Music Therapy with Miss Moon

" You can't run away from trouble.  There ain't no place that far."
~ Uncle Remus

" Adversity is the mother of progress."
~ Mahatma Gandhi

" Life is truly known only to those who suffer, lose, endure adversity and stumble from defeat to defeat."
~ Anais Nin

Just when you think you've got a pretty good handle on your life, something happens that makes everything topsy turvy and difficult to find your bearings.

Such has been my life lately, but I think I've reached an epiphany that I'm currently testing to see if it's correct. Generally when I feel swamped by adversity, I admittedly crumble and fall to pieces, shake my fist to the heavens, wonder what I did in a former life to deserve such tribulations, get a second wind, gather my strength and push through it.

This time around, I am looking at it with different eyes. I am looking at it as an opportunity to test my strength and convictions, and to clear what is unnecessary in my life. I am going to take this challenge head on and recognize that it will ultimately strengthen me and bring forth knowledge that will help me through the next phase of peace.

So today's music therapy song choice is one that best sums up my attitude about adversity or trouble in my life. And if you are encountering a tough time, I hope that it will inspire you to keep cool, keep positive, and keep looking for a way out of the turmoil. Here's Marvin Gaye's "Trouble Man" revamped by Neneh Cherry.



I've come up hard, baby, now I'm cool
Didn't make it sugar, playing by the rules
I've come up hard, baby but now I'm fine
In checking trouble sugar, moving down the line

I've come up hard, baby, but that's okay
'Cause Trouble Man don't get in my way
I've come up hard, baby, I've been for real
Gonna keep on moving, gonna go to town

I've come up hard, I come up and get down
There's only three things that's for sure
Taxes, death and trouble
This I know, baby

Oh, that's right

Oh, I've come up hard, baby, with troubled mind
But then I've got my share of what's mine
Oh, I've come up hard, baby, but that's okay
'Cause Trouble Man don't get in my way

Oh, I've come up hard, baby

I know some places and I see some faces
I've got the connections, they dig my directions
What people say, that's okay
They don't bother me

I'm ready to make it, don't care what the weather
Don't care about no trouble, got myself together
Got the kind of protection
It's all around me

I've come up hard but now I'm cool
I didn't make it, baby, playing by the rules
Oh, I've come up hard, baby, but that's okay
'Cause Trouble Man don't get in my way

Oh, I've come up hard, baby, with troubled mind
But then I've got my share of what's mine
I've come up hard, now I'm fine
I'm checking trouble sugar, moving down the line
Moving down the line, moving down the line
Moving down the line, yeah, moving down the line

Music Therapy with Miss Moon

" You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."
~ C. S. Lewis

" The secret to a rich life is to have more beginnings than endings."
~ Dave Weinbaum

" Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it, begin it now."
~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Confession time: About a month ago, I was seriously contemplating deleting Miss Moon's Musings. I knew I wouldn't give up blogging entirely (I still blogged on my Hindi film blog, Black Girl Digs Bollywood), but I felt like I had nothing else to write about here. I wasn't excited about it anymore. No excitement, no inspiration, nothing to share... I thought perhaps the blog had run its course.

Instead of doing something rash like deleting the blog, I decided to step away. No announcements, no "I'll be back...", I just put the blog on an invisible shelf. And I felt HORRIBLY irresponsible about it. But I put aside  the negative feelings I had associated with turning away, convinced that if my relationship with Miss Moon's Musings were to persist, I would be back. There is no shame in starting over after taking time to step back and reflect. There is no shame in making a much-needed redirection, but I was heaping tons of shame on myself or wanting to take a break. I realize the fatal flaw in my thinking, that has been holding me back in terms of this blog, and a lot of things.

I was thinking I was too old (at 35!) to make any type of changes in plans, but that's a crock. I'm old enough to make wise choices from the heart, and young enough to be able to see the journey to completion. There is still ample time!

So for today's song choice for the return of Music Therapy with Miss Moon is from Clare and the Reasons. I hope that "You Got Time" serves as a very important reminder that it is never over until it's over.



Even if you said something so cold
even though you have lies that you told

you got time to turn around and make things right
you got time to turn around and make things right

even if you manipulate us
even if you just caused a big fuss

you got time to turn around and make things right
you got time to turn around and make things right

you got time
you got time
you got time
you got time

even though you just told them goodbye
even though they’re still wondering why

you got time to turn around and make things right
you got time to turn around and make things right

even if you feel badder than bad
even if you got madder than mad

you got time to turn around and make things right
you got time to turn around and make things right

you got time
you got time
you got time
you got time

you got time
you got time
you got time
you got time

Even if you said something so cold
even if you’ve got lies that you told

you’ve got time to turn around and make things right
you’ve got time to turn around and make things right

Even if you feel badder than bad
even if you got madder than mad

you’ve got time to turn around and make things right
you’ve got time to turn around and make things right

you’ve got time
you’ve got time
you’ve got time
you’ve got time

you’ve got time
you’ve got time
you’ve got time
you’ve got time

Even though you made all of them cry

Music Therapy with Miss Moon

“The Gods cannot help those who do not seize opportunities”
~ Chinese Proverb

“We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.”
~ Charles R. Swindoll

"There will always be a Frontier where there is an open mind and a willing hand."
~ Charles Franklin Kettering


I love those moments in life when you receive confirmation from the Universe that you've made the right choice.

