Strengthening Your Manifesting Muscle

BY ROBIN SHUPE KELLER

“Ask and it will be given to you…” - Matthew 7:7

There is a lot of information out there about the law of attraction and manifesting your dreams. Manifesting is the process of bringing forth events, things, and experiences into your life through the energy, thoughts, and intention you put out into the world. I began in the 1980s, through my various mentors, to very effectively use this method to acquire jobs, relationships, and travel experiences that I wanted to enjoy. Over the last several years, due to health problems, the death of my mother, a major life change, and, oh, yeah, the pandemic, I have allowed thoughts of fear and doubt to slowly infest my mind and rob me of the peace, joy, and adventures life has yet to offer me.

The Neil Young lyrics “in the field of opportunity it’s plowing time again ‘’ remind me that I have the opportunity at any time to plow up these current negative thoughts, feelings, and habits and to plant the seeds that will restore my ability to once again manifest my desires. Seeds like faith over fear, peace over anxiety, and love over hate. My manifesting muscle, that had become extremely weak through lack of use, needed to be worked again to return it to its full potential. We have all heard the saying “if you don’t use it, you lose it.” I believe manifesting is like a muscle and can be strengthened with use. The path we need to restore and maintain that muscle will be a lifelong journey, but definitely, a journey worth taking.

To begin, I had to look back at the advice of my mentors through the years and filter through all the books, articles, and presentations to figure out the most effective way for me to quickly strengthen my manifesting muscle. Although there are many teachings, ideas, and information on the subject, the best method for me to maintain a practice and to instill a habit must be simple and succinct. So, I have outlined the four essential steps that require only minutes per day to see amazing results. SEE IT

“When you visualize, then you materialize.” - Denis Waitley

When you wake up in the morning, leave something beside your bed to remind you not to get up immediately. It is so easy to automatically start your day the same way every day, so this will help. It can be a note, a glass of water, a crystal, anything that will remind you to start your day manifesting.

First, you need to see in your head what it is that you want in order to begin manifesting it into your life. To begin to build the manifesting muscle you can start small with something like a feather, a good parking space, or communication from a loved one. When you visualize the item, person, or experience in your head, give it as much detail as possible. Some people like to put an energy field or light around it, others just vivid pictures, but just spend a few minutes with this visualization.

BELIEVE IT “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t –you’re right.” - Henry Ford

Another important aspect of this process is to believe that you have already acquired the item or experience and see it in your head as if it has already been given to you or that you are already experiencing it. How do you feel, where are you, and who is with you? Are you happy, excited, or proud? What are the feelings and emotions that surround you as you are looking at what you are manifesting? If you do not believe it yourself, then you will not attract the people, things, or events necessary to manifest your desires. BE GRATEFUL

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” - John F. Kennedy

This is a huge component of manifesting. Be grateful, as if you have already received what you want. Be grateful for everything that you have and everything that you want to receive. Any religion or beliefs that you hold close, your concept of God and the universe, is part of this energy force that wants you to experience peace and joy. Whether you choose to believe in it or not, it is still there and exists as an energy field in this world connecting us all together. Live every day with an attitude of gratitude for everyone and each experience.

LET IT GO “Surrender is the simple but profound wisdom of yielding to rather than opposing the flow of life.” - Eckhart Tolle

Finally, surrender it to the universal field of energy and continue your day. Do not obsess about whether it will show up or how. Keep your mind and eyes open daily to the miracles that are all around you. When you open yourself up to the beauty that is already there, by putting your intentions on positive outcomes for yourself and others, by focusing on the heroes and not the villains, and choosing your thoughts based on what you want and not on what you fear, then doors will begin to open, and you will attract all that you will need to manifest your dreams.

EXPLORE CHARLOTTE THROUGH COMEDY

Discover Charlotte in a hilarious new way on the Funny Bus Comedy City Tour. It’s the perfect plan when you have company in town, celebrating a special occasion, or just want to explore the city.

The Funny Bus is a tour that runs for 90-minutes, seven days a week throughout the entire year with 10 or more tour times available between Saturday and Sunday. Patrons are invited to bring their own beer or wine and now offer a “Funny Bus” lager, brewed by Charlotte’s own Ass Clown Brewing. The lager is sold around Charlotte, including at the Market on 7th right across the street from the Funny Bus pickup location at First Ward Park in Uptown Charlotte.

