Intuitive Now
Art by Asheley Elizabeth
Tue. July 6, 2010
by Asheley Elizabeth
I’m constantly reading about metaphysics & physics, with both influencing my work. Just wanting to ‘put these artworks out there’, as I believe in the messages they carry. J
For more images of the works & their meanings, my online gallery is:
KEEP READING
I’m constantly reading about metaphysics & physics, with both influencing my work. Just wanting to ‘put these artworks out there’, as I believe in the messages they carry. J
For more images of the works & their meanings, my online gallery is:
http://www.ashe-art.com/Fine Art/fine-art.html
There is a selection of artwork photos below, with their titles.
Please pass on a BIG thankyou to Colette & yourselves for being so fun & offering such light to the global community!
All the best;
Asheley
Kaleidos Series: ‘Emerge’ – Detail
Kaleidos Series: ‘Spicule’:
Kaleidos Series: ‘Riffle’ – Detail:
‘Turn A New Leaf Over’:
‘Turn A New Leaf Over’: Detail:
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Leading With Love
Tue. July 6, 2010
by Laura A. Davis
Painting of Hidden Love by Tania Te Moananui
Leading with LoveEveryone loves a good story. Great leaders are aware of this and inspire others to own and share their own unique and special story. They help us to see how our narrative fits into ...
KEEP READING
Painting of Hidden Love by Tania Te Moananui
Leading with Love
Everyone loves a good story. Great leaders are aware of this and inspire others to own and share their own unique and special story. They help us to see how our narrative fits into the whole to make a difference. Corporate employees rarely go to work each day pondering the CEO’s vision or Wall Street’s valuation of their company if they work for a corporation. Few people think about the owner’s vision if they work in a store or any establishment created by someone else. Ideally, we “go to work” to make a living as well as a life. We all want to express our gifts and talents in a healthy work environment even in nontraditional venues.
Once survival needs are met at varying levels, each individual wants to freely and fully express who they are through what they do. We all desire to have a say in creating our own storyline out of the circumstances and events of our lives. Of course, we all want to recognize who we really are as observers and witnesses to our stories. Yet from a higher level of being, we are here to play out our roles and enjoy the plot.
Reflecting on my own story, I’ve come to a few conclusions and have made some observations that might be helpful to anyone in a leadership role. You may or may not see yourself in that light right now. I believe leadership potential lies within all of us. How do you know if you are a leader? The best litmus test is simple. Is anyone following you? You don’t have to have a lofty position to be a role model. You can be the light at any level of any hierarchy in any organization. If people want what you are offering, you are doing something that has an impact.
On your way to becoming a more effective, inspiring leader, here are some pearls I’ve gleaned from my own experience as well as from watching others whom I admire. It comes down to LOVE. And love makes a great acronym for what I want to express. People want to feel your heart and know that you care about what you do and about them. This doesn’t mean you need to be overly nice or enthusiastic all of the time.
Here are 4 observations to consider:
L stands for lens. Everyone sees the world through their unique lens based upon their story. We have the story of our family of origin, our birth order, our culture, our beliefs and values and upbringing. There are many factors which shape and influence our perspective on life too numerous to mention here. We have an interpretation of how life has touched us until we become aware that this interpretation or story may or may not serve us. I used to listen to someone’s advice, complaint or interpretation of an event/circumstance without discerning how valid it was for me or for the present need. If we can discern where someone is coming from based upon their personal history, this can help us to see past their filters into what is best in this
moment. One of the first things I request of a new coaching client is a life story of significant events and turning points in their lives. It helps me to see the values and beliefs which have informed their choices in the creation of their present reality.
O stands for originality. Leaders let each person’s light shine and assist in assigning or allowing roles and responsibilities where individuals can fulfill their need to create, contribute, and express their unique strengths and talents. Notice I said assist and not dictate. Some people know at an early age where they’d like to play. More often than not, people go into a particular career or line of work because of what their parents, teachers, or peers think is best based upon external factors including their own unrealized dreams or the state of the economy. If you ask most people what their unique gifts and talents are, they will respond with what they can’t or don’t do well. In the past, many people didn’t even ask themselves the questions of “who am I?” and “what is my purpose?” This is changing dramatically in our modern world out of necessity. You can facilitate this awakening.
Ask them their story. You might ask: What did you love to do as a child? What were you drawn to and why? What did you receive praise for without effort? Owning our greatness is often a challenge. One tool I use is Marston’s DiSC model. Some people naturally know how to create a sense of urgency and get results, others naturally know how to connect with anyone at any time in a personal way. Some people are natural listeners and process creators, while others are naturally gifted at research, factual precision and diplomacy. When one knows how to interpret the language of DiSC deeply from a spiritual lens, it can be a powerful tool for leadership development and organizational transformation. I’m a bridge-builder and translator of talents. DiSC, when interpreted fully, provides a scientifically-validated way to bring spiritual principles into the everyday language of business.
With this and other tools, one can assist people in recognizing the patterns in their story regarding threads of strengths, talents and areas for growth. We can begin to chart a roadmap with consistent signposts with many variables around the main plot. Even more importantly, one can teach people how to understand and appreciate the talents and challenges inherent in other people. With that understanding, we can begin to find acceptance on our way to appreciation and celebration of our differences.
We all come into this world as an original. No one wants to leave it as a copy. Whose life are you living? I remember working for a series of large companies, commuting to work, driving a car that I had inherited from my father and wondering whose life this was that I was inhabiting. In my experience, many people reach their mid 30’s and begin to question the choices they’ve made in their past with less consciousness. I believe you can love what you do for a living and design a life that includes passionate self-expression. People follow those who are inspired by what they love and believe in. No one is inspired by just the facts on a Power Point slide. We might be convinced but we are rarely moved by data alone.
V stands for vision. Remember that leaders have followers or at least people who want what you have to offer. Vision implies clear sight and looking ahead on down the road. Vision also inspires passion. If you don’t have a long-term perspective and some idea of where you’re going, why would anyone want to follow you? Take a long-term perspective while being in the now.
E stands for empowerment. Empowerment, vision and for that matter love, are words that are bandied about. What I mean by empowerment is creating an environment with the appropriate balance of challenge and support. One of the challenges in organizational life is the gap between where the leadership team’s current reality is and what the current reality of the front line tends to be. There seems to be a pervasive belief held by both camps that neither camp has the best interests of the other at heart.
My coaching clients initially say that the senior leadership of their company doesn’t care about them and only seeks to take or get time, energy, and work from them. In some cases, this is valid. On the side of the same coin, I will hear those at the top of the “chain of command” say that employees don’t seem to care anymore and are only interested in a paycheck. This is true for some people. Where you stand depends upon where you sit and yet bridges can be constructed across the void.
What a successful leader brings to the table is a firm belief in the desire of individuals to fulfill themselves through expressing their talents. They recognize that people are individuals first who are then connected through relationships which create value for customers and for employees. There is a direct relationship between employee and customer satisfaction. If leaders can convey their genuine, authentic desire to have their employees feel fulfilled and creative in their work, the will to be fully engaged takes care of itself.
It is as if the leader creates a force field around them. They create a petri-dish-like environment in which only a positive culture can live. There still can be misunderstandings and break-downs in communication. There still may be performance issues. Yet, communication and conflict resolution skills and performance issues can be addressed if there is willingness and not just compliance. Skills can be taught and have a chance of being implemented if this attitude of caring exists.
Leaders go forth and love.
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Changing Times
Tue. July 6, 2010
by Erika Lyn Cook
Changing Times
In the beginning there was light. That is how each and every one of us started, and that is what each and every one of us is. Light. We are all tiny sparks of God; we are all tiny pieces of one puzzle. When put together the puzzle makes one ...KEEP READING
Changing Times
In the beginning there was light. That is how each and every one of us started, and that is what each and every one of us is. Light. We are all tiny sparks of God; we are all tiny pieces of one puzzle. When put together the puzzle makes one magnificent picture. We are all the puzzle essentially, but just one piece of that puzzle. However, without even one of the pieces, the puzzle is incomplete. The human ego has created a veil or an illusion to make us believe that we are all separate from one another.
This is one of the main reasons why our planet is in the state of crisis that it is right now. We have forgotten who we are and what our true nature really is. Our true nature is that we are all spiritual beings having a physical experience. We have gotten so caught up in ourselves and in our day to day lives giving no concern for the fellow man, that it’s no wonder why the world is the way it is right now. As time has gone on we have drifted farther away from one another, making the conditions on planet earth worse and worse. However, the good news is that it is going to get better! Everyone has heard the saying “It has to get worse before it gets better”, well this is true when it comes to the state of our beloved planet.
Right now, we are witnessing the evolution of the human species. No, we are not going to turn into monkeys or anything like that, but we are evolving or changing into something completely different. We evolve to keep up with the evolving planet. As humans, we adapt to our environment so that we are able to survive in it. What is actually, physically happening on planet earth, also known as Mother Gaia, is that we are moving up and further away from the sun. This phenomenon is often referred to as ascension. So together, as one, we move up! As our planet shifts or ascends, so do we, and so does society as we know it. Everything is affected, nothing will be left out. We are slowing getting rid of the old and preparing for the new to arrive.
There are a lot of theories and speculations surrounding December 21st, 2012, as this date marks the end of the Mayan calendar and many other prophecies point to this date as being the end of the world. Many people wonder and fear just what that day may bring, and there is no one who knows for certain. However, I believe that if in fact 12/21/2012 is the end, it will without a doubt be the birth of something brand new. Perhaps this date and the prophecies surrounding it will mark a spiritual change for the human race, after all we are ascending, which intern will raise our vibrational frequencies, which will intern make us that much closer to “heaven” (or whatever you prefer to call it).
Whatever does happen on this illustrious date is certainly nothing to fear or worry about because the Universe just doesn’t work that way. We are all so blessed to be a part of this divine process, this is an extraordinary time that we are living in right now. There are perhaps many who will disagree with me on that since on the surface it seems that there is so much suffering going on around the world. Yes, there is a lot of “turbulence” right now, but everything is in divine and perfect order I assure you.
When I refer to the “old” I am referring to the masculine energy that we have been living in. When I refer to the “new”, I am referring to the feminine or goddess energy that we are transitioning to. We are moving into the goddess era. Living in the masculine era has been mainly about survival, greed, and every man for himself. The human ego has been the ruler of this era. With the ego running the show, it has taken us farther away from our spiritual nature. The goddess energy being about nurturing and caring will bring us back to spirit.
Until fairly recently anything of the spiritual or metaphysical nature was looked at as weird or woo-woo. However, if you notice there has been a huge influx of books and topics about spirituality that have become more mainstream. I think that we can thank Oprah for some of that! We see people becoming more open to alternative ideas and methods, people are searching for something more. That is the sacred feminine energy being slowly integrated into our planet. That essentially is the change that everyone is feeling. Some may feel it more strongly than others because they are sensitive to energies around them.
We are all in this together and no matter how bad your circumstances may be there is always someone else who has felt the exact same thing you have. When we begin to realize the truth of our oneness, we begin to experience the world in a whole new light. So I say to you all; I love you and I am here for you, you are never alone.
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Thoughtless Tragedy
Tue. July 6, 2010
by Erica Gleras
Thoughtless Tragedy
You steal your oil from the earth
To suit your selfish needs
Anything to make a profit
Helps to fuel your corporate greed
What will we leave for the children?
Is that a question that plagues your soul?
The continuous raping of the earth
Will one day ...KEEP READING
Thoughtless Tragedy
You steal your oil from the earth
To suit your selfish needs
Anything to make a profit
Helps to fuel your corporate greed
What will we leave for the children?
Is that a question that plagues your soul?
The continuous raping of the earth
Will one day take its toll
All your brilliant ideas
Ended up to be nothing but failures
And the problems the ideas created
You weren’t smart enough to have answers
How many days will the oil spill?
Into the waters with a vengeance
How many more creatures will you kill?
As a result of your catastrophic failures
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Remember When...
Tue. July 6, 2010
by Kathleen O’Keefe-Kanavos
Remember when we did not have the luxury of automatic machines like washing machines that spun clothes, driers that removed wrinkles and dishwashers that dried dishes spotlessly with garbage disposals that made rinsing unnecessary? For that matter, remember when Mom was ...KEEP READING
Remember when we did not have the luxury of automatic machines like washing machines that spun clothes, driers that removed wrinkles and dishwashers that dried dishes spotlessly with garbage disposals that made rinsing unnecessary? For that matter, remember when Mom was the dishwasher and you were the spotless drier?
Our winterized home on Cape Cod was reopened by the same plumber who drained it. We were reassured in California by phone that "all was well." The cleaning girls made the house was spotless. I called my friends and planned an “opening lobster dinner party” on the porch overlooking Barnstable Harbor. The night before the party my husband and I arrived home at midnight after a long delayed flight with three cranky cats. The dishwasher was not working.
"Oh, the Mieli dishwasher is the very best," the appliance repairman said the next morning. I watched him push buttons and talk to a service operator by phone while I drank my coffee. "However, they don’t like to be shut down." "Since when does an appliance have likes and dislikes?" I responded. "This one is so advanced that it can practically fix itself." "So why doesn't it?" He ignored my question and went on for ten more minutes about the wonders of new electronics, their memory chips and tiny computer boards. Then concluded with, "Well, it needs a specially ordered tool to get the motor going. I'll call you in two weeks." This super-duper, top of the line machine was ruining my lobster dinner and my week. It was too late to cancel. The lobsters were ordered. The party must go on!
And it did. The views were glorious, the food awesome and the wine washed away memories of the dishwasher. But, when it was time to load the machine, I had to confess that I would be doing them by hand. "Get another bottle of wine," Jenny yelled. "We're doing the dishes, just like the good 'ol days." And our production line reactivated memories of yesteryear—washing dishes as a family. We laughed, sang, dried and finished two bottles of wine.
That evening on FaceBook I wrote about the post-party-dishwashing-line, and asked if anyone had ever encountered this "Miele magic tool." No one had heard of the tool. Then, I started receiving comments about how my hand washing experience had jogged memories of evenings around the kitchen sink. FaceBook friends remembered how Mom had washed while Sister dried, Brother put away, and Dad watched. As I read their memories, I felt grounded. Had technology, created to save time, been inadvertently used to the detriment of family unity? These comments on FaceBook were the birth of posts that still grow today –“Remember When…” For the next two weeks, I posted YouTube videos of songs from the past and added, "Remember When this came out? What were you doing?" Songs touched off strong feelings of nostalgia. My stomach tightened as I smelled the gardenias from a deceased friend's wedding during the Beatles’ song Hey Jude. Angie, by the Stones, brought back memories of popcorn and laughter from High School. All this reminded me of how important the past is when facing a future that appears controlled by much that is unseen...wireless networks and nanobites.
Two weeks later the repairman was failing in his attempt to perform magic on my dishwasher with his nifty little tool when he suddenly yelled, "I found the problem. Hear that?" He shook the machine which rattled in response, then reached into a small container beside the catch pan and held the culprit up for inspection. "Well, look at that!" he declared with glee.
I glared at the culprit in my hand. "Are you telling me an olive pit brought this 'incredibly advanced piece of machinery' to its knees and me to the sink to wash dishes? So, you didn't really need that magic tool and I didn't need to wait two weeks for my dishwasher?"
"No 'mam." was all he said.
I frowned as I turned the tiny dark pit over in my hand. It looked none the worse for wear. I couldn't say the same for the dishwasher. Something so small that had been around before the birth of Christ had brought technology to its knees, confounded men, and outsmarted their magic tools. A smile crossed my face as I headed for my computer. My FaceBook friends would get a kick out of this. "Remember When we had to scrape the dishes clean before we loaded them in those old clunky dishwashers?... Well, do I have a story for you!
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Appreciate You 2
Sun. May 2, 2010
by Cynthia & Kelli
Appreciate You! (part II)
Ah, yes, appreciation. Did you know that appreciation is a wonderful tool for manifesting? Yep, it's true. Try it. Try shutting down the inner critic. Well, that actually takes a bit of practice. Maybe to begin with you can try observing your thoughts and ...KEEP READING
Appreciate You! (part II)
Ah, yes, appreciation. Did you know that appreciation is a wonderful tool for manifesting? Yep, it's true. Try it. Try shutting down the inner critic. Well, that actually takes a bit of practice. Maybe to begin with you can try observing your thoughts and when you find that you're being critical of anyone else or even yourself (it's the same thing, really), turn that thought around. Instead of naming what's wrong, find something that's right. There, now. Doesn't that feel better? And when you feel better, when your energy is higher, the outcomes you desire can more easily manifest. Who can't love that?
To take appreciation a step further, make a list of things to appreciate. Obviously, this works better when you're in a groovy, flowy, non-judgmental mood than when you're all cranky-boots about something. If you're in a bad mood, it will cheer you up FAST. If you're in a good mood, it will lift you up higher. I promise -- this is some serious magic!
First, get out your journal and title a page "ME." Or "Things I Appreciate About ME." Number the rows 1-10, and start. Begin with something easy, like "eyes." Maybe you have beautiful eyes. Own that, you dazzling goddess! Then find something else about yourself to appreciate, like how you make the best hot chocolate in the known galaxy. Write it down. Keep going, you're on a roll now! If you get stuck, write what your best friend would say about you. Not enough? Try "I appreciate the fact that I'm willing to write a list about things I appreciate about myself."
Self love is important. Especially if you're looking for love "out there" because after all, if you can't love yourself, how can you expect someone else to do it?
Oh, and, about the list? Here's an extra-credit challenge for you. If you breezed through the list of ten without a hitch, amp it up. Try a list of 20 or even 30. You'll find that once you get past the obvious, it's a little harder and you may even have to start appreciating those things about yourself that you had not previously been so kind about. You can do it ~ and let us know what wonderful gifts you discover about yourself. Love, C
My two cents: No one can be you like YOU. You're amazing!
Cynthia & Kelli are co-authors of a blog called Two Girls Take On Love. Life, love, relationships. . .yeah, they have something to say about that! Check them out at www.twogirlstakeonlove.com
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Dr. Death or Angel of Mercy?
Sun. May 2, 2010
by Kathleen O'Keefe-Kanavos
I was visiting my family in Manhattan when the invitation came. Death and dying had been a frequent theme in my “Stitch &Bitch” radiation group. When you have been diagnosed with stage four breast cancer it is often the theme of your nightmares, too. I really didn’t ...KEEP READING
I was visiting my family in Manhattan when the invitation came. Death and dying had been a frequent theme in my “Stitch &Bitch” radiation group. When you have been diagnosed with stage four breast cancer it is often the theme of your nightmares, too. I really didn’t know Jack, only what I had read or heard from news sources. I decided to attend the premier and learn about Jack, aka Dr. Kevorkian, aka Dr. Death.
The theatre was filled with anticipation. When Dr. Kevorkian was introduced by the president of HBO productions and stood to face the barrage of clapping I realized that Dr. Death was a tiny man, hardly someone to fear. The larger than life physician was frail from age and years of incarceration.
During the film, I was amazed as actor Al Pacino transformed into Dr. Kevorkian’s shuffling, stooped over persona as he lived the doctor’s life goal, “to release people from undue suffering and embrace death.” To his patients, Dr. Death was The Angel of Mercy –A doctor who listened to his terminal patients and respected their individual and human right to die with dignity before their suffering reached a level that was inhumane. This idea is still important today because at some point we are all going to die. That is the rule of life. I accepted this fact after my cancer diagnosis. What I would not accept was the idea of undue suffering until my final moment. Many of my friends in therapy wouldn’t either. Some of them knew that their treatment was designed to give them time, not a cure. They chose to use that time to look for a quicker way out, before it was beyond their control. The fear of suffering is closely followed by the fear of a botched suicide. The question, “Does anyone know of a way to commit suicide that really works and is not bloody or messy?” was asked more than once in our close-knit group. Unfortunately, death and dying by one’s own hand is still a messy ordeal. Although Hollywood has perfected suicide, the human psyche has not. Desperation breeds misery. Where was Dr. Death when we needed him?—In jail!
The movie showed that Dr. Kevorkian didn’t chose his patients lightly, and he turned down more 97 percent of them—his patients chose him. He did extensive video interviews and was selective in deciding whom to deliver from the grip of undue suffering and place gently into the hands of waiting death.
I’ve heard arguments against suicide because people can have miracles healings. The blind might see again and believe me, I believe in miracles! I am a walking miracle. But for certain patients, Dr. Kevorkian was their miracle.
It is not the hospitals or doctors who are to blame for undue suffering. They are bound by policy that is governed and limited by law. The problem is not in the medical field but in the law. If a doctor has his license revoked, how many other needy patients is he not able to help. This is a medical catch 22 that must be addressed. Disconnecting someone from life support and allowing them to die “naturally” from starvation is not humane. We don’t even do that to our pets. We humanely put them “to sleep.” Do humans deserve less? Did Dr. Death do less?
As Elizabeth Kubler-Ross wrote in 1969 in her book, On Death and Dying, “When a patient is severely ill, he is often treated like a person with no rights to an opinion.” Unfortunately, in 2010, I found that this is still often the case.
In the new age of Enlightenment with holistic and integrative medicine are we still in the Dark Ages concerning death and dying? Watch You don’t Know Jack, April 24th on HBO and decide for yourself—Dr. Death or Angle of Mercy?
About the Author: Kathleen O’Keefe-Kanavos penned SURVIVINGCANCERLAND
www.survivingcancerland.com
Additional Resources: THE NEW YORK POST, Friday, April 16th, 2010, pg 30
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
33
Sun. May 2, 2010
by Portia VanPelt
My signs began many years ago, although I wasn’t conscious enough to see it. Now that I woke up my consciousness- grace has flooded my life. Grace in the form of the number 33. When I see 33 I get a charge. A real charge. I feel like someone just threw a ball of energy at me- ...KEEP READING
My signs began many years ago, although I wasn’t conscious enough to see it. Now that I woke up my consciousness- grace has flooded my life. Grace in the form of the number 33. When I see 33 I get a charge. A real charge. I feel like someone just threw a ball of energy at me- It hits me at my heart chakra and I feel a light headed.
I have come a long way in my spiritual journey. It’s been a wonderful ride and I never want to get off this train. Some days I do and those are long days where I fall back into the pettiness of my ego. I am now able to stop myself and recognize that I am acting like a victim- a crybaby and sometimes a downright BITCH!
I became conscious of my sign 33 in 2008 after an answered prayer specifically using that number. And I do not want to sound like I believe that prayer is a Christmas list sent to God. I simply asked for a clear sign using 33 and I got it- more than once. Ironically enough….3 times now.
First time was on a trip to Chicago in the fall of 2008 with my two dearest friends. We took the train from home to Chi-town and felt like big girls in the city. So we are on the train, reading magazines, chatting about nonsense..when I tell my friend Amanda that I have been having a series of “coincidences” with the number 33. And I tell her all the stories of waking up 3:33 or anything :33, A LOT. And the first couple times I heard my name spoken and I’d wake up and look at the clock and bam, there was the number. I had tested it a few times by NOT looking at the clock when I woke, but as soon as my temptation got the best of me, I would look and it would in fact be something:33 o’clock. Then I noticed it in license plates, cars would pull in front of me or I’d be driving thinking good thoughts about where I was headed and I’d look up and the car in front of me was BKV 33 or whatever…but 33 was there and my eyes were drawn to it and sometimes I felt prompted to look over and see it. I tell her that I specifically said a prayer last night and asked God to please put us in a room with 33 or on the 33rd floor (if there are that many in our hotel) and I will look into Jesus a little more deeply. So I tell Amanda this and she’s kinda feeling a little spooked and we are giggling making light of all the signs I was getting. And I notice that my friend Amy is sitting in seat 32 across from us. And I say……….what seat number and I in? And she looks up and says 34……no wait the window seat is 33. WE ALL GOT CHILLS. I had sat down in that seat because Amy got on the train first and stopped in a seat and started to get in and I said “I want a window seat and got in behind her”. Weird?
We get to our hotel and Amanda checks in- reservation was under her name. As she’s walking towards me she has a “I just say a ghost” face and hand me the keycards and says…look at our room………3322. We were on the 33rd floor and by the way, as a joke I asked God to also give us a room with a view…….and we had a gorgeous view of downtown and the Lake.
