I have been working on a little self-help book for a few years now. Actaully I think I first started on this particular project in 2008. Recently, I read all the content I have to date and lo and behold, I'd swear it's feeling like, reading like, a book! Thanks to my writing coach and developmental editor, Brooke Warner, that is. Find more about Brooke here: http://warnercoaching.com/. Although things have shifted a bit since I started working with Brooke almost two years ago, it is very much the same. It's the same but different, in a really good way, because she helps me with structure, order, focus, and teaches me how to write! Although I'm a Virgo, I admit it, I still need help in this area!
As I tell more people that I am writing a book, of course, I am getting asked what the book is about more too. I use to have such conflict and stammered with my response. I actually thought someone would steal my idea if I told them anything! Another thing I've learned from Brooke is that, actually, it's the opposite. You've got to own your stuff by putting it out there. It's taken me a while to get confident enough in myself and my project to "put it all out there" but I am feeling a strong intuitive pull to do it so I take heed and now doing it! So here it goes.
The title of my book is, "It's Not About You!" The first response when I do share this is "That's a great book title! ...don't tell anybody". And then I sink a little inside and question myself, feeling like it's a big race now. I'd better do it or someone else will. That could be true. But no two people will write it the same. And if someone I know takes my idea as their own, that's not my problem either. I do beleive in karma after all. You'll see why I feel so strongly about that as you read on. It has to do with not being the victim. A little thing. A big thing. No matter, it is what it is. And I'm putting it out there.
After I share the title, next, comes the question "what does "it" mean?" Well, the "it" use to be about a lot of things, but I couldn't gain any traction, lost focus, and got scattered. Yes, this is how a series is born! ...which I also have plans for and make notes about when I go off track. See, there goes the focus thing again. I digress. Brooke helps me with this too.
Anyway, because I had to pick just one "it" in order to actually finish the book, the "it" here is other people's stuff as in, taking it (their behavior, actions, etc) personally. It's about claiming the role of victim based on what other people do, don't do, say, don't say, and so on. Claiming the role of victim makes you sick, on all levels. My book is about how to not let that happen–all of it—not getting sick by not getting into the victim role in the first place.
There are lots of reasons we take things personally. This book helps uncover what you might be taking personally, why, how and when it began and what to do about it. What I mean is that the "it" is what's really making you sick and if you can get at the root of the cause you have something to work with. Having something to work with helps you figure out how to live a more balanced and joyful life.
The diagnostics test I developed helps pinpoint both the illness and the actual "it" that hurt you. No one is immune to this whole victim thing by the way, so don't feel bad if you're starting to think you are the victim. You might be. And that's okay. You might be on either side of it and that's okay too. The only reason I feel like a worthy and credible source for writing about the victim role is because I have been on every side of the role myself—both victim and violator. And just because I think I know a thing or two about how to manage it doesn't mean I don't have the occasional fall into the deep end. It's called being human. The difference now is that I have enough self-awareness and lots of tools to help me recover and not hurt too many other people along the way.
The hardest part of writing my little book is keeping it little. What I mean is to keep it simple, real, helpful, useful to the reader, and (haha) not about me! Well, on that note, I must point out a little paradox. The fact is that to say "It's Not About You" is not entirely true. The truth is "It's All About You!" because the only way to overcome the role of victim is to take personal responsibility for every area of your life. Yep, that's a tough pill to swallow. And there are many layers there. That's what my book will explain and teach. How to get out of the trenches of the victim role so you can heal your life. It is, indeed, "all" about you.
Stay tuned! Future posts will share information directly related to the chakras, content from the book itself, and tools, yes ...many tools! Isn't that what we all need!?!
In peace and gratitude,
Ruth
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Energy, Empathy, and Apathy
A family member recently asked me if I knew what empathy meant. Inside, I was thinking, "are you kidding me!...being empathic is at the heart of my work." But, I simply answered, "Yes, it means to feel another's feelings". The next question came, "Well, do you know what apathy means?". Again, I was chuckling inside, thinking, "Oh my goodness, this is crazy! If he only knew!". But, then I answered with "Yes, it means to be indifferent. Sort of the opposite of empathy", I said. What he didn't realize, and I couldn't get into at the time, was that it was apathy that helped me come to fully understand the meaning of empathy.
