Book Review: Holy Shift! Edited By Robert Holden, Ph.D.

On October 21, 1965 Jesus spoke to Helen Schucman, Ph.D.:  "This is a course in miracles, please take notes." I don't know about you, but if Jesus spoke to me, I'd be writing it down, recording it, and tattooing it on my entire body. Helen, being of a more rational mind than myself, opted to write it down with the help of her friend and colleague William Thetford, Ph.D. Thus A Course In Miracles was born.

Whether it is a lecture, a book reference, or a familiar quote, A Course In Miracles (ACIM) has been brought more and more into my awareness as I continue on my spiritual quest.  This course offers spiritual transformation! However, the thought of reading a 1,200 page book seemed daunting at best, so I kept on listening to the lectures, the references, and the quotes (I'm not lazy mind you, I just thought my brain might explode).  

What a glorious day it was when I found out Dr. Robert Holden, Ph.D. was putting together a book of daily meditations called Holy Shift!, based on A Course In Miracles! Now I could learn from the brilliant author of Happiness NOW!, Shift Happens!, Authentic Success, Be Happy, and Loveability.  I had the pleasure of listening to one of his lectures at an I Can Do It! event last year, and am an avid listener to his weekly show on Hay House Radio. His messages are so on point, insightful, relevant, and transforming. He has studied ACIM for over 20 years, and his poignant and inspirational messages make him the perfect source to learn about the Course.

Dr. Holden has put together 365 of the most beautiful selections from ACIM to meditate on daily.  In Holy Shift! you will be transformed through poetry, prayer, and meditation. This is a beautiful daily meditation guide. For the purpose of this review, I read the entire book. So many times I would be reading a page and 'Wow!' 'Brilliant!' 'Amazing!' would just fly out of my mouth. I couldn't help myself. There was such beauty, joy, and release in this book. It reminds us that we are truly love, we are never alone, we are as pure as we were created- we just need to remember.  It also is a reminder that we are all one, we are free when we forgive, and what we see in the other is just a reflection of ourselves.  It is illusion shattering, ego releasing, uplifting, and miracle producing.

While I read the book in its entirety, I also took the day's message and sat there with it.  I wanted to experience the daily meditation as well. I read it several times, mostly aloud as a prayer. I asked God to help me absorb and fully understand the message that He wanted me to know from this meditation.  I set my iPhone alarm to twenty minutes, closed my eyes, and meditated.  This was the first time I was able to meditate without music, a mantra, or a meditation CD. I focused on my breathing, relished in the day's message, and was silent.

Do miracles occur from reading Holy Shift!? They sure do! As I continue with the daily meditations, I can feel the shift.  I don't need a bucket of money to fall out of the sky for me to witness a miracle (although I would not turn from it, should it decide to!). There are miracles in every moment, and this book allows you to notice them. Isn't it a miracle to feel peace, love for yourself and others, a gentle letting go of past and future towards living just in the present moment? There is a calm and joy that comes from learning that God loves us just as we are, that we are a part of Him, and we are never alone. 

For me, I feel less fear and I dwell less. I also feel an ease in taking care of the house that holds my soul, which I have not felt before.  This translates to a gentle desire to walk. Since starting the book, I have walked 3 miles a day.  Exercise was a chore in the past, along with a scolding for not taking better care of myself.  Now it feels like second nature, as if I'm not trying at all. I'm really not trying, it's just happening. No more scolding, I accept and love myself as I am right now. My appetite has changed, again, very naturally. I had a nudging to finally start my gratitude journal, and I have added synchronities and miracle observations that are now part of my awareness. It is all so easy, no pressure, just flowing. I also feel calmer and more loving towards others and myself. What I love about this book, is I have a daily reminder and lesson to keep me on this path.  It will always be with me.
   
I highly recommend Holy Shift!, whether you are new to ACIM or continuing on your journey. There are some books that exude power and this is one of them. You can feel it just by holding it in your hands. Every day you will learn more about yourself, the world that you have created, and the power of God within you. The biggest miracle is you will get to really know you- and you will be amazed at how beautiful you really are.  Bless you Dr. Robert Holden, Ph.D. for this exquisite book.

With Gratitude,

Kerri
www.suitablegifts.com












*Please note, this book was sent to me free from Hay House as part of the Book Nook Blogger program. All opinions and commentary in the above review are my own.

The next step.

As my oldest son prepared for his high school graduation, I kept making a fuss about celebrating.  "Why?" He kept asking me. "What is the big deal?" I so appreciate his humility, it is one of the many things I love about him. But as I stare at his pictures on my office wall of his yearly growth from infant to nearly 18, I am humbled and awed at how much there is to celebrate.  Dear Richard, this blog is for you.

