Our Beloved Creative Spirit

 

Infinite, Eternal, and Ever-Flowing
Source of Wisdom, Compassion and Grace
Thank you for the gifts
That nourish, exercise, and renew
our bodies, minds and spirits
so that we may be
The eyes that see your Beauty
The minds that know your Truth
The arms that hug your children
The forgiven who Forgive
The voices that sing your song
The gardeners that cultivate your Blessings
The bodies that dance your Praises
The artists that Create
Your Heaven on Earth
For from You flows
All Power, all Life, and all Glory
Forever...
Amen

About the Author: Savannah Blue is a Freelance Writer, a Spiritual Comforter and Motivator, and an amateur photographer and is also a publisher and entrepreneur. She is the Co-founder and Co-producer of Yourelevatedlife and YourElevatedLife Radio Show. Her passion is assisting others in becoming aware of and fulfilling their unlimited potential. She is "Living her Dreams" at the beach with the love of her life and working from home doing what she loves to do...help others live their Dreams!

Ascension by Grace

Since our website’s theme is Inspiration, Happiness and Peace of Mind, the story for this post is about all three of those “states of being” presented in one of the most beautiful love stories I have ever been exposed to. This is a true story and it absolutely takes my breath away and touches me deeply within my heart every time I tell it. It is the pure Grace of the Beloved that is the basis of this story.

My Auntie M and Uncle Jim had been married for 49 years and they lived next door to my mother. Uncle Jim was a hard working man and he and Auntie M had raised two wonderful children. Auntie M was always the life of the party and there didn’t really even have to be a party…she was just always happy and always laughing or smiling and doing her very best to get everyone else to experience some “Happiness.” I have no memories of her ever saying anything unkind or doing anything unkind. Her heart was as big and as full of joy as any person I have ever been exposed to with just one exception and that would be her son. He is very much like her. She had the gift of making friends instantly and she had many, many friends. When I say that what I mean is that she could pick up the phone and call any number of people and each and every one of them would be ready and willing to assist her with whatever she needed. Auntie M was just so much fun to be around. Have you ever known anyone who is just happy all of the time? Well, if so, then you know what it’s like just being around them. It’s an energy thing, you know what I mean…it just makes everything better and it’s fun to experience.

Auntie M was a perfect example of someone who made every effort humanly possible to keep the “peace,” and sometimes that was easier said than done. Uncle Jim had a temper and was as stubborn as could be. Auntie M dealt with him just like she did everybody…with a smile and a sense of humor. Uncle Jim became very ill and his health began to decline rapidly. My cousin had placed both Auntie M and Uncle Jim into a nursing home in order for them both to receive exceptional, continual care. It was necessary to make decisions for the welfare and care of Auntie M and my Uncle, as the situation was too much for Auntie M. She was unable to adequately care for herself and Uncle Jim too. Uncle Jim passed within a few short months after the onset of his illness. Auntie M was heart-broken but strong in spirit and she appeared to be dealing with the passing of her husband better than any of us expected. My cousin visited her on a daily basis after work and they had dinner together. He did the best he could to fill the void that was left in her heart after the passing of Uncle Jim.

A few months had passed when one day Auntie M got up and was going about her daily activities at the nursing home. She was a master at loving-kindness and everybody looked forward to spending time with her. On this particular morning, she got up and was happy and excited and she made an appointment to have her hair done which is a service that was offered and one that she had taken advantage of several times. One of the nurses asked her, “Is it a special occasion today…is your son taking you out to dinner and that’s why you want to get your hair done? ” Auntie M replied, “No, I’m going to see Jim today.” My Aunt had been diagnosed with what some people called delusions of grandeur so everyone just humored her regarding her statements about going to see Jim. What made her so cute all of the time but especially regarding scenarios where people didn’t really believe that she had a grasp on reality was that she knew exactly what was happening and she had a little giggle that expressed her “knowing.” She knew what she was doing and thinking and she also knew what everybody else thought about it. She was completely aware and it was her awareness that created the humor for her. She went to her appointment and had her hair done and it looked absolutely beautiful and she chose one of her prettiest dresses to wear. She felt great and she looked stunning.

Later that day her son came to visit as he did every day. He was surprised to see her all dressed up and he preceded to tell her how beautiful she looked and he asked her if he had forgotten an occasion or had they planned to go out for dinner and he had just forgotten? In her sweet, loving voice she replied, “Oh no, honey, I’m going to see your Daddy today.” She just smiled and looked at my cousin in a very matter-of-fact way. Well, my cousin just said, “Well, great…do you have time for dinner before you go?” They talked for quite some time and shared dinner just like they always did. They had a lovely evening sharing many thoughts and memories. He loved her so and could have stayed there talking for hours but it was getting late so he kissed her goodnight and wished her sweet dreams, and of course, told her to give his love to “Daddy” when you see him. She just smiled…he assured her that he would see her tomorrow. Before leaving, he told her again how beautiful she looked and that “Daddy” would think so too.

After he left that evening, Auntie M lay down on her bed, closed her eyes and sweetly, gently, slipped into a sleep and quietly ascended with the Grace of the Beloved…she just smiled her way into transition…she did indeed go see Jim. Although some described her as delusional, I can promise you that on this day, she knew exactly what she was doing and her thoughts were Spiritual, Pure and True. This is one of the most beautiful and perfect examples I have ever seen of Inspiration, Happiness and Peace of Mind. Auntie M’s “Heart of the Matter” was that she had loved this man for forty-nine years, missed him terribly, and wanted to go where he was. There were no delusions. She felt overwhelming love in her heart and made up her mind, prepared for her journey, had dinner with her son whom she loved dearly, kissed him goodnight in her usual loving way, and then prepared for her departure, which everyone else assumed was simply going to bed for the evening. There was no pain or suffering and I know that my Uncle Jim was waiting to welcome her with open arms full of the love that she was missing.

