I recently completed my 21 day raw- juice, green smoothie cleanse. What does a raw-juice, green smoothie cleanse consist of you ask? Well for 21 days I substituted my breakfast, lunch and snacks with juice and green smoothies. Yep mainly liquids!!! And for dinner? Raw vegetables, greens and/or fruit. Yum!!! What did I learn over the course of three weeks? I learned that by committing and dedicating myself to this thoughtful and conscientious way of consuming food, I reaped a ton of rewards!

First of all, I lost 9 lbs and a total of 4 inches. Might I add, I lost 9lbs. without changing my exercise regimen! What is my exercise regimen? It’s simple. My regimen consists of my daily practice of yoga, meditation and Reiki. Needless to say this cleanse complimented all of my practices beautifully. And the best part is not only do I look great, I feel amazing!

Why did I decide to do this?

After dealing with a health “challenge” at the end of last year, this cleanse was exactly what I needed to start the New Year off right. This cleanse enabled me to see how my physical, emotional and mental health directly correlate with the foods and substances I put into my body. Bottom line, if I don’t thoughtfully consider what I consume, not only will I feel like crap, I will inhibit my body’s natural ability to heal itself and I will block the flow of awesomeness in my life.

What else did I learn from this 21 day extravaganza? 1) I learned that I can do ANYTHING I put my mind to…that’s right ANYTHING! 2) Looking great on the outside doesn’t automatically translate to being healthy on the inside. (HUGE LESSON AKA GAME CHANGER) 3) Caffeine and other not so good eating habits which I have adopted over the years stem from wanting and needing to be fulfilled and the truth of the matter is seeking fulfillment from others, from things, from drugs, alcohol and food (my drug of choice), inhibit us all from experiencing true fulfillment, love, joy, abundance, vitality, and happiness. That’s right folks, FYI: Happiness is an inside job, PERIOD.

If you’re struggling with any kind of addiction, take it from me there are deeper underlying issues which need to be addressed. If you are willing to commit and dedicate yourself to cultivating ways to honor and nurture your true- authentic self, looking at the foods you consume is one way to address some “not so good habits” and gain a greater sense of vitality and well being! BTW, not only will you naturally vibrate at a higher level, you’ll have energy beyond belief and mental clarity! Oh yeah, did I mention you’ll GLOW and RADIATE AWESOMENESS?! Don’t believe me? Try it for yourself. I dare you!

By the way, my 21 day feast continues. I have decided to stay committed to this new way of eating, not only because it’s healthy for me but because I feel so DAMN GOOD!

If you have any questions, feel free to drop me a line!

With Love & Light,

Namaste
Alana

It is approximately 4 am in the big apple and might I add it is also just before dawn on New Years Eve! One may find it odd that I’m up at this hour but there is a magical electricity in the New York City air and I can’t really explain it. However, I suspect that many of you are feeling it wherever you are as well. So what is this magical, electric feeling I have? It is a feeling of pure, utter, enthusiastic joy about the possibilities this New Year holds not only for me but for my family, friends, colleagues, clients and All of YOU!

If you haven’t been paying attention, there is a beautiful – magnetic shift occurring in the world right now. What exactly is this “shift” I’m referring to? Well, my guess is you’ve felt a sense of urgency to make some pretty dynamic changes in your life and not just because the New Year is upon us. In fact, you have probably been considering change for quite some time now but for whatever reason you’re afraid, or you’re feeling stuck. Does this resonate with you? Of course it does! And BTW, you’re not alone.

Before I sat down to compose this Love letter to you, I literally spent the last two hours listening to some of my favorite tunes, sipping tea, journaling and thoughtfully writing my intentions for 2012. When I completed my list of intentions, I knew I wanted to send you a Love note but I didn’t know exactly what it would contain. Looking for inspiration, I opened up one of my favorite books, ‘The Science of the Mind’ by Ernest Holmes. I came across a beautiful Meditation that I simply love, a Meditation I want to share that captures the spirit of this particular moment in time when the world we live in is in need of tremendous healing light and BIG LOVE!
…
The Time Has Come
The time has come, the hour has struck.
The power from within has come forth and
is expressing through my word.
I do not have to wait; to-day is the time.
To-day I enter into all Truth; to-day I am
completely saved and healed and made
happy.
To-day I enter into my inheritance.

To-day the Truth has made me free.

Well my friends, the time has come, the hour has struck and the power to affect great change in your life and the world exists right here, right now…within YOU. YOU’RE IT!!!

Wishing you a bright, beautiful, happy, healthy and prosperous New Year .

With Love & Light,
Namaste

Alana

On this Winter Solstice I thought I’d pay homage to Mother Nature and offer my thoughts as to why I’ve grown so fond of the colder, darker months and why we should all cultivate a deep sense of appreciation for this particular time of year. 

I admit it is ironic that I actually appreciate the winter months now because I used to bemoan this time of year.  In the past, not only did I find myself succumbing to the winter blues, I actually felt a deep sense of sadness when autumn left and winter set in.  To make matters worse, all I could do during the winter was long for the warmth and sunshine of the spring and summer months. As pitiful as it sounds, I honestly could not bring myself to find one good thing about winter.

These days I have grown to appreciate all the seasons and what they represent. In fact, I have even developed a love of winter.  I believe that the winter season offers each of us an opportunity to go inward, reflect upon our lives in a deep way and really ground ourselves.  As a Reiki practitioner and someone who has studied the chakra system, I recognize the importance of grounding, finding stability and cultivating ways to maintain balance on a daily basis.  It is through grounding, we not only find the stability and balance to live life with a greater sense of vitality and well being, we connect to our internal guidance system-the spirit and heart of who we really are.  It is from this deeply grounded and rooted center that we are able to discover our soul’s purpose and move from the dark, contemplative night of the winter, toward the warmth and light of spring where our soul’s deepest desire and purpose blossoms.  

On this beautiful, blessed Winter Solstice, may you find peace and solace wherever you are right now.  May you acknowledge your blessings no matter how big or small and may you see the beauty in all things, including every sentient being and each season- winter spring summer and fall!

With Love & Light,

Namaste

Alana   

I’m a firm believer in expressing gratitude. In fact, I practice gratitude each and every day. Yep that’s right I practice gratitude and I even have a gratitude journal. Now I’m not going to get all preachy and stand on a soap box to tell you why you should establish a gratitude journal but I will say expressing daily gratitude is one of the simplest ways to attract greater peace in your life and enhance your over all sense of well being. By acknowledging what you have to be grateful for each and every day, you actually shift your life in the direction of greater ease, greater peace, greater joy and greater love. And who doesn’t want to experience each of these qualities in life?

Recently I was faced with what one would call a health “scare”. My doctor informed me that there was a possibility I had the “BIG C”. Now imagine that you’ve just found out you might have the “BIG C” and you have to go through tests, including a biopsy to determine the course of action you must take in your life regarding a serious medical condition such as this. You can imagine how devastating this news would be and how scared you might feel awaiting the outcome of your test results. I will admit, initially I was devastated and felt scared but what followed was a sense of peace and calm within me. Deep down I knew that no matter what the results revealed, I would be strong and I would persevere.

