From our inbox to you from… News from Author and vibrational sound teacher Dawn James… check out the fabulous 3 day women’s conference in Mexico (2016)

SGC Admin: From our inbox to you From Dawn James… Check out the latest news from this lovely and talented lady… :)

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Hi There… :)


Lao Tzu is the author of– Tao Te Ching.  It contains many words of wisdom about life, introspection, reflection, personal discovery and natural laws.

Here are just 7 of my favorite life changing lessons expressed by Lao Tzu- along with my personal insights/reflections on each of them.

1. The world is won by those who let it go. 

“By letting it go it all gets done. The world is won by those who let it go. But when you try and try. The world is beyond the winning.” ~ Lao Tzu
“Therefore the Master acts without doing anything and teaches without saying anything. Things arise and she lets them come; things disappear and she lets them go. She has but doesn’t possess, acts but doesn’t expect. When her work is done, she forgets it. That is why it lasts forever.” ~ Lao Tzu
“He who clings to his work will create nothing that endures.” ~ Lao Tzu

To me this means compassionate detachment. When you give without expecting anything in return, then you are able to freely give – from the heart.

2. Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom.

“Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power.” ~ Lao Tzu

One of the most profound statements is : Know Thyself .
I think it takes great courage to look at yourself with honesty and great awareness to see the many characteristics we possess.

3. At the center of your being you have the answer to all life’s questions.

“At the center of your being you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want.” ~ Lao Tzu

This statement really resonates with my motto: All you need is within you

4. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.
“If you realize that you have enough, you are truly rich.” ~ Lao Tzu
“Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.” ~ Lao Tzu

Being/Feeling rich or poor is a state of mind. I have seen kids playing in the streets with a ball – full of joy and having fun, and I have also seen children with rooms full of gidgets and gadgets complaining to their parents ‘‘I am bored”. It’s all a state of mind. You are as rich as you feel.

5. Non-being is the greatest joy.

“Health is the greatest possession. Contentment is the greatest treasure. Confidence is the greatest friend. Non-being is the greatest joy.” ~ Lao Tzu

I read this a few times and reflected on how we are socialized to give ourselves ‘labels’ – such as mother, husband, writer, sister, son, poet, and practitioner. But have you ever stopped and asked yourself – who are you without the ‘labels’? Who are you without your name (which you were given by the way).  Non being to me means to remember your true essence , without the ‘labels’, hats  you wear or roles that you play.  Just be.

6. If you realize that all things change, there is nothing you will try to hold on to.

“If you realize that all things change, there is nothing you will try to hold on to. If you are not afraid of dying, there is nothing you cannot achieve.” ~ Lao Tzu

This statement reminds me of a Native saying: ” when you live in the natural giving and receiving of life, stress does not exist. “ When we allow things to unfold and flow freely, without resistance, without strife- knowing that nothing lasts forever, we reduce inner turmoil, anxiety and suffering.

7. Be good to all.

“Treat those who are good with goodness, and also treat those who are not good with goodness. Thus goodness is attained. Be honest to those who are honest, and be also honest to those who are not honest. Thus honesty is attained.” ~ Lao Tzu

Kindness can be contagious! By choosing to be good, and speak and think positively, we can create a ripple affect (laws of vibration) to influence others to do the same. Try it and see the results!
 

What’s new with Dawn

Enjoying my first grand child who turns one year old next month.  It’s a joy and blessing to see the world through his eyes. Thanks to my daughter and son in law – here is my NEW NICK NAME  
 

Live your Best Life – are you ready?

Live Your Best Life!
3-Day Women’s Conference & Retreat March 2016 (Isla Mujeres)

Be inspired, feed your mind, nurture your body, uplift your soul and Live Your Best Life! You will experience all of this and more during the 3+ day Women’s conference and retreat. Daily keynote addresses, interactive workshops, choice of movement sessions, and fun socials make-up this “crazy amazing” and “life-affirming experience.”

Save your seat today and be among us March 3 – 6, 2016.

Here’s where event takes place ( Mia Reef Resort)

CONTACT ME for more information on this 3-Day Women’s conference & retreat

Location: Isla Mujeres (Island of Women) Mexico

Most of you know I LOVE to hibernate or write during the winter, and this year is no exception.  I look forward to speaking and hopefully seeing you again in 2016.

From our inbox to you From: DailyOm on Creating a Serene Home…

SGC Admin: From our inbox to you From: DailyOm on Creating a Serene Home…

October 23, 2015
Creating a Serene Home
An Invitation to Comfort

by Madisyn Taylor

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Include all 5 senses while making a home, doing so provides safe haven for your evolving body and soul.


Your home is your oasis. Through your efforts, your house or apartment can become both a private sanctuary and a welcoming, serene, and healthy place to live in and visit. An organized and comfortable home can have a calming effect on you, your family, and guests, as well as be your personal escape from the rest of the world. Creating this nurturing space isn’t difficult. Even a household that includes young children or multiple animals can be a serene and peaceful place. In just a few minutes, you can make a number of changes that can turn your home into a safe and comfortable haven that you can be proud to share with your loved ones and friends.

One way to fill your house or apartment with calming energy is to imbue it with a peaceful ambiance that nurtures all five senses. Soft lighting and soothing colors like blue, purple, and green can make a space feel warm and inviting, while pleasant and calming aromas such as lavender and vanilla can positively affect moods. Peaceful sounds, such as running water in a fountain or gentle chimes can uplift and clear the space, while clearing clutter and making the most of open space can ease internal turmoil and dispel negative feelings. The physical objects in your home as well as your home itself can retain the energy of previous owners or creators. You can give your household’s energy a lift by visualizing white light surrounding our home, symbolically sweeping out residual energy, or smudging your home with cleansing sage.

