A Different Pathway

For as long as I can recall, the way I was taught to deal with conflict was to take swift, immediate action. The problem with this type reaction is I never gave myself the proper time to evaluate any and all possible means of resolution. When put into a situation where I was upset or angered, the world around me was no longer shades of grey, but just black and white... right and wrong... crime and punishment.

Throughout the years, communication with people has been severed, much like a head on a chopping block, without allowing myself to take a moment to really consider what I was doing. Pride and internal supreme visions of justice over took my ability to take a step back and view the world as a third person observer.

In my recent moments of habitual family chaos, it became evident that this way of "dealing" with the things I cannot control or fix, has caused my vigilante brain to slow down and create a new neural pathway. Rather than bolt up the metaphorical mountain on a well-beaten and familiar path, I now wander slowing through the brush, chipping away at the ground below. Reaching the top of this mountain is still the goal, but reaching it the right way is now the motivation.

Chakras

My latest tattoo project that I am very proud of and feel very empowered by, is the set of 7 chakras. This has been a project I have always wanted to do because these Sanskrit symbols resonate deeply within me as a healer and spiritual being.

To give a little background information, the Sanskrit word chakra means "wheel" or "turning". Our chakras, the rotating energy centers of our bodies, are, if unblocked, spinning constantly, sending and receiving energy. These energy centers receive and transmit energy from within and from our surroundings in order to balance our energetic bodies.

Historically in Asian cultures, chakras are depicted by the lotus, a sacred flower that opens its petals out like a funnel, connecting the structure of the lotus to the function of a chakra. Interestingly enough, the lotus lives its life on the water without ever becoming submerged in it, just as a self-realized master lives in this world without being effected by the illusion of it.

As I progress further down my spiritual path, I find peace in this kind of beautiful imagery.

Breaking the Mold

Over the weekend, my fiancé and I visited the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre in San Francisco, the place in which we will marry one another in less than 2 months.

While most couples choose to plan expensive and elaborate ceremonies, we chose to take the road less traveled. Rather than place importance on the orchestrated politics of planning a wedding tailored to other's needs, a simple elopement ceremony, with the blessings of our loved ones, is how we prefer to start our married life together.

My idea of fully committing myself to another person, is a very intimate and important event, one that I believe has more meaning if it is done solely for the person you are devoting yourself to. On our wedding day I want to be swept up in the pure emotion and light that is the love we share, without any outside distractions.

I am very thankful to have been given such an amazing man, who shares the same core values and ideals that I do. Not many "brides" are as relaxed and stress free as I am, with their wedding merely 2 months away. Regardless of the objections we have faced by making this decision, our union will be unique, beautiful, and everlasting.

Simple Words

"Leave no stone unturned,

no bridge burned,

no lesson unlearned,

no praise unearned."

Accept every challenge, live life fully engaged,

and rest assured that the view at the journey's end will be spectacular.

The Jar (Thanks Dad)

A professor stood before his philosophy class with some curious items in front of him.

When the class began, he picked up a very large and empty jar and filled it with golf balls.He then turned to the students and asked, if the jar was full. They all agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. Shaking them lightly the pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He again asked the students if the jar was full. And again the students all agreed that the jar was now full.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. The sand filled every nook and cranny. Once more he asked if the jar was full. And once more the students responded with an unanimous “yes.”

As the students laughter subsided, the professor said, “Now, I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.

The GOLF BALLS are the important things; family, children, health, friends, and your favorite passions… things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The PEBBLES are the things that matter like your Job, house, boat and car.

The SAND is everything else: The small stuff.

‘If you put the sand in first, there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.’

The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

Three Years and Counting...

For the past three years, my life has been drastically changed by one man. Each and every day we bring out the best in each other. I simply cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with him. I love you Jerry!

Sometimes music is the best way to express how the heart feels.