To Grandmother's house we go!

My trip to Beaumont beat me up. Literally.

1. To having to break into my car through the trunk, ninja style, because I locked the keys in.

2. To pumping gas and something falling on my toe, crushing the entire big toe nail, gushing blood.

Even Scooby was totally over the trip.

Good times!! Lol.

Xo,
Annie

21- Day Meditation Experience Day: 17

***I feel that if you give positivity, grace, good deeds...etc etc.. out, it will return. I was recently touched by a situation a friend of mine is going thru and felt honored to show my support. Even if it may have been very small. Love is what we need more of in this world.

***Thinking of others before myself. (And I'm still working on it daily!) I'm far from a pro at it. ;)

***I would like to start back on my gratitude journal. It held me accountable. I had to write down 3 people, things, whatever... I was grateful for everyday. I felt a positive shift in my life.

Xo,
Annie

The Power of Positive Affirmations. Start NOW with my friend, Angela & her sweet baby boy on the way.

Dedicated to Angela Anderson & family:

"Repeated positive statements help you focus your mind on your aim. They also create corresponding mental images in the conscious mind, which affect the subconscious mind accordingly. In this way, you program your subconscious in accordance with your will."

I was scrolling through my news feed on FB & was instantly struck emotionally when I read this post from my high school friend, Angela, and her current situation below:

A post or 2 later she asked us if we would state the following affirmation- whenever, however, as much as possible:

"Every day in every way,     Anderson Ward is growing    bigger and stronger"

MY PERSONAL STORY:

I have been in therapy before, several times, gone thru some VERY dark & scary times. Seeing this affirmation again (years later) brought a huge smile to my face. It brought back ground breaking, life changing, terrifying, and most importantly- conquering, successful memories. 

This affirmation was the first for me to EVER learn. When my therapist taught it to us, I at first, thought it was so pointless. But as Angela has said, there IS extreme power in SPEAKING the words and BELIEVING them is another step more profound. It goes along with the "Law of Attraction" but I won't make it complicated. Because it is actually very simple and easy. On the contrary, the energy it magnifies is incredible. 

Mine was, "Every day, in every way, I am getting better and better." Every day in therapy my therapist would have a big bowl of oranges in the center of the table and we would state our affirmation over and over. The scent to the oranges was aromatherapy for our mood. It was supposed to enhance it. (truth to that too) ;) Long story short.... I DID get better and better everyday and I  CONTINUE to get EVEN better, stronger, happier, healthier...etc daily. There IS power in these words. There is power in speaking positive over your life. The EGO defaults to everything that can go bad or wrong. Dig deeper to your true voice and let it be heard. Better yet- watch how it changes your life.

To whomever reads this...please say an affirmation for this sweet baby boy. Anything that can declare: positive, strong encouraging words for this angel to become everything he is destined to be. I believe his purpose in life has already started and he will fight the whole way, coming out BETTER than ever expected. He is destined to become great. 

Well sweet boy, it's out in the Universe now, working to your greatest favor! There IS power in positive thinking. Thoughts become Things. I am rooting for you, Anderson, the whole journey! Know you have a lot of love and support.  I have faith all will work according to his divine favor. Thinking of you too Angela! :) And Dad too! I'm proud and admire your strength. 

If you need anything do not hesitate for one second to ask. 

Xo,

Annie 

21- Day Meditation Experience Day: 16

Day 16 - The Hidden Secret of Being

“Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.” ― Thích Nhất Hạnh

In today’s meditation, we explore how the practice of gratitude reveals the hidden qualities of our awareness: wonder, joy, and beauty. As grace connects us to the hidden truths of Nature, we are really discovering the essence of our expansive liberated self.

Gratitude awakens these dormant gifts of our unlimited self and makes them powerful forces of positive change in our lives. As our self expands through gratitude, our concerns, anxieties, and insecurities become small and insignificant, while our experience of joy, freedom, beauty, and compassion continues to grow.


CENTERING THOUGHT

Every day, my Being seeks new ways to expand.

SANSKRIT MANTRA

Ananta Swa Bhava
My true self has no limits or boundaries.

JOURNAL:

1. Write about something in your environment right now that you are grateful for, but have never fully recognized before. It could be something as simple as the satisfying click of the keys on your keyboard or the effortless way your chair swivels.

The apartment I live in. Where before it was small, now it is secure, it is cozy, it is HOME. :)

2. Remember a time when you were alone in nature, in which you felt unbounded and free. Elaborate on what that experience felt like.

Back in church camp when I was 14. Life just felt awesome. The hikes, the picnics, the prayer groups in sanctuaries in the middle of the woods. Nature brings you a close to home feeling.

3. Set aside two minutes right now to simply be – no words, no interactions, no activity. Feel your inner self expand, and afterwards write down what this experience was like.

It is wild how the 1st thing I realize is my breath. Like, "Whoah, I've been breathing all day and I just now noticed and gave full awareness to a whole inhale and exhale. And realized how important this awareness really is.

Xo,

Annie

21- Day Meditation Experience Day: 15

Day 15 - Seeing the Big Picture, Becoming the Big Picture

“True wisdom is being able to say 'it is what it is' with a smile of celebratory wonder on your face.” ― Eric Micha'el Leventhal


Living in grace is for everyone, not just for those who feel called to a secluded life of prayer and devotion. Grace is everywhere all the time. To fully live in the state of grace only requires that we allow our true self to shine forth.

In today’s meditation, we learn that we attain this state by simply being it, which means we naturally and effortless live an open life of gratitude. That is how we become a complete person. We embody a life in grace by acting from a spirit of generosity and wholeness.


CENTERING THOUGHT

By living my wholeness, I become complete.

SANSKRIT MANTRA

Om Purnam Idam
Individuality is wholeness.


JOURNAL:

1. Write down the names of anyone you have been more generous and kind toward in the last two weeks. Describe how these situations came to pass.

