A beautiful Christmas Gift to us. André Rieu - Home for Christmas

Just in time for sitting in that cozy chair with my old favorite blanket...

Dona Anderson

I hope you love Andrés concerts too.

This is a special time of year when we're indoors, seeing the snow fall, watching those old Christmas movies or listening to your favorite songs again and getting together with family.  

The concert above is awesome so Enjoy and share with your family and friends as well.  We all need some good entertainment to help us relax and feel like normal life has returned again.

It just might be one that becomes your every year treat. 

PS. I got to go to the movie theater several months ago for a new concert the orchestra performed that absolutely filled me with joy. The audience in the movie didn't want it to end and neither did us watching.

Honestly I don't think the musicians wanted to leave either but they must have been exhausted.

I'm hoping Santa brings me the DVD for Christmas. 

André Rieu Happy Together.

 

Eva Cassidy - Over The Rainbow

Eva Cassidy

Amazing Vocal and guitar both!

Dona Anderson

Week 9

Summer of Music 2022 Finale

While gathering these videos I came across one of Eva's.

I had not heard of her before but after a couple of minutes

I was hooked. 

Have a listen.

She left  many beautiful songs for us to enjoy after her passing from cancer at a young age.

Her talent was a beautiful Gift to us and I hope if this is the first time hearing her music, you will check out more of her songs.  

Her voice, guitar and unique arrangement fill the soul.

If you have tears you are not alone. 

I've been reading some of the comments on line and many others loved her music as well. 

Let's share and carry it into the future. 

 This ends our 2022 summer of music but if you've been here 

before, you'll know music is never very far away.

I hope you had a great summer or other season depending where in this beautiful world you live.

All of this years Summer of Music are in the Archives for July and  August 2022 as well as past years starting in 2017. ( Luckily they have gotten better over the years.)

You can visit them anytime to view, email, save and share at the links shown.

Again, thanks for your continued support and if you're just new to this Blog, new posts are published each Tuesday and over 700 in the archives for you to view, save or share at your leisure.

Who remembers this song?

See You in September

Take Care!

The losses sure added up

We lost out on the Smiles and more ...

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."           ~Leo Buscaglia~

Dona Anderson

That quote sure fits in with our lives these last few years.

It has been difficult to add up all the little things that come to mind and weigh the losses we all shared.

We lost out on a lot of personal contact, activities, friends and family gatherings.

We lost out on the hello's, smiles, small talk and more.

We lost out on the coffee with a neighbor and those hugs, handshakes or a pat on the back.

At the start of wearing masks I was in a big store and felt uncomfortable, faint like so as I was the only one in that aisle I lowered my mask a little just to take a few deep breaths.

Then a young lady walked over to where I was shopping and angrily told me I was not wearing My mask correctly and I might as well not have one on.

I fixed it as intended and walked away wondering that at least I had one on and she didn't nor any sign of having one.

I don't know if the 2020 pandenic began with a lot of fear and anger or those emotions grew over time.  

Now from the recent shootings and the ongoing war on Ukraine our hearts remain full of much sadness.

Past generations also felt the horror, stress, hardship, and loss from illness, fighting, violence, disasters and war deeply too in their lives. I'm sure a lot of their worries and emotions were kept deep inside and over time seeped out on the the next generation.

In our world now we also have so much news coming towards us daily and we all can see the horror and loss before our eyes so we have to take special care of our own stress, worries and health. 

Hopefully over time we can work to restore those real feelings of safety  community, friendship and help the children get past it all to feel loved and safe again.

Let's open up the doors to

our life and let others in again.

Something Fun to end with.

If you use the letters in the word limes what will you get?

Answer in next weeks post.

How to decide Between music and medicine

Decisions 

Robert Gupta: Between music and medicine

I shared this video back in 2014 and had forgotten about it until it was discovered in the Archives. A big Thank You to that person.

I watched it and thought it would be good to share again as a lot has happened since 2014.

Many decisions are hard to make and his surely were but he was lucky to find a way to work in both. 

The mix of 2 things you love was a WIN for him, us and the music and medicine World.

I'm glad the video let us hear his story and how music is healing in many ways.

The last several years have been difficult for those pursuing their dreams in education, employment etc. 

PS. One of our best friends of over 40 years and a nurse developed Parkinson's and had really bad dyskinesia's for years. (uncontrollable twitches, jerks, twisting). 

