Sacred Actions

I have been a busy, busy lady. So much has been happening. The yoga center opened, Chandra is back, I'm more clear and present for so many reasons and now finally I have something to say.

I've been thinking about action and what it really means. We are constantly making decisions and choices that then end in an outcome. What determines if these actions are seemingly "positive" or "negative"? My first thought is the intent behind the action. Why do we do the things that we do? Sometimes we do things because we want something. An outcome, and expectation and these decisions often turn into lessons that we wished we could have avoided. Sometimes we do things because we need something. Often these decisions and choices then teach us in the end that we are in need of nothing and what we thought we needed was an illusion. So how do we get to the heart of the issue? From what place could try and make decisions that would perhaps be a cleaner path? In the native tradition they teach that all acts are sacred. From tying our shoes to washing the dishes and everything in between. I love this way of thinking about it. when approaching decisions from a place of sacredness it elevates all action to its highest state possible and this often serves as a protection.

Lets work with an example. If we are going to go and rob a bank it may be a bit difficult to find a way to convince ourselves that this is a sacred act. Now this isn't to say that people don't fool themselves into thinking all kinds of things to justify an action that is clearly not the best choice. But if we employ our buddhi or intellect to the situation and run it through the filter of sacredness then it spits out a pretty clear result. If we then are dedicated to recognizing this result and making changes in our thinking accordingly it ends up being very handy. But if you are like me and a bit stubborn this may not be enough. I can come up with all kinds of reasons to "forget" to run decisions and actions through this sacred filter and this is where the real work begins. One step, one day at a time with lots of compassion and unconditional love as I watch myself have to learn the hard way and keep practicing coming back to the filter of sacredness that keeps me grounded and inline with my highest self.

It is short and sweet but really communicates where I have been at for the last few months. Some decisions coming from a better place and others I'm still working on. What can I say, I'm perfect in my imperfection.

May all beings be free from suffering and benefit from this practice. Om Om

More Coming Soon!

There is much to come soon, I'm opening a new yoga school and all my time and attention has been pouring in to that. Can't wait to get back to one of my other passions....writing. Thank you for your patience!

check out the yoga website at www.freespiritsyoga.com

much love
audrey

The Bad Lands

I've never really experienced grief or sorrow before, I thought I had but I was wrong. There have been times when I'll be talking to Spirit and be giving gratitude for my life and then I'll wonder when my time would come to experience something life changing. I've spent my life spinning what could be thought of as negative experiences into learning and silver lining truths. That is part of my DNA. Now is no different but what is different is thinking that I could manage through it with out a scratch. I'm here to tell you that I'm bruised and battered but still alive.

I learned from the very best what it is to be a mother, to care for someone and create a space for them to grow. To encourage as well as hold healthy boundaries, when to say yes and when to say no. Always with love in your heart. My intense desire to create this kind of space for people is what has drawn me to teaching and exploring my own spirituality. We can not teach or share with others what we do not know in our own experience, this I know to be true. I experience no greater joy then when I am able to be used as a vessel for connection and healing, its what I was born to do. But what happens when I'm the one that's lost my way? What happens when I no longer see the silver lining and am blind to the light at the end of the tunnel? This becomes a challenge that can and has created powerful upset in my life.

We all have an inherent quality of energy that we walk around in everyday. I've come to understand mine more than I did in the past but it's still a daily practice to be present as well as authentic inside of this energy. This isn't unique. For those of you who know me personally, you won't be surprised when I describe myself has fiery. Fire is an element that can be both trans formative and destructive, it really all comes down to the intention behind it. We can offer things to the fire that need to be released and let go or we can be an arsonist of our own lives. Its a fine line and one that I have been walking precariously for the past couple of months.

For many years I have struggled with the decision of whether I want to have children or not. Frankly it scares the crap out of me. My fear of having children really has been much like a phobia, an allergy or something you would need a epipen for to survive the effects. So much fear. My husband and I have batted the idea back and forth with no real resolution. But in the last year there has been some healing around this lack of clarity and intense fear, some visions have come showing me what could be in store. A child. Coming. I began to get comfortable with the idea and even getting excited. I began to see that all this love I have to offer and my intense desire to create a space for something to grow would be perfectly channeled into the role of mother. There have been times, I'm sure you won't be surprised, when this energy has been misplace, misguided and instead of creating growth has caused disturbance.

