Elevate Yourself

We live in times of needing to have extensive ‘self-validation’. Am I good enough? Am I pretty enough? Am I enough? Just little ole’ me? By myself? It’s a pity that we don’t realize the power and greatness sprinkled within our beings. Instead we are bombarded with ‘snap-shots’ of our daily lives; hoping we’d seem interesting or extraordinary to our peers. We seek not only validation but also if we are good enough. But really we are simply seeking love. 

Seeking love is a normal want of human-beings. 

Everyone wants to receive it. But must we blatantly keep reaching for “likes” or self-worth by our friends? My darlings, you are enough. And the world doesn’t need to deem you interesting, ambitious or fun. Your activities, your material gadgets and your flashy clothes does not make you a better person than anybody else or more interesting. In fact, constantly sharing in this manner becomes tiresome and ridiculous. Instead of being terribly self-aware, try to become self-less. 

Give less attention to yourself and more attention to others. Be of service. And you’ll begin to realize the fulfillment and joy you’ll feel. You won’t be focusing so much on ‘me-me-me’ but instead thinking of how you have helped someone along their path. Have you made someone smile today? Have you listened to the story that elderly person has told? Did you give your presence with the family this Sunday as opposed to being preoccupied with the beeps and alerts from your cell-phone? How was that? How did it feel to disconnect for a moment and connect to something much bigger? Could you feel the laughter, the tears, the excitement? 

That feeling darlings, is truly being present in the moment. It is living. It is growing. It is learning to truly become a better you! And you ARE loved! When we tap into nature, spend time being of service to others, or simply focus our time on things we love; we not only are useful and developing skill but also we begin to feel gratified. That self-gratification is what we were searching for all along. 

So ‘Elevate Yourself’ and remember your value and worth. We each have special talents or skills that once we tap into it we can blossom into our full potentials. Reaching our full potential of course takes time, but that journey is called life. The ups and downs prepare us all for the heightening and the adventure we have yet to experience!

Trust yourself. Practice humility. And break away from the dizzying norm of self-acceptance and know my dear friends, that you already are all you need to be at this moment in time. Look up and into the distance. 

Bless-up!

Love Jair

Wait in Joyful Anticipation

Sometimes we are impatient. We want what we want - NOW! But we find out that now might not be the best time. Everything happens exactly when it is meant to happen - the most perfect time. If you had not missed the bus you would not have met the person that sat next to you right after. If you had left the party, you would not have had the best night in a long time. If you don’t allow something the chance to live and to breathe you may lose out on one of the most meaningful instances in your life.

Once you’ve mastered going with the flow and connecting to your journey, you must now pursue carrying on with joy. Knowing full and well that the choice you made, the path you’re taking is going to lead to your best good. It is being hopeful and expecting wonderful things while you wait. 

Attitude is everything! 

Having faith that all the desires of your heart will manifest in the most divine time, then whether your journey is straight or ruffled (and most times it is a challenge); then you should be able to learn patience with joyful anticipation. You’re going to win the prize! Yes, YOU! :))

Bless-up!

Love Jair

Trust

This 2010 drama-thriller, isn't the first of its kind. There have been scores of films and countless unfortunate situations that have been reported and seen lately. Living now in an instant gratification and socially technological society it is more difficult to build lasting and real relationships and those who know technology better than anyone else are the same ones that fall victim to perverted adults.

This version was carefully detailed and the acting by English heart-throb Clive Owen, Catherine Keener and teenage Liana Liberato all brought this story to life in a very special way. It wasn't just shining light on the crime, but instead delving into the family-life and home after all is said and done; how a family can change overnight and hope to heal after immense un-settling circumstances. Directed by David Schwimmer (whom you may remember as 'Russ' from the television series 'Friends') and lending her acting expertise Viola Davis (Oscar nominee and star in 'Doubt' and 'The Help' to name a few) this movie easily stood out from the others.

This film is disturbing to the max, has violence, adult language and sexual situations, but shows the shocking reality of what the modern-day teenager has to deal with. With a budget of $9 million USD, the film was expertly executed, however didn't make back even half at the box-office. Still, I find it's message and severity of the situation pertinent to all parents, families and those un-aware of the sick strangers lurking more closely than we dare to imagine.

Every Man for Himself

It’s funny how life is; and the paths we take over and over again until we see the trail that we’ve somehow missed before. In life we do not get consistent results and we do not always find things cool to the touch; we are constantly tested so that through our life experiences we will find new truth and re-assuring lessons that will infuse within us abundant joy and eternal gladness.

