I Believe

Guest post by Jo Anna Rothman.

* When You Wish Upon A Star Your Dreams Come True * by pareeerica

I Believe

I believe in the goodness. The goodness that lies in the heart of most. The good that radiates, even if chaos and pain are shattering through their lives. I believe that people want to act with love. Want bring a smile. I believe that most folks desire connection, joy and the opportunity to be of service.

I believe that people forget. Forget that they are love. Beauty. Absolute preciousness and that everyone else is too. I believe that people fall into the trap of illusion...thinking that they need to do more and more to be worthy. To be seen. To be loved. I believe that worth is inherent to existence. That doing is wonderful, but proves nothing about who we are.

I believe that sometimes things suck. Hard. Times can be rough. Tough. Challenging to the core. I believe in our ability to learn. To grow. To re-create the chaos into something magnificent. I believe in my responsibility to create my life. I don’t believe in blame. I believe I can look at what keeps showing up and fine tune my process, so that the crap filters away. I believe we are magnificent creators, often manifesting with our eyes closed and our intentions garbled.

I believe in humanity. In divinity. In the mighty blending of the two. I believe in god. God. The Universe. I believe that the yearning to fill the holes in our hearts is really a yearning to feel the wholeness that is the truth of it all. I believe the ego gets a bad rap. It’s the eye. The I. It is the human experience the divine being is having. It is not designed for perfection. I believe that self-forgiveness is the key to coming back round to center.

I believe in love. In friendship. In magic and miracles. In surprises. I believe in Santa Claus. The tooth fairy. Ghosts. Genies in bottles. I believe in wishing on stars. In fountains. On eyelashes. I believe that there are things I will never know. I believe I’ll be okay with that.

I believe in goals. In dreaming. In strategy. I believe in wishing up wild ways of being. I believe in the power of desire. I believe that we really can create all the love, prosperity, health, creativity and adventure we want. I believe that taking action is the best way to get stuff done. I believe that rest is powerful and doing nothing is an art.

I believe that the best things lay beyond the world of words and logic. They are to be experienced rather than spoken of and dissected. Elvis, mystical experiences, Twin Peaks and Van Gogh fall into that realm. I believe that those moments calls us present. We have the experience of all being whole and then coming separate again so that we can be who we are this go around. I believe that all is sacred, no matter what. That joy lies at the heart. That pleasure, love and laughter are the purpose. It is the whole, the beauty, the way. It is. I believe I am. I believe you are too.

What do you believe?

Jo Anna Rothman, MA is an intuitive coach and facilitator of The Receiving Project. She revels in assisting people in falling in love with their lives. She is committed to living a life full of pleasure, purpose and enthusiasm. And perhaps most important, she knows the secret to the perfect s’more.

To read more of Jo Anna's guest posts on Kind Over Matter click here!
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Sponsor Love : the Note Project

the Note Project

Earlier this year, the Note Project was featured on Kind Over Matter. Since then, more than 750 people have pledged to send a note of appreciation, making the world 750 times better!

A “Thank You” Gift for You

I appreciate all the support people have shown for the Note Project, and I want to thank everybody by giving you free Note Project eKits that you can give to family and friends.

The main component of the eKit is an e-book edition of The Note, a book about the power of appreciation that was named Best Gift Book of 2011 in the Living Now Book Awards. Your friends can also download any or all of the free bonus gifts from Note Project sponsors.

There are no catches. Recipients don't have to sign-up or subscribe to anything, and they won't receive any unsolicited e-mails. They can just download their free gift from you and enjoy. They can also send free eKits to their friends if they like.

To send the gift of a free Note Project eKit to up to 10 people you appreciate, click HERE.

To see the page that your friends will be directed to, click HERE -- and feel free to download the e-book edition of The Note and free bonus gifts for yourself.

Special Offer: $10 Note Gift Set

If you’re looking for a thoughtful and inexpensive holiday gift for family, friends or coworkers, you can give the Note Gift Set for only $10. Each gift set includes a signed, hardback edition of The Note, a DVD video based on the book, a Note Project bookmark, and a set of three premium-quality “thank you” cards. Added bonus: shipping is free on orders of $25 or more! For more information, click HERE.

