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As we leave the season of fall, we take with us what we "harvested" from 2022. Hopefully you spent some time last month carefully examining your harvest, to determine what projects, goals, spontaneous adventures, and unexpected events would you like to take into the contemplative cave of winter. No doubt some goals you set for yourself were accomplished and you were able to check them off your "to-do" lists for the year. As you examined your "harvest," there were probably several items remaining. Those are the items to take with you Into the Cave of winter.
Wednesday, December 21, winter officially begins. With Thanksgiving in our rearview mirror and religious Holidays in front of us, take a few days to look over the remaining items and determine the ones that are still pertinent in your life. Sometimes as the "to-do" list is completed, the remaining items may become less important. An example would be, that in January you decided to spend some money getting your old car in tip top shape, and after consulting your trusted mechanic, it was determined a newer car would be more cost effective. Walking a Sacred Path requires us to pay attention and take action according to what we determine is truly important in our life, and/or the lives of those that reside with us. It means being responsible for our actions by becoming conscious co-creators in our lives. When you see life as a circular path, you realize one step leads to the next, it begins with spring, and concludes with winter. (This is not to confuse the calendar year created by humans that begins in January and concludes with December.) As the colorful lights of the Holiday Season draw our attention to the end of another calendar year, now is a perfect time to gather the gifts of 2022 and determine what dreams and possibilities you would like to take Into the Cave, and contemplate some more on. The quiet stillness of winter offers us a time to create a cleaner version of items still waiting to manifest, and remove those that are no longer relevant. As the snow flies this winter (December through March 20) additional ideas and dreams may be birthed. Add those to your "to-do" list for 2023. Be as the bear, slumber through the long dark nights of winter and see what new and exciting dreams this winter will bring. Then when spring begins, a rested bear (not a grumpy one) will re-emerge ready for a new Walk around the Medicine Wheel of life! REMINDER: The Wisdom Circle concluded in November, and will begin again on the third Thursday of each month in 2023. We're making some changes to the Wisdom Circle format that we know will offer a new depth of teaching and sharing. A complete list of meeting dates along with more information about the revised Wisdom Circle will be available on the website by January 1, 2023. In the meanwhile, watch for our newsletter in a couple of weeks for more information and updates. Until then, listen to your heart as the holidays fast approach and remember, both Giving and Receiving bring balance to our lives. And, giving to those you do may not know that are in need, will bring joy to your heart and a renewed hope to the lives of those less fortunate than you! Have a joyous holiday season. From my heart to yours, Vicky
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T'was the day before Thanksgiving and all through the house,
everyone was stirring, except a mouse. After the family carried their food dishes to the car with care, Mother asked, "Did you remember your pajamas, your toothbrush and clean underwear?" With giggles and excitement they settled into their car, Brother began to sing, "Over the river and through the woods," When sister rolled her eyes and said, "I hope this isn't far!" Thanksgiving is a time to remember the blessings that are often overlooked with the busyness of life. It is a time to retell stories of years gone by, that somehow includes silly shenanigans most of us have done. It is a time to enjoy favorite foods that are packed with calories, yet delicious to eat. We can "justify" the extra calories as being cordial to our family members that created the dishes, and if all else fails, we excuse our overindulgence as "fueling up for the winter!" In my book, a good meal shared with loved ones needs no excuses; it's food for our soul! As you gather around the family table, take a few moments to look in the eyes of each person. There's no need to stare, just a glance will do. My hunch is you may notice something that has changed about them. It may be the same face, same hair, same tone of voice; but something "feels" different. It is that energy that is important to notice. The circumstances of our world has offered many challenges the past several years that have effected each of every one of us in some way or another. Perhaps this Thanksgiving, you might suggest each person state one or two things for which they are grateful. It just may shift the energy in the room to notice what good things have happened rather than discuss the crazymaking going on. We're changing, and with change comes a bit of discomfort, if not down right pain. Let this Thanksgiving be the year everyone around the table mentions something positive they have noticed and/or experienced. With that, I wish to say, "Thank YOU," for seeking the goodness in life, for stretching beyond your "comfort zone," and participating in events that support your growth. Just as important, for your willingness to share your life, your experiences so others may glean wisdom from yours. Remember the words of Gandhi, "Be the change you wish to see in the world!" And from book two, the old woman's words, "When we are grateful, we free our hearts to create new dreams and visions for our lives and for the world!" This is a reminder our last Wisdom Circle for 2022 is Thursday, November 17, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Please join us as we share the stories that inspired and moved us along our Sacred Walk in 2022. With Thanksgiving next Thursday, we will also speak of the things for which we are grateful. If we take the time to look around we will notice all the abundant gifts available for us to enjoy. Some of those gifts may not have been purchased in shopping malls, online, or through social media. It may have been outside your front door, or at the local park in your area. How about today, you step outside your door, pause and look up! Notice what birds fly above you, and the clouds that form various sizes and shapes. Wednesday was a day to notice the different stages of precipitation that fell from the sky and offered moisture to your face. If you missed it yesterday, today may be another opportunity to receive those gifts from above. My experience is snow brings out the child within that remembers the wonder of such simple, free gifts from above.
