Super Soul Sunday

I love God. And I love hearing about other people's relationship with God.

Today I was watching a repeat episode of Super Soul Sunday on OWN. Iyanla Vanzant was the guest. I just adore her. In the two-part show, Iyanla shared her life's challenges, her story. And as always, Oprah asked some very thoughtful questions.  One of the questions of Iyanla, was what her definition of the soul was. Iyanla said that the soul is the fingerprint of God.  I have to tell you that just struck me to the core. I absolutely love that!  

To the question of what is God - Iyanla simply stated that God is everything. I agree wholeheartedly. God is our breath. God is life. Nature. Our senses. God is the rain, the sun, the snow. God is the trees, the breeze, the grass, the birds. God is the moon, the stars.

God IS.

What was interesting is that Iyanla also went on to say that God is also the manifestation of need for God. In the presence of evil and darkness, God is manifested in the need for light - and of course, God is the light.

God IS.

I think one of the many reasons why I like Iyanla so much, is that not only do I recognize the strength in her, and what she has overcome in her life. As well as her unwavering faith and love in God. But we also think alike at times.  Such as in her explanation of the difference between religion and spirituality.

Religion are the man-made rules, the ceremonies, the rituals of how to follow God's word and show honor and worship to God.

Spirituality is the personal, intimate, internal relationship with God. The all knowing - all trusting - faithful - singular relationship with God. Iyanla says that she believes spirituality to be the hearing of the call of God. I agree.

Sometimes you have a belief, and then you hear someone else verbalize it in a way that perhaps you haven't thought of, and you find yourself saying YES!!  I had one of those moments during the show. Oprah and Iyanla were discussing keeping one's self in alignment with God's plan. And in short, as long as you keep yourself balanced, centered in God's space, you will be in total alignment with God's grace and His plan for your life. In other words, you will never live a blessed life as long as you are out of alignment with God's space. How true!

We know that God is love, God is peace, God is grace, God is forgiveness. And as long as we live our life with God in our heart, and we walk the path of His love, peace, grace and forgiveness, we are in alignment with Him. We are living in the center of God's space, and therefore are open to living a blessed life.

God IS.

One thing that none of us can be certain of, is what happens when we die. All we can do is imagine. And again, I welcome different thoughts on this. Iyalna's thought on this was that we are in a continuum. When we die, in essence, our soul awakens the next day as if nothing happens. Her thought was lost in conversation with Oprah, but I take it to mean that our soul is transformed, that it's work in this current state is finished and therefore the continuum perhaps takes place in another form. To continue the work in another form.

I really need to give this some thought. And of course, as I said, none of us really has a definitive answer to this. There is no way of knowing - until it happens. But, my theory is that God resides in each of us. We are of God. So if you think of a glass of water with a cube of ice floating in it. The water is God, and the ice is us. Yet, the cube of ice is made of God/the water. The cube of ice exists, surrounded by God - ie - nature, life. When the cube of ice eventually melts, the essence of the cube of ice - the water / the soul, rejoins the source - God.

God IS.

As humans, one thing we often wonder about is the meaning of life. I believe that we were put here for a purpose. I believe that our soul is on a mission. We know that we are spiritual beings having a human experience. And we know that we are here for only a short time. Iyanla shared her belief in that God assigns souls to different tasks / lives. With the instruction that that soul should always remember to trust in Him and count on Him for guidance. I believe in our human form, we go through trials and tribulations as a test. To see if our soul remembers to count on God. To trust in Him. Remain connected to Him. In essence to remember His instructions before we were sent out into this world. And while we are here, we are to live His message. To BE love. To BE peace. To BE forgiveness. To BE grace.

A daily prayer from A Course In Miracles really sums up this thought quite nicely..

Where would you have me go, God?

What would you have me do?

What would you have me say, God?

..... and to whom? 

Lance Armstrong - The Picture

Arrogant.  Jerk. Narcissistic. A Bully.  Just some of the adjectives Lance Armstrong used to describe himself and his actions, during the two-part, tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey.

After watching part one yesterday I was tempted to write about it - tempted like the rest of the world to give an opinion.  To judge. I decided to wait until after having watched part 2 tonight before voicing any opinion on the matter.  The confession.

During the interview a few things became clear to me. I question the term confession. Can one truly confess after one has been caught?  Truthfully, the world knew about the doping long before the interview was ever even taped. So to me the entire thing was really just admitting that he had lied for all of these years when the truth came out originally.

