Shadow Self

In SoulCollage, Seena talks about Shadow Selves, a Jungian philosophy. In the most simplistic terms it the counterbalance to Self. I understand it best in Yin/Yang terms. For every dark there is a light. Can't have light without dark. The shadow is the archetype to the extreme, for example, The Great Mother archetype can be taken to The Overbearing Mother. The Warrior in it's extreme can be The Warmonger. The Jester becomes The Fool.

I think this is a very useful way of being able to embrace all parts of ourselves. When we start attaching to one outcome--or thinking that there is only one way of being, we tend to limit the reality of ourselves. When we think we have to be all good and find it impossible, we tend to go to the extreme and think we are all bad. Embracing the good with the bad, the shadow with the positive helps us to be whole. There's a really good book on this called "The Dark Side of the Light" by Debbie Ford that really develops this theory.

At our SoulCollage gathering Friday I made these 2 cards. They really seemed to be opposite sides of the spectrum to me. The first is the child encased in stone. The adult is running away. It can also be said that the statue is strong....but cold. Intriguing.

The second is my Root Chakra card. A mountain. This mountain seems very warm, very strong. When I did the meditation, the mountain said it is alive, it is evolving, I will know it by the sun shining off the face of it.

I think both mountains/cards are very positive. But only if I embrace the dark as well as the light.

I have to think this through a bit more....there is something here, on the tip of my brain, swirling around....

I really like these cards, they seem so yin/yang to me. What do you think? Any insights to share? I haven't done the I am the One who exercise on them. I have a feeling they are going to come up in a reading and I don't want to spoil the surprise....

Meditating

Yesterday in my yoga class, I was attempting to teach the concept of acceptance. This is a difficult practice--especially when you are laying on a smelly gym floor. Or a freezing concrete one. Basically the technique is to get yourself as comfortable as you're going to be and then give up the attempt to get comfortable. So many times we spend the whole relaxation searching for that idea position that we think we will attain and THEN we can relax.

I got to thinking about what a life lesson that is. I spend a lot of my time trying to improve things: my schedule, my space, my family's lives, my body (conceptually) etc. thinking that if I just can get THIS done THEN everything will be perfect. Which of course just leads to something else that needs done.

There comes a point that you surrender to what is. Yes, it's cold. Feel the cold without labeling. In other words, can you take in how your body feels without analyzing and comparing? Like can you look at a tree without naming it? Unfortunately, these concepts are difficult to teach.. that's why teachers of the Tao always seem a bit out there... the Tao that can be named is not the Tao...

In meditation sometimes I stop being able to feel my body. Or rather, I no longer can tell where my body starts and the floor/air/cushion begins. I don't know whether I am breathing or the breath is just there, sometimes I forget to take the next breath and all motion stops. This is a delicious place. The absence of all. Supreme nothingness that encompasses all. Whoa.

You cannot teach that. You can only try and convince others to go there. And they can only go there when they surrender and allow themselves to be uncomfortable. Such a paradox for a teacher who dedicates her life to making others comfortable.

That floor is cold. It is hard to get beyond that some nights. It's much easier to stop feeling your body when it's in a hot tub. Tee Hee. I do my best meditating there....

Where Am I?

I came downstairs this morning, hit the bottom step and gasped. Who's house is this? I walk through the living room, slowly turning to all sides, in bare feet. Where's my nasty chewed up wood floor? Why is there cushioning under my feet? And why isn't there an enormous hockey table filled with crap taking up space? It feels so quiet, looks so peaceful, this can't be my house.

`

I move on, into the kitchen...oh there's the hockey table....sigh....but at least it's not covered with crap. Yet. Oh yeah, this is my house. But wait, as I move by my office, Wow! Look at that big room and all those windows! Who's house is that? This is just surreal. Wasn't that a garage that was downright dangerous to navigate through? It's so lovely, so clean... this can't be my house.

`

I get the sensation of the other shoe dropping. It's like there's no way all this good can happen...somewhere there's a clause or a monkey waiting with a pin to burst my bubble. I had such vivid dreams last night....what if this is just a continuation of that? What if I wake up and poof! it's all gone? What if it all never really happened and this is some kind of weird cosmic joke? I'm gonna wake up and live in a nasty house and be a telephone operator for the rest of my

life.....

`

Not that there's anything wrong with that....but just in case, I think I'll go roll on the new carpet some more....

`

Lost? Insert hockey table and 25 year old wood floor here:

If you see Barry, tell him he rocks!!!

