Daily Mantras From Maui 43y21

Daily Mantras from

Maui

River Marilou Penner

Copyright © 2019 by River Marilou Penner.

ISBN: Softcover 978-1-7960-7051-4 eBook 978-1-7960-7050-7

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Rev. date: 11/12/2019

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Mantra for Today

The Green Sea Turtle in the Pacific Ocean around the island of Maui is known by the Hawaiian word, Honu. Locals revere this beautiful ancient being as a family member. The honu is on the endanger species list, therefore the locals take personal responsibility to protect the honu’s safety, space and privacy. As humans we are enriched by the chance to swim with and observe these beauties in nature. The turtle symbolizes spiritual teachings in first nations tribes such as the 13 moons, a celestial symbol of motherhood. Mother earth, or turtle island, carrys humankind on her back. Today, I am in awe and wonder with deep respect for all of Mother Earth’s creatures and the helpers they are in my life.

Mantra for Today

The Central Nervous System becomes activated by stressful life events. Relationship challenges, fear, change, any sort of demands made on the mind and body to deal with uncertainty or loss. We lose sleep, the routine for caring for the body is off and emotions become unpredictable. It is time to reach towards a new approach. It may be time to adopt a new life style, make difficult changes, let go of what really doesn’t serve and you. The essential first step is to bring the system into a state of calm. Breathing in slowly, exhaling even slower allows executive functions to operate and more rational decisions are more available. No matter what the cause of stress, the solution is found in sober still mind and gently cared for body. Today, I am open to new ways of addressing life.

Mantra for Today

The practice of non judgment begins with self. Accepting my body, I let go of dissatisfaction and lovingly care for my body with gratitude. Accepting my choices, even when they lead to disappointment, I regret nothing, for it was all about growth and learning. Accepting my ways of being in the world, for this points to my values. Accepting what is allows space for change without that feeling of anguish that comes with an attitude of, “not this”. When non judgment is practiced with self first it is easier to extend to others. I am on a journey of acceptance.

Mantra for Today

Forgivness is freedom. The anger that lives just beneath the surface is like a toxin saturating every cell. This chemical reaction binds so tightly and weaves into a rope. When we recognize that holding onto resentments is like being tied to a post, then we can untie the rope that binds us, forgive and move on. It is for the sake of freedom that we forgive. Living bound to another through hurt and anger is no different that being handcuffed to them. Today I remind myself, I am angry due to unmet needs, I release others from responsibility to meet my needs and I address my needs in creative new ways.

Mantra for Today

For those of us rich in the friendship of women, we know what it is to be truly held. The open heart and open arms of the gentle sexed individual nurtures the young, feeds the hungry, listens to the stories with understanding and patience. Her love transforms pain into music, her dance widens smiles and welcomes movement. The disappointment, the hurt, the broken promises and grief are all washed away in her ionately hearing love. Today I see into the eyes of woman and I honor her with my soul eyes.

Mantra for Today

Sweetness attracts where sour averts. Finding fault in another and expressing their failings is an unlikely way to invoke cooperation. Being right and angrily making your point, will unlikely result in full agreement and accommodation. Change is not easy dear one, but full ability for your behaviour, humbly itting where you contributed to the conflict positions you in a masterful place of leadership. Today, i will address my attitude and take one step towards a more equanimity in my relationships.

Mantra for Today

There is not a human alive who hasn’t endured unspeakable hardship. Loss through death, breakup, illness and aging put us all in the direct opportunity to be in agreement of what is. Look into the eyes of another, and see there too is grief, she too has adapted and put one foot in front of the other. See the resilience, strength, softness and love that make moving forward possible. With the grief, a recognition of the value, measured by the loss of what now is gone. Lift your eyes dear one, the ever flowing waters wash away and at the same time flood with newness. Here in lays the lesson, the cycle of everything.

Mantra for Today

This or something better! There are things that happen in life that are out of our control. Yes, our actions have an impact on the reactions of others; it is important to acknowledge our part for our growth to full adulthood. And, we can not control the thoughts and actions of others. The best attitude dear one, is to accept and tell yourself, this or something better. Resistance brings struggle, acceptance empowers. Today, I will refrain from blaming and choose to reflect on my part in order to move towards mastery.

Mantra for Today

It’s a complicated thing, this human drama. We are born, placed in the hands of people, who may or may not be capable adults. Grappling with numerous things, all at once, the world becomes defined by subjective experiences. We may have accurate interpretations or stumble along with our version of things. The beauty is in willingness and bold courage to allow course correction when needed. The interactions with others is where true growth is possible. People outside of our hula hoop have a vantage point that is valuable to identify false impressions of ourselves and others. The trick is dear one, you must let go of the stories long told and lift your eyes from your navel and be innocent of knowing already. Today, I humbly let the light shine on my stories and welcome new ways of thinking and being.

Mantra for Today

The Fall season brings a gradual death of the stable comfort of Summer. Rain and wind and cold replace the hot lazy days that felt forever. Changes naturally bring forth an unsettling sense of uncertainty. Rest assured dear one, you have in your closet of life all that you need to surrender and become one with each season. You are a member of this world and your needs will be graciously attended to. Remain conscious, have comion for all beings and adapt to life’s unpredictable events. Today, I will say goodbye to what is fading away with honor, respect and gratitude. The universe will provide.

Mantra for Today

We need to give ourselves full permission to be who we are. An extrovert who tries to be a recluse eagerly awaits for the opportunity to encounter other people . An introvert who is forced to be surrounded by others becomes overwhelmed and uncomfortable. A gay person married to someone of the opposite sex is posing and ackward. Inauthencity is self betrayal. Know yourself dear one. What ever it is that is your core truth, be that unapologetically and let your light shine fearlessly. Once you are clear about who you are and confidently declare that to trusted friends the universe lines up to celebrate you. Set yourself free to be whole heartedly authentic, and let the celebrations begin!

Mantra for Today

No one lives a full life without some phases of strife. Even the practicing Buddhist can attract a catastrophic drama. Falling in love with the purist intentions can end in violent attacks and legal entanglements. It is not whether we will face tumultuous events with others on earth that is the question, but how we will manage ourselves in the midst of it that is imperative. Will I say, No! Not this? Or, Ah, now this. Finding equanimity in the face of loss is the practice now dear one. The truth and your steadfast love with set you free.

Mantra for Today

When we view our experiences as gifts, blessings and miracles there are no catastrophes. The mind can be trained. When the mind takes the wheel, it will take the easiest and shortest path, even if that means driving over nails, bog or swamp. You don’t necessarily get where you want to go, you don’t necessarily have a good time but the driver, the mind, wishes to make no effort to take the higher ground. Negativity feels heavy, yet an easy habit to fall into. Our task here in life is to refine our steps on earth. To walk in a good way. To lift our eyes to the heavens and gaze around at the beauty rather than nose to the grind stone, get er done, dragging everyone down with us as we go. Today, I will be a beautiful human.

Mantra for Today

Quite often, people believe that telling half truths, withholding, and straight out lies are necessary to avoid conflict and prevent drama. Living this way, there is tension in the energy field, a weak connection and a facade of peace. When the gig is up, and there’s nothing more to lose, full disclosure and ability for your part is possible, all the cards are on the table and we can all come clean, then, there is relief. Truth telling is a practice. Lies come from fear often learned in childhood to avoid harsh punishment. Today I will allow my child part to catch up to current day. I can be truthful when I error, it is okay to be human.

Mantra for Today

When it feels like there is little you can count on and the hope of anybody reaching out with comfort is bleak, there is a ripe moment for a break through. Our minds are dangerous places filled with B.S. (belief systems) wrought with defeat. Let go dear one and surrender to the empty space of not knowing. Allow the miracle to happen. Being solo for a time may bring with it gifts to assist the journey ahead more than the comfort of another’s care. Your strength is waiting to stretch and sustain you more than you may realize. Today I breath in and out and allow inner knowing to speak.

Mantra for Today

The heart knows what it wants. There is a distinct longing for deep connection and comforting understanding. Being in relation with another who is un-walled and available is heaven. When the person closest to you is lost in past traumas and defense patterns it can feel like torture to an open heart. who you are beloved. Return to your foundation, your inner location where your values and purpose are solid places to dwell. Everything is happening for you and through you, nothing us happening to you; you are not a victim, you are a powerful agent of adaptability and love. Today I will walk with my head to the sky and my feet solidly placed on the earth, I am safe.

Mantra for Today

In our darkest moments, our point of view becomes narrow and the ones closest to us feel alien. Hope is a faint and disappearing horizon and everything seems impossible. These are times to surrender to a trusted guides direction. Someone who is neither ing forces with your negative thoughts nor invested in the drama of the moment. Take council dear one, your helpers are standing by to serve and your highest possibility. Today I will know that, eventhough it feels catastrophic right now, I will use this experience and grow stronger in wisdom and in love.

Mantra for Today

It is easy to feel justified to judge another person when their values and behaviors are in conflict with ours. We do have different sensitivities, different energy vibrations and at times we don’t jive with that of others. It is easy to write people off and walk away when this happens. There is growth in every aversion and attraction. Today, I acknowledge my values and energy frequency and use discernment and assertiveness skills in allowing to each their own. In practicing non judgment I expand my comion. In practicing desernemnt I choose how to spend my life’s energy.

Mantra for Today

This being human is a guest house. Every morning a new arrival. A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes As an unexpected visitor. Welcome and entertain them all! Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows, who violently sweep your house empty of its furniture, still treat each guest honorably. He may be clearing you out for some new delight. The dark thought, the shame, the malice, meet them at the door laughing and invite them in. Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent as a guide from beyond. —Rumi

This poem is a reminder not to just sit with the thoughts and emotions ing through you, but to meet them with courage, warmth, and respect. For heartbreak is like a cleanse, dear one. These unwelcome guests in the guesthouse of your mind will scrub away, until raw, at everything that is untrue or unhelpful, if you let them. And not to worry, they’re only guests, eventually they will depart. Today I practice non-attachment and appreciation, for I am only a guest in this guesthouse.

Mantra for Today

Change. Being able to cope with change is called resilience. In times of change, it’s easy for your mind to cut corners, and assume that the worst will occur - to think in black or white. Practicing different ways of thinking and being in the world will boost your ability to deal with change and help you create a life that is adaptive to new experiences. It’s all too easy to become fixated on events over which we have no power, or people who might never change their actions or attitude. But rather than focus on blaming others or moving the unmovable, resilience sets sights on what you can control. To evaluate your level of control over a situation, ask yourself, “What can I take responsibility for in this situation?” If you look for opportunities to empower yourself and work towards change that is possible, you’re less likely to feel stuck in a rut of turmoil. Today I will slow down my mind, by practicing relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness or deep breathing, to help me feel more in control of my monkey mind.

Mantra for Today

Becoming able for my part in relationship challenges requires that I refrain from swinging the spot light onto them, and turn the lights on me. To change the running script in my brain, is not so easy. When the lights shine onto my shadowy parts I see how I’m projecting my unfinished business onto another. Awareness brings possibility for me to change. Negative thinking comes from unmet needs. It is helpful to realize the difference between can not and will not. If another simply can not meet my needs, it is unhelpful to demand and expect them to do so. Today I will remind myself; your needs are valid sweetheart, take responsibility for getting them met, and let go of the struggle.

Mantra for Today

When we measure our goodness by how much we do everyday; checking off items on a list, we convince ourselves to self imposed slavery. An identity of productivity catches up to us eventually and when the doing can no longer be kept up, we lose our sense of self. In doing, being suffers. Deadlines are the master, the body be damned, and at the end of the day there is nothing left of us. Find your balance beloved, service to humanity is your gift, and service to your physical body your personal responsibility. When in balance there is room for gratitude, energy for relationships, allowance for spiritual practice which sustains and s the joy of your blessed existence. Today, I choose mindfully.

Mantra for Today

Communication is the key to the door of relationship. Without each person’s willingness to take the time to listen and share truthfully the door remains closed and true connection is prevented. Although uncomfortable at time, intimate communication is an essential aspect to any relationship of substance. When one person is unavailable it can feel excruciating, driving the other to urn in agony for the door to be unlocked and together the threshold crossed towards understanding. Today, I sooth myself with loving connection with strangers, friends and animals. Life is a mystery to be reveled in due time.

Mantra for Today

When in fear we protect ourselves in anyway we can. We lie, we steal, we harm others. Telling our stories from fear, we receive the coaching from well meaning friends, to react defensively. When we realize there is nothing to fear, but our fearful thoughts, we can relax and trust. Today I trust in the highest good for all involved. Everything I need will come to me without harming. All I need to be is loving towards myself and others and stay in present moment awareness. Gratitude is the opposite of fear. Gratitude is the energy of generosity and love.

Mantra for Today

We can not control what others think of us. In the course of one’s life we act and react according to the circumstances we encounter. Some of those reactions we may later question, why did I do that? It is perfectly natural to reflect and correct, but don’t let it become obsessive dear one. Correct and continue. The mind will want to ruminate and harass you with repeated incriminating, “people are talking about me”, don’t go there. Turn your focus on your internal foundation. Yes we take from those who love us and we respect, but the opinions of masses beyond is none of our concern. Training the mind and establishing a friendship with yourself serves and s you. Today I focus on the present moment, the past is over and I have changed.

Mantra for Today

We are capable of great gestures of goodwill when embraced and feel loved. We are capable of grave deceit and harming actions when that embrace let’s us go and we feel unloved. It is in these times beloved that your highest potential is called forth. To be loving when scorned, to be generous when the heart feels robbed, to be forgiving when spoken Ill of, this is empowerment. Today I will be my higher self, resisting the urges of my fearful child self. Today I will let go of self defending emotions and trust in the goodness of my loving self for no matter what another does, I will be free of regret and revenge.

Mantra for Today

When in the center of an emotional crisis it is easy to lose sight of ever feeling better. Suddenly uncertainty replaces what was known, everything comes into question, what was real? What is real now? The storm has uprooted a once secure landscape and finding a solid ground to stand on feels impossible. These are the winds of change dear one. Find your inner courage and hold onto hope, don’t lose faith in your own capacity to change to learn and to evolve. Its times like these that the greatest, surest advancement occurs within. You are facing life straight on. you are never alone, help is all around, reach out humbly and receive. Today I zero in on one thing that keeps me stable and I keep that in my sight.

Mantra for Today

I am the source of my experience. There is nothing happening to me, everything is happening through me. As a seeker of truth, I must take a sober xray look at how i got to this particular juncture on my personal road map. I am more interested in development than defensively declaring victimization. Today I ask, What did I want so badly that I let myself believe I needed to sacrifice myself? What was I telling myself about my worth that allowed me to put my needs behind the needs of another? Lovingly looking with eyes unblinking, I can choose to correct my course .

Mantra for Today

“When I had nothing to lose, I had everything. When I stopped being who I am, I found myself.” —Paulo Coelho

Happiness, to me, is not a state. Sometimes I’m down. Sometimes I’m up. Happiness is having a relationship to life. The hunt for happiness is exhausting. It’s about letting life unfold without needing to control it, enjoying each moment for what it is. The truth is that no one copes with bad days perfectly, the feelings can be fleeting, so I can choose to embrace them and let them be what they are, with lots of comion, realizing this takes great practice. But, also recognizing that this too is happiness. This means that I have grown and learned tremendously about myself. I have been willing to answer the tough questions honestly. I have been willing to show up and see the truth of myself. That means times get hard. Sometimes I get lost. And that’s okay because this is what life is. It’s ups. It’s downs. It’s highs. It’s lows. It’s happy. It’s sad. Today I will embrace it all. I am human. I am me. Being true to yourself is all that matters, my love. Authenticity is the choice to let yourself be seen no matter what.

Mantra for Today

Living aware, I love with an open heart. I see the behaviors of others as they are presented, yet know beneath those patterns of self protection there is the desire to belong, to be seen and understood. When I am in fear, I create a shield of defensiveness judging others and writing them off. Fear creates obstacles to realizing we all want the same thing, love. When I stop manipulating people and situations in order to feel safe, I let the cards land where they land, there I have access to the naked truth. From truth I move towards my destiny. All I can do, is my part in self ability, self awareness and allow what will be will be.

Mantra for Today

Friends are like vitamins, we need a variety to stay healthy. Relationships don’t fail, they end when individuals don’t participate in ways that nourish and sustain them. Relationships require attention, presence, cheerful contribution, and service. Expectations of another to contribute, where they are capable, is natural in relationship. When a relationship reaches a dead end, there is opportunity to expand capacity to participate or accept resources to do that are not available. Consciously lovingly letting go opens new opportunities and learning. Today I choose consciously, participate or let go.

Mantra for Today

When we have unresolved emotional trauma from childhood, it lands deeply in the psyche like a sound track to our lives. Certain identies are formed like statements that feel true, like, “I’m not good enough, it’s my fault”. We become sensitive to triggers; they could be completely unrelated to our past and perfectly innocent gestures of another, but we feel this sense of judgment and recoil. We can not fully grow up until these identifications are faced and erased. Doing inner work is couregous requiring transparency and personal ability for our feelings. Blame only reenforces the neuropathways that point to victim hood. Today I will allow the pent up feelings expression and consciously bring myself up to date. I am loved and I am safe.

Mantra for Today

Make the next moment better. When changes are happening in life, it is tempting to paint the whole thing with the same brush. Memories surface that corroborate with what’s happening now and the whole thing can feel catostophic. These are the times to remain in present moment awareness and refrain from doing anything that would make things worse. If a relationship is particularly triggering, take some space, if the mind is ruminating turn to gratitude finding thoughts that are helpful to shift the pain, if your health is struggling rest, or exercise or eat and drink what nourishes your body. Today moment by moment, I will make things better.

Mantra for Today

I am not alone in my tiredness or sickness or fears, but at one with millions of others from many centuries, and it is all part of life.—Etty Hillesum.

When we are suffering, it may appear that we are alone and others around us are doing just fine. Humans carry with them all types of tragedy, loss, abuse and fears. We are in this together. When we think we suffer alone, we become self obsorbed isolated and lost. It is more true that not one is free of pain, we are one with our challenges. Today, I gaze lovingly at my fellow humans and honor their courage to bear their piece of the collective suffering, I see you and feel you, we are in this together.

