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
Showing posts with label new age. Show all posts
Showing posts with label new age. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
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
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
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
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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