Thursday, June 17, 2010
EVERYDAY GRACE
Happy Friday, everyone. Many thanks for all who wrote words of love and support in your comments and emails. I am thrilled to know so many people read my blog. It is my intention to do what I can to inform, share, empower and even call to action.
I entitled this week’s blog “Everyday Grace,” because I love Marianne Williamson’s book by that title. Her writings are based on the teachings of the Course in Miracles which I have been studying for years. Quoting from her book, Everyday Grace,
“What is not love, according to A Course in Miracles, is a call for love”.
“Bless everyone mentioned in every news story, no matter where they stand or what they do. For what we bless is delivered to divine right order. Bless those who do harm, as well as those who do good, for any judgment blocks the light and keeps miracles at bay. Becoming emotionally reactive when we are confronted with darkness only serves to keep the darkness alive. Reacting to fear with fear merely feeds the fear. Instead, let us claim for ourselves the power of love. Read about war? Pray to be a peacemaker. Read about abused children? Pray to be an advocate for them. Read about corruption? Pray to be an active citizen who does his or her part to change that. Read about a reign of terror? Pray to see a loving world that exists in a realm beyond it, and for God to make you a significant part of the effort to bring it forth. We invoke another world first by simply accepting that it is there. It’s not, not something to be created, so much as something to be recognized. And that recognition is the miracle.”
How powerful it would be to read this daily. We do make a difference in how we think, feel, and speak. We tend to forget this and need reminders. We must train ourselves to put our attention on what we prefer and that goes for worldly affairs as well as our own. When we think of war, oil catastrophe, climate change, job loss, or any of the countless areas where you would like things to be different, use your imagination to see as you would prefer it to be. Einstein said it best. “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” We can do better than fighting, complaining, criticizing and blaming. We can spend that time becoming active and involved. We can spend that time using our imagination for any cause that will enhance the good for all. Or, we can do both by using our imagination and becoming active too. I know countless people already believe this and countless others think this is airy, fairy nonsense. This book might make a believer out of you!
Log on to http://www.greggbraden.com/ Take a look at his book, The Language of the Divine Matrix.
If you want to see, hear or learn more, I recommend:
http://www.letsmovebeyondoil.org/
http://www.bravenewfilms.org/
http://www.alternativeradio.org/
http://www.democracynow.org/
Sneak preview of this book at http://www.amazon.com/
Haven't seen this film yet, rent it now!
Enjoy your journey.
If you are enjoying reading my blogs, please "follow" me and write comments or email me, and forward to friends. Thank you. Wishing you much love and many magical moments. Osha Ray
Hey check out my Yoga DVD. It is an easy to follow Yoga program with inspirational messages of self-love.
http://www.yogawithosharay.com/
Friday, June 11, 2010
BECAUSE
Happy Friday, everyone. Because I received angry, threatening, scolding, hateful emails from my ex brother-in-law, sister-in-law, and nephew, after they read my last blog, (scroll down to see June 4th blog) I am writing this blog on the power of love. I was born Jewish and was accused by them of being a self-hating Jew because I wrote about the Gaza Humanitarian Flotilla massacre. I speak out on injustice of any kind. Because I started on my spiritual journey 40 years ago, I have been on a path of love, compassion, understanding, and forgiveness. I have learned when anyone does anything that doesn’t come from a place of love, that person is disconnected from source and is acting out of fear. That doesn’t mean you have to have dinner with these people, but it is important to feel compassion for those that lash out at others. That behavior simply means they are in some sort of pain, be it emotional, physical or both which is caused by believing in fear thoughts. When anyone acts in ways which is not from a place of love, it is toxic for the one it is directed at, and also at the one expressing it. When we carry hate, anger or resentment inside of us, it causes unhappiness, illness, and an unsatisfying lifestyle. We must do our best to stay connected to source so we can stay in a state of love for ourselves and others. Practicing Yoga, meditation, chanting, walking in nature are some ways to become awakened to truth and become more enlightened. When our heart is open, we know we have nothing to fear when we act in loving ways. The truth is that “We are one.” When one is oppressed, all are oppressed. I believe in justice for all. There must be tolerance and respect for others. There is plenty for all when we work together.
