Seven Wonders of the World

Have you heard of THE SEVEN WONDERS of the WORLD?

What are the seven wonders of the world? That seems like a simple question until you go to Google!

First we find The Seven most remarkable structures of ancient times; the Egyptian pyramids, the mausoleum erected by Artemisia at Halicarnassus, the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, the hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Colossus of Rhodes, the statue of Zeus by Phidias at Olympia, and the lighthouse at Alexandria.

Most of these I have never heard of and had some difficulty pronouncing.

But that’s not all!

Did you ever wonder why these things are called wonders? And did you ever wonder who makes these choices?

Having given birth to five children and worked as a labor and delivery nurse for a few years I can tell you birthing a child is an incredibly, awesome wonder!

When you see what a woman endures to bring that child into the world that is indeed a wonder!

Then when you see that woman willing to do it again what a wonder!

The first time that baby looks at you and smiles !!! That my friend is a wonder of the world!

Having birthed five of these wonders I’m here to tell you the fact they survived me as their mother is another WONDER of the WORLD

Reach out your hand now gently touch the back of your other hand. TO TOUCH, not gently stroke the back of your hand. TO TOUCH - TO FEEL - these are WONDERS of the WORLD!

I am speaking to you now and you are hearing me.

I stand before you and you see me

To SPEAK, TO HEAR, to SEE, are THESE wonderful - WONDERS of the WORLD?

To smell your favorite food simmering on your stove is an awesome wonder.

To touch, to feel, to see, to hear, to smell, to taste: these are wonders that are offered to us every day!

But the most wondrous of wonders is available to you right now.

TO LOVE - TO LOVE YOURSELF – TO LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR – TO LOVE BEYOND WHAT YOU KNOW –

BECAUSE WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW IS LOVE!!!

PERSUADE–INSPIRE–CONVINCE - CALL TO ACTION

Several months ago Ron and I joined Toastmasters International. Toastmasters International’s mission is "We empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders." The local club’s mission is "to provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth”.

That certainly sounds like an experience that would benefit all of us.

It is an experience I battled against for several years. As I look back to determine why I procrastinated the only logical reason I can come up with is our old friend FEAR!

So what was the fear, I ask, what would happen if I became a more effective communicator and leader? The answer seems pretty clear, I would have to step out of my comfort zone and begin the work I came to do.

Someone recently asked me, "Is there a difference between being called and being driven?" I like the way Ron put it, "the call is the pull, being driven is the push." I think that once you answer the call you are driven to do the work.

Many of us believe, because we were taught as a child, that it is conceited to believe that we are being called to do special work. I do not believe that it is conceit to admit to what we feel is true for us. I would call it finally getting honest. Getting honest with ourselves is absolutely necessary if we are to find peace in our lives.

From a very young age I have known that I was a leader; that I was called to be more, see more, and do more than was comfortable for me. I therefore have used many ploys to keep myself way too busy to be more than a wife, mother, excellent housecleaner, etc. { all of which I have now outgrown,}I feel sure that most of you out there can identify with all the tools we women use to hide from what we know we must do. Hiding does not make it go away, there is no busy, busy enough to take away what we came here to do! 

I recently had the opportunity to enjoy a video of a speech made by Jean Houston. If you're not familiar with Jean Houston check her out, she is a phenomenal woman, she is the author of 26 books, currently the advisor to UNICEF. "Jean Houston's mind should be considered a national treasure", said Buckminster Fuller. I bring up Jean Houston because I was mightily impressed with this statement, "that it is the post menopausal woman that will bring our world to peace." As you who know me or have read some of my blogs know that I am a firm believer in the fact that it is time for women to step out and become leaders as we find a way to move out of chaos, out of wars that kill our loved ones and into a world of peace.

As I have progressed in my work with Toastmasters I have completed the first challenge of 10 speeches which now declares me a “Competent Communicator!” It is a nice title. However I am not sure that it prepares me to step out of my comfort zone and do the work I feel called, driven, and compelled to do.

