Saturday, November 27, 2010

Going Within ~ Welcome Winter Solstice!

A year has passed since I began writing this blog. What an amazing journey it has been! Last December I learned that my landlords were moving back from Hawai'i and that I would need to find a new home. That proved to be a wonderful journey filled with ups and downs, twists and turns, but I landed in a cozy little cottage in a gorgeous Laguna Beach canyon surrounded by Nature and friends. I lost my feline companion of eleven years, Rusty, but found a new kitty friend who is also proving to be a "medicine cat." And last, but certainly not least, I turned sixty! What an amazing year!

So I enthusiastically look forward to bringing a peace-filled close to 2010 and dreaming in 2012 with intention and focus. This is the time of year where we review and reflect upon our journey.

Throughout history, in the Northern Hemisphere, this has been the time of the inward journey, planting "seeds" to germinate through the winter months. The Winter Solstice occurs when the Earth's axial tilt is farthest away from the sun. Depending on the shift of the calendar, the Winter Solstice occurs on December 21 or 22 each year in the Northern Hemisphere, and June 20 or 21 in the Southern Hemisphere. Worldwide, interpretation of the event has varied from culture to culture, but most cultures have held a recognition of rebirth involving holidays, festivals, gatherings, rituals or other celebrations around that time.

The upcoming Winter Solstice/Full Moon/lunar eclipse is on December 21, 2010. This is always an important time of year but this year there is extra energy involved. It is a good time to focus and set intentions.

A lunar eclipse is a very special Full Moon. Decisions we make, things we let go of, and things we finish during this waning cycle have significance in the future. It is an excellent time to give up an old habit. Full moons in general, and lunar eclipses in particular, are times of high emotion, and they bring awareness. The sun and the moon, our animus and our emotions, are on opposite sides of the sky, as if the other were a mirror. This is a time of mirroring; we can see ourselves in others if we are willing to look.

This lunar eclipse brings an unprecedented opportunity to bring about a new way of being with regard to others with whom we share Mother Earth. We are called to act in a higher, more authentic way and to keep our mind on the oneness of all beings. In light of the world situation at this time, this lunar eclipse presents an opportune time for each of us to focus on this spirit of oneness with all others.

Blessings be upon you and yours during this holiday season. I leave you with this blessing from John O'Donohue ~

May you recognize in your life the presence, power, and light of your soul
May you realize that you are never alone,
that your soul in its brightness and belonging connects you intimately with the rhythm of the universe.
May you have respect for your individuality and difference.
May you realize that the shape of your soul is unique, that you have a special destiny here,that behind the facade of your life there is something beautiful and eternal happening.
May you learn to see your self with the same delight, pride, and expectation with which God sees you in every moment.

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Celebrating the Beauty of Life

Daily I come across articles and books written about the process of evolution that we currently find our world going through. Irregardless of the cultural or ethnic group, religious affiliation, or socio-economic environment, the world is experiencing profound change. Whether it is on the news or in a personal conversation, people are discussing the systems that are falling apart and old paradigms that are breaking down. Some project great fear about the times. Others see the possibility to create a new future. While old ways of being break down, innovative ideas surface to inspire us to reinvent the way we live in our world.


As I watch and listen, it seems that the biggest challenge for all of us is to find a way to evolve without becoming dis-empowered. How do we each step fully into all that our soul came here to be? How do we step forward, into our power, without needing to know the outcome?
 

This process of becoming our full potential is the first step of participating in the global community that so many of us envision. Becoming is an ongoing, evolutionary process that leads us through many changes, both physical and emotional. It is the time on our beautiful planet to reflect, release and re-vision. We can't change the past but we can forgive. We can't control the future but we can project loving thoughts for creating a peaceful, harmonious way of living in alignment with Mother Earth and all Creation. But living in the present is essential to all of this. And living joyfully, without regrets or fear is the key.
 

