Spiritually speaking, to give a gift of the heart requires nothing more than the desire to brighten someone’s day.  By giving of yourself, you’re also giving to yourself.  It will brighten your day just as much as theirs.  Letting someone know that they’re thought of, especially during difficult times, can bring light and peace to what may otherwise be a very dark and troubled time.

The gifts that you give don’t even have to be material.  Volunteering your time and effort to help another is another fantastic way to give of yourself.  The gift of your ability and time brings about karmatic smiles upon your life.  If you are willing to help others, others will be more willing to help you in your time of need.

There are many cliches that we can cite here for this circle path.  ”What goes around comes around.”  ”Do unto others as you would have done unto you.” It’s all the same thought.  The circular path of giving is one to be walked, letting your self spirit shine as you do so.  Karma will shine upon you and your gift, and the healing power of that gift can surely help heal your soul.  It is certain to help heal those around you.

Later, we will explore a bit of the specific ways you can give of yourself if you need help figuring out how.  For now, just know that when you give, the universe smiles.  We should all give of ourselves as much as we can.  Walking the circular path of giving will bring everyone around to the peace and light of sharing and caring.  It is a beautiful light.

That’s right.  The main problem with forgiveness is you.  Most people, myself included, have a very hard time forgiving people whom we believe to have done us wrong.  But the question to be asked is, “Did this person hurt me or just my pride?”

Pride is often the downfall of many a relationship.  When we have done wrong, often it is our pride that prevents us from a sincere apology and a righting of the wrong.  When we have been wronged, it is often our pride that prevents us from accepting a sincere apology and/or a righting of the wrong.  Pride certainly helps us to hold a long-term grudge.

Chances are there’s someone in your life who deserves forgiveness.  And giving that forgiveness can be one of the most difficult things in the world for you.  It is certainly hard to let go of the negative feelings that surround whatever reason you may have had in hanging onto the grudge.  But in order to truly forgive someone, you have to let go of that negative energy.

Letting go of that energy, however, is rarely easy.  This is where meditation will come into play.  Ease yourself into thinking about why you’re still holding on.  Acknowledge it.  Embrace it.  Then let it go.

In writing, it’s very simple.  In reality, it can be very traumatic.  Remember:  YOU have to actually want to let it go.  And even with that desire, it’s going to take some effort.  It may not happen quickly.  It may take a long time.  But in the end, forgiveness is worth letting go of the negative energies that bound it to you.

It’s how we deal with this negativity that matters.  The easy way to deal with it is to project it outward toward others, letting your negative energies affect the people around you, bringing everyone down.  That’s not how we need to deal with those energies.

Another easy way to deal with those energies is to bottle them up inside, pretending that there’s nothing wrong and moving along through your day.  That isn’t a good way to deal with those negative energies, either, as it doesn’t take long for those energies to build up until they MUST go somewhere, which is when they push you to what is called a nervous breakdown, or even worse, push you toward releasing your negative energies in a way that can be physically and emotionally devastating to others.

Take a few minutes a day for meditation.  Settle into your comfort zone, light your aromatherapy candles, take a deep breath, shut your eyes and relax into a gentle mantra.  Let the negative energy vaporize as you accept it and then release it.

This week’s mantra, (again, this is only a suggestion.  Feel free to use whatever calming mantra you may prefer):

Negative out, positive in

Letting go, cleansing me

Feel peace, love harmony

Negative out, positive in.

One final note:  Many will find themselves crying as they release negative energy.  This is perfectly fine and does indeed help the cleansing process.  Let it out – keeping negative energy inside does no one any good, and the sooner it is released in this effective and safe manner, the better you will feel.

While there are those who tend to favor the broomstick skirts and flowing shirts, there really is no set “dress code.”  There are some who favor the dark clothing that is generally associated with “goths” and “punks” while others enjoy and are comfortable in suits.

The key is being comfortable.  That’s it.  As long as you are comfortable, you will be more productive and open.

