How I named my business, and the meaning behind that name:

Back when I was 23… My dear high school friends, who then became life long friends, yet at the time they were college friends. These dear ones were taking French, while I was finishing up massage (1000 hours of schooling/education) and prepping for opening my own business. I wrote a list of a bunch of words that I felt appropriate for my massage practice. What represented me. In the end, "The Healer" or Le'Guerisseur was created, and suited me best. Knowing what I know now, my name would/could/and has done just fine, but "My business needed a name". So that is what "Le'Guerisseur" means. "The Healer". I am honored to be apart of your health care integrations and honored to be of service to you. XO, MJT

Thought of the day:

I am protected by divine love. I am always safe and secure, ready to grow up, taking responsibility for my life. I create the life I want to live. I AM SAFE.

Always choose LOVE over fear.

"The heart is like a garden. It can grow compassion or fear. What seeds will you plant there?" -Buddha

Thought of the day:

You have to learn to say NO without feeling guilty. Setting boundaries is healthy. You need to learn to respect and take care of yourself. LOVE yourself first. YOU deserve the best. Turn toward your higher purpose.

May 1 is a very special day!

On May 1, 2001 I opened my Queen Anne massage practice. On May 1, 2015 I will open my Mercer Island massage practice! May 1 is "May Day" celebrated in many countries as a traditional springtime festival or as an international day honoring workers. It is my business' anniversary, and it makes me reflect on how THANKFUL I am to be apart of your healing experience for all of these years. I LOVE MAY 1. Celebrate and schedule a session with me today! For the month of May, when you mention this blog I will toss back my prices to 2001. ($70/hour and $105 for 90 minutes). Either location. Call now: 206-941-8560. With love, Maria J. Toro, LMP.

New LOCATION: Mercer Island!

2448 76th Ave. S.E. #212, Mercer Island, WA. 98040. Call (206)941-8560 to schedule a massage session with Maria J. Toro, LMP. Fridays thru Sundays!

Thought of the day:

YOU are unique like a snowflake, and perfect the way your are. The world needs you to lift up others, and share your gifts of healing. BE BEAUTIFUL. BE BRILLIANT.

For the BEST MASSAGE on MERCER ISLAND: (206)941-8560, Maria J. Toro, LMP

"My Massage Therapist is Maria Toro. I've been seeing Maria for 12 years and follow wherever she might go. Her skill level hasn't plateaued since my first massage. I always look forward to her technique and know that my problem areas will be addressed and get some relief. I find that massage can be so many things to so many different styles of people and everyone I've recommended Maria to have thanked me. She is an artist in how to approach people and their bodies. If you are looking for a partner in health and wellness please go see Maria." Carolyn D. (Wallingford)

Maria Toro, Mercer Island Massage!

Hi friends! It is true! I have now opened an additional practice on Mercer Island. I think this will make it easier for my Mercer Island, Bellevue and other "EAST-SIDE" clients! Traffic is hideous in our city, so I'll meet ya' halfway! ;) I am available by appointment only Friday thru Sundays. Fridays are 1-7pm. Saturdays are 10am-4pm. Sundays are 3-9pm. You can find me sharing an office space with "Able Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine" with Lee Huang, MS., L.Ac. I am very excited about this opportunity as Lee attended Bastyr University for acupuncture (As many of you know, this is also my desire/goal with future education). I am so lucky/THANKFUL/blessed to connect with a mentor early on! Lee has wonderful reviews online and has healed/helped many people over the years, and continues to be a pillar in the Mercer Island community. Lee practices Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. You can book with Lee at (425)246-9902. If you want to schedule a massage with MARIA J. TORO, LMP… on Mercer Island… than you can call or text me at (206)941-8560. MY email: mtoro13@yahoo.com Our address is: 2448 76th Ave. S.E., Mercer Island, WA. 98040 Relax, Rejuvenate, Restore, Renew.

Thought of the day:

FEAR does NOT stop death. Fear stops life. Challenge yourself constantly to move past fear, and stay connected to heart center, LOVE. Everything is safe with LOVE.

NOW ON MERCER ISLAND 3 DAYS PER WEEK!

