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Midway through October? I ask myself how these months seem to fly by. My mother used to tell me, “The older you get, the faster years go by.” Well, she was absolutely correct. Although, I hear younger people saying the same thing. It seems life is moving at a rapid pace for everyone on the planet.
In my “neck of the woods” nearly three quarters of the crops are harvested. With such dry conditions, a plume of dust hoovers over the land as farmers diligently work the fields. Being a farm girl, I love observing these dedicated men and women who honor and respect this beautiful planet, and enjoy knowing their efforts feed so many. Of course, these crops not only fill the bellies of people, these rich crops are used to create many useful and sustainable by-products. Hats off to these dedicated, hard-working farm people. One bumper sticker sums it up well, “If your belly’s full, thank a Farmer.” October will conclude with the “spooky” holiday of Halloween. Such a festive time of year when children (and big kids) dress up in all sorts of costumes and make believe their someone or something else. Halloween dates back some 2,000 years to the Celtic festival of Samhain. This festival marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of the “darker” half of the year. The word Halloween is a combination of the Scottish words “hallow” and “een,” which means “holy” or “saint” and “evening,” respectively. You might research a bit more of its origin and discover some other interesting facts. Pondering these holidays are a great way to see the common ways many cultures share in celebrating the same concepts and ideas; just in different ways. It is, indeed, true, we have more in common than we have differences. Reminders: Thursday, October 17 at 7:26 a.m. the Hunter’s Full Moon heralds in a time to begin to gather what is needed for winter. It is a time of high energy; a time to Reflect, Release and prepare to Receive. Each full moon offers such a time to consider: What’s come up? What are you ready to experience, and What are you ready to let go of in order for your intentions to manifest. The Deepening into Wisdom circle meets that evening from 6:30-7 p.m. This will be the last circle for 2024. What a perfect time to use the questions offered with this full moon. If it’s your first time visiting this circle, consider checking us out this Thursday. Weather permitting, we will be outside around a small fire, so dress warmly and bring something to use as we sit on the ground and feel the connection to the fire, Earth Mother, and each other. Lastly, a reminder the deadline to sign up for the “Using the Mandala as a Compass” is Friday, October 18. Read more about this very interesting and helpful tool for guiding one's life on our webpage under Community Events. We are confident you will leave this event learning something “you didn’t know you didn’t know!” “Autumn heralds in a time to harvest, and from the West, we can hear the whispers of our Creator,” from Book One, The Container. “West: A place to listen to the ‘voice’ of our Heart,” From Book Two, The Compass
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October is upon us as we turn our eyes from the warmth of summer and move into Autumn. The gifts of this astrological cycle offer us the opportunity to slow our pace in preparation for the winter ahead. While I love all the gifts of each season nature offers, Fall has always been my most favorite. The cooler temps, observing the farmers harvesting the gifts of their year's work, and the amazing, colorful turning of the leaves is breathtaking. With the climate changing this year's season may look a bit different. Nonetheless, it will be worth a drive to observe nature at it's best. It is a beautiful reminder that humans are not in charge of everything, despite their efforts to be.
