A Cocoon of Sadness

Sadness is enveloping me in a cocoon from which I cannot emerge. So much hatred. So much bigotry. So much racism. So much anger. 

The Pledge of Allegiance says: 

"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

So many people think this should be said everyday at school, at all public sporting events, etc. I wonder if it is being repeated too much. Maybe we no longer hear what we are saying.

One Nation - All one, not divided by race, religion, nationality.

Under God - Granted this was added in 1954 but it was added. Don't think what is going on in this country is very God-like.

With liberty and justice for all - Not just for Christians, not just for white males, not just for "true Americans" (whoever they may be other than Native Americans.) 

Yes, I am also angry. I am angry that I have feelings of hate at the people who are hating. I am angry that I was so naive to believe the citizens of this country were better than this; that I was better than this. A lot of people aren't surprised at what is happening. I am. Sure I knew there would be dissent but never this. 

I am hoping and praying that enough level-headed, Love filled, Lightworkers can bring about a miracle. 

I shall start with me. Tonight I shall surround everyone, including me, with a bubble of Love, especially those who are so angry and hateful they feel they must retaliate in vengeful ways that cause harm.

Please join me.

Peace and blessings,

Mareda

The Feelings!

CATHARSIS - the process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from strong or repressed emotions.

This blog entry is a catharsis as a result of yesterday's presidential election. The feelings and emotions are almost too much to bear. So, I am going to "write them out." Here goes:

Why is there so much hate in this country? I don't understand how this happens other than it is fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of lack, fear of limitation, fear of loss. Fear that maybe, just maybe, they may be wrong. Maybe that person with a darker skin is really a very nice person. Maybe the person who goes to a mosque is really a gentle, caring being. Maybe the person from across the world could become your best friend and then what would you do.

I am frustrated too with those who know what is best for others in all  situations. Specifically the ProLife vs. ProChoice issue. ProChoice means everyone is going to have to have an abortion. ProChoice people are pro abortion, want to kill babies. Bull sh#*. I am ProChoice. I do not believe in abortions but sometimes they may be the best option. What I want to ask those who are ProLife 1) have you adopted? 2) have you fostered? 3) have you volunteered to help abandoned/abused children? 4) have you done anything to help parents who are having a challenging time emotionally or financially raising their children? Probably not. Most people are ProBirth. Once the child is here, it is not their problem.

Another frustration is insurance. You don't like Obamacare cause the premiums are too high. Yes they are high. So are the CEO's salaries. Well, if our president elect has his way, we won't have the Affordable Care Act much longer. We also won't have insurance if we have a pre-existing condition. Many children will be uninsured. And premiums will still be high. You can count on that.

I could rant some more about so many things but I already feel so much better. Sometimes it is necessary to vent. I am ready to go high. Don't like the low road. Thanks Michelle Obama.

I'm still not happy about the result. I am disappointed in those who allowed their fears to control them; however, Hillary did receive more of the popular vote. That tells me that there are more progressive people who truly want to make this country and world a better place. But I am ready to move on. I don't like this anger and frustration that has consumed me today.

As the lightworker I claim to be I am committed to move forward in Light and Love. Ideas are forming in my psyche to assist in the recovery of love in this country. My deepest desires are to bring light to the dark places, to overcome hate with love, and to provide solutions to the anger.

So this is not the end of the world no matter how it feels. It isn't over. I believe Light and Love will prevail.  Creation can be messy. My part is to speak the truth of my being. If you are offended, I really don't care.

Thank you for "listening" to my rant. It feels good.

Please check my website in the next few weeks (www.maredaeckert.com). Ideas are stirring in my mind and heart. Will keep you posted.

Peace and blessings!

Mareda

Words Esape Me

Hate, rascism and fear have somehow overcome Love, Acceptance and Trust. 

A sad day for this country and this world.

Lightworkers unite. We have our work cut out for ourselves. 

WE MUST OVERCOME THE DARKNESS 

THAT PERMEATES OUR COUNTRY AND OUR WORLD. 

When the shock wears off, we must work for the change. 

