My 48th year on this planet is winding down at an unprecedented rate of speed. I've watched it go by from the sidelines it seems, just as I have a good deal of my life. These last few months, however, I feel as though I've taken some quick and dirty dips in the stream of life, caught my breath, was amazed and inspired. I realize that when we walk forward into our fears, they fall away. Completely fall away! But knowing that doesn't make it any easier to face them.
I talked to my father last night about this very subject; my fears, looming decisions that petrify me and seeming burdens that disable me. He sat on the bed and listened while I talked. Sometimes I felt his arm around my shoulder or his hand on my forearm, punctuating those bolder, more freeing thoughts and ideas that needed reinforcing, or those feelings of hopelessness that required reassurance. He always seems to know when I need him. Whether it be in my dreams in or when I'm alone and missing our deep, morning conversations. He arrives out of nowhere, bringing with him the earthy smell of coffee and wood smoke, deep-boned warmth, and a comfort that knows no boundaries.
He reminds me that life is to be savored. That it is not a test, but a gift. That every deed is to be undertaken with gratitude, that every loss is a blessing in disguise and every achievement reassurance of our inherant divinity. Examine your life, he said. Hold it as you might a shimmering glass ball, look inside with curiosity and reverence, and above all, be joyful in all you do. These words he spoke during our last conversation on my kitchen floor (of all places) where we sat, backs against the wall, just before the light came in the window and I was forced to wake.
I am reminded, he wasn't quite so bearing of comfort in life. But by the time I really got to know him, which wasn't very much at all, I knew him as an extremely grumpy old goat who loved a good argument, and who's rudeness often sent me packing. But once in a great while, something else came through. An inspiring introspection and breadth of knowledge and mental openness that was nothing short of other-worldly. Somedays, I caught him at the right moment, and that's the person who held me spellbound. That was the man I knew I would miss the most when he died in 1989. I would miss our conversations, for surely, there was no one else with whom I could confer on such levels.
Shortly after his death, I began noticing little things. A warm hand laid on my shoulder, despite my being completely alone. Waking to someone's hand crossing my face and pushing back my hair. Weight plunging down at the foot of my bed. Then the dreams came. Usually when I was struggling with decisions or taking life too seriously. Here we found a common ground to meet and where our talks could continue ... freed now of his human cloak, the angry old goat who was filled with physical pain and mental demons, was now a sage and a mentor. He is with me now as I write this, hoping I will also include his sense of humor, which is as silly and irreverant now as it was then.
Several years back, before I truly understood what was happening, I received a flyer in the mail to take a two day course in mediumship with John Holland. I jumped at the chance, knowing that opportunity is fleeting. After our first day's class, we were to meet after dinner for a demonstration. In the hotel room, I said to my father, "If you come through, give me a sign, something no one else would know." Of course, the class was full of others hoping their own loved-ones would come through, I knew he wouldn't call on me.
The show was spectacular. The energy in the room was kinetic and for some reason I began to shake. Within minutes, Mr. Holland stood in front of me and said, "I have an older male, has your father passed? Eugene or Gene?" I nodded, my eyes teared up. He began speaking quickly about the leak in my roof in the upstairs closet, about my dogs who were with him, he told me my writing would be public, but in a different genre (I wasn't blogging then) ... to tell his son (my brother) he loved him, that the decision I was considering would free me, but I needed to act on it. As I shook in my chair, tears raced down my cheeks, John Holland said Gene was telling him to back off because he was upsetting me now, he moved on to someone else as another who'd transitioned stepped forward to make contact through the medium.
The reference to my writing stunned me, though. I'd just finished a novel and thought it was my mother who stood over my shoulders those many nights I pounded the keyboards, she being the family "writer". But ... she died when I was 13 and I truly hardly knew her. So, perhaps it had been my father all along. I'd stored the novel, unable to make further changes to the draft, I'd grown so sick of it, but still wasn't sure if it was good enough to submit. It still sits on the top shelf of my closet to this day. Where, by the way, I checked for a leak when I returned home from my weekend mediumship course. Sure enough, a water stain loomed. Strangely though, that stain never grew and we've never replaced the roof in all the years we've lived here.
The decision I was struggling with then, was one I struggle with now. I've always struggled with the big decisions in life. The little ones I turn on a dime, it's the big ones that get me. Cause me to faulter. I've finally come to the realization that I must move forward if I desire the kind of change that is monumental, otherwise, I might fluctuate back and forth until doomsday. Such a concept! Still, it's hard for one so adept at being unseen. Despite my age, my fears and the unknown. Perhaps, as my father said beyond his death, it will be freeing.
~L
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Thursday, November 1, 2007
good friends are angels made visible
I returned from my show Thursday morning, in fact, rose at dawn, packed up and headed home. I couldn't wait to get back to the dogs, birds, cat and humans who share my life. The problem is, since my return, I've been lingering over a difficult decision that continues to play itself out inside my head ... should I give 100% to making and selling jewelry, or give it up to a hobby only, in lieu of steady work, pay and benefits. Let me first say, I've lived a life of steady work, pay and benefits... this year was the first for me to throw in the towel and give art a chance. For sure, my husband assisted me in this endeavor by fronting a great deal of the expense money.
I've always been an artist of sorts,since I was a child, always drawing, painting, photographing and writing; always seeking new avenues to express that more subtle part of myself that if given half a chance, is in truth the more colorful part of me, certainly more capable of imparting just who it is I am. The other part, just as real but not necessarily as viable, is a survivor. Nothing more. A part of me that does not thrive, but merely ... does what is necessary to get by. I learned young how to survive.
My family were all strugglers, none of them understood what it meant to thrive. Life, in effect, required survival. And usually consisted of a bare knuckle approach, a sort of dangling, never fully on the ground, never safe, always worrying about the future. This required working hopeless jobs, my mother as a fry cook and my father as a rigger in the shipyard. Both provided some semblence of security, paid the bills, paid the mortgage, but fully neglected the longings of the heart. Neglecting longings is neglecting the roadmap of desire we were all born with. My parent's fear of abject poverty, sans any attempt at going for the gold, allowed a life to be lived without too much excitement and certainly without risks and mostly, without passion. So, the child who was born out of this failure to thrive, still exists within me and sometimes wakes me up at night to remind me of all the loose ends that I am incapable of fixing. I try to return to sleep with a smile on my face, hoping to impart the calmness of that smile's simple knowing upon my invisible soul, a Taoist wisdom. Sometimes it calms her. But her fears are evident in my life, despite my attempts to supress her. Mostly, she causes me undue anxst. I don't want to let her lead me. Therein lies a struggle.
When we are young, it seems, we are more likely to take risks to find our heart's desire. As we age, we lose site of our dreams, feel our energy wain, sometimes lose hope, our bodies decline and remind us of our mortality, we aren't so pretty as we once were, we lose the power to turn heads, we grow tired. But one thing we have obtained by this time in our life, hopefully, is a handful, or even one, soul friend. A kindred spirit who cheers us on despite appearances that seem to indicate our likelihod to fail miserably. Soulfriends are blessings to be cultivated and held forever dear. If you've found one, don't let go!
Last night, I met with two such girlfriends for dinner at the Yacht club in Silverdale, both of whom I have decided are soul friends. The three of us ordered the special; broiled halibut with red potatoes and sauteed vegetables ... which was beyond wonderful, should you decide to go yourself! Fabulous, in fact, but the best part of all, for me, was just being myself, not particularly elegant or funny or entertaining, among dear friends who know me and appreciate me for who I am anyway.
We talked, laughed, cried, revealed things, swore a pact of secrecy (complete with the linking of pinkies) ... and supported each other in our dreams and hopes and possible endeavors. Supported the dreamer, in effect, the risk taker, the artist in each of us. The survivor of course, needs no support, she gets plenty of it from the nay-sayers who abound in our lives. Reminded of this, I realize we are surrounded by nay-sayers, many who don't even realize they are trying their best to keep us down, to clip our wings, to keep us from trying for the brass ring. And how lucky to instead be among those who tell us we can climb mountains, fly even, and at least encourage us to give it our best shot. Good friends are angels made visible. My friends are certainly angelic.
My hope is that in reading this, you too will take a moment to look at your own life, gather up your true friends, and decide to surround yourself with them; with those who support the creator in you, rather than those who stoke the fires of your fears. I am so grateful to have in my life a handful of women friends who are honest and wise, strong and brave, creative, funny, positive and above all, true blue.
To my soulfriends: I honor you. In my eyes, you are perfect. I am so blessed to have you in my life. I only hope I can live up to your vision of me!
~L
I've always been an artist of sorts,since I was a child, always drawing, painting, photographing and writing; always seeking new avenues to express that more subtle part of myself that if given half a chance, is in truth the more colorful part of me, certainly more capable of imparting just who it is I am. The other part, just as real but not necessarily as viable, is a survivor. Nothing more. A part of me that does not thrive, but merely ... does what is necessary to get by. I learned young how to survive.
My family were all strugglers, none of them understood what it meant to thrive. Life, in effect, required survival. And usually consisted of a bare knuckle approach, a sort of dangling, never fully on the ground, never safe, always worrying about the future. This required working hopeless jobs, my mother as a fry cook and my father as a rigger in the shipyard. Both provided some semblence of security, paid the bills, paid the mortgage, but fully neglected the longings of the heart. Neglecting longings is neglecting the roadmap of desire we were all born with. My parent's fear of abject poverty, sans any attempt at going for the gold, allowed a life to be lived without too much excitement and certainly without risks and mostly, without passion. So, the child who was born out of this failure to thrive, still exists within me and sometimes wakes me up at night to remind me of all the loose ends that I am incapable of fixing. I try to return to sleep with a smile on my face, hoping to impart the calmness of that smile's simple knowing upon my invisible soul, a Taoist wisdom. Sometimes it calms her. But her fears are evident in my life, despite my attempts to supress her. Mostly, she causes me undue anxst. I don't want to let her lead me. Therein lies a struggle.
When we are young, it seems, we are more likely to take risks to find our heart's desire. As we age, we lose site of our dreams, feel our energy wain, sometimes lose hope, our bodies decline and remind us of our mortality, we aren't so pretty as we once were, we lose the power to turn heads, we grow tired. But one thing we have obtained by this time in our life, hopefully, is a handful, or even one, soul friend. A kindred spirit who cheers us on despite appearances that seem to indicate our likelihod to fail miserably. Soulfriends are blessings to be cultivated and held forever dear. If you've found one, don't let go!
Last night, I met with two such girlfriends for dinner at the Yacht club in Silverdale, both of whom I have decided are soul friends. The three of us ordered the special; broiled halibut with red potatoes and sauteed vegetables ... which was beyond wonderful, should you decide to go yourself! Fabulous, in fact, but the best part of all, for me, was just being myself, not particularly elegant or funny or entertaining, among dear friends who know me and appreciate me for who I am anyway.
We talked, laughed, cried, revealed things, swore a pact of secrecy (complete with the linking of pinkies) ... and supported each other in our dreams and hopes and possible endeavors. Supported the dreamer, in effect, the risk taker, the artist in each of us. The survivor of course, needs no support, she gets plenty of it from the nay-sayers who abound in our lives. Reminded of this, I realize we are surrounded by nay-sayers, many who don't even realize they are trying their best to keep us down, to clip our wings, to keep us from trying for the brass ring. And how lucky to instead be among those who tell us we can climb mountains, fly even, and at least encourage us to give it our best shot. Good friends are angels made visible. My friends are certainly angelic.
My hope is that in reading this, you too will take a moment to look at your own life, gather up your true friends, and decide to surround yourself with them; with those who support the creator in you, rather than those who stoke the fires of your fears. I am so grateful to have in my life a handful of women friends who are honest and wise, strong and brave, creative, funny, positive and above all, true blue.
To my soulfriends: I honor you. In my eyes, you are perfect. I am so blessed to have you in my life. I only hope I can live up to your vision of me!
~L
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
The Sacred Poetry of Rumi
If anyone asks you how the perfect satisfaction
of all our sexual wanting
will look, lift your face
and say,
Like this.
When someone mentions the gracefulness
of the night sky, climb up on the roof
and dance and say,
Like this.
If anyone wants to know what is, or what "God’s fragrance" means,
lean your head toward him or her. Keep your face there close.
Like this.
When someone quotes the old poetic image
about clouds gradually uncovering the moon,
slowly loosen knot by knot the strings
of your robe.
Like this.
If anyone wonders how Jesus raised the dead,
don’t try to explain the miracle.
Kiss me on the lips.
Like this. Like this.
When someone asks what it means
to "die for love," point
here.
Like this.
If someone asks how tall I am, frown
and measure with your fingers the space
between the creases on your forehead.
This tall. Like this.
The soul sometimes leaves the body, then returns.
When someone doesn’t believe that,
walk back into my house.
Like this.
When lovers moan,
they’re telling our story.
Like this.
I am a sky where spirits live.
Stare into this deepening blue,
while the breeze says a secret.
Like this.
When someone asks what there is to do,
light the candle in his hand.
Like this.
How did Joseph’s scent come to Jacob?
Huuuuu.
How did Jacob’s sight return?
Huuuu.
A little wind cleans the eyes.
Like this.
When Shams comes back from Tabriz,
he’ll put just his head around the edge of the door to
surprise us.
Like this.
~Rumi
of all our sexual wanting
will look, lift your face
and say,
Like this.
When someone mentions the gracefulness
of the night sky, climb up on the roof
and dance and say,
Like this.
If anyone wants to know what is, or what "God’s fragrance" means,
lean your head toward him or her. Keep your face there close.
Like this.
When someone quotes the old poetic image
about clouds gradually uncovering the moon,
slowly loosen knot by knot the strings
of your robe.
Like this.
If anyone wonders how Jesus raised the dead,
don’t try to explain the miracle.
Kiss me on the lips.
Like this. Like this.
When someone asks what it means
to "die for love," point
here.
Like this.
If someone asks how tall I am, frown
and measure with your fingers the space
between the creases on your forehead.
This tall. Like this.
The soul sometimes leaves the body, then returns.
When someone doesn’t believe that,
walk back into my house.
Like this.
When lovers moan,
they’re telling our story.
Like this.
I am a sky where spirits live.
Stare into this deepening blue,
while the breeze says a secret.
Like this.
When someone asks what there is to do,
light the candle in his hand.
Like this.
How did Joseph’s scent come to Jacob?
Huuuuu.
How did Jacob’s sight return?
Huuuu.
A little wind cleans the eyes.
Like this.
When Shams comes back from Tabriz,
he’ll put just his head around the edge of the door to
surprise us.
Like this.
~Rumi
Thursday, October 11, 2007
The Sun and The Dark Side of the Moon
Today, October 11th, we Earthlings have moved into the lunar phase called New Moon. This is when the moon, in its orbital rotation, lies directly between the sun and the earth. Now it is the sun that experiences its own full reflection off the surface of that glistening pearl of a rock that lights our night sky and regulates our tides. We here on Earth are now full face with the dark side of the moon, with just the very glimmer of the crescent, without which, we might experience a lunar eclipse. The new moon appears approximately every 29 days. I have always been amazed by the science of astronomy and the ability to determine the phases of the moon, constellations and galaxies by way of mathematical equations. I've heard it said that mathematics is the Divine language of the universe. Then again... I was never any good at math.
