Welcome to the New Year

2013 is going to be beautiful.

Before I close all the 2012 books, I'd like to say thank you thank you thank you to everyone who participated in 25 Days of Kind-Chi. It felt so good to be a part of it, and I love you all. We touched a lot of people. I heard so many feel good stories, but I know there are a ton more that I haven't heard of. Knowing there's a little more happy in the world is so comforting, and it's thanks to all of you.

Now, it's time to go into full gear!
I quit my job right before the holiday season, and decided that this year is about forwarding this movement. Going to give my entire self into this concept of Spreading The Chi and see where it takes me.

A huge part of that is going to be the Mindfulness event. I'm looking at April/May time slot wise. Which means it's time to start feeling people out for participation. If you know anyone who may be interested in being a part of it, or if you're interested yourself, please please email me!! I would absolutely LOVE to hear any and every suggestion. And I'm looking for all kinds of people. Musicians, speakers, wellness practitioners... Hit me with ideas, and we'll brainstorm.

Also just putting this out there - I'm going to need a substantial speaker system that can work outdoor and that can plug into an iPod. Any ideas?

I love you guys for reading this. Worry not, my friends, because this thing is going to take off like wildfire this year. It's the year of the chi.

Retreat

Retreat - The act or process of withdrawing, especially from something hazardous, formidable, or unpleasant. The process of going backward or receding from a position or condition gained. To treat again. Going on a trip means taking time away from the ordinary every day concerns to relax and care for your soul.

A big message for me in the past few months has been to take care of your self, your soul, you wellbeing. There was a time when I was pretty in tune with the concept of looking out for yourself. I made some serious decisions and went out of my way to make sure I was doing the right thing for my emotional and spiritual health, which in turn helped me be physically healthy.

But things have been stirred up and flipped over in the past six months, and I'm realizing I've lost touch with myself. I need to spend more time in stillness, in contemplation, to find my footing again.

I need to retreat.

I think we forget how much work goes into that practice. Mindful living, person care, the ability to ground yourself - activities like these are just as time consuming and mentally active as any work you do. Relaxing is different for everyone, but I think there's a difference between sitting mindlessly doing nothing and sitting mindfully in your own presence. Our inner calm deserves as much work as our physical health, because the two go so very hand in hand.

The point of posting the definitions of retreat was to explore the idea that the word itself is vast, and the definition is vague. A lot of times when we think of a retreat it's a sunny beach, an expensive workshop, a physical change of scenery. And that's a beautiful and valid experience. But the truth is that option isn't always available. I'm not saying settle. If you need something, be it a vacation or a class or a weekend of quiet, do it. Find a way. But don't let the largeness of that type of retreat push you away from retreats all together.

Find a quiet place. Comfortable clothes. A candle, maybe, and a prayer or a chant or some quiet music. Find your peace. Get in touch without a time limit hanging over you head or a to do list. Allow those thoughts to float away, however long it takes. Listen to yourself and feel what you really need. Don't wait for a detailed trip to find your mental balance.

I hope you can all find some quiet in your day. And if you're feeling the need to take a more geographic retreat, I know of a few places along the east coast that can truly help you find yourself again. Email me lovies.

Always

Said goodbye to my Grandpa this week.
In the end, it was the right time for him. Perhaps not for us, but it's never a good time to loose someone.
I know he's with Grandma now, that's the important part.

I think my favorite part of the last few months with him was that I could always just reach out and hold his hand, no words, no explanations. When either of us needed it.
So I've decided that's not going to end.

Other news, because my blog posts have been severely lacking this week.

Winter is coming. The leaves are almost all down, the air is getting crisper, and we're making Thanksgiving plans. Before we know it, the world will be white (fingers crossed for a snowy season this time around) and it will be the season of cozy nights and family time.

I love how much this season revolves around giving. Giving thanks, giving presents... Giving love, and for my family, giving support in difficult times.

So I'm throwing myself whole heartedly into it this year. Crafting up a storm to make various christmas presents and cards and cookies, making list upon list of things I'm thankful for for Thanksgiving, and in this year specifically, giving a lot of my time and energy to this business.

Which brings me to my Spring Wellness Event! (temporary title.)

Planning is starting full swing. Will be creating a facebook page before the end of 2012, but there's always my general facebook page. I have so many people on board already. I appreciated the mailing list requests!! I will keep you all informed.

So far confirmed events are Yoga, Kai Chi Do, a group meditation, and some various singers and speakers. There will be light food and some community organizations that relate to the message. Lots of socializing, very laid back. Any ideas or inquiries are more than welcome.

Much love your way as the wind gets colder. I hope you all find ways to warm your heart this season.

Going Public

So, I'm officially a brand.

That's right, folks. I'm officially official... whatever that means.

I have a twitter (@SpreadingTheChi) and a facebook page (Spreading The Chi).
Follow me! Like me! Help me get going.

In other business-y news, I'm officially...

...launching the planning stages for my mindfulness event at the peace wall!

A day next spring all about promoting a positive mindset and how changing your thoughts can change your world. Including yoga, light food, music, Kai Chi Do, meditation, speakers... and anything else that comes my way!

Now would be the time to email me if you're interested in helping out or teaching - or just if you want to be on the email list for updates!!

Let me know: SpreadingTheChi@gmail.com

Introducing: (name TBA)

I had a spark of inspiration. And I'm gonna make it happen.

I was having lunch with Daddy the other day at the peace wall and I was thinking about all of the negative going on. Health issues, politics (see earlier rant..), family drama.. It can get overwhelming. And I looked around at the beautiful place, took a deep breath, and realized what I had just done had made my world so much brighter.

I want to share that.

So that's the initial premise. I'm going to have an event at the peace wall full of positivity. Yoga, Kai Chi Do, meditation, talking, eating, smiling... It's going to be beautiful. Drum circles and singing and lots of happy.
So, that's the initial plan. As I keep going with the details I will keep you all posted.

So much love. Let's do it.

God and Medication

In the interest of full disclosure I will say that due to unforeseen circumstances I am off medication temporarily. As in until thursday when I can get a refill.

I know those of you who know me know that I'd rather just be off medication totally, but when I do that I'm going to do it right. So I can eliminate these headaches and dizzy spells. And I'm definitely noticing a change in my mood, so there's work to do in that department also.

That being said, today was a pretty amazing day. I met with the Pastor at my family's home church. Her name is Wendy and she's new to us.

I don't go to church much anymore, mostly because I work. But also because I've been all over the place in my spiritual life. But I do see it's beauty and the peace it brings to so many people's hearts. And I do believe in... something. Just the words get all jumbled. And church likes to un jumble them in ways that don't always sit well with me.

Anyway, Pastor Wendy was intriguing to me, so I went and sat with her. We ended up talking for hours. About so many things. What stood out for me was the idea of sparating the "church" concept and the "god" concept. Which I think doesn't happen nearly as much as it should. And they are two entirely different, though related, things. You can have God without church, but not church without God.

Anyway, it's a lot to think about, which we all know I'm good at doing. In fact I can almost guarantee I will over think it numerous times. But the point is, I got some very good fuel for my spiritual discovery mill today. And I'm excited to see where it takes me.

I want to get into the event I'm planning, but enough is enough for one night. I will touch base tomorrow again, hopefully.

I love you all. Sweet Dreams.