Sheila “Spiral Sister” Murrey Mind-Body, Spirit

Are we real? Perceptions of Reality

Are we real? Perceptions of Reality

There are many reasons why I pose the question, “are we real”? What brings me to this question? If we are real, how real are we? This might get deep. (Updated as new thoughts emerge.)

  • People exist in some material form since we displace space and the weight of us makes an impression, thanks to gravity on the Earth
  • People breathe
  • People process take substances in & expel substances out of our bodies
  • People think (have awareness, observe, analyze, and judge)
  • People feel
  • People communicate (or attempt to)
  • People procreate
  • People make stuff

Interestingly people can create things, but they cannot create LIFE. They can procreate only other human beings. Babies are the only other living entities we can create. Yet, we often care more about non-living things than we about any other living organism.

Is there a source or a creator?

You may answer differently, but for me, as intricate and finely tuned, balanced, as life is – I believe in God, Creator, Source. The master of the source code. And I am beginning to have a sense of the incredible enormity of “God.”

Examples

In the first Men in Black movie, Tommy Lee Jones’ character “K” told Will Smith’s character “J”, “A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky dangerous animals and you know it. Fifteen hundred years ago everybody knew the Earth was the center of the universe. Five hundred years ago, everybody knew the Earth was flat, and fifteen minutes ago, you knew that humans were alone on this planet. Imagine what you’ll know tomorrow.”

That line sparked an intrigue in me. Thus, I crafted this post.

If we believe individuals are smart, but masses of people are dumb it explains why we have governments and politics to guide the masses. Does that explain why individuals and groups help others (during crisis situations) seemingly with no thought of gain?

For example, good samaritans don’t take time to consider if they will get paid, or honored in any way, before they rush to help someone – they may often risk life or limb to help someone just for the sake of helping.

Yet, individuals argue over relatively stupid and short lived issues. Situations that in five, ten, or twenty years will not matter one iota.

Is motivation a factor? Large groups tend to be motivated by money. Perhaps at first, when the group was small the motivation was pure charity. However, as the group grows larger, greed sets in.

It’s electric

Our bodies are electrically charged. This is why when two people have a conversation, or shared thought / mindset they may say to each other, “ah, we’re on the same wavelength”! Speaking of “being on the same wavelength,” I never feel good during any kind of confrontation. Do you?

I feel the disharmony in the energy of the confrontation. Why?

I think it’s because we’re supposed to live in harmonious resonance with each other. I think it’s because a state of joy and well being are supposed to be our “normal” mode of operation. I believe we’re energetic beings.

Science has proven our bodies are electric. How can we profess to be people of any faith, go to worship God somewhere, on any prescribed day (usually a day that our prescribed faith deems appropriate), yet fairly soon upon leaving the sanctuary, cuss someone out who cuts us off in traffic, belittle a child, tell a lie, fight with a loved one, etc.

I’m sure you can think of other incidents that carry more negative charges. Why?

Didn’t we just hear a sermon or speech that in some way impressed upon us the importance of “loving”, i.e. “love thy neighbor as thyself”?

Sitting at a stop light the other day, I had the experience of looking back just as a man three cars behind me in traffic got out of his car, and apparently, while shouting (I couldn’t hear him but I could see his mouth moving), he pointed his finger, and shook his hand and arm at the driver in front of him.

What made me look back at just that precise moment?

Did I sense the energy coming my way?

It almost felt as though I was feeling his anger on an animal instinctual level.

I prayed the light would change so I could just move on.

Many faiths teach, Love

Christians have many scriptures devoted to love and forgiveness of others who wrong us in some way, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” (1 John 4:8 NIV), and “Father forgive them, they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34), as well as, “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

Muslims know these scriptures from the Quran: “God loves those who: do good (Quran 2:195), are pure and clean (Quran 2:222), are righteous (Quran 3:76), are just and act rightly (Quran 5:42), trust Him (Quran 3:159), are patient and persevering (Quran 3:146), love Him and follow the prophet (Quran 3:31), and fight in His cause (Quran 61:4).

Hindu’s teach that one should love, not expecting anything in return.

Sikhism teaches that only those who love will attain God.

The Unification faith teaches true love as the center of their theology.

Tibetan Buddhism teaches of salvation from achieving unselfish love for others.

Why then with all of this love being taught and believed, is the opposite experienced at all in the world?

Consider this

I watched this YouTube video which speculates an answer to the question, “are we real” – Click here.

The video sways back and forth between natural laws proving there is a God, Creator, or Designer – and not. That our universe, even just our world, can all be explained mathematically.

As a technical person, an analyst, I have studied a lot of math in the course of my career and education. I’ve also studied, and talked with a lot of people who believe differently. I’ve learned to appreciate and value diversity – not just tolerate it.

“Think different” is the Apple slogan. You may be familiar with that from watching commercials on TV.

I say it’s good to contemplate subjects from a variety of viewpoints.

Actions that speak volumes

“Just do it”, is the Nike slogan – which tries to entice people to get moving (in their athletic shoes of course). So back to religion.

Many faiths, instruct us to pray, meditate, worship, sit in silence. Why? When we quiet our mind, we still our thoughts. When we still our thoughts we stop negative unproductive thoughts. Perhaps true creativity comes to us at this point. We become “available to spirit.” We aren’t doing anything but breathing.

Could God be in the breath? (Remember the very air we breathe is made up of molecules of oxygen, hydrogen, argon, nitrogen, carbon, water vapor and other gases – and also there is empty space between all molecules).

I am learning when I “just breathe” and focus on my breathing that my body relaxes and I think better.

Why?

Where do our thoughts come from?

Science is finding our thoughts come from outside of our brain – but they still do not understand how our brains work. I believe our brains are both a transmitter and a receiver. And our children are blank computers that we program, with every action, every word, and I dare say, with every thought that we think aimed in their direction or perhaps within their vicinity.

I’ve learned by watching my first granddaughter (born in late 2011) that she attempts to communicate to those around her in non verbal ways. I’ve watched in amazement when she understood what we were saying to her, though she has yet to figure out how to work her tongue to form the words on her lips.