I often hear, “Osha, you are so lucky.” Yes, I have my health and the love of my family. I have the most wonderful husband who not only loves me, but loves all people. He doesn’t have a racist bone in his body. I live in a beautiful home with a panoramic view of the Gulf and see dolphins daily. I respond with sharing how everyone can have whatever it is they are wanting. Start with witnessing your own thoughts. Thoughts create. If you don’t like any aspect of your life, change your thoughts about it. My yoga classes and DVD are not just about teaching the asanas (postures) they are about teaching to love, respect, appreciate, and have compassion for yourself on and off the mat. When you have that for yourself, you have that for others. This is how we will create paradise on earth with peace and justice for all! I am happy to say I am like Martin Luther King as I share in “I have a dream.”
DARE TO KNOW THE TRUTH
EXCLUSIVE: New Video Smuggled Out from Mavi Marmara of Israel’s Deadly Assault on Gaza Aid Flotilla http://www.democracynow.org/ June 10/10
In a Democracy Now! exclusive, we bring you a sneak preview of previously unseen raw footage from the Mavi Marmara that will be formally released at a press conference at the United Nations later in the day. The footage shows the mood and the activities onboard the Mavi Marmara in the time leading up to the attack, and the immediate reaction of the passengers during the attack. We are joined by filmmaker and activist Iara Lee, one of the few Americans on the Mavi Marmara ship. Her equipment was confiscated, but she managed to smuggle out an hour’s worth of footage.
Iara Lee on Democracy Now: "New Video Smuggled Out from Mavi Marmara of Israel’s Deadly Assault on Gaza Aid Flotilla"
Filmmaker and Gaza Freedom Flotilla passenger Iara Lee, of US Campaign ally Cultures of Resistance, spoke today to Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez of Democracy Now! and showed previously unreleased footage of the attack on the flotilla. The graphic footage shows chaotic scenes of passengers scrambling to treat gunshot wounds in an improvised below deck medical center, while above deck people used megaphones to ask for medical aid. The footage will be unveiled today at a press conference at the United Nations, but here is a sneak peak at the footage, as well as the eyewitness report of the attack from Iara Lee._____________________________________________
American Jewish peace activist Anna Balzer writes at her blog:"Far more significant than protests is the fact that worldwide disapproval has been transforming into concrete rejection of normalization with Israel, including major victories for the Palestinian movement for boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) on Israel until it complies with international law. _____________________________________________________________
Wednesday, June 9, 2010 Another one for the Twilight Zone: Israel "eases embargo" to allow snack food (but not concrete, wheelchairs, musical instruments, fishing rope...)
"Israel is easing its Gaza embargo to allow snack food and drinks into the Palestinian enclave, Palestinian officials said Wednesday, following an international outcry over Israel's raid on an aid flotilla."
Here's the list of prohibited items from Gisha, the Israeli Legal Center for Freedom of Movement, which includes cement, plaster, tar, wood, glass containers, dried fruit, coriander, fishing rods, nets, rope, size A4 paper, sewing machines, toys, fresh meat, cattle, chicks, newspapers, musical instruments, writing implements....
The absurdity of this list of items would almost be funny, if it wasn't so sickening, so obviously intended to collectively punish an entire population, if the situation in Gaza wasn't so horrendous. Tell Congress and the White House that this monstrous blockade must end by clicking here.
Mira and Noa Pop Duo
June 2, 2010
The sounds of the pop duo Mira and Noa represent something more than music. Achinoam Nini, known to fans as Noa, is one of Israel's most popular singer-songwriters. Her singing partner is Mira Awad, an Arab-Israeli famous for her work in television and musicals. The two came together nearly a decade ago to make a statement about common purpose through their music. They recently brought their message to the U.S. and spoke to Tell Me More host Michel Martin.
"We feel that we have some kind of message to convey," Mira says. "If it's not us, then who?" Last year, the two made a splash on the world stage when they entered the Eurovision song contest (a sort of Europe-wide American Idol). Although they didn't win, their submission "There Must Be Another Way" exposed millions to a different voice in the Arab-Israeli dispute.
