Barbara Schmidt's Blog, page 38
December 24, 2016
5 Lessons from 2016
One of my favorite end of the year pastimes is reflecting on the lessons learned over the past 365 days. I have been thinking a lot about time lately and how much it affects our lives. Time can feel like it speeds up or slows down, when really it remains constant but our perceptions vary. So in this matter of time, we are now approaching the end of another year.
In some ways for me 2016 feels like five years put in one, but in other ways, I can’t believe how fast it’s flown. Regardless of your outlook on this year coming to a close, a great way for us to honor the time that has passed is to reflect, remember, and reset for a brand new chapter.
For many of us, 2016 was a real doozy, giving us a hard smack down on life lessons. While some lessons may feel challenging, it’s always important to remember that it’s all part of our awakening and shifting to the very best versions of ourselves.
Here are my top five takeaways from 2016:
Life is happening for us not to us.
The lesson repeats until it is learned.
Loving yourself is a life requirement.
Accept and love people where they are on their journey.
Changing the world requires us to all participate.
What are your biggest lessons learned in 2016?
I would love to know; please share in the comments below!
xoxo, Michelle
The post 5 Lessons from 2016 appeared first on Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life.
December 18, 2016
Michelle’s Guide for a Peaceful Holiday
As cliché as it might sound, Christmastime truly is my favorite time of year. I just love the lights, the cheer, and the sense of magic in the air during this peaceful holiday. Though all of these qualities are beautiful, I sometimes allow myself to get too caught up in the expectations of Christmas and what the holidays mean to me, and therefore I can get into an anxious, unpleasant state.
We tend to put a lot of unnecessary pressure on ourselves to make the holidays perfect. We want to create the perfect family, perfect meal, perfect gift, perfect home décor, perfect party, and perfect life. As we know, life isn’t perfect, so whenever things don’t go our way we then feel defeated, unworthy, or just a tad bit Scroogey (speaking from my own personal experience).
I have put together this guide for you to give you some tips to actually enjoy the holidays and to feel sane, peaceful, happy, joyful and fulfilled. Also, you can give yourself permission to not feel any of those things if you wish. If we can step back and look at the bigger picture these are just days in a month. There is no need for pressure or anxiety. We just have to go into it well-equipped, with an open-mind, with full awareness, and ready to take on whatever comes our way.
Here is my go-to guide for a joyful, peaceful holiday season:
Take a few moments of quiet time with yourself to start the day. Even if this time is just a few deep breaths, it will immediately start your day on the right tone. Connect with yourself before you connect with the world.
Let go of expectations. Many of us create these picture perfect ideals in our minds of how the holidays should play out. Set your intentions, but let go of the tight grip on exactly how your time unfolds.
Practice acceptance. If things aren’t going your way don’t allow yourself to get unraveled. Remember the serenity prayer:
“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”
Have Gratitude for All You Have Now. The holidays tend to bring up many emotions, including a feeling of not having exactly what you want. Whether it’s a relationship, a job, a home, or a big one this time of year, the loss of a loved one, acknowledge your feelings and try to remember all that you have in this moment and that everything is unfolding in perfect timing. Express your gratitude for your life and all that you have right now. Amplify your gratitude.
Release Holiday Nostalgia. Many of us try to recreate memories or traditions from the past. Sometimes we even glamorize the past as a way to avoid feeling in the present. Take part in tradition, be fond of what has past, but remember to enjoy what the present has brought you. Changing things up can be fun and bring in new excitement.
Give in Love. The act of gift giving doesn’t have to be difficult or stressful. What we all truly want is love and human connection. Give the ones around you your presence, your attention, your love, and affection. A little bit of kindness and love goes a long way.
Remember That You Are Enough. With all the self-doubts, insecurities, expectations, deep-seeded desires, you still ARE enough. You don’t need to change anything about who you are. You don’t have to do anything to make people like and accept you. Remember that you don’t have to prove anything to anyone. Just be yourself, in the highest form, which is pure love.
I hope this simple guide helps you navigate your holidays with peace and ease! I wish you the most joyful, cheerful week!
xoxo, Michelle
The post Michelle’s Guide for a Peaceful Holiday appeared first on Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life.
