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Use the beautiful things in life to heal. Wellness is the key to a vibrant life and sleep is the key to wellness.
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
My Recent Heartbreak, How I Chose to Heal
Monday, December 12, 2016
My Big Problems With Walmart, Is there Consumer Fraud?
What do you do when you try to contact a company like Walmart to resolve issues and they refuse to address it? I choose to blog and post on social media in hopes someone can check on some possible consumer fraud.
I immediately removed my card and got a new bank card. I decided to use my Walmart credit card for future purposes and this is when the real strange issue began. I would make a purchase with my card in excellent standing according to the Walmart credit card controlled by Synchrony Bank and the order once placed would me immediately cancelled by "Walmart".
Sample response on cancelling issue:
I tried to up to 5 times and every time the same thing occurred. I called, emailed over and over and they just apologized again, with a scripted response and asked me to contact my banking institution. I explained for the 30th time that (it was a
Walmart credit card) they are the banking institution and how the bank card customer service insisted everything was great on their side and didn't know why Walmart.com cancelled. Walmart.com said it was the credit card department that cancelled. See why I'm dizzy? They wouldn't speak to each other and kept me going back and forth.
Image of the Walmart credit card written answer also being told verbally:
In addition, they would send items separately which wouldn't be an issue if it were one or two shipments but up to five or more? That is ridiculous. It wastes time, resources and energy especially if you can't be home all the time to receive them. Not everyone has a doorman. I dealt with it until I tried to use their Shipping Pass, explained below, and that didn't go very well.
Now for the final main issue I had. I used the Shipping Pass Walmart.com offers to save on shipping. It's $49 for the year and is suppose work like Amazon Prime-which incidentally I use and works perfectly. I used it twice and it worked OK except it was more than two days. I tried to use it again and at check out (before I had the Walmart.com cancelling my purchase) there was a shipping fee! Again, I was confused. I contacted Walmart.com and of course they are "very sorry" but this Shipping Pass doesn't include every item. I know that which is why I ordered items with the Shipping Pass logo next it. They asked me to send them the link or screenshots (yes more work for me) and I did. They said sorry this does not qualify for Shipping Pass, though I assured them it did in the past and the logo was there
Images showing how the Shipping Pass was going through just fine, once you at check out $7.95 mysteriously appeared.
Just one of example of he lovely "scripted" response
Is it me or is there a Shipping Pass logo under the price of this item?
Also, if you've gone through anything like this, let's do something about it.
Oh and once more question, why are some single items (again, not bulk) listed with prices like this the they were $2.09 the day before?
The Problem and Why I've Used Walmart.com
I have been buying from Walmart.com for the past 4 years. Why?- Because I want to,
- It's more affordable on some items,
- I can't lift heavy grocery items and
- I don't drive.
Big Problem, Purchase Cancelled over and Over again. Could it be attempted Fraud?
My big problem has to do with my billing information. I used either my bank debit/credit card or their Walmart credit card to make purchases. Then recently I got a notification from my bank, Bank of America, that a strange purchase was being attempted. I checked immediately and sure enough someone was "testing" my card trying to make a small purchase to see if the can steal my information. This unfortunately has happened to me before in another situation. So I contacted Walmart.com and they couldn't identify who or even that the mysterious purchase was. Please see original alert from Bank of America
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What I tried to do to resolve it
I contacted their help page and was directed to either a phone number or chat. I chose the chat and got a scripted response saying they couldn't help me but to try again in 30 minutes. I tried to email but could not find the email and asked this during the chat, he said it's "help@walmart.com of course". Really? Because I would somehow know this psychically would know this and it isn't listed on their help page? I then emailed them at the email and as in the chat a scripted response saying the banking institution is the one responsible and I am not passing some kind of security check, e.g. expiration date, billing address, other? There is NO expiration date on a Walmart credit card, and all other data is up to date. I tell them this and they said they "escalate" this and to try again, you got it, in 30 minutes.Sample response on cancelling issue:
Hello Diana, |
Thanks for your recent order. We're really sorry, but we've canceled the items shown below because we couldn't verify some or all of your payment information. Please sign in to your account and be sure your billing address, phone number and credit card information is correct and current. |
I tried to up to 5 times and every time the same thing occurred. I called, emailed over and over and they just apologized again, with a scripted response and asked me to contact my banking institution. I explained for the 30th time that (it was a
Walmart credit card) they are the banking institution and how the bank card customer service insisted everything was great on their side and didn't know why Walmart.com cancelled. Walmart.com said it was the credit card department that cancelled. See why I'm dizzy? They wouldn't speak to each other and kept me going back and forth.