When you gaze at someone, someone that is not looking at you, perhaps across a room, why do they turn and look at you – often within just a few seconds? You know those times. Often when it happens we quickly turn away because we don’t want them to wonder why we were watching them. I believe it’s because we’re transmitting a thought toward them, wondering about them, judging them, speculating about them.

We are all connected

Space is not empty. And considering that space is everywhere, within our universe, within our body, within all cells, and molecules, of course space isn’t empty. There is a framework within so called empty space. Could God be the space? Or the framework? God is omni right? Omnipresent, omnipotent, omniscience. Perhaps our thoughts ride that framework.

Watch the video movie – it’s free. Then comment and let me know what you get out of it. I’m curious.

I’m speculating that we are indeed real, but that reality may not be what we’ve thought.

Since computers were created science has had time to consider how electricity, turning on and off circuits very fast can store information and “do” things. All computer programs are a series of ones and zeros = on and off, true and false. That’s all it is folks (I’ve been working with and on computers for more than twenty years).

The Facebook website and all those games and computer applications you love so much are only programs made up of ones and zeros.

The Bible states that God created the simple things to confound the wise.

Could it be that our very thoughts set into motion vibrations, traveling upon frequencies (on a framework) that allows all of what we see around us to materialize?

Simple, yet complex

My mind is overwhelmed when I consider, even for a few moments, how intricate, how complex, and beautiful – and living all of creation is. I bet there are color frequencies, for example, in existence our brains are not able to interpret.

Perhaps we’re energy?

Once, a little old lady told me not to wear my watch (because it had a battery in it) on my left wrist. She said that energy enters the body through the left hand and out the right hand. (Years later I learned this is different for a man than it is for a woman.) And she said, the battery current would block energy from entering my body. I was astounded! And why did she tell me this? I don’t know. I’d never met her before – it was a brief encounter while I was working in retail.

Later on, I had an experience while ill, that I was to put my palms together as I prayed for my healing. I did. I recovered.

I felt that in my future, someway, somehow, I should explain to others this experience and all the reasons that it’s so important.

When we pray, we put the palm of one hand against the palm of the other. Simply, this small act connects a circuit of energy. This means there is a very real reason why we put our hands together.

Notice that when people say namaste and put their hands together in prayer form over their hearts it signifies how we honor the spirit of the other person. Asian people put their hands together when they bow in greeting each other.

Applying logic, perhaps holding hands would also be immensely important to transmit thoughts, feelings, emotions, to another.

Ah, imagine what a hug does! (There’s been some studies on that also that are breathtakingly fascinating!)

Speaking of frequencies, consider all visual and audio information rides upon frequencies and our eyes and ears receive – then our brain interprets.

This means everything we see, is light that falls onto our eyes and our brain then interprets the frequency resolving a mathematical computation based upon all of the former input (learning based on relationships, patterns, and associated meanings) in order to paint the picture that you see! The way this happens is similar to how a television antenna picks up a  frequency and presents it to your TV set, allowing you to watch it.

First there was only black and white TV. Then color. Now, high definition.

Why?

Because we’re always pushing the envelope – exploring and creating equipment which is continually improving the interpretation of the signals! Now consider, some of us dream in color – sometimes the colors are quite vivid – almost real.

Take it upon yourself to be the best you, that you want to be. May God allow you to see everything that is. Search. Question. Dream, believe, and achieve. Live. Laugh. Love. Breathe.

A bit about me:

An Amazon bestselling author of two co-authored books: “Transform Your Life Book 2 Inspirational Stories and Expert Advice,” “Energy of Receiving”, plus author of “Blue Eyes: Ethereal Messages of Connection,” and holistic health book that details how I naturally reversed asthma, “Have Yourself a Wholly Vibrant Life: Reversing Asthma and Other Chronic Illness Naturally” all available on Amazon.

Be the best version of who you want to be.

Information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to treat, diagnose or prescribe.

For more about me, this blog, how I create websites, why I wrote a holistic health book, and more, find me on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Sheila “Spiral Sister” Murrey Connections

Do people still use Phonebooks?

Do people use printed phonebooks?

This may be my shortest post ever.

I just can’t recall the last time I used a printed on paper, floppy, big, heavy, and real honest-to-goodness phonebook!

Ways to find a phone number

I was searching Google for a naturopathic doctor and kept coming up with yellowpages.com, superpages.com, Local.yahoo, citysearch, and many more individual search portal type sites. I know some of these sites come up specific to whatever you are searching for like Craigslist or Angie’s list.

Stop killing trees

I wonder when the phone companies will actually stop killing trees to print those huge books? I still see them occasionally. Those big yellow books, tossed on door steps and lawns.

I sure hope folks recycle ♻️ any they have, when they’re done with them. ❤️

Times have changed

I’m thinking that our first granddaughter (born in 2012) will never know what it was like to rely on those bundles of wood pulp directories. And that doesn’t bother me at all.

And instead of the 3 inch thick phonebook we used to receive, as of 2020, they’re quite thin!

Sheila “Spiral Sister” Murrey Mind-Body, Spirit

Practicing patience

Practicing patience

I went for a massage last Saturday and it seems my Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) was having “one of those days.”

Do you know what I mean?

She was experiencing one of those days where lots of little things were going wrong. I could relate because I’ve been having one of those days for a couple of weeks. And when I am carrying a lot of tension, a massage is one of life’s luxuries that I feel is a necessity.

As it turned out, there was a message in the massage.

The message

My LMT started relating her experiences to me from her early morning. Since I felt I might be able to help her, and so, she wouldn’t take it out too much in the process of performing massage on me, I decided to listen closely. When she had fully vented, I began to offer her some cheerful comments to perhaps, lift her mood. At least I thought I would.

As she talked, we both began to realize what the issue was, and we both needed to learn and remind ourselves to practice… patience. Ah, a lesson and a great massage too!

