Joseph Campbell encourages us to "follow your bliss and don't be afraid, and doors will open where you didn't know they were going to be."  

     In challenging times, it's more important than ever to keep the faith and hold the vision of what we want more of. See the glass half full, and look for the good in everything. 

     A simple exercise for first thing in the morning is to choose a positive quality to contemplate and aspire to for the day. Happiness is a good one. Upon awakening, think about how happiness feels? How do you feel when you are happy? 

     In a journal or in your mind, describe the ways happiness is present in your life and what or who consistently stirs in you the feelings of happiness. As you move throughout your day, recall these feelings and thoughts and keep reaching for the feeling of happiness (or whichever quality you've chosen for that day). You might want to pick a different quality each day. For ideas, here's a list of words on magnets. Pick the ones that inspire you the most. 

     Another way to greet the day with gratitude is to get outside and be in nature. Even just stepping outside our front door for a moment, and looking up to see the expanse of the sky as we walk to the mailbox can be thrilling and fill us with perspective and appreciation for the gift of life. Take a moment to acknowledge the presence of Spirit.  

     Thoreau's words resonate with me: "An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day." I've been walking in my new neighborhood at dawn and have been enjoying the quiet moments, sights and sounds of nature at the start of my day. Have you experienced that the light on trees is different in the morning? Do you see artistic expression in everyday objects? Are you blessed by a rabbit or the sound of a hawk greeting the day as you walk? I suspect you would agree with Thoreau that a walk can be a glorious exercise, and well worth the time. 

     One of my favorite things to do in my art is give you the words to say what's in your heart to people you love (including yourself). By special request, I've created   

a 5x7 poster with different words to express the essence of Namaste. Here it is with two choices in color and design. Being more generic, and without the word Namaste at the top, it can be given freely by anyone to express harmony and love.

    Happy Halloween to you all. E-mail me a picture of you and your family in costume and I'll share my favorites on Facebook in November. I'll even send you back a link to a special offer.

     Be safe. Have fun. Take care of yourself, and the people and things you love.