What is Selfseeds?

If we all had a little sand timer that we turned over for 5 minutes, could we meditate for 5, stretch for 5, or personalize 5? How is it possible that our days are so packed and hectic that we cannot take 5 minutes to do something for our physical, mental, or spirit well being? I am as guilty as everyone and that was how Selfseeds was created ( www.Selfseeds.com ). Over the years, I would not have time to practice my dancing, so I would take 5 “intense minutes” and power practice by shutting out any other distraction, taking on the physical form, create the best imagery I could mentally muster up, and move about in dance exercises. My dance coaches always complimented me on integrating the new material and advancing my abilities. At the time, I was riding 12-15 dressage horses a day and cross training at the gym, so I was physically fit, use to partnering skills, and had to feel/think/react as part of my job skills, so all of this helped. I wasn’t trying to skip out on practice, but I often just flat ran out of time or energy. It became my dirty little secret. It was never a substitute for full practice sessions, but it was like a can of soup on the cupboard shelf for when you run out of time to prepare a full meal, but you need to eat something.

What is or are Selfseeds? Selfseeds is a program based on 11 aspects of holistic living, (fitness, flexibility, emotions, balance, stillness, partnering, etc.) The 11 aspects are selfseeds that are to be planted, nurtured, and grown in your personally designed garden. Often the most difficult part of any program is starting, so the seeds are embraced with a 5 minute commitment to their success. No need to feel pressured to start with all 11, so pick one selfseed, two or whatever allows your motivation and inspiration. Check out all of the selfseeds and sense into which one resonates with where you are in your life process. It may be one that you are already touching into or one that you have wanted to add to the list, but haven’t found the time. We are all unique, so grow your sacred garden in the way it will be aligned with your inner being.

Selfseeds was created over a 10 year period of time. As an individual from the western world, I was always in a perpetual state of pursuing balance: in flexibility, in activity, in rest, in nutrition and the complete list that goes with holistic living. Being aware of the ingredients and the amounts was a milestone (and ever changing with age, health, and life requirements), but part of the awareness was actually how out of balance parts of the list were too. There was a long period of time that I lived on 2-4 hours of sleep (and caffeine) to keep the rest of the balance sheet looking good. Blacking out from sleep deprivation finally put an end to short changing that section–luckily, only my car was dented and not someone killed. The proverbial wake up call. Was there moderation? I had thrived on intensity, perfection, hard work, success, and money. Looking inward had always been part of my personal garden, but there were some weeds and the flowers weren’t as vigorous as other areas.

My initial inward seeking had started with traditional psychoanalysis and moved towards spiritual seeking. Day to day living was my awareness and training sandbox for applying all of the new tools gathered for better living, personal growth, and inner peace. I could “do” and stay active in my seeking. Doing was my mantra, so how lovely to move inward by doing. 10 of the 11 Selfseeds are easy for me, but the stillness selfseed is being crafted thoughtfully. Was there something to meditation? There was a huge tradition and history supporting the concept, but my mind was one of my sharpest (and busiest) assets. Having it quiet down for the sake of stillness? I was a horse trainer and I had experienced some pretty big changes in 1,200 lb animals, so what about my “self”?

Understanding and embracing my challenge area has lead me to an exploration in India. At times, I don’t quite fully understand how I went from a thriving horse training and sales business in beautiful, sunny San Diego, California to an 8 hour meditation practice, living in a small cement room in Jaipur, India, but life is always about change. I am diving into Stillness and going deep. ( I have blogged about the seeking starting January 28th, 2011 and continue to blog regularly http://waltzinghorses.blogspot.com/ ) The move to India has brought greater awareness and appreciation for maintaining the Selfseeds garden and its importance while traveling and living abroad.

Please, explore Selfseeds, ask questions, and comment. The hope is to begin planting, nurturing and growing your own sacred garden. Start with one selfseed or two. Keep it inspiring and see where it takes you. Turn the sand timer over for ” just 5 minutes!” www.Selfseeds.com