The sacred circle of life evolves as the astrological wheel of life turns. Using the indigenous teachings of nearly every culture on this planet, the Mandala is a simple, yet powerful visual that can and will assist the humans with connecting to Earth Mother and all her inhabitants. We humans live in a world in which many words are used to explain human nature, the indigenous people of this planet used the simple ways of nature to navigate their way through life. As we enter this season of gathering the harvest, it might be helpful to reflect on what goals you set in motion with the new year in front of you and the planting of those intentions with the season of Spring. Take the time to wrap yourself in the warm of a cozy sweater, gather around a fire with some family and/or friends, and share how your year is wrapping up. Add to your reflections with a drive through the countryside to observe "The Changing of the leaves," and consider how nature does everything from a place of innate knowing, without pondering or considering. Rather, it trust the natural rhythms of each cycle of life to unfold with grace and ease. Opportunities: The last Deepening into Wisdom circle for 2024 will be Thursday, October 17, from 6:30-8 p.m. Weather permitting, we will gather around a fire and since it is harvest time, will have the opportunity to reflect and share on how this year has unfolded. If it is your first time, come and meet some fellow sojourners, you just might meet your next new "friend." Weaves the Web is the Clan Mother for October, and she offers ways to notice the web of connections you have with others, and most importantly, with yourself. Check out the Teachings tab and scroll down to her brief description and a few questions to consider. We hope to see familiar and new faces! "Using the Mandala as a Compass to Find your true North." The last offering of this basic teaching of ways to use the sacred Wheel of Life, in the form of a Mandala, to assist you with living your best life, will be Saturday, October 19, deadline to sign up is October 17. Read a bit more information about this retreat along with a few responses of former attendees on the Community Events link. Until then, "Wander Indiana" and be amazed at the beauty throughout the state and, undoubtable right in your neighborhood! From my heart to yours, Vicky The last blog asked the question, “What do I really need.” Hopefully, you paused after reading the blog and asked yourself that question. More importantly, that question settled into your heart and your head pondered it for a while. That was several weeks ago, has your head and heart come up with any answers?
Let’s add another very important component to consider: What do I hold dear to my heart? Most of us begin with our loved ones and move to our health and our loved one’s health, and then add to the list their career, financial security, and go from there. When I was a Home Economics teacher, later renamed Family and Consumer science (FCS) Core Values were taught. It was deemed one of the most important skills for living to know in order to begin truly knowing oneself. Interestingly, many schools have deemed FCS an unnecessary class since it is not needed for college and removed it from the curriculum. I won’t get on that tangent but, seriously, unnecessary? The truth is our Core Values undergird every decision we make in life. Whether its deciding what to do with one’s life, choosing a career, a friend, a partner, selecting a hairdresser, doctor, to what color to wear each day. That’s right, every single thing you do is determined by what you deem important in your life. I recall in the 80’s the focus was on values clarification and the teachers were instructed to not engage in sharing their values with their students. It was noted that to talk about your personal values may influence the students and parent’s may complain if those values were contrary to what they were teaching their children. I recall asking how that was possible when how I decorate my room, the clothes I wear, how I treat the students displayed my values? I never got an answer to that question. With information readily available with the tips of our fingers, search for more information about Core Values and how they influence our lives, your head will be more than willing to consider what pops up. While you are doing that research, listen to your heart. Pay attention to what rings true for you, that’s your heart speaking to you. Designate some time to begin to understand what basic values influence and guide your life, grab a piece of paper or your journal and at the top write: What do I hold dear to my heart? Keep at it and you will develop a closer relationship with your heart, and your head will be grateful it could help! September Events: Thursday, Sept 19, from 6:30-8p.m is our next Deepening into Wisdom Circle. If you are looking for a community, or simply curious about this circle, come check us out. Our last Deepening into Wisdom circle in 2024 will be October 18. We welcome you to join us. Read more about this circle on the Events page of our website: www.headtohearttalks.com or contact Vicky at: [email protected]. Thursday, Sept 17 at 10:34 p.m. the Harvest Moon will appear in preparation for the official welcoming of Fall with the Autumn Equinox, Monday, Sept 23 at 8:43 a.m. Such a marvelous partnership that offers us the opportunity to pause and notice the abundance received from our dreaming in the Winter, planting in the Spring, and tending and taking action in the Summer with what is necessary to bring those dreams to fruition. Of course, Summer offers a time to play and have adventures to balance those efforts by allowing us to bring out our inner child. Fall brings the beauty of the harvest, colorful leaves that blanket Earth Mother and offer their richness to nourish her over the Winter. It is the West direction that beckons us to slow down and look inward. As we gather around a fire snuggly wrapped in sweatshirts and blankets, it is, indeed, a time to end the busyness of the year and appreciate the completion of a cycle. Happenings: Check out the Using the Mandala as a Compass to find your True North retreat listed on the Community Events page. If you are ready to explore a deeper understanding of your life, this retreat will offer you a simple, every day, every year opportunity to Walk a Sacred Path aware of your basic needs and values. Or as the Buddhist would say, wake up and become aware; allow the Buddha within to guide your life. Whatever form of spiritual beliefs you practice, become aware of it, honor it, pay attention and watch it become your guiding North Star. In today's society we often read and hear about what we need to be happy and successful, what does that really mean? And, how do "they" know? I am certain there is an abundance of research surveys, polls, questionnaires, and various other ways to gather such facts; however, the validity of those consensus results rarely provide the "audience" from which the research was taken. Knowing the audience is an important piece of information to have when being presented with the final percentage or points of such findings. That said, whomever is listening or reading such results will interpret the findings based on their personal perspective.
