Tis The Season...

Giving Thanks

In tribute to the Thanksgiving holiday I am making a list of all the things I am grateful for.
Enjoy!

I am thankful for:

• my life
  
• my mother's amazing laugh
• my father's hugs
  
• Lauren's yucky dance
• the way Vanessa always makes me feel like a lady.
• my voice
  
• the inside jokes I share with Justin, and the way we can just be ourselves.
• dancing until dawn
  
• the talks I share with John about life that always inspire me to greatness.
• Celeste's crazy stories and amazing costumes
• Hawaii
  
• my Grandmother's constant support and encouragement
  
• the fact that Alexis and I will always be best friends, no matter where we find ourselves in the world
• the time I spent in Europe, learning how to love myself
  
• the way my cousin Kent says, "Cuzzzz"
• Barry and his sweet passion for his cause
• the ocean
  
• my friends Lisa and Jade and the example they set for me on how to live life freely
• belly laughing
  
• Jamo. How I love Jamo. ((Be safe over there!))
• Hafiz and Rumi poetry
  
• My amazing friend Joe...even though he has passed on he continues to be one of the greatest influences in my life
• brownies
  
• Nathans love
• my cousins Kimmy's sense of style
• the time I spent with Sion
• Uncle Robs tattoos ((but dont get any more!))
• the memory of running and laughing through the street of Paris in the rain
  
• Weenie!
  
• the connection I share with Roy
• my friends Scott and Teri and their awesome adventures
  
• my faith and positive attitude
• Roger and his boat
• Stijn - one day we WILL do a festival!
• Marie's haircut - rock it girl
• the ring Bella gave me
• sunsets
• sunrises
• my relationship with the wind
• the goose bumps I still get when I hear, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"
• Eva Cassidy
• the opportunity to share my music with the world
• Barbara Martin and Dimitri - you have changed my life
• my roomie Jason ((I love our home!))
• soccer
• home cooked meals
• rice milk
• painting
• my family - I seriously have the best family in the world
• hiking
• swings
• the opportunity to record with Joel and the amazing friendship that is blooming
• sitting side by side with Bonnie
• my shenanigans with Jonathan Kaplan
• Kelly's friendship
  
• story time with Lou
• meditation
• the time I spent wit Robert - RIP
• learning from Amanollah
• yoga
• the change of the seasons
• essential oils
• my health
• Geoffrey. Geoffrey. Geoffrey.
  
• the chance to experience and give unconditional love
  
• for every soul I have ever encountered - I am who I am today because of you

These are just a few of the things I am thankful for.
Go ahead, make your own list.
It's a beautiful gift to give yourself.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Discover Rabia

An excerpt from the book, Love Poems from God by Daniel Ladinsky.

Rabia

"Rabia of Basra (c. 717-801) is without doubt the most popular and influential of female Islamic saints and a central figure in the Sufi tradition. She was born nearly five hundred years before Rumi, and although it is rarely said, she, perhaps more then any other poet, influenced his writings.

The sensuousness of Rabia's poetry may be a bit shocking to some, though it was probably more so in its original. Even conservative scholarly translations cannot get around its, at times, graphic eroticism. Many myths surround her life and poems, but one has been recently confirmed - while Rabia was quite young she became separated from her parents and while wandering homeless, she was stolen and sold into prostitution. She was forced to work as one might in a brothel for many years.
She wrote, "What a place for trials and transformation did my Lover put me, but never once did He look upon me as if I were impure. Dear sisters, all we do in the world, whatever happens, is bringing us closer to God."

Rabia may be a timely spiritual voice for women of this century, especially for any woman (or man) who has had to suffer the emotionally crippling degradation of unwanted touch. She was both physically and sexually abused from an early age, yet still became on of the greatest women saints-and poets-known to history."

If you have not yet experienced the extasy of Rabia's poetry, it is my profound honor to expose you to it now. If you are familiar with Rabia, I hope you fall in love with her all over again.

The Perfect Stillness

Love is
the perfect stillness
and the greatest excitement, and most profound act,
and the word almost as complete
as His name.

Dedicated to I and I

Cover via Amazon

Someone very dear to me recently gifted me with a book that is changing my life. It is impacting me in such a profound way that I wish to share it with all of you in the hopes that it too will touch your hearts and help encourage you to bloom.

The title of the book is,
Love Poems from God,
Twelve Sacred Voices from the East and West
by Daniel Ladinsky.


The back cover reads:
In both eastern and western spiritual traditions, it is believed that certain mystics and saints receive a gift from God that make them poetic conduits of the divine, bearers of "love poems from God."
Twelve of these timeless spiritual poets, six from the East and six from the West, are beautifully presented in this inspiration volume. Daniel Ladinsky, best known for his gifted translations of the great Sufi poet Hafiz, brings his art to this rich and luminous collection. These fresh, innovative, and playful versions provide a meaningful way to celebrate ourselves and our world.

