Seasons Change

We're in the midst of many changes. The Autumnal Equinox has arrived; a time of cooler weather, shorter days and preparation for the winter ahead.

Season changes bring changes of all sorts. Staying grounded, centered and balanced is so important at this time. We are facing Mother Earth’s down time and just as we require a respite to keep going, so does she.

Allow yourself to focus on good and positive intentions, eat properly from that which is being harvested, really take notice of all that Gaia is bringing forth and enjoy the start of this wonderfully colorful season when the trees display the most beautiful shades of burgundy, gold, olive and amber.

Although the summer is at its’ end, the fall is just beginning and those brisk days are so very rejuvenating. Each one is offering us a chance to observe the world and see all that is being offered to us for our enjoyment and simple pleasure.

I intend you fully embrace these days filled with crisp autumn air and cherish each one for what it gives to you. They are all unique and filled with opportunity. Soon enough, they too will be gone and we will be looking toward another new season of change which will delight us in a very different way.

Happy Fall!

Is Technology Rewiring YOUR Brain?

Are you crazy about your Blackberry? Do you LOVE your iPad? Is your iPhone your new BFF? Has the latest technological gadget become an appendage?

Go ahead and laugh. Now STOP. Think about these questions.

Seriously consider this: are you addicted to technology? You just might be and if you are, well, guess what? You’re rewiring your brain. Did you want to do that?

Now some may say, no, not me. I'm using these tools because they simplify my life, they keep me organized and I get so much more done. It’s my best time management tool!

Maybe so – but maybe, just maybe, you’re missing opportunities, losing relationships and not performing at peak levels because of all the time you spend WITH your gadgets.

Perhaps it’s time to step away from the technology buffet.

Consider this. You’re with friends at dinner, your phone rings, you check the caller ID and say, “I have to take this”. First of all, most people don’t even say “excuse me”, or “do you mind if” – they presume it will be alright to take that call which is essentially putting the person on the phone first, rather than the people they already committed to spend time with. You take that oh so important call. Maybe you’re only on the phone for a few seconds, maybe minutes, maybe a lot of minutes. For everyone else, it’s not just annoying, it’s really quite rude. It's like a child constantly whining during a conversation - you won't put up with that, and you wouldn't expect anyone else to but you do think it's okay to take call after call after call after call.....

If you do this frequently enough, you will ultimately find that people don’t really want to spend time with you anymore because you’re not wanting to spend your time with them. That’s exactly how it comes across. I know. I've stopped going places with those who simply cannot stay off the phone when we're out. I don't know why they want to get together when every time they hear the phone twirp, sing, ring, beep or whatever, they text back to whomever texted them or they "have to take this call". If you really feel you are so important that you cannot miss a call, why do you go out with those of us who are obviously not as important in the first place. Stay home and talk yourself to death. We're better off - it's very stressful to be constantly told you are unimportant. That is indeed what those techno addicts are saying in their actions. So much for deportment - I guess that went out the window with the advent of technology. You can see that those who are addicted are losing relationships because they have rewired their brains to only respond to technology and they've lost their social skills.
Now let’s move to the family dinner table. Mom has her iPhone by her side, Dad’s Blackberry is next to the water glass, one chilld is listening to their iPod, the other is reading an e-book on their iPad NOT ONE PERSON, is aware of what is happening to the dynamic of the family. Is there even a family dynamic anymore. What happened to the F A M I L Y?????

Remember game night? We've moved on. Now it’s techno-night. Every night. At the dinner table and beyond. I've actaully seen this in action in restaurants. I look and think, WOW, they cannot even enjoy their food, they're only eating for sustenance. It's a real shame. Technology is taking away enjoyment in every aspect of our lives.

You’re rewiring your brain so it only responds to technology and any sense of pleasure is being taken away. Are we becoming the robots that were in those sci-fi movies 30 years ago? You’re losing close relationships with family and friends because you jumped on the bandwagon through peer pressure, "hey, everyone else is doing it", which to you, makes it okay to join them in their addiction! When you allow it to happen you're an enabler , when you join in, you begin the transformation to becoming one of them.....a robotic addict.
About 10-15 years ago one of the biggest problems couples had was having a TV in the kitchen. Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Counselors and Therapists all heard, “the TV is on during dinner and it’s ruining our relationship”. Well guess what? It did. It’s a cry for help that these professionals have heard over and over again for years. Now, it’s common to watch TV during mealtime. So much for family time. Lack of communication, not relating to others for even small amounts of time due to the advent of technological gadgets has become a way of life, it's pulling people apart and it's changing the way we think. We evolved from being addicted to TV to being addicted any and all technological devices to the point of allowing ourselves, our brains, to become a techno gadget itself. No feelings for others, no consideration of what is polite or nice, we're losing emotions, technology is taking over and we're allowing it.

