaxation I find my whole body feels heavy and is deeply resting while at the same time the mind is free to travel somewhere beautiful so it is not focusing on other things.  What a wonderful way to free the mind and rest while you experience the journey into your image for a period of silent meditation.

And, I'm hoping for a beautiful smile on your face when you return to your day!

I also wanted to share this information Dr David Hamilton 


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Celebrating and Remembering an old Friend

Friends through the seasons of life. 

 

Roots to Breath, Dona Anderson

Celebrating and Remembering an old Friend

I don’t mean old in age necessarily, you know those friends that are still there through all the ups and downs, changes, and years of our lives.   

This one was over 43 years to be exact. 

I recently learned of the passing of an old friend. I’ll call her Princess as that was what her husband said he still called her to the end!  I met her at a time of change and uncertainty in our lives.  My husband and I had recently lost our home in a fire, we had a 10 month old daughter and were pregnant again.  My husband had met her first because he could speak a bit of French and her husband was going away on a course and needed someone to check on his family and bring her the mail. 

A few weeks later we all met as we headed out to see a parade, it was the May long weekend in 1970. I couldn’t speak French, she only knew a few words in English but it didn’t matter.  It's funny how sometimes you connect with others when you can’t really communicate well or it seems you don’t have anything in common but there is something, something there that luckily ties you together and creates a bond.

We had some great times together as the children all grew and later on, there were gourmet meals, family outings, bowling nights, campfire nights and story nights.  It’s funny now how I just realized that it has been about 35 years since we haven’t lived in the same place so our friendship even though it has been very distant has remained.

Princess inspired me with her smile, her Vogue style, her friendship, her home that looked like a magazine article for country living,  all her hard work, and especially her ongoing optimism and hope.  It was a privilege for us to support her creativity and art when we could.  We get to see and admire it every day as we walk through our home and we even passed some on to our family.

I am so glad that when we last got together about 3 years ago we called ahead to plan a cheese fondue lunch where we lingered over wine while we got caught up, and told some old and new stories.  We then went for a walk in their yard to see and admire the gardens and to find and enjoy all the yard art.  Later we checked out her new passion for quilting, and we ended up staying for a wonderful supper before heading out.  The visit as always was inspiring, uplifting, and full of courage and hope just like she was right up until the final day.

In my next book that I’m still working on I have a writing about sharing your stories and sharing the stories of others.   Just like compliments that should be given out, I believe we have to speak about the wonderful things others do and pass them on in some way.  We are all affected in some way by those that we connect with and those that support us in our lives and I know for certain that I am definitely a much better person because of how this wonderful friend filled parts of my life, and she will always hold a very special place in my heart!

   I celebrate our friendship and her life!

What are Orbs?

What are Orbs?

This is my question that I send out!  It has only been recently that I have found out about orbs.  I never previously  had anyone mention them nor know of anyone with a photo of one. Years and years of taking pictures, so what is happening now?

I used a digital camera and had numerous pictures right before and after, and only a couple on different days showed Orbs.  So far in the pictures they seem to just be mingling around as they never line up or look like they want to pose for that Kodak moment!  My photo of the tree on post dated June 24, 2013, shows my first orb. The couple of others that I took later showed multiple orbs, and it was then that I found out they had a name, orb.

A few weeks ago I pulled out some books for summer reading and I found in Dr. Wayne Dyer's book, Wishes Fulfilled, he included several pages of photos showing Orbs present in the room while he was doing his lectures or meeting people, so I am hoping this is a good thing.  I'm personally relating to them as special gifts. 

I hope to see more over time so I can figure out what they are there to teach me.  Is it to just learn more about how to use my camera, is it to learn more about what can only be heard if I really listen  and pay attention, or is it about all there is to see if I am willing and able to look through other filters, lenses, or eyes?  Whether they are dust, moisture,  hold messages or are guests visiting that day, they seem to peacefully remind me that I do have support and love around me even though I can't always see it.

Anyway, I am excited to keep taking pictures and trying to figure it out.  And, I am so happy that I did not use the delete button when I wondered what the heck happened to my photo! 

Great Canadian Craft Fall Show

I'll be an exhibitor at the Great Canadian Craft fall show in Surrey BC, September 14 and 15.

It is my first time at this show and it looks like it is full of all kinds of wonderful products. 