I will go poem by poem.
And together we will be seduced by the Love Poems from God.

Rabia

When God said, "my hands are yours,"
I saw that I could heal any creature in this world;

I saw that the divine beauty in each heart
is the root of all time
and space.

Ahhhhh!

This transition period is HUGE.
It seems collectively we have decided on a soul level to face our darkness. Whether we want to our not our world is forcing us to stop and take accountability. For me personally, I feel like all my issues are staring me in the face demanding my attention. NOW. As in RIGHT NOW.

I'm overwhelmed. I'm stressed. I'm anxious. I'll admit it - I'm fearful.
Simultaneously I'm excited and hopeful.
There is an urgency that I did not feel before.
The call to action has been sounded in my mind, my emotions, my body!

No matter how I try to distract myself, I'm unable to silence the sound of my truth. It reverberates in every pore of my body, pushing and bursting to be let out. Anything I do that is not in accordance with my higher self or my soul purpose is beginning to cause actual, physical discomfort. For example, this week at work I had to call people on the phone to try to get them to register for an upcoming event. Every single time a person picked up the phone I would loose my voice and begin to cough! The second I would hang up, I would be fine. FINE. The moment I would pick up the phone again - BOOM! Coughing, chocking, and actual pain in my esophagus.

My intention for this weekend was to sit down and map out a plan to get me out of my current situation. Have you heard the expression, "When we make plans, God laughs"? Well, God must be having one heck of a rip-roaring time watching me and my escapades. All of my well planned plans have gone to crap. Thankfully God blessed me with her sense of humor and I'm just exasperated enough to be laughing right along beside her.

I've come no closer to mapping out an escape route. I have no idea what I'm going to do. I know what I want to do, I just don't know how to MAKE it happen.
So I'm going to stop pushing. I'm going to stop letting my rational mind drive me insane with its need to control, to fix, to plan...

I just had an "Ah-ha!" moment. I know exactly what I'm going to do:

Every day I am going to take a step forward, in faith, and put myself out there. I'm going to open to receive and SHOW the universe I'm ready. I cant control what others do, but I can choose to take peaceful action. What is peaceful action? Taking action that is inspired by love and happiness.

I'm going to email all the wonderful people who have given me their cards because they loved my music, and say "thank you!".
I'm going to get together with my producer to just talk and laugh and PLAY with music.
I'm going to contact different venues and OFFER myself in the spirit of SERVICE.
AND I'm going to volunteer to play my music at either a hospital, or a recovery center.
....

wow.
...

I feel great! Seriously, I feel a million times better. I feel, dare I say it, empowered!
Funny, the second I let go and let God, everything becomes more clear.
How's that for a non-plan!

This is love...

This is love:
to fly toward a secret sky,
to let go and just live.

To take a step without thought of feet.

~Rumi

Lotus

Image via Wikipedia

I dig meditation. I dig chant. Having been raised Catholic I have an affinity for incense and robes...
So naturally I'm a fan of Buddhism. However, its only since moving to Los Angeles that I've heard of Nichiren Buddhism.

Tonight I attended a Nichiren Buddhist meeting as the guest of the SGI-USA's Young Women's Divison leader, Vinessa. Having learned my forte was sound, Vinessa has been eager to expose me to her spiritual practice. We gathered at a members home and chanted Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo, the chant Nichiren Buddhists practice and repeat day and night in order to achieve enlightenment, or Buddhahood.

The meaning of Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo is broken down as such:

• Nam – derived from the Sanskrit word “Namas” which means “to devote oneself.”
• Myoho – “mystic law”
  
• Renge – literally translates into “lotus flower" referring to the Lotus Sutra Nichiren Buddhism is founded upon.
  
• Kyo – “teaching” and secondly, “sound.”
  

As I am learning, this chant is the backbone of the Nichiren practice, as is the principle of cause and effect.

Tonight's topic of discussion was Karma. Having just finished my metaphysics class on karma earlier this afternoon, I found the "coincidence" humorous and totally fitting.

It was fascinating to sit and listen to the Buddhist's view of Karma. In Nichiren Buddhism, the members believe they can eradicate their karma completely by chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo. By doing so they feel they are directly taping into the universal life force that connects all things, and with this connection they are able to directly influence the past, present, and future.

For me, it was great fun. Sitting in a room of chanting souls is POWERFUL.
AND there was really yummy food.

Am I going to sign up? No.
But then again, if Catholicism cant pin me down, what can?

What I am going to do is incorporate the chant into my own unique tapestry of spirituality and see what happens.

After all, I could use a little more lotus in my life.

