Basking in the moonlight

This week's Rainbow Dreams task evokes the mother archetype in us all. And as I sit here curled up on my lounge with my laptop, a heated wheat bag on my feet and a throw rug wrapped around me, I am to answer the following questions:

1. Are you safe?
   
   Yes. I believe I am. Although there are times when I feel a little nervous, like I'm being watched or followed, I invoke the pink ray of love and silver goddess energy to protect me.
   
   
2. Do you help to create a safe environment in which others may thrive?
   
   I like to think so. I am a nurturer and I like everyone to be comfortable. I also like to think I have a talent for bringing out the best in people, or rather, helping them to discover their true talents!
   
   
3. Are you comfortable in the darkness of your own soul?
   
   This is something I've struggled with for a long time. It scared me - really scared me. But over the last year its something I've confronted. And I've learnt a lot. I guess one of the best things about acknowledging and learning to love your darkness is that you find true self acceptance - you also find out who your real friends are!
   
   
4. Are you protective of those who are especially vulnerable among us?
   
   Yes. I'm like a mother hen.
   
   
5. Do you take good care of yourself?
   
   No. Not enough, although I am learning to. Recently I've started taking care of my skin again, and have now committed to regular monthly massages. Now I have to start eating healthy again and exercising (Trin will love that too).

This week I am working with the Moon Goddess.

Moon Goddesses are always protector deities who lovingly watch over all living beings on Earth. They teach us, by example, to extend ourselves well beyond the boundaries of the individual self into the realm of service to the world. The path of the Moon allows each of us to explore the vast region of the collective unconscious and to solve the deep mystery of the soul.

This is a good week to focus on the first or base chakra. The base chakra is located at the base of the spine and the quality of its energy is represented by the element of earth - solid, dense, secure. It is associated with our physical health, survival issues (eg work, money, housing), family relationships and instinctual energy.

The Dalai Lama says, "The belief that there is a substantially real self, and the cherishing of one's own interest at the expense of others, are the two main thoughts and emotions we have nurtured within us through our many lives. But what is the result of this? We are continually suffering and experiencing negative thoughts and emotions, so our self-cherishing hasn't really got us very far. Also, if we shift our focus from ourselves to others and to the wider world, and if we turn our attention to all the crises in the world, all the difficulties and the sufferings and so on, we will see that many of these problems are direct or indirect consequences of undisciplined negative states of mind."

This is the Full Moon to honor freedom, idealism, humanitarianism, egalitarianism, and the revolutionary impulse toward reform, without causing harm to anyone.

This is the Full Moon to wake up, and get politically/spiritually active (two of the most powerful expressions of Uranus/Aquarius!)

Now more than ever, the world needs our attention and care.

This is, after all, a Full Moon; a time of gathering in groups to celebrate, teach, share, and most of all enlighten.

I'm loving my journey!

Kaleidoscopic dreams

My horoscope was very interesting today. It said:

Your love life is a kaleidoscope of shapes and colors today, dear Leo, full of complicated patterns and ever-changing displays of beauty. Everywhere you turn, a new perspective is revealed, and you learn something new about yourself and the people you are involved with. Remain open to the idea of partnership on multiple levels in which you experience different levels of commitment with different people. Every color is needed to make a complete rainbow.

I don't usually follow my horoscope, but this caught my eye. I feel my life changing. My world is being turned upside down and everything is topsy-turvy - but in a good way.

I met with Gayla on Friday. During our sessions it felt like a million lightbulbs were popping in my mind. She helped me change some of my old beliefs and to see things from a new perspective.

An old friend has come back into my life, for what reason, I'm not too sure. But he is welcome - I've missed him.

For the first time in a long time, I am emotionally available.

So I'll just sit back and wait for this adventure to unfold, and I thank you for sharing it with me!

Chakradance

Many of you have asked me to tell you more about Chakradance, so I asked Douglas Channing to send me their latest media release:

You’ve just arrived home after a hard day at work; your back hurts, your shoulders are tense, and your mind’s racing. You feel restless, stressed and unable to relax. Sound familiar?

At this point, you could slump in front of the telly and try to blank it all out with mindless visual garbage. Or, you could allow yourself a pure, blissful freedom that will make you feel refreshed, calm and truly alive. And it’s as easy as closing the door, turning off the light,
putting on a CD, opening your mind and allowing yourself to move freely and uninhibited in your own space.

