...I was born under a wandrin' star......
Don't know why, just woke up with that song in my head. It's from Paint Your Wagon, one of my favorite musicals. Course the song itself has nothing to do with me, in fact, the lyrics are fairly depressing....
...I was born under a wandrin' star, I was born under a wandrin' star, Wheels are made for rolling, mules are made to pack, I've never seen a sight that didn't look better looking back. I was born under a wandrin' star... Life can make you prisoner and the plains can bake you dry, Snow can burn your eyes, but only people make you cry. Home is made for coming from, for dreams of going to... Which with any luck will never come true. I was born under a wandrin' star, I was born under a wandrin' star ...
I really like the image of the wandrin' star. In the movie, Lee Marvin sings the song under his breath as he is leaving the love of his life so that she can be happy with his best friend. Deep heavy sigh.
I've been feeling like a lucky star has landed on my heart. Course the only lucky star lyrics I know are Madonna's and sometimes I prefer Lee Marvin's voice to hers....Oh SNAP!
I had a beautiful lunch yesterday with a beautiful, wise woman. There's a card in the Osho deck called The Master. Part of the text is: Masters don't teach the truth, there is no way to teach it. It is a transmission beyond scriptures, beyond words. It is energy evoking energy to you. It is a kind of synchronicity....I awoke this morning feeling so blessed to find so many Masters in my life, always just when I need them. She reminded me who I am, which is what Masters tend to do. And she reminded me in such a way that I was able to embrace who I am....warts and all. And she reminded me of my path. No matter what. For as long as it takes.
When I first got my Osho deck, I remember pulling that card and wailing over the fact that I didn't know any Masters, I didn't have anyone in my life to learn from. So I read. And read. And read. And then they came. And they keep coming. Just when I need them.
Sort of like Wandrin' Stars.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Wow!
Got 10 minutes...quick recap:
The funeral was one of the most beautiful I have ever attended. Really made us think, Barry and I are still talking about it. The picture Roxanne and her family created of a life well spent was breathtaking. The simple elegance of Mr. S's values was an inspiration--we will be forever changed by his example. They are blessed to have had such a wise soul as the leader of their family. Turns out he made a soul collage of his own in the last part of his life, this touched me to my core when Roxanne mentioned it--I can't begin to tell you. Seemed like a sign and well, a blessing. Thank you Roxanne, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Even though we were a bit rushed and quite teary eyed, the SoulCollage workshop was tremendous. I cannot tell you how it felt to give birth to other's giving birth. Sheree and I were hugging in the hallway after they made their first cards--so amazing to see. We did a circle with the new cards and blessed them and then did amazingly powerful readings. I am so excited I can't see straight. We were so celebratory last night--our husbands, who were HUGE helpers, sat with us while we drank wine and marveled and yeah, cried a bit over how right this felt. Thank you God. Can't wait to get the circles up and running, will be working on that after rehearsal and trunk or treating.
Busy but soooo grateful and moved and anticipating the future. Thank you Seena, thank you. We had a small taste of how you must feel seeing your ideas come to life.
Details soon.
The funeral was one of the most beautiful I have ever attended. Really made us think, Barry and I are still talking about it. The picture Roxanne and her family created of a life well spent was breathtaking. The simple elegance of Mr. S's values was an inspiration--we will be forever changed by his example. They are blessed to have had such a wise soul as the leader of their family. Turns out he made a soul collage of his own in the last part of his life, this touched me to my core when Roxanne mentioned it--I can't begin to tell you. Seemed like a sign and well, a blessing. Thank you Roxanne, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Even though we were a bit rushed and quite teary eyed, the SoulCollage workshop was tremendous. I cannot tell you how it felt to give birth to other's giving birth. Sheree and I were hugging in the hallway after they made their first cards--so amazing to see. We did a circle with the new cards and blessed them and then did amazingly powerful readings. I am so excited I can't see straight. We were so celebratory last night--our husbands, who were HUGE helpers, sat with us while we drank wine and marveled and yeah, cried a bit over how right this felt. Thank you God. Can't wait to get the circles up and running, will be working on that after rehearsal and trunk or treating.
Busy but soooo grateful and moved and anticipating the future. Thank you Seena, thank you. We had a small taste of how you must feel seeing your ideas come to life.
Details soon.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Roller Coaster
Today is going to be one of those nutty roller coaster days. I have to go teach yoga at 5678 which is always very peaceful and relaxing. I have to run (literally) from that to a dear friend's father's funeral which is very sad. I have to sneak out of that to finish setting up and preparing for my first SoulCollage workshop which I am very excited about. Then I really need to choreograph some dances for rehearsal Sunday that I am very behind on. Finally, I need to decorate my trunk so the kiddies can come trick or treat...in my trunk.
Since when did my weekend become my week? Oh well. I am really excited about the SoulCollage! We set the bulk of it up last night--it is going to be sooooo cool! Yay!
