Mindfulness Journal: Calm Your Heart

May 12, 2021June 1, 2022Leave a comment

Writing is often therapeutic, but centering our thoughts and calming our hearts in a fast-paced society is easier said than done.

The small act of expressive writing can redirect upsetting emotions, allowing our energy to flow towards a meaningful life.

This journal has 26 writing prompts in the form of a question or statement, along with meditative art and affirmations.
Each prompt is geared towards reframing perspectives and aligning positive intentions.

Included are many blank lined pages for self reflection after each prompt.

Are you asking the tough questions?
Are you seeking personal growth?

While personally searching for a writing prompt journal I was unable to find one I connected with. The desire to create one for myself and others began to stir in my heart. I designed each journal with sincere intentions, and with the pure hope of helping to guide others, or open an individuals mind/soul to the idea of self reflection.
+ Ultimately, an opportunity, making time for yourself, and guiding you towards leading a life of mindfulness +

The phrase “Calm Your Heart” is spoken daily in our home when my sons are upset. I place my hand over my heart and theirs, then softly repeat the phrase to them until they are settled. This simple repetitive coping practice helps us process emotions while keeping us grounded in the present.

We could all use a gentle reminder to redirect our energy in a loving way.

+ Available now by ordering online +

https://www.amazon.com/Calm-Your-Heart-Mindfulness-reframing/dp/099787385X/ref=sr_1_40?dchild=1&qid=1620848313&refinements=p_28%3AMindfulness&s=books&sr=1-40

You’ve Already Failed at Keeping Your New Years Resolution & Here’s Why

January 5, 2016February 13, 20161 Comment

We’re two months into the New Year and let’s be honest, the majority of us have predictably failed at keeping our resolutions. In my early twenties I was much more optimistic about making simple lifestyle changes, becoming outrageously successful and of course, losing weight.

Topanga, Malibu, CA

We cling to this idea that right after Christmas the New Year will bring about dramatic changes in our lives. We chant positive affirmations, and the festive spirit of the holiday season allows us to live in this delusional happy state for a few weeks. Naturally, this optimism fades as the decorations come down and our mundane schedules pick back up. We quickly abandon the promises we’ve made to ourselves and here’s why.

Most resolutions are impulsive

Many of us make last minute resolutions on the first day of the year but they don’t come from a place of genuine concern or interest. They are impulsive or spontaneous decisions, and I’m sure you’re well aware of how hasty actions can quickly turn into awkward disasters. Yep, you’re right, it’s nearly impossible to stop smoking cold turkey, and it’s physically draining to work out every day when you’ve never exercised. So instead of reacting to this momentary impulse how about keeping it real with yourself in regard to your goals.Take it slow, layout a practical plan, and be kind to yourself for once. Accept this universal truth; we all fall off the wagon sometimes.

Resolutions or Abandonments? You decide.

At this point perhaps we should just change the word resolutions to abandonments, because that’s what most humans do. We inevitably abandon the promises we’ve made to ourselves.

You declare a newly found love for animals along with a hatred for factory farming. So the next step you take is a resolution to become a vegetarian in the new year. Two days later you’re chowing down on a juicy double cheeseburger at your favorite fast food joint. Swift abandonment. Indeed, we are the sum of our routines and these habits are hard to break. Is it negative to assume before you begin that you will fail? Perhaps, but it’s even more depressing and unhealthy to pretend we’re able to immediately stop or begin a new behavior effortlessly.

If we’re being honest with ourselves and wish to live an authentic life, the best solution would be to release this idea of resolutions and accept a new tradition of abandonments. Focused on leaving things behind, like our awkward obsession with Donald Trump and Kylie Jenner’s lips. Kidding. But, of course there are certain things we all wish to leave in 2015… is your list realistically achievable?

Not to be a negative Nancy, but more than likely you’ve already failed at keeping or completing your resolutions for many years. Am I wrong? However, in the process you’ve probably discovered how pointless resolutions are to proclaim in the first place.

Many self-help gurus may disagree, suggesting that we should focus on the positive progress we make, but there’s nothing wrong with embracing failure and being mindful of the things we’ll realistically abandon.

