Wonderword: Move

Move in, move out, move on - these are the ways we transition through life's many stages. It's never really easy. It may be tough to let go, it may be scary to face the unknown but if you don't keep turning the page, you may find yourself stuck in one chapter longer than you want to be.

I've given myself time to grieve, time to look inside myself and figure out the billions of thoughts floating around like mad in my head. I've allowed my family and friends to offer comfort and give love. I've opened myself to sadness, fear, sentimentality and hurt. And now I'm done.

Dwelling in the past does nothing. Focusing on the words said and the bad vibes caused, does nothing. I know that if I want something to happen, I have to start moving. And that's what I've been doing since I got back on the island. It's all about moving; to a new home, on the mat, on with work, accepting invitations, going along with friends etc. I'm glad the island I was afraid and hesitant to come back to welcomed me back with open arms and has made the transition easy, even convenient. I'm grateful to be welcomed back by real friends who have known me a long time and know better than to listen to silly stories and twisted tales. And I am overwhelmed by my family and other friends. They are my bottomless source of support, strength and cheer. Together they've made it easier for me to keep going.

If you don't like where you are, if things don't feel right. I say get off your ass and start moving, turn those immobilizing thoughts off and let the heart lead.

Cheers to a new month, a new adventure, a new chapter! :)

All "move" photos from weheartit.com

Wonderword: Emptiness

Here is a fact. A clarification if you will, to those who think that life in a paradise island is perfect. It is not. Love isn't painless, work isn't easier and life isn't a bowl of cherries just because you live on a beach.

In the past few days I have been reminded that happiness doesn't come from a pristine beach or a scenic hillside or the energetic city. It doesn't come from anywhere else but within. How does that happen? It happens when you are filled with love. And how do you fill yourself with love? By ridding yourself of all the thoughts and memories, of the negative things that love cannot exist with.

I am learning to empty myself. Clean my thoughts. Bring myself back to a space where there are no memories, no pain, no hard-feelings, no expectations. Just a pure and clear space that love can fill. This is part of a Hawaiian teaching that involves reciting phrases of love, repentance and gratitude. It's called Ho'oponopono. If you haven't heard of it, try "google-ing" it. :) It is a simple and effective process but it isn't easy to do. In fact the hardest part for me is the cleaning, the emptying.

How can I, when I am little ms. rational. When problems arise, I am always ready with reason, judgement and a witty retort. I've got a background of education and experience I am proud of, and use to support me. So now, when something upsets or affects me, am I supposed to just empty myself of all those to experience pure love and happiness?

The answer is yes.

No reasoning, no proven studies, no preconceived ideas, no negativity. Empty.
So here's to that essential step, that beautiful and elusive state called emptiness. I hope I learn to get there soon.

All photos of "emptiness" from We Heart It

Wonderword: Breathe

Breathe. We need this to live yet sometimes we forget to do it. It happens to me too, for both good and not so good reasons. But it is a pretty appropriate word for the weeks that passed and the week to come. My days have been made up of my breath. From Running out of it during dragonboat practice to learning to share it in CPR training. Then lately, I found myself asking for space to breathe. Which should be a good thing. In yoga, we learn that proper breathing removes toxins, rejuvenates the skin, stimulates proper circulation, improves the nervous system and strengthens the heart.

Next week, I together with my island girl friends will "take a breather" and swim with the whale sharks in Donsol. I am excited, it has been my dream to see these beautiful, gentle and giant creatures. I am also hoping that the time away will get us all charged and cheered up and be enough to clear the stale air of incessant issues and bad vibes. I will breathe, to strengthen my heart. :)

Now, for inspiration! Take a look at the diverse and lovely images of "breathe" that might just elicit a little sigh. Enjoy. :-D

all photos from we heart it.com
except for the third photo, from Ben Heine