So I got tired of telling stories about it. I am pretty sure everyone around me was also tired of hearing me talk about it so I stopped speaking it for a few months but it never left.
I lost a dear friend suddenly, someone I considered my 2nd mother. A year after her death, I decided to dedicate my first race longer than a 5K to her. When I got my number, it was 1331. I laughed and thought, perfect…Nola is here with me. It was rainy and icky and I kept saying….there’s a bubble over the race and we will have a good morning. And we did, the rain literally stopped seconds before the race started. I had prayed to Nola and God the night before that they please make this a good race and give me strength by keeping the rain at bay. So I am running, I get to the turnaround point where I start heading back to the resort. I am feeling good and I am nearly ¼ mile from finish and my favorite inspirational song comes on my ipod- Live like you were dying. And as I am running, I am getting teary because I know I am going to make under my goal time (loaded my ipod specifically so I knew that if I heard a song, I had to haul ass because it was the last one). As I am running, the sun starts to shine through a very small opening. I have to tell myself to stop crying because I am expending too much energy, lol. I cross the finish with my favorite song in my ears, this weird opening in the sky with sun pouring through it, knowing I completed my race under my goal time honoring someone I loved so dearly. I felt amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!
The rest of my group crosses and we head over to get water and food and check our official chip time. So my friends asked…did you finish with something 33 in your time, HAHAHA. And I didn’t but having that number on me was enough. So one girl asks…what was your place??? So I go back and check and I was in 33rd place in my age division…….I LOST IT. I had to take a moment. I felt God’s energy coursing through me- or maybe it was a runner’s high…whatever it was, I felt blessed beyond a shadow of a doubt. (I later moved to 35 place but I have the sheet of paper that says I was 33 for a keepsake)
My second 33 prayer was when I took a trip to a conference in Tampa in Nov 09. I went to learn from teachers I had been reading at the I Can Do it Conference. I had planned this as a retreat for myself- 5 days of alone time to rejuvenate myself. I got off the plane and called the van company to take me to my hotel. They picked me up at 5:33 pm! So I knew this trip was going to be exciting….starting on a 33 note! I get to my beautiful hotel and check in and I am put into room….drum roll…..533!!!!!!! But what I forgot to mention is that I asked God to please give me a sign of 33 in my room number again to let me know that I am following my soul’s plan by coming to this conference.
And I get to the conference and the address of the convention hall is 333. When I walk into the hall and enter the main conference area, I see 33 above the ICDI sign. The room directly above this main entrance was conference room 33. I had to take a photo…As I started saying long ago……I can’t make this shit up (sorry I have a bit of a trucker mouth sometimes).
My most recent prayer happened in January 2010. I was in a funk and feeling very hopeless. I was still having 33 happenings but they seemed pointless and I was getting frustrated with what am I supposed to do with this? So I asked God to please show me a clear sign, one that I cannot deny or need any more proof that this was communication from spirit. I had also begun a healing course and recently read a book called “truth heals” and it brought up some daddy issues that I needed to address. So as I am going through this healing and finally recognize the truth behind my daddy issues, my father is taken to ICU. My sister calls and says that he’s in room 3, third floor. Ok. Yeah, whatever right 3 3. So it’s February 23rd and my first born is having his 16th bday on the 25th and ever since I can remember my father had said “I won’t be around to see him drive” My father is intubated and so heavily sedated and going through withdrawls from both nicotine and alcohol that they have to also restrain his hands. After two long weeks we decide to honor my father’s wishes and not recessitate or extend his life any longer and we wait for his final day. I left the hospital after spending the day with him and our family on 3/2/10. I knew he would not die until the next day because well, it was 3-3. That morning I get up and get the updates from my sisters and tell them I will be up in the afternoon. I needed be with God that morning. And I do that in a nature park near my house that I run in. It was a gorgeous sunshining morning. I soaked up God and kept praying that my father leave peacefully and lovingly in an angels arms. We get back home eat lunch and we leave for the hospital. While I am on the elevator my phone starts ringing and it’s 2:33 and my sister calling. I didn’t answer since I was 50 feet from his room but she’s calling to say “HURRY UP”. I walk in the room and sit at his side holding his hand repeating hallelujah over and over and over and within 10 minutes my father died. I felt as though my father waited for me to arrive so he could be surrounded by his THREE girls and his loving wife. And that God gave me the undeniable sign that spirit is communicating with me through 33. My father was pronounced dead on 3-3-10 and his death certificate says at 3pm (although it was prior to that, a doctor had to acknowledge it).
I see 33 as my guidepost that I am on my path or that spirit is telling me to go for it! So I look forward to my next sign and where it may lead.
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Healing Our Pets
Sun. May 2, 2010
by Kathy Bilous
Healing for our pets
Our pets are so very special and dear to us, and when they are sick, it causes us stress and worry. It’s like an unending cycle because their illness can cause us to worry, which can then also affect the pet. Animals are highly intuitive and when we are ...KEEP READING
Healing for our pets
Our pets are so very special and dear to us, and when they are sick, it causes us stress and worry. It’s like an unending cycle because their illness can cause us to worry, which can then also affect the pet. Animals are highly intuitive and when we are worried our pets can sense our worried energy. Our furry friends can easily absorb the energies of their owners including stress, emotional balance, and tension and easily become unbalanced and unsettled from these negative energies. Reiki energy healing can remove these blocks and release the animals from this energy to regain optimal health and happiness.
What is Reiki Energy Healing and how can it help my pet? The name Reiki, pronounced ”Ray-key”, comes from the Japanese words ”rei” meaning “universal”, and ”ki” meaning “life force energy”. If this energy is blocked, it will result in physical, mental/emotional upset, injury or illness. Reiki is gentle, natural, non-invasive and brings powerful results. Reiki is ideal for pets because they are very receptive to and accepting of reiki energy healing. The pet controls the amount of healing energy they wish to receive and then reiki flows to where it is needed most. Animal Reiki improves the health and happiness of our pets and helps to heal physical illness, pain, injuries, and emotional or behavioural problems.
Reiki is effective for pets because it is not dependent upon physical contact. The animal controls the treatment. Reiki can be done either with hands-on, hands slightly above, from a distance, or a combination of these methods so that the pet is comfortable with the treatment.
Pet parents are being drawn to natural and holistic ways to help heal their furry little friends. There are times when the usual conventional methods to help our pets just don’t seem to give us the results we need. Reiki Energy Healing has been around for hundreds of years and many people use this natural therapy to reduce stress, balance their energy, and increase their overall health. Reiki can also help your pet.
Kathy Bilous is the Owner and Reiki Master at Paws for Wellness. Please visit www.pawsforwellness.ca for more information.
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
The Eternal Shaman
Sun. May 2, 2010
by Ginger
THE ETERNAL SHAMANOnce in a lifetime we are given someone that instantly touches our heart,
a teacher to guide us through life’s journey.
To lead us to Spirit, while showing us the Divinity within.
You are that teacher.
You have walked through the fires and been ...
KEEP READING
THE ETERNAL SHAMAN
Once in a lifetime we are given someone that instantly touches our heart,
a teacher to guide us through life’s journey.
To lead us to Spirit, while showing us the Divinity within.
You are that teacher.
You have walked through the fires and been reborn.
You have been lost in the shadows and found the path to the sun.
You have ridden on the stars and discovered the moon.
You have swam unknown waters and found the shores of love.
You are the eternal Shaman,
Guiding all that you meet, on their journey to love and light.
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Recovery
Sun. May 2, 2010
by Mary Sue Penn
Whether you are suffering from the loss of a job, relationship, pet, or long-held dream, an easy-to-follow process is available for starting you on the road to recovery.
1. Name the loss. While this may seem obvious, sometimes it is difficult to surrender to the fact ...KEEP READING
Whether you are suffering from the loss of a job, relationship, pet, or long-held dream, an easy-to-follow process is available for starting you on the road to recovery.
1. Name the loss. While this may seem obvious, sometimes it is difficult to surrender to the fact that you are at a loss, particularly if you have tried really hard at something. Before you can heal from a loss you must count it as a loss.
2. Identify the negative aspects of whatever you have lost. This may be difficult especially if the loss is a death, because people will tend to be speaking only positively of the person in question. Perhaps you're relationship with the person was more complicated, a little rockier. Naming the negative aspects or situations surrounding the loss helps to point where you may have stored-up emotions that you'll want to release.
3. Locate in your body where your emotions are stored or blocked. While emotions may be stored in any part of your body, by placing your hands over certain chakras or energy centers in your body while in a relaxed state, you can tune into emotions that may be there waiting to come out. Place your hands over your sacral chakra (the energy center two inches below your belly button) to tune into anger or frustration; hands over your solar plexus (center of your body) to tune into fears; and hands over your heart center to tune into sadness or grief.
4. Allow yourself to feel the emotions. It may help to try to sense a temperature, or color, or sensation-- anger may feel like a volcano wanting to erupt; fear may feel like the color yellow, yellowish-green, or periwinkle. We all experience emotions a bit differently. Tune into how your emotions feel. Then feel the emotional energy leaving your body and washing away.
5. List the positive aspects of your loss. This may be difficult if you were laid off, for example, and you don't want to make yourself feel worse about having to leave a good thing. But naming the positive aspects will lead to positive memories and joyous or peaceful feelings. Put your hands over your heart and allow any joy, peace, or happiness you received from the relationship or lost thing to be stored there.
A video which explains the steps may be found at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkfIxI5wKx0
--By Mary Sue Penn, Reiki Master, Radiant Heart Therapy energy worker http://www.getmeinmetaphysicalshape.com
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Fly Away Beautiful One
Sun. May 2, 2010
by Angel Moody
Fly away beautiful one.
(Verse One)
Just an ordinary lady living her life
nothing to remarkable or so it seems.
Till one night she's sitting on her bed at home
and she starts to have trouble trying to breath.
Calls to her daughter to call an ambulance
then next thing you know ...KEEP READING
Fly away beautiful one.
(Verse One)
Just an ordinary lady living her life
nothing to remarkable or so it seems.
Till one night she's sitting on her bed at home
and she starts to have trouble trying to breath.
Calls to her daughter to call an ambulance
then next thing you know she's laying on the the floor
daughter going crazy on the phone begging for some help.
doing cpr and waiting for them to finally reach the door. .
(Chorus:)
fly away beautiful soul, fly away from this world
leave behind all the pain that you may have felt
don't worry about those you had to leave behind,
for in the end with all the pain they will have dealt
So fly away to your new home, where you soul may roam.
Let the creator take you into his loving embrace.
Take in all of the love and light that is there.
Know in loved ones dreams they will still see your face.
(Verse Two)
She's laying in the hospital with doctors and nurses all around
Trying everything they know that they can do
Things aren't looking good on machines to stay alive
Family waiting and wondering if she will make it through
Doctors run some test and they say her brain is dead
That she really isn't in there any more.
As the family watches the machines are pulled
It hits them hard straight to their very core.
(Chorus Two)
fly away beautiful soul, fly away from this world
leave behind all the pain that you may have felt
don't worry about those you had to leave behind,
for in the end with all the pain they will have dealt
So fly away to your new home, where you soul may roam.
Let the creator take you into his loving embrace.
Take in all of the love and light that is there.
Know in loved ones dreams they will still see your face.
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Funny Dream
Sun. May 2, 2010
by Alma The Seer
A Funny Dream !!!Whenever I begin on a new journey, I am presented with a great dream. This one happened to be so funny,I could hear myself laughing in the dream AND, I woke up laughing! I felt it represented the idea that I am an instrument for the unseen and that I have a job to do ...
KEEP READING
A Funny Dream !!!
Whenever I begin on a new journey, I am presented with a great dream. This one happened to be so funny,I could hear myself laughing in the dream AND, I woke up laughing! I felt it represented the idea that I am an instrument for the unseen and that I have a job to do (among other spiritual tasks).
I felt like Alice in Wonderland-I had so much fun …
I dreamed that I went to the back of Kmart to rummage through the garbage. My younger brother came with me because he figured he'd find something too (also because he thought that watching me look through trash would be entertaining). I felt kind of embarrassed about looking through the garbage at Kmart, but since it was dark outside, I knew that no one would see me. Plus, I was certain I'd find something good. Well I was right however, I was confronted with competition from a raccoon.
As I pushed aside broken electrical appliances and other miscilleneous objects in the cardboard box, I noticed that the deeper I dug, the more hair dryers I found. I came across one that was shaped like a model 55 unidyne microphone (like the one Billy Holiday used to sing into). Anyway, as soon as I saw it, I grabbed it and noticed that I wasn't the only one who liked the unique structure of the hair dryer. A raccoon with really pretty yellow eyes also took a liking for it.
The raccoon tried to take it from me but only ended up in a game of tug-of-war. We argued: I used my voice and he used telepathy with very little lip movement (I wasn't surprised that he was talking just yet-I just felt a little dumber than him and annoyed that he came out of nowhere and tried to steal what I had found):
Me: “Excuse me, I had it first! Why are you trying to take it from me?!”
Raccoon: “Nope. It's mine! Give it to me. ”
Me: “No it's not! I found it, picked it up and now it's mine! Why are you arguing with me?!”
Raccoon: “You shouldn't even be here! This isn't even your territory-you really don't belong here!”
*To him, I had no right to take the dryer because I didn't belong on the property BECAUSE I'm not a raccoon!
Me: “So! This is unfair! It's mine!”
At this point, the raccoon began hissing at me, mouth movement and all. He did this several times in order to scare me off but he also kept doing it because I kept laughing at how he was doing it! I hissed back at him to show him that I could defend myself too. It was quite funny because he intentionally made himself look like both male and female when he hissed. He really knew how to make me laugh! I truly wanted to dislike him but he was so funny!
While I was laughing at the raccoon's strange way of getting me to leave him alone, he was walking backward and out of the area in which we were. I noticed this and realized that since he had distracted me so, I had to hiss at him again. Finally, I got scared and figured I'd get rabies if I kept messing with him and trying to get the hair dryer.
As he backed out of the scene, I noticed that his nap sack was full of the good stuff that was in the box, and that I was left with the useless junk. I felt upset because A) He tricked me into thinking he was scary and B) I was afraid of getting rabies and I had lost an expensive hair dryer!
Walking away with the realization that I had been tricked by the raccoon, I turned to my brother and told him that we needed to go back and get the dryer no matter what.
I saw a plastic bag from Target, grabbed it and before the raccoon knew it I wrestled him to the ground and wrapped the bag around his head. At that point, the raccoon began struggling so, I let up a bit. I wasn't trying to kill him, I just wanted to disable him.
He began hissing and showing me his pretty yellow eyes, in order to get me to stop. It was like he wanted to stay alive AND keep the hair dryer. I hissed back at him and said “I can hiss too,
I'm not afraid! And anyway, why do you need a hair dryer?! You're just being selfish-you don't even have hair!”
As we hissed and argued back and forth (I couldn't stop giggling between hissing, by the way), the raccoon used telepathy to communicate that even though we were fighting in a playful manner, he was afraid and…very serious about keeping the dryer.
While we argued, I wondered how he knew that he could speak to me telepathically. I also wondered why he was a raccoon and able to speak in full human sentences! He was so brilliant to me. I felt as though he was smarter than me and as though he was not really a raccoon! He had so much power and I felt as though it was risky to mess with him but I felt I had to hold my ground.
As my brother held him down in a backward wheelbarrow, sleeper hold-like position with his legs, the raccoon kept finding holes in the bag to breathe out of. I let him breathe because once again, my aim wasn't to kill him, it was simply to disable him so that my brother to get the hair dryer! I also wanted to keep him from biting me and morphing his facial features into strange shapes, in order to scare me off.
Finally, my brother was able to get the hair dryer. And though I felt glad to have taken the dryer from the raccoon, I felt bad about using so much force.
I released the raccoon and he walked away. I thought he felt that I didn't play fair, but the truth was that he felt that it WAS a fair fight.
The feeling I had at the end was that we were equal to each other…but I was still baffled at the fact that a raccoon was able to exhibit such human-like behavior. I was also left with the feeling that the raccoon was not JUST an animal, but that he was a highly intelligent and clever being in the body of an animal. After all, he walked on his hind legs and was quite argumentative!
What a funny dream. I woke up laughing-I felt so good!
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Hachiko
Sun. May 2, 2010
by Deborah
HACHIKO (THE MOVIE) If you have not seen the movie Hachiko, I recommend you go and see it.
The main theme of the film is Loyalty. This is the value that is highlighted in this story. After seeing it, there is no doubt that this story is worthy taking to the big screen. For those ...
KEEP READING
HACHIKO (THE MOVIE)
If you have not seen the movie Hachiko, I recommend you go and see it.
The main theme of the film is Loyalty. This is the value that is highlighted in this story. After seeing it, there is no doubt that this story is worthy taking to the big screen. For those who love animals I can only recommend that you watch this film.
It softens you to live this story, it is beautiful to see how this dog chooses a master and he decides to be faithful to him all his life. This is a story of high values.
One of the beautiful things that are highlighted in this film is the joy that only animals show to humans after a period of time during the day in which they have not seen us and the affection and excitement they have when we return home. That is something that humans usually do not show with equal enthusiasm.
In the film, the question of who picked who is underlined, as in any relationship we have in life. Ultimately, the result is that things are in this world because they had to be that way.
This occurs by default because those are the lessons we get from life.
There is no doubt that animals show us unconditional love, and this is what is shown in this film.
When you go to watch this movie ask yourselves, animal lovers, what you can do for them today.
Perhaps a simple idea to start with, is to think, how you can make your pet happy today, whether you have a dog or cat or any other pet that lives with you.
But if you want to go further, ask yourself what you can do to support an organization or institution of animals. Investigate how you can help and show your love for them. One way is to give money, but money is not the only way you can help, there are several ways even if you don't have monetary means.
Inspire yourself watching this film, that really touches your heart, and try to be fair with your ideas doing something for them. Sometimes little things can make a huge difference.
These beautiful beings with which we share our existence on this Earth need a lot of our help. Consider giving something back.
There are different organizations throughout the world that offer help and need support. Investigate those organizations and think of other ways in which you can make a difference. Remember that not only money counts, sometimes very little things can make things happen.
If we all place a little grain of sand into the bag we can gather a big fat bag.
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Light Switch
Wed. March 31, 2010
by Alma The Seer
Light Switch
When God turned on my light
I woke up and realized that I have so much
To give to my earth family
So I woke up into this life and began walking along strange paths
Some were exciting but most were ...KEEP READING
Light Switch
When God turned on my light
I woke up and realized that I have so much
To give to my earth family
So I woke up into this life and began walking along strange paths
Some were exciting but most were scary
When I was a teenager I realized that falling asleep would be one of my only escapes
From a family that disapproved of me and friends who could not understand me
Some said I was depressed and that sleep was the only way I could deal with my troubles
Others just looked away and categorized me as a gifted child, who was destined for something big
Every time I fell asleep, God reminded me that my life is a dream
And that I can live without fear of failing
Each time I woke up, I grew more and more powerful…
Now that I am grown, I do not fear what I see even when I dream
For I dream BIG in this small world
I am entitled to all that my heart desires
For what it wants is to live without fear of the next chapter in this incredible book that is my life
Thank you God for showing me that your Kingdom is inside of me
And that the castles that I build will never crumble into dungeons of fear
And that my dream machine is my mind
Thank you God for letting my eyes be the keys that unlock castle doors
To GREAT fields of dreams
Blessed be this life, blessed be my will to live.
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Appreciate You! - part 1
Wed. March 31, 2010
by Cynthia & Kelli
Have you ever looked back at an old picture, maybe from high school or maybe from just a few years ago and thought, "I can't believe I used to think I was fat then, I looked amazing"? I did, just last week. I have a picture of my Grandma, mom, me, and my daughter, taken about six years ...KEEP READING
Have you ever looked back at an old picture, maybe from high school or maybe from just a few years ago and thought, "I can't believe I used to think I was fat then, I looked amazing"? I did, just last week. I have a picture of my Grandma, mom, me, and my daughter, taken about six years ago that I keep on my dresser. I love to look at it every day to remember my grandma who passed away a few years ago. Anyway, I look at myself and I look beautiful. I can remember that time, even that day, and I was not feeling beautiful or thin or anything good about myself at all. What a shame.
So I have something to propose to you: can we stop doing that to ourselves, right now, today? Personally I am tired of feeling bad about myself and beating up on myself for not looking or acting or being perfect or what I think perfect should be. Let's start looking at all the things to appreciate about ourselves. You have so many things that are great about you. Can we focus on those, start with one or two things a day?
Some friends and I did this with Gratitude for a few weeks before Thanksgiving: everyone posted something they were grateful for every day on Facebook. It felt to nice, shifted the energy completely. So I am going to continue that now with appreciation, of myself and all the wonderful things in my life.
If you have stuff you're going through now that is not wonderful, put it aside for a bit. There is probably nothing you can really do about it anyway, plus the fact is worrying isn't going to help, period. So for now, really look for things you like about yourself and let's focus on those. It's probably been a long time if ever, that you gave yourself a pat on the back for a job well done or noticed that you really do have beautiful hair, or that you really are a good friend and a great listener.
See what happens when you start out with one or two a day. It will take on a life of its own. And to quote Seal, "I want you to always feel you're amazing". xo-K
My two cents: When you put your attention on what you like about yourself, you will start to see more to like and so will others.
***
Cynthia & Kelli are co-authors of a blog called Two Girls Take On Love. Life, love, relationships. . .yeah, they have something to say about that! Check them out at twogirlstakeonlove.com
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
When Trees Dream
Wed. March 24, 2010
by Tana Conred
When Trees Dream
This Beautiful 24x30 Acrylicon Canvas sent in by Tana Conrad is called When Trees Dream. We welcome any kind of Art, Songs, Poetry, and audio (we can add an audio player to these pages. So please feel free to send in your artistic expression.
When Trees ...KEEP READING
When Trees Dream
This Beautiful 24x30 Acrylicon Canvas sent in by Tana Conrad is called When Trees Dream. We welcome any kind of Art, Songs, Poetry, and audio (we can add an audio player to these pages. So please feel free to send in your artistic expression.
When Trees Dream
This Beautiful 24x30 Acrylicon Canvas sent in by Tana Conrad is called When Trees Dream.
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
My Angel's Wings
Wed. March 24, 2010
by Elizabeth Stoops
MY ANGEL’S WINGS
These angel wings are a reminder of the power of My love
When you are in need of strength, courage, or hope
Call up My precious angels I’ve instructed to light your way
Trust in Me and your darkest ...KEEP READING
MY ANGEL’S WINGS
These angel wings are a reminder of the power of My love
When you are in need of strength, courage, or hope
Call up My precious angels I’ve instructed to light your way
Trust in Me and your darkest hours will turn into the light of day
When you can take no more and cry out into the night
Don’t fret my child I AM aware of your plight
When you hear fluttering wings above your bed
My angels just placed a loving kiss upon your head
Close your eyes and whisper My name
Whatever the problem there is no shame
There is no prayer to great or too small
I will help you get through them all
My angels are eager to do their work and appease
All they ask is that you trust and believe
Let their warmth and love flow through you
Fear not as I AM here and will never leave you
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Life Lessons
Wed. March 24, 2010
by Erica Gieras
Life Lessons
It’s funny when I realize
That truth can hide behind the lies
Of the things we wish to see
In our own twisted ...KEEP READING
Life Lessons
It’s funny when I realize
That truth can hide behind the lies
Of the things we wish to see
In our own twisted reality
Sometimes “love” is nothing more
Then something that we lusted for
Glitter makes the dirty shine
But it can only last a short time
Cause in the end we learn to see
What this life was meant to be
And we must accept the right and wrong
What knocks us down helps make us strong
We are all a collection of flaws
And must break free of perfections claws
Enjoy this life as it flies by
Remember all you have to do is try
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Dating Dad 2
Wed. March 24, 2010
by Cynthia G. & Kelli D.
