tag:www.thesacredadventure.org,2005:/blogs/the-sacred-adventure?p=3The Sacred Adventure2024-02-29T14:20:00-08:00The Sacred Adventurefalsetag:www.thesacredadventure.org,2005:Post/73596672024-02-29T14:20:00-08:002024-02-29T14:20:01-08:00New 90-Minute Officiant Coaching Package Just Launched!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/168793/6e1532d24ee3de52322dbe8a5fe79326fe7da0c1/original/vincent-and-daisy-ceremony-1.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_s justify_left border_" height="4000" /><p><span>I'm so excited to share my newest service offering with you. It's called 90-Minute Officiant, and it's geared at guiding friends and family members in crafting and officiating a beautiful and memorable ceremony for a loved one. You can learn more here: </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.einpresswire.com/article/692409061/the-sacred-adventure-launches-new-90-minute-wedding-officiant-coaching-service"><span>https://www.einpresswire.com/article/692409061/the-sacred-adventure-launches-new-90-minute-wedding-officiant-coaching-service</span></a></p>The Sacred Adventuretag:www.thesacredadventure.org,2005:Post/73543932024-02-20T12:53:33-08:002024-02-20T12:55:51-08:00Excitement!<p>Hey All, I'm so excited to share that I've earned both WeddingWire's Couple's Choice and The Knot's Best of Weddings for 2024! WhooHooo…</p><p>I'm so grateful to all of the lovely couples who have afforded me the honor of officiating for them on one of the most special days of their lives. You are forever in my heart!</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/168793/f3ad6154b4d61895f1d21feb56eeac4539d31202/original/the-knot-ww-2024-badge.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_left border_" />The Sacred Adventuretag:www.thesacredadventure.org,2005:Post/73379602024-01-22T08:17:27-08:002024-01-22T08:17:28-08:00Lucky Wedding Dates for 2024<p>Planning on getting married or eloping in 2024? Here are your lucky wedding dates!</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/168793/54c355f73dea6e9f420b66cce6a4ebb5d57fbdbc/original/2024-lucky-wedding-dates.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>The Sacred Adventuretag:www.thesacredadventure.org,2005:Post/71001712022-11-11T05:23:29-08:002023-10-16T07:48:15-07:00Planning a Wedding in 2023? Here are your Luckiest Wedding Dates<p>Are you planning to get married in 2023, but haven't chosen your wedding date yet? Well, here are the dates that are particularly auspicious for the season. Did you find one you love? If so, comment below.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/168793/09f39718058e851d22293d17d31fe5dc6cfdd5f0/original/luckiest-wedding-dates-for-2023.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>The Sacred Adventuretag:www.thesacredadventure.org,2005:Post/63808812020-07-09T09:22:25-07:002022-06-01T11:29:37-07:00Micro-Weddings, Elopements, and Sequels...Oh My!<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/168793/bc7daa2f5675dfac900cb87972e13bfeee09e62f/original/alex-melissa.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></span><span class="font_large">If you were planning a wedding for this year, I’m guessing that Covid-19 has put a crimp in your plans. For some couples, it’s been a minor inconvenience. For others it’s completely upended their celebrations, sometimes causing emotional and financial stress. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">While I can’t guarantee that everything is going to be back to “normal” in the next few months, I can say with some certainty that there are still ways for you to celebrate your LOVE with family and friends. And, I’m going to bet that if you’re willing to get a little creative and be somewhat flexible with your vision, it can be downright AMAZING! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">In an effort to pivot and bring about some semblance of normalcy for our beautiful couples, those of us who make our livings in the wedding and events industry have had to get creative with our offerings and services. As a result, what’s evolved has been some of the most inspired and, dare I say, revolutionary solutions. Since my area of expertise centers around your ceremony, that’s where I’m going to focus today’s article. We’ll look at some traditional, as well as some newfangled ways to hold your near-ideal celebration. </span></p>
<p><strong><span class="font_large">The Elopement </span></strong></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Elopements aren’t a new concept at all. They’ve been around for ages, and typically, were always VERY private. Today’s couples are finding that (with the help of their officiant) they can experience anything from a very simple, intimate ceremony to a lavish and highly-curated ceremony including all of their friends and family through the use of tools like FaceTime, Zoom, and Skype, or by hiring a professional videographer to livestream their event. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Elopements are a great opportunity to get creative regarding location, theme, etc. In the photo for this blog, I met up with my couple at Shark Fin Cove in Davenport, California and we held their ceremony <u>on the cliff</u>. True story! They definitely couldn't have done that with 20-30 people in attendance simply due to the size of the space we were working with.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">The Numbers: Wedding Couple, Officiant, Photographer/Videographer, 2-8 guests </span></p>
<p><strong><span class="font_large">The Micro-Wedding or Pop-Up Wedding </span></strong></p>
<p><span class="font_large">A micro- or pop-up wedding is a short celebration (from one to four hours) that is all about you. Your choice of venue, 2-20 of your favorite guests, your choice of ceremony style, a bouquet and photographer to top it all off. Add some appetizers, a cake and some champagne and you have a really nice celebration that is affordable, convenient, and elegant. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">The Numbers: Wedding Couple, Officiant, Photographer, 2-20 guests </span></p>
<p><strong><span class="font_large">The Sequel Wedding </span></strong></p>
