Day Two ~Time With Friends~

Getting dressed today I fixed my hair extra special, took time with my make-up, chose an outfit that always makes me feel cute and comfortable, and splurged by adorning my neck with three necklaces from the bottom of my jewelry box.

The first is a ring on a chain. The ring came from an old boyfriend, who was an influential force in my life many years ago. He gave me the gift of forgiveness, opening my life to new possibilities. I owe him everything.

The second is a small medallion that represents my time in local theatre. Wearing it reminds me of the amazing, crazy, vibrant friends who stoke the creative fire. Thanks for all the "broken" legs. :)

The third is a silver star, painted charcoal grey. On it, is the word--FRIENDS. I wore it as part of a Madonna costume when I ran a 5K on Halloween in 2009. I ran with my son, my daughter and Mom cheered me on, my husband congratulated me on the phone. The friendships I am surrounded by from my dear family surpass all.

I am blessed with a heart that is full from the love I've shared with people throughout my life.

Today, every time I want to retreat, I'm going to touch my necklaces, and remember times spent, connections made, and friendships celebrated.

Here's to friendship!
Kimberly

Week Ten ~Time With Friends~

I've had many friends throughout my life. Some have been with me during times of great sorrow, others have been near during my happiest moments. Every one of them has played their part.

This week, I want us to retreat with friends.

Try to plan at least one simple get together with a good friend. Grab a coffee, meet for lunch, plan a dinner or a night out. Talk about your commitment to retreat, and how this is a special time for you to nurture yourself by connecting with the people who mean the most. Really focus on the time you have and the friendship you share. See if you can't learn something new and wonderful about this person who already gives you so much.

If you're unable to physically be with a close companion, take out a notebook, a really good pen, and write for at least ten minutes about someone who has impacted your life through friendship. Take a walk back in time to a year when a best friend made all the difference. Share what you can with me in this blog.

And I will do the same.

The coffee pot is always on,
Kimberly

p.s. Check out the link below to read a guest post of mine on the fabulous website that is Joy Junket. It deals with friendship. Enjoy!

http://www.joyjunket.com/manifesto-musings-time-with-friends-is-sacred/

Hands ~Day Four~

Okay, this is technically an advertisement for a car company, but the video leading up to the plug at the end is unbelievable. Enjoy!

http://www.spike.com/video/what-hands-can-do/2822408

Embracing beauty every day,
Kimberly

Week Nine ~Hands~

Hands are the heart's landscape.-   Pope John Paul II

Think of all we do with our hands.

The miracle of movement in our fingers. How a simple touch can heal a broken heart, a wounded ego, an anxious mind.
This week, I'd like to offer you a retreat for your hard working hands.

I found this self-massage technique on ehow. This video is very simple to follow, and a good technique for hand massage.

http://www.ehow.com/video_4404422_self-massage-techniques-hands.html

To make this a retreat, take a moment for an opening ceremony.

Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and set the intention that the next few minutes are for you.

If you have a favorite lotion or scented oil, use it. You may even want to splurge a bit and buy a bottle just for this retreat. Aromatherapy can be highly indusive to relaxation and calm, and a scent that makes you happy is an added treat for this massage.

Below is a list of scents and their uses to get you started, but don't think of this as the last word on aroma. We are all unique, and if a fragrance speaks to you, that's the important thing.

Basil – Sage - Mint -  Spiritual uplifting, energizing and romance,
                                  relaxation, extreme calming and comfort

Cedarwood - Nervous tension, bronchitis, congestion, coughs and
                    sinusitis

Eucalyptus - Asthma, bronchitis, coughs, sinusitis and throat
                    infections

Jasmine - Mood changing, fear, sensual, romance and confidence

Lavender - Flu, depression, insomnia and hypertension

Lemon - Well being, refreshing, optimistic, fearless and strengthening

Lime - Balance, cleansing, motivation and clarity

Sandalwood - Depression, tensions and stress

Ylang Ylang - Depression, impotence, insomnia, frigidity and stress
 
When you are done, fold your hands over your heart and with a deep breath, imagine a glow enveloping your fingers, thumbs, palms, and joints. Thank your body for all it does, every day.

Be good to yourself. Always.

Kimberly

Day Five ~Strong Foundations~

We're coming to the end of our time with the base chakra. Remember, I've suggested we set the intention to find something red and delicious in the grocery store to support this important energy center. Yesterday I had an experience I wanted to share which is best expressed with brevity. Enjoy.


Long day.

Shuffling numbly into the grocery store for husband requested frozen pizza.

Forgot about my own retreat.

Drifted toward the deli.
Don't know why.
No pizza there.

Was greeted with a rainbow of vitamin packed, antioxidant sporting, "fuel your body with the good stuff" juices.

"Ahhhh. Now I remember."

(smile)

I had found Red Machine.

Yumm. Yumm. Triple yumm.

All better.

Slurp, slurp,
Kimberly

Day Three ~Strong Foundations~

Here's a little inspiration for the produce section courtesy of Linda R. O'Connell.

Succulent, sensual, seeds. Yumm.

THE POMEGRANATE

Posted March 14th, 2009 by lroconnell

• seeds of love

THE POMEGRANATE
By Linda R. O’Connell
Copyright © 2009

Pomegranate,
leather skinned globe
jewels in your crown.
You captivate me
with the fullness of
your form,
your regal beauty
and taste treasure.
Pleasure me,
fruit of temptation,
bleeding juice of
fertility and bounty.
You are not fit for mere mortals,
for it was you
luring Adam
in the garden that day.
Journey me,
lead me away from
the wines
of vineyards.
Surround me in
your scarlet flesh
and seduce me,
as I grab you
and caress!
Coax me on towards
your crimson kernels,
of pearls
that tire me
to death.
Oh pomegranate,
take me.

Strong Foundations ~Week Eight~

As promised, we're going to continue working with the base chakra this week. After last week's meditation retreat, I hope you are all feeling grounded, nourished, and strong.

The first chakra is located at the base of the spine, and it cares for basic human needs. It is concerned with survival. This is where the energy of good food, undisturbed sleep, shelter, health, and financial security lie. If these basic needs aren't met, it is difficult to move up the rainbow, so to speak, and experience the full energy spectrum.

Let's take care of those basic essential needs.

Take a trip to the grocery store. Before you even leave your car, close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and set the intention that the perfect nourishment for your body, for this moment, resides within that building. Believe in your soul that you are going to find exactly what your body needs.

I like to look for naturally red foods, since I love coordinating along a theme. We're working on the first chakra, and it's color is red...you get the idea. Besides, this will usually rule out things like glazed donuts and ice cream, which have their purpose, but are not the healthiest choices. For this retreat, lets treat our bodies with goodness that goes beyond sugar cravings. 

Pomegranates, strawberries, red bell peppers, raspberries, cherries, apples.

Put only foods that are red in your cart or basket, thinking all the while about your foundation. Remember how envisioning puddles of light with each step can ground you. And no one in the produce section needs to know what you're doing! :) Buy yourself some red roses too. Why not. When was the last time you treated yourself? 

Let me know what fun red foods you try. We could even share recipes!

*A simple way to enjoy berries any time of year is to buy frozen fruit. Defrost them in the microwave, or on the kitchen counter, and serve them over yogurt with a sprinkling of slivered almonds. Divine!

Try to eat something red every day, and when you are done, close your eyes, think of your strong foundation and quietly hum, "Mmmm good."

Good for you,
Kimberly