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2021年1月20日发(作者：草坪机械)
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1.A Magical Potion


The
world
awakens
each
day
from
its
nightly
slumber,
transformed
by
a
sparkling
layer
of
morning dew on the grass, on flower petals and leaves, on cars and car windows. These glistening
droplets last only a little while, an integral part of what imbues the early morning with its aura of
magic. If we sleep too late, we miss the magnificent display
of
sunlight playing upon an infinite
amount of tiny crystal balls. To step onto the dew-covered grass is to anoint our feet with a form
of water that comes only once a day for a short time, a rarefied gift of the night air that will soon
evaporate in the full light of the sun. If we inhale slowly and consciously enough, it is almost as if
we are drinking in this magical elixir formed in the boundary between darkness and light.



In one myth, morning dew is believed to be tears from heaven, and in another, the droplets
are poured from the vessel of the goddess of dawn. When we
see the earth
draped with these
shimmering drops, it is easy to imagine fairies bathing in the water
, or a sky god weeping from a
longing
to
be
closer
to
his
beloved
earth
goddess.
Seeing
the
sparkling
beauty
of
the
earth
emerging
from
darkness,
we
may
understand
this
longing
in
terms
of
our
own
gratitude;
how
blessed we are to be here.



Perhaps heaven really does long to be here on earth, and perhaps that is why we are here
—
as conduits between the divine and the earthbound. As we
drink
the
morning dew in with
our
eyes,
our
skin,
our
breath,
it
is
easy
to
imagine
that
it
really
is
a
magical
potion,
a
gift
from
heaven, a reminder of our true purpose, and a daily opportunity to be transformed.



ing An Alternate Universe



What Makes People Tick?



All people
have their own way of
being in the world. It is easiest to comprehend this
basic
yet
profound
fact
when
we
consider
that
every
human
being
on
the
planet
occupies
a
distinct
role
in
the
universe.
We
grow
up
in
different
environments,
affected
by
a
unique
range
of
influences. The preferences, values, and beliefs we embrace are frequently related intimately to
our origins. And the need to individualize our experiences is instinctive, as doing so enables us to
cope
when
we
must
face
challenges
on
our
own.
Consequently,
each
of
us
has
developed
a
perspective that is uniquely ours. Interacting peacefully and constructively with
people from all
walks of life is a matter of first understanding where they are coming from. Then we can ad
just
our expectations so that we avoid making undue assumptions about what they are about.



In
the
face
of
emerging
interpersonal
conflict,
it
is
easy
to
assume
that
others
are
being
difficult,
unreasonable,
or
stubborn.
We
are
apt
to
grow
frustrated
when
someone
in
our
environment does
not share our
opinions or feel compelled to support us in
our endeavors. It is
likely that the individual or individuals before us may simply possess differing notions with regard
to what is and what is not important in this life. We can ease the tension that exists between us
by reaffirming our belief in the fundamental right of all beings to determine their own destinies.
To
foster
a
harmonious
relationship,
we
need
to
do
our
best
to
relate
to
the
unique
universes
they inhabit. And as we discover what makes them tick, our ability to find a mode of interaction
that is pleasing to both of us is enhanced.




When there are barriers keeping you from connecting with someone else, think of questions
you can ask them to gain a more thorough understanding of their point of view. You may discover
that in addition to the differences in perspective dividing you, the
y are subject to insecurities and
other personal issues that influence their way of seeing the world. It is likely that you will never
fully
grasp
the
myriad
complexities
embodied
by
humanity,
but
you
can
go
a
long
way
toward
encouraging
mutually
satisfying
relations
by
reaching
out
to
others
in
the
spirit
of
sympathetic
comprehension.



t In The Progression



Letting Life Unfold



Our
lives
are
guided
by
natural
rhythms
that
are
particular
to
each
of
us
and
cannot
be
altered
by
force
of
will
alone.
Life
itself
is
a
journey
made
up
of
processes
and
events
that
manifest before us only to be swept away when time marches on. Whether we envision ourselves
creating a career, building a family, or developing the
self, we instinctively
know when the time
has come for us to realize our dreams because all that is involved comes together harmoniously.
When the time is right, the passage of destiny cannot be blocked. Yet as desperate as we are to
touch these beautiful futures we have imagined, we cannot grow if we are not fully
present
in
the evolutionary experience. The present can be challenging, uncomfortable, and tedious, b
ut life
unfolds as it will, and the universe will wait patiently as we make our way into the unknown.



The
fate
that awaits
us
is
not
dependent
on
our
pace,
which
was
preordained
before
we
ever appeared in
human guise. Therefore there is no reason to rush through life to reach those
pinnacles
of
development
associated
with
the
paths
we
have
chosen.
Enjoyi
ng
and
fully
experiencing the journey of life is as important as achieving goals and reaching milestones. There
are
lessons
we
can
learn
during
those
moments
that
seem
immaterial
or
insignificant
that
we
cannot
learn
at
any
other
time.
Appreciating
these
takes
patience,
however,
because
human
beings tend to focus on the fulfillment of expectations rather than the simple joys of being.



Like many people, you
have no doubt longed for a device that would give you the power to
fast forward through certain periods of your existence. Yet haste is by its very nature vastly more
stressful
than
serene
fortitude.
When
you
feel
yourself
growing
impatient
because
the
pace
of
your development is deceptively slow, remember that everything that will
occur in your life will
occur
in
its
own
time.
Quelling
your
urge
to
rush
will
enable
you
to
witness
yourself
learning,
changing,
and
becoming
stronger.
There
is
so
much
to
see
and
do
in
between
the
events
and
processes that we deem definitive. If you are patient enough to take pleasure in your existence's
unfolding, the journey from one pinnacle to the next will seem to take no time at all.



Hard Edges



Creating Space In The Body



Our minds and bodies are interconnected, and the condition of one affects the condition of
the
other.
This
is
why
meditation
is
such
a
powerful
tool
for
healing
the
body,
as
powerful
as
physical
therapies.
When
our
minds
are
cluttered
with
thoughts,
information,
and
plans,
our
bodies respond
by trying to take action.
When the body
has a clear directive from the mind, it
knows what to do, but a cluttered, unfocused mind creates a confused, tense body. Our muscles
tighten
up,
our
breath
shortens,
and
we
find
ourselves
feeling
constricted
without
necessarily
knowing why.



When we sit down to
meditate, we let our
bodies
know that it is okay to be still and rest.
This is a clear directive from the mind, and the body knows exactly how to respond. Thus, at the
very beginning, we have created a sense of clarity for the body and the mind. As we move deeper
into meditation, the state of our mind reveals itself, and we have the opportunity to consciously
decide to settle it. A meditation teacher pointed out that if you put a cow in a small pen, she acts
up and pushes against the boundaries, whereas if you
provide her with a large, open space, she
will
peacefully
graze
in
one
spot.
In
the
same
way,
our
thoughts
settle
down
peacefully
if
we
provide them with enough space, and our bodies follow suit.



When we settle down to examine and experience our consciousness, we discover that there
are
no
hard,
definable
edges.
It
is
a
vast,
open
space
in
which
our
thoughts
can
come
and
go
without making waves, as long as we let them by neither attaching to them nor repressing them.
As we see
our thoughts come and go, we begin to breathe deeper and
more easily, finding that
our body is more open to the breath as it relaxes along with the mind. In this way, the space we
recognize through meditation creates space in our
bodies, allowing for a feeling of lightness and
rightness with the world.




ating The Darkness



Wisdom Of The Owl



For as long as
humankind has recognized animals as teachers, wise men and women have
recognized traits worthy of respect in both wild and domestic creatures. The cultural and spiritual
significance
of
certain
animals
transcends
geographical
boundaries,
unifying
disparate
peoples.
Not so the majestic and mysterious owl, which has over many millennia served as the focal point
of
numerous
contradictory
beliefs.
Though
owls
have
been
regarded
with
awe
and
fascination,
they
have
also
inadvertently
served
as
agents
of
fear.
Since
owls
are
nocturnal,
human-owl
encounters tended to occur at night and likely when the bird was swooping silently down to earth
to grapple with prey. Yet even as some shied away from the owl, calling it an agent of darkness,
others recognized the depths of awareness in beautiful owl’s eyes.




In
the
classical
Greek
tradition,
an
owl
could
often
be
found
perched
on
the
shoulder
of
Athena,
goddess
of
wisdom,
while
owls
could
ward
off
bad
luck
in
Roman
lore.
It
is
in
Native
American
mythos,
however,
that
the
owl
attains
its
own
unique
identity.
Owls
are
patient
messengers, bringers
of information and the holders of wisdom, and they are capable of
seeing
the
unseen.
With
their
keen
eyesight,
they
can
glance
into
the
soul
to
discern
meaning
and
motive, and they are totems of truth. Unlike
our distant forebears, we
may never encounter an
owl in the wild, but we can nonetheless internalize the wisdom of the owl
by attuning ourselves
to its most venerable qualities. Fully integrating the medicine of the owl into spiritual existence is
a
matter
of
considering
how
we
might
open
ourselves
more
fully
to
the
wisdom
that
can
be
found in the larger universe.



Should
you find your efforts blocked as you commune with the
owl, remember that it was
not
always
revered
as
an
icon
of
wisdom.
This
denizen
of
the
nighttime
has
overcome
many
prejudices
in
its
long
association
with
humankind.
To
reveal
those
hidden
elements
of
the
self
that impact your life for better or for worse, you must often make your way through the darkest
parts
of
your
soul
as
if
you
yourself
are
the
nocturnal
hunter.
There
is
indeed
darkness
both
inside the self and outside the self, but like the owl you can transcend it by drawing nourishment
from the insights you receive when you penetrate it.



d By Wellness



Send Healing To Yourself



Most people, when given an opportunity to aid someone in need, are eager to do whatever
they can to be of service. Those of us who have chosen to make healing the world a vocation are
grateful for any occasion to send light and love to people in our immediate spheres of
influence
and
beyond.
As
we
apply
our
passion
and
our
principles
to
this
altruistic
endeavor,
we
often
forget to send ourselves the same bountiful gifts of wellness, though we ourselves may be in dire
need of
it. We overlook ourselves, not because we forget, but because we fear that focusing on
the self
is an indicator of selfishness. It is
moreover much more difficult to
heal oneself than to
heal others because the seeds of uncertainty are more easily banished when we act on another's
behalf.
When
we
send
healing
light
to
ourselves,
it
is
important
that
our
intentions
and
our
self-trust be stronger than ever to counteract doubt.



As
we
bless
ourselves
in
this
way,
we
serve
as
both
an
active
channel
and
a
passive
destination.
This
should
not
change
the
way
we
interact
with
the
valuable
energy
we
wish
to
receive, however. Though we may be tempted to consciously direct or influence
the manner
in
which
light impacts our lives
because we know
ourselves most intimately, we
should not try to
control its
path. When we draw the white light of protection and purity to our
bodies, taking it
into ourselves with each inhalation, our belief in the fact that it will naturally move toward areas
of
dysfunction
will
ensure
that
it
flows
through
every
muscle
and
organ.
And
when
we
fill
our
spaces with this light, our environments are cleared of all the negative energy that can sap
our
strength and our spirit. Surrounded inside and out with healing light, we feel safe and protected,
healthy, relaxed, and content just as those who regularly receive such loving gifts from us do.



