More cool facts about the number 108

 

I read this today, and in addition to the other facts I've read about this sacred number, I love this:

In Hinduism, 108 represents the union of 1 (Brahman, the ultimate reality) and 0 (Maya, the illusion of the world) with 8 (the 8 directions of the compass, representing all possibilities). This combination symbolizes the totality of existence.

Hope and Love

"Hope and Love" by Jane Hirshfield. Another favorite. Another journaling prompt for my Insight Timer journaling tracks.  

💜💜💜💜💜

"Hope is the hardest love we carry"... such a powerful statement...

Hope and Love

by Jane Hirshfield

All winter

the blue heron

slept among the horses.

I do not know

the custom of herons,

do not know

if the solitary habit

is their way,

or if he listened for

some missing one—

not knowing even

that was what he did—

in the blowing

sounds in the dark,

I know that

hope is the hardest

love we carry.

He slept

with his long neck

folded, like a letter

put away.

The Guest House

Love this poem for so many reasons.  I used it as a journaling prompt on a track I created for Insight Timer recently and wanted to share it here for anyone else who might enjoy it.

And if you love Insight Timer as much as I do, listen to this track and journal with me: "The Guest House" By Rumi (Journaling Prompt)

The Guest House ~~ Rumi

This being human is a guest house.

Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,

some momentary awareness comes

as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!

Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,

who violently sweep your house

empty of its furniture,

still, treat each guest honorably.

He may be clearing you out

for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,

meet them at the door laughing,

and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,

because each has been sent

as a guide from beyond.

Scripting

 I'm a huge fan of scripting, so I had to share this link!

3 things to do when scripting.

Insight Timer LIVE: Surrendering to Life's Calling with Dayana and Don

 Dayana Pereira and Don McAvinchey came together LIVE for a second time on Insight Timer (10/5/23) to have another conversation.  This time the topic was about "The Surrender Experiment", where Michael Singer says we can gradually give over our lives to what Spirit is calling us to do. It takes practice, and a commitment to see the difficult events in our lives as opportunities for letting go...

Click here to watch the replay. 

https://youtu.be/2DwBaPTEU7w

Click below to follow them on Insight Timer:

Dayana Pereira - https://insighttimer.com/dayana

Don McAvinchey - https://insighttimer.com/donmcavinchey 

And while you're there, please follow me as well!

Insight Timer LIVE: Going With the Spirit - A Flowing Conversation with Dayana and Don

Dayana Pereira and Don McAvinchey came together LIVE on Insight Timer (9/23/23) to have a conversation on what it's like to flow with their sense of Spirit. These two dynamic teachers shared their inspiration and hearts around their experience and called on the Insight Timer community to share as well.

Click here to watch the replay. 

https://youtu.be/haXjP_SlRK0

As everyone knows by now, I'm a HUGE fan of Insight Timer because of amazing teachers like these two!

Click below to follow them on Insight Timer:

Dayana Pereira - https://insighttimer.com/dayana

Don McAvinchey - https://insighttimer.com/donmcavinchey 

And while you're there, please follow me as well!

My new rescued baby who rescued me...

When my pup, Barney, was getting ready to crossover, I was so distraught that I was sure I'd never adopt another dog.  The pain felt unbearable, and I thought WHY would anyone choose to go through all this.

Then I spoke to a friend who has had rescues for years and he told me he always looks at it this way -- if he can give another pup a chance at a good life in a loving home, it's worth it.

He's right...

So, I started looking for another pup to rescue and found this amazing rescue:

And now, 2 months after losing Barney, I have another sweet pup to love... Onyx...

He's a joy!  Sweet and so smart and I'm thrilled to have him in my life!  I still miss my Barney, but I know he sent me Onyx and that he's happy that a new pup will have the good life that he had too!

And I met an amazing woman who has been saving these beautiful babies for 13 years.  As a side note, I bought a few products from an affiliate link that donates to her cause.  My order arrived right away, and I love them!  I've been getting eaten alive by mosquitos this year and one of the things I bought is called "melagel" and has been a lifesaver in stopping the itch!  I also love that all the products are made with good ingredients.  I've been doing my best to avoid harsh chemicals and these products are just what I needed!

