Sticks and Stones- Giving Yourself Permission

cannot  (ˈkænɒt, kæˈnɒt)
— vb
	an auxiliary verb expressing incapacity, inability, withholding permission, etc; can not The hardest lesson I had to learn was one that was defeating me before I even started. The word CAN'T. As in- "I can't do that pose!" "I can't write" "I can't paint like that" "I can't fix that" I was defeating myself before I even started! And for what?!? Well mainly, fear. Fear of failure is what generally holds me back, but what I didn't understand was that I was failing myself before I even started by making my mind so pessimistic and final. CAN'T.   Part of the definition resounds loudly with me. Permission. And can't is 'withholding permission'. So right there you are telling you conscious and subconscious brain, "you don't have permission to do that, therefore your body and mind will not cooperate and you will not succeed." The end. So I failed, a lot. And then, I quit trying. Sound familiar? And then one day, I was watching a kid do a cartwheel, and walk on his hands- just fooling around, playing outside. And when he came near me I said "wow, you're really strong, how did you learn to do that?" And he replied like this-"I don't know, I've never done it before, but I wanted to see if I could." It was that simple. What?!? I had so many questions, but I'm sure I was already creeping his mom out.  I went home and really started to think about it. I'm a big supporter of mind over matter. But at the time, I really didn't consider the fact that my brain and spirit are ALWAYS listening, hearing and responding to what I say negative or positive, and almost immediately. I just assumed, if I told myself something positive, my energy would know it was for me, and If I made a negative statement-"I feel so fat today; I don't feel so good; I'm tired" my energy would know that I was being whiny and let it pass. But that's not how it works.  When you make a statement, it's out there, resonating and creating waves even if you don't believe so. There's such strength and energy in words- and they manifest when said with conviction, quickly.  So instead of saying "Gee, I don't know, I'm too ___________ to do that, I don't think I can, I can't do that."  Say- "That looks challenging, maybe I can do ________" "I think I can do ____________" The worse thing that could happen? You could accomplish something you've never tried before. You could start a practice of something difficult  and get better over time. You could even impress the hell outta yourself. The easiest way to accomplish anything is to be positive, give yourself permission, try hard, and keep trying, and for goodness sake- quit saying can't.

Intuition-a practice worth listening to

 Intuition, that thing that your gut does when you aren't thinking with your soul. The tiny whisper that vibrates through your body that you know you should listen to. It's your soul knowing whats right for you, and your 'logical' self not listening.
 Why? What are you afraid of?
 Me- being wrong.
 I get afraid. I question my spirit and think "does my intuition really know better than I do?" the answer, quite simply, is yes. In my life, I believe my spirit/energy/soul has been around a lot longer than my 37 years. And I know that I have definitely put it through some adventurous growing this time around. But it still knows more than this body of mine ever will.

"How do you 'hear' your intuition? Just listening doesn't seem to do the trick." And it probably won't either. Think about how full your mind is right now...your reading this, maybe judging it, fending off a child, eating a burrito,  listening to the radio/TV- anything...how often do you really take for yourself? Just quiet. No electronics, no noise, no other distractions. Hey, I have 4 kids and a child like husband, I know all to well how hard it is to find a bit of quiet. But for your sanity, connection to your intuition and relationships with others I urge you to TAKE IT! You need quiet time or meditation every day! You don't need a designated space (although it makes it easier to quiet down, quicker) or a gong or candles or anything. All you need is you, 10 minutes, and a quiet private place to just be. Just sit somewhere comfortably, sit don't lie- you'll fall asleep and defeat the purpose!  And begin to breath. Really inhale at a slow steady pace and then exhale at a slow steady pace, try to inhale and exhale at the same slow deep steady pace. Ideas are going to form, and inner conversations are going to sound...when they do don't get frustrated! Just nudge them away for later reflection and come back to your breath. Concentrate on breathing fully. That's it! Just breathe and be, nothing hard is involved. The more quiet time you give your mind, the tighter your soul and mind/body become. You'll stop second guessing yourself. All good things come with meditation.

