Giving Thanks...

Being thankful everyday is a blessing, and in each moment there are many things that we can be grateful for. The world opens up to us when we live in a space of gratitude. When we appreciate and express gratitude, the universe glows a bit brighter and showers us with even more blessings.

There is always something to be grateful for, even when life appear to be challenging at times. When times are tough, whether we're having a bad day or stuck in what may feel like an endless funk, it can be difficult to take the time to feel grateful. YET, that is when gratitude can be most important. If we can look at our lives, during periods of challenge, and find something to be grateful for, then we can transform our realities in an instant.

There are blessings to be found everywhere. When we are focusing on what is negative, our abundance can be easy to miss. Instead, find what already exists in our lives that we appreciate and notice the change we see in our world. We start to notice one blessing, and then another.

When we constantly choose to be grateful, we notice that every breath is a miracle and each smile becomes a gift. We begin to understand that difficulties are also invaluable lessons.

The sun is always shining for us when we are grateful, even if it is hidden behind clouds on a rainy day. A simple sandwich becomes a feast, and a trinket is transformed into a treasure.

Living in a state of gratitude allows us to spread our abundance because that is the energy that we emanate from our beings. Because the world reflects back to us what we embody, the additional blessings that inevitably flow our way give us even more to be grateful for. The universe wants to shower us with blessings. The more we appreciate life, the more life appreciates and bestows us with more goodness

Thank you to my wonderful clients, my family, and my friends for all your loving support. I am very blessed to have you be a part of my life. I love what I do, and I'm thankful everyday for my daily blessings...

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Peace & Joy,

Maria Haswell

Dia de los Muertos

Dia de los Muertos
D a y o f t h e D e a d
A look at how we can celebrate life...

From the beginning of time, man has felt the need to explain the mystery of life and death. Many civilizations and cultures have created rituals to try and give meaning to human existence. Death does not have to mean the end of life. It can be seen as a new phase of life in which the spirit is freed from the body. This concept is at the center of the Mexican ritual known as "Dia de los Muertos", or Day of the Dead.

They honor the memories of friends and family members by telling stories, decorating gravesites and creating altars. While the special day is reflective, it is not a day of sadness. Instead, the day exists to celebrate the lives of loved ones and to lighten our fear of death with lightheartedness. Using the rich traditions of Day of the Dead, you can honor the lives of loved ones in a meaningful and loving way.

Day of the Dead dates back some 3,000 years to the traditions of native Mexican people.

The essence of this beautiful ritual is to lovingly and happily remember the dead relatives, their life, and in this way, give meaning and continuity to human existence. The Day of the Dead is a grand celebration of life itself.

Let's honor those we know and love in the spiritual realm and say a little prayer for them. Remember all the fond memories and take the moment to celebrate Life!

How to Create an Abundance Altar

How to Create an Abundance Altar
Vastu Altars To Increase Abundance & Prosperity

1) Make sure the area is clean and your surface is against a northern wall or window, or in the north sector of your home or office.

2) The colors gold and green should be used on some pieces on this altar.

3) The water element in the northeast can be fresh flowers in colors that correspond to the altar. You can use a vase that is clear or lightly colored.

4) Use a green or gold candle in the southeast, or an oil lamp.

5) Use stones or crystals in the southwest in green or gold colors. You can use a statue of Lakshmi, the goddess of abundance, a plant, or anything from nature.

6) For the air element in the northwest, use a standing wind chime, incense, a fan or a feather.

7) You can hang a green colored Austrian leaded crystal on a red string in increments of nine inches over the center of your altar to keep the abundance you desire moving in your direction.

8) Add a dish or small plate in the center of your altar to act as a place for your offering. Use gold or green.

9) You can add a Shree Lakshmi Yantra to your offering dish for an extra boost of positive energy or a Ganapati (Ganesh) Yantra to remove all obstacles to your abundance.

10) On an unlined piece of paper that can easily fit onto the Offering Tray, add a handwritten word, an Angel Card, or some other symbolic representation of the abundant feeling you would like to receive from the Divine.

11) Include a Personal Symbol in the center, in back of the offering tray of your altar. It can be a statue, photograph, collage, or picture that inspires feelings of abundance.

This is reprinted from Altars of Power and Grace: Create the Life You Desire by Robin and Michael Mastro.