You can now schedule with "The Best Massage Therapist In Seattle" on Mercer Island and Queen Anne! I am taking appointments now for my new location on Mercer Island! I am available Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays! Still call: (206) 941- 8560. (Queen Anne Location): 303 West McGraw St. #2 Seattle, WA 98119 (Mercer Island Location): 2448 76th Ave. S.E. #212 Mercer Island, WA 98040 Massages on Mercer Island with Maria Toro are as follows: Fridays 12-6p, Saturdays 10a-4p and Sundays 3-9p. HOW DOES IT GET BETTER THAN THIS? LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU SOON. To Health, and healing massages on Mercer Island. Thank you for supporting me, Maria J. Toro, LMP

Blue Heron Animal Spirit Guide:

While at bootcamp, at the weeeeeee morning hours, we spotted a beautiful, rather large Blue heron flying over top of us. As if, he might be amused by our morning shenanigans. Only after hanging around, just awkwardly enough to attract all of our attentions, he smiles with his spirit, and sails away to bless others in need. It's that time of year! Here is his gift he shared with us: HERON’S MOST SIGNIFICANT ESSENCE: aggressive self-determination and self-reliance ENERGETIC PRIME TIME – FULL OF POWER: Spring Calm Grace, Solitude, Patience, Longevity, Versatility, Tranquility, Good Luck, Partnership, Intelligence, Domesticity, Being Present, Determination, Independence, Resourcefulness. What a GIFT. THANK YOU Blue Heron!

10 ways to DETOX your life:

1- Clear clutter. 2- Take an epsom salt bath/soak. 3- AVOID crazy/drama making people. 4- INcrease H2O, WATER, HYDRATE. 5- Eat high vibrational, nutrient dense foods, avoid the processed stuff. 6- stop complaining. 7- Make ART/CREATE. 8- MEDITATE. 9- Spend time in nature. 10- THINK and CHOOSE POSITIVE thoughts.

Rituals: small consistent steps made daily: it's how you live your whole life.

