Inner Bliss

Then Comes the New Life...

noreply@blogger.com (Alia) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 02:58:07 PST

These words were waiting for me in my "inbox" this morning, from a dear friend who always knows exactly what my heart needs (often even before I do):

The dark night of the soul

comes just before revelation.

When everything is lost,

and all seems darkest,

then comes the new life

and all that is needed.

-Joseph Campbell

Sometimes it seems as if everything really has been lost. Do you ever find yourself questioning the meaning of all of this? I confess: I do.

And what is the answer that comes to me when I get still and settle into that place of stillness within me?

"This is a gift. This challenge - this pain - this uncertainty about everything - this fear - this vulnerability - this darkness - IT IS ALL A GIFT. You summoned every moment of it. You needed to experience each and every bit of it. Can you see it? Do you feel what is being revealed to you? Do you see the perfection of this? You see... you are opening even further. You are expanding. With every breath, you are becoming stronger and stronger.

The meaning of your life is to LOVE.

Every experience that seems so difficult to handle gives you greater compassion and understanding. It helps you to open up to Love. If it weren't for these things, you wouldn't reach out and ask for help when you really need it, meaning that these beautiful connections that you have right now would never have happened. You wouldn't have understood what others were feeling during their darkest moments, when they reached out to you for comfort and shared their deepest sorrows... when they needed your Love. It is all a part of your Divine Plan!"

And so the revelation becomes clear. It's definitely not easy to go through days and nights where darkness seems to take center stage. But knowing that this is just an incubation period and Light is ready to burst through again... that is what keeps me going. For everything, there is a season. After winter comes the new growth of spring. The blossoms that are about to open up are well worth the labor involved to cultivate them! New Life is happening with each moment. All that is needed is right here, right now. Always.

Powerful

noreply@blogger.com (Alia) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:31:03 PST

Could you imagine what our world would be like if we all took the time to let others know how truly amazing they are?

What would our lives be like if we found the beauty in every person we met... and told them?

How would we feel if we let down our guards and allowed others to see who we really are?

What would happen if we allowed ourselves - and others - to truly feel without trying to change or stop the feelings?

Are you willing to take a moment today to simply Love - starting with yourself?

It's Time.

What is Love?

noreply@blogger.com (Alia) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 22:22:17 PST

Art by Katie Daisy

"Love is the individual, collective, and universal soul. Love is God. Love is truth. Love is beauty. Love is peace. Love is self. To know yourself, to surrender to the truth of yourself, is to surrender to love." -Gangaji

I talk a lot about Love here. I recently had a moment of deep confusion about what this really means. Of course, in my usual contemplative style, I took the confusion as a sign to go further within and listen to what Love is really saying.

We are told that love is a feeling, often between people. We search for it in intimate relationships. We pray that we will obtain it and never lose it once we do. We long to hear those words from the people we most care about - I love you. We sometimes feel empty if those words are not said. "Why doesn't he tell me he loves me? Is there something wrong with me? Am I not lovable? Did I do something wrong? Did I forget to do something right?" This common concept of love has so many conditions that it's no wonder we close our hearts off out of fear of being hurt!

Love has nothing to do with what other people think of us. It has nothing to do with our actions. It's not something we need to earn or deserve. It's not even something that can be given or taken away. Read that last sentence again. This is key.

Trying to even talk about love is a big challenge. It's not something that can be comprehended with the mind. It's a knowing. It's the everything and the nothing, all at once. We don't need to search for it or long for it. It already flows through us. It is our very essence - and that of everyone and everything that exists!

You are Love. I am Love. Everything is Love.

It's hard sometimes to feel love when we are in the midst of an argument, watching the atrocities of the world play out on the evening news, recapping all the wrongs that have been done to us. I can say from so much personal experience that it is in my deepest grief, pain, suffering, and sorrow that Love emerges in the most powerful ways.