Helmet Man

We had so much fun last night! We giggled, we rolled on the floor laughing, we were amazingly productive-- one woman who hasn't even taken the workshop made 6 cards!!! It was great fun. I am so excited, it was everything I hoped it would be, relaxing and fun, that's what SoulCollage can be. We ripped out many images and chatted and smiled, talked about our lives and our souls...ahhhh. The evening was supposed to end at 10pm. It was 1am when they finally left! Time just got away from us-- we never even knew it passed.



Funniest part of the night:



We were chatting about our Source cards and I asked one of the ladies who had taken the workshop if she had made hers yet. I invited her to use my Universe book-- that seems to be the most popular place for Source cards. She found a really cool background, green of course. Did I mention she's a bit obsessed with turtles and everything green? She's a LOT obsessed with turtles and green.... In fact, I was trying to explain to her that she may not even have a turtle in one of her chakras and I thought she was going to cry. "but Linda, I KNOW I have a turtle there, possibly 7 different types of turtles, one in each one!" Ummmm. Yeah.



Anyways, she finds this great background and I ask her if it's done and she's hemming and hawing like we are known to do when our images just don't "feel" done but we're not sure why. Suddenly she grabs this picture and starts laughing about maybe that's her Source... This is her God:



Helmet Man. God is Helmet Man. We all just died laughing, fell off of our chairs... yep, God is Helmet Man. All knowing, all wise but slightly hidden... yep, that's Him.

She grabs the glue and quickly pastes Him on. We go insane with witty repartee.... NOT! We got stupid with stupid jokes about God being a super hero and a turtle helmet dude... and oh, I will just spare you, it was very late. We were giddy. I begged her to let me scan it so I could show those of you who are not sure who God is. Well, now you know. He's a Helmet Man.
`

My apologies to all I have offended with this post. Guess you had to be there.
`

Did you know if you made a movie with Barbra Steisand and a pyschologist you could call it Mentyl? Or maybe Barbra Steisand with a toothache and call it Dentyl?
`

Just wondering. You should ask my friend Jenny about that....

Catching Up

Do you hold onto books? Or do you read them and pass them on? Or do you have special books that you keep... like maybe hardbacks and get rid of paperbacks?

I've been going through all my books lately to try and clear out some space. Having to make my office quasi-attractive is quite a chore. It's one thing if your office is only seen by you and your family but if you have people coming through to relax, I think stacks of paper and books are distracting. So I've been clearing out. I don't mind telling you this is making me nuts. And unfortunately the rest of the household is sort of tiptoeing around me....

When I was younger, I thought books were the most important thing in the world. I read like a crazy person, everything I could get my hands on. There used to be a Schoolhouse Rock? or Afterschool Special? or cartoon about a Reading guy.... man, I hate it when that happens, it's right on the tip of my brain.... nuttin'.... anyway, a guy who was obsessed with reading and couldn't stop. That was me. I would stay up all night, long after I was married, up until I had children, I just couldn't put a book down once I started it.

I thought that the most beautiful place in the whole world would have to be my own private library. The idea of Jane Eyre in the window nook in her Aunt's library was just delicious.... I wanted the nook, the library, not the Aunt of course! So, I saved every book I ever bought. And considering that I started working when I was 13 and spent every penny I could on books.... well, I have a lot of books. And then having children, I thought that would be the greatest gift I could give them... a love of reading... life saving. So of course, they have a lot of books. Everyplace in the house you can think of.. under all of our beds, the attics, the porch, in every room, even the kitchen... yikes.

No one ever mentions how much dust books collect. Especially when you are drywalling.

And am I really ever going to read Flowers in the Attic again? What a stupid series. But I insist that I wouldn't know anything about history if not for my historical romances.... oh, the hero almost beds down (that's what they call it, beds down) with the heroine who then hates him but the father finds them together and insists that they marry and they have some quasi-silly reason that they refuse to bed down again until their fingers brush against one another and they realize they were in love all that time... like 600 pages... but then she gets thrown in the French Bastille until Bastille Day which is when they released all the prisoners and were stunned to find out there were only 11 when they thought there were hundreds but they beheaded the guards anyway....

Good times.

So yeah. What am I supposed to do with all these books? I'm coming to the conclusion that if I ever really could afford a house with a library and a nook I could probably afford new dustless books and a maid to dust them in the future.

Whaddya think? But could I really part with my dog eared torn up copy of Gone with the Wind?

