Weekly Meditation - Nurturing the "Spark"

Meditation.  Originally I had intended to post a guided meditation to your inner Temple.  Yet, today I spent outside at Celebration of Life gatherings to remember the lives, the moments, and the legacies left in the physical worlds.  Meditation is a perpetual quietness of the heart and soul.  Many have asked me about my early morning meditations - that intentional time spent to develop the relationship one has with spirit.  It is not always these intentional moments that nurture the "sparks".  There are times that the most profound meditative moments occur in the midst of life.

It was shared today that we are all "sparks", we are all spirits radiating from within.  Meditation is simply the time spent nurturing that spark.  The more that you nurture the spark within, the brighter your love will radiate.  There are many ways to nurture the spark, many ways to mediate, and many ways to radiate that big, brilliant flame of love.

Meditation.  The moments gazing to the skies over the river watching the birds take flight.  The moments closing your eyes and hearing an angel sing.  The moments listening to another share their sorrow.  The moments hearing a small child laugh in the midst of tears reminding one of the nature of life.  The moments of connecting with another having never met before, but knowing deep within you are part of the same soul family.  The moments listening to one reveal the intimate and raw emotions of their soul.  The moments of inhaling deeply feeling alive.  Each one a memory.  Each one a connection with Spirit.  Each one a meditation - an intentional time to develop intimate relationships.

This week as you walk the steps of your days, take intentional moments to close your eyes, inhale deeply, and experience the gift of being alive.  For that is truly meditation at its very essences.  The essences that connects us with all that is.  So pause this week, take a moment to listen to another and connect.  Pause to hear a child laugh and laugh with them.  Pause to say hello, thank you, and experience your being.  Pause and know that you are not only loved and give love - but that you are love.

Music is a moment to nurture that spark, so enjoy the "angel" voice that shared with the world moments this morning.  http://soundcloud.com/leahclark/i-am

Weekly Guest Blog: New Year Resolutions; Resolving the Saboteur’s Heyday with ALisa Starkweather

The first of January opens with promise as 525,600 minutes roll out before us in a fresh new year. How many of us begin with resolutions to live from an inspired place that will carry us towards our innermost desires? We reflect on where we are and where we would like to be in our lives and use this new beginning as an impetus for getting down to what is our most important priorities. The list is familiar and long: my health, exercising, the writing I am going to do, the class I am going to take! More pleasure, more love, more socializing, more money, more or less work, less computer, less planning, more self-care… And then, after setting our best intentions, we see what actually shapes up.

 For some of us setting goals actually works. But by mid month, the majority of us forget what we said or we are in disappointment and maybe even in downright confusion as to why what we set out to do has not even been touched one iota. There are a couple of things here that might happen next. We may decide that resolutions are not for us and for next year, our resolution will be not to have any. Or we can go into shame and instead of having these delectable juicy dreams, what we have instead are further examples of how we fail ourselves. Or if we are lucky, we might get our second winds and begin to put into action what we first agreed to do. No matter what we do or do not do, by February, we can ease up on any of our psyche’s expectations on new beginnings because our life habits if uninterrupted continue to go back to automatic pilot with whatever is in front of us. What happened then to January’s promise that is still waiting like a dormant seed in winter?

Is there a secret as to why we don’t follow through on our resolutions?

 When you are not going after your goals, not taking those action steps, not doing what you set out to do, there is often a secret inner part inside of you that does not cooperate with whatever it is you declare you want so badly.  There are names for this part in my work of Shadow Work. Sometimes we call it the “Risk Manager”. This is the one who is watching out for you so that you don’t take risks that could harm you or even put you at risk for deeper emotional ties that you have not recognized with your resolution. For instance if your goal is to lose weight or go to the gym, and you are not doing anything about it, you may not know that the purpose of your weight protected you from unwanted sexual advances or attention that took place long ago. It is so deeply embedded in your unconscious that you might not know why losing weight is actual frightening. Another name for your resistances or blocks to your dreams may be your “Saboteur” whose very job is to interfere and block your ability to take action with hidden resistances and unconscious behaviors in ways that keep you stuck. The reason for this is that you actually have a split, another opinion that opposes your decision. This split if it remains unexamined in your unconsciousness can be the root of why you do not do what you say you were going to.  This is basic sabotaging 101 when what you say does not line up with what you do. What should you do?