So if you want to help support these beautiful babies too, check out these products!

Because who doesn't love PUPPIES and GREAT products that support PUPPIES!  Onyx and his siblings thank you and send you many puppy kisses! 💜🥰

Looking through some old photos and of course my Barney pops up.  

Most days I'm OK, but it hits me, when I see his pictures, how much I miss him.  Such a funny little guy.  I knew he couldn't be with me forever, but I tried not to think about it and even now I try not to think about him being gone.

I cried a lot those first couple of weeks, but I feel him with me all the time and that comforts me.  I keep asking him to send me another rescue to love and I know he will.

I got an email today that I was approved to adopt from a local shelter and we're heading there on Saturday to meet the pups.  One or two caught my eye.  I'm excited and anxious at the same time.  

Sometimes I wonder if Tim is right and we should enjoy traveling without worrying about pets, but we still have Simon, and I can't imagine my life without dogs anymore.  Funny that for over 30 years I had no pets and didn't even think about it but having had these two rescues for almost 9 years, I can't imagine life without them.

So maybe this weekend I will meet my next furry love, and if not, in time I will.  He or she is out there waiting for a good home, and I have that as well as plenty of love to give. 💜 No one will ever take the place of my sweet Barney, but thanks to him, I learned the joy of loving animals and I am forever grateful. 💜

11 Days

I can't believe it's been 11 days since I said goodbye to my sweet boy.  Some days I feel ok and then I look for my shadow and he's not here anymore, no longer at my feet while I work, under my desk, following me to the kitchen, waiting for me to share a snack. That absence has left such a hole in my heart... 💔

Sweet pup, he taught me so much in the almost 9 years that I was lucky enough to have him in my life.  I didn't even know how much I wanted a dog until I adopted him and his brother, who were almost 5 at the time.  Simon is OK, sometimes he seems to be looking for Barney, but it's hard to tell.

I had no idea our time together would be so short, but it was worth every second, even during the last few months of giving him pills and running to the Vet and trying to get him better.  I would do it all again in a second and someday I will adopt another sweet puppy, once this ache has healed.  Maybe in the Fall. I know there are other babies out there waiting for a loving home and I know that Barney would be happy to have me share the love I gave to him with someone else who needs it the way he did 9 years ago.

The Vet dropped off his ashes on Thursday. I had gone an entire day without crying and the site of his little box filled with his ashes, his little nose print and paw print and the little bottle with his hair had me crying all over again.

I know it will take time for that emptiness to go away. There will never be another one like you, my sweet boy, but there will be others to love too. ❤ My heart will go on. 💜😔

Saying Goodbye...

My sweet pup, Barney, is going to cross the rainbow bridge in a couple of hours.  My heart is broken but at the same time, I'm happy he'll be free from pain.

It would have been 9 years in September that we adopted him and his brother Simon, both from the same litter, had been living in a high kill shelter and came as a "package deal".  I was happy to take them both.  They were almost 5 at the time and I hadn't had a dog in about 35 years.  Honestly didn't even think much about having a dog, but my husband is such an animal lover, and I eagerly accepted these 2 pups into my life.  

Of course, the first couple of months I thought I must be crazy, they're a lot of work, but eventually they became my kids and my life, and I have loved them so much.

Barney was diagnosed with diabetes almost 5 years ago and I managed to keep him going despite the naysayers who said most dogs with diabetes die within a year and go blind.  He had cataracts but he could still see me, and I had done so much research, changed is food, did everything I could to keep him healthy.

Of course, what I couldn't control was the cancer in his foot.  That was a surprise, and it quickly took a toll on him despite the many supplements, the toe amputation, the acupuncture, and everything else I tried.  It suddenly started to spread quickly, he couldn't walk on it anymore and his quality of life quickly declined.

I spent many nights begging God and the Angels to take the cancer away, but deep down I knew it was his time and I knew that I didn't want to let go, no matter when it happened.

He is my spirit animal.  We've had such an amazing connection. He follows me everywhere, sleeps under my desk while I work, sits on my feet when I'm in the bathroom, and my heart will ache with the loss of his physical presence, but I know his spiritual presence will always be with me.