If you sincerely believe that there is a part of yourself that exists independently of upset and
illness,
the
love
and
light
you
send
yourself
will
help
you
connect
with
it.
You
will
see
the
affirmative
impact
of
this
connection
almost
immediately
when
you
include
yourself
in
the
recipients
of
your
healing
gifts,
as
life's
frustrations
become
more
tolerable
and
your
bliss
becomes ever more palpable.



Consequences You Sow



Action And Effect



All motive and action affects the cosmos in some way. The principle of cause and effect
is
the truth that allows us to change ourselves and the world around us for the better. However
, this
same
universal
law
is
also
at
work
when
change
is
not
at
the
forefront
of
our
minds.
Our
intentions flow forever outward in the form of energy, affecting both the people closest to us and
billions of individuals we will likely never meet. For this reason, we should strive always to speak,
think, and behave with great thoughtfulness and compassion. The virtues we choose to embody
can inspire
joy and integrity
in the lives of countless
people, whether we touch their existence
directly or not.



The influence we wield is infinite. In an effort to internalize our conscious
understanding of
the nature of cause and effect, we can never truly know how our thoughts, emotions, words, or
actions
will
manifest
themselves
on
the
larger
universal
stage
because
it
is
likely
that
the
furthest-reaching
effects
will
fall
outside
the
range
of
our
perception.
We
can
only
look
to
the
guidance
of
our
conscience,
which
will
help
us
determine
whether
each
of
our
choices
is
contributing
to
humanity's
illumination
or
setting
the
stage
for
unintended
troubles.
When
we
are in doubt, we need only remember that the cultivation of altruism inevitably leads to a harvest
of
goodwill
and
grace.
Motivated
by
a
sincere
desire
to
spread
goodness,
we
will
be
naturally
drawn to those choices that will help us express our commitment to universal well
-being.



Nothing
you
do,
however
minor
or
mundane,
is
ever
exempt
from
the
rules
of
cause
and
effect.
From
the
moment
of
your
birth,
you
have
served
as
an
agent
of
change,
setting
forces
beyond
your
comprehension
into
motion
across
the
surface
of
the
earth
and
beyond.
You
can
exert conscious control over this transformative energy simply by examining your intentions and
endeavoring
always
to
promote
peace,
positive
energy,
and
passion
in
your
ideas
and
actions.
While you may
never fully comprehend the extent of
your purposefully heartfelt influence, you
can rest assured that it will be universally felt.



The Surface



Finding Deep Strength



We have all faced moments in our lives when the pressure mounts beyond what we feel we
can
handle,
and
we
find
ourselves
thinking
that
we
do
not
have
the
strength
to
carry
on.
Sometimes
we
have
just
gotten
through
a
major
obstacle
or
illness
only
to
find
another
one
waiting
for
us
the
moment
we
finally
catch
our
breath.
Sometimes
we
endure
one
loss
after
another,
wondering
when
we
will
get
a
break
from
life’s
travails.
It
does
not
seem
fair
or
right
that life should demand more of us when we feel we have given all we can, but sometimes this is
the way life works.



When we look back on our lives, we see that we have survived many trials and surmounted
many
obstacles,
often
to
our
own
amazement.
In
each
of
those
instances,
we
had
to
break
through our ideas about how much we can handle and go deeper into
our hidden reserves. The
thought that we do not have the strength to handle what is before us can be likened to the hard
surface of a frozen lake. It appears to be an impenetrable fact, but when we break through it, we
find that a deep well
of energy and inspiration was trapped beneath that icy
barrier the whole
time. Sometimes we break through by cutting a hole into
our resistance with our willpower, and
sometimes we melt the ice with compassion for our predicament and ourselves. Either way, each
time we break through, we reach a new understanding of the strength we store within ourselves.



When
we
find
ourselves
up
against
that
frozen
barrier
of
thinking
we
cannot
handle
our
situation, we may find that the kindest choice is to love ourselves and our resistance too. We can
simply accept that we are overwhelmed, exhausted, and stretched, and we can
offer
ourselves
loving
kindness
and
compassion.
If
we
can
extend
to
ourselves
the
unconditional
warmth
of
a
mother’s love, before we know it, the ice will begin to break.




Dwelling Pulse



Energy Of A Home



Our homes are filled with energy that we create and allow to
flourish. In many cases,
our
relationship
with
the
pulse
of
our
homes
is
passive
rather
than
active
because
we
do
not
pay
particular heed to the energy that has been established. It is only whe
n we regard these spaces
as unique entities that we begin to
understand why it is necessary to take charge of the energy
that fills
our homes.
Stagnant, inharmonious energy can find its way into
our dwellings through
many avenues. Previous occupants, builders,
visitors, and the individuals who
maintain a home
leave a strong energy imprint behind. Objects and symbols can also have an effect on the energy
of
a
residence.
When
we
are
aware
of
all
that
can
influence
the
energy
of
our
spaces,
we
are
empowered to create harmonious homes that do more than meet our need for shelter.



Exercising care with regard to who and what we invite into our
homes is
one of the easiest
ways
we
can
ensure
that
the
energy
within
remains
loving
and
supportive.
It
is
not
always
possible
to
keep
potentially
harmful
people
and
possessions
from
entering
our
homes,
but
we
can take precautions. Individuals can be kept from private spaces like bedrooms and meditation
areas,
while
property
can
be
purified
through
cleansing
or
smudging.
During
periods
of
remodeling or construction, Reiki symbols and other positive imagery can be printed on surfaces
that will later be covered by walls or flooring. Though hidden, these will continue to attract good
energy
and
cleanse
the
existent
energy. Blessings
can
also
be
drawn
in
plain
sight,
where
they
remind us of how potently our home's energy can affect our own.




A home can appear beautiful, comfortable, and stable while
still serving as a dwelling place
for
negative
or
otherwise
offensive
energy.
If
you
care
for
your
home
conscientiously
and
with
great care, you will
instinctively
look beyond the surface qualities of
your
home when assessing
how it feels. Since you actively guard your home against the intrusion of
unwelcome energy, you
will
have
the
time
and
vigor
necessary
to
cope
with
it
constructively
when
should
it
appear
in
your midst. The spirit of your spaces will respond to your thoughtful ministrations, nurturing and
supporting you for as long as you choose to reside within her walls.




Transformation



Make Change Work For You



Transformation is a universal constant that affects our lives from the moment we are born
until we leave earthly existence behind. At the root of all growth, we find change. Occasionally,
change and the circumstances leading up to
it are a source of extraordinary joy, but more often
than
not
they
provoke
feelings
of
discomfort,
fear
,
or
pain.
Though
many
changes
are
unavoidable,
we
should
not
believe
that
we
are
subject
to
the
whims
of
an
unpredictable
universe. It is our response to those circumstances that will dictate the nature of our experiences.
At
the
heart
of
every
transformation,
no
matter
how
chaotic, there
is
substance.
When
we
no
longer resist change and instead regard it as an opportunity to grow, we find that we are far from
helpless in the face of it.



Our role as masters of our own destinies is cemented when we choose to make change work
in our favor. Yet before we can truly internalize this power, we must accept that we cannot hide
from the changes taking place all around us. Existence as we know it
will come to an end at one
or more points in
our
lives, making way for
some
new and perhaps unexpected mode of being.
This transformation will take place whether
or not we want it to, and so it is up to us to
decide
whether
we
will
open
our
eyes
to
the
blessings
hidden
amidst
disorder
or
close
ourselves
off
from opportunities hiding behind obstacles.



To make change work for you, look constructively at your situation and ask yourself how you
can benefit from the transformation that has taken place. As threatening as change can seem, it
is often a sign that a new era of your life has begun. If you reevaluate your plans and goals in the
days or weeks following a major change, you will
discover that you can adapt
your ambition to
the circumstances before you and even capitalize on these changes. Optimism, enthusiasm, and
flexibility will aid
you greatly here, as there is nothing to
be gained by dwelling
on what might
have been. Change can hurt in the short term but, if you are willing to embrace it proactively, its
lasting impact will nearly always be physically, spiritually, and intellectually transformative.



pating The Good



Anxiety About Change



When we find ourselves going through any kind of change in our lives, our natural response
may be to tense up on the physical, mental, or emotional level. We may not even notice
that we
have
braced
ourselves
against
a
shift
until
we
recognize
the
anxiety,
mood
swings,
or
general
worried
feeling
toward
the
unknown
that
usually
results.
There
are
positive
ways
to
move
through
change
without
pushing
it
away,
however
,
or
attempting
to
deny
that
it
is
happening.
Since change will occur in almost every aspect of our lives, we can learn to make our response to
it an affirmative one of anticipation, welcoming the new while releasing the past with grace.



One thing we can do is change our perspective by changing the labels we use to identify our
feelings.
We can reinterpret feelings of anxiety as the anxious butterflies that come with eager
expectation. With this shift, we
begin to look for the good that
is on its way to us. Though we
may only be able to imagine the possibilities, when we acknowledge that good is there for us to
find, we focus our energy on joyful anticipation and bring it into our experience while allowing
the feelings to carry us forward.




We can also choose to do a ceremony to allow
our emotions to process. Every culture
has
created ceremonies to help people make the transition from one phase of life to the next. We can
always
create
a
ceremony
too,
perhaps
by
burning
written
thoughts
to
watch
the
smoke
carry
them away, thereby releasing them,
or we can welcome new endeavors by
planting
flowers or
trees. Some ceremonial activities such as a farewell send-off or housewarming party, we may do
automatically.
Society
also
has
built-in
ceremonies,
like
graduation
and
weddings,
which
may
satisfy the need we feel. Sometimes the
shift
from
denial to acceptance is all that is needed to
ease our anxiety, allowing us to bring our memories with us as we move through nervousness to
joyful excitement about the good to come.



hing And Cleansing



Performing Daily Ceremony



When
we
perform
or
participate
in
rituals
and
ceremonies,
we
enter
into
a
state
of
mind
that
is
different
from
mundane
consciousness.
Ranging
in
significance
from
bedtime
stories
to
weddings,
ceremonies
and
rituals
are
acknowledgments
that
an
event
or
period
of
time
has
special meaning. As a result, they can have the effect of drawing us into the moment, inviting us
to pay closer attention and tune
into the
subtle energies that are always present but that often
go unrecognized. In addition, as we perform the same actions we have performed before and will
perform again, we immerse ourselves in a river of continuity that extends back into the past and
forward into the future.



Many of us have distanced ourselves from rituals that may have seemed too constricting or
too attached to an organized religion we have chosen not to follow. However, we can reclaim the
practices of ceremony and ritual to good effect, imbuing them with our
new consciousness, and
we do not have to wait for a big event to do it. We can engage in daily practices that include ritual
and ceremony, reminding ourselves throughout the day of the sacredness of this life.




