It is day 42 of my 1000 day practice and Halloween morning. This morning I was reminded to lighten up. For when I smile this is not a smile of just muscles and teeth but an internal smile. Connecting with my own radiance and spirit and smiling a smile not just from my face but from my heart.
This week I started my blog site from good vibrations. My new business cards arrived and I love them. Practicing, playing and pretending are on the list of things to do today. Maybe I outwardly know the answers to my many questions but if not, I can pretend I do and as if magic the answers usually come. As a matter of a fact answers that come from this place seem very wise and very light hearted.
The practice of smiling is really a reminder to pause and listen. To pretend and play and practice nurturing and expanding my radiant energies. These energies are where joy- begets joy and where gratitude revs up the engine.
So on day 42 my practice is to pause. And when I pause to relax and smile. And when I smile to pretend this smile is one from my heart and soul. And when I smile to remember to listen and be present. And when I am present and joyful so, I will get to notice all the blessing of the day. So today, I will smile, I will run and as you can read, I will write.
May the merits of this little 1000 day practice land on the wings of angels and may they be blessed and delivered to their highest good.
wishing you a joyful practice,
Denise
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Day #27 Why smile?
Smiling sounded like such a simple little practice. Turn up the corners of your mouth and twinkle your eyes. But in reality smiling is more about coming into the present moment. As it turns out my true smiling seems only to come when I'm present. And so this practice of smiling is also practice of being present.
I find when I am present I also have better posture and I breathe deeper. When I smile I tend to be relaxed and at ease. And so this practice of smile is also one of relaxing and being at ease. When I'm at ease I tend to have more faith my next move in life will be supported. And so this practice of smiling is also about trusting in life. The practice of smiling is about having faith.
And when I do smile from the heart, I feel happier. I seem to be happier more often. And so this practice of smiling is also about nurturing my inner radiance and joy. I seem to notice our home has more laughter- maybe it has always been this way and now I join along.
I find when I'm present and at ease I am a better listener. And so this practice of smiling is about learning to listen. And when I'm listening I notice more things- I see better. I taste the flavors of my food. I catch the aromas of the day and I feel the weight of my dishes as I put them away in the morning. And so this practice of smiling is about being connected to my own senses.
Funny- this practice of smiling is a bit bigger than anticipated. It is a good practice. I'm understanding why it is a 1000 day practice and not a 21 day sprint.
Wishing you a good practice,
Denise
I find when I am present I also have better posture and I breathe deeper. When I smile I tend to be relaxed and at ease. And so this practice of smile is also one of relaxing and being at ease. When I'm at ease I tend to have more faith my next move in life will be supported. And so this practice of smiling is also about trusting in life. The practice of smiling is about having faith.
And when I do smile from the heart, I feel happier. I seem to be happier more often. And so this practice of smiling is also about nurturing my inner radiance and joy. I seem to notice our home has more laughter- maybe it has always been this way and now I join along.
I find when I'm present and at ease I am a better listener. And so this practice of smiling is about learning to listen. And when I'm listening I notice more things- I see better. I taste the flavors of my food. I catch the aromas of the day and I feel the weight of my dishes as I put them away in the morning. And so this practice of smiling is about being connected to my own senses.
Funny- this practice of smiling is a bit bigger than anticipated. It is a good practice. I'm understanding why it is a 1000 day practice and not a 21 day sprint.
Wishing you a good practice,
Denise
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Sacred science of 1000 journey
In the yoga tradition, it takes 1000 days to master a new skill. Yesterday, I watched the documentary called Sacred Science, it also mentions the 1000 days to become a master- at least a beginning master. Why do you practice anything? To improve your skills, in focus of a larger vision. If I want to run a marathon, I would have to practice/train, stay focused and keep my mind on the larger goal of running the marathon- healthy- happy and strong.
And this 1000 day journey is a practice. A practice to keep me focused on improving my skills for a larger vsion. The time of 1000 days gives me time to learn, get stronger and have it become part of me. If it was any shorter I would want to press- like I normally do- but with a 1000 days, it reminds me this is a long journey and not a 100 yard sprint.