The practice

She and I, maybe many of us, need to practice patience. Everyday. And there is work in that, I can tell you!

Perhaps we say we have patience. Maybe we have patience with ourselves, but get annoyed with others when they don’t move as fast as we want them to, do the job correctly the first time, or trust us to live up to our word. I’ve been told by people I’ve worked with over the years that I have “the patience of Job.” (Referring to the biblical story of Job.) So, I’ll give you a Bible verse I like, Matthew 6:8

Now, I know this verse has been and could continue to be interpreted and applied in many ways to our every day life. The way I like to think of it is, since God knows what we have need of before we ask then God doesn’t want us to worry.

Worry

Worry makes us sick.

Worry tires us.

When we’re rushing around, we’re worried that we aren’t going to get something done, meet someone, or get some place, on time.

We worry we’ll be late for a very important date. Why?

Worry implies we care more about what someone else thinks of us, than we think of ourselves.

How patience releases worry

So, I’m practicing patience. To let go of the need to please others. Sure, I like to arrive at work on time. And I like to show my boss that I go about urgent tasks, with a sense of urgency. However, all that stress, day after day, leads me to stress my body. It only hurts me in the long run.

I don’t know about you but I can’t remember ever getting a raise, or promotion due to rushing around.

Yes, consistent good performance, and meeting milestones at work – actually accomplishing things, that can bring rewards but I can always take time to breathe, to focus, to strive to understand, know the details – even if that takes me a few minutes longer. Taking my time means my work will be done correctly. Rushing may lead to errors. I’d rather have my work be clear, detailed, and accurate, than fast.

Been there, done that

My LMT wished she hadn’t left her office keys at the post office, when she went to check her mail. Her waiting client was patient with her though, thankfully. Perhaps, he’d once left his keys somewhere.

I bumped into a concrete post and put a small dent in the bumper of my husband’s truck – because I had to drop off my car key to a store that hadn’t correctly installed a part on my car the day before (meaning I shouldn’t have had to return there, had they done their job properly the first time). I’m glad my husband doesn’t get upset over things like that. Whew!

I had a friend damage one of my cars years ago and she didn’t feel a bit sorry! Unfortunately, I was irritated about that incident for a long time. I learned those feelings aren’t good for me to carry around.

A company I’m doing business with is threatening to sue me over a particular clause in a contract that I’d signed too quickly and apparently without fully considering the ramifications. They have no reason to sue me of course as I didn’t break our contract – but because I told them I was unhappy and didn’t want to do business together anymore they’re jumping to conclusions and threatening me. I guess it makes no difference that I’ve acted in good faith with full disclosure. It makes no difference that they’ll continue to make money by my association with them. It doesn’t matter either that they made mistakes – mistakes that have caused me to want to end our relationship. All of that leaves me feeling a bit disempowered, as well as aggravated, annoyed, grumpy, and angry.

Honor our feelings and other people

I’m honoring my feelings by venting and getting it out in the most healthy way I know, writing. I can’t put a positive spin on the experience yet, but because I have faith, I believe I can let go of it – one day.

I believe, as Jesus Christ commanded, it’s important to love our neighbor as ourselves. So I must love myself. I love myself when I honor all of my feelings. I’m not loving myself too much if by rushing around and stressing my body I make myself sick. Or if I deny my anger.

This brings me to my other interpretation of that Bible scripture I quoted previously.

Since God already knows what we have need of that must mean our prayers are only a form of obedience to God’s Word.

Lack mindset

Isn’t it interesting that typical prayers keep us focused on the lack of whatever it is we’re praying for?

Example: when we pray for someone to be healed it’s because they or others have told us they are sick. When we pray for someone to have a safe journey we are thinking of the unsafe things which could occur on their trip. We ought to be praying with FAITH which means… Believing What We’re Asking Has Already Been Accomplished!
Focus and feel we already possess whatever it is we are asking for as if we already have it.
Belief activates faith. Take it upon yourself to practice patience daily and let me know how it works out for you.

A bit about me:

An Amazon bestselling author of two co-authored books: “Transform Your Life Book 2 Inspirational Stories and Expert Advice,” “Energy of Receiving”, plus author of “Blue Eyes: Ethereal Messages of Connection,” and holistic health book that details how I naturally reversed asthma, “Have Yourself a Wholly Vibrant Life: Reversing Asthma and Other Chronic Illness Naturally” all available on Amazon.

Be the best version of who you want to be.

Information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to treat, diagnose or prescribe.

For more about me, this blog, how I create websites, why I wrote a holistic health book, and more, find me on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Sheila “Spiral Sister” Murrey Art & Music

America the Beautiful in Lake County Florida

America the Beautiful in Lake County Florida

Yesterday, I wrote a little article for Examiner(dot)com. In the article, I talked about the beauty I am noticing all around me.

RV Living = Freedom

Living in an RV, it affords my husband and I to live anywhere, to pull up stakes (though we don’t use stakes at our camp spot actually, but I just like that turn of a phrase) and take off at a moments notice. That is of course, with the exception of moving too far from where I’m working. So living in Lake County, uh, well, camping that is to say, puts us very close to a lot of things to do. I thought I’d just expand on that here.

Hill Country article

Okay. So, when Examiner(dot)com sold to AXS, I lost many of my articles. Sad, I know. But my article told of many virtues and natural points of beauty you could find in the Hill Country f Florida–Clermont, Florida. See link here:

https://www.clermontfl.gov/visitors/about-us.stml

This site will tell you a lot about Clermont in Lake County Florida. What I’d like to expand on is why it is that NOW, I’m really appreciating the beauty of this area.

https://images.app.goo.gl/sQHVPgAYTrG1ynsp8

Positive aspects

This year I’ve been keeping what is termed a “book of positive aspects.” In it, I take something – yes even something negative that’s occurring in my life – and muse on it until I can either generalize or ponder the subject so deeply, that I can turn it around and find the positive aspects of or within it.

