Why does something terrible have to happen before I make a change?  This is exactly what I talked about with Dr. Aarti Soorya in our recent Facebook Live! 
 
We talked about hitting rock bottom in our physical body, and how that prompted us to make a change!  She shared her own story with this, and how its changed the way she takes care of herself and her patients.  In this episode, we also dive into sleep, the fight-or-flight response, and how to tune into your body.  We talk about how all these things affect your health, and how an East-West approach can help.
 
I hope you enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed making it!  I apologize in advance for the echo on my end.  It was our first live event, and as with anything, we're learning! ;-)
 
Leave a comment to let me know your biggest take-away from this episode!  And, would you like to see more like this in the future?
 
Love, Sheetal
 
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Hello!

Today, I’m sharing my reflections on a passage from A Course in Miracles. I’ve been reading this book for a good part of the year. It’s so deep and beautiful that I only read a few pages at a time to let it all sink in.

The section I’m sharing today is perfect for this time of year. As New Years is right around the corner, this reading is about goal-setting. The Course says it's important to set clear goals for your life. When you have clear goals, you perceive everything that happens in your life as part of your journey. Seemingly good or bad, all events are leading your towards your goals.

In contrast, the ego, which we all have, prefers to react to situations as they are. In other words, your ego lets the situation determine the outcome. Your ego prefers to take a reactionary approach to life. Your higher self sets clear goals and takes intentional action. It sees everything as part of the bigger picture.

This idea reminds me of a beautiful Rumi quote:

Live life as if everything is rigged in your favor

And so, I’m going to close today’s blog with that. As you move into 2019, “live life as if everything is rigged in your favor…” and see how this mindset pulls you forward.

Love, Sheetal

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My birthday was earlier this week and I bought myself a beautiful wall hanging (you can check it out in the video!). It’s purple with heart-shaped leaves. It reads “Radiate boundless love towards the entire world.” I saw it in the store and my heart burst open with love! I had to get it!! I’ve kept this wall in my office empty for months now. And, I was looking for the perfect thing that would inspire and uplift me every time I look at it.
 
You see, it’s so important to surround yourself with things that inspire and uplift you. Your brain is receiving information from the environment all the time. Your brain has to process everything that you take in through your 5 senses. So, why not make it easy on yourself by exposing yourself to things are positive and uplifting?
 
The fact is its all too easy these days to find the negative. All you need to do is turn on the news or pick up a newspaper. It’s easy to find things that can bring you down or make you feel heavy, sad, upset or even angry! The thing is we have to process and digest all that! That stuff is always going to be there. You can go back to it anytime if you like. But, why not create space in your home, office, or even your car that's sacred? And, if the word “sacred” doesn’t resonate with you, no worries! All I mean by that is creating spaces that inspire, uplift, and bring positivity into your life. Give your senses, emotions, and mind a break. Give your brain something light, joyful, and positive to process!
 
For me, that means hanging up things like this new wall hanging. It means lighting candles and putting up pictures of my family. For you, it could be things like photos of your friends, family, or artwork. It could be writing affirmations on index cards and then posting those around your house. It can take on any form that resonates with you the most.
 
Let me know if you try this! Pick one place to start. Maybe your office desk, kitchen, or car? Any little bit goes a long way! Leave a comment to let me know how you changed your space and how that made you feel!
 
Love,
Sheetal
 
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Hello!

Today, I’m sharing something that has the power to transform your relationships. It’s something I recently read from A Course in Miracles. To be honest with you, I wasn’t sure if I should make this blog because it’s pretty deep. But, I decided it was important to share, because this one concept has the power to transform your relationships.

We all want happy relationships. Whether that’s with our intimate partner, parents, children, friends or colleagues. Well, A Course in Miracles says that any time there’s a relationship challenge, it can traced back to the ego. The ego has a way of finding things to get angry or upset about. When that happens, it places guilt on the other person. This then breaks down any sort of communication.

Imagine for a moment. When someone makes you feel guilty, what do you do? For me, I shut down. I don’t want to talk to the person for awhile. And so, you can imagine what making someone feel guilty does to the channels of communication. The Course suggests that you tune into yourself in those situations. Ask yourself, “Is this something that my ego is bringing up here?” 

The Course also talks about sacrifice as another way the ego places guilt on another. Have you ever said, “I did so much for so-and-so, and they didn’t even notice! They didn’t even say thank you or do anything in return!” This is sacrifice. It’s the idea that I am sacrificing myself to make others happy and they're not returning the favor. Again, if you put yourself in the other person’s shoes, can you see how this blocks off communication?

So I know this is a deep topic. It may even be a difficult topic because it requires self-examination. And that can be hard. But, I can say that the more you recognize the ego and work on tuning into your Highest self, that it does get easier. Stuff still comes up, but you’re able to nip it in the bud quicker. 

So, the next time it comes up, you can say to yourself, “Oh ego, I know you’re showing your head again. But, this time, I’ld like you to take the back seat. I’m going to let my Highest self drive this time.” Then, listen. What’s your heart telling you in this situation? This is the way to truly heal your relationships. Turn it over to your heart. Allow those lines of communication to be open. And, all you need to do is ask your ego to take the back seat. Let your heart guide you. 

Let me know your thoughts and experiences on this topic. Can you think of some situations when you let your ego rule? What are some situations when your heart led the way? What was the difference in those situations? How did each one feel? Leave a comment and let me know!

Sending you so much love on this incredible journey!

Love, Sheetal

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