Water Gratitude Journal - Sneak Peak by Jonathan Sharp

"Water" Gratitude Journal By

Karen Chaston

"Sirius Black" Chaston Co-photographer

ISBN-10: 0994175337 ISBN-13: 978-09941753-3-5 Published by Kazand Investments Pty Ltd Copyright ÂŠ Karen Chaston 2015 All rights reserved Second 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 Editor: Kaz (Karen) Pearce

Be Thankful

Be thankful that you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t already have everything you desire, If you did, what would there be to look forward to? Be thankful when you don't know something For it gives you the opportunity to learn. Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow. Be thankful for your limitations Because they give you opportunities for improvement. Be thankful for each new challenge Because it will build your strength and character. Be thankful for your mistakes They will teach you valuable lessons. Be thankful when you're tired and weary Because it means you've made a difference. It is easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks. GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles and they can become your blessings. ~ Author Unknown

Karen's Gratitude To You

Thank you for honouring yourself by investing in this unique and very special "Water ~ 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 now receive through your daily gratitude writings. And thirdly, I will donate a $1 for every "Water Journal" sold to the Manly Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shelter, located in Manly, NSW. Australia. I am grateful for your purchase and for the times we live in. Firstly, as I personally took the 99 daily gratitude photographs with my trusty little I-phone, allowing each page to be a treasured gift within itself. I have not altered the pictures in anyway, so please take time to enjoy the many amazing scenes and the natural multi-coloured canvas of our beautiful world. Secondly, the daily Gratitude quotes were so easily compiled and referenced. Yes, we live in a world where everything is a couple of clicks away!! I look forward to you sharing your"99 Day Gratitude Journey" with me someday. May your life be filled with "Love & Gratitude" Karen Chaston PS: Please connect with me at karen@karenchaston.com.au

"Water" The idea to create a picture Gratitude book came to me when I met Brownyn and viewed her amazing sketches.

This "Water Gratitude Journal" is the first in a series that will honour the four elements (states of matter) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Earth, Air, Fire and Water. Water is a feminine energy and highly connected with the aspects of the Goddess. Used for healing, cleansing and purification, Water is related to the West, and associated with passion and emotion. As you may expect, water is associated with the color blue and the Tarot suit of Cup cards. The element of Water is associated with the signs Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces. Watery descriptions are well suited to this element: fluid, flowing, wavering. These terms can easily apply to an individual's emotions - the realm where Water most powerfully exerts its influence. Water signs are intuitive and sensitive and they feel more intensely than the rest. They are emotional and nurturing and like a river, they run deep. How things feel is what matters to these folks, and they base their actions on sense, rather than on logic or intellect. Water is also about compassion and understanding, since the receptive talents of these individuals are remarkably high. Water sign people can take in the feelings of others, process them and put forth a plan or solution that will be conscientious to all. Those graced by Water love to take their sense of the world and translate it into the artistic. They desire aesthetic beauty - and for everyone to be happy as a result of that beauty. Much like still water can become stagnant; however, an inactive Water sign person is not at their best. Water signs feel most fulfilled when they are helping others, and they do so in an enchanting, considerate and even romantic way.

Josh and Dan, my twin sons are Pisces. Unfortunately Dan is now in spirit, Though I am sure it was through his guidance that this book was created. Most of the photos were photographed as I walked with Sirius, my dog, around the Northern Beaches area of Sydney, Australia. For a couple of years prior to Dan's passing, he surfed most days at Narrabeen.

99 Days of Gratitude

Do you desire more fun, joy, love and happiness in your life? Great, now that you have received this journal you're well on the road to making this a reality. Though, the first step 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 "Water" Gratitude journal donates a $1 to the Manly Women's Shelter, located in Manly NSW Australia.

Benefits of Gratitude GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be Thankful for your Troubles and they can become your Blessings

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 Exercise 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. It's the beginning of the next chapter of your life. Here are some suggestions you may like to adopt, so you may 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 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. As 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 only" exercise. * Take note of the daily chakra colour on the page. Connect your mind, body and soul. You're on that page for a reason. * 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.

"We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect." ~ Anais nin The Law of Gratitude is part of the Law of Attraction. If you seek empowerment in all areas of your life, follow these laws and you will be rewarded with whatever you desire in life. Gratitude is defined by your attitude towards both the outside world and yourself. Those who are more aware of the positives in their lives tend to focus their attention outside of themselves. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not how much you have, but how you feel about what you have that makes the difference.