"If we can truly empathize with each other's sorrow, if we can cry together, then we can also reach the next level of building and overcoming all our other differences," Noa says.
"We are not representing an image of Israel, as is," Noa says. "We are representing the option of what Israel can be if there is a dialogue, and if there is reaching out."
If you are enjoying reading my blogs, please "follow" me and write comments or email me, and forward to friends. 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/
Friday, June 4, 2010
BE BRAVE, BE BOLD!
Happy Friday, everyone. Can it be true? It seems I was just sitting down to write this yesterday, and a whole week has passed already. It is true. Time is speeding up. Okay, let’s roll up our sleeves, there’s lots to do. Last week I wrote about what we can do to help. A few people mentioned that I didn’t include the horrific oil spill. Well, that is true. I was pretty sure everyone knew about it.I think it is evident that we all need to have our voices heard in whatever way you want to participate in that we are not going to stand for any more "Drill Baby Drill." It is imperative we have Renewable Energy: Sun, Wind, Geothermal, and water. Be bold and speak up.
I did mention a heck of a lot of websites, books, movies and radio programs that can be podcast for your convenience. If you didn’t have a chance to read last Friday’s blog, you can just scroll down and find the resources I listed. As I mentioned, this is a condensed version and I have a document that lists many more which are available to you upon request. I made a point of listing these so we have the information we need to get involved. I know we are all super busy, and even if we don’t actively do anything, at least we will be informed to the extent we can respond to family, friends, or acquaintances, whether we are in conversations or receiving emails when we know that the truth is not being expressed. We need to be bold, and speak out. In perfect timing for writing my blog, I received an email from a friend of mine yesterday. Here is only one line of the “forward” in her email- "First, to destroy America, turn America into a bilingual or multi-lingual and bicultural country." It went on and on, and was one of the most racist articles I have read. I couldn’t believe my spiritual friend sent me that. She asked what I thought of that article. I told her what I thought, and also added what is really going on in America which is destroying our great country. In a simplistic explanation, it is unregulated, predatory capitalism, and not bilingual or multi-lingual people. I learned it was her Conservative, Republican brother who sent her that email. She told me she likes to ask my opinion so she can respond to him. Now, I finally know why she has been sending those types of emails to me. If we don’t have time to read books, many can be purchased in audio book format so you can listen as you are multi-tasking. (See my list of books) One radio program you can count on to learn the truth is on www.democracynow.org You can easily become aware and informed.
The title of this blog is Be Brave, Be Bold. I am going to do that now. I actually didn’t become aware of the illegal Occupation of the Gaza Strip until I started dating Jim. I know most Americans don’t know, and I decided to share this information since what has happened just a few days ago. I copied one of the articles which is below for your convenience. The "Occupation" is one of the worst things going on for decades now and U.S. is complicit.
To find out more - Google: Noam Chomsky - Palestine Israel Occupation 101. There is a video on you tube. It is great that people from all over the world are becoming aware of the atrocities that are taking place and becoming involved. Awareness is the first step to change.
Gaza Freedom Flotilla
May 31st, 2010
In an international act of piracy and murder in international waters, the Israeli navy intercepted, boarded, and opened fire on humanitarian activists on a flotilla of ships attempting to deliver humanitarian supplies to the Israeli-blockaded Palestinian Gaza Strip.
According to news reports, Israeli commandos killed as many as 19 humanitarian activists on board one ship, and have abducted all 700 passengers on board the six boats composing the flotilla who are in the process of being sent against their will to Israel for arrest and/or deportation.
The reaction of the Obama Administration to Israel's attack on the humanitarian aid flotilla, which included U.S. citizens, has been tepid. A White House spokesperson stated that he "deeply regrets the loss of life and injuries sustained."
Of course, this statement completely ignores U.S. complicity in arming Israel and enabling its human rights abuses. In July 2008, the United States signed a contract worth $1.9 billion to transfer the latest-generation of naval combat vessels to Israel at U.S. taxpayer expense. Currently, Congress is in the process of appropriating a record $3.2 billion in military aid to Israel this budget year.
