I'm standing up for my truth

Today, Mindful Beginnings® is about standing up for what we believe to be our truth, but doing it in a way that shows respect to others.  Often, I've written about appreciating difference, finding our own paths in life, etc.  The opportunity lies in finding our truth and still being in harmony (and community) with others.

I live in Hermosa Beach.  There is an election on March 3rd and its residents have the opportunity to vote for or against oil drilling.  At first, I was going to quietly sit back, vote "no" and not share with others, for fear of offending someone.  I then thought how blessed I am to live in a place where I can share my ideas and be protected from physical harm.

So, here I am, voting "NO" on oil drilling.  Here's why:

When I first moved from New England 23 years ago and landed in Hermosa Beach, I looked up at the soft sand, the warm sun and the sky above with its blue colors of wonder.  I knew I was home.  I went for a jog along the shoreline my third day in, only to collapse.  I couldn't breathe and my heart started pumping in anticipation of this newfound feeling, of which had never happened before.  Was it the smog?  What happened?  A man around my age approached and said, "Dude, call 911!"  I asked for water, slowed my breathing down, and ultimately no ambulance was needed.

Fast forward to today.  The story of my collapsing illustrates how important our environment is, especially for vulnerable populations.   No, I didn't read the reports that share the health impacts to our city where the proposed oil drilling site would be located.  I did, however, gather information from people of whom I trusted:  my husband, an attorney, and also watched the process of my own elected City Council, who were voted in to represent the best interests of its people, sat through countless hearings, behind closed door meetings, to understand and best represent its citizens.  All of these Council members are voting no and have publicly announced this, including some members who waited until the very end to join their fellow council.

My process of how I arrived at my truth was one where I sought counsel, but also listened to my own inner wisdom.   I trust myself to listen to those thoughts that continue to tell me we need to move forward to find alternative ways where we don't have to rely upon oil.  Yes, I drive a gas-powered vehicle.  I also drive an electric powered golf cart.  I do the best I can with the resources that I have to make this world a healthier place to live.

I have read some information highlighting the proposed oil drilling site having a 150 foot setback from its closest residential dwellings.  150 feet?  I could never wish any emissions from this project to reach vulnerable populations (elderly, children, those with suppressed immune systems).  For all of the above reasons, I am voting "NO".  

For the children, elderly and vulnerable populations, I'm voting no.

For those living near the site, I'm voting no.

For the times that I jog on the beach (these days it's been more like walking), I'm voting no.

For future generations,  I'm voting no.

I want to #KeepHermosaHermosa and move towards change that is aligned with my truth.  Please join me in voting no.  If not, the work becomes living (and staying) in harmony with you, too.

I hope you find your truth regarding oil, the environment, how to parent, fall in love, clean your house and balance all that life has to offer.

Here's to TRUTH!

Blessings,
Lisa

Women's online spirit and soul of woman magazine features Mindful Beginnings® article

Plan to immerse yourself in the world of wonder, as you read articles in the latest issue of Sibyl Magazine.  In it, you'll find stories on health, healing, love and relationships.  Page 5 highlights an article  from Mindful Beginnings®, highlighting how to know if you're making the right decision on your journey through life.


http://pnder.com/SibPr/APRIL-MAYSibyl2014.pdf










Enjoy!

~Lisa

Amazing you, oh, yes you are!

Sometimes just hearing the words, "You are amazing" can lift you right outta your chair and up, up, up into the blue sky above.

Think about it.  Just like adding water to a wilting flower, our words have the power to perk another up.

That's all I have today, folks.

Have a lovely day.  Finish it with knowing how amazing I think YOU are.

Hugs,
Lisa

"For sale" is the only sign we need

I once was with a group of women.  We were all sitting on the comfy couch of a friend, in her lovely home.  It really was a lovely home.  The sky painted blue through the window.  The wind blew enough that in the pauses between our words spoken, we could hear the tree's branches, as they danced to their own rhythm.   We were sipping tea, contemplating how one knows if she is journeying along the right path, and if there are signs to illuminate or validate the decisions she makes.