Mantra for Today

Ho’oponopono is an ancient Hawaiian mantra that rewires the mind. It is a belief that we all come from the same source. And by healing and forgiving ourselves, we help heal others. Place both hands on heart and repeat this mantra: I’m sorry, please forgive me, I love you, thank you. Everything we see, everything we hear, every person we meet, we experience in our own minds, from our own unique story. Ho’oponopono helps us to see that we are responsible for our thoughts. It helps us to heal and forgive ourselves and any pain connected with others.

Mantra for Today

Humans endure unspeakable trauma and loss. Unresolved, grief and lost identity can feel unbareable. Be gentle with yourself dear one, find you way. What falls beneath the dark vale of it all is that lost treasure map to peace. The possibility of joy, contentment and equanimity flickers a tiny light not in dwelling on the past nor in imagining the future but in present moment awareness. Today I will breath in gratitude for rain and breathing out I let go of all that does not serve me.

Mantra for Today

The best way to learn about yourself is to be in relationships with others. When expectations are followed by judgments a clear mirror shows aspects of ourselves that have come into view. Does irritation come up, patience needs developing. Does feeling hurt replace anticipation of connection come because the other doesn’t seem to understand? More autonomy from an internal foundation make another’s response (or lack of) less jarring. At times we focus on the other’s behavior to avoid looking at our own relationship contributions, (or lack). Today I will pay attention to my reactions and ask myself, “what in me needs my attention”? I am willing to change.

Mantra for Today

Forgiveness is the most powerful medicine for lingering resentment. We may not be able to change the past nor the actions of others, but we do have the power to relieve ourselves of the heavy emotions held deep within. Forgiveness isn’t excusing another of responsibility of their actions, they do have work to do on themselves and own the burden to repair damages. Forgiveness is freedom. When we no longer carry hurt, anger, and complaint we liberate ourselves. “I forgive you and I let you go”, maybe the way. Or, “I forgive you and now I practice stronger boundaries where you are concerned, no longer giving you access to the closeness or trust once offered”, or depending on the infracture, “I forgive you and forget it ever happened.” disowning the heavy emotions of betrayal, after processing it completely leads to lightness and clarity.

Mantra for Today

The fires of emotion can feel like a bonfire. Hurt, shock, disappointment and confusion leave our world turned topsy turvy. As we talk it out, become a little clearer on what’s all at play things start to burn a little lower. As time goes by the heat of all smolders and the embers are but a glow of the whole event. You are resilient dear one. What ever you are dealing with , this too shall and you, having been through the fire will be wiser.

Mantra for Today

There are endless opportunities in any given day to choose a course correction. We navigate moment by moment through emotional swings and quagmires of difficult decisions. It is less of an impact what we do than who we are being in our lives. Being clear, consise and loving towards ourselves and others is a powerful presence. Any decision made, when acted upon from a place of the highest good for all involved has the best outcome. We are all masterpieces in progress. Today I lovingly make choices that affirm my life and trust the impact on others will be affirming also.

Mantra for Today

February 20th, I approach my second Saturn return this year. A turning point towards elder hood. I surround myself with people of all ages and practice going with the flow, curiosity open minded and open hearted and look for every opportunity to be celebratory. Life has not spared me opportunities for growth. Today I will celebrate my journey.

Mantra for Today

The mind produces thoughts based on experiences. Our particular take on things that happen to us can set this general mood that runs like a current throughout our entire lives. It could be, in various degrees, pessimistic or optimistic depending on the impact of events. It is important to know that thoughts and feelings are not fixed in stone. We can change our mood by training the mind, or more accurately, the brain. Today I will pause when a thought that upsets me comes up and ask, what else, what more ive might be true? Establishing a habit of this is a powerful exercise for the brain to rewire and produce a more peaceful existence.

Mantra for Today

Perception comes from two possible positions: from hurt, anger and rejection of what is or from understanding, acceptance, and love. The false self that craves the world, others and reality to be other than it is, and the true self that is eye to eye with raw truth, and responds with, “ah now this” . It is the wanting that leads to disappointment. We cast one another in roles, scripts are handed out and expectations precede disappointment. Emotional temper tantrums can go on for years. Today, I will practice letting go of expectations and crying for others to act accordingly. Today, I will give freedom, space and autonomy a chance.

Mantra for Today

It is so easy to pick out aspects of another that are annoying or unacceptable. We can easily see in another how they should be, or how their behavior is disfunction. Carl Jung, a psychologist back in the 1900s, offered the concept of the shadow part of us that lurks in the subconscious. We tend to disown aspects of ourselves and project them onto others for criticism. It is our task in life to become whole; to integrate all parts of ourselves. To heal our lives we must recognize our shadow self as needing our loving attention. Today I choose to turn my attention towards myself when I judge another and lovingly attend to my own shadow.

Mantra for Today

Each of us has our gifts to contribute on the stage of relationship. When those offerings are seen as valuable by one another and they complement each other a harmonious symphony ensues. But when we want a relationship so badly, we may avert our eyes and ignore obvious signs that together of stage we will be a romantic heart break. Try as we might to force compatibility, the obvious mismatch leaves us sad and lonely. You are loved dear one and worthy of a perfect fit. Tolerate the loneliness and trust. Love of life itself will fill the space held for the one.

Mantra for Today

It is our sole responsibility to create what we envision for ourselves and our lives. The ones around us are not the holders of the key to our healing, fixing, or transformations. To come face to face with reality and take a humble and honest look at our behavior, and to it how our participation has resulted in a high vibration connection or a low vibration depression is to take the steering wheel and choose our course. Yes we need the help of others, this is grace, but nothing can change without a personal commitment to be and do that which makes the difference. Today I hold myself in loving embrace and turn my face to the sun. Possibilities await my action.

Mantra for Today

Most of us have a tendency to put forth great effort to make things happen in our favor. We stay awake studying, exercise hard to shape the body and over extend ourselves in relationships. There is a practice in Taoism known as non doing. This refers to trusting in the natural rhythm and harmony of all things. Quick action often results in over looking or mispreceiving important factors in a situation. Mindfulness, or present moment awareness, slowing the mind and staying still bring greater awareness and more sustainable outcomes. Today I will not push the river. I will become still and, like nature, wait for seasonal changes.

Mantra for Today

There is only one constant, and that is change. How we address change points to who we have become from life’s experiences. All of life’s experiences have shaped us. Don’t let yourself become hardened dear one. See everything, EVERYTHING, as opportunity to grow clearer, brighter and more available. We humans are capable of changing our own brains! If we become bitter, hardened and fixed we get stuck. If we can rise up beyond the difficult feelings and still are comionate to those who hurt us we become sages in our own life, wise beyond circumstance, fair and accepting reality without resistance.

Mantra for Today

It is possible to want something so badly that we are blind to the obvious obsticles. We can operate under this self deception for years driven by the desire to love and be loved. Excusing behaviors, managing instincts and intuitive alarms, suppressing that voice within that is screaming, “the emperor isn’t wearing clothing”. On and on we bare the insults and injuries telling ourself it’s pare for the course, we must pay our dues to deserve our just reward. And then, the gig is up, and we can no longer betray truth. Today, I face the truth with head held high and love is free.

Mantra for Today

If, in one’s life, the focus has been in service to self identity, that person’ evolutionary path is to be in self less service. To descend into no strings attached nor conditions for giving to and for other. This is to evolve beyond the separate me towards the reality of oneness with other. If one’s focus has been self less service of family and community and the needs of others, their path of evolution is to ascend into solitude and service to their soul’s call. They have been boundary less. Today, I humbly it who I’ve been and begin my journey towards evolution.

Mantra for Today

The winds of change can come in like an unexpected hurricane. In times like these you need to find your home in your self. Life as you know it has become unrecognizable, it is time to tip the scale towards your heart, your truth and the wide open field of new possibilities. It is time to take stock. To see what was not fastened down with the ropes of sanity; where did you betray yourself dear one by putting your faith in an anchor less boat? Forgive your self deceptions and false beliefs and begin again to build your life on firm foundation. As the mantra goes, this or something better. You are always home in truth.

Mantra for Today

Relationships end when one or both people don’t participate in ways that nourish. There are many reasons for two people to engage in relationship; if the relationship is based on love, a selfless contribution and deep caring for each other emotionally, physically and spiritualy creates an intimate bond that can heal the past and resolve any conflict. When one or both individuals are not eqiped to love this way, there is hostility and self centered avoidance. In these cases it is better to end the relationship and do inner work. Life revels truth.

Mantra for Today

The Universe has your back. As you free fall from the cliff of truth revealed, trust. All your best efforts can’t freeze change. Life has contracts; when fulfilled and complete, expand forward. Understand the truth and the why it has happened to you. The threads of the web of life hold memories and events important to how you became who you, are but are not all of who you are. As you breath into the universe the universe is breathing into you. The mystery of the universe is breathing into you, renewal. It’s okay to let go, to allow those threads to drift away and to begin again. To become the best of who you are and leave the rest behind.

Mantra for Today

There is only one real time experience and that is now. The present moment is where life happens. When we are on an endless reel of reruns of the past we don’t feel our current emotions nor can we create connection with the ones we are with. The brain goes into default thinking of the old stories like a truck makes ruts on a wet road driven on repeatedly. It is time to embrace impermanence, let go of identification with a long gone past and be right here, right now with life in real time. Relationships are enriched as new air enters the lungs.

Mantra for Today

When the unexpected happens it can feel like life no longer loves you. We travel in this human realm with a miriad of influences on our psyche. Traditions, religions, social rules, morals, gender identification, and primary attachment styles all have an impact on our personal identity. When we know our core values we base our next step from that platform. Find your home within dear one, who you are. Do no harm and who you are before the complications of human existence spun you into confusion. Love is all around you, listen to its council.

Mantra for Today

In one human life we are many versions of ourselves. The origin of our being is but a beginning. Who we become is far more important than, “in the beginning they saw me this way or that way, they wanted me or didn’t” . No, dear one, your value is not rooted in how your parents were, or what you were called, or by which name. We engage in many roles and go by many titles but truly, who you are in this world is how you choose to be. Be creative beloved, see others as your highest version of them and they may rise to that, but even more important, be who you want to be in this life. Show who you are by being.

Mantra for Today

We are blessed when another generously holds space as the pieces are laid out, and the effort to see the puzzle picture is shared. You are not alone dear one. As you move majestically and calmly, you will eventually find it is all beautiful. The first step is the accept what is, the next step is to choose to remain tethered to your values. Make your choices based on what is most important to you. And celebrate true friends and trust shared wisdom.

Mantra for Today

There are those moments in life where it feels like everything is falling apart. What we thought we knew is turned on its head and uncertainty replaces the secure foundation so enjoyed. These are time to take good care. Remain sober and access that part within that loves truth. self respect comes from treating fellow humans, even those that hurt us, with loving kindness. Today, no matter what, I hold my head up, I gentle my heart towards myself and all beings, and trust that whatever comes next, I can handle it with ease and grace.

Mantra for Today

A human psyche is a complex structure. So many external factors shape it’s reels of stories, then there is the interpretation of that input projected with distorted images faintly resembling accurate pictures of the truth on the big screen of one’s theater. A story is manufactured and for years believed. The story then shapes every action birthed from an altered thought like a child with fetal alcohol syndrome. Never quite clear, just sensation driven, grasping, reactive. The task is to challenge long held beliefs and ask when did this idea serve me? What was my dilemma? Is that conundrum still current? What is true today? Am I safe!? Am I in charge now?

Mantra for Today

Self love is the foundation of a good life. Past hurts confuse us, our child self believes we somehow attracted those hurts by doing something wrong. Trust wains and the relationship with self suffers. We carry on an inner dialogue of blame, negative evaluations; a defeating narrative runs like the sound track of a horror film. Today, begin to change. Drop the heavy bag of the past. Start developing trust in self by remaining in the present moment. Use affirming ive language. Treat yourself like you would a beloved child. Today I trust.

Mantra for Today

Relationships bring us in direct with the parts of ourselves that we are deeply proud of and the parts of ourselves that we would really rather not see. Relationship with other especially when in conflict are rich fields of growth. Running away, avoiding, and rejecting an experience does nothing to proceed towards our evolution. To dig deeper into the well of higher qualities; such as radical acceptance, self ability, humility, forgiveness and gratitude bring forth aspects of being that lift us up and create relationships beyond our imagination of possibility. Today, I ground myself and tap the qualities of my higher self. Today I participate fully.

Mantra for Today

When one embraces the reality of impermanence, changes don’t have to be frightening. It is the stories we tell ourselves and the meaning we make that make a thing acceptable or catastrophic. Like the song by the Byrds, Turn! Turn! Turn! To every thing there is a season. Today I flow comfortably with change and refrain from thought generating fears. It is all very natural.

Mantra for Today

At times we find ourselves in places with people we just can not relate to. The mind will offer judgments, this points to a disagreement or values misaligned. When a belief exists that we “should” participate yet everything within us wants to leave, we need to lovingly pay attention. In these situations it may be that nothing is wrong with the people or place but it maybe not right for me. As a unique being, I must be true to myself. I let go, wipe the slate clean and move in the direction that feels more in harmony with my senses. I am free.

Mantra for Today

We are born uniquely who we are. We come into this life wired for connection, yet when we don’t find that bonding with our families, we feel wrong somehow. It is important to take an expanded view of what all is contributing to this alienation. Our parents may not be equipped to provide the warmth and attention we need. This doesn’t diminish our worthiness for loving . There is a collective programming based on lack that when basic needs are all that is provided, and there is no space for addressing spiritual needs; this programming focuses on functioning only, not on celebrating that unique being that you are. It is time to stop taking it personally and claim your own life. Begin to forgive parents and find your own path of contentment. We don’t truly grow up until we fire our parents from the role of defining us.

Mantra for Today

Taking a non judgemental bird’s eye view of what’s working and what’s not working is important. A good look at thoughts and behaviors that keep certain relationships, or circumstances from growing towards their potential. Doing a values inventory to check that actions are in alignment with those values s living in integrity. Today I will pause and tune in and listen. If changes are needed, I will have the courage to change without shame or guilt; correct and continue.

Mantra for Today

Acceptance and Commitment therapy is an approach that focuses on a non judgemental “seeing” of aspects or behaviors of ours that are not helpful. Shame does not inspire growth, there is no useful quality in harsh self assessment. Change comes gradually as we make choices to move in new ways. Ways that do not drop us back into unconscious habits. Today is a new day. Asking yourself, “what do you need sweetheart”, is a loving approach in taking yourself by the hand and guiding your life with new thoughts and actions that lead to what you want and need more than the old patterns offered.

Mantra for Today

We are in continuous dynamic change. Who I am today is almost unrecognizable to who I was. We are all invited to evolve beyond our programming and conditioning and to who we are before the influences of family of origin, culture, society, teenage drama, and personality. Personality is dress-up, a sort of shape shifting to meet a need for belonging. We become what we feel we must “in order to”… Today I pause, tune in to the animal being that I am and respond to what wants to happen with an inner sense of ing who I am. The suffering stops when efforting lets go.

Mantra for Today

This one life you are living is your work in progress. You are an individual in a relationship with everything. You do not exist alone, like everything else you are part of a whole. Develop empathy for your fellow beings; they too are on a journey of feelings, decisions, faced with their delusions of reality. Each of us are interdependent and at the same time responsible for our own evolution. To evolve is to grow out of small mind, to face our self pity and love ourselves into reality. We are worthy, we belong. May all beings be free.

Mantra for Today

Your life is your personal treasure. Your beginning may not have been what you would have asked for but even so there are gems to harvest from phase one of your life. As an intelligent being you are the creator, the artist, the author of your story. When the feeling of stagnation or limitation clouds out the sense of possibility, pause. Be with the sensation, see if you can rise above the negativity and see guidence nudging you out of what is not in harmony with your true purpose. This life is yours to make of it what you can perceive as possible.

Mantra for Today

Relationships are the most integral part of being human. Experiences with other people are what shape us and help us grow. In the best environment, we learn to love ourselves by the mirror of adoration and validation from others; in the challenging environments we learn to create boundaries and practice weeding through other people’s impact, keeping what is useful and discarding what could harm us. The big task is to manage the mind which is manufacturing meaning all the time. Some mind offers lead to imbalance so it’s important to learn to STOP THOUGHT, and narrate what s a brighter view learning to be skillful in relationships is about taking care of self and participating in ways the result in the highest good for all involved.

Mantra for Today

There are no prerequisites to becoming parents. Perpetuating the species is mandated in animals and humans alike. Victims of child neglect and abuse birth babies and unskillfully parent with what they know. Victims create victims and the world is populated by the walking wounded. Our natural state is to nurture and the young, to make the next generation’s path smoother, yet ignorance interferes. There is hope only through self healing. Humbly addressing one’s own victim story; finding the light of love within and choosing the path of full grown adulthood. It is true that it is never too late to reclaim your birth right to security and belonging. Today I stop protesting against the past and begin moving towards my place in the realm of leadership. I see where I was victim and in my adulting I am Victorious. I direct my life.

Mantra for Today

Sometimes in the spirit if getting clear of what you value and wish to create for yourself and your life, you are faced with what you need to let go of. Feeling responsible for all involved is an unnecessary load to carry. Even in the letting go, there are new beginnings for all involved. Today, I lovingly tune in to my truth, and get out of the way of what wants to happen.

Mantra for Today

As social beings, we humans encounter challenges on a daily bases. We interface with people who have had experiences that have rendered them fearful, reactive and lacking trust. Behaviors may appear abrupt, harsh and fixed. A point of view may be strongly expressed and we get a sense there may be no flexibility in perspective. Comion for another’s plight opens our hearts and allows a gentle wisdom to override frustration. Accusations are heard as fearful reactions and empathy allows a listening for the unsaid cry for security. Today, I remain still, relax my muscles, calm my body and hold the possibility for new outcomes. Today I will be a loving presence in a world of frightened beings.