In most schools of mysticism, the moon is representative of time and the right side of the brain, which is intuitive and creative. The sun to timelessness, spirit, the left hemisphere of the brain and cognition or consciousness. Melding the two hemisphere's of the brain being the goal of meditation, thereby bringing about new or heightened senses, mystical experience, immediate manifestation, hearing the still small voice of our Higher Self, profound "knowledge" or revelation, and ultimately, linking with the eternal mind wherein we share the thoughts of God and experience the peace beyond understanding. Thus, the sun and the moon, as with all aspects of the material world, can be symbolic of the Divine, depending upon our perspective.
We are blessed to have been born in a time when we may choose our own path to God, without being forced to adhere to some other man's view of truth, and without fear of "lethal" persecution in so doing. When I may decide, based upon my own understanding and experience, what is truth as it resonates with my innermost being. On a deeper level, we all have the ability to determine truth. But it does require that we faithfully question our own motives and intent.
Surely, just because a religious text specifies or condones something, doesn't mean it is "Truth." Neither would I denounce or condone something based upon a religious text merely because it makes me feel righteous, in fact, especially if it makes me feel righteous, it is bound to be suspect, and require some soul searching. Perhaps that is why I possess such a deep distrust of fundamentalism. The one aspect all religions were created to teach, is lost in all forms of fundamentalism, and that is the development of a compassionate soul. Intolerance and compassion cannot coexist. It strikes me that written words are symbols, as is the spoken language a symbol, as is the intent behind that ... so how do we reach "essence" which must be where ultimate truth resides. Does it exist in eternity? Surely, that requires looking much deeper.
I am forever considering the fact that all that is written as "Truth" was written by "someone" (men mostly, and mostly, men of their time) and that despite their best of intentions (hopefully) they may have felt at some point it necessary to "clarify" something or other. Certainly, all religious texts contain frightening examples of this. All sacrificial rites, fanatical intolerance's and most of the bloodiest wars have been waged in the name of a "loving" God, albeit angry and jealous on occasion. Based on the writings of men, God is presented as a Jekyll and Hyde, certainly not "someone" I would wish to meet in a dark ally, or in "Heaven" for that matter. It almost seems mankind has a great and dire fear of God, because in all our "manuals" we have created him to be like us. No wonder so many are afraid to look inside, if the one who waits to meet them is as judgmental and vengeful as they. But what if, the books are wrong. What if God neither judges nor condemns. What if we only judge and condemn ourselves? How will we know if we are never courageous enough to look within?
Through the practices of contemplation and meditation, I have found my own avenue for discernment. All true men of God have pointed to our hearts and asked us to look within. The outer world being merely shadows and projections of a frightened ego and noisy mind that thinks it is in competition with God. Meditation is the practice of looking within. Visiting that place of silence wherein eternity lies and essence can be experienced first hand. I've found extreme peace in meditation, having my own experiences of the Divine and realizing that those who say they can explain God as a being or concept, usually cannot.
The best book I ever read on meditation is called The Art of Meditation, written by Joel Goldsmith, a 20th century Christian mystic and healer. He is no longer alive, but has left his legacy in his many books. He is an author I would highly recommend.
The practice of meditation, I realize, requires a sense of reverence and purpose like prayer, the difference being instead of talking to God, making a plea in effect, we are listening for Him to speak to us. I believe it is important to change our practices now and then so they don't become rote, leaving our minds spinning elsewhere while we out of habit maintain the position or speak the usual words without really focusing on what we're doing. I recently learned a new meditation I would like to share with you. It is a guided meditation, in that, rather than focusing on nothing, you focus on something. In this case, it has to do with the sun and the moon, which is where I began this post a hundred or so words ago...
Sitting quietly with both feet on the ground, imagine yourself surrounded by white light. Run a cord of light from your base chakra (base of the spine) to the center of the Earth. Know it will remain in tact. Call your guardian angels around you. You may also call upon those ascended masters you feel especially drawn to, such as Jesus or the Buddha.
Close your eyes. Imagine the Sun in the center of your chest, in your heart chakra. See it golden and burning and brilliant. To the right of that, envision the full moon, huge and bright white and moving slowly towards the sun. Imagine the moon moving into the sun and the sun encompasses the moon until it disappears and is consumed therein. The sun remains burning brilliantly. Continue to imagine this sun in your heart chakra. Focus on it. Relax. Now, think of something you wish to experience in your life. Something you wish to "manifest." Whether it be true love, abundance, health ... whatever it might be. See how that would look and how it would feel. Imagine yourself having that experience. Hold the vision awhile. If it slips away, just gently pull it back it again. You will get much better at visualization and maintaining the pictures in your mind the more you practice.
That's it. Practice this meditation mornings and nights before you go to sleep. You may notice initially you start vibrating! Often not requiring as much sleep. And something wonderful might happen! If you decide to give the sun and moon meditation a try, I would love to hear about your experiences!
Blessings to you,
~L
In most schools of mysticism, the moon is representative of time and the right side of the brain, which is intuitive and creative. The sun to timelessness, spirit, the left hemisphere of the brain and cognition or consciousness. Melding the two hemisphere's of the brain being the goal of meditation, thereby bringing about new or heightened senses, mystical experience, immediate manifestation, hearing the still small voice of our Higher Self, profound "knowledge" or revelation, and ultimately, linking with the eternal mind wherein we share the thoughts of God and experience the peace beyond understanding. Thus, the sun and the moon, as with all aspects of the material world, can be symbolic of the Divine, depending upon our perspective.
We are blessed to have been born in a time when we may choose our own path to God, without being forced to adhere to some other man's view of truth, and without fear of "lethal" persecution in so doing. When I may decide, based upon my own understanding and experience, what is truth as it resonates with my innermost being. On a deeper level, we all have the ability to determine truth. But it does require that we faithfully question our own motives and intent.
Surely, just because a religious text specifies or condones something, doesn't mean it is "Truth." Neither would I denounce or condone something based upon a religious text merely because it makes me feel righteous, in fact, especially if it makes me feel righteous, it is bound to be suspect, and require some soul searching. Perhaps that is why I possess such a deep distrust of fundamentalism. The one aspect all religions were created to teach, is lost in all forms of fundamentalism, and that is the development of a compassionate soul. Intolerance and compassion cannot coexist. It strikes me that written words are symbols, as is the spoken language a symbol, as is the intent behind that ... so how do we reach "essence" which must be where ultimate truth resides. Does it exist in eternity? Surely, that requires looking much deeper.
I am forever considering the fact that all that is written as "Truth" was written by "someone" (men mostly, and mostly, men of their time) and that despite their best of intentions (hopefully) they may have felt at some point it necessary to "clarify" something or other. Certainly, all religious texts contain frightening examples of this. All sacrificial rites, fanatical intolerance's and most of the bloodiest wars have been waged in the name of a "loving" God, albeit angry and jealous on occasion. Based on the writings of men, God is presented as a Jekyll and Hyde, certainly not "someone" I would wish to meet in a dark ally, or in "Heaven" for that matter. It almost seems mankind has a great and dire fear of God, because in all our "manuals" we have created him to be like us. No wonder so many are afraid to look inside, if the one who waits to meet them is as judgmental and vengeful as they. But what if, the books are wrong. What if God neither judges nor condemns. What if we only judge and condemn ourselves? How will we know if we are never courageous enough to look within?
Through the practices of contemplation and meditation, I have found my own avenue for discernment. All true men of God have pointed to our hearts and asked us to look within. The outer world being merely shadows and projections of a frightened ego and noisy mind that thinks it is in competition with God. Meditation is the practice of looking within. Visiting that place of silence wherein eternity lies and essence can be experienced first hand. I've found extreme peace in meditation, having my own experiences of the Divine and realizing that those who say they can explain God as a being or concept, usually cannot.
The best book I ever read on meditation is called The Art of Meditation, written by Joel Goldsmith, a 20th century Christian mystic and healer. He is no longer alive, but has left his legacy in his many books. He is an author I would highly recommend.
The practice of meditation, I realize, requires a sense of reverence and purpose like prayer, the difference being instead of talking to God, making a plea in effect, we are listening for Him to speak to us. I believe it is important to change our practices now and then so they don't become rote, leaving our minds spinning elsewhere while we out of habit maintain the position or speak the usual words without really focusing on what we're doing. I recently learned a new meditation I would like to share with you. It is a guided meditation, in that, rather than focusing on nothing, you focus on something. In this case, it has to do with the sun and the moon, which is where I began this post a hundred or so words ago...
Sitting quietly with both feet on the ground, imagine yourself surrounded by white light. Run a cord of light from your base chakra (base of the spine) to the center of the Earth. Know it will remain in tact. Call your guardian angels around you. You may also call upon those ascended masters you feel especially drawn to, such as Jesus or the Buddha.
Close your eyes. Imagine the Sun in the center of your chest, in your heart chakra. See it golden and burning and brilliant. To the right of that, envision the full moon, huge and bright white and moving slowly towards the sun. Imagine the moon moving into the sun and the sun encompasses the moon until it disappears and is consumed therein. The sun remains burning brilliantly. Continue to imagine this sun in your heart chakra. Focus on it. Relax. Now, think of something you wish to experience in your life. Something you wish to "manifest." Whether it be true love, abundance, health ... whatever it might be. See how that would look and how it would feel. Imagine yourself having that experience. Hold the vision awhile. If it slips away, just gently pull it back it again. You will get much better at visualization and maintaining the pictures in your mind the more you practice.
That's it. Practice this meditation mornings and nights before you go to sleep. You may notice initially you start vibrating! Often not requiring as much sleep. And something wonderful might happen! If you decide to give the sun and moon meditation a try, I would love to hear about your experiences!
Blessings to you,
~L
Saturday, October 6, 2007
The Symbolic Voice of Stone
Six years ago I began my journey with stone. A friend of mine had taken a class in beading, she'd invited me along, and I don't remember why but I declined. The following morning, she came to work wearing her creation, a simple necklace made of little heart-shaped glass beads for Valentine's Day. I was impressed, and immediately considered what I might make myself. Not long after, since I didn't heed the first call, I was invited to a regional gem show at the Tacoma Dome by another friend who had no real interest in or knowledge of rocks at all, but thought it might be fun. On the day of, that friend called to say she couldn't go, but I decided to go alone ... thinking I'd drop in for a few minutes and look around.
I soon realized I'd stumbled upon some unusual, secret society, some little known, back-burner, addictive cult after only a moment inside the door. Rock hounds... perhaps there were 100 of them, but it seemed like fewer, for they are a crowd that tends to be hushed and reverent in their mission. These 100 meandered down aisles of tables stacked with glistening mounds of strung beads and haggled with purveyors of every sort of color and shaped stone imaginable, precious and semi-precious, polished and natural crystals and geodes from mines all over the world. And oddly, I felt completely at home. I don't really recall what I purchased that day, but I emerged into the sunlight 5 hours later with a small bag of beads and a million ideas.
That night, many hours later, I awoke to the fullness of the moon besot with the most colorful visions I'd ever experienced. It was as if the stones themselves had released their coded language onto the veil of the night for my viewing pleasure. Beautiful "fairies" lined my head board or frolicked before me in a sea of sparkling violet, among them strange symbols floated by, geometric shapes twinkled, disembodied eyes blinked, tiny flying vehicles came close to my face, and unusual creatures in the shape of paisley prints or amoebas swam before me in brilliant neon greens, pinks, oranges, blues, violets, golds and colors that had no name, because they do not actually exist in our color spectrum. Or ... if they do, those who know haven't told.
I lay on my back with my hands folded over my heart while my body hummed and vibrated, a snapping resonated inside my head as if my brain cells were on fire. I had absolutely no fear, but watched enthralled. I realized some organic form of communication was taking place. Either that, or the proximity to so many powerful crystals had blown my third eye wide open! I watched in awe, a spectator, until the apparition faded an hour or so later.
I jumped from bed the next morning, but couldn't tell my secret to a soul, knowing they would smile and nod but not really understand and certainly never believe. My husband and son are the best of sports, but secretly (I'm nearly certain) twirl their fingers beside their ears when hearing of my exploits. Undaunted, I returned to the gem show that following day and purchased a celestite geode, feeling especially drawn to that crystal the previous day.
Celestite is a silvery blue stone that is mined in the caves of Madagascar. It's crystals glisten like an ice cave and its vibrational quality matches that of the 5th chakra, Vishuddha, the throat. The attraction, I realized, came from my long struggle to find my voice and express my truth through the power of the spoken word. I've kept it in a variety of places since then, but always near me, beside or under my bed, even taking it with me to the ocean for a good cleansing in the Pacific, where I noticed it also matched the color of the sea and the sky ... whether the sun was shining or the rain pouring.
When I hold it near my throat, a powerful tightness seizes my vocal chords and I begin to cough. It reminds me my work is not yet done, as I still struggle with that childhood demon... to be seen and not heard. And, of course, as a woman, many lifetimes of shutting down that voice in order to be considered a good girl, or ladylike, or worthy... for that matter. I still struggle with the fear of being heard. But I am aware of it, and being conscious of my fear is half the battle. Writing helps. The honesty I am able to employ here is certainly freeing.
I have had many such experiences before and after that particular night I witnessed the symbolic voice of stone, but none ever quite so vibrant and perhaps that is because it caught my attention and we've moved on to a new relationship, stone and I; as co-creators with the winged muses, we wrap unsuspecting humans in the healing energy of amethyst, aquamarine, citrine, labradorite and the others. Allowing them to weave their silent melody into the heart of woman. She to reach man, and thus to remember the ancient Soul that has never sinned. A memory only a veil away from Heaven.
In closing, I hope you will touch upon your own Divine curiosity and seek the deep codified secrets trapped in the density of stone. Consider finding a crystal you resonate with, and bring it home. Be prepared to be changed.
Blessed be...
~L
I soon realized I'd stumbled upon some unusual, secret society, some little known, back-burner, addictive cult after only a moment inside the door. Rock hounds... perhaps there were 100 of them, but it seemed like fewer, for they are a crowd that tends to be hushed and reverent in their mission. These 100 meandered down aisles of tables stacked with glistening mounds of strung beads and haggled with purveyors of every sort of color and shaped stone imaginable, precious and semi-precious, polished and natural crystals and geodes from mines all over the world. And oddly, I felt completely at home. I don't really recall what I purchased that day, but I emerged into the sunlight 5 hours later with a small bag of beads and a million ideas.
That night, many hours later, I awoke to the fullness of the moon besot with the most colorful visions I'd ever experienced. It was as if the stones themselves had released their coded language onto the veil of the night for my viewing pleasure. Beautiful "fairies" lined my head board or frolicked before me in a sea of sparkling violet, among them strange symbols floated by, geometric shapes twinkled, disembodied eyes blinked, tiny flying vehicles came close to my face, and unusual creatures in the shape of paisley prints or amoebas swam before me in brilliant neon greens, pinks, oranges, blues, violets, golds and colors that had no name, because they do not actually exist in our color spectrum. Or ... if they do, those who know haven't told.
