It happened two years ago. The jungle night was quiet (I live in a small area of the rainforest in Central America), except for a few toads singing under the moonlight. We were all in a deep sleep (canines and feline too) in preparation for the year anew. Then – noises louder than I had ever encountered! BAM! BAM! BAM! I was shaken out of bed. Lights filled the house, I thought I would soon be dead. Where was I, I couldn’t remember. What was happening, I couldn’t decide. An asthma attack came, I couldn’t breathe. My throat filled up, my hands were shaking, my heart was pounding, I couldn’t move. Was it gunfire, this sounded louder, lights – so blinding. The sounds of sizzling and crackling outside our bedroom window and roof. In the flashes of lights I could see our new puppy darting from one side of the room to the other trying to find safety, trying to jump out the window. Our older dog panting, heart beating, and hiding in the closet. Our cat flying under the bed, crying. How to make it all stop!!!
My husband’s words finally calmed me, as they always do. Then we realized it was fireworks from the neighbor’s above. Why did they have to shoot them right above our house? Why did they not warn us? All questions I came to ask the next day, and every year since.
We learned a lot that night, and we will never be the same this time of year. I learned that my PTSD (which I have experienced off and on throughout the years), comes when “shocked” and triggered by loud, sudden sounds. I am not alone. I learned that dogs too have PTSD, and can be negatively impacted forever from just one occurrence of fireworks.
The debate goes on. It seems like every year in our mountain community there is a debate about fireworks, the pros/the cons (always more cons), but the fireworks continue on. Why in this era of knowledge, where information is literally at our fingertips, do we still choose to do things that cause pain and suffering to other living beings. For example, a dog, whose hearing is 4 to 7 times stronger than a human’s can actually go deaf from fireworks – the sound literally is deafening! This is the same for wildlife, which we have a lot of in our area of the world. And, did you know 50% of dogs are afraid of fireworks? Cats, similar to dogs, can also suffer the consequences of fireworks,with episodes of hyperventilation (they breathe with difficulty), tachycardia (the heartbeat is accelerated), muscle tremors and in some cases even drooling, or hypersalivation. Also, no wildlife is immune from fireworks and the devastating consequences. Birds leave their nests from the sudden booms and lights, some never return back to their young. Other birds ingest the poisonous chemicals in the air and on the ground. A conscious choice to light up the sky for viewing pleasure leads to pain, suffering, even death.
Not an animal lover or lover of the environment? The effects of fireworks aren’t discriminatory, in fact, they also affect humans. Not only do they adversely impact the air we breathe, but also the sudden noises, the sudden flashes cause those suffering from PTSD to be living their nightmares all over again. And, people with auditory/sensory processing disorders and mental health problems are also impacted. Many people enjoy the fireworks and don’t know the impact caused by them (I was once like this). Others may possibly know but don’t care or are indifferent. But, please understand that there is probably someone you love or living near you that is adversely impacted by fireworks.
What can be done? There are so many steps that can be taken to alleviate the pain, suffering, and death caused by fireworks. Besides the obvious, don’t use them, there are “silent” fireworks for those that are impacted by the sounds. Or, choose to not shoot the fireworks off yourself but go somewhere else, a public venue that is having fireworks. Many parts of the world do just this because fireworks are often illegal for individual use in many areas of the world. Other countries or towns are banning them altogether. Yes, fireworks have been (and will continue to be) a part of tradition, a part of culture. But, cultures are never static. They are always evolving and changing due to technological advancements, education, changing social norms, and migration. Other suggestions are to talk to your neighbors about having a firework-free neighborhood, especially if you live in close proximity to your neighbors or live in an area surrounded by nature. But, if you must have them in your neighborhood, please let your neighbors know the exact place, exact time, and the type of fireworks, so they can prepare for the event. With this information, they can secure themselves, their family pets, and their farm animals. This strategy doesn’t work well for the wildlife or the environment, but it does help protect, prevent, and save many lives. Doesn’t that sound like a good thing?
This year, please say NO to fireworks and YES to Protecting those around you, Saving those who cannot defend for themselves, and Preventing environmental hazards. Thank you!
Heaven’s Way
Heaven is
where acts of giving
are without
search of praise
Where hands hold together tighter
in the storm and haze
Where the answer isn’t
ego’s self-reflection before action
but the strength of mountains
moving the ocean’s waves
-of inaction
-of discontent
-of selfish ways
Heaven is
love in its most
unconditional way
Will you live
today
heaven’s way?
-Alexis Cress
May your every day be filled with waves of unconditional love.
You’re not alone
even when the night is dark
there are angels nearby
guarding around
You may feel afraid, hungry, and hopeless too
but know an angel is watching over you
Be certain that she sees you there
your life is a gift of love and light
don’t despair
When I saw you there
my tears poured down
I felt your pain, your fear
of being alone
Were you abandoned
or did you lose your way
It’s still hard to believe the world
would turn away
We are learning and trying
to be better each day
Our true hearts are shown
in how we choose to live today
As you rest your head
upon the rocky ground
know that you are loved
You are never alone.