When I was down on my knees after being deliberately struck by another person, it was Love that came to the surface, allowing my body to heal, my heart to forgive, and my inner wisdom to come out and make choices that were better for me. When I had less than $5 to my name and a child to feed, it was Love that came into my life in the form of a beautiful friend who gave me the money I needed to get back on my feet. When I was sitting next to those who were dying, with their family all around, it was Love that enabled all of us to let go, allow the tears, open our hearts, and accept the process of life.

A friend recently said that the more he allows himself to love someone, the greater the fear gets. Fear of being hurt. Fear of a broken heart. All of this is our attachment to the past, to what has already been done. Old patterns. We're so afraid of hurting. But what really happens when we sit in the pain? Love shows up. Take a moment and reflect upon a time in your life when you thought you absolutely could not bear the pain. Can you recall a moment when you were able to surrender completely, even if out of mere exhaustion, and feel the embrace of Love? Once we realize that we ARE Love, there's nothing that can be threatened. There's nothing to fear.

"What is the worst that could happen if you surrender to love? What we seem to fear the most is the broken heart. Yet the very unwillingness for the heart to be broken is the broken heart. The tragedy and the irony is that in order to avoid a broken heart, people live in a state of broken-heartedness. In the willingness to have the heart be broken a million, trillion, zillion times, true love is revealed." -Gangaji

Today, as I sit in my own feelings of grief and confusion, I can feel my heart expanding. Love is still flowing. It always has. It always will. It simply is.

Letting the Tears Flow

noreply@blogger.com (Alia) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:20:48 PST

Beautiful Art by Lori Portka

There is something so deep, so raw, so very fragile that is surfacing right now. There is a big part of me that is afraid to be here in this space sharing the most vulnerable moments. Another part of me, the Truth of who I am, knows that this is exactly what I need.

Opening my heart to the world can be so painful. As I share over and over again, I wouldn't have it any other way. This pain that I am feeling so intensely right now is showing me things that I need to see. I can't even really pinpoint the source of it all. It feels like the sorrow of millions of women before me. A collective grief that we all share. Tears of transformation flow as I write these words.

I know there is something so powerful that is taking place right now. I am learning to sit in the sorrow, pain, grief, discomfort rather than trying to push it away.

The tears flow for my Aunt Nanette, who recently left this world for a better way of being. They flow for my Mom, who is feeling the loss of her baby sister. They flow for everyone who has ever opened her heart and felt the vulnerability head on. They flow for my precious little boy, who feels everything so deeply. I shed tears for every person on this planet who has never had the chance to know just how beautiful and loved they really are.

As the tears flow, the rain pours down on this full moon night. The moon tells me to stay open, never closing my heart out of fear of feeling the pain. The rain reminds me of this necessary process of allowing the flow to cleanse and nourish my soul. For all of this, I am so grateful.

When I awake tomorrow to greet another day, the sun will show me that no matter what things seem like on the outside sometimes, the light is always shining within. It never goes out. It will always lead the way.

As the tears subside, a smile takes their place. Another breath has been given. Another moment granted. Thank you for being here. Thank you for being a part of my journey. Thank you for being my witness.

You are so very loved.

Breathe With Me

noreply@blogger.com (Alia) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:30:45 PST

Art by Valerie Lorimer

"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say, "I used everything you gave me!" -Erma Bombeck

I no longer want to waste a single moment of this precious life. I simply will not allow myself to do that any longer.

If you haven't already, please read these words of Love right HERE.

There is no time left for hesitating, protecting our hearts, or living in fear of doing the "wrong" thing, not pleasing others, rocking the boat. That way of living simply is not working. It's an old paradigm whose days are numbered.

It's time for us to join together and allow ourselves to be exactly who we are. And if we've been so covered up by other peoples' opinions and judgments, not able to see the light of who we really are... it's time to let go of that, remove the guards and step into our truth.

When I sink into this very moment, I can feel what is wanting to be expressed right now. It vibrates at a frequency so beautiful, so powerful, that words cannot contain it. I feel it in the melody of the gamelan music in the background, the soft breeze on my face, the smell of incense and frangipani flowers. The message is to love.