My Auntie M appeared to my cousin several days after her departure as he was having a difficult time and missing her very, very much. On the evening that she appeared to him, she assured him that she was all right and happy. She encouraged him to not be so sad and to live his life fully with Inspiration, Happiness and Peace of Mind. What a wonderful example she had provided for him to follow. She also made it clear that she could be reached anytime he needed her, just like this time. She has come to him since then…always with Loving-Kindness to touch his heart.

The energy present when she appears is the Beloved’s Grace, pure Loving-Kindness. My Auntie M and the Beloved have forever etched my heart with the Purest of Love. I am overwhelmed by the Love of the Beloved. The energy of Spirit is pure and is always available to us. Awareness and perception in our lives is everything. What I know for sure to be true is that if you ask for assistance from the Beloved with your Heart, and you become still and listen with your Heart, the answer will appear. This story is one that is personal but also one of many shared with me by different people and they all have the same beautiful, comforting theme. It is the Beloved’s Grace that allows us to relax and begin our gentle transition back into our non-physical state of pure positive energy...our natural state…that of “Forever-ness.” I hope that you find personal comfort in this story and realize that we have constant access…we are not separate…ever. May this story bring you Inspiration, Happiness and Peace of Mind and may you experience the Grace of the Beloved in your life.

About the Author: Savannah Blue is a Freelance Writer, a Spiritual Comforter and Motivator, and an amateur photographer and is also a publisher and entrepreneur. She is the Co-founder and Co-producer of Yourelevatedlife and YourElevatedLife Radio Show. Her passion is assisting others in becoming aware of and fulfilling their unlimited potential. She is "Living her Dreams" at the beach with the love of her life and working from home doing what she loves to do...help others live their Dreams!

The Spirit of Giving

It was Christmas several years ago when the boys were small and we were on our way to Grandma’s house to celebrate the holiday. The trip was about a three-hour trip and half way there is where my brother, Jay, lived so we always stopped there on our way. He loved seeing the boys and they him. It seemed like they had so much fun and this stop was always one that they looked forward to. This particular year in my life was a time when all of our needs had been met and we were healthy and happy and I had what I perceived to be extra money for the first time in my life. I remember feeling so blessed and I was experiencing this new feeling, not sure what to call it…maybe just the same eagerness and excitement that children experience at Christmas.

When we got to Jay’s house it was time for a break and the excitement had built to a frenzy…the kids were so excited to see him and they were also ready for a bathroom break!!! Mom too!!!! There was and is great love shared between my boys and Jay. As always, he had made special holiday arrangements and had cookies or cupcakes and of course, there was always gifts beautifully wrapped with the boy’s names on them. The kids were three and five at the time and were so excited their little faces dawned nothing but smiles and their laughter was infectious.


We had a great visit together and it was time for us to gather our things and continue our trip to Grandma’s. The kids really didn’t want to go as they were having such a great time and as far as they were concerned, they were in “yes-land.” Who in their right mind would ever want to leave?? Jay had given them some extraordinary gifts that they loved, as he was always very good at choosing the perfect gifts for them. We said our “thank yous” and gave our kisses and hugs in preparation to leave. For you parents out there, you understand that it takes a few minutes to gather the kids and their belongings and me and mine and to make sure I hadn’t forgotten anything. One last bathroom check for the boys to make sure everybody can make it the next hour without a stop.

Before we left and after the boys had been taken care of, I went through the house just checking one last time to make sure we had everything, but actually I had something else in mind. I had a surprise for Jay already planned and I think that I was as excited about my ability to give something extra and to surprise someone completely unsuspecting that I could hardly keep the secret. I had a hundred dollar bill that I had planned to leave on his mirror. I put some water on the bill and it stuck to his mirror…it was great…so when he walked into the room he couldn’t help but see it. I wrote on the mirror with lipstick…”Merry Christmas...Love Savvy Santa!!” I had given a lot of thought to this Christmas surprise and I knew that he wouldn’t discover the gift until we were gone which is exactly what I wanted to happen. Jay has always been a Philanthropist so I thought it was a blessing to be able to give back to him for all of his generosity throughout the years. He has reached out and given his helping hand to many, many people in need, including me.

I was overwhelmed with joy in my heart when I stuck the bill to the mirror. I can say that my heart had never been so full of love…my eyes were full of tears of joy, which, of course, I had to tissue away so as not to ruin the surprise. So, this was my first experience with giving something extra and I have been driven ever since to do whatever, whenever I can simply because of the joy. The joy extends beyond the physical and into the heart and soul. The quote used most frequently regarding the act of giving is, “It is better to give than to receive,” however, I can’t say that for me it was better to give than to receive; my experience was that while in the process of giving, I was receiving more joy and love in my heart than I had ever felt before. The sheer joy of giving created an unexpected joy of receiving for me. The most beautiful aspect of this experience was to be able to touch someone’s heart. Since that experience, my prayer has been to be able to extend Loving-Kindness with generosity. That is what Bliss is for me. I am thankful and grateful for my experiences including being able to share this story with you. It is the giving and receiving in our hearts that is “The Heart of The Matter.” Those experiences birth feelings of Inspiration, Happiness, and Peace of Mind. May this holiday bring joy to your heart and may you be blessed always.

About the Author: Savannah Blue is a Freelance Writer, a Spiritual Comforter and Motivator, and an amateur photographer and is also a publisher and entrepreneur. She is the Co-founder and Co-producer of Yourelevatedlife and YourElevatedLife Radio Show. Her passion is assisting others in becoming aware of and fulfilling their unlimited potential. She is "Living her Dreams" at the beach with the love of her life and working from home doing what she loves to do...help others live their Dreams!

