Empowering Life Skills Archives - Page 2 of 11 - Lightwords

10 Nov

Random Acts Of Kindness

The most extraordinary random act of kindness occurred the other day. An elderly couple made a significant contribution towards the purchase of a bike for our disabled grandson.

Our eight year old grandson is totally loveable and adorable. Three weeks after birth, he contracted a severe brain infection which has left him with multiple disabilities— some of which include being unable to sit unaided, walk or weight bear. As a result of his impaired mobility, he has problems with muscle and bone development.

In the hope of developing and building muscle tone in his legs, his medical team recommended that he use a specially modified bicycle. The ‘special needs’ bike has to be custom-built so it comes at a cost of thousands of dollars!

When the elderly couple donated money towards the purchase of the bike, we were completely overwhelmed by their generosity and kindness especially as they’ve never met our grandson—they’ve only heard about him through their daughter who works at the doctor’s surgery where our grandson attends.

Their generosity, love and kindness will now enable our grandson to have the bike that he needs. Our hearts are eternally grateful.

The facts are out about random acts of kindness

In the world of psychology, much research into the effects of performing random acts of kindness has been undertaken. Current findings shows that a simple act of kindness directed toward others improves our immune system and increases our production of serotonin. This stands true for both the recipient and the person extending the kindness.

Even more interesting … those persons who witness the act of kindness also experience a strengthening of their immune system and an increase in the production of serotonin! So its effects are widespread.

The physical and health benefits of random acts of kindness

Apart from the benefits to the immune system, acts of kindness help to reduce insomnia, chronic pain; they assist in the alleviation of stress.

Here is an interesting article that summarises many health benefits associated with performing random acts of kindness. One of the findings states: 5 random acts of kindness in one week will increase happiness levels for up to 3 months! How amazing!

http://www.honeyfoundation.org/learn/research-info/

It’s easily done

There are many ways in which we can perform random acts of kindness. Giving of our time or money; providing goods, foods or assistance; thinking kind thoughts, reciting prayers, saying kind words, donating blood are all ways in which we can perform random acts of kindness.

It’s okay to keep it simple

Small gestures can make a big impact. You can make someone’s day simply by listening attentively, giving them a hug, holding their hand, helping them in small ways.

And remember, kind words such as, “Thank you,” “I appreciate you,” and “I love you,” are great acts of kindness too.

Call to action

Take the challenge and engage in 5 random acts of kindness this week. Not only will the recipient of your kindness be uplifted, but your body, mind, emotions and spirit will benefit from your kind-hearted actions too.

And if you are up for it, take the extreme challenge … perform 5 random acts of kindness—today!

03 Nov

Great Expectations

Expectations … do you expect your life to be abundant and for things to pan out in the best way possible or are your thoughts centred on the things you lack, the difficulties and dramas that may or may not occur in your life?

What expectations are you setting and creating in your life?

Some years back, my husband and I went on a cruise where the guest speakers were Esther Hicks and The Late Jerry Hicks. During one of the sessions, Esther was talking about her guide, Abraham, and how Abraham consistently talks about the thoughts we hold—how they create and manifest outcomes in our lives.

During the course of her presentation, Esther talked about how we need to create positive life expectations, namely, that life is always working in our favour.

She shared a powerful affirmation that Abraham told her to believe and adopt: “Things are always working out for me.” She said she lives by these words.

From the moment I heard the affirmation it struck a chord and I immediately made it part of my daily self-talk!

Its positive tone means that no matter what is happening in our lives, we are working towards manifesting outcomes that are not only helpful but outcomes that are for our highest good. Also, the affirmation lifts our mental outlook and vibrational energy, so that we work with Source, the energy of life, in order to create better possibilities.

Creating good expectations

Here are three key points that best support and ‘power up’ the affirmation.

Firstly, let go and trust; trust that things are working in your favour.

Secondly, become unattached to a specific outcome. To do this, focus less on how the end result will pan out and more on surrendering and trusting the wisdom of Source.

And finally, as often as possible, hold thoughts and feelings of gratitude. Be appreciative of all the help that you have received—and will continue to receive—throughout your life.

Call to action

Adopt the affirmation, “Things are working out for me.” Store the affirmation on your smart phone, or place written copies of the saying in your home within easy view.

Practice the affirmation daily and within a couple of weeks, you’ll be amazed at how things in your life fall into place. You will notice that:

Problems become solved more easily.
Plans will change effortlessly.
The right people will come along at the right time to help you.
Life will be easier to manage.

These are just some of the benefits that occur when your expectations about life are directed towards favourable outcomes.

Ready to experience the magic?

Begin by believing and trusting that, no matter what is going on in your life, things are working out; and they are working out for your highest good.

Now, take a moment right now and with a firm mind and heart full of enthusiasm, repeat to yourself:

         “Things are always working out for me
         Things are always working out for me
         Things are always working out for me!”

How good does that feel!

