Have you noticed that your feelings and thoughts very often evolve around the external things around you- your job, relationships and what surrounds you?

We are rarely giving our attention and energy to ourselves, focusing on how we feel and what we need to heal, grow and develop.

It starts from school where we are thought to study and memorize external facts and to strive for grades and approval. It continues as we grow up through high school and university where we want to be a part of the group of the ” cool kids” and often do not express ourselves in an authentic way in order to be more easily accepted. And it consolidates when we start working- in the corporate environment competition and comparison are so prevalent that you often feel inclined to do “the right thing” rather than what you really want to go for.

So how about focusing on yourself and your inner world and taking care of yourself for a change? Because in the end, if you don’t do it no one will do it for you!

 

There are people who leave traces in the most powerful way – through their personal example. One such person is Stephen Hawking, whose journey ended today. He will forever be a bright and shining inspiration to all of us to give 110% despite the challenges we face and to believe in endless possibilities.  Because there are all around us!

“Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious. And however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. It matters that you don’t just give up.”

 

 

It is one of life’s wonders that our most powerful ally can also be our worst enemy. This two faced character is our mind and the quote of Marc Twain depicts the shadow power of our mind so well.

 

Today I want  to introduce you to one of my favorite flowers which also happens to be one of the most resilient ones – the Snowdrop.

Despite its fragile appearance this little flower has the power to penetrate snow and ice and make an appearance in early March announcing the end of the winter.

It is really amazing how nature can be our best teacher. Wouldn’t it be great if we could be a bit more like the Snowdrop- gentle and gracious, yet determined and strong? 

 

Success is never a random thing. It is the natural consequence of vision, action and faith which are very often enveloped by a lot of uncertainty. And only the few ones who have the persistence to take all the steps will see the best results.

 

 

I will be very proud of myself when I manage to fully develop this strength – holding grudges and not forgiving others can take too much of our energy which could be put into so much better uses.

Thich Nhat Hanh is a Zen Buddhist master who has introduced the concept of mindfulness to the Western world. He is also one of my biggest inspirations ( more about him and the wise little book ” The miracle of mindfulness can be found here). It is of no surprise the movie about him that was released last year is something that is topping my “To watch” list 😉

 

 

Today we celebrate womanity and the never-ending source of inspiration that it is. 

There is no better day to share one of the most beautiful poems that I’ve read- ” Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Anglou:

 

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.

I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size

But when I start to tell them,

They think I’m telling lies.

I say,

It’s in the reach of my arms,

The span of my hips,

The stride of my step,

The curl of my lips.

I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me. 
I walk into a room

Just as cool as you please,

And to a man,

The fellows stand or

Fall down on their knees.

Then they swarm around me,

A hive of honey bees.

I say,

It’s the fire in my eyes,

And the flash of my teeth,

The swing in my waist,

And the joy in my feet.

I’m a woman

Phenomenally. 
Phenomenal woman,

That’s me. 
Men themselves have wondered

What they see in me.

They try so much

But they can’t touch

My inner mystery.

When I try to show them,

They say they still can’t see.

I say,

It’s in the arch of my back,

The sun of my smile,

The ride of my breasts,

The grace of my style.

I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me. 
Now you understand

Just why my head’s not bowed.

I don’t shout or jump about

Or have to talk real loud.

When you see me passing,

It ought to make you proud.

I say,

It’s in the click of my heels,

The bend of my hair,

the palm of my hand,

The need for my care.

’Cause I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me.

 

Let`s use our imagination today and remember how it feels to go on a trip and be someone’s guest. That feeling of having a relaxing experience, time well spent with people that we love and anticipation of something new. The influx of energy, the desire to explore, be active and enjoy. The gratitude and appreciation of someone’s hospitality. The feeling of respect to your host and their house. All these positive feelings!

And how about contemplating the idea of being a guest to our body? Of having it as our “guest house” for this lifetime? Wouldn`t that make you feel more respectful to it and to life as a whole?

And what if this “trip” ends tomorrow and today is the last day to enjoy it? How would you spend that day?  What would we do? Whom would we see?

And how about living in this way every day going forward ? Because in the end we never know. Let`s live with no regrets. Today.