Magic Flute

One Regret

"One regret, dear world,
That I am determined not to have
When I am lying on my deathbed
Is that I did not kiss you enough."

— Hafiz

Laughing At the Word Two

Laughing At the Word Two

Only

That Illumined

One

Who keeps

Seducing the formless into form

Had the charm to win my

Heart.

Only a Perfect One

Who is always

Laughing at the word

Two

Can make you know

Of

Love.

~Hafiz

From: 'The Gift'

Translated by Daniel Ladinsky

Joshua Tree

Image by Rennett Stowe via Flickr

I've found myself in Joshua Tree
Captivated by a wee Bodhi
just beginning the journey of life.

This one is no stranger to the path.

Timelessness surrounds and radiates
seducing the heart instantly,
and I am forever in love.

Yes, I've journeyed to Joshua Tree
to discover that which was calling me
deep in the the depths of my core.

Here, I've found the tree in need of watering.
And I have just the nectar.

By Jaqueline Marie

The Swing

Image by ""Alia"" (busy) via Flickr

My feet, once firmly on the ground, hover weightless.

Slowly, the world begins to move.

Back and forth. Back and forth. Back and forth.

My body pumps in time.

Strong. Beautiful. Free.

The sky reaches down to touch me, delighted in my pursuit of its glory.

The playful wind rushes up to help me.

Yes, in the wind I have always found a friend.

Back and forth. Up and down.

Up and down. Back and forth.

The pull and push of flight.

I've found my rhythm.

~Jaqueline Marie

How to Cure a Cold Naturally | eHow.com

How to Cure a Cold Naturally | eHow.com

Osho

Innocence means childlike wonder, awe.
The enlightened person is one who is constantly wondering-
because he knows nothing,
so everything becomes again a mystery.
When you know,
things are demystified;
when you don't know,
they are RE-mystified.

As the world once again become unfamiliar I remember the words of Osho, and I am comforted. My feelings of dismay are transformed; hope and possibility take root in my heart and I can breath.

My not knowing is a blessing. My uncertainty is a gift, a starting point from which to grow.

I will not let fear or sadness paralyze me. I will journey forward with the spirit of a child.
Thank you creator for this opportunity.
Thank you for this awesome world.

Purple Trees

Image by Zach_ManchesterUK via Flic

Ancient, enchanted, purple trees
create an amethyst canopy
and cast the world in lavender glow.

Purple trees selflessly dust the ground with colorful down, painting the world in petals.

Purple trees whisper of childhood memories, and my heart is made whole again.

by JaquelineMarie

The Yoga of Healing

On Sunday I had a breakthrough.

While co-facilitating a workshop on the Chakras I transcended an internal barrier and made an awesome discovery -

I have been existing outside of my body.


My colleague Amanollah was teaching the class about the art of Observation. In an exercise designed to awaken the senses he asked everyone to close their eyes and FEEL the texture of their clothing on their skin. Although I'm familiar with the different observation tools, I decided to open full heartily to the exercise and participate in it as if for the first time.

I closed my eyes... and the bottom of my world fell out.

I couldn't feel my clothes! No matter what I did or how I concentrated I could not feel my clothes on my skin. My head was swimming with words, overflowing with adjectives describing what my clothes should feel like, but there was no actual sensation.

I couldn't believe it, but I couldn't deny it. With eyes closed I took an inventory of my life and saw with absolute clarity that I had been separating my physical experience from my mental experience.
For example, when I would see the color RED I would instantly mentally associate the color with words like energizing, Root Chakra, vitality and so on. I would even get a clear mental picture, which I would pat myself on the back for, but at no time was I actually FEELING energized, or revitalized.

In a matter of moments my life transformed. I became completely aware of the fact that I have been existing solely in my head. My perception, which I had thought to be well rounded, has been all mental. I have been naming and categorizing all of my experiences, not EXPERIENCING them.

This awakening is MONUMENTAL!
For the first time in years I am FEELING my emotions, and sensations, not merely naming them.

I feel like a child. I am experiencing everything for the first time...

For The Love of Cupcakes

Tonight is a new friends birthday and he loves red velvet cupcakes. More specifically, he loves red velvet cupcakes from Sprinkles. In fact, when I asked his brother what I should get him, I was told that was the ONLY desert the birthday boy enjoys.



Fine. Sprinkles it is. Now, I'm new to LA, but I figured acquiring a cupcake in this city would be fairly simple.

I had no idea what I was getting myself into.

I arrive in Beverly Hills with the traffic, the lookie-loo's, the hustle and bustle and by the grace of God find a parking spot a couple of blocks down from the store. As I approach the address I see a huge line of people extending around the block. I assumed the crowd was for some kind of event, perhaps a fancy Holly Wood opening or something. Wrong. The massive line of stylish people was for Sprinkles!

