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A reminder the "Using the Mandala as a Compass" retreat is this Saturday from 1-4 p.m. If you are ready to learn a bit about how to use the 7 sacred directions that guided indigenous peoples lives, sign up by this Friday, noon. We are certain you will find these simple ways very useful as you move through each day, week, month, year, and, the various stages of life. With all the many approaches by a multitude of theorist throughout the evolution of humankind, the seven sacred directions sum it up in easy and practical ways. Contact Vicky: [email protected] on simply use the contact tab on our website. Once you sign up, a few simple requirements will be sent to you, everything else is provided. There is a minimum of six participants if you are interested, sign up by the deadline above.
Until then, have a wonderful and playful August. Vicky Oh, and don't forget the "Deepening into Wisdom circle" is the third Thursday of each month. This month it is, Thursday, August 20, from 6:30-8 p.m.
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. . . What a marvelous invention! It certainly has been a very helpful invention for my recent trip to NC. As I have stated in prior blogs, I have been rather reluctant to embrace these “new fangled” gadgets. With the purchase of a newer, used car and despite my resistance, I am learning to step into the 21st century.
My first experience was when I went to the dealership to pick up the car. They handed me a folder full of paperwork and a small black rectangular something or rather. I walked to my newer vehicle and had no clue how to start it. So, I walked back in and ask the first salesperson at the door if they could help me for a few moments. Of course, they were most kind, and I definitely felt like a “square” as they said in my day. He smiled and asked for the rectangular black something or rather, and pushed a button where the “key” (I thought) was supposed to go. Of course, the ignition started. He then took plenty of time going over the location of the windshield wipers, and other necessary item. I did ask if the car came with two of the black gadgets, I was informed was called a FOB. (hopefully I spelled that correctly!) I was amazed that two did not come with the purchase, however, for a small sum of $350 I could have another one. And, since I knew have two "keys" was crucial, I purchased it! Of course, now 3 years later, I learned there is a battery in the FOB. I am still very happy to have two . . . just in case! Humbleness is a virtue I have valued most of my life, although being a independent person, it wasn't always easy. Now in my elder years I have solidly embraced that virtue and the kindness of others who freely and genuinely offer to provide assistance and often, guidance. I digress, one of the benefits I now embrace is the GPS on a larger screen than my phone, or written instructions I used to write out. Now that is very tremendously helpful; and I trust it. Let’s link that to our next Using the Mandala as a Compass retreat, Saturday, August 8. In order to move through life with grace and ease, the use of the 7 sacred directions is most valuable. It certainly offers simple ways to move through everyday life, make decisions, understand life cycles, human behavior and so much more. In this retreat you will learn the basic gifts of each direction and how each correlate with the seasons of the years. As with the GPS, it requires Trust; Sit with your heart, read more about this on our Community Events page, and if it piques your interest, contact Vicky ([email protected]) with any question or for more information. Better yet, sit with the next Full Buck Moon, this Wednesday, and Call to the Clan Mother, She Who Heals, to guide you with your decision. Read more about her on our "13 Original Clan Mother" link. From my heart to yours, Vicky In this very fast paced life, changes are constantly being made. As an elder, it is almost beyond my ability to "keep up!" I have always been eager to learn and fascinated by new ideas and inventions. As a child I always questioned everything and wanted to understand how things worked. My mind was always whirling with thoughts, and as most people close to me know, full of questions. It was how I managed my life. If I didn't understand something, I simply asked, and to many people's dismay, I asked until it made sense to me. I was a curious person eager to understand life's complexities.
