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Hey, FaceTime has a new "Face!" Quarantine has offered even "old people," like me, the opportunity to open up to the world of video chatting. Somehow, seeing someone's face adds a bit more charm and personality to the simple voice calls, which, in my book is better than just texting. With a phone call you can connect to a person's energy; the tone of their voice. While I very much enjoy the promptness of texting, (which helps me write something down when I think about it) it also opens up words to the receiver's interpretation of what we are saying. Of course, most of us realize communication is all about how each person the other's interprets words, however, with audible conversation we hear the tone in which the message is delivered. Texting opens up words to whatever frame of mind the receiver is in at the time in which they read it. In reality the message may have been intended completely different than it was interpreted, and that may create unnecessary stress on both sides.
Well, now we have the gift of video chatting. What a treat it has been to see my grandchildren and great grandchildren face to face. My great grandchildren are 18 months and 10 months, I certainly want to keep my face in front of them so they remember what Granny looks like! I have a friend that lives alone and he had not seen another human for 10 days since he is honoring the quarantine. No one! Now, that can play with one's psyche! So, I walked him through how to do video chatting via he's Android. Since I have an Android it works. FaceTime is for those that have iPhones. Of course, I'm probably showing my lack of understanding such matters, and that's OK. I know many technology savvy people who can walk me through what I need to know. Truth be told, a 6 year old could probably help! My FB account was hacked some time ago and since I rarely used it, I simply closed it. Well, because of this quarantine, I signed up again in order to use Messenger to video chat with my friends and family that own iPhones. With that said, I'm certain many new faces are appearing on FaceTime that, like me, have the markings of wisdom. It's a joy to share in the 21st century technology that enables all of us to stay connected. It is a gift, I am certain few of us will ever take for granted again. Perhaps this means of connecting human to human will help us also feed our relationships heart to heart. That's the best medicine for any virus, disease, pandemic, addiction .... the list goes on. Perhaps someone will come to your mind that lives alone, or you haven't spoken to in some time that would love to hear from you. You just might find it adds a sweetness to you life as well. Even if they just got out of bed or put a mud mask on their face. Such experiences can lighten our day and offer us the opportunity to shift the focus of fear and concern to one of humor. It just may help all of us to know that we are never completely alone, that is, unless we choose to be! And that is precisely what this pandemic offers us, the opportunity to examine how we move through our lives. What's your Face look like? Hopeful or Fearful? It's your choice.
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This morning I am reminded that every event that brings a "disaster," also offers a gift. With the panic and fear we are also offered the opportunity to deepen our understanding of Life. Consider, if you will, much like this toxic virus, those toxic stories we tell ourselves about relationship conflicts; whether they are with family, friends, coworkers, bosses, or people we meet in a grocery store who are taking more than they need for 14 days or even 30 days during this time of social isolation due to the coronavirus. How quickly we begin a story in our head about what might happen, how someone over reacts, misinterprets, misjudges our motives, or whatever communication word we use when a conflict occurs.