Check out the list on their link I've included. http://greatcanadiancraft.com/fall-exhibitorslist.php


Update  - Sep 25. Thanks to the organizers/helpers for the show.  It was fun and I enjoyed it as well as meeting other exhibitors and the customers.

Is it Guided Relaxation or Guided Meditation?

How can I Relax and get rid of stress?

Is it Guided Relaxation or Guided Meditation?

When I wrote Simply, One Breath At a Time, I used relaxation as this is what I was used to and I felt the book was more about.  For me, meditation is more a quiet time which I do at the end of the relaxation during a period of silence.

Meditation is the most popular word so I thought I’d provide a brief and simple explanation of each as I know and experience them for a beginning practice. 

Relaxation isn't really watching TV, reading a book, or just sitting.  These things may take us away from our work, or give us something to do, or not do, but it often isn't real relaxation. Some of these down times can create even more stress, worry, and anxiety.

Guided Relaxation is a process of consciously learning to relax different areas of the body and quieting the mind which may seem difficult at first. A guided relaxation communicates with your mind, body, and breath using techniques such as positive soothing words, stories, visualizations, breath awareness and exercises, body scanning etc. 

While following along you are invited and encouraged to breathe, soften, become calm and quiet, to let go of tension and stress, and to bring yourself to a nurturing place where you feel deep relaxation and where your body responds to the difference.  It is a time to remove obstacles, open the body, and clear the mind to move into the present moment.  

Meditation is simple but not easy and it takes time and practice.  You can do it anywhere you feel comfortable and it may start with you consciously relaxing your body but the main purpose is training the mind to be still, present, and aware.  This is a personal time to let things pass through your mind by only observing what arises and not reaching for it.

As you become aware of self talk, thoughts, or the things you may be clinging to or resisting, you let it go and then come back to the silence of the moment. Meditators may use various techniques to focus on for this such as affirmations, wellness messages, visualizations, colors, breathing, or mantras. 

Both relaxation and meditation provides us with a few moments to be calm, present, allow our bodies to move toward balance, and to find comfort with who we are.  They offer us a time to be at peace and they help us to learn more about ourselves.  They also offer us tools and ways to manage and release stress which significantly improves all aspects of our daily lives and health management. 

As we commit to our practice it deepens and becomes a place where we can learn about acceptance, kindness, and compassion for ourselves and others, and it can also be a place that reveals our own true beauty, strengths, and potential. 

Whatever you choose, it starts with a breath and a few minutes –

You’ll know when you feel, hear, and see the difference!

Published in Island Gals Magazine, 2013 Volume 3 Issue 2

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Nautical Days 2013

I'll be at Nautical Days next weekend for another year of fun and meeting lots of people.

Come and check out my book, Cd, cards if you attend, I'll be at space #83.

Saturday Aug 3 to Monday Aug 5.  Comox, BC

It is a great weekend of entertainment for the whole family, and Shopping!

*August 5, thanks to all those who came by and especially those who let me know they had bought something previously that they were still enjoying.  One lady came to tell me that they played my CD for an upset and anxious grandchild who couldn't go to sleep and it worked, and the child asked for it to be played the next night.  Wow! How nice it is to share these things.

I asked for no rain and not as hot as last year and I got my wish, it was a wonderful weekend!

Bucket List

What's on your Bucket List?

Roots to Breath, Dona Anderson 

Years ago I went on a workshop about reducing stress and instructor spoke about each of us having a bucket that was normally about 2/3 full of daily home and work stresses, financial worries, activities, family, to do’s etc. He said this was our normal, and occasionally extra things would come along that would fill up our bucket a bit more but would go away in a day or two.   

But sometimes if the bucket was already full or near full and something else happened, or some kind of significant event, it would overflow.  These would be the times when we were too overwhelmed and under too much stress. It was interesting how if the bucket was already full, it only needed one small thing to make it overflow, and then what happens when there are those huge things that just get dumped on us in an instant!

Years later the movie The Bucket List, came out it gave a much different version of what the bucket could hold, it had another role.  I have heard a lot of people talk about their “Bucket List” and I’m always curious what mine would hold, nothing extreme that’s for sure.

As far as travelling goes, I have been lucky to have travelled in Europe, Britain, Canada, and most of the US, and I remember saying to my husband years ago when Pavarotti came to do a concert in Edmonton, that when we get to the home maybe this concert will be what we are remembering.  I don’t know what I will be doing next year or in my later years, but I do feel our most important goal is to try to be happy each day now, keep learning, do something you love, enjoy some personal self care time, and to be contributing in some way for as long as we can.

