Embracing Autumn: Letting Go of What No Longer Serves Us

As the vibrant colors of autumn paint the world, it serves as a gentle reminder that change is inevitable. Just as the trees shed their leaves, we too must learn to let go of things that no longer serve us. Autumn symbolizes a season of release, renewal, and personal growth. 

Embracing the Cycle of Change 

Autumn is a beautiful metaphor for the cycle of life. Just as the leaves change color and fall, we too experience seasons of change. During this time, we should reflect on the aspects of our lives that no longer serve us. Whether it's unhealthy relationships, negative habits, or limiting beliefs, autumn encourages us to release them and make room for new beginnings. 

Charisse Van Horn Art

Shedding the Weight of the Past

 The falling leaves remind us to let go of the weight of the past. Holding onto grudges, regrets, or past failures only hinders our personal growth. Autumn encourages us to forgive, heal, and move forward. By releasing the burdens of the past, we create space for new opportunities and experiences to enter our lives. 

Charisse Van Horn Art

 Embracing Impermanence 

Autumn teaches us the beauty of impermanence. The vibrant foliage reminds us that nothing lasts forever. Just as the leaves eventually wither and fall, so do the circumstances and situations in our lives. By accepting the impermanence of things, we can let go of attachments and embrace the present moment. This allows us to live more fully and authentically, appreciating the beauty in every season of life. 

Charisse Van Horn Art

Cultivating Self-Reflection 

Autumn's tranquil ambiance encourages introspection. It's a time to pause, reflect, and reassess our priorities. By letting go of what no longer serves us, we create space for personal growth and self-improvement. This season invites us to evaluate our goals, values, and aspirations, ensuring that we are aligned with our true selves. Through self-reflection, we can identify areas of our lives that need pruning and make conscious choices to let go and move forward. 

Charisse Van Horn Art

 Conclusion 

Autumn serves as a gentle reminder that change is an inherent part of life. By embracing the lessons it offers, we can learn to let go of what no longer serves us. Just as the trees shed their leaves, we too can release what holds us back, allowing for personal growth, renewal, and a brighter future.

Autumn Relaxation Music Live Stream

Hello. Please enjoy this live stream from my YouTube and Facebook channels that features cozy autumn ambience with pumpkins and glowing candles along with relaxation music.

100 Affirmations for Overthinking

It's all too easy to fall into the trap of overthinking. We find ourselves caught in a never-ending cycle of negative thoughts, self-doubt, and worry, which can significantly impact our mental well-being and overall quality of life. However, there is a powerful tool that can help break free from this detrimental pattern: affirmations. 

Affirmations are positive statements that we repeat to ourselves to challenge and overcome negative thoughts. They serve as a powerful tool to rewire our minds, replacing self-limiting beliefs with empowering and uplifting thoughts. 

Here are 100 affirmations for overthinking that you may incorporate into your life. By doing so, you will gradually rewire your thought patterns, cultivate self-belief, and experience a newfound sense of calm and clarity. 

So, if you're ready to break free from the shackles of overthinking and embark on a journey of self-empowerment, join us as we explore the transformative potential of affirmations. Together, let's unlock the power of positive thinking and create a more fulfilling and joyful life.

