Jan Donchess Rocked our Women's Circle this month.

            I’m overwhelmed by the amazing energy created by our Women’s Spiritual Circle.  Once again I was honored by having some of my best friends join me in my home to expand our divinity by learning about “The Beginner’s Mind.”  Our beautiful teacher, whom I am honored to call my sacred friend, had us laughing, deeply meditating and brilliantly creating a path to our own personal spiritual journey.  Jan Donchess is a master of inspiration through her own example to walk her spiritual talk.  She has created for herself a personal journey each moment filled with intention and grace.  We were honored to hear intimate details of her earlier life that set this journey in motion and the continued seeker within her that persists in her quest for spiritual evolution and expansion.  Jan also told the story of the Zen master and the Scholar  <-- a="" all="" always="" am="" amazing="" an="" and="" as="" awe="" be="" beautiful.="" brief="" click="" continue="" empty="" expand="" filled="" first="" for="" good="" great="" grow="" hat="" hear="" here="" i="" if="" in="" is="" learn="" life="" magic="" may="" me.="" me="" miracles="" myself="" nbsp="" of="" p="" reminder="" see="" so="" story="" surround="" that="" the="" this="" time="" to="" true="" visual="" want="" was="" with="" wonderful="">

            Jan suggested that along with our own guided meditation ceremony that we also incorporate sillness meditation.  Emptying our minds and taking control over the thoughts that sometimes can overwhelm us is a “practice” I am challenging myself with, how about you?  Jan suggested doing this by making “appointments” with ourselves in our schedule.  Set reminders on your phone and really “show up” for these appointments, they might be only 5-10 minutes but setting up this practice will make a huge difference in how you do life.  A beautiful quote from Jan is, “This is my life!  I take it with me.  I have fun with it!”  She told us that we take who we are with us everywhere we go.  Her suggestion is to take the Spirit within you, into the world.  Such a yummy night!!!!

            I loved that Jan admitted she still has that ego reaction from time to time (which was nice to hear since I have it as well…haha) she had us all laughing about her “smoothie girl” story but she assured us that as she spends more time in her spirit awareness it is easier to step back from this ego reaction and take the split second required to CHOOSE to respond to any situation from the perspective of love. 

            She told us about real life circumstances that she has had to truly practice what she was teaching us.  Sometimes her work (as well as our own) can be the greatest playing field, so to speak.  We might be anticipating a meeting with anxiety because we don’t know what the outcome will be or we may not know what others will think of us because of the stance we take on an issue.  Jan assured us that the best way to handle these real life situations is to choose how to be in the situation, set your intention with gratitude and set yourself up for success.  She also encouraged us to know that it doesn’t matter that “they” know who you are…. It only matters that I know who I am. 

            Jan’s reoccurring thought was to create practices for ourselves that are personal and really work for us uniquely.  She suggested practices for our spiritual growth, a practice for our food, exercise and health in our life.  She talked about even having a practice for sleep.  These practices will feed your heart and soul.

            Of course we were joined by one of Jan’s favorite men, Deepak Chopra.  We enjoyed several mediations from his CD, The Soul of Healing Affirmations, A-Z    (You can click on that link to find it on Amazon.  We ended with a wonderful “rap” from Deepak and a beautiful reminder from Jan that “My body is the garden of my soul.”   ß (give it a listen!) I want to thank Jan for such a wonderful evening and thank all of the dear women that cozied up in my living room once again where we all expanded our Divinity. 

            I’m excited to announce I have found a bigger space for us so that we no longer have to cozy up or sit on the floor (unless of course you want to).  Our next Circle will be held at the Murray Library on April 15^th at 6:30 PM.  Address is 166 East and 5300 South.  I’m thrilled to have Deb Bilbao share with us.  Deb has been on her own spiritual journey to a passionate soul since she was very young.  She learned many of her lessons in what she describes as “the church of softball.”   She will be teaching us how to use tools like music and tapping to reshape your life, her topic is Healing of a heart.  What a delicious topic to have Deb share with us. I don’t know Deb as well as I would like to but I can tell you that I really FEEL her spirit and I know she has something beautiful and powerful to bring to this world.  I am looking forward to getting to know her better and  I’m honored she has agreed to open up herself to us.   Save the date and tell a friend.  See you there??

