tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3282219005851774762024-02-19T10:16:56.628-05:00Freedom's Drum Marketing & ConsultingGlobal Movements, Workshops, Publications, and Products for the Human Spirit.iamfreedomsdrumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659861568241768958noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-328221900585177476.post-35239766360730547452023-08-24T20:25:00.002-04:002023-08-24T20:25:43.665-04:00The difference between Job & Work <p><br /></p>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CwN7SWEhm8d/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CwN7SWEhm8d/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; 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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CwN7SWEhm8d/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Kavon Massenburg (@iamkusudi)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>iamfreedomsdrumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659861568241768958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-328221900585177476.post-39737705215490321832022-02-10T16:26:00.005-05:002022-02-10T20:18:22.084-05:00Three Magic Words Powerful #Meditation<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xrLibt38wOs" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMHeENPA6J3_bh1f5sr-Q89uIEjtMvmI8nGZ5b_sGvXmgJiE6CyCWJ2aX25yKH1gMWImyBtQbJbFrmSMeqVVZTluP5VY278_3JMabb2Jg5BBzSPVCThtSRZTlqGZ3QKXhuo69qcxeh8GLF7Gz1MRPuFeJ0U1ctVW8TZWfOiO6lnzbTRq4jtFKgCqs0vw=s1280" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMHeENPA6J3_bh1f5sr-Q89uIEjtMvmI8nGZ5b_sGvXmgJiE6CyCWJ2aX25yKH1gMWImyBtQbJbFrmSMeqVVZTluP5VY278_3JMabb2Jg5BBzSPVCThtSRZTlqGZ3QKXhuo69qcxeh8GLF7Gz1MRPuFeJ0U1ctVW8TZWfOiO6lnzbTRq4jtFKgCqs0vw=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>I've been a admirer of Dr. Wayne Dyer and his awesome work for years. In a recent video I came across, I heard him recite meditation No. 1 in Uell Anderson's Book, Three Magic Words. It was magic! I am magic! You are too!</p><p> I want to thank one of my spiritual guides, the late Baba James Alston for gifting me the book many years ago. I know you are speaking to me...I am listening...Thank You!</p><p> May you be blessed...It is my intention to create more content like this and use my gifts, my voice, to inspire others to go within. For I know, "when your Mind unwinds, your Spirit it will find!"</p><p> <span face="Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span><span face="Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">***
</span></p><blockquote>I know that I am pure spirit that I always have been and that I always will be. There is, inside me, a place of confidence and quietness and security where all things are known and understood. This is the Universal Mind, God, of which I am a part and which responds to me as I ask of it. This universal mind knows the answer to all of my problems and even now the answers are speeding their way to me. I needn't struggle for them; I needn't worry or strive for them. When the time comes, the answers will be there. I give my problems to the great mind of God; I let go of them, confident that the correct answers will return to me when they are needed. Through the great law of attraction, everything in life that I need for my work and fulfillment will come to me. It is not necessary that I strain about this, only believe. For in the strength of my belief my faith will make it so. I see the hand of divine intelligence all about me, in the flower, the tree, the brook, the meadow. I know that the intelligence that created all these things is in me and around me, and that I can call upon it for my slightest need. I know that my body is a manifestation of pure spirit and the spirit is perfect; therefore my body is perfect also. I enjoy life, for each day brings a constant demonstration of the power and wonder of the universe and myself. I am confident. I am serene. I am sure no matter what obstacle or undesirable circumstance crosses my path, I refuse to accept it for it is nothing but illusion. There can be no obstacle or undesirable circumstance to the Mind of God which is in me, around me, and serves me now. </blockquote><span face="Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span>Three Magic Words Uell S. Anderson<span face="Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span>With Gratitude- With JOY, Shawn<p></p>iamfreedomsdrumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659861568241768958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-328221900585177476.post-54766056631572045472022-01-07T10:43:00.003-05:002022-01-07T10:43:53.686-05:00Affirming Intentions
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsOAd31cbRWeZFdI1XndKraf_O1SS5HMzJDWvj5YNdwVIXTnpM8-309sInkBMbyAdZtExaHPgJj6kp_-GGDriZfCSbGkiLVaZUczhrgrSK_3mKQ2ZyJF6Tpv4GcmXjfGALTz9Hw_Hb3pTH3sEfZV_2_0ZQU0PR6vUCGsV11FJf2cRR7ftKFJZIqEnHVw=s940" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsOAd31cbRWeZFdI1XndKraf_O1SS5HMzJDWvj5YNdwVIXTnpM8-309sInkBMbyAdZtExaHPgJj6kp_-GGDriZfCSbGkiLVaZUczhrgrSK_3mKQ2ZyJF6Tpv4GcmXjfGALTz9Hw_Hb3pTH3sEfZV_2_0ZQU0PR6vUCGsV11FJf2cRR7ftKFJZIqEnHVw=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Affirming Intentions</b></h2><p>Affirmations can be described as positive declarations of agreement to overcome negative thoughts. I started playing around with affirmations over 20 years ago to combat the negative self talk that accompanied a difficult transition. I found them to be helpful reminders of God's presence in my life and I started posting them everywhere. </p><p>Back then, for reinforcement I coupled the affirmations with biblical scriptures to back my statements up. I created cards and called them AffirmArt! I still celebrate them and adorn them on my <a href=" https://www.tiktok.com/@iamfreedomsdrum/video/7036972086929247494?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id7050205132697093638" target="_blank">Affirmation Tree</a>. </p><p>Today it is my intention to engage with people and/or practices that will help bring me into alignment with the presence of source energy- God. Because when I do, I feel good! And when I feel good I know I am presenting the greatest expression of myself. And when I'm presenting the greatest expression of myself, I know I am making the most of this life. And when I am making the most of this life that was gifted to me, I am able to share this gift with with world and do it with love. </p><p>There are so many wonderful people and practices available to all of us. Meditation is a practice. Reading inspirational messages is a practice. Practicing gratitude is a practice. Writing is a practice. Creating affirmations and intentions is a practice. </p><p>Affirmations to help guide my intentions and align me to not only the presence of God around me, but to the attributes of God within me as me. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/affirmingintentions/" target="_blank">AffirmingIntentions</a>, is a new page I created on Instagram where I share some of my intentions, affirmations, and inspirational quotes. #beinspired</p><p>With LOVE,</p><p>Shawn</p>
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line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/affirmingintentions/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank">Shawn Trimble</a> (@<a href="https://www.instagram.com/affirmingintentions/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank">affirmingintentions</a>) • Instagram photos and videos</p></div></blockquote> <script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>iamfreedomsdrumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659861568241768958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-328221900585177476.post-76861697562952996072021-02-15T20:54:00.000-05:002021-02-15T20:54:16.488-05:00Good Morning Gorgeous...<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDL0OixfmPZcKjFylmlnTRQXDvwvawzRUjG3GG02cdKLjBIEhkLewtYcAyUhO5fl4aY9d-0ZVqTRq7whMz-zCis3fm85Kme_uuP3rei9Ly68c6UowdEA_70dciWeieg70XY0nOsinHPv3v/s816/Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="416" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDL0OixfmPZcKjFylmlnTRQXDvwvawzRUjG3GG02cdKLjBIEhkLewtYcAyUhO5fl4aY9d-0ZVqTRq7whMz-zCis3fm85Kme_uuP3rei9Ly68c6UowdEA_70dciWeieg70XY0nOsinHPv3v/s320/Me.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>I have been sifting and sorting and processing life since COVID so I haven't posted much but today I am moved to share a video memory that popped up of me after cutting my hair last year. I didn't remember recorking it, but it’s been like receiving a love letter that I wrote to myself that started with “Good Morning Gorgeous”...<br />It’s my reminder that Everyday is LOVE day when you love the one you’re with...<br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/selflovechallenge?__eep__=6&__cft__[0]=AZWA5ohHzc6w_ujLXt_Uy4N3vVnL6_7HgNQdje7h1Y5vzdMjfrWFWVXDOrJl4hdKCFzbnl22tDuvHkXsE5mfnL1AmXP8Jj_PHHhJOtJXV1_jQqRo4B6XGLCIejaQck3yUF7vQF2n5c6S9Odjlx-Q7pJY&__tn__=*NK-R">#selflovechallenge</a><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hovvPjfNcqQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="hovvPjfNcqQ"></iframe></div><br /><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div>iamfreedomsdrumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659861568241768958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-328221900585177476.post-86946976157872441352020-07-17T11:12:00.001-04:002022-02-10T18:00:12.311-05:00Nobody is Free Until We are All Free!<div id="fb-root">
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<script async="" crossorigin="anonymous" defer="" nonce="YWpJOndB" src="https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v7.0&appId=382311685455844&autoLogAppEvents=1"></script><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgD-MHpQqRdPLM96yB2hPyBJQT-b0BDSRxqGBwFX-6C4dtXRWVgeJwvPOShWn5JUTtR5CI5yxoL4-b66qACsnTaPzf9bGMU7-QwTXYA41F8pjlCeFVwBrahsk1JjTuAcsGwvhGH67NRTQFyNl_1Oi0mQUIeNHTxaQbxBZO-a0jkQuw6s1zZf8IIzyGzkQ=s712" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="685" data-original-width="712" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgD-MHpQqRdPLM96yB2hPyBJQT-b0BDSRxqGBwFX-6C4dtXRWVgeJwvPOShWn5JUTtR5CI5yxoL4-b66qACsnTaPzf9bGMU7-QwTXYA41F8pjlCeFVwBrahsk1JjTuAcsGwvhGH67NRTQFyNl_1Oi0mQUIeNHTxaQbxBZO-a0jkQuw6s1zZf8IIzyGzkQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br />
Dear Friends and Family,<br />
Wherever you are I am holding you in the Light of Love. We are in the midst of a long awaited uprising and the largest civil rights movement in this country. Pardon me as I connect the dots of what my next steps may be in all of this. Writing helps me to find my center.
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<div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/shawn.m.trimble/posts/10223652237114414" data-show-text="true" data-width="">
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For those who don’t know, I am an organizer. I was the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/moveon/?__cft__[0]=AZWh0TvgR_HZPwcpTMSSxE2teIznPU8-RGgeTPB3SGEAVFsQ_fXqIBVKkWVQAUmdDY1Oa61orb6UpVhbI_Zp1WRIU0V_6g4l5pIZrouShBG-fUleUFroj8SMCjfZYoCk1vE&__tn__=kK-R">MoveOn</a> council organizer for Durham and Chapel Hill for three years until I stepped down in 2013.</div>
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Because of my roots in New Orleans, it was natural for me to organize an oil spill vigil to raise awareness of what was happening in the Gulf of Mexico. From there I helped lead various campaigns including, Jobs Not Cuts and Make Wall Street Pay. I led trainings with area coalitions for the 99%, organized vigils for justice surrounding the murder of Trayvon Martin, and rallied with other organizations around actions for women’s rights. I started a state petition that I delivered with over 12,000 signatures to then Governor McCrory as I stood in solidarity against the conservative takeover in North Carolina. I was a fellow for the Obama campaign and was among those arrested for protesting HB2 (<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D4Lf9c5Mrk8M%26feature%3Demb_title%26fbclid%3DIwAR16JMaHPcT14vP5IOzmWa0UiJ_dbIgiDqnYqIofBcFzoJWsMVmTqCTXmJE&h=AT0i6G_UWGeL8Z6G5ftH99fINJCco0jdtPx7GMu1Ez9jfEpFtY0SPQYByktdZaZ1UVqmTdHJNXmU_T6fh6zCXKBW8XJftt0BjHyHyfMx_i7AdYvYIisX7iUpNe80vvGvFw-FRQi9eMS67bMATA&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT3sSAqBHKkpeNrQ4cHVGTkjbJv2coPMkilYUptP1hYBQwgiapQNR6mUZTy7PPOez4B_4GJuWgPzMGFo2w7fTzLEL0aaT5RRaca76aWz88_bJvuw3ybLLmot7bkmcgX6fXvvvfT204sl0oY_M35w1g">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Lf9c5Mrk8M&feature=emb_title&fbclid=IwAR0YFnOV_-wESnQxnA4d4YtShndKXOAEhR33pqeVVvJpVcX1_Oq0gHy1vEs</a>).</div><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/shawn.m.trimble/posts/10223652237114414" data-show-text="true" data-width=""><br /></div>
<div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/shawn.m.trimble/posts/10223652237114414" data-show-text="true" data-width=""><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLzmWAunmpj6Kd485K1i-R016seBm-Fnyv53S5-btomf8ILf3-udWcCMPr1MZ2RAj7KbSq_69hG7daibV84xcZEW5KnKfGuEpeKrb67X1HvEGdRN4GC0mOzjljhJzdi8B77en1oexl5zA1ueS0HFuEUgWLuHVdpQoaaTCze_cj2lHTz2tT_DOLq8pOPQ=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLzmWAunmpj6Kd485K1i-R016seBm-Fnyv53S5-btomf8ILf3-udWcCMPr1MZ2RAj7KbSq_69hG7daibV84xcZEW5KnKfGuEpeKrb67X1HvEGdRN4GC0mOzjljhJzdi8B77en1oexl5zA1ueS0HFuEUgWLuHVdpQoaaTCze_cj2lHTz2tT_DOLq8pOPQ=s320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I was voted the first female student government president of the elementary school I attended in Philadelphia. I was the PTA president of my oldest son’s elementary school in New Orleans. I was also the president of my political science class at UNC and even led a movement to stop the proposed recommendation to eliminate the Sociology Department of NCCU of which I am a proud graduate. <br />
I have put some work in! And though this is not an exhaustive list by far, organizing is exhausting work. And, in many cases, as was mine, there are no monetary rewards or compensation. It is work born out of a passion and desire to make a difference. </div>
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In my case, as a black woman, it was born out of a desire to have my voice heard, to be the change I wished to see in the world, and to inspire others to participate in civic affairs because regardless of what challenges there were to participate in government, I saw that political change required public participation.</div>
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I worked with a beautiful group of people but there were challenges running a predominantly white council. And while all of my organizing from a values perspective were non violent in nature, I witnessed the ugly and violent side of white supremacy. </div>
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I recall a rally outside of a Romney/Ryan gathering where white men came up to me and all but spit in my face because I along with others were standing up for women's rights. I was shook! I remember the threatening email I received that Obama and I were going to get what was coming to us. I remember the email from a man who called me a murderer for being pro choice. I remember the video comment that wished I was locked up for the rest of my life among other things. I remember these experiences and others all came from white men.</div>
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I learned from the work that historically women in particular had given up our power to these same men who were stuck in time operating out of fear, hatred, and the need to control. <br />
I saw that if these same men were truly pro life, they would have been fighting to end capital punishment; fighting against the privatization of the prison system; fighting against the sale of guns; Trayvon Martin would be still be alive; and, there wouldn't be a need to stand your ground! </div>
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I learned that being the target of white supremacist is no laughing matter. Adding to the stress, many organizers are vetted in the system by the police. I was intimidated, exhausted, and scared. Not to mention I had three young children, I was working to finish school, and I was running a small business. When MoveOn reorganized in 2013, I chose to take a hiatus and stepped down as council organizer. I was tired! I am still tired! Black people are tired! </div>
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Regardless of your political views, when Obama took office there was a feeling of hope in the black community. But soon after Trump was elected, the balloon of hope deflated. Almost immediately there was an intentional energetic move to undo and undermine all of the work we had done to honor and affirm our inherent dignity and right to rise in our power. It seemed that in order to make America great, it had to first prove to my black and brown brothers and sisters that not only did our voices not matter, our lives didn’t either. </div>
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Racism was [and is] alive and well. And police brutality was not getting worse, it was being videotaped over and over and over again- without convictions! I was tired of biting my tongue, holding my thoughts inside, holding unexpressed feelings and emotions, and looking at my children with sorrow as we watched the repeated episodes of being black in America play out. </div>
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By the time of the first Women’s March in 2017, it hit me that I was marching alongside some of the same women who voted Trump in office. The dis-ease in my body let me know that it was white America that needed to stand up to the problem of racism. </div>
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I released myself to learn self care, to have some fun in the sun, and deepen my spiritual connection. I poured myself into serving a beloved community of Unitarian Universalists and white allies who had an earnest desire to make a difference and doing the work of dismantling racism. (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ERUUF/?__cft__[0]=AZWh0TvgR_HZPwcpTMSSxE2teIznPU8-RGgeTPB3SGEAVFsQ_fXqIBVKkWVQAUmdDY1Oa61orb6UpVhbI_Zp1WRIU0V_6g4l5pIZrouShBG-fUleUFroj8SMCjfZYoCk1vE&__tn__=kK-R">Eno River Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (ERUUF)</a></div>
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2020 has been a year! This has been a week! George Floyd should be alive! Breanna Taylor should be alive! Ahmaud Arbery should be alive! Philando Castile should be alive! Eric Garner should be alive! Sandra Bland should be alive! Tamir Rice should be alive! Freddie Gray should be alive! <br />
Hope should be alive! Humanity should be alive! Justice should be alive! Peace should be alive!</div>
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In the middle of a pandemic where African Americans are losing their lives disproportionately to COVID-19, I feel sad and infuriated that the narrative of racial injustice continues in this country. I feel the rage of the burning fires and the voices that have gone unheard. If white America won’t stand up to the giant it created then there will be hell to pay from the blood of our ancestors that are crying out: <br />
No Justice No Peace!<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/enough?__eep__=6&__cft__[0]=AZWh0TvgR_HZPwcpTMSSxE2teIznPU8-RGgeTPB3SGEAVFsQ_fXqIBVKkWVQAUmdDY1Oa61orb6UpVhbI_Zp1WRIU0V_6g4l5pIZrouShBG-fUleUFroj8SMCjfZYoCk1vE&__tn__=*NK-R">#ENOUGH</a><br />
Until we are all free none of us are free!<br />
Forward together- not one step back! <br />
We are ONE! <br />
Power to the People!</div>
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I am grateful to see this day! I am grateful to see in my lifetime this collective movement of the people by the people rise up against injustice, systems of oppression, and police brutality in this country that has tragically snatched the lives of countless souls for the past 400 years. </div>
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I give thanks that Love is alive! I give thanks to the Universal Power of All there is for answered prayers. I give thanks to the courageous foot soldiers of now and then, activists, and organizers who are leading this uprising and for the angelic guides watching over them/us. </div>
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May they be protected. May they be guided by The Light. May our voices be heard. May justice prevail and may the systems that no longer serve us be dismantled and burned to the ground. May we give birth to a new world and breathe in new life and new energy. May we be guided to new possibilities that fuel our passion and desire to make a difference. <br />
May we do it with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/love?__eep__=6&__cft__[0]=AZWh0TvgR_HZPwcpTMSSxE2teIznPU8-RGgeTPB3SGEAVFsQ_fXqIBVKkWVQAUmdDY1Oa61orb6UpVhbI_Zp1WRIU0V_6g4l5pIZrouShBG-fUleUFroj8SMCjfZYoCk1vE&__tn__=*NK-R">#love</a>-<br />
With LOVE,<br />
Me<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/blacklivesmatter?__eep__=6&__cft__[0]=AZWh0TvgR_HZPwcpTMSSxE2teIznPU8-RGgeTPB3SGEAVFsQ_fXqIBVKkWVQAUmdDY1Oa61orb6UpVhbI_Zp1WRIU0V_6g4l5pIZrouShBG-fUleUFroj8SMCjfZYoCk1vE&__tn__=*NK-R">#blacklivesmatter</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/arrestandcharge?__eep__=6&__cft__[0]=AZWh0TvgR_HZPwcpTMSSxE2teIznPU8-RGgeTPB3SGEAVFsQ_fXqIBVKkWVQAUmdDY1Oa61orb6UpVhbI_Zp1WRIU0V_6g4l5pIZrouShBG-fUleUFroj8SMCjfZYoCk1vE&__tn__=*NK-R">#arrestandcharge</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/plot?__eep__=6&__cft__[0]=AZWh0TvgR_HZPwcpTMSSxE2teIznPU8-RGgeTPB3SGEAVFsQ_fXqIBVKkWVQAUmdDY1Oa61orb6UpVhbI_Zp1WRIU0V_6g4l5pIZrouShBG-fUleUFroj8SMCjfZYoCk1vE&__tn__=*NK-R">#plot</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/plan?__eep__=6&__cft__[0]=AZWh0TvgR_HZPwcpTMSSxE2teIznPU8-RGgeTPB3SGEAVFsQ_fXqIBVKkWVQAUmdDY1Oa61orb6UpVhbI_Zp1WRIU0V_6g4l5pIZrouShBG-fUleUFroj8SMCjfZYoCk1vE&__tn__=*NK-R">#plan</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/strategize?__eep__=6&__cft__[0]=AZWh0TvgR_HZPwcpTMSSxE2teIznPU8-RGgeTPB3SGEAVFsQ_fXqIBVKkWVQAUmdDY1Oa61orb6UpVhbI_Zp1WRIU0V_6g4l5pIZrouShBG-fUleUFroj8SMCjfZYoCk1vE&__tn__=*NK-R">#strategize</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/organize?__eep__=6&__cft__[0]=AZWh0TvgR_HZPwcpTMSSxE2teIznPU8-RGgeTPB3SGEAVFsQ_fXqIBVKkWVQAUmdDY1Oa61orb6UpVhbI_Zp1WRIU0V_6g4l5pIZrouShBG-fUleUFroj8SMCjfZYoCk1vE&__tn__=*NK-R">#organize</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/mobilize?__eep__=6&__cft__[0]=AZWh0TvgR_HZPwcpTMSSxE2teIznPU8-RGgeTPB3SGEAVFsQ_fXqIBVKkWVQAUmdDY1Oa61orb6UpVhbI_Zp1WRIU0V_6g4l5pIZrouShBG-fUleUFroj8SMCjfZYoCk1vE&__tn__=*NK-R">#mobilize</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/vote?__eep__=6&__cft__[0]=AZWh0TvgR_HZPwcpTMSSxE2teIznPU8-RGgeTPB3SGEAVFsQ_fXqIBVKkWVQAUmdDY1Oa61orb6UpVhbI_Zp1WRIU0V_6g4l5pIZrouShBG-fUleUFroj8SMCjfZYoCk1vE&__tn__=*NK-R">#VOTE</a></div>
</div>iamfreedomsdrumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659861568241768958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-328221900585177476.post-14159939373780368082019-10-30T08:25:00.000-04:002019-10-30T08:25:16.027-04:00Nosy Neighbor, Beware of the Fire!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<i>She's a Goddess.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>She’s a force and a healer.</i></div>
<i><div style="text-align: center;">
<i>She’s a flame throwing Light bearer.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>She’s mesmerizing and tantalizing.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>She ignites my passion and sparks my creativity.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>She’s a universal element that brings people together.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>She awakens my passion and warms my soul as she welcomes me in from the cold.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>She illuminates my path and guides me on my way.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>She calls the Darkness to be drawn to her Light.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>She’s a ray of sunshine in the winter. She dances (and I dance with her).</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>She’s my voice and my reminder to go higher as I sit in the sacredness of her fire.</i></div>
</i><br />
<h2>
<b><span style="color: red;">The Sacred <span style="font-size: x-large;">Fire🔥</span></span></b></h2>
While some vacations are spent traveling to places far away from everyone and everybody, some are spent at home. In an effort to recharge my battery for a little rest, relaxation, and reflection, I kicked off a recent week long staycation doing one of the things I love- spending time around the fire. <br />
<br />
A fire keeper, I was in my element tending the flame while hosting a gathering of women friends for a sacred fire circle when, out of the dark night sky, my neighbor peeked over my fence. <br />
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I’m sure he witnessed quite a scene, as one of my guests described it as one of the most beautiful sights she had ever seen. The Light and the beauty from all of us adoring our feminine energy, the laughter, the music, the belly dancing, the powerful exaltation and declaration of prayers, the passing of sage, and the joyous celebration under the new moon. It was indeed a beautiful sight to behold! <br />
<br />
My back was turned towards him as they shared with me what was happening, but I chose not to turn around. Instead, I offered that we ignore him and called his peeking in an act of curiosity. They agreed and we continued to celebrate without skipping a beat! <br />
<br />
But last week, ending my staycation the way it began, I had another fire circle. This one was a smaller gathering. It was also a different group. Five beautiful women celebrating a birthday full of laughter, soft music, drinks, when again - out of the dark night sky, he peeked over the fence. <br />
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Except this time he spoke. He muttered under his breath, “Devil worshipers”. <br />
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Choosing again not to feed into the negativity of his presence or comment, I encouraged my guests to ignore him. They did! <br />
<br />
Though he didn’t steal the joy we were having that night, I am aware that the experience did trigger something in me. I was led to write a letter.<br />
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<h3>
<i><b>Dear Neighbor,</b></i></h3>
Last week you called me and a group of my friends, devil worshipers.<br />
<br />
You may not be aware, but your actions of peeking into my yard and your words triggered something in me. Since then I have been searching for a way to channel my feelings in a positive way so that the imprint doesn’t rob me (or others) of the joy in doing the things I love. Today I decided to write you a letter. <br />
<br />
I want to sincerely thank you for gifting me this opportunity for self-reflection. May it enlighten both of us and may your curiosity that led you to the fire, lead you to a broader view of the world. <br />
<br />
For those who know me, the words you used to describe me could be laughable. And though you used the term in a derogatory way, as an agent for social justice, being called names (or being threatened) is nothing new. Unfortunately, it just comes with the territory. <br />
<br />