I want to use everything I have been given. No holding back. It's as if there is no choice any longer.

We are entering a time on this amazing planet that calls for deeper connection - Divine Connection - with everyone and everything. It's time to go within to the places within our hearts that know. When we connect with that place within our own hearts, we begin to see and feel it in everyone else, too. We really, truly, honestly SEE one another. Not the clothes, car, house, stuff, job, financial status, etc... None of that is a true expression of who we really are.

I want you to know and express who you really are. Let's not let another moment pass us by stuck in the confines of the ordinary. Let's use every bit of life force we've been given! It begins in this moment, with this breath.

Breathe with me.

A New Creation

noreply@blogger.com (Alia) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:47:57 PST

Spontaneity is such a beautiful thing! The idea came through me to create a space to journal my life in Bali. Without hesitation, I just created "Prema Bali." A lot of people ask me to share more about life on this little spiritual island, so this new space will do just that. I would love to have you stop by.

Of course I'll still be here in my sacred space of Inner Bliss. This corner of the online world has changed my life in so many ways. I am so grateful to all of you who take the time in your day to read the words I share here. I don't know if you realize how much I appreciate you. I hope you do though!

You are loved,
Alia

The Invitation

noreply@blogger.com (Alia) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 17:10:59 PST

The Power of Ceremony

noreply@blogger.com (Alia) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 02:04:22 PST

The chants began to feel like a part of my own essence, flowing through my body like molten lava, burning away everything that I no longer needed. The vibration of every word resonated so deeply. The dancing flames grew larger and larger, inviting me to surrender everything to the Divine. I completely let go of the grip of my mind and allowed myself to embody the vibration of transformation.

There was a shower of petals from above, raining down upon us, offering blessing and Love. The ringing of the Balinese bells infused me with the healing power of sacred sound. Somehow, the world seemed to take on a whole new meaning for me. The little things that seemed so important were no longer plaguing my mind. Freedom was calling.

When the chanting subsided, the sounds turned into silence, and we were left to meditate upon the flames, the only feeling that flooded my being was that of Oneness. There was no separation, no "me" and "them." Just a deep knowing that we are all Divine.

At the end, we all seemed to feel a bit lighter, brighter, and at ease with this world we live in. How blessed I am to live on this sacred island of Bali, where ceremony is a way of life. I embrace her, love her, and offer her my deepest gratitude. And to the beautiful people who make all of this happen, I honor you and love you. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.

This is the transformational, healing power of ceremony.

Photos above taken at the Dark Moon Agni Hotra Ceremony at Fivelements in Bali.

Heart Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (Alia) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 02:07:02 PST

Katie Daisy with the new book, Heart Thoughts

I am so inspired by Katie Daisy. She teaches me to listen to my heart, get real with myself, and believe that I CAN be who I am completely and fully, no matter what.

Katie just illustrated the beautiful new book "Heart Thoughts" written by one of my mentors, Louise Hay - a dream come true I am sure! Louise's books have changed my life. I can hardly wait to get my copy of this one.

For those of you who have been reading my blog for a while, you already know how important it is to me to do all I consciously can to live from a space of Love, with an open heart. There's a certain vulnerability that comes with this way of life. A heart wide open really does feel quite a bit! There are times when I feel overwhelmed with the intensity of emotion that flows through me. It's not an "easy" road to take, but it's the one I would choose over and over again, no matter what the stakes.

Soon I will sit down and share some of the transformational experiences that have been taking place in my life lately. The words just haven't been revealed just yet...

Thank you for being here. Thank you for being all of You.

You are LOVED.

The Truth of Who You Are

noreply@blogger.com (Alia) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:13:42 PST

Gorgeous art by Julia Fehrenbacher

"The truth of who you are is yours already." -Gangaji

When we let go of the story, there remains freedom. Oh how this just struck me so deeply within. I have just savored the last hour listening to the wisdom of the Divine flowing through Gangaji and Michael Bernard Beckwith via this program. We so often think that the path to happiness and inner peace needs to be complicated and painstaking, filled with uphill struggles and battles to overcome. Although there are challenges on this journey, there is a simplicity to it all that we often don't realize.