I lay on my back with my hands folded over my heart while my body hummed and vibrated, a snapping resonated inside my head as if my brain cells were on fire. I had absolutely no fear, but watched enthralled. I realized some organic form of communication was taking place. Either that, or the proximity to so many powerful crystals had blown my third eye wide open! I watched in awe, a spectator, until the apparition faded an hour or so later.
I jumped from bed the next morning, but couldn't tell my secret to a soul, knowing they would smile and nod but not really understand and certainly never believe. My husband and son are the best of sports, but secretly (I'm nearly certain) twirl their fingers beside their ears when hearing of my exploits. Undaunted, I returned to the gem show that following day and purchased a celestite geode, feeling especially drawn to that crystal the previous day.
Celestite is a silvery blue stone that is mined in the caves of Madagascar. It's crystals glisten like an ice cave and its vibrational quality matches that of the 5th chakra, Vishuddha, the throat. The attraction, I realized, came from my long struggle to find my voice and express my truth through the power of the spoken word. I've kept it in a variety of places since then, but always near me, beside or under my bed, even taking it with me to the ocean for a good cleansing in the Pacific, where I noticed it also matched the color of the sea and the sky ... whether the sun was shining or the rain pouring.
When I hold it near my throat, a powerful tightness seizes my vocal chords and I begin to cough. It reminds me my work is not yet done, as I still struggle with that childhood demon... to be seen and not heard. And, of course, as a woman, many lifetimes of shutting down that voice in order to be considered a good girl, or ladylike, or worthy... for that matter. I still struggle with the fear of being heard. But I am aware of it, and being conscious of my fear is half the battle. Writing helps. The honesty I am able to employ here is certainly freeing.
I have had many such experiences before and after that particular night I witnessed the symbolic voice of stone, but none ever quite so vibrant and perhaps that is because it caught my attention and we've moved on to a new relationship, stone and I; as co-creators with the winged muses, we wrap unsuspecting humans in the healing energy of amethyst, aquamarine, citrine, labradorite and the others. Allowing them to weave their silent melody into the heart of woman. She to reach man, and thus to remember the ancient Soul that has never sinned. A memory only a veil away from Heaven.
In closing, I hope you will touch upon your own Divine curiosity and seek the deep codified secrets trapped in the density of stone. Consider finding a crystal you resonate with, and bring it home. Be prepared to be changed.
Blessed be...
~L
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Forgiveness
It is not by might I fight
or fail to fight
but rather that winged kiss
"forgiveness"
I plant upon the lips of night
That thins the color
of the sky
until the stars are in league
with the light
with nowhere else
to fade but white
lk
or fail to fight
but rather that winged kiss
"forgiveness"
I plant upon the lips of night
That thins the color
of the sky
until the stars are in league
with the light
with nowhere else
to fade but white
lk
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
More on Cleansing and Shielding
I've been hiding out in my studio as of late, making jewelry for an upcoming 6-day show in Portland (well, lorakellydesigns... that what she does for heaven's sakes), but feeling the associated stress that always seems to affect me when I'm under pressure is not so fun. Of course, it is a natural part of the process of change and growth. Surely, our temporal world expresses itself in myriad combinations of tension and release, from tiny seeds bursting through their hulls and once again through the soil to giant trees swaying in the wind. In truth, this tension will carry us to our destination if we allow it. But mostly we struggle like salmon against a current, only the most persistent fulfill their true purpose. And yet, no life is wasted. Even the salmon who dies before spawning feeds the creatures, the earth, the river and the sea.
Personally, if I had my druthers, I prefer a state of release ... like a floppy rubber band, a constant slackness ... and only to dream of the tension, dreaming being my nature. But that, my dear friends, will carry me no where! Even our breath requires tension, for we must breath in to breath out, and ultimately to live. A balanced life requires the same. Therefore I endure my tension, knowing it will not, cannot, last forever, and grateful it will transition in release sometime around October 25th ... for me! To be replaced by something else, no doubt!
In my last entry, I discussed steps to cleanse and shield the body's electromagnetic field and chakras and wanted to continue along in that vein ... a practice I had to master myself in order to live a fearless life in my new, ever-expanding, multi-dimensional reality. In my previous post, I discussed cleansing and shielding with light, using prayer, intent and visualization. For those experiencing an "opening" or what has been called in the New Age a "spiritual emergency," these will bring relief. No doubt these happenings have been experienced for eons. But of late, there appears to be a critical mass experiencing the phenomenon globally. For many, the fear factor is dibilitating, as it was initially for me. However, these practices will help you to take control of the wheel; stave off unwanted energies, repel negativity, sleep without unwanted "visitations", put an end to frightening nightmares, and keep you from soaking up other's emotional highs and lows.
Ritualistic practices can be powerful, with each renewal of the process laying upon the previous day's like energetic bricks and mortar, strengthening the "vows" ... which are merely words spoken with intent. It is as important to cleanse our personal space as it is to cleanse our aura. At work or in the grocery store (or other public place), I would recommend using the light practices, mentioned previously, as your local grocer might possibly object to a customer lighting a bundle of sage in the vegetable aisle! However, at home, you may do as you like! Here are a few practices which will provide and maintain comfort and peace in your surroundings:
Burning sage:
The practice of burning sage to repel and dissipate negative energy has been practiced by the Native American peoples for centuries and is considered a sacred herb. It is good to keep a bundle of sage on hand for this purpose, especially if you are sensitive to energy. Whether you've had a recent death in your home accompanied by depression and grief, a family reunion (yes, negative energy may be attached to anyone), strangers in your home, a general feeling of malaise, discomfort or sadness, or for no reason at all. Sage is extremely cleansing. You can purchase it at any New Age shop. Light one end and walk through your home blowing the smoke as you go. Know in your heart that it is dissipating all negative energies.
Say: "I cleanse and purify this space with sacred sage. Only energies of pure, divine, loving intent are welcome here. All others are not welcome and must leave now. So be it."
Open doors and windows afterwards and allow the smoke to flow out ... imagine shadows being pulled outside, and the inside of your room or home shimmering in light.
Once you have cleared a space, whether it be your aura, chakras, bedroom or wherever, always be sure to fill it again with white light and know that it will remain in tact until you renew the process. Refilling space with light is absolutely a must!
Ritual Bathing:
Water is the blood of the earth, and has been used in ceremony since the dawn of mankind, more recently, in the ritual of baptism. Thus, as with any important ceremony, it is good to prepare for a ritual bath with a sense of the sacred. Make plans the day before and gather your ceremonial symbols, salt, lavender and candles. Set a special time aside for your bath, preferrably when you will not be disturbed. Consider why you are doing it. Perhaps you have been angry or depressed, you cannot let go of grief, you've had intercourse with someone you don't feel love for, or you feel you have alien energies attached to you. Whatever the reason, have the expectation that the bath will bring relief.
Prepare a warm bath. Light white candles to add a sense of sacred intent. Add oil of lavender or clippings of fresh lavender, Epsom salts and sea salt to the bath. Speak words of intent as you add each ingredient to the water. Call upon your guardian angels, or spiritual master such as Jesus to stand by and assist with your healing.
Say: I bless this water and call upon its sacred energy for my purification and cleansing. Remove all darkness, negativity and debris from my physical and etheric bodies. Purify my chakras. Remove all thought forms, energies and beings from my person. My energy is my own. In the name of the I Am that I Am, so be it.
Be sure to dunk your entire body while you bath, to the top of your head. Stay in the bath at least 15 minutes, preferrably longer. Relax and know that you are being healed. When you rise from the bath, dry yourself with a clean towel and don clean clothes with great care. If it is before bed, be sure your sheets are clean. Prior to putting clean sheets on your bed, you might toss sea salt on your mattress to cleanse the energy. Especially if someone else has slept in your bed who's energy you no longer desire.
It is not uncommon that those who are "open" can be susceptible to piggy-backing energies if they have not learned self-protection techniques and do not routinely perform cleansing practices. I imagine there are many "open ones" locked away in asylums or walking the streets on prescription anti-depressants and anti-psychotics, just to make it through their days without fear of flipping out, committing suicide, hearing voices or seeing "things".
There is a stem of energy that runs from the uppermost chakra to the base chakra whereby we are connected multi-dimensionally. If clogged by the murky energies of depression, child-hood traumas, sexual abuse, substance abuse, inability to forgive, etc, it can attract more of that same energy until an individual appears to be "out of character." However, if routinely cleansed, these same marauding energies will get "off your back" so to speak, and remain off.
Clearing the Spinal Pathway
Sit quietly in a comfortable chair with feet flat on the ground in a place where you will not be disturbed. Ground yourself; (Create a cord of white or golden light from your base chakra (the bottom of the spine) and run it to the center of the earth.) Know it will remain in tact.
Envision a glistening ball of white light above your head. Tip the ball like a cup and see the white light pour out like milk into the top of your head and down the back of your spine. When it reaches the base of the spine, allow it to continue down the cord to the center of the earth. After a moment or two, stop the light from falling down the cord and instead turn it back up the front of the spine towards your head. When it reaches your heart, split the light three ways. One cord going up out of your head, the other two going down both arms. The light comes out of your hands and out the top of your head now. Keep running this energy. Follow it as it comes down through your head to the base of your spine and back up again and out through your hands and head continually. Envision that there is a monitor on the ball of light above you and there is a button for "manual" or "automatic" ... switch it to automatic. Know it will continue to run until you switch it back to manual.
While that light runs, imagine your feet on a platform of violet light on the ground. With great respect, ask the earth (Gaia) if she will allow you to drink in her healing energies. Imagine green light coming up from the earth, through the violet platform, through the bottom of your feet, up your legs and up the front of your spine, mixing with the white light and also splitting three ways and dissipating into your aura from your hands and head. Notice that there is also a button down by your feet for "manual" or "automatic" operation. Visualize the light moving awhile, then switch automatic on and know that it will continue until you switch it back to manual.
Perform any prayers or meditations at this time that bring you peace and help you to feel your connection with God. Know that this light that cleanses you is the pristine light of Heaven and your purity, safety and blessedness is the will of God.
Switch both your "buttons" back to manual. At this time, you can shield yourself with golden and violet light for a peaceful night's sleep or a great day! (See my previous post for instructions).
Having experienced my own opening and subsequent lessons in self-protection, I understand the relief that comes when we realize we are not alone. I also know that the very best "medicine" for staying clear is simply happiness. Yet I also understand how hard it can be to let go of the traumas of our past, we carry them around like heavy baggage and it seems even grab the baggage of others if we are careless with our thinking. Having practiced these rituals for many years now, I can tell you first hand they work and will give you peace, and put you back in control of your life and enable you to explore your newfound "gifts" without fear. I would love to hear your own experiences and hope you will leave your comments.
Finally, I leave you with a beautiful protection meditation prayer (from Unity):
The light of God surrounds me
The love of God enfolds me
The power of God protects me
The presence of God watches over me
Wherever I am, God is.
Blessed be...
Lora
Personally, if I had my druthers, I prefer a state of release ... like a floppy rubber band, a constant slackness ... and only to dream of the tension, dreaming being my nature. But that, my dear friends, will carry me no where! Even our breath requires tension, for we must breath in to breath out, and ultimately to live. A balanced life requires the same. Therefore I endure my tension, knowing it will not, cannot, last forever, and grateful it will transition in release sometime around October 25th ... for me! To be replaced by something else, no doubt!
In my last entry, I discussed steps to cleanse and shield the body's electromagnetic field and chakras and wanted to continue along in that vein ... a practice I had to master myself in order to live a fearless life in my new, ever-expanding, multi-dimensional reality. In my previous post, I discussed cleansing and shielding with light, using prayer, intent and visualization. For those experiencing an "opening" or what has been called in the New Age a "spiritual emergency," these will bring relief. No doubt these happenings have been experienced for eons. But of late, there appears to be a critical mass experiencing the phenomenon globally. For many, the fear factor is dibilitating, as it was initially for me. However, these practices will help you to take control of the wheel; stave off unwanted energies, repel negativity, sleep without unwanted "visitations", put an end to frightening nightmares, and keep you from soaking up other's emotional highs and lows.
Ritualistic practices can be powerful, with each renewal of the process laying upon the previous day's like energetic bricks and mortar, strengthening the "vows" ... which are merely words spoken with intent. It is as important to cleanse our personal space as it is to cleanse our aura. At work or in the grocery store (or other public place), I would recommend using the light practices, mentioned previously, as your local grocer might possibly object to a customer lighting a bundle of sage in the vegetable aisle! However, at home, you may do as you like! Here are a few practices which will provide and maintain comfort and peace in your surroundings:
Burning sage:
The practice of burning sage to repel and dissipate negative energy has been practiced by the Native American peoples for centuries and is considered a sacred herb. It is good to keep a bundle of sage on hand for this purpose, especially if you are sensitive to energy. Whether you've had a recent death in your home accompanied by depression and grief, a family reunion (yes, negative energy may be attached to anyone), strangers in your home, a general feeling of malaise, discomfort or sadness, or for no reason at all. Sage is extremely cleansing. You can purchase it at any New Age shop. Light one end and walk through your home blowing the smoke as you go. Know in your heart that it is dissipating all negative energies.
Say: "I cleanse and purify this space with sacred sage. Only energies of pure, divine, loving intent are welcome here. All others are not welcome and must leave now. So be it."
Open doors and windows afterwards and allow the smoke to flow out ... imagine shadows being pulled outside, and the inside of your room or home shimmering in light.
Once you have cleared a space, whether it be your aura, chakras, bedroom or wherever, always be sure to fill it again with white light and know that it will remain in tact until you renew the process. Refilling space with light is absolutely a must!
Ritual Bathing:
Water is the blood of the earth, and has been used in ceremony since the dawn of mankind, more recently, in the ritual of baptism. Thus, as with any important ceremony, it is good to prepare for a ritual bath with a sense of the sacred. Make plans the day before and gather your ceremonial symbols, salt, lavender and candles. Set a special time aside for your bath, preferrably when you will not be disturbed. Consider why you are doing it. Perhaps you have been angry or depressed, you cannot let go of grief, you've had intercourse with someone you don't feel love for, or you feel you have alien energies attached to you. Whatever the reason, have the expectation that the bath will bring relief.
Prepare a warm bath. Light white candles to add a sense of sacred intent. Add oil of lavender or clippings of fresh lavender, Epsom salts and sea salt to the bath. Speak words of intent as you add each ingredient to the water. Call upon your guardian angels, or spiritual master such as Jesus to stand by and assist with your healing.
Say: I bless this water and call upon its sacred energy for my purification and cleansing. Remove all darkness, negativity and debris from my physical and etheric bodies. Purify my chakras. Remove all thought forms, energies and beings from my person. My energy is my own. In the name of the I Am that I Am, so be it.
Be sure to dunk your entire body while you bath, to the top of your head. Stay in the bath at least 15 minutes, preferrably longer. Relax and know that you are being healed. When you rise from the bath, dry yourself with a clean towel and don clean clothes with great care. If it is before bed, be sure your sheets are clean. Prior to putting clean sheets on your bed, you might toss sea salt on your mattress to cleanse the energy. Especially if someone else has slept in your bed who's energy you no longer desire.