100 Affirmations for Overthinking

1. I am in control of my thoughts and emotions. 

2. I release all worries and embrace peace of mind. 

3. I choose to focus on the present moment and let go of the past. 

4. I am worthy of love, happiness, and success. 

5. I trust in my ability to make decisions that serve my highest good. 

6. I am capable of handling any challenges that come my way. 

7. I release the need to control everything and allow life to unfold naturally. 

8. I am deserving of self-care and prioritize my well-being. 

9. I let go of the need for perfection and embrace my unique journey. 

10. I am grateful for the lessons I learn from every experience. 

11. I release all negative thoughts and replace them with positive affirmations. 

12. I am resilient and bounce back from setbacks stronger than before. 

13. I trust in the process of life and have faith in my own path. 

14. I am confident in my abilities and trust in my intuition. 

15. I am surrounded by love, support, and positive energy. 

16. I release all self-doubt and embrace my worthiness. 

17. I choose to focus on solutions rather than dwelling on problems. 

18. I am open to receiving abundance in all areas of my life. 

19. I let go of comparison and celebrate my own unique journey. 

20. I am deserving of happiness and allow myself to experience joy. 

21. I release all fear and step into my power with courage. 

22. I am grateful for the opportunities that come my way. 

23. I trust in the divine timing of my life and surrender to it. 

24. I am capable of achieving my goals and dreams.

25. I let go of the need for validation from others and trust in my own worth. 

26. I am worthy of love and respect from myself and others. 

27. I release all negative self-talk and replace it with empowering words. 

28. I am deserving of success and embrace my unique talents and abilities. 

29. I choose to focus on the positive aspects of every situation. 

30. I am grateful for the abundance that flows into my life. 

31. I release all limiting beliefs and embrace my unlimited potential. 

32. I trust in the universe to guide me towards my highest good. 

33. I am worthy of forgiveness and choose to forgive myself and others. 

34. I let go of the need for approval and trust in my own decisions. 

35. I am confident in expressing my thoughts and opinions. 

36. I am surrounded by positive and supportive people. 

37. I release all negative attachments and embrace freedom and liberation. 

38. I am deserving of happiness and allow myself to experience it fully. 

39. I choose to focus on the things I can control and let go of the rest. 

40. I am grateful for the abundance that flows into my life effortlessly. 

41. I trust in my ability to overcome any obstacles that come my way. 

42. I am open to receiving love, joy, and abundance in all areas of my life.

43. I release all self-limiting beliefs and embrace my true potential. 

44. I am worthy of success and achieve it with ease. 

45. I let go of the need for external validation and trust in my own worthiness. 

46. I am confident in my abilities and trust in my own judgment. 

47. I am surrounded by positive energy and attract positive experiences. 

48. I release all fear and step into my power with confidence. 

49. I am grateful for the lessons I learn from every experience, whether positive or negative. 

50. I trust in the divine plan for my life and surrender to it completely. 

51. I am capable of achieving my goals and dreams, no matter how big they may seem.

52. I let go of comparison and celebrate my own unique journey and progress. 

53. I am deserving of happiness and allow myself to experience it fully. 

54. I choose to focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems. 

55. I am grateful for the abundance that flows into my life effortlessly. 

56. I trust in my own abilities and have faith in my own path. 

57. I am confident in expressing my thoughts and opinions with clarity and conviction. 

58. I am surrounded by positive and supportive people who uplift and inspire me. 

59. I release all negative attachments and embrace freedom and liberation. 

60. I am deserving of happiness and allow myself to experience it fully. 

61. I choose to focus on the things I can control and let go of the things I cannot. 

62. I am grateful for the abundance that flows into my life effortlessly and abundantly.

 63. I trust in my ability to overcome any obstacles that come my way. 

64. I am open to receiving love, joy, and abundance in all areas of my life. 

65. I release all self-limiting beliefs and embrace my true potential. 

66. I am worthy of success and achieve it with ease and grace. 

67. I let go of the need for external validation and trust in my own worthiness. 

68. I am confident in my abilities and trust in my own judgment. 

69. I am surrounded by positive energy and attract positive experiences. 

70. I release all fear and step into my power with confidence and courage. 

71. I am grateful for the lessons I learn from every experience, whether positive or negative. 

72. I trust in the divine plan for my life and surrender to it completely. 

73. I am capable of achieving my goals and dreams, no matter how big they may seem. 

74. I let go of comparison and celebrate my own unique journey and progress. 

75. I am deserving of happiness and allow myself to experience it fully. 

76. I choose to focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems. 