I wish that could be enough... but for now, it will have to do...

Goodbye, sweet boy, run free and happy again.  I will always love you and there will never be another beautiful soul like you, though I know one day you will send me another one to love and care for on this earth. 💜

  

Messages from the Universe

This morning as I was getting ready to start my day, I spotted this beauty outside my window staring right at me.  I was mesmerized!

I continued getting ready as I wondered what message this cardinal had for me.  Over the past year or so, I have forced myself to step out of my comfort zone and try new things.  In the past I would tell myself that "I could never do that" or that "other people can do it better" so why bother?

Thanks to the messages from the Universe, I've started to ignore that little voice of doubt that would have stopped me and the results have been fabulous.  I've gained more confidence and I've met some amazing people.

So I looked up the spiritual meaning of the cardinal and here's what I found:

The cardinal symbolizes friendship, love, devotion, self-confidence, assertiveness, family, home, protection, and angel messages. Thanks to its bright colors and confidence in its abilities, the cardinal represents self-confidence and inner strength, always encouraging you to assert yourself and embrace your talents.

Beautiful message!  He was telling me I have the "self-confidence and inner strength" to do these things!  

And ironically, today was my first time going "LIVE" on my favorite app (Insight Timer) doing something I would have never attempted a few years ago, AND IT WAS A GREAT EXPERIENCE!

If you see a bright red cardinal, it means that you are being blessed with good luck and fortune.

And if you love Insight Timer as much as I do, or need to find a place where you can share your insights with like-minded people, please click here and join me in the "Coffee & Crystals" group!

108

About a year ago, I started seeing the number "108" a lot --and I mean a LOT, sometimes 2 or 3 times a day.

I'd be listening to LIVE meditations or talks on my favorite app (Insight Timer) and I would look at the screen and see "108" meditators or I'd be driving down the road and see "108" on a mailbox or getting my hair done and the total came out to "$108".  What are the odds?  So yes, the Universe was sending me signals!

I looked up the significance of the number and here's a little of what I found:

The number 108 is considered sacred in many cultures and religions around the world. It is often associated with the universe, infinity, and wholeness.

In Hinduism, 108 is considered to be the number of beads on a mala, a string of beads used for meditation and prayer. It is also the number of syllables in the Gayatri Mantra, one of the most important mantras in Hinduism.

In Buddhism, 108 is considered to be the number of dharmas, or teachings of the Buddha. It is also the number of vows that a Buddhist monk or nun takes.

In Jainism, 108 is considered to be the number of tirthankaras, or enlightened beings. It is also the number of vows that a Jain monk or nun takes.

In Chinese culture, 108 is considered to be a lucky number. It is often used in the design of buildings and objects.

In numerology, 108 is considered to be a number of balance and harmony. It is said to promote peace, love, and compassion.

The number 108 is a powerful number with a rich history and symbolism. It is a reminder of the interconnectedness of all things and the potential for spiritual enlightenment.

There are many different ways in which the number 108 appears in these cultures. For example, there are 108 beads on a mala, a Hindu prayer beads, and 108 petals on a lotus flower. The number 108 is also used in the construction of temples and other sacred spaces.

I'm paying attention... and so far, so good...

I had lunch with a couple of friends this weekend.  We stopped at a lovely store (Tibet Tree of Life) and this beautiful singing bowl and mala came home with me. And yes, purple is my favorite color! 😉💜 

If it makes you happy...

 

I must confess, I'm obsessed with crystals.

It started about a year before the COVID pandemic about 4 years ago.  My husband and I attended a workshop led by an amazing woman who runs the Rose Healing center and plays a beautiful crystal harp.

During one of our meditations, she let us all hold crystals that she had placed around the room. It was love at first sight!  

I was drawn to a beautiful fuchsite heart and ended up buying it and a small amethyst tower from her.

Eventually I started attending holistic shows in the area and buying crystals that I was drawn to, mostly hearts because well, who doesn't love a pretty heart? 💜 My collection was growing slowly until COVID-19 when everything went virtual.  A friend told me about a crystal shop that was trying to survive by doing LIVE shows on Facebook and of COURSE I wanted to help, so I bought a LOT of crystals... I mean A LOT! 😁  I was thinking I might need rehab...

