Book Review: The Power of Intention

The Power of Intention – Gift Edition

Learning to Co-create Your World Your Way

By Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

I was first introduced to Dr. Wayne Dyer many years ago through his public television broadcast of The Power of Intention. I found Dr. Dyer to be articulate, heart centered, peaceful and charming as he thoughtfully spoke his words, “Intention is a force in the universe, and everything and everyone is connected to this invisible force.”

My life was instantly transformed as I integrated The Power of Intention into my own personal life. Specifically, The Seven Faces of Intention impacted my daily actions and thoughts, fostering great change within me— Creativity, Kindness, Love, Beauty, Expansiveness, Abundance and Receptivity. These are powerful concepts that can create profound shifts for anyone when mindfully implemented.

As I re-read the 2010 gift edition of this unparalleled work, those seven concepts elicited a feeling of peace and harmony within the core of my being. I became aware of how much over the years I unconsciously integrated these Faces Of Intention into my own personal daily practices. In particular, I began to distinguish how much Dr. Dyer’s work had influenced my style of mothering…. I keenly became aware of the way in which I intended opportunities, growth, expansion and health within my young children’s lives and how I have taught them core life values through The Power of Intention.

As I continue to nurture these concepts and values with my young children, I understand that they are receiving an extraordinary gift and a means to manifest and cultivate a purposeful life; unlocking a power within them to have control over their unknown futures. I enthusiastically recognize that The Source of creation is alive and expressing itself through these dynamic children, not just mine… but through all children.

I believe the most profound outcome I have experienced with The Power of Intention is in the realm of my perception of what it means to be a special needs mother. When my youngest daughter was diagnosed with infantile autism at age 4 ½ we had a difficult choice... We could either blindly accept the diagnosing psychologist’s perspective of our daughter having a future full of great difficulty OR create a life of unlimited potential and opportunity for her.

At the time of the diagnosis, my husband and I were told that our little girl would never to go college, work or live independently; that she would have immense limitations put on her level of socialization; and that her life would include no option for marriage nor children of her own. As if that wasn’t bad enough, we were told to prepare for a long complicated road ahead of us and to start making plans for a future that was certain to include group homes and a life time of non-verbal communication.

Alone and full of raw emotion, I cried for days about her uncertain future. Then on the third morning, during a meditation I had an epiphany… My daughter was exceptional beyond any label or prognosis forced upon her. This meant I was about to relinquish the perspective of the psychologist AND set into motion my own intentions about the magnificent fulfilling life she inherently deserved.

I immediately began meditating on the things I intended for my daughter… to find her way out of catatonia, to develop verbal communication, to long for touch, to socialize, to play with her older sister, to enter mainstream public education, etc… I began to see her doing these things in my meditations, I focused on the feelings of elation when I witnessed her tiny milestones, and I began to treat her as if she was exceptional beyond the label of autism… a perfect creation through God.

I expected miracles…. And we got them!

The invitation to review The Power of Intention presented itself at the perfect time in our lives. It has served as a gentle reminder of how powerful we all are and how all of our possibilities already reside within us. It has jogged my memory that there are no physical limitations. It has evoked gratitude about a time that I was rendered helpless… and how The Power of Intention turned our lives around in order to discover our daughter being an absolute expression of life!

Dr. Dyer has offered us effective tools to use along our personal journey; tools that have empowered us to not aim at curing our daughter of autism, but to soften the challenges that she experiences so that she may have a fantastic life of her choosing. Our shift in thought has opened the door to infinite opportunities for both of our children and selves.

The Power of Intention, Learning to Co-create Your World Your Way is a perfect read for not only parents of special children, but for anyone seeking change in their lives. Dr. Dyer offers specific tasks and steps to take to unleash the power within you to create that which you desire. Keep in mind, this isn’t a how to recipe style book, rather it is a unique piece of literature that guides you to look at life differently and to open yourself to take an active role in what you kind of life you have.

The Power of Intention is saturated with facts about this energy behind our thoughts and actions. In particular, the summarization of the 29 year research of Dr. David Hawkins is instrumental in the realization that this unseen vibrational force is the frequency that impacts and gives life to everything… including our thoughts, actions, and…. intentions.

Dr. Dyer does more than present these facts and ideas to us, he paints a unique picture through stories and quotes from poets, philosophers and modern day teachers. This collection of words illustrates to us the power of our thought, words and intent; that we can and do have the power within us that can create that which we desire. Dr. Dryer helps us realize that we can have an active role in what takes place in our lives.

Uniquely designed, each page brings the sensation of The Source alive through brilliant bursts of colors and inspirational art. This stunningly beautiful version of Dr. Dyer’s work serves as an excellent addition to your own personal collection or as a thoughtful gift to a loved one.

“Dr. Wayne W. Dyer is an internationally renowned author and speaker in the field of self-development. He is the author of more than 30 books, has created numerous audio programs and videos, and has appeared on thousands of television and radio shows. www.DrWayneDyer.com”

Hay House

Amazon

Barnes & Nobel

Chapters Indigo (Canada)

Read More

Product Review: Getting Into The Vortex

Getting Into The Vortex

Guided Meditations CD and User Guide

By Esther and Jerry Hicks

Let me introduce you to Abraham.

The first thing you need to understand is that Abraham isn’t a person. Yes, that is correct, Abraham is not a person. Abraham is what Esther Hicks accesses while inspiring and motivating others to live a more balanced life through the Law of Attraction. Abraham is an energy source that has had many different labels throughout the ages. To Esther, Abraham is the vehicle in which she creates inspiration, hope and opportunity for all who participate in these teachings.

