Author: Kali Bliss

Thank You America!

I just watched the 2015 4^th of July fireworks from a cement bench on the bayside of San Diego, a place I routinely visit and walk or ride by bike by daily. I had no hand to hold me, no liquid toxicity within me, and no one even with me to share the evening firework display. I did have my headphones and some great music on shuffle to listen to and hum along to as I watched the magnificent light show in the sky.

Freedom. Red, white, and blue… well lots of red tonight. The sky lit with fire and sparks and bombs in the air that burst to sparkle the still dark water beneath it. Lights pulsed from the dark in the twilight as people gathered from all around. America, how beautiful… for the first time in what very well maybe my whole life I felt at peace. Totally calm, totally cool, and totally okay… what was this ecstatic state and how was I totally fine in the midst of being alone on one of the most social holidays of the year… and wait, I was dead sober and alone, and still completely happy.

Oh say can you see, while watching that night sky dance with color I witnessed the real magic that I had been missing…. Freedom. A word we hear quite often, yet I still have not yet accurately described the sensation or meaning of the letters. In the moment, I gazed around and at the scenery of the people, the drunks sneaking the beer, the tipsy crew singing along to the star spangled sky, the kids wanting to go home, the cops trying regulate, the bonfires that had their own sparkle show, the friends gathered tight, the couples holding hands, and all the people, for a moment, coming together for a profound scene of peace and joy. Hallelujah America! We did it, and I got to watch while the lights gallantly streamed through the sky.

Then I remembered what this holiday is all about and the real meaning in celebrating what it means to be American and happy and free. It’s as if the Universe opened up, and better than a broomstick, glitter rang out from the heavens in a spell of ease and delight. Not a single person I could see was upset, and not a single person dared to ruin the moment for another or even fight or exchange an unkind word. All that mattered was the proof in the sky that our country was together, the land of the free and the home of the brave. It was as if a spangled banner with stars and stripes was actually waving from the sky. Even with all the ugliness the world can hold, the bombs that bleed, the curses, and the evil spells that cause us fright and despair, and with the fights and the nasty currents that consume us, all of that seemed to be put on pause, irrelevant, and as if vanished, all was still, and all was well. The only music was the show in the sky and a few quite songs being sung by we the people.

With the bliss bombs bursting in air, in that moment, I felt the true meaning of freedom and witnessed what it is like to live in a Country that is united and perhaps even free. Together as one, happy and at peace, that was proof that America really can be beautiful and come together. Amazing grace. I was gifted a glimpse of how, maybe someday, I can imagine a world that stops, and looks up to remember the real stars in the sky that help us stand taller, shine brighter, and wave our hands in celebration… Peace, Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is possible. I just got a captivating picture of it and watched a stellar show that proved we can all shine together and blow up sweeter than any cake you’ll even consume.

            This fourth of July, I am grateful. I do not accurately know the last time I was fully sober, without a drink, without a buzz, and without any other soul, on America’s finest day. Happy, solo, and totally amazed at the beauty of inner peace, inner light, and inner strength, to be able to sing freely and be totally content with me. The best freedom of all comes from the pure blissful state of knowing you are never lost, but always found. This night I learned that freedom to me, is not an action, a party, and it’s never laced with bubbles or another hand to high five or salute. Real freedom is being in your spirit and anchored in joy with the real effect that causes fireworks not only in a moment, but in every waking day from the inside out. The freedom to be totally happy with only me was the freedom I was once searching for all along and yearning to feel and desired to have…needing nothing, yet having everything. On this night, under a cloudy beautiful sky, I felt it, and actually believed in it.

But oh, America, what a gift I was granted today. To be completely alone, without anyone, and no one, yet completely happy, liberated, and profoundly actually free. Thank You America. For sharing your grace, shining your light, and showing me that brotherhood and sisterhood can shine from sea to sea. With spacious skies, purple fireworks of majesties, I experienced the amber waves that the Universe shed with music from the sea, on me. What a dream to be radically happy, smiling for no reason, and totally high on my own sweet elixir and with my own self. Freedom, I found you. Not even a selfie could prove it was real, boast about, or say that it happened. Yet the liberation remains, even after the rockets shot off.