-Alexis Cress
We are never alone. When I started writing this poem, I was reflecting on the abandonment and neglect of animals. But, when I came back to the poem, I was thinking of those in our society who are forgotten, ignored, broken. How we choose to live today is not only important to our own physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing, but it also affects all beings around us. We are so powerful and we are so loved. We are never alone.
Sanctuary Song
Let me be a sanctuary
for all beings
with voice, with action, with song
For those who can’t speak
a voice that moves mountains
- Earthquake Strong
For those who are imprisoned
break their chains
of suffering and pain
For those whose cries
are unheard
lift them up in flight
lovingly in the wings of a heavenly bird
And for those whose bodies are too weak from fighting
strength in numbers
- Community Strong
Using our voices, our actions
- Together
becoming a sanctuary song.
Will you join me in this sanctuary song?
-Alexis Cress
Are we looking? Have you ever had one of those weeks where humanity and its actions (or inactions) really get you down? Whether it’s reading about the never-ending violence in the world, witnessing the continued inhumane treatment of animals, or watching the many migrants crossing through the country with the look of desperation and fear in their eyes. This world definitely shows its sadness for all to see. That is, if we are looking.
But love is here. Yet, I also read about and witness everyday the MANY amazing people and organizations who continue to fight for and give refuge to those who need it most – they are sanctuaries.
No act of kindness is too small. To be a sanctuary, your actions don’t have to be huge, just big enough to make a difference for one person, one animal, one being. Maybe today, this action is just a simple smile given to someone who other’s walk by and ignore. Or it could be an action of present awareness to your family and friends, by truly listening to them with love and support. Maybe you say no to a burger or another form of animal meat, maybe just for today. Or, you finally sign up to volunteer at the local animal shelter. There are so many small (which turn into HUGE) ways to make a difference everyday.
Surrender to the Now
When I surrender to the Now what do I see?
I see the sun’s rays dancing on the long grass reeds
I see the palm trees swaying from side to side
I see birds and butterflies flying by
When I surrender to the Now what do I see
I see YOU in front of me
When I surrender to the Now what do I hear?
I hear the rustle of the leaves as they touch side to side
I hear the buzz of the hummingbird’s wings
I hear the song of the birds as they sing
When I surrender to the Now what do I hear
I hear YOU in front of me
When I surrender to the Now what do I feel?
I feel the mist of the morning mountain dew touch my skin
I feel the breeze of the ocean’s salty air blow my hair
I feel the sun as it touches my cheek with a smile
When I surrender to the Now what do I feel
I feel your presence in front of me nowLet’s surrender to the Now
This is where life truly lives
-Alexis
The greatest gift you can give anyone, any being – is YOU. When you are truly present, there is an openness, a light, that shines. This light is felt by all beings around you, especially the one right in front of you.
You Gave Me a Rainbow
You gave me a rainbow today
as I walked to our special place
This is where we walked together
when we wanted some quiet space
Where we could see for miles
and feel the cool morning air
and watch the gifted sunrise
behind the mountain
greeting us there
Where we felt free
no more pain or sickness within
We could fly up high with the birds
our wings far reaching the cloud’s pink
and feel the sun’s warmth on our cheeks
as we floated upon the rainbow’s drink
Now my feet stay rooted to the earth’s ground
and your bright light is up above
But we will meet again I promise
in our daily acts of love
Together in rainbow’s light we will always be.
-Alexis Cress
Nature and all her beauty give us the gifts of healing, of present moment pause, and she often reminds us of those who have touched our lives. Because of the memories we’ve shared in nature or because our loved one’s presence is felt in the ocean’s breeze, or in the starry moonlight, or when the rain kisses the sun and a rainbow is born. May your day be filled with moments of nature’s beauty today.
Your voice is the answer
When you see something wrong
don’t turn away
Make this the moment
to say something
to act
in a kind, supportive, and positive way
Use your voice to support others
to find strength in numbers
in community
this is where our power lies
Together we can move mountains
Save the abused
Rescue the forgotten
and right the wronged
Together
we won’t be silenced
by the abusers’ anger, their intimidation,
or threatening ways
All actions have consequences
inactions do too
And when we choose not to act
the consequences
are part of the problem too
Please don’t turn your eye
to abuse, to neglect
to the pain of another being
today
Let your voice
be their hope
A hand
leading them out of harm's way.
-Alexis Cress
TOGETHER – we will move mountains💜💜💜.
While I was working with animal rescue here in Costa Rica, the amount of dog and cat neglect and abuse I saw was heartbreaking💔. I often questioned why some community members would turn their eye to the abuse or not want to get involved. Because I truly believed (and still do!) that when more people get involved within their community, become more educated about their community’s problems, the sooner we make positive changes for the good of all beings involved – whether it is in animal rescue, poverty, domestic violence, or other community concerns. You may quickly find that all community problems are connected in some way.
