Visualization for Spiritual Peace

Last Saturday, we had a wonderful visualization meditation. The theme was spiritual: I am at peace. I was inspired to take people through a beautiful journey of visualizing. It happened in three phases.

1. First, I invited everyone to think of a moment in the past when they were completely peaceful. They were invited to envision it in every detail.

2.Then just like sliding a screen, I asked the participants to imagine a situation in the future when they are experiencing peace. Perhaps, a serene place in nature where they feel at complete peace.

3. Then, I asked everyone to bring up a new scene as if in a movie. In this scene they are to visualize all their projects, their dreams, their aspirations becoming real. They are with the people they love, in the place that inspires them and they feel at complete ease.

Then, everyone was asked to make a quick summary of all that they visualized and bead the three scenes together as if in a bead necklace. Then, they were to let this necklace go...on a body of water. And as it floated away, we detach from it all and know that the dreams we just created are becoming true.

This was such a beautiful meditation to do. There was wonderful feedback from Rod who shared how he enjoyed how I beaded the three scenes together. It enabled him to reconnect with the beautiful places he had been to and to connect with his childhood.

An amazing surprise was that Rod offered to play some music. So we were all blessed with a beautiful piece of flute music. It felt as if it as resonating across the valleys and dancing through the mountains. It was really special.

Saturday morning meditations have become such a lovely part of my life. And I enjoy connecting with people and sharing the moments of visualizing a world of peace and harmony, starting with our own internal peace. I believe that the external follows the internal. So when we begin clearing and releasing from within, our external world follows suit.

Visualizations are a beautiful and a powerful way to go about changing the world for the better, starting with our self.

Taking Steps in Faith.

Faith: a strong knowing without physical evidence. For the logical mind with its home in the left hemisphere of the brain, it is next to impossible to believe something that it does not see. This is one of the reasons why so many artists, entrepreneurs and visionaries are scoffed upon as they are starting out. People don't see the fruits of your creativity and passion yet, and so they hesitate in believing in you. They may even doubt, discourage, criticize or secretly laugh about your ideas and projects and endeavors. It is simply because they are used toseeing in order to believe. Although, it is in believing first, that we often see.

We all know about countless examples from history when a mind-blowing idea, a burning desire and a visionary dream is all that carried an individual from the alleys of anonymity to the halls of fame. Along the path were people lined up, laying not welcome mats or red carpets but a sequence of hurdles, doubt, even scorn and worse.

Yet, the individual did not budge from their dream. They kept going. They kept believing in their dream, even if they could not see the whole staircase. No, especially, because they could not see the whole staircase. All they knew was that the realization of their big dream is inevitable- one day, some way, some how the dream would become real.

Such was the knowing and determination of Dr. Martin Luther King. I take great encouragement from the story of his life and his dream. And as I walk along my own path, with a dream in my heart, I take my steps with the faith that everything is emerging and blossoming as it should. I invite you to join me in taking your steps in faith, especially if you do not see what turns your path will take and how you will reach the end of the staircase. Just take the steps in faith. Keep moving. Keep on moving.

Love,
Sophia Ojha

Impossible until Done.

Do you see the tiny blossoms on this tree? They are gracefully emerging from a wintery slumber. Very soon, the tree will be full, alive and vibrant. Mother Nature does what may seem to us impossible, over and over again. She also shows us in her myriad ways that nothing is impossible. Create aerodynamic silent Owl wings so that mice don't scurry away? Done. Insect need protection from birds and needs to look like a stick? Done. Pouch for carrying Kangaroo young? Done. Web weaving skills for Spiders? Done. Underwater subsonic sound for Dolphin communication? Done. And on and on and on.

Anything and everything is possible in the natural world. We, humans may have distanced ourselves from the ways of Nature, yet we are intricately connected to her with deep loving bonds of wholeness.

If you and I want to deepen the connection and come back under her loving fold, all we need to do is to desire that and she will fully and completely embrace us again. And then, we would understand and know and feel that all that we want to create and give birth to is possible, feasible and even greatly desired. We are an extension of mother Nature and so are her creative children. Creating beauty, creating love, creating and connecting with our true selves and creating a world of compassion, joy and love...These are all beautiful ways of creating.