Image of the Walmart credit card written answer also being told verbally:
Suspicious Request by Customer Service
After contacting them multiple times because I wanted my darn groceries they, as I said earlier gave the same scripted response.- They are very sorry for my difficulties
- They are escalating, please try again in 30 minutes or later in 24 hrs. By the way, when a purchase is cancelled, you have to place the order from scratch. No easy re-order. This is clearly quite time-consuming, but convinced it was a glitch I did it up to five times.
- THE MOST CONCERNING RESPONSE: Please use another credit card to make your purchases. What?? Wait, I already tried that and someone tried to steal my information. Why would you deny your own credit card service (can't rip yourself off)? I don't want to use another card again due to my suspicion of some internal fraud.
The mysterious internal security check
When I spoke verbally to the Walmart.com customer service regarding this problem, I asked for more details on this mysterious security check that I somehow wasn't passing. They said they didn't know. Yes! They said they did NOT know. So who knows? It's not the credit card department because I'm clear there. What is happening here?
Another Issue, Not such a big deal but still an issue
All seemed ordinary the first couple years. My only issue at first was the shipping. They would send items and it would take up to two weeks for simple items if you used their "value" shipping or free shipping with a purchase of $50 or more unless you use their standard shipping.In addition, they would send items separately which wouldn't be an issue if it were one or two shipments but up to five or more? That is ridiculous. It wastes time, resources and energy especially if you can't be home all the time to receive them. Not everyone has a doorman. I dealt with it until I tried to use their Shipping Pass, explained below, and that didn't go very well.
Shipping Pass is No Amazon Prime
Now for the final main issue I had. I used the Shipping Pass Walmart.com offers to save on shipping. It's $49 for the year and is suppose work like Amazon Prime-which incidentally I use and works perfectly. I used it twice and it worked OK except it was more than two days. I tried to use it again and at check out (before I had the Walmart.com cancelling my purchase) there was a shipping fee! Again, I was confused. I contacted Walmart.com and of course they are "very sorry" but this Shipping Pass doesn't include every item. I know that which is why I ordered items with the Shipping Pass logo next it. They asked me to send them the link or screenshots (yes more work for me) and I did. They said sorry this does not qualify for Shipping Pass, though I assured them it did in the past and the logo was thereImages showing how the Shipping Pass was going through just fine, once you at check out $7.95 mysteriously appeared.
Just one of example of he lovely "scripted" response
Is it me or is there a Shipping Pass logo under the price of this item?
What I want from Walmart or a consumer agency
I want answers. So I would love for someone to help me since Walmart.com did not after contacting them so many times. This post will be re-posted until it is resolved to my satisfaction.Also, if you've gone through anything like this, let's do something about it.
Oh and once more question, why are some single items (again, not bulk) listed with prices like this the they were $2.09 the day before?
Sunday, October 23, 2016
Ways I Found to Heal a Broken Heart, Part 3 Bites Size Healing
How did I heal my broken heart?
It's Part 3 of you bite size healing from Ways I Found to Heal a Broken Heart Welcome back! FYI, to read part 1 and 2 simply click on the title.
On this post, I'm going to share here another technique to help your broken heart.
As said in the first post on this subject, there is nothing more painful than a broken heart. It doesn't matter what broke the heart, loss of a loved one, a break up, betrayal of a friend...the pain is very real, visceral both emotionally and physically.