Here is the kicker. As soon as I throw my hands up, literally and said to Spirit.... "I'm not scared anymore! I am ready, willing to open myself up to this new step in life, bring it on!" It happened, with in two weeks I'm pregnant. Wow. Now that's some powerful shit if you ask me. Not that I'm surprised but ok, maybe a little surprised.
I knew it. I hadn't missed my moon cycle yet or had any real symptoms but I just knew. I took the test and sure enough several positive pregnancy tests later I'm at the doctors office. Yup, pregnant. But here is the thing, we come to find out its Ectopic. So we can't keep it. What is up with that? What kind of cruel and unusual punishment is it to finally find some strength to open to it and then when I do to find out it isn't viable. No only is it not viable but I have to take chemotherapy to stop it. That is the nicest way i know to say it. Stop the pregnancy.

I don't write this to be a downer but at some point I have to express how I really feel about this whole situation and locking it up inside isn't working. I promise. The acting out that has come from that just about brought down the foundation of my life as I know it. I am devastated by this unfolding of events and have no idea how to get back to feeling connected to all that I know in my heart to be true. This has been the biggest challenge of my life so far and I really have no idea what to do with it. So this is my therapy, to be honest and share what I'm experiencing. This is why I haven't written, it is why I've been looking for anything to ease the pain and confusion of it all.

I've not been so vulnerable in all my life. There is one person that I have felt has seen me as I really am inside of all of this and I'm so grateful for that vision. But I have to see myself clearly through all of this and I'm not quite there yet. So here I am, humbled. Grieving and taking it one step at a time. All I can say is that writing is a gift that I'm so grateful for. So for those of you who made it this far in this entry, thank you for listening and keep us in your thoughts and prayers. We are all one, we are friends, family, and siblings. We play so many roles for one another and that is a blessed and beautiful thing.

The image attached to this post is one that I saw in New Orleans and it spoke to my heart so deeply. How she looks is how I feel. And it feels good to see it and be with that.

Mystery

This life is a mystery beyond understanding with the mind. Loss turns to gift, hurt and confusion into intimacy. All of it folding and melting into and upon its Self. I have recently known a loss of life that then turned into the birth of a dream. What I have learned from this is that the more I allow my perceptions of what I think things mean to float like a cloud the nurturing rain that comes is beyond my wildest dreams. Loss if allowed fertilizes growth, the energy always wants to be reborn. Grateful am I to those that have consciously held the healing space for this transformation. I humbly bow myself before thee in reverence.

Your Poem

You have helped me plant my tree deeply in the ground
With kindness and love
The stars above shine for us
Glowing embers fire in the night sky
As you laugh with me I feel you all around
Entangled within my flowing limbs
Pressing, pushing, grazing over
A breeze hovers in our skin so smooth
Whisper in my ear your truth
You speak through me into the heavens

How deeply can this go?
Dare I know you?
Friend. Lover. Master. Brother.
I fear a loss with human heart
With the hands of a thousand grandmothers I leap into your open arms.
Play your drum so I may hear
From below it upward flows
Into this heart of open kind
I am yours tonight.
do not wander.
Inspire me with fire from free birds flying south
Melting me over your belly I sink
Swimming in the earth and sky
What a love affair is this
It takes all kinds

Hush! hear me now, I am speaking with you
Even when I'm not here
Remember the truth
It does not hide.
Even in that pile of feathers
It penetrates to the center
Dance with me your ancient lines
In peace and war and kiss me deeply
As the fire licks our eyes
Don't think for our minds lie

Know what you know
Be who you are
Celebrate!
Tomorrow is never given
The moon has shared these truths with me.
Truth comes from the quiet place that surrounds us now
Shhhhh....can you listen?

Sacred Space

What exactly is sacred space? For me it is an understanding, respect, honor of our homes, resources, habitat, bodies, minds, relationships and belongings. It is a selfless recognition that every aspect of this material world has a unique purpose and place in the bigger picture. It is the relationship we have with these things and how we dance with them in our daily lives. I am thinking about this now because as I look within myself and at those around me this seems to be an area that we all struggle with.