-my grandma
-my mom


2. Make a list of three circumstances in your life that you would like to be able to accept or surrender to. Most likely, these will be situations you feel the need to control or be in charge of. Write down how learning to find gratitude in the situation can help you let go or surrender.

-Not to worry about the future. Everything is going to be ok.

3. Now call to mind three experiences in which you were generous or able to surrender, and write down how that felt.

The job struggle. Letting go and letting be. Everything seemed to flow much more effortlessly

Xo,

Annie

21- Day Meditation Experience Day: 14

Day 14 - Gratitude Brings Compassion

“We are all of one light on this one Earth, and loving humanity makes all the difference.” ― Michelle Cruz-Rosado

Today’s meditation shows us how expressing gratitude easily leads to compassion. We all know that to be spiritual we are supposed to be compassionate, but with all the negativity and injustice we see around us, it’s easy for our egos to feel justified being judgmental and critical.

However, when you find reasons to feel grateful to someone, you are bridging the gulf of separation between the two of you. You can’t be thankful and resentful at the same time. That connection you feel when you are thankful is your shared humanity – it is the ground of compassion. A compassionate heart is accepting and forgiving not only to others, but to yourself as well.


CENTERING THOUGHT

When I have no judgment, I see everyone with kindness.


SANSKRIT MANTRA

Karuna Hum
I am compassion.


JOURNAL:

1. Write down the names of anyone with whom you don’t always see eye to eye with, but would sincerely wish to be kind to.

-my mom
-my boyfriend

But we have learned our differences and how to communicate much better.

2. For each person, write down at least one admirable quality you appreciate in them. Let that feeling of appreciation suggest a gesture of kindness you can make to them.

My mom- her zest for life even thru the bad times. It makes me want to enjoy the small things with her. Like shopping for a pair of shoes at Shoe Carnival. Simple stuff that means alot to her.

My boyfriend- Never complains when helping me. Whether it be drive to Galveston for my mom or drive me around several errands I need, he never complains and is more than happy to help. It makes me want to treat him to something special, unique that comes from my heart. A gesture to show my genuine appreciation for him.

3. For each of these people, write down something you share in common and how that can be a bridge of compassion. For example, perhaps you both have an elderly mother you worry about, or share a passion for a particular cause.

My mom- we both share in common a dear family member extremely close to both of our hearts. Her mother/my grandma. Due to current situations my mom and I are having to make frequent trips together to see this family member. It is in turn making my mom and I closer and appreciate each other more.

My boyfriend- We both are setting up life. Together. Thru the good times and bad. We learn and grow together. Definitely uniting.

Xo,
Annie

4 movie recommendations...from Me!

#1) "THE BEST OF ME"

Viewed: Netflix
Plot: ☆☆☆☆☆
Acting: ☆☆☆☆☆
Ending: ☆☆
Final Score: ☆☆☆☆☆ 5 stars!

I LOVED IT. And literally watched it like 4 x in a row. Sigh.....

#2) "BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP

Viewed: Netflix
Plot: ☆☆☆☆☆
Acting: ☆☆☆☆☆
Ending: ☆☆☆☆
Final Score: ☆☆☆☆ 4 Stars!

I liked the suspenseful plot and twists. Nicole Kidman never fails. :)

#3) "CHANGELING"

Viewed: Netflix
Plot: ☆☆☆☆☆
Acting: ☆☆☆☆☆
Ending: ☆☆
Final Score: ☆☆☆☆☆ 5 Stars!

Based on true story. Phenomenal acting and incredible that this really happened. Sad, yet very moving & inspiring. Angelina Jolie was flawless.

#4) "WILD"

Viewed: Redbox DVD
Plot: ☆☆☆☆
Acting: ☆☆☆☆☆
Ending: ☆☆☆
Final Score: ☆☆☆☆ 4 Stars!
Reese Witherspoon was SUPERB in this film. I saw a very different side of her and she rocked it.


Xo,
Annie

Chakra Cleansing & Activating Guided Meditation

21- Day Meditation Experience Day: 13

JOURNAL:

1) State your idea of personal success in terms of inner qualities.

-free to be YOU, express YOU, and follow your intuition

2) Name 3 moments in your life when these qualities were called upon & you showed them.

1. Simply not conforming to a very strict group of beliefs
2.Expressing myself wholeheartedly and instead of being attacked I actually inspired instead.
3. I've simply been and felt HAPPIER. :)

Xo,
Annie

21- Day Meditation Experience Day: 12

JOURNAL:

1) Describe 3 ways divine love or grace supports your life right now.

I liked this definition:
{...Divine Love is that Love which belongs to or is a part of God, possessing His Nature and composed of His Substance, and which, when possessed by a human soul to a sufficient degree, makes him divine and of the nature of God ...}

1. tapping into the source thru meditation

2. By doing something for another person, even the smallest of thought or act

3. showing my Mother love and support

2) Write down any feelings you may have that suggest a lack of support from divine love. 

support groups, gathering with others, MAKING myself get involved. 

3) List active steps towards gratitude you can take to overcome your inner obstacles to divine love.

- reach out
-speak up
-repeat mantras

Xo,
Annie

21- Day Meditation Experience Days: 7-11

Welp. Unfortunately a little thing called " Life" happened. I was down and out with allergies/migraines, just yuck, for a few days so I missed a few of the 21 day meditation challenge. No biggie. I will pick up at Day 12! Be back shortly. Carry on! :)

Xo,
Annie

Cooking with Annie!

Today on "Cooking with Annie" we will be making yummy Chicken Avocado Burritos.

But first I must YouTube "how to chop cilantro"
Don't judge.

Oh wait...I need to catch up on Jenna Marbles!!!
No Annie. Focus.

Back to cooking.

