Photobucket
Photobucket

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Be Blessed: Cultivating Your Dreams... the Pirate Way!! Aargh!

“Be careful what you water your dreams with. Water them with worry and fear and you will produce weeds that choke the life from your dream. Water them with optimism and solutions and you will cultivate success. Always be on the lookout for ways to turn a problem into an opportunity for success. Always be on the lookout for ways to nurture your dream.”

-- Lao Tzu



When asked what you DON'T want out of life, I am sure many of us are quick to come up with a lengthy list. A list that is detailed and specific in the scenarios, situations and people we don't want to enter our lives and our spirits. If asked to voice what you DO want... we have a general idea, but most people would not articulate their desires with the passion they'd use to voice their fears.

A terrific way to direct your focus on inviting the things you want in your life is to create a Treasure Map (Hey, I'm a Pirate Sistah... What'd you expect?!?!?). The following is an excerpt from Shakti Gawain's phenomenal book, "Creative Visualization".. one that is a favorite for me!!

Creating A Treasure Map
by Shakti Gawain

Making a "treasure map" is a very powerful technique, and fun to do. A treasure map is an actual, physical picture of your desired reality. It is valuable because it forms an especially clear, sharp image which can then attract and focus energy into your goal. It works along the same lines as a blueprint for a building.

You can make a treasure map by drawing or painting it, or by making a collage using pictures and words cut from magazines, books or cards, photographs, drawings, and so on. Don't worry if you're not artistically accomplished. Simple, childlike treasure maps are just as effective as great works of art!

Basically the treasure map should show you in your ideal scene, with your goal fully realized.

Here are some guidelines that will help you make the most effective treasure maps:

1. Create a treasure map for a single goal or area of your life, so that you can be sure to include all the elements without getting too complicated. This enables the mind to focus on it more clearly and easily than if you include all your goals on one treasure map. You might want to do one treasure map for your relationships, one for your job, one for your spiritual growth, and so on.

2. You can make it any size that's convenient for you. You may want to keep it in your notebook, hang it on your wall, or carry it in your pocket or purse. I usually make mine on light cardboard, which holds up better than paper.

3. Be sure to put yourself in the picture. For a very realistic effect, use a photograph of yourself. Otherwise draw yourself in. Show yourself being, doing, or having your desired objective -- traveling around the world, wearing your new clothes, or being the proud author of your new book.

4. Show the situation in its ideal, complete form, as if it already exists. You don't need to indicate how it's going to come about. This is the finished product. Don't show anything negative or undesirable.

5. Use lots of color in your treasure map to increase the power and impact on your consciousness.

6. Show yourself in a real setting; make it look believable to yourself.

7. Include some symbol of the infinite which has meaning and power for you. It could be an "om" sign, a cross, Christ, Buddha, a sun radiating light, or any thing that represents universal intelligence or God. This is an acknowledgment and a reminder that everything comes from the infinite source.

8. Put affirmations on your treasure map. "Here I am driving my new hybrid gas and electric car."

Be sure to also include the cosmic affirmation, "This, or something better, now manifests for me in totally satisfying and harmonious ways, for the highest good of all concerned."

The process of creating your treasure map is a powerful step toward manifesting your goal. Now just spend a few minutes each day quietly looking at it, and every once in a while throughout the day give it a thought. That is all that's necessary.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

A Little [DE LA SOUL] for a Saturday Night

I know that usually my "for a Saturday Night" selections tend to be more mellow and relaxing, but I'm in a great mood and I am in dancing mood... so I hope you all will dance with me to "A Rollerskating Jam named Saturdays".





Five days you work
One whole day to play
Come on everybody, wear your rollerskates today
It's Saturday, Saturday
Saturday, it's Saturday
Saturday, it's Saturday
Saturday, it's Saturday-ay
(Is the word, is the word, is the word)

Miss Moon's Musing About: Summer Concert Season in NYC!!!

I love music, I love concerts and most important.. I like paying a small amount of money (or not paying anything!!) to go to them! LOL

One of the best things about living in NYC is the ample supply of free or low cost concerts that happen during the summer!!!



So if you live in NYC or plan on visiting this summer, be sure to check out the concerts Irm really excited about seeing (You may run into me!)



Living Colour, Ebony Bones!, Pillow Theory and CX KiDTRONiK
Saturday, June 5, 2010 3:00PM

Rumsey Playfield, Central Park

Classic BRC legends Living Colour usher in a new generation of African-American rock stars.