For more information visit VastuCreations.com

Money Energy

How you perceive money has much to do with how much you have and are able to create. While it's not healthy to be preoccupied with money or lust after it, it is important to appreciate its value and the positive things it can do for your life. And, like anything, the more you appreciate something, the more you invite that into your life. So, if you express appreciation and gratitude towards love, health, and money, you'll attract more of those things into your life. Likewise, it you have a negative attitude towards such things; you'll attract less of those things into your life. So, if you're constantly worrying about the lack of money, you'll constantly have money woes, even if you earn a good income.

Be conscious of your thoughts towards money. Do you feel like you deserve to have money? How were you raised to deal with money, were you always told to save and never spend, or were you always told there was never enough?

There is energy in everything and money is no exception. The energy of earning manifests itself in the money, and the energy is exchanged through spending. Therefore, it's important that we not only make money, but that we spend it as well. Anything that is static will never reproduce and that includes money. Still, you want to use your money to not only take care of your needs, but to help others as well. Be as generous as you can with those less fortunate and you'll be circulating your money so that more comes back to you.

Introduction to Mediumship: Connecting with your Spirit Guide 8-Week Workshop

Course Outline
In this fun and interactive workshop, you will learn how to blend with the power of the spirit, and work within this power to obtain clearer and more concise messages from your spirit guides. You will be inspired to push the boundaries of your own mediumship skills, whether you are a beginner or an advanced student. You will learn that you are capable of more than you realize, utilizing your own intuition. And, in your day to day life, you will begin to enjoy all the wonderful guidance of your spirit guides as a result of your stronger connection with them.

Embracing the Spirit is about more than mediumship - it's about awakening and nurturing the spirit within, and appreciating that we are all part of the same divine family, bonded by spirit.

This workshop will include tutorials, lectures, discussions and demonstrations. Although the classes will be centered on speaking to your spirit guides through your own mediumship development, we’ll be looking at other ways of receiving spirit communication and all the wonderful and diverse ways you and the spirit world can come together.

I will be on hand to help, encourage and guide you in your development and will offer plenty of creative feedback and useful advice on how you can improve, expand and build on the unique abilities you already possess.

This is an 8-week workshop full of fun, laughter, music and inspiration, in a warm and supportive environment that will encourage you to be yourself. I look forward to working with you and helping you with your growth.

Dates:
8-Week Workshop: Every Fridays
Week 1: October 2
Week 2: October 9
Week 3: October 16
(No workshop on 10/23)
Week 4: October 30
Week 5: November 6
Week 6: November 13
Week 7: November 20
(No workshop on 11/27)
Week 8: December 4

Time:
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Location:
(Address provided when you register)
San Ramon, CA 94583
Phone: 877-542-1192


Registration:
Please register by contacting me via RSVP through meetup or email me by September 25th. (4 spots left)

Payment:
The cost of the 8-week workshop is $200. Please bring cash or check (made payable to "Maria Haswell") on the first day of the workshop. Credit card payment is available only via PayPal prior to the event (There is an $8 PayPal service fee). Please contact me at mariahaswell@comcast.net if you would like to arrange pre-payment, or discuss alternative payment methods.

Happy Friendship Day!

Did you know that the first Sunday of August is Friendship day?

Friendship Day is a day to nurture relationships, new and old.

Start the day by getting in touch with some old friends. Start early. Phone calls, emails, Ecards, are great tools. See if you can make plans for lunch today, or some other day (soon).

Then, catch up to some of your current pals and buddies. Make sure to do some interesting things with them before the day is through. As you go through the day, be ever vigilant to spot an opportunity to make a new friend. Finding new friends today, is a real feather in your cap.

One thing is for certain...... if you put your all into the spirit of Friendship Day, you will have a great, great day.

Happy Friendship Day to all of you!

Trusting the natural flow of Energy

The most difficult time to be generous is when we ourselves are feeling poor. While some of us have experienced actually being in the red financially, there are those of us who would feel broke even if we had a million dollars in the bank. Either way, as the old adage goes, it is always in giving that we receive. Meaning that when we are living in a state of lack, the very gesture we may least want to give is the very act that could help us create the abundance that we seek. One way to practice generosity is to give energy where it is needed. Giving money to a cause or person in need is one way to give energy. Giving attention, love, or a smile to another person are other acts of giving that we can offer. After all, there are people all over the world that are hungry for love.

Sometimes when we practice generosity, we practice it conditionally. We might be expecting to "receive back" from the person to whom we gave. We might even become angry or resentful if that person doesn't reciprocate. However, trust in the natural flow of energy, and you will find yourself practicing generosity with no strings attached. This is the purest form of giving. Remember that what you send out will always come back you. Selflessly help a friend in need without expecting them to return the same favor in the same way, and know that you, too, will receive that support from the universe when you need it. Besides, while giving conditionally creates stress (because we are waiting with an invisible balance sheet to receive our due), giving unconditionally creates and generates abundance. We give freely, because we trust that there is always an unlimited supply.

