Cristina Istrati's Blog, page 5

Light up a candle for our world.

I love the light that a candle can produce. I love how it chases away the darkness and how, by just looking at it, one can feel the connection he has with the Creator. I often think of candles as being small angels sent to us by God, to protect us from evil and to remind us that it is from a place of light that we`re coming from. Deep down, I know people are aware of this truth; they just have forgotten about it, that`s all. But even so, the light they carry within themselves will always shine and it will always be “the bridge” that connects with the greatest light of all times: God.

Whenever I meditate or want to calm down my mind, when I want to uplift my heavy soul, mind and body, I light up a candle. I just love looking at it as it gives me such a beautiful feeling of peace, harmony and serenity. It reminds me that even as the sun is covered every now and then by clouds, it still shines its precious and wonderful light, and therefore, I too have the duty to move forward and push against obstacles. I owe it to my Creator; I owe it to my spirit and to my fellow human beings. Can you imagine what would happen if the sun stops to shine or fail to raise? So is everybody in this world, my friend. We are made from the same stuff as the sun, the stars and everything else in this infinite Universe. Hence, if the sun and stars shine, we too have to shine the light of our souls. It`s what we came here for. 

The world – as we know it – needs healing; so much healing. It goes through many problems right now, but there are happening good things, too, and I am so very happy about it. The world is big, no doubt about it. And because it is big, we, as humans, fall in the trap of thinking that we can`t make any difference at all because we`re too small. And if we are indeed to make a difference, then the only way to do this or is possible, is to have billions of dollars in the bank account and have immense power and influence.

Really? Is that so?

A person can make a difference only when/if he/she has billions of dollars in the bank account? Only if they are super powerful and influential?

Well, if this is the case then we wouldn’t have all those stories about amazing people who saved other peoples` lives because they are not billionaires, are they? And what if, let`s say, a person will have billions of dollars when he/she`ll be 80 or 90 years old? Does this mean they`d have to wait until around that age to make a difference? Isn’t that a waste of time and life?

Everybody can make a difference, no matter how big or small. You don’t need to be Donald Trump, Oprah Winfrey or Warren Buffet to change somebody`s life. How did you get to that? It`s a silly way to think, really. You have EVERYTHING, and I do mean EVERYTHING you need to be your best self and change/touch as many lives as you possibly can. There`s nothing that can stop you, so go big and play a big game.

I was mentioning earlier how we all come from the same space of light, from God. We have come here on Earth and live in the same big house – our planet – and everything that happens in the world affects us all because we are all one. It doesn’t matter that a war starts in the Middle East and you`re living in Africa; it doesn’t matter that you`re living in America and people in Africa are hungry and don’t have food; it doesn’t matter that you`re living in Europe or Asia, thinking that you`re safe from the misery other people might be facing. It`s all in your head if you think “you`re safe” as it`s not true at all. It affects you too, even if you don`t realize it.

This world doesn’t belong to us, for it`s God`s but we belong to it. Mother Earth doesn’t need us but we, the human race, need her; we depended on her. Therefore, the world is not ours but we have the duty to take care of it. We can send our positive thoughts to the world and its people; we can pray for it; we can be kind and respectful to nature as without it, we`d be dead, too; we can be kind and respectful with our spiritual brothers and sisters; and yes, we can light up a candle for the well-being of our planet . You may think you can`t do much even though within you there`s a great desire to help make things better. Light up a candle and pray for you, for your dear ones, for your country, for all countries and all people.

Your sincere prayer, charged with your soul`s vibration, will make such a big difference that you didn’t even think it would. Silently, in your own home, light up candles and pray for the well-being of our world. If more and more people do this, can you imagine how our world will look like over years? It will be a wonderful, peaceful, harmonious and loving place for the next generations that will come here, and they`ll be grateful to you; they`ll thank you for having made your contribution; they`ll thank you that even in doubt, you did your part anyway. So, let`s all light up candles and be a united force to remove the negative side and the darkness. One doesn’t need to wait until circumstances are perfectly aligned because they will never be perfectly aligned; one can start small and take the first step: light a candle. Then before they`ll know it, the second candle will be lit, and then the third, and the fourth…And slowly, with one candle at a time, our world will be covered in light.

Talk to you next time:)

Much love & light:)

Cristina

Reveal goddess Shakti from within.

There is a goddess in every woman. This goddess is called Shakti and she represents the eternal feminine energy. Together with Shiva, Shakti creates the eternal duality of feminine and masculine.

There is Shiva/Shakti side in every creature but Shakti is best represented by women. Why women? Why Shakti? Because there was a need for this universe to have balance. Masculine can`t be without the feminine, and the feminine can`t be without the masculine. These two life creating energies make the world as we know it and they can`t be separated. Shiva (I love this word:)) is your unique embodiment of awareness and consciousness. He is also known as “Lord of the dance,” and is the essence of masculine and yang energy, the manifestation of presence, purpose, and skillful means.

Then comes Shakti, the essence of feminine and yin energy. From this essence springs everything that is linked to beauty, balance, harmony, peace, creativity, grace and playful energy. Although I love Shiva and is one of my favorite god from the Hindu triad, I`ll talk today about Shakti. I will write about Shiva in one of my future blog posts:)

Every woman is an embodiment of the goddess Shakti. This is why I called this article Reveal goddess Shakti from within as this goddess silently resides in every woman. Some of them have become aware of it and they live from this truth on a day to day basis, while other women are yet to make this discovery. Nothing wrong with that. It`s just what it is. But one can tell the difference between a woman who is aware of the divinity living inside her and a woman who isn’t aware of it. It`s just something about the way they see themselves, the way they think and act  betrays their lack of awareness about this subject. And of course, there are the women who do have this knowledge and the spark in their eyes lets everybody know about the inner transformation that that woman went through. And must say, it`s charming:) 

In my opinion, nothing is more beautiful, attractive and sexy than a woman who lives from the plenitude of her being. If I`d be a man, I`d marry a woman like this for sure as it`s sooo appealing!:)

So, how does a woman reveal the inner goddess within her?

