The "new" New Years Resolution

Hello beautiful people, 

As this year gradually finishes unfolding my mind has been highly reflective on this  year, & contemplative for the adventures that are without a doubt quickly approaching. Typically speaking, in past years I haven't been one for New Years resolutions however, this year I think I'll start. I've put some delicate thinking into what exactly I'd like to be resolute about in the year 2014. Upon settling on my aspiration I also discovered the things I dare not carry with me into the next year. First, I refuse to take petty stressors with me. For each of us those variables may be different but they are all equally unhealthy for both our minds and body. Do yourself a favor and ditch those. Secondly, negativity. Whether it's permeating from a toxic relationship of sorts or manifests within your thoughts, you don't need that clouding your life perspective next year. Wash your hands of any negativity that you currently deal with. And the last thing I absolutely do not want to hitch hike with me into the new year is regret. Personally, I feel being regretful for any reason is just as painful as if someone was squeezing your heart ever so slowly until every ounce of life was drained from it. Similar to the idea of death, being regretful robs you of joyful memories, time, and peace of mind.  Be bold and promise yourself that you will be regret free in 2014. 

So what then is my First New Years Resolution? In 2014 I will continue to turn inward. Becoming more aware of who I am, my purpose here on this Earth, & how my gifts can be used for the glory of God and the good of others. Peeling back the layers of who I am, discovering myself in ways never before known. Awakening my spirit so that I may in return be a more mindfully stable woman who is so sure of who she is that she no longer frets about personal wants/desires and instead can harvest every ounce of my being and energy into others. Yes, that is my New Years Resolution. What do you desire to be resolute about in this coming year?

With Joy,

BW

Let it flow freely...

At times in life all we can do is cry... & that is perfectly acceptable. In fact it's  perfectly normal & I highly recommend it.

With Joy,

BW

We have a right to silence, peace, & calmness

Hello Friends,

I hope this post finds you happy, healthy, & thankful.  I've been debating on what my big second post would be about, and today while I was meditating it came to me.  I want to write about how each person has the right to silence, peace, & calmness.  I'm not talking about external silence, world peace, or emotional calmness, as lovely as those may be, I am referencing mental silence, mental peace, & mental calmness.  

In order to obtain this level of mental aptitude we must first adjust our perspective of who-controls-who.  We control our minds, they do not control us.  Our minds are hyperactive monkeys that are continuously bouncing, jumping, & tugging at us for attention.  If you've ever attempted to meditate or sit in complete silence you know what happens when you try to sit that little monkey in the corner, it simply becomes louder & even more obnoxious!  Unfortunately, the more active your brain, the more challenging it's going to be to silence it.  Remember, patience is a virtue, be kind to yourself.   With persistence you can and will achieve mental silence, peace, & calmness.  Why would one want this you ask?  Why would one not?  The euphoria of such a feat is similar to the release one feels after an intense orgasm.  Imagine... mintues ticking away, floating unnoticed by your consciousness as you sit in mental silence.  Absolutely no thoughts, good or bad, mundane or extraordinary...nothing on the horizon but pure organic mental tranquility.  Talk about refreshing.  Being in this state of existence for as little as ten minutes of your day is like allowing your soul to have a deep exhalation,  where all of your tension & worry melt away. Treat yourself, rearrange your morning, lunch break, afternoon, or evening & begin taming that monkey. Meditate & pray. 

You not only have the right to mental silence, peace, & calmness. You deserve it & your soul craves it!! 

With Joy,
BW

Sophrosyne (n.) "a healthy state of mind, characterized by self control, moderation & a deep awareness of one's true self, resulting in true happiness."

Allow me to enlighten you on the history of who Sophrosyne was and thus how I came to title my blog after her.  In Greek mythology, Sophrosyne is believed to be one of the good spirits that escaped Pandora's box and fled to Olympus.  Sophrosyne is the goddess of moderation, temporance, self-control, restraint, and discretion.  The complex meaning of Sophrosyne translated in English is thought to be most accurately described by the two sayings of the Oracle of Delphi: "Nothing in excess" and "Know thyself."

It is said that Socrates believed that the journey of self-knowledge should be honored more than the attainment of wealth and the most valuable possessions a person could have are their virtues.  The term Sophrosyne insinuates that organic life long happiness is reached when our mental needs are satisfied, resembling the idea of enlightenment through harmonious living, a principle deeply rooted in yoga.  

After much thought and dancing around the idea of becoming a "blogger" I discovered what was behind that driving force to share my personal thoughts and life experiences with others. We are all human beings.  That was it.  That's why I want to write.  To be human, man or woman, it isn't easy. However, looking inward, living simplistically and always seeking God can make being human a little less daunting. I want to write about my inward journey and help others with their journey too! That's why I'm making myself vulnerable and sharing my words. And that's the story of  how The Seed of Sophrosyne came to be. :)  

With Joy,

Brittany