Rituals, small consistent steps made daily will improve all aspects of you. GROW U, GROW ME! The way you start your day is a reflection on how you will live your whole life, I heard this somewhere! Its true. It must be true, it resonates. It's all about the tiny things and the consistency in in the way you do things mindfully. Consistent, small steps, DAILY. A mindful practice, as a way of living. AS a child, I kid you not…I would clean and organize my bedroom before bedtime. I would then, lay out my clothes/outfit I was planning on wearing the next day ahead of time. Sometimes I would pack my lunch the night before school. All in hopes of setting my day up right for myself the following morning, it was necessary things began smooth. (Because life is not always smooth)I was sensitive, even then to the energetic frequency I could send out and receive. Such truth from early on, so innate! What a gift. I still believe setting yourself up for success begins the night before. I still like to walk thru my home, and put everything in its spot, cleaning as I go. (It is a great feeling to wake up to a clean home).I still like to set out my clothing options, which for me is more in depth, more prep work. I start my day with exercise, so I have that outfit put together. Then I have school, so an outfit for that. Oftentimes, I can continue to wear this same outfit to work, unless I get to go ride the horses, in which case, I have to prepare a bag for the barn(clothing, snacks:human and equine). This quarter I have an integrated studies class that is 4.5 hours long. My key to excelling is forward thinking/planning. I pack healthy snacks to graze on during class, as well as beverages. This helps me maintain focus and energy while learning. I love packing salads, almonds, string cheese, fruit, yogurt, coffee/tea, water and kombucha! My body thanks me for setting myself up the night before to succeed, and the serene security it lends with consistency. Another success Comes upon waking: to begin my day with thoughts of gratitude. So plentiful, I typically don't set a limit, I just start naming them off, one by one and soon, I am smiling from somewhere deep within. When we are thankful ,we attract more things to be thankful for. In addition, gratitude is a meditation. It actually slows us down so that we may be more present in each moment, showing up and LISTENING! Speaking of meditation. . . I have heard, we should practice at same time each day. Like each other consistent step, our body is much more comfortable when it recognizes its schedule, this brings comfort and peace. Meditate in the same place, and practice discipline of a set time. Start with 10 minutes and build. I heard we should meditate twice our age. So I am 37 that means: 37 + 37 = 74 minutes of meditation/day. Personally I split this up. However you creatively think up what works for you, just practice! Consistent. Small steps daily is how we live our whole lives! Working out and athleticism is huge for me. My body thanks me the most when I start my day this way, especially on school days! It makes sitting for 4.5 hours bearable. Working out as often as possible, multiple times a day. (Workout fuel. workout fuel.workout fuel). No better feeling than that of just finishing a workout! Working out makes all of life better. and so do this! do this 45 minutes to 1 hour each day. Working out is a lifestyle. Next up is WATER. WATER. WATER. WATER. HYDRATE. YOUR cells desire it. YOUR whole being will appreciate hydration. It keeps the brain sharper, athleticism improves, you entire quality of living, including the potential for slowing down the aging process, BEGINS with staying hydrated. DRINK PLAIN WATER. I have heard to drink half your body weight in ounces per day. So if you weigh 100#s, then 50 oz. H2O. Certainly caffeine and alcohol consumption would require you to drink more, as does certain physical activities, like running a 1/2 marathon! I think its a great habit to have a to do list going at all times. deadlines next to activities or placing them on the calendar to do, and scratching it off as you go is most rewarding. AS a student, and proudly a student for life, I believe it is important to LEARN daily. For me, I am currently enrolled and attending classes at college, and will continue to do so for at least the next 5 years. In addition to my continued formal education I am currently obtaining, it is pertinent to read 30-60 minutes per day. It can be anything… BUT it would be so great if some of these readings could be in the direction of self improvements, spiritual, healing. Fill your mind up with that juiciness! And then you share that information with your friends, bring them up too! Raise awareness. RAise your energy. RAise your antenna locking in a higher frequency. Sharing is caring, Right?!! Be consistent. Another great tip for a daily ritual is to actually write. Whether in a journal, a blog, a snail mail letter… goals you set for yourself as you look ahead! Maybe you are scripting out your entire day, or writing your gratitudes. Writing sets things in motion, it also has the ability to heal (globally and individually). And aside from consistent, small steps daily… it has to be appreciation and gratitude and simply being thankful for so much! To begin and end your day with thoughts of appreciation, gratitude you create space for more, you actually become an energetic vortex streaming more powerful positive vibes your way! It's the coolest thing! Mathematically proven, positive times positive equals positive. Positive times negative equals negative.(Booooooo, Hissssss) CHOOSE wisely. Mindfully. Make consistent steps daily. These rituals are the way in which you will have lived your life. How you start your day, sets the tone for your whole life. The little things are a HUGE deal. Lastly, I believe you should ALWAYS shower and or take a bath in epsom salts before bed at night. Wash off the whole day, clear the energies you came into contact with, so that you may have a restful night's sleep. In loving myself, I LOVE YOU. XOXO, Meta-Maria

When we have high standards for ourselves, we help others see this significance too. Lift them UP yo!

"Raise your standards. Raise your expectations. Raise your minimums of what you will allow into your life that does not honor or respect you. BE BOLD, push the boundaries, and you will be rewarded." -Brendon Burchard

Thought of the day:

Challenge & Recovery = Balance.

Affirmation:

I attract everything in my life for my HIGHEST good.

Thought of the day:

ONE STEP AT A TIME. The devil of progress and change is in the details. One step at a time.

Lavender essential oil heals burns and stops the burning immediately!

Next time you burn yourself in the kitchen, or curling your hair, reach for the lavender essential oil immediately. Pour a few drops directly on the skin, and the pain goes away instantly!" Minor burn home remedies using essential oils. An occasional minor burn is normal in the course of everyday activities. So for minor and occasional burns; and exposure to sun, essential oils may help to soothe skin. Traditionally lavender has been used to aid in minor burns, cuts and irritation. For instance... Did you know a French scientist, René Gattefossé, was severely burned in a laboratory accident in the 1900's? Yes, and he quickly immersed his hand in a vat of Lavender Oil. He was one of the first to discover these properties. And as the story goes, his accident re-confirmed the usefulness and effectiveness of using therapeutic grade essential oils". http://www.experience-essential-oils.com/burn-home-remedies.html Soooooo, think lavender essential oil relieves the pain of burns and have it ready to go! You will be thankful you know this tip! XOXO, Meta-Maria

Let go:

"We would do ourselves a tremendous favor by LETTING GO of the people who POISON our SPIRIT." -Steve Maraboli

To do Today:

1-Breathe in. 2-Breathe out. 3-Be kind. 4-Work some. 5-Play some. 6- Repeat 1 & 2.