When you are not free and are riddled with fear, dumbfounded by malevolent words and discouraged by nasty ways; remember that prayers are always powerful. A prayer is not something that needs to be shouted out on the mountain tops or done in some sort of special ritual way. It is, simply, becoming one and having closeness with your creator. Spending time when you feel low or otherwise to just check in and give thanks or ask for guidance. Prayer is a wonderful way to have a personal conversation with the Universe/God. It is by doing this that you are connected to the heavenly truth and comfort and with that truth you become free from the selfish ways of man.

More and more we see our societies being greedy, selfish and spiteful in their words and actions. Instead of uplifting, sharing and loving, we compete, push-away and show off. Since when is it of good character to trample on the dreams of others? Such funny times we live indeed; that we break down and fight against each other instead of being humble and rising together. When they laugh, ridicule you and say they love you but certainly don’t mean it – let them be – don’t listen to their un-kind words – rebuke their slander and fear they try to impose on you and make a decree to do just the opposite; to use your talent and desire for joy; for positive change; for peace; for love; for truth; for glory! For using your treasures in this way is the most fulfilling; the most stimulating to your hearts; and in turn you will be blessed in sound body and mind. J

Be complete; become whole, by plugging in to the beauty of nature, the beauty of the Universal love and joy that only your heavenly creator can activate access to. It is within you, within all of us and prayer is what helps this power to flow. So flow my darlings, and mirror your love and respect for yourself also to your fellow man, we are all on paths, trails and the ultimate journey to truth, understanding, trust and ALL the love you yearn but don’t get enough of on planet earth! J

Bless-up!

Jair J

Qualified

I was inspired to write after seeing the good fortune of one of my dear friends, (whom I’d met on set of a Caribbean film a couple years prior) and the joy it brought me from seeing good things happening to good people. It happens more frequently than one might think; and for those who believe otherwise well it’s only because they have trust issues.

Trust isn’t the easiest thing to have; however if you wish to reconstruct your life and journey on a path to success, one needs to have trust! Trust in the Universal Laws/God and Trust also in themselves. Once you do everything in your power to make your dreams come true, and you know you’ve given 100% then you can turn yourself loose and quit worrying. You know that you have a clear conscience and did your best, now you have to trust the Universe/God to do their part. Once we increase trust in our lives we are able to become more aware of the synchronicities in our lives. With peace of mind, we accept things as they currently are; understanding that change will come when the time is right. Rising trust = increased intuition and heightened intuition are memories of the truth! We already know the truth; all we have to do now is trust those instincts! J

We come here all with different desires and we set out on a path to achieve those desires. Along the way, people tell us we’re not good enough and that it would be easier to just settle for less. But my darlings, settling for less isn’t going to bring the happiness you crave from doing what you love. Society puts limits on mankind. Society tries to create what they think life should be like. But life should be like what you want it to be like. What is it that you love? I’m here to tell you that “You are qualified!” Forget whatever qualifications society trains you to believe in and instead realize that you are qualified and perfect for the job that you were born to do. We are all qualified in life to go after with the highest of trust, what brings you happiness!

You have the desire for a reason. Don’t drown your instincts. Don’t doubt your desires. Now is the time to reconstruct your life and live it to its fullest potential every day. Don’t say you’ll do it tomorrow. Do it today. Now! It’s time to give 100% to your passion and trust that you are the qualified person for the job. What makes you qualified? By being and giving love and kindness to your fellow-man; this is the only way to keep within the flow.

Good things happen to good people all the time!

Maybe you’re next? Trust it…dreams do come true! J

Planted Seed

Love is an enormous part of life. Some may argue it is THE most important part of life. For a life without love is one that may as well be forgotten. Certainly there is more to life than falling in and out of love, of healing, of playing silly games, of masking feelings and pretending we're made out of steel; but isn't it the one we as human-beings crave for the most in life? Career; ahhh satisfying, work that you like to do, makes the days a bit easier no? And family; good relationships with Mum and Dad, sisters and brothers, yesss quite good too. And friends; the ones that listen to us, make us laugh and defend you no matter what, and after they defend you, they still tell you if you were wrong to begin with. And when that's all in order, what else is left? Someone who loves you like they love themselves; someone that cries when you do, someone who wants to hold your hand, just because; someone that you can share with, someone that you can trust, a friendship on steroids, an attraction so intoxicating, everything seems right when you're with that person. And we ask ourselves, is it easier to plod along bit by bit until you get the one that makes you feel the best? Couldn't you perhaps grow together? Couldn't you perhaps, take a leap and trust your heart? Would it not make your journey that much simpler?

