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Inner happiness

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”Use the hours with softness.”

Don’t try to change the past, it’s impossible. The only way to change the future is by making the most of the present. Being a control freak by nature I’ve decided to work on being more patient with myself, in order to find a sense of calmness within; personal features that I strongly believe are highly beneficial to the body, mind & soul. 

But how is it even possible to stay patient and calm in a world that’s constantly changing? To stay satisfied with what is, when the mind is obsessed with living in the past or worrying about the future? It’s like it does anything just to escape the now.

”I don’t want to be here, I need to get to there.” ”When I find that perfect partner, that perfect job, earn loads of money and become successful, then I’ll be happy.” ”I’m not satisfied with where I am, I need to have more, be more; then my life will be fulfilled.”

The ego will never be fulfilled; no matter how much recognition, power or success it receives the ego will always crave more.

The ego doesn’t thrive by being in the present. However, the present moment is all there ever is and will be; when something happens, it always happens now. Nothing ever happens in the future, it happens in the moment.

It’s nothing wrong with wanting to achieve goals, or visualizing a life filled with abundance, prosperity, love and happiness. Most likely these wonderful, external things will bring a great deal of joy and happiness into your life, but for the most part it’s a short-lived kind of happiness. After a while the ego eventually gets bored, unsatisfied, and starts craving more of that external success.

Nonetheless, achieving external success isn’t the root to your happiness. Constantly pleasing others, and thereby forgetting about your own wants and needs, isn’t a life well lived. Defining your worth according to how others treat you, isn’t going to make you feel more desirable. People may adore you, or they may dislike you, either way it shouldn’t affect you, since, in the end what you think about yourself is the only thing that matter. Of course it will hurt if you get abandoned, rejected or replaced. Despite the amount of pain you’re feeling, know that none of these circumstances will make you less worthy. Whether you didn’t get that promotion or you were replaced by another lover, you should never let it affect your inner happiness.

It’s easy, and very human, to fall into negative self-talk whenever something bad happens in life. Self-pity parties might feel okay at first, but in the end feeling sorry for yourself won’t make you feel any better. Adopting a more positive way of thinking is a first step towards a more solid kind of happiness;

”When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”

Maybe you didn’t get that promotion simply because there’s a much better option waiting for you? Why not trust the unfolding of your life? Why not accept and embrace this moment?

How does one discover an inner, true form of happiness?

By being present.

When you’re fully immersed in the moment, thoughts about what happened to you in the past, or doubts about the future won’t have any opportunity to grow. They will most likely try their best to sneak in, but as soon as you become fully conscious of the benefits of not holding on to them you’ll start to notice how effortlessly they pass through you. There’s nothing more pure and perfect than the simplicity of this moment. The beauty within a sunset, leaves falling down a tree on a sunny autumn day, a happy puppy playing with his toys. It’s everywhere, if you just took the time to stop and look around.

What is more, the present moment experience is the most healing state there is. Old emotions stored deep down in the body; whether it’s grief, anger, sadness or pain, need to be released out of your system. Unprocessed emotions can show up in different forms, such as a disease, judgement towards people you don’t know or as an addiction. They might even hold you back from evolving, hence keeping you stuck.

However, remember;

Be patient with yourself – deeply rooted emotions take time to heal.

While it’s far from a pleasant experience releasing old pain, it’s inevitable in order to find inner peace, inner happiness. It’s inevitable in order to make space for what’s to come, for new things to arise.

Inner happiness is different from external happiness; it isn’t found in your job title, nor is it found in the car you’re driving, the amount of friends you have, or the person you’re dating.

Inner happiness was born within you the same day you came into being; it has always been there, and will always be there, patiently waiting for you to grab hold of it.

Processed with VSCO with c2 preset

❤

Linda

Dear June…

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… you bring us peace. Love and laughter.

”Lost in a crowd of people. And your eyes were the ones to hit my soul.”

 

Dear June, your delightful, warm summer nights making our hearts pound faster. Soothing our restless souls. Wide open, we are, while watching the sunset gracefully transforming into sunrise.

I look at you, and wonder out of all the months in the world, I’m happy to have found one that is so perfect for me.

June is for hot, magical, never-ending evenings. The sun wide awake. But please, don’t go back to sleep, you’re one to keep. June is for finding the happy within. Smelling roses and counting stars. Eating strawberries and breathing in vitamin sea. June is for dancing with the waves, playing with nature, kissing the soft, morning rain. You’re impeccable, just the way you are. 

This June is all about not forcing things. What flows, flows. What crashes, crashes. There’s only space for the things that are meant for us. It’s about beautiful words, beautiful beings. It’s happening right here. Right now. It’s about speaking with integrity. Not being afraid to speak our truth. Throwing out limiting beliefs, negative self-talk. It’s about becoming what we believe ourselves to be. Trusting and accepting oneself. Loving oneself. Don’t ever forget to smell the blessings around you. Don’t ever forget to be you.

