Southwest Spirits Calling Part 3

...continued from Part 2
GPS is an excellent tool for navigation but we decided to follow something even greater…our intuition. And so hitting the reset button, we tossed out our travel plans and decided to follow our  hearts northward.  Clearly we were meant to be the learners and not the teachers. I had thought the purpose of this trip was to raise awareness in others, it is why I wrote the book about the struggle of the wild horses and burros – it was why I had traveled so far…or was it?

Although mankind feels he has the right to disrupt nature, often it pushes back, like the herd of Bison that halted the traffic in Yellowstone National Park.  Or the spectacular falls that hurdle forward while a rainbow danced upon the surface. It's in those moments when we are reminded that we are but one species on this planet.

My daily meditations continued to bring me heightened awareness and particularly about water. The drought that has come upon the parched land is far reaching and seems to be getting worse.

Meditation:  I see shimmering water that forms an image of a man.  He is bare chested, dark skin, maybe Italian or Mediterranean olive skinned. Something hangs around his neck and he wears a camouflaged large brimmed hat that looks like a ranger hat or Mountie hat. He is comparing the beauty of Colorado and Arizona. He now hands me a slip of paper with something scribbled on it, lastly he signs his name large and I can't make out anything but Arizona and WASTE. It ends.

As I have traveled the country I am astonished by the over-consumption of water for lawns and golf courses in the desert. There is a water crisis yet people continue with recreation and beautification projects that guzzle up gallons every day. Sadly this will continue unless we make changes. During this trip my water meditations brought about a change in my attitude toward my own use of water, the lessons must begin within.

Onward we traveled driving 9 hour days to reach the next watercolor/book signing event. We are good traveling companions, you HAVE to be, and it is another lesson in sharing space, not only the land but our living space. We were attentive to each others needs working as a team as this felt very natural to us. There was a lot of discussion regarding everything we were experiencing yet, we were reminded daily to stop and stand in silence. This silence allowed us to hear the messages brought forth from the earth. Majestic mountains that told us to, "Stand fast in all you believe and reach for the sky ever upwards."  The beauty of the land seemed to encourage us and embrace us pushing us forward saying, "Yes, you are a part of ALL of this."

 

And where would this journey take us? To the smiling children of the Arapaho/Shoshone Nation who waited eagerly to listen and to learn. With welcome arms they allowed us to share the simple gift of art. Had we not ventured to this middle-of-nowhere land in Wyoming, we would never have met these remarkable Native Americans known as the HORSE PEOPLE. I may have come the teacher but I left the student.

We enjoyed this part of the trip so much we hated to leave, but we had one last stop in Colorado. With an hour to spare we pulled into a cafe, and a good thing too, as an unexpected Tornado dropped in for a visit. Wow! Again nature was in control and all we could do was watch as the sky darkened and all ran for shelter. Would our event be canceled? Slowly we made our way to Zuma's Rescue Ranch thinking we would just say, "hello" and "goodbye" as surely no one would venture out. We were stunned when the students took their seats as if to say, "We are here to learn, we will stand fast and together we will make what we can of this day." We shouldn't have been surprised as this organization is dedicated to helping abused horses and broken children heal.  Looking around the class at the different genders and ages I was reminded that this lesson is for ALL people. No tornado will ever stop the needs of others nor should it stop us from lending a hand.

And so this adventure came to an end as we began our trek home and pondered all we had learned. By following our intuition we found ourselves naturally drawn to helping others. The Southwest Spirits brought us a lifetime of lessons about compassion, listening and assisting wherever we could. By quietly going within we heard them introduce some new voices ...Northern Spirits that said, "Enjoy this for now and savor all you have learned for there are many more roads ahead."

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To learn more about meditation please read Meditation Mojo

Messages From the Lost Rune Part 2

St. John's beach along Bay of Fundy in Canada

Continued from Part 1...  I waited for the lost rune to be delivered.  The message had remained hidden and I knew once it was reunited with the others I would be shown its meaning.

The stones as I mentioned were purchased (see site) from a woman who has been reading Runes for over 10 years. She collects them while strolling the Bay of Fundy beaches in Canada. She also teaches the art of casting the Runes and I find her insight quite invaluable. The missing stone Ehwaz (“eh-was” – Literally: “Horse” – Esoteric: Trust) arrived and I placed it near the others but I had not joined them together because I wanted to charge the stone in the ocean as I do with most of my crystals. I allow the waves to wash over them as I sit in meditation by the sea. It has been several weeks and the stone remains near, but not in the bag with the other runes. Why? Something told me to wait, and so I did.

