Good Night

If you are similar to me than you understand that I won't sit still until I feel my best. My last post was pretty depressing to say the least (though inspiring). and that's ok, especially considering that it happens once in a "blue" moon in my life (ladies know those days:). But I won't be rested until I am back to my perky, giggly self. I love myself happy, and that's the way I want to be!

So I do anything and everything to sustain myself at that. It did take me some effort since Sunday, but I am where I want to be right now. Never mind that I almost had a verbal fight with a stranger at a drug store this evening over which line we were waiting on. I knew it wasn't me!! I had to find me asap. And so I did tonight. I am glad to report that a couple of gloomy days are finally behind me. I am back to being myself! I am back to being positive.

And of course, I had to share this with you. Simply because I want to inspire you to have the same determination on getting yourself back to a positive and enthusiastic state of mind. This is your sole responsibility. NO one else's. Yes, it's just you who can make you happy.
So please work on your own ways and methods to keep/stay positive. It's your best shot at life. And that I know for sure.

Love to all. Nite.

Speed of life

Cheers all!

Well first, let me tell you, it's been some serious transitional period in my life. Not only have I been MIA with my blog(s), I've been withdrawing from many other things/activities I used to do. Basically, I've been doing thorough inventory of my day-to-day life, surroundings, activities, and people in my life.
It's important to do as we grow, and it's absolutely necessary to do IF we want to keep growing in a positive way. Something I've neglected for awhile.

The result: I've got my focus back, and I mean it. It's when I am focused on bigger things I need to do, and everything else that hinders my progress has to go. Let distractions go, let drama go, let people who create problems/drama go.
Harsh? Yes it is. But necessary if one wants to be successful in her journey. There is some wisdom to why the most glorious beautiful bird Eagle travels alone. Just think about it. In order to keep inner peace, sharp focus on your dreams, and stay on track with your visions, you need to go solo most of the time, and definitely stay away from outside distractions. Plus be extremely careful who should be let in.

Another way to put it, it's being IN the world but not OF the world. I'll talk about that one in a greater detail another time.

Anyway, as usual, whenever I retract from unnecessary outside noise (as much as it's possible in NYC) I am always blessed with wise and meaningful discoveries. And here is one I would like to share with you tonight.

During my yoga class last Monday, I realized how short and fleeting our lives on Earth are. Really think about it, if you compare each person's life to the life of the Universe, it's like a second, maybe less. It's as if we had only one day to live! That's what it is just one day of our lives compared to the lifetime of the Universe and everything that has and will exist. I know it's mind blowing if you really go deep into this. But just realize that it's really that short and all we have is 1 day to live, and then we go back to infinity.

How would you live that one day then? What would you want to do in those 24 hours? How would you feel and act? Who would you want to be with? What people would you like to have in your life?
I am pretty sure, if considered seriously, everyone's answers would be about love, joy, happiness, peace, fun, adventure. No one would care about dramas, problems, negativity... for it wouldn't be worth it. We would know that it is going to end pretty soon, and all we can do is enjoy it as much as we can, use any little opportunity that comes our way.

The most amazing thing about all this is that it really is the case. But for some reason, we humans, think that we have eternity to live, and there is a long road ahead. It amazes me how people say "There is always another day". Well the truth is there isn't. Today is the only day, and tomorrow might never happen.

We need to see it and understand it. Only then does every day become a true blessing, an opportunity to follow your dreams, to find happiness in everything that happens, to focus on what's important.
Please think about it, life is a chance to experience yourself to the fullest. Why not start today.

My love to You:) and sorry for MIA. it's a necessary process :)

So What?

Today, while talking to my girl-friend I realized exactly where I was standing on dating and all the attention I'm getting these days. The best way I could put it was "So What?"

I think we all come to that point in our lives when we just don't care. It could be due to bad experiences, it could be due to busy schedules, or simply due to the part of growing up. I believe all those factors are at play. But most importantly, I believe it's due to my progressively developing self-love, self-discovery and self-worth. The point when you realize that the most important relationship is the one you have with yourself. I know it sounds cliche and it's been said and will be said many times. But I don't mind being one more person to say: The most important relationship is the one you have with yourself.

I heard it so many times, and I recited it to myself time and time again. But before it actually happened, it was just words. Yes, it takes time, but one day it happens and you just feel it. You start listening to yourself before taking any step, before taking any action, before saying any word (maybe that's why I've been less vocal these days:). Anyway, you just know that it's You now and whatever it is you have to do you want to make sure it's aligned with your heart, mind and soul.

