We are Spiritual Beings here to experience living in the physical world. That is it, really.
Everything else are just labels that we create.
Spiritually we are one, separately we are unique individuals experiencing form.
sarisspeaks.com

Remember

" The Purpose of life is to experience,
   the meaning is determined by you."
                    -Saris

New Beginnings

Christmas is almost here, and a new year is about to begin. I love this time of year and find myself singing Christmas songs where ever I go. I hear laughter from friends exchanging gifts, from children playing and from co-workers on their lunch break. Lets take time this Christmas from the hustle and bustle of trying to get things done and from running here and there, and take a look around. Stop, and really take a look! We are all here on this planet, together, there is so much good in the world and sometimes we miss so much. Lets take the time to notice the little things that life has to offer, a smile from a stranger, laughter from a child, the perfect Santa Clause that is right in front of you. Lets, stops the worries, the fears and just be with each other. We are one, after all. Lets look pasted the assumptions, the judgments, and just except everyone for who they are right at this moment. Lets give to others for no other reason than just to give. Lets strive to have love in our hearts, lets make 2017 the best year yet! We can start by taking the time to just really look at the world around us, and share a little love with each other. May 2017 be the year of new beginnings where all of our dreams come true.
Lauren

We were all babies once!

People are interesting, we are unique, we have different faces, bodies, colors, beliefs, thoughts and perceptions.  We are more different then you think. Most people view the world around them through their past experiences, from their families, culture, religion and environment. We form these ideas what the world looks like and how things should be. I use to see the world as hell and I hated people, all people, including myself. That is what I had learn from my past experiences. One day after questioning my beliefs, and perception of my world, I started to see thing differently, things I never noticed before; a hawk flying through the air, the wind blowing through the trees, the smiles from strangers, even the colors seem brighter. What changed? My perception changed, I remember a quote, I love quotes, that said "When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change" The world changed for me. Through all the horrors in this world, there is good. It is in us all, we just can't see it sometimes. One day while driving home, I saw an old, dirty homeless man talking to himself, the thoughts that popped in my head was, "he was once a baby". Was he loved? What was his life like that lead him to this point in time? We all started out with a clean slate, did we not? So, here we are judging, hating, thinking we are better than them, whoever they are. I hope you realize if you were born a Muslim women in Iraq, for example, you wouldn't remotely be who you are today. Do you realize that we created this world, your beliefs affect the world around you. It is your beliefs and ideologies that created hate. We were all born the same, and the only reason our skin colors are different is because where we were born. I now, don't hate the world we live in, I just want to make it better, one day at a time. So, my unique friends, how about we start by looking at our own beliefs and how that affects our world.

If you like what I wrote please hit the follow button for your support.
Thank you,

Lauren

PLEASE Take Responsibility!

I haven't posted anything in over three years. Facebook did that "here's a memory" thing that it does and I started reading over a few of my posts and thought they were awesome. I haven't read them all yet, but will soon enough. I just wanted to say that I have been seeing so much "evil" in the world lately, I mean it has always been there, but it seems so overwhelming to me, lately. I am angry, but I realize that there is no one to blame but ourselves. Why can't we take responsibility, not only for our actions, but our perceptions on how we view the world around us. Don't you see that we, every single person, has made this world what it is today. So, those of you that just thought "I did not do anything" or blaming others, don't you see that you are part of the problem? We all are! Our words, our actions, the way we view the world as separate races, when in reality there is only one race, the human race. The way Republicans blame the Democrats and visa versa, the Christians blame the Muslims, the Muslims blame the Jews and so on and so on. Every person, politicians, religious organizations, the people that segregate race from the human race to black, white, red, etc. don't you see what we are doing to ourselves? No one person is better than another, but by thinking that, we become the cause of hate and suffering in the world. By thinking that my religion is the "right" religion that is one of the greatest causes of war and murder. Why, because that is saying everyone else is wrong, so that is Ok to murder on the behalf of God. Please look at your self, at what you think, and say, how you feel about everything I have said. Remember "Blaming" is one of the greatest sign that you are not looking in the mirror at who you really are. PLEASE, for all the people in this world, Please take a look at yourselves. I am begging you!!

