For the Love of a Dog

This entry is not about the movie of the same name as the title. Rather it is a dedication to the life of and a tribute to Lucky Joseph Eckert. Lucky Joe also known as "The King" is no longer walking beside me in physical form. He walked across the Rainbow Bridge this past Tuesday, December 8 around noon. Lucky was an important part of my family for a little over 14 years. Ulya and I adored our fur baby and miss him very much. He brought much love into our home. This is his story.

Lucky's mama was a rescue right before giving birth to 10 puppies. She was so happy to be in a loving home, she was not the greatest of moms. When we went to meet the puppies, Ulya was quickly in the midst of them. By the time I reached them, there she was with this little white puppy seated in her lap. Lucky had jumped into her lap as soon as she sat down on the floor. We had a dog and Lucky had new humans.

As a puppy, Lucky was quite the handful. Growing to 50 pounds in what seemed like overnight, controlling him was rather difficult. Many times, I questioned my decision to adopt a puppy. He would eat anything in sight. Paper, plastic, worms, tree leaves.  You name it. If it wasn't attached to something it was food. All this being said, he didn't destroy anything. He just was full of energy and I was in a rough place in my life caring for my parents.

We survived though and this young man grew into quite the gentleman. He stopped eating plastic and turned his preference to dog treats and braunschweiger. I only heard him growl two times in his 14 years. Once when a woman came to our house to use the phone. He stood back and was not happy with her presence. Did he know something I didn't recognize? Another time when my cousin and her husband were visiting with their small children, the little boy was being reprimanded for misbehaving. Lucky assessed the situation and immediately looked dad in the eye and growled as a warning. "Do not hurt this little one or I may have to hurt you." He was protective and a force to be reckoned with if necessary.

I could go on and on about Lucky Joe but I'm sure you've had your own Lucky Joes over the years. His last year was not a good one for any of us. We tried all we could: medicines, Reiki, essential oils, holistic and herbal preparations including cannabis, and prayer. Lots of prayer. In the praying, Ulya and I came to the awareness that it was time. Time to let this important part of our existence go. And what a send off he had.

Lucky played ball Tuesday morning as much as his body allowed. He had hamburger for breakfast, braunschweiger for a snack, two hamburgers from Hardees for lunch, and hugs and more hugs. We held him as he made his departure and showered him with kisses and more hugs.

His spirit has visited me a couple of times. I've "felt" him by my side. Looking up at me, he tells me how good it feels to be pain free and to be truly present once again. His love remains and always will.

My heart cries as I come home to a house that has no dog to greet me. It has been 30 years since I've been without a dog. Lucky Joe cannot be replaced. He was one special dog. However, there are many dogs needing love and a home. Ulya and I need a dog. Soon Lucky will be the guardian angel for another lost dog. I know Lucky will wag his tail in exuberant joy when another fur baby joins the Eckert family. Lucky Joe is just that kind of dog.

Rest in Peace

Lucky Joseph Eckert

July 26, 2001 - December 8, 2015

My God-daughter, Lauren Elizabeth, sent me this after Lucky's departure. I'd like to share it with you. You may want your tissues nearby.  

Peace and Blessings,

Mareda

Today I Met A Young Woman

You may wonder why I am writing about meeting a young woman. There are lots of young women. We meet them all the time. This was a different meeting and one that touched my very soul.

This beautiful and talented soul is a German teacher, multi-lingual, working toward her Ph.D. You are probably still wondering why this is so special. She is also an immigrant, a Bosnian, and a Muslim. This is the difference. Not just beautiful, talented and intelligent but also a Muslim. She no longer goes to her mosque because of her fear. Tears rolling down her checks, she silently wonders what will happen. She is not alone. There are many other immigrants who fit this profile. So why did this affect me so intensely?

Her fear was real. Her fear at the thought of what might happen to her, to her parents, to her fellow immigrants brought reality front and center for me. The tears continued to roll down her checks as she talked about the solution one of the presidential candidates has for handling immigrant terrorists. Make them wear a tag to identify themselves; set up a database with all Muslims listed. What? Not in the United States of America. No way. Yes, these are the threats that are being bandied about in the name of protecting this country.

I am saddened to the core of my very being. Not so much for this wannabe president's remarks but for those Americans who support this idea. Yes, the terrorists are not welcome here. Neither are the terrorists who are citizens of this country who threaten and kill unsuspecting movie goers, college students and other innocents.

In case we forget, this country was founded by immigrants from all over the world. Unless you are of Native American descent, your ancestors were immigrants! These people left their countries and their friends to forge a new and better life for themselves and their families. They wanted to thrive, to experience religious freedom, to better themselves. Along the way, there were atrocities. We all know this to be true. Must these atrocities continue? Must the persecution continue? Must the segregation continue? Have we not evolved into better human beings?