77. I am grateful for the abundance that flows into my life effortlessly. 

78. I trust in my own abilities and have faith in my own path. 

79. I am confident in expressing my thoughts and opinions with clarity and conviction. 

80. I am surrounded by positive and supportive people who uplift and inspire me. 

81. I release all negative attachments and embrace freedom and liberation. 

82. I am deserving of happiness and allow myself to experience it fully. 

83. I choose to focus on the things I can control and let go of the things I cannot. 

84. I am grateful for the abundance that flows into my life effortlessly and abundantly. 

85. I trust in my ability to overcome any obstacles that come my way. 

86. I am open to receiving love, joy, and abundance in all areas of my life. 

87. I release all self-limiting beliefs and embrace my true potential. 

88. I am worthy of success and achieve it with ease and grace. 

89. I let go of the need for external validation and trust in my own worthiness. 

90. I am confident in my abilities and trust in my own judgment. 

91. I am surrounded by positive energy and attract positive experiences. 

92. I release all fear and step into my power with confidence and courage. 

93. I am grateful for the lessons I learn from every experience, whether positive or negative. 

94. I trust in the divine plan for my life and surrender to it completely. 

95. I am capable of achieving my goals and dreams, no matter how big they may seem. 

96. I let go of comparison and celebrate my own unique journey and progress. 

97. I am deserving of happiness and allow myself to experience it fully. 

98. I choose to focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems. 

99. I am grateful for the abundance that flows into my life effortlessly. 

100. I trust in my own abilities and have faith in my own path. 

Remember, affirmations are most effective when practiced consistently and with intention. 

Choose the affirmations that resonate with you the most and repeat them daily, preferably in front of a mirror or in a quiet space where you can fully immerse yourself in their positive energy. 

Over time, you will notice a shift in your thought patterns and a greater sense of peace and empowerment.

Overcoming Unhealthy Overthinking for a Healthy and Happy Life

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to fall into the trap of overthinking. Constantly analyzing situations, replaying conversations, and worrying about the future can take a toll on our mental and emotional well-being. Unhealthy overthinking can lead to anxiety and stress, and hinder our ability to enjoy life. However, by understanding the negative impact of overthinking and implementing practical strategies, we can break free from this cycle and cultivate a healthier and happier life. 

Charisse Van Horn 

The Negative Effects of Unhealthy Overthinking

Unhealthy overthinking can have detrimental effects on various aspects of our lives. It can lead to increased stress levels, anxiety, and even depression. Overthinking often creates a distorted perception of reality, causing us to magnify problems and dwell on negative thoughts. This constant mental chatter can drain our energy, hinder decision-making abilities, and strain relationships. It's crucial to recognize the signs of unhealthy overthinking to initiate positive change. 

Charisse Van Horn 

Understanding the Root Causes of Overthinking

To address overthinking, it's essential to understand its underlying causes. Overthinking often stems from fear, perfectionism, and a need for control. Past experiences, societal pressures, and self-doubt can also contribute to this pattern of thinking. By identifying the root causes, we can gain insight into our thoughts and emotions, enabling us to break free from the cycle of overthinking. 

Charisse Van Horn 

Strategies to Overcome Unhealthy Overthinking

 1. Mindfulness and Meditation

Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help cultivate awareness of our thoughts and emotions. By observing our thinking patterns without judgment, we can detach from negative thoughts and redirect our focus to the present moment. 

 2. Challenging Negative Thoughts

Questioning the validity of our negative thoughts is crucial. By examining evidence and considering alternative perspectives, we can challenge and reframe our thinking, replacing negative thoughts with more positive and realistic ones. 

3. Setting Boundaries

Establishing boundaries with our thoughts is essential. Allocating specific time for problem-solving or reflection can prevent overthinking from infiltrating every aspect of our lives. Learning to let go of thoughts that are beyond our control is also vital for maintaining mental well-being. 

4. Engaging in Physical Activity

Regular exercise has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety levels. Engaging in physical activity helps release endorphins, which boost mood and promote a sense of well-being. Incorporating exercise into our routine can provide a healthy outlet for pent-up energy and help distract from overthinking. 

 5. Cultivating Self-Compassion

Practicing self-compassion involves treating ourselves with kindness and understanding. Acknowledging that we are human and prone to making mistakes allows us to let go of self-criticism and embrace self-acceptance. By practicing self-compassion, we can reduce the pressure we put on ourselves and alleviate overthinking. 

