Mantra Maven Blog

As the days get shorter and we feel the onset of winter, we're often reminded of the importance of rest, renewal and contemplation. You might think it would be an odd time to chart life goals and discover individual passions. But I can think of no more perfect time to slow down and evaluate. I recently had the opportunity to be interview by Aspire Magazine about discovering and living my own passion. My passion, currently expressed through MyMantra, centers around having the opportunity to reach others in a positive way and remind them how great they and life truly are. (Click here to view a pdf of the article). The article reminded me how important is to make time to do the things we love. So take the time now to contemplate your own passion. Soon spring will be on its way and then it will be time to bring those passions to life!

Many blessings,

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It's been four days. The celebration of Barack Obama's historic win of the Presidency is just beginning to set into the consciousness of our country. As an African American woman, I am especially proud to see him ascend to the highest position in our government. I think it is a testament to the healing we have undergone as a nation in regards to race. But I also think it represents a growing desire of the American people for more truth, leadership and inspiration from our elected officials. And although his election in itself is something that could not have been predicted even a year ago, what I am most astonished by is the reaction from the world. When Barack Obama was named the projected winner of the Presidency, news traveled around the world in an instant. Images flashed across our television screens from Germany, France, Great Britain, Kenya, Japan and Australia--all celebrating our new President and the belief that the promise of America was still alive. There was joy, hope and yes, tears from a world of supporters who did not have a vote but had a stake in our election. After the difficulty of the past years, it's wonderful to again be living up to the greatness that is America. 

Many blessings,
Tiffany

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As many of you have read or heard on the news, our economy is not on the strongest of grounds lately. Many blame individuals for taking on more than they could afford in mortgages. Others blame the greed from Wall Street for lending to them in the first place. And even others blame the government for the lack of financial regulation. I'm not sure what factors are most to blame but I detect an undercurrent of beliefs which may have affected all parties involved. And that is a drive for "more." You've heard it before......"modern society has become increasingly materialistic." But why? Don't get me wrong. I am a big fan of living well. But I also believe living well is much bigger than the "things" you can acquire. "Things" have become synonymous with happiness. So the more things you have, the happier you are. I hear a lot of blame going around but maybe, we've just been feverously seeking the happiness and success we desire in a place it can't be found. I guess it all starts with us looking in the mirror at the actions we take everyday which equate success, happiness, and well-being to things. Do you agree?

Many blessings,
Tiffany  

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I admit it. I'm a silent blesser. Walking down the street, in the airport, in line at the bank, at the grocery store and in traffic. Chances are if I've come across your path in any of these circumstances--man, woman, child, plant or beast--you have been randomly blessed by me. Nothing elaborate. Just a simple thought of "bless you." Sometimes, however, based on the state of the object of my blessing and/or mine at the time, some have warranted a little more elaboration. I can't say I have any tangible evidence those I've attempted to bless saw any real benefit, if for no other reason than I never actually see them again. But how knows (SHRUG)? I know it helps me. I look at my silent affirmations as positive thoughts added to the many that circulate in our spiritual eco-systems. Maybe it helps more than I know. Try it sometime and let me know what you think.

Tiffany

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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

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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

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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 

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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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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

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I'll be honest with you. I am not a morning person. Usually, I force myself out of bed after hitting the snooze button two or three times. But recently, I woke up a lot earlier than planned and just decided to stay up to catch the sunrise. It was surprisingly and simply amazing.

At that moment, there was nothing more humbling than the thought of the sun rising each morning no matter how wonderful, disappointing or mundane the day before may have been. 

As the days grow shorter, I am even more appreciative. Every sunrise ushers in a new day with the promise of something new, better, different--and if you're lucky, more of the same.

Many blessings,

Tiffany Green
  
 
 

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