Is it real, or is it Memory?

My childhood memories of hot days have me lying on the basement floor, enjoying the cool dampness of the tiles against my skin. I see myself in longish shorts, with a sleeveless buttoned up shirt. I was probably barefoot, but maybe I had my red, rubber-toed sneakers on.

Another memory is running through the sprinkler in the front yard. My sisters and I, in matching red swim suits, lining up and dashing through, with my brother sitting close by trying to drink the water. Remember that feeling? If the spray headed toward you during your turn, you’d turn your head and squint so you wouldn’t get it in the eyes. If the sprayer was leaning away, you would jump over and feel the spray move up your body as you ran away.

No, this isn’t a “it was so much better back then” post. My kids have a pool to jump in; that’s pretty good! It’s about memories. I bet that each of my siblings who were in the sprinkler with me have a different take on that memory. I see us in matching red suits, maybe because I really liked those. Or hated them. I’m imagining our friend Amy with us, because so often she was. My memory of running through the sprinkler on a hot day is probably made up of a bunch of episodes when Mom turned on the sprinkler, not one single event.

Yes, there is a point, other than making you want to turn on the sprinkler and have a dash: Memories are our creations. We keep some details and submerge others. Memories can change over time. One dramatic moment can color the whole event, like my memory of Chris choking on popcorn at a fair and Mom running with her in her arms to the first aid tent. I probably had a great time that whole day, but that’s the only thing that stuck to me.

So be aware that memories are probably not completely factual and complete. Don’t let a bad memory of something keep you from trying it again. And don’t replay scary memories over and over in your mind until it becomes a fear or phobia!

I remember this day.  Or do I???

 If you have trouble stopping your mind from spinning over a traumatic memory, EFT is the perfect way to halt that cycle. Contact me at yogamudra.jen@gmail.com to set up a free phone consultation to see if EFT is right for you. Visit www.BalanceYourYoga.com for more information. EFT can be done in person, over the phone or using Skype, all with equally successful results.

Another year already??

Tomorrow is my birthday, and I'm figuring this one puts me about halfway through my lifespan. Good thing I have so much time left, as I have so much to do! 

Since we already figured out the Meaning of Life (see blog June 22, 2015), what I need to do now is keep all that in mind as I move through the second half of my life, and things will be great. Without over-thinking this, here's my plan. (I reserve the right to change my mind and my plan as I grow more and more wise with the years!)

To find happiness, I will take care of myself. That means availing myself of the best I can find: food, travel, self care. Yes, massages and expensive beauty products are on that list! Stuff, too, if I feel like it, but honestly I don't have any answers right now to the question, What do you want for your birthday. I reserve the right to want stuff later!

I will continue to bring service to my fellow Earthlings. I enjoy sharing yoga and energy work, and helping people find their own Life Path. Remember, "service" doesn't always have to mean "free". That's a recipe for burnout. But volunteering is good for the soul and good for the planet, so don't discount that either!

Learning something new!

I will find joy wherever I can. Rising to my feet on the Stand Up Paddle board last week was pretty joyful! 

I will continue to be grateful for all that I have, and everything I experience. Living in gratitude makes one pretty joyous, so it's two birds! 

As I move through this life I will be mindful to spread Love not only to my family and friends, but also into dark places. The more Love aimed into these murky corners, the fewer murky corners there will be! 

I will continue learning from everyone and everything. I will do my best to see my failures as learning experiences, and to avoid self-doubt. A life filled with learning is a life filled with fun! (See SUP experience, right.)

What do you want for your birthday this year?