Now that I am an elder, I ask fewer questions. I suppose it is because my "beautiful mind" is full of knowledge while my Heart is full of life experiences. There is no room for the types and amount of answers I need to understand technology which is advancing and changing at warp speed while the now "dot matrix" speed of my "beautiful mind" receives the material. And so, I rely on the accumulation of life experiences to continue to grow. For the Mind knowledge gained helped me grow in this world; it is my Heart life experiences that helped me grow with courage and compassion into the Wisdom phase of life. The teachings that are simple make sense to me; hence, I embrace the indigenious teachings of those that lived a simple life. Based on those ways, my heart understood my life experiences and guided me to condense the massive amounts of knowledge I learned and processed in my "beautiful mind." Thusly, the Mandala retreats were created to offer curious people a way to maximize their well-being and live a life in balance that engaged their hearts and offered their "beautiful minds" simple tidbits of facts they probably already knew. It is a simple way to condense the four basic needs of every human being while providing ways in which balance life. The meaning of the word Mandala is sanscrit for circle, or as the indigenious teachings offer, life is a Sacred Path which moves with the seasons and stages of life referred to as "The Sacred Wheel of Life." Saturday, August 8 is our next offering of the "Using the Mandala to live a life in balance." You may read more about that on our Community Events link, along with a few comments from prior participants. Of course, send questions via the Comment link if you would like a more personal response. As we move through this very warm season of Summer, take the time to notice the gifts nature offers, along with the marvelous opportunities to gather and connect with new and old friends and family. For in this season we learn to discover all the gifts offered by the inhabitants that share this amazing planet Earth and discover the true meaning of living "A Simple Life." REMINDER: The Deepening into Wisdom circle this month has been cancelled. Our next gathering will be the third Thursday, August 20, from 6:30-8 p.m. We would love to see you there. The Clan Mother, Loves All Things, was heralded in with the Strawberry full moon, June 29. She teaches us how to use Forgiveness to grow in wisdom and compassion. Check the 13 Original Clan mother link for a bit more information and a few questions to consider. Taking a few moments to ponder those questions will prepare you for the retreat, Using the Mandala to live a life in balance, is Saturday, Aug 8 1-4. Space is limited to 6 participants. To sign up and/or to ask questions, go to the Comment link on our website. Those who sign up will be sent a few items to bring to make personalize their Mandala. "When the Power of Love overcomes the Love of Power, the world will know peace." Jimmy Hendrix and is highly supported and encouraged by the "old woman in the woods"! These are my words, Vicky As we celebrate 250 years of our Nation, now is grand time to reflect on the basic gifts that result from living in a free country. Bruce Springsteen's, "Born in the USA," was selected as the number one song that represents the freedoms and gifts we have living in this country. There certainly are other gifted song writers that have produced very moving and heartfelt songs that focus on the tremendous privileges available to those that are born in this amazingly beautiful country. It is, indeed, a privilege to live here. I pause during this time of celebration to reflect on what I have observed during my years in this country. Probably most importantly, is the truly compassionate and disciplined manner in which our country continues to expand and grow. I was brought up with a moral compass that was created by the words and actions of the adults around me and it was placed in my heart to guide me through life. It was based on being honest, truthful, and taking responsibility for my actions, and there were consequences for the choices I made; good and not so good. It was the adults that modeled these behaviors, and, of course, my parents were the primary examples. They were not perfect; however, they lived what they believed and shared what they had with those not as fortunate. Back then, preachers, teachers and most adults were role models for how to live in a community. While life styles have greatly changed, the basic ethical qualities for which our country was founded have, in my observation, become blurred. People can espouse certain moral qualities, yet their actions show something completely different. Instead of living in a "United States," the country is currently quite divided. People seem to say things that later their actions contradict their words. There is a word that sums this up, it is called "Integrity," and it quite needed at this time. What I know for certain is things are moving back to what this country was founded on, maybe not as quickly as i would like, but it is in motion. Even with all our differences, we can and will find our way back to being "United" when we move from our Ego mind, and into our Hearts. I firmly believe we all are compassionate beings. We were designed to need and care about each other. As we celebrate our 250 years as a free country, may each of us truly look into our hearts and ask what it needs to bring us back into the "United States" we all love and are proud to be part of. And, the place to begin is in the mirror. As John F. Kennedy so brilliantly stated, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." And remember, words do carry power, and the energy behind that power will determine what actions we will take. It is not what you do, it is the energy by which you do it. Ponder that! Grateful to be "Born in the USA" and for all the beautiful examples provided by "All our Relations" that are inhabitants of this beautiful blue planet! Vicky NOTE: There wil be NO 3rd Thursday, "Deepening into Wisdom" circle this month! See you Thursday, August 20, 6:30-8 P.M.   Summer officially begins, Sunday, June 21 at 4:41 a.m. and with the Summer solstice we are mid-way through 2026; which is hard for me to believe! That said, it heralds in a time to engage in multiple adventures. Spring certainly brought some beautiful days to watch the growth of our plantings, and, for me, some very sore muscles. I gladly soak in a hot tub of epsom salt water followed by some good muscle rub to witness the "fruits" of my plantings. Of course, not all "gardens" are flower and vegetable gardens; some are personal and business connections. Meeting new people is just as rewarding as observing the sprouting of plants from the earth that came from the dreams of your heart over the winter.