What is this work I feel called to do? I feel that it is time for women to unite, to come together and begin to step forward as leaders. It is easy to see our world is in a mess and the leadership we have today is not helping! I am not sure what the answer is, but I believe without a doubt that we as women can come together and find the solution and lead our world to peace!

As I talk about every week in our yoga classes, if we are to find peace in the world, then we must first find peace within ourselves!

I believe the first step to peace within its to begin to love and appreciate ourselves. To believe and to know that as a woman I AM SPECIAL! “I am strong, I am invincible, I am WOMAN!” as Helen Reddy sang to us in the 70’s.

 

The first step to believing in yourself is to surround yourself with people who also believe in you! Perhaps at this time in your life you do not know enough people who believe in you to surround yourself, so begin with just one or two. If you cannot find in your life one or two people who believe in you, then you have a little more work to do on you. Call me, I will get you started!

Questions to ask yourself on your journey to loving and appreciating you. What do I like about myself? What is special about me? What am I really good at? What do I really enjoy doing? - How can I do more of what I'm really enjoy doing? Who are some people that I really enjoy being around? 

There is really no need to ask yourself negative questions about yourself because you already have enough input into what is wrong with you! It is time now to find out,” WHAT is RIGHT about YOU?” 

YOU ARE ALL RIGHT!

I would like you to know and I am here to tell you,  YOU ARE INCREDIBLY WONDERFUL, YOU ARE UNIQUE AND SPECIAL, THERE IS NO OTHER LIKE YOU ON THIS PLANET! – YOU ARE HERE FOR A SPECIAL PURPOSE AND YOU ARE READING THIS AT THIS TIME BECAUSE YOU ARE CALLED, AND IT IS TIME TO BEGIN YOUR WORK!

As Alan Cohen says in his book LIFESTYLES of the RICH IN SPIRIT, "We cannot afford to wait for someone else out there to fix the world for us. That's how Hitler's anti-Christ and boogey men get born . . .

The miracle is that no one really has to do it single-handedly. Everyone is joined by many others who are inspired by love to do their part. When we were born on earth, each of us was given a certain sphere of activity to influence – some larger, some smaller, all eventually touching all."

So come on WOMEN and guys if you willing, let's step up and out of our comfort zone, let's begin a new way ! TODAY!

Remember it begins with the you! 

My title was Persuade, Inspire, Convince, and call to Action! I trust all  of these are happening in you RIGHT NOW.

I Trust you feel my sincerity and my willingness to help

THANKS

Yoga Yaya

Wolf MEDICINE

"Wolf medicine empowers the teacher within us all to come forth and aid the children of Earth in understanding the Great Mystery and life."

I ask myself, what is it I am to do? What is my purpose on this Earth plane? What is the purpose of the pain? This is an ongoing question in my life because my life, like yours, is constantly changing. Since this is a question that comes up often I have built an arsenal of tools to help me find the answers I seek. "MEDICINE CARDS" are one of those tools; today I turned to my "MEDICINE CARDS" and “WOLF” was my card of the day.

The first line under WOLF  is "TEACHER". It tells me WOLF medicine empowers the teacher within us all to come forth and aid the children of Earth in understanding the GREAT MYSTERY and life.

Now this is not a new message for me. I have been told numerous times my work here on earth is teaching, however, lately that which wants to come from me seems to be a bit radical, even for me!

Today my WOLF card was reversed, which tells me "I am being asked to expand my limited view of the present situation. Doing this may entail a great deal of courage and a willingness to look at new ideas. It could also require that you delete some old ideas to break room for the expansiveness that always comes when you are willing to learn. The gift of wisdom comes to you when you have walked enough pathways and found enough dead ends to truly know the forest. In the discovery and rediscovery of every inch of ground comes the knowledge that nothing ever remains the same."

Expand my limited view of the present situation, W0W! Now there is a concept! You mean, I should look at what's going on around me and see it differently?

I wonder when I forgot that everything is always working to move me in the direction of my highest and best good! That Good is synonymous with GOD.

When did I forget that this time on earth is all about learning how it works here on this planet.