Oh and here's the funny part. After years of Barry bugging me to death about getting rid of my books, I had a box filled to get rid of that we had Rhia go through because we have a bad habit of hiding money in books.... He goes to carry the box out and reaches down and sees a ripped up, baby milk spit up and crayon colored paperback version of Dr. Spock. Our new parents bible.

"You're not getting rid of this! Are You? How could you?" with a positively wounded look on his face....

Unnh unnnh unnnnhhhhhhhh......

Card Building Night

Friday night will be the first casual card building night in the new room. Sheree & I decided that SoulCollage should not be an uptight fussy thing, card building is social and fun so we think it should be done on a Friday night. And we think the refreshments could be, well, more end of long week type refreshments. So, wine! Even if it's just the two of us we'll have a great time :)

So here's what's been going on in between renovations:

SoulCollage Retreat at the church last Saturday was so much fun. Had a friend I used to work with at the nursery school years ago sign up. I hadn't realized how much I missed this friend! We picked right up where we left off (I am so lucky to be blessed with quite a few friends like this, no matter how much time goes by whenever we see each other, it's like no time has passed and we settle right back into our warm mutual admiration society. I suppose that's the mark of a great friend.) We were singing our silly nursery school songs and giggling-- it was great. Another friend who is a student of mine at World Gym came up to me on Monday the minute I walked in and gave me a huge hug "Linda, I had so much fun at the workshop!!! It was great!" She's a beautiful, really interesting lady, will have to do a blog entry just on her sometime. So, anyway, in spite of the usual getting booted from one room to another and the frigid temps we had a really great day. SoulCollage is like magic. No matter what, it's fun. Can't wait to do the first one in the spirit room! It's gonna be so cool to have everything we need right at our fingertips and for it to be warm!

Reiki Monday night was really nice too. Had a powerful "coincidence" happen. Sheree & I were working on 2 people who have been grieving for a lost loved one-- a beautiful Southern lady who's impact will be felt for a long time, probably forever. Her widower has been taking it particularly hard and it has been very difficult for the rest of the family since they are really suffering with their own grief while dealing with his and his failing health. Tough situation all around. So, Sheree was working on the gentleman and I was working on his primary care giver, his daughter in law. It was a very quiet session, both of us focused, I was praying the whole time for my client, who happens to be a very good friend of mine. At one point, I felt the presence and light of Christ, who often comes to me while I'm doing Reiki. Sometimes I feel His hands on mine, helping me with His powerful healing. I had my hands on her back, just holding them there, sending her soothing energy and I felt another warm presence. I didn't think anything of it.

When the session was over, my friend confides that for the first time she felt the presence of the lost loved one. It was very strong. While I was praying for her, I just kept repeating, "Lord, this is a good woman, give her strength and comfort to help all those she is helping." Sheree, who was across the room, comes over and says, "The whole time I was working, I was praying to J (the lost loved one), telling her what a good man she had and asking her to help him with his grief over losing her." Isn't it amazing that my friend felt J's presence too? My Reiki Master wrote me this morning saying she was sending us good energy that night, I think maybe the stars just aligned. At any rate, the widower seemed much more chipper than I have seen him in a very long time-- for that I am devoutly grateful.

Okay, like I am really running out of time here so I'll have to tell you the rest later.

I know I've been really self absorbed lately with the room and what not-- I am sorry if I haven't commented you or returned your call or anything! Please forgive me, we are almost done!!! Big, big things a brewin', wait til you hear what is planned for the restorative yoga day....

Okey Dokey, Here you go....

Carpet. Barry & Rhia wanted it to look like the beach and we decided sand was cushy. Mmmm, yoga last night.... heaven.

These are all just taken in natural light from the windows. You should have seen the moon shining through the windows last night when we were doing our tree pose... again,,,,, Mmmmm.

The cat's new perch.... And here's the tip of the iceberg that's left:

This is the place where the built ins will go. Johnny C & The Bear will build over head cabinets on both sides and to the left will be counter with deep cabinets underneath. The bench to the right holds my blankets, ties and cushions for yoga and is pretty comfy to put your feet up and rest on.

This is the nightmare which is my office. Barry made me a desk which made us have to go to Ikea and get some stuff and OMG I have to take it all down and start all over and I don't even really want to talk about it, you know?

Isn't the room lovely?

Talk to ya soon....

wowowowowow....

If I could find my camera.....

You would love the carpeting!

You may have to come roll on my floor.

And while you're here, take a look at my pantry and explain to the kids why I had to change things around.

Jeeesh. Tough House.

I have never had a room of my house that looked this nice. It's kinda taking my breath away.

Now, where did I put my camera?