When I first got into energy healing, I had a reading with a well-respected and trusted "guide to the spirits"---a person who acts as liaison between the physical and the spirit world. One of the things she told me was that eighty percent of my pain was not mine. She explained what it meant to be empathic and how I was soaking up bad energy. She said my suffering was due to not clearing the bad energy. I wasn't clearing because I didn't know!
The awareness of what it truly meant to be empathic changed how I spent my time and with whom. I was like a big porous sponge soaking up the slop after a food fight! I was absorbing other people's "stuff"---their toxic energy and negativity---because I was unaware and in a state of apathy. I was beaten down, numb, and simply didn't care.
I immediately understood, and could pinpoint where a particular ailment must have come from. It was unbelievable ...but not really. This discovery was frightening but also an awakening. Chills went through me as I thought of what must on me, in me, around me ...needing to be cleared. Then my fear was replaced with excitement. The prospect of taking this new knowledge and clearing up some health issues, putting some vital life-force energy back into my veins---some joy---and getting my life back in balance, sent a thrill through me. I had answers. I had something to work with. All I needed now was to learn how to shield myself and clear unwanted energy. And so I did! Below are a few things I do to help keep the bad stuff out of my energy field.
1) The first thing I do every day is an energy sweep and, as much as I can remember, throughout the day. It works like this: Run your hands along your body and, like sweeping with a broom, imagine sweeping any crud off your body. Crud is tension, negative thinking, and feeling other people's "stuff", for example. After the sweep, imagine a shield of protection around your body. Imagine a sphere of golden light. You might htink of the light representing love. For me, nothing is stronger than love; meaning nothing can penetrate my layer of protection. Use whatever image makes you feel safe and protected.
2) Work to not allow any negative thoughts into your mind. This means when tempted to gossip or judge , practice inner dialogue with your higher self. Try to be the observer. Listen to your thoughts, words, and watch your actions, your behavior. If you see yourself gossiping, for example, gently say, oops! And start over with a kind and understanding point of view. Gossip is really harmful to the fifth chakra. For me, since I have a pre-disposition to hypothyroidism it would be suicidal for me to engage in talking badly about someone else. Knowing the consequences is a good reminder too!
3) Avoid people and places that pull you down. Sure, you could put up your psychic shield, but it's a bit taxing and takes away from the freedom of just letting loose sometimes. It's really about balance. We can't possibly avoid negative energy but when we can, we should. When we can't, we need to remember to engage our psychic shield. Surround yourself with upbeat, happy, enthusiastic, positive, healthy people!
I now fully embrace my ability to feel what's going on around me without absorbing or being numb to my environment. On one hand, I actually am a bit indifferent (apathy) but not in that numbing sort of way. Using all my senses (empathy) I experience everything without being influenced by it (at least most of the time!). I now know that the other stuff (what people do, don't do, say, or don't say) isn't about me. Instead of absorbing the bad stuff, I simply see it as "what is" ...a much more interesting, and sometimes entertaining, perspective.
It's pretty easy to protect yourself once you know you need to. You need to! The minute you begin to "feel" a shift---in the way of negative or thick energy---bring in your golden shield. It's not that you are closing yourself off, but instead the shield acts as a ricochet of sorts. See yourself as a radiant being. Every pore is like a bright star shining light into the world around you. The negative energy will bounce off and over time, convert all that surrounds you into light. Try it for just a few days and see what happens.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Improve Concentration & Creativity in 15 Minutes!
Did you know that the frontal lobe of the brain is responsible for concentration and creativity? And when we meditate the pre-frontal lobe is activated? It's true. It's like plugging in your electric car for a recharge---when you meditate, you are recharging the battery of your brain power!
The amazing thing is that if you can manage to meditate just a little bit every day, your concentrate is greatly improved for other tasks. Not only that, with improved focus it's easier to accomplish more in less time. Your brain is literally able to process information more efficiently. Suddenly, you can accomplish in one minute what used to take ten minutes. The hardest part, though, is finding that extra 15 minutes in your day to meditate. Below are a few tips followed by a simple practice.
Get up 15 minutes earlier.
Take a walk at lunch and find a quiet place to sit alone.
Go to bed 15 minutes later.
Ask a friend, parent, or other family member to help with the kids or other duties so you can have 15 minutes.