I don't know about you, but I like having control over my mind and what I'm doing. I don't want to retrain myself to only respond to technological devices and lose social skills to the point where no one wants to be in my company.

Let’s now consider your work environment.

There you are at work multi-tasking like crazy. You’re a whiz at this stuff. Life is GREAT!

Uh-oh the boss is having a conniption over something. Why is the boss coming to you? What happened?

Apparently, during your multi-tasking when you were speaking on the phone while sending an e-mail, the person you spoke to got the response they needed to move forward with their portion of a project that required an authorization for more funds. Oh yes, you did. You told them to go ahead with it. WHY? Because you were sending an e-mail, while talking on the phone and you CANNOT do two things at the same time, giving each task100% of your attention. YOU CANNOT. It’s science. MRI’s prove this. One part of the brain overrides the other and the secondary task suffers for it. Now you’re attempt at multi-tasking has made more work for you because you need to fix this little faux pas you didn't mean to create.

Even if you have only one task that requires either decision making, or comprehension, you can't do that and something else at the same time. Our brains process auditory information and visual information in two different areas. MRI studies have shown that only one can dominate at a time. Therefore, although you really believe you’re successful at talking on the phone while sending an e-mail, you're not. You might get through the call and you might have sent the e-mail but you didn't give enough attention to each individual task to do it well. That e-mail may be half thought out and that phone call you received – well, look where that will get you.

Studies have shown that people who use a lot of techno-media gadgets simultaneously are much more easily distracted, less focused and find they have trouble switching from one task to another. They lose relationships in every area of their life because they are consumed with all the technology available to them that will simplify their lives.

In the end, when we multi-task, it doesn’t work. You cannot do two things at once giving 100% of your attention to each task. It is physically impossible to do so. Can't stress this enough.

Addictions to the latest inventions is not unprecedented either. Bill Powers is the author of "Hamlet's BlackBerry." In his book he tells us that overconsumption of a new thing dates back to Shakespeare. "When the printing press came along, people all of a sudden felt this need to have to learn how to read," Powers said. "Henry David Thoreau, the great philosopher, noted that people got addicted to going to the post office. They would go five, six, seven times a day." Isn't e-mail the modern day post office, right at your fingertips, in your own home? Hmmmmmm...history does repeat itself, doesn't it?

Powers himself was a victim of overconsumption. Members of his family would sequester themselves after dinner to their individual dens of technology not seeing each other until morning. Once he and his wife noted this was a problem they declared their weekends were now an “Internet Sabbath” and have been unplugging themselves on weekends for the past three years, quite successfully. The Internet Sabbath has revolutionized their lives.

I taught time management 20 years ago, before all these technological devices were invented. Back then, time management was giving 100% to each task individually, while getting things done simultaneously.

Yes, I know, I hear you. What are you talking about? You just said it’s physically impossible to do that. No I didn’t. Read the above paragraph again. I said you cannot do two things at the same time giving each of them 100% of your attention. That's absolutely true. However, you can give 100% to each task you need to accomplish and get them done simultaneously.

Here’s a very simplified example. It’s Saturday, you need to get groceries, clean laundry, change bed linens, weed the garden, cook dinner and of course, check your e-mail. Oh yes, and let’s not forget you would really love to have a cup of coffee to kick start your day.

First, wake up your PC and press Send/Receive to obtain your e-mails. WHILE that is happening walk to the kitchen and start the coffee maker, now check the PC (37 incoming e-mails and more on the way). Strip the beds and start that first load of laundry. You’re upstairs now, you may as well put fresh linens on the bed. Back to the PC, almost done. Good. Pour yourself that cup of coffee and then write out your grocery list. Now take care of the e-mails. Way too many e-mails, took longer than you thought? That's okay, it’s Saturday and you’re multi-tasking right now, in a good way. Put the clothes in the dryer, just bed linens, they’ll be fine while you go grocery shopping. You come home, the dryer is buzzing, linens are dry. First, bring in the groceries and put away the perishables. Now go fold the linens and start the next load. Put away the rest of the groceries. You know what you're making for dinner so while the laundry is going why not go out and weed? When you've weeded to your hearts' content, go back in and put the washed clothes in the dryer. Start dinner. Fold the clothes. Now go finish cooking dinner and sit down with whomever and enjoy that scrumptious meal you made and be grateful for all that you accomplished WELL today.

This is very simplistic and organized, which is the key to multi-tasking. You get my point though. Putting things in order of what to do and then executing that plan is indeed multi-tasking. Each task is getting done but YOU do not need to devote your undivided attention to them simultaneously. ONLY when you are working on each one, at that specific moment do you give it 100% of your attention. In this way, everything gets accomplished. Tasks are done well and there are no mistakes.