Mantra for Today

It is important to scale back from the flood of input from social media, negative people, and drama to recalibrate the energy field. We are not sponges, mopping up the messes spilled all around us; we are sacred in ourselves. Only I can make my life a blissful adventure. Today I choose to be still. I choose gentle connections. I choose to take one step that moves me in my purposeful direction.

Mantra for Today

Your life is a sacred journey. You are born, there seems little choice to whom and where and the beginning circumstances then, life rapidly offers experiences that shape your views and attitudes. But wait! We don’t have to drift unconsciously from parents to our own lives programmed like robots. We are able to our lives. We must choose our views, our beliefs, our walk on earth uniquely. Make every action conscious, make every routine a ritual of thanksgiving. See your body as a gift as it functions so loyally. See your voice as a road to your next destination; speaking truthful expressions of observation, declaration and inquiry. Life is sacred, it is mine to make it a ceremony.

Mantra for Today

We humans are astute observers of every nuance in our objects of attraction. Inherent in this attention to subtle behaviors however is the risk of being wrong. Long held beliefs cloud our accuracy. An innocent gesture or time laps in response is assigned evidence that he/she is thinking this or that therefor we withhold or withdraw to avoid what we think is obvious hurt. This is our fear response precieving threat. Beliefs about ourselves as undeserving are projected onto the others actions, and conclusions are made. The fork in the road in any moment offers the opportunity to challenge automatic stories to explain anothers behavior or to assume and react in the same way as before. Today I will pause, breath slowly and allow things to reveal the truth from a calm body stance.

Mantra for Today

When afraid we try to protect ourselves. The threat may not be real but the defenses are automate “just in case”. Entire lives can be lived this way. Desperately managing everything, making deals that mitigate fears, yet the fears are fueling the deal making in the first place. When the whole thing is challenged, it feels like the rug was pulled out from underneath us. Shame, guilt, sadness, and more fear immediately rush in. This is an opportunity to break through the unconscious pattern, or we can hide, make up stories and keep managing everything. The choice keeps appearing. We are blessed with opportunities.

Mantra for Today

May I be well, may I be happy. May I have a gentle heart, may I be strong, may I be in integrity. Today I choose to navigate through all the emotion, all the traffic and all the dynamic inherent in being with others with ease and grace.

Mantra for Today

Each day is a restart, a fresh opportunity to be in life. Today I make choices that my health. It is true that each life is here for learning. How to live in love and how to be free. The two are connected; love and freedom. Love of self is paramount. Without self love choices are made out of anger, this leads to imprisonment. Love for freedom bring choosing at a higher level, I love freedom more than I love my habits, more than social norms, more than traditional protocol. Today I touch in on what I love and what brings freedom.

Mantra for Today

Today I take all the hurt and all the losses and all the experiences of my life and I transmute it all into something good, something beautiful, something purposeful. For the one who has left this earth prematurely, I live on carrying with me her torch. I will live beautifully for both of us.

I will take her gold card incarnation and create a doubly good life. Even though the loss is massive it will not be in vain for the lesson to, while alive, live couragously transforming hurt into wisdom as a light on this path into old age.

Mantra for Today

North American culture seems to shy away from feelings of grief. We muffle our mourning cries with a mask of okayness. Confused by authentic wailing, the masses turn blushing. In most other countries, grief is woven into real life. Wailing walls exist, formal wailing circles are held, clothing indicates a state of recognized loss. This is healthy!. What happens within when we coast over the loss of life? Where does all the grief land? Like stagnent pools it stays in place. Today I commit to allowing active movement of sadness, loss and grief by expressing, at least to myself, the truth of depth I feel.

Mantra for Today

There can not be both trauma and peace in the same body. The sympathetic system brings on our fight flight freeze or faint reaction. This comes on from a perceived threat, we breath shallow, our muscles tighten and thoughts of what “could be” begin. The parasympathetic system calms the body, we can remain calm even in a crisis and have access to clear thinking by breathing deeply and remaining in the present moment with positive perceived outcomes. It is possible to live from here on without fear and anxiety. The practice is, mindful of the present moment and breath slow and long inhaling exhaling. Today I stay in balance.

Mantra for Today

At the point of exhaustion it is impossible to see clearly. Everything must stop we are out of gas, ready to breakdown. After a good rest, there is newness and fuel in the tank. It may be important to reevaluate where energy is spent as we reflect on our life force. Is the work truly adding value to our overall goals and dreams? Is it sustainable for the long run? Answering these questions may lead to change or a greater commitment to the work. Today I will be fully where I am and check into my inner guidance for the gift of true seeing.

Mantra for Today

When talking to a beloved friend, and they express a belief that to us is clearly not true it helps to perceive that to them it feels true. In these moments we can see that a deep long held hurt planted a seed. A weed garden snares the truth: the false notion become a farmilar thought for so long that the subconscious has begun manufacturing generalizations which also seem true. It takes committed effort on the part of the “believer” to wiggle out of this garden of weeds. Inner work requires a type of courage to over ride the spinning narrative and make room for new thoughts. Like any beautiful garden, false beliefs need to be removed to reveal true beauty.

Mantra for Today

Bees have eyes that see patterns and colors invisible to human sight. Animals can see in the dark where we are utterly night blind. There is vastly more to all that is around us yet we take in only part of it. Considering all the distractions both material and technical we miss even more of the richness nature offers. We humans seem preoccupied in staying in view through social media requiring recognition for our appearance; while animals remain uterly private and autonomous yet deeply aware of and receptive to the world. Today I will tune out of digital distraction and tune into that still place, that inner sanctuary and expand my true seeing, for I too am a natural being.

Mantra for Today

In the current world of digital technology humans are exposed like never before. A child’s image posted on Facebook, Instagram and rapidly growing social media engines is seen by the world. The child is followed at every stage and phase of development creating a public image unheard of in their grandparents time. A mistaken identity is almost unavoidable. The question, “Who Am I”? Is answered by anonymous followers based on appearances. What is invisible is the inner world of true nature, yet that becomes invisible even to oneself as the focus is on the external exclusively. It is time for a digital detox, an unplugging from the flood of opinions and profiles of the masses and a tuning in to the landscape of nature. True nature is not a screen shot. Today my life calls me to return, to I am one of the planet beings, be still and know.

Mantra for Today

When humans have been hurt, they assume everyone is a threat. The ability to perceive broadly is impaired and they simply mimic their abs. This doesn’t have to be a permanent condition yet it requires a major breakthrough to change one’s belief system. Many of us have been on the receiving end of the wounded humans attacks. In the interest of self care, we must not assume we did something wrong to deserve such treatment. Use the experience to gain greater desernment. Practice greater awareness realize what is really happening. Keep yourself in good company; choose those who own their stuff and are able to heal from their trauma. Love yourself by preventing being another person’s target of attack. “Forgive them, for they know not what they do”. (quote from Jesus on the cross.

Mantra for Today

There is nothing stagnant in life. Weather patterns bring weeks of inclement conditions, tectonic plates shift on the earth surface; so is it with the human experience. When we simply experience without story, without judging we roll with change like we do with our atmospheric changes. Today, no drama, just move with all that is.

Mantra for Today

There are days when it feels like the world is harsh and hostile. Little inconveniences add up, people are cold and indifferent to our needs, every attempt to express our needs at the point of complete desperation is met by even greater neediness in the other adding shame and guilt for our seeking attention. The world seems covered by a sound proof shield and our cry is mute. We feel alone in our suffering. In times like this , the light within in you flickers with every breath. Concentrate on breathing slowly filling your lungs. Dismiss all thoughts, nothing good can come from thinkning in this state. Draw your attention toward nature. Be with animals, sing. This moment will and the energy frequency will change. You are never truly alone, you have a loving friend within you who truly understands and completely wants you to be comforted.

Mantra for Today

Communication is an elaborate tool available to all beings. Humans have evolved beyond simple grunts and squeals and gestures. Yet, we often forgo expressing ourselves and resort to making assumptions. This results in unhappy confusion and resentments, all avoidable. Taking a relationship on a conscious path of mutual satisfaction requires committment to clear communication. There is no need to rush, take pause and think about what needs saying and speak. It’s okay to change plans, make the change with the bridge of words: “I agreed to meet but something changed and now I won’t be there”. Simple and clear. Speaking words of gratitude is like sweetening the moment. We are creators of relationships. Today I create what benifits my relationships with clear communication.

Mantra for Today

Our bodies feel what mind suggests. Thoughts have been described as having an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other; the taunting devil offers, “no body likes you, they are pretending but behind your back they slander you”. The part within that has harsh self judgment gives this imaginary devil the steering wheel, the microphone and the keys to our kingdom. It is our own self judgment that surrenders and the body feels lifeless. It is time to reclaim all of our selves and turn a deaf ear to that little devil. Turn your attention towards beauty mute the negativity by reminding yourself you are safe, you are worthy. Today we begin to live.

Mantra for Today

Dark nights of the soul are a time in life were there is a breaking point. The environment and everything in it becomes pointless and bleak. These times are purposeful; a painful awakening from a deep unconscious sleep. It is time to wake up. Now there is speak of the “Woke” generation. We are all invited to be one with the tribe of awakened being. What does this mean? Letting go of mind and embracing consciousness. The mind offers fearfulness and defenses, the conscious state is at peace and responsive to what is. Embrace the dark depressive state as a pause in your existence, a time of germination of need seeds of growth. Be patient my love.

Mantra for Today

There are masterful ways to live, and there are unskullful ways to live. It is never too late to practice the former. What does a master look like? One who sees the truth as opposed to mind made up versions of reality. How do I see truth? Stick to the facts, stick to what is evident, stay here and now. What is unskullful? Doubting one’s worth, worrying, and placing your power in the hands of others. Today, I will ask for what I need and accept. I will breath slowly and my here and now reality.

Mantra for Today

In one human life, there are moments of playful happiness and moments of deep dispare. Getting to a place of acceptance of this moment as it is requires training the mind. The mind says, Not this! Feelings follow and life feels unbearable. Grief, sorrow and deep dispare bring questions, is it even worth it? In these moments, just putting one foot in front of the other takes us forward. Great insights are born from grief, a depth of being takes us from shallow existence. Feel the feelings and train the mind to see things as they are. Today I trust.

Mantra for Today

When self worth is questioned there is a feeling of scarcity. No amount of personal wealth is sufficient enough to create security. We barter in our relationships and seek the bargain basement prices to meet our needs. There is never enough, we do not feel amptly resourced; so we rip ourselves off and take what we can get. The birds are fed by mother nature, the trees are watered from roots reaching deeply into earth’s well in a draught. There is ebb and flow with or without the fear of not enoughness. Today, I will have courage to look at my fears and look at the metaphors offering insights. I am enough, I have breath.

Mantra for Today

More than ever before, distraction are at epidemic proportions. For some of us the last thing we touch at night before we sleep and the first thing we touch in the morning is our phones. Multi-tasking is at critical levels and we scarcely notice how checked out of the present moment we are. Our lives are spent in with a myriad of superfilius incoming tid bits while life in real time is ing without notice. It’s time to reign it back in. It’s time to take back concentration, presence of being, and awareness. Today I will use my phone as a tool and not be under its power to distract me. Like the mind, it is a tool not my master.

Mantra for Today

Good morning. As this new day blinks open it’s sleepy eyes I am becoming aware of the rich possibilities before me to make choices that me. Every moment is bright with options. As I reflect on behaviors that have not ed me in my past I see they have been impulsive. I can learn to pause and respond, choosing what comes out of my mouth choosing what goes into my mouth. This will be my practice. I live today by clear intentions.

Mantra for Today

People are, at their core, good and loving. We are inherently social beings who need to belong. When the trauma of abandonment occurs in childhood, this natural state is covered up by a fear based personality. The painful past brings reaction qualities such as a tendency to control, material possessiveness, and obsessivness. There is hope. Today I will begin the journey home to my original self by reclaiming my sense of worth. Self care and ive friends are important contributions to ing my true nature.

Mantra for Today

We all have negative thoughts. It is somehow in our wirering. Back in the day we had to do what we could to survive. We had to make sure we didn’t get kicked out of the tribe, so we worried what other’s thought of us. Excommunication meant death. Oddly, centuries later we still have that propensity to worry. The trick is to develop a committed effort to over ride the fear response. Today I will bring my psyche up to date, I will practice turning within for my approval.

Mantra for Today

On the fourth of July people pull out the stops and celebrate. Fireworks are bought with abandon. Peaceful evenings are blasted with flashes of fire and booming explosion. To many this type of celebration is exciting and wonderful. To many others, including animals and some of those who’ve experienced war, the sky filled bang bomb and clap eruption is terrifying. It is like this with trauma. Fear replaces calm, a rewiring of the nervous system causes reaction. The goal is to see things as they are. Is this a real threat? Or is this person just making loud noises? Today I practice being a calming presence for myself and others no matter what environmentally I can not control. Becoming a solid source of innerly secure (sovereign) I resource myself in my safe place, my inner sanctuary.

Mantra for Today

When an animal is traumatized it reacts defensively. It is possible to misread it as aggressive and dangerous. Fear arises and we want to push it away and withhold our affection. If we are patient, and can see beyond the trauma reaction, the animal relaxes and begins to trust; there is sweetness there beneath the fear. It is like this with humans as well. At the core, there is a deep seated need for love in all beings.. Today I will see beyond another’s defensiveness based on their fear reaction and give my love. Love heals.

Mantra for Today

Good morning. As this new day blinks open it’s sleepy eyes I am becoming aware of the rich possibilities before me to make choices that me. Every moment is bright with options. As I reflect on behaviors that have not ed me in my past I see they have been impulsive. I can learn to pause and respond, choosing what comes out of my mouth choosing what goes into my mouth. This will be my practice. I live today by clear intentions.

Mantra for Today

Until we can forgive our mothers we will always harbor self rejection. There is a direct link between self sabotage and long held resentments of our mothers. They birthed us, we came from them, and even though we may have legitimate grievences against them until we set ourselves free of long held grudges we will forever be yoked to self hatred, felt inferiority manifested in behaviors that behoove us. Our mothers are humans and like us were mistreated, misunderstood and acting from the skill base their lives afforded them. Today I will list my grievences against my mother and one by one apply understanding and comion with the intention of liberation.

Mantra for Today

Author, Toko-Pa Turner, in her book, Belonging, states: (paraphrased) Ghosting someone is an act of indifference. Like making yourself a ghost in your own life; it counters belonging. As if you don’t believe you’ve made an impact, you become disassociated from the importance of your presence. Deeply rooted in the belief that other people (and yourself) are disposable. Until we take ability and hold others able; we can never take a seat at the table of belonging. Most of us prefer to avoid conflict. Research has shown that humans predict a far worse experience than what actually happens when a situation is directly addressed. Being able is about owning your part. Speaking truthfully without judgment and blame can lead to closer deeper relationships. Today I will do an internal inventory of who I am ghosting emotionally or physically and truthfully address what is blocking me from speaking my truth.

Mantra for Today

Our parents did the best they could with what they knew; and their parenting had an affect on us. According to attachment theories, the consistency of attention or lack thereof leaves an impact that is felt throughout a lifetime. Guilt and shame may be felt like a stain on our personhood like a facial tattoo. The good news is, it is never too late to have a happy childhood the trick is, to learn to parent yourself with loving kindness. Today, when I feel guilt and shame, I will ask myself is it true? What alternate explanations might be truer. I love myself and take care of my inner world.

Mantra for Today

It is easy to place responsibility on others when you are triggered. In the past, someone acted in ways that left you feeling abandoned. You were less resourced to understand all the dynamics of the situation so made it mean there was something wrong with you personally. It is possible to cloud the present with the past and collapse a new person in your life with the one you believe harmed you. Be able for the experience dear one, it is unfair to place a template of the past onto someone in your life who may very well be trying to help you. Everything is an opportunity for healing. Remind yourself of your resilience and wisdom gained from life’s challenges. Everything is conspiring for your highest good.

Mantra for Today

One needs to be in a place of readiness in order to receive the goodness offered. The greatest intentions to help another person may be fruitless efforts if the one in need has obstacles in the way. It may be constructs of not deserving, suspicions of motive, the egos refusal to appear needy, or fear that there’s a catch. Whatever the obstruction, the timing of the offer to ease the load may be off. The practice of non attachment offers ease around giving and receiving. I trust everything happens for our growth into higher consciousness, including the struggles. I will not take it personal.

Mantra for Today

Spiritual guidance is not religion. It is directions for living a good life. Actions that serve the highest good for all involved. The practice of Buddhism is a journey of self realization. Those devoted to this practice are encouraged to engage in community service as a transformation practice. I was raised a Mennonite, and as a core value, service, is the means to higher spiritual calling without personal recognition. Mahatma Gandhi said, Service to Man is Service to God. “It is an inside out approach to living”. In conversation with my dear friend and yoga instructor, Michele Ford, I learned the Hindu concept of Seva which is taught in the book, The Bhagavad Gita. Here, service without consideration of anything in return, at the right place and time to one that is qualified, with the feeling that it is one’s duty, is regarded as the nature of goodness.” These spiritual practices do not align with North American values of reciprocity. Work is a means to an end, monetary currency, with which freedom is bought. The spiritual approach to freedom is through inner transformation. Overcoming separation and participating in the collective benefiting all through service.

Mantra for Today

When stress reaches a level of overwhelm, it is natural to want to wipe the slate clean. Life’s challenges offer opportunities to become hardy, non reactive and resilient. When we throw in the towel, our brains become wired to desire quitting rather than digging deeper for that gold, the elder wise ones call tolerance. Today I will ease the pressure with one change, the rest I will take pause and sit with asking, what resources do I need for my journey towards sagehood?

Mantra for Today

I am so grateful to be given the privileged to walk in harmony and balance in my life today. I start my day with the promise to be mindful, present in each moment, framing each thought with truth. Today I will see myself and my life in a good light. I welcome my helpers by saying yes to my highest good.

Mantra for Today

I am responsible for my own life; what I think, what I do has an effect on my experience. Today I will choose the thoughts and actions that bring me experiences that uphold my values and move me in the direction of my highest vision for myself.

