A Joyful Celebration with Life

It’s quite another world, walking the streets of Sicily as the energy begins to come from everything I see, touch or hear. I feel like time is standing still all around me as the cobblestone path below my feet keeps me present. I have practiced being more present with all the falls and stumbles I have had walking while distracted by so much to see and take in. I stand and watch the faces of the men and women who joined Robert and I for our first Nourish Your Body, Mind and Soul tour. Sharing this adventure with others just seems to amplify the experience. My heart gets so full as I gaze into the eyes of the ones that seem like children, soaking in the new life of these very special days.

We are surrounded by ancient history with the churches and all the different styles to caves where tombs were still visible thousands of years before Christ. We enjoyed the 400 year Aztec tradition of Sicilian chocolate making as we walked down the streets of Modica. I loved sitting at the archeological site in Syracuse, where ancient Greek ruins created the sacred space as we meditated together overlooking the sparkling blue Mediterranean Sea. The temples, so massive and mosaics so old yet still vibrant in color and detail. The artist in me was inspired. Then after taking in the art of these artisans in medieval towns built in the rocks of mountains, we would listen to our guides tell us the stories of ancient times. We walked and climbed and together moved from big cities to little historic towns. Everyday we were nourished by the energy of the present moment with circle of light meditations and yoga. We ate like kings and queens as our chefs, including Robert, shared special dishes from Sicily and even the gluten free people were happy with every detail and sensitivity acknowledged so that everyone had an amazing dining experience. It surely was an Italian culinary tour with the nourishment of so much more.

We, as a group became family with each other and the beautiful souls of Sicily who took care of our every need. How blessed we were to travel to this place together and share such a rich and transforming experience. There is so much to see in this incredible world and as we all looked deeply at ourselves we softened the hold on some of our own past and let go into our greater beings. What a beautiful journey we had together.

We won’t forget the smiles of the Sicilian people as we found out how we are all soul family just waiting to meet each other as the ancient world met us with open arms and we welcomed in the new.

This is the month of thanksgiving as my grateful heart humbly bows down and I say,

Namaste`

Happy Thanksgiving

With love,

Frannie

A Season of Thanksgiving

"Wear gratitude like a cloak and it will feed every corner of your life."~ Rumi

I remember being an awkward teenager. I felt insignificant and small as I walked through the corridors of my High School. It wasn't easy to fit in at St. Mary's High School for girls. I didn't know many of the students and I didn't feel smart enough or pretty enough. All my insecurities were worn on my sleeve so to speak as I clutched my books in front of me and tried to hide in the corners of my mind. I was already a shooting target because of being a triplet. Someone announced it at lunch and all eyes were on us. The three of us were new at the school and the spotlight brought me deeply into the pain of years of unwanted attention. I wanted to sink into the earth as all the eyes were on us and the horrible feelings were choking me. Embarrassed and alone, I wanted to disappear and so I did until one day I met my counselor at the school. Her name was Helen Gelinas and she took me under her wing and became my friend. Her loving kindness showered me with the warmth of spirit and inspired me just by her presence. She was a safe place to share my inner stirrings and help me find the confidence to move myself into my life. She was an instrument for God as she guided me in ways that no other could. One simple act of kindness inspired me for the rest of my life. She opened me to find my ultimate calling by being herself. Her ability to listen was what I needed. This quality is God like and in the peaceful state of tranquility I had a chance to return to my true nature. This wonderful mentor taught me to express these inner feelings and accept the heartbreak, loneliness and sorrows of my inner landscape. With her loving attention I was able to touch the tender feelings that had been hidden for so long as I began to taste the sting of tears that ached to be let go of. Nothing had to be fixed. I didn't have to be fixed, only held in the loving stillness of an open heart.

This woman paved the way for me and now years later I bow to her for giving to me such a wonderful gift. I realize that being a good listener is one of the highest forms of meditation.

In the silent place within is where we are inspired to feel peace with ourselves.

Allow your eyes to soften as you go inward to gaze or listen without being distracted.

Let the sounds of the birds, trees swaying in the wind, fragrance of the flowering earth, a memory, a picture of a smiling face...Let it all be held without judgment.

Embrace your inner landscape as you breathe.

Be right here as you touch the treasures that surround your being.

Your generous heart begins to awaken and grow larger as your vision becomes clear.

Now sit in this stillness as you say-

"Thank you for my life. Thank you for this day where I can be of service."

With a grateful heart, bow to all those who inspired you to be who you are today.

Let us cherish this new day when our hearts overflow with peace and love as we transform this room of our beloved home with presence and share the blessings of another moment to bring all that we are to this world.

Thank you, God.