On the spiritual path, yes, at times, it is okay to set expectations—especially ones that support the belief … life is working in your favour!

27 Oct

10 Minute Meditation

Last weekend my sister and I had the joy of attending a 2 hour guided meditation. Feeling refreshed and peaceful, I was reminded of how beneficial meditating for a lengthy period of time can be.

Whilst it was wonderful to spend a significant time in meditation, it is not always necessary to spend lengthy hours meditating. A few minutes a day is all that is needed to re-charge our batteries and bring a feeling of balance to our lives.

There are many physical, emotional and spiritual benefits to be gained when we incorporate meditation into our lives.

Physically, regular meditation:

Is beneficial to our cardiovascular and nervous systems
Helps the body heal
Provides physical rest

Emotionally it:

Reduces stress
Helps to break a mood
Calms our emotions
Rests and quietens our mind

Spiritually it:

Assists us to go inward
Allows us to feel the peace of our spirit
Helps us to ‘experience oneness’ with Source and life

The Meditation

Here is a quick and easy 10 minute meditation that will benefit your health and wellbeing.

Before you begin, set a gentle-sounding alarm that is programmed to ring in ten minutes time. Turn off the ringer tone on your phones—eliminate any interruptions.

You may also wish to light a candle and play gentle meditation music in the background.

When you are ready, find a comfortable quiet place where you can sit upright—with your back supported, your hands resting comfortably on your thighs and your palms facing upwards.

Gently close your eyes and concentrate on your breathing. Begin by taking a breath in and then slowly exhale the breath—releasing your breath very, very slowly. Repeat this 9 times.

Now, choose a word that you would like to focus on throughout the meditation. For example, I use the word “Peace” because that’s the state I’m interested in cultivating. Choose a word that feels right to you. It is very beneficial if, each time you meditate, you use the same word.

As you continue to gently breathe and relax, bring your attention back to the present moment by focusing on your chosen word. You might repeat the word silently in your mind, perhaps visualise the word in front of you or allow yourself to get lost in the word, caught up in the feeling the word generates.

Continue doing this until the alarm goes off. If, during the time, you find that your mind wanders off, gently bring it back to the present moment by refocusing on the word and concentrating on your breathing. The objective is not to get upset, but simply to return to your word.

When to use the Meditation

Ideally, meditate at the same time each day. Aside from your regular practice it can also be used…

Before or after a stressful conversation

Whilst waiting for an appointment

To assist and prepare you to fall asleep

To rejuvenate your body when you are feeling tired and stressed

The applications for this meditation are endless. Be creative and use it when you feel the need.

Continue the practice

The following tips will help ensure that you are able to maintain the practice of meditation:

Keep the meditation practice simple.
Do the meditation at a specific time each day so it becomes a routine practice.
Keep the meditation time short—10 minutes. This makes it doable and you are more likely to continue the practice of meditation if it doesn’t soak up too much of your time.

Conclusion

In our busy lives it can be hard to put aside time for meditation. However, 10 minutes a day is all that is needed in order for you to reap the many benefits and rewards that meditation can bring to your life.

Enjoy the peace, tranquility and health benefits of meditation!

20 Oct

Making Memories

The last few weeks, my siblings and I have been discussing a family holiday. We have decided that in 2016 we are going to visit the islands off the coast of Sicily—the birthplace of our maternal grandparents. The opportunity to spend time together as a family—to trace our roots and be immersed in the culture and heritage that has been so much a part of our lives is, indeed, exciting. Special moments such as these make lasting memories!

During discussions with my family, it made me think about life and the importance of creating loving memories. In our fast-paced world, often we’re busy making money—not memories!

Whilst work is an essential part of living, we need to balance life. Taking time to have fun, to be with loved ones—sharing, caring and enjoying moments together—forms a great part in the enjoyment of life.

Be Kind to Yourself

With our busy lives it’s easy to push ourselves too hard. Letting our hair down a little, attending to some self-care strategies are other ways in which we can create loving memories.

Life can change in a moment. Therefore, I believe that it’s best to live so that when it’s time to reflect back on our life, we can look back on it knowing that we have created lots of loving memories for others and for ourselves.

Call To Action

This week, go out of your way to create positive loving memories. Stuck for ideas? Here are some suggestions …

Spend quality time with your children, a friend or an elderly person.

Go ‘offline’ take a rest from emails and social media for a while and take yourself away—to the beach or a place that fills you with joy.

Spend time with your parents. Surprise them, treat them. Let them know how much you love them.

Be spontaneous. Most times, our spontaneous decision to do ‘this’ or ‘that’ creates great memories.

Be mindful in the present moment. It’s not always necessary to always be ‘doing’ in order to create good memories. Watching—observing—can create a special moment, a fond memory.

Long term goals …

Get together with family, friends or loved ones and plan a memorable event.

There are many things that you can do which will create pleasant memories. So start making some great memories today.

As the expression goes …Carpe Diem … seize the day!

