Sedona Hutton's Blog - Posts Tagged "peace"
Peace on Earth Day
Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22nd with activities and events held around the globe. Earth Day began in 1970 when peace activist John McConnell proposed a day to honor the Earth and to honor the concept of peace. Today’s blog pays tribute to the first Earth Day by focusing on peaceful ways to honor our planet.
We can pay tribute to Mother Earth through peaceful thoughts and actions. If you buy into the notion that the Earth is vibrational, that like attracts like, it doesn’t take a huge leap of faith to believe that kind thoughts benefit our planet. Today, I will be mindful of my thoughts. I will ensure that they are kind, compassionate, and loving.
Today, I will also honor the Earth through my actions. Instead of putting chemicals on my lawn, I’m going to love it the way it is. I will fondly remember the dandelion bouquet my daughter picked for me when she was a child. Instead of worrying about dandelion seeds creating more weeds, I’m going to pick one, make a wish, and blow the seeds into the wind.
Inner peace cultivates love. Today I will consciously direct love and light to our beautiful Earth. I will also offer love and light to all life forms who reside on our planet because we are all connected.
I invite you to join me in contributing peaceful thoughts and actions…today, tomorrow, and throughout the year. What better way to honor and respect the beautiful, intelligent, life-sustaining planet we call Earth?
“You are the source of all change on the planet. If you tend to your internal peace, you’re tending to peace on earth.” – Panache Desai
We can pay tribute to Mother Earth through peaceful thoughts and actions. If you buy into the notion that the Earth is vibrational, that like attracts like, it doesn’t take a huge leap of faith to believe that kind thoughts benefit our planet. Today, I will be mindful of my thoughts. I will ensure that they are kind, compassionate, and loving.
Today, I will also honor the Earth through my actions. Instead of putting chemicals on my lawn, I’m going to love it the way it is. I will fondly remember the dandelion bouquet my daughter picked for me when she was a child. Instead of worrying about dandelion seeds creating more weeds, I’m going to pick one, make a wish, and blow the seeds into the wind.
Inner peace cultivates love. Today I will consciously direct love and light to our beautiful Earth. I will also offer love and light to all life forms who reside on our planet because we are all connected.
I invite you to join me in contributing peaceful thoughts and actions…today, tomorrow, and throughout the year. What better way to honor and respect the beautiful, intelligent, life-sustaining planet we call Earth?
“You are the source of all change on the planet. If you tend to your internal peace, you’re tending to peace on earth.” – Panache Desai
Live Like You Were Dying
The best things in life aren’t things.
I love this simple, yet profound quote from Art Buchwald. When I step back to think about what’s most important in my life, it’s not things at all, even though I’ve been blessed with some pretty nice things. What matters the most to me are my loved ones, my dog, the Earth, and the peace, love, and joy I experience in my life.
Earlier this week I listened to one of Tim McGraw’s old hits, "Live Like You Were Dying." This song caused me to think about what I would do differently if I were dying. I probably wouldn’t choose McGraw’s activities—sky diving, climbing the Rockies, or riding a mechanical bull—but I would make different choices.
I would work a little less and play a little more. I would spend less time doing mindless activities and I would spend more quality time with my husband. I would stop doing things I’m supposed to do and instead do things that make me happy. I would strive to be more mindful in every moment in order to fully appreciate my loved ones, my sweet dog, and the beautiful mountains in my backyard. In essence, I would be fully present with the best things in my life that aren’t really things.
So why can’t I do this right now? As the creator of my journey, I’m not going to wait until it’s my time to go. Instead, I’m going to “live like I’m dying” each and every day by being fully present in the now and by aligning my time with that which is most important to me.
Listen to Tim McGraw’s “Live Like You Were Dying”: my link text
Coming in October: Nora’s Promise, a contemporary romance with a new age twist. She trusts animals more than men. He runs through women like tires. Will an orphaned child force them to change gears?
I love this simple, yet profound quote from Art Buchwald. When I step back to think about what’s most important in my life, it’s not things at all, even though I’ve been blessed with some pretty nice things. What matters the most to me are my loved ones, my dog, the Earth, and the peace, love, and joy I experience in my life.