Truly, every season offers a bounty of opportunities and possibiities. In our current state of being in the world, it seems distance between groups and individual people is widening. It is marvelous to know we have the newness of Spring and the warmth of Summer to venture out and connect with other humans, as well as with Earth Mother. Whether it's a drive or a walk, getting out in nature offers such richness to truly feel connected to something outside ourselves; something bigger than our normal routine activities and connections. This season offer so many opportunities to be Explorers, and appreciate the diverse gifts of city and country living. And, one of the benefits of both styles of living is to witness the people's homes and to see the way in which each group values their space. Being an Explorer offers an opportunity to "think outside the box," of what and how you live. You just may discover another way of living you had not considered before. That, my friend, just may bring a bit more understanding of those that live different from you. My hunch is exploring may become an inexpensive and heartwarming way to understand the tremendous gifts and choices we have living in this world! "Being an Explorer" just may remind you the many ways we are all more alike than we are different! The next, "Deepening into Wisdom" circle is, Thursday, June 18, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Clan mother for this moon cycle is "Storyteller," and she teaches us to have faith, to be humble and to stay young a heart in order to not get caught in the illusory forests of our own confusion. If you have a story you would love to share with others, "Become an Explorer" and check us out. We love meeting new people that can offer a story to give us something to "think some more about." Contact Vicky, [email protected] for directions and with any question or comments. Offering: Check out our Community Events calendar for our next available retreats. Saturday, August 8 is our next "Using the Mandala" to live everyday life with purpose and intention. And Saturday, October 24, is our next "Infinite Possibilities" retreat, where you will discover how "Thoughts truly become Things." And, of course, we can't forget Father's Day, Sunday, June 21! What a powerful day to celebrate Father's than the official welcoming of the Summer Season. Imagine, if you will, the stories your father could tell you about his life, and what growing up in "his time" was compared to today's world. The best present you could give your father is to ask him about what his life was like, and what he loved doing as a young boy. Or maybe how he meet your mother. If there are no longer together, remember, they did love each other very much and that is how you are here today! The important part is to really listen with an open heart and remember, he, too was once a young man with dreams. Infact, you might ask him about that as well.  As anticipation builds for the Indy 500 this Sunday, you can feel the adrendaline in the air. Whether you are a race fan or simply an observer, there is no excaping the rush of excitement that flows with all the black and white flags displayed all over Indiana. I would compare it to the Super Bowl; however, the Indy 500 has been celebrated many more years. The countdown for the historical running of this amazing race began in January and accelerated each day until this Memorial Day weekend. It really is quite an experience to learn the history of the cars and drivers over the past 110 years and feel the dedication and respect race fan all over the world have for this event. When it comes to racing, there is absolutely nothing like it!
Racing through Life seems to be accelerating as well. I would say its my age; however, I hear people of every age talking about how time is moving at warp speed. Much like the Indy 500, people either love it or dislike it and the same thing can be said about the fast pace we all live in. Perhaps it is because most of us have a lot of dreams, goals and responsibilities that the days are filled with a very long "to do" list. Whatever the reason, to mark things off our list requires organization, dedication and self-discipline all of which requires us to learn and practice proritizing those items. An important skill to have to accomplish that task is to listen to both your Head and your Heart. This Thursday, May 21, from 6:30 p - 8 p our monthly Deepening into Wisdom circle will spend some time learning ways to sharpen our listening skills and become aware of the obstacles that may get in our way. Join us as we take an honest look at how well we truly listen, and how developing that skill may help us learn to pace ourselves through life. Remember a steady, consistent pace guarantees we will cross the finishline of our goals, dreams and responsiblities with time left over for those we care about.  Indeed, Mothers come in various shapes, sizes, and temperaments. Some are meek and mild, others are "large and in charge," while others are somewhere in the middle. Whatever words you choose to describe your mother, one thing is for certain, she gave you life. Over your lifetime I am certain most of you felt every emotion possible about your mother; and yet, the truth is, in 80% of the time they were the ones that tended your boo, boo's, endlessly listened to your stories while shedding her tears with yours.
