A New Earth...

**This blog entry is dedicated to a special woman who always reminds me to keep my head up, never give up and sends positive energy all day and everyday...Tchas'toni Goodridge. Love Ya Girl! Thanks for being my rock.**

So, after the past year or so, a dear friend of mine (Shout out to Tchas J) had recommended that I read Eckhart Tolle’s book “A New Earth”. I had never gotten around to purchasing the book but it was again on my list of things that I need to do. This book was also featured on Oprah’ s Book Club and has received endless praises from readers all over the world.  When I noticed this book was on the list of meditational reads that my teacher had given me, I called up Tchas and told her that I will now make it my duty to read it as I plan to go through the whole list this year. Well, I was gratefully surprised to receive the book in the mail a few weeks later as Tchas wanted to ensure that I would keep true to my word. And I did. J

I can understand why this book received such praise and recognition by the time I got a few chapters in. I have to admit that in the beginning, I was having a hard time trying to wrap my head around that much talked about “ego” of ours.  But after taking some time to let the thoughts manifest, I was intrigued by this new way of thinking. It’s amazing how much our ego influences our train of thought and why we let things create worry, anxiety and fear.

I especially found the story about how ducks flap their wings to release any negative energy fascinating and how it relates to how humans should do the same thing. Shaking off any negative energy that can be weighing us down can help refresh us to continue to swim along merrily without carrying resentment and harboring ill feelings. I also found the chapters regarding our “Pain-Bodies” insightful. We can sometimes carry around unhappiness because it’s so familiar for us. It’s almost as if we subconsciously want to feel down or depressed and this can be detrimental to how we carry on in our everyday lives.

Overall, this book was an enlightening read filled with many goodies to help you move along life with a refreshing new frame of mind. It’s a tool to use when we have a hard time letting go and when we want to only focus on the negative. We all will go through our funks, our ups and downs…but if we remember to dust that dirt off our shoulder and flap our wings, we can remember that the flight of happiness isn’t a dream, but it can be a reality. It can be A New Earth.

Love and Intuition

The first week of July I bought a book called "Love and Intuition" by Sherrie Dilard.  For many years I have been intrigued with the spirituality, astrology and psychic abilities. However, I was adamantly against going to a psychic for advice. You see, I grew up believing that if I sought counsel elsewhere, than I would be abandoning my trust in God to provide me with answers.  

Well, my feelings have changed greatly over the past year. I used to always ask God for “signs” and as of recent, I have been having a hard time interpreting what it is that He wants to show me. Growing up, I have always felt that I had some psychic abilities…truth be told I believe that we ALL have psychic abilities, but that we just don’t know how to use the skills.

Upon my spiritual journey, I gravitated towards this book and found myself fascinated with the exercises and examples of true stories in how expressing love through our intuitive nature can help us daily. I took the test in the book and found out I am an Emotional Intuitive. 

LOL SURPRISE SURPRISE!!!

Not only was the fact that I’m a Pisces confirmation enough, but taking the test, I was reassured in wondering why I do the things the way I do. I’m extremely emotionally driven and fascinated by those who aren’t. This book has many meditational exercises that will not only let you “Let Go” of any pain or burdens that may be hindering you from enjoying the fruits of True Love’s labour, but allow you embrace the white light of Absolute Love.

I know this may sound completely wonky to many…but I highly recommend this read if you are in a funk, need a change and are interested in opening your mind to the possibility that there are forces and energies surrounding us on a regular basis. And what I love the most is that there is no guilt in embracing your psychic abilities. This book references God and the angels in every chapter! And every chapter (all 24 of them) have exercises that allow you to release fear and welcome the light of true love within.

This was a great read, and I plan to keep it on hand so I can do the exercises throughout the year. This was an extremely easy read to get through. The only reason why it took me so long, was because I wanted to set time aside to do the exercises without being interrupted. Highly recommended for the open-minded spiritually-inclined. 

Eat, Pray, Love...The Novel

Ahhhhh….YES! I’m finally done reading the refreshing, relatable story of Elizabeth Gilbert’s “search for everything across, Italy, India and Indonesia”.  A year or so ago, I saw that a friend had put up on her Facebook status that she had finished reading this book and that it was a “must-read”. Even though I knew nothing about the novel, there was something that hit a nerve in me when I saw the cover. I don’t know how else to explain it, but it did stick with me and it was on the list of “things I must remember to do”…but just never seemed to get around to do it.

