The Buddha Chick Guide to Life e Book

7/29/2019 The Buddha Chick Guide to Life e Book

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TheBuddhaChickGuidetoLife2011,JaniceLynneLundyAllRightsReserved.BuddhaChick.Org

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TheBuddhaChickGuidetoLife

JaniceLynneLundy

CopyrightandUsage:Nopartofthisworkmaybereproducedorutilizedinanyformorby

anymeans,withoutpermissioninwritingfromthepublisher,exceptforbriefquotations

embodiedinliteraryarticlesorreviews.BuddhaChick.Org


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LovelyFriend,

WelcometoyournewBuddhaChicklife!

DoyouknowthatyoualreadyareaBuddhaChick,eventhoughyoumaynotfeellikeone

quiteyet?

EverywomanisaBuddhaChick,becausewehavewithinusboundlesspeace,love,joy,

confidence,courage,kindness,generosityallthatwedesire,yetstruggletoclaim.These

qualitiesaresourcedwithinouressenceandeasytoaccess.Theproblemisthatwehave

notbeentaughthowtoembodythem.

Thisbookcanhelpyoubegintounderstandhowtoliveyourpeace,expressyourjoy,and

keepyourheartopeneveninthemidstofdifficultlifesituations.

Iheartilyrecommendthatyoulistentoitbook,too.Myvoicecaninviteyouintoafirsthand

experienceofBuddhaChickenergy.Itrustthatyouwilllikewhatyouhear!

(Listentotheaudioversionhere.)http://www.awakenedliving.com/podcasts/BuddhaChickGuidetoLife.mp3

Mostimportantly,youwillbegintofeelmoreloveandtendernesstowardyourselfso

everythingthatpreventsyoufromlivingasyourcalm,clear,wiseselfcanfallaway.

The10powerfulmindsetspresentedhereareadaptedfromthe10ModulesinThe

MindfulMakeoverKit.Theywillhelpyoubegintounderstandwhatyouneedtodoto

transformyourlifefromstressedtoserene.

Areyoufeelingdizzilydelightedaboutthisjourney?Ihopeso.Iimagineitsbecauseyour

soulisdoingahappydance.Itknowsonsomelevelthatthe"realyou"feelssomething

fabulousisabouttohappen.

Transformation!

Mayyoutakelong,lovelydeepbreathsandrelaxintothisexperience.Allowyourheartto

speak.Listentoitswelcomingcall.

Breathe.YouareHome...

Withmetta~loving-kindness,

JanLundy

Founder,BuddhaChick.Org


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Mindset#1

ABuddhaChickKnowsHowToChooseHerPeace

Listentotheaudioversionofthisbookhere.http://www.awakenedliving.com/podcasts/BuddhaChickGuidetoLife.mp3

Mostofushavebeensearchingforinnerpeace,hopingthatwellfinditinthenext

bookorworkshop,orbyfollowingthelatestgreatestteacher.

Orwekeepwaitingforinnerpeacetoarrive:Whenthekidsareoutofthehouse.

WhenIretire.WhenIfeelbetter.Wekeeptellingourselvesthatwhenourlife

showsupinanewordifferentway,theninnerpeacewillfinallybeours.

DoyourememberthecharacterRosanneRosannaDana,playedbyGildaRadneron

theTVshow,SaturdayNightLive?Herwise-mouthedmantrawas,Itsalways

something!Well,itstrue.Therewillalwaysbesomethingthatwillurgeustoputoffourpeaceuntiltomorrow;somethingthatwillyankusoutofanysweetspotof

serenitywevefound;somethingthatwillthrowusoffcenter.Always!Suchisthe

natureoflifeasahumanbeing.

Until,thatis,werealizethatpeaceisaninsidejob.ThatwecanCHOOSEourpeace,notwaitforit.ThisistheBuddhaChickway.Throughcreatingnewmindsetsand

practices,byconsciouslychoosingnewthoughtsandfeelings,webegintolaya

personalfoundationofunshakeablepeace.

Sowheredoyoubegin?Howdoyoubegintochooseyourpeace?


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AdoptingtheBuddhaChickMagicFormulaforInnerPeaceisagoodplacetostart.

Calm=Clarity=Wisdom

Hereshowitworks.

Inordertochangeorenhancethequalityofourlives,wemustbecenteredandcalm

asmuchaspossible.Whenweareagitatedorupset,theclarityweneedtomakegooddecisionsforourselvesisnotthere.Practiceinnercalmandwellfind

ourselvesgettingclearerandclearereachday.Ascalmincreasesandclaritycomes,

ourinnerwisdombeginstorisetothesurface.Thisinnerwisdomissourcedinourtruenature(ouressence)anditexpands.Wecantrustit;baseourlifeuponit.Itis

ourguidinglight,butitisdangerouslydimwhenwecannotaccesscalm.

NowdoyouunderstandWHYitissoimportantforustostaycalmasmuchas

possible?

Onceweunderstandthewhyofsomething,wecantakesignificantstepstoactually

createwhatitiswedesireforourselves.

Inordertodothis,youwillneedtoassesswhatcreatesaclimateofcalmforyouandalsowhatthrowsyouintochaos.YouwillneedtobecomeaScientistChick;a

topnotch,expertobserverofyourself.Open.Honest.Transparent.Real.

OurgoalasBuddhaChicksistoaffirmandcreatepracticesthatsootheourbodyand

relaxourmind.Self-soothingpracticesarevitaltolayingourfoundationofpersonal

peace.

AScientistChickknows,throughtrialanderror,andpractice,whatsoothesherandshedoesitregularly!

Doyouneedanewself-soothingpracticetoday?Trythisone.


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ItsasamplePocketofPeacefromTheMindfulMakeoverKit.TheKitincludes

11PocketsofPeace,surefirepracticesthatwillrootyouincalmnomatterwhat.http://www.awakenedliving.com/podcasts/M1PoPeaceBreath.mp3

ThisparticularPocketofPeace,infact,CultivatingaNewRelationshipwithOurBreath,isoneofthefoundationalpracticesofourcourseandeverythingwedoat

BuddhaChick.Org.

Ourbreathisasacredpause,agiftwegivetoourselveswheneverweremembertocalluponit.Connectingwithourbreathinasacredmanner(notjustassimple

breathinginhaling,exhaling)canandwillfortifyustoworkwithpeskythoughts

anddifficultemotions.