Being aware of how much we are always supported by the universe is one of the keys to abundance and generosity. Consciously remember the times you've received support from expected and unexpected sources. Remember anyone who has helped you when you've needed it most, and bless all situations that come into your life for the lessons and gifts they bring you. Remember that all things given and received emanate from generosity. Giving is an act of gratitude. Plant the seeds of generosity through your acts of giving, and you will grow the fruits of abundance for yourself and those around you.

Moving Into A New Phase

Every one of us lives a life mirrored by individual and changing experiences, perceptions, needs, and desires. We connect with others, becoming friends and confidants, most often because they share something with us, such as an interest or need. But as time goes on there is change, and the bonds that brought you close to a treasured friend may not be enough to sustain the relationship. You may find your lives have gone in wildly different directions and you no longer share the same aspirations, or you may have changed on an energetic level. It is not unusual in such a situation to find that the comfort you found in the other person has vanished and that you have trouble relating as you once did. Outgrowing a friend can be confusing or painful, but it is a natural part of one's personal growth.

You have a right to choose to surround yourself with those people who understand you, are helpful and compassionate, and put you at ease. Months or years into a friendship, you may find your friend no longer seems like the same person he or she once was. The change may have been within them, but may also have come from within you. Moving on does not mean that your past shared experiences were not meaningful or important to you both, but rather it acknowledges your needs in the present.

Ending a friendship can be difficult. You may not feel comfortable explaining your reasons for doing so. Even so, you can still be kind, respectful, and considerate, and simply state that you can no longer devote time to the friendship. When you have made the conscious decision to let go of the relationship, it will most likely happen naturally.

The people who are or have been a part of your life each taught you something. Some friendships are long-term while others are brief. In all relationships, however, it is important to embrace changes and to let go of regrets. While you may outgrow the need to maintain a friendship with someone who was once very special to you, that person will nonetheless always occupy a place in your heart.

Small Acts: Large Impact!

We often feel that we don’t have the time or energy to extend ourselves to others with the small gestures that compose what we call common courtesy. It sometimes seems that this kind of social awareness belongs in the past, in smaller towns and perhaps, “slower times”. Yet, when someone performs an act of kindness to us, we always feel touched.

By doing something simple like helping someone with the groceries and can make n impression because many people just walk right by. Even someone who simply makes the effort to look us in the eye, smile, and greet us properly when entering a room stands out of the crowd. Common courtesy is a small gesture that makes a huge difference. An important component of common courtesy is awareness and common sense—being aware outside yourself to see when someone needs help or acknowledgment.

As a courteous person, you are aware that you are walking into a room full of people or that your waiter has arrived to take your order. Then, allow awareness to lead to action.

It is usually quite obvious what needs to be done—open the door for the woman holding the baby, move your car up two feet so another person can park behind you, acknowledge a shy person with a smile and some conversation, apologize if you bump into someone.

A third component is to give kindness freely, without expecting anything in return. People may not even take notice, much less return the kindness, but you can take heart in the fact that you are creating the kind of world you want to live in with your actions. When you are out in the world, remember to be aware of others, lend your hand when one is needed, and give this help without an ulterior motive. Through these small acts of kindness, you make this world a better place in which to live.

Affirmation: 3/27

The thoughts I choose to think and believe right now are creating my future. These thoughts form my experiences tomorrow, next week, and next year.

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Today, I give my best to that which I do, knowing that when one experience is complete, I am led to even more fulfilling and rewarding experiences.

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I only give out that which I wish to receive in return. My love and acceptance of others is mirrored to me in every moment.

Visit SpreadKindness.org

Worries Be Gone

I went to Cost Plus today. I love Cost Plus - they have so many beautiful things....

I purchased a beautiful decorative box today, not the one pictured here, but my own perfect box to put my worries in.

There are times when our minds become too full. Our to-do lists, worries, plans, and dreams may be so crowded together in our heads that we don’t have room to think. We may believe that we are somehow taking care of our desires and concerns by keeping them at the forefront of our minds. We think that we're maintaining our mental hold on every detail, however, this is not really what's going on. We may actually be delaying the our hopeful dreams and the resolution of our worries, fear, or anxiety because we won’t let them go. They are constantly in our minds.

At times such as these, we may want to use what I call a worry box. A worry box allows us to let go of our worries and desires so the universe can take care of them for us. We write down what we want or need to happen and then place the note into a box.