<p><span class="font_large">A sequel wedding is basically a two-part celebration that allows you to celebrate your love and get legally married now, and then gather with friends and family for your reception (party) at a later date. Think of it as a second act, maybe on your one-year anniversary. You can include as many people as you wish for the initial ceremony via livestream, but the in-person part would be postponed until larger groups are encouraged. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">The Numbers: Elopement or micro-wedding now with your BIG Celebration at a future date, 2-200 guests </span></p>
<p><strong><span class="font_large">The Shift Wedding </span></strong></p>
<p><span class="font_large">A sift wedding is a new concept that I haven’t actually seen played out yet; but it sounds like a very interesting idea. Basically, you invite all of the guests you would have originally included, but you divide them into “shifts” and they show up at the venue for the portions of the celebration that fit their relationship with you, preferences, age, etc. For example, say you have 80 guests on your list. You could include 20 of them for the live ceremony (the rest could watch via livestream). They then depart and the next “shift” comes in to enjoy cocktail hour and appetizers with you. They depart and the next “shift” arrives for a light buffet. And, so on and so forth, through cake cutting/dessert, dancing (after party) etc. Of course, you’d need to have a VERY good coordinator and agreement with your venue as proper sanitizing/set-up between the “sifts”. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">The Numbers: Still celebrate with the big guest list; but do it in shifts, 20-100 guests </span></p>
<p><em><span class="font_large">I’d love to hear what you think of these ideas and also any thoughts or comments if you’ve experienced one of these celebration types. Want to know more about me and how I help couples celebrate one of the most amazing and important days of their lives with unique and beautiful ceremonies? Visit me <a contents="here" data-link-label="Home" data-link-type="page" href="/home" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></em></p>The Sacred Adventuretag:www.thesacredadventure.org,2005:Post/63364712020-05-30T17:14:55-07:002023-12-10T10:08:25-08:00How to Hire Your Perfect Wedding Officiant<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.thesacredadventure.org/weddings" style="" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/168793/f11f8c637d3af8bebfdb00397b95f772d0b4a59a/original/david-janet-4.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></a>This is the second installment of a two-part series on How to Find and Hire Your Perfect Wedding Officiant. Today, we’re going to focus on interviewing and hiring your perfect wedding officiant. If you haven’t read Part 1 yet on How to Find Your Perfect Wedding Officiant, you can catch it <a contents="HERE" data-link-label="Blog" data-link-type="page" href="/blog" target="_blank">HERE</a>. Let’s get going. Shall we? </p>
<p><strong>My Top Three (3) Tips on Interviewing Wedding Officiants to find ‘The One’ </strong></p>
<p><strong>Tip #1:</strong> You’ve set your complimentary ‘meet’n’greet’ appointment and are headed to the coffee shop or jumping in a Zoom call. What should be you be looking for during the initial moments of meeting with your officiant potentials? First, take note of whether they show up early, on time, or late for your meeting. On time is good, early is better. Late? They’d better have a pretty good reason. Like many other wedding vendors, we function around your schedule, and punctuality for the first appointment is a HUGE indicator of the officiant’s level of organization and scheduling skills. How’s their appearance? Did they take the time to dress for an introduction? Or did they show up in coffee-stained sweats and tennis shoes with messy hair? Again, this conveys their level of professionalism and how much they care about making a good impression. I’ve seen this transfer to the wedding venue, with tragic results, more times than I care to think about. </p>
<p><strong>Tip #2:</strong> After the initial introductions have taken place, the officiant should be prepared to lead you through a heartfelt and productive conversation. A good officiant will know your names, wedding date, venue, time, and any other details shared in your initial contact. They should have something to write with and on to keep notes from the conversation. They should be genuinely interested in getting to know both of you and your love story before ever jumping in to talk about your wedding day or ceremony. Throughout the conversation they should be engaging, asking questions about your desires, listening, answering your inquiries, and taking notes all the while. It should feel like a beautiful dance of being guided to your ultimate vision of your perfect ceremony. If you don’t get two words in edgewise, or feel as though they’re pushing their agenda, RUN, don’t walk out the door. </p>
<p><strong>Tip #3:</strong> A good officiant will know what they’re doing. A great officiant will leave YOU feeling confident they do. They should have a process for working with client couples and be able to articulate it without hesitation. They should be able to discuss contracts, invoicing, calendaring, communication, and fees with complete transparency. If they can’t, you may be talking with a hobbyist rather than a professional. For one of the most important days of your life, I can’t stress enough the value of working with a seasoned professional. Once your questions have been answered and the meeting is complete, the officiant should offer you space and time to digest the information and come to a decision about working together. They should thank you for your time, and let you know how to reach out with questions or once you’ve made your choice. Of course, if you know then and there that this is the person you want officiating your ceremony, there’s nothing wrong with locking it down in the moment. Because, like you they’ll be on to their next meeting, and nothing feels better than knowing you’re moving forward with someone who just feels right! </p>