Dating Your Dad - II
Omg. I remember the day I realized I had married my dad. I was in therapy because I wanted to leave my marriage and like a good Catholic girl, felt totally guilty about it. He was the quintessential nice guy. Everybody loved him. Life of the party. Stable career. Didn't stay ...KEEP READING
Dating Your Dad - II
Omg. I remember the day I realized I had married my dad. I was in therapy because I wanted to leave my marriage and like a good Catholic girl, felt totally guilty about it. He was the quintessential nice guy. Everybody loved him. Life of the party. Stable career. Didn't stay out all night, didn't cheat. And yet I felt that I would suffocate if I didn't go. My therapist talked about how we base our beliefs of how relationships should work by studying our parents. I was mortified. Not only to realize that I was acting out my mother on a subconscious level (nooooooo!), but that I had chosen for my spouse someone who resonated with me on the same level as my dad. I never had sex with my husband again after that quiet little revelation. Egads!
Harvel Hendrix has a wonderful book called Getting The Love You Want. It's an amazing guide that looks at the architecture of a healthy, nurturing relationship, and also looks at the spiritual health of a couple. Hendrix describes four levels of romantic love. The first is the feeling is one of deja vu -- like you've known each other forever. In a way, you have. You are each resonating to the feelings that this new person sparks in you that feel familiar to the feelings you felt from your original love objects: you parents. The next step is a feeling of finding something you've been looking for. I call this the "oh there you are" syndrome. We look and look for someone to make us feel the way we think love is supposed to feel. The third step is a feeling of completion, of wholeness. The final step is a feeling that you can't imagine a life without this person who makes you feel this incredible love. When you're in the throes of these love steps, you are blissed out on romantic love. Endorphins are firing, you feel fully alive.
If you're exceptionally lucky, you and your beloved maintain these wonderful feelings and you live happily ever after. The rest of us go down the slippery slope of disillusionment and pain of a breakup, and look for the lesson in the chaos so we can avoid that mess forever and ever, amen! But disillusionment is tricky. It's sticky and seductive and its easy to get stuck there.
How about this. How about once your recognize your relationship pattern of choosing the overly critical person again and again, living out a Groundhog Day kind of romantic existence, you stop and sit with it. Maybe in addition to being highly critical, your dad has qualities that are good and noble and worthy. You maybe want to jettison the critical guy, but maybe he's loyal, or generous, or would slay dragons to protect his family. Those are qualities your dad has too. Maybe those are worth keeping on your "man of my dreams" list.
Cynthia and Kelli are the authors of the blog, Two Girls Take On Love and can be found at www.twogirlstakeonlove.com
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Soul Searching
Wed. March 17, 2010
by Elaine Bayley
This is a beautiful painting by
Elaine Bayley
We gladly welcome any art, poems, song lyrics, songs (we have a media player for them)
So add to your hearts content.
ART
ART
ART
Soul ...KEEP READING
This is a beautiful painting by
Elaine Bayley
We gladly welcome any art, poems, song lyrics, songs (we have a media player for them)
So add to your hearts content.
ART
ART
ART
Soul Searching
Art
Art
Art
Art
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Dating Dad!
Wed. March 17, 2010
by Cynthia & Kelli
Dating Dad – I
You know how it is. I took a much needed hiatus after my last relationship. The one I thought was "the one." I was excited for my best friend from So Cal. to meet him. She and her husband were coming for the weekend and ...
KEEP READING
Dating Dad – I
You know how it is. I took a much needed hiatus after my last relationship. The one I thought was "the one." I was excited for my best friend from So Cal. to meet him. She and her husband were coming for the weekend and we were meeting the b.f. for dinner. I thought the evening went great and the reviews would be the same, but at the end of the night my girlfriend looked at me and said "K, what are you doing? "You're dating your dad." As soon as the words left her mouth I knew she was right.
All the things about him I didn't like seemed so comfortable and familiar. You know what I am talking about, the things you are so drawn to yet almost immediately work to change. All the things I didn't like about my dad, all the unfinished, unhealed pieces rolled up in one guy that I was totally crazy about. And I do mean crazy. I loved him but didn't really like him that much. Sometimes I even resented him. He was just being himself having no idea that a critical comment or observation he was making left me feeling like I was 6 or10 or some other point in my childhood when my father made a similar statement. Ahhh, unfinished business, don't you love it?
I always knew I had "stuff" with my dad. His anger issues made me nervous and uneasy, he always was a bit grouchy and critical and negative. He was definitely a "glass half empty kind of guy. He wasn't the type who was open to talking about this, or maybe it was me unwilling to talk to him about it. Yikes. . .scary.
After my friend's revelation, I had to admit that I had been dating my dad for years. I went back through all of my significant relationships and yep, there it was, a pattern. Uggg, I hate when that happens.
So what are these lessons? Here's my Ken doll theory of love. Until you get clear about your "stuff," you'll keep attracting the same relationship. Even though your current guy has a different job, different hair, drives a different car, he's the same guy. You think he's different, but he has the same issues, "your issues," that your last four boyfriends had. It's the same Ken doll, you just pop a new head on. This new guy is "totally new," right? But the reason it didn't work out ends up being the same reason the last one didn't work out, and the one before him. It just played out slightly differently. This pattern keeps repeating for a reason, so you can see that this is your issue, your fear, your work you need to do. Bottom line, it's just the illusion of something different. Hi Ken, it's you again. Give it some thought, maybe we can figure this out together. xo- K
To read more of the adventures of Cynthia & Kelli, visit our website
http://twogirlstakeonlove.com/
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Rescue Yourself
Thu. March 11, 2010
by Zuri
Re-Invent, Empower and Improve Your Life Through Positive Thinking, the Law of Attraction and Emotional Spring Cleaning.Changes, whether it results from a break up, personal problems or loss of a job, can cause a person to lose their center and flounder while they try to find their ...
KEEP READING
Re-Invent, Empower and Improve Your Life Through Positive Thinking, the Law of Attraction and Emotional Spring Cleaning.
Changes, whether it results from a break up, personal problems or loss of a job, can cause a person to lose their center and flounder while they try to find their footing. Some embrace the change as a way to move forward and try a new path. Others become paralyzed by the fear of change and allow it to control them. So, they look for stability outside of themselves and rely on others for security. Many people look to relationships and other people, experiences, and events to rescue them. The truth is they need to rescue themselves. By rescuing themselves, they strengthen their relationship with themselves, increase their self confidence and build real love. There is a beauty in developing an independent spirit and that will always attract like-minded people to their life.
The path to regaining your personal power and becoming whole begins with self-work. Self-work happens through conscious living. Conscious living means being awake and in the present. Don't dwell on the past and relive what happened to you yesterday. Focus on the present so you don't miss out on the opportunities all around you that can create new directions and exciting new possibilities. Be aware of the types of relationships, experiences, food, and environments you allow into your life and into your body. Most importantly, not using any of those things as a crutch. Stand in front of the mirror that represents your life, take a real hard look at what is no longer working and have the courage to do the spring cleaning necessary to end associations that keep you stuck or in a holding pattern. Remember the three R's in your spiritual liberation process: Review, Release, Rejuvenate.
We are all divine beings with important life lessons that need to be fulfilled. In a fast paced society where busy lifestyles are the norm, we can forget to stop and listen to the messages that lie within. We may receive a message that a person is not good for us, a decision is not the right choice or even that there is danger in a particular environment. We ignore and put aside that inner voice which redirects us away from harm and holds us by the hand in loving guidance to the path that helps our souls evolve to a higher plane of consciousness. When we find ourselves in negative or destructive situations or patterns, we must reconnect with the divine within and trust in our inner voice to look out for our best interests. Now is the time to rebuild that relationship with our intuition and listen to it. Meditation is a great way to quiet the mind and connect with one's inner light for answers.
Any way that we can strengthen our connection with our higher power, spirit guides and angels will help us achieve greater peace, guidance and serenity. Even if it's taking ten minutes a day to relax, center and listen to our inner guidance will make a big difference. In conjunction with meditation is the importance of working on the negative self-talk that sabotages our movements and self-image. By transforming those thoughts through positive thinking, we can use creative visualization and the law of attraction to manifest the life we desire. The law of attraction works by envisioning what we want as already being a part of our lives. If we can see it in our mind's eye, we can manifest it. If we believe we are not worthy of a healthy and loving relationship, we attract jerks and emotional predators into our lives who feed on our insecurities and reflect back the impression of ourselves that is ingrained in our psyche. If we focus on lack of prosperity, we attract more of that through dead end jobs, financial struggles and more experiences of the poverty consciousness. So, it's all about changing our thoughts to match what we do want our reality to be.
With empowered thoughts comes great physical manifestation. If you have a toxic friendship or relationship, end it. There are better relationships out there for you if you are willing to let go of the ones that don't support your growth and who you are today. If you are in a dead end job, get involved in training and education programs to build the job skills necessary for better paying jobs that can lead to career advancement. If you have a negative body image and don't feel attractive because you've let yourself go over the years, work on developing a healthier lifestyle with a personal trainer and nutritionist through a balanced diet, exercise, and behavior modification techniques.
If you suffer from a lack of self esteem and find yourself in a pattern of unhealthy or destructive relationships, it's time to distance yourself from dating for a while to work on yourself and the issues that have caused the erosion to your self love and confidence. Reach out to support groups and counselors in your area for healing and empowerment. Need a boost to your social life? Don't wait for Prince Charming to knock on your front door. Get out there and mingle! Travel, get involved in a group activity, humanitarian causes, a class or check out social events in your area that bring people together. Every situation can lead to a spiritual awakening and be an opportunity to re-invent and empower yourself to create the life you deserve. Find your passions, experience new cultures, ideas and don't be afraid to open yourself up the possibilities. You are only limited by your own mindset. So get out of your own way and look to tomorrow as a bright new beginning. You just have to believe that it's possible and then have the courage to take the steps to positive change. Bet on yourself. You are worth it.
Zuri is an Angel Reiki Healer, Psychic Intuitive and Metaphysical Advice Columnist. For more information about her services, please visit http://www.AskZuri.com
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
DEPRESSION: A Message From Self?
Thu. March 11, 2010
by Kathleen O’Keefe-Kanavos
Illness and depression go together like peanut and butter. During my severe bouts of depression during cancer I had a choice—take pills or figure out what my psyche was telling me. This is easier said than done. I considered suicide as a means of escape rather than facing my ...KEEP READING
Illness and depression go together like peanut and butter. During my severe bouts of depression during cancer I had a choice—take pills or figure out what my psyche was telling me. This is easier said than done. I considered suicide as a means of escape rather than facing my “ghosts.” However, deciding to see what lessons I could learn from depression was the first step toward cure.
I can now answer questions I avoided such as, “Why was I depressed? How did depression save me and what did it teach me?”
Depression and illness was a way of forcing me to slow down and “look within” at memories (old baggage), events (cycles), people (relationships), and life styles (habits) that were unhealthy.
Without depression I may have continued settling for less than I needed and/or deserved.
I learned that just because something is thrown at me doesn’t mean I have to catch and keep it, especially insults or negative relationships. I can choose to move out of the way. I came to the conclusion that how people treat me is their Karma, how I respond is mine. However, not all relationships should be avoided. And that is when I learned my most important lesson—the quickest way to change someone’s behavior is to change mine first. They must respond differently to the new me.
Illness and depression made me take time out for myself, taught me to respect, honor, put myself first, and change bad habit. I drew new boundaries with which I could live.
A friend once asked, “How can I just quit my job or leave my relationship if that is what is depressing me.”
I answered with another question. “Are you worried about letting your job and relationship down or yourself? Will they survive tomorrow if you’re not around? Will you thrive if they’re gone? You cannot hold a gift if your hands are full. Put something down.”
Whenever I feel overwhelmed, one of the first things I do is “check my inner baggage,” –the useless stuff I accumulate, because old habits are hard to break.
As a care giver by nature I often thought that if I carried someone else’s troubles for them it would lighten their load. It doesn’t. It just makes mine heavier. That taught me a very difficult lesson—I cannot carry other people’s baggage or walk their path for them. I have to respect their life-lessons… to be learned by them… and my lesson was to respect and love them enough to let them learn those lessons, including mistakes. I will offer them my shoulder but not my back. Let me explain.
I learned the difference between being supportive and being a mule. A supportive person lends a shoulder to cry on. A mule carries the weight of the world while refusing to focus on their own life—this is avoidance. Another challenge can be the straw that breaks their back and sends them spiraling into depression.
Our mind is a beautiful thing. Experience has taught me that we manifest not only what we want but also what we need. Sometimes we need to slow down and reassess our lives. Depression served me in this capacity. I didn’t enjoy it and would not choose to go through it again. However, by facing depression rather than suppressing it, I learned from it, used it to change my life, and ultimately survived adversity and illness.
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
The Panhandler
Thu. March 11, 2010
by Liza H.
My route home from work takes me under an overpass and at the end of the over pass is a stop sign and a place where the homeless panhandle for money. Sometimes months go by and no one is there and other times, there are varying groups or individuals there every day for weeks. Lately there has been ...KEEP READING
My route home from work takes me under an overpass and at the end of the over pass is a stop sign and a place where the homeless panhandle for money. Sometimes months go by and no one is there and other times, there are varying groups or individuals there every day for weeks. Lately there has been this older guy with a bike. His little sign says he is a homeless veteran.
Now I have given money to panhandlers in the past. I work downtown and sometimes there is one (or several) on every street you walk. There is one street that is especially busy because it is a major high traffic area. There have been times I have been moved to give. Usually I do what everyone else does, just ignore when they ask. Some are more aggressive than others and sometimes you just give out of fear. Unfortunately, there have been people who have been hurt when they have said no to a homeless person asking for money. One time an elderly homeless guy asked for change. I had a change purse bursting at the seams so I just pulled out my change purse and emptied it in his hand. He was pleasantly surprised and I got rid of extra weight in my bag, a win-win for us both!
I am troubled though because I wonder if I am really helping them out or I am just enabling a person to continue down an already bleak path. Sometimes I wonder if I am working against some greater work if I give money and I wonder the same thing if I don’t. I consider myself a somewhat compassionate, caring person so this whole issue does trouble me deeply at times.
It occurred to me today as I was out and about that maybe I need to re-frame my thoughts about this issue. Maybe I don’t have to worry about if I am helping them at all or if I am part of a greater work of the universe. In other words, forget the big picture and just focus on the moment. Maybe in just that moment of giving money to a homeless man, it can be a meditation to remember that whatever wrapping we come in we are all on a journey and in the end we all wind up returning to where we came from. Maybe I can view it as a moment of mindfulness in an otherwise routine day. A reminder that we are all expressions of the Divine.
If you would like to follow my continuing adventures in the spiritual world, please visit me at http://musingsrantsandraves.wordpress.com
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Karmic Debt and the Role of the Animals:
Thu. March 11, 2010
by Shiri Johsua, M.A.(psych)
All of us travelled many life times with the same soul within different bodies (see http://www.brianweiss.com/ for more info on past life and psychiatry). We were all once hurt, betrayed, injured and abandoned. We also hurt others, were unkind, injured or harmed another soul. Thus we all have accumulated ...KEEP READING
All of us travelled many life times with the same soul within different bodies (see http://www.brianweiss.com/ for more info on past life and psychiatry). We were all once hurt, betrayed, injured and abandoned. We also hurt others, were unkind, injured or harmed another soul. Thus we all have accumulated karmic debts (and continue to every time we hurt another). All of humanity (other than rare cases of pure karma-free souls) carrying scars of something we did to others or something done to us. We play the role which is our lives trying again and again to free our soul from old grief and hurt through our relationships, career choices, beliefs, etc.
Karmic debts can show up as disease, hardship, loneliness, lack, unhappiness due to unforgiveness, etc. These are all negative consequences to not being aware of our sometimes-insensitive ways, which many times are due to karma: past or present hurt we have inflicted upon another soul (animal or human).
No harm to another goes unnoticed in the eyes of the universe, as exchange of energy seeks always to restore its own balance. Harm, injury, killing, or even unkind words & thoughts towards another being create karmic debt within the soul of the 'doer' and often come 'back' as harsh lessons to be learned for the purpose of spiritual evolution. Many souls end up suffering in one or few areas of existence (in this or future life times) due to karmic debts, even if in this life time they have not harmed another. Their soul still carries the debt around, sometimes of unkind acts from generations before, until healing and cleansing occurs.
Anyone can avoid negative situations in their lives by clearing old karmic debts through maintaining clear intention to be of service for the highest good of all. By being kind to one another, by offering to share our wealth however big or small, and by remembering that the sacred abides in everything and everyone. Passing by other people in the street, say a little prayer in your heart while looking at them in the eye: "I bless you." or "May you be blessed." Try that for a day, for when you bless another being, you bless your own self as well.
The animals are here as pure energy beings, teaching us valuable lessons of unconditional love. It is our job to translate their lessons onto our own community of the human race. They do not wish us to hold on to the lessons and keep it to ourselves only. In fact, they are here to help us PREVENT further karmic debt by offering us the opportunity to view all living beings as equal. This is an example of being of service. This intention or point of view, give birth to compassion and respect, and thus to unity of all souls as one. Kindness, forgiveness, and respect to all living beings (incl oneself!) is one way to remain in the pure energy of love and service, and to clear old karmic debts.
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
My Art
Thu. March 4, 2010
by Alena
This art was submitted to us by an artist name Alena.
We love receiving art from our readers.
If you are an artist, song writer, poet, etc.... send your stuff in.
We can even add songs to this page so people can have their songs heard.
So whom ever you are, there's room ...KEEP READING
This art was submitted to us by an artist name Alena.
We love receiving art from our readers.
If you are an artist, song writer, poet, etc.... send your stuff in.
We can even add songs to this page so people can have their songs heard.
So whom ever you are, there's room for your expression here.
Lotus Meditation |
|
|
|
Elemental |
|
|
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
My Move To NYC
Thu. March 4, 2010
by Alma Brown
My Move to New York City
I moved here to fall in love and learn about myself. I was afraid and I kept saying that the world might throw me off the ground and that I’d vanish, if I didn’t start living. So I did something about it. I moved to New York City when I was 24 ...
KEEP READING
My Move to New York City
I moved here to fall in love and learn about myself. I was afraid and I kept saying that the world might throw me off the ground and that I’d vanish, if I didn’t start living. So I did something about it.
I moved to New York City when I was 24 years old, and I never looked back. I just didn’t care about the pain that was in front of me. I didn’t care, I just wanted to live the life that I remembered that I KNEW I’d live, once I got here.
When I got here, friends that I knew would change, did…and walked away. Some changed for the better, some remained the same and some are still too scared to make moves.
My at the time BF cheated on me viciously. It was of course in a roundabout way, his way of getting back at me for making a clean break from our toxic relationship.
When I was a little girl, I knew I’d move to NYC. I saw the apartment that I lived in Washington Heights (apt. 5A—staple alpha numeric label!) and knew that this was my city…
I began working at Technicolor Inc. and learned a thing or two about the corporate/entertainment world and being…Alma in the spiritual sense and Alma in the physical sense. I also learned that if I could make Jodie Foster laugh at my sarcasm, I could grab the attention of other great celebrities without trying too hard. I also learned that when you shine in front of the big people, the individuals who refer to themselves as “the little people” sometimes grow jealous…
When I worked at French Roast on 6th and 11th street, I met Mel Brooks who later gave me the stage name Alma Ravelle (I don’t use it but it’s all good;)Thanks Mel). I met Mandy Moore and she called me weird! Jay Hernandez expected me to flirt with him, whenever he came in for a bite...and I always did just for him! I remember standing there teaching myself German, in order to forget my ex-bf. One of guys from A Bronx Tale asked me out…I declined. On one of my last morning shifts, I walked passed Sarah Jessica Parker and she winked at me. Enough said.
SO many guys came into my life. Some good, some BORING, some who were really arrogant, some violent, some gangsters, some rockstars and 1 famous one. Some had sensationalized me and expected me to be something they had read about. Well, the closest they got was a cross between Alma Wade and Carrie Bradshaw. They had to learn that I can’t be bottled and packaged. I may be petite but I’m not small…
Then, I met my soulmate for this decade. The relationship that I had with him made me realize that not all soulmate relationships are fun to be in. We met in 2006, one day after Christmas morning and 1 week after I let go of the pain of being cheated on. Within 7 minutes, I knew that he was the one I wanted to marry. We dated for 2 mos., started fighting, stopped talking February 7th 2007 and since then, we haven't seen each other..but we always hear about each other. Strange thing, Virgos and Capricorns and...soulmate-ism.
I learned that even though some people like the idea of a mixed family, mine was often too real for them. And so was my upbringing. And so is the fact that I’m psychic. As I would listen to ignorant comments about race, religion, cultures and sex, I realized how blessed I am to have my mind, my life, and a family that loves me.
I’m not a victim to any of this. I asked for it. Some of it sucked ass clean, but most of it was as good as gold. There were times when I was so hurt, I could barely get up to go to work. But I got up and made that an adventure too. I loved my adventures and hated them…but I lived in them. I made sure I was Alma, no matter how many times I was told to shut-up, back off or do things differently.
Some people ask me if I get tired of being so happy. I tell them that happiness NEVER makes you tired, it gives you a thousand more lives and creates this incredible pathway to existing and living above anger and madness. It’s an untouchable zone.
People always say that you can’t have everything. This may be true for the most part, but I believe that the closest thing to having everything in the world, is to be able to laugh at yourself…even when shit is hitting the fan. And even when people hurt you with their own tainted self image, or when you lose a job (I got laid off 2wice and then 2yrs later had 9 jobs in 2009--not even kidding! LOL! I also had 3 which were off-the-books.Yeah...).
I moved here when I was 24. I’m 28 now and I feel like I’m getting younger and younger. Strange but a blessing. I felt so old and worn out when I was in my early 20’s. So much passed me by back then. But in 2007, so many of the things I had wished for in my early 20’s came flooding in. I swore they wouldn’t. I was renewed and the events that occurred showed me exactly what my life will be like, granted I stay on my path.
When I moved to NYC, I learn to let go. I had not been able to do that for so long. And even though I’m still learning that it’s O.K. to let go, I still feel happy. I feel good about the decisions that I’ve made. I’ve come so far.
I just keep saying “So what if ____ doesn’t want to love me the way I want to be loved? I will still be loved and since I have a great husband written into my life, my King will come through for me and love me for good when the time is right.” I just keep saying “So what if I’m not perfect for other people? I can show those people how to enjoying being imperfect (from a distance of course—I’m nobody’s saint!)” I keep saying “So what if I my favorite Nanette dress gets stuck in my panties, in front of a bunch of really hot guys? I’m known to pull people’s pants down, so what about that?!” I just keep remembering the time that I partied like a rock star, slipped and fell flat on my bum, in front of Russell Simmons. I laughed so hard! After that, I stopped because a bouncer decided to pick me up off the ground and steal a kiss from me WITHOUT ASKING!!! It upset me but…I laughed at that too!;)
It’s all worth remembering because the more I remember who I am when I’m on an adventure, the more love I feel me, giving to myself.
I learned that waiting for love to come around, is waiting in vain. Especially when love isn’t being reciprocated by that person, place or thing. To live really is to Love, for when you live as you in your life, you’re up for straight “A’s” no matter how many times you fall on your ass.
I learned to be a novice and a leader at the same time. I’ve learned that the best love that you can give in New York City, is the love that you give to yourself. Don’t love in vain. That kind of love won’t set you free.
In 2007,2 weeks before my aunt Sissy passed away, she said: “Remember everything”.
Don’t say “victim”. Just keep going. Everything is new all of the time. Nothing is repeated. Just learn and keep moving and loving. Amen.
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
My Love : a poem
Tue. February 23, 2010
by Ginger S.
This poem is about the search for a lost soul mate. It covers the journey and how everything the person sees reminds them of their lost mate. Everything the person sees reminds them of that person from animals to nature itself. The person feels lost and uncertain, but in the end they find ...KEEP READING
This poem is about the search for a lost soul mate. It covers the journey and how everything the person sees reminds them of their lost mate. Everything the person sees reminds them of that person from animals to nature itself. The person feels lost and uncertain, but in the end they find their answers were within.
My Love
My Love,
Traveling through distant lands.
Defying space and time.
The Earth,
Twisting and turning.
Knowing no beginning,
no end.
Flowers in the field, caressing
One another.
Two mountains kissing the
Sky.
Feeling lost,
Visiting you
only in dreams.
