Uncategorized – Page 4 – Anne LaMantia

Potterfield Bridge in Richmond, Virginia

December 9, 2017December 9, 2017Leave a comment

A friend recently told me about the Potterfield Bridge located in Downtown Richmond. It is a pedestrian walkway connecting Brown’s Island to South Richmond. She mentioned that the view was spectacular and their is always people walking with their pets.

Honestly, I hardly ever venture outside out of my comfort zone. I have been living in Virginia for 20 years and I always walk my dog (Kali) on the same path. Today we took a different path. So off I went with my Golden Retriever, Kali. When I first arrived I was a little hesitant to my surroundings but was immediately reassured by someone that this area was very safe and you will be surrounded by people who bike and walk here. sheew..

The walk to the bridge was very short and I was amazed of the view when I arrived to Potterfield Bridge. Kali stopped in her tracks when we stepped foot on the bridge, she sensed the running water underneath the bridge and became somewhat anxious. This only lasted a second and as we walked across the bridge she received a lot of love and attention from strangers. To my amazement on the other side of the bridge is the Civil War Museum. Again, I have lived in Richmond for 20 years and this was a discovery for me or one could look at it as an adventure!

If your looking to get out of your comfort zone and want an adventure than visiting this area may be the perfect thing to do!

13 Steps to Empowerment

November 5, 2017Leave a comment

This is my empowerment steps. I thought maybe writing about it would be most beneficial. Anne’s Yoga sutra. hehe

1. Notice the resistance

2. Stray away from fixing, healing. Just Be

3. Move forward and trust everything is working out perfectly and there is a divine intelligence

4. Everyone is on our side. Give everyone the benefit of the doubt.

5. Gently move forward and we are more alike than different.

6. See the good or “god” in everyone we meet.

7. When you or I feel “triggered” meet myself, yourself with gentle loving compassion. Tap into intuition. True intuition has no emotional charge.

8. Know that everything you are experiencing is “okay”.

9. Keep a journal for your progress. Look at it every several months to remind yourself of how far you have come.

10. When you are faced with pain in the body. Know there is an answer. Help comes in unimaginable ways ~ health profession, a conversation you overheard, friends, family or in a dream. Care for the body with whatever remedy is needed.

11. Lessen your “seriousness”. Laugh even if it is fake. Laughing is contagious and it is a healing balm not only for yourself but those around you.

12. Notice the “lies” we can tell ourselves.

13. Stray away from drama.

The Art of Allowing

October 22, 2017Leave a comment

When you allow yourself to be, feel, think good, bad or indifferent an opening occurs. I guess another name one would call it is ACCEPTANCE. “Whatever wants to come forward let it you won’t regret it! When you “allow” your light shines, breathing softens and everything seems to flow from you and to you. When we hold on too tightly to the past it only creates “misery.” You can achieve what you believe! Notice if you are taking things personally and if you are that’s okay ” just notice.” No one is out to get ya!

Allow, allow, allow and please don’t howl! hehehe. Everyone is on your side, not the flop side but on the flip side so please don’t hide. Allowing can set yourself free. So box your serious side up and send it on it’s way. Allowing frees up emotions, repairs the soul, erases all doubt and eases the mind.

Allowing opens the door for things to be seen, cobwebs are cleared and your perception can take on a whole new meaning. When you allow your “grip” loosens, it elevates your mood and tinkers with your groove. It gives you the mojo that you may need it’s like planting a seed where the soil is ripe so therefore you won’t gripe!. So keep it simple that way you won’t grow a pimple. Allowing points you in the direction of not taking yourself to serious and than you become delerious and that can be hilarious.

A Gateway to a New Expression: Self Love….

September 6, 2017September 22, 2017Leave a comment

I have always been under the belief that “self love” is selfish…this is not true! I was brought up in a family of 7 which included my parents and I tended to the younger siblings quite often as my Mom always did for everyone else but not herself. I am sure this contributed to my belief system of putting yourself first is selfish. I also was under the influence of the church that it was better to give than receive and I felt quilty when I did receive. Most of my life I would seemingly put other peoples needs before mine. I believe the resentment I have felt was because I didn’t nuture myself, but I was an expert at nurturing others. After all it is much easier to tend to others than yourself!
I lean into what “lights me up” instead of what brings me down when I make a decision. I have learned and continue to learn to surrender. I have no control of how things are going to turn out but I do have control of how I will respond. I am learning to say “No” and not giving my power away to outside sources. Prioritizing my schedule has been essential to my growth. At this moment I believe my purpose is to know that everything is possible and we live in an abundant universe AND it “lights me up” when I witness other people doing this! My advice is… do for yourself first and everything will fall into place, listen to your own voice and sway from outside distractions, do something everyday that nutures your soul, patterns can be broken and go after your dreams…after all isn’t that why we are here!

