Pay attention so you can hear. Some would say it is an art as much as it is a science. Merriam-Webster defines listen as such: To pay attention to someone or something in order to hear what is being said, sung, played, etc. If you took time to listen to your body, your mind would trigger you to make better choices. Body listens to mind; mind listens to body. Awareness is the link. Make no mistake: Every cell knows when you are unhappy, anxious or stressed. A cell's awareness is expressed in chemical reactions instead of words. No matter. The message comes through loud and clear~ Deepak Chopra, M.D.

Nothing is more important than reconnecting with your bliss. Nothing is as rich. Nothing is more real. ~Deepak Chopra What is Emotional Intelligence (EQ)? How well do you observe your own feelings and emotions as well as those of others around you? Can you separate those feelings and emotions and use what you know to boost your way of being, thinking and doing? Are your feelings and emotions awaking or subduing your bliss? If you answered “so-so”, many of us struggle with monitoring our feelings and emotions and those of others. But, I bet you know someone that is attentive and an active listener. Someone, who can in the midst of a life-storm stay calm, composed, emotionally-steady and make good decisions. My lovely Grandmother was that way. She was very self-aware and aware of the feelings and emotions of others. No matter what the situation she stayed positive, trusted her instincts and did not get stressed or angry. Doing this well is the art of Emotional Intelligence, also affectionately known as “EQ”. It is your ability to be self-aware, manage your feelings and emotions and those of others and use it to better inform your way of being, thinking and doing.

Joy is a sustained sense of well-being and internal peace - a connection to what matters. ~ Oprah Joy Revealed What’s your idea of joy? What awakens feelings of calm, peace, and contentment in you? Joy is a sense of well-being. It springs from spiritual connectedness that creates an inner calm, peace and contentment. It warms your heart and soul. Getting up to greet the sunrise, driving the scenic route to the office or hearing my sister’s lovely voice when she sings Louis Armstrong’s, What a Wonderful World. The feeling of joy is not ephemeral. It is long-lasting. So much so that when I think of these examples along with others, immense contentment gushes within. What evokes joy for you?