Christina Park's Blog

You know how our parents sometimes didn't see who we *really* were?  (If you're lucky, you have no idea what I'm talking about.)  A lot of parents sometimes forget to see who their kids truly are.  When I write the word "see", I mean openness.  It's hard to see without attachment.  When my parents saw me, they saw themselves, I think.  And the potential to do all of the things they weren't able to do. 

It must have been so hard for them to let go and let us grow up to be who we are.  Sometimes, I still think my mom has a hard time accepting the fact that I'm an adult.  LOL.  Geez, Ma!   When you're so invested, it must be very hard not to meddle or try to impose our will on a body.  

I was thinking the other day about how we do the same thing to life.  We tell life what we want it to be.  We say, "Life, you should be about constant excitement.  I want to be happy, successful and always secure.  I want... I want... You should be.... And don't forget..."

Ha!  As if life is sitting there, perched on a stool taking notes!

It's so limiting, too. And many of us do this without realizing it. 

SO...

How about letting life SHOW you what *it* wants to be, all that it *can* be? 

It's not our little toy or doll.  It's a living, breathing, forever changing masterpiece.  Trying to tell it what it should be and trying to force it into a box will only limit its potential.

But if you sit back with a loving heart and an open mind, you can give it the positive space and time to unfold the way it should... just for you.  And it will be with perfect stillness, perfect peace and perfect wisdom.  If you let it show you what it wants to be and stop fighting it... you will be pulled by the twin forces of fate and fortune.  Sometimes the world has a way of parting just for you when you let go.

A very special person to me was telling me about a near death experience.  He was caught in a strong undertow while river rafting.  I can only imagine how terrifying that was.  There he was, struggling and fighting to stay afloat...swallowing mouthful after mouthful of water.  He said he was so incredibly tired that the last time he went under, he finally let go and stopped fighting.  That's when the current scooped him up and he popped to the surface.   It's frightening to think what might have happened. 

Who do we think we are that we can take on something as big as life as an opponent?   Why do we fight the eternal?  Acceptance can be so powerful.  Most people think that the word acceptance means lying down and letting the wagon of life roll over your stomach.  (Ouch!)   Acceptance would be...getting on the wagon instead of running in a straight line in front of it, or trying to drag it backwards. 

How about that?  :-)

What in your life are you refusing to see?  How can you let life reveal its true beauty to you?  Let me tell you, it won't happen by trying to clench your fist around the butterfly that it is.  Rather, it all starts with an open hand.   Allowing. 

Breathe!!!

(((HUGS)))

Christina

So I've been making lists of things I have always said I was going to do and systematically going through it all.

What's on your list?

One of mine includes finally joining Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.  I have wanted to do this for years.  I have no idea what took me so long to get started on this journey.   I was first inspired by my friend Melissa in Atlanta who has had a little sister for about a decade.   It's the most incredible thing.   There are so many things and experiences in my life I would love to share with a little sister!   And I have a lot of time, love and energy to give.

A lot of us feel like we're always so jammed for time, but we can sit in front of the TV for three or four hours a day mindlessly zoning out.  Trust me... I KNOW.  I'm dangerous around the TV because I will watch *anything.*   Anything.   Seriously.  Mostly movies.  When one ends, another begins and I get sucked right in there.  I could also hole up in my bed and read for the next 10 years without stopping. 

Once in college, I unscrewed the cable to my TV and gave it to my friend for safekeeping so I couldn't watch anymore movies... I did this in the middle of the night in my pjs.   I had an exam the next day and the college cable station was playing the BEST movies, darnit!  Before release!  ARGH.  Thanks, UPenn!  Brilliant idea to play awesome movies on the college channel during finals week!   That's nice. 

Seriously, I could do a lot more with my time.  There's family and my loved ones.  But what about the time inbetween?  I wasn't put here on this Earth just to live a nice life in my little world.   Good or bad, I was given gifts and responsibilities and many of them -- I'm just not using, honing or giving away.   As for my vices, don't worry;  I intend to keep them all.   ;-)  For example, I will never....EVER...give up coffee.  LOL.

So I'll keep you all in the loop about how the journey begins.  This weekend is orientation.  I'm so excited to see who God is going to put in my life.   (!!!!!!!)