Think what we could do with $3.2 billion in our own country!
Bottom line, what is important is that we live together in peace on a vibrant, alive planet. Together we can dream a new world into being with our prayers, visualizations and meditations. We live in a time of great challenge and change. Many are estranged from their spiritual connections to earth and each other. Deep within our souls there is a passion for peace and justice. We need to honor the wisdom of indigenous cultures and our own ancestors so we can shift to a new era of awakened consciousness.
I love receiving your emails with your comments, and if you would like to have everyone who reads my blogs see your comments, just click “Comments.”
If you are enjoying reading my blogs, please "follow" me and write comments or email me, and forward to friends. 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.youcandoityoga.com/
Friday, May 28, 2010
WE CAN HELP
Happy Friday, everyone. Well, here it is. I have been writing a lot about fun, family, friends, and uplifting, and empowering ideas. I’m in a more serious mood this week, so I want to continue to empower not only ourselves but encourage more awakening to truth. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed with the information I have and feel the urgency in doing more. I realize this is a group effort. I know it is challenging sometimes just to get through the day with all of the demands on our time. I realize when I decide to put something into my day-timer (Blackberry), I am able to fit it in. What is great now is that a lot of these can be accessed when it is convenient for you. I have listed websites, radio shows (that can be podcast) books and movies. This is the condensed version. I have a document that lists many more. (available to you upon request) It is empowering to know the truth and to see if you feel compelled to participate in any way that moves you. As a matter of fact, while writing this, I have stopped a few times to check facts and while doing this, signed the petition to stop Monsanto from sending their poison seeds to Haiti and posted to Facebook too. We can participate in these quick, simple ways that when multiplied by large numbers of participants, we help create change and awareness.
Now, on a different note, I just read this last night, and wanted to share it with you. It is definitely worth the few minutes it took to read about the Crystal, Rainbow, and Indigo children and their message. What do you think? Click link below.
http://snoedel.moorelife.nl/pivot/entry.php?id=844
If you are enjoying reading my blogs, please "follow" me and write comments or email me, and forward to friends. 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.youcandoityoga.com/
Listing of Websites:
www.democracynow.org (Daily radio show) Note: Most radio shows can be podcast.
www.fair.org (Counter Spin - Weekly radio show)
www.alternativeradio.org (Chris Hedges, Noam Chomsky, etc.)
www.worldfocus.org (radio show)
www.therandirhodesshow.com (radio show)
www.mikemalloy.com (radio show)
www.huffingtonpost.com
www.tvnewslies.org
www.factcheck.org
www.opensecrets.org
www.grittv.org
BOOKS
Charles Pierce: Idiot America (How Stupidity Became a Virtue in the Land of the Free?)
Republican Gomorrah – Max Blumenthal
Naomi Klein: The Shock Doctrine
Chris Hedges: Empire of Illusion
Kevin Phillips: Bad Money (Reckless Finance, Failed Politics, and the Global Crisis of American Capitalism)
Thom Hartmann: Screwed (The Undeclared War against the Middle Class and What We Can Do about It)
Howard Zinn: A People's History of the United States 1492-Present
Greg Palast: The Best Democracy Money Can Buy
Noam Chomsky: Hegemony or Survival (America 's Quest For Global Dominance)
MOVIES
Capitalism, a Love Story
Food Inc.
The Cove
People Speak – Howard Zinn
Life and Debt
Stop-Loss
Winter Soldier: Iraq & Afghanistan
Google: Haiti and Monsanto Poison Seeds
Friday, May 21, 2010
WHERE IS HE? WHERE IS SHE?
Happy Friday everyone. It seems like a question regarding finding one’s true love or mate is a topic often discussed. Let’s talk about finding “the one.” Some meet through friends, some take out ads, some go on line and join Match.com and the multitude of others that are available. There are numerous ways to accomplish the feat of finding love. I know people who say they have tried everything for years and haven’t found the right person. What I want to do now is to remind those that know about the spiritual way to manifest meeting your mate, or to introduce those that don’t know about the power of manifesting. We all do it. Just some of us do it with awareness and some of us do it without awareness.