 6. Seeking Support

It's important to remember that we don't have to face overthinking alone. Seeking support from trusted friends, family, or professionals can provide valuable insights and guidance. Therapy or counseling can help address underlying issues and provide effective coping mechanisms. 

Conclusion 

Unhealthy overthinking can rob us of our peace and happiness, but it doesn't have to define our lives. By understanding the negative effects of overthinking and implementing practical strategies, we can break free from this cycle and cultivate a healthier and happier life. 

Mindfulness, challenging negative thoughts, setting boundaries, engaging in physical activity, cultivating self-compassion, and seeking support are all powerful tools in overcoming overthinking. Remember, it takes time and practice to change ingrained thinking patterns, so be patient with yourself. Embrace the journey of self-discovery and growth, and gradually, you will find yourself living a more present, balanced, and fulfilling life.

Poem: Despair's Waltz

Despair's Waltz

This sickening waltz

resides in my skin

a twist of dreams and shadow

Dance 

upon the fog

I am the shadow

Haunted in dreams

This moving melody 

filled with anguish

Dance

upon the echoes

A maddening symphony

Consumed with illusions

This orchestration consumes

these fractured dreams

Dance

upon the souls

Sleep embraces

this surreal masquerade

a wretched hallucination

of feverish delusion

Dance

upon the night

A vortex of madness

Encompassing light

Revealing secrets

The end of whispers

Dance

upon the curse

Dance

the waltz of despair

©Charisse Van Horn 2023

Why Greta Van Fleet Should Get a Free Pass for Sounding Like Led Zeppelin, Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, Rush, Yes and More

If you've ever heard Greta Van Fleet, you've probably heard the comparisons to seventies rock bands such as Led Zeppelin, Rush, and Yes. Some people are discrediting the band due to the comparisons they've made. I feel that this band should get a free pass for echoing the hallowed saints of rockdom, quite noticeably, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page. Hell, even Robert Plant stated during an interview the band WAS Led Zeppelin I. But before you write off Greta Van Fleet as some sort of Grammy-winning cover band, I want to point something out.

Greta Van Fleet features twin brothers Josh and Jake Kiszka, their younger brother Sam Kiszka, and their friend and bandmate Danny Wagner. First, it must be stated that Josh and Jake Kiszka were a whopping 16 years old when they formed their band. Little brother Sam was only 13 years old. 

When they released their first song 'Highway Tune' with former drummer Kyle Hauck (before Danny Wagner replaced him) Josh and Jake were 17. The song was used for the series Shameless and when it was released as the band's first single on April 2, 2017, the twins were just turning 21 years old. 

It's only natural that their influences would weigh heavily on their sound and as they grow, and have more experiences, their sound will also grow and evolve. 

There's no question that Greta Van Fleet's influences are identifiable in each of their songs but this is true of many artists. 

Greta Van Fleet writes their own songs and anyone who challenges Josh Kiszka's voice as being on par with the rock and roll greats including Robert Plant, Freddie Mercury, Geddy Lee, Jon Anderson, and Bruce Dickinson is hearing impaired. 

If it weren't for Josh Kiszka's voice drawing comparisons to classic rock bands, his twin brother Jake's lead guitar playing would be enough to keep the complainers full of gripes. Jake's heavy guitar riffs are comparable to those of Jimmy Page and Pete Townsend. Sam Kiszka rocks out on the bass and even drummer Danny Wagner is often compared to Led Zeppelin's John Bonham.

Middle Eight asked the question if Greta Van Fleet sounds 'too much' like Led Zeppelin and over 12,000 people shared comments weighing in on the subject. 

Some have praised the band for keeping the spirit of classic rock alive and doing so in a way that is relevant to today's generation.

Check out Greta Van Fleet's 'Meeting the Master' in the video player below.

