The five stages of grief was first introduced by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross; denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.  I guess that’s where I am right now…acceptance.  I have traveled through all of them and here I rest this morning.

No loss is easy.  My heart still aches at times.  But knowing where I am along the journey, knowing that Champagne and I lead a full life together, knowing how much she gave to many of my clients, I hope to continue to sit in the knowledge and belief that this is life and the lessons I learned are ones of compassion and love.

It takes a great deal of courage to speak and set boundaries, ask for needs to be met or ask for relationships to be created.  But being silent is truly not an option.  You may not always get what you ask for, but at the very least, you have exercised your 5th chakra and have an understanding of what’s in front of you!

What are you being silent about?  Start small.  Use your voice in a way that is steady and stable.  There is no need to apologize before you even begin.  You may be pleasantly surprised! :)

Try two lists - professional and personal - KEEP IT SIMPLE! 

For your professional list, strive to move beyond your comfort zone whether you are still working or not.  Take a course, meet with colleagues, talk with others in your field.  It’s easy to get “stuck” in the same old, same old.  Nothing is “the same” these days.

For your personal list, stretch your imagination and be creative.  Outdoor activities are terrific, like free kayaking on the Hudson or taking a walk in nature.  Chose activities that will nourish your soul and not put you in a place of deprivation.

Enjoy…it truly is a beautiful time of year!  Have fun!

This past week, my mother and I were able to “dance” together again to celebrate the 40th recital of Sandra’s School of Dance.  She sold the studio 15 years ago to a teacher and friend at the time.  The invitation from “Miss Kathi” to return was like strolling down memory lane.

We did a tamorine routine with all of the teachers (10 in all).  And there I was, onstage, sitting next to my mother slapping our tamborines.  What an amazing gift to be able to return to the stage with her once again.

I am blessed with the joy of movement.  And although Gram, now nearly 92, was not there to join us, I know she was in our hearts.

With love to you Mom for introducing me to the world of dance.  With love to you Gram for your continued years of movement.  And with love and appreciation to you, my clients, who deeply desire and continue to move freely without judgement.

On with the show! :)

I am in a 5 day training program with Christine Schenk which is absolutely incredible.  The blending of your physical body and energy body for a more unified couplehood.

The bottom line.  No squiggle room.  No excuses.  No negotiating.  You must stand up for yourself and know who you are.  Honesty.  What an incredible “workout.”

www.christineschenk.com

Living in New York one can’t help but enjoy (if not be addicted to…) the speed of life around us.  But when the projects are done or the deadline has been met, you need to feel where you are, slow yourself down and adjust your speed.  When there is a break, it is very easy to continue on a fast pace internally, which creates fast talking, fast eating and fast thinking.  The key is to slow it down just a bit to let your entire being fully arrive in the present moment.

Of course the dream goal would be to know how to adjust regularly, how to stay centered constantly, how to live each moment in the present and fully.  A glorious goal indeed - and one I’m still working on daily. :)

Have a terrific day!

Definition of “shut down…”  Olivia (Law and Order), Alison (Medium) and Tom (Dancing with the Stars) are the newest low maintenance best friends EVER.  A seductive relationship begins (AGAIN!!!) with Ben and Jerry.  And having faith means I was able to get through the day in one piece.  UGH…

It happens.  It happens to all of us.  The truth is recognizing it and deciding what to do about it.  You can stay in it, wallow, indulge and enjoy.  But after time, I do trust I want to move out of the worry and into living again.  New “nourishment” that is non-caloric and highly energizing.  Thankfully, the conference in Vegas was on the calendar and off I went.  The conference was amazing and the info incredible.  I also stayed and took the Harley Davidson “Learn to Ride” program!

Worry shifted.  More energy.  Life moves again.  I’m breathing, smiling and living. 

Don’t let the worry shut you down for too long.  Recognize it and choose to move again.

The word is out there - everywhere - and yet I almost feel  desensitized to the fullness of it.  It reminds me of not feeling parts of my body at times.  And yet each time I hear the word, I find myself looking to see what else I can “trim” in my life.

Haagen Dazs is a  very distant friend now, if at all.  And my dear friend Lay’s, (Kettle Salt & Vinegar to be exact) is getting the once over before deciding it’s not really the surplus I need in my life.  Balances are being paid the day the bill arrives and clothes that have not been on my body in the last 6 months are being graciously donated.

Trillions?!?  I can’t even wrap my mind around this concept, but we are in this for the long haul.  In the meantime, the most powerful thing I can do is to trim the “fat” from my life, line by line.

Truly a New York “must see,” the elephants from the Ringling Brother’s circus made their ceremonial trip through the midtown tunnel and across 34th Street to Madison Square Garden.  Friends, families and children gather to see this amazing event and cheer the elephants as cameras flash wildly.  I have witnessed this incredible event many years now and have come to know it as a true sign of spring.

May the spring flowers bloom in your neighborhood, may your closets lighten up with the warmer days ahead, and may your body move naturally toward the glorious fruits and vegetables of the season.  May the joy of a child at the circus, watching the elephants lumber into the ring, bring a carefree spirit to your heart.

Happy Spring…at last! :)

10 - BREATHE!  This naturally occuring phenomenon of the body, life itself, is completely overiden, ignored and forgotten.  When stress is high, emotions are low, or…breath is completely lost.  Our natural connection to the diaphragm, the rise and fall of the abdomen, the intake of oxygen and release of toxins.

I invite you to create this list of 1-10 and with a deep sense of curiosity, try and notice how many of them you can manage each day.  I welcome your responses!

Wishing you a peaceful day…