In our current culture we are still learning to step into our own inherent power in a healthy and balanced way. The collective consciousness is changing, growing and expanding. This is evident through the green and organic culture, wanting to learn to be more respectful of Mother Earth and our own sacred vessels. The growth of interest in all things spiritual, learning to better understand how to reconcile our words, thoughts and deeds. It is an evolution in our way of being, our relationship with the Sacred Spaces that we interact with everyday. It is easy to get bogged down with negativity and feeling as though there is little growth unfolding on the material plan. But we create our experience and to be grateful to all we have is just another way of honoring this sacred space we call home.

I have learned to recognize that there are two distinct aspects of my personal energy, the shadow and the light. I see the fiery courageous warrior fighting for truth who has no fear and makes no apology. Then there is the sweet, soft, pure spiritual child that just wants to see the best in everything, to be liked and always create peace and harmony. These energies or sides of ourselves are also referred to as light and shadow. There can not be one without the other, they are inextricably connected and work together to hold the potential of our personal power. Either one by its self has no real strength or endurance but is always yearning to be met with balance from its counterpart. Before we develop awareness of these aspects of ourselves it can feel like we are being whipped around on the end of rope at some ones elses discretion. In all reality that is exactly what is happening, so it behooves us to learn about these energies and how they influence our lives and behaviors.


So this brings me back to the question of sacred space. What is it? From writing this I have learned that one aspect of sacred space is learning to honor all aspects of ourselves, the courageous shadowy warrior and the light inner child always reaching for the divine. All have a place, it is only when we think one is more important than the other that things get out of whack. Fundamentally if we honor the balance of the energies that we hold in every moment we also begin to naturally honor the simple things like respecting someones else's body, home, land, resources, life, choices, or any other number of things. To be a little cheesy, sacred space begins at home.

The analogy of light and shadow not only applies to us as individuals but also is present in the energies of our world as a whole. We have currently been dancing in a cycle that has been heavily influenced by the shadow and the teachings that come from this cycle have been difficult ones. For some time we had forgotten the importance of having respect of the earth and all those that are supported by it. Those that fly, swim, crawl, slither, grow, flow, walk and those that don't move at all. Perhaps as we come to honor ourselves and respect ourselves more we will then learn to honor all of the planets inhabitants. Asking permission to cut from a plants leaves, to take an animals life for our own nourishment or even build on a piece of land. It doesn't seem like a crazy idea to me although admittedly a new one. I see a time in my own life where this is my way of being, my personal practice. I am grateful to all of the teachers that have brought these teachings to me and have been patient has I work with them in my own life.

"We are the Ones we have been waiting for!" Linda Star Wolf

The Talk

Dear Heart,

Chin up, no pouting. You've got this. Birthing a new way of being in the world isn't going to be easy. Remember what you asked for? Authenticity, clarity, unconditional love? Well, haven't you received each of those in spades? No one said it would be easy and it wouldn't be worth it if it was. Right? So, pull yourself together and keep moving forward with momentum and confidence. Your little girl is all grown up and she is beautiful beyond compare. Unique and divine. Keep giving everything you've got and not an ounce less. What you are looking for isn't found outside of yourself, it all right here on your front stoop. Over flowing and available in all the ways that are important. Your love is yours to give freely with each word, thought and deed. Don't forget the bigger picture even though you can't always see it. I sensed that you needed a few words of encouragement and I hope this helps. I love you and see you completely. Thanks for being the amazing teacher that you are.

Love,
Me

Distraction in action

Well to say I have been distracted recently would be an understatement of grand proportions, seriously. Maya, or illusion has been in full effect as of recent and it was only this morning that some clarity has finally decided to visit me again. When this happens it feels like I'm having an out of body experience. Why? You may ask, well it comes down to one thing and one thing only. We tried to buy a house that wasn't meant for us. Period.

Sometime when I'm engaged in material world situations like this I can forget to honor the strong communication that Source has for me in each an every moment. There hasn't been a time I can remember that I haven't been totally and completely supported by The Creator through subtle and not so subtle promptings, showing me the path best suited to full cooperation with my personal karma. I just got done trying to argue with the Truth. Funny how I'm tired and a little hung over from the whole experience.

