Life with Leela

Order Leela’s First Book

lifewithleela — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 19:54:43 +0000

A Poetry Book with Thought Entry Pages

Get your copy of Leela’s first book, “EmBody, with Mutterings of a Teenaged Girl in her 30s.”

$20.00 + Shipping and Handling and $1 for credit card orders by phone.

Just copy and Past “ATTN: BOOK ORDER FOR EMBODY” into the Subject Line in an email with your address and number of copies desired.

Please include a phone number so a customer service representative (Leela) can call you to take your order.

AUDIO OF THIS BOOK WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON! =) PLEASE INDICATE IF YOU’D LIKE THE VERSION WITH AUDIO FOR AN ADDITIONAL $5.00, BRINGING THE COST TO 25.00.

Many Thanks for your support,

LEELAVOX@MAC.COM

Occupy Consciousness for the 100%

lifewithleela — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 03:11:16 +0000

99% + 1% = 100%

“We breathe the same air, drink the same water, walk the same earth, kiss the same sky. We breathe the same air, and I think we ought’a get along better , you and I.” - Daniel Nahmod

Occupy with Intention

lifewithleela — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 18:42:59 +0000

This morning I watched the KGW press conference with “Occupy Portland.” A self description of the movement from the OP website reads, “We will gather in solidarity with the ongoing protest in New York City, Occupy Wall Street, and the growing number of cities whose people will no longer sit back watching corporate and special interests run their government. We are citizens of the United States, and this country is ours. We will take it back.”

I understand the frustration of the American people, and the passion to get out there and work to make things better. That said, I think passion without clarity of intention is an unsustainable use of energy. The representative in downtown Portland said, “We will occupy indefinitely.” but didn’t seem to have a specific end goal. This needs to be fixed soon if the OP movement (or any movement for change) is to be sustained AND create actual positive economic policy change.

For example, the protesters could say, “We will occupy this space until congress passes the American Jobs Bill Act that has been placed before them to put American’s back to work,” or another agenda they can agree upon as an end goal. If/when the goal is met, they can decide on their next goal and how to inspire it’s manifestation. I think this added clarity of intention would greatly enhance their efforts and make for a more productive use of their energy.

Another thought for the folks of Occupy Portland is to use their cell phones to make calls to the Speaker of the House, John Boehner at (202) 225-0600. I called and left a message this morning. Protesters can use smart phones to email or call other members of congress while camping, sitting, standing in protest. Again, adding this action to their demonstration would multiply the impact of their gathered energy. Here is a link to help you write your representative when inspired.

Yesterday, the same day of the Occupy Portland kick-off, I watched the President give what I think may have been one of the most brilliant press conferences of his career, speaking passionately about what the American people need, and firmly to those in Washington whose main agenda seems to be ANYTHING other than protecting and supporting those who voted to put them in office, especially if it means saying yes to anything proposed by President Obama.

If you didn’t see the press conference with the President, I invite you to watch it, listen, and pay close attention to his agenda. I do believe he is working to create a better life for the majority of Americans from all parties. Isn’t that what a President is supposed to do? And aren’t the members of Congress suppose to help him?

President Obama is encouraging Americans to stand up and let our voices be heard in the offices of our members of the House and Senate. Now THAT is patriotic. THAT is American. I say, Yes – let’s Occupy Portland and Wall Street and anywhere else where gathering the “99%” can have a positive impact on the greater good for all. And while gathered – pick up the phone and let our voices be heard! Let’s Occupy the phone lines, emails, blogs etc. to Congress!

Blessed Be All.

Love,

Leela

Listening to the Call

lifewithleela — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 08:14:54 +0000

There is much to say about “The Call.” It is unexplainable, but we know it when it comes upon us.

For me, the Call becomes clearer everyday, and I am Grateful.

I know that part of the journey includes being at this gathering in Atlanta, GA, so I leap and trust the net is appearing.

Does it resonate for you? What is calling you?

In Agape,

Leela

Transitions, Grief and Gratitude

lifewithleela — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:56:06 +0000

I’m not sure why the spacing wouldn’t work on the following post. I hope you can read it all squnched together.

Thank you for the kind words and emails about the show.

I know I disappeared for a while. You have been in my thoughts.

The day after EmBody (9/10), my aunt Anna, dad’s sister, was killed in a car accident.

4 days later (9/14), mom’s husband Red died, of massive heart attacks he had suffered just 2 days after Anna’s death.