As I stated in the previous posts, I wrote various ways that are not usually discussed by popular culture often (or at all) that really have provided many people, including myself, with relief from heartache. You can find them in my book Heal Heartbreak and Find True Love.
On this post, I'm going to share here another technique to help your broken heart.
As said in the first post on this subject, there is nothing more painful than a broken heart. It doesn't matter what broke the heart, loss of a loved one, a break up, betrayal of a friend...the pain is very real, visceral both emotionally and physically.
As I stated in the previous posts, I wrote various ways that are not usually discussed by popular culture often (or at all) that really have provided many people, including myself, with relief from heartache. You can find them in my book Heal Heartbreak and Find True Love.
Click Here for your copy |
A bite size healing option
We hear about meditation just about everywhere these days. How many of us actually practice it? It seems like an impossible task when we should just be busy doing "something". But what is this busy-ness really accomplishing? Is it more of a distraction to be and stay busy doing...something?
What if we can add a little something to this busy-ness to make it actually instrumental to healing our pain? We can add meditation, traditional or mindful it is up to you.
Just do an online search of benefits of meditation, you will soon see that it is worth at try. I personally, don't have much patience in general so thinking about meditation was enough to stress me out even more. That's because I saw from traditional sources that you need at least 20 minutes of quiet meditation in certain poses for it to be effective.
Fortunately I like to experiment and I decided to do bite size versions of this. As silly as it may sound, I sometimes do 60 seconds. It is amazing how long 60 seconds can seem. But I feel accomplished and it motivates me to do more and that's what it's all about. Giving yourself the opportunity to try something then challenge yourself to do a little more when you feel you can and you will.
What if we can add a little something to this busy-ness to make it actually instrumental to healing our pain? We can add meditation, traditional or mindful it is up to you.
Just do an online search of benefits of meditation, you will soon see that it is worth at try. I personally, don't have much patience in general so thinking about meditation was enough to stress me out even more. That's because I saw from traditional sources that you need at least 20 minutes of quiet meditation in certain poses for it to be effective.
Fortunately I like to experiment and I decided to do bite size versions of this. As silly as it may sound, I sometimes do 60 seconds. It is amazing how long 60 seconds can seem. But I feel accomplished and it motivates me to do more and that's what it's all about. Giving yourself the opportunity to try something then challenge yourself to do a little more when you feel you can and you will.
Another Most Surprisingly Effective Technique
Let's start with regular mediation and take the resistance away from the process and then move into mindful meditation. Like the other two techniques discussed in past posts, this is elegantly simple. Why? Because you can use as much discipline as you can muster up at any given time. Here is another excerpt from my book for you to enjoy.
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Meditation-
The act of meditation is quieting the mind to connect with one’s higher-self and the Universe. Meditation is a form of listening. Meditation is a work in progress of silencing our ego voice, the everyday chatter and opening up to the infinite information available to us. Breathing consciously is essential to any meditation practice which is why I try to remind myself, my readers and my clients to take a delicious conscious breath.
Meditation іѕ an age-old technique оf focusing thе mind on particular objects, prayers оr just immersing oneself іn deep silence with no distractions оr commotions that would disturb the veil of concentration. It іѕ а great way tо sort out оnе'ѕ colliding thoughts and setting оnе'ѕ mind on а single path tо peace аnd contentment from wіthіn. There are different types of meditation but the most important thing to remember is to find the technique that best works for you.
Different types оf meditation help уоu focus on various areas оf уоur life including уоur routine. Choose a method thаt іѕ convenient for уоu to practice everyday. It саn help уоu overcome headaches, stress аnd оthеr health problems that crop up wіthіn uѕ аѕ wеll аѕ а way tо just stop аnd bе іn thе moment. Uѕе meditation аѕ а way оf calming уоu inside, аnd bringing tо уоurѕеlf аll that іѕ peaceful аnd positive. Even while using the simple breathing in counting 1, breathing out counting 2, for several minutes, ask your higher-self to give you the truth of your heartbreak situation and the strength to move on.