You'll be happy to know that I got a grip on it (somewhat) and slowed down after adorning my house with hundreds of beautiful crystals.  I have a lovely collection of Angels, hearts, spheres, towers, a few wands... you get the idea. OH and I also bought a beautiful crystal singing bowl (a gift for my husband who loves them now).  I've since added a shamanic ocean drum, Tibetan bells and a small Tibetan bowl to the collection.  I also acquired quite a few card decks, but that's another post...

Long story short, the energy in my house is amazing.  I look around and it brings me joy.  So ok, I might have spent a lot, but I supported a lot of small businesses and I have enough crystals to combat any bad energy for at least the next 50 years.  Win--WIN! 💜🙏💜 

Script your day!

I've loved journaling since I was about 10 years old.

A couple of years ago I listened to "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron because I kept hearing about a journaling technique called "Morning Pages" and was curious to learn more.

Here's what I learned: Morning pages are three pages of stream-of-consciousness writing that you do first thing in the morning. There are no rules for what you can write about in your morning pages, but it's important to write without judgment or editing. The goal of morning pages is to get your thoughts and feelings out on paper so that you can start your day with a clear mind.

Many people will tell you that you should handwrite with pen and paper, but I'm a tech girl and I love tablets, computers, smartphones, and any format that connects me to a cloud and to a secure way of protecting what I write.

I didn't want to dismiss the theory behind writing with a pen though, so I did the only logical thing, I started writing on Samsung Notes with my Samsung pen on my Samsung tablet!  I was hooked!  I loved the smooth feeling of writing with my smartpen, and I loved that I could convert it to text, leave it as is (which I did) and store my notes securely in the cloud where I can access them with my Smartphone, my laptop, my tablet, etc... you get the point.

So, every morning for the past couple of years, I've been doing these morning pages, but they've evolved.

First, I don't always write three pages.  Some days I only write one, other days it could be more, some days I write about the dreams I had the night before, the frustrations I felt, the joys I've experienced, the hopes I have or just the gratitude I feel for waking up in a warm bed with a beautiful roof over my head.

One after randomly mentioning this to a friend who had done a podcast on a technique called "scripting", I decided that my morning pages would evolve into "scripting" my day!  

So, what is scripting you ask and how does one do this?  Basically, it's technique where you envision how the day is going to play out for you.  It's a manifesting technique, if you will, and whether you believe in it or not, I love it!  

Why do I love it?  Because it puts me in a great frame of mind, and it starts my day off with the right vibe.  And does it work?  YES!  Call me crazy, but I'm manifesting an amazing life and not a day goes by that I'm not grateful.  And no, not every day is perfect, and not every day should be, or how would I know the difference between a wonderful day and a not so great one?

Here are some helpful tips on scripting.  Take what resonates. I don't use them all:

• Wake up early (or just wake up! I'm not a morning person, I confess!) and take some time for yourself. This could mean meditating, journaling, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee in peace.
• Set your intentions for the day. What do you want to accomplish? How do you want to feel?
• Visualize your day going perfectly. What are the small moments that will make you happy?
• Write down your script. This could be a simple list or a more detailed account of your day.
• Read your script aloud. This will help you to really connect with your intentions and visualize your day coming to fruition.
• Take action! Start your day with a positive attitude and go after what you want.

Here are some additional tips for scripting your day:

• Be specific. The more specific you are about your intentions, the more likely they are to come true.
• Be positive. Focus on the things you want, not the things you don't want.
• Believe in yourself. Trust that you have the power to create the day you want.
• Have fun! Scripting your day should be a positive experience. Enjoy the process of creating your perfect day.

I hope these steps help you to script your day and create the life you want.  Again, I don't use them all.  I'm more of a "fly by the seat of my pants" kind of gal, but maybe these steps give you some ideas.  And please share any ideas you have!

It might sound "woo woo" but I can tell you it has filled my life with lots of reasons to be grateful!