Fear can be overwhelming. Fear of the unknown can be even more overwhelming. Maybe the solution could be to welcome Muslim families into our homes. Get to know them. Make them our friends. Wow! what a novel idea. Why not do this to people of all religious traditions, all nationalities, all races, all sexual orientations? Maybe we would discover they are really nice people.

There is a lady in a harbor who says this:

The New Colossus

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,

With conquering limbs astride from land to land;

Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand

A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame

Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name

Mother of Exiles, From her beacon-hand

Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command

The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

"Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she

With silent lips, "Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

This lady has seen a lot throughout her reign of New York Harbor. Much of what she has seen has been sad. "Wouldn't it be loverly" to change this into joyful welcoming for all coming to these shores in search of a new life? One can dream and hope. In the words of John Lennon:

Imagine

Peace and blessings,

Mareda

A Radical Idea

This is going to be a short and sweet blog post.

Whenever something horrific occurs, the whole world sends love and prayers to those who were affected. Why isn't this being done all the time?

My suggestion is to begin sending love everyday to everyone. My radical idea is that we especially send it to those who are the perpetrators of violence: the terrorists, the rapists, the abusers, the just plain angry person. For whatever reason, these people have such hate driving them that the only thing that can change them is love. This love does not have to be connected to any religion or tradition. Just plain old simple love. The love you have for your parent or child. The love you have for your pet.

I have been doing the following for many years when challenged with negativity of any kind.

Send the person or group loving energy while saying:

I love you

I bless you

I forgive you
I release you

You may be thinking this is too simple. You may be thinking, why send this to a terrorist.  What we have been doing has not worked. Doing the same thing over and over is not going to get different results. Getting more ammunition as some one posted is also NOT the answer.

I challenge you to try this. It couldn't hurt.

Peace and blessings,

Mareda

Spiritually Adrift and Losing Site of Truth

Years ago I was drifting through life wondering what it was all about. Like Peggy Lee, I sang "Is this all there is?" I blamed my circumstances on my parents, my former husband, my schooling, and on God. Why was everything bad happening to me? To be totally honest, my life was far from bad when compared to that of many others. Instead of just visiting the "pits," I decided to buy a condo there.

However, I discovered living in this condo was not the life I desired or deserved. I went through all sorts of misery before putting up a For Sale sign. That sign went up when I realized I was drifting through a sea of confusion and going farther and farther away from my Source. I wanted back on course and was determined to redirect my ship.

Through a series of synchronicities, I discovered the way back to my Source. Books fell into shopping carts. I met people who had been there too and were now happy and whole. I met people who believed that God was not an old man up in the heavens but a Light that lived deep within them. Classes, lectures, books, more classes, more lectures, many more books were the sails that moved me forward. Over 30 years ago, I changed my course and discovered the path to the truth that lies within.

Are you spiritually adrift?
Do you feel God has forgotten you exist?
Are you upset with the dogmas and demands of traditional religions?
Are you a recovering Catholic or Fundamentalist Christian or Buddhist, Muslim, etc.?
Are you angry that you work and work on yourself but your life just remains the same?

There was a time when I could have answered yes to all of the above questions. I can sometimes still answer yes to one or two of them. But just as a sailor adjusts the sails to his boat, so do I adjust my mindset.

I feel so blessed because there have been many spiritual leaders, gurus, friends and coaches in my life who have assisted me on my spiritual path. You may think you are not on a spiritual path; however, my friends, we are all on a spiritual path if we know it or not. We are spiritual beings having a human experience. We forget this when we arrive on earth. When we remember, our path becomes lighter and brighter.

My calling is to assist those who are adrift. It has taken me a lifetime to discover this. I've been through the fire and have not only survived but thrived. It is all peaches and cream? No, there are still challenges but I'm still here and I am happier, healthier and more succesful than ever before.

If you are adrift, please consider Soul Centered Coaching to help you find your way back to the Source of all that is Good and True. I do not care if you call it God or Buddha or Krishna or Fred or something else. Finding your Truth is paramount to a successful and happy life.

So for all you Lost Souls, I am offering a Special Fall Package through the month of November.

Four 1 hour sessions for an investment of $150. 

Sessions can be done by phone or Facetime. Email me at maredaeckert1@gmail.com, leave a message on my phone at 314-583-9487, or connect through my website www.maredaeckert.com.

Peace and Blessings to all my fellow travelers,

Mareda

Hatred

Hatred is defined as intense dislike or ill will. I'd like to add that it is a disease that has affected many on this planet. It sneaks up in moments of fear and attacks. Unlike a flu virus, there is no vaccination for it. Compared to a cancer, it spreads easily and effortlessly through a person's psyche and world. This is the disease that could destroy mankind unless a radical change occurs.

