Right now ...

I'm curled up in bed

so I thought I'd share my now with you

~

Its 12.12 am

*

Trinity, my fur baby, is asleep

Her head resting on my leg

*

The door to the court yard is open

Silver and aqua organza curtains

dance in the gentle breeze

*

Rain drops beating out

a magical, hypnotic, rhythm

*

Life, right now, is so perfect.

I saw an Angel

The other day I was walking around the lake with Trinity.

It was dusk, and the sun was starting to set behind the Brindabellas.

A cool breeze quelled the heat of the day, and the ducks and water hens were getting their babies ready for bed.

Everyone we passed had a smile and a hello for us. It was so peaceful, it was truly magical.

I noticed the sun sky suddenly darken, and I looked up to see the sun had ducked behind a cloud to show me its silver lining.

Stopping to drink in this moment, I marvelled at the beauty I was witnessing.

It was then that I noticed, that the cloud had formed the shape of an angel.

I could see her in profile - her wings, her flowing gown, her beautiful face, even her hair tied back in a pony tail. The rays of the sun forming her aura. It was beautiful, magical ....

Thats when I knew that we're never alone - that our angels are always watching over us.

All the hardships, trials and tribulations that I'd faced in 2007 were over. I could feel the different energy of 2008.

Everything is falling into place ... life is beautiful!

Saturday morning

I opened my front door this morning to the beautiful scent of roses. This glorious fragrance invited itself into my home and floated down the hall way.

My front garden is more traditional - with roses, camielas, azealeas and geraniums.

The back garden is a mixture. On one side I have camelias, daphne and wild violets, however the rest of the garden is full of Australian natives.

I walked bare-footed down the path my back garden. It felt like I was walking on crushed velvet - the tiny flowers on the tree had covered the ground like a carpet.

This time a different fragrance - its sharper, not as delicate.

There is a very light drizzle. Just enough to make everything feel damp.

The birds are singing their symphony.

A sparrow lands on the brick wall by the back door, and pokes his head in as if to say hello.

A light breeze ripples the water on the lake, while the crisp air of the morning caresses my bare feet.

My cup runneth over

It was American novelist Ray Bradbury who said:

"We are cups, constantly and quietly being filled.

The trick is knowing how to tip ourselves

over and let the beautiful stuff out."

Ray Bradbuy

This week's Rainbow Dreams asks me if I can accept a happy life.

Isha says this is not an easy question to answer ... yeah, no kidding.

Its true that the wounds of the past must be healed before you can grow into your wish.

The Universe has a funny way of letting you know when its time to move on.

I feel my life moving forward.

I am freed from the chains that have bound my heart for so many years. It is time. It is my time.

No longer will I stand behind politely and wait while others fill their cup.

I have reached a point of acceptance in my life. I hold my cup high toward the waters of life and dare to fill it completely, to let it run over.

Unlimited love, joy, and wisdom pour into my heart.

I just don't accept a happy life ~ I demand it!

Persephone and Pomegranates

Pomegranate ushers us down to meet,
The Sacred Feminine and Her seeds so sweet,
Bearing fruit, luscious and red,
Into Her Labyrinth,
I am led.

Persephone signifies the renewed aspect of self that is to be found only if we are willing to travel into the chambers of rebirth to gather the seeds of new possibilities – a cyclic journey between the forces of birth and death.

On her journey, Persephone is protected by the luminaries, the Sun and the Moon.

She knows that the gestating seeds within her will open to the sunlight even as they are watered by the changing cycles of the Moon.

Persephone is my guide. Standing between fire and water, she gazes into the beauty of Narcissus.

As a bridge between the worlds, I, like Persephone, am forever crowned Queen of the Underworld, and, yet, eternally nourished by the love and mystery of Mother Earth.

She will protect me as I make my descent in order to discover for myself the splendor and magic of the mysterious forces within.

Sacred Spring

My back garden has been buzzing this week ... quite literally.

The bees have come to visit and to feast on the nectar from the blossoms of my tree. It seems at the moment I have a permanent hum to seranade me.

I slipped outside this afternoon to capture some of my visitors ...

