Peaceful Porch

I found an old photo of the porch. I designed the size of the porch to become another room in the warmer months. Over the years, we've definitely used it as such. We've had meals, put together puzzles, done craft projects and games, quietly read and entertained guests over the years. It was a favorite place for teens to hang out.

Ten years ago. Before my mom passed, she enjoyed spending the entire day rocking, reading and watching birds from her favorite spot on the porch. As time has slipped away, we built the back deck and the boys have left the nest. The porch doesn't get  used as often. However, it is still a peaceful place to relax. On rainy mornings, I enjoy doing yoga and meditation while breathing in fresh air. To avoid sun and heat, I enjoy the quiet to write and Reyka lounges nearby.

It's funny how places evolve and change.

Find It

Some days are filled with joy and peace, others are not. Perhaps its how we view it. 

I began my yoga in the dark and by the time I finished, light filtered through the woods. 

At first I saw the grey trees and prepared for a gloomy day. Then I noticed the lovely hues of peach and rose. The warmth filled my soul. 

It will be a good day. 

Find the joy. Find the peace. 

Reflection of an Eagle Spirit

The hero of Eagle Dance is a Native American eagle shifter. 

Dyami has a spiritual guide within his soul 

and has been blessed with the ability to change from man to animal at will. 

The man often reflects strong attributes of the animal.

Native wisdom also honors the eagle for their opportunistic ways. It's not that they're skilled hunters (they are), but the go about gaining their needs in ways that are most efficient. This is a lesson for conserving resources. Work smarter, not harder.

The eagle reminds us to be victorious, brave and strong. We are do be these things with humility. Honor, respect and dignity are very important to those who have an eagle spirit.

Meditate for a moment. 

Does the great spirit send you an eagle?

Dyami Schafer, a Native American from a Michigan Chippewa tribe, leads a lonely life due to his large size and unusual appearance. When his nesting instinct sets in, he turns to Madame Eve and her 1Night Stand dating service to help him find his spirit mate. Or at least a woman who accepts him as an eagle shifter.

Amanda Collins never stopped loving the Chippewa boy she knew from her childhood. Maybe a night with a Native American man will help her forget the past and let her move on with her life.

Sometimes, it’s necessary to take a step into the past before dancing into the future. With the help of Madame Eve, will the Spirit of the Eagle carry Dyami and Amanda?

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Ooo... look what I found...Mindful Meditation And Breathing Exercises

I've always believed a little is better than none.

I do 10 minutes of yoga every morning.

My goal this year is do it in the morning and at night.

I'd like to bring meditation back into my day. When I did meditation before, I always felt better both physically and mentally.

Here's a guided one I like...

#MIchigan #Meditation

 Time spent in nature is an opportunity to rejuvenate the soul.

Try a moment of Michigan Meditation.

My state of Michigan is known for nature. I was blessed to have worked for the Department of Natural Resources for a time. Every day I walked the 81 acres of marshland I was charged with and started the day with peace, wonder and beauty.

Yesterday was the first day of bow hunting season and hunters took to the woods, including my flyboy. Like many hunters, he didn't see a deer but simply enjoyed being in nature. Curious squirrels teased him while he sat enjoying the sounds and smells of the woods. 

You don't have to be a hunter to enjoy Michigan Meditation, or even be in the state. Find a spot outdoors, on your porch, in a park; and take a moment to listen, look and smell. Feel the peace.

Morning Meditation with Mother Nature

Vacation Day #2

Cool temperature with a breeze from the north.

Mood is "chillax".

Communing with nature is a great way to start the day.

Doing yoga next to water is an amazing experience. 

It good to break up your routine of being inside.  Breathing in clean air cleanses the body and opens the soul. Some may think practicing yoga outside not only develops your inner strength and stability, it aligns you with nature. Yoga outside can boost your self esteem and the dose of vitamin D from the sun will help fight depression. Even if you practice yoga in the shade like I do, you'll still get those "feel good" vibes.

Loons calling to each other  replace the sounds of the city. 

My only observers were seagulls.

The breeze caressed my skin like a lover's touch. 

If you get the chance, step outside.