I write this blog entry as much for myself as for anyone else. This morning as I was vacuuming my thoughts turned toward all the atrocities in this world. Hate seems to have become the norm. As I mulled over this, I challenged myself to look at the hate that is within me. I feel I have honestly eliminated this word and feeling from my consciousness. Well, almost. 

My biggest "hate" goes toward winter. I hear the words "I hate winter, no, actually I despise winter" over and over in my conversations. Wow! What am I creating in my world? No matter what Mother Nature brings, I am convincing myself with these words that I won't like it. 

After more honest soul searching, I really have stopped hating as much as I used to. I used to hate certain people for actions they may or may not have committed. I used to hate certain foods. Those hatreds are pretty far removed now. However....

There still are times when hatred rears its ugly head. When I hear others hating for the sake of hating, I start fuming. When I see a derogatory photo of someone with a less than desirable comment, my teeth start grinding away. Guess I have work to do. 

How do we as people rise above the hatred we feel towards others? For me, I shall begin to disagree more with acts and beliefs that are contrary to what I believe. I shall begin to educate myself about different viewpoints. 

Years ago, in another lifetime to be exact, I worked with a young woman who was an Evangelical Christian. I had just discovered New Thought. To say we were from different spiritual worlds is an understatement. We usually had lunch together. We discussed our beliefs. I did not change hers. She did not change mine. What we did was respect each other without anger, without animosity. We remained friends.

My heart hurts when I see and hear all the hate. Hate for people we don't know. Hate for countries we have never visited. Hate for people espousing another belief. What if everyone just disagreed? We live in a world where virtually every "civilized" nation has access to information about everything. A friend who has since left this earth plane once told me I lived in a dream world. Love isn't the answer. My opinion differed and we chose to disagree on this as well as many other things. Although we drifted apart for many reasons, I never hated him nor did he hate me. 

Is love the answer? I think so. If love is not the answer for you, how about tolerance and understanding? As individuals we have free will. It just seems that this wonderful world could be so much more wonderful if we eliminated hate. 

As I wrote the words "wonderful world," Louis Armstrong's song What A Wonderful World comes to mind. 

What A Wonderful World

Let's begin to make this a truly "Wonderful World" by walking the talk that Christ, Buddha, Muhammad and other great masters walked. The Walk of Love. 

Peace and Blessings,

Mareda

It Is Up To Us

Global warming. Climate change. Gun control. Greed. I could go on and on. These are just a few of the challenges we as spiritual beings having a human experience deal with on a daily basis. So what shall we do? It seems we do a lot of blaming. Democrats blame the Republicans. Republicans blame the Democrats, Christians blame the Muslims. Whites blame the Blacks. Blacks blame the Whites. Men blame women. Women blame men. Lots of blaming going on but not many solutions in sight.

This morning I saw a brief video of Deepak Chopra being asked what he thought the state of humanity would be in 100 years. His answer was brief and to the point. It all depends upon the choices we make now. He was talking more about climate change but the choices we make affect everything in our lives.

With regard to climate change, he indicated that statistics prove that this planet is in trouble if our lifestyles do not change. Instead of creating heaven on earth we are well on the way to creating a living hell on earth. He described it as an experiment by Mother Nature that did not work. Many naysayers do not believe in global warming. Many rather believe that the apocalypse is near. It may be near but we have chosen it. With positive change this apocalypse can be avoided. So what is the next step? Here are my thoughts.

1. Stop blaming others. Even if you don't agree with another person's opinions or actions, you aren't going to change them by criticism. Live your truth. Lead by example.

2. Live the Golden Rule. Treat others the way you want to be treated. This includes all sentient beings not just those walking on two feet.

3. Be the peace you want to experience. Be the kindness you want to experience.

4. Bless and love those who push your every button. They have something to teach you.

5. Listen to all opinions even if you don't agree. Maybe something will resonate within you to understand (if not agree) a different point of view.

6. Respect our earth, your body and everything on this earth plane. If something kills weeds upon contact, question it's safety. If something you eat makes you feel bad, question whether it is healthy. Then do something about it if it is only to do something differently.

7. Be thankful for what you have and pass that Good on in whatever way you can. Even if all you can manage is a smile, it might change a person's day for the better.

8. Be awake and aware of who you are, how you act and what you are creating with your thoughts and actions,

9. Trust that you are loved and guided by a Presence and Power greater than you and

10. Be the change. Be the Light. Be the Love.

These are my thoughts. I must admit as I wrote them I discovered I really need to heed my own advice a little more. This planet needs people to share their Light and Love. Light overcomes the darkness. I challenge each and every person who reads this to begin creating heaven on earth so that in 100 years our ancestors shall live in a "Garden of Love."