This is what is referred to as being present in each moment. A topic for another day but really, doesn’t it suit this scenario too?

If we continue to allow technology to make life easier for us by multi-tasking poorly, ignoring people (let's say that's unknowingly even though it's right in your face) then we are allowing technology to get the best of us. And get the better of us it will. It already has in a lot more cases than anyone wants to admit.

We all use and need technology. We just need to balance it so we’re using it as it should be used: to optimize our time, giving us the freedom to spend more time with those we love and want to be with.

Step away from the technology buffet. Declare your own Internet Sabbath. Build relationships, work smart giving undivided attention where it needs to be at the moment and multi-task properly. You’ll get more done and you won’t be a prisoner of the technology that is taking you away from your life. A life you should be living in joy, peace and love.

Now, go forth and unplug for the weekend! You have absolutely nothing to lose and you just may just realize that doing things the old fashion way, without the gadgets, can be pleasant, relaxing, comforting and make you feel just plain good all over.

Intending you a technology free holiday weekend!
 

Copyright 2009. T Love. All Rights Reserved.

More Cancer Centers and Doctors Encouraging the Use of Reiki

by Jack Bleeker

April 2010

With groups like the Society of Integrative Oncology, a multi-disciplinary organization of professionals, touting the advantages of complementary cancer treatment and recovery, new methodologies, including Reiki are gaining in popularity. More and more cancer centers and oncologists are beginning to recognize the benefits that these treatments – once dismissed with a snicker by those “in-the-know” – are providing for those who just don’t know where to turn to address issues like the pain and stress associated with cancer and its conventional treatments.

Complementary therapies - not to be confused with “alternative” therapies, which are unproven treatments – have gradually made their way to the forefront of cancer care as well-known oncologists who are lauded experts in their field begin to promote these supportive treatments as a natural part of cancer care. Even the National Institutes of Health operates a National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, researching complementary therapies and then recommending proven ones for integration into cancer programs nationwide, including those associated with mesothelioma cancer.

Lately, the ancient form of spiritual healing known as Reiki (pronounced Ray-kee) has earned plenty of attention as a potential complementary therapy for all kinds of cancer, including malignant mesothelioma. Rooted in Tibetan Buddhism, Reiki was “rediscovered” in the early 20th century and became particularly popular in the late 1990s as Reiki Masters began to teach non-Buddhists that life energy flows through all persons, this technique strives to increase the life force energy of a sick individual, therefore helping him achieve better health and happiness.

Like many complementary therapies, Reiki takes a holistic approach – treating mind, body, and spirit – and is safe and natural. Many cancer patients who have tried it note an overall feeling of peace, relaxation, and well-being when the treatment is complete. Totally non-invasive, Reiki therapy involves the laying of hands on the fully-clothed patient by the Reiki practitioner. His/her hands travel through 12 different positions, staying in each place for about 5 minutes for a total of about an hour per treatment. The feeling of invigoration or tranquility results from the fact that Reiki causes the body's molecules to vibrate at a higher intensity, hence, dissolving energy blockages that lead to disharmony and disease, Reiki masters note. This assists in controlling pain, easing stress, or lessening side effects of traditional treatments like chemotherapy, including nausea and other debilitating problems for mesothelioma cancer patients. It is also believed to improve immune function.

With continuous positive reactions from many cancer patients, mesothelioma clinics such as Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center offer Reiki classes for cancer patients, including Sloan Kettering mesothelioma patients on a regular basis as well as in-service classes for their hospital staff. Other well-known hospitals to jump on the Reiki bandwagon include Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Columbia Presbyterian, the Yale Center, and Cancer Treatment Centers of America. The list continues to grow as patients use tools like the internet to advertise their positive reactions to this ancient healing art, enticing others to give it a try.

References:

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicines (http://nccam.nih.gov/)
Society for Integrative Oncology (www.integrativeonc.org
Chemocare.com, http://www.chemocare.com/complementary_medicine.asp)
The International Center for Reiki Training ( www.reiki.org)
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (www.mskcc.org)

NOTE: Approximately 95% of hospitals offer Reiki therapy as a complementary integrative treatment to conventional medicine.

NATIONAL WOMEN’S HEALTH WEEK

This is a great time for all you women to think about YOU and YOUR health. After all, if you don’t take care of you, you won’t be able to take care of anyone else.

First things first, take TIME for YOURSELF. Yes, I’ve said it. TAKE TIME FOR YOU!!!!

