by MarBeth Dunn | Jan 29, 2013 | Uncategorized
I was going through some old family photos yesterday with my cousin Joe. He’s been researching and chronicling our family genealogy for years, so he was thrilled as I was to explore the two, filled to the brim boxes of old family photos from my back closet. These photos hadn’t seen the light of day in many years, and I was so surprised to see love in so many of them. Seeing with new eyes, that had not seen until now what had been there all along, I’m so grateful for the growth, and compassion that enabled my new perspective. I stayed up long into the night, dividing the photos to share with my girls and other family members.
I fell asleep thinking about our beloved family pet, a miniature red poodle with a heart so vast and love-filled, that a warm feeling washes over me at the thought of her. She lives far away with my daughter, and I don’t see her as often now as I would wish. I’ve had so many pets, dogs, cats birds, and even a red howler monkey when I lived in Haiti, yet she is the one who touches me deeply. She opened my heart with her openness, and sweet, unconditional love. I awoke with her on my mind this morning as well, and I remembered that there is no distance with love. I’m sure that she’s feeling my love as I think about her.
As I passed the boxes of photos this morning, I smelled my Mom’s perfume wafting around me. It followed me into my office as I began writing, and again, I receive her message that love has no distance. It transcends even death. Life is eternal. Death is just a change of form, transition into another dimension. The love never dies.
© 2013 MarBeth Dunn – all rights reserved
by MarBeth Dunn | Jan 27, 2013 | Uncategorized
“Happy talk… Keep talking happy talk. Talk about things you’d like to do…”
Remember that song from South Pacific? You couldn’t listen to it and not feel happy! Have you noticed that happy people generally do talk ‘happy talk’?
Studies have shown that not only do happy people enjoy life more, they tend to get more of what 
most people say would MAKE them happy. Have you noticed how certain people seem to live charmed lives? They (for the most part) always have the good jobs, loving friends, supportive family members, nice places to live and a variety of other lifestyle items that would appear to bring them happiness. “Well, of course they’re happy,” you might say to yourself. “With all of that, why wouldn’t they be happy?”
Ah, but there is the secret ingredient to creating happiness that you may not realize: Happy people aren’t happy BECAUSE they’re successful, have good relationships, and abundant lives, they are successful, have good relationships and abundant lives because they are HAPPY. Get happy first and everything else shows up. Make no mistake, happiness is a choice. It does not depend on getting a job, having more money, living in a different place. After all, wherever you go, there you are.
Every wonder what happy people have in common? Cultivate these characteristics to create more happiness in your life!
First and foremost, happy people choose to have and keep a positive attitude. They don’t dwell on the negative or constantly talk about everything that’s wrong in their lives. They are not “stuck in their story” and they focus on what’s good in their life, not on what’s bad.
Happy people live by design. They choose to stay empowered, create a plan, know where they’re going and focus on what could be, rather than what is. Don’t underestimate the power of living in the emotion of “as if”. Staying happy is all about the feeling. A new car doesn’t make you happy, the feeling the car gives you does. See the difference?
Another trait of happy people is they hang out with other happy people! It may sound unsympathetic but happy people won’t tolerate negativity, including negative people in their lives for very long. They know it will only bring them down.
Spend some time with happy people and you’ll notice they don’t stay rattled for long. They accept what is, change what they can and don’t worry or complain about what they can’t change. This means they’re not constantly fighting an uphill battle, feeling disempowered over things beyond their control. Economy? Weather? Crazy drivers? Not worth the energy. Move on.
Happy people are spiritual, have a relationship with a Higher Power. It is a deeply essential component of their lives. They trust in a greater good and have a sense that things are as they should be. This isn’t about deferring accountability or responsibility, it’s an understanding and acceptance that there is an order to things that is beyond our human understanding and that’s okay.
I have a friend whose house burned down several years ago. She was sincerely grateful that she, her husband and brand new baby made it out of the house alive, AND her wedding dress and album weren’t turned to ash (although everything else was). Did she have moments of grief and loss? Sure, but she didn’t dwell on it and didn’t walk around in depression and despair. She was truly happy that the worst possible thing didn’t happen and she still had two important mementos with meaning. It probably wouldn’t surprise you to know that for the most part, she has had, and continues to have, a very happy life. She chooses attitude, not circumstances to dictate her journey.
Happiness is the result of a deeper emotion, joy, which comes from the recesses of your heart. Feel the joy, choose happiness and watch how your life unfolds.
© 2013 MarBeth Dunn – all rights reserved
by MarBeth Dunn | Jan 21, 2013 | Uncategorized
“It was like…magic.” We’ve all heard that phrase, maybe even said it a few times, and there is something so wonderful about things that seem magical. Have you wished for more magic in your life and wonder how can you get it or get more of it?