Mantra for Today

My life’s circumstances are perfect inspiration for my growth. Feelings are signals for me they help me identify where I need to make changes. I trust in this guidance and that I will receive the help I need. Today I will be willing.

Mantra for Today

I will keep myself safe from harmful thoughts and actions by bringing my attention back to my breath. Breathing in, I am Grateful breathing out I let go. I choose how I experience my life.

Mantra for Today

I forgive myself for my human foibles. I do my best, and some days my best, based on external and internal influences, varies. I am a spiritual being in human form. I love my life!

Mantra for Today

I am the author and director of my own movie; today I will choose the thoughts and actions that my vision of a day lived well. At the end of the day, I will ask myself: did I serve myself and others? Was I present spiritually in loving kindness? Did I forgive myself and others for big and little foibles? Each day I am born to create.

Mantra for Today

It is grace that has brought me to where and who I am. Today I will make every step a prayer and every word, a word of love.

Mantra for Today

This moment I realize is the only point of influence I have on my life. Each moment is a newborn baby; how I care for it, will influence what it becomes.

Mantra for Today

I accept reality even if painful. I trust in my life; I will receive the guidance I need. I have serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. I am not alone.

Mantra for Today

Even though and especially when I am experiencing challenging emotions, I will practice selfcare. Today I ask myself, what do you need sweetheart? And Lovingly attend to what needs my attention.

Mantra for Today

I express gratitude for every aspect of life; the good, the “bad”, and the ugly. Gratitude is my superpower, the charger of my battery. My lifeforce. When I am grateful, I direct my com in new directions. Everything is assisting me!

Mantra for Today

My energy is like a radio dial; if not tuned in properly, I get static and only partial reception. I clear my channel by rising the frequency. I connect positively in thoughts, words and actions.

Mantra for Today

I forgive myself and others. We are all works in process. Whatever feeling come up, I use as sign posts of something that has risen for healing. I am able.

Mantra for Today

I see myself as big sister to my inner little sister. I tenderly understand and lovingly watch her sculpt her way; she is adorable.

Mantra for Today

I practice feeling my emotions without looking for reasons. Just noticing, where in my body is this emotion, breath in and out and offer self-comion. The story my mind makes up brings drama, drama distracts me from clear seeing. I choose peace.

Mantra for Today

I gift myself space when I slow down, stay present, and focus on right now, and smile.

Mantra for Today

I let love in, I let love flow from me. I notice all resistance is fear, and I ask, “is there a real threat or am I imaging things based on my past. Freedom from fear allows love to sustain, surround and me. I let love in.

Mantra for Today

Imagine what I would feel like if like magic, I released all resentments permanently. Breathing in, I accept, breathing out, I let go.

Mantra for Today

As I become solid in myself, I become more discerning. I notice old patterns of needing people’s approval and with that, I put myself in a “come here go away” dynamic. I affirm myself. I choose inner peace. I let drama by me.

Mantra for Today

The past is over. I adjust my lens to see clearly who I am now. I discharge my reactions based on past hurts, and welcome the newness of today. I welcome this challenge to see myself new, changed and more resourced. I forgive my past and embrace a new day.

Mantra for Today

Resentment is like pouring a glass of poison for another person and drinking it myself. Today I will check in with myself and notice if I harbor resentment and move toward letting it go. People are imperfect. When I own my part in the relationship, I empower myself to be free.

Mantra for Today

I am not my perceptions. My perceptions inform me of the movie reel that runs automatically in my mind. Today, I will choose to see things from a variety of different possibilities, and attempt to see the truth.

Mantra for Today

When situations become tense with another person, I practice breathing in to the count of 7, hold it, and breath out to the count of 8. I do this 3 times. I imagine my mind becoming like a still pond. Then I respond rather than react. It does me no good to become twisted in my mind, turning the story over and over. I do what I can, and accept what I have no control over, that is other people. I choose to be peace.

Mantra for Today

I wake up today to new possibilities. Everything on my path, even the upsetting experiences, are catalysts for my highest good. I can use the unhappy times as learning opportunities. My helpers come in many forms.

Mantra for Today

I am in choice. When I keep my focus on this present moment, I see the results of my moment to moment choices. I accept my present reality and also choose now what I want my future to look like by making choices that lead to that reality. I am willing to change.

Mantra for Today

No plant grows where first there was no seed. In me are seeds of peace and seeds of problems, which ever I water with produce either a healthy plant or weeds. As I train my mind, I tend the garden of my dreams. Weeding out thoughts that choke out my joy.

Mantra for Today

As a human I have feelings, some comfortable, some uncomfortable. I will give both my attention. They point me towards truth. I don’t judge them as good or bad, I just feel them with self-comion and awareness.

Mantra for Today

I begin my week with intention, what I think about I get more of, so I choose thoughts and words that affirm myself and others. I am the creator of the quality of my life. I affect the way other people feel about themselves. I am consciously choosing to affirm myself and others.

Mantra for Today

Beginning today I will feel emotions without judgment or story. Noticing emotions honors them as teachers. I see where there are blocks and I lovingly release the past. I am not my past, I create consciously by being present and noticing.

Mantra for Today

My mind is like an annoying roommate, nitpicking, critical and constantly judging me. Today I will recognize that my mind and I are not one, today I will challenge my mind by asking, is it true? What else is true? And offer myself and comion.

Mantra for Today

Mistakes are expected, inspected, accepted, and corrected. My motto is “correct and continue”. There is no need to create an identity for myself based on my mistakes, I learn and forgive myself.

Mantra for Today

Mother’s Day

Regardless how traumatic childhood events were and how much grief endured; possibilities for joy and contentment exist. Everything in life offers gifts. The greater the pain, the greater the opportunity to stand powerfully resourced. As mother’s day approaches tap into the divine mother earth, and the inner mother of survival. You are here, you are loved, you are worthy, you are cherished. Celebrate your birth, celebrate the mother of all life eternally giving what is needed. Today, I know I am well mothered.

Mantra for Today

The earth we live on, is our school. It is not surprising that I feel constantly offered opportunity to learn. Like any successful student, when I stop complaining, stop comparing myself to others, stop blaming my teachers, I mature, I learn, I grow and it all becomes easier. To be an A student in life is to accept that at times it is hard, but not impossible. Eventually I “get it”.

Mantra for Today

I freely accept the generosity of the universe. Gifts are signals that I am loved. Words of kindness and compliments are messages from others of their experience of my divinity. I openly receive all the good that flows towards me, there is abundance. I notice my scarcity mentality when I act as though I don’t deserve, or can’t afford to accept the loving gestures and generosity of others. I open myself to expand where I am constricted.

Mantra for Today

As I reflect on my actions of the past, I see what in particular brings me suffering. When my mind offers me an idea, that something or someone is a threat to me, and I react defensively I create drama. Drama creates problems and problems are exhausting. I am aware that these patterns are all I know, they are automatic. I have not accepted people’s suggestions to do things differently because I am uncomfortable with the unknown (uncertain) future. Today I wise up. I choose to surrender my mind’s ideas and am willing to do something different and see what wants to happen.

Mantra for Today

The path of relationship is a wonderful journey towards self knowing. At times it is like a mine field of unintegrated emotional. When I become triggered, I realize an opportunity to discharge another belief I have unconsciously held about myself and others. These beliefs were developed when my cognition was undeveloped. Now that I understand things more broadly, I can shift those beliefs and be less reactive with fear, anger or grief. I am beginning to change. To be free. To be enlightened.

Mantra for Today

I am not the child my family of origin saw me as. I have grown, learned, changed, any triggers felt are opportunities to realign myself with present moment awareness. I am the author of my ever evolving autobiography, rooted in the ground of newness.

Mantra for Today

Busy mind suggests that now is less important than then. When driven to get somewhere in the future I miss the precious gift of what is right in front of me. Today, I will not hurry, I will slow down, even stop and be fully present with life with other people and experience the deep value in each moment. The future never comes there are series of present moments strung together like pearls.

Mantra for Today

I am a constantly changing being. Each of my life’s experiences, especially the painful ones, have helped me grow. I forgive myself and others, thereby letting go of the pain and harvest the lessons. Sort the valuable from the worthless. As I pause to notice my maturing, I acknowledge possibilities. With willingness, vs willfulness I am open.

Mantra for Today

Words are powerful. I choose words carefully, especially words that describe who I am. My body, mind and soul are ed and respond positively to loving and encouraging words. As I become more conscious I re language my thoughts and speech to direct my life in affirming ways. My system responds to the words I use.

Mantra for Today

I belong to the church of what wants to happen. Being easy going and flexible allows life to unfold stress free. The idea that I can control the moment to moment events of my life is an illusion. My mantra today is, this or something better, I participate in what is.

Mantra for Today

I am learning to be aware of when I am triggered. I realize that my reaction, whether it be anger, fear or sadness, is pointing to the fact that an emotion from long ago is still alive in me. The situation that is triggering me today is an opportunity to discharge that long held fear, anger, or sadness which settled into my system at a time when I couldn’t understand things as well as I do now. The current situation is an opportunity to apply new perspectives which inspire me rather than cause reactions. This discharges the long held emotion, and I am less burdened, more liberated.

Mantra for Today

When I reflect on my interactions with others, I see my imperfections. I am a work in process; with self-comion and self-forgiveness, I am humbly able. I make amends and move forward. I am perfectly imperfect.

Mantra for Today

When I think of all the ways I use being nice in order to avoid conflict, I see how I become weaker inside. Today I will deliver my truth with transparency, I am not responsible for other people’s reaction. When I speak my truth, others also have opportunity to interact authentically.

Mantra for Today

My body is my companion on this life journey. What I feed it matters. How I move matters. Everything I choose for it makes my life either easier or harder. I will be a fun travel buddy for my body by consciously choosing ease and grace.

Mantra for Today

Everyone wants to be loved unconditionally. When I am in a difficult situation with another person, I feel comion and see they are suffering. I don’t get caught up in their problem, I hold space and give space without getting entangled emotionally. I offer my love by staying centered and at peace. Breathing in I am filled, breathing out I let go. I forgive myself for wanting to solve another’s suffering, that is there for their growth. If they attack me, out of unconsciousness, I take space and care for myself with unconditional love.

Mantra for Today

I notice when I try to control things I become tightly wound up inside. I will practice shifting demands into preferences and allow more possibilities. “I prefer…” Instead of, “I demand, require, expect and if I don’t get it that way I will have a melt-down”. I transform my experience when I shift demands into preferences and trust that what happens will be in the highest good for all involved.

Mantra for Today

Acceptance and Change. I accept who I am. I see myself from the neutral place of the Observer, (without judgment). I see how I have been shaped by my experiences, the good, the bad and the ugly. As I notice, I see the qualities in myself that are precious. I also realize certain ways of being that create negative results in my life and relationships. Through acceptance of myself, warts and all, and self-acknowledgment of my gifts. I can begin to change my habits and thoughts more in alignment with my higher good. I accept myself and also choose to change.

Mantra for Today

Be a yes person to life today. Let the supply of good flow towards you. Resist nothing, allow even the struggle to teach you what you need to learn so that you can be as free as you are meant to be.

Mantra for Today

Today I will turn my words and thoughts to express gratitude. Where there is disappointment, I will see beneath the blessings in disguise. Where there is complaint, I will see the reality of perfection in everything. Where discontentment, I will choose present moment acceptance. All are expressions of gratitude. Today I will give Thanks.

Mantra for Today

My life is evidence of a miracle. The very reality of my existence is awe inspiring. It is up to me how I live this life. By leaving the past and being in the present I make moment to moment adjustments which possibilities in my future. Today I will practice presence, starting with conscious breath. I love my life.

Mantra for Today

I will see my life and relationships through beginners mind. That means I don’t have expectations nor already know what it will be like. I return again and again to my source of love, and from this safe place I can freely be in new ways. I love my life!

Mantra for Today

I myself and improve my experiences when I choose affirming words to define myself and others. Life says “yes” to whatever word I use. If I say, my family loves and s me, life says, yes! If I say, I’m not valuable to them, life says, yes! There are a multitude of possible ways of seeing any situation. Today I focus on the view and use words that expand my heart and open my mind to more possibilities.

Mantra for Today

When I take a sober look at my thinking followed by behavior, it’s like a light shines brightly on self-created suffering. I suddenly see the error and the solution. The thread is easily followed from the effect to the cause. I can change my thinking error and walk differently. I forgive myself.

Mantra for Today

Criticism doesn’t inspire, punishment doesn’t correct. Today I commit to words and responses, towards myself and others, that come from a place of comion and love. I turn critic into coach.

Mantra for Today

The past is over, learn from it. The future is in the imagination. It will unfold naturally according to the focus and attention given to the one point and time I have the power to influence, and that time is now, in each moment that I am present. Wasting energy on dwelling on the past or future tripping only causes me grief and worry. Today I treat myself to mental health by practicing mindful presence. Is there anything right now that requires my decision? My attention? My commitment? I will focus on that with confidence.

Mantra for Today

My spirit is lifted up when I the generosity of my ancestors who have carved the path before me, behind me. Today I give generously to others as a ceremony signifying the flow of everything. Being fearful in scarcity mentality cinches off the circulation of abundance. I trust in giving and receiving. Today I acknowledge I am blessed.

Mantra for Today

The people in my life are mirrors for me. When the reflection is offered with kindness and genuine , I can manage easy acceptance and change. When it is offered through anger and criticism, I see more a projection of their unresolved emotional charges. It is less helpful in the form of criticism. Today I practice discernment. I am a worthy being of loving kindness. I will make every word a word of love.

Mantra for Today

“Should I stay or should I go now”? When I am of 2 minds, I create instability and mental chaos. Training my mind to be present in each moment guides me to participate with commitment and willingness. If I show up fully, I contribute in ways that createsecurity and self-confidence. Today, no matter how hard, I choose to stay on course.

Mantra for Today

There is a surface identity that is my outer appearance. If I place my measurement of worth on other’s evaluation of this small aspect of me, I become a slave to an unstable variable of opinions. My true nature, the core of me, is where my beauty only grows greater. Today I begin disidentifying with the shallow shell of appearance, and deeply express my true self through my values and loving kindness. I have worth beyond all appearance.

Mantra for Today

I acknowledge that when my mind offers me fearful thoughts, it is not necessarily true. When I push past fear, I build confidence. I am the master of my mind, not the other way around.

Mantra for Today

I release the need to control people and situations. There is a freedom felt when I see everything, that is out of my control, as perfect. I exchange control for ease and grace. Grace brings radical acceptance and letting go of struggle for control brings ease.

Mantra for Today

Life never seizes to offer opportunities to grow. When I step out of my “already know” or “I’m right” stance, and step into curiosity and especially my intentions for the relationship, I loosen up relax and listen with an open mind and open heart. I may not always agree, I may choose to act based on different values than another, yet still respectfully remain in unconditional love.

Mantra for Today

Friendships offer wonderful stages to dance with various ways of interaction. When they are healthy, meaning both people are healthy, they are affirming and energizing. When one or both people are imbalanced, they are challenging and draining. When this is felt early on, it is wake up call… You don’t have to suffer this. Have courage, this one might bring you down. Don’t judge yourself for choosing relationships that inspire.

Mantra for Today

I am aware of the pressures imposed by expectations around the holidays. I choose to pause, breath, and center myself. The greatest gift I could give is my un-harried presence. I will practice speaking slower, breathing slow and deep, and fully drop in with myself and others. As they say in Hawaii, “no go hurry”. I see the genius in this.

Mantra for Today

I am the writer, director, and narrator, of my own movie titled: My Life. Sharing the stage are: the judge, the critic, the inner child, the shamer, the controller, the helper, etc. etc. The important thing to is, none of them are the lead. By consciously attending to their scripts, I create my masterpiece theater. Today’s episode is, A Life Lived With Ease.

Mantra for Today

I belong to the church of what wants to happen. Letting go of a need to control and instead dropping into what IS allows me to be spacious. Lowering expectations is a practice of acceptance. Even though I may have preferences different than what is presently happening; shifting towards what IS brings contentment.

Mantra for Today

“Guilding the leading edge of a new day, with the purity of its un-storied song”. Anything is possible in this un-storied day, I have little control but how I set forth my energy, choosing to say yes to something consciously is saying no to something else. What am I saying yes to? That is the question.

Mantra for Today

Routines balance. Holiday times encourage indulgence. As I weigh the cost and benefits, I realize maintaining my balance feels best. Enjoying the special treats available during the holiday while at the same time honoring my need for balance results in maximum enjoyment with no regrets. I choose consciously to enjoy an 80 /20 approach. 80% routine and 20% free fall. I am in balance.

Mantra for Today

We all need empathy and validation. When a relationship goes off the rails, NonViolent Communication is called for. This means listening with comion and understanding. When needs are unmet, people become imbalanced. Asking, “what do you need, how can I give that to you, while still having my own needs met? Begins the conversation towards getting back on track.

Mantra for Today

Albert Einstein stated, “No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it”. Relationships that address conflicts with “right or wrong” score sheets result in hurt and disconnection. Seeing the other with criticism and intolerance and blame results in disharmony, yet, harmony is the goal. When the relationship I have with myself is one of self -acceptance and self-empathy, I participate with others in ways that bring a better outcome. I can give the love I give myself.

Mantra for Today

Getting crystal clear on what matters to me helps me participate in ways that invites that in. Treating the people that matter to me with appreciation, patience and words of love draws them closer with unshielded authenticity. Owning my emotional reactions, I soften my words. The words I use are friendly and uplifting not judging or damaging. If I become triggered and know I am going to burst with sharp tongued attack, I excuse myself. That is my small self needing a time out. I promise to return the same day I reconnect and redirect us back on track.

Mantra for Today

The people in my life are fellow classmates in this earth school. Some, as the poem goes, are in my life for a reason. We come together for a brief, yet deeply impacting, time. When relationships end, I consider my contribution to all aspects of it, and humbly bow in gratitude for the journey and its end. I honor myself by harvesting wisdom and letting go with grace.

Mantra for Today

My life is my responsibility. There is no one to blame; blame disempowers. There is choice. Who I choose to partner with, I also choose their burden. Discernment is my best tool. I cannot save anyone, each is responsible for their own healing. I am most effective when I am unencumbered by stress. Balancing myself first is the cause of a balanced relationship.