Celebrate Emancipation Day with CODY CHESNUTT
Saturday, July 3, 2010 6:00 PM (doors open @ 4)
$5.00 Suggested Donation

Weeksville Heritage Center
Historic Hunterfly Road Houses
1698 Bergen Street
(between Buffalo Avenue and Rochester Avenue)
Brooklyn, NY 11213

Celebrate the day enslaved Africans were freed in New York with the return of celebrated rocker Cody ChesnuTT. (Though freed on July 4, 1827, because of threats of violence, African-Americans in New York City celebrated this important holiday outdoors on July 5th) This year’s celebration will include a discussion on Haiti @ 4pm, music by Cody ChesnuTT @ 6pm (in his FIRST NY performance in 4 Years!) and the film Secondhand (Pepe) screening @ 8pm. The vendors for this event are NY Dosa & Wafels and Dinges.



Celebrate Brooklyn! Presents OkayAfrica with The Roots and Talib Kweli
Sunday, July 11, 2010 7:30 PM
$3.00 Suggested Donation

Prospect Park Bandshell
The Bandshell is located inside the Park at Prospect Park West and 9th Street.

The Roots headline the OkayAfrica World Cup 2010 Finals party to celebrate the first time in its 80-year history the tournament will take place on African soil. With a kick-off by Sahr Ngaujah, the star of the hit Broadway musical Fela!, the show features performances by artists from all corners of the Diaspora, including host Talib Kweli (Brooklyn), Bajah + The Dry Eye Crew (Sierra Leone), Blitz the Ambassador (Ghana), and many others to be announced. Musically omnivorous hip-hop icons The Roots honor the fresh music of Africa jamming throughout the day with surprise guests and capping it all off with a closing set.



Raphael Saadiq, Aloe Blacc, and Special Guests
Saturday, July 17, 2010 3:00PM

Rumsey Playfield, Central Park

Award-winning songwriting/producer/performer Raphael Saadiq brings new meaning to old soul.

Raphael Saadiq is a standard bearer for ’old school’ soul, a contemporary artist continuing the time-honored American tradition rooted in the sounds of ’60s and ’70s. From his early days as a member of the groundbreaking ’80s group Tony! Toni! Toné!, through his work as an award-winning producer for Joss Stone, The Roots, Snoop Dogg, and John Legend, and in his own perfectly crafted solo albums, the multi-talented Saadiq has kept the faith. His latest release, the three-time Grammy-nominated The Way I See It, was named the Album of the Year by iTunes. While other contemporary artists may attempt to emulate the sound and flavor of soul, Saadiq brings real emotion and production values that are simply “right on.”




Celebrate Brooklyn! Presents Daptone Review: Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings
with Budos Band
Saturday, August 7, 7:30 PM
$3.00 Suggested Donation

Prospect Park Bandshell
The Bandshell is located inside the Park at Prospect Park West and 9th Street.

The Bushwick label Daptone Records, long committed to bringing you the finest soul, funk, gospel and afrobeat sounds to be found on analog tape, trots out the family. With the unstoppable Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings headlining and the hard-hitting Budos Band and Charles Bradley also on the bill, an epochal moment of the great Brooklyn soul revival is clearly at hand.

Another great place to find terrific in Brooklyn is the Martin Luther King Concert Series in Wingate Field... past years Erykah Badu, Jill Scott and Lauryn Hill performed!!! The 2010 lineup in scheduled to be announced in a few weeks, so check this blog out in a few weeks... I might have added a few more shows!!

Peace (And Music) from Brooklyn!!!

D-I-Y Nappturaliciously: Post BRAID-cation Hair Regimen

I am very much a creature of comfort. When I find a regimen that works for me, I hold on to it with a power kung-fu grip!

Yesterday after taking my braids out, washing my hair with my usual go-to shampoo and applying Miss Jessie's Super Sweetback Treatment (I have one more treatment left in the jar... still don't know what my final thoughts on the product will be... but I promise to post them! One immediate thought though is do not leave it in overnight if you plan on sleeping in late the next morning! After 12+ hours of keeping it in, that stuff stayed on my scalp and I had to scrub like Lady MacBeth to get it off!!!)

