Blog Archives

Friday Favorite...

6/12/2015

The Troubles Tree

The carpenter I hired to help me restore an old farmhouse had just finished a rough first day on the job. A flat tire made him lose an hour of work, his electric saw quit, and now his ancient pickup truck refused to start. While I drove him home, he sat in stoney silence. On arriving, he invited me in to meet his family. As we walked toward the front door, he paused briefly at a small tree, touching the tips of the branches with both hands. After opening the door, he underwent an amazing transformation. His tanned face was wreathed in smiles and he hugged his two small children and gave his wife a kiss. Afterward, he walked me to my car. We passed the tree, and my curiosity got the better of me. I asked him about what I had seen him do earlier. "Oh, that's my trouble tree," he replied. "I know I can't help having troubles on the job, but one thing for sure, troubles don't belong in the house with my wife and the children. So I just hang them up on the tree every night when I come home. Then in the morning, I pick them up again." "Funny thing is," he smiled, "when I come out in the morning to pick them up, there aren't nearly as many as I remember hanging up the night before."
~Author Unknown

0 Comments

Thankful Thursday...

6/11/2015

0 Comments

Happy Thankful Thursday!! I was searching for today's post when I came across this inspiring video by Sam Berns. Sam was diagnosed with Progeria, a rare and fatal genetic condition when he was just 22 months old. This condition is often times referred to as the "Benjamin Button" disease. After viewing his TED talk I knew I wanted to share this clip.
I threw his name in the Google search engine and discovered that he had died in Jan 2014 at the age of 17. Wow...what a legacy this young man leaves behind. In this TED video he encourages his viewers to focus their energy towards towards 4 key elements.
Here is Sam's Philosophy for a Happy Life:

Be OK with what you ultimately can't do, because there is so much you CAN do.
Surround yourself with people you want to be around.
Keep moving forward.
Never miss a party if you can help it.

In looking at his list, I can't help but smile. Such wisdom. Such eagerness. Such devotion. Such fervor. Such intensity. What if we were to adopt these traits for our daily lives? How would you live differently?
Aware.
Awake.
Content.
Passionate.
Joyful.
Kind.
Visible.
Transformed.
Compassionate.

His list is inspiring me to create my own list for a Happy Life. Can you think of the highlights of your list? As you create this list, tap into the feeling you'd like to create and then move from there. Allow your passion for living to inspire your list for a Happy Life.

May You Sweetly Seek:)
In Gratitude,
Sarah

0 Comments

W.O.W. Wednesday...

6/10/2015

0 Comments

“nothing ever goes away until it has taught us what we need to know
…nothing ever really attacks us except our own confusion. perhaps there is no solid obstacle except our own need to protect ourselves from being touched. maybe the only enemy is that we don’t like the way reality is now and therefore wish it would go away fast. but what we find as practitioners is that nothing ever goes away until it has taught us what we need to know. if we run a hundred miles an hour to the other end of the continent in order to get away from the obstacle, we find the very same problem waiting for us when we arrive. it just keeps returning with new names, forms, manifestations until we learn whatever it has to teach us about where we are separating ourselves from reality, how we are pulling back instead of opening up, closing down instead of allowing ourselves to experience fully whatever we encounter, without hesitating or retreating into ourselves.”
~Pema Chodron

May You Sweetly Seek:)
In Gratitude,
Sarah

0 Comments

Talking about it Tuesday...

6/9/2015

0 Comments

“Come, come, whoever you are. Wanderer, worshiper, lover of leaving. It doesn't matter. Ours is not a caravan of despair. come, even if you have broken your vows a thousand times. Come, yet again , come , come.”
~Rumi

Rumi encourages the lost, the wanderer, the seeker, the lover to perpetually 'Come.' As we walk towards our authenticity, we begin to straighten our posture with congruence. Our source of brilliance arises from the innermost workings of our being. We announce our alignment. We claim our voice. We rejoice in our homecoming.
This brilliant TedX Talk from Dr. Maria Sirois offers an encouraging voice for the journey. Her delivery and presentation are reminiscent of curling up with a dear friend. She tenderly energizes her audience to explore the gifts of authenticity. The progressive message of this talk unhurriedly brings the listener to 3 core foundations of authenticity:

When we are authentic, we are self authoring. This means we create the vision of our lives. We trust our guts. We explore the territories of our hearts. We invest in our dreams. We passionately expand the territory of our desires. We devote our hearts to love. And as Rumi suggests, we continually 'come, even if you have broken your vows a thousand times.'
We are congruent. Our likes and dislikes are congruent across the board. We aren't wishy-washy. We live our lives in harmony. We sync our actions up with our passions. We live from a space of love.
We give ourselves permission to be fully human. Relief. Joy. Gratitude. Tears. Acceptance. Allowance. Freedom. Permission. Create. Sorrow. Love. Harmony. Devotion. Emotion.

It is my hope that as you watch this talk with Dr. Maria Sirois you will begin to animate a more authentic life. May the words of Rumi echo off your heart. Tap into this center of your being.
Rest here.
Dwell here.
Create here.
Live here.
Love here.
Come here.

May You Sweetly Seek:)
In Gratitude,
Sarah

0 Comments

Monday Musing...

6/8/2015

0 Comments

"You may want to remind yourself that "art" is a form of the verb "to be." Many of us have the idea that there's such a thing as a real artist, and "one day we may be one." My feeling is that if you are making art, you are already a real artist. Over time, you may become a better one, more skilled in your craft, but what do real artists do? They make art. If you're making art, even beginning art, you are a real artist- at least today. And the day, the process of days adding up and experience adding up, is all we have for sure. So give yourself credit."
The Artist's Way Everyday, A Year of Creative Living by Julia Cameron

Happy Monday beautiful artists. I was so drawn to this reading this morning. As I think about the qualities of an artist, I can't help but envision a canvas with the word "YES!" Saying yes to this inner artist, is a green light towards creativity. If you are a writer, maybe you find words dazzling the page as you describe life. If you are a painter, then maybe your canvas transports you into a world of abstract connections. If you are a musician, maybe you find the echoes of emotion through your instrument. If you are a caretaker, then maybe your art is roused through the lens of compassion. If you are a gardener, then maybe your art is awakened through the rhythms of the Earth.

We are all artists. As I think of my love of writing, I can't help but feel the enormity of emotion and expression that I am able to convey. The physical practice of writing allows such a catheartic release. I have a sentiment pop into my consciousness and then I use all of my senses to describe this wonder; all the way to the core. I feel the grace welling up within and I can hardly contain my excitement! Just as a musician gathers up the notes on a page to create a symphony of sound, I gather up experiences to help me articulate the joys of living.

When was the last time you tapped into your artistic heart? Have you been 'waiting' for the right time? Have you been procrastinating? Have you been feeling limited in your expression? It is my hope that today inspires you to say YES to this brilliant artist that lives within...may you honor your gifts, may you tap into your wellspring of talents, and may you have fun creating!!

May You Sweetly Seek,
In Gratitude:)
Sarah

0 Comments

Friday Favorite...

6/5/2015

0 Comments

“I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. I did not wish to live what was not life, living is so dear; nor did I wish to practise resignation, unless it was quite necessary. I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life, to live so sturdily and Spartan-like as to put to rout all that was not life, to cut a broad swath and shave close, to drive life into a corner, and reduce it to its lowest terms.”
~Henry David Thoreau

0 Comments

Thankful Thursday...

6/4/2015

0 Comments

There is something so magical about waiting for a baby. It feels like it has been Christmas Eve for 8 months now. The anticipation, the wonder, the sheer miracle of life. My sweet baby brother and his beautiful wife are almost parents. Their precious girl will be arriving in the next month or so. Every time I think about her, I squeal with delight.

It seems that just yesterday Ben and I were kids. Armed with imaginations and loads of love, we made the most amazing memories. Our parents, family and friends devoted their time, abundance, energy, and love towards our happiness.

Just thinking about this new addition to our family brings tears to my eyes. I'm not a mother, so I don't profess to know how this little person is going to change all of our hearts. What I can speak to is my gratitude. I've been wanting to write my new niece a love letter, so here it goes...