‘Til the next note,
Mike O’Mary
Founder, the Note Project

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I know that they support you

flight of the muse by ladybugrock

Your Feet

When I cannot look at your face
I look at your feet.
Your feet of arched bone,
your hard little feet.
I know that they support you,
and that your sweet weight
rises upon them.
Your waist and your breasts,
the doubled purple
of your nipples,
the sockets of your eyes
that have just flown away,
your wide fruit mouth,
your red tresses,
my little tower.
But I love your feet
only because they walked
upon the earth and upon
the wind and upon the waters,
until they found me.

—
Pablo Neruda




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Kind Apps : Relax Melodies for Sleep, Meditation & Yoga!

Relax Melodies for Sleep, Meditation & Yoga
(clicking the above link will take you to the app store)

I've been using this app for a few weeks now & I can't say enough about it. Truth be told, meditation is hard for me, it always has been, lots of chatter, lots of getting down on myself for not being able to quiet my mind -- & that was before my beautiful boys came along. When they came, sadly, I gave up even trying. If I was able to slip away for a bit, while Kurt watched them, I could still hear them, sometimes even over our hurricane fan, joyously running & jumping downstairs, their frustrations, their giggling.

I was in BLISS when I happened upon this app. I slip on my headphones & I am transported to paradise.

Throughout my life, even though I can't play but a lick of music, some of my most spiritually-connected experiences were sound-oriented - so you can see why this is huge for me!

I also use this app as a mechanism for relaxation.

Last week before we traveled to the other side of the state for the holiday, I stood on my back stoop, closed my eyes, selected a melody that I created called, Oceans Deep (Hi Raven!) & I was there.

Standing in the sand, waves crashing, a drum circle in the distance, the breeze through my hair, seagulls flying overhead, the sun warming my skin.

I was standing feet from the ocean & I was in love.

Thoughts came in & I smiled, gently letting them go, as they were mostly good thoughts, beach memories or memories yet to be made.

Just moments before, I was a ball of nerves, trying to pull a few business-related loose ends tight, before we embarked.

Instant relaxation = Invaluable.

My two favorite features in this app are:

1. You can combine up to 10 sounds to create your own melody from 82 high-quality ambient sounds including 6 binaural beats frequencies for brainwave entrainment. You can change the volume on every sound to get the most personalized relaxation experience ever. The sounds range from ocean waves, a cat purring, thunderstorm, rain, chanting, drums, white, pink & brown noise, a dryer running, the list just goes on & on!

2. You can save your melodies! Which you can see above the 3 I've saved so far (can you tell that water calms me?!)

This app has literally changed the way I meditate, all for the better. Also, a big plus, if I am having trouble sleeping, it's pure gold.

Beautiful stuff! Enjoy!

Love,

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trust yourself to the water

Sea of Love by Micah Camara

To have faith is to trust yourself to the water. When you swim you don't grab hold of the water, because if you do you will sink and drown. Instead you relax, and float.

—
Alan Watts



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5 Wishes & 1 Free Printable As You Embrace December with Tracey Selingo

Guest Post by Tracey Selingo for the Kind Kindred series.

I'm so grateful that you're taking a few minutes out of your cyber Monday to dance with me here in Amanda's garden of kindness. We all need this space to soothe the savage and quiet the storms that brew around, above, behind and within us.

Now more than ever, really.

December is just a few days away. There are Christmas tunes on the radio, a barrage of gift-giving deals and ideals on the tube and it's nearly impossible to walk into a store that's not decorated floor-to-ceiling, window-to-window, wall-to-wall. Heavy sigh.

What no marketer wants you to know is that you really don't need to look farther than your own heart to know how to make this season special for yourself and others. For all the gifts you plan to make, and those you plan to buy, you only need to remember this: when you give yourself to others without condition, without expectation and without reward then the peace you receive in kind delivers enough joy for a lifetime.