Mindfulness Meditation-
Actions саn be meditative. Bу incorporating different types оf meditations into daily activities, уоu саn improve the quality оf your life bу improving уоur ability tо focus, stay calm, retain awareness, аnd maintain balance іn уоur body, mind, аnd spirit. Some of the activities you can practice mindful meditation with include:
- Washing dishes
- Taking а shower
- Standing in line at а bank, café or anywhere
- Doing daily household cleaning оr оthеr chores
- Painting
- Exercising
- Walking
- Riding the Elevator
- While on a work break
Helpful Hint:
While doing any of the tasks listed here or ones you can think of , take an extra second and be aware of what you are doing. What are you really doing? Why are you doing it? What are the sounds, smells, sights, or textures of what you are doing? How does any of this fit in the scheme of things in your world or the world.
As I continue to suggest, find a way of logging your progress. This will give you the motivation you need to continue your path to healing. The way of logging is up to you. Journal, voice note, video diary, etc. The options are many and if you make it easy it's even better.
Try doing this anytime, anywhere. How about once you finish reading this? Doing this in a specific way, like carving out a special, quiet time can create a true free space for you to heal.
I would love to hear your feedback so contact me to share your experience.
Wishing you healing, joy and love...and kindly share this with someone who needs it.
~Diana Navarro, M.S.
Links for you to check
Thursday, October 20, 2016
Ways I Found to Heal a Broken Heart, Part 2 Bites Size Healing
How did I heal my broken heart?
Welcome to Part 2 of Ways I Found to Heal a Broken Heart to read part one simply click on the title.
I'm going to share here another technique to help your broken heart.
As said in the first post on this subject, there is nothing more painful than a broken heart. It doesn't matter what broke the heart, loss of a loved one, a break up, betrayal of a friend...the pain is very real, visceral both emotionally and physically.
I wrote various ways that are not usually discussed by popular culture often (or at all) that really have provided many people, including myself, with relief from heartache. You can find them in my book Heal Heartbreak and Find True Love.
I'm going to share here another technique to help your broken heart.
As said in the first post on this subject, there is nothing more painful than a broken heart. It doesn't matter what broke the heart, loss of a loved one, a break up, betrayal of a friend...the pain is very real, visceral both emotionally and physically.
I wrote various ways that are not usually discussed by popular culture often (or at all) that really have provided many people, including myself, with relief from heartache. You can find them in my book Heal Heartbreak and Find True Love.
Click Here for your copy |
As promised, I will share another way you can explore in finding relief for your heartbreak pain.
A bite size healing option
Sometimes all you want to do is tell the source of your pain about this pain. You want to express yourself, ask questions and get answers. But it is not always a good idea or even necessary to send this information to the source. If the source is a relationship, the other person(s) may not be capable of hearing or accepting what you are saying. If it is a situation then clearly you can't really express yourself to a "circumstance" and expect a traditional answer. If it's someone who passed away or the loss of an animal companion, you can see how actually sending them a note is not going to work. However, that doesn't mean you shouldn't write it anyway to promote healing. Let me explain...
I found a technique that provides the same cathartic relief without the disappointment one feels when not getting the desired response from the source. Don't be fooled by how simple this seems. It is extremely powerful when done in the way I suggest here. Give it a chance and see what happens. Go with your gut as to which one(s) you want to try and dare yourself to discover something new.
I found a technique that provides the same cathartic relief without the disappointment one feels when not getting the desired response from the source. Don't be fooled by how simple this seems. It is extremely powerful when done in the way I suggest here. Give it a chance and see what happens. Go with your gut as to which one(s) you want to try and dare yourself to discover something new.
