He Healed His Life: My Ex- Wife’s Wedding Dress
File this under making lemon out of lemonades. Or see this as ultimate re-framing. As the story goes Kevin Cotter’s wife of 12 years walked out, leaving behind her wedding dress. The wedding dress launched a blog, a new book and a new life for Kevin. His website is MyExWifesWeddingDress.com
It has been said that nothing is good or bad it is thinking that makes it so. Instead of wallowing in pain over the breakup of his marriage he found healing in humor. His life has changed and he as a new family, career and successful blog.
I find this story inspiring because of course he had challenges, but the greater story is that when you flow with what is instead of wanting what you do not have, there is a genuine opportunity to create anew; and come up smiling.
Tame Stress: Step into Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a practice that extends beyond the individual. Engaging in mindfulness has numerous health benefits and initially it may seem as if one is doing it for one owns betterment. Mindfulness is a practice that also at its core taps into the interrelatedness of all beings. As one develops mindfulness it becomes easier to see the “other” as our self. Awareness increases, we begin to slow down, we think, pause and breathe. Mindfulness allows us to expand from within and re-connect with who we are and why we are.
The following five mindful trainings are from the Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh.
The Five Mindfulness Trainings
First Mindfulness Training
Aware of the suffering caused by the destruction of life, I am committed to cultivating compassion and learning ways to protect the lives of people, animals, plants and minerals. I am determined not to kill, not to let others kill and not to condone any act of killing in the world, in my thinking and in my way of life.
Second Mindfulness Training
Aware of the suffering caused by exploitation, social injustice, stealing and oppression, I am committed to cultivating loving kindness and learning ways to work for the well-being of people, animals, plants and minerals. I will practice generosity by sharing my time, energy, and material resources with those who are in real need. I am determined not to steal and not to possess anything that should belong to others. I will res0pect the property of others, but will prevent others from profiting from human suffering or the suffering of other species of Earth.
Third Mindfulness Training
Aware of the suffering caused by sexual misconduct, I am committed to cultivating responsibility and learning ways to protect the safety and integrity of individuals, couples, families and society. I am determined not to engage in sexual relationships without love and and a long-term commitment. To preserve the happiness of myself and others, I am determined to respect my commitments and the commitments of others. I will do everything in my power to protect children from sexual abuse and to prevent couples and families from being broken by sexual misconduct.
Fourth Mindfulness Training
Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful speech and the inability to listen to others, I am committed to cultivating loving speech and deep listening in order to bring joy and happiness to others and relieve others of their suffering. Knowing that words con create happiness or suffering, I am determined to speak truthfully, with words that inspire self-confidence, joy and hope. I will not spread news that I do not know to be certain and will not criticize or condemn things of which I am not sure. I will refrain from uttering words that can cause division or discord, or that can cause the family or the community to break. I am determined to make all efforts to reconcile and resolve all conflicts, however small.
Fifth Mindfulness Training
Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful consumption, I am determined to cultivate good health, both physical and mental, for myself, my family and my society by practicing mindful eating, drinking and consuming. I will ingest only items that preserve peace, well-being and joy in my body, in my consciousness and in the collective body and in the collective body and consciousness of my family and society. I am determined not to use alcohol or any other intoxicant or to ingest foods or other items that contain toxins, such as certain TV programs, magazines, books, films and conversations. I am aware that to damage my body or my consciousness with these poisons is to betray my ancestors, my parents, my society and future generations. I will work to transform violence, fear, anger and confusion in myself and in society by practicing a diet for myself and for society. I understand that a proper diet is crucial for self-transformation and for the transformation of society.
Taking time to cultivate a mindfulness practice will help your life in numerous ways. Give it time, be patient with yourself. Simply practice.
How To Energetically End a Relationship
I listened to a show on Hay House Radio, with Iyanla Vanzant, her topic was sex. What was so beautiful about her discussion were the points made on the meaning of sex. It is rarely talked about, the real meaning and purpose of the act. Our bodies are temples. We, you and me are divine beings, creators, gods and goddesses. But living our day to day life the majority of people are not aware of this. And those who are at least aware, are constantly challenged to live this truth with joy and love; but that’s fun…right!
So, again sex. Ladies our bodies are temples. Men, you are not bees, with the sole purpose of gathering honey from every flower you see. One of the things Iyanla said is that every time we have sex with someone, we are married. We have married that person.
It is not City Hall, the ring, the flowers, nope, none of that. The act itself does that.
So, how many ex’s do you have floating around?
If you are interested in connecting with your divine and loving mate, and wondering when will it happen, perhaps you need to make sure that the previous attachment has been honored, nullified and laid to rest. I found a cool article on the topic here.
Always keep love flowing in your life.
Healing Jewelry: Endless Knot with Wire Wrapped Sodalite Drop
These delightful earrings feature an Endless Knot charm with a wire wrapped sodalite briolette nugget.
Sodalite is a wonderful healing stone. It balances the emotions, heals the heart, and much more.
handcrafted with love, Reiki and intention.
Want more info please visit our shop.
Be Happy with You
The majority of folks have heard the phrase, “be happy with yourself.” 
Not new, right? Well, but are you? Happiness always seems to be just the corner. It is on the plate for sure, but always seems to be the next course. How often do we put something else on the plate for the next bite?
How are You Delaying Your Happiness?
Typical happiness delays include:
- I’ll be happy after I finish my degree,
- after I get a job,
- after I get a raise,
- after I “find myself“,
- after I have children,
- after the children are grown,
- when I lose weight,
- after I get that man or woman,
- after I move and so it goes, on and on…
Until.