Earlier this week I listened to one of Tim McGraw’s old hits, "Live Like You Were Dying." This song caused me to think about what I would do differently if I were dying. I probably wouldn’t choose McGraw’s activities—sky diving, climbing the Rockies, or riding a mechanical bull—but I would make different choices.
I would work a little less and play a little more. I would spend less time doing mindless activities and I would spend more quality time with my husband. I would stop doing things I’m supposed to do and instead do things that make me happy. I would strive to be more mindful in every moment in order to fully appreciate my loved ones, my sweet dog, and the beautiful mountains in my backyard. In essence, I would be fully present with the best things in my life that aren’t really things.
So why can’t I do this right now? As the creator of my journey, I’m not going to wait until it’s my time to go. Instead, I’m going to “live like I’m dying” each and every day by being fully present in the now and by aligning my time with that which is most important to me.
Listen to Tim McGraw’s “Live Like You Were Dying”: my link text
Coming in October: Nora’s Promise, a contemporary romance with a new age twist. She trusts animals more than men. He runs through women like tires. Will an orphaned child force them to change gears?
Holiday Unity
There is great religious and thought diversity in our country with nearly thirty different holidays celebrated between November 1 and January 15. Christmas, Hanukkah, Ramadan, Kwanza, Diwali, Bodhi Day, Winter Solstice, and many others.
While the nightly news highlights the issues caused by this diversity, there is also much compassion and kindness shared between those with different beliefs. Food served to the homeless, an Angel Christmas tree, an encouraging word, a smile, a hug…people helping people across religion, race, nationality, sexual orientation and a multitude of other differences.
At our core, we’re all the same. We have the same basic desires—peace, love, joy, and compassion. Maybe even more important, we’re all connected. Genetic studies have shown that everyone on Earth is related to everyone else if we go back a few thousand years.
Namaste is an ancient Sanskrit greeting that means, “the Spirit in me connects with the Spirit in you.” What a beautiful way to greet others and to acknowledge and honor our connectedness!
What if we focused on this connection instead of our divisions? What if we looked for the good in others instead of fixating on our differences? Focusing on the positive creates peace within and in the collective consciousness. Imagine what our world would look like without judgment, without an ‘us’ versus ‘them’, without hate.
During this holiday season, let’s celebrate our unity. Let’s spread holiday cheer by practicing non-judgment, compassion, kindness, and acceptance. One by one, we can create peace within and be the change we want to see in the world.
Wishing each of you a Happy Holiday in whatever way you celebrate it and a New Year filled with peace, love, and connectedness.
Namaste!
While the nightly news highlights the issues caused by this diversity, there is also much compassion and kindness shared between those with different beliefs. Food served to the homeless, an Angel Christmas tree, an encouraging word, a smile, a hug…people helping people across religion, race, nationality, sexual orientation and a multitude of other differences.
At our core, we’re all the same. We have the same basic desires—peace, love, joy, and compassion. Maybe even more important, we’re all connected. Genetic studies have shown that everyone on Earth is related to everyone else if we go back a few thousand years.
Namaste is an ancient Sanskrit greeting that means, “the Spirit in me connects with the Spirit in you.” What a beautiful way to greet others and to acknowledge and honor our connectedness!
What if we focused on this connection instead of our divisions? What if we looked for the good in others instead of fixating on our differences? Focusing on the positive creates peace within and in the collective consciousness. Imagine what our world would look like without judgment, without an ‘us’ versus ‘them’, without hate.
During this holiday season, let’s celebrate our unity. Let’s spread holiday cheer by practicing non-judgment, compassion, kindness, and acceptance. One by one, we can create peace within and be the change we want to see in the world.
Wishing each of you a Happy Holiday in whatever way you celebrate it and a New Year filled with peace, love, and connectedness.
Namaste!
New Year Intentions & Releases
Years ago, I gave up New Year’s resolutions after becoming frustrated with the cycle of making and breaking my goals. Sound familiar? Every year, millions of people make New Year’s resolutions even though research shows that over 90% of resolutions are broken, most within the first month.
Over the years, I’ve found two processes that work better for me—a New Year’s Intention Process and a New Year’s Release Process. Below is a recap of both.
