August 2022 - Cari Kenzie

Breaking Free from the Hamster Wheel of Life: Your Guide to Evolving

NGMKTG on August 30, 2022

Spinning endlessly in circles, going nowhere fast – sounds familiar? Welcome to the metaphorical hamster wheel of life. But here’s the silver lining: there’s an exit sign.

We’ve all experienced it – that suffocating feeling of running tirelessly on a wheel that’s taking us nowhere. The irony is, even though it might feel like we’re solo on this relentless ride, we’re actually not alone. In fact, if you were to peek over, you’d probably see others on their own wheels, mirroring your sense of exhaustion. Now, the real question is, how do we hit the brakes?

It’s Clearer from the Outside

We’ve all got that one friend who, bless their heart, falls into the same romance trap on repeat. Or that colleague who could’ve sworn they double-checked that report, only to make the same mistake for the umpteenth time. Why is it so clear when they’re stuck in a loop, yet so cloudy when it’s us?

It’s simple. We’re fabulous detectives when it comes to others. But when the magnifying glass turns inward, we often deflect. Instead of investigating our patterns, we jump straight to blaming external factors or questioning our fate with an exasperated, “Why always me?”

The Power of Perspective

The key to untangling our messy cycle lies in shifting our perspective. Zoom out a bit, view the larger tapestry, and you’ll start to recognize the stitches that have caused the knots. Once you’ve identified them, the unravelling can begin.

But here’s the catch. This isn’t just about a mental shift – it’s about a physical one too. It’s about breaking that physical barrier that stops us from taking actionable steps. And the key? It’s curiosity. We need to foster that innate inquisitiveness, trace our patterns back to their roots, and most importantly, learn.

Curiosity Didn’t Just Kill the Cat

Contrary to popular belief, curiosity can be our salvation. By posing the right questions to ourselves, by really delving into our psyche, we can identify the root cause of our repetitive behaviors. And once that lesson is absorbed, the need to recreate that particular experience evaporates. The world then morphs into a canvas, ready for us to craft our masterpiece.

Time to Create Anew

After all, why spin on a wheel when you can paint the town red, or any other color of your choosing for that matter? Once we’ve stepped off the hamster wheel, the limitless possibilities of life sprawl before us. So, what will you create today?

Just remember, the next time you spot someone else’s cycle, it might just be the universe nudging you to check your own. But with a sprinkle of wit, a dash of compassion, and a whole lot of curiosity, we can trade that hamster wheel for a canvas of endless potential.

Why Bathtub Meditation is the Ultimate Life Hack for Type A Personalities

NGMKTG on August 25, 2022

If I told you my favorite spot to meditate was in the bathtub, would you think I’ve lost my marbles? Stick with me here. Not only is it a quirky practice of mine, but it also packs a ton of wisdom. Especially if you’re someone with a dash of sass, a sprinkle of compassion, and a penchant for witty banter, much like me.

The Magic of Water and Energy

Water isn’t just the stuff we use to quench our thirst or wash away the sweat of a long day. It’s a magnificent conductor of energy, amplifying everything it touches, including our intuition. Imagine combining that with the calm, introspective state of meditation. Now, that’s where the magic happens! A water-filled tub might just be your secret chamber for unlocking insights, answers, and intuitive nudges.

Turning Passive into Active

Back in the day, traditional meditation seemed like a chore. The very idea of sitting silently for two hours, twice a day, sent my type A personality into overdrive. I mean, who has the time? That’s how my bathtub saga began. I needed a meditation that felt less like a monastic vow and more like a productive session. A doer’s form of zen, if you will.

Bathing with Purpose

No, I don’t just slip into my tub on a whim. Every dip has a purpose. Take last night, for example. My pesky eye twitch had overstayed its welcome. So, I hopped into a tub fragrant with lavender oil and salts. In that cocoon of warmth, I left my ego at the door and began my quest for answers.

One question led to another, creating a maze of thought. With every twist and turn, I found clues about my subconscious mind. The need to justify, to prove, and, at its core, to be loved. And voilà, I reached a relaxed state, ready to let the water wash away any negativity.

The Power of Trust

The bathtub is more than just a place to relax. It’s a place of trust. It’s about letting intuition guide you, trusting that the first thought, no matter how bizarre, is a breadcrumb leading you to understanding. Your mind, in all its whimsical glory, offers clues for healing and evolving. And every time we dismiss these thoughts as ‘crazy’, we weaken that intuitive muscle.

Your Invitation to Dive In

So, the next time you’re eyeing that tub, thinking of a quick soak, why not make it an introspective journey? Fill it up, slide in, and let your mind wander. Remember, all you need to do is trust.

To those skeptics rolling their eyes – give it a whirl. The worst that can happen? You’ll end up with pruney fingers and a fresh perspective. Best case scenario? You discover a powerful meditation technique tailored for the active souls among us.

Let the water be your guide. Dive deep into your thoughts. And who knows? Your bathtub might just become your sanctuary of self-awareness.