It is not uncommon that those who are "open" can be susceptible to piggy-backing energies if they have not learned self-protection techniques and do not routinely perform cleansing practices. I imagine there are many "open ones" locked away in asylums or walking the streets on prescription anti-depressants and anti-psychotics, just to make it through their days without fear of flipping out, committing suicide, hearing voices or seeing "things".
There is a stem of energy that runs from the uppermost chakra to the base chakra whereby we are connected multi-dimensionally. If clogged by the murky energies of depression, child-hood traumas, sexual abuse, substance abuse, inability to forgive, etc, it can attract more of that same energy until an individual appears to be "out of character." However, if routinely cleansed, these same marauding energies will get "off your back" so to speak, and remain off.
Clearing the Spinal Pathway
Sit quietly in a comfortable chair with feet flat on the ground in a place where you will not be disturbed. Ground yourself; (Create a cord of white or golden light from your base chakra (the bottom of the spine) and run it to the center of the earth.) Know it will remain in tact.
Envision a glistening ball of white light above your head. Tip the ball like a cup and see the white light pour out like milk into the top of your head and down the back of your spine. When it reaches the base of the spine, allow it to continue down the cord to the center of the earth. After a moment or two, stop the light from falling down the cord and instead turn it back up the front of the spine towards your head. When it reaches your heart, split the light three ways. One cord going up out of your head, the other two going down both arms. The light comes out of your hands and out the top of your head now. Keep running this energy. Follow it as it comes down through your head to the base of your spine and back up again and out through your hands and head continually. Envision that there is a monitor on the ball of light above you and there is a button for "manual" or "automatic" ... switch it to automatic. Know it will continue to run until you switch it back to manual.
While that light runs, imagine your feet on a platform of violet light on the ground. With great respect, ask the earth (Gaia) if she will allow you to drink in her healing energies. Imagine green light coming up from the earth, through the violet platform, through the bottom of your feet, up your legs and up the front of your spine, mixing with the white light and also splitting three ways and dissipating into your aura from your hands and head. Notice that there is also a button down by your feet for "manual" or "automatic" operation. Visualize the light moving awhile, then switch automatic on and know that it will continue until you switch it back to manual.
Perform any prayers or meditations at this time that bring you peace and help you to feel your connection with God. Know that this light that cleanses you is the pristine light of Heaven and your purity, safety and blessedness is the will of God.
Switch both your "buttons" back to manual. At this time, you can shield yourself with golden and violet light for a peaceful night's sleep or a great day! (See my previous post for instructions).
Having experienced my own opening and subsequent lessons in self-protection, I understand the relief that comes when we realize we are not alone. I also know that the very best "medicine" for staying clear is simply happiness. Yet I also understand how hard it can be to let go of the traumas of our past, we carry them around like heavy baggage and it seems even grab the baggage of others if we are careless with our thinking. Having practiced these rituals for many years now, I can tell you first hand they work and will give you peace, and put you back in control of your life and enable you to explore your newfound "gifts" without fear. I would love to hear your own experiences and hope you will leave your comments.
Finally, I leave you with a beautiful protection meditation prayer (from Unity):
The light of God surrounds me
The love of God enfolds me
The power of God protects me
The presence of God watches over me
Wherever I am, God is.
Blessed be...
Lora
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Psychic Protection or Taking the Reins during a Spiritual Emergency
Throughout my life I have had strange experiences that I felt necessary to keep to myself, until very recently. I've been lucky enough to find others like me who have been there and understand. I now realize there have always been others out there, who like me, have kept their secrets, for fear of being "misunderstood" or outright, persecuted.
To experience an "opening" can certainly be frightening. One day you think you know what the world is and how it operates, the next, everything changes. For most, it is a re-opening, because most of us are open as children and shut down as soon as the adults in our lives embed their own thoughts and emotions and perspectives on our impressionable minds. I was shut down for years, but even then, I was prone to extraordinary dreams and "happenings" that made me wonder at times if I was mad. Luckily, finding others ... mostly through books but eventually through seminars and classes and of course, serendipity ... I not only found out I was okay, but I also discovered the strength to explore my particular kind of "knowledge" in more detail and without the fear I had been taught was appropriate.
Being "open" is how I refer to this most intimate aspect of my life, wherein I have a different sort of vision, than most, which is in fact, heightened senses. Rather than a 6th sense, I feel it is my own senses operating at optimum power. Perhaps not all of them, but even one expanded sense can be mind bending for the unprepared.
Luckily, my own opening came in small fits and bursts. Initially, I "felt" more intensely for others as an empath, that caused me great discomfort in social situations, wherein the resulting physical and emotional stress and strain would cause me to shake uncontrollably. Without the tools necessary to clear excess energy I continually had mini breakdowns, these "episodes" consisted of complete withdrawal from human-interaction for days on end, or fantastical crying jags wherein I lost control of myself until my body was spent. Later I would learn, this enabled me to purge negative energy from my body and auric field. This was before I understood what negative energy was and how it effected me on the physical level.
Eventually, energy itself became visible to me, I could see it moving in everything. Nothing was visually solid anymore (think of a Van Gogh painting). Great billowy clouds of white and color surrounded people, animals, stones and plants. I experienced visitations almost nightly; faces moving through the air over my bed, small-winged angels or fairies on my headboard or hovering in front of my face, as well as strange symbols, geometric, celtic, the Hebrew alphabet, and mathematical equasions in brilliant colors, sounds of strange watery music, or chorals, sometimes the world around me became achingly beautiful with colors and sounds unlike anything I'd ever seen. I could sense those who had passed on, often hear them speak, and soon began to feel them touch me. Along with all of this came mystical dreams and experiences of serendipity.
However, aside from all the beauty and wonder, there were moments that were absolutely frightening. I believe that as we experience openings, the output of light increases so much, that many are drawn. Some whom we are not prepared to meet or deal with, if we are lacking a strong spiritual foundation. I eventually learned the most important lesson in the gaining of psychic awareness, and that is how to protect oneself.
I have finally realized how it is important for me to impart this information, despite the possibility of being ostracized or laughed at, because I realize such "spiritual emergencies" are happening on a global level. Had my own mentors feared persecution, I would've been left to struggle with depression, fear and possible insanity. It is evident to me that there are others who desparately need this information, as much as I did when it began happening to me. My hope is to empower them, to keep them out of the psychiatrist's chair, off of medication or out of an asylum. It is vital they know it is a gift of spirit, and that we hold the power in our hands and are surrounded by multitudes of invisible helpers who are merely awaiting our request for the next level of assistance. Therefore, I offer these daily practices which will bring relief for those who are feeling out of control, inundated, fearful or unsure about what's happening to them.
First, however, let me expound on the first important rule of thumb for the "open" ones, if you take any type of recreational drug, alcohol or mind-altering substance at all, these practices cannot help you, and you will be left wide open for marauding energies. Substance experimentation and abuse breaks down the protective aura to such a tragic extent. If you feel this has happened to you, comment here and I will direct you to assistance. I do drink wine, though not often, but when I do, it is a small amount with a meal, or else watered down to a great extent with piles of ice, never in uncomfortable, public places and never before going to sleep. Also, if you are dealing with a great deal of internal fear, refrain from watching or listening to negative programming, such as the news, and definitely don't watch any kind of movies that invoke fear, such as horror and gore. That being said, let us move forward.
Psychic Protection:
I perform these same practices every night before I go to bed, which I recommend, however, you may do them as often as you like throughout the day, but at the very least once daily.
1) Pulling In White Light: Sit comfortably in a place where you will not be disturbed and close your eyes and take three very deep breaths through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. Imagine the breath coming down to the base of your spine and as you exhale, imagine it moving up the spine and expelling through the top of your head. Know that you are drawing in cleansing white light and moving it through your chakras.
Say: My Blessed Guardian Angels and Spirit Guides, I ask that you surround and protect me now. You may also call to Jesus or a special spiritual master you feel drawn to.
Say: I call upon the Eloheim of the White Ray, to come down and fill this space (this house and grounds) with pure, crystalline source light. This powerful, source light cannot be trespassed against, it cannot be altered or weakened, it grows stronger each time I renew this process. This light blesses, sustains and protects me on all levels of being in all directions of time. Only beings of pure, devine loving intent with my highest good in mind are welcome here. All others are not welcome, and must leave now. In the name of the I AM that I Am, so be it.
As you say this prayer, imagine a beam of pure white light coming down from above, and becoming a ball in the center of your house, it extends a cord of light to the center of the planet. Then this ball expands to fill each floor of the house, every nook and cranny, until the house and all within it are filled with this light, then expand to all corners of the property. Don't worry if you aren't very good at visualizing, do the best you can, intent is what sets prayer in motion.
2)Cleansing the Aura: Feel your aura around you, sense it with your mind. If you push out with your hands you will feel a bit of tension and warmth. Extend your arms outward to each side with palms flattened and facing upwards, imagine your aura pulling in and stopping at the palm of your hands. Know that that's where you want it. Imagine above you a ball of glistening white light, pull it down through the center of your body to your base chakra ... which is at the base of your spine, extend a chord of that light to the center of the planet. Know that it will remain in tact. Imagine a glistening, golden cloud above you that pours golden rain through your aura. Sense it cleansing your aura and all debris is washed to the floor and down a drain. Let the rain cloud dissipate and be gone. Imagine your aura glistening like a diamond. Now pull in golden light into and around your aura.
Say: I call upon the golden light from the holy city of angels where the Great White Brotherhood dwell, the Ascended Masters and the Arch Angels. Golden light, fill my aura, heal all imperfections, cleanse my chakras of all debris. Surround and protect me. This light will remain in tact, it cannot be altered or weakened, it will grow stronger each time I renew this process. Amen.
3) Setting a Force Field: Finally, imagine a ball of violet light surrounding you, 12 inches thick all the way around. You may call upon St. Germaine to bring this light, as he has been called "keeper of the violet flame", a phenomenon usually experienced during meditation. Remember, intent is what is important here, rather than saying the correct words.
Say: This violet light is a powerful protective force-field. It transmutes lower energies to a higher form of light for the good of all. It repels darkness and negativity. No harm of any kind can come to me.
If your home is prone to visitations, surround it with violet light as well, 12 feet thick. Knowing this light protects your home and family, as well.
Finally, before falling asleep say: Thank you Angels for protecting me while I sleep. I will only travel to the highest realms of light during dreamtime. I will have pleasant dreams only. Amen. Be sure to add any special prayers to "God" that bring you peace, such as The Lord's Prayer, or even better, something you've made up that comes from your heart... including meditations and affirmations which should come just before dropping off to sleep, as these you want to imbed in your subconscious mind, and it is most receptive just before falling asleep and upon waking.
Every morning, it is important to draw protective light to shield yourself before going out into the world. You can perform these same "rituals" before rising. You can also fill any space anywhere with white light, such as your office or the building where you work, your car, the grocery store, etc. As time goes by, you will memorize these prayers and become quite adept at quick self-protection techniques. I pull up my shields anytime I am in the presence of strangers or those I know have cluttered energy. It helps me to maintain clarity and personal power, and enables me to remain free of energy that doesn't belong to me.
Some people feel violet light to be very strong and it may "put off" people, or make them feel uncomfortable or suspicious around you. If you must work with people, you might try placing a layer of pink light on the very outside of your shields, which is a gentle, warm light and comforts others in your presence. Remember, you have a team of helpers, angels, who are ready to help in any situation. Ask before you leave your house each day that they be on guard, assist you in all situations, guide and protect you. Ask them to watch over your house when you are away. Form your request as a affirmation, rather than a plea.
Say: "Thank you for watching over my home, for going before me this day and making the crooked places straight, for assisting and protecting me in all situations. Amen."
These are the basic protections which you should use daily that will help you sleep better and feel safe, and more at ease in your surroundings, and keep "visitors" at bay. I would love to hear how these have worked for you!
In my next post, I will discuss further steps that involve clearing your personal energy and how to get free of tag-along energies that do not belong to you, including the use of ritual bathing, crystals and burning dried herbs. And finally, a ritual for clearing the spinal pathway to keep piggy-backing energies "off your back" forever.
I hope this brings you peace.
Blessed be,
~L
To experience an "opening" can certainly be frightening. One day you think you know what the world is and how it operates, the next, everything changes. For most, it is a re-opening, because most of us are open as children and shut down as soon as the adults in our lives embed their own thoughts and emotions and perspectives on our impressionable minds. I was shut down for years, but even then, I was prone to extraordinary dreams and "happenings" that made me wonder at times if I was mad. Luckily, finding others ... mostly through books but eventually through seminars and classes and of course, serendipity ... I not only found out I was okay, but I also discovered the strength to explore my particular kind of "knowledge" in more detail and without the fear I had been taught was appropriate.
Being "open" is how I refer to this most intimate aspect of my life, wherein I have a different sort of vision, than most, which is in fact, heightened senses. Rather than a 6th sense, I feel it is my own senses operating at optimum power. Perhaps not all of them, but even one expanded sense can be mind bending for the unprepared.
Luckily, my own opening came in small fits and bursts. Initially, I "felt" more intensely for others as an empath, that caused me great discomfort in social situations, wherein the resulting physical and emotional stress and strain would cause me to shake uncontrollably. Without the tools necessary to clear excess energy I continually had mini breakdowns, these "episodes" consisted of complete withdrawal from human-interaction for days on end, or fantastical crying jags wherein I lost control of myself until my body was spent. Later I would learn, this enabled me to purge negative energy from my body and auric field. This was before I understood what negative energy was and how it effected me on the physical level.
Eventually, energy itself became visible to me, I could see it moving in everything. Nothing was visually solid anymore (think of a Van Gogh painting). Great billowy clouds of white and color surrounded people, animals, stones and plants. I experienced visitations almost nightly; faces moving through the air over my bed, small-winged angels or fairies on my headboard or hovering in front of my face, as well as strange symbols, geometric, celtic, the Hebrew alphabet, and mathematical equasions in brilliant colors, sounds of strange watery music, or chorals, sometimes the world around me became achingly beautiful with colors and sounds unlike anything I'd ever seen. I could sense those who had passed on, often hear them speak, and soon began to feel them touch me. Along with all of this came mystical dreams and experiences of serendipity.
However, aside from all the beauty and wonder, there were moments that were absolutely frightening. I believe that as we experience openings, the output of light increases so much, that many are drawn. Some whom we are not prepared to meet or deal with, if we are lacking a strong spiritual foundation. I eventually learned the most important lesson in the gaining of psychic awareness, and that is how to protect oneself.
I have finally realized how it is important for me to impart this information, despite the possibility of being ostracized or laughed at, because I realize such "spiritual emergencies" are happening on a global level. Had my own mentors feared persecution, I would've been left to struggle with depression, fear and possible insanity. It is evident to me that there are others who desparately need this information, as much as I did when it began happening to me. My hope is to empower them, to keep them out of the psychiatrist's chair, off of medication or out of an asylum. It is vital they know it is a gift of spirit, and that we hold the power in our hands and are surrounded by multitudes of invisible helpers who are merely awaiting our request for the next level of assistance. Therefore, I offer these daily practices which will bring relief for those who are feeling out of control, inundated, fearful or unsure about what's happening to them.