Dear Sweet Girl,
Do you even know how much you are loved? I remember the day your parents came to share their exciting news. It was a Saturday during the holiday season and they stopped by to deliver cookies. They arrived at my apartment, handed me their Christmas card and as I glanced down, I noticed it was signed; Love, Ben, Katie and Baby. That was the instant I knew I loved you! I can still feel that flutter in my heart as I think of you. Tears of joy streamed down my face as your dad offered me tissues out of the empty Tupperware cookie container.
Over the last 8 months I've noticed life in such a sweet way. Waiting for your arrival has been such a thoughtful process. I find myself talking to you, praying for your safe and joyful arrival. I pray for your parents to have all that they need to welcome you into this world. You have two furry kitty brothers that have been breaking in some of your toys and new accessories.
I know we haven't even met, but I just adore you!!! I can't wait to snuggle you, and shower you in love. (And by the way, I think I'm going to want to snuggle you the rest of your life.) I'm so excited to experience life through your eyes. You are full of possibility and magnificence. Remember that always. I wonder who you'll look like...will you have your dad's dark hair, or your mom's long blonde hair? Will you play sports or be a concert pianist? Will you be my Yoga buddy, or will you be a dancer? Will you like rainy days, or hot summer ones? There are so many wonders I have about you, but most importantly I hope you feel supported to become YOU...this most amazing spirit.
Whatever you decide to pursue in your life, I hope it makes you happy from the inside out. I hope your gorgeous mind is blessed by dazzling knowledge. I hope you always feel seen. May you wish on stars and believe in magic. It is my prayer that you know health and abundance. I pray that your gifts will be many. I hope your smile lights up the world. I hope you express your emotions. May your days be blessed with love. May you dance in fields of possibility. May you travel the world being delighted by new sites. May you gracefully move about this Earth. May you enjoy the whimsy of being a child. May you delight in your journey. May you be blessed with an abundance of love, and may life inspire you to grow towards this infinite force.
I feel so blessed by you...I know that you are going to be one of my greatest teachers. Until we meet, may you know that my heart is brimming with love and joy. Such anticipation for your arrival...such excitement to watch your precious life unfold.
I love you sweet baby girl!! Now and Always....
Aunt Sarah

May You Sweetly Seek:)
In Gratitude,
Sarah

0 Comments

W.O.W. Wednesday...

6/3/2015

0 Comments

"Yoga does not remove us from the reality or responsibilities of everyday life
but rather places our feet firmly and resolutely
in the practical ground of experience.
We don't transcend our lives;
we return to the life we left behind in the hopes of something better."
-Donna Farhi

May You Sweetly Seek:)
In Gratitude,
Sarah

0 Comments

Talking about it Tuesday...

6/2/2015

1 Comment

"I exist as I am, that is enough." ~Walt Whitman

Have you ever taken the time to simply gaze in the mirror and notice the person gazing back at you? Did you even realize all of the wonder, beauty and grace that parade around in the recesses of your consciousness? Have you ever stared into your eyes and felt the belly of compassion resting in the core of your being? Have you ever noticed the twinkle of delight gazing back at you? Have you every truly seen yourself without criticism and doubt? Have you allowed yourself to be the witness rather than the judge?
Can you allow yourself to behold the emotions of your life?

The grief. The sorrow. The joy. The emptiness. The love. The amazement. The beginnings. The endings. The discovery. The rawness. The tenderness. The effort. The stillness.

Gaze into the center of these emotions as you begin to allow their truths to capture your attention. Make space. Find breath. Keep sipping in the breath. Your eyes contain the cherished delights of your lives. All of the happenings become a patchwork quilt of your life. Breath.... Staring into your eyes affords you the opportunity to glimpse the totality of your life. Who are you being? Begin to notice what is underneath. There is a subtle and beautiful world existing at this very moment. As Shakespeare so brilliantly captured, "The eyes are the window to your soul."

Gazing into your eyes, affirm:
I AM connected to the core of the Earth. My roots are grounded into Mother Earth as she continually supports my abundance, growth and opportunity to express my individuality.

I FEEL the the unique musings of creativity stirring my desires. Passion is a playground of self-expression. I consciously create meaningful relationships.

I DO acknowledge my Divine right to be here. My life is a treasury of manifestation. When I am creating from this center I bless the Earth.