Recently I joined Sandra Ingerman and a group of sixty shamanic practitioners and teachers in New Mexico to share expanding realities and celebrate the wonder of community. The red rocks of Ghost Ranch were a perfect backdrop for deep introspection and profound ceremony. We connected with the stars and experienced the collective power of joining as one with the Light. Throughout the four days together, Sandra spoke about this being the time of moving into community and the need to project the vision of abundance and joy out into the world. We must continue to come from the place of gratitude, forgiveness, and love as we become One.
 

Becoming an active part of the One community requires each of us to do our personal work, stepping into our own inheritance, our own power; we must BECOME. It is essential that we deepen our own spiritual path, whatever that may be. It is time to recognize and identify the spiritual path that resonates within our heart and follow that calling. Find a community of like-minded people, folks who come from a place of unconditional love and acceptance. Deepen your relationship with nature. Let go of fear and set the intention of working with a loving universe.

Time spent in nature can help transform fears and illusions of limitation. Become intimately acquainted with the natural places where you live. Nature gives us omens and messages and restores balance within and without. Watch the seasons and signs of change. When you see imbalance, envision these places in balance.
Our relationship with nature teaches us how to live in harmony in the world. 

If there is something you are called to "do" in order to affect change, do so but do it with a peace-filled heart, not out of fear or in retaliation. Spend time in meditation and prayer, envisioning balance and harmony within nature, seeing these places in their perfect state. See the waters healthy and vibrant. They are a reflection of the water within humans. See the forests thriving and filled with flora and fauna. They are a reflection of our way of being in the world.
 

Another part of becoming is understanding the power of words. What thoughts about yourself and others are you holding? What words do you send out into the world? Are your thoughts and words blessings or curses? I continue to consider the power of thoughts and words daily. Some days I feel quite successful about sending blessings out into the world. Other days I'm not so successful! However "the observer changes the observed" so I know that the awareness of who I am becoming helps me evolve.
 

Projecting thoughts and words of blessing, of love and light, out into communities throughout world make a difference and create positive change. Don't add to the existing fears that the world is experiencing. Your loving, healthy projections can assist in alleviating pain and suffering, empowering countries and people to become their full potential. Join with others in envisioning a healed reality where everyone is in their highest good with all their needs met, with vibrant health and thriving. Feel this in your heart and radiate that love out into the world. Become the change you want to see. See yourself as part of a greater, global community where there is hope and joy. Envision, within and without, the world you want to leave your children. Radiate love, project well-being out into the world. 

Celebrate life!

One of my favorite poets, John O'Donohue, writes...


Now is the time to free the heart,
Let all intentions and worries stop,
Free the joy inside the self,
Awaken to the wonder of your life.

Open your eyes and see the friends  
Those whose kindness watchful and near, 
Encourages you to live everything here.
 
See the gifts the years have given, 
Things your effort could never earn, 
The health to enjoy who you want to be 
And the mind to mirror mystery.

Monday, September 6, 2010

Remembering Rusty


My cat Rusty and I were meant to be together. It’s one of the best “relationships” I’ve ever had, one filled with mutual respect and love. May I have the privilege of finding a two-legged male companion that I am so compatible with!

In April of 1999 I lost my feline friend Rover to cancer. I was devastated as she had been one of three four-legged creatures that had shared our home while my children were growing up. Her passing marked a turning point for me in many ways and the loss of her was deep. I had not intended to get another kitty for a while but destiny had other plans!


A dear friend knew how much I was grieving the loss of Rover. Reluctantly she came to me one day to suggest that there was a very special kitty who needed a home. Her daughter was getting married and had to find a place for Rusty. After much deliberation I agreed to go down to Encinitas and meet him. Well, let’s just say the meeting went well. I drove away with Rusty in my car. He “talked” all the way home – the beginning of a perfect friendship.