The Funny Bus rolls through all the cool, hip neighborhoods surrounding and including Uptown, such as the NoDa Art District, historic South End, and the eclectic Plaza Midwood. The comedian/tour guide on the bus is not only filling guests in on the history of the Queen City, but also performing stand-up comedy routines and improv jokes while getting patrons involved with games, music, and fun! It’s the perfect way to show off the city to your out-of-town guests.

The Funny Bus tours are very popular with locals to kick off a night on the town, to celebrate a birthday or bachelor party, or even as a great afternoon team building experience. Many locals are repeat guests since the show is a bit different every time. Tourists love it, because it includes some of the iconic city sites including Panthers Stadium, Knights Stadium, and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The tour also includes several historical statues, buildings, parks, cemeteries, and more! With the city’s landscape changing daily, there is always something new to see. The local comics always have new and funny material with unique points-of-interests for patrons to enjoy.

The open-air concept allows guests to become part of the bustling streets of Charlotte while laughing the whole way. Every time they pass a police officer, music streams out playing “Bad Boys, Bad Boys, whatcha gonna do” as the officers smile and wave. While driving by a jogger on the street, guests may hear the theme song to “Rocky!” No one on the tour’s route is safe from being included in some humorous fun!

The Funny Bus was founded in 2015, right here in Charlotte, by locals Kevin Anderson and Lisa Schnurr who love showing off the city. It expanded all the way to Cleveland, Ohio last year with plans to get a few more on the road in 2023. This duo is also responsible for The Party Pontoon, which takes guests on charters of Lake Norman with a USCG captain included in every charter. Whether you want to tour the land or the lake, Kevin and Lisa have you covered!

The Funny Bus is one of the top 5 things to do in Charlotte and is featured on American Airlines inflight magazine and video reels. It has been in several magazines including Charlotte Magazine, Raleigh Magazine and even Time’s Money Magazine, as one of the top tours in NC. Funny Bus won several awards and has been named as a ‘Best First Date in Charlotte’, ‘Best Place to Take Visiting Friends,’ and ‘Best Tour in NC’ by several different publications. The Funny Bus is the easiest way to explore the city and hands down the funniest way in town to see it all!

A Personal Mission of Love & Caring BY MARTIE EMORY | PHOTOS BY CARRIE ALLEN

Visit Hinds’ Feet Farm in Huntersville, NC, and you’re sure to hear the name Puddin Foil mentioned almost immediately – and always with great love and respect!

Carolyn “Puddin” Johnson Van Every Foil’s vision for Hinds’ Feet Farm began in 1984, when her youngest son, Phil, suffered a traumatic brain injury in a motor vehicle crash. She founded this non-profit to serve her son and others like him, after the Foil family found services and support for young adults with brain injuries were very limited. Puddin then made it her life’s work to establish a loving, caring environment where survivors could still reach their potential, even after a serious injury.

Drawing on her deep, personal faith, Puddin found inspiration for the name Hinds’ Feet Farm from a favorite bible scripture found in Habakkuk 3:19: “The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.”

“Our mission is to carry on her dream” says Beth Callahan, Director of Member Services. “We offer opportunities that maximize the post-injury potential of persons living with brain injury, through integrated, unique, and holistic programs; our members pursue meaningful activities, while developing a sense of belonging at home and in their communities.” To know Puddin was to feel her spirit for quietly charming and influencing others to do and be their very best. She has left her mark on a place that now allows members to pursue a quality of life that keeps them out of harm’s way. Puddin imagined this opportunity for others to be an influence politically and socially on broad scales, but also on a local, individual scale for the people who live here and who visit the farm.

“She ‘put her stamp’ on everything here at the Farm, a stamp that’s still visible today and will hopefully remain for many years to come,” says Beth.

Individuals with brain injuries -- and their families -- are often vulnerable to medical and rehabilitation providers, as well as public health systems that have not fully grasped what is necessary to serve the best interest of this group.

