MUSIC LESSONS

My husband and son both like to sleep with the TV on. I prefer silence, but often wake to the sound of gunfire or other testosterone filled sounds blaring from the boob tube. I've gotten pretty good at blocking it out, but this morning reminded me that what we feed our mind matters, even if it's in the background. The channel was tuned in to a music documentary about Bobby McFerrin working with gifted singers. The kids were talking about how Bobby is so gifted that all he needs to perform is his voice and mic and maybe a chair. It sounds like he has a band accompanying him, but it's just his 5-octave range and the way he so easily weaves in and out of the notes that gives him such a unique sound. They pointed out that Bobby McFerrin doesn't need flashy costumes or anything besides his voice to entertain the audience. Bobby said that music is more than entertainment. He said the purpose of music is to heal the heart the mind and the spirit. I agree and I know it works because I would normally be bummed to look out the window and see it snowing when it's supposed to be spring. Instead of focusing on that, I was focusing on how amazing it is for Bobby McFerrin to be sharing his gift with the next generation and how music does indeed lift the spirit. So while the snow is falling, I'm singing Bobby's song...

Kathy

P.S. He said he wrote "Don't Worry Be Happy" in 30-45 minutes during a recording break!

HAPPY DAY

I am so happy that today is International Happiness Day! Why? Because it's the first day of SPRING! I absolutely LOVE spring. It is my most favorite season of the year. I love seeing the earth in bloom. It makes me happy just thinking about. The warmer days, the sunshine, the gentle rains, it's all a beautiful symbol of the life we are meant to live in all God's glory and with infinite possibility. Yes, I get a bit manic about it, especially after such a long, cold winter. I am ready to spring to life and I am starting with spring cleaning - of my body! I am doing a juice "feast" today to clear the toxins out of my body. I am going for a walk and getting some fresh air and Vitamin D. I hope you are enjoying your day of happiness too and pray that this spring brings you abundant health and energy to live your best life!

Kathy

SPRING CLEANING #Juicing #Detox

I love spring. It's my favorite time of the year. To me, it feels like more of a fresh start and renewal of the spirit than New Year's Day. It's a time of forgiveness. I am forgiving myself for the numerous times I've fallen off of the wagon this past winter. It's also traditionally a time to clear out the clutter and do spring cleaning. That's exactly what I am doing. The first day of spring which is next Thursday, I am doing a "spring cleaning" of my body, riding it of the toxins and chemicals I have ingested. I have never lasted more than a day doing a juice cleanse also known as "detox". I would like to do a three-day detox, but I will be happy with even a one day. I know detoxes are controversial and fasting is often associated with crash diets or religious practices, but it's like everything else, do what works for you. I can tell when it's time to give my gut a rest and flush the chemicals out of my body. I begin to feel sluggish and get brain fog. I know the best practice is to eat clean, which I strive to do, but it is a process and coming from a lifetime of eating the standard American diet, it takes effort to stay on track. I think of "spring cleaning" as a way to recommit to my pledge to live my healthiest life.Part of my "spring cleaning" plan is walking outside so I can get fresh air, get my blood circulating, and clear the dust bunnies out of my mind.

What about YOU? What does spring mean to you? I hope it is a time of renewal for you too, not just of the body, but also of the mind and spirit. Let's let go of all those negative voices that are within us and around us as well as our self-limiting beliefs so that we can open ourselves to receiving love and compassion.

SIX DAYS UNTIL SPRING! Oh  yeah!

Kathy


Below is a juice detox recipe from one of my favorite holistic wellness mentors, Dan "The Life Regenerator" McDonald. I love what he says about the process of eating clean and getting healthy:

"More people quit than stick with it. Don't be one of those people. Yes, you'll hit the wall; yes, you'll stumble; yes, you'll fall; yes, you'll fail; but if you stay persistent, the angels of light will come and put wind in your sails... You will reap the rewards of planting the seeds of persistence, patience and dedication." ~ Dan McDonald

 

Music and Sunshine

This dreary weather is taking its toll on me. I want to feel the warmth of the sun on my skin. I want to go for a walk outside without worrying about slipping on the ice. Enough of the cold already. I'm so ready for spring. Spring is my favorite time of the year. I love seeing the earth coming back to life. Color everywhere. Renewal of energy and spirit. A celebration of faith and a time of forgiveness. Spring is where my spirit feels most alive. I long to carry that happiness into the other seasons too. Warm sunny days makes my heart smile. When it's cold like it has been for what seems like forever this winter, I have to think of other things to lift my spirit. Music works wonders. Here are a few of my go to songs. I hope it's warm where you're at and if you need your spirit lifted, give these songs a listen!

What songs lift your spirit?

Kathy 

 Somewhere Over The Rainbow by Israel "Iz" Ka'ano'i Kamakawiwo'Ole

Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen

Walking On Sunshine by Katrina & The Waves

Pocketful of Sunshine by Natasha Bedingfield

Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield

Happy by Pharrell