Okay, I got sidetracked, back to the story:

I realized that I was out of Healthy Hair Butter. While I seldom use HHB during warmer weather - I generally prefer more balmy substances for my summer braid-outs, I wanted to be extra nourishing to my hair after having it in braids for over a month. With the encouragement from my Natural-hair sistren on FaceBook (Thank you, Jazitones, LeAntionette and Mmazipan!!) I decided to try Oyin's Whipped Pudding, a product I love on my body but have never used on my hair.



Because the name of the game for me was "Moisturize & Hydrate", I also added a new product to the line-up, Jane Carter Solution's Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner. I had purchased it for hydrating my braids, but the lightness and the smell has made me a convert!!! I finished the bottle on my hair this afternoon, but I am definitely going to buy another bottle to try it on my hair for another month.



After washing out Miss Jessie's SST with my hair parted into four sections, I parted each row, oiled my scalp with Jamaican Castor Oil, making sure I let the oil get into my hair as well. I sprayed the entire row with the Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner, added a little bit of the Whipped Pudding and them worked it through with my Denman Brush..... My hair was in Seventh Heaven!!! I could almost hear "Thaaaaaank Yoooooooou!!!!" (a la Bill Murray in "Little Shop of Horrors")

I was running out of Leave-In Conditioner, so I decided to sample a bit of my Mum's, not realizing that it was not a leave-in, but Pantene's Relaxed and Naturals Wrap & Setting Lotion. I must say, I liked the way the front of my hair responded to it. I tend to have extra frizz on the top of my hair, and applying the lotion to my hair seemed to really minimize the frizz and bring out the natural definition of my hair!!



Once each section was completed, I added Avon's Dry Ends Serum and clipped the section down with a duck bill clip to slightly elongate.



This is the finished product. My hair is still slightly wet, so I am leaving the clips in for a few hours to let it dry!!



My hair looks ridiculously oily, but I can guarantee that my hair is currently slurping it up like a milk shake!!!



Close up of one section of hair.. love when my hair is glossy!!!!



Stretch test.... the back of my hair is completely APL now, and the front is getting there! I am very very happy with the growth I'm getting!!

Friday, May 28, 2010

DOPE: "Why Dontcha Call Me No More" YahZarah



This video has basically become the audio/visual equivalent to a tequila shot for me these past few weeks. The song is dope as hell all on its own and the video is great on its own... but its the Jem opening that just takes me higher!! LOL



Thursday, May 27, 2010

:::drools::: Plus Size Clothing from evans in the UK!!

I guess you can call me a Bloggy-come-lately, but apparently its all about evans in the United Kingdom for plus size clothing!! I just learned about the company today  from Young, Fat & Fabulous (Which I read through in its entirety today... it's that dope, y'all!)



From their "About Us" page:

Everything we do at evans starts and ends with our customers. After all, we're a group of women who love to shop, and we know exactly what a girl needs from a little 'retail therapy'!

Shop in one of over 330 evans stores around the UK and Ireland, and you'll find sales advisors armed with in-depth professional advice and a real passion for plus size fashion.

And, even more importantly, they have an intuitive understanding of our customers' view on body image.

Shopping online is easy and can be done from the comfort of home, any time of day. There is also a great range online exclusives available that you won't find in-store.


I plan on ordering at least one thing tomorrow (Hip Hip Hooray for Pay Day! LOL) from the selection below:

Animal Print 2 in 1 Top (£35.00/$50.68)



Aqua Silver Button Mac (£49.50/71.68)



Embellished Neck Tribal Top (£45.00/$65.16)



So once I receive my order I will be sure to let you know my findings in a follow up blog post. If you don't want to wait that long & plan to place an order right away, keep in mind that UK sizes are different. Checkout this handy-dandy plus size size conversion chart below!!!



To sample all the goodies for yourself, be sure to visit http://www.evans.co.uk

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

DO SOMETHING: Tell EPA: Take away BP's billions in federal contracts

It's hard not be furious at BP when you see the insurmountable evidence of their recklessness. As I look at the photos below (Courtesy of The Huffington Post) I am reminded that greed is toxic!




It's time to stop playing BP's games and make the company take responsibility for the pattern of reckless behavior that led to the growing Deep Horizon disaster in the gulf.

The Environmental Protection Agency has the authority to bar BP from receiving U.S. government contracts. Suspension of BP contracts would mean the loss of billions of dollars and effectively stop the company from drilling in federally controlled oil fields both on and offshore.