After we moved here and I became a Yoga teacher a new activity for me became  writing relaxations to share in my classes. 

My friend couldn't do a Yoga class but I was so pleased to visit and share a few movements and my writing with her that helped her relax, breathe, calm her body and release stress. 

Sitting in her chair the dyskinesia's slowly decreased and she started to relax and gently fell asleep. 

After years of her nursing and helping others, I was grateful that I could help give her some time to rest comfortably.

And, (Ok) yes her husband was on the couch napping as well.

I love that these posts also gives me a way to

share my photo's. Love the lilies.

Links for sharing with others below.

Check out the Archives for over 700 past posts.

You may find another post that wants to be shared again.

In sharing the video I hope viewers find something they can do, or be inspired to do something they never thought of even if it's for their retirement activities. 

Lets go where we're Appreciated & Celebrated.

Time-Lapse: Watch Flowers Bloom Before Your Eyes

Spring is Here! 

YES.

Love this video.

It's amazing to watch the time lapse flowers and to see the changes as they bloom.  

Beautiful.

Dona Anderson

I always feel that our spring starts early as some of the flower bulbs start growing in late December and sneak above ground for a month or so until they start getting bigger when it's warmer.

We had more cold, snow, rain & wind than normal over the winter so good to see these ones brighten our yard and spirit. Photo left March 22, 2022

                        Is Spring one of your favorite seasons? 

Here's a post I love to share each year about Spring.

Gifts from our garden last year.

 

Have a great week and new posts every Tuesday.

Love that the birds are more active

now and singing lots during the day.

PS. One more for you today is a few lines from an ancient Navajo Walk in Beauty Prayer. It certainly fits into the gifts of Spring. 

"With beauty before me I walk

With beauty behind me I walk

With beauty above me I walk

With beauty around me I walk

It has become beauty again"

Thanks for your visit and there's over 700 posts in the archives you can view, save or share. 

Links below. 

Getting older might get us on TV

Thanks for your visit today.

We never know how long we'll live 

and it looks like this lady was doing it right.

100 year old lady

Dona Anderson

What a sweetheart. 

A great video I found to share with You.

Things she does

Exercise daily, think positive, good stories, laugh lots, music ....

I know it takes more than these things as well and often we forget about those everyday things that affect our feelings, emotions, thoughts and cause stress to build up. 

PS. We never know how others are feeling inside even when they have a smile on their face. 

Here's a link to a 3 part Wellness posts  from April 2019.

Thanks for sharing at the links below.

Is this an awkward Day for You

February always has one special day

 Valentines

Dona Anderson

It mostly seems to just be all about Love. 

But we can also let it help us celebrate friendships and show appreciation to others.  

It reminds us to enjoy those people around us, that are in our lives, that help support us each day and make our World a better place.

It can be a child, spouse, coworker, neighbor, friend, your pet or whoever it is for You. 

And, there are many situations where Valentines day can be a lonely, sad time, especially for those who are grieving, away from home or alone, but I like to think that Valentines can also be a day to celebrate ourselves. 

It can be a time to reward ourselves for how we live our life as best we can to be strong and healthy in body, mind and spirit. 

It's can be a day to remind us to love ourselves too, and a few flowers, chocolates or whatever your treat is, let it be a special Gift even if it's given to yourself.  

The enjoyment is still real, and You get what you want.

I'm sharing one of my favorite songs and thought we could all sing along to send some kindness, love, peace & hope out into the World. 

Also sending a Huge Thank You for Your continued support each week.

PS. A quote for you today. 

Something amazing happens when we surrender and just love. 

We melt into another world, a realm of power already within us. 

The world changes when we change. 

The world softens when we soften. 

The world loves us when we choose to love the world. 

~Marianne Williamson~

Take Care and have a wonderful day & week ahead.

Links for sharing with others below and lots in the Archives to view & share.

A big wow today as this is post #700.

Pick one and see what you discover

 It's time for another True Treasures

Dona Anderson

What are true Treasures?

I share a lot from my books and True Treasures became a chance for me to share a bit more from a particular meditation. 

You can see previous True Treasures posts by linking to the label True Treasures at the bottom of the post.

 This one is from Words to Be savored and treasured 

  #27 on page 75 in  Moving Forward from the Heart. 

The meditation starts by asking you to select one thought from the list for your Meditation and see what you discover.

This is not the complete list but you can get a feeling for the intent of the meditation.

