The Beat Of The Heart

"It’s interesting that the purer one’s heart becomes, the more the tiniest act is that which resonates in an appropriate fashion to bring a deeper harmony, a deeper way back into the Tao—as if one ever left it." –Ram Dass

"As if one never left it"....I think that is my aim, to get a place of "pure being" as if I never left. I always loved the saying "where does everybody go when they go?" Is it possible that we are already in the Tao, perhaps forgetting where we are and creating an illusion that we have left?

How does one's heart become pure? There has got to be a trillion ways to do so, but what resonates for me is found in the midst of passion. When someone is embracing their passion and activating the art of it, they are creating a pure connection to their heart! Passion is found in anything that brings you immense joy and a compelling feeling of happiness!

One passion of mine in Kirtan, chanting the sacred names of the Divine. As I have mentioned in the earlier post, Kirtan ignites my heart with love and absolute bliss. A beautiful group of friends of mine recently started creating Kirtan music together and they encouraged me to give the drum a try. After letting go of my lifelong personal belief that "I am musically challenged" I grabbed the drum and began to play! To my surprise I discovered a new passion of mine, playing music!

The tiny act of being willing to pick up the drum and play Kirtan music has resonated within and led me to create some harmonic sounds! When I let go and play to these harmonic songs, I find the beat of my heart. It is there where I begin to fall deeper into the Tao, as if I never left. In this space, the "I" dissipates and everything unites into the harmonic beating of one heart.

This photo was taken over the weekend while playing some beautiful Kirtan with my amazing friends!

The Space Within

Space:
–noun

1. the unlimited expanse in which everything is located

2. an interval or blank area in text: a space between the letters.

This morning I followed my usual Wednesday morning work routine, checking my email and then transferring the job postings into a mass email in Constant Contacts. The process is usually pretty easy, but this morning something was up! I began to find myself getting a little frustrated as I proceeded to close some gaps in the text and enjoy my oatmeal. Each time I would close the gaps and save my work, I was left with an extra space! It was too early to judge myself for this technical error, so I called on customer support. I was informed that it was a "Global problem with space" and that they were working to get this fixed as soon as possible.

A few moments later, I found myself reflecting on the words "Global Problem of Space" and I had to laugh! Sure it created a delay in sending out a pretty important email, but it gave me something to contemplate. I recalled watching the video of a spiritual teacher Ron Roth last night and his words of "Create the space within" were lingering inside of me! Ron spoke of this space being within and he shared confidently that it exists in everyone! He went on further sharing that the path that leads to this space is on us to create. As an individual soul filled with Divine spirit, we must create our path to open this space within.

I thought carefully, well it is 2011 the year of many shifts.....how appropriate that there is a "Global Problem of Space". This is the year for expansion and elevating our consciousness, thus expanding the space within. So, what we feel may have been a large enough space to house our Divine connection in 2010, is NOT enough for 2011. Space is expanding to assist us in the connection and transcend us into the Divine. Because the space is expanding itself, all we have to do is jump into the vibration. Smile, laugh, sing, create art, dive into your passion, meditate, dance in the rain, create music, visit with the people you love, study spiritual books, serve others......those are just a few ways that you can build your path and meet the space within!

We are all a piece of the Divine connected through space!

I bow to the space within you - Namaste!

The Art of Listening

"The first duty of love is to listen"

I encourage you to sit quiet for a moment and tune into your surroundings, this is a simple and easy listening exercise.

What do you hear? Perhaps the sound of a car passing by, a bird chirping outside your window, your tummy rumbling, a voice in the distance, your pug snoring....

Let's take this a step further....

I encourage you to have a conversation with a friend and let them do most of the talking. Instead of thinking of a good reply or what you will say next, try to focus on the words they are sharing with you.

What do you hear? Perhaps excitement in their voice, sadness in their heart, a funny story, a new idea they have, or maybe just random stories in no particular order but they are special because they are being shared with you.....

Are you still with me? Let's stretch this out just a little bit further.......

I encourage you to close your eyes and listen to your inner voice. This is the voice of your own truth and wisdom, the intuitive channel within that guides you.

What do you hear? Perhaps inspiring words to help you write a blog, clarity towards a decision you have been uncertain about, stillness amidst the chaos, a new melody to a song you will create, a new idea, colors for a beautiful painting, guidance on a problem or question you may have, confidence to finish a task that seems impossible, words of wisdom from those who have walked this journey before you......


All three of these listening exercises are important, here is their focus:

1. The first exercise allows you to be aware of the present moment.
2. The second exercise is being of service.
3. The third exercise is where you discover you.

Listening is essential on the path to self awareness! It is in listening that all of the great mysteries are heard.