Not long after his arrival at my condo in Dana Point, Rusty began bringing me presents from nature: dead bunnies, birds, and mice. He had amazing strength and would go hunting and then drag his “gifts” over a 3-foot block-wall fence into my bedroom. I was careful not to scold him, as I understood the significance of his offerings. I could see that he was grateful to be with me in my home.

One of the things I will never forget is an endearing way Rusty had of showing his affection. He had this sweet way of hugging me. He would wrap his paws around my neck and purr and drool in ecstasy. The only other person I ever saw him do this to was my niece, Dawnielle.

Rusty and I needed each other. We both had abandonment issues and we grew to understand that we could trust each other completely. When I left on trips he had a very hard time because he wasn’t sure I’d come back. I understood that and we worked on making him feel safe. I always had “sitters” that came and stayed with him while I was away.


Through the years Rusty continued to be an incredible hunter and often supplemented his meals with birds and mice. He loved to be outside in the sunshine, smelling the grass and feeling the breeze. This was true up until the end. The day before he passed away he was outside on the patio in a patch of sun, sniffing the breeze.

In the last few years Rusty and I matured in our spiritual work together. Almost three years ago he got sick and I thought I was going to lose him. It was a fearful time for me and I sought out assistance from my shamanic community, asking for insight and guidance. Rusty participated in this process and offered his wisdom to all who would seek it. Many people would communicate with Rusty and receive incredible insight about the process of life and death. During this time Rusty and I began to respect each other at a whole new level. We became healing partners.

Both clients and students came to respect Rusty’s presence during a healing circle or class. He would often come into the circle and sit on my lap while the group was doing work. More than once I found him lying on top of a client when I was doing energy work or shamanic healing. I came to trust his presence and listen to what he had to tell me.

On August 28th I woke up to the sense of Rusty falling. He fell over if he tried to walk and we both knew it was my turn to help Rusty on his final transition. I have been sensing him getting weaker and weaker and we’ve both been aware of a coming shift. It’s the end of another era in my life. Rusty has been with me through many transitions. Thank you, Rusty, for staying with me. Thank you for your unconditional love and support.

Rusty, I miss you. I look forward to meeting you again on the Other Side. I love you.

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Becoming the Offering

Recently I had the privilege of spending time in circle with an African shaman, Mandaza Kandemwa, a Mhondoro (one who is in constant prayer on behalf of others) from Zimbabwe. I have known Mandaza for several years now and am always inspired by his teachings and wisdom but this year I was particularly moved and motivated by the things he shared.

We spent a weekend on a pilgrimage in our local Cleveland National Forest, learning from the land and Nature, seeking insight and guidance about what we can do to heal our beautiful planet. The information we received was simple, yet complex. In Mandaza's words, we need to "clean our own kitchens" first - it's not what we do that changes the world, it's what we become. We need to become the prayer, the tobacco, the sacred, the offering. But what does this mean?

During the weekend our group hiked into the forest, meditated in an oak grove and perched ourselves on ancient boulders that provided a panoramic view of the canyons and Lake Elsinore.  What needs to be remembered to bring about peace and healing? What do the ancient ancestors of the land have to teach us? What wisdom is held in the stones, in the plants, in the trees? Are we in alignment with the ancient ancestors of the land? Do we show respect for the indigenous people of this place? What is the appropriate protocol for working here?

We received many messages from Nature. "I Am" is in all of Nature. Creator is everywhere. Some of the information saddened us because many generations of people have been disrespectful and disconnected from Nature. This is true throughout the world. Nature is our teacher and yet humans have quit "listening." God/dess is speaking to us through the natural world. Our current global crisis is the result of our disconnection.

Throughout the weekend I was invited to reflect on my own "kitchen" and look at how I walk in the world. As I pondered this thought I found myself feeling uneasy and I silently became critical of other people in my life.  I was uncomfortable with my judgments so I meditated, wrote, reflected and prayed to uncover what was really going on. After all, this was a pilgrimage. 