So let us reconsider what we think is impossible. Let us look to inspirational beings for guidance. Let us believe in ourselves, again.

Love,
Sophia Ojha



Intention for Today: Smile

The intention for today is Smile. 

Wear your best smile today. Imagine your smile radiating with love. Everything and every one you smile at, including yourself, will glow with your beautiful love. Smile as much as you can. If someone asks why you are smiling, just say, "I have all the reasons in the world to. I am alive and happy." Or make up your own answer.

Thank you Smile for giving us so a way to express our love.

Intention for Today: Abundance

The intention for today is Abundance. 

Put your abundance hat on today. Get into the mind-set of abundance. When you see a tree next time, remark on the abundance of leaves on it. Or when you walk in the grass, remember how flourishing and opulent our world is. Think of the handful of squirrels in the forest who have tons and tons of acorns and nuts and other delicacies to feed on - a seemingly unlimited supply of resources. That is the same with you. There is a seemingly unlimited supply of everything your heart desires. Tap into abundance mode today.

Thank you Abundance for giving us a world of plenty.

Intention for Today: Dream

The intention for today is Dream.

Gift yourself a moment to dream. Dream all that your heart desires. Access the world of open, unbounded opportunities that lay within you. Pour in your heart, your love and your wildest imaginations. Dream! Dream big today.

Thank you Dream for helping us step into the beautiful world of yours. 

Dream one size bigger. -John Maxwell

Can you think back to your childhood right now and think of your fondest memories? What did you love to do? And can you remember what you wanted to do when you grow up? Your Big dream? Think about it for a few minutes before reading on.

When I was a kid, I was interested in so many things. I loved making paper boats. I grew up in India and for three to four months of the year, the monsoon season would rage all its might. Opportunities to float the boat were plenty. We lived on the second floor of an apartment building. I remember making different paper boats and aiming each one at various puddles that had collected downstairs. And then, I would watch them race each other. I loved it. And I continue to have a special connection with boats and with water.

As a little girl, I would also spend Sunday afternoons watching the trees. There was a row of luscious trees at a distance of 50 meters from our home, full with leaves swaying in the wind. The wind made a gentle rhythmic sound as it blew, nudging the leaves softly to shimmer in the sun. It was mesmerizing. In the evenings, my Dad and I would walk across the street and step into the sandy beach of the Arabian Sea. We would find a nice spot on the rocks and look to the horizon, preparing for a short yet grand event. We would come well in advance so that we could observe the brilliantly painted clouds. Each day, a brand new painting, more beautiful than yesterday. I would imagine the world beyond the horizon. Africa! I dreamed of traveling to Kenya and Tanzania on the other side of the Arabian Sea. I would imagine how amazing it would be to dive deep into the depths of the ocean and see what lay there on the ocean floor. I would gaze at the clouds and wonder all the places it had been to and all the things it had seen. Then, my Dad would alert me to bring my attention to the grand event. Yes, it was time. The sun was to submerge under water now; right where it seemed the waters and the sky came for a meeting. Wow! What a sight! The big orange ball of edible-looking-egg was to now gracefully dissolve itself. Each nano-second more and more and more of it was then, enveloped in the ocean's blanket of love.

It seems that as a kid we are so observant of all that is around us, making an ever-lasting imprint on us. Every miracle of nature seems miraculous and brand new. The moon, the clouds, the sound of the waves, the sensation of warm sand under your feet, the coconut trees in various curvaceous positions reaching to the sun.... All these glorious moments are as if alive in me even today. I close my eyes and I hear the waves of the Arabian Sea crashing on the rocks with a hum of the wind ever-present in my mind.

And also as kids, everything seemed possible, right? There did not exist a word called "no" or "impossible" in our awareness. Possibilities and imagination were like brothers. Whatever we imagined, we knew was possible. How wonderful it is to reconnect now to that world-view of infinite possibilities, of wonder and miracle and awe for all that exists. Taking example from the kids around us (even neighbors), our own kids or the kid inside of us, we can tap once again into this brimless, never ending bucket of dreams. Dipping ourselves just like the sun during sunset into the boundless ocean of imagination. Reaching into a bottomless bag and picking out the most enjoyable, the most amazing dream for ourselves and our world. How about that? What is the limitless dream that you have emerged with?

With Love,

Sophia Ojha

Transformation.

