Donald Bird's Free-Spirit

Welcome to my highest expression of self. My spirit is without limits or boundaries. No apologies, no fear, no problems.

[donaldbirdsfreespirit]

Our free will to choose is our key to living a happy life.  Often we feel stuck and compelled to act in various situations.  These are moments for creative thinking to recognize our options.  Sometimes the only choices are to make the circumstance/condition/situation a “teachable moment” or allow it to become a forever bleeding wound sensitive to touch.  When we acknowledge these two options, the answer becomes clear.  Awareness is key!  Use it this day forward to make choices that SERVE you.

Facebook Post Sept. 8, 2014

Day 26 of my Gratitude Challenge. 1) Today, I am grateful for the great power of choice. 2) The very concept of making a conscious decision and how it effects our lives is magnificent. 3) As children we are told that we can do anything, so we choose the most audacious dreams. 4) This ability to “dare to dream” is the greatest choice in our lives. 5) Every bold choice we make creates a doorway to choose another audacious step towards living our dreams. 6) We choose to walk through fear into the light of a stronger more secure self. 7) We choose to have the faith and the  innocence of a child with all our ambitions and expectations. 8) We know that all our choices are supported by the immeasurable the power of the Universe. 9) All of our choices are lead by our heart, enhanced by our joy and serve our greatest good. 10) Our choices assist others with finding their divine purpose in life. 11) They guide me closer and closer to my truth, deeper and deeper into the world of their dreams. 12) No choice can hurt us because every action has a lesson and a purpose. 13) We are guided to choose love over hate. 14) We are inspired to choose hope over fear and faith over doubt. 15) We choose to love our neighbors and see the good in humanity. 16) We choose to shine our light and share our gifts, talents and abilities with the world. 17) We choose to be the change we want to see in the world. 18) We choose to continue to push for our souls purpose and mission for our lives. 19) We choose to be in the moment, dance like no one is looking and do all the cliche things that are so simple that we often forget. 20) We choose to share our truth with others, so that they can find some semblance of themselves within.

Our choice to move forward in love instead of looking back in fear; to take another step closer even though we just fell two steps back; to love our present and instead of fear our future; these actions are quantum leaps of faith that inextricably propel us into our destiny.  We need to recognize these moments and forge ahead.  Paralysis by analysis need not apply here.  Today, we are moving into our destiny.

[donaldbirdsfreespirit]

Our own advice can be the hardest to take. Keep your head up my people!

[donaldbirdsfreespirit]

The Artist’s Way Week 7 Recap and Personal Analysis: Recovering a Sense of Connection Listening - “Art is not about thinking something up. It is about the opposite- getting something down. - Artist’s Way As Artist we need to be in tune with the inner voice that inspires us to share our vivid and personal perspectives. We do not need to search for something to create as much as we need to find a way to share our own unique experiences. All forms of creation serve as a mirror of our deeper and more complete selves. “Art is the act of tuning in and dropping down the well.”- Artist’s Way- In that well of inner thoughts we find a beautiful, unique manifestation of self expression. Once we hear that voice clearly, we can share the inspiration instead of feeling the need to “create” something out of thin air. A part of listening includes acting when we are inspired by lines from books, conversations with friends and family and the countless muses we find from our daily lives. These things are messages in the highest form to help us with our creations. Perfectionism - The perfectionist will always belabor the completion of their work because it is never quite right. “Do not fear mistakes, There are none”. - Miles Davis - The perfectionist says “well that’s easy for Miles to say, he is a Jazz musician. His art is predicated on improvisation.” But, isn’t all art a beautiful dance of FLUIDITY and IMPROV. We HAVE to let go of fear of judgment and allow our ideas to blossom. Imagine the seeds of a tree not accepting light and water to grow because they felt inadequate. We have to plant the seed of creativity by letting the ideas change and evolve. As we create without a filter, we begin to realize that all of our ideas have merit and potential. Our job is to continue to get the seeds out of our head and plant them firmly in the ground. Risk - What would you do if you didn’t have to do it perfectly? - Our fear of looking stupid or feeling awkward keeps us perpetually unfulfilled. To live an extraordinary life, we need to do extraordinary things. This requires us to step outside of our comfort zones. At first this feels unbearable. After time we can use this stretching and growing like the acquisition of new muscle. it tears us up inside to not be the best at something but the growth of knowledge builds strength and confidence to extend ourselves again in bold new ways. Jealousy - “My jealousy had actually been a mask for my fear of doing something I really wanted to do but was not yet brave enough to take action toward.” Artist’s Way - Jealousy is sometimes masked by a denial of individual desires and aspirations. We can’t imagine why we would be jealous of someone that we despise so much. Although, the fact that we have problems with any creative is our sign that something is foul. Why should we care if Justin Bieber is tone def and can’t sing or dance? Why should we care if Carrot Top is still performing and getting laughs with middle school shop class gags? The reason is really easy, there is something within us that desires to create something better but it is trapped by denial, fear of criticism and judgment. Instead of working on our own blocks we jab at the first person we feel is “DOING IT ALL WRONG”. As we stop our judgement we open the door for our own creation. We begin to applaud EVERYONE that has the COURAGE to create.