Yearning,
Anxiously awaiting
Loves return,
My Love.
Alas, there
Is awakening,
Remembering.
Realizing,
That you were
With me all along.
My Love.
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Listen To Your Heart
Mon. February 15, 2010
by Kathleen O’Keefe-Kanavos
LISTEN TO YOUR HEART
Women have big hearts and are generally the universal care givers. Yet, they are also the last people to listen to or take care of their hearts. They follow their hearts in matters of love but seldom in matters of life. If someone they love complained of ...KEEP READING
LISTEN TO YOUR HEART
Women have big hearts and are generally the universal care givers. Yet, they are also the last people to listen to or take care of their hearts. They follow their hearts in matters of love but seldom in matters of life. If someone they love complained of chest and arm pain, or shortness of breath, the care giver who would run for the phone. However, when a woman has jaw pain, we rationalize it as having too many “balls in the air” as we juggle our social lives, family, friends, pets, dinner, laundry… . So, we sit for ten minutes (a long time in our busy schedule) and take it easy until the symptoms ease or pass.
Few women realize that jaw pain is a symptom of heart attack. If a busy family life can make you clench your fist and teeth, surely that is the culprit of the jaw pain, not a heart attack. Think again! Our body is speaking to us.
As women, our bodies have been speaking to us since the beginning of womankind. Our bodies tell up when we are ovulating, menstruating, pregnant and when a family member is in trouble. This information comes to us through dreams, intuitions and symptoms. Symptoms are body language.
Speaking with our inner self is the spirit of our being. We must listen to ourselves- our inner voices- our intuitions and symptoms.
As a two time breast cancer survivor, I am especially cognizant of my heart. I have had chemotherapy twice. Chemotherapy is difficult on all body organs and parts but it is especially taxing to the liver and heart. My heart has been stressed emotionally and physically. It needs extra love, care and attention. My heart took care of me through my treatment’s trials and tribulations. So now I must take care of my heart, and I started by listening.
Listen to your heart and follow your female instincts. Take care of your heart and it will take care of you.
About the Author- Kathleen O’Keefe-Kanavos was born to a military family, raised in Europe, graduated from Munich International High School in Munich, Germany, has a degree in Special Education from Keene Teacher’s College in Keene, NH, and taught Special Education for 10 years and Psychology at the University of South Florida.
Kathleen is a two time breast cancer survivor, www.survivingcancerland.com, an agented author represented by Scovil, Galen & Ghosh Literary Agency and has penned the soon to be published book- SURVIVING CANCERLAND: The Psychic Aspects of Healing.
She is an inspirational speaker, phone counselor for the R.A. BLOCH Cancer Foundation, and a mentor for WE CAN- a women’s self-help group. Kathy contributes to CapeWomenOnlineMagazine, Twitter’s C4Women, Colette Baron-Reid’s Intuition Now, Examiner.com National-TheGuidedPath, Examiner.com/Chicago-SelfAwareness-Examiner, Writer’s Digest Community, guest contributor to author Carolyn Howard Johnson’s SHRING WITH WRITERS BLOG SPOT, NCCS cancerversaey.org, blogs, National Wellness Community Online Support blog and discussion groups, Cancer Advocacy Now blog site. She is a member of the International REIKI Association’s blog and website, ACOR (Association of Cancer Online Resources) blogger and web chat, NBCC (National Breast Cancer Coalition) journal and blogger, USA TODAY Community Blog, LinkedIn , linked to heal@healthcarewhisperer.com, http://survivingcancerland.blogspot.com/tweets http://twitter.com/PsychicHealing and is a volunteer for many other cancer organizations and online cancer groups. She is currently working on her second book, SURVIVING RECURRENCE in CANCERLAND: The Dream World and Healing. Cambridge Who’s Who Registry Executive Professional of the Year 2009-2010. Press release pending.
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Happiness is a constant process
Mon. February 15, 2010
by Anuradha Joshi
Happiness is a constant process
Most of the spiritual and self help books say the same things over and over again.
Be in the moment.
The well of happiness and well being is with us.
That one needs to of this balance of happiness every time we find ourselves unhappy.
If we ...KEEP READING
Happiness is a constant process
Most of the spiritual and self help books say the same things over and over again.
- Be in the moment.
- The well of happiness and well being is with us.
- That one needs to of this balance of happiness every time we find ourselves unhappy.
If we read through the literature available happiness is not a goal achieved once in a lifetime. It is a constant process. As we breathe constantly the same way we make effort to be happy, calm and cheerful with each breath. Of course this happiness remains elusive many times in my daily life. Like for example, I find myself brooding about my work or relatives and worrying about the things that have gone wrong and may go wrong in future. Such thoughts naturally disrupt my peace and make me unhappy. Then after long struggle I come up with the following conclusions.
- Things have gone wrong and may go wrong in future despite my intentions.
- Is there an action I can take to make things better? If not then no point worrying about it. If yes am I taking the corrective action or do I plan to take the action.
The point is that I have to snap my self out of the unhappy situation and bring balance to feel better again. Does this mean that I will not begin worrying again? No! But my happiness depends on how quickly I figure that I am cornering myself again into one of those corners of unhappiness. The moment I figure that my mind is clouded with worrying or unhappy thoughts I think of restoring the balance once again. So the delicate balance of happiness is lost and found many times in a day.
I have found personally though with much practice that deep breathing or just thinking of my breath calms me down immediately. And after few breaths my perspective about a situation changes for a more balanced view point. This breath technique is useful when immediately confronted with questions or situation which can elicit sharp reactions from me. But once again the moment I sense I am about to be reactive, one calming breath later my response is far more balance. I have surprised myself many a times when I took a calm breath before reacting to an offensive remark or situation. At other times, I just leave the difficult task at hand and go read a book or water the plants or do dishes. Getting involved in an unrelated task changes the frame of mind.
As a human being we are innately happy and complete yet we have to constantly strive to be in that state all the time. It is like saying I was born as an apple but to remain ripe, delicious and juicy apple all the time I have to make a constant effort.
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Language Of Spirit
Mon. February 15, 2010
by Ginger S
I am of the belief that from the time we are born that Spirit speaks to us. Spirit may speak to us through a gentle breeze or the beauty of a sunset or perhaps merely the gentle kiss of rain on our skin. Sometimes it may be the quiet moment of a rabbit in the field in a peaceful mediation ...
KEEP READING
I am of the belief that from the time we are born that Spirit speaks to us. Spirit may speak to us through a gentle breeze or the beauty of a sunset or perhaps merely the gentle kiss of rain on our skin.
Sometimes it may be the quiet moment of a rabbit in the field in a peaceful mediation or the laughter we feel from watching the unusual antics of a pet.
Spirit speaks to all of us when we truly listen. We may feel Spirit through a particular piece of music, or through art, or poetry, or just mowing the lawn. No matter the method, how big or small
Spirit is always there and ready to guide.
I feel Spirit when writing. It is during this time that I am at peace and feel connected to nature, humanity, and the animals.
Spirit speaks to us in many languages. My language seems to be poetry.
The Language of Spirit
As I knelt by my bed and prayed
I asked Spirit to send me an Angel to guide me through this life.
As tears ran down my face,
I felt a gentle breeze caress my soul.
In the dark room as my heart ached,
Spirit sent light for me to see.
As I crossed my arms in the cold,
Spirit sent the sun to thaw my heart.
As I walked feeling alone,
Spirit sent a bird that flew overheard.
When I asked Spirit for a sign,
rain gently washed the tears from my eyes.
When I asked Spirit if it were all a dream,
Love stood before me with open arms.
At that moment, I knew that my angel had been by side all along
But, until now I had not listened.
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
The Sacred Gift In All of US
Mon. February 15, 2010
by Ginger S
As a child, I would sneak out of my bed sometimes from a bad dream in tears, or just out of boredom and tip toe to an old checkered chair that my Grandpa sat in.
The room would be lit by the dim glare of an old color television with five channels.
I would crawl in the chair and sat with my Grandpa ...KEEP READING
As a child, I would sneak out of my bed sometimes from a bad dream in tears, or just out of boredom and tip toe to an old checkered chair that my Grandpa sat in.
The room would be lit by the dim glare of an old color television with five channels.
I would crawl in the chair and sat with my Grandpa and we would laugh, at episodes of Andy Griffith, or just at the humor of life, it was from him that I got my sense of humor.
At the age of ten, my late night laugh sessions were shattered. My Grandpa died of a heart attack.
Suddenly, I was lost and uncertain. It was then that I was given a gift by Spirit, the gift of writing.
My tiny hands grabbed a chewed up pencil and starting pouring out my soul on the pages before me and I haven’t stopped since. Through my writing I am connected to Spirit and I spend hours lost in the silent meditation of writing; guided by Spirit and my Grandpa.
Writing has helped me get through my darkest times and just as when I was little and would have a bad dream and came running to Grandpa; by writing, my tears are soon replaced with laughter. Writing helps place light into my periods of darkness. It is my sacred gift from Spirit, it is my light.
It is my belief that everyone has gifts that have been given to us to help us get through these dark times whether it be art, music, writing, gardening, or what have you.
Find your gift. Dig through the trenches of your soul, to the dark corners that have been ignored. Pray for guidance and you shall find your gifts. You will know what they are by the way that you feel and your connection to Spirit, if it feels good it is right. Don’t second guess, that is your ego talking. If it feels right, it is right.
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Our Differently Similar Journeys
Mon. February 15, 2010
by Robin Linke
Our Differently Similar Journeys
So many of us feel like we’re on different journeys, but in the end, the only difference is the path we choose to follow and how we choose to experience it. The bottom line is, our journeys and destinations are all the same. We may call ...KEEP READING
Our Differently Similar Journeys
So many of us feel like we’re on different journeys, but in the end, the only difference is the path we choose to follow and how we choose to experience it. The bottom line is, our journeys and destinations are all the same. We may call our destinations by different names and apply various definitions, but that doesn’t change where and what it is.
We travel down our chosen roads, separate but together. Some may pick a circuitous route, while another decides the straight and narrow is the way for him. Others may pick a path filled with complications or even joy. The possibilities are infinite.
They say life is about the journey, not the destination. I have to admit, there are times when life feels more like Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride. Yet even that is a unique experience for those who decide to hop on and take a chance. Your dramatic, emotional friend is not going to have the same experience as the one who only views life through the eyes of fear. Then, there’s that one person who is happy just because he is able to be a part of the experience. He’s the one who notices the daisies on the side of the road, or stops his car to admire the sunset. He’s the person who stops everything to truly savor his first sip of coffee in the morning. He notices the scent, color, temperature, strength and the million other nuances that make that first taste a brand new occurrence every day. He creates small moments of peace.
Now don’t get me wrong, tragedy and chaos may still hit this person’s life. The thing is, he’s got the resources, emotionally and spiritually, to deal with it when it does. As he adjusts his path to fit the new circumstances, he may find a different flower to admire, or discover the wonders of the sunrise. Or, he may simply continue to fully enjoy his first taste of morning coffee.
When chaos hits, there will be occasions when we’ll only have time for a sip of peace. Go ahead and take it. It’s only a moment and certainly not long enough to get in the way of the rest of your day. They payoff is immeasurable, especially when the moments add up.
Do your best to enjoy the journey, you’ll reach your destination soon enough.
Robin Linke
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
2010- White Tiger / Red Heart
Mon. February 15, 2010
by Kathleen O’Keefe-Kanavos
2010- WHITE TIGER/RED HEART
On February 14th—St. Valentine’s Day—East will meet West. A mystical White Tiger will face Cupid’s arrow. As we celebrate the Roman god’s day of love, and Christianities St. Valentine, ...KEEP READING
2010- WHITE TIGER/RED HEART
On February 14th—St. Valentine’s Day—East will meet West. A mystical White Tiger will face Cupid’s arrow. As we celebrate the Roman god’s day of love, and Christianities St. Valentine, China will celebrate the New Year. Ancient Eastern mysticism will converge with Western modernism on the day that symbolizes love. St. Valentine’s Day/Chinese New Year will celebration different cultures and embrace ideals of ancient sorcery and modern realism. 2010 will be a year of combined dualities that will result in a time in history that will be stronger than the sum of its individual parts.
According to the Chinese zodiac, 2010 is the year of the WHITE TIGER—“gyeong” means white and “in” means tiger. The White Metal Tiger rules the Fall season and governors all metal elements. According to Chinese mythology there are five tigers that hold the balance of the cosmic forces in place and prevent chaos from collapsing into the universe. The year 2010 and the Chinese white tiger have strong numerical and symbolic synchronicities. In numerology, the year 2010 is 20+10=30=3+0=3. Three is the universal number for heaven, earth and waster. It is also the human body, soul and spirit. The month of the tiger is the third month of the year—March. And the tiger occupies the third position on the Chinese zodiac. The time of the tiger is from 3:00am to 4:59am—the Hour of Souls—a special time when the dying often chooses to free themselves from their physical bodies. The tiger is not only the emblem of protection for the living; it is the protector of the dead.
How does all this equate to what is in store for us in the year 2010? Through sheer will power, 2010 will create balance and diminish chaos. 2010 will be the year of the protected free spirits. The elements of the tiger will herald in strength, power and wealth—Tsaishen Key.
When the sun sets in the West, love will have united East and West and conquered all. The message is clear: religions, mysticisms and technology will be united and produce offspring capable of living in many worlds by transcending time and space. One of the biggest changes in life on earth will be technological innovations that will align ancient spiritual “truths and scientific” facts. 2010, year of the White Tiger, will be an interesting year, indeed.
SOURCES:
http://pages.infinite.net/garrick/chinese/tiger.html
http://wwwchinesezodiac,comtiger.php
http://english.donga.com/service.php3?bicode=040000&biid
http://joongangdaily.joins.com.article
http://www.ofesite.com/spirit/numerology/path9.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cupid
http://ww23.rr.com/index.php?origURL=http://wwwchinesezodiac,comtiger.php/
About the Author- Kathleen O’Keefe-Kanavos was born to a military family, raised in Europe, graduated from Munich International High School in Munich, Germany, has a degree in Special Education from Keene Teacher’s College in Keene, NH, and taught Special Education for 10 years and Psychology at the University of South Florida.
Kathleen is a two time breast cancer survivor, www.survivingcancerland.com, an agented author represented by Scovil, Galen & Ghosh Literary Agency and has penned the soon to be published book- SURVIVING CANCERLAND: The Psychic Aspects of Healing.
She is an inspirational speaker, phone counselor for the R.A. BLOCH Cancer Foundation, and a mentor for WE CAN- a women’s self-help group. Kathy contributes to CapeWomenOnlineMagazine, Twitter’s C4Women, Colette Baron-Reid’s Intuition Now, Examiner.com National-TheGuidedPath, Examiner.com/Chicago-SelfAwareness-Examiner, Writer’s Digest Community, guest contributor to author Carolyn Howard Johnson’s SHRING WITH WRITERS BLOG SPOT, NCCS cancerversaey.org, blogs, National Wellness Community Online Support blog and discussion groups, Cancer Advocacy Now blog site. She is a member of the International REIKI Association’s blog and website, ACOR (Association of Cancer Online Resources) blogger and web chat, NBCC (National Breast Cancer Coalition) journal and blogger, USA TODAY Community Blog, LinkedIn , linked to heal@healthcarewhisperer.com, http://survivingcancerland.blogspot.com/tweets http://twitter.com/PsychicHealing and is a volunteer for many other cancer organizations and online cancer groups. She is currently working on her second book, SURVIVING RECURRENCE in CANCERLAND: The Dream World and Healing. Cambridge Who’s Who Registry Executive Professional of the Year 2009-2010. Press release pending.
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
My Angel : a poem
Mon. February 15, 2010
by Erica Gieras
My Angel
Angel of light
Come to me tonight
Relieve me of the horror I fight
Take away my pain
So all the remains
Is me minus the chains
Angel of love
Shining down from above
Show me that which I dream of
Take away the tears
That I have cried through the ...KEEP READING
My Angel
Angel of light
Come to me tonight
Relieve me of the horror I fight
Take away my pain
So all the remains
Is me minus the chains
Angel of love
Shining down from above
Show me that which I dream of
Take away the tears
That I have cried through the years
To you I release my fears
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Law of Attraction In Action : Relationships
Mon. February 15, 2010
by Kathleen O’Keefe-Kanavos
When I was 26, living in Fort Myers, Florida, and thought I would never find the right person to spend the rest of my life with, I had this little chat with God.
“Look,” I said to God, after rejecting another date. “If there is someone you want me to be with for the rest of my life please ...KEEP READING
When I was 26, living in Fort Myers, Florida, and thought I would never find the right person to spend the rest of my life with, I had this little chat with God.
“Look,” I said to God, after rejecting another date. “If there is someone you want me to be with for the rest of my life please “bring him on” and if I am to stay single for the rest of my life that is fine too, but please don’t send me anymore losers. I’m almost thirty years old. I don’t have time for these weirdoes anymore. What must I do to find the love of my life?”
A week later, on Sadie Hawkins Day, I met Peter in a grungy bar. A friend was having second thoughts about her impending divorce and asked me to meet her for a drink and a chat. Attempting to have a private conversation was difficult as the chairs around our table filled with men who offered us drinks, dances, and their screws. Yes, their screws! At the door women were given bolts and men were given screws for the Sadie Hawkins Day Party that has been held the first Saturday in November since 1938. Sadie Hawkin, the homely unwed daughter of the Mayor of Cartoonist Al Capp’s Lil Abner pursued the top eligible bachelors in a “run for your life” foot race. The ultimate prize was matrimony for the spinsters. And here I was… at the party for the spinsters.
But, the goal at this party is not to run men down but rather to find your partner by getting “screwed.” I threw my bolt away after a Neanderthal’s almost fit. Just when I thought I couldn’t take anymore, in walked handsome Peter, my future husband and love of my life. I was instantly drawn to this gorgeous Greek with sun streaked hair and the most beautiful soft brown eyes I’d ever seen. I fell in love with the “windows to Peter’s soul.” We spent the next three years together until the day my in-laws gave us a society wedding at Copley Plaza in Boston. My father-in- law always said, “Kathy ran from Peter just fast enough to catch him.” If Peter was my Li’l Abner, then I was his Daisy Mae. With Peter by my side, I felt God had answered my prayers. “Ask and ye shall receive.” had worked.
15 years later my Li’l Abner stood by his Daisy Mae. I was diagnosed with breast cancer twice that was missed by the medical community both times but not by my female intuition. We fought this disease together for ten year that included treatment , operations, and soul searching.
When your health is challenged your relationships are challenged. The closer the relationship the greater the challenge because deep emotions result in deep cracks. Crisis causes relationships to either grow stronger or fall apart… but they never stay the same.
The way I see it, relationships are like bricks in archways; two or more entities fused together to become one. When an earthquake like illness and economic changes shakes those bonds to their foundation, cracks form. If the cracks are ignored, perhaps from denial, they grow larger until they completely split. However, if the cracks are scrutinized with soul searching and repaired with love and respect, the attachment can become so strong that when everything else is reduced to rubble, the archway survives. My illness registered a 5.0 magnitude on the Richter scale of Existence and although my life had tumbled down around my ears, my 27 year marriage is still standing.
Whenever I doubted my decisions concerning relationships I would reflect on why I made them in the first place and that would bring emotions back into perspective. My marriage was a prayer answered—a manifestation—L aw of Attraction in action.
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
NEW YEAR RESOLUTION: Want vs Need
Fri. January 8, 2010
by Kathleen O'Keefe-Kanavos
NEW YEAR RESOLUTION: Want vs Need
“Kathy, what’s your New Year’s resolution?” a friend asked over lunch. “Mine is to give up sugar” she continued, while shaking two packets of sugar substitute into her ...KEEP READING
NEW YEAR RESOLUTION: Want vs Need
“Kathy, what’s your New Year’s resolution?” a friend asked over lunch. “Mine is to give up sugar” she continued, while shaking two packets of sugar substitute into her coffee.
“Not to give up anything, and to put myself first,” I answered. “Then I’ll refocus on the difference between want and need in my life.”
My friend stopped stirring her coffee, peered over her sunglasses at me, and asked,
“What do you mean by that?”
The concept of care-giver first, and the difference between want and need can seem alien. I learned about these during radiation therapy ten years ago while battling breast cancer. I still see the side effects of emotional emptiness and burn-out in women who are unaware of self-care concepts.
Women are care-givers. Many give unconsciously and unconditionally until there is nothing left to give. Consequently, their emotional-well runs dry. Lately, I’ve see an alarming pattern in my friends during these uncertain economic times. Part of the problem is not distinguishing between wants and needs. Families have many wants, and the care-giver tries to meet them as though they are needs; a terrible burden to carry. Women become burned out from giving so much of themselves to those who want more than is available. When there is nothing left to give, the result is medication, and psychotherapy to fill the void, and dull the feeling of failure.
Today is the dawning of a new year. My first New Year resolution will be to allow myself to love, embrace, and always put myself first. I give myself permission to be number one in my life. How can I possibly share with others if I am empty? I want to be embraced by others but need to love myself first.
During chemotherapy, my psychotherapist armed me with a powerful mantra to help survive the uncertainty of treatment. “You are number one. No one and nothing is more important than you.” She was right. Ten years later, as a cancer hotline phone counselor and mentor, that mantra is still important to me. If charity begins at home, and home is where the heart is, then an empty heart cannot give anything to anyone else.
The importance of this mantra was even more evident during my Stitch-n-Bitch (as we liked to call ourselves) radiation therapy group. It broke my heart to see the care-giver suddenly discarded when their circumstances shifted, and they needed family care. These women felt that without family love and devotion they were useless. Their chances for recovery were challenged by their depression and feelings of emotional emptiness. Our little group spent hours discussing wants versus needs. We want a beautiful house, but we only need shelter. We want to eat in fancy restaurants, but we only need nutritious food. We want others to love us, but we need to love ourselves. The list of wants versus needs is endless. Realizing the difference between them may be the first step in avoiding emotional and financial bankruptcy. When I see something enticing, I’ll ask myself, “Do I need that, or just want it?”
In 2010, I will focus on inner-balance by being kind, and forgiving to myself. I will seek out and join a community “sister-hood of women” who can be my support system. Their strength will keep me from feeling alone during times of despair, and their resources will help me meet the needs of my family and friends.
When my body is fatigued, I will rest. When my soul is tired, I will meditate, and give thanks for all that I have. I will surround myself with things I love; my husband, friends, pets, plants, music, and fragrant candles while taking a warm bubble bath. While I care for my body my soul will soar.
Like the Chinese yin and yang, which are seemingly opposing forces bound together, intertwined, and interdependent in the natural world, we are complex creatures comprised of body and soul. These two diabolically different parts must be in balance as a duality for complete health of body and mind. Like yin and yang, male and female, body and soul are a dynamic equilibrium. If one disappears, the other must disappear as well, leaving emptiness.
Too many of us have lost a part of ourselves and are experiencing emptiness. The two faced mythical King Janus, patron of the new year, had two faces, one to see the past and one to see the future. We can also look in both directions, but tend to focus, and judge ourselves by past events that cannot be changed. It’s time to face forward into a new year of balance comprised of yin and yang. We can learn from our past to build a positive future. The good news is that a sisterhood of women is only a phone call or tweet away to help refill us with the love we deserve and NEED.
Balance yourself. Know what you need. Take care of your soul and it will take care of you . . . then you can take care of others.
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Victims and Pity Parties
Fri. January 8, 2010
by Michi Lantz
Whenever you act like a victim, don’t dress up for a self-pity party…One evening I witnessed a hilarious comedy impersonation of a woman who ran around in her house, totally frustrated over not being able to find clean sheets to one of the beds. Like it was the end of the ...