Santa's Secret

On Christmas Eve, a young boy with light in his eyes
Looked deep into Santa's, to Santa's surprise
And said as he sat on Santa's broad knee,
"I want your secret. Tell it to me."

He leaned up and whispered in Santa's good ear
"How do you do it, year after year?"
"I want to know how, as you travel about,
Giving gifts here and there, you never run out.

How is it, Dear Santa, that in your pack of toys
You have plenty for all of the world's girls and boys?
Stays so full, never empties, as you make your way
around the whole world, The reindeer pulling your sleigh

From rooftop to rooftop, to homes large and small,
From nation to nation, reaching them all?"
And Santa smiled kindly and said to the boy,
"Don't ask me hard questions. Don't you want a toy?"

But the child shook his head, and Santa could see
That he needed the answer. "Now listen to me,"
He told that small boy with the light in his eyes,
"My secret will make you happy and wise.

"The truth is that my sack is magic. Inside
It holds millions of toys for my Christmas Eve ride.
And although I do visit each girl and each boy
I don't always leave them a brightly-wrapped toy.

Some homes are hungry, some homes are sad,
Some homes are desperate, some homes are bad.
Some homes are broken, and the children there grieve.
Those homes I visit, but what should I leave?

"My sleigh is filled with the happiest stuff,
But for homes where despair lives toys aren't enough.
So I tiptoe in, kiss each girl and boy,
And I pray with them that they'll be given the joy

Of the spirit of Christmas, the spirit that lives
In the heart of the dear child who gets not, but gives.
"When God hears me and answers my prayer,
And I visit next year, what I will find there

Are homes filled with Peace, and with Giving, and Love
And boys and girls gifted with light from above.
It's a very hard task, my smart little brother,
To give toys to some, and to give prayers to others.

But the prayers are the best gifts, the best gifts indeed,
For God has a way of meeting each need.
"That's part of the answer. The rest, my dear youth,
Is that my sack is magic. And that is the truth.

In my sack I carry on Christmas Eve day
More Love than a Santa could ever give away.
The sack never empties of Love, or of Joys
`Cause inside it are Prayers, and Hope. Not just toys.

The more that I give, the fuller it seems,
Because giving is my way of fulfilling dreams.
"And do you know something? You've got a sack, too.
It's as magic as mine and It's Inside Of You.

It Never gets Empty; It's Full from the Start.
It's the Center of Lights and Love...it's "Your Heart."
And if on this Christmas you want to help me,
Don't be so concerned with the gifts beneath your tree.

Open that sack called "Your Heart," and share
Your Joy, Your Friendship, Your Wealth, Your Care.
The light in the small boy's eyes was glowing.
"Thanks for your secret. I've got to be going."

"Wait, little boy," Said Santa, "don't go.
Will you share? Will you help? Will you use what you know?"
And just for a moment the small boy stood still,
Touched his Heart with his small hand and whispered, "I Will."

About the Author: Savannah Blue is a Freelance Writer, a Spiritual Comforter and Motivator, and an amateur photographer and is also a publisher and entrepreneur. She is the Co-founder and Co-producer of Yourelevatedlife and YourElevatedLife Radio Show. Her passion is assisting others in becoming aware of and fulfilling their unlimited potential. She is "Living her Dreams" at the beach with the love of her life and working from home doing what she loves to do...help others live their Dreams!

Affirmation of Acceptance

I accept myself completely.

I accept my strengths and my weaknesses,

my gifts and my shortcomings,

my good points and my faults.

I accept myself completely as a human being.

I accept that I am here to learn and grow

I accept that I am learning and growing.

I accept the personality I've developed, and

I accept my power to heal and change.

I accept myself without condition or reservation.

I accept that the core of my Being is Goodness…

My Essence is Love, and

I accept that I sometimes forget that.

I accept myself completely, and in this acceptance

I find an ever-deepening inner strength.

From this place of strength, I accept my life fully and

I open to the lessons it offers me today.

I accept that within my mind are both fear and Love, and

I accept my power to choose which I will experience as real.

I recognize that I experience only the results of my own choices.

I accept the times that I choose fear

as part of my learning and healing process, and

I accept that I have the potential and power

in any moment to choose Love instead.

I accept mistakes as a part of growth,

so I am always willing…

to forgive myself and give myself another chance.

I accept that My Life is the expression of My Thought, and

I commit myself to aligning my thoughts more and

more each day with the Thoughts of Love.

I accept that I am an expression of this Love.

Love's Hands and Voice and Heart on Earth…

I Accept My Own Life as a Blessing and a Gift.

My Heart is Open to Receive, and I am Deeply Grateful.

May I always Share the gifts that I Receive Fully, Freely, and with Joy.

May I Be Loving-Kindness

About the Author: Savannah Blue is a Freelance Writer, a Spiritual Comforter and Motivator, and an amateur photographer and is also a publisher and entrepreneur. She is the Co-founder and Co-producer of Yourelevatedlife and YourElevatedLife Radio Show. Her passion is assisting others in becoming aware of and fulfilling their unlimited potential. She is "Living her Dreams" at the beach with the love of her life and working from home doing what she loves to do...help others live their Dreams!

A Prayer for Children

I have been blessed with the privilege of being a mother and I continue to volunteer as an advocate for children. When I read this poem, it touched my heart deeply and brought tears to my eyes. There are many children who find themselves neglected through no fault of their own. They do not and will not have any family present for the holidays or any other days. As a giving Universe and People, I am asking that you please consider giving your time and a piece of your heart to a child. Please allow yourself to come forward as a caring and giving human being and use your energy to reach out, get involved, and lift a child’s spirit with your Love. Service is the highest form of consciousness. Please choose to present your energy as a loving and caring gift because “Your Loving Heart ” will be the greatest gift of all to a child. Thank you for your consideration and for extending your hand and heart in loving-kindness to the least of us.

