by Patricia | Nov 1, 2014 | Blog, Empowerment, Featured, Food, Wellness
Yesterday I had an intense sugar craving. I ate pretty well but my body kept calling for sugar, and I answered with one of these ice cream sandwiches. While eating the sandwich I questioned the purpose of the craving. Although what we crave might not be “necessary,” a craving signals that you’re in need of something. Maybe it’s a nutrient: for example, if you’re a lady, PMSing, and craving chocolate, you might be in need of magnesium (if this happens, try a small serving of raw cashews and see how it does the trick!). But maybe it’s an emotional need. After questioning and eating my ice cream sandwich, I meditated. (Meditation’s a great way to get answers to questions that only lie within. And the answer I got was… I’ve been feeling insecure, and using sugar as a security blanket. Ugh. I remembered the times in my childhood when I experienced actual danger, such as when I got hit by a car at 8 years old. I remember wanting to eat all things sweet after I got home from the hospital (mildly injured but shaken up, by the way). I am sure that the association between sugar and security started way before that, but it was the first time I’m aware of that the sugar craving was INTENSE! Next week will make 24 years since that happened, and to celebrate I think this security blanket should go. Ice cream sandwiches are great, but they do not protect me from experiencing pain or danger. So what’s better than an ice cream sandwich? Faith that the universe supports me. Knowledge that all is well. Belief that, even...
by Patricia | Jul 14, 2014 | Blog, Empowerment, Featured, Wellness
I just had a moment of panic. Someone important to me doesn’t approve of me in some way. The way they don’t approve doesn’t matter in the long run (or even in the short run) but still, she’s important to me, so it matters. I had a moment of panic. It happens, and not too often. But when it does happen… I take a deep breath. Air flows in through my nose, deeply through the lungs, into the diaphragm, and then up and out through the mouth. I remember that, yes, I still have breath. I still am here. Whatever’s wrong is not so wrong because I am here. And I am still. I tagged this #meditation because my meditation practice taught me how to come down from panic to stillness in less than a minute. No crossed legs and fingers touching. Just stop, and breathe. If you’ve read this far, and you don’t have a meditation practice, go here. Also join my meditation challenge,...
by Patricia | Jul 3, 2014 | Blog, Creativity, Empowerment, Featured, Joy, Wellness
There will be music and mantras. Bob Marley, and OMs. There will be sounds of nature. Raindrops and rainforests. There will be centeredness. There will be inner stillness. There will be peace. Starting on Sunday, July 6, I’ll be sharing my favorite meditation audios and videos everyday, for 30 days. The challenge is to use that audio or video and meditate everyday. The meditation audios/videos range in time, from a minute to about a half-hour. You’ll get a heads up in advance about the expected length of the week’s meditations. You are encouraged to use the shorter meditations if time doesn’t permit for the longer ones. You are encouraged to give the longer meditations a go! If you take the challenge, you’re very likely to gain a habit of finding stillness and centeredness. You will gain the ability to rein in your experiences with stress and anxiety. Commit to this challenge, and it’s quite possible that you will begin to experience a slice of serenity in your otherwise busy day. Commit, and get a taste of what meditation has to offer. Provide your email below, and/or like me on Facebook and follow along there. Summer Shine! Meditation Challenge * indicates required Email Address * First Name * Email Format html text...
by Patricia | Jun 24, 2014 | Blog, Empowerment, Featured, Wellness
When things in life go awry, it’s common to look outward Out at the problems and for the solutions. Nothing wrong with that, but I’m here to suggest something different. Dive inward. Take a look at yourself, before you look at anything or anyone else When things feel askew, start with you Look at yourself in the mirror and inquire What did I do? How did I get myself here? Don’t expect answers right away. Don’t expect a conversation with yourself. But ask the questions of yourself that you’d ask anyone else. Why did I do this? How did I get here? And then sleep on it. Or give yourself some quiet time, some calm, some meditative time But you can sleep on it. And see what comes up. As you are likely to contain the problem (As we tend to) You are likely to contain the solution. So dive inward. Then talk about what comes up for you With someone else who listens with their soul. A life coach tends to be a great person for this, But the listener could be your parent, it could be your partner, It could be your sibling, or a complete stranger. Talking out what comes up from inside with someone in touch with their inside Will help you get deeper inward. Do not be afraid to take responsibility for your contributions Even when that contribution lead to your discomfort It’s likely that, if you’re there, you were not a victim (Exceptions to this, of course) But if there’s shit of yours to be owned, then own it If there’s blame...
by Patricia | May 13, 2014 | Blog, Creativity, Empowerment, Featured, Joy, Wellness
I’m 32 today! At this time of year I always reflect on life lessons earned and applied and I often write them down. This year I’ve decided to share 32 of them.* Indulge me, and learn something while you’re at it. 1. I love my now because, at least, I’m in it. All there is is the current state, the now. It may or may not be pleasant, but no matter, because, I AM HERE. 2. Planning is worthwhile. Planning aligns my intention for accomplishing a goal and whatever course of action is needed. Planning tells the Universe, that, yes, I am so serious and clear that my intention will be reality. Even if my plan doesn’t come together the way I wanted, my intention will be my reality as long as I trust the Universe to support my greatest good. 3. Regular engagement of my creative energy raises the vibrational energy of my life. More Creativity is the path to More Joy. (I created the More Creativity, More Joy! Program for a reason!) 4. Peace is many things, including the ability to recognize when conflict is not worth my energy, and acting upon that recognition. 5. “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” My lesson learned, but the phrasing is courtesy of an episode of Black Ink Crew. 6. Sleep is the best investment of time, ever. Regular investment of 8 hours to my sleeping life benefits my waking life tremendously! 7. Regular meditation breeds clarity of thought and receptiveness to the messages the Universe is trying to...
by Patricia | May 4, 2014 | Blog, Empowerment, Featured, Joy, Wellness
My first foray into vlogging! I had a message in my heart that I know was meant for me, but I felt strongly that it might be for you...
