”Never underestimate the power of a woman’s intuition.”
”Don’t be so sensitive!”
I stopped counting the times I’ve received a comment like that.
Like being sensitive would be something to be ashamed of.
Something that needs to be buried deep inside, for no one to see and experience.
Now, I usually laugh if I get a comment like that.
”Yes, I’m a sensitive human being. And I embrace it, I embrace my vulnerability. And by the way you should try it; it might benefit you, helping you being more attuned with your feelings and emotions.”
Being sensitive is not the same as being fragile, being weak.
To be a highly sensitive human is to have an immense, gigantic inner world.
It is to cry at a beautiful flower, simply because the flower is, beautiful.
It is to cherish the quiet moments inbetween, simply cause within them lies all the answers.
It is to be highly intuitive.
Powerful.
It enables one to tap into other peoples’ feelings, making it easier to put oneself in another person’s shoes.
It allows one to be more empathetic with others, as well as with oneself.
It allows one to be less judgmental towards others, as well as towards oneself.
It allows one to be more human.
A note to the masculine. Never try to understand the feminine. Instead, let yourself become lost – free – within the multifaceted, paradoxical nature. Let it show you, the strength in being soft. Respect it, and it will respect you.
… let’s be brave enough to speak up about the things important to us.
”It’s in the things that deeply inspires us that we find ourselves.”
During the darkest of hours, my first screaming breath, with you. Flawless, being one with your calmness. Like the coldest of winters you embrace our deepest desires, our deepest needs. Forcing us to step into our own power. Fearless, being one with the stillness. Guided by love, compassion and courage. Truthfully ever after.
February is for evolving, getting one year richer. One year wiser. Staying curious, and open-minded. Finding joy and laughter, everything we sought after. It’s about speaking up, being true to our own unique voices. It’s time to stop being afraid of getting older – it’s time to show our deepest appreciation instead. Becoming curious enough to want to know more about ourselves, and the ways in which we can expand.
There’s much to discover and learn about life, about ourselves, as well as the people around us. Spending precious, slow time alone, gaining a better understanding of who we are, and what we desire out of life. Everything we’ve been through has taken us to this moment. All the decisions we’ve made, all the countries we’ve seen, all the hearts we’ve touched, all the jobs we’ve had, all the times we’ve struggled, and all the lessons we’ve learned – shaping us into the beings we are, into the beings we’re yet to become.
Dear February, with you I’ve become to appreciate the beauty of aging. Awakening to the delicacy of yet another unwritten page.
”Appreciate where you are in your journey, even if it’s not where you want to be. Every season serves a purpose.”
The importance of sleep. Aim for 7-8 hours sleep/night (and put away the phone one hour before bedtime).
Stay active throughout the day. While it’s important to exercise regularly it’s as important to be active in your everyday life.
Take the stairs. Always take the stairs. If you haven’t broken your foot or can’t use your legs, then of course take the elevator.
Educate yourself. Strive to learn something new every day.
Prioritise the greens, the veggies, the colourful stuff(and I did not mean candy when I wrote that).
Smile to strangers. They might think you’re crazy, but hey – then smile even bigger.
Drink plenty of water.Water is life. Water is fundamental to the human body. Water is everything. You need water.
Eat chocolate. I prefer the vegan raw chocolate without refined sugar. Or my new favorite; Lindt 70 % cacao. One piece every day and I bet there would be peace on earth.
Live in the moment.Just breathe.
Don’t spend too much time on your phone.Phones are the best, they really are. But we do not need to spend our every waking moment on them. If there are people in front of you – talk to them. Read a book, clean your toilet, do whatever you want, but stop obsessing over your phone. It’s a phone!
Meditate. Some days it’s easier than others, but sitting on the sofa for ten minutes without thinking about anything is kind of meditating isn’t it?!
Turmeric. Sprinkle that stuff on everything.
Express your feelings. If you’re happy, if you’re sad, if you’re lonely, if you’re excited – Let it out, and be free.