Thought of the day:

NOW is the TIME to take care of YOU.

Bruce Lee Quotes:

"What you habitually think largely determines what you will ultimately become. Take no thought of who is right or wrong or who is better than. Be not for or against. Reality is apparent when one ceases to compare. — There is “what is” only when there is no comparison at all, and to live with what is, is to be peaceful. A good teacher protects his pupils from his own influence. To know oneself is to study oneself in action with another person. Always be yourself, express yourself, have faith in yourself, do not go out and look for a successful personality and duplicate it. If you always put limit on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them. Do not deny the classical approach, simply as a reaction, or you will have created another pattern and trapped yourself there. Real living is living for others. I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine. Many people dedicate their lives to actualizing a concept of what they should be like, rather than actualizing themselves. This difference between self-actualization and self-image actualization is very important. Most people live only for their image. It’s not the daily increase but daily decrease. Hack away at the unessential. The stillness in stillness is not the real stillness; only when there is stillness in movement does the universal rhythm manifest. As love grows older, our hearts mature and our love becomes as coals, deep-burning and unquenchable. A good martial artist does not become tense, but ready. Not thinking, yet not dreaming. Ready for whatever may come. When the opponent expands, I contract; and when he contracts, I expand. And when there is an opportunity, “I” do not hit, “it” hits all by itself. If nothing within you stays rigid, outward things will disclose themselves. Moving, be like water. Still, be like a mirror. Respond like an echo. Things live by moving and gain strength as they go. Notice that the stiffest tree is most easily cracked, while the bamboo or willow survives by bending with the wind. A wise man can learn more from a foolish question than a fool can learn from a wise answer. If you don’t want to slip up tomorrow, speak the truth today. A quick temper will make a fool of you soon enough. The knowledge and skills you have achieved are meant to be forgotten so you can float comfortably in emptiness, without obstruction. If you want to learn to swim jump into the water. On dry land no frame of mind is ever going to help you. If there is a God, he is within. You don’t ask God to give you things, you depend on God for your inner theme".

Thought of the day:

What is meant for you will arrive in exactly the right ways at the right time. XO, Meta-Maria!

10 ways to MOVE ON!

1-You deserve to be happy, so allow this to happen. 2- Be confident and always trust yourself. 3- Change is good, FLOW. 4- Be courageous and take a risk. 5- Just say NO to guilt. 6- You DESERVE THE BEST. repeat often. 7- Make the decision, and act on it. 8- Keep wearing a smile. 9- YOU are good enough, you are fabulous…YOU DESERVE THE BEST. 10- Celebrate yourself.

Thought of the day:

It's not how much you make, but how much you SAVE. Money management.

Flow:

"The more you stress - the more you push - the more you try to force things, the lower your vibrations. Allow life & energy to simply flow"! -unknown

The human element.

We are all HUMANS. Funny, silly, ridiculous HUMANS. You can identify with him/he, she/her, and a host of other illusions for the ego. We are all HUMANS. Humans make me LAUGH.

Thought of the day:

Develop as a human being. Education is vital. Always learning, growing and improving. Expanding mind. Mindfulness. (Skilled mindfulness = discipline). Critical thinking skills. Develop as a human with athleticism. BE ATHLETIC: (best defense of the self). LOSE weight. RESPECT self. Smart athletic woman rule!Don't be contaminated by stress or anger. Enjoy being integrated, using skills of awareness, not control. I am a power source of energy vortex. Maria works!

Lemon Water GOOD!!! I had to share:

