Happiness – Fact or Fiction?

HAPPINESS:  FACT OR FICTION?

Happiness – Fact or Fiction?
Greetings my fellow spiritual seekers!
Our topic for today is:
                                                  58F963BC-2653-4ABA-84EC-D664D24A8EF0HAPPINESS!
So much has been said about happiness. Happiness is “where it’s at.” There are countless products and services that claim to be the cure for an unhappy state: nutritional supplements, Botox, positive thinking, meditation/mindfulness, dating sites, diets, to name just a few…
So, out of curiosity, do you remember where you first learned about happiness?
For me, I remember the concept being introduced at a young age in children’s books and Disney movies. Take The Cinderella story, for example. Here an innocent, orphan girl is forced to clean cinders by the fireplace and scrub the floors by evil stepsisters and a horrific stepmother! Oh my!
Eventually, by some serendipitous turn of events, which includes a magic Fairy Godmother, Cinderella ends up at the Royal Ball and finds herself dancing with none other than the illustrious Prince Charming! In a mad rush to make curfew, her shoe falls off and is left at the establishment. Mr. Charming finds the shoe and sets out to look for her.
He finally tracks her down, the shoe fits, and Voila! ALL of Cinderella’s problems are instantly solved! The final page/scene shows some version of them riding off into the sunset, alluding to something about them living “happily ever after.” All needs taken care of, no more worries or being “relegated-to-being-the-cleaning-servant” for Cinderella. Nirvana. Bliss. Perfection.
Perhaps you had similar fairy tales and stories poured into your mind at a young age? There are so many. Is anyone with me here? Do we really still think this is TRUE?
Are we kind-of in agreement that life just
ISN’T REALLY LIKE THAT?
Nowadays, we are in a kind of a subliminal, or perhaps obvious, competition with others on social media. Although I personally enjoy Facebook, I can see why some schools of thought say that it isn’t healthy for morale to constantly look at how perfectly “HAPPILY-EVER-AFTER” everyone else’s life can appear to be.
This is especially true during those times when we do not particularly enjoy how we ourselves are feeling.
Although it is wonderful to celebrate people’s victories, it is important to also be reminded that even the most “fortunate” of folks regularly go through “stuff.” Nobody, except perhaps some enlightened masters, is happy ALL OF THE TIME.
If you have children (or if you can imagine it), could you see yourself telling them that if they are not happy that you would have a real problem with that?
Good parenting includes teaching your child how to cope with less-than-optimal feelings in any situation and at any given time – and, ideally, that you help them to accept and love themselves no matter what.
Tony Robbins, Master Life Coach, says that the most successful people in life have learned how to master their “state.” That means, when they are in a state of NOT feeling positive and energized, they pro-actively use techniques like exercise, affirming self-talk, connecting with others, to bring themselves to a better “state”.
I find this to be extremely valuable advice, especially since it acknowledges the reality that we are naturally not-always-happy.
We CAN get to happiness, with a little attention and work.
The next time you are faced with a negative emotion, like fear, for instance, do your best not to fight with it. Do not berate yourself for not being in a state of bliss. That really only compounds the problem!
Try this process:
Take a deep breath.
Calm yourself.
Be in the present moment.
Do a little talking-to-yourself: “Okay, Self, it seems we are not liking this feeling that is happening here. Let’s take a look at what is going on.. is it truly a disaster? Is it just growing pains? Is there an opportunity for some healing here?”
And be PATIENT. Is there really THAT big of a rush to get back to being “happy?”
(And.. if so, WHY?)
Not being happy all the time is okay. It shows us that we are human. We are vulnerable. We are not perfect. The next time somebody, perhaps on Facebook, posts a picture of total happiness – just recognize that it’s a moment in time, and NOT a constant state.
Denying our real feelings and pretending to be happy when we are not delays our true opportunities for those precious, happy moments. For it is through processing and clearing away the negatives that happiness can emerge.
Let us make a way.
To schedule an appointment, and for more information,
call or text Annette at 978-239-3586
Annette Dion is a gifted Spiritual Counselor, author, musician
and creative person!
Her new office is located at 114 Main St., Suite 207, Gloucester MA. Phone sessions are also available.
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UPCOMING
Gloucester Block Party:
Mini-Tarot Readings! $20 for 12 minutes.
(Best deal of the year!). Stop by and say hello!
Meditation Mondays:
at Gloucester Yoga Collective,
114 Main St. (across the hall from my office in Suite 207). 6:00-7:15pm
Guided meditation for all levels.  Beginners are especially encouraged.
Only $5 per person
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Summer Eclipse Acupuncture Restorative Yoga ~

Summer Eclipse Acupuncture Restorative Yoga ~

Finding Summer Balance on the Summer Eclipse with
Ayurveda, Restorative Yoga and Acupuncture

Thursday, July 26 at Ayurveda Wellness Healing, 25C Lexington Ave, Magnolia, MA from 6:30-8:30pm

Summer is the season of joy, expansion and abundance.

Please join us for an opportunity to apply the teachings of Ayurveda, Yoga and Chinese Medicine to connect to the expansive energy of the summer season and optimize your physical and energetic health.