I`d say there are several steps to achieving that.

The first that comes to mind is to accept the fact that you are a goddess in human form. How do you do that? Make peace with all that you are and all that you aren’t; all that you have or don’t have; and all that you do and don’t do.

Since Shakti is perfect feminine energy, isn’t it obvious, my dear, that you too are perfect inside out? And so are all the women out there. It`s only society and its conditions that taught us that we are not perfect unless we have a certain height, weight, face and a bee-like waste. This is rubbish. Rubbish!

Every woman is beautiful and unique in her own way and every woman – and I do mean every woman – shouldn’t waste a penny over what society demands or stands for. I am serious. You have come here to experience life, not to follow a bunch of stupid rules and requirements made by a bunch of stupid people who didn’t have anything better to do than to create this “table of content”. Screw it. You don’t need it. You are Shakti. You can do whatever you want.

Secondly. Let yourself be molded by the Shakti goddess. What does this mean? Follow those things that ignite a spark in your soul.

Shakti has many ways (so many that it`s impossible to count:D) to express herself. It`s just what she does. She is a goddess, after all, and she is infinite when it comes to choices. Therefore, the best way to see what plans Shakti has with you is to follow your soul`s calling. Maybe you feel touched when it comes to music? Or maybe you enjoy to play with clay and produce beautiful statues? Or perhaps you feel a call toward writing, or painting, or fashion…? Listen to the goddess within and see what she tells you.

And thirdly. Be seductive. Yes, you heard me. Be seductive:)

And now you`ll probably ask why:) No worries, I have the answer:) Here it is: because it`s in your nature to be seductive. You just have to let it come to the surface. Oh well, yes, because men love it too, why not say it, right?:) So, why not use this gift?:) I have to be honest and tell you that I love to use it:D Yup, and feel no quilt whatsoever for admitting it. On the contrary, it`s an empowering feeling, and yes, it`s great!!!:)

Put aside your (at least every now and then) your masculine side and allow yourself (allow Shakti, better yet) to be the kind, gracious, elegant, charming woman you really are. Allow Shakti to work through you, let her dictate you how to carry yourself, how to think, how to speak; let her move your body, and yes, let her dictate your body language ( very important:))

I am not a man, but I honestly think that they are very drawn to those women who are feminine head to toe:) I don’t think they are drawn to women who are half (or more than a half) men, you follow me? You know, women who have the warrior-kind-of-attitude?:D I have met women like this and I, for one, didn’t like it at all.

So, be seductive. Let men be men (it`s what we women love about them:)) and you be who you`re supposed to be ( a manifestation of Shakti:)

It`s by far much more appealing;-)

Talk to you next time:)

Cristina

 

Don`t leave your seat.

The world. A scene. Everybody comes and goes according to the time granted to them by the director of the play – God.

There are people on the stage right now and there are also people on the seats, watching the play as it unfolds. Everybody is mesmerized with the way the worldly show goes, everybody is enchanted because there`s glamour in it, there`s magic, illusion; there are fireworks, dazzling lights and shining, illusory masks worn by those on the stage. And this stage, my friend, is not just any kind of stage, nor has it been built by following just any structure. No. It is more than that. The stage has been built following precisely the standards, patterns, requirements and etiquette of the human society.

These actors who`re on the stage now would gladly take off their masks as it`s tiring to wear them, and would gladly play their God-given roles in any way they see fit to it or how they would want, but they can`t for they are trapped on that stage and are playing the roles in a way that satisfy society. They don’t play those roles for themselves; they don’t even play them for the sake of their audience. They play them to please society and its demands; it controls them and it pulls the strings just like a puppet maker does with his puppets. 

Everybody on that stage is wearing a happy face while their soul cries on the inside but they entertain that “happiness” with illusory thoughts and desires, and when there`s a firework of blinding light – it`s when they are at their happiest as they think all eyes are on them and it makes them feel so important.

Some people in the audience cover their faces behind a fan to protect their eyes from that strong light, for they – wise souls – know that the light (just like anything else ) is just a temporary illusion and they wonder how come other people, both in the audience and on stage, don’t see this.

Oh, but the actors are so good at making that stage look like it`s the most perfect and real thing that could ever exist!

They dress up in fancy clothes, they acquire belongings, they decorate the stage with everything a heart can wish for; they spread all over the place expensive ornaments and colors of any kind as if the goddess of illusion , Maya, came down from her abode into the earthly plane, showing everybody just what faithful servants she has. The show is marvelous indeed, having the goddess herself on the stage. The lights, the colors, the glamor, the masks and fake smiles…all of it is so tempting for the viewer. So tempting that he/she considers the idea to stand up and go to that stage, to step on it, to step into that illusion. He/she wants to touch it, just a little bit.

No! Don’t do that! Don’t leave your seat!, I shout at them but they don’t listen. Blinded by the splendor and opulence, they walk to the stage and get up on it but once they do that, it`s over, they are lost. Once they are on the stage, they think that that “world” is the real thing, that it`s how it is supposed to be and they identify themselves with it, they melt into it and become one with it. Maya, the goddess, smiles. She`s pleased, watching everything while sitting on her golden throne.

