The Blank Slate

The Blank Slate

by | Energetics, Psycho-Spiritual

As the New Year begins, we have an opportunity to course-correct anything that we believe is no longer helpful, healthful or joyous in our lives.  “Course-correct” is a term used by Colette Baron-Reid to describe any decision or action we take to go away from something not for our highest good and go towards something that is better for us.  It is a term I like to use as it is an empowering description and action.  It is something that is under our personal control – not imposed upon us by some outside force, situation or person.  And we can course-correct at any given moment – in every second, we have opportunity to choose better for ourselves.

Traditionally, New Years is a time when we reflect back upon the previous year and assess what worked or didn’t work for us.  Then, we promise ourselves to be better. This is the idea of making “New Year Resolutions” so that we continue what works and change what doesn’t work.  Most resolutions go by the wayside by mid to late February – they are usually too ambitious or unrealistic for us to sustain.  But the idea of making a course-correction is more palatable. It can be as subtle or blunt as we want.  For most people, making subtle, gentle changes over a period of time does not overwhelm – and they help get us closer to the goal we had hoped for ourselves

We can look at the New Year as a Blank Slate.  It is a blank canvas upon which we can paint a new beginning for ourselves.  Or enhance what we already enjoy about ourselves and our life.  The Blank Slate is a place of Potentiality.  That is, anything is possible!  When we look at that Blank Slate we have the opportunity to imagine the best for ourselves.  This image helps us to decide what subtle course-corrections we can make, to help get us to that image of our best life.

 In Sacred Geometry, this Blank Slate represents the tracing board or working surface of the geometer, ready for use but not yet marked in any way.  In meditation practices, the Blank Slate could refer to the Great Void – that place of silence and potential, where anything can be birthed into reality. To utilize the Blank Slate, we must be still in thought and action so we can connect with our inner space and the outer space where potentiality exists. Knowing what is truly in our highest good is where we start on the Blank Slate.

For many, this place of deep silence is frightening; it is a place to avoid.  It is a place of nothingness, waiting for the spark of creation to put into motion the first mark on the Blank Slate. Most of us need the distraction of mental chatter, media and other people because the silence is too hard to handle. The busyness and noise keep us from truly understanding and connecting to our inner being. Yet without that silence and nothingness, we cannot connect with our personal dream and being.  It is in those quiet moments that we can hear and see what our mind-body-spirit are asking for.  And by doing this, we have opportunity to decide upon the first mark placed on the Blank Slate.  This first mark is the subtle course-correction that we believe will help lead us to our personal dream.

Sometimes, it is a habit that needs to be adjusted.  Maybe it is negative self-talk or self-sabotaging behaviour that needs to be addressed.  It could be the need to change expectations of others or situations so that we aren’t feeling hurt, responsible, angry or victimized by them. Only you know what would help move you into a state of greater joy, health and harmony.  It doesn’t have to be overwhelming.  Just one subtle course-correction at a time will help you arrive at your destination.  So, what would you like to place upon your Blank Slate?

A moment to reflect

A moment to reflect

by | Energetics, Life Reflections

The past few months we have presented several topics via our new Zoom seminars. From Heart Wounds and Rose Alchemy in September, to the Three Faces of the Divine Feminine throughout October and just last week, we looked at Navigating Transitions and Loss.  All very powerful topics and attended by the most amazing women who were willing to share their stories, opinions and concern for each other. So, you can imagine my absolute surprise when last week, a client presented me with a poem that she discovered when she was quite young and has used it ever since to help her soldier on with life, love and healing. As I read over the poem, I was immediately struck with how the Universe presents what is needed at the exact moment it is required! Life Lessons for everyone!  

The poem ties together many of the lessons in life that make us stronger, wiser and magnificent. There is some dispute about the actual author and origin date of this piece, although most authorities point to Veronica A. Shoffstall as the author and 1971 as its origin.  There will be some who claim it was written by Judith Evans in the 1980’s or by Jorge Luis Borges in the 1940’s who wrote a Spanish poem entitled, “Aprendiendo” and from which this poem is said to originate.  I am not going to judge who did or did not write this poem.  All I will say is that I’m thrilled that it was written and shared with others! The title of the poem I received is, “After a While”.  It has also been called, “You Learn” and “Comes the Dawn”.  Choose the title that works for you!  The message is e same.