Tower Of London

July 7, 2017September 22, 2017Leave a comment

Day 3 – June 11, 2016 – Tower of London & City Sights

Tower of London was one of my favorite sites to visit during my 2 week tour. I was overwhelmed by the enormity of it. It is a City in of itself! I always thought the tower was fictional….boy was i wrong!!!!! When I stepped foot on the land I couldn’t wait to see what this tower was all about. I was in shock and excited all at once. I wanted to know why this tower still stood after 100s of years, and yes my friends what happened there was real.

I love taking photos of doors and I was in the right place to witness these old doors. The picture below is called “Traitors Gate.”

The gate was built by Edward I. This gate was a water gate to provide entrance to the Tower. It provided additional accommodation for the royal family. … The name Traitors‘ Gate has been used since 1544 or sooner.

Above is the armor and weapons that was used 100’s of years ago. This is only a snapshot of the gallery.

History of Tower of London:

Located in Central London
Housing the Crown Jewels. Crown Jewels are the most popular attraction. The Jewels include the crowns worn by the monarch at coronation and at the opening of Parliament. Unfortunately, most of the Royal regalia was destroyed in the mid 17th Century.
Records office
Barracks and armory for troops
Royal residence
Prison
Museum
900 year old Castle
It was a place where wild animals were kept for 600 years. Elephants, Ostriches, Lions, Polar Bears etc. The animals where given as gifts to the monarch during that time.

William the Conqueror started the Tower in the early 1080’s. The Tower was continuously being built into the 16th century. It was built to signify Norman Power. The tower encompasses over 12 acres. Monarchs and common criminals were imprisoned in the tower. Sons of Edward the 1V were killed there (2 Princes) and Henry the 8th wives – Anne Boleyn and Katherine Howard were both imprisoned and executed. In the late 18th & 19th centuries, the tower was used less for prisoners.

The White Tower:

How to Bring Love to the Pain Body

June 7, 2017September 22, 2017Leave a comment

I have resisted “what is” all of my life thinking what I had experienced was bad or “ugly”. This only created shame, doubt, guilt and pain. Until one day I woke up and realized everything I had been resisting was a message or my guidance. One would never think guidance would come in this form. I was keeping self love at a distance wishing it would go away.

I decided to go within and look at those parts I deemed unworthy or neglected. I discovered my incessant negative self-talk, and ongoing stories of the past. This can be destructive. I was creating unnessary pain in my life in which I would call the “pain body.” This layer of pain is very much alive but has softened over time. What helped me soften the pain was naming the thoughts that arose, i.e. past, story , lies etc. I certainly was not at a point of loving what arises but naming these part of myself was an act of self-love. Recognizing it for what it was helped me to lighten up and let go.

The Emotional Body plays a huge part of the “pain body.” I discovered when the emotional body is neglected depression and hopelessness seeps in. Sharing my feelings was not a part of my family structure. I was taught to move forward and keep my mouth shut. As a result I formed a pattern of putting other peoples needs ahead of my own. This pattern can be changed!

What I discovered about the Emotional Body:

Go within and see what is there. ie. sadness, fear, shame, neglect, anger. Allow, accept and feel into it. You won’t die. You will open up to parts of yourself you have put aside for years. Give yourself permission to experience this. Deal with what is right in front of you. I was yearning for self – love, gratitude, presence and acceptance but the only way i could do this was to go within and give to myself first.