It`s late for those souls now. They think that it`s them who make up that utopic world; they think they are everything they think, have and do, not knowing that beneath all that lies their soul, burdened by the heaviness of the material-based thought, desire and action. They don’t know that they are divine beings, carrying in their soul the seed of divinity itself: God. They have forgotten who they are and where they come from. Maya has managed to lure them into believing that this material world is all there is and one`s worth is set by how much they achieve and gain, not realizing that in the end, everything will go back to its rightful master – God.

Whatever you do, my dear fellow human being, never ever leave your seat, having the stage in front of your eyes. It`s the only way you can prevent yourself from getting hurt; it`s the only way you can prevent yourself from getting “swallowed” by this worldly place. It`s the only way you can become and remain aware of your divine being, of your beautiful spirit that only wants to keep you away from this deep and thick mirage. One can reach the bottom of the ocean – as it has one – but one can never reach the bottom of this illusory world we live in as it`s just like a mirage we see at the horizon: too shiny and too far away.

Beware. Watch the play on the stage but never think you are the play.

Hope this article will bring to your soul what it needs:) Feel free to share it with your dear ones:)

Talk to you next time:)

Much love,

Cristina

Find your way home.

Remember the time when you felt down? The time when it felt like nothing is working and everything seemed to be so hard and confusing? Yup, I can hear you, my friend:) I`ve been there too, for many times in my life:)

But you know what?

It is in precisely then when our faith is being tested and regardless how big the difficulty of that situation, we should never never lose our faith.

Actually, in those moments, please find your way back home. You can do it.

When we face hardship and challenges, it`s not as much about the hardship in itself as it is about the “picture” that our mind creates of that situation. I myself have experienced this, so believe me I know what I am saying:)

As human beings, we always find a way to overcome things, and we always find a way to figure it out but it`s the image that our mind projects to us about our circumstances that makes us feel small, fearful or panicked. It`s really all about that image.

There is also another reason why we feel small helpless: it`s because we have left our “home” and when I say home I don’t mean your physical home. No. When I say home, I mean your place within.

Because of the image that your mind projects back to you, you feel small, as I have said before, and because you feel small you need to do something, to come up with a way to “solve” whatever problem you may be facing. Well, this literally means going on a trip where your only companion is your mind; your soul is left behind. It`s like when you have two best buddies and you take one of them and go for a trip while the other remains at home (I do mean the physical home here:)

Our mind, if not disciplined, can take us wherever it wants and this creates anxiousness, it creates a miss-balance between the correlation soul-mind-body because the mind is weak without the soul`s power. This is yet another reason why you feel scared or helpless. But when both our soul and mind are united and work together as one for you, fully engaged… My God! Can you imagine what kind of freedom can you experience? What kind of power and self-expression? Not to mention about the amazing results you`ll achieve:)

There you want for most of the time your mind to be synced with your soul and ultimately, with your body. We have a trinity within ourselves and should one of the parts miss then we wouldn’t be having a trinity anymore, would we?

So, what you can do is to find your way back home, find your way back to that place that is within  and it`s always there for you, full of peace, clarity, wisdom, balance, love, harmony.

Whenever your mind goes astray – and I know it`s just what our mind does, isn’t it? –  whenever it goes astray, go back. Return “home”, return to yourself. You can do that by noticing the small blessings around you, and feel gratitude for them. You can do that by admiring the wonderful nature around you, you can do that by engaging into something that you love to do:)

This will always – without fail – take you back home, and you`ll feel joy again, you`ll feel love, you`ll feel excitement and happiness for being alive:)

This I can promise you:)

Much love,

Cristina

My time in London…

It`s always a great pleasure for me to visit London. Don’t know why, it`s just something about this city, and I feel myself very drawn to it. I love the British air of the city, its architecture and the nice people. Not to mention about the famous English Breakfast and the amazing food!:)

It`s so good!! Make sure you try a proper English breakfast ( eggs, sauces, beans, mushrooms, bacon). I know, it sounds quite heavy a first meal of the day but believe me, it`s totally worth it!:)

I hesitated at first too, thinking, “Wow, bacon and eggs at 9 am?”, but I went for it anyway, and believe me, I didnt regret it one bit!:)) It`s very, very tasty, so make sure you have a breakfast like this when you go to London:))

I got there Monday morning, on the 23rd, around 10 am. God, was I excited!:))

In the plane, I had this continuous smile on my face that I feared to some point that people will think that there`s something wrong with me Hahaha:)) For real!:))

But it didn’t matter! It just felt so good and I wanted to enjoy the moment! And this is what I did!:)) I was also listening to my favorite Indian music in my headphones, so that added an extra amount of happiness too:)), as I really really love Indian music:))

I started the “exploration of the London city” with a visit at a nursery called Bright Little Stars, owned by a good friend of mine, and actually a person whom I admire very much:)) I had the most amazing time while visiting that nursery:))

Oh my God, was it beautiful!! I would repeat it again and again, for real, as the place is pure magic! We went inside and my friend showed me each of the rooms where the children were, either playing or sleeping, or outside on a wooden made balcony, playing games with the teachers:)) I was so happy to see all those children:)) And they were curious to see who this new person was, and what was she doing there. I waved at them and they waved back, piercing me with their big, innocent and curious eyes. Divinity at its best… I thought to myself while glancing at them. I smiled when I saw their toys, their small beds, their coats that hung in the hanger… It also brought a smile on my lips when I saw the beautiful walls covered with drawings made by the children… So happy that see all that!:))

The energy coming from the children was amazing! So pure, so inspiring, so strong… I liked it so much!