One woman shared her process of buying the home she currently lives in; the home we were all in, asking these questions from that same comfy couch. Feeling inundated, this friend wasn't sure if this home was the right one to purchase.

"Give me a sign," she kept saying, as she scrutinized whether to bum it an offer.  This woman wanted some kind of indication that she was on the right path.  She wanted to be jolted out of bed while sleeping, with the hand of God slapping in the face, while hearing the words, "Yes, this is your sign.  Go buy that house."  

No hand of God came.

No messages in her dreams.

Nothing.

This woman felt a surge of anxiety to the point where she wasn't moving forward with her decision to purchase this home.  Days past, and a wonderfully wise friend offered words she'd never forget.
This friend said, "You want a sign?  I'll give you a sign. The sign you are looking for is literally in front of you."  Her wise friend shared that the wooden, 'For Sale' sign pitched right in the front yard was the only "sign" needed.  The "For Sale" sign was the bridge for a new owner to make an offer, and await for its acceptance.

Huge sighs of relief came over my friend.  She was waiting for the lightning bolt, but finally realized that life doesn't always offer them.  She needn't look so hard, try so hard or be so hard in all aspects of her life.  The "For Sale" sign was enough for her to submit her offer, which then led to her ultimate home purchase.

What path do we take?  What job do we ponder?  To whom do we sit with next to sip herbal tea?

Sometimes the answers are right in front of us, and if we are looking too hard, we may simply miss them.

What "For Sale" sign have you been missing in your life?

I'd love to hear!

Fear is my shadow

I thought I'd revisit an earlier blog post about fear being my shadow.  Sometimes she visits and she is all encompassing.  Have a read about how she took up a bit much of my mind space recently, and how I coped with her visit.

My article is on page 7 of Sybil Magazine:

http://pnder.com/SibPr/Sibyl%20Mag%20FEB-MAR%202014.pdf

Let's all tell our shadows to pack their bags when we embark upon something new in our lives.
Instead, let's fill our hearts with love (and more love) for ourselves.

When friends need soup

Someone has a baby.   Another person breaks her leg, finding herself confined to her home for months.  The neighbor down the street is on the couch with the flu.  What this means to me is a call to action for "love soup."

What is love soup?

Did anyone ever see the movie "Like Water for Chocolate?" where any creation made turns into a magical feast of yummy?  That's the idea I have in mind each time I make my love soup.

I know that it works, because people ask for the recipe and I'm not sure how to answer, because the ingredients change from time to time.

The only constancy that rings true is the idea that when I think of the person I'm offering the soup to, I stir all of the ingredients, and send love to him/her.  It also might help that I use Maidya Mishra's ayurvedic herbs, such as Moringa Leaf Soup Mix, Soma Salt and SVA Mum's Super Spice.  All of those products are imbedded with herbs that heal the body and soul.  Even my kids "drink" this soup up, and they're not always fond of my "healthy" meals.

What should you do the next time you feel called to make a creation for someone you love?  Take out your crock pot (or go buy one).  Throw in Bob's Red Mill Soup Mix, or dried black, pinto or kidney beans (or all of the above).  Add in butternut squash, garlic, onion, carrots and any other vegetable that you have waiting to be part of this loving creation.  Add in the herbs and wait.

Each time I make the love soup, it turns out differently.  Isn't that what life is about anyway?  We have a plan going in, and sometimes the plan works.  Other times, the plan works better than our wildest dreams could ever imagine.

I hope that the soup will help the new mom find the time to snuggle her little even more.  I hope that my friend with the broken leg gets to relax and find peace instead of worrying what to serve her family for dinner.  I hope my neighbor down the street heals soon enough to join us outside for our sun-filled days.

I hope you'll spread the idea of cooking with love and share it with your world.

