I AM. The two most powerful words we can say or think. “I AM” precedes the subconscious beliefs that our conscious minds program us with, and shapes our reality. The phrase “I AM” can bring us joy or pain, success or failure, depending on how we use it. We are in control of our conscious mind. The mind does not necessarily control us. Therefore, feed your conscious mind with positive affirmations so that they may be stored in our subconscious thoughts and manifest in our reality. Remember, our subconscious mind is always obedient and ready to act on our command. How will you command it?

Below are some words you can use after “I AM.”

I AM great
I AM healthy
I AM wealthy
I AM spiritually rich
I AM connected to the divine
I AM a part of God and connect to the source
I AM living out loud
I AM a great writer
I AM an artist
I AM creating my masterpiece
I AM brilliant
I AM happy

With love,

DS

 

5-Minute Morning Gratitude Practice

Hello Beautiful Souls!  What is the first thing you do when you wake up?  Do you grab your phone? Check your emails? Or, scroll through social media? Although these actions have become a habit for most of us, taking at least five minutes to center yourself can mean a big difference between a clear, focused, uplifted spirit and an over-active, flustered and cluttered brain. Below is a gentle sequence you can practice to help awaken your senses, loosen up tight muscles, set intentions, and mentally prepare you for the day with grace and acceptance.

Before you begin, remember that inhale and exhale is equivalent to one full breath. Breathing full breaths through every posture is key. Remain in each asana for 5-10 full breaths. With each breath, feel the sensation flowing through your body, while keeping your face relaxed, and gently flow into the next asana.

Gyan Mudra /Mudra of Knowledge
Mudra Hand Prayer – Thumb positioned between my brows to activate my Third EyeCat CowThread the NeedleSeated Back Twist
Cross-Legged Reverse PlankExtended Child Pose

Do you have a morning routine?  If so, feel free to share in the comments below!

I Want More

why do you keep knocking on my mental door?

leave me alone

and let me go

i want to know

what is life like without you?

i asked to be purged

from you and your friends

get out of my system

i want more and you can’t seem

to help me

you serve no purpose in my life

other than to hold me back

let me go

let me breathe

let me free

-breaking up with fear – Dominique Sade

***

I imagine myself waking up and starting my day with my music, meditation, tea, writing, workout and yoga (not in any stringent order but you get the point!). Then I’d go off to instruct my yoga or fitness class.  I imagine myself making a difference and helping others towards a healthier path: mentally, physically, spiritually and financially.  I have a plethora of projects and workshop ideas for my community.  And for those who know me, I still want to design, and I will.  I want to live in a creative space, creatively creating lol.  In all seriousness, I don’t want to feel compelled to stay at my corporate job because of everyone else’s views on keeping a job.  I know a “good job” is hard to come by, however, should I let it stop me from taking that leap of faith?  How will I ever know how high I can fly if I’m trapped in this figurative cage of social constraints?  Bills, marriage, kids, health care, family, relationship, normalcy: the labels of the bars that, although some are what I want (or think I want) in my future, are holding me back from reaching my greatest potential.  Or, could I be overthinking?  I was told, “Have patience” (…working on that), or “Have faith and everything will fall into place.”   But, what is faith without work?  At the same time, I don’t know how long I can stay physically locked up.  I am beginning to change the way I think.  I know the universe is listening.  Once I put my mind to something; once I see it and believe it, it already belongs to me. Once I change or (how I like to put it) grow, I wonder if I would lose the ones I love along the way…

Say Baby…

“Say baby, can I be your slave?
I’ve got to admit girl, your the shit girl
And I am digging you like a grave

Now do they call you daughter to the Spinning Pulsar
Or maybe Queen of 10,000 Moons, Sister to the distant yet
Rising star

Is your name Yemaya? Oh hell nah, it’s got to be Oshun”

What’s In My Cup

12:25 pm// Day 1 for me- Day 3 for the challenge// Started late but I aim to finish restored//My loose tea concoction – hibiscus, turmeric, ginger, green tea, Moroccan mint tea// Sitting in Lotus asana

7:00 a.m.

My body woke up before my alarm today.  I did not sleep well at all.  Perhaps, it was the uncanny dreams or the cramps and lower back pain from my menstrual cycle.  Shower. Breakfast. Antibiotics.  Ugh.  I despise taking these pills, however, I’ve been sick far too long so I had to give in.  As soon as I’m done with them, I’m going to detox my body with activated charcoal and a raw diet.  I don’t know what to do first.  So many thoughts circling my mental and all I can do is just sit here.  That’s my problem.  I think way too much and leave little time to be proactive.  At least I am aware.  Now change that habit Dom!  I aim to accomplish all my goals I set this month during the new moon.  I have to take myself seriously. If I don’t, who will?  I refuse to waste my talents and I refuse to let doubt and fear oppress me any further.  I am molding my future, shaping my destiny and polishing up my faith.  I know that everything I am experiencing all serves a purpose.  I thank you God.  I thank you for this moment of clarity right now.  I know I am one piece of artwork just hidden in a corner waiting to be discovered.  And the only one who can discover me… is me.  It’s time that I stop neglecting my soul.  The fire that burns deep inside of me needs to be released, not hosed down.  I am working on me.  I am working on me.  I am working on my masterpiece.