The Happiness is already within.

The Joy is right there in our own heart.

The Peace is flowing through our Being each and every moment.

The Love is who we are.

The Truth is all there is.

We already are what we seek. There is nothing to search for "out there." When we stop, breathe, and let go of the story that we are so attached to, we are left with the realization that Love is the core of our Being. The truth of who we are has no words. Stop - listen - feel it. It's been there all along.

Let It Go

noreply@blogger.com (Alia) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:55:25 PST

Art by Katie Daisy

I was reminded today of how important it is to voice our deepest feelings, often stored within for centuries, if not lifetimes. A very brave woman who I am so blessed to call my "soul sister" took a bold step toward releasing what she no longer needed to carry around in her beautiful heart. I am in awe of her courage.

How often do we stuff pain and sorrow within our hearts, never to see the light? We carry this baggage around with us, paying a huge price for it every day. It eats away at us with its constant presence. We often forget it's there.

I sometimes wonder where all that junk even comes from. Year after year of pain just piled up. Does it serve a purpose in there?

Honestly, I know it is much better for me to release it - let it go - surrender to the Divine - and create space for new experiences and opportunities. It's too exhausting to do otherwise.

What are you ready to release? Is there a pain within your heart that you're willing to let go of? Can you imagine how much lighter you will feel afterwards?

Take a deep breath and let go.............

The Year to Shine

noreply@blogger.com (Alia) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 19:05:56 PST

Beautiful Art by Lori Portka

I reflect upon the past year with so much gratitude. 2011 was a time of deep inner exploration and revelation for me. I know this was taking place for so many others as well. Something within our hearts was calling out to us to wake up to the realization that we are here for a reason - to shine our Light upon the world.

I have spent so much time doubting my purpose. I have been afraid of my light for so long. In many ways, I have hidden from the world, ducking away in a corner of uncertainty.

No more.

This new year of 2012 is an opportunity for all of us to truly SHINE. The world needs us to allow Love to flow freely and openly, no matter what.

It's time.

My dear friends, will you join me in removing the last layers of fear around our hearts and open to the Truth all around us? Will you take my hand and walk this path with me?

So much love is right here, right now.

What this Moment Reveals

noreply@blogger.com (Alia) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 19:20:46 PST

There's a kind of stillness that comes after a Bali storm unlike anywhere else I have been. The seen and unseen worlds merge together to purify and nourish. A feeling of deep reflection is washing over me as I sit in the serenity of this moment. The calm after the storm... certainly a metaphor for me to ponder right now.

Perhaps it's common to reflect upon our lives during this time of year. A closing of another cycle; an opening into new realms of possibility. I have come to realize that the outer circumstances, appearances, and perceptions are simply there to invite me to go within - to the heart of what creates it all. Nothing occurs by accident. It's all there to offer a reflection into our own soul.

My soul is whispering one simple truth to me, over and over again:

"Just Love. Offer your heart to everyone, everywhere. Don't be afraid of the Light. Don't worry about what other people will think or say. Just Love..."

There is nothing else more important than showing up with an open heart. When I am truly able to see the Divine in you - me - everyone, there is no need for searching anymore. There is simply a merging beyond boundaries, separation, and fear. Love is what is revealed.

Just Love.

Embracing Today

noreply@blogger.com (Alia) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 23:54:30 PST

Beautiful Art by Katie Daisy
Ganesha, Lord of Success and Remover of Obstacles

Sitting here in the space which used to be inhabited by my soul each and every day feels a bit foreign now. I was hesitant to begin writing on my blog again. Is anyone even there anymore to receive these words from my heart?

I guess that is not the question. It feels so good to be back here in this sacred space, both on screen and in the little sanctuary space in my home that has served me in so many ways.