It's not exactly time for that yet, Linda, put your arms down!
Since when did my weekend become my week? Oh well. I am really excited about the SoulCollage! We set the bulk of it up last night--it is going to be sooooo cool! Yay!
It's not exactly time for that yet, Linda, put your arms down!
Friday, October 26, 2007
Daily Om
Without A Net
Living Life With Trust
As we create the life of our dreams, we often reach a crossroads where the choices seem to involve the risk of facing the unknown versus the safety and comfort of all that we have come to trust. We may feel like a tightrope walker, carefully teetering along the narrow path to our goals, sometimes feeling that we are doing so without a net. Knowing we have some backup may help us work up the courage to take those first steps, until we are secure in knowing that we have the skills to work without one. But when we live our lives from a place of balance and trust in the universe, we may not see our source of support, but we can know that it is there.
If we refuse to act only if we can see the safety net, we may be allowing the net to become a trap as it creates a barrier between us and the freedom to pursue our goals. Change is inherent in life, so even what we have learned to trust can surprise us at any moment. Remove fear from the equation and then, without even wondering what is going on below, we can devote our full attention to the dream that awaits us.
We attract support into our lives when we are willing to make those first tentative steps, trusting that the universe will provide exactly what we need. In that process we can decide that whatever comes from our actions is only for our highest and best experience of growth. It may come in the form of a soft landing, an unexpected rescue or an eye-opening experience gleaned only from the process of falling.
So rather than allowing our lives to be dictated by fear of the unknown, or trying to avoid falling, we can appreciate that sometimes we experience life fully when we are willing to trust and fall. And in doing so, we may just find that we have the wings to fly. When we believe that there is a reason for everything, we are stepping out with the safety net of the universe, and we know we will make the best from whatever comes our way.
I needed that today. Thanks!
Maybe I won't go back to my day job, after all....
Living Life With Trust
As we create the life of our dreams, we often reach a crossroads where the choices seem to involve the risk of facing the unknown versus the safety and comfort of all that we have come to trust. We may feel like a tightrope walker, carefully teetering along the narrow path to our goals, sometimes feeling that we are doing so without a net. Knowing we have some backup may help us work up the courage to take those first steps, until we are secure in knowing that we have the skills to work without one. But when we live our lives from a place of balance and trust in the universe, we may not see our source of support, but we can know that it is there.
If we refuse to act only if we can see the safety net, we may be allowing the net to become a trap as it creates a barrier between us and the freedom to pursue our goals. Change is inherent in life, so even what we have learned to trust can surprise us at any moment. Remove fear from the equation and then, without even wondering what is going on below, we can devote our full attention to the dream that awaits us.
We attract support into our lives when we are willing to make those first tentative steps, trusting that the universe will provide exactly what we need. In that process we can decide that whatever comes from our actions is only for our highest and best experience of growth. It may come in the form of a soft landing, an unexpected rescue or an eye-opening experience gleaned only from the process of falling.
So rather than allowing our lives to be dictated by fear of the unknown, or trying to avoid falling, we can appreciate that sometimes we experience life fully when we are willing to trust and fall. And in doing so, we may just find that we have the wings to fly. When we believe that there is a reason for everything, we are stepping out with the safety net of the universe, and we know we will make the best from whatever comes our way.
I needed that today. Thanks!
Maybe I won't go back to my day job, after all....
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Flighty
So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservatism, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more dangerous to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future. The very basic core of a man's living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.
Christopher McCandless American Adventurer
When I was a kid, my mom used to say I was flighty. "you switch from one thing to the other based on whatever character in a book you are reading". Guilty. I LOVE to read and I do immerse myself in the book and sometimes I really identify with a character and find myself becoming that person. I'm reading a book right now called "Eat, Pray, Love", that my friend said I MUST read. It's kinda frightening because I don't have to even think about it--this character is me. The shadow me. The one who needs to be free and travel and explore and learn.
The flighty one.
Now don't get me wrong--I love my kids, my husband, my friends--but never in a million years would I have thought this is where I would be. I never wanted to be married, never wanted to have kids, never wanted to live in the suburbs. Wanted to travel the world, live in New York in a penthouse (I know--I HATE New York), wanted to be rich and write novels and dance and sip champagne from a silver slipper ( I know--I HATE champagne)
I wanted to sing, to dance across the sky, to make a difference in the world and most of all to travel, to climb Mount Everest, to visit poor countries like Mother Teresa and touch the faces of those who need healing. I wanted to float on my back in the warm waters of Bali and ride an elephant in the deserts of Africa.
Isn't it just supreme irony that I married a man who resists change and likes routine, live in BOWIE for goodness sake and as a friend once told me, take every opportunity to trap myself into the staid and concrete? Just trying to avoid being flighty.
For some reason, the last SoulCollage card seems to go with this dreaming and I can't figure out why.
