Toning the Om » Affirmations

How Do You Make Decisions?

Mary Anne — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 11:13:55 +0000

I realized recently that most of my decisions happen effortlessly. If I have to think too much or too long, then I know that the time is not right to make a decision. Or as Seth Godin says about the ‘Decision Before the Decision’: “This is the one that was made before you even showed up.”

When was the last time I made a decision? Probably when I was hungry and decided what food to eat. Other than that, decisions just happen when the time is right

Byron Katie talks about decisions in this way: “You can’t make a decision. You can only experience a story about how you made it. Decisions make themselves; they’re happenings; they come when the time is right.”

What a relief!
Mary Anne

How Are You Growing the Garden of You?

Mary Anne — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 11:05:56 +0000

This past weekend I noticed amazing flower gardens all over New York City. As I walked through the Central Park Conservatory, I stared at flowers. Looking deep into the colors, I wondered when the seeds were planted. I became curious about the depth of the roots. I noticed so many beautiful flowers fully grown and came to realize that this is the ultimate trust in nature that exists.

How am I like that flower? Where do I plant seeds in the hope and trust that they will fully blossom? How far down are my roots and which ones will I allow to become unearthed in new and amazing ways?

In every way, I trust that I will grow.

Mary Anne

July OM Meditation

Mary Anne — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 12:00:27 +0000

As July comes to an end, we have been reminded, especially in the East Coast, of how extreme weather can slow us down. Whether a big heat wave or heavy rains or even a tornado watch in NYC (!), the weather has been our greatest teacher this month. I know the weather has taught me to slow down my pace, drink lots of water, rest, sit quietly (and enjoy ice cream). As we slow down to enjoy some summer vacation, I invite you to spend time with some contemplative thoughts and questions and allow them to enter your heart.

As an invitation, feel free to close your eyes, sit with your spine straight, and take a few soft breaths. Then inhale a little deeper through your nose, and on the exhale, repeat the mantra OM (AUM). Do this three times. Allow yourself to really feel everything and become the observer of your thoughts. Feel free to focus on one question or statement below and just allow your experience to unfold.

In every breath, there is love.

Living in the moment frees us from living in the past.

Create space in your life for what you LOVE to do, rather than fill space with what you are comfortable doing.

What are some of the “waves” in my life you can naturally jump with ease? Where else in your life do you go with the flow? Go with the flow & the rest will follow.

The light in me is a reflection of you.

Who and what am I willing to meet with understanding?

When we choose to live in this moment, we choose a direct path to our heart and the divine. Being present to this moment right now means being home. Welcome home.

Each person will have their own experience so the invitation is to be open for whatever thoughts flow through you. Allow your mind and body to expand into the experience (without judgment). Feel free to start with whatever mantra calls to you.

We are all students and teachers.
Mary Anne

Walk On

Mary Anne — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 21:06:50 +0000

Walk on
to the snow covered mountains
a view from a rear seat
of a new blazing sky
yet ignorant of the lessons
of that land
Teach me…walk on…

Arches
looking in or looking out
rested in your rocks
I could not shield myself
from the bitterness
shutting myself down
away from you
Heal me…walk on…

Raven
wings flapping
like window shutters
soaring above me
so I could see my God
my faith rebounding
Love me…walk on…

O Zion
praying to you
gave me unfamiliar faces
encouraging me to climb
up through the path
to the top or
to the beginning
Show me…walk on…

Bryce
your hoodoos captured
my heart and saved my soul
like the trees burnt
to ashes into the soil
by mighty lightening
Hold me…walk on…

Wisdom
a warming gift
of stories told and retold
the footprints are
a journey through land
a pathway to a healing heart
and an abandoned soul
Carry me…Walk with me…Walk on…
Walk on…

Mary Anne

(Written after traveling to Utah and hiking the National Parks)