Musical Connections

Musical Connections

Musical

So often our days are defined by errands, lots if errands. Some errands are just that—a short trip to the post office, groceries, but some errands are more—for you and for those you’re with.

One of my favorite errands each week is picking up my three-year old grandson Austin from daycare. That was an earlier story about “pinched fingers.” Yikes!

Last week Austin and I were in the car together when he asked me to sing. I chuckled. I have a five-note range on a good day. On most days, less. But no one told Austin that I don’t sing. No one told him his father used to look at me in church and shake his head during the music portion of the worship service.

Ready to regale my grandson with a rousing rendition of the ABC song, I started in: A-B-C-D…

Austin interrupted, “No, Grandma, the other song…” Not sure what the other song was/is I started to make up nonsense melodies and verses.

Not impressed, Austin pointed to the car’s radio and asked that I make the music come out there. “Oh…”

I turned on rock-n-roll classics. Austin smiled. I smiled.

Never did I ever expect to be having a Led Zeppelin moment with a dear three-year old.

So often our days are filled with music—beautiful music, memorable music, silly songs and grand ones, songs on the radio, songs in church. Not only did music connect a grandmother and her grandson, but music connects all of us in special ways—individually and together.

At a time of political divisions, social isolation, and dark, dreary winter days, that connection is a gift. Christmas music will always connect me to Dad. His favorite hymn was “Silent Night.” Every year, my heart dedicates all four verses to him.

Musical Connections

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Not only can music connect us to our past, but music connects us to each other. You might be singing along to Led Zeppelin in your car while I’m singing with Austin in mine. You might be singing a praise hymn in Florida or Wilbur or Whidbey Island and I might be singing in Monroe. You might be part of a special concert. I might be the row behind you. And this year, we might all be watching the same YouTube videos.

Wherever we are, music brings us together. Words and melodies span church denominations. Music crosses borders and cultures. Music also connects us to generations of God’s people—past and present. King David’s life included music, beautiful music, music that calmed, music that celebrated the moment, music that probably anticipated the coming of our Savior. I love knowing that we all might be separated by thousands of years, but we can connect in the Key of D, two sharps, no flats, four beats to a measure, lots of quarter notes.

I love lots of quarter notes. That F sharp you just heard, you just played, you just sang, David heard it, too. He played and sang it, too. Notes that touched his heart might be the same notes touching yours. Isn’t that just a beautiful connection!

Earlier I mentioned political divisions, social isolation, and dark, dreary winter days. We are all part of difficult times. But when our hearts can share a moment, share a history, share hope in the future, we can experience a very special peace. You may not think of music when you think of peace. Austin and I did have the volume up for Led Zeppelin, because Led Zeppelin needs to be a little loud. But peace is not always about volume. Peace is not always about a quietness outside. God’s peace is the quiet inside, the quiet in our hearts, the quiet that came to us when God shared His loving kindness that was our saving grace.

Music can help us share a moment, share a history, share God’s hope and peace. Your favorite song?

Deanna Nowadnick is the author of Fruit of My Spirit and Signs in Life.

Deanna is also the host of “Morning WOLK with God” here at Fave Lifestyles.

Deanna Nowadnick

Deanna Nowadnick

Speaker | Writer | Author
www.FruitOfMySpirit.com

about

Deanna Nowadnick

Before my father died, he reminded me that Mom had asked me to write a book. At the time the boys were in college, and the notion of writing was unfathomable. Writers write books. By the time my boys were adults, I’d run out of excuses. I was also at that age when I could pause and reflect.

Fruit of My Spirit: Reframing Life in God’s Grace was my first publishing endeavor. My second was Signs in Life: Finding Direction in Our Travels with God. Both are collections of stories that tell of God’s love and faithfulness. Both tell of His remarkable grace and mercy.