<p>Did you miss my first article on Finding Your Perfect Wedding Officiant? If so, you can read it <a contents="here" data-link-label="Blog" data-link-type="page" href="/blog" target="_blank">here</a>:</p>
<p>Not sure what to ask during the meet’n’greet? I have a list of <strong>FANTASTIC QUESTIONS</strong> that will guide you to your perfect officiant! You can request it <a contents="here" data-link-label="Contact" data-link-type="page" href="/contact" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>The Sacred Adventuretag:www.thesacredadventure.org,2005:Post/63104372020-05-09T10:30:24-07:002023-06-20T03:34:29-07:00How to Find Your Perfect Wedding Officiant<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/168793/02c5cc7f336cb18617b3907a32c8e2ceb5e98dae/original/rose-ali-2.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_none" alt="Wedding Officiant - Oceano Hotel & Spa - Half Moon Bay, CA " />So, you’re getting married. Maybe not tomorrow, or next week; but you’re engaged and planning your one-of-a-kind wedding or elopement celebration. There are LOTS of moving parts. And, while the reception often takes up most of your time, energy, and budget, there’s a little thing called ‘the ceremony’ that needs to happen to make it all come together. With the right officiant, it’s a fun, easy, and stress-free process. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">In this two-part series, I’ll share my top tips on how to find and hire the perfect person to officiate your wedding ceremony. In this article we’ll focus on finding good wedding officiant matches. In my next article, we’ll drill down to the interviewing process. Ready? Here goes. </span></p>
<p><strong><span class="font_large">Top Three (3) Tips on Finding Your Perfect Wedding Officiant </span></strong></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><strong>Tip #1:</strong> While doing a Google search for <strong>Wedding Officiants Near Me</strong> is a perfectly respectable way to find someone to marry you, there are ways to refine your search to hone-in on a good match. Think about your wedding venue. Is it REALLY near you? If you live in San Jose, but your venue is in Yosemite, your search will yield officiants who are close to where you live but not close to your wedding venue. Why does this matter? Because wedding officiants (unlike photographers and DJs) are hired for a shorter duration, so many accept multiple engagements in a day. (More on this in the next article on interviewing). As such, your service fees will go up due to time on the road, mileage, etc. It’s much more cost-effective to find an officiant that’s reasonably close to your venue by doing a more targeted search like: Wedding Officiant in Morgan Hill, CA if your venue is in Morgan Hill. Make sense? </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><strong>Tip #2:</strong> Once you have a good search listing of officiants near your venue, you’ll want to drill down to check out their website (if they have one) and their reviews. <strong>Reviews are the lifeblood of most wedding vendors</strong>, and wedding officiants are no exception. You want to look for current (or relatively current) reviews, within the previous six-month timeframe. Officiants who haven’t received a review since 2012 are likely either retired, or a hobbyist, meaning less professional service, and more likelihood for error. As you read the reviews, look not only at the star rating (though it’s important), but also look for describing words like: calming, professional, punctual, warm, funny to see if those words describe your perfect officiant. And, if it really matters to you, you’ll want to check to see what kinds of ceremonies they perform such as: religious, non-religious, non-denominational, spiritual, civil, etc. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><strong>Tip #3:</strong> Sometimes you’ll read a website or review or glimpse a photo and you’ll know right away that this is the perfect wedding officiant for you. Sometimes, you’ll have two or three that you may want to know more about before making a final decision. Once you’ve narrowed the list, you’ll want to <strong>reach out to your top choices</strong> with the following information: Wedding Date, Location, Ceremony Start Time, and any other details/preferences you may want to share, such as “non-religious ceremony”. If there’s flexibility in any of that information, you’ll want to note that as well. Most professional officiants will reply back to you within 24 hours letting you know of their availability and a general cost to perform your ceremony. At this point, they should also recommend a FREE consultation via your preferred method (in-person, telephone, FaceTime, Skype) and request some dates and times that would work with your schedules. Once you reply back, you can set your calendar and prepare for your interview. More on that in the next article, Part 2 – Hiring Your Perfect Wedding Officiant. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Please let us know if there is anything we can do to make this time easier for you as you face so many changes and challenges at what is supposed to be the happiest time of your lives. We are here! Feel free to call to vent, plan, or process what is best for you. 408.891.7672. Or reach out on our <a contents="contact page" data-link-label="Contact" data-link-type="page" href="/contact" target="_blank">contact page</a>.</span></p>The Sacred Adventuretag:www.thesacredadventure.org,2005:Post/62663142020-03-30T08:24:24-07:002020-03-30T11:13:54-07:00LOVE in the time of COVID-19<p><span class="font_large">I never thought I’d say those two things in the same sentence; love and Covid-19. But, these are unprecedented times and in the midst of the ‘shelter in place’ order, I’m observing some interesting shifts in our communities. Maybe it’s just me wanting to find the good in everyone. Or, perhaps this global crisis is having an effect on us…a positive one. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">At first I thought I might be imagining it, because a lot of my observations were coming from Facebook posts. But yesterday I ventured out to one of my favorite parks for a walk, and there it was, in REAL LIFE. So, I can only imagine, or perhaps hope, that these shifts are actually happening. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Families reconnecting in a way I’ve never seen before; taking walks, laughing, and really talking. Dinners around the same table. Children assisting in preparing meals, or in some cases preparing them altogether to give their parents a much-needed break. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">People smiling at one another and making eye-contact. Wishing each other well, as they pass by, even from a distance. Conversations becoming richer, deeper, and appreciated at a whole new level. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Folks driving at a leisurely pace, rather than the crazy, “get outta my way” mayhem that plagued our roads just a few weeks ago. The outreach to our local brick-and-mortar businesses to uplift and keep them viable by purchasing gift cards and take out. And those businesses finding new and creative ways of staying afloat, whether through technology or other means. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Entire neighborhoods setting up systems of communication to let each other know they’re okay. To ask for assistance when needed. And, to show love and support to the most vulnerable, whether physically or emotionally. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">The list keeps growing, which gives me so much hope and encouragement for who we are as a society. I’m proud to be a member of the human race witnessing this miraculous, albeit stressful, time in our evolution. No doubt, things will be different after this. My thought is that they will be better!</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">What are some of the positive things you've experienced during this situation?</span></p>The Sacred Adventuretag:www.thesacredadventure.org,2005:Post/46279792017-03-13T11:44:26-07:002018-04-18T22:12:06-07:00Prayer, Prayer, Everywhere!<span class="font_large">I'm so excited to announce that <strong>The Sacred Adventure</strong> will now be taking Prayer Requests!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/168793/046893d35f531ac969d807c1a43f6d5925fdf343/medium/hands-1926414-1280.jpg?1489430607" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></span><p><span class="font_large">You may request prayer for yourself, or others around the globe, and our Prayer Team will hold your request in our prayers for one week.<br><br>To request prayer, simply click on the <a contents="Contact" data-link-label="Contact" data-link-type="page" href="/contact">Contact</a> tab, select <strong>Prayer Request</strong> in the drop-down menu. You may add any details you'd like to share (including the first name of the recipient and your prayer focus or intention) in the message box. If you do not include any details, a general prayer will be said on your behalf.<br><br>If you're in need of more immediate or interactive assistance, please click <a contents="HERE" data-link-label="Spiritual Counseling" data-link-type="page" href="/spiritual-counseling">HERE</a> to learn more about our Spiritual Counseling services.</span></p>The Sacred Adventuretag:www.thesacredadventure.org,2005:Post/42412292016-06-21T12:24:06-07:002018-03-18T22:01:31-07:00Trust the Little Voice<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/168793/265fc52ab67eb280b9f57f8c0223e39b631ff405/medium/13055446-1160102550688475-7956854323315509848-n.jpg?1466536985" class="size_m justify_right border_" /><span class="font_large">I just received my first fraudulent check as a wedding officiant and I’m doing the Happy Dance all around my apartment. “How could this event cause such jubilation?” you ask. Well, because I have learned a really valuable lesson.<br> <br>You see, lately I’ve been doing this precarious back and forth between listening to my intuition and giving into my ego. While I’m really clear that my intuition is strong and always trying to guide me down the right path, I frequently buckle to logic, doubt, and “what if’s”…giving my ego veto power over my oh-so-patient inner voice. Why? Well, I guess it just boils down to a lack of trust. A lack of faith in myself to <em><strong>know</strong></em> that I know. Do you ever feel that way?<br> <br>So, as I’m in email conversation with this gentleman who, through his description of his situation and word phrasing, is giving me all kinds of hints that something is rotten in Denmark; my ego is telling me to give him the benefit of the doubt. Wanting to be a “good girl”, that’s exactly what I did. But, thankfully, not without noticing the dichotomy going on inside me and taking adequate precautions…just in case.<br> <br>And, lo and behold, it turns out my intuition was right, AGAIN!<br> <br>This revelation makes me want to laugh and cry at the same time, because for a moment I kicked myself for not being more attentive to my intuition from the beginning of the process. Arggghh, how could I let my ego have its way with me again?<br> <br>But then I had to back off and remind myself that while quantum leaps are lovely, baby steps are the path to lasting growth. Sure, I didn’t nip the communication in the bud at the get-go. But, I did sense something was wrong early on and took steps to avoid any real damage, other than the loss of a little time.<br> <br>So, what’s the really valuable lesson for both me and you? Pay attention to that nagging voice, that knot in your stomach, that lump in your throat. It’s probably your intuition trying to get your attention, and its right more often than we’d like to admit. But, if you slip up and don’t pay attention, give yourself a break. That little voice hasn’t gone anywhere; and as long as you keep the door open, it will keep showing up!