Sister Bridget's Blog

On FB and in a relationship - this is a MUST READ!

Happy Friday!

Do you want this....

 

or this?

I came across this artlcle last night just before bed, and I had to restrain myself from getting up right then and there and posting the link!  Over the past few years, I have seen this exact thing happen over and over --- some of you who I have read with will remember me telling you to get off of FB and stop looking at certain people's profiles -- For The Good of your Case! I am so glad that there are people looking into this issue of the impact of FB and the whole new level of knowledge or exposure we have about other people in our lives. Being able to look into someone's life this closely was not heard of 10 or 15 years ago - and of course, people were not sharing this much information then either. Balance is everything!

I do hope this article is helpful to some! And have a great weekend everyone!

Love

Sister Bridget

Excessive Facebook use can damage relationships, study finds

Facebook and other social networking web sites have revolutionized the way people create and
maintain relationships.  However, new research shows that Facebook use could actually be damaging
to users' romantic relationships. Russell Clayton, a doctoral student in the University of Missouri
School of Journalism, found that individuals who use Facebook excessively are far more likely to
experience Facebook–related conflict with their romantic partners, which then may cause negative
relationship outcomes including emotional and physical cheating, breakup and divorce.
In their study, Clayton, along with Alexander Nagurney, an instructor at the University of Hawaii at Hilo,
and Jessica R. Smith, a doctoral student at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, surveyed Facebook users ages 18 to 82 years old. Participants were asked to describe how often they used Facebook and how much, if any, conflict arose between their current or former partners as a result of Facebook use. The researchers found that high levels of Facebook use among couples significantly predicted Facebook-related conflict, which then significantly predicted negative relationship outcomes such as cheating, breakup, and divorce. "Previous research has shown that the more a person in a romantic relationship uses Facebook, the more likely they are to monitor their partner's Facebook activity more stringently, which can lead to feelings of jealousy," Clayton said. "Facebook-induced jealousy may lead to arguments concerning past partners. Also, our study found that excessive Facebook users are more likely to connect or reconnect with other Facebook users, including previous partners, which may lead to emotional and physical cheating."
Clayton says this trend was particularly apparent in newer relationships.
"These findings held only for couples who had been in relationships of three years or less," Clayton said.
"This suggests that Facebook may be a threat to relationships that are not fully matured. On the other hand, participants who have been in relationships for longer than three years may not use Facebook as often, or may have more matured relationships, and therefore Facebook use may not be a threat or concern."
In order to prevent such conflict from arising, Clayton recommends couples, especially those who have not been together for very long, to limit their own personal Facebook use.
"Although Facebook is a great way to learn about someone, excessive Facebook use may be damaging to
newer romantic relationships," Clayton said. "Cutting back to moderate, healthy levels of Facebook usage could help reduce conflict, particularly for newer couples who are still learning about each other."
This study is forthcoming in the Journal of Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking.



ships. However, new research shows that Facebook use could actually be damaging to users' romantic relationships. Russell Clayton, a doctoral student in the University of Missouri School of Journalism, found that individuals who use Facebook excessively are far more likely to experience Facebook–related conflict with their romantic partners, which th

Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-06-excessive-facebook-relationships.html#jCp

ships. However, new research shows that Facebook use could actually be damaging to users' romantic relationships. Russell Clayton, a doctoral student in the University of Missouri School of Journalism, found that individuals who use Facebook excessively are far more likely to experience Facebook–related conflict with their romantic partners, which th

Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-06-excessive-facebook-relationships.html#jCp

ships. However, new research shows that Facebook use could actually be damaging to users' romantic relationships. Russell Clayton, a doctoral student in the University of Missouri School of Journalism, found that individuals who use Facebook excessively are far more likely to experience Facebook–related conflict with their romantic partners, which th

Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-06-excessive-facebook-relationships.html#jCp

ships. However, new research shows that Facebook use could actually be damaging to users' romantic relationships. Russell Clayton, a doctoral student in the University of Missouri School of Journalism, found that individuals who use Facebook excessively are far more likely to experience Facebook–related conflict with their romantic partners, which th

Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-06-excessive-facebook-relationships.html#jCp

ships. However, new research shows that Facebook use could actually be damaging to users' romantic relationships. Russell Clayton, a doctoral student in the University of Missouri School of Journalism, found that individuals who use Facebook excessively are far more likely to experience Facebook–related conflict with their romantic partners, which th

Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-06-excessive-facebook-relationships.html#jCp

ships. However, new research shows that Facebook use could actually be damaging to users' romantic relationships. Russell Clayton, a doctoral student in the University of Missouri School of Journalism, found that individuals who use Facebook excessively are far more likely to experience Facebook–related conflict with their romantic partners, which th

Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-06-excessive-facebook-relationships.html#jCp

ships. However, new research shows that Facebook use could actually be damaging to users' romantic relationships. Russell Clayton, a doctoral student in the University of Missouri School of Journalism, found that individuals who use Facebook excessively are far more likely to experience Facebook–related conflict with their romantic partners, which th

Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-06-excessive-facebook-relationships.html#jCp

ships. However, new research shows that Facebook use could actually be damaging to users' romantic relationships. Russell Clayton, a doctoral student in the University of Missouri School of Journalism, found that individuals who use Facebook excessively are far more likely to experience Facebook–related conflict with their romantic partners, which th

Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-06-excessive-facebook-relationships.html#jCp

Facebook and other social networking web sites have revolutionized the way people create and maintain relationships. However, new research shows that Facebook use could actually be damaging to users' romantic relationships. Russell Clayton, a doctoral student in the University of Missouri School of Journalism, found that individuals who use Facebook excessively are far more likely to experience Facebook–related conflict with their romantic partners, which then may cause negative relationship outcomes including emotional and physical cheating, breakup and divorce.

Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-06-excessive-facebook-relationships.html#jCp

Facebook and other social networking web sites have revolutionized the way people create and maintain relationships. However, new research shows that Facebook use could actually be damaging to users' romantic relationships. Russell Clayton, a doctoral student in the University of Missouri School of Journalism, found that individuals who use Facebook excessively are far more likely to experience Facebook–related conflict with their romantic partners, which then may cause negative relationship outcomes including emotional and physical cheating, breakup and divorce.

Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-06-excessive-facebook-relationships.html#jCp

Facebook and other social networking web sites have revolutionized the way people create and maintain relationships. However, new research shows that Facebook use could actually be damaging to users' romantic relationships. Russell Clayton, a doctoral student in the University of Missouri School of Journalism, found that individuals who use Facebook excessively are far more likely to experience Facebook–related conflict with their romantic partners, which then may cause negative relationship outcomes including emotional and physical cheating, breakup and divorce.

Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-06-excessive-facebook-relationships.html#jCp

Dance in the Graveyards!

Hi!

I just can not get enough of this song. I love it on so many levels!

Love

Sister Bridget

 

Lyrics:

When I die
I don’t want to rest in peace
I want to dance in joy
I want to dance in the graveyards, the graveyards
And while I’m alive
I don’t want to be alone
Mourning the ones who came before
I want to dance with them some more
Let’s dance in the graveyards

Gloria, like some other name we kept on calling ya and waiting for change
But I belong to all of your mysteries

And all of us, we’re meant for the fire, but we keep rising up and walking the wires
So when we go below don’t lose us in mourning

’Cause when I die
I don’t want to rest in peace
I want to dance in joy
I want to dance in the graveyards, the graveyards
And while I’m alive
I don’t want to be alone
Mourning the ones who came before
I want to dance with them some more
Let’s dance in the graveyards

Oh my love, don’t cry when I’m gone
I will lift you up, the air in your lungs
And when you reach for me, we’ll dance in the darkness

And we will walk beyond
Our daughters and sons, they will carry on
Like when we were young, and we will stand beside and breathe in their new life

’Cause when I die
I don’t want to rest in peace
I want to dance in joy
I want to dance in the graveyards, the graveyards
And while I’m alive
I don’t want to be alone
Mourning the ones who came before
I want to dance with them some more
Let’s dance in the graveyards

15 things to make you happier!

Hello!

This is a link to an article I just saw on FB. I don’t often repost things I see there, because I figure, If I saw it, than so has everyone else. BUT today I am making an exception. This article is well worth reading. The 15 things are by some standards no small things, but even if this article just gives us a little awareness of the time and space a few of these things may be taking up in our lives, it is so worth it.

Hope you all have a grand day!

Love

Sister Bridget

 

Get Creative!

Hello!