Nonetheless a fire in me ignited. Maybe it’s because you are my neighbor. Not quite a neighborly thing to say? Maybe, it’s because you’ve shared with me that you are a member of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club and it seemed like an oxymoron? Maybe it’s because I’ve looked sideways at you ever since you accused me and others in the neighborhood of stalking you. Or maybe it’s because of the Trump/Pence signs that I can still see from my back yard waving in the wind like a proud flag. But, maybe it’s deeper. <br />
<br />
We live in a diverse community and it isn’t always easy to live in harmony in a melting pot that breathes conformity. Especially when we are all searching for autonomy, truth, and our purpose in life. Our differences can also breathe curiosity, and like yours, can unfortunately lead us to form opinions that may not be true. <br />
<br />
While I respect your opinion and appreciate your presence in the world as I do everyone else, I also believe that everyone deserves to feel safe in their home. What may have triggered me the most about this experience is that you crossed a boundary and violated the sacredness of my space. The sacredness of a space that I created for myself and for others to be our authentic selves. The sacredness of the fire and the work that was being done.<br />
<br />
However, I want to thank you again for allowing me to process this experience that has led me to a deeper understanding of myself and for igniting my voice. I am grateful for your curiosity and for the sacred fire that drew you in. <br />
<br />
Sitting with the Fire is powerful! And, as the seasons change, I do plan to sit with more of them. 😊Will you please be mindful of how you choose to show up and will you please mind your business!<br />
<br />
Thanking you in advance.<br />
With JOY-<br />
With Love,<br />
<br />
Shawn<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />iamfreedomsdrumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659861568241768958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-328221900585177476.post-13748876239176871612019-07-17T15:06:00.000-04:002019-07-17T17:16:31.421-04:005 Magical Steps to Raise your Vibration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3PC_74U8ZiiyFBh1bchXPEYQrr_xY-PVg_k6NdTmp_9Hh3WZJETwJX4J-2DltXgL-Np1mpCCBFVAi3JdtqM0uR4xd9kZfi9OyaZ6e8qwf7Erymp65mxL2Ktep1pgVgxL9Y_Iq0zKd5E8/s1600/Magic+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="816" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3PC_74U8ZiiyFBh1bchXPEYQrr_xY-PVg_k6NdTmp_9Hh3WZJETwJX4J-2DltXgL-Np1mpCCBFVAi3JdtqM0uR4xd9kZfi9OyaZ6e8qwf7Erymp65mxL2Ktep1pgVgxL9Y_Iq0zKd5E8/s640/Magic+%25281%2529.png" width="492" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>I</b></i></span>t was another great day at work and it was time to get off. I walked outside towards my car. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and there was a delightful breeze in the air. I buckled up, happy. I was on my way home! <br />
<br />
Then, all of a sudden, my thoughts began to wander. First, I started thinking about a relationship that had just ended. My mind went into auto pilot questioning my decision to let it go and move forward. It was like the jury showed up and began to hand down my guilty sentence. Then, without any regard for the evidence that was presented I started entertaining thoughts of being a bad person. Negative thoughts crept in and I quickly realized that my mind was driving me. <br />
<br />
I was on a downward spiral and I knew that if I didn’t turn things around I was headed down a path of destruction. I knew it was time to raise my vibration!<br />
<br />
Pay-at-ten-tion! Everything in life holds energy. Everything moves. And everything vibrates. Relationships are great examples because they move energy! Good or bad, they can be the medicine that we need to stir up feelings and emotions much like a dissolving medicinal tablet does to reach the molecular cells in our bodies. And, even when we are no longer in them, we can be still be emotionally drawn to the energy.<br />
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<br />
We too, can become addicted to the energy of others and those negative thought patterns in much the same way we can become addicted to any substance or medication. They can create abusive behavior or cause feeling of being trapped in toxic relationships. They can build toxins in the body and cause dis-ease. Like a tape recording that keeps playing over and over again in our minds, these patterns can be stifling and have us spinning our wheels without ever moving. <br />
<br />
This was one scenario, but regardless of what your are facing or where you are standing, you are a walking instrument of healing! You carry a healing light for others and yourself. What medicine(s) are you carrying? Raising your vibration is magic that can make your soul soar.<br />
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There are countess ways to raise your vibration. Whether it's laughter, therapy, spending time with nature, eating healthy, removing toxic relationships, etc. Find what works for you! </div>
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Here are 5 steps that I also use. They are magical! </div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>May you find in the midst of your life, the magic that makes your soul soar! </b></blockquote>
With Love,<br />
Shawn<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Shawn's 5 Magical Steps to Raise your Vibration </h3>
<h2>
<span style="color: #e69138;">Step 1- Use your imagination and think ELEC-TRI-CITY!</span></h2>
Set your intention to raise your vibration:<br />
<br />
Now- create the image in your mind! <br />
Tap into your inner child and use your imagination. <br />
Imagine that you are a lamp, a light, or a great beam of energy. <br />
Imagine that you are being plugged in or that you are plugging something in. <br />
You are watching the lights come on! <br />
You are seeing and feeling the magic of the power coming through. <br />
It's brilliant! It's awesome! It's magical! <br />
Have fun with it!<br />
<h2>
<span style="color: #e69138;">Step 2 – Think of the greatest source (force) of healing energy that you can plug in to!</span></h2>
What is your Light connected to?<br />
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Think outside of the box. Think outside of the image of a wall socket. Go bigger!</div>
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A tree is plugged in and rooted in the earth. <br />
An unborn baby is plugged in and rooted in the womb of its mother. <br />
A wave is plugged in and rooted in the ocean.</div>
<div>
What are you plugged in to? <br />
<br />
Is your Light connected to the Sun?<br />
An ocean? River? Lake? <br />
Is it connected to Love? <br />
Is it connected to God? <br />
Is it connected to the Universal Power of all there is? <br />
Is it The Great Mother? Father in Heaven? Jesus? Allah? Freedom? Bliss? Rei-Ki? Buddah? El-Shaddai? The Prince of Peace? <br />
<br />
What are your rooted in?<br />
<h2>
<span style="color: #e69138;">Step 3 - Feel the Magic!</span></h2>
Breathe it in! Take it in! Buzzz...You are now plugged in!</div>
<div>
<br />
To the late mystic, <a href="http://www.aawmagazine.com/1299/001.html">Edgar Cayce</a>, Electricity is God in Action! <i>“And as the electrical vibrations are given, know that Life itself - to be sure - is the Creative Force or God, yet its manifestations in man are electrical - or vibratory. Know then that the force in nature that is called electrical or electricity is that same force ye worship as Creative or God in action! Seeing this, feeling this, knowing this, ye will find that not only does the body become revivified, but by the creating in every atom of its being the knowledge of the activity of this Creative Force or Principle as related to spirit, mind, body - all three are renewed. For these are as the trinity in the body, these are as the trinity in the principles of the very life force itself - as the Father, the Son, the Spirit - the Body, the Mind, the Spirit - these are one. One Spirit, One God, One Activity.”</i><br />
<h2>
<span style="color: #e69138;">Step 4- Identify the attributes of your source.</span></h2>
What does your source represent? </div>
<div>
How does the connection make you feel? </div>
<div>
What would you like to feel?<br />
<br />
<b><i>I believe that there is a powerful and infinite flow of energy circulating the Universe. I believe that at the very center of this powerful flow of energy that is circulating the Universe there is Goodness, Wholeness, Peace, Abundance, Warmth, Light, Joy, Wisdom, Clarity, Serenity, Happiness, Love, Harmony, Power, Gentleness, Ease, Gratefulness, Humor, Colorful expressions, Security, Understanding, Patience, Creativity, Truth, Life, Flavor, Aromatic expressions, Beauty, Forgiveness, Compassion, Grace, Perfection, Faith, Mercy, Acceptance, Willingness, Courage, Responsibility, Fearlessness, Health, Wealth, Guidance, Purpose, Knowing, and all things Good!<br /> <br />I believe that there is a powerful and infinite flow of energy circulating the Universe.<br />I believe that there is not a title that can truly capture the essence of this powerful flow of energy circulating the Universe, and with my understanding of our need to define and unify our experience, known by many names, I call this power God, or Spirit, sometimes Mother, sometimes Father, or sometimes Universal Power of all There Is.<br /> <br />I believe that at the very center of this powerful flow of energy that is circulating the Universe that there is enough of everything that I need and will ever need on this journey.</i></b><br />
<h2>
<span style="color: #e69138;">Step 5 - Align yourself to the source!</span></h2>
You are connected! </div>
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Your are now Home!</div>
<div>
Bring the affirming message(s) of truth home! </div>
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What does it mean to be connected? </div>
<div>
What does it mean to be aligned with the source?<br />
<b><br /><i>I am connected to the source of all there is!<br />I am connected to Life!<br />I am connected to the Great I am that I am!<br />I am connected to this unlimited, abundant power and in this moment I have access to everything that I need.<br />I am the conduit of magnetic and magical energy.<br />I am able to create what I need because -<br />I am connected to everything that I do need.<br />I am everything that I need.<br />I am an heir, an offspring, a recipient of unlimited wisdom and divine light.<br />I am connected to the healing energy- the healing power-the healing light of God's amazing Love.<br />I am Loved!<br />I am Love!<br />There is nothing that I have to do except shine-<br />shine my Bright Light for the world to see!<br />I am directed to the path of my greatest and highest good.<br />I am a giver!<br /> I am open to receive the gifts of abundance.<br />I am a Light in the World!<br />I am Free!</i></b><br />
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<a href="http://facebook.com/shawn.m.trimble">Find me on FB</a></div>
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<a href="http://instagram.com/iamfreedomsdrum">Find me on IG</a><br />
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iamfreedomsdrumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659861568241768958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-328221900585177476.post-75662497954931459082019-06-28T15:40:00.000-04:002019-06-30T10:26:47.725-04:00Falling into Freedom's Drum <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>"When your Mind unwinds, your Spirit it will find." Shawn Trimble</b></div>
<br />
The following is an article written for Wild Woman Magazine last summer.<br />
<div>
I am so grateful for the release and for the more to come. <br />
<br />
<h2>
#falling</h2>
A few weeks ago I fell off an eight foot ladder climbing a pear tree. I was using bungee cords to help my boyfriend’s mom lift some of the weighted limbs that were carrying fruit and dragging the ground. As I lifted the limbs, one of the cords popped and I fell. <br />
<br />
On my way down, I held on to the very limbs I was trying to support. In the blink of an eye, they were supporting me! And, the pears that we were trying to save were shaken to the ground. <br />
<br />
Miraculously I was not injured, and the screams of concern that I could hear as I tumbled, turned into laughter. When I got up I felt so alive! <br />
<br />
I’m not sure if Howard Thurman meant climbing pear trees in the summer, when he said, Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive; but his quote make me think that I’ve come close. <br />
<br />
My name is Shawn Trimble and I was born in New Orleans. As colorful as the city I’m from, I am the mother of three and a dog. I am Freedom’s Drum!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>The wound is the place where the Light enters you. Rumi</b></div>
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<br /></div>
I believe each of our lives is like a gigantic puzzle. As our journey begins, pieces emerge. If we are mindful, we recognize just how intertwined our experiences are. One day we realize that there are no accidental meetings or events that happen in our lives, just carefully orchestrated opportunities to help us unveil and unfold the greatest masterpiece of all: Ourselves. <br />
<br />
Beyond my conception and my parents who helped to exacerbate my contractual agreement with life, my earliest memory of this journey into myself began at age four when I was sexually molested. <br />
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I fell through the door of unexpressed anger and depression. As incidents of molestation continued, I was terrorized into silence and by the age 13 I was suicidal. One suicide attempt in particular broke the yoke when I overdosed on prescription pills that I found in the medicine cabinet. I fell (again) on my front porch. My mother found me and I was rushed to the hospital to have my stomach pumped. <br />
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By the time I was in High School, I was the Girl Interrupted. (If you’ve seen the movie, my life mirrored Winona Ryder’s role, Sasha.) I spent several months in a psychiatric hospital until I was no longer a risk to myself. When I was released, I vowed to never to go back. I never did! It became my dirty little secret that I never talked about- until today!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiC_eoABuyvxoiXnWIuHtp1Tu6nsZ3MB68x5mHk4FHhaE8acQlhFVnKuYrGrMzXtfsm2lA830AmVVkJHy4gQTzjyPCFLGrDGYemoQz4AFpdzbrIriABPOFOopu2w37xgfX5x1pvNs82Pol/s1600/love__by_leo_buscaglia_1479520704_e0808b87.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiC_eoABuyvxoiXnWIuHtp1Tu6nsZ3MB68x5mHk4FHhaE8acQlhFVnKuYrGrMzXtfsm2lA830AmVVkJHy4gQTzjyPCFLGrDGYemoQz4AFpdzbrIriABPOFOopu2w37xgfX5x1pvNs82Pol/s320/love__by_leo_buscaglia_1479520704_e0808b87.jpg" /></a></div>
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Forever grateful, one of the counselors from the hospital gave me a book that changed my life and the trajectory of my journey. It was called, LOVE, by Leo Buscaglio. <br />
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But in silence I still carried pain. I carried shame. I carried the weight of responsibility in trying to keep my family from being hurt and torn apart. I carried guilt and believed it was my fault. <br />
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I also became disconnected from my feelings and I learned how to be dishonest with myself and others. While smiling became a tool to keep me from acknowledging what was underneath the surface, writing became my therapy and an unconscious tool that helped me to bring it all up. <br />
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I know the pain in silence. I know that the world we see is nothing in comparison to the world that we can’t see. I know falling can be a metaphor for flying! <br />
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In 2001, I started Freedom’s Drum. I had just moved from the flat lands of Louisiana to the rolling hills of North Carolina. That summer, I was roller skating and wouldn't you know it, I fell down a hill. This time I found myself sitting in an emergency room clinic with lower back pain.<br />
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I sat there and I thought about a telephone conversation I had just had with a good friend. She told me, “Shawn, I have always admired you. You are truly different. You have always walked to the beat of your own drum.” <br />
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Being new to the area and sitting in that waiting room I felt so alone. Everyone was a stranger. I searched my mind for affirming messages and pulled out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/shawn.m.trimble/posts/10211571569345270">affirmation</a> cards that I created! <br />
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My mind wandered and I started thinking about what it would be like to meet God one on one. I wondered what it would it be like if I unschooled everything I had ever learned about religion. Then I started drawing. I drew a butterfly-a symbol of spiritual freedom. Then a drum -a symbol of individuality and expression. <br />
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It became a logo.<br />
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<img height="373" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/SpuEShRL0xw8v3DcZK_UL4lcVCVkiQIGakDppm5zu7NIVmvSLafwX3VBLuPov-izdMmeo1tqnMB_IbngrVG_vwbQh0uhusg0W0bFcOqGyehbup3IVRUFLLvxQ2_v9IUj8-ckPVjP" width="400" /></div>
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My initial mission was a welcome statement: <br />
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<b>“Welcome to Freedom’s Drum. A pensive haven intended to guide you and remind you of your authentic self. A haven that respects your uniqueness and values the gifts that you have been given. A haven to send you on your way nourished with enough manna to share with others. A haven filled with the imperfections of humanness but respectively honoring the perfections of Spirit.”</b></blockquote>
I didn’t know what to do with my ideas for Freedom’s Drum, but I continued to work on them. I few years later, I moved back to New Orleans and packed my van with everything that was important: my children, our pets (a dog and turtle), clothing, a few plants, dishes, a favorite comforter, my altar, journals, and the plans for Freedom’s Drum. <br />
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But in the fall of 2005, we fled the city in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. All was lost in the storm, but miraculously what we survived and so did my altar, journals, and plans for Freedom’s Drum. They were untouched! I saw it as an omen and became committed to the work. <br />
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17 years later, <a href="http://www.iamfreedomsdrum.com/">Freedom’s Drum Marketing & Consulting</a> has morphed into a personal growth and development center that promotes spiritually enriching workshops, global movements, publications, products , and social justice initiatives.<br />
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It has been a journey and falling has been part of me seeing the beauty of the landscape. Whether consciously or unconsciously we create what we need. I didn’t realize it then, but the healing center and safe haven was not just for others, if was for me! <br />
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I have also learned that writing is healing! In 2012, I started <a href="http://www.withlovemovement.com/">The With Love Movement-world day of Healing thru Letter Writing</a>. Today, it has morphed into a annual global movement has reached over 10,000 people around the world.<br />
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<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/IT6Mct9YrOUks1dH__-cciWSxMbpwqQZNWGBQyTeGdfYvLXZWvluyizRe9EpooZHM8FcpKOwbrnhNLwp2kJquDBEBjEZLOfk6rL-asd46bUWjjX7peC0MH2LJbBgAO5gv5hLVi14" /></div>
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Over the years Freedom’s Drum has served as an an umbrella entity for several movements and initiatives. I believe that our mind, body, and soul work as one. I believe that the world of metaphysics, herbal medicine, and other healing modalities can work together to enhance our journey in the physical realm. <br />
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The <a href="http://www.centerforherbsandhealing.com/">Center for Herbs & Healing</a> was born after my teenage son was diagnosed with MS (<a href="http://www.iamfreedomsdrum.com/2016/09/ms-my-hero-and-mothers-love.html">Read here</a>). It is another haven of inspiration and resources for people searching for alternative methods to enhance their journey towards a healthy lifestyle. <br />
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<b>“There is an Indian proverb that says that everyone is a house with four rooms, a physical, a mental, an emotional, and a spiritual . Most of us tend to live in one room most of the time but unless we go into every room every day, even if only to keep it aired, we are not a complete person.” </b><br />
<b> ― Rumer Godden</b></blockquote>
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For generations, white sage has been used for purifying, cleansing, protection, and many consider the plant to be sacred. As a spiritual activist and alchemist working with sage, <a href="http://www.centerforherbsandhealing.com/store/p2/TryMeSticks">Try Me Sticks</a> were born. They are hand rolled herbal sage sticks that can be used as alternative smudge sticks for rituals or ceremonies or natural alternative smoking wraps. They are naturally flavored, made from pure hemp, and contain no tobacco or nicotine. <br />
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<b>I have fallen with the fruit and the trees that give us life. <br /><br />I have fallen in the arms of love.<br /><br />I have fallen in Freedom's Drum.<br /><br />I am flying free!</b><br />
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With JOY-<br />
With Love,<br />
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Me</div>
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<a href="http://facebook.com/shawn.m.trimble">Find me on FB</a></div>
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<a href="http://instagram.com/iamfreedomsdrum">Find me on IG</a><br />
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iamfreedomsdrumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659861568241768958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-328221900585177476.post-7454452093233582712018-12-20T11:05:00.000-05:002018-12-20T12:31:13.053-05:00Staying Connected in the New Year!<br />
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Your smile is a gift to celebrate! </h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfcdyDmcHozBN_cgcW4v88LF8WJjuAS6i-OtL2zEb1VLqXhNLwZMolHILG_8PglmIeW8EOHY7MVL9FLDA-HzmiwuSHNptVMJKP3Tcp_ezyYiCdHL8BeU50TXpHMKB_WhtrUvF7bo1zyKh4/s1600/Smile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="741" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfcdyDmcHozBN_cgcW4v88LF8WJjuAS6i-OtL2zEb1VLqXhNLwZMolHILG_8PglmIeW8EOHY7MVL9FLDA-HzmiwuSHNptVMJKP3Tcp_ezyYiCdHL8BeU50TXpHMKB_WhtrUvF7bo1zyKh4/s320/Smile.jpg" width="247" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">There is magic in your smile. Your smile is a gift to celebrate! It opens doors and invites others to smile back. It is a tool that can lift spirits, causes people to lay their guards down, and connects us to folks who don’t even speak our language. It can support you in navigating thru your pain and move you to a place of gratitude. <br />With Love,<br />Me<br /><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/smile?epa=HASHTAG">#smile</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/countdownto50?epa=HASHTAG">#countdownto50</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/iamfreedomsdrum?epa=HASHTAG">#iamfreedomsdrum</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/loveinmotion?epa=HASHTAG">#loveinmotion</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/1of50?epa=HASHTAG">#1of50</a></span></div>
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Let's Celebrate</h2>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>When your Mind unwinds, your Spirit it will find. S</i>hawn Trimble</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">S</span></b>easons Greetings Family & Friends, <br />
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This is my recent <a href="https://www.facebook.com/shawn.m.trimble">Facebook</a> cover photo. I was four years old and had just been crowned the queen of Sheila and Sharon's Nursery in New Orleans. This picture graced the cover of the program for the crowning event, affectionately titled, Melody of Love.<br />
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There was a lot hiding behind that beautiful smile and life has offered me the opportunity to unfold, to uncover, and to unmask one of the greatest mysteries of all- myself! <br />
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It has been an all-encompassing journey and on <b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">January 28, 2019</span></b> </div>
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I will be celebrating <b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">50</span></b> years on the planet!<br />
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Between now and then (and all of next year), I intend to create some heart warming memories, share some of the lessons I've learned over the years, and streamline my social media activities with more intention.<br />
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Founded in 2001, Freedom's Drum Marketing & Consulting has promoted spiritually enriching activities/workshops, global movements, publications, and products. Some of you may have received this message in an email are part of an original list that supported me with carrying this mission forward. I am grateful to every one of you! </div>
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<i><b>Thank You!</b></i></div>
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I've planted some beautiful seeds in the Universe and as we move into the new </div>
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year, please check out a few of my social media links so we can stay connected.<br />
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Whether you Friend me, Like me, Visit me, Share me, or Buy me, you will Love being connected to me! <br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Shawn Trimble -</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/freedomsdrum/">@Freedom's Drum on Face Book</a> </span><br />
<a href="http://www.iamfreedomsdrum.com/"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">@Freedom's Drum Site/Blog</span></a><br />
<a href="https://instagram.com/iamfreedomsdrum/"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">@Freedom's Drum on Instagram</span></a><br />