I’m in no way suggesting that you won’t conquer your fears this year, or become extremely fit and land a fantastic job. Eventually, your hard work and consistency will be equivalent to your reward. We all have a set of goals we’re working towards, and I commend the passionate pursuit of happiness. I’m simply recommending that we acknowledge our silly unrealistic expectations for what they are and try becoming less impulsive with our goals.

This year, Don’t make resolutions, Make sincere commitments.

Take the time that you NEED and commit oneself to something completely. In the words of the great Jedi Master…

“Do. Or do not. There is no try.”

-Yoda

The Empire Strikes Back

Authentic LOVE: Connected: Los Angeles

March 8, 2014March 8, 2014Leave a comment

Rosalie Bardo spent a day reaching out to a few locals in Los Angeles, California. Wandering from Hollywood and Highland to the Valley, asking them all one simple question.

Perspective:
What is Authentic Love?

“Often the simplest things are the most powerful. We are all CONNECTED and I genuinely believe we should never stop absorbing knowledge from those around us. Observe: Gain from another’s experience. We all have something unique to share, so go out and engage the world with compassion, patience and generosity.” -Rosalie Bardo

Connect with Rosalie via Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/rosaliebardo
Instagram: RosalieBardo

http://www.rosaliebardo.com

Video Produced by Bardo Entertainment (P) 2014
Song: Champion by The Chevin

Connected: The People of Venice Beach, Los Angeles

February 13, 2014February 13, 2014Leave a comment

Rosalie Bardo spent a day authentically embracing the locals of Venice Beach, California.

Perspective: If you could give one piece of advice to the world, what would it be?

Produced by Bardo Entertainment (P) 2014

An Uncharted Path

November 10, 2013November 21, 2013Leave a comment

THE CHARGED LIFE, the truly lived life, is not a routine existence in some quaint, picturesque village of safety and certainty. No, the life worth living is out there, in the wooded wilds of the unknown, on the craggy battlefields that test our wits and wills in the daily fights with our own demons.

It is found during the long onward slog through the storms and strife, when we hear only the whispers and taunts of foes and opponents stronger than we, on the ground where we are knocked sprawling and forced to face our own weaknesses, and on the mountaintops that we reach only because we pitted our every ounce of virtue, strength, character, and courage to keep climbing no matter the slings and arrows flung at our backs or the barriers thrown up before us.

It is only in the herculean quest for something more that life fills us with wisdom and meaning, but only after we have paid with our sweat and, at times, our tears.

It is in the marching on when we are tired and weak and fearful, and in the camaraderie of those fellow warriors we have striven with—our brothers and sisters and family and friends who cheered us on and toiled with us despite the messiness and apparent madness of it all.

It is out there on the path less traveled, an uncharted path chosen by each of us alone, an often meandering, overgrown path that leads only to another unpaved road or open field of opportunity, where we must strike out once more with the same hope for victory and transcendence.

It is out there when we have the guts to stand naked before the world as who we truly are, when we peer into the souls of those around us and finally see in them the image of the divine, that we plunge ourselves bravely and unconditionally into love that has no bottom or boundary.

It is out there, outside the confines of our comforts and the pleasures of our accumulations, beyond our architecture of the routine, that we slip the bonds of our limiting beliefs, soar magnificently above our own shortcomings, and express our highest selves.

It is out there, in a world rich with choice and challenge and fear and freedom, that your greatest gifts and adventures await you. Listen. It is out there that destiny calls. Be bold and ready yourself. It is time to charge once again.

From the book THE CHARGE by Brendon Burchard

Passion Portrait #BeSomebody

September 13, 2013September 14, 2013Leave a comment

ROXIE and ROSALIE BARDO are in… #besomebody.

Roxie Bardo and Rosalie Bardo have always shaken their heads at the status quo. “Ordinary” has never been interesting. “Expected” is where Passion went to die. Growing up in a small southern town, they wanted to free themselves from the familiar, and chase their craziest dreams… Now, taking on the Entertainment business and spearheading philanthropic platforms, they are paving a Path and a Purpose that’s growing bigger every day. Rosalie’s four children’s books will be hitting the shelves next year, and Roxie’s debut EP – which earned her a nomination as female vocalist of the year for the 23rd annual LA Music Awards – is now available on iTunes.

Check out their Passion Portrait here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJwWI6K2ySM&feature=c4-overview&list=UUPkRHQHa44tiwnq-Lzm5sVA. #besomebody.