In fact, if we look closely, we will see that our days are already made up of rituals, from the
time
we
wake
up
to
the
time
we
retire.
So
we
do
not
need
to
change
anything
except
our
perspective to imbue our day with an air of ceremony.



Most of our daily rituals revolve around nourishing and cleansing, both of which have always
been sacred acts. With this in
mind, we may pause before each meal, close
our eyes, and say a
silent
thank
you
to
the
universe
that
provides.
If
we
want
to get
more
elaborate,
we
can
light
candles or
bless our food.
Similarly, as we wash ourselves in the morning and evening, we can
choose to see the grace in this act of cleansing and purification as we release what has past and
prepare
ourselves
for
the
new.
We
can
be
as
simple
or
as
complex
as
we
like,
so
long
as
our
attitude is one of reverence for this sacred moment in this sacred life.



er Than You Know



Getting Ourselves Worked Up



Our
capacity
to
cope
successfully
with
life's
challenges
far
outstrips
our
capacity
to
feel
nervousness. Yet in the weeks, days, and hours
leading up to
an event that we
believe will test
our limits, we can become nervous. While we may have previously regarded ourselves as equal to
the trials that lie ahead, we reach a
point at which they near and our anxiety begins to mount.
We then become increasingly worked up, until the moment of truth arrives and we discover that
our worry was all for nothing. We are almost always stronger and more capable than we believe
ourselves to be. But anxiety is not rational in nature, which means that in most cases we cannot
work through it
using logic as
our only tool. Reason can help us recognize the relative futility
of
unwarranted worry but, more
often than not, we will find more comfort in patterns of thought
and activity that redirect our attention to practical or engaging matters.



Most of us find it remarkably difficult to focus on two distinct thoughts or emotions at once,
and we can use this
natural human
limitation to our advantage when trying to
stay centered in
the
period
leading
up
to
a
potentially
tricky
experience.
When
we
concentrate
on
something
unrelated to our worry
—
such as deep breathing, visualizations
of
success, pleasurable pursuits,
or
exercise
—
anxiety
dissipates
naturally.
Meditation
is
also
a
useful
coping
mechanism
as
it
provides us with a means to ground ourselves in the moment. Our guides can aid us by providing
us with a focal point wholly outside of our own sphere.



The intense emotional flare-up you experience just before you are set to challenge yourself
is often a mixture of both excitement and fear. When you take steps to eliminate the fear, you can
more fully enjoy the excitement. Though you may find it difficult to avoid getting worked up, your
awareness
of
the
forces
acting
on
your
feelings
will
help
you
return
to
your
center
and
accept
that few hurdles you will face will be as high as they at first appear.



14.A Refuge Of Your Own



Creating A Garden Sanctuary



Each of us has been blessed with an innate need to celebrate and glorify life. At a most basic
level, we honor the forces that came together to bring us into being by caring for our bodies and
our souls. To truly rejoice in existence, we must also learn to cultivate loveliness in those
special
places that replenish the soul. When we create a garden sanctuary, we are reminded that we are
a
part
of
both
nature's
essence
and
something
more.
An
outdoor
retreat
is
a
place
we
can
surround
ourselves
in
nature,
beauty,
and
the
life
force.
It
is
not
difficult
to
create
a
sanctuary
—
we should endeavor, however, to create sanctuaries that speak to us as individuals.




Whether we have a yard, a grassy corner, a
patio, or a porch at our
disposal, our creative
potential is infinite. Any of these
spaces can become a magnificent garden. When we feel drawn
to specific themes
such as Zen, angels, paradise, or the ethereal, we should explore them. Décor
and furniture crafted
from
natural materials like wood and
stone
blend
seamlessly into nature.
Yet we can also augment the natural world by filling our garden sanctuaries with statues, bells or
gongs,
or
colorful
flags.
Running
water,
like
that
in
a
created
stream
or
fountain,
helps
energy
flow
smoothly.
If
space
is
a
concern,
crystals
and
mirrors
can
fulfill
the
same
function.
Hidden
features like concealed swings and reflecting pools veiled in
shadow can surprise and delight. As
your garden sanctuary evolves, remember to invite the elemental spirits of nature to assist you in
your efforts to create a small pocket of harmony, beauty, and peace in your own backyard. If you
have not already felt th! eir presence, sit quietly in your garden and reach out to them. You will
feel these earthly guides at your side as you continue to develop your sanctuary.



In
the
refuge
of
brilliant
color,
sweet
scents,
and
stillness
you
create
in
your
garden,
the
burdens
imposed
upon
you
by
a
sometimes
hectic
world
will
melt
away.
The
splendor
and
tranquility
of
what
you
have
brought
into
being
will
entrance
you,
allowing
you
to
forget
the
constraints of time and space. No matter how large or small your garden sanctuary, the time you
spend
reveling
in
its
pleasures
will
refresh
your
spirit
and
provide
you
with
innumerable
opportunities to celebrate life.



eath The Noise



Hearing The Whisper



You may have noticed that if you want to speak to someone in a noisy, crowded room, the
best thing to
do
is
lean close and whisper. Yelling in an attempt to be louder than the room
’
s
noise
generally
only
hurts
your
throat
and
adds
to
the
chaos.
Similarly,
that
still,
small
voice
within each of us
does not try to compete with the mental chatter on the surface of
our minds,
nor does it attempt to overpower the volume of the raucous world outside. If we want to hear it,
no matter what is going on around us or even inside
us, we can always tune in to that soft voice
underneath the surrounding noise.



It is generally true that the more insistent voices in our heads delivering messages that make
us feel panicky
or afraid are of questionable authority. They may
be voices we internalized from
childhood
or
from
the
culture,
and
as
such
they
possess
only
half-truths.
Their
urgency
stems
from their disconnectedness from the center of our being, and their urgency is what catches our
attention.
The
other
voice
that
whispers
reassurances
that
everything
is
fundamentally
okay
simply delivers its message with quiet confidence. Once we hear it, we know it speaks the truth.
Generally, once we have heard what it has to say, a powerful sense of calm settles over our entire
being, and the
other voices and sounds, once so dominant, fade into the background, suddenly
seeming small and far away.



We may find that our own communications in the world begin to be influenced by the quiet
certainty
of
this
voice.
We
may
be
less
inclined
to
indulge
in
idle
chatter
as
we
become
more
interested in maintaining our connection to the whisper of truth that broadcasts its message like
the sound of the wind
shaking the
leaves
of a tree. As we align
ourselves more with this
quiet
confidence,
we
become
an
extension
of
the
whisper,
penetrating
the
noise
of
the
world

and
creating more peace, trust, and confidence.




Weight Of The Past



Regret



Holding
onto
regret
is
like
dragging
the
weight
of
the
past
with
us
everywhere
we
go.
It
drains our energy, leaving less available for life in the present because we are constantly feeding
an old issue. This attachment can cause illness the same way watering a dead plant creates decay.
We know that something new and beautiful can grow in its place if we only
prepare the soil and
plant the right seeds.
We also
know that we create our lives from
our thoughts, so dwelling
on
the past may actually recreate a situation in
our
lives where we are forced to
make the choice
again and again. We can choose to move on right now by applying what we have learned to the
present
and
perhaps
even
sharing
with
others,
transforming
the
energy
into
something
that
is
constructive and creative for ourselves and others.




Forgiveness
is
the
soothing
balm
that
can
heal
regret.
In
meditation,
we
can
imagine
discussing the issue with the self of our past and offering our forgiveness for the choice. In return,
we can ask for our selves
’

forgiveness for keeping them locked in that space of judgment for so
long.
We may also want to ask forgiveness
from anyone else who may have
been affected and
perhaps offer our forgiveness. By replaying the event in our minds, we can choose a new ending
using all that we now know. Imagine that you have actually gone back into the past and made
this
change,
and
then
say
goodbye
to
it.
Release
your
former
self
with
a
hug
and
bring
the
forgiveness and love
back with you to the present. Since we are usually our harshest critics, it is
amazing how powerfully healing it can be to offer ourselves love.



Keeping
our
minds
and
our
energy
fully
in
the
present
allows
us
to
fuel
our
physical
and
emotional
healing
and
well-being
today.
This
action
frees
our
energy
to
create
the
dreams
we
dream for the future. By taking responsibility and action in the present, we can release our hold
on the past.



Of Feeling



Coping With Passive Aggression



Many
people
are
taught
from
a
young
age
to
suppress
feelings
commonly
regarded
as
negative,
such
as
anger,
resentment,
fear,
and
sorrow.
Those
who
cannot
or
will
not
express
these emotions tend to engage in passive- aggressive behaviors that provide them with a means
of
redirecting
their
feelings.
Passive
aggression
can
take
many
forms:
People
who
feel
guilty
saying “no” may continually break their promises because they couldn’t say no when they meant
it. Others will substitute snide praise for a slur to distance themselves from the intense emotions
they
feel.
More
often
than
not,
such
behavior
is
a
cry
for
help
uttered
by
those
in
need
of
compassion and gentle guidance.




When we recognize passive-aggressive patterns in the
behavior
of
others, we should never
allow ourselves to be
drawn into a struggle for power. Passive aggression
is
most
often wielded
by those who feel powerless in the face of what they perceive as negative emotions because they
hope to avoid confronting their true feelings. They feel they are in control because they do not
display
overt
emotion
and
often
cannot
understand
how
they
have
alienated
their
peers.
If
someone close to us shows signs of frustration or annoyance but claims nothing is amiss, we can
point out that their tone of voice
or gestures are communicating a different message and invite
them to confide in us. When we feel
slighted by a backhanded compliment, it is
important that
we calmly explain how the jibe made us feel and why. And when an individual continually breaks
their promises, we can help them understand that they are free to say no if they are unwilling to
be of service.



As you learn to detect passive aggression, you may be surprised to see a hint of it in yourself.
Coping with the natural human tendency to veil intense emotions can be as simple as reminding
yourself that expressing your true feelings is healthy. The emotions typically regarded as negative
will frequently be those that inspire you to change yourself and
your life for
the better, whereas
passive- aggressive
behavior
is
a
means
of
avoiding
change.
When
you
deal
constructively
with
your
feelings,
you
can
put
them
behind
you
and
move
forward
unencumbered
by
unexplored
emotion.



For Wellness



A Self-Healing Day



Human beings carry within themselves the seed of healing. Our choices affect us more than
we realize, and it is because of this that we tend to place responsibility for our wellness in the
hands
of
others.
As
beneficial
as
regular
visits
to
a
healer
can
be,
we
have
the
power
to
heal
ourselves
at
will.
When
we
dedicate
a
day
to
the
pursuit
of
wellness,
we
can
relax and
renew
ourselves in a nourishing and comfortable environment. A sincere desire to open ourselves to the
highest
realities
of
our
physical
and
spiritual
selves
is
the
key
to
self- healing
so
that
healing
energy can flow into us unimpeded.