My conscious desire is to be a peacemaker but what thoughts do I have about others and myself? What words leave my mouth? Are they thoughts and words of love and healing or do they pollute and damage? Our thoughts and words become blessings or curses...it's that simple and that complicated! It is a call to take personal responsibility first. There is no healing in blaming others, adding to the already prevalent fear in the world. Instead we must become the change we want to see. We must become love and become the hope and peace we pray for.

It was during a water ceremony that I realized that each of the judgments I was experiencing were not about others but about the unforgivable aspects of myself. People serve as reflections of ourself, the best and the worst. When we are unable to forgive ourself for the mistakes we've made along the way, we project that onto others and often find comfort in projecting our self-judgment on others. It was unnerving to see how unloving I am to myself, how judgmental and unforgiving!

But the grace of Divine Love is profound. As soon as I began looking at my own short comings as reflected through the mirror of others, I began to weep. If we are all mirrors for each other, if we truly are all one, and we are all part of the Divine, why are we so critical? Why do we see the worst in each other instead of the sacred? This has to change in order to find true peace and to walk as peacemakers. 

"The first peace, which is the most important, is that which comes within the souls of people when they realize their relationship, their oneness with the universe and all its powers, and when they realize that at the center of the universe dwells the Great Spirit, and that this center is really everywhere, it is within each of us." -- Black Elk (1863-1950)

I choose to be a peacemaker. I choose to reflect the Light, the love and goodness of all God's Creation. I choose to be a prayer of healing for Mother Earth and all sentient beings. All of Creation is one. Humanity is a part of the whole. We must step forward and join other like-minded beings in bringing about peace and healing. This is not something that any government agency or organization is going to do. This is a grass roots movement. It is time for us to join with our communities, our neighborhoods, and problem solve how we can become sustainable communities, watching out for our neighbors. The time is now for demonstrating true peacemaking. Become the offering. Be the prayer. Be peace.


May each of us become peace, may we become the offering. May we see the Divine in all Creation and may we be a prayer for peace. May we become the change we want to see. I leave you with an ancient Celtic blessing...


Deep peace of the running waves to you,
Deep peace of the flowing air to you,
Deep peace of the smiling stars to you,
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you,
Deep peace of the watching shepherds to you,
Deep peace of the Son of Peace to you.

http://www.ancestralwisdom.com

Monday, May 24, 2010

Gratitude: Manifesting Dreams into Being


"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow."
-- Melody Beattie, author and journalist

Two months ago I was packing boxes, sorting through my accumulated memories and treasures, letting go of  things I'd been holding on to for twenty years while choosing to keep others. But all the while I was anxiously envisioning the perfect home where I could create a new place to live and work. I had done all the preparatory things I tell my students and clients to do: I had written about the place I wanted to live - near the ocean with an expansive view, a place where people felt safe and loved, a new relationship for me; I had done ceremonies to release fears and was focusing on gratitude for all the blessings in my life; I was envisioning the manifestation of my dreaming.  Little did I know that this process would be more complex than I had imagined and that unpacking would be on hold for six months and that I would be invited to detach completely.

"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us." -Albert Schweitzer

How true this quote is! It was the generosity and unconditional love of friends that gave me hope and allowed me to have the time and space to sort through my situation. Instead of finding a place to unpack my boxes, I was gifted the opportunity to put my things in storage and stay with a generous friend. Then I received an invitation to sublet a little beach cottage in my favorite town for another six months. 

During the first month of separation from my belongings, I went through a myriad of emotions ranging from anger to grief to relief. I was given the chance to reflect on what I had accomplished in my life up to this point and come to a place of gratitude for all the blessings I have received throughout the years. Then I began to see that this uncomfortable place I found myself in was exactly what I had been praying for and envisioning! The surprising lesson was that in asking for the expansion of my living situation, my work, my finances, and my relationships, I was imagining the creation of something completely new. 

