Health = Wealth

It's time for a short Breath Break

Holiday stresses slowing you down...

Dona Anderson

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Breathe in - Breathe out.

All the decorations, gifts, food  and activities around the holiday season can leave us tired, stressed or maybe even lonely and anxious.

What happens when you're on Empty?

Please take Care of Yourself. 

Next week it will be all over so Breathe and do things to help you Relax and Feel better.

This has been a busy year for my Blog and I THANK YOU

 so much for your support.

Happy New Year!

Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Christmas Canon (Video)

Relaxation and Meditation 

Dona Anderson

Music is a wonderful way to relax for a few minutes.

I love to share this video - it's one of my Favorites!

Have a wonderful day.

Do you Enjoy doing Nothing?

You can create Miracles 

when you're not rushed.

Dona Anderson
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We think about Relaxation as not doing anything but this can be one of the hardest things to do.

For many of us, slowing down, trying to quiet the thoughts in our mind and relaxing the body to release tension and stress can be difficult.  

With practice it gets easier and the body responds faster knowing the many benefits to come.  

I hope you'll rest awhile with the few words following this picture and let any discomforts release as you become more comfortable.

You Deserve to Feel Better Today!

Enjoy this short pause in your day.

Let your body find a place of stillness ...

As your mind quiets let your whole body access your inner self and

journey to a place that is still ... 

a place that is silent ... 

a place without thoughts ... 

journey to a place where you can listen to your heart...

Excerpt from Simply, One Breath At a Time

©Dona Anderson 2008

Wellness Resources 

Join the Family for a Fun Christmas Word Game

Fun Game to Share with your Friends & Family!

Dona Anderson

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Christmas Word Game ~ © Dona Anderson

I give a paper copy of this out at the couple of Christmas shows I go to and visitors love to get a few for their children or to do themselves just for fun.

It's like a mini Meditation to just sit and discover the words or sometimes one will have a special meaning that day to sit with for a few minutes.

Enjoy!

Here's a link to another word game, this one for the Heart.

Did you have Fun?

Links for emailing/sharing/commenting below.

The Dog made me do it

Getting the Decorations out ...

Pictured is Chloe's first Christmas in the mini sleigh 2003.

She was 11 months old when this picture was taken.


Dona Anderson
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Love our Chloe, West Highland White Terrier (Westie) 

She has been our bundle of JOY for

all these years. 

 Love her so much.

We're thankful for each day we have her.

She's almost 15 now and her sister Lucy our Scottie girl 3, is doing a good job looking after her when needed.  Although Lucy is getting a bit tired of Chloe often trying to eat her food.

I have other pictures I could have shared with you but this one grabbed my heart.

Our pets will have their stockings out for Santa too. They like to be included in the Sparkle and Magic of the holidays.

OK, to be honest it's the treats they really want. 

We'll be looking forward to the rest of the month as we sit by the fireplace or on the front porch when it's a sunny afternoon cuddled up in a blanket.  

Move over I need some of that blanket too!!!

Goodies are coming later.

Do you have pet stories to tell?

Love to hear about them.

My version of going Viral

It's not in the Millions

but over 10,000 to me is absolutely Amazing.

As I saw it getting closer I kept getting more and more excited! 


Dona Anderson

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May 16, 2016 is this post

Come along ... see what happens

I share my blog posts weekly and never know how they will be received, but this one started to take off and hasn't stopped.

It has traveled around the World.

Find it here 

It's an excerpt from the guided relaxation titled I Give Thanks in my book - Simply, One Breath At a Time.  

I'm not sure why it keeps being shared all over the World, but in some way I feel that we are needing and looking for more kindness, understanding, compassion and gratitude.  

All the craziness these past few years that's coming from all directions leaves us wondering what's next, and maybe feeling worried, frustrated, scared and unsafe. 

I hope that you can use some of what I've shared to breathe and relax for a few minutes.

We often forget to give Thanks for the simple everyday things in our life and surroundings.

What has special meaning for you today? 

I thought you might like to also look at this post that says Thank You to others who support our lives.

Take Care.

Thank You for sharing or commenting at the links below.

Photo message for post only.

Wellness resources

You're the Star of the Story

What are Your Great Stories

Do any Start with Once  Upon a Time

Dona Anderson
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Just think about it.

We don't even realize how many Stories we have.

OK, so for us Gals we're a daughter, maybe a sister, a cousin, an aunt, wife, mother, daughter in law, just to name a few.

Then you could be a best friend, Doctor, teacher, scientist, author or actor, a race car driver, singer.

