There's so much going on in the world right now. So much upheaval. So much misplacement of jobs, homes and our sense of stability. It can be really difficult to stay optimistic or be in a state of joy with all of this constantly swirling around. But if you really want to know how, ask a two year old.
I had the great pleasure of watching my good friend's two and a half year old son the other night and have to say that it put my mind right again. I'd been fighting burnout, the clash of personalities and egos all around me, and I was tired. Enter Shane, midway through his second year, but with an uncanny wisdom that reaches back centuries. I found fully embracing Play-Doh and Thomas the Train Engine to be mighty cathartic -- and a way to give the brain a great rest to boot. But the thing that so inspired me was looking at things through his perspective. How making funny sound effects with your voice is hilarious, and spinning around in circles to make yourself dizzy on purpose reminds us that the world really does revolve us -- because you can feel it!
All of the wondrous little things, like taking time to savor every bite of your oh-so-yummy cheese quesadilla, or to know that your favorite blanket is always there waiting for you, cushy and billowy-soft. Taking the time to slow down, play and be present with what's right in front of you at that particular moment. And the thing about actually being two, is that you don't have to think about being present and enjoying the moment, it's just natural. Can you imagine what life would be like if you reclaimed even just a hint of your two year old self?
Now there are many times when as adults we have to act very adult-like and have to juggle the many responsibilities of life, but wouldn't life be much sweeter if every now and then we let our inner two year old run wild? To balance pure silliness and spontaneity with all of the mundane tasks necessary to keep our lives on track? Now, more than ever, is the time to embrace moments when you can feel what it's like have no other responsibility but being alive.
What haven't you done in a long time that you loved doing as a child? Ride a bike (other than for commute purposes)? Swim in a lake? Catch pollywogs? What can you do to reclaim a little of your child-like wonder that's been wrapped up in work or household chores? How much more fun would chores be if you could make a game out of it?
Give yourself permission to really look up at the stars, laugh so hard your belly hurts, sing silly songs and skip instead of walk. Set a play date with friends and have fun!
Messages from over there: "When you think of a joyful heart, when you think of times when you felt truly happy and joyful, and you remember these times, and you feel how they feel in your body, this is a strong vibration that increases energy.It is a simple act of joyfulness that brings this energy to your entire being.It is that bit of wonder at seeing raindrops on a spider web, that bit of wonder that a new flower blossoming brings, when you stop to truly look at it and see itand feel it in your heart, that sense of awe that gives you the joy.And when you stop and reflect at these moments you will find you do not feel weary, there is a sense of quiet energy and fulfillment in your heart."
I have the great pleasure of knowing a very kind, compassionate and gentle healer that goes by the name of Dragonfly, who introduced me to a modality known as Vortex Healing. The experience is as profound as the name sounds.
As I lay on the table, I kept getting images that I can only describe as me with others that I seem to know intimately, in situations that I completely understood at the moment, yet as they started to fade away, "my" consciousness
told me that this was not me, I didn't know any of these people, and that I didn't really understand what was happening. Weird. Later, when I asked Dragonfly about this, he said that it was layers of my Karma releasing. Makes sense, because I sure feel lighter today. I find it facinating, the stuff we carry around without even knowing it. I highly suggest Vortex Healing for anyone who wants to release unnecessary junk from their energy field. For more on the subject, see Dragonfly's website. Another very cool part of the experience is that Dragonfly has a crystal layout under the table and then creates another layout on your body. What's even cooler, is that he has a encyclopedic knowledge of every crystal/ stone, where he got it, and what it does. Makes for some powerful stuff. Simply laying on the bed with all of the stones around gets you all buzzy and vibratey (yeah I know, "vibratey" is not a word).
Which leads me to the subject of tools. Not tools as in wrenches, hammers and whatnot, but tools used for spiritual practice, ritual and enlightenment. I find value in the stones, symbols and oils I use, and the candles and incense I burn. They give me a sense of reverence and help me focus on my intention. To me, crystals and rosary beads can be used in the same way -- tools used to enhance your practice -- just depending on the path your follow.