Place your oil and fajita chicken in the pan.
I personally added a little more seasoning with Tony's and black pepper.

Not in original recipe but I added this next step in.
Throw in your chopped onions and bell peppers.

Meanwhile, as  your chicken mix is simmering, get your rice started.

Dice or chop or slice or however you choose, your avocado.

Mix the chicken mix, avocado, cilantro and cheese in a bowl.

Spread a thin layer of sour cream on your tortilla.

Place a good portion of your filling in the middle of your tortilla and roll it up!

Cook your pre-burrito in a skillet with a little oil on med-high heat.
Flip to your desire of crispiness.

Ta Da!
Your DELICIOUS Burrito!
Sided with Black Beans, Spanish rice, a dollop of Sour Cream & a Lime wedge.

*Added Bonus*

To top your meal off pair it with  a red wine. One of my faves is the {Yellow Tail Shiraz}. Enjoy!

Xo,
Annie

Nailed it!

I decided I was due for a trip to the nail shop.

I'm always pinning stuff from Pinterest so off of my "nail board" I chose this nail look.

I think Eva from Silver Nail's did a FABULOUS job!! #nailedit

Xo,
Annie

3 Meditations to Calm Your Mind and Help You Fall Asleep

1.Recapitulation

Recapitulation, as taught by Deepak Chopra, is the act of reviewing your day from start to finish each evening just before falling asleep. This guided visualization can help you relax and even develop witnessing awareness—the fifth level of consciousness, known as Cosmic consciousness. It can also help cultivate lucid dreaming.

TO DO THIS:

- Sit upright in your bed just before turning out the lights.
- Close your eyes and go back to the moment you woke earlier that    morning.
- Review everything that you experienced from the time you woke up all the way to the present moment.
- Try to stay in a place of just observing your day rather than judging or evaluating your experiences.

The recapitulation process should only take a minute or two. Don’t stop along the way and “hang out” in anything that happened along the way.

2.Yoga Nidra

Yoga Nidra is a powerful technique where you learn to relax consciously. The word yoga means union and the word nidra means sleep. It’s referred to as the state of dynamic sleep, where one remains aware. In Yoga Nidra, you’re accessing the state between waking and dreaming where your brainwaves enter the alpha brainwave pattern and you experience a deep state of relaxation. The Yoga Nidra process is one that takes you through a sensory experience of relaxing your entire physical body one area at a time, while bringing awareness to sensation. The duration of Yoga Nidra can range anywhere from 10 minutes up to 90 minutes, depending on the amount of time you have and your preferred level of exploration.

TO DO THIS:

There are Yoga Nidra scripts that you can record in your own voice on your smartphone or tablet and play back for yourself as you prepare for rest. Check out  http://jenniferreisyoga.com/ for examples. If you prefer to use a pre-recorded audio, there is a CD you can purchase called Deep Relaxation - Divine Sleep Yoga Nidra that has a track for insomnia called Put Me to Sleep. There are also numerous free audios you can find online for Yoga Nidra. 

3.Om Agasthi Shahina (Ōm Ah-gah´-stee Shah-ee´-nah)

This mantra-based sleep meditation can be highly effective for those who have overactive minds and have difficulty falling asleep.  

TO DO THIS:

Repeat the mantra Om Agasthi Shahina— pronounced Ōm Ah-gah´-stee Shah-ee´-nah—silently to yourself. There is no need to synchronize the mantra with your breath; just breathe normally. If your mind drifts away to thoughts, bring your attention back to the repetition of the mantra. At some point, you’ll likely doze off into a restful slumber.

Xo,

Annie

21- Day Meditation Experience: Day 6

Day 6 - Gratitude Is in the Present

“Just be, right now, here; and breathe. Begin to trust the magic of yourself.” ― Nikki Rowe

In today’s meditation, we will discover how gratitude makes the present moment fully alive, awake, and enriched. We will learn how every instant of our life is a unique gift and that when we are awake to this special value of the Now, we step into a state of grace. 

So much of our cultural conditioning pulls us out of the present moment, striving for an impossible ideal in the future. Somewhere outside this present time, we hope to have what we currently lack, or look like what we think we should look like, and feel the happiness we don’t feel now. But this assumes that the present is inherently lacking, and the present is all we ever know. Practicing gratitude turns this around so that we find our completeness in the present moment.

CENTERING THOUGHT:

Every moment is filled with grace.

SANSKRIT MANTRA:

Samprati Hum

The present moment is my true self.

JOURNAL:

1. At this very moment, stop and look around you, being as present as possible. Describe your experience.

-The movie "Run All Night" is playing on the TV.

-I hear the lawn service outside

-I feel like I need to brush my teeth after eating that omelette with onion. Lol.

2. List three things that often take you out of the present moment, such as minor distractions, interruptions by other people, overwork, fatigue, or old memories.

-anxiety

-lack of self confidence

3. Now, write down ways you can minimize these things that distract you from being in the present moment.

-continue practicing my meditations

-continue practicing gratitude and grace

-any moment I can serve another person, take that opportunity

Xo,

Annie

Crafting: the good, bad & the ugly

I'm a TO DO list girl 100 %. So, using an app on my phone, I did a little pre-game 'mapping it out' plan

After shopping in Walmart for 2 hours, taking things in and out of the basket SEVERAL times....I decided on the 3 drawer rolling storage cabby ($17), and small trays/tubs ($10 ish) to place in the drawers.


Top drawer- My basic everyday crafting supplies



Middle drawer- Craft accessories



Bottom drawer- All of my papers


Not done yet but I have made HUGE progress. :)


Xo,
Annie

21- Day Meditation Experience: Day 5

Day 5 - Gratitude Awakens the True Self

“The road to happiness starts with a deep breath and an awareness of the many blessings tied to that single breath.” ― Richelle E. Goodrich

We might think that to live in grace requires us to pursue a devout lifestyle and retreat from the world. However, we have learned that grace abides in all things, all places, and all times. If we go beyond our changing personalities to connect with our essential self, we contact this ever-present grace and can live this state of grace even in the everyday world.