Join us for our last Wisdom Circle for 2022, and share the many gifts you received this year that cost you nothing but your time and attention! There's a new movie coming out this month titled, "Devotion." The movie is based on a true story, my favorite type of movie. To me, it's worth seeing something that tells a story based on actual events. No doubt some of the story is tweaked to add a bit more interest; however, overall the basic storyline is factual. It certainly looks very heartwarming, it might be something to check out on a cold, damp day this month.
The word, Devotion, felt like the perfect one word descriptor for the month of November. Many events this month require devotion. Webster uses, "loyalty" as the key word to describe devotion since it is something you "give time to." Tuesday, November 8 is Election day. That certainly is something to give your time and devotion to; otherwise, you can't really complain about who gets in office. Oh, sure, you can complain, but that only pollutes the air and makes you a hypocrite. If you ignore voting, you're really saying, "I don't care who gets in," because to not vote is to vote for the person you may distrust or really not respect the most. And, speaking of November 8, we'll have the Full "Beaver Blood Moon" that evening. It is referred to a blood moon since a lunar eclipse will also occur making the moon appear red. It is unlikely to be visually spectacular as the total lunar eclipse is set to play out in the sky hours earlier. It will be another two years before our next blood moon on March 14, 2025. What is a blood moon? It is when the moon, Earth and sun align in such a way that the moon, in its full phase, passes through the Earth's shadow. The Earth's atmosphere refracts ( bends) the sun's light, causing the moon to take on a copper red appearance. As every Full Moon offers; it is a good time to surrender to a heightened sense of emotionality and close or end a habit, cycle, or relationship. It also provides an opportunity to release negative or stagnant energy. Friday, November 11 is Veteran's Day. It makes my heart most happy to see the recognition and respect given by the citizens of this country to those that honored the call of duty to serve and protect our country. Just as important is the devotion of those brave men and women who were willing to sacrifice so people in other countries can become free from the tyranny and control of those in power. Let's also remember, the military men and women who help during environmental disasters and domestic chaos. Truly they deserve our utmost respect! And, of course, Thursday, November 24 we will celebrate Thanksgiving Day with those we love. Again, my heart is full of love and respect for the many men, women and children that help feed the hungry. It is those random acts of kindness that assures me we are a nation of loving human beings. And, that we are teaching our children to be grateful for what they have and to feel compassion for those less fortunate. Even more importantly, they are learning, that action is how we show compassion! In 2020, President Trump proclaimed November as National Native American Heritage Month which recognized the "self-determination and economic self-sufficiency of the nation's 574 federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribes." On October 31, 2022, President Biden also signed a "Proclamation recognizing November as National Native American Heritage Month." It is good to see a President from each party demonstrate the same respect and Devotion to a peaceful coexistence. Since Thanksgiving Day represents the peace agreement between the new foreign settlers and the indigenous people of this land, it seems like a very appropriate and long overdue recognition. No doubt it has taken much forgiveness and Devotion to this country to acknowledge an injustice that is finally being addressed. There are still many wounds among the people migrating to this country and our citizens; my hope is we will find a way to heal those strong beliefs on both sides so that our country can become a cohesive "Melting Pot!" The Wisdom Circle will meet on Thursday, November 17 from 6:30-8 p.m. This month we will share what we considered in October about the "applied learning based on sensible judgment," or Wisdom, we have gleaned from our life experiences. This will be the last Wisdom Circle for 2022, so come and join us as we bring the teachings we received this year. I am confident the experiences you have had this year will enrich your sense of Devotion to the path you have chosen for your life. Walks Tall Women is the Clan Mother for the month of November. She teaches us how to "Walk our Talk." Read about her on our website and learn ways to call to her for assistance with "Walking the Truth" in your life. As we began this blog, it takes Devotion to live your life with focus and clear intention to truly be a trustworthy, responsible person of integrity. Many blessings and much gratitude for each of you! From my heart to yours, Vicky Autumn is my most favorite time of year. The colorful array of golds, browns, oranges, reds, and yellows are beyond beautiful! While each season has it's unique beauty that offers a new "perspective," Fall seems to warm my heart the most. Living in the farmland of Indiana adds to the richness of the season by offering people the opportunity to witness the planting, growing and harvesting of the various crops. What a gift to observe such a life-giving evolution in a short six months. Imagine, if you will, how it must feel to have a profession that feeds so many bellies, as well as contributes to the production of goods and services made from the various grains. With a deep respect and admiration for the hard work and devotion required by those who farm the land, I recommend the readers take a drive through the farmlands and observe the harvest in the next few weeks.