Visualize what you want in life. Visualization is a powerful tool and shouldn’t be neglected.
Enjoy a green smoothie.They make you glow. I promise!
Avoid refined sugar & processed foods. Sorry for being harsh, but you do not need that shit.
Feed your soul. Do something every day that puts a smile on your face.
Don’t over-analyze. Things seem to work out anyway. Somehow, without you over-thinking.
Enjoy that perfect cup of coffee. Every damn day.
Develop your communication skills.Speak up about what’s important to you. As far as I know, there’s no one who can read minds. And listen. Yes, listen and do not interrupt when someone is talking to you.
Buy fresh flowers. Makes every home look neat and tidy.
Spend time in nature.One of the best ways to relax.
Be kind to nature. Mother Nature needs our support. Be kind.
Don’t buy things you don’t need. You do not need 40 pair of shoes.
Travel. Exploring a new city is wonderful for the soul.
Regard food as medicine. Choose wisely.
Listen to music. Music is beautiful. Music is relaxing. Music makes you feel.
Spend time with your parents.You’ll miss them when they’re gone.
Love yourself. You’re amazing. Unbelievable, unique and absolutely you.
Sleep in if you need it. Sometimes we just need that rest. And it’s nothing wrong with that.
Practise yoga. Since who wouldn’t like to be more flexible and calm?!
Breathe in the ocean. The sound, the smell, the power of the waves. It’s breathtaking.
Seek solitude. Spending time alone is healthy – get to know thyself.
Spend time with animals. They give us unconditional love.
Grab a pair of comfy shoes and walk.Walking is a form of therapy.
Read books.
Ginger. Put that stuff on everything.
Floss. Two times/day.
Be grateful. Before you go to bed write down (or say out loud) five things you’re grateful for.
Find something that motivates you to get out of bed each morning.
Create. You’re the creator of your life.
Laugh at yourself. Don’t be too hard on yourself. You’re only human.
Hug daily.Cause hugging the ones we love makes us happy.
Sleep underneath the stars. Count the stars and wait for a star to fall. Make a wish.
Be responsible. No one will come and save you, you are responsible for you. So get up.
Don’t give up. Life can be tough, but giving up is not an option.
Give sincere compliments.Throw them around like confetti.
Find a sport or activity that you actually enjoy doing. It makes it so much easier to be active.
Kiss. Yes do it!
Make love. Find a loving and respectful partner and – Yes do it!
Dare to dream.
Believe in yourself. Cause if you don’t, no one else will.
Eat your fibre. Very important for a healthy gut.
Treat your body with respect.Love it. Feed it healthy, nutritious food.
Think for yourself.Don’t listen to what everyone else is saying/or doing. Find your way.
Be true to yourself.
Cinnamon. Sprinkle that stuff on everything.
Get a massage regularly.
Wear sunscreen.
Spend time in the kitchen. Cook your own meals, and you’ll know exactly what goes into your body.
Don’t be too strict.80 % healthy, 20 % naughty. Right?
Spend time with your friends.
Take care of your skin – from the inside out.
Make sure you get all the important vitamins and minerals. One important reason to why you should eat the rainbow.
Once in a while have a croissant. Or any other delicious thing you fancy.
Garlic. Put that stuff on everything (remember to brush your teeth).
Love deeply. Don’t be too afraid to show your emotions.
Eat complex carbs.Carbs are not the enemy. Fuel your body with sweet potato, vegetables, quinoa, buckwheat etcetera.
Listen to your body. Your body is clever – it talks to you in mysterious ways. Learn to listen.
Follow the news.But not obsessively. General education.
Don’t spend too much time in front of your computer or at your desk. Get up every 30-45 minutes and move your body.
Help less fortunate.
Stretch. (Especially if you have a desk job).
Cut down on dairy products.(This is my personal opinion).
Laugh! As often as possible.
