Facing forward

Channeling 280620

 

There is a power greater than any human force could envisage that is steering the future of this planet.  It will soon be a matter for this greater authority to determine the outcome of this time.  There are those who would bring about the demise of your civilisation; this will not be allowed to happen, but you will meet many difficulties on this journey.

 

There will be a lot of emotional difficulty to get through before the populace can start to move forward.  Many people will find it difficult to move through this time and many will give up.  This will be a time of tempering – to see who has the reserve and who does not.  It will be a time of sadness to watch as some fall by the wayside.  It will be a time of hope and despair, and sadness will weigh heavy upon these times.  But the only way is forward. 

 

You will be aided by this higher power that will be felt as a unifying energy that can be channeled through you by key members of your society.  These people will act as beacons among you and will be a source of power, strength and hope.  These people must be guarded at all cost, because there will still be dark forces trying to undermine their presence, but you must not be afraid.  There will be access to certain powers to support your progress. 

 

The light in your body will increase and it will be difficult to hide, and so you will need some (external) protection.  The support you give to people will break the grip that fear has upon them; it will be equivalent to touch.  You will sit among people at their own level and bring them great comfort, help to unify them, help them to see their strengths and what can tie them together.  Help to bring them comfort and know they have the strength to work together to move forward.  

Bring people together in small units; help them to remember unison, help them to work as a team, help them to be self-sufficient; stay out of the city.  It is your role to be a model, to guide others forward.

We must build a bridge to your heart

 

You’re being shown this information at this time for a reason that will come into view soon.  It is not yet ready for us to show you, but be assured when the time arrives you will understand.  There will be big changes coming soon and you will be a part of them because you are ready.  You will be called to rally the troops and it will be your responsibility to instil their task and role into them.  

The Fellowship of Community

The fellowship of your local community is going to be your new best friend in the coming years.  If you don’t already, you are going to have to play by the same rules as everyone else and fairness will be the order of the day.   It’s time to starting working together as a whole if we are to find new ways of going forward from here.

 

Simply put, the vast amounts of waste that have been in order for too many years will now go by the wayside in favour of well thought out ways to deliver the things we need for daily living.

 

Businesses will be built up around what is necessary, not what is purposeless.  There will be no use for models which are not community oriented at their heart, for this time is all about what we can create to exist together in our own communities.  And we must take care of those around us who are less able.

 

Some places will find it relatively easy to do this but inner cities will have to be more inventive.  However, everything is possible with some lateral thinking, and there are a lot of inventive people around.

 

The main thing will to help those more vulnerable to get through these changes by including and encouraging them, for they all have a valuable contribution to make to our communities.

 

The singular approach will be of value to a degree, but as a part of the larger foundation.  As each person has different skills, there will be some scope for the individuals, but more will find it better to start working in small groups and bringing their creativity out together.

Channeling for the collective 2

Channeling for the Collective 22^nd May 2020

 

The challenges going forward for the many will be about having very little ability to see ahead, and an inability to relate to the past or a future.  Everything is uncertain.

 

No one thing seems apparent; there is just a constant feeling of uncertainty.  This must be overcome, and we must learn how to make choices and decisions that are right for us in the moment, even when we can’t see the wood for the trees.

 

This will of course mean making decisions by how we feel, because that will be reliable in the moment. 

 

There will be a great deal of anxiety because of this uncertainty, because of wanting to react and rush ahead, because of course, there is no going back.  But rush ahead into what?   Uncertainty means we don’t know what lies ahead and therefore we are creating our own future every single day.

 

Not knowing will eventually be something we get used to as we become more adaptable, and by doing so, we will learn to tune into our values much more – what is important to us as individuals.  It will be difficult to see the bigger picture, for that hasn’t even emerged.  Instead, we will know only the microcosm in which we live or exist. 

 

Simultaneously, we will find ourselves having to respond to new situations; then it would be wise to look to how these new situations are affecting the whole, and not just ourselves, because when we move forward as a collective we will be stronger. 

 

Survival will be uppermost in the minds of many – survival at all costs, but really, what does that mean?  There are many perceptions around survival but it’s difficult to understand what that will mean for the generations to come.  There are infinite possibilities, just as there are infinite choices.  All must be considered in a moment, at a moments’ notice. 