December 13, 2016
Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life Holiday Gift Guide
Happy Holidays Peacemakers! We love this time of year! We decided to help you out with your gift buying this year by putting together an official Peacemaker Gift Guide.
There’s something so special about choosing gifts for loved ones to show how much you care. These are some of our favorite mindful and inspiring goodies. Happy shopping!
xoxo, Barb and Michelle
This book is a staple for every Peacemaker, written by our founder, Barb Schmidt. It is the perfect go-to guide to creating your own
mindfulness practice.
Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life Exclusive T-Shirt
Love our official Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life tees? This is the only spot to grab yours! Order by December 14th, for delivery by Christmas Eve.
Experience the benefits of acupuncture from your home! Michelle loves to stand on hers at the beginning of the day fo
r an energy boost!
Barb has been using coloring as mindfulness for the past two decades. It’s a great way to de-stress and tap into your creative side!
10 Mindful Minutes by Goldie Hawn
We just love Goldie Hawn’s take on mindfulness and are truly inspired by her MindUp organization bringing mindfulness into our schools!
Know a yogi looking to learn to move with ease? Tara Stiles’ Strala Yoga changed our lives!
These adaptogenic herbs are the perfect add on to your favorite smoothie, tea, or coffee! A current favorite of Michelle’s, the benefits are instantaneous!
We love Kathryn’s balanced, fun-loving approach to life! Her book is a must read for cooking, yoga, spiritual practices, and more!
We love these titanium bottles as a replacement to BPA filled, one-use plastic bottles. Gift yourself and the environment with these cute bottles.
Angel Cards are a great way to tap into your own intuition and get clarity on life’s questions. We love Doreen Virtue!
The Mindful Athlete by George Mumford
Looking for a mindful gift for the athletes in your life? George Mumford is a truly inspiring voice for meditation in the sports world.
Know a high school student stressing over college entrance exams? Grab Acing It as a mindfulness guide to the exam approach.
Essential oils are a must have in your household! We use oils for everything here at PMPL!
The Boy and the Dolphin by Dick Schmidt
Looking for a self-help book break? This book is the perfect feel good story for all the animal lovers out there!
Give the gift of toxic free beauty! We both love Tata Harper products!
Salt lamps are the perfect holistic addition to your home! Not only are they beautiful to look at they also have mental, physical and physiological benefits as well!
Astrology with Danielle Mercurio
Want to know what the cosmos have in store for your life in 2017? Book a session for you and a loved one with our dear friend Danielle Mercurio. Her readings are spot on!
The Universe Has Your Back by Gabrielle Bernstein
Gabby’s books always speak to us and give us the spiritual boost we need at any given time! This book is a great read, especially in these times!
Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life Peacemaker Pledge
As you know, PMPL is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing you inspiration, empowerment, practical tools, and programs to live your best life! Want to give to the cause to keep our programs running? Donations in any amount are so appreciated. We are so grateful for you and this wonderful community we have created!
The post Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life Holiday Gift Guide appeared first on Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life.
December 11, 2016
Michelle’s December Kindness Challenge
My friends we are well into December and in the full swing of the holiday season. I don’t know about you, but there’s something in the air this time of year that gives me a sense of joy and hope.
I know many of my blogs recently have had a different tone than you may be used to from me. There have been a lot of politics, current affairs, and the state of the world, which is somewhat different than my regular tips on how to live a happy life. This week I’m gifting everyone a month long challenge that will not only benefit you, but those around you as well.
To end this year in a powerful, kind, uplifting way we are going to take it back to the basics. Sometimes it’s easy to forget that simple actions can make the biggest difference in our lives.
So, I am enrolling us all in my December Kindness Challenge.
Often times the world around us can harden us, wear us down, and turn us bitter, and we unknowingly can take this out on the people around us, or even close ourselves off from the world itself.
The simple intention of being kind can break down these barriers. Kindness can turn sadness to happiness, apathy to sympathy, and despair to hope… not just for those around you but for yourself too! I want us to end this year feeling well in mind, body, and spirit.
Let’s all commit to being kind this month (and I’d be jazzed, if you wanted to extend it to eternity).