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<img align="none" alt="Sage Love trio " border="0" height="224" hspace="0" src="https://b7c1a3369e-custmedia.vresp.com/eb55f7e3aa/sage%20pic.jpg" style="height: 224px; width: 225px;" title="Sage Love trio " vspace="0" width="225" /></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Center for Herbs and Healing -</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">(Healing Center and Home for <b>#TryMeSticks</b>) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">On Sale</span> <a href="https://bit.ly/Trymesticks">bit.ly/Trymesticks</a></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">With Love Movement - World Day of healing thru Letter Writing</span></b><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/WithLoveMovement/">@WithLoveMovement on Face Book</a><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/WithLoveMovement/">@With Love Movement Site</a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Legacy of Prayers -</b></span><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/legacyofprayers/">@Legacy of Prayers on Face Book</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>On YouTube -</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://youtube.com/c/ShawnTrimble-iamfreedomsdrum">@ Shawn's Channel</a><br />Sample <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bm9KJWuZBmg">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bm9KJWuZBmg</a><br />Sample <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHvcHJO1o-0&t=33s">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHvcHJO1o-0&t=33s</a><br />Sample <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnE775jB0Ik">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnE775jB0Ik</a></span><br />
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Time to toss the lemons! Cause' Life doesn't get any better than a Tangerine! <br />
12 Bites to a Juicy Life They say when life hands you lemons make lemonade, but what happens when you can't find the sugar? Pick up a tangerine!<br />
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I am humbled by the love and support I've received from anticipating the release of my long awaited narrative, Life Doesn't get any Better than a Tangerine. Stay tuned and connected for the definitive release date. <a href="http://www.iamfreedomsdrum.com/2018/05/life-doesnt-get-any-better-than.html">Click here to read more!</a></div>
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<b><b>Breathe! There is power in your breath. Each one is a gift to celebrate! Each one connects us to the Source of all life. Pause. Take another deep breath and breathe in this beautiful moment. Life is good! </b></b></div>
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<b><b>With Love,</b></b></div>
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<b>Shawn</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">photo credit: Malaika Pettigrew</span></div>
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#smile #unwind #pray #countdownto50 #iamfreedomsdrum #loveinmotion #4of50</div>
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">There is power in your prayers! Your prayers are gifts to celebrate! Your thoughts are your prayers. </b><b style="font-weight: bold;">"Thank You" is a prayer. The way you interact with others is a prayer. The way you look at yourself in the mirror is a prayer. Your prayers are gateways to your soul and speak to who you are in the world. There is no right or wrong way to pray. I AM a prayer and you are an answer to a prayer. W</b><b style="font-weight: bold;">ith Love, </b><b style="font-weight: bold;">Shawn </b><span style="font-size: x-small;">#pray #2of50 #countdownto50 #iamfreedomsdrum #loveinmotion</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!<br />With Love, Shawn</span></div>
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iamfreedomsdrumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659861568241768958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-328221900585177476.post-5427819808569684852018-06-05T14:33:00.000-04:002018-06-05T14:33:35.648-04:0050+ Benefits of Engaging with Sage <h2 style="text-align: center;">
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Engaging with Sage</div>
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Allergies got you down? Feeling the anxiety of the world? There are countless healing properties of this Herb of Immortality and the list might surprise you.<br />
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White sage, (salvia apiana) is an evergreen shrub that grows across the United States, and is most prevalent in high altitude desert ecosystems. American Indian’s are well known to have used the healing properties of sage to drive out negative energy and evil spirits. They also use it in ceremonies for blessings and prosperity. For generations, white sage has been used for purifying, cleansing, and protection and many consider the plant to be sacred. According to tradition, all plants and animals have a spirit. The spirit of white sage is devoted to clearing, protection, and blessings. Tapping into the power of white sage will amplify any healing or clearing that you do on yourself or others. <br />
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Sage has a rich history dating back to prehistorical times. Though it is often associated with Native Americans, sage was sought after by Chinese, Greeks, Romans, and Arabs. <br />
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For centuries it has been commonly used for clearing energy, but today there is scientific research that smudging purifies the air of harmful bacteria. Following a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, according to Sayer Ji, founder of <a href="http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/killer-germs-obliterated-medicinal-smoke-smudging-study-reveals">Green Med Info (Science of Natural Healing)</a>, "not only did the burning of medicinal herbs clear aerial bacterial populations by 94% within one hour, but a full day later, the closed room was still effectively decontaminated. Even more amazing, a full month later, seven other pathogenic bacteria in the open room were still non-detectable."</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Why is Sage one of the most healing herbs on the planet?</span><br />Here are over 50 benefits from A-Z:</h4>
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<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Alzheimer’s - Sage helps with memory recall and some of its agents prevent plaque formation in the brain. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Anemia - Sage contains copper and iron. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Anti-Allergic - Sage helps to prevent allergic reactions. </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Antibacterial and Anti-Fungal - sage is a good antibacterial agent because it contains oils that kill bacteria. Sage works well against Staph, E. Coli, Salmonella and also against fungal infections and yeast infections like Candida. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Anti-inflammatory - Sage is a great anti-inflammatory that can help with arthritis, joint pain, joint swelling, and redness. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Antioxidant - Sage is good antioxidant that contains flavoniods such as polyphenols like in green tea. Also superoxide dismutase a powerful antioxidant plus peroxidase which are great for cardiovascular health, strokes, and cancer. Sage also contains luteolin, apigenin, alpha-thujone, beta-thujone, and cineoleand diosmetin which are all powerful antioxidants. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Asthma - Sage can be helpful with asthma by clearing up inflammation of the bronchi and thus opening up air passages. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Attention span </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vitamins A- Sage contains lots of vitamin A which is a wonderful antioxidant </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bloating </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brain Function - Research with double blind studies shows that sage helps people recall words, events, and names, thus helping with memory in general. A study in the Journal of Pharmacological Biochemical Behavior showed that a small dose of sage improved memory greatly.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Cosmetics - Sage is used in cosmetics, shampoos, and lotions as a wonderful fragrance. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Colds- The Native Americans used it to treat a cold by drinking tea made from smoked leaves in sweathouses. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">cold sores </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Concentration - And sage tea is also called “Thinkers Tea” because it helps with concentration, depression, grief, and attention span. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Lowers Cholesterol - Another study showed that sage could lower cholesterol and triglycerides too. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">chronic fatigue- sage is also used in aromatherapy for stress and fatigue</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Culinary Uses - Sage has been used in cooking in soups, stews, meats, poultry, sausages, fish, casseroles, veggies, and just about anything you can think of. Thanksgiving would not be the same without sage… and Greek and Italian dishes use lots of sage. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Cramps</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vitamins C- Sage contains lots of vitamin C which is a wonderful antioxidant </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Depression </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Diabetes - Studies at the University of Minho Portugal showed that sage lowers fasting glucose levels, and contains substances that works just as well as metformin (a common oral diabetes medication). And using sage as a food additive or spice might prevent diabetes. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Diarrhea</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vitamin E -Sage is great for sexual health and immunity</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Exhaustion</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Enzyme production- Sage contains manganese </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Eye Health - Sage contains lutein and zeaxanthin which are important for preventing macular degeneration.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Fevers - Sage can also help with fevers and excessive sweating because it’s cooling. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Gas</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Genital Herpes - Sage cream can also help for the symptoms of genital herpes, and some also use rhubarb cream in conjunction with sage cream for herpes. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Grief - Sage can enhance mood</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">GI Tract - Sage is great for stomachaches, gas, bloating, cramps, diarrhea, and digestive upsets. And because of sages great antibacterial oils it also works well for GI infections. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Gum disease </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Headaches </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Highly Recommended - A study of herbalists showed that sage was one of their most highly recommended herbs for lots of different challenges. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Immune system- Sage contains zinc for boosting your system</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Vitamin K - Sage also contains a good amount of Vitamin K which helps with clotting. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Oily Skin - Take a teaspoon of powdered sage and mix with one cup of hot water and let cool. Then use as a mask for oily skin for 20 minutes… and dry with a cotton towel. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Menopause - Sage can also help with hot flashes because it’s a good cooling agent. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">reduces heavy menstruation </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Memory</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Mood (enhancement/improvement) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Muscles -Sage massage oils are good for tight and stressed muscles. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Nervous tension - Sage tea has also been used to help</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Nosebleeds </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Perspiration - Commission E in Germany found sage tea lowered perspiration by 50%. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">PMS - Sage works great for excessive bleeding, bloating, and cramps. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Relaxing Agent magnesium </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Reduces lactation- Breastfeeding women are advised to take the tea as it- Sage has the ability to lower the amount of breast milk for those who are nearing the end of nursing. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sore throats- Gargle! Sage works wonders as a gargle for excess phlegm, sore throats, and throat infections. Plus it also helps with cold sores, gum disease, and inflammation of the nasal passages and tongue. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Spiritual Uses - Sage smoke has been used for spiritual cleansing of houses and buildings for thousands of years. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Stomachaches </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Stress- A study in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics showed that sage worked great to prevent agitation in patients. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sexual health and immunity- Sage contains Vitamin E </span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Water regulation and cardiovascular function- Sage contains potassium </span></li>
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Sources: </div>
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<a href="http://community.omtimes.com/profiles/blogs/27-amazing-benefits-of-sage-a-powerful-healing-herb">http://community.omtimes.com/profiles/blogs/27-amazing-benefits-of-sage-a-powerful-healing-herb</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.webmd.com/balance/news/20030828/herb-sage-improves-memory">http://www.webmd.com/balance/news/20030828/herb-sage-improves-memory</a></div>
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<div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; margin-bottom: 0.11in; text-align: start;">
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<a href="http://www.healthbeckon.com/sage-herb-benefits/">http://www.healthbeckon.com/sage-herb-benefits/</a></div>
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<div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; margin-bottom: 0.11in; text-align: start;">
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<a href="http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/killer-germs-obliterated-medicinal-smoke-smudging-study-reveals">http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/killer-germs-obliterated-medicinal-smoke-smudging-study-reveals</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.smokableherbs.com/white-sage/">http://www.smokableherbs.com/white-sage/</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ask-angels.com/spiritual-guidance/white-sage-smudging/">http://www.ask-angels.com/spiritual-guidance/white-sage-smudging/</a></div>
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Did you know that sage is also a <a href="http://www.centerforherbsandhealing.com/store/p2/Try_Me_Sticks_.html">smokable herb</a>?</h3>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WVO5OhN9ggc/WPzZeuqMV-I/AAAAAAAAByU/JEVuxm3OH5giG-MUpoZYVkAW-r_55LSjQCPcB/s1600/001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WVO5OhN9ggc/WPzZeuqMV-I/AAAAAAAAByU/JEVuxm3OH5giG-MUpoZYVkAW-r_55LSjQCPcB/s320/001" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.centerforherbsandhealing.com/store/p2/Try_Me_Sticks_.html"><b>Try Me Sticks</b></a> are hand rolled multi use herbal sage sticks that can be used as alternative smudge sticks for rituals or ceremonies or natural alternative smoking wraps. Wraps are naturally flavored, made from pure hemp, and contain no tobacco or nicotine. Each pack contains 5 sticks. <br /><br />Smoking <b><a href="http://www.centerforherbsandhealing.com/store/p2/Try_Me_Sticks_.html">Try Me Sticks</a></b> helps to relieve anxiety, is calming before bedtime, opens airways, enhances the "high" of other herbs, reduces the urge to smoke cigarettes, makes the room smell good, and while smoking tobacco is like drinking whiskey, smoking a <b>Try Me Stick</b> is like drinking a cool glass of water. It is the righteous stick that you don't have to feel guilty about!<br /><br /><div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-7Hdaewg3AyQmg1XZ70v-SwkuzzPkr9XuSo0kMqvxbgbbtyqKUzel2usVXxPY3ov_ncP7ehAgbr6DeT4M5duVzXN-K1Ck4tCzjugUd-8euA1HoWw42WOOBttxQuQzanv_jTSa5aovA5x/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-7Hdaewg3AyQmg1XZ70v-SwkuzzPkr9XuSo0kMqvxbgbbtyqKUzel2usVXxPY3ov_ncP7ehAgbr6DeT4M5duVzXN-K1Ck4tCzjugUd-8euA1HoWw42WOOBttxQuQzanv_jTSa5aovA5x/s320/FullSizeRender+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></h3>
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<a href="http://www.centerforherbsandhealing.com/engage-with-sage.html"><i>Shop for Sage</i></a></div>
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iamfreedomsdrumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659861568241768958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-328221900585177476.post-90280578205268694772018-05-10T16:25:00.000-04:002019-07-17T17:18:23.537-04:00Life doesn't get any better than a Tangerine! (Book Pre-Launch)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivA0MlG05z2g23OqnZPTEcsCh6bc9kagmX_NkZ-OH28UeYbU39Q4O6liKEFNHx4yHgS2dKK3fb5rR7gDEptep4cu-B2r_afpIeFriWyuESQQI_O1C3VTIVP-RKsb006QtSdNEcc8VovMGt/s1600/Life+doesnt+get+any+better+than+a+tangerine+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1003" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivA0MlG05z2g23OqnZPTEcsCh6bc9kagmX_NkZ-OH28UeYbU39Q4O6liKEFNHx4yHgS2dKK3fb5rR7gDEptep4cu-B2r_afpIeFriWyuESQQI_O1C3VTIVP-RKsb006QtSdNEcc8VovMGt/s640/Life+doesnt+get+any+better+than+a+tangerine+%25281%2529.png" width="401" /></span></a></h2>
Join me as I celebrate the release of my long awaited narrative. <br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Time to toss the lemons! Cause' </span>Life doesn't get any better than a Tangerine!</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">12 Bites to a Juicy Life </span></h2>
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They say when life hands you lemons make lemonade, but what happens when you can't find the sugar? Pick up a tangerine!<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Once suicidal and on a journey to find the more in life, this New Orleans native opens up about love affairs and the relationships that taught her that every bite leads to a juicy life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Life doesn't get any better </span>than<span style="font-family: inherit;"> a Tangerine is a true </span>love story that will make you laugh, cry, and take a walk on the wild side. It is a <span style="font-family: inherit;">spiritual guide for learning to make the most out of life.</span><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://www.centerforherbsandhealing.com/store/p14/Life_doesn%27t_get_any_better_than_a_Tangerine_%28Pre-launch%29.html" style="background-color: orange;" target="_blank">Pre-Order Your Copy Now</a></b></span></h2>
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From the Preface</h3>
<i>Although we have been made to believe that if we let go we will end up with nothing, life reveals just the opposite: that letting go is the real path to freedom. </i>Sogyal Rinpoche</div>
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In 2010 I had an experience that invited me to let go of the way I looked at the world. I immediately wrote about it, and after it was written, I knew it would be be the preface of this book. That was eight years ago. <br />
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“Life Doesn't Get any Better than a Tangerine” was almost the title for this book- and still very well may be by the end of the final print. 2 weeks before I decided to complete this manuscript, a manuscript originally entitled “Freedom's Drum” eight years prior, life thumped me on the head [again] and asked me for my response. This time I courageously responded with a “yes” and took a leap into the unknown trusting myself through the process of letting go.<br />
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I knew some shit was up when my mother called me in the middle of the night, a month before, two weeks before I decided to complete this book. I knew some shit was up because in the past I've received calls from my mother in the middle of the night usually following a drunken stupor where she was either ready to pick a fight with me by recalling some incident of the past that she was holding against me or she was calling in need of attention and reaching out by controlling or manipulating the conversation by holding me on the phone. I’ve learned the difference between the calls that I received from her during the day versus the calls that I received from her during the night. Day calls, were usually sobering, very short, and to the point. Oftentimes they were probing, brewing, and seemed to be the set up for the evening breeze. Night calls were usually passive aggressive and cause for pause. Either way, I never really knew what to expect from a call from my mother so I learned to brace myself for the worse and make choices in those moments that I received calls to either take the ride or not. <br />
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I knew some shit was up when she called me in the middle of the night, a month before, two weeks before I decided to complete this work. I knew it...I felt it...I was ready! <br />
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From Chapter 1</h3>
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“WIND”</h4>
<b>The Planting Process</b><br />
<i>The wound is the place where the light enters you.</i> ― Rumi<br />
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Welcoming Spirit</h4>
Each of our lives is like a gigantic puzzle. Before our conception, the background has already been set. From birth the puzzle forms. As our journey begins, pieces emerge. If we are mindful, we recognize just how intertwined our experiences are. One day we realize that there are really no accidental meetings or events that happen in our lives, just carefully orchestrated opportunities to help us unveil and unfold the greatest masterpiece of all: Ourselves. <br />
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It can be frustrating putting a puzzle together. Especially when some of our pieces seem lost or ill fitted. The task can grow complicated when the layers of life present themselves. Sometimes, the masterpiece doesn’t match the picture on the box. Sometimes we give in to the temptation to suppress or deny the truth. <br />
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Sometimes a miracle happens that captures our attention. We realize that nothing is more important than the beauty hidden in all of us. Sometimes we realize that nothing is more important than the beauty of realizing and living out our purpose. Nothing! It is the reason we were born. <br />
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<b>12. She was tall and linky. As she laid on top of me, I could feel her body crushing my tiny frame. I was four. </b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR</span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2vrWT4XJ03vCNVrBbj61nZkZm0u50lyHx2p0fCJEzVHe9FYZW_NI6nYwbQUdAzaLcOIvWPKsnGsz5h1qS_9_MxiFPhK3HkvBwyufK4j9dDm6Y84xuCnWFdOuglasKVlgcIbaQiLE8YvG/s1600/Shawn+Trimble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2vrWT4XJ03vCNVrBbj61nZkZm0u50lyHx2p0fCJEzVHe9FYZW_NI6nYwbQUdAzaLcOIvWPKsnGsz5h1qS_9_MxiFPhK3HkvBwyufK4j9dDm6Y84xuCnWFdOuglasKVlgcIbaQiLE8YvG/s320/Shawn+Trimble.jpg" width="320" /></a>Shawn Marie Trimble, was born in New Orleans, LA. Colorful as the city she is from, she is the mother of three and a dog. A sociology major with a background in visual arts, in 2001 she founded <a href="http://www.iamfreedomsdrum.com/">Freedom’s Drum Marketing & Consulting</a>, a personal growth and development organization that promotes spiritually enriching activities and workshops. </div>
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Writing since she could formulate words on paper, she is a self published author who inspires her readers to move beyond the conformities of life. Admitting that writing is therapy, in 2012, she founded the <a href="https://facebook.com/WithLoveMovement">With Love Movement</a>- an annual world day of healing through letter writing. <br />
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Passionate about being an agent of change she facilitates writing and purpose driven workshops geared toward self-discovery. Her vision is to travel the world, write books that inspire generations, and facilitate global healing workshops/events. Proceeds from the sale of this book will go toward organizing The Sunshine Trimble Foundation (philanthropic organization for people of color). <br />
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iamfreedomsdrumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659861568241768958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-328221900585177476.post-80146771136509303302018-03-04T11:05:00.000-05:002019-07-17T17:20:24.427-04:00The Best Gifts to Bring Home <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Dear World</i>,</h2>
On January 28th, I celebrated another turn around the sun. I am still smiling from the day and from the journey that this year- this life- has presented me with. Life is good!<br />
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Vacations are good too! And since I haven't blogged in awhile, this probably means that I've been on one hell of a trip! What else could have kept me from writing?<br />
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Could it be that what goes on in Vegas stays in Vegas? Did New Orleans bite my tongue? Have I been <a href="https://www.centerforherbsandhealing.com/store/p2/Try_Me_Sticks_%285_pack%29.html" target="_blank">getting high on my own supply</a>? Well, yes, yes, and more Yes!<br />
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Like any good trip, where do I begin? In truth, my cup has been running over with all of the stories that I thought I'd be sharing, but writing them has been a <i>new</i> challenge.<br />
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The winds of change are blowing, and in our social media 'no filter' age, the ways we are sharing news and the ways we are being heard are also changing. It has made me not only more selective of my circle of influence, but also more selective about what I choose to share. I have come to appreciate the silence between what I want to say and what will serve the world best with what I don't say. </div>
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What a phenomenal time we're living in!</div>
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<b>#WakandaForever </b></div>
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<b>#childrenRISING </b></div>