I know that my experience with Vortex was definitely enhanced by the power of the stones and crystals, yet I also know that I would have had a profound experience without them as well. Why am I going here? Because as much as I love my stones (they're all over my house), I also know that at the end of the day I'm ultimately responsible for my spiritual development and how I handle myself in the world. I've seen time and time again those who rely solely on their tools, giving over all of their power, forgetting that they are fueled by the most gorgeous and powerful tool of all -- their own shining spirit.
So use all the tools you have in your spiritual tool belt, knowing that they are powerful allies and supportive players in your spirit's starring role. And remember to have fun experimenting with your tools.
Messages from over there:
"There is wisdom in many things around you; there
is wisdom in rocks and trees and flowers, the wind; they are used for tools and
messages, which is all very good, though at times it seems as humanity weighs
too much importance on them. The tools
that you use for your awakening are meant only to support and not to take the
place of your divine wisdom.By this we
mean do not become too dependent on them and know that you have divine spirit
within you."
It's been a couple of weeks since I've written. The reason for this is I had something to say, but needed the space to be constructive in my comments. Last week was a very difficult week in many ways. I wasn't feeling particularly at the top of my game at the week's start, and then had a few emotional speed bumps in the later half. This week, although overcast and somewhat chilly, shines much brighter.
Much of my dismay the previous week came from feeling stuck. Feeling stuck in that although part of the work I do is very rewarding and soul satisfying, I still haven't been able to shake another source income (vital to my survival) that continues to stress me out, deplete my energy, and cause me to feel like I'm wasting my time.
I'll be brutally honest, when I "read" people I can see their potential, what they need to do, and offer suggestions on how to get there, yet here I am feeling stuck. Hmmm. Why is it that it's so easy to help others, see their worth, but when it comes to ourselves we very often are blind to our own talents, beauty and amazing capabilities? One simple word: belief.
Our beliefs come to us from the minute we're born, and at times before that, in a bombardment of ideas and opinions not unlike the traffic buildup during commute time on a Friday afternoon. They just keep piling and piling and piling, until we come to a complete stop -- immobilized. The only way for traffic to start moving again is to get those cars (beliefs) out of the way.
One way to push through a belief is to take a step back and try to look at yourself and situation objectively. I'm big fan of talking to yourself and asking you the tough questions -- really, sit down and have a conversation -- out loud. You'll be surprised by what you come up with. Of course, probably best not to do this while sitting on the bus or while grocery shopping. Find a nice, quiet place where you can be totally free to be totally honest with yourself. Be brave, confront that part of you that wants to hide and gloss things over.
Another way is a method I've learned called Theta Healing. It's a process where you put yourself into a Theta (trance/ meditative) state and command for shifts to occur. Pretty powerful stuff. To learn more visit www.thetahealing.com/about-ThetaHealing.html, for a great explanation. In the meantime, try talking to yourself, be your own best friend, supporter and confidant -- it works!
Messages from over there: "The
strength that you carry within yourself is the strength that you carry into the
world. And
it is the strength that others see.So
this is what needs to be created within yourself and harvested abundantly.Finding that strength that makes you stand
tall, and comfortable in the world, regardless of the situation, and to
understand that strength does not equal arrogance or unkindness.Strength iswhat allows you to move through and do those things that you were
brought here to do.Strength also allows
you to be a beacon of light for others, so that they may find their
strength.The strength to move through
whatever your light brings you, with compassion, with courage, with conviction,
will move you greater than any other vehicle that you choose.So embracing this strength, forgetting the
past and how others tried to diminish you and how you bought into their stories
and diminished yourself.Because truly
with strength, it doesn’t matter what those around you do—what they say, what they
think, how they interact with you, it has nothing to do with this.Your strength is the fortress that keeps you
strong."
I have started writing this a couple of times so far, deleted and have started again. The reason is that I'm trying very hard to be diplomatic and suspend harsh judgment, and suspend the use of my favorite word that happens to begin with "F". A little difficult in light of the California Supreme Courts ruling today to uphold the same-sex marriage ban. So here I sit struggling to keep my composure and come from a place of neutrality...it's not working people.