By writing and placing our thoughts in the box, we are taking action and letting the universe know we need help and are willing to surrender our feelings. We are giving ourselves permission to not concern ourselves with that problem any longer and trust that the universe is taking care of it.

The box I purchased today will be very special to me, as it will carry all my worries so I can let them go. I think that if you decided to get a worry box, it should be a sacred container for your worries. By doing this ritual, it will not only free up space in your mind by letting go of our worries and desires, but you are giving your burden over to a higher power. Once we drop our worries and desires into the worry box, we free our minds so we can be fully present in each moment.

Surrendering our worries and concerns and placing them in the hands of the universe doesn’t mean that we’ve given up or have been defeated. Instead, we are releasing the realization of our desires and the resolution of our worries and no longer concerning ourselves with their outcomes.

I think it'll be really fun in a couple of months to go back and pull the slips of paper (folded sticky notes) out of the box once your requests have been granted. And as you could imagine, it would be amazing how quickly problems can go away and dreams actually come true when we finally let go and allow a higher power to help us.

10 Things: Life Lessons for the Busy World

10 Things: Life Lesson for the Busy World

1. Live simple and live it like you really mean it! By choosing not to get caught up in the details of this fast-paced world, you'll discover that you have more time to enjoy being alive. The colors are more vibrant!

2. Stay in the present moment. Soul searching, meditation, and journaling are just a few of the many activities you can take part in to stay aware and learn as much as you can about your emotions, reactions, likes, dislikes, dreams, and fears. Having a solid sense of self gives you a firm foundation for living in this world.

3. Support or teach others as often as you can. This can help you form connections with people while also giving you an opportunity to make the world a better place.

4. Consciously choose what you will allow into your being. The media presents us with visions of negative issues and at times just unnecessary topics. Be wise about what you read, watch, and listen to.

5. Acknowledge the beauty that resides around you. Whether you live in the Big City or a stereotypical suburb, there are natural and man-made wonders just waiting to be discovered by you.

6. Nurture your ties to your group of friends & family. If you don’t have one, create a one! When you have a network, you have a circle that you are a part of. Its members – loved ones, friends, or neighbors - can be a source of support, caring, guidance, and companionship.

7. See the larger picture. Remember that the way that you choose to live is not the only way to live. Widen your viewpoint by exploring other types of being through your own research, travel, and discussion.

8. Embrace the challenges that life presents to you, and challenge yourself often. After a time, even the most exciting jobs or lifestyles can seem like routine. Never stop incorporating new knowledge about whatever you are doing, and your life will never seem dull.

9. Move your body. In this busy world, it can be easy to live an inactive life. Movement reacquaints us with our bodies and connects us to the earth in a instinctive way. It also restores our energy.

10. Make time for stillness, silence, and solitude. The world can be noisy, and we are subject to all kinds of noises nearly every waking hour. We are also often "on the go" and unable to relax. Being alone in a peaceful place and making time for quiet can help you stay in touch with yourself.

Finding your inner voice

Within each of us, there are numerous voices often that compete for our attention. It can be difficult to decide which one to listen to, particularly when their messages are all quite different, sometimes conflicting, and even alluring. One voice, however, is the speaker of truth. Among all your inner voices, your true inner voice is the one which encourages you, gives you hope, and pushes you to trust and believe in yourself. Conflict within oneself is often caused by dueling voices inside of each one of us. As we move through life, we get mixed messages from the various aspects of ourselves. Some of our voices can speak so loudly that they drown out the voice of truth. Listening to your true inner voice – often the voice of understanding, support, and self-assurance - can help lessen and even resolve internal conflict.

If you’re looking toward the future but your faith in your ability to succeed in life is indecisive, you will benefit from finding and listening to your true inner voice. You can connect with it by remaining relaxed and alert, while listening carefully. If you have trouble distinguishing your true voice from the others, meditation may be helpful. You may hear many voices as you meditate, but the one you should pay attention to is the one that speaks to you with love, understanding, and compassion. It will strengthen your spirits and urge you to go after your dreams. And it will never cause confusion, remind you of past mistakes, or cause you to doubt yourself.

The more you listen to and believe in what your true inner voice is telling you about your value and your potential, the stronger that voice will become. And the more you disregard the voices that can interfere with your resolve to succeed, the quieter those voices will become. Saying no to the voices that are judgmental and make you feel ashamed will help you stop being critical of your failures and afraid of success. By finding and strengthening your true inner voice, you will be able to ignore internal conflict and pick out the one that speaks the truth.