Resistance is a feeling that I have learned generally shows up when we are in conflict with right action. When something in our lives isn't lining up with our true authenticity. When this shows up for me I get very tired, like I could fall asleep any where I may find myself. And for those of you who know me, well....I'm a bit high energy and that doesn't really fit my temperament. This resistance kept cropping up, I would want to fall asleep at parties, at my desk, in the car and at the bank. Very inconvenient to say the least. And possibly offensive to those I'm spend my time with, nothing says I'm interested in what you have to say then dozing off.

I have known for weeks now that the house we put an on offer on wasn't the one for us. Its like getting engaged to the guy that your parents like because he has a good job, he dresses nice and is stable but he is totally boring in ALL the other departments. No freak between the sheets if you know what I mean. So it took us until we were walking down the isle before we realized that this is not the guy, and as your parents look lovingly back at you with such adornment at the high quality amount of settling that you have chosen for your life you turn heel and run screaming in other direction out into the street to meet the freedom that will truly supply you with the grace that was waiting all along.

Is that moment a difficult one? Yes. Did you somehow know you were going to do it just like that all along. Yup. Are you going to have to face the disappointment of your wedding planner, indeed. Nothing matters anymore when you know in your heart that you have chosen the right path. The feeling of joy and gratitude is beyond any fear or resistance to what must occur to come into alignment with Source.

So, I'm back and finally in alignment once again. Sorry for the quiet but when I get into places like that I generally tend to go into a bit of hole and I don't even realize it when its happening. My diet goes in the crapper, I drink too much, I get flaky with commitments and then I get a cold sore. Check, check, check and check. Yay! Maybe one day I will learn to listen and fight for the little voice that is always on my side showing me the way. This quote pretty much sums it up for me: "What is enlightenment? Absolute cooperation with the inevitable." Quote by Anthony Dunella a Jesuit priest. Another few words that come to mind....its always darkest before the dawn.

So all of you out there ignoring your little voice. Quit it. Follow your instincts and have no fear. The world will be waiting with a pat on the back once the right choice has been made. Amen.

What's that tingly feeling?

I have been thinking about love all day today. It started with a conversation, a friend was noticing a change in their life. Things felt lighter, brighter, and just all around more joyful. As I listened I began to see how the flow of love is contagious, a strange analogy, but much like the flu. We not only share sickness with one another but we also share joy, happiness and love. I began to remember when I wasn't as open to the flow of this powerful energy. I used to spend alot of time hoarding my love, protecting myself, like a dog with a bone. I began to ask for assistance in helping me to open my heart and allow this flow to have the freedom that was needed.

When we make a request to Spirit things begin to happen, mysterious things, powerful things, and yes....sometimes scary things if you aren't prepared. Once I made this request people and experiences began to show up that I had no idea how to relate to. These people and experiences slowly began to reveal the walls that were built up around my heart. Some of these walls were old ways of thinking about relationship, some were old woundings, some were family of origin patterns that needed some reflection. When I originally asked for Divine assistance it felt like such a monumental task, I felt so withdraw I didn't believe a dramatic change was possible.

Soon I began to notice that I was feeling drawn to many people. Realizing this is often how love shows up, it begins in the root chakra as shakti energy or sexual energy. This really freaked me out at first, I had no idea where to file these feelings. I'm a happily married woman and to all of sudden begin to have what I thought were in appropriate feelings for other people, male or female didn't seem right somehow. Through some reflection and conversions with people that had alot more experience in this arena it became clear that this was just apart of the process. I quickly understood why there are ashrams and nunneries.

As our consciousness begins to lift and we begin to see God in everyone we fall in love. Its our natural state. I spoke to my sister once about this and she just kept saying to keep my feet on the ground, not to loose my head into this energy. It is intoxicating and beautiful but it must be respected. If misunderstood or misused it can be as destructive as it is healing. True unconditional love demands truth and authenticity, there is no room for ego. All I can say at this point is that I'm not scared of it anymore, I've given up trying to control it. I bath in it, drink it in and fill every part of myself with this love. The more I am taught and the more I learn the more open my heart feels.

As I reflect on this spiral earth walk I am beyond grateful. There are people every day that teach me what true love really means, who expand my perspective beyond a narrow view to better understand the truth of own nature. It isn't about having expectations of those around you to be the way you want them to be, its about learning to love everyone for who they really are. Supporting one another in our quest for personal truth that is unique to each individual. This isn't easy but it's beautiful and when we commit to showing up for each other in this way the changes that are possible are beyond our wildest imaginations.