New Year’s Intention Process
In this process, I write down my top three to five intentions for the year. This may sound like a resolution process, but it differs greatly. When I used to make resolutions, they were tied to specific, tangible things like losing weight or exercising more. I use the intention process to focus on more spiritual qualities like peace, love, joy, kindness, and connection. On January 1st, I write my intentions and post them on a wall where the words will be in my line of sight every day. When I look at my intentions, they cause me to ponder how I can spread more kindness or how I can generate greater inner peace. This process helps me set a positive vision for the year and it benefits not only me, but others as well.
New Year’s Release Process
I use this process to rid myself of emotions, beliefs, and habits that no longer serve me. Examples include: Fears, doubts, negativity, and attachment. This simple three-step process helps me start the new year with a clean slate!
Process steps:
1. Identify those emotions, beliefs, or habits you wish to release.
2. Write them on a rock (one per stone.)
3. On New Year’s Day, go to a location of your choice, and release your rocks.
Tips:
o A mountain, field, stream, lake, or the ocean are great locations for releasing your rocks.
o An alternative is to write your releases on slips of paper and burn them.
Regardless of whether you make resolutions, intentions, releases, or use no process at all, I wish each of you great peace, love, and joy in the New Year!
CLOUD WHISPERS, my debut novel, was selected for the Short-List for the Books Go Social Indie Book of the Year for 2018. I would truly appreciate your vote for “Sedona Hutton”/Cloud Whispers at: https://goo.gl/forms/hru0hxCFfqwtCBLC2 . Voting is open through 12/31 at midnight. Thanks for your ongoing support!
To sign up for Sedona’s blog newsletter, tap this link: https://www.sedonahutton.com/.
Over the years, I’ve found two processes that work better for me—a New Year’s Intention Process and a New Year’s Release Process. Below is a recap of both.
New Year’s Intention Process
In this process, I write down my top three to five intentions for the year. This may sound like a resolution process, but it differs greatly. When I used to make resolutions, they were tied to specific, tangible things like losing weight or exercising more. I use the intention process to focus on more spiritual qualities like peace, love, joy, kindness, and connection. On January 1st, I write my intentions and post them on a wall where the words will be in my line of sight every day. When I look at my intentions, they cause me to ponder how I can spread more kindness or how I can generate greater inner peace. This process helps me set a positive vision for the year and it benefits not only me, but others as well.
New Year’s Release Process
I use this process to rid myself of emotions, beliefs, and habits that no longer serve me. Examples include: Fears, doubts, negativity, and attachment. This simple three-step process helps me start the new year with a clean slate!
Process steps:
1. Identify those emotions, beliefs, or habits you wish to release.
2. Write them on a rock (one per stone.)
3. On New Year’s Day, go to a location of your choice, and release your rocks.
Tips:
o A mountain, field, stream, lake, or the ocean are great locations for releasing your rocks.
o An alternative is to write your releases on slips of paper and burn them.
Regardless of whether you make resolutions, intentions, releases, or use no process at all, I wish each of you great peace, love, and joy in the New Year!
CLOUD WHISPERS, my debut novel, was selected for the Short-List for the Books Go Social Indie Book of the Year for 2018. I would truly appreciate your vote for “Sedona Hutton”/Cloud Whispers at: https://goo.gl/forms/hru0hxCFfqwtCBLC2 . Voting is open through 12/31 at midnight. Thanks for your ongoing support!
To sign up for Sedona’s blog newsletter, tap this link: https://www.sedonahutton.com/.
47% of waking hours are spent thinking about what isn’t going on!
This blog was written as a guest post for LauriesPlace.net as a part of a blog tour for NORA’S PROMISE. Please stop by to check out the full tour at: https://lauriesplace.net/.
Focusing on the present moment is a key theme in my contemporary romance, NORA’S PROMISE.
It sounds simple, but for most of us, living in the now requires practice and ongoing awareness. A Harvard study found that people spend 47% of their waking hours thinking about what isn’t going on. It’s human nature to spend time dwelling in the past or worrying about the future. Unfortunately, this isn’t good for us. The Harvard study shows that this mind-wandering makes people unhappy.
“A human mind is a wandering mind, and a wandering mind is an unhappy mind,” says Killingsworth and Gilbert, professors of psychology at Harvard. “The ability to think about what is not happening is a cognitive achievement that comes at an emotional cost.”
“Mind-wandering is an excellent predictor of people’s happiness,” Killingsworth says. “In fact, how often our minds leave the present and where they tend to go is a better predictor of our happiness than the activities in which we are engaged.”
