Good Grief?

Hello All,

I want to spend a moment reflecting on the process of grief.  I think that this subject is taboo for most, or maybe just uncomfortable to say the least.  Why do we struggle so hard with the subject of death and dying? I would like to propose just a few reflections on the subject. I have to say, that I am not a counselor or expert on the subject. But I have my own experiences with this process and these insights come from my heart:

1. FEAR. 
Whether we realize it or not, most of us are driven by fear in one way or another.  Afraid to lose a job under the threats of a demanding boss.  Afraid to lose a relationship when arguments increase and acts of love decrease. Afraid of getting older, possibly falling ill. And most of all, afraid of death.   Fear can become a major orchestrator of our lives, like a puppet master tugging on our strings making us dance around all of these situations.  And I can assure you that any decisions we make based on fear usually result in more disastrous occurrences.  I know that you are thinking right now, I am not Afraid of anything.  Fear does not have any place in my life.  That is not me...

But, Fear can disguise itself as many other emotions: Jealousy, Resentment, Anger, Worry, Doubt, Low Esteem, and sometimes even Grief.

I am not saying that all Grief is Fear but you have to ask yourself:

If the person that has passed on was terminally ill, and suffering a painful life, and received a graceful death. Shouldn't we find relief that they are no longer in a state of agony or struggle?

If the person lived a full life accomplishing many of their life's goals all while watching two or three (maybe even four) generations be born, develop, and grow. Shouldn't we value that life and those accomplishments a lot more than show concern about their death?

If a person is taken away, just too soon or unexpectedly, it is tough. But if you believe in divine presence and that each person has a soul (or true essence) that never dies it is understandable that some times we cannot know what agreements were made for that person's life or what lessons there were to learn or the message they were sent to bring. And the universe does not operate in time so although their time for us was too short, perhaps they did exactly what they were suppose to do. (Like the tv show, Quantum Leap, maybe they move on to their next mission.)

 Which brings me to my second point...


2. FAITH
Faith is the opposite of Fear.  You cannot be in a state of fear or any of its aliases and have Faith.

Faith lets you know that as long as you are doing your best work, you will not be fired.  And if you are fired, you are capable of finding another job (usually a better one). Or it may be time for you to take your skills and knowledge and start your own business where you become your own boss.

Faith also lets you know that the person you have chosen to love, really loves you too. And it is your choice to display and expand that love or withdraw your contract and move on.  But in moving on, if you experience the same fear in a new relationship, it too, will also fade away because it has no faith to restore and re-ignite when the flames as they die down.  Faith fans the flames.

Faith also supports us as we get older, come up against any illnesses or physical weaknesses, and most importantly when we die.  Which will happen to each one of us, one day.  I hate to be the bearer of bad news...

But here is some good news:  

Knowing all of this, do we choose to live our lives in Fear or by Faith?  Do we start making decisions for ourselves, or continue to be a puppet in other people's play? Do we choose only love in our life experiences, and only choose relationships with others that resonate at the same high frequency of supreme love?  By choosing love, we live on a vibration of vitality, good health, and longevity and lead a long life filled with many pleasurable moments. This is what is meant by free will.  We have the right to choose the kind of life we will have.  If we can release the Fear it is in that moment that we truly start living. We can choose to only grieve the death of our loved ones that have moved on or cherish the life they had and the true essence that remains for ever connected to us. 

But I will say it is fine to miss them. It is fine to cry. Sadness is a cleansing emotion when expressed properly.  It is even fine to want them back.  But know that they have moved on but we have not.  We still have work to do and a life to live.  So please...take as long as you need to grieve. You may never truly stop grieving the loss of someone closely connected to you. But the beauty is you do not have to.  They are still right there, if you allow them to be.

Namaste'
TJ

I have attached a poem that I have written in celebration of Mattie L. Ridley, Catherine Loveday, and Lydia Barashango. You have taught me the meaning of the word --- Beauty.

Beauty

As I look for inspiration...

Let me find Beauty.

Smiling faces even in the darkest places

And stories of triumph after weathering the toughest storm.

Tales of endurance, hearts of gold, and joyful spirits, performing daily miracles.

As I search for words...

Let me choose Beauty.

Each single word a perfectly polished pearl along a string that rest,

nested upon necklines.

The finest hand-crafted thoughts

Behold! The power contained there in.

The most prized possession for a creative mind giving a gift back to an infinite sea of space and of time.

As I take this pen in my hand...

Let me write Beauty.

And let the words reach beneath the tear-stained glass of my reader's eyes.

To find the precious space where only joy resides

Deep Inside – where the truth lies and at times the soul likes to hide.

As I grab this book to read...

