Men Who Lounge

In recent months two long time friends who are fabulous mothers, well educated and successful business women, both announced that they were ending their marriage (one of 8 years the other almost 15 years). What was interesting is that these women were ending their respective marriage for the same reason. No, it was not cheating or abuse - the husbands had decided working and contributing to the household expenses (and their own personal expenses) was optional. 

Since hearing about their stories, I have heard more and more women speaking out about husbands who worked (some at really successful careers) when they were first married, but now do no more than take up space on the sofa with no real intention of getting back in the work force.

Some of these men were casualties of the economic downward swirl, others decided to become stay-at-home dads (because the wife made more money - it made sense rather than pay day care, cleaning lady etc.), others just decided they "needed a break from the working world". What was interesting was that these men were not prepared to cut-back or give up expensive hobbies like golf, flying, sailing, traveling, designer clothes, which had once been affordable with TWO INCOMES. And for those who decided to be stay-at-home dads - other than 

dropping the children off at play group or school and picking them up (if they were able to find time in their - no job day); over time -  cleaning the house, cooking, laundry, bathing the children, making sure children complete their homework, was left for the working mother to do when she got home from a long day of working. 

It's one thing to be supportive of a husband who is ill or has not by choice found himself unemployed. In the case of the healthy husband ~ if he is trying (and by trying I mean actually going out and making himself available for potential work) or is taking care of the children and home, so the wife can focus on work and be able to spend her time with the family on week-ends and evenings ... then I get it. Otherwise, Seriously, where has the Hunter and Provider instinct gone in these men?

In most situations that I've heard about children involved but during my research on this topic I came across this article Stay at Home Man - no Kids . This was also an interesting article Alpha Women, Beta Men on how the stay-at-home dad is affecting women.

Would love to hear your thoughts on this seemingly epidemic of men feeling comfortable not contributing to household expenses, and in some cases their own personal expenses.

Do you know someone who is facing this situation? What advise would you give them?

What would you do if your spouse became a Man Who Lounges? 


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Saturday Inspiration ...

Wishing you a High Heeled Life week-end.!


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Meditation in Nature

Nature provides us with the opportunity to realign our self with some of the deepest roots of being. During the warmer months of the year I enjoy my mediation in various parts of our countryside property. I hope these photos will inspire you to find a quiet, calming place outside to practice your daily meditation.

Early morning meditation in the middle of the gardens. The rose garden as my focal point with the butterfly garden at my back.

If I get outside early enough meditating by the bird feeder I am often joined by the early morning feeding feathery friends. And the view of the butterfly garden is my focal point.

My favourite area to meditate outdoors is on the bridge. The flow of the water trickling by mixed in with the singing of the birds is beyond peaceful and soothing. My focal point is the array of wild flowers that grow along the banks of the stream.

On days when the weather is too cool or too humid/hot to be outdoors, I am fortunate to still be able to enjoy a bit of nature. In my writing studio I meditate looking out to the courtyard between the house and studio.

Mediation is a wonderful way to start and or complete your day. I find that meditating in the morning gets my day off in a most productive way. Whether you mediate in the morning, evening or both (some people even add a mid day meditation to their day) does not matter - what matters is that you take 10-15 minutes each day to relax and clear your mind.

Some tips for meditating:

~ Choose an area outside or in your home where you will not be disturbed.

~ If you are starting out in the practice of adding mediation to your day start with 5 minutes and work your way to 10, then 15 and if you wish to 30 minutes or longer.

~ Sometimes when starting out it's beneficial to use a guided meditation (the internet is a great resource for locating some brilliant ones - and they are offered in various time lengths).

~ If meditating with just some soft background music; in nature or in complete silence - use a timer set on vibration mode to alert you when your chosen length of time is up. I usually set my Smart phone to 5 minutes before the end of my mediation and then a final vibration alert at 15 or 20 minutes (depending what meditation I'm doing)

~ You can sit on a blanket, pillow or chair. What's important is that you keep your spine in an up right position. If sitting try to keep your feet on the ground.