Why does this matter? Well, in my humble opinion, each of us needs to take responsibility for how we interpret the information we receive. To do this, we need to have a clear sense of what is important to us and what we value most in our lives, as well as how we feel and what we sense about a situation. Many people only rely on information they receive, rather than pausing and considering their personal sense of what is being reported. Of course, there are no simple answers to such findings since at this time on our planet, everything seems to be questionable. Let's make this personal. In the big picture of your life, what is important to you? What helps you feel hopeful, happy, energized, motivated and lightens your step in life? In this diverse world in which we live, what do you know for certain? Deepak Chopra wrote in the, The Seven Spiritual Laws for Success, Through the wisdom of uncertainty I will find my security. What a powerful statement! Sometimes in life it is good to not know something, to not be thinking all the time; rather, to simply experience the moment. To do this requires knowing yourself and what's truly important to you, and most importantly trusting yourself in order to answer, What do I really need? Maslow's hierarchy of basic needs is a simple way to understand and learn what you truly need to feel satisfied with life. It offers ways to learn what others you love may need, and to develop space in your life to let your heart guide you. There lies the means to begin to trust your gut instincts when confronting literally every situation in life. Using the Mandala as a Compass to Find your True North, offers a unique and easy way to understand and discover answers to the question, "What do I really need." Check out the Community Events page for a bit more information. Events: The Deepening into Wisdom circle is Thursday, August 15, 6:30 - 8 p.m. Join us as we explore and share stories that have guided our lives. Sometimes those stories are actual ones that pertain to our lives, or ones we have written during our creative journal writing time, and sometimes it's a story we read that touched our hearts. This circle is open to everyone, first timers and regular attendees. All that is required is an open heart, a blanket for your lap and a willingness to meet other "Seekers." There is a gifting bowl to offer back a bit of what you have gained by attending. The Full "Sturgeon" Moon arrives Monday, Aug 19 at 2:26p.m. Along with the beautiful opportunity to use the powerful, fullness of Grandmother Moon, the Clan Mother, Setting Sun Woman brings her teachings of ways to Live the Truth. What a powerful time to support and develop your personal knowing of the Truth by which you live your life. May your walk through the heat and fullness of summer make August a month to enjoy the playful, adventurous times as you reconnect with the child within and re-member those heart-felt memories of summer. "For it is only with the heart one can clearly see, what is important is invisible to the eye," The Little Prince From my Heart to yours, Vicky After a “bang up” 4th of July complete with rain storms, lightning and an abundance of gray clouds, the heat of summer is in full swing. Each morning Grandfather Sun’s bright face begins his ascent in the East as a new day is heralded in with the intense heat and humidity summer offers. As surely as he descends in the West each evening, it is assurance all is well here on Earth Mother. Father Sky has a way of providing guidance with the certainty that life continues to unfold despite anything we humans do. Just as the East, provides a visual reminder of new beginnings, the South brings the warmth of summer, where we experience relationships, growth, and the dreams of all sorts of possibilities. The West offers a time to step back and reflect on what has unfolded as a means to “harvest” the experiences and choose which seems in alignment with our heart’s desires. It is during this autumn season we choose which of those desires to take into the darkness of the winter and allow our hearts to “speak” to us. Ah, the wisdom and beauty of the North direction. Through this circular sacred walk, Spring simply appears.