I was seriously shocked - All these people were waiting in line for cupcakes??!! My instant thought was "Everyone in LA is crazy". And then I took my place at the back of the line.

I've mentioned before that its hard for me to admit my flaws, but being honest is a key part of this whole transformation I'm undergoing. So I'll go ahead and admit it - I don't wait in lines. Waiting in line makes me feel lame and uncomfortable, unimportant and common. My little ego shrieks at lines...

For 3o minutes my ego shrieked. When the double-decker bus with all the Holly Wood tourists stopped to take pictures of us standing there like sardines I wanted to die. When the bus driver began to comment and poke fun of us over the loud speaker I did die.

By the time I made it into the store I was thoroughly humiliated. I wanted to get the dang cupcake and get out. Nope. I proceeded to wait another 15 minutes while the smiling workers behind the counter scurried to get a special order for an apparently very important woman in pearls.

It was then that I busted out laughing. It finally occurred to me how absolutely hilarious the entire situation was. My total discomfort, the tourist bus, the women in $500 dollar heals waiting for icing was priceless!

Realizing the ridiculousness of it all, especially the absurdity of my discomfort, totally changed my attitude. With a smile I ordered not one, but 4 red velvet cupcakes, and when the peppy girl behind the counter apologized for the long wait I sincerely replied it was no problem.

My friend is going to love his gift.
And thanks to his sweet tooth I learned to not take myself so seriously.

Here's to a great night!

Quote of the Day

Image by SJ Jagadeesh via Flickr

"When we align our thoughts, emotions, and actions with the highest part of ourselves,
we are filled with enthusiasm, purpose, and meaning.


Life is rich and full.
We have no thoughts of bitterness.
We have no memory of fear.
We are joyously and intimately engaged with our world.

This is the experience of authentic power."

~Gary Zukav

Image by SJ Jagadeesh via Flickr

I am woman.

Tuesday, October 6th, 2009:

I am changed.Yes, tonight has changed my life.

My heart is soaring. God has blessed me beyond imagination. I've been shedding tears of gratitude and joy since the moment I walked in the door. What has moved me so? Women.



Tonight I had the absolute pleasure of keeping company with, and singing for, 60 fascinating women. We gathered in the name of love, good will, and respect. We came together to listen and learn from 6 amazing women who have changed the world and the role women play in it.

The women of honor who came to share the story of their lives and offer their wisdom were:

*Susan Sullivan ~ Emmy and Golden Globe nominee, spokesperson for the National Hospice Foundation, founding member of Celebrity Action Council

*Joyce Rey ~ legendary Hollywood real estate pioneer, executive director of Coldwell Banker's Previews division, advocate for the American Cancer Society

*Margaret Tante Burk ~ first president of the Wilshire Chamber of Commerce, first female admitted into the Lions Club, considered for the position of Treasure for the United States

*Sandy Frances ~ actress, writer, dedicated mother

*Bobi Leonard ~ founder of the Women Helping Women in the World foundation, founder of Bobi Leonard Interiors

*Pauline Tangiora ~a Maori elder from New Zealand, Nobel Peace Prize nominee, member of the World Future Council.

These eloquent, beautiful, talented woman have made a lasting impression upon me. All of them were so different, yet they all had one thing in common ~ a radiant, positive attitude.

Along with their tales of success and achievement, they shared stories of heartbreak, of loss, of death, yet not one of them spoke with the voice of a victim. In their own way, each said the exact same thing: Love life!

Here is the advise I'm taking from this unforgettable experience:

1) Know Yourself - You have to be honest with yourself about what you want in life. You have to own what really makes you happy and who you are.

2) Your Attitude Creates Your Life - If you choose to see the world as a happy, safe, abundant, loving place, it will be!

3) Have the Courage to be Uncomfortable! - Growth can be a difficult process, but its the willingness to stick with it and make it to the other side that determines your success. Don't run from the challenges life throws at you - these are your opportunities for greatness!

4) Stay Feminine - Rejoice in being a woman! Femininity is needed in the world today. Who are you? A strong, empowered woman!

5) Mr. Right Will Show Up When You Know Yourself! - You will find the "right" man when you are in tune with your desires, your needs, your goals, and when you feel satisfied all by yourself! You will no longer be looking for someone to "complete" you, you will be open to someone who will create with you.

6) Age Is Just A Number! - We do not have to buy into what our society has taught us about aging. As women we become more beautiful, more wise, more loving with every year. Celebrate your age! Celebrate life!

I have been blessed beyond measure to share circle with these woman.
This experience will sing in my heart for eternity.

Little Things

Soft light streams through curtained windows.
Opaque material dances in the air.
The love affair between breeze and gauze is winsome and sweet,
playful in its leisure.
I smile as I watch,
Memorized by the tiny miracle.

~Jaqueline Marie

Evolution?