I wanted to let you all know about a little product tip I have recently discovered.  I was doing some work with the Baron and Maman Brigitte over the winter. It was cold out, and dark all the time, and I was really having trouble focusing on some projects I was working on. I felt stuck, blah, Shortly after completing my service, I happened to pick up a vial of Spellmaker's Voodoo Sexual Essence Oil and dabbed a little on my wrists. First, let me just say that the scent is AMAZING! Then, something else happened - the work which was feeling blah before was going better - I felt more creative and motivated than I had is quite some time. Then it hit me - who else would be at the center of creating new and exciting things ? The Baron and Brigitte, of course! They are all about creation! Now, when I set out for work in the morning, or I feel stuck on an idea or way of thinking that needs an "outside of the box" approach I dab on a bit of this oil,  and let the new, super creative ideas start rolling :-)  This oil would be great for artists, writers, etc, who are looking for some creative inspiration. But you do not need  to be an artist to benefit from the creative boost  this oil provides!

Love

Sister Bridget

 

Monday Morning Inspiration.

 

Hi there-

Hope you all had a lovely weekend. It was pretty snowy and cold where I am, so I spent a little time watching movies. I rewatched a classic - Cool Hand Luke. Paul Newman and those baby blues --- Oh My!

This scene below has been staying on my mind, and I wanted to share it with all of you. It is the epitome of determination, the fighting spirit, and to just keep on swinging, no matter how things seem.

Hope you all have a great week!

Love

Sister Bridget

 

Following a Resolution.

Hi there!

Part of ny New Year's resolution was for me to try new and exciting things. I am taking a jewelry making class. I am getting ready to sell my house and  make a really bold move. I am looking at my financials in a new light. I have also decided to try branching out a bit in my practice. I am currently starting up a shop on Etsy, and have also recently listed my readings on KEEN. It can be relaly hard in today's world to know how and where to focus one's energies. There are so many options on the 'net today and social media, to say the least, can be overwhemling. They key for me is to try really hard not to get overwhelmed by the choices, and know that the only way to know what path is right for me, is by trial and error. I do my research, listen to my guidance, and then take a try. It is a step - not always forwards, but a step none the less. Change can be scarey. New things can be overwhelming. But no progress can be made by standing still. In these days following the New Year, when your resolutions are still fresh in your mind, I encourage you to try, to take a step and see where it goes. You will miss 100% of the chances that you do not take.

Blessings,

Sister Bridget

Belleau Wood.

 

Happy New Year!

I may be a bit early with my wishes where you are - and a little late where some other are. But wherever you are, I hope you are with loved ones, and enjoying the last of this holiday season.

I recently came across this song by Garth Brooks again, after kind of having it slip my mind. It really is lovely, and tho it is about something that happened at Christmas time during WWI, the message fits New Year's as well. The lyrics of this song are really poetic - but my favorite are really the last 2 lines.

Enjoy, and I wish for next year to be the best ever for all!

Love

Sister Bridget

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hello!

Here we are, the day of turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, football and parades :-) As I am in the kitchen, chopping and prepping, I look back on this year with much gratitude.  It has been, by all standards, a year of great sorrow. And yet, those we have lost in my family, are not really lost at all. They are still here, just in another form, and I am very grateful for their continued presence in my life.  While they may not be able to help in the preparations or such, they surely will have a seat at the table today :-)

HappyThanksgiving to all -- to my family, my wondeful clients and friends. I wish you all a lovely day with those you love, here and gone, but not really.

Love

Sister Bridget

 

                                                         Thanksgiving Prayer

We return thanks to our mother, the earth, which sustains us.

We return thanks to the rivers and streams, which supply us with water.

We return thanks to all herbs, which furnish medicines for the cure of our diseases.

We return thanks to the moon and stars, which have given to us their light when the sun was gone.

We return thanks to the sun, that has looked upon the earth with a beneficent eye.

Lastly, we return thanks to the Great Spirit, in Whom is embodied all goodness, and Who directs all things for the good of Her children.

Iroquois Prayer, adapted bySisters of St. Joseph of Peace

 

Get Ready for a Walk through the Chakras.

Hello All!

I hope you all have been enjoying your Autumn. I just returned home last week from a visit with Mambo Sam and Parran Matt for Fet Ghede and more :-) It was a really wonderful ten days, and even though it was a whole ten days, boy it went by fast! I have alot to report, and alot of photos to share, including a really awesome trip to a local New Mexico cemetary which included a big sign from my dearly departed Dad. Lots of new posts to come!

