Thoughts on Forgiveness

Forgiving someone is to set a prisoner free and realize that prisoner was you.

-Lewis Smedes

Forgiving someone who wronged you or your loved one is one of the hardest things a human being has to do.

There is something that feels righteous about holding onto to the right to be fuming mad.

And yet, this anger you hold inside of you becomes a poison. As you merge with it ...you become its slave.

When we are wronged or hurt we go over and over it again in our minds. It becomes the banner we wave as we walk through life, the heavy back pack we carry always.

Forgiveness is in no way condoning what the perpetrator did. It is only choosing to untie yourself from bondage.

Forgiveness is a process. You may have thought that you have totally forgiven and then something may happen to you or a loved one that brings up the hard feelings all over again. This is completely natural.

We sometimes think that if we don’t cling to our story it will be lost. The story will never be lost. It is a part of who we are and has helped to define us. It is just that we have the empowered choice of going on and living a valued life.

Forgiveness does not mean that you act as though the event never happened. It did happen and it affected you greatly. It is knowing that you can put it behind you and re-engage in life.

Forgiveness is eventually understanding that hurt people hurt people. We wish it were different. We wish that no one was hurt in their life so that they wouldn’t hurt. But the truth is they are and they do.

Forgiveness is realizing that hard times come bearing gifts. The gift of realizing your own strength, your own power. Gifts of allowing yourself to receive love and kindness from others. Gifts of knowing how to give love and kindness to others.

My favorite quote on forgiveness comes from author Jerry Jamplosky who has dedicated his life to teaching love and forgiveness.

From the perspective of love and spirit, forgiveness is the willingness to let go of the hurtful past. It is the decision to no longer suffer, to heal your heart and soul. It is the choice to no longer find value in hatred or anger. And it is letting go of the desire to hurt others or ourselves because of something that is already in the past. It is the willingness to open our eyes to the light in other people rather than judge or condemn them.

I hope dear friends, that you find a way to open your heart to let go of anything that weighs you down and keeps you from letting your beautiful light shine. The world very much needs your light and your joy.

As always, I love hearing from you!

From my heart to yours,

Brenda Strausz

dearbrenn@aol.com

www.BrendaStrausz.com

20 Ways to Raise Your Vibration

We are all vibrating energy. Everything is. When we are vibrating at a high level it affects the quality of your life and everyone around you. Everything looks good. Everyone looks good. People smile at you more. They want to be around you. Life feels great..like a favorite pair of pajamas, like a warm fire on a cold winter day, like a perfect day at the beach.



Here are some vibration raising tips:

See everyone through the eyes of pure love.
Do an unexpected act of kindness.
Say thank you often.

If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.-Meister Eckhart

Don’t assume people know you love them…tell them.
Cook a beautiful nourishing meal. Share it.
Go barefoot in nature.

In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.
John Muir

Look around the room and breathe in gratefulness for all you have.
Write down ten great things about yourself.
Bless yourself. Bless your loved ones.
Bless strangers.
Give all day long that which is alive in you…your smile, your love, your joy.

My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.
Dalai Lama

Give yourself a retreat day. No phone. No internet. No work.
Love what you have.
Put your hand on your heart...breathe in love and breathe it out to the whole universe.
Pet a dog or a cat.

Millions of people who otherwise wold be completely lost in their mind and in endless concerns are taken back by their dog or cat into the present moment again and again and reminded of the joy of being.
–Eckhart Tolle

Feed the birds.
Swing on a swing and try to touch the sky!
Leave a sticky note on a bathroom mirror that says, "You are awesome!"
Do something with water. Shower. Run through the sprinkler. Splash someone.
Laugh often.
Look for loveliness in everyone and everything.

I hope as you read this you feel lighter, freer, more hopeful, more alive. You will see how much joy you can bring to the world by allowing yourself to be joyful.

