A Great Success!
SPARK YOUR SPARK 21 Day Challenge
August 1st – 21st

Hundreds of participants engaged in the Spark Your Spark 21 Day Challenge which took place between August 1st and 21st .  Each day an action prompt was given to challenge participants to delve deeper into the Soul of Women theme and to reflect on how to live by igniting the divine spark within.  Upon completion of the challenge a webinar was hosted to share the inspirations and experiences gained by participants which was hosted by Maki and Yuka Saionji along with founding signatory Dr. Jude Currivan.

Some of the top daily action prompts for reflection included:

Ignite the Spark in Darkness

Find the Spark of Hope

Give to Others with your Spark

Affirm the Spark Within

Watch the the Spark Your Spark Webinar by Clicking Here

SPARK YOUR SPARK
We are all born with the divine spark of amazing potential within us. Our societies though bombard us with so much conflicting information and messages that we may feel lost, afraid and small living in this world. The radiant inner spark that we see when we gaze on a new born baby’s face, shining with love, trust and innocence, may feel diminished or even forgotten within ourselves. Yet it remains, always, within us. As Jane Goodall said, “When we regain our spiritual connection with our inner selves, and with Mother Nature, we can achieve our true human potential.” This Spark Your Spark Challenge invites you to discover your highest potential, so that we can all shine each in our own way. Everyday, you’ll receive an action prompt that helps you reconnect with the divine spark within yourself, others and all life and to radiate your love, wisdom, power and compassion in the world.

————————————————————————–

DAY１

SPARK POSITIVE THOUGHTS WITH YOUR BREATHING

“When you own your breath, nobody can steal your peace.”－Unknown

Peaceful, refreshed breathing combined with positive thinking can be a very effective way to create new habits and make each moment come alive. Take a moment to concentrate on your breathing. With each breath, imagine that the whole universe is breathing with you. Animals, plants, rivers, stones, the oceans, the earth and the stars: everything is alive and breathing. Everything is in oneness and harmony. As you continue inhaling and exhaling, let your mind expand to embrace everything in nature.

Next, try adding a positive thought to your breathing, like this:

1. Inhale thinking: I am one with the universe.
2. Pause and think a wonderful, positive thought (for example: Infinite Love! or Everything is getting better!)
3. Exhale thinking: I am one with all living things.

Continue this breathing method for as long as you like, giving life and energy to your positive thoughts!

Here is a video of the beautiful nature in the summer time for more inspiration.

————————————————————————–

DAY2

FEEL YOUR SPARK BLOSSOM

“To see a world in a grain of sand and heaven in a wild flower, Hold infinity in the palms of your hand and eternity in an hour.”－William Blake

We can sense the divine spark even in a single flower. Today, hold a flower gently in your hands and cup its blossom to your heart, feeling the connection between its radiance and your own inner spark. As you sense yourself inwardly blossoming, offer gratitude to the flower and to the divine spark that exists within you both and throughout all creation.

If you want to step it up a bit, watch this video and connect with someone who has helped you grow…. maybe even give them that flower !!!

————————————————————————–

DAY3

AFFIRM YOUR SPARK WITHIN

“The Divine Light is always in man, presenting itself to the senses and to the comprehension, but man rejects it.”－Giordano Bruno

Every single one of us has a divine spark within, and that includes you. In order to let your divine spark shine forth, you first need to acknowledge its presence. Take a moment to look in the mirror and say to yourself: “I am a divine being.” You might feel embarrassed or even a little guilty at first to call yourself divine, but keep repeating it as many times as needed until the words start sinking into you. There definitely is a divine spark inside of you-you only need to say ‘yes’ to it.

Watch this for more inspiration.

————————————————————————–

DAY4

LET YOUR INTUITION SPARK YOU

“Intuition is seeing with the soul.”―Dean Koontz

Do you sometimes have the experience where a thought flashes through your mind, seemingly out of nowhere. You might think, “I should call up that friend,” or “Perhaps I should try out this idea”. But often, we quickly dismiss these thoughts, thinking to ourselves, “Maybe another time”. Today, be mindful of your sparks of intuition, and try following through on them. Very often, that intuition, or inner spark, is your best guide. See what happens when you listen to it!

Here is a video that talks about how believing your intuition can change your life. Enjoy.

————————————————————————–

DAY5

RECOGNIZE THE SPARK WHERE IT IS HARDEST TO SEE

“Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it. “

―Mark Twain

A divine spark resides within each and every human being, including those who we identify as being unpleasant, troublesome, or hurtful. Choose someone who is a source of irritation or resentment for you. Silently send him or her as many blessings, well wishes, and prayers for their happiness as you can throughout the day. Notice how your heart softens. You may even be surprised to see some changes in the other person.

Here is a video that introduces the 4 mantras by Thich Nhat Han, inspirtation for ways to send well wishes and blessing.