Close your eyes and take a few slow, deep breaths.

Take a moment to listen; focus on nature sounds.

Hear the birds?

Feel the breeze?

Remember to Breathe

During all the prep for the wedding, the dark cloud of stress tried to visit.  

Someone told me...

Just remember to breathe.

I take that advice to heart and suggest if you ever feel anxiety or stress slipping into your veins take a moment. 

I do a little thing I call the 4 by 4. I stand tall facing the north. I raise my arms while taking a deep breath to 4 counts. With my arms up, I stretch, and hold my breath for 4 counts. Exhale while lowering my arms. Breathing in good air, pushing out the bad. 

I turn and face the east, repeat. Breath in for count if 4. Stretch to the count of 4.

Turn and face each direction. During this time think beyond your vision, think of the wonderful world. Count your blessings.

Noisy Morning Meditation

I woke earlier than normal and my fibromyalgia pain wouldn't let me return to a cozy slumber. Grabbing my yoga mat, I headed to the deck for a bit of stretching and meditation. 

The noise of the morning became to distracting and I found myself watching the drama unfold in my backyard as one would watch TV. 

Grab a cup of coffee and join me on the deck.

Shhhh... watch and listen.

Hear the fox squirrels making a ruckus running up and down old oaks.  Oh, those red squirrels fighting for dominance and territory are loud. Look, there's a rabbit loping through the chaos looking for breakfast. Listen to turkey hen softly clucking, to announce her arrival. Penny thinks she's special. Twigs are snapping and old dried leaves on the forest floor are crunching, but we can't see what is making the noise.

A Blue Jay's shrill call carries across the tree tops, causing everyone to go on alert for a moment. 

 Two fox squirrels stand to look at with curiosity us while Penny eats. 

A harvester spider joins me on my yoga mat.

I'm definitely not alone and I find this noisy morning to be incredibly amazing. 

I'm relaxed, refreshed, and recharged. 

If your heart is heavy or your mind is dark, take a few moments to step outside. 

Close your eyes and simply breathe. 

Listen to the sound around you. What do you hear? Human traffic? Wildlife? Nature? You will find, you are never alone but a small part of a wonderful big world.

Try getting up earlier than normal some morning. Enjoy the new experience.  

Grab a hot beverage and your honey, absorb your environment.

A Meditation Moment

Living in the woods can be a form of meditation and I find it very comforting. 

Every morning I do 15 minutes of yoga on the back deck (front porch if it's raining,).

When I gaze into the woods, peace and calm wash over me.

Sometimes, hubby and I will sit on the deck to enjoy our morning coffee. We both feel that wonderful calm but it also lightens our hearts. Being together and sharing such a moment refreshes our love as well.

You don't have to live in the woods for this experience. 

Simply, look up. 

Do you see trees or buildings? Admire what they are and the majesty of it. Take a few deep breaths and slowly exhale. Feel the moment. If you are with your honey, embrace each other in a cozy hug and look up together. Feel your heartbeats.

A Moment of Calm - Porch Pets

In these stressful times, it's important to take pause.

Welcome to my porch. 

Have a seat.

Take a deep breath and relax. 

It has been said, "A picture worth a thousand words" but sometimes words aren't needed.

Mona snoozes while Maggie keeps watch.

A Morning Moment of Calm

 A little bit of Heaven when I wake early.

While filling the feeding stations this morning, I waited patiently for a very pregnant Downy Woodpecker to finish nibbling on yesterday's leftovers before pouring fresh seed, dried fruit and nuts onto the plate. Birds flitted around me while others called out, announcing the arrival of breakfast. The nails of squirrels scraped the bark as they began their descent from their hiding places in the tall oaks. Reds stopped every few inches to argue who would eat first; heavy fox squirrels ignored the chatter but watched me with cautious eyes.

Sitting on my deck, I take in a deep cleansing breath and look around. Leaves are sprouting so fast, one could almost hear them. Sunlight dapples through the branches, creating a holy light. Perhaps it's the purity of spring seen in nature. It's a time of birth and rebirth, refresh and renew. 

We seem to be venturing into a new era. How will you rebirth, refresh, and renew?