I have laid out my kindness challenge checklist for you below. Feel free to print it out, make it a game for yourself, and give yourself brownie points (or maybe just a brownie ;)) for a job well done.
Doing good in the world doesn’t have to be difficult; you just have to be motivated. Let’s get to work!
1. Be kind with loving yourself first. Make yourself a priority. Take care of yourself. This challenge really won’t work if you are ignoring your own needs. Set aside some personal time each and every day.
2. Be kind in eye contact. We have closed ourselves off to the people around us. Make eye contact with those you pass in the streets, with those you see in stores, schools, in lines, and with your loved ones. Making eye contact is a simple, meaningful way to let the people around you know you truly see them. Earn happiness points for giving them a smile as well.
3. Be kind in your time. Volunteer work is an incredible act of kindness. Our time is so valuable, intend to use it for good.
4. Be kind in your patience. Allow yourself the time and space so you can be patient with those around you. The holidays can mean lots of long lines, crowded spaces, and many different personalities. Set an intention to bring patience to the chaos.
5. Be kind in letting your loved ones off the hook. December can mean lots of family time (or time with the people closest to you). We all know that family dynamics can push our buttons, leading to awkward interactions and hurt feelings. If you have annoying relatives, let them off the hook. Intend to take a deep breath and accept them for who they are, in this very moment annoying quirks and all. We can’t change others we can only change our actions.
6. Be kind in generosity. We have so much to be grateful for. Generosity, no matter how small is always appreciated. Intend to perform random acts of kindness to those around you. It could be as simple as buying a coffee or a meal, or holding the door for someone in passing.
7. Be kind in meaningful conversation. We are human beings who strive for connection and meaning. Give the gift of kindness by engaging meaningful, connecting conversation. Bonus points for kind conversations with people you don’t know.
8. Be kind in your presence. When you are with someone, are you truly with them? Do you give people your undivided attention? Intend to be with the ones around you. When people are with you, they want all of you. Give the gift of your presence.
9. Be kind in forgiveness. If you are holding resentment toward long standing feuds or even the current political climate, set the intention to forgive. It’s enough right now to be willing to forgive those who have wronged you. This action of willingness is the beginning of wiping the slate clean for the year ahead.
10. Be kind with your finances. Are there causes, charities, and organizations near and dear to your heart? Intend to give to those in need. No amount is too small, your funds will always be of benefit. Remember helping one we help all.
Let me know in the comments if you are in for the challenge! Keep us posted on how it’s going!
xoxo, Michelle
The post Michelle’s December Kindness Challenge appeared first on Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life.
December 4, 2016
We Were Born for These Times
When times are tough, one of the greatest tools I rely on is my ability to change my perspective and view things differently. I know that how I view the world, and the thoughts I think are so important and powerful. These past few months have been incredibly eye opening to me. I have found that the more that I learn about the world, the more necessary it is for me to rely on my tools to remain positive and empowered.
The world is going through some very challenging times. If you watch the news for long enough, you hear stories that make you mad, sad, and everything in between. I will admit that I have felt very helpless lately. It feels like there is so much to do, so many wrongs to right.
With so many injustices, so much darkness, and so much hatred, where do we even start? It may feel like the world is worse than ever, but history shows us that just like the difficult times have happened before, there will always be the empowered, thoughtful, and inspired people who lead the way through.
Every single one of you reading this blog is a leader who can help bring us to more peaceful times.
My mantra as of late, when I start to feel completely helpless is, “We were born for these times.”
This affirmation immediately reminds me that we are here right now, on purpose. It completely changes my perspective and helps me to remember that we are never given anything we can not handle.
We are all here on this earth, at this moment in time, to contribute something. We all have a purpose. We all have the skills, thoughts, compassion, and knowledge to create a world that does not feel scary, unstable, and unjust.
The time is now to awaken our inner activists. We are no longer able to turn away from the problems of the world. We know too much, we’ve seen too much, and we all can do better. Because we are aware, we must take a stand.
There is always going to be some sort of battle to be fought, but the key to fighting is remembering that we are specifically equipped to fight each one. We were born for these times.