  

*Compliments should not be kept as thoughts, they should be given and also received.

*Some words can mean the same thing, but get a totally different response.

*A friendly greeting or acknowledgement can create a feeling of welcoming and belonging, and let someone know you care.

*Say words that match your happy heart and face.

*Talk about the way you want to be, and use your words to make your dreams come true"

 

 Dona Anderson © 2015.

More information at this link.

PS. I have to add in the last one,

I love and believe in me.

Beautiful Tilly

Take Care and have a wonderful Day.

Which one did you connect to today? 

Time now to visit a Secret Garden - Poéme

Glad we get to see this one, 

August already, 

we're on week 5 of our Summer of Music

Dona Anderson 

What's in your Garden?

This video is full of beautiful colorful flowers and loved the little birds & animals.

See if you feel like you can smell the flowers and healing breaths from the forests.

What were your favorites today.

When I was a kid we had a park nearby that had swans and I've always admired how they look so elegant and proud. 

Hope all is well for you and these videos bring you some moments to pause and relax.

My hope this year for my Summer of Music was to help you relax and enjoy beauty from around the world.  

Our Earth is incredible and hopefully in our time here we can help to preserve its beauty and the gifts it offers to all of us. 

PS. All earlier posts for this years Summer of Music posts are below or in the Archives on the right side bar (Web version)  

Help us continue to spread Wellness around the World with your Shares, links below..

Previous years Summer of Music are in the Archives for July & August  2017, 2018, 2019, 2020.

All posts in the Archives are available for viewing and sharing at your leisure.

Bye for Now.

Regular posts 

return in September

All aboard - we're going to South and Latin America this week.

Summer of Music 2021

This week we're headed to South

 and Latin America

Welcome to week 3

Dona Anderson.

Summer of Music is different this year from the previous 4 years and I did it on purpose to help us reconnect with nature, animals and the World.

Our Earth and all it gives us ...

How are you?

After all the Stress of 2020 and 2021 I felt we needed some peace, we needed to visit all that is wonderful with our World.

We needed to connect to nature, other places that may not be like ours and take a few minutes to feel like we're on Vacation.  

So let's explore this video.

You'll love it.

Just watch and enjoy!

I wanted to be on those Beaches, see and Smell the Flowers, relax in the Sunsets and feel the Escape, the Paradise beneath my feet.

And I've never seen some of those animals before ...

And top that off with music by Kenny G!

So how do you feel NOW?

Maybe a new vacation spot will appear on your list.

When I visited Hawaii several years ago I felt like I was in paradise and loved all that nature had to offer. 

Something new every day and even walking in the pouring rain at midnight felt wonderful and healing.

Hope you'll share with others at the links below so they can also enjoy and feel the healing energies of Nature and the beauty of the World. 

 

PS. Who else felt like dancing  to the music ?

Take care and hope you're back next week -  It will be #4 of 9 posts for this summer.

One of my Hawaii pictures - still feel the energy.

Each week we travel the World bringing Wellness to others.

Your shares really help - Thank You.

Here's Your quick access to week 2

I can't wait - Today we're off to Finland

Here we go ...

you won't be disappointed.

Welcome to week 2

of  my 2021, Summer of Music.

Dona Anderson

                                                                   

Last weeks video was wonderful and week 2 takes us to various places in Finland to experience the sights and different seasons. 

Beautiful winter scenes, animals, a camp fire I thought would be nice to join in, then those precious bear cubs, and birds taking that first dive out of the nest. 

I thought those winter cabins would be great to cuddle up in and watch the northern lights. 

 A big WOW.

All this with the amazing David Garrett playing the violin.

Loved it and hope you will too.

PS. WE may not be able to take those vacations yet but we can see these beautiful places that help us to relax, breathe and enjoy our beautiful world.  

Take Care and have a good week.  

Another video for you next week.

Take others around the world with you this summer.

You can share by email, twitter and Facebook at the Links  below. You can even save them to a Pinterest file. 

My dream is to spread Wellness around the World.

Together, you and I can do this... thank You.

Give yourself time to be

and not do ...

Here's week 1 if you missed it.

Qi Gong for Beginners

 Wonderful practice for 

Health & Wellness

Dona Anderson 

Welcome and hope you'll like what I have for You today.

I started going to a Tai Chi class at a Senior Centre several years ago and when it was closed due to covid last spring we moved to an outdoors park.

We had some really chilly days, windy days, rainy, sunny and hot days - we got it all over the spring, summer and fall.