Thanks to Shiloh Sophia McCloud for her beautiful painting in this post, to see her paintings click here!

Pain Is The Greatest Teacher

Sometimes the moment can be uncomfortable....

Those moments when your heart is aching, or something pressing is on your mind and your body begins to react with all of those unpleasant physical symptoms. Or maybe anxiety has grabbed you and it feels like you are stuck and falling down the hole of endless ache.

The good news? No moment is ever the same, every time you blink you create a new experience. With the unease and ache, comes a tremendous opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Within every life experience lies a lesson, which can only be discovered by living it. Isn't that what you came here for?

I am not sure why abuse is experienced in relationships, why some lose their partners at an early age, why some experience heartbreaks multiple times, why some kids make fun of others, and why sometimes life just seems confusing and unfair....

What I do know is that I have experienced the uncomfortable feelings of the above and it is why I am able to write this message to you. Going through those experiences have formed me into all that I am today. I am grateful for the uncomfortable not-so-fun moments, because without them.....I am not sure if I would have ever met myself.

In The Stillness

"Within you there is a stillness and a sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself."

- Hermann Hesse

Over the last few weeks I have been getting lost in the busyness of life...

Today was different, I felt something within inviting me to slow down.....good ole' stillness paying me a visit. I don't travel to this space as often as I would like, but when I am here....well that's just it...I am HERE.

I think these are my favorite moments on this journey, where I can sit in the stillness and breathe in what is....not really trying to "do" or "change" anything.....just letting it all be. Soaking in the beauty that commits to surround me in every moment, even if I am going too fast to notice.

In these moments I am free to be me, to be the expression of love and wholeness from which I came from. Expanding my heart and fully expressing my passion, I become eager to visit this place more often.

The Moment

Sometimes I pretend to be a poet and I create little poems like this one:

The Moment

I look around the world and I smile,
gratitude fills me and I chose to stay for awhile.

I trust what is and accept what isn't,
understanding it all....my heart smiles.

Feeling like I could burst with joy,
and knowing that this is what it's all about.

Noticing you, noticing me....noticing one,
my senses heightened and my awareness in tune.

The taste of something familiar and super sweet,
it lingers in my heart and I feel quite complete.

Stillness overcomes me and time fades away,
its the ultimate feeling I experience today.

You Inspire Me

Tonight's post is a simple post of gratitude, Thank you Universe and all the beautiful human's that make this experience amazing!

I decided to share with you the 5 people who have inspired me in the past week.....here it goes! If you ever get a chance to meet these people, you will be blessed! They are all definitely ahead of their time!

Becky- Tab was totally right when she said "How did they manage to fit so much awesomeness inside someone so tiny". That describes the adventurous, free-spitted, spark of light inside of you very accurately! Your impact is right up there with those beautiful firework shows people watch on the 4th of July. In fact, remember when we driving and caught a glimpse of a fireworks show on the side of the road....I highly doubt that was just a coincidence! Becky, you inspire me and the world- don't stop seeking....you have reminded me that everything already exist within! There is a whole world waiting to be discovered- step lightly!

Sir Brock Stone- The world shines brighter with you in it! You are a genuine representation of the future leaders of America. You came into this world with a special kind of vision, the ability to see through separation. This is a powerful gift and you will open many hearts and minds with it! You amaze me everyday with your courage and dedication to create a different kind of society, the kind of society that loves and accepts EVERYONE just the way they are! You inspire me to let go of fear and dive courageously into the sea of life! Just like water, you are refreshing and their is plenty of your love to go around! Wherever you go in life, continue to love freely and the Universe will give you everything you dream of!


Isabela- I admire your courage to follow your dreams! You are young, though age is just a number, you will do many powerful things in your lifetime. I am inspired by your deep faith and trust in the Universe, it brings me a lot of peace. Listening to you speak fills me with joy and reminds me of my dreams and desires! You are a true visionary and I know you will use this gift along with many others, to spread love and goodness to the world. Keep listening to your inner voice, let it be your guide!

Angelica- Your eagerness to seek the truth in all things is very ambitious! I am inspired by your enthusiasm to learn and create a successful life for yourself. I see the world traveler in you and I think we will definitely have to travel together some time! Your honest and authentic approach to life shines very bright and reminds me to stay honest with myself and the world around me! You are going to be a super successful woman and everyone is blessed to know you.

Roxanne- I felt very grateful to sit across from you at Kirtan the other night, you were illuminating love! I am so glad our paths have crossed again, seeing how much you have expanded and grown in the past few years really reflects how dedicated you are to YOU! I am inspired by your commitment and dedication to yoga. You have always carried a high energy with you and your smile glows like the sun.

Aren't I lucky to meet such GREAT people?

Feeling the love,

Erin