Introduce more vegetarian dishes into your diet. Humans eat way too much meat. We need to cut down on our consumption. I’m not telling you to stop eating meat – just reflect on how often you eat read meat.
Dare to let your inner child come out to play.Life will be so exciting!
Talk to strangers. And leave the judgment out.
Greet every dog you meet. (My inner child comes out to play).
Turmeric. Yes, I already mentioned it, but it needs to be mentioned again. More golden milk to the people.
Set goals. Big & small ones. Weekly, monthly and longterm goals.
Take a weekend trip every once in a while. To walk around and explore a new city is heaven.
Don’t go to bed angry. You’ll sleep a lot better with a peaceful heart.
Don’t neglect your dentist appointments.
More being, less doing. Sometimes you just need to sit and stare into the wall (or ocean) Feel yourself into the moment.
Respect the elderly. They’ve been on this planet for a while.
Have a pillow fight once in a while.Yes, my inner child speaking again.
Fuel your body after a tough workout. Your body needs food after working out – give it what it needs.
If you’re feeling sick– REST. Don’t feel guilty for not being able to do all the stuff that needs to be done. If you’re sick you’re sick, and your body needs rest.
Speak kindness. We attract what we give. Be kind. Always be kind. Why not volunteer for a cause that you strongly believe in?
Turmer… Nooo, I’m joking. Be positive. Try to have a positive mindset. Life gets so much easier.
Invest in yourself. Cause you’re worth it.
Do something that scares you. The feeling afterwards, when you made, is priceless.
Be the best version of yourself. No one is perfect but we can all become the best versions of ourselves.
Be curious. Don’t be afraid of asking questions. A curious mind is a healthy mind.
Enjoy the sauna regularly. (Yes I’m Finnish).
Talk to yourself like you would talk to a good friend. Be kind to yourself.
Keep it simple.Don’t complicate things. Be true to yourself and treat your mind and body with respect.
Don’t get upset over little things. Especially things you can’t control. Simply, cause it’s just not worth it.
”But, what if, you’re actually evolving simply by being. By simply accepting and surrendering to the moment. Don’t resist the moment, whatever it contains. Sit with it, observe it, be aware of it – don’t label it. Be with it. Let go of what you know, and let yourself be open to the fresh, the new.”
Dear 2022, thank you for all the opportunities, challenges and experiences you so kindly provided us with. Dear 2023, I’m curious, and I’m ready for you – I sense you will be filled with bliss, growth and laughter. Love.
What we focus on expand. So, focus on what you want out of life. What do you want to see more of in this world – Then go about to create it. Nothing good will come out of it if you don’t take action – You’re responsible for you.
It all begins with you.
A healthy, peaceful planet starts with a healthy peaceful mind. There’s no room for quick fixes, but for an honest and consistent commitment. Creating for the highest good of all.
More health. More acceptance. More love. More forgiveness. More expansion. More truth, More we.
Whatever you wish to do, or see more of in 2023, know that it starts with you. It always starts with you.
2023 intentions
Cultivating an abundance mindset – ”There’s an abundance flowing within and without; everything I need, seek and long for is already within me.” This is a mindset I encourage myself to adopt in every area of my life whether it’s love, career, health, money or opportunities. There’s enough for everyone to go around. And the more we help others, the more we help ourselves.
Spreading kindness & compassion – I’m inspired by random acts of kindness and compassionate people with big hearts filled with wisdom. There’s something special about humans who are caring and warm-hearted to everyone; it seems like they are carrying a sense of calmness within, despite with whoever they interact. Cultivating my Buddha nature.
Exploration – Whether it’s a new country, a new human being, a new subject, or myself even; There’s always something to learn, and new experiences to gain. I want to travel more. After visiting Venice this summer I want to explore more of Italy. Love at first sight.
Breathing mindfulness – Bringing mindfulness into everything I do – whether it’s writing, studying, working, being in nature, meditating, interacting with loved ones – I can always choose to be a bit more here and a little less somewhere else. My mind has a tendency to drift away, but being aware of its tendency to do so, I’m allowing myself to be more present.