When not writing, I serve as the Client Service Coordinator for The Planner’s Edge, an investment advisory firm in Washington state. I’m active in my church, serving on the Leadership Team and gathering with a wonderful group of ladies to study and giggle over lattes and chocolate. On my desk is a rock with the words “Choose Joy!” etched in it. It’s my inspiration for each day. As an author, it is my hope that my own words might share that joy we find together as children of God.

With Him, it can be so.

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The Reality of Self-Acceptance

The Reality of Self-Acceptance

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What Does Brain Function Have to Do With It?

Our Survival Brain is focused on the avoidance of pain and the repetition of pleasure. Our Mid-Brain is responsible for our emotional reactions. And our Front Brain is responsible for logical and creative thinking. Our Survival Brain reminds us over and over again of past mistakes, so we do not make them again. We have a natural negativity bias that affects our thoughts and actions. We can overcome our struggles, moment by moment, by focused attention.

Break the Thought Loop

Our thoughts are chemical reactions in our brain influenced by genetics and our inner and outer environments. Our thoughts can be repetitive and bothersome. We have many tools to change our thoughts: prayer, reading Scripture, meditation, therapy, hypnosis, and energy healing, to name a few. Intention and focus and sometimes getting help from someone will work to break negative thought loops. A simple change in perspective can be miraculous!

I help my clients discover their own Inner Mantras! A new client is excited to begin The Soul Power Experience course because she wants to discover, in her words, “the inside of Me”! Once a client discovers what is more True about any situation, their psyche, body, and Life Story changes for the better!

“I Accept Myself Even More Deeply”

I was praying for a remedy for my regret thought loop, and this statement came to mind: “I accept myself even more deeply.” It seems like I expect to live my life better than I am able to, day after day after day. Obviously, my healing is deeper still.

I am learning to accept the present moment’s reality and be okay with who I am and what I do. I focus on gratitude and find joy. Most of my day is filled with peace and goodness. The mantra, “I accept myself even more deeply,” helps me accept the reality of the present moment. I am evolving toward self-acceptance.

The Reality of Self-Acceptance
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The Reality of Self-Acceptance

Self-acceptance is simply self-love. Even on my worst day, I am doing the best I can. I am Infinite, and I make Infinite choices every day. God is within me and with me. God will make better out of my best. I accept myself even more deeply, and God does, too!

Give it a try. Repeat, “I accept myself even more deeply.” Let me know how it changes your thinking. I offer free 30-minute calls. Book a call. Let’s connect.

Namaste – the Divine in Me Celebrates the Divine in You!

I Love You!

~Dani

Let Dani Be Your Guide to Finding Your Inner Mantras!

Dani offers a free 20 minute The Emotion Code session, which helps to remove an inherited or current emotion. Activate Your Soul Power!  Live Your Infinite Greatness!  Be Your Own Hero! Book a FREE Breakthrough phone call and find out about The Soul Power Experience! Go to www.danigreen.today.

 Dani Green

Dani Green

Dani Green
The Soul Power Experience Creator
www.danigreen.today | hello@danigreen.today
425-359-4906

About

Dani Green

Dani Green is the Creator of The Soul Power Experience using motivational speaking, education and hypnotherapy. Dani also helps clients reduce stress, smoking cessation and weight release. As an Ordained Minister, Dani writes and officiates Weddings and Funerals. Dani and her husband, Kevin have three adult children and have hosted 15 international students.

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The Art of Stillness

The Art of Stillness

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Rarely do we sit still, especially in the western world. Yet, this was abruptly changed when the world-wide pandemic began in 2019 giving most everyone an involuntary dose of stillness. We may have moved about our homes, but by and large we had to settle in, settle down and come to terms with a stand-still from our “normal” life.

For years, I’ve heard incessant complaints that “there is never enough time”, “life moves so fast”, “I wish things would just slow down”, “I’m tired of the rat-race”. And so, in a way, we received what we asked; a quieter time, a space to do nothing, an opportunity to do some projects we never had time for, enjoying a hobby or putting a puzzle together, a chance for self-care with less commuting, and maybe more quality experiences with our loved ones like conversations or dinners with the kids since they were home.