In my last Music Therapy with Miss Moon post, I was feeling a bit defeated after several set backs, but was convinced that I should continue with my Creative Visualization Challenge, because giving up and stopping would seem foolish, and frankly, a waste of the time and dedication I put into the whole thing in the first place.

So I continued expressing gratitude, I continued focusing on my goals, and I continued applying to jobs, convinced that there is a job out there with my name on it. And... I have several promising job interviews scheduled this week, including a second interview! Yay!!

I've learned something tremendous during this process. I've learned that the moment I feel like I should give up, and throw in the towel... is the possible moment that I'm on the threshold of the changes I desire coming into my life, so it will auger well for me to continue on the journey. And this lesson I gratefully share with you all in this week's song choice for Music Therapy with Miss Moon. I hope you all will keep on keepin' on with me to "The Climb" by No Doubt.


Step by step
I've come closer to reaching the top
Every step must be placed so that I don't fall off
Looking down to see about how much higher I am
Another cool wind comes through and brushes my skin
The harder I push the tension does grow
I gather my thoughts the further and further I go
With some luck I just might keep on climbing
So better to climb than to face a fall
So high the climb
Can't turn back now
Must keep on climbing up to the clouds
So high the climb Can't turn back now
Must keep on climbing up to the clouds

Pulling myself up by a rope
I better my view
The only thing in sight is what I must do
As I turned I could see myself falling
Which in return save me strength for the climb

So high the climb
Can't turn back now
Must keep on climbing up to the clouds
So high the climb
Can't turn back now
Must keep on climbing up to the clouds

Although many failed I must now prevail with no question
Have no time to stop
Onward to the top of the mountain
And I can't turn back now
Its so very high but I can't turn back now
If I keep it up, I'm gonna make it

I'm so very close can't you see
So high the climb
Can't turn back now
Must keep on climbing up to the clouds
So high the climb
Can't turn back now
Must keep on climbing up to the clouds
I'm getting closer

Music Therapy with Miss Moon

"An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind."
~ Mahatma Gandhi

“It is only when you have both divine grace and human endeavor that you can experience bliss, just as you can enjoy the breeze of a fan only when you have both a fan and the electrical energy to operate it.”
~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba

"All that we are is a result of what we have thought"
~ Buddha

"And as we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. "
~ Nelson Mandela

I unfortunately didn't get the job I was super excited about last week, but I am resolute in keeping my Creative Visualization Challenge going, because I know that it's making me see my life and world around me with much more positive eyes. I wanted this week's post to be about how to keep momentum going when there are doubters, haters, or otherwise negative folks all up in your face.

A few weeks ago when reading the horoscope for Scorpio from the FABULOUS Rob Brezsny (Check out his Free Will Astrology website to have his weekly horoscopes emailed to you), I was struck with what Oprah calls an "Aha! Moment":

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Columnist Sydney J. Harris told the following story. "I walked with a friend to the newsstand the other night, and he bought a paper, thanking the owner politely. The owner, however, did not even acknowledge it. 'A sullen fellow, isn't he?' I commented as we walked away. 'Oh, he's that way every night,' shrugged my friend. 'Then why do you continue being so polite to him?' I asked. And my friend
replied, 'Why should I let him determine how I'm going to act?'" I hope you'll adopt that approach in the coming week, Scorpio. Be your best self even if no one appreciates it or responds. Astrologically speaking, this is prime time to anchor yourself in your highest integrity.

Face it: there are negative ass people in this world. I live in New York City, where it seems the bulk of them have chosen to call home (Not true, I know...but it certainly feels that way sometimes). LOL

In going about your day, you may encounter people who are like Statler and Waldorfs  for your spirit. And while the knee jerk reaction may be to respond with their negativity with some of your own, like my horoscope said, why should you let anyone determine how YOU are going to act? If you're going to bestow power over yourself to anyone in the world, why pick a bunch of Negative Nancies and Gloomy Guses, you know? Pick the folks that inspire you, and motivate you, and make you feel fabulous about yourself... give your energy to them if you want to!

If you are spiritually shining a bit brighter than someone around you, why dim your light to match them? Keep shining, my dear friends, and perhaps it will influence them to fix what's lacking in their own lives to shine a bit brighter too.

The greatest part of my Aha! Moment was that around the time of reading this horoscope, today's song choice for Music Therapy with Miss Moon was on heavy duty rotation over here at Casa di Miss Moon. I would play this song on a loop while job searching, while blogging, while cooking dinner, while washing dishes and I recently went for a 2 hour walk playing only this song. My friends in "the real world" and FaceBook will know that I am totally in love with this song. It's my cell phone ringtone, for goodness sakes! LOL

Out of pure curiosity, I decided to look up the lyrics and English translation to the song, to get a better understanding why the song resonated so much for me. It's a super-catchy song, and the beat is bad-ass... but I really believed there was more to me liking the song than that.