For several minutes, while I was in that nursery, I forgot about myself. I forgot that I am an adult, I forgot that my body and mind belong to an adult person, and I found myself wishing I`d be a child again, even for just one day… Isn`t it funny? When we are children, we wish to be grown-ups and when we are grown-ups we wish we`d be children again.  Quite interesting, really… I looked at them, being fascinated by that purity that filled their eyes and smiles… I loved that moment, for real. I will never forget it.

After leaving the nursery, together with a person who`s very dear to me, I went to Krishna temple, located just outside London. While driving to the temple, I literally had the experience of traveling back in time, I am not kidding you. As we were leaving the city behind, we approached this rural area, where green fields, houses and animals replaced the noise, cars and tall buildings of the modern life. It was as if the entire area had been touched by the air of the 19th century, and while getting closer and closer to the temple, I was somehow expecting to see Jane Austen, Emily Bronte or Charles Dickens walking just on the side of the road, smiling and carrying their quills and papers with them. I know it`s strange, but this is the experience I had because the place was so fully charged with the elegant and bohemian feature of the 19th century. To my disappointment, I didn’t see Jane, nor Emily, nor Charles…:P but I surely enjoyed the experience and moment, that is for sure.

So we arrive at the temple. We get out of the car and walk toward the building. As we were in the yard, I could feel an immense peaceful vibration of the place. It was just like when a Hindu or Tibetan priest is meditating, and the only thing present is the silence, both in and outside of him. Nothing to think about, nothing to do, nothing that could disturb that deep inner journey and quiet mind… This is how the temple came across to me – as a priest who`s meditating, and whose meditation is so profound that nothing can disturb it. The temple was placed in the middle of the yard, surrounded by green grass and in front was this beautiful and natural lake, with ducks swimming in the water:)) It was such a lovely sight:))

We went inside and I was amazed to see the statue of the man who created that place, Srila Prabhupada. The statue looked as if it was alive, for real. The facial expression, the eyes, the way he held his folded hands… Everything looked so real! I bought myself a medium sized lotus Krishna statue (I`ve been wanting a statue like that for a very very long time. So happy that I finally have it now:)), and a book called The journey to self-discovery. If you want to read more about this temple, please go here: http://iskcon.org/ . If you`re anything like me, you`ll love this place:)) I am much looking forward to my next visit there!:)

After this spiritual experience, my friend and I went to a pub (and not just any pub, but one that is 600 yrs old!:)) They say that Oliver Cromwell himself stayed for one night here:)) This pub… I`m telling you, you really need to go and see it whenever you`ll fly to England!:))  It`s called Ye Old Fighting Cocks. It will blow your mind!:))) You`ll love the old building and its design, the old wood, the furniture, even the old fire place! I was absorbed to see its beauty and medieval air!  It`s always a pleasure for me to see places like this one, as they have this incredible power to take you back in time… even though you`re still in the 21st century, you know what I mean?:)) It`s amazing, really:))

Then, the second day, I had the great joy and pleasure to discover Charles Dickens Museum, located in Chancery Lane. As soon as I stepped inside the house, I was completely overjoyed!! My God, it was a wonderful experience! We started with the first floor, where the dining room was and another room where Mrs. Dickens would take care of the mail and correspondence while watching over the children, too. It was pretty much like a study room, with a small fire place, books, a small sofa, and a table. That was all, but it was so charming:))

On the wall hung a big painting of Mrs. Dickens:)) I can only say that Mr. Dickens had a great taste when it came to women and he surely knew what to choose when he got married Good for him!:)

Then we went to the next level where I had the pleasure and absolute honor to see… the room where the writer worked on his books. Oh my God! What a feeling! I couldn’t believe it! I got to see the table he wrote at, the chair he sat on, even his quills!:)), his huge library, containing all the books he read or the ones he wrote. All of them, right there, aligned ever so beautifully on the shelves… Even though it wasn’t allowed, I touched all these objects, I just had to! I wanted to feel the chair he sat on, wanted to touch the table he wrote at all those amazing stories… I know I wasn’t allowed but I am so happy that I did it anyway:))  After all, I don’t get to see Dickens`s house every day, do I?:)) The next floor followed, where I found Mrs. and Mr.  Dickens`s bedroom, a smaller room that looked like a bathroom for children and the maid`s room. The last floor was occupied by the nursery and a small room like an attic, and on the walls were written fragments from Dickens`s works.

Oh, nearly forgot Should you fly to London anytime soon, please make sure to check out these places, Ping Pong ( they have these amazing dumplings:)), and The Duke of Wellington- you`ll love the wild boar sausages with smashed potatoes, trust me on this one;-) Another place totally worth going to is Electric Dinner- you`ll love shrimp & grits and fried egg:)) I tried out myself and it fantastic!!