 

”Wild, my darling, be wild. Don’t let them tame you.”

 

I welcome you dear June, my passionate friend. I sense we’ll have a blast. Forgetting all about the past.

❤

Linda

A peaceful mind

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”The joy is one with who you are, and cannot come to you. It arises from deep within.”

 

Growth is painful, change is painful, but there is nothing as painful as staying stuck where we don’t belong. Life is meant to be experienced; the highs, the lows, the good and the bad. Everything has its purpose, and your purpose should be to fully embrace who you are. All aspects of who you are. Your flaws, your strengths. Your beauty. There’s a reason why you’re here, darling human. 

I guess the problem is that sometimes we’re just trying too hard. We’re trying to control every part of our life; planning for the future, minute by minute. Trying to predict the future, worrying about the future. But the fact is, the future is constantly changing, and all we can impact is the present moment. The future is being created while you’re fully present in this moment. And the next, and the next, and the next. Wherever you are, be there.

You don’t have to have all of your life figured out. And isn’t that just the loveliest thought?! Sometimes it’s completely okey to feel like you have no idea what you’re doing. You just have to flow with it. And let it be. Exactly as it is. Sometimes it’s the uncertainty that brings you peace of mind.

Happiness doesn’t come to you through any possession, achievement, person or event – it stems from deep inside your being. As soon as we stop controlling people and events around us, and stop taking ourselves too damn serious all the time, we begin to see the beauty of dancing through life instead. Relaxing, being thankful for every day we get to wake up and experience this magical thing called life.

Don’t you know there’s a fu***ng universe inside of you? Everything you seek, dear human, you already are. Why go looking for it on the outside, when it’s so close. It’s resting deep within, underneath that beautiful skin. Your task is pretty simple – wake up from your coma. Be grateful for everything you’ve been through, for it has made you into the human being you are.

Be grateful you were given this amazing opportunity to experience life.

Don’t let it pass you by, without you noticing.

 

❤

Linda

You are never fully completed

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”There will always be room for more;more wisdom, more love, more you.”

 

I think that is one of the biggest problem with humanity today; that we are so caught up in our own lives, in our own way of living, that we think that it is the only way to live.

It’s not.

Our friends, family and neighbour might choose a completely different path, and that’s ok. It’s totally fine. Diversity is what makes us thrive. What makes us bloom like an early spring day. Everyone flourishing differently, unapologetically, in their own way.

Humans need to learn from each other; gain wisdom, love and clarity by interacting with one another. First and foremost, we need to start listening. Listening without judgement. Listening with respect for our fellow humans. Asking questions, when we do not understand.

Ask, and listen.

My path may be different from yours, my goals may be far from yours, and my desires may be too much for you to handle. And that’s ok. It’s totally fine.

I want you to walk your own path. I want you to have your own goals and desires. I want you to be you. And please, let me be me.

You will never see me exploit you. You will never see me inflict any pain or harm on you. I simply want you to shine like the mother fu**er star you are.

Humbleness is a trait so very easily forgotten. We want to know it all, have it all, always wanting to be better than our competitors; wanting to be numero uno. Striving for something that doesn’t even exist, but in our minds.

Dear human, you will never be fully completed. Life is a journey, a roller coaster that needs to be fully experienced, up and down, down and up.

You will never reach destination ”I have it all figured out.”

What if we became at peace with that thought? Would you think that a sense of fulfilment would slowly start rising within?

A sense of feeling that it’s ok to be who you are; raw and honest. Constantly learning. Constantly evolving and growing.

I may not be today who I was yesterday. I may not be tomorrow who I am today. But I will always be me.

Constantly trying my best, 

❤

Linda

Everyday Encouragements

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”There is nothing outside of yourself that can ever enable you to get better, stronger, richer, quicker or smarter. Everything is within. Everything exists. Seek nothing outside of yourself.”

– Miyamoto Musashi

As I’m a reading the book ”An Introduction to Buddhism” by the Dalai Lama, I wanted to share some of the principles within the religion/philosophy that I personally find of utmost importance and interest. To me Buddhism is a philosophy, a way of living, that contains plenty of wisdom and plain common sense.

However, this is my interpretation, and I believe Buddhism is more a collection of methods and ways of realizing the truths of life; a guide to help us discover true peace and happiness in life.

1. If you truly want to change your life, you first must be willing to change your mind.

Your mind is a powerful tool. It can come up with the most amazing ideas; it can cure cancer, travel to the moon, write novels, create pieces of art making people cry. Nevertheless, use your mind wisely; rule your mind, or it will rule you. Listen to that voice within, what does it tell you? How do you speak to yourself? Do you like the way you speak to yourself? If not, change it. Change it now.