When we are focused and heart-centered, we must trust that we are in the process of co-creating our dreams. But the manifestation of our prayers may not unfold like we think they should. When we get really uncomfortable about "unfamiliar" circumstances, change is on the way! 

In this process I have come to realize that I have been focusing on creating a big shift in my life. For at least two years my focus and intention has been to dream into being a way of life that I have not experienced yet. It has come to my attention that at a deep soul-level I really didn't feel like I deserved the abundant life I wanted and that I had become a master at settling for less and adapting to circumstances. This current experience is new. This is change. This is the shift I've been praying for. This is the beginning of a completely new way of being in the world!

So I find myself in a deep state of gratitude for all the "kisses" I've received from God/Source/Divine Wisdom. What seemed random during this process has turned out to be an intricately planned web of interconnected circumstances and relationships. 

We are never alone. There are no mistakes. When we ask for change, and do our personal work to allow the shift we are praying for, "shift happens!" When we stay in a state of gratitude and thankfulness, we find ourselves in the presence of miracles and "magic." 

"Life without thankfulness is devoid of love and passion. Hope without thankfulness is lacking in fine perception. Faith without thankfulness lacks strength and fortitude. Every virtue divorced from thankfulness is maimed and limps along the spiritual road." -John Henry Jowett (1864-1923)


Friday, April 16, 2010

Metamorphosis: Lessons from a Butterfly

METAMORPHOSIS
In a world filled with sweet scents and blue sky,
lives the gentle, uplifting butterfly,
whose metamorphosis has this truth to teach:
Our aspirations are within our reach.
For this fluttering flyer of soaring worth
was at one time a creature that crawled the earth.

When she climbed a plant and learned of the sky,
She looked down at the earth and wondered why
her destiny was to live on the land.
Something inside her did not understand.
'The sky is my home', every part of her felt
‘How could crawling be the lot I’ve been dealt?’


Keeping those thoughts safe, where they could be found,
She slowly descended back to the ground.
When she found the right plant on which to rest,
She brilliantly wove a cocoon for her nest.
Inside the chrysalis, she went to sleep
tucked in with those thoughts that she wanted to keep...

...One sunny day, the cocoon came unsealed.
Magically, a butterfly was revealed.
Seeing this miracle with my own eyes;
of caterpillars becoming butterflies,
brings real hope of the possibility
of the total transformation of me!

Like the caterpillar that crawls the Earth,
We are destined for a divine rebirth.

~Vegan Poet 
(http://www.veganpoet.com/humanity/metamorphosis.htm)


Currently I find myself in challenging circumstances with the potential to forever transform the way I live in the world. I've been praying for this "invitation" for years; the problem is that when I prayed for the expansion of my work, my living circumstances, and partnership, I saw it happening in this rather magical, peaceful, way, like a Disney film. Well, that's not how big change usually manifests and, like so many other people on the planet, I wasn't ready for the circumstances that are necessary to manifest this big shift!

Recently a good friend reminded me to surrender to the circumstances I found myself experiencing. In Africa I remember the teaching of surrendering to the unknown while taking responsibility for what I was going through. Perseverance, patience, persistence. That was my lesson. So how do we take responsibility while practicing patience, persistence, and perseverance and surrendering to a higher purpose? Wow! That's a lot to consider, isn't it??

I can't say that I have a definitive answer but I can share what I'm learning. Letting go and detaching from previous expectations is an ongoing process. If we say that we believe that we are not alone, that we are loved by the Divine Presence in our lives, then it means that we are loved unconditionally and will not be left without guidance or resources. However we are human and live with emotions and physical constraints in the world. Some days it's just not possible to navigate our way through the day with grace! 

My clients and students teach me how to regain faith and release fear on a daily basis. I have heard incredible stories of overcoming devastating circumstances through intention to live a healthy, abundant life. They are willing to do the work it takes to heal, to move through illness, trauma, loss and find wholeness and hope through faith in the presence of God in the world. Considering the challenges that these people face, I am humbled by my current challenges and inspired to focus my intentions on the blessings and gifts in my life, not the limitations.