I will admit that I do feel for Lance Armstrong and I'm confident that I am in the slim minority. During the first half of the interview when Lance described the picture he had painted himself into. 7 time winner of the Tour de France. Cancer survivor. Founder of the Livestrong Foundation. His wife. Children. Quite the pretty picture. Quite the pedestal he had managed to finagle himself onto. But in the harsh light of reality, as Lance himself said - the picture was false.

It seems to me that the more fictional the picture - the more fiercely you defend it. Truth can be tested. Falsehood cannot.  And when a false picture is held under the microscope it quickly becomes clear that the once thought fine oil painting is really a paint by numbers water-color.

And once you follow the numbers, you realized that the entire image was mapped out. It was a collection of half truths strung together to formulate the image we all wanted to believe.

For me, this was the point in which Lance was no longer the cycling hero. He was no longer the philanthropic cancer crusader. He was no longer the raised bar that athletes spent lifetimes striving to reach. He was just a guy. He was human.  He was stripped down before the entire world to witness his fall from grace.  This, for me, was a bit sad.

Over the course of the interview Oprah revisited the facts over the past years.  How Lance bullied people and lashed out. Indeed suing people who dared to speak the truth.  Deny, deny, deny.  This was his story and he was sticking to it! Stomping anyone and everyone who dared to stand up against 'the picture'.  In listening to the words from the man ... I can actually understand his lashing out.  I can understand his necessity to defend the picture - to the death. And I believe he would have continued to do so, had it not been for his 13y/o son Luke, who did what every kid would do; defended his dad.

It was clear to me - and I hope to everyone else watching part 2 of the interview that when Lance spoke of the moment he had to face his son - to confess to his son ... who had never once questioned his dad's guilt or innocence - the pain in his eyes was genuine.  As a parent, I recognized that pain. I recognized the ache when he spoke of telling his son not to defend him anymore.  Instructing his son to simply say "My dad says he is sorry."

It was also clear to me that despite the bullying, the arrogance, the jerk Lance may have been over the course of his career and beyond, that when it came to his children - his family ... his conscious was real.  When he spoke of his mother, and the toll this had taken on her.  His remorse was clear.  Remorse for how his actions impacted his family.  The few pieces of the puzzle which were the heart of his truth.

At the moment when Lance had to confess to his son, he knew then that this day was inevitable. That the only natural next step would be to admit the falsehood of the picture.

I think as human beings, we are comprised of many puzzle pieces, which together make our own picture. Some parts of the picture are prettier than others. Some parts of our lives are more attractive than other parts. But the majority of us, who walk in day-to-day normal lives are never held under the microscope of the world's eyes. The world's judgement. Few of us will ever sit opposite Oprah to confess our sins.  But how many of us could? How many of us would throw away a few of those puzzle pieces if we could? Or paint over them. Were it that simple.

Certainly when I look back over my life, there are things which I am glad would never make the front pages of the newspapers.  Grateful that I live beneath Oprah's radar.  Blessed that my normal life - the good and the bad ... the growth ... is not up for public scrutiny.

One thing I do hope is that when the world judges Lance Armstrong for his falsehood.  His lies. His imperfect picture. That they do so while being mindful of what the headlines would look like if the cameras were on them.  Because the truth of the matter is that if you are prone to bad judgments and you are in a position of stature - your bad judgments are on a much grander scale than when you are just the average Joe.  

I want to also remind people that there is universal balance, ying and yang ... and Lance is no different. Yes, he did horrible things - primarily to himself - peripherally to those around him.  And yes, in his attempts to conceal the truths - he attacked.  And no, I am not attempting to sweep that under the rug. Clearly what he did was horrible.  And the magnitude of what he did I'm sure will weigh on him for years to come.

With that said, I want to also acknowledge the good Lance did in the creation of Livestrong and the millions of funds raised for cancer awareness.  All of the good that the foundation has done cannot be overlooked.  Nor should it be grouped together with the unfortunate choices Lance made surrounding his cycling career.

With having lost my own father to cancer this past year, and being a two-time survivor of cancer myself, I hope that people will remember the good that the Livestrong foundation has done and continues to do for those who are battling for their lives - and the support given to their loved ones.

I hope we all remember that to err is human - to forgive is divine. I hope we all look at our own picture before we quickly judge a man who has been left hanging for choices made in one facet of his life - while doing so much good for others with the same breath.

Following part 1 of the interview last night, Livestrong released the following statement.  