In each moment, we embody the spirit of the caterpillar as well as the butterfly. 

I believe that transformation is as much a personal choice as it is a natural way of change. Like a caterpillar that can transition into a cocoon, we have an innate ability to step into our own cocoon of transformation. As our conscious choices lead, inspire and nudge us along, it is up to us to pick up the inner desire for change and be the gentle stewards of our own metamorphosis. This choice is in our hands at all and any moment in time. Right this moment as you read these words, you can consciously with complete awareness choose on inhabiting a new aspect within yourself. An aspect that can give you wings, add grace to your movement, and bring joy to how you navigate this life.

This is an empowering embodiment of choice that can heal your mind, body and spirit. The tools, gadgets, and support are all available. The only question remains, do you want to actively access it? Without your explicit and clear desire for making the conscious choice, the grand change comes disguised. The trajectory of your path can tweaked or overhauled completely. We are all constantly transforming and changing within our body, anyways. Now, we can tap into that transformational force more deeply, consciously and with complete trust.

So consider the immense capacity you inhabit within yourself. A capacity that is bestowed upon you for you to harness and play with. And it has NO limits. So look within. Reflect on whether you want to consciously make the commitment toward the dream that you have embraced. If you are inspired to say yes, then silently commit to yourself that you are ready and willing. Then, become open to the hints and intuitive awareness of the action steps that emerge before you and move forward with complete trust in the process.

The environment will then, take care of itself, naturally.

With Love,

Sophia Ojha

Intention for Today: Rejoice

Intention for Today is to Rejoice. 

Rejoice in the moments that fill your day. Knowing that all is well, rejoice! Do what it takes to rejoice in all that you are. Embrace life and rejoice in its infinite beauty. Today, is day to joyfully express your love and rejoice in the glorious sky that is above us. Rejoice for the fact that your life is full of loving people of integrity, courage and vision.

Thank you Rejoice for celebrating and dancing in the joy of being alive.

Gardeners of our Blossoming Soul

The gardeners of my soul are plenty. My husband has been one and continues to be that caring gardener, tending to the soil that I grow in, removing the weeds and nourishing me with love and attention and admiration. My mom has been a gardener and is one, caring deeply for my well-being at all times. So is my dad, wanting to give me only the best of everything. And there are countless people along my path who have watered my soul when it was thirsty or sheltered me when the sun was too strong. People have come out of nowhere in the past few weeks, for example, to encourage and appreciate the words that I write. Emails from people with kindness and love have filled my heart up. There are those people in my life who inspire me with their thoughts and actions, who push the envelope for themselves and bring all of us further. Recently, I also interacted with wonderful healers who connected me with the depths of my being, bringing messages and healing to my soul.  

For many of us, the relationships with people in our lives are so important that we want so much for harmony and joy in how we relate to them. Indeed, there are wonderful people who have served and who are serving you consciously for your well-being. They are people who have said a kind word. Or given you a warm smile just when you needed it. They are people who have loved you even when there was disagreement and differences of opinion. There are people who have give you their ear for you to share it all. And then there are people who just make you feel happy when you are around them. How about a certain stranger who turned out to be good samaritan, giving you selflessly and anonymously. Can you think of a friend who admires you and just sees perfection in you? Or how about someone who goes out of their way to help you? These are the gardeners of our souls, bringing light and love into our lives. Who are these gardeners in your life? Send your thanks today.

There have been so many instances of benevolence and generosity of which I have been the grateful recipient. Just some months back in Cologne, Germany, we went to an Italian restaurant and after a delicious meal, we asked for Tiramisu. It was so popular that they ran out of it and requested us to come back again, which we did. We were delighted to get delicious piece of Tiramisu and as we asked for the check, the waiter shared that the Tiramisu was on the house as a thank you for coming back. Wow, that was so wonderful. We were smiling for hours. During those days, a Sushi restaurant would serve us an extra plate of sushi, just for no reason, repeatedly! Some weeks ago, as I picked up my friends from the Asheville airport, I excitedly shared with the attendant of the parking lot that my friends from the Big Apple are here. He said, for New York guests, the parking is on the house. Yes, he set a great, welcoming impression of the South to my city friends ;-). Not long ago, as I sampled the delights of the local farmer's market, the owner of one superb shop, offered me to take a cup of hot apple cider as I was heading out into the cold!

