Nearly everything I know about abundance & prosperity I learned from Deepak Chopra. His book CREATING AFFLUENCE is a great resource. I know that my abundance is deeply connected to my belief that I am already, in all ways, always abundant and as long as I stay in gratitude the abundance continues. Along the way I learned from my husband that first I must serve myself before I can serve the world....just like the flight attendants tells a parent to first put on their own oxygen mask BEFORE helping the child, we must first make sure that we nourish ourselves on all levels....I believe this includes not just food but time, attention, affection and pleasure (whatever that is for you...sometimes for me its a long bath reading PEOPLE magazine). When we are not experiencing abundance/prosperity it can often be traced back to a belief....a belief that we don’t deserve, aren’t good enough or the (possibly misbegotten) belief that in order to be spiritual we must first give to others. My favorite line from A Course In Miracles is:
“In this moment I have everything that I want and need.” So, regardless of circumstances, if you are in the RIGHT NOW, you can be in the abundance of having enough air to breathe, etc.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Sunday, July 8, 2007
God Bless Al Gore
Yesterday we watched countless hours of LIVE EARTH...probably the best televised series of concerts ever. While I enjoyed the music, I LOVED the short films and PSA's (public service announcements) all geared to bringing much-needed awareness to the climate crisis and offering tips on SIMPLE ways to make a difference. http://www.liveearth.org
I first came to understand the term "carbon footprint" about a six months ago. Although we've been recycling for a decade, drive a hybrid car and make an effort to buy mostly fair-trade goods, I hadn't focused on reducing the energy use in our house. Two days ago the electric bill came and I am happy to report that in just six months of small changes we have already reduced it by 25%. We changed most of the light bulbs and now I unplug my rechargers (and other items) whenever they aren't being used...those small changes have had a big impact and I'm looking forward to doing even more. AL GORE, if you're reading this, THANK YOU for all that you do to make a difference in the world.
I first came to understand the term "carbon footprint" about a six months ago. Although we've been recycling for a decade, drive a hybrid car and make an effort to buy mostly fair-trade goods, I hadn't focused on reducing the energy use in our house. Two days ago the electric bill came and I am happy to report that in just six months of small changes we have already reduced it by 25%. We changed most of the light bulbs and now I unplug my rechargers (and other items) whenever they aren't being used...those small changes have had a big impact and I'm looking forward to doing even more. AL GORE, if you're reading this, THANK YOU for all that you do to make a difference in the world.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Mother’s Day Gift Idea
This year for Mother’s Day I am going to give a very special gift to my mother, mother-in-Law and step-mother…a gift that will help save lives. Please consider doing the same for someone you love…here’s how:
Between now and MOTHER’S DAY more than 60,000 children in Africa will die of malaria.
Every 30 seconds a child dies from malaria in Africa from a mosquito bite. This highly treatable disease can be cured with a very inexpensive drug…the problem is reaching the
babies and children in time. As you probably know I am a big supporter of JustLikeMyChild.org This amazing non-profit does what big NGO’s and other groups have NOT been able to do in Uganda …get money and services directly into the hands of those that need it most. By donating to JustLikeMyChild we send the money directly to Sister Ernestine and the Bishop Asili Hospital in Luwero, Uganda (which serves a community of over 600,000). We (JLMC) have committed to raise the $30,000 needed to buy a Mobile Health unit. With this vehicle we will be able to reach the thousands of innocent children and mothers who die because they cannot make it to the Clinic for simple, life-saving treatment.
Your donation to the JustLikeMyChild.org foundation will save lives AND we have a nice certificate you can download to include with a Mother’s Day card to the Mom’s and other nurturing women in your life. We’ve already raised $22,000 – help me raise the final $8k.
Please click here to donate and get all the details. http://www.justlikemychild.com/content/view/15/18/
Between now and MOTHER’S DAY more than 60,000 children in Africa will die of malaria.
