SOULFUL LIVING by Shayne Traviss

Life is a Journey!

2009-03-25T10:45:00.001-07:00

Good day my friends! I want to start off my thank you all for being you, I am blessed to have the opportunity to pass along what I am learning on my journey and I look forward to hearing your comments and feedback daily...

Life is a Journey!

As I woke up this morning I looked around me to appreciate everything that has been given to me in my journey on this earth. My beautiful condo by the water, my partner, my dogs - Anderson and Oliver, my bird -Fredrick, my soft skin, my glowing smile and so on.

It has been my journey to discover my internal passion or Darma. To figure out why I am here? What I am here for? Why have I been blessed with the things I have been blessed with and also why I lack the things that I once thought I needed to feel whole?

What is feeling whole? Why are we here? Should I challenge myself or should I give up?

I am choosing to never give up. I am choosing to keep seeking, to keep searching for answers; to keep smiling, keep loving, keep giving without expecting anything in return and all and all just keep shining the light from within me.

There are many tragedies going on all around me. Family members are losing their jobs, people are dying, people are fighting and all this is happening in the outside world, which I chose to call noise and it keeps getting louder and louder. The louder it gets the more calm I seem to become. The more I personally chose to go within and search for a deeper meaning the more answers I receive and ultimately the stronger connection I create with my world, my source my Darma.

Everyone's purpose on this earth is different. If it wasn’t we would probably all be wearing orange suits wandering around in circles trying to figure out what it to do
...lol.

But I have news for you my friend and wonderful new it is...

We need to stop searching outside ourselves for the answers. We need to stop thinking that success, power and monetary gain is our purpose.

IT ABSOLUTLEY IS NOT!

Our purpose is to LOVE and only to LOVE. Our purpose is not to live in fear. Not to hold on to yesterday and wonder what is going to happen tomorrow but to enjoy every blessed moment we have been given RIGHT NOW. Right Now is the answer. How could we have fear (stress, anxiety, depression) if we focused all our attention on right now.

Right now my friend you have EVERYTHING you need. You were born with it. You evolved from a tiny speck with no effort at all. Think of this, believe it. Know that you have been blessed with everything you need RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW.

Trust yourself, feel yourself, be yourself!!! Trust that everything is ok! Right here! Right Now!! Set yourself free, my friend and start living your eternal destiny. Start listening to yourself instead of others. How would anyone else know what’s best for you and if they believe they do, they are WRONG.

Don’t let others be your guide because my friend all of us, I mean every being on this earth was blessed with a GOD GIVEN GIFT...

This gift my friend is your INNER VOICE! It's always there and always will be...

START LISTENING TO IT AND YOUR LIFE WILL CHANGE!!!

Welcome to this wonderful journey called life where you are your own guide!!!

Life is amazing, keep shining!

S

Be the light amongst darkness

2009-02-11T13:47:00.000-08:00

Today as I wake up to my two wonderful dogs; Oliver and Anderson. I am reminded of what pure unconditional love and happiness is. All Oliver and Anderson need is to be fed exercised and have unconditional love from their parents.

What happened to us? Why is that not all we need? When did we start expecting so much, and why? When did our simple lives turn into wanting more and more? When did love turn to fear? When did we start exchanging love for money and material possesions?

Why, Why, Why! Why did we let this happen?

Our governments tell us that were in a recession and that it’s only going to get worse. We turn on the TV and its BAD, BAD, BAD and SAD, SAD, SAD!!! But like zombies we are amused, we let it in and it becomes the collective consciousness of our universe.

BUT WHY?

Ask yourself this question…

Why do we thrive on bad news? Why do we take pleasure in the demise of our neighbours? Why are we in such a hurry to get nowhere? Why do we put our heads down when passing another human being? Why do we fear and put fear into others?

Why, Why, Why?

Ask yourself these questions…

And your answer will be. It all starts with you!

It’s your responsibility, you need to be the light in the darkness because without a light at the end of the tunnel…WHAT IS THE POINT!

I want to leave you with this, and every morning you wake up before you start your day, before you turn on the news. Read this prayer and start today by being the change you want to see in the world…

PROMISE YOURSELF

To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel that there is something worthwhile in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful expression at all times and give a smile to every living creature you meet.