Chakradance is a fusion of Eastern and Western Philosophies that offers a complete workout for the body, mind and spirit. It aims to relieve the stress of modern day living. It is practised in workshops with qualified Chakradance instructors all over Australia.

Currently being touted as the next pilates, there’s no doubt in the minds of the thousands of
already existing devotees that Chakradance is destined to take Australia by storm!

The beauty of uninhibited dance is that you don’t need to follow a set routine to feel the benefits; you just let the music take control. And there are so many benefits: other than it being a very creative cardio workout, it can also be a moving spiritual experience, because what you’re actually doing is dancing your chakras.

Just ask Australian psychotherapist Natalie Southgate, creator of Chakradance and co-author of a nifty new book to be published in June titled Chakradance: Rhythm for Your Soul (Hay House, RRP $26.95).

Natalie says that the very best thing about Chakradance is that "you don’t need to know anything about dance or Chakras to take part. Chakradance is not about ‘steps’ or performance’; it’s totally about freedom and your own self-expression and experience."

The forthcoming book is the essential guide to Chakradance; from the Crown Chakra at the top of the head to the Root Chakra at the base of the spine, this beautiful little book provides readers with suggestions on how to move to enhance and align each of the seven major Chakras of the body.

Significantly, the book also comes with an accompanying CD of specially composed modern dance and world music with specific musical tones that resonate with each of the Chakras. The forthcoming publication of Chakradance: Rhythm For Your Soul, says co-author Douglas
Channing, "will make Chakradance even more accessible, as it can be easily experienced in the comfort of your own home."

If you’ve got the book and the CD, you’ve got everything you need to begin your Chakradance experience. Try it - you’ll be amazed by how it makes you feel!

For Further information on Chakradance visit: www.chakradance.com.au

Proud Mum

Isn't my baby girl just gorgeous!

Goddess & Angel Wand of Light

I have a new assistant.

A new friend ~ Leane ~ made me a Goddess & Angel Wand of Light! I met Leane through Lisa, the owner of Inner Harmony who is fast becoming a great friend.

My wand is made from a 75 year old Elm tree, and is adorned with a magical quartz crystal containing a crystal deva. Leane's daughter Erynn does Deva readings and has given me the following information:

You should feel all the beautiful energy emanating from Lady Demetria! My female earth deva is magnificent! Wrapped in silver ribbons she channels all Goddesses, Archangels, angels, moon energies, star energies and earth energies.

Here she is ...

Lady Demetria is going to be assisting me with the Goddess Playshops.

Attitude of gratitude

I just wanted to say thank you.

Thank you to each and every one of you who visit me and leave wonderful encouraging messages for me to find when I get home from work.

I am truly blessed that our paths have crossed and that we have connected in such a wonderful way. For that I am truly grateful!

To quote Kate Nowak:

"... may you always be aware that you are loved beyond measure and a cherished blessing to me."

Love, rainbows & stardust,

mich

x.

Abundance: Living in a New State of Mind

a·bun·dance
–noun

1. an extremely plentiful or oversufficient quantity or supply: an abundance of grain.
2. overflowing fullness: abundance of the heart.
3. affluence; wealth: the enjoyment of abundance.
4. Physics, Chemistry. the number of atoms of one isotope of an element divided by the total number of atoms in a mixture of the isotopes

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)

This week's Rainbow Dreams asks what abundance means to me.

It wasn't too long ago that I didn't give the word 'abundance' a second thought, however after the release of The Secret I hear that word on an almost daily basis.

As you learn The Secret, you will come to know how you can have, be, or
do anything you want. You will come to know who you really are. You will come to
know the true magnificence that awaits you in life."

~ Rhonda Byrne
From the introduction of the book The Secret

The Law of Attraction has taught me plenty. I have learnt that we can attract an abundance of positive, and negative ...

Its not about money for me (although I'm not going to knock it back). Its about having an abundance of love in my life: family, good friends, and happiness.

I found this great article by Katie Mattson on Kate Nowak's Live More Abundantly.com.

Abundance: Living in a New State of Mind

“Abundance is, in large part, an attitude.”

-Sue Patton Thoele

What a truth that statement is!

Living from a place of abundance is also a choice. Each day contains a choice about whether we wake up in control of our day, or dreading the path we have already set in motion. Having an abundance of favorable tasks, friends and love each day is our choice.

