Being comfortable in your own skin

Hello there, readers. Here is another message in a bottle, cast from the shores of New Zealand. I have been thinking about being comfortable in my own skin and expressing my inner-self outwardly in an authentic and congruent way. Just to contemplate this makes me feel a surge of hope and courage. I wrote myself a note and stuck it to my desk. On it is one word, "Become!" That word is giving me permission to feel what I feel, think what I think,and express my-self more fully than I ever have before. Words, actions, appearance, values, beliefs...I am not talking about imposing any of these things onto other people and it is not for others that I will become. It is answering the call of my DNA! Tiny messages in every single cell of my body that say who I am and who I will become given the right nurturing and validating environment. I am not waiting for anyone else to provide this for me. I accept who I am. I am committed to personal growth and to living a mindful life...not striving...growing organically. every breath a chance to embrace life in all of its fullness and every day a chance to live a life of creative expression. Experiencing the alchemy of creativity, transforming the mundane into gold. You may wish to join me on my journey. Peace. Sandy

survive and thrive

Hello where ever you are in the world. I am writing to you from a small group of islands in the South Pacific, called New Zealand. I attended a seminar today called "Survive and thrive". It was aimed at creatives/artists who wanted to learn from each other, exchange ideas, network and be inspired. For me it was like consuming a large feast. So much to take in. Serendipitous meetings and mind stretching concepts. Like-minded people and other-minded people. Some lovely contacts. A spirit of collaboration,wisdom and encouragement. What would the world be like if we could be like that always. The whole more than merely the sum of the parts. Living with our eyes wide open. Present to the now moment. Celebrating your existence on this gem of a planet. Peace. Sandy

sustainable mindfulness on a winters day

To whom this message in a bottle may reach. It has been about a month since I posted on my blog...a busy month. I have at last stopped to catch my breath, and notice my breath. Outside my window the rain is falling steadily, washing the trees and palms here to a brilliant lime green and the aloes hold orange torches along the driveway, thrusting them through the rainfall towards the sky. The heater by my side warms and comforts me. Its heat radiates across my back and holds me close like a comforting arm. I am grateful. I give intentional attention to a tv aerial far away. I then intentionally give attention to a ticket for entrance to the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, on my desk. My mind wants to go there and the floods of memories demand attention. I delay focusing on them and I focus on my breathing. Disciplining my mind to do what I decide. Strengthening my ability to notice and engage what I decide to. I can choose to widen my awareness or focus it. My emotions do not dictate to me. This is freedom. This morning I mindfully ate my breakfast. I had toast with ginger marmelade and coffee. I consciously chewed each mouthfull and actually tasted it. Not anxious to move onto the next thing or to find an answer to this or that question. One thing at a time, mindfully aware of the present moment and fully engaged. This is how I do winter. It is fabulous. I appreciate being alive. Peace to you today. Sandy