Most likely the story does not begin with, "Once upon a time," nor does it have an happy ending. Instead, not so pleasant descriptive words of the person generally begin our story, and end with some sort of judgment word that is less than favorable about the person's actions and character. As we confront what is in front of us with this current unfolding of a new and unfamiliar virus, now might be a good time to consider looking in the mirror at your personal reactions. Is your story adding a positive, hopeful spin on the situation or is your view one of despair, fear, and pointing the finger at who is to blame for the situation? Or, how we're ever going to recover from the financial devastation, and who's going to pay back all the federal money being offered to support those in need? Such questions are important to consider since having our head in the sand and our rear exposed does little to find realistic and solvable solutions; however, the issue to examine is our reaction, our story we create in our head. Perhaps if we choose to focus on all the tremendous love being shared by our neighbors, churches, employers, employees, government and charitable organizations will help us pause to consider the often overlooked kindness that underlies the actions of the masses. IF we will "begin within" to examine our contribution to the environmental energy being emitted while confronting and witnessing this mysterious virus, we might find the gift this virus offers. We have the personal isolation time to reflect on our priorities, examine the stories we create in our heads and discover the underlying energy we carry towards our family, friends, communities and government. We all need each other. All of us love someone and want their lives to be rich and full; including our own. We all want our world to be safe. When I learned to type in middle school, the practice sentence was: "Now is the time to come to the aid of our party." I offer this practice sentence to carry through the next few weeks and/or months (or perhaps your life), "Now is the time to come to the aid of our world!" May our hearts open to the opportunity put before us to re-examine the stories we create in our head and ask ourselves if it carries a message of hope, faith and a knowing that we are more alike than we are different! It is then we will see and feel the gift such "disasters" offer for us to re-member our heart's purpose. With that remembering we will know precisely what we have to contribute to the world we wish to see. What an absolute delight to see Grandfather Sun's face visible in the sky! It seems to me those of us in Indiana have had an abundance of gray days this Winter. The gray days can offer us an opportunity to notice and really feel the gray areas of our hearts and lives, if we take the time. I used to think gray was so "blah" and being a person who absolutely loves color, consecutive gray days meant . . . well, "blahness!" (If there is such a word!) Black and white offer a contrast; and gray, well it's just so neutral. It took a really gray winter this year to help me understand and appreciate the gift this color can add to our lives, IF, we are open to taking a closer look at the emotions and feelings this neutral color offers.
The Sun shine of my heart literally shed light on all the emotions I felt this winter. And, with the brightness of the Sun, I see more clearly that through the "neutral" days this Winter, many hidden hurts and really old wounds were brought through the light of my heart. That is to say, all my "pick me up" tools came out of the tool box, were cleaned, oiled, sharpened, polished and used during this long gray, neutral Winter. What a gift sadness can be if we choose to use it to uncover its presence and give it the quality and quantity of time to remember what happened that placed it in our hearts. Most importantly, during those carefully examined sad times, hold respect for the strength it took to summons the courage to bring light to what we learned from that old wound. All too often we squirrel away such painful memories only to have them linger in our subconscious mind, waiting to be of used. Unfortunately, we often ignore such memories, even though the rear their head from time to time to remind us they are still there. From this hidden place, they serve to remind us to, "Trust no one," "Be cautious and suspicious of everyone," and this list goes on. Whatever words and phrases that are uniquely ours that we use to keep our hearts safe from further being hurt, identify them; why they are there and what they serve in your life. Unfortunately, these words and phrases keep us from the very thing we all want and need to fully experience life . . . to live with Love, self-worth, pursuing dreams and an unyielding appreciation for the beauty all types of relationships have to offer. There is much we can learn from the squirrel family. They instinctively gather and stock pile morsels of leftovers left on the grounds and safely store them away in hidden places until such time they need the nourishment. They bring forth these treasures of goodies to share with their families, and those in need, to assist them through the often unpredictable Winters. As Grandfather Sun promises his face will be in full view very soon, now might be a good time to accept the next gray day as an opportunity to look more closely at what "neutral" experience may be "squirreled" away in your heart. Perhaps the wisdom of the squirrel will remind you that someone close by may be willing to share what they have gathered during such times as you are experiencing. Just remember, other people's experiences may be different from yours, so if their words don't seem to fit what your heart needs, simply thank them for sharing their heart's experience with you and appreciate the courage it took for them to share such a personal heart felt experience. Be like the squirrel and store their words of support into your tool box. It just might be their morsel of wisdom will prove to be the precise tool you need when another situation comes up in your life. "Let the Sun shine in" from the words that were shared with you, that you might bring them forth on the next gray, neutral, day that you courageous step toward a squirreled away experience! We have had several interested parties contact us about the Dreaming and Visioning Ceremony scheduled for June 20-21. We are certainly thrilled about the interest in this beautiful opportunity to deepen into a more intimate relationship with your heart and soul.