Watching you grow from a pure, innocent baby to crawling, walking, and talking...wow it is such a miracle to behold.  Then discovering your beautiful personality, watching you grow and change, yet always hold on to those wonderful qualities that make you Richard, has been such a gift.  

Throughout your life you have dealt with challenges, conflicts, decisions, and you have always chosen a path of kindness, grace, and compassion.  This is who you are at your core, and I am so proud and honored to be a witness to such a wonderful soul.  

Who you are is not a grade, an award, a scholarship (although I am very proud of your outward accomplishments too!).  What is truly important is who you are, and what you put out into the world.  Your gift is what is inside of you, and that is one-of-a-kind and to be cherished.

I have watched you show kindness in the face of unkind behavior.  You are thoughtful and generous in all of your relationships. Your integrity shines through as you go the extra mile at your work, even when no one is watching.  

You have never wavered from who you are, you have always been true to yourself, and that to me, is the most valuable accomplishment you could ever have.  I know you will continue through life this way, even though it's not easy, because that is who you are. And I love you for that.

As you take the next step through the college years, please know that whatever you decide to "be" in the outside world, I will always support you, because I know who you truly "are" lies within you, and it's beautiful.

Congratulations my dear son.  You deserve every celebration, every well wish, every joy and happiness there is in the world.  

Love forever,

Mom

We're Proud To Announce Our: Kindness...pass it on Mission!

Intentional Kindness is a beautiful thing, not only does it make the recipient feel great, it does the same to the giver.  Best of all, it also makes anyone who sees or hears about the kindness, feel great too! And you know what happens after that...kindness spreads!

That is what this mission is all about, spreading more kindness into the world.  I know it's out there. I know others are doing random and intentional acts of kindness, and now it's time to join in! Suitable Gifts wants to jump start our mission by offering two free Kindness cards. Just send us your name and address on our Kindness...pass it on! page and we will happily send them to you. Our cards have plenty of lines for you to add your message (and you can write on the back too!). The great thing about the Kindness cards, are that they are just the size of a business card. You can carry them in your wallet, leave them in your glove compartment, and use them when the moment strikes you.

www.suitablegifts.com/Kindness---pass-it-on-.html

You don't need to spend money to be kind. There are different ways to give, and it is always the thought that counts.  Your Intentional Kindness can be to someone you know: a family member, a teacher, co-worker, friend.  It can also be to someone you don't know.  And it's up to you how you want to share it, whether you want to sign you name or make it totally anonymous.  It should be what makes you feel good too! Try different ways, and see what works the best for you. There also isn't a formula for how often you need to do this, every day, once a week. once a month, it's all up to you. There is no wrong way if you are being kind!

Here are some ideas:

Free Kindness:

• Share a smile.
• Give a sincere compliment.
• Open the door for someone.
• Let a driver in your lane.
• Let the person behind you get in front at the check-out line.

$5 and under Kindness:

• Leave a $5 Starbucks gift card on someone's windshield- on the card write: "Free coffee on me!"
• Feed the parking meter for another- leave the Kindness card on the windshield: "Added some coins to the meter to save you from a ticket!"
• Pay a toll for the car behind you. Leave the card for the toll booth collector to give to the driver with your note (of course fill out the card before you get behind the wheel!).

$5+ Kindness:

• Pay breakfast/lunch for the car behind you in the fast food line. Leave the Kindness card (filled out) for the cashier to give to them. "Lunch is on me!"
• Gift cards- leave a surprise gift card ($5,$10 nothing is too small) for Target, CVS, Walmart, Wendy's, Subway...etc) on someone's desk, windshield, in public for a stranger to find (bus stop, park/grocery store/church announcement board, park bench, college campus, shelter, etc).
• Bring flowers to a senior center or hospital for someone you don't know. 
• Re-gift: If you have unused books, candles, journals or small gifts that you've never used, leave them with a Kindness card at a receptionist's desk, doctor's waiting room, on an empty chair in a cafeteria. How fun would it be to find a surprise gift? "To whoever finds this gift, it was meant for you, enjoy!" 

The ways to be kind are endless! Get creative, and share your Intentional Kindness with us!

Post with #kindnesspassiton on our: 

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/SuitableGifts

Twitter @suitablegifts 

Instagram @suitablegifts

We would love to hear what you are doing, and share it with everyone for inspiration! And if you have additional ideas we could use, share those as well! Let us know how this is making you feel, and how it's inspiring others.  You can also email us any time with your comments: info@suitablegifts.com 

Kindness...pass it on!

With Gratitude,

Kerri

www.suitablegifts.com

#kindnesspassiton

LOVE Monday? Yes you can!

TGIF! Friday is the most celebrated of days. We all can't wait to get there. Wednesday has been deemed hump day, since we are so glad we are getting close to the beloved weekend. But what about poor Monday? Often Monday is the wrath of the most unflattering commentary, whether it's posted on Facebook or shamed in the office on Monday morning.  Poor Monday is the most unappreciated of days.

