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Making Healthy Decisions – Part 8

Hello everyone,Continuing on with our series on Making Healthy Decisions the question of today is:

What Would Make Me Genuinely Happy?

On the surface, this sounds like a no-brainer. For some, getting a relationship back together is number one on their list! For others, a new home, more money, better job, etc. is on their list. For some, getting into a relationship is on their list.

However, I am going to encourage you to rework that list! I am not saying that all of those things above might not make you happy. But is that what it would take to make you genuinely happy? I guess a question within a question is "What is happy?" That is a subject too big to tackle right here! Generally speaking, I do think it is a question to consider within the question of what would make you genuinely happy.

I see so many folks working towards a relationship that they are sure is going to solve all their problems and,as they ride off into the sunset, they will be immediately happy. Looking beyond that initial sunset, to see what that life would REALLY be like with that person is something that I often see overlooked.

But in a broader sense of the subject of seeing what would make you genuinely happy, it's good old list time! :-) I highly encourage everyone to make that list! If it is just a one-word list that says, "Johnny" then you need to look beyond that, seriously. What other things will make you happy? How can you attain them? If you are unhappy with your present circumstances and want them to change, what are you willing to do to change them? How big of a role are you willing to take in your own happiness… your genuine happiness? Will you listen to and/or take advice? Will you explore all your options? How are you willing to try?

Don't forget the small things, too! Include them on your list! How many of these happy-makers did you do yesterday, last week, this year? Which ones can you indulge in today? When you're facing a challenge, ask what would make you happy in this situation.

Cast a wide net! You may have "buying a new car" on your list, but if you also remember that "dinner with friends" and "playing with my dog" are great for you, you get to be happy every day–and that's important. What would make you happy now (that wouldn't make you unhappy later)? Do that!

Then, take the decision you are trying to make and see what about it will or will not make you genuinely happy!

Love, Mambo Samantha Corfield, www.spellmaker.com

July 23, 2011
Making Healthy Decisions – Part 7

Hello everyone! Continuing on with our series about Making Healthy Decisions! (I will do a wrap up of this when it is all done – so you will have the list of questions all in one place!

Today's question to ask yourself in your decision making process is:

Should I be acting or should I be stepping back?

Okay, so this can be a tough one. Do we wait and "see what happens" or do we jump in take that bull by the horns, wrestle it to the ground, and show it who's boss? :-) Living in this microwave-instant message-tweet-email-Facebook status updating-seeminglyinstant gratification world can be detrimental to our decision-making process. We are beginning to feel that everything needs an instant action! That just isn't true! Some things are best left alone, left to marinate, left to give a chance to breathe and perhaps evolve into something else.

Countless times we've all acted too soon or without sufficient information, or we've stepped in where our input wasn't needed (or wanted – what is up with that – it seems that I can hardly even go to the grocery store without someone commenting on what I should be doing/buying, etc. – so strange… anyway…) and muddied circumstances that were already working themselves out.

When you ask yourself, quietly and confidently, what your part is in a given situation, and where to wait (or exit entirely), you'll get a clear idea of your role. If you ask the question and still want to act against the advice of your internal coach, remind yourself that, although life is a series of little dramas, none of them needs a drama queen (or king).

Of course, as with other decision-making processes, it takes some thought to decide when to act and when to step back and see what happens. Putting these question together with the other questions, however, lets you see that this is just part of a whole process. Putting the process together will make much more sense in the end! 🙂

Love, light, and peace,

Mambo Samantha Corfield, www.spellmaker.com

July 14, 2011
Madrid, NM.

Below are a few pictures from an afternoon this spring in Madrid, NM. Pronounced Maaaaaah-drid 🙂 Marran, Parran and myself had a really wonderful lunch, and did a bit of shopping in this "recovered" ghost town that is now the home of many little shops and art galleries. The weather was just lovely and it was a splendid day. Thank you MaMere & MaPere!

Enjoy the pics!

Love, Sister Bridget

The Mine Shaft Tavern. The movie "Wild Hogs" with Tim Allen and John Travolta was filmed here.

Locomotive engine parked behind the Mine Shaft.

MaMere and I at a shoppe which was located in a rail car. I got a lovely little pouch to keep my prayer beads in.

June 23, 2011
We’ll miss you, Clarence!

As many of you have heard by now, Saxaphone Great Clarence Clemons passes away over the weekend from complications of a stroke. As one who grew up listening to Clarence, I know I will miss his music and his philosphy greatly. He was wonderfully talented and I know his music will live on for years and years to come. We will miss you, Big Man!

"In the mental calmness of a spiritual life, I have found that the answers to the whys in our lives are able to come to you. In my music I find the same thing."