Abundance is such a tangible topic because it contains so many truths.

Abundance is a free gift to give. Abundance can be donated by means of time, love, energy, attention or even thanks. Having it allows you to share freely with others to increase their reserves.

Have you ever dealt with a particularly stressful day, feeling stretched far too thin? Of course you have. On these days we often find ourselves running into the perfect person at the most opportune time. It could be the person who smiled and held the door, an old friend sending a quick e-mail, or a family member with some good news. In turn, each of us have offered this gift to others as well. You may not recognize the moment when you give it, but be assured it is appreciated.

Creating emotional abundance allows each of us to be authentic, which invites more positive emotion each day.

Often, you have to give it to receive it. When you give of your own, you increase the abundance of others.

Call it karma, call it destiny, but whether you are giving monetarily or emotionally, it often comes back to you. Giving it out and witnessing when and how it comes back creates awareness around the pattern of abundant giving which breeds reciprocation. Sometimes, the only reciprocation you need is a ‘thank you.’

It has to do with gratitude.

We always have abundance, yet often we don’t recognize it. Our focus is often on what we want next, instead of what we have now.

I’m sure your fridge is pretty well stocked, your belly seldom empty, your hair often washed, your love tank often full and your next paycheck often expected.

Your life is already abundant. Remembering to be grateful for the abundance already in existence has become an afterthought.

What if we thought in terms of abundant gratefulness? What if we were grateful for the lack of traffic on the way into work? Or, grateful for the fact that our cars run well or our roofs are not leaky? What if we were grateful for the fact that our eye appointment was just a checkup instead of an emergency? How different would your attitude toward abundance be then?

Abundance can make our lives simpler.

Sure, having a large sum of money in our bank accounts creates an easier lifestyle.

Think smaller though. What if you had enough toilet paper for the next six months? Filling up on the little things can reduce the number of trips to the
store and increase the amount of time you have for the things you really want to
do.

Living in abundance is living more simply. Stock up on what you can now, so
you can enjoy more free time and give more freely of yourself. When you aren’t
stressed about all the “stuff” you have to do, it’s easier to be present in the
moment.

“Abundance is, in large part, an attitude.” -Sue Patton Thoele

Attitudes shift with perspective.

Rod Stryker, meditation teacher and founder of Pure Yoga, states: “You cannot attain what you already have.” Center yourself with this thought. Once your mind recognizes it is already abundant with love and peace, so then, is your life.

Now, that’s an abundant attitude!

Lessons to be learned ... wisdom cards

Nicole, our very own Modern Goddess, had this on her blog ...



Thanks Nicole, this is just so beautiful!

Sun-shiny day

It was a better day today.

I've smudged (I even smudged my office!), and bought my favourite flowers - pink oriental lillies, their sweet perfume wafts through my home.

It was a beautiful winter's day. I'm in a more positive frame of mind.

Tonight I randomly opened one of Gayla's emails, and her simple focus for today is:

As I become EVEN MORE aware of the unlimited power that a single loving choice
creates, I become the determiner of my life, and I choose to Enjoy the Journey!

© Gayla Maxwell 2007, author of Permission to Dance…one step at a time.

I'm really looking forward to unfolding the mystery that promises to be this week!

Melancholy baby

Taken tonight : Melancholy Mich

I'm feeling a little melancholy tonight. I don't know why, its been building all week.

Inspiration seems to have escaped me. Many times I have curled up on the lounge with my lap top to write, and ... nothing.

Last night I went to the launch of Dion's new business and went to dinner with him. It was a lovely night, but I was quiet and watchful - quite the wall flower. Tonight, I went with my dear friend Jane to see the new Harry Potter movie. We went to the Dendy Premium, to watch it in style and luxury. Yet, I'm still flat.

There has been an energy around my home the past couple of nights. Trinity has felt it too. I don't feel safe at the moment. I feel as though I'm being watched.

My friends have noticed my mood. A sober pensiveness is probably the best way to describe the way I am feeling.

I need to snap out of this. Tomorrow I will smudge my home and my front and back gardens to shift this energy. I'll buy some beautiful flowers to adorn my home and lift my spirits. And I will meditate to find my centre again.

... and the award goes to ... YOU

I post tonight very humbled. Two marvelous women, goddesses, priestesses, have nominated me for awards.