I don’t care if that means going for a walk, starting a new workout program, going to a spa for a massage or a facial, reading a book, jumping in the tub for a soak or just enjoying a quiet time to think, with no noise, no one asking for you to do this or that.

If you want to have a happy, healthy life, you need to nurture yourself and nurturing yourself fosters good health. Oh, I’m not saying go out and spoil yourself. Well, okay, I am. Sort of. Just be good to you so you can maintain your sanity and have a little less stress.

Stress is the silent killer and we women do stress very well. Take a break from stress. Work on being with yourself. Your good company and hey, you really are worth it.

Happy National Women’s Health Week

Oh, and if you haven’t scheduled that doctors appointment or mammogram or blood test, take a moment now and do it. It won’t be hanging over your head and you’ll be glad you got it off your to do list. See, even that lessens the stress!

Copyright 2009. T Love. All Rights Reserved.

Omega Conference in NYC

Well, I just got back from the Omega Conference in NYC. It was FABULOUS! There's no other word for it.

Needing a bit of a boost, and spring is the time for renewal and that was the theme this year, I attended the conference this past weekend. WOW! It's amazing how a few hours of just thinking about things a bit differently and using some easy and quickly responding tools can flip a perspective and transform a person.

I took the "Loving Your Shadow" workshop with Debbie Ford and I must say, she is quite simply, AMAZING!

This woman knows her stuff and she puts herself out there to create a zone of comfort so we all may more easily put ourselves out there too!

I will expand on the workshop in an upconing blog but for now, if you've never attended and want to know more, I would suggest, NO, I would URGE you to get any and all of her books, watch The Shadow Effect (DVD) and then sign up for her workshop at Rhinebeck, NY this coming July 9-11. You will experience growth, transformation and an overall lightening of your body, mind and spirit. I expected great things, and great things were indeed delivered!

I will be writing an article about my experience for the June issue of Elevated Existence Magazine so be sure to check it out at: http://www.elevatedexistence.com/ as well as coverage on a lot of other workshops held there too.

In the meantime, go to Debbi Fords site at http://www.debbieford.com/ and read a bit about her, her books, events and workshops - you will be SO glad you did.

Transformation could not be any easier or clearer. Oh, and her staff, SUPERB! Helpful, polite, caring, and all certified by her as shadow workers. The energy was awesome and the results phenomenal!!!

It may sound too good to be true, but it is NOT. It's one of the best things to do for yourself, your life, your heart and soul......it's a must do for you!

Copyright 2010. T Love. All Rights Reserved.

ATTITUDE IS THE ONLY DISABILITY

That says it all doesn’t it?

So many of us cop an attitude when things don’t go our way. What does that really do for any of us? It’s not healthy. It’s not attractive. It doesn’t solve anything and it doesn’t make anyone happy or RIGHT.

Our attitudes direct us and guide us through all ours days on this journey of life.

When something goes wrong – instead of thinking, “well, of course that would happen to ME” or “that’s just my luck” and then maintaining an attitude of the victim – look at it as growth.

In all of life’s situations there is an opportunity for growth. If we maintain THIS attitude, and KNOW that from the bad situations that arise we really do grow, we live in attitude of peace, love and understanding, then we will continue to grow and the growth will be less stressful because our attitude is of acceptance. We KNOW that we must grow and we are allowing the growth to occur and finding the peace and happiness that it brings to us.
Our attitude toward life and all the circumstances that surround our own individual little worlds manifests that which we receive.

Allowing yourself to look at things negatively only perpetuates that negativity.

I’m not saying it’s easy to find the silver lining and be positive, but if you do it, you’ll find the disability in your life, disappears.

Go forth with a positive attitude and see how your world changes.

Copyright 2010. T Love. All Rights Reserved.

Crystal Singing Bowl Therapy Video

BECAUSE OF LOVE from Willy Eagle

This true inspirational message was sent to a small group of people.

My hope is that it will make your day just a little bit better.

A brother and sister had made their usual hurried, obligatory pre-Christmas visit to the little farm where dwelt their elderly parents with their small herd of horses. The farm was where they had grown up and had been named Lone Pine Farm because of the huge pine, which topped the hill behind the farm. Through the years the tree had become a talisman to the old man and his wife, and a landmark in the countryside. The young siblings had fond memories of their childhood here, but the city hustle and bustle added more excitement to their lives, and called them away to a different life.

The old folks no longer showed their horses, for the years had taken their toll, and getting out to the barn on those frosty mornings was getting harder, but it gave them a reason to get up in the mornings and a reason to live. They sold a few foals each year, and the horses were their reason for joy in the morning and contentment at day's end.

