What I Learned from Robin Williams

You are perfect. Your stubbornness, mistakes, misinterpretation of “no” as “yes”, is valuable in creating who you are.  Every word you think and speak is powerful. After learning of Robin Williams’ suicide, I realized, more than ever, that what manifests through our thoughts dictates the state of our wellbeing.
Bullied through middle school for being chubby, Robin Williams discovered humor as a means to gain respect from his tormentors.  He also used his jokes to entertain his mother so she would pay attention to him. Having two children myself, nothing brings them more joy than my undivided attention.  So how badly wounded was this iconic actor and comedian to have hung himself?
He was adored the world over, with memorable roles, quick wit, and kind smile. He had to have known how loved he was. But did he love himself as much as we loved him? Guess not.  The irony of it all is how he recovered from open heart surgery, but was killed by his brain. No one will ever know what his self-talk sounded like. Most of us aren’t aware of our mental repeat mode we tune into every day.
Robin Williams’ death has made me redefine my choice of words. The words that run through my head will have a new spin. And rather than speaking fast-paced without reflection, I will make a conscious effort to avoid using hurtful, unloving words. Somewhere in his lifetime, Robin was told mean things that stuck. Later in life, he was probably spoken to with more admiration than not, however, the ugly stuck and stayed.
What we tell ourselves every minute has an impact on our wellbeing. The words we choose, during heated times, are impactful. And the repeated negative statements we tell our children will grow within them. We are responsible for planting seeds of love and hate within ourselves and our children. Choose whether you want to grow a nurturing garden or weeds.
Remember that you are perfect just the way you are. You might believe that you will be perfect ten pounds lighter, with accolades decorating your office, or by being present for your children, spouse, and boss equally. In my view, perfection is merely a balance between all our blessings and our flaws. Without weaknesses, there’s no growth. And what a dull life you’d have without improvement.
The suicide of Robin Williams has brought deep reflection to my brain power. He has validated a fact that our thoughts command the human body. To have lived with a passion to move the human spirit through laughter, while struggling with self-love, is selfless.  I am forever grateful for his many roles in which he made me reflect, learn, and of course, laugh.
May your self-talk be kind and your words be rooted in love. May you be happy just the way you are. Nanu-Nanu!

 

 

To the Moon and Back

This is it. It's time - for change, for new goals that will enrich our lives, and for peace. On August 10th, we will welcome the super full moon  (when the moon is closest to Earth). I've been waiting with excitement for this day. Why, you wonder? The new moon is a magical time to welcome new beginnings, revised intentions, and prepare to breathe new life into change you wish to manifest.

The world is yearning for peace, but we can never have global peace if we are at war within ourselves. Peace starts with you. It's time to take responsibility for our actions, our words, our energy so that we can achieve global peace. So, on August 10th, take time to commit to new goals or wishes and plant your seeds.
The birthing cycle of the moon is perfect for setting intentions by using universal energies to set your desires in motion. Will you join me in a moon ritual focused on manifesting change?
Have a journal and pen handy to record your intentions, a candle, a vision board (if you have one), as well as any photos, and crystals, stones or objects that are sacred to you. Find a comfortable, quiet area to sit on the floor. You can use a "smudge stick" made of sage, light the end, and as the smoke comes up, use it to cleanse the energy around you. If you don't have sage, take an incense stick and declare, "Cleanse my aura of all negative energy. Let my actions, as well as my thoughts, be for the benefit of all beings".


My super full moon alter

As you sit, list all your intentions that you wish to manifest. Be specific. Tell the Universe what you strongly desire. Make your affirmations personal, as you know your story better than anyone else. You know your fears, anger, sadness, strengths, weakness, and what you really want to bring into your life. If you have an illness, this is the ideal time to focus on eliminating crippling fears, letting go of any bitterness or anger, and allowing the energetic pull of the moon to rid your body and spirit of all negative crap that no longer serves you.
Open your journal, date the page, and write, "I accept these gifts into my life now or something better for my highest good and for the highest good of all beings". Then begin to write your affirmation statements, highlighting goals you wish to achieve. You can be creative by writing your intentions, placing them in a helium balloon, and sending them off into the world.
Your intentions are rooted in longings that surface regularly. Take time to revise these wishes, see what comes up. Then write them down and during the supermoon, close your eyes, declare your affirmations to the Universe. A big part of the new moon rituals' success, comes after. Try to keep your intentions close to you, make notes on your progress, and celebrate any signs of change at the next full moon. Keep in mind that you must do your part, beyond simply listing your affirmations or goals. You must commit to realize each intention. Nothing will develop if you don't do anything to support your affirmations. So start thinking of what you want to draw into your life and may the force or pull of the supermoon be with you on August 10th.
Blessings & Peace to All