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One key element can transform your journey and your kids!

September 7, 2016 By admin Leave a Comment

One key element can transform your journey and your kids!

Intuition is the spark that lights the journey and

creativity is the path that takes you there.

I don’t know about you, but for me creativity has a mind of its own and an intuitive knowing. It can be a daunting, frustrating and tricky partner or a trustworthy, fun and exciting friend.

Okay, I hear your mind right now. You’re thinking, I’m not an artist, or a writer. I’m not creative and I don’t need another friend! I have enough going on in my life right now. At first that’s what I thought. We may think we’re not creative or it’s not important to us, but if you’re reading this I suspect deep inside you know differently. Women are especially intuitive and creativity is deeply connected to intuition. You are creatively, or not so creatively, painting the canvas of your own life. Although we think the outside world shapes our life but if you take a moment to tap into this thought, you know we create our lives from the inside out.

My inner knowing was so strong on this point that it prompted me to write this blog and share with you how I tap into my intuition and creativity to make life easier and to juggle those many things you have to do each day.

First there’s that intuitive spark, like a whisper, telling me what to write. It’s always infused with passion and when I begin to wrap my mind around it, I usually have the main points. Next, I ask my writing fairy to get the ideas and words ready for me. She must have been busy last week, because the words weren’t flowing. I had been out of town and out of my quiet and creative space. Because time was running out, I set an intention for myself to write the blog on the plane on my way home, hoping the writing fairy would be available then.

The night before we flew home, I woke up at 2:30 a.m. Have you ever been awakened early in the morning by a great idea? Well, that’s what I had hoped for. Unfortunately, it’s not what happened. I laid there for about thirty minutes, calming myself and centering my thoughts. When I fell back to sleep, I had the weirdest dream. At first, I didn’t understand the full significance.

In the dream, I was in a small town and I kept hearing a humorous, female voice. She told me which way to go when traveling and guided me to do what felt right in my heart. Although her advice is what I practice and share with others, it is often counter intuitive to what our rational minds may think is the best.

During my dream I felt a bit distrustful of this humorous female voice when I first heard it and a bit distrustful of myself and my process. Later in the dream, I turned to look in the mirror. Right there in front of me, on top of my head, was a talking doll in a purple dress! I realized in that moment that this funny female voice belonged to a doll sitting on the top of my head!

At first, I was relieved. Then, I started questioning. OMG! What if everyone could see the doll? What would they think? I’ll tell you what. They would think I was nuts and the doll proved it! Then I looked again in the mirror at the doll. And something inside of me shifted. I listened as she guided me to where I needed to go next. Intuitively, I knew it was perfect guidance. I trusted her completely. I also realized only I could see and hear her.

The dream continued. I dreamt that over the next few days things went smoother when I listened, and I watched the skeptics outside myself – stumble.

After this shift, and a few days later in the dream, I noticed a magical looking man sitting on the sidewalk. He seemed different than most of the people in the town. A woman approached him. She looked stressed. I could almost see and feel the struggles of her life. Somehow she must have sensed this magical looking man could help her. Intuitively, I knew he had some amazing gifts. Although I couldn’t see it, I was sure he was listening to a talking doll on his head, too. Can you imagine what his doll looked like? I can! And as soon as the woman told him what she wanted, she closed her eyes and instantly relaxed. Her face radiated light and I knew, without a doubt, when she opened her eyes she would have own her talking doll guiding and lighting up an easier path for her. Suddenly, the alarm went off. It was 4 a.m.

Although I ask for guidance in my dreams, dreams aren’t usually the source of my intuitive guidance, inspiration or creativity. You can see how this is a perfect example of how my friend, Creativity, inserted herself into my life in a dream. She clearly showed me how important it was to pay attention to that voice within called intuition.

dream-catcher

The one key element that very obvious to me from the dream that: You must trust that intuitive spark, let it flame into faith in yourself as a person and a parent. Don’t allow negativity to cover the sparkle in your heart and the sparkling light you are. Trust how your intuition shows up for you in a word, an image, a feeling in your body, or your inner voice. It will show up in different ways. It may show up differently for you than how it communicates with you about children or grandchildren.

I understood the guidance from the dream was an example of unexpected creativity. Who would have thought dreaming of a talking doll on my head could help me understand how intuition and creativity to make life easier? The talking doll served as a reminder that when you allow your true nature to be lit and sparkle from within, your intuition partnered with creativity can light the path to something greater.

It’s time to trust yourself. To believe that your gift of intuition and creativity is the one key element to living and raising a family with more grace, magic, health, and happiness.

A Thoughts to ponder post and share…

As a parent how has your intuition helped you parent your children in a positive ways?