————————————————————————–

DAY6

SPARK WAVES OF GRATITUDE

“The thankful heart opens our eyes to a multitude of blessings that continually surround us.” ―James E. Faust

In the midst of our everyday lives, with their busyness and mundane chores, we often take things for granted. At the end of the day, in the quiet time before you go to sleep, spend a few moments reflecting on the experiences of the day. As you do, allow your mind-and your heart-to remember something, however small and apparently inconsequential it may seem, to be grateful for. It might be a beautiful sunset, a delicious meal, or someone’s unexpected kindness. Or, it might be something that felt challenging or painful, but in this quiet time you can see how it has helped you to learn and grow. Whatever your heart alights upon, feel and express a sense of gratitude for its presence in your life.

Here is a beautiful song about gratefulness by dear service space friend Nimo. Please Watch this video to bring out the gratefulness in us.

————————————————————————–

DAY7

LISTEN TO THE SPARK IN THE EARTH

“The Earth calls, out of a deep longing in the Earth for its sacred nature to be recognized, for its heart to be seen and known – for the Real to return. When humanity responds, recognizes the Real in life and offers it back to life, the heart of the world can open and all life can begin to sing.”―Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee

The Earth’s beauty and bounty is what sustains our souls. Without butterflies, clear blue waters, the songs of birds, and the strength of the mountains and winds, what do we have? Yet, the Earth needs us as much as we need her. She needs us to remember and honor her and sing her songs.

This is an exercise in feeling and in engendering gratitude to the Earth. Set aside 30 minutes in your day, and find a nice place to be outdoors-on soft green grass, under a tree, in a park, or anywhere in nature. Sit on the Earth and lie down on the Earth. Become like a child again. Feel the energy of the Earth through your body. Feel the love that the Earth has for you, as she has for all her creatures. As this love flows through your body, return it to the Earth with your breath. Let the Earth feel the love emanating from the core of your heart. Show her your gratitude for sustaining your life with the healthful food, pure water, clean air, clothing, and shelter that she provides and has provided for all those who came before us.

Here is a 3 minute video for inspiration from Llewellyn Vaughan.

————————————————————————–

DAY8

SPARK HAPPINESS IN OTHERS

“Whatever one frequently thinks and ponders upon, that will become the inclination of his mind.”－Buddha

In order to bring peace and happiness to the world, it is important to align our thoughts with this aim as much as possible. Consciously thinking of the happiness of others helps to orient and guide our thoughts and behavior, and creates good vibrations both within us and all around us.

Today, begin every conversation by thinking to yourself, “I want this person to be happy.”Try not to get distracted by external events or negative thoughts that might pop up in your mind. Let this intention guide your interactions, and observe and be aware of what happens. If possible, continue doing this for few days.

This video may help to free our minds.

————————————————————————–

DAY9

SPARK LOVE WITH SOUL-TO-SOUL CONNECTIONS

“Hope never abandons you; you abandon it.”－George Weinberg

This is something you can do anytime you are around other people-when you are walking down the street, in a restaurant or a market, at work, or anywhere. Put your attention in your heart and for ten minutes, choose to see everyone as a soul. Open to your soul-to-soul connection with each person you encounter. As you begin this practice, let it be a silent soul-to-soul connection. Practice this as much at you like. As you practice, you will begin to feel the divine spark of love in everyone, and see your own beautiful reflection in them. If possible, continue doing this at least once a day.

Watch this video for some more inspiration from the author of The Seat of the Soul.

————————————————————————–

DAY10

DISCOVER YOUR SPARK THROUGH JOURNALING

“Journal writing is a voyage to the interior.”―Christina Baldwin

Peace begins with a higher consciousness, which needs to be developed on a daily basis for ourselves, our community, our organization, our society, the world, and the universe. To develop this higher consciousness, we need to understand our inner self-the inner place from where we operate. Journaling can give us this insight, as it enables us to communicate with our soul. Journaling leads us through a process of self-reflection that enables us to attain a deeper level of understanding and identify concrete steps for action.

The challenge in journaling is to let go of your miscellaneous thoughts and distractions. If you can do this, you will have an inspiring conversation with your higher self. Set aside 15 minutes of your day for reflection through writing in a journal. You might wish to start with one of these phrases:

When I feel understood…

When I am at my best…

What I really care about is…

Feel free to choose any other starting point. Continue this practice every day for as long as you can, taking 15 minutes a day for inner reflection. Keep a list or a set of cards with different starting points to prompt your writing, and choose one at random.