From my heart to yours,
Brenda
www.BrendaStrausz.com

Open to Joy, Wonder and Delight with Joy Holland

Picture by Jeffrey Williams

Today, my guest blogger is my new friend Joy Holland, who has overcome many obstacles and is now living her dreams as she enjoys a peaceful and inspiring life on a sailboat with her two young children. She is a life coach, a motivational speaker and a beautiful love filled soul! She is a gifted writer as you shall see. Her words are deeply poetic and she touches the heart. Visit her on her inspiring blog at: http://unfoldingyourpathtojoy.wordpress.com/

OPEN to JOY, LOVE, WONDER and DELIGHT

Thank you for joining me here at Brenda's site...I *love* all that Brenda offers here--each time I visit, I feel very refreshed and encouraged.

I would like to share that with you as well...


I stepped out of a life of chaos to live the life of my dreams, which you may read about here.. About Joy. I share with you from my heart, because I believe that you have within you the resources to live the life of *your* dreams..this very moment.

A life of ease, joy, delight, creativity, wonder, peace, love, grace is available to you the moment you open your heart to it.


I like to look at the sky. I begin my day at 3am by looking up to the sky. I live on a boat in a marina in a rather isolated area, so when I look to the early morning sky I am usually rewarded with the sight of the moon and a blanket of stars. I give praise to the moon and stars. I let the moonbeams light my heart and I think how each star is radiant on its own, glorious in the grouping. I think how each of us have the power of the moon, the brilliance of the stars, the glory of being in community.


I am as powerful as the moon, as brilliant as the stars, surrounded by Light...

On the days I am able to sleep in a bit, I begin my day around 6am. I look to the sky to see the sunrise over the hills..stretching pink tendrils across the sky. Sometimes it is cloudy, sometimes the sun shines warm and brilliant. The colors remind me of a clean canvas and the opportunity to paint on it any way I choose. I create this moment I am in. I may choose vivid colors, pastels, oils, watercolors; to use brushes or my fingers or other items to add texture. I may paint bold lines, faint lines, no lines..I may use techniques that are comfortable and familiar to me, I may be bold and try something new and different. I may display my painting, give it away, keep it for myself.

I am thankful for this moment. I choose how I'd like to create within it.

I find great joy and fulfillment in the process of creating.

Just as the sun rises and parts the clouds or shines brilliantly, effortlessly, with no help from me...so the moment is given and unfolds naturally with no help from me. I do not control time, nor do I control the cycles around me. I may choose to resist or embrace the moment as it is

I embrace this moment as it is given.

My heart overflows with gratitude for this moment.

I am comfortable and safe. All is well.

I tend to look at the sky throughout the day. The placement of the sun guides my day...Some days there are clear skies, some days cloudy, some days dense fog, some days storms..Whether or not I see it with my eyes, I Know the sun is there. Just as I know the Divine is there...my heart is open to the Divine. I Know we are perfectly made exactly as we are, exactly where we are, exactly for this moment. Regardless of external circumstances.


I am Divine.

I am perfectly made.

I am absolutely enough, will always be enough.

My life is a celebration of the Divine within.



Evening comes and I find the sunset. Whether I am at work, at home, driving, or out and around, I stop to view the sunset. And I ask those around me in my physical space to do the same. Even if I do not know them. I feel if nature is going to take the time to provide such a gorgeous visual display, I am going to take the time to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the gift. Just as I appreciate and acknowledge the gift of energy that each person that interacts with me shares..I make the time to share my Love and Gratitude with you.


I am full of Love.

I am generous in giving and a gracious receiver.

I am full of gratitude for all that we share together.



I happen to Love the moon. The moonbeams literally shine through the hatch above my bed and lull me to sleep. I sleep in the moonbeams..magical indeed. I let that magic touch my heart while I sleep. I believe it creates my dreams at night and during the day. This magic is available to me throughout the day and is most potent when I allow my heart to be open to it...


Abundant delight, surprise, joy

Enriches my life in myriad ways.

My life is as magical, as grand, as wonder filled,

As I allow it to Be.


I find it comforting that regardless of what was in my day, the sun always rises. The sun always sets. The moon is there among a blanket of stars. Each and every day. Natural unfolding..an example for my heart to follow.. and if I forget, I may always look up and bask in the Light from above...

I Bask in the Light from Above,

Golden and pure..