While you are driving out of the cities be a "Sunday driver" and really observe the homes decorated for the Fall season, check out the ones with "Spooky" themes and take in the wonder of the magnificent trees in full color! Truly, it's something your family can do that will offer a breath of fresh air, and a renewed appreciation for this beautiful state. Yes, gas prices are high; and yet, the cost pales to the connection offered to you and your families hearts. So, roll down the windows, smell the scent of Fall, and listen to the leaves as they begin their annual release to Earth Mother. They are not only beautiful, they serve a purpose. They blanket Earth Mother and offer her inhabitants a place to nestle during the winter ahead. Then with Spring, they will serve as mulch to enrich the soil and ensure a bounty of color as plants begin to emerge. If you really want to make a connection with nature, hike a trail at one of the local parks. It has been said no two snowflakes look alike; I challenge you to find two leaves that look exactly the same. Such a heartwarming opportunity for the family to really see, feel and smell nature at its best. I promise nature will be as pleased to see you as you will be to experience the peacefulness and connection that a walk through nature can provide. Somehow it brings out the inner child that remembers the joy of jumping in a pile of colorful leaves! Better get out there soon, the Leaves are Falling! The Wisdom circle scheduled for Thursday, Oct 20 has been cancelled. Instead, how about you sit in your sacred space at home and consider a few things. First, consider what the word wisdom means to you. A simple definition by Webster states wisdom as: "applied learning based on sensible judgment." Another reference may use different words, what we are asking is for you to consider what your understanding of wisdom means. As the English language goes, words often have many different interpretations based on an individual's understanding; what and how they were taught, and, what they witnessed and experienced first hand.
What we offer through this Monthly circle is an opportunity to grow and expand our understanding based on what is shared. Not only from another individual's personal perception, but through the recanting of our own personal stories. As storytelling often offers, we learn from those memories that have been squirreled away. It is in the retelling of our experience we have the opportunity to see the connection, the deeper meaning once we are separate from the event. That said, chances are there will be others with similar stories that had a completely different "take away!" Most recently we held a Sweat Lodge, followed by a Dreaming and Visioning ceremony. Can you imagine the depth of wisdom that grew for those who participated? We can hear stories and read about such adventures, however, it is when we experience life first hand, that we truly grow in wisdom. Of course, life provides us ample opportunity to gain knowledge, if we will pay attention and truly examine what we have learned. Tomorrow evening, grab a pen, some paper, and list as many experiences as you can recall that stand out in your memory bank. My hunch is many of you are richly abundant with opportunities that, if you will take the time to consider, have actually offered your a plethora of experiences from which to grow in wisdom. Then next month, on Thursday, November 17, 6:30-8 p.m. share some of those wisdoms with other like-minded people and watch your life expand! As we near the Fall Equinox farmers begin to scurry about preparing to gather the harvest from their spring plantings. It is a time to organize the necessary equipment needed to insure the combines are in full working capacity. Of course, fingers are crossed the weather cooperates with this annual event to ensure an abundance is retrieved from the fields. The farmers know all too well that the harvest feeds more than their families, it provides the grains necessary to make other products and to supply other countries with goods and services. This event happens once a year; therefore, the quality and quantity is imperative to the overall well-being of many.