Our true self is peaceful, but not inert. It is intelligent, powerful, and intimately involved in our every wish and dream. The true self has the creative power and intelligence to direct and manifest your life's journey. When you step into and participate with life from this level, you are always grateful and find grace everywhere.

CENTERING THOUGHT:

My true self is always grateful.

SANSKRIT MANTRA:

Kritajna Hum

I am gratitude.

JOURNAL:

1. Write down ways you can live and speak your truth more often.

Staying true to who I am. Surround myself with positivity. Be aware of who I let in my inner circle.

2. Of your many selves – work self, family self, public self, intimate self – which one needs to come forward more often?

Intimate self

3. Once you know which self needs to come forward more, note some ways to make this happen.

Simple. EXPRESS it. And do not conform. :)

Xo,

Annie

Gotta love a good detox bath! I sure do!

DETOX BATH

I stumbled upon this one on good ol Pinterest. I suffer with anxiety and am always seeking out alternative treatments other than a pill. So you know how Pinterest is....you start looking up one particular subject and some how venture off further. Lol. Well I didn't detour too far off. I mean it has lavender in it. That's good for anxiety. So there.

I've done different detox baths but this was the 1st with the ingredient: hydrogen peroxide. Nervous at first, but then I thought, "Cool, something new, and it's going to work GREAT!" (<<Did you catch that positive thinking, 'thoughts become things' statement right there?) Lol. Hey...I'm becoming more optimistic and that's definitely not a bad thing. ;) So here goes nothing. I felt if nothing else I would be free of any kind of infection after this bath.... :/

I LOVE the ginger ingredient in any detox bath. You can actually FEEL it working in moments. Gives you reassurance you're not just wasting your time on another diy detox bath.....

I, personally, have never used it for a hangover or cold/flu. I just like to clear my body of daily toxins that build up. For me it's kinda like giving my body a fine tune up.

I will take this side effect ANY day if it means it cleaned out my system somewhat. Maybe it's a mind game to think, "Awww....I'm toxin free." Whether it's in your head or not, I think it's a win win. I just took my bath and I feel GREAT! Chugging my ice water now. Goodnight!

Xo,
Annie

21- Day Meditation Experience: Day 4

Day 4 - Grace Is Replying

“The more you are grateful for what you have, the more can live fully in the present.” ― Dana Arcuri 

In today's meditation, we explore how gratitude engages us in the evolutionary flow of life. When we offer the world our gratitude, grace responds and completes the circle. Our inner and outer worlds merge into one harmonious flow of existence.

As we use our gratitude to join this awakening of joy and beauty around us, we also find that our life becomes easier, more fun, and more meaningful. This nurturing power of grace comes from the source of Being which sustains everyone and everything in the universe. As human beings we can consciously choose to step into this flow of grace to enrich and elevate our lives.

CENTERING THOUGHT
Grace is flowing back to me.

SANSKRIT MANTRA
Twam Eva Mata
The universe is our mother.

JOURNAL:

1. Describe an experience or situation that solved itself or became better on its own after you changed your attitude toward it.

When I simply surrendered to it. Let it just BE. It's amazing how the universe knows exactly what its doing. Fighting it only makes it worse.

2. Write down any signs of grace that have come to you recently, such as an unexpected kindness or moment of joy, a sense of perfection, or a feeling of belonging.

Kindness and love from my Grandma. I received a sense of true value and importance to my family. I've always played my role but it became clearer to me this past week.

3. Cutting back on duties and demands to spend more time connecting with those you love is a wonderful way to invigorate your energy. Write down three ways you can renew your energy by appreciating what’s around you. For example, you could take a quiet walk amid the trees, view an art exhibit, or catch up with a dear friend.

1. Simply STOP what I'm doing and give a loved one attention they deserve.
2. I would like for my boyfriend and I to visit the Museum of Fine Arts together, soon.
3. I want to simply start taking short walks outside. Even if its simply around the apartment complex. Observe nature more. Feel the sun on my face and wind through my hair.

Xo,
Annie

Attitude of Gratitude tips

Pics are missing....sorry...

I got this off of a really cool website called www.unstuck.com

#1 Reminder: Your problem that feels sooo big may be nothing compared to what another may be facing.

#2 I actually did this for almost a year. I loved being held accountable everyday to be thankful for something, anything. I wrote 3 things I was grateful for daily.

#3 For me, this one works wonders with people. A clashing personality, a non comforming mindset, etc. Instead of dwelling on the negative trait, turn your attention to a positive one. :)

#4 This makes me think of the quote, "Don't mistake my meekness for weakness." Being humble is one of the best qualities a person can have. I practice this daily.

#5 This is one I need to work on. ALOT. I spend most of my day focusing on my mood, staying positive, managing anxiety.... that I forget to get out of my own head. I forget that doing #5 actually turns your mood around to the better.

# 6- This one works very well for me. I tell myself that something GOOD will come from this trial.

#7 WOW! Huge challenge. Can you do it? I wonder if I truly can.....

#8 "Fake it til you make it" works well in this situation.

#9 This has actually been on my mind alot lately. Putting it on the TO DO list.

Xo,
Annie

Writing a Letter to Your Future Self

-Just imagine writing a letter to your future self 5 years from now, then opening it, at that exact moment, 5 years down the road to read the message that the past you left for yourself.

-It is a useful supplementary tool to be used in goal achievement, because when you write the letter to your future self, it helps manifest your ideal vision for yourself in the future.

-As you read the letter in the future, you can assess how many things match up (or not) vs. your expectations in the past and think about why that’s the case. Often times, the goals we set and our goal achievement process are subjected to a lot of changes along the way, due to varying obstacles, unanticipated circumstances and changing priorities.