I am happy to report that my biopsy came back benign and I am scheduled to have a procedure done to remove the tumor. Needless to say, I am ecstatic, joyful, humbled and grateful. Yes, grateful. Grateful that despite the procedure I must undergo, despite the procedures I have already undergone, the worry and fear placed upon my loved ones, I am not only grateful but stronger than I ever imagined.

I share this personal story because the truth is we all face challenges, health “scares”, loss, pain, suffering, hardships and struggle-this is part of life. However, we also experience, joy, happiness, success, love and life in all its glorious splendor. And by cultivating gratitude we are able to gain a refined appreciation for all of life’s lessons no matter how great or small, “good” or “not so good”, easy or challenging-it is what it is. The beautiful lesson that remains is an ability to meet life’s challenges with an open heart, to realize that every moment that arises presents us an opportunity to experience the gift of life.

Today, instead of turning your attention toward what is “going wrong” in your life, examine what is going right. Take a moment to contemplate what you have to be grateful for. Perhaps it’s something big like getting married, giving birth to your first child, moving to a new home, getting a job promotion, taking a vacation, or something as simple as seeing the smile on a loved one’s face, taking your dog on a walk, seeing a sunrise, or simply taking a few minutes out of the day for yourself. My point is no matter how “big” or “small” your blessings are, remember they are just that- blessings. And that alone is cause to give thanks.

With Love & Light,
Namaste

Alana

Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself. ~ Leo Tolstoy

I hear family, friends, co-workers and clients talk about change but when I ask them to explain what change looks like they have a difficult time articulating their personal vision of change. Many respond by saying, “I want to be healthier”, or “I want to be happier”, to which I respond, “Ok, what is your plan of action?”

Let’s face it, while being healthier and happier are important to your well being, the truth of the matter is unless you have a clear and concise vision, including a plan of action as to how you are going to execute “change”, chances are you won’t follow through and commit to doing the work necessary to invite change into your life.

Today I want to challenge you to create a personal vision of change. I want you to envision the life you wish to live and thoughtfully consider the following questions:

1. What do I want to change?
2. Why do I want to change?
3. What would it feel like if I invited this change into my life?
4. What is my vision? How am I going to change?
5. Am I ready to commit myself to change?

If your answer to question five is yes, it’s time to get specific about what you want to change and develop a POA (plan of action).

Developing your POA can be a fun and exhilarating practice. However, it’s important to remember no matter how good your plan is, if you are unwilling to commit and dedicate yourself to your POA you will ultimately sabotage your vision of change. So the big question is: ARE YOU READY TO MAKE A CHANGE?

With Love & Light,
Namaste

Alana

Today is the fourth anniversary of my grandmother’s passing. I can imagine for those of you who have lost your grandmother, you can attest to having a kind, warm hearted grandmother whose nurturing spirit had a profound impact on your family dynamic in some way, shape or form. Well, my grandmother was among the countless, extraordinary grandmothers who gave selflessly to our family and meant so very much to us.

As anyone can guess, losing my grandmother was extremely difficult. Not only was my grandmother’s death difficult for my siblings and me, her death still remains to be painful for my mother. But they say time heals all wounds and I’m confident that this old adage is true.

This morning I received a text message from my mother asking me to recall a funny memory I had of gram. As I took a few moments to reflect upon a funny memory of my grandmother, I discovered it was difficult to narrow my memories down to just one. All I could think about was how my grandmother had a way of bringing light and laughter to any situation. But what I remember most is how she taught me to not take myself too seriously.

How awesome would it be if we could all stop taking ourselves, our lives and each other so seriously? Can you imagine how this simple, yet profound shift in our being could transform our lives for the better? Think about it.

Perhaps you have recognized how having a positive mental attitude has the ability to positively affect your life. In my experience whenever I tend to be more relaxed, upbeat and positive, I usually accomplish tasks more effectively and I’m able to face challenges with clarity and greater ease. I’m guessing the same holds true for you!

You see, the world will always have its ups and downs. There will be people who hurt us, moments when we’re faced with adversity, times we experience loss but when you think about it, every moment, every difficulty, every challenge-WE HAVE A CHOICE. We have a choice to face challenges and obstacles with difficulty and a self limiting belief system, or we have the choice to approach challenges and obstacles with calmness, with clarity and with ease. I choose the latter!

If you are facing any difficulties or challenges in your life, take a moment out of your day to stop and reflect upon all of the things you have to be grateful for. I realize that this practice alone will not take away the difficulty, pain, or loss you feel. However, it is my sincere hope and prayer that by engaging in this simple practice you will be able to recognize that every moment offers you a choice.

Today choose to approach life’s challenges with greater ease! Choose gratitude, laughter, love and most of all don’t take yourself too seriously!

Wishing you light and much love.

Namaste
Alana

Where were you ten years ago today? Of course like so many, I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing. Those of us who reside in NYC can recall how beautiful the weather was on that Tuesday morning. The sun was shining, the sky clear and blue. I was happy to have the day off from work but before I had the opportunity to go off and enjoy my day, my husband called me to inform me he was on his way down to the WTC and I needed to turn on the television…

The simple fact of the matter is we all have a story and many of us share the same sentiments of grief and loss when we reflect upon the events of that day and everything which transpired after 9/11. While we must move forward, we simply cannot forget the lives that have been lost, nor can we turn our backs on those who have served and continue to serve our country. We must continue to remember and acknowledge these beautiful souls and all of the angels who worked tirelessly to aid in the relief and recovery efforts at ground zero.

And so I cannot let this day go by without paying homage to the many who remain in our hearts and minds. I cannot let this day go by without expressing my love for all these beautiful souls and acknowledge one of many courageous, compassionate angels in particular who never really talks about the events of that day, what he saw, or how it has affected him.

From time to time I see it in his eyes and I remember how difficult the days, weeks and months were for him and so many who worked at ground zero. I cannot begin to imagine what he and others witnessed that day. I cannot imagine the loss so many families endured and I most certainly cannot begin to imagine what it is like to go to war and witness the magnitude of such devastation and suffering. I think we can all agree that it is painful enough to read the stories in the paper or watch the devestation and loss on television. However, with all due respect to all the families involved- in spite of the tremendous pain and suffering endured; I believe in our collective hearts and minds, we know there is a force greater than us which helps ease our pain and suffering. I choose to call this force God. Regardless of the name we wish to use to describe this force and that in which a miracle is derived; in our collective hearts and minds we know this force to be good and have personally witnessed It’s presence and grace at least once in our lives.

For me, God’s grace saved my husband on September 11, 2011. God guided my husband to an establishment which stood only a short distance from the WTC so that he could call me and express his love for me and for our family. When it was impossible to make a phone call via a land line, or cell phone, somehow the Universe conspired in our favor and my husband was able to get through all the busy signals and call home.