You hear people do this all the time when they say, “there’s a silver lining in every dark cloud”, or “look for the good”, which upon hearing that one I usually think to myself, “look for God”. The other morning before beginning the workday a coworker said to me it would be good if I’d “expect God’s favor”. It was a polite, profound, and professional way for him to tell me that I’ve had a negative attitude. And I have been.

I’ve been so stressed, so in the weeds and details of “stuff” that well, my normal usual smile, and optimism has waned.

So as I prepared to write my article I opened my Excel spreadsheet – which is how I record my list of positive aspects – and I read this one, “Within every place the possibility to feel good exists” and immediately therefore thought, “Within every place the possibility to feel God exists.”

Wow!

Beautiful!

Talk about a game changer.

Talk about a mind shift!

And it gets better.

Serenity

For a couple months now, another coworker (who works on a very complex project with me) has been telling me (during the moments when I think my brain is going to explode), “Serenity now.”

Now, I learned the serenity prayer many years ago, but never thought to apply it to a hectic work situation. I latched right on to that phrase. I say it often to myself during crisis moments. And guess what? On my list of positive aspects I find, “Serenity can be practiced any place.” Uh-huh! Yes and I agree it can… but man, during those “get me a brick, so I can beat my head against it” moments of extreme irritation (usually because I feel someone else didn’t accomplish something they were supposed to – and judging – maybe they’re incompetent), it isn’t easy to APPLY serenity inducing techniques.

Conclusion

Aha! That’s one of many reasons why I relate so much to the movie, Office Space. In the Information Technology (IT) world, Office Space is a cult classic. When Peter gets hypnotized he goes in to work the next day with an, “I don’t care anymore” attitude. I get that! To feel serenity – anywhere. Some places do seem to make it easier for us to feel serene, than others. The Hill Country of Florida sure provides a sense of calm and ease and I am glad we can enjoy it!

A bit about me:

An Amazon bestselling author of two co-authored books: “Transform Your Life Book 2 Inspirational Stories and Expert Advice,” “Energy of Receiving”, plus author of “Blue Eyes: Ethereal Messages of Connection,” and holistic health book that details how I naturally reversed asthma, “Have Yourself a Wholly Vibrant Life: Reversing Asthma and Other Chronic Illness Naturally” all available on Amazon.

Be the best version of who you want to be.

Information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to treat, diagnose or prescribe.

For more about me, this blog, how I create websites, why I wrote a holistic health book, and more, find me on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Sheila “Spiral Sister” Murrey Spirit

Health and Original Music

Health and original music

How can I possibly write about focus, intention, analysis, and energy – under the heading of Health and Original Music without it becoming some mish-mash of unrelated and random thoughts? The sheer definition of the word “focus” seems to defy the writing of such an article.

Alignment

I believe it’s possible to observe, experience, and identify all kinds of things in life. In fact, science is all about observing, identifying, and quantifying things in an objective manner.

So when most people think in analytical terms, they are observing, experiencing (or testing), identifying, and validating things.

To me, magic is created when seemingly unrelated things come together to create synergy. And synergy is energy – albeit an innovative form of energy. Taking apart some things and putting them together in a new and exciting way = innovation.

Sound is healing

It seems every time I check out health related videos I find original music being played, either in the intro, as background, or closing music.

It seems that while people are being creative in one art form, they can also be free to create in another.

A lot of actors are musicians, and vice versa. Some musicians are also painters, sculptors, etc. I’ve linked to some examples for you – hear the original music playing for The Raw Life Health Show, and The Raw Food World. Also, the founder of Natural News TV is a musician – check out one of Rick Adams’ music videos. My artist musician husband has written a song about health (well sort of) too – it’s called, “Whose Dentures.”

Songwriting

So I pondered on the process of writing a song – since I’m such a “process person”. In order to write a song, you analyze a topic – this may include: pondering, wondering, researching, studying, investigating, meditating, praying, being still, and more). Then with focus and intention the song takes shape. As you play the song allow your soul and spirit to open, this gets the creative juices and energy flowing – and magic happens! You’ve created something that’s never existed before! Of course, it’s an art not a science because whether people like a song is completely subjective.

The Process

I work as a business technical analyst. I have to focus and work in a very detailed way. My work involves finding and analyzing data very intensely. Yet, I have to allow myself breaks, so I can back away from the details and analyze the business process of what’s going on (in order to improve it).

I document and diagram business processes, so I can relay the reasons why software must be designed in a certain way–for ease of use.

Almost daily, I communicate to customers, management, project sponsors, and vendor partners. I have to ask myself and many others, thought provoking questions. That’s where I can get creative – in the asking. I communicate with others in order to validate my findings and keep the work progressing with forward motion.

The analysis I perform must always be objective.

When someone is “in the weeds” of project details, it can often be difficult to see any high-level process changes that might be needed to improve, or smooth out the overall process.

I reach into my Soul and ask Spirit to keep me calm when stressful moments begin to build.

Sometimes my work can energize me, yet other times I am drained when too many conflicting constraints and shifting priorities occur.

My inner child feels as though, at times, a tantrum or too wouldn’t be half bad to ease my frustration, however I realize that wouldn’t be professional behavior to display.

I often counsel with others to learn if I am missing something or if they know of another way around whatever obstacle is occurring.

Yes, I seek to identify and validate.

And through all of this I strive to be healthy.

Health isn’t just a fit body that doesn’t experience illness. Mental health is just as important as physical health.

Allowing myself time to honor my intentions, honor my focus, drive, ambition, and passion – all contributes to keeping me balanced and objective.

Often, I sing, and allow music to truly soothe the inner turmoil savage beast.

Notice, the next time you go for a massage, they usually have soothing music being softly played to calm you and put your body at ease.

Namaste. OM

A bit about me:

An Amazon bestselling author of two co-authored books: “Transform Your Life Book 2 Inspirational Stories and Expert Advice,” “Energy of Receiving”, plus author of “Blue Eyes: Ethereal Messages of Connection,” and holistic health book that details how I naturally reversed asthma, “Have Yourself a Wholly Vibrant Life: Reversing Asthma and Other Chronic Illness Naturally” all available on Amazon.