My plea for you all this week is to dive deep into your souls, and find what causes you are ready to fight for. Every single one of you is needed. No act of kindness is too small. If each of us does our part, imagine the world that we would live in.
We are all alive right now in this moment to contribute something. What is your contribution going to be?
xoxo, Michelle
The post We Were Born for These Times appeared first on Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life.
November 27, 2016
Gratitude in Action
For those of us in the United States, we celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday this week. Though giving thanks should be something we practice every single day, I am truly grateful for a national holiday that forces us to recognize all that we have and live in gratitude for that day. Traditionally, I love Thanksgiving. I love all the elements that make Thanksgiving a wonderful, cheerful holiday.
However, this year, Thanksgiving felt different for me. Maybe it’s because there’s so much happening in our world right now, but this year I felt as though I needed to do more than just be thankful. I felt like I needed to live and act in that gratitude. I figured, if the act of expressing gratitude creates so many wonderful things in life, surely acting from this gratitude can create that much more.
What if you let the things that you are grateful for, guide you into action, into being of service to ensure that everyone in your community or in the world could have those very things that you hold so near and dear to you? What if our acts of gratitude created the opportunity for others to experience all that we are grateful for?
Giving thanks can be more than a holiday that comes around this time of year; it can be a way of life. We all have so much to be grateful for, what better way to show this, than to ensure that others feel the gift of that gratitude.
We are at a critical time in this world. This is the time for us to notice the blessings we have in our lives, and then take action on them. Your actions are powerful. Gratitude in action has the capability to create real change and help so many.
Want to know how you can live in gratitude?
First step, identify what you’re truly grateful for. Here’s a few suggestions to get you on your way:
If you’re grateful for…
…the roof over your head, find time to make sure everyone has shelter or a place to call home.
…food to eat and clean water to drink, commit to helping and serving those who lack food and water.
…your health, help others find their optimum health or donate to causes that search for health solutions.
…your child’s education, help organizations that ensure all children are properly educated.
…your job and your financial security, help to inspire others to find their true passion and career that will bring them abundance.
…nature, the earth, and clean air, research opportunities to promote the well being of our world’s home.
…your freedom, be impassioned and empowered to make sure that everyone in this world feels free.
What are you grateful for? How will you live in gratitude this week?
Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments below!
I am so grateful for all of you.
xoxo, Michelle
The post Gratitude in Action appeared first on Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life.
November 20, 2016
5 Affirmations for Dealing with Fear
Fear is playing a large role in our lives right now. Actually, fear is a large part of our lives always. Whether you are fearful of tiny nuances or large world issues, fear is the one feeling that keeps us stuck, blocked, and out of touch with love, freedom, and our true nature. While it is true that there are many things that are fear inducing during these times in our lives, it’s also true that we have the power within us to rise against that fear.
In a yoga class today with my teacher Elena Brower, I heard a statement that resonated with me deeply. Elena said, “We have the power to control what broadcast plays in our minds.” We might not be able to control what happens externally, but we can control our thoughts and reactions to it. How true and timely for us at this time!
As we know, our thoughts matter. They manifest. They create our reality. Where are your thoughts taking you right now? Are they feeding your fears? Are they lifting you up? Are they keeping you stuck? Are they pushing you forward? Only you can take this inventory, and ultimately only you can make the choice to change your broadcast. One of the most invaluable tools in changing your thoughts is the practice of affirmation repetition. Negative or positive thoughts tend to breed more thoughts along the same lines, which is why sometimes you can start thinking one small negative thought, and 20 minutes later be down a rabbit hole of rumination and fear; or why positive affirmations can lead to a better mood throughout the day.
Affirmation repetition stops you from spiraling down the rabbit hole and corrects your thought path. Your mind can only think one thought at a time. Be mindful. Notice when you start thinking a fearful thought, and have the desire to change that thought to something positive. Affirmations are amazingly effective and can instantaneously change your mood. The key is having the awareness to make that change. If you are here today, I know you want this change in your lives, and so I have put together five affirmations for you to use when you start feeling the fear-based thoughts coming on.
