Finding you in this ever-changing world

As the world keeps changing and restrictions get lifted, we find ourselves adjusting our work habits, lifestyle and daily routines.  Somewhere in all the changes, it is easy forget who we are, what matters to us, and what we want in life.  We may find ourselves so focused on surviving the chaos that we forget ourselves amidst this.

Who are you now in this new world?  It is a good time to check in with yourself and see if your dreams, desires, and plans you have for your future have changed, and if the path you are on needs to be reevaluated.

Take a ten-minute mental walk and check in. Ask yourself:Love yourself - because you're worth it

  • What do I want to do?
  • What do I want to have?
  • Where do I want to go?
  • Who do I want to spend more time with?
  • What do I want to learn?
  • What needs to change for me?

Are you still stuck in negative thinking and limitations, or are you fully embracing this new space and the possibility that is waiting for you to claim?

It is so easy to get into the habit of saying, “Not for me, not right now”.   This leads to us placing unconscious limits on ourselves for things we can do right now.   It also becomes a mindset of saying no first without really considering if something is possible. 

 If the past two and a half years have taught us anything, it is that right now is all we can count on.  Live in the present moment and create joy each day, in each moment.  Step into the “now” by choosing to focus on this moment only.  When we can narrow our focus to the moment, and then the next moment, life becomes a series of small moments carrying us through the day.  It feels more manageable, and we feel more in control. 

If, at this moment, you find yourself feeling down, you can consciously choose the next moment to make yourself feel just a little better – whether it is through prayer, a mantra, listening to your favorite guru, listening to music, taking a walk, or practicing meditation or deep breathing.  Yes, most of us won’t feel continuously joyful throughout the day, but if we can strive to make each segment of the day a little better than the last, we can raise our vibration and shift how our world feels for us. 

Remember the most important person in your life – YOU.  Get to know the beautiful Soul you are with the same care and conviction that you would a new friend.   Take time to listen to your thoughts, examine your deepest wishes, and get to know who you are right now at this time in our world.

What have you discovered about yourself from taking a mental walk?

Many Blessings,

Santa

RUNNING THROUGH DARKNESS
MEMOIR OF A SPIRITUAL WARRIOR

BY SANTA MOLINA-MARSHALL ‧ RELEASE DATE: MAY 3, 2022

This debut memoir chronicles a woman’s spiritual exploration and growth as she overcame a disturbing childhood and helped others heal.

Brought to America from the Dominican Republic as a youngster, Molina-Marshall should have led a happy life. Her father was a diligent worker, and his large family wanted for nothing. But the author recounts that her dad had a drinking problem and was a serial philanderer. Molina-Marshall’s long-suffering mother left him for a woman. Then it was all downhill for the bright, 12-year-old girl, who was shuttled between foster care and relatives. According to the author, she was sexually abused by the husband of one of her siblings. This resulted in Molina-Marshall becoming alienated and moody. By 15, she simply tried to survive. In her favor were grit and a restless intelligence. She quit school, rented a room, and found a factory job. Time went by, and for a while she was happily married. Yet when her husband left her, her life truly began. She turned to religion for answers but decided that blaming God for her woes was a cop-out. 

In this absorbing and moving memoir, Molina-Marshall’s vivid storytelling is fearless. She frankly discusses the truths she discovered and the indignities she suffered. These admissions are disclosed with a touch of resignation and plenty of bite. However painful, everything she experienced was a lesson, and she bravely realized that she was part of the problem: “The fear of being hurt, rejected, or abused often led to me feeling lonely and misunderstood. No one knew the agonizing pain I felt being trapped in my thoughts and anger. I was becoming my biggest threat.” 

The author skillfully recounts her intricate spiritual journey. To deal with her psychic wounds, she searched for an inspirational system. Her open-mindedness led her to the interfaith concept—cherry-picking from various religions and spiritual movements, yoga, and Indigenous beliefs as a way of finding peace. Along with her female partner, she built a therapy practice, making use of every spiritual element that aided her and others. The road was bumpy, and she found that women of color in same-sex relationships were not welcomed everywhere. To do good works—and finally live on her own terms—she effectively overcame bigotry.

An engrossing, cathartic account of empathy and success through determination and confidence.

Pub Date: May 3, 2022   |    ISBN: 978-0-578-38315-6  |   Page Count: 264    | Publisher: From Trauma to Triumph  |   Review Posted Online: June 13, 2022