KEEP READING
Whenever you act like a victim, don’t dress up for a self-pity party…
One evening I witnessed a hilarious comedy impersonation of a woman who ran around in her house, totally frustrated over not being able to find clean sheets to one of the beds. Like it was the end of the world, as she knew it. This woman seemed to be totally over her head of having to deal with daily routines and responsibility. She talked loud out in the air (but simultaneously addressing her family), while running around like a rabies-affected dog, asking where the hell that darn bed sheets had gone. Actually, she swore. Her children answered that they had no clue. Her boyfriend asked if he could help her in anyway, just to be sorry that he even popped that question. – “NO, I do it myself” was her harsh answer to the gracious help she was offered. “I HATE that there is no place to put things in this house!” or “I’m so bloody tried of trying to do everything by MYSELF!” was some of the things that came out of that woman’s mouth, as if nobody could hear her remarks. Her children sat in the living room, trying to disappear by become fused with the wall behind them. The boyfriend went to the front door to welcome his children, which were coming to spend the weekend. Btw, it was clean bed sheets to his children she couldn’t find. Now, after a while she found the sheets in a place, where she earlier thought of as a clever place to put clean bed sheets…in a bureau. The tension in the house faded away and her family welcomed the calmness. The woman was quite silent for the rest of the evening, as if she turned into silent sulking. As you probably have guessed by now, I was this raving mad woman.
I’ve felt extremely frustrated the last couple of days. I hear this inner voice commanding me to work hard and tenaciously with my art, without trying to skip from the daily routine responsibility. I want to have fun and all I hear inside my head is: All things in life are not about having fun! Anyone that knows me well enough, knows that I’m a type of person who cares a lot for others and their needs. I tend to let others’ need come before my own. And as a co-worker I’m usually also fun to work with. So I do a lot for my family and anyone who needs my attention. I’m proud of that trait, BUT…there’s a but in there, all work and no play makes me a doll “gal” as it goes in the film “Shining”. So when I take responsibility for everyone else and not really sticking to what’s mine (responsibility for me, myself and I), I turn into a raving mad person after a while. And that’s not funny, not funny at all.
After today’s breakfast my boyfriend told me that when I’m in that mood, it’s impossible to connect with me. But he has the courage to not engage in my self-pity, so he just waits for it (me) to “blow over”. At dinner my children put up a “play” or rather a comedy impersonation of how I act as a raving mad self-pity mother. It was hilarious. I laughed hard.
- “Mum, when you act like that, you want everybody to know that you’re frustrated, but you don’t want anybody to help you, to pitch in”, my oldest daughter said and showed me how I ran around like a crazy person. - “Even if we were invisible you manage to make us feel guilty of not helping you. But when we want to help, you just dismiss us and we have to sort of disappear feeling guilty of failing to help you” she said. – “Exactly. When I tell you to breathe, you tell me that that isn’t the solution to your problem. Even if you’re the one that taught us to breathe whenever in stress”, my youngest daughter continued.
Well, my friends, that is tough love! My God, I love my family. I’m so grateful that they have the courage and WISDOM to let me see how powerful my energies impact people around me as well as myself. They showed me that I had nothing less than a huge self-pity party, and the only one loving it was I! As long as I let my inner victim occupy me, I lose it. I lose my self-centre. I become totally self-absorbed. The choice that I didn’t make, which would had been much more victorious, was that I could have cleaned the clutter out in stead and let the whole family do their part. It would have been much faster, funnier and gratifying for everyone.
– “We know that you don’t actually want us to feel guilty, but you can really make us feel inadequate sometimes. So when you’re in that mood you’re just full of yourself”.
Wow, what profound words from my family. And they know that the best way to “get to me” is to trick me to laugh at myself. They did. And they did it very well. They showed me that a self-pity party isn’t fun. Because it’s a one-man party making everyone else miserable! So I guess it would be more accurate to say: no work and all self-pity play make me a doll “gal” in deed! Lesson learned…(at least until next time I lose it!)
Love & Light /Michi
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Poems
Fri. January 8, 2010
by Erica Gieras
I write poems as a way to deal with my emotions. What I can’t express in words I express through poetry. These poems below are some of the ones that have really helped me through some of my darkest times and hold a special place in my heart. I turn to them for motivation and I hope that one ...KEEP READING
I write poems as a way to deal with my emotions. What I can’t express in words I express through poetry. These poems below are some of the ones that have really helped me through some of my darkest times and hold a special place in my heart. I turn to them for motivation and I hope that one day they can help other with their healing.
Change your MIND
I throw my pennies in a wishing well
To escape this living hell
But then I start to realize
The answer lies behind my eyes
In my mind is where change must start
My evil thoughts from me must part
The key to happiness is in me
It took so long for me to see
If you want to change your life
You have to change your mind
Forgiveness
It’s hard to forgive you for what you have done
It would be easier to look down the barrel of a gun
I no longer want to live this life
With pain that cuts me like a knife
You caused me years of misery
But now its time to set you free
In order for my wounds to heal
It is love not hate I need to feel
I forgive you for the pain you created
That caused me to become cold and jaded
I forgive you for not being who I needed you to be
I forgive you now and set you free
One Step
One step at a time is all I can take
Through all of the pain
My spirit wont break
Through it all I keep on a smile
You give me a foot and ill walk a mile
I hold my strength through all the pain
Even when I think I am going insane
I know that nothing in this life
Could ever give me as much strife
As I have already walked that path
And felt hates horrid and cruel wrath
But now I choose the path of love
I pull my strength from up above
And walk with my head held high
Knowing part of me must lay and die
But ill never look back to that place
The demons I no longer face
They are gone and not welcome here
I have cried my last tear
The sorrows are replaced with light
And I will win my internal fight
Happy
I don’t want to sing another sad song
Maybe this life really isn’t so wrong
Happiness has been here all along
I just didn’t want to see
That happiness begins with me
I don’t want to shed another tear
Or live another pain filled year
And I won’t as long as you are near
And now I am beginning to see
That happiness begins with me
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
experience a blank canvas
Wed. December 2, 2009
by Jane Morales
Experience a Blank Canvas
Are you aware at the fact that we receive two million bits of information per second? Out of those 2 million we are only able to handle 134 bits per second. Only those are processed by the brain. We then group the 134 bits of information into ...KEEP READING
Experience a Blank Canvas
Are you aware at the fact that we receive two million bits of information per second? Out of those 2 million we are only able to handle 134 bits per second. Only those are processed by the brain. We then group the 134 bits of information into seven manageable sets of information based on our memories, values and beliefs. From everything we experience throughout the day we leave a lot of information out and we only process that information that either relates to us or that is convenient to us.
In other words, we really cannot see anything other than who we are and what we perceive outside ourselves is who we are.
The people that we see are what we project them to be as we can only perceive a small percentage of information. We take our most unconscious believes and project them on to others and events around us.
What is the purpose?
To become conscious of them and change four our own good and better being.
Chaos creates chaos and peace creates peace. Where do you stand right now in chaos or peace? Your answer is a reflection of your own inner self. You must decide where you want to be and begin with yourself. You and only you can create value in your life. We tend to project all of our unresolved issues with the people around us and we don't see anything other than who we really are.
Every cell in your body is affected by what you think and the responsibility of change falls on you. The value of what you do and what you are solely depends on this. If you are surrounded by chaos, instability or confusion it is because that is what you are inside. The only way to modify this is by changing yourself.
Never underestimate the power to change yourself. Never overestimate the power to change others.
When you correct your mind, everything will fall into place. Think soft, think flexible and become humble. You have the power and capacity to change your being by changing the way you look at things about yourself. It is all based on beliefs of how we see ourselves and our life.
Begin by creating a blank canvas as you relate to others. Find peace in every relation and be open to listening. Benefit without the personal concern of your own benefit. Benefit by observing the way others relate to you as they are a mirror of your own self.
Meditation, Observation, Solitude, Silence, Humility
Be Mindful of your thoughts, actions and words. What your project on to others will be reflected back to you. Open yourself to the idea of creating a whole better version of YOU. The whole dynamic around you will change for the best.
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Spirit Matters
Tue. December 1, 2009
by James Pookna
SPIRIT MATTERSIs this earth, its inhabitants and universe born by a being we are said to resemble A being that whispers the substance of creation breathing life into the just delivered A being who spits out rivers and salty oceans and exhales atmosphere of earths vital ...
KEEP READING
SPIRIT MATTERS
Is this earth, its inhabitants and universe
born by a being we are said to resemble
A being that whispers the substance of creation
breathing life into the just delivered
A being who spits out rivers and salty oceans
and exhales atmosphere of earths vital gases
Who’s ominous breath sends hot air, smashing
into moist cold air, with thunderous results
Swirling, sucking the earth’s fabric to itself
Then, condensing those gases into droplets
thrashing, scrubbing, churning that fabric
Mixing this from here, with that from there.
Making it all new Yes! transformed is new
Then with its brilliance injecting a spirit
Or is that being itself that ebullient spirit
that touches and stimulates all of life’s cycles
spirit, spark, sparkling spirit that is life
almighty spirit that is love
interminable spirit that keeps love infinite
incessant love of life that keeps life eternal
Does it matter if we think of this spirit as a
ray of sun caught by a mythical warrior and cast
to the earth like an enlightened spear or the spirit
God, Allah, Jehovah, Yahweh, Qi or Shin of Jin-Shin-Do
Or perhaps, this spirit is simply left over energy
from a big bang, caused by a long ago binary mix up
Somehow, its infinite power enlivening vast galaxies
storing power in enumerable, seeming inexhaustible suns
Infinitesimal sparks energizing atoms in single cells
Shocking dormant DNA into performing their task
quantizing simple amoeba, as well as, complex creatures
without distinction yes! that includes us, you and me
A spirit none the less, timeless, mystical, beginning
A life loving spirit the ignition of life’s sustenance
What is the difference where it comes from, or it’s title
We are all of that spirit . . . however different our ideas
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Reasons to not 'Get 'er Done'
Wed. November 25, 2009
by Sherry Kannass
Getting to know you, getting to know you……..
It appears like we will be celebrating more than the birth of Jesus Christ this holiday season. From a very personal standpoint, as well as a world wide aspect, I believe there is a group rebirthing happening at this time. This period will be ...KEEP READING
Getting to know you, getting to know you……..
It appears like we will be celebrating more than the birth of Jesus Christ this holiday season. From a very personal standpoint, as well as a world wide aspect, I believe there is a group rebirthing happening at this time. This period will be talked about in years to come as a point in history that will forever be earmarked as the big shift, the great awakening, and I, for one, will be extremely proud to say I was a part of it. I am also proud of the depth of my courage and the strength of my knowing in spite of feeling like a misfit, and I have a great respect for my determination to see my way through to a different life. Change is most definitely underfoot and I will not be left behind in the dust of others forward movement out of fear or ridicule. Not happening, period.
Much of our past creations are being undone, seemingly falling apart from the view of outside existence, but what is really happening is a birth, a very intimate, personal re-creation that requires that a pre-existing form dissolve in order that a brighter, uninhibited version of self can emerge. This self is reborn as the innocence of one who has not been wounded in one way or another but has been given the opportunity, after all the hard work, to start over, only the birth process is much different than the first one! This time around, it really is up to us to choose what to do with this new life, and ignore those that can’t seem to even fathom that all can be new and bright again.
I have had many challenges along the path to this new life, did a lot of stumbling, crying, agonizing but it is getting easier, believe it or not! This latest glitch is about changing my approach to my dreams. In the past, I was the one to ‘get ‘er done’, if you know what I mean. I was the doer, the fixer, the go to person who could be relied upon to have a solution ready before something ever became a problem! Needless to say, this was mighty exhausting.
And now, if I attempt to move forward using that method, well, I gotta tell ya, it is so dang physically draining that I really almost can’t move. I am so grateful for the inner light bulb that eventually gets turned on and now know that the energy of life has changed so drastically that all that is truly required of us is intention. Put the order out there, so to speak, and let the universe take the plans out of our hands. It is not our job to figure out the ‘how’ but to decide on the ‘what’ that we want to create. We no longer need to DO anything but be open and willing to try something new, intend for the experience, anticipate, visualize and let the wave of that energy being expressed bring it to us. What a wonderful thing, this new mode of creating!
Now is the time when we are being given a chance to be heard, some of us for the first time ever, from the new self who is fresh and whole, untouched by wounding. We may experience some fear and anxiety because of not being used to making choices from this new place as the residue of the old ways slowly disappears. For me, it is a time to stop pushing myself to somewhere, not knowing the destination, but pushing nonetheless! I am learning how to differentiate within what I like and don’t like, requiring that I learn a technique on how to tell the difference! Yes, isn’t that amazing??!!??! How I made it to this age without this skill is a real mind boggler! I guess it can only be described as ‘stumbling’ along the road of life, for a very long time!
My ‘get ‘er done’ days are over and in their wake, is what is truly in my heart, my deepest desires that I have denied for way too long. Now that is living.
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Awakening to Angels
Wed. November 25, 2009
by Irene Sonja Fanane
In my teenage years I became very aware of the spirit world around me. I developed a Sixth Sense. I was not afraid of it but I was also not interested enough to try to understand the purpose of this phenomenon because my religion condemned it …
So I married at 18 and became very busy with ...KEEP READING
In my teenage years I became very aware of the spirit world around me. I developed a Sixth Sense. I was not afraid of it but I was also not interested enough to try to understand the purpose of this phenomenon because my religion condemned it …
So I married at 18 and became very busy with marriage, children and church.
My life continued “normally” until the early 90’s. That was the most difficult decade in my life. I went through a very difficult second divorce that left me emotionally and financially devastated. I had no real profession to fall back on and I struggled to support my family. During this difficult time my mother who was my emotional support died of cancer. One year later my younger sister passed suddenly, leaving four children behind. And a few years later my father died from congestive heart complications. I became very depressed and with only one sister left in my family, I felt orphaned and abandoned.
I questioned God’s purpose in these tragedies and the difficulties in my life but I didn’t give up praying. Yet I wondered if God was listening to my prayers because I felt so alone. At times I felt abandoned by God also… but I kept praying and calling out for help. In this spiritual conflict I developed a strong interest in angels. I started collecting them and had them all around the house. Even my friends gifted me with angels.
Suddenly an interesting spiritual phenomenon was awakening in my psyche. I started “hearing”, hearing the spirits around me. At first I thought it was my ego or my imagination… I was afraid of it. But soon I realized the “gift” I had developed as a teenager, my Sixth Sense was activated. I had opened a channel to the other dimension where angels and spirits communicate with us. Once I started to trust this communication without FEAR I began healing emotionally and spiritually.
With the help of the other dimension I started healing my life. All my religious training never gave me the full understanding of God. Now I was discovering God’s love and mercy and the unconditional love He has for all of us. Archangel Michael helped me to cut through my own darkness and ignorance to discover a new dimension where we are one with God and the whole universe. To heal my life was to know we are never alone!!
This was ten years ago when the “awakening to angels” and accepting my “gift” put me on the spiritual path to my destiny. Today I am an “angel reader” on a mission to help others to connect to the other dimension for healing and finding a higher purpose in life. You can learn more about what I do at www.awakeningtoangels.com .
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Fulcrum - a poem
Wed. November 25, 2009
by Teri Micco
F u l c r u m
I want to touch the sound
of my Self awakened in the morning light —
hold on to what cannot be held,
rest in what flows without resting.
I want to, but I won’t.
I’ll be silent for once, still ...KEEP READING
F u l c r u m
I want to touch the sound
of my Self awakened in the morning light —
hold on to what cannot be held,
rest in what flows without resting.
I want to, but I won’t.
I’ll be silent for once, still —
listening finally without ears. Listening with
my breathing heart and beating wings.
Ripening like the sun rising inside the cedar,
like the rain falling to earth from tomorrow’s sky.
“Fulcrum” is excerpted from Soaring on Wings of Suffering, a collection of some of the writings that have been flowing through me for some time now. This “poem” arose out of a tea house writing partnership with my dear friend Chizuko. When we meet, one or the other of us reads a poem to set the kettles boiling. This day, the words that opened our hearts and sang our voices alive were, “What seems so far from you is most your own” from The Sonnets of Orpheus: II, 23 by Rainer Maria Rilke, translated by Stephen Mitchell. Recently I began publishing the collection as a book with the help of my handy archival inkjet printer known now as Cindereagle Press. To read more, go to web.mac.com/terimicco. (Safari & Firefox work best.)
w o r d s & i m a g e © 2 0 0 9 b y T e r i M i c c o
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Validating Information
Wed. November 25, 2009
by Peter Canova
A MULTI-STANDARD APPROACH FOR VALIDATING INFORMATION
Science tends to dismiss mysticism as fantasy because it doesn’t conform to the scientific method. This ironically echoes charges the orthodox Christians once leveled against Gnostic Christian mystics in the first ...KEEP READING
A MULTI-STANDARD APPROACH FOR VALIDATING INFORMATION
Science tends to dismiss mysticism as fantasy because it doesn’t conform to the scientific method. This ironically echoes charges the orthodox Christians once leveled against Gnostic Christian mystics in the first centuries AD. The common denominator is literal materialism negating spiritual mysticism.
The scientific method (hypotheses must be testable, refutable, and subject to empirical observation) is valid within its context. The thing is, there can be more than one context to life and reality.
We need to recognize and accept different standards for determining the validity of information. Though certain sciences such as quantum physics and aspects of molecular biology border on the metaphysical, hard science is limited to descriptions of the physical world and physical processes. We can call this the “objective” world for sake of discussion. Non-material phenomena are the provinces of psychology, philosophy, metaphysics, and mystical experience. These are more “subjective” disciplines exploring the psychic or abstract world, the world of images.
It would be hard to argue that valuable truths do not lie somewhere within each of the subjective fields of knowledge mentioned above. Should we dismiss all revealed or intuitive wisdom or the theories of philosophy and psychology because they cannot meet the objective parameters of the scientific method?
Many scientists and mystics concur that all reality stems from one source. Perhaps then a way to consider the validity of metaphysically as opposed to scientifically derived information is to say that the objective and subjective sciences are describing different layers of the same reality. Mystic wisdom employs different methodologies and descriptors than rational science because it is penetrating dimensions of reality that extend beyond the material.
The ancients arrived at their revelations through introspection using their intuitive and imaginative powers. They described facets of unseen dimensions that form the template for physical reality as we perceive it. Many points are emerging where these subjectively derived revelations are correlating to the newest and most advanced findings in genetics, molecular biology, and quantum physics.
As science creates new instruments to probe the quantum physical world, we are seeing how the symbolic mytho-poetic works of ancient mystics described, in terms of the available language and culture of their day, phenomena such as the Big Bang, Parallel Universes, Gaia theory, Information Theory and the Holographic Universe Theory to name a few correlates.
Many scientists, such as Einstein, used multi-standard methodologies by using non-material intuitive faculties such as imagination to visualize an instinctive truth then work it backward to a scientific hypothesis or theory.
So let’s not disrespect all channeled, mystical, philosophical, or otherwise “unscientifically” derived information as New Age drivel. Perhaps that elusive term, truth, is to be found at the emerging points of intersection between mysticism and science. If science is the y-axis of truth pertaining to the nature of reality then certainly spirituality is the coequal and necessary x-axis. Perhaps this is what Einstein meant when he said, “Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind.”
People on both sides of the scientific/spiritual divide need to study and respect the works of one another for only with an integrated mind/heart, rational/mystical quest for knowledge will humanity find the answers to its most compelling existential mysteries.
AUTHOR BIO-- Peter Canova
Current Project: Pope Annalisa, Book one of the First Souls Triiogy
At the age of twenty-three, I first realized my abilities to do intuitive medical readings, remote viewing, psycho kinesis, and other “psychic” phenomena. This led me to a conviction that all of humanity, and all life, is interconnected at an unseen level. As I traveled four different continents for my work, a variety of spiritual figures entered my life unsolicited thereby reaffirming this belief.
I combined my love of writing with my spiritual background and my travels to produce a fictional work entitled The First Souls Trilogy. It concerns the first fall of spirit into material existence as told through the lives of characters whose incarnations appear over different epochs of history. Pope Annalisa, the first book, tells of an African nun who becomes the first female pope in a near future world headed for self-destruction. The trilogy deals with the origin, destiny, and purpose of humanity, the suppressed role of the feminine in spiritual history, and spirit transcending religion.
Website: popeannalisa.com
Twitter: popeannalisa
Pope Annalisa Videos on You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSxB8r3sYBM
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Blessing in Disguise
Wed. November 25, 2009
by Kathleen O’Keefe-Kanavos
New Ruling on Mammograms a Blessing in Disguise?
Women throughout the country are justified in their angst concerning the New Mammogram Guideline Recommendations from the “Government Task Force.” This recommendation breaks with the American Cancer ...KEEP READING
New Ruling on Mammograms a Blessing in Disguise?
Women throughout the country are justified in their angst concerning the New Mammogram Guideline Recommendations from the “Government Task Force.” This recommendation breaks with the American Cancer Societies’ long-standing position regarding early detection, and sound like a step backward in health care. It is a fact that detecting cancer early can mean the difference between life and death. If mammograms are discontinued before the age of 50, how will early screening for breast cancer continue? What about arguments concerning false negatives and the panel’s advice that women shouldn’t be taught to do or use breast self examinations? Don’t despair. There are solutions to these challenges.
Now, more than ever before in breast cancer history, it’s important for women to listen to their bodies concerning health. It’s time to discover our inner-voices and self-advocate for the tests we need in order to survive. Medical tests we relied on for early detection may be a thing of the past. Our doctor’s hands may be tied by Hospital Policies that are cutting back on medical costs. We must depend on ourselves because we cannot depend on others to put our interests first and policies second. Education through word-of-mouth and the internet can be an invaluable tool. Four years ago a friend told me about the use of sonograms for breast cancer detection.
According to researchers at the University of Washington and Harvard Medical School, during a 10 year period, 1 out of 3 women had mammograms and breast exams which yielded images of breast cancer when none was actually present—false positives. Conversely, false negatives are common (up to 15%) with mammograms, especially in younger women who have dense breast tissue. However, the fear of a false negative is nothing compared to the panic attack associated with a missed positive. I can attest to this from personal experience. At ages 44 and 49, both of my breast cancers were missed on mammograms—missed positives—but found by self examination, and confirmed by MRIs. Our first line of detection should always be ourselves with self examinations, especially as our healthcare system continues to undergo changes. And, rather than systematically relying on mammograms for early detection, we should be looking at more reliable options such as Breast Sonograms.
The Power Color Doppler Ultrasound technology has been used as an alternative to Prostate Biopsy for years. One of the benefits of the Power Doppler Ultrasound is that it can be used as a mammogram alternative to monitor breast health and obtain clear, accurate breast cancer images. It can provide early and accurate images of most highly malignant breast cancers, resulting in life-saving early detection, diagnosis, and intervention.
According to the American Journal of Radiology, sonography detects four times as many cancers as physical examinations and twice as many cancers as mammography. Other advantages are that they can be repeated to closely monitor areas of concern during treatment. Additional benefits of Breast Sonograms are:
- completely painless, safe, and non-invasive
- no harmful radiation used during the procedure
- inexpensive when compared with the costs of a mammogram or biopsy
- requires no post-procedure medical care or recovery time.
If I’ve learned one thing these past years it is that you seldom get anywhere waiting for someone else to take action for you. Hoping someone else makes the right decision for you is a half plan missing a vital component and your biggest resource—You! Be a squeaky wheel until you are acknowledged, don’t take no for an answer, don’t settle for less, and don’t be dismissed. I learned that the best way to survive any crisis is to mix intuition and science, and then cross check them against each other.
I am not beholden to medical or insurance associations. I don’t have a Ph.D. after my name, but I do have 10 years of cancer experience behind it. Help others by passing the word. Take care of your Inner-Spirit and it will take care of you.
About the Author- Kathleen O’Keefe-Kanavos www.survivingcancerland.com is an agented author and has penned SURVIVING CANCERLAND: The Psychic Aspects of Healing. She is a phone counselor for the R.A. BLOCH Cancer Foundation, a mentor for WE CAN, a contributor to Cape Women Online Magazine, C4Women, Colette Baron-Reid’s Intuition Now, blogs http://kathleenokeefekanavos.blogspot.com ,tweets http://twitter.com/PsychCancerland and is a volunteer for many cancer organizations and online cancer groups. She is currently working on her second book, SURVIVING RECURRENCE in CANCERLAND
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
The Art of Non-Action, A Loving Practice in Self-Care
Wed. November 4, 2009
by Master Michael Alaska
Our modern world leaves little invitations for people to just “BE”. We are made to feel way on the out side, if we so much as un plug from the daily grind of information technology over load. I assure you; having a daily practice of living peace or time to meditate does not include being at the ...KEEP READING
Our modern world leaves little invitations for people to just “BE”. We are made to feel way on the out side, if we so much as un plug from the daily grind of information technology over load. I assure you; having a daily practice of living peace or time to meditate does not include being at the beck and call of every request from life out side of you.
