11 Birdseye Persecutive Observations

I am on an airplane twice a week, almost every week. The world looks different from my window view. This birds eye view of the world below allows my perspective to shift. Here are a few of my realizations that have become evident to me from this view.

1. We are all connected. Cities flow into countryside, which flows into small communities and back into cities. There is no separation, just a flow to it. Recognize that we are all connected.

2. A winding path is a beautiful path. As rivers and stream meander through the landscape they create an interesting type of beauty, which is in contrast to the square grids of city streets and the fields they pass through. Allow your path to take its own course.

3. It is all beautiful given the right view. Mountains, canyons, plains, cities, and forests all hold their own unique beauty. Embrace your unique beauty even if your perspective doesn’t make it obvious to you.

4. Sometimes really great stuff is hidden. The clouds often obstruct any view of the ground. They are beautiful in and of themselves but dipping below them can show a whole new layer of interest. Remember that there is more to people that what they show you or the world.

5. We have one Mother Earth. We cling to her and she supports and gives life to us. We dot her surface and enjoying the bounty she provides us. We must take care of her, because without her, we are only dust.

6. Things in the distance are hazy. Things far out along our path have a haze over them that makes them difficult to see clearly. When others’ perspectives are far from our own, we may not see clearly what they are seeing. Allow others to have a different perspective.

7. Sometimes the path is bumpy for no obvious reason. When flying, clouds can be bumpy, but sometimes turbulence comes out of nowhere and we can not predict it. This happens in our lives to. Buckle up and enjoy the ride! The bumps will eventually pass.

8. The horizon is always in the distance. There is always a destination beyond this one. Once we arrive at one goal there are still many more journeys to take. Keep going; your destination is not the end.

9. The sun is always shining. Even on cloudy days, once the airplane rises above the clouds, the sun shines bright and strong. There is always things to be grateful for in life, even when it seems all is dim and drab.

10. If you don’t look, you won’t see. Often I get so focused on work while on the plane that I don’t think to look out the window. I have looked up from my work to see miraculous views. Look for the beauty!

11. The magnificence of this planet should not be taken for granted. Volcanic mountains rise above the clouds, meandering canyons carved by mere water, the sunset along the coast of Florida, rainbows and shadows on the clouds. I cannot predict what awesome views might grace my trip nor can I expect that all I will see is beautiful clouds, but I expect to be amazed somehow, always!

Thank you for reading my blog today. I love you. May a new perspective help improve you outlook and life, as if by magic.

*Photo was taken some where between St. Paul and St. Louis (the cities, not the people).

Please Follow the Adventure Sisters

Stacy’s Blog
Emy’s Blog
Adventure Sister’s Facebook Page
Stacy’s Instagram
Emy’s Twitter
Adventure Sister’s Pinterest Board

Are You Following Your Dreams? 7 Steps to Make Them a Reality.

I recently finished reading The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. This is a book about a boy who has a reoccurring dream, so he sets off to follow his dream to his destiny. The book tells us that the Universe conspires to give use what we are wanting and striving for.

“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
~Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

So what are your dreams? Do you know what you want? What are you doing to move in that direction? Do you notice signs, see synchronicities, or feel a ‘knowing’ that you are meant to achieve this objective? I dream to be a published author. I am already a writer and I write all the time. Emy and I have 3 books under our belts and hundreds of blogs. We have not received our publishing deal yet, but it is coming. It is our destiny. Right now we continue to move in the direction of our dreams.

Deepak Chopra says that our lives move forward through our desires. Desires are good things. They give us a goal. Sometimes desires are distractions. Shiny bobbles that look nice and cause us to believe that they will make us happy. Even when our desires may not be a part of our destiny, they are still a goal that keeps us reaching for something. Reaching for things is like exercising, the more we do it, the better we get at achieving those goals. It gives us practice at setting goals and the confidence that we can achieve them.

Here are some steps you can take to help make your dreams a reality.