[donaldbirdsfreespirit]

CREATE!

[cultureunseen]

African Kings by International Photographer James C. Lewis http://viberacine.fr/african-kings-stories-by-james-c-lewis/ http://www.noire3000studios.com/ https://twitter.com/Noire3000 https://instagram.com/noire3000/ https://www.facebook.com/noire3000

[dopeeee]

These are glorious

[liquorlaughslove]

This is so dope!

[rosegold-phantom]

I love it. Omg

[donaldbirdsfreespirit]

Role models.

[donaldbirdsfreespirit]

Our instincts our a powerful tool to lead us.  Like any technology we need to really test it and “know” how it works in our awareness.  Too often we rely on other methods that serve as a “scapegoat” for not using our better judgment.  Trust your instincts with no attachment to fear and endless opportunities will open up to you. Facebook Post Sept. 11, 2014

Day 29 of my 30 day Gratitude Challenge. 1) Today, I am so grateful for my Instincts. 2) As babies, we have natural instincts that draw us closer to our parents for safety. 3) They cue us to cry for food when hungry or when feeling uncomfortable. 4) As youngsters, we can almost feel danger around us. 5) With little or no knowledge of them we can determine if a teacher or parent are mean and tortured souls. 6) As we get older our instincts can become harder to rely on. We are encouraged to use new “social norms” and rules that dull our connection. 7) At some point in our lives we realize that “societies handbook” of do’s and don'ts are no better than our own internal reference guides. 8) We began to unlearn all the things that we thought made us “responsible” and begin to forge our own unique paths. 9) A little voice inspires us to try a new look, read a new book, find a new job or move to a new location. 10) We began to pick up new hobbies, new friends and a new level of confidence. 11) Unbeknownst to us, our instincts have always been there encouraging us the whole time . 12) Not trusting that little voice came with dire consequences . 13) The bad relationships, health and car accidents all came as a feeling before the physical damage presented itself. 14) The Good jobs and bad jobs, good friends and false-friends all came with a feeling in the stomach, chest or sinus pressure. 15) Our instincts are a deeply accurate navigation system that will always lead us to our greatest truth. 16) It leads us to the right people, 17) the right places and 18) the exact things that we need to be doing to get where we need to be. 19) Our instincts do not respond to fear but act out of fearlessness. 20) Once we learn to speak the language of our heart through our instincts, there is nothing that we can not do!

When we trust our instincts we are empowering ourselves to go beyond what we see or know to be true.  We are opening up our senses to embrace magic and miracles.  We are accepting the truth of our own connection to source.  You know a lot more than you want to believe at times.  Today, just accept that and act on your beautiful instincts.

[donaldbirdsfreespirit]

Instincts

[donaldbirdsfreespirit]

Day 15 of my Gratitude Challenge and the simple things in life appeal to me on this day.  Often we take for granted what others are praying for.  Let’s not do that on this day.  Be thankful for EVERYTHING you have and a sea of abundance will be offered to you.

Facebook Post August 28, 2014

Day 15 of my Gratitude Challenge and today I marvel in the simple things. 1) A warm and comfortable bed; 2) My favorite Thai food; 3) New shoes that fit perfectly; 4) A warm piece of bread; 5) A good nights sleep; 6) A great work out; 7) Time to prepare for the day; 8) A way to make an honest living; 9) Freedom of thought; 10) Friends you can count on; 11) Family that are not a burden; 12) Chocolate; 13) Popcorn; 14) Movie night;15) Good competition; 16) Intellectual stimulation; 17) A good hard laugh; 18)Presence; 19) Peace and 20) Love.

My gratitude is like an ocean of love that inspires the rest of my thought life.  As I allow the flow of love into my life it begins to nourish every aspect of my being.  Take the time to fill up your heart with gratitude on this day.  It will feed your body, mind and soul!  Namastae.

[donaldbirdsfreespirit]

A gratitude journal is the gift that keeps on giving.

[donaldbirdsfreespirit]

The journey

Each one of us is on a never ending journey through infinty. We have time to make the choices that matter. We have the support needed to do the things that count.