Nurturing my intuition – I’ve always had a strong intuition, and every year I’m tapping into it even more. I’ve noticed that the more I allow the stillness to enter, taking the time to listen to my body’s needs, the more connected I feel to my inner being. We possess a great deal of power the moment we know we can trust our intuition. The answers you’re seeking is not found on the outside. They are found within. I challenge you to pay attention to your intuition. Trust your innate wisdom, it’s there to guide you. It has always been there.
Tapping into my spiritual side – I’m an open-minded person and I love to explore different parts of myself. After cultivating my spiritual side I’ve become to understand how calm and peaceful it makes me feel. I’ve become more content and hopeful. More at home. I truly believe we’re spiritual beings having a human experience. I also believe that there’s so much more to life than the things we can experience through our five senses. Understanding that we’re all in this together, however, experiencing life in our own unique way, makes me feel more at peace, and content within my own being.
”Creativity thrives in stillness, arises from the no-thingness.”
When you allow yourself to simply sit, with yourself, and let the thoughts wander freely – no holding on, no grasping, simply observing; insights, and new solutions to your challenges might arise.
One of our biggest dilemmas, I believe, is that we think about life more than we are actually living life. And isn’t it precisely because of that, that we need to remember to appreciate the moments in between. Life is to be found in the smallest of details; the morning sun gently caressing the ground, the taste of ocean air, your lovers facial expression when she’s talking about something important to her, a strangers helping hand, the sound of your sleeping child.
Lately, I’ve rarely given myself the time to sit down, and write. Writing has often been the thing that has provided me with the most comfort; to acknowledge the calmness, and just let whatever that wants to arise, arise. You see, the words, more often than not, surface out of the stillness. They don’t come when we’re busy chasing after goals and habitually moving through life. The answers you’re seeking come when you allow yourself to slow down. When you create space, and are open to receiving.
Why, then, is it, time and again, so difficult to sit with one’s thoughts? You don’t want to experience the quiet moments in between, simply cause you’re always running towards the next moment. And the next. Something greater, more grandeur might be awaiting around the corner. Or so you were taught to believe. What can this still moment actually provide me with, when I haven’t yet achieved all my desires. I need to move forward. I need to be doing something. I need to accomplish,I need to prove that I’m worthy of my existence. If I’m not doing something, I’m not existing.
But, what if, you’re actually evolving simply by being. By simply accepting and surrendering to the moment. Don’t resist the moment, whatever it contains. Sit with it, observe it, be aware of it – don’t label it. Be with it. Learn to see without the eyes, learn to know without the mind. Learn to be without becoming. Let go of what you know, and let yourself be open to the fresh, the new.
”Notice the things that are blocking peace from coming into your life.”
Give yourself time, daily, to sit with yourself. In absolute stillness. Within that quiet space you allow the sacred intuitive mind an opportunity to come forth.
… I swear, you got my feelings playing butterflies.
”April darling, nature must be head over heels for you, the way she blossoms when you arrive.”
Animals and humans awaken from the darkest of night. From the deep, deep slumber we all return to light. The bright golden sunrise, burning through our windows. Caressing our cheeks, awakening our hearts. Dreaming of doing everything in life, and nothing on rainy Sundays. Watching captivating sunsets, and counting countless numbers of stars. Happily having you, blooming in my arms.
April is for getting lost in translation. Being curious and bold. Breathing in lust, breathing out fear. Breathe me in like air. It’s about a new earth, hope, and letting go. Soft raindrops against the window, purifying dark winter souls. Touch me without the hand, with the mind, undress me with the eye, baby darling be aware, those feelings will be playing butterflies.
April is for being affectionate, playful and passionate. Confident, happy and alive. Stop looking for it on the outside, when it’s already resting within, patiently awaiting for you to come out of your coma. It’s about letting go of the idea that you always have to be the one you have been. It’s never too late to reinvent yourself, it’s never too late to flourish like an early spring day. Whatever flower you wish to be. Just bloom, darling, bloom.