Another Most Surprisingly Effective Technique
A seemingly simple but powerful technique I found was writing a letter but with a twist. You write this letter to the source of your pain. And yes, you may have to write several letters because life often comes with multiple experiences which can break our hearts. Here is an excerpt from my book. Don't worry about how illogical this may be. We are dealing with pain and emotions and using logic alone is not a way to true healing. My advise is to carve out time and just do it. Start any way you wish. "Dear Source of Pain", or "Dear (name of person or situation)" and go from there.
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Write a letter to the source of your pain (but do NOT send it)
This technique can be very effective even when the person who hurt who has died. In this case, I suggest you use the embodied writing technique. Write all you can, unedited. Don’t hold back, feel, and write freely. Don’t’ worry about errors, whether it’s legible or if you are being clear. This is for your heart and soul not your brain, and your heart and soul understands. Take as long as you want, make it as short or long as you need to. Want to add sketches? Do it. Draw the pain. This technique is used on children for one reason, because it works. We forget that we too need to express ourselves whole-fully not just logically with words. The images can do this for you. Use colored pens, pencils, chalk, anything you wish to release what you feel uncensored. This is only for you. Once this is done, you can do one of two things: 1) you can immediately dispose of it by (safely) burning and throwing out or 2) soak it in water until materials are drenched and dispose of it afterwards.
This technique can be very effective even when the person who hurt who has died. In this case, I suggest you use the embodied writing technique. Write all you can, unedited. Don’t hold back, feel, and write freely. Don’t’ worry about errors, whether it’s legible or if you are being clear. This is for your heart and soul not your brain, and your heart and soul understands. Take as long as you want, make it as short or long as you need to. Want to add sketches? Do it. Draw the pain. This technique is used on children for one reason, because it works. We forget that we too need to express ourselves whole-fully not just logically with words. The images can do this for you. Use colored pens, pencils, chalk, anything you wish to release what you feel uncensored. This is only for you. Once this is done, you can do one of two things: 1) you can immediately dispose of it by (safely) burning and throwing out or 2) soak it in water until materials are drenched and dispose of it afterwards.
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Helpful Hint: Make this a sacred gift to yourself. Buy special paper or a journal specifically for writing these letters. It can be specialty paper or simple binder paper, but it is still special because it is providing you a place to release your pain out to the universe and recycle that energy for the highest good. Use a pen that feels great and smooth. Or it can be a pen with colored ink. There are so many interesting options like gel ink, colors like red, purple, green that can make this more significant to you.
Of course you can type it and print it if you prefer. Use different color and font, and/or printing paper to achieve the same effect of making this a special and different process for you.
And said in a previous post, find a way of logging your progress. This will give you the motivation you need to continue your path to healing. The way of logging is up to you. Journal, voice note, video diary, etc. The options are many and if you make it easy it's even better.
Of course you can type it and print it if you prefer. Use different color and font, and/or printing paper to achieve the same effect of making this a special and different process for you.
And said in a previous post, find a way of logging your progress. This will give you the motivation you need to continue your path to healing. The way of logging is up to you. Journal, voice note, video diary, etc. The options are many and if you make it easy it's even better.
Doing this in a specific way, like carving out a special, quiet time and the above tips can make this of writing a letter much more effective than a more traditional way of writing one. Once you have done this with one of the sources of pain be sure to release it as described above. Give it time to do its work and dissipate out of you so you can create a true free space to heal.
I would love to hear your feedback so contact me to share your experience.
Wishing you healing, joy and love...and kindly share this with someone who needs it.
~Diana Navarro, M.S.
Links for you to check
#bitesizehealing
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
Ways I Found to Heal a Broken Heart, Part 1 Bite Size Healing
How did I heal my broken heart?
There is nothing more painful than a broken heart. It doesn't matter what broke the heart, loss of a loved one, a break up, betrayal of a friend...the pain is very real, visceral both emotionally and physically.
I've had my heart broken a few times. That's what happens in life sometimes. I desperately felt I had to find a way to relieve that pain and yes heal. The relief was first thing I needed. I know people use all kinds of ways to find relief from pain. Some not healthy. I didn't want to use drugs, alcohol, distraction or any other way that I knew deep inside would not lead to real healing.