Yes, I do want to travel to a couple new places, but travelling can be very stressful and sometimes hasn’t exactly been what I had imagined or expected, and other times it was more.  So how do you decide what all to put on your list?  Lately, the more I stay home and venture out into my community, the more it fulfills me through the people I meet and the experiences I encounter.  Joining a weekly guitar group has set me up for years to come, and introduced me to a new friend who wants me to jam with her so we can learn together. 

A recent seniors bus trip to Vancouver to see Les Miserables was a full fun day of enjoying the wonderful show, meeting other people from where I live, finding out what they do, enjoy, and to see how friends of friends can very quickly start to build a connected group. Even if it was only for one day, it allowed me to see the possibility of opportunities that exist if you’re willing to open up and take a chance, get out of the house, let yourself be seen, or make a commitment.

Dona Anderson

A bucket list will be very different and personal for each of us if it is our last list of things we want to do before we die.  While I do think it is great to think about what is really important or satisfying to us, I think the list should also be an ongoing list that helps us to live and enjoy each day now.  I don’t want mine to only be about wishes, dreams, and things I haven’t done yet and maybe never will. I want it to also include real things that I should be doing right now, like enjoying myself, who I am and what I have. I want it to list things like meeting a neighbor and perhaps making a new friend, or it can tell me to take a community course to see who I meet and what I learn. 

Perhaps it will tell me to say yes a few more times to see what happens, use my library card, use the good dishes, or its OK to spoil myself or others occasionally. It can also tell me go places by myself to find out what I like, or to take a drive outside of town to find out what is there or to check out a new restaurant so I can talk about it, and it could tell me to learn or do something I don’t like yet. 

There are all kinds of lists and bucket lists, and I want my happiness to come from the things I’m already doing in my life each day that are exciting, rewarding, nurturing, challenging, fulfilling -

All things I can do now! 

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The making of Permission to Rest, my relaxation CD

What Fun!

Roots to Breath, Dona Anderson

Permission to Rest, my relaxation CD

I had lots of fun working on this CD a couple of years ago.  It's interesting how new projects offer new things to learn and often take you to different places -  this one took me to a recording studio where I learned lots.  I didn't even know there was one in our valley and there it was.  It's amazing what you can find when you start looking.

To prepare for this besides the much needed recording studio, I had to decide what relaxations to do from my book, Simply, One Breath At a Time.  I needed to  find a cover photo, music I thought would suit the relaxations, listeners, and that I could get the license for, I needed to find out where to get the CD's produced, and I needed to find and hold on to a calm and steady voice while sitting in front of several microphones.

I have to tell you that I do not recognize the voice on the CD as mine.  My husband even asked who it was so I told him it was my calm voice.  I still listen to the CD once a month or so for relaxing at home, and each time it offers me whatever I need.  It's gets played often at the healing circle I attend as well, and the other night it gave one of the lady's some well deserved nap time.

My choice of relaxations ended up being pretty easy.  I decided to do two relaxations with a music only track between. One would be the relaxation Permission to Rest, which is also the title of the CD, and for the other I used parts from the two relaxations, Forever Free and the Eagle.

I am still happy with what I picked as they each offer different things.  The mix of the two first invites you to take a few moments to relax, breathe, become aware of and soften different parts of your body, and then it takes you to the ocean where you're guided to open your senses.   Imagine  treating yourself to a walk along the beach and being guided to smell the ocean breeze as it fills your nostrils, feel the breeze as it touches your face, hear gentle waves, feel your bare feet sink into the warm sand, see the water sparkling like millions of diamonds, and then you notice an eagle is sharing this moment with you.  The relaxation later goes on to express feelings of gratitude for this place and memory.

The relaxation Permission to Rest gently and slowly guides you to breathe, connect to and then relax areas of your body.  I often get people commenting on the title, Permission to Rest ... and yes they do agree that most often we do need to give ourselves permission to rest. This is a time where you get to follow along and respond to the gentle nurturing of the words asking you to breathe, feel, relax, soften, and let go as you move through your body.

While the following is part of the ending for this relaxation, I think of it more as a beginning to help us bring wellness into each of our days.

If I take a breath and let it go slowly,

I feel the difference...

When I feel the difference,

I get a glimpse of what is possible...