Another thing on my list... not being so blind to need that is in my face every day.  Every day, I pass by people who need my help.  Directions, money, food or even just a friendly hello.  I try my best to do whatever I can to help.  But there have been a few times when I'm with a friend and we pass someone who is homeless and I didn't do anything because I didn't want to embarrass my friend or make them feel obligated to reciprocate if I stopped to give. 

I always give in private and when I'm alone.  But how dumb is that?!  Really.  I don't care how guilty it makes my friends feel!  I'm going to give every time.  I once asked a spiritual guru of mine: with all this need... how can I give to every person who crosses my path?  What will happen?  Will I be able to pay my bills if I give it all away?  And she said, "Why don't you just try it and see what happens?"

So my new thing is, whoever asks me for money... I have to stop and I'm going to give.   I have a lot.  And I truly believe that I will always have a lot.  That's the new rule.  I don't care who I'm with or what I'm doing.  There is a tendency not to see the need in our city.  It's so painful.  It makes me want to fall on the ground and cry.   No matter how painful it is, I don't ever want to give up the willingness to feel the suffering of others.

I've had a really amazing life.  More than anyone should.  I'd like to live for others now.

If we're all one, and we're all connected... then doing for others is really doing good for us all.  If I help a stranger, I'm helping you.  And if you help someone, you're helping me.  And through it all, we're helping each other one person at a time.

I'm sure going to miss those movies, though.  ;-)  But life is a more fascinating movie.

All my Love,

Christina

PS) On a totally unrelated note, did anyone watch the VMAs last night?  (I was stuck at work and we got to catch some of it.)  Kanye was incredible!  You should listen to Love Lockdown if you can.  =)

Hello Everyone!

I really love all of your comments on my blog... thanks for keeping in touch even though I've been off on vacation...

Wow, with the new schedule I've been rediscovering life.  I had a life changing experience in Atlanta a couple of weeks ago.  My mother put me in touch with one of the greatest entrepreneurs of our generation and that lunch really changed how I've been living my life.   His identity isn't important so much as his vision is.   He has done so much for the community and has really shaped the lives of many people. 

I've learned so much and I'd love to share it with you.

This man owned more than 2 dozen companies.  Five of them are huge successes.  One, he just sold for a 9 digit figure.  Can you believe that?   This person came from a wealthy family already, but his father didn't want him to live the life of a prince forever.  He wanted his son to have the opportunity to go out and make his own life.

And that is exactly what he did.  What really made a huge impression on me was his character.  This man told the truth, no matter what.  He sought to make the world a greater place for everyone, not just for himself or for his family.  Even if he lost money, he never let that bring him down or stop taking risks.

He told me to pursue excellence in every little thing I did.  He said I wouldn't begin to see results immediately, but over a period of 5 years...10 years... it would be tremendous. 

Also, he told me that men when scared...can be like chickens.  Hey, so can women!  But he said his wife always backed him up when things got scary.  And he said that kind of support helped him take a big breath and go back out into the world again. 

Most of all, he said it's normal to be afraid.  There were so many times when he said he felt like he was driving down a highway with his eyes shut tightly.  That's how dire situations can get, when you're even too scared to open your eyes.  What you might see is too frightening for words.  We've all been there, haven't we?  If you've lived enough of life, those times can really test you to the very last inch. 

The thing that struck me the most about his life experiences was... each and every trying element in his life...agonizing betrayal of a true friend / business partner or catastrophic loss in business... catapulted him to receive a gift too great for words.   And now, he THANKED them for what they did.   

One of the most painful experiences in his life, when a trusted friend who called him brother betrayed him, led him to seek forgiveness. It hurt him so much he knew that the pain would kill him if he didn't forgive.   And that's how he found God one day.   A catastrophic loss in business would have knocked most people on their backs...but it led him to start a company that gave him and his family financial security for generations.

It was really great to talk to a living legend.  

I'm really grateful.  Now that summer is winding down, I can finally take measure of everything that has happened in my year at Fox 5.  It has been tremendous.  Most of all, I'm humbled by it all.  This city has taken root in my heart and I have come to really open up to the great humanity that exists here.

Never have I felt more at home or more at peace.  I love walking down the streets and seeing something fascinating like a guy wearing a cat as a hat... Someone singing his heart out in the park... couples falling in love... tourists looking as lost as I felt when I first moved here... Something always makes me laugh when I walk out the door.  This city has a lot of things, but it truly has a heart.