After a While

After a while, you learn the subtle difference

Between holding a hand and chaining a soul …

And you learn that love doesn’t mean leaning …

And company doesn’t mean Security.

 

And you begin to learn that kisses aren’t contracts …

And presents aren’t promises.

 

And you begin to accept your defeats with your head up and your eyes open …

With the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child.

 

And you learn to build all your roads on today

Because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain for plans …

And futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight.

 

After a while, you learn that even sunshine burns if you get too much.

So … you plant your own garden, and decorate your own soul,

Instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.

 

And you learn that you Really Can Endure …

That you really are Strong …

And you really do have Worth.

 

And you learn and learn …

With every good-bye … you learn.

Such powerful and insightful words and imagery. This poem also reminds us that our personal power is in the moment, not the past or the future.  Every thrill, every chill, every trauma, every drama, every win, every loss has given us the opportunity to learn, blossom and grow.  Knowing your own story, what is it you wish to create for yourself starting today?  Know you can!
The Aura and Energy Fields

The Aura and Energy Fields

by | Energetics, Psycho-Spiritual

All matter is made up of molecules which spin; this creates a bio-magnetic-electrical field.  The speed at which molecules spin and move depends upon the density of the matter they are creating. Objects that are solid in nature, vibrate at a slower rate than those objects which are liquid or gaseous.  Vibration also denotes a colour, aroma, sensation or crystal formation we are experiencing.

Energy fields oscillate; that is to say:  they are wavy!  There is no one vibration or frequency for an energy field. There is a frequency range to be considered.  It is expected that energy is free-flowing in and around the body.  Problems occur when this energy flow is blocked.  Blockages occur for a variety of reasons.

There are several layers of “energy fields” around the Physical Body – each with a frequency range that reflects the nature of their area of influence.  Many healers and researchers have labeled these layers in specific ways. Healing Touch founder, Barbara Ann Brennan, refers to these layers as “Bodies”.  Others refer to them as “Levels”.  And still others label them as “Planes” of energy.  No matter which way you describe the energy field, it is always from the slowest vibration of physical matter to the fastest vibration of spiritual energy. Here is a description of the Human Energy Field (HEF):

PHYSICAL PLANE
Physical Body itself – the most dense and slowest vibration of all energy fields

First Level – Etheric Body
– Right next to the physical body forming the matrix upon which tissue is formed.
– It is where Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) gets its energy to heal through acupuncture.
– Healing occurs through physical means

Second Level – Emotional Body
– Connects to the physical through the Solar Plexus.
– This is where we have and process feelings about ourselves.
– Healing occurs through unconditional love for one’s self.

Third Level – Mental Body
– Connects to the physical body through the Heart.
– This is Level where the logical mind and its thoughts reside.
– Healing occurs through creative positive thought forms.

ASTRAL PLANE
Fourth Level – Astral Body
– This is the Bridge between the lower vibratory levels and the higher vibratory levels.
– It contains a record of all past experiences and relationships.
– It is where most people Dream; where unconscious can become conscious.
– Healing occurs through unconditional love for others.

SPIRITUAL PLANE
 Fifth Level – Etheric Template
-This is the blueprint for our earthly existence; it is Divine Will and structure.
– Trauma resides here and reshapes it.
– Healing occurs through love and gaining a sense of Trust and Purpose.

Sixth Level – Celestial Body
-This is where Divine Love and the angelic realm is found.
– Healing occurs through unconditional love for all Creation.

Seventh Level – Causal Body
– This is where Divine Wisdom resides; the All-Knowing
– Healing occurs through remembering the perfection in all of life

The “Physical Body” must “transform” (ie. speed it up) its lower vibrational energy pattern into something faster in order to connect with the other energetic bodies.This is accomplished with spiritual practices, meditations, prayers, holistic therapies and dream time.  Keeping the Physical Body at a higher overall vibratory frequency assists with keeping it healthy and healing at all times

The “Mind” is made up of emotions, thoughts and memories which have a vibrational frequency higher than the Physical Body.  The influence of some memories, thoughts and feelings can either increase or decrease the Physical Body’s vibrational frequency, depending upon what they are and what they mean to us.  Mind-Body Connection is important in our on-going health and healing journey.