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I continue to keep a vigilant eye on social injustice, especially those that surround people of color, but my social activism has shifted to dismantling the injustice within myself. I am more focused on what lies beneath the color of my skin and more focused on celebrating being alive.<br />
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"<i>Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive. -</i>Howard Thurman<br />
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I believe that the steps that I am taking are leading me to my greatest and highest good. As I continue to process this trip, I have unpacked some of the best vacation gifts to bring home. May you receive them with love...<br />
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<b style="font-style: italic;">"One day I searched for them and one day I became them!" </b><b>Shawn Trimble</b></div>
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<b>The Gift of Practicing Trust</b></h3>
With love I share the gift of practicing trust.<br />
This gift has opened the door to incredible peace in my life and through this gift, I have learned that happiness and trust go hand in hand!<br />
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I have found that happiness has little to do with the circumstances surrounding me and everything to do with whether or not I simply trust this process called life.<br />
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When I began to pay attention to my feelings, I realized that when I felt fear or anxious about a difficult situation, I became stressed. Yet, when I felt secure with a sense of trust that the situation would work out, I was at ease and happiness followed.<br />
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I coupled this awareness with the practice of releasing control of how I thought things should work out with the practice of surrendering to the way things did work out. I began to trust the process and visualized the steps along the way. I added a mantra to my practice: <i>Every step that I take is leading me to my greatest and highest good</i>. So, regardless of the way things do work out, I have come to believe that "it's ALL good!"<br />
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This practice and realization has morphed into a deeper understanding and conscious awareness that <i>Wherever I am, God is - and All is Well</i>! <br />
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<b>The Gift of Practicing Gratitude</b></h3>
With love I share the gift of practicing gratitude.<br />
This gift has opened the door to the feeling of bliss in my life. Gratitude fills my cup!<br />
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<i>If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.</i> - Eckhart Tolle<br />
Gratitude starts with a simple, "Thank You". <br />
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I remember beginning my days with, "Thank You". I remember ending my days with, "Thank You". I remember traveling with a "Thank You" altar on the dashboard of my car. Today, if feelings of anxiety surface, I close my eyes and whisper, "Thank You". I am convinced that this prayer holds a universal power that will light your path.<br />
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The beautiful thing about gratitude is that when you begin to focus on the things that you are grateful for, not only do less important things fade away, but the practice raises your <a href="http://www.iamfreedomsdrum.com/2015/09/free-for-unlimited-time-raise-your.html">vibration</a> and opens the door to bliss.<br />
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<b>The Gift of Practicing Presence</b></h3>
With love I share the gift of practicing presence.<br />
This gift has opened the door to all of the presents that life offers me. Presence brings them home to love and to be loved-unconditionally!<br />
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<a href="http://www.iamfreedomsdrum.com/2016/09/ms-my-hero-and-mothers-love.html" target="_blank">Children</a>, peace, and joy, have been some of those presents. But anger, <a href="http://www.iamfreedomsdrum.com/2016/04/dont-be-ashamed-of-your-story.html" target="_blank">depression</a>, anxiety, have also been some of those presents too!<br />
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Meditation is a wonderful tool for opening up to presence and the gifts that these presents bring. I was first introduced to the practice of meditation as a student intending to pursue ordination as a minister of Spiritual Life Consciousness. It was not a tool that I first enjoyed.<br />
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Remember Dr. Suess, <i>Sam I am?</i> "I do not like green eggs and ham!"<br />
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I did not like sitting still; I did not like wondering if I was doing it right; I did not like not feeling uncomfortable doing something that I didn't understand; I did not like traveling alone in my head without adult supervision; I did not like traveling to places that were down right scary to me. I did not like meditation!<br />
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And, I did not like dealing with the chatter of my mind. Monkey mind, is normal in meditation, but e<i>nergy does flow where your attention goes. M</i>y attention was usually on everything else going on in my life. Homework; children; custody agreements; business meetings; rent; bill collectors; debt; getting the carpet cleaned; buying new furniture; what was next on the agenda; dinner; going to the bathroom; how was I going to pay for school; etc. <br />
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Then, one day, in the stillness of my mind, listening beyond the chatter, and on a trip alone in my head without adult supervision, I heard a voice. The master guide leading the meditation was <a href="https://innervisionsworldwide.com/about-iyanla-vanzant/" target="_blank">Iyanla Vanzant</a>.<br />
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Her voice guided me on a journey to a glistening treasure box. I remember reaching in and pulling out the gifts of Love, Peace, and Joy. Somewhere in the breath of that one moment, my attention shifted as I heard a message that changed my life!<br />
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With reverence, she said, "Recognize, that in this moment, there is nothing that you need."<br />
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I paused and took another breath. I carried those words with me, and in that moment I realized that there was nothing that I needed. I wept. The truth had set me free!<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Over the years, that one moment turned into another moment, that turned into other moments that have breathed life into moments that have filled my days, weeks, and years.</span><br />
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Of course we need food and water for our survival. And of course there are things that we hold in consciousness that are important for us to see and for us to do. But presence, like nature teaches us to slow down and smell the roses.<br />
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<i>"Look at the birds! They don’t worry about what to eat—they don’t need to sow or reap or store up food—for your heavenly Father feeds them....But your heavenly Father already knows perfectly well that you need them, and he will give them to you if you give him first place in your life and live as he wants you to."</i> <b>Matthew 6:26-33 Living Bible (TLB)</b><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">So, I reached in and pulled out the gifts of Love, Peace, and Joy. One day I searched for them and one day I became them! </span><br />
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It's been a real trip!<br />
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<a href="http://www.iamfreedomsdrum.com/2015/03/this-heart-of-mine-was-made-to-travel.html" target="_blank">With Love</a>,<br />
Shawn<br />
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***This blog is dedicated to my daughter, Sunshine- Mommy loves you!<br />
Catch me on: instagram @iamfreedomsdrum<br />
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"Aad Guray Nameh (I bow to the Primal Source of Creation)<br />
Jugaad Guray Nameh (I bow to Creation woven throughout time.)<br />
Sat Guray Nameh (I bow to the True Source of Creation,<br />
the true identity of self)<br />
Siri Guru Devay Nameh (I bow to Creation whose Great Glory will always be)"<br />
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iamfreedomsdrumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659861568241768958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-328221900585177476.post-54077995333986657432017-11-14T14:27:00.000-05:002017-11-14T14:27:25.946-05:00With Love Movement: The Gift that keeps on Giving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Dear World</i></span></b>,<br /><br />Five years ago I started the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WithLoveMovement/" target="_blank"><b>With Love Movement- Annual World Day of Healing thru Letter Writing</b></a>. Today, I know this heart of mine was made to travel this world!<br /><br />I still chuckle when I think back to a conversation I had while hosting a letter writing party:<br /><br />“What a great event! So who started the movement?”<br />“I did!”<br />“No, I mean not the event, but the movement.”<br />“I did!”<br />Gasps.<br /><br />The idea was born from a yearning to reach my brothers and sisters in Haiti who had just experienced a devastating earthquake in 2010. Though I realized that sending money was important to the relief efforts, I wanted to give more than just a monetary gift. I wanted to give a gift from the heart. I wanted to let them know that I cared. I wanted to let them know that I could feel their pain. I wanted to lift their spirits. I wanted to send each of them a letter signed- with love!<br /><br />As the story goes, I imagined organizing a movement of people walking up to a huge truck filled with letters written by perfect strangers. One by one I could see people from the ravaged neighborhoods walking up to the truck and randomly picking out their perfect letter. They would read them, feel the sincerity in the voices of those who had written them, and then walk away with an uplifting and encouraging message.<br /><br />My wild vision became larger than life when reality hit that not only was there was no mail service, but I couldn’t speak or write French. Then, fear crept in, things got blurry, I talked myself out of it, and I woke up from the dream.<br /><br />But, by the end of the following year, 2011, the movement of love continued to stir in me. As the holidays approached, I felt a similar yearning. Except this time I reached out. I was inspired by a quote from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sisterjoanchittister/?fref=mentions">Joan Chittister</a> with the Charter for Compassion Trailer:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<b>"We are living in a period of commercial globalization.</b></div>
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<b>What we really need is spiritual globalization.”</b></div>
</b><br />In an email to my family and friends, I shared with them that while the commercialization of the season was near, I reminded them of a gift that didn't cost a thing. It was a gift that kept on giving- the gift of a written letter.<div>
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<br /><br />Months later a dear friend, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/zelda.powell.1?fref=mentions">Zelda Powell</a>, approached me with a service project intended to encourage me to revisit the idea. I was humbled and grateful for the nudge of support. She was representing an organization that she was co-facilitating with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jacquelineyvonne03?fref=mentions">Jacqueline Yvonne Brett</a> from Sacred Visioning.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>“There is a movement that wants to be expressed through me. It is my intention to honor this movement in excellence by giving birth to her and watching her grow in the world. Thank you in advance for being the midwives, co creators, and facilitators of this movement.” </i></b></div>
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Shawn Trimble (July 2012)<br /><br />After several meetings with Zelda, I finally set an intention, drafted a simple plan, and on November 17, 2012, (the Saturday before Thanksgiving), The With Love Movement –annual world day of healing through letter writing was born.<br /><br />On November 12, 2017, I had the honor of witnessing the ordination ceremony of Rev. Jacqueline Brett. I am in deep gratitude for her ministry, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Eno-River-Unitarian-Universalist-Fellowship-ERUUF-168688356509902/?fref=mentions">Eno River Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (ERUUF)</a>, and the Sacred Visioning Circle for holding space for love. I honor you today!<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.withlovemovement.com/" target="_blank">With Love Movement</a> is still traveling! (Thank you <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GilbertLiz/?fref=mentions">Elizabeth Gilbert</a>). With over 10,000 people from around the world, the movement reached over 40 countries and over 35 cities across the US and abroad. Wow! Thank You! I continue to be humbled!</div>
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<br /><br />I know that people are being touched all across the world. I know that the healing power of Love is circulating the Universe. I know that the With Love Movement is part of that energy. I know that I couldn't have done it without all of YOU.<br /><br />Let us continue to spread the healing power of love! On <b>November 18, 2017</b>, share the gift that keeps on giving. Share a part of history that connects us all- letter writing!<br /><br />Thank YOU! <br />With Love,<br />Shawn<br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/writemoreletters?source=feed_text&story_id=1893721487323825">#writemoreletters</a><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/november18?source=feed_text&story_id=1893721487323825">#November18</a></div>
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iamfreedomsdrumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659861568241768958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-328221900585177476.post-21684337130044929952017-10-31T13:15:00.000-04:002017-10-31T13:15:39.234-04:00#trymesticks: The Age of Sage!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Greetings,<br />Today is a great day to engage with sage! <br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/trymesticks?source=feed_text&story_id=10214842615639383">#trymesticks</a><br />Bull City it's the age of Sage...engage!<br /><br />Sage is one of the most healing herbs on the planet. White sage is used in smoking blends to improve mood, anxiety relief, and also boosts memory. White sage also helps to clear the throat, lungs, and sinuses of congestion.<br /><br /><a href="http://bit.ly/Trymesticks">bit.ly/Trymesticks</a><br />Try Me Sticks:<br />All natural and hand rolled with love, customers have reported that smoking Try Me Sticks helps to relieve anxiety, is calming before bedtime, opens airways, enhances the "high" of other herbs, reduces the urge to smoke cigarettes, makes the room smell good, and one shared that smoking his tobacco cigar was like drinking whiskey but a Try Me Stick was like drinking a cool glass of water.<br /><br />It is the righteous stick that you don't have to feel guilty about!<br /><br />Try Me Sticks are wrapped with pure hemp and contain no tobacco or nicotine. Each pack contains 5 sticks.<br /><br />Sage is an herb of immortality with a rich history dating back to prehistoric times. Though it is often associated with Native Americans, sage was sought after by Chinese, Greeks, Romans, and Arabs.<br /><br />For centuries it has been commonly used for clearing energy, but today there is scientific research that smudging purifies the air of harmful bacteria.<br /><br />Read more about sage here: <br /><a href="http://bit.ly/sagebenefits">http://bit.ly/sagebenefits</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CenterforHerbsandHealing/?fref=mentions">Center for Herbs and Healing</a><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/freedomsdrum/?fref=mentions">Freedom's Drum Marketing & Consulting</a><br />#trymesticks <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/sagencream?source=feed_text&story_id=10214842615639383">#sageNcream</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/engagewithsage?source=feed_text&story_id=10214842615639383">#engagewithsage</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/smokableherbs?source=feed_text&story_id=10214842615639383">#smokableherbs</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/smokersparadise?source=feed_text&story_id=10214842615639383">#smokersparadise</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/blunts?source=feed_text&story_id=10214842615639383">#blunts</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/alternative?source=feed_text&story_id=10214842615639383">#alternative</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/anxietyrelief?source=feed_text&story_id=10214842615639383">#anxietyrelief</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/stressreliever?source=feed_text&story_id=10214842615639383">#stressreliever</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/healing?source=feed_text&story_id=10214842615639383">#healing</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/smudge?source=feed_text&story_id=10214842615639383">#smudge</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/goodenergy?source=feed_text&story_id=10214842615639383">#goodenergy</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/goodvibes?source=feed_text&story_id=10214842615639383">#goodvibes</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/peace?source=feed_text&story_id=10214842615639383">#peace</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/love?source=feed_text&story_id=10214842615639383">#love</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/cigar?source=feed_text&story_id=10214842615639383">#cigar</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/tobaccofree?source=feed_text&story_id=10214842615639383">#tobaccofree</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/allnatural?source=feed_text&story_id=10214842615639383">#allnatural</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/sage?source=feed_text&story_id=10214842615639383">#sage</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/whitesage?source=feed_text&story_id=10214842615639383">#whitesage</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/legal?source=feed_text&story_id=10214842615639383">#legal</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/hemp?source=feed_text&story_id=10214842615639383">#hemp</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/iamfreedomsdrum?source=feed_text&story_id=10214842615639383">#iamfreedomsdrum</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/centerforherbsandhealing?source=feed_text&story_id=10214842615639383">#centerforherbsandhealing</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/durham?source=feed_text&story_id=10214842615639383">#durham</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/supportlocalbusiness?source=feed_text&story_id=10214842615639383">#supportlocalbusiness</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/womanowned?source=feed_text&story_id=10214842615639383">#womanowned</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/bullcity?source=feed_text&story_id=10214842615639383">#bullcity</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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iamfreedomsdrumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659861568241768958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-328221900585177476.post-7932057540956459432017-08-09T16:34:00.000-04:002017-08-09T16:34:10.372-04:00#sundayartbazaar: Triumphs, Challenges, New Location<b style="font-weight: normal;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /><br />Greetings Sunday Art Bazaar Friends and Family,<br /><br />I hope this day finds you exceedingly and abundantly blessed! I want to give you an update on the <a href="http://www.iamfreedomsdrum.com/2017/06/find-your-tribe-come-home-to-sunday-art.html"><b>Sunday Art Bazaar</b></a> and open a conversation that may generate ideas, solutions, and even guide us to even greater possibilities. <br /><br />On May 21st, I opened my front lawn and home to the <a href="http://www.iamfreedomsdrum.com/2017/06/find-your-tribe-come-home-to-sunday-art.html"><b>Sunday Art Bazaar</b></a>. The mission was to give artists, including myself, an opportunity to introduce and sell their products in a loving and supportive environment and create a feel good event where people from the community could Shop, Eat, and Vibe. <br /><br />Every week that we have gathered, JOY has been the emoji! Infused with good energy is my home. It has been affectionately earmarked the <b>Freedoms Drum Community Center</b> (<a href="http://hosted-p0.vresp.com/243268/57449d0601/ARCHIVE">read history here</a>), and has been an extension of the bazaar. Through its lens I have witnessed entrepreneurial spirits being lifted as well as the embrace and outpouring of this loving energy to those who have stopped by. It has been JOY to witness love in motion. What a gift for all of us in this community! <br /><br />I also count it all joy that with great triumphs can come great challenges. Adulting is not always fun, but necessary. Several weeks ago, following a complaint from someone asking if the event was legal, I received a violation notice from the city of Durham. (Zoning RS8- Outdoor display without site approval). I followed up with a call to the city planner and was discouraged to move forward because of the long and costly process that also required me to obtain an architect and an attorney to draw up a city site plan. My residence is zoned commercial/residential and though I never charged artists a fee for participating, the fine for me to continue at my location is $500 (per event). <br /><br />Seeking direction, I initially shared the notice with a few colleagues, and was delighted when one wrote back and said, “...it took off like gangbusters and it's a beautiful thing that should not be interrupted.” Thank You - I couldn’t agree more!</div>
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So, we have outgrown our current situation...new possibilities await!</h4>
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<br /><br />The good news is that since receiving the notice, other conversations, meetings, and groups have spawned and the Sunday Art Bazaar will move forward! In the meantime, until a resolution is made manifest, I welcome your ideas, suggestions, or location leads. Please email me at: iamfreedomsdrum@gmail.com. <br /><br />Thanks for all that you do and for all that you are! <br /><br />With Love,<br /><br />Shawn <br /><br /><br /><b>"In a world so torn apart by rivalry, anger, and hatred, we have the privileged vocation to be living signs of a love that can bridge all divisions and heal all wounds."<br /><br />Henri J.M. Nouwen</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1866724336984768/?ti=icl" rel="nofollow" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">https://www.facebook.com/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">events/1866724336984768/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit;"></span>?ti=icl</a><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #4b4f56; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1559825740718679/?ti=icl" rel="nofollow" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">https://www.facebook.com/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">events/1559825740718679/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit;"></span>?ti=icl</a><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #4b4f56; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/171941026666844/?ti=icl" rel="nofollow" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">https://www.facebook.com/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">events/171941026666844/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit;"></span>?ti=icl</a><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #4b4f56; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1874289009562768/?ti=icl" rel="nofollow" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">https://www.facebook.com/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">events/1874289009562768/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit;"></span>?ti=icl</a><br /><br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />iamfreedomsdrumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659861568241768958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-328221900585177476.post-24212458674204024782017-07-19T16:00:00.000-04:002017-07-19T16:42:47.893-04:00Sweat is Fat Crying: Journey back to fitness (weeks 1-10)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Week 10</b></div>
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Week 10 is complete and I'm half way into week 11. Before I let another week slip by here is my update... </div>
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Last Monday I arrived to the gym but my trainer wasn't there. He is always on time and it was rather unusual not to be greeted by him but in truth I was actually relieved. My work out schedule varies and I never know what Corey has up his sleeve or what I'll end up doing.<br />
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I know that I hate doing burpees and I can't think of anything that I like doing except stretching and the feeling of completion after my workouts are over. And, after working with a trainer for the past 10 weeks, I admit that I am not as self motivated as I would like to be. So, I took the easy route and jumped on the treadmill and planned a for 4 mile stretch. <br />
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10 minutes later Corey comes in and stands beside me while I'm on the treadmill. He asked me how long I had been on and I smiled pointed to the monitor like a child as if to say, "Look daddy I'm working out all by myself". <br />
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He didn't seem phased. "Great, now I have something else for you".<br />
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I was not excited but I jumped off the treadmill as he walked me to the back door. <br />
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"We're going outside!" I exclaimed. It was my first time outside of the gym. Then, I got excited.<br />
I was a child again! <br />
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He looked at me and said, "Yes Trimble we are going outside!"<br />
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He walked me to a tire laying in the parking lot. It was huge! When he gave me instructions on what he wanted me to do, I had no idea what I was being called to do. After all, I was still celebrating being outside. <br />