Every 30 seconds a child dies from malaria in Africa from a mosquito bite. This highly treatable disease can be cured with a very inexpensive drug…the problem is reaching the
babies and children in time. As you probably know I am a big supporter of JustLikeMyChild.org This amazing non-profit does what big NGO’s and other groups have NOT been able to do in Uganda …get money and services directly into the hands of those that need it most. By donating to JustLikeMyChild we send the money directly to Sister Ernestine and the Bishop Asili Hospital in Luwero, Uganda (which serves a community of over 600,000). We (JLMC) have committed to raise the $30,000 needed to buy a Mobile Health unit. With this vehicle we will be able to reach the thousands of innocent children and mothers who die because they cannot make it to the Clinic for simple, life-saving treatment.
Your donation to the JustLikeMyChild.org foundation will save lives AND we have a nice certificate you can download to include with a Mother’s Day card to the Mom’s and other nurturing women in your life. We’ve already raised $22,000 – help me raise the final $8k.
Please click here to donate and get all the details. http://www.justlikemychild.com/content/view/15/18/
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
THE LAST MIMZY
We were headed to the movies on Saturday to see the new Anthony Hopkins film....on the way our friend Matthew called INSISTING that we go see THE LAST MIMZY. I had heard that it was "a children's film" but hadn't really heard anything else. I am so happy we decided to take Matthew's advice and see The Last Mimzy. It's a magical, delightful film (for all ages, not just kids) that has a deep spiritual message about love and humanity. There's an in-depth review worth reading at: http://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=12,3942,0,0,1,0
Check it out :-)
Check it out :-)
Sunday, March 25, 2007
THE SECRET FOR DUMMIES
I googled THE SECRET the other day. I was surprised at the number of hits that came up with many of the "teachers" from THE SECRET now offering on-line courses, tele-conferences, workbooks, etc. Last week I was contacted by an author who is writing a book for a major NY publisher called THE SECRET BEHIND THE SECRET. Yesterday I went to Pilates class and the topic of discussion was THE SECRET and does it really work? I was very fortunate to learn about all the Universal Laws, including the Law of Attraction, 25 years ago. I am living proof this stuff works -- I used it to build my career and to manifest my husband. (check out soulmatekit.com) Here's everything you need to know in 6 simple steps:
1) Decide what you want to attract into your life (it is called the Law of Attraction after all) For the purposes of this exercise lets say it's a new job.
2) Every morning when you wake up spend a few minutes being grateful for all the good in your life right now.
3) Commit to spending 5-10 minutes each day, 2x a day, to bring this into your life.
4) Lie down, close your eyes and imagine and FEEL into every part of your body what you will FEEL like when you are in your new work environment in extreme detail. Imagine how you will feel sitting at your desk, how you will feel interacting with co-workers, how you will feel when you look at your paycheck, etc. You have to put yourself into the REALITY of being in that new job, right now, and EXPERIENCE the feelings of being satisfied, successful, fulfilled, creative, prosperous (whatever words work for you). When you reach this FEELING, spend a few moments breathing into these positive feelings, KNOWING that this job is ALREADY yours. Then get up and do whatever action steps are necessary. (action steps are critical)
5) Remember to do step 4 everyday, 2x a day. If you're not taking the time to ACTIVELY MANIFEST your desire, take it as a sign that you really don't want it or that you have some unconscious fear or block. If you do have any fears or blocks, get yourself to my sister's Shadow Process soonest (debbieford.com)
6) Don't beat yourself up if you don't get results right away. Sometimes the Universe has bigger and better plans for you that exceed what you can imagine. Just keep experiencing the feelings of already having your desire. Continue to repeat step 3 daily affirming the health, happiness and prosperity that you already have.
My favorite line from A Course In Miracles is: The only thing that can be lacking from any situation is that which you are not giving. Simply put, become what you most want to manifest. If you want love, give love to those around you. If you want prosperity give to those in need. If you need support, become a support to someone else. This isn't rocket science....but it does take time and commitment. Bon Chance!
1) Decide what you want to attract into your life (it is called the Law of Attraction after all) For the purposes of this exercise lets say it's a new job.
2) Every morning when you wake up spend a few minutes being grateful for all the good in your life right now.
3) Commit to spending 5-10 minutes each day, 2x a day, to bring this into your life.