Let me speak Beauty

And let the sound of my voice soothe and move beyond barricades of brick walls built up around my listener's ear

To find the open space where unlimited potential dwells, immune to all fear

A never ending well of questions packaged with answers you can audibly hear

A place where the mind remembers each lesson learned along the way and offers many stories to tell, so clear.

As I think of the many women that have come before me...

I know Beauty

So strong. So brave.

Full of Light. Filled with Love

Spiritual Warriors fighting relentlessly for grace and mercy

until their journey reached and soul's work complete.

Your presences are not to be missed

For each true essence will forever exist.

Bonded by truth, yet free by faith.

I hope to take my place among you, some day

Becoming one with Beauty

written by Tiffany Johnson August 12, 2011

 

Money Mantra$

Mantra

The word "Mantra" has been derived from Sanskrit. Mantra contains two words - "man" which means "to think" (also in manas "mind") and suffix "tra" which means "tool", hence a literal translation would be "instrument of thought".      

 

Hello All:

We spoke about affirmations and how they can help you shift energetically which is the first step to achieving very physical changes in your life.  Mantras are a great tool to use to shift your outer experience by first shifting your inner consciousness. By repeating an idea, word, or phrase you place it deeply into all levels of your consciousness.  And by raising your awareness, you also raise your vibration and align it with the thing that you after after-- in this case, Money.  These mantras are specifically written to attract more money, wealth, and prosperity to your experience. Choose the one that resonates the most with you and witness the power of the mantra. Namaste.'

The more light, love, and prosperity I give..the more I receive.

I am attracted to wealth and all of its comforts.

I am a money magnet, it seeks me out and always finds me.

I am supplied with all of my needs and wants, as well as my true desires.

The universe fully supports me in every way.

I am greatly compensated for the good work that I do and my work is a physical manifestation of my love.

All aspects of my life are in perfect order right now, especially my finances.

In the physical world, I am rich with money and good health. In the spiritual world, I am rich with understanding and peace. In the emotional world which joins the spiritual and physical worlds together, I am rich with only joy and love.

My mind, my body, and my spirit remain in perfect harmony and my life beautifully displays this balance.

I love my life. I love my life. I love my life...I experience only joy, love, peace, and prosperity.

After you choose one, I recommend that you write it down on a note card and place it where you can see it often. (I tape the card to the bathroom mirror)  Spend 5 - 10 min each day with your mantra in quiet meditation. I use the same mantra for an entire month and it does take long before I have committed it to memory.  This is a power-filled spiritual practice. Understand to produce great things, the recipe is 80% thought, 20% action. Trust me this works. We often use this same process negatively without even knowing it.  It is time to take control of your life experience and create the life you always intended to have.

Abundant Light & Love,
TJ

Create Balance in your Life

Mind. Body. Spirit.

This trinity is what makes up each and every one of us and in order to have total well being, each of these areas must be developed in complete harmony with one another.  A lot of people spends hours reading self-help books in search of healing.  Others may take a more physical route, eating only proper foods and engaging in rigorous exercise.  And I think each of us, when all else fails, have turned to our spiritual source and asked for divine intervention a time or two.  During the recent months I have given this idea of perfect balance a lot of thought.  I have been forced to move twice and experienced two job changes in the last year, providing  many challenges.  Within in each of these storms and turbulent times, I have sought after only one thing -- Peace.

During my quest for reaching perfect balance, I have developed a method that works for me.  I evaluate the areas of my life and which areas are strong and by default which areas have the most room for improvement.  I can determine what are the next steps to take to reaching my highest life purpose and do the highest amount of good in this lifetime.  After an introspective look at my life, I determined that st this point in time my spiritual and mental aspects of my life are the strongest.  So, I decided to make an effort to strengthen my body. 

I have refrained from eating meats for the past few months, which after several times fasting from meat,  I determined is the best approach.  My body prefers a diet consisting only of fruits, vegetables, beans, grains, and a small amount of fish.  If you listen to your body, it will tell you exactly what it needs.  It talks in a whisper about what it needs and yells what it wants, so you have to listen closely.  Also in an effort to strengthen my body, I restarted a yoga practice.  Yoga also speaks to my spirit as the right thing to do.  On the mornings that I begin my day with a 20 min sun salutation series, are days that I feel my best.  I really enjoy walking in nature, and that is something that I plan to incorporate back into my routine, at least once a week.

As my body gets stronger, there will come a point when it will match or exceed the other areas and then it will benefit me to focus my attention on another aspect of my well being. And this will continue many times during my evolution as I elevate to higher levels of existence. The process can repeat itself an infinite amount of times until perfect balance is met.  And just when balance is achieved, you may face a challenge or stressor that will start the process all over again.  That is the ebb and flow of life.  But despite any challenge we experience or face, the purpose of this journey is to create the balance and peace and joy that we seek in our lives.