The same principle applies whether you want to find your mate, get a new job, or have better health. You have to make that decision without doubts. If you are not sure, God, Universe, or whatever it is that you believe in, won’t know what to give you.I believe we are co-creators with the Divine. This is an anology. It is like going into a restaurant and saying, “I am not sure what I want.” The server will bring you what you want when you tell them. And, just like being in the restaurant, once you give the order, you trust that it will be brought to you. Do you worry that once you put in your order, they will forget and not bring it out? Of course, that could happen, but rarely does. It is the same with wanting to be in a committed relationship. This is the important part to remember. “ You decide what you want, and trust you will have it.” It could come in any number of ways. The method you use is not the important part. Knowing what you want and trusting is the important part. I will share with you what I did.
When I decided I was ready to meet the right person, I bought a beautiful greeting card that was blank inside. I wrote out all of the important qualities I wanted in my mate. I did not write that this person would be a millionaire because I don’t believe that a millionaire would fall in love with me. Now, that could happen, I just didn’t believe it would happen. So you do have to write what you believe. Then I lit a candle, set my intention, and just had a feeling, a strong sense of trusting that the man I was going to meet and marry would come into my life.
For any of you reading this that are in their 50’s, and don’t think it is possible for this to happen to anyone in that age range, think again. A couple of weeks later, I met Jim in a parking lot at a park. We both were there for an event. He was already leaving and I was just arriving. After we talked for a while, he asked for my card and he called the next night. He really had all of the qualities I had listed on my card, and it was a pretty long list too. Actually, in many ways, he was even better than I imagined! We dated, fell in love, and got married. Happy manifesting.
If you are enjoying reading my blogs, please "follow" me and write comments or email me, and forward to friends. 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.youcandoityoga.com/
Friday, May 14, 2010
Weight Loss - or Not and How I Became A Blonde!
Happy Friday, everyone. Today’s topic is weight loss – or not. As summer approaches, many of us start thinking about bathing suits and how we look in them. Of course, here in Florida, we get to think about that many more months out of the year. You have probably noticed that as you age, it seems to be harder and harder to remain slim. I sure have noticed that. We women have additional things such as menopause, hormones, and metabolism to make it even more difficult. I do think men’s metabolism is different. I remember when I was young watching young men eating large portions frequently, and whatever they wanted, and still look thin. So, yes, life isn’t fair. What else is new? Now, what do we do about it? There are all of the books to tell us to love our bodies just as they are. I do believe that is so important. Even if you want to lose weight, you have to love yourself and your body! Okay, now we covered that, what next? I still think that the act of believing makes it so. This is the magic part here. “The act of believing makes it so!” I have seen that happen many times over my lifetime. For instance, I thought that I would like to be a blonde when my hair turned gray. My hairdresser just continued to touch up the gray at the roots matching it to the rest of my dark hair. She said it would Not be a good idea to bleach it. I just kept thinking I see myself as an older person with blonde hair. I saw myself as a blonde although I had dark hair all of my life. I held that belief. I went to Thailand, and was there for a month. While being in the sun daily, my hair got significantly lighter. My hairdresser colored my roots according to the new color. I did nothing to my hair and it just seemed to get lighter and lighter. I just continued to hold the thought that I was a blonde, and as you can see, I am a blonde.
The same concept is true with weight or anything else. The secret is to make peace with what is happening in the “now.” That part is really important because if there is resistance to what is, you are stopping the flow of energy to change it. This is the time we really do need to practice the art of acceptance. Have an image of whatever it is that you want, and believe it to be true. If you have doubts, you are stopping the flow of energy to make the changes. It is when you make the decision, have the image, believe it to be so, that changes occur. You will just seem to have an easier time saying “no to sweets, fried food, large quantities, - or anything that doesn’t contribute to weight loss. Remember that drinking diet Coke, Pepsi, et al, does not help you lose weight, it does just the opposite. Drink lots of spring water. If you are really interested in the best water and super food, email me and ask me for information on Kangen water and Super Blue Green Algae. Also, you seem to want to take a walk, swim, play golf, tennis, do yoga, or exercise So, to recap, what happens is once you make the decision, the universe assists you as you co-create what is needed to have your desired outcome. That’s it. It works. And, remember, you get to decide if you want to lose weight or not. Happiness is far more important than being unhappy with yourself as you struggle to lose weight.