ButIamgettingaheadofmyself.Welltalkmoreaboutthoughtsandemotionslater.

Fornow,enjoyyourPocketofPeaceandknowthatyouhaveembarkedonapowerfulpathtolivingwithmorepeaceandjoyeveryday.ThatstheBuddhaChickway!

WouldyouliketotryoutaBuddhaChickMantratoo?Itwillgrowyourglow!

Innerpeaceismine,onebreathatatime.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Buddha Chick asks:So, how are you doing choosing your peace, lovely Friend?

Are you staying cool as a cucumber or are you struggling?Do you know what your self-soothing practices are?And, if you do, are you doing them?Or do you have plenty of excuses? Too tired, too busy, too too too

Remember:

A Buddha Chick knows how to choose her peaceand she does it!


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Mindset#2

ABuddhaChickLiveswithTransparency

HeressomesageadvicefromElisabethKubler-Ross.ShewasonewiseScientist

Chick!

ThereisnoneedtogotoIndiaoranywhereelsetofindpeace.Youwillfindthatdeep

placeofsilencerightinyourownroom,yourgarden,orevenyourbathtub.

Sure,Ihearyousay,Icangetquietandcalminmybathtub,thatstheeasypart.But

whataboutwhenIgotoworkandmybosscriticizesmeinfrontofeveryone?Orwhenmykids,asmuchasIlovethem,aredrivingmenuts?OrwhenIcantpaymy

bills?OrwhenIfindalumpinmybreast?

Yes,thisisseriousstufftodealwith.Equanimitymaynotseemlikeanormalresponsetoanyoftheseintensesituations.Butitcanbewithadifferent,more

enlightenedmindset,andatoolboxfullofpracticesthatallowyoutorespondtolife

differently.Thisisthemilliondollarwordforus,Chicks.Respond.Itsthewordandpractice

thatwinsustheInnerPeacePrize.

Nomatterwhatlifehandsus,wecanchoosetoeitherrespondorreact.Reactlands

usinthelapofanger,anxiety,depression,jealousy,fear,orworryeverysingletime.

Respondunitesuswiththenakedtruthofasituation,aswellasourowninnate


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calm,clarityandequanimity,withourgoodwiseheart.Respondingallowsusto

takeastepback,takeabreath,andmakeanewchoicethatisrootedinkindness

eitherforourselvesorforanother.

BuddhaChickslearntorespondconsciouslytoanything,especiallytoapersonor

situationthatpushesourbuttons.Thisiskeytoourspiritualjourney.Thisistheadvancedlife-skillsseteachofusmustdevelopsothatunshakeablepeacecanbe

ours.

Well,Icanhearyousay,howintheworlddoyoudothatwhentherearesomany

things,people,situationsthatupsetus?

PutyourScientistChickattitudebackonandgetdowntothebottomofwhatand

whoticksyouoff.Stressesyouout.Makesyousquirm.Makesyouwanttorunaway

andgoliveonatropicalislandsippingmargaritas.

Acknowledgethiswithtransparency.Transparencymeansthatwearepassionateenoughaboutourhealingjourneythat

wearereadytostophidingmostespeciallyfromourselves.Wesaywhatis.

Andoneofthemostpotentwaysforustodothatistogettoknowourego.Oh,that

wilypeskyego!Itdoesgetusintoalotoftrouble,doesntit?Itluresusintoevery

disagreeablemindstatepossible.Fear,worry,anxiety.Judgment,dislike,envy.

Theegosendsoutapowerfulbroadcast.Thinkthis!Feelthat!Andwhenwelistento

itforyearsonendwe becomethebroadcast.Weembodyfear,anger,jealousyand

more.Butthatsnottherealyouisit?Itsonlyamask,alayerofcamouflagethrownover

yourbeautifulessence.

ABuddhaChickknowswhattheEgoBroadcastsoundslike.Sherecognizesitslure

andmakesanewchoiceawiser,kinderresponse.Sheturnsthedialontheradio.

Shechangesthechannelofhermindandlistenstothemusicofherheartinstead.


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Begintorecognizetheegosmessagesandhowitpullsyouintoevenmoreupset

ThenmakeaChickiechoice.Acalm,clearwisechoice.

Respond,notreact.ThatstheBuddhaChickway.

Andsootheyoursweetsoul.

Saywhatis.Thengiveyourselfabighugbecauseyouarebeingtransparent.Open

yourhearttoyourselfandgreetwhosthere.

Takeoffyourego-maskandembracetherealyou.Lethershine!

Needsomehelpsayingnototheegoandyestoyourluminousself?

TrythisBuddhaChickMantratoo!

Innerpeaceismine,onechoiceatatime.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Buddha Chick asks:So, how are you doing identifying your ego, sweet Friend?What do you do when it lures you into stress or drama?

How do you calm and center yourself?How do you reorient yourself to the truth of your beauty and wisdom?

Remember:

A Buddha Chick lives with transparency.


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Mindset#3

ABuddhaChickisRadicallyCompassionateTowardHerself

Listenthenreadon.WebeginwithanexcerptfromModule3of TheMindful

MakeoverKit.

http://www.awakenedliving.com/podcasts/SampleTeaching.mp3

So,doyoubelieveeverythingyouthink?

Ourthoughtsareintransientandimpermanent.Theycome,theygo.Theychangelikethe

wind.Onemomentwearethinkingaboutpizza,thenextaboutanargumentwehadwitha

neighbor.Thoughtsarelikeclouds,constantlychanging,anditisuptoustodecidehow

muchofourenergywewishtogivethem.Shouldtheybelistenedtoornot?Istheretruthin

themornot?Arethesethoughtstakingmeintogreaterpeace,loveorjoyorarethey

leadingmeintostress,anger,ordespair?

Andyetwehavesoidentifiedourselveswiththesethoughtsovertheyearsthatwecannot

seemtoseparateoutfromthem.Butwecanandwemustifwewishtoexperiencetrue

peace,joy,wisdom

AsaBuddhaChickyoullbegintodiscern(engageinadeepprocessofblending

bodylistening,heartwisdomandrationalthinking)todeterminewhichthoughtsto


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ignoreortransform;whichtofolloworcultivate.Discernmentisaverybigdealandittakes

timeandpracticetogetthehangofit.Butwhenwedo,freedomrings!