And as I watched the south tower begin to collapse, while he felt the rumbling of the collapse itself, I was ever so grateful he was on the other end of the phone with me. It was in that moment I got on my knees and I prayed to God to protect him and bring him home. Ten years later I can say by the Grace of God that prayer was delivered and I will never take a prayer for granted.

You see prayer is our dream ladder to divinity, the way in which we speak to God. Prayer is not about asking God to make you rich, or fill your life with material possessions. Prayer is an intimate conversation with God and the Universe, a clear, thoughtful intention rooted in the center of our being, expressed with humility and gratitude.

My heart goes out to the families of men, women and children whose loved ones did not return home that day. As we reflect upon this day, may we honor the memory of those who are no longer with us physically on this earth. May we honor those who continue to protect and serve our highest good. And may we be reminded of the precious gift of life and what it means to live wholly and fully in the presence of God’s light and loving Universe.

Wishing you all peace and joy on this day and each and every day moving forward.

Namaste
Alana

When I was a little girl I had a very active imagination. All children do, I suppose. Secretly I imagined a life much bigger and brighter than the life I had. In fact, I spent countless hours alone, creating idealized versions of myself and my life by writing stories. In retrospect, the beautiful part about adolescence was that it represented a time in my life where my mind was fresh and I was able to view the world without boundaries or limitations.

Among some of the fantasies I would visualize and create on the page included stories about the day I would meet my Prince Charming. I will admit for an 8 year old this seems rather grandiose but I enjoyed making up stories and carefully considering the thoughts, feelings and descriptions of all my characters. Since Prince Charming was almost always present in my stories, naturally I had to include a heroine. She was a “Wonder Woman” like character who I desperately wanted to emulate and grow up to be like and in the end more often than not, Prince Charming would inevitably win the heroine over by whisking her away to live happily ever after.

Looking back it amazes me to think that at the age of 8 I was engaging in visualization practices by writing short stories but as an adult who has witnessed how setting intentions and using visualization techniques helps one achieve certain goals, I smile when I think back on the good old days. I reflect fondly upon my stories about Prince Charming and Wonder Woman because as an adult I know that each of us has the power to write our story and essentially co-create our reality.

Over the years, I have learned how to refine my story and the things I am most passionate about. By carefully mapping out the steps I need to take toward achieving my goals, I have discovered that the writing process is an essential practice that allows me to creatively explore ways to manifest certain things in my life. I will admit much like life, the creative process can sometimes present challenges. Sometimes during these challenging periods, visualizing and actualizing my goals takes much longer than I would like. Other times I am just so damn clear about what it is I want for my life that my intentions and positive feelings align perfectly with the action needed to step into the flow and things manifest very quickly and might I add perfectly. Regardless, all I know is that as I grow and mature with age I am able to let go more easily, respect the process and be open to life and what it is revealing to me.

Today I want to offer some food for thought. When challenges arise, (because they always do) how do you respond? Do you resist? Do you allow yourself to get caught up in negative thoughts or feelings? Or do you turn inward and positively re-align your thoughts, feelings and actions with a higher source, a source which enables you to re-gain clarity, balance and flow?

Finally, I want to conclude this post by sharing a story I wrote as a young girl. It was about a young woman who was a writer. She moved to the big city and met Prince Charming. Prince Charming was dark, handsome and undeniably charismatic. Long story short, he and the young woman developed a friendship based upon an undeniable chemistry which in the end rendered them completely and hopelessly in love. The best part? They lived happily ever after!

While some of the details of this story have been left out, I will say my real life Prince Charming is the one who has truly seen me. And through all of the stories and plays I have written, rehearsed and acted out in all of the years he’s known me, he is the one who has loved me for well over a decade. He is the man who has not only been my lover but my best friend. He is a patient, kind and loving man who has loved me despite my many flaws and imperfections. He is the one who has witnessed my life during my ups and downs, loved me at my best and loved me even harder at my worst. But through it all, he has never forsaken me, not even once and truthfully I will never fully be able to express in words just how much he means to me. All I can say is he knows he is my teacher, my angel, my rock, my love and yes, my Prince Charming.

Dear God, Divine Light and Loving Universe,

On this day Bless All sentient beings with Your Everlasting Light,
May You Bestow Strength and Courage in the Hearts and Minds of those facing challenges,
May You Protect and Guide Us All with Your Unconditional Love,
In Your Name We Pray and Give Thanks to Thee.

Amen

As an individual who has chosen to walk a spiritual path, I will admit initially one of the most challenging aspects of embarking on a spiritual path is accepting the element of solitude required to know oneself more deeply and intimately. Of course, solitude doesn’t mean that you have to commit to living in a monastery. It simply means you have to go inward and do the work necessary to discover who you really are.

At first the path appears to be difficult and painful because you realize you have to make huge sacrifices, detach from habitual patterns of behavior and address deep seeded fears, as well as insecurities. However, by dedicating and committing oneself to a spiritual practice(s), you soon discover the path which seemed like a journey at the beginning, is actually an amazing adventure.

For me, I think one of the most profound lessons I am continually reminded of on a daily basis is the concept of letting go. Every wisdom teaching from the contemplative Christian tradition to Buddhism speaks of surrender and letting go. Letting go means we move deeper into love and for me this has been a monumental lesson about self love and why it is crucial that we acknowledge our fears, embrace them, surrender and simply let go.

For many people, (myself included) the ability to create, or manifest outcomes and goals isn’t difficult but having the courage to let go in order to realize our highest potential and live our biggest dreams can be the ultimate challenge. Remember when you hold onto stories about your life, the negative core beliefs about yourself that no longer serves your highest good and recognize how self deprecating patterns of behavior have conditioned you to question your value or worth, you can begin to acknowledge the necessity to let go of the story. The biggest obstacle about the spiritual path is not the path itself, nor is it about the world, or others, it has always been about us- who we are and the lens we have chosen to view ourselves and our lives through.

Today, may you have the courage and faith to simply let go of that which no longer serves your highest good. 

With Light & Love,

Alana

“When a person doesn’t have gratitude, something is missing in his or her humanity. A person can almost be defined by his or her attitude toward gratitude.” -Elie Wiesel

Ask anyone who has embarked upon a spiritual path of any kind and they will explain the path requires the utmost patience and unyielding faith. While I cannot speak for everyone, I will say as my path continues to unfold I am constantly reminded of how and why daily gratitude is an empowering and transformative practice.

At first the sound of establishing a daily gratitude practice might seem a little new agey, or even pretentious. I mean how many times have you been down and had a friend, or loved one say, “it could always be worse”, or “things may be bad but think about all the things you have to be grateful for”… Let’s face it, for most people, the motivation to start a gratitude journal and write down all of the “positive”, or “good” things to be grateful for isn’t easy when faced with the loss of a loved one, or struggling through financial hardship. However, this is when patience, faith and yes- gratitude become the most powerful tools you can utilize to transform negative energy, thoughts and emotions into a habit of appreciation which has the power to not only transform your life but free you from obstacles which bind you to your own sense of suffering.