Nothing or no one can understand where our journey leads, but if we stay the course we will arrive at our destination. Not a predestination, but the exact quotient where our expectations meet our efficacy multiplied by our belief.

This formula shifts and changes based on various situations and our environments. However, it will always shape our world directly correlated to what we take from those experiences.

These variables are our glimpses into eternity. A way of finding our vision or letting our vision find us. We find our vision by recognizing signs and stumble on our vision by dumb luck.

As we open our eyes to the signs in life, we begin to see that "luck" is a miracle that missed our glance. We can either keep calling it "luck" and move on; Or we can recognize them as signs and be thankful for the insight.

The choice is yours!

Donald Bird

[donaldbirdsfreespirit]

Nirvana or another Cover Band

In 2007, I began a spiritual journey.  The journey started with a tip from my mom about an unbelievable book titled: The Secret.  Now, before you judge me and say how “that stuff doesn’t work”, hear me out!  It is true that as The Secret suggests, 1) I believed that I could come up with the winning numbers for the Florida Power Ball,  2) I pictured myself swimming in a  pool vault of money like Scrooge McDuck in the intro to Duck Tales , finally… 3) I waited patiently to see my lotto number come and… NOTHING!  Disappointing, yes, but I could feel I slight shift in believing that such things actually existed.  I knew that I was on the path to something and so the journey began.

The search for Nirvana or Enlightenment or Inner Peace can be chosen  for many reasons.  Some “Spiritual Junkies” want to find their “true selves”, connect with others on a deeper level or discover a some type of Zen-all-knowingness (yes, I made that up).  Others are looking for answers to the age old questions; who are we, why are we here and  what the hell is it all about?  I simply wanted to drive down I-95, get cut off and not feel the need to start playing bumper cars going 85 mph on the free-way.

Gladly, I have found a host of amazing practices that have allowed me to skip the anger management meetings all together. Some these techniques I completely support and give  them the “Come As You Are” stamp of approval (one Nirvana reference in the bag…Yes!).  I have also come across some cover band knock offs that I would not pawn off as “2 Legit” to stick (Hammer reference…Yes!).  This journey has quickly become my life.  Sharing my experiences has become my passion.  The key to  unlock the door of this mental exploration requires an open mind and an open heart. 

I hope others will join me as I share some of my experiences with yoga, meditation, liquid detox diets and everything else under the sun.  As it stands, no single routine has brought me to a place of total “Nirvana”.  Although, each experience brings me more peace and love.  Each practice slowly inches me and other seekers to  more like-minded people, heightened passions and a world of endless possibilities.  Some people like to stop and smell the roses.  Increasingly, my day “Smells like teen spirit”?  Nailed it!  And if you read this whole thing and know nothing about the 90’s band Nirvana, thanks for sticking in there. ;-)

[donaldbirdsfreespirit]

Come as you are!!!

[donaldbirdsfreespirit]

Title: Eat, Sleep, Rave, Repeat – Awesome Winter Music Festivals 2015

Don’t let the cold kill the music festival vibe.

Photo Credit: Chad Cooper via Flickr Written by: Donald Bird

Eat, Sleep, Rave, Repeat.  Eat, Sleep, Rave, Repeat.  If only this was a recipe for success.  Nobel peace prizes going to amped up party girls and party boys, talk about a perfect Utopia!  However at some point it becomes eat, work/school,  Facebook/Twitter/Youtube , sleep, repeat.  But it is nice to know that just because the leaves fall from the trees, we don’t have to stop going into dark places with glow sticks, wearable candy and vitamin C.  It may require a little planning and some disposable income but the party can continue all year long with these music festivals as suggested by the Music Festival Junkies website.

Movement Festival Europe – Torino, Italy – Oct. 31 2015

Yeah, I know this is a bit of a hike for a music festival. Of course, unless you are back packing around Europe anyways or happen to live in the area.  The cool part about this festival is that it is only 26 Euros and it is also like a cousin to the Movement Festival that goes down in Detroit, Michigan.  If you dig house and techno music and have the means to jump over to Torino, what are you waiting for?  The Line ups include Detroit legend Derrick May, Tale of US, The House that Chicago Built (Derrick Carter,  DJ Sneak and Lil Louis) and  many more.  For the full line up and details check out www.movement.it/2015/it