With Spring in our rearview mirror, Summer offers us the opportunity to use our childlike remembering of simply playing through the adventure’s life offers, as we begin to grow into the next moment of life. Fed with the nourishment of love our hearts begin to grow and expand as we step outside what we have known to the world outside, we become aware of the infinite possibilities in front of us. Now might be a good time to consider what’s your next adventure? Is now a good time to step into something you have always wanted to know more about or to take action to move toward? Just as surely as our gardens and yards require attention, so the growth of opportunity and knowing awaits your presence. This I know, life unfolds with each moment! With that knowing, wouldn’t it be wise to truly notice what is directly in front of you, rather than allow our busy minds to always be thinking about what’s ahead of us? “Using the Mandala as a Compass,” retreat is an introduction to notice what is right in front of you. It is an opportunity to consciously live with nature as a partner that will guide you through life, and, it is a reminder that you are never truly alone. We are offering this retreat in October; listen to your heart and see if it’s something that may help you during the autumn season. Check out the Community events link for a bit more information. Until then, play, laugh, dance in the rain, hug a tree and re-member we are all one big family . . . . This I know! From my heart to yours, Vicky July 21 at 6:17 a.m. the Buck Full Moon energy officially arrives. The name comes from the fact that buck drops their antlers and begin growing news ones during this moon. Our next Deepening into Wisdom circle is this Thursday, July 18 from 6:30-8 p.m. Perhaps it is time to drop something from your life that you have outgrown in order to make room for something new that’s been eagerly awaiting to emerge. Join us as we share some stories about our lives that have brought us to this point of “releasing and making room” for something new. Bring an open heart, a cover for your lap, a friend and a willing to share something that just might help another seeker, such as you! "I love the ingenuity that occurs when the creative heart and masterful mind collaborate." These are the old woman's words. from "Fences," Head to Heart Talks: Walking a Sacred Path This week’s happenings:
Summer officially arrives Thursday, June 20 at 4:50 p.m. with the Summer Solstice. This event has been celebrated as the high point of summer, or midsummer, since Neolithic era. This astronomical phenomenon occurs when the Earth’s axis is tilted closest to the sun, and the sun is farthest from the equator. In the Northern Hemisphere, the summer solstice is the longest day of the year. Culturally speaking, this event is celebrated in many different ways across the world as a means to show reverence and respect for the significance of this annual event. According to some cultures this event represents a time of transition and can remind people there is hope in the world. It can also be a time to honor the importance of cycles, and to remind us of the many changes and opportunities to grow in our lives we have. Most importantly, to remember, each of us are our best personal guide: The wisdom is within! Speaking of wisdom, this month’s Deepening into Wisdom circle is Thursday, June 20 from 6:30-8. What a perfect time to gather and share what cycles, or changes are occurring in our lives. By sharing our experiences with others, we deepen in our personal wisdom by hearing another person’s perspective. There is no doubt, we are more alike than we are different, it’s simply a manner of witnessing how others move through their cycles of life. Consider the power of gathering at such a time as the summer solstice . . . the energy will be “electrifying!” Bring a friend, an open heart, a cover for your lap and a willingness to meet other like-minded individuals. Read more about this circle on our website. www.headtohearttalks. Follow up: The “Using the Mandala as a Compass” Saturday was delightful. A very small, intimate retreat that reminded those in attendance of the beauty available when there is a willingness to “go with the flow,” and allow “the teachings to guide” the retreat. If your heart calls to participate in the first level retreat, send a note to Vicky, [email protected] There is room to schedule another one in mid to late October, before the busyness of the holidays begin. Until then, have a perfectly fun-filled, playful, adventurous and heart-felt Summer! Another page has turned as we enter into the month of June. Holy smokes we are nearly midway through another calendar year. Speaking of smoke, no doubt your grill has been fired up for the busy activities summer offers. The last blog reminded us of the proverbial "Lemonade stand," that offers thirsty seekers a way to quench their thirst after a busy, very warm day. As long as I can remember young children, with the help of an adult, construct these stands in the hopes of making a few coins. How many of you remember the sweet expression on the young one's faces as they offer a cup and gleefully hold out their hands to receive the coins? What a beautiful and sweet exchange!
