Earth Gratitude Journal - Sneak Peak by Jonathan Sharp

"Earth" Gratitude Journal By

Karen Chaston

Kaz (Karen) Pearce Bestie, Co-Photographer & Editor ISBN-10: 0994175361 ISBN-13: 978-09941753-6-6 Published by Kazand Investments Pty Ltd Copyright ÂŠ Karen Chaston 2015 All rights reserved First Edition This book is sold subject to the conditions that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out, or otherwise circulated without the publisher's prior consent in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent publisher. The moral rights of Karen Chaston has been asserted. Author: Karen Chaston Cover illustration: Jonathan Sharp Scenery Photographer: Karen Chaston & Kaz (Karen) Pearce Editor: Kaz (Karen) Pearce

Thank-you, Uluru & Kata Tjuta Kaz and I flew to Uluru Just so we could bring this journal book to you We knew we would have fun Under the stars and sun We did not realise How much this special place would revitalise Whilst bringing a newfound appreciation For the original inhabitants of our great nation. We rose early for the desert sunrise Then we walked becoming ever-so-wise Hearing many tales As we strolled the 12 kilometre trails Seeing many sacred sites Thankful the Anangu people fought for their rights Knowing the spectacular red rocks and domes Truly belong to them and are their homes At night as we ate kangaroo and crocodile We gazed at the Milky Way for awhile Seeing many stars including Saturn’s rings Bringing an enormous connection to all things The final morning we took a chopper Making sure we saw everything “a proper” As we flew over Lake Amadeus, a salt lake We were very grateful as our hearts began to ache If you’ve never been to see the Rock Maybe it’s time to gather up the flock Come to a 550 million year old unique landscape It’s guaranteed, you’ll have the most memorable escape!! Karen Chaston

Karen's Gratitude To You

Thank you for honouring yourself by investing in this unique and very special "EARTH ~ Gratitude Journal." I am sure you will reap the benefits many-fold. This truly is a "Gift that Keeps on Giving." Firstly, you received it as a gift to yourself or from someone else. Secondly you'll receive through your daily gratitude writings. And thirdly, I will donate a $1 for every "Earth Gratitude Journal" sold to "The Hope Foundation" India, an organisation dedicated to promoting the protection of street and slum children in Kolkata, India. When contemplating the photos to include in the Earth themed gratitude journal, Uluru immediately came to mind. Kaz Pearce and I flew to the Uluru- Kata Tjuta National Park which is located in Central Australia. All the 99 daily gratitude photos were taken by either Kaz or me. Please take time to enjoy the many amazing scenes and the natural multi-coloured canvas of our beautiful Central Australia. At the end of the book, I included some tantalising facts about the area. Once again, I am very grateful that the daily Gratitude quotes were so easily compiled and referenced. We truly do live in a time where "You can think it, you can create it!! I look forward to you someday sharing your "EARTH - 99 Day Gratitude Journaling Journey" with me. May you live each day in the moment and that they are filled with "Love & Gratitude." Be well Karen Chaston PS: Please connect with me at karen@karenchaston.com.au

"Earth"

This "Earth Gratitude Journal" is the FOURTH in a series that will honour the four elements (states of matter) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Water, Air, Fire and Earth.

Connected to the North, Earth is considered the ultimate feminine element. The Earth is fertile and stable, associated with the Goddess, Gaia or (Gaea). The planet itself is a ball of life and as the Wheel of the Year turns, we can watch all the aspects of life take place in the Earth: birth, life, death and finally rebirth. The Earth is nurturing and stable, solid and firm, full of endurance and strength. In color association, both green and brown connect to the Earth, for fairly obvious reasons! In Tarot readings, the Earth is related to the suit of Pentacles or Coins. The element of Earth is attached to the signs Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn. It also rules the Second, Sixth and Seventh Houses. All the earthy metaphors are appropriate here: salt of the Earth, feet firmly planted on the ground and so forth. Those graced by an Earth sign in their horoscope are practical, grounded and dependable. These folks donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take big risks; rather, they much prefer a sure thing. Much like the elements are considered the building blocks in nature, Earth signs are the builders of the zodiac. To these signs, creation is a tangible proposition. Whether it's building jobs or a home, or creating comfortable rooms within that home through the acquisition of possessions, Earth signers are all about what is solid around us. Those influenced by Earth also tend toward caution and conservatism, in both desire and approach. That said, they are sensualists, certainly in that they appreciate a good meal and fine wine better than anyone else. The logical mind of an Earth Signer is always appreciated. In keeping with this measured approach, these folks also display considerable recuperative powers. On the flip side of things, however, those supported by Earth may be so caught up in their objectives that they might overlook the feelings of others. It is a big picture, after all, but these folks may be more concerned with the finish line than the journey they are taking. Earth signs are dependable, practical and conservative, yet fairly materialistic. They have their feet on the ground but their eyes on the prize.

