Tag: poetry

Mindfulness Journal: Calm Your Heart

Leave 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

A Message To My Sons

2 Comments

TaiGreenwayTN

           I hope you never seek validation from others in any aspect of your life

I hope you are confident in your desires and remain true to your personal passions

I hope you cling to wonder and curiosity

I hope you recognize your power to manifest an intentional and tranquil life

I hope you are capable of being happy for others

I hope you understand that gratification is fleeting, as is every emotion and moment

I hope you find peace in simplicity

I hope you transform this world, but do not become lost in the trend

I hope you stand in the rain and still enjoy getting wet

I hope you gain insight from those you encounter and embody lifelong learning

I hope you cry when you are sad

I hope you cry when you are joyous

I hope you speak with eloquence and love

I hope you gaze at the moon in admiration

I hope you accept the journey of LIFE with ease and calm

I hope you choose tolerance

I hope you travel to seek, not travel to tourist

I hope you help people without expectations or applause

I hope you demonstrate patience

I hope when you experience deep sadness you have the courage to redirect your life

I hope you appreciate the value of time and never allow money to consume you

I hope you can sleep without melatonin, and survive a day without caffeine

I hope you rest when you are tired

I hope you strive when you are capable

 I hope you smile when you think of me

My wish for you…I am hopeful

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

1 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

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

How I Learned to Live With Passion (article: Elite Daily)

Leave a comment

How I Learned to Live With Passion (article via Elite Daily)

My grandmother Brenda was born in the mountains of Alabama in 1942. By the age of 19, just months after giving birth to my mother, she was diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Mental illness was not discussed in the 1950s and 60s like it is today. It was a taboo subject in rural areas of the South, which left many people shunned, hidden away and accepting the few treatment options that were often just radical experiments.

My grandmother was one of these hidden individuals. Brenda was institutionalized her entire adult life, bouncing around between mental hospitals and group homes in Alabama and Tennessee, until the day she died in 2012 at 70 years old.

Can you fathom being mentally and physically confined in a way that is completely beyond your control for 51 years?

Read the Rest of Brenda’s story here -> http://elitedaily.com/life/learned-live-passion-grandmothers-struggle-schizophrenia/

Authentic LOVE: Connected: Los Angeles

Leave 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

Leave 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?

“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

Produced by Bardo Entertainment (P) 2014

The Locust Effect

2 Comments

The Locust Effect

Imagine what life would be like if you woke up every single day afraid to go to school or afraid to walk to your local grocery store. Afraid to share your story with local authorities because you knew your voice would not be heard. 

Imagine what life would be like if you had NOTHING shielding you from violence.

“While the world has made encouraging strides in the fight against global poverty, there is a hidden crisis silently undermining our best efforts to help the poor….

…It is a plague of everyday VIOLENCE.”

I was honored to be given a chance to read an advance copy of ‘The Locust Effect‘ written by Gary Haugen, CEO of the International Justice Mission (http://www.ijm.org/). I’d like to share with you a few notes about the book and how we all can TAKE ACTION to positively impact those suffering from violence and poverty.

The Locust Effect

Everyday thousands of people around the world work for humanitarian organizations invested in helping those in need, ending poverty and spreading awareness for Universal Human Rights. Many of these organizations solely focus on water aid, food aid, disease prevention, shelter, and education; unintentionally avoiding the underlying CORE issue(VIOLENCE) that strongly dictates the overall impact or efforts of their work in ending poverty.

There are many devastating things happening all over the world at any given time, but this book genuinely emphasizes how important everyday basic safety truly is in order to lead any sort of a productive life. 

For example, we may be able to build a school in the developing world to give the opportunity for a substantial education, but of what use is this school if young girls are traumatized and afraid to walk there every morning due to the fear of rape or abduction? They inevitably do not receive a formal education, nor do they receive necessary assistance or protection from local law enforcement in order for them to flourish and make steady progress.    

The core argument of The Locust Effect is that the direct solution to violence against the poor is law enforcement.