From the perspective of the indigenous teachings, moving from Winter, to Spring is the grand awakening of Life that heralds in the beginning of a new cycle around the Medicine Wheel of Life. The celestial event of the summer solstice offers a natural flow on our earth walk that brings forth the next step on our Sacred Path, that of Summer. Thursday, June 20 at 4:50 p.m. nature's rhythm will move us into the playful, adventurous season of summer that offers our hearts the opportunity to grow as we gather with those dear and near to us. Many family reunions, community events, and vacations fill the summer season with opportunities to participate in something new and exciting. And, many times those activities and events are repeat ones that warms the heart. Whatever you choose for this summer, enjoy it with the enthusiasm of the young ones that tend the Lemonade stands . . . with excitement and wonder! Saturday, June 15, from 1-4 p.m. is the "Using the Mandala as a Compass to find your True North," retreat. If you are curious about "Walking a Sacred Path" around the Medicine Wheel of Life, we are confident you will enjoy learning about the seven sacred directions. Those that walked before us lived life simply and in cooperation with Earth Mother. Join us and learn ways to simplify your life, discover what your heart may wish to share and, most importantly, how to balance the new growth in front of you and allow it to guide you to the place of peace, prosperity, abundant love in all areas of your life: physical, emotional/social, intellectual. One step, one season at a time, the walk can be enriching and take you places you could only imagine. RSVP by Thursday, June 13 to: Vicky at: [email protected], or through our website. We are confident you will be uplifted and leave with a plan of action for living your life in balance! Here's to the perfectly fun-filled, heart-felt lazy days of Summer! "It's about letting the "voice" of your heart speak." from story: Turned the Page, Head to Heart Talks: Walking a Sacred Path As we round the final lap of May, now might be a good time to notice the pace of life. It seems the days, weeks and months move at rapid speed. It is almost like we are attempting to qualify for a good position in the race we call “Life.” Finding affordable housing, purchasing a newer vehicle, getting that promotion at work, and by all means paying into our retirement all require our focused attention. Yep, that retirement looks mighty good when the pace of life is at warp speed. I used to think that “warp speed” naturally happened as one gets older; however, even young people are scratching their heads at how to meet all the demands of life; grading periods, exams, choosing a career, and, of course, the many decisions to be made about what to do after graduation. Whatever our age, it seems finding the time to simply sit still and breathe is a daunting task.
In today’s society the “next step” seems an endless reality. The pressure to get everything you want to do, accomplish, search for, and offer your family, seems an endless list. At this very moment, pause, take a few deep breaths and listen to your breath. Quiet your mind and see how long you can simply focus on your breathing. If you can do this without any thoughts for even five minutes you’re doing great. Silence is a very unappreciated gift. In the moments when you sit in perfect silence your head chatter begins. Just keep going back to your breath until the chatter slows down. It is amazing how the stress lessens when only silence can be “heard.” I recently watched an old movie, “The Last Samurai.” There was a powerful moment when an American soldier is attempting to learn a Samarian defense skill. After many attempts and getting struck by the large stick they were using, a Samarian warrior walks over to the American and simply states, “Too many minds.” How many of us have “Too many minds?” It is fair to say, most of us do. And when our head is full of what to do next; how to accomplish something, shuttling our kids somewhere, completing a task at work, and for heaven’s sake making certain we pick up a gallon of milk on our way home from work, it’s not surprising most of us are worn out by the time we walk through the front door. As we conclude May, consider the state of your mental health. Is there time to simply enjoy a conversation without a cellphone at your side, the sound of music or the TV blaring in the background and your head thinking about somebody or something? There are four major areas of life: Physical, Emotional, Intellectual and Spiritual, or as some people are more comfortably saying, Reaching your full potential. Keeping those four areas in balance takes a solid understanding of them and the ability to daily do a “check-in” of each. Many people have asked me what I actually