Off Again

Well we are off again. We leave in the morning to Arizona. Family reunion is next week-end and then Jim and I are going to do a little sight seeing on the way home. I have finally decided that we need to get to some of the "we should do that someday" things. I want to go to Johnson City, Fredricksburg, Llano, Enchanted Rock etc. Just some fun things that one might do on a real "vacation". I'm looking forward to it all. . .will let you know all about it when we get back. See ya on down the road. :)

This is another good one

Another Daily Om. . . sorry, but it was really too good. After my teen years, I just never had the enegy level for very much drama and would probably be called "low key" by those who know me. That said, I have observed many who are on the dramatic journey and while I understood a lot of the reasons behind the action this explained more and offered solutions if one is tired of the drama or ready for a little more peaceful life. :) What do you think?

Daily Om
September 8, 2006

Alive In Joy/Dispelling Drama

There are scores of people in the world who seem to be magnets for calamity. They live their lives jumping from one difficult situation to the next, surrounded by unstable individuals. Some believe themselves victims of fate and decry a universe they regard as malevolent. Others view their chaotic circumstances as just punishments for some failing within. Yet, in truth, neither group has been fated or consigned to suffer. They are likely unconsciously drawing drama into their lives, attracting catastrophe through their choices, attitudes, and patterns of thought. Drama, however disastrous, can be exciting and stimulating. But the thrill of pandemonium eventually begins to frustrate the soul and drain the energy of all who embrace it. To halt this process, we must understand the root of our drama addiction, be aware of our reactions, and be willing to accept that a serene, joyful life need not be a boring one. Many people, so used to living in the dramatic world they create, feel uncomfortable when confronted with the prospect of a lifetime of peace and contentment. The drama in their lives serves multiple purposes. Upset causes excitement, prompting the body to manufacture adrenaline, which produces a pleasurable surge of energy. For those seeking affection in the form of sympathy, drama forms the basis of their identity as a victim. And when drama is familial, many people believe they can avoid abandonment by continuing to play a key role in the established family dynamic. The addiction to drama is fed by the intensity of the feelings evoked during bouts of conflict, periods of uncertainty, and upheaval. Understanding where the subconscious need for drama stems from is the key to addressing it effectively. Journaling can help you transfer this need from your mind onto a benign piece of paper. After repeated writing sessions, your feelings regarding the mayhem, hurt feelings, and confusion often associated with drama become clear. When you confront your emotional response to drama and the purpose it serves in your life, you can reject it. Each time you consciously choose not to take part in dramatic situations or associate with dramatic people, you create space in your inner being that is filled with a calm and tranquil stillness and becomes an asset in your quest to lead a more centered life.

Good enough to share

Today's Daily Om was so good I had to share. Really, really good :)

September 7, 2006

Receiving With GraceAccepting Compliments

Many of us find it difficult to accept compliments but easy to believe the slightest criticism. Today, right now, let's make a choice to fully accept compliments as we would a gift. Sincere compliments are gifts of praise. They are kudos given for wise choices or accomplishments or perhaps for just letting your light shine. There is no reason not to accept the gift of a kind word, but some of us argue against them, even giving reasons why they aren't true. If we visualize the energy of a compliment, we would see beautiful, shining, positive energy being sent from the giver. That energy, if accepted graciously, would brighten our personal energy field. Our gratitude then returns to the giver as warm, fuzzy, glowing energy, completing an even circuit of good feelings. But if we reject a compliment, what could have been a beautiful exchange becomes awkward and uncomfortable, making it a negative experience instead. Misplaced modesty can ruin the joy of sharing this connection with another person. But we can accept a compliment and still be modest by simply saying "thank you." However, if compliments are rejected due to a lack of self-esteem, then the first step would be to start believing good things about yourself. Try giving yourself compliments in the mirror. Beyond the initial feelings of silliness, you will notice how good it feels and can watch the smile it puts on your face. The next step would be to see how it feels to give compliments to others. Notice how great you feel when you've made another person's face brighten and how differently you feel when the gift you've offered is rejected. Having experienced all sides, you will be ready to play along fully and willingly. We are our harshest critics. When we accept compliments, we are reminded that others see us through different eyes. All living beings crave positive attention, and we all deserve to have positive energy shared with us. Perhaps if we happily and gratefully accept compliments, we will give others permission to do so as well.

Home Again

Well we are back. Got home Thursday. Had a great visit with Tiff and family. Got to spend real time with Jimmy. He has changed so much since May. He is running around all over the place, takes your finger and insists you go with him, loves games like catch me, loves balls of every kind, loves music (he dances), has a wonderful sense of humor and is just generally a great little person. Also saw my aunt & uncle & cousin & daughter. This aunt is my mother's only remaining sibling, and is pretty frail so I was glad to have a chance for a visit.

Abby had grown quite a bit in the ten days we were gone. She is still learning her manners, but she is doing a pretty good job. Had to take her to the vet for checkup and shots on Friday.

Chris & Danielle closed on their house here in Houston. Very excited for them. It's a really nice place.

That's about all I have to say right now. It's late and I gotta go to bed. Catch ya later.