Be the best version of who you want to be.

Information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to treat, diagnose or prescribe.

For more about me, this blog, how I create websites, why I wrote a holistic health book, and more, find me on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Sheila “Spiral Sister” Murrey Connections

Things I’ve Never Understood

Even at my ripe age of fifty, there’s still things in life (or at least in our culture and society) I don’t understand. I’ve started a list of those things. Because the mind likes to observe and catalog things. And because people like to explain things. It makes us comfortable when we can explain stuff.

  1. Insurance – Why do states (like Florida) have laws requiring people to buy auto insurance and insurance agencies encourage you also to pay for coverage that covers “uninsured motorists”? If it’s the law, then why doesn’t the state (Florida in my example) cover the uninsured? Or at least force the uninsured to pay for all accidents that are their fault? Which brings me to #2…
  2. No Fault Accidents – There’s no such thing. Someone is always at fault. I understand that it takes two to tango so to speak, or multiple people at fault but no one at fault? I’m not buying that logic unless you’re driving down the road and a tree falls over on your car.
  3. Late Fees – It seems this archaic situation penalizes the very people who CAN’T afford to pay. If the person had the money, they’d have paid the bill when it was due, duh!
  4. Credit Bureau’s – Okay, anyone who knows me, knows I’ve yammered about this subject for years. Credit bureau’s should be illegal and outlawed. Period. They are a private entity amassing too great of control over private individuals lives. They affect how much interest you to pay to a financial institution, whether you can rent certain apartments or homes, whether you can buy a home, and often as well (which really annoys me) influence a company’s decision whether to hire you or not. I say, if they want to remain in business fine, but each citizen should have control over what is released in the file. Oh I know you can “fight” errors on your reports but why is the burden of that fight on the individual? If you become a victim of identity theft you’ll find out real fast just how much power these behemoths wield over you.
  5. Science – People have said to me various times, “I’ll believe this or that when science proves it”. Well my friend you’ll be waiting a l-o-n-g time! Science is by definition, the observation and cataloging of particular things. And science evolves. It’s always changing. Scientists haven’t figured out all of the chemical make up of an apple, can’t tell you exactly how your brain works (granted daily they make great strides), nor can they define or better yet, agree, on how the universe works. Theories, all they have are observations, quantifications, and THEORIES.
  6. Schools of Thought – Adding to why I don’t understand #5, I learned a long time ago there are various “schools of thought” on every subject. So, why would you want to limit your thought to what science (someone else) has to say about your world, your body, or your mind? I say, find your true self, align with it, and be happy. There’s a different school of thought about what you should eat, “science” can prove or disprove it seems, just about every theory. I say check out who funds their studies.
  7. Free Speech – It seems we’ve lost our entitlement and right in this country to FREE SPEECH. Please stand up for free speech (whether you agree with what is being said or not). Seems like that should be a no-brainer but for lots of reasons people seem to want to control what people say. This came to a head for me when folks with a baby in a bar complained about us (two middle-aged educated folks sitting at the bar – the family was behind us at a table) saying a certain word a couple times that they disagreed with. First, we were in a bar, and second, who gives them the right? My husband and I were having a casual enlightened but FUN discourse going on between us, not being loud or brassy, and just happened to use this “word”. If those folks didn’t want their baby, and I do mean this was an infant, not to hear that word, they’d best move along. The bartender told us if we used that “word” any more we’d have to leave because we were in a “family bar”. What?!?! Kids are going to hear that word in a bar, a grocery store, Wal-mart, movie theater, walking in the mall, or coming from a car next to them in traffic. Get over it. Really?
  8. Source – In programming it all depends on who owns, controls, or has access to the source code. You can’t do anything very complex to the program without access to the source code. So, why let someone else, me or a doctor, tell you what’s wrong with your body (your source code). I don’t care how many degrees the person has, or how many years they went to school. They had to practice on someone (lets hope not on you)! No one knows you and your body, like YOU do. I’ve heard people say, “listen to your body” – and I’d believe that to be a good rule of thumb, except – there are exceptions. Sometimes our bodies are controlled by other forces. For example, if you have an addiction to something – that substance has set off certain cell receptors in the body to make you “think” you want whatever it is you’re addicted to, nicotine, sugar, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, all come to mind as examples. I once had a doctor tell someone in my presence that he couldn’t be physically addicted to marijuana – only mentally. Later it was determined (evolving science) that one CAN be physically addicted to the THC component in marijuana.

So I guess, it really doesn’t matter what you know, what you study, or what you do – who believes you anyway? There’s a phrase I’ve heard recently that seems to fit here. Familiarity breeds contempt. It’s why Jesus Christ had a problem getting those whom he had grown up with to follow him and why he had to travel to recruit the twelve disciples. Another thought comes to mind… isn’t it absolutely amazing what twelve people can accomplish – like start Christianity – when they all are of like-mind?

In this day and age of viral marketing, I’d like to see more great ideas “take off.” I’d like it if we could shed some of the things that hinder us. Wouldn’t it be nice?

For me, I’m trying not to take myself so seriously – no one else does.

Sheila “Spiral Sister” Murrey Mind-Body, Spirit

Have a Magical Day

It’s seems like a very little thing. But sometimes it’s the little things that count.

I picked up a new tag line for my email signature space. I thanked the coworker (whom I’d copied it from) and let him know that I had decided to use it as well. Instead of “Regards”, or “Sincerely”, it was, “Create a Pleasant Day.” I used it for both for personal and business emails. Then, after accepting a role at Walt Disney World I changed it to, “Create a Magical Day” which, just played on the “Have a Magical Day” Disney slogan. They use it around the parks and we always ended conference calls with that phrase. I always thought it was lovely.

During a children’s program, that happened to be on TV while I was sitting with my grand baby, I heard the actors say something about magic words. Before that time, I’d just been thinking some random thoughts about how we really do create our days based on what we focus on. As the words “hocus pocus” were spoken I thought, Aha! Hocus pocus rhymes with FOCUS!