Increased happiness is an excellent reason to focus on the now. According to spiritual teacher, Eckhart Tolle, the only time we’re truly alive is in the present moment. Not in the past…not in the future…we live our lives in the now.
“Time isn’t precious at all, because it is an illusion. What you perceive as precious is not time but the one point that is out of time: the Now. That is precious indeed. The more you are focused on time—past and future—the more you miss the Now, the most precious thing there is.”—Eckhart Tolle
“When we live in the flow of that stream of energy, we remain centered and fulfilled even through the ups and downs of our day.” — Deepak Chopra
“The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.” — Thich Nhat Hanh
Living in the now allows us to savor the simple moments in life. It increases joy, reduces stress, and enhances our connection with others.
The greatest obstacle of presence is the mind. Mind-wandering is our brain’s default approach. Given this, we must be conscious of our thoughts and recognize when we’re not fully present. Once this acknowledgment takes place, there are many ways in which one can reconnect with the present moment. Several suggestions are provided below:
§ An age-old tip is to focus on your breathing. Bringing your attention to your breath reduces the number of thoughts running through your mind and opens space for awareness of what’s going on inside and around you.
§ Consciously move your body. Wiggle your toes, fist and release your hands. Roll your neck. It’s amazing how these simple movements return your attention to the now.
§ Ask yourself, “Am I present?” If not, redirect your focus. Ask this question many times throughout the day…and overtime you’ll likely find an upward trend of, “Yes!” responses.
§ Focus on your immediate surroundings using your senses. Listen to the birds chirping. Gaze at the mountains. Feel the sun warming your skin. Breathe in the scent of pine. Cup your hands around a mug of tea; feel its warmth and draw in the delicious spices.
Now it’s your turn—what techniques do you use to refocus or to remain focused on the present moment?
This blog was written by Sedona Hutton, author of women’s fiction and romance novels with spiritual & new age twists.
NORA’S PROMISE, a contemporary romance: She trusts animals more than men. He runs through women like tires. Can one orphaned boy force them to change gears? Purchase link: https://amzn.to/2OktquX
CLOUD WHISPERS, a contemporary novel: The daughter she gave away. The family she always wanted. The journey to redefine her fate. Purchase link: https://goo.gl/N9aC38
To sign up for Sedona’s blog newsletter, tap this link: https://www.sedonahutton.com/
Recommended Reading :
The Power of Now-A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle: https://amzn.to/2Rq9YgN
The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire by Deepak Chopra: https://amzn.to/2C9BF5k
The Art of Living: Peace and Freedom in the Here and Now by Thich Nhat Hanh: https://amzn.to/2BRpecU
Disclosure: The above links to recommended books are affiliate links. If you buy the book through these links, I receive a small commission on the sale. I’ve recommended these books because they’ve been meaningful to me personally and not because of the affiliate program. However, from a legal perspective, I need to identify these as affiliate links.
8 Spiritual Themes in The Perfect Lap
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”
― Mahatma Gandhi
As an author it’s my desire to write stories that entertain and inspire. To this end, I’m blending traditional romance and women’s fiction with new age spirituality. My novels include plenty of romance, conflict, and family drama, along with new age concepts like the Law of Attraction and Focusing on the Now.
There are many thought-provoking themes in my newly released contemporary romance, The Perfect Lap, including:
- Non-judgment
- Everyone is doing the best they can from where they are
- Giving from a place of love
- Prioritizing joy
- Living in the now
- The difference of one
- Gratitude
- No such thing as perfection
Below I’ve included select questions from The Perfect Lap’s Reading Group Guide related to these themes to prompt further contemplation.
1. Non-judgment: Ella has a preconceived notion about the Piper kids’ mother before she meets Clare. After she gets to know Clare, she finds someone entirely different than what she had envisioned. Have you ever experienced this? What did you learn?
2. Everyone is doing the best they can from where they are: AJ’s grandfather taught him this concept. What do you think this means? Do you agree or disagree with this philosophy, and what supports your position?
3. Giving from a place of love: Cruz tells AJ that he needs to give from a place of love. Do you think the reason for giving makes a difference, or is it just the gift that matters? Please explain your position.
4. Prioritizing joy: AJ suggests that Ella make an important job decision based on what makes her happy. What do you think about this advice and why?