Hinds’ Feet Farm exists to serve adults, 18 years and older, with the median age being mid-40s. Their programs are designed to meet as many people across the brain injury disability spectrum as possible. Puddin’s Place – a six-bed family care home – is best suited for folks who need full-time care and assistance with the

normal tasks of everyday living (bathing, eating, dressing, toilet use). A three-bed supported living home, Hart Cottage, is for members with fewer needs – mainly frequent reminders to stay on task and regular support for overall safety and wellness. The Day Programs serve them, along with folks who live more independently in the surrounding area. Families and volunteers are always welcome!

“Individuals with brain injuries recover at different rates and they may continue to make gains for years after their injury given the proper environment. Offering functional rehabilitative support during all activities is something we strive to do,” explains Beth. “Rehab works, and we all know that once you stop doing something you may lose what gains you’ve made.”

Both residential and day programs at Hinds’ Feet Farm offer opportunities for members to improve everyday functions, from eating or dressing, to communicating and interacting with socially with others. Brain injuries can leave individuals feeling isolated and lonely, and their physical, mental, and emotional health needs are important. Hinds’ Feet Farm offers opportunities for members through its direct care staff, recreational therapy, and a functional rehabilitation environment that brings out and supports these areas of life. Happily, authentic farm life naturally lends itself to a “real life” experience, with constant upkeep, and members gathered to share a meal on the porch, play pool, listen to music, or master a workout. When members choose to participate in the therapeutic horse-riding experience, Hinds’ Feet Farm has a certified PATH instructor, Alison Spasoff. She, along with a small group of local trained volunteers will assist members interested in riding.

“One of the things we are most proud of is the Unmasking Brain Injury Project (unmaskingbraininjury.org),” explains Beth. “This has become the largest international grass roots program to raise awareness for people with brain injuries across the globe.”

Donations to help further the work at Hinds’ Feet Farm are always appreciated – visit the website hindsfeetfarm.org. Volunteers are always welcome, and may provide the daily care needed for horses, help with frequent landscaping and maintenance projects, and other special events throughout the year. Groups can donate community service hours, and the staff is always open to training and educating new volunteers. Hinds’ Feet Farm is located at 14625 Black Farms Road in Huntersville. For more information on their programs call 704992-1424 or visit hindsfeetfarm.org.

Nine years ago, on the pitch of a USASA Region III U-23 Men’s National Cup Qualifier in Murfreesboro TN, a chance meeting between NCASA Executive Director, Darius Ejlali, and Celebrate the Tatas Founder, Talia Goldman, set in motion, what would become NCASA’s annual women’s charity event: Celebrate the Tatas Tournament of Champions.

Darius Ejlali fondly recalls the lively first encounter with Goldman. “Talia’s son was playing for Charlotte United, and she wanted some answers about a match he was playing in. I responded that this was an adult tournament, and I interacted with the coaches, state reps or team managers. If she had questions, she would need to ask the coach. That didn’t sit well with Talia, and we had some spirited dialogue. Later, we ran into one another at the hotel and struck up a more casual conversation. Talia mentioned that she was the Founder of Celebrate the Tatas, a program that raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for breastcancer research.”

That interaction sparked an idea. During his nine-hour drive home from the qualifier, Ejlali thought about the meeting with Goldman and how they might collaborate. “This was a time when NCASA was ramping up efforts to engage our women athletes. The idea to hold a women’s soccer tournament and tie it to a cause for women, just seemed like a great idea. I called NCASA’s Women’s Commissioner, Alexandra Vidaurri and ran the idea by her, then called Talia, and we all LOVED the concept.” Ejlali brought the idea to NCASA former President, Bob Kepner, who along with the Board of Directors, enthusiastically supported the idea, and helped secure a USASA grant to assist with operational costs for the fledgling tournament.

When asked about the origin of Celebrate the Tatas, and joining forces with NCASA, Goldman stated, “I started this program with Hadassah, one the largest women’s volunteer organizations. Women volunteered to have their “tatas” painted by women artists. They were then photographed by women photographers and the pictures printed into a gorgeous poster. I partnered with the Ritz-Carlton, honored physicians, nurses, technicians, and partnered with the community and high-end restaurants. Posters were sold, auctions brought in money. In seven years, we raised half a million dollars.” She added, “Darius suggested we team up. NCASA would have an opportunity to showcase their female players, and at the same time raise money for a cause near and dear to everyone’s heart. And that, in a nutshell, is how it all began.”

