What's good for us and is contagious ?

It's ... Smiles 😊

this is something you'll remember, 

smiles are ... contagious

Dona Anderson

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Everything is amazing when I

receive the gift of another day to

see the love and kindness in your 

Sweet, Sweet Smile ... 

Smiles are Gifts to others and yourself.

I'm in the pages of Simply, One Breath At Time today and thought I'd share with you some of this guided relaxation titled -

A Smile - on page 103.

Here's another in the True Treasures series

Have you ever thought about how your

breath changes from a smile to a frown.

Have you played around and gone back & forth from smiling to frowning and actually thought about how that felt.

You will in this Relaxation and I like to share it in Yoga for a reminder of how open we are when we smile and how tight closed we are with a frown.

try it a few times if you want

When you frown you're kind of closed off, can't even take a real deep breath and when you relax and smile space opens up through your body for both the inhale and the exhale.

Imagine how you'd feel being grumpy most of the time, how tight and closed off you'd be not getting those wonderful deep breaths down into our lower ribs and belly.

Smiles help reduce Stress and can even make You look younger - YES!

Here's some of what's written ... 

"You can smile at anything, a thought, a loved one, a picture, a stranger ...

Smiles are beautiful free gifts that light up your face ...

They're gifts to the world and you ...

Each smile is a conscious choice you've made to connect with the present moment ...

You can be both the giver and the receiver of that special moment ... 

Give yourself the gift of a smile - give the gift to others - see and feel what happens"

©Dona Anderson 2008 
Simply, One Breath At a Time

Thanks for your Visit. 

Links below for sharing and use the label
True Treasures to find similar posts.

600+ posts in the Archives on the

right side of page,Web version

This would be another good one to

keep sharing with others around the World.

Thank You.

Smile!

Are You smiling more now? 

                               Whose smile fills you with Joy?

Let us know in the comments.

P.S. I'd like to leave you with this post from 2016. 

The poem in it by Rumi always seems to remind me of Father's Day which is coming up. 

Information on Resources at this link.

 Gifts for a lifetime.

Don't forget to - Sign up to follow by email.

My 4th Summer of Music starts July 7.

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No cost - just enjoy

Take Care & Bye for NOW!

You be the judge - am I Crazy?

Have a look ...

What does the wind and stress

have in common?

Ok this IS a weird thing to say,

but just wait, think about it - take a moment

Dona Anderson

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Check the Resources page for how to 

get my guided relaxation CD Free - 
offer expires June 30, 2020

It's TIME again to do that important

self check for Stress.

Here goes ... starting with the wind.

You can feel the air moving from the wind but you can’t see it. 

You can only see and feel how it affects other things. 

You can see if there is a soft gentle breeze or not by looking at the leaves on the trees or by noticing how the clouds are moving.  

The wind can shape our landscape, be the force for windmills, and as it changes in strength it can become the warnings for destruction and danger. 

Yes, you love the soft breeze that brings freshness to the air or the scent of spring flowers, and you love the puff that brings a touch of coolness on a hot summer’s day.

But, it can quickly build up into a windstorm warning, a threatening twister and other intense storms. The destruction, personal danger, loss and property damage can be very extensive.

Can You see Stress. 

Take a Breath & rest a moment with this photo message

What does it look like, what color is it?

If you could buy it, you’d for sure be asking for a refund!

If you have too much, you can probably feel & sense it, and we can see how it affects others.

What worries me is that sometimes others don't recognize it as Stress and just call it their crazy busy life until something happens.

As freeing as the photo is, it also lets us know that our life, world can change at any time. 

The day I took this picture the wind felt good, opened me up and sent positive energy my way. 

It let me know things were always changing on top but below the surface it was quiet.  

Unfortunately Stress lives below and on the surface.

It sometimes sneaks in and other times it rudely barges in at the worst times and digs in to make other things that are not going well even worse. 

It seems to like to pile up on other things, I guess it's lonely.

There is a good side. It's our natural response for danger and it can challenge and encourage us to get busy to do or learn something we need to and other times it can feel like a guiding gentle breeze.