There are two aspects of this ceremony. One is for those who are interested in learning what we do in this community and the teachings offered by those that gather. Through story telling, teachings from and around the fire, drumming, dancing, and perhaps the Pipe, it will be a heart felt opportunity to share with other like minded people. The critters, winged ones and spirit of that land that hold this place with reverence, respect and honor, will also offer teachings to those willing to pay attention. Oh and yes, there will be ample food available that will be shared as we move through the night. Those who choose to stay up all night will witness the magic that will be present. The second piece is for those who have the desire to spend 24 hours alone, away from others, in order to really hear what nature has to offer their heart. For those interested in being off by themselves, they need to contact Vicky by March 15. This is in order to begin the process of truly turning on your "heart's" ears to listen. We hear a lot of chatter from our minds, and often from others, who are more than willing to give us guidance. And, while this is a lovely gift, until we really let to know the voice of our heart, the often good words from others only adds more clutter to our already chattering, busy mind! Therefore, this ceremony offers the stillness of being on the land with only your heart (Spirit) to begin or deepen our relationship to all that is divine. With that said, there is preparation work before stepping into the silence. If you have been doing some inner work, in particular with a teacher, this may be the next step for you. If your heart calls to set in the silence, please call and we will discuss some things that are important to "sit with" in order to clearly know if your heart is making this request. There are also traditions needed to honor this ceremony in the old ways and to make the journey truly a divinely inspired experience. Both aspects will offer participants an opportunity to deepen his/hers relationship with their sacred selves. One is not more "important" than the other! It is all a matter of listening to our hearts and honoring its request. Good grief, have we had enough gray days or what? I've asked myself that a lot recently. Then, this morning I heard a voice within ask, "Can you complain anymore about gray days? Or, perhaps there is something else you could offer that might take the focus to something positive?" The Full Moon yesterday offered a perfect time to release any blocks of self-limiting beliefs that hold us back. I believe I have some last minute "stuff" to offer her to transform. I am grateful she's not on our calendar dates!
I then recalled the Teaching of Wisdom Keeper, the Clan Mother for this Moon cycle, that gray is "nonthreatening or neutral and represents friendship." This is probably why her medicine is with the stone beings; which are the keepers of the history of Earth and her wisdoms. She also teaches how to "honor the truth in all things." Now, that's something to consider, particularly in light of our current state of affairs in this country. And her teaching that "snowflakes hold the web of life's lessons as it is woven by one of the Children of Earth . . . and when they fall to Earth Mother she receives them as the dreams of her children." What an outstanding teaching. She continues, "Each life form in Creation is a part of the Whole, but individually, each one sees life from her or his Sacred Point of View." Now that offers pause for each of us to consider. There is no "this or that," there is simply each being's way of maneauvering through this life experience. Imagine if you will, on this very beautiful gray day, what dreams fell to earth yesterday that Mother received within her, to birth forth in the Spring. With that new perspective, perhaps we can use these nonthreatening, neutral days as an opportunity to examine that for which we have to be grateful. And, to help us pause and reflect with a friend about what sweet memories we have created and wish to experience more of in the future so they may be called up on the next gray day. That will no doubt bring some belly laughs and tears of joy that will fill the air with love and gratitude. Hope fuels our dreams and warm our hearts, if, we'll appreciate the gray days that keep us growing inward in order for spring to bring our dreams outward! It's all in our perspective. Seems the Sun finally gifted us with his face the past couple of days. Interesting how we take such things for granted when we have that presence on a regular basis. For those of us that live "up North," Grandfather Sun is greatly appreciated, especially during the winter months! Even if the temperatures are cold, the presence of Grandfather Sun's face warms our being and lifts our spirits.