I've always heard and followed the teaching, "We teach best what we most need to learn!" So I asked myself what is that I am to learn now? SELF says, not so much to learn, but to put into practice what you have already learned.

What I have learned is that to live is to grow, to grow is to change, and to change often is the key to peace. So why am I hesitating to speak about what seems true to me? My WOLF card says, "Stagnation or fear of asserting your viewpoint has bogged down the flow of change in your life."

I will admit that I have felt bogged down and even feared that I was being sucked under!

Then I must ask myself when have you ever let fear of saying what you think and feel keep you quiet? Well, I have all kinds of excuses, "I'm getting older, I don't need the hassle, I'll do it later when I feel better."

What I know is ,that the truth is, I will not feel better until I step out, step up and do, what I am here to do!

So hang with me as I explore the thoughts, the ideas that seem so radical:

1. You and I are unique and wonderful creations; we are perfect just the way we are.
2. We are here on planet Earth for a special reason.
3. We are to be the bringers of the Dawn, the Light of the world that the master teacher called us to be. 
4. Our mission is PEACE on Earth.

There that's not so difficult! The difficulty it seems, is this peace we speak of must begin with me, with you; we must find it within ourselves before we can share it with the world.

For me to be, at peace with me requires an acceptance of 1 through 4 above.

I believe the one that we struggle with the most is that we are unique and wonderful creations. That love is what we are!

When we allow ourselves to open and accept our oneness with all of creation then we feel the exhilaration of KNOWING our oneness with "ALL THAT IS“. This acceptance makes all the rest easy to understand.

This knowing does not come easy. It requires that we take some time out just for ourselves. Now that's a radical idea! It is also an idea whose time has come! You, like me, have too much on your plate. It is time for us to begin.

1.De-clutter our house as well as our mind.
2. Set aside time each day to be still and quiet, simply breathe
3. Let yourself be drawn to others who encourage your growth
4. Put space between you and those who would bring you down
5. TRUST YOUR SELF

If you are reading these words and you have read this far, then know that you are a part of the WOLF family. "WOLF” is the Pathfinder, the forerunner of new ideas who returned to the clan to teach and share medicine.”

Peace on earth begins as we are willing to step out, to speak out, to reach out. Our world is hurting WILL YOU HELP?

NAMASTE’

yoga YaYa

HAPPY NEW YEAR

It’s a new year, so why not a new you?

Make a decision right now to get your butt out of your upholstered rut – step up and announce yourself in a new way, to a new world.

There is more to you than you have let show, there is more to you than even you know.

Your world is rapidly changing – spaceship earth is getting ready for take off – and you cannot travel with all the baggage you are carrying.

In her book, THE ONE DECISION, Judith Wright says,

  “TO embark on this glorious challenge, you must leave and jump away from the familiar, this status quo, to discover who you truly are and can be’’

This is indeed a scary challenge. it calls for change and our culture has taught us to avoid change, stay with what you know!  Even though we're not happy

with where we are, our fear paralyzes us and we keep on plodding along,  afraid to move into the unknown of who we might be.

 

You, however, have courage beyond your knowing it's time to step out, reach out, seek out, the you that’s waiting in the wings!

 

My new phrase is adopted from the scripture where Nehemiah was building the walls of Jerusalem and when he was being bothered or distracted, he said,

“I am doing a great work and I cannot come down.”

Where ever you are what ever you are doing you are doing a great work just by letting YOU shine through!

This is your year to shine, the world needs your light. Face your fear – Do something different  - color outside the lines – laugh at yourself – and most of all

love yourself.

Yoga Yaya and the world is waiting  to applaud you!

YOU ARE MAGNIFICANT!!!

GIVING AND RECEIVING

Tis the season for giving and receiving. I find it strange that we need a special season to remind us to do what we are created to do. I, however, am realizing that as I age I am more and more amazed at what we feel is important in life.

 

We, in our culture, are not well versed in receiving. Most of the emphasis is on the importance of giving. Eventually we must realize that until we have learned to receive there is no true giving.

 

How often we refuse a gift because we feel unworthy; we feel we must earn every thing that comes to us.