May each of be willing to be a part of the bigger picture, to be an active participant in transforming the planet. May we each take responsibility for our life and look for the beauty around us in the everyday blessings in Nature. May we be reminded that we are interconnected and interdependent and that together we create the whole. Together we transform the way we live on this beautiful blue planet, Mother Earth. With each death experience in our life we have the opportunity for rebirth. When we pray for big changes and focus on manifesting a new way of living in the world, the circumstances around us change so that our prayers can be manifested. 

May we have the faith necessary to learn from the metamorphosis of the butterfly and  have the courage to move through the transformative process with dignity and hope.



Monday, March 15, 2010

Finding Inner Equilibrium

When I was walking at the beach the other day I spotted a pelican "frozen" in place by the wind currents. He seemed relaxed, waiting for a shift. He had the ability to to maintain his equilibrium. He hovered for some time and then suddenly the wind changed, allowing him to move forward quickly. With this shift he soared ahead, enjoying the ride.

Stability is defined as the capacity of an object to return to equilibrium or to its original position after having been displaced. This is exactly what the pelican was able to do. He didn't fight the unseen. He understood that relaxing into the air gave him a period of rest that would give him more energy to fly when the situation shifted. He was completely free. I've been thinking of this omen all week, wondering how I can apply this insight in my own life.

In alchemical writings and shamanic traditions, animal symbols give insight into spiritual wisdom. These animals may appear in dreams or in real life. The important point is to consider the deeper meaning. When I walked on the beach that day, I was looking for answers, looking for an omen to appear and that pelican was the first creature I saw. I knew that the pelican's message was important.

One esoteric perspective on the pelican is that it teaches us that we can consciously use the forces of the etheric body to maintain our equilibrium and stability in the world.

The pelican is at home in the air and in the water. Groups of pelicans can be spotted flying effortlessly in formation high in the air or skimming the ocean's surface. It's magical to watch. Despite their size they are light and buoyant and can float like a schooner. Pelicans can suddenly plummet into the water and then pop up to the surface. They have this ability because of a system of air sacs under the skin that make the pelican unsinkable.

According to Ted Andrew's book, Animal Speaks, this hints at being able to be buoyant and to rest on top in spite of the heaviness of life's circumstances. The pelican can teach us that we can plunge into life's challenges, trusting that we will be able to pop up to the surface again and again.

The shifts that so many of us are experiencing currently are taking us to the core of our fears and even asking us to reevaluate where and how we live. When we find ourselves caught up in the instability around us, we must find our inner equilibrium. It is during the challenging situations that the invitation to apply the lessons learned appears. When we can trust Divine Love and willingly plunge into the inner realms, we will find ourselves popping up to the surface with new insights and "nourishment." It is through this ability to shift our perspective and maintain our equilibrium that we create stability. 

I don't always recognize this opportunity but am ever grateful when Spirit is finally able to get my attention and I call upon Divine Love. Then I am able to regroup, find my equilibrium, and wait for the current to shift and a resolution to present itself. God's plan is always better than any of the ones I come up with!

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Forgiveness

One of my shamanic teachers, Sandra Ingerman, says that it's what we become that changes the world, not what we do. Mahatma Gandhi said, “We must become the change we want to see.” In these evolutionary times, it becomes a challenge to maintain faith over fear in all situations. Sometimes the situations we encounter push us off course and we experience old, uncomfortable emotions.

It seems that I have been confronted lately with an old emotion, in new ways. Judgment. However now it's not as blatant and in-your-face as it used to be. Now this emotion has taken on subtleties of its own and I seem to meet it daily in some form or another. Judgment about how another person is choosing to live their life. Judgment about someone not taking responsibility for their actions. Judgment about how a friend is dealing with a challenge in their life. No matter how I look at it, my "judgment" is not a healing emotion for another person or myself.