To give so much time to improving yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not in loud word, but in great deeds.

To live in the faith that the whole world is on your side, so long as you are true to the best that is in you.

Christian D. Larson

Soulful Living by Shayne Traviss

How do you heal a damaged soul?

2009-02-01T12:38:00.000-08:00

How do you heal a damaged soul?

How do you surrive in a world so full of judgement, non-compassion? A world full of jelousy? A world full of everyone trying to be on top rather then focusing on being one? A world where everyone is running around with heads full of storms that they are trying to calm? It's difficult....so difficult sometimes it's way to hard for one person to handle...So we look for strength from others, sometimes help and strength from professinals........but where does the peace come from?I, and many others have been struggling our lives to shake off our pasts, or in other words things that have had a negative effect on us.Why is it so hard!!! Why does it seem so easy to focus on everything that is wrong and so difficult to focus on everything that is right!!! I know the law of attraction like the back of my hand but why is it so hard to put into practice, why does the negatvivity keep coming back and fighting harder and harder to get in...Its like every story tale, it's like every war, it's like every movie...........the harder you fight the more comes at you.........but in the end the positve always wins.And we will win too!!!Please post your comments!!! Personal Challenges and How you are working to overcome them and become a more positive enlightened person...Thanks!!!Shayne

Two backgrounds, one goal

2009-02-01T12:37:00.000-08:00

Two backgrounds, one goal

Today I went for my regular message therapy appointment with Justin. As much as I know about Justin is that he has two boys, is married and belongs to the Salvation Army Church. So pretty much from the start I assumed we would be polar opposites. I do not belonging to any particular church as well as am gay and no kids. I guess I prejudged. What are we going to talk about? Should I talk at all? Am I going to let religious and social boundaries keep me from being myself. The answer is NO!So once I let go of my boundaries and opened up, Justin and I had the most amazing conversations. To my surprise we share all of the same views. We both believe in a higher power, that you do unto others as you would have done to you and that we need to respect ourselves, each other and our planet for they are blessings from a higher source. God, Ala, Buhda, Jesus who knows but it is not the title it is the message. Take care of yourself physically, emotionally. Have gratitude, have aspirations and dreams all common views and very common goals for life.So I have been closed minded, just like all the other people in the world who have been close minded towards me. I prejudged Justin based on the religion that he belong too. Guess there is a lesson to be learned for me and for all of you. Do not let a title, membership, religion, spiritual or social organization be the judge of a human being. Except them for their individually. Embrace them, learn from them and they too will learn from you. For the message is not to hate, discriminate, judge or ignore. Let the message be peace, acceptance and love for that is life’s purpose.Soulful LivingBy Shayne Traviss

Craving Thanksgiving

2009-02-01T12:36:00.000-08:00

Craving Thanksgiving

Yesterday I spent the day with good friends. Having fun, living life, laughing and taking in the country scenery. As you all know Fall is such a beautiful time in the country. All is fresh and full of colour. People are out shopping, raking leaves, talking to their neighbours and reflecting on their summer vacations. For me Fall is a time for rejuvenation, a time when I sit outside and breathe the cool fresh air and get excited for what is to come. Most importantly I know it is soon time for Thanksgiving. For me thanksgiving is one of the most wonderful times of the year. We get together with family and friends and enjoy fabulous meals with those who you love and enjoy. It is a time for me to remember, a time to reflect and a time for me to appreciate what life is really about. Good times, Good People, Good laughs and most importantly a time to appreciate every opportunity you have been given and all of your blessings throughout the year.My Thanksgivings are spent between my in-laws and my family’s dinners. It is a lot of people to visit in one day but I appreciate what time I do have to spend with them. Last year at my in-laws dinner before we ate we went around the table asking everyone what or who they were most thankful for. You sure do get some interesting stories, most importantly this reminds us that in our lives we have so many blessings but throughout the year in our busy lives most of us focus on what we are lacking. Take a moment this thanksgiving and every day after to reflect on your blessing, reflect on what it is you are grateful for. Remember the good deeds that were done for you, remember when your child or loved one said I love you, or made you a special card or piece of art. Remember all times you loved one made you dinner or just were there to support you when you need a shoulder to cry on or some encouragement. Remember the smile on your parents face at your graduation; remember your Childs first step and the joy that brought to your life and theirs.Focus on your blessings and watch the room this Thanksgiving fill with love, energy and utter joy!Soulful LivingBy Shayne Traviss