</span></p>The Sacred Adventuretag:www.thesacredadventure.org,2005:Post/42034542016-05-30T10:37:46-07:002020-09-26T01:14:42-07:00Let's Talk Prayer<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/168793/26919639b0d0ba24717b9a127084b5fd2999c96f/medium/13319733-10154198551093908-6713360186133648355-n.jpg?1464629792" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><span class="font_large">For some, prayer happens at a certain time of day; bedtime, mealtime, when we get into our car each morning to endure the hour-long commute to work. <br> <br>Sometimes, prayer is inspired by a special place; a church, a majestic mountain, or the burial ground of a loved one. <br> <br>For still others, it’s situational. Prayer comes as a plea, a hope, or negotiation in times of need. There’s a desired outcome and maybe, just maybe God can help. A specific set of words that come together just right form a prayer of petition. <br> <br>Now, what if you came to understand that every single thought, every word, every action is a prayer? <br> <br>That <em><strong>YOUR ENTIRE LIFE IS A PRAYER!</strong></em> <br> <br>What would you do differently? </span></p>The Sacred Adventuretag:www.thesacredadventure.org,2005:Post/41414622016-04-18T09:34:37-07:002018-02-22T03:19:31-08:00A Message of Mindfulness<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/168793/749629381684fa4af41ceb18c47629fb7976ff99/medium/chinese-tea.jpg?0" class="size_m justify_right border_" />Long ago, in the year 1999, I was winding along the backroads of the Santa Cruz Mountains on my way to a friend’s house. Given that there was no radio reception in the area, I decided to listen to a cassette tape loaned by a friend some weeks before. As I maneuvered through the curves I heard a soft, gentle voice begin to speak on the topic of mindfulness. The voice belonged to a Buddhist monk named Thich Nhat Hanh. And the topic of mindfulness, though completely foreign to me, was intriguing. <br><br>“There are two ways to wash dishes. The first is to wash the dishes to have clean dishes and the second is to wash the dishes in order to wash the dishes… If while washing the dishes, we think only of the cup of tea that awaits us, thus hurrying to get the dishes out of the way as if they were a nuisance, then we are not ‘washing the dishes to wash the dishes’.” What’s this guy talking about? Washing dishes? I thought this was supposed to be a tape on spirituality. Whatever. I can’t get a good radio station anyway, so I may as well keep listening. <br><br>The next thing I know, Thay (the name used by those familiar with him) is describing the sensation of warm water and gentle soap bubbles caressing the skin on one’s hands as the dishes are being washed. His vibrant description made washing dishes sound like a ceremony…an event to be cherished…savored even. I could literally feel the enormous significance of that seemingly mundane task and my eyes welled up with tears. And, just like that a spark of knowing ran up my spine and I understood. It is being present with all of life’s ordinary little moments, and recognizing them as wondrous miracles, that is at the heart of mindfulness. While washing the dishes I am not in the future, nor am I in the past. I am in the present moment…with the dishes. <br><br>This lesson has shaped the way I view most of life’s occasions. Driving to the grocery store holds the same significance as dining with a friend, or attending a family member’s wedding. As I wait in a grocery line, I am not thinking about whether I should change lanes to be served more quickly. Instead, I’m admiring the toddler straining from his seat in the basket to reach the brightly colored candies next to the register. When I sweep the kitchen, I pay attention to the broom bristles gliding across the floor, gathering dust and kitty litter into a pile. When I listen to a friend share about her ‘man troubles’, I remind myself to focus on her words and key into her heart staying attentive to her soul. I try to bring mindfulness to every event I experience, so as to fully engage with life. As Thay says, “The practice of mindfulness is to cultivate understanding and compassion.” Every moment can be source of meditation. <br><br>In an interview with Oprah, from three years ago, Thay describes some practices that enhance a mindful life…a couple of which I use in my daily life. One is called a tea meditation, whereby a person becomes fully present to the cup of tea (coffee in my case) he is drinking. He holds the tea in his hands noticing the heat of the cup against his fingers, breathes in the aroma of the tea, and slowly sips the tea savoring its essence. Thay tells Oprah, much to her surprise, that it takes one hour to enjoy a cup of tea; “...and every moment is a moment of happiness.” <br><br>Thay also describes walking meditation (one of my favorites) whereby you walk while paying full attention to every step. “You touch the ground mindfully, and every step can bring you solidity, freedom and joy.” During times of stress or unknowing, I like to conduct this sacred practice while silently reciting The Serenity Prayer. It brings me back to center and reminds me to stay aware to what is and is not “mine to do”. Very grounding. <br><br>Recently, when Thay became quite ill (as the result of a stroke) and it was believed that he might leave this Earth, I momentarily panicked at the thought of losing this great teacher. But, then I was reminded that gifts exist even with the departure of our teachers for it is then our turn to share their wisdom with the world. Thankfully, Thay is still with us today, and, I’m grateful for the potential of more lessons. I am also mindful of the fact that my continued practice (and teaching) can start today, with my very next action.</span></p>The Sacred Adventuretag:www.thesacredadventure.org,2005:Post/40930502016-03-17T12:19:28-07:002022-05-11T09:50:28-07:00What's in a Word?<span class="font_large">Today, while searching the web for some blog material inspiration that ISN'T about the election, I came across this nifty list of <strong>Words to Use More Often: <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/168793/4fe35dccc34b69c168f431768de4eff30464a10f/medium/words-to-use-more-often.png?0" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></strong><br><br>At first, I was inclined to simply set it aside for future reference. But, the more I considered and savored the words on the list, the more I realized the potency that is carried through language. Characters turn into words, that turn into sentences, that form thoughts that can shape our opinions, beliefs, moods, and actions.