The ”Spirit” comes from a very high vibratory frequency that requires “transducing”  (ie. slow it down) in order for our physical body to take it and use it.  This is where coming down through the other energy bodies and chakras comes into play.  The practices that increase the Physical Body’s vibrational frequency can also help slow down the Spirit’s vibration so it can be realized and utilized by us.

“The stronger and more vibrant the Aura and Energy Fields are, the healthier we are and the less likely we are to be influenced and impinged upon by outside forces.”  (Ted Andrews p.46)

Some things that weaken the Human Energy Field (HEF) include:

Poor diet; Lack of exercise; Lack of fresh air; Lack of rest; Stress; Alcohol; Drugs; Tobacco; Negative habits; Negative thinking and attitude; Improper psychic activity.

Replacing those things that weaken the Field with things that support and charge it up will go a long way to create health, happiness and healing on all levels.

This is just a brief description of the incredible energy force we have in and around us every day.  Know that you have ways to influence its strength and vibrancy which will, in turn, help you feel happier and healthier over time. Enjoy your magnificence!

The Four Elements

The Four Elements

by | Energetics, Psycho-Spiritual

In Earth-based spiritual beliefs, life is said to have the four creative energies of the universe at work: earth, air, fire and water. Each is necessary for human life. All have positive and negative aspects and are checks and balances for each other to help sustain life. The four elements are in both a physical form and in an unmanifested, non-physical form.

 

In the words of Ted Andrews, from his book, Earth, Air, Fire & Water, comes this explanation:

 “… all the elements emerge from akasha, the immutable, changeless source of all energy.  This is the realm of potentiality – of promise, of paths not yet taken, of unformed galaxies, of outer space.  Akasha is also present within our bodies. Some say that the spark of life, that unknowable force that is called the “soul”, is a bit of akashic energy housed in a physical body.  Akasha is unbeingness. …   It’s the primal source of energy that creates and fuels the elements.  Because of this, it contains complete, balanced energy: earth, air, fire and water. … “  (p.33)

 

The Medicine Wheel assigns each of the four elements to one of the four directions on the Wheel.  The fifth spot, in the centre of the Medicine Wheel, is given to Spirit.  Perhaps this is the akasha that Ted Andrews speaks of.   To have a basic understanding of the four elements is to have a basic understanding of how the Wheel assists us with growth and healing. Let’s look at the basic characteristics of these elements of life.  (Again, from Ted Andrews’ book)

 

The Earth Element

Earth is our mother. Its basic nature is fertile, nurturing, stabilizing, grounding. Earth energy is considered Receptive. It is a foundation upon which we can build. It is the densest of all elements. The colour associated with the earth element is Green (think Nature/plants).  Earth rituals and prayers are about money, prosperity, fertility, stability, grounding and employment. Herbs aligned with the earth element include earthy-smelling plants such as patchouli and vetiver, mosses and lichens; nuts; dry and stiff plants (straw, grains); heavy, low-growing plants; most roots. Stones and metals that are heavy or opaque, iron or lead based or green such as emerald or peridot indicate earth element energy.  The sound for earth element includes all percussion instruments (ie drums). Its direction is North; its time is Night; its point in life is Advanced Age.  Earth element is linked to the sense of Touch.

 

The Air Element

Air is the power of movement. Its basic nature is flying, moving, fresh, intelligent, suspending.  Air element is the invisible yet quite real mixture of gases that we breathe in every day. It is the power of the mind ~ the force of intellect. Air element energy is considered Projective. Sound is a manifestation of this element. The colour associated with the air element is Yellow. Air element rituals and prayers are about travel, instruction, study, freedom, knowledge, recovering lost items.  Fragrant flowers and pungent herbs are aligned with this element. Stones and metals that are light (pumice) or transparent (mica) and metals such as tin and copper indicate air element energy.  The sound for air element comes from all wind instruments (ie., flute).  Its season is Spring; its direction is East; its time is Dawn; its point in life is Infancy.  Air is linked to the senses of Hearing and Smell.