First, however, let me expound on the first important rule of thumb for the "open" ones, if you take any type of recreational drug, alcohol or mind-altering substance at all, these practices cannot help you, and you will be left wide open for marauding energies. Substance experimentation and abuse breaks down the protective aura to such a tragic extent. If you feel this has happened to you, comment here and I will direct you to assistance. I do drink wine, though not often, but when I do, it is a small amount with a meal, or else watered down to a great extent with piles of ice, never in uncomfortable, public places and never before going to sleep. Also, if you are dealing with a great deal of internal fear, refrain from watching or listening to negative programming, such as the news, and definitely don't watch any kind of movies that invoke fear, such as horror and gore. That being said, let us move forward.
Psychic Protection:
I perform these same practices every night before I go to bed, which I recommend, however, you may do them as often as you like throughout the day, but at the very least once daily.
1) Pulling In White Light: Sit comfortably in a place where you will not be disturbed and close your eyes and take three very deep breaths through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. Imagine the breath coming down to the base of your spine and as you exhale, imagine it moving up the spine and expelling through the top of your head. Know that you are drawing in cleansing white light and moving it through your chakras.
Say: My Blessed Guardian Angels and Spirit Guides, I ask that you surround and protect me now. You may also call to Jesus or a special spiritual master you feel drawn to.
Say: I call upon the Eloheim of the White Ray, to come down and fill this space (this house and grounds) with pure, crystalline source light. This powerful, source light cannot be trespassed against, it cannot be altered or weakened, it grows stronger each time I renew this process. This light blesses, sustains and protects me on all levels of being in all directions of time. Only beings of pure, devine loving intent with my highest good in mind are welcome here. All others are not welcome, and must leave now. In the name of the I AM that I Am, so be it.
As you say this prayer, imagine a beam of pure white light coming down from above, and becoming a ball in the center of your house, it extends a cord of light to the center of the planet. Then this ball expands to fill each floor of the house, every nook and cranny, until the house and all within it are filled with this light, then expand to all corners of the property. Don't worry if you aren't very good at visualizing, do the best you can, intent is what sets prayer in motion.
2)Cleansing the Aura: Feel your aura around you, sense it with your mind. If you push out with your hands you will feel a bit of tension and warmth. Extend your arms outward to each side with palms flattened and facing upwards, imagine your aura pulling in and stopping at the palm of your hands. Know that that's where you want it. Imagine above you a ball of glistening white light, pull it down through the center of your body to your base chakra ... which is at the base of your spine, extend a chord of that light to the center of the planet. Know that it will remain in tact. Imagine a glistening, golden cloud above you that pours golden rain through your aura. Sense it cleansing your aura and all debris is washed to the floor and down a drain. Let the rain cloud dissipate and be gone. Imagine your aura glistening like a diamond. Now pull in golden light into and around your aura.
Say: I call upon the golden light from the holy city of angels where the Great White Brotherhood dwell, the Ascended Masters and the Arch Angels. Golden light, fill my aura, heal all imperfections, cleanse my chakras of all debris. Surround and protect me. This light will remain in tact, it cannot be altered or weakened, it will grow stronger each time I renew this process. Amen.
3) Setting a Force Field: Finally, imagine a ball of violet light surrounding you, 12 inches thick all the way around. You may call upon St. Germaine to bring this light, as he has been called "keeper of the violet flame", a phenomenon usually experienced during meditation. Remember, intent is what is important here, rather than saying the correct words.
Say: This violet light is a powerful protective force-field. It transmutes lower energies to a higher form of light for the good of all. It repels darkness and negativity. No harm of any kind can come to me.
If your home is prone to visitations, surround it with violet light as well, 12 feet thick. Knowing this light protects your home and family, as well.
Finally, before falling asleep say: Thank you Angels for protecting me while I sleep. I will only travel to the highest realms of light during dreamtime. I will have pleasant dreams only. Amen. Be sure to add any special prayers to "God" that bring you peace, such as The Lord's Prayer, or even better, something you've made up that comes from your heart... including meditations and affirmations which should come just before dropping off to sleep, as these you want to imbed in your subconscious mind, and it is most receptive just before falling asleep and upon waking.
Every morning, it is important to draw protective light to shield yourself before going out into the world. You can perform these same "rituals" before rising. You can also fill any space anywhere with white light, such as your office or the building where you work, your car, the grocery store, etc. As time goes by, you will memorize these prayers and become quite adept at quick self-protection techniques. I pull up my shields anytime I am in the presence of strangers or those I know have cluttered energy. It helps me to maintain clarity and personal power, and enables me to remain free of energy that doesn't belong to me.
Some people feel violet light to be very strong and it may "put off" people, or make them feel uncomfortable or suspicious around you. If you must work with people, you might try placing a layer of pink light on the very outside of your shields, which is a gentle, warm light and comforts others in your presence. Remember, you have a team of helpers, angels, who are ready to help in any situation. Ask before you leave your house each day that they be on guard, assist you in all situations, guide and protect you. Ask them to watch over your house when you are away. Form your request as a affirmation, rather than a plea.
Say: "Thank you for watching over my home, for going before me this day and making the crooked places straight, for assisting and protecting me in all situations. Amen."
These are the basic protections which you should use daily that will help you sleep better and feel safe, and more at ease in your surroundings, and keep "visitors" at bay. I would love to hear how these have worked for you!
In my next post, I will discuss further steps that involve clearing your personal energy and how to get free of tag-along energies that do not belong to you, including the use of ritual bathing, crystals and burning dried herbs. And finally, a ritual for clearing the spinal pathway to keep piggy-backing energies "off your back" forever.
I hope this brings you peace.
Blessed be,
~L
Saturday, September 15, 2007
The Pound or The Effects of My Thoughts on Reality
Some days require a softened lense such as a badge of thoughtfulness worn over the heart as a gentle reminder of how "things" really are, while other days appear to require we carry a shield to guard our hearts, save we might assume an actual hardening of the heart altogether. Yesterday for me required both; for it was a mixed bag, yet I wore neither the badge nor the sheild. Instead, I left myself wide open. A little forgiveness sprinkled heavily with melancholy, anger, resentment, judgment and a total lack of understanding and forgetfulness. Everything being merely a projection of my mind, I should have guessed I was being toyed with. And yet, I chose, momentarily at least, to side with my ego, to cherish untruth, and feel my anger at the injustice of it all.
How did this all come about? I decided to visit the dog pound. I'm not quite sure what took me there, but a part of me felt compelled to go and so, the other part followed. Years ago, I spent my weekends there volunteering my time as a dog-walker, washer, visitor, friend, puppy and kitten holder, and critter-confidante. Unfortunately, I cried too often and brought home too many lost souls who needed forever homes and for whom I was only too happy to comply. Consequently, I've always had three dogs in my home at any one time, until now, I have only two, and mean to keep it this way awhile. Focusing all my love on a 12 year old Shepherd and a 5 year old Eskie (American Eskimo). Both of whom are the darlings of my heart, along with two parrots, one cat and a terribly cantankerous rooster.
Dog pounds are necessary places, sadly, because without them, too many of the innocent would come to terrible endings. The "inmates" on this particular day, consisted of 95% pit bull terriers. Gorgeous, muscular, square-headed, soft-eyed beauties who had been born to love ...but found something else instead. Most were "surrendered" as they say ... a variety of reasons; "got too big" ... "plays too rough" ... "too loud" ... "jumps up"... "won't come when called" ... "moving" ... "military reassignment" ... "runs away" ... "digs" ... "aggressive..."
Having had a dog in my life nearly constantly from the day I was born, most of these "issues" are common to young dogs who, just like children, require that their family teach them how to behave to be responsible and enjoyable pack members. Every dog lover I know has lived with the chewed slippers, spotted carpets, chewed table legs, ruined white pants and favorite leather shoes, upended rose bushes, bowled-over toddlers, and scratched (or eaten through) doors of teenage dogdom. Still, the other two reasons, "moving" and "military reassignment" break my heart even more.
I feel such utter sadness at how careless we humans are. How we only consider our own worth and convenience in the scheme of things. All else, it appears, is expendable. We are merely like children without the honor and strength of character to say "no" to ourselves and our own children in the face of temptation. Instead, we take a darling puppy too adorable to pass up despite our lack of knowledge or appropriate accommodation, only to dump him when he's a gangly, obnoxious teenager, or when his presence is no longer convenient.
Being the end of summer, there were so many baby animals I could only wonder at the mentality that would forego a visit to the numerous free spay and neuter clinics in our area. But imagine, there was also a parrot (a gentle, sweet African grey) who was surrendered for being "too loud" -- obviously the previous owner neglected to read anything about parrots before making her purchase or she would've known, parrots by their very nature, are really very loud most of the time.
It is a wonder the shelter's are able to keep up as well as they do, only putting down those who've been passed up so many times there is no hope of them being adopted, usually the elderly or those with medical needs, and only to make room for the constant influx of the newly abandoned. There were at least 5 litters of kittens and another 5 litters of puppies. But, at least these babies were turned in... so they will be kept warm and fed and perhaps find loving homes. I consider the others that are not so lucky. There were also two adult Shepards, one Shepard pup, several leggy young labs and some mixed breeds, most of them large. The kind no one wants, the kind of puppies that can be difficult in their teenage years because of their sheer bulk and exuberance.
Finally, a gorgeous 9-month old Siberian husky with one blue eye, all jitters and jiggles and jumps and barks and bundles of unconditional love in need of a guiding hand and heart. Surrendered for "barking" and "jumping up." Really. At 9 months old? Who would've guessed? Of course, they do not come trained or with manuals hanging from their necks. Neither, unfortunately, are there laws to protect them from the likes of us who are prone to use things up that give us pleasure, and dump what is too difficult or inconvenient or no longer serves us.
I've never been one for too many laws. In fact, I fear laws. Because laws require that some are in authority over others. And people in authority tend to abuse their power, tend to be corrupt, and so those who must abide will always rebel. It is human nature. It is nature, itself. I pray instead for a leap in consciousness that will bring mankind to a place of understanding, true goodness and responsibility. Only evolutionary consciousness will save us. To know we are stewards of this planet, creators of this magical garden, the music makers ... the dreamers of dreams. Perhaps then we will truly honor the innocent, and stop torturing them for our fickle pleasures.
So, needless to say, I left the "dog pound" in a flood of tears. For the parrot I could not bring home and love, having two already who require my attentions, and for the too many dogs who stared deeply into my eyes, pleaded, quivered under my my hand, and begged for mercy. I gave them what I could. I touched them gently, and massaged their ears, kissed their noses, told them it would be okay, that someone would come, that they were worthy, that they would find a home of their own. I have to believe they will.
Yet, in trying to gouge out some meat of meaning in all this, rather than a heartful of hopelessness for the human race, I realized this was a challenge for me. I'd been challenged by something greater in myself to bring truth to this experience ... to these animals. To not dwell on the darkness, but to carry light. To be an example of love instead of guilt. For isn't mankind riddled enough with guilt, and this experience brought it home powerfully. I had broken a vow to myself. To be vigilent only for Love. To stop vascillating. Here ... I cherished my anger at injustice and unfairness. I looked blindly on the world through the eyes of an ego that would have me be angry and afraid. And so I struggled with truth and lies. And I shuttered at my own inability to be responsible for what I see, and remember that my seeing represents my thinking.
In retrospect, with the clarity that comes too late, but always comes, I understand that only by changing my thinking, will I bare witness to what is truth. And I realize these innocent animals are bearers of the tremendous weight of our guilt, and as such, they are examples of it. But they are also examples of our love. Mirrors, in effect.
Here, made manifest, is our collective responsibility being challenged as it must on a personal level. To see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil, and in effect, do no evil. To be only Love. To be vigilent only for Love. Someday, I have to believe ... we will.
How did this all come about? I decided to visit the dog pound. I'm not quite sure what took me there, but a part of me felt compelled to go and so, the other part followed. Years ago, I spent my weekends there volunteering my time as a dog-walker, washer, visitor, friend, puppy and kitten holder, and critter-confidante. Unfortunately, I cried too often and brought home too many lost souls who needed forever homes and for whom I was only too happy to comply. Consequently, I've always had three dogs in my home at any one time, until now, I have only two, and mean to keep it this way awhile. Focusing all my love on a 12 year old Shepherd and a 5 year old Eskie (American Eskimo). Both of whom are the darlings of my heart, along with two parrots, one cat and a terribly cantankerous rooster.
Dog pounds are necessary places, sadly, because without them, too many of the innocent would come to terrible endings. The "inmates" on this particular day, consisted of 95% pit bull terriers. Gorgeous, muscular, square-headed, soft-eyed beauties who had been born to love ...but found something else instead. Most were "surrendered" as they say ... a variety of reasons; "got too big" ... "plays too rough" ... "too loud" ... "jumps up"... "won't come when called" ... "moving" ... "military reassignment" ... "runs away" ... "digs" ... "aggressive..."
Having had a dog in my life nearly constantly from the day I was born, most of these "issues" are common to young dogs who, just like children, require that their family teach them how to behave to be responsible and enjoyable pack members. Every dog lover I know has lived with the chewed slippers, spotted carpets, chewed table legs, ruined white pants and favorite leather shoes, upended rose bushes, bowled-over toddlers, and scratched (or eaten through) doors of teenage dogdom. Still, the other two reasons, "moving" and "military reassignment" break my heart even more.
I feel such utter sadness at how careless we humans are. How we only consider our own worth and convenience in the scheme of things. All else, it appears, is expendable. We are merely like children without the honor and strength of character to say "no" to ourselves and our own children in the face of temptation. Instead, we take a darling puppy too adorable to pass up despite our lack of knowledge or appropriate accommodation, only to dump him when he's a gangly, obnoxious teenager, or when his presence is no longer convenient.
Being the end of summer, there were so many baby animals I could only wonder at the mentality that would forego a visit to the numerous free spay and neuter clinics in our area. But imagine, there was also a parrot (a gentle, sweet African grey) who was surrendered for being "too loud" -- obviously the previous owner neglected to read anything about parrots before making her purchase or she would've known, parrots by their very nature, are really very loud most of the time.
It is a wonder the shelter's are able to keep up as well as they do, only putting down those who've been passed up so many times there is no hope of them being adopted, usually the elderly or those with medical needs, and only to make room for the constant influx of the newly abandoned. There were at least 5 litters of kittens and another 5 litters of puppies. But, at least these babies were turned in... so they will be kept warm and fed and perhaps find loving homes. I consider the others that are not so lucky. There were also two adult Shepards, one Shepard pup, several leggy young labs and some mixed breeds, most of them large. The kind no one wants, the kind of puppies that can be difficult in their teenage years because of their sheer bulk and exuberance.
Finally, a gorgeous 9-month old Siberian husky with one blue eye, all jitters and jiggles and jumps and barks and bundles of unconditional love in need of a guiding hand and heart. Surrendered for "barking" and "jumping up." Really. At 9 months old? Who would've guessed? Of course, they do not come trained or with manuals hanging from their necks. Neither, unfortunately, are there laws to protect them from the likes of us who are prone to use things up that give us pleasure, and dump what is too difficult or inconvenient or no longer serves us.