"20 Unbelievable Reasons To Start Your Day With Water and Lemon Water with lemon provides the body with electrolytes which hydrate your body. As lemons contain good amount of electrolytes such as potassium, calcium and magnesium. Water with lemon is good for the joints, reducing pain in the joints and muscles. Warm water with lemon helps digestion as lemon contains citric acid. It interacts with other enzymes and acids which easily stimulate the secretion of gastric juice and digestion. The liver produces more enzymes from water with lemon than from any other food. Water with lemon cleanses the liver. Lemon juice stimulates the liver to release toxins. Water with Lemon helps fight infections of the respiratory tract, sore throats and inflammation of the tonsils. This is due to the anti-inflammatory properties of lemon. Warm water with lemon helps regulate natural bowel movement. Water with lemon is indispensable for the normal work of metabolism. Since lemon is a powerful antioxidant, it protects the body from free radicals and strengthens the immune system. Water with lemon aids in proper functioning of the nervous system (as lemon has a high content of potassium). Depression and anxiety are often the result of low levels of potassium in the blood. The nervous system needs a sufficient amount of potassium to ensure sustainable signals to the heart. Water with lemon cleanses blood, blood vessels and arteries. Water with lemon can help lower blood pressure. A daily intake of one lemon can reduce high blood pressure by 10%. Water with lemon creates an alkalizing effect in the body. Even if you drink it immediately before a meal, it can help your body maintain a higher level of pH. The higher the pH, the more your body is able to fight diseases. Water with lemon is good for the skin. Vitamin C in lemon, improves our skin by rejuvenating the body. Drinking water with lemon regularly (every morning) will improve the condition of your skin. Water with lemon helps to dilute uric acid, the built up of which leads to pain in the joints and gout. Water with lemon is beneficial for pregnant women. Since lemons are loaded with Vitamin C, it acts as an adaptogen helping the body cope with viruses such as colds. Furthermore, vitamin C helps the formation of bone tissue of the unborn baby. At the same time, due to the high content of potassium, a mixture of water with lemon helps forming cells of the brain and nervous system of the baby. Water with lemon relieves heartburn. For this, mix a teaspoon of lemon juice in half a glass of water. Water with lemon helps dissolve gallstones, kidney stones, pancreatic stones, and calcium deposits. Water with lemon helps with weight loss. Lemons contain pectin fiber, which helps suppress hunger cravings. Studies have proven people with a better alkaline diet have lost weight faster. Water with lemon helps with tooth pain and gingivitis. Water with lemon prevents cancer. This is due to the fact that lemons are a highly alkaline food. Multiple studies have found that cancer cannot thrive in an alkaline environment". http://complete-health-and-happiness.com/20-reasons-drink-lemon-water-morning/

thought of the day:

The devil of progress and change is in the DETAILS. One step at a time. Its all about the SMALL details.

Bee Animal Spirit Guide:

Today, as I am tackling my homework at my desk, I see a bee maneuvering my window, stuck inside. At first, I think nothing of it. Then time continues to pass, hours, actually. The bee seemingly tired and low energy, still walking up my window. Finally I get the message, his gift to me: "Bees are the symbol of fertility and sexuality. Its honeycomb, a hexagon, is the symbol of the heart and represents the sweetness of life found within our own heart. It is also the symbol of the sun and all its energies. The bee reminds us to extract the honey of life and to make our lives fertile (productive) while the sun shines. No matter how great the dream is, there is the promise of fulfillment if we pursue our dreams. If a Bee has shown up in your life, examine your own productivity. Are you doing all you can to make your life more fertile? Are you busy enough? Are you making time to savor the honey of life and not becoming a workaholic? The Bee is the symbol of accomplishing the impossible. Aerodynamically, its body is too large for its wings and should not be able to fly. Although now we understand how it does fly (high rate of wing movement), the Bee remains a symbol of accomplishing anything you put your mind to. In Hinduism, the Bee relates to Vishnu, Krishna or Kama, the God of Love. In Egypt, the Bee symbolized royalty. In Greece, it was the symbol of the Eleusinian Mysteries. The Celts associated the Bee with hidden wisdom." http://www.linsdomain.com/totems/pages/bee.htm I open the window, and set him free, first of all, thanking him for the blessings that may be. XO, Meta-Maria

Thought of the day:

Be clear. Take responsibility. So to take action.

Thought of the day:

Useful tension: Ambition(useful tension) = moves HIGHER. Fear of unknown = specific focus = (useful tension). XO, Meta-Maria

Thought of the day:

I had been living my life as if I had all this time. That is the illusion. All we have is now, this moment. This moment is the gift. And these moments do add up to an experience, a journey a path I create in my life. I'm not concerned with being anything besides myself, embracing moments facing fears and embracing love. That's all that really matters. Everything else is a distraction from my truth. This moment. And love.