I meditate everyday, if I miss it for a day i feel...frustrated, angry, easily aggravated. It's soothing to my soul, and I really feel like it fine tunes my 'intuitive channel' and i can hear it more clearly. Since I've really started giving myself meditation time and started listening closely to my intuition, its gotten stronger. My inner voice is strong and positive. and I found that listening has also given me a new sense of strength and confidence I never really had before. Your intuition knows you better than you know yourself. Take some time to listen to it and embrace it. After all- it's the real you!

I'm So Awesome, You Are Too!

So it's not always pretty, this life you live. MAKE it pretty. Own it, decorate it and live it. Open your own doors and get on your soapbox. Shout from the rooftops about how awesome you are. Make yourself happy- the rest will follow- I PROMISE.

I wear tutu's and tiaras-
So what I'm 37 and not royalty. That's in your reality. In mine, I know that I looked damn cute dressed as a princess ballerina,and it makes chores so much more fun! Stop doing what you think others approve of and do what you approve of! Now I'm not giving you free anarchist reign- we have laws and ethics and morals for a reason. What I am saying is- who made it a rule that you can't wear pink hair at 50? Who says forever 21 is only for those under the age of 21? Why- Why is it frowned upon to have fun and act a little kooky?
I could give a seminar dressed in a monkey suit and I bet my words would reach you just the same. We put to much emphasis on adult hood and being stodgy. I refuse to be of the mindset that I need to wear a pantsuit to be accepted,or taken "seriously",  make your silliness acceptable! Prove that you can be professional, efficient and damn good at what you do- even if you are carrying a Jem lunchbox for a purse. Have fun with your life- It's yours and you may not get to come back...enjoy yourself while you can.

Positivity breeds.....more positivity!
And negativity does the same. So drop the Debbie downer act. Look on the bright side- there's always a bright side if you look for it. And if you're always looking for the downside, waiting on the other shoe to drop, sad sacking it around town, or wallowing in misery...you're going to get more of the same. You are wasting your life, if you are being down and out about everything-always. QUIT IT! Your bumming yourself out, and probably everyone within earshot...booo, NO FUN.

Forgive the asshole-for you, not for them.
Humans do stupid things. Some because they're assholes, some because they're mean, and some are really accidents. Regardless- forgive them, and move on. If I held a grudge against everyone who purposefully or not had hurt me in the past, I'd have to pull a wagon behind me, my grudge would be that big. But you're not the only person that's been wronged, or deceived  or hurt. You are, however, the only one that can make yourself keep going. Release your sadness and anger- and focus on making yourself happy.

I'm easygoing- but I'm no ones doormat.
I forgive and  move on, and I release. But I'm no sucker. I choose my arguments and let things slide. But- when you are blatantly being harmed- FIGHT BACK. Don't allow anyone ever to bully you, hurt you, cheat you- or just generally screw you over. Get away from those situations, and LEARN. REMEMBER. And don't fall for that shit again. You are not a bad person for expecting respect and speaking up for yourself. And you don't have to be violent to get your point across. But, get your point across. Make sure others realize you are a good, honest, open, and loving person- that takes no shit from nobody. That won't make you less of a good person, it'll make you better.

My life's awesome.
Because I say so. Because I make it so. Sure I have poopy days, and my husband and I argue, and my kids get wacky from time to time. But those are small compared to the fact that I'M ALIVE. I get to experience something new everyday and change and grow and learn. How awesome is that?!? Get your ass out there and live, breathe, love. Quit floating through life like a ghost...don't just exist-  create the life you want and make it freakin colorful and bright! LIVE!

The Great Purge-

I'm still cleaning- but I'm making progress! I should be done Tuesday and then I can get to the important things-MAKING!!

But my Class studio is AWESOME!! 2013 is the year of DOING!

Muladhara

this is a self empowering series that I will offer on Wednesdays- let me know if you enjoy it!

Survival- Security

(I've been working on my Chakras for a while now, and I feel like it's an ongoing process, but that I'm really starting to understand the process and myself a lot more...here is just a bit of what I've learned for you to start your own practice and healing...)