A
self-healing
day
should
address
the
vital
needs
of
the
self
as
a
whole
while
directing
healing
energy
where
it
is
needed
most.
Solitude
is
an
important
part
of
the
process
as
is
the
ability
to
take
refuge
in
a
space
that
is
both
beautiful
and
peaceful.
Start
your
healing
day
by
setting
the
intention
that
you
are
dedicating
this
time
to
healing
yourself.
Flowers,
candlelight,
incense, and music can guide our focus toward a more tranquil state. For a more intense session,
try listening to music through headphones since tuning out can help you tune in. It is up to us to
decide what we need to do to cultivate wellness in
our lives. For some, it may be time spent in
reflection. Others will turn to calming activities that help them remember their purpose, such as
journal writing, being in nature, or studying. Our healing may even take a more direct form as we
use color, sound, or crystals to balance and ground ourselves.



Ultimately, your wholesome intentions transform what might otherwise be a
simple day
of
rest into a day of healing. Grant yourself permission to relax and savor the stillness. If you attune
yourself
to
the
calm
around
you,
worldly
distractions
will
be
minimized
and
the
unadulterated
flow of your consciousness will reestablish itself in the forefront of your mind. The needs
of the
body,
the
heart,
and
the
soul
will
then
be
revealed
to
you,
empowering
you
to
tap
into
the
essential
healing energy of the
universe. The mechanism you
use to channel this energy will be
dependent on your shifting requirements, so each day of healing you enjoy will be unique. All will
replenish you, however, allowing you to recreate yourself in a perfect image of health.



The Physical



We Are Beings Of Light



We
are
all
beings
of
light.
Put
another
way,
we
are
spiritual
beings
having
a
human
experience. As children, most of us know this, but other human beings who have forgotten what
they really are and who cannot
help
us to
know ourselves train us to forget. As a result, we are
led to believe that magic is not real, that our invisible
playmates do not really exist, and that we
are limited beings with only one earthly life to live. There is enormous pressure to conform to this
concept of ourselves and so we lose touch with our full potential, forgetting that we are beings of
light.



At this time, many of us are reawakening to the truth of who we are, because we are living
amidst
such large-scale changes in the world.
We need to access this light in
order to not only
survive
but
thrive
as
we
shift
into
a
new
order
of
consciousness.
As
the
changes
around
us
proceed in rapid
progression, we will want to be able to trust our own ability to
sense what
is
happening and how we can best respond. We are no longer living in a predictable world in which
we can trust external authority figures and prior ideas about reality to guide
us.
We need to be
able to access the information that will help us navigate these uncertain waters, and the ultimate
authority resides in our awareness of ourselves as beings of light.



It is through our connection to this light that we know things beyond what the visible world
can
tell
us,
and
we
see
things
beyond
what
the
physical
world
reveals.
In
order
to
access
this
wisdom, we can simply allow ourselves to remember that we are not
limited, as we have
been
taught.
In
fact,
we
are
filled
with
divine
grace
and
power
that
is
ours
for
the
asking.
A
daily
practice of tuning into this vast potential, conversing with it, and offering ourselves up to it opens
the door through which we can reclaim our true identity, taking ownership of the calling that the
time has come to create bliss on earth.



ous Brilliance



Autumn's Beauty



The birth of autumn is an event missed by
many. Autumn reveals itself slowly, hovering on
the edges
of our consciousness
until its crisp breezes are strong enough to pierce our summer
clothing, and we notice for the first time the transformations taking place all around us. It is only
when the last fruits and vegetables have emerged in the crisp tangy air and the trees have begun
to
deck
themselves
in
shifting
patterns
of
crimson
and
gold
that
we
internalize
that
fall
has
indeed returned. Autumn is invigorating and a time to gather our thoughts, in the same way that
we
might
once
have
collected
crops.
Just
as
animals
collect
acorns
to
store
them,
we reap
the
fruit of
our accomplishments. Autumn also
ushers in a new
slowness of
being for most of
us, as
the tone and tempo of our lives change along with those of all of Mother Earth's children.




As the days grow shorter and the
blossoms that brightened
our gardens through
summer's
heat
begin
to
droop
and
wilt,
we
tend
to
acknowledge
the
changing
season
without
understanding
that
we,
too,
are
in
transition.
The
brilliance
of
autumn's
foliage,
the
flocks
of
southbound geese honking overhead, and the arrival of a bountiful harvest are all signs that our
lives will
soon be changing. Whether the season's cooler days are a prelude to a cold winter or a
long
stretch
of
sweater
weather
,
we
feel
obliged
to
slow
down
and
take
stock
of
our
lives.
Autumn's pleasures and rituals revolve around the gathering of abundance in preparation for the
winter to come. There is ample time to contemplate what we accomplished
during the warmer
seasons while tasting the year's first cider or breathing in the sweet fragrance of leaves breaking
down.
The
same
stirring
that
inspires
animals
to
burrow
deep
into
the
earth
compels
us
to
celebrate the rich bounty we instinctively know will not appea! r again until springtime.



Appearances
deceive
in
autumn.
The
transformations
undergone
by
living
beings
seem
much more like endings than the transitions they really are. Dormancy, not death, is the hallmark
of
fall.
Your
priorities
will
likely
change
as
nature
flares
into
sunset
brilliance
and
then
lapses
slowly into slumber, but remember to rejoice in the beauty of nature where every finale serves as
an overture for a new beginning.



g Grief



Opening To Receive Comfort



When we experience something that causes us to feel shock and
sadness, we may feel the
urge to withdraw from life. It may seem like remaining withdrawn will keep us protected from the
world, but during these times it is important to reach out to those trusted and precious people
who care about us the most. Even with our best information and reasoning, we never know when
someone else’s experience or perspective can give
us additional information that we need. The
universe
speaks
to
us
through
many
channels,
and
when
we
open
ourselves
up
to
receive
its
me
ssages, we also receive nurturing care from a loving partner in life’s journey.




Grief
is
part
of
the
human
experience,
and
sharing
our
vulnerability
is
what
creates
truly
close bonds in
our relationships. Opening ourselves up in this way gets to the core of our being,
past all of our defenses and prejudices. When life seems to crack the outer shell of our world, we
are both raw and fresh at the same time. It is then that we discover who is truly willing to walk
with us through life. We also see that some of those sent to us may not be the ones we expected
to see. Regardless, we learn to trust in the universe, in others, in our own strength and resilience,
and in the wisdom of life itself.



Sharing grief allows us to ease our burden by letting someone else
help carry it. This helps
us
process
our
own
inner
thoughts
and
feelings
through
the
filter
of
a
trusted
and
beloved
someone.
We may feel guilty or selfish, as if we are
unloading
on
some
one who has their
own
challenges. Although, if we think about it, we know we would do the same for them, and their
protests would seem pointless. Remember that not sharing feelings with others denies them the
opportunity to feel. We may be the messenger sent by the universe for their benefit, and it is on
this mission that we have been sent. By sharing our hopes and fears, joys and pains with another
person, we accept the universe’s gifts of wisdom and loving care.




ng Commitment



Spirituality In The Workplace



We
do
not
need
to
deny
our
spiritual
selves
while
focusing
on
being
at
the
office,
even
though working while walking the path of ascension can be extremely challenging. Commitment
to
a
career
can
coexist
peacefully
with
commitment
to
the
development
of
the
soul
when
we
approach each with balance and determination.



Careers can tend to take up a great deal of time you might otherwise devote to your
own
awakening, so make the most of the free hours at your disposal by using your breaks to walk
in
nature
or
write
in
your
journal.
If
you
schedule
healings,
bodywork,
and
other
therapeutic
activities on Friday, you give yourself the gift of an unhurried and restful weekend of rejuvenation.
You can create a spiritually aware workspace by adorning your desk or office with sacred objects
such as a Buddha or a candle that have meaning to you. If
decoration is not permitted in your
workplace, your supervisor may allow you to display a small item associated with your life path if
you
explain
its
significance.
Your
workplace
may
not
always
meet
your
best
expectations,
but
living with imperfection can also be a wonderful spiritual exercise. Remember that you can strive
for excellence in your own existence without asking your coworkers to exemplify perfection. They,
too,
are
human
beings
doing
all
th!
ey
can
to
grow
in
spite
of
that
humanity,
and
they
can
support you when your path becomes difficult.



In many companies, there is a spiritual reality tied in closely into the corporate culture. It is
your
choice
whether
you
want
to
integrate
the
spirit
of
your
workplace
into
your
own
divine
practices or participate in this reality on a superficial level. However you proceed, realize that the
spiritual values you hold dear need not be at odds with the energy of your place of employment.
As an employee, your
spiritual
self
is one of the diverse
strengths you
bring to the table. Simply
by approaching projects, goals, and interpersonal relations in the workplace with intention, you
can
pursue
individual
fulfillment
while
also
doing
your
part
to
gently
promote
a
healthy
and
harmonious working environment.



Of Power



Sacred Vows



Speech is a vehicle for vows, but the sacred vows we speak are more than just words. When
we
make
a
promise,
a
subtle
yet
powerful
shift
takes
place
in
our
souls
where
intentions
are
housed. A vow is both a tool we employ in order to facilitate transformation within ourselves and
an expression
of will. Thus, to make an oath is to communicate to the universe and our
deeper
selves
our commitment to the principles most important to us. Fulfilling a sacred vow
—
whether
it is as complex as
death do us part
simple as
—
challenges us, exercising
our willpower and aiding personal growth.



When we speak a sacred vow out loud rather than reciting it in our minds or recording it on
paper, our voices
project our promises into the deepest reaches of the
universe. It is important
that we remember that a vow made with the
sincerest
of
intentions has the
power to carry
on
past
our
earthly
lifetimes.
A
well-chosen
vow
encourages
commitment
and
dedication.
The
presence
or
approval
of
a
spiritual
teacher
is
not
necessary
to
success,
as
true
oaths
are
a
product of the heart.



A sacred vow, once spoken, becomes a part of your existence forevermore. Your view of the
world around you may change, and your predominant thoughts and feelings will no doubt evolve
with time, but the spirit in which your oaths were spoken will remain unaffected. It is up to you to
determine
how
you
will
stay
true
to
your
vows
while
your
inner-
and
outer-world
existence
is
transformed. Your strength and character will inevitably be tested as circumstances make keeping
promises increasingly challenging, but after you have shown yourself steadfast many times, your
appreciation of the sanctity of vows will be cemented in your mind and soul.



ng With The Tide



Energetic Motion



Since
our lives are constantly
in motion energetically, change is a constant element
of
our
existence. As
dynamic as that energy is,
it is not random or haphazard in nature
葉
he shifts
in
energy that are constantly taking place are the result of our choices. The formulation of intention,
a change in perspective, or the creation of a goal can transform our lives in blink
of an eye.
We
think positive thoughts and the world becomes a brighter place. Or we decide who we want to be
and become that person. With each passing moment, we are given innumerable opportunities to
create change using nothing more than our awareness.



In the span of a single second, our lives can change immeasurably because energy moves at
a
pace
more
rapid
than
anything
we
can
consciously
fathom.
Though
we
may
not
at
first
be
sensitive
to
the
vibrational
shifts
taking
place,
our
choices
are
ultimately
at the
heart
of
these
transformations.
We
can
typically
recognize
the
consequences
of
key
decisions
because
we
anticipated the resultant energetic shifts. But many, if not most, of the choices we make each day
are a product of instantaneous reactions, and these still
have a significant impact on the energy
of our existence. It is for this reason that we should learn to wield what control we can over these
shifts. If we bear in mind that all we think and all we do will shape the existence we know, we can
deliberately direct the energetic motion of our lives.