Itsimportanttobecomefamiliarwiththeegoanditsmanydisempoweringvoices,too,all

ofwhicharerootedinfear.Itmanifestsastroublesomemindhabitslike:obsessive

thinkingandworrying,planningmind,judgingmind,doubtingmind,complainingmind,

victimmind,comparingmind.

Theegoalsomanifestsasverystrongemotionalstateslikeanger,jealousy,

disappointment,judgment,resentment,andmore.Areyoufamiliarwithyours?Weallhave

averypredominantego,youknow.Itispartofthehumanexperience

Butuncoveringyourspecificegomessagesandhabitsisnotenough.Whileyouaredoing

that,itisvitalthatyoupracticeself-compassion.Self-compassionisthekeytolivingasyour

luminousself.

Theverybestthingwecandoforourselveswhendealingwithanunrulythoughtor

emotionistobekindtoourselves.Nottobeatourselvesupforgettingpulledinorlosing

ourequanimity,buttosootheourselves;toofferourselvesthedeepunderstandingandlove

thatwewouldoffertoanotherwhoisstrugglinginthesameway.

Despiteallofourgoodintentionstobecompassionatetowardothers,wewillneverbeable

tounlesswearecompassionatetowardourselvesfirst.

Andself-compassiondoesnotcomeeasilytowomen.Itissomethingwedesperately

strugglewithformanyreasons.Herearethreeofthem:

1.Ourphysical,mental,andemotionalmake-uptocareforeveryonebutourselvesfirst.

2.Alackofself-worth,alongwithabeliefthatwearenotasdeservingofcompassion(and

love)asothers.

3.Feelingsofguiltorselfishnessaboutdirectinglovingattentiontowardourselves.


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TofullyembodyourBuddhaChickselfitiscrucialthatwechangethesemindsets.

WecandosothroughMetta(Loving-kindness)practice.ItissourcedintheBuddhist

traditionandisacontemplative,interspiritualpractice,compatiblewithalltheologies.Four

powerfullinesofblessing,ofwell-wishing,beginningwithourselvesandthen,intime,for

others.

MayIbesafe,MayIbestrong,MayIbehappy,MayIlivewithease.

MettaisthecorepracticeofBuddhaChickTrainingandtheonethatwilltakeyouthe

farthestonyourjourneyofpersonaltransformation.Itwillhelpyoustayrootedinyour

essenceandbringyoubacktotheshoresofcalmwhenyoudriftaway.

Innerpeacecanbeyoursonekindthoughtatatime!

Note:ComprehensiveMettatrainingisofferedinTheMindfulMakeoverKit.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Buddha Chick asks:So, do you believe everything you think?What do you do when difficult mind states or emotions arise?How well are you doing being kind and compassionate toward yourself when they do?Do you bless yourself with kind and loving thoughts throughout the day?

Remember:

A Buddha Chick is radically compassionate toward herself.


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Mindset#4ABuddhaChickKnowsHowtoLiveinthePresentMoment

Nothingtodo,noplacetogetto,justthisperfectmoment,thatswhatmydearfriendand

mentor,MariGayatriSteinsays.

Ihavethisquotepostedonmyrefrigerator.Whenmywildmindhastakenover,orIam

caughtinaswirlofWhatsnextonmyTo-DoList,Istop,readit,breathe,andrememberto

comebacktothepresentmoment.

Whenyouarenotmindfulwhatdoesthatfeellike?Mind-less isonewaytodescribeit.Wevelostsightofourabilitytobehere.Ourattentionisscattered.Ourthoughtsareover

thereandoverthereandwaaaayoverthere.Were ZombieChicks:thebodyisherebutno

oneishome.

ABuddhaChickputsdownrootsofMindfulnesstheabilitytobefullypresentand

engagedwithlifehoweveritshowsup.Mindfulnessleadstolivingmoreharmoniouslywith

ourselvesandothers.


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Whenwearemindfulwearefullypresenttowhatisgoingoninsideofusandaroundus.

We'reawareofourthoughtsandfeelingsastheyarise.Andbeingawareinthisway,wecan

choosehowtorespondtothem.Beingmindfulallowsustomakewisechoicesaboutwhattosaytosomeone,howtoact,orwhattodonext.

Crossyourheartandpinkyswearthatyourebeingtransparentasyouanswerthis.Would

yousaythatyouaremind-fullormind-lessmuchofthetime?Areyouhereinthepresent

momentorlonggone?

Ifyouareawayfrommorethanathomeinyourbody,mind,heartandsoul,itstimeto

getgrounded.Becauseyoudowanttochooseyourpeace,right?Youdowanttorespondto

life,yourself,andotherswithloving-kindnessandcompassion?ForthatstheBuddhaChick

way.

Mindfullivingisvitaltoconnectingwithouressenceandbeingpresenttoourselvesaswe

areinthisverymoment.Tobeherenow,asmeditationguruRamDassteaches,iskeyto

livingasyourwholeself.Whenyouarehere, now,youareableto:

noticethoughtsandfeelingsastheyarisesoyoucanknowhowtorespondtothem

chooseyourresponseswithwell-beingandloving-kindnessinmind(discernment)

turnyourselftowardlove,joy,high-vibrationliving

bealistening,healingpresencetoothers

experiencealloflifefullysoyoudontmissathing

besoChick-fullofpeacethatpeoplewillwonderwhatyouredoingandsay,Iwantsome

ofwhatsheshaving!

HaveyoubeendoingyourbreathpracticetheoneIpresentedinBuddhaChickMindset

#1?Connectingwithyourbreathisthefirstplacetostartbeingmindful.Beingawareof

yourbreathingplantsyouontheground,inyourbody,insteadofoffinthestratosphere

tryingtonavigateabusymindandwildemotions.


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Mindfulnesspracticedoesnotgenerallypromisethatyouwillsitlikeayoginionamountain

topinblissaslovelyasthatsounds.Mindfulnessisnotanescapefromatoobusyor

pressure-filledworld.

Whatitdoespromiseisthatwewillcometoknowourselvesverywell;becomefamiliar

withallofourthoughtsandemotionssothatwecanbegintomakenew,healthychoicesfor

ourselves.Beingpresenttoourselvesasweareisagenuinegift.