One does not need to check into a monastery and become a master monk to know peace, grace or to have the appropriate amount of time to just chill out and be. As in a human being and not a human doing. Finding and making time for “YOU” is a doable choice and yes it is a choice, based on self care and self respect.
The newness of having time not filled up may be a frightening experience at first. As feelings and knowledge need to have the place to surface, inform and heal our spirits. Rare is the urban warrior and goddess who are completely comfortable in the emptiness and act of non doing. Trust me, the stress and the drama will wait while you wander off and reflect.
Checking out from the collective matrix of over doing, over busy, over people pleasing does not mean dropping out. Try it just for one day, give your soul the treat of extra space and time to do nothing. As with all wisdom; this happens one day at a time, one breath at a time and one intention at a time. You will be amazed at the learning and energy you will gather from the art of non doing.
Abundant Blessings In Grace
Master Michael Alaska
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Only Darkness is Afraid - poem
Sat. October 31, 2009
by Duvid Boanerges
I've heard it said as darkness loomsFears are the killer of mind
I steady myself by melodic tunes
Deep within, LIGHT do I find
For LOVE is the POWER and CHAMPION!
A Dove and a Flower and Stanchion
Breathing in ...
KEEP READING
I've heard it said as darkness looms
Fears are the killer of mind
I steady myself by melodic tunes
Deep within, LIGHT do I find
For LOVE is the POWER and CHAMPION!
A Dove and a Flower and Stanchion
Breathing in fragrance pleasing, lighting my candle, my lamp
Breezes buffet me while underfoot serpent I stamp!
Duality comes forth, Principle of Gender!
Reality's Source and invincible Lender
HIS Bride and Consort, THEIR Sun and Sender
By faith THEIR TRUTH the eternal Mender
When we struggle our strength
Be tested potential evolved
If we stumble at length
Still our problems are solved
For there's mercy abundant
Within all of our souls
By THEIR Power triumphant!
If LOVE and TRUTH we have chose
So be happy, be grateful
Yes look at the skies
Be chosen, be fateful
Relax, close your eyes
Tis in our hearts all the answers are written inside
We're all part, like as lancers they're smitten-disguised
Illusions enamored away they fade
Mentally clamored fray in the shade
Our cleansing Love-Light shall be obeyed!
We rise above ruling all things that are made.
For it is only the darkness that is afraid!!!
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
A message from The Angels
Sat. October 31, 2009
by Lisa Prine
Excerpt from Parables for Life, as channeled by Lisa Prine.There is nowhere to hide. It is time to not only peek out from behind the curtain that has been hiding you, but to step out fully into the spotlight. Living a life backstage will not have you feeling like you are ...
KEEP READING
Excerpt from Parables for Life, as channeled by Lisa Prine.
There is nowhere to hide. It is time to not only peek out from behind the curtain that has been hiding you, but to step out fully into the spotlight. Living a life backstage will not have you feeling like you are the star of your own show. Step out. Be brave, but in your bravery, know there is truly nothing to fear.
How do I do this, you ask, how do I be brave, how do I change things in my life that are a burden and a mess and of misunderstanding? How do I stop being this puppet with so many handlers that have access to my strings?
One step at a time, we say. With each step you take from this point on, do so with integrity, awareness and responsibility for the steps you choose.
If you can own the steps you take that do not turn out so great, then you can make the choice to choose a new route. If you can own the lines that come out of your mouth, you can make the choice to speak with thought and care put into what you emote.
If you can listen for our voice in good times and in bad, you will have a compass of wisdom to steer your walk.
If you can invite blessings into your life because you feel worthy of receiving them, will your stage find itself adorned with roses. If you can feel calm when the audience is in an uproar, you will have found peace and stable footing.
And if you can open your heart and let it swell, until it feels it would burst simply because you are, will the show become a miracle, with boundless opportunities, magic in each note that you hear, and you will come to see that where you are really isn’t so bad after all.
And as you turn to the orchestra, waiting for your cue, you will find they are already playing the song of your heart, the song of your truth, and you will step onto the stage, ready as you will ever be.
Dance, for this is your life. Sing, while you have the chance. Smile and feel like the sunshine. Weep, for this gives honor to your feelings. And above all else, see, that you alone, are sacred, you are a gift unto yourself, with every right to be here, and that no one, not anyone, can take away your dreams ever again, if you have removed your permission for this to be so.
We are watching, we see you, and we applaud, whether you shine or fall, we applaud, for it takes a soul of mighty courage and valiance to walk onto the stage. We will always be in the front row, we will always be backstage, and we will always be your orchestra, ready to play for you whatever you so wish.
Cherish your role, cherish your self, stand up and be counted, for you are a vision in all of your glory, magnificent beyond belief, and we bow in honor of your very existence
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Who's coming to dinner?
Sat. October 17, 2009
by Kathleen O’Keefe-Kanavos
We understand the concept of death as spirit leaving the body. But, what about the idea of spirits returning for dinner?
Our love for the deceased is shown by talking to them in their burial place, lighting candles for them in places of worship, and displaying their pictures. On the anniversary of their ...KEEP READING
We understand the concept of death as spirit leaving the body. But, what about the idea of spirits returning for dinner?
Our love for the deceased is shown by talking to them in their burial place, lighting candles for them in places of worship, and displaying their pictures. On the anniversary of their passing we have moments of silence, song, and food where we live, work, and pray. So, is setting a place for the dead at our dinner table going too far? Those who practice the Dumb Supper on All Hollow’s Eve don’t think so.
The Dumb Supper is a reverent event that discourages conversation of any kind. Dumb Supper literally means quiet meal—mum’s the word. It takes place on Samhain, which is All Hallow’s Eve or Halloween. This practice, celebrated worldwide, is one of the largest gatherings at the Festival of the Dead in Salem, MA.
After the family meal is cooked, the table is set with an empty place setting filled with food. This extra setting is for all the family ancestors to come and enjoy a meal with the living family members. Photographs of the deceased are often placed on the table.
Dinner begins with a prayer and a welcoming of the ancestors, and continues with quietude for the remainder of the meal. Appliances and cell phones are turned off because it is believed that silence is helpful for the dead to be among the living.
No one leaves the table until everyone has finished eating. The silence is broken when everyone thanks the ancestors for dining with them.
After the meal is over, the ancestor’s food is fed to the family pets, spread over the earth, or taken to the cemetery where it is left on their grave sites. It is believed that the dead ate of the essence of the meal and thereby shared in the celebration of life.
One of the largest gatherings for the Festival of the Dead’s Dumb Supper is held in the Grand Ballroom of the Historic Hawthorne Hotel in Salem; a haunted site featured on the SciFi Channel’s show Ghost Hunters.
Kathleen O’Keefe-Kanavos www.survivingcancerland.com and @PsychicHealing twitter
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
The Beautiful One
Wed. October 14, 2009
by Natoya Hall
The beautiful one is poised and content.Simple in mystical ways, knows the heart of true beauty.
The beautiful one knows that this world is perfect, that everything is as it should be
The beautiful one knows that eternal beauty lies within her and is always ...
KEEP READING
The beautiful one is poised and content.
Simple in mystical ways, knows the heart of true beauty.
The beautiful one knows that this world is perfect, that everything is as it should be
The beautiful one knows that eternal beauty lies within her and is always accessible.
Truth comes in form of honest intentions, pure love and an eye for the unseen.
The beautiful one knows when it is time to let go, knows when it's time for divine intervention.
She is happy that she has a moment, a space in time to really appreciate her immortality. To know her divineness, to know that she has guidance whenever and however she needs it.
The beautiful one knows that she is blessed beyond measures, knows that her thoughts make up her reality and a pure and kind heart can manifest shear beauty.
The beautiful one knows hard times but uses it as a divine experience, reversing it and uses it has her classroom, taking notes and making sure that the next time, she is ready to change it.
The beautiful one does not conform into idealistic expression of what she should be, but listens to that internal coach inside of her that tells her what she is and reminds her that she is wonderful and gifted.
The beautiful one looks at the world and smiles, sometimes even cries, because when you look at the world with your “spiritual” eyes, the world is not as it seems…it's gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous.
The beautiful one looks at you and sees her brother, she looks at you and sees her sister, when she looks even closer at you she sees God.
The beautiful one lies in you.
You are so beautiful…beautiful one.
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Our Heart
Wed. October 14, 2009
by Chaantal Lo
It doesn't matter who you become when you Grow UpThe things that we used to think were so important and urgent pale in comparison to the Love that emerges from your Heart and how much we share so unselfishly,
seeking to spread the seeds of Compassion --- your arms wide open,
eyes Big ...
KEEP READING
It doesn't matter who you become when you Grow Up
The things that we used to think were so important and urgent pale in comparison to the Love that emerges from your Heart and how much we share so unselfishly,
seeking to spread the seeds of Compassion --- your arms wide open,
eyes Big and Bright,
a smile that could bring the Hopeless brimming to Life again --- Yes,
we have all been forgotten,
shed tears of longing,
prayed for a hopeful future
In the end,
it is our Heart healed of betrayal,
abandonment and the tender injustices that we remember those long and Forgotten
We were never really the same,
yet we were always the same and shall Eternally belong to each other
Don't withhold Love even if the Forgotten, Hurting Ones cannot see
They shall always and forever remember in their Hearts to come
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Baptism - a poem
Wed. October 14, 2009
by Teri Micco
B a p t i s m
If I dive into sorrow,
will I meet myself there in the darkness,
shining
like the hummingbird’s wings
gathering the light of the morning sun?
If I ...KEEP READING
B a p t i s m
If I dive into sorrow,
will I meet myself there in the darkness,
shining
like the hummingbird’s wings
gathering the light of the morning sun?
If I fall into longing,
will she open the thorny walls protecting
the secret place in my heart,
like the moon-flower’s pod cradles the seeds
until they are ready to drop
like tears
into the broken and waiting earth?
Thanks so much for this opportunity to share! This “poem” is excerpted from Soaring on Wings of Suffering, a collection of writings that have been flowing through me for some time now. Recently I began publishing the book with the help of my handy archival inkjet printer known now as Cindereagle Press. To read more, go to web.mac.com/terimicco. (Safari & Firefox work best.)
w o r d s & i m a g e © 2 0 0 9 b y T e r i M i c c o
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
We Are Not Alone
Wed. October 14, 2009
by Kathleen O’Keefe-Kanavo
Cancer is Humbling. It’s guaranteed to knock you down with its series of endless crisis. Upon hearing a diagnosis of breast cancer many women feel confused and alone. Nothing could be farther from the truth: We are never alone!
I know because I’m a ...KEEP READING
Cancer is Humbling. It’s guaranteed to knock you down with its series of endless crisis. Upon hearing a diagnosis of breast cancer many women feel confused and alone. Nothing could be farther from the truth: We are never alone!
I know because I’m a two-time, ten-year breast cancer survivor who found out that not all cancers are discovered by conventional medical tests. Intuition can play an important part in diagnosis.
I am a psychic who always suppressed her supernatural skills. Fortunately, I am under the watchful eye and protection of “spiritual-guides” from the “other side” who were at odds with my doctors and their tests. My story explores my search for a cancer cure by challenging medical authority with information from the psychic realm, accessed by meditations and dreams. This same process can be used by anyone concerning any life concerning crises.
The first time I had cancer, rather than believing the healthy test results, I summoned the courage to defy doctors and used everything available in this world and the next, to save my life. The doctors and tests had missed the 2.1cm tumor and lymph node— Stage Two cancer—Invasive ductal carcinoma.
It’s time to stop ignoring ourselves. Listen, believe, and then validate! My inner voice saved my life. Listening to yours may save you.
After multiple tests and exams, my lump was still invisible to the medical community. However, my guides had armed me with an angel feather to fence with against the indisputable medical information. My feather-fencing won. I convinced my doctor to perform surgery that was against hospital policy and his better judgment. The result was a diagnosis that shocked the medical community and changed my life, forever.
I remember the exact moment when I received the validation of my dreams, inner voices and spiritual guide’s information.
“Pathology didn’t like what they saw when they cut the tumor open,” my surgeon said after closing the security curtain behind him.
“So, is it cancer?” I asked, while holding fast to the hospital gurney, bracing myself for the answer I already suspected and feared.
“Yes, I’m sorry. I’ll be referring you to someone else now- a specialist.”
So my “voices and dreams had been right, the doctors and first tests wrong. With my surgeon’s words, the first shop of my ensuing battle had been fired, and it was not a warning shot across my bow- it was point blank into my breast. I glanced down at my painful wound and wept.
Thus began my Alice in Wonderland’s steady decent down the dark rabbit hole of breast cancer. But fortunately, I knew that I was not alone. I had spirit guides by my side every step of the way.
Author Bio: Kathleen O’Keefe-Kanavos is an agented author of SURVIVING CANCERLAND: The Psychic Aspects of Healing. They are looking for a home in publishing houses for the book. She was born in Germany to military parents, and raised in Europe. She is a two time, ten year breast cancer survivor (1998-2008), retired Special Education teacher, taught Psychology at the University of South Florida; Fort Myers Branch and is a Reiki master. Kathy contributes to Cape Women Online magazine www.capewomenonliine and twitter’s c4women. For seven years, Kathy has been a phone counselor to women throughout the US and foreign countries for the R.A. BLOCH CANCER FOUNDATION. She also works as a cancer mentor for WE CAN www.wecancenter.org She is has been featured by the Barnstable Patriot Newspaper and by numerous TV channel shows.
Visit her at www.survivingcancerland.com and on twitter at PsychicHealing.
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Thank You George!
Sun. October 4, 2009
by Dr. Marta Adelsman
In May, I wrote about projections – attributing to others what really goes on inside you. I recently had an opportunity to put into practice what I wrote.
Remember that a projection occurs when you pin your flaws “out there” onto someone else, blaming the other person so ...KEEP READING
In May, I wrote about projections – attributing to others what really goes on inside you. I recently had an opportunity to put into practice what I wrote.
Remember that a projection occurs when you pin your flaws “out there” onto someone else, blaming the other person so that you don’t have to look at your own stuff. You know that you’re projecting whenever you have a reaction – a “charge” – around what another says or does.
While in Chicago a couple of weeks ago, my husband, Steve, and I had the chance to visit my good friend’s daughter and her new boyfriend, George. Throughout the evening, I was taken aback by George’s direct, abrupt comments that bordered on rudeness. He appeared to have little sense for the niceties of small talk that I grew up believing were necessary in social situations.
At one point, George flatly stated to Steve, without apparent provocation, “I’m angry with you.” It was an awkward moment. I felt surprised and bewildered in reaction to George’s comment. Even though he explained it somewhat, I couldn’t wait to leave, and I definitely did NOT like George very much!
While part of me wanted to focus on George’s bluntness and to make that wrong, I knew that the real “juice” in this situation lay in examining my reaction. It was not about George, it was about me.
As I looked for what George mirrored to me about myself, I thought, “Well, I don’t speak that bluntly and rudely to people!”
Then I remembered that projections can also occur if we see something in someone else that we lack. Aha! That was it! George had shown me something missing in myself: honesty with others, in many situations, about my true thoughts and feelings. I make up that, if I express my real feelings, I will cause others discomfort.
So I dance around my truth. I pretend that I’m having the opposite feelings to what I really feel. I put on a “nice” face. And it’s so phony! I did it that evening with George as we left his place, pretending that I had enjoyed meeting him!
Now that I’ve owned up to my phoniness, withdrawing the projection, I’m having a different inner reaction to George. I no longer feel angry with him, resistant to meeting him again, or resentful. Instead, I feel grateful.
I imagine how I might have spoken authentically that night to George. I would have said something like, “Y’know, I’m not used to being around someone who speaks what he really feels. So I don’t know how to respond. I’m uncomfortable because I don’t know whether or not you’re serious.”
The fact that I’ve been chewing on this lesson for two weeks tells me that it’s huge for me. So I’m sharing it with you, trusting that you can glean something from it for yourself. May you begin to see the Georges in your life as gifts instead of thorns.
Thank you, George!
Dr. Marta practices as a Life Coach in Communication in the Verde Valley. She welcomes your referrals. Contact her at drmartacoach@gmail.com
NOTE** We do not endorse Dr. Marta, but found this story very relevant and in alignment with some of Colette's teachings. There is some fascinating reading by the experts in the field of Voice Diolog, Hal and Sidra Stone, that you may want to look into if this resonated with you. The Voice Diolog method addresses an area of your personality called the dis-owned self. Colette has incorporated this method in her In-Vizion® Process at her Sedona Intensive weekend seminars and workshops. Everybody should look into this, as Dr. Marta points out, it's very liberating.
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
My Meeting With An Angel
Wed. September 30, 2009
by Shell Kelsay
One lonely Friday night around 8:30 pm I was in a popular bookstore browsing through the metaphysical section. While I was gazing over all of the titles I heard a voice behind me say, ”Which is your favorite book”? I looked up and saw this elderly gentleman with thinning white hair & ...KEEP READING
One lonely Friday night around 8:30 pm I was in a popular bookstore browsing through the metaphysical section. While I was gazing over all of the titles I heard a voice behind me say, ”Which is your favorite book”? I looked up and saw this elderly gentleman with thinning white hair & short white beard standing there. I smiled at him and said, “Oh, I don’t know, too many to count, I’ve read so many of them”. He said, “Well I have something to tell you”. I said “Ok, what is it?” He said “I have some messages for you, would you like them?” I said, “Of course, where & when do you suggest you give them to me?” He replied, “Right here, right now but only with your permission”. So, we sat on the floor of this popular bookstore for approx. 50 minutes and this soft-spoken man proceeded to (not predict my future) but rather tell me about my life, my struggles, my strengths and how to better reach my heart’s desire. During most of this time, I was in tears and sat in amazement wondering how this stranger seemed to know me better than I know myself. I asked what is your name? He said, “My name is not important, but you can call me Jonathan”. I asked, “Where do you live”? He said, “Where I live is not important”. I asked, “Can I please pay you for the time you have spent with me”? He said, “Absolutely not, there will be no money exchanged between us”. 
He thanked me for being so open to the messages he had to give me and then he got up and walked away. Within a few seconds of him leaving I decided I wanted to give him a hug to thank him for the time he spent with me. I rushed down the aisle and looked around in the direction he headed but he was nowhere to be found. I stood in awe and thought to myself “I believe that I just had the pleasure of meeting an angel”.
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Receiving messages from Spirit from the internet!
Wed. September 30, 2009
by Billie Hayford
I recently traveled to Sacramento to help a friend in need.
My friend’s father passed suddenly at work from a heart attack at a very young age of 61. I never met her father and had only heard a few stories about his love of traveling with his daughter and grandson. My friends father ...KEEP READING
I recently traveled to Sacramento to help a friend in need.
My friend’s father passed suddenly at work from a heart attack at a very young age of 61. I never met her father and had only heard a few stories about his love of traveling with his daughter and grandson. My friends father “Alan” was very proud of being a bachelor. We found a letter in his home he had recently written to his grandson bragging about his bachelorhood. He was single over 30 years and in his words he prided himself for being single and free. He had several motorcycles that he was very proud of and was planning on fixing them up upon his retirement next year. As I helped my friend clear his house and prepare for an estate sale, I was given the task to sell the motorcycles on Craig’s list. I became overwhelmed with sadness as I typed the Craig’s list ad. I tried to reason with myself to understand what I was experiencing for a person that I had never met and knew very little about.
Then, things shifted. I received a message from Alan. I was suddenly feeling unconditional happiness and extreme pride for his daughter and her son. Everything was “OK”, no worries about listing the motorcycles and selling his estate contents. It was “OK”! His message to his daughter was joy and contentment and for her to live a wonderful prosperous and abundant life.
OK, I was a little overwhelmed at this point…..however, it gets better! I finished the ad and submitted it. Before the ad gets officially listed on the web I had to type the confirmation code in the box. You know the infamous confirmation code that is usually very strange word combinations with numbers and symbols. The code I received was “Alan Bachelor” (picture attached).
Thank you Alan for sending me this message through the internet!! After receiving this message, his daughter is now at peace with her decisions to sell his estate. As a side note; I still prefer receiving messages through my Avalon Oracle cards. Thank you Colette!!
Infinite Love and Gratitude,
Billie
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Looking for signs
Sun. September 27, 2009
by Tia Johnson
The other night I had a dream about two moons intersecting. A new moon in the middle and a full moon coming in from the lower right corner rising into full form in the night sky. So, I will take a wise assumption and say that something will be coming into full form… my love ...KEEP READING
The other night I had a dream about two moons intersecting. A new moon in the middle and a full moon coming in from the lower right corner rising into full form in the night sky. So, I will take a wise assumption and say that something will be coming into full form… my love life perhaps in addition to my business idea for a healing spa? I would love to be in a monotonous relationship now, which will produce a wonderful marriage.
Furthermore, I went to the hairdresser today and while talking to her one thing lead to another and then we were talking about business in general (A subject I love). She was explaining to me how she came to be in the hair styling business. Then I began to tell her about my idea for a Healing Spa. She informed me that she knows a building that a lady is looking to rent, which has three stories. Very interesting indeed, because while I was drawing my ideas for the healing rooms on paper, I said to myself that I will need at least a three-story building. Again, the Divine works so well in divine timing. I completely trust my hair dresser/owner of the salon. She has a really good aura about her….just all good vibes. However, what I fell to realize is that today is a 9/9/9 day; meaning Sept 9, 2009, a day to get to work on ideas like now! Things come together for a purpose and it is just a matter of stopping and letting go first to allow the Divine to do some background work so that one can do what is needed later.
After are lovely talk, I agreed to show her my drawings on Friday, which I did and she provided a few good pointers that made sense. Therefore, she agreed to look for buildings and I agreed to tweak my plan and do research on the price of the things I am requiring for the healing spa. For now, I have to think smaller now since I am just starting and look to make a profit. Today was a power day and it worked greatly! All I had to do was recognize and follow the omens.
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Reunion
Sun. September 27, 2009
by Sylvia Milhem
This story starts in 1967, when I was 18 years old and pregnant. I had been engaged, but the man changed his mind and married someone else. At first, I was defiant and was going to keep the pregnancy a secret from my parents (I was already living on my own) and planned to raise my ...KEEP READING
This story starts in 1967, when I was 18 years old and pregnant. I had been engaged, but the man changed his mind and married someone else. At first, I was defiant and was going to keep the pregnancy a secret from my parents (I was already living on my own) and planned to raise my son. I knew it was a boy from the beginning, I think from conception. Anyway, someone called my mother and told her I was pregnant and she came to talk to me. She made me realize what my day-to-day life would be trying to raise a baby on my own. After a while, I realized I really had nothing to offer a child, a single mother with no support from her family, and I did not want to bring a child into a family that didn’t want him. My parents didn’t see the pregnancy as gaining a grandchild, they only saw a teenager with another problem. I was never sure if I did the right thing by giving up my son for adoption. I could only hope that he had a family that wanted him and loved him.
Giving up my son was the hardest thing I ever did in my life. I never married and never had other children, as I made a promise to my son, myself, and God that if I couldn’t raise this child, I wouldn’t bring another one into the world. 
In the late 1990s, I decided to search for the records of my son’s adoption. I started before I had a computer and wrote letters and filled out forms to release records, but the adoption record was nowhere to be found. After about 3 years or so, I was still searching and still no record was found, when I tried meditation to try to remember things from the past to help in my search. One day, I was meditating and dozed off and had one of those in-color vivid dreams and it was about Moses. I woke up and went straight to the Bible and read the story about Moses. One of the first things I read was that Moses found his birthmother when he was 40 years old. I knew that was my message! All I had to do now was to wait 10 years. During the 10 years, I worked on myself to be a better person so that I would be ready when the day came to meet my son.