Women's Spiritual Circle........ Getting Started

What a wonderful evening we had. I’m still grinning from head to toe…. And truth be told even more!!! I’m honored to have had such beautiFULL and soulFULL (as Miss Aliss would say) women in my home to begin our Women’s Spiritual Circle. I love that the date was the 11th, a beautiful doorway to step into a magical space. Jan Donchess noted that Deepak Chopra calls this type of gathering “self organizing. dynamic networks of karmicly-connected souls". I love that! We created some beautiful intentions of what this women’s circle would be for us. We also committed to celebrating the women around us, lifting them up and assisting them in seeing their light. There was a lot of courage in our circle on Tuesday when masks were taken off and we were safe to be a little vulnerable to share some of the magic within each of us.

One thing I challenged our group to do was to find an accountability sister. This relationship will be to celebrate the “wins” in our lives as well as to assist in some of our challenges/opportunities for growth. This is a relationship that is safe, accepting, loving and has your best interest at heart. It is equal and reciprocal for each moving between teacher and student always, fluidly. It is my wish that we will share our “wins”, which are those moments in life where we are brave; the times when we overcome obstacles and triumph those opportunities for growth. These wins will be met with an enthusiastic “Yes you are!” “Yes you can!” and “Yes you did!” Please share with your sister the magic you see within her, this is her special talent, her strength, her forward motion on her path. It’s always nice to have someone who can see just how amazing we are. I believe sometimes we don’t see ourselves clearly and it helps to lean on the vision of those that SEE us for all that we truly are so that we may spread our wings and truly be the butterfly we have always been. This is a great opportunity to listen to each other with love and ask questions that may lead and guide our fellow sister to discovering for herself the magic she has within her so that she can blossom and grow. This may also be a relationship to share a shadow that you may have decided no longer serves you. Please remember this is a sacred relationship you are entering into and support with love and acceptance all that is shared with you and keep it sacred. I believe it was a collective intention last night, that we all want to grow and step into the divinity we are. I invite you to find yourself an accountability sister and check in with her every week or every other week. Make that commitment to each other!!! Share your wins, share your challenges and make new intentions for the coming week. Little by little and step by step we can make a big difference with small changes and little shifts. I’m thrilled to be part of a group so dedicated and determined to being the change.

***Oh yes… we talked a little about relationship and the feedback I received the most about was to have a love affair with yourself. So start laughing girls…. It’s time to make a playlist of your favorite love songs and start singing to yourself. My favorite song while first discovering this practice was a song in Moulin Rouge, Come What May. Give it a listen and see if you can love yourself no matter what comes your way. This is a good way to let yourself have fun, return to play and not take life so seriously. Have fun with it. Get to know yourself…… and truly fall in love.  I'm sure this will not be the last time we will talk about relationship since it is so key to our spiritual evolution.  If you want to share what you've learned we would love to hear from you.  Message me.***

I’m so excited to announce the guest for next months circle. Jan Donchess has been an inspiration in my life. We have laughed and cried together. She is a spiritual giant and I’m delighted she has accepted my invitation to share/teach us some her brilliance. Jan will be sharing with us what she has learned about “The Beginners Mind”. Here is a sneak peak for next month from Jan: “In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s mind there are few.” Shunryu Suzuki Roshi says “As a beginner we have no expectations, no fixed view of ourselves. We are open and receptive. This is Beginner’s mind. It’s a zen state of mind.” What if we approached everything we did with this mind? What would life be like? Let’s consider it March 25th at 6:30 PM.” 

I'll post this on Facebook too so I can get a headcount with RSVP's but I wanted to recap our first beautiful circle and let you know to save the date for our next.  

It’s going to be amazing!!! Join us and feel free to invite your girlfriends. All are welcome.

What I've Learned

When I was a child I learned that having more than one daddy was a blessing.

