Growing Career

 I love writing. With every book, I hope to become a better writer. The current project I'm working on was for adults and I'm converting into a Young Adult novel. Using Saves The Cat! Writes A Novel, I'm also learning how to adapt the story into a system  taught by the author, Jessica Brody. It's like being back in college, including homework and assignments.

Are you doing something that you enjoy so much that you seek to learn more? Do you care about improving in your work? Are you still curious? 

It's important to sit back from your daily grind and ask yourself if you've become stagnant. Feeling like a creative contributor to this vast planet, yourself, family, other sentient beings helps us to be aware that we belong here, that what we are giving what is wanted. 

You have a purpose. Whether your current role is as a caregiver, lumberjack, artist, or politician do it with vigor. Embrace what you are doing and see what can make it even better for you and those affected by it. 

Supporting self supports others. Be mindful that when you take care of yourself, others will follow your example. Seeking to grow in your career  forges a path for others to do the same in their own.

The best way to contribute is to make sure that you are doing something that you enjoy. You set an example for others. Your love for what you do serves as an inspiration. Life is much more fun when you bring joy to the table.

Do you need to make major changes in your life to bring back self growth? Are there minor changes in your life that could be undertaken to get you back on the path of growth? Do the inner work of looking within to see if you feel you are doing what brings you the most satisfaction. The outer work is the actions we do to address the needs found in the inner work.

Keep growing in your career. There are always ways to improve, bringing on more happiness.

Ellie is always looking for ways to improve

Lucid Dreaming

About a month ago, my son sent a link to an audio intended to help people glide into a lucid dream. The recording is a woman with a relaxing voice, and peaceful music. The first few times I tried it, my intention was to simply use it as a way to fall asleep. I didn't really know what it was for and the experience was comforting. So, I got what I asked for and had a deep, lovely sleep.

Lucid dreams are when you know that you're dreaming while asleep. You can guide yourself within the lucid state, like being on a path and deciding which way you want to travel. Or, you can ask a question before you go to sleep and expect an answer. 

But then my son told me he experienced something bizarre after listening to it. He woke several times and sat up, about to get ready for the day. Except he was still dreaming and had not moved. He did this until he truly woke up. This creeped me out and I decided not to try it anymore.

But, curiosity got the better of me. In the audio, the woman suggests setting out an 'anchor' to let you know when  you are awake, such as a note by the bed asking, "am I dreaming?".  I put the note on my night table and snuggled into regular sleep. As I sometimes do, about five hours later, I woke up. Pushing play on the audio link on my smart phone, I set my intention to listen with the intention of achieving a lucid dream. It worked!

It felt like I was meditating, traveling, out of body, meeting different people, and going in and out of the sleep phase. Several times I was met by the same gorilla, a wise, compassionate gorilla. When I felt myself sort of partway awake, I would ask a question: how to achieve greater prosperity, health, a rocking cool partner, and happiness. The answers were spiritual, such as work more on self-forgiveness. And, more concrete like cutting down on fruit smoothies. 

Every person who does this will achieve different results. You may not get to the lucid state on your first try. It may take a few nights. Practicing at it is supposed to bring it on easier and give you more control of the dream. Be aware that you are not getting a deep sleep while lucid dreaming. It's not something to be done every night, or before an important workday in which you need to be fully rested. 

Do NOT do this if you have a history of psychotic episodes as lucid dreams can be confusing. If you are thinking about trying this, read more about it on-line. There are good articles on science based websites. 

If you try it out, let me know how it goes.

Click to purchase other fabulous ideas to link you to the spiritual world

Scream Yes To Opportunities

 Many of us have a vision of a career catered to our bliss. Mine is as a prosperous author. Yours could be an artist, actor, popular influencer, an entrepreneur,  or a river raft guide; the choices are as diverse as  the world population. If you are someone who is a believer in manifesting your dream, that the Universe is working for you, or in the power of faith and prayer, than you may be under the false belief that their is only one way to achieve what you want. That if you take up an opportunity to do something that does not readily seem to be on the path to your desired end, then you should not take it. This is generally false. 

The truth is that we do not know how we will get to our set goal. A seemingly different opportunity may be the bridge to getting us to the trophy. Let me give an example.

Years ago, as a massage therapist, a co-worker was moving to another coast and wanted me to take over her practice. I declined because I thought that would be telling the Universe that I did not believe that I would be a prosperous author, that I would be sending mixed signals. As in: yes, I believe in the manifestation of my request, but not enough to forsake other offers.

What I didn't realize at the time was that perhaps in this new job, I could have met someone who could have offered just the advice needed to get what I wanted. Or some type of network could have introduced me to another opportunity that would have brought even more happiness than being a writer. Or, I could have met Mr. Wonderful!

The other thing to not take lightly is that even the most faithful are susceptible to moments of challenge. Shortly after refusing the massage job, the Great Recession hit. Had I taken that job, I would probably have had enough money to get through it without worry. I would like to say that I had such great faith in prosperity that monetary issues did not have an effect on me. But, I was not mentally there, yet. Being overcome with stress and a major loss of income, I worked at three spas to make ends meet. 