Nicole from the Modern Goddess has awarded me a Good Schmoozer award. The definition of a Good Schmoozer has been taken from the blog of walksfarwomen.

“Good schmoozers”, says Deborah, “effortlessly weave their way in and out of the blogosphere, leaving friendly trails and smiles, happily making new friends along the way. They don’t limit their visits to only the rich and successful, but spend some time to say hello to new blogs as well. They are the ones who engage others in meaningful conversations, refusing to let it end at a mere hello - all the while fostering a sense of closeness and friendship.”

So, in the spirit of this award, I pass the mantle to the following women.

Bohemian Mom : Jane from Painted House 52 : iGoddess : Patti from Welcome to my Universe

Now Carmen is a wonderful gal, who fell across me one day, and I've really enjoyed getting to know her. Carmen awarded me the Blogger Reflection Award.


Here are her stipulations for granting the award: It is called The Blogger Reflection Award. Why? The reason for the title is because this award should make you reflect on five bloggers who have been an encouragement, a source of love, impacted you in some way, and have been a Godly example to you. Five Bloggers who when you reflect on them you get a sense of pride and joy... of knowing them and being blessed by them. This award is for the best-of-the-best so consider who you pick, carefully. This award should not be given to just anyone.

I'd like pass this award to:

Creative Faery : The Modern Goddess : Journey Through Life : Sacred Suzie

Ladies, you have all had an incredible affect on my life, and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

Love & light

mich

x.

I feel its been a crazy week for all of us ... and in the theme of this week's Rainbow Dreams task of helping to fire up the grid, I just wanted to share this movie from Kate Nowak:

We Send You Our Blessings

Travel Plans

Saint Augustine said:

"People travel to wonder

at the height of the mountains,

at the huge waves of the seas,

at the long course of the rivers,
at the vast compass of the ocean,

at the circular motion of the stars,
and yet they pass by themselves

without wondering."

Let your thoughts be still for a moment and travel within to the Isle of You, that incredibly peaceful place inhabited by your Soul.

As your breath eases in and out, and all the world around you fades away, you'll find yourself in the most restful, relaxing place on earth.

And the nice thing is you can go back any time you like.

May you always take the time to travel within.

30 Things

Whether this is one of Maya Angelou's poemss (which is how I received this), or if it is a list of 30 things a woman should know/have in a Glamour magazine article by Pamela Redmond Satran (as Anonymous left, in my blog), I honour both women, as the words below could never ring truer ...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

enough money within her control to move out

and rent a place of her own,

even if she never wants to or needs to...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

something perfect to wear if the employer,

or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..

a youth she's content to leave behind....

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

a past juicy enough that she's

looking forward to retelling it in her old age....

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .....

a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill,

and a black lace bra...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....

one friend who always makes her laugh...

and one who lets her cry...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .....

a good piece of furniture

not previously owned by anyone else in her family...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems,

and a recipe for a meal, that will make her guests feel honored...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

a feeling of control over her destiny...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

how to fall in love without losing herself..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

how to quit a job, break up with a lover,

and confront a friend without ruining the friendship...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

when to try harder... and

WHEN TO WALK AWAY...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

that she can't change the length of her calves,

the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

that her childhood may not have been perfect....

but its over...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW..

whom she can trust,whom she can't,

and why she shouldn't take it personally...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

where to go...be it to her best friend's kitchen table...

or a charming inn in the woods...when her soul needs soothing...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

what she can and can't accomplish in a day...

a month...and a year...

MY SIMPLE FOCUS FOR TODAY ...

Today I choose to focus on

giving myself permission

to be kind to myself

as I further explore the ways

in which I have put off the things

that most serve me.
I am gaining more knowledge...and

I will gradually digest and practice

using my focus to empower myself.

© Gayla Maxwell 2007, author of Permission to Dance…one step at a time.

MY SIMPLE FOCUS FOR TODAY ...

Sustainable motivation comes from connection to my Core;

discovering what naturally makes me feel joy and passion

When these things are all aligned, discipline becomes a non-issue

I JUST DO IT

© Gayla Maxwell 2007, author of Permission to Dance…one step at a time.

Healing our earth - July 17, 2007

Three times in one day the universe has bopped me over the head about healing our planet.

As mentioned in this week's Rainbow Dreams exercise I received two emails about a website called Fire the Grid asking us to bring together as many humans as possible, throughout the world from every corner of the globe, to simply sit and pray or meditate for one hour during that time.