Two things to help you get started and stick with it:
Stick with the same time every day (commit to 2-3 weeks).
Create a routine that you can easily repeat. Having a set routine helps because you don't have to think about what to do. You just show up and practice the same as you did the time before (hopefully within the past 24 hours).
Simple 15-minute routine:
Walk in place for a minute or so. This helps get your blood moving and reenergizes you so you don't feel sleepy when you sit.
Upon sitting:
Find a comfortable seated position. Take several deep cleansing breaths. Behind closed eyes bring your attention to your forehead. Don't cross your eyes, but just hold your attention here. Imagine with every breath the front part of your brain is being activated, turned on. Hold your gaze in this area (behind closed eyes) throughout the practice. At first it may seem hard, but over time your eyes will just settle in to focus here. Just relax your eyes, your gaze, looking out and "through" the middle of your forehead, just at the point between the eyebrows. Imagine a flashlight showing you the way. Look up and ahead, through, this point. This practice helps to awaken the pre-frontal lobe (where you gain focus and creativity).
Pranayama: Practice even count breathing. Do 3 - 5 rounds of "even count" breathing. Inhale to a count of 8, retain breath to a count of 8; exhale to a count of 8. The more you do this you can let go of actually counting; the process will just become intuitive. You can adjust the count, less or more, as you like.
Watching the breath: After the even count breathing, resume natural breathing for several breaths. Then begin to simply "watch the breath" as you inhale and exhale. Don't control the breath, just let it come on its own accord. After about 2 minutes add a mantra: Silently affirm, "I am" on the inhale and then "Peace" on the exhale. Instead of "watching the breath" transition to "feeling" the breath ...feel the essence of peace. If your mind wanders, come back to watching the breath and your mantra, "I am Peace." Practice for five minutes and then transition from watching to just being, feeling, peace, stillness.
Sit in the stillness. As you sit quietly, feel the energy of peace washing over you. Gently, imagine the warmth of peace, as if being showered by a gently flowing tropical waterfall. Feel the peace wash over your face, your heart, your entire body. Like a sponge, absorb this feeling. Know it as peace. Sit in this pool of peace. Bask in the peace washing over you. Practice for five minutes.
When you're ready, deepen your breath, to help become more aware of the body as you complete your practice. Come out of the silence by wiggling your toes, fingers, and a few deep breaths.
End by humming or chanting three oms: Bring your hands in prayer position at your heart center. Give thanks for this gift of peace. Now, briskly rub your hands together, feeling the heat, the energy in your palms. Feel the connection in your heart with your hands. Open your hands and face them forward as you chant om three times. Imagine energy radiating from your heart center, through your arms, into your hands, out into your fingertips. Feel the vibration reaching out to others. Share your gift of peace as you go about your day.
Take a challenge: Try it for a full week! See if you notice any "aha" moments, gain clarity or get things done more easily. Notice if you feel calmer. Just experiment. Adopting the above practice (even just a few minutes) before going into a stressful situation (meetings, speaking, etc) helps you to remain calm, collected, focused!
The amazing thing is that if you can manage to meditate just a little bit every day, your concentrate is greatly improved for other tasks. Not only that, with improved focus it's easier to accomplish more in less time. Your brain is literally able to process information more efficiently. Suddenly, you can accomplish in one minute what used to take ten minutes. The hardest part, though, is finding that extra 15 minutes in your day to meditate. Below are a few tips followed by a simple practice.
Get up 15 minutes earlier.
Take a walk at lunch and find a quiet place to sit alone.
Go to bed 15 minutes later.
Ask a friend, parent, or other family member to help with the kids or other duties so you can have 15 minutes.
Two things to help you get started and stick with it:
Stick with the same time every day (commit to 2-3 weeks).
Create a routine that you can easily repeat. Having a set routine helps because you don't have to think about what to do. You just show up and practice the same as you did the time before (hopefully within the past 24 hours).
Simple 15-minute routine:
Walk in place for a minute or so. This helps get your blood moving and reenergizes you so you don't feel sleepy when you sit.
