WHAT IS IN THE WAY, IS OFTEN THE WAY

What is in the way, is often the way; the way through to a truer essence of yourself. Life lessons can often be learned by searching just beneath the surface of an issue that is troubling you. The lesson or true meaning may be hidden deeply from you simply because you have diverted your attention away too long, and your issue is now a mounting frustration. Feelings of frustration move you further away from enlightenment. Your frustration has become your new problem, a veritable detour from the problem and from the truth you are meant to discover. How to find the answers, how to find your way through, and learn something meaningful in the process?
Ask what it is that you are avoiding or not giving your full attention to? Stress and suffering are inevitable, but we have a choice about how we react and relate to them. Avoidance, putting your stressor in parenthesis, and moving on without fully addressing it will only make it a greater stressor for you down the road. One must deal with the stressor by recognizing it first. How to do that?
If you are not sure what you are avoiding, meditation could help reveal the answer to you. Meditation comes in many forms: dancing, playing an instrument, creating a work of art, cooking (creating a work of art), gardening, exercising, reading, etc; essentially any activity that silences or focuses your mind for a period of time providing relaxation is a form of meditation. You will have to find what works best for you. Just know that the end result is what is important, mental calm and relaxation lead one to the answers that have been blocked for so long by mental clutter and chaos. Strive to maintain a quiet and observing presence; stop fueling the mind chatter.

Here is one method of intentional meditation:
Sit in comfortable position, play some soft, soothing music, and focus on your breathing. Start with the exhale, allowing it to relieve your body of tension. Feel the tension in your face release, and then your neck and shoulders, inhaling and exhaling as you go the length of your body from head to toe. When thoughts come into your mind, simply notice them without engaging. Each time your mind wanders, gently guide it back to the very next breath. When you are fully relaxed, invite your wise and loving self to emerge. Allow your thinking mind to settle. Welcome your true essence and take this opportunity to ask, "What problem am I not giving my attention to?"
Allow your true self to bring light and knowledge to you; what shift do you need to make in your life that will result in a meaningful change, that will clear the way for you? Hold this space with reverence and patience. Be patient, the answer will come. That which is revealed to you is a reflection of your true self without the outside world views interfering. This true self is here to guide and support you to a clearer perspective and a healthful, peaceful state of mind.

This exercise, sitting with the true essence of yourself, is always available to you when you find that you're thoughts are blocked or in need of clarification. Do not worry if you have trouble reaching a relaxed state at first; pat yourself on the back for the time you've given to the betterment of your health and try again later. Remember, the more you practice, the quicker and clearer the answers will be made available to you. Meditative practice will provide you with an easily accessible tool of calm simply by thinking of yourself in the meditative state. It may be helpful to associate your meditative state with a symbol, one that relates to your spirit, or a word and calling that symbol or word to mind when a bit of calm is needed in the crux of the day.

Best to you, peace and strong health in the New Year.

Victoria Hart
Photo: http://www.brunosart.com/index.html

A.K.A. BITCHIN' IN THE KITCHEN

During a phone conversation with my brother yesterday, he asked, "What is the name of your blog again?" I began to explain why the name, such a serious name, "Auntie V's Life and Cookery" was chosen for this blog: I am raising my niece-Auntie has become my identity most hours of the day; I have many life experiences to discuss and share (many of you will ride along on that wave with me nodding, "yes, yes, I get that") such as: chronic illness-several; the murder of my sister by the hands of a man in a domestic situation, life and grief as the surviving victim of homicide, loss of a parent to cancer, marriage, adoption, post traumatic stress disorder/dysfunction (there are more applicable 4 letter words to describe this illness, and I'm not talking about "love"), living life following a mild traumatic brain injury, and then there is the life or the non-life of a generalized anxiety disorder agoraphobic, ...you get that picture clearly by now, although I could continue. The cookery part, well, who could bear to write about all the disastrous life bits all the time and besides isn't food a mini vacation? The real reason is that no matter what I am doing, I am doing it, usually, in the kitchen. My brother and I decided at precisely the same moment, consumed with laughter, that the alias name of my blog would be "Bitchin' in the Kitchen."

So welcome to "Bitchin' in the Kitchen" with your host, lost in the midst of certain chaos, touched and displaced by life's shocking blows, yes, you guessed it... Auntie V! I'm not irrational, just consumed by fear, confused by sleepless nights, hypoglycemic reactions or hyperglycemic distortion, post traumatic stress and the panic that comes with that i.e. "shakin in my boots" "can't leave the house" "are you talking to me?" Robert DeNiro paranoia (of course, I'm exaggerating). At times, I'm just an Auntie trying to figure out how to be a Mom. I am, in fact, one excellent cook. Test me, try the recipes.

Where did this life come from? Believe me, it is true, God made mountains so we couldn't see too far down the road. This was not on the 10 year plan, but this has been my life for all of 10 years and for some things, like the Diabetes, much longer than that. I am here to stay, even though at times I wonder how I can cope with one more minute and entertain the thought of running down the street screaming, or some similar escape. I'm not leaving yet, I've got a lot to share with you all and I hope it moves you in some way, hopefully not backward! Most importantly, I'm attempting to take this suffering not in vain, but as a lesson of life, a spiritual path to be followed and shared, to be communicated as the common human experience. I know we are all suffering, but we can do it together with peaceful love and support. We can hold hands just like in Kindergarten and we all will make it across the street together.
I tend to speak directly from the heart, but I enjoy laughing and hope to pass that along some as well.

If you hear me "Bitchin in the Kitchen" just know that the loving compassionate me is still here, seeking peace and understanding, I just sometimes have to lighten up a bit for the sake of us all! Anytime you feel like it, just chime right on in.

--A.k.a. Auntie V