Unraveling the Mind Maze: The Harry Potter Guide to Self-Discovery

NGMKTG on August 23, 2022

Wingardium Leviosa! Alright, I won’t actually make you float, but let’s embark on a magical journey together. If you, like me, find solace in the whimsical world of Hogwarts, you’re familiar with the challenges Harry and his friends face. Today, I’m taking a page out of The Goblet of Fire to decode our very own ‘Triwizard Tournament’ – navigating the maze of our minds.

🌌 Understanding the Mind: More Maze, Less Straight Line 🌌

When life throws us curveballs, our initial instinct is to connect the dots in a linear fashion. A happened, so B must be the result. But just as you wouldn’t expect Harry to fetch the Triwizard Cup with a mere Accio, addressing our inner complexities isn’t straightforward. I argue that every experience we face is an entryway into the intricate labyrinth of our thoughts and perceptions.

Rather than viewing situations as isolated events, picture them as part of an expansive spiderweb, weaving together memories, emotions, and past traumas. To truly understand, we must venture to the source: the genesis of that misperception, wound, or limiting belief.

🧭 The Conversational Compass: Pointing Left or Right? 🧭

Many times, I find myself in enlightening conversations with my clients. They start off discussing their weekends or recent encounters, but eventually, they arrive at their core concern. A persistent feeling, a troubling work situation, or a gnawing unease. My role? To help them delve deep into their psyche.

When a client expresses feelings of being overlooked or unheard, I prod, “Recall the last time you felt this way?” With every response, we decide which direction to take in this mental maze.

Whether it’s a buried high school memory or an overlooked suggestion at a workplace, our journey always seems to navigate back to a pivotal moment – the very first time they felt unseen or disregarded.

🧶 Pulling the Thread: The Aha! Moment 🧶

Imagine finding that one thread connecting an intricate tapestry of experiences. By tracing back to that formative moment, we not only identify but also grasp it. This understanding acts as our wand, and with a gentle tug, the entire maze unravels. Suddenly, a panoramic view of interconnected experiences emerges.

That originating moment is the keystone. It provides an opportunity to delve deep, to uncover the source of that emotional blockade so that its hold can finally be relinquished.

🌟 Clearing the Path: The Magic of Self-Realization 🌟

The concept of the mind maze isn’t foreign. We’re aware of our mind’s capacity to twist, turn, and occasionally lead us astray. Yet, many a time, we don’t permit ourselves to join the dots, or when the need arises, to disentangle them.

But remember, every maze, no matter how convoluted, has an exit. And just like Harry and his friends, with perseverance, courage, and a little bit of magic (or introspection!), we too can emerge victoriously.

So, the next time you find yourself lost amidst the hedgerows of doubt or confusion, summon your inner Potterhead. Traverse that maze, pull that thread, and rediscover yourself in the process. After all, as Dumbledore wisely said, “It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” Now, where’s my Firebolt? 🧹✨

Optimize your journey of self-discovery with a sprinkle of magic and a dash of introspection. If you enjoyed this piece or have your own maze you’re eager to navigate, drop a comment below or reach out. Let’s make magic together!

Knowledge vs. Wisdom: Unlocking the True Power of Innate Insight

NGMKTG on August 20, 2022

Picture this: The roar of the crowd, the sweat and exhilaration of the football field, and suddenly, a heart-stopping moment. My oldest, right there on the pitch, concussed. What followed was nothing short of astonishing.

The Football Field Revelation

How My Son’s Experience Differentiated Knowledge from Wisdom Knowledge and wisdom – two words often used interchangeably, yet so profoundly different. Both revolve around a realm of understanding, but their roots and impacts diverge. Let me paint you a clearer picture.

Last year, I watched in horror as my son suffered a concussion during a football game. It was a nasty one. But my boy, ever the fighter, tapped into a deep reservoir of healing energy right then and there. And just like magic, he not only recovered but also continued the game. The crowd was flabbergasted. We weren’t.

Fast forward a few months, a shoulder injury plagued him. Despite witnessing his astounding recovery earlier, he bore this pain longer than I’d expected. Puzzled, I quizzed him. Why hadn’t he harnessed the same healing prowess? His answer left me ruminating: a friend’s physical therapist father had assessed it would take six months to heal. He added, “Well mom, he has the background. This is what he does. He went to school for this.”

The Bathtub Epiphany

Meditating on Deep-rooted Beliefs The contrast was stark – professional knowledge vs innate wisdom.

Now, I have a ritual. When faced with an enigma, I often retreat to my bathtub, soaking both in water and thoughts. And as I meditated on this, a revelation dawned. We, as a society, tend to heavily lean on acquired knowledge – those fancy certifications, diplomas, and structured education. But what about wisdom, that intangible essence of true knowing that sprouts from within?

Wisdom – The Unsung Hero

Navigating Our Internal Compass Wisdom is an epiphany. It’s that ‘Eureka!’ moment when solutions surface from our innermost depths. Yet, more often than not, we shelve this profound insight, seeking external validation – turning to facts, figures, and testimonials of others.