So I ask you: Which aspect(s) of your life do you feel are the strongest??  How can you improve the other areas??

Here are my suggestions of activities that enhance each part of your trinity, just to name a few:

MIND: Reading, Writing, Attending Workshops/Seminars, Painting, Study a New Language, Sodoku and other Puzzles, Conversation with Like Minded People, Daily Affirmations, Journaling, Visualization, Guided Meditation, Hypnosis/ Counseling from Psychotherapist

BODY: Walking/Jogging, Dancing, Yoga, Tai Chi, QiGong, Eating High Vibrational Foods, Massage, Weight/Strength Training, Salt Baths, Saunas, Relaxation - Breathing Techniques, Aromatherapy, Fasting, Body Detox/ Cleanse

SPIRIT: Prayer, Meditation, Attending Worship Service/ Church, Reading Spiritual Texts, Charitable Work, Volunteering in your community, Counseling from Spiritual Coach or Leader, Play or Listen to High Vibrational Music

Honestly, all of these activities overlap into the other areas and are all interconnected.  That is the beauty of this trinity, you cannot affect one area with shifting another. So pick one thing and start today.  If you feel like you are already in balance, choose one from each areas and elevate to your next level.  We can always improve ourselves to doing the most good and reaching our highest life purpose.  And by doing so we will not only live a life filled with peace, we will begin to thrive.

Day 20: A NEW DAWN

Good Morning!


Last night the full moon was bright and it was the closest to the earth in nearly 18 years - 'Perigee Moon'.  Spring equinox is a time of rebirth and rejuvenation and the fullness of the moon represent abundance, fertility, and prosperity.  I was enjoying food, wine, and fellowship with great friends and we went outside to bask in the moonlight.  At the suggestion of  Osaremi Lanloke, we read an affirmation and held our purses (and wallets) to the sky.  The guys did not want to miss out on the blessings that would flow. LOL
I do not think that it is any coincidence that I start my new position at Massage Heights tomorrow and I will be moving into a new place of residence before the end of the month. Spring is here and all seeds that were planted, even in frozen winter soil are about to sprout and even produce ripe fruits. I am Excited. Enthusiastic. Energized. And Eager to taste these fruits. You are welcome to read this affirmation and evoke all that it describes into your life.

The Affirmation:

We come to you humble this evening and in prayer for the upliftment of our communities and for our families, children and for our own spiritual preservation. We ask for guidance to help direct our minds, and spirit in reconnecting with our truest selves, to know and to believe that our bodies are sacred vessels, that our wombs are the... homes of the souls returning ,that we are not without fault but we must begin to forgive ourselves and others for any transgressions known and unknown. We pray for healing of our bodies, our spirits, and our minds. We pray for the upliftment of the children, that they will be protected, nurtured and loved.

Please fill us up with joy, good health, hope, happiness, peace of mind, good character, gentle character, self love, self determination, moral courage, self-worth,& unity please fill up ours purses with prosperity, wealth, and abundance. Then say: (fill them up, fill them up, fill them up)

Thank you,
Osaremi Lanloke

So I encourage you to embrace this day:

"It's a new dawn...It's a new day...It's a new life...For me...And I'm feeling good"

~Nina Simone

 

Day 16: Where's TJ?

Hello Friends

Today I sat down to write this blog not sure what to say. The fact of the matter is this:  Last Friday (Day 11),  I was evicted from my residence.  No notice. No warning.  Just all of my belongings on the lawn and my dogs in the pound. So let me first start by apologizing for not blogging since the Day 9.  I have been busy handling this challenging situation.  You are probably wondering, is she serious?  I am have no reason to lie. In fact, if you practice telling the truth always it gets easier to do. FYI

But when I started making miracle March I knew what I was really asking for.  I was asking for a shift...a change...a transition...even a reposition... and a breakthrough.  AND...I got just that.

Now I will probably lose a lot of people when I say this but:

I received exactly what I needed to do the things required for my miracles to manifest. 

It looks bad and trust me it feels bad, but this is what I call limbo and I have been here before. You see, there are a lot of decisions that have to be made before I can elevate to the next level. I asked GOD/Source to place me on track for my highest life purpose.  To use this life for the GREATER GOOD, to position me among the people, places and things, necessary to complete his works. And so... here we are. Now please understand when you elevate, some people may not choose to elevate with you.  That is a hard lesson to learn.  But each person gets to make their own choice. But that is a whole other post.

And now I must be mindful of each step and decison that I take because this will shape my immediate future.  So I am continuing my fast: restraining from eating meats/processed foods, avoiding tv/radio, limiting my internet use to only a contructive nature. Basically, I am avoiding things that will surely slow me down because I need all of my energy to go into starting a new job, getting a new place to live, completing my first book of poetry, and the list goes on.