-The letter gives you a view of your initial vision and lets you recognize how your current vision differs from the past.

-In addition to that, at the very moment you are writing the letter, your consciousness is captured and stored right there in those words. When you open the letter in the future, you {as your future self} gets to compare how you used to be in the past and compare with how you are currently.

-This lets you see in totality how much things have changed since then — and this can be a really intriguing experience.

-It’s interesting to just see how much you have grown/changed since you wrote the letter.

Questions to Consider When Writing:

1.What fears are you facing that you hope to overcome?
2.What do you hope for yourself?
3.What do you love about yourself?
4.What spiritual guidance can you count on to help you?
5.What goals do you want to accomplish?
6.Why do these goals matter to you?
7.How will you remember to count on yourself in the future?

Sample Template for Letter Writing:

Dear Future Self,

I love you because…
1.
2.
3.

I am proud of you because…
1.
2.
3.

I am sad because…
1.
2.
3.

I forgive you for…
1.
2.
3.

I hope that you…
1.
2.
3.

I am thankful for…
1.
2.
3.

I wish for…
1.
2.
3.

I will show my love for you by…
1.
2.
3.

There are endless templates, styles and versions to complete your future note. Be creative. Put your own personal twist on it. Make it mean something to YOU, personally, privately or public, whatever floats your boat. Your future note to yourself can be serious, emotional, funny or a combo of it all. The beauty is that there are no rules in expression. Do you!! ;) I am currently in the process of my "future letter to myself". I encourage you to do the same.

Xo,
Annie

21- Day Meditation Experience: Day 3

Day 3 - Awaken the Energy of Gratitude

“Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.” ― Karl Barth

In today's meditation, we learn how to recharge our gratitude batteries. If we are tired, upset, or stressed, then our heart is closed and we are not able to feel or express real gratitude. 

Genuine gratitude comes from a feeling of contentment, safety, and being welcomed in your life – what Buddha called the “gladdened heart.” 

This natural energy of gratitude is awakened when we meditate. Our intention in meditation will be to invite this warm attitude of appreciation into our awareness and perception. With this recharged heart of thankfulness we will find reason to be grateful wherever we look.

CENTERING THOUGHT
I am gladdening my heart.

SANSKRIT MANTRA
Ananda Hum
I am bliss.

JOURNAL:

1. Write down the things in your life that most gladden your heart. These could be as simple as breathing pure mountain air on a hike or feeling the warmth of the morning sun on your cheek.

* the early mornings. peaceful, quiet, and coffee
* studying and learning new things on my spiritual journey 
* wine and movies with my love at night

2. Close your eyes, place your attention in your heart, and reflect on the people you are most grateful for. Now, write down what this experience made you feel.

* Blessed. Wanting to continue feeding these positive thoughts and never stop working on taking control of my mind.

3. Describe the most beautiful thing you saw today and how you felt about it.

* the SUN! feeling it's warmth on my skin. It was the most therapeutic moment in awhile

Xo,
Annie

21- Day Meditation Experience: DAY 2

Day 2 - Gratitude Is Within You 

“Gratitude is the experience of our true self.” ― Gina Lakes

Gratitude is a two-way flow of appreciation between your thanks and the uplifting response that you feel in return. Today in our meditation, we begin that conversation and find that as this conversation expands, we create even more thankfulness. We will learn how the flow of gratitude from the heart is received by Nature in the same spirit it is given, and it is returned back to us as grace. In today’s meditation, we learn to express gratitude from the silence of our awareness, which is the source of grace within.

CENTERING THOUGHT
All good things bring gratitude.
SANSKRIT MANTRA
Kripa Hum
I am divine grace.

JOURNAL:

3 qualities about ME that I am most grateful for:

1. My inquisitive mind, always seeking
2. I follow my heart and intuition
3. I KNOW I have a purpose in this lifetime and beyond!

Name a time when my gratitude or appreciation was received or reflected back to you, & you felt it was grace:

Forgiveness, letting go of poisonous resentment and decided to show LOVE instead. Love with no limits. I just recently received an abundance of grace in my life for this act. :) 

Xo,
Annie

Book talk

If you can't already tell by some of my previous blog posts....I love me some Dr. Wayne Dyer. We just connect. Enough said. So my current Wayne Dyer book on deck is, " THE POWER OF INTENTION" {Learning to co-create your world, your way}

Funny because 99.9% of the time I skip the "Preface" section at the beginning of the book. But this time I decided to read it. And sure enough Dyer thru in a litter tip saying, "I encourage you to read the final chapter before beginning this journey." I didn't see that coming. Curious and intrigued I did just that. I flipped to the back,  page 245.

Ch. 15- "A Portrait Of A Person Connected To The Field Of Intention"

After reading the title I got the impression he wanted to give a sum up of these "Connectors" as he calls them. How they are different, how they respond to situations, their attitudes, their desires, and most importantly- they are primarily made to be this way. Some of us are in tune more with the Universe than others. It's all a journey that ANYONE can take if they so choose.

If I was to choose simple talk, it IS like practicing 'The Law of Attraction'. But on the flip side, it is very different.

Inside the mind of a "Connector":

1. Keep your tgoughts on what you intend to create.
2. There are simply no 'accidents'.
3.They have a strong belief in Synchronicity.
4. They stay in a state of Gratitude.
5. An opportunity exists even in a setback.
6. They have a conciousness of oneness. To a connector it is all "We".
7. Connectors are merged with the Source of all life- LOVE.
8. Connectors are generous. The more they give of themselves, the more that flows back to them.
9. They live more in SPIRIT than in FORM.
10. Connectors live thru a higher, faster energy that allows them to tap into their intuitive powers readily. Most say, "I can't explain it, but I just know it because I feel it inside."

More chapter discussions to come...