Know what you want – So many of us do not even have a firm sense of what we want. You cannot run a race if you do not know where the finish line is. Spend some time meditating on what it is that you ‘really really’ want.
Set your goal – Often, even when we know what we want, we do not set a firm goal. Write it down or place it firmly in your mind. “My goal is to achieve this”.
Do some research – Next we need to know what we need to do in order to achieve that goal. So spend some time learning how others have achieved it or a similar goal. Find out what it takes and the steps that can help you reach this goal.
Put action steps in place – Make a list of the things you will do (objectives) to achieve your goal. You may even want to put dates on when you will do these various steps. This keeps you from getting distracted and suddenly it has been years since you moved towards the desired outcome.
Do it – Take action and keep moving forward. The Universe loves action. Whether it is taking a class, attending a seminar, doing the research, talking to people who have done it before, or some other action step that gets you a little closer to your goal. Work your plan!
Never stop believing – Our thoughts become our reality. Believe that this is your destiny and you will achieve, what it is, that you are after. Make a vision board or album. See it as if you have already achieved what you want. You want it for a reason. Feel the feeling of success, as if it was already yours. If you need help with manifesting, here is a series of blogs I wrote on the subject.
Achieve – You will get there. The Universe will help you. Follow your steps and believe that it is your destiny to achieve this goal. You can and will do this. I believe in you!

Thank you for reading my blog today. I love you! May your dreams come true, as if by magic.

*Photo was taken in on Clearwater Beach, FL.

Please Follow the Adventure Sisters

Stacy’s Blog
Emy’s Blog
Adventure Sister’s Facebook Page
Stacy’s Instagram
Emy’s Twitter
Adventure Sister’s Pinterest Board

Finding Spiritual Connection

We went to a Kirtan Saturday night and it was definitely the highlight of our weekend. It is a blessing to have a spouse and friends who support and share interest in my spirituality, for spirituality can be a magical thing. I feel there is a connection we experience through it. It is something bigger than ourselves, but more than that, it is something we can experience with a community of people on a similar journey.

Spirituality is not the same as religion. Some people do find a beautiful spiritual connection through religion, but that is a path and not the destination. Others may feel that connection and awe in nature. This is where they experience amazement. Others find that connection within themselves. They may gain this experience through meditation, prayer, or other rituals. Ultimately it really doesn’t matter how you find that connection, it’s still a magical thing.

We emerged from the Kirtan enhanced, deepened, and more ourselves. The world seemed a brighter place. I felt there was a different type of energy flowing through me. It was a more authentic energy. A part of me but also a connection to something more. It was not the usual sugar or caffeine induced boost. It was a Divine intensity that vibrated throughout me.

I am not sure that I can find the words that can adequately express how this experience, not only enhanced my life but also allowed me to come home to myself and be more fully me. After all, isn’t that what we are all after deep down inside, being deeply ourselves?

Having a spouse and friends with the same interests and also able to walk along with me, as we walk our paths, is such a blessing. I know that I am loved for exactly who I am. I love them for who they are. They do not have to change, be better, or be different. They can be who they are in this time and space and I love them, unconditionally. They return this same unconditional love back to me.

I facilitate a group that meets monthly to explore metaphysical and spiritual topics. This community of seekers have come together in all different ways and from all different places. We have formed connections, community, and a sense of belonging with one another. This also is a blessing to have a safe and accepting spiritual family to come home too.

If you have not found your spiritual family and you feel this is a part of you still missing, I recommend you explore. Try joining ‘MeetUp’ groups that appeal to you, attend local events, take classes on spiritual subjects that interest you. Not everyone needs a spiritual community though. Some have such a strong sense of inner connection that they are happy as solitary soul on their spiritual path. For me, I need my spiritual family!

Thank you for reading my blog today. I love you! May you find the spiritual support you need for your journey, as if by magic.

*Photo was taken in Sanford, FL

Please Follow the Adventure Sisters

Stacy’s Blog
Emy’s Blog
Adventure Sister’s Facebook Page
Stacy’s Instagram
Emy’s Twitter
Adventure Sister’s Pinterest Board

Empaths; 6 Different Types

I host a monthly gathering for seekers who want to learn more. It is a wonderful group of people who accept the others in the group without question. It is a safe place to ask questions, be yourself, and learn more about the metaphysical world. This month’s topic was Empaths. As I was preparing information to share with the group I came across some interesting information that I did not realize. Did you know there are 6 different types of Empaths? Here’s a look at what I found.