The general public knows that the media uses photoshopped images, however very few of us understand just how far this "art form" has gone.

I was shocked to learn that in one country a billboard advertising the upcoming Harry Potter movie photoshopped Hermione's breasts to twice their natural size. Isn't she 15??!!?? Who decided Hermione needed size D breasts to be memorable?

The majority of the images we see on a daily basis have been "edited" up to 30 times, enhancing or "fixing" everything from the size of a models waist to the length of her neck. In fact, many images are actually a montage made up of 3 or more models - the "best" features of each model are chosen and then photoshopped together to create one girl with the "ideal" look.

These images portray an ideal that is impossible to live up to. Is it any wonder why the number of women and men suffering from low self esteem and anorexia have skyrocketed?

One Wikipedia entry defines photoshop editing as such:


Photo manipulation is the application of image editing techniques to photographs in order to create an illusion or deception (in contrast to mere enhancement or correction), through analog or digital means. Its uses, cultural impact, and ethical concerns have made it a subject of interest beyond the technical process and skills involved.


The impact of enhanced images portraying unrealistic beauty is worldwide. In France politicians have purposed a law that will require airbrushed/photoshopped images to contain a disclaimer, much like the ones on cigarettes. They feel this false advertising is equally detrimental to one's health.
(Read the article here: Proposed Law)
I agree with the brave lawmakers of France -The fact that we as a global society feel the need to dissect the images of 3 beautiful women to create a "perfect woman" is truly disturbing.

As a woman who has struggled with her own self image, I highly recommend this video:

Dove's campaign for real beauty

Here is another link. Click on the image to view a list of the changes and see the before and after effects.
Magazing Cover Before and After

Where is the evolution of beauty taking us? How will I (you) determine the outcome?

Tantra and Music

Image via Wikipedia

I am very excited to have been interview by TantricNews!
I feel honored to be recognized by the Tantric community.
I'd like to invite you to read the article :

Sound Healing with Jaqueline Marie

Please don't forget to rate the interview!

Namaste

Day of Atonement

Image via Wikipedia

As the sun goes down millions of people around the world choose to fast, reflect, and seek forgiveness. Voices are humbly raised in prayer, each beseeching God to absolve one's sins .

In Hebrew the word for sin is het, which translated means to err, or to miss the mark. It's original meaning has nothing to do with evil.

When we act without love we have erred. So a sin is simply an act void of love.

I'd like to expend my love and light to the Jewish community honoring this holy day. This beautiful tradition has reminded me to act from the heart, from a place of love, and to forgive and seek forgiveness.

Have a blessed Yom Kippur!

*What does the word "sin" mean to you?

Honoring the Mother

Image via Wikipedia

I've just returned from a beautiful ceremony honoring the Divine Mother. This was my first time participating in the Hindu celebration of Navratri, the sacred festival commemorating the junction of Summer into Fall. What an amazing experience!

The moment I entered the room I was transported - the energy was breathtaking. Men and women sat in sacred circle with eyes closed, hands at their hearts, breathing in unison. The smell of sweet incense filled the air.

In the center of the room hundreds of rose petals encircled three candles, representing the three main energies of the mother: Shri Durga/Kali as strength and courage, Shri Laxmi as abundance and grace, and Shri Saraswati as awakened wisdom and knowledge. (In the Hindu philosophy all three are needed for a blessed life.)

Sitting humbly at the front was the Tantric Priest Amarananda Bhairavan (Nandu). I took my place, closed my eyes, and the journey began.

Prayer. Intention. Chant. Kirtan. Blessing. Chant. Dance. Ecstasy. Chant. Blessing. Gratitude.

There is nothing like be bathed in the sound of a hundred voices chanting. Sitting in that room the vibration of love reverberated throughout my entire being. The joy of peace moved my body naturally, the recognition of an ancient truth hand my voice knowing the words and singing the songs.

I've returned home infused with the love and gratitude. Deep in my core there is peace. A gentle smile graces my lips. I feel alive in my femininity. I'm heading to bed completely in love with life.

Namaste.

Image via Wikipedia

Tonight marks an important milestone in my life: In 4 hours I will be in the studio recording the vocals for my first CD.

I am humbled. I'm overjoyed. I am beyond excited. I've been shedding tears of gratitude sporadically throughout the day. This is the beginning of a beautiful journey, one I have been preparing for my entire life.

It's surreal knowing that everything I have ever experienced has led me to this moment. All the joys, each and every heartache - not a step was wasted.

I've read that the universe will conspire to help you achieve your goals once you relinquish control. I am living prof that this is true.

Thank you universe! Thank you to every soul I have ever encountered! Thank you pain, thank you sorrow, thank you faith, thank you Love!

Wish me light!