Mareda

Seeing the Good in Everyone

In just a few short hours, it will be Election day in the United States. A day when the citizens of this great country elect a new president. It has been an interesting campaign to say the least. It has been a difficult campaign for me as a metaphysician and evolving soul. 

I have discovered that loving everyone is much easier to talk about than to do. I have been challenged to love those who see things differently and who express their differences in what I consider hatred. 

Tonight I shall love everyone to the best of my human ability. 

To those who fear and express that fear with hatred and anger, I send you love. 

To those who have disappointed me when I find it difficult to understand their beliefs, I send you love. 

To those who I just "don't understand," I send you love. 

And most important, I allow the little "me" to be wherever I am in my growth as a Being of Light.  I may be a spiritual being but I am having a human experience. And it is okay to be challenged and have moments that aren't as loving as they could be. It is all Good for it is all God. 

It is my fervent hope that Love and Light shall prevail this Election Day and every day thereafter. 

Peace and blessings to all!

Mareda

Tragedy

I've often wondered why it takes a tragedy of monumental force to bring out the good in people. As soon as something horrific happens people rush to assist. They go to the area to physically assist, they send money, they pray, they are kinder individuals.

Two natural tragedies have and are occurring right now. Torrential rains and flooding in Louisiana and an earthquake in Italy. Home are lost, lives are lost, the future is affected for thousands of people. In addition, humans have created tragedies by carelessness which has resulted in fires destroying many acres of land in California

The aftermath brings back a sense of normality for those who were not the victims. People go back to their regular routines. Some continue to help but, sadly, most do not. The most recent tragedy is forgotten until the next occurs.

I suppose this is how Mother Nature keeps reminding us that we are here for each other. Maybe one day when this is not just something that becomes apparent when the world is in turmoil, the tragedies will cease. Maybe one day we will find it the norm to assist others with physical help, monetary help, with prayer and kindness just because it is the "right" thing to do. We've been taught this by the masters: Jesus, Buddha, Mohammad and so many more. I guess we are slow learners.

Today my prayers are for those people affected by the flooding and the earthquakes and the fires and the wars and on and on. But more than that my prayers are for all of us that we may discover the compassion within each of us on a daily basis.

Peace and blessings,

Mareda

For more information about me 

and the services I offer, 

please go to my website

www.maredaeckert.com.

Affirmative Prayer for the Week of August 21, 2016

In this very moment, there is only One Presence, One Power. Call it God, Intelligence, Life. It is.

I turn to this Presence now recognizing It as the Source of all that is. There is nothing apart from It. All is One. All is Good. All is Life evolving

Recognizing this truth, I now know that I am one in It. It is expressing through and as me. Every cell, every atom of my physical presence is made of this Divine Stuff. I am a Divine Being of Universal Energy expressing good at the level of my comprehension.

Right now, I open myself to a greater understanding of this Divine Truth. I allow myself to release all feelings of inferiority and unworthiness. I am part of the Divine. I am more than enough. I am a vehicle for the Divine to express.

Wow! How great is that? God is using my body as an expression of Itself. Knowing this, I recognize that my life is here for a purpose, a Divine Purpose. Right now, I declare that I am serving my Source to the best of my human ability.

I now declare that I am more conscious of who I am every moment of every day. I declare that I shall greet every other being walking on planet earth with the realization that they, too, are Divine in origin. I shall not let human experiences color my opinion of them. Right now, I know that God is loving me, accepting me, and supporting me on my path. When I allow my humanness to hide that which is Divine, I let go of my disappointment in me and know that I am an evolving being of light. God loves me as me and supports me always and forever.

I accept this. I give thanks for this. In gratitude, I release these words knowing they have power and create a movement in the universe that cannot be stopped.

Thank you Mother-Father-God. It is done.

And so it is and so I let it be.

Mareda

If you are interested in receiving a personal affirmative prayer, 

please email me at maredaeckert1@gmail.com.

 

For more information about me 

and the services I offer, 

please go to my website

www.maredaeckert.com.

Affirmative Prayer for the Week of August 14, 2016

Today I remember that there is only One Presence, One Power, One Life.