 

The Fire Element

Fire is the creator and destroyer. Unlike the other elements, it cannot exist without consuming something else. Fire transforms objects into new forms:  heat, light, ash and smoke.  Fire must be controlled to benefit us; this is necessary if its physical forms are to be useful.  Its basic nature is purifying, destructive, cleaning, energetic, sexual, forceful.  Heat is the manifestation of this element. Fire is considered a Projective energy.  Its colour is Red.  Fire element rituals and prayers are about protection, courage, sex, energy, strength, authority, banishing negativity. Fire element has connection to plants that are stinging, thorny or hot such as chili peppers, thistles, stinging nettle; desert plants such as cacti; stimulants such as coffee beans; most seeds.  Stones and metals that are fiery (jaspers) or volcanic (lava) or clear (quartz) and metals such as gold and brass are aligned with fire energy.  The sound associated with fire comes from stringed instruments (guitar). Its season is Summer; its direction is South; its time is Noon and its point in life is Youth.  Fire is linked to the sense of Sight.

 

The Water Element

Water is love.  Water element is cleansing, healing, psychic and loving. Its basic nature is flowing, purifying, healing, soothing, loving.  The energy of this element is vital to our well-being as humans, for it contains within it the essence of love.  It is Receptive energy. The colour associated with the water element is Blue (deep water blue).  Water rituals and prayers are about purification, love, psychic awareness, dreams, sleep, peace, marriage and friendships. Plants aligned with the water element energy include water plants (water lilies, seaweed); fleshy (succulents); loving such as roses and gardenias (most flowers).  Stones and crystals associated with water element are transparent or translucent (aquamarine) or blue (blue tourmaline) and metals such as mercury, silver and copper. The sound for water element comes from all resonate metals (cymbals, bells). Its season is Autumn; its direction is West; its time is Dusk; its point in life is Maturity.  Water is linked to the sense of Taste.

 

Some natural symbols for these elements include:

Earth – salt, clay, fresh soil, rocks, sheaves of wheat, acorns, earthworm, ant

Air – feathers, incense smoke, fragrant flowers, spiders, most birds

Fire – flames, lava, a heated object, snake, ladybug, bee

Water – shells, a cup of water, fish, shellfish, whale, frog

 

This is just a quick introduction to the Four Elements and how we can begin to see what we need balanced in our lives. Balance holds the promise of better health and happiness. The Medicine Wheel can help direct your actions toward Balance.  Is it time for you to try?

Beauty Secrets

Beauty Secrets

by | Energetics, Life Reflections

The late Audrey Hepburn was an amazingly talented and beautiful film star.  Grace, poise, generosity and beauty were just some of her assets. Her fashion sense was astounding – she was considered a true fashion icon.  She starred in classic movies such as, Breakfast at Tiffany’s; Roman Holiday; Sabrina; Wait Until Dark; and My Fair Lady.  In addition to her stunning beauty and incredible acting ability, she was a very deep thinker and a great lover of life. She raised money for several humanitarian projects. Over time, she gave us many pearls of wisdom about life, love and beauty – many are still in use today. Always with a kind word or witty phrase, she taught from her heart.

Here is a quote from one of her earlier interviews:

“The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure she carries or the way she combs her hair.  The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.  True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It’s the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows and the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years.”

It is from this sense of soul that she also delivered these words of wisdom:

  • Elegance is the only beauty that never fades
  • Nothing is impossible; the word itself says, “I’m possible”
  • Anyone who does not believe in miracles is not a realist
  • The best thing to hold onto in life is each other
  • To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow

And with a bit of cheek, she said:

  • Makeup can only make you look pretty on the outside but it doesn’t help your ugly on the inside. Unless you eat the makeup.

Perhaps one of her most inspiring pieces was entitled, “Beauty Secrets”.  It was read at her funeral on January 20, 1993.  She died at the age of 63 from complications of colon cancer.

BEAUTY  SECRETS

 For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child run his

fingers through it once a day.

For poise, walk with the knowledge

you never walk alone.

 

We leave you a tradition of the future.

 

The tender loving care of human beings

will never become obsolete.

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed,

redeemed and redeemed and redeemed.

 Never throw anyone away.

 

Remember, if you ever need a helping hand,

you’ll find one at the end of your arm. 

As you grow older, you’ll discover that you have two hands:

 one for helping yourself, the second for helping others.

May you find solace and insight as you reflect upon Audrey Hepburn’s wise words.  The world is in need of more kindness, consideration, support, tolerance, grace and love.  Be that person who brings these gifts to the world.  Give and receive – both are important to our well-being.  You deserve to be happy.