Peace and blessings,

Mareda

www.maredaeckert.com

F.E.A.R. - False Evidence Appearing Real

Fear is an emotion that is very real for many people. It varies in degrees but if we are honest, we all have at least one thing we fear. I will readily admit I am very afraid of snakes. The real thing, a snake on TV, a photo, they all strike fear into my very soul. This post isn't about that type of fear. Nor is it about the fear that is so prevalent across our country; i.e. the fear of people or cultures different than ours or the fear of someone breaking into our home and/or killing us. This is my story about a fear that colored my childhood. 

My mother, who departed this plane of existence in 2008, was afraid. Her fears were not outwardly apparent but they perpetuated her daily existence. As a child growing up, I was not encouraged to try new things. If I took swimming lessons, I might drown. If I wanted to do anything that was out of my mother's comfort zone, I was discouraged from trying. When a friend asked me to sing at her wedding, my sweet mother did not sleep for weeks until the wedding was over. She just couldn't believe that I sang and no one threw any tomatoes at me. Later when I interviewed for my first job, she was sure this was a mistake. It wasn't. Thank goodness I was just as stubborn as she was. 

Later in my marriage, my former husband kept the ball rolling by criticizing everything I did and questioned my motives for any type of advancement I sought. The fear continued. 

I understand why both my mother and former husband did what they did. It was fear that was driving them. My mother was raised in an environment that was less than encouraging. My former husband was raised in a very volatile environment. So what does one expect? Fear.

As a mom, I understand the feelings a parent has. Mothers and fathers want their child to succeed. Most parents will do anything to keep their child safe. There is a limit, however, to safety. As the saying goes "a ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for." There is a time to let go.

For many  years, I have felt my life would have been "better" if my mom had been different. Maybe, maybe, maybe. The fact is my life is good. In fact, it is fantastic! I have grown through my trials and frustrations to the woman I am today. I hope with all my heart I am imparting what I learned from my mother to my daughter. My mother taught me many things: how to paint a room, how to cook, how to take care of baby chickens and lambs (in the kitchen no less), how to be kind to all people no matter of race or nationality, etc. 

Very recently I made peace with the woman who was my earthly mother, Alyda Wolfmeier Eckert. You see, now that she has moved on to her next realm of existence, everything is clear. She told me in a dream. All is well. All is love.

So the moral of this story is to be cautious, not fearful. Fear can protect but it can also hinder one's evolution into something miraculous. Take chances. If you have a dream, go for it. 

To Alyda I say: "Thank you for being you. Thank you for coming to me and helping me to understand. I love you. I appreciate you. May this new journey you are on be one of much joy, love and courage."

As for my former husband, well that is a story for another time. 

Peace and Blessings,

Mareda

www.maredaeckert.com

Stories

Yesterday evening I came across Gabrielle Bernstein's website. She is one of many motivational speakers and coaches appearing in our world today. As I watched some of her videos and listened to her, I felt a connection.

One remark she made especially resonated with me. She said we all have "our story/stories." Her message stressed the importance of sharing stories especially for those who are called to be "lightworkers." This morning as I scrolled through Facebook, I came across another message from another lightworker also indicating the importance of sharing stories. Having been around the metaphysical block a couple of times, I took this as a message from the Universe or God or Mind that it was time for me to share my stories. So here goes my first story.

A long, long time ago, I had pitched a tent in the land of despair. Newly divorced, lonely, unhappy. There was not a negative emotion that I did not feel. Misery was my constant companion. However, even in the midst of all this despair, something within me knew there was a better way. I had pretty much given up on God. Lost, alone, miserable. I gave the God I knew then an ultimatum that I really needed help and if He existed,I expected a miracle. The miracle I wanted didn't come right away so I went to the grocery store.

At that time I shopped at a Kroger store at Big Bend and 141. Kroger no longer exists in St. Louis and the building is now and has been vacant for years. But that shopping trip changed my life. 

For some unknown reason to me then, I went to the section with paperback books. I really wasn't interested in getting another one. Heaven knows I had enough to start my own book store. My eyes and attention went to the self-help books. This was not my usual choice of a book. I was into romantic novels where the handsome man would rescue the helpless maiden and they would live happily ever after. I remember thinking why am I looking at these books and turned my attention to my usual literary genre. The next thing I knew this book fell, yes fell, into my cart. It was written by a woman I had never heard of but the title hooked me. "The Inner Path From Where You Are To Where You Want To Be" by Terry Cole-Whittaker. Not really realizing what had just happened, I bought the book. My miracle manifested at the book section of a Kroger store!

That was 30 years ago. In that book, I discovered so many thing about life, about God, about me. I also discovered Religious Science. Another book led me to The First Church of Religious Science in St. Louis. That book was the Yellow Pages. The first time I stepped into that church I was at home. It was the first step of a path I continue to follow. 

Do I believe that book was about ready to fall anyway? No. Do I believe that a Power greater than me picked that book up and put it in my cart? You bet your sweet life I do. There are no accidents. Did my life immediately become easy and sweet? No.Was my path easy and clear? No.  But from that moment on, I realized that I was not alone. I no longer believed in the God of my chldhood. I now knew God was so much more than a bearded man in the sky. 