And similar for the Guys, a son, husband, father, uncle, brother, airplane pilot, construction worker, artist, musician and on and on.

The lists are as unique as we are and can go on and on as each thing we experience, learn, connect with, do, will have a story attached.

Each Face has a Story

A couple of Meditations in my book Moving Forward from the Heart inspired this post.

In Words from a Friend  we look at what would a good friend say about you and what would you want to hear. What words are used.

And, the Meditation titled Stories to Tell talks about what you want to remember, share or pass on. How you want to be remembered and who else's stories you may want to tell so they are remembered.

Shine a Light on your Stories.

The holiday season is a wonderful time to get together with friends and family and share some of those stores with others.

There's so much to TELL.

How will you share your memories and experiences?

Find Easy Ways to Be Present in your life.

Online & Direct from Author

Brené Brown on Blame

Blame - where does it go?

Dona Anderson

A short video to help us to figure out our quick emotions and actions around Blame.

Whose fault is it?

Here's an earlier short video

I hope you check out her TED talks and various Books.

Link here to her website.

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Links to share below.

Thanks for being here - A Gift for YOU

Especially for You, and

Gift it to Someone else.

Dona Anderson
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It's that Time of Year for Caring, Sharing and saying Thank You to yourself and others.

Moving Forward from the Heart 

My Gift to you is this meditation I wrote that you can EMAIL and Share to yourself and others at the links below.

I know you'll be the one it's about and you'll  know others who will appreciate being thought of as well.

This is Meditation number 62 in 

Moving Forward from the Heart, page 141.

EARTH

angel

There are many things in life that are thought of as not important at the time, but they may be very important to someone else. This little verse says:

You may only be one person in the world,

but you may mean the world to one person

~ Author Unknown

Do you know how many gifts you give out each day, week and year through your smiles, warm words, generosity and the laughs you share with others?

Do you know how many gifts of friendship, kindness, sharing and caring you send to those you know and meet?

Do you know how many gifts of a helping hand you give to all those you know, to strangers, and out into the world?

Will you take a moment to pause and let them say thank you for being that one person who truly made a difference in the lives of so many others.

Will you rest for a few moments knowing

that one person can mean the world

to so many others,

and YOU do.

Thank You.

Moving Forward from the Heart - Dona Anderson ©2015

Information on Wellness products on the Shop Page.

Links below for sharing.

Connect to more from Moving Forward from the Heart
at the link below Moving Forward.

Everyone who knows me, knows I LOVE ...

What do You Love?

Dona Anderson
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Be Open to Surprises

Have you ever heard friends or family tell someone else something about you and you're shaking your head.

NO ...Wrong ...Where did they get that??? 

But - what IF it's true.

Or they think that because you live there and do this you must like that as well.

You know what I mean.

Dona Anderson

Earlier this year we started to hear a lot of reference to Fake News, and I thought that we should probably rethink things we pass on.

A new post coming in a few weeks is about sharing your story with yourself and others.

This post is to get us thinking ... and I guess it asks us to look at all the parts of us.

Sometimes our work activities are totally different than our outside and leisure activities and someone would never guess that we would do that.

Last Spring I was talking to a new friend about her upcoming vacation, a month long motorcycle trip. I would never have guessed that.

I've also chatted with friends who feel weird that some of their friends don't know more about them.

They seem to connect on what is common and they've just never talked a lot about those other things. Like this is my Yoga friend, this is my going out for lunch friend, this is my Bridge partner, this is my guitar buddy and so on.

Time to start thinking about who you are and making that list of things you Love.

We all need to remind ourselves of what matters to us and what we LOVE

Visit  my Facebook page

Here's a link to the later post about sharing your stories

Increase the GOOD FEELINGS in Your Day

Holiday Shopping Time

Dona Anderson
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Roots to Breath Wellness is getting ready for Christmas Shoppers

You Love wandering around the Craft Fairs looking for that Perfect Gift.

Great... this is where I'll be - Vancouver Island, BC.Canada.

Put out the do not disturb sign

Charles Dickens Christmas Craft Faire

Courtenay BC

November 10 -12

You can't come - that's OK

Visit my Shop Page anytime for 
online shopping 
and

direct from author information.

♡♡

Stress  impacts so many areas of our work and home lives.  

Take advantage of all the ways to help reduce stress and change unwanted thoughts into new opportunities for better health and happiness. 

Become part of the real moments in your life.

The Wellness Products shown in the photo above invite you to discover simple and easy ways to support yourself or to share with your family and others.