“We at the LIVESTRONG Foundation are disappointed by the news that Lance Armstrong misled people during and after his cycling career, including us. Earlier this week, Lance apologized to our staff and we accepted his apology in order to move on and chart a strong, independent course. We look forward to devoting our full energy to our mission of helping people not only fight and survive cancer, but also thrive in life after cancer.

Even in the wake of our disappointment, we also express our gratitude to Lance as a survivor for the drive, devotion and spirit he brought to serving cancer patients and the entire cancer community. Lance is no longer on the Foundation’s board, but he is our founder and we will always be grateful to him for creating and helping to build a Foundation that has served millions struggling with cancer.

The LIVESTRONG Foundation is one of the most highly-rated and effective cancer organizations in the United States. Our success has never been based on one person – it’s based on the patients and survivors we serve every day, who approach a cancer diagnosis with hope, courage and perseverance. We listened to their needs and took action to create free cancer support services that offer access to clinical trials, fertility preservation, insurance coverage and even transportation to treatment. People living with and through cancer are the inspiration behind our work. They have been, are and always will be our focus.”

Oprah's Favorite Things - 2012

If you know me at all, you know that one of my favorite things is to watch Oprah's Favorite Things!!  And tonight was the 2102 edition, which is the first to follow the ending of the Oprah Winfrey Show.

As we've all seen, Oprah typically did her Favorite Things on the set of her show. Well, since the show is no longer in production, this year had a different feel - a more intimate feel.  With each of the hand-selected recipients opening gifts with their name on the gift tag - and the entire group receiving each of the gifts opened.

Oprah and her dream team selected a group of Military Spouses and had them come to HARPO Studios under the rouse of viewing the new show about military spouses called; Married to the Army: Alaska.  

Of course this was part of the surprise.  Oh how I love Oprah when she is working her special brand of magic!!!  Just as the spouses sat back on the chairs and sofas in the living room setting, to watch the program, the TV's went fuzzy ... snowy ... and then .... the pictures changed to falling snow - as jingle bells began to ring, and Oprah reappeared in a sparkling red top - all decked out for the holiday show!!  

I absolutely love, love, love watching the expressions on the faces of the people just when they realize what is about to happen!!  The expressions as it slowly sinks in ... lol ... you can almost hear their brain processing the surprise and the realization that they were about to be bathed in love and joy.  Not to mention the haul they were about to be blessed with! 

From designer bags, to shoes and booties... motorized scooters, jewelry and Ralph Lauren sweaters!  Microsoft's newest tablet and 46" Bose TV's!  Watches and Pipcorn!!  Truffles and beauty products. Tempurpedic beds and Hotel Collection Bedding.   Let's not forget the pajamas !!!  And a Skype visit for one of the wives from her husband while on tour!!  Oh how my eyes burn from the tears of joy as I watched the faces of spouses as they received their blessings.  Oprah's touch of Christmas!!

Now - if you know Oprah at all ... you know there is always a show stopper.  Who can forget the year that everyone got a car?  Or the year everyone got the new Beetle?  Or when she took everyone in her audience to Australia??  Well ... in true Oprah form .... each of the spouses received vacations (for two) to Fiji!!!

How marvelous!!!  

Once again .... I am left with my heart full of joy.  None of the gifts came home with me.  And yet, true to form, I feel richer for having watched the show.  I absolutely love the appreciation.  The expressions.  The true, true gratitude.   The mother who could not afford Christmas for her family for several years - and was diving up the gifts in her mind.  

I feel like when Oprah touches one - she somehow touches us all ... in making us realize how truly blessed we are!!  

You did it again Oprah!!  My eyes burn from the tears of joy.  My throat hurts from the laughter.  My heart is full from baring witness to your generosity.

God Bless!!

My "I AM" Board

After watching tonight's Oprah's Life Class I decided to make myself a personal "I AM" Board.  To not only share here with all of you, but to place as my desktop background, so that I may be reminded each day of what I AM.

(Click on image to enlarge.)

Life Class - I AM

In tonight's Life Class on OWN, Pastor Joel Osteen and Oprah spoke about the I AM Seminar.

I have to say the class was Fabulous! Enlightening! Inspiring! Uplifting! Awakening! 

If you are familiar with Oprah and her 'friends' you know that it is all about teaching us how to BE.  How to live a more balanced and peaceful and spiritually awakened experience in this life.  