This is my first story. There are many others. What are your stories? 

Namaste,

Mareda

Change

It has been said that the only constant in life is change. The first time I heard someone make that statement, I shook my head and thought this was so wrong. However as time has passed, I find this statement to be true. I also find this to be comforting.

What if every day of our lives stayed the same. I'm sure many who are reading this think their days are the same. Wake up, go to work, come home, get dinner, do chores, go to bed, and repeat this same scenario the next day and the next. But are they really the same or do we keep them the same?

My life is changing again as it has many times over the years. I've prayed about this current change, meditated upon it, taken steps to move it forward. And now that the momentum is increasing, I find that an old feeling is trying to make headway into my psyche. Fear. It creeps in when I am falling asleep. My old friend, the ego, making sure my sleep doesn't come easily. It creeps in when unexpected events occur in my life that might affect my finances. It creeps in when I question my heartfelt desires. It creeps in when I question my self worth.

Yesterday, I allowed fear to be my buddy. I embraced it for what it was. I cried. I took a nap. I invited it into my meditation. I examined it and then bid it farewell. Fear is a product of not recognizing our truth. It comes to us in moments when we are weary, when we feel off center, when we forget our source.

I remembered during the process of embracing my fear that I am bigger than it is. I remembered that I had asked for change to occur. I remembered that change can be scary when trust is missing.

So today, I shall continue to move forward. I shall continue to do my mental work. I shall continue to know that I am a child of God. I shall continue to live life on this plane of existence loving every experience. I shall continue to know that I am more than enough. And when I doubt, I shall love myself even more.

Most importantly, I shall remember why I came to this planet at this particular time. Why?

To Love and to be a Healing Presence!

Why are you here? 

Namaste,

Mareda

Imagine

A short message today. 

A very important message today. 

A dream today. 

Maybe someday......

Imagine!

John Lennon's Imagine!

You may say I'm a dreamer

But I'm not the only one

I hope someday you'll join us

And the world will live as one.

                                ~ John Lennon

Peace and Blessings,

Mareda

Kindness and Respect.

Over the past few months, I have become more and more frustrated with the lack of kindness and respect exhibited by many people. I really do not understand why differences of opinion must elicit such hateful and rude comments.

As it is getting close to a major election, many of these comments are politically based; however, they have been present for a long time. Why is it necessary to be hateful when one does not agree with a political party or the person(s) who work within that party? I must admit I think back to comments I may have made about various people and wonder if I was that rude and intolerant. Maybe, but I know that now I will opt to criticize the ideology not the person. Hopefully this can be done in a constructive manner.

I recognize the fact that it is imperative that I not look at comments on Facebook and other social media. It seems that this is fertile ground for angry insults and degradation of various people and beliefs. That being said, I do sometimes succumb to viewing comments. Recently one really challenged me to keep my opinion to myself or lower myself to the same type of insults I was reading.

The post was about Planned Parenthood. I do not choose to go into the pros and cons about this organization. What disturbed me was the comment made by one particular person. This person indicated he/she was a Catholic who was Pro Life. They went on to say that the idiot liberal Pro Choice Democrats were the ones murdering babies, etc.etc. There was more to the post but it really isn't necessary to elaborate on the comments.

I am one of those liberal Democrats who is Pro Choice. I am not an idiot. I am not pro abortion. I have different opinions based on life experience and personal beliefs.

If I remember correctly, Jesus taught to cease judgment, to forgive, to love and to care for others. Obviously this person missed the message.

Why can't we discuss things rationally? Years ago I worked with a young woman who was as spiritually opposite me in her beliefs as anyone could be. At lunch we would discuss our beliefs. We did this with respect. She honored my opinions and I honored hers. Neither one of us changed the other one's mind but we understood each other just a little bit better. Such a shame more of these discussions are not taking place now.

All the great spiritual leaders of the past have taught love and acceptance. Is this so easy to forget or do we get so caught up in something we believe that we just don't give a damn about other peoples feelings?

What can we do to heal this anger and rudeness?

Treat others as we wish to be treated.

Be kind.

Bless those who are mean and hateful because they need it most. 

and

Remember the Golden Rule. It can be found in every faith tradition as shown below. 

Love and Blessings,

Mareda

Hate, Fear, Love or....DIVINE LOVE.

Hate is defined as an intense or passionate dislike usually deriving from fear, anger or a sense of injury.

Fear is defined as an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.

Love is defined as an intense feeling of deep affection.

The metaphysical definition of Love is that it is a divine attribute; it is an idea in the One Mind. God is Love and Love is God, or a quality in Being. The difference between Divine Love and human love is that Divine Love is  broad and unlimited, a universal and harmonizing power. Human love is based on personality and is selfish, lawless and fickle.