To talking dolls, intuition and magic,

Bonnie

P.S. Angel Violet can help young children (3-6+) easily connection to their heart and intuition. Angel Violet’s Magic Wings

11 School Hacks for Sensitive & Intuitive Children (4-8), Parents, and Grandparents

August 8, 2016 By admin 1 Comment

You may say I’m not a parent and I don’t have grandchildren. Don’t stop reading! Despite, the title, this is for you too!

The hacks are for sensitive and intuitive people of all ages. They can be used just the way they are, or with a little modification. My guess is you may know someone who will benefit from these hacks.

I have had clients tell me their adult anxiety* (really their inner child) was soothed after reading a children’s book.

School always brings a change for all of us. Everyone has to adjust! These school hacks are good for all children, but are great tools for the highly sensitive and intuitive child (and adults). Families who find change to be very disruptive will find using these hacks can make transition times easier.

For those more sensitively wired children change is not easy. It also isn’t easy for the more sensitive parent or grandparent who is finely tuned into their child’s feelings.

First, it’s important to find a few minutes to calm and soothe yourself. Then you can listen more attentively to your children’s feelings without being confused by your own anxiety.

This is really for both you and your child even though you may be frustrated with their behavior. It’s important to find a balance when giving children tools. Listening to their feelings, as irrational and emotional as they seem, is important to do before giving them practical ways to cope and to strengthen their ability to deal with change.

Picking a quiet time to physically connect with them is important. Trying to deal with this at dinnertime does not work. Although words of reassurance are important, really listening, making eye contact and letting them know you understand is vital for them to feel safe and to be able listen to you.

There is a balance between hearing their feelings, reassuring them, and letting them know they are safe and it’s okay.

Ideas to calm children (and adults). You may want to put these on notecards. Put them in a box or jar to use when you need them. Write notes on the back to remind you what to share with your child.

For the first day of school give your child something to remind them of you.

Sensitive and intuitive children like to have a connection to help them feel safe. If you are a sensitive or intuitive parent this can be helpful to you too. Perhaps a matching bracelet that you and your child both wear. Or a temporary tattoo on the arm or belly will remind your child you are connected to them. (Please check to make sure these are acceptable for your child to have/wear at school).

Blow a bubble, put your worry in it, and let it go.

Think about the scary, sad or worry feeling. Then tell your child to close their eyes and take in a breath through their nose. The inhale is when they are starting to blow a bubble imaginary or real). When they exhale, tell your child to imagine the worry is going into the bubble and letting the bubble go way off into the sky with their worry. Imagine it goes so high they can’t see it anymore or it pops and lets the feeling go. Doing this with your child you can also puts your worries in a bubble. Sensitive and intuitive children pick up the feelings of those around them. Doing this together will show them that you are both going to be okay. You can also imagine blowing up a balloon and letting it go.

Hum your favorite song softly with your eyes closed.

Humming, versus singing, activates a calming response. You can hum with your child.

Singing, however, is a great way to “distract” your child from their worry focus. When in the car or busy making dinner, take turns and let everyone sing a favorite song. Roll down the windows and let your child sing loudly about what they will miss or are afraid of. You will be surprised what happens when you let it out into the air.

Take a breath when you let the breath go say “I Am Calm”.

Taking everyone outside and lying on the ground helps to calm those excited bodies.

The whole family can benefit. This is a good exercise to do anytime, including bedtime. Do this 3 to 6 times. Deep breathing alone reduces the stress response for those of any age. Using a positive affirmation helps shift the focus and create new neuro pathways in the brain.

Put your favorite quiet music on and color or draw with your child. With the rage of coloring books, even for adults, we know something is up about coloring. It is relaxing. It is playful. It helps the body de-stress and refocus. Or put on a guided mediation. http://kidsrelaxation.com/shop/ (for adults serenitypathways.com/free-spa/ or Gossamer Wings Free to Just Be diamond pathways.com/media/ )

Dance to your favorite music or put on marching music and march around.

Go outside, stand on the ground, imagine you are a tree. Or hug a tree.

When we are upset we are “ungrounded”. Sensitive and intuitive children and adults can easily get “ungrounded” and act as though not present and rational. When you imagine being a tree you bring yourself back into your body and into the thinking parts of your brain. Children love to play and imagine so this is a fun one. You can also imagine being a tree or draw what you would look like as tree. Tapping into the solidness and root structure to bring your child home to themselves. (This is great for adults too!)

Talk to a grown up or some ‘thing’ about your feelings.