<br><br>As I examined the list more closely, I came to the conclusion that it is not only my choice but my responsibility to select my words wisely. So, here's a break-out of the words I've decided to integrate into my vocabulary on a more regular basis. <br><br>Swell (Gee, Wally!)<br>Precious<br>Scrumptious<br>Dandy<br>Embrace<br>Skedaddle<br>Behalf<br>Fetching<br>Breathtaking<br>Worthy<br>Enthralled<br>Resplendent<br><br>With so much divisive and disrespectful language being tossed about lately, I'm choosing the path of love and thoughtfulness...not to mention fun!<br><br>So, I've got to skedaddle off to enjoy a scrumptious lunch with a fetching friend. Until we chat again, I wish you a dandy day filled with breathtaking smiles and precious memories! Too much?</span><br><br><br><br><br><br> The Sacred Adventuretag:www.thesacredadventure.org,2005:Post/40635272016-02-27T10:03:32-08:002021-08-20T03:48:20-07:00The Celebration of Life<p><em><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/168793/63537082554d7dff8bfea80a0a574b07f1e90236/medium/12106800-1039720142725060-8447650516956200196-n.jpg?0" class="size_m justify_right border_" />The celebration of life, <br>shared in the beginning, and again, in the end. <br>Yet we forget to celebrate it, in every moment we live. <br>Time, days, years, go on, but are we alive? <br>Alive and do not know it, sleeping in the world <br>and dead to the life we are to live. <br>To celebrate all life, <br>the sparrow who sang in the morning, <br>and died in the night, <br>why do we not celebrate its life? <br>To know thyself is to know you are alive - <br>to give, to love, to seek truth, beauty, and suffer pain. <br>In life as it is meant to be, pain is forgotten, and <br>strength is all that's left to be gained <br>in the moment by moment celebration of life.</span></em><br><br>by Deborah Peabody</p>The Sacred Adventuretag:www.thesacredadventure.org,2005:Post/40422742016-02-15T09:22:23-08:002016-02-15T09:22:23-08:00What's the Secret to Happiness?This 75-year study will tell you. Watch the TedTalk here:<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="8KkKuTCFvzI" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/8KkKuTCFvzI/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8KkKuTCFvzI?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>The Sacred Adventuretag:www.thesacredadventure.org,2005:Post/40368062016-02-11T12:28:49-08:002017-01-16T08:31:24-08:00You Can't Hide From It. You Can't Deny It. Believe Me...I've Tried!<p><span class="font_large">How’s the year treating you so far? <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/168793/cdf306c07e91325b9b499e397ea8db107540640a/medium/110h.jpg?0" class="size_m justify_right border_" /><br>Is everything turning out the way you thought it would? <br><br>If not, don’t beat yourself up. I’d say that’s probably the case for many of us. <br><br>Who or what’s to blame? Chalk it up to the “C” word. Of course, I’m talking about <strong>change</strong>. You knew that…right? <br><br>Change will throw a crimp into the best-laid plans and sap the wind from the sails of any well-charted voyage. Change can be downright uncomfortable. But, it doesn’t have to be. <br><br>I have a theory: <em><strong>It’s not change that is so painful. It’s our resistance to change that’s the source of our pain. </strong></em><br><br>Let me illustrate with a real-life example: <br><br>I live in one of those new-fangled apartment over retail complexes. Right below me was this cute little restaurant that served excellent fish tacos and $2 beers every day from 4 ‘til 7. About once a week I’d venture downstairs, sit on a stool and enjoy a couple of tacos and an ice cold beer. It’s was a lovely way to wrap up a busy day and the people watching value was bar none. Alas, one day I went down to grab my weekly treat and saw a sign on the door that they had closed…for good. No so long, hasta la vista, or later days. Poof! They had simply disappeared. <br><br><strong>My reaction</strong> (imagine hands waving in the air and a frantic look on my face): <em><strong>“Are you kidding me? They’re gone? This can’t be. How rude. This sucks. What am I gonna do now? Man, I loved that place. Maybe it’s just a joke. That’s it…a joke. Hmmm…the furniture’s gone. No joke. This sucks.” </strong></em><br><br>Yeah, no kidding. All of THAT happened in the span of about two minutes as I stood outside the dark restaurant on a hot summer evening. A cold beer would have really hit the spot. But, instead I went back up to my apartment and pouted. Yes I did. <br><br>The next day I went down to the leasing office and spoke with the complex manager. They were as surprised as I was to discover the news of the restaurant’s departure. Apparently, they hadn’t given notice. <br><br>As the weeks rolled by, I’d see folks show up at the restaurant, read the sign, check the doors, and walk away shaking their heads in disappointment. I’d murmur under my breath, “Yeah, I feel your pain buddy.” <br><br>This went on for…well, too long. We’ll leave it at that. <br><br>Then one day it hit me. No matter how much I poked and prodded or tried to weave the story in a different direction, the fact was…the restaurant was gone and it wasn’t coming back. I could continue to make a career out of complaining about it and feeling resentful. Or, I could choose something different. <br><br>Now, I’ve talked about change before and how your response to it is the only thing in your control. But, I’ve learned that we can take it just a little deeper. In fact, before you even respond to change your thoughts and attitude about it are paving the path of your experience. <br><br>Change = bad, wrong, inconvenient, difficult, disappointing, etc. sets the stage for <strong>contraction, denial, and pain.</strong> <br>Change = new, fresh, opportunity, growth, learning, potential, etc. sets the stage for <strong>expansion, possibility, and joy.</strong> <br><br>So how can we change our relationship with change? I believe the key word here is to learn to ‘love’ it. <br><br>Once you accept, nay embrace, the fact that <strong>everything is always changing</strong>…life gets a lot easier. <br><br>And, the truth of the matter is that change provides the opportunity for something better to show up.