Mantra Maven Blog

"Beauty. Wisdom. Truth. Joy."

2009-09-13T17:21:10Z

Many times, people have inquired about the MyMantra tagline of "Beauty. Wisdom. Truth. Joy." What exactly does it mean? The goal of MyMantra is to provide products to promote greater meaning in your everyday life. MyMantra products remind you to slow down and be more mindful of what is most important in your life. In the larger scheme of things, life is short, and it becomes even more important to recognize, celebrate and enjoy the abundance we've been given. Our tagline is an extension of this goal. I wish for you a life filled with the awareness of beauty, power of wisdom, courage of truth and expression of joy. I wish for you all these things and more.

Many blessings,

Tiffany

The Lion Sleeps Tonight

2009-08-27T03:11:48Z

We've all heard by know. Senator Edward "Teddy" Moore Kennedy passed away last night. As a follower of all things past and present politics, I am familiar with his story—the youngest brother of the privileged Kennedy clan who lost three older brothers at the hands of war or gunmens' bullets, as well as a beloved sister to a plane crash and another (in spirit) to an experimental operation who overcame it all, including a very public divorce, tragic auto accident and death of a nephew, to rise to the heights of influence in the United States Senate championing the needs of the underserved. Phew! How'd I do? Yes, like everyone, many of his life’s circumstances were self-inflicted by individual choices but the biggest ones, the most tragic choices, were made for him. Today, as I watched the pundits argue Senator Kennedy’s achievements and legacy, one point struck me the most. If we had gone through the circumstances of his life combined with the weight of the Kennedy legacy, many of us might have just laid down on the floor and never had the strength to get up again—figuratively and literally. To me, Senator Kennedy's legacy if the fact that he did get up...time and time again. And he did so with generosity of spirit and enthusiasm for life. I don't know about you but I'm taking note.

Many blessings,
Tiffany

Register Early for Discounts on Carolyn Myss Fall Tour

2009-08-18T18:23:40Z

Carolyn Myss will beginning her "Healing Beyond the Bounds of Reason!" tour this fall fousing on the topic of radical healing. Join her to learn how manage and heal from an illines or navigate a crisis in your life. Register early to receive $10 to $25 off your ticket price. Tour dates will be:

Chicago, IL
October 13, 2009
7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Register by September 13 and save $10!

New York, NY
October 18, 2009
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Register by September 18 and save $25!

Philadelphia, PA
November 5, 2009
7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Register by October 5 and save $10!

Washington, D.C.
November 7, 2009
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Register by October 7 and save $25!

Los Angeles, CA
November 9, 2009
7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Register by October 9 and save $10!

Click here to register http://www.hayhouse.com/tour_details.php?tour_id=66

Michelle Obama and the Politics of Hair - A Personal Spiritual Journey

2009-08-05T22:14:12Z

We all beamed at the sight of our new first lady on the news. How beautiful she is? How poised and confident? How accomplished? How loved and admired she is around the world? We've ooohed and ahhed over her wardrobe, as well as her arms. As an African-American woman, I beamed with pride but I knew it was only a matter of time before the fascination spread to hair-her perfectly coiffed bob. And from what's recently been circulating in the blogosphere, it seems like America has arrived on cue because with African-American women, eventually, it always comes down to hair.

Hair can often be a touchy subject in the African-American community. Do you braid? Do you relax? Do you weave? Do you wear naturally? And want does your hair say about you in your professional life and your community. Could you suddenly find yourself ostracized in the workplace because your hairstyle might be considered threatening to some in corporate America? Or could you find yourself criticized by in the African-American community for refusing to conform to the traditional standards of chemically straightened hair.

As an African-American woman pursuing a professional career, I had thought incessantly about the politics of hair before deciding to wear my hair naturally. After a lifetime of soul searching, I had finally come to peace with my hair. I began reflecting on my own spiritual journey precipitated by my hair texture.

Previously, I had worn my hair chemically relaxed, braided, weaved and everything in-between but had always wanted to wear it natural. The majority of my friends and family I spoke to at the time were not supportive of my desire for natural hair. As a recent college graduate, everyone voiced concerns about me being able to find a job, as well as a mate without chemically straightened hair. However, after years of the costs and pain of chemically straightening my hair, I had enough. So ten years ago, one hot summer day, I cut off all of my chemically straightened hair and began wearing my tight kinky hair in a short twisted afro cut close to my scalp.