Friday, July 26, 2013- Meditation: I was given a statement from the Ehwaz stone. “Separate among many.” The individual rune holds a message and when it is placed within the harmony of others it has more to offer yet stands alone within the group, much like humans, we are all relational and need to stand alone at times.

There is a song we each sing and alone it is a beautiful melody. When we add our voice to the multitude it rises in harmony to lift the spirits of others but we must be able to find our own voice. As individuals it is necessary to hear the silence and find solace in the company of our beautiful spirit. Strengthen your self love by attuning your connection to source, creator, Is, or God… the name matters not, the realization that we are all one is what is important.

There is much work to be done on the planet. The shifting of earth's energy is evident. The rain-forests that are destroyed daily are the lungs of our planet and need our help. The arctic ice caps melting are creating rising tides and the shorelines are shifting. The survival of many species is threatened. How will we continue to share our natural resources with plant, animal and fellow man?

The message of the lost rune is very simple. Separate among many. We are individuals that each have a duty of care, we each have a role to play. Yes, we work, we play, we love this is how humans interact, but we also have unique gifts. Some of us are not identifying with our gifts. Together we can work to bring change and understanding. It is our strong sense of SELF that is needed in order to bring our highest good to the universe.  What does your relationship with YOU look like? Do you have peace in your heart from the knowledge you have gained within your spirit?

Find your voice and sing it loudly. Add your melody to the multitude and together we can bring change. Understand that a strong self love can bring harmony to the life that exists on this planet. You can make a difference to every plant, animal, rock, and yes even man. Your energy is required at this time. Stand alone in silence. Take walks, sit alone, become separate....for a little while. This is your strength, this is your voice. Join with your beautiful spirit and sing loudly as you've never sung before.
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To learn how you can begin to incorporate meditation in your daily journey please read Meditation Mojo.


Photo by: Ariane Levesque Looker

Raise Your Vibration Daily

Each day you wake up and slowly recognize thought. Thoughts are living things and as you allow yourself to reconnect with your conscious state you become more aware of your first thoughts. It could be about food, work, family or household chores…but nonetheless you are pulling your energy to a thought. This thought can either raise or lower your vibration. Seeking to raise your vibration will help you to become high enough to connect to the power of intention. Your island of peace and hopefully to your sweet spot where you feel happy about yourself and your surroundings.

If we were to incorporate a daily routine of waking with positive thoughts it would begin our day with a boost of internal energy. After all, we are all energy and we all vibrate on different frequencies why not strive to be your very best?

Here are some ways to help raise your vibration.
1. Become conscious of your thoughts. State your intention for your highest good- "Today is a new day and I am a beautiful person ready to accept what is for my highest good."

2. Make meditation a regular practice. Connection to your higher power and intuition will allow you to rise above all negative thoughts. It does not matter how long- it only matters that you DO.

3. Become aware of the foods you eat. Consuming foods that are covered in pesticides will make you feel weaker. Processed and foods filled with chemicals will actually lower your vibration. Seek to include organic, fruits, vegetables, soy, nut and virgin olive oil to help raise your vibration. 

4. Reduce drug and alcohol consumption. Not only does this lower your vibration but you will find yourself surrounded by low vibrational people that enjoy this habit. Limit it or remove it from your life completely.

5. Tune into the music you are listening to. Does it have messages of love, passion, hope, forgiveness? Or are the lyrics filled with anger, hate and resentment. Words are powerful and can contribute to the way you feel about yourself and others. Monitor what seeps into your life, be it the car commute to work or the background radio in your home. Listen to whale song, there is powerful healing in the wisdom being given to us through these incredible beings. Keep it handy for doctor's offices, airport travel, fussy children and anyone dealing with depression.

6. Low vibrational television can derail your good intentions. The constant stream of negative energy is not good for you. Real life dramas with crime, violence and hatred interspersed with commercials telling you to buy a product to bring you health and happiness will lower your vibration.

7. Surround yourself with high vibrational people. Family members and friends that are always speaking with a glass-half-empty attitude can drag you down. Limit time spent with this type of community and connect with high vibrational people that are filled with happiness and joy.

8. Look around your home to see what you have chosen to view everyday. Photographs, books, art, crystals, plants and the colors in your home can all create energy. Learn about Feng Shui today!

9. Incorporate a lifestyle that  includes being OUT in nature as often as you can. This will raise your vibration and put you in touch with a community that is sharing our planet. Learn to listen, smell, see, feel and KNOW the energies that want to share life with you. We share the same natural resources and man is NOT above all life forms. Raising your vibration will make you more aware of the needs of others.