If you wish to change your life, then start with changing your mind.

There’s a universe inside all of us.

2. When the wrong people leave your life, the right things start to happen.

Everyone we meet, we meet for a reason.

”When someone whom I helped

Or in whom I have placed great hopes

Mistreats me in extremely hurtful ways

May I regard him still as my precious teacher.”

–  Verse 6 in The Eight Verses on Training The Mind

Sometime we have to go through some deep shit in order to learn, and to develop into the persons we are meant to become. Whoever said that life is easy lied, cause it’s not. However, it’s what we make out of it that counts. It’s how we choose to see things that really matters. Choose to learn from your mistakes, choose to learn from the struggles. Choose to embrace the ones who hurt you with open arms; forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. Show them how it’s supposed to be done. With loving kindness.

3. Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.

We will all feel pain at some point in our lives. Some more than others. It’s inevitable. However, you don’t have to live in that pain. Suffering is optional. Power through the obstacles, fight through the hard times, in time you’ll see it’s the hardships that make you stronger. They make you, you.

The beauty is that you have the choice. The choice to choose to suffer, or to find the light in the dark.

4. You only live once. False. You live every day. You only die once.

We live. Every. Day. Don’t hold on to grudges, jealousy, suffering, regrets and resentments. Live instead. Enjoy every bits and pieces of the time you have on this planet. Who knows where you’ll end up next. Do the things you always dreamt of doing; kiss that girl, buy that house, explore that country, write that book, tell them you love them. Embrace yourself, and do you, as long as you don’t inflict any suffer onto anyone.

5. Live with compassion.

Cultivate compassion towards all living beings, including yourself. Breathe in kindness, breathe out hatred. We are all trying to figure this out, doing our best. Have patience, with your neighbour, with your self.

6. Sometimes it feels better not to talk. At all. About anything. To anyone.

”Open your mouth only if what you are going to say is more beautiful than silence.”

It’s the silence that speaks to me. It has a lot to offer, if we just took the time to listen. Take time out, meditate, take a deep breath in, and a slow breath out. Knowing that everything will work out for your highest good. It always does.

I believe our body, mind and soul crave more time in silence. How can we even think within all this noise going on around us every day. The noise in our heads, on the streets, at work, in our hearts. Be still. Listen.

❤

Linda

Live a little

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”Don’t be afraid to try new things. Just live a little.”

 

I’ve had a very productive weekend. With almost 16 hours of psychology studies (brain anatomy), I felt I needed some kind of balance not to go insane. I brushed off my painting brushes and spent Saturday evening messing with light spring colors. Oh how I adore this time of the year! The sun makes me too restless, however, her light energy always transmits me joy and peace.

I’ve also decided to start recording some of my texts. The reason being; I just need to step out of that comfy comfort zone of mine. I strongly believe in the importance of doing things that scare you. We shouldn’t be afraid of trying new things – instead we should live a little. Shouldn’t we? We don’t have to be perfect. We just have to be ourselves.

I challenge you to do something this week you never done before; whether it’s talking to a stranger, waking up one hour earlier, eating healthier, speaking kindness, or trying out a new hobby. Choose something you’ve thought about for a while, something that might even scare you.

Live a little.

 

Art piece: ”Her eyes on us.”

Darling March:

(I advice you to wear headphones since the audio isn’t the best.)

 

Fel
Detta videoklipp finns inte

 

With ❤

Linda

Live in color

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”don’t blame me;the moon was full.”

 

Life would be rather dull if we would live in grey and black all the time, wouldn’t it? We need a little more spark in our life. A little more passion. A little more joy. A little more of everything that puts a big, fat smile on our face;

  • poetry
  • art
  • the ocean
  • red lips
  • the autumn breeze
  • summer nights
  • sex
  • laughter
  • dreams
  • plant-based food
  • pure white snow
  • empty beaches
  • bare skin
  • sunset
  • the early hours
  • love
  • thunderstorms
  • human beings
  • dogs
  • the smell of light summer rain
  • music
  • crispy apples
  • yoga
  • curiosity
  • the midnight sky
  • space
  • snowy mountains
  • morning coffee
  • kindness

❤

Linda

 

 

Speak truthfully

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”Dare to speak up for the things important to you.”

 

Staying true to one’s inner voice in a world filled with chaos might not always be the easiest thing to do. Surrounded by an immense amount of impressions and pressure we’re trying to find our way, seeking truth in an untruthful world. It’s time to take the blindfolds off – it’s time to speak the truth. 

One of my intentions this March (and for the whole year) is to live truthfully.

But what does it actually mean, to live truthfully?

It’s about speaking up for the things important to you, the things that make your heart pound a little faster.

It’s about daring to be yourself, staying curious and alive.

