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advocacy, animal rescue, love, Mindful Activities, Mindful Eating, Mindful Living, poetry

Will you join me in this sanctuary song?

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.

Will you join me in this sanctuary song?

Blessings to you❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤍

Alexis

Mindful Activities, Mindful Living, Mindful Meditation, poetry

I see you in front of me

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 now

Let’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.

Surrender to the now, and be present today.

Blessings to you,

Alexis

Mindful Activities, Mindful Living, poetry

You Gave Me a Rainbow

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.

Blessings,

Alexis

education, health benefits, Mindful Activities, Mindful Living, Mindful Meditation, poetry

Your Mindfulness Breath

Your Mindfulness Breath

Sit still
think of nothing
only your breath 
coming in and going out

Do you hear it
the silence in your mind 
and the awakening in your heart

Do you feel it
the warmth in your body
the lifting of the life weight off your shoulders 
and the opening of your soul

Can you see it 
the lightness before you
the path to your true calling

Can you touch it
the beauty that lies before you
beckoning you to come closer

Will you allow it
this mindfulness
this path to true discovery

Will you accept it 
this beauty and love that surrounds you

It is always there for you 
waiting in your mindfulness breath

Sit still
think of nothing
only your breath
coming in and going out.
-Alexis Cress

Have you ever tried mindfulness meditation? As my 3 part Mindful Living series will demonstrate, you can practice mindfulness doing anything and everything (which I hope you do!).

The American Psychological Association describes mindfulness meditation as paying attention to what is happening in the present moment and then accepting what is happening without judgement. For example, when you are in a seated meditation focusing on your breath, and your mind starts to wander or a specific thought comes into your mind – no worries – just become aware of this without analyzing your thought or yourself, and come back to your breath. I will discuss more about mindfulness meditation in Part 2 of my Mindful Living series, as well as in upcoming blogs. It is one of my favorite meditation practices. Stay tuned!

Be mindful today, and experience your life in a whole new, glorious way!

Blessings,

Alexis