In the summer, when I was living in Nuremberg, Germany, I walked into the market admiring the beautiful fresh flowers. One florist looked at me and handed me a sunflower to take home, which I did happily. One day, I felt a strong urge to eat an Indian sweet called "gulab jamun" while I was living in Cologne. So, Cristof and I walked into an Indian restaurant during lunch hour and asked one question, "Do you have gulab jamun?" The gentleman serving us said yes and quickly brought two warm and absolutely delicious sweets. It was funny to go in during a busy lunch hour and order only the dessert. Yet they took it in stride and out of their hearts, and to our surprise, gave the sweets to us gratis! On the next two occasions when we dined there, the gentleman, brought the same sweet for us "on-the-house", just like that! Stories like that are just so sweet and in sharing them, I want to bring the sweetness to you also.

One summer, many years ago, my parents bought a new Mitsubishi Eclipse, back in my New Jersey days. The next day when parents were at work, to inaugurate the black beauty, the 18-year-old-me took it for a drive. About 15 minutes into the drive when we (me and the car) were on the Garden State Parkway, the car started to steam-up and began slowing down to a halt. I had no cell phone and no way to reach anyone, plus I was on the left-hand shoulder of a very busy highway. All I could do was to wait. In a matter of some minutes, a car zoomed past and came to a stop in front of where my car was parked. It was a good samaritan! He offered me help, lend me his cell phone and I called the AAA (automobile association in the United States) to help tow the car. Finally, me and Mitsubishi were rescued by a warm-hearted man who said that he would want some stranger to help out his daughters when in trouble too. I have no idea who this person is, or where he is now. It is over ten years later and I continue to send him my gratitude and love for his generosity.

Today, I wish to send a big, warm thank you to everyone out there. I appreciate all the generosity and uplifting of my spirit that you have gifted me. To you as the readers of this newsletter, I send a special thank you. Your kindness and your attention has helped me blossom over the last few months in the most amazing ways. My heart is filled with gratitude and love to you. I am blessed with the many gifts that I have received and I am blessed to pass it on, finding new opportunities to do so each day.

My love and warmth to you,

Sophia Ojha

PS: Share your Gardener Stories in the comments below. Join the Conversation!

Keep your face always toward the sunshine and shadows will fall behind you. -Walt Whitman

Give voice to your shadows as you face the sun.

Yesterday, I went for a walk with my neighbor friends: a sweet mom and two of her lovely kids. It was a bright and sunny day and quite windy. As we were walking along the path, the kids invented a game called Shadow-Tag. All four of us cast these long shadows that fell on the ground leading our path. As each of us would walk on one another's shadows, we would declare, "I got your shadow! I got your shadow!". It was quite a fast-paced and entertaining game. And no matter how fast or how slow or in which direction we walked, there was a shadow attached to us. At one moment, the shadows started to feel like loving dogs who don't cease to follow you.

Our shadows! As long as there is light coming from the sky, there will be a shadow falling on the ground. The shadow has been used as a metaphor for the dark and the unwanted in our literature, art and religion. Yet, what if, instead of looking at our shadows as unwanted entities to get rid of, we learn to accept and embrace our personal shadows. Wouldn't they also transform into a loving friend or a master guide who is here to show us our way? Our shadows are, indeed, here for us. They are here to show us where we need to shine our light of radiance. The question for us is: How vibrantly do we want to participate in this dance of shadow and light? How do we want to light the way? 

So what exactly am I referring to when I use the term, "our shadow". Essentially, the shadow is that aspect of ourself that we are ignoring, neglecting or abandoning. It need not necessarily be a bad habit or an addiction. It can also be something beautiful that we are not allowing, consciously or unknowingly, to take expression. It can be our ability to love: to receive and give love. If we have been hurt before when receiving love from someone, we may hide and suppress our openness to love and thus that aspect of ourself "open to receiving love" can become our shadow. When a characteristic of our self is not allowed to blossom, flourish and just be, then it takes on darker guises only to show up unexpectedly. Our shadow can be our brilliant mind. Let us say a really smart child has been teased and isolated because of her brilliance when she was growing up. The child may suppress this part of herself because she learns early on that being smart means being lonely. Her intellect can then become her shadow, if she doesn't allow it to be expressed.  