And if you're looking for more information on scripting, here's a great article I found online:

https://www.wellandgood.com/scripting-manifestation-technique/amp/

Dreams...

I dreamt about him last night. I can't remember the details of the dream, just that he was there, and it was friendly.

I woke up this morning and realized that it was 35 years ago today that we spoke for the first time. 

Wow, how crazy is that?  Who knew where life would take me from that one party line phone call.  And again, divine intervention, had the operator of that line not taken me aside and told me that he felt like he "messed up" and that he was a nice guy, and I should give him another chance, I might not have ever met him, dated him, married him.  Might not have had my two amazing boys.

And for that I am grateful.  I adore my sons and my grandbaby.

I loved that young 22-year-old man that I met 35 years ago.  I'm sorry he died so young and that he didn't fix his relationship with his kids and that he died blaming everyone for his unhappiness.  Deep down, I want to believe that he never meant any harm.

I love this quote that I saw today.  It also made me think of our relationship, and our marriage.

Maybe I didn't really know him, but for a while, my mind made him into something beautiful.

And I have my two sons, and a good life... I have no regrets...

Goodbye to you...

I still can't believe that you left this world.  Only 57 years old.  I still remember that 22-year-old boy that I fell in love with.  We were such different people back then.  We were so full of hope for the future.

Who knew?

I think to myself that if I hadn't divorced you when I did, I'd be a widow now instead of the ex-wife.

Scary.

Glad I'm not your widow, still sorry you are dead.  That may sound harsh, but it's true.  You were often a pain in the ass and I'm annoyed that you couldn't show your sons that you loved them, because I know you did, but you showed it in the most bizarre ways. 

You were often loud, sometimes mean, very hurtful.

But I know that was only one side of you.

I knew the person who would do anything to help sometimes.  I knew a guy who loved his baby boys.  I knew the man who was heartbroken when he had to move to another home and didn't see them every night.

But I also knew that guy who could be mean, selfish, hurtful.

Still, the last thing I wished for was your death.

I wished you would have come to your senses, to tell your boys how much you loved them, to set a good example for them, to watch your grandson grow up and to be a good person.

I wish you could have had a desire to live.  I wish I didn't feel somehow to blame for your demise.  I know that's not true, even though you blamed me often, but I still felt sad when I ended our marriage and had to make you move out.  I wasn't sad because I had second thoughts, but because I never meant to hurt you and I hoped someday you'd be happy.

But in retrospect, I don't know if you had it in you to let yourself be happy.  You spent a good portion of your final years with another person who did her best to love you and you disappointed her too, so I can only assume that you were never going to allow anyone to make you happy.

Did you die sad and lonely?  I hope not.  I hope your time with your brother was good.  I hope you knew your kids loved you even if they kept their distance because you were being so mean to everyone.

I hope you found moments of happiness and that when you took your last breath you weren't scared, but hopefully relieved, free from pain and suffering and struggling, free from the fighting, the anger, the sadness, whatever it was you felt for so long.

Be free now, be happy, be peaceful.

And if you come back in another life, be happy, be light, be love...

How do you explain...

How do you explain the sadness you feel over the death of someone that you divorced 15 years ago?

How do you explain that even though he could be very hurtful and cruel, he also had a real human, once loving side, that you loved as a 22-year-old girl?

How do you explain that knowing your sons have lost their father, that he will never get the chance to make amends with them, that knowing he died alone in a hospital with $11 in his possession and a small bag as empty as the life he was leading at the end, fills you with such immense sadness, you can hardly hold it in?

And why should you explain?  Why can't it just be OK that the human in you honored the human in him and now grieves for a life you once knew?

My heart is broken, for the sorrow my son feels, for the pain I can relate to, for the grandson he won't get to watch grow up.

I wish for so many things.  I wish he could have been different.  I wish he could have seen the pain he was causing the ones who once loved him.  I wish he could have made the effort to keep everyone close to him.  I wish he would have had the will to live.  I wish I didn't feel responsible for some of his unhappiness.  I wish he could have believed in himself.

But it's too late for any of that now.  He's gone and all I wish now is that he's resting in peace and that he can be in death, the person he couldn't be in life.