Mantra for Today

As I breath deeply, I learn to sit in stillness with my fears. Patiently breathing, I get some space and the fear dissipates. I no longer carry fear in my body, I trust I am safe.

Mantra for Today

Last day of the year! Imaging all the amazing experiences of the year well lived, I become clear that who I am at my core is not going to change. I let go of constant assessment, I let go of criticism and I allow freedom. Letting go is inviting space. Today I still my mind and allow the clarity of true knowing to inform me. Life is precious and I am life.

New beginnings offer fresh inspiration to set the sights in my chosen direction. Yesterday is gone, I’ve let go of some of the attachments, today I continue to wiggle out of habits that aren’t helpful. My helpers are both spiritual and human. The direction of self -are requires I drop any harsh evaluation and adopt loving empathy. It all begins with clearing the mind of harmful thoughts and surrendering to the unknown path, the un-storied song, that awaits.

Mantra for Today

“When you are at peace with yourself, anyplace is home”. My kuliana, is to be a friend to myself, caring for my needs and making my dreams come true. As I learn to speak kindly, I transform the words from criticism to encouragement. Slowly I become native to my life and see, it is me that creates happiness and not external circumstances.

Mantra for Today

The greatest prayer is how I live my life. I play many parts on the stage of life, as an adult service is one of them, however, if I don’t have self-care as a priority, and if I put my own needs for ritual soul serving nature walks on the back burner, I fool myself into thinking serving others is the highest value. Balancing my service to myself by sculpting out time for exercise that soothes my soul and s my body with service to others raises my effectiveness and presence to a higher quality of sacred service.

Mantra for Today

My life is a dynamic story. What is happening right now, is changing as I speak. Today, I will have a conversation with my future me. I will encourage my current self with visions of my future self while at the same time honoring who I am now. Future self, you’ve lived a good life, you got through some extraordinary times, you’ve had losses and gains, way to keep growing!

Mantra for Today

Some days the body hurts, sleep is interrupted and I struggle to accept this reality. These are days to lower my expectations and to be gentle with myself. In every life experience there are gifts and opportunities. By dropping into what is I gentle my experience. This too shall .

Mantra for Today

I am blessed with eyes to see! What comes into focus depends on what I look at. I have a good brain, what I concentrate on becomes pivotal. Choosing what I place my attention on is choosing my experience. Am I going to dwell on the dust or look up and see the vast wonder? Am I going to see the puddle on the road or the ocean? Will I give central stage to the faults of another or their vast goodness? It’s all a choice.

Mantra for Today

My interaction today is to take back my power. Areas where I feel weak; whether it is in my personal self-management or response while with others, I will ground myself in the truth of my existence. I belong, I am worthy. My power is in knowing this and from this basic knowing I stand in love.

Mantra for Today

I have been graced with a body that has forgiven me, that has carried me and has endured and survived so much. Today I will be gracious in return to this beautiful body by listening to what it needs most. I forgive myself for overriding it’s requests for comion and kindness. Today I will still my mind and be present to my body’s highest good. I honor this life and renew my commitment to choosing to attend to what is called for now. This is not a sacrifice this is an offering.

Mantra for Today

Relationships offer constant opportunities to become the one we are capable of being. Relationship is the beloved container to bring what needs healing from the traumas of childhood. The trick is to hold space for the others healing while not becoming enmeshed. Today, I practice awareness regarding my triggers from childhood, I am able not to project my childhood wounds onto another. I identify what is mine and what is not mine. Harmony.

Mantra for Today

Today a word from The Handbook To Higher Consciousness: “I feel, with love and comion, the problems of others without getting caught up in the predicaments that are theirs for their growth”. Ken Keyes. Each individual is on their own path. When I try to impose my solutions on another person’s problems there may be resistance. Our problems are sign posts, they point us to what needs addressing in our lives. The first step is willingness.

Mantra for Today

Every cell in my being is listening. There is a vibrational frequency in every living being. The trees communicate with each other through a certain frequency. So, it is with my body. I raise the frequency through conscious truth talk. Negative self-talk are old tapes recorded based on fear. If there is no imminent danger right now, I choose to see life and myself as unfolding perfectly, in harmony with the divine vibration of good to very good, all good.

Mantra for Today

I’m as sick as my secrets. Truth is known in the body, locked in with a combination of traumatic incidents. Speaking my truth opens my heart, my joy, my treasure chest of gifts. Truth is the key to freedom. Today, I take risks in telling my truth, fear has no place in my freedom.

Mantra for Today

I’m as sick as my secrets. Truth is known in the body, locked in with a combination of traumatic incidents. Speaking my truth opens my heart, my joy, my treasure chest of gifts. Truth is the key to freedom. Today, I take risks in telling my truth. When fear keeps me mute, the risk of reaching for drugs, alcohol, food etc. In order to avoid feeling are greater. I choose freedom.

Mantra for Today

I create the life I want to live by having the courage to turn and face the stories I tell myself about myself, others and about what’s possible. It takes courage to realize the mind’s version of reality very well may only be a partial reality. By living based on half-truths, there is a high risk of error. If actions are based on false pretense, well it can be catastrophic! Today I get real.

Mantra for Today

The new T. V Series, Tidying Up, with Marie Kondo inspires living without clutter. The series is based on physical space but imagine opening the mental closet and piling all beliefs that no longer serve on the kitchen table! One by one asking does this belief bring me joy? If no, thank it for being part of your story and toss into the “let go” basket. Today I uncluttered my mind from joy robbing thoughts.

Mantra for Today

When I can laugh, I know I’ve crossed over the worst of it all. All the fumbles and bumbles of ego lead behaviors, so vehemently protected and defended as I feel around in the darkness self-centered and self-serving, wondering why my life is in shambles all comes to the clearing when the lights go on; maybe it’s not all about me and maybe it is all about me. These two truths sharing stage as I shift my course of right thinking, right acting. I choose to drop my defenses and take a suggestion.

Mantra for Today

Resentments retard my relationships. Making enemies, in my mind, with beloved friend’s or family’s behavior gives me a false sense of superiority asg myself as their judge. Quietly held seething feelings while at the same time going through the motions of the relationship is toxic. We are all works in progress; speaking my experience with self-ability invites change and growth. Today I speak my truth and let it go, this is freedom.

Mantra for Today

Perfectionism is a form of mental anguish. Whether it’s cleaning the shelf to the point of taking off the varnish, or eating so clean that a social gathering becomes a obsessive inquiry, or behavior and speech are rewound and analyzed to the point of distraction perfectionism is suffering. Today, I will allow “good enough”, and get on with living. It’s all just simple, good enough.

Mantra for Today

When an idea or belief of what something means is held so tightly, there is no space for other possible explanations. By exploring various possibilities, or better yet, seeking the truth through direct inquiry life becomes easier. Today I question long held views and choose peace.

Mantra for Today

My life is a temporary experience. While here I must learn many fundamental truths. I must navigate emotions and weed out certain thoughts in order to live life as Mary Oliver would say: as, “a bride married to amazement”. As for shame and guilt; I would ask to guilt, did I do something wrong? If yes, inspect it and correct it. If shame is felt it points to erroneous thinking and childhood conditioning, the practice of self-love and self-forgiveness is key. Shame has nothing to offer. Guilt is a sign correction is needed.

Mantra for Today

It doesn’t matter what people think of me, it doesn’t matter that I still have a few qualities, such as self-confidence, in my “work in process” pile. What matters is that love in me shines to serve another on the path we both travel. Today I focus on service, the confidence and approval may come.

Mantra for Today

In a world heavily populated by humans I am called to evolve into an able, emotionally mature full grown adult. Even though the big people in my childhood did not portray balanced, grounded or safe representation of adulthood. I can choose to use their examples of what not to be. I am an artistic masterpiece in my own right. I will find the grownups to model my life by. I am on a healing hero’s journey.

Mantra for Today

When I do something out of obligation in order to be a good person, I am deceiving myself and others. Generosity is a gift from the heart. When obligation is felt, there is an opportunity to explore shame based programming and see how resentment grows organically from service based on shame. Today I will practice being authentic. I will make my yes a true yes otherwise it is no.

Mantra for Today

There is a time for service to others and a time for self-care. Going to the inner well and drawing from source the life affirming and sustaining energy. Today stillness and gratitude; these are alchemy that transmutes stagnant energy into forward flowing love fuel.

Mantra for Today

When I see clearly what I am trying to create between myself and another person; when I truly get real about a desired end result, or a desired feeling I am trying to enjoy, I best be fully able for my contribution. If I practice listening to others with honest interest, an open heart and willingness, I see the “HOW” clearly.

Mantra for Today

The past does not hold me imprisoned. I forgive myself for reacting in ways that were unconscious. I ask others to forgive me and move forward in new more conscious ways. As long as I breath, possibilities are abundant for me to live with purpose. Today I am aware of who my people are. The one’s who see me here and now. The imaginary future will unfold in a one thing at a time occurrence. I am most effective when at peace. Today I will practice mindfulness.

Mantra for Today

As I continue to practice refining myself, I acknowledge my uniqueness, there is no one else exactly like me. I am learning and changing every day. When I encounter people who seem unrefined, instead of judging them, I see myself in them and trust with loving kindness they will grow and change too. I don’t have to validate behavior that I don’t enjoy but value the person behind the behavior. Today I will practice tolerance.

Mantra for Today

As long as I’m breathing, I have work to do. The car driving 20 MPH in front of me, “making” me late, is The Buddha. This experience is the clearest most accessible revaluation of where I need to work on myself. The litany of labels I assign to the driver, are labels I need to let go within, the diagnosis and judgments that freely flow from my lips, are criticisms I run in my own self attack. Today, I release aggression within myself and forgive the folly and foibles of others. Impatience is my teacher.

Mantra for Today

The best relationships, the kind that really function to bring true comfort and satisfaction, are based on mutual respect and self ability. If one person in the relationship is an untreated addict, or has unresolved mental health problems, the relationship becomes imbalanced and can only lead to struggle. If I am in that kind of relationship I need to redirect my outpouring of care giving towards myself. What message am I giving myself that puts me in that kind of dynamic? What do I believe I deserve? Everything is always futile ground for my growth. Today I create boundaries that serve to create healthy mutually rewarding connections with others; this is a practice of self care.

Mantra for Today

Yes, there are a lot of difficulties in life, there are emotional challenges; but when I hold my head up high when I put my shoulders back and I allow my spine to lengthen and greet people with an audible hello with eye ; everything in my world gets just a little bit better. This posture give myself and others the message that I am an example of hope. Today I will raise the energy by standing tall.

Mantra for Today

There is a natural flow that, when I surrender to, brings peace. I cannot control the wind, I cannot control the rain, I cannot control another person’s behavior. When I witness without desire (for anything other than what is) I am calm. I am not attached to my preferred ideas. Today I live in the calm place in myself that accepts what I cannot change. The sky is bright with stars and there is calm. The only thing to do is clean up the aftermath. Life is like this; emotions run high, time fills the open meadow of the day strewn with deadlines. When morning comes and clear thinking is back, what remains is the memory. Today I will that even though, when in a crisis, it feels like I am doomed, it will . Hunker down, pull my soft creature selves close for protection, and wait out the storm.

Mantra for Today

I read somewhere that happiness is an inside job; and yet the actions, choices and words of an intimate partner really influence the shared emotional space. It seems more true that steadiness and perspective, when practiced, regardless of another’s mental health or moods, is a more achievable goal. Today I choose to my health by choosing what inspires me and brings me joy even when it is my unique experience.

Mantra for Today

If I travel back in time long long ago, I see the women of society honored and revered for their contribution. I hear the council of women coaching the people, ing on their wisdom teachings. Somehow things took a turn and women became oppressed, subservient, silenced and seen as human vending machines. As a result, addiction, eating disorders, self-loathing replaced feminine purpose and place. Today I will listen carefully to the voice of the grandmothers. I will honor the gifts with gratitude of the women today and point her back to her innate wisdom.

Mantra for Today

The illusions of perfection are at the root of anxiety. Trying to look good can drive a person into reaching for a drug to avoid the inevitable discomfort of being human. The key to living a content life is to learn to laugh at and love the imperfect creature that we are. Today I will practice loving kindness where ever I see flaws and foibles; in other words, normal human beingness.

Mantra for Today

If my future self could inform my former self that my current self didn’t have to fear failure, and that there are many benefits to being imperfect, then I could live freely. Today, I will trust life, trust in my best, trust in my future. I will address fearful thoughts with the question: “what else might be truer”. Fear is: Fantasized Experiences Appearing Real. I live in trust.

Mantra for Today

At the core of being a fully grown adult is self ability. It is natural to transfer expectations of responsibility from mother and father to one’s partner. This however leads to disappointment and discouragement because no person can truly oversee the inner wellbeing of another person. By shifting the focus from “is my partner meeting my needs?”, to “am I transforming my triggers from the past into acceptance of what is?”, I become strong in my own place in the world. Partnership is unburdened by adult autonomy. Today I will be responsible for my triggers by identifying the feelings and soothing my inner child.

Mantra for Today

In today’s society, with public media bombarding with a vast amount of flashes stimulating desire; one can become dissatisfied. Dissatisfied in oneself dissatisfied in one’s partner constantly sizing up and comparing and somehow evaluated as falling short. The practice of wanting what is brings ease and grace. Today I will open my heart to what is and develop myself and my contentment.

Mantra for Today

I believe the meaning to life is to evolve. Early childhood experiences followed by many social and personal traumas leave reaction patterns, also called triggers. To practice self care while triggered, is taking responsibility for an emotional charge. Knowing there is no one (in the present) to blame for these feelings, brings on a practice of healing the past. Today I notice my triggers and breath and wait until they . Nothing good can come from dwelling on the past.

Mantra for Today

Fear is a natural human response to change. When I sit with the fear and say, “tell me your concerns”, and one by one address them with, “the truth is…” I see the shift from fear to anticipation. I am resourced no matter what the outcome, I can always take care of myself. I am creative.

Mantra for Today

Human being evolve through interactions. When a relationship is new, there is a euphoric feeling of confidence in self and the other; everything is going to be okay. A few months later, that chemical high dissipates and the real purpose begins. We are in each others lives to work with our unresolved emotional wounds. Transparency, owning our stuff, and boundaries create a map to healing and growth. Today I balance myself by having comion for the journey.

Mantra for Today

Feelings of annoyance or irritation and anger in a relationship is predictable; being self contained in those moments is rare. When thoughts and feelings are unleashed and projected at another the relationship is put into crisis. Today, I will acknowledge my thoughts and feelings and take care of myself bringing myself back to my center. When centered I can communicate change with a better outcome.

Mantra for Today

I am able to ensure that I participate in relationships that the highest good for all involved. When I allow negativity and blame to be expressed through me I create negativity in my relationship. Today I will take care of my inner world bring it to calm, and speaking from truth.

Mantra for Today

When things seem to be falling apart I am in a prime position to take stock. Maybe a fresh start is called for, maybe a return to the of agreement in a relationship or maybe a clean break. Whatever is naturally called for I must first take full ability for my part. Today I practice self comion and correct and continue.

Mantra for Today

When I resist addressing something, I know I’m getting close to a breakthrough. Resistance feels like knots in my being; there is a repulsion and an urge to put the onus on something outside of me. When I address whatever I resist with a calm clear and conscious mindset I am empowered to transform a trauma into a new confidence within me. Today I will edge closer to that which I tend to resist.

Mantra for Today

All life is temporary, when somebody we care about leave their body it comes as a shock, we aren’t ready for this. The grief comes in waves, there are moments of understanding and then comes the disbelief and shock again. There’s nothing anyone can do but to go through it. There is such a thing as good grief, feeling your feelings embracing other people around you and cherishing this amazing temporary experience of life. The one who has ed is now on the Spirit Trail still with us in spirit form. The best we can do is honor them by grieving well. Today I will allow myself to both grieve a loss and celebrate the experience of life. Today, I will live in a good way.

Mantra for Today

When a child experiences a trauma or begins using drugs or alcohol, their mental maturity becomes stuck at that specific stage of development, especially related to the trauma that made picking up and using seem like the answer. As a fully grown adult I am aware of my child brain, and child like reaction. Today when child brain reacts, I pause and explore where this began. The goal is to integrate the emotional experience and bring my development up to date.

Mantra for Today

My natural state of being is present, content, in joy and feeling affirmed. Worrisome thoughts bid for my attention taking me into a space quite unnatural. Today I will bring myself into the present moment attending to the here and now; now is always the time to focus on.

Mantra for Today

Overcoming childhood trauma can feel worse before it gets better. The questions: “What’s the point? Why am I here? Does my life matter? Bring sadness and loneliness. This is a time to trust. To be in the present moment with the sadness and focus on something simple and beautiful, like a flower or the many shades of color. Today I will care for myself by making this moment my safe place where I belong.

Mantra for Today

I love aging. I am happier than I have ever been. People from the opposite sex don’t pay attention to me, people of the same sex aren’t competing with me. Lookism doesn’t faze me. From now on, I am my attitude, my perspectives and my perceptions. I know I can’t control many things and I know I have choices. I have lived through many losses and births and am defined by what this has taught me. Today, I celebrate being alive; and everything this offers.

Mantra for Today

Where there is life, there is hope. Each day is an opportunity to expand into a fuller freer existence. Putting down the causes of suffering; the ideas and stories about self and other which are limiting, the substances that numb, the language that defends, the behaviors that are reactive. Today, this new day, I choose a new direction, and confront patterns and beliefs that have me stuck.

Mantra for Today

When a younger part of myself felt unwanted or unworthy my best thinking reached for something to sooth the pain. Now is different, I know my value, yet, that part, that is outdated, still reaches. Today I will bring myself to current reality by listening to my child self and assure that part that old solutions don’t serve anymore. I am willing to heal all of me, I choose a clean clear existence now.

Mantra for Today

It is sobering to realize that no one external to myself is able to make it all okay. Becoming a full grown adult means replacing magical thinking that mom or dad or boyfriend / husband / girlfriend or wife is responsible to take care of my every need. The good news is the one I can count on never leaves my side and is always available, my higher self. Today I will build a healthy loving relationship with myself.