A wonderful and talented woman by the name of Ina Hughs wrote this poem. The prayer reached a worldwide audience when it was read aloud during UNICEF’s World Summit for Children several years ago. Her “Knowing” and “Love” of children is expressed so beautifully through her touching poem. May God bless Ina and the children.

A Prayer for Children

We pray for the children, who sneak Popsicles before supper,

Who erase holes in math workbooks, and who can never find their shoes.

And we pray for those who stare at photographers from behind barbed wire,

Who can’t bound down the street in a new pair of sneakers, who never "counted potatoes,"

Who never go to the circus, and who live in an X-rated world.

We pray for the children, who bring us sticky kisses and fistfuls of dandelions,

Who hug us in a hurry and forget their lunch money.

And we pray for those who never get dessert, who have no safe blanket to drag behind them,

Who watch their parents watch them die, who can't find any bread to steal,

Who don't have any rooms to clean up, whose pictures aren't on anybody's dresser, whose monsters are real.

We pray for the children, who spend all their allowance before Tuesday,

Who throw tantrums in the grocery store and pick at their food,

Who like ghost stories, and who shove dirty clothes under the bed,

Who never rinse out the tub, and who get visits from the tooth fairy,

Who don't like to be kissed in front of the carpool, and who squirm in church and scream in the phone,

Whose tears we sometimes laugh at and whose smiles can make us cry.

And we pray for those children, whose nightmares come in the daytime,

Who will eat anything, who have never seen a dentist, who aren't spoiled by anybody,

Who go to bed hungry and cry themselves to sleep, who live and move, but have no being.

We pray for children who want to be carried and for those who must be,

We pray for children, who we never give up on and for those who don't get a second chance.

For those we smother and for those who will grab the hand of anybody kind enough to offer it.

About the Author: Savannah Blue is a Freelance Writer, a Spiritual Comforter and Motivator, and an amateur photographer and is also a publisher and entrepreneur. She is the Co-founder and Co-producer of Yourelevatedlife and YourElevatedLife Radio Show. Her passion is assisting others in becoming aware of and fulfilling their unlimited potential. She is "Living her Dreams" at the beach with the love of her life and working from home doing what she loves to do...help others live their Dreams!

I Am There...by James Dillet Freeman

Do you need Me?

I AM there.

You cannot see Me, yet I AM the light you see by.

You cannot hear Me, yet I speak through your voice.

You cannot feel Me, yet I AM the power at work in your hands.

I AM at work, though you do not understand My ways.

I AM at work, though you do not recognize My works.

I AM not strange visions. I AM not mysteries.

Only in absolute stillness, beyond self, can you know Me as I AM, 

and then but as a feeling and faith.

Yet I AM there.

Yet I hear. Yet I answer.

When you need Me, I AM there.

Even if you deny Me, I AM there.

Even when you feel most alone, I AM there.

Even in your fears, I AM there.

Even in your pain, I AM there.

I AM there when you pray and when you do not pray.

I AM in you, and you are in Me.

Only in your mind can you feel separate from Me, for only in your mind are the mists of “yours” and “mine.”

Yet only with your mind can you choose to know Me and experience Me.

Empty your heart of empty fears.

When you get yourself out of the way, I AM there.

You can of yourself do nothing, but I can do all.

And I AM in all.

Though you may not see the good, good is there, for I AM there.

I AM there because I have to be, because I AM.

Only in Me does the world have meaning; only out of Me does the world take form; only because of Me does the world go forward.

I AM the law on which the movement of the stars and the growth of living cells are founded.

I AM the Love that is the Law’s fulfilling. I AM Assurance. I AM Peace. I AM Oneness. I AM the Law that you can live by.

I AM the Love that you can cling to. I AM your Assurance. I AM your Peace. I AM One with you. 

I AM.
Though you fail to find Me, I do not fail you.
Though your faith in Me is unsure, My faith in you never wavers, because I know you, because I Love You.
Beloved, I AM There.

About the Author: Savannah Blue is a Freelance Writer, a Spiritual Comforter and Motivator, and an amateur photographer and is also a publisher and entrepreneur. She is the Co-founder and Co-producer of  Yourelevatedlife and YourElevatedLife Radio Show. Her passion is assisting others in becoming aware of and fulfilling their unlimited potential. She is "Living her Dreams" at the beach with the love of her life and working from home doing what she loves to do...help others live their Dreams!

Meditation For All People

This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success." Joshua 1:8

Because there is not a lot of discussion regarding the practice of Meditation among Christians, we have presented some history for consideration. Meditation is beneficial to all people five years of age and up regardless of their religion or any other consideration. Meditation in Christianity is rooted in the Bible. In fact, the Bible commands meditation. In Joshua 1:8, God says to meditate on His word day and night. The Psalmist said, "His delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night" (Psalm 1:2). During my research on meditation, I found twenty-seven references in the Bible that mentions meditate or meditation.

In the Old Testament there are two primary Hebrew words for meditation: Haga, which means to utter, groan, meditate, or ponder; and Sihach, which means to muse, rehearse in one's mind, or contemplate. These words can also be translated as dwell, diligently consider, and heed. The Bible tells us to think about God's Word. Our thoughts determine our behavior and so what we think about is very important as our thoughts determine our life experiences. God simply wishes for us to think about His Word, or meditate on it. God considers meditation to be a vital exercise of the minds of His children. What should we focus on in Christian meditation or in any meditation for that matter? Scripture says, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8 (KJV) The Dalai Lama says that all major religious traditions carry basically the same message of love, compassion and forgiveness…the important thing is they should be part of our daily lives. Meditation is an activity that encompasses all of these thoughts.