I was able to support both of my parents in their hours of need. What a gift.

While in Texas, just 30 minutes after Red’s passing, David shared that a soul sister of mine in Portland, Kari, had made her transition due to complications with Cancer.

I stayed strong for my family, not really feeling the grief until I went to visit the Shackelford place outside of Tyler. I slept in that old room again where I experienced summer Love, and where I was part of an amazing family. I felt safe and secure at the Shacks. I could hear echos of young Adam’s laughter from down the hall. They don’t call them old haunts for no reason. I heard faint traces of conversations from yesterday’s dreams and so much emotion came pouring into my consciousness. This was my first trip back since Adam died. There is that word again, died. I went into his old room and stood there, taking in what I could of his memory and the presence I can still feel in my heart. He was a brother. I miss him.

We tiptoe around death with words like transition and passing, because to say someone has died… feels so final. And it is. The soul continues, I think, but there is no more Adam or Kari here to hug and experience as a brother or sister. Red is no longer here to hear me say, “I love you. I’m sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you.” Aunt Anna is not here to hug and feel loved beyond description. Her hugs told me that I was absolutely Loved. Aunt Anna was soft and safe. The little girl in me misses her deeply.

After visiting Adam’s room, I went downstairs and picked up a little book Jacque had by the couch about moving through grief. I was curious, but not overly emotional. I wasn’t feeling much of anything when I began reading. A couple of paragraphs into the book I fell completely apart. I grieved, moaned, sobbed. Cried for Adam, cried for old lost Loves, cried for the painful losses my parents were feeling, cried for my brother as he moves through family transitions, wept for all of the time, now passed, spent apart from loved ones I see changing, knowing life is temporary for all of us. I mourned all who have ever died in war and those scarred by what they experienced fighting for their countries. I cried for the times I have not been available to loved ones in need. I cried for LIFE. I wept under the sheer magnitude of this human experience, cried in wounded animal sobs until a little dog named Little Man put his paws on my knees and licked my face. Little Man must be a grief expert by now, I’m certain. He is a joyful gift to the Shacks, and on that day to me.

While in Texas, old allergies and symptoms began to creep in. Sense memory?

Today I have been restoring and healing my body after two flights to bring me back to the homeostasis of my Oregonian life.

This is why I haven’t been in touch.

I’ve been BEing with this Life, which you are a part of beyond time and space.

I am well, and expect exciting things to occur this year. Some are already set in motion.

I know none of it would have been possible as it looks today without your support.

I am forever Grateful.

Love,

Leela

Red's service at DFW National Cemetery

A Dream EmBodied

lifewithleela — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 07:09:38 +0000

Last night my NEW REALITY began to set in as I chose to, at last, EmBody that which I have been born express.

More thoughts coming on this soon.

Tonight my thoughts are on what 9/11 means to me.

This BLOG from my husband and minister, David Alexander, is thought provoking and meaningful to me. I think about the people I met working as a temp at the William Mercer firm in 2 World Trade Center about six to eight months before the events that unfolded 10 years ago on that blue skied September morning.

I made a promise that morning that I would LIVE my Life and move in the intention toward self realization and authentic personal liberation. I dedicate the following clip to the familiar strangers whose data I entered in a computer on the 54th floor of the Tower. I wonder… where you may be in this moment.

Love and Gratitude for All,

Leela

Bless us all on our paths. All are worthy.

Raise a glass of what ever suits you! (Thai Me Up smoothie for me, please)

lifewithleela — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 19:08:21 +0000

Celebrate with me!

My business is official. I now have an EIN #, a separate business account, the capability to accept credit card payments with a simple swipe, a booked gig in a great venue, tickets to sell both online and off, product in the works, and a newfound sense of freedom that tells me this business is destined for greatness. “It’s been a long time coming, but I know… a change DONE come.”

I knew that turning 40 would be a telling point in my Life. It is turning out to be miraculous one.

I’m so GRATEFUL.

Let’s Party!

Hope to see you at the show on September 9th with my homies, Craig and Laura of 4 Stories High! And yes, I am name dropping for those of you who already know and LOVE their music. What a combination of talent they bring together. I’m not just a friend, I’m a fan. =)

I promise you’ll take a ride. C’mon. It’ll be fun. And YOU will know that YOU were part of the building of a dream.

Thank you in advance.