When I get a glimpse of what is possible,

I open up more...

When I open up and get in touch with

the rhythm of myself,

I participate more fully in the movement

to breathe freely, with intention...

When I breathe more freely, and with intention

I begin to live with presence, and awareness...

This presence and awareness,

graciously nourishes and fills

my body, my mind, and my spirit...

Dona Anderson

 

The CD is available here to purchase  http://www.amazon.ca/gp/offer-listing/0987772309

 

What more can I say!

Information on relaxation

Need Information about Relaxation?

 I found some!

Roots to Breath, Dona Anderson


It is so great to be able to share things I find with you through this blog.  Yesterday I found this great article about learning relaxations so here it is.

It will be able to help beginners and also a great resource for wellness activities/teachers to share.

http://www.med.umich.edu/painresearch/patients/Relaxation.pdf

Thoughts on the Relaxtion, Enjoy the Beauty

Enjoy the Beauty

Roots to Breath, Dona Anderson

Dona Anderson

Thoughts on the relaxation titled, Enjoy the Beauty from Simply, One Breath At a Time.

It is a great little one pager on page 50 that begins by asking us to rest and "enjoy the beauty of this time, this place, this breath..."

It goes on to talk about peeling back layers or stress and worry etc. by letting the breath soften and release them as you breathe.  It seemed years ago that I did this when asked but now I seem to be in a different place and notice that I get to the layers more quickly, and I actually can feel them releasing from a deeper place.

The relaxation then guides us to feel a few different parts of the body one at a time.  This again brings us to the present moment and to where we can actually take some time to think about ourselves, our hands, back or  face, to feel them and to let each one relax separately.

For a few minutes we are guided to notice the beauty of our breath, place and time, and I'm hoping that in the moments to rest, we will also notice it in ourselves as well...a few minutes for self care...to simply be...how wonderful! 


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The Five Tibetan Rites, sharing a video

This post was rerun and updated in July 2014 here's the link It shares the video and an information link.  Check it out.


I've enjoyed learning about the Five Tibetan Rites and this video by Ellen Wood, is very gentle and relaxing. 

http://youtu.be/HjtslbrFbLY

There's lots of info online and in books you can check out for more history, instructions, benefits etc.

A photo from last weekend!

One Rose Wellness Card

I wanted to pick a card today after just finishing a yoga class and still experiencing the affects of the beautiful classes at the Yoga Outreach Retreat last weekend.

The classes I picked seemed to all involve connecting to heart and compassion.  So it is no coincidence I picked this lovely little message.

"Feel the gentle pulse of your

whole body resting,

now listen to the

words of your heart"

 

One Rose Wellness Card message from Simply, One Breath At a Time.

Hay House World Summit

I'm very much looking forward to all that is offered in the Hay House World Summit,
June 1-10.  Can't wait!

Check it out and register.

http://www.hayhouseworldsummit.com/home-registered/?a_aid=5189b5a6af833&a_bid=

Once Upon a Day in Cowichan

Showing off a bit of our beautiful Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

http://youtu.be/XHC9D11xA4c

Tapping Video from Nick Ortner

Haven't tried Tapping yet?

Watch this video

Roots to Breath, Dona Anderson

Tapping is spreading and is a wonderful wellness tool!   

Check this out and you'll want more.

 

  

There are lots of tapping videos to watch and learn from,

I did see this one so thought I'd share it.

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Bye for now and keep Tapping!

One Rose Wellness Message

Relax for a moment and take a couple of full breaths ... then let this little message help you through your day.

Say to yourself,

stress can be replaced

with wellness ...

 

Dona Anderson, message from Simply, One Breath At a Time

Spring is ... Blooming!

I’ve been enjoying our beautiful spring and my thoughts keep going back to the meditation I did for the spring issue of the magazine Island Gals. (See my post, Invite Spring In, dated April 19, 2013). 

 My mind keeps repeating the words in the meditation as I notice our changes happening, and the other morning when I woke up with the sun filling our bedroom with early morning light, I did smile.

Our backyard presently has 3 fruit trees in bloom along with other normal spring bushes and cherry tree showing off their flowers.  The garden has started and the tulips are just finishing.  The birds are singing every day and busy making nests, and we have several hummingbirds visiting.  The perennials are growing and filling in the flower beds, the grass is really growing, and it is so nice to go for a walk and see what is blooming in the neighborhood yards.