 

Inevitably, we will find difficulty learning these new ways of being and there will be disagreements, and feuding, but we must learn to make peace with each other.  We must learn to re-engage with community.   The task of re-learning is symbolic of these new times; change is becoming very real now and all must play their part.   We must care for those who find these new times difficult and ensure we all move forward together. 

 

We will become like nomads in our own time; despite having roots in the earth, we will feel unsettled, and that will become normal.  But when we link arms with each other, we will find solace and comfort in the need and care of each other. 

 

Bringing together that which we know already will support us in these times of change, and even as we cling to what we are attached to, so we will see ourselves reaching for what is obviously of value and ignoring what can be left behind.  

 

Multitudes will feel lost if they try to look to the wider picture now; for the time being we can only focus on our own piece of the world and try to rearrange those pieces into something sustainable.  

 

Forever is a long time, but so is tomorrow when you are born.  Take care of those you love in the nighttime; stem their fears; hold them in your arms; build their confidence.  Help them to grow in trust and learning.  Help them to become a part of the global movement for truth and sincerity.  As each community puts down roots, may we all take pride in joining together to become stronger. 

 

Channeling for the collective

Channeling for the collective 7^th May 2020

 

Looking out from a point of darkness, beyond recently loosened chains, onto a bright future, there is a clown in full make up juggling.  Behind him is an elephant, posing as instructed.  They stand upon a bright green field, signifying hope and anticipation, but the large elephant seems rather out of place, as he performs the tricks he is told to.

 

Unsure whether to emerge, whether to step into this garish future, not sure it’s safe, we hesitate.  Emerging from incarceration into false hope can seem precarious.

 

We must proceed with caution and use our own moral compass to dictate the way.  Great fortitude will be required to stay calm and balanced in the face of much drama, but fear not, because change always brings drama. 

 

We must be strong and resolute in our own knowing, and know that only by taking the next step can we indeed create the future.  If we work as one, and take each step forward together, we will be a force that is not to be trifled with.  We’ll be a force of hope and solidarity, a force to be reckoned with. 

 

Enjoy the time you have now, with your own thoughts, feelings and families, for it will soon be over, and then you will have to think carefully about each new day and how to proceed.  Bring forth your own reserves of inner strength and courage; build them up in readiness.  Do not allow others to sway your strength by their own misperceptions or manipulations.  Trust what you know of yourself. 

Be where you long to be; trust your own belonging and knowing.  It is my duty to tell you this time belongs to you.

Fact or Fiction

 If you were given 7 out of 20 pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, it would be plain to see that you do not have all of the pieces to make up the picture. In life, we become adept at gathering data as we go and trying to form analogies or patterns to make us feel comfortable in an uncomfortable (new) scenario. However, when it comes to grasping new concepts, it will not be apparent at the time whether we have all of the pieces of the picture to make up a true perspective. These days, conjecture seems acceptable, especially in the eyes of Social media, where conjecture has become the food that fuels many hungry machines.

 What if, when we’re about to spout our latest conjecture/theory, we instead ask ourselves “Now, what are the facts? What do I really know?” and take it from there – maybe fleshing out the subject matter with some research from a reliable source. How many people want to be bothered with doing that in what has become an on-demand society? Patience is not a common virtue these days, but spouting the latest revelation is, no matter how ill founded.

 Now, I’m not trying to knock back those who share their frequent viewpoints, but there’s already masses of misinformation on the web which begs another  question: “Why do I want to put this idea out there? What am I seeking to prove? Who is this information going to help?” If you can put hand on heart and quantify that, go ahead – share away.

 Bearing in mind that we are all very different from each other, is there any point in sharing our conjecture routinely just to tick the box of ought-to-postings that feed the latest algorithms of the social media machines? Isn’t that exactly what they want us to do? Hmm, does that feed independent thinking or even feeling? I leave you to decide.

Changeable weather

Fighting with the self over what can never be is fruitless.  It only serves to create more inner conflict and a downward spiral begins.  It helps to view your emotions like passing clouds - always changing and moving through the world at different speeds, creating differing weather patterns as they do so.  A holier-than-though approach does not assume responsibility; do not wait for your sky to be so full of clouds that only a major storm can wash them away.  Start again with the blue sky and notice each wisp that wanders across it, and when a bigger cloud comes along and creates a feeling within you, ask your true self how you would like to deal with this in a way that's aligned with your sacred self, so the cloud keeps moving and does not create a blockage for the storm clouds to gather behind.  And when the wind is as soft as a breath, then you must breath more consciously to keep those clouds moving along.