Love,

Leela

CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS ONLINE! (We love it when you get your ticket in advance! .

P.S.

10% of the proceeds from this event will be donated to the NTCSL capital campaign and earmarked for the House Remodel Fund to help turn the space into an income generating space for the NTCSL community!

P.P.S.

What’s a Thai Me Up Smootie!

I LOVE IT! I get them from The Feel Good World, where I work durning the week.

Well worth the quick drive down Macadam to John’s Landing.

Call ahead to make sure they have them. 503-452-1132

The fridge is stocked daily with fresh goodies, so content varies. I always find something YUMMY!

Just for You!

Do something extra nice for yourself today. I’m not talking about spending money or making it complicated. Just some small gesture to say to yourself… “Hey, I see you. And your worth it…. I’m worth it.” BECAUSE YOU ARE… worth it. =)

Love,

Leela

SPECIAL GUESTS REVEALED!!!

lifewithleela — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:42:04 +0000

Hey Sweet Reader!

I’m so excited to reveal that the special guests for the September 9th show, EmBody – An Evening of Spoken Word and Music. Drumrolll……

It’s the WONDERFUL… 4 Stories High!! Craig Benelli & Laura Berman

What a joy to work with them on this project! We’ve laughed, gone deep and continue to write and combine our creative Spirits. GOOD TIMES.

GET YOUR TICKETS BY CLICKING THIS LINK AT BROWN PAPER TICKETS . COM.

TICKETS WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR THE NIGHT OF THE EVENT.

If it feels good for you, buying your tickets online now will help us get an idea of what we can count on for a head count.

THANK YOU in advance for your support of this dream. It means more to me than you may ever know. =)

Love,

Leela

P.S. What dream can I hold as true for you? Whatever you’ve been feeling called to do. Do it. It feels amazing to dust off old dreams and make them new again. I know you’ve still got the sparkle in you. =)

Treasures from the Hunt

lifewithleela — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 13:15:49 +0000

I’m taking a leap of FAITH and stepping into the great unknown.

For years, I’ve dreamed of doing an original show with music & spoken word. I’m not sure what to call it, exactly.

Performance Art?

If I call it performance art, people might expect me to be wearing a leotard, and THAT won’t be happening! Or will it? Hmmmmm. You’ll just have to come find out. =)

The show is September 9th at 7Pm at the NT-Sizzle! Click Here for directions & info. New Thought Center for Spiritual Living in Lake Oswego.

Here is the evolving poster. I say evolving because next week I’ll be revealing WHO the guest artists will be. I can say with total confidence that YOU will LOVE them. (Many of you already DO. =>). When I invited them to come see the show, they said, “What do you need? How can we help? We don’t have a gig that night, so we are yours if you want us.” What!? Want them?! Wow! I’m excited and grateful beyond measure for their generous offer to be part of the evening. Now I KNOW you’ll get your money’s worth… even if I were to pass out in the first song. I told them to just step over my limp body and carry on. After all, “the play is the thing.”

Working on content for the show this morning I did a search for an artist I’ve loved for some time, Susan Werner. Her music was with me when I lived in New York City and beyond…. a calming balm to my soul amidst the honking of taxi cabs, rushing people, subway sounds (which I sometimes miss) and my own restless Soul. Susan Werner’s music, somehow made life in NYC a little more manageable.

Anyway, this morning I found a YouTube clip of Susan singing “My Strange Country.” I was deeply moved by the song, her voice, and the presence with which she sings it. I love this strange country too. AND… I see the best way to love it is not to pretend it’s all “purple mountain majesty and amber waves of grain,” but to also acknowledge the shadow side of the land we love so we can HEAL it. My show is NOT a political statement… but stumbling across this clip reminded me of how much in love with America I was as a little girl of 5 at the 1976 Bi-Centenial parade. I was so proud of my silver bi-centinneal dollar! I was actually infatuated with America, and couldn’t see any of it’s flaws. But that stage of love is temporary and doesn’t help the beloved grow. Mature love reveals our blind spots and helps us become more than we were. So, in the spirit of loving America, enjoy. Guess I’m still patriotic. =) Feels good.

Hope to see you at the September 9th show!

Love,

Leela

Shoes

lifewithleela — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 17:49:37 +0000

“Wearing shoes too tight

she set out on the journey

knowing her feet would

hurt along the way.

Oh, but how

she learned

to tread

more lightly.”

-Leela Vox