The December Newsletter

Dear Students,Friends and Family of Wisechoices and Mari Hall,

Gracious it is December already…this year has just flown by. Our Virtual 21 day Usui Retreat will start on the 21st of December. Adonea a wonderful Reiki Master/ Teacher from Sedona, Arizona will be doing the meditations for us. When I was in Sedona I spent several lovely days talking with her about Reiki and our individual paths in Reiki. I know you will enjoy her contribution. Make sure mark your calendar and also let your friends and Reiki groups know. For more information you can go to the Usui pages at our website by following this link: http://www.wisechoices.com/usui.asp

To those of you who have visited my new web site www.mantrabeads.com Thank you. I am receiving very positive feed back on the mantra (prayer) beads. The people who now own them have remarked that they feel the energy in them. I am also taking special orders; they are an excellent Christmas present. If you have not taken the time please do. These are a real labor of love and faith.

Here is a question I was asked today. “Yes, your professional life may take up much of your time and energy, but there is much more to you than what you do for a living. What do you do for a life?”

This is the type of question that can be life altering especially when I choose to answer it from very real and honest space. My first response was; what I do for a life is BEing my authentic self and living from my heart. Perhaps you would like to consider what your answer would be. Let me know what you come up with.

And on this note I am sharing an excellent article from the Daily OM with you.

Being Who You Are
Living Your Truth

When we are young children, we live authentically, seldom afraid or embarrassed to seek out what we want or to speak our minds. As we grow older, we tend to tuck that authenticity away, putting it aside while we chase our dreams, afraid that it might hinder us in our success. But we never let that freedom go completely. We may conform to society while embracing secret passions when alone. We may withhold certain opinions, though it doesn't change the fact that we possess them. It is important, however, to never stray too far from that youthful brashness and self-interest for they are qualities that help make you who you are. The authentic you is your true self and, in living authentically, you live your truth, making time for the things you love and projecting who you really are. The simplest way to live your truth is to leave the expectations of other behind and live the way you feel most worthwhile.

It takes being selfish in a healthy way by doing what you know is best for you, regardless of the opinions of others - even the opinions of close friends and family. Living authentically means that you make choices without fear, trusting in your soul's wisdom... If you value personal pursuits, don't feel forced into a certain job just to make enough money to keep up with your neighbors. Conversely, if you prize success in business, don't let others' perception of what's right for you hold you back. Denying your unique truth can lead to feelings of failure and dissatisfaction because you aren't acknowledging your true self. In living your truth, there are no pretenses. Everything you do will reflect who you truly are.

If you are unsure of who the authentic you really is, look inward and ask yourself what your purpose, values, and needs are. Honor your strengths and don't let yourself be guided by what other expect of you. Finally, discover your passions by trying new things, and sticking with those things that stir your soul. Finding who you really are and then making the choice to embrace you true dreams and desires will take your life in a direction that is both satisfying and deeply meaningful.

Recently I did a review of a book by Joyce Shafer titled “I Don’t Want to be Your Guru, But I Have Something to Say.” It has such a good message that I am sharing it with you. Here is the description: “Are you on a journey, or just takin a trip?” That is the question Old Bill posed to A.J. in the small, isolated café nestled in the vivid hues of the Southwest desert. The conversation about the holographic nature of reality, religions, cultures, and what self-empowerment really is stretched across the afternoon. Years later, A.J. returns to give a gift to the wise man who’s challenging questions and unique perspective altered the course of so many lives. But it doesn’t take long for A.J. to realize an even greater cosmic mystery is about to unfold. Follow this link to either purchase or download it. I am going to give the download as gifts this Christmas. I believe you will enjoy it. www.lulu.com/content/127175


I have a pen friend named Mari Hall; yes there are at least two Mari Halls; when I met her she was living in Seattle, Washington where I was born… a coincidence do you suppose? It has been delightful to write to her over the years and follow her amazing career as an artist. It is a Flash movie about peace. It is entitled "Heart Story" it is a small file size (96K). What Mari has said is “With world events continuing to gravitate towards more global aggression, I think it is a great time to review in our hearts, how much better life could be, filling our hearts and lives with more love.” Follow this link to view the movie. http://www.marizart.com/test/heart.html


Incredible Coincidences
Synchronicity

Everyone has experienced the pleasantly surprised feelings left behind by a meaningful coincidence. The situation itself may be insignificant - the book whose title you couldn't remember falls off the bookstore shelf or an acquaintance that seems to enter your life again and again - but the message inherent in the coincidence may not be. Synchronicity, or the unlikely conjunction of events, can be an eye-opening experience. Psychologist Carl Jung theorized that synchronicities occurred when universal forces were aligned with the experiences of an individual, leading to coincidences that appear to be more than just chance. These incidents happen because everything is innately connected. He believed that such events can be called forth by an individual's unconscious needs. Nothing occurs randomly. Rather, we draw certain people, situations, and blessings to ourselves.

A synchronistic event such as a chance encounter can be positive, negative, or neutral, and feel deeply mysterious or commonplace. Some coincidences are obvious while others are not apparent until after careful analysis. Perhaps during an ongoing financial crisis, you always found just enough money to get by. Or a recurring dream prepares you for an eventual physical event. Many times, synchronicities represent opportunities to learn about ourselves and the external world. If you feel touched by multiple coincidences or intrigued by a single one, ask yourself why you may be attracting the people involved or the situations. Is it highlighting some aspect of your life or suggesting a course of action? The soul, believed Jung, whispers to us through synchronicity calling us to attention.

Seeking the meaning behind a synchronistic event can help you know yourself better, kick start your creativity, or show you future pitfalls to avoid. The most profound coincidences often occur at life's crossroads, stopping us in our tracks.

I will be sending the first meditation on the 21st of December.

Love and Blessings,
Mari