America, today you gave freedom. Today, I remembered the best gift I was granted and had all along. America, thank you. Standing overlooking the bay I grew up with, the beach I see daily, and the water I regularly swim in, I remembered the best and more real divine magic show ever made. I returned home, and saw, for the first time, a country that I actually felt a part of, and actually was proud to live in. Freedom is a choice we are all given. Through the perilous fight, with liberation, we can attain the land of the free, and the home of the heart that needs nothing for total satisfaction and ultimate glory. Thank you America, for lighting my world up today, and better in every other day after, and showing me that peace is possible, and that maybe one day we will be the land of the free and home of the happy brave people we are meant to be. Even after the bombs drop, the stars can still shine and burst forever. Tonight I celebrate me. Tonight I cheers to let freedom ring forever and always!

Written by: Kali Bliss

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I use to live a busy life. My type A personality would zoom around from thing to thing, check box to check box, and rush through everything to get it all done by the end of the day. I use to drive fast and speed and swerve when cars were going too slow. I use walk fast and rush, afraid I would not get to my destination on time. I use to be use busy wondering what was next, that I would often miss what was now. Its funny what the mind does when you focus on the future and forget about the moment that is now.That was then this is now.

What is it about life that causes us to rush through everything and always be onto the next thing? Human nature I suppose. The business only keeps us doing what’s next, or stressing that perhaps we may miss something in the process. There is a simplistic art in learning to slow down. Beyond that, I’ve noticed you are able to appreciate a lot more. Maybe a car ride does take longer, and maybe you are a few minutes late to work than normal…. so what? The day will still go on, your work will still be there, and I bet no one even noticed. Why not slow down, catch a breathe, view the window, take in the scene, and turn up the music? If you are inspired, how about sing? Enjoy the moment for what it is. You may be surprised what you see along the way. Shifting gears, taking moments to live eyes wide open can lead you to see so much more. What once seemed every day normal, may begin to feel every day new, or better, make a better story and moment for your day.

I was taking a stroll along the beach, like I do multiple times throughout my week, and in my life. For the first time ever at this particular beach I was at, I saw whales breech out of the water. They were quite active and stuck around on top of the water for a while. I stood still, planted my feet into the ground, and took a moment. I stopped. I saw. I enjoyed. I saw. I witnessed. Then I noticed many others walking straight, down the shoreline, on the sand, with no ability to turn their neck or dare to gaze beyond what was in front of them. It was an interesting moment. Here I was, doing my yoga dance on the sand, smiling, and watching the whales, and no one else seemed to care or notice. It blew my mind. There are always new things to see when you can change your perspective, and dare to move beyond where you think you are going.

Has society really become so linear that all you see is forward? Being present is a gift. A way to explore more, to see more, and to enjoy every moment possible we have in this short life. Take a drive and dare to turn your head and see… find movement towards freedom and get out of the straight line destination you think you need to be on. Take a walk, look around, and see the world for what it really is —> a beautiful place with many moments to soak up and enjoy, if you can move around, shake your head, get a little loose, and see it.

What if….. you fill in the blank……

When was the last time you imagined a new possibility or a new opportunity to surface so you could grow? I feel as if many get stuck and rooted in what we know to be true, that we forget to develop something better. Why do we hang on? And if we are hanging on, what is it in us that compels us to stay in us? Change is something i never understood. Good? Bad? is it inevitable is it a sign? I have no fucking clue 😉 As much as many of us do change, what keeps us with and in touch with those old friends and people that touched us? And if we separate. what caused that to happen?

I’ve personally lost touch with many fine individuals of my past. It was not purposeful, it was not out of hate, it simply happened. I truly do hope I can resurrect friendships from the past, touch bas,e and learn what they are doing. But if its not mean to be, why bother? To me, it is such an interesting subject. When it comes to relationships and life… what do we keep and what is worth holding onto and staying in contact with?

The basis of myself is to love others, enjoy company of good people, and cherish friendships that help you. To me, it’s that simple. When people part ways and leave you behind, what is meant to be interpreted? Well, you let them go on their way, and personally, I hope they remember me 😉 Life is funny in that we are taught when we are young that friends are meant to be forever and life as it happens, you keep those connections alive. I dont think thats real. You grow, you change, and if the connection is mutual on both ends, it remains… if it’s not special to a certain side, then it’s released, sadly. That person that was once your bestie, may be better off now. Thats fine. Perhaps you never speak to them again. God, are we really so inhuman that we can detach that easily? It’s a lesson I’m still striving to learn.