Mantra for Today

If I ever doubt that I can change all I need to do is look at who I was 20 years ago. As a student of the Earth School I am constantly studying and learning from my errors. As I humbly take full ability for my past I am in the perfect position to create my future. Today I will invest in creating behaviors that I will be proud of a year from now.

Mantra for Today

Relationships are built on trust, Trust is built when agreements are kept. Sometimes situations prevent the possibility of keeping agreements. New agreements allow trust to remain the firm foundation. Today I will keep my word and when that cannot be, I will renegotiate agreements, no drama, just good communication.

Mantra for Today

There are situations that are out of my control. Wishing things were different than they are is futile and brings frustration. Today, I will practice self care remain balanced by taking care of my body, mind, and soul. This may not change uncomfortable circumstances, but it s me in living with them.

Mantra for Today

People judge when fear takes hold of them. Seeing difference feels like a threat. Bigotry breeds violence. Being a target of violent attack can shake the inner foundation of security. In the face of judgment attitude trumps circumstance. Today I will see judgment as an opportunity to strengthen my relationship with myself.

Mantra for Today

When emotions hold me down it helps to see what is blocking the light. False beliefs about myself, negative self talk, worries about what other people think, fear of letting others down, and obligations based on all of the above keep me from being my authentic self. Today I give myself permission to say, “no, yes, or I’ll get back to you” I will not do things out of guilt. No one can guilt me, that is my inner critic.

Mantra for Today

When pure health is invaded by a cold or a flu, it’s like our healthy energetic happy engaged self is locked away. Aches, loud hacking and coughing take up our otherwise peaceful space and we aren’t inclined to socialize, nor is it good for anyone that we do. Today, I will lovingly retreat to the sick room and listen to my body. I must trust in a return to health.

Mantra for Today

Challenges come from within and from others. I can only take responsibility for my part. Today I choose how I participate based on my word, my values, and my skills. When I’m clear about what I want most, I can see clearer when to be silent when invited to spar, when to speak when my commitment must be audible. And once I’ve spoken, silence speaks for me.

Mantra for Today

I release in places where I previously held. I release resentments, I release jealousy, I release insecurity, I release fear. Today I accept myself even the negative qualities. I see clearly and make space. Today I will live as though this were my last day. Would I waste a minute of it.

Mantra for Today

The purpose of my life is to live it as awake to reality as is possible. Realizing that as a divine being in human form I will bear all. I will have struggles the trick is to see I create them and I can navigate them. I will have great joy, the trick is not to sabotage the experience with doubts and fears. Today I will practice being awake to reality and choose.

Mantra for Today

Life has taught me to hold loosely to my plans for my day. Structure is great but when a friend in need makes a request, which will have a ripple effect on the days plans, I notice a tightening, this could turn into anxiety and resentment. Today I let go of what I think I must do, and let flow take me confidently in new directions.

Mantra for Today

As I realize how much frustration I have been holding in my body, I become aware of my need to shift my priorities. Doing the same thing and expecting different results has unveiled an error in my approach. Today I will turn my attention inward, I will notice my feelings and practice self comion. Just giving feelings my attention is doing something different.

Mantra for Today

Being in an intimate relationship means embarking on a journey back to that first relationship between mother and child. When we are not aware that we have latent unmet dependency needs, we attack and try to control our partner because we have been so disappointed and frustrated in that primary relationship. When we are aware, we can consciously see what expectations we are putting on our partner to make us feel secure. Ironically when our partner is coerced to meet our needs they withdraw security. Today I will attempt to feel secure by nurturing kindness and forgiveness within myself and to my partner.

Mantra for Today

No matter how long an addiction has been practiced to sooth a need, where there is life, there is hope for liberation. Being addicted is like being a slave to a demanding master. Financial resources and time and activities and mental focus are all directed towards the demands of the master. Just to know liberation is possible is the key to unlock the cell. The first step is willingness, then helpers rush in to assist in the mission. Today I will be in the possibility.

Mantra for Today

Life has challenges. My mission statement is to to practice acceptance, courage and wisdom. To have the courage to have the difficult conversation speaking my truth, asking for change. And if change isn’t possible, accepting what is. And harvesting wisdom by noticing my reactions when things don’t go my way. Today I cultivate self acceptance while at the same time change.

Mantra for Today

I am growing into who I was designed to be. I’ve made sacrifices, I’ve experimented, and now it is time to walk authentically in my life. I will speak my truth.

Mantra for Today

When I see my life from the position of the witness, I have a vantage point to adopt acceptance. Resistance to what I feel only creates suppressed (stuffed) emotions. That only adds to my pain body. By accepting all feelings, not acting on them just accepting them, I become calm. Accepting myself completely leads to acceptance of others as they are.

Mantra for Today

To be in a healthy relationship it is important to distinguish between willingness and willfulness. When one partner makes a suggestion, willingness has a tone of cheerfulness and the response of, “sure, I can do that”. Willfulness has a tone of resistance with an answer of reasons and excuses. Willfulness begins a crack in the foundation of friendliness. Today I will be open to participate in my relationship willingly.

Mantra for Today

If I keep bringing up the past, it’ll never be the past, we all have regrettable moments, times we are not proud of. Self loathing is like repeatedly punishing ourselves and giving ourselves no possibility for a clean start. Today I will make the next moment better by acknowledging the hurt I feel and forgiving myself in order to move forward.

Mantra for Today

Each moment in nature reminds me of being in the present moment, grounded. This is a moment of pure blessings. Mother nature holds me in her beautiful embrace. From this place I am open to clear seeing. Love heals all.

Mantra for Today

Learning personal ability is choosing freedom. There is no pleasure from giving into the urge to blame, the emotional outburst only becomes worse once unleashed. Trust is broken and the relationship is damaged. Today I will feel my feelings without asg blame; this is not easy but the outcome of peace and freedom is worth the practice.

Mantra for Today

Even though relationships involve dynamics between people, I still contribute to my own peace and happiness by managing my internal reactions. I did not cause the other’s patterns, I can not control nor cure anyone other than myself. Today I practice strategies to maintain my inner state of wise mind.

Mantra for Today

When a hurtful event happened in childhood I wasn’t able to respond to it so I stuffed it. Now when somebody in my environment does something similar I’m triggered. Unconsciously I project my initial reaction on to the current person it’s not that they are not behaving similar to the original offender, but they are not the original offender. Today I will feel my feelings and see if I can discharge that energy that was installed a long long time ago by pausing and not reacting to the current situation, this is using rational mind.

Mantra for Today

When things fall apart and I notice I am trying desperately to keep it all together I need to pause and pay attention. Maybe power greater than myself is trying to reach me. Maybe my old patterns, my previous coping strategies are no longer working. Today, when the urge to find relief from an external source arises, I will turn inward. My inner guidance calls for stillness in the chaos. As they say in Hawaii, try wait. I am human.

Mantra for Today

It is important to identify which thoughts are helpful and which do not serve me. I can’t exactly get rid of negative thoughts and feelings but, I can challenge them by asking, “is this true”? Today I will invite thoughts that my happiness and acknowledge I also have negativity.

Mantra for Today

What does it mean to be taken advantage of? It is to allow another to take advantage of the generosity offered. And allow someone to serve and you in the way they feel willing to. Receive the love, open up to the flow of unrestricted goodness that is directed towards you. Today, I will remind myself, I am worthy, I can take advantage, in a good way, of everything that is available to me.

Mantra for Today

When I allow myself to be still, I experience space. The constricted feelings loosens, there is an expansion where before there was choking fears, pressures, worries and committed grievances. As I sit I find my way back to my inner home. Here I easily see choices. Whatever causes tightness can be let go. Whatever brings light can be enjoyed, embraced, brought closer as I practice stillness.

Mantra for Today

Being human involves receiving instruction from sources intimately personal to each individual. Sources such as the body, mind, and intuition. When out of balance with self, mind becomes an unreliable source, body is ignored and intuition inaccessible. When in balance, the mind is in its rightful place, as a tool for thinking and planning. The mind can not be a trusted master. It may offer, “you are broken, messed up and hopeless”. Today I will find my balance by feeding my system inspirational guidance. I will listen to my higher self (intuition) and do the next right thing for my life.

Mantra for Today

Albert Einstein said, “We can’t solve problems with the same thinking that caused them”. When somebody important to me suddenly stopped speaking to me, 6 months ago, and appeared again yesterday as if noting happened, i had to resist the urge to confront, I wanted them to know how hurtful that was, and demand answers, explanations and an apology (and in my fantasy hear some empathy of what that must have been like for me) . Instead, I choose to be who I am when not hurt. Confident, loving, curious. Living without expectations and agendas isn’t easy, but it does have better results. Today I will honor my feelings and once the other person is ready, will be willing and open for clarity. People are complicated, understanding the layers of reactions take stability and wisdom.

Mantra for Today

There are so many self improvement approaches offered moment by moment: gym hips, yoga classes, college degrees, dating sites, beauty salons etc. etc. etc. There is merit in self care to be sure, but, the one key to a life of contentment is this: acceptance. Instead of never achievable perfection, practice accepting self and other and circumstances, “as is” . From the foundation of acceptance, change happens with a sense of peace.

Mantra for Today

Yesterday, I was given an opportunity to care for an abandoned, premature, hours old kitten. With optimism, everything was done to improve the chances that this wee life would thrive. There are forces beyond human control that dictate life and death. Today, I bask in the privilege of all interactions, even those that end in grief. Every opportunity is a gift of engagement. Every exchange a teacher.

Mantra for Today

A basic Buddhist teaching is to take refuge in the Buddha, the Sangha, and the Dharma. The Dalai Lama added, “and when that doesn’t work, I take refuge in my good intentions”. What would my life be like if I let go of doubt? If I embraced my humanity, letting go of an idea of who I should be. Being who I am, with my fumbling attempts, with my errors, with this body, all of it with radical acceptance. Today I practice unconditional friendship with my life and most important to trust my good intentions.

Mantra for Today

I am experienced differently by different people. As a parent, I am known through the lens of my child. As a professional through the lens of those I serve. As a friend, a partner, a customer, different. So who am I really? All of and none of the roles. From the observation stand point the many characters on life’s stage are beautiful and dynamic. Today I watch myself without judgment and smile.

Mantra for Today

Human being have incredibly sensitive emotional circuit boards. Interacting with others can be triggering. If the response to the triggers later, the exact cause is forgotten, and the friendship is given another chance. Time cures. Relationships deserve truth, honesty and communication. Today I will be aware of triggers and address them at least to myself, and hopefully directly with the other person. Freedom is the reward.

Mantra for Today

I was the bridegroom, taking the world into my arms.” in her reflection of life on earth. As I listen to the people I am blessed to have in my life tell their stories, I am amazed at their resilience and courage to use every experience to take the world of hurts into their arms and make it sacred. Nothing was wasted, each moment no matter how painful was part of the fabric of their becoming who they are meant to be. Today, I will be the bride married to amazement, honored by stories.

Mantra for Today

An untamed mind is a force to recon with. It is confused, bringing with it feelings like an unhandled pressured hose. This AND that, 2 minds (or more) colliding with opposing thoughts all at the same time. Decisions made that have colossal effects on others, then, doubt re-enters and the roller coaster ride starts again. Today I will commit to practicing mindfulness and doing my inner work; my life, and those around me, deserve peace.

Mantra for Today

This day, I am faced with a blank canvas. Yesterday, and time in memorial is behind me. All my stories of who I am, all my fixed ideas of my family and how they see me, all the hurt, past. Before me now is possibility. Like an artist with a palette of fresh paint, how I choose to be in my life will design my creation. Today, I will affirm my life with ive self-talk, assume nothing, stay curious and respond with loving kindness.

Mantra for Today

Uncomfortable feeling point to long held assumptions that are believed to be true. Feeling unsafe points to an expectation that someone or something outside of myself is responsible for my security. This may have been true when I was a child but now my security is my responsibility. I am safe through my choices. I feel according to my perceptions. Am I collapsing my past experiences of betrayal onto current relationships? Am I assuming the people in my life will hurt me like those people in the past did? Today, I will see with beginner’s eyes. See new situations without casting the shadows of past hurts upon them.

Mantra for Today

Easter represents letting go of what is over and rising to living renewed. Easter is celebrated after spring equinox and after the first full moon. Originally, Easter, named after an English goddess, was a ceremony of celebration to invite and acknowledge newness, spring, light, change. The Christians collapsed the resurrection of Jesus with the spring ceremony. Jesus life represents forgiveness, open hearted loving kindness. Today, I will dwell in Christ consciousness. My life is sacred, forgiving myself and others, I am renewed.

Mantra for Today

Facing one’s humanity can be sobering. When it is no longer possible to deny imperfection, when the stark naked truth of a patterned behavior has been revealed as recklessness; whether as driving over the speed limit, texting while driving, the lack of conscious care in relationships with others, or laziness with details, it can be hard to face. Shame and guilt won’t help, although a natural reaction. Self comion and mindfulness will help. Today I will become more committed to doing my best. I will address my reckless behavior and make amends to those my behavior has effected.

Mantra for Today

By addressing my traumas from the past I begin to change. As I become more clear minded and begin behaving like a full grown adult, I bactice non judgment. Today, I focus on ing my own growth by becoming comfortable with the uncomfortable feelings. Recovery may feel like pushing the rock up hill, but eventually it rolls down the other side. I will never give up.

Mantra for Today

Imagine what life would be like without criticism. If self approval, self understanding, self acceptance trumped the voice of the inner critic. Imagine today with head held high, shoulders back and a smile that says, “yeah I know I’m not perfect, but I’m good enough”. Today I will choose to focus on ing my life with loving what I am.

Mantra for Today

It’s never too late to have a happy childhood. When as an adult a personal ion begins to emerge, the world around fades into the distant background. This creative expression begins to consume time. New friend’s surprising validate and the you that you are. This is what childhood was supposed to feel like! Today, I will embrace the moment. I will remain in innocence and play simply for the joy of it.

Mantra for Today

There are so many things going on in a person’s life at one time. Once it is realized that there is choice, single pointed focus is possible. This is the path of contentment. Rather than a myriad of distractions; like a tangled forest of roots to trip on, I choose clear mindful focus. One thing at a time. One aspect of joy. One moment at a time.

Mantra for Today

I am in relationship with life. When I see clearly, I realize there really are few things in my control. Politics, health, other people, the weather; some things I may have an influence over but even that depends on my responses and attitude. Being in relationship is about self ability. How I respond to it all is all I can do. Today, I will say yes to what is, and respond wisely.

Mantra for Today

So many sensations are felt in the body. Long held emotional traumas, feeling (both positive and negative) physical tightness, movement, temperature. When I stop and simply be with the sensations; I allow spaciousness. My inner world has more space more room to observe from the witness standpoint, more ease. As I practice self love I wake each day and say, I love you, what do you need. A friendly voice gentles the human journey, and it is mine.

Mantra for Today

When we are small children, traditional folklore feels comfortable. We are told what to do, how to behave, and what to believe. Then, the very thing that brought comfort, brings inner conflict. What we took for undisputable truth, no longer makes sense. We begin to think for ourselves. We begin to ask, “is this true for me”? There is a gap, a mini crisis as we transition from unconscious following and conscious decision based on direct experience. Today, I will affirm myself and befriend my inner wisdom.

Mantra for Today

There comes a time when the long held habits, addictions and defense patterns must be dropped. The jealousy no longer leads to attention, the eating disorder no longer s the belief that thin equals love, the alcoholism no longer brings a buffer to reality. It’s time to unlock the self imposed prison gate and step up. Today I become who I’m meant to be. Free and responsible.

Mantra for Today

Each morning I wake with this thought, “good morning beautiful, thank you for waking up, I love you, today is going to be amazing”. As a human the mind body relationship, like any relationship, is dually influenced. One effects the other. Thoughts of fear, doubt, doom bring body contract, tighten, heart rate increase. Thoughts of acceptance, ease, and optimism bring comfort, well-being and calm. I get to choose! Today, and everyday, I choose thoughts that my human experience.

Mantra for Today

We attract our teachers into our lives. Teachers are people who we see as having some quality or have developed some skill we notice would make a difference in our lives. Friends are often these teachers. The confidence one exudes, the ease one moves through difficulties, how another applies gentle humor, all examples to follow. That which attracts us, lives in us; maybe dormant, but there nonetheless, waiting for an invitation to express itself through our thoughts and actions. Today I will see my teachers and pay attention.

Mantra for Today

It is deeply painful to be misunderstood by those closest to us. When we are triggered and reactive, this is but a snapshot of who we are. If our beloveds then speak to others, presenting a series of snapshots as evidence of our personhood, it feels like betrayal. The trust is broken, and the relationship is in crisis. These are painful times. Today I will trust the universe is unfolding for the highest good for all involved. Sometimes what feels like a catastrophe is a push towards something far better.

Mantra for Today

Life asks of us this, attention. When the myriad of distractions divide us, we give a little of ourselves to a lot of things. Eventually we are on auto pilot and unconsciously go through the motions. Relationship bonds begin to weaken, symptoms of ill health start to creep in, emotional imbalance become the norm. By beginning to be single focused (mindful) life starts to show its mysteries; things begin to feel better as everything is seen and felt rather than skimmed over and ed by. Today I will practice attending to my moment by moment experience.

Mantra for Today

Life is a magical journey of discovery. We live many lives in a single life time. The trick is to be flexible. Who I am today is not who I was at 5 or 15 or any other marked phase by a number. Circumstances are changing and so am I. Today I will adapt to life as it presents an opportunity to step across new thresholds.

Mantra for Today

Personal transformation can precede a phase of discomfort as the previous rituals and norms begin to fade away. This is a time when helpers and guides come rushing to assist for a higher vibration is being called in. Knowing the shifting stage will present challenges we drop into the discomfort by asking, what is birthing in me? What new and purposeful way of being is life asking me to step up to? Today, I will honor my spirit and retreat into silence so that I might hear the call.