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And have I mentioned my views? No, I'm not just talking about the scenery ...

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And other visitors ...
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Oh, and I guess the scenery too ...

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I love living here!

Sacred Rain

“Anyone who says

sunshine brings happiness

has never danced

in the rain”

I was walking to my car this afternoon, and it started to rain, and not just a trickle, but hard, soaking rain.

Everyone around me ran for cover.

But something about feeling its icy drops on my skin made me stand still.

Standing there, all by myself, I let the rain embrace me.

And then I did something I haven't done since I was a kid.

I raised my face to the sky, stuck out my tounge and tasted its sweetness, then I threw my hands up in the air and twirled around like an excited child.

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I knew everyone was watching me, but I didn't care.

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What a beautiful, beauty-filled day.

Heart Chakra Meditation

"I don't know what it is inside of me

that makes me smile all the time

only God knows that,

but my heart is like a branch of a rose tree

swaying constantly in the morning breeze."

Rumi

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Roses are playing a promient role in my life right now. And everything is guiding me to work with my heart chakra.

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So in my meditation tonight, I focussed on the heart chakra, evoking the goddess to guide me.

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The card I drew was Rose, whose patron is the goddess archetype Madonna, Mary, Queen of Heaven, Mother of the World.

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First symbolised as “The Holy Rose” in India, the body of the Goddess was considered a temple.

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At the mystical core of Christianity, Mary, a derivative of the Goddess, gives birth to The Light of the World in the form of the Cosmic Child, making her the Cosmic birther of all that is sacred.

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Each color of Rose gently and uniquely stimulates the heart chakra to open to Cosmic Love and Wisdom, sometimes understood and experienced only through suffering and pain.

Deep roots reflect tenacity and endurance.

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The Austrian mystic Rudolph Steiner offered a unique perspective on the birth of Christ, suggesting that Mary, in fact, gave birth to twin souls: one dedicated to the path of the Truth, the yellow rose; and the other dedicated to the path of the Heart, the pink rose. In this way, according to Steiner, Mary offered the world both the forces of Universal Logos and of Universal Love.

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I am ready to accept the twin gifts of Cosmic Love and Wisdom embodied by the Mystic Rose.

In my meditation Mary's balancing of the head and the heart is symbolized by the Sun, aglow as an aura of Light around her head, and an illumined rose, shining forth from deep within her heart.

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Behind her stands a weeping willow tree offering its branches to mystical muses for the making of wands. Such branches were once considered cosmic connectors to the stars.

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Mary sits surrounded by the delicate flower Shooting Star. The flower essence derived from its blossoms assists humanity with the birthing of higher forms of consciousness on Earth.

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My mind is illumined with the yellow clarity of the Sun as I open my Solar Body to new inspiration.

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I open my heart to the stream of rose light now encircling my energy field.

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I am dearly blessed.

The Fragrant Garden of my mind ~ My Sacred Life Day 19

I did a chakra caress meditation this evening to visit the a rich and flowering place within me.

Closing my eyes, I envisioned entering the colorful and fragrant gardens of your mind and heart.

In this garden I feel a wave of calm envelope me. I feel safe and secure and comfortable in my own skin.

I am reminded of one of Rumi's quotes:

"You were born with potential.
You were born with goodness and trust.
You were born with ideals and dreams.
You were born with greatness.
You were born with wings.
You are not meant for crawling, so don't.
You have wings.
Learn to use them and fly."

Rumi

What many of us forget as we make our way through life is that we are not limited beings but beings of infinite possibility.

Our minds contain the most glorious set of shimmering wings that, when allowed to fully expand, will allow us to soar high above any perceived limitations and fly free.

We must use them, however. We must let them spread fully by actively seeking the highest and best thought and feeling throughout the course of every day, by committing to our intentions fully and settling for nothing less.

In this way, we truly do learn to fly.

May you always remember to spread your wings and fly.

Sacred Me ~ My Sacred Life Day 18

"I am somebody.

I am me.

I like being me.

And I need nobody

to make me somebody."

Louis L'Amour

Often we spend so much time taking care of all the special people in our lives, we forget that we are somebody special, too.

