back from Italy

Italy....what an amazing place. I love that country. I really just love traveling in general. I flew to Madrid then onto Rome. The airline Iberia is such a great airline. It reminds me of what flying used to be like in the US. There was certainly a general consensus of the people that I talked to from so many different countries on their perception of the American Culture. Every thing in America has to be bigger. Super-sized if you will. Even the AMERICANS themselves! We have gotten so wrapped up with wanting MORE that MORE is never enough. For the most part people are empty and trying to fulfill something to make them feel whole or successful. When really they are just feeding their ego and not really feeding themselves.

I am reading Eckert Tolle's new book, Awakening to your Life's Purpose. This book Oprah did a weekly podcast with Eckert Tolle to help AWAKEN our consciousness. What an amazing book. I never realized exactly how much I was feeding my ego. I knew that I felt empty inside a lot of times and that I had high aspirations for myself. Always wanting more and always being in the future and not enjoying the present. I have talked about before how hard it is for me to be present. I AM NOT ALONE! This is the way most people are. Their minds and egos are running them rather than just BEING.

When I started my mediation practice, that was the closest that I've ever been to being present. I felt so energized and connected to God, Source, The Universe, whatever it is that you want to call it. Since December, I've have lost that connection. The deep peace of consciousness of being present. Not that I have lost it completely. Once you've had a moment of enlightenment, that awareness stays with you...unless you get lost in your ego again.

My relationship with my boyfriend has been a wonderful learning ground for me. I have noticed quite a few times in conversations that I get very defensive, and I have to sit back and see where that comes from. Most of the time its my EGO reacting. It's been interesting to watch the transition of how my reactions are changing as I become more aware of the root of the reactions.

I really enjoy learning more about myself and growing into a better person. More real. I want to feel peaceful. Not anxious. Truly happy with everything that I have and the uncertainty of life. That uncertainty is very exciting. When you are in Present Time Consciousness the world is so much more than we could have fathomed. We are interconnected in such a way that can make your mind blow! I LOVE IT!!!

There is so much more than transpires everyday. I inspire you to slow down, observe what's around you. Look at life with an attitude of gratitude. Take a moment to sit and be still and just BE. Wondrous things await.

Holy Smokes!

I just laugh. Life is so funny. The last time I've written in this blog was 5 months ago! It's hard to believe that 5 months have passed so quickly. A whirlwind they certainly have been!

I read the last entry. Resolutions. The athlete, the fire, that I am ready to bring out...well, is still churning inside just dying to break free. Have I given it the opportunity? Not really. Dancing with our Island Stars was certainly a physical challenge. I had such an amazing time and because of my athletic ability, I was able to perform at levels that most dancers take years to do. (Pat myself on the back!) BUT because I was dancing, and raising money for The Florida Keys Children Shelter AND helping to organize a Relay for Life AND running a business AND trying to fit in time with my boyfriend...my ME time was pushed aside. Thank goodness for Pilates. Pilates has really my savior.

I pulled my hamstring half-way to my dance performance. Pilates pulled me back together in NO time flat. I have had no problems since then either! Since I have not been disciplined with my cardiovascular exercise like I wanted, Pilates has come in to save the day and give me the work-out, the energy, the challenge and the stretching to make me feel on top.

The craziness of the season has finally come to a...ha...can't say halt...just a slow-down. I have rode my bike a couple or three times. I LOVE it! How exhilarating! And GREEN! Save on gas and carbon emissions!

I am off to Italy today for a week for a fun business trip. Micah is off to a vet conference in Rome and I'll jut up to Florence (really it's: Firenze-when in Rome...) to see my friend Laura. Spend some time drinking amazing wine, walking the streets of Florence and teaching some Pilates. Isn't life grand? I am so excited to share this trip with Micah. Our first traveling trip together! We make a good pair. I am sure traveling in Europe will be nothing but exciting adventures laced with food, drink, laughter and love. All the finer things in life!

This is a well deserved trip after a whirlwind of a winter. Time to let my hair loose, rejuvenate the spirit and celebrate life and love!

Chao Bellas!