Both my parents were Earth signs and these are very apt descriptions.

99 Days of Gratitude

Many people desire more fun, joy, love and happiness in their life. Though unfortunately they are seeking to fulfill all their desires by looking externally, filling their space with people, things and events, which only satisfy their insatiable desire for a very short time. By reversing our outlook to come from within first we will fulfill all our dreams and desires. The easiest way to do this is to create a daily ritual / habit of writing down all the things you are grateful for in your life. It takes 21 days to form a habit, with most studies suggesting that you continue for a month, so the habit becomes harder to break. This journal book contains 99 days, allowing you to create a solid foundation whilst invoking the Essence of the Number 99. The Numerology Number 99 Essence The essence contains a double dose of the 9's essence, such as creativity, tolerance, and compassion. 99 is generous with its help to individuals and organisations intent on doing the world some good. The 99 essence is worldly and sophisticated. It is both self-sufficient and self-sacrificing for progress toward the fulfillment of its vision of better conditions for the people of the world. It has a global consciousness. The 99 essence sees no real difference in value between itself, its neighbours, and people living in different cultures in other parts of the world. There is little, if any, judgement of lifestyles, societal expectations, religious beliefs and political practices â&#x20AC;&#x201C; unless they oppose the 99's idealism. The essence of the numerology number 99 is generous charity for individuals and organisations dedicated to the benefit of mankind. Thanks to your 99 days of gratitude, each of the four gratitude journals (water, air, fire and earth) in this series will be able to donate $1 to an individual charity or cause. This "Earth" Gratitude journal donates a $1 to "The Hope Foundation" India, an organisation dedicated to promoting the protection of street and slum children in Kolkata, India.

Benefits of Gratitude "Every time I pick up a coin on the street, I view it as a symbol of the abundance that God sends into my life and feel gratitude. Thank you God, for everything. Never do I ask, Why only a penny?â&#x20AC;? ~ Wayne Dyer

Emotionally Socially / Family More Good Feeling More Social More Relaxed Deeper Relationships More Resilient Healthier Marriage Less Envious More Friendships Happier Memories Kinder Personally Professionally More Optimistic Improved Decision Making Higher Self-Esteem Increased Productivity More Spiritual Goal Achievement Less Materialistic Improved Networking Less Self-Centered Better Management Physically Spiritually Improved Sleep Improved Energetic Vibration Increased Energy Higher Universe Connection More Exercised More Intuitive Awareness Longevity More Rewards Attracted Less Disease Action Instead of Reaction

The Chakra Colours The seven chakra colours (in order) have been utilised for each daily Gratitude page. Take time to understand the chakras, their location in your body and the meaning behind each colour. Then each day re-read the particular chakra meaning for that day whilst aligning with the area in your body.

1st - The Root Chakra is located at base of spine. Its red colour commands attention. It signals danger to us. We act immediately and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the colour of our life force. The colour of blood and the first colour we come into contact with when we are born. Red means energy and our connection with the Earth and carries the promise of survival. On a physical level red is associated with adrenal glands - the glands whose function is associated with the "fight or flight" response - the instinctual survival response. People who are drawn to red enjoy being in their physical bodies and here on earth.