Today I remember that this Presence expresses in and through and as all.

Today I remember that I am an expression of this One Presence.

Today I remember that I am Divine as I live and move and have my being in It.

Today I remember that my life is connected to all lives by an invisible thread of Good.

Today I remember that as I consciously connect with Divine Truth all my needs are met and then some.

Today I remember that I am healthy, wealthy and wise.

Today I remember that my innermost desires that are good and true and just are manifesting in the here and now.

Today I remember that my words have power.

Today I remember that as I release my words, they come back to me as the manifestation of the good that It wants me to experience.

Today I remember to give thanks.

Today as I remember and trust, I know that all is well in my world for All is Good.

And so it is and so I let it be.

Peace and Blessings,

Mareda

If you are interested in receiving a personal affirmative prayer, 

please email me at maredaeckert1@gmail.com.

For more information about me 

and the services I offer, 

please go to my website

www.maredaeckert.com.

A Beloved Blanket

Twenty some years ago, a little 3-year-old girl left the country of her birth with one possession, her blanket. Think about this for a moment. Leaving the only home you have ever known, unable to take anything with you except a blanket.

I had a chance to speak with this accomplished young woman recently. Now in her 20's, she is a high school teacher working toward her doctorate. Listening to her and questioning her was an education in itself.

She and her parents left Bosnia during the war in the 90's. They lived in Germany for some time and were then able to come to the United States and eventually became citizens.

A little history lesson: between 1992 and 1995, over 100,000 deaths occurred during a genocide much like that in Hitler's Germany. Actually this conflict was more of an ethnic cleansing. The Bosnian-Serbs wanted control and that control included eliminating much of the Muslim population.

So what did I discover in my conversation.

I found that this young woman began a study of Islam during her teens and embraced it wholly when she was in her late teens. She prayed five times a day, followed dietary restrictions and was covered with a Hijab (covering of head and chest) when she went to her mosque. This was a time of spiritual fulfillment; however,...

Soon her parents feared for her safety and suggested she refrain from following this path. She stopped going to the mosque, praying and wearing a Hijab. And for now, she is okay with that.

My feeling is that this is so sad. In a country where our forefathers came for religious freedom, this young immigrant is fearful to live her beliefs. Some of you reading this are thinking, "It is Islam. No need for a religion of repression and terrorism." Read on because I also discovered some other interesting facts.

This talented and beautiful young woman talked to me about cultural traditions verses religious traditions. Many Middle Eastern nations have cultural restrictions for women that have virtually nothing to do with religion in any form. The Burqa (covers everything but eyes) is cultural not something the Quran requires. There is really nothing in the Quran that says a woman must cover all of her body. Modesty is the key.

I did some research as far as head covering and found that there are similarities in old Jewish traditions regarding head coverings. These are very similar to the Hijabs worn by many Muslim women. Similarly women were required to wear a head covering in Catholic churches during mass. I could go on and on but won't.

When we talked about what Islam teaches, she indicated it teaches basically the same thing that all religions teach: non-violence, goodness, and love. One God just many paths.

Of course, there are those who say they are Muslims who are terrorists. They kill, rape and plunder. These people are not Muslims. They interpret the Quran in a way that benefits their violent causes just as others of various faiths have done. Much of this is political manipulation and just plain insanity.

So why have I chosen this subject in a blog about mystical happenings and miracles? I feel it is important to explore that which is different, that which is unknown. How many people reading this really know what Islam teaches? Or Christianity? Or Judaism? Or Hinduism? or Buddhism? or......

I have a working understanding of many of these faiths. I enjoy discovering the nuances in each of them. The one unchanging aspect is they all affirm life. One must remember that almost all of these Holy Books were written many, many years ago. Many are historical in nature. Life was a lot different then.

I would like to challenge everyone reading this blog to read about a different faith, to attend a different church or synagogue or temple or mosque. Become friends with someone of a different faith, ethnicity, race, or sexual orientation. You might just be surprised by the similarities.

Embrace The Unknown! Your life just might become bigger and bolder and more wonderfull than ever.