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I am special and you are special and each and every one of us is just as significant and necessary to the world as the next.

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It is not until we begin to realise this very important truth, however, that we allow ourselves to recognise what very special somebodies we are.

May you always be aware of your specialness.

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Photo of Michelle by Leonie Allan, 2006.

Taking Time Out - My Sacred Life Day 17

I had a quiet day today .... took Trin for a walk around the lake, chatted to a neighbour and then just hung out around the house, and gave myself a pedicure.

My head has been pounding all day ... hopefully I'll feel better in the morning.

Sacred Friends ~ My Sacred Life Day 16

Photo by Julia Zhu, October 2007

"A friend is one to whom one may pour out

all the contents of one's heart,

chaff and grain together,

knowing that the gentlest of hands will take and sift it,

keep what is worth keeping

and with a breath of kindness

blow the rest away."

Arabian Proverb

I am blessed in my life to have some wonderful friends.

Strong amazing women, who never cease to amaze me by their compassion, intelligence, humour and resilience. It also helps that they rock!

Here I am with Jane and Cleo. These two women are simply magnificent.

Sacred Creativity ~ My Sacred Life Day 15

Lately I have felt an emptiness in my life. And then I realised ~ I'd lost my groove, my creative groove!

Its been years since I picked up a palette knife and attacked a canvas. This is the last painting I created.

Slapping oils on canvas. Layering bright colours. Creating something uplifting. Honouring my essence.

I've tried working with other mediums, but they don't get my groove on.

I'm a traditional gal with a contemporary edge.

Its time. Its time to find my groove again ~ and this time embrace it!

Sacred Guidance ~ My Sacred Life Day 14

I'm starting to explore Isha Lerner's Power of Flower cards.

In case you didn't realise it by now, I'm a huge Isha fan.

It never ceases to amaze me how her cards sing to my soul.

This evening I pulled the Saguaro Cactus...

Ancient knowledge of mystery,

Saguaro's message,

livingWithin this desert tree.

Strong and proud;

loving and true,

My life receives protection from you.

Archetype: Grandfather Wisdom – Time Keeper.
Elders, Timekeepers who carry time within them, understand that archetypal patterns of the sort found in crystals, plants, DNA structures, earth and star formations, light frequencies and sound are imprinted in our dreams, intentions, and Self Knowing, and that they change with the growth and evolution of Earth and all the galaxies.

Grandfather Wisdom patiently watches over the many offspring issuing forth from Grandmother’s Sacred Womb. His walking staff a symbol of direction and stature, he shows us the way into our own liberating authority, while teaching us important lessons about patience and intention.

Signature: A slow-growing, mighty plant with tremendous stature and authority. At approx. 120 years of age, it begins to produce flowers. The mature plant has a root system capable of holding up to 200 gallons of water – enough to sustain it for an entire year!

Healing Properties: Saguaro Cactus can help individuals align vertically to a higher order of personal authority and integrity. Father issues are eased and it is especially helpful for those who have lost a father at an early age or experienced paternal abandonment at or before birth.

Healing: The Saguaro Cactus is a powerful healing presence. Its stature and dignity symbolize the shift you are undergoing in relation to your own personal power.

The masculine principle within your psyche is rebalancing at this time, and you will find yourself able to receive Grandfathers Wisdom's sacred knowledge, which resides within your heart, just as it lives at the center of this proud, majestic plant.

The folks of Grandfather's garment reach out to protect your Earth Walk; his drum and walking stick are visible to the external world for they are essential gifts he brings to the journey.

Drumming puts us in sync with the rhythms of the cosmos, while the walking stick is a symbol of stamina and purpose.

You may wish to join a drumming circle at this time, or journey through the mountains and valleys of your homeland, exploring the very nature of your own authority and will power.

A tremendous amount of life force is available you now, for, like the Saguaro Cactus, you are able to sustain your power over long periods of time. Time is your ally.

Be patient and let the wisdom of your ancestral lineage guide you onward.

Sacred Garden ~ My Sacred Life Day 13

I'm really enjoying my garden at the moment.

The brids are singing, the weather is milder ... I'm loving Spring!