I am certain some will see this as hocus pocus, new age, metaphysical or possibly even blasphemous. However, I believe that none of that is accurate. In fact, I have found the teachings of Abraham to reinforce my relationship with and trust in God. If you look beyond the manner in which Esther presents her information … the messages that are left are consistently based in The Ultimate Vibrations of love, peace, joy and harmony.

In a time when the world is full of hate, disease, war and economic hardships this is an important message for all to hear.

And to keep in alignment with Alterna-Mom’s message, in a time when our children are experiencing challenges academically, emotionally, physically, and cognitively at an all time high, this is the perfect message to elicit strength and personal empowerment for mainstream parents.

Abraham offers hope and inspiration. Abraham teaches us how to get into a ‘place’ in which we can tap into our true potential and manifest solutions to our challenges. Abraham calls this place The Vortex. The Vortex is simply a meditative state in which we can find solutions to the difficulties in our lives. This isn’t a magical place or a placebo effect, but a meditative discipline in which the solutions can and often do surface.

In the teaching of Abraham, The Vortex is the place in which all things are created… in Christianity, we call this place prayer.

Abraham states that it is not necessary to meditate for more than 15 minutes per day. In fact, they say life is about living, not contemplating about living… and so Abraham has presented us with an effective tool, Getting into the Vortex Guided Meditations CD and User Guide, to teach us how to efficiently meditate and get into this Vortex where intention and creation occur.

In the Guided Meditations CD, Esther’s voice gently carries you through the meditations. Her voice is calm and soothing; eliciting an instant relaxation. Your breath seems to lose itself into the rhythm of the background music… ebbing in and out. Abraham tells us that this is the most important result of this tool; sitting still for 15 minutes a day allowing our breath to match the rhythm of the music on this CD. We do not have to understand what is being said. In fact, we do not have to alter anything in our daily routines, but to find time to be still and breathe.

The most prominent words to me throughout the Getting Into The Vortex CD is “Breathe in, Breathe out.”

In fact, since using this CD, I find myself saying these four words, “Breathe in, Breathe out,” often over my internal chatter during challenging moments. With that, I am able to easily re-center myself through the simple act of consciously breathing. It is in this connection that I remember “who-I-really-am” and remember to release control over many things I have no control over.

There are four tracks on this CD that can empower your life:

• General Well Being Meditation
• Financial Well Being Meditation
• Physical Well Being Meditation
• Relationship Well Being Meditation

Each is unique in verse, yet a similar presentation. I felt that this consistency allowed me to relax more quickly regardless of the track I was listening to. I also have found this to be a perfect way to incorporate meditation into your child’s life. Simply play the CD in the background while your child is playing, bathing or resting and observe subtle changes in the child’s Well Being.

If you are the left brain thinker (like me) that must know what each phrase means and how those words can educe profound change in your life, the User Guide will be a delightful reference book for you. This guide offers clarity. Abraham has elaborated on each phrase in this guide so that everyone can have a deeper understanding to what is being said and intended in this meditative tool.

If you are interested in learning more about Abraham, Esther and Jerry Hicks, or The Vortex, I suggest you look at the links below. This is a very powerful tool for your whole family to achieve all the benefits of basic meditation and much more!

Hay House

Amazon

Barnes & Nobel

Chapters Indigo (Canada)

Read More

What Does Blogging Have to Do With It? Grimm's Fairy Tales and Blessings!

Many of you were concerned with my weekend frustrations... be assured that my blogs serve multi-purposes.

Firstly, they are therapeutic - my motto has always been better out than in! When we store our stress, emotions and thoughts we do physically damage to our bodies. Once I am able to get the words/story out, I am able to make peace with it and move forward. (...and hey, this is much cheaper than therapy!!)

This creative outlet has allowed me to embrace autism and life fully while achieving my second goal... I strive to educate the masses about making conscious decisions in the world of motherhood and that included the good, bad and the ugly sides of autism and conscious/natural mothering.

I think that it is important for everyone to realize that when we are mindfully parenting our children, we still go through an array of raw emotions... this isn't a disney film of princes and dancing fairies with happily ever afters... we are still having a very real human experience that, sometimes, looks and feels like Grimm's Fairy tales.

But it is in those stories that lie deep life lessons and ways to resolution.

I have always said I have been blessed with autism and am grateful that my children have me for a mother!! I stand by that stance, although please understand to be in that head space of acceptance, beauty and unconditional love... we must experience the opposite.

Blessings to all of you on the spectrum journey and to those of you who are silent observers. I anticipate today will be a good day in the life of motherhood.

Read More

Positivity and Exceptional Beyond Labels

So after blogging about the oil spill tonight, I saw a good video reminding me about the power of intention and prayer.... Here is a more positive blog on the Exceptional Beyond Labels Blog, A Confession, Collective Prayer and Empowerment.

If you are not following this blog yet, I recommend it. I will be focusing on the more positive side of autism and life events. Exceptional Beyond Labels embraces the concept that all parents have the innate power within them to help their children achieve their true potential beyond any label!

Hope to see you there!!