I Cry

2009-02-01T12:35:00.001-08:00

I Cry

This last week has been a very trying week for me. Everything that could have gone wrong has. It just shows you that no matter how positive you think you are, or how much of a grasp you have on yourself and life that you’re still a human being.Yes I cry, I have nightmares, I have doubts and most of all I have fears. A Fear of losing loved ones, a fear of failure and most importantly a fear of not being loved and accepted. I wake up every day like everyone else with a new outlook, with a new challenge, with a new prospective and most importantly to face a day I know nothing about, nor do I have any control over it.Over the past week I have had very little sleep. I have had the worst nightmares I have ever had in my life and spent every day with horrible headaches. But yet I have this power from within telling me “Shayne you’re going to be ok, you will get through this”. I have doubts, I have suspicions, I hold resentment, I have an ego, I judge, I get angry, I am a human being.What I have learned that is most important is to wake up every day as if it were new. As if I had a new chance at life. Today is the day. What better time than now. I have had a tough road, this is true but it’s my prospective that gets me through and attracts me to the most wonderful people you could ever imagine.When I wake up every day I start with my blessings. What is it that Shayne Traviss has to be grateful for and there are so many things. These things outweigh the negative. But were conditioned to hold on to the negative, why? I then think of all my dreams and aspirations and how one day if I keep focusing on them they will come true, I am sure of it. I tell my puppies I love them, I smile and most importantly I start the day by being grateful, full of love and full of life. It’s my attitude that gets me through.At one point in my life I turned to sex, to alcohol and to drugs not as an addict but as a mental escape. News flash people! There is not escape its waiting right there for you when you get back. We all may have trials and tribulations but let’s take a different approach.Focus on your triumphs, your blessings, you good friends and family and most of all focus on what a wonderful soul you have and this; my friend will make the difference in your life.Soulful LivingBy Shayne Traviss

Our Angels

2009-02-01T12:33:00.002-08:00

Our Angels

Yesterday Timm and I drove to Port Perry to meet his sister Tammy and Mother Marilyn for lunch. It is a regular routine of ours. Usually we go to the Casino Breakfast Buffet because it’s cheap and absolutely amazing and the drive, especially in the fall, is absolutely breath taking. But as Tammy says “I am to full to do my house work after, so from now on it is lunch” So lunch it is. We went to the Jesters Court which is suposedly haunted. Tammy wouldn’t go to the bathroom by herself, LOL. At lunch I brought up the question; Do you, or have you had an angel in your life? I went around the table asking everyone if they have or have had an angel in their life and if so who was it and what did they do to change your life in a positive way.Think about it. I believe we have all had angels in our lives at one point in time. Or maybe we have angels in our lives as we speak. There have been so many times in my life that the right person has come along at exactly the right moment bearing the perfect gift. All of the gifts I received were gifts of encouragement, love, friendship, support, mentoring. These people came along at just the right time, coincidence? I do not think so. When I was around 17 years old an angel came into my life, picked me up and put me in the right direction. I was headed for dooms day. I had started to get into a lot of drinking, drugs and partying and it just seemed to be getting worse and worse. I was dropping out of school, I did not have a job and most importantly I had no direction in life except that I wanted to end it. This angel came along took me under her wing, help put passion and meaning back into my life, taught me how to drive, how to cook and most importantly got me taught me the meaning of self respect and esteem and to top it all off got me my first job which put me on the path to utter success.Do you have an angel in your life? Have you had an angel in your life? Do you need an angel?Please send me your stories I would love to hear them and if there is anyone who needs an angel in their life.I AM HERE!!!Soulful LivingBy Shayne Traviss

