#TuesdayTreasures The sound of silence....

Good Morning Friends!

My scheduled guest had a new grand-baby and wasn't able to be here so I guess it's my turn. Much like last week's thoughts, it's been so long since I shared treasures with you I'm not even sure where to begin LOL!

This past weekend I went off the grid from late Thursday morning through Sunday afternoon and let me tell you, it was wonderful!

Which brings me to today's treasure: Silence

We live in a world full of noise...traffic, news (mostly bad), people, advertisements, and the list goes on and on..... So much that many people don't know how to enjoy the silence.

There are those who sleep with the television on, and those who turn it on the minute they wake up in the morning. For others it's a radio.

I'll admit I sometimes like to turn on a guided meditation which helps me to unwind and go to sleep with something positive to counteract the negativity of the day. But mostly, I love to lay in the silence and let it seep into my very soul, relax my body and mind and drift into dreamland.

There are many days I sit in silence for moments or even hours at a time, especially when I travel. This gives me the space to connect with my soul, to pray for others and to listen to the still small voice of God.

I've read many times in various books that if people would make a daily habit of listing 3 things they are grateful for, pray for 3 people they are in disagreement or at odds with and then sit still for 5 minutes, they'd have much more productive days and healthier lives!

There are numerous health benefits to meditation but most people feel they can't squeeze thirty minutes of silence into their day. The good news is you don't have to! Even 5 minute breaks are beneficial. It's not about the way you sit or where you are either. Just make a point to get quiet as often as you can.

So, how would one incorporate moments of silence into his/her day?

Start small!

Instead of drinking your morning coffee or tea on the run, get up fifteen minutes early and savor it in the quiet of early dawn.

Even if it means gazing at a picture immerse yourself in nature. Engage your senses and really get into this....imagine the scent of flowers, the beauty of a deep forest, the vastness of a mountain range or the quiet whisper of waves on the beach.

Listen to a CD of soft music, waves, birds or other soothing sounds while you sip your morning brew.

Set a timer for 3 or 5 minutes if you have to, take deep breaths and just let the thoughts flow from your mind. Repeat the mantra "silence" if you have to but take the time to just breathe and be. As you get into the habit of doing this, you'll find you crave the experience even more.

Keep a journal next to you. Not everyone is a writer, but you'll be amazed at the ideas that flow when the mind is quiet and the heart open.

Take mini breaks throughout the day and practice being silent. Go to the restroom if you have to, but get away from the madness of your duties, thoughts and fears as often as you can.

Here's a pretty picture for you to gaze upon in a few moments of silence while you're here.....

These are just a few ideas on how to incorporate silence into your day. Try it, I guarantee if you stick with the program for thirty days, you'll notice a huge difference in your life.

Something to think about!
"Inspirational with an Edge!" 

Hope you enjoyed today's post and that you'll join me each week for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight.

Until next time, take care and God Bless.
PamT

#ThursdayThoughts Random Ramblings

Good Morning Friends,

It's been so long since I've share thoughts or treasures with you I have no idea what to even talk about, so today is going to be one of those random rambling days and hopefully we'll discover something meaningful together.

Ever feel as though you're so off track with your faith, life, purpose you doubt you'll ever get back on?

Yeah, that's been me for quite a while now.

March was wrought with deaths in all branches of my family. From young to old, no age group was spared. Between that and traveling and Lent and Easter, well....I'm so out of sorts.

On top of that, seems my writing has come to a halt - Again.

Oh, I've penned a few stories that have yet to find a home.

But I find, I, just plain don't have the drive, ambition or even concern.

Part of me wants to work on something.

The other part just doesn't give a damn anymore.

UGH, not a good place to be.

Alas, the last couple of days the excitement is returning so maybe my drought will soon be over.

This feature was intended to be an uplifting one. Every time a guest asks what they should talk about I say - anything - as long as it is uplifting. So how can I turn this rant into something positive for YOU to take away?

I guess by saying that no matter what life throws at you or how low you feel, learn to go with the flow. Keep an open mind and grateful heart and your world will right itself in time.

Depression is a sneaky bastard so if you find your efforts to rest and recharge don't have the proper effect - see a doctor!

I don't advocate drugs for the sake of them, but sometimes anti-depressants are necessary, but try natural means first. Rest, Relaxation, Meditation, Prayer, change up your routine or toss it completely for a while. And remember (make it a mantra if you have to) .... This too shall pass.

Meanwhile here's a pretty picture that bring me peace. Take a few deep breaths while gazing upon it and have a wonderful, blessed day!

Hope you enjoyed today's random ramblings and you'll stop by weekly for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight.

Until next time.....Take care and God bless.
PamT

#ThursdayThoughts Random Ramblings & an Experiment on Abundance

Good Morning!

Last night I listened to The Abundance Factor movie while coloring...something I haven't done in a LONG while but have heard so much about the meditative benefits thought I'd try.... Anyway, while listening to The Abundance Factor movie, one idea that stuck with me was 3 things you can do on a daily basis to be/feel more abundant.

#1: Write 3 (or more) things you're grateful for.

#2: Send love to 3 people with whom you're not on the best of terms with (someone you need to forgive or someone who gets on your nerves, etc)

#3: Sit in silence for 5 minutes then ask for direction for your day.

Now as a Christian, we're called to invite Jesus and/or Holy Spirit into our morning meditations and to include bible reading, but the principle is basically the same.

I've gone through various stages of doing this or something similar for years and although my life isn't as "abundant" or "rich" as others' or some may think, it's pretty darn good.