Peace and blessings,

Mareda

If you are interested in receiving a personal affirmative prayer, 

please email me at maredaeckert1@gmail.com.

 

For more information about me 

and the services I offer, 

please go to my website

www.maredaeckert.com.

Affirmative Prayer for Week of August 7, 2016

One.

Only One.
One Life.
One Intelligence.
One Power.
One.

I turn to this One now and recognize It as the source of all Good. As It only knows Good, only Love, only Infinite Intelligence, only Unconditional Love, It knows that at the center of my being that is what I am.

I now declare that I am Good, Love, Intelligence, and Love for I am an expression of the One. Just as a drop of water is part of the ocean I am a part of this Divine One. There is no separation other than that which I create. As I allow myself to accept my divinity, I express that Divinity.

This is true not only for me but for all who express here on this earth plane. We are all expressions of the One. All are created out of the same Stuff. It is our choice as to how we express. Do we express uniquely as emissaries of the Divine or do we express our littleness in ignorance of our true heritage?

I am now choosing to express my Divine heritage. Furthermore, I am open to seeing the Divine in each and everyone of those living on Earth right now. I let go of the outer trappings of anger and fear that permeate so much of our world and see beyond appearances. I look into the eyes of everyone I meet and see the eyes of the Divine. I rise above the hatred, the appearance of lack and limitation, and the differences. We are all One!

Yes! We are all One!

I accept this!
I believe this!
I know this!

At this very instant in time, I release these words and know.  I am one with  the Divine Presence that is THE ONE!

And so it is. And  so I let it be.

Mareda

If you are interested in receiving a personal affirmative prayer, 

please email me at maredaeckert1@gmail.com.

For more information about me 

and the services I offer, 

please go to my website

www.maredaeckert.com.

Affirmative Prayer for the Week of July 31, 2016

As I breathe in, I breathe in Peace. As I exhale, I exhale stress and fear. Ah, the wonder of it all. Letting go of the stress, the fear. Luxuriating in Peace.

In this Peace, I discover the Presence of the Divine. Universal Intelligence is here guiding me as I consciously connect with it. I am part of It and Its magnificence. All are part of It.  Awareness is the key. As I become more aware of this presence in everything I do, in everyone I meet, an awareness of the Good in all becomes apparent.

In these times of fear and anxiety, I know that there is a Peace that passes all understanding. This Peace comes from that which is Divine. Universal Love and Truth rules as we get our littleness out of the way.  I remove the little me from the equation and allow the Larger Me that the Divine Presence knows to express through me.

Right this very instant, I declare that this Presence is unfolding a miracle in this world. I trust that there is Divine Right Action taking palce in the depths of the unknown and the Highest Good is manifesting NOW! Good shall prevail. Love shall prevail.  It is happening in the darkest places. Shadows disappear when the Light of Love pours forth from the hearts of those who allow Love to rule their lives. No more fear. Nor more hate. No more greed. Only that which is Good, Kind, and Affirming is being expressed.

I accept this for everyone right now. ALL people are expression sof the Divine. ALL people have a part in this Divine Drama we call Life on Earth. Good Always is Victorious. This is my declaration.

Releasing these words, I know and accept that Divine Right Action is taking place in the here and now. It is done. It cannot be otherwise.

I give thanks to that which is All Good, All Intelligent, All Life, All Love. Thank you Mother-Father-God.

And so it is. And so I let it be.

Peace and blessings,

Mareda

If you are interested in receiving a personal affirmative prayer, please email me at maredaeckert1@gmail.com.

For more information about me 

and the services I offer, 

please go to my website

www.maredaeckert.com

Affirmative Prayer for the week of July 24, 2016

Years ago a dear friend encouraged me to begin a blog. I followed her advice. She wanted me to include affirmative paryers in this blog. I did not follow her advice. She is once again nudging me to do this. This time, I shall follow her advice. My intention is for this to become a weekly entry into this blog. An affirmative prayer (please refer to my website as to the definition of Affirmative Paryer or Spiritual Mind Treatment ~ www.maredaeckert.com) to guide and uplift the readers of this blog follows. And so it begins...

