A Few of My Favorite Things

My next “assignment” started in a whirlwind of plan changes and the unknown. Undoubtedly, being peaceful with uncertainty has been a recurring theme for many years with me. It was even a challenge lining things up as I had virtually no cell service and limited internet in “Fern Gully”. The lady I was corresponding with obviously used texting as her primary mode of communication. It took a bit of time and effort before I could shift the correspondence to e-mail. Before that I’d walked or otherwise gotten myself to town just to make a phone call but wasn’t able to connect. I figured, if this was meant to be, it would all work out. I was to start Sept 1. The whole process was a practice in trust, living in the moment, taking inspired action and going with the flow. My current hostess could only give me a ride to Kona two days prior. The new hosts could not take me earlier as their previous assistant was leaving Aug 31. I sent messages to local friends asking if they could host me for two nights. Right away I got a yes and was thrilled with the flow feeling so effortless. Then, only a couple nights before departure, my interim host informs me she has a schedule conflict and now cannot accommodate me. This was cutting it down to the wire as I could not communicate via cell, didn’t have much internet and others don’t always check their messages immediately. Consequently, I was writing extensive messages in case this happened or that happened and copying people through the stages and such. I hadn’t heard anything affirmative ‘til the morning of departure which still were only possibilities requiring more details. I wasn’t even sure, at that point, if my current hostess could still drive me. It worked out she would take me but, since I didn’t know yet where I was going, she’d bring me to her university campus where I could spend a few hours ironing out details. Plans changed so many times due to responses and lack of responses. Now I was relying almost completely on texting – the opposite of my situation before – tediously composing detailed messages on my little antique flip phone. I finally got confirmation from my friend I’d hoped to visit most. The catch, it was simply a yes and I didn’t know where she lived. All the craziest things that could make life more interesting happened including us not being able to find the address on my hostess’ smart phone. Without that information, I couldn’t be dropped off after her classes so was taken along for her midwife visitations in the area the next few hours. Finally, many angels and resources later, the directions were acquired and my midwife mama graciously dropped me off.

I was soooo grateful after all the unknowns (and this is the extremely abridged account) to be welcomed into a beautiful home with an even more beautiful family overlooking Kealakekekua Bay. The amazing dolphin mural on the wall with a goddess floating on the water assured me I was definitely in the perfect place. This was my wonderful SeaStar, Kim, who took me for a magical dolphin swim in that same bay last time I was in Hawaii – November 2015. Her three young children were the sweetest ever and quite refreshing to be around. They were so kind and encouraging to each other and brilliant as well. The couple days I was gifted there were a restorative retreat preparing me for whatever was next. Little did I know how much I would need it.

My new hostess picked me up accompanied by two of her three children. They all seemed so delightful and I hoped we would gel just as perfectly. I was so excited about the house I stayed at facing directly out to the ocean! From there I could see the sun setting in the sea! All around were palm trees, plumeria, jasmine, hibiscus, fern, ti plants and more of the foliage I love. In the yard was a mango tree laden with huge sweet fruit. I could eat mango to my heart’s content. It was a 6 minute walk to a quiet shoreline cove and 10 minutes to Magic Sands Beach. Later I found out, it is also called Disappearing Sands Beach due to the fact the sea claims the sand for weeks at a time before redepositing it to form the beach again. Fortunately, I was there during “beach time”.

The first few days seemed fairly promising but, as time went on, they turned a bit baffling. Yet again a phenomenon, which has happened a number of times in my life, presented. Piece by piece, what I thought was, mysteriously proved to be something completely different – not a little, completely. There are a number of truths I remind myself of when experiencing a perplexing situation. “I don’t know the real meaning of what I see” was definitely reinforced on a daily basis. On one particularly interesting day almost a month in, everything changed on a dime. Within 24 hours I was on my way to my next adventure. The purpose of my mission there may remain a mystery forever. Bewildering to my little human self, my Higher Self reassured with knowing many truths. Without a shadow of a doubt, I know I was exactly in the right place at the right time. No matter outward appearances, I definitely brought a positive energy to the situation with my presents/presence. Through thick and thin, I was able to peacefully remain the calm eye of the storm. I bask in gratitude for all the gifts I received from that experience both known and hidden.