BY TALIA GOLDMAN, PHOTOS BY ANDREW BOWEN

Since 2014, the Celebrate the Tatas Tournament of Champions has raised over $80,000 for breast cancer causes. Last year, the event raised over $40,000. Proceeds were equally divided between two hospitals; the Levine Cancer Institute and Novant Health Cancer Center to provide free mammograms for uninsured and under-insured women in the Charlotte metro area.

Each year, NCASA’s tournament committee works hard to raise as much money as possible for breast cancer causes, while creating a fun and festive weekend for teams. “The event has taken on a life of its own. Celebrate the Tatas Tournament of Champions has become a celebration of play and giving, not to mention a lot of fun.” Ejlali said.

Upbeat music is piped onto the fields, and brightcolored jerseys printed with cheeky team names like, Cleats and Cleavage and Boo Bee Ballers flood the field with color and humor. From casual players to top competitors from around the state, the tournament offers playing opportunities for every woman soccer player. This year, 16 teams are expected to register to play.

Thanks to donations, players are treated to bagels, energy bars, fruit, drinks, and a catered lunch on both tournament days. Players receive a commemorative tournament t-shirt.

Personal trainers donate their time to help with minor injuries and aching muscles. Medical experts and sports leaders speak at the event. Health vendors set up booths, hand out swag, and a mobile mammogram unit is invited. Plus, NCASA hosts a celebration dinner and fundraiser raffle on Saturday night. After a long day of games, players can relax, enjoy a beverage, eat a good meal, and win great prizes! Women’s Commissioner, Alexandra Vidaurri spoke to the success of the annual tournament and fundraiser. “Celebrate the Tatas is a special event for so many reasons, but what feels the most important to me is that we are an all-women’s event that relies heavily on the generous support from community members, donors, and players.”

Nine years after Ejlali and Goldman’s chance meeting, their inspired collaboration has evolved into a hugely popular and successful annual event. The social atmosphere: the quality of play, and the overarching spirit of sisterhood and charity are the connective tissue that make this tournament work year after year.

The star of the annual event, however, is the continued generosity of the donors, sponsors, guest speakers, volunteers, players, and their families, who give their time, money, and energy for one special weekend in October each year.

Celebrate the Tatas Tournament of Champions teaches us that within community lies power. Women athletes come together to play the sport they love and to take action against a deadly disease. In the end, this is a special and important event honoring those lives that have been lost to breast cancer, while celebrating life and the survivors that walk among us.

Your support and contributions save lives. Celebrate the Tatas | Text to Donate: Text TATAS22 to 44-321

For the past eight years, with the exception of a COVID-19 induced hiatus in 2020, the North Carolina Adult Soccer Association (NCASA) and Celebrate the Tatas have joined forces to host the Celebrate the Tatas Tournament of Champions. This tournament has been held in October each year in connection with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, bringing together women from the Southeast region of the United States, including NC, SC, GA, VA, TN, and FL. These women have converged on the soccer fields in North Carolina to compete on and off the pitch to raise breast cancer awareness, as well as to raise much needed funds for mammograms for uninsured and underinsured women. NCASA and the Tatas created this tournament to bridge the divide of age, race, religion, and growing disparities within communities. The weekend experience is a way of equalizing the gap between those who are lucky enough to have insurance and those who do not have access to health care. On the soccer fields, everybody is equal.

Celebrate the Ta Tas Tournament of Champions October 15-16, 2022

Richard Barry Memorial Park, Huntersville NC

www.celebratethetatas.org Contact Email: a.vidaurri@ncsoccer.org

Celebrate the Tatas Tournament of Champions is a premier all-women’s soccer tournament that raises funds to provide access to mammograms for women in the greater Charlotte area. Join us for a weekend of fantastic soccer, raffles, entertainment, fundraising, food, and great friends.

Donation Race: Not only will teams be competing for glory on the pitch, but they will also be involved in a heated donation race. Help us reach our 2022 goal of raising $40,000. All funds raised will be used by Novant Health and Atrium Helth Levine Cancer Institute to provide mammograms for women in the greater Charlotte area who are underinsured or uninsured.

Link to donate: secure.givelively.org/donate/ the-north-carolina-adult-soccer-association