I thought it was the One who dances on the edge of possibilities but why does it seem to go with this wistful flightiness? Maybe the edge is the clue. Perhaps it has to do with playing the edge. Doing as much as I can to feed the inner flighty one without falling off into the abyss. The eye is the One who watches and the hawk must be the one who is overlooking the possibilities. She doesn't really look afraid though, in fact, she seems to like playing the edge.
Maybe she's flighty.....
You know, flighty isn't necessarily a bad thing--we all need that sense of adventure and we all need to play our edge sometimes.
What do you think?
Christopher McCandless American Adventurer
When I was a kid, my mom used to say I was flighty. "you switch from one thing to the other based on whatever character in a book you are reading". Guilty. I LOVE to read and I do immerse myself in the book and sometimes I really identify with a character and find myself becoming that person. I'm reading a book right now called "Eat, Pray, Love", that my friend said I MUST read. It's kinda frightening because I don't have to even think about it--this character is me. The shadow me. The one who needs to be free and travel and explore and learn.
The flighty one.
Now don't get me wrong--I love my kids, my husband, my friends--but never in a million years would I have thought this is where I would be. I never wanted to be married, never wanted to have kids, never wanted to live in the suburbs. Wanted to travel the world, live in New York in a penthouse (I know--I HATE New York), wanted to be rich and write novels and dance and sip champagne from a silver slipper ( I know--I HATE champagne)
I wanted to sing, to dance across the sky, to make a difference in the world and most of all to travel, to climb Mount Everest, to visit poor countries like Mother Teresa and touch the faces of those who need healing. I wanted to float on my back in the warm waters of Bali and ride an elephant in the deserts of Africa.
Isn't it just supreme irony that I married a man who resists change and likes routine, live in BOWIE for goodness sake and as a friend once told me, take every opportunity to trap myself into the staid and concrete? Just trying to avoid being flighty.
For some reason, the last SoulCollage card seems to go with this dreaming and I can't figure out why.
I thought it was the One who dances on the edge of possibilities but why does it seem to go with this wistful flightiness? Maybe the edge is the clue. Perhaps it has to do with playing the edge. Doing as much as I can to feed the inner flighty one without falling off into the abyss. The eye is the One who watches and the hawk must be the one who is overlooking the possibilities. She doesn't really look afraid though, in fact, she seems to like playing the edge.
Maybe she's flighty.....
You know, flighty isn't necessarily a bad thing--we all need that sense of adventure and we all need to play our edge sometimes.
What do you think?
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
My Horror-scope
Confinements
***
Valid during many months: During this time you may have fewer resources available for doing what you want, and you may have to focus the available resources on more restricted and concentrated objectives. The effects of this influence are several. First, structure in your life will change significantly, but not suddenly or without warning. The changes brought about during this time are inherent in what is being changed, if you look carefully. It is rather like an inevitable conclusion of a situation. During this period some things will come to an end or an old order of life will cease. On a metaphysical level, this influence means that factors are now being incorporated into the structure of your life that will later bring about evolution and growth. This process involves getting rid of old structures. What happens now will have great consequences in fourteen years.
On a material level, this influence often causes financial problems or other kinds of shortages. Sometimes government or other officials will impose heavy burdens that greatly restrict your freedom of movement. It is also possible that some incident or accident may affect your health and thereby restrict your freedom of movement. I was joking about the Yikes but Yikes!!!!
All of these effects confine your energies so that later they can be focused upon matters that will require your full attention. If your energy is spread too thin, later crises will be much more difficult to bear. Then you will have to go through a most unpleasant house- cleaning of everything in your life that interferes with your natural pattern of evolution.
As you are more and more restricted by circumstances and the need to use your resources conservatively, do not simply hold in your energies. Build new structures to correct the problems you face now, and concentrate all your energy on bringing about necessary evolution in your life.
Don't I know it? Dang.....this ain't lookin' good.....
***
Valid during many months: During this time you may have fewer resources available for doing what you want, and you may have to focus the available resources on more restricted and concentrated objectives. The effects of this influence are several. First, structure in your life will change significantly, but not suddenly or without warning. The changes brought about during this time are inherent in what is being changed, if you look carefully. It is rather like an inevitable conclusion of a situation. During this period some things will come to an end or an old order of life will cease. On a metaphysical level, this influence means that factors are now being incorporated into the structure of your life that will later bring about evolution and growth. This process involves getting rid of old structures. What happens now will have great consequences in fourteen years.
On a material level, this influence often causes financial problems or other kinds of shortages. Sometimes government or other officials will impose heavy burdens that greatly restrict your freedom of movement. It is also possible that some incident or accident may affect your health and thereby restrict your freedom of movement. I was joking about the Yikes but Yikes!!!!
All of these effects confine your energies so that later they can be focused upon matters that will require your full attention. If your energy is spread too thin, later crises will be much more difficult to bear. Then you will have to go through a most unpleasant house- cleaning of everything in your life that interferes with your natural pattern of evolution.