I just signed the petition to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson asking her to impose "discretionary debarment" and strip BP of all federal contracts. You can take action too by clicking on the link below.

http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/epa_bp/?r_by=&rc=paste2

 

Monday, May 24, 2010

Music Therapy with Miss Moon

I wasn't the biggest "Married with Children" fan in the world (after a while, hooter jokes are a bit of a bore!)but the episode that really really stuck with me is the "Oldies but Young 'Uns" episode, where Al heard a song and searched desperately to find the record, knowing only that it went "Mmm Hmmm Himmm" (See 03:11) LOL

Such was my adolescent search to find this song...and I was so happy to finally find an old .45 of the single at a oldies record store in Park Slope near where I lived. This song continues to make me feel optimistic, as it reminds me of a moment in my life where I was able to get something I really, really wanted... and that is always a fantastic feeling!! So I hope that you will all enjoy this week's song, "Groove Me" by Fern Kinney!





Sunday, May 23, 2010

Be Blessed: And BEE-lieve You Can Do It

I receive Daily Stimu-Mails - daily words of inspiration courtesy of Iyanla Vanzant and earlier this week, I read this and instantly knew that I had to share it as this week's Be Blessed post. I hope that it inspires you the same way it inspired me. Enjoy!!

The bumblebee' s wings are so thin and its body so big, 
it should not be able to fly. 
The only problem is, the bee doesn't know that.
- David Lindsay



Most of us do not know what we cannot do until someone tells us. We are willing to try almost anything, go anywhere, stretch ourselves to the limits in pursuit of our dreams. And then we talk to other people. We are reminded of how dangerous it may be, how ridiculous it sounds, what a chance we are taking. People have no problem informing us of all the downsides and pitfalls, they cannot see how we will ever reach the goal. They put us in touch with our faults, limitations and habits. They remind us of all the others who didn't make it, and in vivid detail they tell us why. They give us warnings, cautions and helpful hints about alternative things we can do. When they are finished, we have been effectively talked right out of our dreams. Bumblebees do not talk and neither should we. If we have a dream we want to come true, the only way to it is through it. We must take a chance, a risk and a leap. If we believe in ourselves and our ability we will be taught how to fly.

I can do it because I believe I can do it.

Excerpt from:
Acts of Faith
by Iyanla Vanzant



To sign up for Daily Stimu-Mail, visit http://www.innervisionsworldwide.com/ .

Saturday, May 22, 2010

A Little [NINA SIMONE] for a Saturday Night

I love Nina Simone. Her voice really stirs something deep within my soul, and I always am delighted to hear her take on popular songs. Such as this week's song, which is great for a quiet Saturday Night, "Turn, Turn, Turn".... Enjoy!!!



Friday, May 21, 2010

:::drools::: Keri Hilson-style for Plus Size Fashionistas



I am really, really loving this look Miss Keri is rocking. I like the fact that its fun, sexy and it looks like its very comfortable (Which always makes me feel sexy, to be honest).

I recreated this look with a twist. I took the blue/black combo of jumper and shoes and reversed it. I hope you enjoy!

I started with the Z. Cavaricci Couture - Black Zip-Up Cropped Jumpsuit ($75.00, Torrid.)



I paired this jumper in basic black with Teal Lizard Colorblock Platform Open Toe Bootie ($34.99, AmiClubWear - Thanks Stephanie, for giving me the info on this site!)



I could've completed this look with a simple black beret. But because I am a sucker for accessories, I am going to add a little whipped creme and sprinkles to this fashion sundae.. you decide which is which!!!

I decided to start with a simple hoop earring, so I chose the Modern Tribal Hoops ($16.00, Urban Outfitters)



And because the toes are so lovingly and colorfully adorned, I had to pick something so the head wouldn't feel left out!!



Urban Bloom Denim Brooch/clip ($25.00, Bohemian Soul) I love the bright and beautiful goodies over at Bohemian Soul (Check out my previous blog entry dedicated solely to their hair accessories!) so any chance I can find to incorporate them into my looks, I will jump at the opportunity!! LOL

Peace from Brooklyn!!

Thursday, May 20, 2010

I'm REALLY Diggin': Janet's New Do'

I was completely bowled over when I spotted pictures of Janet Jackson's new short hair while out and about in London.