4) Lie down, close your eyes and imagine and FEEL into every part of your body what you will FEEL like when you are in your new work environment in extreme detail. Imagine how you will feel sitting at your desk, how you will feel interacting with co-workers, how you will feel when you look at your paycheck, etc. You have to put yourself into the REALITY of being in that new job, right now, and EXPERIENCE the feelings of being satisfied, successful, fulfilled, creative, prosperous (whatever words work for you). When you reach this FEELING, spend a few moments breathing into these positive feelings, KNOWING that this job is ALREADY yours. Then get up and do whatever action steps are necessary. (action steps are critical)
5) Remember to do step 4 everyday, 2x a day. If you're not taking the time to ACTIVELY MANIFEST your desire, take it as a sign that you really don't want it or that you have some unconscious fear or block. If you do have any fears or blocks, get yourself to my sister's Shadow Process soonest (debbieford.com)
6) Don't beat yourself up if you don't get results right away. Sometimes the Universe has bigger and better plans for you that exceed what you can imagine. Just keep experiencing the feelings of already having your desire. Continue to repeat step 3 daily affirming the health, happiness and prosperity that you already have.
My favorite line from A Course In Miracles is: The only thing that can be lacking from any situation is that which you are not giving. Simply put, become what you most want to manifest. If you want love, give love to those around you. If you want prosperity give to those in need. If you need support, become a support to someone else. This isn't rocket science....but it does take time and commitment. Bon Chance!
Sunday, March 4, 2007
What Do You Do?
I had brunch today with several old friends. Two of them had never met before and one asked the other, “what do you do?” There was a long pause until my friend said, “I don’t know how to answer that.” We all knew what she meant. Being of a “certain age,” we have all had multiple careers. It’s now hard for any of us to give a simple clear answer to the question “what do you do?” In the 1970’s I could have answered student, paralegal, press agent to race-car drivers or event coordinator, depending upon the year and the job of the moment. In the 1980’s the answer was still easy – “I’m in public relations.” Short, sweet, to the point. By the mid-1990’s my titles expanded. I was known as an author, literary agent, and book publicist. Today there is no simple description for “what I do.” It’s often easiest to refer people to the signature section of my emails which list the breadth of my current career choices – PR & marketing for The Spiritual Cinema Circle, three websites and internet products, raising money for http://www.justlikemychild.org, campaigner for Barack Obama, radio show host, occasional consultant to authors but no longer doing book PR or agenting.
What I enjoy doing most is “making things happen” and my playground is wide and diverse. And, at this point in my life, I feel limited by identifying myself by my career. I am many, many things; soul mate to Brian, global traveler, spiritual seeker, a lover of life. I don’t think there is a name for all of that, but there is a word – happy ☺
What I enjoy doing most is “making things happen” and my playground is wide and diverse. And, at this point in my life, I feel limited by identifying myself by my career. I am many, many things; soul mate to Brian, global traveler, spiritual seeker, a lover of life. I don’t think there is a name for all of that, but there is a word – happy ☺
Sunday, February 25, 2007
A Fish Out of Water Gets Her Groove Back
In recent years we've been to lots of concerts including James Taylor, Earth, Wind & Fire and Carlos Santana. I felt right at home at all of them...people who looked a lot like me -- baby boomers -- were everywhere. I sang along with all the tunes and danced in my seat. On Friday night we went to see Michael Franti and Spearhead perform. According to my husband, Franti is the reincarnation of Bob Marley. He's a conscious reggae artist/poet/rock star who views music "as a way to stir the soul and as a vehicle for social change."
For the first time ever, I felt like a fish out of water. The audience was REALLY young... since they were serving alcohol I am assuming most were over 21 but just barely. It's likely we were among the oldest people in the crowd.
Once the music began I quickly forgot about the age thing and had a fantastic time. The reggae/ska/funk beat took over and before I knew it I was grooving to the music. Franti's lyrics are powerful and memorable including:
"You can bomb the world into pieces but we can't bomb it into peace."
and
"God is too big for one religion."
He sings of love, social justice, peace and togetherness. I was thrilled to discover that the younger set has a powerful messenger in Michael Franti.
For the first time ever, I felt like a fish out of water. The audience was REALLY young... since they were serving alcohol I am assuming most were over 21 but just barely. It's likely we were among the oldest people in the crowd.