In the Darkest of Times, There is a Light

2009-02-01T12:33:00.001-08:00

In the Darkest of Times, There is a Light

As we all know we are now facing the darkest of times in our economy since the Great Depression. Markets are dropping, prices are rising and no one is making any more money. Spirits are down and people are holding on to their money for fear of worse things to come, but holding on to our money only makes the inevitable even worse. If we are not spending money then the economy will only get worse. We will start to see more layoffs, people losing their jobs, small business’ go under, the rate of unemployment go up and up, depression rates sky rocket and the rate of poverty and suicide increase to astronomic numbers.Let’s stop the insanity, let’s stop attracting the doom and gloom to ourselves and our economy or we will be defeated by negativity. We need to get out there and spend money and be the change we want to see. We need to keep positive; we need to radiate love, joy, success and gratefulness. We need to give not only to charities but to our neighbours. We need to take a step back and realize that we are in control of ourselves and this world and if we change our attitudes one person, one step at a time we can change our world, we can boost our economy and be well on our way to a prosperous life.I myself own a small business and am truly being impacted by the changes in our global economy and the change in attitude of consumers who are now holding on to their money and for what? So that in the process of their negative behaviour and self filling prophecy will take me down with them. THIS IS NOT EXCEPTABLE!!!Be the change we want to see!!! Start spending, start spreading love and joy!!! Start changing your attitude right now. Focus on your blessing, your fortunes and start focusing on creating peace, prosperity and success all around you. This is what the world needs, not another DEBBIE DOWNER who constantly reminds us of how poor were doing or what a state we are in.Shut off your Televisions, your radios and all that bad news and start really, truly living the life you were meant to live. There is a light at the end of the tunnel!!!Be the change you want to see...

Soulful Living By Shayne Traviss

A Canadian Winter Wonderland

2009-02-01T12:32:00.001-08:00

A Canadian Winter Wonderland

I woke up this morning to a wonderful Canadian winter wonderland. Oh how beautiful it was! The trees are topped with white sparkling snow and icicles hang from my balcony as I overlook what one the most beautiful sites that is truly Canadian.My heart filled with excitement as my whole body tingles with joy. This is just the beginning! The beginning of a season filled with gratitude, joy and love. To most the reality of snow, slush and unpredictable winter weather brings them frustration and anxiety. They approach the winter with a cold pessimistic attitude. I challenge you today to take a new attitude towards winter. To pull out your winter coat, hats and mittens go outside and take a long beautiful walk and enjoy one of the best and most unique experiences that Mother Nature has to give.Remember to approach everything with open arms, love and acceptance and to embrace what it is you have to be grateful for. As the most magical holiday of the year approaches, remember all the good, the excitement, the fun filled sled rides. Take yourself back to your childhood and remember your excitement. Grasp onto it and carry it with you this winter because this will truly warm your heart and send out the kind of energy that not only warms the hearts of others but lets them truly see through your eyes the wonderful joys of a Canadian winter wonderland.“If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.” Soulful livingBy Shayne Traviss

It’s the thought that counts...

2009-02-01T12:30:00.000-08:00

It’s the thought that counts...

It is 7:00AM in the Port of Newcastle, the sun rises over the marina as I sit on my balcony thinking what I can get my mother this Christmas. I remember when I was a small child what giving meant to me and what joy came to my heart when I watched people open their presents. Not only was the receiver filled with joy but the twinkle in the eye of the giver was what lit my soul. Since I was little, I can remember racking my brain every time I heard that it was almost Christmas. I would think, “What do I get my mother for Christmas? What is Christmas about? How do I want my mother to feel?” All I can remember as a child was that I wanted my mother to feel important; I wanted her to know how special she was and how much I had appreciated all her love and devotion as a mother. So I would start by making a list: “I’ll get her an Elvis Tape, or maybe a new TV, or even a diamond ring”. As a child obviously I did not have the money for either and I was not the sort of kid that would ask anyone for it, so I thought “What can I make? Something from the heart?” she will appreciate that most. So I went to school and asked my teacher “Miss Ivanoff, what could I make my mother that comes from the heart?” She expressed to me that tomorrow was art day and because it was so close to Christmas we were going to focus on things that we could make for friends and family because Christmas was a time for giving, and to show how much we loved someone we were going to make them something special. Oh was I ever excited! First of all, art was my favourite class and I got to make something for the most important person in my life, my mother. My heart was filled with love and my soul with joy and the anticipation of how excited my mother would be gave me enough energy to light up the world. So when giving a gift this season, remember this story, but not only the story remember the feelings behind it. I will leave you with a quote that lights my soul every time I read it. This year when you are out doing your holiday shopping do not forget what the real reason for giving is.“It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.”Mother Teresaby Shayne Travisspublished in Life in Clarington Magazine