Journal Your Splits and Hear From Your Saboteur Directly

One Shadow Work skill is to examine what the two parts feel or think about what you want. One way to do this is to write your resolution out on the top of your journal page. Begin to write or speak out loud why it is you want this goal and what it will bring you. Now take the time to write why you do not want this to happen, what are the risks if this happens and what are the reasons that the saboteur may not cooperate? Giving the opportunity to hear both sides of the situation will actually give you more compassion and wisdom of what is going on more deeply as you put forward your resolution.

Often what we discover is that to bring new things into our lives, to have new beginnings, we must risk endings. This January post the celebrations, grieve your losses and your past this winter and begin to make room in your life for what can only come when you are ready to let go of what is no longer true about you or your life. In other words face what is over. If you do this, it may be much easier for you to move into the next stage of what is next in your life. Let your resolutions be the seeds of intentions that you sow for life that with time and tending and steady care, root our dreams into solid ground for the new year ahead.  

ALisa Starkweather is founder of many bold and unique initiatives to support women’s healthy leadership, including the global Red Tent Temple Movement, honoring our womanhood journeys; Daughters of the Earth Gatherings; the Women’s Belly and Womb Conferences; Priestess Path; and co-founder of Women in Power—Initiating Ourselves to the Predator Within. A keynote speaker, writer, coach, as well as a certified national facilitator of ShadowWork, Starkweather is featured in the documentary Things We Don’t Talk About: Healing Narratives from the Red Tent. http://www.alisastarkweather.com and http://www.facebook.com/womenriseup http://www.facebook.com/RedTentMovement and womenriseup  and sheloveslifetv on Twitter. For further information on Shadow Work see http://www.shadowwork.com

January Book Review: Spirit Stones by Dianne Ebertt Beeaff

When I received the book “Spirit Stones Unraveling the Megalithic Mysteries of Western Europe’s Prehistoric Moments” I must admit I immediately opened it to the middle to look at the awe-inspiring pictures.  I had anticipated a daunting experience of reading an analytical study of stone mythology.  Dianne Ebertt Beeaff caught me completely by surprise with her weaving tale. 

Plate 2  The eight-foot monolith
inside Callanish Stone Circle
Page 137

While there are analytical theories presented, the pages of this book are alive.  One is carried through a shamanic journey into the tapestry that is our ancient culture.  Yet, even the journey is only part of the tapestry.

“The great gift of life, therefore, is to be lived in the present.  To live in the moment is to live in eternity.  As it was for the Old Norse, it’s our journey that’s important, not our destination.  We can all celebrate the present, both the grand moments and the small.”  The journey back in time is presented in a contemporary application of teaching the stepping stones for present living.  Dianne has unraveled the mysteries of the past in a captivating and enlightening artistry. 

It is difficult to draw an accurate canvas in a few words of what can be discovered within the pages of this brilliantly written look at our ancestors other than to share a few sentences which can be found in the introduction, “We are each the product of a boundless past.  Stone monuments, as part of that past, can renew our sense of the mystery and wonder of life, of the great gift of being and the continuity of the human spirit.  There’s no shortage of books on either megalithic prehistory or spiritual growth.  What we celebrate in this book is their connection.”  I will add it is not only the connection that can be discovered, but the truth that all things being connected are within each of us.  The discoveries to be found are cross cultural, without boundaries, and reveal to our ancestors there was no distinguishing labels between the spirit world and the secular world.  It was one.

The shamanic waters look back into Neolithic and Bronze ages, the stones, the spiritual sacred connection, and how we may honor our ancestor’s by applying their wisdom and knowledge that still holds as truths today.   Though I have never visited the sites of these symbolic structures, through the words and artistry painted by Dianne, one is transported to walk the circles for themselves.  Dianne shares the aspects of geomancy - why circles and squares were used to create sacred space - to sacred beliefs in burial and birth into the skies and why it is relevant to life today - to discovery of the what may be the first dome structures expressing the female Earth Mother principle.

Whatever your journey, the threads woven by Dianne will enchant and draw a myriad of canvases as you dive into the shamanic waters found in “Spirit Stones”.    This is a book that everyone who is seeking, expanding, and exploring will want to read.  It is also one I will return to over and over again. 