The unison of physical and mental effort keeps your vital force strong enough to have flow in your life.  With this constant steady flow, you will notice that many things that revolve around drama cease to have relevance in your life, and as the observer, you notice there are only choices - choices of what to keep and what to let go of; less resistance, more flow; a gentle meandering between life's obstacles.  Fortunes may change but not nearly as much as energies.  Being discerning about what to hold and what to release makes energy more readily available. 

Do not become attached to outcomes, for that will be your undoing; an expectation is an emotional investment that is difficult to recall once spent, and yet it never had a target beyond that which you imagined or hoped for.  Do not build castles out of dreams that vaporise in a puff of smoke; know instead what your values are, and align your reality with them, because they are the mortar of your foundations and give you the stability you seek.  You do not have to share them with anyone for them to be valid - just knowing them for yourself is enough.  Make friends with yourself; love yourself and create that which you desire from others within your own heart.

Fallibility is a human trait so do not judge harshly for what you yourself have been guilty of.  Just change direction as you need to and allow others to do the same.  One more thing - be at peace within yourself - watch how you talk about yourself so that you nurture your being and neither need nor expect others to do it for you.  Invest in yourself and you will encourage others to do so with good grace.

Seed to Soul ..

From the moment our seed spirit enters the physical form, it seems we become ‘trapped’ and feel as if we are stuck on the inside, always looking out.  The husk takes it’s form, then, after entering into this sometimes harsh world, hardens and becomes cold – perhaps almost dead – to the outside world (depending upon how difficult early life was).

The seed tumbles through it’s environment, looking for somewhere to put down roots.  From the time we reach adulthood, we have a few dalliances with the excitements of living, then move into more sombre depths of life’s machinery.  The frustrations of the spirit begin to make occasional appearances, and in an attempt to listen to these often startling appearances, we make cursory attempts to lull the spirit back to it’s confinement, pursuing whatever appeasement we think fit at the time.  Any of these attempts can become longer term persuits - we may try several over the decades - but none will bear fruit until we have truly wintered and frozen to our very depths. 

So within those frozen depths, as we await germination (probably mid-life),  we reach a point of questioning the very point of our existence, as the bulk of it may have seemed meaningless for those more spiritually advanced beings.  The answers are a long time coming, for time has no place in the bigger picture of the universe, and our resolve to be here is tested yet further.

Eventually, there comes a point when it serves no purpose to put up a fight with our destiny – that only serves to delay our personal epiphany.  No, what eventually must happen is a cessation of all resistance, and if you can catch it out, to duck the ego that insists on keeping us safe within the familiar.  Only then can we reach that state of acceptance where we realise that anything and everything only exists in so far as what we create within our own minds.  Notice the way many physical bodies begin to break down as they dutifully mirror how and what we think or hold onto – as the mind tires of existance, so too does the body reflect.  If we show our vessel (body) the respect it deserves for holding our precious spirit, why would we ever allow it to degenerate or come to harm? 

Reconnecting to our source is all we ever search for, and the blessings found therein are synonymous with the glow of love.  We can really blossom if we allow love to flow to each of us from the source.  If we aspire to make that connection, then we can truly appreciate the way love flows within us – through us – around us. Any limitations we perceive are held in our mind and body and thus restrict the spirit.  Free the mind - free the body - free the spirit. 

For those who know ...

The bestowers of ideas have not fallen prey to a single influence of the multitudes who wallow in self pity.  They are elevated above such common theories, so that those who are able to reach such high frequencies can pluck them from their vibrational level.

Those who aspire to greater things will always be led towards what helps them to grow, not only in thought but also in deed. Forever languishing in the tepid waters of mediocrity is not for everyone. The quiet watchful ones will win the day for the most part. Bring on the strong and brave to lead a wave of newcomers who will become the driving force to the masses, in order to help the many.

Forging ahead with focus and purpose is what is required if mankind is to make this transition into his new manifestation. So clear away that which hides you, take the mask from your eyes and get to work on the tasks you are here for.

Happy days in different ways

Fear not, dear pilgrim ‘pon this day,

For as you gently walk your way,

The world has turned and now holds sway

A new tomorrow is here today!

The twists and turns that your life holds

Have brought you to this time ~ behold!

All the pieces now in place,

To make you whole and win your race.