Last spring a storm broke a few sections of our fence along with the lilac tree and later we found one small baby tree growing that now proudly shows off its few flowers. The spring rains are warmer, we’ve gotten to eat outside several times, and if it’s sunny we often relax and read outside on the front porch in the afternoons. 

I am connecting to the present moment as I fill some of my time with learning how to play my guitar,  and I’m doing a lot of breathing while I do yoga and read the new meditations I’ve been working on. 

Each day opens up opportunities to receive the gift of noticing and connection.  I’m also enjoying those days when feelings and thoughts of simplicity, ease, calm and softness visit and I am going to leave some space and invite them to stick around for awhile longer. 

We are already enjoying the visual pleasures of spring and as we look at the fruit trees and gardens we are so grateful for the many pleasures and rewards that are still to come!

You Tube Video, Dove Beauty Sketches

Rerun

Roots to Breath, Dona Anderson

Here's a newer post with this video for you

 Dove Beauty Sketches


Sharing a video from Dove Real Beauty Sketches
I hope you watch it! 

http://youtu.be/XpaOjMXyJGk

Invite Spring In!

Invite Spring In!
By Dona Anderson

 

Published in Island Gals, 2013 Volume 3 Issue 1

 

Spring is my new favorite time of year to observe and celebrate each new beginning. 

I love spring on Vancouver Island as it offers us such a long and gradual season of change that fills me with feelings of freshness and rejuvenation, and even invites us to put a little spring into our steps.  We get lots of time to connect to open spaces and to look forward to the pleasures and rewards of a new year.

 

I thought the best way for me to share this with you is through a short meditation that welcomes a few of my treasures of spring and I hope you’ll like them as well.  It begins by simply connecting you with your breath by noticing your next few inhales followed by your exhales … get comfortable, soften your eyes, and take a few minutes to ease into noticing each part of the breath.

Become aware that the inhalation is to receive, the exhalation is to release and let go … slowly soften throughout your body and gently begin to lengthen each part of the breath slightly as you breathe … can you also start to notice where you feel the breath expanding and then releasing within your body …

As you become more relaxed and comfortable bring to focus your next few inhales only and invite into each one the freshness and rejuvenation of spring.

 

 Let your warm spring breaths also bring in feelings of peace, kindness, and compassion …

 

Slowly move your focus now to your exhales … notice and celebrate where you start to let go of the breath, where you let go of any stress or tension you may be holding, and where you come back to feelings of open spaces being left behind.

 

Let the focus on your breath go now and give yourself permission to just rest and become even more comfortable … can you feel your body both receiving and releasing … can you feel your body and mind both softly letting go … can you feel spaces starting to open up to invite spring in …

 

This spring, smile as you wake up to the sun rises filling your home with soft morning light.

 

As new flowers begin to bloom absorb all their beauty, colors, and soothing fragrances.

 

Listen to the birds joyful songs of celebration as they return to begin again.

 

Embrace the blossoms of the trees as their gifts to you and the world.

 

Feel the freshness of soft drops of warm rain on your face.

 

Notice your smiles are gifts that connect you with the present moment.

 

Breathe in and let gratitude fill your whole body with inner peace.

 

And this spring, maybe you can release a few layers of old thoughts and habits and create space to invite in simplicity, ease, calm, and softness.

 

Now close your eyes and simply rest for a few more minutes.

 

                                            Namaste.

Red Tuque Spring Catalogue

Spring has arrived and the new spring catalogue for 2013 is out and full of great books by Canadian authors.

www.redtuquebooks.ca

Reason Season Lifetime

Something to think about

Dona Anderson

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Reason Season Lifetime

This is a great poem I want to share it with you.  Author unknown

People always come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.
When you figure out which it is, you know exactly what to do.

When someone is in your life for a REASON,
It is usually to meet a need you have expressed outwardly or inwardly.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty,
Or to provide you with guidance and support,
To aid you physically, emotionally, or even spiritually.

They may seem like a godsend to you, and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrong doing on your part or at an inconvenient time,
This person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.

Sometimes they die. Sometimes they just walk away.

Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and it is now time to move on.

When people come into your life for a SEASON,
It is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn.
They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.

They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.
And like Spring turns to Summer and Summer to Fall,
The season eventually ends.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons;
Those things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person anyway;
And put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas in your life.

It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
Thank you for being part of my life,
Whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.

Author - Unknown