Angry, as they prepared to leave, the young couple confronted the old folks "Why do you not at least dispose of The Old One." She is no longer of use to you. It's been years since you've had foals
from her. You should cut corners and save so you can have more for yourselves. How can this old worn out horse bring you anything but expense and work? Why do you keep her anyway?"

The old man looked down at his worn boots, holes in the toes, scuffed at the barn floor and replied, " Yes, I could use a pair of new boots. His arm slid defensively about the Old One's neck as he drew her near with gentle caressing he rubbed her softly behind her ears. He replied softly, "We keep her because of love. Nothing else, just love."

Baffled and irritated, the young folks wished the old man and his wife a Merry Christmas and headed back toward the city as darkness stole through the valley. The old couple shook their heads in sorrow that it had not been a happy visit. A tear fell upon their cheeks. How is it that these young folks do not understand the
peace of the love that filled their hearts?

So it was, that because of the unhappy leave-taking, no one noticed the insulation smoldering on the frayed wires in the old barn. None saw the first spark fall. None but the "Old One".

In a matter of minutes, the whole barn was ablaze and the hungry flames were licking at the loft full of hay. With a cry of horror and despair, the old man shouted to his wife to call for help as he raced to the barn to save their beloved horses. But the flames were roaring now, and the blazing heat drove him back. He sank sobbing to the ground, helpless before the fire's fury. His wife back from calling for help cradled him in her arms, clinging to each other, they wept at their loss.

By the time the fire department arrived, only smoking, glowing ruins were left, and the old man and his wife, exhausted from their grief, huddled together before the barn. They were speechless as they rose from the cold snow covered ground. They nodded thanks to the firemen as there was nothing anyone could do now. The old man turned to his wife, resting her white head upon his shoulders as his shaking old hands clumsily dried her tears with a frayed red bandana. Brokenly he whispered, "We have lost much, but God has
spared our home on this eve of Christmas. Let us gather strength and climb the hill to the old pine where we have sought comfort in times of despair We will look down upon our home and give thanks to God that it has been spared and pray for our beloved most precious gifts that have been taken from us.

And so, he took her by the hand and slowly helped her up the snowy hill as he brushed aside his own tears with the back of his old and withered hand.

The journey up the hill was hard for their old bodies in the steep snow. As they stepped over the little knoll at the crest of the hill, they paused to rest, looking up to the top of the hill the old couple gasped and fell to their knees in amazement at the incredible beauty before them.

Seemingly, every glorious, brilliant star in the heavens was caught up in the glittering, snow-frosted branches of their beloved pine, and it was aglow with heavenly candles. And poised on its top most bough, a crystal crescent moon glistened like spun glass. Never had a mere mortal created a Christmas tree such as this. They were breathless as the old man held his wife tighter in his arms.

Suddenly, the old man gave a cry of wonder and incredible joy.

Amazed and mystified, he took his wife by the hand and pulled her forward. There, beneath the tree, in resplendent glory, a mist hovering over and glowing in the darkness was their Christmas gift. Shadows glistening in the night light.

Bedded down about the "Old One" close to the trunk of the tree, was the entire herd, safe.

At the first hint of smoke, she had pushed the door ajar with her muzzle and had led the horses through it. Slowly and with great dignity, never looking back, she had led them up the hill, stepping cautiously through the snow. The foals were frightened and dashed about. The skittish yearlings looked back at the crackling, hungry flames, and tucked their tails under them as they licked their lips and hopped like rabbits. The mares that were in foal with a new years crop of babies, pressed uneasily against the "Old One" as she moved calmly up the hill and to safety beneath the pine. And now, she lay among them and gazed at the faces of the old man and his wife. Those she loved she had not disappointed. Her body was brittle with years, tired from the climb, but the golden eyes were filled with devotion as she offered her gift---

Because of love. Only Because of love.

Tears flowed as the old couple shouted their praise and joy. And again the peace of love filled their hearts.

Copyright 2009. T Love. All Rights Reserved.

Finding Your Soul in the Stillness of Nature's Beauty

I woke up to a light dusting of snow this morning and although less than a week ago we had a storm that left us with 15" to shovel, my heart simply soars at the sight of freshly falling snow.

I love the quiet that comes along with it. It is so easy, for me, when the snow is falling, to be in the present moment of the stillness. It is as though you are at your core essence and can feel the power of your own soul.

As I looked out the window, while preparing for the day ahead: yoga, clients, class at 6:00pm, I watched as 5 deer sauntered across the snow covered lake in the back yard. A sight to behold for me. They are such gorgeous creatures. They ARE the stillness and beauty I am feeling.

How very fortunate I feel to be able to experience this at the start of my day and what a most beautfiul way for my day to start.

I intend that each of you find the stillness within and go there - enjoy the beauty in your life and in your self.