The same can be said about many things in our lives. All too often we may complain we need this and need that, wonder why so and so has so much and we barely get by. The truth be told all we need to do is go to our closets, look in our cabinets, check out our garages and we'll find we have an abundance of many things. Now, whether we use all the "things" we collect or not is irrelevant; the point is, we all have abundance. While winter is still here, now is a good time to check out what is in your closets, cabinets, drawers and garage and begin a "giveaway" box. As you go through each item, it would be helpful to ask yourself, "when was the last time I used or wore this?" If it's been many moons, toss it in the "giveaway" box. If you find yourself thinking, "But I might need it?" then take a few moments to consider whether you truly believe you might need it. That is to say, is it based on a practical, reasonable consideration or are you "afraid" you might need it and be sorry to gave it away? Is your consideration one that comes from a source of being a good steward of what you have or of fear you'll regret giving it away? Which further expands the question, "Is what's holding you back one that comes from limitations?" Your "Monkey mind" so influences your thinking it's silly. And yet, you have to respect what you hear in order to respect what's happening in that beautiful mind. If you want to be more abundance in your life, begin by looking at what you have and being grateful, rather then choosing to live in the notion of limitations, fear or regret. Pausing for just a for moments to notice your thoughts will help you find your way to the abundance that already surrounds you. If "thoughts create your reality" get some boxes out and begin to declutter your home to better understand what your thoughts are based on; lack/fear or abundance and gratitude. Doing this simple "decluttering" exercise will make room for the abundance waiting to enrich and simply your life, along with helping you know what's going on in that ever chattering head! When you have completed one of the closets or drawers, take your boxes to a charity place of your choice and add to the abundance of some other person who's in need, or simply looking for the very item you are giving away. THAT sort of abundance will enlarge your joy and happiness far beyond another item to stuff in a drawer, hang in a closet, or trip over in your garage. That abundance will enrich your heart in ways far beyond a "what if I need it" limitation question! Maybe, just maybe, you will feel the warmth inside your chest that is brought by Grandfather Sun to those that live "up North" during the winter. I am curious this morning what the ground hog will do this year. It seems we've have a very mild winter so far. In addition we had a solar eclipse the end of December and lunar eclipse this month. Such powerful beginnings to a new decade which will also bring us 13 Full Moons this year. It certainly is a very active sky above our heads.
It will be interesting to see what the Ground Hog has to tell us about the rest of our winter. Did you know that according to some teachings the Ground Hog is a symbol of family and community. Perhaps that is why so many make the journey to witness the ground hog's emergence from the earth. In addition, this critter symbolizes loyalty, balance, generosity and happiness as well. I did not know that. It certainly adds a deeper meaning to Ground Hog's day. Perhaps knowing that information will help those of us that wish to see more of those qualities within ourselves, our family and communities pay a bit more attention to this furry friend. I, for one, will be requesting this critter share that beautiful energy when he/she emerges. Imagine what the rest of 2020 will look like if that energy spreads across the world! **Please check the Life Counseling link to learn about an offering for those working in the Service and Health care fields. Today the country recognizes the powerful, yet simple message of MLK. Now might be a good time to pause a few moments to reflect on the passion Mr. King had for seeing unity over diversity; the collective good of all human beings. Like so many amazing men and women that came before us, he had a vision by which he lived his life. Rather than seeing our differences, he saw our commonality. The basic truth that every human being needs to be truly seen and loved unconditionally. There is a great difference between recognizing someone and truly "seeing" them, loving someone and accepting their quirks. It seems to me, that even today Mr. King symbolizes the best in all of us. From my point of view, the main gift he carried was the determination to not waver from his dream . . . his vision for our world.