It’s really not so hard to live a magical life. Although people may explain it in many different ways, the way to get more magic into 
your life is quite simple: you must be aligned with and connected to Spirit. When you are aligned and connected, things become much clearer and everything seems to fall into place seamlessly and without effort. Why is that? Because your alignment with Spirit insures that you are on point for living your purpose, and being connected means you’re receiving everything you need to achieve it. Living in alignment and living out your purpose will take you to the place where you have a magical, fulfilled life. When you are aligned with Spirit, you are vibrating at a high level, and by the Law of Attraction will effortlessly attract everything you desire to live your purpose.
Ultimately, living on purpose is what will get you up every day with a fire in your belly and a passion to start the day and stay in your day. This has, in recent years, been described as your “why” or the reason you do what you do every day. Interestingly enough, that reason is never just about the work you’re doing as it’s so much bigger than that. When your why is strong, it’s in all probability because you are in alignment with Spirit, in that sweet spot, where things seem to happen naturally and easily. You will also feel more joy about the work you’re doing. You’re in “flow”, which is how author Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi describes it in his book by the same name. Hours can pass and you’re blissfully unaware of time flying by because you are singularly focused, singularly driven and completely in love with what you’re doing and the invisible support that’s around you. You are in perfect alignment.
Conversely, it doesn’t take much mis-alignment to have it greatly impact your business or life. I was talking to a friend the other day as she described to me how she just felt a little “off” in her business. She explained that she felt like the game at Cracker Barrel, where you put the golf tees in the wooden triangle but it never has all the holes filled. “I feel like I’ve got 97% of those tees in the triangle but the 3% that are missing is just enough to make me feel like things aren’t right. I don’t have the enthusiasm for my business that I normally do.” After further conversation, we discovered that she hadn’t been writing enough; something she loves to do but has not been her main line of work (although it is a part of it). I suggested she not change anything except start carving out more time to write and create her own material. From there, she could reevaluate. The relief was palpable. Writing is a passion that needed to be included for her life vision to work 100%!
I’ve noticed that being in alignment is very much like being pregnant, you’re either are, or you’re not. “Almost” in alignment is still out of alignment, as my friend could sense, and out of alignment, even though it may be just the tiniest bit, blocks the flow of everything else. Bringing more magic into your life is possible and very attainable if you take the time to pay attention to the feedback your heart, body and mind are giving you. Listen to them very carefully because the answers are all there, just waiting for you!
© MarBeth Dunn – all rights reserved
by MarBeth Dunn | Dec 29, 2012 | Uncategorized
We are living in a time of great transformation, of global oneness and connectivity, in the new Age of Aquarius. It is a time, as Yogi Bhajan tells us, to “Vibrate the Cosmos, and the Cosmos will clear our way” with our words, as they reflect our true and Divine nature. It is a time to live from our hearts, from love, compassion and authenticity.
I’ve just spoken at the World Parliament on Spirituality in India, ushering in an age of unity and spirituality, filled with great masters, educators, and speakers from around the world. Though the messages were different, the underlying theme was of unity, living from the heart and embodying love.
I’m here with Dr. Yugandhar, creator of the World Parliament on Spirituality with other speakers, including Jacquiline Ripstein, and Harrison Klein
Transformation begins from within. It begins with the simple desire for a new way of being. Envision yourself being as you desire. Imagine you have already embodied it. FEEL the appreciation and gratitude that it has already occurred, and follow your inner guidance that will create it. We are above all else, spiritual beings, and our wisdom is accessed from within, in our heart of hearts.
We are in the Age of Aquarius. The final cusp ended last November, 2011, and as we enter into this new year, I want to share with you some wonderful ways that you can shift into being a more authentic, empowered, spiritual, joyful, you.
You see, the Aquarian age is very different from the Piscean age we just left. The energy is not the same. We must learn new ways to navigate in this new age, because the rules have shifted, along with the energy. For 2000 years, the Piscean age was an age dominated by men rather than women. Our model was based on the left brain, masculine logic of Descartes: “I think, therefore I am”. Our emphasis was on accessing the right information. The great knowledge about our potential and spirituality was secretive, and hidden from the general public. As we come into the new age, however, information is abundant and easily obtained. You can easily find information about anything and anyone.
According to Yogi Bhajan, who brought Kundalini Yoga to the west, the new Aquarian Age is ruled by awareness, information, and energy. In the Aquarian Age there are no secrets! Information is available… it’s everywhere! He says. “Real value will come from truth embodied in practical actions and in the internal caliber and qualities of your mind and heart. The greatest power will be your Word – your consciously projected words. It is the age of I am that I am, where value is placed on living authenticity, and guided by your connection to your inner wisdom.” We access our inner wisdom by trusting our “gut” reactions… our feminine powers of intuition.