Note:YoumayenjoythisarticleonMomenttoMomentLiving.Ithasmanytips

forstayinginthepresentmoment.

http://www.awakenedliving.com/podcasts/MomentToMomentLiving.pdf

Beagoodfriendtoyourselfandbepresenttoyou.Youhavenothingtoloseandeverything

togain.Youwillcometoknowyourselfinabeautifulnewway.Mindfulnesswillallowyou

tostripawayeverythingthatkeepsyoufromlivingasyourBuddhaChickself.And,itwill

encourageyoutocultivateallthevirtuesofthespiritthatyoudesirevirtuesthatare

withinyourightnow,butmaybedifficultforyoutoaccess.Youressenceispeaceand

mindfulnessisapowerfulpathtogetthere.

Onwardandinward,Chicks!Ihearenlightenmentcalling.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Buddha Chick asks:So, how mindful are you, really?

Can you give yourself permission to slow down, notice, and pay attention to you?Are you connecting with your breath to stay present and calm?What other self-soothing practices are you using to stay present to yourself and your life?

Remember:

A Buddha Chick knows how to live in the present moment.


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Mindset#5

ABuddhaChickBefriendsHerself.

Ifirstheardtheword befriendingfromSuePattonThoele.Idiscovereditwithinthe

pagesofherbook,TheCouragetoBeYourself.Iwasstrugglingwithhowtolivemoregently

withmyself,togetoffthefasttrackandgivemyselfpermissiontotakegoodcareofmeforachange.

Howaboutyou?Areyoubefriendingyourself?

Befriendingrequiresanattitudeof embodiedloving-kindnesstowardourself.Thismeans

thatourdaysarepersonifiedbyactsofloving-kindnesskindchoicesthatenableusto

livewithgreaterease.Itmeansbeingaskindtoourselfaswearetoothers.

Thisalsomeansfindingwaystoletgoofinnerandexternalpressurestodoandbe

more.

Thisisbigstuff,isntitChicks?

Ifyourelikeme,youmaynothavebeenraisedwithinstructionsforhowtobefriend

yourself.Youmayhavebeenstronglynudged(ok,pushed)tobemore,domoreespecially

tobeliked.Mostofus(atleastintheU.S.)wereraisedwiththediseasetoplease.To

believe,asyoungwomen,thatifwejusttriedalittleharder,self-sacrificed,orputeveryone

elsefirst,peoplewouldreallylikeus.Andhavinglotsofpeoplewhoreallylikeduswould

leadtoahappylife.


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Infact,befriendingmayhavebeendownrightdiscouraged.OrlabeledwiththebigS

wordsselfish,self-absorbed.Soweavoidedbefriendingourselvesbecausewho,afterall,

wantstobecalledselfish!

Whatcomesasaresultofthisculturalmindset(andouradoptionofit)isgenerationafter

generationofwomenwhobecomeincreasinglybusyworkerbeesfeelingquitedisconnected,emptyordepletedinthehopesofbeingappreciated,liked,loved.Thiswas

myjourneyandtheresultwasahealthcrash.Thishappenstomanywomen.Itmayhave

happenedtoyoutoo.

Themostdamagingmessagethatmanyofusinternalizefromchildhoodisthatwearenot

enough.

BuddhaChicksays,Enoughofnotfeelingenough!

OurinnerChickinvitesus,instead,toloveandacceptourselvesasweare.Sure,wewantto

getcalmer,clearer,andwiserbutthatdoesntmeanweareanythinglessthanwonderfulas

wearerightnow.Makesense?

YouseetheBuddhaChickjourneyisamusclebuildingone.Wearebeinginviteddeeper,

higher,toexpandintothemostbeauteousversionofourselveswecanbe.Andatthesame

time,toacceptourselvesexactlyaswearetobeenough.

Thepracticeofbefriendingallowsyoutodoexactlythat.Bybecomingyourownbest

friend,babystepbybabystep,bydoingmoreordoingless,pushingthroughorlettinggo,

youlearntolistendeeplytoyourselfsothatyouknowhowtotreatyourselfwith

unconditionalfriendlinessorMetta.

Andalsobymakingthemostcompassionatechoiceforyourselfinthemoment.

Howdoyoudothat?Perhapsyouvealreadyguessed.

Withmindfulness,ofcourse!Westop,look,listen,breatheclaritycomes.


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Whatcouldyoudorightnowthatwouldbeextraordinarilykind,dramatically

tender,radicallycompassionatetowardyourself?

Ifyoucanaskandanswerthisquestionmanytimesthroughouttheday,youarewellon

yourwaytobefriendingyourself.Andbaskingintheglowofyourownwell-being.

TrythisBuddhaChickMantraonforsize.

Itmayhelpyouremembertomakecompassionatechoicesforyourself.

Innerpeaceismine,oneself-lovingchoiceatatime.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Buddha Chick asks:So, are you a kind and generous friend to yourself?If not, what prevents you from doing so?Do you struggle with feelings of selfishness or guilt?

How could you befriend yourself right now, as you are?

Remember:

A Buddha Chick befriends herself.


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Mindset#6

ABuddhaChickSaysYestoWhatIs

Emotionseventheworditselfcancauseunease.Especiallytheterm,emotional.Most

especiallywhentwowordsareplacedinfrontofthat,Youresoemotional!Hearingthat

shutsusrightdown,doesntitChicks?

Well,thetruthiswomenareveryemotionalcreatures.Wedohaveawiderrangeof

emotionsthanmen.Wefeelthemmoredeeplyablessingandacurse,dependingonhow

youlookatit.Theblessingisthatwearemoreeasilyawareofthemsowecanenlightenand

transformthem.Thecurse,becausewithoutspiritualtoolsandvigilance,theywillrunus

ragged,causinggreatdifficultyinourlives.Allowedtorunwild,theywillkeepusfromthe

equanimitywedesire.

AsBuddhaChickswevaluetransparency,tobeasopenandhonestaboutouremotionsas

weareaboutourthoughts.Ifwelongtobehappyandpeaceful,wellhavetoputour

ScientistChicklabcoatsbackonwheneverapeskyemotionpaysavisit.

Itsimportantthatwebecomeegoscientists.Andrememberthatdifficultemotionsare

alwayssourcedinthatchameleon-likeegoofours.TheegosMOispredominatelyfear.Allothernegativeemotions(orastheBuddhacalledthem,unskillfulorunpleasantmind

states)ariseoutofthatmegaemotion.