10. Wear or place crystals and minerals in your personal space. Some of these minerals vibrate at a very high frequency. By connecting with their energy your vibration will lift to meet theirs. Some high vibrational crystals are: Kyanite, Rainbow Mayanite, Zincite, Aura Quartz, Gaspeite, Moldavite, Ajoite and Bookite just to name a few.

As your vibration rises you will feel your energy blossom and grow as your light shines brighter. Your feelings of self love, confidence and well being will create a desire to love others and the world around you. You will find yourself doing more and more random acts of kindness. Forgiveness for the people that have caused you deep pain and resentment will drift away as you truly begin to see them as loving spirits on a journey.

Start today with an intention of raising your vibration and BE the loving energy that can help shed more positivity into our world. 

To learn how you can meditate please read my book Sæ-sii Meditation: How to Find Your Bliss in 15 Minutes a Day

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Crystals Speak During Meditation

Crystals are wonderful friends that delight in lending their energy. Our connection with them is as natural as breathing as we are all part of earth...we are all part of IS. We are one.

Using crystals in meditation is particularly beneficial as it allows the stones to lend support as they blend their energy with your own. This blending creates a sort of bond between you. You will begin to notice yourself smiling every time you are near them. When this happens always remember to greet them and THANK them.

During your opening invocation as you begin your meditation, it is always good to set your intention. When working with crystals during meditation I always mention them by name and ask for their help. When closing I offer my thanks. Thanking them bathes them in respect and gratitude. This they will give back to each of you in abundance.

Here is a snippet from a recent meditation journal. As you can see meditation can bring you little road maps to help you along your journey.

Thursday, November 1, Meditation: I asked for a message for my spouse Dean. I asked for his guides to come forward to help me communicate something for his highest good. I also asked for help with his migraines he seems to get from time to time.
A man with white hair in a ponytail stood before me looking down at his sandaled feet- he had blue jeans on and a white shirt- he told me that I need to place Moo-kite under Dean's desk, and next to his feet. I said "you mean marcasite?"  Laughing he replied “I will help you carry it back.”
I asked if there were any more messages. A voice spoke, “He needs to drink more water, cut down on the coffee.” I was about to thank them and the voice said “And you too!”

After finishing the meditation I did a bit of research. I was spelling it phonetically as I was unfamiliar with it. I found what I was looking for. Mookaite is an Australian Jasper which comes from Mooka Creek in the Kennedy Ranges of Western Australia. I bought several chunks (see photo above large veined rock top left ) and one now sits under his desk and under the foot of his side of the bed. The migraines are becoming fewer. If you want to know more about this stone here is more information. Mookaite.

Sunday, January 27,  Meditation: FULL MOON
While holding Amethyst and Lapis I asked for help in developing my spiritual gifts. I asked for guidance through these tools to help open me for a stronger spiritual connection with my higher self. I was sort of floating in darkness and then I heard my own voice speaking over and over saying "Mie-a-night, Mie-a-night, Mie-a-night...I said "Huh, you mean like the myans? This kind of threw me and I reply "No, I'm asking about this Lapis and Amethyst. Can you please help me align with their energy to help me learn? Please teach me." Again "Mie-a-night, Mie-a-night, Mie-a-night," repeats and this time it is louder – also there is a bit of chuckling and laughter.  I thanked my guides and crystals and started to hunt for Mieanight.

Again I was spelling it incorrectly and couldn't find it. Then later during a walk I remembered myself saying "Like the Mayans?" Sure enough I found it. Mayanite. I had never heard of this stone and the fact that it was given to me during meditation when I asked for help with my development assured me it was the answer to all I was seeking. I purchased a piece (pictured above it is the gold colored crystal) and I now sit in meditation with it. A remarkable stone to be sure. If you want to know more about this amazing quartz that has only recently been discovered here is some information. Mayanite

Connecting with the beautiful energies of crystals will raise your vibration. When this occurs you will find yourself drawn to nature. Begin using crystals today and listen to what they have to say. They are quite powerful, insightful and extremely loving. Keep them near you, wear them and take them along as you walk this earth. They will reward you with an incredible blessing and when they do – always remember to give them the thanks they so richly deserve.
Please add a comment if you have enjoyed this blog. Thank you.