What is Stillness?

Stillness is the quality or state of being calm or inactive, however, there is much more to it. Maybe you had a slice of stillness while you were stuck at home.  Maybe stillness was drastically uncomfortable.  Maybe it took some easing into. Maybe you discovered that while your body was idle, your mind was still racing. The power of stillness can serve all aspects of ourselves, mind, body and emotions. When we arrive at being still we can enter into a world of inner peace and equanimity, and this doesn’t mean your external world needs to alter. Silence is nice but it’s not necessary to enjoy the benefits of stillness.

What are the Benefits of Being Still?

Makeda Pennycooke outlines the top twelve benefits on her website.  She states that practicing stillness can ease stress, allows you to be fully present and can heighten your ability to listen more attentively.

Author, Ryan Holiday analyzes how stillness can save us from the chaotic, hectic world by developing inner peace through stillness. His book, Stillness is the Key emphasizes that this takes practice, patience and dedication to reap the benefits. He further goes on to highlight benefits of developing a strong moral compass, to reflect and contemplate, and cultivate deeper relationships.

For me, the power of stillness affords me solitude to be self-aware and listen to my intuition. From this I gain perspective and clarity.  Sometimes I even let go and just be – with no expectations or demands put on myself or from others. This is quite freeing.

How to Find Stillness in Our Busy Lives

Stillness exists, so you don’t have to exert energy looking for it.  Rather remove as much of the external noise, distractions, notifications, full schedules, busyness and stressors as much, and as often as possible. In our 21st century, this may not come easy. The art of stillness may feel odd because we are conditioned to always be doing instead of being.  If we aren’t doing something, we may feel guilty or accused of being “lazy”. We may become bored and restless since we haven’t ever slowed down and rested. We may have a false sense of purpose, importance and feeling accomplished by going, going, going. However, I can tell you as a compulsive “doer” and always going like a hamster on a wheel, switching off can be a skill you will appreciate.

I started with my calendar and blocked off one Sunday of the month – just to experiment and see how it felt. I did not schedule anything! Even if there was something fun happening or an event I wanted to attend, I honored my decision and commitment to the experiment. I wanted to learn how to be still. To my surprise, I actually enjoyed having a day “off”, to do as I pleased, at any given moment, by myself, so much that I added a second Sunday to the month, and then at least half a day to the other weekend days. I have come to savor these Sundays of Stillness. There are moments I putz around the house, read a book, take a nap, or sit in silence. I now realize the power of stillness in that I’m more productive throughout my week because of it.

The Art of Stillness
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Another way to start is with your own breathing. Close your eyes and let your deep breaths relax your body.  Notice the stillness within your own body, and perhaps the mind can relax too. I find that when I bridge stillness with silence I notice how relax and peaceful I become. Years ago, my car radio went out. This was before bluetooth stereo systems or cell phones, which avert us from silence as well. For days, I went “nuts”.  It was so automatic to have the music blaring, that the silence was almost unbearable. To turn this around, I chose to observe my thoughts instead.  WOW – what an eye opener to the busyness, and not always helpful thinking that was occurring. Even though the car’s radio was fix, I purposely would drive in silence.  This could be another easy way to find stillness in your busy day. As with any practice, start small and be consistent. Set a timer, turn off the noise and begin with 5 minutes of silence. Maybe you too, will embrace the quietude.

What is Meditation?

Finally, I believe one of the most effective ways to finding stillness is by meditating. As you explore meditation, you can happen upon a myriad of definitions, methods, perspectives and techniques. There is no right or wrong way, as meditation is an individual state of being. The general purpose of meditation is to become mentally aware and seeking an experience of emotional ease and peacefulness.