<br> <br>This past week a cute little burger joint opened up in space below me. They’re known for their excellent fries, burgers and shakes. I went downstairs to welcome them to the complex and found the staff to be friendly, engaged and eager to become acquainted with the residents. Their menu is extensive and has more variety than the taco place. Oh, and they serve over 100 craft beers. Friday just got WAY more interesting! <br><br>So, the next time you’re slapped in the face with some unexpected (or even expected) change. Stop! Take a breath and remember that the next thought you have could shape your whole experience. Then, take a deep breath and remember that we don’t really know where this whole crazy ride is going. But, it’s certainly going to be an adventure getting there.</span></p>The Sacred Adventuretag:www.thesacredadventure.org,2005:Post/39640752015-12-14T16:32:10-08:002017-01-16T08:31:24-08:00A Year is Just a Year...Or, is it?<span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/168793/e79d22b9a0f6f47887415e37196e3fa938a3c038/medium/16tyjdq.jpg?1450139636" class="size_m justify_right border_" />This morning, as I began washing my face, I couldn’t help but pause to take note of my reflection. The first thing I noticed was the silvery glint of my gray hair. As many of you know, I stopped coloring it back in 2011 and never looked back. Next I noticed my eyes. What’s that? Is that a sparkle? Why, yes. Yes it is! Amidst the myriad wrinkles and smile lines there were my greenish-blue eyes twinkling at me with what I can only describe as sage mischievousness. Hmm…what else have you got there? As I allowed my gaze to flow over my face and down to my not-so-smooth neckline with gentle scrutiny, I realized that my lips had parted into a giant smile. Yes, there amidst the foaming cleanser was a humungous grin. “Not too bad for 53 years old!” I exclaimed. And then it hit me. I don’t like the term ‘old’.<br><br>Who thought of that convention anyway? 23 years old. 79 years old. That feels like simply tracking time. And aren’t we here to do so much more than that? So, I’m not going to use it anymore. Why use a word that identifies something as worn out, ancient, obsolete? I don’t feel any of those things. I feel pretty amazing. In fact, I felt much older than this in my 40’s. So, if the past 53 years has taught me anything, it’s that my age truly is just a number. A number that I believe represents the accumulation of years, days, hours, and minutes I have been gathering wisdom. Some years have yielded more success than others, to be sure. But, isn’t that the way of life with most things? So, from now on, I am claiming my age as my Wisdom Tracker; not an indication of how old I am.<br><br>Today I pronounce that I am 53 years wise and growing! How wise are you? And, what other limiting conventions should we re-define? Let’s play. It is our Sacred Adventure after all. </span>The Sacred Adventuretag:www.thesacredadventure.org,2005:Post/39159672015-11-05T15:25:17-08:002017-01-16T08:31:24-08:00On Happiness...<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/168793/bc5e1384df79943bbc4441c1d10d39e491594c02/original/2015-11-04-0849.png?1446765893" class="size_l justify_center border_" />The Sacred Adventuretag:www.thesacredadventure.org,2005:Post/38412962015-09-03T11:57:52-07:002017-01-16T08:31:24-08:00Another Day...Another Lesson<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/168793/72e803a81611728f286c3885896d98afc40ce7f0/medium/dust-e1374692866514.jpg?1441306585" class="size_m justify_left border_none" alt="" /><span class="font_large">Change has been my constant companion for the past five years. I’ve lost my house, my marriage, and a J.O.B. that provided a steady paycheck in exchange for heart-numbing work. Most recently, the spiritual community I called home for nearly five years closed its doors and is in the process of folding. Through it all, I’ve attempted to step into the next unknown with courage and grace, trying to release the thought of how it’s ‘supposed to be’. I’d like to say that I’ve always accomplished that task with ease, but sometimes things get messy. That’s just a part of the human condition. I breathe, glean the important lessons, and move forward.<br><br>So I’m finding it more than a little bit funny that when I was beginning to think I had this ‘letting go’ thing down, the Beloved decides to provide me with yet another opportunity to test my metal. I found out today that a long-term investment which I had planned on utilizing to seed my retirement is no longer a valid source without a substantial reinvestment. In fact, it’ll just plain disappear. I’m mad, I’m sad, I’m disappointed. “What are you trying to tell me God? I want to know. And, did I mention it’s my birthday? Ughhh…”<br><br>I cry a LOT, wash the tears off my face, and then start crying again. I realize that I’m scared and feeling panicky about my future. Should I look on Craigslist for a part-time job? Should I move to another state where the cost of living is lower? I query the Universe for answers, “How much farther to go? Must I be completely vulnerable and naked to catch a break here?” Then, I realize that <strong>this very moment is all I have</strong>. It is where my point of power resides. I breathe in deeply and am filled with nothing short of exploding love and gratitude for ‘what IS’. “Bring it! I won’t back away.”<br><br>Though my life choices of late have not been completely orthodox, I’ve come too far to turn tail and run. Sometimes it’s our expectations and not our motivations that need relaxing. I finally release my breath (not realizing I’ve been holding it) and can feel Spirit cradling me and nudging me toward something bigger than myself. Something amazing!<br><br>I smile as the pounding of construction below me begins once again and a delivery truck’s back-up beeper rings in my ears. But, that’s a story for another day.</span>The Sacred Adventuretag:www.thesacredadventure.org,2005:Post/37744042015-07-11T13:25:01-07:002017-01-16T08:31:24-08:00Why We’re So Often Disappointed, and What To Do About It<span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/168793/662aeee992a1b82b3d6ce82f975fb8f5f721b977/medium/7k0a9982.jpg?1436646077" class="size_m justify_right border_" />by Kimberly Cope<br><br>Public Service Announcement: The two biggest things that lead to disappointment are...drum roll please...perspective and expectation.