I let Light wash over me, pour through me,


Much peace,

Joy

Joy Holland is a Light worker with a gift of clarity who greatly enjoys guiding others to live the life of their dreams. Joy is living the life of her dreams on a sailboat with her two young children. She enjoys sailing, hiking, cooking, playing her drum in the moonbeams. Joy is a life coach, a motivational speaker, and the author of the blog "Unfolding Your Path to Joy". She is bold in her actions, loving with her words, peace filled in her life...and it is her life's purpose to share this with everyone she meets..

My Love Letter to the World

My Love Letter to the World

I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world.

~ Mother Teresa

I remember talking to a friend in high school where I berated myself for not being able to play an instrument or sing or dance well. "Oh Brenda, don't you see?" she so sweetly answered me. "You are a sunshine spreader! You are always inspiring people with your joy and positivity. That is the best gift you can give!" My friend's comment was very astute. I have an important job in the world.

My blog and articles I write are a love letter to the world. I like to think of people smiling quietly when they read them. I am hoping that if they read something that touches their soul, their heart may expand a bit; they may stand a little taller and see the world through different eyes. Maybe they read a sentence or two to their mom over the phone or make a copy to keep on their bulletin board. Maybe they think about one of the lines during the day that inspires them or brings them comfort.

My workshops, teleclasses, EFT Healing Circles and individual sessions are my love letters to the world also. They give me an opportunity to teach and inspire many people at the same time.

How I live in the world is my love letter too. I want everyone who comes in contact with me to feel better because they had an encounter with me.

My children are my love letter to the world. I told them when they began to take trips out of the country that they were ambassadors for our family, for Michigan and for the United States. Grown up now, I am proud that they show love and caring in their daily interactions with people in their lives. Like the line from the movie, Mr. Holland's Opus, "They are my symphony!"


Of course there are artists like my sister Cheryl and my sister-in-law Jo who bring joy into the world with a luscious interplay of color and light. There are gardeners like my father who create living oases of beauty and wonder. How about the decorators (or homemakers) who create spaces of beauty that make you feel all warm and cozy inside? Or the teachers like my husband Richard and my favorite high school social studies teacher, Mr. O'Hara who inspire you to reach higher and higher? There are musicians like Yitazk Perlman and singers like Barbara Streisand whose music and lyrics reach the depths of your soul.

Of this, I am certain that every kind and wonderful things we do is a love letter to the world. So, my friend, what is your love letter and how do you deliver it?


Call to Action

§ Spend some time figuring out what your special talents and abilities are.


§ Realize that these are your love letter to the world.


§ Take notice of how your gifts affect the people in your life.


§ Notice how happy this makes you.


§ Be proud of all you are!

Affirmations

I touch others when I give the gift of my time and attention.

I am so grateful for the gifts I have to share.

I get joy out of sharing my gifts with the world.

Everyday is a new opportunity to share myself with the world.

Please join me for aTeleclass on Improving Your Self Esteem with Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)

Join me as I guide you on how to use Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) to help you move beyond the limiting beliefs that keep you from living in your full magnificence!

After this class you will feel refreshed, recharged and ready to take on the world. Plus you will have a tool for life.

Special Launch Price: $20
Date: Tuesday, September 14th, 8:30 pm - 9:30 pm EST


Go to the post 8/25/10 to register with secure paypal!

Seeyou there!

Teleclass: Improving Your Self-Esteem with Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)

Join Brenda Strausz as she guides us on how to use Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) to help you move beyond the limiting beliefs that keep you from living in your full magnificence!

After this class you will feel refreshed, recharged and ready to take on the world. Plus you will have a tool for life.

Launch Price: $20
Date: Tuesday, September 14th, 8:30 pm - 9:30 pm EST

Click the "Buy Now" button for secure payment with PayPal

Handout and worksheet included in this class!

What is EFT?

EFT is a simple technique that consists of tapping gently on meridian points on your body to relase stuck energy. You will feel the relief in your body mind and soul immediately. EFT is used world-wide by psychologists, doctors, hypnotherapists, chiropractors, naturopaths, with great success. The best news is once learned, you will have a tool for life.

How will EFT help me to improve my self-esteem?

We will explore the fears and limiting beliefs that you have been living by. These beliefs and thoughts become like an internalized parent that lives in your head and weakens your confidence and depletes your energy and keeps you from living in your true magnificence.

With EFT, we learn how to disengage from this critical voice and open up to the beauty that is in each one of us.