Freaky Deaky – Chicago Illinois – Oct. 30 – November 1st

Chicago is known for Summer Festivals but Freaky Deaky has been gaining steam since 2008 and worth checking out.  The event is during Halloween so this forces it to be a quasi-obligatory costume party.  This is no problem for the real “ravers” who would dress up for Thanksgiving dinner.  The event has gotten so big that it has spilled over into Detroit and with the plethora of acts attending it is easy to see why.  The tickets are $219 which is a drop in the bucket after seeing the list of artists.    Featured acts include 2 Chainz, A-track,  Benny Benassi, Flying Lotus and many, many more.  For a singular experience I would check out Porn and Chicken for my money, they are bound to be freaking amazing!   For the full line up and details check out the website at www.freakydeakyhalloween.com

Voodoo Fest – New Orleans, Louisiana –Oct. 30 – Nov. 1st

New Orleans is notorious for it’s party scene and it only makes sense that it would have a kick a$$ music festival during Halloween.  Tickets for the event are from $73 -$525, which is a good range when you see the range of performers attending.  Imagine a Marti Gras scene jamming to Chance the rapper,  Zac Brown Band, Third Eye Blind, DeadMau5, Ozzy Osbourne, Girl Talk and tons more.  For more information and specific line up details check out www.worshipthemusic.com.

Snow Globe -  South Lake Tahoe, California – Dec. 29th – Dec. 31st.

It requires a town like South Lake ,Tahoe to completely embrace all facets of festival culture with this ski/snowboard adventure and music festival extravaganza. Tickets for the event are between $169- $369. Discounted mountain tickets are provided for festival goers to shred during the day on 9,000 acres of powder. The facility has four stages with ski/snowboard demos, plenty of areas to eat and drink and is centrally located near Nevada if feeling cheeky enough to gamble. At night check out world class dj’s like Skrillex, Atmosphere, Thomas Jack and Bro Safari not to mention a top notch fire work display.  For more details and specific line ups check out www.snowglobemusicfestival.com

If none of these adventures into music festival bliss sound like fun, do not stop here, a festival awaits.   With patience and diligence an event that lights up the night is a back pack and bus/car/plane/train away. And if that sounds like too much work, don’t worry, Summer will be right around the corner.  Happy Festivaling.

[donaldbirdsfreespirit]

Here's looking at you Joonbug.

[donaldbirdsfreespirit]

No one is going to save you!

No one is going to save you. 😊 Seriously, this life is something that we have to experience for ourselves. Joy, loss, ups and downs are all parts of the experience. We can't have a pinch hitter come and take our bat when we are feeling a little vulnerable. Emotions-Emotions-Emotions.

The notion that we are in this world all alone is not the point. We will always have some help and be supported but be sure that no one is going to save you. We must save ourselves in our love lives, work lives and spiritual lives. Our actions have to be based on our heart's desire and ours alone.

At first glance this idea is difficult to swallow. It feels cold and mean but this does not make it any less truthful. Deep down we all want to be the hero. What better opportunity to do that then in our own lives. To live our experience with passion and focus. Breaking free from societal expectations and owning our individuality.

This is how we save ourselves. This is how we become the hero of our own authentic story. There will never a place for our True selves in the world unless we carve out one. We are not waiting for someone to create a role for our existence; Someone to create a script for our reality. It is our job to do that through the will and skill of our soul's calling.

This gift of self expression is God given and only realized by you. Patience and expectation are the only things needed to allow this knowing to blossom. Ownership in receiving the signs and accepting responsibility for their meaning is paramount.

We don't always expect to be saved as much as we desire experiences to be explained for us. We want an expert to provide us with insight. Yet insight must come from within. Wisdom is gained, not given. Our greatest obstacles are our greatest evolutionary ladders. We must climb them and not ask others to describe our view. The journey is always and always will be for our own growth.

Cliche-cliche-cliche. Regardless, we must live fearlessly with this in mind. Don't wait for the knight in shining armor to come riding in because the knight has his own dragons to fight. We will do it together but on our own terms and own time. I wish you well brothers and sisters. I believe in you and your dreams, now go out there and get us a win! Donald Bird

[donaldbirdsfreespirit]

The future of sports.

[donaldbirdsfreespirit]