Read More

Reflections About My Daughter Being Hit By A Car

My youngest daughter was struck by a car over the weekend on the 13^th anniversary of my father’s death!! She was riding her bike on the sidewalk in front of our house when a teen on a cell phone backed out of her driveway without looking. The driver kept backing up after hitting her; pinning Sahara under the bike and car. She didn’t stop until my husband hit the trunk of her car while yelling, “STOP… MOVE FORWARD!" Had she gunned the car or had my husband not been right behind my child it could have been catastrophic.... The girl got out of the car still talking on her cell phone saying, "I'll have to call you back".

Luckily, Sahara walked away with only 2 scratches!!

So this incident has brought several issues to light with me:

The obvious is that cell phones should not be used in vehicles. As much as we would like to think we can multi-task, the dangers are too great! In a split second, this single distraction almost took a life.

After many people said we should have called the cops, pressed charges, filed an insurance claim… I have to address my thoughts about this. Firstly, my thoughts were foremost on my child’s well-being during the incident; no one existed around us in the moment except me and my child. I never even considered those ramifications until hours later after we determined that she was indeed going to be okay. Secondly, the teen did check on Sahara later that evening and I made it a point to let her know she almost killed a child that evening! I also pointed out that it could have been her 15 month old son behind that car! By the expression on her face, I am sure she is having trouble sleeping as much as I and that is a far more natural consequence than anything a court of law could do. Drawing it out into a legal battle would have been a consumption of my energy that I just don’t have to offer right now. However, please understand that had there been different injuries we would have taken different legal actions.

Or would we… in the time I have had to process this incident, I have also come to terms with the fact that my child could have died Saturday night. So, I ask myself what I would have done under those circumstances and I have to say my response surprises even me… I would have a difficult time destroying two families and therefore I would have advocated for her not to be prosecuted for manslaughter. Why? Again, the natural consequences of taking a life would be far more punishment that anyone deserves. And to rip another mother from another child would be just as catastrophic. Furthermore, you have to consider how those actions would affect the surviving sibling.

So, this makes me realize that there was a higher purpose to this incident. My husband and I have discussed this at great length, as Sahara should not have walked away uninjured. This was a cosmic contract; for Sahara, the teen, or someone else we don’t know, but we are sure that a contract was fulfilled. I am certain this incident probably saved future lives. Whether the teen will act more responsibly or because I vow not to use my phone in a car anymore… perhaps another bystander witnessed this and will act more cautiously or because you are reading this mother’s words… I don’t know. But something larger than us occurred that night.

Sahara shouldn’t have walked away with just two scratches!!

After scooping my limp child out of my husband’s arms, I collapsed into the yard with her. Shaking uncontrollably, everyone around me seemed to fade into the background. Her big sister ran into the house and got ice packs and wet wash clothes. I gentle began cleaning her scratches and touching her; within minutes she was up and walking.

A mother’s touch is healing; not some placebo effect, but truly healing. This is why children innately ask for their mother’s to touch their boo-boos and to kiss them. A mother permeates healing energy to her child allowing the boo-boo to genuinely feel better. This is the same phenomena that can explain why others heal ailments and mend bones simply when laying hands.

That evening when we went inside and lay on the couch together, I immediately activated Reiki and began energy work. This was the first Reiki session I had given to someone else since being attuned for the Master level just a couple nights before. She lay completely still for 50 minutes as I channeled energy to her. As soon as I was done, she jumped up and started laughing, talking, and dancing. I am not sure I can put into words what transpired, but I do know that she no longer limped and whined after this session.

I am certain that Sahara was protected that evening by entities that we couldn’t see.

I am aware that my spirituality strengthened that evening.

AND

I am grateful that my child is alive!!

Read More

What Spirituality Means to Me

To me spirituality is how you define and express your relationship with the source (commonly known as God).

God is the universal life force that animates and organizes all of creation. This life force resides in each of us, in all things, and all places. This source is pure love and light; and vibrates at the highest resonance. It is how we remember to tune into the source and stay centered in the light that brings us our spirituality.

I believe that we have cosmic contracts that we need to fulfill in this lifetime. I believe that when you are ‘wronged’ it is a cosmic contract unfolding and that it presents an opportunity for growth. I believe that nothing is coincidental. I believe that even though our path is pre-ordained we still posses the power to change the future, past and present. I believe that we are all connected and one. I believe that we all have spirit guides and angels who have been assigned to guide and support us on this journey. I believe that the more humans that start to resonate at a higher level the more the planet and human kind can heal and transform. I believe…

This belief system has evolved over the past decade and a half. However, the more Reiki I perform on myself and others the more I become aware of and experience this energy on a personal level. Performing Reiki and channeling the universal life force is like remember who I am as a part of the source. Since practicing Reiki, I have personally experienced fewer negative emotions. And when I do, I am more quickly able to re-center myself and am more aware of the higher purpose of situations. I find myself thinking more on a global scale rather than just in my corner of the world.

Read More

My Spiritual/Healing Journey

Many of you know I have been on a spiritual/healing quest for the past decade or so… well, last night was momentous occasion for me. After our aura and chakra class, Reiki Master Dave Scarbrough attuned me to Level 3 Reiki!

Dave is a wonderful soul with many gifts and much love to share. I highly recommend Dave as a mentor on your spiritual/healing journey! You can find him on my face book list of friends or contact him directly at reikidaveohio@yahoo.com or you can visit his personal website at http://reikidaveohio.webs.com/ .

The attunement was powerful! I felt incredible energy in and around me especially around my heart chakra and hands. I have tried many modalities, and Reiki is the one thing I have found to offer consistent change without experiencing a momentary high just to go back to old patterns. With consistent use and the practice of meditation, you continue to build and channel energy!