1000 days is a long time but if I count the number of days I have been alive, I have already had 17.52 1000 day journeys. The fact is everyday is a journey, but most days I am asleep, wondering around and often disconnected. Year after year I find myself tired and remorseful come December. And so as I start day 22nd day of a 1000 day journey, I realize I would be having this day no matter what. The difference being in having a practice is I have reason. This is just a practice. This practice will never lead to perfection, it isn't possible. But what I know this practice will give me is vision, insights and many, many gifts along the way.
This 1000 day practice is largely about faith. Having the faith that by practicing and trusting in the process, whatever I will need will appear within the steps of this journey.
Wishing you a good journey today, a good practice.
Denise
I would highly recommend the Sacred Science Documentary. It is about 8 people, all with different health troubles. They travel and stay in the Amazon forest and get treatment from multiple Shaman. By using the ancient art of healing from the gifts of the Amazon they look to help heal these 8.
for more information visit http://www.thesacredscience.com
And this 1000 day journey is a practice. A practice to keep me focused on improving my skills for a larger vsion. The time of 1000 days gives me time to learn, get stronger and have it become part of me. If it was any shorter I would want to press- like I normally do- but with a 1000 days, it reminds me this is a long journey and not a 100 yard sprint.
1000 days is a long time but if I count the number of days I have been alive, I have already had 17.52 1000 day journeys. The fact is everyday is a journey, but most days I am asleep, wondering around and often disconnected. Year after year I find myself tired and remorseful come December. And so as I start day 22nd day of a 1000 day journey, I realize I would be having this day no matter what. The difference being in having a practice is I have reason. This is just a practice. This practice will never lead to perfection, it isn't possible. But what I know this practice will give me is vision, insights and many, many gifts along the way.
This 1000 day practice is largely about faith. Having the faith that by practicing and trusting in the process, whatever I will need will appear within the steps of this journey.
Wishing you a good journey today, a good practice.
Denise
I would highly recommend the Sacred Science Documentary. It is about 8 people, all with different health troubles. They travel and stay in the Amazon forest and get treatment from multiple Shaman. By using the ancient art of healing from the gifts of the Amazon they look to help heal these 8.
for more information visit http://www.thesacredscience.com
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Why practice
Why would anyone start a personal practice? There is no finish line, no ticker tape or fan fare. A personal practice is a personal commitment. It isn't external. No shiny cars at the end of this journey- or who knows maybe the journey will surprise us all.
Any changes I make affect those around me. My practice is no longer internal but connected to all I know. If I smile instead of cry. If I run instead of sit on the couch. If I write instead of watch mindless TV. These changed affect us all. Subtle changes are still changes.
So why would anyone want to start a personal practice? To see what happens when you change your life. The unknown of shifting energies and habits. Hopefully for the better, for the spectacular for the benefit of all connected. But you can't really know, you just do and you have faith.
Today, I ran early with Sally, our flop eared smiling dog and walked with later a good friend. I got up early and wrote and I'm writing tonight. I smiled when I ran. I smiled when I drove. I forgot to smile when I worked at my desk.
Today is a good day. A good practice.
Wishing you a good night,
Denise
Any changes I make affect those around me. My practice is no longer internal but connected to all I know. If I smile instead of cry. If I run instead of sit on the couch. If I write instead of watch mindless TV. These changed affect us all. Subtle changes are still changes.
So why would anyone want to start a personal practice? To see what happens when you change your life. The unknown of shifting energies and habits. Hopefully for the better, for the spectacular for the benefit of all connected. But you can't really know, you just do and you have faith.
Today, I ran early with Sally, our flop eared smiling dog and walked with later a good friend. I got up early and wrote and I'm writing tonight. I smiled when I ran. I smiled when I drove. I forgot to smile when I worked at my desk.
Today is a good day. A good practice.
Wishing you a good night,
Denise
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
The practice of smiling
Smiling, everyone does it. It is natural and spontaneous...right? Yes, but is there more? Smiling can also be a practice. Smiling stimulates your radiance. Smiling empowers your faith, all is OK in the world. Smiling connects you to others. Smiling is done in the present moment. Smiling is a gift, a gift we receive and can give. Smiling relaxes our nervous system. Our smile give us inner compassion. Smiling makes us healthier. Does smiling make us happier?