Taking in a long, slow deep breath and releasing the stresses of daily life,  I consciously connect with the Presence of God. The Presence that is all good, all knowing, all intelligence, all power. There is absolutely nothing but this Thing that I call God. Right now, I know that It dwells within me, acts as me, and truly is me. There is absolutely no separation now or ever.

This is true for all life, all sentinent beings. All are a spark of the Divine. All have that within them that is Good. No matter what the appearance, there is Good within everyone, everything, every experience. Deeply held within the soul of man there is Good.

Knowing this, I speak these words for those who have feelings of fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of that which is different, fear of those who speak differently, fear of those who worship differently, fear of loss and limitation. So many fears and yet the biggest fear is the absence of love. The Love that created us at the moment the Divine thought of us.

Knowing this, I now proclaim that the hearts of all humankind are opening to the spark of Love that knows only courage and grace. Every action is now guided by a deep and abiding wisdom that supercedes any feelings of fear. A great "aha" reverbirates through the universe. Lives are changed one by one. Light overcomes the darkness. Love overcomes hate. Peace overcomes violence. No longer is it necessary to judge those who seem to be different. Underneath we are one. Our hearts and souls are connected with a Divine Thread that cannot be broken. The knots of this Divine Thread are now coming undone and there is a free flow of Perfect Love.

Life is Good. God or the Universe or Divine Intelligence is Good. I now accept this for each and every person reading these words. Lives are changed as hearts are opened. Accept only the Good. Share that Good with everyone you meet. Love as you have never loved before. Remember you are an emmisary of the Divine. You have been chosen to spread Love by your Creator. This is your purpose. Begin Now!

These words I am speaking have power for they are coming through me from deep within. I release them knowing they are beginning a ripple of Good that shall start a Love Revolution.

I let go knowing it is done. And so it is. And so I let it be.

Peace and Blessings,

Mareda

For a personal affirmative prayer, 
please contact me at 
maredaeckert1@gmail.com.

For more information about me 

and the assistance I offer, 

please go to my website

www.maredaeckert.com.

Feel free to share this prayer.

Namaste.

Fifty Years!

Fifty years - 600 months, 2,607 weeks plus one day. I could go into days, hours, minutes and seconds but I think you get  the point. Lots of time.

The year of 2016 marks 50 years since I graduated from high school. It really doesn't seem possible. I still "feel" the energy of my school years. The fun, the excitement of a win at football, the winning basketball team, walking down the halls of DHS to an exam, the angst common in teenage years and so much more.

Earlier this year a group of the DHS Class of 1966 began to meet to plan the best reunion ever. At first, I wondered why in the world did I want to get involved. I'm already busy. I've been in planning sessions before and they ain't fun. A couple of people end up doing everything with others just offering criticism. But...

This is not what happened. We started meeting and these planning sessions became fun. We did the work. Goodness we even had an agenda and took notes. We made plans, set deadlines, and assigned projects. We also reconnected. It was almost like no time had gone by. Sure we are all a little bit more mature with our bodies showing symptoms of the fact that 50 years have passed. Some of us are a bit grayer, balder or have added a few pounds, but...

At heart, we remain the same. Kids who like to laugh and relive those glory days of high school. Forgotten are those times we didn't understand geometry. Forgotten are those days we felt inferior or self conscious. We remember the fun, the classmates, the teachers. Our reunion is still in the planning stages with two more meetings before the actual party. If our DHS Class of 1966 Reunion is half as much fun as the meetings have been, we will have succeeded in having the best reunion ever.

What does this experience tell me?  Remember the good times, the fun, the joy in living. Remember to laugh more, complain less. We tend to focus so much on the negative that we forget about all that is good. And I don't care what the media says, there is a lot of good in this world. Make the naysayers crazy with your laughter and positive attitude.

Maybe communities could have planning sessions that look for the good. Maybe their agendas could include the following:

Give hugs. 

Forgive. 

Show gratitude. 

As has been said before, be the change you wish to see in the world. 

And last but not least, LAUGH! Laugh till you cry! Big, bold, belly laughs. 