As you are more and more restricted by circumstances and the need to use your resources conservatively, do not simply hold in your energies. Build new structures to correct the problems you face now, and concentrate all your energy on bringing about necessary evolution in your life.
Don't I know it? Dang.....this ain't lookin' good.....
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Messages
You ever feel like you are receiving messages that you don't want to? I'm always a bit reluctant to trust myself completely when I start thinking that I should take anything personally since I have a tendency to jump to the worst conclusion first. It's just my nature, I grew up in a situation where words were weighted so I learned to weigh other's words. I have found as I've gotten older that not everyone has hidden meanings behind their words. But some do. I have also learned that actions really DO speak louder than words. But inaction is the most powerful message.
So many people are afraid of confrontation or afraid to say how they really feel. We are so afraid of the inner shadow--we think if we let it out or even admit that it's there that people won't like us or worse...we won't like ourselves. We will mess up our story. We want to believe that we are ALL good and everyone else is the bad guy. Truth is, we are all good and we are all bad and it really doesn't matter anyway. As I say over and over in yoga, nothing is stagnant, everything changes, you cannot balance if you are unmoving. Yin and Yang is not just a symbol. You cannot know the dark without knowing the light.
One of the first things they teach you in parenting classes (yes, they do exist) is to focus on the person, not on their behavior. Because the behavior changes, good choices come, bad choices are made, but the person--the Soul remains the same. The Essence, the Spirit, has nothing to do with actions, it is the witness, the one who watches. The more you can step into the witness, detach from the behavior of yourselves and others, the easier it is to receive the message. Doesn't mean that insensitivity or inaction or actions of others won't hurt, but if you focus too long on the hurt, you will miss the intention of the message.
You know, none of this is easy. And none of it is supposed to be. If everything is easy, we coast. When it gets tough, action is required. The only way to know right action is to step out of the situation. To witness, to take away the labels of good and bad, right and wrong and stay detached.
For as long as it takes...for as long as it takes. I know something big is trying to come through right now. There is much sadness. I must sit with it. This is why they call it practice.
Inaction speaks louder than words.
So many people are afraid of confrontation or afraid to say how they really feel. We are so afraid of the inner shadow--we think if we let it out or even admit that it's there that people won't like us or worse...we won't like ourselves. We will mess up our story. We want to believe that we are ALL good and everyone else is the bad guy. Truth is, we are all good and we are all bad and it really doesn't matter anyway. As I say over and over in yoga, nothing is stagnant, everything changes, you cannot balance if you are unmoving. Yin and Yang is not just a symbol. You cannot know the dark without knowing the light.
One of the first things they teach you in parenting classes (yes, they do exist) is to focus on the person, not on their behavior. Because the behavior changes, good choices come, bad choices are made, but the person--the Soul remains the same. The Essence, the Spirit, has nothing to do with actions, it is the witness, the one who watches. The more you can step into the witness, detach from the behavior of yourselves and others, the easier it is to receive the message. Doesn't mean that insensitivity or inaction or actions of others won't hurt, but if you focus too long on the hurt, you will miss the intention of the message.
You know, none of this is easy. And none of it is supposed to be. If everything is easy, we coast. When it gets tough, action is required. The only way to know right action is to step out of the situation. To witness, to take away the labels of good and bad, right and wrong and stay detached.
For as long as it takes...for as long as it takes. I know something big is trying to come through right now. There is much sadness. I must sit with it. This is why they call it practice.
Inaction speaks louder than words.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Changing Hats
It's occurred to me that maybe the expression "Jack of All Trades" is not necessarily a compliment. My Dad's name is Jack. He's a builder. He built my childhood home. We had great fun making a placque that said, "This is the House that Jack Built" for our front door. I always felt that Jack of All Trades was a good thing, because my Dad truly is a Jack of All Trades and a Master of quite a few. He can do just about anything building wise, electric, plumbing, heating and a/c, on and on and on....
I feel a little nutty. Course the SoulCollage obsession is helping add to the frenzy :) The last few cards feel a bit all over the place......
The Changing Landscape....
My Inner Mothra....
The Grower.....
The Black Hole......Double Yikes!
I always wanted to be like him--not building wise but knowing how to do a bunch of things. That's why I have studied so many different things, you get to dabble....and the things you really like you get to perfect. It's seems like a good thing until you are doing all of them at the same time.....Yikes!
I'm directing/producing a kid's variety show while I'm planning the SoulCollage weekend while I'm creating the new website and the new business while I'm trying to get my house clean with a broken washer while I'm trying to help the kids and husband through their current crisis du jour. I have bulbs that need to be planted, herbs that need to be harvesting and winter clothes that need to come out.
I feel a little nutty. Course the SoulCollage obsession is helping add to the frenzy :) The last few cards feel a bit all over the place......The Changing Landscape....
My Inner Mothra....