What would happen if I smiled as a practice? Everyday, no matter the weather, the time or events practice smiling. I run, I practice running to get stronger, improve my endurance and speed. If I want to write, I need to practice to improve my connection, flow and message. I don't need to practice to run or write but they are greatly enhanced by practice. If I practice smiling will my smiling be enhanced?
As in running and writing quality practice leads to better running and writing. Quality smiling should also lead to better smiling. Better smiling?
Maybe we can chance the world by smiling. Or maybe we can just make our lives a little happier. Maybe we can make the lives of those we love a little happier. Who knows where a practice of smiling will take me, this is only day 6 of my smiling practice. It is still a little baby practice.
Today I smiled, I smiled as I ran, I smiled as I write. I will smile tonight before I close my eyes and I will smile when I wake up. Aren't you curious to see what would happen to our lives if we smiled everyday? Smiled frequently and brilliantly as we went about our normal old everyday lives. Would they still be normal or old anymore??? I wonder.
1000 days of smiling, running and writing- the secret practice of finding a way to love your life and appreciate everyday!!
Denise
What would happen if I smiled as a practice? Everyday, no matter the weather, the time or events practice smiling. I run, I practice running to get stronger, improve my endurance and speed. If I want to write, I need to practice to improve my connection, flow and message. I don't need to practice to run or write but they are greatly enhanced by practice. If I practice smiling will my smiling be enhanced?
As in running and writing quality practice leads to better running and writing. Quality smiling should also lead to better smiling. Better smiling?
Maybe we can chance the world by smiling. Or maybe we can just make our lives a little happier. Maybe we can make the lives of those we love a little happier. Who knows where a practice of smiling will take me, this is only day 6 of my smiling practice. It is still a little baby practice.
Today I smiled, I smiled as I ran, I smiled as I write. I will smile tonight before I close my eyes and I will smile when I wake up. Aren't you curious to see what would happen to our lives if we smiled everyday? Smiled frequently and brilliantly as we went about our normal old everyday lives. Would they still be normal or old anymore??? I wonder.
1000 days of smiling, running and writing- the secret practice of finding a way to love your life and appreciate everyday!!
Denise
Friday, February 18, 2011
A smelly change
About a month ago our septic system decided it was tired and gave up the ghost. Because we are within 200 feet from the sewer, we are required to hook up. This is a massive project and we are still in the middle of it all. As we wait for the wheels to move along we are on serious water conservation at our home. My daily chores have taken a bit of a turn. One of the biggest changes is doing my laundry at the local laundry mat. Packing up your laundry and hauling into the van, carrying it into another building, washing and then packing it all back home, this is indeed a big change. Laundry day used to be sorting and the big 30 ft move to the laundry room.
I don't really mind the change, truth be know I actually like my weekly trips to the laundry mat. What I'm not fond of is the smelly clothes I come home with. We are a scent free family- as we try to use non scented cleaning products whenever we can. After 20 years of professional cleaning we can no longer stomach poof poof fragrances.
At the laundry mat most machines have residual residue of fabric softeners, scented detergents and dryer sheets. After my first trip, my clothes reeked from those left over scents. I couldn't get the heavy floral odor out of our clothes. We even hung all the clothes outside in the sun all day. After about 8 sunny, windy hours our clothes were still smelly. Most of the clothes had to be rewashed. To offset these residues, now I wash the clothes with an extra rinse and bring the clothes back home to dry. They are passable but they still have a definite laundry flowery odor! I think this is crazy- these are some serious penetrating and determined fragrances!!
I wonder, even after all this washing, rinsing and drying without dryer sheets and I still have smelly clothes, what about the clothes that are actually washed in all those scented, residue leaving fragrances???? How much smelly residue are we putting into our clothes? What about the clothes for babies and children? Is this a good thing?
This is a thought worth pondering in our daily chores. What residues do we leave behind?
Clean doesn't really smell.
Happy washing,
Denise
I don't really mind the change, truth be know I actually like my weekly trips to the laundry mat. What I'm not fond of is the smelly clothes I come home with. We are a scent free family- as we try to use non scented cleaning products whenever we can. After 20 years of professional cleaning we can no longer stomach poof poof fragrances.