A touch on the shoulder: "Along The Way"

A touch on the shoulder: "Along The Way": I haven't blogged in a long time. Crazy! Things have been great, with a few hang ups along the way. Funny, that saying "along the w...

"Along The Way"

I haven't blogged in a long time. Crazy! Things have been great, with a few hang ups along the way. Funny, that saying "along the way...." to where? That is the question. Where are we going? I have been a seeker for most of my life. There is a drive in me, a force, leading the way. Actually, it has been an amazing adventure. I have learned so much "along the way." but I realized that no matter where life takes us, "we are already there!" that means in spite of everything, your physical, your thoughts, your personality, your fears, and your everyday life, underneath it all you are already "enlightened", your already the light. YOU, are what you are searching for. I have read so many books, seen so many amazing speakers, events, and been to many groups. Even though most people know that the answer lies within, they still seem to be searching, trying to figure out what that means. What is the truth? Why, as human beings, do we feel the need to search for answers. I believe the truth is bigger than we can possibly imagine and we will never really understand what that means. My experiences of the truth is just a piece of an ongoing puzzle forever growing.
So.....................what I want from you is your piece of the puzzle, what do you believe?

"Hero of the Dream"

The "Hero" of the Dream(February 14, 1968)
The body is the central figure in the dreaming of the world. There IS no dream without it, nor does it exist without the dream, in which it acts as if it were a person, to be seen and be believed. It takes the central place in every dream, which tells the story of how it was made by OTHER bodies, born into the world OUTSIDE the body, lives a little while, and dies, to be united in the dust with other bodies, dying like itself. In the brief time allotted it to live, it seeks for other bodies as its friends and enemies. Its safety is its main concern. Its comfort is its guiding rule. It tries to look for pleasure, and avoid the things that would be hurtful. Above all, it tries to teach itself its pains and joys are different, and CAN be told apart.
The dreaming of the world takes many forms, because the body seeks in many ways to PROVE it is autonomous and real. It puts things on itself that it has bought with little metal discs or paper strips the world proclaims as valuable and good. It works to get them, doing senseless things, and tosses them away for senseless things it does not NEED, and does not even WANT. It hires OTHER bodies, that they may protect it, and collect more senseless things that it can call its own. It looks about for special bodies which can SHARE its dream. Sometimes it dreams it is a conqueror of bodies weaker than itself. But in some phases of the dream, it is the slave of bodies which would hurt and torture it.
The body's serial adventures, from the time of birth to dying is the theme of every dream the world has ever had. The "hero" of this dream will never change, nor will its purpose. Though the dream itself takes many forms, and SEEMS to show a great variety of places and events wherein its "hero" finds itself, the dream has but ONE purpose, taught in many ways. This single lesson does it try to teach again, and still again, and yet once more; - that it is CAUSE and NOT effect. And YOU are ITS effect, and CANNOT be its cause. Thus are you NOT the dreamer, but the DREAM. And so you wander idly in and out of places and events that IT contrives.
That this is all the BODY does is true, for it IS but a figure in a dream. But who REACTS to figures in a dream UNLESS he sees them as if they were real? The INSTANT that he sees them as they are, they HAVE no more effects on him BECAUSE he understands he GAVE them their effects BY CAUSING THEM, and MAKING them seem real.