2nd - The Sacral Chakra - located in the pelvic area, it's orange in colour and it’s the area of our gut feelings and wisdom. Buddhists call this "hara", the centre of being through which we connect with the deepest voice of the self, the deepest stillness and wisdom. It's where we find bliss. Living a life guided by orange colour transforms even the most mundane daily experiences into pleasurable experiences. Orange is also associated with the gentle and positive nurturing of ourselves which moves us on our path of growth and development. 3rd - The Solar Plexus Chakra – is located in the upper abdomen area. Its yellow colour shines where you feel the strength, will and personal power. The energy is vibrant, optimistic and full of energy. It’s the colour of youth, new beginnings, birth and re-birth, also wise and knowledgeable. It connects you with knowledge and your intellect. People drawn to yellow are drawn to intellectual pursuits. As you unfold the petals, you find a fire that burns within you, that gives you power and energy to stand for yourself and to assert yourself. You find trust and inner worth. That is the healing brilliance of yellow. 4th The Heart Chakra – located in your heart centre and green is the colour of love; the very center of your being, the energy of love and transformation. It allows you to transform your ego and the needs of your lower chakras and open up to love, becoming more loving and compassionate. This is where you reach beyond yourself and connect with something greater, wider and deeper. Green is the color of growth, life and balance. Through balance, you can love, form healthy and nourishing relationships, and give and receive love. 5th The Throat Chakra – located in your throat, the blue connects you with the Divine and an association with Heaven. Blue energy is pure, soothing, calming and healing. Blue allows you to take time, to be still and listen to your own voice. To listen to the stillness within and to express what needs to be expressed. In Buddhist philosophy, blue is the colour of pure mind - the mind that is uncluttered by thought. In stillness, you can find pure mind. Blue energy is a guiding energy, enabling you to find a sense of faith and trust. 6th - The Third Eye Chakra – is located in your brow area between your eyes. The indigo colour represents wisdom and deep inner knowing. It opens the door to the Divine and the colour that we associate with night. It is at night, when our senses become finer and a different part of us awakens. Indigo brings clarity to the sense organs - you’re seeing, hearing and feeling. Indigo is also connected to your sixth sense - your third eye. Indigo is a bridge between heaven and earth, between the left and right hemispheres and also between life and death. 7th - The Crown chakra – is located just above our skull. The Violet is cleansing and purifying. It’s our connection with the energy of heaven; it’s the colour of spirituality. It offers the inner sense of wholeness; a sense of ending, completion of a process and a promise of something new, illumination, rebirth. There is peace and tranquility in the newfound knowledge of profound change. It is the colour of magic, ritual, cleansing, purifying, connecting, mystery and mysticism.

Some Finer Points

Today is the start of the rest of your life. It's called the "Present" as it's a gift for you to personally enjoy. So happy, happy, happy, New Year. May you live every moment with Love, Grace and Gratitude! Here are some suggestions you may like to adopt, so you receive the upmost from your daily Gratitude writings: * Feel what you write - Believe it. - As you write, evoke as many senses as possible (e.g. see, feel touch, taste, hear), as this allows the gratitude to be more meaningful allowing it to flow directly into your heart and the heart of every cell in your beautiful body. * Try to write three to five things per day. Though some days this may be less, and that’s perfectly ok. There is no requirement to stick to the same amount each day. Be flexible and don’t take the joy away by being too regimented. * If you miss a day - that is OK. Start again tomorrow. * See this as a blessing and not another chore to get through. You should feel grateful that you can make a list of things that make you feel grateful. * Be more grateful for the people in your life rather than the things. * Expand your awareness. The more you do this, the more you’ll start to really appreciate what a gift life is. The world is beautiful. Learn to really experience it. * Embrace your gratitude journal as a "purely positive" exercise. * Take note of the daily chakra colour on the page. Connect your mind, body and soul by re-reading that charka explanation.. You're on that page for a reason. * The pictures in this gratitude journal are from Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Lake Amadeus in Central Australia. This area is 550 million years old. Tune into the photographs; connect with the area and the original inhabitants who have walked the land for 30,000 years. *There are specific pages throughout the journal for you to write down your intentions for the people, things and changes you would like in your life. Take time to understand how to consciously write your intentions for the next 99 days. Then at the end, comment on the people, relationships and things that have shown up and/or taken place in your life. This in itself will bring extra gratitude into your life.

A Special Dedication to Wayne Dyer (1940 - 2015)

Thank you Wayne Dyer, for being the example, showing us the way to easily, live our lives in Love and Gratitude. Please enjoy some of my favourite Wayne Dyer quotes: "When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at Change" ~ Wayne Dyer “If you believe it will work you see possibilities. If you believe it won’t you see obstacles.” ~ Wayne Dyer “Everything you need you already have. You are complete right now; you are a whole total person, not an apprentice person on the way to someplace else. Your completeness must be understood and experienced in your thoughts as your own personal reality.” ~ Wayne Dyer “Each morning, when you open your eyes, think only three things: THANK YOU, THANK YOU and THANK YOU. Then, set out to make the best use of the gift of this day that you can” ~ Wayne Dyer

Setting an Intention for Your 99 Gratitude Journey

An intention is a directed impulse of consciousness that contains the seed form of that which you aim to create. It's the thing that you plan to do or achieve: an aim or purpose. According to Deepak Chopra, Gratitude is one of the best ways to create the abundance consciousness, because you'll focus on the source of all those things that came into your life -- and they'll continue to open to you. You'll also remove the ego and get in touch with your spirit. In order for you to consciously focus on what you choose to create during your 99 day gratitude journey, there are three specific spaces (now; next couple of pages, day 33 and day 66) for you to write down your intentions. Then at day 99, you may choose to review your intentions and then write down what has actually shown up in your life. Like real seeds, intentions can’t grow if you hold on to them. Only when you release your intentions into the fertile depths of your consciousness can they grow and flourish. In Deepak Chopra’s book The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, the Law of Intention and Desire lays out the five steps for harnessing the power of intention to create anything you desire. 1. Slip into the Gap: Most of the time our mind is caught up in thoughts, emotions, and memories. Beyond this noisy internal dialogue is a state of pure awareness that is sometimes referred to as “the gap.” One of the most effective tools we have for entering the gap is meditation.