You may notice a change in your child’s behavior. It may be subtle, but you know something is bothering them. Remind them you are there and they can talk about what they are feeling without you getting upset. You can also suggest they talk to a favorite doll, stuffie or super hero. (Sensitive adults it’s important to share your feelings with a supportive friend. Don’t hold it in or criticize yourself!)

Talk to God or the Angels

Give children something bigger than they are to connect to, like God or Angels. Have them do this on a regular basis and it will provide them with ‘someone’ to talk to you when you are not there. It helps to develop faith and appreciation. Adults remember to make your own connection with the Source that created you on a regular basis!

Give someone you love a hug (even a stuffie)

Asking for a hug or giving a hug is a great way to feel better in the moment. Sometimes, that is all that is needed. Everyone feels better with a hug kids and grown-ups.

Put your hands over your heart and say, “I Love Me even if I…..” Or say, “I am okay!”

Children need reassurance that even though they may have gotten upset, they are okay and lovable. Sensitive and intuitive children (and adults) may feel badly after they have dissolved into tears or crying (or tantruming). They may think something is wrong with them. Learning to honor their sensitivities and finding ways to regain their calm is important.

Read books that help children soothe their feelings or give them tools

	Angel Violet’s Magic Wings (4-8) Parents reviews underscore the benefits of Angel Violet with sensitive children. * I have had adults say this story has helped them with stress and healing their inner child.
	The Way I Feel Janan Cain Great book to talk about feelings.
	Handful of Quiet: Happiness in 4 Pebbles Thich Nhat Hahn (ages 5-adult) Great for calming the mind using the stones and images.
	The Sly Fox of the Mind Brook Holstein (6-9) Great book for finding what the sly fox is trying to get you to think.

Let these School Hacks for Sensitives and Initiatives work for you and your children or grandchildren,

Bonnie

P.S. Post and share some stories about how these school hacks worked for you or your children!

You Can Break Your Happiness “Glass Ceiling” !

June 20, 2016 By admin Leave a Comment

“When you’re a kid happiness is planned for you. After that?

Not so much.”

~ Ellen Steidman, Time Special Edition, The Science of Happiness

As adults we think we don’t need to focus on being happy; we have other more important things to do ……or do we?

Science continues to search for answers to what makes people happy, creates a life of more joy and brings a sense of well-being. What may not surprise you is that the research is the premise of many spiritual practices. If we are here only a short time, why not be happy? Waiting until… never creates happiness.

Each One of us Has a Mission

If your belief is you came here with a mission to make the planet a better place, then being truly happy from the inside out is something you may want to continue to master. Remember the happiness ceiling is invisible so don’t get fooled. We aren’t talking about Pollyanna happiness, but the deep welling up of being happy for no reason!

A documented, positive side effect of being happy is an increase in physical health and financial abundance. Yes, positive psychologists have conducted study after study pointing to this conclusion.

I know what you are thinking- especially now. My happiness ceiling is lower. How can I find even a ray of happiness with the political climate, the violence in the world, or personal challenges I am currently navigating?

Despite all of the above, there are ways to claim some happiness for yourself

Partner and Share

Research has repeatedly found that married couples have higher levels of happiness than unmarried individuals. It’s a result of the sense of partnership, sharing, doing things together and having common values. If you are married look for ways to connect more often, laugh and find free time together. Let go of the little stuff.

That doesn’t mean that single folks aren’t happy. Look for friends who like to do the same things you do and spend time with them! Happiness is there for everyone. It’s an inside out work in progress.

Children: Providing a Leg Up on the Happiness Ladder?

Here is the skinny on that one. In her article, The Parenting Paradox, Brenda Luscombe says after the excitement and celebration of having a baby, the parenting reality kicks in full force with the labor intensive, sleep-deprived task of caring for a little one.

When sleep hasn’t clouded a new parent’s brain, the realization is that it will cost them a half a million dollars to raise their precious bundle. And when they are finished raising this child, “they leave”. For some, this reality of their offspring living their own lives results in a lonely season of life.

Is this happiness?

In her book, All the Joy and None of the Fun, Jennifer Senior says, “Mothering and Fathering aren’t just about the things we do. Being a mother or being a father is who we are”. The research leans in favor of people with children who embrace parenting as being happier. This leads us to believe it really is what you bring as a person to the parenting unit and how genuinely happy you are with yourself. The happier you are as a parent, the happier your children will be.