Greta Van Fleet 'Meeting the Master'

Greta Van Fleet is a psychedelic, bluesy caravan that magically transports you to the dynamic sound of the 70s. Their prowess is homage to the classic rock gods of old, but make no mistake, this is a modern band, crafting a modern sound.

With their new album "Starcatcher" out on July 21, 2023, their meteoric rise to fame is sure to hit new heights.

Are you going for the ride?

Meditation's Reset Button: How To Restart Your Life

Have you ever wished you could reset your life? You know, just put a stop to everything that has brought you to this present moment, push a magic button, and start again. Would you be surprised if I told you that you can? Unfortunately, there isn't a magic button to push, but you can reset and restart your life through the power of meditation.

The saying is: As a man thinketh; so is he... and there is 100 percent truth in this philosophy. Your present circumstances and situation is a manifestation of what you thought and meditated on in the past. Your thoughts either led to actions or your decision to remain inactive, but either way, you are where you are now, because of the choices you made in the past.

If you want to restart your life, you need to think differently...like right now...and then make choices based on your new viewpoint. Only then will you find in the future that your new way of thinking manifested your new life!

It's so easy to forget that we are spiritual beings having an earthly experience. Our lives are fast-paced and many of us can't even find time to slow down and breathe. Everything is fast... in fact, many call this the microwave generation. It's no wonder that our modern society has resulted in people feeling stressed out and overwhelmed.

Anxiety disorders are widespread and many people have a deep longing to reset and recharge, yet never do.

Meditation is the best way that everyone can take time out of the hustle and bustle of everyday life and restart their life.

Meditation is an ancient practice that is backed by science. It will help you cultivate inner peace, and tranquility, and redirect your focus on the places where you want to put it. No longer will life grab a hold of you and take you on a journey. Instead, with meditation, you are given the tools to lead your life and move it in the direction you want to go.

Remember, your future is determined by the actions you take today, and where you put your mind or thoughts, action will follow. (check out my article on Fractal Flowers 'How Energy Follows Thoughts Connects to Positive Thinking) Willie Nelson released a song about this ancient philosophy that is the secret of manifesting the life you want that is in accordance with your higher will and for the greatest good of all.

When you spend quiet time in meditation, bringing awareness and attention on your breath (or a mantra or object of your choosing) you quiet the mind and create an atmosphere to connect with Spirit for your greatest good. 

Not only does meditation help your physical well-being, but it is also healthy for your emotional and spiritual health. 

Meditation can help you with your focus and concentration. These skills are imperative for restarting and resetting your life. If you want to set goals and achieve them, you need to focus your energy in the most constructive way. Meditation is key for creating attainable goals that will help you manifest your dreams.

Meditation can help with emotional intelligence by helping you turn your attention inward so that you can focus on self-awareness. Being able to simply sit in your own energy and power is often the catalyst needed to reset and restart your life.

Here are some benefits you can achieve from meditating on a regular basis.

Meditation Benefits

1. Reduce Stress and Anxiety: One of the main benefits of meditation is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. By focusing your attention on your breath or a specific object, you can quiet your mind and calm your nervous system. This can help you feel more relaxed and less anxious, allowing you to approach life's challenges with greater ease and clarity. 

2. Improve Sleep: Meditation has been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia. By practicing meditation before bed, you can calm your mind and body, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.

3. Increase Self-Awareness: Meditation can help you become more aware of your thoughts, feelings, and emotions. By observing your thoughts without judgment, you can gain insight into your patterns of thinking and behavior. This can help you identify areas of your life that may need attention and make positive changes. 

4. Boost Creativity and Productivity: Meditation can help improve focus and concentration, which can boost creativity and productivity. By quieting your mind and reducing distractions, you can tap into your inner creativity and find new solutions to problems.

5. Promote a Sense of Inner Peace and Well-Being: Meditation can help you cultivate a sense of inner peace and well-being. By connecting with your inner self and finding a sense of calm, you can approach life's challenges with greater ease and grace. 

How to Get Started with Meditation

If you're new to meditation, getting started can seem daunting. Here are some tips to help you get started: 

 1. Start Small: Begin by meditating for just a few minutes each day and gradually increase the length of your sessions as you become more comfortable. 