Imagine my delight and surprise when I discovered the song is about reveling in your own personal connection with God, and is an anthem to shine and feel divine love regardless of what you're encountering around you. So (of course) I said to myself, "This song is SOOOO going to be a Music Therapy with Miss Moon post!!" LOL

The lyrics to this song with english translations come courtesy of both Jugny.com and Space to Rant. I hope you all will shine a bit brighter while shaking your groove thing to "Jugni Ji" by Dr. Zeus, featuring Kanika Kapoor and Shortie. (Note on "Jugni": The word literally means 'Female Firefly', in folk music it stands in for the poet-writer who uses Jugni as an innocent observer to make incisive, often humorous, sometimes sad but always touching observations. In spiritual poetry Jugni means the spirit of life, or essence of life.)

Ae way allah waliyan di jugni ji
The spirit of all the messengers who brought His message to this Earth
Ae way allah waliyan di jugni ji
The spirit of all the messengers who brought His message to this Earth
Ae way meray pir di jugni ji
The spirit of my saint
Ae way meray pir di jugni ji
The spirit of my saint
Ae way maula ali wali jugni ji
The spirit of Ali and his followers
Ae way maula ali wali jugni ji
The spirit of Ali and his followers
Ae way meray pir di jugni ji
The spirit of my saint
Ae way meray pir di jugni ji
The spirit of my saint

Know she a talking about, jugni ji
Just trying to enthuse about your, jugni ji
The reason why you lose, you got no, jugni ji
So step into my shoes and feel the, jugni ji
Some people they gon' hate you cause of, jugni ji
Try and alleviate you of the, jugni ji
What will elevate you is the, jugni ji
Just kick back and meditate and feel the, jugni ji

Jugni taar khaeein vich thaal
O my creation, share whatever you have
Jugni taar khaeein vich thaal
O my creation, share whatever you have
Chad duniya dey janjaal
Remove yourself from worldly concerns
Jugni taar khaeein vich thaal
O my creation, share whatever you have
Chad duniya dey janjaal
Remove yourself from worldly concerns
Kuch nai nibna bandiya naal
There is nothing that you can get from other human beings that you can take to the after-life
Rakhi saabat sidh amaal
Just keep your actions and intentions pure

Ho pir meraya jugni ji
I have the spirit of my guide
Ae way allah waliyan di jugni ji
The spirit of all the messengers who brought His message to this Earth
Ae way allah waliyan di jugni ji
The spirit of all the messengers who brought His message to this Earth
Ae way meray pir di jugni ji
The spirit of my saint
Ae way meray pir di jugni ji
The spirit of my saint
Ae way maula ali wali jugni ji
The spirit of Ali and his followers
Ae way maula ali wali jugni ji
The spirit of Ali and his followers
Ae way meray pir di jugni ji
The spirit of my saint
Ae way meray pir di jugni ji
The spirit of my saint

Dum gutkoon, dum gutkoon, dum gutkoon, dum gutkoon…
Everytime I think of you, God, my heart flutters

Ain’t too much to need outside you, jugni ji
If you set it free you find your, jugni ji
Come on, who would you really be without your, jugni ji
Wouldn't be able to see without your, jugni ji
The reasons why you rise is cause of, jugni ji
Always to the sky because of, jugni ji
Just take a look into my eyes and you’ll see, jugni ji
You need to recognise that I got, jugni ji

Jugni dig payee vich roi
So absorbed was the creation that she stumbled into a ditch
Jugni dig payee vich roi
So absorbed was the creation that she stumbled into a ditch
Othay ro ro kamli hoi
There she wailed relentlessly
Othay ro ro kamli hoi
There she wailed relentlessly
Oddi vaath naye lainda koi
But there was no one who enquired about her
Tey kalmay binna nai mildi toi
Remember, there is no salvation for anyone without remembering your creator

Ho pir meraya jugni ji
I have the spirit of my guide
Ae way allah waliyan di jugni ji
The spirit of all the messengers who brought His message to this Earth
Ae way allah waliyan di jugni ji
The spirit of all the messengers who brought His message to this Earth
Ae way meray pir di jugni ji
The spirit of my saint
Ae way meray pir di jugni ji
The spirit of my saint
Ae way maula ali wali jugni ji
The spirit of Ali and his followers
Ae way maula ali wali jugni ji
The spirit of Ali and his followers
Ae way meray pir di jugni ji
The spirit of my saint
Ae way meray pir di jugni ji
The spirit of my saint

Ho wanga charha lo kuriyon
Put on your bangles, girls
Ho wanga charha lo kuriyon
Put on your bangles, girls
Ho wanga charha lo kuriyon
Put on your bangles, girls
Meray daata dey darbaar diyan
Those that you get at your Master’s shrine
Ho wanga charha lo kuriyon
Put on your bangles, girls
Meray daata dey darbaar diyan
Those that you get at your Master’s shrine