Knowledge – A Double-edged Sword?

When External Facts Override Inner Truth While knowledge offers a comforting cushion of proven data, wisdom presents an exciting avenue of innovation and creativity. Knowledge, while factual, is tethered to others’ perspectives and conclusions. On the other hand, embracing wisdom allows one to truly harness their potential, viewing a plethora of opportunities unfettered by the confines of established knowledge.

Embracing Our Own Truth

The Power of Personal Wisdom in Shaping Reality My son’s healing journey offered a poignant insight: knowledge, at times, can dim our inner light. When he relied on a predetermined recovery time, it altered his perspective and limited his self-healing potential.

So here’s a parting thought for all you thinkers and dreamers out there: Knowledge, in all its glory, is derived from someone’s spark of wisdom. But isn’t it more fulfilling to discover our own reservoir of wisdom? When you experience that fleeting moment of insight, trust it. Embrace it. After all, why let others shape your reality when you hold the brush to paint your own?

From Grief to Generational Healing: The Lessons Shadow Taught Us

NGMKTG on August 15, 2022

In the face of life’s trials, like the aftermath of the Boston bombing and personal health challenges, there are often unexpected sources of resilience and growth. One such source for our family was a four-legged friend named Shadow.

In the chaotic whirlwind post-Boston bombing, my health took a mysterious turn for the worse. Insomnia, muscle spasms, and a plethora of medical appointments became my reality. Yet, amidst this turbulence, a beacon of hope named Shadow bounded into our lives, especially uplifting my son who was battling anxiety and depression.

But 2018’s summer heralded a tragic twist. During a family camping trip, Shadow’s sudden departure in the sweltering heat left us devastated. Drowning in guilt and self-blame, I sought solace in meditation for healing.

Often dismissed as “woo-woo,” meditation became my lifeline, offering insights and clarity about Shadow’s final moments. What unfolded next was surreal. My son’s reflections mirrored mine, hinting at the profound power of generational healing.

Shadow’s passing illuminated the undeniable connections binding us, emphasizing our inherent ability to heal and transcend challenges. His legacy underscores that trials are transformative lessons, guiding us towards deeper understanding and resilience.

The Power of Curiosity: The Journey from Presence to Intuition

Cari Rosno on August 11, 2022

There’s a kind of curiosity that transcends merely exploring the external world. It delves deep into the intricacies of the mind, the dynamics of emotions, and the complex maze of human intuition. Allow me to unravel this a bit for you.

When people utter the word “curiosity,” the immediate visual is perhaps a child poking a beetle or an astronomer peering through a telescope. It’s often about the world outside of us. But what if I told you there’s more to it than just that? You see, my journey made me redefine my own understanding of this term. And it happened in a rather extraordinary way.

From Bombing to Being

My healing journey began post a traumatic bombing experience. While helping others heal with my techniques, I found myself guiding the vice president of a company. His declining health and increasing aggression was evident. I didn’t offer solutions. Instead, I listened, really listened. There was an exchange – not of words, but of presence. That connection, that deep mutual understanding without utterance, is what I define as presence.

Intuition: The Unseen Connection

But then something uncanny occurred. This presence morphed into intuition. I began to see while I listened to podcasts, as if these senses were inexplicably intertwined. I would focus on a topic, and it would manifest in different ways on platforms like Instagram.

Call it fate, call it a domino effect; I kept being led exactly where I needed to go. This path not only helped me diagnose conditions like Chronic Lyme disease but also steered my healing.

The Maze of Curiosity

The curiosity I revere focuses on the internal. It’s about understanding our reactions, emotions, and decisions. When faced with emotional turbulence, instead of being swept away, take a step back and ponder, “Isn’t that interesting?” and then “I wonder why?” This elevates your perspective. You start navigating the maze of your mind, rather than being trapped in it.

Your subconscious, if unbridled, will usher you towards answers. The route you take, influenced by the questions you ask, shapes your interpretation of events. Find that focal point, and everything unravels, clearing your path forward.

Let me illustrate with a personal story:

In 2015, during my trips to Wisconsin Dells for immunotherapy shots, I expected the usual fatigue post-treatment. But one time, a lingering headache caught me off-guard. Delving into the ‘why,’ I found out that the same day I got my shot, my husband faced an extensive reprimand about our family decisions. Although miles apart, I felt that energy, that rebuke. It seeped into my subconscious, translating into physical pain. Only when I confronted and processed this realization did I truly heal.

Curiosity: The Key to Unlocking Your Mind’s Maze

Navigating through the mind’s labyrinth can be chaotic. Yet, with the right tools of curiosity and introspection, you can disentangle its complexity.

So next time you’re at a crossroads, whether in life or within yourself, get curious. Dive into the maze, armed with questions, and let them guide you through. Because often, the answers lie within you, waiting to be discovered.