I don't get it, I just don't get it. Are we not living in a country founded on democracy, liberty and freedom? Believe me, I'm not so innocent as to think that all's fair and justice always prevails, far from it. But do we not, as people, have certain inalienable rights? So you're telling me, as a straight woman that I can get married and divorced twenty times over if I want, throwing each spouse away like a used handbag, but two people who love each other profoundly and are deeply committed to their relationship can't get married even once because they happen to be the same gender? Where's the sanctity in that?
What truly baffles me is why do those who are opposed to gay marriage, same-sex couples and whatnot care so much about whether they get married or not, like it effects them in some way. How could keeping two people from fully committing their love ever be a good thing? It's not. It's love. We're talking about love, and the freedom to express it joyfully and freely. If we can't give everyone that right then we're really no better than the countries we so critically oppose for their human rights violations. Yes, keeping two people who are of legal age and in love from the right to marriage is a human rights violation.
Something that struck me deeply came a from a couple of postings by my friend Chris on FaceBook. His first was a quote from Harvey Milk, and later followed by youtube footage of protests happening now in San Francisco. What got to me is the fact that 30 years after the death of Milk people in the gay community are still fighting for such a basic right. It saddens me. So what to do with this? Staying angry will only breed more negativity, which I'm not interested in. What I can do is show my support. I can support my friends, the community and help bring awareness to those who still live in fear of those who seem different. We all walk different paths and lead different lives -- yet are very similar at the same time.
Messages from over there
: "We are talking about trust. Trust in your abilities, trust in yourself. Trust in the fact that the Universe is limitless...go back to a time when you were told that your actions or thoughts were incorrect. You have been told this because your truth is different from those around you...others may choose not to see your truth, because it is not the same as theirs. Once you acknowledge that everyone has their own Truth, you can
acknowledge the Truth within you. Knowing this allows you the joy of creating
your own path...regardless of the Truth of those around you."
So here it is, my first-ever blog. Please don't ask me to twitter, tweet or twit, since I'm still not sure what any of that is...These are my thoughts as they occur as I write, followed with the other-worldly wisdom I've obtained through my channeling experiences. I hope you find the information insightful, inspirational, or at the very least useful -- and I sincerely appreciate your taking time to read!
Today is Memorial Day Weekend Eve, a time to gear up for barbeques, beer and spending too much time out in the sun, so our conventional American philosophy goes. But Memorial Day itself epitomizes the actual possibility that we get have to barbeques, drink beer or spend too much time in the sun. It is on the shoulders of many brave individuals that we still have these (or other) pleasures at our disposal. And before I get too overly patriotic on you, I do have a point. Is it correct or even appropriate for us average Josephines and Joes to call ourselves "proud" Americans? Is it not a term better suited for those who've fought for our country or have come here and devoted themselves to the hard work of becoming a citizen? Wouldn't it be a more appropriate description for the rest of us to say that we feel "blessed" to be American, or "lucky" to be an American, or "thankful" to be an American?
To be proud of your accomplishments as an American is one thing, but to simply have pride in being American and nothing more insinuates that we're better than everyone else. But are we? In this ever-expanding global community we live in, shouldn't we strive to increase our connectedness and compassionate balance as human beings inhabiting one place? Yes I know, until we can all get on board there will still be posturing and acts of domination from those who never learned to play fair or still bully eventhough they left the playground long ago. But ultimately it starts with each and every one of us as individuals. Be an American who can be proud of your accomplishments within your family, your community, and on your planet. Honor those who've fought for your right to party, and those who have traveled here to become American because they truly believe it's a better place to be.
Messages from over there: "
Living from a position of love and compassion sets forth the
energetic exchange of like attracting like...be conscious and and
question. Have faith -- though not
blindly.To have true faith is a
knowingness and an understanding of intuition.Yet it is through the questioning that one remains open.It is the listening to all that is out there,
and keeping open to what resonates within your spirit. And it is being
compassionate to the thoughts and opinions of others in a non-judgmental way
that will help them become increasingly more open.It is because so many are so impassioned with
their values and ideals that they attack others for those that do not match
theirs.So to be open and compassionate
to listening, so those around do not feel threatened, allows for open exchange
of ideals.And the exchange of
information and thought processes."