I put my research hat on and found that many of the suggestions out there by the self-help world, therapists, social workers, books, magazines, blogs, friends and family did not work for me. I kept on looking. Since I have a tendency to think outside the box, I went down a more integrative route. It wasn't easy and took a lot of time, which I felt was torturous since the pain was so great. The good news! I did find some relief. I dove right in and tried everything that resonated with me. Actions that provided relief while promoting real long-term healing.
Click Here for your copy |
Why find true love as in my book Title?
Because ultimately, love is the answer to everything, in my humble belief. And what is true love? Ahhh good question. True love is the love that surpasses me, you and encompasses everything. As humans, how can we feel this? That seems to be the question of philosophers, poets, mystics, artists and your everyday human being.
Call me a wishful thinker, or call me whatever you want. I have had glimpses of this true love...and I do believe it's out there and inside of me. So everyday it is practice. Practice of what? Asking and working on remembering who I am and who we all are. This is what I write about and work on daily. Sometimes I have fantastic days and others I have days that I feel this is all a waste of time. But in the end, I always come back to the those glimpses of ecstasy that I have had the honor of experiencing and know are attainable.
One of my life purposes is to share this healing possibility in any way I can because perhaps this may be my infinitesimally small way of contributing to healing, truth, love to the universe to balance the pain, despair and hopelessness that seems to be overcoming so many.
What is required?
I have found through my research, personal experience with clients, and my own personal experience that there are few requirements to the road to healing.
In other words, all the wanting in the world won't help your heart heal unless you have some plan and the wherewithal to follow through. However, when you have tried techniques and they fail, compounded with the extreme pain of the actual heartbreak, it is all too easy to give up or turn to unhealthy ways of coping.
So what are some of the ways I've discovered? They are outlined more fully in my book but I will share some with you and one in particular on this post. But first, here are here are some of he requirements to start true healing.
- Readiness
- Earnest Desire
- Commitment and
- A balance between healthy skepticism and having and open mind
A bite size healing option
Some healing techniques may seen incredibly simple. Almost too simple to actually work. But guess what? Unless you have tried them and tried them long enough,you'll never know if they do work. Some are going to seem silly or even full out insane. Again, you might to try it and see what begins to happen. Go with your gut as to which one(s) you want to try and dare yourself to discover something new.
A most Surprisingly Effective Technique
I'm going to start by technique that took me by surprise. I had tried many techniques, including therapy, yoga, regular meditation, and still felt devastated. So searched and searched and found an "action" that led to healing. It is vocalizing a mantra. Yes, saying something over and over again until I felt relief. This isn't just any old positive thinking mantra. This is from a sacred language with a special vibration. Here is an excerpt from my book.
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Guru Guru Wahe Guru
Guru Ram Das Guru
What this mantra means
Guru - teacher or guide (including your higher-self) who brings one from the darkness into the light and awareness.
Wahe – “exclamation of ecstasy like “WOW!''’
Ram Das –“ literally translates as "God's Servant"’
The guru here refers to Guru Ram Das, the Fourth Guru of the Sikhs “…known for its healing qualities and for imparting humility to the one who chants it… This mantra relates directly to healing and protective energy represented by Guru Ram Das. The mantra is comprised of two parts. The first part is a nirgun mantra (Guru Guru Wahe Guru). This projects the mind to the source of knowledge and ecstasy. The second part is a sirgun mantra (Guru Ram Das Guru). This means the wisdom that comes as a servant of the infinite. It is the mantra of humility. It reconnects the experience of the finite to infinity.” Source: www.spiritVoyage.com
It is simple, short and it works. It is recommended you recite it in your mind or out loud if you are able to. Recite it, over and over again whenever, and wherever. The vibration it emits somehow replaces the negative thoughts associated with the event, like the useless, repetitive blame, and guilt.