And of course, it wouldn’t be London without Indian food, would it?:))  Therefore, please check out this incredible place called The Regency Club. Ever wanted to have some real, proper Indian food? This is the place! You`ll be enchanted by all the Indian spices, flavors and ingredients, and the design of the pub is so cool that it made me resemble it with Bollywood itself:))  It`s really really good, and by all means, pay it a visit:))  You`ll thank me later:)))

On the third day, I ventured into the visit all by myself:)) Not a bad experience, I must say. I was a bit restless at the beginning, have to admit, but after a short while, I got used to everything and it didn’t even seem to me that I am just a person visiting London but a person who`s been living there for a long time and knows all the streets and places. London is not complicated, you know:)) It is a big city – without doubt – but one can easily manage it. So I headed to Kensington Park, to see the the famous palace where princess Diana lived.  I took many pictures of it, as the palace is quite a jewelry. It`s surrounded by greenery and there`s this alley that takes the visitor from the gate to palace, an alley that has trees on either sides of it. In the back of the palace is the garden and then comes the lake, with its swans and ducks:)) I stopped to feed them and I think they were quite happy about it:D

In the evening, I met with a dear girl friend of mine, Andreea, who`s been living in London for nearly two years:)) We went to the same high-school together, and knowing that she`s living in the British capital, I let her know ahead of time and this is how we met, after 10 years, when we graduated:))  It was so good to see her after all that time:)) We met at the restaurant/bar where she`s working, and talked for around 3 hours We did have to catch up on so many things, didn’t we?:)) It was one pleasant evening, that`s for sure:))

In the fourth day, my friend and I went to see the gorgeous Tower of London, which is located on the Thames`s shore:)) This tower has something special, something of its own and you can`t stop and wonder how the royal figures must have lived in here, as the building is full of mystery, history, royalty… a building whose walls have witnessed some of the most important events in UK`s history. I saw the royal jewelry collection, painting of all the British monarchs and the halls which “hosted’ all kinds of war items: swords, armors, guns, cannons, even statues of horses! Also, men who wore armors specific to the ruler-ship of the king in whose time those men lived. It takes nearly two to three hours to see the whole place but it definitely worth it. What I liked most is the royal jewelry collection and the architecture of the tower. It`s stone made, and regardless of all the years since it was built, the tower is outstanding. So tall, so big, so powerful… It imposes respect and authority to everybody who`s seeing it, letting them know, thus, that it is the very place from which England`s history was created and its destiny forged.

I will always look forward to visiting London, as it`s not just a city. It is a culture; it is a spring of civilization, history and royalty, a spring from which all the rest of the European nations took their inspiration starting with fashion, social life and etiquette; moral, human and social rights and conduct. This is why I like and admire so much the British society:)) It has its own way of doing things, and I just love the kindness of the people!:))

Already looking forward to my next trip there:))

Hope you`ll like my article and if you do, feel free to share it with your friends:))

Best wishes,

Cristina

One has to carry their cross in order to reach resurrection.

First of all, I need to make it clear that this article is subject to no religious matter. I do not intent or wish to influence in any way the readers of this article, and therefore, they are free to interpret the words in it how they see fit to. What I am writing here are merely my thoughts and how I perceive the challenges every one of us goes through, to some point, in our life.

It is not meant to influence one`s religious believe or faith. When I say that one has to carry their cross to reach resurrection, this is what I mean – that one has to carry their cross so that they can reach resurrection – but all of it is placed in a metaphorical context, and I will explain shortly just how this comes about.

Everything we experience in our life is meant for us to grow; it is meant for us to learn the lessons we need so that we can expand our awareness and move onto to the next level or stage of our earthly existence. This is the purpose, really. And I know that when we`re finding ourselves amidst challenges and hardship, seeing that as a blessing or opportunity to grow is the last thing that crosses our mind. I know.

I have been there many times, and I know how it feels. When you look around you and it seems to you that nothing works, that everything falls apart and most of all – that voice in your head shouts so loudly that you tend to believe your head will explode – that`s when you`re carrying the cross I mentioned.

Our challenges are our crosses, and we need to “carry” them in order to reach, afterwards, the enlightenment of the resurrection.

Just like the cross, resurrection too is used here in a metaphorical context. Jesus is the perfect example of the human resurrection and He went through it both theoretically and practically. But the practical part carries a great symbolic meaning and a marvelous lesson, and if we pay sufficient attention to it, we`ll come to understand all of Jesus`s endeavors and His supreme victory – resurrection.

He came into this world to cleanse it off all the sins and human ignorance. This wasn’t an easy thing to do, not even for an awakened and elevated soul like Jesus. He faced many obstacles and trials; he had to beat the ego and human weakness into submission, and he had to keep focus, to stay centered in the eternal spirit, God, in spite of all the temptations around him. He had his weak points, too, without doubt. This means, after all, to be human. But nevertheless, He always stayed firm and true to His mission and purpose.

Going back to the moment just before he was captured by Pilate’s soldiers, in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He prayed. He knew well what was about to come – this was yet another test. He was captured and He was taken before the Roman emperor, where he was judged, mocked at, despised, disrespected, laughed at and so on, and yet He didn’t fight back – this was another test. Then they mockingly cloth Him, in that which was supposed to be royal clothes, threw the big and heavy wooden cross on his shoulders and they had Him carry it all along the way to Mount Sinai where He was crucified – another and the final test.

Why I am telling you all these things?, you may ask

Well,  because everything Jesus endured was meant to expand his soul; it was meant for Him to grow stronger in his spirit, to burn the ego, to burn the weakness, to win the fight against the wicked mind and weak body, and ultimately, to be a living proof for every soul on earth that God dwells in every creature, and that he who lives righteously, will be heir of the godly paradise. But you see, all of these trails were necessary for Him to resurrect, and thus, meet again with the heavenly father. Resurrection can`t happen if there isn’t a trial, hardship, temptation, challenge, first.

It`s like when we want to pick from the tree a red apple to eat it, but before being able to eat it red colored, we must see it green first, and wait for the apple to grow and to be mellowed, right? It is the same here. We face these obstacles in what we call our earthly journey, but then, once they are gone, we feel good, don`t we? We feel at peace, happy; we feel stronger and lighter as if the storm passed and the sun is out now:)

This is what I feel, at least, every time I experience obstacles. First thing I think to myself is that it`s here for a reason, that it has a purpose and it is meant to teach me something. And I always find my way back to my happiness and gratitude after the “storm” passes, as it makes me think that once again, I followed the same path as Jesus`s. And I smile, because His path means growth – in any sense of the word.