Much like life, we can only do our best to learn from what happens in our life. Sometimes things are completely out of our control. We simply have to rely on doing our best and learning from our experiences. Last spring you planted a few new ideas or intentions after the long months of winter, now is the time to look at your "yield." Of course, do this with gentle eyes, there are some things, we have little control over. Much as the farmer cannot change weather patterns, we often have circumstances that are beyond our reach. Instead of complaining, feeling sorry for ourselves, or blaming others, the only way to retrieve some sense of understanding is to learn from our experiences. Take a few moments this next week to examine the growth of your intentions in 2022. If your yield looks a bit puny, what could you have done differently? Or, consider if there is something else you can do to support it's growth that may take a bit more time. Perhaps tending those areas with more diligence or from a different perspective may be precisely what that intention needs to advance to place that brings a more abundant yield. It may mean the the harvest will be gathered at another time rather than this fall. This is how we learn to have patience, to be committed to a goal, and ultimately develop self-confidence that will help us gain wisdom throughout our lives. This, is what "Tending the Harvest" is all about! Carefully examining our actions or the steps we took, then consciously choose something different. Wisdom Circle, Thursday, 9/15 from 6:30-8p. We will be sharing the current status of our personal harvest and the ways in which we tended our plantings in 2022. If you would like to join us, email Vicky at vickykelmwilliams@gmail.com Thursday morning. Since I was exposed to someone with Covid Sunday, the circle will be done via Zoom. A link will be sent to those who indicate a desire to participate. . . . what the world will be like when we can see our differences and appreciate everyone of them. When we can really listen to each person's perspective in silence. We may not speak; however, our head's are constantly making noise. Our heads are evaluating the speaker's words and making judgments about what they are saying. Even more obvious is we really only hear a few minutes of someone's words, as our heads make conclusions and turns inward to retrieve our perspective of the dialogue and why the speaker is incorrect. Now we have become "editors." We decide what the person really means without regards for the facial expressions, tone of voice, look in their eyes as they attempt to share something of importance to them. We reframe the whole conversation to fit our personal perspective of the topic. All of a sudden the energy has shifted and whatever "sharing" by the speaker is completely lost to our own agenda.
. . . what the world would be like if we silenced our head's chatter and held a neutral and open space. I wonder if the relationship with the other person would grow as we allowed the "ears" of our heart to listen. I wonder what would happen to our heart? . . . what the world would be like if people began to really look at the facial expressions, note the look in the speaker's eyes and felt the energy being sent from them to your heart from theirs? . . . what the heavens and earth would look like and how both would grow in harmony and balance if compassion, understanding, and the ability to "walk a mile in someone else's shoes" became the norm. Could it be a more loving, supportive, cooperative world? Would the environment become more gentle, calm and flourish in beauty? . . . what you would be like in such a world? It all begins Within you! Just something to, Consider What a sweaty summer 2022 is offering us, and what an opportunity to release the toxins from our body and from our human mind! In much the same manner, the tradition of the "Sweat Lodge" offers those ready to shift whatever is in their heart and mind a place to do just that. This summer, Mother Nature is offering us many opportunities to utilize the gifts of "sweat" to clean up our body and our human mind!