To learn how you can meditate please read my book Sæ-sii Meditation: How to Find Your Bliss in 15 Minutes a Day

Mind Shift- Your Ability to Control Your Emotions

Close your eyes and relax. Unclench your jaw, your fists or any areas of tension. Breathe deeply and take a few cleansing breaths. Breathing in all of the beautiful energy of nature and now exhale all the noise and chatter in your head. Float along this current of nothingness. Now allow a thought to take residence in your mind. I can shift my mind to a better place.

The planet around us is struggling to survive. Global warming- sudden shifts in the earth - catastrophic weather patterns all bring their attention to us in a very loud way. Wake up! it seems to shout – Stop ignoring your environment – we are all connected and if we are hurting than you are suffering as well.

We are living in an age of technology that has connected our world in a way that no generation before us has ever seen. This communication can work both for and against us. It can bring encouragement and truthful insight or it can lead to utter chaos. We all like to think of ourselves as strong knowledgeable individuals, and many are, but many of us will follow a fool off a cliff. The only way to actually be led by this is to ignore your own inner voice and allow others to think for you.

For example if we know a storm is coming and we are able to use technology to “best guess” its course we should be able to decide for ourselves (unless we are relying on others because of mental or medical impairments) what the best plan of action should be. Many, many people have lived with the threats of all types of weather throughout the ages as well as the pets and wildlife that have gone before us. Did they have the weather channel, facebook or CNN? No, they simply took the warnings they were given, the necessary precautions and gathered with friends and family to wait out the storm. Many had to leave their homes to find a safe haven and many returned to find their dwellings demolished. We live with unforeseen natural environmental events that will continue long after we part this earth.

No one is advocating that we do not heed a warning. But there must come a time when we listen to our inner voice and “turn off” the hype, because that is what it is – in actual fact it sells advertisement. STAY TUNED…BREAKING NEWS…THIS JUST IN… If you were able to step aside and see how it was commercially packaged and delivered to you, you would see it for what it was, sheer drama which instills fear to make you come back for more. The music – the lighting –the flashing scrolling red text – the newsman strapped to a tree…none very helpful in preparing a community at all. You want to be able to rely on calm rational decisions and not whipped up emotional actions. This is when a mind shift is needed most. If you were trying to assist your children or elderly loved ones how would you approach them- careful and quiet purposeful direction to lead them to safety…or a burst of continued fearful updates?

There are many opportunities to practice this useful mechanism and if we wanted to we could probably fill pages and pages creating a list. Think of some events that you encounter in your daily lives in which you have no control. For example: (and I will only name a few as they can bring you down emotionally just listing them!)

-       Airport hell

-       Dr’s visit…the inner waiting room

-       Traffic jams

-       Unexpected weather…cancellations and loss of power

-       Trip to the Motor Vehicle Office

As we look at these examples we can feel the groans as they drag themselves through our lips. Now place yourself in one of these circumstances. For example you arrive at the Motor Vehicle office and you pull the number 63 and a voice calls out “number 31”. You look about and notice the bleak faces…the room is painted gray and actually looks as if it is getting grayer. But you need this document today and you have to wait. Others grumble and some start talking on their cell phones and you can feel the air thicken with negativity. It hovers about you like a cloud.

By quieting your mind and breathing easily allow your mind to shift. You have complete control of your thoughts, perhaps you were meant to learn something, and perhaps you were meant to use this very moment to understand that you have power over your own emotions. This is YOUR journey and you do not have to get swept along with all of the angry emotions of the people around you. Can you sit and see how unique you are – not better than others – no, just able to distance yourself enough to think upon positive things. Shift your attention and focus to a happy place. Maybe it’s a loved one, maybe it’s a good book or maybe a project you need to work out in your mind before you begin to create it.

This ability to shift your mind can truly remove unnecessary stress in your life. This skill can also help when you feel yourself spinning out of control. When you begin to feel yourself stiffen as a disagreement with someone is about to surface, catch yourself and say “mind-shift”… is this really how I want to respond? Am I prepared to allow all negative emotional energy have its free reign? What will this accomplish? Learn to use this mind shift as a lifeboat giving you safe passage to the calmness that you thrive in. When anger is all around you, don’t allow yourself to be carried in to the debris of negative thoughts. If this means turning off the media – hanging up the phone, than DO it. This especially means you will need to mentally turn off the media - a challenge as it adorns all airports and public places which are unavoidable today. Mentally tune away from the people on their cell phones and yes they even have conversations on the toilet, riding their bikes and even strolling a beach. Use your ability to shift your mind instantly.