 2. Find a Quiet Space: Choose a quiet space where you won't be disturbed. You can sit on a cushion or chair, or even lie down if that's more comfortable for you. 

3. Focus on Your Breath: Begin by focusing your attention on your breath. Notice the sensation of the breath as it enters and leaves your body. If your mind wanders, gently bring your attention back to your breath. 

 4. Use a Guided Meditation: If you're having trouble getting started, try using a guided meditation. There are many apps and websites that offer guided meditations for free. 

5. Be Patient: Meditation is a practice, and it takes time and patience to develop. Don't get discouraged if your mind wanders or if you don't feel the benefits right away. Stick with it, and you'll begin to see the benefits over time. 

Conclusion 

Meditation can be a powerful tool for resetting your life and finding a sense of balance and calm. By reducing stress and anxiety, improving sleep, increasing self-awareness, boosting creativity and productivity, and promoting a sense of inner peace and well-being, meditation can help you approach life's challenges with greater ease and clarity. If you're new to meditation, start small and be patient. With practice, you'll begin to see the benefits of this powerful practice.

How To Discover Your Motivation With Meditation (Video)

Here is a Meditation track for those who wish to discover their motivation. If you are following my blog posts on Motivation, Purpose, and Success, then you understand how important meditation is for checking with our inner being and examining our desires.

Our motivation is the result of what our heart's desire is and sometimes, our desires may be focused on the wrong thing.  Through meditation, self-discipline, and by using our willpower we can redirect our desires so they are in alignment with Spirit, our higher selves, and for the good of all. 

With this eight-minute meditation track, you may begin your journey inward to find your motivation and connect with your heart's desire.

 As with any meditation, the intention is key. Set your intention for your meditation work before you begin. This may be a simple statement that you make to yourself, or it could be a prayer that you make to the God of your own understanding.

Before you begin, set your intention that this meditation will connect you with Spirit and your inner being, examine your heart's desire, and align your motivations for the highest will of all according to love. 

 Ask Spirit, your Spirit Guides, your Higher Self, or the God of your own understanding to release the things in you that are not aligned with love, light, and the highest good of all and transmute them into the white light of Spirit that permeates your being, and floods your heart, mind, and desires.

To begin, simply find a comfortable place and close your eyes. Play the video that is operating at 555 Hz and take a deep inhale for a count of four, hold for a count of four, and slowly exhale for a count of six. 

As you fill up your lungs, visualize that you are breathing in life-giving, healing energy from Spirit. Let that energy permeate every cell of your being and visualize it restoring you, strengthening you, refreshing and renewing your very core being.

If you are familiar with chakra work, visualize your inhale breath connecting Spirit to your Crown Chakra and then pulling that energy through the top of your head down into each of your seven energy centers (chakras) where it spins, cleans, restores, expands, washes, purifies, and energizes your spirit, mind, and body.

As you perform the slow exhale to a count of six, visualize everything that is toxic, negative, and unhealthy leaving your body. You may find yourself bringing things to your mind such as past hurts, traumas, painful memories, etc. That's okay. Don't linger on these, just let them go and release them to Spirit. 

If you are adding chakras to your visualization and meditation, on the exhale, visualize yourself pushing the white light of Spirit from your inhale, out into your aura where it is removing the dark, toxic energy and transmuting it into the white light.

Feel free to adjust your meditation any way you like and you may find that on some days, Spirit guides you to stay with a painful memory to work through it. On other days, you may just release it simply and freely.

Listen to the voice of Spirit as you will often be prompted to release healing, and forgiveness, and embrace love throughout your meditation session. 

You may also try visualizing various colors when you inhale and exhale. For instance, on your inhale, you may want to visualize Spirit's energy coming in as bright, white light, a sparkling universe, or a pink glittery pastel, that fills you up and permeates your being. You may begin to spontaneously visualize other colors or even see toxic energy as dark matter that the light consumes like an enveloping light, a magnet, a fountain that sprays, etc., your mind will individually come up with the imagery for your meditation, and that imagery may change on a day-to-day basis.

