The Bliss Mistress Guide: And the Year Has Just Begun

“Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us”. - Hal Borland

New Year’s weekend 2004 into 2005, I began a ritual that I want to continue for the rest of this earthly incarnation...and maybe beyond. It was an out- of- the ordinary weekend in many ways. A retreat at a beautiful bay front home at the Jersey shore, attended by kindred spirits who danced, sang, drummed, laughed, cooked and ate together. Led by phenomenal Philly based performing artist and teacher Ron Kravitz; it was a transformative time for me and I daresay for the others there too.

At midnight, we went outside and howled at the moon overlooking the bay. The weather was unusual for this part of the country too, as on New Year’s Day, we did yoga on the beach in 70 degree temps. After the practice, I took a solitary walk at water’s edge and felt, as I occasionally do, a bit sorry for myself. I was facing challenges and saw no way beyond them at that moment. In a flash, I said to myself: “Snap out of it, woman! Let’s make a list of all of the loving souls you have drawn into your life in 2004 and all of the beyond- belief experiences you have had.”...and so I did. With each name and experience and step, I felt lighter physically and emotionally.

As the end of 2008 approached, I found myself once again meandering into that practice. I figure I have met thousands of people when I consider those I have interviewed for various publications, those I have married, and their families and friends, people with whom I have attended workshops and classes, and who have participated in workshops I have taught. Imagine how many people I have snuggled while facilitating Cuddle Party™ workshops who have gone on to 'spread the luv' to others. That doesn’t even take into consideration, people with whom I have made a heart connection, because other friends have introduced us. I am particularly grateful for those ‘matchmaking’ encounters. I also think about the serendipitous, ‘cosmically coincidental’ meetings, when people show up unexpectedly.

When I look at the list of experiences, I grin from ear to ear. I had the blessing of living a 20 year old journalistic dream of interviewing the Dalai Lama, began hosting my own internet radio show, traveled to California to visit friends...was that ever an amazing adventure!

I had traveled cross country to San Francisco to attend a Cuddle Party facilitator reunion and be with many pj-clad wonders who teach people how to be authentic and give and receive nurturing touch without condition. Enjoyed time with my friend Jaz.

Got to go to Cafe' Gratitude, indulging in raw food heaven, found a wild and wonderfully purple cotton jacket at Goodwill, went to a costume party, steppin' out in a new black silk and lace boustierre (my first, but likely not my last), skipped down the street holding hands with friends and hearing the 1960's anthem written by John Phillips of the Mamas and Papas ringing in my ears: “If you're going to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair.” Corny, but true. I met the 'spiritual cowgirl'

red-ilicious Sera Beak who wrote The Red Book and was inspired by this red-volutionary whose work is nothing short of Divine sustenance. I did leave a piece of my heart in San Francisco.

The last night in the city, before winging Eastward, I found myself in a hot tub with friends (more like a cement pond with bubbling water) surrounded by tall bamboo, overlooking the San Francisco Bay, under a full moon. “Could life get much better than this?”, I mused aloud to Reid Mihalko, ageless co-creator; along with Marcia Baczynksi of Cuddle Party. His broadly grinning response: “This is your birthright, Babe! You get to have this.” He really does talk like that.

I invite you to find a way to honor all that you have done last year and all the wondrous people with whom you have crossed paths; folks that you may not even have known existed at this time last year. I encourage you to open your hearts to all the people you have yet to meet who are waiting on the other side of the threshold between last year and this one.

Wishing you a brand new year filled with everything your heart desires, as you leave behind in the previous year, anything that no longer serves.

How do you cross thresholds from one year to the next?

List the people you now know who weren't even on your radar screen when the year began.

What do you wish to leave behind?

What do you wish to attract?

This chapter was excerpted from The Bliss Mistress Guide To Transforming the Ordinary Into the Extraordinary. Edie Weinstein (a.k.a. Bliss Mistress) is a Renaissance Woman and work in progress, motivational speaker and journalist. www.liveinjoy.org