In 2007, I was getting nervous because his 40th birthday was coming up in December. I went to Kansas City to see Sylvia Browne and Colette was on the bill. I didn’t get to ask a question then, but later I called in to Colette’s radio show and got to talk to her. I told her about my son, and she said she saw a reunion and it would be a good and happy event. I continued writing letters to Michigan, still trying to find the adoption record. One day in February 2008, I got a call from someone who had come across my letter, and she told me to call the County office again, as they had found the record.
I don’t know why exactly, but we were not supposed to meet until he was 40. God told me that in a dream, and I was thankful even though I had to wait. The adoption record was in the file, right where it was supposed to be, but no one could see it until it was time, according to God’s plan.
Now, I have met my son and his wife and their new baby was born last summer. For me, it has been a dream come true and later this year, I’m going to stay with them in California for a few months to help out, since my daughter-in-law is having a rough year with the death of her mother last spring. It took me many years to fine-tune my connection with God, but I have learned to trust my intuition, and to trust God for the outcome. In my prayers, I always asked that things would turn out the best way for my son, whether that meant meeting him or not. If you get a message from God through intuition or dreams, be thankful that the message was sent to you, even though it might not be what you wanted to hear. When I had my dream about Moses, I could have been angry that it was 10 years away, but I wasn’t. I was happy to wait and get ready, and all was finally revealed, in God’s time.
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Courage
Tue. September 22, 2009
by Michael Alaska
“Courage” Over the many years, that I have had the honour to teach and pass along healing through my professional practice. The one spiritual tool that often gets over looked or surprises people, is that praying for “courage’ is the necessary ingredient in the ...KEEP READING
“Courage” Over the many years, that I have had the honour to teach and pass along healing through my professional practice. The one spiritual tool that often gets over looked or surprises people, is that praying for “courage’ is the necessary ingredient in the creation of all positive lasting change. The courage to heal, the courage to make all long overdue changes, the courage to express and not repress, the courage to love fearlessly. I bow to each of you with loving respect in affirmative faith, who continue to place one foot in front of the other on the journey. Especially when the way a head is not clear and you are forced to navigate your road with the compass of faith. One brave humbling step towards spirit, is always felt and will in deed inspire even more creative action to stay your course. The spiritual path is a brilliant mixture of daily challenges, moments of great peace and times to practice our trust in the unseen. It is not escapism but a commitment to our souls calling to live and walk in the Buddhist awareness of being “fully a wake” to express and live our divine potential and share our brilliance. The benefits from having a willingness to see more, be more and have more on the interior of our beautiful inner landscape is an actual pull from the sacred. To live our passions, walk our talk and share our truth from that place of loving courage. Abundant Blessing In Grace Master Teacher Michael Alaska
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
My Art
Sun. September 20, 2009
by Janel Russell
My name is Janel and I don't have an article, but I do have art! I love to paint and create beautiful art-it's my form of meditation. My art is very original and fresh. It makes me feel good to look at my art and a lot of other people that have seen it say the same thing. ...KEEP READING
My name is Janel and I don't have an article, but I do have art! I love to paint and create beautiful art-it's my form of meditation. My art is very original and fresh. It makes me feel good to look at my art and a lot of other people that have seen it say the same thing. Here are a few samples of my work.
Check out my site at www.janeltracey.com.
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
The Magical Present
Sun. September 20, 2009
by Joannie Saltanis
It was a hot Saturday afternoon in May when the elementals gathered orchestrating an impromptu performance. Surprised and in awe I wondered, how could I be any happier than this? I had driven out to the post office in the Village of Oak Creek to collect my mail. It began to rain lightly just before I ...KEEP READING
It was a hot Saturday afternoon in May when the elementals gathered orchestrating an impromptu performance. Surprised and in awe I wondered, how could I be any happier than this? I had driven out to the post office in the Village of Oak Creek to collect my mail. It began to rain lightly just before I arrived. When it was time to leave the rain poured down heavily. Not being in any hurry, I decided to wait it out rather than make a hasty dash to the car. What unfolded next left me entertained and feeling elated.
A series of images began to materialize before me as I watched and waited for the rain to stop or to slow down. It was fascinating. I was drawn in, mesmerized by the drops pounding onto the pavement. At times, I sensed a slight shift taking place before my eyes as another dimension opened itself to me. My eyes turned witness to a mass of individual raindrops starting to take on a life of their own. Each one sparked of vitality hitting the pavement in unrehearsed patterns. A dance, yes, it was a dance furious and relentlessly energetic. For a moment hail joined in adding to the choreography. The raindrops continued to build on their strength leaving bubbles on top of puddles that were forming. In another area they danced and flowed downstream until the water’s depth swallowed them whole. I sensed the pure joy in their dance as they continued with sweet abandon. 
Above me dark heavy skies loomed while patches of light hung in the distance. Lightening flashed ripping a line low and across the sky missing Bell Rock to the right. The warm and the cold air fronts clashed into a thunderous sounding explosion. Ah, the elementals were at it again. This time I had stayed present for their magnificent performance. A moment of elemental magic had me entranced in a veil of no space, no time. My senses filled up and I slowly disengaged shifting back to my 3D reality.
The performance was coming to an end. The pace of the dancing raindrops slowed obliterating all evidence of their creative effort. The rain stopped and I was free to move on. I left the post office feeling touched, elated and energetically cleared. The presence of elemental magic highlighted my day and transported me momentarily to another world. Indeed, what better gift could I have received than the all encompassing magical present?
www.JoannieSaltanis.com
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
We are the Voices and the Hands of the Creator - Just Act!
Sun. September 20, 2009
by Linda "Living Joy" Lorenzo
This article was initially a call to action for an issue,that I have recently been guided by my Heart to champion.
In addition to this current environmental/wildlife issue at hand,
I would ask that you consider the deeper message I wish to convey here.
And its application to anything that ...
KEEP READING
This article was initially a call to action for an issue,
that I have recently been guided by my Heart to champion.
In addition to this current environmental/wildlife issue at hand,
I would ask that you consider the deeper message I wish to convey here.
And its application to anything that calls out to your heart affecting all
that is part of, and resides upon, the face of Our Beloved Mother Earth.
This is also, not a treatise or admonishment of those who condone, partake
and put into law the movement of these acts, but a call for awareness...
And a prayer that all will be brought into the Light of this awareness...
And the understanding...that the gift of that awareness bears much responsibility.
I am sure many of you are aware,
of the recent presidential lifting of the ban on the hunt of the Grey Wolves in Idaho.
I would ask that you go to the link I have included at the end of this piece,
and take action as your Heart guides you.
Throughout the course of these past few days,
I have received many responses to my various posts and calls for action,
most of them have been positive and supportive...
and all...well meaning.
But there is a concept that has come across of late,
that I feel bears some response at this time,
and that is the passive place of inaction,
in the name what some may call, the "Will" of Spirit.
It is a dangerous Metaphysical Misnomer that everything that happens
is somehow Divinely Orchestrated by the Hand of God.
And that all we are here to do is sit in our pretty gardens & think happy thoughts,
& the weeds will miraculously disappear.
This is not the Truth or the Purpose of our Being.
We are the Hands & the Voices of the Creator...
That, We are, in Truth, the Only Hands that Spirit has.
And along with prayer, meditation, & positive intentions,
when the weeds appear...
It is up to US to get down on our knees,
dig in the dirt & pull them up by the roots!
This is not a Passive Universe but a Participatory One...
and We have, Hands, Feet, Voices, Minds and Hearts,
not just for our own personal wants and needs,
but for a much greater Purpose.
When we are witness to that which cannot possibly be considered the "Will of the Divine"...
War, killing, injustice, abuse, destruction of Our Beloved Mother Earth & and her children
or the denial of freedoms...
It is then our responsibility to bring Voice and Action to this Purpose.
It is our responsibility to do what we can...
With & through the Power of God to change the status quo...
Nothing has ever changed, for the good on our planet, or in our world,
through silence, inaction or denial.
It may be an illusion...
But, We, collectively, have created this illusion...
And, We, collectively have birthed it into reality...
And it is now up to us to dissolve the illusion
And to consciously choose to create a New Reality!
This is the Truth of Our Being...
and the Purpose for which we were Created.
We are more Powerful than we realize
We now hold within our Lives a responsibility greater than we can possibly fathom...
It matters not so much, that which you choose to Stand up for and bring into the Light...
(And Standing Up does not mean Fighting Against)
I heard it said once that, "If you don't Stand for Something...you will Fall for Anything"
What does matter, then, is that you choose to Stand up at all.
That you Choose...To Shine your Light,
That you Choose...To Raise your Voice,
That you Choose...To be True to the Stirrings of your Heart.
That you Choose...To Act by whatever means you are Divinely Guided.
The time is Now...
The moment is at Hand...
"We are the Ones we have been waiting for!"...
By and for all that is Sacred...Just Act!
“You must teach your children that the ground beneath their feet is the ashes of your grandfathers.
So that they will respect the land, tell your children that the earth is rich with the lives of our kin.
Teach your children what we have taught our children, that the earth is our mother.
Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth.
If men spit upon the ground, they spit upon themselves.
And what is man without the beasts?
If all the beasts were gone, man would die from a great loneliness of spirit.
For whatever happens to the beasts, soon happens to man.
All things are connected.” ~ Chief Seattle
http://action.defenders.org/site/PageServer?pagename=savewolves_takeaction
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
The Feather
Fri. September 18, 2009
by Vicki Foley
Just wanted Colette to know that something amazing happened to me after reading Messages From Spirit.I was walking my dog Lily along the beach and asked if there was an Angel watching over me to show me a feather and then carried on with my walk.
Later that day my daughter Zoe called me to say ...
KEEP READING
Just wanted Colette to know that something amazing happened to me after reading Messages From Spirit.
I was walking my dog Lily along the beach and asked if there was an Angel watching over me to show me a feather and then carried on with my walk.
Later that day my daughter Zoe called me to say Cleo, my middle daughter had had an epileptic fit and the ambulance was taking her to the hospital, so I rushed over to the hospital feeling really anxious. When I arrive there she was with the doctors being looked after, so I went outside with my daughter Zoe to tell my husband she was ok when Zoe said, Mum look at that feather which was circling around me, so I told her about my walk and asking for a sign from the Angels, I was really amazed and I knew it was a message. Also when leaving the hospital there were feathers around my car and when we arrived home there was one on the door step, and I knew they were telling me everything will be fine.
I just wanted to share that with you and Colette as it was truly amazing still gives me shivers when I remember it.
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
My Avalon Story
Thu. September 17, 2009
by Kim Hughston Vasil
This is a story of amazing synchronicity revolving around the Wisdom of Avalon cards by Colette Baron Reid. I had recently discovered Hay House Radio and subsequently Collette’s radio show. I had heard Colette speak on tour with Sylvia Brown several months before this in Atlanta and had been very ...KEEP READING
This is a story of amazing synchronicity revolving around the Wisdom of Avalon cards by Colette Baron Reid. I had recently discovered Hay House Radio and subsequently Collette’s radio show. I had heard Colette speak on tour with Sylvia Brown several months before this in Atlanta and had been very impressed with her.
On her radio show, she was promoting her new Wisdom of Avalon Cards and I was very drawn to them. The next day, I was in our local Barnes and Noble, that has a small metaphysical section, which is amazing because we live in a small, southern, very conservative town. I told myself walking in that if they had the Avalon Cards, which had just been released, I was going to buy them for myself, something I rarely do.
Well they had them, so, delighted and surprised, I bought them. That evening I was reading through the companion book and read Colette’s references to “The Mists of Avalon” book by Marion Zimmer Bradley. I felt very drawn to the Avalon stories and thought it would be fun to read more about them.
The next morning my husband and I went out to breakfast and I told him about the cards and how they had been at the bookstore and that sometime I would like to try and find some books about Avalon and learn more about it.
After breakfast we decided to do a little “yard sale-ing”, something we like to do on Saturday mornings. The second yard sale we hit was at our local county school office and they had lots of things donated by many families. Among them were boxes and boxes of books. I was gently perusing the books while my husband was checking out some electronics, when I found them; all three books written about Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley. There they were, just waiting for me to buy them for twenty-five cents each.
I have a strong attraction to Avalon and the strong, spiritual women that lived there long ago. Whether it was through a past life—I don’t know, but I do know I am continuing to find amazing strength and wisdom through the stories and the use of Colette’s cards. It’s times like these that remind me that the universe supports me in all I do, including the smallest desires of my heart.
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Wounded Angel
Thu. September 17, 2009
by Angel Moody
I suppose you could say that I believe that writing is inspired by the great unknown, sometimes called god, sometimes called spirit. I believe when we write we can reach into the inner most places in our hearts and minds and sometimes writing can even be divinely inspired. While I have never ...KEEP READING
I suppose you could say that I believe that writing is inspired by the great unknown, sometimes called god, sometimes called spirit. I believe when we write we can reach into the inner most places in our hearts and minds and sometimes writing can even be divinely inspired. While I have never really attempted to make anything out of the many works that I have created. I believe that each and every one of them has helped me to heal in some way. Isn’t that what we all want in our lives to heal from those things that have become to heavy to carry with us any longer. I find it to be a good release of things that bother me. And that releasing them enables me to move on with my life. I hope that you all reading this can find a way to release all your burdens, so you can feel the freedom that I have found.
Wounded Angel (Written by Angel Moody)
(Verse One)
Teen age girl all mixed up and confused.
Doesn’t understand why she feels the way she do
All the other girls are interested in boys
While she has feelings for the girl she knows.
To afraid to tell her mom and her dad
Because they are always saying those feelings are bad.
So she goes through life just feeling the pain
Not understanding why people say she should be ashamed.
(Chorus:)
Wounded angel refusing to live her life in pain.
Trying real hard not to carry the world’s shame.
Doing her best just to carry on through
When there’s so much wrong and so much to do.
Hoping her wounds will heal in the end.
Wishing for something more than just friends.
Just hoping for the moment she can begin to fly
Instead of watching all the world pass her by.
(Verse Two)
Same sweet girl not too much time has passed
Hoping and wishing the world wasn’t a farse
She finally gives in and tells mom and dad
the yelling starts and the parents go mad
Being told to leave she has nowhere to go
no home left, confused and felling so low
scared and cold with no place to lay her head
Living under a bridge now wishing she'd not said
(bridge)
Wounded angel mixed up and so confused
Trying so hard but she has nothing left to lose
Doesn’t know where her life is going to go
There’s so many things that she doesn’t really know.
(Second chorus)
Wounded angel refusing to live her life in pain.
Trying real hard not to carry the worlds shame.
Doing her best just to carry on through
When there’s so much wrong and so much to do.
Even though her new situation isn't ideal
She can make it though and have a life that's real
Not looking for acceptance from her parents hearts
She goes on in life to make a brand new start,
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Sedona Intensive
Wed. September 16, 2009
by Michelle Smith
This past weekend, 19 women gathered here in Sedona for Colette’s Sedona Intensive---each arrived as the person she knew herself to be up till that point, and left as the embodiment of the new self she is now BE-coming…….
What a transformative, fun and ...KEEP READING
This past weekend, 19 women gathered here in Sedona for Colette’s Sedona Intensive---each arrived as the person she knew herself to be up till that point, and left as the embodiment of the new self she is now BE-coming…….
What a transformative, fun and miraculous experience for all of us. We began with sacred ceremony with our good shaman friend Uqualla on Friday evening. He set the stage for us, and oh, what a stage it was! We stood in circle formation, under the starry-diamond-studded Arizona night sky, in the heart of Boynton Canyon, as Uqualla called forth within us all the divine powers that were ready to be released. His chanting, drumming and sacred oratory created the portal for initiation and liberation that all had come seeking. This was the beginning of our journey. We were all ready to dive into the depths of whatever was standing in our way of being our authentic selves. We were Warrior Princesses, ready to embrace the battle, with Great Love.
Saturday morning everyone gathered for the day to begin, excited and anticipatory of what would be revealed. Colette, in her true wisdom and wit, delivered teachings that provided the tools for uncovering, discovering, and discarding that which no longer served. Bonds were developing in this group of women; as we were admonished not to talk about our jobs, families, or the “labels” that we identified ourselves with; but to talk about the mental landscapes that we repeatedly found ourselves venturing into; not understanding why we were in a repetitive cycle of wandering into the same place of disaster and pain. Our lives had become a story to tell, but Colette brought out in us a new story in us all and a new author to do a re-write of the old story. We could feel the hope rising as new ideas and perceptions were brought into awareness….the transformation was at hand.
Saturday evening was spent in solitude, rest, healing treatments with an amazing healer Althea Gray, journaling and contemplation. The deep sediments within had been stirred, and the most powerful part of the Intensive was yet to come.
Sunday morning 6 am, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, we greeted the new day with a forgiveness meditation---followed by driving, in silence, to the Buddhist Stupa, to partake in rose ceremony and setting intentions for the highest good to come.
It was the last day of the intensive, and everything was about to come spilling out of each and every one of us to make room for new story we were going to write for ourselves. Each participant bravely and unbridled shared pieces of themselves, and with the group holding space for the individual, we were able to help them transform. Colette was skillfully guiding each participant, one person at a time, through the final transformative journey of her In-Vizion Process. And it was a wonder to behold. Seeing all the participants being reborn and ignited with such freedom and love for their lives was an absolute tear felt joy. ‘When we enter into the shadow, it is there we find that the shadow cannot exist without the light’. The light of each and everyone in this group was being ignited into a blaze. And greatness is what emerged from within every single one of these women. Words are difficult to convey what inner journey transpired for each individual at this Intensive, but there was no doubt that it ended in beauty. The courage, strength and willingness to chance looking directly into their beings, only to find out that we are all our own greatest heroes in our journeys. It was an honor to witness such brave souls, returning home unto themselves, reclaiming the “wise one” who lives and moves in their very beings. In healing ourselves, we heal the world. God bless us all.
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Don't Panic!
Tue. September 15, 2009
by Rafah Sabbagh
Don’t Blame Don’t Panic
Nothing frustrates me more when I hear someone whine ‘Oh god what’s going to happen? This is awful, I’ve just been sacked…it’s all her fault or if it hadn’t been for that idiot I ...KEEP READING
Don’t Blame Don’t Panic
Nothing frustrates me more when I hear someone whine ‘Oh god what’s going to happen? This is awful, I’ve just been sacked…it’s all her fault or if it hadn’t been for that idiot I wouldn’t have been given notice to leave.’ Firstly, you are in blame mode, which doesn’t do anything for anyone. In any case for everything that happens, there is an opportunity in disguise. Don’t rule this out. In fact think it immediately. It will help to transmute the fear into opportunity. It all depends on your state of mind. You think you can or you think you can’t, but that very momentous difference in thinking can contribute to the outcome for the positive or the negative.
Feeling bad leaves you stuck. Feeling bad doesn’t help you to move forward. It’s okay to feel emotions, but wallowing in it, just leaves you stuck in the mud getting all caked up for nothing. Perhaps, you are a compulsive drama queen, someone who needs the attention because its all poor me…
Life is generous, but you have to allow for that generous magic to occur, by getting out of the way, out of fear, out of feeling you can’t. How? Is good question to ask, because it allows for solutions to appear? No matter how dire the situation seems to be at the time,
- Just draw a few deep breaths and bringing your focus into your feet into your whole being (this only takes a minute or so). This helps to keep you grounded. Very important when something external shakes you off centre.
- Stay with the problem in an unpunished way, to allow for creative answer to enter into ones mind. Concentrate on your abdomen, breathe deeply and inflate the walls of your stomach with each in-breath, release and soften on the out.
- Do this several times to bring you back into your own power. Solar plexus and sacral plexus are the main domains for personal power and integrity. The former, of honouring oneself and the latter relates to creativity in every aspect of our lives. Imagine the colours yellow, around the belly button and orange about 2 in inches beneath, as vividly as you can. Feel connected in that area with those colours.
- Shift your focus to the space between the brows and imagine a bright violet light. The point of intuition. Do this for several days until you feel more empowered. Make it a habit to think less (being out of your mind) and going with the flow.
- Focusing in these areas will help to strengthen their functions and qualities required to balance you and the situation. Once you are done, diffuse the colours in your minds eye and see them being protected with a band of light around the periphery of the corresponding areas of the body. This keeps them from further imbalance and by tuning as above strengthens the qualities within the soul.
Next time you are feeling bad about something, don’t be a victim and go into Poor me mode. Smile and know you are going to be all right. Think of the possibility instead. Simply seeing it as an opportunity. Watch what will happen. Be the observer to the question and live into the answer. Create the opening for letting go. Tell yourself firmly I can handle this or there’s no challenge I can’t deal with and allow for magical solutions to appear.
Happy adventure
Liberty Lane
copyright © Liberty Lane (Rafah Sabbagh) 2003
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Colette writing her book
Sun. September 13, 2009
by Marc Lindeman
What does writing a book look like? It looks like this for Colette. On the wall in her office are giant post-its with a detailed outline of what will be in her book. She is about 2/3rds of the way through "The Quest To Have It All' and it is shaping up to be a great book. Colette is taking a ...
KEEP READING
What does writing a book look like? It looks like this for Colette. On the wall in her office are giant post-its with a detailed outline of what will be in her book. She is about 2/3rds of the way through "The Quest To Have It All' and it is shaping up to be a great book.
Colette is taking a bit of a departure from her books on intuition and exploring the meaning of what society deems having it all is, and the true meaning of what all really is. It's a fascinating journey through the mental landscapes of where people find themselves in search of the pursuit of happiness. Does a person attach themselves to materialism and consumerism in order to make themselves happy, or do they aim for a higher purpose. She'll delve deep into all aspects of the psyche as it searches for happiness and meaning.
The Quest in itself implies that there is a central figure, you, who is on some sort of magical journey that can only lead to a transformation. And as in all of mythology, a quest has a hero, in this case you. Colette's brilliant new work will take you on your journey through all the mental terrains that make up your journey, having you look at where you are, when you are (still lost in a previous wound), who is in your terrane (challengers and allies), and how to achieve your quest in an ever changing and evolving story line.
"The Quest to Have It All" promises to be a revolutionary book. Colette has used the acquired knowledge from her 25 yrs as an intuitive counselor and her psychology background to amass this amazing body of work. Look for it in the spring of 2010.
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Bobcat Bonds with Fawn after California Fire Rescues
Sat. September 12, 2009
by Animal Planet
We found this article on the Animal Planet website and we just had to put it up. It is beyond cute, but also shows us a beautiful side of nature and possibilities.
Animal Planet Article.
Over the past two weeks, the Jesusita wildfire raged near Santa Barbara, California, 90 ...KEEP READING
We found this article on the Animal Planet website and we just had to put it up. It is beyond cute, but also shows us a beautiful side of nature and possibilities.
Animal Planet Article.
Over the past two weeks, the Jesusita wildfire raged near Santa Barbara, California, 90 miles northwest of Los Angeles, consuming over 8,700 acres of land and forest, and destroying or damaging nearly 100 homes. Some 30,000 people, over half the city’s population, were forced to evacuate their homes. While thousands of firefighters devoted their time to containing the blaze, one group of rescue workers gets scant media attention - animal rescue teams that work around the clock to help displaced pets and wildlife and save as many lives as they can.
“Don’t you dare!” I hear Julia Di Sieno say gently to someone in the background as I speak to her on the phone. She is Co-founder and Director of Animal Rescue Team, a nonprofit organization which has been inundated with animals they’ve rescued and calls for help since the fire broke out last week. Her organization specializes in wild animals, particularly fawns and mammals, while domestic pets they rescue get sent to the local Humane Society. Out of curiosity, I ask who she’s talking to, figuring it’s one of her animals. “It’s the bobcat! She was trying to pee on me!”
Di Sieno helped rescue the bobcat kitten in the photo a week before, near Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Ranch, where it was dehydrated and near death. Di Sieno nurtured it back to health. They rescued the fawn during last week's wildfire. Although wild animals, especially of separate species, are never placed together due to regulations, in this emergency situation, they had no choice. During the mayhem of the fire, they were forced to put animals anywhere they could, since they had run out of crates large enough for the fawn. The kitten ran to the fawn, and it was instant bonding.