Each
day,
you
make
an
infinite
array
of
decisions
that
cause
energy
shifts
in
the
world
around
you.
In
many
cases,
these
transitions
are
almost
imperceptible,
while
in
others
the
change that takes place is palpable not only to you but also to those in your sphere of influence.
Your
awareness
of
the
immediate
energetic
consequences
of
your
thoughts
and
actions
can
guide you as you endeavor to make the most of the autonomy that defines you as an individual.
The
myriad
choices
you
make
from
moment
to
moment,
however
inconsequential
they
may
seem,
represent
your
personal
power,
which
sanctions
you
to
transform
the
energetic
tide
of
your existence with nothing more than your will.




Earthly Origins



Reclaiming Our Roots



Some cultures are more rooted to the earth and connected to their inherent spirituality. But
every one of us, even those of us who have
been
disconnected from
our roots for hundreds
of
years, comes from a place that was once inhabited by people who worshipped and honored the
earth on which they lived. In other words, we can all claim this wisdom as an essential
part of
who we are.



One way we can
begin to rediscover
our roots is to explore the early earth-based religions
practiced in the parts of the world that birthed our ancestors. If we explore the ancient spiritual
practices of our ancestors, we will find that their practices and beliefs share many elements with
Native
American,
African,
and
aboriginal
religious
traditions.
People
who
are
connected
to
the
earth and honor her share a fundamental philosophy that we can claim as our own
because we
too are of the earth. Many of us have become so disconnected from the earth that it feels foreign
and
awkward
to
imagine
communing
with
her
or
performing
a
ritual
for
her
.
If
we
are
honest,
though,
we
will
find
within
ourselves
a
yearning
to
feel
more
connected,
more
grounded,
and
more
at
home
in
this
world.
This
yearning
can
lead
us
back
to
our
disowned
roots,
which,
of
course, leads us right into the heart of the earth.



As
we
begin
to
see
more
clearly
the
people
we
come
from,
we
can
begin
to
alter
our
perception of who we are now, laying claim to our inherent relatedness to the earth. We might
celebrate
this
by
observing
the
ancient
calendar
of
solstices
and
equinoxes,
celebrating
and
honoring the cycle of the seasons as our ancestors did, or we might explore any one of the many
earth-based practices through reading or participating in ritual. When we do these things, we tap
back into
our roots, finding nourishment at the wellspring
of
our earthly
origins, the
source we
share with all of humanity.




Through Darkness



The Places We Go



In life, most
of
us want things to go to the places we
have envisioned
ourselves going. We
have
plans
and
visions,
some
of
them
divinely
inspired,
that
we
want
to
see
through
to
completion. We want to be happy, successful, and healthy, all of which are perfectly natural and
perfectly human. So when life takes us to places we didn’t consciously want to go, we often feel
as if something has gone wrong, or we must have made a mistake somewhere along the line, or
any number of other
disheartening possibilities. This is just life’s way
of taking us to a place we
need
to
go
for
reasons
that
go
deeper
than
our
own
ability
to
reason.
These
hard
knocks
and
trials
are
designed
to
shed
light
on
our
unconscious
workings
and
deepen
our
experience
of
reality.



Often it takes something major to wake us
up, to shake us loose from our ego
’
s grip as it
struggles
to
maintain
an
illusion
of
control.
It
is
loss
of
control
more
than
anything
else
that
humbles us and enables us to see the big picture. It reminds us that the key to the universe lies in
what we do not know, and what we do know is a small fraction of the great mystery in which we
live. This awareness softens and lightens us, as we release our resistance to what is. Another gift
gleaned from going to these seemingly undesirable places is that, in our response to difficulty, we
can
see
all
the
patterns
and
unresolved
emotional
baggage
that
stand
in
the
way
of
our
unconditional joyfulness. Joy exists within us independently of whether things go our way or not.
And when we don’t feel it, we can trust that we will find it
if we are willing to surrender to the
situation, moving through it as we move through our difficult feelings.



We can take our inspiration from any fairy tale that finds
its central character lost in a dark
wood, frightened and alone. We know that the journey through the wood provides its own kind
of
beauty
and
richness.
On
the
other
side,
we
will
emerge
transformed,
lighter
and
brighter,
braver and more confident for having moved through that darkness.



Rise Above



Achieving A High Vibration



All matter is made up
of energy, and that energy is in motion continually. Everything in the
universe, from the smallest molecules to the most complex living beings, has an optimal rate of
vibration to keep it healthy. We reach this high vibrational level when we are whole, healthy, and
fulfilling
our
potential.
Human
beings
are
able
to
consciously
control
these
vibrations
within
themselves
using
a
variety
of
techniques.
We
know
when
we
have
reached
a
high
vibrational
state
because
we
feel
good
and
can
sense
that
we are aligned
with
all
that
is.
We
find
we
are
capable
of
healing
and
have
good
intuition
and
perception
that
are
a
result
of
our
resonating
closer and closer to our ideal frequencies.



Thoughts, emotions, intentions, choices, and actions contribute to our vibrational state, as
do the environments we inhabit. Affirmative activities that leave us feeling joyous, appreciative,
loving,
and
peaceful
raise
our
vibration.
Constructive,
creative,
and
expansive
thoughts
do
the
same. When we cultivate habits that contribute to our physical health and strength, our vibration
is
likewise
raised.
Certain
mantra
meditations,
breathing
exercises,
and
chants
are
designed
to
increase
vibration.
But
simply
practicing
gratitude
and
forgiveness,
surrounding
ourselves
with
loving high-vibration people, eating whole foods, and
spending time
in nature can also help
us
transcend our current vibrational limitations.




When your desire for change is strong enough, you will find yourself gravitating toward what
can help you achieve and maintain a
high vibrational state. A positive outlook will then
become
the
most
important
tool
you
possess,
and
this
outlook
will
sustain
you
when
the
path
leading
toward
transformation
is
wide
and
winding.
As
you
evolve,
your
vibrational
frequency
will
also
evolve, aiding you in the creation of an even higher reality. Consciously and
unconsciously, you
will
attract
auspicious
circumstances
and
positive
people
that
will
help
you
continue
exploring
the scope of your higher self until you move beyond the earthly plane.




er For It



Mending A Broken Heart



Heartbreak happens to all of us and can wash over us like a heavy rain. When experiencing a
broken heart, our ethereal selves are saturated with grief, and the overflow is channeled into the
physical
body. Loss
becomes a physical emptiness, and longing is transmuted into a feeling that
often cannot be put into words. Mending a broken heart can seem a task so monumental that we
dare not attempt it for fear of damaging ourselves further. But heartbreak, like all emotions, falls
under the spell of our conscious influence.



Often
the
pain
that
wounds
us
most
deeply
also
leaves
the
most
enduring
mark
upon
us.
The shock that becomes the tender, throbbing ache of the heart eventually
leads us
down the
path of enlightenment, blessing our lives with a new depth and richness.



Acknowledging
heartbreak's
impermanence
by
no
means
dulls
its
sting
for
it
is
the
sting
itself
that
stimulates
healing.
The
pain
is
letting
us
know
that
we
need
to
pay attention
to
our
emotional
selves, to sit with our feelings and
be in them
fully before we can begin to heal. It is
said that time
heals all wounds. Time may
dull the
pain
of a
broken
heart, but it is fully feeling
your
pain
and
acknowledging
it
that
will
truly
help
you
heal.
Dealing
with
your
heartache
in
a
healthy
way
rather
than
putting
it
off
for
tomorrow
is
the
key
to
repair
.
Gentleness
more
than
anything else is called for. Most important, open yourself to the possibility of loving, trusting, and
believing again. When,
someday
soon, you emerge from the cushion
of your grief, you will see
that the universe did not cease to be as you nursed your broken heart. You emerge on the other
side of the mending, stronger for all you have experienced.



Upon Goodness



The Importance Of Seeing The Good In All



Our perception shapes the lives we lead because the universe adjusts itself almost instantly
to our expectations. When we look for negativity, we are bound to come across it in abundance.
Conversely, we create positive energy when we endeavor to see the goodness around us. As easy
as it is to criticize the people and situations that frustrate or hurt us, we do ourselves a disservice
in the process. It is important to see the good in all as there are blessings hiding in every aspect
of our
outer-world reality, and the potential for grace exists in all human beings. When
our lives
are flooded with challenges, grief, and pain, we may be tempted to believe that some individuals
or incidents are simply bad. But if we look for the good in all, good reveals itself to us, easing our
doubts and reminding us that the universe is a place of balance.



There is a perceptible energetic shift that takes place when we choose to see the good in all.
The unnecessary tension that came into being when we dwelled
on negativity fades away and is
replaced
by
sympathetic
tolerance.
We
can
forgive
those
that
have
wronged
us
because
we
recognize in them traits we admire, and we may even discover that we can bring out the good in
one another. Though loss still grieves us, we recognize the beginning of a new phase of existence
that
abounds
with
fresh
opportunities.
Each
new
challenge
becomes
another
chance
to
prove
ourselves, and we learn to show great patience in the face of difficulty. There are few pleasures
greater than gazing outward and seeing beauty, wisdom, and
harmony. These are the attributes
of the universe that help us to cope when we encounter their opposing forces.




Since
you
create
your
reality,
you
make
your
world
a
better
place
each
time
you
acknowledge
the
good
in
your
circumstances
and
in
the
people
you
encounter.
As
you
draw
attention to the positive aspects of the world around you, your understanding of the affirmative
nature of all existence will grow. There are few lessons you will learn in this life that will prove as
instrumental to your
happiness and satisfaction. In appreciating the all pervasive goodness that
exists in the universe, you internalize it, making it a lasting part of your life.



g A Closed Connection



Consciously Reconnecting




There
may
be
times
when
we
feel
like
our
connection
to
the
universe
is
closed.
Maybe
things don
’
t seem to be going well in our
day, or our lives, or we may feel out of our element.
The truth is, the universe is always there for us. We know that we create our experience with our
thoughts, and this
is another way we need to make a conscious decision about how we want to
experience life. It is up to us to do the work of making the connection, because nobody can do it
for us, though sometimes the universe may send us wake-up calls.



You can think
of it as getting some fresh air. We are always breathing and the air is always
around us, surrounding us, moving through us. But we may need to step outside of where we are
in the
moment
—
physically, mentally, or emotionally
—
and make the conscious choice to take a
deep
breath
in
order
to
feel
the
air
coming
in
and
going
out.
Whether
this
means
stepping
outside
physically or merely shifting our thoughts, it is
only our perception that changes; the air
remains the same.




