Welcome to Living Your Intention!
A week ago this past Monday, I had the opportunity to hear Deepak Chopra speak at Beth El Synagogue here in the Twin Cities as part of their "Inspiring Minds" speaker series. Since the early 1980's, Chopra has successfully combined his credentials as a practicing endocrinologist with his exploration of mind/body medicine. By doing so, he has had a dramatic influence in traditional medical circles. This has helped bring the enormous benefits of holistic medicine to the general public's attention. It was a thought provoking evening in which 1400 people were so intent on his message, you could have heard a pin drop.  I was reminded of the last time I heard him speak at the Minneapolis Civic Center in 2004. During our first date, Tom mentioned he was going to hear Deepak Chopra. I hadn't realized he was coming to town. The next week I bought tickets for myself and a friend. The night of the event, Tom spotted us in the audience and managed to find a chair next to me.
Rumi was a Persian mystical poet, born in 1207. I find his poems luxuriously beautiful, emotional and romantic and when put to music they are even more mesmerizing. I recall thinking how paradoxical! There I was at one of the most romantically-inspired evenings I had ever experienced and I'm sitting next to a man I wasn't certain I would even continue dating.
"We assume that falling in love is totally magical, a stroke from the blue that will come at random, usually when least expected. Many people wait passively for this magic to appear. Although masked as hope, this passivity is really a form of hopelessness. The hope that someone will reach out to us and bestow love is a surrender of our ability to create our own lives." - Deepak Chopra
Hinda
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Creating Space for Love, Part 3
After the tremendous energy shift from the Feng Shui consultation in my home that I wrote about in Part 2 of this series, I found myself newly energized. This is not an unusual outcome. The Feng Shui Principle, "Your Space Reflects Your Life," had been addressed in spades! My space, which had nurtured and supported me as a single woman, was now supporting the possibility of a partnership. My home and I had been "re-adjusted" for balance and re-awakened with a sense of anticipation.
 Now came the most difficult part of setting any intention: letting go! Letting go of trying to control the outcome! Letting go of obsessing about it and wanting immediate results. In Feng Shui, there is no "rule" about how long it might take to realize results once an intention has been set. For some, it may be within the week or it may take a month or so. If months and even a year goes by with "seemingly" nothing happening, we assume the timing was not right for the fruition of that particular intention. On the other hand, there is also the possibility that it showed up in a different form other than anticipated and it was missed!
While the process of setting an intention might not always bring about the intended results, there is always an energy shift that reveals new insights - provided you remember to pay attention! There are those who set an intention to call in a partner, for example, only to learn that was not really what they wanted. Perhaps they might in the future, but not now or perhaps not ever. Others find, after an increase in dating, they are not ready to commit and need to learn more about themselves before embarking on the challenges of a permanent relationship. There can be many different outcomes and each is an opportunity for learning and growth.
"Every intention is a trigger for transformation." -Deepak Chopra
I had taken the second big step of setting the intention to call in a life partner. The first step, as you recall, was determining, to the best of my ability, if I was, indeed, ready. I spent a great deal of time considering how being partnered would affect my lifestyle, my job, and my relationships with family and friends.
Now I was truly on the journey! I am the first to admit I like to try to control outcomes. Could I let go of this one and allow it to happen as it was meant? Could I accept an outcome different from the one I intended? But more importantly, would I be open to all the possibilities that might be presented to me?
 I continued to have regular weekly appointments with my acupuncturist and, of course, shared with her the intention that I set in October. In December, she mentioned her husband worked with a wonderful man who was in the process of a divorce. Would I be interested in going out with him? Ah, my first test! An old tape immediately began playing that stated, "Don't date anyone going through a divorce - too much baggage!" I said, "No."
Several weeks later, I spoke with my "Feng Shui Love Divas" and told them about the conversation with my acupuncturist. They were all over that one! They reminded me I had sufficient life experience and awareness to identify if a person wasn't the "right" one for me. They advised me to reconsider and remain open, have fun and trust my instincts regarding whomever "shows up" in my life.
The following week, I told my acupuncturist I would be willing to go out with the man she had mentioned. "What is his name?" I asked. "Tom," she replied. Oh my, can the Universe ever be mischievous!