Reflect on your own life. What characteristic or voice inside you that is yearning to seek expression is feeling smothered, kept in the dark, admonished? Allow yourself to let it out. One way to do it is to give that part of yourself a creative outlet: like writing, drawing, speaking. See if you can do it bit by bit. Ask for help and guidance from those you trust. Make sure you embark on this as gently and safely as possible for yourself and others. If you feel that there are some things that may gush out of you like champagne out of a bottle, then prepare your closest friends and family or get help from a mentor or a counselor you feel safe with. You do not have to do this alone. 

Shadows are waiting to be enlightened. Yesterday, after our weekly visualization meditation, my friend Rachael and I spoke at length about how our beliefs that we have unconsciously adopted over the years, can sabotage our very dreams and goals. Let us say that someone is working on building financial abundance in their life. Yet, deep in their consciousness there is the belief that money is the root of all evil or that you must deserve it to earn it. Then no matter what their conscious actions are, they hardly make a dent in their efforts to create wealth and prosperity. One powerful exercise that I learnt from her, deals exactly with dissolving such deep unconscious belief systems. I would like to share that with you:

1. Take a goal that you are working towards. This is a goal that means a lot to you and you want it to become a reality. Write that goal down in a complete, positive and present tense statement. Example: I am spending my day doing what I love. Or: I easily run 5 miles each day to keep my body fit. Choose your own unique goal.

2. Then, write down the first reaction that comes to you. Allow it to just emerge without censoring. Remember no one has to see it. And you can even destroy this piece of paper after your exercise.

3. Then write down the positive goal statement once again. Once again allow any responses to come through.

4. Repeat the first three steps of this process as long as it takes in order to come to a state where your response and your positive goal statement resonate with each other. 

This exercise is designed to suck out the most negative and unconscious thought patterns that you may have towards this goal of yours. Do not censor it. Nor should you dwell on it. Let it come through and that's that. Move on. You have now given your shadows at least one healthy avenue to show up. 

Now regroup and refocus on the sunshine in your life, like Whitman encourages us. Come into a state of gratitude and into an abundance mind-set. And congratulate yourself for going through this intense process.

Let us celebrate ourselves and cherish the sunshine within us. Let us face the sun.

With love and warmth,

Sophia Ojha

Be Your Own Hero.

What would you do if you became your own hero?

Earlier this month, it was the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King and like every January, Dr. King's legacy was being remembered and celebrated across the United States and around the world. Dr. King is one of my personal favorite heroes of all time. I admire his courage, his integrity and most of all his BIG DREAM of a time when people are "judged by the merit of their character, not the color of their skin". 

Around the time we were remembering Dr. King, Kute Blackson wrote on his blog and asked this profound question: What would you do if you became your own hero?

This question struck me. Yes, we are constantly inspired by people who have done amazing things in various fields of life. The Einsteins, the Gandhis, the Mother Teresas. The leaders, the artists, the philosophers. The poets, the musicians, the dancers. The mystics and the yogis of wisdom. And so many more people in time infinity who have accessed the depths of their inner truths to transcend and transform both themselves and their world for generations to come. 

Yet, to ask who would I be if, instead of only looking at others, I looked at myself as my own inspirational hero, is thought-provoking. I often look at my younger self and admire the tenacity I have had to listen to my heart. Or the courage to change my country of residence three times in my life so far (and I know many more to come!). Deep down I know that creativity and vision are endowed to me in complete abundance. Yet, I have not even dared to come any where close to considering myself as my own hero.

What Kute is doing with this question is amazing. This question really pushes me in looking at things from a new perspective. It brings forth the idea that what we are looking in others is already within us and we too can become heroic in our every day lives. Marian, a friend of mine once said that what you admire in others is actually a characteristic within yourself. So, the heroic traits I see in my personal heroes also reside in me. And the same goes for each one of you. 

And to indulge in the question that is posed here, this is what emerges for me.

