Wherever You Are, Be There

I love to hike through the woods.  Hiking a very small section of the Appalachian Trail with my husband forced me to be where I was or I would have tripped on stones or fallen off the side of a cliff.  Playing sports, creating art, or playing music engages our senses to the point where we have to be there or suffer the consequences.  Recently, I came across a book entitled “A Sketch & a Prayer,” by Mike “Sketch” Wurman.  Mike is a section hiker on the AT and has written two books which include his own pencil drawings and photos of his AT experience.  While hiking, he ran into a man who’s trail name was “Redlocks”.  Redlocks is a thru-hiker, a different breed.  He sleeps in a hammock and plays guitar on the trail.  He is quoted as saying, “You just have to take the moment.” 

What activity do you engage in that helps you “take the moment”?

I like that phrase, “take the moment”.  Often, we want to by-pass the moment, having it move forward as quickly as possible, without really feeling it. Feeling or “taking the moment” can be difficult and painful. In the technology era, we can become so distracted that we just miss moments.  Parts of our lives pass us by, without us even experiencing them.  We miss sunsets, song birds, and smiles.  We use technology to escape from our feelings and emotions, even the “good” ones.

Walking in nature or practicing yoga are two activities I use to be in the moment.

When we lack connection to breathe, body, and spirit, we become dis-eased.  Dis-ease or uneasiness correlates the feelings of anxiety and can lead to depression.  Life is intense.  The more we engage technology or even life itself, the pressure increases, as we process all the incoming stimuli.  Overwhelming feelings take over like a storm across the clear blue sky.  These clouds are passing.  Instead of trying to defend against them, hide from them, or collect the released water, it may be best to just let the rain fall and get wet.  Then we can dry off and move forward.  If not, we just stay wet.          

“Wherever You are Be There," starts with mindfulness.  Last month I started a class called Mindfulness Fundamentals, through Mindful Schools.

Mindfulness is about attention and awareness.  It is not concentration, a focus on one thing, but rather recognition of your thoughts as they flow through your mind, acknowledging or thanking them, and then bringing your attention back to the moment at hand.  You are only responsible for the moment. Breath is the starting point.  

In times of stress, you have the power to bring mindfulness back to your mind, body, and spirit by being where you are, feeling it, and breathing through it.  This allows space between the chaos.  It allows a moment of pause to silent and calm the inner turmoil and bring your awareness back to the present.  Practice being where you are in order to live life to its fullest potential.

Namaste.

Susan J. McFarland

December 2016

Swirling Fall

Swirling Fall

     It is fall in Michigan.  Leaves are swirling to the ground, as I walk in the crisp air. It has been unusually warm the last few months.  We have moved through an extended summer, right into cool fall temperatures.  Just as the squirrels and wild creatures prepare for the cold days and nights, I too, have pulled out my coats, mittens, hats, and boots, ready at a moment’s notice for the first snow fall.    

Leaves are not the only things swirling in the atmosphere as of late.  Campaign battles are fierce with rhetoric, even more so, with the advent of social media.  Collectively, thoughts are swirling through our heads, not sure of the best place to land or even wanting to land at all.  Staying grounded, focused, and centered is especially difficult during these times.

It is challenging to know what to believe or where your heart and head align.  Yet, as spiritual beings, living in a physical body, this is what we must do.  In all honestly, I do not care for either candidate.  I do not care for the political system that dictates our sole choices and options.  

On the other hand, this is what we have created as a collective and therefore, we must care.  We must first care enough to stay informed, but not oversaturated.  We must care to voice our opinion and vote.  As a woman, I will vote, because my sisters fought hard to win this privilege for me.  It is a privilege.  We need to exercise it or fear losing it again.  

We must stand up for our rights as citizens, as the indigenous and non-native people are doing at the Standing Rock Reservation. They are fighting for their land and our land.  They are fighting for their water and our water.  They are fighting for our combined freedom. 

Much is at stake and at risk, as new and old ideas swirl together into fall. The snow is coming. Take action now.  Stay informed. Stay involved.  Voice your opinion, with respect to all.  Pray, demonstrate, sign petitions, write letters, call, email, and support those causes most dear to you. Energy flows where action goes.

The leaves will soon be guided to their destination.  Are you ready?

Susan J. McFarland

October 2016

The Adventure of Violet Sophia

The Adventure of Violet Sophia

In the backyard, on a beautiful summer day, a girl sat with her cat and a box of crayons. Distracted by the excitement of birds fluttering and bees bumbling, the girl and the cat jumped up from the patio table, unintentionally knocking over the box of crayons.  This is where our story begins.  