Woo Hoo!

Here they are! Windows with trim!!

On to carpeting :)

We may make that deadline yet....

Better Snow the next day....

So here's the next day of snow.... or maybe there was a day in between. This is the view to the front....

And this is leaning out the window looking out back. You gotta love a window you can slide open and step out of! The dog has taken to barking at the windows to come in, she likes to jump in and out. Silly dog. Or should I say silly us teaching her to do that?

`

So I got sick. Had a UTI and had to go on an antibiotic. Haven't been on an antibiotic in 21 years. Haven't had a UTI in 21 years. How do I know this? I was pregnant with Cory the last time I got sick enough to take an antibiotic. I don't mind telling you I was sort of in shock over the whole thing. I mean, I know in the grand scheme of things I have nothing to complain about, so many people suffer from serious injuries and infections but I think I've gotten so used to being well that it stunned me that I was sick.

`

It came on real sudden and went from 0 to 60 in 3 hours.... One minute I was fine, the next I thought I was going to have to go to an emergency room. I will spare you the details but considering how difficult it is to get me to the doctor at all, you can imagine the pain I was in that would make me even consider stepping foot in an emergency room. Again, I know how blessed I am that I haven't been the patient in the emergency room for so many years, it's hell to watch your loved ones there and it's hell to be there yourself!

`

Anyway, my angel of mercy, the best doctor in the whole world (Dr. Sejal Mattu, Gambrills) called me in a prescription at 8:30pm and saved my life! No exaggeration! That's how it felt. And now I'm right as rain. And I realize that I haven't been taking good enough care of my body lately and giving it what it needs... excuse me while I drink some more water..... so I will be better to myself in the future. Thanks to yoga and reiki I haven't experienced these kinds of things often but whoa! I have a new appreciation for how difficult it is for people who get these and other things all the time.

`

Anyway, off I go... got a ton of stuff to do for the SoulCollage workshop tomorrow-- Thank God I can do it :)

Did you blink and miss it?

This is the view from my window yesterday. For a brief moment it was snowing wildly. Poor Barry had 3 weeks off, praying for snow each day so he could see what it looked like from the windows of the new room. I was messing in my pantry cause a box was turned around (thanks Anne) and I came out for a moment and it was going wild outside! I hurried to grab my camera and it stopped.






Sigh. So I put the camera away and went back to the pantry and it started again.

So I run and grab the camera and start shooting like crazy, yelling for the kids to come see.

I hurry to download the pictures, which is a stupid process since my camera cord doesn't fit the camera so I have to remove the memory chip from my camera and put it in Cory's old camera.


But I am moving very fast cause I need Barry to look outside and see that it is snowing! (I know, I could've called but I just now thought of that) I email him the pictures, turn around to take some more and you guessed it!










It stopped. AND melted. I mean, gone, completely gone. I thought maybe I was dreaming but then I looked out back and there was one log on the hill covered in snow.

So I guess that's it. I suppose it's like Florida when it rains on only one side of the street. Only it doesn't dry up...ever.

It was right pretty while it lasted. Can't wait to sit in the room, sipping hot chocolate, watching a 2 foot snowfall. Maybe I'll add some Bailey's Irish Cream to the coffee.... join me! We'll crank up the heat a skootch...

I can hear Rhia now, "who's says skootch?" You should have heard her commentary on my use of the word governess.

Jeez. Tough Room.

Daily Life Returns

Barry had to go back to work. He's been off the last 3 weeks since Christmas. Unfortunately, he did not hit the lottery. And we are still not independently wealthy. The room project is now delegated to little snippets here and there. What would probably take just 2 days to finish is going to take about a week or so longer cause he just doesn't have the same amount of time, plus, when you sit at a computer all day it kinda drains your mojo so your get up and go will kaput. You know?

We have had a really good time doing this room. Barry & I always get along best when we are working on a project or traveling together. We have always been really good friends-- I know it's sappy but it's true. There is no one I would rather hang out with than him. When we have to do the mom/dad wife/husband delegating of mindless chores and daily to dos is when we conflict. Doesn't everyone? If we were independently wealthy and had a maid/butler/governess (who has a governess? and I can hear you now "aren't your children grown? duh, that's why I didn't say nanny....) chauffeur/accountant/secretary we would just happily sing and play together all day. We share the same goofy sense of humor and child like ness. (Don't say child ish ness!)