Then feeling winter coming on we eventually moved to an indoor space we could use that had space for social distancing with masks when we were allowed to gather.

During this time I also started doing Qigong on You tube. I had done a workshop years ago and knew it was similar to Tai Chi.

I have really enjoyed finding routines from several instructors and the variety sure works my mind. (My new learning)

In Qi Gong I'm learning more about how these movements support my Health and  stimulate the acupressure points, move the chi and lots more. 

Don't let those easy looking movements fool you. Some days it really takes a lot of concentration to decide what is left or right and combine foot and hand movements at the same time. 

Don't worry, it will all come together and I think as long as I'm moving, I'm doing something good for me. 

The video below is by one of the first instructors I began with.

Hope you like it and want to learn more ... 

I also feel better when I can open the window to breathe in the fresh air and hear the birds sing.

More good and healthy feelings.

A lot of the exercises can be done standing or sitting. Do what works for You to start. It's also good to have a chair near by for support if needed.

There are many easy ways to take care of ourselves to improve our Health.  

We just have to start slowly, 

and only do what we can do. 

Stop & Rest when you need to and 

talk to your health care provider as needed.

It's always good to watch a new routine first and see if it's one that works for you or you want to find another video. (easier/less time??)

Remember this is about You not anyone else. 

There are many beginner and on going videos you can check out to find what feels right to you.

There are different time lengths from a few minutes to half hour or so.  

Somedays I might do 1 or 2 short ones and another day a longer one or whatever I have time for.

PS. In our Tai chi outdoor class there was a lady 89, who drove on her own and  came every week with a folding chair to use when she needed to rest for a bit.  

She was sure an inspiration to us "younger ones." 

Take Care - have a good week. 

This video & post is for information purposes only in our quest for Well-being. 

I wish I could share the beautiful
fragrance this lily had.

Thanks for sharing with others -

links below.

Are You feeling a bit Lost these Days?

one of my photo messages 

Listen to the words

of your Heart.

Many Gifts appear

from the Found

Thanks for your visit today!

Dona Anderson

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Going back in time for this Story. 

Before I started Yoga I led a life full of routines - daily, weekly monthly and yearly. 

I took the bus to work and home and even though the ride home stopped at a grocery store, I never got off to pick up something.

I had to get home - to see if everything was OK, the kids, the dogs, the house and then get supper and the next days lunch started. 

Life seemed rushed, no spontaneity.

While our housework day changed as many times as there are days in the week, if something disrupted doing the chores on that certain day - you still had to do them and most days had something so that meant double up duties.

Only having about 4 hours or so when you got home went by very fast before bedtime and the start to the next day.  The weekends as you know were always busy too.

I used to go for lots of walks but I never really saw anything, missed little changes and even some big ones. 

My husband helped me get better at that but taking time to notice wasn't something I knew much about, learned or was taught when I grew up. 

Help is coming ... 

In this post I want to share with you the poem Lost and Found which I wrote after I finished writing Simply, One Breath At a Time. 

The book helped me grow and understand more about life, it guided me to make changes, be comfortable and the poem let me put it all together.

Through the practice of Yoga and my Writing about Breath, Body, Awareness, Connection, Gratitude and more I continued to learn about my needs, to feel and notice those parts of my life and health that were left behind, left unnoticed.

Luckily those valuable gifts of learning and growth continue throughout our life and in our later years we have the time to listen and respond.

Then as my second book came along it was time to share the poem in Moving forward from the Heart. 

An introduction and the poem are on pages 11 & 12. 

Now it's time to share the poem with You.

Go slowly and see what presents itself to you today and then ...

Pick one to sit with and see what you find.

  Lost and Found

    

"Lost myself – 

found out what’s important and brings me joy

Lost track of time – 

found the now in the present moment 

Lost imagination – 

found treasures, gifts, paradise, nature 

                  

         Lost comfort – 

         found softness from letting go, and smiling

Lost paying attention –

found myself choosing to be aware

Lost appreciation – 

found feelings of fullness from gratitude

Lost awareness – 

found time to see, hear, feel and connect

Lost my breath – 

found a nourishing breath flowing within me

Lost a quiet mind –

found that I can slow down thoughts and rest 

Lost peace – 

found a safe place for me to open up my heart"

© 2015 Dona Anderson
Moving Forward from the Heart

 Another post

you may like at this link.