1. All is well. I am safe and supported at this time.
2. I am always in the right place at the right time; I trust the process of life.
3. Everything is happening for my highest and greatest good.
4. I release my fears and choose love instead.
5. I have the power to change my thoughts; I choose to see this situation differently.
I hope these affirmations bring you a great sense of inner peace and safety from within! How do you cope with fears? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments below!
xoxo, Michelle
November 13, 2016
Post-Election Path to Peace
To start things off, let’s take a collective deep breath, as this has been quite a week. I take my job very seriously and today I offer you my take on how to live the happiest, most peaceful life. Generally speaking, I avoid diving into politics here, but when major life events happen, that disturb the peace of mind for many, it must be addressed. To be clear, however, this is not a political post. It will address the political events that have taken place, but will be nonpartisan. I so deeply desire this to be a safe space for everyone, no matter what your political views. Everyone is welcome here, cared for here, and loved here.
No matter what side of the political spectrum you are on, you have been affected by this week’s United States presidential election. Though this week feels difficult and divisive, I’ve found that we have some very positive outcomes, important lessons, and useful ideas that we can take from this election.
It’s safe to say that change, no matter what form, can bring up a lot of feelings- mainly fear, uncertainty, and anxiety. We don’t know what the future will hold, but let’s be real, do we ever? Every person who comes to this site, and who is a part of the Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life movement, wants to be inspired, cares, and wants to create change and peace within themselves and in this world. Whatever happens in the external world does not change this fact, so this is important to remember. When you have the strength from within, you can tackle whatever life throws at you. Ultimately, it is your strength that is required in times like this.
I have created a little action plan for all of us to incorporate into our lives. I know deeply that when we all do our part, we will create miracles.
1. Start Listening. No matter where you stand politically, chances are you were shocked by this week’s results. How I see it is; there is a massive portion of the population that feels unheard and abandoned. We are being called to start listening to one another. We all have needs, desires, and values. Listen to one another and make everyone around you feel heard.
2. Have Empathy. Compassion knows no boundaries. It is time for us to start cultivating the sense of understanding, especially for people who have views that differ from our own. We all have our opinions for a reason, and we are being called to start seeing things from all sides and to have empathy for all.
3. Be Kind. Just because we may have different political views doesn’t mean we can’t love each other. If we lose our sense of love, how on earth can we expect to live peacefully in this world? Love is what will save us. We are being called to be kind and to love one another. Allow people to feel safe in your presence, always.
4. Take Action. Although I am concerned about the divisiveness of this election, I am actually grateful for some parts of it. This period in time has shined a light on where we have work to do. It is redirecting us, showing us clearly what we care about, and giving us a new sense of purpose. Is there a cause that you are feeling strongly about right now? This is your calling to get to work now. This election has certainly given me a new sense of purpose. We are being called to step up and stand up for what we believe in.
I believe strongly that everything happens for a reason and that there are no mistakes or accidents in life. Every situation can teach us something, but most importantly every situation can teach us how to love more.
I wish you all so much love and hope. As we continue the conversation in the comments below, please remember this is not meant to be a political debate but rather how we can support and love each other more. If you would like to get deeper into the political aspects, you’re welcome to shoot me an email and we can talk more there.
Love you all!
xoxo, Michelle
November 6, 2016
How to Keep Setbacks From Holding You Back
A few years ago, I wanted something very, very badly. I was in total manifesting mode, I believed it, I could see it, I knew that it was going to happen. I was also super attached to what form this thing that I so desired would manifest in. I had my hopes set high, and then things didn’t work out the way I wanted them to. In the moment, I was crushed and defeated, thinking that I had done something wrong, or that the odds were stacked against me and my true desires. Then I remembered that sometimes there are detours in getting to the destination. I reframed the situation, doubled down on my faith, and held strongly onto the trust that ultimately I would find what I was looking for. This reframe saved me from going down a dark rabbit hole, and it’s something I remember daily when I think that things aren’t going my way.
Have you ever wanted something so badly you thought you would be devastated if it didn’t come through? Have you ever pined for something so deeply that you felt down in your soul that it was bound to be true? Have you ever felt all these feelings just to discover that the thing you wanted went to someone else or the feelings weren’t true? Have you ever experienced setbacks and deep disappointment? Have you ever felt like the Universe wasn’t working on your side?