I’d been focusing on taking my daughter and grand baby back to the airport – they live in New Hampshire – and I knew I shouldn’t be spending any time thinking about that when I only had a few more hours to play with Jennie. Maybe indeed something magical was hidden in the words hocus pocus – were they guideposts to remind us that what we focus on, we give power to, thus we create?

What we focus on – that’s like something I recall from a lot of self help reading, “what we think about, we bring about” I believe is how it goes. And while studying energy work I’ve learned that where thoughts go, energy flows. It’s what’s behind ALL the intention talk.

So, when I sign off my emails, don’t think that I’m being all Disney, Harry Potter, or whatever. It’s just a way for me to remind myself (and maybe others too) that if we want to have a pleasant day, a day of pleasing and being pleased, a day full of joy or bit of bliss – then take few moments and focus on the positive. Think about what you’d like to happen, what might be nice if it worked out, instead of all the other seemingly endless things to nag or complain about. You know what you’re missing and I know what I’m missing but we don’t need to focus on what’s missing. Focus on what we have. Ah, that’s like living in gratitude, isn’t it?

World knows we all have plenty to be down about but what good does that really do? Thinking more pleasant magical thoughts makes me happier – and when I’m happier I bet there’s at least a few people around me who are happier too.

A bit about me:

An Amazon bestselling author of two co-authored books: “Transform Your Life Book 2 Inspirational Stories and Expert Advice,” “Energy of Receiving”, plus author of “Blue Eyes: Ethereal Messages of Connection,” and holistic health book that details how I naturally reversed asthma, “Have Yourself a Wholly Vibrant Life: Reversing Asthma and Other Chronic Illness Naturally” all available on Amazon.

Be the best version of who you want to be.

Information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to treat, diagnose or prescribe.

For more about me, this blog, how I create websites, why I wrote a holistic health book, and more, find me on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Sheila “Spiral Sister” Murrey Connections

Why I had quit Facebook

So, the day I originally wrote this, the social networking site, Facebook, went “public.” As in, it offers shares of stock for sale on the stock market.

I was on Facebook for about two years. I thought it was all about reconnecting; sharing tidbits of life, opinions, and photos with old high school friends, college friends, family, and so on.

Little by little, I became addicted to those elementary games and, for a few months, enjoyed playing them.

I had tons of photos on my site.

And then, I posted a lot of opinions – sometimes causing disturbing rebuttals.

Being a computer geek (I met my husband online and I work in IT) I know how to set the privacy controls and all that sort of thing. But, eventually, I got tired of the fad and moved on.

Just like my parents when the old party line telephone was being phased out for a private line in the 1960’s. That’s all Facebook is. It’s a party line telephone!

Do you know why a lot of people moved on from the party line?

Wives were suddenly made aware of their husbands shenanigans. Husbands overheard neighbors talking about how annoying they were, mowing their grass too early on a weekend morning or maybe how loud their truck exhaust was when they drove down the street. Kids picked up the phone only to hear some of the seediest conversations of their lives!

AT&T did great business with the advent of the private line telephone for a reason!

People started realizing they really didn’t want to know what everyone thought of them, or what their spouses were secretly up to.

Anyway, isn’t gossip a sin?

So, I have a sneaking suspicion (and hope) that Facebook will eventually fizzle out the same way those old party line phones did.

It seems bizarre to me that Facebook started out as a private network, mostly for colleges – you had to have a college email account initially to even get started.

Now, you’ll probably think I’m a conspiracy theorist when I say this, but the day the announcement came out about Facebook taking funds from Goldman Sachs (about $450 million), and a private Russian investor (do we yet know who that person is?) that was the final straw for me.

I’m half way through a Masters in Marketing degree so I understand the whole marketing perspective of Facebook – and that they’re only beginning to make money from advertising stuff.

Believe me when that really takes off you’ll already be so addicted you won’t even realize how targeted they’re slick marketing will be.

So, for me when a company gets too much cash inflow I question if there’s something “a bit more than meets the eye” going on.

Who wants the data?

Who wants the photos?

Do they care who I know?

Who’s trying to gain control?

Since I had no way to answer those questions I systematically began deleting all of my posts (and it took awhile since I had to delete each one individually), deleted all of my photo albums, etc. Only when I felt like I had removed EVERYTHING that I wouldn’t want published in a big city newspaper, that’s when I hit the “disable” button.

Admittedly, I’ve been back on, yes you can enable your disabled account again if you choose to, just to view some photos that family or friends refused to email – I know they’re sucked into Facebook, it’s fine, I was there once so I understand, but it’s a pain to disable it – too many questions and crap.

So, I went back on it a couple of times.

If my family and friends want me to see their kids growing up process, they’ll just have to email – or do what I did. Pay to store our digitized photos online.

Everytime I reactivate my account to check photos my family or close friends have posted, I feel wonderful for a few minutes–until I see something that pisses me off. Then I deactivate the account again acknowledging to myself how much I loathe Facebook. UGH!

Bottom line: I think Facebook is a time trap, gut puncher, and time waster for the most part — and I’ve got more important writing to do. 🙂

UPDATE: After the birth of my beautiful granddaughter (and her parents subsequent decision to allow pictures of her to be shared on Facebook), I begrudgingly returned to Facebook. In fact, I even setup an “author page“. Call it hypocrisy if you will, but that’s my story and I’m sticking with it. 😉 I preach a lot about forgiveness, so forgive me – and I’ll forgive Facebook. Just be careful, kind, and considerate out there…

Sheila “Spiral Sister” Murrey Mind-Body, Spirit

About My Blog Name

Take It Upon Yourself is about accepting responsibility for yourself. Your health. Your dreams. Your talents. Your passions and desires. It’s about knowing who YOU are.

TakeItUponYourself

Who are you? Have you asked yourself this question? Have you said, “Self, who am I”?

