“To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself.”
~Thich Nhat Hanh
I love change. In fact, isn’t that what’s happening in every moment?
The unfolding of life is constantly fresh and new. It’s always overflowing with potential—letting an old story fall away, taking a breath instead of recycling an old habit, meeting someone you know with no baggage from the past, finally listening to yourself.
Every moment serving up the possibility of freedom from constricting beliefs and the tug of familiar emotions. Peace is the changeless ground of being, and change is celebration of the living reality of our everyday lives.
Goodbye, Hello
In the spirit of change, I am excited to announce that it’s time to say “goodbye” to A Flourishing Life and “hello” to new opportunities. Writing this blog for well over three years has been an amazing experience.
I am grateful for my connection with each of you, readers from around the world. I’ve grown as a writer and clarified the ways I communicate what I love the most: the conscious knowing of the deepest happiness, present moment living so tender and alive.
I am happy to say that the blog will continue, but it becomes part of a larger offering. I have written a book that will be published later this year (very exciting!). And the name change of this site—to GailBrenner.com—makes room for the blog, book, and other ways I might contribute.
The Way of Yes
The forthcoming book is called, “The Way of Yes: Finding Peace and Happiness Right at the Heart of Your Messy, Scary, Brilliant Life.” It offers a bridge between the common problems we experience in everyday life and the spiritual understanding that will set us free.
Yes, freedom from problems is possible. The inner critic? Feelings of inadequacy? Stuck in pain from the past? In the Way of Yes, we start where we are to discover that peace is right here—once we see through the habits of mind and feelings that hijack us.
We go from living the Way of No—rejecting, resisting, avoiding, pretending—to finding the Yes! in every moment. And I can tell you that the land of Yes! is infinitely peaceful, all-embracing, endlessly loving.
The book, “The Way of Yes” is a new presentation flowing through my heart to yours. Not a compilation of blog posts, it offers a very careful guide to realizing your true nature. We walk together from problems to real solutions, from the sense that you are broken to the knowing that you are already everything you ever wanted.
The book is being prepared for publication and will be available some time later this year. In April or May, I’ll launch a new website with a fresh design. And all along, I’ll continue to post regularly here at GailBrenner.com.
Living the Yes!
The past few months have been a time of tremendous opening for me. I’ve been shown so clearly the mindsets that held me back. And each time an old thinking pattern was revealed, I saw the fallacy of it. “I couldn’t finish such a large project.” “What if no one cares?” “What if everyone cares?” I could have let these thoughts deter me.
But instead, I took a stand in truth—every time. And now? No limits, no barriers. Every cell of my being is completely available to whatever happens.
Life is so generous in that it endlessly offers opportunities and drops them right at our feet. It takes a clear mind and open heart to notice and the willingness to live true to act. The mind can come up with an array of excuses and justifications—in my case, more than I was consciously aware of.
But in every moment, the call is the same: to say Yes! to life.
What About You?
Now, I’m wondering about you. Are you answering the call? What holds you back? How do you say Yes? And No? Please share in the comments below. Believe me, you are not alone in whatever you are struggling with, and sharing benefits everyone.
Reflecting on these questions is the beginning of lifting the veils. We tell the truth. We feel the pain of self-betrayal.
And we live in the exquisite boldness of a life fulfilled.
It doesn’t necessarily mean you will write a book or quit your day job. The bold action for you might be to meet a loved one undefended, to not check your email for the zillionth time, to spend the extra moment with someone who needs it. And to realize who you are when fear and deficiency are seen through—infinitely peaceful, powered by love.
When you get out of the way, life, bursting with infinite potential, is right here, waiting for your kind and patient attention.
Comments? Questions? I’d love to hear…
A note to subscribers: If you receive posts by email or RSS feed, you don’t need to do a thing—delivery will continue as is. My twitter name has changed to @GBGailBrenner, but everyone who was following has been transferred to the new account. And I’m working on Facebook—it’s more complicated. Technology! I’m becoming more of an expert than I ever thought was possible.
