Happy Friday everyone. Yes, it’s been a long time since I have written. Oh, where to begin. If you read my last post, you know that I have been in California visiting my daughters, son-in-laws, grandchildren, brother, sister-in-law, and many dear friends. I thought I would be able to write while traveling, but it just didn’t work out that way for a variety of reasons. Of course, I can say what we usually do after visiting about how gorgeous, adorable and smart the grandchildren are, and how much we love our families and friends and miss not being able to see them more often. So, that is very true and it is a given. But, just about everyone writes that stuff. So, I will be brave. What I noticed about myself is I am still learning to integrate all that I have learned over the years. I really know what is in the books like “A New Earth” by Eckhart Tolle, and “Loving What Is” by Byron Katie. So, I am wondering if you want me to be honest and vulnerable and share from my heart. I decided to just be me and tell it like it is. I have a strong emotional body. Tolle calls it “the pain body.” This happened as a result of being scolded by my mom throughout my entire childhood and adult life. She has passed on and I really feel great compassion for her because I understand the emotional pain she was in which caused her to treat me the way she did. In fact, I even believe the ancient spiritual teachings that say we choose our parents and circumstances before we are born to learn what we need in order to continue to evolve. She was the reason I began my spiritual journey when I was in my 20’s. Most of you who know me, know that I am in my 60’s. One of my spiritual teachers said to remember that whenever anyone is saying hurtful things or behaving badly, it is because they are either in fear or in some kind of pain. When we remember that, we don’t need to react, or feel hurt. We just need to love them. I am really good at remembering this with strangers, acquaintances, and casual friends. I notice that is more difficult with the ones I love. So, I am writing this as a continual reminder to myself and to others. I completely forgot this to the extent of having it affect my immune system so I got sick. It started with a sore throat and it blossomed into Bronchitis. I am convinced that being stressed and emotional has a far greater affect on us than eating the "right" food. Don’t get me wrong, I really recommend eating organic and natural foods with occasional treats. But, have you noticed some people who eat all the "wrong" things are healthy and energetic? Those people hardly ever seem stressed or upset. That is it! That is how powerful our thoughts and emotions are. Well, okay, great, but how do we do that?? The key is to be in “Witness Consciousness.” Watch our thoughts, and choose not to react to them. I do think that it is just like everything else in life – PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.
The other thing to remember is to not be so hard on ourselves if we forget any of these teachings. Practicing loving kindness and compassion includes us as well! I promised to keep my posts short and sweet so I will, and write about my visit with my family, friends, pics, and what I did next week. Far left is a photo of my daughter, Monica and granddaughter, Maezy. Center is daughter, Sheila and grandson, Calvin. Bottom is Monica's daughter, my granddaughter, Ruby and me. 
If you are enjoying reading my blogs, please "follow" me and write comments. Thank you. Wishing you much love and many magical moments. Hey check out my Yoga DVD. It is an easy to follow Yoga program with inspirational messages of self-love. http://www.yogawithosharay.com/ 