Grow, expand your horizons, as the birth of this new, flourishing season.
The voice within, screaming for attention, eager to come out and play. Wishing for you to speak your truth, dive into creativity, and to blissfully watch life through the eyes of your inner child. Playful, excited and filled with compassion.
Now is the time to take a glimpse at nature, a glimpse at the stars, and believe, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.
Be still, yet alert. It’s time to give birth.
Dare to show your true colors. Dare to be the person you are. Let wisdom and experiences fill your day, let it guide you on your way. Open your heart and mind to all possibilities floating around. It’s within pain we find strength. The strength to be who we are.
Humans smiling the brightest are usually the ones crying the loudest.
Let. It. Out.
April darling, I welcome you. You move me with your blooming nature, cloudless sky. Your enchanting soul makes my entire being come alive. You bring me peace, you bring me hope. One look at you, and I know everything will come through.
”where does your mind wander when you allow it to travel freely?”
you see, the soul doesn’t usually scream out its desires; usually it’s a soft melody, unperceivable to the five senses, nevertheless, something to never be ignored.
… i find art to be one of the most beautiful forms of self-expression. the advantage of art is that it can be translated to everyone; you don’t have to be speaking a certain language, or being a certain age, or having a certain background, in order to understand and appreciate art. (he)ART is for everyone. the only thing required from the observer is a sense of curiosity, a willingness to see beyond the five senses, and a desire to tap into their imagination – and that is the moment when (he)ART becomes boundless, just like us humans.
allow (he)ART to transmit you joy, bliss, hope and possibilities. let deep feelings of self-love, trust, passion and optimism enter when you enjoy your (he)ART. whatever you seek, and long for, know that it’s already resting within you.
dear human, know that you’re worthy of all your desires.”
with (he)ART, Linda Maria Vestman
mornings in junecherry blossom… and my heart meltedheaven is a place within water lilies
Contact me if you’re interested: lindamariavestman@gmail.com
… let’s be brave enough to speak up about the things important to us.
”It’s in the things that deeply inspires us that we find ourselves.”
During the darkest of hours, my first screaming breath, with you. Flawless, being one with your calmness. Like the coldest of winters you embrace our deepest desires, our deepest needs. Forcing us to step into our own power. Fearless, being one with the stillness. Guided by love, compassion and courage. Truthfully ever after.
February is for evolving, getting one year richer. One year wiser. Staying curious, and open-minded. Finding joy and laughter, everything we sought after. It’s about speaking up, being true to our own unique voices.
It’s time to stop being afraid of getting older – it’s time to show our deepest appreciation instead.
Becoming curious enough to want to know more about ourselves, and the ways in which we can expand. There’s much to discover and learn about life, about ourselves, as well as the people around us. Spending precious, slow-time alone, gaining a better understanding of who we are, and what we desire out of life. Connecting with one another, and embracing our uniquenesses. Together we are stronger.
With age comes knowledge, not only the one found in books, but from enjoying life. Trust, the seasons changing. Trust, the voice within; it knows.
l.m.v
Everything we’ve been through has taken us to this moment. All the decisions we’ve made, all the countries we’ve seen, all the hearts we’ve touched, all the jobs we’ve had, all the times we’ve struggled, and all the lessons we’ve learned – shaping us into the beings we are, into the beings we’re yet to become.
Dear February, with you I’ve become to appreciate the beauty of aging. Awakening to the delicacy of a newborn day. Every new dawn, learning to flow with the breath of life. Surrounding myself with truth, with everything that resonates with my core. Building myself a little garden in the heart.
”normality glanced at curiosity, eyes filled with awe. – show me, dear. show me how to live.
– of course. but first things first, the walls you built around your heart, tear them down.”