"A Course in Miricles"

"Seeing my body in the mirror"

Life, Life, Life! I go back and forth from ego to spirit and back again. There are 2 things I have learned: see God in everything and everyone, and forgive when you don't. I have been practicing forgiveness. Not an easy task. I have realize that we are all one and that when I judge others I am ultimately judging myself. I have been working on forgiving others and the world around me, but, for me, the ultimate challenge is forgiving myself. At first, I thought to myself, what do I have to forgive? I haven't done anything. But later I realize I feel guilty all the time, guilty that I did not do this right, or that I was hard on myself, or forgetting to do something I was suppose to do. I saw guilt everywhere. I have gained back the weight I lost. For those of you who do not know, I lost 68 pounds and was 7 pound from my goal, a size 14. I have gained 65 pounds back. So, of course I have been judging myself. Telling myself that I am a failure, and then guilt! But what I have learned that I needed to gain the weight back. I have been working liking crazy to lose it that I forgot that I am not this body. I have been putting to much importance in my body. But, now as I look at myself in the mirror, I am grateful for this strange figure I see before me, I mean so far I have been healthy, it has carried me for 45 years without a hitch. But, I know the truth that this oddly shape in front of me is not me. I knew that, but I have never experienced that before. I actually forgave myself. Forgave myself for hating my body and being attached to it, forgave myself in thinking I was a failure and putting so much energy into that body in the mirror. Our bodies are ego's biggest distraction in keeping us from the truth. I believe if I truly forgive myself for creating this 265 pound body, and truly experience that it is not real, and that I am spirit first, than eventually I don't need to even try to lose the weight the pounds will eventually come off on there own. Sounds like fantasy? or that I am delusional, we shall see. I still have a lot more forgiving to do. But I am on my way!!

"Who are we?"

I haven't written anything for a long time. I have been diving into the depths of "who am I", who we all are. When I wrote my book, "A Touch on the Shoulder" it talked about my journey of discovery. I had learned so much over that year in writing about my life's adventures, the darkness I faced, and all the wonders I discovered along the way. I realized a while ago that I wasn't just this body, I wasn't a name that someone gave me, or the job I did, or even just a wife or daughter. Who was I? I, like most people, fell into the trap of searching outside my self for answers. I faced everything outside myself, I forgave the two men who molested me, I forgave my mom and realized that I had to ask for her forgiveness as well. I forgave all those who I thought offended me in some way, I faced the children within, and I stopped judging my co-workers and excepted them for who they were. So, what incredible insight I have to share with the world? That when you have no one else to blame, you have only yourself left. Then you realize that happiness is fleeting at best and comes and goes like the whims of emotions. What we are all searching for, which we don't really realize, is true peace with in, a kind of peace, of joy that you cannot find in what you see through the ego's eyes, this man made ego's world. You cannot find it in relationships, or in material things, you cannot find it in susses, and you definitely cannot find it by being thin, NOTHING you can "see", or you can "get" can give you this peace. It only comes from within, a place where most people do not want to go. The question is how can I get this peace? By not buying into the illusions of this world, and seeking the truth which lies behind the eyes of everything you ever knew or think you know. It's peeling away the layers, like an onion, and leaving the past and all it's perceptions behind. It lies beneath the judgements, assumptions and only found through forgiveness. It is who you truly are!

"Life is truly wonderful"

It has been a long time since I have written anything. I hope everyone is wonderful. I had a incredible experience and wanted to share it with you. I was in Europe for 2 weeks, a week in Prague, Czech Republic and a week in Italy for my brother's wedding. I will send pictures later.
I realized something so profound, at least it was profound to me. I was in my favorite city in all the world, Prague. I wanted to experience Prague and all it's glory without all the people, and I wanted to take incredible pictures so, I got up at 4:00 am, just before sunrise and went to the main square and Charles bridge by myself, while Ernie slept. There were very few people, actually there was two people on the bridge, as I stood there, the light was illuminating the sky, I was incomplete awe. The feeling was hard to explain, but I will try. A wave of complete joy came up from my belly, and came pouring out of me. I had no thoughts, just pure awe of my surroundings. I remember saying out loud, " God do you feel what I am feeling, do you see what I am seeing?" At that moment I got it. I realizing that I am so unique, that there is no one in the world like me, like you! Because, at that moment I saw the Charles Bridge, like no one else did. I saw it through my eyes, through who I am. Thousands of people a hour are on that bridge and each one of them are experiencing the moment differently from all the rest. The bridge has been the same for 700 years, the streets of Prague don't change, everything is the same as is was and will be for the next 600 years, but the way each person sees it, experiences it, is what makes us unique. We see the world from our past, our perceptions, through who we are at each given moment,and that is what makes us unique. That moment on the bridge, I realized how incredible and unique I really am, how we all are. It is like the old saying, " beauty is in the eye of the beholder." "life is in the eye of the beholder." So, how do you see the world around you? Do you see a hawk as the incredible creature it really is, or do you even notice it at all. NOTHING is what it seems, you make it what it is. Life is truly wonderful!