This past year has been such a strange year for me when it comes to being out of my element. I feel that I’m on a spiritual journey where I’m becoming in touch with my intuition, educating myself on meditation and revitalizing my body with yoga practices. About a month ago, I saw a trailer for the movie “Eat, Pray, Love” and instantly remembered the book. I rushed out to the nearest bookstore the next day and bought it. Sooooo glad I did!

This novel is based on the author, Elizabeth Gilbert’s year in traveling so that she can get “closer to God”.  She has been filling the void of unhappiness with distractions and not focusing on how to make herself happy. Over the course of her journey, there are many ups and downs, trials and tribulations. She discovers the enjoyment of indulgence in Italy, the modesty of sacrifice in India and the joy of love in helping “Tutti” in Indonesia.

I love Gilbert’s complicated rambling thoughts that she details in her every move. So many of us do not know how to quiet our mind, which made her character so significant for those who can relate. To know that this story is a TRUE story made it even easier to be optimistic when recovering from life’s battle wounds. We all have our scar, but it’s nice to know that we can heal ourselves if we take the time to.

There are many sayings, chants and interpretations that were displayed throughout this novel that I know I will carry with me… always.

“Om Namah Shivaya” – I Honor The Divinity That Resides Within Me

The Secret

For a few years now, I’ve been told to read or watch the dvd “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne. Primarily, I thought this whole notion that positive thinking creates positive results was hogwash.  For many years the things I deeply believed in have lead me to disappointment, which in turn created my thinking “expect the worst, hope for the best”. So, I shut down the idea of reading it when it was brought to me, and couldn’t focus long enough to get through the dvd.

This past year, I’ve learned many lessons, had highs and lows and lost much of my hope and faith. I turned to yoga and meditation to find myself and awaken my spiritual senses that as a young girl shined so brightly. At the end of my meditation classes, I was given a list from my instructor of meditation books that will educate me in this process. There were about 25 books on the list and I plan to read every single one of them. First up…”The Secret”.  I figured that I’m in a different place than I was when I originally was told about it, so now my mind is open to receiving all it had to offer.

“The Secret” in brief, is about believing that all you desire you can achieve by just visualizing and truly believing that it will manifest. Every chapter is dedicated to YOU with uplifting quotes and true stories of people who claim that “The Secret” has changed their lives. I especially found the Vision Board, Secret Shifters and Secret Cheque idea to be cute reminders to look to daily whenever that funky negative energy decides to show up. It will happen…guaranteed. No one lives everyday 24/7 in positive spirits, but with the reminders there, it allows you to change your focus and energy back to a victorious state.

After reading just a bit daily, I admit that I was left with an energy that kept me inspired and motivated. I am also glad that I have the book on hand, as I want to be able to go back and re-read certain parts whenever I forget what I truly desire. Has it changed my life? That remains to be seen, but I can say without a doubt, that it did help restore some hope and faith. Would I recommend it? YES! Why not add a little extra positive thinking into your world? You'll have nothing to lose...except maybe a negative attitude. :)

I'm Baaaaack!!! The Alchemist

I've decided to revamp my blog a bit and make some changes here and there.

Some disheartening matters occured over the past week which made me question if I should have my blog up and running. After careful contemplation, I've decided to get back on it. I love to write and I refuse to let anything stop me from expressing my thoughts.

Plus, it couldn't hurt that I was watching the movie "Julie & Julia" tonight which enthused me to get back on my blog. I had to stop watching it though as I do have to get ready to attend a friend's birthday tonight.

So, what's going on in my life? A whole lot of reading!!! While I've delved into the realm of meditation and yoga over the past few months, I've been blessed to have found some interesting reads along the way.

First book that I must recommend to read is "The Alchemist"by Paulo Coelho. I'm sure you've heard of it from either Oprah, seen it on the best-sellers list or just from a friend in general.

I found this novel to be very inspiring and trust me when I say that IT IS an easy read.

 It's a story about a young Spanish shepherd and his quest for hidden treasure. Along the way he encounters some influential people who help him see the signs to help him find what he is seeking.

 This book was recommended by a friend who was insistently convincing that it would change my outlook on life. While at the time, I did appreciate the read, I didn't find it to be life-changing. However, I did find it to be refreshing, inspirational and a beautiful spiritual journey. If you haven't read it... go get yourself a copy. You won't regret it.