Staying centered in painful situations
We all face challenges from time to time that move us out of being grounded and centered. Often it’s something unexpected – such as receiving bad news, an offhand comment an acquaintance makes, or seeing a dead animal along the road.When we first get a sense we’re leaving our center, we have two choices:1) to continue being in the moment and allow ourselves to face and fully experience what we’re feeling, knowing that it may (temporarily) take us further out of our center. But trusting in the experience and...
Finding the meditation in everyday chores
Simple household chores can bring great joy when we approach them like a meditation.Try it for yourself the next time you’re doing a repetitive task like folding laundry, vacuuming or dusting. Choose something you can do without much thought, then begin. Focus your attention on what you’re doing.Use your senses to stay with the task. What do you smell as you rake the leaves or take the laundry out of the dryer? What colors do you notice as you chop vegetables or weed the garden? What do you taste, hear or feel?When your mind...
A story of mirroring
The people nearby often mirror to us. Our children, spouses, siblings, parents, friends and even pets show us something about ourselves through the mirror of other. When we pay attention, we can see aspects of ourselves reflected in their personalities and behaviors. In reading these mirrors, we gain important insights into who we are.Several years ago, my three cats taught me about mirroring. Here’s the story:Teddy was a big, laidback, affectionate boy kitty who loved to snuggle. For a week, he wanted more attention than normal,...
Using sacred geometry for protection
Sacred geometry is a term for geometric shapes believed to have mystical properties by the ancient mystics.A circle is one example of sacred geometry. Because a circle has no beginning and no ending, many spiritual groups and drum circles sit in a circular arrangement to signify their unity and continuity. The simple circular wedding band represents the lasting commitment two individuals share with each other.Practitioners of earth-based religions such as Wicca and shamanism often conduct ceremonies within the outline of a circle when they...
The perfection of the present moment
At any given moment, exactly where we are is where we’re meant to be.Our higher self guided us to the present moment because it yearned for the experience. The present moment may be an opportunity for us to learn something about love, or it may hold an experience for our soul’s highest growth and evolution. It may even be part of a life lesson we set up for ourselves before we incarnated into this physical body in this lifetime.When we stay present and centered in the moment, no matter how beautiful or how challenging the moment...
Following the energy of what appears
If you scan across the different areas of your life – career, family, health, spirituality, finances, relationships – can you sense where the energy is and isn’t flowing? Look for places where energy flows in a vibrant, active way, and look for places where energy slows or comes to a complete stop.For instance, maybe as you scan, you notice the energy around an old friendship has ceased to flow. The last few times you’ve extended to your friend, she has been too busy to accept your lunch invitation. In reflection, you...