One thing that resonates with me about the spiritual / mental aspects of abundance is to focus on something that represents abundance to you and to really get into the feeling of being abundant.

For some that may be money, others find abundance in nature (a waterfall symbolizes wealth and prosperity in Feng Shui), but the whole concept is really cool.

So here's an experiment..... Pick one (or all 3) of these pictures sit in silence for a few minutes and really let your imagination go while you visualize your life filled with abundance as vast and as plentiful as the picture suggests. Create a mantra around it if you have to....


Money flows into my life plentiful and with ease.

Abundance fills my life in a never-ending flow as lush and beautiful as this waterfall.
                 My life overflows with richness and beauty.


Do you feel more abundant or at least calmer?

I'd love to know so leave a comment.

Hope you enjoyed today's post and that we'll see you each week for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight!

Until next time, take care and God bless.

#ThursdayThoughts Taking Things for Granted

Good Morning and a Blessed day it is!

In my years of prayer, meditation and study, I've found that thoughts and attitudes have the power to change our lives...for good or not so good.

The Bible teaches us that "as a man thinks in his heart, therefore he is."

How much clearer can that be?

Yet we all have a tendency to think and speak negatively and to take things for granted....the simple things in life we've seldom (if ever) have had to do without.

This morning I discovered a guided meditation by Louise Hay and in listening, I realized there are many things I take for granted. There are thoughts and attitudes within me that could use polishing, changing or downright eradicating.

Needless to say, this really resonated with me.

May it do the same for you.....



Have a Blessed day and I hope to see you for Saturday Spotlight, this week and each week for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and more Saturday Spotlights!

PamT

#ThursdayThoughts: Holiday...Joy?

Good Morning Friends,

Today is one of those rambling thought kinda days.... You know, one where I really have no idea what to say.

One thing that's been on my mind lately is Holiday Joy.

Go figure, right.

For so many this time of year is less than joyful. We get caught up in the stress of shopping, wrapping, visiting and just plain rushing that we forget what the season is all about.

Then there's the financial stress always added to our pocketbooks during this time of 'giving.'

Or maybe, the missing of our loved ones who are away from home or who've passed away steals the joy right out of our hearts.

So what can we do to alleviate the emotional turmoil?

Here are a couple of ideas....

Pray. Yes this goes without saying but God is on your side and Jesus is the Prince of Peace so take time out to spend with Him.

Meditate. So many believe meditation takes twenty minutes to an hour to be effective but that's not true. Just as several 10 minute walks have the same health benefits as 2 or 3 longer workouts, daily 10 minute meditation breaks can do wonders for your peace of mind. Better than that, two or three deep breaths where you inhale peace and exhale stress helps!

Put on some joyful music and dance!  Think about it... a song is 2 or 3 minutes so taking a short dance break benefits you physically and emotionally.

These are simple but effective ways to help manage holiday stress so take time to take care of yourself and you and your family will be better off for it!

God Bless!
PamT

Tuesday Treasure - Meditation

Good Morning Friends!

You may be wondering how on earth Meditation can be a treasure. Well let me explain.....

Like many, I've wondered at the benefits of meditation and balked at what seems like an incredible waste of time. I mean, after all, who has hours (or even minutes!) a day to sit in silence and think nothing? Is it even possible to think nothing? Have no thoughts? What's the use? I've got so much to do, just thinking of thinking about nothing is a stretch of the imagination! (No  I'm not going to try and say that again LOL!)

Isn't it funny how we get all bent out of shape thinking about sitting around and doing nothing? And yet....yet...isn't that what we do when we embrace the quiet and sip a cup of coffee or hot tea? Isn't that what we do when we sink chin-deep into a hot bath or Jacuzzi? Isn't that what we do when we immerse ourselves in a good book?

Meditation has the same benefits of all the things we do to relax. The main difference I've found is between relaxing and letting your mind wander or center on the bliss of the moment or bliss in your life compared to 'focused' or 'intentional' meditation.

We've all enjoyed those moments of pure relaxation, pure bliss where you heave a huge sigh and just be still and listen to the quiet. Focused or intentional meditation has the same effect but a different result because focused meditation makes an impression or cements an idea into your subconscious mind.

The Bible talks extensively about meditating on the "law of the Lord (which is LOVE)."

The dictionary defines meditation as "continued or extended thought; reflection; contemplation and spiritual introspection."

Focused or intentional meditation is taking a simple thought or word, (mantra) and keeping it uppermost in your mind. This can be done in the traditional way (sitting quiet, low or no lights, soft music, etc), but here's the good news! It can also be done any time, any where, for ANY length of time! Even mere moments throughout the day is beneficial.

How?  Simple.

Write your intention down, carry it with you and keep it in front of you throughout the day. Every chance you get, breathe deep and repeat the intention. Keep it simple - a single word or short sentence. If possible begin your sentence with "I AM" (ie; I am love, I am blessed, I am healthy).

Visualization is another form of meditation as is writing affirmations. Meditating on Scripture strengthens faith. Meditating before bed induces better sleep.

Want to experience the benefits of meditation but don't know where or how to start? Here's a couple of great CD's to check out.....

Prayer of the Heart - Meditating to the "Jesus" prayer, "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, have mercy on me."

I Am Wishes Fulfilled - tuning forks subscribed to the letters in I Am set to soft, lyrical music.

Well known wellness expert and spiritual leader, Deepak Chopra has several CD's and often does a 21 day FREE Mediation challenge.

I hope you'll check out some of these resources and find your own special form of meditation because the peace and well-being that results from doing so is truly a treasure to behold.

Until later...take care & be Blessed!
PamT