Let us soften our hearts together, let us care for each others well being selflessly and with courage. Fear no loss for we have everything we could ever need within us. When faced with challenges relax and let go, be not the driver of our lives but the passenger navigating with Spirit at the helm. Let us surrender to the truth of our own Divinity.

Source

I am loved by You
Protected, guided and shown.
Boundlessly resting upon my brow
Speechlessly receiving this gift
Request fulfilled, everyday.
What is this dream that unfolds
Love in every breath
Exhale. Relax. Soften.
Grateful to this life.
I am loved by You.

Creative Inspiration

These are sacred object and images that have been inspired in many different ways. There hasbbeen a new wave of creativity that I'm so grateful for and it is a reflection of the love that I have for this life and a new exploration in meditation. I wanted to share these things with you.

And with an open heart......

This morning it is time to write, after some reflection it is clear that once a week is a good goal to aim for in terms of how much I contribute to this blog. Seems reasonable, really it is more about when the spirit strikes me but that can also be used as an excuse when the mind says there isn't anything to say. Committing to once a week is a happy medium between the two. I ask myself on this gray morning, "What wishes to be said today?" Since this is a co-creation I have decided to begin each entry with this question at the forefront of my mind. When ever ego comes in and tries to tell me that I don't have anything to say or why would anyone want to listen to anything I have to say I come back to it with compassion and know that this is part of the purification process of doing something like this. Getting over the internal nonsense is often the most challenging part of any new project, creation or activity. What I find is the most effective way of getting over this hurtle? Asking for guidance. Stepping outside myself and into my connection with Spirit. I may not be able to accomplish everything that I set my mind to on my own but with Great Mystery backing me up every step of the way there are no limitations.

How do we become receptive to this connection within ourselves to the Source of all Creation? This is a question that has been asked and explored since the beginning of time. Each of us has our own unique way to connect with the Truth of who we really are. Some of us dance. Sing. Create. Mother. Teach. Heal. Explore. Fight. Listen. Pray. Talk. There are as many ways to reach the boundless space of connection as there are beings sharing this Earth. In my own experience the only real prerequisite is for us to be receptive, to allow the mind to move beyond who we think we are and let unfold the Truth of our Being. As humans I find that we place restrictions on ourselves all the time, what we think we can and can't do. Faith is required at times to move beyond these illusionary limitations that we create for ourselves.

There was a time not long ago that I began to own the idea that I wasn't very good at intimacy. I'm not talking about this in a purely sexual way, I'm talking about connection with others. Having an open and receptive heart to those around me, I felt that I was shut down. Spending so many years as a devout yogini in service to my Guru I learned to go within and detach myself from the material world around me in order to gain a deeper understanding and relationship with God. This was a very powerful experience, one that I will learn from until the day I die and continue to learn from in the next life. But one of the most powerful teachings from this time in my life was about honoring my personal Truth, how Spirit works through me. Once again, this is different for each individual.

We are all blessed with unique gifts that we are asked in this life time to explore, develop and share as our medicine in the world. What I learned was that I'm not meant to spend my days silently meditating and eating nothing but fruit for months at a time. This has its place for purification but I'm meant to be in the world loving and sharing with those around me. In order for me to make the changes necessary to honor how Spirit works through me I had to allow a new way of being. One that was scary because it meant going against everything that I had been taught on the yogic path, well not everything but some big ones. Like always be obedient to the Guru, leaving and going out into the world wasn't fitting under that heading at the time. My point being, to bring us back, is that I had to have the courage to allow a new idea of who I could be. To rush the cliff of limitation and trust that I could be held and I was.

When we are honest with who we really are, when we take the time to ask and listen to what truly wants to be expressed through us there are no limitations. Can it be uncomfortable at times to make the necessary changes to fully embrace our Souls longing to express itself, yes. These challenges are the offering to the fire of purification along our path to a more authentic way of walking, talking, living and loving in this world. Maya, or illusion is a powerful distraction to the truth that all is God, all aspects of creation are alive and are our teachers in each moment. However, there is no substitute for teachers, mentors and loved ones that we can look to as positive examples of how to take the necessary steps towards the life we truly wish to live. I don't believe that it is possible for us to make such profound changes in our lives without the help of those that have been there before us. If I hadn't had the truly amazing guidance from those that I choose to align myself with I don't believe I would be where I am today. I owe it all to those that have taken the time to share with me, love me, challenge me, scold me and forgive me.