Take a look in the mirror – go ahead, take a good look. Do you know who you are? I realize I may err on being a bit annoying here. But I just wonder how many of us really examine ourselves – and ask ourselves this question. How well do we know our own unique person… mind, body, and soul (or spirit if you’re so inclined to believe in a spiritual self). Each of us have a unique set of fingerprints to remind us that we’re all different, particular, specific individuals.

I’ve been asking myself who I am since turning fifty (50) years of age. I am on a journey of self discovery. I can describe attributes and characteristics of myself, but who am I?

I have discovered that I am Energy, focused in a physical body. I am the sum total of my previous choices and experiences.

I’ve accomplished many things that I never thought I would. I’ve been given everything I have ever wanted. Along the way I did some things I would not do again – but I learned lessons from those experiences. I can’t explain why I did some of the things I did, but I think I had good reasons at the time. I think most people act on the best information they understand at the time.

So, I can’t condemn my former self since I acknowledge that my past choices taught me lessons and turned me into the person I accept as my self today. I believe love is a choice. Life, humility, gratitude, sanity – all are choices.

I have also come to an awareness that beliefs are just thoughts we keep thinking over and over – we always have the power within us to think different (better) thoughts and change ourselves if we don’t like what we see in the mirror. Me? I’m always changing!

So, who am I? LOL

I accept responsibility, fully, for who I am. And I deeply love and accept myself for who I am.

I am a mother, a new grandmother, and wife. I’m a highly responsible individual. I take it upon myself to feel better and make healthy choices everyday. I’m fabulous. 🙂 And I bet you’re fabulous too!

I am more than my mind, body, and soul / spirit. I am the culmination of everything I’ve experienced. And I stand on GREAT shoulders. Strong, loyal, God-loving, parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and so on.

I have also had great mentors and teachers along the way too! Thankfully, God gave me one in particular who proved the value of higher education to me many years ago (because I couldn’t wait to finish high school and had never wanted to go to college). She proved me wrong. Obtaining two degrees kept me gainfully employed on my career path!

Some of my ancestors were persecuted for their beliefs, religion, and even their race, which knowing this – keeps me grounded and humble. I believe that also is the reason, or at least one reason, why I am an empath. I am strong. A survivor of hurt, pains, and traumas. A survivor of former marriages, of loves lost.

I look in the mirror and see a woman who’s changed – a lot!

I now eat foods that I didn’t eat five (5) years ago. I beat asthma. I’m a creative and technical career woman. I’ve co-written songs (with my talented soul-mate hubby), and tried all sorts of alternative health modalities that most of my family and friends haven’t yet explored. I’ve gained weight, but I’ve lost it too! I consider myself somewhat of a renaissance woman. Forging ahead and leading my daughter and granddaughter down new trails.

Taking it upon myself, I want something better for them, an easier path perhaps, than what I had. And I know a lot of people who feel the same way. They want to give their kids more than they had – not material things exactly – but knowledge!

Knowledge is power. An explored, informed, due diligence done, and educated response to life – wow! Just imagine the time I’ll save them, and maybe some pain too.

I heard it once said that a wise person learns not from experience, but from the experiences of others.

I’d like to go down that road less traveled. So, I invite you to… take it upon yourself.

Imagine who you want to be. Won’t you?

A bit about me:

An Amazon bestselling author of two co-authored books: “Transform Your Life Book 2 Inspirational Stories and Expert Advice,” “Energy of Receiving”, plus author of “Blue Eyes: Ethereal Messages of Connection,” and holistic health book that details how I naturally reversed asthma, “Have Yourself a Wholly Vibrant Life: Reversing Asthma and Other Chronic Illness Naturally” all available on Amazon.

Be the best version of who you want to be.

Information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to treat, diagnose or prescribe.

For more about me, this blog, how I create websites, why I wrote a holistic health book, and more, find me on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Sheila “Spiral Sister” Murrey Art & Music

America The Beautiful at Fenton Art Glass Company

Wearable fame

It’s not everyday that you can claim a small bit of fame by the bracelet you wear, but I’ve been able to do just that.

Bead jewelry

As many women know, and presumable just as many men since they often reach for a piece of jewelry as a gift to the special lady in their life, Pandora bead jewelry has become very popular. And so it happens that in my West Virginia hometown there’s a century plus old company who’s making artisan glass beads that rival and are quite competitive with Pandora beads. And I’ve begun my own bracelet of the beads (which, I wore everyday for years).

I’m at work, and ladies admire the beads. I’m at the health foods store, grocery store, gym, shipping store, etc. and ladies notice the beaded bracelet. At every turn I get to tell about Fenton Art Glass and how it’s “made in America” pure artisan craftsmanship at its finest.

You can check their fabulous beads out for yourself on their website (and maybe even buy some beads!):

Click Here or go copy and paste this link into your browser —> http://www.fentonartglass.com/

Proud history

Let me finish my story… I love the Fenton company. And unfortunately like so many family run companies they’ve been business challenged lately. In fact, they’ve shut down their main furnace (July 2011 – http://wvgazette.com/News/201107060631). This saddened me deeply when a cousin texted me last year that this was happening!

You see, I went to school (all twelve years – elementary through high school) with Fenton kids. I walked by Fenton a lot growing up and would look forward to tent sales in the summer when my mom and I would shop for collectible hand blown glass pieces (they made vases, lamps, bowls, little hand painted cute animal figurines, angels, clowns, and much more), or when I’d visit my hometown later on with family and look for what was new.

I’m so glad I took my husband on the factory tour a few years back. And since my husband is an artist, he told me he so admired the workmanship and craftsmanship in the making of the art there. The artisans at Fenton had such command of their art and were proud to have their work collected by people all over the world.

Fenton used to appear on the HSN television channel. As well, they used to have their wares displayed and sold at Cracker Barrel restaurants.

Living in Florida since I was 22 years of age, when people asked me where I was from, I was always happy to say I’m from Williamstown, WV–where Fenton Art Glass is made.

Though I’ve lived in Florida for more than half of my life, my hometown still lives in my heart. I have family and friends in / near Williamstown.