So what does this all mean?

Hatred is such a wasted emotion. Sure, I say there are certain things I "hate." This continuous rain for one thing. Of course, I am sure my friends in California would give thanks for some of it. I also hate the injustices that are rampant in our culture. Injustices that I really feel come from an underlying fear of the unknown.

Fear of the unknown. How many of us are somewhat fearful going into a dark room that we've never entered before? Will we trip over something? Is there someone lurking there? Fear of meeting new people. Will they like me? Will I like them?

Jerry Jampolsky says fear is the absence of love. I agree but I also know that it can be rather challenging to feel a deep affection for people you fear or who have committed a horrible deed against their fellow man. So what does one do?

This is where God comes in. God, Jesus, Buddha, Krishna, Muhammad. Turn to the deity who best emulates Divine Love for you and be with this Presence. Let Divine Love permeate every cell of your being. Allow Divine Love to be your driving force. This does not mean we condone acts of violence. It means we pour so much Love into the fear and hatred that seems to be defining us that it MUST evaporate into oblivion.

Today I send Love and Blessings to the people of Charleston, SC. I also send Love and Blessings to those people who hate. They hate for reasons only they know. May Divine Love challenge their beliefs and bring them to an epiphany of Love.

ALL LIVES MATTER! 

Namaste'

Mareda

Our Furry and Feathered Families

Anyone who knows me knows that I value the lives of my furry and feathered family members. Oh, what the heck, I value the lives of all God's creatures. However, dogs, cats, birds, chickens, bunnies and even those bratty squirrels mean a lot to me.

In April, two chickens joined the Eckert clan. Roxie and Ruby are quite the handful. They love to escape from the yard when they are allowed to roam out of their coop. They also love to lay their eggs under the deck. This is really not acceptable but they just don't listen no matter how much I explain this to them. So, every night for the last few nights either I go under the deck to retrieve the eggs or my daughter's boyfriend does. Such fun!



My family also includes two elderly gentlemen, my cats. Spookie and Damien are both getting up there. Damien will actually be "legal" soon. He has reached the ripe, old age of 21. And it shows. Sometimes, no one seems to be at home. There can be some trying times dealing with these two. By the way, I'm not into witchcraft. The names were chosen since they were both rescued around Halloween.


And, of course, there is Lucky Joe. My beloved lab mix who is going to be 14 this July. Such a love! He is also showing his age. The hips just don't want to do what he wants them to do. He is lovingly called Grandpa around here.

Then there are the birds I feed. The ones who somehow get into my sun room and need to be rescued. The rabbits who hop around at nightfall. And we can't forget the squirrels who love to eat bird seed and tomatoes. So far this year they have left the tomatoes alone. Maybe my threats to shoot them have made them believers. If they only knew I am so against guns and would never allow one in my home.

You may be wondering why this long discourse on my family. As well as the love I have for those furry and feathered family members, I also deeply care for those animals who are abused and tortured. I just don't understand the mentality of some people. Why would you have a pet, chain it, starve it, beat it, etc.?

I just read the latest rescue by Randy Grim of Stray Rescue of St. Louis. A dog who was chained was found hanging on a fence. Although Randy was able to rescue Gustav and get him to a vet, he didn't make it. He did receive loving care and hugs and kisses for his final few hours here on earth. Here is a link if you'd like to read about ""Gustav" and Stray Rescue: http://strayrescue.org/gustav. As far as I am concerned, Randy, his staff and all those other "angels" who work with rescue groups are as close to walking on water as anyone I know.

Yes, I know abuse is rampant all over. Spousal abuse, child abuse, so many abused. My heart cries when I think about it.

So, what can I do about it? I can spread love and kindness to everyone I meet and encounter. Especially to those who are mean and hateful. They need it the most.

Will you be a little more loving? Remember this song by the Beatles:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydfH7iuLR0I

Namaste',

Mareda

Successful sabotage.

A strange title but one that probably hits home for many of us. I know it does for me. If I am honest with myself, I see many ways that I have sabotaged my success or at least minimally delayed it. 

As many of you know, my main goal in my life at this time is to become a successful life coach. I've got the certification, the business cards, the brochures, the website, the Facebook page, etc. So why don't I have clients beating down my door? Well......

I recognize that success doesn't come overnight. Truth be told, an "overnight success" probably worked years to become just that. Success comes with commitment and dedication. I have commitment and dedication. So what is   going on?

A few weeks ago when I was bemoaning my fate to some friends, they reminded me that I am sowing the seeds for success in all that I am doing. Just as plants don't become mature overnight, neither do desires. You have to "move your feet" to see results. I've planted the seeds. However, I don't see any sprouts pushing through the soil. Why?

As much as I do not like to admit it, I see where I have been very successful in sabotaging my success or at least delaying it to a degree.  Here are a few examples.