Learn to take control of your emotions by adjusting your mind to a positive thought. It may take some practice to remind yourself. Sometimes I hear my spouse saying, “mind shift” as I become agitated and I reply “Mind your own shift” as I huff and puff, but for the most part this small technique has helped our relationship as well as our outlook.

Have you ever found yourself engaging in what started out to be a positive endeavor and the outcome was tears and frustration? Something wonderful and purposeful, and act of kindness shattered into hurt feelings and silence.

If your intention was something for example, “Let’s gather together to help our parents” and others have strong opinions of how this should be achieved, how can you shift your mind to keep the goal in focus? Another example may be joining together to help our children in sports, music, clubs, etc. Others will have their opinions on how the road to achieve this is pursued. Can you allow them to have an opinion in which you do not share? Can you shift your mind to give your assistance to fulfill what your initial intention was... to aid your children? If we begin at home perhaps we can help others nationwide. It is a concept in which we should happily meditate about, as focusing positive thoughts can move mountains.

By keeping this mechanism of your mind active you will begin to find so many ways to use it to your advantage. Some people count to ten… not me, nope too long. I think MIND SHIFT, and I have instant awareness and less wrinkles.

Even if we are that one smiling happy calm person in the storm we can actually make a difference. We can learn to move our anger, which is absorbed, into everyone and everything we encounter and redirect it, finding ways to create positive energy and harmony in our universe. We are all connected – tune in and take control over the uncontrollable events and you will be stepping toward a brighter future.

I have been given this MIND SHIFT information through the practice of meditation. To learn how you can meditate all on your own without any CDs  for FREE please click. 

Man Made Hell = Man Made Fear Conclusion

continued...

The Down And Dirty Church was the last one I attended. It was a place filled with broken people, some fighting addiction and others just sick of the other churches on the menu. This wasn't a church my parents would have understood at all. There were no pews anywhere...only round tables with tattered people drinking coffee and sharing their troubles. Some were dressed in their finest and some were homeless and rarely bathed. It didn't matter to anyone what they looked like... they all blended together. I was humbled by the many acts of kindness I witnessed and yet I still remember the frustration of the pastor as he stood speaking to the people regarding the war in Iraq. He said "People wake up, don't you realize that there are mothers and fathers of our enemies that are praying to God as well to save their children from our armies? Don't you get it? God is not American and he isn't a democrat nor a republican." The people shook their heads, as this was too hard to fathom. How could God not answer our prayers and save our children? God was a Christian after all and of course He was pulling for our side…wasn’t He?

As a freelance artist I worked for many clients. In 2004 the local Jewish Community Center hired me part time creating brochures, logos and some ads. The phone rang again and suddenly I was working for a magazine called the Friends of Israel, it was a Christian magazine that was started in the 1940's to fight anti-Semitism. So, oddly enough I found my week split between these two dynamic passionate organizations. It was through this connection that I was able to arrange a meeting and they actually sat down together (unheard of in my neck of the woods) to share ideas on how they could work together. Funny, looking back at this I remember feeling as if I was some sort of ambassador - for people rather than doctrine. And then to my surprise the Jewish leaders sent me to Israel to work as an artist with their sister organization teaching them my graphic skills. Nineteen people of Jewish faith and me...the un-Jew. The leader of the organization I was attending with, asked me to lead Shabbat on the southern part of the wall in Jerusalem. Huh? I asked, hello I'm not a Rabbi and by the way I'm a woman...why me? "Because you are the most spiritual," he said. He got this impression most likely because the touring bus we were riding in would often hear me cry out “Hang on, we need to make a pit stop…Jesus did a miracle over there.” This of course made them think I was a Jesus Freak and I explained to them that my faith in God was not a religion I followed but actually just my way of life. I tried to spread that light wherever I went.  I continued in my hope that men would see past their dogmatic beliefs in their personal views of who or what God was and just learn to truly help one another. I quit the church and watched many friendships evaporate almost instantly. I am still a bit surprised by this. All of their preaching about God is love and love thy neighbor only to be tossed aside like stale wine. All of their talk of helping their communities while they pushed for bigger recreation facilities for their church members. All their talk of unemployment rising as they organized ski trips and fancy social gatherings. Incredible yet very true and still continuing.
I then walked with uncertainty...would God punish me? Would I now be counted with all of those poor sinners that were going to hell? I was taught since birth that I was born with sin and needed the blood of Jesus to wash me clean in order to be accepted by God. But now I was naked and I no longer prayed to the big J. He seemed to me a man that some powerful people put up front as a deity to make themselves more worthy than others.