Do Mothers have all the answers? Heck no, but one thing is for certain, they rarely, if ever, give up on you. Do they always like you? Another, Heck no! However; one thing is for certain, it is your actions they do not like, because they always love you! Sometimes fear drives their emotions, and the perverbial "foot in the seat of your pants," is merely a reminder you are more than you realize you are. And, nothing anyone says to you can hurt you, rather, let it be a reminder of who you truly are, and what you are capable of. These are but a few reasons mothers react. This Mother's Day, is a perfect time to pick a flower from your yard, bring her a cup of her favorite morning tea or coffee, and thank her for always being there; regardless how she expresses her affection for you. As a mother, I guarantee you, it will mean more to her than a dozen red roses. (If she's like me, she would probably complain you spent too much money!) All a mother truly wants is for her children to be healthy and happy . . . that I can guarantee you! The Gift of being a Mother is beyond any measure of love a woman experiences. YOU are "The Gift of a Mother!" Thursday, May 21, from 6:30-8p.m. the Deepening into Wisdom circle gathers. This month we will share stories about our mothers, silly ones, scary ones, affectionally sweet ones or something else that touched our heart. We will also share the teachings of "Listening Woman" and learn ways to refine our listening skills in order to truly "hear the Truth." We hope you will carve some time out of your busy life to join others that also seek to develop strong discernment skills in order to develop a strong sense of personal introspection. There is no charge for these monthly circles, a gifting bowl is present for those wishing to gift something back from what moved their heart. We hope to see you there! As always, any questions, comments, or offerings to share a few things that work for you are welcome. Use the comment link to contact Vicky. Lastly, we truly need each other during these times of great upheaval and change to keep our hearts clear and open. We hope to meet you soon! "When the Power of Love overcomes the Love of Power, the world will know Peace!" Jimmy Hendrix May is full of beauty, abundant color and a very busy month of activities. Gardens are being planted, spring cleaning is in full swing as we clear out the clutter packed away in our garages. Such items as lawn care tools, hammocks, outdoor furniture, grills, corn hole items, garden hoses, and the list goes on. May is the month we celebrate being free from so many layers of clothing and excitedly prepare for the outdoor activities that will fill our lives with giggles, burgers, lemonade, friends and neighbors. We certainly cannot forget Mother's Day, Memorial Day, the Indy 500, and, oh yes, the last day of school! It is a time of fresh air seeping through open windows which reminds us it is time to clean the clutter of dust in the house, wash our windows and realize how bright the world outside really is when the stale air left from the winter season is cleaned with some windex, paper towels and "elbow grease" as my grandmother used to say. The smell and sounds of spring offer our hearts a time to feel a connection to the world "outside" our homes. There truly is an awakening that occurs, sort of a rebirth, that offers a new way of seeing and feeling every aspect of life as we observe the birds building their nest for the new ones that will join the family. May is a time to celebrate life, newness and the opportunities that manifest from the dreams your head considered over the winter. With those clear intentions, no doubt your mind has been in full gear as to what steps to take next to "connect the dots" and take the actions needed towards seeing those dreams come to fruition. It takes a careful balance to respect and coordinate the dreams of your Heart and the multitude of thoughts in your Head to actually manifest those dreams, goals, ambitions, whatever word feels comfortable for you to realize and materialize those dreams. To "Mind your Mind" is to pay attention to those every ruminating thoughts. By taking time each day to set aside even ten (10) minutes to simply listen to those thoughts would help you become aware of a theme that seems to continuously play out during the course of the day. My hunch is you will realize why you are always so exhausted by the end of the day. Thoughts are teachers, they offer you the opportunity to really get to know what your Heart desires. Just a importantly, you will discover ways you hinder yourself from accomplishing your goals. It is then up to you to "take charge" of those thoughts and begin a real dialogue to shift the energy to support your dreams. It is true; "Thoughts create your Reality!" Coincidently, the Clan Mother for May, is "Listening Woman." The Full Moon on Friday, May 1st, often referred to as the Flower Moon, heralds in this Teacher of Discernment, and Guardian of Introspection. "She teaches us that we will never learn or expand if we do not listen to what is being said." Of course, that expands to others, as well your True Source Within. Read a bit more about her on the 13 Original Clan Mother link. Thursday, May 21 is our next Deepening into Wisdom Circle. We gather from 6:30 pm to 8pm. If you have never attended this offering, this month's focus is on "Listening." Ways in which to silence our thoughts (or Mind your Mind) will be shared. It will definitely be worth your time to travel the countryside observing the beauty and symmetry of the richness of the plantings in the gardens and fields of Morgan County. All are welcome; we look forward to meeting and making new friends. From My Heart to yours, Vicky   As with each month, the third Thursday offers an opportunity for those seeking to connect with other like-minded individuals to simply "show up" and get a feel of what Dancing Flame Medicine Lodge is all about. This Thursday, April 16, 6:30 - 8 p.m. we welcome wise woman, Ashley St. Martin, from North Carolina. She will be sharing a teaching from her heart that will no doubt touch ours. If you are curious, join us and find out precisely what teaching she brings that is time for us to hear. And, that will undoubtably assist each of us with Deepening into the Wisdom of our Hearts. A gifting bowl will be present to offer something from our hearts to show our gratitude for the sharing of Ashley's gifts.