We have many dreams and get very excited and passionate about our projects. When we get going on something like the room or our ponds/gardens etc. we do not stop. We work til we ache. We become obsessed and nothing else exists until it's done. Cept when he has to go back to work. Now we rattle around drumming our fingers until we can get some blocks of time to finish. Trim and carpet. And the biggest part, the built ins. A built in, cushiony nook with overhead cabinets on one side and a built in counter space with cabinets under & above.... all my stuff, ribbons, oils, paints, material, books, papers, magazines, glues, everything I need to do my work all in one place. Just the thought of it makes me ....... well, words escape me.... polite words anyway.

He made me a pantry last night. It is pathetic how excited I am about this. It's like how some women would say "he bought me the biggest diamond you can imagine!" It's a beautiful thing. At 11:00 last night I'm emptying all the canned goods & appliances & cleaning supplies from all the many places they have been stored and putting them all in one space. I am thrilled, I just keep looking at it. I can SEE everything! It's like .... butt--ah! like a big bowl of butt-ah....

Okay, well, now that you know just what a geek I am, I'll leave you there. Gotta go re-arrange the rest of the cabinets now. Yay!!!

Are you thinking about my pantry?

Imagine me with nothing to say.

I thought perhaps I should actually write an entry that didn't have anything to do with the new room in case my readers are like I was last week with the "would you get on with the room already??!!" But alas, it is the only thing on my head right now. I mean, I could tell you about the birds going wild outside my windows but that will lead to an explanation of how we can see out all 4 sides of our house now and how marvelous the new windows are and then of course, I'd have to tell you that the color we painted it changes with the light and sometimes it's blue and then sometimes it's green and then I would hope that you would say that you can't wait to see it and then I would show you these:

Okay, that was sneaky. And my horoscope today said to watch out for deception. Yikes. And sorry. I have gotten some neat emails lately, here's a sampling:

"When we are on top of a mountain, it is as if we have ascended to an alternate realm, one in which the air is purer and the energy lighter. Many a human being has climbed to the top of a mountain in order to connect with a higher source of understanding, and many have come back down feeling stronger and wiser. Whenever we are feeling trapped or limited in our vision, a trip to our nearest mountain may be just the cure we need. " DailyOm (wouldn't it be cool if the nearest mountain was Mt. Hood in Oregon? sigh.)

Claiming your own blessedness always leads to a deep desire to bless others.
Henri Nouwen

You cannot know God until you've stopped telling yourself that you already know God. You cannot hear God until you stop thinking that you've already heard God.

I cannot tell you My Truth until you stop telling Me yours.

Conversations With God, Book 1Neale Donald Walsch

That was a good one. So there you go. 3 for the price of 1. Soon I'll be relaxed, writing in my new office, perhaps you'll knock on my door and we'll sit together quietly sipping tea, watching the birds as they scramble in the pyracanthia and the chipmunks playing in the fountain in the corner. Shall I put some music on or is just their singing enough?

See you soon!

Oh wait! I made a new card last night:

"The Symphony of Creation"

I love this card. It's how I feel in the Spring when one by one the sprouts start bursting through the ground. I always feel like God is tapping his stick saying, "Okay, now! Cue the daffodils! Crocuses, you may exit to the left and let's bring on the dogwoods!" And then the frogs begin croaking in the pond and all is right with the world......

Workshop this weekend at CCPC. Maybe we'll take a small field trip to my house, whaddya think? A walk will do us good :)

Still More...

Drywall Done! On to painting...



Look at the light... carpet's next.

Painting the ceiling :)

I'll keep you posted....

Soon and Very Soon...

If you can stand it, here's the latest pics:

This is the view from my office as they begin to break through the wall. Of course, the kids had to draw all over it first.


Feels like the light is trying to come in, huh? Of course, when there's destruction at hand, who do you call? Cory... and his mighty hammer:



After we cleaned up Cory's mess errrgh!!! and finished off the opening:


It's so weird to have light coming into my office....

Does this man look tired to you? Poor guy.

What are you doing sitting?????

Just kidding.

Will keep you posted. Whether you like it or not. Sorry!!! I'm just really excited.

I did post a meaningful message on my website if you miss the ole' wisdom...

http://www.yolinna.com/

no letter that co es after L

Here I a on the laptop without an . The space bar is kinda annoying too, I can only pound it for so long. Rando events of the last few days:

Large bet ade with very large stakes won. "Dont pull your love out on e baby" is NOT by Elvis. Or the Bella y Brothers. Interesting events at the Winter Wonderland Dance will occur as the pay ent to this bet though..... don't iss it.

What possesses a 21 year old to find delight in busting out thewall between the for er garage and y office? And worse, why he no clean it up after? Drywall everywhere.