2. Release Your Intentions and Desires: After you set an intention, let it go— simply stop thinking about it.

3. Remain Centered in a State of Restful Awareness: Intention is much more powerful when it comes from a place of contentment than if it arises from a sense of lack or need. Stay centered and refuse to be influenced by other people’s doubts or criticisms. 4. Detach from the Outcome: Relinquish your rigid attachment to a specific result and live in the wisdom of uncertainty. Attachment is based on fear and insecurity, while detachment is based on the unquestioning belief in the power of your true Self. 5. Let the Universe Handle the Details: Your focused intentions set the infinite organizing power of the universe in motion. Trust that infinite organizing power to orchestrate the complete fulfillment of your desires. The outcome that you try so hard to force may not be as good for you as the one that comes naturally. Also keep in mind: • Authenticity counts. Who are you? What do you really want? What's your mission? What can you offer the world? Ask these questions so you can know yourself, be authentic - and both your personal and professional life will fall in place. • It's not necessarily about balance but alignment. Allow all seven areas (mentally, professionally, financially, socially, family, physically and spiritually) of your life support each other. • Be clear and specific. Write exactly what you desire don’t be vague. If it's money you want, then say that. If it's relationship and family, say that. Place deadlines, or a time frame, on your goals. • Watch your language! Use words that have a higher vibration like “I choose” "I will" “I am” “I love” and understand the word "want," really means "lack," • Look forward, not back. Focus on what your life will look like when the goal is achieved -- and if it helps, create a vision board. • Write, repeat, embody... Write down your intention, say it and repeat it over and over again. According to Abraham-Hicks, 17 seconds is all it takes to set that intention, as at the precise 17second moment, the idea comes together and a specific energy is formed.

Day 1

"Every time we remember to say "thank youâ&#x20AC;?, we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.â&#x20AC;? ~ Sarah Ban Breathnach

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Day 2

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"Expressing appreciation with words, a smile or a hug costs so little and means so much. It can make a day or even change a life." ~ Michael Josephson

Day 3

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"Being genetically related doesn't make you family. Love, Support, Trust, SacriďŹ ce, Honesty, Protection, Acceptance, Security, Compromise, Gratitude, Respect & Loyalty is what make you Family." ~ Unknown

Day 4

"Each morning I remember to be grateful for this gi t called LIFE." ~ Unknown

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Day 5

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"Gratitude allows celebration in the present. Gratitude blocks toxic emotions like envy, resentment, regret and depression. Grateful people are more stress resilient. Gratitude strengthens social ties and self-worth." ~ Unknown

Day 6

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"Great Deeds: Great deeds cannot die. They with the sun and moon, renew their light. Forever blessing those that look on them." ~ Tennyson

Day 7

"Gratitude is an art of painting an adversity into a lovely picture." ~ Kak Sri

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Day 8

"Give Thanks. Be Grateful. Happy Dance. Jump for Joy. Celebrate." ~ Unknown

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"Gratitude does not change the scenery. It merely washes clean the glass you look through so you can clearly see the colors." ~ ~ Richelle E. Goodrich

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"Gratitude is a sacred space where you allow and know that a force greater than your ego is always at work and always available." ~ Wayne Dyer

DAY 99: It's time to revisit the intentions you wrote at the beginning of the journal, day 33 and at day 66. As you've created an abundance consciousness, through your 99 daily gratitude writings contemplate, compare and be thankful for everything that has shown up in your life.