It can teach us more about ourselves and how we react to things, and sometimes it pushes us to use that last bit of courage or strength to win the race or make a change.

But, sometimes I envision Stress as a monster, a fire, and feel the effects of a knife in my back or the hammer in my head.  

Sometimes we get nervous and feel the slippery slope, and other times be exhausted or feel the pressure of everyone else's needs, anger or sadness on top of ours.

A few minute search can create a long list of things that Stress impacts from everyday 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 (link to post here)

Stress creates various types of problems and if left unchecked it can affect our health and lives.  

It often takes root in our daily activities and interactions and then grows to impact something else to where it reaches that place where we get warning signals. (like the wind) 

It reminds me of that small nasty weed.

The one you can’t see growing under a bush until it pops out on top saying Hi, Remember Me, and is ready to burst open and happily spread its seeds everywhere.

We can't change the direction of the Wind but if needed we can help turn that Stress Monster back into a gentle breeze!

Stress is getting worse & Worse and the
more we understand about how it affects us
the more we can control, limit & reduce it.

Have you noticed how the word Stress seems to 

be just part of everyday conversations now. (?)

 2020 has added even more stress -

how are You handling it (?)

Thanks for your visit and for
sharing at the links below. 

Together we're spreading

Wellness around the World

Check out ways to Reduce Stress and more HERE

Another of my photo messages.

 So - am I Crazy?

Wow -  you did good if you made it this far,
sorry for the long post.

Bye for now,
we're back here next week.

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Quote from Rumi ~ 

"Life is a balance of holding on and letting go"

Are you struggling with letting go of some things or holding on tightly to others - let us know below in the comments. It's a stressful time of wondering, what to do now & what's next.

                                      

Remembering Rumi

February is -

 Heart and Love Month

and it continues with Rumi

Dona Anderson

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My search for Love

took me back to Rumi,

13th century poet.

Celebrating Rumi, Last Class 

Several years ago 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 as numerous thoughts and feelings arise. 

The more read the more experienced.  

Even as a beginner to these poems, some left me thinking about things, people and experiences in my own life, and some offered a glimpse of change in 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!  

You & I - by Rumi

“A moment of happiness,

You and I sitting on the veranda,

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.”

~ Rumi ~

Have you ever taken a course not knowing what to expect and loved it.

Sometimes I think adult learning is the most fun.

Ann - Thank You very much for creating this class which started the group on our exciting search for anything Rumi.

I still love to go on You Tube and listen to poems read aloud. 

💚

As always, thank you for sharing 
these posts with others around the world. 

Together we're spreading Wellness, 

new ideas, self care, gratitude
and much more.

Here's a song
about long lasting love.

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Rumi related posts on this Blog can be seen by using the label Rumi below.

Next week ends our Heart 
& Love month for this year.

There are many Health Benefits from Walking

Refresh the Mind, Body & Soul

Posts for April are dedicated to Earth Day.

Dona Anderson

There are a thousand ways to Kiss the Earth ~ Rumi

Have you thought about a Walking Meditation?

Photo Messages - Dona Anderson

It's a special time to find what treasures are in your yard, neighborhood, local park or even what may have gone unnoticed along your regular walking trail.

Often our thoughts take over and we just walk without paying attention to what is around us, or what has changed.

Spring is a wonderful time of year to get out by yourself and pay attention to the colors, textures and new growth around you.

This time have fun and listen to your breath, feel the warmth or coolness in the air, notice the smells, listen to the birds and even your own footsteps along the way.

Enjoy and notice the gifts from the Earth and know that you can celebrate the beauty and magic of nature anytime, and along with it feel the beauty and wonder of your own presence.

Stay Connected with weekly posts

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Messages in the photos are from Simply, One Breath At a Time, and check out the Walking Meditation on page 120.

Simple ways to Relax

Link here to a wonderful Meditation about Spring

More to see on my Facebook Page.

Links for sharing below.

Rumi Poem

Sharing a touching Rumi Poem

Just in time for Father's Day
coming up on Sunday.

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Dona Anderson

Dona Anderson

I read this Rumi poem several years ago and I immediately liked it and thought about Father's Day.

It took me awhile to find in the my book again, 
but I did it. 