Those who connect with emotions – I think this is the type most people think of, when they think of an Empath. I know it is what I thought of. These are people who can feel other’s emotions. When this type of empath is not aware of their nature, they may feel the heaviness we they walk in a room but not know why or how. When they embrace they’re power they can actually sense it and then change the mood of the room with their light.
Those who connect with animals – These type of empaths are the folks that go into animal communication. They just “get” animals more than others. You may even have heard them called (dog, cat, horse) “whisperers”. Even when they are not aware of their nature, they may still be drawn to work with animals as vets or sitters. They may even choose to be vegetarians because the ideas of eating the flesh of other sentinal beings is just too much for them.
Those who connect with plants – These are the people just know when the house plants need to be watered, not because the dirt feels dry, but because they feel the needs of the plants and them calling for it. These people may be literal “tree huggers” as they hear the trees sending them messages and want to connect with them. Even when these empaths do not know their true nature they may drift towards work in fields that allow them to work with plants or in forests. They may also have amazing green thumbs.
Those who connect with the Earth – These lovely souls feel the pain of the planet. They intuitively know if an area is polluted. Even if they do not know their true nature, they may be environmentalist or fight for Mother Earth through other means. Adventure Sister Emy is definitely this type of empath. It is what motivated her to run for political office.
Those who connect with other people’s body issues – These people are medical intuitive. They know where there is illness in others bodies or feel the specific pains of the person they are working with. They may walk into a room and suddenly have a headache, which is of course not their headache, but they take on the feeling (pain) that someone else in the room is going through. Many times removing the pain from that person to their own detriment.
Those who connect with thoughts – These empaths just know what to say. They do not feel the emotions of the person, as the first type did, but rather just have a ‘knowing’ of that person. These people, even if they do not know their true nature, are just good with people. They interview well, because they know what the other wants to hear. They are that person who always knows what to say to you and when to say it. Somehow they just know what you need to hear.

If you are an empath you may have components of many of these, or even all of them. Likely one is more prominent for you than the rest. Maybe you do not know if you are an empath or not, but you do not have to know or label yourself one. Now that you know of these different traits, to the various types of empaths, you can watch and see if any of these things show up in your life or sound like you.

Thank you for reading my blog today. I love you. May you have a life of feeling comfortable in your own skin, as if by magic.

*Photo was taken in Columbia River Gorge, Oregon.

Please Follow the Adventure Sisters

Stacy’s Blog
Emy’s Blog
Adventure Sister’s Facebook Page
Stacy’s Instagram
Emy’s Twitter
Adventure Sister’s Pinterest Board

I Opened My Eyes and Noticed… I am Changed

We all go through changes in our lives. Things that were a fit for us once are suddenly not an interest anymore. Other things that may have been off our radar are suddenly something we want to know more about. When you look back at your past do you see that you have changed and how?

I remember going through some especially big life events. When I came out on the other side I was changed. I remember thinking that if the me of my past, met the me I am now, that I would not recognize myself. I had a whole new set of interests. I was passionate about learning and wanting to learn all I could about this new world I had stumbled upon. I had a new set of friends. Some of my old friends fell away, because they did not understand the changes I was going through. These new people I met were on a similar path as me with similar interests. Even the way I looked at life had shifted. I saw things from a new perspective. My faith changed. Spirituality is still a huge part of who I am but I see it so much differently now.

It is an amazing thing to me to look back over that time of my life. I see how much growth was happening inside me. This was about 12 years ago. How time has slipped away so quickly. One day I was living my life, being me, and doing what I needed to do. The next day I opened my eyes and I was changed. Many things just fell into place, which had seemed random. These changes spurred on more new development. I do not believe in coincidences. I believed that things happened to push me forward. To help me grow and transform. To teach me to live my Dharma.

Do you feel a push or pull in a certain way? Maybe you should explore it. It may help you discover your true nature. It may help the you, That is deep down inside, to push up and out. It is likely your ‘inner knowing’ is guiding you to become the deeper true version of yourself. Do you feel the call? Will you one day soon, open your eyes and find that you are changed? Watch for the synchronicities in your life. When something shows up over and over again, pay attention. It may be showing up for a reason. You may find that it is something that, upon closer inspection, makes your soul sing.