My Adventure in England, Scotland, & Ireland

May 24, 2017September 22, 2017Leave a comment

Day 2-June 10, 2016: Arrived in London

Before we took our tour we checked in at Park Plaza Hotel Riverbank London. We walked to pick up our bus and it felt like I was in a different land. The right lane traffic was headed towards me. I didn’t know whether to turn right or left. It was a little off-putting at first and it kept me on my toes! We arrived in central London to visit the famous landmarks and I must say it was absolutely perfect to ride the panoramic bus on Day 2 – due to the fact I was a little tired. I was over-whelmed by the enormity of the city and buildings. History spans back 1000’s of years. We saw Big Ben, Piccadilly Circus, The Houses of Parliament, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Trafalgar Square, and many other buildings that would be impossible to name.

Below is a picture of St. Paul’s Cathedral. The interior was spectacular and inspiring. The current Saint Paul’s Cathedral was designed by Sir Christopher Wren, previous building was burned down in the Great Fire of London in 1666. Since AD604 this Christian Cathedral dedicated to St. Paul as been located in the City of London. Below is a picture of the building. My only regret is I did not utilize good time for pictures. Sleepiness took over!

Body Awareness

April 14, 2017September 22, 2017Leave a comment

If you are one of those people who are intuitive but your mind takes over what you “know” to be true you may want to consider this: Listen to your body. Listen to what feels expansive when presented with opportunities. For me when I need to make a decision and the decision can be food choices, business opportunity, finances or anything in between I listen to my gut. If it is a yes it feels expansive and if it is a “no” it feels like “no way”. This is my intuitive guidance and it can be overlooked by the mind’s concepts.

Our bodies have a magnificent intelligence if we are willing to listen. Life will unfold seamlessly if we move in this direction. Next time your faced with a decision don’t think on your feet THINK with your gut.

Acceptance is the Key to Forgiveness

February 7, 2017September 22, 2017Leave a comment

When we accept ourselves no matter what grievance we hold against ourselves forgiveness happens. Forgiveness includes perceived past wrongdoings or anything we hold ourselves hostage to. I have found this has been the biggest offering I have given myself. When I accept blame and shame drops away. Love enters this space. Maybe this is the kingdom of heaven. Stories we tell ourselves are no longer relevant. Inner peace and harmony is restored and life does not seem difficult.

Many words can describe acceptance. Allowing, being with what is, loving what arises, appreciation and letting go. It may also include to stop, slow down and breathe. This will bring you in the present moment and you may be surprised what may arise. Maybe it is an emotion that you distracted yourself from feeling. If we all took the time to breathe, relax and allow just imagine what kind of world we would have.

Best Retreat in Portland, Oregon

February 6, 2017September 22, 2017Leave a comment

I had the opportunity to travel to Portland, Oregon in the Spring of 2016. I went there for a retreat for 5 days with a beautiful community of people. It was a retreat given by Matt Kahn and Julie Dittmar. I have been following Julie and Matt for several years now. They are spiritual teachers whose humor and grace will capture you unwillingly. I felt totally loved and nurtured the entire time I was there. Not only by Julie and Matt but everyone at the conference. My barriers came down whether I liked it or not. I also felt I was in a safe place to allow my emotions to surface. Imagine being in the company of 330 or more people! Knowing that the person sitting next to me was probably going through the same thing I was gave me such relief and comfort. By day 5 I was lighter, happier, confident and radiant. Would I do it again? Absolutely! I have been to a lot of retreats and I would say this was one of my favorites.

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The retreat was held at the “World Forestry Center” in Portland Oregon. I was captivated by the beautiful trees which surrounded the center. It was a hop skip and a jump from where I stayed. I stayed at the Marriott Center in downtown Portland. I was surprised of the short distance from the Marriott to the Forestery Center. I took the Max Light Rail Terminal. It was less than a 10 minute walk from the Marriott to the terminal. Food in downtown Portland was delicious and fresh. I don’t remember the names of the places I ate at but I can reassure you it was delicious. One of my favorite dishes was a blend of rice, vegetables and sauce ( I wish I remembered the name of this place). I ate there more than once and I found it soothing on my digestive tract. The breakfast at the Marriott was good and the staff was very accommodating. Can it get any better than eating breakfast and viewing Mound Hood. I found Portland to be very clean and nourishing. I was surprised of the amount of homeless people. On my last day I was gifted with meeting several homeless people. It’s hard to put into words how I felt. My heart cracked open and I found the 2 men to be very wise souls. Looks can be deceptive! If you ever have the opportunity to travel I would highly recommend Portland, Oregon. There was nothing I did not like about it!