Well in about four hours we are off to Disney World in Florida. You might not think Disney is worth you reading about or me blogging about but this time it is. The “we” that I am referring to is my thirteen year old son, Seth, my ex-husband and his beautiful wife. Now this is what I want to blog about.
You see I am very, very proud of this relationship - actually we all are. We all like each other and many years ago my ex-husband's wife stopped being my ex-husband's wife and became my friend. So it is on this basis that we travel together, play together, dine together and even worship together. My ex is one of my best friends and I love that.
You see most relationships don't break up because of anything serious enough. Most relationships end because of stupidity, laziness and a lack of taking responsibility. When we blame anyone for our experience we will NEVER LOOK IN THE RIGHT PLACE FOR HEALING. No amount of marriage counseling can save a marriage if the individuals are looking outside or to the other for the answer.
My ex and I are able to have what we have because we each healed our own world - yes it is obvious, we did this AFTER THE MARRIAGE ENDED. Why, because I was being stupid, lazy and blaming HIM. The blessing is that we were dedicated enough to our sons to never tear each other apart and the healing has happened. For him the healing happened through years of study and Landmark Education. For me it was the study of the Science of Mind.
So off to Disney we go. Laughing together and sharing a fun and wonderful vacation.
I’ll write to you upon my return. Blessings to all.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Old Slippers
What is it that makes spending time with old friends so delicious? I recently have had the opportunity to reconnect with some old friends through Face Book. And last night I got to spend some time with some of them, it was sweet, delicious, and so familiar just like slipping into a pair of old slippers.
The thing I love most about being with friends from childhood and high school years is that they "get me." They do, they get me. I'm not weird or outspoken or sassy with them. With them, I'm just Michelle and it is so nice to fit right in. Sometimes it feels like I have been a duck out of water for the past thirty years.
It is good to laugh with someone who has the same sense of humor and to whom you do not have to explain yourself. It's good to have shared memories - even if you wish to forget some of them. I even love the embarrassing stories, they keep me humble. I so appreciate Sandy Glick, an old high school bud, who started hooking us all up on Face Book. It has truly been a blast.
And yes, I do love my new friends. The good thing about new friends is that they make room for your growth and newness and see you now and not limited to who you were. Here's to friends in general old and new.
The thing I love most about being with friends from childhood and high school years is that they "get me." They do, they get me. I'm not weird or outspoken or sassy with them. With them, I'm just Michelle and it is so nice to fit right in. Sometimes it feels like I have been a duck out of water for the past thirty years.
It is good to laugh with someone who has the same sense of humor and to whom you do not have to explain yourself. It's good to have shared memories - even if you wish to forget some of them. I even love the embarrassing stories, they keep me humble. I so appreciate Sandy Glick, an old high school bud, who started hooking us all up on Face Book. It has truly been a blast.
And yes, I do love my new friends. The good thing about new friends is that they make room for your growth and newness and see you now and not limited to who you were. Here's to friends in general old and new.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Naked Bliss
Tomorrow at my Center in West Orange I am speaking about Naked Bliss. Well, you might wonder what that means and quite frankly I was wondering also. This however, is the beauty of setting a title out there and living into the title for some time prior to speaking about it. When I pick a title it is either about something that I want to know more about or about something that has recently captivated my attention and transformed my life.
Making room for this title: Naked Bliss, has taken me on a journey which has been “bliss-filled”. (I know it’s not a word.) The Bliss comes from looking for it and knowing always that what I am looking for, I AM LOOKING WITH. So this is my reality as I claim it - bliss lives and breathes in me, through me and AS ME. This is good news. Finding bliss quickens your body temple to be more and more healthy and your heart to be more and more happy.
So here is the gig – set your sails high, let the wind carry your heart and your imagination to fill all of your desires. Have a bliss-filled day.
ONE LAST NOTE!
Last week I suggested this to my congregation, see if you want to play with us. Each and every day upon waking, go to the mirror, look yourself straight in the eye and say, “This is the happiest day of my life!” Do this with great enthusiasm.
All my love,
Michelle
Making room for this title: Naked Bliss, has taken me on a journey which has been “bliss-filled”. (I know it’s not a word.) The Bliss comes from looking for it and knowing always that what I am looking for, I AM LOOKING WITH. So this is my reality as I claim it - bliss lives and breathes in me, through me and AS ME. This is good news. Finding bliss quickens your body temple to be more and more healthy and your heart to be more and more happy.
So here is the gig – set your sails high, let the wind carry your heart and your imagination to fill all of your desires. Have a bliss-filled day.
ONE LAST NOTE!
Last week I suggested this to my congregation, see if you want to play with us. Each and every day upon waking, go to the mirror, look yourself straight in the eye and say, “This is the happiest day of my life!” Do this with great enthusiasm.
