Here We Go!

Wow, this first month of '09 has flown by. Congrats, we made it -- we now have our new, 44th president all inaugurated and ready to roll. Let's see what we all create together, now!

Matt and I just finished up our super successful and fun peace project - "Together As One." Thank you all so much for your participation in bringing more peace to the planet!

We just held our first satsang of 2009 last weekend, and posted new clips on our YouTube channel -- so, check it out and give yourself the gift of rest, and peace.

We are really enjoying doing our (internet broadcast) radio show on the World Puja Network every couple of weeks. It's a full hour where Matt & I offer you a place of peace, reflection, compassion, and an opening of the heart. Each show centers around a specific topic and evolves from one show to the next. The shows are all FREE and available 24/7 in the archives at: www.WorldPuja.org Our show is called "True Divine Nature." Our favorite topics so far:

• Divine Power of Giving
• The Spiritual Ego
• Living the Path of Compassion

Enjoy!

Much love & gratitude,

Julie

Julie Dittmar

www.TrueDivineNature.com

Our Best Friends Spreading Peace

This time last year, I was blessed to have visited the Best Friends Animal Society out in Kanab, UT...right smack dab in the middle of red rock country. The sanctuary sits on 33,000 beautiful acres and provides love and care to about 2,000 rescued animals on any given day. They care for animals (cats, dogs, horses, bunnies, and more) who've been through some really rough situations in life, but now are getting the necessary physical and emotional rehabilitation, in addition to invaluable social skills (!!) to then get adopted into loving homes. I think they are doing phenomenal, commendable, heart-centered work on behalf of our animal friends, while also serving to bring more peace and harmony to the planet as a whole! http://www.bestfriends.org/ Maybe you've been following some of their stories on "DogTown" featured on the National Georgraphic Channel? I watched nearly all the episodes on their Christmas eve marathon. You are sure to fall in love with the animals, and their caregivers!

This magical, heart-opening place made such an impression me that when I was recently asked to fill-in and guest host on the Dr. Pat radio show, I knew I wanted to interview the sanctuary's CEO, Paul Berry. I was thrilled that he was available and said yes! Please check out my interview with Paul of the Best Friends Animal Society. It's one of my favorite interviews, and most important topics for our furry friends. Paul and I agree - life is all about the love and compassion toward all beings. Here's the link to the show: http://www.thedrpatshow.com/guests.php?guest=465 Enjoy!

And, please join me with a membership to Best Friends for you --and a friend in the new year. Like me, I'm sure you will love following the animals' heart-warming stories, and connect with their inspiration and hope. They are true teachers of spirit.

Peace & happy holidays to you and yours,

Julie

Julie Dittmar & Matt Kahn

True Divine Nature LLC

http://www.truedivinenature.com/

I Know Nothing, That's For Certain

What an exciting time to be alive! I watched the U.S. elections with great interest, as did the world. I felt the collective energy and exhilaration of the "victory speech", and tremendous hope for a "changed" U.S., and a more unified world.

On one's spiritual journey, it's interesting as one "wakes up" from this dream we call reality. Finding the balance between knowing, feeling, and being the "ONENESS", and yet fully participating in life and all its details -- well, that can be a bit of a dance.

As I am comforting clients and friends who are in financial despair right now, I am also watching the tremendous hope they've put in one man (with his host of support, of course) elected to the president's office. I offer a gentle reminder - as this is undoubtedly and undeniably a powerful time of transformation as a people, and a planet. This is bringing much of what we have left to heal to the surface for us to acknowledge and love. These times point out the many ways we can love and accept ourselves and others more deeply.

Anything appearing as form comes and goes. We know that most everything in form has the potential to disappoint us when we hold it too tight or up too high, place expectations on it, or try to fix or change it.

I am aware, and perhaps you have this knowing too, that what I am sure I know in this life is that "I Don't Know." I don't how our seemingly broken systems will get fixed. I don't know how things will turn out on a day-to-day basis for myself or anyone else.

Sure, I have an intuitive sense of life, I know my intentions, but when it really comes down to it...I don't know. Even in just admitting that to ourselves releases some of the "holding energy," as I call it. It relinquishes the control only the ego thinks it has.

And in that letting go, in that realization, in that detachment from the outcome we can only imagine in our minds at a future time, but really don't know - THAT is where the ease is, the grace is, the flow, the peace we crave. We know the peace is always there, and even say sometimes "underneath it all." But, when we give our full attention and awareness to it, it can be the PEACE that permeates everything in our lives.

Peace can be what leads the way.

In love & peace,
Julie


Julie Dittmar & Matt Kahn
http://www.truedivinenature.com/

Finding Peace in Turbulent Times

In the latest article on our web site: TrueDivineNature.com, there's a great article we just posted in the teaching area called "Finding Peace in Turbulent Times."

In Matt Kahn's writings, he says "notice what in life we resist, acknowledge the resistance, and bless what manifestation has brought such insight into awareness. In this way, the seemingly "negative" news becomes a true spiritual practice of blessing what you see, no matter how it is perceived or presented."

I was reflecting on this. I especially resonate with the article's point about not having to avoid the news. And, if one does avoid the news, (or anything else we might view as negative or even "lower vibration") it doesn't mean that makes any person "more spiritual" than the next.

I don't think life is about having to avoid anything....it's what we do with what we take in through our senses. It's what we do with the news inside of our heads. What stories do we create? Do we react in fear or stress, or build a new belief structure that makes us more right than someone else?

Personally, I know when I take a walk in the woods and listen to the birds' songs, everything seems right in the entire Universe. That's easy. When I do consciously choose to tune in to the media to see what perspectives are floating around out there, it IS a great opportunity to take some deep breaths and bless all that I see. I can be peaceful in both situations by choice, and definitely without repressing any emotions. I can be empathetic and emotional if I wish.

What's going on or not going on in the world right now can be a moment of pause for us, and a chance to practice gratitude for all that we have in our lives - for all the people and situations up to this point, and whatever is to come our way.

Some people are calling this time in history "tumultuous," "chaotic," or "a crisis." Others are doing just great. In fact, this week, I just received two notices of two new stores opening up and having grand opening celebrations. They're expanding. Perhaps that is what I will call this time in history......it is a "Grand Opening!" The question is, are we going to complain in the corner about how crowded the store is, or about running out of hors d'oeuvres, or are we going to grab a balloon and cheer as we run through the aisles --celebrating the abundance of all that is?

Every moment of this journey is a living meditation. Bless us one and all!

Namaste,
Julie Dittmar
TrueDivine Nature.com
(253) 639-0770
julie@TrueDivineNature.com