I've made many friends and have loved and been loved.  You have really welcomed me and I want you to know that you have all made a big difference in my life.

I am at a very exciting turning point in my life!!!! 

I will tell you all more in due time, but I first have to send out lots of love and my sincere wishes for your happiness and health...not just for you but for your families and friends as well.

Have an amazing summer, everyone!!!!!!!!

(((((BIG BIG BEAR HUGS)))))

Love,

Christina

Hello Everyone!

I just wanted to share this poem with you... 

e.e. cummings would call it PUDDLE-WONDERFUL! 

And it made me happy.  So I hope it makes you happy!

(((HUGS)))

I Like You by Sandol Stoddard Warburg

I like you and I know why.
I like you because you are a good person to like.
I like you because when I tell you something special, you know it's special
And you remember it a long, long time.

You say, Remember when you told me something special
And both of us remember

When I think something is important
you think it's important too
We have good ideas
When I say something funny, you laugh
I think I'm funny and you think I'm funny too
Hah-hah!

I like you because you know where I'm ticklish
And you don't tickle me there except just a little tiny bit sometimes
But if you do, then I know where to tickle you too

You know how to be silly
That's why I like you
Boy are you ever silly
I never met anybody sillier than me till I met you
I like you because you know when it's time to stop being silly
Maybe day after tomorrow
Maybe never
Too late, it's a quarter past silly

Sometimes we don't say a word
We snurkle under fences
We spy secret places
If I am a goofus on the roofus hollering my head off
You are one too

If I pretend I am drowning, you pretend you are saving me
If I am getting ready to pop a paper bag,
then you are getting ready to jump
HOORAY

That's because you really like me
You really like me, don't you
And I really like you back
And you like me back and I like you back
And that's the way we keep on going every day

If you go away, then I go away too
or if I stay home, you send me a postcard
You don't just say Well see you around sometime, bye
I like you a lot because of that
If I go away, I send you a postcard too

And I like you because if we go away together
And if we are in Grand Central Station
And if I get lost
Then you are the one that is yelling for me

And I like you because when I am feeling sad
You don't always cheer me up right away
Sometimes it is better to be sad
You can't stand the others being so googly and gaggly every single minute
You want to think about things
It takes time

I like you because if I am mad at you
Then you are mad at me too
It's awful when the other person isn't
They are so nice and hoo-hoo you could just about punch them in the nose

I like you because if I think I am going to throw up
then you are really sorry
You don't just pretend you are busy looking at the birdies and all that
You say, maybe it was something you ate
You say, the same thing happened to me one time
And the same thing did

If you find two four-leaf clovers, you give me one
If I find four, I give you two
If we only find three, we keep on looking
Sometimes we have good luck, and sometimes we don't

If I break my arm, and if you break your arm too
Then it's fun to have a broken arm
I tell you about mine, you tell me about yours
We are both sorry
We write our names and draw pictures
We show everybody and they wish they had a broken arm too

I like you because I don't know why but
Everything that happens is nicer with you
I can't remember when I didn't like you
It must have been lonesome then

I like you because because because
I forget why I like you but I do
So many reasons
On the 4th of July I like you because it's the 4th of July
On the fifth of July, I like you too
If you and I had some drums and some horns and some horses
If we had some hats and some flags and some fire engines
We could be a HOLIDAY
We could be a CELEBRATION
We could be a WHOLE PARADE
See what I mean?

Even if it was the 999th of July
Even if it was August
Even if it was way down at the bottom of November
Even if it was no place particular in January
I would go on choosing you
And you would go on choosing me
Over and over again
That's how it would happen every time
I don't know why

I guess I don't know why I really like you
Why do I like you
I guess I just like you
I guess I just like you because I like you.

;-)

Good Morning, Everyone!

So I'm reading this incredible book called The Art of Learning by Josh Waitzkin.  (He's the subject of the book & movie Searching for Bobby Fischer.)

In The Art of Learning, the World Chess Champ writes about his life as a child prodigy & his spiritual journey.  I really love the part in which he writes about yes, hermit crabs.

Josh writes:

The key to pursuing excellence is to embrace an organic, long-term learning process, and not to live in a shell of static, safe mediocrity.  Usually, growth comes at the expense of previous comfort or safety.