Now you may be asking yourself, how can such a simple practice free you of such difficult obstacles? Well, a daily gratitude practice isn’t just about acknowledging all of your blessings, it is also about embracing and surrendering to all the qualities and aspects of your life, (past and present) which you deem “not so good”, or perhaps “unbearable”. Why would you want to express your gratitude for these “not so good”, or “shadowy” parts of yourself? There is something within you that desperately wants to be free, to realize your potential. It is the thing within you that wishes to express itself through your creative talents, interests and gifts. It is the intuitive sense you have which compels you to turn inward and create meaningful change in your life. Think about it.

When it comes down to the heart of the matter, in order for any of us to realize our true potential, we must be willing to embrace all the parts that make us who we are- the good, the bad, the ugly, the beautiful , what is faulty and what is true. Although some of these qualities may force you to acknowledge your deepest insecurities, fears, and judgments you hold towards others, as well as yourself; by embracing, surrendering and even saying thank you to the qualities which you feel are not so admirable, or worthy of love will ultimately empower you and free you of the guilt, shame and stories which keep you stuck and resistant to your own personal growth and change.

In the spirit of this seemingly small, yet dynamic practice of daily gratitude, I will share some of the things I am grateful for today. Hopefully you will be inspired to take this simple practice into your own life and let the experience speak to your heart and mind.

WHAT I AM GRATEFUL FOR IN THIS MOMENT…

Breath
Love
Family
Good Health
Yoga
Meditation
Nature
Books
Music
Bellying over with laughter
Seeing people smile
Ability to help others

THE LESSONS I AM GRATEFUL FOR…

Being able to discern what brings me feelings of peace, balance & joy
Knowing that judging others is really about insecurities, or judgments I hold of myself
Realizing the need to control a situation means I’m feeling out of control, or afraid of losing control
Lessons in adolescence regarding self acceptance and how feelings of insecurity and not feeling “good enough” is a lie
Knowing I may not always have the answers
Accepting that I have not always been compassionate and loving toward myself
Understanding that my mind has the ability to get the best of me and when it tries, I will remember my heart is my guide
Knowing resistance stifles dreams
Knowing negativity breeds more negativity
Living by the motto: Kill em’ with kindness no matter what
Knowing no one can sabotage my joy but me

MORE REASONS TO BE GRATEFUL…I AM GRATEFUL FOR…

All of the people who have come and gone in my life-(You are all my teachers)
Not sweating the small stuff and quickly getting over it if I feel the urge to
Understanding that sometimes it’s just about timing
Accepting the ebb and flow of life
Knowing that lying & being deceitful even in the smallest of ways is being something, or someone I AM NOT!
Knowing that dwelling in the past and the future is time wasted in the now….
Knowing my happiness is not dependent upon another
Realizing that loving everyone more than loving myself doesn’t automatically make me a good person or a loving person
Knowing that having a short temper, or intolerance in the presence of ignorance, hate and greed is the EGO’s way of creating more intolerance, ignorance, hate and greed

Finally, I AM GRATEFUL for understanding I have the power to change my life. I ACCEPT and I AM GRATEFUL for all the characteristics which make me uniquely me and I AM GRATEFUL for all the lessons I have learned and continue to learn on this adventure called life.

Namaste

Alana

Currently I work in education. In my position, one of my responsibilities is to provide parents with tools and resources to help strengthen and/or enhance their parenting skills. This year, with the help of the early education social worker in my school we decided to implement a parent book club. As avid readers both she and I felt that a parent book club was a great opportunity to not only pass on the love of reading and promote family literacy but give parents a forum to creatively express themselves and engage in meaningful discussions with other parents about great books. Little did we know that the book club would do all that and so much more!

WHAT I LEARNED

The most fascinating thing about facilitating the book club was that as time went on each of the participants developed a deeper sense of self awareness. My colleague and I witnessed how parents began to pose meaningful life questions to themselves and one another. We also noticed significant changes in each of the participants and how they organically developed a greater sense of empathy, compassion and understanding of others simply by reading about the cultural traditions and lives of the characters in each of the thought provoking novels.

When we met for the last time this school year and reflected upon the last ten months, it was apparent that the book club was not only “eye opening” but therapeutic and even healing for some of the parents who shared difficult past experiences. Overall parents genuinely expressed a desire to nurture themselves and even explore creative ideas by taking up new hobbies and finding ways to contribute something meaningful to their community.

As an individual who is continually trying to open my heart, expand my own sense of awareness and find ways to be more loving and compassionate, facilitating the book club has offered many lessons about kindness and compassion and how important it is to make meaningful connections with people not merely based upon a goal, or job requirement but out of sincerely wanting to help make a difference in the lives of others. This experience has offered me insight about what being a compassionate human being means and how important it is to connect with others from a place that is genuine and rooted in one’s heart- the place where true integrity lies.

Namaste
Alana

Initially when I embarked on my spiritual path I became extremely interested in researching various schools of thought regarding spirituality, religion, psychology and philosophy. As a result, I began to notice a huge shift in my consciousness. Simultaneously, I was becoming aware of a subtle, yet intuitive voice which kept compelling me to write about what was happening in my life and the changes I was going through. Unable to fully grasp this shift in consciousness and the intuitive urgency to write about my experiences, I decided to pay attention to this voice and that is how “Adventures in Solitude” was born and now- “Women’s Word Daily.”

Please keep in mind, I could have limited the documentation of my experiences to a journal or diary but there was a sense that I needed to open up and share my thoughts and experiences with others. I admit, part of me was afraid to share my experiences but that’s what the mind does, it always tries its best to sabotage your gifts and discourage you from pursuing any of your creative aspirations. You want to know the secret that separates the boys from the men, the “thing” that separates a successful entrepreneur, or a creative genius from those who have ideas which never amount to anything? Successful entrepreneurs and creative genius’ stop at nothing to see their creative endeavors through, regardless of the possibility that they might fail. Now that doesn’t mean that I didn’t experience a natural sense of apprehension and fear about publicly sharing my thoughts. I went through a laundry list of reasons why I wasn’t a good enough writer and I even worried about whether or not my closest friends and family members would judge me. However, the more I began to face those fears and the reasons why I was afraid of sharing my thoughts, my apprehensions naturally subsided. What remained was something that has and always will be, a gentle, kind, loving and unconditional spirit that has always been with me- cheering me on, daring me to dream big, compelling me to express myself creatively and most importantly open up my heart to others in the biggest way.

One of the most beautiful lessons I’ve learned is to simply let go. I have learned that if you want to create meaningful change in your life you have to pay attention to the whispers and the gentle nudge of the universe. When I finally surrendered with humility, faith and trust in the internal whisper and guidance of the universe, I freed myself. I was finally able to let go of the self defeating narrative about how I wasn’t a good enough writer and I was no longer worried about what others would say.