This is a change of such magnitude, because we are changing both inside and out. Yogi Bhajan continues,” The mind is changing its sensitivity, its basic frequency and functioning. Our lifestyle is changing its sense of time, space, relatedness, and relevancy.”
This is a time of love and compassion for ourselves and others, and of being our authentic selves. Of recognizing that the other person is you.. Of turning inside to our inner wisdom to discern which information is relevant, of marrying the wisdom of the mind with the wisdom of the heart, so that we see through the eyes of love.
Yogi Bhajan tells us to vibrate the Cosmos. The Cosmos shall clear the path. and we do this through our words. The greatest power will be your Word, your consciously projected words.
We must use our words and thoughts wisely. As A Course in Miracles reminds us, there are no idol thoughts, and we think on the average 70,000 thoughts/day. Thinking disempowering thoughts, disempowers you. Don’t judge your thoughts, just notice them, and notice how you are feeling. Use your emotions to navigate toward thoughts that make you feel better. We are in the time of I Am that I Am. It’s a powerful time, where we create by being… by vibrating the Cosmos with our words. Whatever we attach to the words “I Am” creates our state of being..”I am powerful beyond measure”, “I am living my purpose”, I am happy, joyful and free”. Vibrate the Cosmos with your words and create your new state of being!
Peace, Love & Joy to you in this wonderful new age!
© 2012 by MarBeth Dunn. All rights reserved.
by MarBeth Dunn | Dec 12, 2012 | Uncategorized
Although the holidays can bring a sense of excitement and joy for many people, it can arouse feelings of sadness, stress and loneliness for others. From the hustle and bustle of cooking, shopping, and entertaining, to the social engagements and often unrealistic expectations, “’tis the season” can generate a not so merry and bright feeling in the hearts of many. Fortunately, there 
are things you can do to experience a holiday season that is more joyful, if you choose to do so.
Since our thoughts create our reality, examine your thought patterns during this time. You can choose to have different thoughts and feelings about the holiday season so that you rewrite the stories from your past and start to create new and happier memories.
If triggers or patterns from your past keep you stuck and repeat themselves every year at this time, choose a different way of interacting. Before you simply react (as you have many times before), challenge yourself to see things differently. Ask yourself, “What if I could see this situation from a different vantage point, more objectively or from the other person’s point of view. Pay attention to what you are physically feeling and notice how your body is responding to the stressful or upsetting situation. If possible, get to a place where you can close your eyes and do some deep breathing so you can get into your heart space. From this space, it will be easier to work through your feelings and open yourself to see things with more empathy and compassion.
Recognizing that certain environments and people have triggered your reactions over the years should allow you the freedom to then embrace the fact that you can choose to have a different response this year, or participate for a shorter time.
Another way to ward off the holiday blues is to make sure you practice the art of extreme self-care. What do you need to be happy “normally”? Can give yourself a little extra? More sleep, more time to be alone (or less), more exercise or perhaps a treat, like a facial or a massage, can work wonders. Be very attentive to taking care of you.
If you’re missing your loved ones, the holiday season can be especially lonely. Be gentle with yourself. Don’t stuff your emotions, allow yourself to feel them, even if they’re not comfortable. Be proactive by setting up a support system before the holidays. If you’re feeling down, don’t hesitate to support for yourself by reaching out to others. You are not alone! There are plenty of people feeling the same way you are.
You can also boost your spirits by volunteering or being of service to others. Since giving and receiving are the same, you will feel better about yourself when you reach out to support other people. And, if you find that memories of holidays past generate sadness, why not open yourself to finding new ways to celebrate by creating a different tradition?
Are finances a source of stress or anxiety this time of year? There are many ways you can give a meaningful gift without spending any money at all! The gift of your time by running errands, babysitting or pet sitting, housecleaning etc, might be greatly appreciated by your loved ones. You may be providing them with a solution to a problem that has been causing them stress! These services can add up quickly so if they are short on funds, your gift would be most welcome.
Finally, it’s more important than ever during the holidays to set good boundaries. It’s okay to say no to things that you don’t want to do. Sure, some people may be disappointed but don’t feel guilty about choosing to do what would be the best for you. After all, this is your holiday season too!
Give yourself the the gift of the extra time, attention and love you need and deserve this season so you can be relaxed and joyful… and enjoy your holidays!
© 2012 MarBeth Dunn. All rights reserved.