Upon sitting:
Find a comfortable seated position. Take several deep cleansing breaths. Behind closed eyes bring your attention to your forehead. Don't cross your eyes, but just hold your attention here. Imagine with every breath the front part of your brain is being activated, turned on. Hold your gaze in this area (behind closed eyes) throughout the practice. At first it may seem hard, but over time your eyes will just settle in to focus here. Just relax your eyes, your gaze, looking out and "through" the middle of your forehead, just at the point between the eyebrows. Imagine a flashlight showing you the way. Look up and ahead, through, this point. This practice helps to awaken the pre-frontal lobe (where you gain focus and creativity).
Pranayama: Practice even count breathing. Do 3 - 5 rounds of "even count" breathing. Inhale to a count of 8, retain breath to a count of 8; exhale to a count of 8. The more you do this you can let go of actually counting; the process will just become intuitive. You can adjust the count, less or more, as you like.
Watching the breath: After the even count breathing, resume natural breathing for several breaths. Then begin to simply "watch the breath" as you inhale and exhale. Don't control the breath, just let it come on its own accord. After about 2 minutes add a mantra: Silently affirm, "I am" on the inhale and then "Peace" on the exhale. Instead of "watching the breath" transition to "feeling" the breath ...feel the essence of peace. If your mind wanders, come back to watching the breath and your mantra, "I am Peace." Practice for five minutes and then transition from watching to just being, feeling, peace, stillness.
Sit in the stillness. As you sit quietly, feel the energy of peace washing over you. Gently, imagine the warmth of peace, as if being showered by a gently flowing tropical waterfall. Feel the peace wash over your face, your heart, your entire body. Like a sponge, absorb this feeling. Know it as peace. Sit in this pool of peace. Bask in the peace washing over you. Practice for five minutes.
When you're ready, deepen your breath, to help become more aware of the body as you complete your practice. Come out of the silence by wiggling your toes, fingers, and a few deep breaths.
End by humming or chanting three oms: Bring your hands in prayer position at your heart center. Give thanks for this gift of peace. Now, briskly rub your hands together, feeling the heat, the energy in your palms. Feel the connection in your heart with your hands. Open your hands and face them forward as you chant om three times. Imagine energy radiating from your heart center, through your arms, into your hands, out into your fingertips. Feel the vibration reaching out to others. Share your gift of peace as you go about your day.
Take a challenge: Try it for a full week! See if you notice any "aha" moments, gain clarity or get things done more easily. Notice if you feel calmer. Just experiment. Adopting the above practice (even just a few minutes) before going into a stressful situation (meetings, speaking, etc) helps you to remain calm, collected, focused!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
A Year in Review
This month, December 2011, is the one-year mark since leaving my 23-year career in engineering. Sometimes I can't believe I really did it—left my job—but when I look at the year in review, I am pleased to see I have used my time well. I've struck a balance that keeps me healthy, happy, and grounded.
Leaving behind my old job allowed my life to expand, grow, blossom. It has allowed time to discover new things about myself and say Yes! to an abundance of opportunities. My focus has been on expanding my healing practice, writing, continuing education, and playing with my grandsons as much as possible!
Since there's been so much growth for Seattle Energy Medicine in 2011, I thought it might be a good time to provide an outline of what's new and upcoming for 2012.
Private Sessions: I gave up my private healing space but sublet in two lovely locations.
Leaving behind my old job allowed my life to expand, grow, blossom. It has allowed time to discover new things about myself and say Yes! to an abundance of opportunities. My focus has been on expanding my healing practice, writing, continuing education, and playing with my grandsons as much as possible!
Since there's been so much growth for Seattle Energy Medicine in 2011, I thought it might be a good time to provide an outline of what's new and upcoming for 2012.
Private Sessions: I gave up my private healing space but sublet in two lovely locations.
· Tuesdays at The Pujari Center: The new clinic opened in July, 2011 and SEM has lots of great things planned for 2012! Special deals and additional services coming! Go here for more info on my services as well as the other practitioners: http://www.pujaricenter.com/practitioners
· Fridays at East West Bookshop: I have been offering private sessions for almost two years in one of the EWB beautiful private treatment rooms. Look for special offers, including free mini-sessions in 2012! Go here for more info on my services as well as the other practitioners: http://www.eastwestbookshop.com/healers/
· By phone: many options and times available. Email or phone for scheduling.
· On site: traveling to the client's location is always an option. Contact me to discuss.