Fabulous free spirits, BE. (Had to share: must read)

"This is for the gentle goddesses with watery, empathic hearts, who ooze with oodles of compassion, eager to soothe another’s suffering. This is for the luscious ladies with restless spirits who can’t stay in one place for long, because our souls are winged, always longing for adventure. Yes, this is just for us: The free-spirited females with fiercely sensitive hearts. We are a balmy breeze, casually caressing arms lovingly, suddenly here, suddenly there, then suddenly gone. We are a thousand grains of precious pink sand, slowly slipping through soft fingertips, one by one. We can never be contained because we aren’t meant to be. We are born to ride the wild winds of passion, surf the turbulent oceans of despair, and relentlessly explore the great vastness of this crazy world—until our bodies collapse in ecstatic exhaustion. We understand deeply that life is a heartbreakingly beautiful series of goodbyes, hellos, triumphs and disappointments and we feel most alive in the midst of transformation, courageously shedding our old skin to be birthed again, raw and new. We are are well-versed in letting go, able to boldly exhale and swiftly set fire to the past, painstakingly gathering the ashen wisdom to build a more abundant future. We are phoenixes, falcons, eagles and butterflies. We are light and airy, yet never lacking depth. We are carefree and sparkly, but our effervescence actually emanates from caring so deeply, from feeling the world’s pain, happiness, love, sadness and struggle wildly pulsate within our chests, day in and day out. We are spongy emotional barometers, picking up on another’s mood immediately, sensing anxiety, anger, grief, frustration and jealousy. Feeling it so damn intensely that we sometimes suffocate. We crave alone time, solo adventures, secret places and quiet spaces because the world can seem so scary and overwhelming that we wonder if it could, in fact, swallow us entirely in one single gulp. We love wholly, compassionately and completely—but never possessively. We have to fly away sometimes, darting out in the velvety black of night because we know that by setting ourselves free, we can set others free too. We deeply respect our femininity, listening closely to the whispering wisdom of our intuition, the mystical murmurs of our ancestors and the primal pulse of nature. We feel most alive outside, wings fully spanned, feeling the firm ground beneath our feet, welcoming the fiercest winds to whirl through our wispy hair. We are fierce warriors, forces to be reckoned with—precisely because we are so sensitive. My gentle and free-spirited sisters, I hear your feathery roar. Let us spread our wings and soar. Let us fly long and fast and hard. Let us fly unapologetically. Into the incredible lives we are meant to live. Let us vow now. To never turn our backs on the wise contents. Of our fabulously free-spirited. And fantastically sensitive souls." http://www.elephantjournal.com/2015/01/for-the-free-spirited-females-with-fiercely-sensitive-hearts/

Thought of the day:

Have FUN and PLAY as much as possible every single day.

Thought of the day:

You will be better. Keep on doing the right things!

Change happens constantly.

Personal growth is a choice.

Here are 10 life lessons wise people have figured out:

"Here are 10 life lessons wise people have figured out: 1. There are no mistakes, only growth. 2. You will keep repeating the same patterns until you get the lesson. 3. Whatever you believe about yourself on the inside is manifested on the outside. 4. The more you approve of yourself, the less you need others' approval. 5. All situations are pathways instead of problems. 6. Things don't happen to you — they happen for you. 7. There is no "there" to get to — it never ends. 8. Where you are today is preparing you for tomorrow. Everything is connected. 9. You will always get what you need. It might not be what you want, but it is always exactly what you need. 10. What you make of your life is up to you." http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-18091/10-truths-wise-people-know-but-dont-talk-about.html

12 Ways to be inspired:

1-Have a mentor(s). 2-Have a support team. 3-Laugh with abandon! 4- Dance/exercise/move yo body! 5-Do something new and different. 6- Appreciate and LOVE the skin/body/vessel you are in. 7- MAke/create something. 8- PAY IT FORWARD- random acts of kindness. 9-LET GO…RELAX. 10- Follow your intuition. 11- Let the people you love, know you care. 12- MAke an inspiration/goal board, and place it where you will see it often.