Tom called me in January. Little did I know, he, too, was reluctant to start dating again. Nonetheless, he invited me to dinner at a small French restaurant in Wayzata. We had a lovely time. Tom was courteous and the conversation was easy. At the end of our meal I offered to share the bill, but he would have none of it.
He then asked if I would be interested in seeing where he worked. When I learned it was graphic design company, my Feng Shui curiosity was aroused. I agreed. As I anticipated, Tom's workplace was a wonderfully creative space! The energy was vibrant and he was filled with pride as he showed me around. I liked that he was enthusiastic about his job and his company.
At the end of our date, he asked if he could see me again. I told him I was very busy and it might not be for several weeks (which was actually true). I had enjoyed our lovely evening and Tom was a nice man, but even so, my conclusion at the end of our first date was there was absolutely no future with this person!
Mind you, I was trying hard to be open to the opportunities for dating that might come as a result of powerful intention setting, but I found myself more resistant than I had anticipated. However, something interesting began happening. The more my friends asked me about him, and the more I denied any interest in him, a little voice inside began to speak louder and more clearly. It said, "Pay attention. Don't be so quick to dismiss in light of old, not well-defined ideas of who that 'special' someone might be."
"Take a little time every day to notice the contents of your mind. This act of noticing, although very simple, is one of the most powerful steps to bringing about change. What you don't see you cannot change." - Deepak Chopra
I have always been interested in and curious about many things not common in the general population; studying Feng Shui is an example. I love learning about the effects of energy on our bodies, alternative healing, astrology, the properties of stones and crystals, and the ways they can be used for healing, aromatherapy and so on.
Several weeks later, I inexplicably found myself inviting Tom to attend a class about the impact of color on our energy. He eagerly accepted. Was it simply to go out on a date with me, or was it possible he was also open to alternative thinking? We went and he was as interested as I. It's not that one's partner needs to share the same interests, but it is essential to have a partner who is at least supportive of them.
We continued to date casually over the next several months. I learned of his interest in nature and birds and his expertise in Native American culture. While the old tapes in my mind continued to tell me he was not "the one," I noticed my body's energy was relaxed and comfortable with him. In spite of my denial, I was gradually recognizing my pleasure when being with him.
Then in April, we were invited to a birthday party my acupuncturist was having for her husband. Little did I know, when I awoke that morning, my life would be forever changed!
To be continued. . . |
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World Travel Trends for 2011 and Beyond
International tourism hit a new all-time high in 2010 and will grow in the 3-5% range this year.
 Tourists get social and mobile
Social media and mobile technology will dramatically change the face of the tourism industry in future. Holiday tips from friends worldwide, interactive bookings and mobile travel guides at the destination will become the norm in years to come.
Travelers are active social media users
Around the world more and more travelers are using social media. In the USA, about 52% of the 152 million adult leisure travelers - or some 79 million people - already use social media. They generate $102.9 billion for the domestic US tourism sector compared to $69.5 billion from non-social media users. Their greater impact is driven by a higher average number of trips (5.4 per year vs. 4.2), although they tend to spend less per trip on average.
 US social media users tend to be active on Facebook, read other social sites, use the internet intensively for travel information, check out hotels on TripAdvisor and use online travel retailers. But only a low 20% rely on social sites for leisure travel information and websites are trusted much more than social networks. Like non-social media users, they still rely heavily on traditional sources for trip information, such as friends and family, brochures and diverse media.
Mobile technology takes off
 As many as 40% of international travelers already own a smart phone with Internet and e-mail access and other functions, while 57% have a conventional mobile phone (2% still do not have a mobile phone), this year's World Travel Monitor revealed.
More than 40% of smart phone owners already use their devices to get destination information; 34% of business travelers and 26% of leisure travelers use them to make booking changes during their trip.
As many as 37% of international leisure travelers say they use mobile social networks, according to the World Travel Monitor. This means holiday photos and other contents are being posted online on sites such as Flicker or Facebook while the traveler is still at the destination.
Hi-tech tourism
Within 10 years we could be checking into hotels staffed by robots, using automated 'smart rooms' and socializing interactively with other guests and complete strangers. That was a vision of the future presented at this year's Pisa Forum.