As I've prayed and explored my heart, I recognize that the only antidote is love and forgiveness. Whatever I am judging in another's behavior affects me because we are all connected. I desire unconditional love from others. That means I must choose to express unconditional love as well. When I am uncomfortable about a behavior or choice that a friend or family member makes,  it's because they remind me of an old behavior of mine or it brings up old wounds that I thought had healed. Layers of the onion. One layer at a time, delving deeper and deeper. It's not the other person's responsibility to change. It's mine. Hard!!

I think one of the most difficult things in rectifying this attitude/emotion is to identify it, to admit that I'm judging another. Then the resolution comes from seeking forgiveness. God's love is perfect and unconditional. That's the model. We are human and imperfect but saying "I'm sorry," seeking forgiveness, is a powerful healer.

In the Hawaiian shamanic tradition there is a spiritual practice called ho'oponono. Ho'oponopono means to make right. Essentially, it means to make it right with the ancestors, or to make right with the people with whom you have relationships. It is believed that the original purpose of ho'oponopono was to correct the wrongs that had occurred in someone's life.

For example, let's say your five-year-old grandson punches another five-year-old intentionally with hate in mind. If asked, then the one who was punched would forgive the other immediately, because it is inappropriate for anyone to carry guilt any longer than necessary. This is called the Hawaiian Code of Forgiveness, and it's an important thought, because when we forgive others, who are we forgiving? Ourselves, of course.

Throughout Eastern philosophy, there is a tradition of being aligned with and cleaning up relations with the ancestors. In Japan and China, as well as the Hawai'i, it is thought to be important to align and clean up any past problems that you've had in relationships, especially with relatives.

At the same time, perhaps there are family patterns you do not want. Certainly you have heard the saying, "We just don't do that in our family," or "That's the way it is in our family." What happens then, is that certain generational themes get passed along in families, like depression or any number of different traits. Ho'oponopono will allow you to clean this up.

One theory is that we carry inside us as parts of the unconscious mind all the significant people in our lives. (These parts of us often look very much like Carl Jung's archetypes.) Ho'oponopono makes it "all right" with them. The process of ho'oponopono is to align with and clean up our genealogy as well as to clean up our relationships with other people in our lives.

The Process of Ho'oponopono 

1. Bring to mind anyone with whom you do not feel total alignment or support, etc.

2. In your mind's eye, construct a small stage in front of you.

3. Imagine an infinite source of love and healing flowing from a source above the top of your head (from your Higher Self and God/Source/Creator), and open up the top of your head, letting the source of Divine Love and healing flow down through your body, filling up the body, and overflowing out your heart to heal up the person on the stage. Say:

I'm sorry
Please forgive me
I love you
Thank you

4. When the healing is complete, have a "discussion" with the person and forgive them, and ask them to forgive you.

5. Next, let go of the person, and see them floating away. As they do, cut any cords that connect the two of you that feel inappropriate.

6. Do this with every person in your life with whom you are incomplete, or not aligned. The final test is, can you see the person or think of them without feeling any negative emotions. If you do feel negative emotions when you do, then do the cleaning process again.

“You have two ways to live your life - from memory or from inspiration. Memories are old programs replaying. Inspiration is the Divine giving you a message. You want to come from inspiration. The only way to hear the Divine and receive inspiration is to release all memories. The only thing you have to do is clean.” ~ Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len



Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Nurturing Hope

As I watch my grandchildren developing, I am reminded that we all began like this - full of hope, curious, innocent - pure potentiality. Our parents dreamed of a better life for us, wanting to provide us with the security they may not have felt as a child, a life filled with abundance and love.

But life is a complicated journey and things don't always evolve as planned. Challenges enter the picture and families are confronted with forks in the road and decisions to be made, some simple, some complex. How do we provide the foundation for our children to become good problem solvers, understanding that when they take responsibility for their actions they will feel empowered and find balance in their lives?

