Free Spirit Tip #5

Today, on Halloween, and EVERYDAY, do something that SCARES you!

Transformation

The closer we get to the end of our present evolutionary stage, the more dysfunctional the ego becomes, in the same way that a caterpillar becomes dysfunctional just before it transforms into a butterfly. But the new consciousness is arising even as the old dissolves.
-Eckhart Tolle

Your Personal Reflection: What old thought patterns and behaviors are you ready to let dissolve? What new consciousness is arising in you?

Too Cute Cap

Here's my latest knitted hat. I played around with the stitches and tried something new, which resulted in this really fun ridge effect. The hat is bumpy, lumpy, colorful and is the perfect size for a sweet little toddler. (fits 18-24 months)

Check here to see it on my Free Spirit Knits Etsy store.

Quite stylish on a pumpkin, too, would you say?

Your Personal Reflection: When have you tried something new and were happy with the results?

Celebrating Peace

To celebrate my mom's birthday this past weekend I took her to a Holly Near concert. Wow! I was so impressed. I've heard Holly's name throughout my childhood, as she has always been a source of inspiration to my mom. My mom discovered her in the 70's when she was in college. She has vivid memories of meeting a woman named Nancy - this cool, women's lib hippie, who didn't shave her legs. She introduced my sweet mom - an innocent, catholic girl from Des Moines, Iowa, to the powerful, empowering music, that activist, teacher and song-writer, Holly Near is known for. Hearing the message of independence and strength in Holly's music had a lasting impression for my mom.

So, what a fun experience for my mom to get to meet Holly, 30 plus years later, with her adult daughter. Holly is on tour with Emma's Revolution, a duo that reminds me of the Indigo Girls. Their harmonies give you goose bumps, their stories inspire you to take action, and these three women are sharing their folksy, musical talents in the name of PEACE.
I encourage you to take a listen to these incredible voices. Here are some YouTube links (listen to the lyrics! I Ain't Afraid, Gentle Angry People, We Believe in Peace, Fired Up) And remember, that you too, have a unique voice that needs to be heard. So awaken, arise and be willing to celebrate your courage, to honor your strength, and to do your part to be of service to others.

Thank you Holly, Emma's Revolution and mom for a memorable evening.

******
The following excerpt comes from Holly's biography:

I do not separate my music from my heart nor do I separate my ideas from my daily life. I open my self up to learning as much as I can about humanity and this mysterious life experience, but I do not relate to political work as a series of "causes." Moment by moment, I integrate what I learn into my personal life, personalizing my politics. It is from this personal place that I write my songs. -Holly Near

Your Personal Reflection: Are you OPEN to learning as much as possible, about yourself, and about life? How can you integrate what you learn each day, into your personal life, and how can you use what you learn to help others? Be at peace, now, and share that peace with all those you meet.

Let Your True Colors Shine Bright

The vibrant autumn leaves are absolutely magnificent this year. It's hard to keep my eyes on the road while I'm driving because on every block there is another tree to ooh and aah at.

I absolutely LOVE Autumn. The changing colors remind me to slow down, and appreciate nature's innate beauty. The falling leaves remind me that everything is impermanent. I'm reminded that we all have an inner beauty, our true colors, that need to come out and be seen. And just like the colorful trees, as our beauty shines bright, it will transform, change, and again, retreat to a place where it can rest and restore.

I find a pile of crunchy leaves completely irresistible. I have to get in there and crunch, scoop them up, toss them in the air and roll around. It's just fun. It reminds me of the simpler times, and that playful energy that comes naturally when you're a kid. I mean, seriously, what's more fun than jumping in a huge pile of freshly raked leaves?
Let's all stop, right now, and enjoy the beauty all around. Even if you live in an environment that doesn't have changing leaves, you can still stop, and see nature's great gifts. Just like the turning leaves, let's shine bright, feel the vibrancy that comes from being alive, and embrace the newness, and uncertainty that inevitably comes with change.

So get out there, jump, crunch, play, laugh and celebrate the changing YOU.
Your Personal Reflection:
Are you letting your true colors shine bright?
As we prepare for winter, this is a wonderful time to nurture your inner self. What self-care and personal wellness techniques can you invite into your life now?
Try this FREE guided meditation: Accepting Fear, Embracing Change

Like the falling leaves, what are you ready to let go of? Where will these new changes lead you?

Lolly Pop

Thanks to all of you who shared your name ideas for my funky pink and green felted scarf. Maddie is the winner with the name, "Lolly Pop!" Lolly Pop is looking for a good home. Check her out on my new Etsy shop.

Maddie...be on the lookout for a little felted treat in the mail.

Free Spirit Tip #4

Listen to the trees.