Ae way allah waliyan di jugni ji
The spirit of all the messengers who brought His message to this Earth
Ae way allah waliyan di jugni ji
The spirit of all the messengers who brought His message to this Earth
Ae way meray pir di jugni ji
The spirit of my saint
Ae way meray pir di jugni ji
The spirit of my saint
Ae way maula ali wali jugni ji
The spirit of Ali and his followers
Ae way maula ali wali jugni ji
The spirit of Ali and his followers
Ae way meray pir di jugni ji
The spirit of my saint
Ae way meray pir di jugni ji
The spirit of my saint

Music Therapy with Miss Moon

"I deepen my experience of God through prayer, meditation, and forgiveness."
~ Marianne Williamson

Happy Monday, Everybody!!! This week's Music Therapy with Miss Moon has become a sort of anthem for me in the past few weeks. Because the lyrics speak volumes to who I am and how I feel at this moment, I will let Amel Larrieux fill you in. I hope you all will enjoy "Orange Glow".

I want to rise
above
My fears before they burn my solar plexus
Don't want to fight
The new
Just meditate on the state
Of what I'm changing into

Touch the light
orange glow to wash your soul
illuminate you
out of sight
burn your house of pain and watch the flames ignite your breakthrough

I want to take
That ride
To the planet where the brave me resides
And I will face
The fire
Cuz aint no breakthrough gonna come without no sacrifice

Touch the light
orange glow to wash your soul
illuminate you
out of sight
burn your house of pain and watch the flames ignite your breakthrough

I'm like
Vibrating as the liquid enters my fingertips
Pulses in my veins
From my toes to my lips
Fuels my brain
Frees my pain
Breaks my mental chains
Awakened I am
As I blink my third eye
One life
Have I
So its time to live

Touch the light
orange glow to wash your soul
illuminate you
out of sight
burn your house of pain and watch the flames ignite your breakthrough

Be Blessed: And Know You Have a Choice...

“ As you become more clear about who you really are, you'll be better able to decide what is best for you - the first time around.”
~ Oprah Winfrey

" I've realized that being happy is a choice. You never want to rub anybody the wrong way or not be fun to be around, but you have to be happy. When I get logical and I don't trust my instincts - That's when I get in trouble."
~ Angelina Jolie

“You are your choices.”
~ Seneca

In the following minutes, hours, and days that make up the week to come... what choices will you make? My wish is that you choose the path that leads you to the most wisdom, the most laughter, the most love and the most peace.

Be Blessed: And Chill....................

"There is nothing more dreadful than the habit of doubt. Doubt separates people. It is a poison that disintegrates friendships and breaks up pleasant relations. It is a thorn that irritates and hurts; it is a sword that kills."
~ Buddha

"Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt”
~ William Shakespeare

“Doubt yourself and you doubt everything you see. Judge yourself and you see judges everywhere. But if you listen to the sound of your own voice, you can rise above doubt and judgment. And you can see forever.”
~ Judge Nancy Lopez

While I wish I could say that I am 100% optimistic and am always aligning my thoughts to positive vibrations... I have days lately when I feel like everything I do is wrong, that everything I say is being misconstrued and that I am the most unlikable, loathsome human being to ever walk the streets of Bed-Stuy. Of course people do not chase me around Fulton Street with pitchforks and torches, so I know I'm cool, but it's gotten to the point when I actually found myself recently saying internally, "Audrey, Chiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiillllllllllllllll!!!!!".

I had let doubts about myself give way to feeling wretched for days, and it took me realizing I need to let it go, that I started to feel better. I know the truth about who I am, and I am a damn good woman who is getting better and better every single day! What helped me get back to that groovy feeling was the following excerpt courtesy of Iyanla Vanzant. I hope that it will resonate for you as much as it did for me.

The following is an affirmation. An affirmation is a statement that embodies the truth. If there is something you want to know about yourself or your life, faithfully and reverently repeat this affirmation three times and ask yourself the question. It is best to ask questions about yourself rather than asking about another person because their truth may be none of your business. Once the affirmation is repeated and the question asked, remain still and listen for the answer. If the answer does not come right away, have faith! Sometimes the truth is more than you can handle at the moment. At the right time, in the right way, the truth will make itself known to you.

I believe in the power of truth.
I believe in the presence of truth.
Truth cannot be buried or hidden.
The truth must be revealed.
I now experience the essence of truth as it moves through me.
The Spirit of truth now envelops me.
The Spirit of truth now envelops me.
I am filled with the light of truth.
I am filled with the power of truth.
I am filled with the presence of truth.
The truth is revealed to me now.


Until today, you may not have known how to get to the truth of a pressing matter in your life. Just for today, ask the truth to reveal itself to you. Remember that what you ask for, you will receive!

Today I am devoted to knowing the truth about myself and my life!