Hopefully, with your help, we will amass a union of humans, such as the world has never seen. Loving humans with one intention - to heal our planet and awaken our souls to our true purpose… to become one with our Source of Light.

This planned sitting of the people of earth will demonstrate the love and faith we feel for the goodness of our world and her inhabitants. We are the catalyst to the healing of earth. A true believer has the power of ten fold, so if you only think you may believe, know that the faith of the others will boost your own faith and the power will be intensified. That is why we must all sit at the same time. We will feed each others power, strengthening the force of delivery and compounding the energy we send into the core of our home. Each and every one of us is important alone, but together we are a very powerful source of creative energy. Remember we are all a piece of God, and that energy of creation lives in all of us.

Then I pulled the Earth Child Card from Isha Lerner's Inner Child Cards. And when this card appears in your reading, powerful and divine influencees are gestating within your aura. Embrace them with an open mind. Remember how protected and nutured you are by invisible helpers, guides and teachers. You are never alone. Experience the universal harmony emanating from the Sun, the sacred nucleus of the solar system, and become the rhytmic beating of your how heart - the radiant centre of your body.

The ancient prhase "As above, so below" is true, for cosmic wisdom is encoded in your DNA cells. Most of all, let a childlike wonder fill your life. See with new eyes. Touch the world as if for the first time. Summon courage for the rites of initiation that lie ahead.

Blessed be.
x.

MY SIMPLE FOCUS FOR TODAY ...

I am worthy of feeling good about even the smallest steps

that I take toward an empowered way of experiencing this life
As I do this, I create EVEN MORE of the thoughts, feelings and actions that I desire

© Gayla Maxwell 2007, author of Permission to Dance…one step at a time.

I want to experience

Ok bloggers, I've been away, so that's why I didn't post yesterday ... but that doesn't mean that I wasn't doing my 'soul-work'.

The latest task from Gayla's 21 Day e-COREse requires some deep thinking ... luckily it corresponded with this week's task on Rainbow Dreams!

So, here I go. I want to experience:

1. a mutually loving and respectful relationship


2. success in my business


3. a healthy lifestyle

MY SIMPLE FOCUS FOR TODAY IS ...

All that is created started with a thought

My thinking creates how I feel

My feelings create my motive

Today I choose to be motivated by empowering and loving thoughts

MY SIMPLE FOCUS FOR TODAY ...

As I focus on the choices I make in my thinking

And I choose to think empowering thoughts

I quite naturally move toward a state of power.

In this state I experience my life in joy ...

and I am living on Purpose

© Gayla Maxwell 2007, author of Permission to Dance…one step at a time.

MY SIMPLE FOCUS FOR TODAY ...

I am gradually becoming EVEN MORE

aware of my past programming and beliefs

as I observe without judgment

my inner voices of fear, love and logic.

© Gayla Maxwell 2007, author of Permission to Dance…one step at a time.

Creating my future

I decided to create a Mind Movie for this week's task ... it was a lot of fun ... I hope you enjoy it as much as I did creating it. Thanks Nicole for the inspiration!

MY SIMPLE FOCUS FOR TODAY ...

How can I experience

even more

ACCEPTANCE

in my life

RIGHT NOW

© Gayla Maxwell 2007, author of Permission to Dance…one step at a time.

Who am I?

On Day 1 of the eCOREse I practiced correct breathing to support greater clarity, calm and awareness. Today I go back to that inward place in order to integrate what I have discovered about myself so far.

There is always something to discover in every moment I give myself permission to be completely present. This practice of awareness, discovery, integration and the release of judgment is the journey that leads to the mastery of my own life purpose. There is always something to discover and that in itself is one of the many gifts of life that is so often overlooked. It is all just one big amazing mystery unfolding. Our task is to be present enough to experience it!

I am asked to breathe in instant calm and clarity. Close my eyes. And with each breath in choose a greater level of calm. With each breath out choose to release anything that might limit me from being completely in the present moment.

I imagine that I can see, hear, feel and/know myself as I am meant to be, and ask myself the question "Who am I" and write down my answers as they come.