Gratitude is what is in my heart today. Gratitude for Life. Each and every breath that finds its way into my soul, nourishing me and letting me know that another moment is here to be savored. I am grateful for change. I have been experiencing the most powerful shifts lately. Fear has lifted its heavy grip from my heart. Light is my constant companion, here to guide me in everything I do.

I am grateful for the beautiful Beings whose grace, wisdom, and guidance has come into my life so unexpectedly over the last month. It has taken some very intense challenges to break apart the blocks and move through the obstacles that were getting in my way. There are more to release... in time. I embrace them as my teachers - my guides.

Whatever we truly need for this life journey is here for us to receive. I am finally learning how to truly open up and receive what has been there all along.

Love is all around me... and you... embracing all of us.

Trusting Myself

noreply@blogger.com (Alia) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 18:11:52 PST

Beautiful art by Julia Fehrenbacher

I was recently in a situation where my intuition was saying one thing and my mind was trying so hard to go along with another. It was a huge lesson for me. Whenever I don't trust my own inner guidance, I look back upon the situation wishing I had listened to that gentle, yet powerful voice of wisdom.

Going along with what other people say and do is not always going to be beneficial, or even healthy. There are as many opinions as there are people in this world. There isn't one "right" way.

As I sit here in the aftermath of something that resulted through the silencing of my intuition, I can't help but look at the opportunity for growth and healing. There is a reason for everything even if I don't understand it in the moment.

Today, for me, it is all about trusting myself. Trusting that I am guided at all times. All I need to do is slow down, get still, and listen. Just listen to my heart.

I hope you are listening to your heart today. ♥

You Are So Loved

noreply@blogger.com (Alia) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:17:53 PST

Beautiful art by Katie Daisy

No other words capture the message I want to tell you today. You are so loved. No matter what you are experiencing in life right now, remember this truth. Go to that sacred place deep within your heart and feel the love that is lighting your very Being.

You are so loved,

Alia

My Ruby Slippers

noreply@blogger.com (Alia) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 16:21:50 PST

Visions of Dorothy are swirling around my mind today. "There's no place like home. There's no place like home." I was recently asked, "Where is home for you?" (Being an expat, I get that question a lot.) I kind of just stood there trying to form sensible words, yet nothing came through! I click my ruby slippers, close my eyes, and allow myself to be taken to wherever I am supposed to be. I know that home is right there in my heart, wherever I am.

Lately, in my dreams, I have been traveling to so many places that have been dear to me. I find myself perched upon Sunset Rock in Sequoia National Park, leaping off that gigantic boulder into the unknown skies, soaring with the birds, swooping into canyons. The freedom of flight takes over me.

In other dreams, I am tending the land on my own little farm, inviting people into my sacred space filled with blossoms, old trees with twisted roots, lush meadows with wildflowers and the smell of dewdrops on blades of tender grass. It is so peaceful and nourishing there. I could stay forever.

I have been taken to mountain tops, river valleys, deep wooded lands, and little sanctuaries for my soul. Each place has its own offering, gift, presence. Each is so nurturing and full of life.

Back to the "reality" of this time and space, I find myself amongst the mystical tropical land of a place filled with magic - both "light" and "dark." I am reminded of the women in generations before me, whose power - whose magic - was considered evil and unacceptable. They were burned at the stake for their gifts of intuition and deep, powerful wisdom. I would have been one of those "witches." Sometimes I close my eyes and feel their pain. I know the wounds within their hearts. I know their cries.

It has been revealed to me time and time again that part of my purpose in this lifetime is to help heal the feminine wounds that are embedded so deeply in the cells of all of us women. Our grandmothers and their grandmothers before them, our sisters of spirit who bore the weight of so much pain - they reside within my soul. They call out to me to lovingly embrace my feminine power and hold the space for other women to do the same.

It is no accident that my yellow brick road has taken me to this ancient land. There is deep healing to be done here, both within me and in the hearts and souls of the women who have held this sacred place. I am right where I need to be...