The Grower..... The Black Hole......Double Yikes!I'm sure it's all good.....or will be. Or is meant to be.
By the Way.....How U Doing?
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Boy to Man
So my son turns 21 today. He is officially an adult. When I look at him, I try to see signs of this. I am squinting....but nuttin'. Of course, the big thing is oooo ahhhh he can now buy alcohol. Wow. So here's where the hope for the solid foundation kicks in. I'm not really worried about that, I know he actually has brains and has had it drilled into his head enough about drinking and driving and excess and alcoholism, so I feel like there's not too much more to say about that.
It's all the rest. Letting go of childishness, blame and the world owes me a living attitude. It's how to be a man, how to be a father, how to be a decent human being....did I tell him everything? Why work is not just work but contribution. How hardship is a learning opportunity. How to be humble and productive even if the other guy isn't. How to respect age and wisdom (so far, this has not been his strong point...) How to understand forever isn't.
How to turn regret into action. And most important, how to change your story. Again and again. How to figure out that your past does not define your future unless you let it. How you don't have to be "that guy" no matter where you come from.
21 years just doesn't seem like enough time to teach all that. Or learn it. But it does seem like the time to teach is done. Time to learn.....
Happy Birthday, Woodstock! Time to fly....
It's all the rest. Letting go of childishness, blame and the world owes me a living attitude. It's how to be a man, how to be a father, how to be a decent human being....did I tell him everything? Why work is not just work but contribution. How hardship is a learning opportunity. How to be humble and productive even if the other guy isn't. How to respect age and wisdom (so far, this has not been his strong point...) How to understand forever isn't.
How to turn regret into action. And most important, how to change your story. Again and again. How to figure out that your past does not define your future unless you let it. How you don't have to be "that guy" no matter where you come from.
21 years just doesn't seem like enough time to teach all that. Or learn it. But it does seem like the time to teach is done. Time to learn.....
Happy Birthday, Woodstock! Time to fly....
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Keep on growing....
No Card Today. But I do have some random SoulCollage thoughts. I promise eventually I will stop obsessing and balance soon.....I just am very excited about this process! Believe me, I have done all kinds of workshops and inner work. Therapy, Tai Chi, Yoga, Reiki, Chi Gong, BioSpiritual Focusing, tarot reading, journaling, meditation and on and on, but I don't think any one thing has sparked me the way this has. And I think that statement is the reason. It's like Seena took all of those wonderful tools and placed them into one toolbox.
We were chatting last night at yoga about how hard it is to really make people understand what SoulCollage is. Sheree was saying that depending on the audience it is important that you hit their niche. Like to arty/crafty people you talk up the collage portion and to seekers/spiritualists you talk about the soul & mystic side of it. Trying to publicize the workshop has been a challenge--coming up with the right wording.
The way I understood it before I went to the training was that you were making your own deck of tarot cards. That was my spark of interest because that's something I understand. It turned out to be so much more. Seena sent me an email yesterday with a guideline on how to use the cards as prayer cards. Which is something else entirely and yet another "tool"....
"For people of faith, theology matters. Their orientation toward and relationship with the Mystery we call God shapes the way they see, experience, understand and speak about the activity of God in creation and in human life—both mysterious and personal. By offering SoulCollage in the practice and language of prayer, the mysterious interaction between image and maker with the Mystery we call God, is named and acknowledged.
From a SoulCollage Prayer Card point of view, selecting images, making cards, journaling, contemplating, sharing is all prayer. For example, images are selected and cards made in contemplative silence; "reading" becomes meditative prayer along with journaling; the "interpretive dimension" is the deep place in the human psyche/soul/body where dreams and wisdom come from, the place beneath our conscious knowing where the Mystery of God meets us in our interior and our human story for transformation and healing; contemplative prayer is entry into further depths (in God); sharing with another becomes both "Holy Listening and Holy Witnessing" to another’s lifestory. "
Marjorie Smith --Presbyterian Minister, Spiritual Director, BioSpiritual Focusing Facilitator
This is just fascinating me. I don't mind telling you. My path has crisscrossed some of these great women, we have shared some of the same healing tools and it just feels so.....I don't know the words.....right to have stumbled across this now. I've been at a point in my career where I feel like I'm just going nowhere and I've been trying to tell myself that I am where I wanted to be, to just accept my gifts and use them and not expect anything more. But I'm a grower--that's why I garden, that's why I teach, that's why I read. I cannot be stagnant--I love to learn, I love to explore and I love to share.....
Ooops, think I found my next card.
We were chatting last night at yoga about how hard it is to really make people understand what SoulCollage is. Sheree was saying that depending on the audience it is important that you hit their niche. Like to arty/crafty people you talk up the collage portion and to seekers/spiritualists you talk about the soul & mystic side of it. Trying to publicize the workshop has been a challenge--coming up with the right wording.