The hermit crab is a colorful example of a creature that lives by this aspect of the growth process.  As the crab gets bigger, it needs to find a more spacious shell.  So the slow, lumbering creature goes on a quest to find a new home. 

If an appropriate new shell is not found quickly, a terribly delicate moment of truth arises.  A soft creature that is used to the protection of built-in armor must now go out into the world, exposed to predators in all its mushy vulnerability.

Josh writes that many will starve themselves of this growth to stay in their safe little shells.  This, while others will continue to grow and eventually embrace the period of vulnerability, without labeling it good or bad, because that is the price of true learning.

Most of us, when faced with an uncomfortable situation, do whatever it takes to avoid the unbearable feeling or make it come to an end as quickly as possible. 

But what if we stayed present through it -- and searched for the hidden lesson?  It is the greatest practice for embracing change and for learning how not to let emotion and fear rule our lives. 

Embrace the feeling, stay present... and find the treasure in the moment you do triumph over your intuitive reaction, which is to resist.  Like a blade of grass, bend and be pliable during the storm -- unlike the twig, which will snap under pressure. 

Josh writes:

We need to put ourselves out there, give it our all, and reap the lesson, win or lose.  The fact of the matter is that there will be nothing learned from any challenge in which we don't try our hardest. 

Growth comes at the point of resistance.  We learn by pushing ourselves and finding what really lies at the outer reaches of our abilities.

Just reading that can sound scary, no?  The outer reaches of our abilities.  Going beyond them means to stumble and fall, even to fail.  But what incredible freedom in exploring those abilities!  It's a divine test that we can vow to live up to each and every day.  A neverending quest for excellence.  A vow to be better next time.

Sometimes I watch those movies full of adventure like Star Trek & Lord of the Rings and wish I could go on a quest.  Well, we can!

It's every day that we can be someone's personal hero.  It is the triumph of justice when we speak up for those who have no voice.  It's in the personal choices we make every day.  Comfortable or growth?  You know where one road leads -- why not try the other?

I'm going to try it.  When it's hot out there and someone cuts in front of you in line, just smile.  (This happened at the bbq this weekend and we even complimented the line cutter on his smooth technique!)  Trust me, it was slick!  ;-) 

A friend once told me that in one moment, his life was changed.  He realized he had choices.  We aren't Pavlovian dogs that have a conditioned response to each and every stimulus.  We have complete freedom to choose our responses, our thoughts and our own adventures.

BE A HERMIT CRAB! 

Find your next shell!  Be a shining beacon of courageous vulnerability!

BIG HUGS,

Christina

Happy Hump Day, Everyone!

Today I was thinking about how well we really know people in our lives.  I think I know my loved ones pretty well, but every day -- they surprise me!  And I learn something new about them all the time.

It reminds me of the time my mom came home and told me and my brother of a shocking secret about my father.

He was ticklish!  Who knew?  =D

My mom said she was teasing him about something and poked him under his chin.  He started chuckling.  So she did it again and he started chuckling again...like the Pillsbury doughboy.

It was so funny.  She was shaking her head saying, "Wow, you learn something new about each other every day.  For 20 years we were married, I never knew he was ticklish!  But that one spot -- bingo!  He starts laughing and can't stop for 5 seconds straight!"

So of course when he got home, we all had to try it.  Again and again.  It was hilarious!!!!  Poor dad was in tickle purgatory, but he made it through.  It was so cute.

But there are so many funny things we just keep learning about our family and friends.  And they keep learning things about me.  

It's one of life's greatest gifts -- no matter how deep you go, no one can ever reach the depths of you.

Why not take my job for a day and interview some of your loved ones?  Ask questions you never thought to ask before.  Ask them to tell you something you don't know about them.  Share a secret or two about yourself!

Here are some of mine:

When I was 5, I went around telling people that I wanted to be President of the United States.  =) 

My mom cut our hair -- exactly alike.  So my brother & I looked like twin boys with bad bowl haircuts.  Tragic! 

My mother told me when I was young that Connie Chung and Bruce Lee were Korean.  I didn't know the truth until I saw Kung Fu theater & did some research.  And you know what?  When she was faced with the truth, she STILL insisted she was right!  AAAA! 

