Archive for October, 2009

While in Budapest, I randomly came upon the
Labyrinth of Buda Castle. It is a 1200 meter
passageway with a half million year old rock
ceiling deep underground. There is only one
way in and only one way out.

I walked part of the way engulfed in total
darkness and profound silence. All alone in
the challenge to get to the end, I was guided by
a thin rope secured to the stone wall of the
passage way in the labyrinth.

If I wanted to get out, I had to trust that
putting one foot in front of the other was
the only way.

The sound of the rushing air caused by
my frantic breathing filled my ears, the pounding
in my chest was felt throughout my body as my heart
beat faster and with fear as my partner, I
could actually taste the air.

If I stayed present, and kept moving forward, no
other thought could stop me.

TRUST was showing up as an encouraging coach….
“Just keep on going”, was the cheer in my mind.
When light finally registered in my vision as
successfully reaching the destination, there was
a renewed faith in myself and my ability to reach a goal.

When your path in life gets dark, or lonely, scary
or silent, remember that loving yourself, being
present and becoming your own best friend, will
serve you well.

Your personal intention of self love keeps
you moving forward and will teach you to be
patient with your path in life and open to the
joy of living in the present moment.

Take a look at the ancient underground wonder:

https://www.labirintus.com

My trip to Budapest, has challenged my When you travel,
do you bring everything you can fit in your luggage or do
you take just the basics?
Or do you need to always have the extra choices of
clothing and accessories.

Because my daughter had me pack the suitcases
with things she needed, I had very little
space for my “stuff”. Consequently, I could
only take a few things.

After being with her in Budapest, Hungary
for more than a week now, I am surprised
that I am managing on so little. The washer
and dryer helps to make it easy, but I still
am impressed with my satisfaction of only
having one or two choices. I think I will love
traveling with a tiny little suitcase from now on.

Here is my challenge to you…how much extra
baggage do you carry around in your head about
yourself?

Can you lighten the load of negative thoughts.
Will you be willing to leave behind the thoughts,
ideas,impressions and opinions that are not in
your best interest.

If you are willing to leave the heavy self doubts
behind, traveling through life will become easier
and effortless.

If you make the luggage or baggage small enough,
you can carry it without strain or breaking the
back of your self esteem. You will learn to
love your self and whatever luggage you carry.

Empty the thoughts you don’t need and travel lighter!

When was the last time you were on an airplane? I just spent ten hours flying from Boston to Budapest, Hungary, with a stop over in Switzerland.

I had forgotten how tiny your individual space was in the sky. The airplane seats do not leave much room to get comfortable.

There are also some very specific and strict rules that you must follow. Fascinating that everyone does. Follow the rules, that is. And for the most part, people do stay in their seats for long stretches of time.

I know that my seat should be in the “locked and up-right position upon take-off and landing” …but I was so busy settling in that I forgot to put my seat up.

The flight attendant approached me with a compassionate smile and a gentle reminder that I, indeed, needed to comply with the rule and “please return my seat back to it’s proper position.” She wasn’t mad, or impatient, angry, or scolding and she didn’t wag her finger and tell me that I should have known better.

I consciously avoided the feeling of being embarrassed,thanked her and simply made the adjustment to my seat.

That little exchange sparked an inner conversation with myself. Which part of yourself is not in the up-right and proper position? How often do you scold yourself or shame yourself for something you “should” have known better about?

Learning to Love Your Slim Self offers the gentle reminders to do what is in your best interest. The encouragement is to do it without blame, shame or disappointment. When you realize you have forgotten to love yourself, gently acknowledge what needs to change. Do it with compassion, patience and a smile of forgiveness. Take a deep breath and simply make the adjustment.

In New England, the season of color and change has begun to decorate the landscape. There is a rumor that the leaves in New Hampshire haven’t been this beautiful in forty years!

As trees in your world create that patchwork quilt of autumn delight, pay attention to your own preciousness and acknowledge your lovely self.

Think of turning your face to the sun and allow a moment of stillness to come over you. Drink in the spectacular beauty of what nature does effortlessly.

Stand in a place, any place, your yard, the park, the soccer field, the playground, the parking lot…it doesn’t matter where you stop for a moment; just stop! 

As you quiet yourself and take a few breaths,turn yourself around……360 degrees.  Do it slowly taking in the panaramic view of what is all around you. 

Imagine a feeling of gratitude and appreciation.  Have a sense of amazement  for change.  Stand for that moment in AWE and take a mental image of the colors to accompany you in the days ahead.

You are learning to love your inner self and your slim self. Each time you practice loving  yourself, acknowledge your own importance, and experience a sense of awe for your brillance, you are moving yourself in a healthy direction.

You are the beauty of the season! 

Be well and stay that way!
Love the day,
Gena

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When was the last time you had a good “belly laugh?”  Research now is validating  the health impact of laughter and lightness of heart. A study from Vanderbilt University shows you can burn up to 40 calories by genuinely laughing for 15 minutes. So pop in your favorite funny movie or sitcom on DVD and giggle to help whittle your waist!

My daughter, Kristin and her husband, David, are living in Budapest, Hungary and you will be hearing about my journey to visit them in the next couple of weeks.  I truly miss the laughter of my granddaughters, they are great gigglers!

You can read more about Magnificant Giggles in Kristin’s blog: http://www.kristinrotas.wordpress.com
Guaranteed to make you smile.

Find something to giggle about this week and notice that your heart, your spirit and yourbody feels lighter. Take time to laugh, love yourself and enjoy the moment.

  “Laughter is an instant vacation”
            by Milton Berle

Love the day,
Gena

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