The way I understood it before I went to the training was that you were making your own deck of tarot cards. That was my spark of interest because that's something I understand. It turned out to be so much more. Seena sent me an email yesterday with a guideline on how to use the cards as prayer cards. Which is something else entirely and yet another "tool"....
"For people of faith, theology matters. Their orientation toward and relationship with the Mystery we call God shapes the way they see, experience, understand and speak about the activity of God in creation and in human life—both mysterious and personal. By offering SoulCollage in the practice and language of prayer, the mysterious interaction between image and maker with the Mystery we call God, is named and acknowledged.
From a SoulCollage Prayer Card point of view, selecting images, making cards, journaling, contemplating, sharing is all prayer. For example, images are selected and cards made in contemplative silence; "reading" becomes meditative prayer along with journaling; the "interpretive dimension" is the deep place in the human psyche/soul/body where dreams and wisdom come from, the place beneath our conscious knowing where the Mystery of God meets us in our interior and our human story for transformation and healing; contemplative prayer is entry into further depths (in God); sharing with another becomes both "Holy Listening and Holy Witnessing" to another’s lifestory. "
Marjorie Smith --Presbyterian Minister, Spiritual Director, BioSpiritual Focusing Facilitator
This is just fascinating me. I don't mind telling you. My path has crisscrossed some of these great women, we have shared some of the same healing tools and it just feels so.....I don't know the words.....right to have stumbled across this now. I've been at a point in my career where I feel like I'm just going nowhere and I've been trying to tell myself that I am where I wanted to be, to just accept my gifts and use them and not expect anything more. But I'm a grower--that's why I garden, that's why I teach, that's why I read. I cannot be stagnant--I love to learn, I love to explore and I love to share.....
Ooops, think I found my next card.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
The Fool
Yep. Fool. That's me. AKA Gooney Goo goo......
Mmmmm. Yoga. Should this be community or committee?
Just thinking out loud......unless of course you wanna tell me.....
Hope you all are having the most marvelous day....I've kinda got lots of stuff I'm supposed to be doing so I really need to get off of here :) TTYL!
Monday, October 15, 2007
Torn
I find myself thinking in terms of the committee suit from SoulCollage. Committee is all the parts of your personality--sort of Sybil like, without the drama. Once you really start realizing how many parts of you there are, it's astounding. It's also relieving because you begin to notice the balance there. Like my Resentful self is balanced by my Grateful self, my Selfish self is balanced by my Abundant self and on and on. Finding time to make a card for all of them is difficult because right now all my selves are competing for time.
My wanting to be pampered (by Max!) self is competing with my business off the ground self who is taking a bunch of time from my oh dear, why did I say I'd do another show self who is bartering with my I just kinda want to put my feet up and snuggle self. Course the practical, you need to make money to survive self is yelling at the who cares about money self who is fighting with the can't we just go live on a commune self.
I'm so glad I don't have to call it bi-polar anymore LOL!
So which card do I make in the midst of all this hoopla?
My wanting to be pampered (by Max!) self is competing with my business off the ground self who is taking a bunch of time from my oh dear, why did I say I'd do another show self who is bartering with my I just kinda want to put my feet up and snuggle self. Course the practical, you need to make money to survive self is yelling at the who cares about money self who is fighting with the can't we just go live on a commune self.
I'm so glad I don't have to call it bi-polar anymore LOL!
So which card do I make in the midst of all this hoopla?
My Tree Hugger Self. Because that seemed very important right now. Ha ha.... I am the One who will chain myself to a tree to save it. I am the One who appreciates the strength and beauty of the trees in all seasons......
Did I show you my inner child self?
I love this card! I colored the blank spaces with my crayons! Had so much fun making it--it's me before the age of reason overtook the age of innocence....
Back to work.....
Really, you must!
I always have to do everything!
But you love what you do!
Well you're right.....
Trudges off, whistling....
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Max the Masseuse
Mmmm. Finally used my gift certificate from "Love Song" to Robert Andrews yesterday. Got a facial, a massage, a manicure and a haircut. Went to a party last night where my bestest friends didn't recognize me. My hair was all straight and my face was all lighted up...but....the best part.
Max. Max the Masseuse. I came right home and called Barry to let him know that his gift was a real gift.....I was leaving him for Max. His hands....the pressure...it was like he was dancing the knots off my body. He has a gift, really. Course he can't be more than 21....so I don't think Barry's really in any danger but mmmmmm.....Max.
Ask Sue about Adam....she sooooo gets me.....
Can't believe I'm gonna have to mortgage my house to keep my man. Max. Massages are really expensive there LOL!
Maybe I should make a community SoulCollage card to honor him.....tee hee.
Max. Max the Masseuse. I came right home and called Barry to let him know that his gift was a real gift.....I was leaving him for Max. His hands....the pressure...it was like he was dancing the knots off my body. He has a gift, really. Course he can't be more than 21....so I don't think Barry's really in any danger but mmmmmm.....Max.