So you ask me, Where does dating fit in this?
Well, dating is just a social activity to experience yourself through others. Something like that :) So you become more philosophical about it. You definitely filter it more carefully, and become more precious with the time spent with others. Read between the lines: less dating, more about quality than quantity :)

And what about finding true love? The question most of us ask ourselves most of our lives, and the question that started this blog! Believe it or not, I have the answer.

There is nowhere we need to look or go, but within ourselves. Yes, true love, is the one you have for yourself and it's already within you. That simple, yet that hard to accept.

But once you find and cherish that love, the search is no longer outside yourself but within. and all other relationships simply become a beautiful reflection of it.

Namaste

Cheers all,

Wanted to share with you one powerful practice you can do right away, and see instant positive results on your wellbeing and those around you.  

Last week, I read an inspirational letter from one of the yoga sites. The writer (sorry, don't remember her name) suggested saying "Namaste" to anyone crossing your path on a daily basis, be it someone close to you or a complete stranger. And especially to those not behaving the way you wish they would.

Namaste means: "The God/Goddess Spirit in me recognizes and honors the God/Goddess Spirit in you."
You know me, I always need to try it for myself to see if it really works. And so I did. Except for the weekend (will tell you later) the whole week last week, I would silently say "Namaste" to anyone I see. And let me tell you it's nothing short of a miracle. Of course, I am used to people being nice to me, at least not being mean that's for sure. But this time, everyone would light up and smile at me as if they were extremely happy to see me. People were being super nice to me, the way I always imagined they would be in my world. Who knew that I could actually create it in this physical world? and all I have to do is say and MEAN "Namaste".

True to myself (i.e. my curious nature), I spent some time thinking on how to explain this phenomena. And the easiest way I can put it is that we are all energy, and all our thoughts and feelings are energy waves that vibrate and resonate with others. Namaste is one of the most powerful energetic waves, something like the brightest sun ray on the most beautiful sunny day. It lights you up, warms your heart and fills it with love. The only rule is that you really have to mean it when you say it: The divine in me sees the divine in you. One small sentence, one powerful message. You need to believe in your own Divinity first, the one that is all loving and nourishing. Your Divinity can only see Divinity in others. It's forever accepting and loving. By acknowleding and accepting this truth, you see the world changing in front of your eyes.

I do realize that sometimes we are simply not in a place where it's easy to say and mean Namaste. But once you try it and see the immidiate results it will be so much easier to go back to it. In the end, you begin to see that it serves you much better. Indeed powerful practice: by seeing Divinity in others, they give their Divine to you.

Namaste :) 

My Love to You, Quickie

Hi All,

Just wanted to stop by and wish you all a happy Friday. Nothing in particular but letting you know that I am always there for you, and always looking for more ideas to inspire you. First inspire myself, and then lead by example. So this will be a very exciting weekend for me.
Tomorrow meeting the girl-friend I reconciled with recently (see my post "Rebuilding bridges"), and then dinner with many friends at Mari Vanna. Sunday, I signed myself up for volunteer work, which I'll cover in my "Dare Yourself" series. Yes, I am finally doing something noble with my challenge!
And tonight is even more exciting. But that's a secret.....

Hope you all use your weekend to the fullest. And if not, there is always another one. Also try to find beauty in your weekdays. It always amazes me how people in the office survive from a weekend to a weekend. Life is too short to live this way. If you feel that you dread your weekdays and look forward to weekends, it's time to reconsider what you do for living. As I said, life is too short and we spend the most of our awaken time at work. You'd better enjoy it. Otherwise what's the point? It's never too late to change it. The most important thing is to feel fulfilled. Remember it's up to you to make that change. Don't change the world, change yourself. Lead by example.

Namaste

My Love to You

I am an old man and have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened. Mark Twain

Today I was thinking how much time we waste on worrying about things that don't go our way. We let worry take over our minds, hearts and bodies. We give it so much power, that in the end it controls us.

When consumed in this unproductive process (which worry is), we stop noticing what's going well in our lives. and believe me there is always something that's going the way you want. You're just too worried to notice it. It's your life and it is what you make of it. Take responsibility for everything that happens for you invited it deliberately or not. Own it.