Xo,
Annie

21- Day Meditation Experience: DAY 1

Day 1 - The Path to Grace Begins Today
"Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer." ― Maya Angelou

Welcome to our 21-Day Experience, Manifesting Grace through Gratitude. We are excited that you are joining us on this inward journey of gratitude and grace. Together we will discover how to make grace the active center of your life here and now. The source of grace already resides within our own awareness. We don’t need to go anywhere or search anywhere to find it, we only need to change our perception of what is already around us. In the next three weeks we will learn how gratitude shifts our awareness, changing our approach to others and the world. This new perspective will reveal the grace that already inhabits our life.

CENTERING THOUGHT

When I am grateful, I find my grace.

SANSKRIT MANTRA

Dhanya Vad

I feel gratitude.

JOURNAL:

To me GRACE= Love, Forgiveness, a pathway to Joy,
Grace is "God within". The key is perception. Everyone is experiencing a different walk in life. Gratitude is the path to Grace.

"Grace is not knowledge or reason, but rather Grace is the amount of light in our souls."
-Pope Francis

3 people in your life you are most grateful for:
1. My loving Grandma
2. My wonderful Mother
3. My ROCK, Roderick.

List 1 thing about each that you are thankful for: 
1. Grandma- selfless love
2. Mother- unconditional love
3. Roderick- unending love and support


Day 2....tomorrow!

Xo,
Annie

Warning: An "ALL ABOUT ME" lots of selfies post. ;)

My OCD Nail stuff....

Ever since my brilliant discovery of doing my own nails a few months ago, I've been obsessed with everything about. In conclusion with my new founded OCD, I have gotten very unorganized and lazy with it all.

I had been pondering and pondering...just what would be the best way to organize it all AND make it travel accessible. You should have seen me at Walmart. I must have had one of every type of "organizing" system in my baskets. But I found what I was looking for on the craft aisle. Mind you this "tackle box", "caboodle".... whatever you want to call it, may not have been intended for nail stuff organizing...but hey- it looked perfect to me. And only $8! What a steal!

Ta da! I love the outcome. I am aware I most likely will outgrow this nail caboodle, but it is far better than what I had previously going on. Satisfied customer and successful project. #winning!

SIRIUS- connecting the dots of secrecy & spirituality

I'm a Netflix girl so I'm constantly scrolling through for new stuff to watch. My preference is documentaries. I stumbled upon this jewel a couple days ago:






MEET DR. STEVEN GREER...





THE DISCLOSURE PROJECT



THE DISCOVERY OF THE ATACAMA HUMANOID:

-1st discovered in 2003 in Chile
-Dr. Greer learned of its existence in 2009
-In 2012 the team was permitted to do further testing



The humanoid has a very "unusual" cranium, a larger cranial vault, and a MATURE tooth in the jawbone. CAT SCAN showed chest organs, remains of a heart, a fracture of the upper arm, & a concave fracture of the skull. They concluded the trauma to the skull was most likely the cause of death.



The specimen is only 6 inches (13 centimeters) long & UNLIKE humans, the specimen has only 10 ribs. After detailed testing and examination, experts concluded that the humanoid was most certainly NOT a fetus.

*NOTE:
-Neanderthals are 99.5% genetically identical to humans.
-Chimps/Apes are 96-97% identical
-As of this date, the genotype does not match the phenotype form of the genetics



Are extraterrestrials watching us? If so, how close could they be? More importantly, what is their intention for us humans on Earth...



Xo,
Annie

4th of July recap!

Independence Day is always a FUN, very significant holiday. It expresses "FREEDOM" in every way. Most of us do not realize how grateful we really are to have such a valued privilege. Freedom. There are so many others that live very different lives that are ultimately controlled, basically prisoners in their countries. Little to NO freedom. On this day, I feel blessed. :)

☆Happy Independence Day America!!☆

P.S- How could I NOT write about a super awesome holiday signifying "Freedom", having a Blog titled "Free Yourself"? :)



Well... little, very active, 1 year old Seven wanted to play outside. I stayed out with him for awhile so Yogi could finish up with the grilling. We sat on the green grass and hung out with Max, the dog  :)



A fun little photo grid to capture the holiday spirit! Lol



Now on to the fun! First and foremost, July 4th calls for us girls to get all dolled up in our red, white, and blue attire. It's just a thing.





I LOVE these shoes. Navy blue wedges with white polka dots. Super comfortable too! Perfect for my Independence Day look.



After I got all dressed up (looking fly of course), my boyfriend decided he would join me in the fun with the red, white and blue theme.

I put this pic on Instagram. It's caption read: "Happy 4th! #shoegame #onpoint"

Lol. My main squeeze also sported a red, white and blue Polo short sleeve shirt and shorts. I didn't get a chance to get a pic of that. But we succeeded in color coordinated very nicely. #winning



On the way to my boyfriend's parents house in Atascocita. Gotta have atleast one silly selfie. ;)

Meanwhile...as we arrive at the partay...

"Yogi", Seven's grandfather, was out on the back patio bbq'ing it up. Ribs, sausage and chicken. Yum yum.

I forgot to take a pic of all the delicious food. :( But boy was it fantastic!  BBQ'd ribs, chicken, sausage, dirty rice, corn on the cob, mac & cheese, and collard greens. Major props to Mr. and Mrs. Simon for the scrumptious meal.  It was finger licking good.



To wrap up this post, I have to say I was grateful for this day. Family, friends, food, lots of laughs, and even a little 'Keeping up with the Kardashians" chaos going on made memories. And that's what it's all about. Life's a journey, so enjoy the ride!!

Xo,
Annie

Pictures speak 1,000 words

Andrew Cohen- #70 of "The 100 Most Spiritual Influential People" list

PERSON OF INTEREST:
Andrew Cohen was born in 1955 in New York City. He is an American spiritual teacher of "Evolutionary Enlightenment".