A happiness hint for parents with children of any age. “A parent’s first job is not to raise kids but to enjoy them.” ~ Time Special Edition, The Science of Happiness-The Parenting Parado

Finding the Happiness Within

Remember your ceiling is invisible. And in a world that is uncertain and at times violent is it important to find a place within of peace and inner happiness? Remember your ceiling is invisible. Truly, that is the only place you will find it. Happiness can’t be provided by the outside world. There is no magic pill, potion or outside source for being healthier, richer, or better than the next person. When you look inside, you will find that your inner compass is the only one you need to follow for living a life of more joy and well-being.

Everyone can cultivate happiness. You can break through your happiness ceiling whether you are single, married, divorced, parents or grandparents. This doesn’t mean you ignore your feelings. It’s important to recognize your feelings of distress, anxiety, anger or depression, which are contrary to feeling joy and happiness.

As you acknowledge your beliefs and worries you can shift your focus towards something different. It’s all about focus. You can’t be grateful and worry at the same time. There are practical ways you can foster a stronger sense of well-being and ultimately inner happiness and joy. (Happily grateful)

“Life-It is only possible to live happily ever after on a day-to-day basis”

~Margaret Wander Bonanno

You may already be doing some things that create inner happiness. But let me suggest a few ideas to a bolster your happiness level and those close to you, including your children.

Raise Your Happiness Ceiling

Focus on the Positive

Always, always, always find things to be grateful for in your life. Even something as simple as getting home safely at the end of the day.
Celebrate and use your gifts instead of focusing on what you perceive as your ”imperfections” or mistakes.
Be generous to yourself and purchase “an experience” rather than purchasing a material item.
Find a moment for a random act of kindness or generosity to someone you know rather than for a stranger.
Try to get an “outside” perspective of a challenging situation and draw out the “gifts” from that experience. Be grateful for it.
On social media: limit your exposure to or edit the posts that are anxiety or fear producing. Choose posts that are uplifting and positive to post and read.

Focus on Deliberate Ways to Create Happiness in your Life

Know what makes you happy and put it into your schedule. If you don’t schedule it, it won’t happen.
Take care of yourself with a simple pleasure.
Cultivate 10-20 minutes of regular “quiet” or meditative time each day.
What can you do to change a challenging situation that would be uplifting? It may be a prayer, taking an action step or doing nothing but realizing it isn’t about you. Be the observer.
Unplug from the outside world (TV, electronics, social media, etc. and be present in the moment. Enjoy who and what you are being present with, knowing everything will be there when you plug back in.
Make every Sunday fun day.
Go off the grid periodically. Go away and leave your electronics on silent.
Make happiness your goal in how you live your life. Do whatever reminds you to be happy each day.

Diswas-Diener says, “Don’t fit joyful activities into your day – fit your days around joyful activities. Do you ever hear devoted church attendees say ’Can we reschedule church because something came up?’ You need to have that church mentality about whatever it is that gives you pleasure. If you say your weeks are full, find that next blank spot in our calendar.” This is what happy people do.

I used to love to swing… and it still makes me happy.

What will you choose to make you happy? Remember everyone around you benefits when you are happy. Post and let us know as will uplift those who read this!

Breaking through the happiness glass ceiling,

Bonnie

P.S. For Kids try a boost of happiness with a sample of Angel Violet’s Magic Cards on the side panel!

P.P.S. To break your happiness ceiling go to The Natural Path toHappiness

Lock in Love

February 4, 2016 By admin Leave a Comment

Children naturally recall their connection to being created from a loving energy. They evoke their innate gifts. They remember they aren’t powerless. It is easy to get caught up in the outside world where we are encouraged to build “cognitive muscles”, but not the “heart muscle“- in ourselves and our children.

A few weeks ago, my brother and our cat were experiencing major health challenges at the same time. When Sienna, five years old, heard about this she wanted draw a picture to help the cat feel better, and so we did. The heart-loving energy put into a picture made us both feel better.

We called our team of Angels Angel Violet, Angel Lucy and Angel Charlie and sent them to both my brother and the cat. The last thing we did was close our eyes. First, we focused on our hearts, feeling the love. Then we took a deep breath in. As we let it go we sent love from our hearts to my brother and cat.

I am sure it was transferred to my brother and to the cat, for the next day both were significantly better. Of course we will never know for sure if what we did helped, but the heart message we received was that it did!

We tend to forget that when we’re connected to something bigger than ourselves, and only give it a thought when synchronicities abound. After sending love with Sienna, I happened to look through Doc Childre’s book Teaching Children to Love: 80 Activities, Games, and Fun for raising Balanced Children in Unbalanced Times. (Heartmath.com)

Although I am familiar with Heart Math activities and electronics, I didn’t know there was something called Heart Lock In for kids. Reading through the steps I realized how it was similar to what I did with Sienna. Simple, but powerful, actions to remind children (and adults) that they deserve love and that there is plenty for everyone.