I am:

Michelle

warm and funny, with a wicked sense of humour

a woman of great strength and compassion

committed to my continual development

comfortable in my own company

a talented writer and 'teacher'

passionate about my beliefs

inspiring and empowering

a social butterfly

a contradiction

a priestess

a goddess

happy

me

MY SIMPLE FOCUS FOR TODAY IS

Today I choose to look for the many opportunities

that are being GIVEN to me for FREE

The universe is providing me with many openings to discover the unlimited person that I am.

Today I am choosing to become more aware of the many GIFTS that are found in this PRESENT moment.

© Gayla Maxwell 2007, author of Permission to Dance…one step at a time.

My Core Values

Photo taken today - the real me no make-up and bad hair day!

In order to make positive and sustainable changes in our lives, living in the ease and flow of who we naturally are, we must first understand what 'sustains' us.

What do you believe is important?

What is 'not negotiable' in your life?

I've been asked to answer the following questions as quickly and honestly as I can.

1. When all is said and done, these are the things that have real meaning to me:

• family - immediate and extended
• who I am - my integrity
• my friends
• Trinity (my fur baby)

2. I feel at my best when I am spending time with friends just being me.

3. I feel uncomfortable when I am asked to do something which is outside of my comfort zone.

4. I don't like to see people hurting.

5. I love harmony, in my family, amongst my friends, in my workplace ... I love to be surrounded by it.

6. I don't like disception, back-biting, nastiness and bullying.

7. I love hearing laughter, kind words.

8. I love feeling loved, safe, secure and happy.

9. I love seeing happiness, be it children playing, dogs running around, a couple in the street obviously in love ...

10. I love thinking about the future, and the steps I am taking to create my bliss.

11. I feel my worst when I allow myself to be put down.

12. I feel angry when I hear myself get caught up in bitchiness.

13. I don't like nastiness or bitchiness.

14. I want harmony at work and the respect of my colleagues.

15. My family life feels a little on the crazy side at times. I know have an extended family and embrace it whole-heartedly.

16. My friends, my true friends, I can count on one hand. I have other friends who are more acquaintances.

17. My current work compliments my core self in a way, but I find myself moving more towards helping people, I've always loved helping people and making them feel better about themselves.

18. I would change quite a bit. I'd like to change how I react to other people's attitudes about me - I'd like to be less 'emotional' at work. I'd like to change some perceptions so they can see the real me - this means taking down my mask.

19. I'm good at communicating, helping people realise their own potential, hiding who I am.

20. I feel happy and satisfied when I see myself genuinely helping people to realise their own potential.

21. I can see myself happily working as a life coach, author and speaker.

The one very most important thing to me is to be happy in life.

© Gayla Maxwell 2007, from her 21 Day e-COREse.

MY SIMPLE FOCUS FOR TODAY IS...

Today I choose

to focus on how I feel

in the world that I have created so far.

When does it feel

like I'm living true to my core values

and where am I still to get into alignment

with my natural flow.

© Gayla Maxwell 2007. Author of Permission to Dance…one step at a time.

MY SIMPLE FOCUS FOR TODAY IS...

Clearing myself of

unnecessary judgment

allows me to move with ease,

flow, and clarity of purpose.

This is the beginning of

finding my CORE motivation.

----------------

Nothing has real meaning

Only the meaning

I have decided to give to it

© Gayla Maxwell 2007. Author of Permission to Dance…one step at a time.

MY SIMPLE FOCUS FOR TODAY IS...

In my awareness

I create the power to magnify

what is working for me

and release what is holding me back!

IT IS A CHOICE

Mermaid's and fuchsia's

I'm having a day off today ... light rain is falling outside, the trees are whipping around in the wind, and mini-waves are rippling over the top of the lake.

But I'm inside sitting on my sofa watching Mother Nature's symphony wrapped in a soft furry throw rug, with a hot mug of chai tea.

With Isha Lerner's Power of Flowers cards at my fingter-tips, I can't resist pulling a card ...

Glory to Fuchsia,

For my suffering and pain,

And childhood past,

Are cleansed and soothed,

And healed at last.

Latin: Fuchsia hybridaColor(s): Red, Pink and Purple

Archetype: Mermaid. Known as the “Virgin of the Sea,” the mermaid inhabits two worlds simultaneously: water (the emotions) and air ( the intellect). Her ability to descend to the depths of the sea gives her access to the hidden treasure of her Real Self. Her ability to ascend beyond the surface of the ocean waves, toward the sun and starts above, awakens her to higher levels of consciousness. Around her neck are pearls of wisdom, salvaged from buried treasure of her past.