At the laundry mat most machines have residual residue of fabric softeners, scented detergents and dryer sheets. After my first trip, my clothes reeked from those left over scents. I couldn't get the heavy floral odor out of our clothes. We even hung all the clothes outside in the sun all day. After about 8 sunny, windy hours our clothes were still smelly. Most of the clothes had to be rewashed. To offset these residues, now I wash the clothes with an extra rinse and bring the clothes back home to dry. They are passable but they still have a definite laundry flowery odor! I think this is crazy- these are some serious penetrating and determined fragrances!!
I wonder, even after all this washing, rinsing and drying without dryer sheets and I still have smelly clothes, what about the clothes that are actually washed in all those scented, residue leaving fragrances???? How much smelly residue are we putting into our clothes? What about the clothes for babies and children? Is this a good thing?
This is a thought worth pondering in our daily chores. What residues do we leave behind?
Clean doesn't really smell.
Happy washing,
Denise
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Another fresh beginning
Day 899Did you think I forgot about you? I did kind of did. Not about my 1000 day journey but about writing to you. Today is January 19, 2011, funny, I just got done doing the dishes. This picture is the first one I took of 2011. Dishwater opened my new year. That is just funny. Who opens the new year with dishwater??? I guess I do. I told my sister in law I would send her the first picture that inspired me of the new year and this is what I came up with-classic.
It has been so long since I wrote to you I don't know where to begin. I'll just begin now. I love new years. I love the freshness, the excitement, the freedom, the hopes, the dreams, I can change the world and live my life from my very core this year!! It never ceases to amaze me the anticipation I feel and how many ideas flow into my head. I love new beginnings and new ideas. This is a fact. What I have a little trouble doing is finishing these grand schemes. And so in 2011 and on day 899 of 1000 day journey I begin again with head full of new ideas to live this year. In this beginning holds my theme for the new year: A thoughtful year. My theme is to live a thoughtful year from start, middle and end. That is a tall order!
A couple of weeks ago I saw a interview with Oprah interviewing J.K. Rowling. They were visiting about how it felt to have all the money you could ever want. That first epiphany when you realized you didn't have to choose you could by what ever you wanted, there was no need to choose or do without. I didn't envy the thought, it seemed sad. Where is the creativity in having it all? I kind of like creatively living. Finding ways to have fun, be creative, save money, go on road trips, explorations and discoveries with not much more than my passion, joy, creativity and curiosity.
What does that have to do with the new Thoughtful year? I'm not exactly sure, it just keeps popping into my mind and I felt like writing about it. Back to the thoughtful year. What does A thoughtful year mean? It means living within myself, It means to think before jumping, to reflect and create. It means to be grounded and centered. It means to be thoughtful, generous and mindful. It feels more beautiful and expansive than just mindful. It brings in what and who i love and opens my heart. It means to be intuitive not impulsive. It means being calm no matter what the weather or surrounding energy. It means being thoughtful with my time, my energy, my money, my thoughts, even my face muscles and digestive system. A thoughtful year is just taking a moment to pause and wonder and ask yourself the little questions.
Back to my dish soapy water. A few years ago we lost our electricity for 4 days. It was during a extreme cold spell. I was cold to the bone. Having hot water felt like a true luxury. When the lights came back on and our house started to warm up, I found myself doing the dishes. Never in my life was I so greatful to have my hands in hot bubbly water. Gratitude was as abundant as the bubbles. That year I had a goal to wash my dishes, write, teach, learn and to make $ 240,000 dollars. I did everything but make the $240,00. You could say my heart wasn't into making money as it was to being present, thankful and grateful. Washing my dishes was a reminder to pause and be grateful each night, not dreading the chore but embrasing it. Today, as a coincidence, my dishwasher is broken, I really haven' felt like fixing it. Everyday I do our dishes by hand. Hot water, bubbles and my thoughts. It is comforting and calming.
And so with the joys of dishwashing I wish you a good night- a thoughtful one.
Denise
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Spring and planting
day 601
It is raining outside. Dallas is playing golf this afternoon. He is going to be soaked!!! This afternoon, I'm calling family, writing/blogging, sorting seeds and planning my garden.
For the first 580 days I wrote in my journal most everyday. Most days, it was more like making a list of what I wanted my life to look like more than just living my life. After my trip to AZ that visual of boxes and boxes of thoughts just kept nagging at me. I find myself wanting to get up in the morning and get going. I don't want my life to be boxes and boxes of unused thoughts.