There is no magic like the magic of connecting, knowing, enjoying and loving those you're with whether they're under your roof or on the other side of the world.

A simple note, a two-minute call, a surprise visit, an unexpected offer...these are the gifts that say "I know," "I love," "I care." And in the hustle and bustle of where life continues to take us, it's sometimes hard to just know that YOU are gift enough. And you are.

With that, I have five wishes for you this season:

may you discover them all one by one. Day by day. Month after month. And may you take these wishes and share them with your own world...just click here for a free DIY 5x7 (A7) holiday card. There's no time like the present to be present.

Tracey Selingo is a writer and communication consultant who helps people get a word in edgewise at ink engage. She's also an impulsive-dark-chocoholic-belly-laughing-promise-maker. You can find her promises at Twisted Pinky.

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It’s hard to see

Untitled by laura zalenga

Take time to recharge your batteries. It’s hard to see where you’re going when your lights are dim.

—
Robert H. Connelly



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from my heart to yours

Thank You! by katiedaisy

I hope your day is filled with light, love & laughter.

See you Monday,
beautiful you.

You are so loved,

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The Oracle of You

Guest post by Jo Anna Rothman.


Standing in the Light : art print by Outi Harma

The Oracle of You

We long for answers. Fortunes to be told. Knowledge of what is coming to us. We want someone to divine the truths of life and let us know what our role is to be. We want to know our place. We want the oracle.

The oracle is a being of mystery. Of wonder. Of deep, divine connection. From the oracle, words of truth are spoken, untangled and shared. They can read the landscape of our hearts and know the path that leads to the treasure. They can heal, transform and rebuild.

We search for the oracle in the kingdom of others. “Is this right?” “Is this wrong?” “Will it all be ok?” “Will I ever get to that magic place I long to be?” We ask. Beg. Plead. We seek the mighty reassurance of authority. We petition everyone who sits on high, hoping that they somehow know us better than we could know ourselves. We want from them a calming presence letting us know that everything will be alright. We end up asking everyone but the actual oracle.

Sometimes we don’t even know that a true oracle exists. We are so conditioned to think of them as only residing the myths of ages gone by. We ask our questions just the same, craving reassurance in any way it comes. We simply don’t know that an option of divine excellence is awaiting us. If we are lucky, the possibility of truth is revealed in our search.

The path to the oracle is steep and winding, treacherous enough to whittle away the weak at heart. But really, the magic that awaits pulls the eager traveler towards the goal. We reach the tip top peak only to feel powerfully grounded in our center. And when we are finally granted an audience we are given a view into the eyes that see all. The love that pours forth is familiar. Personal. Ours. Literally. The oracle is us.

Within us, lives the wise one we seek. It resides deeply in our essence. It’s the quiet space in the whirling winds of our mind. It is still. True. Steady. It responds when asked, though it recognizes the value of silence. It guides us through what feels right, even if the thoughts make no sense.

The more we remove the debris of the mind, the clearer the oracle speaks. We release the resentment, pain and shame of dreams that did not come true in any prescribed manner. In turn, we are gifted with a connection to the wisdom of The Universe that lives inside us all.

If we want to know the future, we can look in our hearts. Our heads. Our mirrors. We can look to our oracle. That is not to say the oracle knows all. There is a mystery to life that is to be respected. And the oracle does. We are also not meant to do it all by our lonesomes. We are in community in service to each other. We provide assistance. Illumination. Help. And in turn are provided for. Yet as we receive from others, the oracle within shows us who speaks words that resonate with our truth.

The oracle of you is a breath away. An intention and a practice of patience separates you from the wisdom that you desire. The oracle waits quiets until it is finally, directly, asked. It is waiting for you.

Jo Anna Rothman, MA is an intuitive coach and facilitator of The Receiving Project. She revels in assisting people in falling in love with their lives. She is committed to living a life full of pleasure, purpose and enthusiasm. And perhaps most important, she knows the secret to the perfect s’more.