It
is
just
as
easy
to
reconnect
with
the
universe.
Using
the
same
technique
as
a
breath
of
fresh air, a deep breath can bring us back to our center. As we inhale, we fill our bodies with the
oxygen needed to replenish our most basic physical needs, allow
ing the air to circulate within us.
Exhaling, we release the
stale, the used, the potentially toxic air, removing any
blocks that may
keep
us
from
going
deeper
into
the
stillness
that
lies
at
our
center
where
we
connect
to
the
universe.
Feeling
closed
off
does
not
need
to
be
a
negative
experience.
When
we
become
conscious
of
it,
we
can
think
of
the
wholeness
of
a
closed
circuit,
which
allows
electricity
to
connect and flow properly. Our bodies work the same way, and when we make that connection in
our minds, it can help bring us back to the connection we seek.




Life Of Your Dreams



Waking Up



Many of us are familiar with the experience of waking up to the fact that our lives are
no
longer working the way we have
set them
up. Sometimes this is
due to a shift
occurring
inside
ourselves
over
time,
and
sometimes
it
is
part
of
the
larger
shift
that
is
currently
affecting
all
humanity.
Change
is happening at such an increased rate that it is
difficult to predict what the
future holds. As a result, many of the old ways of planning out a life are no longer applicable, and
if we cling to them we feel strangely out of tune with reality. If we are in tune with the energies
around us, we will begin to question ideas that just a few years ago seemed sensible.




In
the
simplest
terms,
the
shift
we
are
undergoing
right
now
has
to
do
with
recognizing
ourselves as being more than human, remembering that our earthly aspects are a very small part
of who we are. In truth, we are multidimensional
beings. When we begin
to realize this, the life
we
planned
for
a
limited
conception
of
ourselves
no
longer
fits.
We
must
meet
the
needs
and
qualifications not only of our bodies but also of our souls. This realization dawns slowly for some
and with the suddenness of a bolt of lightning for others, and we all must find the way that works
for us to integrate this new and larger sense of self into our life plan.



Sometimes
a
drastic
change
feels
totally
right,
and
overnight
we
might
decide
to
sell
our
home and move to another country
or quit our
job and begin a second career. Other times, we
allow
the
changes
to
proceed
slowly,
beginning
perhaps
with
allowing
ourselves
to
dream
of
a
new life or just to ask the deeper questions that encourage us to discover our true purpose in life.
Either way, know that this process is a natural sign of the growth we are all going through, and
trust it to guide you to the life of your dreams.




Truths Within



Value Your Own Wisdom



Throughout
our lives, we will encounter individuals who presume to know what is
best for
us.
The
insights
they
offer
cannot
compare,
however,
with
the
powers
of
awareness
and
discernment that already exist within us. From birth we are blessed with wisdom that cannot be
learned or unlearned. It exists whether or
not we acknowledge it because it is a gift given to
us
by a loving universe
before we chose to experience existence on the earthly plane. Yet for all its
permanence, it is vital that we value and honor this incredible element of the self. It is when we
do
not
use
our
inborn
wisdom
that
we
begin
to
doubt
our
personal
truths
and
are
driven
t
o
outside
sources of information
because we are afraid. What we know to be true in our
hearts is
invariably
true,
and
we
discover
how
intensely
beautiful
and
useful
self-trust
can
be
when
we
recognize the power of our wisdom.




Inner wisdom is not subject to the influences of the outside world, which means that it will
never demand that we surrender our free will or counsel us to act in opposition to our values. We
benefit from this inspiration when we open ourselves to it, letting go of the false notion that we
are less qualified than others to determine our fate. The wisdom inside of us is the source of our
discernment and our ability to identify blessings in disguise. When we are unsure of who to trust,
how to respond, or what we require, the answers lie in our inner wisdom. It knows where we are
going
and
understands
where
we
are
coming
from,
taking
this
into
account
though
it
is
not
a
product of experience but rather a piece of our connection to the universal mind.



In the whole of your existence, no force you will ever encounter will contribute as much to
your
ability
to
do
what
you
need
to
do
and
be
who
you
want
to
be
as
your
natural
wisdom.
Through
it,
you
reveal
your
growing
consciousness
to
the
greater
source
and
discover
the
true
extent of your strength. If you
heed this wisdom with conviction and confidence, the patterns,
people,
and
fears
that
held
you
back
will
be
dismantled,
paving
the
way
for
you
to
fulfill
your
truest potential.



ering



Lessons Of Reflection



When we care about people, we want to save them from pain by offering them the benefit
of our experience. Sometimes we feel like we know what is best for them. Sometimes, like when
their
safety
is
involved,
we
need
to
step
in,
but
those
times
are
rare.
More
often
we
find
ourselves
becoming
frustrated
when
our
close
friends
or
family
members
do
not
use
our
relationship
insights
or
follow
our
dietary
advice,
and
this
is
where
we
find
our
challenge.
We
may even find ourselves becoming angry when they choose another path. This strength of feeling
is usually a sign that our motivations go beyond merely helping another to indicate that there is a
lesson there for us.




First,
we
need
to
keep
in
mind
that
each
of
us
is
on
our
own
path
and
that
we
all
learn
differently. When we trust the universe, we know that there is a higher power at work that knows
what is best for
our loved
one. Since we do not want to deny them experiences
of deep feeling
that are essential steps in the growth of their spirit, we can instead offer them our counsel. After
we
have
given
our
gift,
it
is
time
to
release
it,
along
with
our
expectations
of
them
and
their
choices, with love.




Once that is done, we can remind ourselves that our relationships are mirrors that allow us
to see ourselves more clearly in the reflection. That is why it is easier for
us to see
solutions to
other
people
’
s
problems
than
to
see
answers
for
our
own.
We
can
also
learn
from
these
experiences
when
we
ask
ourselves
if
we
ever
do
the
same
thing.
Maybe
we
do
not
share
experiences with relationships, but we do with our finances or our food choices. In being willing
to look at ourselves and
see why we are being irritated by what other people choose to do with
their lives, we can be like an oyster and make irritations into pearls. With these pearls of wisdom,
we learn to release the desire for control over
others and instead enrich their
lives as we enrich
our own.



g Of The Minds



Fragments Of The Self



Sometimes
it
feels
as
if
we
have
many
different
people
living
inside
of
us,
expressing
themselves in voices that seem distinct from one another. There is the inner child with its wants
and needs, the angry voice that expresses its opinion and probably se
veral more as well. With all
these different parts of ourselves express differing desires and needs and opinions, we may begin
to feel as if we have no clarity. It is difficult to know which voices to pay attention to and which
ones to ignore or dismiss. Even if we manage to move forward amidst the confusion, doubts and
concerns
may
linger
in
our
psyches
simply
because
they
have
not
been
fully
expressed
and
examined. As a result, we may have trouble being at peace with the decisions we do make.




One
way
to
handle
this
dilemma
is
to
consciously
make
time
for
a
meeting
of
the
minds
within our psyche. This can be done as a guided meditation or as a journaling exercise. In both we
can summon the many
fragments that make up the whole
of who we are and give them each a
chance to speak. This can be a helpful tool in the face of a decision we need to make, and it can
also be a fruitful path to take in the interest of self-exploration and self-care. When we gather the
many fragments of our psyche together, the health and power of the whole is greatly increased.



We can imagine a roundtable in which we gather all the various representatives of our being,
allowing
them
to
name
themselves
and
giving
them
a
chance
to
speak.
We
allow
each
one
to
weigh in, fully expressing the perspective they represent, and we listen without comment. As we
listen, we may be amazed at the wisdom and energy stored in these fragments of
our
self. This
gathering
brings
the
fragmented
pieces
of
our
psyche
into
a
closer
relationship,
enabling
us
to
move forward as a unified whole.




35.A Clear Current



Maintaining The Flow



The
essence
of
all
being
is
energy.
Our
physical
and
ethereal
selves
depend
on
the
unrestricted
flow
of
life
energy
that
is
the
source
of
wholeness
and
wellness.
Though
the
channels through which this energy flows are open systems and influenced by factors outside
of
our
control,
we
ultimately
choose
what
impact
these
will
have
in
our
lives.
It
is
up
to
us
to
identify
and
clear
blockages
in
the
energy
field
to
ensure
that
flow
is
maintained.
A
healthy,
grounded
individual
absorbs
some
portion
of
the
energy
emitted
by
other
people
and
the
environment,
but
this
does
not
interrupt
the
continuous
stream
of
balanced
energy
sustaining
them. The same individual copes constructively with stress and upset, and they are not subject to
the stagnation that frequently goes
hand
in hand with negativity. When we keep the energy
in
and around our bodies flowing harmoniously, we are naturally healthy, vibrant, and peaceful.



Life
energy
flows
through
us
like
a
swift
stream
when
there
is
nothing
to
obstruct
it,
but
various
forces
such
as
trauma,
downbeat
vibrations,
and
disappointments
act
like
stones
that
impede
the
current.
If
we
allow
these
to
pile
up,
our
life
energy
is
thrown
off
its
course
or
blocked entirely, causing illness, restlessness, and a lack of vigor. If, however, we take the time to
clear these forces away, we rob them of the power to impact our lives. When we cultivate simple
yet affirmative habits such as taking regular cleansing baths, practicing meditation and breathing
exercises, smudging, and self- shielding, we protect ourselves from
outside influences that might
otherwise impede
our energy flow. Likewise, we lessen the impact of inner influences when we
clear our auras of unwanted attachments and divest ourselves of blocked emotions.




A strong and fluid energy field is the key that unlocks the doors of self-healing and peace of
mind. Your awareness of the flow of energy sustaining you empowers you to take charge of your
own well- being by taking steps to unblock, correct, and enhance that flow. Fear will likely be the
culprit when you cannot identify the source of stagnation
—
you may simply be afraid to let go of
what is obstructing the flow. Letting go can be challenging, but the exuberance you will feel when
the flow is restored will be a welcome and blessed reward.



ing The Reigns



Changing Others



Our perception of humanity as a whole is, to a large extent, dualistic. We paint people with a
broad brush
—
some are like us, sharing our opinions and our attitudes, while others are different.
Our
commitment
to
values
we
have
chosen
to
embrace
is
often
so
strong
that
we
are
easily
convinced that our way is the right way. We may find ourselves frustrated by those who view the
world from an alternate vantage point and make use of unusual strategies when coping with life's
challenges. However ardently we believe that these people would be happier and more satisfied
following our lead, we
should resist the temptation to try to change them. Every human being
has been blessed with a unique nature that cannot be altered by outside forces. We are who we
are at any one point in our lives for a reason, and no one person can say for certain what another
should be like.



The reasons we try to change one another are numerous. Since we
have learned over time
to flourish in the richness of lives we have built, we may come to believe that we are qualified to
speak
on
behalf
of
the
greater
source.
The
sum
total
of
our
knowledge
will
never
compare
to
what
we
do
not
know,
however,
and
our
unders
tanding
of
others’
lives
will
forever
be
limited.
The potential we see in the people who are a part of our lives will never be precisely the same as
our
own,
so
we
do
these
individuals
a
disservice
when
we
make
assumptions
about
their
intentions,
preferences,
and
goals.
Our
power
lies
in
our
ability
to
accept
others
for
all
their
quirks and differences and to let go
of the need to control every element of our existence.
We
can love people for who they are, embracing their uniqueness, or we can
love them as
human
beings from afar.