If you are enjoying reading my blogs, please "follow" me and write comments or email me, and forward to friends. 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/
Friday, May 7, 2010
FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Sheila, Chris, son-in-law, & Calvin
FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Happy Friday everyone. This certainly isn’t a new topic, although it is a topic that stays the same throughout the years. I think it will be increasingly important to take the time to be in contact and spend as much time as possible with your family and friends. If spending time in person is not possible, then we are so lucky to live in an era of all the wonderful technology that is available to us. I remember long ago when it was just a fantasy to think we could see each other when we talk, and now we can with Skype and webcams, etc. We all are so very busy with a million and one things to do, but if we don’t put spending time with our family and friends on that list, we will be sorry at some point in our lives. We are experiencing more and more disasters. We are watching Mother Earth speak out, making it virtually impossible to ignore. We are seeing banks, big insurance companies, BP, mining companies, priests, etc. etc. become exposed as their corrupt ways are revealed. We are coming together with our family and friends to form communities, grass roots organizations and support groups as we help and contribute to the various changes that need to take place. We will get through this all with each other’s support. This is not the time for being complacent. Our united voices need to be heard.
I chose this topic because I was thinking how blessed I was in having such a wonderful family and friends. You may be blessed too, but if you think you are not, remember that it is never too late to reach out. When we volunteer our time, go to classes, spiritual or religious institutions, and even just go to have coffee at the same place often, we will meet people and start friendships. It is a willingness to get out there, and patience.
Denise
Now, a few words about my trip home to CA. I loved watching and hanging out with my daugthers because I am very proud of them because I think they are amazing women and mothers. It was so heartwarming to watch my 2 year old granddaughter, Ruby, at her ballet class in Monterey, and my two year old grandson, Calvin, at his soccer class in Santa Rosa. There are so many activities for toddlers these days. I just loved holding and rocking my 3 month old grand daughter, Maezy. (See photos on last week’s blog.) My daughters are so blessed to have great husbands, and both are named Chris. I love being with them too. I also have two teen-aged daughters Erika and Kelli. They are so grown up, beautiful and smart. Erika on left Kelli and Calvin on rt.
I had so much fun visiting my wonderful friends. Denise took me on a glorious outing to Big Sur. That evening she and her partner, Tony, made dinner for me and had a great conversation about wordly matters. Kat treated me to an Indian dinner in Santa Rosa as we discussed her upcoming trip to Turkey. Mary prepared a home cooked meal for me, and we talked about spirituality and relationships. Another day, we acted like tourists, and went to the State Capital in Sacramento. Cherie and I lingered over Starbucks beverages for hours of visiting. These are dear friends I have had for 10-30 years. I loved hanging out with my great brother, Maurice, and sister-in-law, Linda, as we took their dogs for walks in the beautiful 77 acres of Ancil Hoffman Park in Fair Oaks several mornings – not to mention the great meals we had at their home and in various restaurants including the Slocum House. 
I also went to see my ex-husband, Tony and his wife, Cathy. It was important to stop by because our beloved dog, Spirit, is now 19 years old. I didn’t want an opportunity to slip by and not see him because who knows how much longer he will be around. It was good to see all doing well. Of course, I did so much more, and wanted to write about it all, but it would be far too much to read about.
Cherie & me
To wrap this up, I want to make available to anyone who wants to get involved or just become more informed about the truth of what is going on behind the scenes of broadcast news. So if you are interested, please email me, and I will attach a document with numerous resources.
This is my way of connecting with you all when I can’t see, phone or email you personally. I do reply to everyone who writes me. Remember, I love hearing from you too.
If you are enjoying reading my blogs, please "follow" me and write comments or email me. 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/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)





