I've never been one for too many laws. In fact, I fear laws. Because laws require that some are in authority over others. And people in authority tend to abuse their power, tend to be corrupt, and so those who must abide will always rebel. It is human nature. It is nature, itself. I pray instead for a leap in consciousness that will bring mankind to a place of understanding, true goodness and responsibility. Only evolutionary consciousness will save us. To know we are stewards of this planet, creators of this magical garden, the music makers ... the dreamers of dreams. Perhaps then we will truly honor the innocent, and stop torturing them for our fickle pleasures.
So, needless to say, I left the "dog pound" in a flood of tears. For the parrot I could not bring home and love, having two already who require my attentions, and for the too many dogs who stared deeply into my eyes, pleaded, quivered under my my hand, and begged for mercy. I gave them what I could. I touched them gently, and massaged their ears, kissed their noses, told them it would be okay, that someone would come, that they were worthy, that they would find a home of their own. I have to believe they will.
Yet, in trying to gouge out some meat of meaning in all this, rather than a heartful of hopelessness for the human race, I realized this was a challenge for me. I'd been challenged by something greater in myself to bring truth to this experience ... to these animals. To not dwell on the darkness, but to carry light. To be an example of love instead of guilt. For isn't mankind riddled enough with guilt, and this experience brought it home powerfully. I had broken a vow to myself. To be vigilent only for Love. To stop vascillating. Here ... I cherished my anger at injustice and unfairness. I looked blindly on the world through the eyes of an ego that would have me be angry and afraid. And so I struggled with truth and lies. And I shuttered at my own inability to be responsible for what I see, and remember that my seeing represents my thinking.
In retrospect, with the clarity that comes too late, but always comes, I understand that only by changing my thinking, will I bare witness to what is truth. And I realize these innocent animals are bearers of the tremendous weight of our guilt, and as such, they are examples of it. But they are also examples of our love. Mirrors, in effect.
Here, made manifest, is our collective responsibility being challenged as it must on a personal level. To see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil, and in effect, do no evil. To be only Love. To be vigilent only for Love. Someday, I have to believe ... we will.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Messages
August has been a very trying month for me, to say the least, what with a houseful of people and animals exhibiting strange ailments that I cannot seem to conquer or cure, despite my best efforts. My husband has had an ongoing and exhausting cough (clearing of his throat actually) for nearly four months non-stop and the doctors have failed to diagnose and/or treat it correctly. Putting him through a battery of tests and prescribing myriad drugs for everything from allergies to acid reflux. If anything, his symptoms have worsened.
That being a major issue in our household and if not enough to unhinge a family's sanity at the best of times, both dogs have come down with skin disorders; our little Eskie has a flea allergy that has usually been controlled well with Advantage, however this year his skin rebelled, causing terrible hot spots all over his body. Next, our beloved 12 year old German shepherd was bitten in the face by a spider or hornet, causing a very nasty mark in which her eye and cheek swelled up, bubbled and bled. Finally, our little family cat also has developed a dry skin condition on her back, which must cause her some discomfort although you would never know as she hides it well, as cats tend to do.
In the meantime, I am exhibiting no health related symptoms myself, other than ... well... health. Yet, I've wavered internally back and forthwith unsettling emotions ranging from guilt to incompetence because of my inability to "fix" everyone.
Looking at my situation from an organic level, that deeper place wherein we are all systematically observers of a visceral world, I've considered what is the real purpose here; What is the lesson before me that I've failed to learn, allowing instead my ego to rule the show again by feeding into those feelings of inadequacy as a woman, mother and healer.
I realize I am not responsible for fixing anything externally, however, internally I am responsible for how I feel and how I respond. No one can make you feel anything, as can no situation. Feeling being a response to something, it is clearly my own decision to accept or become upset. If it is true that the subconscious mind projects our thinking and we in turn view the outcome of that thinking as a sort of 3D movie that we live and move in, then I have somehow "welcomed" the situation, if not actually created it, even. I can't help but wonder if I am able to understand the true meaning of each expression of disease, will they miraculously be healed. Is that possible?
I decided it was best to detach myself from outcomes, yet to dig in with my logic and analysis skills, leaving emotion to the wind, as best I could. Extremely difficult for a Pisces but not impossible!
I spent several hours at the health food store picking through juices and elixirs and herbs, reading labels and asking questions of the staff. $75 later ... I came home with a battery of ammunition in the form of Tea Tree Oil, Mangosteen juice, Aloe Vera juice, Magnesium, and various herbal tinctures and remedies to try on the entire family. I bathed the little Eskie in oatmeal shampoo, brushed him out beautifully and treated his spots. He slept most of the afternoon and seemed so peaceful. My husband was also a great sport and downed all of my remedies. It will take time to see if they provide him relief, and I am working on letting it be his journey, not mine, and letting go of my attachment to his problem, while nurturing him as much as possible.
These were my thoughts when I was opening the mail and found the most wonderful card I'd ordered from a photographer at etsy.com called Dragon Prints (http://www.dragonprints.etsy.com/. The photograph was of a dragonfly in flight; a male widow skimmer ... absolutely stunning, close up photography. But since I'd mentioned to the artist that I ordered the card to frame it, he also sent me a beautiful glossy photo so I could do both! I was touched.
Needing to make a grocery run this very afternoon, I left the mail on the table and headed off. As I got into my car, something surreal happened... a dragonfly... this time a real one ... flew up to my car window and looked in at me. A gorgeous fellow at least 4 inches in length with iridescent wings and body and huge eyes. He zoomed around my car several times and even straight at the windshield to hover and look at me. I rolled down my windows and he came up to have a look, even lowered his legs as if he might land. The hair stood up on the back of my neck at this point, feeling for sure there was a message here. He maneuvered in the air around my car looking in my window, the windshield, the passenger window and even the sunroof. As I slowly backed out of the driveway, he followed. Just as suddenly as he appeared out of nowhere, he was gone.
I still can't help but think I've experienced something magical. It is said that dragonflies and frogs are the only two creatures that continually pass back and forth between the void to the higher vibrational dimension of the fairy kingdom. I, who have had the ability and privilige of seeing fairies on occassion, realized I'd just received an invitation to explore something deeper. Something about myself. I've heard that because the dragonfly lives two lives, that of a nymph in water, and that of the winged-dragon himself, such a sighting means positive changes are occurring. Could it be a confirmation that by letting go of my attachment to outcomes, I have released a past part of myself in order for someone new to emerge? The experience left me with an overwhelming sense of wonderment and joy, if nothing else.
The next few days I will spend preparing for company and will have little time to spend wondering or worrying, other than that special kind of worrying that comes from expecting company! Moving beds, laundering linens, making beds, deep cleaning, buying groceries, mowing lawns ... and trying to create a sense of comfort for weary travelers and hosts alike. Sometime mid September, when the house is empty again and I have quiet time, I will explore all of this in greater detail. In the meantime, I will keep an eye out for my dragonfly friend.
But for now, it is late now and I am off to bed to sleep. Perhaps I will consider my day and my dragonfly before I fall asleep to dream, and if I'm lucky, my dreams will be filled with answers.
~L
That being a major issue in our household and if not enough to unhinge a family's sanity at the best of times, both dogs have come down with skin disorders; our little Eskie has a flea allergy that has usually been controlled well with Advantage, however this year his skin rebelled, causing terrible hot spots all over his body. Next, our beloved 12 year old German shepherd was bitten in the face by a spider or hornet, causing a very nasty mark in which her eye and cheek swelled up, bubbled and bled. Finally, our little family cat also has developed a dry skin condition on her back, which must cause her some discomfort although you would never know as she hides it well, as cats tend to do.
In the meantime, I am exhibiting no health related symptoms myself, other than ... well... health. Yet, I've wavered internally back and forthwith unsettling emotions ranging from guilt to incompetence because of my inability to "fix" everyone.
Looking at my situation from an organic level, that deeper place wherein we are all systematically observers of a visceral world, I've considered what is the real purpose here; What is the lesson before me that I've failed to learn, allowing instead my ego to rule the show again by feeding into those feelings of inadequacy as a woman, mother and healer.
I realize I am not responsible for fixing anything externally, however, internally I am responsible for how I feel and how I respond. No one can make you feel anything, as can no situation. Feeling being a response to something, it is clearly my own decision to accept or become upset. If it is true that the subconscious mind projects our thinking and we in turn view the outcome of that thinking as a sort of 3D movie that we live and move in, then I have somehow "welcomed" the situation, if not actually created it, even. I can't help but wonder if I am able to understand the true meaning of each expression of disease, will they miraculously be healed. Is that possible?
I decided it was best to detach myself from outcomes, yet to dig in with my logic and analysis skills, leaving emotion to the wind, as best I could. Extremely difficult for a Pisces but not impossible!
I spent several hours at the health food store picking through juices and elixirs and herbs, reading labels and asking questions of the staff. $75 later ... I came home with a battery of ammunition in the form of Tea Tree Oil, Mangosteen juice, Aloe Vera juice, Magnesium, and various herbal tinctures and remedies to try on the entire family. I bathed the little Eskie in oatmeal shampoo, brushed him out beautifully and treated his spots. He slept most of the afternoon and seemed so peaceful. My husband was also a great sport and downed all of my remedies. It will take time to see if they provide him relief, and I am working on letting it be his journey, not mine, and letting go of my attachment to his problem, while nurturing him as much as possible.
These were my thoughts when I was opening the mail and found the most wonderful card I'd ordered from a photographer at etsy.com called Dragon Prints (http://www.dragonprints.etsy.com/. The photograph was of a dragonfly in flight; a male widow skimmer ... absolutely stunning, close up photography. But since I'd mentioned to the artist that I ordered the card to frame it, he also sent me a beautiful glossy photo so I could do both! I was touched.
Needing to make a grocery run this very afternoon, I left the mail on the table and headed off. As I got into my car, something surreal happened... a dragonfly... this time a real one ... flew up to my car window and looked in at me. A gorgeous fellow at least 4 inches in length with iridescent wings and body and huge eyes. He zoomed around my car several times and even straight at the windshield to hover and look at me. I rolled down my windows and he came up to have a look, even lowered his legs as if he might land. The hair stood up on the back of my neck at this point, feeling for sure there was a message here. He maneuvered in the air around my car looking in my window, the windshield, the passenger window and even the sunroof. As I slowly backed out of the driveway, he followed. Just as suddenly as he appeared out of nowhere, he was gone.
I still can't help but think I've experienced something magical. It is said that dragonflies and frogs are the only two creatures that continually pass back and forth between the void to the higher vibrational dimension of the fairy kingdom. I, who have had the ability and privilige of seeing fairies on occassion, realized I'd just received an invitation to explore something deeper. Something about myself. I've heard that because the dragonfly lives two lives, that of a nymph in water, and that of the winged-dragon himself, such a sighting means positive changes are occurring. Could it be a confirmation that by letting go of my attachment to outcomes, I have released a past part of myself in order for someone new to emerge? The experience left me with an overwhelming sense of wonderment and joy, if nothing else.
The next few days I will spend preparing for company and will have little time to spend wondering or worrying, other than that special kind of worrying that comes from expecting company! Moving beds, laundering linens, making beds, deep cleaning, buying groceries, mowing lawns ... and trying to create a sense of comfort for weary travelers and hosts alike. Sometime mid September, when the house is empty again and I have quiet time, I will explore all of this in greater detail. In the meantime, I will keep an eye out for my dragonfly friend.
But for now, it is late now and I am off to bed to sleep. Perhaps I will consider my day and my dragonfly before I fall asleep to dream, and if I'm lucky, my dreams will be filled with answers.
~L
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
pure imagination
Is it possible the world we see is of our own making? The science of quantum physics tells us that subatomic particles respond in direct correlation to the intention, or desired outcome of the observer. Does that mean that whatever we truly want will become manifest? Consider a time when you've been really interested in something, say arrowheads, and everywhere you looked you saw something about arrowheads, or met someone who talked about arrowheads, or a friend of a friend who puts you in touch with a specialist in arrowheads. And as you follow along and pick up each clue toward your dream of owning or studying arrowheads, you are led to yet another clue, and so on, until you're either led to the ultimate arrowhead, or else, you stop taking steps towards the next clue and your "leads" stop coming. This idea of a "servant" universe is the very subject of the movie The Secret that's been so much talked about lately ...by just about everyone it seems, including Oprah!
So we learn about The Secret and we decide we'll start focusing on that $10M home we've been dreaming of, and fame and fortune, a huge bank account, love, a baby ... whatever it might be. But nothing happens, except the usual bills, car breakdowns, work place relationship difficulties and physical ailments. How come?
Because just as in the old movie The Forbidden Planet, there's a caveat ... and that is we must first gain control of our subconscious mind in order to benefit from the outcome of choice, or else we continue to manifest the monsters of the Id.*
Like an ocean-going vessel without a captain, continually taking on additional passengers, adrift on the high sea... and going any which way but loose, is our vast and powerful subconscious mind. It might also be likened to a huge vending machine, as it is pumps out the physical world we see, based upon our expectations, quantum physics! And it makes me wonder, if I hit this button, will I really get M&M's or some icky candy I absolutely hate!
More than likely, the icky candy. What manifests for most of us are our worries and fears, because those are the things we tend to focus our thinking on, despite not wanting to. Rarely do we wake in the middle of the night to consider our happy desires, mostly we wake up to worry about money, financial ruin, debt, a white lie that turned into a white elephant, marital problems, whatever, we've all been there. And like a broken record, these are the thoughts that keep replaying over and over on the undercurrents of our mind. Whereas, our dreams which seem distant and beyond reach, the things we hope to obtain... are like pennies in that giant fountain, sinking to the bottom and glittering faintly under gallons of undulating waves, our worries and insecurities obscuring them. The subconscious mind is directed by our focus, steered by our individual wills (on a worldwide level, our collective wills). It serves up exactly what we want. Wonderful, isn't it? Magical, in fact! So how do we fix it?
Despite what we may think, it doesn't need fixing, because it runs perfectly! We just don't know how to work it very well. The reason it seems to have run amuck is because we're letting it. There's no one at the helm but our crazy, unfocused thinking. And most of us aren't willing to do the work required to control it. Just consider the conscious mind, close your eyes and try to focus (meditate) on one thing for 10 minutes, without allowing the mind to wander. Focus on the word, Love, for instance. It truly requires a feat of the will. Much like a television remote control gone haywire, it's nearly impossible to stop switching channels and thinking about the laundry, bills, checking email, "oh this is a waste of time!", and myriad other mindless things! Even if you say the word over and over again, if you pay closer attention, you'll see undercurrents of all sorts of thoughts going on below the part of your mind that is saying the word Love over and over again. It's a wonder we get anything done with so much disconnected thinking going on!
So, how does one begin to control that vast storehouse of creative energy, including navigating memory banks filled with traumatic experiences our conscious mind has been spared? Throughout the ages, avatars (the Christs, the Buddhas, the Masters) of all religions who have "overcome the world" have been telling us .... but we evidently don't hear so well! The key is meditation! In every conceivable way, each have reitterated, "Your prayers go unanswered because you pray amiss. Go inside your room, alone, close your door, close your eys, sit quietly, in earnest, listen; "Be Still and Know that I Am God."
