Gently Progress to Success
Posted by Antonia at 4:05 pm in Daily Practices

Start wherever you are and start small.

~Rita Baily~

As we still the mind, the heart speaks of dreams wishing to be fulfilled, allowing us to strive for a greater good and grow with the continuous flow of life. But, how can we best achieve this? In a recent post I wrote about Standing at the Crossroads, and the process of letting go of what is no longer working in our lives, while embracing the new. The desire to simply leap across the divide between where we are now and the dreams of where we wish to be can be so great! But, the best route is to take slow, steady steps towards the goal. There can be many different types of obstacles which keep us from moving with consistent determination towards our goals, but by giving ourselves permission to proceed in gentle “baby steps” we can get there realistically and compassionately.

Adopt the pace of nature, her secret is patience.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson~

Nature does a remarkable job of patiently getting everything accomplished in slow, gentle steps. If we try to move too quickly, we risk procrastination, frustrations, or some form of burn out which will more than likely stagnate the process. Making life changes and following dreams takes a great deal of courage. By implementing small changes, allowing for the unfolding and reassessments along the way, we can evolve as nature herself does, patiently and successfully. In a recent conversation with Career Coach Tarra Christoff, she said that she calls this process “turtle steps” and reminded me of the Aesop fable about The Tortoise and the Hare. The slow moving tortoise challenges and beats the fast moving hare in a race, because, as the moral states: “Slow and steady wins the race.”

Have a bias toward action – let’s see something happen now. You can break that big plan into small steps and take the first step right away.

~Indira Gandhi~

With the goal firmly in mind, we shall move forward in more easily achievable steps, thus increasing the likelihood of arriving at the finish line. You deserve to have your dreams realized! I find it helpful to think of myself as the deeply rooted tree by the flowing river; I stay grounded and focused, yet flowing, trusting in the process while making it happen. Taking manageable steps in a disciplined manner can lead to big results. Nudge yourself along, stopping to celebrate the successes along the way. As Lao Tzu said, “A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” What can you do today to move yourself toward your goals?

Love and Blessings,
Antonia

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Artist’s Date and Beauty Break
Posted by Antonia at 6:09 pm in Artist's Date

When I awakened this morning, I was greeted by the sound of birds chirping, the Sun’s warm rays stretching through the tree branches, light playing off the moisture still dripping from the prior night’s rain. I sat in silent morning meditation, bundled against the crisp morning air, the Sun warming my brow as it rose higher in the bright blue sky. There was a special Beauty about the Fall day, perhaps brought about by the fresh post-rain air, and I felt compelled to grab my camera and take myself upon an Artist’s Date! What a Wonderful way to fill the Creative well, and enJoy the Gorgeous day! And, it is phenomenally Beautiful around here.

Just look at these colours! Isn’t it Fantastic?! :-D

See the vivid green of the moss juxtaposed with gold, orange and red leaves?

I fell in Love with these orange berries!

Dreamy golden Autumn Beauty

Rain-kissed roses in November are a special gift :-)

Blissful Beauty Abounds

The vineyards in Autumn are breathtaking!

Lastly, my favourite bright red stands out across mountaintops ;-)

The Artist’s Date is a conscious choice to set aside time for an excursion during which your inner child gets to play. I know it can be challenging to take extra time for play, but it is so worthwhile. After my adventure I felt relaxed, yet energized. It was such fun! Exploring the community, seeing the Beauty with different eyes, and exploring new paths is a great way to expand self and gain new perspective. I highly recommend some creative time with yourself, just for you! We are Creative beings, and by setting aside the everyday we can allow expression at deeper levels. Jump, sing, laugh, dance, imagine and play! You deserve it, and will appreciate the rewards it brings. How could you cultivate your creativity, Dear Reader?

Love and Playful Blessings,
Antonia

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Standing at the Crossroads
Posted by Antonia at 12:12 pm in Non sequitur

As the darker half of the year begins, Samhain, or ‘The Celtic New Year’ has just occurred on the 31 of October, and it is feeling like a new year has begun for myself and many I know. Are you or those you Love also feeling this way? I feel as though I am standing at a sort of crossroads, where important chapters in my life are coming to an end while new roads are forming. There’s both an introspective observance of what has been, blended with an excitement of what is to come. I, and many I know, are moving towards a higher purpose, led by that which has meaning and makes our hearts dance. I’m proud of myself and my friends as we release that which no longer holds meaning, and move towards a greater good.

For those of us in transition, the work is not completed, but continues to move into new directions, fueled by following our passions. As we extend positive energy, we are attracting new people, places, and things, which come into position so we can accomplish our goals. It’s so important that we know where we’re going on this next journey. Do you know where you want to be next? Can you feel what it’ll feel like to be there? If so, keep that feeling alive as you take actions to manifest these dreams.

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Some are having difficulty bringing clarity to the actual form for the next chapter. There’s a clear knowledge that they no longer wish to be where they are, whether this relates to a home, job, or something else no longer serving them in their lives. Many also have a vague concept of what they wish to replace it with, but not enough clarity allowing definitive action. I know this can bring forth feelings of frustration. Not finding the perfect job, home, partnership, etc. when an antsy desire is present is not an easy yoga. Hang in there, stay grounded, trust and watch for the signs. When walking the land of grey clouds, it is best to wait for clarity. Know that it will come soon.

We are always welcome to new beginnings from where we are in life, and if you are ready to make changes in your life, start by focusing upon that which you do know you want, Love the questions keeping you from the other side, and trust that it all comes together Beautifully and in Perfect Timing. We get what we expect in life, and you deserve the very best. Imagine your best life, follow your passions, set intentions, feel it, and then bring it into being as the powerful creator/creatrix you are! You can do it! I believe in you.

Love and Crossroads Blessings,
Antonia

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