Once the music began I quickly forgot about the age thing and had a fantastic time. The reggae/ska/funk beat took over and before I knew it I was grooving to the music. Franti's lyrics are powerful and memorable including:
"You can bomb the world into pieces but we can't bomb it into peace."
and
"God is too big for one religion."
He sings of love, social justice, peace and togetherness. I was thrilled to discover that the younger set has a powerful messenger in Michael Franti.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
He had me at "hello."
Dear Barack Obama Fans,
We finally got to meet the Senator yesterday at a
fundraiser here in La Jolla. Although he was 90
minutes late (he flys commercial and his flight was
delayed) the 700 people waiting for him were patient.
The excitement was palpable as we ate wine &cheese at
the Birch Aquarium.
When he finally arrived I found myself shaking hands
with the Senator. He looked right into my eyes and
asked me my name. I said "Arielle" and he said "Hello
Arielle" with a great big smile. Ok - -I'm smitten.
He shook many hands and then jumped on stage and
talked to us like he was with a group of good friends.
He asked that everyone in the room support him with
their time, energy and money and gave us a homework
assignment which I will pass along to you:
1) sign up at barackobama.com
2) send out 5, 10 or more emails to friends and family
encouraging them to register to vote AND to sign up at
barackobama.com
He answered several in-depth questions about his plans
for Iraq, healthcare, medicare, and more.
He was clear, committed and in my opinion is ready to
win.
More to come....
Arielle
We finally got to meet the Senator yesterday at a
fundraiser here in La Jolla. Although he was 90
minutes late (he flys commercial and his flight was
delayed) the 700 people waiting for him were patient.
The excitement was palpable as we ate wine &cheese at
the Birch Aquarium.
When he finally arrived I found myself shaking hands
with the Senator. He looked right into my eyes and
asked me my name. I said "Arielle" and he said "Hello
Arielle" with a great big smile. Ok - -I'm smitten.
He shook many hands and then jumped on stage and
talked to us like he was with a group of good friends.
He asked that everyone in the room support him with
their time, energy and money and gave us a homework
assignment which I will pass along to you:
1) sign up at barackobama.com
2) send out 5, 10 or more emails to friends and family
encouraging them to register to vote AND to sign up at
barackobama.com
He answered several in-depth questions about his plans
for Iraq, healthcare, medicare, and more.
He was clear, committed and in my opinion is ready to
win.
More to come....
Arielle
Saturday, February 10, 2007
WHY I LOVE BARACK OBAMA
This morning Barack Obama announced his candidacy for President of the United States.
As he walked onto the platform in Springfield, Illinois (to a Bono tune) I knew I was watching history being made. He is the candidate I’ve been waiting for.
I was committed to supporting him before his speech this morning and now there will be no stopping my support. His words today are still running through my mind:
“Let’s be the generation that ends poverty in America.” Check – I’m all for that.
“We will have Universal healthcare by the end of the next President’s term.”
Check again.
“Plans to bring the troops home by March 2008.” Amen to that.
He believes we can do this. I believe he can lead us. I have no idea what role I will play in this but if you want to be on my email list, send an email to obamayes@yahoo.com with “yes” in the subject line and I will put you on my newsletter list.
Check out the video by his wife Michelle at www.barackobama.com/tv/
As he walked onto the platform in Springfield, Illinois (to a Bono tune) I knew I was watching history being made. He is the candidate I’ve been waiting for.
I was committed to supporting him before his speech this morning and now there will be no stopping my support. His words today are still running through my mind:
“Let’s be the generation that ends poverty in America.” Check – I’m all for that.
“We will have Universal healthcare by the end of the next President’s term.”
Check again.
“Plans to bring the troops home by March 2008.” Amen to that.
He believes we can do this. I believe he can lead us. I have no idea what role I will play in this but if you want to be on my email list, send an email to obamayes@yahoo.com with “yes” in the subject line and I will put you on my newsletter list.
Check out the video by his wife Michelle at www.barackobama.com/tv/
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Paris/Posh/Britney Whatever
A few days ago I was sitting in the office of Steve Stargardtner, President of JFK University and saw this quote by Eleanor Roosevelt on the wall:
"Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people.”