"One day at a time"

Well well, hello again! How is everybody doing? I was re-reading the comments on the last blog. It is interesting, that is my problem, trying to balance being in the moment and striving for my goals. How do you do that? I discussed this topic with my husband, he said I have the "artist" mentality, of always striving, pushing myself to the limit, and never being satisfied. He is in the same boat. He is very creative musically. But, happiness is a state of mind, I am happy with who I am, what I have in my life. But, there is something in me that pushes me forward, I want to experience, learn and grow continuously. To tell you the truth life would be so much easier if I just be where I am now. It is actually a wonderful life, but that is not me. Even now I am going through a deep depression, but I still would not want to be anyone else. And I know that once I get through what I am going through now, I will catapulted to a new level of experiences, perceptions. I love the constant change, adventure that life offers. I talked to one of my waitresses the other day, she is in her 20's and when I asked her how her life was, she said it is fine, it has been the same for the past two years. That is so weird to me, I am always experiencing a new adventure in my life. Now back to the question, how to balance that, I do not know. Now I just take it one day at a time. That is all I can do, but I still have a dream.
Lauren

Are you happy?

Hey everybody, it has been forever since I have written. I miss it! I have been busy at work and enjoying my residents. Life is good! I still have my dreams and striving to reach them. I still find it difficult to be present and in the moment. I feel like I need balance in my life, that is hard for me. Surrendering to now and striving for my dream, how in the hell do you do that? Every person I work with has no goals, no dreams they just do their "thing" whatever that may be. So many of them say that their life is their job, and that they have nothing else. I try not to judge them, in fact I have no right to judge them, but lets put it this way, I don't get it! I tell you one thing they are amazing people and I love them dearly, I just want to see them happy. Most people don't seem happy to me. What do you guys think out there in facebook land? Are you happy? Do you like your job? Your life? I find myself happy for weeks at a time and then Boom! I get wrapped up in beating myself up, for not loosing enough weight, or going to bed to early or not exercising that day and especially for not being present. When I finally get out of "my complaining mood", I should say, than I am happy again. It is strange really I am my best friend and at times my worst enemy. I just assume that it is that way for everybody? Who knows? Right now I have a three day weekend and I am going to enjoy myself, enjoy life, and be grateful for the moment. See you soon, have a great weekend.
Lauren

"4 Star Review"

Well guys, can you believe it. I got 4 stars on my book review. I am so happy! The review was great. I just want to update on the next steps of getting my book out there in the world. A crazy thing happened when I first got my first proof back, I shared it with the people at work and ordered copies to try to sell. Well, no one noticed the mistake on the cover where there was no "s" in woman's journey of self-discovery. It read dicovery, and no one noticed until later one of my editors called me and pointed it out to me. So, I had no idea what to do with those books, the truth is I just wanted to give them away, but thought that was a bad business decision. I am not a business woman what so ever. I decided to give them away to the staff at work that wanted to read them. I also ordered new books in hopes of trying to sell them. One day I was sitting at Dos Coyotes, and out of the blue I heard a voice that said give it to the woman sitting next to me, and I did. I told her I know this might sound crazy, but I am suppose to give this book to you. I asked her if she liked it to please pass it on. Crazy huh! People have just been coming up to me out of the blue asking me what am I reading and we just start talking about my book. My next step next week is sending out the press release to over 2000 media outlets, and I will get the list so I call follow up on the connections. I need your help, however, those of you who have read my book and like it, can you please go to Amazon.com and write a small review on it. I would appreciate it immensely. I hope you all have a great weekend and again thank you for all your support.
Lauren

"The truth sets you free, or does it?"