What a wonderful reminder for February, the month of Love and Valentine’s day!

Heart Math research shows that children who lack love have a harder time learning. When placed in a nurturing and caring environment, children love to learn.

Love is important. Teaching children how to love themselves is very important. Loving others is a natural part of a child’s fun and enjoyment in life. It’s easy to lose the feeling of unconditional love among the business of life and the “rules” of home and school. Love is essential to balance the complexities offered by life. Model self-love and self-nurturing to children whenever you can.

Heart Lock In For Kids by Doc Childre

Explain that Heart Lock In is like putting a key into the lock of your heart and opening the door of your heart so love can come in and so you can send love out

Focus on your heart the place you can put your hand on your heart and pretend you have a key to the door of your heart
You can turn the key and unlock the door
Breathe into your heart. As you breath in through your nose you are bringing more love in and when you breath out through your nose you can send love out to someone.

During this month of love and heart focus, start a new ritual. Create time at night, at the dinner table or whenever your heart feels it right. Help yourself and your children to open the door to your hearts. Fill your hearts with love …. and then send the flow of love out.

Using the simple sending of love will create an environment of nurture, connectivity and enjoyment for both the sender and the receiver!

Remembering the love within our heart creates magic,

Bonnie

Create an “Appreciation App”

November 18, 2015 By admin Leave a Comment

Create an “Appreciation” App

“Grateful kids look outside their one-person universe and understand that their parents and other people do things for them… prepare dinner, dole out hugs, buy toys, etc. Lewis continues saying “On the flip side, kids who aren’t taught to be grateful end up feeling entitled and perpetually disappointed.”~Charlotte Latvala

Despite the darkness of what may happen in the outside world, the tinkling sounds of angels voices and the energy of blessings can still be heard as a five-year-old shared what made her “happy and grateful” during the day.

The light in her eyes and the joy in her voice lit up the room at the dinner table. Hers was a simple gratitude – one of picking clover to share with each of us. She had so much fun picking clover earlier in the day.

With great anticipation she turned to her Dad, then her mom, and asked each what they were grateful for and what made them happy.

The two-year old was not to be left out from the five-year old’s happy, probing question. He, too, was able to share his gratitude in his two-year-old language. It was wonderful to be in the moment of Now when many are already ahead into the Christmas Season.

As the Thanksgiving season approaches, November is known as a time for children and adults to focus on being thankful and appreciative. Unfortunately, this may be the only time of the year many children, and teens, think about things for which they are grateful, value and hold dear.

This season of thanks is a perfect time to start a new ritual or expand an existing one with your children or teens to create a deeper sense of gratitude, kindness and appreciation that lasts the whole year.

It’s a great time to create an Appreciation ‘App’

Have fun creating appreciation apps that last all year,

Bonnie

Are You Ready to Bloom Gracefully this Spring?

March 25, 2015 By admin 2 Comments

chakra affirmations elephantsmeditation.com Many are aware of the Equinox and new moon configuration that heralded Spring this past weekend. Or maybe not! Yes, I know many still have snow and cold. Despite the lack of evidence of Spring in some places, the seasons are changing.

The energy brought forth by these heavenly line-ups brings to culmination the process of leaving the old completely behind. We are being given influxes of light to help bring about a new way of being and living. We can bloom in a new, even more graceful way.

Image from https://www.facebook.com/elephantmeditation)

Although we seem to keep going through “gates” and amazing alignments, there appears to be a feeling of life “inside” us being different. As we shift into a more fluid unfolding inside,

letting go and letting life arrange itself around our heart-felt dreams and intentions, the Universe seems to line things up for us.

I saw this evidenced as I searched for a mini-weekend vacation to celebrate my husband’s birthday. He has been working so hard that a bit of mini-vacation was what he wanted for his special day. My husband really loves St. Thomas, so I began the search.

As I spent a few weeks searching for cruises and something that would give him a sense of relaxation, nothing was working price wise or definitely not time wise. I finally gave up and thought we would do something over the summer.

Lo and behold, after coming to the decision to let it go for now, a special package popped up on Southwest vacations. It wasn’t St. Thomas, but was a relaxing weekend package in the Caribbean. This package was magical, the timing was more perfect than I could have planned with some unexpected guests in our home, and the price was so affordable I was amazed.

Graceful blooming:

Remind yourself that pushing to control the timing or the outcome of something is not the answer. That way of being no longer works.
Following your intuitive impulse to act on something does work.
Having trust of the unfolding in the perfect moment works.

To a beautiful graceful blooming of Spring,

Bonnie

PS Post your graceful blooming in an area of your life.