What are Chakras?
 Chakra's (pronounced Cha-kra, like chocolate chip...thanks Sam and Kaoverii!) are mental and emotional energy centers placed along your spine. Asana's (yoga poses) were invented to help heal and release blockages within your chakra system. ANYONE can work on their Chakra's- without going against their religious beliefs.  Learning about your chakra's gives you access to your bodies physical responses so you can minimize the negative effects and maximize the positive ones!
 There are currents of energy that course throughout your body - like a road map they are plentiful, but there are 4 main highways...the first two are-
 The upward current-Mukti or the freedom path runs from the earth and rises through the body toward ever more awareness.
The downward current Bukti or manifestation  starts at the crown of your head and goes down towards the earth growing more and more specific until it manifests on a physical plane.

Peoples issues are almost never physical but always tied to mental or chakra energy. Heal that and heal yourself.

Muladhara is your first chakra, also called the root chakra.  It  represents how you participate in the physical realm...body, home, work, environment ..it's self preservation...it makes sure you survive so you can continue to grow and enjoy this journey.

So, I recommend journaling everyday, and also meditate and do asana's. While working on your Root Chakra ask yourself a few questions while sitting grounded and concentrating on the chakra such as...

What keeps me grounded?
How do I connect with my physical body? With Nature?
Where do I feel safe?

As you journal, really listen to your truth. Envision your self; safe and sound, and open your self to the energy around you. This may bring up issues you never realized you had, with yourself, environment or your spirit. That's okay! Getting to know the real you is scary. Admitting your different than what you thought you knew is weird to most people. But, the better you understand yourself, you give yourself the gift of growth and truth and change. Open up and experience all that life is offering, it's an amazing trip!

If you feel as if this is a journey you cant handle on your own, you are welcome to email me ( happysappytrees@gmail.com) with questions and comments. I would be happy to help in any way I can. I'm no expert, but,  I have been working on myself since I realized I was alive. It's a never-ending journey and I'm constantly being taught by others around me as well as my subconscious. You can never have enough knowledge or growth! I'd love to hear about your journey!

 I will be offering an on-line workshop based on healing, chakras and intuition starting in January. I hope that you will join me for that as well!

She Runs Too-(WIP)

Intuitive Painting using Acrylic and ink- Still not finished!!

The Power To Empower

 The idea to start a Woman's Circle has been strumming deep in me for a while. I want to make a difference in my community. And I want to start with my sisters.  The idea that right now in this time of political uprising,   Women are one of the most vocally and physically attacked beings on the planet- bothers the shit out of me. The strong, independent, powerful, mother/sister/friend/goddess is becoming an endangered species one power at a time. They will start with stripping away our rights- and end with convincing us that we have NO power. WE are the mothers of this earth. We are the POWER. We give BIRTH. To ideas, children, LIFE. We are strong, and we have to ban together and not allow any one to convince our sisters that they are not special, powerful.

 YOU- WOMAN-YOU ARE AMAZING- remember that you hold power, remember how to harness that inner strength and energy- it's been with you since the beginning of time.

We ban together, we teach our daughters, we never forget.

We have the Power to Empower

Sitting

 Meditation has become a huge saving grace to my life. Just the act of being still and breathing and BEING is helping me in ways I never believed! I don't generally prepare to sit with a lot of fanfare...I just lay out my blanket to protect my feet, get comfortable on my bolster and sit. I always begin with closing my eyes and letting my body settle into itself, then I begin breathing. I usually count my inhales and exhales for a count of 6 to 8 and when I've finally slowed my mind down from a roar, I then move into a silent mantra, repeating on my inhales and exhales, slowly gathering thoughts and putting them away for later. Not getting frustrated with the thought, just gently pushing them aside for later. I started out at twice a day for 10 minutes, and now I'm up to 20minutes twice a day. I'm more relaxed, calm and thoughtful. I believe this practice has help me slow my reaction time down tremendously, giving me the ability to think first, act second...which is really awesome considering I've always over-reacted! Take a seat, give your mind a break and just BREATHE. It's the best thing you can do for yourself- mind, body and soul.