I am so close to actualizing my dreams that it seems the invisible rubber band tied around my waist that was holding me back has snapped. The glass ceiling that I keep hitting my head against has shattered.  The brick wall that use to stand before me that block my entire view it was so high, has been taken down brick by brick and there is a pile of rubble beside me.  There is NO THING holding me back and it is time for me to take off running. And we are going down hill from here.

I hope that you are enjoying this blog...sharing my real life present day situations with you.  I share these things only with the intent to enlighten you.  And please understand that my relocation is a mere inconvenience.  I am fine.  The earthquake in Japan is a real tragedy and the 1000+ lives that were lost is what we should focus our attention and prayer.  The people of Haiti that are still trying to rebuild their entire country.  And the people of New Orleans, who never made it back home after Katrina.  These are the people I pray for every night.  My reposition is on the smallest scale in comparison.

But please understand and take note... this is what THE BREAKTHROUGH looks like, so I want you to recognize it in your own life.  I also want to mention that I prefer the breakthrough to the breakdown. We all know what that looks. Sometimes things that seems unfair, unjust, unreal, unexplainable are just that!
But on the other side of this situation awaits the most beautiful, wonderful, remarkable, extraordinary, unimaginable life.

DEF: miracle, n.

 

1: an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs

2: an extremely outstanding or unusual event, thing, or accomplishment

 

Love & Light,
TJ

PS. Both me and my dogs are fine, staying with family until my new place is ready. Details to come.

Day 9: A closer look at 2011 - The Year of the Rabbit

According to the Chinese Horoscope:
We are now in The Year of the Rabbit (Feb 3, 2011 - January 22, 2012)

So what does that mean?

The Rabbit year is marked by diplomacy and negotiation.  Also, many people will notice attention shifted back into both families as well as personal developments.This can lead to many cultural gains and some artists will exceed any limits and create remarkable works. This year will be more calm, than other recent years and this calm will lend time to self, family, and artistic pursuits.

So what does this mean to me?

Well, I have already experienced the shift of my attention from work-related interests to more creative avenues.  In previous years I was known as the workaholic,  working a steady 40 + hours a week and always willing to pick up extra hours. I had a lady call me last week to pick up her trip and I have not been a flight attendant for over 6 months now.  But, she has my number down in her phone as someone that will always work. With all this newly created time, I have been writing.  My writing pursuits include this blog, books of poetry, some spoken word pieces, and even some meditations. I probably devote 40 + hours a week to my writing, editing, memorizing, and attending/performing at open mic nights all over the city.

Now, I wish the year of the Rabbit would also mean that I will be reward financially for my artistic efforts. But in order for that to happen, the rest of the world will have to value these pursuits as much as I do and support my work and the works of other artists.  I think that I am ahead of the curve, but hopefully the rest of the world will experience this shift in attention and start patronizing the arts and the people bound to this existence.  Perhaps I need to create a Foundation for the Arts and get government grants to support this cause.  We all know that they have removed many arts and music programs from our schools.  And then they wonder why our children are failing math and science courses, do they not recognize the connection between the two.

So I propose that we make this year - The Year of the Rabbit - a productive year noted by tremendous gains in the areas of Arts, Music, and Education.

Light & Love,

TJ

Day 5: I can breathe easily

So...I think yesterday was a test of my commitment to my mission for the month of March.  I think that I was feeling the pain of being stretched to my limits (like a rubberband). But today, I felt the shift and the tension ease a bit.  I pushed forward today and I had a very productive morning filled with appointments. This afternooon, I interviewed (2nd part) at a new establishment opening in Buckhead at the end of this month.  If selected I will be leaving from my other two part time positions, and entering one full time one.  The shift that they are looking to fill is a morning shift from 9 until 3.  Did I mention this spa is 5 minutes away from my boyfriend's job and we will be able to carpool, his schedule is from 8 to 4. With the gas prices at $3.45 per gallon and steadily climbing, this will help to ease our wallets.  Also, riding in the HOV lane will help us both arrive at work on time.  Win-Win situation. 

The miraculous thing about this job offer is that I was not even looking for it at all.  I was content with staying where I was, but a good friend encouraged me to check this place out. I decided that I would go with her to the open house just to get the information--that couldn't hurt, right? Well...I showed up and fell in love with the facility. It is absolutely beautiful.  If the staff turns out to have the same beautiful spirit as the building it will be a huge success. Right now, I have done my part and have all of the proper paperwork ready to go WHEN I am called back in. (Wink)

It has not even been a full week and so much has happened...the wheels are in motion. I can truly breath easily knowing that I am doing everyhting in my power to accomplish my goals. Now it is time to sit back an relax and enjoy this life!

Love & Light
TJ

ARE YOU ON THE RIGHT PATH?