Be gentle as time settles in –

New ways to be, begin again.

Be gentle to yourself and then

Your heart will feel renewed and when

Your true self shines, as is its right,

Your life will bloom, as day to night.

Go forth and create your best yet -

The time is now to place your bet.

As every gesture you create

Can bring success, your life awaits.

Breaking free ...

So here am I, ‘neath darkened sky

Vision turned in, not out through eye,

Where feelings dwell and motions yearn

For days long gone, ‘for tides did turn.

Where days of laughter, love and cheer

Were once the order of the year.

But times did change and I for one

Remembered times I thought were gone.

The times when my mind wandered forth

To vistas new in south or north,

Where who knows what, or when or why

Would land freely, before my eyes.

To excite, stimulate and flow,

Adventure causes me to grow!

Delight in joys of wondrous life

To counter all my worldly strife.

The journey of an open mind

Belongs to me and what I find.

Where limits are not yours to set

But mine to break, freedom to get.

Agd 6/1/2015

What is love anyway?

I awoke today with the Howard Jones song “What is love” running through my head.

“I love you whether or not you love me.

I love you even if you think that I don't.

Sometimes I find you doubt my love for you, but I don't mind -

Why should I mind, why should I mind?

What is Love anyway, does anybody love anybody anyway?

What is Love anyway, does anybody love anybody anyway?

Can anybody love anyone so much that they will never fear,

Never worry, never be sad?

The answer is they cannot love this much - nobody can.

This is why I don't mind you doubting …

And maybe love is letting people be just what they want to be.

The door always must be left unlocked

To love, when circumstance may lead someone away from you

And not to spend the time just doubting.”

The concept of love is a topic that many have pondered over the centuries.

My own conclusion is that the word ‘love’ is used by many to describe the very best feeling they’ve ever experienced … thus far.  There’s no way to know if that’s real love, or indeed what real love is.  Personally, I feel that the word ‘love’ is greatly overused.  Perhaps ‘love’ can be attributed to the feeling of bliss that is our natural birthright, but that many never truly experience.  If you’ve had a glimpse of, or come to know this kind of bliss, you’ll know what I mean.

There are many who, through no fault of their own, suffer low self-esteem that is rooted in their childhood and who generate an elevated sense of self to move them away from their feeling of low self esteem.  During this kind of self-generated euphoria, attachments can be made to a person or thing and termed ‘love’ within their frame of reference, especially if that thing/person seems to have a purpose in their life.  Of course, relationships founded in such a situation can be extremely hard to release because they’ve come to be relied upon.

Love can be many things to many people, but perhaps it is only ever a measure of one’s own awareness or perception, and how far that has extended.  Is it any wonder that we as a species become so attached to the concept of love when it holds the promise of anything we want it to be, yet is such a tall order to fulfill?

AGD 8/11/14

Flinging out the old, winging in the new ...

At last, we have left behind 2013 - a year which was challenging for most, to say the least. The collective sigh of relief has faded and we carefully tend our flames of hope and desire, now tempered by the caution of experience.  A quiet sense of strength has become evident in some, whilst others feel like buckling under the omnipresent feeling of struggle that seems to prevail these days.  No, this is not a depressing dialogue, merely one that encourages you to stand still for a moment and take stock of where we are as individuals - what we need to pay attention to in order to create momentum, and what loose ends we need to tend to release us from that which holds us back.

Life is made up of events that carry each of us in the direction of fulfilling our highest potential; the journey is defined by our choices, and therefore we choose the lessons that move us towards that potential.  None of the events en route are accidents - we are all players in joint experiences in a common refining process that will ultimately lead to mutation.

On a physical level, these changes - or shall we say adaptations - may manifest as new aches and pains that we haven't previously experienced - seemingly coming 'out of the blue', as deep emotional issues that were locked into the body begin to loosen their hold.  Pains appear out of nowhere as the body shouts its' need for freedom from limiting beliefs and constricting emotions.  For those who have become receptive to its prompting, the 'voice within' can be apt to shock by it's strength - it is certainly not going to be ignored any longer.  

So, be prepared to ponder what might be happening as your body expresses its needs; be prepared to experiment with different practices or healing modalities in order to attend to these needs, but above all, be prepared to listen.  Your body speaks very literally - it can achieve nothing by being cryptic - so a simple willingness to observe, listen and learn is all that is required.  Become one with your body, rather than allowing the controlling mind to govern all action towards the body; give your body the nourishment, exercise, light and rest that it needs to flourish - not just to survive.  It is time to acknowledge that it is the body that shows us the way - the mind merely helps with navigation.