“Ouch," Red cried out, “that hurts”.  “Move over," shouted Yellow, “you are in my space.”  Green replied, “It’s ok, you can be next to me”.  Orange spoke next, “I have a creative solution”.  Violet Sophia listened intently.  She didn’t say a word, too scared and nervous to speak her mind.  “What’s that?” Blue inquired.  

Orange then suggested that they leave their home, the Crayon Box, and head out to explore a new and exciting world.  Most crayons were disturbed by this idea.  They couldn’t leave their home.  They have always been in this Box.  It was comfortable.  It was secure.  They knew their place.  They understood the expectation in the Box.  Outside of the Box was frightening.  Who knows what lies beyond these walls?

“Let’s do it,” yelled Yellow.  “I’m in," Green agreed.  Blue nodded in consent.  

Violet thought, “Should I go too?  These are my friends. I don’t want to leave them.”  An adventure sounded cool.  Yet, little Violet Sophia was afraid inside, very afraid.  She didn’t like new experiences.  She liked her routine.  She was anxious over meeting new crayons, and besides loud noises and stinky smells made her nervous.  Red pushed through the crowd and screamed, “Let’s roll”.  

They were off, rolling across the table, down to the chair and onto the deck.

Red was first, followed by Orange, then Yellow.  Green and Blue lined up behind them.  “Violet are you coming?”, asked Green, concerned for the little crayon.  Violet hesitated, then in one quick move, she decided to roll. Off they went into the unknown world of the backyard.

What the friends didn’t know, that silently and quietly two crayons followed them, White and Black.  Now White and Black, were interesting, maybe the most unique crayons in the Box.  White was very unassuming.  One never knows when White is around.  White is silent.  White is unseen.  Yet, White is always there.  White is helping and assisting, without the knowledge of others.  Now Black is the opposite.  Black is bold.  Black never hides.  Black is strong, powerful, and mysterious. Because of this, the other colors are often scared of Black.  Black doesn’t understand why, as Black is just being Black.  Black likes to take risks.  Together, Black and White, head out with their friends on their journey.

Red commands, “Follow me.”  The group rolls along.  Black speaks up,”Let’s go this way.”  “What," Red asks, annoyed. “What are you dong here?”  “I’m the leader of this group. Can’t you just follow like the rest of the colors?”  

Orange agrees with Red.  Green wants them both to just get along.  Blue doesn’t really care which way they roll.  Yellow is admiring the sights and didn’t hear the conversation.  Violet Sophia speaks, quietly.

“I think Black is right.  I feel like we should go where Black thinks is best.

Black is bold, yet bright.  He may be dark, but I think his idea is good.”  “Are you crazy," pipes in Orange.  Yellow replies, “What, where are we going”.  Blue responds, “With Black, haven’t you been listening?”  Red shouts, “I’m not going anywhere with Black.  He’s reckless.”  Green tries to calm them all down.  “Take a deep breath and breathe in the fresh air.  Now, doesn’t everyone feel better,” soothes Green.

The group did feel better.  They all agreed with Violet Sophia’s wise and calm words.  They followed Black, even Red, who still wasn’t overly excited about not being the leader.    Orange spotted an oriole, and marveled at the beautiful coloring.  Yellow, noticed a field of sunflowers growing in the distance.  Green especially enjoyed rolling on the lush grass.  Blue just wanted to look up at the clear sky.  Red was thrilled by the brightness of the cardinal perched on the bird-feeder.  Little Violet Sophia, happy that she was courageous enough to conquer her fears and brave enough to voice her opinion, just laid back, looked around and gave “thanks” to the unknown.  Silently, White, keeping an eye on all of them, smiled.

Susan J. McFarland

May 2016

  

  

               

       

  

The Reality of the Rabbit Whole

The Reality of the Rabbit Whole

Magic happens in the Rabbit Whole.  You become giant or tiny.  You meet interesting characters.  You face your fears.  You realize your dreams.  You are alive in the Rabbit Whole.  Living in this reality, requires courage and a jump.  For to venture into the Rabbit Whole, one must release all hesitation and dive in with full force.  You can’t travel halfway into the Rabbit Whole, then decide to exit.  The Rabbit Whole is an all or nothing decision.  Once you have decided this is your fate, there is no turning back.  You can’t awaken to the Whole, then fall asleep again.  If the Whole is calling you and you answer it, you must continue on the path.

We live our lives in a time oriented and linear format.  The Rabbit Whole doesn’t subscribe to this order.  People, plans, schedules, and stuff fill up our time, leaving little space for the Rabbit Whole.  The Rabbit Whole is our time.  It is soul time.  It is sacred space. In facing the Rabbit Whole, we face ourselves.  The more segregated we are from our true identity, the harder it is to return to the Rabbit Whole.  