ABuddhaChickslifeisdedicatedtogettingontopofthesenotlivingatthemercyof

them.Oractuallymakingfriendswithallofouremotions.Thatspossibletoo.


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Imagineyourselfsimplytakinganyemotionyourestartingtoexperienceandplacingitona

slideunderthemicroscope.Lookatitwithcuriosity,dispassionateawareness,andsay:

Isntthisinteresting?My,my,lookwhatshere?Ah,jealousy.Mmmmm,interesting.

Ah,resentment,veryinteresting.

WelearntonameandidentifytheemotionlikeagoodScientistChick.

Wesaywhatis. Wedothiswithoutself-recrimination,judgment,shameor

embarrassment.Intruth,everyhumanexperienceseveryemotion.Emotionsreallyareno

bigdeal.Itswhatwedowiththemthatcounts.

AnditisChickiewisetorememberthistoo:

Allemotions,likethoughts,aresimplysomethingweexperience.Theycomeandgo,

theyshiftandchange.Oneminutewerefeelingsad.Thenext,thephonerings,andweare

doingtheHappyDancebecausesomeonehastoldussomegoodnews.Intruth,emotions

arewhatweexperienceasweinteractwiththeworld.

Theproblemwithus(notouremotions)isthateverytimewehaveanemotionweare

encouragedtopayattentiontoitgiveitvoiceactitout.

Andtoexpectpeopletodealwithallofourfeelingsbecausethey(we)deserverespectand

kid-glovetreatment.

This,mylovelyfriends,istheboobyprize.Itsimplykeepsusdoingtheegotango.

Insteadwecanbegintocultivateanew,empoweredrelationshipwithouremotions.

Wecanlearntosaywhatisaboutouremotions.

BuddhaChickscanlearntominimizeego-dominatedemotionsandmaximizethosethat

alignuswithpeace,love,andjoy.Wecanbegintoexpertlysurfthroughthestormyseasof

life,emulatingourlogoBuddhaChickwhositsboldly,confidentlyhighatopthegreat

monsteroflifewithease.


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Ioftenimaginehersayingassherides:

No,thankyou,Fear,nottoday.Ihaveplacestogoandpeopletomeet. OR

Ichoosenottohearyou,Anger,ImridingwithPatienceinstead!

TheBuddhaChickapproachistolearnhowtonavigatethroughouremotionsjustasthey

are.

Itispossiblethatbygentlynoticingouremotionalresponsestolifebysayingyestowhat

is,illuminatingthem,andextendingMetta(loving-kindness)towardourselveswhenwe

experiencethemwecantransformeventhemostnegativeofemotionsanddramatically

alterthequalityandcourseofourlife.

OurBuddhaChickmantracannowbecome:

Innerpeaceismine,oneempoweringchoiceatatime.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Buddha Chick asks:So, what are your most predominant emotions?Are they enhancing or crippling your life?How well are you doing navigating through them?

Remember:

A Buddha Chick says yes to what is.


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Mindset#7

ABuddhaChickLiveswithEquanimity

Equanimity.Idolovetheword.Thedictionarydefinitionandusageisthis:

mentalcalmness,composure,andevennessoftemper,especiallyinadifficultsituation

Sheacceptedboththegoodandthebadwithequanimity.

ThisisoneofthequalitiesImostdesiretocarrywithinme.Ideeplyvaluecomposure,

mentalcalm.Howaboutyou?

And,yet,doyousometimesfeellikeyourlifehasbecomeanamusementparkride

specificallytherollercoaster?Weareluredinbythedramaoflifeand,beforeweknowit,

weveclimbedontothecoasterandarehangingonfordearlife.

Dramatichighs,terrifyingfreefalls,laboriousclimbsbackupagain.

Andwhenwefinallymanagetogetofftheride,weareexhausted,dishragChicksallwornoutfromthatwildrideofemotions.Couldwehavechosenbetterforourselves?Managed

ouremotionsmoreeasily,morekindly?Ofcourse!Butwedidntsothebestthingwecando

isvowtodobetternexttimeandMetta-fyourselves!

Muchoftheemotionalupheavalweexperienceinlifeisbecauseofoneveryimportant

reason.


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Lifedoesntshowuphowwethinkitshould.Weresistwhatshereorwhatwearebeing

askedtodealwith.Wedontlikewhatsinfrontofusandwewantitgoawayorchange.The

truthofthematteris:

Everyonehasahardtimenowandthen.

Badthingsdohappentogoodpeople.

Lifeisntfair.

Everyoneexperienceseverything.

Wejustdontthinkthisshouldapplytous!Wethinkourlifeshouldbedifferentthanitis.

Buteverythingdoeshappentoeverybodyandmostoflifejustdoesntmakesense.Isthisbadnews?Idontthinkso.Itsmoreof sayingyestowhatis.WhatIknowaboutlifeis

thatthemoreweareawakeandaware,seeingthetruthofreality,wecanchoosetorespond

toitwithanopenmindandheart.Thisistheinvitationof equanimity.

Changeisinevitable,butgrowthisoptional.

Withtime,practice,andusingourBuddhaChicktoolsofbreath,mindfulness,andMettawe

canlearntogreetwhateverarrives(withinourmindandinourworld)withstability.We

begintofeelmoresettled,solid.Andwhenbadnewsarriveswedontfreakout,asmy

college-ageddaughterwouldsay.Wemaygetruffledbutwecanholdallofourthoughts

andfeelingswithequanimity.Lifeisfragile,unpredictable,andbecauseitis,webeginto

holditandourselvesmoretenderly.

Note:Ifyouoralovedonearegoingthroughaparticularlydifficulttimeinliferightnow,youmay

findthispodcasthelpful.Its25min.andcanhelpyoure-establishyourequanimity.Itsfor Living

intheMeantime.

http://www.awakenedliving.com/podcasts/LivingInTheMeantimeAug2010.mp3


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Doyoufeelyourheartsofteningtowardyourselfyet?AreyourealizingthatlifeISdifficult

andittakesintention,determination,andeffortto notgetbackontherollercoasterdayin

anddayout?

Andhaveyounoticedthatyourheartisopeningjustalittlebitmoretoothersasyoudo?