'D' is for drama, 'R' is for relationship

Hands up who's yet to notice that current energetic influences have shone a very bright spotlight upon every type of relationship?  Hmm, it's been interesting for the last few weeks, to say the least, so let's consider how some dynamics might play out so that at least some people can sigh with relief knowing that it's not just them who's being put through the mill of emotion and that many others are experiencing similar in their own lives.

Whether short or long term, personal, parent/child, working, friendship or fleeting stranger - all relationships will have been having issues of late.  This is no surprise now that we are in a time of great change in so many ways, as relationships are the very vehicle by which any of us can learn about ourselves and the other.  Of late, I've noticed several long term relationships flounder, family relationships have struggled with a spanner in the works and newer relationships have had to rapidly lay foundations and boundaries if they are to survive.  Even in the work environment, dynamics have been squeezed and sudden change has been the result for some.  

As we look around, we would be forgiven for feeling unsettled as the emotional landscape has been changing so quickly.  Current planetary influences now highlight the importance of being free to be your true self, no matter what anyone around you thinks, no matter what the 'rules' have been thus far.  I'm sure many have felt like throwing caution to the wind as the pressure to break out of restrictive circumstances just became too much to contain, and who could blame them?  

One of the ways I try to work out what's going on when relationship problems arise is to consider the various archetypes that make up my persona, and consider which of these might be out of balance and displaying its negative side.  To quote from Carl Jung/Caroline Myss, "archetypes are psychological patterns derived from historical roles in life, such as Mother, Child, Trickster, Prostitute, Servant and become personalised when they're part of your own psyche"  It is believed that the 12 archetypes we are born with provide the foundation for personality, drives, feelings, beliefs, motivations and actions.  For instance - 
The Fool - Light attribute: fearlessly revealing emotion, helping people laugh at absurdity and hypocrisy.  Shadow attributes: using humour to wound rather than liberate, denial of your emotional truth.
or The Saboteur - Light attribute: highlights your fear of self-empowerment and the changes it would bring to your life.  Shadow attribute: induces self-destructive behaviour or the desire to undermine others.
The reason I mention this strategy is that in some people, perhaps those who have invested years of energy into one particular aspect of their lives (study, career, etc) in pursuit of a particular goal, are surprised and puzzled when another aspect of their lives fails to thrive and live up to their hopes, yet it is no wonder when we have several different sides to our nature or many parts to the whole.  If we are to progress upon a solid foundation, we need to 'grow' all aspects of our persona and pay attention to any aspects that require time to heal, investing whatever time is necessary.  The negative aspects usually show as behavioural traits that are out of character so listen to the words others use about us as they reflect back what they see, for at such times, it's difficult to be subjective. 

Personal growth is offered on the plate of relationship many times during our lifetime - sometimes the portion is manageable and we willingly accept with some personal insight ensuing; sometimes it seems huge and we turn away from the challenge and its subsequent growth potential to follow a familiar path, only to have the same trial return at a later date but this time bigger.  Having the humility to accept the challenges of life that relationships bring and to keep checking in with ourselves about what is important to us as individuals takes persistence.  The return on this tenacity can lead to a fulfilled life, a feeling that by the end of it, you've done and achieved much and your purpose here has been meaningful.  

Open hearts and minds

Those fallen from grace shall become as children in the eyes of God, knowing nothing of the world at large, only the guidance of the mothers hand.  We must learn to forgive the transgressions of those ‘children’ and lead by example.  The bricks and mortar of society – of our foundations – truly depend upon those of us who are awake to the realities of this world.

The rising tide of dissent that threatens to engulf us can only be stemmed by an increase in the amount of love felt and conveyed by those who choose to feel.  Following blindly is no longer an option, for the path of the sheep leads nowhere.

Gratitude and forgiveness open our hearts and minds, rendering judgement benign.  Familiar ways become forgotten as an open mind seeks delight in new ways.  Forgotten roots are uncovered and a sense of belonging in where you really are emerges.  With that knowledge, we become strong again, no longer paying heed to the myths of modern mans hierarchy.  Forge ahead into your own unknown, giving life to that which you dream of, for only then will the light within you grow to a sustainable level. 

