Thoughtful Tuesdays : The Readiness Is All

Have I told you I'm impatient yet? That I like instant results? I may have mentioned it in passing before. Haha. I may have also mentioned that since 2008 I have been practicing mindfulness. Now granted I am no zen master, but the work I have invested so far has proven that I must be on the right track.

When I first began teaching art classes I had expectations. I put my heart and soul into my lesson planning. This was my opportunity to pursue my dreams. Correction, this was my first opportunity to pursue my dreams. I thought I was ready. No one signed up. My heart broke. I didn't give up though. My second opportunity arose when I found success at Clay Cafe Avalon through art camps. My name was not established yet in the arts community, Clay Cafe however was well established and incredibly popular. Thanks to Jamie who believed in me, I was able to design and instruct the art camps offered at her business. The feedback was incredible. The experience unforgettable. I got my feet wet and I loved it. I drew to myself the experience I needed to help manifest my dreams of teaching art. I was ready to keep this going. The world however wasn't ready for me. So despite my hard headed personality (blame it on being Aries), I decided to put the classes on the back burner for a bit. I invested my energy into other areas of my life. I didn't let the light of my dream burn out though. As I worked on other projects I grew as a person. I learned, I explored, I watched, I listened. Finally I spoke. First it was a tiny voice. Without giving my all, I did some research on venues where I could teach, I poked here and there for an interest in art classes within the community. I wasn't ready to teach at this point but I wanted to nurture that tiny flame. Months passed by and nothing became of it. Shortly after being handed the keys to our first house it became evident that the Universe was ready for me to start investing in my dream again. I  had many delays along the way, but they were worth it. The timing was finally right and everything aligned for me to pursue my dreams again. Though it wasn't on my schedule, my readiness and the readiness of the Universe finally found a way to work in unison. That's all that matters.

And that folks, is my long winded introduction to today's Thoughtful Tuesday's post. I hope you enjoy it. I hope it creates an opportunity to reflect on your experiences that are similar and inspire you to hang in there a little longer ;)

The following is an exact excerpt from the book Listening To Your Inner Voice by Douglas Bloch. I in no way possess any ownership of the following. I am simply sharing the thoughts, expressions and words of an author who has inspired me.

*Feel free to change the word 'God' to fit your belief system. I directly quoted Bloch's work.

The Readiness Is All

As we follow the path of our inner voice, timing plays a critical role. We draw to ourselves the experiences we need, when we need them. As each phase is mastered, the next appears. 

It is when we try to force or rush things that trouble arises. Children who are pushed to achieve too early in life burn out at a young age. Receiving something before you are ready for it can be worse than not getting it at all. This is why a wise person once said, "I pray not for enlightenment, but simply to be ready when it comes."

Sometimes we think that we are ready for some good when in fact we are not. The delay we suffer often indicate that more time and preparation are needed. Several years ago, a friend wrote a screenplay that she was sure was ready to be made into a movie. At the time, no one was interested. Five years later, she became inspired to rewrite the script and alter the plot. A studio immediately made an offer. 

If you are facing delays in your plans, remember the saying, "with every delay, there's a blessing on it's way." Be patient and do what is required. When the time is right, the result you are seeking will manifest itself with ease. And because you are ready for it, it will be ready for you. 

Affirmations

1. My life unfolds in perfect Divine order.
2. As I open myself to success, success opens to me.
3. Whatever I am ready for is ready for me.
4. I am ready for the prosperity and abundance to flow into my life.
5. I live according to the Universe's time schedule.
6. Your Own ______________.

Thoughtful Tuesdays : Claim Your Inheritance

I have been making a conscious effort to practice what today`s excerpt explores since 2009. I had tried this many times before throughout my life, while holding more doubt than openness in my heart. So when a series of events led to some major life changes for me in 2009, I decided to let go of any hesitations I may have been holding on to, and trust the process. Obviously what I had been doing before was not working for me. The second affirmation posted below is one I must remind myself of at all times, for it is this very one that holds me back from continuing to interact with the universe, giving myself permission to ask for what I need. We must remember that we are all equal and of deserving of positivity and we must remember that what we receive can be passed on to others through our actions and words to keep this harmony in balance.
I have seen how the universe listens and responds. I have experienced the `claiming of my inheritance`.  It is truly a wonderful gift.

The following is an exact excerpt from the book Listening To Your Inner Voice by Douglas Bloch. I in no way possess any ownership of the following. I am simply sharing the thoughts, expressions and words of an author who has inspired me.

