Return of the Queen!

Jan 1st, 2015

A brand new year! Free, untainted, with unlimited possibilities and opportunities galore!
Opportunities to live each moment completely, wisely, generously! Opportunities to strengthen relationships, to model behaviors one wants to see in others especially the children, and to stay aware of all the extraordinary magic in everyday's ordinary moments...I'm convinced the word extraordinary basically stems from putting your extra positive energy into seemingly ordinary moments -- and "voila", you get extraordinary moments!

Here are my top mantras, goals, guides, for this year - and for the rest of my years. These are written as simple reminders for me, and hopefully something my children will read and follow someday if they so desire. JSA: Every single day, you make me want to be a better person and for that I'll be eternally grateful.

So, here goes:

1. Spend quiet moments with yourself, daily, as often as you can and as often as you need. When you learn to love your own company, you can never ever be alone. Enjoy your time with yourself - learn a new hobby, spend time doing what gives you joy, take a walk or go for a run, spend at least 5 minutes everyday looking at the clouds and sky - it's a humbling experience and will leave you light and peaceful. It is often in these quiet moments spent with yourself that you will find answers to all the questions within you. Spending time with yourself does not mean ignoring or avoiding others - it just means that you will give yourself priority for a chosen period of time each day - to connect with yourself, to energize yourself, and to nourish yourself.

2. Respond to any persons' words or actions or any difficult situation only after some reflection (expect of course, in situations where instinctive, natural reflexes are imperative). There is great power in pausing and reflecting before speaking or acting. Sometimes not communicating right away is a positive thing. Allow your mind and heart enough time to process your thoughts and feelings before giving in to impulsive thoughts, actions, or words.

3. Be present and "completely" present at every given moment. Give it your attention, your undivided focus . Don't dwindle - thinking about the past or the future. Surrender to the moment as it is the only real thing. Whether it is cutting vegetables, doing laundry, speaking to a friend or spouse, problem-solving at work, gardening, or anything - give that moment your everything. If you can do this one thing, you will find purpose and joy in every single thing you do. You will be able to eliminate the cacophony and noise completely and not be sad about the past or worry about the future. Make every moment count.

4. Practice gratitude on a daily basis, on a moment to moment basis. There is so much to be grateful for and we should stay aware and deeply appreciative of our blessings, even when and especially when situations, events, people or our own thinking tells us otherwise. I have all I need and more - that is the mantra. Everything is transient - we have all we need at any given moment. That knowledge is powerful beyond belief - entrench it within yourself. In addition, don't be shy of expressing your gratitude - to your family, to your friends, to yourself. There is a great power in expression. Of course, remember to give generously and genuinely and at the same time, accept gracefully.

5. Cherish the magic the natural universe offers. Accept and enjoy the beauties of nature - Don't take for granted the warmth of a sunny day, the raindrops on the foliage, the intricate shapes of a snowflake, the different types of leaves, the endless shapes of clouds.  When we connect with nature, we feel peaceful because everything in nature "just is". Allow moments spent in natural surroundings to remind you of your true peaceful nature. "Look at the nature, trees, ocean, sun, moon and stars; how they operate silently with peace. Bring this nature's nature in your nature and you will feel infinite potential within you.~ Dev Samudre"

6. Learn more about and reach out to inspirational people, who through simple acts of kindness or through concerted efforts towards a cause - are making a difference to the lives of others. It is magical to see how much kindness, compassion, selflessness there is around us. Make it a part of you are. Service is what empowers the channeling of the positive energies of the world. If you are able to do something for someone, do it in heartbeat - The fact that you are "able" to means that you are empowered and chosen for it - the "will" to do it should be natural and instantaneous. You need to use the power given to you to attract more power.


7. Respect and take care of your body: keep it nourished, healthy, and safe. Make exercise a part of your daily routine - whatever that might be. They say it takes 21 days of practice to make something a habit. Start today. Do it often enough that it becomes a daily natural habit like brushing your teeth. Just like you think of what to wear everyday, also think about what you're wearing inside your body - What are you putting in your body? Make the right choices that will keep your body strong and healthy and allow you to do all the things you want to in life. It's not at all about physical appearances or looking good but about keeping your body optimally functional, and again it's all about the choices you make. You will definitely reap the benefits (one way or the other) of how you choose to treat, feed, and care for your body.

8. Laugh without inhibition.  Laugh at yourself too. Be silly often. Laughter is a form of exercise too and it energizes not only your body but also your inner being. Surround yourself with those who make you smile and laugh. And if you're in the company of the opposite, share your smile and laughter with them. Life is too short to sulk, be angry, or carry grudges.

9. Travel the world, see new places or at the very least, walk on a new path as often as you can. While the tried and tested will assure of you of known and planned destinations, taking the unknown path can lead you through magical adventures, making the journey more special than the final destination. Try something new, often. Make wise choices for sure, but don't be afraid of trying alternatives. You'll never know what else is out there if you don't take a different path.





10. Finally - Be pronoid not paranoid!
Pronoia is the opposite state of mind to paranoia. "Having the sense that there is a conspiracy that exists to support you. The more you learn about the connected universe, the more "pronoid" you become." Pronoia means that you think the best of others, regardless of the situation; you believe in the positive energy in the world; you trust that you can make anything happen if you choose and work towards it; it's the ultimate belief in the law of attraction and the power of thinking positively about yourself, others, and the world. It allows you take the perspective of others in a positive spirit, to move on and let go of anything that drags your spirit down, and to stay rejuvenated by being connected to an unlimited energy source - one that you draw from, and one that you contribute to.

As I end this first post of the year, I must add the disclaimer very clearly and upfront that these are my goals and certainly not accomplishments, as yet:) However, being a work-in-progress is just as motivating and up-lifting.

While I learn from my past, I wont live there.
While I look forward to the future, I cant live there.
So I'll enjoy my now, giving it my all, enjoying my presence in the moment and the presence of those who choose to be with me.

~ Anandi