Hey everybody, How is the New Year going so far? I hope it is going great. I feel great! I have been nervous about my book coming out. But so far, I have gotten a good response. I got new friends on facebook recently, so for those who don't know my book is called "A Touch on the shoulder" and is available at Amazon.com. check it out! I have noticed how much I have been in my head lately, being nervous about my book, doubting myself, and worrying that "I am delusional" and that my book is not as good as I hope it is. I know I talked a lot about being my worst enemy, and that old "cousin it" is creeping back in my head. It says crazy things, and I can't believe after all this time, I still get caught up in all its antics. I actually have gained 15 pounds over this! Crazy! well now I am back on track, it just crept up on me. I mean, I know that I am being very vulnerable in my book, but I put it out there, now I just have to let it go. What happens, happens, right! That is much harder than it looks. But the truth is, I want to know the truth. It is important to me to know how people feel about what I have written. Why? Because I want to continue writing and inspiring people, helping people, just to be a reminder that we are not alone in the world. But that is where the truth comes in, I also want to know if I am, who I think I am. (cousin it is here with me) But seriously, I want the truth. For me the truth does set you free or does it?
Lauren

"New year, New beginnings"

I haven't forgotten you guys. Christmas was perfect! My husband and I had 36 presents under the tree just for us. We spoiled ourselves rotten! It was so fun, we had our poo poo"s (appetizers), beer, Christmas music. Then on Christmas day I was with my residents. Now tomorrow we are having a New Years Party with my residents. Actually it is a New Years Dance with music from the 30's & 40"s, then we well serve them sparkling cider, more poo poo's, and toast the New Year. Can you believe it will be 2011! Crazy, huh! It will be a great year! I can't wait! Life is great. I have been crying for 3 weeks because I am so happy. Christmas brings out the best in me.
I want to up date you on my book. I am waiting for a book review, and then I will send out a press release to media outlets, such as magazines, newspaper etc. so wish me luck. I will let you know what will happen. Again you can get my book on Amazon.com "A touch on the shoulder"
I want to know what you guys think. Thank you for all your support.
Happy New Year to all! I hope 2011 will be the best year for all of us!!!!
Lauren

"May all your dreams come true!"

Christmas is almost here, and a new year is about to begin. I love this time of year and find myself singing Christmas songs where ever I go. I hear laughter from friends exchanging gifts, from children playing and from co-workers on their lunch break. Lets take time this Christmas from the hustle and bustle of trying to get things done and from running here and there, and take a look around. Stop, and really take a look! We are all here on this planet, together, there is so much good in the world and sometimes we miss so much. Lets take the time to notice the little things that life has to offer, a smile from a stranger, laughter from a child, the perfect Santa Clause that is right in front of you. Lets, stops the worries, the fears and just be with each other. We are one, after all. Lets look pasted the assumptions, the judgments, and just except everyone for who they are right at this moment. Lets give to others for no other reason than just to give. Lets strive to have love in our hearts, lets make 2011 the best year yet! We can start by taking the time to just really look at the world around us, and share a little love with each other. May 2011 be the year of new beginnings where all of our dreams come true.
Lauren

"Today was a blessing"

Today was an incredible day. We were blessed with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus today. They came to my work at the assistant living facility, where we took pictures, laughed, cried and each of us was blessed with a miracle. Believe it or not folks, but the real Santa Clause was here. I never believed in Santa until today. Seven years ago from today this ordinary man was hit by a truck. But by him being hit by this truck on this particular day, he saved 6 small children. He was clinically dead and upon returning to his mundane life, he came back as Santa Clause and that is who he is from his head to his toes, to the depths of his soul. Three months earlier Santa ran out of gas in his 1928 mold T ford right in front of our building, and today we had the honor by his presence. He brought a huge bag of stuffed animals, and every single one of them were different. He reached in what he called his "God Bag" and pulled out the perfect one for each of the residents and for all the staff. He stayed longed after the pictures were done and toys were given, and told us stories of miracles. He told us how where ever he went he always had just enough toys and candy canes, and that even when he was down to the last toy that somehow there was always more if needed. I cried and had my own little miracle siting between Santa and Mrs. Santa, for my 5 years old little girl within got a chance to have a wonderful memory of Santa Claus, one she had forgotten so long ago. It was a blessing, and it was a perfect day. WOW! There is a Santa Clause, can you believe it!