How you meditate is very individual and your mind will naturally fall into its own rhythm and present visualizations and images that are tailored specifically to you. Just go with it. Just remember that the focus of this meditation is to get in touch with your inner being and become aware of your heart's desires, or to know what it is that motivates you. 

Keep your intention at the center of your meditation. Begin and end each session by focusing on your intention. If your motivation or desires are in the wrong place, such as focusing on things that aren't healthy and helpful to you, Spirit will bring it to your awareness and you will deal with those issues by bringing them into the light for purification and cleaning. Then release them and let Spirit fill you with love, healing, peace, and joy. 

When you are finished with your meditation, write down what you discovered. Did Spirit reveal to you past hurts, traumas, or areas of unforgiveness? What did you release? How did Spirit appear to you? Did you hear anything in your inner ear? Did you see anything in your third eye? Write it all down and keep a daily journal of all insights you've obtained.  

You may begin the meditation video below and stay here in the blog, or watch it on YouTube.

 

What's Your Motivation?

In my previous post, What is Motivation? I gave a summarized opinion of my view on the topic. It boils down to the mind/heart connection and your desire. We are spiritual beings temporarily living in a human body and what are heart desires will motivate our mind to make the choices we take. When the mind/heart connection is weak, or if the desire itself is negative, we may become motivated to make unhealthy choices. 

Addictions may form when there is a break in the mind/body/spirit connection. This can occur after a tragedy, trauma, or even a genetic disposition. To overcome addictions, one must first repair and rebuild the connection between mind/body/spirit while continually assessing your desires. 

Some people are addicted to drugs due to a break that occurred in their mind/body/spirit connection. The break was never healed and trauma set in. There may have been underlying reasons why someone "became" an alcoholic and those reasons could be that they have a genetic disposition towards alcoholism (granddaddy was an alcoholic, daddy was an alcoholic, etc.) or it may be learned behavior. However, when the mind and body take on a chemical substance to numb or suppress traumas that impact the spirit, the results are simple: bondage.

No one can live a truly free and happy life when they are enslaved to toxic behaviors and live their lives in bondage. This is why I say it is imperative to thoroughly self-review and assess your motivations in life. 

I think we should "check ourselves" every day to see why we do the things we do, say the things we say, feel the way we feel, and in a sense, be our own partners in life. Think of this as spiritual house cleaning for your spirit, mind, and body. 

There is a great need for all humans to walk through this life with temperance and self-control, yet for many, this is very hard to achieve. Some people were never raised to temper their own behaviors and instead grew up in environments where the control was so tight, once it was released they didn't know how to control themselves.

That's okay. Many of us have gone through this stage, but it's important to realize that you are responsible for your own actions. You are responsible for your own behavior, and checking in with yourself to assess your mind/body/spirit connection is imperative! Human nature is tricky and sometimes we get it right, Yay, Humans! Other times we don't and that can be tricky as well. Sometimes we do the wrong things for the right reasons but let's face it, sometimes we do the wrong things for the wrong reasons too!

And this is why we need to check our motivation.

Here are some questions that I believe we should ask ourselves when checking our motivations.

Are our underlying desires aligned with Spirit (God)? Are they aligned with our Higher Selves? Are they aligned with love? Are they aligned with positivity? Are they aligned with mercy? Are they aligned with grace? Are they aligned with compassion? Are they aligned with empathy? Are they aligned with self-sacrifice? Are they aligned with bettering ourselves, our loved ones, those around us, and the planet? 

Another important question to ask ourselves is who will benefit from our motivations? Don't forget, our motivations inspire our actions. If we regularly stop and ask ourselves: 'What's my motivation?' I believe we can identify many pitfalls that ultimately bring us into spiritual, emotional, and even physical bondage.

I also believe that if we self-examine our hearts and find that our motivation is coming from a selfish place, we can actively and consciously choose a better path.