do. On a recent walk the answer came to me. “I have a Lemonade Stand.” I used to think of myself as a mathematician since I always take situations and reduce them to the simplest form. That has helped me set up a Lemonade Stand. When the fires of life present a situation that seems confusing, daunting, unclear, or befuddled, reach out. As human’s we need each other. Together, we can squeeze the “lemons” you are confronting, and with the assistance of your brilliant Head and beautiful Heart, make a wonderfully cool and refreshing glass of lemonade. The Flower Moon, May 23, heralds in the Clan Mother for June, “Storyteller,” who offers to help you learn how to “Speak the Truth.” It is the stories we tell ourselves about life, global and political events, and past experiences that shapes who we are at this moment. Consider noticing that beautiful moon and ask for assistance with carefully and honestly looking at the stories you have told yourself. If you would like to learn more about the four core areas of being human and ways to bring them into balance each day, consider signing up for the “Using the Mandala as a Compass to Find your True North.” Read more about it in our Community Events link. www.headtohearttalks.com While you’re at it check out the 13 Original Clan Mothers link and scroll down to Storyteller. Read the brief summary about her and answer the questions that follow. You just might find out something you “Didn’t know, you didn’t know!” Remember, life is not a Race, it's a steady, enjoyable, paced journey Enjoy the cool, refreshing Lemonade! “Seek first to understand, then to be understood,” was the fifth habit in Stephen Covey’s bestselling book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. The last blog pointed out the importance of good listening skills to really get to know the Speaker. That same skill is required to begin developing a balanced, cooperative, loving relationships with yourself. What does that really mean? Do we need to read more books on understanding ourselves and others, learn the current “buzz word” used to identify different behaviors, take a psychology class, or use the modern method to learn . . . Google it? In my many years on this planet, I have discovered, the best way to learn is to ask your inner guidance. Some call that guidance, God, Creator, Divine Mother, Inner Wisdom, Buddha. Whatever word feels comfortable for you, use it! The world seems to be searching for the “perfect” word. Here’s a hint; it is found in your Heart.
As a person who has always searched for answers, I have used many methods to gain knowledge, to the point the search became the main focus. That is to say, all the information became a toolbox full of ideas, techniques, practices, and information that after a while required a bigger toolbox to hold them all. What am I saying? I’m saying all the wisdom we need is within ourselves. The bits and pieces we gather as we search for answers eventually leads us back to Heart. Each of us must discern what is true and not true for us, personally. If we truly want to understand others, we must start first with knowing ourselves. Once we have examined the beliefs we were given throughout our lives, we can then step back and take an honest look at whether that belief is still true for us at this moment in our lives. Life is forever evolving, and things that were important ten years ago may not be as important to you today. It may be time to pull out your toolbox, take a look inside and see what tools would be of assistance with getting to know the wise self that resides in your heart. You may rediscover a very useful tool you had forgotten about. If so, pull it out of your toolbox, clean it up and put it to use. Of course you may also discover there are tools you no longer need. If that’s the case, consider gifting those to someone you know who is searching. The last thing you need when doing an inner exploration of yourselves is heavy, unnecessary weight. The whole purpose of the search is to lighten the load of your Head information, to hear what your Heart desires to enlighten you about. Everything begins within, or as the old phrase goes, “Know thyself!” As the relationship between your human self and your divine heart deepens, the toolbox will become much smaller. Can you imagine how the world would change if we used the Toolbox of experience to strengthen our actions as a means to support our thoughts and words? My hunch is, we would be less critical and judgmental of others, and replace it with compassion and understanding for the journey we are all on. “The West: A place to listen to the voice of our Hearts.” The old woman in the woods Head to Heart Talks: Walking a Sacred Path |
Vicky Kelm WilliamsI find people absolutely fascinating! Archives
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