Find the messages that tug at and soothe you heart and soul. Experience Relaxations that provides treasures, gifts and journeys to support you moving towards your dreams.

Open up to new ways to live your best Life. 

And YES, you'll find Simple and Easy!

Gifts to last a lifetime

that deliver much more than expected. 

What Creates your Vision for Tomorrow

Open the Doors to Gratitude

Dona Anderson
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I have had this lovely Message for years and I've connected to 

each part of it so I thought I'd share it with You.  

Photo Message ~ Dona Anderson

 Dream of what you most enjoy


Go where you want to go


Be who you want to be


You have but one life.

~Author unknown~

I hope you enjoy this wonderful message and my photo from the beach.

You Get to Pick, and

Don't Believe in Shortages

Surround yourself with what you need.

Dona Anderson

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Take what you need.

Message from Simply, One Breath At a Time ~ Dona Anderson

Kindness

Compassion

Appreciation


Love

Cellular Regeneration | Denise Linn | Monday Meditation

Time to Listen

Dona Anderson

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A unique Meditation to Explore.

Relaxing and easy to follow.

I had the wonderful opportunity to see Denise at a Hay House event in San Jose California, several years ago where she took us through an incredible Meditation to discover our Spirit Name. 

TRY this one out and see what comes up for you today.

Have a Great Day!

Here's her website if you want to find out more

& check out her About Page 

What's Your Lucky Number?

Honestly, the posts have gotten a lot better.

I started this Blog back in September 2010 

Dona Anderson

Wow. WoW. WOW.

Seven years!

Back then I had no idea what this was going to be about or its future.

It started mainly as a way to connect with the 100 Travelling Books. 

I didn't really think about how it would evolve and that 7 years later I would still be here talking to you.

Thank you so much for being here !

It's funny how on the back cover of my book Simply, One Breath At a Time I wrote Dona's first book of guided relaxations offers ... I don't know why I wrote that since I hadn't planned another book but since it was it out there in the Universe, I guess it was suppose to happen.

it's all here

I enjoyed creating all the wellness resources. Simply, One Breath At a Time was used for the Wellness cards, CD and so far most of the Photo messages.

The 105 One Rose Wellness card set idea came out of doing a book reading at the library. 

Making the CD Permission to Rest was FUN. I had customers asking for a CD, and I felt like a star for a few days at the recording studio.

And then my second book, Moving Forward from the Heart, the one the universe knew about before me was a 5 year labor of Love.  I still had a bit more to say and 73 meditations later it was completed.

Through all this, the posts I've shared have grown into something I'm proud of. 

Whether it's sharing something from my books, finding information and entertainment to share or just offering you one of my photos to look at has enabled me to be the messenger of something that inspires, informs, entertains or is just to be enjoyed.

No - I'm not lonely up here in my room.

I usually have one or both of these snoring girls to keep me company! 

Chloe & Lucy say Hi & will wake up for Cookies!

There's more sharing on my Facebook Page

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Let's be Happy and make others Happy for another 7 years!

Lucky #7

I Almost Missed it.

What's your Awareness Level?

Do you see what's around you?

Dona Anderson
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On a scale of one to ten I was BAD.  

I really had never been taught to notice things.  It's a bird, a flower so what. 

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

I missed so much.

My husband taught me about seeing things.

We would go for a walk and he'd say look at that bird, see the flower and on and on whatever he saw he'd share it with me.

I hadn't seen any of it.  I was just walking not seeing.

Did you do this?

I hope I wasn't the only one.

He got me started and then later I started looking for things to see.

Yoga also took me to another level for mind & body awareness and now putting it all together I'm not Bad anymore. 

But still there are times like this one. 

I almost missed this small, silent creation someone lovingly made and left for others to see and enjoy.

I was looking at the big picture and hadn't seen what was right there in front of me a few feet away.

Life Lessons.

Visit my Facebook page

Here's Help to Say Goodbye to STRESS

Reduce Stress

and

You don't even have to wear Yoga pants

But you can if you want.

Dona Anderson

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Would you like to experience more Presence and Awareness in your day?

Dona Anderson, Message from Simply,
One Breath at a Time

Years ago when I first experienced Guided Relaxation and Meditation at the end of my yoga classes I was puzzled, but in a good way.

I know you're going to say I'm too Busy but  trust me, you can start with just a couple of minutes.

We all have to breathe anyway.

Better NOW then later.  See this earlier post of how Stress Affects our Health.

I never knew how badly I needed this practice either.