If I were my own hero, I would know always that my dreams can become a reality and that every second I am inching my way to its realization. If I were my own hero, I would trust in myself and in the Universe more. If I were my own hero, I would be at ease at all times, dreading no challenge and showing enthusiasm for all that happens. If I were my own hero, I would love myself more. I would forgive easily and remember no hurts. If I were my own hero, I would not be hurt by words spoken or actions not taken by others because I would know that each one of us is doing the best we can. I would know that there is no harm intended and all my challenges are my teachers in disguise. If I were my own hero, I would dare to speak my mind more openly. I would be comfortable in expressing myself, even to elders and to authority figures. I would know that no one threatens my individuality. If I were my own hero, I would be bold enough to take those steps, no matter how small. I would not put off things till tomorrow. If I were my own hero, I would be in the moment, enjoy my life and tap into the meditative silence of the Universe with deep resolve. If I were my own hero, I would be filled with happiness and serenity at all times and share that with everyone, bringing laughter and fun to countless others. If I were my own hero, I would not hesitate one moment to share my message with the world and know that there are people out there who love it.

Now, I need to do just do it! hero.

With love,

Sophia Ojha

Purpose Driven Accomplishment

In essence, for me this quote from James Allen means one thing: Align my mental attitude with the big vision or dream that I have for my life. Without this alignment, the accomplishments I am striving for is just not going to be or feel the same.

This is a great reminder for me. At times, I get into a flurry of activity- things that need to be done. In the doing of these things, I feel i am getting a lot accomplished. Yes, indeed things get done, projects get completed. Yet, I ask myself: Is this action in alignment with the big picture of my life? Is it a building block to the dream that I see myself living? Or is it a distraction that gives me transitory satisfaction of having "things done". This process is really useful to reduce my To-Do List down to the most essential. Then, I reflect on how I can move on to my thinking pattern. And here is the big assignment. How can I influence my thoughts so that I move positively? It all starts with my thoughts, at least that is what I believe. So how are my thoughts really helping me move in manifesting the life that I want to live, that is the question. Am I focusing on problems or solutions? Am I occupying myself with things in my zone of influence or beyond? And how fully am I feeding my spirit so that I can transform in the process?

This is of course easier said than done. How easy it is for us to complain, look at the drawbacks and look at how things are going wrong! Yes, we need to look at the "problems" in order to transform our world. True, we need to learn deeply about that which we want to influence. Yet, can we keep our focus on possibility thinking while we engage in all the problem-oriented activities? For me that is of essence. To keep focused on the positive and on the possibilities out there and to make this way of looking at things a habit. After all, our thoughts are all about habit. Nothing else. We can choose how and what we think, about ourselves, our life and our world.

Let us then, link our thoughts with our highest purpose, in order to create the change and create the beauty in our lives.

With love,
Sophia Ojha

Life is truly a boomerang. What you give, you get. -Dale Carnegie

As you sow, so shall you reap. What goes around comes around. What you give is what you get.

Can you recall a moment when you were standing at the edge of a cliff and called out in the distance. You heard an echo from far away coming back to you. Or even an empty hall where any sound you made would rebound on the walls and ceilings. Just a few months ago, I heard a dog barking relentlessly in our neighborhood. Instead of just a single bark, one could hear the exact same bark echoing twice into the distance. It seemed as if the dog was barking at himself/herself. This is how it feels at times when the energy you put out into the world seems to come back to you two-fold or three-fold in magnitude. Call it a boomerang. Or call it Karma.

So what are you putting out into the world? What kind of feelings, thoughts and actions are your offering? If you can be absolutely sure that what you give is what you get plus much more, how would you change your behavior and your actions? This is something we may not be mindful of when faced with situations that we perceive as difficult, or when thoughts that drain your energy are entertained.

I know for myself how easy it is to slip into the slippery slope of doubt and fear and impatience. It is a slippery slope that quickly spirals. And by the law of attraction, one negative thought quickly attracts another and another until I become aware and conscious of how I am feeling and revert back the process. Just last week was one such example. I realized that keeping a positive attitude is a matter of habit and an exercise that needs to be kept up on a daily basis, just like brushing teeth and eating three times a day and all the daily actions revolving around our physical well-being. Our mental and emotional well-being is equally, if not more, important if we want to build a healthy life of abundance.

So think of Australia. And imagine a beautiful boomerang that you flip into the distance. Amazing how it returns to you! The question is what is it that you want it to bring to you?