The divine mystery of life is continually unfolding- playing itself out, through you, through me, the world and the entire universe. If you pay attention and listen to the voice which beckons you to turn inward, you will have the unique opportunity to observe the invisible help and divine synchronicities which have been guiding you your entire life. If you have the courage to simply let go, you will no longer seek happiness, purpose, meaning, or love because your life will mirror all those qualities back to you each and every day. How do I know this?…Through my Adventure in Solitude and the way my life continues to beautifully unfold and reveal itself to me and those closest to me. You see, the beautiful lesson about surrender is that it requires faith. For me faith is the only evidence I need to let go and step out into the unknown. When it boils down to it, faith is truly the only evidence any of us needs to propel us forward and realize our highest potential. And while faith is the evidence of things you cannot see, faith is what has led me here and that in and of itself is a beautiful lesson.

Namaste

Alana

For the last few months I have been studying yoga. This practice has opened my heart up immensely. It is a practice I recommend for anyone who is seeking more balance, peace and joy in life. What is most profound about the practice is that it allows you to take the breath deep within the body and into places where tension, fear, worry, anxiety and an accumulation of blockages are stored. Thus, the practice not only allows you greater flexibility physically, it allows greater flexibility in all areas of life.

How Yoga Can Help You

About a year ago I began researching the chakra system. I wanted to gain a better understanding of the subtle body and how various aspects of our conditioned life affect the body as a whole. Many would be surprised to learn that on an unconscious level, many physical, emotional and mental wounds/ trauma one experiences (even at the very early stages in life) essentially gets trapped within various chakras (energy centers). If unaddressed, disease and other ailments can and will manifest in the body over time. Yoga is unique in that it is a practice which invariably promotes healing by allowing you to not only become connected to your body but address and ultimately clear the blockages stored in the body. However, an understanding of the chakra system, along with integrating yoga into your daily life is not the only answer. It is also essential to address the psychological, behavioral and habitual patterns which ultimately keep you from being balanced, happy, healthy and living to you fullest potential. This is why it is important to seek professional help. By working with a counselor, therapist, teacher and/or a support group, one can gain a broader and deeper understanding of themselves. (If you are interested in the chakra system, I recommended, Wheels of Life by Anondea Judith).

Finally, I’d like to express my gratitude to you for taking the time to read this post. I would also like to express my gratitude for the practice of meditation and my new found love and practice of yoga. I want to make it clear that combined, these practices provide a holistic model which everyone can and should integrate into their daily routine. Personally, yoga has not only deepened my love, compassion and kindness towards others but towards myself and I am confident that it will do the same for anyone who is serious about growing more spiritually, mentally, physically and emotionally. For anyone desperately searching for peace, balance and wholeness, yoga and meditation are doorways. The rest is up to you!

Namaste

Alana

As I sit here in the comforts of my home while the crisis continues to unfold following the aftermath of the earthquake and Tsunami in Japan, I am reminded of the countless blessings I have to be grateful for and the individuals who bring my life such meaning and joy. Of course, I can’t help but think of my grandmother. She is and always will be the person who had such a profound influence on my life. And while it has been almost four years since my grandmother passed away, I continue to think of her often.

Today I want to take the time to pay homage to my grandmother who was born in Fukushima Japan. She was a creative, intelligent woman who was an amazing storyteller. She was also a very strong woman who was more than just a role model, she was the embodiment of compassion and love. Through her love and sacrifice, she not only helped my mother raise my sisters and I, she taught us what unconditional love means. The truth of the matter is my grandmother embodied so many amazing qualities, qualities I have aspired to emulate my entire life and I am forever grateful to her for instilling her cultural beliefs and values unto my heart and mind, for teaching me the importance of never forgetting where you come from and remembering to always honor who you are.

As I reflect on the last few days, I can’t help but wonder how my grandmother would feel if she were alive to witness the devastation and loss that has stricken her hometown and native country. As we stop and reflect upon this day may we be humbly reminded that when devestation strikes, any one of us could be one of the countless, nameless faces we’ve read about, or seen on t.v.. Anyone of us could be one of the thousands who have lost their lives and this reality alone serves as a reminder of just how beautiful and precious life is. At this dark hour, I am truly inspired by the resiliency of so many who at this very moment are able to find the courage and audacity to hope amidst a landscape that is desolate and cold, while there are those who continue to remain enthralled in the trials and tribulations of everyday life, unable to realize just how blessed they are to merely take a single breath. If you are reading this, please contemplate this post and take the time out to acknowledge what it is you have to be grateful for.

Namaste

Alana

There we were, the four of us, together on an evening when the sun, the moon and the stars seemed to align. Where synchronicity, rather-divine grace brought four people together to share in good food, good wine and great conversation. The topic of conversation?… Everything from relationships, friendships, ones responsibility to contribute something meaningful to their community-to a discussion on what each of us hopes to accomplish in the New Year.

As the night went on, we spoke about our past experiences, how each of us has grown over the years and we collectively explored what it means to embody the quality of authenticity. It was at this point that something inside me shifted. This shift was similar to the shift in awareness that occurred when I had what I will refer to as an “awakening” 5 years ago and with my complete and undivided attention, I listened closely as my friend explained how her girlfriend was embarking on a challenge to embody authenticity in all areas of her life. She explained how her girlfriend’s new found philosophy on life was a kind of no holds bar approach, which immediately offered me a sense of complete freedom and an eagerness to embrace this ideal in the New Year as well. I thought how could I want to be anything less than authentic. Especially because authenticity defines exactly what I have been working on fully embodying in my own life ever since I embarked on my spiritual path.

Since my dinner with friends, I have continued to unpack the word authenticity, mapping out exactly what it means to be my authentic self. I remember an interview I listened to in early 2010 with poet, David Whyte who sat down for an interview with Tami Simon. In this interview Whyte spoke about the “conversational nature of reality” and explained the idea of being a “serious conversationalist”. After my dinner with friends, I recalled this interview and it dawned on me that in order to cultivate authenticity, it’s imperative that I partake in these serious conversations with myself from time to time. Not in a mindless, fearful, self deprecating way, but in a manner that incorporates what Buddhists refer to in meditation, as mindful. Of course, this can be a daunting process. When asked why one might be afraid to have a “serious conversation”, Whyte offered his wife’s profound and professional perspective; noting that most of us are afraid to have a serious conversation with ourselves because if we did, “large parts of us would shrive away”. If this explanation is indeed true, which I believe it is, I imagine that these “large parts” of myself include aspects of my career, being a mother, the life I’ve built in New York over the last decade, as well as the time I’ve invested in all of my relationships. For many I’m sure the thought of letting go of large parts of their self made identity can be painfully difficult. However, if everyone could simply examine their lives in an authentic and honest way, surrendering the parts of themselves which no longer serve any purpose would actually be freeing.

After investigating and contemplating dynamic parts of my life over the last few weeks, I have been doing what I love to do most, write. Of course creativity is never an easy task, especially when you’re drawing upon your personal experiences to derive your own truth. In fact, there is a kind of forceful need to recognize, map out and reconcile all the negative patterns and behaviors that desperately need to be addressed. For me when a shadow rears its ugly head, a number of emotions always begin to surface, calling upon me to address each shadow of emotion in a way that is utterly loving and kind. However, the beauty of seeking truth and embracing authenticity is determining if everything you previously deemed as authentic about yourself, is authentically who you are and if not, recognize how and if you have fabricated your self-identity based upon a story, or a lie you’ve been conditioned to believe, or perpetuated yourself. Of course the next step is to simply let it go.