Zig Zigler coined the phrase, "Stinkin' Thinkin!" that offered the masses an opportunity to pause and consider how they viewed literally every aspect of their lives. This phrase brought many people to a place of examining what and how they thought about things. Often we move through life sort of "mindlessly" as we tackle each day in a well-established routine manner. Take a moment and consider this; when you get up each morning, what actions do you take? Chances are you routinely do the same steps or procedures without thought. Your head considers the tasks that need attended to for the day, while you are brushing your teeth, preparing your morning beverage and standing in front of the closet picking out what to wear. The actions you are doing require little thought, they are something you do every single morning; however, the often excessive meandering of your thoughts continue throughout your morning routine and continue all day. A Challenge: Tomorrow when you get up, see if you can consciously stay present with precisely what you are doing. When thoughts of what's ahead for the day enter, bring your focus back to the task directly in front of you. My hunch is it will be a bit of a challenge. Then notice what thoughts seem to keep resurfacing and then take the next step to notice your emotions as you move through this exercise. If you feel frustrated and wonder why you decided to do this crazy challenge, take a deep breath and remember, you can quit such a silly experience at any time. These moments of frustration offer us the opportunity to notice our "Stinkin' Thinkin'!" Such awareness is the first step to noticing the often annoying voice in our head that wants to keep us focused on the human aspects of life. The good news is there's another voice that wants to remind us what a delightful, beautiful soul we are, what amazing gifts we have to offer and the abundant blessings that surround us each and every day. The key to this is to clear the clutter by noticing the two distinct aspects of ourselves and consciously choose which voice we want to be the key "guide" for our life. To clean the pathways and notice the richness of life we must symbolically take actions to remove the toxins in our human mind to allow our hearts to be felt and heard. This is how the Sweat Lodge was used; to balance our personal lives, clear disagreements, pray for harmony among all our relations and on behalf of those we know who are seeking assistance. We cannot do the work for others, we can, however, offer the purity of the ceremony to send the smoke that carries our prayers their way. On your next "sweaty" day mowing the grass, riding your bike, running, gardening, or working in the heat in any way, consider it an opportunity offered by Nature to burn away what no longer has a place in your life. Here's to the next purifying opportunity to, "Burn baby, Burn!" WISDOM CIRCLE: Speaking of an opportunity, the Wisdom Circle will be held Thursday, August 18 from 6:30-8 p.m. This month we will speak of our "Stinkin' Thinkin" and ways we manage that often annoying and obsessive dialogue. Any and everyone is welcome to attend. Simply bring a willingness to share what is in your heart so we might learn from each other ways to maneuver our way home . . . to our Hearts! Once we are there, our human mind will speak to us with respect and support for the sacred human beings we truly are! Bring a cover for your lap, a friend, and if you have a favorite cushion bring that! A gifting bowl is present for those choosing to return a bit of what they have gained from participating in this sweet Wisdom Circle! "Hey Diddle Diddle the cat and the fiddle, the cow jumped over the moon, the little dog laughed to see such a sight and the dish ran away with the spoon!" Nursery rhymes, how fun are they? In the early 1800's this riddle was created; my hunch is some loving parent wanted to express their deep affection for their child or, maybe they were attempting to help them quit being 'grumpy!' Whatever the reason, nursery rhymes seem to soothe children. Just as we speak to an infant in 'baby talk' the words seems to make the young one smile. Of course they do not understand what we are saying; however from their expressions we can tell they understand the energy with which we are delivering the 'message.' It certainly is a perfect example that the way in which we deliver a message trumps the words we actually say. A little silliness and sing song words can work wonders; perhaps we 'adults' need children to remind us of this.
Speaking of the Moon. This Wednesday, July 13, will be the biggest 'Supermoon' for 2022. The intense energy offers those wanting or needing to shift things in their life a grand opportunity to choose something new. Of course, to bring the new in, we must release something that no longer works for us. Sort of like giving up tennis and replacing it with pickle ball because it's easier on our 'maturing' bodies. What served us when we were young may need replaced with something that fits where we are in our lives today. Whatever old habit, outdated belief, or relationship that no longer adds harmony to either person's life, choose carefully what it is time to change or release, and, always remember to be grateful for how it helped you get where you are today. The Clan Mother for July is "Loves All Things." She provides assistance with learning to 'Love the Truth.' Of course, like freedom, Truth is a personal interpretation, and it can and does change as we grow and mature through our life experiences. Loves All Things is the Teacher of Forgiveness and Compassion which are vital for living a life in right relationship with all the inhabitants of Earth. With that focus, The Wisdom Circle is Thursday, July 17, from 6:30-8 p.m. This month we will share our insights on "What it takes to have a Loving Relationship." And, as mentioned above, everyone has their own perspective on this topic. We welcome yours! If you are interested or need directions, contact Vicky: vickykelmwilliams@gmail.com. Bring an open heart, a cover for your lap and a willingness to share. There is a gifting bowl for those wishing to balance the giving and receiving. Now, what about that 'dish that ran away with the spoon?' I wonder if Loves All Things and the intensity of a full moon had anything to do with that? |
Vicky Kelm WilliamsI find people absolutely fascinating! Archives
December 2022
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