This day is truly a miracle. Not for some particular reason, but simply because you are alive. This, IS the miracle! Breathe deeply and celebrate your victory. If you are reading this, congratulations, this means that you are literate with enough money for a computer/phone and internet access. That probably means you also have all your basic needs covered like food, water, clothes and a job. You are without any exaggeration one of the richest people in the world. Embrace your own lottery and an abundance of material wealth will meet you there. Facebook post September 3, 2014 Day 22 of my Gratitude Challenge. 1) Today I am in awe of the miraculousness of life. 2) Starting with the amazing impossibility of our conception amongst all the competition. 3) We represent 1 of some 300 million sperm striving to reach the egg to be fertilized. 4) Our existence is the result of a couple of cells dividing and multiplying to become trillions of cells creating our brain, organs, eyes, nose, head and toes. 5) 6) The orchestration and organization of our being is breath taking. 7) The feats our bodies accomplish everyday is proof of our inner greatness. 8) Our hearts beat approximately 100,000 times per day and pump more than 2,000 gallons of blood through our bodies. 9) Trillions of cells operate our ten major systems like our circulatory system, respiratory system and digestive systems. 10) Billions of neurons in our brain assist to operate our nervous system. 11) We have conditioned our bodies to do amazing things like completing a mile in under 4 minutes, 200 meters under 20 seconds and 12) long jumping almost 30 feet. 13) We have created technologies to light up cities, 14) rule the air in flight, 15) go to the moon and 16) exchange endless information at the push of a button. 17) We have built sky scrapers that seem to touch the clouds, submersibles that reach the depths of the sea and vehicles that can break the sound barrier. 18) These feats are a representation of the untapped potential of this human experience. 19) Our mere presence on this earth is a miracle. 20) Once we “know” that, there is no limit to what we can accomplish. There are no words to describe how beautiful you are. The angels cry everytime they see your face. You are loved beyond comprehension. Explore this idea throughout the day and know it to be true. Once you do this, I promise that you can never go through another day without accepting this very fact.

[donaldbirdsfreespirit]

This is in no way an exaggeration. Accept your brillance today!!!

[sarahshealthylifestyle-blog]

[donaldbirdsfreespirit]

Nice

[donaldbirdsfreespirit]

Use as needed...Namastae!

[utrippy]

[chronicles-from-the-soul]

۞☝۞

[donaldbirdsfreespirit]

and how…

[donaldbirdsfreespirit]

Label free - deeper connection to higher self.

[donaldbirdsfreespirit]

Donald Bird in: “Rather be” by Clean bandit featuring Jess Glynne.

[donaldbirdsfreespirit]

Dance, dance, dance.

[donaldbirdsfreespirit]

Donald Bird Free style to “Rather be” by Clean Robot feat. Jess Glynne.

[donaldbirdsfreespirit]

Dance like no one is looking... And if they are, hopefully they will dance with you.

[donaldbirdsfreespirit]

North Winds

There is nothing better than a cool breeze on your face during a warm summer night. Right before a bead of sweat drops, the kiss of fresh air sends a relaxing chill throughout the core. A soothing sensation that reminds us of the great balance of all things.

As if nature recieves an update of our internal temperature and answers with a subtle and smooth air flow. To know that this fluid relationship exists is to know peace.

This is the most delightful part of the human experience. We are conditioned to forget, only to remember again. In these moments we can experience the same excitement as if they were completely new.

Each day, we are able to enjoy the simplicity of life and discovery. Knowing that the unfolding continues as long as we stay present and open.

Like the natural flow of the wind, so is the flow of life. Without the need to force or influence outcomes or experiences, they seemly just appear in/out of existence.

We flow with the wind as a gentle breeze and embrace each moment with the greatest of ease. With gale force winds we open our sails and ride the wave on to the next tale. Donald Bird

[donaldbirdsfreespirit]

2014 Gratitude Journal

With gratitude we generate the energy we need to fuel our passions. We have the power to endure any situation and overcome any circumstances. Let your vibration lead you to abundance, magic and miracles. Facebook Post September 2, 2014 Day 21 of my Gratitude Challenge: 1) Today, I am grateful for energy in all its forms. 2) I am grateful for the abundance of energy that flows through me every morning. 3) The vitality that inspires thought and action. 4) The brilliant energy provided to us by the sun. 5) It’s glow is a constant reminder to shine our own light each day. 6) The subtle and soothing energy of the moon. 7) Each night it appears in different forms to remind us of our ever evolving presence on earth. 8) We generate energy and maintain it by long runs, walks and swims. 9) We ride the wave of the energy of the ocean to surf and sail. 10) We direct the energy of fire to create mouth watering dishes and deserts. 11) The flow of electricity fills our homes with light, tv and the internet. 12) Our energy fills us with joy and laughter. 13) It is turned into breath taking art, 14) used by athletes to amaze us 15) and channeled by entertainers to amuse us. 16) Our energy flows like a beautiful water fall, 17) or it can come in spurts like a geyser. 18) Financial sea’s of wealth wash over us through business deals, brilliant ideas and joyous work activities. 19) We use our energy to make love, show love and to be love. 20) We are the energy we create. We share it with love and light and a clear focus on all the things that are joyous and right because as beautiful creators, WE own the night!