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Some Tantalising Facts about Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Lake Armadeus

As all of the 99 gratitude photos have been taken in this area, I felt it prudent to share some facts about the area, so you can easily see why the "Earth" photos had to come from this area. It is also very important that the information shared about these areas are correct, so I have sourced the facts on these pages from http://www.parksaustralia.gov.au/uluru/ and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Lake_Amadeus Uluru, Kata Tjuta & Lake Amadeus Rising out of the surrounding Central Australian desert, Uluru and Kata Tjuta dominate the landscape. The spectacular red rocks and domes are millions upon millions of years old. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find Uluru and Kata Tjuta about 450 kilometres, or a four and a half hour drive from Alice Springs, the nearest major town. Though in a remote desert, a nearby town Yulara has been built to provide accommodation, restaurants, a supermarket, petrol and other essential services. Lake Amadeus is a large salt lake in the southwest corner of Australia's Northern Territory, about 50 km north of Uluru (Ayers Rock). How long have Aboriginal people lived in Uluru? Anangu have lived and managed this country for thousands upon thousands of years. Archaeological evidence shows Aboriginal people have lived in Central Australia for at least 30,000 years. How high is Uluru? Uluru rises 348 metres above the plain, more than 860 metres above sea level. That's higher than the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Chrysler Building in New York. When did Uluru become a national park? In 1950 Ayers Rock, today known as Uluru, was declared a national park. In 1958 both Ayers Rock and Mt Olga (Kata Tjuta) were excised from an Aboriginal reserve to form the Ayers Rock Mt Olga National Park. It took more than 35 years campaigning for Anangu to be recognised as the park's traditional owners and given the deeds back to their land. Who owns Uluru? Anangu own all of Uluru and Kata Tjuta and lease it back to Parks Australia to be jointly managed as a national park. This arrangement first came into place in October 1985, in an historic moment known today as handback.

How high is Kata Tjuta? The tallest dome of Kata Tjuta rises 546 metres above the plain, or 1,066 metres above sea level. That's the same size as the One World Trade Centre under construction in New York. Landscapes & Geology Uluru and Kata Tjuta are millions upon millions of years old. Geologists say their formation began about 550 million years ago. Back then, the Peterman Ranges to the west of Kata Tjuta were much taller than they are now. Rainwater flowed down the mountains, eroding sand and rock and dropping it in big fan shapes on the plains. One fan had mainly water-smoothed rock and the other was mainly sand. Then 500 million years ago, this whole area became covered in sea. Sand and mud fell to the bottom of the sea and covered the seabed, including the fans. The weight of this new seabed turned the fans into rock. The rocky fan became conglomerate rock (Kata Tjuta) while the sand fan turned into sandstone (Uluru). About 400 million years ago the sea disappeared. Rocks folded and tilted as the earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tectonic plates shifted. Kata Tjuta tilted slightly. Uluru tilted 90 degrees. Over the last 300 million years, softer rocks have eroded away leaving Kata Tjuta and Uluru behind. What we see at Uluru and Kata Tjuta today, are just the tips of huge rock slabs that continue below ground for up to six kilometers! Uluru is made up of a type of rock called arkose. If you take the Base Walk youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll notice the surface is actually flaky red with grey patches. These flakes are bits of rock left after water and oxygen have decayed minerals in the rock. The red is the rusting of iron found naturally in arkose and the grey is the original colour. Inside the caves you can see this original grey colour. Lake Amadeus Physical Features Due to the aridity of the area, the surface of Lake Amadeus is usually a dry salt crust. In times of sufficient rainfall, it is part of an east-flowing drainage system that eventually connects to the Finke River. Lake Amadeus is 180 kilometres (110 mi) long and 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) wide, making it the largest salt lake in the Northern Territory. Lake Amadeus contains up to 600 million tonnes of salt; however, harvesting it has not proved viable, owing to its remote location.

About the Author

Karen Chaston: Inspiring Women to Empower all areas of their lives. Karen like many women living in the 21st century wears many hats. She is a wife, mother, author, speaker, radio host, BraveHeart Women Resonator, mentor, facilitator and a former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of a publicly listed company. Surprisingly, it took Dan's (son) death for her to become more aware, grateful, healthier, energised and live in her Essence. With a wealth of knowledge and experience amassed over the course of an illustrious 20+ year career in leadership and business, Karen strives for excellence in every endeavour and seeks to expand an ever-growing network. Once trained as a BraveHeart Women Resonator, and fully embracing the tools this training provides, Karen very quickly began to realise how much easier her CFO life would have been if she had the tools back then. Not only for herself, though more importantly for her colleagues, and the company’s bottom line. This is one of the reasons Karen is so passionate about bringing these innovative tools and programs into the professional work space. Karen’s vision is to help women from all walks of life to rediscover and utilise their natural intuitive abilities and to realise how powerful and fulfilling it can be to live this way. Her passion is to collaborate in creating a new world for generations to come—one with more “conscious entrepreneurs” who allow their hearts and souls, along with their knowledge and expertise, to guide their businesses. Karen lives on the northern beaches in Sydney, Australia with her husband of more than 37 years, Andrew, and their male Spoodle, Sirius. For more information about Karen, her books and meditations, please visit www.karenchaston.com.au