This sessional gathering will include a discussion on “How to stay cool and keep your cool in this Summer Season “ using Ayurveda, yoga and Acupuncture. Each participant will be positioned in a very comfortable restorative pose while acupuncture is applied on meridian points below the elbows and knees to treat the entire body. (and yes, this will relieve your aching back etc.) While the treatment is going on, you will be lead through a gentle sound meditation with essential oils and Reiki treatments.

If you are new to acupuncture, this is a great way to get introduced.

Limited space, RSVP to reserve your spot
call/text: 978-852-0066 or
email: info@ayurvedawellnesshealing.com

Investment: $60

“Blockage is disease/Flow is health” 🙂

www.ayurvedawellnesshealing.com

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Africa Yoga Project Lands in Gloucester this Coming Weekend!

Africa Yoga Project Lands in Gloucester this Coming Weekend!

We’re honored to welcome leaders from the Africa Yoga Project here to Cape Ann this coming weekend. John and Isaac will teach a special class to participants of the YMCA Camp Windward in the morning and the session Friday evening will include a talk about AYP, a chance to ask questions, and a practice. Saturday morning they will teach an Acro Yoga session at Cape Ann Power Yoga, and Sunday evening we will be having a fundraising dinner and silent auction at Short and Main. All funds raised go directly to the work of the Africa Yoga Project. We invite you to join us for all, or any one part of this special weekend.

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Learn more about AYP Here!

Summer = Fire Season

Summer = Fire Season

Cooling colors for summer…

Summer is the season of fire, and there is an increased tendency for arguments, yelling, and getting angry. It is better not to discuss any serious topics during the hot hours of the day, or during very hot days. If you need to make important decisions, do it in the morning or evening when it’s cool.

Dress in cotton (or silk) clothes, and as much as possible avoid colors like red, orange, yellow, and black. Gentle and mild colors help one to stay cool, especially blue, white, green, and purple. After dressing, you can do your worship or meditation practice if it is part of your routine.

Ayurveda Wellness Healing, LLC go to summer color is white…what’s your go to summer color to keep your cool?

“Blockage is disease/Flow is health” 😊

info@ayurvedawellnesshealing.com

www.ayurvedawellnesshealing.com

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Coconut Water…

Coconut Water…

Are you drinking coconut water? If not, you should be.

Ayurveda Wellness Healing staff drinks coconut water daily as it is one of the best thirst quenchers and replenishes energy naturally as it contains, vitamins, nutrients and anti-oxidants

Sugar content in tender coconut is minimal compared to any other drinks available today. Fresh tender coconut water is quite sterile and is free from microorganisms.

Tender coconut has been used to treat a variety of health problems.

Prevents: Dehydration, bloating and acidity. It’s antioxidants help reduce the swelling in hands and legs. Helps in digestion. Excellent for skin health, great for those that suffer from eczema.

“Blockage is disease/Flow is health” 😊

Info@ayurvedawellnesshealing.com

www.ayurvedawellnesshealing.com

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July Monthly Restorative Workshop

SLOW DOWN! The dog days of summer are here and it is the perfect time to soak in the light around us and within us. Nourish yourself with this magical practice of deeply supported yoga poses, guided visualization, breathing and just BE. Restorative yoga is active relaxation using props such as blankets, bolsters, blocks, eye pillows and sandbags to bring the body back to balance and into a relaxed state. You will feel rejuvenated, clear and calm for the week ahead. Sign up at www.nsryoga.com $25 and all levels welcome! NSRY provides the finest props including mats in our beautiful candlelit studio!

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Calling All Students!

Did you know that Crossfit Cape Ann offers a discount for all current students? If you are home for the summer or a local student, come check us out!

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The primary goal at CFCA is to help our members increase their capability, durability (both mental and physical) and most importantly longevity through consistent quality movement in a fun and supportive environment. We have evolved over the years into what we’d consider more of a “lifestyle” crossfit gym. We focus on exercises that we feel have the best carryover to the demands of our member’s lives outside of the gym and less on competition or Crossfit as “sport”.

For more about joining – check out our webpage! 

Lavender Lemonade ~

Lavender Lemonade ~

Love lemonade and lavender? Experience headaches and/or anxiety? Try our favorite summer go to drink…Lavender Lemonade!

Lavender Lemonade is a fragrant, refreshing, and beautiful drink.

Lemonade is so refreshing as is, and it’s actually so easy to make at home. You can prepare this easy lemonade recipe any time, and it’s so good all summer long. Just add in a bit of lavender essential oil to to give it an extra kick of color and flavor.

Ingredients:
• 3 organic lemons
• 7 cups water
• 1 drop organic lavender essential oil
• ¾ cup organic raw agave
• Handful ice cubes (as needed)
• Optional: lemon slices for garnish

Directions:
Juice the lemons into a pitcher
Add the water, lavender and agave
Stir well to mix, then add ice and serve!

*optional: add in some grated ginger and garnish with mint leaves.

Stop by Whole Foods Market or if you leave in/near Gloucester, MA Common Crow Natural Market for the above ingredients.

Enjoy!

“Blockage is disease/Flow is health”

info@ayurvedawellnesshealing.com

www.ayurvedawellnesshealing.com

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