Your ability to influence people may grow more sophisticated because others sense that you
respect their right to be themselves, but you will
likely
spend more time gazing inward, into the
one person you can change: yourself.



The Presence Of Difficulty



Compassion



Compassion
is
the
ability
to
see
the
deep
connectedness
between
ourselves
and
others.
Moreover,
true
compassion
recognizes
that
all
the
boundaries
we
perceive
between
ourselves
and
others
are
an
illusion.
When
we
first
begin
to
practice
compassion,
this
very
deep
level
of
understanding
may
elude
us,
but
we
can
have
faith
that
if
we
start
where
we
are,
we
will
eventually
feel
our
way
toward
it.
We
move
closer
to
it
every
time
we
see
past
our
own
self-concern to accommodate concern for others. And, as with any
skill, our compassion grows
most in the presence of difficulty.




We practice small acts of compassion every day, when our loved ones are short-tempered or
another driver cuts us off in traffic. We extend our forgiveness by trying to understand their point
of view; we know
how it is to feel stressed out or irritable. The practice of compassion becomes
more
difficult
when
we
find
ourselves
unable
to
understand
the
actions
of
the
person
who
offends us. These are the situations that ask us to look
more deeply into ourselves, into parts of
our psyches that we may want to deny, parts that we have repressed because society has labeled
them bad
or wrong. For example, acts
of violence are often well beyond anything we
ourselves
have perpetuated, so when we are on the receiving end of such acts, we are often at a loss. This
is
where
the
real
potential
for
growth
begins,
because
we
are
called
to
shine
a
light
inside
ourselves and take responsibility for what we have disowned. It is at this
juncture that we have
the opportunity to transform from with! in.




This
can
seem
like
a
very
tall
order,
but
when
life
presents
us
with
circumstances
that
require
our
compassion,
no
matter
how
difficult,
we
can
trust
that
we
are
ready.
We
can
call
upon all the light we have cultivated so far, allowing it to lead the way into the darkest parts
of
our
own
hearts,
connecting
us
to
the
hearts
of
others
in
the
understanding
that
is
true
compassion.



38.A Good Turn Daily



Helping The World Every Day



Each of us is more than capable of
helping the world, despite our fears and
limitations and
the
uncertainty
that
holds
us
back.
It
is
commonly
accepted
that
it
is
impossible
to
make
a
difference without unlimited funding or free time, yet most healing, cleansing, and spreading of
joy is accomplished in a matter of minutes. If we vow to make the world a better place one day at
a time, the true significance of small good deeds reveals itself to us. We come to see that we can
be of service without dedicating
our lives to recognized charities
or giving up the
pleasures we
enjoy.
The
warmth
we
feel
when
we
help
the
world
is
only
a
tiny
part
of
the
affirmative
transformations that take place when we make altruism a part of everyday existence.




We make our homes, workplaces, communities, and countries better and brighter when we
think
positive thoughts that echo
outward, give donations of time
or money, smile at everyone
we meet, and lend those in need of aid our assistance. As we learn, we ina
dvertently improve the
universe
because
we
can
only
be
truly
involved
when
we
are
informed.
Even
enthusiastically
sharing ideas with others generates positive energy that then serves as the motivation for more
tangible change. Selfless and helpful
deeds remind
us that we exercise some
degree of control
over a world that can seem chaotic at times. Even the smallest of such
deeds is a demonstration
of the fact that we are capable of changing the world in a positive way. So much negative energy
is
generated
by
the
suffering,
pain,
and
close- mindedness
we
are
regularly
exposed
to,
but
we
can counteract it in a constructive way by thinking and acting altruistically when opportunities to
do so arise.



Helping
the
world
often
takes
no
more
than
a
moment,
just
a
wish
for
the
world
is
a
beautiful
gesture
and
can
be
done
by
even
the
busiest
of
people
effortlessly.
The
gift
you
give
each day need
not be grand
or attention-worthy because the broader benefits are the same
no
matter the literal repercussions. Once a day, you can affect reality, and you can reap the rewards
of knowing that you are making the world a better place, day by day.



oning Beliefs



Our Inner Stock Market



Just as the stock market rises and falls
in response to what people are willing to put their
money behind, we have inside ourselves an inner economy that rises and falls in response to our
beliefs
about
what
is
possible.
Sometimes
the
degree
to
which
we
are
willing
to
challenge
our
belief
systems
determines
the
success
of
our
inner
economy.
For
example,
imagine
that
your
family of origin had a belief that musical talent was not something they possessed. As a member
of that group, you would likely inherit that same belief about yourself. As a result, even if you had
a great desire to create music,
you might
be
hesitant to really get behind yourself, fearing that
your investment would not pay off. Even if you had the courage to follow your passion, your inner
belief that you are not inherently talented would probably
be a major obstacle to investing your
energy in your dream.



On the other hand, if you found a way to release that negative belief, a great flood of energy
would
pour
forth,
greatly
increasing
the
likelihood
of
your
success.
How
much
energy
we
are
willing to invest in the various ideas, dreams, and visions we carry within is like the money people
are,
or
are
not,
willing
to
invest
in
the
various
commodities
available
for
trade
on
the
stock
market. And in both cases, belief plays a key role in determining how willing we are to get behind
something. One way to
open up the
possibility for greater success in our inner economies is to
understand
that
belief
is
not
the
reliable
guide
we
sometimes
think.
There
are
other
more
reliable
indicators
of
success
that
we
can
put
our
faith
in,
such
as
passion,
gut
instinct,
and
intuition. Some of the most successful investors in the stock market are the ones that go against
the grain, trusting their instincts over the prevailing opinion about what will work.



In the
same way, we can learn to trust
our heart
’
s
desires and our instincts to guide us,
questioning
any
beliefs
that
stand
in
the
way
of
our
ability
to
fully
invest
in
ourselves.
As
we
withdraw energy from limiting ideas about what is
possible, we free up the resources that have
the power to make our inner economy thrive.




Woman



Empowering Feminine Energy



So
often
in
our world we tend to think of strength as a quality that arises
from a place
of
firm determination and a will to succeed no matter the cost. Even though we might want to think
of
a
strong
woman
as
being
defined
in
this
way,
what
really
makes
a
woman
confident
is
her
capacity
for
listening
to
her
true
self
and
being
able
to
call
upon
her
feminine
wisdom
to
any
situation that may arise. A woman does not need to step into an assertive role or act like a man
in order to be effective at what she does
—
she
simply needs to get in touch with her insight and
sense of compassion to truly demonstrate the depth of her strength.



Listening to the feminine side of ourselves may not seem easy at first for this type of energy
is
something that is
often
overlooked
in many aspects of our everyday lives. If we can connect
with
this
part
of
who
we
are,
however,
we
will
find
that
there
is
an
unlimited
wellspring
of
strength available to us. Our capacity to tap into our intuition and listen to
our inner guides, to
take into account the needs of those around us, and to view a situation with compassion and love
are ways that we can show the world the true
power that is part of our feminine nature. When
we learn to integrate this source of strength into our daily tasks and decision-making, we will find
that we can be more flexible and open to the things that happen around us and more receptive
to new ideas. Not only will we
see the world in a different light, but we will truly start to realize
the potential for this form of energy to both empower ourselves and those around us.



As we cultivate our feminine energy we can redefine the meaning of strength. By embracing
our feminine
power as
something that is
strong in its own right, we are able to use
it with true
assurance and determination and draw upon what truly belongs to us.




red Forgiveness



Apologies



In
life
there
will
always
be
times
when
we
are
affected
by
the
actions
of
another
person.
When this happens, we often receive an apology. More often than not we say,
“
It
’
s alright,
”

or
“

It
’
s
okay,
”

and
by
saying
this
we
are
allowing,
accepting,
and
giving
permission
for
the
behavior to happen again. When we say “thank you,” or “I accept your apology,” we are forced to
sit in our feelings rather than ignore them.




There are many of us who feel that it is easier to brush off how we really feel than to express
our
discomfort
with
something
that
has
happened
to
us.
While
this
may
initially
seem
like
the
best thing to do, what it really does is put us into an unending pattern of behavior; since we are
not honest with another person, we continue the cycle
of
letting them overstep our emotional
limits time and time again. By doing this we place ourselves in the position of victim. We can put
an
end
to
this
karmic
chain
by
first
acknowledging
to
the
other
person
that
we
accept
their
request for for
giveness; often a simple “thank you” is enough. To truly create a greater sense of
harmony
in
our
relationship,
however,
we
need
to
gently,
and
with
compassion,
express
our
innermost
concerns
about
what
has
transpired.
By
taking
a
deep
breath
and
calling
upon
the
deepest parts of our spirit, we can usually find the right words to say and verbalize them in a way
that lets the other person recognize ! the consequences of what they have done.




If we can remember that our response to
others
is important, we can begin to realize that
trust
and
forgiveness
go
hand
in
hand.
And
when
we
react
in
a
way
that engenders
a
greater
amount of
honesty and candor, we will establish a more positive and empowering way of being
and interacting others.



, Beauty
, And Warmth



Keeping The Sun Inside



Anyone who has endured a long, dark winter can attest to the power the
sun has to
both
invigorate
and
relax
body,
mind,
and
soul.
It
can
be
daunting
to
begin
the
months
of
fall
and
winter, knowing that we may not see as much of the beautiful sun for quite some time. But it is
important to remember that even during the darker days
of fall and winter, the sun is still there
shining, as beautiful as ever. Just because it is hidden behind clouds or setting early in our part of
the world, does not mean that we cannot access its power, beauty, and warmth.



One way to do this is to find a warm spot in our house where we can sit or lie down in peace.
Closing
our
eyes,
we
allow
our
breath
to
come
and
go
easily,
progressively
lengthening
each
inhale
and
exhale
until
we
feel
very
relaxed,
peaceful,
and
warm.
We
imagine
that
it
is
a
very
warm summer day and that the sun
is shining on
us, allowing it to warm our body. In particular,
we may feel as if a small sun has taken up residence in the area of our solar plexus or our heart.
We do not need to think about which one too much and can simply trust our body to let us know
where it is. Spend some time
just experiencing this sensation, allowing the heat to radiate from
inside your body.



If you live in a part of the world that loses a lot of
light in the winter, you might want to do
this exercise each night before retiring. You could also do it at the beginning of each day, giving
yourself a chance to
plug
into that great source
of energy. Keeping the sun inside of you when
you are missing it on the outside is a way to say hello to the sun and let it warm your soul.




t A Net



Living Life With Trust



As we create the life of our dreams, we often reach a crossroads where the choices seem to
involve the risk of facing the unknown versus the safety and comfort of all that we have come to
trust. We may feel like a tightrope walker, carefully teetering along the narrow path to our goals,
sometimes feeling that we are doing so without a net. Knowing we have some backup may help
us work up the courage to take those first steps, until we are secure in knowing that we have the
skills to work without
one. But when we live our lives from a place of balance and trust in the
universe, we may not see our source of support, but we can know that it is there.



