About two weeks ago I shared my gratitude for the heightened sense of appreciation and new found sense of peace and wonder I had developed for nature and its inspiring beauty. This all began after reading Eckhart Tolle's insightful book, A New Earth, and also participating in Oprah's online classes based on the book (for more information visit http://www.oprah.com/). Tolle recommends that when you are feeling disconnected from the present moment one way to draw yourself back to the 'now' is to observe nature (a flower, plant, tree, bird, etc) without thought or preconceived notion - to just observe and let go of all thought.

In my May 2nd blog entry I had included a photo of a plant that I have had for a few years that had suddenly sprouted the most amazingly beautiful flower. I was so captivated not only by the uniqueness of the flower, but also by the fact that it had appeared so unexpectedly. I was filled with a deep sense of appreciation for what felt to me like a bit of a mini-miracle, and which I felt represented all of the unexpectedly wonderful things that can occur unexpectedly when the power of this great Universe is at work.

A few days ago when watering this plant I could not believe my eyes - I discovered more than a dozen flowers sprouting all over the plant - some red, some deep purple - all so uniquely beautiful! I have enjoyed watching the flowers bud, then begin the blooming process. What is most incredible to me is the fact that this plant, which had no flowers for two years, has suddenly sprouted numerous flowers!!

Is this a coincidence?? I don't think so. I truly believe that my great appreciation and gratitude for the one beautiful flower created a vibrational frequency - an energy - that made the growth of many more flowers possible. And I can't help but think that if an attitude of gratefulness and appreciation could have such a transformative impact on a plant, what kind of miracle might occur when that kind of positive energy is focused on my my own healing, or directed to a loved one, or other human being??!!

My commitment to living in gratitude is now stronger than ever. And I would suggest if you don't already practice thankfulness in your life, you might want to give it a try...you never know what kind of miracle you will be able to create!!!! ~Andrea :-)

A few weeks ago an alternative medicine pratitioner I work with asked me what my goal was regarding my health. I didn't need to think twice about this one and replied, "perfect health". She then proceeded to explain that it was dangerous to want "perfect" anything because by doing so I was setting myself up for failure.

Several years ago I would have agreed with her - I was always so focused on trying to reach the goal line I never allowed myself the opportunity to enjoy any other part of the journey. I am so grateful to now be in a place where I am able to embrace my imperfect self as I continue to strive for that ever elusive place of perfection.

I don't believe there is anything wrong with having a goal of achieving perfection as long as one can also accept the circumstances of life each step of the way. I recognize that things are not always going to go according to my plan, and life is going to provide unexpected challenges. I am able to accept that things are what they are... I know without a doubt that I am exactly where it is intended for me to be. The bad days aren't going to last forever...nor will the good ones. Life is composed of ups and downs, highs and lows...and the less I fight it and the more I embrace it, the more powerful I become.

In my heart and mind I still strive for "perfect health" - but I am also realistic and know that it is very possible I will never get there...after all, is there such a thing as perfection?! I am completely at peace with my life regardless. I accept each moment as it comes, and try to make the best of whatever comes my way. Most of all I am give thanks for being a person who can dream big and think grand thoughts...and especially for those special moments when all that I dream of seems so very possible.
~ Andrea :-)

One of the techniques I have learned from Eckhart Tolle (author of A New Earth) that I find helps me to live more in the moment and feel more grounded is by connecting with nature...by closely observing without naming things, and then creating awareness by being fully present when doing so.

This has been enlightening for me on many levels...when I really began to pay attention to the sky, the trees, the flowers, the plants, the birds, the squirrels...I can feel the oneness that exists between all living things, as well as have a greater sense of spiritual connection.

I have become a much better observer...and from this state of higher attentivness the grass and trees look more alive and their color so much more vivid...the same with the sky, and water, and...well, everything!!

For those, like myself, who believe in the law of attraction, it seems that I truly am attracting more of nature's beauty into my life...a friend just sent me pictures of the most magnificent butterflies I have ever seen - their wings are actually transparent and look like stained glass!!! They are so unique, and so beautiful. And just last week I discovered the most incredibly beautiful and unique flowers blooming from a houseplant that I have had for a very long time that I had never seen before...

To me this is just one more example of how when we change our thoughts and actions we really can impact those things that we attract to us...mostly, I am so grateful for the experience of connecting with nature as I have found such peace in its miraculous beauty...and it serves as a reminder that miracles are possible for all of us if we just open ourselves to the possiblity.
~ Andrea :-)