Speaking of the gifts......I was able to experience a few of my favorite things (hear that musically)…. Finally, I was constantly in a comfortable temperature – something specific to very few areas I’ve been in my life. While the beach was pretty tiny and often covered with masses of humanity, I did get to enjoy it very early in the morning and sink my toes into its magic sands. Lulled by the hypnotic crash of the waves on the shore, my eyes drank in that intense aquamarine hue that makes me go Mmmmmm! Although I didn’t get a physical dolphin encounter, I felt their energy and was visited
by my other marine friends – honus. On a number of occasions, one critical from a physical perspective, the sea turtles gently reminded me with their relaxed behavior to go with the flow. The sun graced me with brilliant light shows on his way to wake up folks in another part of the world. The intoxicating fragrance of frangipani, aka plumeria, wafted to me wherever I went as well as various colored blossoms often finding their way into my hair. Experienced days full moon enchantment. While I never saw any volleyball action at the net on the beach near me, I was able to catch some at another court a couple times a week. I met a new friend, Alice, who recently heard the call to move to Hawaii and had fun times with her. Did I mention I had all the sweet, delicious mangos I could possibly eat? I even managed a few quiet candlelit bubble baths. Of deep meaningful inner privilege was the opportunity to communicate with another precious unborn angel in close proximity. So many magical moments!

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I reiterate my appreciation for so many of my favorite things. It is interesting to notice, wherever I have been so far, I am able to manage a fraction of my favs along with a mix of not so desirable things. It may be my imagination, although that is a powerful part of this process, but I feel my percentage of favs is increasing. The more I focus on the bright things, the more the Universe fills my order. Thus, I continue playing in the Light with my intent to increase it both for myself and all around me.

Do you wish to dance increasingly in the Light? Do you want to be more cognizant of the ways you are manifesting your results? Would you like someone to lovingly guide you along your journey? Find out if TelephoneWellness Guidance is appropriate for you with a complimentary session.

Are you are enjoying reading these musings? Have you been inspired, entertained or encouraged by these stories? If you find value and are able to contribute to my ongoing mission of light, please consider making a donation via Paypal, check or money order or any other way you feel called to support my quest and, indirectly, yours.

Closing with a final swirling of love and mahalo. Aloha!

Religion and Spirituality

I almost titled this Religion vs Spirituality. Instantly I remembered my desire to be as extremely diligent about my words and focus as possible. “vs” often denotes some sort of conflict. While not in denial about conflict, I choose to consciously have in my experience what I wish which is peace and absence of judgment (in the sense of deeming things good or bad).

I was extremely blessed and delighted to spend the Easter/Springtime holidays with family that had not been all together in years. We laughed. We loved. We helped. We surprised. We enjoyed re-connecting with each other. We brought in more family members, who were not able to make it in person, thanks to the wonders of technology. I shared some of my adventures, hopes and dreams as did others.

An interesting situation presented that was the impetus of writing this particular blog post. We were all sitting down getting ready to enjoy dinner together. I, among others, was joking a bit about silver, gold and frankincense with an obvious reference to Jesus. Now I must clarify that this was humor and fun with Jesus…in no way mocking him. One family member got extremely defensive and upset about the conversation. To keep the peace, the rest of us just changed the topic.

Due to many experiences, past and present, I have some extremely interesting relationships with Jesus…..but that is a topic for another day. Suffice it to say, I have an understanding about Jesus that is about love and joy. He wasn’t all seriousness and control. He would have definitely wanted people to participate in fun and happiness as we were having in our conversation.  Here is where the part about religion comes up.  All religions have seeds of truth in them. However, some people only know the information that their form of religion has programmed into them.  They can’t fathom anything beyond that information. If Jesus walked up to these individuals today (sans the garments of a time and place long ago), they would probably not even recognize him. He wouldn’t fit into the box of perception they were taught.