Ever have so eone in your ind sending the healing and energy and you open your eyes and they appear? Yeah, e too. Pray for Susie and her fa ily.

Okay y thu b is getting a callous fro pounding the space bar. Dang Rhia.... will write ore
to orrow. On y co puter.

Jeesh.

The Last Window is In!

Woo Hoo! Now it looks enormous in there. Can't wait til we open the wall to the office. Course I'm stewing over what to put where now that it may be an actual reality that this is going to happen. I guess there's no turning back now huh? Barry would probably kill me LOL!

"Gee, Honey, I've changed my mind. Let's just keep it as a garage...."

Barry: (quietly going to the shed and coming out with a chainsaw) "I SAID ESTELLE!!!!!!**"

**Greaseman's wife. Not funny if you haven't ever listened to Greaseman.

I'm a bit edgy today. Think I'll go put some sunshine on my face. Or some more mud on the sheetrock. tough choice....

Electric's in!

ROAR!!!!

This is my latest SoulCollage card. This powerful guy is living in my solar chakra-- Can you imagine? For a great deal of 2007, I was having trouble with my solar chakra. It's the place where you learn to say NO and YES. It's the place of power and the place of action and the place that helps you get things done! I was wasting a lot of time with wishy washyness and being worried about how people saw me and not wanting to offend and being sad about lots of things I couldn't control and basically wimping out and trying too hard to please. My lion must have been all fours up, you know what I mean?

So at Reiki one night, Jan (my Master) & Sheree were working on me and Jan got to my solar region and I felt this huge warmth start and then circulate all around to my back. It was like the lion woke up. And he said "STOP. Let's get real here."

So I did. Wore more yellow (the solar color) and lit the yellow candle during my meditation and used my yellow yoga mat for a stretch (hahaha unintended) and asked the Reiki to keep healing my chakra and giving me the strength I needed to make those hard decisions....

Imagine my surprise when I was listening to Seena's chakra meditation, and this guy popped up. But of course it was a lion. I have loved lions and tigers my whole life-- had pictures and posters and shirts and stationary of them from the time I was small. So I was quite happy to meet him. And he is an enormous help. Had a friend tell me just yesterday, "boy, when you make up your mind, you get things done!" Hell Yeah I Do!!!! (that was the lion, not me)

"I am the One who shows you the strength you have within. I am the One who will ROAR your truth and let you use your fire. I am the One who will ensure your path to the highest good. I am the One that helps you stand tall and proud and feel your goodness no matter what. I am the One that will make sure that your destiny and purpose in life is accomplished. Spread those seeds Woman!"

The Calvary

So yesterday the Calvary came in.... or Mighty Mouses "here I come to save the day!" Our bestest buddies came in and helped Barry with his project. And look what happened:

From here--

To Here--

Yep, they got all the Sheetrock done! In one day!!! Look at the light in this room:

And that's late in the day since we overslept... cause of that rotten football game and the drowning of our sorrows. It's also missing one of the windows that we had to send out for repair! Here's more:

That's where the built in pantry on the utility room side and built in desk and storage spaces on the room side go. Here's what we're looking at when we do our Sun Salutations:

That's the back corner window looking out to the veranda HAHAHA.... Oh how we do put on airs... the other windows look out to sky.... can you tell I am totally psyched?

If you see my good buddies today, give them an extra squeeze for us, we don't know how to thank them. They are just the salt of the earth, you know?

Off to Mud. The nail pops are a callin'

On being awake.

"If you follow no other truth, follow the truth that within your being is called joy. If you follow that, you're always going to be right where you need to be, and you will always have life within your being."

~~Sheradon Bryce Inspirational Author and Teacher

Got that in my email this morning. You ever have those insights that you know deep down inside but cannot enunciate? I've had some very profound truths circulating around me in the last few months but when I try to communicate them I sound like a fool. In fact, I have noticed a shift in my students/friends as I have been exploring these truths. I suspect some think I may be going off the deep end. LOL! I've had some interesting questions lately....

Right on the tip of my tongue (or the center of my heart) is the idea that life is REALLY as simple as I think. That dropping all knowledge that has been given by others and simply resting in the truth IS the truth. It's not that the knowledge is not worthy, in fact, I would not be where I am today without all the wonderful insights that others have brought. But there does come a point where you need to stop searching and realize what you've found. Seeking truth is fine, but resting in the truth is also fine.