Dianne Ebertt Beeaff

A native of Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, Dianne Ebertt Beeaff has traveled the world extensively and combines a lifelong love of history with a quest for present-day understanding. An acclaimed artist and writer, Dianne has authored two works of nonfiction—Homecoming and A Grand Madness, Ten Years on the Road with U2. Her award-winning first novel, Power’s Garden, was published in 2009; her poetry, watercolors, graphite sketches and magazine articles have been featured for decades throughout the United States and Canada.  For more information on Dianne and the book "Spirit Stones" visit 

www.spiritstonesbook.com.

Disclosure:  I was given a complementary copy of this book for review purposes.

Full Moon Fire Ceremony - January 2012

I need to make a correction in this video.  When I uploaded the pictures from my own fire, I grabbed the wrong folder.  The folder was actually snapshot pictures of a fire my dear friend She Wolf had recorded.  My mistake and I offer my humble apology and will re upload the correct video shortly.

Weekly LOVESong by Farhi - Magic of the Candle Light

Farhi - LOVEsong - Magic of the Candle Light

Weekly LOVESong from Farhi Horak.  Music for body, mind, and spirit inspired by Agni's weekly message. .... Week of 1/9/12




For more information on Farhi and his beautiful LoveSong's visit Farhi on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Farhi  or his website at http://www.farhisound.com

Weekly Fire Keepers Message: Allow the birthing of fullness in the midnight sky give way to the dancing in the morning light.

Mornings.  I begin each day in the morning with a period of silence, most days a fire, and contemplation of what the sunrise will bring.  

My awakening begins with the morning sun that penetrates through the night time darkness. What was not visible before is now visible. A new dawn is breaking. A new Fire ignited in the soul each breaking morning.  I am reminded of this morning of a message gifted one morning.  If you are facing backwards – you are looking at the past and will miss the dawning of the sunrise.  Yet, this morning I was facing the full moon.  The moon birthing in a deep, rich blue sky.  The dawning of a new day given birth by the disappearing fullness.

As the whispering winds sang a song in celebration of the miraculous canvas being constructed against the midnight blue, the fire flickered.  The light of the fire, the light of moon, and the light of the sun all bringing forth an energy to uproot the darkness and set it free.  Just as darkness holds a mooring within a soul, so to can the light of a new day anchor the soul.  Darkness gives us moments to pause and reflect.  Moments to remember, dream the vision to embark upon the passage, and activate all the energies.  There is a dance into light, but there is also a dance in the midnight darkness ignited by an internal fire.

What each of us do on a daily basis, the choices we make, the perceptions are wholly dependent upon the frame of mind our thoughts produce.  Seeing the possibilities within all the choices, whether they are perceived as light or dark, is key in soul storming, envisioning, the dance of success.  It is necessary to have the balance found in the silence of winter, the midnight sky and the celebration of song in summer, the sun rise.  Life is a direct consequence of the balance of your thoughts.  Allow the birthing of fullness in the midnight sky give way to the dancing in the morning light.

Weekly Vibe From The Sky

Vibe From the Sky 
with 
Laurissa Heller

The ship has sailed into 2012 and we are now moving into uncharted territory. You have either become accustomed to the idea of change, or you are holding on with the tips of your fingernails, or if you are like me--you are some place in between. If you see the future as scary and unforgiving, you will surely not be able to receive all of the gifts moving in your direction.

The first lovely gift is the Full Moon, Jan. 9th. Tonight~ The Moon resides in Cancer and our heart and energy is focused on relationships with those that we nurture, protect, and care for. We are evaluating the shift that just occurred just below our feet when the Sun and Pluto were at 7 degrees Capricorn on Dec 29th. The Sun pushed through an old wall to offer a fresh perspective. This is the first of many. Finally the oxygen is making its way in, and the Moon is illuminating this new view.

The Yin energy of the Universe has something to say and it needs to be heard. Listen for it will probably flow through you.

Eastern Philosophy ~ Western Living ~ Infusion Astrology

About Laurissa:

Laurissa is an astrologer who likes to work with people to help them find answers to life's questions through her own interpretation called Infusion Astrology. She pulls from yoga, buddhism, astrology, intuition, and life to help guide people through their decision making processes. 

Relationships, Work, Family, Children, Travel and Location for Living are all part of her offering as part of her Infusion Astrology Readings.  Her mission is to enhance people's awareness in their own lives so that they are able to live to their fullest potential.  Her philosophy is that by taking care of ourselves and recharging our own batteries we are better able to assist the people who are in our lives and extend that energy into the environment as well.