To read more of Jo Anna's guest posts on Kind Over Matter click here!
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Sponsor Love : I Shop Indie

I Shop Indie

I Shop Indie is a one stop shop, where you can find handmade goods from a variety of independent designers. The site includes clothing, jewelry, bags, home goods, bath/body goods and more. It's the perfect place to start your holiday shopping this year. You'll find one of a kind treasures for your loved ones and feel good supporting indie artists.

* Styles on offer range from cute and clever to modern and chic

* Great gifts for everyone on your list, including friends, family, guys, girls and kids

* Discover artists you love + buy products directly from them

During your visit, be sure to enter our awesome giveaway. You can win a box full of handmade goodies from our designers.

Connect:
:: Website :: Facebook :: Twitter ::

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Friendship is the purest love

A place In the world where the sun passes through by andrew.stichbury.

Friendship is the purest love. It is the highest form of Love where nothing is asked for, no condition, where one simply enjoys giving.

—
Osho



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A Love Letter for Living

Guest post by Daniel Collinsworth.

Weekend by Dredrk aka Mr Sky

A Love Letter for Living

I am grateful for the loneliness that taught me self-knowing. The abuse that taught me compassion. The sadness that taught me to swim in deep waters.

I am thankful for the broken heart that taught me self-love. The rejection that taught me self-acceptance. The humiliation that taught me tenderness.

I am grateful for the darkness that taught me empathy. The hopelessness that taught me perseverance. The failed suicide attempt that taught me that love is the reason to live.

I am thankful for the grief that taught me to say “I love you” today, not tomorrow.

I am grateful for the the difficult relationships that show me where inner development is needed. The mistakes that teach me responsibility. The forgiveness that teaches me grace.

I am thankful for the time of homelessness that taught me that life is about choices.

I am grateful for the job loss that taught me entrepreneurship and the concept of dreaming big, and for having a job that supports me in the creation of my dream while allowing me to provide for myself.

I am thankful for my mother’s strength for teaching me to respect the feminine, and my father’s softness for teaching me to temper the masculine.

I am grateful for the trees that teach me stillness. The cloud formations that teach me the sacredness of the now. The mountains that teach me the quiet gentleness of true greatness.

I am thankful for the heights of ecstasy that teach me the limitlessness of experience. The unfolding of joy in the quietness of a moment. The wonder of being.

I am thankful for the folks in my life who make living so worthwhile.

I am thankful for you, for being the mirror that shows me who I am. For being my teacher and my friend.

I am thankful for you, who makes the Universe complete.

Daniel Collinsworth is a teacher and cloud watcher. He has a blog called Metta Drum where he shares insights on compassion, oneness, healing and freedom. You can connect with him on Facebook and Twitter.

To read more of Daniel's guest posts on Kind Over Matter click here!
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who you really are

Untitled by Leanne Surfleet

When you are praising, when you are appreciating, when you are acknowledging value, when you are looking for positive aspects, when you are laughing, when you are applauding, when you are joyous, when you are feeling that feeling of appreciation pulsing through you, in those times, there IS NO RESISTANCE within you. You are, in those moments, vibrationally up to speed with who you really are.

—
Abraham-Hicks



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Ripples of Christmassy Kindness with Amy McRae

Guest Post by Amy McRae for the Kind Kindred series.

LOVE 10/50 by photo.anger

Ripples of Christmassy Kindness

Blame it on the Muppets or the way I’m wired: I’m a sucker for feel good Christmas songs and movies -- an idealist at heart. The faintest whisper of Christmas approaching gets me all “Let’s just love each other and change the world!”

Then I remember the sheer volume and senselessness of waste that we see during the holidays. Or our belief that Christmas isn’t Christmas unless it’s accompanied by anxiety and stress. It all feels wrong and unkind, and kinda puts a damper on my enthusiasm.

This was back when I thought that the only eco-friendly things one could do at Christmas were making CD ornaments and switching to L.E.D. lights. (A tad uninspiring, to say the least.)