EspeciallyasyoubegintoofferMetta(loving-kindness)tootherswhomightbeontheride

evenmoreoftenthanyou;individualssufferingloss,pain,worry,andfear.Evenoffering

benevolentthoughtstostrangers,difficultpeople?

Thebiggestblessingofequanimitymaybethis:acceptance.Webegintoletgoooooletgo

ofourdrivetomakeeverythingdifferentandtoourliking.Letgoofjudgmentsandany

senseofvictimhood.Werollwithlifeinsteadofbeingrolledoverbyit.

Andfromthis,Wisdomemerges.

Wisdomischaracterizedbyanopenandacceptingheart...aforgivingheart.

Anall-embracingheartthatquiversinresponsetothesufferingoftheworldyours,mine,

andours.

Iwonderisyourheartstartingtoquiveryet?

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Buddha Chick asks:So, have you been climbing on the emotional rollercoaster of life these days?

Are you using your Buddha Chick tools to calm and center yourself?Do you often feel that life isnt fair?Do you resist life or ride the waves of it with joy and ease?

Remember:

A Buddha Chick holds her emotions with equanimity.


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Mindset#8

ABuddhaChickLiveswithanOpenandLovingHeart

Sohowdoesitfeeltobemoreawareoftherollercoasterofemotionsyoumayfindyourself

onthroughouttheday?Empowering?Ihopeso!OurdesireasBuddhaChicksisalwaystomovebeyondamusementparkmentality.Practicenoticing,naming,allowingstrong

emotionstoflowthroughusandchoosingagain.

Andifwecandothis,likelywearebeginningtocatchglimpsesofthelightofourtrue

nature.Ourinnerglowisgrowing,radiatingoutintheworldforotherstosee.

ThisthemostjoyouspartoftheBuddhaChickjourneywhenwebegintocultivatethe

naturalinclinationsofourheart.

Ifwedontclimbontotherollercoasterofemotionssooften,wegettospendmoretimein

theheavenlyorDivineAbodes, astheBuddhacalledthemsublimestatesofbeing

(mindandheart)whicharisefrommindfulnessandmeditationpractice.

Thefourvirtuesare:Loving-kindness,Compassion,SympatheticJoy,andEquanimity.They

arebeauty-filledstatesofbeingthatplaceusevermorefirmlyonourpersonalpathwayto

peace.


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Everysinglebeinghasthesefourvirtuesathisorhercore.Everysingleoneeventhe

mostcrankyorself-centeredpersonthemostcluelessorangryperson.TheDivine

Abodesarehisorhertruenatureeveniftheyarentawareofitthemselves.

Doyouknowpeoplelikethis?Ibetyoudo.Peoplewhoareunawareoftheirtruenaturearenotbadorevilpeople.Theymaybesimplysleepwalking.Wakefulnessisnotyettheirs.

Theyaresimplyunabletotreatotherswithloving-kindnessorcompassionorthemselves,

forthatmatter.Theycantseemtotakejoyinliving.Ortheycantaccessequanimity.They

canbemoodilywild,actingouttheiregobecauseofuntamedthoughtsandevenwilder

emotions.Canyouimaginehowuncomfortabletheymustfeelinsidethemselves?

Evenifwehaveinitialfeelingsofaversionforsomeone,wecanfindourwaytocompassion.

ThisiswhatBuddhaChicksdo.Wecantakeabreath,accesscalm,andgetintouchwiththis

personsinnerstruggle.Andwhenwedo,somethingmagichappens.Werealizethatthis

manorwomanisjustlikeus.

Really,youask?Justlikeme?Howcanthatbe?

Thinkaboutitforamoment.Andsaythistoyourself:

Justlikeme,theydonotwanttostruggleorsufferthroughlife.

Theydonotwanttobehurtorfeelsadorworried,justlikeme.

Theywanttobehappy,justlikeme.

Itstrueyouknow.Everypersonisjustlikeyou.Wearemorelikeoneanotherthan

different.

Weallwanttobeloved.Weallwanttobehappy.

Weallwanttofeelsafeandhealthyandstrongandliveaneasylife.

Everyone.Withoutexception.Omittingnone,astheBuddhaofferedinhisteachingon

UniversalLoveTheMettaSutta.

Andifwecanwrapourheadaroundthat,theportalsofourheartwillbegintoopenalittle

more.Wevebeguntoplantseedsofcompassion.NowweneedtowaterthemwithMetta

(loving-kindness)anduseourphrasesofblessingforeveryone.


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Iimagineyourethinkingthatthisisaverygoodidea,couldevenbefun.Youreseeingthe

valueofcultivatingcompassionasaBuddhaChick.

Butwhataboutdifficultpeopleyouask?

It'strue,thisiswhereextendingcompassioncangetabitsticky.Especiallythe mostdifficult

people,evenourenemies,astheBuddhacalledthem.Compassioninvitesusto

understandhowothersmaybetrappedinthegripsoftheirownegos.Theyhavenotbeen

taughthowtoseedifferentlyasyouhave.Theyhaventbeenshownhowtoturnthechannel

ontheEgoBroadcast.Theyhavenotbeenself-blessedwithMettaasyouhave,oreven

shownhowtoaccesstheirownloving-kindness.

Thiscanchange,beginningtoday.

Note:Mettatraining,especiallyfordifficultpeople,isofferedinTheMindfulMakeoverKit.

Practiceloving-kindnesswith"difficultpeople"andfeelyourinnerworldshift.Openyour

hearttoothersandfeelthejoyoflovingwithoutlimits,withoutbordersandboundaries.

Doesntitfeelgoodtobelivingthisway?

Imwillingtobetyouremoreaglowthesedaystoo,andthatpeoplearenoticingit.Love

doesthattousyouknow.Anopenheartisaradiantheart.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Buddha Chick asks:So, hows your heart feeling these days? Open or closed?

How do you see others, like yourself or vastly different?Do you have other spiritual practices that help you see others with sacred vision?How is your Metta practice going? Are you blessing yourself regularly? Others too?

Remember:

A Buddha Chick lives with an open and loving heart.


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Mindset#9

ABuddhaChickCultivatesKindnessTowardAllBeings

Whatistheverybestthingaboutopeningourheartstoourselves?Intime,withpractice,ourloving-kindnesstowardotherpeople,animals,allsentientbeingsnaturallybeginsto

flow.Whenwevefilledourpersonalwellwithkindregard,itjustnaturallywantsto

outpourontoothers!