That is the simple message I take from a man who carried far more teachings and opportunities for us to re-examine our lives. He truly is a person who lived from his heart and used his head to help him maneuver his way through the societal conditioning and programming of the human experience without violence. While his life came to an end through violence, he offered a picture of what can be accomplished with passion, commitment and an unwavering faith in the good of human kind. His life offered an example of what we need to see more of in this world. Wow, two lunar eclipse in less than 2 weeks, an amazing Wolf Moon and 2020 will bring 13 Full Moons. Seems to me the universe is setting the stage for abundance and power this year. Have you taken the time to set some intentions for 2020? I'm a novice when it comes to astrology; however, those who are well informed and intimately familiar with the stars are using their knowledge to share what an amazing year is in front of us. According to these astrological wisdom keepers, NOW is the time to be very clear about what you want to see more of in your life. If you need some motivation, begin a conversation with those you trust and engage in some clearly stated intentions for 2020. I mean, do something you have always wanted to do; live the life you want, rather than by default. Remember, not to choose is choosing!
How about taking a few moments to step outside, look up at the vast sky and ask the sky nation for some guidance. You just might find a beautiful hawk, Raven, even a buzzard fly across the sky. Take the time to check out the spiritual teaching about the first critter that passes in front of you. Chances are the teaching will be precisely what you needed to hear, or have been thinking about. If it's the night sky you are speaking to and the stars are shining, watch for a particularly bright one to "wink" at you. If it's cloudy, watch the movement of the clouds after you have asked a question or two. It just may be a star will peek through to let you know your words were heard. Then, and most importantly, trust what you "hear," sense, or have a hunch about and take that message into your dreamtime. Chances are, the Stars will have something it's time for you to hear. If you feel up to it, leave a comment in the space below. We'd love to hear what's unfolding for you! As a fellow star watcher . . . I'm paying attention! In preparation for January 1, 2020 (yikes, I can hardly believe it's 2020!) now is a fabulous time to consider what you want to see more of in this new decade. OK, before I continue, I must say these decades seem to be accumulating quite quickly. My mother used to tell me the older I got the more quickly they would appear. That is most definitely true; however, I am hearing younger people make the same statement. Perhaps time has moved into warp speed? I digress . . .
All the current literature reports 2019 was a pivotal year in the course of humanity's history. And, I agree 100%. Most of us on the planet have witnessed many ecological phenomenon these past couple of years. It goes without saying our planet is making a huge shift. If you are breathing and awake, add to that the daily deluge of horrific tragedies has to touch your heart. It leaves most of us with a "what's happening to our world," question. From a humanitarian perspective, in my 70 years on the planet I have never witnessed such a drastic contrast of compassion and disrepect going on at the same time. True enough we have massive exposure to these events via the tremendous availability of information being constantly transmitted in many forms. However, from my personal perspective, the chasm between the two is becoming more divisive rather then bringing us together. Which lends the question, is the planet creating the shifts in our humanitarian actions or are out humanitarian actions creating shifts on Mother Earth? The question then becomes one that ask us to look inward and ask, What is my dream for 2020 and beyond? Now is a perfect time to examine the statement, former President John Kennedy made, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country?" We all have dreams for our future, and for our children and grandchildren; whether they are out biological ones or someone else's we all dream of a peaceful, bright future. And, this goes beyond our country to the World. Who is not moved by those that live in war torn and/or impoverished countries? As we prepare for 2020, now is the perfect time to sit in the quiet space of our hearts and ask what we truly want the next year to herald in for our planet. A friend of mine used to ask, "Are you part of the problem or part of the Solution? I loved that question. To evaluate where you are, here are two simple, yet powerful questions to take action on to get clear of your dreams and to put your dreams into motion: Write it down, without censoring it, judging it, evaluating it, just put your pen to paper and begin to write, 1) "What do I want to see more of in the world?" Once that is done, begin with, 2) "What can I do to BE what I want to see more of in the world?" After completing those two questions, take those words into the dream time and try envisioning what the world would look like if everyone took the action you are choosing to take? Now is always the time to take action toward what we want to see more of in the World. Maybe, just maybe, the question being asked over, "What's in your wallet," will be "What's in your dreams?" From my heart to yours, hope to see or hear from you in 2020! |
Vicky Kelm WilliamsI find people absolutely fascinating! Archives
March 2020
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