During this journey of personal self-development I have been able to not only center myself, but have become clearer on many objectives in my life. I am so excited about how this will change my ability to address the needs of my family and those that are directed to me. Please stay tuned to what I will be doing next... it is powerful and I guarantee you no one else is doing this work here!

Read More

A Day to Unite in Prayer

If you are a Minister, Healer, Reiki Master, Shaman, Spiritualist, or Layperson you understand the power of prayer!

We know that when Jesus prayed He was able to change the weather, feed thousands, cast demons, and raise the dead. He was also able to perform miracles on the sick and heal lepers, the blind, hemorrhaging woman, the deaf, and more!

It is my belief that the power Jesus used resides in us all. Before you say the word ‘blasphemy’, let me explain further… When God proclaimed we were created in His Image and Likeness, that really didn’t mean that He has a physical body like ours, but rather our spiritual body is like His! The spirit that animates the physical resembles The Universal Energy we call God, Spirit, Yahweh, etc.

There are many interpretations, but Jesus declared, “…For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” Jesus gave us the tool to heal and create miracles; simply gather in His name.

Of course He didn’t mean in the physical sense, but energetically, in the Spirit, He would be with us. It is my belief that when this occurs, The God Energy strengthens within and around us; this is when doors open and miracles can and do occur. No matter what religion or belief we have, the power of prayer bridges all gaps creating never ending possibilities.

I ask you to join me on 9/9/09 in prayer for healing, vibrant health, and resources for the autism community.

Take time out of your day, pause, and raise our children and the children of tomorrow up in His name and ask the Lord to protect, nurture and heal them and their families.

May our government, scientists, doctors, and pharmaceutical companies be open to discovering the cause of this disabling condition and take the proper actions to prevent further harm.

May these children and families have productive, quality lives full of enrichment, companionship, and success.

May these children miraculously awaken from the constructs of autism full of expression, life, and joy!

Will you pray with me on 9/9/09 to prove Jesus can provide modern day miracles through us?

Read More

Grandma's Garden

We packed the girls up Saturday morning for an impromptu visit to Grandma’s house; she hadn’t seen them in over a year, I wonder who was more excited. Daddy got out of bed way too early, the girls asked the whole way (2 ½ hours), "Are we there yet?" and Grandmother must have awakened at the crack of dawn—when we arrived the aroma of baking permeated the walkway.

If you walk away from my husband’s childhood house hungry it would be your own fault—Emily doesn’t call her the "Cooker Grandma" for no reason. For lunch Grandma prepared fried chicken, homemade mac-n-cheese, macaroni salad, mashed potatoes, gravy and zucchini bread. For desert she made us a fruit pudding with zucchini… I hesitated, but, once I tasted it I discovered it really was to die for. I suppose I aspire to be like my mother-in-law in the kitchen; basking in the nurturance of her children through her many kitchen creations.

After we finished this magnificent bounty, we went out to Grandma’s garden. Don’t let the concept of a grandmother gardening fool you. We harvested lettuce, red cabbage, white cabbage, red potatoes, red tomatoes, green tomatoes, green beans, sugar snap peas, green peppers, and cucumbers… the harvest was luscious and plenty. My husband jumped right in and started obeying the instructions his mother gave while Emily followed every move her grandmother made.

Sahara didn’t have much interest in the garden, but did find complete pleasure in running through an acre of land without anyone barking at her to stop or constantly reminding her of her boundaries. Her spirit was free and the land fed her soul! (The city girls still have the country innately in them that is for sure.) I think one of the things I miss about the country is the sense of freedom it offers.

I found quiet pleasure watching my husband not have a care in the world; for a day the autism seemed obsolete, computers did not need fixed, employees did not demand his time, and money was not a concern. The country air enveloped him as he educated his girls about his childhood stomping ground, including the cemetery down the lane where is father was laid to rest. The girls carefully pranced around his headstone telling their grandfather stories of a life he missed.

It was sad to leave and head back to the city. But, I presume, that if we didn’t we wouldn’t appreciate it as much as we do.

Read More

Co-Sleeping Offers The Building Block For Trust and Open Communication

As some of you know, I am an advocate of the family bed. We happened upon this the evening of the day we brought Emily home from the hospital. I couldn’t tolerate that my tiny new baby lay in that cage of crib all alone after spending the first part of her existence within me; my maternal instincts screamed at me to pull her into the bed with us. As soon as I heeded this urge, I felt my anxiety melt away and fell into an innate rhythm of nursing and sleeping through the night.

In The Mother Consciousness I discuss how this prompted me to research the practice of the family bed around the world. I discovered that we were one of the few countries to displace their infants and children from the vicinity of the sleeping quarters of the mother; most infants of the world sleep within the close proximity of the mother in order to beckon the needs of her off spring. So, with my innate yearnings and the realization that this was only taboo in my backyard we ventured into the realm of co-sleeping.

Today, we live in a world where children are disconnected from their mothers & fathers for the majority of their day. Working parents send their younglings to daycare and nursery schools leaving them with a couple waking hours to spend together. If older children are not in school they are off with their friends or absorbed by all of the technology the 21st century offers them. My conclusion is that if you spend time sleeping together at least you have the opportunity to energetically connect.