To everyone I’ve met, the friends I’ve had, or anyone who has crossed my personal path. I thank you. I always do, it’s in my nature. Wherever you have gone, or been, I hope you know I still love you and I deeply thank you 🙂

 Be the Bright Light this Holiday Season that Stays Calm & Collected.

I took a special Yoga class last week with on of my best mentors & most inspiring people ever (thanks Chelsea!) and she spoke about being non-reactive. She shared a story and talked about how important it is to detach from other peoples crazy emotional outbreaks in order to remain more calm when any given situation occurs. That theme stuck with me throughout her classes and unique transitions, and as I did my best to keep my breath moving even with the challenges and holds. It continued throughout my day and to my surprise I was well aware at how reactive I get. At this point in my life I consider myself a pretty peaceful person. I have Yoga to thank and life experience which has taught to me to relax, slow down, and accept the beauty of living in the present moment. It’s amazing how much energy I unconsciously give up throughout my day. For example, when I was driving home I got put in some traffic at about 230pm in the afternoon. I immediately reacted (to myself in the car) and got annoyed, etc. My teachers voice popped into my head and I had to remember to embrace the moment because I can’t change the traffic. Instead of reacting and getting myself into an angry, frustrated, WTF is wrong with San Diego type of mood, I needed to settle. I put on some good music and began to embrace the moment of slowness, recognizing a little bit of traffic was not going to fully ruin the moment or the rest of my day, and that it would be totally useless to emotionally get aggravated for that short period.

The holidays are here. Yay! And Nay! For some of us, deepending on our family dynamic and more. As we are around family, friends, people we like and people we prefer to never see again, it is important to stand your ground and stay in a place of peace and acceptance. When you become reactive you give your energy away. You will notice when you are around a lot of angry people they often take your good energy from you and then your become angry as well. Or if something happens, and for example, you sister gets really upset about it and starts to cry and get emotional, that often will trigger others to adapt some form of emotion too. This may be grief shown with sympathy, maybe anger thinking your sister is stupid for crying, etc. Emotions are powerful things! You do not need to pick up any extra emotional baggage or wounds form others this time of year. Family can bring out the best and worst of us all. It’s important to lay your ground and stay present and peaceful with whatever stuff happens. That way you can enjoy the season, even with the business and family drama 😉

Tips to stay Non-Reactive at Holiday Time:

– Take deep centering breathes

When things happen, someone gets upset, etc, come back to you. Close your eyes, take some breathes, recenter yourself so other people’s shit is not causing you to react or attrain to the emotion they are experiencing. You will get triggered, relax, breathe, then speak and more forward as you need

– Get outside! Take Walks, get into Nature, get away from the House

Lots of people is lots of energy. Add in parties, stress of cooking, decorating, entertaining, etc – it is a lot to handle. Take a walk when you feel overwhelmed, get away from the group/family, soak up some sun, snow, & let nature help calm you. You will be surprised at how liberating it can be!

– Keep a positive story in your head about You

Family triggers us all in different ways. You can love your family and not be best buddies with them. I am the outcast of my family and frequently laugh at how out of place I fit into the group (especially with my green drinks). Keep yourself happy and entertained by remembering who you are, what you stand for, and the good qualities you have. You family may not agree, or support, & that’s okay. You can have other reasons to love them or at lease show presence in the season.

– Smile

When things happen smile. If someone acts out of place, says something mean, tells you something that does not suit you, SMILE. Compassion is the best gift everyone can give. To me, a smile is a way to bring neutrality to any situation, give lightness, and a sense of warmth.

– Practice thinking, feeling, then speaking

We all act different around family. Often our walls are down, we treat our family different than we would treat a stranger, coworker, etc. Everyone is accountable when they are reactive. When you know that person is going to piss you off this holiday season or make you feel bad – practice pausing. Let things digest, let yourself process them, then decide if its something worth getting emotionally triggered by. Often when you pause you can notice it’s never about you, always about the other person and their shit. Thus, when that brother you don’t vibe well with says something that usually you want to lash back at, maybe this year you can be more peaceful, calm, collected, and smile and not respond or give a mere ‘thanks’ and let the words wash away…

Do the most you can to exercise, move you body, and venture away from the people so you can stay calm & collected. I listen to music often, grab my headphones, or find an empty room, lock it, and enjoy the stillness for a few moments.