Grateful for Life

noreply@blogger.com (Alia) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 23:41:00 PDT

I am beyond words in this moment, feeling so grateful for the life I have. Today, on the day of my birth, I breathe in the knowing that life really is so precious. It is a gift that I often take for granted, going through each day sometimes forgetting how blessed I am.

The truth is - I wouldn't change one single thing about the last 38 years of my life. Every challenge, struggle, disappointment, heartbreak - every joy, embrace, smile, dance - all of it - has been just what was needed to bring me to this moment right here, right now.

Thank you for being a part of my journey.

I hope you know how loved you are.

So very Loved.

Trust the Process

noreply@blogger.com (Alia) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 17:39:46 PDT

Art by Julia Fehrenbacher

"Trust the process. Trust that there is something beautiful there waiting for you, beyond the confines of your mind. This isn't about good. This is about loving and nurturing and honoring your sweet, one-of-a-kind self. It's about freedom & liberation. It's about connecting deeply, it's about opening to new ways of being/new perceptions. It's about play. It's about healing and stepping into all of who you've always been--not leaving any parts behind. It's about embracing the whole, beautiful essence of you." -Julia Fehrenbacher (part of this amazing post)

My morning was met with these powerful words above. If you haven't been over to Painted Path today, head on over there now. Julia's post moved me to my core.

So much healing, opening, releasing, and trusting has taken place in my life lately. I have been able to let go of things that are not really in alignment with who I am and what I am called to express in the world right now. With this letting go, there is space for the things that are wanting to flow through me.

For a while now, I have been asking for guidance about where I am supposed to be on this planet. I am living in Bali, Indonesia now and have spent the last 8 years of my life in Indonesia. It has been up and down for sure. So many opportunities for soul growth! This month has been a turning point. As I asked for guidance about where I am needed, I received my answer.

A beautiful opportunity arose, offering my services at Fivelements in Bali. I am beginning a new adventure, yet feel that it is really just a continuation and expansion on the spiral of my life.

I will be coming to the internet world a bit less now. I have met so many beautiful souls here and hope to continue these important connections in my life. I'll stop by here when there is something in my heart that really desires to reach out. I am so grateful to every one of you who take the time out of your day to read the words written here at Inner Bliss. My heart overflows...

I love you,
Alia

Beautiful Blessings

noreply@blogger.com (Alia) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 17:39:11 PDT

Beautiful art by Lori Portka

Energy in Motion: Let Those Emotions Flow!

noreply@blogger.com (Alia) — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 20:56:23 PDT

E - Motion = Energy in Motion

Emotion - the word that brings up a little feeling of resistance in many of us. Visions of un-controllable crying, fitful rage, or even full-body laughter (of course at the table next to us when we're trying to have a peaceful dinner) come to mind. Emotional expression has gotten a pretty bad rap.

We'll do just about anything to keep from letting out too much emotion. We don't want to be seen as that sensitive, sentimental soul or an out-of-control angry nuisance. Too much laughter may make people around us uncomfortable. A simple smile at a "stranger" leaves them looking over their shoulder with thoughts of "Was she smiling at me?"

Unfortunately, keeping this emotional energy within us only creates layer after layer of stored toxicity. It suffocates the natural flow of life - blocking our light and creative expression. There is no motion - only stagnation.

I've been observing my own patterns when it comes to emotions. There is so much I have been conditioned to store and stuff down in order to feel accepted. I hold back tears, think my anger is "bad," and tone down my laughter. I don't dare watch an emotional movie with others around. If I hold in my frustration (usually just simple things that add up), I find myself getting even more frustrated until it just can't stay in anymore. Then, a full blown explosion is at risk of happening!

Just a couple of days ago, during a Balinese healing session with a very wise soul, I was told that there was something in my chest area that just didn't want to release. Deep down, I knew exactly what he was referring to. Even during a healing session, I was embarrassed to let it go! What happened next was remarkable - and so wonderful...