Congratulations to you on your new, expanded direction. I am excited for you and looking forward to seeing more of you in the future! I am a little sad to say goodbye to this blog as it has been such good food for my soul, but I know that whatever you create will continue to reach those who will benefit from your wisdom.
Thanks for your good wishes and kind words, Amyra. Good news! The blog will continue as other offerings are under development.
Wow!
Gail I am so happy for you and the YES is our answer to GOD who brought me to the many words of truth you speak each day. I have said yes to this comment I am posting. Glory and Praise in Jesus name I Pray…..Paul from Lafayette, LA.
Thank you, Paul. One thing I love about your comment is: “I have said yes to this comment I am posting.” That’s just it, living in the Yes! right here and now with whatever is happening. Thanks for sharing that.
Your Welcome!
Congratulations Gail! I am SO excited to read this post from you.
I can’t wait for all that’s to come for you and the loyal community you’ve nurtured at A Flourish Life as you step into your new, larger offering!
Alicia x
Thank you, Alicia! So great to hear from you…
Gail, just what I needed to hear today. Wondering why I felt sometimes like I have been wandering around. Why I don’t accept myself as enthusiastically as others do. Why I denigrate my talents and gifts? I am beginning to understand the mindset you speak of and to embrace it. It seems that there is no onher way. I look forward to reading your book!
Hi Mojo,
There is only one way, if you want to be happy, and that is the most profound acceptance of everything always. It’s an attitude of openness, with a willingness to challenge your beliefs. And it sounds like what you believe about yourself isn’t true for the people who know you. This would be a good belief to start with. Is it true that your talents and gifts aren’t worthwhile?
Living in the Yes! is radical and revolutionary…and oh, so peaceful…
Congratulations on your new website! Your blog has been so deeply thoughtful; how could we not look forward to an expanded version?
I too have been saying “yes” to life and am finding that this is the key to my ever unfolding self-understanding. Through release of old, old baggage …. Always a surprise, how this comes about. It is amazing, isn’t it, how powerful a word can be! No resistance, no limits. Beautiful!
I feel your openness, Pam! When you start paying attention, it’s really not that hard to release old baggage. It becomes obvious that it doesn’t serve and resists what is present. Holding onto it is saying No to life. I love the power of Yes, and obviously you do, too!
Thank you, Gail. I’ve enjoyed reading your blog, and now I look forward to reading your new book.
Thank you so much, Hap. I appreciate your being here.
How exciting! I was really scared there for a minute that the blog was just disappearing 🙂 Looking forward to reading your book the second I can get my hands on it. Your work has resonated with me and continues to encourage my forward movement. Grateful!
Peace,
You have been so engaged here, and your sharing about your own process helps everyone. Thank you for that. I look forward to making the announcement that the book is actually published and available!
Isn’t it amazing how one thing can change the course of your day? Today’s post did that for me. So excited for your book! Coincidentally (or maybe not?), This past week I put brightly colored and decorated post-its all around my home that say “YES!” Looks like I am on the right path. 🙂
Hi BB,
It’s so conditioned for us to say no, so support like post-it notes is not trivial. Even though we may really want the Yes, the No has power until the mind is ready to give it up. That’s where diligence and dedication come in—to keep us right where we want to be.
gail, these must be exciting times and i am very happy for you. you have always had a way of saying what spoke the loudest truth to me using the softest tones.
moving to a place where we are free from problems, free from the inner critic, feelings of inadequacy and pains of the past almost feels like a pipe-dream but somehow i know they a true and i continue to believe.
you mentioned the ways of no as being resisting, rejecting, avoiding and pretending to evolving into a life of courage and moving to the sound of our true selves.
i believe i’m on the cusp of all these things happening; for instance, lately, i’ve been in the studio recording some of my original songs i’ve had several pieces of my artwork accepted at a new gallery and i’ve booked a part in a new upcoming internet ‘tv’ series, tweet. still, i feel my true self lies somewhere beyond all these accomplishments. these or things like them are all things i have done in the past and sometimes i can’t tell whether to let go of them or to keep at it until i receive they kind of recognition, and/or success i always thought would come my way. in other words there has always been s struggle.