Classes & Lecturing:
· Swedish Medical Center: Meditation classes will continue at Swedish Medical Center Issaquah in 2012. For more information and to register go to: http://www.theshopsatswedish.org/flex-space
· The Pujari Center will be offering a variety of classes so check the calendar often. I will be teaching both one-on-one as well as group meditation classes and workshops on the chakras, developing intuition, and "energetic" parenting.
· Speaking: "Brown Bag" classes within the business community are becoming more popular as many companies invite employees to classes during their lunch break. I am in the process of confirming events for my 2012 calendar but there's room for more! One of my greatest desires is to teach people about the benefits of meditation to help manage stress (the main focus for these classes).
· Yoga: In March, 2012 I will receive my Yoga Teaching Certification and become registered with the Yoga Alliance. Private and group sessions will be offered at yoga studios, The Pujari Center, Swedish, as well as many "Wellness Programs" within the business community.
Writing: A major focus in 2011 has been on my writing and where I've experienced the most growth. Here's a rundown:
· My book: The self-help book I've been working on is starting to read like a book! I've been working with writing coach and developmental editor, Brooke Warner, for the past year and a half and my little project is finally coming together! Once complete, I will offer more classes and workshops directly related to tools I've gathered over the years and compiled in the book. Looking forward to this! Keep an eye out here as well as my web site for when and where these classes will begin.
· Articles: On the advice on my writing coach I began blogging more and writing articles. Although a little bit of a time challenge to post blogs on a regular basis, the process has helped me hone my writing skills and learn to manage my time. After procrastinating for many months, I finally submitted a few articles to "EzineArticles", of which two were accepted and posted online with one in revision. Many more articles are in work! Go to this site and search on my name (Ruth Stender) to find published articles. http://ezinearticles.com/.
· My first article for New Spirit Journal, Seven Triggers of Holiday Stress and Seven Preventive Tips, was just published in the December issue. http://newspiritjournal.com/current-issue
· Pujari Center: Dr. Astrid Pujari writes a monthly newsletter/blog and has invited practitioners at the clinic to contribute. My intention is to write a few articles so check the web site for articles from not only me but other practitioners on a variety of topics and modalities offered at the clinic. For current articles go here: http://www.pujaricenter.com/blog
· Columnist: Beginning February 2012, I will begin writing a monthly column for New Spirit Journal, called "Chakra Talk". The focus is, well, on the chakras! and will offer basic information and practical tips for balancing your seven major energy centers. Krysta Gibson, founder and publisher of NSJ, has created a wonderful platform for brining mind, body, spirit health to the headlines. I am so honored to be a contributor to this wonderful publication. Go here for the current issue: http://www.newspiritjournal.com/current-issue. By the way, NSJ is a great place to advertise your products and services and the cost is very reasonable.
It is my intention to continue my own personal journey while offering guidance in the way of sessions, classes, and writing—integrated in a way that enhances the lives of others.
Many blessings of joy to you! And thank you for your continued support.
In gratitude,
Ruth
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Reciprocity ...Life "IS" a Circle
I attended a fundraising event back in the spring to support an organization I started volunteering with about 15 years ago. When I received the invitation in the mail I tossed into my "look at it later" pile, but instantly felt a pang in my gut. So, I pulled it out and placed it in my "look at this sooner-rather-than-later pile." A few days later, I read the details. It was an early morning breakfast. Again, I thought, can I really make it, do I feel up for it? I had other appointments and was just getting over a little cold. But that gut feeling wouldn't go away. I sent a note that I would attend.
Each table sat about ten people and we had a "getting to know you" part where we were invited to go around and introduce ourselves. Although I knew a few people at my table, it was mostly new faces. I was still getting used to introducing myself with an emphasis on my new work and was in the habit of saying "well, I used to work in engineering, but now I ...." with a bunch of words trying to explain my new—and not so mainstream—line of work in energy medicine. Part of my explanation included that I was currently enrolled in a meditation certification program. That clicked.
Turns out one of the women at my table works for Swedish Hospital in Seattle and mentioned a new campus about to open in Issaquah, just east of Seattle, and said they would have a yoga space. She gave me her card and suggested I contact her. About a week later I sent her an email. In a matter of a couple of days, I was in direct contact with the director of yoga programs for a phone interview. From there, I was expected to write up a resume, provide a lesson plan, write a bio relevant to the class I would teach, come up with a cost structure, my schedule (for an entire year! ...what!), references, and many other required documents to get the ball rolling. And, boy did the ball get rolling! After many months of planning to get all ducks in a row, the new space is now open and I am there teaching! Just like that! The universe had a plan. I just needed to show up, say YES! and seize the moment. I did.