'Smart hotels' are one of six different possible types of 'Future Hotels.' In the 'smart hotel' of the future, guests could check in and enter their room using a PIN code previously transmitted to their smart phone or even via biometric authentication. Other future types of hotels could include
- basic modular hotels for budget travelers
- middle-class hotels used as branded showrooms
- 'avant-garde' hotels for trendy guests
- well-being resorts for health-focused guests
- community hotels either for travelers with a specific cultural background or socially-oriented travelers.
All of them are sustainable hotels as consumers become more and more environmentally conscious.
Automated rooms - an inherently Feng Shui approach
 'Smart rooms' could be designed with relaxing curves rather than straight lines as walls integrate various functions and technologies.
The room would contain a range of interactive features such as intelligent 'energy beds', wall displays that convert into giant TV screens, or TV screens as interactive interfaces or workspaces.
The environment could even be individualized for each guest or situation using his or her profile. This might mean automatically adjusting the lighting colors or climate, for example. The bathroom could even be converted into a personal wellness center!
Sound futuristic? Some of these concepts are already being tested and showcased in a research facility for commercial properties, located in Duisburg, northwest Germany.
Stay Tuned and Happy Traveling!
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Cruises: DreamTrip Incorporated with Existing Travel Plans: Just as a reminder, here's how Sean and Missy used their DreamTrips membership to create their perfect honeymoon. Coordinating a DreamTrips cruise to Croatia followed by several days in Rome on their own was the perfect combination:  My wife and I had our eyes on a European vacation for quite some time. We wanted something unique and memorable for our honeymoon. Croatia became our top choice as we started to plan our overseas trip. We knew it was a hidden gem, but weren't sure how to best see this stunningly beautiful country. And then the Croatia Sailing DreamTrip became available! Eight nights & nine days sailing up and down the Dalmatian Coast; we immediately knew this was our trip!
There were nine of us, including the two captains on the 51' sailboat. We all had great chemistry together, enjoying each other's company as we absorbed the quaint beauty of this peaceful country.
 Our days were spent sailing about 4-5 hours from one island to the next, all based on the schedule we decided, depending on our moods. Our commutes from one island to the next consisted of lunch, refreshments, reading, sightseeing, relaxation and even taking the helm on occasion.
Evenings were spent at the marinas where we had full access to all the facilities. We enjoyed the nightlife of the all the cities by indulging in fresh foods and open air dining.
 The Croatian people were wonderful, friendly and accommodating; every town we visited was safe and pristine. Each turn offered an amazing cobblestone street with historic lanterns illuminating the doorways. Some days we stayed an extra night to enjoy the city a little longer. One of our favorite memories was staying at the island of Vis, renting scooters and driving into the hills that overlooked the coastal towns.
My wife and I can't imagine experiencing the essence of Croatia any other way. The convenience of the DreamTrip simplified our entire coordination, all we needed to do was get to Split, Croatia and the rest was taken care of for us.
Our DreamTrip ended in  Split, Croatia, however our honeymoon continued. We spent one night at Plitvice National Park in northern Croatia. Emerald green lakes and cascading falls were always in our periphery through the vast park, stunning and magical in every way.
Our last stop took us to Rome; we spent three nights at a bed & breakfast in the middle of all the action - the Pantheon district. We took in all the major attractions with plenty of pasta, pizza, cheese & gelato in-between.
We are blessed to have had a flawless and wonderful experience and, hands down, the highlight of our honeymoon was the Croatia Sailing DreamTrip!
Happy Travels,
Sean & Missy
If you would like to become a DreamTrips member, click here and look for the "sign up" tab at the top of the web page. You will then be prompted to enter your country of residence and your state, if applicable, in order to obtain the appropriate disclosures and pricing. |
Thank you so much for your interest in Living Your Intention!
I welcome your feedback, and look forward to hearing from you! Please know that I am grateful for your presence.
Many blessings,
Hinda Abrahamson
"A mind that is stretched to a new idea never returns to its original dimensions."- Oliver Wendell Holmes
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Intention
The purpose of this newsletter is two-fold: to share ways to incorporate the art of Feng Shui in daily life and to share travel experiences. Each of these, in its own way, can support mindfulness and intentionality as we navigate our life's journey.
I hope that you might encounter a new idea, a new resource or a new viewpoint. Perhaps some small insight will answer an unspoken question, provide a helpful tip, motivate or inspire you or simply give you a moment to escape from the demands of your day.