In the beginning I said what lots of you will say ~ 

Who has time for this?

I remember my first teacher just read from a book and most of the time I didn't understand what she was saying but I was comfortable, relaxing and sometimes fell asleep. Since this was a lunchtime class at work, I enjoyed it and wanted more. ( It reminded me a bedtime story or our kindergarten nap time.)

Other teachers took me further into guided relaxation that invited me to become more aware of the breath and I learned about focusing on areas of the body to relax.

As my practice grew it offered me choices, things to do, experience and become aware of.

And, I heard words like balance, connection, imagine, experience, offer, explore, presence, flow, feel, move, invite.

In the beginning this seemed like Crazy talk.

Then Life started to change for me.

Here's How

9 ways we Benefit from Guided Relaxation & Meditation that will continue to help you nourish your body, mind and soul ... 

Awareness - The Beginning.  When I learned to pause I started to Notice things - the good & the bad in all areas of my body, life and world.  

Attitude - first impressions aren't always the right ones.  Some things just need time and for us to do the work. We all have things that come easy to us that we're good at but I think our real Gifts come from the other things that can be a lot of Work. That's where we get the most satisfaction for our success.

Communication - Life changing. Learning that we do have lots of body parts and then the Exchange between the Body, Breath & Mind.

Compassion - Kindness is Free. When we connect to & observe our own Body and all that comes with it we can have more compassion for ourselves and others.

Connection - Putting it all Together. Your body, mind & soul - it's like a puzzle with lots of bits and pieces all fitting in as one.

Experience - Improvement. Grows with the 3 p's, Practice Participation Patience and paying attention. 

Mindfulness - You start paying attention, focusing on one thing at a time. You have awareness of what you're feeling, doing, your actions & thoughts.  You get Comfortable spending time and noticing one thing at a time. 

Presence - Be here Now.  Listening, Noticing and Being in the minutes & moments in your real life leaving thoughts and worries behind.  

and I'll finish this list with 

Gratitude - Feelings of being Grateful.  Feelings affect our whole life, health and our interactions. Let's have ones of appreciation, thanks, trust, caring and peace growing in our Hearts, homes and our World. 

Are you ready to Start Living Better Today? 

Lots more Relaxation info on the Shop Page.

You can do this

Visit my Facebook Page

Visit this earlier post for more Gifts from Yoga

That was Great Advice

SEE WHAT You Discover

Dona Anderson

Before you get into this post I wanted to say that I hoped you enjoyed the Songs and Music I shared with you over the Summer.

Music is a wonderful gift to help us sing along, dance or just relax & enjoy.  Maybe I'll do it again next summer (?)

If you missed them please go to the archives for July and August.

Now on to this week's post. 

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

This is one of my favorite photos!

It invites me to take a deep breath to fill my body, mind and spirit.

It invites me to think about supporting a healthy lifestyle and deciding who I want to be.

Each time I see this photo I think about where I want to go, what I want to learn, see, do or explore.

Sometimes I even get a thought about what may be missing in my life because we often get busy and forget what we love to do or used to love to do.

As we begin the fall season which takes us back to work, school and other activities after the summer break, let it speak to You.

Take a few moments and see what it says to you today.

Do you have trouble Relaxing - Lots of HELP on the Shop Page.

Find Gifts to last a lifetime

Neil Young - Harvest Moon

Songs for Summer

Dona Anderson

I have dedicated my posts this summer to Music.

Enjoy!

Regular posts will return in September

Lee Ann Womack - I Hope You Dance

Songs for Summer 

Dona Anderson

I've dedicated the posts this Summer to Music.

Enjoy!

Regular posts will return in September.

Dolly Parton - Eagle When She Flies

Songs for Summer

Dona Anderson

I have dedicated my posts this summer to Music.

Enjoy!

Regular posts will return in September

Celine Dion & Peabo Bryson - Beauty And The Beast (HQ Official Music Video)

Songs for Summer

Dona Anderson

I have dedicated my posts this summer to Music.

Enjoy!

Regular posts will return in September

The Canadian Tenors - Hallelujah "Live"

Songs for Summer

Dona Anderson

I have dedicated my posts this summer to Music.

Enjoy!

Regular posts will return in September

Hallelujah is a Favorite song of mine and we all seem to have a Favorite version.
I found this great one to share with you, enjoy :)

Flamenco Guitar. Barcelona street music (HD)

Songs for Summer

Dona Anderson

I have dedicated my posts this summer to Music.

Enjoy!