I am a holistic Psychotherapist, Life Coach, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT Tapping) Practitioner and Hypnotherapist. My passion is helping women (and men) love and accept themselves and overcome any obstacles that stops them from living in their full magnificence. I believes strongly in the healing power of love and forgiveness and feel that your joy is the greatest gift you can give the world!

Love Made Visible

So much to worry about. So little we can do. Sometimes all we can do is to send love out to whoever we are worried about. Hopefully, we can be there with a helping hand and an outstretched arm.

Love is an emotion, a feeling, a verb, a noun and with an "ing" it is even an adverb. Love makes the wold go 'round. Love enriches us, revitalizes us, expand us. It fills us with warmth and joy.

Everyday we can choose to be a loving presence. We can be a beacon of light that reaches out and touches the world in a positive, empowering and healing way. We have the sublime power to affect the quality of the day for the people we come in conact with. And the wonderful thing about this is that like a pebble thrown into a pond, we never know how far our love will travel.

I recall this winter when my husband and I woke up to discover that my neighbor Stuart (thank you Stuart!) had cleared our sidewalk of the snow that had fallen overnight. What a great way to start the day. It warmed our hearts and filled us with good feelings that not only affected us all day long but also everyone we came in contact with.

So today, I focus not so much on romantic love .. . although that is an amazing and wonderful thing. Today, I am thinking more about loving-kindness. The kind of love that gets joy our of making life easier for others.

The kind of love that that asks the clerk in the drustore how her day is going.

The kind of love that treks through a snowy backyard to make sure the birds are feed.

The kind of love that can sit with people who are sick or hurting and just be with them.

The kind of love that not only feeds the neighborhood stray cat but builds a little red house for him too sleep in. (shout out to Sharon and Tom!)

The kind of love you feel while making a pot of soup knowing how warm and happy the soup will make your family.

The kind of love that rushes right over to a friend who has experienced a loss with a box of kleenex and a bag of M and M's.

The kind of love that listens, really listens with an open heart to a friend who needs you.

The kind of love that looks beyond someone's appearance or the kind of car they drive and only notices the person the quality of the person's heart.

The kind of love that sends a card of encouragement or a phone call to someone who is having a hard time.

The kind of love that volunteers at the local food bank.

The kind of love that visit the elderly woman next door who lives alone with a container of soup in hand.

Life can be stressful, hard, scary and sometimes unfair. But what if in the midst of all this .. .we just decided to give love wherever we go? What if we moved beyond our problems and asked the barista at the coffee shop about her new baby and she would light up knowing that we cared about her? What if we waved people into our lane in bad traffic? What if we went up to a lonely looking person at a party and asked him about himself? What if we were all beaming beacons of love and light? What would it be like if we all lived this way? For in the end, I am very sure that it is love that will save us.

I infuse everything with love today.
I see the best in others.
I see the best in myself.
I am in total harmony with everyone today.
Love operates in all my relationships.
I allow my love to flow freely. My supply of love is endless.
It is a joy to spread love and kindness to everyone I meet today.

Your Magnificence

When I see clients in my office being so hard on themselves, I tell them that I wish they could see themselves through my eyes. They would see such beauty and courage and magnificence.

I think if all people could see themselves as a spark of the divine . . . the whole world would be humming a beautiful song of peace.

So, I dedicate this to all of you . . . whose time has come to open up to your full beautiful selves!
Look into the mirror and read this to yourself . . . and just watch how your life changes! When you love yourself . . . everything falls into place.

From my heart to yours,
Brenda

Embrace Your Magnificence
A Poem for all Women Who Ever Doubt their Own Magnificence

You are music and song and laughter.
You are a shinning star on a perfectly clear night.
You are the sun after a long winter.
You are compassion and strength and vitality.
The trees bow to you when you walk by.
The flowers smile.
Every blade of grass celebrates the beauty of who you are.
And who you are yet to be.
Your life is a sacred journey.
Your gentleness is your strength.
Your strength is your gentleness.
And as you walk your path,
You are writing the story of your life.
Letting go of what no longer serves you.
And living with courage, strength, dignity, beauty, wisdom and always love.
Wherever you walk, love walks too.