Even nudity is fine if that is your comfort zone.  (Please remain in your own home, though.  Most law enforcement agencies are trained to arrest nude people who are out in public.)

Your clothing comfort zone can change, and most likely will, on a daily basis.  You don’t have to wear the same style day in and day out if you don’t want to do so.

Be comfortable.  It is all about finding YOU.

Humans have the ability to “smell memories.” Scent is the first thing that we recognize and link. In the United States, for example, the overwhelming majority of people, no matter what class or wealth status, can identify the scent of a wax crayon. These same people linked that scent to early childhood memories.

Aromatherapy, then, is the use of scent to calm, invigorate, or otherwise link positive experiences. It is a highly useful tool in finding and encouraging the Self Spirit.

Many people use candles to do this, and this approach is highly encouraged. Be careful and safe with the candles, but feel free to find your personal space and arrange it to contain candles that please your eye and send forth aroma to calm you or lift your spirit.

Here are a few scents that are suggested:

Angelica, Basil, Bay, Bayberry, Carnation, Cinnamon, Clove, Coconut, Dill, Dragon’s Blood, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Gardenia, Geranium, Heather, Juniper, Lilac, Myrrh, Narcissis, Sandalwood, and Violet are all “well being” scents, calming and helping to lift spirits.

Many people enjoy “foodie” scents such as apple, cinnamon, vanilla, maple, chai, spice, melon, berries of various sorts, cookies/baked goods, etc. These are also mood lifters, encouraging happiness and joy.

The scent of rain, lavender, violets, rose, chamomile and clean linen are “dreamy” scents, encouraging the sleepless to find rest. These are very good for small children who are unable to calm themselves after an overexciting day as well.

Grapefruit, Melissa, Mandarin, Orange, Coriander, Cardamom, Ginger, Black Pepper are stimulatory scents and are fantastic for those who wish to awaken peacefully but have plenty of energy throughout the day.

MtBC, as a way to generate funds to keep us alive, makes specially scented and shaped candles, oils and soaps. They are natural and inviting and you are welcome to inquire about them.

References: The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy by Calerie, Ann Worwood, Essential Oils A-Z, Candles, Their Colors & Meanings, The Book of Practical Aromatherapy, Creating An Aromatic Environment, Choosing Essential Oils, Scents & Candles. From the site www.angelicinspirations.com

In our mad rush world, it is often difficult to find a moment to call our own.  There are so very many things to get done that we often forget to take time out to recharge our energies when they become sapped by our day to day stresses.

However, too much of this stress can cause serious physical and mental problems.  When we allow ourselves to become too overwhelmed with work and other stresses, we use all of our stored energies, leaving none within to sustain us when we truly need it the most.  Most people define the loss of those energies as a nervous breakdown.

Instead of saying to yourself, “I just don’t have the time,” try making some time just for you.  Many fellow Self Spirit path walkers find that time by going to bed a little earlier and getting up a little earlier, while the rest of the household is asleep.   Some retreat for a brief five or ten minutes to their personal meditation space, blocking everyone and everything out for a short while in order to meditate.

No matter how you choose to regenerate some positive personal energy, try to make time each day to do so.  Even if it’s only five or ten minutes.

Our mantra this week:

(Remember, this is only a suggested mantra.  You are welcome to use whatever comes to your mind.)

Regroup, recharge

No rush, no stress

I am, I can, I do.

If you have a friend or family member who is willing to give you a good massage, by all means encourage them to give one!

If you don’t have any available or willing friends, check out some day spa prices in your area.  Typically, these run pretty reasonably and once a week is a great gift for yourself.  Just relax into the massage and let your spirit flow freely, as this is a wonderful time for meditation.

Up until now, no mention of sexuality has been made.  However, if your partner is willing to give that massage, it is perfectly natural for your spirit to become so comfortable as to allow you to become a bit randy.  Indulge and enjoy, share the joy with your partner.

The reality is that your self spirit will desire what makes you feel good.  For many, that definition is a struggle.  You see, it isn’t what makes you feel good RIGHT NOW that matters.  It is what makes you feel good on a daily basis.