“A tree is known by its fruit”

2009-02-01T12:26:00.000-08:00

“A tree is known by its fruit”Trees are known by their fruit. Some trees bear apples, some oranges and some pomegranates. What does your tree bear?As a child I always compared things to nature. After all nature is what created us so there must be many similes within? A tree is started with a seed. A seed which is either handpicked by a gardener or one which is sent by a gust of wind to a destination unknown. Some seeds are blown so far from their original climate that it is almost impossible for it to survive, unless of course it crosses the path of someone truly amazing. These amazing people are gardeners of the soul which I like to refer to them as are nature’s gift to human kind.I believe every one of us at one point in our lives have come across a soulful gardener. Some of us are the seed that lost its way and some of us have been handpicked by our gardeners to nurture into blossoming trees which will eventually bear beautiful and bountiful fruit.I am a seed that lost its way and ended up being picked up by many of life’s soulful gardeners. Had it not been for each and every one of these soulful gardeners my seed may have dried up and once again became part of the earth? But instead my seed was blessed with so many soulful gardeners which fed me with the gift of love, companionship and nurtured my seed so that it could grow a beautiful tree. A tree filled with love, luscious life, gratitude, and branches that reach to the sky’s and roots that grow solid in the rich earth. Thanks to the Soulful Gardener’s in my life my tree was able to grow the most luscious fruit nature has to offer. My tree grew pomegranates filled with fruitful seeds so that now I too can become a Soulful Gardener, plant these seeds, nurture them, love them and watch them grow.What is your seeds story? Please feel free to post them. It will be amazing to hear how your seeds grew to produce their own special fruit.Soulful Living by Shayne Traviss

A Spoonful of Fear! An Abundance of Love!

2009-02-01T11:46:00.000-08:00

A Spoonful of Fear! An Abundance of Love!

It has been a while since I have written at personal story or message and there are many reasons, I am sure every one of you can relate to. One of the reasons is the state of our world’s finances which whether or not we want to believe have some effect on us all and up until this very moment has sidetracked me from the reality of what I want to achieve.We must believe that together as one team we can change that direction. Not by being afraid of what is to come but by sending out a message of peace, love and security. By standing together against the propaganda of news (television, newspaper etc.) Turn off the news and start paying attention to your life, your goals, and your dreams. Stop attracting more of what we don’t want and start attracting what we do want and to my belief that is ABUNDANCE in its purest form. Abundance of love, Abundance of Opportunity and Abundance Money

From the time we are able to start moving around as a child we are spoon fed fear. We are told “no”, “no”, “no”, “don’t touch that” etc. In our parents minds what they are doing is protecting us and by all means it sounds like a great idea. Why would we want our children to hurt, suffer or feel pain? We know what it’s like and so therefore we believe it our sole responsibility to shelter our youth.

Does this help us? Or does this start the early manifestations of fear?

As we all know the “shelter” effect does not stop as a small child, it also carries into our teen and adult lives. Our parents, teachers, leaders and peers teach us to fear on a daily basis by the “shelter” theory. We should fear walking to school, we should fear our grades, we should fear; tests, swimming, adults, cars, dogs and on and on. We are thought by our peers that are as humans, we have limitations we have a glass ceiling on what we can achieve. “If you don’t get good grades in school your future is Wal-mart”. Your cloths limit your choices, what you do with you hair, how you walk, how you talk and on and on. Limits! Limits! Limits! Fear! Fear! Fear!

How do we change this? How do we create a generation without fear? Without the though that because of who they are, what they wear or where they come from that “limitations” have been put on them. How do we raise our next generations to embrace the world without fear and to know that whoever you are or wherever you come from that your opportunities in life are abundant. That you can have whatever you want, that to have fear creates more fear which puts up a road block to achieving your full potential or dream in this life.

This is your life, this is your chance! Let go of fear and embrace everything with love and openness.“The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness” Barack Obama

Soulful Living by Shayne Traviss