Some months ago, my coach called and asked if I could fill in for her at a marketing event. It was at the last minute and I declined. Yes, I was scheduled to work that day but this was only for a couple of hours. I could have adjusted my work hours to fit this in. I also could have marketed my coaching business. One opportunity lost.

This blog is another good example. I created it to share my thoughts and feelings but also with the idea that it just might draw clients to me. So my last entry before this was in March. I don't have an explanation for this one. 

And then there is that "stinking thinking" also known as negative thinking. The thoughts arise that I am so busy and so tired, I wouldn't have the time or energy. Other thoughts come up that I really don't know what I'm doing. Thoughts that people don't want to or can't pay for a coach creep in. A quote from the Science of Mind Magazine for July says "If we are to experience success, we cannot afford to give any power to negative thinking or any power..."

What to do? What to do? 

STOP! Be grateful! Visualize success! Reverse all negative thoughts to the positive opposite! Be available! And trust that at the perfect time, success will push through the mental soil that has been cultivated with positive thoughts, weeded for the negative ones, and nourished with meditation and visulatization. 

I've had opportunities come to me. I chose to deny those opportunities. I have been very successful at sabotaging my success. Where do you sabotage your success? Be honest with yourself. It could be in a career, a relationship, health, weight, prosperity. 

I'm going on record right now that a successful coaching career is my #1 priority. When opporutnities arise, I shall take them and know that all else will fall into place. How about you?

Namaste,

Mareda

The Mystical Magic of Spring

For the last few weeks, we have been blessed with many spring-like days. Even though it is still March, life is beginning to sprout all over the place. The birds are busy building nests and waking me before dawn with their songs of joy. I've even seen a mosquito! The weather may still change but spring is on the horizon.


As I took my afternoon walk, I decided to capture spring in photos along the way so here goes.

Enjoy!

I must step onto my soapbox before I finish this blog entry. Many of us, myself included, have used or use chemcals to kill weeds, to fertilize our grass, etc. I ask each of you who read this blog to think and then think again before using these types of chemicals. It is my belief that they are slowly killing our planet, first the bees and then.... Well, I really don't want to go there. If you absolutely must use weed killer, wipe it onto the leaves of the weed you want to destroy. At least it won't get into the soil and air.  However, my suggestion is to either let the weeds grow so they can fulfill their purpose or get down on your knees, sit on your butt and pull them. Get dirty. Get in touch with Mother Earth. 

As I step off my soapbox, I wish you all a Happy Easter and a Blessed Passover. 

Namaste,

Mareda

Lift Every Voice and Sing

The title of this post is the first sentence in the "Negro National Anthem" also known as the "Black National Anthem." I had never heard this song before today. A friend made a presentation at church commemorating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King. She ended with this song. A very appropriate song for Dr. King but also for this time of conflict in our world. Here is the link.

Lift Every Voice and Sing

As I think about these words and as I continue to read "The Warmth of Other Suns," I wonder how much longer it will take for true equality to appear on Planet Earth. It seems that with all our education, we still remain uneducated in the path of love. The whites hate the blacks, the Christians hate the Muslims, the rich hate the poor and vice versa. All our enlightened men and women of history have taught love. Jesus, Muhammad, Buddha, Mother Teresa, Gandhi to name a few taught love and non-violence. Throughout history their teachings have been corrupted by a few who want us to believe they speak for the spiritual tradition. 

Our ignorance and inner fear keep us from accepting the uniqueness of others. As someone who has always been opposed to teaching religion in schools maybe religion should be taught. A complete and thorough understanding of all the religions of the world might just bring us to a better understanding of our world. Teaching the customs and traditions of all nationalities might bring us to a place of acceptance. 

As I step down from my soapbox, I'd like to end this entry with a new song by Tobey Keith. It fits well into what I've discussed. Getting along as one people. Enjoy. 

Drunk Americans 

Namaste,

Mareda

Empowerment! It's the real deal.

Today I received a billing from my insurance agent for my auto insurance. For the last two or three years my premium has been increasing every time it renews for no apparent reason. Granted it increased when my daughter began driving and her car was added to the policy. That is understandable but the rates for my car have also increased. Why? My agent did not give me a satisfactory answer when I questioned this but he has been my agent for a long time. I've always felt I could rely on his obtaining the best rates. I've always let the rate increases slide feeling certain my next rate increase would be less. This has not happened!

Now I'm sure you are wondering what in the world this has to do with mystical, metaphysical ideology. There is a method to my madness.  I'm going to start with definitions.

Complacency - a feeling of being satisfied with how things are and not wanting to try to make them better. 

Empowerment, specifically self-empowerment - taking charge of your own life. 

With regard to my auto insurance, I've taken steps to no longer be complacent. I've already contacted my agent and relayed my displeasure and have also contact other agents for quotes. I am empowered to take charge of this situation and change it.

