Yesterday my sister told me about a man who had a spiritual awakening in the sand dunes of southern California. This man has been the "black sheep" of his family (which is really the one who refuses to go along with the herd of white sheep when they are moving in the wrong direction...)

He went to the sand dunes for some recreation and over a couple of days he witnessed the dunes completely shift in form many times. He'd be on top of a huge mountain-like hill and an hour later it would transform into small rolling hills with a sharp edge on one side.

In the midst of the sand and constantly changing landscape, he had the realization that life is exactly the same. No two moments are alike and for that reason and that reason alone he vowed to be present for every one of them.

Yogi Times - one of the most soulful magazines in the country based in LA and San Francisco - sent out an email yesterday saying that they are having financial difficulties due to rising operational costs and low advertising revenue. One of the creative solutions they've come up with is a Pay as You Wish campaign that offers a subscription for whatever you're inspired to pay! It's a great deal for a great magazine - if you're a yogi or an aspiring yogi, you'll love it!

http://list.namasteinteractive.com/c.html?rtr=on&s=hwg,w9mh,14fh,e2kq,6h1f,7982,ggt1

Lately I've been receiving strong guidance to be grateful for everything lovely in my life. I know that we are all aware of the power of gratitude, but practicing it is so magical that it's worth the reminder.

Over the past week or so as I've carefully counted my blessings, I've become so full inside that I want for nothing. As I look at my adorable dog Mucci (who happens to be my Valentine this year), or the beautiful cream colored roses that I received after doing a talk last night (which I consider my Valentine flowers), or listen to the laughter of my joy-filled daughter (who gives me a reason to make Valentine's Day a big deal), I can't help but enjoy this silly holiday.

I hope, whether you have an official Valentine or creatively piece together one that works perfectly for you, that you have a day full appreciation for all the loveliness and love in your life.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Love, Kim

Last night at yoga I had an opportunity to witness the power of assessing versus judging. As I was putting my mat down, a cell phone began to ring - let it be known that I have a serious problem with cell phones in yoga rooms - but nevertheless, I just joked with the man next to me that if it was his he'd be in big trouble.

About ten minutes into class we did our first forward bend. With my eyes now facing the back of the room I noticed a pile of diamond jewelry next to the same woman whose cell phone rang. For an instant I thought about judging her - my mind almost went into thoughts of materialism, etc. But before it did, in a fraction of an instant, I decided to look at the jewelry and simply say to myself, "that's information" without attaching any emotion to it at all.

Later in the class as we were doing triangle pose, I noticed that the fat on my hips was bulging over my shorts - for some reason I glanced back at the woman behind me and saw that the she was staring at my excess padding!

My reaction was interesting. Rather than trying to adjust my clothes or change positions, I clicked into appreciating and even celebrating my quirky imperfections. I allowed my bulge to stay in plain sight with complete comfort.

This was so refreshing for me, and upon reflection I have to think that the charity toward myself was an extension of my decision not to judge the woman's cell phone and diamonds.

As we observe others and ourselves without heavy emotional judgement we become free and light inside... I guess the saying, "What goes around comes around" works both ways!

Arizona plus 23 other states will be voting on the presidential candidates this Tuesday. And while I believe in the inherent goodness of all people, I also believe that it is possible to be more or less aligned with this goodness.

It is clear to me that Barack Obama, more than any other candidate I've seen in my lifetime (JFK was killed the year before I was born) is in tune with life in its purest sense.

I've heard him say recently that it's more important to be "right" on day one than ready, and I couldn't agree more. When a person is connected to his or her spiritual core, good decisions flow from that. My own clarity about the nature of life provides guidance beyond what my mind apart from this "bigger picture" could ever know.

For this reason, I enthusiastically support Obama and feel that he has the potential to act as a healing balm for this country and the world. I humbly share this with you, knowing that it is a delicate topic. I respect all the nominees in both parties, but sincerely hope that this bright light is our next leader.

Check out this soulful video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?r=3374&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fpol.moveon.org%2Fendorse-o-thon%2Fvideo.html&v=jjXyqcx-mYY