We exist in a fragmented society.  We are separated by geography, religion, politics, and physical structures, for example.  Technology is driving us further apart from others and from our own being.  The Rabbit Whole is harder to find and further away then ever before.  Yet, at the same time, it is right in front of us.  We only need to “look up”.  Sometimes we do trip into the Whole.  Often times, we are led there by an inner calling or knowing, from the depth of our spirit.

Finding the Rabbit Whole, diving into it, and exploring the depths helps you to gather the separated parts of yourself and become fully whole again.

This is a life journey, bringing back the scattered pieces that you left behind from this lifetime and others.  They are all a part of your Whole.  They all deserve your attention, support, and love.  The reality is you are a Whole being, but it takes determinnation and fortitude to discover this truth.

Susan J. McFarland

May 2016

Navigational Mindfulness

Navigational Mindfulness

In Michigan, Spring Break, occurring in late March or early April is a phenomenon.  Around the time of the Spring Equinox mass amounts of humanity vacate the northern world in pursuit of warmer temperatures, beaches, and spring flowers.  Traveling via car or plane can take you to sunny destinations within hours or days.  As a youth, the family spring break adventure was thrilling, as we traversed through mountainous landscapes and green hillsides, admiring the red dirt.  I wanted my children to have this same experience.

Times have changed.  We live in an era of technology, with access to any and all information within seconds.  Gone are the days of staring out the window admiring the unique landscapes and grazing cows. I still do this, because I am unable to read or view anything in a car, except the road ahead.  Yet, my two teenage daughters are heads down in movie players, iPads, iPhones, and DS3’s.  What are they missing as the miles roll forward?  What are we all missing as we become more and more engrossed in our devices and less and less aware of our surroundings both human and non-human?

Vacationing near the beach off the Florida Panhandle, gave me the time to think and contemplate the state of my world.  I sat on the porch off the master bedroom.   In a cozy rocking chair, I was mindful of the gecko, which was hanging out under the cushion.  Spending most of my week “device free” left me time to finish a book, draw a picture, take walks, and enjoy time with family.  I stopped reading and watching videos from the inspirational sites I frequent.  Checking Facebook or emails only a couple times of day left me less stressed and anxious.  

How could I incorporate this behavior into my life at home?  Could I give up knowing what everyone is doing? Could I give up the fear of not being connected?  Could I live without the latest news on the presidential election?  The answer is a resounding “yes”!  My meditation this week was on “routines” and which ones need adjusting?  This is definitely one that can be reviewed and reduced.  As I mindfully navigate myself back from Florida to Michigan, I’ll bring this new routine with me.  

Susan J. McFarland

April 2016

Your Business, Your World

Your Business, Your World

“A look at branding, marketing, and social media”

Business has changed in the past decade.  Not long ago, our business was locally focused.  Our costumers came to us, or if possible, we traveled to them.  There may have been an occasional phone call from a distant client, but for the most part business was centered in our immediate area.  With the expanse of the internet and technology, our business is the world.  With this altered direction in business, how do we adapt?  This article will address branding, marketing, and social media steps, for your business, in today’s digital world.

BRANDING/WEBSITE

The first step, after perhaps contacting a lawyer or the State Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to officially register your business, is to design and create a website.  Your business has a name and so do you.  Your potential clients might not know the name of your new business, but they probably know your name.  The advice from successful Hay House authors and business people is to use your own name for your website.  Your business may change over the years, grow, and develop into something entirely different from where you began.  Vista Print is an on-line website service that is easy to use and cost friendly. In lieu of continuously changing the name of your website, and confusing customers, build your website under your name.  

DIGITAL NEWSLETTERS

Gone are the days of receiving, what we refer to in the business world, as “hardcopies”.  In the past, schools, churches, and businesses would send a newsletter in the mail with all the current happenings and updates.  This iconic service is soon to be a past remembrance.  Saving trees, time, and money, digital communication is faster, more efficient, and better for Mother Earth.  There are services such as Constant Contact that provide the designs and expertise, in order to create an eloquent newsletter, and miraculously send it to your clientele in significantly less time than creating, printing, and mailing hundreds of newsletters.  

WEBLOGS OR “BLOG”/SOCIAL MEDIA

A “blog” or “weblog” is a conversational website used to draw readers into your business and your world.  Similar to your business website, a BLOG would benefit, if it is in your personal name.  BLOG topics can change frequently, but your name stays the same.  At www.blogger.com, you can select a name, a design, and a format.  Once the BLOG is written, it can be easily shared with multiple social media sites such as:  Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google or emailed.  The BLOG can be written daily, weekly, monthly, or as desired to meet your business needs.    

The BLOG is useful as part of social media communication.  It is not necessary to have an active presence in all social media sites.  What is most beneficial is to select one or perhaps two sites. You can share with your customer base, what is happening in your business community.