BACKGROUND:
At the young age of 16, Cohen states that his life changed by an unexpected experience of "cosmic consciousness".

Originally on a path to be a jazz musician, Cohen began a spiritual quest to recover his experience when he was 22.

INFLUENCE:
Eventually Andrew met with self styled teacher, H. W. L. Poonja, in '86. Poonja taught that "no effort is needed to attain enlightenment." His reasoning behind this belief was "because it is merely the realization of what one already is".

Cohen took this teaching back to his students but the idea was not accepted or honored by most of them. Cohen decided to break away from Poonja.

Andrew Cohen soon discovered his own belief. Instead of the realization of the self, he insisted instead on "flawless behavior" as the manifestation of enlightenment.

In 1991 Cohen founded 'Enlighten Next' Magazine. The Magazine was a success but stopped publishing in 2011. Soon after his teachings were further developed into "Evolutionary Enlightenment".

According to Cohen, "Enlightenment is the realization of the transcendental aspect of God, with the realization that the world is an illusion." He defines the Ego as "the deeply ingrained, compulsive need to remain separate and superior at all times." On the other hand, the Authentic Self is "the urge to be more conscious."

SUCCESS:
Since 1986, Cohen has traveled the world leading teachings and retreats. He became known as one of the defining voices of the new evolutionary spirituality.

ANNIE'S REVIEW:

Bruce Lipton- #51 of "The 100 Most Spiritual Influential People" list

PERSON OF INTEREST: 
Bruce Harold Lipton was born on October 21, 1944 in New York.

INFLUENCE:
He is best known for promoting the idea that genes and DNA can be manipulated by a person's beliefs.

BACKGROUND:
Lipton received a B.A in Biology and a PhD in Developmental Biology in 1971.
Later in the 1980's he abandoned his life- long atheism. He came to believe that the way cells functioned demonstrated the existence of God. In 2009 Lipton was featured in the documentary, "Kymatica", discussing the concepts of love and fear in their relation to the body.

BOOKS:
He has sucessfully published 4 phenomenol books. He is the best-selling author of "The Biology of Belief".

SUCCESS:
Known as a "Pioneer in the new Biology", Lipton is an internationally recognized leader in bridging science and spirit. Wow, what a concept!!

Bruce Harold Lipton performed groundbreaking stem-cell research at Stanford University. 

ANNIE'S REVIEW:
Wow, talk about impressive! Besides my passion for writing & spiritual growth, science/medicine are right up there with them equally. This makes my heart happy to see a mix of the 2. I truly believe that is how we will finally find answers to the ultimate unknown. Science + Spirit= WIN!
Thumbs up Mr. Lipton.

Xo,
Annie

Carolyn Myss- #21 of "The 100 Most Spiritually Infuential People" list

PERSON OF INTEREST:
Caroline Myss was born on December 2, 1952, in Chicago.

BACKGROUND:
She is an American author of numerous books and audio tapes, including five New York Times Best Sellers. Carolyn describes herself as a medical intuitive and a mystic.

She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in Indiana in 1974, and started her career in journalism in Chicago.

INFLUENCE:
The famous book On Death and Dying, which inspired her to pursue a master's degree in theology from Mundelein College, Chicago, which she completed in 1979. She started giving medical intuitive readings in 1982.

Deriving from her practice as a medical intuitive, she started writing books, in the field of energy medicine, and healing, all of which became New York Times Best Sellers, including Why People Don't Heal and How They Can (1998), which explored the reasons people do not heal through her concept of "woundology."

Her journey continued. Her next book, "Sacred Contracts" dealt with finding "Life Purpose". The book described Sacred Contracts as "a set of assignments that our soul had formed around before incarnation".

Later in 2009, she took the ideas further with mystical laws, the seven shadows and also seven graces inherent in all of us.

BOOKS:
Her first three books have consecutively been on the New York Times Best Seller list

QUOTES:

“Intuition is natural by-product of flowering of a mature self-esteem and a sense of empowerment – not power over, but power to be”

"To love yourself, truly love yourself, is to finally discover the essence of personal courage, self-respect, integrity, and self-esteem. These are the qualities of grace that come directly from a soul with stamina."

"Whenever you become empowered, you will be tested."

"The act of forgiveness is the act of returning to present time. And that's why when one has become a forgiving person, and has managed to let go of the past, what they've really done is they've shifted their relationship with time."

"Keep your honor code between you and God, you don’t break that, no matter who's not looking. God is."

SUCCESS:
Caroline is dedicated to creating educational programs in the field of human consciousness, spiritually and mysticism, health, energy medicine, and advancing the science of medical intuition. She established CMED, her own educational institute, in 2003.
      
ANNIE'S REVIEW:
I sincerely enjoyed studying this remarkable influencer, Carloyn Myss. I admire and look up to anyone seeking answers, new ideas, thoughts, and most importantly, having the confidence and willpower to push forward to pursue their "purpose". Very inspiring.

I, myself, am on the path of finding my true "purpose" in this life. I am being guided everyday, in so many ways. Enjoying the ride. I feel assured I will end up exactly where I'm supposed to be.

Xo,
Annie

"The 100 Most Spiritually Influential People" INCLUDING an added personal challenge!

Top 10 (in a little more detail)

from the "Watkins 100 Spiritual Power List"

 

1. Eckhart Tolle. Tolle does not advocate any particular religion, and has contributed to a wide range of spirituality. Eckhart's profound yet simple teachings have helped countless people throughout the world find inner peace and greater fulfillment in their lives. At the core of the teachings lies the transformation of consciousness, a spiritual awakening that he sees as the next step in human evolution.

2. Dalai Lama. Born Lhamo Dondrub, Tenzin Gyatso is the 14th Dalai Lama. Tibetan Buddhists believe him to be a reincarnation of his predecessors and the Buddha of compassion. He is a vocal activist for Tibetan independence and has made an incredible contribution to global spirituality.