Signature: A thick shrub with smooth green leaves and buds that form in clusters, pointing toward the earth. Upon flowering, its petals open upwards, crowning toward the heavens.

Healing Properties: Fuchsia assists one in accepting long-repressed emotions, whether from this or other lifetimes, and embracing one’s long-submerged and neglected grief, pain, and suffering. Often, through this process, the Divine Child within is revealed.

Healing: You must now learn to move freely between the watery realm of emotions and the arid world of the intellect. You are asked to courageously embrace life in all its dimensions, including pain and suffering, for in so doing, you strengthen yourself, allowing the spirit to travel beyond the confused emotions and perceptions of your personal history into the world of enchantment and true insight. Ultimately, like the fish-tailed Goddess, you emerge into wholeness; that which was once only known in the dark, womb-like places, is now fully integrated in the light of day.

When the Fuchsia mermaid visits you she invokes your long awaited transformation. The cherub angel pictured above her head represents your Divine Child, freed from the confines of the past and now heralding your glorious rebirth. Joyously, the hummingbird overlights you, for you have found many treasures buried in the darkness of your suffering and now know yourself to be whole in the midst of all that life has to offer. Rise up and receive the many blessings of your New World.

MY SIMPLE FOCUS FOR TODAY IS...

Today I choose

to focus on being more aware

of what easily inspires feelings
that I enjoy like happiness, love, connection
and also what provokes feelings that I do not like.

MY SIMPLE FOCUS FOR TODAY...

It is in my efforts to practice,

every day, and especially in the moments

when I am experiencing struggle,

that I discover the freedom,

the strength and the successes

that is my deepest desire ...

Poppies and totems

I was drawn to pull a card for myself tonight, but decided to move away from the cards I've been working so closely with for the past few years.

However, I have to admit to being a huge Isha Lerner fan. This card is from her Power of Flowers deck.

My card is Oriental Poppy.

Blazing Poppy,

Bearer of Dreams,

A Shaman's Call

To magical schemes.

Guide me into light and dark,

A path of transformation,

I embark.

Latin: Paparer orientale

Color(s): Brilliant Orange

Archetype: Shaman. The Shaman’s Way is a path of the heart involving profound reverence for the natural world at its deepest levels. We see that no real separation exists when one is in constant rhythm with plants, stars, animals, insects, birds, stones, and mountains, and that Nature is a sanctuary, a sacred womb, where body and soul truly meet.

Signature: Blossoms open dramatically, facing the sun, exposing deep black centers that reveal spider-like shapes within. Rich-green, fern-like leaves grow in clusters and the plant produces many large, long-stemmed bulbs resembling drumsticks, which become delicate rattles when dried.It can withstand extreme weather conditions. It is hardy, yet profoundly delicate by nature.

Healing Properties: Oriental Poppy beckons one to journey into the mysteries of creative visualisation and dream journaling, as used by ancient Shamans. Oriental Poppy is an excellent remedy for those wishing to enhance their clairvoyant and telepathic skills.

Healing: The Poppy Shaman calls you back to your true home in Nature, where your soul speaks directly to you, delivering its many sacred messages. Deep in your heart, the muses are aroused and the plant and animal spirits surround you. Vibrant rainbow colours swirl around the Poppy Shaman's head, symbolising the divine rays of unity and harmony that exist only when one has attuned to Nature and Her consorts in the deepest possible way. The white butterflies who bask in the translucent colors of the rainbow are signs of transformation, for the deep core of the Oriental Poppy calls you to the dark mysteries that dwell, paradoxically, within the light. The Shaman's bright orange robe shimmers with passion, stimulating the creative center that exists just below the navel. It is from this place, the womb chakra, that psychic energy is birthed. Dragonfly, polar bear, lion, eagle, fish, and caterpillar are the sacred totems of the Poppy Shaman.

To which these spirits are you most attuned?


Believe it or not, this was a tough question for me to answer - I couldn't decide between the dragonfly and the lion.

DRAGONFLY

Dragonfly is the power of light. The dragonfly inhabits two realms: air and water and the influence of both these elements will be felt by Dragonfly people. They will be emotional and passionate during their early years (the influence of water) and more balanced with greater mental clarity and control in as they mature (the influence of air).

Dragonfly is the essence of the winds of change, the messages of wisdom and enlightenment; and the communication from the elemental world.