I can eat the same meal for weeks straight.  Then I'll switch to another favorite meal and do the same thing over and over again.    For a month, all I ate was the curry chicken dosa from the Hampton Chutney Company.  Now, I can't look at it anymore!

If I had to choose a last meal, it would be Ethiopian doro wot.  Sushi second.

Do you have unique & previously unknown personality quirks & fun facts?

Share them!  I'd love to learn more about you.

Stay dry & be careful out there!  It's still wet! 

BIG HUGS,

Christina

Hello Everyone!

What a bad blogger I am -- had my blog been a houseplant, it would have perished from neglect!  I hope you all forgive me for being absent for so long.  

I have been checking in, however!  Thanks for all the love!  Drack, I've been wearing more color thanks to your observations!  Haha.  Ray, I lost the sofa cushion dress!  Maybe the drycleaner "lost" it out of mercy.  A "clean de grâce," perhaps?   /* will probably agree!

So today I felt compelled to write today about the triumvirate of the head, the heart and the gut.  One of my dear friends is going through a sort of inner crisis.  And the guilt, the pressure and the wish to please everyone is keeping her up at night.

I told her to listen to the wise counsel of her inner triumvirate: her head, her heart and her gut. 

It's when they agree that you can act with surety.   But often, they don't agree -- especially the head and the heart!  When I say the word "gut," I mean your instincts.  They didn't survive millions of years for nothing!  I read somewhere that we're the only mammals who doubt our instincts.  Why is that?  There's so much "noise" in the head and often we've lost touch with our hearts.  How do we reconnect with that natural balance?

If you're struggling with a decision, make sure you aren't struggling for the wrong reasons.  I'd say one way to let go of all the noise in your head is to pray to whomever or whatever you believe in... or just go lay down in the grass.  Ahhhhhhh!  Central Park's a pretty nice place to do that! 

Sometimes you have to let go of everything and let the answer find you.

Or, do nothing!  Unless it's a pressing issue, just wait until the answer is clear... Think like a samurai!  One of my beloved teachers in life once said, "Don't do ANYTHING until the choice becomes a no-brainer." 

When she told me this, I nodded -- but my perplexed expression probably gave it away.  Because she took my hand and said this:

Look, Christina.  Say you're in a blazing hot desert.  You open up your wardrobe.  Do you wear the mohair sweater or do you wear the tank top?  See?  It's not a choice anymore.  It's the tank top or nothing!

So maybe it's not the blazing hot desert for you just yet.  Maybe the answer isn't clear.  Hey, maybe you need to go a few more rounds to get your answer.  (Some of us learn the haaaaard way!)  But believe me: when the time is right, it'll be CLEAR.  If you have to wait for conditions to get into the triple digit temps to see it... feel free to take your time!

There are so many ways to get from A to B.  There are no right or wrong ways.  It's just a bunch of varied choices.  You get to choose your own adventure.  Agonizing about making a decision is one thing, but often -- they aren't do or die decisions. 

Courage.  Serenity.  Wisdom.

That should get you through anything.

It is a divine world full of incredible angels.  You, among them!

And when things get tough, have faith. 

No one's alone in the world.  We're here.  You may not know us personally, but we're all in the same boat with ya.  Sometimes when I walk by strangers, I pray for them.  Try it!  You never know -- your personal angel could be right around the corner!  

It could be you.

Big hugs,

Christina

Hey New Yorkers!

Imagine if you suddenly didn't have a home or country and your beloved language and culture faced extinction?  There are so many people in our world who do not have freedom.

We are so lucky to be Americans and to live in such a great country.  We can truly say we are blessed.

Did you know there are several thousand Tibetans who have sought refuge in New York and New Jersey?  Several hundred kids in our area attend schools every weekend learning their language and developing their culture.  It is a very beautiful culture about love and compassion that has touched my life.  And whatever your faith -- it is sure to touch yours.

I'm going to be reporting this weekend on how the protests have touched our Tibetan community -- and what is being done here amid the recent violence in Lhasa.   That's how I'm choosing to spend my day off!  =)  You'd be amazed at the beauty in this community.

I hope you tune in!  As I learn more about the world we live in, I realize that we're all just hairbreadths apart.  We all want the same things: home, country, education, freedom, spirituality, love and family.

Why is there such a disparity?

Do you watch the news, see tragedy or injustice and go about your day?  How does it affect you?  What makes you say, "Enough!" and act?