ARTICLES/PUBLIC SPEAKING

Being available to your associates is easier than ever before.  As part of an integral community of professionals, you can share knowledge and information through articles and public speaking engagements.  Giving back your talents and time by sharing valuable insights allows you to develop and grow personally and professionally.  This enhances your career and helps to showcase your business.  Organizations are looking for educated professionals willing to gift their knowledge to members, both in person and on-line.    

COACHING/ON-LINE CLASSES

The phone has been with us for over one hundred years, becoming increasingly portable, convenient, and all-encompassing.  Calling across communities or across the world is easy, affordable, and efficient.  Our computers can even call, with images and information readily available. From “conference calls” to “webinars,” the sites available for these services are endless, helping facilitate teaching, learning, and counseling.  Whether for a fee or for free, this is a solid tool in your business world bucket.

As part of an expanding Universe, it is necessary for us to grow and develop along with it.  Utilizing the current electronic media sources will help to enlarge your business and your world. 

Susan worked twenty years as an international business woman after receiving degrees in Business Communication and Spanish from Michigan State.  

She is a Holistic Health Practitioner, HHP, an ordained minister, public speaker, and writer.  She is an Independent Business Owner, offering Nutrilite health products through Amway.  

She teaches clients holistic and spiritual living concepts.  She is available for articles, speaking engagements, and classes.

www.susanjmcfarland@yahoo.com

www.susanjmcfarland.com

www.susanjmcfarland.blogspot.com

www.amway.com/susanmcfarland

  

A Sense of Self

A Sense of Self

We are all sensitive.  We all have senses, from hearing sounds, to smelling aromas_, and tasting flavors.  We are inundated with senses, especially in today’s fast paced and high tech world.  Unaware of most senses, we lead our busy lives.  Even the highly recognizable senses, such as touch and sight, can flash by us if we aren’t aware.

Let’s take a moment, breathe in, and listen to the sounds, see the sights and smell the fragrance.  Connect.  Connect with your “sense of self”.

As a child, I was labeled shy and introverted.  Often I would escape the “world” on my bike, and head to the nearest creek, or woods, for “alone” time.  Not knowing, at the time, I was gaining a “sense of self”.  As I grew, comments such as “although you are quiet, you seem nice” or awards, like “basically bashful” were handed to me during my college years.

At work, I retreated to tasks I could do alone.  Large crowds, chaos, and noise were overwhelming to my senses.  I would shut down.  Watching shows or being with people in emotional upheaval would send me into tears, and drain my energy.  Can anyone relate?  What are some of your sensitivities?  

We all are sensitive, whether we are aware or not.  We may be empathetic or intuitive or both?  Our sensitive side comes from the heart, not the head.   As a society, we value mental capability.  As sensitives, we need to honor and protect our heart-centered self.  

Working in corporate America for twenty years as a sensitive was difficult.  In a highly stressful and highly mental position, I did not appreciate who I was, an introverted, empathetic, and sensitive soul.  The negative environment, with little time to process all the incoming data was detrimental to my spirit.  Health challenges, relationship problems, and self-abusive behaviors were the outcome.  Can anyone relate?   

Whether highly sensitive or slightly sensitive, knowing yourself and having a sense of who you are is key.  What works for one person, may not be beneficial for you.  In quiet time, connect with your inner being and determine what brings you the most comfort.  It may vary depending on the time or year or the season in your life.  At fifty, I find more solace in just being with myself.  As I age, my sensitivities increase.

Anxiety plagued my life and still does at times.  When I am in a large crowd, or a busy environment, I panic.  If I hear excessive noise, or toxic smells, I cringe, like the reaction to nails on a blackboard.  Talking to people I don't know, is frightening.  Yet, in our world, we must adapt.  Sitting in a cave in the woods, is not an option, as a mom of two teenage daughters.  I must go to unfamiliar places, meet strange people, and hang out in crowds.  This, I can’t control.    

So I control what I can.  My home is a sanctuary, in the woods.  It is clean and organized. I walk daily in nature, to calm and ground myself, while connecting with Mother Earth.  Listening to quiet music throughout the day soothes my spirit.  Meditating and praying remind me I am not alone, as I call in protection.  Avoiding most public media, I read motivational materials and watch uplifting videos.  Boundaries are set, and “no” is an acceptable word. My diet consists of healthy choices, with plenty of fresh fruits and veggies.  These are my choices.  This is what balances me. What brings a “sense of self” to you may be different.  People and noise may energize you?  Cities and new adventures might excite your spirit?  

What is important is having a “sense of self,” whatever that is for you?  Honor and respect your needs and desires.  Live your life for you.  Find your joy. As you discover or really, re-cover your “sense of self” your spirit will soar and your purpose will be fulfilled.

Susan J. McFarland

January, 2016