So many times we think if we just get that huge cosmic AHA moment that we seek, we have reached enlightenment, nirvana, heaven, whatever you want to call it. And so when we get it, and the next day comes and we still have to do laundry, we go back to seeking. Maybe that wasn't it. But the real AHA comes when you are doing that laundry. With joy. Aware. Being one with the laundry.... seriously. Breathing in and breathing out.

"Are you the Messiah?"

"No", answered Buddha.

"Then are you a healer?"

"No", Buddha replied.

"Then are you a teacher?" the student persisted.

"No, I am not a teacher."

"Then what are you?" asked the student, exasperated.

"I am awake", Buddha replied.

Awake. Not living on auto pilot, running the same script over and over in your head. Not spending all your time rehashing what you can't do, what you don't have time for, what isn't possible because of your parents, children, spouse, past. Not walking around with a huge exclamation mark in your head.

But awake. How does the keys under your fingers feel when you type? Isn't the tic tic sound kinda pleasing? Mmmm, that sip of coffee.... and oh, that breath, how it releases my shoulders again and again.

Yoga last night was heavenly. Just when I think I'm too fat, too old, too stressed, too anything, a forward bend captures my awakeness and reminds me of how wonderful life really is. Mmmmm. Yeah. Deep Breath.

Did Reiki upon waking this morning. Mmmmm. Yeah. Deep Breath.

And now laundry. Mmmm. Yeah. Fabric softener is a wonderful enlightenment tool. Deep Breath.

Have a marvelous day!

My Newsletter Text

Happy New Year!

When we put down ideas of what life should be like, We are free to wholeheartedly say yes to our life as it is. ---Tara Brach

I know, I know, it's resolution time! Shouldn't we be putting down ideas of what life should be like? The answer is a resounding NO! The minute we start thinking of all we don't have or that we don't do or what we are doing wrong, we begin to feel that something is lacking. Either in ourselves or those around us. The Buddhist's version of the 10 commandments is known as the 5 Remembrances. They are:

I will grow old.

This body will know sickness.

There is no escape from death.

Everything and everyone changes.

All I have are my actions.

At first glance, you may think I'm just trying to bring you down..... "jeez, Linda, thanks a lot for reminding me I'm gonna die!..." but take a second look. So much of the struggle we have is wrapped around trying to change what we cannot change. Learning to accept what is, even embrace it, helps us to live with gratitude and joy. That doesn't mean we don't try and improve ourselves, in fact, once we accept the first 4 and stop fighting the inevitable, we find a large amount of energy that we were spending unnecessarily on things outside of ourselves. When we use that energy to "change the things I can change", namely ourselves, you will find it much easier to lose that 20 pounds, read more books, do more yoga, be more available to your family.... all the things we resolve to do each year.

We practice this frequently in yoga. How many times have you heard me say, "drop into your pose and then let go of the muscles you don't need to hold the pose?" In other words, let all the rest fall away and then watch the source of energy well up and give you the strength to focus on what you need. By attending to yourself, you will joyfully begin to attend to all the other facets of your life, wholeheartedly saying YES! to all that is and all that will be.

~~With peace & joy, Linda

January News

Yoga Schedule:

Classes resume at World Gym on January 2nd.
Monday & Wednesdays at 10:30am

CCPC classes resume on January 3rd.

Extra Gentle Yoga 5:30pm Tuesdays only.
All Level Yoga 7pm Tuesdays & Thursdays

Private Classes will continue to expand-- see website for details and calendar.

February Sneak Peak: On February 2nd I will be offering a full day Restorative Yoga Retreat!
If you've attended these before you know how relaxing it is to have a full day of rejuvenation. If you haven't, you are in for a real treat! 2 yoga sessions, morning eye openers--extra long afternoon restorative session with pillows, cushions, props will ease you into the quiet you need to restore your soul! 10am to 4pm. Lunch, snacks, and a special gift included! Sign up now! http://www.yolinna.com/ Space is limited.


SoulCollage Schedule:
January 19th 10:00am to 4:30pm
"Introduction to SoulCollage Workshop"

SoulCollage* is a process through which you contact your intuition and create an incredible deck of cards which have deep personal meaning and which will help you with life's questions. Come join us for a full day of relaxation and rejuvenation to usher in the New Year with a New Spirit of Self Discovery. Join SpiritedSouls, Linda & Sheree, as they lead you through this fascinating, creative journey. All materials and a warm lunch provided! Already familiar with SoulCollage*? Join us in the afternoon to cut and create. $75 Full Day, $35 Half Day. Bring a friend and both receive $10 off! Space is limited, Sign up today!