Janet is the one celebrity I would never in a thousand years would dare to rock a short 'do, and I do mean rockin' it!!!





Her big beautiful eyes were made for that short hair!! I am really loving this surge of sistah-celebs ditching the weaves for a shorter do'

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Yummm! A Birthday Dinner for Malcolm X



Today would have been the 85th birthday of El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, the man most of the world knows as Malcolm X. The feast I have planned (in my mind) to celebrate is one I think Brother Malcolm would approve of! Enjoy!!

Baked Eggplant

(Recipe Courtesy of Sister Clara Muhammad)

1 medium eggplant Boiling water
1 1/2 tablespoon salt
1/4 cup salad oil or olive oil
1 onion chopped
1 medium green pepper cut in
1/4-inch cubes
1 tomato skinned and chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried basil or I teaspoon fresh chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or
1 teaspoon fresh chopped
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 Cup bread or corn flakes crumbs
2 tablespoons butter

1. Wash eggplant and cover with boiling water. Add I tablespoon of the salt and boil 20 minutes. Turn it several times to cook evenly, since it will ride on the top of the water. Drain and rinse in cold water.

2. Peel the eggplant and cut in 1/4-inch cubes.

3. Heat the oil in a skillet and lightly saute the onion. Stir in the eggplant, green pepper, tomato, basil, oregano, remaining V2 tablespoon salt, and pepper.

4. Place in a greased medium casserole, cover with crumbs, and dot with butter.

5. Bake in a 350 degree oven about 30 minutes, or until well-browned.
Serves 4-5

Baked Fish

(Recipe Courtesy of Zawaj.com)

1 1/2 - 2 lbs. red snapper or any other firm white fish
1 box cherry tomatoes
about 1 cup pitted black olives or to taste
2 cloves garlic
1 onion, chopped
1/4 to 1/2 lb feta cheese, or to taste

Coat fish lightly with olive oil and lay in a shallow baking dish. Put in a 350F oven to bake. While fish is cooking, saute onion until translucent, add garlic, tomatoes, and olives and cook just until tomatoes collapse. Just before fish is done, top with crumbled feta and cook just until cheese softens/melts. Serve with vegetables of your choice.

Om Ali

(Recipe Courtesy of Epicureaders.com)

14 sheets fresh phyllo pastry or frozen, thawed (about 1/2 pound)
1/2 cup whole blanched almonds (about 3 ounces)
1/2 cup raisins
3 cups milk (do not use low-fat or nonfat)
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter
1 cup whipping cream
2 teaspoons orange flower water
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup coarsely chopped pistachios

Position racks in top and bottom thirds of oven and preheat to 500°F. Stack 7 pastry sheets on each of 2 large baking sheets. Bake until top pastry sheets are dry and crisp but not brown, about 45 seconds. Working quickly, transfer top pastry sheets to another large baking sheet and cool (pastry may break). Repeat baking and removing top sheets from each stack every 45 seconds. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.

Arrange half of phyllo in bottom of 13 x 9 x 2-inch glass baking dish, breaking phyllo to fit into dish as necessary. Reserve 2 tablespoons almonds and 2 tablespoons raisins. Sprinkle remaining almonds and raisins over pastry. Cover with remaining pastry, breaking into pieces and pressing to fit into dish. Combine milk, sugar and butter in heavy medium saucepan. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves and butter melts. Remove pan from heat. Mix in cream and orange flower water. Pour milk mixture over phyllo (phyllo will shrink as it absorbs milk mixture). Sprinkle with cinnamon, then pistachios and reserved almonds and raisins.

Bake until pudding puffs and center is set, about 45 minutes or less Serve hot.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Mo' Music Therapy with Miss Moon

Spending the past 24 hours reading about Aiyana Jones, then hearing news of a 5-year old girl being handcuffed and arrested for having a temper tantrum in school,  and the story of a man in Massachusetts who tried to exchange his infant daughter for two 40 ounces of Malt Liquor has made me contemplate hijacking Johnny Depp's private island... Pirate style (I think he would appreciate the gesture, frankly!)

I gave myself a pass to have a double dose of Music Therapy with Miss Moon this week (I may do this again in the future), as I listened to this song this afternoon and it immediately lifted my spirit! I hope it does the same for you!! Janelle Monáe "Tightrope" Feat. Big Boi





Monday, May 17, 2010

Music Therapy with Miss Moon

"Angry and saddened" does not even begin to describe my feelings after reading the news account of 7-year-old Aiyana Jones, who was shot by a police officer during a raid on the apartment building she lived in. She was sleeping on the couch in the living room when she was shot in the neck.