If you want to make some changes and you don't feel you have the courage to do it, find a mentor. teacher. friend. counselor. class. group. But choose wisely, choose to surround yourself with those you wish to emulate in life, then be receptive to all they have to offer. If there is a quality you wish to cultivate copy someone that has already developed this quality, ask them how they grew it in their own lives. Be receptive. Let go of the resistances that say change can't be made. It can. And pray for divine guidance sincerely with an open heart and before you know it you will see changes in your life. Begin to align your actions, words and deed to express the new energy you wish to grow. Old habits die hard so be kind to yourself but be strict as well. Like a mother would be.

To end this entry I would like to name some of those teachers in my life that have shown the way, to honor them and give my humblest offerings of thanks and gratitude. Everyone is the student and everyone is the teacher and for that I'm so grateful.

I give thanks and gratitude to my Beloved Guru Chandraji who has loved me unconditionally above and beyond the call of duty. I give thanks for every scolding, every truth that passed Her divine lips, for holding the space that showed me I could know God. She is my Spiritual Mother and I owe her my life.

To my sister Artemis, the one who first began to awaken me to the Truth and the mystery of Spirit. She continues to shine the light along the path into the magical world of Dreaming and Seeing. To be blessed with a blood relative in this lifetime who set such a strong Spiritual example is a blessing I will never take for granted.

Give praise to those Magical and Wild Women of the Cove. Those that commune with the Wolves, Star Wolf the Shamanic Grand Momma breathing us into Truth. Guiding us along the Spiral path of power, courage and non-addition. Sexy shakit spirit, thank you.

Great Momma Kate, the hermit of creation nestled in her bed of roses peering out to point the way to Truth. You were the first, you gave your life to me and without you I would be but a whisper on the wind. Fiesty, powerful and boundless you imparted your life's force to me. That ultimate offering has not gone unnoticed. I love you.

All my Spiritual Sisters out there, you know who you are. The circle may be open but never broken. We are together always in Spirit. Keep forging your way on the path of truth, it is beautiful to watch.

Sweet Rainbow Feather, a soft breeze of Divinity revealed in a smile and a warm safe place to rest. So soft and true your touch heals, our presents speaks to the ages of the Earth. I feel the soil between my toes and stars in my hair when I'm with You. Weave your wheel of sharing. I rest my heart in your hands.

Scott. Words can not express the gratitude for your patience and kind heart. The teacher that I live with everyday, who teaches through the moments of life that are sweet and subtle. My love.

Dad = Love + Support for Life. Honor. Devotion. and thunder.

Then there are my Spiritual Brothers, those that are courageous to share and explore spirit with me from the other side. Warriors of adventure and honor beyond my wildest dreams.

I could keep going on an on, this is the short list. I could fill an entire book with the gratitude for those that have shared with me. I encourage you to do this exercise as well. There have been some tears and they are the medicine of the heart.

Thank you for witnessing. May your day be filled with Light and Love. Share it, receive it and honor it.

Om Om

Sparkly Fun Time

I have decided that when the mind isn't feeling up to the creative task of coming up with a suitable title for these posts then I'm just going to name it what ever comes to mind first. Seems like a good way to go, inner spirit speaking to me through a child's like imaginative language. I think we could all use a bit more of that in our lives. Those of you who have children are influenced by that everyday but for those like me with out children tapping into that resource takes a bit more intention.

This leads me into an interesting point of reflection: every spiritual path that I've ever encountered espouses that one should strive to emulate the energy of a child. To approach life and the circumstances that it presents to us in a childlike way. What does this mean? When I have the chance to watch children I see a willingness to give and receive love openly with out judgment, expectations or strings attached. Children don't perceive separation. Children are honest, often direct, speak their truth, and love unconditionally. If there is any kind of misunderstanding they are easily over it and moving on to the next thing. Children don't often hold on to anger, resentment, fear, or resistance.