Thoughts are a huge part of who we are. The human mind is a beautiful, yet complicated and sophisticated machine, and it’s estimated that an average person has between 40.000 to 60.000 thoughts per day (National Science Foundation). What is more, 80 % of these thoughts are negative, and 95 % are repetitive.
Nevertheless, one important aspect to bare in mind is that you’re not your thoughts, you’re simply having thoughts. Furthermore, you aren’t even conscious of most of the thoughts running through your mind. These so called subliminal messages go un-noticed since they aren’t perceived by the conscious mind. However, whether we notice these thoughts or not they will affect us to some extent.
Pay attention to your thoughts
According to the facts above it might seem that all we do is complain, whine or have thoughts that diminish our own or other people’s self worth, and mostly without even being aware of it. According to Eckhart Tolle one of the ego’s favourite strategies to strengthen itself is through complaining.
”Every complaint is a little story the mind makes up that you completely believe in. Whether you complain aloud or only in thought makes no difference. Some egos that perhaps don’t have much else to identify with easily survive on complaining alone. When you are in the grip of such an ego, complaining, especially about other people, is habitual and, of course, unconscious, which means you don’t know what you are doing.” (A New Earth, Eckhart Tolle)
The first step in order to change negative thought patterns or limiting beliefs is to become aware of them. Start listening to the voice inside your head. What does it tell you? Once you learn to recognise and identify these thought patterns you can make a choice about how to react, and with time consciously make a choice to let them go. Watch them pass by, like the clouds on a sunny day. Invite them in, but don’t let them build a nest within.
If something bad happened to you in the past it’s very easy to keep the negative emotion connected to that particular event alive by compulsive thinking. You start to see yourself as the victim. However, dwelling on the past won’t do you any good; it will only contaminate your present and affect your current state of being in a negative way. Most importantly, it will take you further away from appreciating the beauty and aliveness of the present moment.
One again Eckhart Tolle explains it perfectly:
”It requires honesty to see whether you still harbor grievances, whether there is someone in your life you have not completely forgiven. If you do, become aware of the grievance both on the level of thought as well as emotion, that is to say, be aware of the thoughts that keep it alive, and feel the emotion that is the body’s response to those thoughts…. The past has no power to stop you from being present now. Only your grievance about the past can do that. And what is a grievance? The baggage of old thought and emotion.” (A New Earth, Eckhart Tolle)
Change your thought patterns
Becoming a curious observer of what goes on inside your mind will eventually help you become free of toxic thinking. Firstly, don’t believe all of your thoughts, and don’t take them that seriously – most of the time it’s the never satisfied ego that’s talking. Once negative thoughts enter your mind the ego dives right in, and loves to dwell upon them. Instead, as soon as you become aware of this habit, make a conscious decision to bring more gratitude and positivity into your life, and notice how you, with time, eventually will heal from the negativity.
Secondly, changing negative thought patterns, however, is not about pushing away your true feelings, but rather choosing more realistic and helpful thoughts over harmful ones. This might be easier said than done, and like every other skill (or muscle) it requires practise, practise and more practise. Be patient with yourself and don’t punish yourself for having bad thoughts. Simply recognise them for what they are – simply thoughts.
The more mindful you strive to become, the less energy will be spent dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Rather, start spending the time being more here, and less there. What do you see? What do you taste? Smell? Hear? Be thankful for the beauty that surrounds you. It’s useful to practise this mindset in moments you feel anxious and fearful (e.g. obsessing over negative outcomes in your future) -> to redirect your focus on something else, like your breath, a painting on the wall, the sensations in your body (where do you feel the anxiety?), or simply by watching nature; the trees dancing in the wind, or the waves crashing ashore. It can be anything, as long as it takes your mind off that thought that created the negative downward spiral.
With that said;
Darling human, your thoughts are powerful, therefore,choose them wisely. The power to control your thoughts, and thereby shape your reality, lies within you. Create your life. Create you.
the MINDFUL manifestor 