When I got home, a friend sent me a message asking if I wanted to go to dinner. I accepted and was really looking forward to it. Just about an hour before time to head out the door, my body became exhausted, to the point where I just couldn't stay upright. I cancelled dinner and planned to go right to bed. I did just that. And then, suddenly, a powerful, uncontrollable wave of emotion rose to the surface. Fear, intense anxiety, deep sadness and grief, awful guilt, and a flow of tears began to express. I sat there and felt every bit of it. It felt horrible as it was happening! It was messy and raw - and so very beautiful. I simply felt everything. I allowed myself to go through it full-on. No trying to shove it back down. No denying that it even existed. No telling myself that I shouldn't feel this way. None of that usual BS. I simply felt it all.

After the release, I just sat there in awe. I was still alive. The world around me was still going on as usual. Nobody was harmed. Nothing tragic happened. I was still in one piece. And I felt FREE!

I didn't feel the need to analyze it all. I didn't even feel the need to try and make a plan for what's next. I just let go, surrendered, and allowed the natural course of emotional expression to take place. Wow! What a concept! :)

We spend so much energy on trying to keep things hidden inside. It's exhausting and so very toxic to our entire being. When I am with a client and the tears begin to flow, so often she will say, "I am so sorry," just as a way of habit. It's time to stop apologizing for our humanness! Emotions are part of who we are. They're beautiful and necessary for our full expression. When we allow them to be expressed, we free our energy and let it flow through us. The so-called "negative" stuff passes right through. Then we realize it wasn't "negative" at all. It was natural and no big deal. It only becomes a big deal when shoved down year after year, getting all stagnant and stinky.

When we begin to allow our emotions the freedom of expression, things like road rage, extreme violence, addictions, and other harmful acts will begin to subside. The common denominator in all of those things, and so much of what we see in the world today that is not serving us, is unexpressed emotion. Pent up energy. It's just searching for an outlet.

What are some things we can all do to keep our emotions flowing freely? Here are a few suggestions:

Check in with yourself throughout the day. How are you feeling? How does your body feel? Is it tired, tense, or painful? Often we store emotion in our physical body. Doing a body scan will help to identify where the blocks are being stored.
After identifying areas of tension, ask yourself if there is any emotion that you are not expressing. Are you frustrated? Sad? Upset? Angry? Irritated? Depressed? Scared? Are you feeling joyful and wanting to sing a little tune out loud or laugh to the point of tears? Do you want to do a little happy dance but feel embarrassed to express even these joyous emotions?
If you notice stored, blocked emotion, give yourself permission to begin letting it flow.
As soon as you can, put on some music and move your body. Just move in any way that feels good to you.
Open your mouth and sing! Let your voice be expressed. Doing this in the car is wonderful.
Write down everything that is on your mind and in your heart. Just write it down. Get it out.
Call up a friend and ask for 15 minutes of release. Just say anything you need to say. Don't worry about it making sense. Don't feel bad about it. Don't judge yourself for it. Make sure you have an agreement with this friend that during these times of release, she simply listens and allows. No "fixing it" or giving advice. Only listening. You can do this for one another as needed. After the release, thank her for listening and sit in silence for a bit. Just feel the relief - and space!
Start encouraging others to express freely as well. Cry with one another. Laugh often and loudly!
Join a kickboxing class. Go to an ecstatic dance class. Swim, walk, run. Energy naturally begins to flow with body movement.
Honor your emotions. Make peace with them. Appreciate this human gift.
If you're really having difficulty with emotional expression, it may be helpful to seek out a counselor or professional who is specialized in emotional release.

It's time to let go and let those emotions flow! You will feel so much better. I know this first-hand. At first, it may feel intense as things surface. It's just not something we're used to. Allow it anyway. It will begin to become easier and easier, until it's just natural.

Encourage others to do the same. We're all in this thing called life together. Let's support one another on the journey.

Smile now. It feels so good!

With Love,

Wise Words

noreply@blogger.com (Alia) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 17:28:18 PDT

Words of wisdom from Marianne Williamson:

"The only work that will ultimately bring any good to any of us is the work of contributing to the healing of the world."