Some people ask me, "Wow, how did you do that!?!" because it's such an amazing opportunity and I am such a newbie! I tell them, "Well, I went to a fundraising event for a non-profit organization that I support and volunteer with sometimes and met this woman...." And depending on who is asking, I tell them how I almost didn't go ...the best part of the story! Because I followed my intuition—guided by spirit—that's how it happened. I just had to show up.
I simply went to the event, made a small contribution, enjoyed a lovely presentation, sipped some coffee, made some new friends, and got a new teaching job! Of course, that's not why I went (to get a new job!) but it just proves the point that you can't possibly know what awaits you. You just have to go with your gut. If you feel the magnet drawing you, be magnetized—and follow the pull.
Life is one big circle. When you give, you keep the circle of life moving. You keep the energy, the life force, flowing. But when you remain only in your own small space, you limit growth, your opportunities, your circle. The magnetic life force that keeps things moving—the circle circulating—stops with you if you don't take action.
Reach out and help somebody, give back ...you just never know what you may get back in return. It might be a smile from the person you helped. It might be a new friend. It might be a new job. You just can't know. But it's guaranteed to be a good thing though. Guaranteed.
Just keep the circle going!
Each table sat about ten people and we had a "getting to know you" part where we were invited to go around and introduce ourselves. Although I knew a few people at my table, it was mostly new faces. I was still getting used to introducing myself with an emphasis on my new work and was in the habit of saying "well, I used to work in engineering, but now I ...." with a bunch of words trying to explain my new—and not so mainstream—line of work in energy medicine. Part of my explanation included that I was currently enrolled in a meditation certification program. That clicked.
Turns out one of the women at my table works for Swedish Hospital in Seattle and mentioned a new campus about to open in Issaquah, just east of Seattle, and said they would have a yoga space. She gave me her card and suggested I contact her. About a week later I sent her an email. In a matter of a couple of days, I was in direct contact with the director of yoga programs for a phone interview. From there, I was expected to write up a resume, provide a lesson plan, write a bio relevant to the class I would teach, come up with a cost structure, my schedule (for an entire year! ...what!), references, and many other required documents to get the ball rolling. And, boy did the ball get rolling! After many months of planning to get all ducks in a row, the new space is now open and I am there teaching! Just like that! The universe had a plan. I just needed to show up, say YES! and seize the moment. I did.
Some people ask me, "Wow, how did you do that!?!" because it's such an amazing opportunity and I am such a newbie! I tell them, "Well, I went to a fundraising event for a non-profit organization that I support and volunteer with sometimes and met this woman...." And depending on who is asking, I tell them how I almost didn't go ...the best part of the story! Because I followed my intuition—guided by spirit—that's how it happened. I just had to show up.
I simply went to the event, made a small contribution, enjoyed a lovely presentation, sipped some coffee, made some new friends, and got a new teaching job! Of course, that's not why I went (to get a new job!) but it just proves the point that you can't possibly know what awaits you. You just have to go with your gut. If you feel the magnet drawing you, be magnetized—and follow the pull.
Life is one big circle. When you give, you keep the circle of life moving. You keep the energy, the life force, flowing. But when you remain only in your own small space, you limit growth, your opportunities, your circle. The magnetic life force that keeps things moving—the circle circulating—stops with you if you don't take action.
Reach out and help somebody, give back ...you just never know what you may get back in return. It might be a smile from the person you helped. It might be a new friend. It might be a new job. You just can't know. But it's guaranteed to be a good thing though. Guaranteed.
Just keep the circle going!
Divination Tools
Many people think of tarot, angel, oracle, and other types of divination tools as "out there" and bit too woo-woo to try. Growing up in a conservative southern state, I totally get that! But, I have to say that my experience has been nothing but positive and actually downright fun! Not only fun, but very accurate. Honestly, all you're doing when pulling a tarot card is providing Spirit a tool for communicating with you. It's as simple as that.