It was freeing! No more chemical relaxers! No more pain! Two years later, I took an even bolder step and began wearing my hair in locs. I loved it. Every month, year after year, I would watch my locs, along with my own self-acceptance, grow inch by inch down my back. Don't get me wrong. I've had my moments. There have been comments. There have been questions. There have been looks. But it's been a small price to pay for the privilege of just being able to be me.

Like Michelle Obama and me, each African-American woman must make a personal decision about whether to wear her hair naturally or chemically straightened. I believe hair just like clothing, make-up, jewelry and even our bodies themselves are surface. You use them as a vehicle to express your spirit-who you are on the inside and who you are striving to be.

Why do I wear locks? I wear them because I like the way they feel. I like the way they look. I like the smiles I get and give to other locked people and others who have chosen to wear their hair naturally. I like what my locks represent to me-a symbol of my spiritual journey toward unconditional self-love and pride in my heritage.

Many blessings,
Tiffany

Things Fall Apart

2009-08-03T16:21:05Z

May was challenging. June was murky. July was a blur. I’m only now beginning to emerge from a particularly rough spring and summer due to numerous unforeseen work and personal stressors. I'm back now, however, there have been some casualties, including my social life, my blog, and the most visual sign, my container herb garden. Yep, it was bad. I was so distracted, tending to my garden was the lowest item on the priority list. As result, I almost lost my parsley to the heat and my basil to seed. This weekend, I took the time to water, fertilize and sit with my garden. It was one of the most relaxing days I've had in months. Yes, sometimes things fall apart. And sometimes, the only thing you can do when they do is gather all the pieces and go from there.

Many blessings,
Tiffany

The Unsought Affirmation

2009-05-28T20:03:33Z

For those of you following the Mantra Maven blog, you know that "peace" is my personal mantra. I wasn't even looking for an affirmation but it found me one very long day. Everytime I think about this day, I am reminded to pay closer attention to my life and what it may be telling me. Click here to read more in my first Ezine article, The Unsought Affirmation.

Many blessings,
Tiffany

Celebrate She-Entrepreneurs with We Magazine

2009-05-18T19:55:51Z

Did you know it's small business week? Starting a business is no small task, and I think it's great that We Magazine for women is paying tribute to she-entreprenurs. I even had the honor to be featured myself. You can check out my article here http://wemagazineforwomen.com/small-business-week-interview-with-tiffany-gree/comment-page-1/.

Many blessings,
Tiffany

Celebrate Your Life in Chicago

2009-04-17T05:46:28Z

Mishka Productions is sponsoring its annual spirituality conference this June 5-7, 2009 in Chicago. The event is a spectacular and powerful weekend event featuring the country's top authors and speakers gathered in one place at one time. If you order by April 24, tickets are $375. Guests at this year's conference include Caroline Myss, Neale Donald Walsch, Michael Beckwith, Brian Wiess, James Van Praag and Christianne Norththrop. I might just see you there!

Many blessings,
Tiffany

Just Breathe

2009-03-19T21:52:57Z

Breathing is the most basic and important function in our lives. However, rarely do we give it any thought, especially during life's numerous, everyday stressors. Whether it's being stuck in traffic, calming a crying baby or paying the bills, times like these can greatly affect your breathing. At these moments, you would be surprised how a few deep breaths could significantly reduce your stress level. Deep breathing and meditation have been medically proven to reduce stress. Everyday, I start the morning with at least five minutes of meditation. And during particularly stressful times, I wear this breathe t-shirt. Everytime, I look in the mirror, it reminds me to slow down and just breathe. So now, I'm encouraging you all at some point in the day to stop and take three deep breaths, especially during stressful situations. You'll be surprised how much calmer and better you will feel afterwards!