As adults we become much more aware of "who we are", I don't necessarily mean this in the Spiritual sense of coming to know ones True Self. I pray each of us does come to know that part of ourselves but what I'm really referring to is how we begin to feel separation from those around us, not only people but the world at large. Perhaps this cultivates a need for us to protect ourselves. We begin to loose our childlike carefree faith, the feeling that we are taken care of by something larger than ourselves. In turn we try and take the wheel, steering our own ship so to speak. By doing this we begin to disconnect ourselves from the natural flow of Energy that is ever present as a gift from Spirit.

So if this is true, which I'm not saying it is or it isn't, (that is for each individual to explore for themselves) how might we begin to regain or cultivate that childlike energy in our lives? We could dance. move. breath. create. share. soften. Explore. Laugh. Let go. Look up. Touch the earth. Sing. Anything that brings us joy, that moves our energy in a way that releases that which is no longer serving us. Basically all that is needed is to surrender and ask Spirit for guidance and assistance on how to open our hearts and let go of the obstacles that are in our path. Those obstacles could be any number of things such as fear, anger, jealousy, insecurity or even guilt. I'm just hitting the highlights to make the point. What ever it is that is causing us to forget who we truly are, they are obstacles. This doesn't mean that we need to pass judgment on them, actually finding an authentic compassion for ourselves and the things in this life that we struggle with is a huge blessing. As we learn to be more compassionate and open our hearts to our own struggles and short comings then we learn to do the same for others.

Do you ever find yourself passing judgment, even if silently on someone else when they are struggling with something? I know I have, more times than I wish to admit. My beloved guru would often remind us that what we see in others is merely a reflection of ourselves. I am much harsher on others with things that I too am currently struggling with or have struggled with in the past. What kind of sense does that make? None if you ask me, but regardless it is what I have seen in myself more times than not. These are the opportunities for us to develop compassion and own those areas of our lives that perhaps aren't fully developed or polished. As we become more understanding with ourselves we can then extend that out to those around us and in doing so we offer solace and support instead of adding to the already sensitive issue.

Here are a few suggestions that have been made to me by very wise people that I try to practice:

1. Watch your thoughts: Every thought lands where it is intended. Whether it is towards yourself or an other.
2. See yourself in every being, See God in everyone.
3. If you are pointing fingers know that one finger point away but three are pointed right back at you.
4. Always try to be kind and helpful. Be sweet. Be authentic.

So, lets bring it back full circle. Let us find our inner child and let him or her play wildly with out restriction. Let them love and be loved, let them sing and share with out expectation. Let them be hurt and heal, and to forget all the nonsense of the material world once in a while. Allowing your inner child to mingle in the world will take you further than you can ever image along the road to Peace.

Below are a few links that I thought might be fun to explore that are related in different ways to this post:

Asheville Movement Collective (A community for spiritual ecstatic dance)

Greensboro School of Creativity - an amazing place to explore what moves you.


An article on having child like faith
http://www.mysticsaint.info/2006/03/have-childlike-faith_04.html

Matthew 18:3 (New Centery Version)
Then he said, "I tell you the truth, you must change and become like little children. Otherwise, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Thank you all who have taken the time to read this post, please feel free to respond or add things that have been inspiring to you. Stories. Photos. Experiences. This space is what we make it!

Let us live in light and love
Om Om

Inspiration

Since yesterday I have been reflecting on what is relevant to share in this space. Its funny to watch how ego and the mind likes to commentate on something like this saying "what could I possibly have to say that anyone would be interested in?" Fear of trying, of putting yourself out there for all to see and to have opinion on. It has stopped me many times before but right now the time is ripe to have the courage to step out of the shadows and share what is and has been influencing me in my life. Things that have brought profound transformation. These things don't belong to me, they belong to all of us. It's also a way to honor these events, people, experiences, and energies as the powerful teachers and companions they have been in my life.

This is also a way to recognize that all of these transformations, however they may have been influenced, have been a co-creation. We all have free will, this free will allows us choices and whether we like it or not our choices have outcomes. consequences. joys. sorrows. failures. triumphs. In the Shamanic tradition I understand this to be our medicine. Those things that we have experienced first hand and can speak to with true knowledge. And as we have heard over and over again, knowledge is power. Power to change. Power to heal. Power to impart and share with others.