The benefits experienced by people who practice meditation as a part of their daily lifestyle are numerous. People who Meditate: are much happier…are much healthier…have extended life spans…dramatically reduce and even reverses disease of all types especially cancer…awaken dormant abilities…answer life's mysterious questions…are much smarter…have brains that function at a superior level…it is easy to see why many of history's greatest inventors, philosophers, and scientists received their revolutionary, future-transforming ideas during their daily meditation sessions…produce immensely more euphoric brain chemicals… the same chemicals that flow through your system on the days when you have never felt better, and these euphoric brain chemicals are produced constantly…sleep much better… need fewer hours of sleep every night because their minds and bodies are completely refreshed and rejuvenated during their highly pleasurable meditation sessions. Meditation is many times more powerful than sleep…far superior mental and emotional health…perfect mental and emotional balance…more satisfied and content with their lives.

In addition, there are specific health benefits that are a result of meditation which are: Heart rate, respiration, blood pressure and oxygen consumption are all decreased…People who meditate are less anxious and nervous…they are more independent and self-confident…75% of insomniacs who started a daily meditation program were able to fall asleep within 20 minutes of going to bed…Production of the stress hormone, Cortisol, is greatly decreased, thus making it possible for those people to deal with stress better when it occurs…Women with PMS showed symptom improvements after 5 months of steady daily meditation and reflection…Thickness of the artery walls decreased which effectively lowers the risk of heart attack or stroke by 8% to 15%…Relaxation therapy was helpful in chronic pain patients…60% of anxiety prone people showed marked improvements in anxiety levels after 6-9 months.

The Elevated Eleven” tips on Meditation

(1) Desire - The first thing that has to happen before anything else matters is the desire and determination to meditate. Once you have those two components, you can find for yourself the other ten...but until you have the desire...the others don't matter.
(2) Posture - Be comfortable...sitting or standing…If you have back problems you may want to sit on a pillow.
(3) Breath- Your breathing should be slow, even and from your diaphragm.
(4) Attitude- Create a relaxed, confident attitude before you start to meditate. There is no "right or wrong" Close your eyes & relax
(5) Consistency- Meditation brings awareness
(6) Method or Style-Find Yours-There are many methods of meditating and the important thing is that you find the one that best fits you.
(7) Become Calm - Meditation is calm and focus...Simply relax and contemplate the timeless nature of your soul.
(8) An Open Mind- Meditation opens our minds and hearts to a deeper level...if your mind wonders...re-focus....
(9) Shhhh...Quietness- Make sure you are in a quiet room with no distractions...Listen intently to the silence
(10) Time Allotment...Allow adequate time for your meditation...1 minute per your age…Remain relaxed and silent for as long as possible.
(11) Lifestyle- For more tools, tips and techniques on meditation and abundant living visit http://yourelevatedlife.com/get_lifted

We sincerely hope that you desire to find yourself engaged in the practice of meditation for Your Inspiration, Happiness and Peace of Mind, which will lead directly to “Your Elevated Life.”

Savannah Blue is a Freelance Writer, a Spiritual Comforter and Motivator, and an amateur photographer and is also a publisher and entrepreneur. She is the Co-founder and Co-producer of  Yourelevatedlife and YourElevatedLife Radio Show. Her passion is assisting others in becoming aware of and fulfilling their unlimited potential. She is "Living her Dreams" at the beach with the love of her life and working from home doing what she loves to do...help others live their Dreams!

Anonymous Thoughts

“A List To Live By”~Anonymous~

The most destructive habit, Worry

The greatest joy, Giving

The greatest loss, Self-respect

The most satisfying work, Helping others

The ugliest personality trait, Selfishness

The most endangered species, Dedicated Leaders

Our greatest natural resource, Our Youth

The greatest “shot in the arm,” Encouragement

The greatest problem to overcome, Fear

The most effective sleeping pill, Peace of Mind

The most crippling disease, Excuses

The most powerful force in life, Love

The most dangerous pariah, A Gossip

The world’s most incredible computer, The Brain

The worst thing to be without, Hope

The deadliest weapon, The Tongue

The two most power-filled words, “I Can”

The greatest asset, Faith

The most worthless emotion, Self-pity

The most prized possession, Integrity

The most powerful channels of communication, Meditation and Prayer
The most beautiful attire,  A SMILE!

Savannah Blue is a Freelance Writer, a Spiritual Comforter and Motivator, and an amateur photographer and is also a publisher and entrepreneur. She is the Co-founder and Co-producer of  Yourelevatedlife and YourElevatedLife Radio Show. Her passion is assisting others in becoming aware of and fulfilling their unlimited potential. She is "Living her Dreams" at the beach with the love of her life and working from home doing what she loves to do...help others live their Dreams!

Wishing You Love, Inspiration, Happiness, & Peace of Mind

Thanksgiving Prayer

~Lama Surya Das~

May the lamp of Love
which eternally burns above
kindle divine fire in our hearts,
and fan that innate spark of divinity into flame-
illumining all, opening our eyes
and consuming our differences,
driving the shadows from our faces.

As Love dawns on the horizon,
may our community awaken
in the kingdom of true communion,
which is at hand always.

May we learn to Love one another better
even than we Love ourselves.

God is great-
may His Grace be made Manifest.

Love is stronger than death…

Amen.

