by Christine Green | May 6, 2009 | Uncategorized
I was visiting my parents in upstate New York last week. My parents are in their 90’s and still live at home thanks to my devoted sister who watches out for them. They are mostly house-bound and their television is on all the time. Especially TV Land. (Just an aside: I truly hope that Ron Howard is receiving royalties every time Opie Taylor appears on TV.) Listening to the theme songs from long ago was beginning to drive me batty. Have you ever noticed how addicting those silly songs are? They get into the brain and the more we try to get them out, the louder they become.
I went outside to take a walk and to get away from TV Land. I had a realization that the songs are the same as those old patterns of thinking that are constantly chattering in our heads: I’ll never finish this project. I don’t have time to get everything done today. I’m not good enough to apply for that position. And so on. And so on. I remembered a teaching from Rev Lloyd about transforming those little jingles into useful brain food. Instead of fighting with the jingle, just change the words. So here is my attempt to save my sanity to the tune of Green Acres theme song.
God’s Kingdom is the place to be.
Joyful Living is the life for me.
Abundance coming at me from far and wide.
Stop fear now, I’m living with Love as my guide.
I deeply apologize, because now the Green Acres theme song is playing over and over in your head. The good news is that now you have new words to put to it. So it might seem a little silly but jingles are one way of getting the negative stuff out and putting something useful in. No one says that your spiritual practice has to be grave and somber. In fact, the more joy you can put into it, the more you will participate.
Try it yourself. Next time you have an annoying tune stuck in your head, transform the words into something uplifting for yourself. Send me a copy of it. I would love to include in my book on spirituality for women.
Your spiritual practice is your inspiration time. Whatever we focus on increases: Focus on Joy brings more joy and thinking about Love expands our experience of love. Remember: “It’s a grand world after all!”
by Christine Green | May 6, 2009 | Uncategorized
Didn’t want to walk this morning. Talked myself into it even though it was raining. A this point in my walk I’ve been having a debate with myself about whether to do the hills or turn right and go through the park.
Normally it’s not a problem, but lately with allergies, lack of sleep and adrenal weariness, I have this little talk with myself. Today I pressed through and did the hills and actually had more energy when I was done.
It’s just like life. Press through the tough stuff and there is a blessing on the other side. It all takes practice…
by Christine Green | May 5, 2009 | Spiritual Practice
Andrew Newberg is a neuroscientist at the University of Pennsylvania and is also the author of a new book “How God Changes Your Brain.” The new research shows that “the physical and emotional benefits of spiritual observances dramatically accrue over years of practice.” The researchers also took a group of people that had never meditated before and taught them a simple meditation practice. After meditating 12 minutes a day for eight weeks, their evaluation showed improvement in memory scores and decrease in anxiety and anger.
The article talks a lot about religion but primarily they are talking about spiritual practices. A fascinating article and research. We already knew this but it is always great when science catches up with spirituality!
by Christine Green | May 1, 2009 | Uncategorized
This is a busy travel time of year and there are concerns with the swine flu. It is good to take care of yourself physically by following the advice of the professionals. The Prayer of Protection can help put your mind at ease and release fears that can keep you stuck.
The light of God surrounds you,
The love of God enfolds you,
The power of God protects you,
The presence of God watches over you.
Wherever you are, God is.
by Christine Green | Apr 27, 2009 | Uncategorized
I attended the memorial service today for my friend Jae who passed away after a long battle with cancer. He was energetic, joyful, compassionate, caring and truly the presence of love. It was an honor to know him and walk this sacred spiritual journey with him. He will be deeply missed.