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I followed his lead and with my knees bent in squat position I grabbed underneath the tire and attempted to lift. Reality suddenly hit me. I felt defeated. I looked at him and I could fee the heaviness come across me as I said, "Cory, I can't flip it. It is too heavy".<br />
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He looked at me and said, "Yes, you can!"<br />
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I was not at all convinced and so he offered to flip it with me. He got on one side and I on the other. At least I saw that it could be done. Then, he said, "Now you do it!"<br />
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With tears growing inside (I knew that the day the tears would be back), I managed to get my first flip in, then another, then another, then another, across the parking lot. Then, he told me he wanted me to repeat it 4 more times (at least 20 flips or 2 rotations across the parking lot). <br />
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The workout continued in the gym and by the time I was complete, it may have been the first time I didn't speak to Corey on my way out. I had grown from a child to a pissed off teenager who had no words! <br />
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Tuesday came and he had me on the tires again...<br />
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Well, another week has gone by and yesterday, as I completed another flipping tires workout, one quote just stuck out in my mind...<br />
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<b>"You never know how strong you are, until being strong is your only choice."</b></div>
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I am- You are- We are- stronger than we think! I have the feeling that all of this is preparing me for something... <br />
With Joy,<br />
Shawn <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monday Week 10</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu4y78jM7d8g7AEbWfHXhDer3s3fvGV5WephkhmAcFwlll6DVBkMIb5C7bHBWK3Zjn3MwUJtz30wBDKc-_F9EhYZlQpL8FhKigLim51ozH3QbqrIGdVgWac2u4JIJnM2zl62-w1j9LWeZX/s1600/IMG_4638%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu4y78jM7d8g7AEbWfHXhDer3s3fvGV5WephkhmAcFwlll6DVBkMIb5C7bHBWK3Zjn3MwUJtz30wBDKc-_F9EhYZlQpL8FhKigLim51ozH3QbqrIGdVgWac2u4JIJnM2zl62-w1j9LWeZX/s320/IMG_4638%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm02XkCUqm7bq2M9m_Y5Okc-4ajw8eLQjrVe6ky0Iu-sQ8vbGobvjuu3OUqDAMljfegVu7KnQIOsFrIIzpLF95-K3kge9EyJ23tVSypH5dPiq74j1E9dq6hGz5Zm22bC6t9VOYqlFxK33N/s1600/IMG_4635%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm02XkCUqm7bq2M9m_Y5Okc-4ajw8eLQjrVe6ky0Iu-sQ8vbGobvjuu3OUqDAMljfegVu7KnQIOsFrIIzpLF95-K3kge9EyJ23tVSypH5dPiq74j1E9dq6hGz5Zm22bC6t9VOYqlFxK33N/s320/IMG_4635%255B1%255D.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tuesday, Week 11</td></tr>
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<b>Week 8-9</b></div>
<h5 class="_5pbw _5vra" data-ft="{"tn":"C"}" id="js_19e" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.38; margin: 0px 0px 2px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px 22px 0px 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span class="fwn fcg" style="color: #90949c; font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;"><span class="fwb fcg" data-ft="{"tn":";"}" style="color: #90949c; font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;"><a data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard-referer="ART1kDt8Cda8U_WUjLCv3SSKYRqLUCMzX8vvH97gtqBFnYY9RfmlJTcQZeoYosvoBaU" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=1246278423&extragetparams=%7B%22hc_ref%22%3A%22ART1kDt8Cda8U_WUjLCv3SSKYRqLUCMzX8vvH97gtqBFnYY9RfmlJTcQZeoYosvoBaU%22%2C%22fref%22%3A%22nf%22%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/shawn.m.trimble?hc_ref=ART1kDt8Cda8U_WUjLCv3SSKYRqLUCMzX8vvH97gtqBFnYY9RfmlJTcQZeoYosvoBaU&fref=nf" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;">Shawn M Trimble</a></span></span></h5>
<div class="_5pcp _5lel" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #90949c; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; position: relative; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span class="_5paw _14zs" data-ft="{"tn":"j"}" style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="fsm fwn fcg" style="color: #90949c; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal;"><a class="_5pcq" href="https://www.facebook.com/shawn.m.trimble/posts/10213821027260312" style="color: #90949c; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;" target=""><abbr class="_5ptz" data-shorten="1" data-utime="1499549388" style="border-bottom: none; color: #90949c; text-decoration: none;" title="Saturday, July 8, 2017 at 2:29pm"><span class="timestampContent" id="js_19f" style="font-family: inherit;">July 8 at 2:29pm</span></abbr></a></span></span></div>
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Initially, I made a commitment to do this gym thing for 16 weeks. There were so many things I was unsure about , but I made it up as I went along. I literally threw the number 16 from the air after reading about a 16-week challenge from Isagenix the day before I met with my trainer. I even took picture! (I will reveal them when I have completed this stretch of the journey.)<br />
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After watching this video this week, I realized that unconsciously I used the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 blast off method of courageously moving into the unknown.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I am proud of me!</span> </b></div>
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<b>And, the good news is that I am still at it!</b> </div>
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I was having so much fun in the gym I didn't realize I had missed a week of sharing (pure sarcasm)!Here is a look at how my body is shaping up:<br />
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5-2-17<br />
Fat %- 43.3<br />
Fat Weight-94lbs<br />
BMI- 36.3<br />
Waist-35<br />
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7-4-17<br />
Fat %-36.9<br />
Fat Weight-75lbs<br />
BMI-33.6<br />
Waist-30<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Weight Loss: 17lbs</span></i></b><br />
<b>Goal Weigh Loss: 50lbs</b><br />
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<b>Week 7</b><br />
Original post on FB on June 25, 6:08pm<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/shawn.m.trimble/posts/10213651670746505">June 25 at 6:08pm</a> <br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/week7?source=feed_text&story_id=10213651670746505">#week7</a><br />
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Me in the airport</div>
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Me in New Orleans</div>
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This week was bittersweet! I went to New Orleans and was away from he gym for an entire week! (Tomorrow is going to hurt!) <br />
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I had a ball and ate all of my favorite foods. Of course I had high hopes of working in more workouts while I was here, but I only managed to get in one good day! <br />
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I did manage to run into my <i>69</i> year old vegan mother, <i><b>D'Ayanna Hicks</b></i>, and I was able to capture her doing her workouts. Go Mama!!!<br />
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Be inspired! <br />
With Joy,<br />
Me</div>
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<b>Week 6</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shawn Trimble</td></tr>
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<b>Original post on FB on June 11, 10:46am</b></h3>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10213494458256291&set=a.2680130922939.2151142.1246278423&type=3">June 11 at 10:46am</a> · <a href="https://www.facebook.com/shawn.m.trimble/posts/10213494458416295?comment_id=10213528814075165&notif_t=feed_comment&notif_id=1497465550293001#"></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/week6?source=feed_text&story_id=10213494458416295">#week6</a></div>
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Ok, things are getting serious. It was definitely another challenging week but I'm down <b>15 lbs</b>! Yay!!!! I thought I was done with the crying phase, but this week I cried again. (Of course you couldn't tell it in this before the workout photo.)<br />
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Giving credit where credit is do, I must give a shout out to Corey Alston! There are so many stories that I can share about this man and how he's pushed me to do things that I never thought that I could. He has been a tough personal trainer but he sees through my tears and holds the vision for me when I just want to drop it and run. Thank you Corey <a href="https://www.facebook.com/anytimefitnessbriercreek/?fref=mentions">Anytime Fitness Brier Creek</a><br />
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Giving more credit where credit is do, is that though I am not on a diet, I am quite mindful of what goes in my body. (When I was younger, I use to workout to eat what I wanted. Today, not so much!)<br />
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To help boost my metabolism and release some toxic build up, 6 weeks ago I started a 30 day cleanse with Isagenix. 6 weeks later, I still find myself using the products. It's been an effective nutrition system that I can attest to. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SimranSingh1111?fref=mentions">Simran Singh</a> thank you!<br />
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I know that the cleanse supported me on this journey and if you wish to learn more don't hesitate to reach out! You don't have to do it alone...<br />
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And last, I ran across another video that not only motivated me this week, but inspired me to join another movement- <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/462993544043652/?fref=mentions">GirlTrek in Durham, NC</a> It's powerful! Check it out! And share it with other black women who may need the reminder! <br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/HealthyBlackWomenandGirls/posts/1341123802630887:0">https://www.facebook.com/HealthyBlackWomenandGirls/posts/1341123802630887:0</a><br />
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With Love,<br />
Me<br />
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Week 5</h3>
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<b>Original post on FB on June 4, 8:28am</b><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/shawn.m.trimble/posts/10213420999579870">June 4 at 8:28am</a> <br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/shawn.m.trimble#"></a><br />
End of week 5...<br />
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Monday was a holiday but I still got up and worked out. I know there has been a shift in my mind and my body.<br />
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Besides being focused on my goals, I am also aware that moving through past behaviors and the tricks of the ego to slack off is crucial. So is connecting with how painful it can be to start over if I stop now.<br />
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It is also crucial for me to be present and pay attention to the many signs and lessons along the way.<br />
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On Tuesday my trainer had me get on the elliptical. I shrugged as usual but obliged and hopped on watching him set the machine to the desired setting. (He usually sets it to some hill on level 10 for 2 miles.)<br />
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Until I get warmed up, I never know how in going to make it a half mile let alone two, but somehow I do. This time there was a misunderstanding and when I got to mile two I started my slow down. Corey saw me slowing down and walked over and said, "I wanted four miles today!"<br />
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Sweat was pouring from body and like a teenager with attitude, there were so many not so nice things that were going off in my head and though I didn't say it, "Fuck no" was one of them.<br />
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Instead I looked at him with desperation in my eyes and I said, "How about I go for a walk around the block instead?"<br />
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It seemed like a reasonable gesture. Corey didn't think so. He looked me in my eyes and said, "you can hop off and I'll see you tomorrow..."<br />
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I was perplexed and didn't understand at first his sarcasm and so he repeated it again, "You can hop off and I'll see you tomorrow."<br />
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I then started to understand the choice he was offering. I didn't like it so I didn't move.<br />
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Then he said, "Look Shawn, you've been doing it your way...now it's time to try another way- my way!"<br />
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It was as if God was speaking directly to me through him. I got it!<br />
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I shrugged again, but I let him reset the machine, and I did another mile before he let me go.<br />
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Celebrating the little things, I have not missed a work out in five weeks. I have been committed to my four day per week routine.<br />
<b><br />My commitment to myself and Self Care is my new activism.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUT0R4XLN6s1mOcZWQRj4TcoXN_J2zaaOMoSHWog8bJ9hO-63QrKhMRW1l-9lHljnqVXFJSGTNKczYV87kiJsC447szzxoxNR43C-1NzKsp74-D0cQEkUzvTqC5FPOXwPOzu9z6Su5HJ5/s1600/Me+and+the+Girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUT0R4XLN6s1mOcZWQRj4TcoXN_J2zaaOMoSHWog8bJ9hO-63QrKhMRW1l-9lHljnqVXFJSGTNKczYV87kiJsC447szzxoxNR43C-1NzKsp74-D0cQEkUzvTqC5FPOXwPOzu9z6Su5HJ5/s320/Me+and+the+Girls.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A few times within this five week period, I've even slipped in a non workout day. Bike riding a few weeks ago was one of one them. Yesterday, walking in my favorite park was another.</div>
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I had such a great time with my daughter and the girls. I got my walk in lol!</div>
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I shared with them what I had journaled about before taking our walk:</div>
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<i>Wherever I am- God is- and all is well. <br />Wherever I am- God is- and all is well!</i> </div>
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I am well!</div>
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With Love, </div>
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Me</div>
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(Read about my journey here: <a href="http://www.iamfreedomsdrum.com/2017/05/sweat-is-fat-crying-journey-back-to.html?m=1">http://www.iamfreedomsdrum.com/…/sweat-is-fat-crying-journe…</a>)</div>
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Week 4</h3>
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<b>Original post on FB on May 27, 3:34pm</b><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/shawn.m.trimble?fref=nf">Shawn M Trimble</a></div>
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4 weeks ago I embarked on a new journey that I quickly turned into a 16 week fitness challenge. Today I celebrate my first 10lb release! Yes, I can see my abs again!</div>
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It has been a journey yet in many ways I'm just getting started! In his Warrior video, Eric Thomas says that "...when you get to the point where enough is enough; when you get to the point where it hurts real bad; when you get to the point where you can't take it no more; when you get to that point- doors start opening- opportunities start happening...but what you can not do is give up! Champions keep going..." (<a href="https://youtu.be/CMm6tDavSXg">https://youtu.be/CMm6tDavSXg</a> @ <a href="https://www.facebook.com/THEHIPHOPPREACHER/?fref=mentions">Eric Thomas</a>)</div>
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Here are my 10 lessons from the 10 pounds:</h3>
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<b>1.</b> The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step- take it!</div>
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<b>2</b>. Regardless of how cloudy things appear- Follow the Sun! Hold on to your vision! </div>
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<b>3.</b> It's ok to cry! Pain either hurts you or changes you- you get to decide which one! </div>
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<b>4.</b> Don't be afraid to set a goal and have the courage to commit to the process. You can't ask someone to commit to you if you aren't willing to commit to yourself. </div>
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<b>5.</b> Change is not always an overnight process. Remember that what you can't see under the surface is bigger than what you can see! Don't give up! </div>
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<b>6.</b> Being challenged and being uncomfortable can be beautiful gifts! They stretch us beyond our own made up limitations and allow us to see our strengths and our ability to make the adjustments necessary. </div>
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<b>7.</b> Ask for help! What a blessing it is to not only receive support but to be a blessing to those who want to give it. The exchange can be miraculous. </div>
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<b>8.</b> Invest in yourself! You are the most important person in your life! I deserve- you deserve- we deserve to give ourselves what we've given so freely to others. Remember that material wealth is nothing without personal health. "How you gonna win when you ain't right within?"</div>
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<b>9.</b> It may hurt to discover that some people are not your friends. Pay attention to the people who support you. Let go of the ones who don't...they are dead weight! Find your tribe and Go where the love is...</div>
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<b>10.</b> Accountability is golden! Record your progress - and celebrate the little things along the way!</div>
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Thank you for sharing this journey...<br />
With Love, <br />
Me</div>
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***Ps -inbox me if you want me to connect you with the trainer that o am using and/or a nutritious cleanse that also supported me with my metabolism and releasing toxins from my body.<br />
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Week 3</h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shawn Trimble</td></tr>
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<b>Original post on FB on May 20, 11:20am</b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10213275971794266&set=a.2680130922939.2151142.1246278423&type=3">May 20 at 11:20am</a> <br />
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<img src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/ff4/1.5/16/2600.png" />The end of week 3! Celebrating the small things...and I didn't cry in my workouts this week! I even took my bike out and went for a ride. Yay! There is something going on beneath the surface of it all and pushing through the pain and the tears is part of the process of growth and development. On the other side of fear...on the other side of the cracking shell...on the other side of the seed that breaks through the darkness and the dirt...is something magical! I am fierce! Even in those moments of weakness. I am powerful beyond measure! Even when I don't feel it (or feel like working out). Wherever you are in this journey called life, know that you are love(d). Be encouraged! </div>
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With Joy, me <br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/transformation?source=feed_text&story_id=10213275972234277">#transformation</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/fitness?source=feed_text&story_id=10213275972234277">#fitness</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/selflove?source=feed_text&story_id=10213275972234277">#selflove</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/health?source=feed_text&story_id=10213275972234277">#health</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/iamfreedomsdrum?source=feed_text&story_id=10213275972234277">#iamfreedomsdrum</a><br />
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Week 2</h3>
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<b>Original post on FB on May 14 @10:36pm</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/shawn.m.trimble?fref=nf">Shawn M Trimble</a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>T</i></span>oday was a phenomenal day! Motherhood is a gift! Children are gifts! And, everyday is a gift!<br />
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Today also marked the beginning of what will be my third week of fitness training. Week two complete!<br />
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I would love to say that week two was better than week one, but in truth it wasn't! Though I wasn't as sore, I cried after class on Monday, I was giving evil looks on Tuesday, and after my first introduction to burpees on Wednesday, I thought I was going to pass out! Not only did I cry during and after my workout, then I cried some more when I got home. I'm not even ashamed to admit that it was also the day I almost quit! But I didn't! I showed up again on Thursday and it was the first day I didn't cry!<br />
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I've always exercised on my terms within my level of comfort. Being in a gym was never my thing but Physical activity never scared me!<br />
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Over the last few years I got caught up in the busyness of life and relationships and I turned away from me and let myself go. I stopped working out and when I did get physical it was hit or miss. I was losing the self motivation I once had and I was watching myself spiral out. Last summer I went to the doctor and I would have preferred him give me some magic pill when he saw the weight I had gained but instead he just looked at me and said, "So what are you going to do?"<br />
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So what did I do? I ate more and gained even more weight. Lol Was it my last hoo-ra with this dance? It could have been, because everything changed this year.<br />
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I had always wanted to challenge myself to see what my body could do and this month I just woke up one day and decided to give myself the gift of self love and appreciation. I didn't like carrying the extra weight and I refused to let another season pass me by.<br />
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Working with a good fitness trainer is much like working with a spiritual life coach. Both are committed to helping you win and archive your goals. And regardless of what excuses you come up with, they ain't trying to hear it!<br />
<br />
I'm also doing a 30 day cleanse that I started with my training. It was perfect timing and I am enjoying the energy that I feel!<br />
<br />
Today I went to work, planted flowers, worked in the yard, cut grass, and washed my dog just to name a few of the activities that I had the energy to do. I even had the urge to workout on my days off...<br />
<br />
If you are interested in connecting with the trainer or learning more about this fabulous system I've embarked on, let me know. (I'm not selling it but I can certainly stand behind it and even get you started.)<br />
<br />
Week 3 starts tomorrow! All good juju and words of encouragement appreciated. Thank you for being witnesses and the accountability partners that I need.<br />
<br />
With love, <br />
Me<br />
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<h3>
Week 1</h3>
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<b>Original post on FB on May 7@ 9:31am</b></div>
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<b>"Change will come when the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change!"</b></div>
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Two weeks ago I asked for help to find a personal trainer. I am grateful to everyone who responded to my request! Out of those requests, I received several life changing connections.</div>
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On Tuesday, I showed up for my first training session! The trainer, Cory Alston, and I had a conversation about my goals and my level of commitment. I revealed my weight, he recorded my measurements, and calculated my BMI. The fat that I am carrying is not my best!</div>
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By the time workout session was over, I was in tears! Stretched beyond all the limits I had ever placed on what I could do. Then I cried again when I got home! My word is my bond...what had I gotten myself into?</div>
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By day three I was so sore, (and still am), but I pushed through it! He showed me no mercy and only told me that next week is when we get started!</div>
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Everything happened with synchronicity! The other response I received was from another beloved Light who saw my post. She lovingly shared information about a nutrition system that would change my body's composition. After doing my own research, we had a golden conversation! I said, "Yes"! OMG</div>
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The transformation taking place is unbelievable! Another prayer answered! "Change will come when the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change!"</div>
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Every area of my life is undergoing a shift! Adjustments must be made and so I allow the tears to flow....</div>
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Thank you to everyone who has shown up with words of encouragement and for holding my hand as I release the things, the people, the appetite, the weight, and the FAT that no longer serves me!</div>
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Wherever you are on your journey, know that you have everything you need within you! And everything you want is on the other side of fear. Be courageous! </div>
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With Love, </div>
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Shawn<br />
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The Big Ask...</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNroMpCaFY13qdm9V38g_ubBvUberGGwVDxZV2GEm17PG7wSX1gMBcGtSgxYUsgkS6KmNITz438y_syI9sMHOUecj-9-ucO1y8yXyS5LPlDpY5BJO7awD_TKMKgqGJkWcGNoIRDd5OvJ8/s1600/Mush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNroMpCaFY13qdm9V38g_ubBvUberGGwVDxZV2GEm17PG7wSX1gMBcGtSgxYUsgkS6KmNITz438y_syI9sMHOUecj-9-ucO1y8yXyS5LPlDpY5BJO7awD_TKMKgqGJkWcGNoIRDd5OvJ8/s320/Mush.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shawn Trimble</td></tr>
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<b>Original post on FB on April 26</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/shawn.m.trimble?fref=nf">Shawn M Trimble</a></div>