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Earth Day
April 22
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Some 20 million people across the United States celebrated the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970. It motivated and energized people for the first time to take action and think differently about life on the planet. Today, more than 1 billion people around the world take part in the event, making it "the largest secular civic event in the world."
10 easy ways to make every day Earth Day, Courtesy of RecycleBank and Burt's Bees.
1. Recycle: Remember "E-Waste" like cell phones, MP3's and laptops can all be recycled and repurposed.
2. Freecycle or Free Market: De-cluttering is sure to stir up some goodies that can be useful to others: clothes, books, electronics, furniture, etc. Donate through websites that foster re-use strategies.
3. Reuse. Reuse. And Reuse! Leave behind paper plates, plastic forks and other disposables. Replace with reusable serveware and portable mugs.
4. Wallet activism: Support eco-friendly companies; look for products made from recycled materials, natural ingredients and minimal / biodegradable packaging.
5. Park it: Celebrate the beauty of spring with a walk instead of driving. Carpool, use public transport or ride your bike if not daily, try once a week. When you drive, pump up your tires so you can deflate your fill-ups.
6. Junk it: Put a stop junk mail.
7. Bills. Bills. Bills. Consider going paperless for your banking and bill paying.
8. Live life locally: Support your local farmers while enjoying fresh and organically grown produce.
9. Say Y-E-S to CFL's (compact fluorescent lights): You'll save time, money and energy...but you may have to give up on the "How many _____'s does it take to change a light bulb?" jokes because you'll change them so infrequently.
10. Spread the word: share this information with friends, neighbors and colleagues.
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Fun Facts
about Easter
The Easter Bunny has its origin in pre-Christian fertility lore. It was introduced to the United States by German settlers who arrived in the Pennsylvania Dutch country during the 18th century. The Hare and the Rabbit were the most fertile animals known and they served as symbols of the new life during the spring season.
Bringing Easter Eggs seems to have its origins in Alsace and the Upper Rhineland, both then in the Holy Roman Empire, and southwestern Germany, where the practice was first recorded in a German publication in the early 17th century. The first edible Easter Eggs were made in Germany during the early 19th century and were made of pastry and sugar.
The precise origin of the ancient custom of coloring eggs is not known, although evidently the blooming of many flowers in spring coincides with the use of the fertility symbol of eggs-and eggs boiled with some flowers change their color, again bringing spring into the home.
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Arbor Day
April 29
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Arbor Day is the annual holiday that celebrates the role of trees in our lives and promotes their planting and care.
Julius Sterling Morton, a celebrated journalist from Nebraska, founded this environmentally friendly holiday. It became a national holiday when Morton became Secretary of Agriculture under President Grover Cleveland. The first Arbor Day took place on April 10, 1872 in Nebraska and more than one million trees were planted that day.
In 1970 President Richard Nixon designated Arbor Day a national holiday, to be celebrated on the last Friday in April. Beyond the national Arbor Day, each state celebrates its own on different days in accordance with its climate.
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| About Hinda
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Hinda Abrahamson is passionate about Feng Shui and travel. A certified Feng Shui Consultant, Hinda is a founding member and President of the Feng Shui Institute.
Intentional
Spaces
Intentional Spaces provides clients with consulting advice on how to apply the ancient principles of Feng Shui to office, home and landscape. Hinda assists in creating balanced and harmonious environments that reflect individual personality and life style.
This powerful art of placement provides valuable guidance and insight.
Whether you are selling, purchasing or building a home or an office, planning a major remodeling, redecorating or simply re-organizing, Feng Shui brings a deeper perspective.As a Fashion Feng Shui Facilitator, Hinda assists with wardrobe choices for you to better reflect your authentic self, eliminate closet clutter, and support your personal energies.For consultations, speaking engagements, or customizing a workshop for your group, contact Hinda at (952) 938-0894 or email:Hinda AbrahamsonIntentional
Travel Having a lifelong belief that travel expands our thinking and provides respite from busy lives, Hinda offers you the opportunity to plan your next travel experience online through her travel website: Intentional Travel Intentional Travel's Preferred Customers automatically get the following benefits:
Free Insurance
Free Concierge
No Service Fees
Custom Specials
Exclusive Deals
Travel Alerts
Better PricesClick here to register!
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