Staying with the subject of high school, maybe this can jumpstart the laughter. 

Peace and blessings,

Mareda

Sad...again!

I really don't have much to say. I really don't know what to say. The fear and hate felt by so many in this world is beyond my comprehension. So, once again, in the words of the late John Lennon:

Imagine

My wish for today is that the people who are saddened by the latest act of hate which occurred in Orlando stand up for what is right and good. That they unite in Love and Light. Darkness cannot prevail when the Light enters. 

May Peace surround and support all those who have been affected by senseless violence. 

Peace and blessings,

Mareda

Going Home...A Tribute to Those Who Have Left This World

Today a good friend is "going home." Others have gone before him and we will all follow at some point in the future. The majority of the time, I am accepting that this is a part of the life we live. It is just a step into another experience. An experience I expect to be one of Goodness, Truth and Infinite Love.

Sometimes I find it very difficult to accept this death of a body. Some people are just larger than life. There have been a few people who I still feel walk this earth. Maybe they do just not in a body as we know it. I can think of three people who fit this category.

Digna Amano Martin 
I worked with Digna years ago when I lived in DeSoto, Missouri. She was the nurse for Dr. Andres Bonifacio. We became very close friends. Digna was challenged with lupus. Her body was ravaged by this disease. Yet I never heard one complaint from her. She was there for everyone even to the week before her passing. Someone needed her help babysitting. She was there for that baby.

Ernie Hays
Ah, what can I say about Ernie that has not already been said? First time I heard of Ernie was when my minister, Rev. Satterlee, told me this man would be the new organist at our church. Rev. Satterlee said "he plays for the Baseball Cardinals." Not a baseball fan, I couldn't figure out how a baseball player was going to be in church on Sunday mornings. I soon discovered that Ernie was an extraordinary organist. He was also one of the sweetest most giving men I have ever known. His jokes were another story but made him all the more unique.

And then there is Marvin Levin
Today is the day Marvin is officially sent home. He graced this earth for 91+ years and left a legacy that few can match. His contributions to the diabetic community changed the scene for the diabetic foot. I cannot even find words to express what Marvin meant to me. His emotional support during a very difficult time in my life was always present. His "to-do" list on a yellow legal pad made the work day a little more organized and very busy. Yes, there were days when all I could say when he appeared in my office was "Marvin!"  He would respond with "Ok, I'm leaving now." Ah, to hear those words again. Maybe I will today at his Memorial Service.

Other family members and friends who have passed are missed and still loved beyond anything I could have imagined. It is not my intent to minimize their passing. There is just something different about these three people. I am wondering if any of you reading this blog have this experience.

The following song was played at my maternal grandfather's memorial service in early 1970. It has always touched my heart at a very deep level.

Going Home by Libera

Peace and Blessings,

Mareda

Church

A few months ago, a friend asked me why I no longer went to church. For the last 30+ years, my Sunday mornings were spent at church. Attending, participating, speaking, teaching Sunday School. You name it and I did it. It was a choice I made because that was where I wanted to be. My church of choice was New Thought/metaphysical so there was no demand that I had to attend. This was where I received my infusion of spiritual energy for the coming week. I loved it.

Something happened though and I changed. No longer was I infused with the spiritual energy after attending church as I relished in the past.  I started searching for something more.

I attended various New Thought Churches and enjoyed them. I "live-streamed" Agape International Spiritual Center with Rev. Michael Bernard Beckwith and must admit my psyche was lifted. I meditated on Sundays for a longer period than my usual daily morning meditations. All of this was good; however, this morning I truly discovered why the church of my choice had radically changed.

As I sat in my sunroom with the windows wide open, I listened. I listened to the birds singing their songs of praise. No one was telling them what to sing. They just sang their hearts out. I watched as they flew from one branch to another. Some were building nests for their soon-to-be families. As I moved to my deck with my trusty companion Rasha, I felt the warmth of the sun on my face and the gentle breeze moving past me. The seeds I had planted a week or so ago were sprouting. Flowers were beginning to bloom. I saw the first rose of this season blooming amidst the thorns of the bush. Life was happening in all God's glory. No one was telling any of these living things what to believe, who to love or not love. They were just going about their business. Granted this was one of those days that could only be described as a perfect spring day, but I finally got it.