From Until Today!
by Iyanla Vanzant

Be Blessed: Because You're Stronger Than You Think!!

" We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face... we must do that which we think we cannot."
~ Eleanor Roosevelt

" We acquire the strength we have overcome."
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

" Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, 'I will try again tomorrow'."
~ Mary Anne Radmacher

I consider myself to be a pretty strong woman. But I have to admit there are times where all I want to do is curl up in a little ball and rock myself for a few hours.

And I think it's okay to feel that way sometimes... we all go through trying experiences that really test the boundaries of our spiritual and emotional endurance. The objective I've discovered is to acknowledge that I'm facing an obstacle, feel all of the feelings surrounding it (fear, anger, frustration, hopelessness, etc.), learn from it, and lastly, pick myself up, dust myself off ::sings:: and start all over again...



When encountering an obstacle, remember that you may bend, but you won't break. We all possess a reserve of strength that helps us to (Like Gladys sang) keep on keepin' on. Remember that reserve is there for us when we need it and upon facing whatever obstacle placed before you... you will emerge stronger and wiser for facing it.

Be Blessed: And Know You Have a Divine Purpose

" Everything in the universe has a purpose. Indeed, the invisible intelligence that flows through everything in a purposeful fashion is also flowing through you."
~ Wayne Dyer

“ I am here for a purpose and that purpose is to grow into a mountain, not to shrink to a grain of sand. Henceforth will I apply ALL my efforts to become the highest mountain of all and I will strain my potential until it cries for mercy.”
~ Og Mandino

" As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being. "
~ Carl Jung

One movie that inspired me tremendously was M. Night Shyamalan's "Lady in the Water". Though critically panned, I found the message of the movie utterly beautiful. All of us, no matter how unimportant we may be perceived... have a divine purpose. And with that purpose sparks the potential to do great things.

This week, I wanted to share some words of wisdom from the great Iyanla Vanzant on this very topic. I hope that it will inspire you. And I would wholeheartedly recommend watching Lady in the Water too... that movie is a blessing on DVD.

THERE IS A DIVINE PURPOSE FOR MY LIVING AND MY BEING

I will gain more understanding when I realize . . .
there is a divine purpose for my living and my being.

Your Creation Is a Good Thing

* In the beginning, you were created to be good, and you still are good.
* There is nothing about you that is inherently bad.

There is a Purpose to Your Living

* Your Creator etched a purpose into your being.
* You have been born to fulfill that purpose in a way that only you can.
* You bring to life talents and gifts unlike those of any other person.

Every Experience Supports Your Purpose

* Every experience will facilitate your understanding of your purpose and will call you to use the talents and gifts you possess.
* Every person you have met has played an important role in facilitating your understanding of your purpose.
* You have been influenced by your environment to such a degree that you have lost touch with the truth of your self and your purpose.

You Must Choose to Live Your Purpose

* The guidance you need to recover your true purpose is available to you because you are worthy of having it.
* You can make the choice to fulfill your purpose at any time.
* Balancing your heart and mind is the key to bringing forth the talents and gifts you possess that will enable you to fulfill your purpose.

What You Choose for Yourself, Your Creator Will Support

* If you want to know the purpose of your life and how your experiences fit into that purpose, ask your creator. God is available, accessible and waiting for you.

From Until Today!
by Iyanla Vanzant

Be Blessed: And Rise Above (Courtesy of the Daily Om)

“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.”
~ Maya Angelou

“Thought gives rise to desire.”
~ Rig Veda

“Kites rise highest against the wind, not with it.”
- Winston Churchill

No one is always 100% happy. Even the most spiritually developed, zen-master, conscious being is most likely going to want to get gangsta in a trying moment. LOL

This week, I wanted to share a great article from The Daily Om, that speaks on raising your vibration, rising above struggle and trying moments... which is the key.

To Rise Above
Achieving A High Vibration

All matter is made up of energy, and that energy is in motion continually. Everything in the universe, from the smallest molecules to the most complex living beings, has an optimal rate of vibration to keep it healthy. We reach this high vibrational level when we are whole, healthy, and fulfilling our potential. Human beings are able to consciously control these vibrations within themselves using a variety of techniques. We know when we have reached a high vibrational state because we feel good and can sense that we are aligned with all that is. We find we are capable of healing and have good intuition and perception that are a result of our resonating closer and closer to our ideal frequencies.

Thoughts, emotions, intentions, choices, and actions contribute to our vibrational state, as do the environments we inhabit. Affirmative activities that leave us feeling joyous, appreciative, loving, and peaceful raise our vibration. Constructive, creative, and expansive thoughts do the same. When we cultivate habits that contribute to our physical health and strength, our vibration is likewise raised. Certain mantra meditations, breathing exercises, and chants are designed to increase vibration. But simply practicing gratitude and forgiveness, surrounding ourselves with loving high-vibration people, eating whole foods, and spending time in nature can also help us transcend our current vibrational limitations.