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Helpful Hint: Find a way of logging your progress. This will give you the motivation you need to continue your path to healing. The way of logging is up to you. Journal, voice note, video diary, etc. The options are many and if you make it easy it's even better.
I can tell you that this has worked for me, and I am ridiculously skeptic. I suggest you give this a try for a least two weeks to see if there is relief. Remember this is just one of various ways to work on healing but it is worth a go when your other option is constant pain, guilt, regret, excessive drinking, eating...you get the picture.
I would love to hear your feedback so contact me to share your experience.
Wishing you healing, joy and love...
~Diana Navarro, M.S.
Links for you to check
#bitesizehealing
Friday, September 23, 2016
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Cashing in My Dimes From Heaven
Looking for the Signs From my Loved One
When my mother passed away from a rare cancer in 1999, I desperately wanted a sign from her that she was OK and still around me. From all the research and work I had done on the topic of death and dying, I knew that loved ones had ways of showing their love from the other side via signs. So I asked, wished and looked out for those signs. The signs they send depends on their specific connection to you or some other very obvious object, song, word, or number.
I had an extremely hard difficult time grieving for a few reasons. There are some ways we process the death of a loved one which I discuss in detail in my book on healing heartache. Again because of all my work in this area, I understood this logically but not necessarily emotionally. In addition, I did not expect to have a few other adversities that followed her death that led to a delay in, and made my grief exponentially harder.
I waited and looked for signs from her but never got any. I did dream with her where she gave me a message. However, because I was so traumatized from all the stresses during that early phase, I did not retain the information from that dream, which is very rare for me.
Flash forward to 2005. Things were certainly still rough but a little more stable and suddenly I was noticing butterflies everywhere. I knew butterflies had a spiritual meaning so I, being the overly rational person I used to be, attributed it to finding what I wanted so desperately looking for. I then dismissed seeing butterflies no matter what form they took or how frequently or prominent they appeared.
I continued to see these beauties everywhere and I acknowledged how pretty and lovely it was. Still, I didn't believe this was a sign so I asked my mom in my mind and heart to send me something I know it was from her. Though it had been a few years already since her death, I was still missing her very much and my sense of "home". The emotions were very strong and affecting my well-being tremendously.
Then came the Dimes
I felt that dismissing the butterflies completely would be disrespectful to the whole grief process. I decided to accept them as general lovely signs of transformation and spirituality. And I did continue to see them everywhere. I then began to find dimes. I would find one here and there and it was a fun experience. I don't know why, I guess I heard of pennies from heaven and was happy to see shiny silvery coins instead. For some reason I decided to save them in a little jar I kept on a sacred space I created in my room.
Then things got a little strange. I wouldn't just find a dime once in a while. I would find a dime almost everyday and in fact, multiple dimes. I would find them at home (no surprise there), in the street, which can be expected, the train/bus seats, in taxis, people would give them to me when I didn't pay with cash, strangers would drop them walk away and they'd land next to me, and it went on and on. I would always get this warm feeling and I got one and realized this could be the way my mother was connecting with me.
After doing a little research I found that dimes were indeed connected with being signs from a loved one on the other side. In addition dimes were associated with spiritual awakening which explained their connection with the butterflies I was also seeing. I also found in my research that there were so many stories similar to mine, I could no longer dismiss this as a random, grief-driven coincidence.
This led me to ask for them when a pause would occur in finding them. However, by this time I had enough to know they were a divine gift. Since I was at a point where I was starting my life from scratch in many ways, I really needed confirmation I was on the right track and not repeating past mistakes. For instance, I was about to do my first and largest music show singing and was terrified. While backstage waiting to go on and sing I was a total mess. I wanted to run out of there, go home and hide under my bed. I didn't do that, instead, I asked my mom, If this is part of what I'm suppose to do, please send me a dime!