As I get back into the swing of things here, I would like to start off with some information about the Chakras, and how they influence our life and our well being - both physically and emotionally. I have a series of articles ready, which will walk us through each chakra, it's associations, and also the life issues which may be manifesting if we have a chakra that is a little "out of whack." This will be something that we can discuss over a few weeks, and I really do welcome questions and comments. Please feel free to post a comment here on typepad, or on facebook, or even email me directly at bridget@spellmaker.com

Chakras are energy centers within the body that affect our physical, emotional, mental and physical well-being. Chakras come from the Sanskrit word meaning "wheels of light." Chakras are like a blueprint of energy for individuality. These energy centers hold a vibration and color, like a human rainbow.

There are many ways that can help balance your chakras (and we will get to this!)  But first, do you know if you're out of balance?

When you work on the chakras that are closed or weak, you'll be directly influencing that particular area of your life, for example, finances, sex life, self-esteem, compassion, expression, intuition and spirituality.

Are your finances in trouble? Are you feeling insecure? Do you need to perform better at work and get that raise or promotion? Strengthen your Root or 1st Chakra.

Do you want to spice up your sex life or feel more passionate and creative? Unblock your Sacral or 2nd Chakra.

Want to feel more self-confident and powerful in achieving your goals? Strengthen your Solar Plexus or 3rd Chakra.

Want to feel more love, be able to forgive past grievances, and connect better with your spouse, kids, friends and co-workers? Work on your 4th or Heart Chakra.

Afraid of public speaking? Want to be able to express your truth and be understood? Balance your 5th or Throat Chakra.

Want more inspiration on which path you should take in life? Want to increase your intuition and psychic abilities? Open your 6th or Third Eye Chakra.

Want to feel at one with all there is? Have more peace, harmony and connection to spirit? Work on your 7th or Crown Chakra.

If you want to get balanced, get centered, get energized, get relaxed, get inspired, get clear, get connected, get going... chakra healing can be your answer. When your chakras are balanced, your life will also feel balanced.

When we learn to balance our chakras, we learn to craft our lives the way we want them to be, rather than living in constant reaction to forces outside of us.

These spirals of energy are wheels that heal, feeding the body good energy and relieving it of that we do not want. Chakras cannot be held, stroked or bottled up like a genie, yet our physical bodies soak them up thirstily and they profoundly affect our metabolism, emotions, sensations and behaviors. In addition to their roles in the physical realm, chakras work on a higher plane, waking us to the realization that our body, mind and spirit are forever and inextricably linked.

Ok, that is enough for one day! Please look for more new posts to come, and even some new products in the works as well!

Hope you all have a wonderful day!

Love

Sister Bridget

www.spellmaker.com/bridget.htm

bridget@spellmaker.com

On the death of a Beloved.

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers for Sister Candelaria.  To me, these past few weeks seem quite surreal. I am very grateful that Sister's suffering is no more, and that she is in the arms of other departed loved ones. Still, the hole left is a great one. Words are very difficult at this time. I feel the poem below begins to say a bit how things are feeling now. In the days to come, there will be celebrations of Sister's life and tears for her loss. For now, rest well, Sweet Sister.

Love

Sister Bridget

 

On the Loss of a Beloved by John O'Donoghue

Though we need to weep your loss,
You dwell in that safe place in our hearts,
Where no storm or might or pain can reach you.

Your love was like the dawn
Brightening over our lives
Awakening beneath the dark
A further adventure of colour.

The sound of your voice
Found for us
A new music
That brightened everything.

Whatever you enfolded in your gaze
Quickened in the joy of its being;
You placed smiles like flowers
On the altar of the heart.
Your mind always sparkled
With wonder at things.

Though your days here were brief,
Your spirit was live, awake, complete.

We look towards each other no longer
From the old distance of our names;
Now you dwell inside the rhythm of breath,
As close to us as we are to ourselves.

Though we cannot see you with outward eyes,
We know our soul's gaze is upon your face,
Smiling back at us from within everything
To which we bring our best refinement.

Let us not look for you only in memory,
Where we would grow lonely without you.
You would want us to find you in presence,
Beside us when beauty brightens,
When kindness glows
And music echoes eternal tones.

When orchids brighten the earth,
Darkest winter has turned to spring;
May this dark grief flower with hope
In every heart that loves you.

May you continue to inspire us:

To enter each day with a generous heart.
To serve the call of courage and love
Until we see your beautiful face again
In that land where there is no more separation,
Where all tears will be wiped from our mind,
And where we will never lose you again.