<br> <br>Perspective is defined as our outlook or viewpoint, and is unique to each individual and based upon our life experiences.<br> <br>For example, I’m 5 feet tall and have experienced life as a short person. To me life looks normal from my 5-foot vantage point and things just are what they are. I’m quite used to looking up to catch most peoples’ gaze and my car seat is typically pushed all the way forward.<br><br>But today, for some reason, I placed my step stool in front of my kitchen sink, stood on it to wash my hands, and realized how low the faucet was. I started to laugh hysterically. So, this is what it feels like to be 5’ 8”. Kinda weird.<br> <br>What quickly fell into place for me is that someone who is 5’ 8” would probably have no idea what it feels like to experience life from my perspective. They probably couldn’t relate to:</span>
<ul> <li><span class="font_large">Climbing up on the bathroom counter to clean the mirror</span></li> <li><span class="font_large">Having to strain to reach for hangers on the top bar of their closet</span></li> <li><span class="font_large">Stretching out comfortably with plenty of room to spare in economy class on an airplane</span></li> <li><span class="font_large">Wearing a size 5 shoe because wearing a size 7 would make them look like a clown</span></li>
</ul><span class="font_large">It’s all about perspective.<br> <br>While I’m using physical height as an example, the contributing factors are endless: the people who raised you, where you were raised, what schooling you had, cultural traditions, societal pressures, spiritual/religious beliefs, friends, bosses, co-workers. The list goes on and on.<br> <br>Even twins, who are uniquely tied together through genetics, won’t share the exact same perspective due to their differing life experiences. I think of perspective as the juiciness of life. It’s what makes you, you and me, me.<br> <br>Enter expectations. Expectations are conditions we set based on our perspective. Read that again. EXPECTATIONS are <u>CONDTIONS</u> we set based on our PERSPECTIVE. Now, we just clarified that everyone’s perspective us unique only to them based upon their distinct life experience. Right? So here’s where we get into trouble.<br> <br>When we have an expectation that someone else show up in a certain way, we’re presuming they share our perspective. But, they NEVER can or will. And to compound matters, we start adding conditions like ‘they should’, ‘they need to’, ‘they’ve got to’ to the equation to turn our expectations into rigid demands. And when things don't go our way we wonder "What's wrong with them?" Or, 'what's wrong with me?" Why do we do this? To maintain control of course. Because control feels good and is devoid of those pesky little things called surprises.<br> <br>But the BIG illusion here is that we have control over other people, circumstances, or the world around us. We don’t. The only thing we truly have control over is our reaction and response.<br> <br>So instead of setting ourselves and others up for disappointment, wouldn’t it be best for everyone NOT to expect things to be a <u>certain way</u> and instead stay open to the potential and possibility that exists in every situation?<br> <br>If we did this, and then also stayed present to the unfolding before us, imagine how freeing that would be. What relief would come from knowing that you only have to manage your ‘stuff’ and not the stuff of everyone around you? How great could it feel to only be responsible for your responses and not the actions of others? What would it be like to make choices for yourself based on how good it felt, rather than worry about everyone else’s expectations?<br> <br>So, the next time you start to tell someone how something ‘needs’ to be, remember that they’re a whole and complete person with a lifetime of their own experiences and perspectives. Perhaps instead of presuming you have the only answer, you might rather ask, “So, what do you think?”</span>The Sacred Adventuretag:www.thesacredadventure.org,2005:Post/37646112015-07-03T08:34:41-07:002015-07-03T08:38:18-07:00Unification<strong>Perfect, tiny spec</strong><br><strong>Layers mounting year on year</strong><br><strong>Emerges a pearl</strong><br><br><span class="font_large">Did you know that the luminous beauty known as a pearl is brought about when an irritating microscopic object (usually a tiny piece of its own shell or a grain of sand) becomes trapped in the soft, fleshy folds of a mollusk? Over time, this object builds upon itself in concentric layers until a pearl is formed? What’s your tiny spec? And, what’s the pearl (the gift) that will emerge as a result?</span><br> The Sacred Adventuretag:www.thesacredadventure.org,2005:Post/37467102015-06-18T08:53:20-07:002015-06-18T08:55:28-07:00You are You, and I am Me<span class="font_large">It’s not important that I agree with you.<br>It IS important that we respect one another.<br>You see, you and I have differing opinions.<br>And that's quite alright.<br>Because those opinions are formed through our perspective.<br>And perspective is gained through life experience.<br>And, while I might be able to say that I have walked beside you,<br>I will never be able to say that I have walked in your shoes.</span>The Sacred Adventuretag:www.thesacredadventure.org,2005:Post/37110252015-05-19T16:20:32-07:002022-05-17T12:15:05-07:00We Get What We Expect<span class="font_large">Have you ever noticed that we get more of what we hold on to. Sometimes I find myself clinging to the concept of scarcity. And lo and behold, that’s what I find myself experiencing.<br><br>In this morning’s meditation I received the vision of a lovely garden and a honey bee flitting from one flower to the next collecting it’s nectar. The bee did not linger at any one flower for too long; but released its grasp so as to move forward without worry of what the next flower would yield. And so it is with my thoughts of lack and inadequacy. I give thanks for the garden and the abundance of flowers in my midst, knowing that they are FOR me and that there’s plenty of nectar to go around!</span>The Sacred Adventure