All my love,
Michelle
Sunday, July 19, 2009
A weekend with Rickie & Michael
Who you might say - Rickie Byars-Beckwith and Michael Bernard Beckwith? Yes, yes, the guy from The Secret - not the best way to remember him, although he was and is always brilliant and made the movie workable in my eyes.
I just drove to upstate New York with one of my closest friends to the Omega Institute. Omega is known for its transformational programs and good food; it is also known for its not-so wonderful accommodations and so far I concur with all those findings. What I didn’t know is how incredibly beautiful the place was and how this group of conscious individuals have managed to create a center for education that is profoundly, deeply and sacredly spiritual without feeling like it was influenced by any one religion or practice. I was moved and inspired the whole weekend even with no air-conditioning and with loosing electricity for a day.
If you have never been to Omega and especially if you live on the east coast within driving distance, get there. If it is a matter of money, save your pennies and give yourself a gift as soon as possible, it is worth the effort.
Now on to Michael and Rickie. A weekend spent in the teachings of Michael Beckwith complimented with the inspirational heart opening music of his wife, Rickie, is simply one of the most valuable investments I have ever made in my life. I have been blessed to journey with them on more than one occasion and their heart and brilliance is clearly from the ONE infinite source. Michael is one constant, direct, download of intuitive intelligence. His teaching is fresh, logical, smart and heartfelt.
The direct teachings which are presented in a classroom format with plenty of time for questions and answers are offered up in a way that captures the attention of beginners and advanced students alike.
If you have an opportunity to be in the company of Rickie and Michael – do it! Go with an open heart, an open mind and the inquisitive mind of a beginner. Google them or go to their website: www.agapelive.com
I just drove to upstate New York with one of my closest friends to the Omega Institute. Omega is known for its transformational programs and good food; it is also known for its not-so wonderful accommodations and so far I concur with all those findings. What I didn’t know is how incredibly beautiful the place was and how this group of conscious individuals have managed to create a center for education that is profoundly, deeply and sacredly spiritual without feeling like it was influenced by any one religion or practice. I was moved and inspired the whole weekend even with no air-conditioning and with loosing electricity for a day.
If you have never been to Omega and especially if you live on the east coast within driving distance, get there. If it is a matter of money, save your pennies and give yourself a gift as soon as possible, it is worth the effort.
Now on to Michael and Rickie. A weekend spent in the teachings of Michael Beckwith complimented with the inspirational heart opening music of his wife, Rickie, is simply one of the most valuable investments I have ever made in my life. I have been blessed to journey with them on more than one occasion and their heart and brilliance is clearly from the ONE infinite source. Michael is one constant, direct, download of intuitive intelligence. His teaching is fresh, logical, smart and heartfelt.
The direct teachings which are presented in a classroom format with plenty of time for questions and answers are offered up in a way that captures the attention of beginners and advanced students alike.
If you have an opportunity to be in the company of Rickie and Michael – do it! Go with an open heart, an open mind and the inquisitive mind of a beginner. Google them or go to their website: www.agapelive.com
Friday, July 17, 2009
The Fruits of Your Consciousness
"Prove me now herewith, saith the Lord, if I will not open to you the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it!"
Malachi 3:10
You only know what you can prove! Like it or not, this is the truth.
You know your life by the fruits that it bears. There is no version of reality that is truer.
Your life and your consciousness proves out and the sooner that you stop trying to explain it away and make excuses the sooner you can get to the place of having a “decided mind.”
A decided mind redirects one's attention and focus to that which is good and life-fulfilling.
You can choose to go the psychological root that your life is a shambles for a 1000 different reasons, memories and hurts - if you want. This is a belief that says you are what you were. In this consciousness you are stuck repeating history BUT this is NOT who YOU are. It is not, I say! You are the composite of your current time intentions, choices and ATTENTION.
Where is your attention? That is a question worthy of pondering over and over again. Tell your mind, your subconscious that you choose to be a NOW being, a here being and declare that whatever was has the luxury of hanging back in your memory never again to have any current time power. This is the beauty of being a conscious, intelligent being. This is cause for celebration.
Align yourself with Spirit and Spirit will pour itself out – in – and through you – in all ways – always. Your very breath is the breath of God, of Spirit, of Freedom, Life, Energy – breathe it in. Accept.
With love,
Michelle
www.cslnj.org
Malachi 3:10
You only know what you can prove! Like it or not, this is the truth.
You know your life by the fruits that it bears. There is no version of reality that is truer.
Your life and your consciousness proves out and the sooner that you stop trying to explain it away and make excuses the sooner you can get to the place of having a “decided mind.”
A decided mind redirects one's attention and focus to that which is good and life-fulfilling.
You can choose to go the psychological root that your life is a shambles for a 1000 different reasons, memories and hurts - if you want. This is a belief that says you are what you were. In this consciousness you are stuck repeating history BUT this is NOT who YOU are. It is not, I say! You are the composite of your current time intentions, choices and ATTENTION.