Recently, I observed some teens that have both parents working out of the home. Now, I am not against the working mother. I was a working mother for the first 6 years of my motherhood, but I am against the parent that takes mothering lightly resulting in unsupervised children or children left with no moral development. A few of the things I saw these kids doing alarmed me... like lighting bottle rockets at their neighbor’s home and lying in the street during rush hour.

That evening during one of our twilight conversations my daughter and I discussed the behaviors we had observed. We talk about the safety issues, the lack of self control and even the boy girl dynamics we witnessed. We were able to have this discussion in the quiet of the night without contempt or the lecturing that typically follows such incidents; at an angle of respect, unconditional love, and self-empowerment.

This is just one of the many times that I understood that the family bed offered a sanctuary to my budding tween. Somehow over the years she has been able to disclose feelings and experiences in this setting that she hasn’t been able to process during the height of the day. It had become a safe haven where all judgment lay behind and it is understood that no matter what she discusses with me regardless of the topic is met with openness.

Could co-sleeping have prevented such deviant behavior in those teens? In and of itself…probably not, but it could have set the stage to reduce the need for attention seeking behaviors that could harm oneself or others. When an infant cries it is cueing the mother to respond, when the infant's needs are responded to appropriately and in a timely manner, the child learns that they can trust the primary caregiver which generalizes to all adults.

When children are displaced and forced to sleep in a separate room and cries are not satiated, they are being hardwired that they cannot trust the adults around them. I believe that when this occurs they learn early on that they have to have dramatic tantrums (lying in the street) in order to get the attention they deserve. In this case, negative attention is better than no attention at all.

I understand the need for independence and self empowerment, but I believe this can be achieved through other means than displacing our children from the close proximity of the mother during the sleeping hours. I also understand the concern of the marital bed, but let me reassure you that in no way has this inhibited our relations. In fact, this has created the opportunity to become creative and spontaneous in our connections. More so, the flirting and quiet sexual innuendos between my husband and myself during our daily activities has created a greater sense of romance; something I see missing from many couples that are far beyond the honeymoon phase of their marriages.

All in all, I have no regrets for the decision we had made in regards to our sleeping arrangements. In fact, I believe that one of the reasons that our youngest daughter (whom is diagnosed with autism) easily displays affection to us and people outside the family construct is because of the foundations laid by attachment parenting practices; co-sleeping and extended breastfeeding. I believe that each of my children have gained positive attributes that have been fostered through these practices.

Last night, however, after creating the perfect sleeping space, Emily decided on her own accord to sleep in her new room. It was a long night for us all… we could hear her toss and turn among her surrogate mothers (stuffed animals) trying to find that perfect nesting space. Then her little sister tossed and turned with the absence of her big sister.

This, too, is a task that I am sure we will all adjust to. And in the mean time, I will have to make a conscious effort to continue to connect with my daughter and offer opportunities for open communication based on trust and respect.

Read More

Today's Gratitude List About Autism

I am grateful that…

…God recognized I could handle the autism journey.
…autism gave me the opportunity to stay home with my children.
…autism gave us an avenue to eat healthier.
…autism has taught me how to slow down.
…autism showed me how to listen better.
…autism has given me the gift to be timely in everything I do.
…autism has created routine in my chaotic life.
…autism has brought my husband and me closer.
…autism taught me that labels are not people.
…autism offers empowerment to mothers.
…autism is a strength not a deficit.
…autism has brought out my ability to be patient.
…autism taught me to love unconditionally.
…autism has taught me to be frugal with my money.
…autism has created opportunities for great friendships.

Read More

Happy 10th Birthday!

Do you remember the anticipation you felt on the eve of your 10th birthday? Turning double digits!! You eagerly went to bed certain you would be a completely different person upon rising... But, sleep didn’t come easy.

You lay there awake, your mind focused on that number… 10… it signified so much; perfection, coming full circle, centeredness. Although, as a blooming tween, your mind wasn’t focused on that symbolism as much as the party and being an almost teen… just 3 more years, that is 36 short months.

Girl, you rocked! You were on top of your game.

Then you woke up… you had to admit you didn’t feel much different than last night, however you did feel the surge of adrenaline pumping through you as you remembered your friends would soon be here to help greet you into the next decade of your life. You jumped out of bed to the smell of your special breakfast and your birthday was in full swing.

During my birthday breakfast the high pitched ring of the phone broke the excited chatter between me and my four siblings. My mom’s voice answered the phone; she guarded her words. Glances were darted around the room, but I seemed to be the only one who didn’t understand. When she was done with her muffled conversation she took me to my room.

What!?!? We did everything together. This was my big 10! We just talked about it last night about what we were wearing. I didn’t understand why my three cousins wouldn’t be coming. It didn’t make sense. Then she told me…

My favorite aunt, their mom, how?!?! I didn’t want to believe it. Moms don’t die. I know, she had been sick for some time, but she was going to get better. She just had to.

I don’t know how long I laid there crying. I remember feeling an incredible sense of grief and just couldn’t pull myself together. Then my sister yelled, “Perry is here!” My first guest, for my first big party, the whole class was coming. I didn’t know how I was going to get through the day, but I brushed my long blonde hair, put on my floral sundress, and headed out to the backyard.

…I still have the golden heart locket Perry gave me that year. Maybe as a treasure for my 10th birthday — from my first guest who had a hidden crush on me… or maybe as a hidden momentum for the broken heart that I endured that day. At ten I was sure I was all that, but somehow my aunt’s death seemed to snap me back to reality.

