IMPORTANCE OF FLEXIBILITY-Article published in PhillyFIT magazine denoting the importance of flexibility and posture in our health/tips to do so

I’ve lost count how many times the thought has come into my head to want to improve the world, and just as often the thought “but what can ~I~ do?” or “what can one person do” takes its place. Then I think of these two quotes, or countless others like, “think globally, act locally” or another that I read recently about creating peace in the world by first creating peace within ourselves. Think about it—if we are happy, peaceful, joyful and loving, and kind we get to share that with everyone we encounter. Like also attracts like, and we will begin to attract more positive people into our lives, making us excited to keep generating more positive thoughts and actions in our life. We touch each person we meet, whether it is with a smile, a harsh word, or even indifference. (I did an exercise in a class once where first we were to greet everyone around us with complete indifference; that they mattered nothing to us, or possibly we considered them a bother. It did not feel good on the receiving OR the giving end of that exercise. It was very quiet and the energy in the room of about 300 people completely died down. Then with the same people around us, greet them as if they were someone special we hadn’t seen in a long time, and the energy shift was amazing! Even though it was ‘for fun’, everyone felt special, and the energy went up in the room, there was laughter and hugs and it was GREAT!)

It was while I was creating one of my dream or vision boards that something great began to manifest. I had cut out the quote by Ghandi, along with countless other phrases and photos from magazines. All of a sudden, a colleague contacted me to be a part of the “BeThe Change Campaign” (www.bethechangecampaign.com), businesses that in essence that wanted to make a positive difference, and proceeds would benefit our local Peace Center. Then shortly after that I went to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah and I volunteered for a few days~ what a beautiful and life changing experience! (Please see Self-Empowerment 2, and also my new sister website www.LetsPawsForaMoment.com). I have many ideas swirling in my head, but these incidences combined with my desires has fueled and inspired me to do my own little part- to be more focused in my personal and business life, to look into places that I feel a connection to do business, to volunteer, to visit my heart and remember what brought me joy as a child—my dreams, goals, loves…and also to let go of habits and situations that serve no useful or joyful purpose in order to make room for what I love and those I truly want to help, to set priorities and boundaries, get organized, spend more quality time with my animal family and enjoy my home, create more balance in my own life, and also to begin my sister website for humane treatment of animals. (This isn’t a unique idea, but I believe that it is a start, plus I will have my own flavor to it, and I feel a lightness in my heart and enthusiasm that has already begun to spread to those around me personally, who also want to be a part of it.) To also look into elderly care facilities and children’s organizations for ways that I can be of service there that call to me.

What is the change YOU want to see in the world? An important concept to remember is to CELEBRATE WHAT YOU ARE FOR, rather than fight what you are against.

Hate weakens us, Love strengthens us.

Fear weakens us, Trust strengthens us.

It is so important to think Peace, Abundance, Prosperity, Creation, Joy, Love, Proper Health Care, Plenty of Healthy Foods to Eat, Fitness & Health, Self-Esteem, I Love Myself, and Respect~ rather than~

Anti-War, Lack, Not Enough, Hating Other Views, Destruction of what we Don’t Want, Insufficient Healthcare (for healthcare providers as well as insurance), Anti-Poverty, Anti-Hunger, War on Drugs, Losing Weight/Fat, I’m Not Good Enough, I Hate My__________, and thinking others’ opinions and choices are –wrong-.

Please re-read those two sentences—which words and thoughts make you feel uplifted and inspired, and which make you feel heavy and burdened?

Another concept to consider—not too many people wake up thinking, “I’m going to go out and wreck someone’s day or destroy our planet”, even if that is what seems to be happening.

Each individual has their own story. We each have our own unique set of circumstances that has brought us to this point in our lives. I have met quite a few “mean-spirited” and “judgmental” people who would describe themselves as kind, loving and open minded. A nice way I am trying to look at this, is that we each only get to see a “snapshot” of anyone’s lives. Whether we see that person for 3 seconds in traffic, 5 minutes at the register, working with them 8 hours each day, or those we are most intimate with…even THEY don’t remember their whole story, and why they do or say the things they do…And oh boy, do I hope that when I am having an ugly moment that people don’t judge my whole being on the snapshot they may have just received!

I ask friends frequently to keep me in check so as not to be hypocritical, exceptionally negative (we all have our moments!), or any of the other qualities that I don’t want to embody. I really WANT to know when I am off track. It sometimes stings a bit when a fault is pointed out, but it is often the only way to correct it. It is also nice to hear when we are doing something that is admired that we did because that is who we are, and not because it would look good on paper…

Also, when I notice an abundance of negative situations bombarding me, since I believe in the power of attraction and everything is a reflection of what we bring forth (whether that is how we are actually acting, or our fears being brought to fruition), I stop and ponder what energy I am putting out there. I had a series of indifferent cashiers who were more concerned with the party they were going to or who actually turned their back to me and certainly no warm greeting or heartfelt “have a nice day”. Then I realized, while I am not at all rude, I wasn’t doing anything exceptional to make their day either… I was getting frustrated at attracting so many unreliable people into my personal and professional life, and I thought…is there any place that I let my self down, or that maybe I inadvertently let others down…and the answer ended up being yes, to both…and now I am remedying that.

I know that if I fear not having enough money in my life or if I begin to envy what others seem to have, I receive unexpected bills or repairs…However, when I trust that money is always there and am grateful for all that I do have, I get unexpected checks or work and opportunities. Same with love, and even weight issues and objects to buy for my home!

These are seemingly less important that the hunger, violence, cruelty, and greed that seems to permeate this world. But if we keep saying to ourselves or others that we “need to get rid of_____________”, then we are sending all of our attention and energy on the very thing that we DON’T want. This will cause us to get even MORE of what we don’t want, and we will feel weaker, and more hopeless.

Instead, think of all the things you DO want, in your personal life, your work or business, your community, and for the world. Is it selfish to think of what you want and would bring you joy? Considering all the suffering in the world? No, and this is the opportunity in the challenge. It feels selfish at first, but the more joy YOU CREATE in your life, the more you share. The more you realize it’s an endless well of good stuff, you will always have enough and therefore always have enough to share. The ripple effect comes to play—each person you touch—with a smile, a shoulder or helping hand—their day will be a little brighter and they will want to “pay it forward”.

My Mom was such a lovely woman, but very much liked to stay out of the limelight. She was warm and caring and had a beautiful smile and brilliant eyes. She would literally give the shirt off her back for her family. She certainly didn’t meet the masses, but she touched each person that she did meet, and her kindness, acceptance and innocence brought to life something in each of those people, and I believe that it enriched each one of us so profoundly that we take a piece of that with us, and carry it on to each person that we meet.

We each have special gifts that can help on many levels. If you like to write or speak or teach, maybe you can get your word out to the masses. If not, your “small” contribution by creating more joy, understanding and encouragement to those around you will be the beginning of a more peaceful, loving and respectful planet.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with one small step…and a whole lot of determination and perseverance. Be the change you wish to see in the world, and those of like mind will arrive to join you. Together, we can change the world.