How can a society restrain violence if it only addresses the exacerbating factors in the absence of a functioning justice system? The Locust Effect lifts the veil on common forms of violence against the poor in the developing world(Corrupt police officers, forced labor, rape, murder) and sheds light on the lives of the 4 billion who live outside of the law’s protection.

This book is painful to read, but worth every heartbreaking minute. There are many detailed personal accounts of devastating violence against families and individuals who have no honest or effective way of protecting themselves. Nonetheless, it’s an enlightening and necessary read pertaining to universal human rights for those interested in making a lasting and positive global impact.

In order for there to be successful unified progress in ending global poverty, we must first address the underlying core issue of violence and the brokenness of developing world justice systems.

Violence and abuse may often be hidden, however we can no longer deny or turn a blind eye to it’s powerful negative impact on the world’s poor.

The Locust Effect will effortlessly inspire you and lead YOU to TAKE ACTION.

This book can be used as a tool for knowledge and motivation. It will forever change the way you view those living in poverty, and leave you with the hope that we CAN and WILL create safer environments for the poor to be given the equal opportunity to thrive!

In 2015 there will still be around 883 million people living in extreme poverty.

IJM is wholeheartedly invested in fighting to help those who have been taken advantage of(without financial means to protect themselves).

Please assist IJM and Be A Voice for those with No Voice.

Buy The Locust Effect February 2-8 and for every copy sold in the U.S., a generous donor will give $20 to IJM*. (*up to $40,000 – enough to cover the cost of 8 rescue operations.)

Visit http://www.thelocusteffect.com/ to Learn more and to Get Involved!

Follow IJM on Twitter for Daily Updates!  https://twitter.com/IJM

*All author royalties from your purchase of this book will help fight violence against the poor*

Food For Thought: Communication

Leave a comment

Stars

Communication

Many will tell you they refuse to discuss politics or religion, claiming it’s ‘personal’ or unproductive.  However,  they’ll carelessly discuss random relationships, their hair, what they ate for dinner 2 weeks ago or what is worn to bed every night… along with other void filling nonsense.

But once any topic that resonates as awkward or intolerable is brought up, they RUN.

The problem isn’t that it’s personal, the core issue is COMMUNICATION.

The Inability To Communicate.

The FEAR of confrontation, rejection, misunderstanding, or because one is merely unable to openly express why they believe or feel a certain way.

Lack of constructive communication skills lead to severe emotional, physical and mental devastation.

Add to this the technological advances that have made it far too easy for us to avoid healthy or necessary conversations-picture apps, texting, social networks, slang/shorthand-  and our Face to Face communication skills are becoming nonexistent.

We’re all guilty of completely misunderstanding someone and feeling offended or becoming defensive and critical.

We blame, criticize, doubt and are then fearful of all that we can’t fathom or comprehend..

 …Simply because We Don’t Understand One Another.

There are far too many adults unable to discuss ideas or express emotions effectively, and this is a poor reflection on our society.

WE CAN DO BETTER.

Rather than avoiding matters of substance, can we accept utilizing our voices for the common good?

 It’s our responsibility, to future generations, in setting the example by implementing vulnerable and open communication at home, with friends and in public. It starts with YOU.

Don’t just tell your child to SPEAK, show them how to positively communicate.

Express your affection, doubts, concern, and praise without avoidance, but with love and sincerity.

Encourage your children to genuinely express themselves, to embrace new information and to openly discuss their curiosities.

Never be afraid to use your voice and speak your truth

Ultimately, the inability to communicate leads to extreme emotional distress, hate, discrimination, ethnocentric attitudes(Crimes-Wars-etc.), and a multitude of problems on a daily basis within our relationships(family & business) that few choose to acknowledge.

However, mustering the courage to openly share or exchange information with tact, vulnerability, tolerance and acceptance is incredibly empowering.

Add to this- the ability to LISTEN, or  fully absorb a response, while taking  into consideration the other person’s perspective-

 and You Will Experience a Vocal Awakening.

We’re all CONNECTED and I genuinely believe we should never stop absorbing knowledge from those around us.

Listen. Agree to disagree, but please, face life head on, and don’t avoid conversation.

Be Courageous.  

SPEAK. Be a VOICE not an ECHO

Sincerely, Rosalie Bardo