MINDFUL MONDAY-SHOWING CARE FOR OURSELVES

I hope you are having a Wonderful Monday and a great start to the week!  We all know it can be so easy to lose sight of what is right in front of us when life spinning all around.  Today's Mindful Monday topic is going to serve as a reminder for us to take time and gently adjust our focus.

I'm sorry I missed you last week and I must tell you that I am experiencing a bit of block, or should I say- Blogger's Block, lol.  The demands of work & life can make each day a FULL DAY.  Lately, I have not had the extra time to blog...(so now I'm on edge over the fact that I'm not maintaining my goal of 2 posts per week, grrr).  I decided I need to make more time for ME in order to regain my focus, so I'm going to be taking a break...but not permanently.  I have plenty of fun blog topics to share, I just need a few weeks to Regroup & Recharge...And That means the same for you! 

This week & for the next MINDFUL MONDAY's in August , let's show care of ourselves & just try to focus on Regrouping, Reorganizing, Recharging, Redesigning, etc! Think of it as honoring yourself by taking a walk to clear your mind or a nap to get some extra rest.  Maybe you need to clean your closet, paint your nails, play an instrument or just light some candles & do a prayer ritual...just Find 10 minutes a day or whatever fits with your schedule and do it with care. 

I will be happily returning in September! School will be back in session!!! So TUESDAY ART DAY will be popping up along with other staples like Down to Earth & Music to Inspire.  I will finally be introducing my newest Feature SUN SPIRIT! And my hope is to give my blog a little makeover :-) 

So, adjust your focus- by showing care for yourself & stay tuned in- for our next topic!!

MINDFUL MONDAY ACTIONS

They say ACTIONS speak louder than words.  We, as adults, are entirely responsible for our own actions...no one else.  This is wonderful news!  It means we have the ability to change our actions, we have the power!

I know at times we can feel powerless to change our life, our job, our eating habits, our attitude.  But it is good to know you're not alone.  At times you might feel helpless, anxious or even fearful of a challenge that you are facing in your life.  Sometime this week, take time to recognize that you have the power.  You are the king or queen of your castle. 

Take Action to make the changes needed to live the life you've always wanted.  

I recommend making a list of any hopes, dreams or goals-Even if they sound downright silly...like "I want to be the next Mr. Roger's"!  That is one of my dreams & however crazy it sounds....it's the truth.  This list will give you a sense of direction, plus it makes it easier to tackle one obstacle or hurdle at a time.  This Mindful Monday technique should start by making a list.  By doing so, you are taking the first step...aka ACTION.... in starting the process of having the life you always dreamed of.  It's yours for the taking, just be clear and honest with yourself. 

 

MINDFUL MONDAY MAKING A CHANGE

CHANGE (not like the kind in your pocket)

Does the phrase Making a Change scare you?  I've been thinking about change a lot lately.  Recently heard someone say "People don't make changes because things are wonderful in their lives". 

Often times we are reluctant to change.  It is easier to do what we've always been doing VS trying something new or different.  At times, we are  forced to change.  This usually occurs in situations of tragedy, trauma or turmoil.  But whether we want to or not, change is inevitable....so that got me thinking. 
  
Can we ever think of Changing as an opportunity to grow or evolve?  Can it be perceived as a positive transition in our lives, our family or our future path?

Lets face it, no one ever said making a change is easy.  So in times of difficulty, think of it as letting yourself go with the flow.. by choosing not to resist it.   For me, a good analogy is that water flows in the path of least resistance.  It changes course to allow for an easier transition to the next resting place.

So what does this all mean for Mindful Monday? Well, think of yourself as a flowing spring!!  Where is your path of least resistance? Maybe you need to change course if you feel you are at a dead end or your river has run dry.  Let your natural spring flow & just let go!  Find One Change you can make this week.  How are your relationships, thoughts, diet, communication style, environment or habits doing?  If you don't know where to start, let your heart be your guide, it will tell you what needs the most improvement or where the path of least resistance may be.