When your desire for change is strong enough, you will find yourself gravitating toward what can help you achieve and maintain a high vibrational state. A positive outlook will then become the most important tool you possess, and this outlook will sustain you when the path leading toward transformation is wide and winding. As you evolve, your vibrational frequency will also evolve, aiding you in the creation of an even higher reality. Consciously and unconsciously, you will attract auspicious circumstances and positive people that will help you continue exploring the scope of your higher self until you move beyond the earthly plane.

This week, I will rise above the drama.

Be Blessed: And Take a Moment to Meditate - Part Three

“Life is like a mirror, we get the best results when we smile at it.”
~ Anonymous

On most days, when I look at myself in the mirror, I am pleased and content with who is staring back at me. I see a woman who is growing older, and wiser and more sure of herself, and that's dope! There are those days, though, where Gollum is staring back at me (in my own head) - the most hideous thing imaginable. It's my goal to get rid of the Gollum days, between you and me.

Some of you may have your own version of Gollum days, and if by chance you're trying to dramatically lessen those days, this week's meditation is a good one. Entitled, "I Am", it serves as a affirmation of all of the beauty we have inside of us. So when Gollum is staring back at you, tell it to burn the road up with a reminder of all that you are!!!



This week, I will remember everything I am.

Be Blessed: And Take a Moment to Meditate - Part One

“Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless - like water. Now you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup, you put water into a bottle, it becomes the bottle, you put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend.”

~ Bruce Lee

I admit it. I do not meditate as often as I used to, when I was younger and was just exploring self-improvement. It's something that I know is tremendously beneficial, yet I do not make the time to reap the benefit. Perhaps I am not the only one who goes through that... which leads me to this week's Be Blessed. It will be the first of many meditation posts, sharing meditations I've found online and have really helped me.

It is my hope that after reading these words, you will take a moment for yourself and listen to this amazing chakra meditation.... and that in doing so, the rest of your day and the week to come will be a more peaceful one.



This week, I will take time out to be still.

Be Blessed: Conscious Creation (Courtesy of The Daily Om)

"Each morning sees some task begin, Each evening sees it close; Something attempted, something done, Has earned a night's repose.”
~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

“You've got to get up every morning with determination if you're going to go to bed with satisfaction.”
~ George Lorimer

"The sun is but a morning star."
~ Henry David Thoreau

I've never been much of a morning person. One of my greatest pleasures in life is to sleep until noon. Having a job makes that experience limited only to weekends and holidays, but I will take it when I can! LOL

I am learning to appreciate mornings as I am getting older, I must admit to this. I like the pleasure of quiet city streets on the few occasions I get to work to early morning shift - time spent alone with my own thoughts, or with the music playing through my headphones as I make the commute to work, before the hustle and bustle of rush hour.

I've also learned that the first few moments spent waking up can really start a beautiful day, or a miserable one... it's our choice. Here are some words of wisdom and food for thought on this subject from The Daily Om.

Conscious Creation
The First Moments Of The Day

The moment during the day when we very first open our eyes and come into consciousness is a precious opportunity. It sets the tone for all that comes after it, like the opening scene in a film or novel. At this moment, our ability to create the day is at its most powerful, and we can offer ourselves fully to the creative process by filling this moment with whatever inspires us most. It may be that we want to be more generous, or it may be that we want to be more open to beauty in our daily lives. Whatever the case, if we bring this vision into our minds at this very fertile moment, we empower it to be the guiding principle of our day.

Sometimes we wake up with a mood already seemingly in place, and it’s important to give this feeling its due. It can inform us and deepen our awareness to what’s going on inside us, as well as around us. As long as we are conscious, we can honor this feeling and also introduce our new affirmation or vision, our conscious offering to the day. We may want to decide before we go to sleep what we want to bring to the next day of our lives. It could be that we simply want to be more open to whatever comes our way. Or we may want to summon a particular quality such as confidence. Then again, we may simply call up a feeling that perfectly captures the texture we want our day to have.

We can reaffirm our vision or affirmation as we shower and eat breakfast, as well as recalling it at various times throughout the day. We can write it down and carry it with us on a little slip of paper if this helps. Simply by being aware of those first moments, we set the stage for a more conscious, enlivened experience, and we become active participants in the creation of our lives.



Today, I will start to make each morning a blessed one!

Be Blessed: (Semi) Silent Sunday - Part Two

“Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them and try to follow them.”

~ Louisa May Alcott

Be Blessed: (Semi) Silent Sunday - Part One

It's the very first day of May, and I always get super excited about this: the weather here in NYC gets a little warmer, and we finally embrace a more Spring-like environment.

Inspired by many many Bloggers who have incorporated Silent Sundays into their Blog postings (Most notably, Brittany from Clumps of Mascara), I thought it might be fun to incorporate such postings into Miss Moon's Musings for the month of May.

I love finding inspirational quotes and food for thought each week for my "Best Blessed" series of posts, and I wouldn't want to not do that for a month. Hence, Semi-Silent Sundays! LOL

The next few weeks in May, each Sunday will have a picture I've taken myself, accompanied with an inspirational quote. I hope you all will enjoy!