Connect with #BESOMEBODY ! http://www.besomebodyblog.com/

#Besomebody is the fastest growing Motivational Movement in the world. Their Passion Portraits showcase people across the world who embody the #besomebody lifestyle by living their passion, building their dreams, and inspiring others along the way.

Join The Fight: Spread Awareness : Human Trafficking

August 10, 2013August 11, 20132 Comments

Human trafficking is a form of modern day slavery. It affects every country around the world, regardless of socio-economic status, history, or political structure. Human traffickers have created an international market for the trade in human beings based on high profits and demand for commercial sex and cheap labor. Trafficking affects 161 countries worldwide.

An estimated 20.9 million men, women and children are trafficked for commercial sex or forced labor around the world today.

Utilizing the power and influence of music, film, and celebrity –> MTV EXIT is a cutting edge and innovative media campaign that aims to raise awareness and increase prevention of human trafficking and exploitation.

http://mtvexit.org/jointhefight/#lightbox/1/

We need YOUR help to encourage greater awareness, stimulate a global conversation, and inspire change.

Human trafficking has become the second most profitable crime in the world creating a $32 billion industry: more than Nike, Google and Starbucks combined.

Victims do not agree to be trafficked – they are tricked – lured by false promises – or forced. Many are kept as slaves; starved, punished and beaten into submission.

The trafficker takes away the basic human rights of the victim: the Freedom to move, to Choose, to Control his/her body and mind, and to Control his/her future.

Trafficking in CHILDREN

Trafficking of children is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of children for the purpose of exploitation.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children states that there are 100,000-300,000 American born children likely to be victims of human trafficking each year.

The International Labor Organization estimates worldwide that there are 246 million exploited children aged between 5 and 17 involved in debt bondage, forced recruitment for armed conflict, prostitution, pornography, the illegal drug trade, the illegal arms trade, and other illicit activities around the world

Join MTV EXIT on GOOGLE+ , Twitter & Facebook

google.com/+MTVEXIT

BE A VOICE FOR THOSE WITH NO VOICE. Abolish Slavery. Take Action .

Other Great Sources to help Spread Awareness and Join the fight against Human Trafficking

http://www.polarisproject.org/human-trafficking/international-trafficking

National Human Trafficking Resource Center

Call 1-888-373-7888 or text BeFree (233733). The National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) is a national, toll-free hotline, available to answer calls and texts from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year.

(The NHTRC is a program of Polaris Project, a non-profit, non-governmental organization working exclusively on the issue of human trafficking. They are not a government entity, law enforcement or an immigration authority.)

http://www.endhumantrafficking.org/

http://dontsellbodies.org/

http://www.notforsalecampaign.org/

http://www.castla.org/homepage

http://www.unicefusa.org/work/protection/child-trafficking/

http://www.worldvision.org/our-work/child-protection?campaign=11935146&gclid=CNSLj-3x87gCFa9eQgodWBwALw

Success

August 2, 2013August 2, 2013Leave a comment

The question for each man to settle is not what he would do if he had means, time, influence and educational advantages; the question is what he will do with the things he has. The moment a young man ceases to dream or to bemoan his lack of opportunities and resolutely looks his conditions in the face, and resolves to change them, he lays the corner-stone of a solid and honorable success.
Hamilton Wright Mabie

(Picture: Malibu Beach, Los Angeles, CA)

Be Like The Moon

July 22, 2013August 11, 2013Leave a comment

“The moon will never lie to anyone. Be like the moon. No one hates the moon or wants to kill it. The moon does not take antidepressants and never gets sent to prison. The moon never shot a guy in the face and ran away. The moon has been around a long time and has never tried to rip anyone off. The moon does not care who you want to touch or what color you are. The moon treats everyone the same. The moon never tries to get in on the guest list or use your name to impress others. Be like the moon. When others insult or belittle in an attempt to elevate themselves, the moon sits passively and watches, never lowering itself to anything that weak. The moon is beautiful and bright. It needs no makeup to look beautiful. The moon never shoves clouds out of its way so it can be seen. The moon needs not fame or money to be powerful. The moon never asks you to go to war to defend it. Be like the moon.”

— Henry Rollins (Solipsist)