It’s about letting kindness, wisdom and compassion guide you on your way.

Knowing that it’s never too late to expand your horizon, never too late to grow and develop into the human you’re meant to be.

People change, you change. Stay open.

Be alert.

It’s about trusting yourself, knowing that you have the power within.

Everything you need, you already are.

Dear human, you’re exactly who you need to be right now.

Follow your gut feeling, your intuition.

Let your heart guide you.

Make mistakes.

Live. And learn.

Dare to listen to that inner voice.

Be still, yet aware.

It’s about showing kindness and compassion to the people you meet.

Treating humans and all living beings with respect.

However, never neglect your own happiness, your own self-worth.

It cannot happen at the expense of your own wellbeing.

It’s all about staying true to your inner being.

Your inner Self.

Be you.

And be it boldly.

 

With ❤

Linda

Ways to be more mindful

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”Don’t wish things to be any different. They are exactly as they should be.”

 

You don’t have to meditate in order to become more mindful (although it might help) However, there’re several ways by which you can invite stillness, and thereby welcome a more conscious awareness into your daily life.

James Baraz puts it very nicely:

”Mindfulness is simply being aware of what is happening right now without wishing it were different; enjoying the pleasant without holding on when it changes (which it will); being with the unpleasant without fearing it will always be this way (which it won’t).”

Below you’ll find five ways that help me breathe a bit slower. What’s your way?

walk in nature

”trust the seasons changing, trust your inner voice. it knows.”

There’s a special thing being one with nature, whether it’s watching the ocean, smelling the forest, hiking in the autumn mountains, taking a midnight swim or laughing up in the air. Nature has a tendency to teach us plenty; she teaches us how to be still, how to unwind and relax. Stay alert and witness the beauty she so effortlessly provides us. Let her guide you home.

be kind to your mind

Have you ever stopped to notice that voice within? What does it tell you? Does it feed you fear? Love? Anxiety? Since you have around 60.000-80.000 thoughts a day it might be a good idea to pay attention to how you talk to yourself. If you notice you don’t like the way you communicate to yourself – change your thoughts. The power is all yours. You don’t have to listen to that bullshit. Speak with confidence, love and compassion. However, the idea is not to obsess about it – thoughts will come, and they will go. The thing is, you don’t have to pay too much attention to them. Don’t judge every thought running through your head. Cause in the end, they are simply thoughts.

don’t hate, meditate

It’s not the minutes that count; it’s what you take with you after you’ve been sitting in silence – patience, alertness and a greater awareness. Meditation is not sitting with no thought – it’s letting the thoughts pass by, no dwelling, simply being aware. It’s the perfect way to practise slow breathing. Going within, and trusting oneself.

eat mindfully

Taste your food. Smell it. With every bite, be there. When you eat, you eat. You don’t scroll through social media, watch television, sit infront of your computer or talk with your friends on the phone. You eat, and with every delicious bite, you’re there. It’s the same when you’re preparing food; cooking is actually a perfect way to unwind. Some chill music in the background, a glass of red wine, good company – and you just created the most perfect recipe for ultimate relaxation.

find your happy

Whatever floats your boat – dive right in. When you’re enjoying what you’re doing you easily reach that so called flow state. A state of being when time passes by without you even noticing. A state of being when you’re your most creative self. A state of being when you’re guided by your inner voice. A state of being that can only be described by the words pure bliss. Find your happy, and do it often.

 

❤

Linda

 

 

#winterfeels

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”That thing about being one by your side, exquisite in all our phases.”

 

You’re so beautiful you make me freeze. 

Dear winter, just as the ground underneath the softest, crystal snow, we’re resting in your arms. Being one with the cold awakening breeze. You’re the only one to stop our motion, our addiction to hurry. Bringing us to our knees, becoming solid. Finding everything we’ll ever need. Being one with your freezing breath.

You teach us plenty. But most of all, you teach us how to rest, to go within. How to be cheerful, while creating angels in your smooth, comfy arms. Refreshed, with red noses, burning hearts. Hot cocoa. Hot fire flames. Pause. Unwind and let go. It’s time for lighthearted action. Moving gently with the snowflakes, leaving footprints behind. Always finding our way back home.

Can you sense it?

The sun on your cheek.

The light in your heart. 

If we only knew how blessed we are. To have you, to be in your arms. Definitely cold, but soft. Definitely dark, but calm. Definitely long, but temporarily. Definitely, stunning. Ultimately, all that we need.

Winter dear, if you’re gonna do it, do it right. Be crisp, be raw, be sunny. Cover our lives in white pure snow. Be playful, be intense. Passionately, be you.

And when the time comes for you to leave, promise you’ll take our stupidity and ignorance with you. However, until then, teach us how it’s supposed to be done. With loving kindness.

❤

Linda