As I think about this, I wonder where complacency plays a role in other aspects of my life. I know it has played a big part with my work situation. I've not been totally happy yet not willing to do anything about it. The financial security that goes along with a full time job lulls one into a sense of security. This changed early in 2014 when I finally figured out what I wanted to do "when I grew up." It further changed when my hours were cut from 40 to 20 a week beginning this January. I could be empowered to build my life coaching business or find another part time job or I could just whine and cry and worry about how in the world I would meet my financial obligations.

I chose empowerment. Putting one foot in front of the other one, I am working to market my business to those who may profit from re-inventing a life less than ideal or invent something totally new. If necessary, I will search for an additional part-time job.

What about those of you who are reading this blog? Are you complacent about your work? your education? your relationships? your finances? your health? It is easy to be complacent. Change can be very fearful even when things are less than ideal in your living experience. What do you want your life to look like? If you had a magic wand, what would happen if you used it?

Empowerment. 

It's the real deal. 

Not happy? Do something about it. Life on Planet Earth is too short to be unhappy about something you just might be able to change. The first step is the most difficult. After that, you might find you are singin' and dancin' down the street with a song in your heart. Even in the rain.  

Namaste,

Mareda

Mareda Eckert, Personal Mastery Life Coach

Changes

As I begin this year of 2015 my life is quite different. No longer working a 40 hour week at my usual job, I find I have more time for me. I'm not always sure what to do with it. As someone who is accustomed to being busy all the time, I find it rather challenging to have time to do what I want rather than what I have to do. An element of guilt comes up occasionally when I am not doing something. Talk about a human doing verses a human being!

So just what am I doing to fill up some of the vacant time slots until my coaching career takes off:

1. Meditate, meditate, meditate
2. Read for enjoyment
3. Educate myself about essential oils
4. Blog more
5. Love on my furry family members

These are things I do for myself. Not for my career. Not for money. Not for anything other than my own Good. It's nice. I am enjoying my new found freedom immensely.

I'd like to share a photo I discovered on Facebook that radiates the peace that I am seeking for my life on a daily basis. The reflections represent the truth that what you think manifests. Your physical world is a reflection of your thoughts. If you aren't happy with your life, consider changing your thinking. What kind of personal world do you want to call your home?

Remember - you are the only person who can change your life. When things appear to be going all wrong, find the good. It is there. Might just be hiding right in front of your eyes.

Namaste,

Mareda

2015 - A New Year

I'm usually not that moved when one year flows into another. It happens every year and has always just been for me another day or for many an excuse to party and get together with friends. This year is different.

As I look back at 2014, I realize it was quite a year for me. I received my Reiki I and Reiki II certification with Cynde Meyer, my Chakra Awakening: Crystal Healer Practitioner Certification Level I with Margaret Ann Lembo, and my Personal Mastery Life Coaching Certification with Cynde Meyer. What a year!

Receiving these certifications was great but the most wonderful part of this is the fact that I actually figured out, after some 60+ years on Planet Earth, what I wanted to do when I grow up. Healing using alternative avenues as those listed above is what it is all about for me. Traditional medicine is unbelievably miraculous but adding Reiki during chemo could make for a much better experience. And healing one's life that appears to be in a constant state of flux with a coach's encouragement could direct a person to a life of happiness and fulfillment.

With the culmination of my coaching classes, I knew that 2015 was the year I would begin a career of my own, Personal Life Coaching. I did wonder how in the world would this be possible when I worked many 10 hour days and was usually exhausted when I reached my home. Well, the Universe took care of that challenge.

The owner of the PT clinic where I work finally realized her dream of becoming a state representative. This win for her was a win for me also as it became very clear that she would not be in the clinic as much and would be cutting her hours of operation. For me this meant cutting my hours from a 40 hour work week to a 20 hour work week. YES!!! Now I'm sure you are wondering how I can see this as good since my salary would also be cut in half. The Universe has my back. It has always had my back. I usually just keep getting in the way of the miracles.

This year of 2015 is going to be a year of miracles and happiness and prosperity for me and everyone around me. No more worrying about how things will manifest. I'm just visualizing the end result and letting my guides and angels guide me. Will fear sometimes creep in? Sure. But it isn't staying for long. I'll look at it, make adjustments, and move on.

My goals for 2015 are success in a new coaching career, unlimited prosperity, more fun and who knows what else.

What do you plan for 2015? Make it wonderful. Leave all the negative stuff behind. It does nothing but weigh you down. What could you do to be of help to others by being good to yourself? I did good things for me in 2014 and plan to continue doing that in 2015; however, my good shall flow over to others also. Wow! I can hardly wait to see what I will have accomplished when 2016 rolls around.

IT'S GOING TO BE GOOD!

Namaste,

Mareda