As human beings we have the emotional and intellectual ability to not only feel and know when something is wrong with another being or situation but we also have the capacity to make positive changes for all involved. Just one simple smile to a stranger, one kind word to a neighbor, one act of service with a community organization, could change or even save another being’s life.
I know it can be scary sometimes to speak up, to get involved, but when you see or hear something that makes you uncomfortable – trust your gut, your intuition. I encourage you to speak to someone. Ask questions. Become educated. Your action (no matter the size) may truly be the hand that leads someone out of harm’s way.
Your Voice – Their Hope.💜💜💜
Thank you for all you do to make the world a better place for all beings.
Did you know that being mindful, specifically the practice of mindfulness meditation, can help you learn more about yourself? And, what better person to learn more about!
Sitting with our breath, our mind, for just a few minutes a day, can help shine a spotlight on our habitual responses, our self-talk. Sometimes our self-talk is reassuring and helpful, but other times it can be negative, cause turmoil, and lead us to make wrong choices or decisions. We can be our own worst enemy. But, when we take the time to learn more about ourselves, our thought patterns, we can become more accepting and compassionate towards ourselves and towards others.
In my three-part series on Mindful Living, I have discussed two ways of living mindfully – MindfulEating and Mindful Wakeups. Today’s blog post is about mindfulness meditation. Mindfulness meditation is a seated meditation practice where you focus on your breath, your thoughts, your emotions, but let them pass without judgment. I have practiced and taught this form of meditation for many years. As someone who has dealt with anxiety and stress over the years, this form of meditation has helped me learn about my habitual thought patterns and as a result learn how to become more calm and more relaxed. In addition to potentially relieving stress and anxiety, mindfulness meditation can help improve sleep, improve health, and even improve brain function! The Harvard Gazette says “Doing mindfulness is like a fitness routine for your brain,” she said. “It keeps your brain healthy.”
Before I give a few suggestions on how you can start your very own mindfulness meditation practice, I first would like to tell you what mindfulness meditation is NOT:
It is NOT a religion.
It is NOT a relaxation exercise, rather it is a way of understanding (through practice) of how our mind behaves and how our mind and body work together as a whole.
It is NOT going into a trance.
It is NOT escaping from reality.
It is NOT for only monks.
Rather, Mindfulness Meditation is a study of ourselves and an exploration of our life experience. It reminds us of what we are supposed to be doing and who we are. It helps us truly live!
Let’s get started in Mindfulness Meditation:
Find a quiet place to sit without being disturbed.
Decide on a specific time for the meditation session. If you are a beginner to mindfulness meditation, I would suggest you start with 5 minutes. The Insight Timer is a great app you can download onto your phone. This app also has guided meditations!
Wear loose, comfortable clothing. A meditation cushion helps in both comfort and posture. Find a seated position that works best for you and your degree of flexibility. Sit up tall. Place your hands palm-up on your knees. Or, if you prefer, rest your hands (palms-up) in your lap, or another hand gesture you are comfortable with. Heathline.com gives some additional options on seated meditation positions.
Relax your shoulders. Tilt your head slightly forward so your gaze is naturally directed to the floor in front of you.
Relax your jaw and mouth, with your teeth slightly apart. Do not clench your jaw. Your lips are slightly touching. Tip of tongue touching back of upper teeth, or rest behind your lower teeth.
Close your eyes: Breathe naturally. Sit for about one minute before you begin – allow your heart and breathing to slow.
Gently bring your attention to your breath and begin the meditation session: There is no particular goal. Just sit and breathe. Allow yourself to be absorbed in the practice.
Allow your thoughts and feelings to come and go without attachment: Don’t try to control your thoughts in any way. Don’t follow them. Just note them and return to your awareness of the breath.
How to handle distractions: There are quite a few ways to handle distractions, and I will note a few here, but in time you will find techniques that work the best for you. Deep Breaths – take a few deep, quick breaths when you realize you have become distracted. Counting – on your inhale count “one, one, one” until the lungs are full of air, then on your exhale count “two, two, two” until your lungs are out of air; continue this until you reach ten and repeat if needed.
Meditate in this way for 5 – 20 minutes (beginners for less time). It is more important and beneficial to meditate for 5 minutes each day, rather than an hour every two weeks. Daily practice is an essential element of effective meditation.
Are you ready to meet YOU? Are you ready to explore and learn more about your beautiful, divine self?
I hope this blog gives you the gentle nudge you need to try this profound meditation practice. Please contact me if you want to learn more about mindfulness meditation. As a practitioner and teacher of this mindful practice, I would love to help you along your mindful living exploration.
Alexis Cress Yoga and Rainbow's Light 