Savannah Blue is a Freelance Writer, a Spiritual Comforter and Motivator, and an amateur photographer and is also a publisher and entrepreneur. She is the Co-founder and Co-producer of  Yourelevatedlife and YourElevatedLife Radio Show. Her passion is assisting others in becoming aware of and fulfilling their unlimited potential. She is "Living her Dreams" at the beach with the love of her life and working from home doing what she loves to do...help others live their Dreams!

Faith Is A Law

Faith is an oasis in the heart, which can never be reached by the caravan of thinking.~ Kahil Gibran ~

Our topic this week is Faith.  What is Faith and what thoughts do we have regarding faith?  We are focusing on the book, The Varieties of Religious Experience to aid us in our exploration and discussion of Faith.  You can download this book free from our website.  In The Varieties of Religious Experience: (1902), William James offers a sense of validity to the formerly abstract idea of spiritual experience. With an understanding of physiology, psychology, and philosophy, James studied cases of religious inspiration and concluded there were specific aspects of human consciousness that contained energies that could come to a person's assistance in time of great need. The result is what he refers to as the religious experience. William James is also known as the Father of American Psychology and is the author of the following statement, "The greatest discovery of the 19th century was not in the realm of the physical sciences, but the power of the subconscious mind touched by Faith. Any individual can tap into an eternal reservoir of power that will enable them to overcome any problem that may arise. All weaknesses can be overcome, bodily healing, financial independence, spiritual awakening, and prosperity beyond your wildest dreams. This is the superstructure of happiness.”

The character and attributes of the things in our mind become substantial to us because of our Faith. The practice of Faith is to take abstract ideas and give them definite form in substance. Ideas are abstract and formless to us until they become substance, the substance of Faith.  Faith represents substance, the underlying, basic principle of all manifestation. "Faith is assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen."  It is Faith when we are fully conscious of "things not seen" and have the "assurance of things" not yet seen. In other words, Faith is that consciousness in us of the reality of the invisible substance and of the attributes of mind by which we lay hold of it, or just as William James said earlier…the power of the subconscious mind touched by Faith.  Faith is the perceiving power of the mind linked with a power to shape substance.  When we practice Faith in spirit, Faith in God and we use wisdom and spiritual judgment, and we add love and express all of these elements together in our thoughts, the results are remarkable.  Some have said miraculous things happen and Faith is the lightening rod. "There is no such thing as a lack of Faith. We all have plenty of Faith; it's just that we have Faith in the wrong things. We have Faith in what can't be done rather than what can be done. We have Faith in lack rather than abundance but there is no lack of Faith. Faith is a law." ~Eric Butterworth~

"The Elevated Eleven” tips regarding Faith

1.  Faith starts with your Breath & Heartbeat…(assuming you will wake…is Faith) Begin by expressing gratitude

2.  Elements of Faith include tolerance and forgiving of all people

3.  Faith grows in Silence-practice being silent on a daily basis…just listen

4.  Meditation practiced daily enhances Faith

5.  Service and the act of giving is Faith in action

6.  People practicing Faith also practice loving-kindness

7.  Believing that ALL things are possible…even those things you cannot see…is Faith

8.  People who believe in a higher power live longer and have healthier attitudes because of their Faith

9.  Faith allows us to use what we have learned to enlighten and inspire others

10. Always do what is right simply because it is the right thing to do…is an exhibition of Faith

11. Visit yourelevatedlife.com to download your free book by William James and for further information on Faith

Savannah Blue is a Freelance Writer, a Spiritual Comforter and Motivator, and an amateur photographer and is also a publisher and entrepreneur. She is the Co-founder and Co-producer of  Yourelevatedlife and YourElevatedLife Radio Show. Her passion is assisting others in becoming aware of and fulfilling their unlimited potential. She is "Living her Dreams" at the beach with the love of her life and working from home doing what she loves to do...help others live their Dreams!

Loving Kindness

Let me be free of greed, hatred and delusion
Let me be generously giving, understanding 
and my insight be clear...Let me be free.

May my free heart center be filled with 
Loving Kindness until it overflows...
And fill my whole being and then radiate beyond me
To a healthy, happy aura which no evil thought, 
word or deed can penetrate...I am protected.

From this new found haven of Loving Kindness I send loving kindness to
All beings for whom I have affinity...
My parents, the teachers who have shown me the way, my family
And all those who are near and dear to me.
May they be free from suffering, may they be well and happy.

I send Loving Kindness to all beings of the world for whom I have neutral feelings
People I meet during the course of a day, people who I have yet to meet...
People living on the other side of the world, babes yet to be born.
May they be free from suffering, may they be well and happy.

I send Loving Kindness to all animate and inanimate objects
I send Loving Kindness to the four corners of the Universe; North, South, East and West
All points between both, above and below
A whole Universe filled with Loving Kindness

Loving Kindness to All...Loving Kindness to All
I accept Loving Kindness from all beings without exception

Savannah Blue is a Freelance Writer, a Spiritual Comforter and Motivator, and an amateur photographer and is also a publisher and entrepreneur. She is the Co-founder and Co-producer of  Yourelevatedlife and YourElevatedLife Radio Show. Her passion is assisting others in becoming aware of and fulfilling their unlimited potential. She is "Living her Dreams" at the beach with the love of her life and working from home doing what she loves to do...help others live their Dreams!

Intentional Chocolate: Love the Taste of Dark Chocolate? The Science of Taste & Smell..

Dark, gourmet chocolate is indeed a beloved to our taste buds...but do you know why?

From Science Daily is an article about the science of taste and smell! Truly fascinating - here's more from the article on ScienceDaily.com: 

"...Most people don't realize that most of what we call taste -- enjoying a meal or a fine wine -- is actually smell," Karen Kalumuck, a biologist at San Francisco's Exploratorium, tells DBIS.