I found this to be a pretty insightful bit of wisdom and I began to think about how much of my own time I spend discussing ideas vs. events vs. people.
Then, last night, I found a few minutes to watch TV and began to channel surf....it seemed like every show was some kind of entertainment tabloid extravaganza on the latest sightings of celebutantes....truly boring stuff and I began too wonder who ARE the people that REALLY CARE about the lives of Paris, Posh, Britney or Anna Nicole Smith? It's not that I am completely uninterested in celebrities -- I am fascinated by Bono, Angelina Jolie, and other stars who use their notoriety to make a difference in the world. I applaud their efforts. But this other group the media seems so enchanted with just seem so undeserving of so much press. If I am missing something, someone please inform me.
"Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people.”
I found this to be a pretty insightful bit of wisdom and I began to think about how much of my own time I spend discussing ideas vs. events vs. people.
Then, last night, I found a few minutes to watch TV and began to channel surf....it seemed like every show was some kind of entertainment tabloid extravaganza on the latest sightings of celebutantes....truly boring stuff and I began too wonder who ARE the people that REALLY CARE about the lives of Paris, Posh, Britney or Anna Nicole Smith? It's not that I am completely uninterested in celebrities -- I am fascinated by Bono, Angelina Jolie, and other stars who use their notoriety to make a difference in the world. I applaud their efforts. But this other group the media seems so enchanted with just seem so undeserving of so much press. If I am missing something, someone please inform me.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
How much IS enough?
We went to BLOOD DIAMONDS the other night....yes, it's a very violent movie but the story line was so potent, the images so unforgettable, that I am still thinking about it days later. The graphic scenes of Sieera Leone's poverty were heart-wrenching as were the many scenes of the child soldiers being brainwashed and trained as killers. I have heard about conflict diamonds and I have heard about the supposed "safe" or conflict-free diamonds. I am pretty sure I no longer need to own any additional diamonds. BUT, diamonds are not what is on my mind tonight. What's on my mind is "what can I do to make a difference?"
I'm pretty sure that showing up in a refugee camp wouldn't do anyone much good. I am too much of a "comfort pig" (David Deida's term). YES, I raise money (please visit www.justlikemychild.com) and yes I write checks to good causes, but somehow it doesn't feel like enough. And "enough" seems to be the problem. I do have enough, more than enough given the circumstances of most people in the world. And yet, I always seem to want more....not a lot more, but more. And I want security. I want to know that I get to keep the more that I have....always. So, tonight I wrestle with my own mind. How much is enough? How much more do I need?
I'm pretty sure that showing up in a refugee camp wouldn't do anyone much good. I am too much of a "comfort pig" (David Deida's term). YES, I raise money (please visit www.justlikemychild.com) and yes I write checks to good causes, but somehow it doesn't feel like enough. And "enough" seems to be the problem. I do have enough, more than enough given the circumstances of most people in the world. And yet, I always seem to want more....not a lot more, but more. And I want security. I want to know that I get to keep the more that I have....always. So, tonight I wrestle with my own mind. How much is enough? How much more do I need?
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Nightmare, Prophetic Dream or Indigestion?
I always pay attention to my dreams, because they often give me insights and ideas, but I sometimes have trouble sorting out whether they’re prophetic or just noise. I just woke up from a crazy dream that featured Wayne Dyer, Harold Bloomfield, Jack Canfield and Donald Trump. I’ve known Wayne, Harold & Jack for years, but only know Trump from his TV show and the massive amounts of publicity he always generates. In the dream I was in a large hotel suite with Wayne Dyer and a support staff of PR people and other folks. There were candles burning in various places around the room and white boards filled with notes & plans. The excitement and anticipation in the air were palpable. I sat down with Wayne to try to gently discuss with him his upcoming plans to do a big, national event (or TV) with Donald Trump. I was thinking to myself “this is crazy…why in the world would you align yourself with The Donald, but my words were gentler…I couldn’t believe Wayne Dyer would want/need to drink the Trump kool-aid and begin preaching “get rich with Trump.” As we were sitting by one of the candles, all of them turned into small fires….no one seemed to notice or care – I threw my half-glass of water on the first fire and began racing around the room shouting orders to the others to put out the fires….amazed that none of them seemed to care that the room could burn down.