Soon after my trip to Israel I developed a severe pain in my right leg. I went to many specialists and it grew worse. Two years went by and still the pain remained. On the off chance that some herbal hippie might be able to help me, I attended a symposium in northern California. Unknowingly, this was my first step toward breaking free of a belief system that had imprisoned me since birth. Something happened to me there that is still hard to explain. Let's just say I met a woman who gave me an energy massage that opened my eyes to looking deeper within. She spoke of seeing my aura, my guides and how strong I was spiritually. Um...yeah, sure right. She told me I was to ask the voice within to lead me to learn how to connect with my higher conscious and that it would all be told to me. This sounded like gypsy talk to me and I smiled and left her little tent thinking she was probably high on weed. She said she had spoken with my guides and that I was a very strong healer. Yeah? Well then why the hell was my leg racked with chronic pain? Healer... me? Maybe she didn't dial in the stars and line up the moons correctly... or maybe one of her crystals had a crack in it.

Two months later the pain had miraculously vanished and I was meditating daily. I started to listen and tune in and I became aware that a tiny voice that I had thought was just random had actually been with me as a small child. When life was hard and my parents were fighting I used to go to my special thinking spot and this voice comforted me. Years later when I was in an abusive relationship this voice helped to lead me to safety. I never gave it much attention; it was just always there. 

Through meditation I was able to understand who these guides were and now I ask and receive amazing insight.  I have learned that God is not an entity in human form. God IS. Lord IS. Source IS. All of this is not for one country or one species. We are ALL connected in this love of IS. Every blade of grass, every mountain, every grain of sand and every drop of water IS a part of this and every time I look into the eyes of my pet I am looking into the eyes of God or whatever you call Source. And every time I look into the mirror I am seeing a part of IS, wow, that alone would have rocked the church into burning me at the stake most likely…and in New Jersey too!   

I was able to break free from the rules and regulations and words all written by man and seek this connection to the Spirits that walk beside me. No heaven or hell to fear only love and truth in knowing life is eternal. Yes, I have been visited many times by those that have crossed over (including my family and loved ones) and each time I am left with a morsel of realization. This connection to my higher conscious has allowed me to love myself in a way I have never experienced. I am worthy, I am beautiful and I have so much love to give to others.

For the many, many people that continue in their religious quest I take nothing away from that and I do not wish to have you think I have negativity towards you. Each of us has our own journey. For me I no longer live in fear of a man made deity that will smite me if I do not keep in step. I will continue to try and spread this love of myself to the planet around me. My connection to the spirit world is not new, I have always known that I would not die. I understood at a very young age that my physical self would expire yet my spirit would continue. Thoughts are... after all... LIVING THINGS. I got a little confused when I started to listen to the teachings and writings of a world where fear was used to control my thoughts and make others more powerful- after all they use our energy to make themselves greater. But that is in the past and I am able to give my energy to a planet that is crying out to all. It is through this connection to IS that I am able to move easily toward fulfilling my passion of purpose. Every day is a new challenge and every day I face a new understanding. I am so thankful I was able to escape from the man made hell and release myself from the fear that kept me from truly finding the love that awaits all of us...and it starts within.

Yes, I took a slight detour from my meditation experiences, but since most of this writing came through while meditating I wanted to bring it into the light:)
To learn how you can meditate without any CD's or guides please read Meditate for FREE

Meditations Bring Warnings

Dragonflies Follow Me Everywhere

Today was another day at the beach. As I drove the slow winding road to its entrance I was met by a squadron of dragonflies. At first I thought they were gathered in one area but as I continued along I was surrounded by hundreds of these beautiful creatures.

My routine of picking a clear spot to settle into felt like a prayer I was offering up. Here I am to blend with your beauty, here I am to watch and learn…use me. I sat and meditated in silence for a short time. I love the feeling of air, sun, water and earth while I meditate. I finished my meditation offered up a thanks and sat there coming back down to earth.

As I walked along the shore I became aware that the piles of sea grass seemed to be alive with swarming insects. But they seemed to be hopping like fleas and there were so many of them it felt as if the ground below me was no longer sand. I stooped and put my hands out. Many landed into my grasp and as I slowly opened my palms I saw that they were actually tiny crabs. They looked clear in color and they were hopping and burying themselves into the sand. I smiled as I realized I was not alone in my curiosity as several sea birds anxiously awaited for me to move along.

