This photo was taken at Bidwell Park in the fall at dusk. I call it "Ghost Trees"

What a gorgeous day or rather past few days here in Southern California. How are you spending your day?  I have tp do a few household chores and then I'm off to spend some time in nature. When we lived in Chico, we lived a block from the park...it wasn't a typical park you find in cities. It called Bidwell Park and is 1 mile wide and 5 miles long. It has all kinds of bike trails and walking trails and is filled with lots of trees. At night deer and some coyotes wander down from the foothills and a few stroll and munch on foilage on our street. I miss that park.

Anaheim doesn't have a park like that but it does have parks with trees and thats good enough for me. There are hiking trails further out towards the foothills but its too far to go today.

Spending time in nature and hopefully away from crowds of people is a great way to recharge yourself...maybe even enjoy walking meditation.

If for some reason you can't get outside today...here is a video of birds chirping...I listen to it when I meditate sometimes.



Your comments are always welcome...please feel free to leave one.

xo   Inge


 

The Great Bell Chant

http://vimeo.com/6518109


This was posted by a friend on facebook...I liked it so much I decided to share it with you.

 Happy 2012! I wish you all love, peace, good health, and abundance :)

I am in awe of people who say they knew what they wanted to do with their life since they were a kid. I never contemplated anything like that. My days were spent pretty much wondering what I was going to do that day. Maybe if if I had been paying more attention to my future I would not have so much trouble with it now. I want to follow my passion and earn a living from that but the times I have attempted to go that way; like shop for antiques and collectibles and resell them... well, it just didn't pan out - financially speaking. I know that some say there is more to success than money but the guy I give my rent money to each month will beg to differ.
I am visualizing myself getting paid lots of money and see myself getting hired but so far nothing has really materialized. I really don't know what my perfect job is... well I can day dream about what I would like it to be, but in order for that to manifest itself will require money and lots of it. I have read plenty of books that say follow your dream and start your dream business but don't quit your day job until it becomes financially stable. Right now I want a job that pays me enough money to pay my expenses and allows me the extra time to research my dream job, oh, and how about a healthy work environment where the company does not work it's emloyees to death. I am doing everything I am supposed to be doing. I am keeping my part of the deal; visualizing, vision board, meditating, gratitude journal, applying for jobs online and in person, even cold calling. I am more than ready for the universe to keep its part of the deal. I know patience is a virtue but I live in a world that wants to be paid and on time. I am ready for that job. RIGHT NOW!
Hope your day is spent at a job that you love and don't forget to laugh out loud!
xoxo Inge

The First Full Moon for 2010

The full moon is tonight and it looks like it will be FANTASTIC! I enjoy the full moon and celebrate it by giving thanks to the Goddess, Luna. It is also a perfect time to write down my desires on paper and then burn it (outside away from anything flammable) and send it out to the universe. The full moon is a powerful time of the month and I believe anything asked for during this time has a more powerful energy to it.

I found another inspiring website that you might like to check out http://www.spiritedboutique.com/ and here is a youtube video that might just get you out of your seat and dancing http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F47AfASOnA8

Hope your day is juicy! And don't forget to laugh out loud!

xoxo Inge

Still working on my gratitude and affirmations. It's interesting how fear tries to sneak in when I am quiet for a minute. I practise my deep breathing and focus on my gratitude. I even mention that I am grateful to face uncertainty. Don't we all face uncertainty every day? I think looking for work without having a job brings it to the surface. I change my uncertainty into possibilities. Last month I was too exhausted to think about anything let alone possibilities or fear of the unknown.

My ocd likes to whisper anxious thoughts in my ear but I recognise it and will not allow it to take over. Obsessing about things just robs me of the time I need to put a plan together to find work.

Hope your day is good and don't forget to laugh out loud!

xoxo Inge

I am feeling sooo much better... healthwise and I am grateful. Remember when I blogged that I was going to be transferred to another restaurant as a server? Well, that fell through...I don't want to go into the drama that I started to allow myself to get sucked into... so I just will say sometimes "shit happens" and I decided to let go of the negative feelings I had about that and focus on the future and the possibilities that I now have. I was surfing youtube for something about attracting the perfect job and I ran across this interesting woman who wrote the book

I Lost My Job and I Liked IT. She has a web tv channel that might interest you

http://www.youtube.com/user/liloumace

There is something about this time of year that I find myself reading about spirituality, or examining my life, meditating, or creating art. Then the closer it gets to summer I forget about things (although not completely) and I get side tracked in the day to day stuff. I don't know what happens or why because I really do enjoy engaging my right brain.