Most wildlife knows instinctively to flee fires - to fly away, burrow, or run - but some don’t make it out in time. Rescue workers walk near the fire line with nets, searching for any injured animals or young separated from their parents. “Burn victims go to the local care hospital,” says Di Sieno. “We rescued bunnies, squirrels, two fawns. We’ve rescued I don’t know how many geese, chickens ducks, cats, birds, turkeys, and a baby owl and a baby raptor.”
Another local nonprofit, Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network, specializes in songbirds and seabirds, but during emergencies rescue workers help any animal that needs it. “All rehab centers in California work together as a team to help wildlife who are in need of care due to injuries often caused by man, dogs, cats, cars, etc,” explains Julia Parker, Director of Animal Affairs at WCN.
California currently faces severe drought conditions, which increases the chance of wildfires breaking out, and of spreading out of control. Just last year this same region had the Goleta Gap fire and the Montecita Tea Fire. During these fires, which can escalate and spread rapidly due to shifting winds, pets sometimes run from their homes, or alternately get stuck at home when a fire spreads rapidly and desperate homeowners can’t get to their homes.
All of these Santa Barbara area animal rescue organizations have put out a national plea for donations because of the overwhelming need for animal food, medicines, and space to house displaced animals. ART currently leases a 1.5-acre plot of land that houses rescued animals in enclosures on the property, which require around-the-clock care, and the organization is desperate to purchase the land. The morning after Di Sieno – along with an insanely cute bobcat cub and fawn photo – appeared on the Ellen Degeneres show – the landowner decided he needed to sell it and she’s concerned for the future of the animals she and her fellow workers just rescued. The WCN also seeks funds for their Oiled and Injured Seabird Rehab Center, and receive no City, State or federal funding. One of their volunteers, Nancy Callahan, runs W.I.L.D.E. Services which focuses on raccoons and opossums, had her home and facility burnt to the ground and must start over from scratch. After rehabilitation, the groups reintroduce rescued animals to the wild.
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Wisdom Of The Hidden Realms
Fri. September 11, 2009
by Marc Lindeman
The long awaited Wisdom Of The Hidden Realms Oracle deck is here now and available through Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, or hear on our website.
This deck is absolutely amazing. Not only is it extraordinarily accurate, it is also a beautiful deck. The art was painstakingly designed to perfection by ...KEEP READING
The long awaited Wisdom Of The Hidden Realms Oracle deck is here now and available through Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, or hear on our website.
This deck is absolutely amazing. Not only is it extraordinarily accurate, it is also a beautiful deck. The art was painstakingly designed to perfection by world renowned multi-media artist Jena DellaGrottaglia. Each card was designed by Colette and then Jena went to town on them, exceeding our expectations. There is so much detail, and symbolism in each card that once you start using them, you’ll begin to notice all the little nuances and begin to admire to accurately discern any situation. These cards are truly a work of art.
But enough about the visuals, you have to use these to believe how great they are. Colette spent many hours conceptualizing the meaning of the cards and then put herself to task and wrote an entire booklet that describes not only every card and its meaning, but also the reverse meaning of a card. At 44 cards with 88 different meanings, the Wisdom of the Hidden Realms are sure to enlighten you on your journey.
Like all divination aids and oracle systems, these cards have a sacred purpose, which is to help you connect to the flow of Divine synchronicity. They are symbolic tools created to reflect the state of your present, the lessons of the past that still influence your choices, and the potential of the future. So when you choose certain cards, they’ll reflect the issues relating to your life that you may or may not be fully conscious of.
The cards will provide you with insight, as well as questions to consider, as you seek to understand yourself and your purpose in the world. When you use them, you should do so with the intent of connecting to the vast, unlimited, Divine consciousness. They will guide you to make choices that are in line with your highest good.
These oracle cards are designed to help you get in touch with the patterns that have manifested in your life. They’ll show you what influences have brought you to your current state and will shed light on the potential direction of future experiences based on the path you’re currently on. They can also be used to help you change your way if you find that your current situation lacks clarity or if you’re heading in a direction that’s harmful.
Always remember that you have the capacity and the responsibility to shape reality in the best way possible, regardless of what challenges life brings. Destiny and Fate serve to bring the players together and set up certain situations on the playing field of your life . . . but you have to participate in the game in order to win it. The cards act as your helpers, bridging the worlds of the unseen and the material. They illuminate your path as you walk your own special journey of life.
How to Do a Reading
Say your prayer and quiet your mind; then think of a question. The best type doesn’t result in a yes/no answer; rather, it is one that will provide responses to help you gain insight into your situation so that you can act in accordance with a card’s message.
For example, questions may be phrased in the following ways:
• “What do I need to focus on today?”
• “What do I need to know about my relationship?”
• “What is the evolving nature of my situation?”
• “If I take this action, what will be the result?”
• “What wisdom is here for me today about my job or career?”
• “How can I improve my situation?”
• “What can I expect on the path I’ve currently chosen?”
It’s also important to note that these oracle cards weren’t designed to predict the future. Rather, they are meant to offer you the wisdom you need to create the best life now, which evolves into the most meaningful and productive future. These cards also invite you to go deeper into the question, and the motives behind asking it, as the Wisdom of the Hidden Realms is revealed.
Feel free to let your intuition guide you as you gaze at the cards. Allow your higher consciousness to show you the deeper meaning of your personal stories as they’re reflected in the patterns of the cards you choose. Remember that divination is about tapping into the world of the soul and receiving your answers in symbols, omens, signs, and the language of Spirit. Open your heart and see through the eyes of your infinite soul, allowing the magical helpers of the Hidden Realms to reveal their wisdom in mystical, wonderful ways.
EXAMPLE
The Ringmaster of scrutiny
discernment, clear vision, details
Ally
The Ringmaster of Scrutiny is all about the details. Look closely and pay attention to the smallest elements of what’s being presented to you on your path. It’s in these details, not the broad strokes, that you’ll find the breathtaking beauty and perfection in what you observe. This Ally is on your side to point to the deeper meaning of what unfolds in your life, and he reminds you that every moment counts. Staying present in this perfect moment, observing the minute things, leads you to manifest your highest good and greatest desires. Grand gestures are for other times. It’s the smallest acts that really count now.
Challenger (reversed)
When the Ringmaster of Scrutiny appears as your Challenger, he warns you to observe your situation with discernment and clarity. It’s time to see the flaws in the foundations you and others have built under you. It also seems that you may be getting caught up in the details of your dream when really it’s time to leave them to the Divine. Perhaps you’re worrying about the past and the future too much, forgetting that the dream is created in the Now time. Often the Ringmaster of Scrutiny also brings a warning to read the fine print and watch for hidden agendas when you’re involved with others.
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Share Your Stories
Wed. September 9, 2009
by Marc Lindeman
This is a quick thank you for everyone that has been sending in articles. We've thoroughly enjoyed receiving them and posting them. We believe that everyone has experiences that can help benefit others who are in a time of need, or who just need to hear something uplifting for that day. There are no ...KEEP READING
This is a quick thank you for everyone that has been sending in articles. We've thoroughly enjoyed receiving them and posting them. We believe that everyone has experiences that can help benefit others who are in a time of need, or who just need to hear something uplifting for that day. There are no right or wrong articles, as long as they are beneficial to others.
We have been receiving a slew of articles that have dealt with many different subjects, and all have fallen within our guide lines.
So if you are a budding spiritual counselor, seasoned life practitioner (lots of stories to tell), inspiring writer, poet, songwriter, writer, caregiver, mother, father, lover, artist, story teller, winner, challenged, etc.... then we want to hear from you.
Sharing your story or art with others can only help bring us together for a higher purpose.
Tell us your story.
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Meeting My Beloved
Wed. September 9, 2009
by Bettina Goodwin
We met on the internet, in a forum about Philosophy and Consciousness and we had been exchanging emails for almost three years. My first trip to finally meet Peter in person had finally come and I was excited. By all social standards I should have been cautious, afraid, on guard. I felt none of ...KEEP READING
We met on the internet, in a forum about Philosophy and Consciousness and we had been exchanging emails for almost three years. My first trip to finally meet Peter in person had finally come and I was excited. By all social standards I should have been cautious, afraid, on guard. I felt none of that. I felt sure and full of anticipation of having a wonderful time with someone I’d gotten to know quite well through our emails.
My only tiny bit of nervousness came from wondering if I would recognize him when I got off the plane, but as I should have known, that too was not necessary. When I walked into the terminal and looked around a bit, my eyes went directly in Peter’s direction as I saw him walking back and forth across the terminal. “That must be him”, I thought, “he’s not sitting still!” My eyes had immediately been drawn to him.
I grabbed my bags and off I went to greet him, sharing a big hug before we headed off to the parking garage to find the car.
When we got to Peter’s, we sat and talked for a while and then we made dinner together continuing to chat all the while. Our conversations had an easy relaxed flow as if we’d known each other all our lives.
In the morning we had breakfast and coffee and then it was time to go to a potluck lunch with the people from Peter’s spiritual group.
Before we left, a huge fear suddenly swept through me. I was almost paralyzed by it. I lay on the bed in my room not knowing what to do. But it was if someone pushed me off the bed and said, “Go and talk to him.” I went downstairs and found Peter and explained how I was feeling. He took me in his arms and held me as I felt the fear dissipate into the air as if it never existed. It was the single most precious moment I have ever experienced in my life, to be with a man, to share that vulnerability and to have him be totally without judgment, criticism or blame and just hold the space for me to feel whatever I needed to feel without once trying to fix me.
It was this moment that defined our relationship, the moment when we both knew that we had found our perfect Beloved partner.
A year later we were married and live together in our beautiful conscious relationship – living and loving with compassion, strength and always taking care of our own issues and allowing each other the space to do the same.
We are now also working together, doing group sessions, relationship workshops and meditation classes.
And we are grateful for this arranged match that the universe so lovingly orchestrated for us.
Bettina Goodwin is a Conscious Living Coach, Reiki Practitioner and writer. www.thesoulconnection.ca
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
3 Ways To Stand In Your Power
Mon. September 7, 2009
by Rebecca Sebek
According to best-selling author Debbie Ford “when we’re stuck in the pattern of people-pleasing, we do not have access to making clear choices. We are driven to fulfill others’ needs in order to be loved. In order to stand in our power, we must have the option of saying no. We have to be ...KEEP READING
According to best-selling author Debbie Ford “when we’re stuck in the pattern of people-pleasing, we do not have access to making clear choices. We are driven to fulfill others’ needs in order to be loved. In order to stand in our power, we must have the option of saying no. We have to be willing to give up the need for others’ approval and give up our need to make others happy. The truth is that not everyone will like us and it’s not our job to make others happy — just as it isn’t the job of others to make us happy.”
“It’s so easy to give our power away to oblige our partners or console our families. But if the choices we make rob us of too much of our private time, if they deprive us of our joy or our inner peace or prevent us from expressing our creative gifts, then ultimately they are violations we are perpetrating against our own souls. These violations do not affect just us in negative ways they affect all those around us.”
Stand in Your Power
- Do not forsake your own needs for another! Caring for another is different from pleasing another. When you genuinely care for someone, your actions take no effort. Pleasing another is giving your power away to that person. You do not feel good about your actions; resentment settles upon you. In order to care for another, you must care for yourself first!
- Make waves and speak your mind. Napoleon Hill said “opinions are the cheapest commodities on earth.” You have a right to speak your mind. Do not stay silent. Your thoughts and ideas can make a great contribution to society. Who knows, you may have the solution to a problem that a family, friend, or employer has been waiting for!
- Let go of guilt, feeling obligated, and the words “should and have.” Guilt can eat at you and cause tremendous stress. If you are going to help another, do so because you want to be of service. Feeling obligated to do something will not serve you or another!
In conclusion, ask yourself if you are standing in your power or trying to please another. Reclaim your power and life today! Parents, grandparents, former teachers, and others mean well, but do not realize how their words and actions will impact your adult life. Let go of old beliefs that you picked up from childhood which are not serving you today. As an adult, you have the right to change your thoughts, beliefs, and life. Live in the now and leave the past in the past!
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
You've Gotta Have Faith
Sat. September 5, 2009
by Eileen O'Toole
So wasn’t I having the time of my life at the Galway Arms in Toronto a few weeks ago and there was a group of fine Irishmen talking and have the craic (crack or craic is "fun enjoyment abandonment, or lighthearted mischief; often in the context of drinking or music), and I settled into their ...KEEP READING
So wasn’t I having the time of my life at the Galway Arms in Toronto a few weeks ago and there was a group of fine Irishmen talking and have the craic (crack or craic is "fun enjoyment abandonment, or lighthearted mischief; often in the context of drinking or music), and I settled into their company. Suddenly the conversation tone changed and they got real serious and asked me whether I read Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code and whether or I not I thought it was real.
“No” says I, “it’s works of fiction”.
“But the premise,” they wailed, “of the Holy Grail and Mary’s position usurped. How did you feel about that?”
They wanted to know whether I believe that there is a conspiracy to crush the female presence in the church.
“Well yes, me bucko’s I’d say so. But that’s hardly new information”.
Could it really be so? Could the Christ reality at that time be such a dangerously new consciousness, that the powerful and influential would silence the Madonna?
All indication points to a presence that is very much alive. So dangerous, the feminine presence was hidden with mighty effort, yet the truth of her significance diligently keeps a flame lit.
What do you call that?
Faith, the ability to believe in something, sight unseen, is dangerous and necessary. It is a vital component to life. Whether you have faith in a particular dogma or whether you simply have faith in yourself and your family it is the torch carried in our hearts.
Don’t be afraid of the word “faith”.
It isn’t limiting.
Here’s a list that’s worth a look. See what do you make of this?
SEVEN SOCIAL SINS
By Mahatma Gandhi
Politics without principle
Wealth without work
Commerce without morality
Pleasure without conscience
Education without character
Science without humanity
Worship without sacrifice
(Eileen O’Toole is a musician and writer. She spent most of her life in Toronto Canada. While working with flower essences she decided to face her fears and return to the country in which she was born-Ireland. She placed her faith in strangers and wound up living in North West, in a county called Lovely Leitrim. Not so bad.)
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Intuition in Business
Sat. September 5, 2009
by Rachel Willis
In these illogical economic times, what better way to approach business than intuitively?
Defined as “the ability to understand something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning”, it is precisely this right-brained approach that seems to alienate its usage from the mainstream ...KEEP READING
In these illogical economic times, what better way to approach business than intuitively?
Defined as “the ability to understand something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning”, it is precisely this right-brained approach that seems to alienate its usage from the mainstream realms of business.
Is there genuine, substantial value to be created by using intuition within the business world? Absolutely. And where exactly does intuitive business play a role?
Firstly, and arguably most importantly, with the people you choose to do business with; employees, suppliers, partners or contractors. Without a group of loyal, honest and trustworthy personnel around you, your business stands little chance of surviving let alone flourishing.
Trust and follow your gut instinct when it warns you about the too-smooth supplier whose misleading new contract you’re being pushed to sign, the secretary you’re about to employ who has sparkling credentials yet is unduly interested in the petty cash system, and the telephone salesperson who promises that parting with cash guarantees your business will feature on the first page of the online search rankings.
So often we brush these feelings aside - especially when business is slow and there are bills to pay - but your intuition is talking to you, are you listening?
Secondly, intuition plays a large role in the creation of ideas. These innovative gems can arise in relation to your re-branding exercise, online marketing strategy, a new niche service you can offer, or even your IT systems. It is irrelevant what area your intuition relates to, what matters is that you follow those inner nudges, because they will undoubtedly lead you to success.
At this point, it is important to note that when you receive an intuitive whisper from within, you may well be unaware of where it is leading. In fact, you most probably won’t. It’s comparable to driving at night and only being able to see the immediate road ahead that is illuminated by your car’s headlights, yet you trust that even though you can’t see it when you set off, in the end you will arrive at your destination.
Thirdly, intuition can help shape your financing decisions. This is probably the most emotive area of business, and as such, it is the one where the sensible “oh no, I can’t do that” voice is at its loudest. Deciding whether to expand or consolidate, invest or divest and other finance-based choices is not something to be taken lightly, and there is no suggestion here that you impulsively opt to re-mortgage your house in order to buy a shipment of rare Tibetan antiques. However, checking in with your gut instinct is highly recommended.
Sometimes this can be tricky, so an easy exercise is to sit quietly and imagine how your business would be if you chose Scenario A (for instance, expanding your operations overseas) – see how your gut instinctively reacts, does it tighten in fear or does it expand with confidence and belief? Repeat this exercise for each separate scenario and trust that your gut will lead you to making the all right decisions to nurture, safeguard and create your future.
There are numerous other instances where intuition is an invaluable tool, so why not allow yourself be inspired and challenged into a perspective shift – depending on the circumstances, maybe a broadening of your horizons and view of the world, or a narrowing of your focus and channelling of your efforts – with success the common denominator.
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
A Simple Little Touch
Sat. September 5, 2009
by Elizabeth Stoops
To some, the experience I had yesterday may seem just a “thing” that happened and they would think no more of it. To me it was so much more…it touched my very being. She was no more than four years old, walking along the street with whom I assume to be her ...
KEEP READING
To some, the experience I had yesterday may seem just a “thing” that happened and they would think no more of it. To me it was so much more…it touched my very being.
She was no more than four years old, walking along the street with whom I assume to be her father; just strolling along looking up at the trees and enjoying the beautiful day. I was on my way to drop off some mail at the post box. Her father and I exchanged “hellos” as we passed each other. She was a beautiful little girl. Her skin was ebony, her eyes were dark and bright and her smile just gleamed from ear to ear. Her dark hair was pulled high atop her head and formed a big puffy ball, and I noticed her sneakers were untied as she walked by. 
I deposited my packages into the box and turned back around to return to my office. On my way back, once again I passed the beautiful little girl. She and her daddy had stopped and he knelt down to tie her sneaker laces. As I was passing her, she out stretched her arm and held out her little hand for me to tap it. To my surprise and delight, instead of our hands just tapping, she gripped my hand and did not let go! Her grip was so tight I stopped in my tracks and swung back around so we both wouldn’t fall! I laughed and said how darn cute she was and I’d love to join her on her walk, but I was sorry I couldn’t. During those few short seconds she did not say a single word…just held tight. They started to walk and I had to go with them because she still did not let go! Then her daddy told her she had to let the lady go. I bet she would have let me hold her hand and continue to walk along with them without skipping a beat. Her daddy and I laughed as I think this surprised him as well. 
While heading back, I’d noticed I had a kick in my step and a smile in my heart, and the office didn’t seem quite as lonely and dull upon my return. I’ve never experienced anything like the event which just unfolded. I’ve walked to the mailbox many times and have said hello to adults without the slightest look or hello back to me. I truly believe God and my angels were trying to send me a message on my walk yesterday and today I get it. How simple and beautiful life would be, if we all could be like that beautiful girl with so much power in her little hand. She said nothing, just held out her hand for a tap but gave so much more. Her simple little gesture turned my day from being mundane into a day filled with sunshine and light after a “simple little touch.”
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Message from Heaven
Thu. September 3, 2009
by anon
I dreamt that I went to Heaven and an angel was showing me around. We walked side-by-side inside a large workroom filled with Angels. My angel guide stopped in front of the first section and said, 'This is the Receiving Section.
Here, all petitions to God said in prayer are ...KEEP READING
I dreamt that I went to Heaven and an angel was showing me around. We walked side-by-side inside a large workroom filled with Angels. My angel guide stopped in front of the first section and said, 'This is the Receiving Section.
Here, all petitions to God said in prayer are received.'
I looked around in this area, and it was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions written on voluminous paper sheets and scraps from people all over the world.
Then we moved on down a long corridor until we reached the second section..
The angel then said to me, 'This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings the people asked for are processed and delivered to the living persons who asked for them.. 'I noticed again how busy it was there. There were many angels working hard at that station, since so many blessings had been requested and were being packaged for delivery to Earth.
Finally at the farthest end of the long corridor we stopped at the door of a very small station. To my great surprise, only one angel was seated there, idly doing nothing. 'This is the Acknowledgment Section,' my angel friend quietly admitted to me.. He seemed embarrassed 'How is it that there is no work going on here?' I asked.
'So sad,' the angel sighed. 'After people receive the blessings that they asked for, very few send back acknowledgments .'
'How does one acknowledge God's blessings?' I asked.
'Simple,' the angel answered. Just say, 'Thank you, God.'
'What blessings should they acknowledge?' I asked..
'If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy .'
'And if you get this on your own computer, you are part of the 1% in the world who has that opportunity.'
'If you woke up this morning with more health than illness ... you are more blessed than the many who will not even survive this day .'
'If you have never experienced the fear in battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation ...you are ahead of 700 million people in the world.'
'If you can attend a church without the fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death you are envied by, and more blessed than, three billion people in the world. '
'If your parents are still alive and still married ...you are very rare .'
'If you can hold your head up and smile, you are not the norm, you're unique to all those in doubt and despair.'
Ok, what now? How can I start? If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you as very special and you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world who cannot read at all.
Have a good day, count your blessings, and remember to remind everyone else how blessed we all are.
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
My True Passion
Tue. September 1, 2009
by Bettina Charlton
My True Passion
Living your passion is only possible if you truly tune into your heart and your spirit for it is here you will find that which comes natural to you.
It may lead you on different roads for you to grow wiser and more solid, but ultimately you cannot live without it.
When you work with ...KEEP READING
My True Passion
Living your passion is only possible if you truly tune into your heart and your spirit for it is here you will find that which comes natural to you.
It may lead you on different roads for you to grow wiser and more solid, but ultimately you cannot live without it.
When you work with your true passion and your purpose, it will fill you up like a well that is never empty.
The excitement of getting up in the morning happy to be alive and feeling blessed that you are doing what you came here to do, is what life is all about.
If you follow your guidance, you will be given greater assignments as you climb up the mountain. Ultimately you can look down to see the magic you have been given along the way, and believe me you will never be pushed to do more than you can handle at any given point.
I was 37 years old until I found my true passion.
Working in different fields from delivering mail, being a secretary, cleaning luxuary planes, to starting my own successesful cleaning business and finding that in all of them was missing passion.
I was constantly drained and always tired, and I realized I had lost the connection to my spirit along the way.
I started doing exstensive energy work, learning about clearing energy, not only in myself but also in others and little by little I could hear my heart speak to me in soft whispers along the way.
Something had reconnected with me that had felt lost or gone for ages.
I started to trust my own senses and intuition and boy was I scared when I made the decision to end my business and start from scratch.
I even bought a new car to top it all off in starting my new adventure with all my senses and joy.
My new intuitive space design business was a reality.
I launched an exstensive website explaining what I do and how I do what I do.
I remember my husband saying that maybe I shouldn't tell anyone, that I was able to tune into peoples energy and spirit, and read from that what they so deeply desired in their homes and offices.
It was hard in the beginning, but the truth of the matter is ,that feeling my beating heart and how I felt alive again was all worth it.
I didn't care that I wasn't making that much money because ultimately, it was all a dance between me and my spirit, learning the different ways my intuition would speak to me and how much easier I could find colors for clients and how much better the designs became once I trusted myself more and more. It wasn't about me anymore but simply being of service to my client.
For me to be able to create their desires and inner sanctuaries, so that they could feel inspired and safe in their own spaces was reward enough for me.
I remember the day when I finally gave into the love for my work and became one with it.
All of a sudden I didn't have to hide my abilities anymore, despite what people would say or think.
I couldn't lie anymore and I know deep within myself, it was the most liberating feeling I have ever felt.
Once you truely step into your light there is no way back, only fields of dreams coming true and that is what passion and true purpose is all about.
What is your passion?
www.intuitive-space-design.com
Bettina Charlton
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
God and Dog... a little dittie
Mon. August 31, 2009
by Sue Purdy
This video is a light little dittie, but at the same time, for you dog lovers out there, you know the truth about our relationship with our animals, and their reminder of our connection to spirit. This is a great little video. This is also a reminder for us too take a little time to give thanks ...KEEP READING
This video is a light little dittie, but at the same time, for you dog lovers out there, you know the truth about our relationship with our animals, and their reminder of our connection to spirit. This is a great little video. This is also a reminder for us too take a little time to give thanks for our little comfort creatures who bring us back to love when all else seems to be taking us away from it.
COLLAPSE ARTICLE
Thank you !
Welcome to Colette Baron-Reid's special community.