13 Oct

Love And Adversity

Everyone is handed adversity in life. No one’s journey is easy. It’s how they handle it that makes people unique. —Kevin Conroy

Is it possible to love in times of adversity?

A client came to see me for Reiki. She mentioned that she was going through a difficult period in her life, so we spent time prior to the Reiki session discussing how to better manage the problem that she was experiencing.

After our discussion, we progressed to the healing room. Whilst I was performing Reiki on the client the following visualisation appeared in my mind.

I saw my client walking along her life-path when suddenly, in front of her, several boulders appeared. The boulders represented the adversity that she was currently facing in her life. She met the boulders with the emotions of anger and frustration and the more anger she projected towards the situation—the bigger the boulders grew.

Trapped in the energies of anger and emotional pain, physically she became weak; she appeared crushed and downtrodden.

Then I was shown what happened when she faced the adversity with love. Each time she projected love to the problem that she was experiencing, a boulder would melt away, disappear—allowing her to move forward on her path! And her physical appearance began to change: she became strong, vibrant and healthy.

After viewing the two different approaches, she was then presented with the question of how did she want to deal with the adversity? Did she want to manage it with love or with anger?

At the completion of the session I mentioned the visualisation to her and the question that was posed. After reflecting, she agreed that love was the way to heal the situation.

Some tips on how to love during adversity

Coping with the ups and downs of daily life can be tricky. How can we love our way through adversity so that we reduce emotional pain? Here are some ideas:

Firstly, trust The Divine energy that It will guide and help you through the situation.
Secondly, place trust in your true-self. Recognise that you are greater than a body and mind. That the source within you has the power to help you work through the situation from a higher perspective.

Following on from the above two points if the adversity involves an issue with another person:

Focus on the essence that lives at the core of the person/s involved—the divine qualities within them. Place your attention on loving their spirit or their higher-self—as opposed to focusing on their personality or their actions which have upset you.
Use love as a way to heal another person. Send love across an imaginary rainbow that extends from your heart to theirs. If you find it difficult to project love to them then ask The Divine energy to transfer love across this rainbow bridge on your behalf.

General points that can help when dealing with adversity:

Whenever you feel that you are experiencing difficult times, remember the above visualisation. It’s a great one to recall when adversity pops up on the pathway of life.
Live in the present moment. Hold your attention on The Divine and the powers within you that can help guide you as how best to respond to the current situation.
Regularly remind yourself that your role and purpose in life is to love. When you affirm this truth you are more inclined to manage the matter from a higher perspective.
Tell yourself that a better way to walk the life-journey is to take the pathway that is less destructive—more productive!

The bottom line is …

Negative emotions that we can’t let go of obstruct our progress and our pathway! Anger keeps us emotionally weak; our lives feel stunted when we regularly engage in negative emotions. Conversely, we apply love during times of adversity we feel strong—not weak.

There are two options

No matter what difficulties we encounter we can choose to manage the adversity with anger or with love. The choice is ours alone.

Next time adversity crosses your path, apply love and allow love to melt the difficulties away. Drawing on higher qualities when managing life situations, will leave you feeling stronger, wiser and empowered.

06 Oct

Love And Life

“Open the door of your heart to love. Do not keep that which is ‘your beauty’ locked away for, thou art love—perfection itself.

Be ever-willing to give love to others so that your love helps others in many ways. —Spirit”

How precious it is to love others for in giving love we connect to our pure—higher-self.

There is no greater gift to give… there is no greater purpose to life than love.

Recently I attended a funeral. Funerals always make me reflect on the true purpose of life. As I listened to the stories about the life of the one who had passed, I learned about his personal achievements, his extensive travels and hobbies. It was nice to get an overview of his life.

However, what touched my heart more than all of the ‘personal’ achievements mentioned was a short but heartfelt tribute expressed by the deceased’s step-daughter.

She briefly spoke about their relationship, how, in spite of all the ups and downs, the complications and challenges over the years—he kept love in his heart for her and her sister. She paid tribute to his fatherly love.

To me, the few words expressed by the step-daughter were worth more than the lengthier, worldly descriptions about his life.

Love is the pinnacle, the highest goal that we can climb towards. Love is all that matters.

As we journey through life, our mission is to embrace all that life delivers—good or bad—with a heart full of love.

How do you want to be remembered?

Funerals bring us back to the basics of life. They cause us to ponder … how might we be remembered when we have passed back to spirit? Will we be thought of as someone who was kind, loving and generous, someone who embraced life and weathered life’s storms—with love?

It’s always a sobering thought to reflect on our life to date and envisage how we might be remembered when we have passed. And if in reviewing your life up to now, you feel that you’ve not imparted as much love as you hoped, there is always the opportunity for change. Now is the perfect moment.

Live life with love

In the end, we can’t take our worldly accolades and possessions with us over to the other side of life. The only thing that is transferable is our bank account of love.

Therefore, in order to get the best out of life, it pays to invest wisely and live life with love!