30 years later, as I prepared for my own daughter’s 10th celebration, I was determined to have it be a memory she, too, would never forget. Only this memory would be one of joy, laughter, and friendship. I know we cannot control the unforeseen, but I would do the best to protect her from the pain I endured on my 10th birthday. She was to feel like she was on top of the world for the whole day.

“Double digits, double the fun! Pick out your two favorite activities and that is what we are doing.”

So, on Saturday afternoon (with friends in tow) we headed to the horse barn. Most of the kids had never been on a horse before; the amazement in their eyes was enough to tell me that this was a moment being embedded in their youthful memories. The laughter flowed from them as they fed the horses carrots and apples. (This was way cooler than any commercialized birthday party.)

When I finished gathering the backpacks scattered by the arena, I turned to find the kids on the tractor bed bailing hay. They were working, but they didn’t know it… amazing!

Later they splashed in the pool; foreign squeals filled the farm air. After a splashing game of Marco-Polo, we headed back to the house for ice cream, cake, hot dogs and, of course, presents. She received gifts that were meaningful to her; a dinosaur shadow box was among her favorite along with art supplies and stuffed animals. I silently wondered if one would end up on the bottom of her hope chest, like my gold heart from Perry.

I felt a sense of accomplishment as I nestled down for the night; my thoughts swirling around the new generation full of stars in their eyes.

Read More

6 Steps to Achieving Our Goals Through Animal Guidance

When choosing a personal goal and the course of action, seek the wisdom of the animal kingdom.

Step 1: The Moose - Have Authority over your life; decide what is best for you and ask for it. Each individual has their own unique set of standards, desires, and experiences in which guide us on our own paths. Quiet yourself and meditate on the desired outcome and let your inner voice guide you to the optimum path that is best for you.

Step 2: The Badger – Embrace perseverance and see it through to the end. So often, it is in our human nature to start a task and stop before we reach the desire outcome. Avoid procrastination, fear based interference, and commit to the conclusion of your goal.

Step 3: The Elephant – Commit to resolve and overcome any obstacles. Some obstacles are put in our path for higher purposes; stop, close your eyes, and meditate on the desired outcome and see how this obstacle can be used to your advantage; a tool to achieving this goal.

Step 4: The Hummingbird – Experience joy and lighten up. It is in our human nature to get too serious, too focused, too overwhelmed, too something… Remember that joy and love is what fuels our creative energy.

Step 5: The Buffalo – Be Open to abundance by becoming your own provider. Do not wait for others to solve your problems or fill your dreams; be your own provider of your own destiny. Abundance is not just a monetary source; nurture yourself in all areas of your life and abundance is yours.

Step 6: The Wolf – Know that you have a guardian and the Universe will take care of you. Let go of the outcome. Recognize that life is just as it should be with higher purpose and meaning. Allow the universe to give you the precise gifts you need to achieve your goal; be willing to except the many gifts of the universe.

Read More

My Maternal Voice Saved My Daughter's Life

Every June, as I prepare birthday invitations, I pause and offer gratitude for finding my maternal voice. This innate response saved my daughters life.... (excerpt from The Mother Consciousness)

...Then sure enough, just four days later, we were told by our obstetrician the crushing news that there was no fetus in the embryonic sac. He ordered blood work to be done and said, “We should see the hormone levels go down over the next week.” We were devastated. My dreams of becoming a mother were about to be fulfilled and then, once again, stolen from me! The days that followed were long and full of grief.

At our next appointment the obstetrician said what we had feared the most—the hormone levels had decreased by more than 3000 and that reflected a miscarriage. As if trying to comfort us he said, “Most pregnancies end this way and the parents never even knew that they were pregnant.” He continued, “This is the body’s way of getting rid of a fetus that was not healthy to begin with or malformed.”

He then lectured about doing a D&C versus allowing the body to naturally abort the pregnancy. As my husband and I looked at each other, we could tell this was a routine lecture he had given to many patients before us.

[Somewhere in the depths of my existence I had my first maternal instinct whisper to me, “What if he is wrong?” This split second thought would change my life forever!]

It was in that moment that I had found myself outwardly questioning the authority that I had blindly accepted as my truth the first two decades of my life. It was in this flash of time that I considered that this doctor and his tests could be wrong. With my husband at my side, I sheepishly said, “What if you’re wrong?”

Quick glances were exchanged between the doctor and the nurse, “Mrs. Richardson, I know this must be difficult…” He talked about being a Christian and how he would never recommend a D&C without just cause. There he stood telling us about his stance on abortion and how he would not recommend this procedure unless he was absolutely 100 percent certain that the pregnancy had already been terminated.

[Could the ancestral mothers have been listening to my silent cries for a miracle? Did I feel their wisdom in my cells or hear them in the recess of my mind?]

My husband supported my outward questioning of this doctor’s authority by firmly requesting another ultrasound. As they begrudgingly prepared for the procedure, I laid there, once again in the cold blue crinkled paper gown, in profound silence. I held my breath as we stared at the screen. My husband stood by my side caressing my hand. Minutes seemed to be suspended in time.

Then suddenly, there was a rhythmic movement in the middle of the screen within the very sac that just a week ago appeared empty. Stunned—we watched our daughter’s heart beat for the first time. Again, more quick glances were passed around the room as I let go of my breath. The doctor quickly said, “I guess I will see you in a month.” He abruptly left the room with no apology or explanation regarding the agonizing experience we had just painstakingly endured.