My garden is taking on a new life. I'm experimenting with lasagna gardening, worm composting and a bigger garden. Local eating, organic, heirloom, running, writing, my master home environmentalist program plus soo much more.
Spring seems a time to do, not sit around an ponder or start the day too relaxed. It is an active time. Does this feeling of planting, soil and spring passion come from me or a combo of my genes and family history of farming?
I wonder, next winter, will I once again want to start the day quiet, reflective and slowly? Is this a.m. movement a seasonal thing or a shift in my life? Only time can tell, but right now in this season, it feels good.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Morning Vigor and a box of thoughts
Day 587,
March 4th-9th I spent in AZ with my grandparents, my great aunt and my mom. Lots of conversations centered around growing up on the farm: hard work, pride & joy in work and the contentment of a job well done.
My aunt and mom brought me a book from Aunt Velma's book club called " Winter Wheat" Throughout this book the love of work and the land found it's way onto most pages. During crop season, getting up early and working long hours were in contrast to the long winter nights inside waiting for spring.
My mom mentioned something about journaling while we were there that really caught my breath. She said something about having boxes of journals from every stage of her life. Most mornings she journals as I have been doing during this 1000 day journey and even before. Boxes of thoughts just sitting there........ I haven't journaled since then.
Yesterday, am I got up early and did my dusting, pick up and bathroom cleaning. I worked in the office, taking little breaks to snack, walk the dogs and pull weeds. By the end of the day, not only had I accomplished a great deal- the day seemed longer. In the evening I read a little while Dallas played pool with a friend, got dinner ready, ate and did the dishes and then watched a couple of shows with Dallas. Around 8:30 I did about 45 minutes of yoga with music playing in the background. Later Dallas and I looked through a book together.
What do these events have in common or meaning? It is the 14th day of March. Spring is everywhere. Normally, I start the day with yoga, journaling and meditation. It is a beautiful practice in the dead of winter but in spring I don't know. For the spring season I'm going to mix a few things up. Writing more with a purpose but during the daytime. Instead of journaling, writing only what has meaning and spread over a full week. And finally, to get up in the morning and do no more that 10-15 minutes of wake up exercises and then getting right into my day. I think the am yoga is too calming and I start too relaxed. In the spring, I should start with vigor- morning vigor. I'll switch up and do my yoga at night before bed when relaxing seems more fitting.
As the days flow in this journey, I frequently wonder, is this practice of following my heart my bliss actually doing anything or is it just another 1000 days in my life. I feel the need to change my habits.
Happy travels- spring travels,
Denise
March 4th-9th I spent in AZ with my grandparents, my great aunt and my mom. Lots of conversations centered around growing up on the farm: hard work, pride & joy in work and the contentment of a job well done.
My aunt and mom brought me a book from Aunt Velma's book club called " Winter Wheat" Throughout this book the love of work and the land found it's way onto most pages. During crop season, getting up early and working long hours were in contrast to the long winter nights inside waiting for spring.
My mom mentioned something about journaling while we were there that really caught my breath. She said something about having boxes of journals from every stage of her life. Most mornings she journals as I have been doing during this 1000 day journey and even before. Boxes of thoughts just sitting there........ I haven't journaled since then.
Yesterday, am I got up early and did my dusting, pick up and bathroom cleaning. I worked in the office, taking little breaks to snack, walk the dogs and pull weeds. By the end of the day, not only had I accomplished a great deal- the day seemed longer. In the evening I read a little while Dallas played pool with a friend, got dinner ready, ate and did the dishes and then watched a couple of shows with Dallas. Around 8:30 I did about 45 minutes of yoga with music playing in the background. Later Dallas and I looked through a book together.
What do these events have in common or meaning? It is the 14th day of March. Spring is everywhere. Normally, I start the day with yoga, journaling and meditation. It is a beautiful practice in the dead of winter but in spring I don't know. For the spring season I'm going to mix a few things up. Writing more with a purpose but during the daytime. Instead of journaling, writing only what has meaning and spread over a full week. And finally, to get up in the morning and do no more that 10-15 minutes of wake up exercises and then getting right into my day. I think the am yoga is too calming and I start too relaxed. In the spring, I should start with vigor- morning vigor. I'll switch up and do my yoga at night before bed when relaxing seems more fitting.