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 17-second moment, the idea comes together and a specific energy is formed.

Day 1

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"You simply will not be the same person two months [imagine three months,then] from now a ter consciously giving thanks each day for the abundance that exists in your life. And you will have set in motion an ancient spiritual law: the more you have and are grateful for, the more will be given to you.â&#x20AC;? ~ Sarah Ban Breathnach

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Day 2

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"Both abundance and lack exist simultaneously in our lives, as parallel realities. It is always our conscious choice which secret garden we will tend… when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that’s present — love, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature and personal pursuits that bring us pleasure — the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience Heaven on earth.” ~ Sarah Ban Breathnach

Day 3

"Some people grumble that roses have thorns; I am grateful that thorns have roses.â&#x20AC;? ~Alphonse Karr

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Day 4

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"Can you see the holiness in those things you take for granted-a paved road or a washing machine? If you concentrate on ﬁnding what is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be ﬁlled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul.” ~Rabbi Harold Kushner

Day 5

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"Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough." ~ Oprah Winfrey

Day 6

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"God gave you a gi t of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say â&#x20AC;&#x153;thank you?â&#x20AC;? ~ William A. Ward

Day 7

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"The world has enough beautiful mountains and meadows, spectacular skies and serene lakes. It has enough lush forests, ďŹ&#x201A;owered ďŹ elds and sandy beaches. It has plenty of stars and the promise of a new sunrise and sunset every day. What the world needs more of is people to appreciate and enjoy it." ~ Michael Josephson

Day 8

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"There is a law of gratitude, and it is . . . the natural principle that action and reaction are always equal and in opposite directions. The grateful outreaching of your mind in thankful praise to supreme intelligence is a liberation or expenditure of force. It cannot fail to reach that to which it is addressed, and the reaction is an instantaneous movement toward you.â&#x20AC;? ~Wally Wattles

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"The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magniďŹ cent world in itself.â&#x20AC;? ~ Henry Miller

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"Gratitude is more of a compliment to yourself than someone else."

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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Meditation â&#x20AC;&#x153;You yourself, as much as anyone in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.â&#x20AC;? ~ Buddha Meditation is another great daily ritual that you may like to consider performing either before or after your daily Gratitude practice. Through meditation we can feel more connected to ourselves, others and the Universe. Always remember that we're "spiritual beings having an earthly experience" and "we only spend the entire day with ourselves," so it's important to put ourselves first. Here are some health benefits of meditation: * Better Focus: When we meditate, we focus and this assists us to focus on things when weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not meditating. * Less Anxiety: Meditation helps us look at things more rationally, therefore creating less anxiety. * More Creativity: During meditation, we quiet our mind, which allows the creative juices to flow. * More Compassion: Empathy and compassion are higher in people who meditate. * Better Memory: Rapid memory recall is linked to meditation. * Less Stress: Meditating lessens stress and can build up our brains and guard against information overload. * More Grey Matter: People who mediate have more grey matter in their brains, which can lead to more positive emotions, longer-lasting emotional stability and heightened focus during daily life. If you do not meditate, you may like to research some of the many, many different ways to meditate. Go online and find the one that suits you best. Also visit my website www.karenchaston.com.au, as I have numerous guided meditations available, including 8-9 minute chakra focused meditations. Meditation will assist you to always be aware of your current vibrational level.

Scale of Consciousness (David Hawkins)

Level

Enlightenment Peace Joy Love Reason Acceptance Willingness Neutrality Courage Pride Anger Desire Fear Grief Apathy Guilt Shame

Log

700 - 1000 600 540 500 400 350 310 250 200 175 150 125 100 75 50 30 20

Emotion

Ineffable Bliss Serenity Reverence Understanding Forgiveness Optimism Trust Affirmation Scorn Hate Craving Anxiety Regret Despair Blame Humiliation

Life View

Is Perfect Complete Benign Meaningful Harmonious Hopeful Satisfactory Feasible Demanding Antagonistic Disappointing Frightening Tragic Hopeless Evil Miserable

Familiarise yourself with David Hawkins, scale to measure your energetic vibration. The higher your vibration the more at ease your life will become. There is much less worry, anxiety, fear, anger and resentment at the higher vibrations. You will find much more joy, peace, love, gratitude and calm, the higher you keep your vibrations. You will also experience much more clarity since you will be sitting more in your personal truth and expressing yourself more authentically, becomes easier.

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