I love these long walks never knowing what lies ahead, and a thought appeared – go back and lock up your wallet…NOW. No, I replied to myself I’m too far from my beach bag…I kept walking and the thought now seemed to become an urgent warning – go back NOW! Hmmm well ok maybe I am getting a message to protect myself. I slowly returned and locked up my wallet. As I looked at my car the sun seemed to wink its reflection at me on the metal. There…now what? I asked. Silence.

I found myself pretty near where the warning had come to me as I was now returned to my walk of discovery. As I looked up I noticed a woman in a red swim suit gathering debris. She was the same woman I had seen sitting in a chair close to mine. Tell her, came a thought. No, no, no – she is a complete stranger and she will be uncomfortable with this interruption. Tell her.

As the woman approached I could see that she was holding driftwood and various plants. Building a house I asked? Yes, she said, I am. And then I told her. She smiled and said she pays attention to all messages as she believes we are each given aids and guides in life. We spoke of the dragonflies and she recalled a book about them symbolizing transition. Wow…transition…I like this. I felt immediately grateful for this chance encounter. As we exchanged names she appeared pleasantly surprised with mine – oh how beautiful a name she said expressing what appeared to be genuine admiration. Thank you Andrea so is yours I stuttered…feeling like I was 8 meeting another kid on the playground. I was at a loss as she truly seemed so happy to learn my name. We stood there smiling in the sun and she spoke so confidently as she said you know the reason you were told to tell me is probably because I “get” it. And she did. We shook hands and said farewell.

I found my way back to my chair and thought about this. Two strangers peacefully enjoying a day at the beach. She was hunting for beach treasure and discovered beauty in my name. The sun was shining brightly and I felt the urging of the sea.

I tucked my hair into my hat, grabbed my chair and pushed aside the wall of sea grass which stood like a fortress guarding the ocean. Move over crabs…it’s my turn…and I’m comin’ in.
To learn how you can begin meditation please READ.

Are You Committed to Self?

When I meditate I go to this peaceful state of silence. Sometimes I finish the meditation and have a feeling of utter self love. Sometimes I see very vivid images and sometimes I have clear insight. This meditation was a time I was given a message concerning Commitment to Self.

How many times have you found yourself responding to a request? Perhaps it is a personal favor, taking time from your schedule to aid a fellow worker, or maybe even a stranger as you find yourself swept along into their misfortune. Sometimes you may hesitate and sometimes even refuse, but for most we just respond. In doing this we are giving aid to someone or something and we finish the task and move on. We may never know the results of our gift as it has helped someone along their way. But that’s the point, we didn’t really consider any of that we just acted on a request and committed ourselves to the mission.

If we lived in a world where we could ask of others and they would freely give back, what a truly harmonious place this would be. It is in the moments when I ask of a loved one for assistance and an empty promise goes unfulfilled when I am reminded of commitment. Do I make empty promises? Do I keep my word? If I do then I am actually not being true or honest with myself.

What is the lesson to be learned? Ask but don’t expect too much? Be a martyr and say nothing? We need to closely examine this choice of this request. If we ask in pure love it will be an interaction of sharing a need. If the response is good intention and empty action then perhaps we need to look within. Are we committed to our own words and do we realize we too have made empty promises along the way? We may have caused someone to hope and we forgot all about them.

Love is action. I myself struggle with this as I have learned to increasingly become more self-reliant as I stopped asking. But wait… perhaps this is part of the journey, and my commitment to self has helped me overcome the obstacles along the way. And what do I do with this knowledge?

I give it freely and I allow the years of broken promises and good intentions to become a new commitment. A new insight into how I can truly bring light to those of us stumbling in the dark. Together we truly can help each other…but it starts with commitment to self.
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I Used to Catch Fish

Something’s off… I feel unbalanced and my energy feels as if I have a slow leak somewhere. It’s an uneasy feeling as if something out of my control is draining me. And as I stopped to think of this I realized my attitude was reflected in how I was treating my spouse. And so I listened to my inner voice which told me that today was a day to move in a new direction.

