:: Aham Prema ::

Simple sights seen in my eyes… with many layers of meaning . When one candle is already lit with a healthy, steady fire, it is easy to light another – at no cost to itself. However if this candle gets too close to another with a weak flame, it may extinguish itself. Sparking a new flame requires skill and tools. A balance of space and strength ensure a steady fire. The intention held when lighting a candle is a very powerful gift and prayer. The lit candle invokes a subliminal reminder of this intention. As one is more present, these reminders can be delightful to find. A candle has a lasting power… in its essence. Danielle Marie Crume

Curiosity is one of my favorite characteristics. Someone who is genuinely inquisitive and open to learning more and more is invigorating and exciting to be around. I love information and learning. However, I’ve found that many of us have a tendency to over-consume information that isn’t particularly valuable to us. This habit of taking in excess information dilutes attention and delays progress. Many haven’t even considered there could be such a thing as too much information. Below are some things to ponder on and open to in your exploration of yourself and your lifestyle. Choose your sources wisely. Be conscious of your intention with each information source you decide to look into. Many news teams prioritize banking on advertising with techniques such as focusing on fearful topics to keep viewers glued. Our thinking and mental dialog – also known as our programming or internal script – creates our perspective on life, heavily weighing on each experience we...

Lately it seems we all have had some times where things were feeling tough. I’ve felt painfully stuck in recent times, more than ever, and seen many others reach this point as well. Yes, yes these are the cycles of life. And every cycle has it’s benefits… I know. I have been opening to the blessings of these hard times and the more that I do, the easier they become. Here are some things to ponder on when everything seems to be going totally wrong. A Greater Relationship With God Sad to say, but often times my relationship with our Creator takes a back seat to life and can become a smaller and smaller focus of my day. In times of despair, I am more naturally open to spiritual guidance and connection. Each time I hit a wall, my personal relationship with God is deepened in ways I’ll never forget. It becomes more of a priority in my daily rituals as well with greater meaning. When times are tough, use them to prompt a deepening of your sacred relationships. Th...

Inspired by the heights of my jaw pain after my wisdom teeth extraction, reflections of gratitude for the things we often take for granted. Yes, its repetitive, but slow down and open up to the purpose of each word! :) Every time that you feel no pain in your body, give thanks. Every time that you wake up in a cozy place, give thanks. Every time that you have food to nourish you, give thanks. Every time that you come home to a nurturing space, give thanks. Every time that you get to enjoy a friends smile, give thanks. Every time that you have some love in your heart, give thanks. Every time that you are there for yourself, give thanks. Every time that you make it through a tough part, give thanks. Every time that you get a hug from the youth, give thanks. Every time that the sun brings a new day, give thanks. Every time that you can give to your elders, give thanks. Every time things do go your way, give thanks!!! In Gratitude of All of Life’...

Not one experience I regret. Not one moment I'd trade. Not one vision I'd let go of forever. For all of this is how I was made. THANKS!!! Danielle Marie Crume

I wrote this letter a couple of years ago in strength after a tough breakup. I was connected with realizations about my usual patterns and what parts of myself I gave away when I was in a relationship. I was on a different side of love than usual and took these notes to remind myself of what I could see. I wanted to remember these lessons when I was in a relationship to keep a balance of nurturing myself to allow my future partnership to flourish on greater levels, no matter how "different" I may feel. I just found this letter again and see I can heed my own advice here more... However, I found these notes very refreshing and would love to share them with you. Here is the letter: Always have: · A 10 minute walk to self - connect with nature · Own relations with everyone · A good friend to confide in and seek council from · Savings available, my own car, and bath supplies (for a sanctuary retreat when needed) · My own creati...

The feeling of vast timelessness can rarely be achieved now-a-days. We have places to be, people to see, and lots of things to do. How often do you feel you have all the time in the world and that time is on your side? Been a while, right? I realized that my answer was “hardly ever”. I am naturally a planner who leaves little time for just being. As I’ve grown to appreciate simplicity and the value of free time, I’ve renovated my old ways. Now I enjoy a real “free-time” every week and almost daily. Every Sunday (usually) is my “No Time Holiday” in which I make no plans. I treat myself to a bath when I wake up. I don’t think of any tasks or obligations at all until after my bath. I use my bath as a sanctuary for free thought and being. I lie there in stillness and tune into myself. I note things that arise with bath crayons on the wall. I also commune with God and note realizations or messages. Some days are quiet and I just enjoy the water’s healing t...