Claim Your Inheritance

Throughout spiritual traditions, human beings are depicted as the children of a loving Creator who offered us His kingdom. Repeatedly we hear that abundance, joy, and prosperity are at hand right now. Yet though the harvest is here, "the laborers are few." Why is this so?

In spiritual life there exists a law called the law of demand and supply. Before substance can manifest itself, a need must be expressed. For example, if I desire to buy a home, this 'demand' creates a force of attraction that will draw my home to me. The request comes first , the demonstration comes second. If you do not ask, you will not receive.

Many factors limit what we are willing to ask for. We tell ourselves, "I don't deserve it; I'm not good enough." "How can I succeed when others have failed before me?" "Why should I have when others do not?"

In order to harvest the fields of plenty, we must plow up and discard these weeds of unworthiness, doubt, and guilt. Such self-imposed beliefs block the good that is our rightful gift. Affirm your own worthiness to partake of life's bountiful harvest. Then go forth to claim your Divine inheritance.

Affirmations

1.   I am a child of God, and therefore deserve all of God's good.*

2.  I release any feelings of unworthiness that keeps out the good.

3.  I go forth to claim my Divine inheritance of love, health, success, and prosperity.

4. As my cup runs over, I share my blessings with all whom I meet.

5. I am open to receive.

6. Your Own ___________.

*Feel free to replace the word God with a name, or word that reflects your own personal beliefs.*

Happy International Women's Day!!

Today marks a day of empowerment for women. In a world where society has broken us down and the media has dehumanized us, it is now in our hands to be the change we want and need to see. The most wonderful part is how easy it is to create these changes. No matter if you are a man or a woman, a child or an adult, YOU have the opportunity to change the world we live in! How exciting is that?

Each year around the world, International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8. Thousands of events occur not just on this day but throughout March to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women. - http://www.internationalwomensday.com/theme.asp

International Women's Day has been celebrated since the early 1900's. Women began to stand up to the inequality and oppression they faced.   " ...in 1908, 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights." (website) . This year the celebration continues with the theme 'Connecting Girls, Inspiring Futures'  and while the United Nations has declared their theme as 'Empower Rural Women – End Hunger and Poverty' , it is encouraged that others create their own themes as well. If you click here you can find various themes from around the world that have been submitted. With over 1542 events planned for IWD, you can select your country and location here to learn what's available near you. 


You can celebrate at home as well, or from your work place. Take a moment to let the women in your life know how much you appreciate them. How proud you are of their accomplishments. Be aware of how you speak to and about other women. If you are a woman, take a moment to reflect on the successes you have created in your life, of the milestones you have reached. Be proud of yourself for everything you have overcome in your journeys.

It breaks my heart when I hear women calling other women derogatory names, and how easily these names roll of ftheir tongues during casual conversation. Loose Garments, a blog focused on feminist culture, human rights, and cool women, posted a video created by a 13 year old girl who speaks up about slut shaming. This young woman will make you think twice about your choice of words and is so inspiring. Loose Garments has other must see videos, and their blog posts are always a good read.

I see girls who are afraid to leave their homes until their hair and make up are perfectly done, until the right amount of skin is showing, and the number on the scale is acceptable to popular demand. I see lives being destroyed as women attempt to live up to the impossible expectations forced upon them. Let Lindsay Gemmell inspire you. She is a 23 year old Eating Disorder Recovery Coach,  who is making changes with her passion for life and her unconditional, genuine love for others. She shares her incredibly positive attitude through words of motivation, affirmations and wisdom from experience. "..what does beauty mean to you? Everytime you disagree with the fashion industries idea of "beauty" you are saying YES to LIFE! and when you say yes to live..you accept love, happiness, laughter and JOY into your heart..making you better able to share those qualities with others. True beauty comes from within. When we accept ourselves as we are inside and out, with all of our unique qualities, we will find and be living in TRUE beauty! just as every woman deserves to."

If we, as individuals started to change the way we talk about and speak to women, if we, as individuals started to change our expectations of the women in our lives, if we, as individuals started to  challenge society telling us to be competitive with other women, if we as individuals started to say it is wrong to objectify women, then we, as individuals would be making changes in the world, and through these actions we can have a positive influence on people who we may interact with, and this may start a beautiful chain reaction. 

So today, on International Women's Day, how are you going to celebrate? Who are you going to talk to?

If you have a story about a woman who inspires you, please share it in the comments below. I want to hear their stories!