My roses are starting to bloom, they're so beautiful.

Devine Feminine ~ My Sacred Life Day 12

" There are two ways to live your life.

One is as though nothing is a miracle.

The other is as though everything is a miracle."

Albert Einstein

From the depths of the stars to the luminous flowers in nature, the threefold mystery of the Divine Feminine is limitless.

Deep within the vastness of the universe...that is where you will find Her.

Nestled within the cave of your heart...that is where you will find Her.

Flooding all and loving all, Her beauty lives within your soul.

Open your life to Her infinite kiss of peace.

Sacred Walk ~ My Sacred Life Day 11

I love these longer days. Getting home when its still daylight, grabbing Trinity and going for a walk around the lake.

A setting sun dances across the surface of the lake, and the ducks and water hens calling to each other. Trinity runs to greet her four-legged friends.

I never tire of this beautiful place on my doorstep ...

15 minutes from my door is the beautiful meeting place

My Sacred Sunday ~ My Sacred Life Day 10

It was a beautiful Sunday morning.

I rose early as the sunlight danced into my bedroom gently rousing me from my slumber. I could hear the birds chattering in the early morning, welcoming me to the new day.

I slid out of bed and padded barefoot to the kitchen to put the kettle on while I had a quick shower to wake myself up. Life is wonderful.

Sipping on my morning tea, I watch Trinity frollicking in the back garden, barking hello to all who passed. A flock of crimson rosella's landed in the tree for their morning breakfast of seed and thank me with their beauty.

I'm excited this morning. I have made a new friend - Julia from our Shanghai office. Jane, Cleo and I are going to spend the day showing her the Murrembateman wine district.

The clock chimes 8am, and I jump in the car to pick up Julia and Cleo.

It was a joy to watch the delight in Julia's face as we drove through the country-side towards Jane's little cottage in Yass. I love showing this region off - it truly is magical.

We arrive at Jane's a little after 9am, and she is ready for us with mugs of hot steaming tea and home baked biscuits. Her garden is magical, with every shade of purple imaginable - I'm sure faeries live there.

Then its time to hit the road, we head out of Yass towards Murrembateman. The sky is a brilliant blue. Fields of purple, green and gold line the rambling road.

We took Julia on a tour around the region, visiting local wineries before stopping in for a sumptuous lunch at the Poachers Pantry. We ordered a couple of tasting platters and our tastebuds were tantalised by a selection of Poacher's smoked meats served with dips, smoked sea fare served with seafood pates, marinated vegetables, pestos, other antipasto items and bread. As for desert ... well ....

After lunch, we had time to visit one more vineyard, and sampled some award winning wines.

Sacred Meditation ~ My Sacred Life Day 9

I've been working a lot with Gayla Maxwell of late: her book, her meditation CD, and personal coaching.

On her Permission to Let Go cd, Gayla has recorded some wonderful guided mediations. My favourite is the Candle Meditation which goes for around 17 minutes, its relaxation techniques help me to reconnect to more core.

I'm enjoying this journey I've been taking with Gayla. I've grown in so many different directions.

Increasingly I am noticing the changes. I'm more confident, relaxed and at peace.

I am blessed.

I stumble upon a rubais by Rumi:

"how could anyone

who plays with you

ever be sad?

how could anyone

whom your light turns into sun

ever by gloomy?

how could the secrets of the world stay secret

from anyone who becomes your best friend?"

This is who I am becoming.

Sacred Dance ~ My Sacred Life Day 8

Everyone wants to be more radian, passionate and healthy! Eastern philosophies accept that vibrant chakra health is the key to all these desires and more -- and this book shows ou how the seven chakras can be tuned through Chakradance.

Music and dance have bee used throughout the ages for enjoyment and ceremony. Chakradance utilises our natural desire for movement to balance the energy centres. The result is an enjoyable method of fine-tuning your mind, body and soul.

Energy is a dynamic life force that begins with movement. Natalie and Douglas have discovered the ultimate way to build your energy levels through Chakradance and to generate the momentum that will bring your seven chakras into balance.

Chakradance offers greater well-being and harmony. Its completely stress-free, dynamic and lots of fun.