When I first started pulling cards I kept a journal. The whole idea was new to me and I was still a little unsure about it so I was interested in "proving" it out. The uncanny thing was that each card I pulled was exactly what I needed to hear—every single time. And then I noticed how the same cards kept showing up over and over. Sometimes I would even imagine which card I wanted and sure enough, I pulled it! I think those times were Spirit's way of letting me know this isn't so hokey after all but the real deal—a real way for us to communicate. I came to respect the whole process very quickly.
When I draw cards now I completely trust and even expect the exact answer needed for that particular moment or situation. I simply know I'm tapping in the "source" where the answers lie. I've actually started turning to my cards for practical things too. For example, recently my neighbor's dog ran off. They were searching all around and filled with distress. I felt so bad for them so got my coat to go help. But, just before heading out I remembered to go turn off a heater in my work area. I went upstairs, flipped the switch, and as I turned to walk away, my eyes passed over one of my tarot decks. I thought, what the heck, I'll ask where the dog is. I shuffled and a few cards accidentally fell to the floor. I've learned these occurrences are not really accidents at all so I picked them up. I picked up the first card and thought, hmm, it looks like a tree. I went to read the commentary but knew that wasn't the point at all and I was to just study the graphics on the card. A tree, yep that's what the artwork resembled. And so did the next two cards, trees. Okay, the dog is under a tree I guess. I even said it aloud as if acknowledging the help.
As I walked off my porch and turned to walk I saw my neighbors walking toward me. The dog was happily trotting alongside. They found him! I was so happy for them but had to ask. "So, where did you find him?" "Oh, about 5 blocks down the hill sitting under a tree." I just smiled inside. I have all kinds of stories like this, but this one really gave me a good laugh with Spirit. It's just plain fun.
Whether it's a deck of cards, a book on animal totems, nature, runes, or whatever, it is okay to give it a try! All you have to do is not be so serious about it and let go of any fears based on the fact that you were told of the condemnation you would encounter if you ever touched such evil things. It's not evil. And, in all honesty, you don't really need any of these sorts of tools. You only need yourself.
The way you use yourself as a tool for spirit to talk with you is to sit in stillness. In the expansion phase of meditation, your heightened state of consciousness has you sitting right there next to the source of all knowing. All you have to do is ask for guidance in your place of complete and utter stillness. The answer will always show up for you. Just get quiet. Be still. Then ask. And then lighten up and have some fun with all the other stuff too!
By the way, my favorite card deck is the Thoth Tarot Deck by Aleister Crowley. I use the book, The Tarot Handbook, by Angeles Arrien for excellent additional commentary.
Have fun!
When I first started pulling cards I kept a journal. The whole idea was new to me and I was still a little unsure about it so I was interested in "proving" it out. The uncanny thing was that each card I pulled was exactly what I needed to hear—every single time. And then I noticed how the same cards kept showing up over and over. Sometimes I would even imagine which card I wanted and sure enough, I pulled it! I think those times were Spirit's way of letting me know this isn't so hokey after all but the real deal—a real way for us to communicate. I came to respect the whole process very quickly.
When I draw cards now I completely trust and even expect the exact answer needed for that particular moment or situation. I simply know I'm tapping in the "source" where the answers lie. I've actually started turning to my cards for practical things too. For example, recently my neighbor's dog ran off. They were searching all around and filled with distress. I felt so bad for them so got my coat to go help. But, just before heading out I remembered to go turn off a heater in my work area. I went upstairs, flipped the switch, and as I turned to walk away, my eyes passed over one of my tarot decks. I thought, what the heck, I'll ask where the dog is. I shuffled and a few cards accidentally fell to the floor. I've learned these occurrences are not really accidents at all so I picked them up. I picked up the first card and thought, hmm, it looks like a tree. I went to read the commentary but knew that wasn't the point at all and I was to just study the graphics on the card. A tree, yep that's what the artwork resembled. And so did the next two cards, trees. Okay, the dog is under a tree I guess. I even said it aloud as if acknowledging the help.
As I walked off my porch and turned to walk I saw my neighbors walking toward me. The dog was happily trotting alongside. They found him! I was so happy for them but had to ask. "So, where did you find him?" "Oh, about 5 blocks down the hill sitting under a tree." I just smiled inside. I have all kinds of stories like this, but this one really gave me a good laugh with Spirit. It's just plain fun.