My first hint of meditation or mental stillness was during a yoga class in 1992. The asana portion of the class settled down my physical nervous system, which gave way to sitting in meditation. The teacher reassured us that there would be thoughts running between our two ears, and to observe these thoughts rather than attempt to rid or judge them. “Just breathe and observe”, he would kindly whisper like a gentle breeze floating by.  It may have appeared that everyone was in stillness, but I for one, was squirming.  I wondered when this was going to be over!  Heck, I did my yoga “exercise”, and had to run errands before traffic got bad and the kids got home. “Hurry up!”  keep looping AND then the words “breathe and observe” were finally heard. So I observed my breathing, and then I observed my thoughts, and then I started thinking again, but as soon as I realized I was thinking, I would shift my attention to observing my thoughts and breath. This only lasted a few more minutes, and then the teacher guided us to complete the class. At that moment, I wanted to stay in meditation or whatever that experience was, because it felt so rewarding.

As Sarah McLean, Director of FeastForTheSoul.org says; “We all have thoughts, as it’s the nature of the mind to think. The most important aspect of meditation is your willingness to keep going, to keep on bringing your focus back to the object of your meditation. It’s a training that helps us to pay attention on purpose. And it can change the landscape of your brain”!

How to Meditate

You don’t have to sit at the top of a mountain or spend 40 days in an ashram to learn how to meditate. As described throughout this article, there are many ways to meditate. You can meditate open eyed while watching the ocean waves or sit and observe your breathing pattern. You can use a free app such as InsightTimer which offers everything from a timer to music, along with guided practices from experienced contributors.

Katie Swartz, founder of BeMeditation has created a unique way for you to learn how to meditate through a live, virtual meditation studio. Whether you are a beginner or seasoned meditator, you can experience a wide variety of numerous classes scheduled day and night with meditation teachers from all over the world who will guide you with something new each time.

“The body benefits from movement, and the mind benefits from stillness.” – Sakyong Mipham

“In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you.” – Deepak Chopra

Barbara Badolati

Barbara Badolati

Coach | Motivational Speaker | Mentor
barbarabadolati.com
bewellretreats.com

about

Barbara Badolati

Barbara Badolati, founder of BeWell Retreats has been a key player in the evolution of wellness since 1986. Her dedication to this field has included creating corporate wellness cultures, opening several yoga studios, providing health and life coaching for individuals, and leading worldwide retreats. The foundation of her work is to empower the individual toward greater health and well-being through lifestyle, mindset, movement and meditation. You can experience all of this and more through her virtual retreats and classes at BeWellRetreats.com

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From My Fave Chair To Yours

From My Fave Chair To Yours

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How will your Business serve the over 55+ clients? A hot topic if you are looking at the data.

How will your Business serve this Aging demographic? The statics are staggering. Between 2015-2050 the World’s population over 60 years of age will nearly double. Are you & your Business prepared to serve this changing dynamic?

Recently I have spent many hours with Seniors who are planning to Age in Place. As a Real Estate Broker, I’m meeting with homeowners to explain Market Conditions, what they should do to prepare and what they can expect over time.

Planning is what I promote. Find the time that works best to sell the home you love. Take time to get things in place before you pull the trigger to list the house. Currently, in today’s market, there are very few listings and an oversupply of buyers. For a motivated seller, this would be the perfect time to sell. Period!! Without question. However, for folks that have medical issues of some kind, they are not so motivated. Maybe it truly is better for them to livein the home they love for longer. That is what I can help them & their family decide. Housing for Seniors is limited.

Few small homes are equipped & ready for this aging demographic. 55+ plus homes that are available do not fit the needs of these clients. Many in this age group have lived in a high tech home or a home with sub-zero refrigerators, six-burner gas stoves, high ceilings, and many windows. These clients may have paid for designer home interiors etc. They are not ready to leave all those beautiful comforts of their current homes in exchange for a tiny house in their kid’s back yard, an 800 square foot Senior Apartment, a 55+ plus mobile home park, or a Senior community owned by a National Corporation.

The needs are many for this aging demographic. Take a look at some of the articles published in www.nia.nih.gov.

Take a look at the data from iris.wpro.who.int.