If we refuse to act only if we can see the safety net, we may be allowing the net to become a
trap as it creates a barrier between us and the freedom to pursue our goals. Change is in
herent in
life, so even what we have learned to trust can surprise us at any moment. Remove fear from the
equation
and
then,
without
even
wondering
what
is
going
on
below,
we
can
devote
our
full
attention to the dream that awaits us.



We
attract
support
into
our
lives
when
we
are
willing
to
make
those
first
tentative
steps,
trusting that the universe will
provide exactly what we need. In that process we can decide that
whatever comes from our actions is only for our highest and best experience of growth. It may
come in the form of a soft landing, an unexpected rescue or an eye- opening experience gleaned
only from the process of falling. So rather than allowing our lives to
be
dictated by fear of the
unknown,
or
trying
to
avoid
falling,
we
can
appreciate
that
sometimes
we
experience
life
fully
when we are willing to trust and fall. And in doing so, we may just find that we have the wings to
fly.



When we believe that there is a reason for everything, we are stepping out with the
safety
net of the universe, and we know we will make the best from whatever comes our way.




Gestures Of Solace



Offering Comfort



Sometimes it
is difficult to see someone we
love struggling, in pain,
or hurting. When this
happens,
we
might
feel
like we
need
to
be
proactive
and
do
something
to
ease
their
troubles.
While
others may want our help, it is important to keep in mind that
we need to be sensitive to
what they truly want in the moment, since it can be all too easy to get carried away and say or do
more
than
is
really
needed.
Allowing
ourselves
to
let
go
and
simply
exist
in
the
present
with
another
person
may
actually
provide
a
greater
amount
of
comfort
and
support
than
we
could
ever imagine.



Perhaps we can think back to a time when we were upset and needed a
kind word, hug, or
listening ear from someone else. As we remember these times, we might think of the gestures of
kindness that were the most healing. It may have been gentle words such
as “I care about you,”
or the soothing presence of
someone holding us and not expecting anything that were the most
consoling. When we are able to go back to these times
it becomes easier for us to keep
in mind
that giving advice or saying more than is really
necessary is
not always reassuring. What is truly
comforting for another is not having someone try to fix them or their
problems, but to
just be
there for them. Should we begin to feel the urge arise to offer advice or repair a situation, we can
take a few deep breaths, let the impulse pass, and bring our attention back
to the present. Even
though we may want to
do more, we
do
not
have to
do anything
other than this to
be a good
friend.



The more we are attuned to what
our loved ones are feeling, the more capable we are of
truly giving what is best for them in their hour
of need. Keeping things simple
helps us give the
part
of
ourselves
that
is
capable
of
the
greatest
amount
of
compassion
—
open
ears
and
an
understanding heart.



ing And Expanding




Being Receptive To What You Want



In order to get what we want in life, we have to be willing to receive it when it appears, and
in order to
do that we have to be open. Often we go through
life with defenses we
developed
early
on
in
order
to
protect
ourselves.
These
defenses
act
as
barriers,
walls
we
needed
at
one
time to feel safe, but that now
serve to
shut
out desired influences, like
intimacy or love. So an
essential part of being receptive to what we want is to soften these barriers enough to let those
things in when they show up. For example, we may spend a lot
of time alone as a way to protect
ourselves from being hurt
by
other people, but we can see how this is now preventing
us
from
meeting new friends.




Another
obstacle
to
our
receptivity
can
be
our
tendency
to
believe
that
we
have
to
act
aggressively in order to achieve our desired goal. This can cause us to become mono-focused and
to
fail
to
see,
and
be
open
to,
opportunities
on
the
periphery
of
our
vision.
So
becoming
receptive involves a
softening of
our
defenses and a willingness to remain open to poss
ibilities
outside
our
immediate
realm
of
vision.
If
we
are
looking
for
love
or
friendship,
it
means
first
looking within
ourselves to see where we are shut down, and second, not getting too fixated on
where
we
might
find
the
love
we
want. In
this
way,
we
become
more
open
as
individuals
and
more expansive in terms of what we see as possible.



Often,
the
things
and
people
we
want
to
draw
into
our
lives
elude
us
because
we
are
unconsciously blocking them out, either with our defenses, or with tunnel vision that causes us to
not
see
them
when
they
appear.
When
this
is
the
case,
we
can
take
action
by
exploring
and
softening
our
barriers,
and
expanding
our
vision
to
encompass
new
possibilities.
These
actions
are the essence of receptivity.




g Go Of Understanding



Deeper Meanings



All of us who seek to be conscious and aware regard our experiences as teachers, and we try
to discern what lessons we are learning from the things that happen in our lives. Sometimes the
lesson is very clear from the get-go, and other times we have to really search to understand the
deeper
meaning
behind
some
event.
While
this
search
often
yields
results,
there
also
comes
a
point in the search where what we really need to
do is move forward. It is possible that we are
not meant to know the deeper meaning of certain occurrences. Answers may come later in
our
lives, or they may come as a result of letting go, or they may never come.



We are all part of a complex system of being, and things work themselves out in the system
as a whole. Sometimes we are just playing a necessary part in that process with a result larger
than we can understand. It may have very
little to do with
us personally, and while that can be
hard to understand, it can also free us from overthinking the matter. Sometimes it is best to see it
in terms of karma, a past debt we have been able to repay in this way, or as the clearing of energy.
We can simply thank the event for being part of our experience and let it go. This completes the
process that the occurrence has made possible.




To
make
this
letting go
official,
we
can
perform
a
ritual,
make
a
final
journal
entry
on
the
subject, or sit in meditation with the intention of releasing the event from our consciousness. As
we
do
so,
we
summon
it
one
last
time,
honoring
it
with
our
attention,
thanking
it,
and
saying
good-bye.
We then
let it go out the door, out the window, out the top
of our heads, or into the
earth through the bottoms of our feet, liberating ourselves from any burden we
have carried in
association with it.



ng Your True Power



Afraid To Meditate



There are times when we feel the pull to meditate but are swayed from it
by the excuses
that spring to mind. We may think that we are too busy, have no time to ourselves, or that we
do
not
have
the
right
place
to
meditate.
Our
minds
can
think
of
dozens
of
reasons
to
put
off
meditation. But those are even stronger reasons to look past the illusion of the hustle and bustle
of
daily
life
and
to
connect
to
the
place
within
that
intersects
with
the
timeless
power
and
limitless potential of the
universe.
From that place we can experience that potent stillness that
exists at all times, and it is only as far as away as our breath.



It
might
be
useful
to
ask
yourself
why
you
would
put
off
something
so
beneficial
to
your
peace
of
mind
and
general
well- being.
There
may
be
fear that
if
you
were to
stop
your
frantic
pace, your world might fall apart, and then you would have to face the
undeniable reality of who
you really are and the results of the choices you have made. You might be afraid that you will be
forced to make huge changes in order to align yourself with the universe and harness your true
potential. Sometimes the frustrations of the known world seem less scary than the possibilities of
the
unknown.
But
the
truth
is
that
when
we
cooperate
with
the
universe
by
creating
our
lives
from
the
truth
of
our
being,
life
becomes
less
of
a
struggle
and
more
of
a
process
of
living
blissfully on purpose.



Finding
yourself
alone
for
a
few
moments
can
give
you
the
opportunity
to
turn
within
to
infuse a
sense of calm wisdom to your work.
Whenever you can take the time to recenter and
refocus, it will remind you
how beneficial it is to connect to your source. Then you will make the
time for longer sojourns of
spirit, because once you are rejuvenated and enlivened by knowing
that you are made of energy and light, you can channel the power to create your life in alignment
with the highest potential of your soul.




Music Of Language



Words Are Energy



When we speak or write, we use the vehicles of words to carry meaning, as well as energy,
from ourselves to another person or group of people. We may be speaking to our baby, our boss,
or to an audience
of 500 people.
We may
be writing a love letter, a work-related memo,
or an
entry in our own diary. Whatever the case, each word we speak
or write has a life of
its own, a
vibratory signature that creates waves in the same way that a note of music creates waves. And
like musical
notes, our words live in communities
of
other words and change in relation to the
words that surround them. When we are conscious of the energy behind our words, we become
capable of making beautiful music in the world. If we are unconscious of the power of words, we
run the risk of creating a noisy disturbance.



Some of us
know this instinctively, while others come to this understanding slowly. Most of
us,
though,
speak
without
thinking
at
least
some
of
the
time,
blurting
out
our
feelings
and
thoughts
without
much
regard
for
the
words
we
choose
to
express
them.
When
we
remind
ourselves that our words have an impact on the world at the level of energy, we may find within
ourselves the desire to be more aware of our use of language.



A fun way to
increase our
sensitivity to the
power
of words
is to simply make a
list
of
our
favorite
words
and
notice
the
energy
they
contain.
We
can
write
them
down
and
post
them
where we can see them, or we can speak them aloud, feeling them reverberate in our bodies and
in
the
air
around
us.
This
is
like
learning
to
consciously
play
an
instrument
that
we
have
been
playing unconsciously for most of
our lives, and the effect can be
startling and delightful. As we
grow
more
comfortable
and
confident
playing
the
instrument
of
language,
we
will
begin
to

compose beautiful messages, creating positive energy every time we write or speak.




ing and Welcoming




Energetic Sweeping



In some of our lives, sweeping has become an activity performed without much thought. In
many cases, sweeping is a lost art, replaced by the noisy, efficient vacuum cleaner. But in several
cultures
and
religions,
sweeping
the
front
and
back
porch
every
morning
is
regarded
as
an
important
cleansing
ritual
that
prepares
the
ground
for
new
energy
on
every
level
—
physically,
spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. It is often employed to sanctify a space and prepare it for a
ceremony. This seemingly simple action has the power to clear away the old and make space for
the
new.
It
stirs
up
the
energy
in
a
place,
clearing
out
the
astral
buildup
that
is
the
natural
by-product of the presence of humans.




This kind of sweeping is not about cleaning the area of dust. In fact, the broom doesn
’
t have
to
actually
touch
the
ground
to
be
effective.
You
might
want
to
consider
having
two
different
brooms, one you use for cleaning dust and dirt, and one you use for energy clearing. If you are so
inspired,
you
could
decorate
your
broom
by
carving
its
handle,
painting
it,
decorating
it
with
gemstones and ribbons, or any other creative adornment that appeals to you. You can also make
your
own
broom
out
of
tree
branches
and
twigs,
or
choose
a
naturally
appearing
broom
from
nature, such as a pine bough.



Sweeping each morning prepares the ground for the new day at the same time as it deepens
our awareness
of the importance of letting go of the past to welcome the present. As we clear
the energy of our
space, we clear our own energy systems. In addition,
we create a space that
feels clean, clear, and open to all who enter. Be sure to think welcoming thoughts as you sweep,
manifesting what you need for the day. Making sweeping part of our daily ritual tunes us into the
continuing
cycle
of
releasing
the
old
and
welcoming
the
new
that
is
the
hallmark
of
a
healthy
energy system.



50.A Matter Of Priorities



Letting Go Of The Little Stuff