Let's go out today and ACT. 

Let's give back to the world in some way, great or small.

It could be comforting someone you know is lonely.  It could be buying someone a nice gift.  Hey, it's opening the door for someone with an armful of bags.  Or just open the door anyway!  =)

And then...please share your ideas!

It's Love The World Week!

(OK, I totally made that up... but it works!)

If you start in a place of love, your heart can grow so that it can love the whole world and everyone in it.  Start small!  And share!

Big hugs,
Christina

And if you're interested in learning more about our Tibetan community -- here's a place to start!

http://www.tibetancommunity.org/

Happy Friday, everyone!

I learned something really amazing on my vacation last week: the concept of key rim.

It's a Tibetan Buddhist teaching about seeing everyone as your divine angel.

That means that nothing in the world is ordinary, that everyone and everything is an important lesson.

And it also means that whoever crosses your path in life, whether it's your taxi driver or best friend -- is an angel sent to teach you something.  Don't be fooled by the ordinary! 

One way Tibetans put this into practice is by seeing everyone as their mother, and treating everyone as such.  Our mothers, whether we have good relationships with them or not, are such incredible beings.  

Can you remember a memory of when your mother did something extraordinarily kind for you?  It could be that they woke up every morning to make you breakfast.  It could be that they risked their lives to have you.  

One of my favorite memories of my mother is when I was in elementary school.  My parents struggled during those years to send me and my brother to private school.  Money was tight that year.  I remember we were shopping and I saw this really amazing stationery set.  It had cows grazing in a meadow & even came with a pen tied up in a green bow.  I know it sounds dorky, but to a 5th grader, it was a super cool!!!  I *love* anything to do with writing: pens, books, stationery...so you can imagine my heart was yearning for this stationery set!

So I picked it up and put it back a few times, knowing that it was an extravagance.  I knew how hard my parents worked and went without to pay for our tuition.  Well, my mom must have been watching me because when we got home and we were putting things away... I saw it in our bag.  She had gone back and bought it without telling me!  I still get teary eyed when I think about it.

My mom is such an incredible person.  I can laugh with her, wrestle her (I win now) & tell her anything that's on my mind.  I see her as so strong, but when she's sleeping she looks just like a little girl.  And I feel like I have to take care of her and protect her now.

So to think that everyone out in the wide world is as special as my mother is a very big thing.  But I'm going to try to do that.  Treat everyone as I would my own mother. 

Because if you think about it, whatever your faith... Everyone is a divine being.  And to think that life is anything but an incredible miracle is tragic!

I don't believe there are any coincidences.  Do you?

Can you think about something very very special your mother did for you?  Or your father?

Share it with us!  :-)

Take that very precious memory in your heart and give it away!

Let it shine out in the world.  In practice.

You'll be amazed at what comes back.  It's fun!

Once you notice one miracle, you start seeing them everywhere.

So for you, I wish that you would enter this cycle of giving and celebrating love.

Big hugs!

Christina

Greetings, everyone!

It's been too long since my last post.  I hope you will forgive me for being remiss.  =)

(((HUGS)))

A dear friend reminded me of one of my favorite books:

The Alchemist by Paul Coelho.

It's a book about the purity of your convictions, a neverending dream kept alive in the heart and ultimate Love.   In it, Coelho writes so beautifully about the mysteries of the Universe.  In Love, God is revealed.

He writes:

Don't forget that everything you deal with is only one thing and nothing else.

(Hey, what do you think that is?) 

=)

Coelho goes on to say:

Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second's encounter with God and with eternity.

No matter what he does, every person on earth plays a central role in the history of the world. And normally he doesn't know it.

In The Alchemist, the main character goes in search of treasure.  Along the way, he finds Love in the middle of a desert, Universal Truth and... Yes!  He finally finds his treasure.

What is your treasure? 

Coelho says: You must always know what it is that you want.

And then he says:

Wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure.

My wish for you is to find your heart.  Over time, we lose touch with it and we listen to other things.  It never stopped singing its beautiful and unique song to us.  And if we being to listen again, we will hear its music.  Coelho says all of this so beautifully in his book. 

Don't be afraid.  We're all in this together. 

Be strong!  For everyone.

Love,

Christina

HAPPY HAPPY FRIDAY, everyone!!!!