Mantra for Today

We are given many opportunities to practice accepting what we cannot change. When confronted with negativity, boundaries help. Boundaries can be expressing truth, or imaginary protection, (like a bubble around the energy field) to prevent toxic energy from affecting us. Knowing when to express and when that would not be safe is using wisdom. Today, I will remind myself to practice self-care, and this is temporary.

Mantra for Today

Today is like a newborn, fresh, innocent and new. Whatever no longer serves me, I shed, that which is possible, I invite. Long held resentments are toxic and blacken my view. Today is about redemption and moving forward in a good way.

Mantra for Today

Being a human means experiencing uncomfortable feelings and being reactive at times. I give myself permission to feel what I feel and when tears come, I allow that. By becoming my own best friend I am not alone and I no longer criticize myself. Self-care means, self-understanding and self-validation. Like the AA tradition offers the acronym H. A. L. T, when I am Hungry Angry Lonely or Tired, I give myself a break and know that it’s time for self-care.

Mantra for Today

There is freedom in truth. When there is truly a “Yes”, when agreements are made, there is full presence. When the agreement is made out of obligation, there is distraction. Excuses and reasons, even physical symptoms, block full participation; the heart and soul are in turmoil. When we have the courage to speak our truth, clearly and kindly we are spacious. True relationship with self requires truth; only from there is authenticity possible.

Mantra for Today

We all want to be seen in a good light. We want others to be generous with us by giving the benfit of the doubt; assuming our good intentions. That doesn’t always happen, people jump to conclusions based on fears. It helps if we can see what is happening and remain calm. Reacting only brings drama, conflict and unnecessary emotional upheaval. Today, I will practice breathing slowly when accused, pause, and empathize until the other person feels heard enough to allow understanding. I will relax knowing my side of the street is clean.

Mantra for Today

Change happens. We are in New situations each day. We have learned from past hurts enough to know the difference between situations that have similar features but are not the exact same. Each new person we meet has the potential friend within them. Today I choose healthy friends, and trust myself. Inner trust is my go to. Do I have boundaries? am I resilient? Am I able? Do I refrain from Gossip? Do I have integrity? Am I non-judgmental? And am I generous have ready to let go of the little things? Do I allow myself forgiveness when I am at slightly off course? This builds trust.

Mantra for Today

This new day is a clean canvas onto which I create. Who I will be in this days expression is 100% my making. Will I be who I’ve been? Or will I step up and be my possibility? Today I choose to be at ease, to move consciously and to pause before I speak slowly and clearly. I am love. I love my life and it shows in how I treat people around me. My boundaries prevent unconscious tangles with others. Life is my masterpiece.

Mantra for Today

Becoming conscious of the origin of a “quirk” in self-image, is called shadow work. Following the tread, beginning with a destructive behavior (the symptom), to a false belief adopted (or thought of as true) at an early age, can lead to insights. Once the light is shone on these original self concepts, the shadow no longer has the power. This is the goal of therapy. Today I will be aware of destructive thoughts and actions and see if I can identify a decision I made about myself or the world and challenge that belief with the question: Is this true? I trust that embracing truth, I will no longer be ruled by shadow beliefs.

Mantra for Today

I was sitting on a bench with a beautiful soul at the dog park yesterday and she said; God consciousness wanted to know itself so divided from the one to the many, (us). To truly know oneself is to love the being one is. This is not to say, to love oneself one needs to be perfect. No! It’s to love the human we are. The human experience of sensations, suffering, grief, happiness, defects, quirks, warts and all! Today I will love myself and all the other ones, who like me, are parts of the whole God consciousness.

Mantra for Today

The body is like a chariot we have the privilege to travel around our worlds in. It carries our emotional baggage neatly tucked until we are ready to lighten the load along the way. Our journey through life: developing self-esteem, creatively expressing our uniqueness, acting according to our will, loving, speaking, knowing and connection to source are all energies, (known as chakra). The balanced chakra system is like soaring along in this magnificent chariot on smooth road. Today, I will care for my chariot, my body, mind and spirit.

Mantra for Today

The human experience is complicated. We are impressionable by experiences when we are too young to fully understand. These impressions stay with us as beliefs. Then as we interface with the world of people, changes, and losses we may feel ill equipped to deal with it all. Each of us has characteristics of that described in the DSM (manual of mental diagnosis) at any given snap shot moment of distress. The key is to be comionate and forgiving. Today I will be my own best friend; lovingly validating my experience with, “it makes sense that you feel this way right now, let’s make the next moment better”. Focusing on the wisdom harvested from the pain I, am resourced.

Mantra for Today

As we work on correcting false ideas of who we are, we grow more self-assured and the things that once triggered us no longer have a charge. We begin to see we are uniquely gifted. We are masterful where we thought we were weak. Life is not a journey of making it all easy, life is a journey of being skillful at handling the challenges. No one outside of ourselves needs to change, but we change how we feel, how we react, and what we make it mean. Today I acknowledge my growth.

Mantra for Today

As students of this Earth School, we need to take breaks from our hard lessons. We need to stop the studying and get our heads out of the books and take a breather. Yesterday the search and rescue was disassembled after the long intense anquishing search. Celebrations are in order. Everyone can breath gratitude. We are all better for the experience. We are closer, safer, more loving. We see the oneness of humanity because of the hard time. This is what being a student of life is like. Today I to take it easy. To be grateful for all the help. The suffering has an end. I re-member.

Mantra for Today

Today, I choose what to give my attention to. There will be many options; traffic, potential conflict, self-incrimination, or kindness, good service, bird songs, creatures and critters uncomplicating life. I choose to focus on what adds to my life. Today, I’ll keep it simple.

Mantra for Today

My world begins with my view. Thoughts project onto the movie screen setting in motion a version of reality. If I am fixed in my opinion, I cannot see a possibility other than the unfolding; written by my imagination. This is sometimes called, already knowing. Nothing new can occur in a fixed mind set. Rumi wrote: “Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there. Today, I will allow flexibility I will consider options and allow the playfulness of magic to happen in an open field.

Mantra for Today

True transformation from a lifestyle of self-destruction to interconnectedness comes from humbly itting life has become unmanageable. There is a whole life waiting on the wings of change! The first step is the hardest because it means putting down all the armor that served to keep the illusion of happiness, or security or that image held of who I think myself to be. All that must be brought to the alter. Made a sacrifice for something far better.

Mantra for Today

A human life is a solo journey. It is deeply helpful to receive the kind loving and validation from another, however, no one can take away an individual’s struggle. Like a butterfly must struggle in the cocoon to strengthen her wings, so too we must go through our challenges to gain wisdom. Ask not to be freed from pain, ask instead for the courage to be resourced to deal with it. There are 2 ways to respond to loss, hurt, betrayal etc. One is to contract and vow to never trust or love again, the other is to expand and become more discerning and capable to participate in love inways that makes love your superpower.

Mantra for Today

There are a plethora of choices presented to us each and every moment in life. We can choose attitudes and behaviors that lift us up and set us in firm ground directed towards a bright and happy future or choices that dig us into a deeper hole of consequences and hurt. The obvious preference would be the former however that also involves giving up our “go to” defenses and habits. No one said life would be easy, the easy way out may actually be the easy way stuck. Today, I will ask for help. I will take a suggestion. I will choose willingness and trust.

Mantra for Today

There comes a time where it is helpful to ask, “What compelled me to pick an escape route from the reality I was in”? Whether it was a mind alterant, a relocation, a persona, an adopted behavior, or all of the above; personal inventory (or inquiry) is the first step to authenticity. Authenticity means dropping the facade, getting real, speaking truth. Authenticity allows personal authority, no longer needing an escape route. Personal authority is leadership of one’s own life. Today, I will refrain from my incessant escape tactics and chose one step towards personal authority.

Mantra for Today

Complaints seem to be tethered to some belief, some thought that a situation should be other than it is, or a person should be different than how they are. Complaints seem to be masquerading as truth. When I expand my understanding, I see how my complaint limits me. When the light goes on and an insight presents, greater understanding replaces the old complaint and there’s acceptance. Today, I will examine my complaints and explore where I am defended. Where some fear or narrow belief is causing complaints.

Mantra for Today

Loving another sometimes means taking difficult actions. It is so easy to prolong our suffering by enabling a loved one as they make promises to be better (in the future). The irony is as long as their action have no real consequences, making those hard changes falls to the back burner. Tough love is, well, tough! Today I create boundaries by saying no to chaos and yes to change. As I take care of myself, I trust another person’s ability to do their self care. In the present moment there is the real world gazing straight into our eyes. Addressing what is here now is like taking one step, one moment at a time. Catastrophic thinking is like walking into a dark theater, a horror movie of on coming unknown fears. The “what ifs” of life VS the “What is”. Today I choose what is in front of me and remain in my movie.

Mantra for Today

There is a comfort in knowing what to expect. We like to walk into a known place and have it look as we’ve known it to. A grocery store has food organized according to categorise, churches have pews and a preacher, Certainty is preferred over uncertainty. This however becomes problematic when a certain belief based on a previous experience becomes the expected when encountering new situations. As a child becomes accustomed to criticism, when people are encouraging there is discomfort; “this was not expected, this is unfamiliar, it doesn’t fit into what is already known”. Some people will become suspicious, discount the encouragement and translate it into criticism, because that is what was known and familiar. Today, I will practice shifting from the comfort zone of certainty and stretch into new realities. I will challenge my already knowing and invite new possibilities.

Mantra for Today

What would it be like to wake up to a new day without a single negative thought? No yesterday’s problems, no regrets, no held resentments? What would it be like to see each person without previous disappointments and decided character flaws? Today, just for fun, I’m going to practice present moment spaciousness. As I breath slowly in and out, I am innocent of negativity. I am free.

Mantra for Today

Thank you! This morning I woke up. All of yesterday is past, what lays before me are moments of opportunities. I get another chance! I can repair what needs repairing, I can correct and continue, I can create new possibilities with every word and action. Holding onto grudges is a burden. Today I can choose to carry or put down. I will decide to do what is best for me and all involved.

Mantra for Today

It is important to pause and take notice where I channel my life force. Our energy is like a tank of gas, if we aren’t conscious, we allow it to leak out. Focusing on what other people think of us, is a leak of energy, people pleasing and morphing ourselves into being something in order to avoid or control an outcome is a huge spill of energy. This leaves only fumes to move in the direction of our values and goals. Today, I will do what fills my tank, and be with people in ways that gives my life energy. Only I can live my life. I will stop spinning around spilling energy “in order to…” I will live in choice.

Mantra for Today

Religion as a pure practice (before power and control spoiled its appeal) was a practice of “respect for what is sacred, conscientiousness, sense of right, moral obligation and divine service”. Humans that have shunned any spiritual practice; seem to struggle to deal with conflict by attacking and blaming themselves and others. A “practice” can be a 12 step program, a recovery refuge, stillness, selfability; humbly itting responsibility for behaviors and attitudes, and a commitment to right thoughts, right actions and right livelihood. We all need direction on this map of human life. Today I will see where my life needs managing, take moral inventory, and choose a practice to live more responsibly. If I have conflict, I will first look at myself.

Mantra for Today

When shame is no longer a default setting, I can humbly look at my own actions and it where I have been un-skillful. It’s okay to be human. It’s understandable when we error, even repeatedly; and, it is our responsibility to do better. Relationships are built on each person contributing in ways that keep the relationship healthy. Today I will, apologize when wrong and forgive when wronged.

Mantra for Today

Communication is a highly complex delivery and exchange tool conveying ideas, plans, changes, and feelings. When used skillfully, understanding and cocreation is a wonderful outcome. There are times, more often than not, when the communication intent misses to land successfully. Feelings are hurt and stories begin to swirl in the imagination. Today, I will be clear with words, and when something lands in me as offensive, I will ask for clarification.

Mantra for Today

Knowing my boundaries allows me to clearly choose what I am committed to participate in and how much I am responsible for. When a relationship isn’t equally invested in, when one person wants it more than the other, there’s an imbalance of give and take. Negotiating change with two adults means each is in choice. Each looks at their own behavior and honestly considers if they are contributing to keeping the relationship healthy. Blaming, accusing or pleading creates a dynamic of friction Willingness, ability and a vision of what is preferred creates connection and mutual respect. Today I will respond according to my boundaries of self respect.

Mantra for Today

Some of the qualities of the father are leadership, fair and reasonable goal setting, integrity (keeping promises) and protection. These characteristics are wonderful when present in the father figure In a family. It is important to know that each of us has a father part within to guide and protect our life path. Whether a father man showed this example or was incapable for whatever reason; these qualities can be accessed and lived from conscious cultivating these aspects within ourselves. Today I will celebrate Father’s day by channeling father qualities.

Mantra for Today

Belonging is a powerful need. Little children learn how to curb their enthusiasm, tone down their voices and to act and look in order to belong. So much originality is sacrificed through this conditioning, this exiling parts of our true essence. We become actors in our own families, so convinced of our performance we lose ourselves. Today, I will begin reclaiming myself by addressing the feeling of disconnect. I am on a journey back to myself; my home.

Mantra for Today

When I use negative words to describe myself, I betray the most important friendship in my life. Being friendly to myself s my earthly experience. Betrayal of self creates an insecure environment where I don’t belong and am not ed. Life is what I make it by lovingly guiding myself every step of the way with comion, forgiveness and words of encouragement. Today I will begin using only words of love and kindness to describe myself.

Mantra for Today

When a home is built on a strong foundation it can withstand anything from peeling paint to storm damage. It is like this with an inner foundation of equanimity. When we are at peace with ourselves, we are at home. We can withstand losses, other people’s attitudes, changing bodies and financial downfalls. When these conditions are not conditional to our joy, we have arrived home. Today I will face life’s current situations from my safe home foundation. I am strong.

Mantra for Today

We humans share a great deal in common. We all know what physical injury feels like, we know emotional pain and suffering, we all know craving and desire. However, the degree to which we feel, our coping strategies, our emotional intelligence, and frequency varies from person to person. At times one may unconsciously project their internal angst onto another. This is a violation of boundaries. Knowing what is mine and what is projected from another’s energy field allows conscious boundaries. Today, I will tend to my humanness and refrain from projecting unconsciously.

Mantra for Today

Hurt people hurt people. Each of us have reacted from our wounded selves. In those moments we are not bad, we are in pain. What is called for is an inner perception shift from judgmental to comionate. Comion is defined as a “keen awareness of the suffering coupled with a desire to see it relieved.” When another is hurting us, it may be necessary to leave the relationship. Still, comion over judging and blaming sees the pain as the cause. A comionate response is not trying to change or fix that person, it is simply empathy.

Mantra for Today

Pain is inevitable, suffering an option. Suffering is a state of resistance of what is. We don’t want this turn of events we have pain in the body and say this should not be happening. This refusal to accept creates a mind field of suffering. Depression and anxiety are products of mental versions of what is happening. We say no. This is wrong. I don’t want this, I want what I don’t have, this is suffering. To be free of suffering practice acceptance. Acceptance doesn’t mean I agree or endorse this, but it is what is. In this now reality there may be pain, but suffering is far worse and that can be mitigated by the practice of acceptance.

Mantra for Today

We are born worthy. The journey between those potent moments of birth and death is infused with opportunities to question our validity. Breath is all the proof needed to ensure value of life. There are a multitude of opportunities to learn through trial and error; each one a rich opening for growth. As we go along, we develop certain qualities that we can adopt that make the journey harder or easier. One such quality is attitude. The mind can be trained to optimism or succumb to curmudgeonly. Every experience in life is a lesson ing our birth right to realize our potential today. Today I choose so see the growth opportunities and embrace my worthiness to a good life.

Mantra for Today

You attract into your life whatever you think about. Your dominant thoughts will manifest. Pay attention to your emotions. Think about your desires. Don’t think about what you don’t want. When you notice yourself feeling bad, you’ve caught yourself thinking about something you don’t want. Turn your focus back towards what you do want, and your emotional state will improve rapidly. Be the director of your thoughts. As you do this repeatedly, you’ll begin to see your physical reality shift too, first in subtle ways and then in bigger leaps.

Mantra for Today

Don’t take it personal. When we are solid in ourselves there is a strong foundation. Knowing we are imperfect we are open to . Our imperfection is not tied to our worth; we are students in life. From this position of self-assurance we can look at ourselves and it where we are stuck in old beliefs and interfering behaviors. We can be playful with insights another may offer. We can open to broader self-knowledge. Taking things person leads to defensiveness and creates additional conflict losing the gift offered. Today I will commit to loving myself and be open to consider .

Mantra for Today

When reflecting on the past there may be moments where we cringe. Humiliation shadows the whole screen, no redeeming qualities are seen. It is imperative that we understand that we are all works in process. Mistakes are expected, inspected, accepted and corrected. We are not the same as we were, those humiliating moments taught us; in fact, they were helpful to assist our growth. Today, I embrace who I am including my embarrassing past.

Mantra for Today

Toxic thoughts take hold of reality and taint an otherwise innocent moment. Addressing habitual thinking patterns one by one takes conscious effort. Actively reaching out for a preferred way of being in the world is a practice. The tendency to worry is replaced with new thought; “life is unfolding for the highest good for all involved”. The fearful thought, “What if I disappoint others?” is replaced with, “I am generous where I can be, other people’s reactions are not my business”. Today I will actively reach towards reframing toxic thoughts with helpful thoughts; using the language of what I am becoming instead of what I don’t want to be.

Mantra for Today

The mind is a meaning making machine; it will assign an interpretation of any innocent event. An untrained mind produces anxiety. In order to live a life of peace and contentment it is essential to train the mind. Notice which thoughts bring distress and notice which thoughts bring ease and choose the latter. The mind can be trained and in training it you create the life you wish to live; it makes all the difference! Today I will practice mindfulness and choose thoughts that me. I will stick to the facts. I will notice which thoughts are assumptions. I am willing to change.

Mantra for Today

There is a saying, “Trust in God but tie up your camel”. Similarly, the serenity prayer, “Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference”. Both instruct us to be responsible and to surrender. There are desperate people who, from their pain, rob trusting people. There is a lesson in this. To remain conscious of the many ways we are privileged and to take responsible action to prevent crime. Privilege comes with responsibly. Take nothing for granted. The thief was once an innocent child; life’s traumas shaped their world view to be that of desperation and unmet need. Today I am deeply aware of the choices I have been privileged to choose. Not everyone is so fortunate. Practicing comion and locking my doors prevents participation in unhealthy dynamics.