So ... I am not going to narrate the entire class - (but I DO suggest you watch it either in a repeat or on youtube) - I am just going to post the major Awakening quotes from this show.  

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Whatever follows “I AM” will come looking for you. – Pastor Joel Osteen

You become what you believe. – Iyanla Vanzant

Your words and thoughts become your destiny. – Suze Orman

Whatever you feed will grow. – Bishop T.D. Jakes

Believe in Yourself. God has already approved you. – Pastor Joel Osteen

Nothing you’ve been through is a surprise to God. – Pastor Joel Osteen

If you are still breathing, God has a purpose for you. – Pastor Joel Osteen

Nothing is happening to you, everything is happening for you. – Tony Robbins

When you are in peace – you are in a position of power. – Pastor Joel Osteen

True faith is ‘no matter what’ you are going to be okay. – Oprah Winfrey

The enemy fights you the hardest when he knows God has something great for your future. – Pastor Joel Osteen

Beyond the dark clouds of the moment; the sun is still shining.  God is always there. – Pastor Joel Osteen

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In the closing of the show, Pastor Osteen shared some examples of daily "I AM" testimonies from his new book.  

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I AM Strong

I AM Healthy

I AM Confident

I AM Secure

I AM Talented

I AM Creative

I AM Disciplined

I AM Focused

I AM Valuable

I AM Beautiful

I AM Blessed

I AM Excited About My Future

I AM Victorious

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With all of that, I would just like to add my own:

I AM Enough!!

Farewell To Oprah

When it was first announced that the 25th season of 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' would be the last; I am sure I heard the world gasp in shock and sorrow. How could it be that there would not be any more tuning in to Oprah at 4PM?? So many of us grew up watching faithfully. Learning about other people - and most of all, learning about our selves. the Oprah Show was a daily touchstone for so many. You would often say to a friend ... "did you hear what Oprah said about.....?" And you could spend hours discussing what new idea, experience or spiritual revelation she brought to you during those precious 60 minutes each day.

An exchange of ideas. A wealth of inspiration. A world of teaching.

It always amazed me that no matter what was going on in my life at the time, like magic - or divine intervention - Oprah would feature a topic, which would hit home. Almost as though she knew. I think that is part of the magic of Lady O, always knowing what her audience needed. And she always delivered.

I wish I had a dollar for every AHA moment I had over the past 25 years. On second thought .... the lessons I walked away with - and the ever-evolving way of looking at the world, was and is worth much more than any amount of money.

For me, and so many others, Oprah was a voice. Often times for me, when I was not aware at the time that I needed one. Sometimes you just don't realize it - until it is spoken back to you.

Over the years, I have heard Oprah speak of the people she holds in reverence. I have to say that for me, she is on that list. Truly a lady of grace, substance, dignity, wisdom, love and light. We are truly fortunate to have had such a beacon shining down upon us over the past 25 years.

Today I watched the final episode. I cried. Not completely in sadness. But also in joy. For as I listened to her words, I realized that as a bird must teach its young to fly. We have been blessed to have Oprah as the wind beneath our wings.

In return, we honour her in the only way we truly can; by soaring freely into the air of endless possibilities...

Oprah's Final Favorites

Today was the surprise second part of Oprah's Favorite Things. The audience on both days (Friday and Today) were dropping-to-their-knees-excited. Oprah even had paramedics standing by at the side of the room. I'm confident that the entire studio was vibrating from the cries and cheers as the hand selected audience members were told which show they were here for. Only after being tricked on Friday by Lady O, when she initially began the show in a black dress with a bright yellow sash and announced that she wanted everyone to meditate. Once the black robe was torn off and the Christmas Ville set was revealed - the roaring cheers began!

Diamond watches began the parade of gifts to be followed by; cashmere sweaters, Nike shoes, 50" HD3D TV's, panini makers, a 7-day Caribbean cruise, diamond earrings, I-Pads, and the show stopper ... done only one time before (By Oprah of course!) the 2012 VW Beetle for Everyone! A car that is not even released until May!

Oprah has outdone herself!! Just fantastic!!!

Clearly it would be amazing to have been in one of the two audiences. To receive the riches she was sharing. But I did not leave empty-handed either. I can honestly say that I thoroughly enjoyed watching both shows. Just as I have in the past years. And each time - without fail - I end up taking a ride on a roller-coaster of emotion. My own laughter, the tears, genuine surprise, happiness and pleasure in seeing the reactions of the ones who were leaving with the actual items. My heart and spirit were truly filled with joy.