————————————————————————–

DAY11

GIVE TO OTHERS WITH YOUR SPARK

“There is nothing more beautiful and powerful on this plane than a human being aligned with the Absolute, in service to the Absolute, who wants nothing for herself. A human being aligned with Truth is the most extraordinary energy transmitter. She becomes like an open doorway from the Absolute down to creation. Such a human being becomes a link of love between the worlds.”―Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee

The world today is in dire need of more acts of generosity. When our actions come from a place of loving service, they hold tremendous power. Even one small action rooted in selfless love can have far reaching outcomes. Whatever activities we engage in during the day-whether alone or interacting with others-we can make each one an offering, a gift of service.

Today, in whatever way you can, small or grand, try to put others before yourself. In your workplace, at school, at home, or wherever you are, ask yourself how you can do things in a manner of greater service and generosity-a way that brings joy to others. Their joy will become your joy, and you will gain a deeper understanding of the oneness and interconnection of all life.

Here is the video by Nipun Mehta san, about generousity. Maybe youve seen it already, but its always wonderful to see again. enjoy !!

————————————————————————–

DAY12

FIND THE SPARK OF HOPE

“Hope never abandons you; you abandon it.”－George Weinberg

Some days are really hard. We may feel worried, challenged, saddened and overwhelmed by our circumstances. At these times, we may feel a long way from sparking our spark. Yet it’s precisely at such times that we need to and can spark hope within ourselves. When things feel darkest, the spark of hope shows us the way home.

Remember a time when you’ve felt hopeless. Recall that, however difficult the situation was, by seeing something even the tiniest amount of good or the most distant hopeful possibility, you found the courage to move forward. Take a deep breath and resolve to always carry with you on your life’s journey that bright ember of hope to light your way.

Watch this video  for inspiration.

————————————————————————–

DAY13

SPARK A CHANGE IN WATER

“Every word we speak, every thought we have, each and every tiny movement of ours makes a difference.”－Yuko Tolle

Did you ever talk to the water you drink? By taking pictures of water crystals, Dr. Masaru Emoto visibly showed us that water reacts to our thoughts, emotions, words and prayers. The words ‘gratitude’ and ‘love’ in combination made the most beautiful water crystals, while negative emotions and destructive words led to unsightly shapes or no crystals at all. If we can affect the makeup of water just by talking to it, what happens to the person who drinks the transformed water?

Fill a glass with water and take a sip. Carefully observe the taste of it. Then take the glass with both hands and speak to the water: “Thank you, dear water. I love you.” Let the words resonate in your heart, feeling love and gratitude for the water. Let this same vibration emanate from your hands into the water. Hold your glass for one minute, just feeling the presence of this beloved water. Carefully take another sip of the water. How does it taste now? What is its consistency? Did you notice any difference? Drink more of the water. How do you yourself feel? Note your observations.

Watch this video of the experiments of Dr. Masaru Emoto for some more inspiration.

————————————————————————–

DAY14

SPARK EXCELLENCE BY AIMING FOR AVERAGE

“Don’t try to be good. Aim for average, and you will often relax enough to be good, and occasionally excellent.” －Keith Johnstone

It is almost impossible to edit the expression of ideas that we haven’t yet allowed to come out into the world. And in our world, we often put a big emphasis on making things ‘perfect’. When we are expressing something new, the desire to make it instantly perfect can stop us from trying to express it at all. This dulls our spark.

So today, Dear One, you are invited to reflect on where you feel stuck in this way. It could be with an email, a proposal, a blog, or a book. Sit for a few minutes with a notebook and pen, and ask yourself, “If I was only aiming for this expression to be average, how would it be?” and write down what comes. Be gentle, playful, and curious with yourself. You now have your first draft. Aim for average, so you can relax enough to get the expression out.

————————————————————————–

DAY15

GIVE SPARK TO YOUR WORDS

“Words are the bricks of our world and they have the power to change it.”

－Enock Maregesi

The words we use from day to day hold tremendous power in them. If we were more conscious of the power of our words, we would be more careful with the kinds of words we use. Today, make it your goal to be mindful of the words you speak-both to yourself and to others. Try to choose words that are positive, gentle and encouraging. If you catch yourself uttering a negative word, immediately replace it with a positive one. For example, if your first response was “I can’t do it,” immediately counter it by saying “Infinite possibility!” You will be surprised at how intentionally using positive words can change your mood and allow you to connect with your inner spark.

Read this for more inspiration.

————————————————————————–

DAY16

IGNITE THE SPARK IN DARKNESS

“As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world as being able to remake ourselves.”－Mahatma Gandhi

Sometimes we despair under the weight of seemingly insurmountable problems in the world-violence, climate change, greed, hunger, and indifference. It can feel like everything is frozen in the bleak prevailing darkness. In these moments, it is essential to remember the divine spark within each one of us. Although we cannot change our whole society at once, we can change our own attitude. Acts of kindness, generosity, and love open up spaces for new possibilities and hope. Like a rock thrown into a pond, the ripples of our actions reverberate all around us. Through each act of kindness, we can soften the world in which we live, and as our actions spread outward, the force of change becomes ever greater.