IwroteaboutthisbeautifulphenomenoninmybookPerfectLove(co-authoredwithmy

husband,Brad)howripplesofkindness,oflove,begintomanifestinourlives.

Thisistheultimateactofserviceyouareheretoperform:tolivesofully,sovibrantlyasyour

Spiritself,thatbyyourverypresence,youembodytheLoveofSpirit,oftheSacredandlives

aretransformedbecauseofit.WeareheretobeLovetooneanother.

ThisiswherewefindourselvesontheBuddhaChickjourneybecomingripplesofLove.BigLove.Allencompassing,nonjudgmental,JustLikeMe,spaciousLove.

Itstimetoopenupanewspaceinourheartwhere everyonebelongs.Everyonewehave

evermetandeventhosewewon't:allofthedifficultpeople,evenourenemies;allofthe

creaturesoftheearth,animalsandplants;allcanfindarestingplaceinthiscavernous

spaceofourheart.


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Andthegoodnewsisthatwe dohaveenoughlovetoembracetheworld,andeverysingle

beinginit,becauseLoveisnotjustsomethingwefeelnowandthen,itisourtruenature.It

isourfoundation.Itiswhowearereallyare.

Anditisourmission,shouldwechoosetoacceptit,toBElovespresenceinthe

world.Tonotjustfeelmoreloving,ortodemonstratemorelove,buttoBEthecalm,clear,

wise,all-embracingpresenceofLoveintheworld.Forwearethat

Though,Imustsay,thisBuddhaChickpathisnotaboutbeinginastateofpureLove-filled

blissallthetime.EventheDalaiLamahasdeclaredthatourlifejourneyisnotaboutliving

inastateofbliss,butcontinuingtocultivateamindofwisdomandaheartofcompassionin

serviceofothers.

Andhowdowedothis,Chicks?HowdoweBEthelovewedesiretoseeintheworld?We

practiceMettaforourselvesandforeveryonethatcomesintoourlivesandevenforthose

whowe'llnevermeet.

Wealsoofferloving-kindnesstowardallcreaturestheplantandanimalkingdom.All

sentientbeingsdeserveourkindregard.

Weactuallymoveinthedirectionoflivingourlovethroughactsofkindness.Kindness

towardourselves.Kindnesstowardeveryone.

Atallorder?Perhaps.ButasaBuddhaChickthisisourbeckoncall.

Oneofthemosteffectivewaystodothisistostopoften!andaskourself:

WhatisthekindestthingIcandoformyselfrightnow?


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Inthespiritofself-compassion,wemaychoosetosaynooryes.Tostepforwardorwalk

away.Torestorwork.Doyougettheidea?

Withtheintentionofcultivatingloving-kindnessforourselves,weStop,Look,Listenand

Feelsothatwecanmakethemostappropriate,thekindestchoice,inthemoment.

Kindnessistrulyachoice.Kindnessiswisdominaction.

Thisprocesskeepsourheartsopentoourselvessothat,ultimately,wecankeepourhearts

opentoeveryoneelsetoo.

Whenitcomestointeractingwithotherpeoplewecanusethissameprocess.WecanStop,

Look,ListenandFeelandaskourself:

'WillwhatIamabouttosayhelporhurtthesituation?'

Justtakingamomenttopauseandbreathebringsyourattentiontoyourowngoodheart;allowsyoutofeelthepossibleoutcomeofwhatyouareabouttooffer.Itsputtingyourself

inanotherpersonsshoes,anotherversionofJustlikemethinking.

Discernmentandchoicemakinglikethisenablesustobeultimatelykind;tobelovein

skintooneanother.

Tryityourself!Ibetitwillfityoujustfine.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Buddha Chick asks:So, hows your Love Quotient these days?Are you feeling more compassionate toward yourself?

Are you feeling more compassion toward others?What acts of kindness might you do today to uplift another?

Remember:

A Buddha Chick cultivates kindness toward all beings.


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Mindset#10

ABuddhaChickTakesHerRoyalSeatinLifeTakealookatourqueenlyChick,lovelyfriends.Isntshebeautiful?

(This,bytheway,isoneofthe10BuddhaChickAffirmationCardsthatcomesinTheMindful

MakeoverKit.)

Aswewinddownourjourneyhere,shesridingthebiggestfishofall(theseamonsterof

ego,world,emotions,pain,etc.)withregalcomposure.Byherverypresence,sheexudes

calm,clarity,andwisdomtoanyonewhocomesherway.Evenatopthatmonstrousfishthat

threatensherequanimity,shesitscomfortablywithunshakeablepeaceathercore.

Doyoufeelheryet?Areyoufeelingmoreconfident,self-assured,morepeace-filledandkind

toyourself?Isurehopeso!

Butifyourenotthereinthatpreciousplaceyet,noworries.TheBuddhaChickjourneyisa

lifelongjourney.Thelessonsyouwillhavelearnedherewillbe(tested)andappliedall

throughoutyourlife.Likeanyspiritualpath,thejourneyISaboutthejourney,andwhat

happensallalongtheway,notgettingtosomepre-determineddestination.


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AndtheBuddhaChickjauntisnotaboutgettingitrighteither,butsimplygettingit.Our

journeyisnotaboutperfection,butprogress.

Perfectionism,infact,isnotaveryChickiequalityatall.Itinvitesustogreaterstress,not

serenity.Ifloving-kindnessisourmethodandgoal,lettinggoofnotionsoftryingtoget

everythingrightespeciallyourspiritualjourneysispartofthat.

WhatwillittakeforyoutostayonthisBuddhaChickpath?

Well,IdberemissifIdidntsayindulgeyourselfwithaMindfulMakeoverKit.Takethe

plunge,ofcourse!

AndalsoconsiderwhatIcall The3Ps.TheyareabsolutelyvitalforlivingasaBuddha

Chick.

1.Passion.Wemustdeeplydesireanoutcomeforittobecomeembodied,inourcase,a

calmbody;anopen,clearmind;andawarm,compassionateheart.Andwisdom!Wecan

holdthisdesireinplacebystayingfocusedontheDivineAbodesofLoving-kindness,

Compassion,EquanimityandSympatheticJoy.Thesefourwillalignourintentionwith

positiveoutcomes.TheycangrowourBuddhaChickglow!