Maybe that is why this job did not work out... it was too much day to day stuff and did not allow me time to pursue my right brain activities... I barely had time to wash my clothes... so seeing myself as a victim is a waste of time...I wanted this job because of the money. I saw it as a chance to make a nice wage but I soon found out that wage came at a high price (and after adding up all the hours I had to work it really wasn't that great of a wage) I was not following my own advice "work smart not hard".

So it is back to the drawing board or rather as Lilou says vision board...

Hope you are spending time doing something you love and don't forget to laugh out loud!

xoxo Inge

This is the windchime that got my attention.

Check out the beautiful succulents in the hanging basket.

There is something about the sound of a windchime that instantly gets my attention and away from what I am doing. It is usually the bigger ones... it snaps me out of what I am doing and into a peaceful state... living in the moment. The sound is soothing to me. I have smaller ones around my patio but it is the mega chimes that really get my attention. I heard one this morning in the condominium complex where James lives. It got me thinking I need to be "present" more often and then I tell myself ," I need to get back to meditating - write in my journal - relax - stop fretting - really live in the moment for a while and stop trying to control every aspect of my life". Actually, now for at least the next 2 weeks I should... no, that's a word I don't want use - too controlling - well, I can't think of the word right now...but you get my drift. Back home there is so much to do and not enough time in the day at times to do it all, especially when a good portion of it is spent practising my typing. So now I have no excuse, James really is not all that much work ... normal feeding, helping him get around the house, bathing, caring for his pets (it sounds more than it really is and he is feeling better. He has not missed work either ... alot of his job is done on the computer and the "leg work" part is being done by 2 of his co-workers, so I do have time to work on me ... and of course practise typing.

I found a stained glass artist called, Desert Creations, on etsy.com that makes beautiful windchimes that you might want to take a look at http://www.desertcreations.etsy.com/

some soothing windchime music...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUpsF4eXLTc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCz4hnb22U4&feature=related

xoxo Inge

I am taking a break from my studies

A friend of mine gave me her old tarot cards a few months ago and I have been them a few times a week to keep myslf in check... spritually anyway. I admit it I am a novice and I have to look up the meanings of the cards via the internet and then try to figure out what they mean to me. Things seemed to be going well...the cards seemed to mirror what I was doing and my goals to move...even some issues at work. Then yesterday drew the Tower card. By what I was reading on some tarot interpretation sites, my world was about to collapse...but I would come out a better person. Definitely not something I want to hear. I think I mentioned that I do have a mild (depending on who you ask) case of OCD. I can obsess about something for hours! I get stuck like a needle on a record player (remember those?)

I knew I needed some expert advice and we have only one place where I can get that type of help... The owner of Karma Boutique, Mary. I used to get my cards read every 6 months when I lived in SF but I have not had them read for about 13 years. I think everyone should spend some time throughout their lives with a counselor, especially when going through trying times. Friends are ok but they will neverbe truly honest with you because they do not want to hurt your feelings...a shrink will tell you what you need to hear even if you don't like it. For me I also need guidance from a medium, tarot reader,etc. I sometimes need the help of a reputable reader to keep me on track...spiritually speaking.

Mary straightened me out while she did a tarot spread for me. The tower did not come up and she did not detect terrible news, but I did need to be careful with this move and do a better job with my homework this time around. I do not want to move to a sketchy neighborhood and I don't want to rent a house that is in foreclosure only to find out that I have to move in 48 hours because the owner is trying to make some fast cash off me...I heard this has happened to a few people. Mary suggested that I strike a balance between my spirit and my human self... in other words meditate and do my homework.

While I am on the subject of meditation I have been doing that lately. Do you know how many forms there are? Lots! You can find alot of them on youtube. I do like the Zen meditation but it sure is hard...ok, it is impossible for me to clear my mind of thoughts. Try it for yourself...sit in a chair and close your eyes and breathe...listen to the sounds around you but do not think about it or analize it and for heavens sake do not start thinking about your grocery list! Just BE in the silence. Go ahead try it for 5 minutes, you will be shocked what your mind starts thinking.

I also like the meditation that contains chanting. There are some nice ones also on youtube. Alot of them have background music that is nice and makes it easier to focus on the meditation. I meditate because for me I remain calmer in stressful situations. I tend to laugh things off more instead of getting sucked into the drama and there is alot of drama at work! I know some of you will think I am a nut or ask why not pray? Well, my answer is that meditation is my prayer. I feel a connection with something higher than myself. Actually meditation can be done anywhere even walking the dogs...it is just being present and living in the moment...really looking at the trees... the birds...the smell of fresh cut grass... the feeling of cold air on my skin. We really take all these experinces for granted and don't notice things because we are busy with our lives. When is the last time you laid back in the grass and watched the clouds??? That is meditation. It is taking a break from this fast paced life we have.