Kalumuck says 75 percent of what we call taste is due to what we smell. "Think about when you've a cold. You've got this stuffed up nose. I mean, what did things taste like? Not so great," she tells DBIS. "That's really because we can't have the odorant molecules meet up with the sensory receptors in the nose and transmit that information to the brain."

You can see how the nose and the mouth work together if you pinch your nose and eat a piece of candy, then unplug your nose while it's still in your mouth.

The nose has 5 million odor receptors that can detect 10,000 unique odors. On the tongue, there are taste buds. Inside each bud could be 50 to 100 taste receptor cells. Each receptor cell detects one of five different types of taste, sweet, sour, bitter, salty and umami.

What's umami? It detects the amino acid glutamate and was added to the list in 2000.

"Most ... have probably experienced glutamate in the form of MSG," Kalumuck says.

Also, spicy foods are not part of our taste or smell receptors ... They stimulate our pain receptors. So people who love spicy have a high tolerance for pain! And taste is all genetic! Your genes determine the type and number of sensors you have, so you can blame mom or dad if you don't like your food.

Kalumuck says you can learn to enjoy foods that might -- at first bite -- taste unpleasant."

Read the rest of this interesting article here.

All Honor to Her

Our hearts send loving-kindness and compassion and strength and a humble “thank you” to all of the Soldier’s Wives for your sacrifice.

All Honor to Her

He offered himself for the land he loved,

But what shall we say for her?

He gave to his country a soldier's life;

'Twas dearer by far to the soldier's wife.

All honor today to her!

He went to the war while his blood was hot,

But what shall we say of her?

He saw himself through the battle's flame

A hero's reward on the scroll of fame;

What honor is due to her?

He offered himself, but his wife did more,

All honor today to her!

For dearer than life was the gift she gave

In giving the life she would die to save;

What honor is due to her?

He gave up his life at his country's call,

But what shall we say of her?

He offered himself as a sacrifice,

But she is the one who pays the price.

All honor we owe to her.

Savannah Blue is a Freelance Writer, a Spiritual Comforter and Motivator, and an amateur photographer and is also a publisher and entrepreneur. She is the Co-founder and Co-producer of  Yourelevatedlife and YourElevatedLife Radio Show. Her passion is assisting others in becoming aware of and fulfilling their unlimited potential. She is "Living her Dreams" at the beach with the love of her life and working from home doing what she loves to do...help others live their Dreams!

THE THINGS THAT MAKE A SOLDIER GREAT

In honor of all of the Veteran's of this great Country, thank you for your service. I am proud to be the Daughter,the Mother and the Wife, the Sister-in-Law and the Aunt of courageous men who chose to serve their country. May God Bless all those who serve.

THE THINGS THAT MAKE A SOLDIER GREAT

~Edgar Guest~

The things that make a soldier great and send him out to die,

To face the flaming cannon's mouth nor ever question why,

Are lilacs by a little porch, the row of tulips red,

The peonies and pansies, too, the old petunia bed,

The grass plot where his children play, the roses on the wall:

'Tis these that make a soldier great. He's fighting for them all.

'Tis not the pomp and pride of kings that make a soldier brave;

'Tis not allegiance to the flag that over him may wave;

For soldiers never fight so well on land or on the foam

As when behind the cause they see the little place called home.

Endanger but that humble street whereon his children run,

You make a soldier of the man who never bore a gun.

What is it through the battle smoke the valiant soldier sees?

The little garden far away, the budding apple trees,

The little patch of ground back there, the children at their play,

Perhaps a tiny mound behind the simple church of gray.

The golden thread of courage isn't linked to castle dome

But to the spot, where'er it be — the humblest spot called home.

And now the lilacs bud again and all is lovely there

And homesick soldiers far away know spring is in the air;

The tulips come to bloom again, the grass once more is green,

And every man can see the spot where all his joys have been.

He sees his children smile at him, he hears the bugle call,

And only death can stop him now — he's fighting for them all.

Savannah Blue is a Freelance Writer, a Spiritual Comforter and Motivator, and an amateur photographer and is also a publisher and entrepreneur. She is the Co-founder and Co-producer of  Yourelevatedlife and YourElevatedLife Radio Show. Her passion is assisting others in becoming aware of and fulfilling their unlimited potential. She is "Living her Dreams" at the beach with the love of her life and working from home doing what she loves to do...help others live their Dreams!

Fear is Only a State of Mind

Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears. ~ Les Brown

Our show this week was about fear. Fear is only a state of mind and this story as well as the "Elevated Eleven" tips are designed to assist you in reaching "Fearlessness" in your life. To help with understanding exactly what Fear really is, here is a short parable about the "Ghost of Fear."

Once upon a time, Jake and Fear were friends. Fear was Jake’s constant companion, and Fear helped him a on a daily basis. Fear saved him from trouble and danger, and helped him choose the correct paths in life. Whenever Jake would carelessly go with questionable “friends” or make a very careless decision, Fear would butt in and remind him of his father’s counsels and admonitions. When walking right in danger’s path, Fear would whisper a word of warning to dissuade him from proceeding. Fear would also tell him the proper behavior when Jake was in front of the elderly and other people in authority. Fear would give him the ability to do and say only the respectful and kind words to people. Fear would also tell him to be polite and humble when there was a conflict with people he was related to. In short, Fear has been helping Jake and was really a friend. Jake liked Fear’s company.