Shine Bright and Illuminate

There are times in life when we’ve all wanted to crawl under a rock and hide away from the world. We may have preferred to be invisible rather than let other people see us or notice that we exist. This feeling of being like a hermit usually only happens when we are feeling hurt, angry, or simply weary of the world. And while we may convince ourselves with the defense that we are shy, an introvert, or a loner, we may actually be hiding.

When we hide and make believe that we are invisible, we can think that no one sees us even though, truthfully, we are only really hiding from ourselves. And while we may try to live life as discreetly as possible, we only succeed in becoming more obvious because people can’t help but notice that we are trying to hide our light. None of us are meant to hide; each one of us radiates a unique brilliance that is meant to illuminate the world. When we try to dim our light, we diminish the natural radiance of the Universe, and we deprive the people around us of the unique gifts and talents that we are here to share with each other.

Stepping out of the wings and letting your light shine is actually a way to serve the planet. We each have a responsibility to contribute to our community, and we do this when we let ourselves be seen. It doesn’t do anyone any good when we try to hide. We are all beings of light and we are here to light the way for each other. When we let ourselves shine, we become a bright mirror that others can see their own reflected brilliance through, and they can’t help but want to shine also. Shine your light out into the world, bless those around you by sharing your gifts, and watch the universe glow.

Reconnecting The Flow

Lately, I’ve been hearing some of my friends experience the feeling of being separated from the flow of the Universe. They describe the feeling of being disconnected as uncomfortably quiet. Interestingly enough, I have felt this way before. I do know what my friends mean. Don’t worry, it’s not permanent! :-)

I thought about being disconnected for a moment and this is what I got:

When you feel disconnected, it’s because you choose to be.

What?! Did I just say that?!

Okay, I’ll start again… When you feel disconnected, it’s because you choose to be. We purposely, though sometimes not realizing it, choose to cut ourselves off from the flow so we can avoid painful issues, avoid the necessary steps for growth, or prevent the possible accomplishments that we are afraid of achieving from ever happening. Whatever the reason may be, perhaps unconsciously, it is by choice…

When you choose to disconnect from the source, you block the flow of the Universe’s energy. You go through life unconsciously, as if you were sleepwalking – just going through the motions without having any feelings. Your sense of purpose, creativity, and ability to be spiritual are not as easy to access. Your hopes, dreams, goals are looking as though they are distant.

Trust that Universal support never really left, but if you can remember that you disconnected yourself from source by choice, you can choose to reconnect. The easiest way to reconnect is simply by stating the intention of doing so. When you are connected to the universe, all aspects of your spiritual being will feel very alive as the flow of the universe pours through your well being and into your life.

First Year Anniversary

Happy Anniversary to me…

It’s been one year since I accepted my life calling. I learned so many things in 2008. It was truly amazing and exciting to learn new things and to grow. I learned many ways to help others and feed my soul. If anyone would’ve told me 2 years ago that this would be what I’d be doing – I would’ve laughed and thought it was so farfetched.

As the New Year arrives, I look back in 2008 to see what I have accomplished and to see what needs improvements. I think about all the clients that I helped, and all the wonderful new friends I’ve crossed paths with. There are still so many lessons I have to learn, and I’m looking forward to learning more things in the new year.

I’m thankful to God, my guides, the spirit world, mentors, teachers, friends, and my family.

Happy 2009!

By now many people are beginning to size up their New Year's resolution options.

Have you thought about it yet?

Realize that any time is a good time for a resolution. Yet the New Year is as good a time as any to gently move into the soul space with heartfelt motivation and shift your consciousness in such a way as to produce transformation. Resolutions work because they traverse the fine line between intention, will, strength, gentle trust, and alignment with what is already set in motion by the universe.

Remember to have some fun in 2009, and most of all let the music of your heart color your experience with joy every day.

Let this coming year be better than all the others.

Here are some resolutions for you to consider:

- Discover something new. Vow to do some of the things you've always wanted to do but couldn't find the time.

- Call up a forgotten friend. There's always a reason why you've crossed paths. Perhaps by thinking of them again, it may be time to reconnect.

- Forgive more often. Drop an old grudge, and replace it with some pleasant memories.

- Walk tall and smile more. You'll look 10 years younger.- Count your blessings every day. Always be grateful and give thanks. - Ask for guidance daily. Ask and it is given!

- Be more loving to others and yourself. By practicing loving yourself, you'll soon be better at loving others. Don't be afraid to say, "I love you" often. They are the sweetest words in the world.

Have a very happy and exciting new year!