I LOVE. I Love myself. I Love my teachers. I practice compassion as it expands the territory of love in my life. I forgive. I chose to see my life with a loving gaze.

I EXPRESS myself in a thoughtful and respectful way. I easily communicate my desires. I allow my heart and mind to be in union as I express my will.

I KNOW that I am intuitively connected to a realm of understanding that lies behind my minds eye. I claim this wisdom and visualize the life I truly desire.

I AM a spiritual being having a human experience. I create my life in union with the Source of Divine love and light. I am an the highest expression of LOVE.

I gaze back into my eyes and I can't help but feel the stardust in my hair, the gleam of heaven in my gaze, the delight of other worlds in my embrace, and the opportunity to truly 'see' myself and others today. When I am able to see me, then I am able to see you. May your day be full of meaningful gazes.

May You Sweetly Seek,
In Gratitude,
Sarah

1 Comment

Monday Musing...

6/1/2015

4 Comments

"We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit
the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty." ~Maya Angelou

I had the privilege of hanging out with a 3 year old for part of my day. Her lightheartedness and smile are still lighting up my heart. We easily chatted about the necessities in life; eating grilled cheese sandwiches, planting jelly beans, painting fingernails and toenails, the insect kingdom, a variety of bird trivia, her love of books, and my most favorite lesson with her was realizing that I have so much to learn. Can you think back to some of your favorite childhood delights?

We gazed out her living room window as she rattled off the various birds that were flying by. She was accessorized with a darling striped shirt that read 'Cutie' and a frog necklace and matching bracelet. Her clothes were as colorful as her personality. Her long hair trailed down her back and her giggle echoed off the walls of her home. She easily moved throughout her home in search of the simplest treasures.

I found myself simply staring at her, trying to remember what it felt like to be a 'little person' again. Her whimsy was priceless, her enthusiasm contagious, and her smile spread as bright as the sun. Her confidence resounded in our conversation about birds.

She ran through the differences between male and female cardinals, the wing span of a sea hawk, and the markings of a yellow finch. I'm pretty sure I missed this class in grade school, let alone college! Every fact she shared with me, she backed up with various examples and lots of joy. I find myself chuckling as I think back to this time with her.

One of my favorite comments was when she asked me if I liked bees, and I replied that I liked them from a distance when they were pollinating flowers. She agreed that bees were better at a distance. She thought ants were a safe bet, and she remarked that she'd never held an ant before. As soon as she shared that fact, she also mentioned that she'd never held a butterfly before. She was thrilled with this concept of holding a butterfly and mentioned it several times.

Her animation towards life was a beautiful reminder to be engaged and to always stand in awe of our teachers. Teachers show up in our lives to help us grow, to support our present moment awareness, to guide us towards our bliss, to comfort us when we lose our way, and to love us for the simple joy of loving.

Today, this little girl was my teacher. Her playfulness, honesty, and inquisitiveness left my heart feeling very tender. We are all metaphorically turning into gorgeous butterfly's but sometimes we forget the changes that we have had to undergo. As our lives morph, our bodies change, and our hearts rebound from living; may we find a tender spot for the teachers that show up along the way. They may be snacking on toasted cheese and jelly beans, but you can be sure that they are extraordinarily connected and beautiful.

May You Sweetly Seek:)
In Gratitude,
Sarah

4 Comments

Forward>>

Hello Friends!

I'm Sarah, a Capricorn girl, seeking inspiration, beauty, travel, and Samadhi through an inspired life. One of my most treasured passions is writing, so it is my hope that this blog serves as an outlet for my passion as well as inspiration for the readers of it! May you be curious, kind, and fearless as you wind through this journey called life. Enjoy the ride as you Sweetly Seek! (Read my story).

Instagram Posts

Tweets by @SweetlySeeking

Friday Favorite...

Thankful Thursday...

W.O.W. Wednesday...

Talking about it Tuesday...

Monday Musing...

Friday Favorite...

Thankful Thursday...

W.O.W. Wednesday...

Talking about it Tuesday...

Monday Musing...

Hello Friends!

Archives

Categories

BLOG
ABOUT
CONTACT