Now after that sermon on meditation it is time to laugh outloud
xoxo Inge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wveC1QNTNCA

I found this terrfic artist on youtube

Her chanting music is perfect for yoga and meditation...actually I am not coordinated to do real yoga poses so I improvise...it still does the same job for me...
www.mitendevapremal.com/index.php
After you meditate don't forget to laugh outloud!
xoxo Inge

I am getting back on track

I have been distracted for the past 4 years. I have been busy with the day to day dolldrums and have neglected my spiritual self. I know I have written about this before but I had alot of time to think and meditate when I was sitting in the LA traffic. Maybe the reason John and I struggled so much in Chico is because we are living in the wrong place and not doing our what the Buddhists call "right work". I mean we were just working jobs in order to pay the bills and eek out a meager living. We were surviving not thriving. Neither of us were doing work we truly loved. John wants to work with animals, training dogs, walking them, care for them when their owners are on holiday. He especially likes caring for the difficult ones. He understands them... he too was considered difficult growing up.

I want to have my own metaphysical shoppe supplying others with the spiritiual tools to help them on their spiritual journey. I have wanted to do that for as long as I can remember. I cannot do that in Chico... spiritual matters are very black and white. Spirituality is considered part of the dark side, the devil and all that goes with that. Religion, namely Conservative Christian belief is ruler here... mixed with guns and fear of the unknown. There is no place for pagan, new age thinking here, at least not in the open.

It was so refreshing to go to Ojai where I was understood... where I could discuss such things with like minded people. I feel that I am getting back on track. I have found some great sites on the internet, namely youtube where I can watch videos and meditate to the chanting. I am coming home... of course this does not mean I have given up my enjoyment of laughter. After all, the secret to enlightenment is to lighten up!
xoxo Inge
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UGln73LzoM

When I was a massage therapist

I had more time to take care of myself... the stuff inside... the spiritual part of me... I meditated daily and even took the city bus to the Zen Center for zazen (sitting meditation). A group of us would sit either cross legged or in chairs (like me, my knees have always disliked sitting cross legged) and quietly meditate. No chanting just quiet. The purpose was to hear things in the environment inside and out and not judge... just listen. I was much calmer back then and I believe it was because of the time I took to reflect and enjoy the quiet with background sounds as they came and went. At the end we would recite as a group the Heart Sutra Chant. The I would ride the San Francsico city bus (with the menagerie of "colorful" riders) back to my 500 square foot apartment... much calmer and ready to take on anything that could come up.

I decided to start back up again but in Chico we do not have a zen center but thanks to the Great Goddess I have access to youtube! I also am keeping a random thought journal...where I write down my morning thoughts before I forget them. Well, actually I stated that today... which is where I am going with this post.... here goes...

"It's quiet... no t.v.- I think it will stay off today. No news to distract me... time for reflection... I have been reading my tarot (online) yes they have free tarot readings! here is the site I use
http://www.ifate.com/tarot_index.html Just remember to write the cards down and their meaning which you can find on another site http://www.discover-the-meaning-of-tarot.com/ I have a seperate journal for that. I do mine monthly and it is keeping me on track. Oh, I got off track... back to the journal reading - I woke up with this song playing in my head "Respect Yourself"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3r2WHjS7iM I think it is an interesting song for today.

I am a big fan of Rachel Ashwell. In the 90s I worked in a bookstore that had a copy of Shabby Chic ... I saved my pennies back then to buy a copy....I was hooked! here was a woman who had a philosophy similar to mine, only she legitimized the style. How sad I was to hear that she has been closing her stores... the economy. I found her blog and she reflects about how she feels about this turn of events and how she copes.... again inspiring even though it is bittersweet... after all we all experience the same ups and downs in life, it is just interesting to see her open up about her "stuff". I think Rachel Ashwell pioneered and changed the way we think about beauty and home decor - hence the name Shabby Chic - the ultimate recycling the old with the new. Words that describe her are trailblazer, inspirational, brave, free spirit, resourceful - she was unafraid to take a chance to try something new. www.rachelashwellshabbychic.blogspot.com/

She is alot like another woman I admire, Coco Chanel another trailblazer except with personal accessories... inventor of the "little black dress"... she helped poor women look and feel glamorous by wearing beautiful costume jewelry which is still aroung today. If it weren't for good costume jewelry I would not own anything, except my silver goodies, I never like diamonds and gold ( I know I need therapy!) but my hubby is grateful! I would rather spend my money on used goodies, handmade stuff, etc. OOPS! there I go again wandering off subject....
Rachels blogging and place in herjourney is reallly not that different than mine, she is just a famous figure and me, I am famous at home... my house... to my critters and hubby. But we are both reinventing ourselves, reflecting on our lives and about to start new beginnings (for me this at least the 4th time)... new home, new city, new environment, new careers. At times it is overwhelming - even scary! I will continue to look to these other women for inspiration, and advice... to follow their lead while leading myself and helping other women.