Then I looked back at some of the moments in my life. And you know which ones I remember the most, almost as if they just happened, and I remember all the details? The ones when I was happy, when it was fun, when I felt loved, when I loved... And the moments that hurt seemed unreal, almost as if they never really happened.

Finally, I realized that in the end I'll only remember the good stuff. So why am I worrying about things that don't go the way I want? they will pass and I'll never even remember them.

We all worry every day about many things that we don't even think of in a few weeks or even days. So why worry? why make ourselves so consumed in it that we don't notice what goes right? Why focus on negative when there is positive that is waiting to be finally noticed?

So the mantra for today and ideally every day: When the road gets rough, just remember that it shall pass and you won't even think about it later on. Just accept it and get ready for better times.
And when you're happy don't worry that it will end, for you'll have such a bright memory of it that it will always be in your heart. So embrace it, enjoy it, and keep it in your heart.

Love you!
P.S. Pics of me taken during those happy moments.

Life is like an ocean

Today during my yoga practice, the teacher shared the following thought:

"Life is like an ocean. You're standing in it, and then the wave comes your way and knocks you down. You fall deep down with sand in your hair, your clothes, your eyes and throat. Then you get up and see the wave goes away and breaks down. Then a new one comes in and you get knocked down again. And so on and so on, until the time you build resistance and can handle the wave. And then when you get strong, there are no waves anymore but still calm waters."

Perfect timing for this wisdon really as today has been one of those days for me when I felt vulnerable. You know those days, when for no particular reason, you feel small and fragile, as if thrown into the deep ocean away from your loved ones, all by yourself and no one to hang on to? I am sure we all have those days, even the strongest of us:)
Of course those days are rare for me, simply because I can't afford them in my life. But whenever I feel that way, I just want to go back to the time I was a little girl, and my dad carried me in his strong arms. Just a memory of it makes me feel safe and loved.
Whenever we feel unsafe and need some loving, we just need to think of something or someone who made us feel safe and happy. In my case, my dad carrying me. I am sure we all have some memories from childhood when we felt safe and loved.

The days we feel small and vulnerable should be cherished. It's so rare we let ourselves feel that way due to our ego, but deep down we are sensitive beings and want to be loved and cared for. Even though I feel vulnerable I feel the most innocent at the time. It's like all I need is my loved ones around me and feel like I am home. Nothing else matters. Ego is gone and only what really matters in life (love and companionship) is present. Those feelings are important to feel grounded and to understand what really matters in life. So embrace them and treat them with all the love you can give. Think of your loved ones, your parents, your siblings, reach out to them if possible. Or simply hold them in your heart and know they are there for you, just like you are there for them.

And if you ever feel that way and have no one to turn to, email me:) Just reaching out will make all the difference. The most important thing is to see the beauty in feeling that way. We are all connected and love indeed is all there is. We forget about that and feel that it's us against the world. This leads to fear and unhappiness. So when we feel small and vulnerable it's the God's way to bring us back to awareness that we are all one and with God. No fear, just love.

Namaste.

P.S. here are some pics of me and my family (on camel is my older sister). I was born in 80's, in Russia, in case you were wondering about the quality of pics, and my mum's cool hair:)

2012

To all my readers and to the world in general:

Wishing 2012 be the best year you can remember. I am not going to say let ALL your wishes come true (as most of us don't believe in such luck).
What I wish is that your most desirable wish will come true in 2012; be it Finding True Love, Opening up a business, Advancing in your career, Getting pregnant, Getting married, Going to Brazil (your destination), Making love to Ryan Gosling (as long as your wish of getting married didn't come first:), Writing a book, Making a fortune and spending it on Travel, Family Reunion, 1 month vacation, Sleeping 8 hours a day, or Simply being happier.
Seriously, I want you to pick just One of your most desirable wishes and really believe that it will come true. I promise that as long as you truly believe it's possible it will happen. And if you post it on my blog, I'll make sure to talk to God about it, and we'll see what we can do ;)
Joke aside, I believe that anything is possible; that is realistically possible, something you know you can do but have very little faith, self doubt yourself or are simply afraid. Those are false and limiting mind sets that are keeping you away from achieving your dreams.
So please pick one wish, and know that no matter what happens to the rest of them this ONE will definitely come to reality.

As for me, tonight I am flying to Mother Russia to spend the most important day for me (NYE) with my parents, my mom and dad. This has been my dream for the last 10 years and is finally coming true!

I will reconnect with you all in 2012. Blessings your way and lots of love.