The purpose of this observation is not to judge or condemn. All choices are definitely honored “above” and by myself as well. So of course people are entitled to believe and live as they desire. I personally choose to be spiritual instead of aligning with a man-made structure called religion. I chuckled reading a saying recently, “Religion is for people who fear Hell.  Spirituality is for people who have already been there and back”. That is definitely true for me. If you are still reading this so far, you are person who thinks, at least some of the time, outside the “box” that you were programmed into. So, whether you subscribe to a particular religion or not, I propose to you a friendly challenge. When other humans tell you that things are right or wrong, please run it all through the filter of your heart and spirit. The Divine communicates to you directly that way. If you consciously do this and make choices that are more in alignment with your own Higher Truth, perhaps you will be happily surprised. Human ego can be a little tricky but, with a little practice, you will begin to be able to differentiate Spirit coming through you.  How can you tell?….it is the voice that brings most peace.

If you'd like guidance in a more human manner, check out my Telephone Wellness Coaching to see if it is appropriate for you. Many thanks to all who have chosen to join me on this journey!

Stirring the Pot….Part of My Mission?!

A while back, in a fit of temper, someone shot at me, “Nobody likes you and you cause trouble everywhere you go!”  At the time thankfully, I was so present in my power, I realized everything he was saying was just a projection of how he himself was feeling as he continued on with his angry tirade.

As you can imagine, and if you’ve been following my blog you know, I also have my high and low moments.  Recently I was in that dark place where my ego managed to stealthily slink in. I was in a situation that someone else wanted to put a guilt trip on me for a not so pretty situation.  Ego reminded me of those poison darts thrown at me in the past….. “You cause trouble everywhere you go!”  Before I knew it, I was on a path of looking at situations (everywhere I went) over the years that seemed to cause problems. Maybe he was right.  Maybe I did cause trouble everywhere I went! OMG! 

Before long, I was able to shake myself out of it and see my Truth.  Were there uncomfortable situations many times along my path? Yes!  Were there people who wanted to blame me for what was going on in their life? Yes!  Were the situations caused by me?  Yes and No. Yes, in the sense that I stirred the pot. Me, living my truth, standing my ground and being different than the norm, evokes in many people discomfort.  No, in the sense that I caused their actions and feelings.  These belong to them 100%.  Now the original sources of feelings may start from family, friends, teachers, religion, government and society programming, but people decide – consciously or not – how they are going to feel. Yikes, this is getting even more heavy!  So one might say, “But that person said something to me that was just cruel.  Of course that makes me feel offended!” My response….that person said words (and yes, the intent may have been to hurt) but the fact is that person said words.  You somehow related to those words and chose to be offended.  Eleanor Roosevelt said brilliantly, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent”.  And Ghandi, “No one can hurt me without my permission.”   There is another thing that “makes” some people uncomfortable around me - being truly me. It mirrors to them something that is in themselves they don’t like.  It is a catalyst for them to see ways that they may be living inauthentically.  It also can be a challenge for someone’s complete belief system about how they are living their life.  Most people don’t eagerly welcome any of these scenarios.

But what else do I prompt being true to myself?

Awareness….inspiration…..encouragement…..could this be part of my mission?

Yes, when I come from my connection to God and someone else is open to the light, this is what they perceive.  I know I am making a powerful positive difference in this world…..everywhere I go!  Just like each and every one reading these words has the ability to make a positive difference everywhere they go. No matter what “they” say, we know in our hearts when we are shining and when we are….well, less than shining.  I’m not saying it’s always easy.  I’m not saying I always shine very brightly.  What I am saying is I AM BEING part of the change I desire to see in this world along with a host of many others.  How about you? Every moment of the day you get to decide anew if you want to settle for the status quo…or be a courageous trailblazer!  I humbly invite you to make the choice to join me as we all make this world a brighter place!

Oh, one more piece on my incredible journey…..I may have a new tropical move up my sleeve shortly.  Will share more as things develop.  Thank you so much for your continued support, kind words and powerful energy!