Mantra for Today

On the fourth of July people pull out the stops and celebrate. Fireworks are bought with abandon. Peaceful evenings are blasted with flashes of fire and booming explosion. To many this type of celebration is exciting and wonderful. To many others, including animals and some of those who’ve experienced war, the sky filled bang bomb and clap eruption is terrifying. It is like this with trauma. Fear replaces calm, a rewiring of the nervous system causes reaction. The goal is to see things as they are. Is this a real threat? Or is this person just making loud noises? Today I practice being a calming presence for myself and others no matter what environmentally I cannot control. Becoming a solid source of inner security (sovereignty) I resource myself in my safe place, my inner sanctuary.

Mantra for Today

When an animal is traumatized it reacts defensively. It is possible to misread it as aggressive and dangerous. Fear arises and we want to push it away and withhold our affection. If we are patient and can see beyond the trauma reaction the animal relaxes and begins to trust; there is sweetness there beneath the fear. It is like this with humans as well. At the core, there is a deep seated need for love in all beings. Today I will see beyond another’s defensiveness based on their fear reaction and give my love. Love heals.

Mantra for Today

Good morning. As this new day blinks open its sleepy eyes, I am becoming aware of the rich possibilities before me to make choices that me. Every moment is bright with options. As I reflect on behaviors that have not ed me in my past, I see they have been impulsive. I can learn to pause and respond, choosing what comes out of my mouth choosing what goes into my mouth. This will be my practice. I live today by clear intentions.

Mantra for Today

Until we can forgive our mothers, we will always harbor self- rejection. There is a direct link between self-sabotage and long held resentments of our mothers. They birthed us, we came from them, and even though we may have legitimate grievances against them until we set ourselves free of long held grudges we will forever be yoked to self-hatred, felt inferiority manifested in behaviors that behoove us. Our mothers are humans and like us were mistreated, misunderstood and acting from the skill base their lives afforded them. Today I will list my grievances against my mother and one by one apply understanding and comion with the intention of liberation.

Mantra for Today

Author, Toko-Pa Turner, in her book, Belonging, states: (paraphrased) Ghosting someone is an act of indifference. Like making yourself a ghost in your own life; it counters belonging. As if you don’t believe you’ve made an impact, you become disassociated from the importance of your presence. Deeply rooted in the belief that other people (and yourself) are disposable. Until we take ability and hold others able; we can never take a seat at the table of belonging. Most of us prefer to avoid conflict. Research has shown that humans predict a far worse experience than what actually happens when a situation is directly addressed. Being able is about owning your part. Speaking truthfully without judgment and blame can lead to closer deeper relationships. Today I will do an internal inventory of who I am ghosting emotionally or physically and truthfully address what is blocking me from speaking my truth.

Mantra for Today

Our parents did the best they could with what they knew; and their parenting had an effect on us. According to attachment theories, the consistency of attention or lack thereof leaves an impact that is felt throughout a lifetime. Guilt and shame may be felt like a stain on our personhood like a facial tattoo. The good news is, it is never too late to have a happy childhood the trick is, to learn to parent yourself with loving kindness. Today, when I feel guilt and shame, I will ask myself is it true? What alternate explanations might be truer. I love myself and take care of my inner world.

Mantra for Today

We all have negative thoughts. It is somehow in our wiring. Back in the day we had to do what we could to survive. We had to make sure we didn’t get kicked out of the tribe, so we worried what other’s thought of us. Excommunication meant death. Oddly, centuries later we still have that propensity to worry. The trick is to develop a committed effort to override the fear response. Today I will bring my psyche up to date, I will practice turning within for my approval.

Mantra for Today

People are, at their core, good and loving. We are inherently social beings who need to belong. When the trauma of abandonment occurs in childhood, this natural state is covered up by a fear-based personality. The painful past brings reaction qualities such as a tendency to control, material possessiveness, and obsessiveness. There is hope. Today I will begin the journey home to my original self by reclaiming my sense of worth. Self-care and ive friends are important contributions to ing my true nature.

Mantra for Today

More than ever before, distraction are at epidemic proportions. For some of us the last thing we touch at night before we sleep and the first thing we touch in the morning is our phones. Multi-tasking is at critical levels and we scarcely notice how checked out of the present moment we are. Our lives are spent in with a myriad of superfluous incoming tid bits while life in real time is ing without notice. It’s time to reign it back in. It’s time to take back concentration, presence of being, and awareness. Today I will use my phone as a tool and not be under its power to distract me. Like the mind, it is a tool not my master.

Mantra for Today

When self worth is questioned there is a feeling of scarcity. No amount of personal wealth is sufficient enough to create security. We barter in our relationships and seek the bargain basement prices to meet our needs. There is never enough, we do not feel amptly resourced; so we rip ourselves off and take what we can get. The birds are fed by mother nature, the trees are watered from roots reaching deeply into earth’s well in a draught. There is ebb and flow with or without the fear of not enoughness. Today, I will have courage to look at my fears and look at the metaphors offering insights. I am enough, I have breath.

Mantra for Today

When we humans do something we know is wrong, we rationalize our actions to ourselves. It isn’t until we are confronted that some sense of our injustice to another is acknowledged. When the cornered human burdens the one they have harmed with long drawn out stories of excuses and reasons pleading for comion the apology is weakened. The victim of the transgression becomes frustrated and annoyed on top of bewildered and offended. Today, I will be an adult. Respecting boundaries, I honor others by keeping my reasons and excuses out of my apology.

Mantra for Today

Christmas

Mele Kalikimaka Mantra for today: My life is my gift to share today. Today I slow down, I watch, I listen, I move in slow motion. Let my love be my gift, let my attention be my gift, let my understanding be my gift, let patience be my gift, let forgiveness be my gift. All this I give to myself and also to others. No matter what has happened, whether I planned this or it just happened, preferred or not, I will receive the gifts and resist nothing.

Mantra for Today

In one human life, there are moments of playful happiness and moments of deep despair. Getting to a place of acceptance of this moment as it is requires training the mind. The mind says, Not this! Feelings follow and life feels unbearable. Grief, sorrow and deep despair bring questions, is it even worth it? In these moments, just putting one foot in front of the other takes us forward. Great insights are born from grief, a depth of being takes us from shallow existence. Feel the feelings and train the mind to see things as they are. Today I trust.

Mantra for Today

There are masterful ways to live, and there are un-skillful ways to live. It is never too late to practice the former. What does a master look like? One who sees the truth as opposed to mind made up versions of reality. How do I see truth? Stick to the facts, stick to what is evident, stay here and now. What is unskillful? Doubting one’s worth, worrying, and placing your power in the hands of others. Today, I will ask for what I need and accept. I will breath slowly and my here and now reality.

Mantra for Today

People Pleasing

At a certain point and time in life it may have been advantageous to please the people around you. This behavior, however, gets in the way of truth and can cause colossal consequences to yourself and innocent bystanders. There comes a time when assertive disagreement is the fairest and best response. Know yourself dear one and know that putting your own wants and commitment last does not do anyone any good in the long run. Take the time to get in touch with your truth, and from there speak slow, clear and deep. Your presence in the world will be noted and you will be respected more than if you simply aqueous to what others want.

Mantra for Today

Fears cloud reality. We all have some deep seeded fear of being disposable, replaceable or eventually redundant. This is untrue, but when the fear is filling the mind, we act as though it were true and actually manifest experiences that make those thoughts seem accurate. In those times the practice is to go within and resource yourself with your own security. You are one of a kind, indispensable,and of great value to the world. The thing is, when you realize this, you act accordingly. This is self- love! Love of one’s own life makes no room for fear. In the world of uncertain futures, dear one, you have all you need, always have and always will. Fear debilitate and love empowers.

Mantra for Today

Birthing change

Mantra for today: When an important relationship seems to be in peril, think of it as an opportunity. Relationships can become robotic and sleepy. We humans like predictability yet, this can land us in a rut. When things begin to feel like the rug is being pulled from underneath you, it may be time for an expansion.take some time alone dear one, and refrain from making any conclusive decisions. Allow your partner space as well. Time apart for a brief time, receding council from those who know and love you may prove to be what is needed to shake things up and see what lands. Old NJ patterns may be obstacles to true closeness and authenticity. Embrace the changes that pain is offering. Thinking this as a birth not a death.

Mantra for Today

Nay sayers

There are going to be “nay sayers”, on your path, whose own world view is negative and fearful. These people can be very convincing in their talk of how drastic your choices are and the dreadful conclusions that will surely come. Feel into your own heart space and gut. Take a moment to check bbn in with your own higher wisdom. It will take courage to disagree at times but this action is an investment in self- confidence. A beginning of self referral leads you to do what is in your personal highest good. You got this!

Mantra for Today

Agency

Let the love in. Certain people see you, know you, and love you unconditionally. Practice allowing this love to fill you up and resource you to know yourself dear one. Inner knowing is called agency in the therapeutic world. Yo have agency is to be internally guided. It is the antibody to codependency. Take the time each mirningvto greet your inner source by saying, I live you and I’m listening. Today I am flowing freely.

Mantra for Today

One moment at a time

In Alcoholics Anonymous the phrase, One day at a time, has served and ed many an addict. These are wise we words. In fact one moment at a time is all that we really have. Reign in the mind, dear one, and slow things down a notch. Too much future tripping or dwelling in the past is overwhelming to the nervous system. Placing one foot in front of the other is a walking meditation. Placing one action in each moment is living meditation. Many research studies have proven, meditation s greater health and happier relationships. Today, I will practice, one moment at a time.

Mantra for Today

Trauma

Unresolved childhood trauma can result in false perceptions of self and other. Fearful experiences can cause us to be protective and defensive even though the current environment is nothing but safe. It is a worthy journey to work with a professional therapist to address the past. The goal of therapy would be to integrate the events of childhood with new adult understanding. We are not cursed to live our whole lives imprinted with the actions of unskillful caregivers. Being resilient, we move through the painful abandonment and skillfully navigate new situations even when they trigger us . Today I give myself the gift of beginning to heal.

Mantra for Today

Threats

Thoughts can be misguided when there is a perceived threat. The threat might be a social threat, worrying what others think, a financial threat, fear of scarcity, a physical threat, fear of death or a threat to security. When threats are felt we humans tend to go into fight or flight. These are not our best or wisest moments. Reacting usually results in regrettable behavior. It is time to trust dear one. The fact that you are here, proves you are capable if overcoming great challenges and are equipped to deal with adversity. You are not alone. The world around you loves you and will provide. Look into the eyes of a kind stranger and see even those who don’t know you care. Today, even when threatened, I will relax in trust. I will overcome.

Mantra for Today

Let go

As long as there is breath, there is hope. As we become wiser we realize that some of the things we worry about really are a waste of energy. It is good to scale down our ideas of what’s important to become aware of what we actually have control over. Our thoughts and our actions. Letting go of concerns of other people’s opinions of us, we make space for clarity. Move confidently in your life dear one. You are unique and you have a place in things. Letting go of needing other people to behave according to your preference, you allow the creative expression in them to freely show up. Today, I liberate my psyche from complicated demands and flow with ease and grace. Live and let live.

Mantra for Today

Everyone wants to be heard. When our defenses are up, we dismiss another’s apology and stubbornly build walls between us. There is nothing wrong with arguing, in fact it is a sign of two capable individuals with unique views. Learn for one another by listening with innocent mind. Already knowing is a stubborn stance which leads to an im. Open heartedness means willing to listen, to hear and to accept and allow. These are very different energetically than willful resistance. Peace lives in you dear one, breath in peace and breath out resistance.

Mantra for Today

Surrender

There is a cycle in everything. The season comes to an end allowing the birth of the next season to take its place. Where there is death, of old beliefs, identification with ego, stories, self-harming behaviours there is birth. New possibilities, greater wisdom and cultivated ways of being. The former self was exactly right for the time, and as in all things, a dynamic change is immanent. With deep relevance for the sacredness of life move forward dear one. The gifts called in are surrender and gratitude.

Mantra for Today

Words

Words are symbols of expression. When words are used to describe you, particularly if they are noteing irable qualities it is good to let them in. It doesn’t have to take eons to become the person you are capable of being, it just requires stepping up. Words can be observed as invitations to live into the person you are seen from the view of those who know you. Compliments are gifts that shape action. Today, I allow compliments to shine like lights on my path, I’m moving in the right direction.

Mantra for Today

Helpers

To enjoy good mental health is something to be truly grateful for. It is good to acknowledge what contributes to wellbeing and to give credit to all of our helpers. Four legged, furry, feathered, scaled and shelled beings as well as the bipeds in human form all have rich gifts to offer on any given day. Remaining calm, like the still pond or stable like the high mountain are invitations to embody nature’s secrets to balance and harmony. Today I lift my spirits in gratitude for the helpers and guides all around me. If I am quiet for a moment of undistracted focus, the guidance and love rushes in to . We are not alone.

Mantra for Today

Winter

Mantra for today: Winterruhe, is a German term that means winter rest. It is natural to plants and warm blooded animals, like humans, to follow cycles. Beginning today I become in tune with my body. As I too am part of earth’s natural rhythms.

Mantra for today: today we return to longer daylight. I stand humbly in the light, seeing things clearly, the gig is up, no human is perfect. I accept reality and choose to respond with acceptance.

Mantra for Today

Dog companions

Mantra for today: Dog companions enhance every mental and physical health. No other friend is as devoted to knowing me as intently as my dog. I am accepted exactly as I am; hair disheveled, shirt inside out, makeup or not, I am adored by my canine pal. Everything is better with the dog by my side. It is a mutual blessing mutually deserved while on planet earth to share the journey with a devoted dog friend. Today, I am honored to keep good companionship with my loyal friend and live to meet my doggies ideal of me.

Mantra for Today

Gracious acceptance

Mantra for today: There are times in a relationship where it feels like the end is in sight. Certain behaviors in the other can no longer be tolerated. It is time to take a pause, reflect and go within to find that place of balance. Evaluate what aspects of the relationship would be direly missed and what might be adjusted if the relationship were to continue. It may take 2 weeks to recalibrate and reflect. All human dilemmas are opportunities for growth. Where can I be more assertive? Where more patient? Where more space and less enmeshed? As long as there is no abuse, active addiction or mental illness, gracious acceptance may be the answer for the relationship to survive.

Mantra for Today

Mantra for today: The main task towards adulthood is to being self aware. Life’s bumps and bruises, insults and injury can leave a person reactive. Blaming others for how we feel only keeps us stuck. At times, it is easy to feel victimized when misunderstood we react, rebuke, defend and attack back. Non of these reactions feel like like choices but they are. On some level the mind is committed to a certain view. Thoughts lead to feeling which lead to actions and reactions. This is the basic tenet of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, CBT. Once the emotions settle down, take the time to expand the thought process and see what else is true. Sometimes getting space from what is stimulating the thoughts is helpful. Meditation and prayer can take you to higher ground where a calmer mind offers new insights. Be aware beloved one, life is not trying to harm you.

Mantra for Today

Mantra for today: At times, it feels like there is an unprecedented amount of conflict and challenges in the space you once called home. Suddenly friends feel like foes and understanding seems hard to find. These are ripe moments for personal growth. A time to stop seeking approval and validation ffomnothers and to root deeper in your own personal sanctuary of self-love. Be silent dear one in the noisy commotion of who is right and who is wrong and simply observe. All will be clear from a stand point of seeing.

Mantra for Today

Mantra for today: Things are not always as we think they are. Hurt feelings stem from being triggered. Something happened a longtime ago that left us feeling disposable, unimportant, uned or outside the group or family. Now, in adulthood a word or action or situation trips the switch, or trigger, and the same feelings flare up as though true. this dear one, it is feeling strong so that you can recognize it and sever the tie to the original inflicted pain. As a grown up, you have more resources to deal with hurt feelings. Pause now and get some space around the hurt. Feelings change ; act only from a calm resourced place.

Mantra for Today

Mantra for today: The best way to get your own way is to have more than one way. Diane Petropulos, (Maui Mediation Services). When our minds are fixed there is no possibility for new and unexplored solutions to a conflict. When we realize what we thought was the only truth of a situation is not so, there is a crack in the wall of defensiveness. The one thing two people have in common when in a dispute is that the other person has malintention and that they themselves are innocent. We humans get caught in our own view of right and wrong. This fixed mind set leads to emotions and actions and upset with colossal consequences. Today I will expand my mind from my way, to many ways and rest in the flow of confluence with the world.

Mantra for Today

Mantra for today: The inner critic is comprised of a catalog of rules impressed upon the young mind. Some of those rules are pragmatic safety lessons like don’t touch the hot stove, others are social dictation like you have to be nice no matter what, or put your own needs last. The conditioning of the inner critic and its constant barrage of punishing warnings did at one time protect and guide us; but as we develop our own scrutiny of what is best for us, the inner critic is a down right nuisance. The critic must now be educated and informed that we no longer need fear of punishment to guide our action. It is time to promote the critic to be the position of cheerleader. This shift changes the energy field and we can all relax.

Mantra for Today

The impetus of conflict is emotional reaction. Embrace your suffering with comion then transcend it. In the new year, may I be companions with comion, patience and empathy. May these companions be mine and also offered to others.

Mantra for Today

Mantra for today: As the year comes to an end, I make peace with the year’s end. Thankful for the journey. There were people who came, touched me, and left. People who stayed. There were ways I contributed, there was growth. Like a construct, I build on each experience; one lesson informs another lesson and wisdom builds and if I’m to remain another year, more lessons, more growth, more learning, more wisdom and more pain too. Today I begin the practice of becoming comfortable with loss. As long as I live loss and gain, death and birth are my experience.

Mantra for Today

As the final pages of the story of this year, are complete, I realize I too must let go of what is over. The gilding edge of a new year shines brightly like a blank canvas. Reflecting on the year soon to I feel into changes, course corrections, and deeper authenticity. I choose the changes that are in the highest good for all involved.