“ Expect to have hope rekindled. Expect your prayers to be answered in wondrous ways. The dry seasons in life do not last. The spring rains will come again.”


~ Sarah Ban Breathnach

Be Blessed: And KNOW You're Getting Better & Better!

And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.
~ Anais Nin

For everything you have missed, you have gained something else, and for everything you gain, you lose something else.
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies.
~ Author Unknown



The following is an excerpt from one of my (many!) old journals, dated Wednesday, November 1, 2006:

"Today was a quiet sort of day. I made no success in job searching, but I remain optimistic. As time progresses I know that I am one step closer to obtaining all of my dreams. And this allows me to not live each day in quiet desperation, and allow me to do what must be done, manage to have as much fun as possible... all with the knowledge that my future is on the horizon."

If the woman I am today could sit down and have tea with the woman I was back then, I bet the me from the past would be astonished about where and who I am now. And today, reading these words of optimism and self-assurance is an inspiration for me. It serves as a reminder of where I've been along this journey called life, and it makes me very excited about the woman I'll be, five years from now, reading this blog entry.

I can honestly say that recently I've been at a point where I've felt very stuck in my life: content, but not very thrilled about the world around me. And in reflecting on this feeling, I found myself all wrapped up in the "could-a, would-a, should-a"s, which is NEVER a motivating thought to have. I took me going back and reading through my journal pages from the past ten years to truly see the picture: I have come a tremendously long way!!! It took that zealously optimistic 28 year old to become the 33 year old woman I am today. Older, yes. Wiser, I think so. Happier? Honestly? Yes!

Below are powerful words from Iyanla Vanzant that I feel really bring to light the energy that was surrounding my 28 year old self back then. At 33, I feel like a new blossoming in in store for me, and I am so happy and grateful to see what will develop for yours truly:

Guess what? You are not the worst person in the world! Sure, you've made some bad judgment calls, taken some pretty foolish chances, created some awful situations, but you give yourself too much credit. Others have done far worse. Then there are those people who haven't done anything to anyone -- ever. They are quiet. Go unnoticed. They have flawless characters and records. But you know what? They haven't done anything for themselves either.

They are probably just as, if not more, miserable and confused as you. Think about it this way: The future will be what you make it today. Whether you are the doer or a nondoer, you must work on the future. If you've made a mess, clean it up. If you are afraid to take a chance, take one anyway. If you've done things that didn't work, do something else. If you have done nothing, do something. What you don't do can create the same regrets as the mistakes you make. In the long run, either you must happen to life, or it will never happen for you.

Step by step, I am getting better and better.

From Acts of Faith
by Iyanla Vanzant

Be Blessed: And Own Your Emotions (Courtesy of the Daily Om)

"Emotion turning back on itself, and not leading on to thought or action, is the element of madness."
~ John Sterling

"To give vent now and then to his feelings, whether of pleasure or discontent, is a great ease to a man's heart."
~ Francesco Guicciardini

" All emotions are pure which gather you and lift you up; that emotion is impure which seizes only one side of your being and so distorts you."
~ Rainer Maria Rilke

Owning Your Emotions
Name It And Claim It

Our feelings can sometimes present a very challenging aspect of our lives. We experience intense emotions without understanding precisely why and consequently find it difficult to identify the solutions that will soothe our distressed minds and hearts. Yet it is only when we are capable of naming our feelings that we can tame them by finding an appropriate resolution. We retake control of our personal power by becoming courageous enough to articulate, out loud and concisely, the essence of our emotions. Our assuming ownership of the challenges before us in this way empowers us to shift from one emotional state to another-we can let go of pain and upset because we have defined it, examined the effect it had on our lives, and then exerted our authority over it by making it our own. By naming our feelings, we claim the right to divest ourselves of them at will.

As you prepare to acknowledge your feelings aloud, gently remind yourself that being specific is an important part of exercising control. Whatever the nature of your feelings, carefully define the reaction taking place within you. If you are afraid of a situation or intimidated by an individual, try not to mince words while giving voice to your anxiety. The precision with which you express yourself is indicative of your overall willingness to stare your feelings in the face without flinching. Naming and claiming cannot always work in the vacuum of the soul. There may be times in which you will find the release you desire only by admitting your feelings before others. When this is the case, your ability to outline your feelings explicitly can help you ask for the support, aid, or guidance you need without becoming mired in the feelings that led you to make such an admission in the first place.

When you have moved past the apprehension associated with expressing your distressing feelings out loud, you may be surprised to discover that you feel liberated and lightened. This is because the act of making a clear connection between your circumstances and your feelings unravels the mystery that previously kept you from being in complete control of your emotional state. To give voice to your feelings, you must necessarily let them go. In the process, you naturally relax and rediscover your emotional equilibrium.

For more information visit dailyom.com

Today, I will express my emotions purely and learn from them.