Copyright 2010. T Love. All Rights Reserved.

Happy Valentine’s Day

Or is it? Sometimes holidays can cause a whole lot of stress. When you’re stressed, you’re really not happy at all.

What to do? Well, if you’re in a relationship, instead of expecting something from the love in your life, why not just enjoy your time together? Go for a walk. Got snow? Build a snowman or go snow shoeing or ice skating. Take time to be with the person you want to BE with and really BE with them.

Gifts are nice but, when the retailer’s raise the prices of roses just because it’s a day when a lot of people purchase roses, you don’t have to participate in that. After all, it will only cause stress later when the credit card bill comes in and let’s face it, the day after the day of love, the prices drop drastically. Why not choose another time of year and surprise your honey with flowers then?

Okay, so you’re not in a relationship. Now what? Who says you can’t nurture yourself. Buy that favorite box of candy you haven’t had in 20 years, rent a great movie, pour yourself a cup of hot chocolate, set out the candy and then go take a nice long hot bath – add some powdered milk to get really soft skin. Wrap yourself in your favorite comfy clothes and park yourself on the sofa and enjoy your film. No movie for you, read a book. Pick up a project you put aside over the winter holidays and ALLOW yourself to enjoy it. Really give to yourself – if you don’t take care of YOU, you can’t take care of anyone else. Remind yourself that you, too, are important and deserving of love and nurturing. Make it your day – love yourself for a change.

No work on this day. It’s all about love. For yourself, for another, just do what feels good to you. It’s the day of loving and nurturing so be good to yourself.

Make this a great day to just relax and BE with who you are. Know that you are loved and have a very Happy Valentine’s Day!

Copyright 2009. T Love. All Rights Reserved.

What is it about Snowstorms?

The weather forecast is calling for a snowstorm. The energy shifts and all of a sudden, it’s as though we live on the prairie and the food wagons won’t make it to our town because of the impending snow!

What is up with that?

We are now living in the 21st century. We may be digging out for a while but seriously, no one is going to starve. Intellectually we know this; however, there is definitely something about a forecasted snowstorm that turns the human mind to thoughts of survival. Everyone needs to get food: bread, eggs, milk. That’s what you see at the grocery store right before a storm. I call it the French Toast Syndrome.

How do I know this? Well, that’s obvious. I’m at the store too.

There’s an excitement about a storm. It fills me with a desire to have a day off that is seemingly guilt free. Everyone will be off, it seems the world changes because the Universe has presented us (yes, given us a present, a gift) where we all are ALLOWED to slow down for a short duration of time. I think it’s a wonderful event and so I prepare too. I find myself at the store along with everyone else, purchasing ingredients for a satisfying meal of comfort food.

It’s funny how the human mind works and takes us back to an era when people really did need to prepare for long winters and potential snowstorms. Even though those days are long over, instinct takes over and we find ourselves doing exactly what our ancestors did to survive the harsh winters. Except that now, we only really need to survive for a day or two in most instances – up to a week on rare occasions: The Blizzard of ’78, and this year, the Blizzard of ’10.

This prediction is not necessarily a Blizzard, one foot of snow is expected and it’s being referred to as a snow event. But the timing is such that most everyone I know is planning an over the hump day, OFF.

Since that’s the case here in Northern New Jersey, I better get going and stock up on that comfort food before the store is sold out. Maybe this time, I’ll make some oatmeal cookies and hot chocolate!

Copyright 2009. T Love. All Rights Reserved.

Intending you enjoy your snow day off!

An Attitude of Gratitude

Sometimes, life is hard. At one time or another, we all believe this to be true. It’s even harder when no matter how much effort we put forth, we just can’t seem to make the correct choices or decisions to make our lives’ easier and more joyful. We’re actually trying too hard. We get so caught up in all that we don’t have and can’t seem to accomplish that we actually bring in more lack.

Life can be easy. It’s your perspective. The more you give, the more you get back. All you need is a change in attitude. One easy way to bring abundance and good things into your life is to acquire an attitude of gratitude. Sounds hard, but it’s actually easier than you think.

Start your day by saying thank you, before your feet even hit the floor. Do this each day and watch how your life changes. This one phrase, spoken from your heart, can make tremendous changes in your life. Just say THANK YOU. If you’ve been given the most wonderful gift of living yet another day, you have one HUGE reason for giving thanks.

As your day progresses, note the different things that bring you happiness. What makes you laugh, lends an element of excitement or surprise and what is it that makes your heart smile? Each day we are given the opportunity to change our life, a do-over if you will. I’ve heard many people say, “I’d like a do-over” without ever realizing they get one, every single day.