It's from The Essential Rumi by Coleman Barks, bottom of page 146.

Humble living does not diminish.

It fills.

Going back to a simpler self gives wisdom.

When a man makes up a story for his child,

he becomes a father and a child,

together, listening.

                                                    ~Rumi

Please share with others

at the links below.  Thanks.

A Place for Messages

Rumi poem

Dona Anderson

I thought I'd share this poem with you today. 

You suppose you are the trouble 

But you are the cure

You suppose that you are the lock on the door

But you are the key that opens it

It's too bad that you want to be someone else

You don't see your own face, your own beauty

Yet, no face is more beautiful than yours

~ Rumi

Thanks Rumi.

This poem starts the meditation A Place for Messages in my book, Moving Forward from the Heart.

You & I, by Rumi

February is Heart Awareness Month

 

Rumi Poem

Roots to Breath, Dona Anderson

Love Poem for Valentine's Day

I wanted to find a poem by Rumi to share for Valentine's Day and then I remembered this one I posted way back - April 11, 2012.

It's a perfect one to sift through and sit in its sweetness!

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.”

Share with others at the links below!

Don't miss the posts next week.

♡ Have a wonderful Valentine's Day ♡  

Rumi, What Was Said to the Rose

Rumi fans, this is for you!

Roots to Breath, Dona Anderson

Enjoy this Rumi poem spoken by poet Coleman Barks to music :)





What is your favorite Rumi poem?


I have several other Rumi poems on post dates April 11, 2012 and July 23, 2012.

Dona Anderson

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If you're a Rumi fan, you can share with your
friends and comment below!  

Thanks for visiting and come back for more!

Rumi Quote

Rumi Quote

Rumi seems to have a way to make us stop and think about his words, tender yet so important.

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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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Much thanks!

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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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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below you can share or comment. 

Much thanks!

Celebrating Rumi…

Rumi ... A Celebration

Roots to Breath, Dona Anderson  

One of the winter courses I just finished was called Celebrating Rumi.  I had never taken a course to explore and discuss poems before so this was a new experience for me.  With age and experience, I am happy to learn everything has its time, and I’m very grateful my time came, and Rumi, was the poet.

Each class was very interesting to see how everyone in the group shared their thoughts, and how we saw and experienced sometimes very different things.  All our input was equally valuable, and it was a very comfortable, fun, and welcoming exchange.

Last year I had read a few of his poems and I found it intriguing how some of these 13^th century writings felt as though they could have been recently written and that is why I wanted to learn more.  So I was quite thrilled when I saw this course being offered, and it has opened up another exciting door of exploration for me to pursue and enjoy in my future.

It was also fun to get poems off the Internet and watch You Tube videos of some of them.  Check them out, you may be surprised to find ones that speak to your soul.  

I will have another short post about the last class of this course coming soon, and for now I’d like to share these 4 short poems from Rumi with you that I keep going back to.  I also shared one of Rumi’s poems last year, see my blog post dated, June 26, 2011. 

Enjoy!

“I saw you and became empty.

This emptiness, more beautiful than existence,

it obliterates existence, and yet when it comes,

existence thrives and creates more existence! “  Rumi

“Be like the sun for grace and mercy.

Be like the night to cover others' faults.

Be like running water for generosity.

Be like death for rage and anger.

Be like the Earth for modesty.  

Appear as you are. Be as you appear.” Rumi

“That which God said to the rose, and caused it to laugh in full-blown beauty, He said to my heart, and made it a hundred times more beautiful.”   Rumi

“Humble living does not diminish.  It fills.

Going back to a simple self gives wisdom.

When a man makes up a story for his child,

He becomes a father and a child together, listening.”  Rumi

Thanks so much for listening ... Namaste.

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Quote from Rumi

Rumi poem 

One of my favorites!

You suppose you are the trouble
            But you are the cure
            You suppose that you are the lock on the door
            But you are the key that opens it
            It's too bad that you want to be someone else
            You don't see your own face, your own beauty
            Yet, no face is more beautiful than yours.

     ~Rumi~


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If you like this sign up to follow by email and 
below you can share or comment. 


Much thanks!