Dragonfly medicine beckons you to seek out the parts of your habits which need changing. Call on Dragonfly to guide you through the mists of illusion to the pathway of transformation. The number 2 is important to Dragonfly, so think in terms of two year periods when you begin a change. Dragonfly brings the light and color of transformation into your life.

LION

Creature of the Sun Lord,
beloved of the Lady,
Reveal to me the ancient methods of magic.
Walk beside me as I grow in strength and courage.
Show me when to keep ties strong and when to break them.
Help me to understand the times for work and the times for rest.
Mighty lion, lend me your energies.

Lion: Feminine Power

The Lion is the symbol of the sun and of gold. Medieval alchemists associated Lion with sulfur. A Lion totem presents a lesson in dealing with groups and your role within those groups. It is a totem for avoiding confrontations and for stealth. Take the easy way to meet your goals; do not confront them head on. A Lion totem tells you to trust your feminine energies – creativity, intuition and imagination. But don’t be afraid to roar if threatened.

Angelic wisdom and rainbow dreams

Every blade of grass has its Angel

that bends over it and whispers,

"Grow, grow."

Talmud

This week's Rainbow Dreams invites me to explore the essence of life within the realm of birth and death and beyond, for the soul does not confine its adventures to the spiritual plane alone, but involves itself in the great laboratory of experience here on planet Earth.

Our task here on Earth is to fully interweave the spiritual dimension with the material; to mix the gold of spirit with the silver of embodied existence.

When the soul is thirsty, it becomes a vessel, ready to be filled and then poured out into new life circumstances.

To seal the cracks in my own cosmic vessel so that I may soothe my soul and revitalise my life force, I am asked, what do I fill my cup with each day? Now is the time to explore this esoteric question.

• My cup overflows with gratitude, I keep a daily gratitude journal
• Daily meditation
• Regular ChakraDance practice
• Constant study ~ I'm currently immersed in Anodea Judith's Chakra Balancing
• Life coaching with the amazing Gayla Maxwell
• Blogging and connecting with an amazing circle of incredible women
• Connecting with the Goddess

Blessed be!

Raptuous beauty

Fill my heart with Love, that my every teardrop may become a star.

–Hazrat Inayat Khan

I love that quote. It is so whimsical and romantic, and reflects so strongly what true love means to me.

True love is one of the exercises from Rainbow Dreams. Another difficult one for me, as I've always protected my heart.

The card was drawn from Inner Child Cards was the Ace of Hearts, and it said:

The essence of true love is, above all, faith-in the ineffable reverence that grows out of the union with a beloved. This beloved can be your inner self or another human soul.

The root meaning of love is to acknowledge absolute concern for another being. In order to express this empathy for another, one must secure self-love in one's own heart.

In this card, two mermaids joyously push a Winged Heart up from the sea. It is offered as an inspired sunrise, touching the golden light of the sky. This heart reveals the acceptance of love at the highest level, for the heart is the vessel of life, adorned with wings of spiritual freedom.

An ace in any suit is always positive. This card affirms that a new opportunity in the realm of love is rising out of the depths of the past, symbolised by the ocean. This new love may be a person, an idea, the realisation of a dream, or a new creative endeavor.

Sounds easy to respond to doesn't it. But no, it isn't easy at all.

In order to be able to love, I need to first love myself. That means I have to trust myself to pull down the walls I have built around my heart, and open myself to the risk of finding love.

I ask myself the following question: What am I more afraid of, the risk of being hurt, or the risk of finding true love?

This stage of my spiritual journey entails dedication and commitment, for the tasks involved are some of the most difficult to comprehend for my soul. I must seek to embrace the essence of love within and avoid the temptation to seek it elsewhere. The beloved with whom I will choose to share my intimate life is but a reflection of my own loving nature. Till now, the extent I have sought love outside myself, has met me with disillusionment and disappointment.

I have written before that it is a very good practice to stand up with arms reaching toward the heavens in the shape of a chalice.

Imagining I am being filled with the elixir of divine love, I allow the radiant light of Aphrodite pour into my heart.

I light a candle in my home symbolising the purity of love I wish to share with the world.

I dare to be the rapturous beauty that lives within my heart.

I open my heart to forgivness ~ of myself and others.

I open my heart to love myself.

I open my heart to love.

I am the raptuous beauty that lives within my heart.