Incommunicado

For years I have been remembering my spiritual powers more and more as well as invited situations in which I may continue to grow.  In the past, I was a master of communication.  My phone calls and e-mails were answered, for the most part, within 24 hours.  In the event I couldn’t, I left a message stating such and had auto responders giving people a heads up.  Holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and accomplishments where acknowledged in a timely manner with cards, e-notes and gifts.  Through my company, Universal Wellness (previously known as Fit Bodies), I sent out regular newsletters and e-mail updates.   I checked in on “my people” regularly, tooted my horn and marketed my business offerings at dozens of meetings every month as well as expanding my network through charity and community service.  I lectured, presented and taught various health related classes.

As the years continued, my “previous life” has gradually been dismantled.  The first dramatic change took place in 2006 when I moved to Florida.  I let go of my in person personal training business which previously made up the majority of my California “practice”.  In Florida, I continued Telephone Wellness Coaching, teaching group exercise classes and offering the nutritional support system I feel good about, Juice Plus.  The next significant shift happened in 2009 when my marriage, my house and my car removed themselves from my existence.  I was headed for a new life in Panama which would obviously drastically reduce my communication abilities.  In 2010, it became clear that my anticipated plans in Panama weren’t “panning” out and my gypsy journey was in full swing.  My life can be viewed in 2 ways….I am officially homeless OR everywhere I go is my home.  I prefer the latter.

I believed I would have, by now, a Spa Retreat by the Sea….a refreshing location the people could come for respite from their daily routines and for inspiring renewal.  Whether or not that location will appear in this existence of mine, I am now not sure.  It appears that I am the traveling retreat experience now.  I am taking the respite and renewal, in very untraditional ways, to the people I encounter in my travels.  Sometimes they are aware of it and sometimes not.  This is definitely not a traditionally “paid” job.  My pay is in the beauty of nature, my adventurous experiences and the kindness of the people in my path.  It has definitely been a humbling experience for me, so used to paying my way in the usual manner, to be supported by others who see the benefit of what I am doing.  Again, I acknowledge each and every one of my benefactors, from my family and friends to strangers on the street.  While still humbling, it is an exquisite delight to be able to see the light in people in ways I personally have not before.  The farther I get off the beaten path, the more I remember, the more I know!

Speaking of off the beaten path and lack of
communication… recently I had the longest experience of such which I take as an official transition the next level of my life.  I was in Panama for almost 2 months.  Due to computer issues, I was without communication for almost the entire time.  It felt like a mixed blessing.  Part of me kept trying to figure out how to get connected to technology to keep up with my communication.  The other part of me delighted in the whole new world of attention to the necessities of the moment and full appreciation of the Nature I was in.  This took my living in the moment to an even higher level.

Now, in this moment, I am not even able to offer my 6 week Telephone Wellness Coaching as I don’t know if I will be in an area at an appointed time with the ability of connecting by phone.  I still do occasional coaching sessions under the guise of “catching up” but not many formal scheduled coaching calls.  The only thing I am promoting in exchange for money is Juice Plus and the Tower Garden.  These things are handled by others mostly so I feel sure my clients will get excellent service whether I am available or not.

 

I have officially come to the conclusion I will never completely catch up – something I learned when I tried to wade through something like 3000 emails and continue taking care of my task at hand.  My current mission has me on my toes almost 24/7.  It is a challenge, a pleasure and a amazing dance ever spiraling me to higher and higher levels of existence and awareness.  I welcome and greet anyone on this journey with me.  Yes, you know full well who you are…whether we communicate in the physical (phone, email etc) or via telepathy….we are the change we wish to see in this world!  Thank you for all your gifts and energy you bring to this magnificent banquet of life!

Working Hard VS Dedication

“He (or she) is a very hard worker.”  I heard this expression a number of times recently and it is used very often as a compliment or indicator of what a good person someone is.  The society most of us live in has people so conditioned that it is a virtue to be “hard-working”.  I am a very hard worker at times myself.  In fact, the mission I am currently on requires a 24/7 commitment.  Often I work way harder than people with “regular jobs”.  However, people who don’t understand what I do would think I am not a “hard worker” since I don’t make any money.   Actually I don’t strive to be a hard worker.  Neither do I think I am better or worse than anyone else due to the level they work or the level I do.  So many people “work hard” at jobs they hate or don’t love.  When you consider most of folk’s waking hours are spent at work, this can’t be too great for their overall well-being.  No wonder there are so many cases of stress related ailments.