Change can be frightening, but most of time we find ourselves in a better place. It may take time and be uncomfortable for a bit while going through it, but when you come out on the other side, you will be glad for it. You will feel more at home within yourself. Good luck with your changes. I am excited for you.

Thank you for reading my blog today. I love you. May your changes be fulling and help you be more you, as if by magic.

*Photo was taken at the Grand Canyon.

Please Follow the Adventure Sisters

Stacy’s Blog
Emy’s Blog
Adventure Sister’s Facebook Page
Stacy’s Instagram
Emy’s Twitter
Adventure Sister’s Pinterest Board

Uniquely Me

You are unique. There is none like you. As we move through life we start out secure in who we are. As we grow older, how people react to us starts to form how freely we express that very personal individuality. Then, as we age, we come back to ourselves.

When you are a very young child you are free in this uniqueness. Adults even praise and give positive feedback to young children, when they express themselves in odd and quirky ways. When I watch my grandchild put on something silly and dance around the house, I am impressed by their freedom. They feel safe in their play. Then adolescence happens.

During adolescence we want nothing more than to “fit in” with our peers. We don’t mind being different from adults, but heaven forbid if we stand out form those around us. This is our first step in conforming. We want to dress like everyone else, listen to the same music, and even use the same terminology that the “cool kids” are using. Of course, there are always some free spirits who don’t mind being different and stand out like a daisy in the rose garden.

The next step happens as young adults. Suddenly we see the wisdom of our parents and other adults. We decide we want to be like those role model “grownups ” who made a difference for us. We work the jobs, decorate our homes, even drive the cars that are socially expected. We go on through life, not quite ourselves. Until that one day we take a risk.

We feel some kind of itch in the back of our consciousness. When we act on it and express our true nature, how others respond to us, will have a big impact on if we do it again or not. The more people age the more they feel comfortable expressing their unique nature. The poem, When I am Old, by Jenny Joseph, expresses this desire to be an individual. She talks about all she will do to “… make up for the sobriety of her youth”. How comfortable people feel moving towards their true and marvelous self, has all kinds of baggage tied to it. How people have responded in the past, what validation or lack of it did they receive as children, their self esteem or lack of, and how much they value fitting in; all play into how free they feel to be themselves.

I don’t mind expressing my uniqueness. Working a professional job, reading Tarot on the side, pursuing self improvement, playing hard, passionate about travel, practicing my individual spirituality and seeing the world just a little bit differently; are all aspects of who I am. These things are among a few of the flavors of me. As Doctor Seuss said, “Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” Express this nature! Feel the tickle at the back of your mind that says it’s okay to pump your arms in the air when you’re excited, ride on the grocery cart in the parking lot, or paint pictures that no one but you loves. Feel safe to dress in the quirky outfits, listen to eclectic music, and explore interests that call to you, even if those around you do not “get it”.

I call to you! Feel safe in saying, “I am Uniquely Me!” Express yourself more freely each day. You may find that others are impressed by your example. You will likely find that you like yourself more than you ever realized was possible.

Thank you for reading my blog today. I love you! May you feel safe being uniquely you, as if by magic.

*Photo taken in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Please Follow the Adventure Sisters

Stacy’s Blog
Emy’s Blog
Adventure Sister’s Facebook Page
Stacy’s Instagram
Emy’s Twitter
Adventure Sister’s Pinterest Board

Dipping a Toe into Consciousness

What is consciousness or, more importantly, what isn’t it? Is it about the question or encompassed in the answer? Have you explored consciousness? Do you know who you are? Do you feel more connected to the narrator, the speaker, or the observer? What steps do you take to increase the mindfulness in your life? There are so many deep questions we could ask about consciousness.

Mindful meditation is taught by the buddhists, but in recent years, the practice of meditation and mindfulness has become much more mainstream. I recently read a book by Dan Harris called 10% Happier. In his book, Dan describes his own reluctant journey into a meditation practice. Gurus, such as, Eckhart Tolle and Deepak Chopra offer a place for seekers to begin to learn about consciousness. One of the first books I read about consciousness was The Untethered Soul. I have since read it twice and still feel that I could benefit from a third reading.