Today, ignite your spark by initiating some act of kindness or generosity, no matter how small. Whatever your circumstances might be, in whatever way you can, make the world around you a little bit brighter.

————————————————————————–

DAY17

SEE THE SPARK IN OTHER’S EYES

“In your eyes your true heart can be seen, and through your eyes divine love shines.”

－Yuko Tolle

Most of the time, we do not look into people’s eyes when we are not talking to them. This is especially true when we meet someone for the first time. But the eyes are windows into the soul, and by looking into them, we can find the divine spark and come in contact with the other person’s heart. So today, try this:

Kindly ask a person you have just met to share 3 minutes of eye contact with you. But if this is a bit challenging for you, then you can try with someone you are comfortable with.

Start with a smile from your heart and look, very gently, deep into his or her eyes. Continue the warm eye contact without moving or talking, just concentrating on the person’s eyes. Simply be present in that moment, allowing yourself to feel it deeply. After 3 minutes, thank the other person and just do what comes naturally. Maybe you feel like giving the person a hug, or sharing a big smile. How did you and the other person feel? Share your experiences.

Watch this video that shows about the experiment of strangers making eye contact, here is another video with the same concept, but experiment that involves people we know 😉 for more inspiration. Enjoy.

————————————————————————–

DAY18

IDENTIFY THE SPARK IN OTHERS

“It is not what you look at that matters. It is what you see.”－Henry David Thoreau

Our inner divine spark is uniquely our own. In some of us it may shine through vividly, while in others it may have yet to find expression. Whomever you interact with today-your spouse, a colleague, a neighbor, or your doorman-look at them from a different perspective, and think about what makes them special. Then, tell that person what you admire about them. It will not only make his or her day, but you will foster a spark-to-spark connection with them. Here is a video for inspiration.

————————————————————————–

DAY19

TURN A SETBACK INTO A SPARK OF HOPE

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that.”－Martin Luther King, Jr.

Every day of our life, we encounter difficulties, setbacks, and things that don’t go our way. Some are very small, such as taking a wrong turn on our way somewhere, while others are much more significant, such as losing one’s job or losing a loved one. But no matter how large or small the incident might be, the way we perceive and respond to it can make an enormous difference in helping us to maintain our mental health and happiness.

Today, when a situation arises in which things don’t go the way you want or expect them to go, take a moment and think or say to yourself:

If this is an opportunity to train a specific skill, or to grow inwardly, what would it be? (ex. learn about forgiveness, letting go.. or not giving up, the will to trust, being serious… or to be silly ??)

By focusing on the brighter future ahead, you will be able to accept anything that comes your way, and to see the light and the opportunity of learning within any darkness.

And maybe, maybe, if you are able to find some good or opportunity of growth out of that incidence, you may think…. “That incident appeared in my life in order to fade away and vanish forever. Now that it’s in the past, things will definitely get better.”

Watch this video for more inspiration.

————————————————————————–

DAY20

AWAKEN THE SPARK THROUGH YOUR THIRD EYE

“When we heal the earth, we heal ourselves.”－David Orr

Through our physical eyes we see the beauty of Mother Earth-greenery, flowers animals and glaciers. Our survival is linked to hers, and she is suffering from unprecedented damage. Now, let us perceive Mother Earth through our Third Eye. The Third Eye Chakra provides us with energy for spiritual reflection and an enlightened state of consciousness. This allows for clearer thought and vision, which can translate into actions that are mutually healing to Mother Earth and all of us.

The Third Eye Chakra is located at the forefront of your brain, between your two eyes. Sit in meditation while focusing on this Chakra and visualize your inner spark connecting with and healing Mother Earth. The more you practice, the more opportunities you will find for mutually creative healing actions.

————————————————————————–

DAY21

EXPAND YOUR SPARK AND SHARE IT WITH A PRAYER

“A heartfelt prayer is more powerful than an atom bomb.”－Grandfather Harry Bird

Today is the last day of our 21-DaySpark Your Spark Challenge! You have tried different ways to reconnect with the divine spark within yourself, others and all life. To conclude, let’s go back to the simple but profound act of prayer.

When you touch a new candle to one that has a flame, for a moment that one flame is expanded. Begin this day with a vision of your divine spark as a lit candle. Say a prayer for yourself as you light a second candle from your divine spark. Feel that spark expand within you.

Now, thinking again of your divine spark as a candle, make it a point to light and expand the divine spark in someone else at least once today, by touching your light to theirs in prayer. You can share your intention with that other person, or you can simply pray for them and for their divine spark to expand. As we pray for one another and for humanity as a whole, our thoughts and actions will change ourselves and the world around us.

Listen to this song for inspiration!

————————————————————————–