Until the day you stop. Stop trying to be amazing, unique, fabulous, special or any other “ego” supporting word you choose. The truth is, happiness is not something you have to earn or deserve. It is your birthright.
Claim it.
And don’t allow or permit anyone to take it from you.
Cheers,
Catherine
Our Interconnectedness – The 100th Monkey
The Hundredth Monkey phenomenon shows us what can happen when members of the group learn new behaviors and this is passed on to other members of the group. When critical mass is reached, of 100 members, other members of the group learn the new behavior intuitively, without a teacher or a model being present.
Do you think you can’t change the world for good? Yes, you can.
Guest Post: What is Pure Yoga?
I’m pleased to present this guest post written by Sa Mut A. Scott, yoga teacher and empowerment coach, and for full disclosure, a dear friend. Her topic is “What is Pure Yoga”? A great question. If you are a yoga practitioner why do you engage in your practice? Is it for tight abs, enlightenment or because yoga is “in”?
Do you have a view on what is Pure Yoga? Read on…
What is pure yoga?
One of the most interesting things about life is that at any moment one can receive a 
revelation as to the next course of action or the next open pathway of the living journey. I recently applied to teach yoga at the local gym. After my demonstration the fitness coordinator explained that although my style of teaching was very accessible to the prospective student, it was too spiritually based and they were looking for “pure” yoga teachers.
Pure yoga?
I thanked her for the opportunity and went on my way. Later that evening during my daily review and reflection, it occurred to me that most yoga Studios, gyms etc… are teaching Yoga purely as a form of exercise. In contrast, I and thousands of other yoginis learned yoga for the purpose of spiritually reuniting mind, body and spirit. I am well aware that yoga as a form of exercise can really help the body tone up and will use muscles you never knew you had, giving the body a leaner more fit appearance. Yoga for this purpose has been popularized by many celebrities, athletes, and entertainers. And while these are all very fine additional benefits from the practice of yoga, what I want to suggest is perhaps a less popular view.
Using yoga merely as a form of exercise is like buying a Ferrari and driving it 5 blocks everyday and parking it back in the garage. There are far greater depths one can ascertain from a focused, spiritually intentioned yoga practice. Even if the practitioner focuses on the breath flow more than insisting that the body perfects bone contorting asanas or positions, the spirit will oblige with some healing revelation or other gift of the spirit the person needs for their life journey. And with the state of humanity these days we all need our “gifts” to be front and center. So continue to use yoga for exercise. Enjoy the fitness and vitality the local gym classes provide, but during your quite time, or personal practice at home really begin to focus on the true meaning of yoga which is to reunite mind body and spirit, and add your healing gifts to the collective to make a better world starting with yours. Peace Love & Joy (Namaste)
Submitted by Sa Mut A Scott of Magical Mother Women’s Coaching & Empowerment Services. www.magicalmother.com
Spirituality and Health by Sherry of Daily Spiritual Tools
I’m pleased to present a guest post by Sherry Woodcock over at Daily Spiritual Tools. At her blog she shares insights on how to integrate spirituality into your daily life. Her posts are insightful and I wanted to help bring them to others. Her guest post is on Spirituality and Health. Such an important area of life! How do you incorporate spirituality into your life? I invite you to read the following article for some wonderful tips.
Thanks Sherry!
Spirituality and Health
Current scientific findings are confirming what we know intuitively to be true, that spirituality is good not only for the soul but for the body as well. A growing amount of research is beginning to define the complex connections between religious and spiritual beliefs and practices and an individual’s physical and psychological health. According to a recent WebMD article, “. . .studies have also shown that spirituality may be beneficial: People who attend religious services, or who feel they are spiritual, experience lower levels of depression and anxiety; display signs of better health, such as lower blood pressure and fewer strokes; and say they generally feel healthier.”
As a nutritionist and clinical health educator for a major HMO, I have been very encouraged in recent years by the increasing acceptance of the mind-body connection into mainstream medicine. Although we have a long way to go, I see more and more providers considering emotional, mental and spiritual causes for illness, and also those same providers referring their patients to stress management, mindfulness meditation and other programs for help in healing.
In my own experience as a hands-on healer, I’ve been honored to witness many people enjoy relief from physical and emotional pain, a reduction in the symptoms of chronic health conditions, and increased vitality and enthusiasm in their lives as a result of clearing the spiritual energy channels in the body. Spiritual healing techniques have a profound effect on enhancing the communication between the spirit and the body, and restoring a person’s natural state of joy and ease.
A spiritual focus guides us toward that truth that we are unique expressions of God, unlimited in our ability to create the best and highest that we can envision. In accepting that truth about ourselves, we are able to use our thoughts, our words, and our own spiritual practice to manifest health not only in our own body, mind and emotions, but in our world as well.
What we think, the cells of the body perceive as real. Our beliefs and expectations are expressed in our lives. It is, therefore, a very healthy practice to guard our thoughts, and release those that don’t serve our highest expression.
One method for nurturing health in mind and body is to practice a simple affirmation. Sit quietly, close your eyes, and begin to notice your breathing. Feel yourself relax as you allow yourself to breathe comfortably and deeply. As you breathe in, say to yourself “I am.” Hold the breath for a moment. As you breathe out, say to yourself “perfect and healthy.”
Another option for a breathing affirmation would be to say “God is,” with the in-breath, and “I am” with the out-breath. Do this as many times as you feel comfortable with.
As we think and speak the words of well-being, the cells of the body respond, and the infinite wisdom that is our divine nature makes it real.
May you create your most healthy self!!
Sherry Woodcock
www.DailySpiritualTools.blogspot.com
www.DailySpiritualTools.com