Many blessings,

Tiffany

Where Nobody Knows Your Name

2009-03-09T04:39:51Z

I worked with a woman many years ago who decided to change her name. She told me she was given her father's last name at birth, then after marriage, took her husband's last name. After her divorce, she kept her ex's last name for the sake of her children. When her children grew up and moved out of the house to start lives of her own, she decided it was time to focus on herself. Finding a new name would be a symbol for the beginning of her new life. So she took out a phone book and arbitrarily chose a page. She closed her eyes and then randomly picked out her new last name. I remember her seeming so peaceful and free. I met another woman at a conference who decided to legally change her name to "Digger." She had never liked the name her parents gave her so now in her fifties, she decided to change it. As she told me her story, she too seemed to share this feeling of freedom and happiness. Both of these women have stayed with me over the years. Words are powerful. There's just something in a name. Sometimes, it's equally empowering to go where nobody knows your name.

Many blessings,
Tiffany

Marianne Williamson Speaking Events

2009-03-05T03:36:04Z

Everyone who know me knows that I heart best-selling author and coveted speaker Marianne Williamson. She will be speaking about Miraculous Living at two upcoming workshops:

New York, New York
Omega Institute for Holistic Studies
April 3 and 5, 2009

Charleston, South Carolina
The Sophia Institute
Friday and Saturday, April 24 and 25, 2009

We all need more miracles in your lives! Please visit http://www.marianne.com/ for registration information.

Many blessings,
Tiffany

Spirit at the Oscars

2009-02-24T04:54:37Z

By now you've all heard all the news about the Oscars. You know who all the winners are. You've seen the dresses. You've heard the speeches. One speech particularly stood out for me in its spiritual simplicity. (And It wasn't Sean Penn's although he was very good last evening). It was A. R. Rahman, who one two academy awards yesterday for composing the score for the feel-good, movie juggernaut, Slum Dog Millionaire. Upon accepting his award, he said, "I always had a choice between love and hate in my life. And I chose love, and I am here." Sometimes you need moments like this to remind you that love and kindness DO reap rewards --- often bigger ones than you've ever dreamed possible. What do you think?

Many blessings
Tiffany

Free Online Course from Gary Zukav

2009-02-20T21:54:48Z

If you haven't heard of Gary Zukav, he is the bestselling author of the Seat of the Soul--one of the many books that makes my best spiritual reading list. In the Seat of the Soul, he explores the relationship of the soul to the individual personality and introduces the idea of spiritual partnership -- two individuals drawn together for the purpurpose of spiritual growth. I read the book many years ago and had the opportunity to meet Gary on a book signing trip to Chicago. As a special benefit, he and his partner, Linda Francis, are currently offering a free online course, allowing individuals to do inner spiritual work at their own pace. Check it out, and tell us what you think about it!

Many blessings,
Tiffany

Keeping your word...to yourself

2009-02-20T04:19:02Z

It's hard to keep your word. Sometimes things come up and promises have to be broken. Visits back home are postponed due to weekend work schedules. Closets remained cluttered because it's fall and you only do "spring cleaning." The slumber party for the kids never happens because you haven't finished the basement repairs. Life happens. Enough said. But I believe keeping your word, especially to yourself, is an important skill to master. I say "skill" because it can be developed and improved over time. In his book, The Four Agreements, Don Miguel Ruiz encourages everyone to be impeccable with their word. I believe this is so important when it relates to yourself. It's a simple case of the golden rule. Treat people the way you would like to be treated. And YOU count as one of those people. In my opinion, keeping your word keeps you spiritually solvent. So clean those closets and plan those slumber parties! And I will take my vitamins and hit the gym. Because if you can't trust you, who will?

Many blessings,
Tiffany

Overwhelmed? Welcome!

2009-01-26T22:29:28Z

Overwhelmed? Welcome to the club! Unfortunately, now is the time where the novelty of the new year begins to wear off, and we slowly ease back into the busy routine of our lives. I understand firsthand. When you are an entrepreneur -- you wear 10 different hats at the same time. Combine that numerous other activities, including: making time for volunteer projects, trying to pursue a social life, keeping in touch with friends and family, exercising, paying the bills, grocery shopping, keeping your home in order, breathing, and not to mention caring for a demanding cat, and you can slow spiral out of control. Whew! It's a challenge. Sometimes I don't succeed every day in holding it all together. But I make an effort even if sometimes that effort is made from my couch in front of the TV with a jar of Nutella :). But eventually, you have to let it go. Whatever that "it" may be. I do what I can, and the rest will wait. What about you? How do you cope during these busy days?

Many blessings,
Tiffany