With all due respect to those who know me, whom I love so dearly, who’s relationships and friendships I cherish, let me explain what I mean by the statement above. After engaging in some rather serious conversations with myself lately, I have realized that my most fundamental values and ideals regarding the importance of family, love, friendship and kindness to others, is not a lie. What is a lie, are the stories that I have told myself in the past, the stories we all tell ourselves which inevitably keep us from our own well being and being authentically who we are. These endless stories are illusions and lies we’ve perpetuated in our minds that ultimately make us feel unworthy of love, joy and true happiness. The truth is, this pervasive thinking keeps us stuck, bound to suffering and unable to realize that the happiness, joy and freedom we want has always been rooted at the center of OUR being. Now don’t get me wrong, once we discover our authentic nature, we will have to be brave and accept that we will continually have to assess various aspects of our lives from time to time to address the triggers of negative emotions and behaviors which can and will arise. Many of us may not be prepared to address these emotions without the professional guidance and support of a therapist, mentor, teacher or a community. However, the beauty is we can each seek the support and guidance we need, tailored specifically to address our individual needs.

As I continue on my pilgrimage through life, I am reminded of how important it is to not only be patient, loving and kind to others but to myself as well. I have also realized that in order to truly embrace and embody authenticity, I will continually have to turn inward to lovingly allow myself to authentically embrace and face challenges as they arise in my life, but I will do so with the utmost humility and gratitude.

Namaste

Alana

As I reflect upon the day, I am reminded of how simple acts of kindness are essential to our well being and allow each of us to flow with ease in our daily life. Mother Teresa once said, “Let there be kindness in your face, in your eyes, in your smile…Don’t only give your care, but give your heart as well.” As we approach the upcoming holidays, may we remember those like Mother Teresa, who devoted her life to the service others. And as we reflect upon our lives, may each of us find it in our hearts to incorporate simple acts of kindness into our daily lives and be the change we wish to see in this world.

Namaste

Alana

I really enjoy this time of the year. Much like spring, autumn represents a time of self-reflection, growth and renewal for me. That being said, autumn is a great time of year to practice nature meditations. Personally, I like to practice nature meditations by taking walks and riding my bicycle in parks, or in my neighborhood. During a walking/cycling meditation I find myself totally engrossed in my body and immersed in my senses. These practices force me to pay attention to the way the cold air penetrates my skin and sends energetic waves through my entire body. I also love the sound of the wind whistling through my hair and how the trees seem to reveal a kind of wisdom which is communicated through the range of amber colored leaves that sway in a cool autumn breeze and glimmer amidst a setting sun. This vibrant display of color, richness and vitality found in nature is the reason why I love practicing nature meditations and why I feel autumn affords each of us the opportunity for growth and renewal.

Namaste

Alana

Recently, I listened to one of my favorite podcasts. This week the speaker, Poet/Author David Whyte speaks about the “conversational nature of reality”. Whyte points to why one must develop the “central conversation” to bring oneself to the very core of his/her existence. This willingness to explore this “conversational frontier” is relevant to becoming what Whyte calls a “serious conversationalist”.

Upon listening to the podcast, (a handful of times in the last week) I have been thinking about how it is that I can become a serious conversationalist. I’ve also had to re-assess my life and determine at what point will I have the guts to step out of the “periphery” where all my energy is essentially wasted and step wholeheartedly into my core. I must admit there have been moments over the last week where I have second guessed myself. I was confident prior to listening to the podcast that I had been seriously exploring my core over the last few years. However, I realized that despite the progress I have made in my “spiritual practice” and in my personal/professional life, I still dance and linger on the periphery, perhaps because I’m too afraid to have the “serious conversation” with myself. I venture to say that we’ve all stood on the periphery, too frightened to leave the job which makes us miserable, too frightened to end a relationship that is no longer serving our highest good, too frightened to follow our creative aspirations and just too damn frightened of the unknown.

After the last week of fully digesting Whyte’s nourishing food for thought, I’ve realized that I am standing closer than ever to the inviting edge of the unknown. An edge that continually calls upon me to take the courageous plunge to explore my core more deeply and truthfully.

I’ve included a poem by David Whyte which is the summation of all the words which I cannot come close to poignantly surmising in this post but feel deeply connected to nonetheless. Mahalo for stopping by. ~Enjoy!~

Namaste

Alana

Everything is Waiting for You

Your great mistake is to act the drama
as if you were alone. As if life
were a progressive and cunning crime
with no witness to the tiny hidden
transgressions. To feel abandoned is to deny
the intimacy of your surroundings. Surely,
even you, at times, have felt the grand array;
the swelling presence, and the chorus, crowding
out your solo voice You must note
the way the soap dish enables you,
or the window latch grants you freedom.
Alertness is the hidden discipline of familiarity.
The stairs are your mentor of things
to come, the doors have always been there
to frighten you and invite you,
and the tiny speaker in the phone
is your dream-ladder to divinity.
Put down the weight of your aloneness and ease into
the conversation. The kettle is singing
even as it pours you a drink, the cooking pots
have left their arrogant aloofness and
seen the good in you at last. All the birds
and creatures of the world are unutterably
themselves. Everything is waiting for you.
— David Whyte
from Everything is Waiting for You

Being in touch with the sacred, the divine, creation, spirit, God, the great unknown, has been a crucial element of change in my life and the driving force behind my own personal growth and development. Make no mistake, I’m not a millionaire. However, I live comfortably and make an earnest living. Most importantly I enjoy what I do and am blessed with the opportunity to work with people in a meaningful way. Life still contains its ups and downs, days which present challenges. However, the lens in which I view life has changed.

In order to cultivate meaningful change in your life it is important to discover what you are passionate about and assess the lens in which you currently view your life. What inspires you? Where do your passions lie? Does the work you do allow you to connect with others? Do your passions allow you to be creative? Does your own sense of creativity give you a feeling of freedom and enthusiasm? It is important when answering these questions to take into account the fact that each day presents you with an opportunity to not only connect with others and share your creative ideas but also help those in need.

Life gives us the flexibility to take action and change our lives in ways we never imagined. Understanding the power which is available to us in every moment by no means makes me a “special” human being, nor does it mean I am free from experiencing difficulties, or challenges in my life and by no means does this understanding give me permission to be a self proclaimed, “enlightened” human being but what I will say is I have realized each of us has the capacity to connect with the Divine, that which expresses itself exquisitely through nature and through each one of us in a way that is uniquely our own when we surrender to grace with and open, loving heart.

Essentially, stepping out into uncertainty doesn’t have to be an unpleasant experience in which we resign to dreadful thoughts about our past, or invest in fear based thoughts about what will happen in the future. Stepping out into uncertainty is simply finding the courage and faith to embrace each moment as it arises and surrender with an open heart filled with humility and gratitude. This ground of uncertainty sets the stage for limitless potentiality, creativity and freedom!