My impression of a neighbor

I turned off my computer, disconnected my phone, grabbed mosquito repeller, a bottle of water and a large brimmed straw hat and headed out doors. I found myself in my special quiet place by the water that has a front row seat on our dock. As I sat looking out on the sparkling water dappled in sunlight I realized I was drawn here and did not know why. I am slowly learning not to question this and just follow my heart. I closed my eyes and began a meditation and offered a prayer asking for protection and help in connecting with all creatures that live in the water out our back door. My head was bowed and when I opened my eyes two beautiful fish were peering up at me. I was astonished as they seemed to have swam to me waiting for me to notice them. I said a silent hello telling them how pretty they were and watched them slowly swim in and out of the pilings below in what seemed like a ballet. They were each graceful and I studied the effects of the light as it glittered on their scales of teal and pearl gray. A school of tiny green striped fish nipped at the insects on the surface and I smiled thinking how I have never seen fish in what felt like my own home, swimming so carefree in their own environment. As I was allowing myself to float along with them I was startled by what appeared next. A sleek black long necked bird surfaced and then dove under again leaving large circular ripples on the water. It happened so quickly I thought to myself “did I just imagine that?” Up it surfaced again a few feet away as if to reply. It began dunking its head under and flapping its wings and it was cleaning itself much like the tiny birds do in puddles after it rains. How amazing I thought as it stretched its neck glancing over to me and then flew away close along the surface tap tapping the top of the water in its farewell flight. Is this my communication with the creatures of the water in my back yard I thought? Tiny rings of water appeared close by as if droplets were falling from the sky. As I looked closely I could see the iridescent noses of the needlefish that were dining on passing tiny insects that stopped for a drink. This pecking created unusual patterns on the water and I viewed this not as a picnic but more like a work of art.

Mangroves sipping from their own straws

I sat back and thought about what I was watching. The serenity of my little encounter with the nature around me was beginning to help me feel more balanced. The two larger fish that had greeted me previously appeared again and seemed to stop and look up at me. “Teach me something, I said, I want to learn and I know you can show me something new.” I watched as they moved gracefully into the shadows of the mangrove trees that sip with curled roots along the banks nearby. The thought came to me… Is this my back yard or is it theirs? Am I sitting in my world gazing at them as they are looking at me in mine? Or do we share it together and there is no back yard…only one world…one big yard? We are one, came the thought, and we need to understand that we are all equally important.

The swimming fish did not reappear and I was reminded of a time in my past when I was in search of them. Years ago I used to enjoy a day of catching fish. I would sit in a boat as the hours slipped past sharing these outings with my father. I cherished this time together. The wind on my face, the sun on my back, the smell of salt water and the sound of our laughter echoing off the water is a loving memory for me. I really delighted in those lazy fishing days. Looking back now I can see it was for all of the other things, not necessarily the act of catching fish. The time spent with my dad and the peace and knowledge we could enjoy through nature. Artists and photographers have tried to copy it and some have written books about it but nothing can replace the experience of it. No television or movie screen can begin to capture the essence of it. This is what I was really after, not the fish.

I looked down below the surface at the leaves and plant life being slowly tossed by the current. I thought about being there in the stillness of the day alone with all of this tranquility. I was taught several lessons from my perch on this sun-bleached deck today…how can I share this with my children I thought?  And slowly the answer came to me. For years I have put my trust in man to protect and preserve the nature we enjoy. But it’s not for our enjoyment or pleasure like a movie or a good book. It’s a life-force that shares our existence and we blindly allow others to destroy it all in the name of progress. Progress at what cost, and how is it defined if it devastates our environment? So what can I do…I am only one person?

By taking a few moments out to meditate on my dock trying to restore my energy I have realized a truth that I have ignored for many years. The companies that have the most money and power do not care about the planet. To them it’s someone else’s back yard. But for me I will stop relying on others who tell me that protective measures are in place. I need to start asking who placed these environmental laws in place and who oversees them? Many people worry about their own community and themselves- the cause and effect of their own lifetimes. If we continue on this path then we will continue making the same mistakes, which are truly destroying the world around us. We need to start thinking for ourselves and investigate all of the research and we need to do this not thinking only of ourselves but for all life forms and for the generations to come.

The wing of the dragonfly becomes my arrow

And so as I began to feel the sweat rolling down my back I closed my eyes and lifted my head to catch the breeze that was passing through the palms dancing above me. As I opened my eyes a dragonfly drifted into view and I followed its path up and into the branches overhead. I grinned as it reminded me to look up and a chirping tiny bird sitting on a branch rewarded me with its song. As it hopped from limb to limb I admired its bright yellow throat. You are so beautiful I have seen you before in this tree I thought and it quickly darted out of sight.

I gathered up my belongings and said goodbye to all of the inhabitants of what will forever be known as “our” backyard. And as I approached my house I thought of the lessons that were brought to me by two beautiful fish…the ones I used to try and catch…the ones that have now caught my attention reminding me that we are all sharing a journey together. Today was a good day… it was a lazy sittin’ on a dock day…
and a whole new way of goin’ fishing.
If you would like to learn how to begin meditation please see Lesson 1 Meditation