There is no food condemnation here.  Quite the opposite, in fact.  Eat what you like, when you like it.  Your key is going to be moderation.  If you want to lose weight, moderate what you eat.  Simple.

Take heed:  moderation does NOT mean starving yourself.  That not only kills you, it kills your spirit.  Moderation also does not mean eating like a horse and then not eating for days.  And it certainly does not mean “super size me” in the least.

Moderation, then, is simply eating in correct portion sizes.  Did you know that a single serving of chicken, pork or other meat is 3 ounces?  That’s about the size and width (roughly, mind you) of a deck of cards.

Try taking the time to head over to www.sparkpeople.com and read everything you can get your virtual hands on.  Set up a diet plan if you like.  Eat correctly to nourish your body and spirit.

Don’t cut out your sweet treat fixes or your chips.  Read the package.  Eat the correct serving size, and don’t eat it all the time.  Save those junk food items for moments where you really crave them, and then eat the correct portion and take time to savor the flavor to rid yourself of the craving.

If you feel the urge to pig out on something, try pigging out on natural fruits and vegetables.   You’ll save calories and guilt.  Trust me, guilt is NOT conducive to inner serenity and you DO pass that emotion to those around you.

Taking care of your body will do wonders for taking care of your spirit.

The easy answer is through meditation. Meditation is defined as “continuous and profound contemplation or musing on a subject or series of subjects of a deep or abstruse nature;”*

Everyone has a personal meditation style. For example, many people prefer a quiet place in a comfortable area of their homes which is free of distractions such as pets, other family or friends, television and/or telephones. This quiet atmosphere is enhanced often by soft music, the sound of water or other calming noise, candles and aromatherapy.

Find your quiet place and set it up the way you prefer. You will know when your energies feel at home and comfortable. Wherever your energies guide you, feel free to express to anyone living with you that you would like some time to be alone in your space.  Go ahead and shut the door, even lock it if you like.

Do whatever you wish to make yourself comfortable.  Some people like yoga mats for rump comfort.  Some prefer to stand.  Get into whatever comfy position your body and mind desire.  Go ahead.  No one is going to judge you here, you’re safe in your private, serene area.

When you get comfortable, close your eyes.  Breathe deeply, in through the nose and out through the mouth.  Do this for a couple of minutes until you begin to feel relaxed, (but not until you fall asleep).  It is now that you clear your mind,  letting nothing in but peace and serenity.  Listen to the water, music, or your breathing, depending upon what you chose to provide the calming noise in your space.  Inhale the scent of the candles or incense or whatever you chose to provide your aromatherapy.  If you didn’t choose any aromatherapy, that’s fine too – inhale deeply and see if you can identify any scent in particular.

Keeping your eyes closed and your mind at peace, begin to search yourself by allowing your energy to engulf you.  This may take some time, and many people find it too difficult to do in the very beginning.  That’s fine, there’s no pressure.  This becomes easier with time and practice.

What do you feel?  Warmth, coldness, fear?  Joy, sorrow, anger?  These are all things that we feel naturally.  Don’t fight them.  Instead, encourage them to come forth.  For example, when invited, the anger in your spirit will easily tell you the root of the energy’s surge.  Did someone cut you off in traffic today?  Boss been an ass?  Don’t stifle that negative energy – recognize why it’s there and then gently release it from your center.  Acknowledge that you have reason to be angry, but now that the moment has passed, the anger that went with it should go now as well.  Then release it.

Sounds easy.  It isn’t always so, however.  But with practice, you will begin to find that giving that energy permission to go and helping it to escape makes you feel more relaxed and peaceful.

It is when we are relaxed and peaceful that we accomplish our goals the fastest.

Try to capture that peace.  Set up your personal space and take a few minutes of YOU time.  Do this as often as you wish, but at least once a day.

*meditation. (n.d.). WordNet® 2.1. Retrieved March 31, 2007, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/meditation