A Lesson

Image by taivasalla via Flickr

This morning I woke up late. Flustered and rushed, I barely made it to my destination on time. I sat down prepared for what was going to happen only to be given a completely different experience, one I didn't want. On the drive home I received a distressing phone call. I hung up feeling sad and tired.

Taking a "realistic" perspective, one could say I've had a pretty crappy morning. Yet I am REFUSING to see it that way. Being the powerful being that I am, I know that I have a choice! I can choose to focus on the obvious negative, or I can choose to zero in on the more subtle positive. I can view the circumstances of my morning as a metaphor, and become empowered by the lesson the universe is giving me.

Whats the lesson? If I frantically rush towards something with expectation, the result will leave me feeling unsatisfied and let down.

Today I'm going to take my time. I'm going to really listen with an open mind and heart, free of expectation, want, or need. I'm going to see the gifts before me, knowing that everything is unfolding just the way its meant to.

My mantra for today" "Today is the greatest day of my life!"

painting by Rassouli

One moment gives way to the next.
A constant wave, time flows beautifully onward.
I go about my day in awe - everything is changed.

~Jaqueline Marie

Perfection

Image by janusz l via Flickr

I have the habit of censoring myself. I don't express what I feel. I morph my emotions and store them in a politically correct, tidy, BIG box that allows me to distance myself from them and the experiences they stemmed from. Admitting this is very hard for me. Correction, admitting anything less then perfection is hard for me.

I've realized my perception of perfection dictates my entire life. I'm always weighing my actions, my thoughts, my writings, my music etc. The voice in my head is a tyrant, constantly judging my every move. And you know what? I make darn good moves! My life is beautiful! I'm very happy with who I am, who I am becoming and where I am headed. So why do I still beat myself up?

Here is a truth - just as each of us are divine, every one of us is human. Therein lies the beauty of duality. In my desire to grow and transcend I have forgotten how important it is to be of this world. This bizarre idea of perfection my mind has created is a tool for separation - If I focus on and judge my every perceived flaw, is it not right to say I will be more quick to assess and judge the flaws of others?

I expect a lot from myself. Normally I would judge myself for even admitting such a thing, but instead I'm going to make the conscious choice to laugh at the part of my personality that is a huge control freak. I'm going to forgive myself for being human and having expectations.

Once again, the answer is forgiveness.

Passioin

Image by from eye to pixel via Flickr

Passion makes the old medicine new:

Passion lops off the bough of weariness.

Passion is the elixir that renews:

how can there be weariness

when passion is present?

Oh, don't sigh heavily from fatigue:

seek passion, seek passion, seek passion!

~Rumi

Bye Bye Baby

Image via Wikipedia

"2009, Summer of Death"

Having lost a wonderful man close to my heart on July 21st, I've experienced first hand the passing of a beloved. It appears that many souls are choosing to leave at this time. The multitude of this crossing, however, didn't sink in until I read Verena von Pfetten's article. (link above)
As I see it, death is a birth into the unknown. When we shed these bodies, the spark that is life is freed, and the soul returns home. Where is home? That is a question every woman must answer for herself.

I have this beautiful visual of all the souls leaving earth dancing hand in hand, intertwining as they ascend, becoming a single rainbow of light. At this point in my journey I understand we are all connected. Separation truly is an illusion. In the words of Rumi,

"What was said to the rose that made it open
was said to me, here, in my chest".

Afternoon Thoughts

Layer by layer, I am shedding my past. Circumstances beyond my control are presenting me with the opportunity to free myself from limiting thoughts, beliefs, and behavior. I've found myself in the eye of the storm - destruction surrounds me. And yet, admits the chaos, there is life. It's a definite art, choosing to see the beauty through the pain.

The great mystic Rumi said it best,
"Oh my friend, if you are longing to be written upon, become a blank sheet."

Haiku

Orange light flickers

Shadows dancing on the wall

Kindred flames arise

Free Sound Demonstration

ATTENTION TO EMOTIONAL, PHYSICAL & SPIRITUAL HEALING

Your body, mind & spirit reveal what you need; PAY ATTENTION. Listen, understand & experience our integrated emotional, physical & healing practice of psychotherapy and medicine.

Elevate your soul; hear the magical voice of our sound therapist, Jaqueline Marie.

When:

Wednesday July 1st

7pm-9pm

Where:

Wheel of Wellbeing

(310) 477-8833

1575 Westwood Blvd, suite #205

Westwood, Ca 90024

RSVP to: WOWRSVP@gmail.com

or

Sacred.Sound@live.com

JaquelineMarie.com

Sound Concert Flyer

6 Steps to a Greener Diet

Here are some simple suggestions from Curtis Cook, founder of the Executive Center for the Ecology Economy, to nurture your inner green foodie:

1.) Seek the local advantage.