Today the concept of attachment is on my mind.

So many times, we're get attached -- to ideas, outcomes & people.  And often, we end up disappointed.  Sometimes we hang on stubbornly, sometimes it feels like we just can't help it. 

But if you try letting go and remain open to endless possibility, you will always be happy.  The desire for things itself can be like a prison.  Set yourself free.  And see what happens!

There are an infinite number of roads, outcomes and possibilities.  And who's to say that what we *want* -- is anywhere near what we *need?*

Most of the time, what I think I want -- turns out to be the wrong thing.  And what I thought I didn't want to happen in my life -- turned out to be the greatest blessing.

I think the key is to remain open.  Just that.  =)  Sounds easy but it's not!

Stay open and be willing to accept and make the best of whatever comes your way.

That's real trust.

I think Life is standing by for many of us.  It's there, watching us as we're foolishly fixated on this or that outcome... waiting for us to really put ourselves out there and LET GO.

Then the real adventure begins.  Open your eyes to a world of possibility.

You will be surprised -- it will be the most excellent adventure of your life.  But you have to let it unfold.  Get out of your own way!  ;-)

Here's my personal philosophy for being present -- take life from moment to moment.  Do the very best you can, in everything.  Whether it's washing the dishes or being a friend.  Even accomplishing small things, if your heart's in it, can be incredibly satisfying. 

Whatever you put your hand to, do it with all of your might!  Try it with something trivial -- do something with absolute care and love.  To care is to really live.  You don't want to live your life in a blur, do you?  I know I don't!  I want to celebrate every detail and savor everything.

If you give everything the best of you, your world will shift.  And that's because you are changing.  Living in the moment means, riding on that razor thin edge between past and present.  It's so thin, it might not even exist!

No worrying about the future, not looking back into the past...

Just being. 

Here.

Present.  That's a very powerful thing.  Most of us are constantly in the past or the future.  My friend Wendel calls that "trippin" -- he always reminds me to stop trippin'!  Future tripping, that is!

Relax!  Smile.  Bask in the sunshine of Now.

Can you feel that?  Let your hands relax their hold.  Let them gently rest open, like your mind.  Any time you feel yourself grasping, struggling or holding too tightly to something -- it means you're afraid of losing something.  Set yourself free. 

Take a quiet moment to breathe and look at it with an open mind.

Often, you will find that what you're holding on so tightly to -- is just fear-based.

You can't lose what never belonged to you in the first place! 

And going further from that, you can't lose what already belongs to you. 

That is true personal power: seeing that you already have everything you need and more.  That it comes from within. 

Let's face it:

Looking for happiness outside ourselves is a never satisfying, endlessly growing hunger.  No matter what you achieve, how much you get -- it will never be enough.   Who wants that?   Don't even step foot on that treadmill -- gets ya nowhere! 

On the other hand, there's YOU.  A strong, beautiful tree rooted deeply in the things that are built to last.  Love.  Family.  Friends.  Self-awareness.  The ability to laugh. 

And that is quite an incredible thing.  Like Wendel says, "Do You!"

Loud and proud!  =D 

My sincere wish for you today is for you to set yourselves FREE from attachment.

BE FREE!!!!

HAVE AN AMAZING WEEKEND, EVERYONE!

I know I'm looking forward to it!!!!

Big hugs,

Christina

GO GIANTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hello everyone!!!  Happy Monday! 

Happy Martin Luther King Day!   I think of our nation's civil rights leaders often -- every time I vote, every time I enjoy a civil liberty in my daily life.  And that's a lot!

So in the spirit of Dr. King -- the concept of being there for loved ones is what's on my mind today.

Being present.

(That means being totally focused and open to whoever you're with.) 

When's the last time someone came to you and you had a conversation -- they walked away and you couldn't remember what in the world you talked about?  ;-)

So many times our minds are racing so fast that we forget to listen.  Or maybe you've been on the other side and the other person wasn't listening -- they only cared about getting their point across.  We can change all this, by first changing ourselves.

So here's a thought:

Whoever you come in contact with -- concentrate on *really* listening to them with an open heart.  Care enough to give them your full attention.

The cashier in the checkout line, your waiter who comes to tell you his/her name... your mom who calls to give you a laundry list of the things going on in her life.

Show them that you feel they are important.  Because they are.