I do not need a church or church atmosphere to feel the Presence of God. I do not need someone telling me what the Bible says or does not say (or any holy book for that matter). I am divinely connected to the source and when I get quiet and truly listen with my heart, I know at the deepest level possible what is Good and Godly.

So this is why I only grace the inside of a church or church service occasionally. For those of you who go to church, I truly hope it is because you are infused with the Love of God in that holy place.

Peace and blessings,

Mareda

Peace ~ Harmony ~ Laughter ~ Love

In the past when I recommend meditation as a means to relieve stress or gain more inner peace, I've come across some resistance when I suggest using a mantra. Just the term "mantra" seems to bring up feelings of fear. This baffles me but ingrained belief systems are powerful.

This morning the following image appeared in my Facebook feed. I'm sharing it with you as I feel this could be a way to connect to that spot within that is Divine. With Namaste Cafe's permission, here is the image.

Five minutes a day could change your life experience. Try it. You might just like it. And, check out Namaste Cafe Facebook page. 

Peace and blessings,

Mareda

Sometimes Everything Just Works Out

Have you ever wonder why events in your life just seem to work out? I have. There are days that everything just falls into place. No challenges, or so it seems. No unkind people, or so it seems. Why does this happen?

Today is one of those days. Yesterday was one of those days. Wow, I must be on a roll.

In retrospect I think I know why. I am going with the flow and trusting. No resistance. No worrying. Just letting it all go and choosing to focus on all that is right in my life.

I had plans this weekend. I was going to install raised beds for the garden I plan to have this summer. I had young people to help, had a plan to buy 16 forty pound bags of soil, and was on my way to Home Depot to buy a new and improved shovel. Before Friday came to a conclusion my help couldn't help and snow showers were predicted for Sunday. What?!?!?!?

I must admit I was rather frustrated about this change in plans. The thought did run through my mind that if I were a bit younger and more fit I could do this myself. I wouldn't need anyone to help. I used to do things like this all the time. However, that is no longer my reality. This body I live in requires a bit of maintenance and care it didn't require 30 years ago.

As I moved through my day, I made the decision to go with the flow. Okay, no garden this weekend. Maybe it is too early anyway. After all it isn't even April.

With that decision, the sun came out in my world and all was well. Could it be that the decisions we make color our world? I think so.

We are living in a time of unrest, anger and division in this great country of ours. It is great already no matter what some people say. Maybe, just maybe, we need to believe this. Maybe, just maybe, we need to make the choice that life is for us and not against us. Maybe, just maybe, we who believe in kindness, compassion, inclusion and love could speak out loud and clear about our beliefs. Love and Light shatter the darkness. It is the responsibility of the Lightworkers of this world to be the Love, Kindness and Compassion we think is missing. We are stronger than any force of apparent greed, hatred and anger.

My intention today is to be the Love, Light and Compassion the Divine instilled in me at the moment of my creation. What about you? Can you stop complaining about the insanity and become the positive opposite?

"Be the change you wish to see in the world."

This may not be the easiest thing to do. I will be the first to admit there is a tremendous amount of anger and hatred circling our globe. Turning off the news on TV may be an option. Staying away from the Internet and Facebook might be another. Or maybe when something negative and hateful turns up in your news feed or on the TV, you can just bless the source with Love and Light. This could just change the world.  It's worth a try.

Peace and blessings to everyone today and always.

Mareda

525,600 Minutes

There are 525,600 minutes in a year. How do you choose to spend these minutes?  In hate? In anger? In fear? or In love? I saw this You Tube video just now on Facebook and decided this was what I wanted to share on my blog.

Seasons of Love

This is only a song but it has a very important message. I love the "what ifs" in life. Love. This is what the world needs. Not more money. Not more guns. Not more things. Love toward all. 

Be the love you wish to see in the world.

By the way, this is Leap Year. You have an additional 1440 minutes to love. Sweetness.