I then found myself in another room, same hotel, same conversation with Dr. Harold Bloomfield. He too was about to do a national event or TV show with Trump and seemed quite excited about it. He talked about as if it would be a come back for him and he couldn’t have been happier. For some reason I was chewing a lot of gum and it was getting stuck in my teeth…I was trying to discreetly pull the gum out of my teeth while talking to Harold…impossible to do and the gum was making me crazy. There I was pulling gums out of my teeth while trying to talk to him. Harold told me it was time for me to leave. He had to pack. On the floor were two big suitcases…Harold was putting things into one of them and then Jack Canfield walked in and said hello and walked over to his suitcase which was lying open on the floor next to Harold’s. He was also going to participate in this Trump-thing. He began pulling stacks of $100 bills out of his suitcase and giving them to Harold. (Jack has always been amazingly generous).
I woke up amused and confused. Is this dream just a bad reaction to watching THE APPRENTICE the other night (the Board room scene was painful for me to watch...two grown men groveling to save their position and be loved by Trump…it made my skin crawl)
or is the dream something else?
Am I in denial of the “Trump-like” part of me or is Trump a stand-in for someone else?
One thing is clear, even in a deep sleep I think Donald Trump is operating from a low-level of consciousness….
I then found myself in another room, same hotel, same conversation with Dr. Harold Bloomfield. He too was about to do a national event or TV show with Trump and seemed quite excited about it. He talked about as if it would be a come back for him and he couldn’t have been happier. For some reason I was chewing a lot of gum and it was getting stuck in my teeth…I was trying to discreetly pull the gum out of my teeth while talking to Harold…impossible to do and the gum was making me crazy. There I was pulling gums out of my teeth while trying to talk to him. Harold told me it was time for me to leave. He had to pack. On the floor were two big suitcases…Harold was putting things into one of them and then Jack Canfield walked in and said hello and walked over to his suitcase which was lying open on the floor next to Harold’s. He was also going to participate in this Trump-thing. He began pulling stacks of $100 bills out of his suitcase and giving them to Harold. (Jack has always been amazingly generous).
I woke up amused and confused. Is this dream just a bad reaction to watching THE APPRENTICE the other night (the Board room scene was painful for me to watch...two grown men groveling to save their position and be loved by Trump…it made my skin crawl)
or is the dream something else?
Am I in denial of the “Trump-like” part of me or is Trump a stand-in for someone else?
One thing is clear, even in a deep sleep I think Donald Trump is operating from a low-level of consciousness….
Monday, January 1, 2007
A NEW YEAR...
My prayer for 2007:
Dear God, Goddess, All that is,
Let this year be the year I laugh out loud each time I begin to get stressed out so that I may resist the temptation to fall into the drama and suffering.
Let this be the year I act on every impulse of generosity and compassion.
Let this be the year I savor the moments of clarity, peace and awe rather than rush on to the next item on my "list." (As those moments are the moments I am striving to get to really...)
Let this year be the year I love the ones I love fearlessly!
Let this be a year of immense creativity, productivity and very importantly, conscious capitalism. (to fund my lifestyle AND my long list of favorite non-profits.)
And finally let this year be the year I share the gift that love (especially romantic love) is available to everyone, of any age, regardless of your waist size, checkbook or emotional history.
And so it is.....
Dear God, Goddess, All that is,
Let this year be the year I laugh out loud each time I begin to get stressed out so that I may resist the temptation to fall into the drama and suffering.
Let this be the year I act on every impulse of generosity and compassion.
Let this be the year I savor the moments of clarity, peace and awe rather than rush on to the next item on my "list." (As those moments are the moments I am striving to get to really...)
Let this year be the year I love the ones I love fearlessly!
Let this be a year of immense creativity, productivity and very importantly, conscious capitalism. (to fund my lifestyle AND my long list of favorite non-profits.)
And finally let this year be the year I share the gift that love (especially romantic love) is available to everyone, of any age, regardless of your waist size, checkbook or emotional history.
And so it is.....
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