Whether it's a deck of cards, a book on animal totems, nature, runes, or whatever, it is okay to give it a try! All you have to do is not be so serious about it and let go of any fears based on the fact that you were told of the condemnation you would encounter if you ever touched such evil things. It's not evil. And, in all honesty, you don't really need any of these sorts of tools. You only need yourself.
The way you use yourself as a tool for spirit to talk with you is to sit in stillness. In the expansion phase of meditation, your heightened state of consciousness has you sitting right there next to the source of all knowing. All you have to do is ask for guidance in your place of complete and utter stillness. The answer will always show up for you. Just get quiet. Be still. Then ask. And then lighten up and have some fun with all the other stuff too!
By the way, my favorite card deck is the Thoth Tarot Deck by Aleister Crowley. I use the book, The Tarot Handbook, by Angeles Arrien for excellent additional commentary.
Have fun!
Monday, September 19, 2011
Today's My Birthday!
Today is my birthday. I'm forty seven. This morning as I sat in reflection of my life (birthdays have a way of doing that don't they) I was overcome with a sense of gratitude.
Sitting in my living room with a warm cup of coffee, I looked around. The colors and textures giving my space a sense of me ....what I like, where I like it, and happy that it feels like home. I created the space just the way I like it. What a blessing I thought ...to feel at home in my home.
As I settled in to one of my favorite chairs I read a short piece from an inspirational book nearby. My mind soon wandered back in time. Suddenly, I was overcome with a warming sensation rising up from deep within me ...soon, it was all around me ...pulsating, vibrating, glowing ...engulfing me with its flame. On an in breath, I instantly knew what it was as it penetrated to the depths of my heart, my soul. I was feeling all the love from all the people in my life. So many faces appeared in my mind's eye. My thoughts reminding me how one way or another each and every one of these people have molded me, colored me, shaped me. Some through pain and suffering and others through gentle kindness. But each have played a significant role in my life.
From childhood friends, classmates, teachers, and distant cousins, who I am grateful to have reconnected with through the gift of social media, to those dear ones on the other side who continue to nurture me; their soul and my soul celebrating each one's highest good. To those who have pushed me beyond my limits ...only to find that I am limitless. I cherish everyone who has ever crossed paths with me, for whatever reason, in whatever way. And I so treasure my life in the here and now—the blessing of family, close friends, and community.
I am blessed beyond measure and I thank God for reminding me of you ...especially today. I am given the gift of knowing you at various times in my life ...and now for the rest of my life. All I have to do is sit in the stillness and there you are. So on this day, my day, I celebrate you ...because in celebrating you, I celebrate me.
Peace to all,
Ruth
Sitting in my living room with a warm cup of coffee, I looked around. The colors and textures giving my space a sense of me ....what I like, where I like it, and happy that it feels like home. I created the space just the way I like it. What a blessing I thought ...to feel at home in my home.
As I settled in to one of my favorite chairs I read a short piece from an inspirational book nearby. My mind soon wandered back in time. Suddenly, I was overcome with a warming sensation rising up from deep within me ...soon, it was all around me ...pulsating, vibrating, glowing ...engulfing me with its flame. On an in breath, I instantly knew what it was as it penetrated to the depths of my heart, my soul. I was feeling all the love from all the people in my life. So many faces appeared in my mind's eye. My thoughts reminding me how one way or another each and every one of these people have molded me, colored me, shaped me. Some through pain and suffering and others through gentle kindness. But each have played a significant role in my life.
From childhood friends, classmates, teachers, and distant cousins, who I am grateful to have reconnected with through the gift of social media, to those dear ones on the other side who continue to nurture me; their soul and my soul celebrating each one's highest good. To those who have pushed me beyond my limits ...only to find that I am limitless. I cherish everyone who has ever crossed paths with me, for whatever reason, in whatever way. And I so treasure my life in the here and now—the blessing of family, close friends, and community.
I am blessed beyond measure and I thank God for reminding me of you ...especially today. I am given the gift of knowing you at various times in my life ...and now for the rest of my life. All I have to do is sit in the stillness and there you are. So on this day, my day, I celebrate you ...because in celebrating you, I celebrate me.
Peace to all,
Ruth
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