Mantra Maven

I'm a big fan of Oprah's Soul Series. During her Soul Series, she interviews an individual who has left a mark on her in regards to spirituality. In a recent episode, she interviewed Wayne Dyer about his latest book about reflections of the Tao in his most recent book, Change for Thoughts, Change your Life: Living the Wisdom of the Tao. The book is made up of his personal reflections on the Tao Te Ching, a book of Chinese philosopy written by Lao-tzu more than 2,500 years ago. During the discussion, Oprah and Wayne briefly discussed the upcoming election season. Oprah mentioned how great it would be to have "Tao centered leadership" in our country. Wayne felt it was on it's way. I really had to sit down to think about that. During this election season, we've heard so much about candidates and their perceived accomplishments, spouses, past votes, affiliations, educational backgrounds, family lineage, etc. Wouldn't it be interesting to factor in their consciousness to lead as well? What type of impact might that have on the direction of our country? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm...

Many blessings,
Tiffany

Posted by mymantra at 03:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Seventh Generation is a new term being floated around to discuss the sustainability of today's natural resources. It is also the name of the company, Seventh Generation, (of which I am a fan) which makes environmentally friendly household and cleaning products. Both uses of the term are derived from Native American folklore, which says that "in our every deliberation we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations." I was struck by how profound of a message this is. How would our lives be different if we recognized the impact that our individual choices will have on descendants of our country and planet for the next 150 to 200 years. It's easy to grasp intellectually but difficult on a day-by-day basis. Your decisions about what you eat, what you buy, and how you drive now have huge consequences, potentially good, bad or neutral, for future generations. And try expanding this concept to what you think, what you say, what you believe, how you live......It makes you realize how significant you really are to the world. Think about it! Welcome to the new level of accountability.

Many blessings,

Tiffany

Posted by mymantra at 02:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Like many you, I've read Ekart Tolle's A New Earth. In fact, I've read it twice, eagerly highlighting with yellow marker as I went along. Although I am not an avid Oprah book club reader, when she first suggested the book, I decided to give it a try. I had read Tolle's previous book, The Power of Now, and I was open to hearing what else he had to say. Again, like many of you, A New Earth was an epiphany for me. I always realized there was something a little off with the way many individuals (not necessarily excluding myself) were so driven by the future, past and all things external. This book gave me a name to use to describe it--the ego. It also gave me a solution--focus on the "now." It's been about four months since in finished my second reading of the book. The epiphany has faded. Putting Tolle's words into action has been challenging. Living in the "now" is really hard! There's always something from the future or past that seems to creep into my thoughts. But I'm not giving up. And I do have my moments--when I'm walking home, and I see the wind in the trees and the birds flying in the blue sky speckled with white clouds. I am so there and peaceful in those moments. I can even let them go when I reach my front door.

Many blessings,
Tiffany

Posted by mymantra at 10:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I just finished watching best-selling author and publisher Louise Hay being interviewed on the Tavis Smiley show. Talk about amazing! At 81, Louise says she's as excited about life as she has ever been. She is a testament for those of us (like me) who want to grow older with enthusiasm. She told Tavis how her ultimate goal when she self-published her first book more than 20 years ago was simply to help people. Her publishing empire, Hay House, now a multi-million dollar company, flowed naturally from this desire. Louise's book, You Can Heal Your Life, is a must read for anyone interested in affirmations and positive thinking as a pathway to well-being. It's one of my personal favorites. So I will leave you with the parting affirmations, courtesy of Louise, to change your life by changing your thoughts. Try saying these several times a day and let me know how they work out for you:

1. All is well.
2. Everything is working for my highest good. 
3. I am safe.

Many blessings,

Tiffany 

Posted by mymantra at 09:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It crept up on me. July 2 came and went with no fanfare. It was my 10 year anniversary of living in Chicago. I remember pulling up to my apartment 10 years ago fresh from college looking forward to my first adult job and life in Chicago. I was all shiny and new. I didn't know if I was up for life away from friends and family in the big city. But I was up for the challenge. I wanted to see everything and go everywhere. I couldn't believe the first time I was on Lake Shore Drive. The city and lake views were amazing--just like in the movies. Sometime over the last 10 years, Chicago lost its mystique and simply became my beloved home. I'm a believer that it's important to take time to acknowledge and events in your life, no matter how big or small. That's why I decided to take a day (although after the fact) to celebrate the life I've built for myself in Chicago. It'll be just me and my city. Maybe, I'll even take a drive along Lake Shore Drive.  

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Many moons ago, gratitude journals were all the rage. At the time, I wasn't interested. I recognized I had much to be thankful for but there was just no time to stop and write it all down. In the last year, I have become reformed. I use the MyMantra journal pictured on your left every day to record the many things I feel blessed to have in my life. I love the quote on the cover, "Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly." It reminds me that even the darkest clouds have silver linings---something to feel grateful for. Gratitude journals allow you to focus on the good things in your life that we often don't make time for. Don't wait as long as I did. Try a gratitude journal out for yourself!

Posted by mymantra at 10:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I've kept a journal on and off since I was six. I remember my first one. It was green with a lock--if you can believe it. I kept the tiny key with me at all times to keep my deepest heart desires protected. It was my very own confidant. Every night, I would write about my first grade trials and tribulations. The writing has faded some and the cover is now missing but I still have this diary along with my other 20 or so that have followed. There's something about pouring your thoughts and feelings out onto an empty page. It's cathartic. That's why I wanted to make sure I carried journals at MyMantra.  Sometimes, when I'm feeling nostalgic, I go back and read my journals. It's fun to see what I had to say when I was in high school, starting my career or just moving to Chicago. It's fun to realized how serious things were for you at one time that no longer phase you. It serves as reassurance that my current challenges will also pass. I wonder if I will feel the same way 20 years from now when I my current  journal. I will keep you posted.

 Tiffany

Posted by mymantra at 01:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)