January 25th 7pm-10pm
"SpiritedSouls Card Building Fun"

Spend some quality time with like-minded SoulCollage artists as we cut and paste, making new cards in a fun, casual atmosphere. We will hold an Open Studio the last Friday of each month for us to have a relaxing space to share new ideas and continue our journey of self discovery. $15 covers cost of materials, facilitating and refreshments. Newcomers welcome.
February Sneak Peak: Card Reading Circles AND a Special Valentine Archetype Workshop! Stay tuned as we continue to evolve with this great process.

Reiki Events:
January 21st 7pm to 9pm
Reiki Energy Night at CCPC

February Sneak Peak: I am adding an extra Reiki Drop In the first Sunday afternoon of each month--Stay tuned!

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A New Year's Re-Soul-ution Suggestion:

_________ was truly interested in whatever you had to say. She was equally passionate about the things she loved, from Mountain Dew to her mate. Her love for life burned hot in her soul and she gave it space to bubble up within her. You could see it in her eyes, her smile, and in the very movement of her body. There was a vibrant aura of beauty around her and after I got to know her better, I realized that it was rooted and grounded in her total acceptance of herself. Her passion for life was centered in the belief that she was special, worthy, loved.

Let it be YOUR NAME that fills in the blank.

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*Final Big News!

As I write this, my husband is hard at work on some major renovations to our home. With Yoga, Reiki & SoulCollage being such a huge part of my life, I have begun to feel like a wandering minstrel dragging my wares from place to place. After toting magazines, cushions, my massage table, etc. I decided it would be really cool to have a central spot for all of this. One big enough to do private yoga....and reiki....and soulcollage... without having to pay exorbitant rent which will remove my ability to charge low fees for activities...you get the picture (sneak peak). We are hoping it will be finished in time for a big Open House at the end of the month. Stay tuned-- Save the Date: January 26th.....

When we are enthusiastic we are intoxicated with passion rooted in our true selves and it flows into all we do. ---Linda Saccoccio

"True religion is real living; living with all one's soul, with all one's goodness, all one's honesty." ~Albert Einstein

"Whether you think you can or you think you can't, either way you are right." ~~Henry Ford

Namaste' and a blessed New Year to you!

Linna

Yolinna Spirit and SpiritedSouls
Sheree's website and email

For more details on all these events and to view the newsletter in it's original colorful state with pictures, visit my website:
http://www.yolinna.com/

Is anyone else having trouble with blogger refusing to double space?

Woo Hoo New Year!

That "High Hopes" song keeps running through my head.

Just what makes that little old ant, think he can move that rubber tree plant?
Everyone knows an ant can't.... move a rubber tree plant.
But he's got High Hopes, He's got High Hopes.... he's got High apple pie in the Sky Hopes!


I feel that way about the New Year. H-h-h-i-i-i-i-g-g-g-h-h- Hopes! I don't know why, it just feels like it's gonna be a special year. The year where I put it all together, where all the work and study and the work and the meditations and the hopes and the work all come together. And the biggest insight of all? It's not about the work!!! Kinda hard to explain, you know?


But yesterday after we smudged the house and each other and the dog, burned our things to let go of, put fresh Reiki energy in each room and each person that wanted it (just Barry & Rhia & Me, alas, Paris and Cory weren't having any of it), put the crystals in the heart centers and said prayers of thanks and safety and peace in the New Year, I sat down and did a SoulCollage reading. Just think, last year, I was not Reiki attuned AND had never heard of SoulCollage--whoa!


Here's my reading:



Committee Card:
My Inner Mothra

I am the One who loves to create a warm, comfortable home for my family and friends. I am the one who cooks and decorates to create a loving environment. I am the one who is happy puttering around the house.

Community Card:

My Loyal Companions

We are the Ones who bring you delight and laughter. We are loyal and forgiving. We just want love. We are cute and cuddly, just wanting you to pet us and give us attention. We bring you awareness of how simple life really can be.


Companion Card:

Crown Chakra-- Dove

I am the One who is with you always. I bring you light and comfort whenever you need it. My arms are continually around your shoulders, smoothing you out, lending you support and reminding you what's really important. Open your crown and I will fly into your heart.

Council Card:

My Angel Guides (first time this card has come up)

We are your spirit guides. You can call on us for help, for comfort and we are there. We are the ones who bring clarity, light and the love of the Nativity. We watch you from above creating tranformation. Together with the Dove, we wrap you in the safety of our wings and quietly give you strength. Close your eyes, we are there.

High Hopes 2008!