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Looking for a certified personal trainer in Durham passionate about what they do to help me sculpt this mush! 😊<br />
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Engage with Sage</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-7Hdaewg3AyQmg1XZ70v-SwkuzzPkr9XuSo0kMqvxbgbbtyqKUzel2usVXxPY3ov_ncP7ehAgbr6DeT4M5duVzXN-K1Ck4tCzjugUd-8euA1HoWw42WOOBttxQuQzanv_jTSa5aovA5x/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-7Hdaewg3AyQmg1XZ70v-SwkuzzPkr9XuSo0kMqvxbgbbtyqKUzel2usVXxPY3ov_ncP7ehAgbr6DeT4M5duVzXN-K1Ck4tCzjugUd-8euA1HoWw42WOOBttxQuQzanv_jTSa5aovA5x/s320/FullSizeRender+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.centerforherbsandhealing.com/engage-with-sage.html"><i>Healing Sage Trio</i></a></div>
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iamfreedomsdrumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659861568241768958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-328221900585177476.post-8166986450776315622017-06-15T15:30:00.000-04:002019-07-15T15:29:26.994-04:00a prayer called MayBE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6b-Dqpq6wX9t_WShu0_3f88novRFgOw4D87D8iNQZaEF6AME0460ZGVUWRhZYTiZxavTHCWkPXiT6U1KhLvT-vxoAdqTyuL2gOP7Zj2RetQW2u5mdrMrSti4Cu4R4LNRm_VUg8D5rtoe1/s1600/MayBe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="404" data-original-width="796" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6b-Dqpq6wX9t_WShu0_3f88novRFgOw4D87D8iNQZaEF6AME0460ZGVUWRhZYTiZxavTHCWkPXiT6U1KhLvT-vxoAdqTyuL2gOP7Zj2RetQW2u5mdrMrSti4Cu4R4LNRm_VUg8D5rtoe1/s320/MayBe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Because some days are like this...</i></div>
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<br />
June 15, 2017<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">G</span>ood Morning Sweet Spirit</i></b>,<br />
<br />
Today I just want to cry. I just want to really let it out. <br />
<br />
Maybe it’s that time of the month.<br />
Maybe some women are just emotional-<br />
<br />
Maybe I’m looking at things and being disillusioned to think they aren’t going right for me- </div>
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Maybe they really aren’t going right and I’ve been wrong all this time- <br />
<br />
Maybe I’ve been a basket case in this world my whole life doing the best I can living my own best lie-<br />
Maybe all of this is true-<br />
Maybe none of it is- or <br />
Maybe this is just a fleeting moment in which I just needed to be heard.<br />
<br />
Maybe I just need some attention. <br />
Maybe I’m tired of being alone- living alone- feeling alone-<br />
Maybe I just need some sex! Some companionship? Or for the love of my life to walk into my life.<br />
<br />
Maybe I’m just afraid. Afraid that I won’t be able to pay my rent today. Go on my trip next week…<br />
Maybe I’m afraid of feeling like a failure to my children again- to myself-<br />
Maybe I’m comparing my life to other people and feeling left out.<br />
<br />
Maybe I’m so addicted to feeling bad that I am finding myself here again.</div>
<div>
Maybe things are going so incredibly well for me that it’s uncomfortable. <br />
<br />
Maybe for the first time in my life I have tuned in and tapped into what real freedom feels like and I’m so close to experiencing the joy- the freedom- the wealth- the abundance- the financial freedom- the bliss- the love- the peace- the clarity- the blessings that I am- </div>
<div>
that I am self sabotaging my own self.<br />
<br />
Maybe I really have begun to crack the code and it scares me to think that I could be so close.<br />
Maybe I’m running again and this time I caught myself before I put my running shoes on.<br />
<br />
Maybe I have my attention. <br />
Maybe I’ve given myself the thing that I need the most. <br />
Maybe I am being the partner- the love of my life - <br />
Maybe I’m holding my hand and holding this pen...in a silent scream.<br />
<br />
Maybe these tears that are now falling are my indication that I’ve reached the truth and that I’m really ok. <br />
<br />
Maybe I’m mastering my emotions and feelings and thoughts. <br />
Maybe I’ve failed so many times before that now I’m actually winning. <br />
Maybe I’ve won!<br />
<br />
Maybe I am a master of my thoughts and I have found a tool that serves me. <br />
Maybe the tool was always here- <br />
Maybe I’ve connected with it.<br />
<br />
Maybe now I can breathe and look at this day a little different- a little brighter- <br />
Maybe coming out here on my patio was the best thing for me…<br />
Maybe I was following the SUN?<br />
<br />
Maybe I have followed the SUN and the SUN has led me to the energy that I needed. To the love that I yearned for- for the support, attention, care, concern, bliss, peace, joy, clarity, abundance, freedom, wealth, light, that I am.<br />
<br />
Maybe I’ve walked through the valley of the shadow of death- <br />
Maybe I’m on the other side of fear- <br />
Maybe in my weakness- there is courage- there is strength- there is GOD!<br />
<br />
MayBe I am home! <br />
<br />
Amen</div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />iamfreedomsdrumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659861568241768958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-328221900585177476.post-82001251709356322602017-06-11T08:42:00.000-04:002017-06-15T15:57:07.043-04:00The Benefits of Getting High<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqpyyPd6_nQrPv1IZ68DcKMM4xnlysJOy0GiTCzp0oIEefqQuK7ckFj8HibA0X4bpjDX4WUXVShNoehtPvSxpS67f9W7ZAj_rs00I5elbR2AG0mLbIYaQPNyKsZ7fjuZt3TyS7NNvA2drf/s1600/I+just+wanna+get+high.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="236" data-original-width="500" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqpyyPd6_nQrPv1IZ68DcKMM4xnlysJOy0GiTCzp0oIEefqQuK7ckFj8HibA0X4bpjDX4WUXVShNoehtPvSxpS67f9W7ZAj_rs00I5elbR2AG0mLbIYaQPNyKsZ7fjuZt3TyS7NNvA2drf/s320/I+just+wanna+get+high.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">H</span></b>ave you ever just wanted to get high? If so, you aren't alone.<br />
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For me it seems like I got a late start in life and it's hard to believe that after growing up in the "Big Easy", smoking or drinking was never really my thing. Of course now that I've gotten older, some of that has changed. <br />
<br />
Since getting in the herb business and becoming an alchemist with <a href="http://www.iamfreedomsdrum.com/2017/03/over-50-reasons-why-sage-is-one-of-most.html" target="_blank">white sage</a>, I'm learning a lot! And though some things do change, some things remain the same. One of the first questions that people ask me about <a href="http://www.centerforherbsandhealing.com/store/p2/Try_Me_Sticks_.html" target="_blank"><b>Try Me Sticks</b></a> is, "Does it get you high?"<br />
<br />
I'm learning that not only are we becoming more open about the subject, I'm learning that a lot of people just wanna get high! Take for instance <b>A Rabbi, a Priest and an Atheist who Smoke Weed Together</b> in this video by Cut!<br />
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Though it is hilarious to watch and pretty touching to see what happens when we find common ground, there is a still a sad reality that troubles me. "According to the <a href="https://www.aclu.org/gallery/marijuana-arrests-numbers">ACLU’s original analysis</a>, marijuana arrests now account for over half of all drug arrests in the United States. Of the 8.2 million marijuana arrests between 2001 and 2010, 88% were for simply having marijuana. Nationwide, the arrest data revealed one consistent trend: significant racial bias. Despite roughly equal usage rates, Blacks are 3.73 times more likely than whites to be arrested for marijuana." <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCliEDUGifSeKdv76suiCn_fcuvlBtMCdQbMPoQI8Gfv4b1YtoViYSMqTJFbxhLvSI0y4gXnq-dtBEWQmljtt84qyBRLl1edVOMkNIWuE2KS2HMotqa7vnRDbBZmSwd59WM8f-qXteIIPI/s1600/7+million.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCliEDUGifSeKdv76suiCn_fcuvlBtMCdQbMPoQI8Gfv4b1YtoViYSMqTJFbxhLvSI0y4gXnq-dtBEWQmljtt84qyBRLl1edVOMkNIWuE2KS2HMotqa7vnRDbBZmSwd59WM8f-qXteIIPI/s320/7+million.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZRr8KL_pmL0Fenbp4SMfqJ3PFp9Ozx2pwqXL7UzM0uvxe2IxaoWeapNTAG5-C-yvTMOtZPR6rd2UVO1XK8McVXrKfUmZYV1MYbK6WNCQgX5IRrpt1CAuE8JH6TE9dFHwHP6D10DUclDH/s1600/pot+rate.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZRr8KL_pmL0Fenbp4SMfqJ3PFp9Ozx2pwqXL7UzM0uvxe2IxaoWeapNTAG5-C-yvTMOtZPR6rd2UVO1XK8McVXrKfUmZYV1MYbK6WNCQgX5IRrpt1CAuE8JH6TE9dFHwHP6D10DUclDH/s320/pot+rate.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3UGsx8vUh4hyLMy73j42c47aXcOo2YjTeIyQBJgTNcybkR7OiLL9SFu68hk4-OMGg12CwcQjb2uwvCtGlAsH7hG7x2-7PWTtniGJGnj02rJVeaTrTGU-gEhIHeGVUY6sS0vC4L-kTdpc/s1600/arrests.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3UGsx8vUh4hyLMy73j42c47aXcOo2YjTeIyQBJgTNcybkR7OiLL9SFu68hk4-OMGg12CwcQjb2uwvCtGlAsH7hG7x2-7PWTtniGJGnj02rJVeaTrTGU-gEhIHeGVUY6sS0vC4L-kTdpc/s320/arrests.jpg" /></a></div>
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The statistics speak for themselves. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpF3dBE51ItcJCeQaAVqzpnqkdoHT1btSi6_WF7gfRwJFa13L2ydo1zlahew5wRNRtrAzXWHhyphenhyphenV9fUn_wIF5NNlnHe0DQ3TXfFln2YwXLmXdqaL-Pqhp5zZi6klDomg54r-I-d2kS6Q3PG/s1600/benefits.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpF3dBE51ItcJCeQaAVqzpnqkdoHT1btSi6_WF7gfRwJFa13L2ydo1zlahew5wRNRtrAzXWHhyphenhyphenV9fUn_wIF5NNlnHe0DQ3TXfFln2YwXLmXdqaL-Pqhp5zZi6klDomg54r-I-d2kS6Q3PG/s320/benefits.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8RMQkN0w3NT_zuO3ZgE2FE8UxFokoltsbfHm0z7pFgHvPxe2Mh4tWxilOYF2X-ZZz9RpFUzNdPZ-AkiDRd2D9R5ht6op8MfYpNg-mtgg3vyNIHzoboZS9YX_QgzA2YgM2iU8WzpldHzkf/s1600/statistics.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8RMQkN0w3NT_zuO3ZgE2FE8UxFokoltsbfHm0z7pFgHvPxe2Mh4tWxilOYF2X-ZZz9RpFUzNdPZ-AkiDRd2D9R5ht6op8MfYpNg-mtgg3vyNIHzoboZS9YX_QgzA2YgM2iU8WzpldHzkf/s320/statistics.jpg" /></a></div>
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For me, one of the benefits of getting high has been learning about the sobering reality of this industry and the systemic targeting of people of color. With a heightened awareness it calls me to reach out and sing, "<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Let my people go</b>!</span>"<br />
<br />
Another benefit of getting high has been the dialogue around just what getting high is. In this episode, TEAL opens up that dialogue and explains the benefits and drawbacks to using pot in spiritual practice. </div>
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Teal shares that, "The number one benefit of cannabis is that it helps people to release resistance. By affecting the brain like it does, it inhibits the brain from focusing on and translating the resistant, stressful thoughts that cause a negative emotional response within the body."<br />
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I agree that, "If a person tries to escape their resistance by using a tool like cannabis, they have learned nothing but to be dependent on the tool. They may have increased their awareness of what is beyond this dimension, but they have not learned anything about how to access states of consciousness beyond the 3-D consciousness on their own, without the use of an external substance/tool. In essence, they have become powerlessly dependent."<br />
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For me, there is no better high than being able to access this level of consciousness without the use of external substances. Practicing gratitude, meditation, compassion, and connecting with nature are some of the ways I've achieved this level of success. I'm high all the time! Gratitude for instance has brought me to more places than any other substance outside of myself could ever bring me. <br />
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Another benefit of getting high has been learning about other herbs. Plants are teachers and there are other herbs that are far less addicting that also pack a powerful punch. White sage from my experience is one of them! Not only does it clear energy and clears the path of resistance, but it can support one with staying present in their body. It enhances your spiritual practice and can guide your meditations and guide you the feeling of gratitude. (<a href="http://www.iamfreedomsdrum.com/2017/03/over-50-reasons-why-sage-is-one-of-most.html" target="_blank">Read about the 50+ benefits</a>)<br />
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So will smoking <b><a href="http://www.centerforherbsandhealing.com/store/p2/Try_Me_Sticks_.html" target="_blank">Try Me Sticks</a> </b>get you high? Absolutely!<br />
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I love telling this story:<br />
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<i>Did you know that Sage is one of the most healing herbs on the planet?<br /><br />Don't get it twisted, but I am high all the time! I wake up high and I close my eyes to another high! High is what I do and I am proud to say that Being high is who I am! I am high on Life! Me and Life, we've got a dance going. <br /><br />I've also watched my friends get high. Some of them choose herbs to get them there. I dare not knock them for what they do or for who they are because after all we are all reaching for the same thing -to get high! It's all just a matter of choice!</i></div>
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<i><br />I am the love child in the group. I'm not a smoker, but Ive been burning sage for years! It is a healing herb! One day, I suggested that they try another herb. After all, If Mother Nature lives outside the box, shouldn't we?</i></div>
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<i>"Try Me", I said! And they did!<br /><br />They have reported that smoking Try Me Sticks helps to relieve anxiety, is calming before bedtime, opens airways, enhances the "high" of other herbs, reduces the urge to smoke cigarettes, makes the room smell good, and one told me that smoking his tobacco cigar is like drinking whiskey but a Try Me Stick is like drinking a cool glass of water. It is the righteous stick that you don't have to feel guilty about!<br /><br />The world is a big place but we forget just how big it is. Sometimes we get stuck doing the same thing over and over again only to find that there are other possibilities waiting for us to try. </i></div>
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iamfreedomsdrumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659861568241768958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-328221900585177476.post-70623237250908189592017-06-02T11:35:00.002-04:002017-08-09T16:38:38.108-04:00Find your Tribe: Come Home to the Sunday Art Bazaar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QBb5lJLmoz3GGiMQd5SyRlIuLnTNqNy8c0q0X0OgihBnX987I0NIWFhbAQ5UR6432Bq2IAtPnnIhLo1KRsFLCQFb78b1o2yxqkxAdk0A862x3oS1Y9XokB0QBGCzGyrZRRqsWdYJqGRt/s1600/18581725_1070262276408081_8993465773053410347_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: left;">Photo Credit: Emily Cox</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: left;">Sunshine Alvarez, Shemora Sheikh and her children</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>T</b></i></span>hree weeks ago I moved forward with the kick off to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1559825740718679/?active_tab=discussion&__xt__=33.%7B%22logging_data%22%3A%7B%22profile_id%22%3A1559825740718679%2C%22event_type%22%3A%22clicked_view_event_posts%22%2C%22impression_info%22%3A%22eyJmIjp7Iml0ZW1fY291bnQiOiIwIn19%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22www_events_permalink%22%2C%22interacted_story_type%22%3A%221058178634193603%22%2C%22session_id%22%3A%22d9a8b790ff6a2537d321fb72bb5bc535%22%7D%7D"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Sunday Art Bazaar</span></b></a> at the <b>Freedom's Drum Community Center</b>. It has been an absolute joy!</div>
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Growing up as an only child, I loved the energy of a full house on the rare occasions our small family came together. Perhaps the parallels that exist between people, cultures, and community was one of the reasons I was drawn to sociology for my undergraduate studies. Regardless of the many reasons, I enjoy bringing folks together. <br />
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I also appreciate the passion found art, artists, and the entrepreneurial spirit of everyday people who do and create extraordinary things. We are powerful beyond our own beliefs!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TQg6XUt_AEsxljb85vuyEOq0vUcofhbGRz-ZHdEQ0ag8_OVOHEl_55w9ubykrVLr0OyzvvunwW9-AARaiS4ekq-rmRekJCfeshzHYMer1n7O2smqPfq4E2xcPaX3ZZgt5qwMSpgVT6MK/s1600/Shawn+and+Abu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="389" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TQg6XUt_AEsxljb85vuyEOq0vUcofhbGRz-ZHdEQ0ag8_OVOHEl_55w9ubykrVLr0OyzvvunwW9-AARaiS4ekq-rmRekJCfeshzHYMer1n7O2smqPfq4E2xcPaX3ZZgt5qwMSpgVT6MK/s320/Shawn+and+Abu.jpg" width="303" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shawn & Abu</td></tr>
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Before making his transition years ago, my step dad was one of those artists. DeNorval Bratten, affectionally known in the community as <b><i>Abu</i></b>, made a living as a traveling street merchant. I watched him in action and not only did he create stunning pieces of jewelry from sterling silver utensils, he was a master at selling anything! I also watched him use his communication skills to drop knowledge on the people he came in contact with. He was a social activist who believed in the creative genius of people and especially people of color. His love for community along with his pioneering spirit are qualities that continue to rest in my heart. His spirit lives on. Thank you Abu!<br />
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Like the ocean, I have realized that life is filled with incredible ebbs and flows. When I was ready to move forward with the Sunday Art Bazaar, synchronicity flowed and I knew I was on the right track. The winds moved, people showed up, and there were loving nudges to guide my sail. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCpvjaxtDeZPzLpoXRH75gsEjpbyFaFFhpn9UDo-gX4vtEObSySMmHniM9sMRdCdDV7CMPzsZ2h3SWJItheHLOm4foXbLtXt__cVVUT6XRa8zi3WufbWiTNJrmQeE0-ynqBTTDL5SEuIV/s1600/18699911_723284764523467_4130343333555608339_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCpvjaxtDeZPzLpoXRH75gsEjpbyFaFFhpn9UDo-gX4vtEObSySMmHniM9sMRdCdDV7CMPzsZ2h3SWJItheHLOm4foXbLtXt__cVVUT6XRa8zi3WufbWiTNJrmQeE0-ynqBTTDL5SEuIV/s320/18699911_723284764523467_4130343333555608339_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
What: <b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1559825740718679/?active_tab=discussion&__xt__=33.%7B%22logging_data%22%3A%7B%22profile_id%22%3A1559825740718679%2C%22event_type%22%3A%22clicked_view_event_posts%22%2C%22impression_info%22%3A%22eyJmIjp7Iml0ZW1fY291bnQiOiIwIn19%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22www_events_permalink%22%2C%22interacted_story_type%22%3A%221058178634193603%22%2C%22session_id%22%3A%22d9a8b790ff6a2537d321fb72bb5bc535%22%7D%7D">Sunday Art Bazaar</a></span></b><br />
When: <b>Sundays from 2:00-7:00 </b><br />
(see event listings for updates or cancellations)</div>
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Where: <b>Freedom's Drum Community Center</b><br />
<b>1427 Broad Street<br />Durham, NC 27705</b><br />
Why: <b>Support local artists...<br />Shop, Eat, Vibe! </b><br />
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<b>***Artists/vendor/food spaces available. Free with love offering. </b><br />
Email: iamfreedomsdrum@gmail.com<br />
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Past event links:<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1559825740718679/?ti=icl">https://www.facebook.com/events/1559825740718679/?ti=icl</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/171941026666844/?ti=icl">https://www.facebook.com/events/171941026666844/?ti=icl</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1874289009562768/?ti=icl">https://www.facebook.com/events/1874289009562768/?ti=icl</a><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Shop, eat, vibe! </span></b> Each week, I am witnessing an unfolding and expanding vision. This is my third location for center that love built. Surprising to many is that <b>The Freedom's Drum Community Center </b>is not just a welcoming haven, it also my home. (<a href="http://hosted-p0.vresp.com/243268/57449d0601/ARCHIVE" target="_blank">read history here</a>) It has been a joyful and unintentional experience in finding my tribe.<br />
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In the spirit of community, if you are looking to support local artists, breathe in some good energy, and share in the wisdom of the Freedom's Drum Community Center, then this event is for you! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE5dbbQj1k01iPE0VR-9Jm8G05X1gGMwi2f6AWf3AeyLtbQHAzsA0ELb0obeACX3b8gA27YPm8brmpjytu4DYgZN2rl1XnKWOZJLCCn0vz5QVzKAJz0F-zUdDZeMQIzo597Qr9ayQDftGW/s1600/Mama+Ruth+Johnson.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE5dbbQj1k01iPE0VR-9Jm8G05X1gGMwi2f6AWf3AeyLtbQHAzsA0ELb0obeACX3b8gA27YPm8brmpjytu4DYgZN2rl1XnKWOZJLCCn0vz5QVzKAJz0F-zUdDZeMQIzo597Qr9ayQDftGW/s320/Mama+Ruth+Johnson.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Mama Ruth Parker-Johnson 5-28-17 </span></div>
Last week, chef Leslie Love of the Comfort Spot blessed us with Raw Food Kale Salad, Sorrel Tea and yummy comfort food! Mama Ruth Parker-Johnson was there with her Ethnic Art, Original Art Cards. We also had custom designed jewelry from David Kresge. <br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ed.swan.399?hc_location=ufi">Ed Swan</a> brought lots of positive image cultural items at reasonable prices as well as her famous organic lemonade that has everybody coming back for more. <span style="color: #4b4f56; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPw_rYC-soA0B1L-wOf-bZoAgVr_tju0-poD7Z14Yo9dR1ilgAM_tiQLBltu6wh733y3orubZ2jXd3O3toymap4GqCdyNktbej9Cq4uK7fh40eXi2_8kjXv7O_YNcYnWG1XyRreCkA6gB/s1600/18622542_719858134866130_8846856426447856994_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPw_rYC-soA0B1L-wOf-bZoAgVr_tju0-poD7Z14Yo9dR1ilgAM_tiQLBltu6wh733y3orubZ2jXd3O3toymap4GqCdyNktbej9Cq4uK7fh40eXi2_8kjXv7O_YNcYnWG1XyRreCkA6gB/s320/18622542_719858134866130_8846856426447856994_n.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrkdUVhROdyehHZZ4AaGgXcr_tck7NrF6OBcFxkI-R_5H7ieRt1QaSIfz4lkyFvoDz4omLSMWQCjdCa8e5u1r23k5pxeZBIe64jNhmy5ut_rEjMRGPW1sr5RMncYbtj44Wbbeh4BDym9u/s1600/18814475_10154277117541157_3351346325838898028_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrkdUVhROdyehHZZ4AaGgXcr_tck7NrF6OBcFxkI-R_5H7ieRt1QaSIfz4lkyFvoDz4omLSMWQCjdCa8e5u1r23k5pxeZBIe64jNhmy5ut_rEjMRGPW1sr5RMncYbtj44Wbbeh4BDym9u/s320/18814475_10154277117541157_3351346325838898028_o.jpg" width="180" /></a>New to the area and making all of your henna dreams come true, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/shemora.sheikh?hc_location=ufi"><b>Shemora Sheikh</b></a>, has already attracted followers who have been lining up for their henna tattoos and are learning more about her upcoming workshops and other services that she and her husband offer. <br />
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<b>Want to engage with sage?</b> Shawn Trimble, (me), can share with you the many benefits of the healing herb and you can take some <a href="http://www.centerforherbsandhealing.com/store/p2/Try_Me_Sticks_.html" target="_blank"><b>Try Me Sticks</b></a> home too! <br />
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This week, we are looking to see new additions from live drumming, African Clothing, and more.<br />
Men, women, children, and families are all welcome. <br />
<b>Please share the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1559825740718679/?acontext=%7B%22source%22%3A5%2C%22page_id_source%22%3A249749205210361%2C%22action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22page%22%2C%22mechanism%22%3A%22main_list%22%2C%22extra_data%22%3A%22%7B%5C%22page_id%5C%22%3A249749205210361%2C%5C%22tour_id%5C%22%3Anull%7D%22%7D]%2C%22has_source%22%3Atrue%7D" target="_blank">event</a> and share the love!</b><br />
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<b>(Read August 2017 update: <a href="http://www.iamfreedomsdrum.com/2017/08/sundayartbazaar-triumphs-challenges-new.html" target="_blank">Here</a>) </b><br />
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With Love,<br />
Shawn<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/freedomsdrum/" target="_blank">Freedom's Drum Marketing & Consulting</a></b> is an inspirational healing center that creates and promotes spiritually enriching activities, workshops, movements, publications, and products. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Sunday Art Bazaar</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><b>Intention:</b></i> It is my intention to create an easy and effortless event where people from the community can Shop-Eat-Vibe while supporting local artists. </div>
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<i><b>Mission:</b></i> To give local artists/vendors an opportunity to introduce/sell/market their products in a loving and supportive environment. </div>
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<i><b>Vision:</b></i> for the Sunday Art Bazaar to become a premier spot in the Durham community and to be known world wide for the healing work that it brings.</div>
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Love offerings are appreciated: </div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Please Pass the Hat!</span></h3>
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<b><a href="http://paypal.me/Iamfreedomsdrum" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Deposit your Gift in the Hat here</span></a></b></div>
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Thank you in advance for your gift.<br />
<br />
<b>________________________________</b><br />
<h4 style="clear: both;">
Engage with Sage</h4>
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<a href="http://www.centerforherbsandhealing.com/engage-with-sage.html"><i>Healing Sage Trio</i></a></div>
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iamfreedomsdrumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659861568241768958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-328221900585177476.post-23267871007213061512017-05-04T09:27:00.001-04:002019-07-17T17:21:47.230-04:00Dear Future Husband...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtueM5qyCjeGxdQYn2KoZAAYcak4Xty0HdtzLu6KZaVGjwU6hzaJ9eVB5IV6pfIdP_HUcg6l1mSoO0DzLY8zGcJv2g_EXSlL0QIZHh1tIqT9S8vEMt6gKA5_oSiZrgJe4YoNdDgkevtZcD/s1600/IMG_3315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtueM5qyCjeGxdQYn2KoZAAYcak4Xty0HdtzLu6KZaVGjwU6hzaJ9eVB5IV6pfIdP_HUcg6l1mSoO0DzLY8zGcJv2g_EXSlL0QIZHh1tIqT9S8vEMt6gKA5_oSiZrgJe4YoNdDgkevtZcD/s320/IMG_3315.JPG" width="179" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Dear Future Husband,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Where our focus goes, energy flows.
Today I am focused on you!
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
They say good things come to those who
wait. Know that I am waiting on you!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Unedited, unscripted, and with gunk in my eyes, good morning!