As the days flow in this journey, I frequently wonder, is this practice of following my heart my bliss actually doing anything or is it just another 1000 days in my life. I feel the need to change my habits.
Happy travels- spring travels,
Denise
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Tsunami on Saturday
day 572
This morning, I had my day all planned. Early shower, walk the dogs in the sunshine, dust and vacuum the house. A little time for office work and then some inspired baking before my documentary party this evening. That is until I looked at the Internet and saw Chili had a 8.8 point earthquake. Sending out a Tsunami warning to Hawaii. My sister is down in the Cook Islands- Kiribati Islands. She is on little islands, on a little boat in the middle of now where with a Tsunami headed her way.
My heart dropped, my little special sister whom I love so much is in danger. Tears filled my eyes and dropped. I feel so far away and helpless. I called people I know to send out prayers and blessings to Tara. A friend of mine reminded me to stay calm. Panicking and stressing will not help.
A couple of hours later I got a response from her boat. Tara is currently out to sea. I guess this is the safest place to be. I don't know if the Tsunami has passed her. I do know she has been sick to her stomach and today is feeling better and ate some breakfast.
I guess on any given day an earthquake could hit. My sister is out traveling the world she is usually out traveling. This reminds me to make the most of my days and my relationships. Life is a living thing.
This morning, I had my day all planned. Early shower, walk the dogs in the sunshine, dust and vacuum the house. A little time for office work and then some inspired baking before my documentary party this evening. That is until I looked at the Internet and saw Chili had a 8.8 point earthquake. Sending out a Tsunami warning to Hawaii. My sister is down in the Cook Islands- Kiribati Islands. She is on little islands, on a little boat in the middle of now where with a Tsunami headed her way.
My heart dropped, my little special sister whom I love so much is in danger. Tears filled my eyes and dropped. I feel so far away and helpless. I called people I know to send out prayers and blessings to Tara. A friend of mine reminded me to stay calm. Panicking and stressing will not help.
A couple of hours later I got a response from her boat. Tara is currently out to sea. I guess this is the safest place to be. I don't know if the Tsunami has passed her. I do know she has been sick to her stomach and today is feeling better and ate some breakfast.
I guess on any given day an earthquake could hit. My sister is out traveling the world she is usually out traveling. This reminds me to make the most of my days and my relationships. Life is a living thing.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
I'm not always grand
Day 556
My, but the days sure tick by. I just posted two blogs to my business and my residue free blogs. Before shutting off my computer and going to bed, I thought I would take a peek at my 1000 day blog. This is my first posting in 2010. I don't really have much to say except I just wanted to write something here this year.
What have I learned so far? Many things and nothing. I've learned to pause more often, that accomplishing something feels better than doing nothing and I've learned being mindful all day is a tall order. I've not learned to yodel, to use my scanner or what the name of a little bird that visits my yard.
As of today, Feb 10, 2010, I think I would like to be able to do 4 pull ups. My sister has worked her way up to 4, it would be a good sister connection. I would like to create a effectively awesome lasagna garden this summer, and I think I would like to write more often to this blog.
Were you expecting something more adventurous or grand? Me too, but I'm not always grand, sometimes I just am what I am.
Happy traveling,
Denise
My, but the days sure tick by. I just posted two blogs to my business and my residue free blogs. Before shutting off my computer and going to bed, I thought I would take a peek at my 1000 day blog. This is my first posting in 2010. I don't really have much to say except I just wanted to write something here this year.
What have I learned so far? Many things and nothing. I've learned to pause more often, that accomplishing something feels better than doing nothing and I've learned being mindful all day is a tall order. I've not learned to yodel, to use my scanner or what the name of a little bird that visits my yard.
As of today, Feb 10, 2010, I think I would like to be able to do 4 pull ups. My sister has worked her way up to 4, it would be a good sister connection. I would like to create a effectively awesome lasagna garden this summer, and I think I would like to write more often to this blog.
Were you expecting something more adventurous or grand? Me too, but I'm not always grand, sometimes I just am what I am.
Happy traveling,
Denise
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