When love happens, it happens, you cannot ignore it. It's like the strong desire you have in your heart to do what it is you do. Whether that be painting, or working in film, or fishing, whatever it is you desire. How strong is your desire for you to act upon it? What are you afraid of?

In life, you must take risks, it's the only way to ever truly be alive. Listen to your own instincts, and trust them. Speak the truth, loud and clear, and if you still seem invisible fall back with arms wide open; surrendering in the promise the Universe made known to you. Have no doubts, no fears, only joyous patience. It's called respect; for yourself, your heart, your lovely being. You must nurture it always; be gentle; for if you don't love and respect yourself, then who else will? Treat yourself how you want to be treated, don't settle for less, don't lie to yourself, don't be afraid to act out on what it is you have wanted for so long, or speak how you expect to be treated.

Work hard at it; your passion, your job, your dreams, your love, and after you've planted those seeds with sacrifice and hard work, then give in with compassion and forgiveness, keep the fire alight in your soul – it'll all turn out for the best; you'll see. Because you are a unique, beautiful being of light and you'll get what you deserve in divine timing. Don't rush it; trust it! Don't you think you're wonderful? Don't beat-up on yourself, you deserve this joy; and it's almost at the surface!

Prayer is powerful; meditation is powerful, choose which way you want to connect to that infinite love and joy available to you in the Universe, and the heavenly realm will steer you in the right direction and give you answers on what path you are to take. In the mean time; be of service, love one another, do the right things; your path might be shorter than you think. Don't forget the ones who you mean the world to – otherwise when you finally make that time for him/her they may have been directed elsewhere…wait in joy for that person willing to know you inside and out and is brave enough to take the risk and fight that dragon to be your knight in shining armor.

Bless-up!

Jair

** I believe in the truth; do you?

ENERGY

Watching 'The Secret' always lifts my spirits, always reminds me, to keep on the path and envision, believe and trust the truth that is to be...

** ENERGY - Positive Vibrations! Only one person is responsible for your joy, and that person is you! Man becomes what he thinks about. Learn to become still. Energy flows, like the river goes, energy flows where attention goes :))

Desire vs. Spirituality

I want you to do something really brave right now. I want you to stop what you're doing completely and really read this blog in front of you. I want you to take a deep breath in and then exhale deeply. Relax. And when you read these words, believe in them. It might seem utter ridiculous and absurd at first, perhaps even laughable, but I want you to believe in what you are about to read now.

Life is easy. Life is fair. Money comes to me all the time. I am loved, and I am love. I am successful. I am beautiful. I attract positive and necessary things into my life. I live a life of joy and peace and all is well. J

Okay, now you can laugh! When you laugh you attract more good things into your life. Now, your life may not be all these things…sometimes it may seem you're living in your very own horror film and some days you can't stop the tears from coming. But know this…life is what you make it. Seriously in the midst of all the turmoil and disappointments, there is still magnificence working at every level. You are never alone and all paths lead to the same destination. It takes some longer to get there than others but in the end we'll all get to that very same gathering. And then everything will make perfect sense. In the mean time, with a loss of memory and patience, we need to survive as best as we can and try to enjoy the moments leading up to that final act.

I know, I know, you want it, and you want it now. But just as we tell little children, you cannot get everything you want, and you cannot get everything you want, when you want it. You'll get it, eventually, but most certainly when the time is right. Life is like this…we have to trust in the Universe/God that it is working in just the right rhythm to keep your life at balance. Too much of anything isn't any good! Sure, we love sweets, and sure we love everlasting warm hugs and better yet passionate kisses! But sometimes believe it or not, it is not good for us all at once. Sometimes you have to get a taste of greatness, and then stumble down the ladder a bit, because we may become addicted and lose ourselves in a mess that hasn't even sorted itself out yet.

Be patient my darlings…life will make sense again soon. Be strong! Be cheery! Some people say they don't believe in anything, but I think these people believe more than even those who claim they do believe. Our bodies are in such intricate and symbiotic excellence, and we are a minute part of a much much larger cosmos that even they know they are fooling themselves when they say they don't believe in anything. They are just bitter or in despair…you need to try and pull yourself out of that. The more positive attributes you bring into the your life, the more positive attractions you can also bring into your life. "Your biography becomes your biology"…according to bestselling author Wayne W. Dyer.