So, how do you make your do-over work for you? How do you take this opportunity and really live your best possible life? Change your attitude and express your gratitude. When we give thanks the Universe smiles down upon us by giving us more abundance and of course we give thanks again which in turn elicits more abundance. It’s a wonderful never ending circle. All you need do is say Thank You!

Sometimes, it’s hard to get started. A book, or journal, where you can write down those things you are grateful for at the end of each day is the perfect way to keep track; it allows your mind to recognize those things for which you are truly grateful throughout the day and provides a record so you can actually watch the changes happening in your life.

I started more than 15 years ago with a very pretty, cloth bound book filled with blank pages. I wanted something I would look forward to writing in on a daily basis because I knew I was committed to this and I wanted to enjoy it thoroughly. I found I took a lot less for granted. I was more cognizant of all that was around me and therefore I acknowledged and fully experienced those things that I would write about in my book each night. My goal was to come up with 5 gratitudes. From the warmth of the sun on my face, clean air to breathe and water to drink to the successful completion of a most difficult project, small or large, it was not a very daunting task to come up with 5 things to be grateful for each day. One rule I did impose on myself was that each day had to have 5 different gratitudes.

This was really working. I saw, almost immediately, differences in my life. When I was grateful, I focused on abundance, not on lack. When I focused on abundance, I attracted more abundance. Yes, I was noticing changes in every aspect of my life, all for the better. This was working very well for me indeed.

However, after 10 months of writing in my gratitude journal I began to feel a lack. I didn’t really know what was lacking though. This was easy for me and life was good. I saw changes. I was living an abundant life. Why was I feeling a lack, more importantly, a lack of what? Why was this process not bringing me the results I desired? Now, I didn’t really know what results I wanted, I just knew these results weren’t it. For a long time I pondered what I could do to continue this journey of gratitude but add to it in some way that would fill this need, this sense of lack that I simply could not shake. Then as simply and easily as writing in my journal each day, the answer came to me.

From that day on, I would only write down those things that I was grateful for where I helped others. My daily gratitude journal became a ‘random acts of kindness’ gratitude journal. It provides me the outlet I need, to do for others each and every day, no matter what life throws my way.

Yes, I do still maintain my gratitude journal. I always will. My journal makes my heart smile every day.

I must admit, sometimes, it’s not easy to come up with 5 gratitudes. Sometimes, it’s downright difficult. As challenging as it is however, I have them. Oh, and that lack that I felt? That’s the motivator to finding those gratitudes, the food for my soul, a soul that requires fulfillment and refuses to accept lack.

Start slowly with your gratitude journal. Find just one thing, each day, for which you can be grateful. It‘s not how many things you can come up with that matters. What matters is that you start.

Copyright 2009. T Love. All Rights Reserved.

Mind Your Mantras

We hear so much about mantras and how we need to say them to maintain a positive attitude, to set our intentions and reach our goals.

Although that is true, what about the mantras we are NOT purposely saying that also influence our lives?

Think about it. How many times have you said “I can’t do that”, “That will never happen”, “I’m not that lucky”, “Not in my lifetime” or “I’ll never have, see, do, be…that”? These too, are mantras. We just don’t think of them as such.

We walk around believing mantras are only those positive statements that people memorize and say each and every day to make our lives more sustainable by providing a goal for us to focus on. We forget that those other phrases, the ones that come so easily to us, you know the automatic response phrases we say over and over again, are also mantras –they’re just not always positive mantras.

The next time you think to yourself, “I can’t do that” put a positive spin on it. Come up with a way to change your negative mantra into a positive mantra. Something like, “I think I’d like to do that at some point” or “I know I can do anything I set my mind to”. The key here is that you really need to pay attention to what you are going to say, and then immediately correct it so that all the energy that you put into your proclamation moves in a positive direction, bringing you to your goal sooner, rather than later.

Once you begin to see the effects of this, and it will be relatively quickly, your life will be so much easier. Things will flow more smoothly and you’ll notice that things will start to move in the direction you want, bringing you closer to your goals, simply because you’ve eliminated those negative mantras that were holding you back.

You’ve heard a lot about “The Secret” and “The Laws of Attraction” - your thoughts create your life, etc. What you need to remember is, it’s those everyday phrases, those mantras we are not purposely saying, that we don’t even realize are mantras, that bring us just exactly what we don’t want. When you think about it, The Laws of Attraction are at work – and are working to bring us what we are asking for whether it’s positive or negative.

Try to be cognizant of what you think and say. Don’t let words flow out just because that’s what you are accustom to saying. Recognize what you are going to say before you actually say it and then sit back and watch your life move in the direction that makes you most happy and brings you the joy you want and deserve.

Begin the process by making changes to your thoughts, which in turn will change your language so that ultimately, all of the mantras you speak, are positive mantras that work for you, rather than against you.