"It's a matter of choosing what is most important to you and putting that first. Once you have recognized your true purpose in life, this becomes much easier. "

You're a Friend of Mine by Clarence Clemmons

Striking out?
Well count me in
I'm gonna stand right by your side through thick or thin
Ain't no doubt
Gonna win
A walk through hell ain't bad compared to where we've been

Oh you can depend on me
Over and over… over and over
Know that I intend to be
The one who who always makes you laugh until you cry
And you can call on me until the day you die

Years may come and go
Here's one thing I know
All my life
You're a friend of mine

That argument I can't forget
We fought so hard I don't think I've recovered yet
The girls we knew
Who thought you were cool
I never introduced my favorite ones to you

Oh you can depend on me
Over and over… over and over
Know that I intend to be
The one who who always makes you laugh until you cry
And you can call on me until the day you die

Years may come and go
Here's one thing I know
All my life
You're a friend of mine

Oh you can depend on me
Over and over… over and over
Know that I intend to be
The one who who always makes you laugh until you cry
And you can call on me until the day you die

Years may come and go
Here's one thing I know
All my life
You're a friend of mine

Oh you can depend on me
I'll be fine
cause you're a friend of mine
yeeaah
I'll be fine
cause you're a friend of mine

June 21, 2011
Quote for today…..

"When you wake up in the morning, Pooh," said Piglet at last, "what's the first thing you say to yourself?"

"What's for breakfast?" said Pooh. "What do you say, Piglet?"

"I say, I wonder what's going to happen exciting today?" said Piglet.

Pooh nodded thoughtfully. "It's the same thing," he said.

Have an exciting day!

Love, Sister Bridget

June 20, 2011
Happy Father’s Day!

Happy Father's Day to all Dads out there! I would like to take a moment to say a special gratitude to Parran Matt for all that he does for our Family and our House. Love You, MaPere!

"Other things may change us, but we start and end with family"
~ Anthony Brandt

June 19, 2011
Quote for today…..

March on. Do not tarry. To go forward is to move toward perfection. March on, and fear not the thorns, or the sharp stones on life's path. ~~~ Khalil Gibran

June 7, 2011
Meditating with Trees.

Hi there!

Now that it is officially warm here in the Northeast, I have been able to spend some periods of time outdoors with the trees, one of my favorite things to do. I have a brief, rather unofficial ritual I do when I sitting with a tree. I find sitting quietly with a tree is a very powerful way for me to connect with the enviornment and also feel closer to Gran Bwa. There is no real right or wrong way to do this- I present these steps as a general guide that works well for me 🙂

Go for a walk in the woods or a park, or even your own yard. Be sure this is someplace you feel safe and *are* safe. Look at the different trees, quiet your mind, tune into them. You will find that different trees have different personalities! Some will feel warm and inviting, others may not be receptive to having company that day 🙂 Some may feel strong, some happy and upbeat, others not so much.

When you feel attracted to a tree, move in towards it. Spend a few minutes getting to know the tree- look at its shape, its foliage, the shape and texture of the bark, the roots. Unfocus your eyes and look for the tree's aura. Using the palm of your nondominant hand, sweep around the tree and see if you can feel how far it's energy extends. Make an energetic connection with the tree. How does it feel? Take a bit of foliage, feel it's texture, notice it's scent, temperature, shape and size.

Open your mind and your heart, and ask the tree if you can sit with it for a while. I very rarely have a tree say "No" but it is always polite to ask permission! If the answer is "Yes", walk around the tree once and pick a comfortable place to sit. Before sitting down, place your hands on the trunk and take three deep breaths. You may feel guided to give the tree a hug! Go right ahead 🙂 Take a few moments and strengthen your connection with your new friend.

When you are ready, sit down in your comfortable spot with your back up against the trunk of the tree. Clear your mind and just be with the tree. Open yourself to guidance from the tree. Be relaxed, breathe slowly and deeply. Be present. Feel the trunk of the tree against your back. Feel the warmth of the soil beneath you. If some intrusive thoughts pop into your mind, place them in a cloud and let them float away. Remain quiet and peaceful for as long as you like. Be with the tree.

When you are feeling ready, "talk" with the tree. If you have questions about the tree or the land, ask, sit quietly and wait for a response! If you have an issue or concern that you need guidance on, pose a question and again, sit quietly and see what comes to you.

When you feel you are ready to close, stand back up and place your hands on the trunk as you did before sitting. Again, if you feel guided to hug the tree, please do! Thank the tree from your heart for its time and attention, for any guidance it may have relayed, and for its contribution to the environment.

Light and Love

Sister Bridget

June 6, 2011
Voodoo Wares- Ogoun Apron!

Hello there!

Recently, Mambo Sam, in conjunction with her mother in law Eileen, began offering traditional Voodoo aprons. This collaborative effort produces wonderfully hand crafted, made to order aprons that are one of a kind. You can read about the details here: www.spellmaker.com/voodoowares.htm Below are some pictures of the first apron I ordered, this one is for Ogoun! It is simply beautiful! I will be posting pictures of my other aprons as we go along. I guess you can say Im a bit addicted to them 🙂 Anyway- check out the Aprons, you will be glad that you did.

Light and Love

Sister Bridget

June 4, 2011
Quote for today…..

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light not our darkness, that most frightens us….. Nelson Mandela 1994

June 3, 2011