[sky dancer]

) Pause and sense what's going on.

First, it is NOT helpful to try to talk oneself out of a feeling- nor to deny or judge what is occurring in your experience. Start with saying a brief “yes” to what is true. Second, it is helpful to invite a larger, physical container for the feeling.

a) Sense your body, take a deep breath and as you exhale let go of any superficial tensions. With your eyes closed, if comfortable, sense your connection with the ground. If sitting, sense the contact of your bottom with the seat, your feet with the floor, your back with the chair. If standing- get a clear, fresh feeling for your feet and legs. The GROUND sensations are a great ally in growing your container.

b) Sense three breaths from beginning to end. Especially pay attention to the end of your exhale. Let these three breaths become your whole world for those seconds.

3) Connect with the physical world around you. Still with eyes closed hear the sounds that are alive in your world without judging them or picking some over others. Sense the space that surrounds you, when you open your eyes notice the colors and shapes.

2) Acknowledging

Now that the container of your physical body is more present, acknowledge and spend a few moments sensing into what is alive in your ‘feeling body’ (the places you tend to feel things, especially the belly and chest). One can say to the tight belly or pressured chest, “Yes, I know your there, I am with you”. This “I” that can sense “it” is an essential step in the process of living skillfully with difficult mind states (more on this next week).

As you do this, Invite any of the mental stories to come, sensing the bodily feel of each story. For example, say something like, “oh, yes, I sense this intense pressure in my shoulders connected to that thought about money, I know you are there”. Take a moment with the sensations, as well as the thoughts/images that are generating them, as if you are viewing them from a little distance. Feel the release that comes with simply acknowledging what is true in this way.

3) Gratitude

These basic capacities: to focus/shift your attention, to breathe without effort, to be supported by the earth, to see and hear, to be in touch with your inner life are all acknowledged with gratitude. You are alive- Being is alive-you notice how the next breath comes, how the next moment comes without any effort. Colors are alive, sounds are alive, and perhaps in a subtle way, you can appreciate all of this. Also, notice if you want to thank this remarkable, rare ability to be aware in this way.

Notice how you feel NOW.

Our minds are interconnected. Just as we share the same air, so do we share the same mind field- the field of consciousness. One of the great contributions you can make to the earth, to humanity and to Life is to ‘tend your garden.’ With kindness and warmth, use these skills to stop spreading this “fear virus”. Anytime you allow a fear-based moment to liberate itself, you are really helping. Also, any actions that you need to take on a practical, worldly level will be radically enhanced by the peace that comes from remembering.

The world needs this practice right now. My deepest intention is to offer a positive contribution in challenging times.

[sky dancer]

When in doubt, get horizontal--is another one. I find laying down and moving my body slowly helpful.

[sky dancer]

Today is the new moon. New beginnings. The dark time of the month, when the moon begins to wax again.

Every day is a new beginning, a time to start over, remember the positive, and let the light grow.

[phoenix7]

Sky Dancer - you always give me hope - thankyou

[sky dancer]

Thank you phoenix--

The symbol of the phoenix is she arises from the ashes. The symbol of the lotus is it arises out of the mud.

A diamond in the rough looks like any ordinary old rock. Put it in the tumbler and out comes a brilliant gem able to reflect rainbow light!

[marjan]

Originally Posted by sky dancer

Today is the new moon. New beginnings. The dark time of the month, when the moon begins to wax again.

Every day is a new beginning, a time to start over, remember the positive, and let the light grow.

Yes....Today is a brand new day....I want to be positive....I want to be fresh and shiny....I want love and happiness for every single being.....

[phoenix7]

Me too Marjan me too! and I would like to feel clean as well

[sky dancer]

Sweet women, Marjan and Phoenix---

Just bring in the light and you're bathed clean every day!

What you said is really wonderful so that I agree with you extremely.Though daily life are challenged by economic crisis, increasing unemployment and influenza, we should face troubles positively.

[sky dancer]

Song of the Soul

Song of the Soul(Cris Williamson)Love of my life I am cryingI am not dying, I am dancingDancing along in the madnessThere is no sadnessOnly the song of the soulcho: And we'll sing this song Why don't you sing along Then we can sing for a long, long time Why don't you sing this song Then we can sing along Then we can sing for a long, long timeWhat do you do for a livingAre you forgiving, giving shelterFollow your heart, love will find youTruth will unbind youSeek out a song of the soulCome to your life like a warriorNothing will bore yer, you can be happyLet in the light, it will heal youAnd you can feel youSing out a song of the soulLove of my life I am cryingI am not dying, I am dancingDancing along in the madnessThere is no sadnessOnly the song of the soul

[nowheretorun]

((skydancer))))) joy to faith! let the goodness of your inner self spill forward, do not fear.. risk in the chance that your kindness will fall on ones ears who needs to believe in the magic and music within you... good is good in any form and we can all rejoice in pleasant thoughts and kind inspiration

[Fuzzybear]

((((((((((((((((( sky dancer )))))))))))))))))