From My Fave Chair To Yours
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The 60 years plus age group will outnumber children five years & younger by 2020. In 2050 it is expected that 80% of this older generation will be living in low & middle-income countries.

I encourage us all to look at what we are doing as a community to meet this population’s needs. Ask the following questions:

Do you have easy to read materials? How are you communicating effectively with a variety of tech-savvy folks? Some are on Facebook, Instagram, etc. But, my experience is that just as many do not have a computer or cell phone.

Will you have easy to access customer service options with people trained to listen and to be patient? Going faster frustrates. Not listening brings distance and a lack of trust.

If your place of Business does, you have sturdy chairs, comfortable to read & understand directions, good lighting, to name a few. Are discounts offered to help them meet the financial needs?

These are just a few questions that cause me concern. I feel a need to slow down, listen longer & harder, talk clearly; presentations need to clear & straightforward. Trust is built by caring over time. Pay attention to the little things. Be Calm.

Real Estate Brokers like me are working to improve our knowledge & experiences with this Aging demographic. The National Association of Realtor Senior Real Estate Specialist delivers education to Realtors, preparing us for the age group over 50 Plus to make significant financial and lifestyle transitions easier. We have the resources and the knowledge to serve Seniors.

I hope that your Business will also. If you have topics that would help us serve Seniors at a high level or some information you would like to deliver to the Seniors. Please reach out and start a conversation to educate & grow the services offered to this critical number of Seniors.

Teresa Barthol

Teresa Barthol

Realtor - Managing Broker
LifestylestoLive.com
425-876-9552

about

 

Teresa Barthol

 

Teresa Barthol -Managing Broker with eXp Realty Seattle.  Brings 22 plus years’ experience to consult with clients about real estate in the 3rd and 4th quarters of their lives. .  With longevity in Real Estate Teresa loves to share her optimistic problem solving skills, creative out of the box thinking along with her enthusiasm for great outcomes. “Believe,” she will say, your desires in life will be realized. Teresa focuses on Lifestyles to Live within the four walls you call home.

With Guest Authors: 
Marcelle Allen from Dreamosity
Elisa Hawkinson - How2GetOrganized!
Karen Herold - Wise Transition

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Straightening Our Crown

Straightening Our Crown

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In the third chapter of the New Testament book of Titus, Paul reminds us that God’s loving kindness was/is our saving grace. When we “walk the WOLK,” when we walk God’s words of loving kindness (WOLK), we get to shine God’s light, share His grace, His forgiveness, His love—in bigger moments, bigger conversations, in smaller moments and smaller conversations. And those most important moments and conversations start with the moments and conversations God has with us.

God’s loving kindness is for all of us. God’s saving grace renews us, restores us, re-energizes us, re-directs us throughout our day. But 2020 may have found you feeling less renewed, restored, and reenergized.

Last week my daughter-in-law sent a short video. Grandson Enzo was having a virtual preschool class. First, his teacher asked him to make a star, like the star on top of his Christmas tree. He jumped up, arms extended. Next she had him put his arms down to his side and form a stick. Open—star. Close—stick. He jumped up and down with each prompt.

I immediately called Manoela, “Manoela, Enzo’s doing great. I wondered how a three-year old might do with a virtual preschool class. I’m impressed!”

Before I could go on, Manoela cautioned. “Wait until you see the next video.”

A minute later, Manoela shared another short clip. This time Enzo’s teacher was sharing a little movement song. Enzo was on the couch, not moving. He was over it.

I’m with Enzo. I’m over it. This year I’ve jumped up in the shape of a star and shined brightly and other times when I’ve collapsed in a heap, unable to move. I’ve had moments that have gone rather well and others that haven’t. I’ve had unexpected tears, uncalled for impatience, and unattractive moments of self-centeredness. I’ve also been able to shine is ways I never could have imagined. And that’s thanks to God!