(My Daughter will celebrate her 10th birthday next weekend! Happy Birthday Angel-Girl!)

Read More

20 Random Things That Bring Me Pleasure

1. Warm Cherry Tomatoes Straight from the Vine

2. My Children’s Laughter

3. Tender Kisses on my Neck

4. Yoga

5. The Aroma of my Mother’s Cooking

6. Rain on a Summer Afternoon

7. Mashed Potatoes Drowning in Gravy

8. Sitting on a Dock With my Feet Dangling in the Water

9. Lilacs

10. Chocolate

11. Black and White Photography

12. Hot Soup On a Chilly Day

13. Driving with the Windows Down

14. Sitting Under a Shady Tree

15. Children’s Art

16. Late Night Talks in the Moonlight

17. Walking Through an old Cemetery

18. Watching my Children Sleep

19. Memories of my Father

20. Foot Massages

Read More

A Year of Leap and Bounds

As the yellow school bus pulled up, I felt a surge of excitement… I couldn’t contain my childish smile!

All day I wondered if Sahara would get that it was her last day of school for summer break... Or would she wake up on Tuesday wondering why we were out of routine? As the bus neared, I could see this smiling little face peering through the bottom of the 3rd window back; a spark was in her eye and she appeared to be rambling on about something that she probably only understood.

As the bus came to a screechy stop, I swear my heart skipped a beat…. Summer was here! My girl exited the bus bare foot and ready for our summer adventures. She turned to the bus driver and aid to say, “Ba-Bye…. summer”.

YES, SHE KNEW IT!!!

We skipped across the yard to the house without any worries of the week to burden us. Once inside she dumped her red backpack and carefully went through each item; sharing memories of a year of huge milestones, growth, and companionship.

This year she was able to make her first meaningful friendships with her little classmates, Ray and Addie. They were true friends as friends should be complete with purposeful play & interaction, consoling of boo-boos, and the excitement of seeing one another tomorrow. I am so pleased that she can experience the satisfaction of having true social interactions – that alone will inspire the natural desire and shift to want more of the same.

This was a year of leap and bounds not only socially, but academically as well—She had learned to print letters and write her name; sing her ABC’s as well as other songs; match colors, shapes, and animals; follow routines, participate in circle time, art, occupational and speech therapy activities,; all of her goals on her IEP had been met or close to it! She had worked hard and we have seen the fabulous outcomes for it….

I say ‘she’ because the teachers, therapists, and I had given her the space and guidance to blossom while she did all of the work. Yes, I give kudos to myself and the staff; each of us offering our unique skills and patience… but it was Sahara who demonstrated her determination to succeed. I hope inside she recognizes that her efforts and willingness to enter our world are acknowledged and seen as astounding!

I am sure that there are children who do not have the support to come out of their perceived fog… I suppose it is easier for some parents just to turn on the TV and let their child be consumed by the electronic babysitter… Or some teachers who lose sight of the quite child playing quietly in the corner…Maybe the green therapists who just don’t have the skills yet to know what to do with the ‘child that is hard to crack’. But Sahara was (and is) fortunate, she didn’t have those obstacles at home or in this school setting.

Sahara has learned naturally how to begin to foster relationships and develop cognitively. This summer will be full of adventures and learning. Integrating what she has learned this year within her natural home setting will only foster further growth.

So, as we sat there with purple hands and bare feet, I realized that it wouldn’t be long before we were able to remove the labels that some have insistently placed upon this bright little girl. I look forward to that moment about as much (probably more) than waiting for the yellow bus to arrive bringing us summer.

Read More

It's Been A Week!

My apologies to my readers… I understand I haven’t blogged in 7 days, but I promise you it was for good reason…

I would like to tell you it has been for selfish reasons like we took a spontaneous vacation to Australia (ahh Mate, that would be an incredible story) or for personal reasons like I was laid up with the swine flu (now, I thought that was funny) or maybe I just didn’t have anything to say. Although, that, too, would be very unlikely, as you know — I always have an opinion to share.

Nope, I was busy doing what I do…. orchestrating treatment and trying to keep life as normal as possible for the rest of the family, sound familiar moms?

This week we fired our speech and occupational therapists for good cause.

I find it difficult to comprehend how it is appropriate to block a child from going to her mother – especially when that is the child’s routine prior to the mother leaving the room, to have a door barricaded from the inside when the child is in the room, to laugh and call the child names, and to talk amongst yourselves over the distressed child who is crying and yelling, “Let go” and “Mommy” – especially when the child is known to have auditory sensory issues.

Yet, alone, to have my parenting style critiqued because it is not the way you would raise your dogs… what?!?! During this incident I was told that our daughter wouldn’t be speaking in full sentences by age 8 because of my parenting style. Incidentally, that very afternoon Sahara said to me, “Mommy Look, come on this way!”

So, I spent the better part of the week calling and interviewing for new service providers while implementing a new behaviour modification program at home.

We received the results of the MRI; brain function appears normal. The EEG was exhausting this week. We had to awaken her at 2:30 AM, yes, I said AM! On the way to the hospital at 7:00 AM we had the windows rolled down. With the wind whirling around us we tried to keep her awake singing, “If you’re happy and you know it say there will be no ouches….”

Well, the tech was less than gentle and I felt just absolutely awful when Sahara said, "Ouch, It hurt!” I have to wonder why they can’t use markers instead of crayons to mark the child’s head…. But Sahara was a trooper, she didn’t need to be strapped down and she left all of the electrodes alone.