3. Wayne Dyer. A self-made success story, Wayne Dyer inspires readers to actualize  their potential. He is referred to as a "preacher of self reliance" and is currently focusing on interpreting the Tao Te Ching. He lives in Maui, Hawaii and has eight children.

4. Thich Nhat Hanh. Buddhist monk, teacher, author and peace activist. He founded the Order of Interbeing and the Unified Buddhist Church, along with monasteries and spiritual centres in Vietnam, the USA and France, where he now lives.
 

5. Deepak Chopra. Deepak began as an endocrinologist, and then shifted his career towards alternative medicine. As a writer on Ayurveda, mind-body medicine and spirituality, he has had huge success with titles such as Ageless Body, Timeless Mind and The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success. Chopra's immense cultural influence spans beyond traditional MBS, from children's books to comics.

6. Louise Hay. Louise Hay is a motivational author, and the founder of Hay House. Her best known work is You Can Heal Your Life; Hay House has published over 300 books, and has made an immense contribution to mind-body-spirit literature and the New Thought Movement. Thinking positively can definitely make a difference!
 

7. Paolo Coelho. The Alchemist is one of the top selling books in history—with over 65 million copies sold, and holds the Guinness world record for being translated in the most languages!

8. Oprah Winfrey. Oprah might be the most influential person in the world. She has discovered and advocated for so many spiritually influential thinkers—from Obama to Eckhart Tolle. We ranked her at only 8th place, because her influence isn't focused on spirituality, but eighth place may act as a metaphor since 8 means infinity in numerous metaphysical paradigms.

9. Ken Wilber. Wilber has advocated Integral Thought and influenced figures as varied as Bill Clinton, Deepak Chopra, and Billy Corgan. He founded the Integral Institute and has written about adult development, developmental psychology, philosophy, world centrism, ecology, and stages of faith.
 

10. Rhonda Byrne. Well known for The Secret book and DVD. Byrne advocates the belief that we can all transcend our suffering by not falling prey to negative thoughts. She has been listed among Times Magazine's list of 100 people who shape the world, and has also produced television shows. Last year she published The Power as a sequel to The Secret.

***MY PERSONAL CHALLENGE***

 I have personally been influenced by several of the top 10 influencers above. Eckhart Tolle, Dr. Wayne Dyer, and Deepak Chopra to name a few. I'm now interested in venturing out a bit and exploring a few that I have NO CLUE who they are or how they made this list. I'm going to challenge myself. I will highlight, in yellow, 3 top influencers below, 1 from each column (to be fair), that I know NOTHING about/never even heard of, and get started on my research. I will put them to the ultimate test. My OWN personal test....Can they influence ME? Let's soon find out...

TOP 100- List at a glance:

 

1. Eckhart Tolle	34. Joseph Alois Ratzinger	67. John Bradshaw
2. Dalai Lama	35. Krishna Das	68. Jeff Foster
3. Dr Wayne W. Dyer	36. Drunvalo Melchizedek	69. Patrick Holford
4. Thich Nhat Hanh	37. Sai Baba	70. Andrew Cohen
5. Deepak Chopra	38. Jack Kornfield	71. Vladimir Megre
6. Louise L. Hay	39. Pema Chödrön	72. Thomas Cleary
7. Paulo Coelho	40. T.K.V. Desikachar	73. Daniel Pinchbeck
8. Oprah Winfrey	41. Esther & Jerry Hicks	74. Jonathan Goldman
9. Ken Wilber	42. Dan Brown	75. Sonia Choquette
10. Rhonda Byrne	43. Z’ev Ben Shimon Halevi	76. Seyyed Hossein Nasr
11. James Redfield	44. Diana Cooper	77. Mother Meera
12. Neale Donald Walsch	45. Ram Dass	78. Barefoot Doctor
13. Doreen Virtue	46. Andrew Weil	79. Richard Bandler
14. Alejandro Jodorowsky	47. Satya Narayan Goenka	80. Robert Bly
15. Richard Bach	48. Jon Kabat-Zinn	81. Adyashanti
16. Alex Grey	49. Alan Moore	82. Sogyal Rinpoche
17. Byron Katie	50. Dan Millman	83. Li Hongzhi
18. Masaru Emoto	51. Bruce Lipton	84. Sri Bhagavan
19. Nelson Mandela	52. Peter Kingsley	85. Rupert Sheldrake
20. Bernie Siegel	53. Karen Armstrong	86. John & Caitlín Matthews
21. Caroline Myss	54. Judy Hall	87. Chogyal Namkhai Norbu
22. Brian Weiss	55. Colin Wilson	88. Kenneth Grant
23. Mantak Chia	56. Joscelyn Godwin	89. Stanislav Grof
24. John Gray	57. James Lovelock	90. James Hillman
25. Gregg Braden	58. Satish Kumar	91. Clarissa Pinkola Estés
26. Stephen R. Covey	59. Shakti Gawain	92. Stephen Levine
27. Marianne Williamson	60. Elaine Pagels	93. Candace Pert
28. Desmond Tutu	61. Kyozan Joshu Sasaki	94. Barbara Ann Brennan
29. Mata Amritanandamayi	62. Gary Zukav	95. Coleman Barks
30. Philip Berg	63. Erich von Däniken	96. Robert Thurman
31. Ervin Laszlo	64. David Deida	97. B.K.S Iyengar
32. Andrew Harvey	65. Oberto Airaudi ‘Falcon’	98. William Bloom
33. Don Miguel Ruiz	66. Stuart Wilde	99. Lynne McTaggart
		100. Marion Woodman

And the winners are...

#21- Carolyn Myss
#51- Bruce Lipton
#70- Andrew Cohen

This excites me! Let the games begin!

Xo,
Annie