Broadening my horizons...

I had the most wonderful visit today to a Hindu Mandir (temple) here in Atlanta. It was absolutely gorgeous and the meditation room was awe-inspiring. This was actually my second visit.

When you first enter the temple, you have to take off your shoes. When you get into the meditation room, it is like a light blue/white glow emanating from the area.There is no talking and cell phones have to be on silent. The first time I entered, I was so stunned by the sight that all I could do was gaze in amazement at the beauty and peacefulness. And then I started slowly walking through the room and almost every space was intricately carved in white stone. It is so interesting how there is this theme of similarity and difference within the meditation area. The same stone, but so many details.

It was such a beautiful experience. I sat and meditated in under one of the large domed areas and I felt so unstressed when I was done. I'm so thankful I was able to experience such a wondrous place.

Appreciating What You Have

While I'm not a religious person, I do have a deep sense of spirituality, and it's always seemed to well up in me when I see something beautiful in nature... a sunset, the fall colors, spring flowers. I guess it's because I'm the "independant cuss" my momma always teased me about being. I just don't see the need to have someone else tell me what and how to believe. If I had to really nail down a belief system, I'd have to say that I believe in all kinds of Love... Love of family, friends, nature, country, etc.

I had a spiritual ah hah the other day. Lke many people, I've spent a lot of time worrying and stressing about so many different things: bills, career, home stuff. So much so that I had worn myself out. And I realized that while I believe in Love, I was giving myself very little of it. I'm not talking narcissistic love, but genuine appreciation and care for my self, inside and out.

Appreciate what I have... That's something it's so hard to do sometimes... to let go and simply take joy in what you have in you and around you that is good. For once, I didn't put things off for another day, and I took my own advice.

And as a result, I had the absolute best Christmas vacation I've ever had... not because of a whole lot of presents (something I'd been worrying a lot about)... but because I was able to spend amazing time with my husband, with our daughters, with his parents (who are another mom and dad to me), with my mom, sister and brother-in-law and nephew.

It was so beautiful, and while it was a lot of work, it was more than worth it.

Take time for yourselves and those you care about. Appreciate what you have, and in doing so, you may discover a richness and beauty in your life that you never knew you had.

Love to all,
Tammy