Actually, our country is also facing some challenges (to say the least) - so many people out of work (13.5% in Chico and the mall just declared bankruptcy!) The reality is many of these people out of work will not get their jobs back (because of outsourcing to cheaper countries) or at least they probably will get similar jobs at a lower rate of pay. Like it or not we have to change our way of thinking... to be creative, to create a new "American Dream" (can you hear the choir of angels yet) -sarcasm- Progress is taking us to a global world and it is not turning back, so we must be willing to reinvent ourselves and take risks. My marine biology professor told us 20 year ago during a field trip to the marine tidepools... we were looking at the grasses growing in the water bobbing back and forth with the waves "the secret to a successful life is to be flexible and hang on !" That's the only lesson I remember, but I think a very important one!

This can be my opportunity, our countries' opportunity to try new things, to reinvent ourselves, to come out better, wiser, and to see things with "fresh eyes"... to dare to be the trailblazers for a better world for future generations! Now get out there and play ball!"
xoxo Inge

Did I ever tell you ?

I was a massage therapist for nearly seven years? During that time I lived in San Francisco...a beautiful city, but living there day to day was quite stressful...even in my line of work. So I started educating myself about alternative medicine, yoga, meditation, and healing stones... at the time I was interested in crystals... even used them in my massage therapy sessions.

When I moved to Chico I unfortunately discontinued my massage work and stopped meditating... ( I plan to get back to that soon) but I still use alternative medicines for when I feel overwhelmed and yes one can feel overwhelmed even in Chico!

The other day I was surfing etsy.com and I discovered an etsy shop who makes healing stone jewelry! The owner and jewelry artist, Caroline Pinkney-Baird comes from a long line of artists and studied art in London and New York. She has been making jewelry for over eighteen years and studying and using alternative therapies for over twenty-two years, while living in Europe, South America, Africa, and the Middle East.

For thousands of years, individual gemstones have been associated with different healing and strengthening properties in the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual realms. Caroline was first inspired to use stones to heal by her study of the traditional healing properties of various gemstones, and by her first-hand observations of their effectiveness in healing both mental and physical conditions in herself, family members, and friends. These healing properties include improving focus and concentration, facilitating decision-making, aiding a positive outlook, promoting creativity, alleviating insomnia, and calming, motivating, and strengthening. Caroline currently works with over sixty different precious and semi-precious stones.

One area Caroline has particular enjoyed working in is making necklaces which can be worn by mamas and other caregivers when they are enjoying the company of babies, toddlers and children. As a mom, Caroline is concerned with the safety of jewelry she wears around her kids, so she has come up with a line of necklaces which are strong enough to withstand the tugs and pulls of a baby or toddler, yet elegant to wear at all times, and which contain no lead crystal or plastic/resin.

But what is this line of jewelry? Caroline refers to it as her "nursing necklaces" collection, but notes that the necklaces are NOT just for nursing. In fact, many customers don’t have little kids or any children at all - they just buy these necklaces for their elegance or healing properties! So what is a Nursing Necklace? For years, mothers around the world have benefitted from using nursing necklaces. At some point your baby's exploration of her world can interfere with nursing. When distraction, biting, pulling and pinching become part of the routine, a good way to distract your baby and focus on nursing is to offer a nursing necklace. A nursing necklace is designed to appeal to your baby's senses - vision, touch, hearing. Wearing a nursing necklace refocuses your baby during feeding time, encouraging her to explore the nursing necklace beads, rather than your hair, your clothing, or anything else near her. You can wear the Nursing Necklace or just hold it and let baby finger it. It's good to have a few so you can rotate and keep things new and exciting. Caroline's Nursing Necklaces are designed to be both tactile and visually-stimulating and help make breastfeeding or bottle-feeding a more pleasurable experience. These necklaces are not just for feeding, use them during diaper changes to keep your little one's hands occupied and out of the diaper. Wear during babywearing to keep your little one from tugging on your hair. The possibilities are endless!

Stones of Healing jewelry is featured in galleries and stores including:

BabyHawk Baby Carriers, California, USA; Bits For Bairns, Scotland; Kissui Baby, California, USA; Kisses 'N' Wishes, England; McKinley Kid, Alaska, USA; Nurtured Family, Texas, USA; Sling Jax, England; Tubac Center for the Arts, Tubac, Arizona, USA; Naturally Nurslings and Nurslings Boutique, Connecticut, USA; Next Generation Diapers, Tucson, Arizona.

You can also stop in her etsy shop www.stonesofhealing.etsy.com/ and her website address is

www.stonesofhealing.com/ Now it's time for me to do some meditating!