I barely remember now how it happened, but a couple years ago as I thought about the importance of being kinder to the planet, I stumbled upon a tutorial for making gift bows (the most gorgeous ones I’d ever seen, might I add) out of magazine pages. Initially, I thought, “How great for the environment! Saving old magazines and also limiting the need for manufacturing, packaging, and transporting (far less attractive) storebought bows!” Win for niftier wrapping, win for the environment. They quickly became addicting to make -- that was a win for quenching my creative thirst. Then, I realized I was saving money too -- win for my wallet, no matter how small. And it wasn’t about being cheap -- every dollar I spent or didn’t spend was creating the better world I envisioned rather than going into a big black hole.

Suddenly, I was thinking of all sorts of easy opportunities to change the way we did Christmas, and they all created the same sort of domino effect of kindness and wins! I couldn’t remember (and still can’t remember) a time when I’d been more thrilled and inspired. Through a single kind intention, I’d found that loving, joyful Christmas I’d always longed for, free of that familiar feeling of powerlessness. As if that weren't good enough, my perma-smile was certainly another major win for everyone around me.

So, as it turns out, that nagging feeling of dread we get when Christmastime rolls around isn’t a curse -- it’s our cue to get honest with ourselves. It’s life, whispering to us that there’s a better way. Somewhere in the resistance, there’s an opportunity for kindness.

I’ve gathered 47 pages’ worth of “better ways.” But I want to know from you, too: How can you create more kindness this Christmahanukkwanzaayule? How would that kindness ripple out?

Wishing you a win-ful, inspiring (winspiring?) Christmas!

Amy McRae recently re-launched Joy to the Earth, an eGuide written to help you design Christmas in a way that sits right with your soul. It includes access to a friendly, supportive, and very resourceful Facebook community, and until November 30, $1 from each copy is donated to The ChariTREE Foundation (another win!). She loves Twitter and Pinterest, so you’ll find her there!

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The easiest thing in the world

New Beginnings by Emmy.Leah

The easiest thing in the world to be is you. The most difficult thing to be is what other people want you to be. Don't let them put you in that position.

—
Leo Buscaglia



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Friday's Lovelies : 11.18.11

August 11, 2010 by Parker Fitzgerald

Would you sell your sofa to get closer to your dream? : a short story about doing whatever it takes.

Thoughts on Penn State : The very last thing that these brave boys and men need is a nation referring to them as victims. They are heroes and survivors. Words matter.

Free Printable Thankful Cards & Bottle Labels using my Printable Kit! Love!

Kat is blogging & this is one BIG YES from me!

Megan Monique & Daniel Collinsworth discuss the fine line between humility + playing small in the game of following your life's purpose. Good stuff.



Shannon wrote a beautiful guest post for KOM last summer, I am so in love with what they are doing. 10 Pieces. 100 Options. Lightweight, versatile, packable, sustainable & designed with love. They are launching their signature piece, The Versalette, with the help of a Kickstarter campaign & have a new kickass website & ohmy I AM ROOTING FOR THEM!!

Tapping into Sacredness : To experience something – not as something, but as being – to soften your gaze and experience the stillness and the vast infiniteness hidden inside of it, is to catch a glimpse of its true nature.

Joy (A Love Story) : Three babes later, we were sharing those feelings that we had saved up for over 11 years.

Gift Magazine is out! Hundreds of gift ideas for everyone on your list!




Kindness Mission Alert! Are you in? : Love these!

Lori launched A Year of Wishes : A calendar, 12 gorgeous art prints, 12 beautiful wishes for yourself and the world (complete with prayer cards to use liberally) : & she shared her first vlog, complete with outtakes & she released her Holiday Cards! So beautiful!

Sprout Magazine is out & I'm a contributor, love it!

Joy to the Earth : design a Christmas that sits right with your soul!

Free Art download : Keep your face always toward the sunshine - & shadows will fall behind you.

It’s the time of year for gratitude, gifts & miracles : The Service Project.

December 5, 2010 by Parker Fitzgerald

Have a blissed-out weekend!
Thank you so much for being here,


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