Blessings,

Lisa

P.S.  To order the ayurvedic herbs, go to www.chandika.com
++I have no affiliation with this company.

Making hearts and honoring love for others.

Cut out a bunch of hearts and for the month of February write something on one of them sharing what you are grateful for (and for me it'll be about someone in the family and a particular attribute or behavior I am honoring in that moment).  Post it in the house to have a magical February!  Repeat this activity daily.

I heart this and will commit to doing it.

I imagine writing on a heart, "Thank you for walking the dog."  I may write, "I love watching you play basketball."  And, the oldie, but goodie is to see the words, "I believe in you."

If you care to partake, let me know how it goes!  I'm certain that by doing this activity, we'll all feel the love that's always there for the taking... even more!!!

Happy Birthday to my father

As time passes, I seem to be appreciating life's simple pleasures, taking nothing for granted.  Today marks one of those days, as I wake up realizing it's my father's birthday.  Happy Birthday, Dad!   I've written before about his health "opportunity" when he had heart surgery nearly two years ago.  Since his operation, I believe he is a walking miracle.  

Like many who have faced mortality in such a profound way, he is here.  My father is alive and well, and he seems to be enjoying his final days/months/years on this planet.  Yes, he shows signs of aging, as many do in their second half of life.  Yet, I have witnessed a spark in his step when he spends time  with his youngest granddaughter.  It appears she came here to remind him about gratitude, silliness, and most importantly, love.  When she visits, my niece takes her "Papa" on a walk;  she in her Snow White costume, stretching her hand up to meet his.  This littlest of beings, with her hand soft and smooth, holding all that the future holds;  my father, with his wrinkled, yet strong fingered hand to meet hers.  

Through my niece, I get to catch a glimpse into the feelings I know my father experienced when I was three years old.  I remember sitting on my mom's lap, as she rocked me in her rocker.  We'd look out the big bay window, waiting for his car to pull up in the drive.  "Daddy's home!"  I would yell, running to the front door to greet him.  I don't remember anything more except the big smile he had as his big arms wrapped me in the biggest, warmest embrace.

The cycle of life shows in this grandfather/granddaughter connection.  I hope my father continues to dance right on out into the wild blue yonder on his birthday, and every day he shares himself with his granddaughter, myself, and anyone else that's lucky enough to be part of his dance.

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Trust and do what you love

My friend Erin, founder of www.erincondren.com, was featured on the Today Show today.  Her story is inspiring, as she grew her love of creating fun, witty Holiday cards into an online extravaganza.  Not only cards, but my friend's business offers much more:  growth charts, recipe boxes, wallpaper, and the coveted daytime organizer.  (Below shows some of the EC stationary, as featured on The Today Show.)

I love her story because she found a way to balance being a mom of twins while doing what she loves.

Don't we all want the same?  Balance.  Reaching for our dreams.  Doing what we love.  Today I sit here, knowing that I have a call to write.  Erin's story motivates me to continue doing this act.  When Erin first started out, she operated out of her home office, which has now morphed into a 40,000 square foot warehouse.  She obviously isn't at home anymore, and employs a 100 person staff to spread the joy of her business.  (Below is a photo of Erin in her warehouse, as featured on The Today Show.)

So, here I am writing.  Today I submitted a 475 word maximum article to an online Women's Spiritual Health magazine.  They accepted my piece and have asked for me to write 5 more times throughout the year.  Although a small magazine, I had never heard of prior to receiving a request for submission, I move ahead, happy to be spreading the joy I have through this creation.  Just like Erin's home office, when she created out of the love of doing so, I offer the same.

We all need to find what we love and as NIKE® would say:  Just Do It.  What do you need to be doing for YOU and no one else?  What will stretch you beyond what you believe you are capable of doing?
Just as I cheer for my friend's success, I also support YOU.

Trust, and do what you LOVE!

Happy Day!

Lisa


www.mindfulbeginnings.com