2.Practice.Thoughthesevirtuesareinherentinus,theymustbecultivatedandengagedin

consistently.Practicedoesnotmakeperfect.Practicemakesprogress.Andthemorewe

practice,thecalmer,clearandwisewewillbe.Wecanmeditate.Livemindfully.Cultivate

self-compassion.Practiceloving-kindness.Practice,practice,practice!

3.Persistence.Thisjourneytakescourage,fortitude,andperseverancebecauseweare

livinginahumanbodywithanegodefaultsystemthatcandeliverplentyofchallenges.

Energyisvital,asisdeterminationtopresson,especiallywhenlifebecomesdifficult.

LivingasaBuddhaChickisallaboutembodimentactuallyfeelingandlivingoutthevirtues

wevebeencultivatinghere.


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Whenwecanwalkthroughourdaysinthisenlightenedwaywearefinallyfinally

beginningtotakeourroyalseatinlifelivingthewaywearemeanttolivebybirthright

andbydestiny.

Whatwillyourlifelooklikewhenyoutakeyourroyalseat?

Imaginethis...

~aserene,yetjoyouslifewithmuchlessdramaandfeweremotionalhighsandlows

~yourmindiscalm,lessdistractedorbusy;claritycomeseasily,creativityishigh

~asubtlesenseofbalanceflowsthroughyourdays

~warmandtenderrelationshipswithothers

~extraordinaryloving-kindnessforyourself

~feelingempowered,becauseyouhaveacompletesetoftoolsatyourdisposaltoaccess

more,peace,loveandjoyanytime.

Inshort,anewlife,fullymadeovertoreflectthedeepestdesiresofyourheart.

AnddidImentionyouwillhavetheBuddhaChickglow?

Thatsagiven,becausewhenyouareabletofinallyembraceyourselfasaBuddhaChick,

youbecomemagneticallyattractivetoothers.Theyaredrawntoyourinnerlight,thepeace

youconvey,andtheywillwantthatforthemselves.Yourglowinvitesotherstoopen

themselvestoboundlesspeaceandjoy,justasyouhave.

Inthisway,ournewlifechoicesenhancethelivesofthosearoundus.Breathbybreath,

choicebylovingchoice,weremakeourselvesandweremaketheworld.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Buddha Chick asks:What remains to be done so that you can finally embrace yourself as the Chick you are meantto be?

Remember:

A Buddha Chick takes her royal seat in life.


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DoyouthinktheBuddhaChickglowwouldlookgoodonyou?

Ido,andIwouldlovetohelpyoucreateit!

BasedonthestoriesofwomenwhohavegonethroughBuddhaChickTrainingbyusing

TheMindfulMakeoverKit,thisdefinitelycanbeyournewlookandyournewlife.

Iampassionateaboutsupportingandcompanioningwomenlikeyouaswe"wakeup"to

ourtrueselvestoliveourinnatepeace,clarity,andwisdom.Iamlookingforwardto

guidingyoutoo.

TheMindfulMakeoverKithasbeendesignedwitheverywomaninmind.Itisahigh

qualityaudioprogramwith50+recordingsportablepeace!Itincludesadownloadable

workbook(textversion)oftheprogramandadeckofBuddhaChickAffirmationcards,

andmore,toinspireyou!

Yoursuccessisimportanttomesoapersonalcomponentofprivatementoringisavailable

toyouintheKit.Thisisoptional,butIwantyoutoknowthatifyouneedme,Iamherefor

you.Together,wecanbreakthroughwhatholdsyoubackfromlivingasyourmostpeaceful

self.

AndbecauseIwanteverywomantoexperiencethepowerofa MindfulMakeoverand

getherBuddhaChickglowonitisaffordablypricedtofiteverybudget.Myhopein

creatingthisprogramandofferingitinthiswayistogetitintothehandsofasmany

womenaspossible.

Theworldneedsourpeaceandloving-kindnessnowmorethanever!

Iinviteyoutolearnmoreabout TheMindfulMakeoverKit,myservices,andhoweachcanhelpyouexperiencetheultimatelifemakeover.

YourBuddhaChicklifecalls!Innerpeaceisnowonesimplechoiceaway.

http://buddhachick.org/page/mindful-makeover-kit


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AbouttheAuthor,JaniceLynneLundy

FewpeoplearemorepassionateaboutthespiritualjourneythanJaniceLynneLundy.

Whetheritisthroughherteaching,writing,workshopsandretreats,orspiritualmentoring,

herdedicationtounderstandingthespiritualquestisobvious.HerlifeisSpirit-driven,

Spirit-filled.

JanistheGuidingTeacherandSpiritualDirectoroftheBuddhaChickandDharmaSisters

CircleCommunities.Sheisaneducator,arenownretreatleader,andanInterfaithSpiritual

Directorinprivatepractice.Sheistheauthorofsixpersonal/spiritualgrowthbooksfor

women,includingComingHometoOurselves:AWoman'sJourneytoWholeness,AwakeningtheSpiritWithin,PerfectLove,andYourTruestSelf:EmbracingtheWomanYouAreMeantto

Be,highlyacclaimedbooksthatencourageustolivedeeplyauthenticlives.Since1998,Jan

haspennedapersonal/spiritualgrowthcolumnforWomen'sLifestyle,anationally

syndicated,monthlymagazine.ShealsoservesasAdjunctStaffforDominicanCenterat

MarywoodinGrandRapids,MI,offeringwomen'scontemplativeprogrammingand

mentoringspiritualdirectorsintraining.

JanhasbeenastudentofEasternphilosophyandreligionfor35yearsandhasbeenoffering

mindfulness-basedretreatssince2002.Currently,sheisastudentofSylviaBoorstein(co-

founderofSpiritRockMeditationCenterinCA,)whoblessedhertoteachMetta(Loving-

kindnesspractice)in2010.

Herloveofsupportingthespiritualjourneysofothersisevidentineverythingshedoes.

YoucanmeetJanandlearnmoreaboutherpersonal BuddhaChickjourneyhere:

http://buddhachick.org/page/founders-1

Sheenjoyshearingfromherreadersandwillrespondpersonally.

Documents

The Buddha Chick Guide to Life e Book