now, as all these things are happening again i just had shoulder surgery and will be in a sling for 5 more weeks followed by 2 months of physical therapy. ps – i’m using all lower case letters because it’s much easier than trying to shift to upper case using my non-dominant arm. anyway, the internet shoot starts a week after the sling comes off so that will work out ok. as far as playing or painting i guess i’m on a little hiatus.
getting back on point, i sometimes think that the arm is forcing me to re-think everything or to slow down and allow even some greater change to occur – something that involves more giving or…i don’t really know – but something. i’m still not ready to let go of all these other projects that are happening but i feel that i could if my inner guide was sensing a strong enough change. i’m almost 65 – i still feel like a kid – but a kid that has had a lot of dreams unfulfilled or shattered.
if there is a question in all of this it’s how do i know what to do or trust when sometimes even what appears to be very good might not be the best for my ‘spiritual’ growth. i know you must have asked yourself these same questions along the way. gail, thank you for you time and the beautiful way you have found to give support and comfort to so many including yourself.
Thank you for your kindness, Rick.
I’m sure you’re not alone in the struggles you describe. To answer your question about trust: reflect inside to see where your decisions are coming from. Are they from fear, protection, or inadequacy? Are you analyzing what seems to be the right course? Or are you following the inner Yes that guides you. The inner Yes is free of fear and conditioning. Follow that, and you are aligned with Truth.
Really, it’s possible in every moment to not figure anything out, but to simply live the Yes. It’s effortless and delightful!
Congrats Gail! I’m sure it will all be a big success. It seems that there is nothing but change in my life in recent months. Big changes, small changes, changes of all kinds. Meeting change with a Yes to see where it wants to lead you in the ever unfolding story of life. Very best in this new direction. ♥
Thanks so much, Thom. Change can be sticky because it throws us right into the unknown. “Meeting change with a Yes to see where it wants to lead you” – so much wisdom in realizing that you are not in control. This is saying Yes! to life unfolding. It’s about what life wants, not about our personal desires.
I’m so happy for you, Gail! I’m looking forward to your new book. I appreciate how you are making the transition with grace.
Thank you, Sandra. It’s been a delight to be on this blogging path with you! xx
Love the Butterfly picture!
I have lived a life full of fear! Even last year turning 26- I felt quiet depressed I felt as though my life was over and I haven’t achieved much. When opportunities to pursue my dream would come around I would make excuses and avoid getting started….I avoided my dream for 10 years but now I am realizing the fear is an illusion created by me- therefore I can give my anxiety new meanings and take actin toward what I want and deserve.
What an amazing insight, Aisha, in realizing that fear is an illusion created by you. Sometimes fear can seem very real – the body tenses up in fear. But the psychological part is optional.
Fear doesn’t need to limit in any way.
My very best wishes to you Gail, I appreciate your generosity & insight.
Go Well,
Greg.
Received in my heart, Greg. Thank you…
Hello Gail
You have evolved and are evolving.
You have no idea how timely this post is for me. I too am on the path or trail and allowing possibilities to present themselves, instead of question marks.
I just know that you will continue to lift and be lifted.
Definitely saying tuned!!
Love those words of encouragement, Kathy. Love to you….
Hi Gail!
I enjoy reading your blog. Your posts are full of nuggets of wisdom. I am getting better at listening to the inner “Yes”, but get stuck from time to time by trying to control what is happening in the present. Looking forward to reading your new book!
Thanks so much for writing, Karla. Believe me, you are far from alone in getting stuck in trying to control things. But more and more, the Yes! wants to speak. It’s a path of wisdom that is undeniable, and ultimately unshakeable.
Thanks Gail, YES!!!
congratulations Gail
i m happy for you.
and Yes i m glad that i have been always coming across so many different people like you who somehow make my life amazing. and Yes there are some difficult people too whom i met but i still try to accept the way they are… sometimes its good to just let it be.
Hi Manjari,
Difficult people can be so helpful as our teachers! What do they evoke in us? What reactions arise that can be seen through and liberated? What an opportunity for the deepest acceptance.
Love…