This month we’re tuning in…

August 1, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Welcome to August!

Everyone I have been speaking to in the last week has said the same thing - where did July go?? I’m certainly feeling that way. It only seems like a couple of days ago I was here welcoming you to our July edition of The Calm Space. (It was, wasn’t it?)

This month the eyes of the world focus on China.

We’ll watch as athletes compete - not only against each other but against themselves, seeking that personal best. We’ll see dreams come true, we’ll see triumph and victory. We’ll also see hopes shattered and dreams lost. We’ll see the pain of defeat and the despair of injury. And unfailingly, we will see moments of blinding brightness where the human spirit once again triumphs against all odds.

To our athletes from around the globe - you are already a winner. Simply by making it to China to compete in these games, you’re one-in-a-million. We’ll be looking at you. Praying for you. No matter whether you stand on a dais or not, you are a winner.

And whilst the television sets of the world tune in to incredible feats of physical endurance, strength, skill and speed, here at The Calm Space we’re also Tuning In.

We’re really thrilled and proud to announce two new spaces this month!

The Sound Space will profile a different musician each month and bring you wonderful calming, soothing music to lull your senses into a state of rest, or to put a pep in your step and a wiggle in your hips. We’ve got some terrific independent artists lined up to entertain you over the next few months (and would love to hear from you if you have any recommendations!) Please, pop on over and download your complimentary songs from our first musician of the month!

I’d also like you to give a warm welcome to Joanne Costello who will be bringing us The Spa Space. Joanne’s background in the beauty and organic skin care industry will provide her with the knowledge and inspiration to bring a spa like atmostphere to our magazine.

You’ll find our wonderful team of contributors have put together a very eclectic mix of articles on our theme, Tuning In, this month. Everything from writing love letters to listening to your stuff. From brilliant reads to reading your soul. From becoming conscious to listening to what your words are saying.

Thanks for joining us, I wish you a wonderful August - enjoy the Olympics!

Namaste

Káren x

Posted by karen | Filed Under August 08, The Space 

The right book for the right moment

August 1, 2008 | 3 Comments

Opportunity is often missed because we are broadcasting

when we should be tuning in.

~ Anonymous

Tuning in, turning on, plugging in, switching on. No I am not talking gadgets but me!

I define this month’s topic of ‘tuning in’ with some of the activities that connect me with my inner self. My favourite methods of tuning in are when I am involved in doing something creative or inspiring.

Sometimes its as simple as reading the right book for the moment and others a pretence of being better than I am - with the volume turned up either singing, dancing or both! [Marjorie use to fancy herself a talented singer...the dream dying a slow, painful death...ok STILL dying a slow, painful death ]

Sometimes I plan a weekend of trying out drawn out recipes that take a while to cook – and which take at least 2 glasses of wine with a stack of CDs playing; and others a take-away pizza to accompany that spiritual drama on DVD I’ve been meaning to watch – with the obligatory box of tissues or self righteousness, usually both.

Then there’s the bath, scented candles and champagne moments – when I feel oh so worth it - and sometimes because I don’t.

In almost every case I end up feeling rested (oh ok a little puffed too if there was dancing involved) and … peaceful is the word that most comes to mind. It’s as if in being in touch with myself I had quenched a thirst, satisfied a hunger, met an old friend I had been longing to see…and all is well - till the next time anyway.

I share below some of the reading material I believe are great for ‘tuning in’. Do share with me your ‘tuning in’ techniques below.

Intimacy & Solitude - Stephanie Dowrick

The widely-loved international bestseller that offers a rare chance to understand and balance two great emotional concerns: intimacy and independence.

We all want to give and receive love. We all want to enjoy our own company as much as we do other people’s. Yet sometimes things go mysteriously wrong. In this wise, inclusive and healing book, now updated and expanded, we learn that at the heart of many of our most painful problems is a need to balance time alone with time for others, and a need to understand and free ourselves from anxiety in order to enjoy a lasting appreciation of our relationships.

Through her empowering, deeply personal writing, Stephanie Dowrick brings us to a true understanding of the issues that matter most - and allows each one of us to make postivie, lasting change.

The Seat of the Soul - Gary Zukav

Building on the insights of his award-winning bestseller ‘The Dancing Wu Li Masters’, Gary Zukav probes deep into the human psyche and shows how we may begin to transform our lives.

In The Seat of the Soul he guides us on a journey of exploration into a world beyond the reach of our five senses, opening our eyes to the existence of intangible realities and taking us beyond the ‘external’ world, deep into the realm of the soul.

Until Today - Iyanla Vanzant

If there are situations, circumstances, or perhaps relationships in your life that you have been struggling to overcome, trying to work through, or doing your best to work around, throw your head back and declare to the universe, “Until Today!”

Whatever has been going on in your mind, your life, or your heart can stop — right now, if that is truly what you desire. However, you must be willing to “do a new thing.” You must spend a little time, each day, in devotion to the truth about yourself and your life. You must make a conscious approach to what you think, what you feel, and what you do. Devotion will clear up misconceptions that may have obscured your vision until today!

Bestselling author Iyanla Vanzant presents a new book of devotions for anyone on the path to spiritual empowerment. These daily devotions will create powerful changes in the circumstances of your life that have held you back and will place you on the road to personal strength and peace of mind.

Everyday Grace - Marianne Williamson

In this comforting, inspirational companion to the No.1 New York Times bestseller, A Return to Love, Marianne Williamson returns to her spiritual roots, writing on the art of nurturing a thriving soul in a harsh world.

What do your spiritual convictions have to do with traffic jams, job anxiety, reading the newspaper, or arguing with your spouse? Everything, according to Marianne Williamson. It is the way we live in our everyday world that determines the shape of who we are. So Buddhist or Muslim, Christian or Jew, it is the moment when your child fails an exam, when your best friend lands your dream job, or your business instinct tells you to watch your back, that tests and builds our living faith.

With an attitude of hope, a call to forgive, a celebration of miracles, and the promise of strength and grace, Williamson helps us find our sacred footing on ordinary ground. No matter where we are or what we’re doing, no matter what difficulties we face, there is always an opportunity to be happy, to connect with the spiritual - and to open our hearts and our minds. In the book of hours, Marianne Williamson teaches us to ride the currents of life and to seek out the sacred that will bring forth a sea change of the soul.

Posted by marjorie | Filed Under August 08, Reading Space 

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