Yesterday I was looking through my little prayer journal and I found a quote I’d copied from Meditations From the Mat, by Rolf Gates: “Our thoughts create impressions on our souls (samskaras) - these impressions, in turn, predispose us to similar thoughts.” 

Didn’t most of us hear something like this growing up? “Don’t be soft” “Crying is for sissies.” “Buck up.” “Don’t cry over spilt milk.” There might be many more phrases in your head from your family of origin,

Want to have a quickie? A quick break, quick stress reliever (that isn’t food, sex, pills or alcohol?) Try brief meditation. It can literally change your brain and improve your health.  Here’s a funny short video that explains how:

Last week I went to an art show with my husband.  He looked so nice.  But I was tired from the long work day, so I stayed in my work clothes instead of getting more dressed up. When we got to  the event, I saw how others were dressed. And The Compare Game started….. “Why didn’t I dress up?…  That lady looks nicer than me… Why did I wear this?… What do they think of me?…”

I was reading about this in my Meditations from the Mat book this week. (I know I keep talking about that book– b/c I LOVE IT! ) It is so true–  I do these things to end my suffering, I do these things to keep me sane, healthy and happy:

You can make miracles happen by changing your thoughts. A miracle is a change in perspective. Mindful awareness will help you chose how you want to be. (hint: you can choose to breathe SLOW and deep if you are feeling triggered and want to figure out how to feel better)