Please note, With all the busyness of May, the retreat: "Infinite Possibilities, the Art of Living your Dreams" scheduled for May 16 will now only be offered on the October 24 date. Read more about this on our Community Events link. It seems a perfect time to gather in the Fall when life begins to unwind and offer us the opportunity to pause, reflect and examine how 2026 has unfolded. What a wonderful time to learn how "Thoughts become things," in order to prepare for the Dreamtime of Winter. We can utilize the quiet, stillness winter offers to prepare for the next round on our Sacred Walk through Life. As always, contact Vicky for more information, questions, or simply to connect! [email protected] or use the contact link on the website: www.headtothearttalks.com It's time! Friday, March 21, Spring officially arrives with the Spring Equinox. What a wonderously beautiful time of year as we begin another round on our Sacred Walk around the Medicine Wheel of Life. As with literally all adventures, decisions, ideas, etc, there has to be a beginning; a first step along the way towards what we hope to create for the new year. Of course, we do that every single day as well. And what is the first thing you see as you begin your day . . . Light! Depending on the weather it may be a hazy light, or a brilliant orange as Grandfather Sun rises in the East; it is a certainty in a often very uncertain world. Despite any circumstances, the Sun will rise in the East every single morning. Somehow, in the chaos of our constantly changing world, I find comfort in the beauty of nature that offers reassurance there is something steady in the world. Deepok Chopra coined the very wise statement: "Through the wisdom of uncertainty I will find my security." That phrase has carried me most of my adult life, and it has really come in handy through our current world situation. Most of us have set some sort of goals for this new year. We have perhaps made resolutions, or created a visual that represents our dreams for 2026. Astrologically, the Spring Equinox is the "official" time to place those intentions into motion. Much like planting a garden, the earth must first be awakened in order to provide a place to plant the seeds we will tend to feed our family, friends, or perhaps sell at a Farmer's market. Earth mother is showing us the soil is ready with the blades of flowers we planted last year now emerging from her. Many daffodils are already blooming, the buds are appearing on the trees in our neighborhoods, and the amazingly beautiful green that has begun to blanket yards. It is, indeed, heartwarming! As everything is coming to life, now is the perfect time to consider what actions to take to tend those dreams and intentions you have for this year. As the saying goes, "Begin with the end in mind." In a world with so many opportunities, what is it that you actually wish to see, do or have as your end result? Having a clear vision means focusing on what you ultimately wish to see more of in your life. Once that becomes clear, that begs the question, what's my first step? Ideas and dreams are lovely, however, to achieve them action is required. In a world full of abundance; both monetary and physical opportunities, we often are frozen in actually finding that first step. There is a commercial that has been around for many years that asks the question, "What's in your Wallet?" What a wonderful opportunity to consider all the "things" that seemed so important that now clutter your home and life. Just as our thoughts and dreams can become an obsession on things and achievements, it begs the question, "What's in your Heart?" A great starting place for discovering that first step is to ask your Heart what it truly needs. We all know how to buy things, go places, and acquire more "stuff," the real question is what brings joy to your Heart, what feeds your basic need for safety and security, that opens the door to love and belonging? Our world places the focus on doing things, going places, flying somewhere to "get away." Which, of course, requires money....hence, the wallet. And, with the upheaval literally everywhere in our world, now might be the time to "hit the road." Pack up the car with a cooler, picnic basket of goodies, and a good pair of hiking shoes to visit a local state or national park. If you wish to be gone for several days, throw in the tent, sleeping bags and bug spray! Yes, gas prices are high, but I promise you, the beauty brought forth in Spring, will only grow more beautiful over the summer and into fall, than any fancy hotel or crowded beach, not to mention the expense of flying somewhere and renting a hotel room. And, I also guarantee the gifts of Nature will feed your Heart and soul in ways you cannot imagine. When you get home, you will have more in your wallet, and you'll be telling your friends, "What's in your Heart!" A quick reminder our "Deepening into Wisdom" circle is this Thursday, March 19, 6:30p-8 p. We have a special guest offering some "food for thought." Bring a friend and join us as we learn a bit more about something "we didn't know we didn't know!"  |
Vicky Kelm WilliamsI find people absolutely fascinating! Archives
August 2026
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