Therefore, whenever you are amidst hardship, bless it. You know the old saying that goes, “everything that comes to us, be it positive or negative, we should bless it?” Follow that,  as it is my belief  that if we bless our circumstances, regardless good or bad, we experience them in a more easier way.

And really now, when you know that everything comes from God, and all of it is for your highest good, isn’t it easy to bless these circumstances, then?:)

I believe so:), because we only know so much about ourselves, life and spiritual purpose. God has and looks at the bigger picture of our destinies, and that`s why, He places us in situations which are fit for whatever thing our soul needs in order for us to grow.

It`s all divinely planned, can you see that?:)

Talk to you next time:)

Cristina

Keep your boat close to the shore.

“One of these days, I will set sail! I will lower my boat into the water and will explore the ocean! One of these days, I will dare to venture into the unknowing…”

Ever had thoughts like these?:))

I know I had them once, as I was looking at the Black Sea, in one of my summer holidays:)

The ocean gives us power, doesn’t it? Its greatness inspires us, and it stimulates us to be all that we can be, all that we are meant to be. When we see its unlimited, blue territory, we feel empowered, free, we feel that there`s nothing we cannot do, be or have.

Still, one has to be careful and wise when it comes to “setting sail”. I know I called this article Keep your boat close to the shore, and here I am, talking about the greatness that the ocean inspires us. You are right if you feel a bit lost

I will add further details, I promise, so that you`ll see the message I want to convey to you today.

Let me start with an analogy:)

Let`s imagine that the shore is God, and that the boat is you, it`s your soul. The shore, in its calm, warm and supportive nature, will always be there for you, it will always wait for you to come back, and it has no expectation from you, just like God, right?:)

So, since you know it will always be there for you, you take your boat ( in our case your soul) and lower it into the water, and start paddling toward the endless horizon of the ocean.

You are so happy about it, you`re so excited that you`ll feel the power of making it on your own, that you`ll feel life flowing through your veins, and that you`ll discover unknown territories.

You are so thrilled that you don`t even look back at the shore. You`re completely mesmerized by the new perspective you`re experiencing you and keep paddling, you keep paddling driven by this wild desire. The enthusiasm makes your eyes shine, and fastens your breath while the salty air fills your lungs!

To some point, it gets quiet. You stop rowing, and you look around, and you realize you`re all by yourself. The shore is way behind you; the boat is rocking due to the waves, no sound to chase away that silence, nothing you can do to prevent that emptiness creeping inside your heart.

Why did you come here?

All of a sudden, you start to feel fear. You start to be unsure of yourself, and you get restless. You feel how the ocean becomes aggressive, sending you bigger and bigger waves, the sky turns from bright blue to dark grey, the wind pushes you randomly from a place to another, and you fear that the boat will sink anytime now, as it has no chance to stand up against that storm that threatens your life!

What do you do?  What are your thoughts? How do you feel?  Amidst that danger, you pray for your life and safety, and promise yourself you won`t do something like that again. You close your eyes, and the next minute you open them, you find yourself back at the shore, safe and alive. You get out the boat, and you place your feet on the warm sand.

The weather is nice and sunny, and you wonder what happened, where has the storm gone?

You look around and you cannot help it but feel gratitude in your heart. It is gratitude for having survived, gratitude for being alive, gratitude for being “home” again.

Wonderful feeling, isn’t it?:)

The situation I described above is not too different from “the day to day storm” we face, my friend:) We are so naive to believe that we can just venture into whatever lies ahead of us, so naive to believe that nothing can affect us once we are there; so naive to believe that we are almighty and unshakable. As a matter a fact, we cannot be any weaker when we venture out like that. A “worldly storm” can begin in every moment.

What will you do then?

And when I say worldly storm, I`m referring to inner imbalance, confusion, attachment of results and of our desires, anger, disappointment and so on. When you`re finding yourself in any of these situations, you are in the middle of the “ocean”, amidst the toughest storms possible.

Why not heading back to the shore (God), my friend?

Isn`t He there for you, waiting, arms opened?

Isn`t He there to support you, to love you, to protect you?

Why would you “paddle” away from the one who created you and only wants your well-being and good?

Why would you stay all by yourself, in the middle of the ocean and storm, experiencing hardship, loneliness, fear, tension?

Wouldn`t it be easier to just keep your boat close to the shore? The water is not deep, storm cannot sink your boat, the wind cannot brake it, and it`s not hard for you to return to it, right?

Think about it for a minute, and you`ll see what I mean…:)

Much love, and stay close to the shore, it`s wiser:)

Cristina

 

 

Shed your amphora…

Some time ago, I stumbled upon a picture with a woman holding an amphora in her hands. She was in a garden, on her knees, and she was watering the flowers. They were gorgeous! They looked so healthy and strong, and the colors were so vivid! The soil was so dark, bees and butterflies here and there, the sun shone upon it all… Everything in that image transmitted harmony, well-being and inspiration! And the woman seemed to be so at peace, very joyful and serene, as if she enjoyed very much what she was doing, as if she was placed in that garden to do just that!

“Nice”, I said to myself. “This woman sheds the amphora with water in it to her flowers, and everything around her just blossoms… Isn`t it interesting?”

And then this idea crossed my mind that every one of us has his own amphora; that every soul in this world comes into it holding an invisible amphora in its hands. The amphora contains all the gifts and talents of that soul.