Be Blessed: And Stop Seeking Approval

" To seek approval is to have no resting place, no sanctuary. Like all judgment, approval encourages a constant striving. It makes us uncertain of who we are and of our true value. Approval cannot be trusted. It can be withdrawn at any time no matter what our track record has been. It is as nourishing of real growth as cotton candy. Yet many of us spend our lives pursuing it.”
~ Rachel Naomi Remen

"People who want the most approval get the least and people who need approval the least get the most."
~ Wayne Dyer

“We can secure other people's approval, if we do right and try hard; but our own is worth a hundred of it, and no way has been found out of securing that”
~ Mark Twain



I'm happy when I'm liked... I'm also happy when I'm not liked, and that's a new attitude for me.

Like many, I zealously tried to be widely liked and accepted, at the detriment of my own self-worth in my teens. I spent so much time defining myself by how many people liked me, and how many friends I had.

In my early twenties, I recognized that it was the quality of the people surrounding me, not the quantity. But that didn't stop be from letting toxic people in my life. They weren't good friends, or good for me, but they liked me... so that must mean something.

The best lesson I ever learned was that someone's feeling about you have NO IMPACT on who you are. I know I am a good woman! If you agree, cool... if you don't agree, that's cool too!

In closing, I want to share some powerful words from Marianne Williamson, used by Nelson Mandela in his 1994 inaugural speech. When I first read these words, many years ago (Special shout-out to my Pirate Sistah and Bad-ass Blogger, Simone for sharing it!) it knocked my socks off and affected me in a profound way. When writing this post, I could't think of a better way to drive this message of self-acceptance home.

When we seek out the approval of others, we send a message to ourselves that there is something lacking, something incomplete.... when in reality, we are all very whole, ever-evolving, beautiful... and blessed.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?' Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in all of us.

And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Today, I recognize that I approve of myself and that's all that matters.

Be Blessed: And Go for It!!!

"I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels. Life's a bitch. You've got to go out and kick ass."
~ Maya Angelou

“Go for it now. The future is promised to no one.”
~ Wayne Dyer

" If you always do what you always did, you will always get what you always got."
~ Jackie "Moms" Mabley

I used to be a "could-a, would-a, should-a" girl, big time! I've regretted most in my life the amount of time I've spent sitting still and not making moves when the opportunity presented me to do just that. My instinct and intuition would say, "This is the time!!!!!". Me? I took a "Wait for it....... wait for it....." position.

In retrospect, I really shouldn't regret my inability to Carpe diem at certain moments in my life, because it has made me who I am today, and I am content with myself. But I can't help but wonder where I'd be if I had gone for certain opportunities... and if I'd be happier, wiser, stronger for making that move. I have learned to follow the promptings of my spirit when compelled to act. Sometimes I'm fearful, but I try to ignore my fears and have faith that whatever comes will ultimately be a lesson or a blessing, if not both. Below is a powerful message about this, courtesy of Iyanla Vanzant:

Can you imagine not doing what you're doing in your life right now, but doing something completely different? Something exciting, fun, even risky, like quitting your job and traveling around the world. Or working part-time and going to school full time to study scuba diving or basket weaving. Or owning your own home, business, plane or boat.

If you can imagine it, why aren't you doing it? I'll tell you why. Because the moment you think about it, you think about all the reasons you can't. "How will I pay my bills?" "Who will take care of my family?" "Where will I get money?" "What will people say?" Well, here's another question for you, How do you ever expect to be happy or at peace if you stay where you are?

If you don't allow yourself to dream, to dare, to move up, out, forward: how will you ever know what you are really capable of? Look at it this way, what's the worse that can happen? You could end up right where you started, doing exactly what you are doing.

Oh, what the heck, go for it anyway.

From Acts of Faith

Be Blessed: And Fall in Love... With Yourself!!!

“ The greatest magnifying glasses in the world are a man's own eyes when they look upon his own person.”
~ Alexander Pope

" Self-love is the foundation of our loving practice. Without it our other efforts to love fail. Giving ourselves love we provide our inner being with the opportunity to have the unconditional love we may have always longed to receive from someone else."
~ bell hooks



Many of you who know me, and those that read my blog know that I have a deep love and admiration for Cree Summer. I've considered her a HUGE shero of mine since I was very young, and as an adult... I continue to look up to her tremendously.

One thing that Chris said to me when we first started dating, when discussing my affection for Cree was that there's a part of her inside of me. At the time, I thought that it was the most preposterous thing he could've said to me (I also most likely thought he was trying to get some! LOL). But in reading Shakti Gawain's Reflections in the Light: Daily Thoughts and Affirmations  and in doing this exercise, I could really see the Cree... in me! That really brought home the truth of this, which is why I share this with you today -

When we fall in love with someone, we are also falling in love with aspects of ourselves that we see reflected in that person. We may feel that our loved one has qualities that we don't have, but those qualities exist in us too and are as yet undiscovered or undeveloped.

Today, think of each person you love and imagine him or her as a mirror reflecting your own beauty and lovability. The more you can love yourself through these reflections, the more you can truly love and appreciate others.

I am falling in love with myself