Chipmunk animal spirit guide:

Yesterday as I was driving out to the barn to ride the horses I came across a chipmunk who had completely stopped on the road in front of my vehicle, to which I came to a full stop for it to stare at me, then run off and up a tree. Later that same morning, the ladies and myself went for a trail ride on our horses. Low and behold, another chipmunk crosses the road in front of me. My horse stops, and we both watch it run into a storm drain, then dart out and up a tree! Twice in one day, I would say, this is a sign. The chipmunk is sharing its medicine. Here is what I found: CHIPMUNK: "The messenger of many realms. Curious and inquisitive they explore everything that comes into their lives; there is no detail that goes unnoticed. They do what they want to do in their own time and will not tolerate being told what to do. Running about; first in one direction and circling back to where they started from. (Don't get over-excited or you will forget what you set out to do.) The chipmunk is content to live under your porch or near stone foundations for warmth and protection from the elements, joyously singing in a chorus when gathered together. Chipmunks are nut gatherers, creating a stash for cold winter days. When the chipmunk visits this may indicate it is time to tighten your spending habits, allotting more funds into your savings account. If you have a chipmunk or family of chipmunks living in your yard you are likely to be blessed with abundance and can also signify a need for planning for the future. Learn to carry your nutrition with you, keep new projects secret and always have more than one exit." http://spiritwalkministry.com/spirit_guides/land_animal_spirits What a gift! XOXO, MJT

Thought of the day:

Simplify things.

Most problems you create in your mind. Heal that and enjoy the sunshine.

Some people create their own storms. Then get upset when it rains… I dance, get soaking wet, staying with it; then wait for the sunshine and FLOWERS again. LIfe is full of seasons. My mind is spring and summer! XOXO, Meta-MAria

TRUTH

"Above ALL, be the HEROINE of your own life, not the victim". - Nora Ephron

Thought of the day, Marinate on this:

As I make more positive changes, my life just gets much better. Abundance is in ALL things. Life is as great as you THINK/IMAGINE it to be. NEVER losing, only winning or LEARNING. Because, I LOVE WHAT I DO! There are so many beautiful reasons to be HAPPY. We are not born successful, its not a trait we inherit. In order to succeed in this lifetime, YOU (I) MUST HAVE COURAGE, determination/discipline/WILL, and the STRENGTH to overcome ALL obstacles put on your(my) path on you (my) road to success. So APPRECIATE your(my) current blessings, as they will attract future blessings, and choose to be optimistic, it simply feels better. Breathe in Gandhi, breathe out Godzilla. SO much LOVE, Meta-MAria

They say, "its the moments that take our breath away"

They say, "its the moments that take our breath away", and today I discovered that while running in Discovery Park. Every exhale, forced inhalation. Releasing. Energizing. Present moment. The breath… the exhalation, taking my breaths away. Forced inhalation, healing, meditation, HAPPY…BRIGHT. I love running, it forces my breath away, inhaling love, focused love. Exhaling toxins, illusions, anger, rage, poison. Forced exhalation, focused forced exhalation, grabbing, reaching for new breath, new life. Thankful for the moments that take my breath away. Discovering and creating an environment to be FREE. New moments, new me. XO, MJT

Thought of the day:

Space in relationships (all relationships) sometimes space is needed. Thats the flex and un-flexing I keep mentioning, some say, "give and take". (though I think of that term as elementary). Many solutions reside in space. Then regrouping, and communicating from a clear lens, heightened perspective infused with love, integrity and growth. WE ARE ALL HUMAN, imperfect humans!!! To remain present and not push, allowing the flow…as we all dance to an unique beat. The ones we love may hurt us the deepest, and that is ok. To love, with an open heart is to know the deepest pain, with the lowest lows you gain the highest of heights, like flying from mountain tops, diving in the valleys, hitting turbulence as you cross rivers and you get pushed back up high with great force BALLOONING as crossing larger bodies of water, like the Puget Sound! THAT IS LOVE. IT is the ride of our lives. To remain open hearted, when you are afraid and filled with fears, faced with your own darkness. Stay with it, follow it through to the other side and enter the lightness, fully connected to the flex and un-flex of the human experience. To learn and grow from this, expanding awareness and evolving others with us along the way. Listening, the lost art. And in that the dance of communicating and vulnerability exposed, busting illusions, and realizing you are so safe in the storm, with your sight on the horizon, you get a glimpse of the light. Fly high dear ones, shine bright. Stay connected to your highest intention, your own internal light. YOu are safe here, solid, grounded, just. Enjoy the ride!!! SMILE!!! YOU should be having FUN! DON"T BE AFRAID OF WHO YOU ARE. XOXO, with deep LOVE...Meta-MAria