So what do we do in the mean time? What do you like to do? You don't know? Sure you do…what makes you smile, what do you like doing more than anything else? Okay, wait…I am not speaking about addictions here. Too much alcohol, sex and cocaine, although they make you feel good, in excess is certainly not good for you…I mean…do you like numbers, or perhaps painting, can you sing? Do you like teaching, or do you enjoy interacting with animals? These sorts of things; these strong feelings that are put into you are called desires. It helps life become more bearable…it gives meaning when you wake up in the morning, a purpose, a drive, something you wish to learn more about and be successful at it. Everyone has different drive/desire, and if you don't listen to it, life without the temporary alleviations becomes boring or sad. Don't listen to negative things people say to you…if you're good at it, and you love it, and the desire is overpowering, then 9 times out of 10 it is something you should definitely pursue.

Some people think now that your desire should be suppressed, only to lead a life that is more acceptable to the society you may come from, or acceptable by the standards of what the world thinks you should be. Don't listen to them…you have desire put into you for a purpose. It doesn't mean that you will step on people's opinions or disregard completely what they may say out of love, but you cannot put your whole being into this, especially if it is negative. If you are faced with shortcomings while working towards your goal, see it only as a new lesson on your spiritual journey. Each failing is a 'one-up' on the spiritual ladder…and it hurts…and you cry…and you prefer to keep things as they were…but wouldn't you rather become more spiritually in tune with the universe and wait for something better than settling for less in life?

You deserve it, the very best, and your desires are exactly what you need to allow you to grow and learn about the experiences within the perfection of the universe. Think beyond limitations and obstacles on your journey and know that they are only leading you towards a higher spiritual awareness. Think that even achieving the mastery of understanding this idea is a desire that you must acknowledge! J

Now here we go again, repeat after me…

I am grateful for my blessings, I am proud of me, I am worthy, and I deserve the best the universe has to offer…

Love one another, and treat people and the land always with respect and sacredness and your seemingly impossible desires will appear to you in ways much more appealing than you could have ever imagined. J Just as the waves on the shore come in and out, so too will you gain, lose and recover that which is rightfully yours…trust the Universe…and still your aching heart… J

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98P-gu_vMRc&feature=related

A lovely song -- Ah loveeeeeeeeeee etttttt! Mr. Blue -- it's a beautiful new day!

Love Jair

Eat Pray Love

I remember seeing several passengers on my flights with a copy of this novel in their hands while I whizzed through the aisles with my beverage trolley and I remember thinking, 'Pretty cover, but seriously I'm doing a service here and these people should at least look up from their books so I don't have to continuously repeat myself'. Then I remember hearing that Oprah added it to her list of 'Books you must read because I'm Oprah selection', (not that I watch Oprah, it's just sometimes I surf through the television channels in my hotel room and mysteriously the battery to the remote decides to die when landing on her show); I remember also talk about them turning this paperback, into a film. Wow! Kudos to Elizabeth Gilbert (whoever she was)! I wasn't interested at all still to read or watch the movie. I thought, I'm not into fiction anyway; besides, I much rather read inspirational/self-help/mystery/horror novels. But that just goes to show how funny the Universe is…anytime you say, "I'll never, I won't, I'm not interested, or 'as if'", that's when the Universe gives you precisely what you didn't ask for. You see, it doesn't understand all the words really (especially since it has to understand all the languages not only on planet earth, but the entire Universe), it just knows that when you say something with conviction then you must want that brought into your life.

So, here it is I'm at home in my beautiful twin-islands of Trinidad & Tobago, celebrating my birthday with Daddy dearest and my Super Mumsita and I unwrap one of my gifts excitedly to find 'Eat Pray Love'. Great! Now I have to read it. I look up at my parents with a quizzical face that says, 'Really?' And they tell me that they've heard great things about this book and thought I might want to read it before the movie comes out. I smile and cleverly shove it aside to open my next non-feeling-like-a-book-gift.

Weeks later, literally shoved back into work and busy America, I'm faced with a depression that had no right to bother me in the first place. It just showed up uninvited and turned my lovely world into darkness. I was lonely and alone once again and I didn't feel like reading my self-help books at the moment I feared I'd slash my grand collection with the rage ensuing within my heart. So, I had no choice, I dug 'Eat Pray Love' out from under my collection of books I may want to read at the side of my bed, opened it up and read it. The book is 445 pages with medium-small text and I swallowed it up in just 2 days. My, what a heart-warming, honest, and friendly book! I say friendly because I felt as though Elizabeth was my friend, and what I didn't know was that it was a true story, so it turned out to be inspirational after all.

Now I can say that I've read the book and watched the movie and although it may not be my most favourite novel or film, I can safely say that it touched me in a positive way and I can honestly see why and how it touched people all around the world too. I burst into tears, I was angry at some points, I was happy at the end too. I always love happy endings. Gosh! They're the best aren't they?!