Now dedication to something is very different than hard-working.  One can work “hard” at something they are dedicated to yet it doesn’t feel like hard work, servitude or drudgery.  There is a saying that when you love what you do you never have to work another day in your life.  That’s the major difference between working the majority of your life at something and dedicating your life to something.  As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, the amount of money one makes is not a valid gauge of one’s value or how hard one works either.  People can make varying amounts of money based on how smart one gains it.  They can align themselves to the energy of winning the lottery, playing poker or Vegas gambling.  Others, like myself are of service in exchange for other’s providing for them…and it’s not always a direct exchange with the same people.  I am seeing the latter happening more and more upon the planet thankfully. Although I must admit there are still days it is a little challenging being on the cutting edge in this area.  Thankfully I am so engaged in my mission, I spend less time thinking about that and more time in gratitude for what I am able to do and appreciating the folks who sponsor and contribute to me along the way.

I do still take steps here and there to create financial income the “usual” way.  Since most people don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables even to maintain their health where it is, I offer an awesome nutritional support system through Juice Plus

http://michellehazlewood.juiceplus.com If you haven’t visited my Juice Plus site recently, please check it out as there is an abundance of new resources and nutritional information.  Incorporating the Juice Plus capsules can majorly assist your health and you would be doing yourself and even greater service consuming you own home grown fruits and veggies.  Since this is very difficult for many people due to space restraints and lack of a green thumb, the Tower Garden is a magical answer for them.  Due to the nature of the product, the produce ripens much quicker than the traditional methods as well! https://michellehazlewood.towergarden.com/ If you or anyone you know might benefit, I’d be honored to be able to support your well-being in this way.

Everything Happens for a Reason…..

Those words are so cliché now they seem almost trite.  But the concept is actually very profound.  Hard to believe there was a time in my life that was so negative but I did actually have a brief stint of pessimism.  Yes, and during that time I actually followed the title with…..and that reason is just to mess with me.  That was also the time that I thought the light at the end of the tunnel was a train.  Thankfully I moved through that period relatively quickly.  Since I still didn’t understand the reasons for most things, in my transition, I changed the ending of the phrase so it went, “Everything happens for a reason and that reason positively serves me.”  For a long time I moved forward with heavy duty faith and trust.  As I have evolved over the years, I remembered how to access certain aspects of myself, including my connection to my God-Self, which enable me to know many of the “reasons” now.  True, faith and trust are still an ongoing necessity for my peace and progression.  I’m guessing, if you think about it, you too have many moments of understanding the “whys” as well.  Keep in mind it is not always necessary to know but sometimes, as humans, we like to know.  The knowledge can also help us with our next choices or steps in life.

Beware that we may not like the all the whys.  The knowing can bring discomfort…..if we allow it.  This is sometimes what I experience and then have to be extremely vigilant for my peace.  The focus of this blog is to share with you just one of those situations.  Last year I had a big aha I didn’t like…..no, didn’t like at all (read with your best Dr. Seuss voice).  Here’s a little history for those who may be new to my adventures.

15-20 years ago I’d been inspired to manifest a Tropical Spa Retreat.  I had many of the details…the beginning of the business plan and about 13 people interested in moving to “we weren’t exactly sure yet” to get this going.  Since then I have done tons of research, contacted I think a gazillion people and companies.  Starting from California, I have travelled to Florida, Mexico, Belize, Roatan, Caymen Islands, Bahamas, Panama and Costa Rica looking for the “right” place and trying to make the necessary connections to get things to happen.  While Bimini in the Bahamas is still showing up very strong, as mentioned in my previous blog post, I am still freezing in non-tropical regions with no clear destination ahead.  This could get pretty discouraging since it doesn’t appear, on the outside, I have gotten anywhere in my quest.