There are countless Police Officers in this country who respect and value the citizens of the communities they have sworn to protect and serve. I truly believe that . I believe this despite bearing witness to Eleanor Bumpurs, Amadou Diallo, Sean Bell and too many more in my 32 years on this earth. I believe this despite the fact the Iman Morales was killed right around the corner from my house.

I want to believe that despite Fox News reporting that "Officers arrested the suspect inside the home where Aiyana was shot, Godbee said." (Inside the BUILDING....not the apartment. Apartment building.... House..... see how they sound different?!?!?!)And as the internet scrambles to blame the family for having the nerve to be poor and live in the same building as criminals... that we won't forget Aiyana Jones. As her father said on Sunday, "They killed my baby, and I want someone to tell the truth,".

I will be praying for truth and healing for the entire Jones family. And in the meantime, I will be playing this song for Aiyana.. "Border Song (Live-1993)" Sir Elton John & Aretha Franklin.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

I SWEAR I'm not Obsessed (But I AM a Little Dorky) About....

Season Three of HBO's True Blood, which premieres June 13, 2010!!!



When "True Blood" first aired, I was up in Corning, sans-cable, and my FaceBook wall and Twitter feed were full of my friend's thoughts about the show. Suffice to say that once Chris and I came to Brooklyn, one of the first things I did was check out Season One on HBO on Demand... just in time to catch up for Season Two... and I was hooked!!! LOL



Season Three from the trailer looks like it's going to be OFF THE HOOK!!!! I cannot wait!!! But I SWEAR... I'm not Obsessed!! LOL

Be Blessed: & Laugh.... Often!!

At the height of laughter, the universe is flung into a kaleidoscope of new possibilities.

~Jean Houston

I've always thought that a big laugh is a really loud noise from the soul saying, "Ain't that the truth."

~Quincy Jones

The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.

~e.e. cummings



When was the last time you had a really, tremendously good laugh? A laugh that you felt from your head to your toes? Do you remember how you felt spiritually after that laugh?

For me.... after a good laugh, once the tears have been wiped from my eyes and I've caught my breath... I always have a good sigh that sets my soul to vibrating. After a good laugh, that wonderfully, blessed feeling lingers and it takes very little to keep that goodness with me.

When I want to laugh heartily and plentifully, I go to movies (One of my favorites is the Abbott & Costello movie, "Hold that Ghost" and the squirrel scene with Chevy Chase in "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation"). But a good "America's Funniest Home Videos" marathon is always good for laughs!!! Whatever the source, laughter is so tremendously important.

From the good folks at The Daily Om:

Centered Silliness
Laughing Meditation

Many people might be surprised to think of laughter as a form of meditation. Yet not only is laughing meditation one of the simplest forms of meditation, but also it is a very powerful one. The physical act of laughing is one of the few actions involving the body, emotions, and the soul. When we laugh, we give ourselves over to the immediacy of the present moment. We also are able to momentarily transcend minor physical and mental stresses. Practiced in the morning, laughing meditation can lend a joyful quality to the entire day. Practiced in the evening, laughing meditation is a potent relaxant that has been known to inspire pleasant dreams. Laughter also can help open our eyes to previously unnoticed absurdities that can make life seem less serious.

There are three stages to mindful laughter. Each stage can last anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes. The first stage involves stretching your body like a cat and breathing deeply. Your stretch should start at the hands and feet before you move through the rest of your body. Stretch out the muscles in your face by yawning and making silly faces. The second stage of the meditation is pure laughter. Imagine a humorous situation, remember funny jokes, or think about how odd it is to be laughing by yourself. When the giggles start to rise, let them. Let the laughter ripple through your belly and down into the soles of your feet. Let the laughter lead to physical movement. Roll on the floor, if you have to, and keep on laughing until you stop. The final stage of the meditation is one of silence. Sit with your eyes closed and focus on your breath.

Laughter brings with it a host of positive effects that operate on both the physical and mental levels. It is also fun, expressive, and a way to release tension. Learn to laugh in the present moment, and you'll find that joy is always there.



This week I will take the time each day to laugh. even if its just funny faces in the mirror!!!