Breakthrough: Raphaella Swims in the Gulf

I'm 62 yrs old and today was the first time I went swimming in the Ocean. It was actually the Gulf on the West Coast of Florida but, hey, it counts! I'm from Minnesota - Land of 10,000 Lakes. No oceans there. When I ventured out to LA in the eighties, I was excited to go to the Santa Monica Beach. I stood in the water about calf high and suddenly was pulled in by an undertow. Yikes. Scared me silly. I thought it was a riptide until today when my friend, Susanne explained the difference between an undertow and a riptide. But, alas, I never again ventured out past the shoreline.

Years later, here I am living in Venice on the Gulf. I enjoy walking on the beaches so I invited Susanne to Caspersen Beach yesterday. She asked about swimming and when I explained that I "didn't know how to swim in the ocean" she said she'd go with me and show me the ropes. Her friends suggested Manasota Beach because of the lifeguard and flags indicating safety of the water. I did some research online last night and met her at 8:30 this morning. Surprised the lifeguard wasn't on duty at that hour of the day, we were emboldened by a dozen senior citizens hanging out in the water about 30 yards from shore. We put on our goggles (and I my noseplug) and entered the water. It was perfect and warm. As we waded out, we felt it was perfectly fine to swim lengths between the seniors and the shore, within the two buoys that we felt marked the safe swimming area. Off we went - seeing the shells on the ocean floor and the fishes swimming around us, tasting the salty water, hearing the seagulls and people talking, and feeling the silky water on my skin, I felt exhilarated. It wasn't just the sensory thrills, but the joy of doing something I didn't think I could do. So easy it was. So freeing. I'm basking in gratitude tonight.

2009 - Year of Discovery

Personally, I'm declaring 2009 to be a Year of Discovery, although a lot of words capture the essence of this point in time for me: Beauty, Attunement, Patience, Refinement, Focus, Cooperation, Discipline, Fun, Friendship and Consideration. It's "year 2" in my current 9-year cycle. This year I will continue assimilating the new attitudes and understanding I embraced in 2008 with regards to having awareness of my vibration and where I'm putting my focus. In all situations and circumstances, I will strive to see good (rather than fault), beauty (without needing to fix anything), and the perfectness of what I have (rather than noticing lack). In 2009, I will continue to enjoy discovery of all things new, beautiful and interesting, and will continue my commitment to live life as a grand adventure. I'll relax, develop my skills & talent, be receptive to others, enjoy my relationships with friends (old and new) and family, take things slowly, and keep the big picture in mind as I navigate through the year. Thanks for being a part of my world. May your life and mine be blessed in all ways in 2009. May your business and mine thrive on all levels in 2009. May the world and all living things know the peace that surpasses understanding.

Abraham-Hicks Virtual Reality Exercise - Day 2

Yesterday was a success. I thought of about 10 VR sites to spend 30-seconds in throughtout my day. My goal is to make my dominant vibrations thoughts of my choosing instead of random. I believe this will allow a feeling of well-being to be my dominant life experience. Having spent 30 years doing meditation and visualization using affirmations, words and images, it's taking a little practice to simple "pick a place" and go there to feel inspired in the moment.

Here's me in 1976 at the top of Trail Ridge Drive in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado with gull perched on my outstretched hand. What a thrill for me!

The grand experiment continues.