If you can get fresh local produce in your community you are doing yourself and the planet a world of good -- minimal transportation, minimal greenhouse gas emissions, minimal preservatives (and probably pesticides) and maximum flavor and nutrition.

2.) Eat your veggies…and fruit.

Mom was right, and there is no denying it. To paraphrase healthy eating pioneer and Fit for Life author Harvey Diamond, those scientific discoveries of health enhancing nutrients are never found in pork chops. Arguably, a vegetarian diet is easier on the planet and the body, as long as you eat a balanced diet to get all the nutrients you need. Meat, dairy and grain production take more energy then they return and consume large tracts of land. Experiment by introducing more produce into your diet and try to go for a few days without meat.

3.) Cut out take-out.

If you have to order it through a clown’s mouth, eat it out of a waxed paper wrapper or wait thirty minutes before it’s free, it is not a green food choice. The planet and your digestive tract will thank you for reducing or eliminating your fast-food consumption.

4.) Small meal = small energy.

If you are heating up leftovers or a small meal, consider an energy efficient option to the stove or oven. A small electric grill or toaster oven will likely use less energy for the same task. As your large kitchen appliances wear out, consider recycling options, as well as replacement with Energy Star or other energy efficient models.

5.) If you can’t eat it, compost it.

Don’t let your food waste enter the landfill. Most food (meat and heavily processed and packaged foods being obvious exceptions) can be returned to the earth with minimal effort. Composting can be a great learning experience for kids as well. Don’t have a composter? Here’s how to create one – whether you have a big back yard or not

6.) Become food informed.

If people knew the history behind the food on their plate, it would change the modern American diet. We accept livestock bloated on antibiotics, pesticide-laden vegetables, depleted fish stocks on the verge of collapse and a grand experiment to genetically modify crop after crop. Fortunately, there are greener alternatives for meat and fish lovers, as well as recognized practices for sustainable and organic food harvesting. Ask your grocer and the owner of your favorite restaurant about their food suppliers. You deserve to know what you are eating and the impact it may be having on you and the planet.

Happy Father's Day!

What Makes a Dad

God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so,

He called it ... Dad

~~Author Unknown.~~

Image by mikebaird via Flickr

Dream of Relaity

John Lennon via last.fm

You make your own dream. That's what I'm saying now. Produce your own dream.

If you want to save Peru, go save Peru. It's quite possible to do anything, but not to put it on the leaders and the parking meters. Don't expect Jimmy Carter or Ronald Reagan or John Lennon or Yoko Ono or Bob Dylan or Jesus Christ to come and do it for you. You have to do it yourself.

That's what the great masters and mistresses have been saying ever since time began. They can point the way, leave signposts and little instructions in various books that are now called holy and worshiped for the cover of the book and not for what it says, but the instructions are all there for all to see, have always been and always will be.

There's nothing new under the sun. All the roads lead to Rome. And people cannot provide it for you. I can't wake you up. You can wake you up. I can't cure you.

You can cure you.

~John Lennon

Sound Therapy

I would like to share with you my experience of sound and how it can be used as a medium for healing.

Sound in any of its forms is a source of energy. As an energy source, it can be used as a tool for a change of consciousness and wellbeing. Sound therapy is based on the theory that all of life vibrates, including people's bodies. When a person's healthy resonant frequency is out of balance, physical and emotional health is affected. In sound therapy the sound vibrations create a “molecular” massage, stimulating each cell toward its proper resonating frequency. When our cells, tissues, organs and glands are all resonating in harmony, profound healing can occur.

Sacred sound - whether as prayer, music, song, incantation or chant - is a vital force which permeates every aspect of creation. It is considered the oldest form of healing, and was a predominant part of the early teachings of the Greeks, Chinese, East Indians, Tibetans, Egyptians, American Indians, Mayas, and the Aztecs.

The broad spectrum of sound therapy includes chanting, an activity long connected to healing and religion, and sounds of nature. Different sounds have elicited a variety of emotional responses and altered mental and physical states in people. The connection between sound and healing was chronicled in 1896 when American physicians discovered that certain types of music improved thought processes and spurred blood flow. More advances in sound therapy came after World War II when it was used as part of rehabilitation treatment for soldiers. We are just now beginning to awaken to the ancient benefits of sound as a means of health and wellness.

As a practicing sound therapist, I can attest to miraculous changes that occur in a persons emotional, mental, and phsyical body.

To hear samples of my sound sessions visit: www.JaquelineMarie.com

Coming from a place of grace and gratitude, I would like to offer anyone interested a free mp3 guided meditation. Please email me at: Sacred.Sound@live.com for your free meditation.

It is my hope that sacred sound will once again be utilized as a means of transformation. It is simple, effective, and everyone can do it. Around 400BCE, Plato profoundly stated, "Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything." Truly, music is the universal language.