Meditation is a process of prolonged focus. A method of training the mind, so that instead of it controlling us, we control it and use it as the incredible, creative tool it was meant to be. It's like learning to drive a car, roughly. Up to now, only a few individuals have learned to master their "cars" ... most of us go around blindfolded, and the outcome is something like a bumpercar rally! Moreover, If one master's this practice of prolongued looking inward, they are bound to find more than themselves, more than self mastery, even. It is very possible and probable to directly experience God.
All that said, it is one thing to understand the concept of meditation on an intellectual level, it is another to do it. It is truly an art. It requires determination and discipline. But mastery is possible:
Begin with 5 minutes in the morning, and 5 minutes in the evening. Focus on your breathing, on a speck of white light in your mind's eye, on a word or phrase, "I Am Love" .... "God Is." Or simply take a stance of gratutide and listen for 5 minutes. Try to listen to the silence around you, your ears might pop, you might feel a gentle clicking inside your skull; new muscles being stretched. You'll be intrigued. Each time you find undercurrents of disjointed thinking... your mind wandering, note them with your attention and send them gently on their way, each time returning to your focus. It may be confounding initially. Try to relax with it. You'll find it gets easier and easier as the days go by. You'll find it spills over into your daily life, in that you have renewed ability to focus, your memory will improve and your ability to solve problems will increase tenfold. Answers will come to you easily. And little things will begin to happen that are in alignment with your true desires. Meditation is truly the foundation to creating a beautiful life. You may even discover something about yourself you never knew!
Remember Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka? To follow is one of my favorite pieces of music from that film. It seems that it was written by someone in the know, or perhaps a muse whispered the secret of the ages in the lyricists ear. I leave you with these words to think on....
"Come with me
And you'll be
In a world of
Pure imagination"
"Take a look
And you'll see
Into your imagination"
"We'll begin
With a spin
Traveling in
The world of my creation"
"What we'll see
Will defy
Explanation"
"If you want to view paradise
Simply look around and view it
Anything you want to, do it
Wanta change the world?
There's nothing to it"
"There is no
Life I know
To compare with
Pure imagination"
"Living there
You'll be free
If you truly wish to be"
"If you want to view paradise
Simply look around and view it
Anything you want to, do it
Wanta change the world?
There's nothing to it"
"There is no
Life I know
To compare with
Pure imagination"
"Living there
You'll be free
If you truly
Wish to be"
From: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory [Gene Wilder version]
Music and lyrics: Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newly
So we learn about The Secret and we decide we'll start focusing on that $10M home we've been dreaming of, and fame and fortune, a huge bank account, love, a baby ... whatever it might be. But nothing happens, except the usual bills, car breakdowns, work place relationship difficulties and physical ailments. How come?
Because just as in the old movie The Forbidden Planet, there's a caveat ... and that is we must first gain control of our subconscious mind in order to benefit from the outcome of choice, or else we continue to manifest the monsters of the Id.*
Like an ocean-going vessel without a captain, continually taking on additional passengers, adrift on the high sea... and going any which way but loose, is our vast and powerful subconscious mind. It might also be likened to a huge vending machine, as it is pumps out the physical world we see, based upon our expectations, quantum physics! And it makes me wonder, if I hit this button, will I really get M&M's or some icky candy I absolutely hate!
More than likely, the icky candy. What manifests for most of us are our worries and fears, because those are the things we tend to focus our thinking on, despite not wanting to. Rarely do we wake in the middle of the night to consider our happy desires, mostly we wake up to worry about money, financial ruin, debt, a white lie that turned into a white elephant, marital problems, whatever, we've all been there. And like a broken record, these are the thoughts that keep replaying over and over on the undercurrents of our mind. Whereas, our dreams which seem distant and beyond reach, the things we hope to obtain... are like pennies in that giant fountain, sinking to the bottom and glittering faintly under gallons of undulating waves, our worries and insecurities obscuring them. The subconscious mind is directed by our focus, steered by our individual wills (on a worldwide level, our collective wills). It serves up exactly what we want. Wonderful, isn't it? Magical, in fact! So how do we fix it?
Despite what we may think, it doesn't need fixing, because it runs perfectly! We just don't know how to work it very well. The reason it seems to have run amuck is because we're letting it. There's no one at the helm but our crazy, unfocused thinking. And most of us aren't willing to do the work required to control it. Just consider the conscious mind, close your eyes and try to focus (meditate) on one thing for 10 minutes, without allowing the mind to wander. Focus on the word, Love, for instance. It truly requires a feat of the will. Much like a television remote control gone haywire, it's nearly impossible to stop switching channels and thinking about the laundry, bills, checking email, "oh this is a waste of time!", and myriad other mindless things! Even if you say the word over and over again, if you pay closer attention, you'll see undercurrents of all sorts of thoughts going on below the part of your mind that is saying the word Love over and over again. It's a wonder we get anything done with so much disconnected thinking going on!
So, how does one begin to control that vast storehouse of creative energy, including navigating memory banks filled with traumatic experiences our conscious mind has been spared? Throughout the ages, avatars (the Christs, the Buddhas, the Masters) of all religions who have "overcome the world" have been telling us .... but we evidently don't hear so well! The key is meditation! In every conceivable way, each have reitterated, "Your prayers go unanswered because you pray amiss. Go inside your room, alone, close your door, close your eys, sit quietly, in earnest, listen; "Be Still and Know that I Am God."
Meditation is a process of prolonged focus. A method of training the mind, so that instead of it controlling us, we control it and use it as the incredible, creative tool it was meant to be. It's like learning to drive a car, roughly. Up to now, only a few individuals have learned to master their "cars" ... most of us go around blindfolded, and the outcome is something like a bumpercar rally! Moreover, If one master's this practice of prolongued looking inward, they are bound to find more than themselves, more than self mastery, even. It is very possible and probable to directly experience God.
All that said, it is one thing to understand the concept of meditation on an intellectual level, it is another to do it. It is truly an art. It requires determination and discipline. But mastery is possible:
Begin with 5 minutes in the morning, and 5 minutes in the evening. Focus on your breathing, on a speck of white light in your mind's eye, on a word or phrase, "I Am Love" .... "God Is." Or simply take a stance of gratutide and listen for 5 minutes. Try to listen to the silence around you, your ears might pop, you might feel a gentle clicking inside your skull; new muscles being stretched. You'll be intrigued. Each time you find undercurrents of disjointed thinking... your mind wandering, note them with your attention and send them gently on their way, each time returning to your focus. It may be confounding initially. Try to relax with it. You'll find it gets easier and easier as the days go by. You'll find it spills over into your daily life, in that you have renewed ability to focus, your memory will improve and your ability to solve problems will increase tenfold. Answers will come to you easily. And little things will begin to happen that are in alignment with your true desires. Meditation is truly the foundation to creating a beautiful life. You may even discover something about yourself you never knew!
Remember Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka? To follow is one of my favorite pieces of music from that film. It seems that it was written by someone in the know, or perhaps a muse whispered the secret of the ages in the lyricists ear. I leave you with these words to think on....
"Come with me
And you'll be
In a world of
Pure imagination"
"Take a look
And you'll see
Into your imagination"
"We'll begin
With a spin
Traveling in
The world of my creation"
"What we'll see
Will defy
Explanation"
"If you want to view paradise
Simply look around and view it
Anything you want to, do it
Wanta change the world?
There's nothing to it"
"There is no
Life I know
To compare with
Pure imagination"
"Living there
You'll be free
If you truly wish to be"
"If you want to view paradise
Simply look around and view it
Anything you want to, do it
Wanta change the world?
There's nothing to it"
"There is no
Life I know
To compare with
Pure imagination"
"Living there
You'll be free
If you truly
Wish to be"
From: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory [Gene Wilder version]
Music and lyrics: Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newly
Monday, August 20, 2007
a little lesson on REIKI
Seven years ago, I was asked if I would be interested in learning Reiki. My friend's teacher, a Reiki Master, was coming into town from Hawaii for three days and would take a handful of students. I jumped at the chance, thankfully, and in one evening and two days, received the Usui history through the oral tradition, trained in the proper hand placements and obtained my first degree attunements, which include permanent symbols placed in the auric field. My instructions were to use it on myself every night, extending to friends and family if I felt so moved, and waiting until the end of a year before even considering the 2nd degree attunements. I used it on myself diligently. Five years later, I decided to get my 2nd degree attunements, which would not only expand my ability as a conduit of the Reiki energy, but also enable me to perform distance healing.
At this moment, no doubt, some of you may be asking what is Reiki, and so I will explain: Reiki is an ancient healing art which involves the laying on of hands. It was really "discovered" and brought to the people by Dr. Mikao Usui around 1914, following many years of spiritual study, meditation and solitude, seeking an alternative method of healing that he knew the body was capable of. Dr. Usui was endowed with this "energy" during a mystical experience. With the understanding that all of us are capable of being conduits of Reiki, he began attuning others with the symbols he received, and spreading his knowledge through teaching. Despite his Buddhist training, Dr. Usui insisted this energy was not to be compared with any religion or spiritual path, as it is absolutely original in nature. Nor does the "healer" use the Reiki. Rather, Reiki uses the "healer" as a conduit.
Reiki involves a method of placing the hands over the chakras, or the energy centers of the body. There are 7 main chakras in direct proximity to the physical torso, neck and head, as well as others throughout the body and in the aura (extending electromagnetic field). These 7 main centers correspond to the colors of the rainbow, prism or color spectrum and are constantly spinning and drawing energy. Each also corresponds to the organs of the physical body. When they are no longer spinning, there is no life. As we age, the revolutions tend to slow down to a great extent. When they stop, the body dies.
Throughout our lives, these energy centers can become clogged, blocked, leak energy and/or become sluggish to the point of shutting down due to various levels of mental and emotional trauma, which translate to the physical body as illness. Each chakra corresponds to the body on specific physical, mental and emotional levels. Therefore, depending upon the chakra that is involved, which is likely more than one if not all, the ailments may include mental illness, cancer, liver dysfunction, skin problems, migraines ... they run the gamut. All illness begins at the level of mind, therefore has often long begun it's transference to the body before we are ever aware. Catching it at the etheric level, we can enable healing at the root cause. Unfortunately, most illness is never even considered until the body is effected, at which point conventional healing modalities are usually required. Even then, Reiki can bring relief, initiate healing, and even bring about miracles of remission.
Using Reiki does not require that one learn about the chakras, their colors, their correspondences, nor their signatures. All that is required to use Reiki is receiving the appropriate attunements, learning the appropriate hand placements and possessing a clear desire to help, even if you are only using it on yourself.
If you are interested in a Reiki treatment but have put it off because you don't know what to expect, here's how it works. First, the cost of the treatment will fall around $60. One treatment is usually 40 minutes to an hour and sometimes a little longer. You'll be asked to lie down on a massage table face up, to remain fully clothed, and to remove your shoes. Sometimes you may be asked to remove jewelry, but I honestly don't feel that is necessary. A blanket will be placed over you and perhaps a soft pillow under your head. From there ... RELAX, close your eyes if you like. The surroundings are usually very therapeutic including calming music, candles and sometimes aromatherapy. This is not a time for chatting to dissipate nervous energy, the practitioner expects you will relax and be peaceful, so be comfortable in your silence. At the same time, feel free to ask questions if you like.
The practitioner will begin at your head, placing her hands lightly over your crown chakra. I've found this to be the only time you might feel discomfort ... such as a pressure on the top of the head with varying degrees of intensity. The practitioner will move her hands to a new location after about 5 minutes unless she feels the need to remain longer. Her hands will move over your eyes, your ears, your throat, your upper chest (never the breast area), the diaphragm and naval. She will lift her hands and hold them in proximity to the groin area to affect the base chakra, but will not physically touch the groin. She will move down both legs and finally to the bottom of the feet. You may be asked to turn onto your stomach so that she may again work down the back of your body. Men sometimes become sexually aroused during treatment of the sacral and root chakras. Don't be embarrassed. The practitioner expects this and will silently continue with her work.
You will often lay quietly when she is done and be allowed to have ten minutes or so to assimilate the experience and rise when you feel ready. A Reiki treatment is usually deeply relaxing, nurturing, and often stimulating in that you may feel renewed energy. Often clients report a buzzing or fuzzy sensation at a particular place on your body. This is a chakra that has been stimulated. Some people respond with headaches, faintness or nausea the first time, due to the stirring up and cleansing of toxic energy from the chakras. If this is the case, it would do you well to set up a treatment plan with the practitioner until you feel only clear, relaxed, renewed energy.
Most people want to know what's the most amazing thing Reiki can do. I can't really answer that question, because I don't know, except for my own personal experiences. For me, aside from boosting my energy, ridding me of migraines, totally dissipating joint pain and even removing the pain of an abscessed tooth, I have received at least one miraculous healing experience that to this day, I still marvel over. But even at that ... the most amazing thing it can do across the board is bring about a profound sense of well-being.
~L
At this moment, no doubt, some of you may be asking what is Reiki, and so I will explain: Reiki is an ancient healing art which involves the laying on of hands. It was really "discovered" and brought to the people by Dr. Mikao Usui around 1914, following many years of spiritual study, meditation and solitude, seeking an alternative method of healing that he knew the body was capable of. Dr. Usui was endowed with this "energy" during a mystical experience. With the understanding that all of us are capable of being conduits of Reiki, he began attuning others with the symbols he received, and spreading his knowledge through teaching. Despite his Buddhist training, Dr. Usui insisted this energy was not to be compared with any religion or spiritual path, as it is absolutely original in nature. Nor does the "healer" use the Reiki. Rather, Reiki uses the "healer" as a conduit.
Reiki involves a method of placing the hands over the chakras, or the energy centers of the body. There are 7 main chakras in direct proximity to the physical torso, neck and head, as well as others throughout the body and in the aura (extending electromagnetic field). These 7 main centers correspond to the colors of the rainbow, prism or color spectrum and are constantly spinning and drawing energy. Each also corresponds to the organs of the physical body. When they are no longer spinning, there is no life. As we age, the revolutions tend to slow down to a great extent. When they stop, the body dies.
Throughout our lives, these energy centers can become clogged, blocked, leak energy and/or become sluggish to the point of shutting down due to various levels of mental and emotional trauma, which translate to the physical body as illness. Each chakra corresponds to the body on specific physical, mental and emotional levels. Therefore, depending upon the chakra that is involved, which is likely more than one if not all, the ailments may include mental illness, cancer, liver dysfunction, skin problems, migraines ... they run the gamut. All illness begins at the level of mind, therefore has often long begun it's transference to the body before we are ever aware. Catching it at the etheric level, we can enable healing at the root cause. Unfortunately, most illness is never even considered until the body is effected, at which point conventional healing modalities are usually required. Even then, Reiki can bring relief, initiate healing, and even bring about miracles of remission.
Using Reiki does not require that one learn about the chakras, their colors, their correspondences, nor their signatures. All that is required to use Reiki is receiving the appropriate attunements, learning the appropriate hand placements and possessing a clear desire to help, even if you are only using it on yourself.