To “become again as a little child,”means a willingness to be open and eager to receive.  A willingness to ask for what we want and know that we can have it.

 

One  Christmas season a client told me she would really like her husband to buy her something personal for Christmas. “He always buys me really nice things like a washer and dryer, or great appliance.” My question was “And how do you react to these gifts?” “Oh” she said “I always respond with excitement and pleasure.”  My question, “Have you told him what you want?”. Her answer, “OH NO, we’ve been together for years; he should know!” My question, “How could he possibly know if you have never told him?”

This story is so typical of the way we go through life not asking for what we want and being disappointed when we don’t get it! This my friends is a definition of insanity!  This is not the way we respond as children. We come forth to this planet letting people know what we want when we want it  and raising hell until we get it!!

 

Does this mean we should go thru life raising hell to get what we want? NO. What it does mean is that we each must find a way to get in touch with our self, find out what is really important to us, set our intention to follow our own path and bless others to follow their path.

 

I believe that giving and receiving are one and the same, for it is in the giving of our self, our love, our desire to share, that we receive our greatest joy.

 

This season and forever give yourself the greatest gift. Begin by believing in you, knowing that you are a unique and wondrous creation. Then remember that you came here to planet earth to be a light for others to find their way. Loving you is the best gift ever.

Margaret Stortz,  a Science of Mind minister, struck a chord in my heart when she said, “Perhaps the greatest of love’s gifts is the constant invitation to recognize it within ourselves and in one another.   Love is not shy. Love is not obscure. It tumbles out during our conversations, trumpets itself through our delights and quietly stands with us through our sorrows. Love never leaves. Love cannot. Love is. “

 

Yoga Yaya is loving you whoever you are where ever you are – our path is blessed!

PEACE

PEACE AND HARMONY

Peace is a condition of mind brought about by a serenity of soul.

Peace is not simply the absence of war.

it is also a state of mind.

Lasting peace can only come to peaceful people.

 

 

“Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me”

At Oakbrook Center for Spiritual Living we often close our Sunday morning service by singing “Let There Be Peace on earth and let it begin with me”.  I know from my travels that this is a song that is sung in many Unity and Centers for Spiritual Living Churches from coast to coast. Most often we form a circle, holding hands and sing with great gusto.

I often look into the faces in the circle searching for connection, looking for the eyes that say, YES, I AM committed to PEACE ON EARTH! Yes I know that I AM “THE WAY TO PEACE ON EARTH!

You see I truly believe with Gandhi that “if it is to be it is up to me”. I know that If I am to be true to this cause I need ongoing support and  hands to hold and minds to explore. I believe we must all ask ourselves continually “Do I choose to be at peace or do I NEED to be right!!”  

When we need to be right we will keep any argument, upset, or war going for as long as needed to bring the other to their knees; it’s a game of chicken, who will give in first! It’s a game that we must give up if we choose to live in a peaceful world.

 

First concept to grasp here is – war does not bring peace – killing does not stop killing – hate does not soothe a grieving soul.

I began to find my personal peace through the deaths of my children and grandchildren; not an easy lesson but certainly a lesson not to be ignored.

My son, at the age of 22, broke his back in an accident and was paralyzed from the waist down. When he was 32 he was killed by his best friend who shot him 5 times at close range. When he was asked why he said “I just got tired of listening to the S.O.B.”

As I see it I had several choices: {1} I could hate the perpetrators involved and I could give years and years and tremendous energy to hating and seeking revenge. I could literally destroy my life and become a sick and angry woman.  {2} I could bless them and be at peace knowing that all is in DIVINE ORDER.

My daughter, at the age of 54, was killed by her live-in lover who manipulated and stole thousands of dollars leaving my 17-year-old grandson a penniless orphan.

My beautiful 24-year-old granddaughter, Tasha, died from heroin and alcohol.

My options were the same as above, hate and revenge, or peace.

I truthfully could not hate the persons involved in the deaths if I was to stay true to my belief that death only comes to us when we are ready. This is a belief that became real for me when I experienced my own death and was clearly informed of my option to stay out of body or return to the body. Either way there was no actual death; only the absence of a body.