I looked around and found nothing. I took a few deep breaths and did the show. I figured I was being a bit spoiled asking dimes on demand and was relieved the show was successful. As a group of us left, a friend was going to drive me and a few of us for a celebratory meal. It was night time and dark and rain had just fallen. She unlocked the door and as I and others were entering the car I saw a shiny dime on the side of the car I was entering in. Since my friends knew what it represented, we all rejoiced at the visit from my mother from heaven.
Decision to cash the dimes
It's been over 10 years since I started finding these beautiful dimes. And the last couple of years I find them less frequently. I feel so close to my mother in my heart and mind, she must know I don't need to find them as much.
I still miss her and grieve her but it has gotten better. It is true, time heals all wounds. That doesn't mean I don't have my ups and downs. It is still a roller coaster at times. But by far, much better than it was ten years ago. Recently, as I did some de-cluttering, which I find tremendously helpful in the healing process. I was cleaning where I keep the dimes and felt it was time to cash them in.
I second-guessed myself for a few moments thinking that somehow that would undo all the healing I have experienced. That was a brief moment. I feel instead it is a sign that it is time to release them and keep the cycle of energy going forward. Maybe there are people waiting to receive these very same dimes. There are three I marked with a blue and red marker. It is very faint but still on the dimes. I marked them because I found these specific ones during moments where things looked particularly hopeless. They are extra special but I'm still releasing them. I hope someone who needs them finds them. Maybe you?
I write much more on synchronicities in my book, get it here.
Friday, August 19, 2016
Yoga for Beginners or Those Returning is Easier Than You Think
Beginning or Returning to Yoga
So you’ve been thinking about starting or returning a yoga routine but aren’t really sure where you should (re)start, what you’ll need or if you want to try it from home or go to the local yoga studio. Most anyone can do yoga and you don’t need much to get started. It’s actually pretty easy to get started.
Sometimes the hardest part of yoga is to simply get started with it. You have excuses, like not enough time, money, energy, motivation.. (fill in your excuse). But, once you’ve made that decision you need to follow through on it. Get a video that you can use at home, or look up some free ones on Youtube, because they are out there everywhere, and just start.
Start small and do a few poses for ten minutes, every day for seven days, and see what you think about it. Anyone can commit to doing something for ten minutes a day for seven days. Heck, we all waste much more than ten minutes a day so why not start a new habit. The more you do it, the more you’ll like it.
To get started all you really need is a yoga mat. If you have hardwood floors you should probably get one that is a little thicker because some of the poses require you to be on your knees during the practice.
As you progress you can see about getting some yoga blocks, a yoga bolster and any other accessories you might like to have. It’s all up to you, but getting that mat and getting started right away is what is most important.
Some Basic Poses
You will need to know the basic poses for yoga but you will learn more and more as you get further into practicing yoga. The basic poses for yoga that you will see the most are:
The Mountain Pose
The Downward Dog
Warrior Post
Tree Pose
Boat Pose
Triangle Pose
Seated Twist
Cobra
Upward Facing Dog
Crow Pose
Child’s Pose
Standing Forward Bend
Getting a sequence together is also important for the beginner. One of the easiest things to start with is the child’s pose. Taking a few deep breaths and relaxing for a few minutes will help to get your relaxed so you can begin your routine.
Move into the downward dog pose and hold for about five breaths and move on to standing forward bend and hold for five breaths. Next you can go into the upward facing dog pose and hold for five breaths. From there you will be able to easily move into Warrior pose and will hold for five breaths, then switch sides and hold for five more breaths.
From here move into triangle pose and hold for five breaths and switching sides to hold for five more breaths. From the triangle pose you can move into the boat pose and hold for five breaths. To end, lie flat on your back in the savasana pose. Once you are comfortable and breathing easily enjoy this break for about ten to fifteen minutes.
You now know the basics and what you can do to get started with yoga.
This is just one of the things you can do to bring balance to your life. For information on books I've written please check here.
Friday, July 29, 2016
Couture Fashion Week 2016, How You Can Participate in THE Luxury Event
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