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I look forward to our nights together-
our time together-waking up together. I look forward to our
friendship and inseparable bond we will undoubtedly share. I look
forward to the smiles and laughter and stories we will share.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I look forward to you holding me and
wiping the tears that fall. This world can be so cruel at times-
knowing that you are by my side makes me feel good.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I look forward to wiping the tears from
your eyes too. Running your bath water- scrubbing your back- laying
your clothes out- doing laundry- cooking dinner- and all that other
domestic shit.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I look forward to our prayer time-
listening to the sounds of your heart beat- knowing that you care for
others.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I look forward to hearing about your
plans to build our community and the work that makes you glad to be
alive. I look forward to helping you make your dreams come true.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I look forward to you hearing about my
crazy ideas and hearing you say, “go for it!” I look forward to
you asking me, “is there anything that I can do- what do you need
me to do- how can I help?”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I look forward to you calling me “bae,
babe, Queen, the love of my life, and my future wife”. I look
forward to hearing you say, “I love you” looking into your eyes
and knowing that you mean it! Knowing that you know that God sent me
to your way and your prayer was answered.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Dear future husband, I look forward to
smelling you and holding you and for giving you parts of my self that
I didn't even know were there. I look forward to witnessing our fall
together in love- with love- and for the times that you carry me and
for the times I carry you.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I look forward to our first argument
and seeing how we come back together. I know that everyday won't be
peaches and cream but I'm ok with that! I look forward to us working
it out- working on us- and building a relationship that we can be
proud of.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I look forward to holding hands and
kisses in public. Let us show the world what love looks like. I look
forward to seeing my children see me happy- to see the eyes of yours
as they know that you have found the peace that you've been looking
for. I look forward to the times that our families come together and
the life that fills our home.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Dear future husband, I look forward to
living my with you! Sharing-growing-exhaling!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I look forward to the day when I can
say, “Thank you God” for I know why it didn't work out with the
ones before.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
As I write this letter today, I am
filled with tears of gratitude knowing that you exist in the world
and one day we shall meet. I can feel you getting closer. It's
almost as if you are here calling my name.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Know that I am here! And I am waiting
on you. Don't give up until you find me. Don't let me go when you
do!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Until then, may the love that we seek
be the love that we are. May courage order our steps that lead us to
our greatest and highest good. May today find you well with joy in
your heart. May you know that you are love(d).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Be well King and follow the Sun!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
With Love,</div>
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Me<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me</td></tr>
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<b>________________________________</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.centerforherbsandhealing.com/engage-with-sage.html"><i>Healing Sage Trio</i></a></div>
iamfreedomsdrumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659861568241768958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-328221900585177476.post-22209214127500779182017-04-20T16:58:00.003-04:002017-05-30T14:54:32.984-04:00Why it doesn't Matter what you do for a Living<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Someone near and dear shared <a href="http://oriahmountaindreamer.com/">The Invitation</a> with me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Creating this video was my response. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thank you <a href="http://oriahmountaindreamer.com/pdf/the_invitation.pdf">Oriah</a>! </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/CJNqQ7xe0e8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CJNqQ7xe0e8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>"I</b></span>t doesn't interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for, and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing. <br />
<br />
It doesn't interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dream, for the adventure of being alive. <br />
<br />
It doesn't interest me what planets are squaring your moon. I want to know if you have touched the center of your own sorrow, if you have been opened by life's betrayals or have become shriveled and closed from fear of further pain! I want to know if you can sit with pain, mine or your own, without moving to hide it or fade it, or fix it. <br />
<br />
I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own, if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful, to be realistic, to remember the limitations of being human. <br />
<br />
It doesn't interest me if the story you are telling me is true. I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself; if you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul; if you can be faithless and therefore trustworthy. <br />
<br />
I want to know if you can see beauty even when it's not pretty, every day, and if you can source your own life from its presence. <br />
<div>
<br />
<br />
I want to know if you can live with failure, yours and mine, and still stand on the edge of the lake and shout to the silver of the full moon, “Yes!”<br />
<br />
It doesn't interest me to know where you live or how much money you have. I want to know if you can get up, after the night of grief and despair, weary and bruised to the bone, and do what needs to be done to feed the children. <br />
<br />
It doesn't interest me who you know or how you came to be here. I want to know if you will stand in the center of the fire with me and not shrink back. <br />
<br />
It doesn't interest me where or what or with whom you have studied. I want to know what sustains you, from the inside, when all else falls away. <br />
<br />
I want to know if you can be alone with yourself and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments." <br />
<br />
by<br />
Oriah Mountain Dreamer<br />
copyright © 1999 by Oriah Mountain Dreamer. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h4>
Information about the Book:</h4>
<br />
<div class="f1">
Oriah Mountain Dreamer's insightful book, <cite>The Invitation</cite> is available via amazon.com: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0062515845/skdesigns/">The Invitation, by Oriah Mountain Dreamer</a> and elsewhere. </div>
<cite>The Invitation</cite> is also now available as an audio CD, read in full (unabridged) by the author: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0694524638/skdesigns/" title="The Invitation, by Oriah Mountain Dreamer [Audiobook, Unabridged] - amazon.com info ">The Invitation, by Oriah Mountain Dreamer [Audiobook, Unabridged]</a>. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.centerforherbsandhealing.com/engage-with-sage.html"><i>Healing Sage Trio</i></a></div>
</div>
iamfreedomsdrumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659861568241768958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-328221900585177476.post-19445935034381243552017-03-31T00:23:00.001-04:002017-05-18T15:10:47.910-04:00The Herb of Immortality: 50+ Benefits of Sage<h2 style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhShX9LfN4ILw_bIg62OcSHa8g88ubtdNmqZspkh2Tm3Q47Usd4mTkRr05mYXs7jmQXugwO4wzin4eqRIpuaO2Cici1ZvFGzDiPqjw4jhA_MI5r9qdUW6XmxXrXh_gbcouZGZhfK4Shhv79/s1600/50%252B+Uses+for+Sage+%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhShX9LfN4ILw_bIg62OcSHa8g88ubtdNmqZspkh2Tm3Q47Usd4mTkRr05mYXs7jmQXugwO4wzin4eqRIpuaO2Cici1ZvFGzDiPqjw4jhA_MI5r9qdUW6XmxXrXh_gbcouZGZhfK4Shhv79/s320/50%252B+Uses+for+Sage+%25282%2529.png" width="320" /></a></div>
</h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<i>On a Journey with Sage</i></h2>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/hYia7sJZciE/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hYia7sJZciE?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes, I am on a journey. Yes, I have fallen in love with Sage! </div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes, I've had an affinity to the smell of its burning leaves. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And yes, I've been intrigued by the the smudging rituals of which it is used. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But today, my affinity runs deep! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There are countless healing properties of this <i><b>Herb of Immortality</b></i> and the list might surprise you.</div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BRS1AXJBjnq/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">White sage, (salvia apiana) is an evergreen shrub that grows across the United States, and is most prevalent in high altitude desert ecosystems. American Indian’s are well known to have used the healing properties of sage to drive out negative energy and evil spirits. They also use it in ceremonies for blessings and prosperity. For generations, white sage has been used for purifying, cleansing, and protection and many consider the plant to be sacred. According to tradition, all plants and animals have a spirit. The spirit of white sage is devoted to clearing, protection, and blessings. Tapping into the power of white sage will amplify any healing or clearing that you do on yourself or others. Read more: http://www.ask-angels.com/spiritual-guidance/white-sage-smudging/ #whitesage #smudging #energy #trymesticks #smokableherbs #goodenergy #goodvibes</a></div>
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A post shared by Shawn Trimble (@iamfreedomsdrum) on <time datetime="2017-03-06T10:59:27+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Mar 6, 2017 at 2:59am PST</time></div>
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Sage or Salvia Officinalis has a rich history dating back to prehistorical times. Though it is often associated with Native Americans, sage was sought after by Chinese, Greeks, Romans, and Arabs. </div>
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For centuries it has been commonly used for clearing energy, but today there is scientific research that smudging purifies the air of harmful bacteria. Following a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, according to Sayer Ji, founder of <a href="http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/killer-germs-obliterated-medicinal-smoke-smudging-study-reveals">Green Med Info (Science of Natural Healing)</a>, "not only did the burning of medicinal herbs clear aerial bacterial populations by 94% within one hour, but a full day later, the closed room was still effectively decontaminated. Even more amazing, a full month later, seven other pathogenic bacteria in the open room were still non-detectable."</div>
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I am grateful that the Universe has an unlimited supply of everything we need on this journey called life. Regardless of our situation or circumstance, when we are ready, unlimited resources and opportunities await to transform our experience.</div>
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“The wound is the place where the Light enters you.”<br />― Jalaluddin Rumi</h3>
When my teenage son was diagnosed with MS last, I was devastated. (<a href="http://www.iamfreedomsdrum.com/2016/09/ms-my-hero-and-mothers-love.html">Read here</a>). Though we are still wrapping our hands around his diagnosis and treatment options, it didn't take me long to witness that his diagnosis was not a death sentence but a divine opportunity for all of us to let the Light in. I chose also to use my energy to begin creating a haven of inspiration and resources for people searching for alternative methods to enhance this journey towards a healthy lifestyle and a healthy response to life. <a href="http://www.centerforherbsandhealing.com/">The Center for Herbs & Healing</a> was born! </div>
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I believe that at our core we are whole and holy-isticly connected to a source of energy that has our best interest at heart and that this truth is sometimes lost in a world begging us to conform to being broken, disconnected, and afraid. We are the products of an environment that we created and though dis-eases are running ramped, I also believe that nature is a healer and a teacher. We are healers and powerful beyond our beliefs! What we get into, we can often get out of. The world that we can't see (our thoughts, beliefs, fears, etc) is much bigger than the world that we can see (manifestations that appear).</div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BTbYr4CB5Te/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">White sage is a smokable herb that can be used to improve mood, promote feelings of relaxation, and also boosts memory. It can also help clear the throat, lungs, and sinuses of congestion. Order--- @iamfreedomsdrum link in bio Sage is the rage! It's also one of the most healing herbs on the planet. Customers have reported that smoking Try Me Sticks has helped to relieve anxiety, is calming before bedtime, opens airways, enhances the "high" of other herbs, reduces the urge to smoke cigarettes, makes the room smell good, and one told me that smoking his tobacco cigar is like drinking whiskey but a Try Me Stick is like drinking a cool glass of water. It is the righteous stick that you don't have to feel guilty about! The world is a big place but we forget just how big it is. Sometimes we get stuck doing the same thing over and over again only to find that there are other possibilities waiting for us to try. #trymesticks Order-------->http://bit.ly/Trymesticks or @trymesticks @iamfreedomsdrum link in bio #sage #smokableherbs #love #alternativesmoking #tobaccofree #centerforherbsandhealing #supportsmallbusiness #healthyself #iamfreedomsdrum #smokableherbs #durham #cigars #blunts #hemp #natural #legaldrugs #followme #relax #love #goodenergy #goodvibes #smudge #womanentrepreneur #smokes</a></div>
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A post shared by Shawn Trimble (@iamfreedomsdrum) on <time datetime="2017-04-28T11:47:56+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Apr 28, 2017 at 4:47am PDT</time></div>
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Did you know that sage is also a <a href="http://www.centerforherbsandhealing.com/store/p2/Try_Me_Sticks_.html">smokable herb</a>?</h3>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WVO5OhN9ggc/WPzZeuqMV-I/AAAAAAAAByU/JEVuxm3OH5giG-MUpoZYVkAW-r_55LSjQCPcB/s1600/001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WVO5OhN9ggc/WPzZeuqMV-I/AAAAAAAAByU/JEVuxm3OH5giG-MUpoZYVkAW-r_55LSjQCPcB/s320/001" width="320" /></a></div>
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Don't get it twisted, but I am high all the time! I wake up high and I close my eyes to another high! High is what I do and I am proud to say that Being high is who I am! <b>I am high on Life!</b><br />
I've also watched friends get high. Some of them choose herbs to get them there. I don't judge them because after all we are all reaching for the same thing, but it's all just a matter of choice!<br />
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I am the love child in the group. I've never been a smoker, but one day, I suggested that they try another herb. After all, If Mother Nature lives outside the box, shouldn't we?</div>
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<a href="http://www.centerforherbsandhealing.com/store/p2/Try_Me_Sticks_.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ZDo__ItF4Z0EvilxUD2j42ntez63CEi33OeWx6j5AWXWakuOkK8Bj6TAdjsXXlV1Ikrt4TR5wG-NwHfZEyEKrF42RXDtp1jyn3LUVqFot2hrPVvLHDSaR5IZiS1_QvbobJpjgiiF04Jc/s200/Try+Me%2521.png" width="200" /></a><i>"Try Me",</i> I said! </div>
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They did! <a href="http://www.centerforherbsandhealing.com/store/p2/Try_Me_Sticks_.html"><b>Try Me Sticks</b></a> were born!</div>
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They have reported that smoking Try Me Sticks helps to relieve anxiety, is calming before bedtime, opens airways, enhances the "high" of other herbs, reduces the urge to smoke cigarettes, makes the room smell good, and one told me that while smoking his tobacco cigar was like drinking whiskey, a Try Me Stick was like drinking a cool glass of water. It is the righteous stick that you don't have to feel guilty about!</div>
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While I am not advocating for smoking sage or any other herb, I am offering other possibilities for the use of sage and that besides smudging, it can be used as a tea, tinctures, in powdered form, oils, and capsules. Please do your own research and consult with your physician before jumping in. <br />
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I am also grateful for modern medicine and the advancements that have been made. I am equally grateful for the world of metaphysics, herbal medicine, and other alternative healing modalities that work together to enhance our experience.<br />
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“What happens when people open their hearts?"<br />"They get better.”<br />― Haruki Murakami, Norwegian Wood</h3>
It is proven that our bodies respond favorably to love and good energy. And since none of us are getting out of her alive, while I'm here, I am going to spread positive energy, good vibes, and leave a legacy of love. </div>
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Why is Sage one of the most healing herbs on the planet? </div>
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Here are over 50 benefits from A-Z: </h2>
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<li>Alzheimer’s - Sage helps with memory recall and some of its agents prevent plaque formation in the brain. </li>
<li>Anemia - Sage contains copper and iron. </li>
<li>Anti-Allergic - Sage helps to prevent allergic reactions. </li>
<li>Antibacterial and Anti-Fungal - sage is a good antibacterial agent because it contains oils that kill bacteria. Sage works well against Staph, E. Coli, Salmonella and also against fungal infections and yeast infections like Candida. </li>
<li>Anti-inflammatory - Sage is a great anti-inflammatory that can help with arthritis, joint pain, joint swelling, and redness. </li>
<li>Antioxidant - Sage is good antioxidant that contains flavoniods such as polyphenols like in green tea. Also superoxide dismutase a powerful antioxidant plus peroxidase which are great for cardiovascular health, strokes, and cancer. Sage also contains luteolin, apigenin, alpha-thujone, beta-thujone, and cineoleand diosmetin which are all powerful antioxidants. </li>
<li>Asthma - Sage can be helpful with asthma by clearing up inflammation of the bronchi and thus opening up air passages. </li>
<li>Attention span </li>
<li>Vitamins A- Sage contains lots of vitamin A which is a wonderful antioxidant </li>
<li>Bloating </li>
<li>Brain Function - Research with double blind studies shows that sage helps people recall words, events, and names, thus helping with memory in general. A study in the Journal of Pharmacological Biochemical Behavior showed that a small dose of sage improved memory greatly.</li>
<li>Cosmetics - Sage is used in cosmetics, shampoos, and lotions as a wonderful fragrance. </li>
<li>Colds- The Native Americans used it to treat a cold by drinking tea made from smoked leaves in sweathouses. </li>
<li>cold sores </li>
<li>Concentration - And sage tea is also called “Thinkers Tea” because it helps with concentration, depression, grief, and attention span. </li>
<li>Lowers Cholesterol - Another study showed that sage could lower cholesterol and triglycerides too. </li>
<li>chronic fatigue- sage is also used in aromatherapy for stress and fatigue</li>
<li>Culinary Uses - Sage has been used in cooking in soups, stews, meats, poultry, sausages, fish, casseroles, veggies, and just about anything you can think of. Thanksgiving would not be the same without sage… and Greek and Italian dishes use lots of sage. </li>
<li>Cramps</li>
<li>Vitamins C- Sage contains lots of vitamin C which is a wonderful antioxidant </li>
<li>Depression </li>
<li>Diabetes - Studies at the University of Minho Portugal showed that sage lowers fasting glucose levels, and contains substances that works just as well as metformin (a common oral diabetes medication). And using sage as a food additive or spice might prevent diabetes. </li>
<li>Diarrhea</li>
<li>Vitamin E -Sage is great for sexual health and immunity</li>
<li>Exhaustion</li>
<li>Enzyme production- Sage contains manganese </li>
<li>Eye Health - Sage contains lutein and zeaxanthin which are important for preventing macular degeneration.</li>
<li>Fevers - Sage can also help with fevers and excessive sweating because it’s cooling. </li>
<li>Gas</li>
<li>Genital Herpes - Sage cream can also help for the symptoms of genital herpes, and some also use rhubarb cream in conjunction with sage cream for herpes. </li>
<li>Grief - Sage can enhance mood</li>
<li>GI Tract - Sage is great for stomachaches, gas, bloating, cramps, diarrhea, and digestive upsets. And because of sages great antibacterial oils it also works well for GI infections. </li>
<li>Gum disease </li>
<li>Headaches </li>
<li>Highly Recommended - A study of herbalists showed that sage was one of their most highly recommended herbs for lots of different challenges. </li>
<li>Immune system- Sage contains zinc for boosting your system</li>
<li>Vitamin K - Sage also contains a good amount of Vitamin K which helps with clotting. </li>
<li>Oily Skin - Take a teaspoon of powdered sage and mix with one cup of hot water and let cool. Then use as a mask for oily skin for 20 minutes… and dry with a cotton towel. </li>
<li>Menopause - Sage can also help with hot flashes because it’s a good cooling agent. </li>
<li>reduces heavy menstruation </li>
<li>Memory</li>
<li>Mood (enhancement/improvement) </li>
<li>Muscles -Sage massage oils are good for tight and stressed muscles. </li>
<li>Nervous tension - Sage tea has also been used to help</li>
<li>Nosebleeds </li>
<li>Perspiration - Commission E in Germany found sage tea lowered perspiration by 50%. </li>
<li>PMS - Sage works great for excessive bleeding, bloating, and cramps. </li>
<li>Relaxing Agent magnesium </li>
<li>Reduces lactation- Breastfeeding women are advised to take the tea as it- Sage has the ability to lower the amount of breast milk for those who are nearing the end of nursing. </li>
<li>Sore throats- Gargle! Sage works wonders as a gargle for excess phlegm, sore throats, and throat infections. Plus it also helps with cold sores, gum disease, and inflammation of the nasal passages and tongue. </li>
<li>Spiritual Uses - Sage smoke has been used for spiritual cleansing of houses and buildings for thousands of years. </li>
<li>Stomachaches </li>
<li>Stress- A study in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics showed that sage worked great to prevent agitation in patients. </li>
<li>Sexual health and immunity- Sage contains Vitamin E </li>
<li>Water regulation and cardiovascular function- Sage contains potassium </li>
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<a href="http://www.centerforherbsandhealing.com/engage-with-sage.html"><i>Shop for Sage</i></a></div>
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Sources: </div>
<a href="http://community.omtimes.com/profiles/blogs/27-amazing-benefits-of-sage-a-powerful-healing-herb">http://community.omtimes.com/profiles/blogs/27-amazing-benefits-of-sage-a-powerful-healing-herb</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.webmd.com/balance/news/20030828/herb-sage-improves-memory">http://www.webmd.com/balance/news/20030828/herb-sage-improves-memory</a></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.healthbeckon.com/sage-herb-benefits/">http://www.healthbeckon.com/sage-herb-benefits/</a></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/killer-germs-obliterated-medicinal-smoke-smudging-study-reveals">http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/killer-germs-obliterated-medicinal-smoke-smudging-study-reveals</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.smokableherbs.com/white-sage/">http://www.smokableherbs.com/white-sage/</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
http://www.ask-angels.com/spiritual-guidance/white-sage-smudging/<br />
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iamfreedomsdrumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659861568241768958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-328221900585177476.post-543622665273478152017-03-23T11:25:00.001-04:002017-05-11T12:56:52.521-04:00Piercing the Core: What is your Spiritual Gift? <h2 style="margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-before: always;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3fuATvMkffa81QmtoGaBNrYs99LH9nhWXGJHJVpuWKnRYZ7qAj4t3EWWkevssOiDz8XfQLW0tpet9vw2YnAT6lpHGM_LLE61MqKxK7AZ6cjCN8fQbaG0iiLRBNsh03frZ01oZHjbDm7ir/s1600/spiritual+gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3fuATvMkffa81QmtoGaBNrYs99LH9nhWXGJHJVpuWKnRYZ7qAj4t3EWWkevssOiDz8XfQLW0tpet9vw2YnAT6lpHGM_LLE61MqKxK7AZ6cjCN8fQbaG0iiLRBNsh03frZ01oZHjbDm7ir/s1600/spiritual+gift.jpg" /></a></div>
Chapter 2, Sunshine and the Sage</h2>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Moving forward from <a href="http://www.iamfreedomsdrum.com/2017/03/chapter-1-novice-and-gardener.html" target="_blank">Chapter 1</a> and the vision for <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">the </span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.centerforherbsandhealing.com/" target="_blank">Center for Herbs and Healing</a>, </span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I was ready to create a new image </span></span>for an upcoming post: <b>Healers
Wanted! Share you</b><b>r</b><b> Gifts with the World!</b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/iamfreedomsdrum/">Follow me on Instagram</a></td></tr>
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I was getting ready to call forth
healers and holistic practitioners to interview for a new You tube channel- <i><b>The Sage</b></i> - a healing energy station for healers and holistic practitioners around
the globe who wish to share their insightful wisdom and gifts. As I was creating an image, I thought about my own gift(s) and legacy. <br />
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A few days later, my daughter, Sunshine, came home to visit. She knew I was mourning the passing of a loved one and I was also in the middle of releasing another
relationship. I am sure she came to share her beautiful Light. <br />
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Truth is I was having a tough time, but I sat her down and
shared with her that despite the pain that I was experiencing, there
were tidbits of wisdom that were pouring open for me. I grabbed
a blank sheet of paper began to share a pictorial to illustrate the
messages that were coming. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>O</b></i></span>ne
day, while volunteering with the <a href="https://innervisionsworldwide.com/" target="_blank">Inner Visions Institute forSpiritual Development</a> at a summer intensive retreat in <a href="https://eomega.org/" target="_blank">Omega Retreat Center</a>, I was given a task.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Group leaders had dismissed their class
attendees and gave them instructions to return for an evening
gathering in the woods. With little time before darkness set in, I,
along with another attendee/minister was given the task of lighting
the path. With candles and a lighter in hand we set out to create a
path in the woods so that people could see.