It`s something private, of course, known only by God and the soul concerned, pretty much like a sacred agreement. I often imagine a soul, prior to coming on planet Earth, he would meet God  (Universal Force, Spirit, Creator, Source… call it how you want:), and they would talk about the soul`s goals, intentions, dreams or missions he would want to accomplish while being a human being.

And the soul replies he`d like to be a great humanitarian, chemist, or musician, or philosopher, painter, writer, doctor, architect, teacher, healer and so on.

Since this is what the soul wants, God will genuinely and generously fills his amphora with all the talents and skills so that the soul may accomplish his dreams and intentions. Having all that he needs, the soul may now come into the physical realm, ready to explore the variety of life.

But having that amphora filled is not enough, my friend:)

Or, better yet, keeping it so is not enough.

One must shed their amphora… and this is where the key is:) It`s also the place where the magic begins:)

The moment a soul starts shedding his God given amphora, pouring it completely, everything around him blossoms and the world looks totally different.

How come?, you may ask, and it`s a completely logical question:)

Well, it`s because every amphora is different and every amphora matters. The more we have, the more diversity we`ll experience and also, the more colors will this world have:)

But for that, my friend, you need to be brave and courageous enough to shed (and share) your amphora with the world. Shed it, and let us see the marvelous gifts you have in it:)

They weren’t given to you for no reason, nor are they a happy coincidence or just a lucky arrangement or alignment of the stars or planets. No, none of that.

They were given to you by the Creator of the Universe himself, and if He trusted you enough to give these talents to you(as He knew you are perfectly capable to handle and multiply them) can you please stop doubting yourself and start opening your heart and share these gifts with the world?:)

We would very much appreciate and be happy to see what it that you’ve been hiding in your amphora

It`s something only you have, my friend:)

Be grateful and proud of it, as you have every reason to:)

Take the woman in the picture, for instance. If she wouldn`t shed her amphora (containing the precious and life giving water), do you think the soil would still be so fertile and dark? You think the flowers would still be beautiful, would still have their vivid colors?

It wouldn`t, right?

The image would be ugly, talking about arid, dusty soil, pallid colors, seared flowers, and dried grass and so on… You get the picture, right?:)

So too, our world (in this case, the garden) would benefit of your gifts, as they would bring a light that is different, a light and color that the world hasn`t seen till that moment:)

Hence, my friend, do you see how important it is to shed your amphora? How difference can it make when you choose to do so?

I am not referring now to the kind of amphora filled with water (although water can be a metaphor for your gifts;-)), the woman holds in her hands. No. I am talking about “your invisible amphora”, the one that God gave you; the one that is full of talents waiting eagerly to be shown and shared. That`s the one I`m talking about:)

I am absolutely sure it is filled, my friend. I am absolutely sure it contains magnificent qualities that would make our world a better place and a more beautiful one, too. I am sure that your soul is yearning for you to share these qualities with everybody else here:)

Have no doubt; I am sure of it all. And do you know why I am sure?:)

I am sure because I know you didn`t come here to keep that amphora only to yourself, my  friend. I know you have come here, on planet Earth, because there was something you wanted to share, there was something you wanted to contribute to; there was something you wanted to leave your mark on.

The question is not  what lies in your amphora, my friend. The question is when will you start shedding it?:)

Hope this article will inspire you to do soon:)

Here`s to your richly blessed amphora, my dear fellow human being!:)

Cristina

What will you write on your page?

Well, here we are:), the very first days of 2015, my friends:)

I hope you had a beautiful holiday season, and that, during it, you`ve gathered many lovely memories…:)

Since we`re having a brand new year ahead of us, it occurred to me that this new beginning might as well be associated with a white sheet of paper, ready to write everything we want on it…:)

Interesting, I said to myself.  So, what is it that I would like to get written on this new white sheet? What is it that I want to share with the world, in this New Year?

I thought about it; I closed my eyes, and made a journey within myself, to see what was it that really inspired me for the white page called 2015.

What came to surface were four words, and they were so clear that I had no doubt it was what I looked for: Love, Kindness, Forgiveness and Unity. This is what I saw, and I knew it was what I wanted to write on this page.

Love?  Yes, for everybody and everything. Unconditional love for my spirit, for your spirit, for everybody`s spirit and most of all, unconditional love for the circumstances and trials we face while being here, on Earth. They all come with a reason; they are meant for us to grow, to expand. Therefore, do not fight them; rather send them your love and acceptance. Take the example of the water; it can flow even though the path is paved with rocks; it can always make itself a way to the ocean even though it has to face many obstacles to get there. But it always does.

Kindness?  Yes, to every living human being on this planet. To your dear ones, to your neighbors, to your enemies, to everybody, because every person is fighting a war (an inner one) and so everybody needs kindness, love, compassion. Take Mother Theresa as an example, or Mahatma Gandhi, or Dalai Lama. I have read and watched the movie that was made after Gandhi’s life, and I had tears in my eyes while watching it.

This man…his message was so inspiring, that it`s almost hard to believe that he actually was a human being, a soul inside of a body. What he did for India is amazing, to say the least, and he couldn’t have done it if it wasn`t for his continuous love and kindness he sent to his fellow countrymen and to the British people who ruled India at that time. Due to his unconditional love, kindness, and wisdom to be an ocean of peace even though in times of war and hardship, India has celebrated last year, on august 15, 67 years of independence. This wouldn`t have been possible had it not been Gandhi’s strong intention to have kindness for everybody and everything, and also, his strong intention to stay true to himself and his message.