One day, Jake met Doubt. Doubt seemed very concerned and sincere about Jake. Doubt said his closeness to Fear was remarkable — but alarming. Doubt spoke lies about Fear, distorting the truth that Jake knew to be true about Fear. To make matters even worse, Doubt said Fear was actually taking him in a perilous direction, with Jake being unaware.  Jake asked Fear about the things Doubt told him. They had some discussions that somehow went terribly wrong. They parted ways with severe misunderstandings.  Later, Jake heard that Fear had suddenly died.  Doubt lost no time in scaring Jake about Fear. Doubt said that Fear’s premature death and his unsettled “dispute” with Jake might cause Fear to come back from the dead. Thus, the ghost of fear started to haunt Jake. He would remember the times when Fear accompanied him and warned him of bad things. But this time, he feared the voice of Fear.  The more Jake listened to Doubt, the more he became afraid of Fear. Fear seemed to be no longer a friend, but a frightening entity that sought his destruction.  The best way to “exorcise” or get rid of the “ghost” of fear is to make fear a friend again. You can only use it to help you if you face the truth about it. Your crazy and negative imagination creates your “ghosts.” A crazy imagination is good if you use it to create a “friendly” ghost.  Friendly ghosts create "Fearlessness."  The book of Proverbs says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”  Let your heart lead the way...

“The Elevated Eleven” tips to lead you to “Fearlessness” in living Your Elevated Life

1. First and foremost, understand that you always have a choice about how to respond to and  deal with fear

2. Recognize your fear (s)

3. Become acquainted with and know the source of your fear (s) take action as taking action defeats fear

4. Seek the company of and surround yourself with supportive, positive people who engage in faith

5. Focus your attention in the present moment and remember to breathe

6. Motivate yourself; read affirmations and/or books, poems, or quotes dealing with fear

7. Embrace your fear (s) with desensitizing or positive action…exercise positive faith
8. Remember that fear is only a state of mind dealing with past memories or future “what ifs”

9. Highlight your “Fearlessness” in terms of opportunities and possibilities rather than entertaining negative    conditioning.

10. Exert a conscious effort to change and maintain your mindset…live your dreams

11. Consider working with a Coach if you continue to have issues…it is one of the most effective ways to deal with fear or anxiety…for additional information contact yourelevatedlife.com

Savannah Blue is a Freelance Writer, a Spiritual Comforter and Motivator, and an amateur photographer and is also a publisher and entrepreneur. She is the Co-founder and Co-producer of  Yourelevatedlife and YourElevatedLife Radio Show. She is "Living her Dreams" at the beach with the love of her life and working from home doing what she loves to do...help others live their Dreams!

“The Elevated Eleven” tips regarding Philanthropy

"If service is the rent you pay for your existence on this earth, are you behind in your rent?" Robert G Allen

“Creating a World Without Poverty: Social Business and the Future of Capitalism” by Nobel Laureate, Muhammad Yunus is our book of choice for our Philanthropy discussion this week. Business Week made these comments regarding the author: "[Yunus] means to reform capitalism to make it a tool for ending poverty. Think of him as Gandhi with a BlackBerry.  Now Yunus is back in the public eye with a concept he calls social business. This form of capitalism, he believes, can make progress against poverty in ways that governments and traditional charities have not done. He lays out his concept in his new book. It's an inspiring volume, full of practical information for people who are motivated to try out his ideas."

What if you could harness the power of the free market to solve the problem of poverty? Grameen Foundation board member and Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus outlines his vision for a new business model that combines the power of free markets with the quest for a more humane world and tells the inspiring stories of companies that are doing this work today.  In “Creating World Without Poverty,” Yunus goes beyond micro credit to pioneer the idea of social business—a completely new way to use the creative vibrancy of business to tackle social problems from poverty and pollution to inadequate health care and lack of education. Former President Jimmy Carter said of Yunus, “By giving poor people the power to help themselves, Dr. Yunus has offered them something far more valuable than a plate of food—security in its most fundamental form.”

Former President Bill Clinton's philanthropy philosophy has more to do with ideas than with money.  His idea is to gather together those with the ideas to help those in need and those with the money to facilitate the help and find creative solutions for the betterment of mankind.  Philanthropy is one of society’s mechanisms for addressing both the acute and chronic challenges that emerge in the world around us.  It is voluntary and independent, and to the degree it is rooted in our basic willingness to help others, it is timeless.  Indeed, the word philanthropy literally means “love of humankind.” Philanthropy is “the giving of time, money, and know-how to advance the common good.  Philanthropy is love, benevolence and generosity within the human condition. 

Philanthropy in its purest, and therefore most rare and elusive form, is the giving of oneself or one’s means for a purpose that is selfless and good.  It can be done in small ways and large ways.  We hope that you are inspired to really look into your heart and reach out to those who are hurting and in need…and help in any you can.  Each one of us makes a difference when we put forth “our” effort, whatever that may be.  So, please, do what you can do from your heart…it is “The Heart of the Matter.”

“The Elevated Eleven” tips on Philanthropy

1.     Give often from and with your heart

2.     Visit HelpOthers.com

3.     Find a local charity to give to…there is always a need…search local charities and you’ll find one that fits

4.     Give often...help is needed by so many…not just during the holidays…help is always on time

5.     Volunteer your time to a local food bank

6.     Volunteer to serve or feed the Homeless

7.     Give again…please…from and with your heart

8.     Visit the Bill Gates Foundation or the William Jefferson Clinton Foundation…you can help

9.     Give for the sake of giving…it’s good for your heart

10.  Find a way to help children…they did not ask to be here…they are the most vulnerable…please help

11.  Visit YourElevatedLife.com for more information on Philanthropy and Giving, Inspiration, Happiness and Peace of Mind

Savannah Blue is a Freelance Writer, a Spiritual Comforter and Motivator, and an amateur photographer and is also a publisher and entrepreneur. She is the Co-founder and Co-producer of YourElevatedLife and YourElevatedLife Radio Show. She is "Living her Dreams" at the beach with the love of her life and working from home doing what she loves to do...help others live their Dreams!