Here is the big awareness I got last year…. one that is still not totally exciting to my little human self.  I am supposed to continue doing my research, making my connections and other activities in pursuit of the Spa Retreat without attachment to the outcome.  As even I have said before, it is not the goal but the journey that’s most important.  Duh!  You’d think I’d have known this long ago but the full impact didn’t hit until 2012.  Whether that Tropical Spa Retreat will even become a reality in this lifetime of mine still remains to be seen.  

This incredible journey I am on, full of joy and challenges intermingled with ease and grace, is my mission!  My purpose, among other things, is to guide people to a higher awareness and way of living.  One of the best ways I do that is through my example.  Soooo, what is there not to like about this?  Well…I am still human and have lower vibrational human feelings at times.  Here’s one of the scenarios that helped me grasp the fullness of this “aha”.

For a number of years I have tried to earn money in the traditionally accepted (and expected ways).  This means providing products and services and getting paid as a direct exchange for them.  While I actually have provided numerous products and services, the amount I have actually received from them could hardly sustain a hamster.  I could provide story after story about this but will try to keep this short and sweet.  So how have I been living?  Literally upon the kindness of others!  Many people have housed, entertained and fed me as well as gifting me with other life necessities.  Skilled professionals have valued what I am doing in this world and provided me care and services that I may never be able to pay them for in the traditional way.  On the other hand, things I have done for others can never be repaid, whether they realize it or not, in the traditional way.  So many times I can clearly see who I am supposed to meet and how I am supposed to “touch” them.  (Often they don’t see this until years later but that is part of the “everything happens for a reason” thing) Some of you are still shaking your heads and thinking, “Where is she going with all this?”  While I’m not telling everyone to quit their jobs or get rid of their money or anything like that, I have been promoting alternate, healthier ways of living.  These involve growing your own produce, 

making your own food and sometimes even your own energy.  I know it’s difficult for all of us to do that but there are little ways we can start with.  Also, some people can more easily do things than others.  Here’s where a non-monetary exchange comes in.  Immediately you may think, “bartering”.  Yes and no.  Bartering is extremely beneficial and a step above some ways we are operating now.  However sometimes it’s more like karma, what goes around comes around.  You see someone in need and you help them.  Someone else sees you in need and they help you. 

A few of you may still be thinking this is going backwards.  After all, we “invented” money to more conveniently get the stuff we want.  Perhaps it would be well to review some of the “costs” of having money…

·          * Many people work in jobs that they are not interested in or passionate about.

·         * The majority of people never fully pursue what they are passionate about because they can’t make money at it or they don’t have enough money to do it.

·          * Countless kids are neglected because the current society necessitates both parents working.

·          *   Most peoples’ work environments are not healthy (toxic people, physical activities or things they breathe).

·          * Not counting sleeping, most hours of peoples’ lives have something to do with their jobs.

·          * Desperate people take desperate actions in desperation to get money.

·          * Think of all the things people do to protect their money (put it in banks, lock their doors, get insurance etc).

·          * Consider how much time people worry about money related issues.

·          * How much time goes into the simple logistics of keeping track of money, moving it etc?

·          * How many people measure their (and others) value or worth by how much money they have?

No, money isn’t the root of all evil but perhaps now you can begin to see the benefits of providing things directly for yourself and for your neighbor.  Yes, money is still necessary for now but we can make some changes so that our lives do not revolve around it as much.  We can make a shift that enables us to move back into our power and help the people around us do so as well.

Oh, and about those lower vibration human feelings of mine?  I still have difficulty accepting help from others sometimes – what a way to overcome this!  And asking for help?  That is right there in the awful department with being in the freezing cold.  Those who know me will fully understand that part.  It’s also a bit challenging sometimes when people ask me where I live. But! There is a reason….

When joyful, sad, insane, amazing things occur that you might not understand, remember that everything happens for a reason and that reason is to serve you.  Another gem I use to remind myself is something I got from my friends at Effortless Prosperity years ago…… "This is here only to bless me."