~ Eyes may be open or closed. If you choose to keep them open, lower them and focus on a spot (or object) in front of you.

~ Your mind will wander ... don't worry this happens. Thoughts will come into your mind, again that is ok - it happens. Don't try to stop them or get frustrate. Simply acknowledge them and then return your awareness to your breathing.

~ Do not try to control your breathing. Relax your belly and let the breathe flow in and out through your nose. 

~ Have a cup of tea or water near by to sip after you finish your meditation

 Is Meditation part of your daily routine?

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haring this post with:  Outdoor Wednesday - Cottage Garden Party - Fertilizer Friday - Farm Fresh Friday -Feathered Nest Friday  The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays  ~Twig Studios for Sunday Show Off ~   Mosaic Monday - Bloomin' Tuesday - Tuesday Garden Party -  

The Miracles of Archangel Gabriel

Doreen Virtue’s books on the angelic realm have been a great resource for me since I started my journey of connecting with my angels in 2008. I was recently given the opportunity through Hay House Publishing to review Doreen’s newest book The Miracles of Archangel Gabriel.

   

Archangel Gabriel, the “messenger” angel whose name means “the strength of God,” is said to be the angel to call on when one needs help with communication.  As a writer and speaker this book came to me at a time that I needed to be reminded our angels are there to guide us – we only need to ask for their help.

When the hard cover book arrived I was captivated by the image of Archangel Gabriel on the cover. Inside the selection of images is brilliant and each one is equally captivating. I actually spent an hour or so just flipping the pages and looking at the images. It is difficult to describe in words the beautiful peacefulness I felt as I took in the details of the images.

From the introduction on Gabriel; personal accounts from people whose life was enriched by this wonderful angel, to the mini-meditations Doreen shares to help us evoke the energy of this wondrous angel, you will want to keep turning the page eager to read more.  I was most surprised to learn that Gabriel not only helps those who are messengers here on earth, but also helps parents conceive, adopt and raise their children.  

This book is an easy read, wonderfully inspiring and informative for anyone who is on a journey to learn about angels.  The Miracles of Archangel Gabriel is a must read for anyone who is a teacher, artist, writer, communicator or parent.  

Have you read The Miracles of Archangel Gabriel? If you are looking to get your own copy or a gift for someone it is available through Hay House Publishing.

FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from Hay House Publishing for this review. The opinion in this review is unbiased and reflects my honest judgment of the product.


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Making New Moon Intentions (NMI)

Recently reading an article written by my Spiritual teacher, I was reminded about making New Moon Intentions. Before my accident I would on occasion make a New Moon Intentions list. NMI as implied are written during a new moon. I use to think of it as an opportunity to start goals fresh with the new moon- much like setting goals at New Years.

July 8th, 2013 is a New Moon in Cancer: This is an optimal time for anyone who is working on the core of their personal foundation. It is the perfect time to shed old feelings and behaviours that are making you feel insecure and allow ourselves to be nurtured and cared for.

Some intentions for the New Moon in Cancer: home/family; safety; growth; feelings/moods; intimacy/caring skills; releasing insecurities; nurturing.

How to write New Moon Intentions:

~ Choose an area of your life in which you would like to see growth (i.e. relationship; career; education; more sleep/relaxation, etc.)
~ You should make more than 1 intention, but no more than 10
~ Create a little ritual - light a candle and connect with Spirit (do whatever you do to connect with Spirit). The important thing here is to open your heart (and mind) and hold your intention.
~ Hand write your intentions on the day of the New Moon
~ When writing down your intentions it is important to be specific, clear and simple (i.e. I take 30 minutes in my day for myself each day)
~ After you have written your intentions go back and read them. If an intention is not resonating or making sense, be willing to change your focus. Listen to your  heart wisdom (intuition). If after you have changed the wording or focus and it still does not feel right, consider waiting until an other time to make that intention.
~ Date your list and keep it in a safe place

Do/have  you  made New Moon Intention lists in the past? 

Would love for you to share one of your intentions past or present.

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