The changes you make to your home can be as unique as you are and may involve utilization of space, lighting, new furniture, decorating, feng shui, or ritual. But what you do is not as important as being clear in your intention to set up your household as a soothing and refreshing place to be. Make your home a place of comfort, and you will feel nurtured and cared for whenever you are there.


SGC Admin: From our inbox to you… From Daily Om on … Protecting yourself from the negative energy of others.

SGC Admin: From our inbox to you… From Daily Om on … Protecting yourself from the negative energy of others. 

October 9, 2015
Taking on the Energy of Others
Avoiding Negative Vibrations

by Madisyn Taylor

In order to protect ourselves from taking on any negative energy from other people or situations; we can learn to shield.

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There are times when you may find that being around certain individuals or groups of people leaves you with feelings of discomfort. It may be that spending time with a particular friend feels draining or that dealing with a specific coworker exhausts you. Being around toxic or angry people is also draining. And you may even find that being surrounded by a crowd of people lowers your energy levels rather than perks you up. This is not that unusual. Each of us radiates energy and is capable of being influenced by the energy of other people. It is important to learn how to shield yourself, so you don’t unknowingly take on someone else’s energy. While some people know how to instinctively protect themselves from being adversely affected by energy, most of us need to discover and practice the technique that works best.

There are a number of ways to avoid being affected by people’s energy. Shielding is one preventative technique you can use. Center yourself and envision being enveloped in a cocoon of loving and protective light. This protective layer should allow you to consciously regulate the energy around you. The intent to shield oneself is all you need for this technique to work. You can even create a trigger word to assist you in quickly creating a shield. Say this word each time you create a new shield, until the word and the shield become automatically associated in your mind. If you run into a person whose energy you find draining, you may want to cleanse your own energy field after your encounter. Sage, cold showers, singing, mineral water baths, spending time in nature, and a simple break to recharge are all ways to accomplish this.

While it is important to know how to shield yourself from energy, there are those energies that you may not want to shut out. The energy of laughter from a newborn baby, the feeling of joy radiating from someone in love, and the frequency of calm emanating from an enlightened teacher are just some of the energies coming from others that you may want to have around you.

SGC Admin: From our inbox to you from Daily Om on “The Process of Grieving” …

SGC Admin: From our inbox to you from Daily Om on “The Process of Grieving” … 

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September 23, 2015
The Process of Grieving
Becoming Whole Again

by Madisyn Taylor

Grief can arise from many life situations, but know it is not a permanent state of being.

When we experience any kind of devastating loss, whether it is the loss of a loved one, a dream, or a relationship, feelings may arise within us that are overwhelming or difficult to cope with. This sense of grief can also come up when we are separated from anyone or anything we have welcomed into our lives. And while it may feel like we are caught up in a never-ending spiral of sadness and emptiness, it is important to remember that the grief we are feeling is not a permanent state of being. Rather, grief is part of the process of letting go that in many ways can be a gift, allowing us to go deeper within ourselves to rediscover the light amidst the seeming darkness.

The emotions that accompany any kind of loss can be intense and varied. A sense of shock or denial is often the first reaction, to be replaced by anger. Sometimes this anger can be directed at your loved one for “abandoning” you; at other times you may feel outrage toward the universe for what you are enduring. And while there are stages of grief that people go through – moving from denial to anger to bargaining to depression to acceptance – the cycles of grief often move in spirals, sometimes circling forward and then back again. You may even experience moments of strength, faith, and laughter in between. While these emotions seem to come and go sporadically, it is important to feel them, accept them, and allow them to flow. With time, patience, and compassion, you will eventually find your center again.

As we move through our grief, we may find ourselves reluctant to release our pain, fearing we are letting go of who or what we have lost. We may even regard our movement toward healing as an act of disloyalty or giving up. Know that while the hurt may fade, the essence of what you had and who you loved will have already transformed you and forever stay with you. If anything, once you are ready for the pain of your loss to subside, their memories can then live more fully within you. Remember, that healing is a part of the spiraling cycles of grief, and that in letting yourself feel restored again, you are surrendering to a natural movement that is part of the dance of life.

DailyOm on Conscious Gardening… :) connection with nature..

SGC Admin: From our inbox to you… DailyOm on conscious gardening…

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July 10, 2015
Conscious Gardening
Co-Creating with Nature

by Madisyn Taylor

To co-create we must first begin with a foundation of mutual respect.
Gardens offer us a perfect opportunity to reconnect to our true selves and remember our place in the natural world. Rather than approach our gardens as mere investments of energy, we can look at the entire process of gardening, from planting seeds to harvesting food, as a way of deepening our conscious relationship with the creative force of the universe. If we are willing to shift our intention from dominating, or at least directing nature, to co-creating with nature instead, we may discover a deep peace and renewed sense of wonder.

To co-create we must first begin with a foundation of mutual respect. As you create your garden in partnership with nature, you can respect the earth, water, insects and animals by using organic seeds, soil and fertilizers. You can also communicate with the plants, insects and elements involved in your garden, and create a regular practice of stillness to listen for any messages they may have for you. When it comes time for harvesting fresh vegetables or picking beautiful blooms, you might even ask permission first. If you ask with an open heart, you will always receive an answer.

Imagine what it would be like to surrender certain aspects of your human world to the precision and surety of the natural environment. You might decide, for example, to forego your calendar and plant in rhythm with the cycles of the moon. Or, you might choose to ignore clock time and water your garden when the sun hits a certain position in the sky. By opening your garden experience to more of nature’s input, you can become available to witness a whole universe of miracles, while engendering a greater sense of honor between the two worlds.

When we recognize ourselves as allies, co-creators, with the earth and the natural world, our relationship to our environment begins to change. We no longer feel the need to control the circumstances around us and can relish in the perfection of all that is.