If you feel a bit overwhelmed or lost about finding your motivation for something, I'll let you in on a little secret. Shhh, don't tell anyone!

Meditation!

Okay, you can tell.  Everyone should know this one, anyway.

If you want to truly align with your higher self and Spirit and to thoroughly check your heart's desires, start meditating. It's free, healthy, feels good, and is one of the best ways to go within and really listen to what your heart, mind, and spirit are saying. 

Now granted, when we meditate, we do want to let our thoughts drift past and not catch them, and that's fine. You will still do the spiritual preparation work that brings you in tune with your inner being so that you will truly know yourself, your desires, your strengths, and your weaknesses. In turn, Meditation will give you that calm, peaceful, energetic reset button that is the foundation for a happy life. And the beautiful thing about meditation's reset button is that you can freely push it any time you want!

Why not try and meditate right now?

Here is a meditation I created to help you discover your motivation.

Chinese Dramas: My Obsession with Asian Entertainment

I have a new obsession: Chinese dramas. Actually, I'm surprised it took me this long to discover my love for Asian entertainment. Especially after Zhang Yimou's work blew me away in the film House of Flying Daggers. Now, I'm kicking myself for not doing thorough research to fully understand the entire genres that were ready at my disposal. Instead of diving into Wuxia, Xianxia, and other Chinese fantasy dramas,  I simply looked up the cast and director and watched more Yimou Zhang films. I then watched Memoirs of a Geisha (an American movie) but didn't realize there were entire genres of Chinese gems for me to watch.

As an English speaker, I never minded reading subtitles but I slowly reverted back to English-speaking films and lost out on hundreds of beautiful works of art that could have graced my television screens. This all changed when Netflix recommended Alchemy of Souls. I was hooked and binge-watched every episode! The story was so beautiful and it was a very nice change from the blood and gore from many shows that I watch on premium cable (i.e. HBO and Showtime). I watched House of the Dragon in 2022 but found much of the content disturbing if not triggering. 

After Alchemy of Souls, I tried some more South Korean films and television series and then followed another of Netflix's recommendations: everything changed! I binge-watched the series Love Between Fairy and Devil and now my whole life has been rocked.

I couldn't believe the beauty on screen and the story was romantic, yet wholesome and innocent. I guess Chinese censorship has its advantages, eh?

After Love Between Fairy and Devil, I searched for Chinese dramas on Netflix, Prime, and Hulu. After my careful research, I decided to ditch two of my premium cable channels for Rakuten Viki and iQIYI (I'm hooked). 

There are over 200 dramas for me to watch and my biggest problem now is budgeting my screen time while resisting the urge to check out the YT and TikTok video edits from my favorite series!

If you've never watched a Chinese drama, I recommend you do so. There is a level of filmmaking in Asian entertainment (I seriously believe Chinese stands above the rest) that is unparalleled. The beauty, the attention to detail, and the plots are just wonderful.

As I continue with my obsession, expect to see more content here about what I'm watching, what Chinese drama is expected to air this year, and maybe a little celebrity news on some of the Chinese and other Asian stars I'm following. 

One of the funniest things that have occurred since diving into the Asian entertainment world, is AI seems to think I'm also Asian!

My Netflix recommendations are now all Asian, I'm getting ads across YouTube that are speaking Chinese, Mandarin, and Korean, and Prime is recommending Asian series to me as well. Don't worry, I'm not going to pull a Gwen Stefani and announce I'm now Chinese!!! Good grief, that was just ridiculous!

Since binge-watching Alchemy of Souls, I haven't watched an American movie or series. At this point, I  have little desire to either. I'm tired of the graphic violence and gratuitous sex scenes just to feed many Americans' need for lust and gore.

The storylines and journeys each character takes during these dramas far surpass what American entertainment is offering.

Here are a few trailers and videos for some of my favorite Asian dramas.

Alchemy of Souls

Love Between Fairy and Devil Trailer

Novoland: Pearl Eclipse (Trailer)

What do you think? Do you watch Chinese dramas and Asian entertainment?