Please Note: Developing a meditation practice is essential. Meditation is a doorway. Meditation invites us to connect with the divine and harness the ability to create meaningful change in our lives. Keep in mind, meditation is simply a practice. If one learns to exercise his/her meditation practice regularly, he/she will discover his/her unique ability to create joy and abundance in life.

Namaste

Alana

Forgiveness, no matter how great, or small is possible at any given moment. However, forgiveness requires dissolution of the stories and excuses we hold onto. These stories keep us from opening our hearts and block our ability to forgive. When we continually hold onto all the stories and all the excuses why we cannot forgive, we realize this kind of binding cuts us off from experiencing joy and well being.

Despite the fact that so many people strive to find joy and happiness, it seems as though many people choose to hold onto the anger, fear, and disappointment others have caused. The energy that is wasted on closing ourselves off from those who have wronged us is exactly what inhibits us from the joy, inner peace and freedom we all want in our lives.

When we open our heart, we relinquish ourselves of the burden. When we let go of the stories we have continually perpetuated in our minds, we understand that attachment to the unresolved pain someone has caused can manifest into physical ailments such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, depression, you name it! This realization ultimately requires an individual to address a number of mental, physical and emotional blocks but it can be life changing. And while it may be a hard pill to swallow for those who have been victimized, I offer this advice: allow yourself to find forgiveness. Open your heart and let love, kindness and compassion heal the wounds others have caused. By doing so, not only can you forgive someone and move forward in your life, you can heal and transform your life in ways you never imagined.

Namaste,

Alana

Recently I’ve become kind of obsessed with observation. While observation and awareness is essential to meditation, I have been observing a variety of things just for the fun of it! My observations include everything from nature, people, animals, their behaviors, you name it! Its not that I haven’t observed these things before, or haven’t experienced a profound sense of connectivity to life…but lately I don’t feel the need to label a sunset “beautiful”, or become irritated by individuals who are ignorant or cruel. In fact, integrating this practice in my daily routine, especially while at work and at school has become extremely beneficial, as it has allowed me to gain a deeper sense of patience, understanding, compassion and connectivity that is almost always disregarded when I become complacent with life, disengaged with others and in a complete and utter “rut”.

Oh yes, from time to time the unconscious self rears it’s ugly head. After all my psyche has to contend with more than 30 years of social conditioning! In any case, taking a more integral approach to all areas of my life is indeed a work in progress. However, it is a refreshing approach, one that I surrender to with humility and gratitude!

With Love & Light,

Alana

Normally I post a blog once a month because I currently don’t have the time to commit to writing as much as I would like to. However, since my last post I keep contemplating what it means to live in truth. Perhaps you have a perspective you’d like to share…

Recently I watched a documentary on HBO about Maurice Sendak, the writer and illustrator of famous books for children including, “Where The Wild Things Are”. In this candid documentary Sendak recounts experiences in childhood, including intimate stories about his parents and siblings. Sendak also shares how he found it difficult to accept he was a gay man early on in his life. What was deeply profound about this documentary and why I enjoy watching documentaries in general, is Sendak’s honesty. As I mentioned in my last post, for many of us living in truth is very difficult, especially if we’re confounded by trying to derive a sense of purpose and meaning out of our lives. I imagine for many of us, (myself included) walking in sheer truth means we are able to be completely honest and sincere, not only with others but first and foremost….with ourselves!

Despite the fact that the air has grown a bit more frigid in the big apple, there is something to be said about walking through the park amongst seemingly endless mounds of amber colored leaves and taking in the late autumn air. It is these moments that I feel deeply connected with who I am, moments in which I am exonerated from meeting the expectations and needs of others… free to breathe, live and walk in my own truth.

Namaste

Alana

It’s been a while since I posted an entry and much of the reason is due to the fact that I have been exhaustingly busy, trying to manage work, school, my personal life and my spiritual practice. I keep trying to convince myself that once I have time to do “x”, then I will be able to do “y” and the result of course will be some utopian “z”. However, the truth is, my current “x” will undoubtedly be replaced by another time consuming “x” and I’ll find some excuse not to do “y” and once again I’ll be looking forward to my utopian “z”! This is the beauty and mystery of my life, of all of ours lives.

Although one may read this post and find it too philosophical, spiritual, or any other adjective one might add, I can honestly chuckle because these days I’m trying not to take myself, nor my life too seriously. Seems like I’ve been there, done that and truthfully there is comfort and a sense of peace knowing at any time I can jump off the ol’ hamster wheel and embark on a new adventure.

In addition, the problem with taking oneself too seriously is we find ourselves trying to live up to the expectations and standards of others. Inevitably when we look into the mirror we’re conflicted by what we see and if we look hard enough we realize the essence of who we are is not only buried but often embedded in years of shame, guilt, dishonesty, fear and regret. By taking ourselves too seriously, we’re painfully reminded of the lies we’ve told ourselves and others because deep within our hearts we long to breathe, speak and live our own truth.

Lately, when I look in the mirror I see the unfoldment of my life, the mystery that constantly reveals itself in the most delicate ways. Underneath all my layers and underneath all of OUR collective layers, lies what what Plato eloquently described as innately good, true and beautiful. This belief is what drives me to dig deeper, to grow and continue on the path of discovering who I am.

Namaste

Alana

As my meditation practice has become extremely beneficial in many facets of my life, I have become increasingly interested and fascinated with researching different healing practices. Along with this growing fascination, I have been pondering whether or not to post a blog on the topic of “love”, partly because I wasn’t quite sure how I wanted to approach the topic and mostly because I’m still learning how to be a more loving, kind and compassionate human being. However, while studying the chakra system, I felt a deep connection to one charka in particular, the fourth chakra: Anahata (which is Sanskrit for the center point, or what is known as the heart chakra).

After studying Anahata, I knew that I would eventually post a blog about “love” and so today, I offer the following excerpt from an opening meditation in one of my favorite books, “Wheels of Life”, written by Anondea Judith, Ph.D. I hope that by sharing this particular excerpt it will encourage and inspire you to look to your heart to find answers. I believe that by looking to our hearts we are able to understand the magnitude of love and it’s power to transform and heal everything around us, including ourselves and others……

If you listen, you can hear them: beating, beating, beating, beating.

Each unto the dance of love,
That joins the Earth to worlds above,
And joins ourselves unto each other,
Each one seen as sister, brother.
Within our hearts the seeds of peace
Lie, awaiting sweet release.
Upon the winds of change they fly
As deep within our hearts we cry:
Anahata, Anahata, Anahata, Anahata.
The sound of love.

At the center of both spirit and matter lies the heart- the center that emanates love, the force that binds us all. Love realizes there are no boundaries. In my heart I believe this to be true, do you? Afterall, when two people are in love they will stop at no cost to see their love through and be together. Similarly, when a tragic event like 9/11 occurred here in New York City, people of all occupations, from all walks of life responded, aiding in the relief and recovery effort of those injured and killed in the attack. What is it that encouraged and inspired these compassionate beings to help those in need? Judith notes, “helping others arises from a simple state of compassion-the center, the heart”. I too believe that the heart is a unifier. A central source of deep and unconditional love in which the human spirit emerges and profound healing is possible.