If you are interested in a Reiki treatment but have put it off because you don't know what to expect, here's how it works. First, the cost of the treatment will fall around $60. One treatment is usually 40 minutes to an hour and sometimes a little longer. You'll be asked to lie down on a massage table face up, to remain fully clothed, and to remove your shoes. Sometimes you may be asked to remove jewelry, but I honestly don't feel that is necessary. A blanket will be placed over you and perhaps a soft pillow under your head. From there ... RELAX, close your eyes if you like. The surroundings are usually very therapeutic including calming music, candles and sometimes aromatherapy. This is not a time for chatting to dissipate nervous energy, the practitioner expects you will relax and be peaceful, so be comfortable in your silence. At the same time, feel free to ask questions if you like.
The practitioner will begin at your head, placing her hands lightly over your crown chakra. I've found this to be the only time you might feel discomfort ... such as a pressure on the top of the head with varying degrees of intensity. The practitioner will move her hands to a new location after about 5 minutes unless she feels the need to remain longer. Her hands will move over your eyes, your ears, your throat, your upper chest (never the breast area), the diaphragm and naval. She will lift her hands and hold them in proximity to the groin area to affect the base chakra, but will not physically touch the groin. She will move down both legs and finally to the bottom of the feet. You may be asked to turn onto your stomach so that she may again work down the back of your body. Men sometimes become sexually aroused during treatment of the sacral and root chakras. Don't be embarrassed. The practitioner expects this and will silently continue with her work.
You will often lay quietly when she is done and be allowed to have ten minutes or so to assimilate the experience and rise when you feel ready. A Reiki treatment is usually deeply relaxing, nurturing, and often stimulating in that you may feel renewed energy. Often clients report a buzzing or fuzzy sensation at a particular place on your body. This is a chakra that has been stimulated. Some people respond with headaches, faintness or nausea the first time, due to the stirring up and cleansing of toxic energy from the chakras. If this is the case, it would do you well to set up a treatment plan with the practitioner until you feel only clear, relaxed, renewed energy.
Most people want to know what's the most amazing thing Reiki can do. I can't really answer that question, because I don't know, except for my own personal experiences. For me, aside from boosting my energy, ridding me of migraines, totally dissipating joint pain and even removing the pain of an abscessed tooth, I have received at least one miraculous healing experience that to this day, I still marvel over. But even at that ... the most amazing thing it can do across the board is bring about a profound sense of well-being.
~L
Thursday, August 16, 2007
live your moments fully
as luck would have it, yesterday evening around 3:00 pm I had just stepped out onto the deck with both birds on my shoulder and settled down to have a cup of tea, when suddenly there came a great explosion (like a very nearby gunshot). Birds fluttered nervously, both dogs barked, the cat disappeared and I heard a colorful array of curses from inside the house coming from my son and husband who's separate Internet connections cut out ... in fact, the entire house had lost electricity. As had the whole neighborhood. The transformer had blown right in front of our house.
Oddly enough, this is the second time this particular transformer has blown. Once before, a visiting squirrel had somehow managed to self-destruct by climbing on the box. We'd heard the blast, and ran outside to see a blackened, smoking squirrel dead at the foot of the power pole. So this time, since we have befriended a wild squirrel "who" we've named and who takes food out of our hands and often lays on the deck with us in the evening stealing cookies and who is, quite frankly, a member of the family, we all raced frantically out the door to see if it was our beloved Vera. But there was no sign of squirrel "tampering". The transformer had just blown for no apparent reason.
I called the power company and they were there fairly quickly. However, as soon as they'd done their job of repairing it and lowered their crane, it exploded again! Right in front of everyone! The linemen were obviously confused and the neighborhood increasingly frustrated. This time, they informed us, we required a new transformer box. We were told it would be several hours before it would be fixed. Disappointment verging on depression set in for all of us way too reliant on technology and each having our reasons why we needed to be on the Internet or watch a certain baseball game or use the oven, even!
But that mindset gradually changed. My son pulled out a book and lay down on the couch to read. My husband and I went out to grab a bite to eat. As the evening wore on, we all ended up out on the deck. It was a glorious evening and the far off sunset had set the clouds ablaze and high overhead a jet liner passed, glistening pink in the glow of the setting sun. The parrots tilted their heads to watch. My son brought out his guitar and we used the gas burner on the barbecue to make tea. The dogs lay around at our feet, pleased by our decision to remain outside and together, the cat sprawled in my husband's lap and soon Vera joined us, the renegade squirrel, "asking" for McVitties Irish biscuits.
As the evening wore on, we sang songs, told stories and lit candles as the night rolled in and darkness engulfed us. A warm, gentle wind picked up and the huge cedars swayed with a comforting swoosh and lull. High above, painted clouds rolled slowly across the sky as the earth went through her rotations. Thoughts of Baseball, video games, TV... were all forgotten. The world had suddenly quieted and settled itself down to a smaller place ...somewhere safe, warm and nurturing, where the intimate bonds of a family, too often forgotten in the loud, busy world, could be experienced and strengthened. I found myself wishing the power would stay off forever.
Sometime around 10:00 p.m. the lights and power came on with a woosh, and excited hoots and hollers from the neighborhood. People gathered on the road to talk to the line-men and thank them. Their boisterous laughter ringing out like beautiful music. This was significant. What had initially been considered a curse and inconvenience had somehow brought about something familial, a sense of difficulty shared and overcome together ... a sense of community.
Today, I'm back on my computer and the electric tea kettle bubbles away and my thoughts are somehow transferred down my arms and flow out my fingers and set this keyboard to clicking, and out there ... the entire world can, if they want, hear me. It is good that we communicate this way. There are those who need to know they are not alone, and this may be the only way for them to connect. I am lucky. Blessed, I say.
And yet, I wonder what we've given up for this ability to connect with an entire world. What do we lose when we attempt to expand ourselves to such extremes. Especially when we can never truly give our whole hearts to the world as we can to our friends and families. How deep and richly patterned our lives become when we return to the fold, when we simplify. These are the experiences of which stories are told and books are written. And so, I learned something. Something I always knew but of course, needed to be reminded of: Real life is a series of incremental, intimate happenings. Don't let them pass you by. Live your moments fully.
Oddly enough, this is the second time this particular transformer has blown. Once before, a visiting squirrel had somehow managed to self-destruct by climbing on the box. We'd heard the blast, and ran outside to see a blackened, smoking squirrel dead at the foot of the power pole. So this time, since we have befriended a wild squirrel "who" we've named and who takes food out of our hands and often lays on the deck with us in the evening stealing cookies and who is, quite frankly, a member of the family, we all raced frantically out the door to see if it was our beloved Vera. But there was no sign of squirrel "tampering". The transformer had just blown for no apparent reason.
I called the power company and they were there fairly quickly. However, as soon as they'd done their job of repairing it and lowered their crane, it exploded again! Right in front of everyone! The linemen were obviously confused and the neighborhood increasingly frustrated. This time, they informed us, we required a new transformer box. We were told it would be several hours before it would be fixed. Disappointment verging on depression set in for all of us way too reliant on technology and each having our reasons why we needed to be on the Internet or watch a certain baseball game or use the oven, even!
But that mindset gradually changed. My son pulled out a book and lay down on the couch to read. My husband and I went out to grab a bite to eat. As the evening wore on, we all ended up out on the deck. It was a glorious evening and the far off sunset had set the clouds ablaze and high overhead a jet liner passed, glistening pink in the glow of the setting sun. The parrots tilted their heads to watch. My son brought out his guitar and we used the gas burner on the barbecue to make tea. The dogs lay around at our feet, pleased by our decision to remain outside and together, the cat sprawled in my husband's lap and soon Vera joined us, the renegade squirrel, "asking" for McVitties Irish biscuits.
As the evening wore on, we sang songs, told stories and lit candles as the night rolled in and darkness engulfed us. A warm, gentle wind picked up and the huge cedars swayed with a comforting swoosh and lull. High above, painted clouds rolled slowly across the sky as the earth went through her rotations. Thoughts of Baseball, video games, TV... were all forgotten. The world had suddenly quieted and settled itself down to a smaller place ...somewhere safe, warm and nurturing, where the intimate bonds of a family, too often forgotten in the loud, busy world, could be experienced and strengthened. I found myself wishing the power would stay off forever.
Sometime around 10:00 p.m. the lights and power came on with a woosh, and excited hoots and hollers from the neighborhood. People gathered on the road to talk to the line-men and thank them. Their boisterous laughter ringing out like beautiful music. This was significant. What had initially been considered a curse and inconvenience had somehow brought about something familial, a sense of difficulty shared and overcome together ... a sense of community.
Today, I'm back on my computer and the electric tea kettle bubbles away and my thoughts are somehow transferred down my arms and flow out my fingers and set this keyboard to clicking, and out there ... the entire world can, if they want, hear me. It is good that we communicate this way. There are those who need to know they are not alone, and this may be the only way for them to connect. I am lucky. Blessed, I say.
And yet, I wonder what we've given up for this ability to connect with an entire world. What do we lose when we attempt to expand ourselves to such extremes. Especially when we can never truly give our whole hearts to the world as we can to our friends and families. How deep and richly patterned our lives become when we return to the fold, when we simplify. These are the experiences of which stories are told and books are written. And so, I learned something. Something I always knew but of course, needed to be reminded of: Real life is a series of incremental, intimate happenings. Don't let them pass you by. Live your moments fully.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
purpose
I began this blog as a vessel for my thoughts in regard to my studies in spirituality and healing modalities and my experiences thereof, and hope to keep lorakellydesigns dedicated to my jewelry business and the "lighter" side of life as a woman, business owner, mother, artist, etc. But how can one really part and parcel out their lives in so many words? If it's anything like my filing systems ... heaven help me! I suppose both posts will inevitably contain all of who I am, and in that case, I can only try my best to focus here on those aspects of my life I wish to examine in more detail.
I began keeping a diary, or journaling as it is now called, when I was a child and have written much of what I've experienced in my life as some form of prose or poetry over the years. Despite what I have been told, I have always known somehow that believing is seeing ... not the other way around. And I am grateful for that innate knowledge as it has been a blessing to me.
When I was a child, I once told my mother about fairies who fluttered above my bed at night and who followed me about the woods. I only remember her response was anger. She was a religious woman, Catholic, and of course she was frightened. Based on her initial reaction, I realized it was best to keep such things to myself. I remember shutting down like a telescope folding in on itself. And for many years I did not see them, as I focused instead on seeing what everyone else saw, what I was allowed and expected to see in order to fit in and win approval.
I became overwhelmingly interested in spirituality at around 21 years old, having had several powerful dreams that brought me to that age old question of seekers everywhere, what am I? I could not find that Self I sought in the Christian Bible, though bits of truth lie there, still I could not condone nor accept an angry, jealous or judgmental God. Much too close to humans who can be so callous, elitist and self involved. I continued to read whatever I could find, and listened to those whom I admired who seemed to hold the secret to happiness, who lived compassionate, humble lives. Mystics, all of different religions, who's ultimate teachings culminated in harmony with one another, and forcing me to one conclusion. Eventually, I would have to go it alone, seeking within and they were right. Only there have I found the truth that resonates with my heart. And I do not believe it to be true, but know it.
I have worked many years in the corporate world, quietly keeping my truth to myself, but sharing love silently and dispersing the energy where it might fall and I have watched it's effects with wonder. On the sidelines, unbeknownst to many, I am also a Reiki practitioner, Tarot reader, Hypnotherapist, student of truth, student of life... and teacher. Yet I don't consider myself a product of the New Age ... nor a product of my environment, for that matter. But rather see myself as a cause of both, understanding with the certaintly that comes from experience, the creative function of thought, and that all that the body sees and experiences is due to our subconscious mind, our guarded and/or unguarded thinking, and what we see, good or bad, is based upon our "perspective" ... or "way" of viewing; and how we feel about what we view, is continually projected back upon us. In otherwords, as we judge, so are we judged.
One thing I have learned to be ultimately true without question; True and lasting change only comes at the level of the unconscious mind, as it continually projects our world. So that is where the work must begin. Self-love is the most important undertaking of all. And so I am on the same journey begun long ago with all of you, for we are one. My own path continues to be one of self discovery, and I understand yours to be the same. My journey and yours includes the healing of an ancient soul that dwells in guilt and forgetfulness. As such, I hope to continually touch upon that deepest part of myself where the wound lies open, and thus to begin to heal it. It is a complex journey of return to that perfect state of peace from whence we have all come, and all, without exception will return. Then again, perhaps we are already there, and all of this is merely a dream.
I began keeping a diary, or journaling as it is now called, when I was a child and have written much of what I've experienced in my life as some form of prose or poetry over the years. Despite what I have been told, I have always known somehow that believing is seeing ... not the other way around. And I am grateful for that innate knowledge as it has been a blessing to me.
When I was a child, I once told my mother about fairies who fluttered above my bed at night and who followed me about the woods. I only remember her response was anger. She was a religious woman, Catholic, and of course she was frightened. Based on her initial reaction, I realized it was best to keep such things to myself. I remember shutting down like a telescope folding in on itself. And for many years I did not see them, as I focused instead on seeing what everyone else saw, what I was allowed and expected to see in order to fit in and win approval.
I became overwhelmingly interested in spirituality at around 21 years old, having had several powerful dreams that brought me to that age old question of seekers everywhere, what am I? I could not find that Self I sought in the Christian Bible, though bits of truth lie there, still I could not condone nor accept an angry, jealous or judgmental God. Much too close to humans who can be so callous, elitist and self involved. I continued to read whatever I could find, and listened to those whom I admired who seemed to hold the secret to happiness, who lived compassionate, humble lives. Mystics, all of different religions, who's ultimate teachings culminated in harmony with one another, and forcing me to one conclusion. Eventually, I would have to go it alone, seeking within and they were right. Only there have I found the truth that resonates with my heart. And I do not believe it to be true, but know it.
I have worked many years in the corporate world, quietly keeping my truth to myself, but sharing love silently and dispersing the energy where it might fall and I have watched it's effects with wonder. On the sidelines, unbeknownst to many, I am also a Reiki practitioner, Tarot reader, Hypnotherapist, student of truth, student of life... and teacher. Yet I don't consider myself a product of the New Age ... nor a product of my environment, for that matter. But rather see myself as a cause of both, understanding with the certaintly that comes from experience, the creative function of thought, and that all that the body sees and experiences is due to our subconscious mind, our guarded and/or unguarded thinking, and what we see, good or bad, is based upon our "perspective" ... or "way" of viewing; and how we feel about what we view, is continually projected back upon us. In otherwords, as we judge, so are we judged.
One thing I have learned to be ultimately true without question; True and lasting change only comes at the level of the unconscious mind, as it continually projects our world. So that is where the work must begin. Self-love is the most important undertaking of all. And so I am on the same journey begun long ago with all of you, for we are one. My own path continues to be one of self discovery, and I understand yours to be the same. My journey and yours includes the healing of an ancient soul that dwells in guilt and forgetfulness. As such, I hope to continually touch upon that deepest part of myself where the wound lies open, and thus to begin to heal it. It is a complex journey of return to that perfect state of peace from whence we have all come, and all, without exception will return. Then again, perhaps we are already there, and all of this is merely a dream.
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