Lakshmi, Hindu goddess of wealth & prosperity

The word abundance comes from the Latin word for “overflowing” and indeed the word carries with it the energy of a boundless, rushing spring creek and the ultimate joy of a heart brimming with love and compassion. At its root the word refers to a state of prosperity in all aspects of life including our material, spiritual, and emotional situations and outlooks.

For many of us it is difficult to tap into this state of grace. Whether we are tired from working and parenting, or are in the throes of searching our souls, a state of mental, emotional and spiritual abundance soothes a worried heart and assures us that what is, is enough, and that with time, patience and intention, more of what we need and desire is surely forthcoming.

Abundance is also a powerfully magnetic state of mind that draws to us the tools, resources, opportunities and connections needed to actualize our intention. A simple and highly effective method for cultivating abundance is the use of affirmations. My favorite abundance affirmations are:

Abundance is flowing to me from expected and unexpected sources.

and

My natural state is abundance and joy.

I began using the first mantra during a particularly harrowing period of financial uncertainty. Within days I noticed a shift in how I felt. I began to expect good things to come my way. This opened the door to being able to see solutions when before there was only doubt and dead-ends. Even before more money started to come in I felt a sense of possibility and certainty that the tide had turned.

The second affirmation is chanted as a mantra and corresponds to my jade, garnet and carnelian mala.  The energy of those rich and regally hued stones align us with prosperity and success while supporting motivation to ensure we proactively seek our dreams and goals.

An affirmation or mantra soon becomes an anchor for our attention, a touchstone that we may return to as often as needed. The mantra triumphs over fearful, doubtful and ultimately destructive thoughts that keep us from experiencing abundance; and with consistent practice and intention, the seeds of a coming harvest are sown.

Cathedral Park

Exercise is my most important daily touchstone. Without moving, stretching, challenging and invigorating my physical being on a regular basis I quickly sense my spirit stagnating, negative thoughts try to invade and I am disconnected from my true essence, from the sacred. Often I like to exercise alone, as it’s my time to recharge, daydream, or let go of something troubling. When immersed in physical activity I reach a meditative zone – where everything suddenly shifts into perspective, the chatter of thoughts, worries and apprehensions fade away. More than just a “runner’s high”, I find a sense of both cosmic and earthly unity as my muscles, heart, and lungs find their rhythm.

Today was a gorgeous late autumn day and I took full advantage by biking out to Cathedral Park to see a community garden plot I may be leasing. Not knowing where exactly the garden was, I set out for an adventure along Willamette Boulevard, which winds along a great ridge on the west bank of the Willamette River. The view was glorious – evergreen blanketed hills to the west, lovely historic homes to my right, and behind me snowy Mt. Hood, resplendent without the usual cloud cover.  As I pedaled I noticed the sky, filled with sunlight filtered down to me through gauzy clouds and a lacy curtain of brilliant red and yellow leaves still clinging haphazardly to gnarled branches. I  also noticed I’d been smiling ever since my ride began.

When I arrived at the majestic St. John’s Bridge I knew I was close to my destination. The garden plot was sure to be down the steep hill leading to the water and Cathedral Park.  I rode through the park, down toward the river, still not finding the garden. I now faced a steep hill to climb. Empowered and exhilarated from the ride out here and the beauty of my surroundings, I trusted my body to get me up the hill. And not only were my muscles focused solely on climbing the hill, my mind was laser-focused as well. Lingering frustration from a phone call this morning, doubts about making it up the hill, the never-ending To-Do list evaporated, and there to my right, down a quiet street was the garden.

From my garden

Meditation, Eating (mindfully) and Exercise

I don’t know about you, but I live with the daily challange of doing these three things.  And what is so crazy to me is that, of course, the quality of my life in hugely enhanced when I do.  My, we are funny creatures.

Meditation

OK,  45 minutes is really spacious.  My goal is 20 mins.  Once I can just light the candle and incense at my alter, I’m good to go and oh, what peace awaits me.  Except when I get those intense spontaneous urges to get up and make a phone call that I forgot about – or some other trivial spontaneous arising of the mind.  So, I just sit and notice the urge and breathe. Ahhh. Read more »

Participating in the ME 2 Challenge I am taking at least 20 minutes each day to meditate. This almost always involves chanting a mantra while counting the repetitions on my wrist mala. Inspired by Celedra’s interview with Lama Palden I am looking into meditation on some of the world’s beloved goddesses.

Green Tara

As a writer I have always had a deep interest in archetypes as communicators of information from beyond our immediate understanding. I also appreciate how archetypes serve as embodiments of a timeless source and therefore provide spiritual nourishment and illumination. Read more »

Living with intention

Connecting with and honoring our selves despite the many demands of everyday life is a fundamental part of living with intention. Daily personal practice that engages body, mind and spirit connects you to the sacred and affirms your intentions.

Our Mission

The mission of Touchstones of the Sacred is to create and nurture community while providing tools, resources and diverse paths to explore along your own sacred journey of intentional living.

Creating interactive community

Much more than the average blog, Touchstones of the Sacred is an interactive community of resources and inspiration, a forum to exchange teachings and share in the journey of intentional living and sacred connection with others.
When we live in touch with the sacred we live in a state of gratitude for all that we are blessed with. Our deepest intention is to serve you in touching the peace, joy and fulfillment that is within each one of us – the source of all gratitude and compassion.

Cottage Industry in Tibet

Among our greatest inspirations are the Nangchun Nuns of Tibet. We are passionate about helping sustain these extremely impoverished women whose life work is to pray for the blessings of all beings. The nuns are supported through our non-profit cottage industry Tara Malas and 5% of Celedra profits are donated to the nuns.