So while you're working toward your goal, it's okay to accept other opportunities. You don't know how your request is going to be met. As the saying goes, 'God works in mysterious ways'. You may be awesome, brilliant, and filled with faith, but you don't know the entire workings of what the Universe is up to. 

So, if the opportunity sounds like something you could benefit from, do your research, and be open to screaming YES!

Click to purchase for the massage therapist in your life

Speedy Day

Often at work, I catch myself wanting the day to end quickly so that I can 'get to the fun stuff'. I'll often stop myself and wonder: why do I want to hurry things along? Isn't it better to enjoy each day, moment by moment, than wish for a feeling of quickening it's pace? What's the use in that? There are things to enjoy or appreciate everyday. It feels better to focus on that, than quickly getting through things. 

One way to do this is to appreciate what's right in front of you. Is it my witty colleagues? Being of service to others? The simple fact of having a job, a car, or a computer to read this incredibly entertaining blog? Air, trees and chocolate? Being thankful is talked about immensely because it really is a big deal. Taking the time to do it throughout the day swishes in a wave of happiness that leads to wanting to be in your life, not trudge through the hours. 

Another way to steer clear of day rushing is to be open to poking some fun into your surroundings: Put up a Poem Of The Week on the break room white board. Bring in a ripe pear for a co-worker who brought you plums from her fruit tree. Do some investigating as to what brings joy to your colleagues and bring on the fun.

Think about this: Your body is always present. It's not in two places at once. If you are in your living room, then you are not also hiking in the Alpine Mountains. But your mind can be in your body, wandering around a tropical island beach, sky diving with a movie star, or stressing out about a future event. So, the only way for you to achieve a mind and body connection is to be present to the moment, inside of your body. 

Not to say day dreaming is a bad thing. Just be aware that you are taking off for mind play. Keep that mind in your body most of the time.

Stay away from drifting along with what you have been doing in auto-mode. Even small attempts and variety can bring a day from hum drum to a bit of laughter. 

Click to purchase fun for your kiddo!

Your Body Listens To You

We are always healthy. This is not a metaphysical, spiritual, woo-woo viewpoint. It's that your body responds to you correctly, all of the time. I'll start my explanations in the physical domain:

1. When you're sitting at a desk for prolonged periods, you're telling your body you want to stay like that. The body will oblige and your *muscles will stiffen into your chosen pose. Your body is trying to help you, not purposely hurt you. Your shoulders will hunch, neck push your head forward, and that space between your shoulder blades will remain ridged. 

The way out is to periodically move those muscles. Set a time limit of 90 minutes and get out of that chair and move. Walk around the office, do ten head rolls each way, circle your arms. 

*Actually, it's not your muscles that are stiffening, but your fascia. Fascia is a thin covering around each muscle that does the stiffening. Muscles only contract or release.

2.  If you say you always have a stiff neck, you will always have a stiff neck. Now, this is on the metaphysical side, but it is a truth. As a massage therapist, when I told clients this, most nodded their head in agreement and understanding. They often already knew this and just needed the reminder. If they didn't agree, they'd pretend not to hear or blow off my words. Either way, I figured I had at least planted a seed that may be adhered to in the future.

Whatever your ailment, say it's getting better. A sickness can be renamed as a challenge that's being overcome. All of those cells that comprise your body are listening at some level. Let them know what's going on, in terms you want to achieve. 

3. Pain is your nerves letting you know you have a problem. Headaches are often tied to tight neck muscles and/or not enough water. If there was no pain, we wouldn't know to address a problem. 

Listen to your pain. What is it trying to tell you? Do you need to see a doctor, get a massage, drink more water, or follow a more nutritious health plan? Hear it out. I'm not a doctor, but I can say this: when you take something to suppress pain, a cold, or any ailment, remember to question why you are feeling this discomfort. Do you need to relax more, consult a physician, or quit eating cheese puffs at midnight? Pain doesn't show up for no reason. Your body is talking to you. It's more intelligent than you are. Listen to it's guidance.

4. Emotions/stress effect your body health. Tight shoulders, inner organs, skin conditions, bodily functions, and more can be adversely affected. We all know how it feels to be stressed and have short-term bodily reactions, like shoulder pains or a headache. But long-term anxiety can damage inner organs, bring out eczema, or cause ulcers, just to name a few. 

The alternative is to search for more peace in your life. Happiness goes beyond simply feeling good, It brings health benefits like less pain, better functioning organs, and more energy.

5. Your thoughts effect your body. This is a BIG discussion that won't fit into this short blog. If you're interested in knowing more, read Louise Hay's Heal Your Self. It can be a lot to swallow at first. When I read the thoughts that were causing my ailment for the first time, I threw the book across the room and claimed she didn't know what she was talking about. After a time of self-reflection, I came to accept her explanation. As she also gives an affirmation to tell ourselves  how to heal, the book does a world of good. 