Ask Sue about Adam....she sooooo gets me.....
Can't believe I'm gonna have to mortgage my house to keep my man. Max. Massages are really expensive there LOL!
Maybe I should make a community SoulCollage card to honor him.....tee hee.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Fast and Furious
Busy, busy. Have a bunch of stuff I've been doing to prepare for the next 2 weeks which do not offer a great deal of time to do anything other than what I have to do. Make any sense? My biggest pull away from work is my obsession!!! Look at my newest:
I am One who dreams of faraway places...
And look at Rhia's:
This is her romantic self......
I am One who dreams of faraway places...
And look at Rhia's:
This is her romantic self......And here's her happy self:
Aren't they great? She's pretty amazing!
I'll do more later--promise!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
SoulCollage .... Still
In the past 3 Days I have made 10 new SoulCollage Cards. I am on fire. I am dreaming of cards, when I shower, brush my teeth, teach my classes, do my work, they are just popping into my head....oh, I need to make a card to honor my happy self, oh and my inner chef and my gardener and my yogi and The Fool and The Great Mother and the list just goes on and on....
I had clipped a lot of magazine images the last few weeks in preparation for the class and had no idea what for, now when I sit down to make a card and leaf through those images, it's seems as if they make their own card. I did not know what they wanted to say.....or who went with who...but wow. I mean, look at this:
And this:
They are just amazing. I love this process! It's so easy and yet so powerful. I am the One who stands alone in awe at the wonders of nature.... I am the Lamb of God.....
Wow.
And they just keep coming and coming. And the readings.....
I am the One who knows where to draw the line between strength and play....
I am the One who has felt the energy of Seena and the SoulCollage Community and is aware of the possibilities....I am the One who has had the gift of healing placed in my hands to carry on to the next generation.....
I can't wait to teach this to others! And to form a group! And especially to show the teenagers...and the seniors wanting to create a legacy....and my friends and my yogis....
I know. Enough for now :)
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Monday, October 08, 2007
SoulCollage
I had the most amazing weekend. Have you ever had one of those experiences that you know is going to change your life while you are in the middle of it? Like you step out of the experience for a moment and witness yourself changing? At one point, we all laid down the new cards we made in a large circle and walked slowly around viewing each other's work and it hit me, this is something far bigger than I ever imagined, what a community we created and how exciting to have the opportunity to take it back to our communities and share it!
Wow. Let me back up. That's Seena Frost in the middle of the circle. She created and developed SoulCollage. SoulCollage is part art, part therapy, part good old fashioned wisdom. You create cards with images that you cut out of magazines or books or pictures you've taken and you paste them onto a sturdy 5x8 card and then you let the images speak. The process is amazing--I have done many, many forms of healing; BioSpiritual Focusing, therapy, tarot, yoga, meditation, tai chi, prayer, etc and I have NEVER had an experience as safe and enriching as I did this past weekend. And that says a lot, I have had some amazing "mountaintop" events in my work and in my life. The potential for helping people from all walks of life to REALLY get in touch with themselves and get some guidance and wisdom as they learn to trust their own intuition is enormous. Plus, the whole art side of it gives a remarkable opportunity to pass on a real legacy of your life.....who you are and where you've been. What a gift to leave behind.
SoulCollage is being used by hospice workers, art therapists, bereavement counselors, ministers, spiritual directors, the list goes on and on. Anyone who works with people who ...... well, who are people, I can't think of ANY group who wouldn't benefit from this. Kids, teens, people getting married, people having children, people getting older, people in all stages of life and death, the list goes on and on.
I was in a group of 60 women, Reiki Masters, Ministers, Hospice Workers, Therapists, Psychologists, Artists, Counselors, Teachers, Writers....It was unbelievable. Just to be a part of it was an overwhelming gift. The energy brought me to my knees. At one point, my "pod" mate, Martha, and I had our backs up against the wall, tears in our eyes, shaking with the intensity of the positive energy of all the various voices in the room. We all laid all our cards out in a large circle, the "One" Source card as the center of the circle and then the "Many", all of the other cards that everyone of these women have made as spokes in this great wheel of voices...
There are no words to describe the feeling of the many different parts of our souls combining and sharing at the same time. It is futile to try. After we laid ALL these cards, hundreds, we got to walk into the center of the circle with our "Pods", 4 of us who became real Soulmates after all we shared this weekend, we quietly, reverently, soaked up the energy of the cards while all the rest of this amazing group of healers sent energy to the center and to each of us. It is an experience I will never forget for as long as I live.
That's all I can say right now. Talk amongst yourselves.....