Our minds our very busy things and if you take the time to notice, there are several versions of “us” that the mind portrays to us. There is the speaker. This is the guy who is always thinking what to say ‘next’ in the conversation. This fella is pretty sure that he always has the most interesting tidbits to share. This is also the same guy giving me trouble getting past day one on my “21 days complaint free” adventure. Then there is the narrator. This joker is the one who feels the need to tell us what we are doing. Like I don’t know I am walking down the hall, planning my next move, or reading an interesting blog. The narrator feels it is necessary to tell me everything I am doing. My favorite though, is the observer. It is great when you can identify with the observer. This part of me (and this is the true me) is quiet and sits in the background. This “me” just notices. I was getting upset with something that happened to me in a relationship one day. The observer sat back and noticed that I felt triggered by the interaction. The observer had no connection to the frustration or hurt that the situation caused. The observer only noticed it. Once the observer noticed it the narrator got really intrigued about it and took it from there. It is the observer portion of us that meditation can help better connect to.

Daily meditation, noticing these different parts of our mind, reading books and watching videos by the gurus; are some of the ways we can become more conscious. Is this a part of your journey right now? I would love to hear how consciousness affects your life. What works for you? What would you like to improve? I feel a need to connect more fully with my consciousness and therefore am planning a silent retreat with Adventure Sister Emy. Little steps can have big impacts when it comes to consciousness. If you have not already done so, why not dip your toe into the water.

Thank you for reading my blog today. I love you. May your journey into consciousness be fulfilling and profound, as if by magic.

*Photo was taken on Mt Baker, WA

Please Follow the Adventure Sisters

Stacy’s Blog
Emy’s Blog
Adventure Sister’s Facebook Page
Stacy’s Instagram
Emy’s Twitter
Adventure Sister’s Pinterest Board

You Are Complete, You Are Whole

“I am complete; the Universe exists within me”. This was the centering thought in a meditation I recently did; put out by Deepak Chopra. What a profound statement. “I am complete” is profound in and of itself but adding; “The Universe exists within in me”, causes it takes on a much deeper meaning. Thinking about this and taking it into our consciousness, can have a profound effect of how we feel about ourselves and how we interact with others. For if this is true of us, then it is also true of all others. Let’s look at this bit by bit.

I am complete –This is another way of saying; “I am enough”. It is a beautiful sentiment. How much time do we spend judging ourselves and feeling like we are not worthy or not enough. Just acknowledging that we are complete can start you to feel things shift within. You may not even believe it is true at first but slowly, if you keep reminding yourself, you can start to see how you really are complete. You are worthy. You are enough. You do not have to strive to be better. You do not have to feel like a failure. You are complete. Your journey through this life is not over and you most likely will have many more experiences. You may even be actively working on self improvement. All of this does not change the fact that you are complete. You are beautiful. You are whole.

The Universe exists within me – This part, to the centering thought, is also quite profound. I use the word Universe synonymously with God. So to me, this means that God lives within me. Much like the greeting ‘Namaste’ which has many translations, but the one I hear the most is, “The Divine in me recognizes the Divine in you”. This greeting acknowledges that God lives in all of us. The Kundalini Yoga tradition I follow uses the Mantra; “Sat Nam”, which means “I am truth”. If God lives within me how can I be anything but truth. In the Bible 1 Corinthians 3:16 says; “Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” It is commonly accepted in India what we are God. God is within us all, connecting us all.

If this is true for you then it is also true for others. So if you are complete, then others are also complete. It doesn’t matter who they are or where they are on their soul’s journey. They are complete. The doctor, homeless person, college student, veteran, or anyone else you can think of; they are all complete. They are whole. They are worthy. They are enough. We do not need to judge them. We can hold the space for them to have the experience they came here to have and accept them as is. It is not our job to fix them. The Universe lives within them as well. They are a bit of the God consciousness. We are all connected in this way. We are all Divine. We are all perfect because of that Divine light which we hold within us.

When you start to judge another person, remember that they are complete and the Universe exists within them. When you start to judge yourself, remember that you are complete and that the Universe exists within you also. Be patient with yourself and others. Be kind to yourself and others. Share love with all you meet.

Thank you for reading my blog today. I love you! May you understand your Divine and complete nature, as if by magic.

*Photo taken in the mountains in Oregon.