MINDFUL MONDAY CHANCE ENCOUNTERS

I am so excited for Mindful Monday today.  I wanted to share with you a story from one of my favorite iconic images entitled GRACE (upon research I discovered the original was a photograph, not a painting!) 



This story just goes to show that you never know who may be walking into your life and changing it....In 1918, Eric Enstrom was preparing a portfolio of pictures to take with him to a convention of the Minnesota Photographer's Association.



"I wanted to take a picture that would show people that even though they had to do without many things -because of the war - they still had much to be thankful for"



The door to his photography studio opens and in walks Mr. Charles Wilden-a bearded, saintly, old man, who was selling foot-scrapers.  Eric recalled that there was something about the old gentleman's face that immediately impressed him, his face was kind, there weren't any harsh lines. Eric sprung into action and on a small table, he set up a composition known as a Still Life.  He placed a family book, some spectacles, a bowl of gruel, a loaf of bread, and a knife. Then he had Mr. Wilden pose in an manner of prayer.  http://www.gracebyenstrom.com/history.html

 With his camera, Eric captured a special moment- one that transcends time.  Little did he or Mr. Widen know that their Chance Encounter would produce a world famous iconic image.

So for MINDFUL MONDAY think of any Chance Encounters that you have had in your life and the blessings, stories or moments that have come from it. 

SUMMER VACATION!!

The Fabric of Real Life is on SUMMER VACATION this week.  I hope every reader has a wonderful Holiday Season with friends and family.  It is times like these that create family memories and traditions.   

I LOVE fireworks!  They are so spirited.  You can naturally be "in Awe" when starring at them...it's an incredible feeling.  So Why do we use fireworks for the 4th? Well, it's a tradition that we've used from the beginning of our Independence.  In celebrating our 1st Anniversary of freedom from the British, we used fireworks. 

According to the Smithsonian blog:
In 1777, one year after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Philadelphia held a massive celebration. American University’s James R. Heintze dug up this account, from the Virginia Gazette:

One of the most elaborate celebrations in 1777 and the first organized celebration of its kind occurred in Philadelphia. This event had all of the elements of typical future celebrations–the discharge of cannon, one round for each state in the union, the ringing of bells, a dinner, the use of music, the drinking of toasts (it would subsequently be traditional to have one toast for each state in the union), “loud huzzas,” a parade, fireworks, and the use of the nation’s colors, in this case the dressing up of “armed ships and gallies” in the harbor.

The fireworks celebration that night began and ended with 13 fireworks being set off from the city’s commons.  Boston also had fireworks that year, and the tradition grew from there. July 4th fireworks displays have even occurred in Antarctica, when explorer Richard Byrd set off fireworks on a relatively warm day—33 degrees below zero.  Now that’s patriotism.

Read more: http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/smartnews/2012/07/why-we-set-off-fireworks-on-the-fourth-of-july/#ixzz2X9I175Ln 

Why We Set Off Fireworks on the Fourth of July | Smart News

So there you have it!!

The Fabric of Real Life will resume with MINDFUL MONDAY next week & you will see more from MUSIC TO INSPIRE and DOWN TO EARTH.  I will also be introducing a NEW Feature SUN SPIRIT!!!  So Stay Tuned

MUSIC TO INSPIRE: Man inthe Mirror by Michael Jackson

Every time I Hear this Song, I am reminded of the Strength within Myself.  I have the ability to Make a difference and So do you!

I hope you ENJOY!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PivWY9wn5ps

MINDFUL MONDAYS- LETTING OTHERS GO FIRST

Welcome back to another addition of MINDFUL MONDAY.  This weeks tip is an easy one!  Sometime this week, let someone else go first.  

You could be at the Grocery store or driving in rush hour traffic.  Maybe you're getting off the elevator or waiting for a fitting room.  There are so many ways we can let others go first.  See how many times you can incorporate it into your week & show others that you respect them just as much as you respect yourself.  It is YOU and ME that get to create the world around us.  Let's make it a positive one- through one SIMPLE ACT.