Where is your attention? That is a question worthy of pondering over and over again. Tell your mind, your subconscious that you choose to be a NOW being, a here being and declare that whatever was has the luxury of hanging back in your memory never again to have any current time power. This is the beauty of being a conscious, intelligent being. This is cause for celebration.
Align yourself with Spirit and Spirit will pour itself out – in – and through you – in all ways – always. Your very breath is the breath of God, of Spirit, of Freedom, Life, Energy – breathe it in. Accept.
With love,
Michelle
www.cslnj.org
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Divine Appointments
I have found in my life that some of the most Divine Appointments that I’ve had, have nothing to do with the length of time that I connect with someone or even who that someone is. These profound moments last a few moments, a few months or can be captured in a glance. I’m sure that you have one or more of that kind friend that you hardly ever see but whenever you connect it is like no time passed.
A week ago I was walking in the small town of Lititz, PA and as I was getting out of my car I looked up to see a gentleman on a high ladder meticulously painting the trim on the outside of a chapel that belonged to one of the local Moravian Girls colleges. As I glanced up I said to him, “Wow, you’re a man on a mission.” You could see his caring from the ground. Well he turned to me with this huge smile and said, “Yes, yes I am.”
After going into the store that I was there to visit, we returned and spoke again at which time he came down off of his ladder to offer a tour of the inside of the chapel and the work that he had also completed inside. He was so proud and so humble, a truly beautiful being.
In the few moments that I spent with this sweet man whose name is Chris, time suspended itself and I was having a wonderfully “now” experience. It felt safe and raw and so authentic. We continued to converse and I did tell him that I am a minister and explained how much I appreciate seeing the inside of all churches. I have no doubt that we will both remember this short time and each other. Something happened in that time. Something changed; I was changed, enriched – not unlike falling in love but in love with Spirit that resides in him.
Thank you Chris, to who you are and your open heart.
So, I have one question: what was the quality that made this moment possible and how can it be replicated at will?
A week ago I was walking in the small town of Lititz, PA and as I was getting out of my car I looked up to see a gentleman on a high ladder meticulously painting the trim on the outside of a chapel that belonged to one of the local Moravian Girls colleges. As I glanced up I said to him, “Wow, you’re a man on a mission.” You could see his caring from the ground. Well he turned to me with this huge smile and said, “Yes, yes I am.”
After going into the store that I was there to visit, we returned and spoke again at which time he came down off of his ladder to offer a tour of the inside of the chapel and the work that he had also completed inside. He was so proud and so humble, a truly beautiful being.
In the few moments that I spent with this sweet man whose name is Chris, time suspended itself and I was having a wonderfully “now” experience. It felt safe and raw and so authentic. We continued to converse and I did tell him that I am a minister and explained how much I appreciate seeing the inside of all churches. I have no doubt that we will both remember this short time and each other. Something happened in that time. Something changed; I was changed, enriched – not unlike falling in love but in love with Spirit that resides in him.
Thank you Chris, to who you are and your open heart.
So, I have one question: what was the quality that made this moment possible and how can it be replicated at will?
Monday, June 15, 2009
No More Excuses
I swear, I did not know about Wayne Dyer's new book when I came up with this title for my Sunday Celebration, of Sunday, June 21st. But I am amused as to how often ideas, thoughts, themes find their way into the collective unconscious and how many individuals if they are listening will tune in at the same time.
BTW, in case you want to check my Center: http://www.cslnj.org/
Whenever I hear someone else and especially myself begin to explain why I did or did not accomplish something, a task, a phone call - anything - I have begun to recognize how incredibly impotent I am when I live life from excuse to excuse. So I have been looking at taking away the reasons and the excuses and replacing them with greater intention. When I set my very real and powerful intention in motion, I know that worlds open up to support me. Yes, I am giving up excuses and moving toward greater and greater integrity.
Not the moral type of integrity, simply the type that says that I will do, complete and follow through on my word. I am choosing to be my word. More and more, as much as possible. And what I know is this: when I am willing to take responsibility for my world, and stand in true authentic power than there is no where else in the world that I would rather stand.
BTW, in case you want to check my Center: http://www.cslnj.org/
Whenever I hear someone else and especially myself begin to explain why I did or did not accomplish something, a task, a phone call - anything - I have begun to recognize how incredibly impotent I am when I live life from excuse to excuse. So I have been looking at taking away the reasons and the excuses and replacing them with greater intention. When I set my very real and powerful intention in motion, I know that worlds open up to support me. Yes, I am giving up excuses and moving toward greater and greater integrity.
Not the moral type of integrity, simply the type that says that I will do, complete and follow through on my word. I am choosing to be my word. More and more, as much as possible. And what I know is this: when I am willing to take responsibility for my world, and stand in true authentic power than there is no where else in the world that I would rather stand.
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