This simple concept is in reality complicated. Some situations that we are confronted with put us in harms way; sometimes children aren't provided a safe environment to grow. Not all children receive the unconditional love and nurturing that creates a feeling of safety and harmony. When children don't feel safe, they grow up to be fearful of life and often angry. Disharmony creates fear. Fear creates disharmony.

As adults of our world's children, all of us need to take responsibility for nurturing and loving our children into tomorrow's adults. Our planet's future depends on this. It truly takes a village to raise a child. But how do we find inspiration in the world? How do we teach peace when we have lost our ability to find harmony in our daily lives?

We can look to nature for examples of how to live in harmony. When humans come into harmony with nature they learn how to live a balanced life. Nature reflects the harmony, or disharmony, within humanity.

Children intuitively understand this. Have you ever been with a young child as he excitedly discovers a spider's perfect web securely attached between two shrubs in the yard? They are naturally in awe of the intricately woven creation. It is the balance and harmony of nature that can restore balance within and without human beings. Childhood innocence. Hope. Curiosity. Inspiration. Living in the present moment. This is the gift nature gives us and children can help us remember.

Open your heart. Embrace childlike wonder and dream a future where humans are in harmony with  the natural world. Learn from a child. Teach a child how to become a thriving, optimistic adult who loves the Earth and is inspired to live in harmony with all sentient beings. Nurture hope.

"If a child is to keep his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in." (Rachel Carson)

Thursday, January 14, 2010

An Invitation

I have been feeling such gratitude for life and those in my life. As I look around me I see shadow and light sitting together, watching each other, forcing humanity to make difficult choices about how to be in the world. It seems that on a daily basis I am made aware of a challenging financial, health, or emotional situation for myself, my family, or friends. It challenges me to consider faith over fear and what that really means. It calls me to consider balance and what that entails.

Recently my nephew's wife used the word "invitation" in regards to facing challenging circumstances. I have long referred to challenges as opportunities for growth but I like the energy that the word invitation brings. The definition of invitation is: the act of inviting; an allurement, enticement, or attraction. That shifts the energy for me. It's as if God is inviting me to explore new terrain, participate in creative problem solving to change my circumstances.

My daughter and niece are both going through physical circumstances that limit their daily activity. My niece is in the final weeks of a miracle pregnancy and has been relegated to bed rest -- challenging when you have an active three year old in the house! I have watched her accept the "invitation" to reach out to friends and family and accept the willing assistance they offer. It's been a gift for everyone because my niece is very self sufficient and readily gives but hasn't needed to receive the same from her friends.

My daughter recently had an elective surgery that put her in the receiving mode as well. She found herself alone in the recovery phase and had to accept the "invitation" to reach out to others and allow them to provide the physical aide she needs to get through the healing process.

Observing my beloved daughter and niece, as well as several friends facing very difficult circumstances, has made me reflect on this balance of giving and receiving in my own life. When we give readily to others but ignore the invitation to reach out and ask for help when we need it, we aren't participating in the Divine principle of  giving and receiving. Consciousness in giving is an awareness of the spiritual principle in alignment with receiving. There must be a balance, as in all of life.

The spiritual law of giving and receiving says that giving and receiving form a circle of energy which is incomplete if either  aspect is missing. Know that in order to fully give, you must be able to fully receive. When a person receives, she is actually giving. That is to say, she offers others an opportunity to give to her.

Whatever space you currently find yourself in, take a moment to feel gratitude for the people in your life. In these challenging times it is key that each of finds the grace to feel grateful for the invitation to see events as lessons. Learn to balance giving and receiving. Allow God to shower you with new understanding and to trust the journey and the people with whom you share the journey.

"The art of life is to live in the present moment, and to make that moment as perfect as we can by the realization that we are the instruments and expression of God Himself. " (Emmet Fox, 20th century minister, author, teacher, healer and mystic)