AGD
Channelled 16th Nov 2012

A click of the heels and three turns ...

Many people assumed, when they heard I was moving to Bath, that it involved having a job to go to or it was because of a man.  Neither of these applied, it was a case of a powerful urge to move, knowing that my time in Tring was over and it was simply time to move on.  Where to go was tricky for a little while - gut feel only told me it would be somewhere in the west country, so I kept mentally scouring Devon until one night I had a dream....
In the dream, I opened my front door and saw the city of Bath spread before me - woohoo!  That was all the prompt I needed to begin making concrete plans - at last, a focus!

So, 3 months of fervent activity ensued, getting rid of as much 'stuff' as possible from the house my boys and I had shared over the previous 6 years.  It was tough, but also somehow exhilarating as multiple trips to the charity shops and the tip opened up patches of wall and floor that hadn't seen light of day for sometime.  Not long before my move, the boys moved out to their respective places and suddenly whole rooms were empty.  Had I really managed to get rid of enough stuff to downsize to a 2 bed flat?

Moving days (one day to pack up in Tring and one to unload in Bath) arrived and loading up went like clockwork, even though my packing wasn't finished until that very morning (partly due to a late assignation with a hot date the night before!).  Only one glitch marred what was a smooth day and that was that I'd forgotten to defrost the freezer - doh!  But hey, what's a couple of hours delay in a lifetime of change?  No big deal.  I drove down to stay in Chippenham overnight before going to collect the keys to my new flat the next morning.

The day of my move into Bath arrived with more than a tinge of anticipation.  The agent involved in the deal had swanned off to spend summer at his pad in France leaving his cold young cohort to hold the fort.  'Cold young cohorts', especially the estate agent variety, are renowned for using the bare minimum of their limited time upon the people who actually pay them, so communication was brief as I duly waited for him to trawl the archives of his computer to find the relevant paperwork.  Eventually I was free to leave with the keys in my already tired hand, eager to set foot in the property I'd checked out a month earlier.

First thing I noticed was how much smaller the rooms were than I'd remembered - it was evident that memory does indeed play tricks when desire has a vested interest.  The second thing I'd conveniently forgotten was that the flat was actually up 4 flights of stairs, not 2 as I'd thought (and told the removal company) - oops!.  A quick check in the kitchen cupboards revealed that the landlady's pots and pans, still with the evidence of the previous occupants food attached to them, were still filling the very limited cupboard space.  A phone call to agent and landlady set what I'd hoped would be wheels in motion but nothing happened.  Instead, boxes very quickly filled up all the available working space in the narrow kitchen so it became a game of shuffle the boxes as we tried to empty some so we could in turn fill the empty boxes with the contents of the cupboards.  The dirty cupboards then needed a clean - not a great start and added further to already elevated stress levels.  Added to this, it became evident after a couple of hours unloading that I wouldn't be able to fit all of my furniture in the flat so I had to take the decision to let several pieces go without even knowing how or where.  A solution was found and my dining table & chairs, rocking chair and a wardrobe all duly disappeared, never to be heard of again.  I decided some things you just have to let go of in the face of the bigger picture.

As if all the stress and effort of the move wasn't enough, my stress levels were ready to go through the roof, and I just wanted everyone to go, I couldn't understand why the gang of removal men just seemed to hang around, making polite conversation and offering endless help.  It took a while for it to dawn on me that they were actually waiting for a tip, despite what I'd already paid.  I went downstairs and had a word with the foreman, offering him a note to buy the men a drink. My offer was declined, but one of the team watching from the window thought he had seen a tip given and I was later contacted by a colleague trying to settle an argument, as the issue had been a source of bickering amongst the men since my move.  Why is nothing straight forward anymore?

Well, all of that was 6 weeks ago now and I'm happily settled here in Larkhall, Bath.  I have to say - this village is rather lovely - all conveniences on hand, including a post office (a rarity these days) and a rather wonderful little french cafe that opened about the time I moved here (stroke of luck or what?).  The sun has done a lot of shining and I've come to enjoy the walk into town and back, barely noticing the hills, uneven pavements and my 4 flights of stairs.  Sometimes I go for a rekky on my bike to suss out the lie of the land - the car mainly gets used to take me dancing these days so petrol usage is halved.