Lost ...

Myself -Time - Imagination - Comfort -

 Paying Attention - Appreciation - Awareness - 

Breath - Quiet Mind - Peace

Did you relate to something?

PS. I still love routines to keep me on track but now I can relax with them, appreciate them instead of feeling pressure and dictated to. 

Now they allow me to keep time and space for the good habits I want and need to follow my goals and wellness plans.

Have a wonderful Day.

Where in the World do we travel too?

See some below the picture.

New posts each Tuesday.

My free gifts of Wellness.

Also check out the Archives

over 600 posts.

The labels at the bottom of the page will connect you to other posts. 

Links for sharing below.

 

Here's where our Visitors this past week were from - United States, Germany, Canada, France, Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, India, Japan, Luxenberg, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, Belgium,  United Kingdom, Portugal, Serbia, Sweden, Slovakia, & others.

Thank You & Take Care.

Here's your link to the Wellness Resources 

More on my Facebook Page

Eric Clapton - Over the Rainbow (with lyrics)

A great song
by the great Eric Clapton

and others.

Dona Anderson

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We're quickly going through this year and it's almost the middle of May.

I hope you're having a wonderful Spring or other season depending on where you live on this beautiful Earth.

Love this Song.

We often keep these kind of songs in the childhood memory box.

But I think they're the ones that offer us many gifts.

Gifts of opening up, letting go, feeling more free and thinking about the rainbows, stars, birds and all there is to appreciate that often we get too busy to notice.

Let's sing along as we are at any age and open the adult memory box and fill it with all kinds of goodies.  

Do you need to repeat it a few times ...

PS. Are there any other old songs you'd like to

remember and sing again.

Love to see all these musicians together 

performing this song for us. 

New posts every Tuesday and over 600

in the archives that you can view and share

at your leisure.

I started this blog back in 2010 and it later became my dream to help spread Wellness around the World. 

If you'd like to Help you can share using the links below for 

Facebook, Pinterest, Email, Twitter. 

Where in the World will we travel to this week.

Thank You.

Email subscribers please see the new page added above for Subscribers.  It contains  information regarding Changes coming in July.

 

I hope you'll come back to see what's coming up in the weeks ahead.

Blue Mind in the Desert | Dr. Wallace J. Nichols | TEDxFountainHills

What's YOUR Water?

The list may be long ...

This is a wonderful Ted Talk

Dona Anderson

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If you visit often you'll know I like to share a variety of things with You and this one is important to us and it will become more important as the population increases, our cities grow, and the world is challenged because of climate change. 

What is water to you?

It's many things and not just to drink or bathe in (although very important)

It's the freshly washed clothes, remember the line up for the water fountain, crossing the bridge and looking down, the energy of water falls, the smell of rain. It's crucial to grow our food.

Lets just say - we can't live without it.

  

It's also our recreation. A walk at the beach or ocean, a swim, a walk in the park to see the fountain or feed the ducks, going fishing, water skiing, surfing, deep sea diving and more.

It's about places to visit where you can lay down your beach towel or set up your chair and Relax with a picnic.

It's our memories our awe of our first time at the ocean, lake or river seeing the fish, a seal, star fish, ducks, whale, birds, plants and picking up shells, hearing the sounds of the waves or the feelings of connection to the world. 

There's ceremonies, romance, sunsets & sunrises, or perhaps you experienced the moon rising and casting what seemed like a road of light across the water coming directedly to You. 

It's places for tourists and landmarks like bridges, tunnels, places to see icebergs. It's even for where the bears catch the salmon, or millions go on cruises and you got to see Penguins. 💚

It's our feelings of cleanliness, health, freedom, motion and life.

This video is not just about water but goes on to our brain, how we live our lives,  think - Science.

Enjoy!

PS. remember those times you have to clean the sand out of your toes or you still may have a few shells you picked up somewhere. 

I love the ME to the WE attitude, just a flip of the M - it makes a huge change.

This is a video we can all connect to, We all need water.

Who would You pass your blue Marble on to?

Hi, I hope you liked this video, 

it's very interesting.

Love it when viewers sign up to follow by email to get future posts, and you can share this now with others or comment at the links below.

New posts every Tuesday and you

can visit the Archives for lots more.

Subscribe to Dona Anderson by Email

Our back yard Blue Mind space!

Wishing all the Mom's a Happy Mother's Day coming up.

It's been a really stressful year - thanks for all you've done.