5. Living in the now: AJ’s granddad used to tell him to “stop fretting and live his life.” What do you think he meant by this?
6. The difference of one: Ella’s aunt taught her that one person can make a difference. Do you agree? Why or why not?
7. Gratitude: In the New Age Parenting class that Ella and AJ attend, they learn that giving gratitude shifts your energy from negative to positive. Do you believe this? If so, how does this work?
8. No such thing as Perfection:
a. AJ’s grandfather taught him that there’s no such thing as perfection; in racing this translated to no such thing as a perfect lap. What are your thoughts on perfection?
b. AJ taught Ella and the kids that you don’t need to be perfect to be successful, you need to consistently do your best. Do you agree? Why or why not?
A full list of Reading Group Guide questions can be found at the end of The Perfect Lap and on my website at: https://sedonahutton.com/the-perfect-....
This blog was written by Sedona Hutton, author of romance and women’s fiction novels with new age, spiritual twists.
The Perfect Lap—His job is to drive fast. Hers is to put the brakes on him. When sparks fly, will love cross the finish line? To purchase, please click on this link: https://amzn.to/2VkXIkv.
Cloud Whispers—The daughter she gave away. The family she always wanted. The journey to redefine her fate… To purchase this mind-expanding, award-winning novel, click here: https://goo.gl/N9aC38.
To sign up for Sedona Hutton’s Peace, Love, & Joy blog newsletter, please click here: https://www.sedonahutton.com/.
― Mahatma Gandhi
As an author it’s my desire to write stories that entertain and inspire. To this end, I’m blending traditional romance and women’s fiction with new age spirituality. My novels include plenty of romance, conflict, and family drama, along with new age concepts like the Law of Attraction and Focusing on the Now.
There are many thought-provoking themes in my newly released contemporary romance, The Perfect Lap, including:
- Non-judgment
- Everyone is doing the best they can from where they are
- Giving from a place of love
- Prioritizing joy
- Living in the now
- The difference of one
- Gratitude
- No such thing as perfection
Below I’ve included select questions from The Perfect Lap’s Reading Group Guide related to these themes to prompt further contemplation.
1. Non-judgment: Ella has a preconceived notion about the Piper kids’ mother before she meets Clare. After she gets to know Clare, she finds someone entirely different than what she had envisioned. Have you ever experienced this? What did you learn?
2. Everyone is doing the best they can from where they are: AJ’s grandfather taught him this concept. What do you think this means? Do you agree or disagree with this philosophy, and what supports your position?
3. Giving from a place of love: Cruz tells AJ that he needs to give from a place of love. Do you think the reason for giving makes a difference, or is it just the gift that matters? Please explain your position.
4. Prioritizing joy: AJ suggests that Ella make an important job decision based on what makes her happy. What do you think about this advice and why?
5. Living in the now: AJ’s granddad used to tell him to “stop fretting and live his life.” What do you think he meant by this?
6. The difference of one: Ella’s aunt taught her that one person can make a difference. Do you agree? Why or why not?
7. Gratitude: In the New Age Parenting class that Ella and AJ attend, they learn that giving gratitude shifts your energy from negative to positive. Do you believe this? If so, how does this work?
8. No such thing as Perfection:
a. AJ’s grandfather taught him that there’s no such thing as perfection; in racing this translated to no such thing as a perfect lap. What are your thoughts on perfection?
b. AJ taught Ella and the kids that you don’t need to be perfect to be successful, you need to consistently do your best. Do you agree? Why or why not?
A full list of Reading Group Guide questions can be found at the end of The Perfect Lap and on my website at: https://sedonahutton.com/the-perfect-....
This blog was written by Sedona Hutton, author of romance and women’s fiction novels with new age, spiritual twists.
The Perfect Lap—His job is to drive fast. Hers is to put the brakes on him. When sparks fly, will love cross the finish line? To purchase, please click on this link: https://amzn.to/2VkXIkv.
Cloud Whispers—The daughter she gave away. The family she always wanted. The journey to redefine her fate… To purchase this mind-expanding, award-winning novel, click here: https://goo.gl/N9aC38.
To sign up for Sedona Hutton’s Peace, Love, & Joy blog newsletter, please click here: https://www.sedonahutton.com/.