"In every community, there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is the power to do it."

"Nothing liberates our greatness like the desire to help, the desire to serve."

The rEvolution of Love

noreply@blogger.com (Alia) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 20:18:35 PDT

There's a whole lotta shakin' going on right now. Change is in the air (and everywhere). There is a global movement taking place that just can't be denied. No matter what our personal beliefs are, there is one thing that we can certainly agree upon: The way things have been going just doesn't work. It's time for a shift.

When I think about this rapid shifting taking place, I can't help but feel excited for what is to come. It is natural for people to get angry first. After being in a position of hopelessness/helplessness for so long, the anger is often the catalyst that fuels us and propels us into necessary change. Anger in itself is not "negative" or "bad." It's all about how we express it. Once that has expressed and passed, there will be room for the beautiful, powerful force of Love to lead the way.

We're experiencing a global cleansing process right now. We're sifting through the world and beginning to take a deeper look at what is working and what is not, based on who and what we say we want to be.

There will likely be more conflict and chaos as this process takes place. Some people will ride the vibration of blame, shame, and "us vs. them" for a while longer. We may see an even greater division take place on some levels. But after this process takes its course, I truly believe we will begin experiencing an even greater Force taking over.

We have the opportunity to create a new model. Something that perhaps we haven't seen before. A global way of life based on:

Love

Truth

Kindness

Solidarity
Community
Authenticity

Understanding
Compassion

Acceptance

Peace

Gratitude

Openness
Forgiveness

We are already seeing this beautiful way of Being take place on so many levels around the world. Women are coming together like never before to celebrate themselves and one another, share their deepest truth and let their vulnerabilities surface in supportive, compassionate environments (like the Red Tent gatherings). There are groups of meditators sitting together in peace at many of the Occupy locations. Marianne Williamson is teaching about A Course in Miracles over at Occupy L.A. All over the world, in so many creative ways, people are coming together to pave a new way of life.

I have never been a political person. To me, it's not about choosing sides. Separation is painful. It's about coming together and choosing a way of life that works for all of us - including the Earth, who is suffering so severely right now. I believe we are beyond "taking sides." We just can't continue with that concept. The vision in my heart knows that the time has come. Hearts are opening.

Below is a video about Cafe Gratitude in L.A. I honor these beautiful souls for spreading this message of love. They are a true example of the new paradigm that is being created right now. It is time. For this, I am grateful.

Making A Difference for One

noreply@blogger.com (Alia) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 17:52:35 PDT

I came across this story again today and want to share it with you. We really can make a difference.

A small boy lived by the ocean. He loved all the creatures of the sea, especially the starfish, and spent much of his time exploring the seashores. One day he learned that there would be a minus tide that would leave the starfish stranded on the sand. The day of the tide he went down to the beach and began picking up the stranded starfish and started tossing them back in the sea. An elderly man who lived next door came to down to the beach to see what he was doing. “I’m saving the starfish,” the boy proudly declared. When the neighbor saw all of the stranded starfish he shook his head and said, “I’m sorry to disappoint you young man, but if you look down the beach one way, there are stranded starfish as far as the eye can see. And if you look the other way, it’s the same. One boy like you isn’t going to make much of a difference.” The boy thought about this for a moment. Then he reached his small hand down to the sand, picked up a starfish, tossed it back into the ocean and said, “I sure made a difference for that one.”

A Little Yoda Love

noreply@blogger.com (Alia) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 02:08:59 PDT

"Size matters not. Look at me. Judge me by my size, do you? Hmm? Hmm. And well you should not. For my ally is the Force, and a powerful ally it is. Life creates it, makes it grow. Its energy surrounds us and binds us. Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter. You must feel the Force around you; here, between you, me, the tree, the rock, everywhere, yes. Even between the land and the ship." -Jedi Master Yoda

Oh how I love a good Yoda quote on a Sunday afternoon. :) As we enter into our week, may you remember your Luminosity and remember the powerful Force that is all around us, infusing us and connecting us.

You are loved beyond words.