"It is good to be back!"

Hello, Hello out there! I am back. I have been sick for the past 5 days. Boy, I haven't been sick like this in over two years. It is good to be back. I have had a crazy, yet awesome day. I am so excited, I have to tell you why. First of all I want to start by telling you about my day. I am still a little under the weather, but since me and my babies (my dogs) have been cooped up for days I decided to take my babies to the dog park. This was the first time in doing so, usually I take them for a walk, but I thought the less exercise would be best, being still a little sick and all. So, what happened? It was a disaster! Trying to get two large dogs into a small truck, crazy! What was I thinking? Then I did not know exactly where the dog park was so I asked this lady walking her dog and she said "follow me it is right over there." We walked and walked and you got it and walked. When I got there it looked great, it was cloudy and cold, but because it hadn't rained in awhile, I thought it looked fine. Looks can be deceiving! Mud, yes in the middle of the dog park was mud and you can imagine how that turned out. So when I got back, my babies where clean because the mud was all over the inside of my car. I figured oh, well and off to Dos Coyotes I went with my book in hand. My eyes got tired, do to still being congested, so I left earlier than usual. When I got home, I had to start the dreaded cleaning of the kitchen, and I noticed as soon as I let my littlest baby out of his cage (Bird named gringo) he immediately flew off his cage, his cage was infested with ants, they were everywhere. It took about an hour cleaning everything up. Crazy, you should of seen me, there is a huge thick plastic mat for the floor under his cage, trying to bend that thing to take it outside was a challenge to say the least, the bird flew down the hall I kept dropping it and things flew across the room, Christmas tree ornaments, candles, when I got it outside it boomeranged from my hands and hit all the utensils from the barbecue (don't worry honey, I pick them up) and to top it off I got soaking wet from the hose, what a sight. But something was different. I was different, in the past I would have been complaining, whining and bitching how my day was ruined, so on and so on, but no today. I was happy, I put on my music and I did not let anything ruin my day. It was amazing! I mean, I wasn't stressed, not one once of complaining in my head, I was actually humming to my music. WOW! For me this was truly awesome. Then when I was almost done with drying off the birdcage, it dawned on me that I was happy, in a great mood. What was weird was I did not have to try to convince myself not to let it get to me, it just happened on it's own. I thought to myself, Lauren everything in your life is perfect and where it should be, even when shit happens! You are OK, better than OK !Yes, how cool is that!
Lauren

"Check it out!"

Hello out there! I hope everyone is doing wonderful! I have been so busy that I haven't had time to write. I actually miss it. I have a great idea for a new book, so I won't be able to write as often. my goal is to blog twice a week. My book "A Touch on the shoulder" is done and ready for print. My next step is to get a proof copy, check it over one more time. How awesome is that! I am so excited. Below is the description of my book which is printed on the back, check it out.

A Touch on the Shoulder is the true story of a woman's journey of self-discovery. It recounts the raw tales of a young woman who searches for the meaning of life and her purpose in the world. She travels the world, meeting incredible people and experiencing many amazing adventures, only to discover that the answers she sought were ultimately within herself. She faced the darkness of her past and embraced the indomitable spirit she recognized in herself. When she began writing she vowed to write from the heart and no matter what came out, she would keep it. What makes her story unique is through her exploration of her life she found something unexpected and magical, her child within. She came out with a vengeance and was allowed to express herself. This is a very honest and real narrative that will make you laugh and cry. I invite you along to share Lauren's true stories and her journey of self-discovery.
I let you know when it is ready for sale. Thank you all for your support.
Lauren