Peace and blessings,

Mareda

A New Day, A New Year

Today is the first day of 2016. The morning greeted me with sunshine streaming into my windows. Quite a welcome relief from the seemingly never-ending rain and gloom that ended 2015 with more than a little splash. This area of the country in Missouri and Illinois is still reeling from flooding that swept away homes, closed highways and left too many people with water in their basements and homes.

When the flood of 1993 occurred, a friend told me she thought it was Mother Nature's way of cleansing the negativity that permeated our world. Maybe. Heaven knows that this world is presently saturated in a blanket of fear, hatred and anger. Between this negativity and what we are doing to our environment, I feel certain Mother Nature is downright pissed at our actions and reactions. Maybe the rain is a result of climate change or maybe a slap on the side of the head to tell us to wake up.

My childhood home was right next to a small stream. It was a place where I played for many hours with my cousin Kurt. We would catch minnows and release them. We would build towns on the banks of the stream. When the rain came this little stream was anything buy little. It overflowed and became a mighty force with which to be reckoned. I remember the fear that consumed me then. What would we do? How could we fix this?

During my marriage, my former husband and I lived in the country. We had a great deal of land and decided that our back yard needed to become a lake. The dam was constructed over many months and in one afternoon during a very heavy rain, a three acre lake was filled to overflowing. I walked around the house ringing my hands in fear. What would we do? How could we fix this?

In 1993, the might Mississippi became mightier and flooded its banks. A whole town in Illinois was wiped out. Valmeyer is now in the history books as a once flourishing small town of friendly people. My parents lived near a flood plane. They were senior citizens. What if the levee broke? How could they escape? Fear consumed me. What would we do? How could we fix this?

I share these examples because during this time of flooding I am not reacting in fear, however, I am wondering what to do and how to fix it. I have some thoughts about this.

You see, I do believe we have created these disasters at a level beyond human comprehension. God or the Universe or whatever you want to call a higher power did not do this to us in retribution for some wrong we have committed. The human population must take responsibility. Our anger and hatred creates an atmosphere that draws negative experiences to us. Our disregard for human life and the life of Planet Earth perpetuates the death of all that is good. Enough about that disasters and negativity. I have an idea or two to change this downward spiral to one that rises above and shines a light on all humanity.

In 2016, my intention is to live life fully and completely. I shall love, laugh, and be more compassionate to everyone, particularly those who need it the most. Here are some examples of what I intend to do.

 1. Smile more
 2. Laugh more
 3. Love more
 4. Meditate more
 5. Surround myself with positive and loving people
 6. Give more love to those who need it most
 7. Take things less seriously
 8. See the good in every experience
 9. Give to those in need (financially) whenever possible
10. Be gentle with myself
11. Be a steward to Mother Earth
12. Trust the Universe
and
13. Turn off the news and block negativity from my newsfeed on Facebook.

This year of 2015 was a good year. Yes, two very special fur babies were sent across the Rainbow Bridge but they were loved beyond explanation.

Lucky Joe and Spookie

are running free now. 

Happy and pain free. 

Their love remains here as does

 the essence of their beingness. 

We have a new fur baby, Rasha. 

She graces our home with love and lots of snores. 

Doesn't think much of vacuums or smudging though. 

My two jobs are now decreased to only one. It is a pleasure to work with like-minded people who laugh and treat others with respect and compassion. Although my coaching career did not take off as planned, this is a new year and I am ready to be successful and help others be successful in return.


I welcome 2016 with open arms and expect this year to be great! It has been said many times by many people to be the change you wish to see in the world. My request of you is to do just that. Turn off the anger, the hate, the animosity, the fear. Love your neighbor as yourself. If I am not mistaken, I believe that is what a great teacher and mystic professed. Seeds of hate grow hatred. Seeds of love grow love. What seeds do you want to plant this year?

It isn't easy to overcome fear and negativity. It has taken me years to get to where I am today. I have discovered methods to bring more peace into your personal world which in turn can bring about universal change.

Wouldn't it be loverly to see this world change into one of love and acceptance?

Peace and blessings,

Mareda

Please contact me if you are interested in moving beyond fear.

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