Regular posts will return in September

Procol Harum - A Whiter Shade of Pale, live in Denmark 2006

Songs for Summer

Dona Anderson

I have dedicated my posts this summer to Music.

Enjoy!

Regular posts will return in September

Mason Williams - Classical Gas w/ Deborah Henson-Conant

Songs for Summer

Dona Anderson

I have dedicated my posts this summer to Music.

Enjoy!

Regular posts will return in September

Nightnoise-A Different Shore

Songs for Summer

Dona Anderson

I have dedicated my posts this summer to Music.

Enjoy!

Regular posts will return in September

We Came To Dance.

Songs for Summer

Dona Anderson

This post is starting us off on a Summer of Music & Song 

and don't forget to Dance when you get the urge.

Enjoy!

Regular posts will return in September

This isn't a Labyrinth

but it's Beautiful.

Dona Anderson
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 Just for You!

Dona Anderson-photo from Maui

I invite you to RELAX for a moment and enjoy this short Heart Meditation.


This peaceful Meditation Connects you to your Body, Mind and Soul 

Get Comfortable and allow your next few breaths to be soft, full, smooth ...

Start to bring your awareness to the heart shaped leaves along the path ... let their simplicity and beauty calm and soothe your body and mind.

Imagine now that you're slowly Walking down the path and as you come to each Heart take a moment to breathe and go inside to connect with your own strength, compassion and courage.

Notice how each one of your breaths is an opportunity to feel welcomed, nourished and refreshed ...

The curved path reminds us to embrace the flow of life that is always changing ...

The color Green is for our Heart Chakra that loves, forgives, opens, heals and accepts.

Rest now in Gratitude for a few minutes

to simply breathe and just be ...

Want to do it AGAIN? 

Namaste. 

More ways to find Gratitude and so much more.

Take off towards your Dream

Before it's Too Late

You owe it to yourself to just start.

Dona Anderson

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If you're reading this and you want to improve your Health KEEP READING.

Huge Health Benefits when you REDUCE STRESS 

and tune into your body, mind and soul.

This is the first of 73 Meditations in Moving Forward from the Heart.

Easy to Read and Simple Information.

If you're already doing some relaxation practices you'll know what this is all about.

Start Where You Are.

Let's all Live WELL.

SO MUCH MORE

to See

Whether your meditation practice is just getting started or it is an ongoing regular practice, it is there for you to simply breathe, nourish and restore.

         

Meditation is a special time for you to soften and release stress, move out old thoughts that clutter your mind, and to then use the space that remains for mindful presence.

        

Meditation connects you to your body for healing, rejuvenation and to create balance. It opens the mind up to learning and understanding, to listening and dreaming, to reducing and eliminating.

      

As your body and mind both begin to open up to the benefits of guided relaxation and meditation in your life, you will feel yourself gently moving to a familiar place where you are alert, present, and where you know what it is you need to let go of or take away.

As you bring your practice to life, notice your body and mind getting more comfortable. Your body lets go of tension and stress a little more with each new breath, and your mind begins to open up the part of you that observes and discovers…

Softly close your eyes,

there is so much more to see …

Moving Forward from the Heart © 2015 Dona Anderson

My Dream for you is to Feel Better, Live Better & Be Better.

More about Moving Forward from the Heart and other Wellness products here.

Check out the label Moving Forward below for more posts.

TEd Talk - BJ Miller What Really Matters At The End Of Life

We Owe it to Ourselves to Decide What we Want.

Dona Anderson
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A Different Conversation on

End of Life Care

Things to THINK about.

While we still Can.

Row Row Row Your Boat | Super Simple Songs

Remember this Song!

Dona Anderson


Simple and easy to remember and fun to do in rounds

It also has a great meaning.

I recorded the PBS tribute show, The Forever Wisdom of Dr. Wayne Dyer
quite a while ago and have watched it several times.

The show has lots of clips taken from various shows he did over the years. Seems funny to see the changes in sets, audience and Dr. Dyer as well.

In one of the clips he mentioned this song. 

One we've all probably sang many times.

It only has 4 lines but He gave it a meaning that I never connected to before.

Row Row Row your boat - He talked about to row your Boat in life not someone else's.

Gently down the stream - down stream not up, go with the flow, save your energy.

Merrily Merrily Merrily Merrily - enjoy your life

Life is but a Dream

Something to think about...

I have to add this in.

A couple of months ago I was at a Rotary book sale and I found Dr. Dyer's first book Your Erroneous Zones!

I was so excited to bring it Home!