Copyright 2009. T Love. All Rights Reserved.

Dr. Oz Declares Reiki

THE Most Important

Alternative Medicine Treatment of All

Sometimes things will occur that really need to get out to the masses so I want to share with you what I feel is vitally important information.

Last Thursdays’ episode of the Dr. Oz show featured many of the alternative therapies available today and the role they play as they integrate with mainstream medicine.

I am, of course, very interested in this. My editor, Tammy Mastroberte, Founder, Publisher and Editorial Director of Elevated Existence Magazine, told me about the upcoming episode and thanks to her, I was made aware of it and therefore able to tape the show.


After presenting acupuncture, cupping, meditation, yoga, and many herbal remedies, Dr. Oz stated:


“This is what I think may be ultimately the most important alternative medicine treatment of all. We are embarking on this whole new vista of opportunities. It broadens dramatically the spectrum of where we might be able to go in our bodies and this is the area of energy medicine (Reiki). Many of the ailments that we suffer from can be treated through energy therapy (Reiki), which will become much more prevalent, in mainstream medicine, over the next few years.”


He then introduced Pamela Miles, a Reiki Master who administers Reiki to patients in his operating room while he is performing surgery.

People are really beginning to move toward holistic health practices more and more. They are using Complementary Alternative Medicine not only because they are dissatisfied with conventional medicine, but because these health care alternatives mirror their own values, beliefs, and philosophical orientations toward health care and life itself.


Health care is costly and the approach that is taken is most often that of the direct issue, not the cause. Reiki treats the entire person: physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually thus getting to the root of the disease or ailment, not just treating the symptom.


It is absolutely wonderful to hear and see a man of Dr. Oz’s caliber, supporting these therapies. Finally, someone with clout is admitting that there are proven and effective benefits to alternative therapies that will integrate, not interfere or conflict, with conventional treatment. The studies have been done, the efficacy has been proven, the science is behind it and now, so is America’s Doctor.

Thank you Dr. Oz!


It is time that we all become acutely aware of the therapies available, particularly Reiki, as Dr. Oz put it, which will become much more prevalent, in mainstream medicine, over the next few years.


Read about Reiki and learn about the benefits. You’ll find it is able to treat anything and everything without imposing stress to other parts of the whole person.


Don’t allow someone to use your body, the most wonderful, fascinating machine there is, as a chemical dumping ground or a laboratory for experiments.

Reiki may be used as a preventive measure as well. Consistent Reiki treatments remove blocks and bring your body into balance so that ailments and diseases will have not have a chance to manifest in the body.


Look into what is available in your area and take advantage of that which can be used as a preventive measure so you may achieve and maintain optimum health.


For more information on Reiki please visit my website: www.tlovereiki.com or send questions and comments to info@tlovereiki.com

Copyright 2010. T Love. All Rights Reserved.

The Sound of Your Soul – Part II

So I decided I would do a mini-experiment with my soul song. It’s my song, so if I play it during a Reiki session, rather than my usual choice of music, will it impact my Reiki energy?

It did!

The client said it was wonderful, the next said it was the best session she’s had and another said it was really different from the other treatments she's had and so beautiful and very strong.

Okay. I had hoped I’d get remarks like that. So my soul song does, indeed, impact my Reiki energy – in a most wonderful way.

Lucky for me, I had a client come in who had HER soul song. I played it during the session. What an unbelievable experience it was for both of us.

I could not believe the beauty of the session. I had tears coming down my face from the moment I laid my hands above her third eye chakra. It got more beautiful over each and every chakra to the point where I did not want to move from one chakra to the next for fear I would actually lose this wonderful feeling. I did move on though and the feeling, for me, and I later learned for her, was increasingly wonderful.

I have never felt such unconditional, pure love. I felt as though I had been transformed during the treatment.

As for my client, well, she said it was so different from the other treatments. It was electric and she was tingling all over.

I tingled for a good 3-4 hours after the treatment. I was actually glad she was the last appointment of the day. I have never been that wired from Reiki and I loved it!

It seems soul songs do bring us to our core essence allowing us to heal from our true source, our souls.

Again, cannot say enough about Stewart St. John and his unique gift to this world. Soul songs will impact each and every person in a different way. Soul songs, from my experience thus far, allow healing energy to penetrate deeper, which I believe is much better for the client in that it should result in more complete and faster healing.

Listen to the December 23rd show at www.blogtalkradio.com/energyawareness for more details about soul songs or just scroll down and read the last blog.

You may want to check out Stewart’s site as well www.stewartstjohnlight.com

You’ll be amazed!

Copyright 2010. T Love. All Rights Reserved.