Just Breathe!

There are so many days I am stressed beyond belief. It seems that one day runs into the next with more things to do than hours in the day to do them. Family and work responsibilities seem to accumulate in a never ending cycle. It is on those occasions when I have no time to myself that I understand taking time for myself is the most important thing I can do! Life becomes much more clear and easier to handle when you all yourself to just breathe and bathe in the spirit of Oneness.

It's a very simple process. Sit back, relax, close your eyes, breathe deep. Picture yourself in a favorite place--the mountains, the beach, sitting next to your favorite tree, etc. Make sure it is a happy place for you. Imagine the sun in your face, the wind whipping past you, the smell of salt water or pine trees. Allow thankfulness to open you up to this energy!

When you feel yourself calm and at peace, begin to count your blessings--whatever those may be. Family, good friends, food on the table, a comfortable home, a loving pet, a stable job, or any other thing you appreciate. Understand the Universe (assisted by your personal angels) is bringing you everything you need when you need it. Everything is right in your world, just as it is intended.

Allow this simple exercise to bring you back to that state of peace where you are able to function at peak performance in your daily life. Taking a few minutes for yourself every day to just breathe will make a world of difference in how your life progresses. You will feel connected, assured there is a plan and a place for you!

~CSE

Program Your Happy

As someone who has fought depression from early adolescence, I know a lot about pain and mental anguish. I also know that, like anything, depression is a choice. Although depression is an extremely difficult thing to step out of once you find yourself firmly there, there are many things you can do to turn yourself around.

Be Happy Techniques:

1. Pay attention to what you eat! Food is fuel, and there is a great deal of truth in the saying, "Garbage in, garbage out." Although you might get instantaneous pleasure from eating candy or chips, junk food will bring on a crash after that initial sugar rush. Make sure you are getting a good balance of fruits, veggies, protein, and fiber to balance out your moods. It can also be helpful to take a good quality multivitamin supplement to fill in gaps our normal diets do not fill. (Note this is not meant to be medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider when changing your healthcare regimen!)
2. Exercise! Practice yoga. Go walking. Go for a swim. Work in your garden. Clean your house. Ride a bike. Anything that gets you active and uses your muscles will help. That said, it is even better if you can find something that gives you some cardio benefits. This is because working out has the potential to increase your body's production of those feel-good endorphins. It can also help you sleep better by making your body physically tired. (Again, talk to your healthcare provider before making big changes in your daily regimen.)
3. Being thankful! Take the time to sit down and make a list of the good things in your life. It could be something as simple as sunshine in a clear blue sky or more complex like spending time in your favorite hobby. Write down as many things as you can think of, then spend time daily going over the list and imagining each one. When you spend time dwelling on the good things in your life, you can't help but improve your mood.
4. Ask for help! Pray. Meditate. Ask Source what you can do to becoming happier. Petition your angels for divine assistance. Ask family members, friends and coworkers to help you stay active and on task. You might start by saying something like, "I have been feeling a little down lately. Would you be willing to help me stay active and not let me be alone/get off task/etc.?" Most people really want to help, but they might not be aware that you are having problems with depression. We all go through times of sadness. It is not a weakness. It is all part of being human!

 You can do things to increase your own happiness! Take an active part in caring for yourself. After all, you are worth it!!!

~CSE

Thankful In the Storm

Storms. They are part of our lives, whether we want them to be or not. Most days the storms are not so bad and we get through them quickly and easily. Less often the storms are terrible. They may bring thunder and lightning and strong winds and last for days and even years. We question how we are able to survive, let alone do it with the ease and grace of thankfulness. Thankful is the last thing we want to be when we are in the middle of the terror. 

In our anger and frustration, we often ask how a supposedly loving God could allow such things to happen to us. It doesn't seem right that a being who holds unconditional love and great power would let us go through such hardships. Let me say this clearly: it isn't about God bringing or allowing terrible things to happen to us. Storms are there because we have energy issues we personally need to resolve. We bring the storms on ourselves.

At their core, the storms of life are spiritual issues. Spiritual problems can manifest in infinite ways. One person may come down with a physical illness, like cancer in themselves or a loved one. Another may be constantly broke or even become homeless. Still others deal with mental illness or other chronic conditions over long periods of time. The key here is to recognize there is something in the background that has brought the storm on. Storms are the physical manifestations of the underlying spiritual problem.

How do we fix the underlying (and unrecognized) spiritual problems? We ask questions!!! I usually begin with, "What am I supposed to be learning from this situation?" or "What do I need to become aware of?" Then I will ask for help in some form I will recognize--either a teacher of the information I need to know or several people/situations that all point toward the same idea (many people call these things "coincidences"). Understand that asking questions is key to figuring out what is causing the storm.

As you begin to work through the underlying issue, the storms will begin to lift and even pass. Once the storm is finally over, it becomes easy to look back and see the progress made. You begin to understand that your greatest lessons and accomplishments have all taken place because of theses storms. This is how people can be thankful in the storm! 

People who are thankful in the storm are thankful because they understand that past storms have changed them in profound ways. They appreciate the acquired strength and growth they received. They know the present storm can also contain a blessing, even when they cannot see it. Thankful people are thankful because they know what storms are designed to do--help us resolve our own inner issues.

The next time you find yourself in the middle of chaos, understand the Universe is conspiring to wake you up to who you can become. Be thankful for the opportunity to become better. Acknowledge the necessary change, and make it happen!!!

~CSE