Please Follow the Adventure Sisters

Stacy’s Blog
Emy’s Blog
Adventure Sister’s Facebook Page
Stacy’s Instagram
Emy’s Twitter
Adventure Sister’s Pinterest Board

Was It Worth It For the Story?

Have you ever had something happen to you that was not great but, in the end, became such a story with friends that it took on a life of its own? It became legendary? My husband and I had one such thing happen to us this last Spring. It has since made for a great story and taken on much of a life of its own among our friends. Although it was bad, a violation of our property and sense of safety, I am going to say it may have been worth it for the story. Not saying that I would every want it to happen again.

It started on Mother’s Day. We had decided to go to the zoo to celebrate the day and spend time together. A picnic lunch had been planned and prepared. We were packing up the car. My husband was on his second trip to the car with supplies when he stopped. “Whoa, whoa, whoa!”, he exclaimed. I was completely focused on getting us on the way to zoo and making sure we had everything and had noticed nothing different.

“What?”, I asked him.

“Someone stole our fire pit!”.

I looked at the patio we had finished the previous summer. Our lawn furniture was there but the table, with a built in propane burning fire pit in the center, was gone. It was a sunny Sunday morning. He swore it had been there on his first trip out to the car 20 minutes earlier. Someone (likely 2 people, because of its size and weight) had pulled up and made off with our fireplace table and propane tank in broad daylight. While we were up and moving around and even outside.

The feeling of violation was horrible. Wondering what else might be taken in the future was terrible. That this could or would happen was shocking. Marty bought cables and locks and started chaining everything down. We did replace the fire pit and it is chained up now. More than our fire pit, they stole our sense of safety and security. In the end we were grateful no one was hurt. It was just a thing after all.

I posted the story on social media. I asked that everyone pray or send intentions that the perpetrators life will improve, in such a way, that acts like these we no longer seem necessary for them. I joked that someone’s mother got a very nice Mother’s Day gift.

The story has since taken on a life of its own. Our friends often mention it. They will make jokes about it, post picture of themselves in our backyard when we are not home, and act surprised when they stop by and its replacement is still there. The missing fire pit has cause much amusement for many people. I am in no way condoning theft. I would not want this to happen to us (or anyone) ever again. Sometimes (though) you have to laugh or else you cry. The amusement and jokes that have since come out of this have; maybe, just maybe, made it worth it for the story.

Try and find the good or at least the amusing, in all things, as if by magic. I love you! Thanks for reading my blog.

*Picture was take in our front yard.

Please Follow the Adventure Sisters

Stacy’s Blog
Emy’s Blog
Adventure Sister’s Facebook Page
Stacy’s Instagram
Emy’s Twitter
Adventure Sister’s Pinterest Board

It’s Not Much… But It Is

A friend gave me a gift recently. She handed me the pretty wrapped package and said; “It’s not much but…” I witness people doing this all the time. It’s like they feel embarrassed that there is not a 50 foot yacht wrapped up behind that red and white package.

The gift was very much. It was her communication to me that she loves me. It was her way of wishing me well in this festive time of year. Her gift was well thought out and something that is truly useful and meaningful to me. She took the time to think about me and choose a gift that I would definitely love. She took the time to shop for something special for me. She spent her money, which takes time to earn, to buy something for me. Her gift was very much.

Time is something many of us feel short on. It seems like it just flies by and we end up needing more hours in the day then we have. When someone spends that precious commodity to give us a nice gift, it is very much! There are so many people that touch our lives that we cannot possible give them all gifts. I feel so blessed and special when singled out as someone, important enough, to add to their Christmas list.

When you give gifts to others, whether it is this holiday season or anytime during the year. There is no need to say; “It is not much”, to the receiver. Because to them, it is much. It is a communication of; “I care about you”, “You matter to me”, “Thank you for your friendship”, and so much more.

I am so grateful for this friend. I love her. She did not need to give me a gift to let me know she cares but I will think of her fondly every time I use her gift. Friends are such a blessing. That is the real gift for me, to be her friend.

Thank you for reading my blog today. I love you! May you have kind and loving friends in your life, that let you know you matter, as if by magic.

Please Follow the Adventure Sisters

Stacy’s Blog
Emy’s Blog
Adventure Sister’s Facebook Page
Stacy’s Instagram
Emy’s Twitter
Adventure Sister’s Pinterest Board