This is especially important when you and a loved one disagree.  When a loved one comes to you, no matter what they say -- whether you disagree or not, just let them speak.  Let them talk it all out.  Try to understand what they're saying and why they feel the way they do -- sort of like how a loving mother would for her child who came to her in tears.

What will happen is -- your loved one will open up and all of the "heated" emotion will wash away in the presence of your unjudging love and compassion.    Sometimes all a person needs is someone to truly *listen* and be a witness for how they feel.   Poof!  Problem gone!  =)

The healing power of a good listener with an open heart is tremendous!

Lots of times, friends come to me with their problems or concerns.  After many years, I've realized that emotions, like a ship's propeller, need time to wind down.  Let it spin itself out and then calm logic and understanding will turn the tide.  Just really listen.  Ask questions.  Be their loving witness to whatever they're going through.  This is not the time for you to speak.  =)

Even when there is no issue -- practice focusing on everyone you come in contact with and give them your full attention.  They are worthy and precious beings!  Truly listen deeply to what they are trying to say.  Care enough to listen without thinking about errands you have to run or letting your mind wander.

You will see that when you start caring deeply about others, you will become a happier and more peaceful person.

And I wish this for every one of you!!!

BIG HUGS!

Christina

GOOD MORNING!

Yesterday, I had Central Park nearly all to myself.  It was magical.  Me, my nano & the trees.  We are so lucky to live here.  There was so much happiness in my heart I felt like I could have floated away.

Do you know what I want you to do today?

Have some alone time!  =)

There is something to making a date with yourself.  Treat yourself to an amazing meal somewhere -- turn the cell phone off and enjoy it!    I actually had a cell phone problem at the beginning of this year (don't ask!) and didn't have it for 2 weeks.  At first, it was torture but now, I find myself turning it off more and more. 

Be joyful in the stillness.  Most of us are always running around, filling up our day with errands and being busy bees.

But what about the glorious loafing?  It is a fine art!

To lay back and read.  To go for a beautiful walk.  To savor a meal.

These things feed your joyful inner soul.

So what I wish for you today is to do something special for yourself.  Just a little something!  It'll be our little secret.

Then do something special for someone else!!!!!  Pass it on.

Big hugs! 

Christina

Hello everyone!

It's nice to be among friends again -- I am back from vacation and glad to be home.

Doc and company... thank you so much for your help.  The keynote address at BMCC went very well (thanks to you all).  And I am sure the freshmen really reaped the wisdom from your many words of advice and counsel. 

You are all such generous and warm people.  I can't tell you how much that meant to me.   =)

This week has been the beginning of a lot of new things for me.

I've been saying YES to many more things.  Life is short, right?

Someone (AngelRuby?) wrote a blog about time and how precious it is.  So true!

Most of us think that means we should hoard it, but actually the converse is true.  We need to SPEND it -- and wisely!

What are we so busy for?  There are a limited number of hours a day, but we can really make it count, as Doc likes to say. 

So the next time a friend asks you to lunch, don't put it off by saying, "Sometime." 

An hour turns into a day...that turns into months...then years... and perhaps never.

So even if you get a little tired sometimes -- SAY YES to the to the people you love and to the worthwhile causes that will make our world a better place.  I can't think of a better use for my time. 

You just never know what's around the corner. 

I'm telling you... life is always surprising me.  In any situation, the outcome is never certain.  It's in your hands.  You have power over your destiny.  Today, you can begin to make tremendous positive change in your life and in that of others.

Take a chance.  Try new things.  Meet new people.

Open your heart to happiness.  =)

BIG HUGS!!!!! 

I missed reading about all of your lives so I have a lot of catching up and posting to do!

Christina

HAPPY FRIDAY, my friends!!!!!!!

Doc, thanks so much for your help.   You have been a great friend.

I am making a keynote address next month to a group of incoming college freshmen.

I am very excited!!! 

So I have been reflecting on the things I have learned since college (and have yet to learn)... and what I wish someone had told me when I was 18.

Then I remembered my very wise and giving blogging community.

You are always so generous with your advice and in sharing your personal stories.

What would you tell incoming college freshmen?

What did you wish someone had told you when you were 18?

What do you think will help them become all that they can be?

I'll write more later!  =)

In the meantime, have a wonderful weekend.

See you Monday!

BIG HUGS,

Christina