In some traditions it is taught to keep secret the highest teachings for those that are worthy of the information. Although I understand this way of operating it isn't how Spirit wishes to be expressed through me. I feel as though Spiritual teachings and information should be made available to all. No matter what. If someone isn't meant to hear or experience certain information then they won't come in contact with it. I trust that God has that handled and it isn't for me to judge who is and who isn't worthy. I don't even know what that means. Lord knows that if I were to reflect on that for too long my personal conclusion would be that I'm not worthy. No perfection here just lots of falling on my face, getting up and dusting myself off.

So, with all that being said...let us move on with a little more context for this space or container. All things are what we make them. Let this be a place that we tap into those things that inspire and fill our cups with truth, love, challenge and most of all unbounded joy for being blessed enough to have a human birth and to experience all that the material world has to offer.

Inspiration for this week:

Quote that my dear friend and soul sister Bronwyn shared with me on the phone this week that I just LOVE! It is awesome and speaks volumes about life.

"Rejection is God's protection."

Not sure where this originated but I did look it up online and here are some of the resources that came up around this quote if you would like to check them out.

http://christianinspirational.org/rejection-is-gods-protection/

http://www.authorsden.com/categories/article_top.asp?catid=76&id=49142

Again, I encourage you to interact with this blog. If you have found something inspiring in your life, share it! You have a blog you want to share, do it. You make something cool....post it.

Let this day be filled with all the light and love that is possible.

Om Om

Influences

Ok, so the first step is done. That always seems to be the hardest, showing up to a yearning or longing from Spirit. A voice so easily ignored but impossible to escape. Now a little about me to give some context to this space for Spiritual sharing.

I walk this earth in a female form that has been here for 34 years. I live in North Carolina but grew up in upstate New York. I am a married certified yoga instructor that is the book keeper for my husbands company. I've taught yoga for about 4 years and am preparing to open my own yoga and shamanic education school out of my home in 2011. But for the purposes of this blog the most important thing you need to know about me is that I have a burning desire to help people through the use of Spiritual and Energetic education. As with all things in my life this blog is a co-creation of my desire and free will to share fueled by God (or what ever other name you wish to replace God with, Spirit, Great Mystery, Energy, Buddha....it all works.) I believe that with out Spirit there is nothing, that also translates to my belief that God is everywhere and everything. I have listed below the organizations that have been the biggest influencing factors in my Spiritual education. These influences range from Christianity, Buddhism, Yoga and Shamanism. I’ve also included links to blogs and websites that I have found inspiring. If you come across others that you would like to share please post!



The North Carolina School of Yoga
An amazing yoga school founded by my beloved teacher Chandra Om, where I did all my formal yogic training.
http://www.ncschoolofyoga.com/

Adyshanti
An amazing Buddhist teacher that takes a beautifully simple and straight forward approach to teaching Truth.
http://www.adyashanti.org/
http://www.adyashanti.org/cafedharma/

Green for Life
Book about eating raw and incorporating green smoothies into your diet
http://www.greenforlife.com/

Black Mountain Yoga
The school that learned and taught for almost a year when I lived in Asheville. Amazing teachers and wonderful experience.
http://www.blackmountainyoga.com/

Asheville Yoga Center
http://www.youryoga.com/

Venus Rising Institute for Shamanic Healing Arts
The home of Shamanic Breath Work, an incredibly transformative and healing technique for tapping into our inner guidance and transformation healing energy.
http://shamanicbreathwork.org/

Flower Eagle Medicine Lodge
Founder Robin Lynn Rainbow Feather offers traditional teachings from the 13 Original Clan Mothers. Beautiful community of Shamanic education.
http://www.flowereagle.com/

Why Shamanism Now? with Christina Pratt
Great podcast for those interested in learning more about Shamanism, energy and healing.
http://whyshamanismnow.com/

Rather than write a long drawn out summery of my experience, background and influences you can explore them on your own.

Beginning, My Intention with this Blog

I admit that I have no idea what this journey is all about. Sometimes the mind tries to tell me that I know something but it is in the mist. Mysterious, elusive and sacred. Learning to trust that which can not be seen or understood by this feeble human mind is my path. The truth revealed in the heart, a new way each day. Love is powerful and transformative. My teachers are those who love me, known and unknown. Gratitude is the currency of this abundance. I feel led to share through the powerful medium of words, images, relationship and over all love in the world. That is what this container, or blog is for. Please interact with it, help me bring it to life to share and express our truths. All love. Om Om