-Sophia Ojha

Successful people take the liberty to make the commitment. -Cristof Ensslin

Last month, we quoted from Emerson who reminded us that once we take a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen. This means we lay our firm belief that what we desire is going to manifest. With this foundation, we can move forward in taking action. Action is the lifeline of the universe. It keeps the momentum going and with momentum, tides turn. This week's quote reminds us that making a commitment is a matter of liberty which successful people take. In so many ways, there is much that comes from making the choice towards harmony and towards success.

I love the above quote from my beloved, Cristof Ensslin. When he first mentioned it, he was preparing for his first event that he lead which took place just a couple months ago, in November 2010. He conceived it and set out to do it and within a month, he had gotten the enthusiastic partners, wonderful locations and a crowd of people hungry to listen to what he has to say. He put this saying into action. He took the liberty to make the commitment to hold these events and he served the community in more ways than one.

It is indeed a matter of liberty to make commitments, even if it sounds counter-intuitive. How is it that it is our liberty? Everything is a choice. How you describe your life and your situation is a choice. You can choose what thoughts you have and which ones you want to change. You can easily point the finger at another complaining about how they have not met your expectations, but it is your choice to look at any situation favorably, in a way that favors greater harmony for all. That is a matter of commitment to living in higher vibration as well as a matter of your liberty. This is something each one of us is endowed with, so that we can stay afloat on the sometimes rough waves of this life. It is the liberty of choice, the liberty of desire and the liberty of dedication that is the prelude to making a commitment. You express your choice for love, for harmony, for abundance when you make such a commitment. And making a commitment is a clear sign to the people in your life and most importantly to yourself that you mean business. And this takes courage.

There are multitudes of people who continue to inspire me. People from the history books. Artists and thinkers, poets and philosophers, people of service and the unsung heroes who break their limits and inspire us all to do the same. I am very fortunate to have in my life, one such inspirational hero who by his example has helped transform me: Cristof Ensslin, the man who inspires every core of me, the one I love. He is a man who keeps his word, shows his commitment to harmony and love through all the things he does for his loved ones and for the people he serves, and he gives unconditionally of himself to both people and animals. Besides the doing of things, Cristof manifests in his being, the unending qualities of love, forgiveness and compassion, and thus sets a shining example for me and all whom he touches with his bright, glorious radiance.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you, Cristof!

-Sophia Ojha

Intention for Today: Lighthouse

Today the intention is Lighthouse.

Today seek the Lighthouse that you need. Look for that shimmer glow of light in the distance bekoning you to carry-on this journey. Reach for it and hold on to it. By doing so, you absorb the qualities of the Lighthouse. You become that lighthouse for others, shining your light on the path of people you might never even meet.

Thank you Lighthouse for being the anchor we need to keep going.

Intention for Today: Awareness

Today Awareness is called on as our Intention.

Become aware of the abundance in your life. Notice all that you do have as treasures in your life. Shift attention from overwhelming lists and agendas to all that you have already accomplished. Remind yourself the difference you have already made in lives of people you have interacted. That one word of kindness you said most likely changed someone's life. Become aware of the love, light and blessings you are currently being cradled in. 

Thank you Awareness for showing us our fortune and abundance.

Intention for Today: Belief in your limitless potential

Belief in your limitless potential is the Intention for Today.

Today, no matter what your situation is, no matter what your experience is and no matter how you feel, believe that you have limitless potential. Believe that your dreams can manifest anytime. You don't need to be perfect, you don't need to have taken care of x, y and z before it happens. All you need to do is to BELIEVE. 

For your beliefs are the predecessors to your thoughts and your actions. With the knowing that you are a part of the unbounded field of consciousness, relax and allow yourself to experience that which you desire. 

Thank you Belief for showing us how to have complete faith.

Intention for Today: Translucence

Today's intention is Translucence.

May our life be filled with the power of translucence. May you be able to see through obscurity. May you see things with crystal clarity. May the shine of trasnlucence shower on you. Translucence in all our endeavors is the intention for the day.

Thank you Translucence for your clarity.

Intention for Today: Momentum

Momentum is the intention for the day.

See yourself surging forward. Feel the momentum. Ride the wave that brings you to the place you wanna go. Go for all you want. Take the step. Bring your gifts into this world. We need it. You need to do this for your own growth and fulfillment.

Thank you Momentum for showing us what natural pace feels like