</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
I often wondered why some of my
experiences have been so dark and painful. Well today, with fresh
eyes, I have the woods to remind me of the paths we take in life, and
what a gift it is to make a way for others.</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="text-align: center;"><br /></b>
<b style="text-align: center;">My gift is to light the path for others!</b><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="text-align: center;"><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I've also wondered about the contract
that I made with the Universe before I was born. I believe we all
have one whether we remember it or not. The funny thing is, like the old sitcom, <i><b><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108968/" target="_blank">Touched by an Angel</a></b></i>, somehow I've known in my
many declarations that this life was my last assignment. I knew
this before I could remember why I chose to be here. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
(Sometimes we just have to ask the questions. Ask and it
shall be given! I had just asked this question days earlier. Could
it be that being a light is my gift? Could being a light be my
soul's commitment that moves me in this direction?)</div>
<br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>When your mind
unwinds, your Spirit it will find! </b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Shawn
Trimble</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
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It is human to forget. Especially when
there are elaborate systems in place to keep our minds busy. Look
around and you will see that we forget our purpose, our gifts, our
reasons for being born. We forget who we are! <a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/80057578" target="_blank">(The Little Prince forgot...)</a></div>
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<br />
<br />
But then, we meet Lights along the way
who help us to remember. Sometimes we call them angels, or children,
or we may even call them by name. Through their presence we have
flashes of Light or remembrances that inspire us to move in the
direction of our soul's mission.</div>
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<br />
Along the many paths that I've taken in life, I have met some beautiful people. </div>
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Being an instrument of Light is golden! It's healing!<br />
<br /></div>
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<br />
But sometimes people will take advantage
of you. Some people may even try to suck the energy right out of
you. Some, lurk behind the trees and wait for you to walk by.<br />
<br />
Like
animals, the endorphins we give off can be an attractive scent and our auras can be just as inviting. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
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<br />
In truth, when our hearts are hungry we all attract what we need and we all have something to
gain from our experiences. Light workers can smell the yearning of people hungry for love. We can
see the coldness in the eyes of travelers who pass in the night. <br />
<br />
At our core we all want the same thing - to be loved! But like a watered down sponge that gets too wet to do the job, we get caught up. We get caught up and forget that some people are only here for a reason. Some for a season. And some for a lifetime.</div>
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<br />
Sometimes we can get caught up in our giving. We give, and we give, and we give until it hurts!
Sometimes we give until we have nothing left. Then, we sit alone, in
the cold, in the pain, and in the dark. Until we remember...<br />
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...that a seed grows in the dark and we do too! Our shells break and with Love- the Love that we remember ourselves to be- our energy returns, and we rise up from the ashes. Like the Phoenix, we are reborn.<br />
<br />
We move through the layers of dirt and yuck. We hear the call, "Follow the Sun!" With courage, we let go of the weeds that have cleverly disguised themselves. Our appetites change and the people, experiences, and beliefs that no longer serve us are released. We give thanks and we wish them well!<br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
These are the moments the permeate our core. I read that scientist say that it takes only 42 minutes to get to the center of the earth. And it may be silly to assume that we could ever travel there and survive. The intensity, the heat, the pain.<br />
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Stay in the spiritual fire. Let it cook you! </b>Rumi</div>
<br />
But there is a rabbit hole and layers of our consciousness waiting to be penetrated. Some people live on the surface where it is safe. Others live beneath the surface. I believe that on the other side is bliss. Some of us never get to the other side, but I've been there!<br />
<br />
<b>My gift is to light the path so that others can find their way there too!</b><br />
<br />
Thank You Sunshine.<br />
With Love,<br />
Mom<br />
<br />
<br />
*If you are interested in being interviewed for The Sage, please send an email to: iamfreedomsdrum@gmail.com</div>
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</div>
<br />
<b>"The mind is required for human
sciences; for divine sciences mind in not needed, for thy are the
offspring of the soul.</b> </div>
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<div style="text-align: right;">
Louis-Claude de Saint-Martin</div>
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<b>________________________________</b></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.centerforherbsandhealing.com/engage-with-sage.html"><i>Healing Sage Trio</i></a></div>
<br /></div>
iamfreedomsdrumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659861568241768958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-328221900585177476.post-32159988726777400452017-03-21T16:52:00.000-04:002017-05-11T12:57:37.468-04:00Spring Forward: How to Let go of the Weeds in your Life <h2 style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Chapter 1, the Novice and the Gardener</b></span></h2>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Catalysts
intrigue me. Like weeds in a garden, they stir up trouble but are
hardly effected themselves. I've never really thought of myself as a
science person but I'm rethinking that. </span></span>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Gardening
has never been my thing. I've pretty much stuck with house plants,
flowers in pots, and a manicured lawn. But something stirred in me
this year that has made me want to plant flowers and even start an
herb garden. And interestingly enough, instead of me trying to
figure out the how to's of gardening myself (which is what I usually
do), this month I joined a local garden club of the <a href="http://www.eruuf.org/" target="_blank">Eno River UU Fellowship</a>. </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
showed up on <i>gardening day</i> and was greeted by the club's
organizer. A master gardener, she was all smiles and seemed
delighted that I showed up to help. After a short introduction and
my willingness to dive in, she walked me to the tool shed and picked
out a pair of gloves for me to wear. </span></span>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We
perched beneath a pine tree where she had been working. My first
task was to help pull up weeds that were surrounding the tree. She
didn't know it at first, but my heart sank. To me, they hardly
looked like weeds at all. They were beautiful deep green vines that
were scalloped atop the mulch and the dirt. </span></span>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><i>“</i></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>Why
are we pulling these? </i></b> I asked. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><i>“</i></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>They
are weeds.”</i></b> she said.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
watched her as she dug deep in the ground to carefully pull the weeds
up from the roots without yanking them mindlessly. I followed her
lead and even came across earth worms and gorgeous millipedes that
she invited me to hold up to my nose because of their distinct smell.
I was happy connecting with nature and Mother Earth. </span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
passion that I witnessed from this gardening master was undeniable.
Pulling weeds seemed like such a mundane task but she put her whole
body into the work and into the ground. She pulled these weeds like
she was uncovering a maze in the earth. It was her gift to protect
this tree. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">But
as we began filling up the barrel with the weeds, I was still holding
a belief that what we were doing was somehow wrong. For me it was
like pulling teeth—or killing life. </span></span>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
realized that I didn't have enough layers on to be working outside
and my fingers began to get cold and numb. She suggested that we
move to another garden in the sun. There, she pointed out more weeds.
</span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJLKX1Q6DWYz-zG1Z17y5disZfykLeTllu0iv_6i9aKysOwABOcHF-8e4yydx5SMXXLqknRG8jCcs61pssFz2VDiu2-pFTLn2iWr2HufpMSxxN8rzxL9ExB6GijX3fE-h_hqoKGuwaX8f/s1600/shovel-weeds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJLKX1Q6DWYz-zG1Z17y5disZfykLeTllu0iv_6i9aKysOwABOcHF-8e4yydx5SMXXLqknRG8jCcs61pssFz2VDiu2-pFTLn2iWr2HufpMSxxN8rzxL9ExB6GijX3fE-h_hqoKGuwaX8f/s320/shovel-weeds.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">These
were different than the dark vines. They looked like flowers. It was
also obvious that they were not part of the garden, but they were
still beautiful. I wanted to understand. I had to say something. I
had questions. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><i>“</i></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>Who
says a weed is a weed? Don't they also deserve life? They look like
flowers? Why do we need to pull these?”</i></b> I was obviously a
novice. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">She
picked up on my sensitivity and responded in the most gently and
loving way. </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><i>“<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">There
is order in the earth and it is made of eco systems. Though some
plants are beautiful to look at, they all don't behave well. Some of
them wreck havoc on life forms beneath the earth and can take over a
garden and kill other plants by robbing them of necessary nutrients.
I've seen the damage that they can cause. And, if left unattended
they can take over.” </span></span></i></b>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Her response was filled with so much compassion that I don't remember everything she said, but i</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">n
that one graceful moment I felt relieved of my burden. I will
never look at weeds the same again. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Catalysts
speed up the rate at which we grow. Some of them can stop us dead in
our tracks and some of them can change our trajectories all together.
Some of them can do both!</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdcOBGGA_VMiJHm__Nq3vO1swJqOR6VCSmrCrHfpyHpiaqs66OCZUjzxXY7dhixTnYOqlVmOFTHE7A4hXYET7QAU6ED3XGw1ORqDp6HIOZN9Ryp_bLxKAZLGxdwJbniEesHw4eKrTZ2eNW/s1600/Shawn+and+Son.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdcOBGGA_VMiJHm__Nq3vO1swJqOR6VCSmrCrHfpyHpiaqs66OCZUjzxXY7dhixTnYOqlVmOFTHE7A4hXYET7QAU6ED3XGw1ORqDp6HIOZN9Ryp_bLxKAZLGxdwJbniEesHw4eKrTZ2eNW/s320/Shawn+and+Son.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When
my 19 year old son was diagnosed with <a href="http://www.iamfreedomsdrum.com/2016/09/ms-my-hero-and-mothers-love.html" target="_blank">MS</a> last year it stopped me in
my tracks. I wrote about <a href="http://www.iamfreedomsdrum.com/2016/09/ms-my-hero-and-mothers-love.html" target="_blank">my experience</a>
and how before his diagnosis I was ready to trade in my </span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>mother
on duty</i></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
badge for </span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>mother
off duty</i></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">,
only to be reminded that a mother's job is never done! Then, as a
small business owner, I lost a cleaning contract that I've held for
the past seven years as I became unfocused and was not properly
supervising certain jobs that I had contracted out during this time.
To add fuel to the fire, with only a part-time job to supplement my
income, I quickly became part of another statistic. At 47, I found
myself without medical coverage because of North Carolina's <a href="http://www.ncjustice.org/?q=medicaidexpansion" target="_blank">refusal to expand medicaid</a>. I was now part of the gap of </span></span><span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">people
who make too much for Medicaid and too little for private </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">insurance.</span> </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Not to mention the relationships that were</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: black;"> uprooted, i</span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">t's all been a perfect storm!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Storms are not new to me. A hurricane Katrina survivor, I have learned about the resilience of the human spirit. I've also learned that gratitude can interrupt anxiety. </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">While all of this was brewing, I was grateful that my son had health insurance through his father's
plan and started treatment options. Ironically, as his caregiver, he
began expressing concern about my health. His concern caused me to pay
attention to my diet and other habits as I also realized that I
wasn't alone. According to the <a href="http://www.ncjustice.org/?q=medicaidexpansion" target="_blank">NC Justice Center</a>, <span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Since
January 1, 2014, North Carolina has rejected $4.9 million per day
that would provide coverage to 500,058 uninsured people. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And
with the threat of more cuts </span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">from the new administration in the white house, </span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">more
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">people
will likely be affected.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3V4UEYo15Bi7-O2mVHB6qEJyIz9MNqaBrSSVwawNoUzm9tFjHG7bb-Mw_QBqDXBf6jSDislbWbk90hNomVxq8oUjnpPyROla5CITp-xDGpAU8zFB7i7oc29SBff6DwKuawlczaczej92/s1600/herbs.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3V4UEYo15Bi7-O2mVHB6qEJyIz9MNqaBrSSVwawNoUzm9tFjHG7bb-Mw_QBqDXBf6jSDislbWbk90hNomVxq8oUjnpPyROla5CITp-xDGpAU8zFB7i7oc29SBff6DwKuawlczaczej92/s1600/herbs.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In
the event that people needed care, I had an idea to create a resource
or a hub for those who were looking for alternative methods of
healing. I also wanted to begin researching healing alternatives for
my son. By the end of the year, I started the</span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
<a href="http://www.centerforherbsandhealing.com/" target="_blank">Center for Herbs and Healing</a>.</span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> I also started my <a href="https://youtu.be/hYia7sJZciE" target="_blank">alchemy journey with sage</a>
and a new product, <a href="http://www.centerforherbsandhealing.com/store/p2/Try_Me_Sticks_.html" target="_blank">Try Me Sticks</a>.
</span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
am grateful for the catalysts in my life. I am also grateful for new
awarenesses. Nature is a healer and teacher! Who knew that a
mundane task of pulling weeds could reveal so much? Weeds were all
around me but instead of me cutting them off, I fed and watered them
with my lack of understanding and allowed them to wreak havoc in my
garden- in my life. </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Cutting weeds from my life has helped me
to see my vision and gift(s) with more clarity.</span> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">With
new eyes I am clearly in unfamiliar territory, but I am rolling up
my sleeves, asking for support, and willing to get my hands dirty. I
don't have to do this alone, and neither do you! </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Follow the Sun...</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">With Love,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Shawn</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGg98t8XPGjoXkBXvBv7xVCWbCc24uqNuJW6WNTJkyxNxU3KIgs4iniBlNfQCadbIFDWXFSAxhDw04oPsO73_Cj5QAUmavGxl2SGjWEoh7QwLXEc2bwD_uLg1MoU4d-3yIwVfJWju8UcjY/s1600/Follow+the+Sun+with+FD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGg98t8XPGjoXkBXvBv7xVCWbCc24uqNuJW6WNTJkyxNxU3KIgs4iniBlNfQCadbIFDWXFSAxhDw04oPsO73_Cj5QAUmavGxl2SGjWEoh7QwLXEc2bwD_uLg1MoU4d-3yIwVfJWju8UcjY/s320/Follow+the+Sun+with+FD.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>________________________________</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-7Hdaewg3AyQmg1XZ70v-SwkuzzPkr9XuSo0kMqvxbgbbtyqKUzel2usVXxPY3ov_ncP7ehAgbr6DeT4M5duVzXN-K1Ck4tCzjugUd-8euA1HoWw42WOOBttxQuQzanv_jTSa5aovA5x/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-7Hdaewg3AyQmg1XZ70v-SwkuzzPkr9XuSo0kMqvxbgbbtyqKUzel2usVXxPY3ov_ncP7ehAgbr6DeT4M5duVzXN-K1Ck4tCzjugUd-8euA1HoWw42WOOBttxQuQzanv_jTSa5aovA5x/s320/FullSizeRender+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.centerforherbsandhealing.com/engage-with-sage.html"><i>Healing Sage Trio</i></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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iamfreedomsdrumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659861568241768958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-328221900585177476.post-28952736741581881762017-03-14T16:06:00.003-04:002017-04-10T16:25:07.345-04:00How falling in a Ditch can Transform your Life<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 6px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<b><br /></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPSRbZULlTRBrmvhekUNx5aTy6qZVw01dFo4KNP4FIS9_KnFEmYeSdWwLi2i1_z0uYRpLDOdJIQ4j42ue4E2Jb2rFfooDBV5OrpMa4_SbTKPpwPdeqv0Sf08fCq3NyHPMQYjPu-e5y6uz/s1600/hole+in+my+sidewalk....png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPSRbZULlTRBrmvhekUNx5aTy6qZVw01dFo4KNP4FIS9_KnFEmYeSdWwLi2i1_z0uYRpLDOdJIQ4j42ue4E2Jb2rFfooDBV5OrpMa4_SbTKPpwPdeqv0Sf08fCq3NyHPMQYjPu-e5y6uz/s400/hole+in+my+sidewalk....png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: block; font-style: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 6px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Chapter One of My Life.</b> </span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: block; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 6px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I walk down the street. There's a deep hole in the sidewalk. I fall in. I am lost. I am helpless. It isn't my fault. It still takes forever to find a way out.<br /><br /><b>Chapter Two.</b> </span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: block; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 6px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I walk down the same street. There's a deep hole in the sidewalk. I pretend I don't see it. I fall in again. I can't believe I'm in the same place! But it isn't my fault. And it still takes a long time to get out.<br /><br /><b>Chapter Three.</b> </span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: block; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 6px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I walk down the same street. There's a deep hole in the sidewalk. I see it there. I still fall in. It's a habit! My eyes are open. I know where I am. It is my fault. I get out immediately.<br /><br /><b>Chapter Four.</b> I walk down the same street. There's a deep hole in the sidewalk. I walk around it.<br /><br /><b>Chapter Five.</b> I walk down a different street.</span></span> </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: block; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 6px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span id="quote_book_link_549612"><span id="quote_book_link_549612" style="font-size: small;">There's a Hole in My Sidewalk: The Romance of Self-Discovery</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; display: block; margin: 0px 0px 6px; text-align: right; text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="color: black;">― by </span>Portia Nelson<span style="color: black;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; display: block; margin: 0px 0px 6px; text-indent: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; display: block; margin: 0px 0px 6px; text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">A few weeks ago, </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">I sat down with myself and realized that I have at least two mantras that speak to me wherever I am. One, </span><i><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">"I trust that the steps that I am taking are leading me to my greatest and highest good"</span></b></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">; the other, </span><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">"Follow the Sun"</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Let's face it, some habits are hard to break. Re writing this brilliant story to fit my life, it would read like this:</span></span></span><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Chapter One of My Life.</span></b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">I walk down the dark street. I bring Doubt and Confusion. I entertain them. I feel lost. I feel helpless. Certainly this isn't my fault? It seems like it takes forever to find my way out of the conversation.</span><br /><b></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Chapter Two.</span></b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">I walk down the same dark street. I bring Doubt and Confusion. I pretend I'm not walking with them, but they remind me that they are there! I entertain them again. I can't believe I'm in the same place! But this isn't my fault? And it still takes a long time to silence them.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b></b></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Chapter Three.</span></b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">I walk down the same dark street. Doubt and Confusion are with me again. I see them. I talk to them. This has become a habit! My eyes are open. I know where I am. This is my fault! I say good bye immediately.</span><br /><b></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Chapter Four.</span></b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"> I walk down the same street. Doubt and Confusion follow me. I run for my life.</span><br /><b></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Chapter Five.</span></b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"> I walk down a different street. </span><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">To</span></b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>day I am following the Sun!</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify;"><b>"When your mind unwinds, your Spirit it will find." Shawn Trimble.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Life is a trip and though I don't always like it, I am grateful for the dark places where growth take place. I've learned that just when you think you've mastered the art of escaping the dark holes of life, they can reappear at any time in one form or another. Not only that, you can spend a lifetime moving through the chapters. And though each chapter is important, the key is to keep moving and to </span><b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">never, <span style="font-size: large;">never</span>, </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">never</span></b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"> give up! The Sun will shine in the morning.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfJvp8l8qG09pW8fIran8eyaUWvioTsmJPOU5QvFjmXXIvNVRMx62-Zuxmo4UAo2tf-q9fcgAxf0lW95UBHYbE81tGv34OciDoT3iwuujeWT8r3dk_MbGru8KgSSTmNQUlimfjLkln6pz/s1600/i+know+why+the+caged+bird+sings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfJvp8l8qG09pW8fIran8eyaUWvioTsmJPOU5QvFjmXXIvNVRMx62-Zuxmo4UAo2tf-q9fcgAxf0lW95UBHYbE81tGv34OciDoT3iwuujeWT8r3dk_MbGru8KgSSTmNQUlimfjLkln6pz/s320/i+know+why+the+caged+bird+sings.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Someone posted a question on FB that sparked an internal response:</span><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <b>"Why do the caged birds sing?"</b></span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">For me, the answer is found in nature which I believe holds the answers to many of life's questions. I believe they sing because they are free! Because the Sun has set them free!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Like other animals, birds don't deviate from who they are because their circumstances change. They are not bound by the holds that are placed on them. They trust their environment to provide them with their every need. They they sing and bring us their beautiful melodic messages because singing is what they do - it's who they are- regardless!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">My kids have had birds since elementary school. Angel and Chuck! The singing parakeets. The only time that they were quiet was at bedtime when their cage was covered with a blanket to simulate darkness. This was the only time that they didn't sing. However, when the blanket came off in the morning, they were at it again...following the Sun!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Nature is extraordinary and the Sun is not just an external force, it is an internal Light that shines from within. For me, following the Sun is not only beneficial, it is necessary for my survival. <b>Are you following the Sun?</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><i>I let what I know is coming, come to me </i></span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><i>and </i></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><i>contemplate the presence of what I know will manifest.</i></span></b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Wayne Dyer</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOuM57_lqouPVjPq3ywsoIs8gueaCThlc1YtZi5fq6fyNBTMpHWnyJsKrM8laEBM0_Ww1Cl_FCO1NQX5rB1QlAEaKBLM9PsfTEXJeNnZQ2bf1BF0D4Jz3eVt5MAA6qZ_k1_-gGr0DqPCp9/s1600/Follow+the+Sun+with+Freedoms+Drum.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOuM57_lqouPVjPq3ywsoIs8gueaCThlc1YtZi5fq6fyNBTMpHWnyJsKrM8laEBM0_Ww1Cl_FCO1NQX5rB1QlAEaKBLM9PsfTEXJeNnZQ2bf1BF0D4Jz3eVt5MAA6qZ_k1_-gGr0DqPCp9/s200/Follow+the+Sun+with+Freedoms+Drum.png" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Since 2001, Freedom's Drum has been a source of Light energy. It is a humanitarian force that creates global movements (</span><a class="profileLink" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=486640004698654" href="https://www.facebook.com/WithLoveMovement/" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">With Love Movement</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">,</span><span class="Apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span><a class="profileLink" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=778482048879104" href="https://www.facebook.com/legacyofprayers/" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Legacy of Prayers</span></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">) workshops, publications, </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/freedomsdrum/shop/?ref=page_internal" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">products</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">, and social justice initiatives.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/freedomsdrum/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Follow the Sun with Freedom's Drum!</span></a></b></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Join me as the vision expands to building capital, creating an international board, and forming global partnerships. I am excited to co-create with other like minded energy forces to transform our world into a more loving place for the generations to come. </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you are interested in learning more about how you can support this vision, please contact me at Iamfreedomsdrum@gmail.com.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thank You for all that you do and for all that you are. And wherever you find yourself, remember, Follow the Sun!<br />With Love,<br />Shawn</span></div>
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