Laurissa offers Astrology Guidance and is an Educator of Conscious Living and Yoga Meditation Teacher (500 Hour Yoga Alliance Certified Teacher) and has been practicing yoga and meditation for nearly a decade. 

To find out more information about workshops offerings and private sessions, visit her website at www.tribaltree.org or visit her facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Daily-Vibe-Laurissas-Infusion-Astrology/330995256915873

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Weekly Message from Agni: Golden Age Energy

Weekly Message from Agni - 1/15/2012

This week:



You are strong to settle for the right decision. 
Heaven and earth, heart and head are lined up to make it right this time. 
Decide what is already waiting too long for your decision.
Have a blessed week.

Love and light, Agni

You Can Reach Agni on Facebook by visiting 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Agni

To find out more about Akashic Readings by Agni visit here:  http://jesus-the-book.com/akashic-readings/

“Jesus The forgotten Years”,
 the long-awaited sequel to
 “Jesus The Book” is now online.  by Durga Holzhauser and Agni.  (Order here)

Weekly Energy Series: Tapping Into Untapped Power

Tapping into the most powerful part of your mind is not as difficult as you may think.  The conscious mind is what most people are familiar with.  It processes everything that comes into it from all parts of the body.  Think about it - it is your conscious mind that tells you whether you like the taste of something, think something is beautiful or determining whether the touch was soft or not.  It makes decisions based on what comes in to it.  Another word for your conscious mind is awareness.  But with all these abilities and processes that your conscious mind handles, it is limited.  New research suggests that most people can only handle at most 7 or 8 processes at a time.

So where is the powerhouse?  The subconscious mind processes everything that your conscious mind does and more.  We are just unaware of its abilities and unaware of the processes that it automatically handles.  It manages all the muscles in our bodies so that we can breathe, walk, talk and be at least semi coordinated as we do them.  The subconscious is a truly amazingly powerful untapped source.

The reflex reactions that we make without even consciously thinking about them can be both positive and negative.  The reaction of not putting your hand on a hot burner is a good reaction.  However, that is only the beginning; our subconscious mind learns these reactions from past experiences.  Every event in your life is stored in your subconscious and makes these "auto pilot" decisions for you.  The habits are programmed responses that sometimes serve us well and can be done instantly without any effort consciously.

But not all habits that have been programmed into our subconscious mind will serve us well.  Sometimes an experience was a negative one; the programmed response is negative - but does it have to be is the real question?  Your subconscious mind does not have the reasoning power to judge experiences or people - that is done by your conscious mind.  When we have a negative experience what often happens is the traumatic experience leaves you with negative thinking and once it is a programmed response it becomes habitual negative thinking.

How do you break down your own internal habitual negative thinking obstacles?  We have seen how the subconscious mind has an amazing amount of power over your life that you are not even aware of it.  A major portion of it is positive and it serves us well in everyday actions like walking and talking.  However, sometimes the programming of our subconscious mind by past events can imprison a person as much as if they were locked up behind bars.

To overcome these negative programmed habits held within your subconscious mind what is necessary is to change the programming.  It is not quite as easy as changing the station on the television; however, it is very simple in principle.  Remember, the habitual programming you have today took a life time of experiences to create.  It will take more than a day, a week, or a month to reprogram your subconscious mind.   In fact, changing the program may be the most difficult process you have ever undertaken.  People have struggled with this exact programming habit and have successfully retrained their subconscious to a new more positive program.

The key to success in reprogramming the subconscious mind is to focus on the process not the desired results.  In a simpler form - If you concentrate on being positive with your conscious mind, you will be so focused on the end result you will forget the actions you need to take to become a more positive person.  It is not through thinking that the habits are formed, it is through doing.  When you concentrate on the action of smiling when you say hello, at some point it will become a programmed action of the subconscious mind.

The process is critical.  Focusing on the simple actions that your conscious mind takes will allow your subconscious mind to reprogram itself, tapping into the limitless power hidden there. These simple tasks may seem to stretch your self to its limits.  They may make you feel uncomfortable.  However, a scientific fact is that when we do things that are uncomfortable it dissuades all procrastination.

Your subconscious habits will predict your life by changing the habits; by focusing on the process rather than end results.  Minds of people form habits and habits form programmed actions that form your future.

Start today focusing on the process by changing one simple action consciously and begin to feel the hidden untapped power of your subconscious.