Mocha Angels 365. Day 26.

“Life can only be found in the present moment. When you look at the beautiful blue sky, where is it? In the present moment.

In order to not miss the beautiful blue sky, you have to go back to the present moment. Because it is in that moment that you get in touch with the beautiful blue sky, the beautiful rivers, the beautiful trees…

Everything wonderful, everything refreshing, happens in the present moment. Therefore, running to the future, or getting lost in the past, you miss life. Breathing in and out gets you back to the present moment where you have an appointment with life.”

– Thich Nhat Hahn, The Art of Mindful Living

Mocha Angels 365. Day 24.

This is a follow-up to Mocha Angels Day 23: “I speak from the heart today.” A subscriber said to me, “Speaking from the heart can cause all sorts of problems. The heart is full of emotion both good and bad.” Our conversation led me to clarify the intention behind speaking from the heart.

I learned the technique from a minister. The exact mantra is “Allow me to speak from my heart center.” It’s to be said to yourself, silently or out loud, when you are alone, not in front of other people. You say it when you are alone because this is about shifting your energy. Saying it in front of others invites judgment, and that’s not what you want. If you can’t get away from other people, say it silently. It’s said before a tense conversation (or confrontation) in order to de-escalate the situation.

Be sure to say it before you open your mouth. The intention is to speak with love to the other person. When you do speak, love, compassion, and clarity will flow from your mouth. It’s almost magical. It’s simply a shift in your thinking. You go from “I’m right, you’re wrong” (the ego) to “I want to hear you and understand where you are coming from” (the heart).

The other intention of “Allow me to speak from my heart center” is to heal the relationship. This works for everyone and anyone with whom you want to have a positive relationship.

The challenge is to remind yourself of the mantra when you’re angry or fearful, or worse, consistently an asshole/difficult/brash/rude/selfish/self-centered, etc. I’ve been that person, on all counts. I had to learn, in the hardest of ways, that insisting that I’m right all the time was leading me down the wrong path of self-righteousness aka “why can’t people just act right?” I’m the one who needs to be checking myself. I don’t need for everyone else to behave.

There are times when it’s appropriate to fight and defend yourself, or to get out of a dangerous situation. You don’t put up with anyone’s toxic bullshit or abuse. I think the heart center mantra is a gentler way of moving through life because you are being guided by love.

Hatred never ceases by hatred but by love alone. This is an ancient and eternal law. – The Buddha

Mocha Angels 365. Day 22.

Cleaning out, not simply cleaning up, your house helps you think more clearly. Too much stuff weighs you down, body, mind, and spirit. Even the simple act of vacuuming makes my space feel lighter. Yes, I have read Marie Kondo’s books and reviewed her Netflix show, “Tidying Up.” Yes, I’m on board the KonMari Method ™ train headed to Tidyville.

It’s more than that to me. Your house/apartment/rented room is your private retreat from the chaotic outside world. At least it should be. The stuff/things/items (and people) in your home should bring you happiness, joy, and contentment. (Things can also be practical. I don’t love my Phillips head screwdrivers, my toothbrush, or my printer paper. However, I’m glad they are there when I need them.) Getting rid of stuff and people in your house who weigh you down is a good thing. Say “thank you” to your things as you release them. And say “thank you” to the space you are creating for the new in your life.

Mocha Angels 365. Day 16.

When you are creating things that are not so right, you can, at any moment, align with your Creator, step into your Divine Self, and say:

Today, I create a wonderful life. The choice is always yours to make.

God is always giving you an opportunity to create a beautiful life. The typical mantra you hear is “life is hard.” We are here to tell you that it does NOT have to be hard. Divine Order is always at work. Simply step into that order to create the life of your dreams.

We look forward to watching you create a beautiful year.

Mocha Angels 365. Day 15.

Everything that happens in your life is in Divine Order. What exactly does that mean? You may feel like you are bumbling around life, groping your way in the dark while wearing sunglasses, but you are not. When bad things happen, you have been given a golden opportunity to create something new.

For some of you reading this message, you have already created beauty out of chaos. That is what Divine Order means.

Mocha Angels 365. Day 347.

I received a blessing at the grocery store yesterday morning. I was waiting in line behind a woman who reminded me of my friend Lori, who is a sparkly magical woman. I saw she had Shoprite store gift cards. I thought, “Good for her. Someone blessed her with gift cards before Christmas.” While I was waiting, I looked at the tabloids and felt thankful that I’m not a celebrity. 😊 The lady left without a word to me.

I made nice with the cashier. We talked about the weather. The cost of my groceries was $43.65. The cashier swiped a store gift card. I saw it lying by the cash register, so I thought it had a zero balance because the lady in front of me had used it. The store card had a $35.55 balance. And it was for me.

The cashier says, “Your total is $8.10.” My jaw dropped. “What?”

“The lady who just left said to give it to you. Merry Christmas!”

Stunned. Happy. Joyous. Grateful. I was all of those things. The cashier and a few other ladies said some very nice things about the lady and about me. I am so happy right now.

Mocha Angels 365. Day 337.

Saying “thank you” to God ahead of time is the easiest prayer because it works two ways. You can thank God in advance for the answer to your prayers. In other words, expect your prayers to be answered.

Also, say “thank you” for what you already have. I spent this past weekend silently thanking God for my legs, my sight, my health, my children, my mind, my connection with Angels, my friends, my family, and all the love in my life. I appreciate all of those things, and more.

Focusing on the good things in your life magnifies them. So continue to say “thank you” for the goodness in life as well as the prayers you have put out into the Universe.