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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Much thanks!

Helping Hand

Years ago I read this quote of Audrey Hepburn, it said, "Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you’ll find one at each end of your arms."

A few days ago I had surgery on my little finger, and my hand is bandaged up for 8 days.  It rests on an angle with a support to keep two fingers still and straight. It is very interesting how the bandaged hand is still always trying to help out, how our body automatically reacts to do things. 

My left hand has its job and it is very difficult to keep it still.  It shows up and is ready to do whatever it should be doing. Of course the result is the bandage is not so clean anymore, but the hand is happy to try and see what it can do with one or two fingers to help out sometimes rather than to totally rest and let the other hand do all the work.   Sometimes we’re not aware that our hands automatically go to work to help the other without being asked or thanked.

Whether I think it is helping or not, it is a helping hand.

Another quote from Audrey Hepburn says… "As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others."

Licks of Love

About ten years ago my husband met a most wonderful elderly lady. She was moving from her house and was happy to give away some of the flowers and bushes in her yard.  We had a bare new yard so it was an instant friendship between two gardeners.

After that, my husband visited her every Tuesday morning that we were home.  He’d take flowers to plant for her in the spring, an occasional donut that she loved, flowers and fresh vegetables from our yard, and each week she would be sitting at her window waiting for him to arrive for tea and a visit.

A couple of years ago she moved again to a care facility.  She very happily informed my husband that dogs were allowed to visit so he could bring the two dogs with him, and he did. Both at once didn’t work well, so on alternating weeks one of the dogs would get a quick brush that seemed to signal something important was ahead, and off they’d go for their special outing and visit. 

The lady friend was always so happy for each visit.  She loved to see the dogs and have them sit beside her, to pat them, and most of all she happily received all the kisses they could give out. 

We are so happy that at her last visit she got to receive tons of the licks of love that made her so happy. 

Thanks for a Weekend in the Forest

It was another wonderful weekend at the Yoga Outreach Retreat.  A wonderful time for yoga, sharing experiences, spending time with friends and meeting new friends.

I had also saved 10 of the travelling books to take to this event, I wish I had more but they all went to good homes.

Sometimes it takes me a while to be able to relate what happens in such a place and I've been there 6 times now, but there is something always wonderful and kind of magical.  The place is full of great energy from the surrounding forest, mountains, the river, and the people who are all there for their own reasons.  I was asked in one class what the common thread was that brought me back, and I said each year I had needed something different, and each year I was able to get it. 

Year one, I was a new learner wanting anything I could get, writing all kinds of notes, the next year, I wanted to just absorb what was, another year I was carrying around unresolved grief, the next year, I wanted to be energized, the next time, I wanted connection, and this year, I wanted mainly restorative/healing that was found from a variety of classes and teachers.  I also wanted to meet up with friends that went there, and I met some great new ladies, enjoyed the nightly concerts, the food, and the wonderful time you get to spend in a forest.

Thanks so much to the organizers of this retreat and for the work done by Yoga Outreach.  I am glad to support your work by attending this fundraiser.  You make the event feel like a family reunion and I am so glad to be part of the family.  Namaste.

I'll be checking my mail next spring for 2012 retreat information.
http://yogaoutreach.com/

How to show our thanks to Oprah!

I'm like a lot of TV viewers that are wondering what will I do without the Oprah shows.

She has changed the world, and showed us all what one person can do.  A few years ago I sent her one of my books with a letter but then saw that they weren't accepting all the mail she gets.  I wanted to give her something to help her relax and to let her know we are listening. 

My letter thanked her and said how she continued to give of herself to us, to inform, entertain, and inspire us.  How she taught us to believe in ourselves, and that we can always start over and create our best life. I wanted her to know that I went on to do something I believed in.

She has given us so many gifts of ongoing inspiration, motivation, and encouragement to create and follow our own best life, and now we can show our thanks by doing just that.

I'm sure I'll be crying a lot as I watch the last show today, and my tears will be shared with those around the world.  But rather than tears of sadness, I believe they are tears of thanks, special memories, and joy that we were able to be part of and see this last 25 years of change and connection.

Thank you Oprah.

Beginning This Spring, 4

I thought I'd finish this as the long weekend is here and you may be experiencing some of what this last part offers.  Have a great long weekend and I hope the weather is wonderful where you are...

Beginning this Spring
When you visit the ocean, discover the water rushing up to greet you, to welcome you

When the songbirds arrive, listen as they sing it's time to start again

When spring flowers bloom, examine their many colors and fragrances - breathe in

When warm drops of rain are falling on your face, enjoy the freshness of nature

When the trees are full of spring blossoms, embrace their gifts to you and the world

When you receive a smile, notice it is a gift that connects you with the present moment

When you breathe in, let gratitude fill you with deep inner joy

Namaste.
_____

If you're not by the ocean, this next line can be a replacement or make one of your own.  

When you see the sun rise high up in the sky, celebrate its radiance, warmth, and energy

Beginning this Spring, 3

This spring, think about space and freedom as the breath releases old worn out feelings, thoughts, and habits. 

This spring, treat yourself to a way of life that is simpler, easier, calmer, and softer.

Beginning this Spring, 2

Spring is a time to pause, to notice changes, to find awareness as we celebrate new beginnings.

It's a time to let go and create open spaces, simplicity, and freedom.

It's a time for peace, kindness, and compassion.

Beginning this spring

Over the next few weeks I will be posting some selected parts from my article Beginning this Spring.  As the past winter fades from our memory, and the freshness and beginnings of this spring arrive, let's open ourselves up to new beginnings as well.

This Spring, you can feel awoken, refreshed, and grateful.

This Spring, instead of just treating yourself to a new pair of runners for your daily walks, ask yourself, who am I now?  What do I like, what makes me smile?  Give yourself a few moments to rest and observe what comes to mind.

_________
To see the full article online, go to my Relaxation Tab for info on this and other articles in the Comox Valley Health and Recreation Guide.