I think it's time to look at marvelous Monday in a whole new light. It's time to LOVE Monday! For the past month, I've been posting on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram a #LOVEmonday photo and commentary. I have noticed the beauty of creating a rainbow while watering the grass, finding a heart shaped piece of watermelon in a pre-sliced container, a heart shaped out of a jump rope that one of the neighborhood kids left on my front lawn, and more! There is so much to notice, and since I've started this, I'm noticing more love on Monday and every day.  

This project began for me when I walked into my home office on a Monday morning (yes, with a hint of dread, I'll admit it). What I found were two small water fountains sitting on my desk and filing cabinet. They were flowing and so peaceful to behold.  They were placed there, unbeknownst to me, Sunday night from my youngest son. He left for school that morning without saying a word, just so I would be surprised by this gesture. Pure LOVE on a Monday morning! I was so touched, I felt so blessed. I certainly wanted to hold on to that feeling, and to share it also.

Monday doesn't have to mean drudgery, or the start of a long, miserable, draining week. It truly is in our hands (through our minds and hearts) how the week will unfold.  Taking small steps like this, creates a snowball effect of seeing and feeling more loving things. The more you focus on something, the more you see it. You can chose to focus on the dreaded Monday, or celebrate it by noticing all of the good things in the day. 

What will you notice this coming Monday: a new bud opening up on your rose bush, a beautiful butterfly stopping by your bird bath for a drink, the look of accomplishment on your child's face as she finally figures out that math problem? Whatever it is, take a picture or write it down. Keep a journal or a folder on your iPhone of the things you notice.  When you start to feel down or frustrated, look at what a reminder of LOVE you have created for yourself to pick you back up again. And the added benefit to this is, when you begin to feel more loving towards Monday, those around you will too.  It may make all of the days of the week seem a bit lighter and brighter for everyone.

Share with us how you LOVE Monday! Add a comment below, and send us a picture on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook anytime! We would love to share what you LOVE too!

With Gratitude,

Kerri

Suitable Gifts

Twitter: @suitablegifts

Facebook: www.facebook.com/suitablegifts

Instagram: @suitablegifts

Love And A Lizard

What do you see when you look at the one you love? Is your attention on what they didn't do, how they didn't say the right thing, or is your focus on who they really are? Do you ever step back and really look at them?

I was coming in the house from food shopping, arms weighed down with too many grocery bags, when I noticed a lizard (well, actually  gecko) on the ground. It was so cold out and rainy. The wind was pounding against me, causing my hair to fly all over the place and stick to my face. I walked into the kitchen, dumped the bags on the counter, and  told my husband about the cute lizard who was blending in so well with the wet sidewalk, that I almost stepped on him.  

Awhile later I went outside to bring out the recycles and the lizard was still there. He was motionless.  I told my husband about him, and he came outside to look.  He thought maybe one of the stray cats in the neighborhood killed him. He reached down and gently picked up his lifeless body.  He brought him inside to our living room and cupped his hands around the tiny creature to warm him.

I was sitting on the couch and looking up at him standing there, caring for this lizard, and I was just in awe of him. Have you had those moments, where you look at someone and you just see such beauty, their true essence? I do believe that the core of all of us is love, and there it was right in front of me to behold.  It was a beautiful moment, and he didn't even realize how beautiful it was because he was just being kind, being himself, and not aware of the magic I was witnessing. I was grateful for that moment, it was spiritual, it was love.  Little by little the lizard came back to life, his cold dark eyes became bright and clear, he became more and more active, all because of a caring soul. 

Those magical moments are happening all the time, but we can get so conditioned to focus on what's wrong, what's missing, that we miss so much of what's right.  What makes you love a person anyway? Is it how often they take out the trash, or is it their loving nature? And how often do we allow ourselves to appreciate our own loving nature?  Do we notice it enough in our children, friends, family, and even strangers?  

Step  by step we can bring more of those moments into our awareness.  Decide to review your day only choosing the kind and loving moments. Journaling is a great way to instill this more positive view, and on those difficult days, it's a positive reminder to look back at and review. Remember the pure joy your child experienced playing with the family dog, the kindness you displayed letting someone squeeze into your lane during rush hour, your husband who sent you an "I love you" text just because, the stranger who said hello while you went on your morning walk. It's happening constantly, but we get wrapped up in stress, work, the cell phone, and the million tasks running through our minds every day.  But how much nicer is life, when our focus is witnessing and participating in being kind, and being loving?

With a little bit of time and practice, the majority of your view towards yourself and others will be of love, because in truth, love is really all there is.

With Gratitude,

Kerri