I know you all have felt something like this at least once in your life.
The truth is we all have high hopes, ideals, goals, and very specific desires. It truly is wonderful when we manifest these things. Sometimes, the Universe has different plans. Sometimes we don’t get what we want, but we truly get what we need (thank you, Rolling Stones). What if we could re-frame setbacks, rejections, and disappointments? What if we could see it all differently, so that even when our minds perceive things going wrong, our hearts know that things actually are going right?
This is our work this week. I think it’s timely work because it’s safe to say we all have very intense expectations and desires for this coming week. The United States (and the world) is approaching a immensely important moment in history next week. No matter your political beliefs, we all feel the pressure of getting what we want. What a perfect time it is for us to practice in these days ahead how to manage our expectations, while still holding firmly to our deep desires.
If things don’t go your way, remember. . .
– Rejection is often times a redirection
– Just because it’s a no right now doesn’t mean it’s a no forever
– Look for alternate solutions to your perceived problem
– Don’t lose a drop of your desire
– Tweak the details of what you really want to help yourself find clear direction
– There is a lesson in everything. What can you learn from what is showing up in your life?
I hope these little tips help you to remember that set backs don’t have to hold you back. Remember, everything is unfolding exactly as it should! Trust that!
xoxo, Michelle
October 30, 2016
How to Manage Stress During Stressful Times
When thinking about writing this blog, this quote by M. Scott Peck came to mind,
“Life is difficult. This is a great truth, one of the greatest truths. It is a great truth because once we truly see this truth, we transcend it. Once we truly know that life is difficult—once we truly understand and accept it—then life is no longer difficult. Because once it is accepted, the fact that life is difficult no longer matters.”
I first heard this quote a long time ago and was kind of annoyed by it. I didn’t like that it put the energy out there that life is difficult. But, the times that we are in right now have shifted my view on this. Life is not stagnant. We are constantly changing, moving, growing, and shifting, and so we go through periods of great difficulty, stress, and discomfort. On the flip side, we go through periods of ease, peace, and happiness. The key is to truly know this truth, so that whatever times we are experiencing, we can manage it and go about our daily lives as best we can and not be thrown off track.
Once we know life is difficult, and at times it can be stressful, we are immediately empowered to take back how we manage it. This is where I come in for you this week, if you might be feeling stressed right now! There is a lot happening in this world. I don’t usually describe myself as a stressed-out person, but lately, I feel it. I am leaning hard on my practices to manage these feelings, practices that I will share with you to help you navigate these waters as well. Here are my simple reminders, that I incorporate in my life, to bring me back to a neutral, peaceful state.
1. Meditate. I meditate daily regardless of what’s happening around me. I can’t stress enough how much balance it brings to my life! Because I meditate I am set up to handle things better, I can take in stressful things in a more calm manner, and I am not knocked completely off kilter when difficult things happen.
2. Get outside. Spending time in nature is grounding to the nervous system and the soul. No matter where I am in the world, I make a point to get outside a least once a day, breathe in the air, and take in Mother Nature’s grounding, calming energy.
3. Let go. We have many thoughts a day, a majority of them, I would say, are negative. Take some time to journal. Just free write and get out all your negative or anxious thoughts. I promise you will feel clear headed! In anxious and stressful times, our minds can go wild. Putting pen to paper and letting go of these thoughts can be a great way to find peace.
4. Unplug. We take in so much energy and time from technology. Whether it’s through social media, news outlets, or texting, we are constantly being bombarded with information coming in and sending out. By unplugging (powering off your phone, closing up your computer, turning off the tv, and being without technology) just for a few moments, you rebalance your nervous system, clear your mind, and bring yourself back to your center.
5. Move. Find time to move your body in a form that brings you joy, daily. Exercise is a great way to release stress and bring “feel good” endorphins to your body. For me, even a few minutes of daily exercise, can move stress out of the body and bring some immediate relief.
I hope these simple tips help you in these stressful times! Do you guys have go-to’s for stress management? Let me know in the comments!
xoxo, Michelle
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