If you do nothing else, do this. It will change your life in a way that you could never imagine.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Halloween Contest
So, Rhia keeps asking me why I haven't posted this picture and blogged about it. So here, I have posted it. I'm not sure I have anything to say about it though, I think it speaks for itself. Or better yet, let's hear what you have to say about it. Send me Your story about this picture! You can click on the picture to view it larger for more inspiration:
Winner gets an all expense paid date with this guy!Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Scrubs
My entire household is addicted to Scrubs. We recently got Verizon Fios with a DVR (digital video recorder) and have Scrubs on auto record. Whenever Scrubs comes on any channel, the dvr records it. Trouble is, it comes on 20 times a day. So we always have a major backlog of shows to watch. The recorder will only record 60 hours of programming before it starts erasing so I am constantly feeling pressure to catch up on the shows. But we can't remember who watched what or whether everyone got to see it and sometimes while we are watching one, it is already recording another.....
Seriously, do I need this pressure?
It's become a race to watch them while frantically fast forwarding through commercials. "Ha ha ha, quick, fast forward! Ha ha ha. Oh we've seen this one, Next! Ha ha ha" We remain at a constant backlog of 20 shows, can't seem to break past it. How long has this show been on? You would think eventually we would run out of episodes. Ai yi yi.
The kids love it though. On their facebook they have a quiz that tells you which character you are. I'm Turk, which is hysterical since I don't look like a young black man. Cory is Elliot, big surprise. Rhia is J.D., my niece Amanda is Dr. Kelso LOL! I don't think Barry took it yet but I'm sure he's probably the Janitor....
Of course if you don't watch the show this means nothing to you....I'll try and get the html code so you can take the quiz too. Who do you think you'll be?
Seriously, do I need this pressure?
It's become a race to watch them while frantically fast forwarding through commercials. "Ha ha ha, quick, fast forward! Ha ha ha. Oh we've seen this one, Next! Ha ha ha" We remain at a constant backlog of 20 shows, can't seem to break past it. How long has this show been on? You would think eventually we would run out of episodes. Ai yi yi.
The kids love it though. On their facebook they have a quiz that tells you which character you are. I'm Turk, which is hysterical since I don't look like a young black man. Cory is Elliot, big surprise. Rhia is J.D., my niece Amanda is Dr. Kelso LOL! I don't think Barry took it yet but I'm sure he's probably the Janitor....
Of course if you don't watch the show this means nothing to you....I'll try and get the html code so you can take the quiz too. Who do you think you'll be?
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Monday, October 01, 2007
Vague
This cold just keeps hanging on. It's getting better, I think, at least better enough that I don't think I need to go to the doctor but each day brings some new joy to deal with. The worst is just this vagueness. I feel like I'm walking around in a fog. Thoughts come up but I can't quite think them through. And it's probably a good thing because they are not pleasant ones anyway. I just have a vague sense of something wrong. Like I made a mistake somewhere....but I'm not sure where.
I began last month with a exhilarating sense of motivation and anticipation. I really felt like I had thought many things through and was making good decisions for my future. About the 3rd week, I realized that although some decisions were good, some were not. I was exhausted and starting to get cranky. I was trying to look at it as a learning experience and not think too hard about it and just keep plugging away but then I got a couple of slams to make me stop.
Life is just so confusing sometimes. Especially if you think things happen for a reason. I really believe that there are signs all around us and we just have to learn to interpret them. Trouble is, whenever I think I'm interpreting the signs well, something comes up to bite me in the you know and I realize I never knew anything to begin with. I've never been really good at subtle. I tend to go along, all happy and go lucky, and then boom! realize I missed a major clue and made a big time wrong turn.
That's how I feel right now. Only I still don't know what the major clue was or where the wrong turn was. And I know the more I think about it, the more it will elude me. My monkey mind will just keep on chattering, making me feel really bad about myself, making me imagine that everyone hates me and that I'm a failure unless I just ignore it, do my job and wait for whatever it is to reveal itself. Patience. Ugh. Me and Veruca Salt have a lot in common.
Oh well. At least the weather is nice.
I began last month with a exhilarating sense of motivation and anticipation. I really felt like I had thought many things through and was making good decisions for my future. About the 3rd week, I realized that although some decisions were good, some were not. I was exhausted and starting to get cranky. I was trying to look at it as a learning experience and not think too hard about it and just keep plugging away but then I got a couple of slams to make me stop.
Life is just so confusing sometimes. Especially if you think things happen for a reason. I really believe that there are signs all around us and we just have to learn to interpret them. Trouble is, whenever I think I'm interpreting the signs well, something comes up to bite me in the you know and I realize I never knew anything to begin with. I've never been really good at subtle. I tend to go along, all happy and go lucky, and then boom! realize I missed a major clue and made a big time wrong turn.
That's how I feel right now. Only I still don't know what the major clue was or where the wrong turn was. And I know the more I think about it, the more it will elude me. My monkey mind will just keep on chattering, making me feel really bad about myself, making me imagine that everyone hates me and that I'm a failure unless I just ignore it, do my job and wait for whatever it is to reveal itself. Patience. Ugh. Me and Veruca Salt have a lot in common.
Oh well. At least the weather is nice.
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