The book was better than the movie – I know some people are rejoicing because they think 'every' book is better than the movie, but I'm not one of those people. The book just had so many more intricacies and reality than Hollywood could box into an hour and a half of film. I enjoyed the film too, don't get me wrong, because seriously, how many films give you a grandiose view of a Welsh man's perfect bum? All in all, directors try to portray as best as they can the highlights and most of the message when turning books into film and I must say they did a first-rate job. There were some moments where I think they should have done more explanation, more narration as Elizabeth's novel did; which made you connect more with the main character, like when Giovanni walked her home and she wished for a kiss from him because it was so romantic, even though she wasn't 'in-love' with him, or perhaps added the details about the sly behavior of Wayan towards Elizabeth, or mention that Tutti had 2 adopted sisters. The added scenes of the Indian wedding and twisting of relationships in the film actually worked. I found the meditation scenes quite funny; as I myself struggle with my thoughts, but after watching this I am more determined to use my 'alone' time to master my learned techniques. I also can't get S' Wonderful by Joao Gilberto out of my head either....sigh** such beautiful music.

I must admit Julia Roberts did a great job at looking like a 'pretty woman' on screen (no pun intended), and believably ugly enough too during her countless crying scenes. I've discovered that suddenly James Franco isn't so attractive to me anymore…Hmmm… rather strange. And Javier Bardem did a marvelous job as always; now he's undeniably Hollywood material, not only can he play scary villain characters but also a delightful leading romantic man; He is now indisputably a household name.

Cinematic moments that made my heart soar were:

When your life is in ruins, it's only a transformation towards something better.

The only way for you to love again is to trust again.

Sometimes when falling in love you lose your balance, but it's the only way you can truly be balanced.

Sure, it's all about love, when is it not about love? Doesn't it truly make the world go round; Love conquers all. Lucky to those who have it! Humph! j/k. But on a serious note, this was one woman's journey to find her heart and to find peace and balance and yes…Love within her life. And she found it alright; everybody's path is different, some people don't have Hollywood happy endings, and some people don't have the luxury to travel to exotic lands for lengthy amounts of time. But I think the true message is to find that balance within your life and not remain in something unhealthy for you just because you miss someone, or you want things to work, or you're accustom to conveniences you're not ready to give up; that's not a good enough excuse for your happiness and freedom to be the best you! You also don't have to travel the world in search of it, as I am actually guilty of doing, sometimes what you need is right under your nose, as I've found out, after chasing after it all around the world and having it lead me right back to where I started.

Be true to yourself and never settle, you deserve a better you, understanding, happiness, truth, sharing, trust and everlasting friendship. You're not in control of many things in life, but you are in control of how enjoyable you make your destiny. Who do you want to journey with? J

I will leave you with some words of one of my favourite tunes, which probably has nothing to do with the novel or movie, but I love it and feel obliged to share…Enjoy! It's entitled 'La Foule' by the beloved and late Edith Piaf:

I see the city again at a festival, delirious,

Suffocating in sun-drenched merriment

And I hear shouts and laughter amidst the music

Which breaks out and bounces all around me

And lost among these people who jostle me

Dizzy, distressed, I stay there.

When suddenly I turn, he draws back

And the crowd throws me into his arms

Carried away by the crowd which drags us,

Carries us off.

Squashes us against each other

We form one body

And the effortless stream pushes us, chained to one another.

And leaves us both expansive, intoxicated, happy.

Dragged along by the crowd which dashes forward and dances a mad farandole.

Our two hands stay joined and sometimes raised

Our two bodies entwined fly off and we both fall back

Expansive, intoxicated, happy.

And the joy radiating from his smile.

Pierces me and bursts forth from my depths

But suddenly I cry out amidst the laughter

When the crowd starts to tear him from my arms

Carried away by the crowd which drags us

Pulls us along, pulls us far from each other

I fight and struggle

But the sound of his voice is muffled by the laughter of others.

I scream in pain, fury and rage and I cry.

Carried away by the crowd which dashes forward and dances a mad farandole.

I am carried away far off

I clench my fists, cursing the crowd that stole

The man it gave me, whom I will never find again…

[You bring me to life, I like who I am when I'm with you, but if you don't need me anymore, I'll transform with grace because of the memory you'll hold in my heart…always…Love you my darling, doux-doux!] J

I do believe it's time to put on my 'Brazilian Lounge' CD and do a little twirling and dancing! J