Do you love yourself?

I'm working on the next Joyful workshop scheduled for February 12th. It's strategically planned right before Valentine's day! This workshop has a theme of "self love". We can dish it out but are we really feeling it for ourselves?


A few years ago a dear friend asked me the question: "Do you love yourself?" At first I thought uh.. yeah! After I fully allowed the question to percolate a bit more, I could not really answer that question. I had some blocks, some healing to do though I really wasn't aware. I was just chugging along in life not realizing I wasn't fully receiving and feeling love for my own self. Until that question was asked.


A few things that blocked my self love:


not being able to forgive


being too hard on myself


self doubt


fear


Working on my own self by taking workshops, life classes and soulful retreats cracked my shell wide open. Implementing the tools I learned and infusing them into my daily life healed my heart. 


The moment I realized I was blocking my OWN love was a grand pivot for my soul! 


Remove blocks to fully feel the love and joy flowing within.


I have to admit, this leaves me feeling a bit vulnerable. I meditated on this subject of vulnerability and realized it's ok. It will be ok. I cleared my path, I can see it. The only thing standing in my way would be my own self. Love keeps me walking, talking and sharing. That and amazing support from friends and family. They may not fully understand what it is I'm doing but because I love what I'm doing - they support me. Now it's YOUR turn, let's support you on your own joyful journey.


In the Joyful workshops, attendees receive their own "treasure box" which we fill with wonderful items to support the joyful journey. The first thing you'll see inside your own treasure box - YOU. You are the key to your happiness, your self love. It all begins within!

you are the key to your own joy and love

If you are in Southern California, I invite you to a soulful retreat nestled in nature at the Alta Vista Botanical Gardens. Come feel supported, loved and reignite the Joy that is within you.


Let your heart and soul be nurtured in the class and in nature. You can register for the workshops here : http://www.zenatona.com/cat-3A.html


Teenagers are welcome too! Let's learn to love together.

patience

I was rushing to meet a friend at the park for a walk. I rushed to get to my destination. I quickly got out of my car. I quick grabbed my water bottle, stepped out of the car and saw this:

And then I heard ... "patience". 


"Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished"
Lao Tzu

shine on!

My kitchen window faces East and I am so blessed with a sunrise view! Yesterday, Mother Nature painted this picture:

I KNOW! Amazing right?

All kinds of wonderful was swirling through my head like a refreshing raspberry orange sorbet. Such a deliciously fresh start to my day. Then, within minutes it changed. The sun fully rose and my gratitude set.

This morning. I look out the window and dear Mother Nature painted this:

I KNOW!

It was like the Universe was saying - GO. Seize your day. So I want to share that with you. Follow your heart and walk through any doors of opportunity. Give yourself permission. Your scene may change, but behind all the clouds, there will always be a sun. 

Shine on!

Wordless Wednesday

the time is ripe now

The seeds were planted, nature took course and look what was produced!

What gift do you have for the world?

I feel that we're living in a purpose-driven world. More and more I'm hearing of wonderful ideas people have in using their gifts and talents to help others. Whether it's through writing, art, service or communicating - people want to give and make the world a better place.

I know, it can be scary moving forward and implementing your ideas, your dreams or that special project. I completely understand. It's easy to get caught up with self doubts, what ifs and "what will they think!?" Guess what?  

The time is now. 

Reach for the raspberry!

And keep in mind, the raspberry didn't evolve all by itself. It needed the sun for growth, the rain for nurturing, the gardener for pruning and it's vine for support. It went through it's nurturing and growth, weathering the elements to bring you one heck of a delicious piece of nature's candy. That is it's purpose. 

If you are unsure of what your purpose is or how you can use your gifts and talents to make the world a better place - just ask! Most people ask "What is my purpose?" try instead:

How can I serve?

Ask when you have time to yourself. Time to really listen for the answer. Turn away from the phones, computers, televisions and tune in to nature and your own internal wisdom. Your heart will lead the way, just be sure to follow it. I've learned that if it's in alignment with your true purpose - everything will fall into place. You'll start to experience small miracles and synchronicities. Take those as your signs that you are on the right path!

The ground will rise to meet you! This I know. You can even use my personal mantra if you need to:

"When I am consistently authentic, I am whole."

That always helps keep me on track!

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

With joy & gratitude,

Deb

I finally found my voice

If I could sum up 2011 for myself in 5 words: 

I finally found my voice

In 2011 I realized that I may not sing as beautifully as Adele but I sure can use my voice. I found my voice and I'm using it to spread JOY! I listened to my dreams, my intuition and with the support of my "tribe" I held the first workshop on 11-11-11 at 11am in the Alta Vista Botanical Gardens. Eight beautiful women gathered together to receive soulful support of living a more joyous life.

I called it a Backyard Sabbatical ~ you don't have to go far to rediscover your inner peace and joy. Guests received their own treasure boxes labeled "you matter" and inside tools for their continued support for happiness, growth and reflection.

Items included:

a permission slip for allowing ourselves to do whatever it is that we've been putting off. You know you're the change in the world but sometimes you may feel you need permission to take the first step. 

bloomies for answering the questions "what do I want?" and "what brings me joy?"

choosing a gem stone for support

a piece of bark from a tree for the reminder of letting go of what no longer serves us

a candle to light as a reminder that the light always shines from within. You are the light.

And other unexpected surprises!

We talked, shared, met new friends and most importantly - we rediscovered we are the key to our own happiness. 

After the workshop I led the group through a mindful walk in the labyrinth.

I have this love and light inside of me that shines through sharing with others. This makes me happy. This makes me whole.

Thank you for taking the time to read this :)

With joy & gratitude,

Deb