We have been utilizing spiritual energy healing work the past few weeks (You know, as well as I, that the power of prayer (energy) is beyond human comprehension…) and, we have seen an extraordinary increase in purposeful speech, socialization and interaction since beginning with the certified energy worker as noted above. We have one more session… so I am open to the power of God healing this girl so she may have a productive, meaningful, happy life!!

However, The Electro Dermal Screening showed Sahara was off the chart with her gastrointestinal system including 20 subsets including the gall bladder, large and small intestines, kidneys, lymphatic, appendix, liver, parasites, bladder infection, pain, etc. … the EDS shows energetic disturbances through the meridians in the body. This prompted us to contact a doctor at the OSU Center for Integrative Medicine for a gastrointestinal and nutritional assessment including vitamin and mineral deficiency testing.

The internet is plastered with information about kids diagnosed with autism having gut issue. However, since she doesn’t have first hand vaccinations, I wasn’t sure she experienced this… but looks as if she does. So, heal thy gut.

(Hmmm… I just notice that if you take the space out of ‘heal thy gut’ – you get— ‘HEALTHY GUT’…. That is pretty cool!)

In addition to all of these things happening… I am adjusting to the country’s economic crisis hitting our home front with a significant pay reduction, trying to get ready for the community yard sale, continuing to chauffeur kids back and forth to appointments and activities, keeping up on the accounts payable and paper trails, spring cleaning, helping with homework, and preparing for summer vacation….

Today is the last day of school for Sahara… Emily has a week left… so, ready or not summer here we come.

Read More

Ballet Met Columbus - Momentum: An Educational Dance Program -- BRAVO!

Chaperoning a field trip is tolerable at most. Ususally I walk away with admiration of the teachers we entrust our children to and relief that I am not in their shoes.... but today was different; today I spent the afternoon being inspired by 400 youth and found myself loving it!

Ballet Met Columbus puts on a yearly program called Momentum, an enrichment program using dance as the medium to enhance 4th graders’ ‘excellence, discipline, and self-confidence’ using The Ohio Department of Education’s Dance Content Standards.

Over the school year, dance instructors come to the seven participating schools and instruct the students weekly about movement, self-control, and dance. At the end of the year the students unite as a large collective group to perform on the stage the choreographed program for their parents, teachers, next year’s performers, and donors.

The program was appropriately titled One World - One Beat. It beautifully illustrated cultures from around the world through music and dance. However, what I found more intriguing was the communion of cultures on the stage.

To see a diverse group of kids from the urban and suburban schools uniting was truly inspirational. I have never chaperoned an event that brought tears to my eyes… but today definitely triggered that within me; the kids were alive, electric, and full of confidence— a refreshing expression among a generation faced with many hard realities that were unfamiliar to us when we were kids!

The 3rd graders in the audience were so respectful and captured by the grace of the performers. I am sure they were experiencing the thrill of their schoolmates being on a theater stage and the anticipation of their own dance adventure next year.

I couldn’t help but wish that each child in the world had an opportunity to express themselves like these children did today!

Bravo!

The performance will be aired on television in Ohio... Although I couldn't get the specific information, if interested you may want to contact Ballet Met Columbus directly.

Read More

The Mother Consciousness

It is time for us to reclaim our innate rights and restore our instincts as they guide us towards true health and security for the children of the today and of the future.

We must reinvest in the natural development of our children behaviorally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

Read More

The Many Wonderful Things About May!!

May Is Here!

Okay, let’s be frank—I love May.

It is a beautiful month when the earth comes back to life. The snow is gone, the smell of fresh cut grass is in the air, and the tulips & lilac bushes are blooming. (I love lilacs and wish they were in bloom much longer than they are—it may be the best fragrance I have ever encountered… well, that is except the smell of a new baby.)

Mothers everywhere are honored on the second Sunday of May and given the pampering they deserve. Although, I think we should honor our mothers every day and not just on a Hallmark Day. Regardless of the motivation, I love Mother’s Day. Not just because I get breakfast in bed and get to choose the family outing, but I feel more connected with the collective mother energy (and for that I am grateful).

I was born on Mother’s Day 1970 and accept this as my birthright to love this day. (But I think I would have loved it even if it weren’t my birthright.) I feel an overwhelming connection with my own mother on this day regardless of how near or far we are.

I remember, as a child, in Mid-May loving the May Crowning ritual in the Catholic Church—a mass complete with a procession honoring The Virgin Mary; the floral scents, the beautiful hymns, and homage, all, honoring The Queen of the May. I have called upon Mother Mary during some of my darkest times and know she has guided me through some of the difficulties of motherhood. (And who better to help someone with a child that is different than the Mother of Jesus?)

Over the years May has taken on symbolism and meaning for other’s as well. Here are just a few of the many things that May helps bring awareness to:

Allergy/Asthma Awareness Month
Better Hearing & Speech Month
Breathe Easy Month
Clean Air Month
Creative Beginnings Month
Family Support Month
Fibromyalgia Awareness Month
Get Caught Reading Month
Business Image Improvement Month
Law Enforcement Appreciation Month
Melanoma Prevention Month
Bike Month
Book Moth
Egg Month

Good Car Keeping Month
Hamburger Month
Mental Health Month
Moving Month
Physical Fitness Month
Salsa Month
Women’s Health Care Month

Read More