Ray of Light

While dining out, we’ve wondered if Fenton had explored making other types of art glass, such as light shades for bars and restaurants.

When we watch HG TV and those restaurant makeover shows on Food Network and see the ways in which designers come up with creating lighting fixtures, sometimes out of the most unexpected things, we wonder if that’s a whole genre of business Fenton may have missed out on.

I enjoy the way light shines through and reflects from the Fenton glass I own, and I appreciate the beauty of it often. I wish more people could experience the beauty of Fenton Art Glass, and believe in the workers of America again.

Part of What Made America Great

When I read this article, http://wvgazette.com/Life/201202030246 and learned there had been 460 glass factories in West Virginia, but now only 16 are in operation. This again causes me to pause and reflect upon how America is changing. Gone are so many manual labor craft jobs. And when we lose that talent and skill, it may never be replaced. Didn’t factories make America great? Where did all our manufacturing go???

Designer beads

So, back to my little beaded bracelet. When I look at it, I think of the folks who made the glass, and the artists who painted on each bead. As the beads move along on the bracelet chain I think about my hometown, I’m grateful to have grown up during a time when hard work and the arts were held in high esteem.

My first cousins’ wife has worked in the Fenton gift shop for years. Fenton has been a big contributor of the economy of Williamstown and surrounding areas, Vienna and Parkersburg WV and Marietta OH. That area will feel the loss of this major employer!

I pray and lift up in hope all those whose lives have been impacted negatively by the changing economy and I pray Fenton can find a way to rise up again, light the main furnace, and keep the heart in my hometown.

UPDATE 2017: Fenton Art Glass did eventually close down the factory. The building was torn down to build a new school.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g59656-d274481-Reviews-Fenton_Art_Glass_Company-Williamstown_West_Virginia.html

https://www.thenewscenter.tv/content/news/The-Fenton-Art-Glass-Factory-comes-to-a-closing–423357214.html

A bit about me:

An Amazon bestselling author of two co-authored books: “Transform Your Life Book 2 Inspirational Stories and Expert Advice,” “Energy of Receiving”, plus author of “Blue Eyes: Ethereal Messages of Connection,” and holistic health book that details how I naturally reversed asthma, “Have Yourself a Wholly Vibrant Life: Reversing Asthma and Other Chronic Illness Naturally” all available on Amazon.

Be the best version of who you want to be.

Information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to treat, diagnose or prescribe.

I’m thrilled to write everyday on topics I love like this story about my famous hometown thanks to Fenton Art.

Sheila “Spiral Sister” Murrey Art & Music, Mind-Body, Soul

Original Music For The “Thinking Person”

Welcome to the first article in my blog!

Friends coaxed me to write a blog – though I had designed, developed, and maintained two websites, joined Facebook, Twitter, and had begun to write a book. I didn’t have much readership, so I couldn’t understand why anyone would want me to write a blog. Nor did I want to spend much time promoting a free blog, when I thought my energies would be better spent writing a book.

CD cover Chevy Ford Band: Dogma

I hesitated to start this blog, because I thought it would distract me–and I really wanted to finish the book before starting anything else. I even quit Facebook for a couple of years so I could finish my book!

Anyway, after a workout session in the gym, and continuing to experience a nagging thought that wouldn’t go away, I started the blog.

Dumb and Dumber

People have talked about the “Dumbing Down of America” for many years.

Media, TV shows, and movies entertain in such simple words and stories that nobody’s doing much thinking anymore.

People seem to be going here and there in a mindless fog. Entertainment is used as a means of escapism, from the stress of work, family drama, or as a way to relax. Many are unwittingly being dumbed down.

Now, we’re thinkin’

Yet for years, this band has been circulated around on the internet called, The Chevy Ford Band. And they’re on a mission to educate the masses through music – maybe that’s why they haven’t caught on with the mainstream public.

The music is about politics, religion, truth, and even sex. The lyrics are intelligent and perhaps, not for everybody.

Take a listen (on my home page footer) to our original songs. We think the songs would work beautifully as music for films and motion pictures. Let us know what you think!

My favorite songs of The Chevy Ford Band are:

  • Crush them with Rock
  • Dogma
  • Energy
  • Over my Head
  • Sunset

The upbeat tempos are great to work out with or dance to, plus I love the lyrics! I love to move and dance to high energy uptempo music that motivates and encourages me to move my body more! I sit all day for the most part and moving helps me release tension and stress!

The controversial song, “Attention Deficit Disorder” takes aim at how the ADD disorder is impacting many around us. That song inspires me to do everything I can to help people learn the Hippocratic oath, “Let Food Be Thy Medicine, and Medicine Be Thy Food.”

I’ve worked with or known people who have children with autism, parents with alzheimer’s, or they themselves have diabetes, recurring acid reflux, high blood pressure, and many other chronic ailments and dis-eases.

Since I’m an empathic person, and reasonably intelligent, I’d love to help them, and their loved ones, find relief. So, I continue to research and share. However, I’m not a health care practitioner, so I share my findings as a friend, natural holistic and alternative health advocate.

Coming next

Future posts in this blog will be related to energy work and other holistic alternative healing modalities. My other site, Being Wholly Vibrant, will share about diet, real food, and easy healthy whole food recipes. As well as book and product reviews.

I’ll also write about original music, social media advertising, health, technology, designing marketing materials, finding our bliss, and other consciousness expanding stuff!

Stay tuned. 🙂

Namaste. OM

A bit about me:

An Amazon bestselling author of two co-authored books: “Transform Your Life Book 2 Inspirational Stories and Expert Advice,” “Energy of Receiving”, plus author of “Blue Eyes: Ethereal Messages of Connection,” and holistic health book that details how I naturally reversed asthma, “Have Yourself a Wholly Vibrant Life: Reversing Asthma and Other Chronic Illness Naturally” all available on Amazon.

Be the best version of who you want to be.

Information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to treat, diagnose or prescribe.

For more about me, this blog, how I create websites, why I wrote a holistic health book, and more, find me on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.