When I was a teenager I learned that if it wasn’t fun, it wasn’t worth doing.

When I was in college I learned the best lessons weren’t taught in a text book.

When I was newly married I learned that words left scars upon a heart and to speak only words of gentle kindness.

When I was a new mother I learned to stop praying for patience and instead pray for love, strength and courage to be the best I could be.

When I divorced I learned that the one I loved most needed my forgiveness more than I thought he deserved.

When I felt my life was over, I learned how to be transformed into a beautiful butterfly and fly…..

….. To be continued!

Battlefield

The struggle had raged on so long and though she implored her adversary for peace, she was repeatedly met with turmoil. Hurt masked her once beloved’s heart; anger and brutality were all she could find when she requested a fair and harmonious negotiation to end this struggle.
A battle was eminent; the freedom she sought would not be won without a war. Tears wet her eyes as she found herself on her knees yet again. Pleading for strength, wisdom and courage as well as the clarity to make the best choices; she begged for assistance. Stillness crept into her heart and calm fortitude washed through her being. With renewed faith, she rose from the floor.
“I may not win, but I will LIVE!” was her confident announcement!
Something larger than her had joined with her in this crusade. Warriors began to appear on her battle front, ready to wage whatever terror lay ahead. The clouds parted, the rain ceased, the sun shone on the freedom she would seek. A preview of the reward, she was given a slight peek. Diligence and virtue now garnished her sheath. The sword of truth, she did wield at her side. The shield of courage would gallantly cast off the slings and arrows of her enemy. One more uttered prayer, just under her breath, she lifted up before she charged in.
“Bless me dear Lord to fight a good fight but bless my enemy too, that peace may be ours before this day is through.”
Carefully she tucked this prayer into her heart and gripped the handle of her sword.
To win is to lose but in losing she gains freedom and re-discovers peace. Faith is built with each battle endured, even those surrendered. The end of the war is not as important as the spiritual strength being reborn.
It is done. Where there is great love, there are always miracles.

The Daffodil

Plunged into a hole, covered by dirt,

Temperatures drop and the cold winter sets in,

Chilled to the core, broken down to the last depths of life,

Shadows blanket the earth, the season moves on.

The ground thaws, the sun smiles upon the earth,

This warm kiss sparks hope for life, beneath the surface.

Pushing past the rocks and dirt that’s piled atop;

New growth expands and is sprung from near death,

Breaking the surface, breathing new air,

Expansion accelerates, stretching forth to new heights

Rapid speed now to bloom, transform and be open,

Spring has sprung, the long cold winter is over,

Welcome dear flower ……….. this is your new life!

-Sheri Joi, April 2011

I Am You and You Are Me......

My Dearest Friends.......

I love you all and I don't care if you are green, blue, purple or yellow, I don't care if you have one eye, two eyes or three. I will not judge you if you live on the top of the hill or in the box at the bottom. You may decide to join the circus or become a prestigious lawyer, I will always love you. These things are not who you are and I know that who you are goes much further than the eye can see. You have a piece of my puzzle and I have a piece of yours, we are all connected in the great puzzle of this thing we call "Earth School". The piece of puzzle I carry of yours may be big or small, square or round, jagged edges or smooth curvy sides and yours may come in all shapes and sizes too. It may come in the form of a gift or a smack to the face, all are pieces that join our lives together. Because you have come into my life, you are a friend, your footprints are on my heart and I love you for being exactly who you are. You may come as a noble friend that is here to teach me patience, forgiveness and unconditional love. You may come as a needy friend, in need of some of my light. I want you to know that you are my friend nonetheless and regardless of how I behave, I will live each day to better let you know that you are my friend. The light within me honors the light within you. When you are healed, I am healed, when I am healed you are healed. We are all one. So find JOY in the journey, spend time in wonder...it is the beginning of wisdom, see with your heart, be grateful for grace and know what love means. I am you and you are me. Forever Love, Sheri Joi

The Guest House by Rumi

The Guest House.

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary
awareness comes as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing, and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent as a guide from beyond.

~ Rumi ~