Forgiveness?  Yes, forgive, everybody, forgive them! We are humans, and we are subjects of making mistakes. It`s in our nature so please, don`t condemn it anymore. Instead, open your heart, let love flow through it and forgive. It will set you free immediately, because when we forgive we allow our higher self to step in rather than letting our inferior self to run the show. Most people make mistakes and don`t even realize it. In their world, it seems perfectly logical and valid whatever it is that they think, say or do.

Remember what Lord Jesus said when he was crucified? “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” These were His words, and they were said while He endured enormous body pain. Why did He say that? Because He knew that the people who had sentenced Him to death had no clear mind when they did so. Ignorance, prejudices and lack of faith was what dictated their thoughts and actions. How can one condemn and hold grudge against a person who has their mind darkened? Can you really condemn somebody who`s groping blindly in a dark room simply because they have no clue where the light switch is or how to turn it on? For these persons, I can only have compassion, and can only send them prayers, light and love. Remember Jesus`s words, “…they know not what they do”, and forgive them.

Unity?  Yes, for I am you and you are me; for we all are one, and there is no separation. The message of unity was also well shown in all of Jesus`s words and deeds. He said, “My father and I are One”. He looked at the people around him, and referred to them as brothers and sisters. He never looked at somebody from a place of separation. No, not at all. He knew that this world – as we all know it – was created by a single divine hand, God. He knew that regardless of the nationality or religion, all those people had one single Father: God. This is why Jesus came forth; this is why He did all those deeds He did, to show us that we all come from the same place. This is why He died, so that you and I and everybody else on this planet can come together and see the one and single truth: we are one, and have but one Father, and it doesn`t matter if you`re referring to Him as God, Allah, Krishna, Universal Force or Source, etc.

We can call Him in any way it resonates with us, but one thing is for sure and will always remain this way for all times to come: we all are one, and have one Father. This is the only truth I know and accept. I do not want to know nor do I care what your nationality is, social status, job or religion. For me, what matters and am interested in is that you are my spiritual brother/sister, and from where I come, you come too; that what created me, created you too; that we`ll always be in this together and that there`s nothing that separates us. This is all I know, and it is enough for me.

Therefore, let me close this article with a question for you: What will you write on your (2015) page?

Talk to you next time:)

Much love,

Cristina

 

Close the past. Live the present. Open the future.

Life is a journey, no doubt about it. It is a beautiful journey, and yes, it is full of ups and downs. But if we think about it, everything in life, everything on this planet, has a rise and a fall, isn`t it? The sun must go down so that it can rise up again in the next morning; the trees need to lose their leafs during autumn so that they can turn green again in the spring, don’t they?

This human experience called life is not (too) different. It follows pretty much the same road. We come here on planet Earth as human beings; we start off as little babies, then teens and eventually, we become adults. While this process is taking place, we leave behind a past; it`s like a lobby and in it are “painted” all of our experiences. As we move forward in our lives, if we take a look back we can actually see these “paintings”. I often like to refer myself to the past as “the diary”, and every single human being has one.

Why? Because in it is written the personal history of one`s life. We may not remember it all because the human memory is quite limited but one shouldn`t worry. “The Diary” has it all under control, meaning it takes care to immortalize in it every experience we may go through- even the smallest one.

So far, so good. “The Diary” is doing its job, no issue here. The issue appears when men tend to attach themselves by their past- their dairy. This is when the problem shows up, and men should not by any means attach themselves by anything – their past included.

Still, some (if not most of them) people do this, and in most of the cases they are not even aware of their action. They think that pondering upon the past is great, why would it be wrong?

Well, I would ask these people a question. If they would visit a castle, and as they visit it, they reach a big lobby. It`s opulence is obvious: expensive paintings on the walls, big crystal chandelier hanging in the middle of the ceiling, marble statues, walnut furniture, some classical music playing in the background…You get the picture, right?:)

So, my question is this: My dear fellow human beings, would you – as you admire everything in that lobby-  climb up and glue yourself to the walls?

Would you put your arms around a big heavy statue and never let go?

Would you tie yourself to the walnut chair so that you can never leave that place, not ever again?

Would you?

I bet your answer is no, right? I mean, who would? It`s ridiculous!

Why would it be any different with our past? Why would we get so attach to it?

It`s not like the past can do something/anything for us, can it? The past is something that happened, it`s done! It`s a part of  our journey, yes – no question about it – but we should never turn our past into our present. The past is the past and this is where it belongs: in the past.

We have many things to be grateful for to our past, or “the diary”, if you will:) Yes, I can totally agree with it as who we are today is directly linked to the past we had. There couldn`t be any other way but this. Our past is our teacher, that much is clear.

But you can let go now, you can be free from it, my friend:) Your past has served you well; it has served its purpose and fulfilled its mission. You can have another “life partner” now, and this partner is called the Present:) If you continuously gaze back, staying stuck in the past, you can never experience the joy and aliveness that the Present can give to you. How can it? It has its hands wide open to you and on its hands are all the goodies in the world, only for you:)

But if your eyes are placed someplace else, is there any option for you but to not see these goodies? Please be honest with yourself, and answer this question. If you`re doing it, you`re doing it for yourself – not for somebody else:)

Hence, close the past, let it go. Be grateful to it, love it, embrace it just how it is and make peace with it; it is your past and you can`t have another.

Be like he river, my friend:) Everything you go through, let it flow, let it flow… Do not stop the flow.

This will give you the freedom to live your present and once you`re living in your present, this opens up a new door for you: the door called future.

Yes, YOUR future:)

Much love & peace & light,

Cristina