How has 2020 gone for you? Where has God helped you to shine? COVID has limited our ability to be the people we want to be. Yes, it’s for our safety and the safety of others, but I’m not someone who wants to be socially distant. I ran into a dear friend from church in a local parking lot. We were both out running errands. I didn’t know what to. Every part of me wanted to embrace her, share my joy at seeing her. Not knowing what to do, I did this strange dance routine where I stepped in, stepped back, stepped to my right. It was respectful of her personal space, but very awkward.

I’m also not someone who wants to live in fear. That said, I want to be smart. Every day I walk around a small lake here in Monroe. I mask up and keep to my side of the path. Occasionally other walkers will say hello, but most often not. It’s not who I am. I’m the woman who’s usually waving and sharing an overly enthusiastic “Hi!”

How are you at dealing with uncertainty? I’m not someone who deals well with uncertainty. God knows that about me. God also knows that when the song changes and I’m asked to follow in new and different ways, I can get overwhelmed. And when I’m separated and fearful, the overwhelms can happen quickly and often.

We’ve heard it said—a lot—that this is a new normal. So often I worry that I don’t got this. Ladies, I’ve never had this. God’s got this. God’s always had this.

Straightening Our Crown
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Wanting to help before my moment of overwhelm, my husband, Kurt, the former football coach reminded me of the acronym: WIN. “What’s important now?” “What’s important next?” We don’t have to solve for it all—whatever “all” might be in our life. Instead we can ask God, “What’s important now? What’s important next?” “God, help me WIN.”

And then wait for God’s prompts. There will be moments when He prompts us to jump up, arms extended, in the shape of a star—in a quick outdoor coffee date, in a wink above the mask on that walking trail. There will be moments when He prompts us to jump back into the shape of a stick, arms down at our side. Moments of quiet, reflection, prayer.

Yes, there will be missteps. There will be days that don’t go well—when tears will come and impatience will reign. Times when we may find ourselves not moving, when we’re just over it. Enzo took a nap that day. God might have us take one, too.

Recently I saw a Facebook meme, “Whenever you feel overwhelmed, remember whose daughter you are and straighten your crown.” Ladies, we’re going to get through this. We have a God of loving kindness who insists on being with us in this remarkable journey, who insists on sharing His light with us, so we can share His light with others, especially when times are uncertain and challenging. He’s the prompt when we’re jumping into the shape of a star. He’s the prompt when we’re jumping into the shape of a stick.

COVID-19 may change what we can do and how we can do it, but COVID-19 will never change who we are and whose we are. We are daughters of the King! His light is on us. His light shines in, through, and around us!

Today I close praying words from the Old Testament book of Lamentations, this is from chapter 3, verses 22-23: Dearest Lord, Your loving kindnesses never cease. Your compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness. Amen.

God’s loving kindnesses are shining on you, dear ladies. Straighten your crown and ask God what’s next.

Deanna Nowadnick is the author of Fruit of My Spirit and Signs in Life.

Deanna is also the host of “Morning WOLK with God” here at Fave Lifestyles.

Deanna Nowadnick

Deanna Nowadnick

Speaker | Writer | Author
www.FruitOfMySpirit.com

about

Deanna Nowadnick

Before my father died, he reminded me that Mom had asked me to write a book. At the time the boys were in college, and the notion of writing was unfathomable. Writers write books. By the time my boys were adults, I’d run out of excuses. I was also at that age when I could pause and reflect.

Fruit of My Spirit: Reframing Life in God’s Grace was my first publishing endeavor. My second was Signs in Life: Finding Direction in Our Travels with God. Both are collections of stories that tell of God’s love and faithfulness. Both tell of His remarkable grace and mercy.

When not writing, I serve as the Client Service Coordinator for The Planner’s Edge, an investment advisory firm in Washington state. I’m active in my church, serving on the Leadership Team and gathering with a wonderful group of ladies to study and giggle over lattes and chocolate. On my desk is a rock with the words “Choose Joy!” etched in it. It’s my inspiration for each day. As an author, it is my hope that my own words might share that joy we find together as children of God.

With Him, it can be so.

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