While I may not be an expert on love, my interests lie in matters of the heart, for it is my heart that compels me to post blogs, it is my heart that compels me to be creative, to continue down my spiritual path, to meditate daily and most importantly, it is my heart which encourages me to strive to be a more loving, kind and compassionate individual. No, I’m not an expert on love, I trust that those who are experts are deeply connected with the heart and with spirit. If this is the case, then perhaps with more practice I too can become an expert on love one day!

Namaste

Alana

The topic for today is creating boundaries. Unfortunately, I can’t help but acknowledge some internal discomfort I am experiencing due to the fact that some of my most intimate relationships have changed due in part to the “positive” changes I have made in my life. The truth is, the more I become aware of the deeper sense of who I am, the more I realize the pervasive separatism that exists in the hearts and minds of certain individuals. It’s difficult for some people to realize and accept the ways in which judgment creates divisiveness. This is why it is so important for all of us to cultivate love and kindness not only towards others but towards ourselves!

What we need to understand is that boundaries directly stem from our worldview. Boundaries are manifestations of continually perpetuated beliefs filled with diluted thoughts and dialogue that say, “I am better than you”, or “I’m not good enough”. “I am more attractive than you”, or “I wish I was as attractive as she is, I hate the way I look”. “I make more money than you”, or “I wish I could make as much money as he does, then I could buy all the luxuries he has and more”. And how about, “my God is the only God”, or “there is no such thing as a God, if there is a God why is their so much destruction in the world”. Do you see how easily boundaries can be created?

Now, it is quite possible that I am being overly sensitive today, that the sense of moodiness I am feeling is partly due not only to changes in my relationships but my brain’s associations between rain and feeling melancholy. Ironically, the more I observe how I feel, unpack my thoughts on boundaries and put words to the page, I realize that rain is symbolic of replenishment, growth and renewal. Ofcourse bottom line, my hope is that human beings, those closest to me and myself included learn how to dissolve divisive behavior patterns once and for all! Albert Einstein expressed the following sentiment by saying, “We experience ourselves, our thoughts and feelings, as something separate from the rest-a kind of optical delusion of our consciousness. This delusion is a prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires, and to affection for a few persons nearest us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of understanding and compassion, to embrace all living creatures in the whole of nature and its beauty.” This resonates with me because in truth we are part of an interconnected whole. Why do we continually cut ourselves off from wholeness and go on a soul searching mission to discover it? Why do we create boundaries by honing in on qualities that make us uniquely different from friends, family, colleagues, strangers, etc., and proclaim superiority, or inferiority to these individuals? Instead of emphasizing our religious, cultural and moral precepts, why can’t we just embrace these unique qualities and perspectives?

I hope that if you are reading this blog, you can acknowledge the divisive patterns in your own behavior. By discerning these patterns, maybe it will inspire you to be more loving and more kind. It is also my hope that the sentiments expressed in this blog will inspire you to cultivate friendships and relationships which embrace the qualitative differences of you and others, seeing them as diverse, creative, loving expressions of the divine.

Today, stop and take the time to call your best friend to say hello, don’t be afraid of smiling at a stranger on the street, offering a helping hand to someone in need, cultivate gratitude, or longingly gaze at a sunset in all it’s magnificent glory and finally, don’t forget to stop and tell a loved one how much they mean to you.

Namaste

Alana

A lot of people say they live for the moment and I believe they really do live for the moment, the moment when they will get to where they want to be in life, the future moment where they will finally be happy, or liberated from their problems and/or their suffering. There are two problems with living for the moment: 1) life will always contain suffering, or what buddha called dukkha 2) the only moment that exists is this moment, the moment that exists in the here and now. The question you must ask yourself is, am I living for the moment, or am I living in the moment.

Now bear with me, here is where those of us who have been conditioned to think in linear terms may not grasp the true nature of reality, or time, or should I say, timelessness. This is where some people get lost and may simply dismiss this post as spiritual nonsense: The present has no beginning and no ending, for time is a man made concept. Despite the fact that we know this, so many of us still manage to be consumed by “time”, projecting our lives into some future moment, completely ignoring the only moment in time that will ever exist, the present. This is what keeps people from experiencing life in its totality. It is easier for people to live their lives in the past, or project their lives into the future because looking for a brighter tomorrow is more important than being fully engaged in the now. One could argue, “who wants to live in the now? I have bills to pay right now, I have to deal with the discomfort I feel right now, I’m just not happy right now.”

All I’m trying to point to is, you can try to search for the beginning or end of the present moment but I assure you, you cannot find it, nor will you ever truly experience life if you live in the past, or resign to living for some future moment. The present perpetually arises in this moment, it is unwaivering. And while forms (animals, plants, human beings) change, or cease to be, these changes always unfold in the now. Now, let me pose the question again, are you a person that lives for the moment, or are you a person that actually lives in the moment? I choose the latter!

Namaste

Alana

To answer this question, I thought about my life adventure, (aka my spiritual journey) how the biggest breakthroughs during my life and my spiritual practices came whenever I approached important issues in my life, as well as my spiritual practices wholeheartedly. For example, I have only been practicing meditation for a few years. I remember how intimidating it was when I first began to meditate. First of all, I had no idea what it meant to quiet the mind, let alone how to do it. All I had heard was that there was substantial medical research that proved meditation could alleviate stress and tension. While meditation benefits ones health, I didn’t realize how meditation was essential to my journey of self exploration. The truth is meditation is undoubtedly a doorway into exploring the true nature of ones own being. However, I had no idea that a near “breakdown” in my mid twenties would lead me to the practice of meditation and become the catalyst to a series of life changing, serendipitous events, which have ultimately called upon me to live in a more wholehearted, meaningful and authentic way.

While I have come a long way since I first began meditating, I realize that the spiritual journey is a continuum and the question, “am I living in a wholehearted way” is a question I must continually ask myself, in order to grow and evolve. This kind of inquiry not only makes sense, it affirms mindfulness and cultivates right action which have become essential to my life. Those of us who have embarked on any path to know ourselves better, realize the journey is continually unfolding and presenting itself to us in new ways. It is our job to face adversity, walk through our fears and continually discover who we are. I can’t help but wonder what implications a general inquiry such as, “am I living in a wholehearted way” could have on each of us if we applied it to daily life. I imagine our lives and experiences would be much deeper, richer and more meaningful. What do you think?

Namaste

Alana

The “truth” is people rely on a plethora of sources in order to catch a glimpse of “truth”, not realizing that the truth can really be found within. In “Buddhism Plain and Simple”, Steve Hagen says, “We know truth. We just habitually overlay our direct experience of Truth with thoughts, beliefs, opinions and ideas.” My question is, why do we do this? If each human being took the time to really connect with their heart, we’d all be able to know truth. We’d all realize that the truth we’ve all been searching for has been within reach all along.

Namaste

Alana