The master teacher Jesus said, “Do not resist one who is evil. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek turn to him the other also...” {Mt.5;38,39}. Jesus’ ideal was the power of transcendence. We may not be able to change the outer situation but we can always rise above it by turning to a higher level of consciousness.

A higher level of consciousness for me was to realize that Skip and Tanya were not happy in their bodies and were ready to exit this earthly plane and they found the person who would help them with their exit plan.

 

If we as a nation are going to thrive and grow, the time has come for us to join together and find a way to live together in peace. As you well know simply telling other nations to stop building nuclear weapons as we continue to build more WILL NOT WORK!

 

What will work? Each and everyone of us finding our own peace, stopping our own internal war, realizing that we are the one who can make a difference.  You and I working together, supporting one another in love. I don’t know all the answers, but I do know that what we are doing now is not working.

I personally feel that if it is going to happen women must step up to the plate and take the lead. Men do not know the way.

I encourage you to go into your heart and see what you need to do to find your peace. Together we can make a difference.   

Namaste’

 

Yoga Yaya

Awakening!

Inside of you is a smart, powerful, dynamic, capable,

self-confident, alive, alert, fabulous Woman.

Let her come out and play. The world is waiting for you.

 

Awakening begins with the simple act of relating in a way that allows Self-revelation.

With that comes love, acceptance, peace, compassion and joy.

Self – Revelation! What does that mean?

I believe it means we are to tune into our heart and get totally honest about

who we really are, who we want to be.

It seems we live a great part of our lives trying to be who they want us to be and

who we think we should be.

 

I believed when I got married (16yrs. old} if I was the perfect wife all would be well

and I would be loved forever beyond measure!

That of course meant that my house must be spotless, my meals gourmet, and my sex drive insatiable!!

Where in the world did I get these ideas, you ask.

From The leading magazines, books, and advice from my elders.

 

One day I was awakened from my dream. I discovered that I had three children, a fourth on the way,

a spotless house, gourmet meals on the table, sexy lingerie always available for steamy sex,

and a woman on the phone complaining to me because my husband was cheating on her.

I began to suspect that what I had been led to believe might not be true.

 

So did I wise up, make some changes and do it differently?

Well – Yes an No!

I got a divorce, a new husband, more children and more of all of the above.

This story goes on many more times before the alarm went off and I awakened.

I took a self imposed time out, and began an exploration to find out who this person was that I was trying to be.

Today my house is not spotless, my meals are often peanut butter and jelly, the sexy lingerie has disappeared

and my fifth spouse is the one I was in training for!

 

Learning to be me was not always easy, in fact it was often extremely difficult.

I had to go against all my teaching; I  was called on to embrace new ideas, to set new goals.

The most difficult thing I had to do was see me differently. I had to get in touch with my perfect self,

and begin to love myself.

I was put in touch with a wonderful author who wrote about Learning To Love Yourself.

I read and reread, went to seminars and began to teach what I was learning.

I have heard “that we teach best what we most need to learn.” I was an excellent teacher.

Here are some ideas that I have embraced that have led me to a charmed and wonderful life.

 

If it is true we are created in the image and likeness of our creator,

then it must be,  that we are a perfect creation.

We are “WHOLE, COMPLETE AND PERFECT” just the way we are.

The acceptance of this idea empowers us to move our butt out of our uncomfortable rut

and open our heart to a new and wonderful, love-filled life.

TUNE IN

Whenever we are feeling depressed, unloved, unappreciated, sick and tired of being sick and tired,

we can be sure that it is time for a “tune in.”  

A “tune in” means we take a time out and look slowly and clearly at where we are, what we are doing and why!!

We ” tune” in to some self-praise and self-appreciation, do something nice for our self,

and very soon we will be ready to do something nice for someone else.

We cannot give from an empty well; we cannot give love if we are not filled with love.

 

So right here, right now,  let go of that old teaching that loving yourself is conceited and bad.

Love you more so you can love me more; the more we have the more we give! 

The world needs you and your love now!

WAKE UP!