Click to purchase another healthy book:

Fat, Happy, Baby-Cute Dreams

 

I'm reading a *Seth book. Perhaps you've heard of the series: A being who channels through Jane Roberts to give us humans advice, guidance, and a wee bit of knowledge as to the workings of the Universe. Now, regardless of whether or not you believe in channeled beings, the information is extraordinarily helpful. This is my first time dabbling into the series, and I'm only half-way through the book, but I've already gleaned a plethora of useful information. I'm as excited as an author at a free writer's conference hosted by Stephen King and Jodi Piccoult. 

Please understand that the Seth books are not an easy read. I find myself re-reading paragraphs to get a sense of what is being conveyed. With that in mind, bear with me as I attempt to explain these lofty concepts.

What I have to share concerns dreams. When  you close your eyes, relax, and let go of words forming in your thoughts, you'll probably see images. The images may be of stuff that you saw during the day, recollections of childhood, or random pictures. These images can be influenced by your emotions set before you closed your eyes.

If you started out in a happy state, the images will tend to be happy ones: pictures of you on vacation, a litter of playful puppies, ice cream cones, your last birthday party, whatever brings you joy. As you slip off into sleep, these images fall away. Once R.E.M hits, your dreams will probably be positive, tranquil, peaceful. When you wake up, you may feel more eager to greet the day. Woo hoo! Seize that day! Let the day seize you, and all of that fun, jazzy attitude. 

Flipping the emotional coin to fear, anxiety or sadness, and then slipping under the covers gripping these emotions, your negative state can lead to a scary picture show. Horror movies often make sleep harder to fall into. The boogey man feels omnipresent, like he's waiting in the folds of your brain ready to attack when you give into slumber. Behind closed eyes, you may see that annoying woman at the coffee shop who always steals the last of the cream, snarling dogs, ships sinking, villagers with pitchforks attacking a defenseless ogre, whatever agitates you. Sleep will be harder to come by and can set the stage for a grumpy day to follow. 

But, there is hope! There are forces at play trying to assist you. They are lurking around you, through you, and in you, grasping for ways to drag you out of the pits of doom and back into the sunshine of a joyful life. Since  you're going to sleep, your dreams can be used. Images, activities, short stories, all of the stuff that comprise a dream are ways for those inner and outer forces to give you guidance. However, if you fell asleep in a fearful state, your dreams may be nightmares. 

Advice laden dreaming still permeates happy sleepers. Guidance is not given to only those stuck in fear. But the dreams will feel more like a serene, psychedelic experience.

The tricks to use that midnight advice is to remember your dreams, and to interpret them. There is a great deal of writing about how to do this. I will leave that for another blog post. 

In summary, you regulate which type of images you will get as you lay in bed. You are not the victim of what comes to you. You are the one who picks the type of movie for the night. Do you want a feel good, uplifting, lighthearted movie to encompass your evening and spill into the next day? Then focus your thoughts on positive encounters and things of which you are thankful. Or would you rather be attacked by the boogeyman? Then stay scared, and let fear shadow your night. 

Me? I'm going to make it a habit to consider my emotions before siesta time. I hope you will make the same choice. See you in Dream Land!

An excellent, baby-cute image(book) to seek and purchase:

https://www.amazon.com/Hey-Little-Baby-Heather-Leigh-ebook/dp/B007NM4810/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=hey+little+baby+heather+leigh&qid=1629488981&sr=8-1

*Seth Speaks, The Eternal Validity Of The Soul, by Jane Roberts

Every Cure Is A Placebo

 

When a sick women touched the hem of Jesus' robe, she felt herself cured. She thanked Jesus for the healing. Jesus told her that it was not his clothing that healed her, but her belief. 

We can all do what Jesus did, from walking on water to being a conduit of the Love Message. The difference between him and us? We don't believe that we could do that. And that's okay. 

Individually, we could free ourselves from any illness, produce food for our town from a barrel of fish, and run our appliances on air. As a world, we could think away climate change, bring food for all in an instant, and do away with lice and cockroaches. But, we don't have the collective thought of a world wide, all problems solved, belief system. 

In the meantime, we have each other to believe in. 

Right now, I'm working with a Homeopathic Practitioner on a health matter. I've struggled with the belief that I should be able to think my way into solving my health issue by my thoughts. That I should have the faith in my body, my mind, my spirit, and my angels to bring my body to perfect health. But I'm not there, yet. 

I know that once I'm healed through the practitioner's concoction of homeopathic medicine, it will actually be because I believe that the tiny white pills were the remedy. The reality will be that it was my belief that they work. Same is true of every medical treatment, from alternative medicine to western modern medicine. 

So rather than beat myself up over not, yet, being in the vibration of complete self-healing, I am consulting experts. 

And besides, being a part of someone else's healing process is a wonderful gift for the healer.