In Light & Love

Jaqueline Marie

Tao Te Ching - Verse 1

Cover via Amazon

Weekly Contemplation

Every week I will post a verse from the Tao Te Ching to help encourage your awareness to blossom. I will be drawing upon Dr. Wayne W. Dryer's book, "Change Your Thoughts Change Your Life" as a point of reference. Dr. Wayne's book is a wonderful tool to aid in your transformation process.

As you go about your week, keep the verse in mind, applying it whenever and however you can.

Also known as The Great Way, the Tao was written 500 years before the birth of Jesus by an awakened soul named Lao Tzu. The Tao is regarded by many as the ultimate commentary on the nature of our existence. I envite you to open yourself to the beautiful, universal truths of this 2,500 year old text

1st Verse

The Tao that can be told

is not the eternal Tao.

The name that can be named

is not the eternal name.



The Tao is both named and nameless.

As nameless it is the origin of all things;

as named it is the Mother of 10,000 things.



Ever desireless, one can see the mystery;

ever desiring, one sees only the manifestations.

And the mystery itself is the doorway

to all understanding.

"The Tao is an unknowable, unseeable realm where everything originates; while at the same time, the Tao exists within everything. When we desire to see this invsibleness (mystery), we attempt to define it in terms of the outer world of form - what Lao Tzu calls the 10,000 things. Lao Tzu counsels us that letting go of trying to see the mystery will actually allow us to see it."

In this reference to the Tao,
disireless means trusting, permitting, and allowing.

The point here is to recognize the difference in your body between trying and allowing, and to then become aware of the effortless sensation of the latter."

Putting the Tao into Practice:

• Enjoy the mystery of life! Don't try so hard to make something work - simply allow.
• Let go of the need to always name and label - Judge Less and Listen More.

There is magic in the world. Open your heart to the mystery.
Namaste
~JaquelineMarie~

The Setting Sun

Having been engaged with work for many hours, I was feeling completely burnt out.
Tired, anxious, stressed, I was regarding my computer as one would a foe - with forbearance and disdain. I wanted to flee from this place, my little sound studio, and embrace the "real world".

But now, as the sun begins to descend, I am overcome with gratitude.
The rays filtering through my window illuminate my work station; the entire room takes on an ethereal glow.
What once was dark and subdued is now bursting with life -
In a matter of seconds my world is transformed.

How my eyes have been opened!
All at once I've become aware of the birds singing from across the way, their romantic serenade the most beautiful of music.

I can feel the soft breeze on my skin now. How lovingly it caresses me, encouraging me to be at peace.

A lone owl calls out; his is a sound I have always associated with the mysterious interconnectedness of the universe.

What a gift, the sun, with her glorious rays, and her subtle reminder to be mindful of the powers of perception.

Camille Pissarro's quote is perfectly fitting,
“Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places.”

How blessed am I.
How blessed I AM.

Namaste
~Jaqueline Marie~

The Rose

Some say love, it is a river
that drowns the tender reed.
Some say love, it is a razor
that leaves your soul to bleed.
Some say love, it is a hunger,
an endless aching need.
I say love, it is a flower,
and you its only seed.

It's the heart afraid of breaking
that never learns to dance.
It's the dream afraid of waking
that never takes the chance.
It's the one who won't be taken,
who cannot seem to give,
and the soul afraid of dyin'
that never learns to live.

When the night has been too lonely
and the road has been to long,
and you think that love is only
for the lucky and the strong,
just remember in the winter
far beneath the bitter snows
lies the seed that with the sun's love
in the spring becomes the rose.

~ Amanda McBloom



Bloom in abandon. Let the dance begin!

Sound Session

I am a certified massage therapist with a background in classical voice and music. I would like to share with you my experience of sound and how it can be used as a medium for healing.

While performing classical music in Brussels, I became aware of the powerful effect sound vibrations had on my listener’s state of consciousness and overall well being. I returned to California to share my experiences and begin my practice as a Sound Therapist.

One memorable session took place with a lovely woman who was suffering from post traumatic stress disorder and sever stomach pain. She had been in traditional therapy for many years without much success.

15 minutes into her sound session her anxiety, and stress related headache had dissipated. I observed the knots in her digestive tract relax and release. The emotional tension held in her stomach, neck, shoulders and chest was greatly alleviated. When the session was finished she reported having a deeply moving experience, one which allowed her to let go of the sadness she had been carrying. She no longer had pain in her stomach, and her heart felt much lighter.

Here is an example of the sound I created to assist her process: www.JaquelineMarie.com

Coming from a place of grace and gratitude, I would like to offer anyone interested a free mp3 guided meditation. Please email me at: Sacred.Sound@live.com for your free meditation.

In Light & Love

Jaqueline Marie