The major difference since moving here has been having a man in my life again.  Although its only weekends, it's been quite an adjustment for an independent woman like me to make and I've had more than a few of my previous ideas turned upside down - good job I can laugh at myself.

Despite some good referrals which are ongoing, work is slow at returning but I'm confident that October will bring a new batch of clients.  In the meantime, I'll keep an eye out for other creative opportunities, or perhaps make some of my own.  We shall see what transpires in the fullness of time, but one thing is for sure, there's plenty going on here so it won't be long before I glimpse a new avenue to explore.

Life Reflected in Dance

Dancing is a way of engaging in the very essence of life and expressing how you feel through that medium.  So those who have an urge to express how they feel through dance will usually find a dance form that best expresses the kind of person they are and fits with the kind of music they prefer – not to mention how much of life they wish to bite off and chew over on a regular basis!    

Indeed, in partner dancing, it is possible to perceive much in those first few moments about the other person, should we care to notice.  This brings me to another observation about different dance styles – they each involve different levels of connection, and therefore beautifully display how willing each participant is to engage in the depths of life, for it’s never just about the other person, but also what they reflect back to us.

Some people will be happy to stay within the same dance genre for many years, perhaps finding it a suitable vehicle for a decent social life and to maintain a modicum of fitness.  Yet others will move every few years through different dance styles as if searching, although they may not know what they seek.  These types may eventually form their own fusion dance, although this carries the danger that few can synchronize with them and their dance is in danger of becoming one of frustration.

So, folks go into dance with some notion about what they want from it, the path of progress turning this way and that over the years as they mature personally.  Plateaus of comfort punctuate the dance lifetime, usually accompanied by a decision of whether to stay put or move forward into a further growth phase.  The need for growth may be driven by the surfacing of uncomfortable emotions from deep within – some aspect of the self has been subject to a growth spurt and we have to work out how to deal with the fallout.  The dance floor then becomes a safe haven in which to feel and subconsciously process the emotions we perceive.  On the dance floor, the feelings we have are an inadvertent blend of our own and the ones we sense and reflect from others, but because they don’t need to be vocalized in that space, it feels easier to process them, carried along by the emotional wave of the music.

* * *

Some observations of the types of people who exist in some dance genres:

Arm-led dances such as Modern Jive, Ceroc, Lindy Hop, Rock & Roll tend to be favoured by people who appear to be happy-go-lucky, like to believe their life is pretty much on track and don’t really want to go digging down inside to see what else is there – they might find something they don’t like.  They are wary of intense relationships, tending to prefer the arms length variety.

Salsa tends to be danced by people who are happy to engage with others in a deeper, more earthy way.  They believe in the power of their own bodies and prefer not to over-think things, favouring more physical relationships.  Not for analytical types.

Tango – the Argentine variety – tends to be favoured by people who have an active mind.  They are naturally curious and like to develop, in body, mind and spirit.  These people know there’s more to life than what you see on the surface and are willing to do some exploring.  However, tango has its share of mechanical dancers - people who are attracted by its aesthetics but lack an emotional connection, perhaps because of their design (see below); they can still do well in tango if they work hard and may even get to the same emotional place as others but by another route.  Their relationships involve growth and change because these people don’t like to stagnate.

* * *

In the system known as Human Design, where we are acknowledged as being 9-centred beings (the centres being representative of the chakra system), it is recognized that the ones who have a ‘defined’ solar plexus centre are naturally emotional beings, making them sensitive types who are used to interpreting life by how it feels to them.  Because they are accustomed to riding the emotional roller coaster, they embrace each obstacle (or change) and maintain a steady course ahead.

Now, some people don’t have a defined solar plexus and, although they may seem to be emotionally cold on the surface, they can actually feel deeply as they amplify the current emotional wave.  They have quite a different outlook upon life, and upon the dance.  These types of people can take much longer than emotional types to learn a dance because they don’t feel the music, their movement or their partner in the same way.  Their dance is, and always will tend to be more mechanical, because they lack that ability to feel it.  They sense the defined solar plexus in those who possess it and are subconsciously envious, because what skills they have developed have been hard come by rather than natural and easy.

However, although these two groups can seem quite disparate, it is possible for them to come together, simply by accepting each other’s differences.  As humans, we will always be different from each other – that’s what creates interest.  In human design, we will always seek to fill the spaces within our own design – usually by surrounding ourselves with people who possess what we  don’t have.

If you’re interested in knowing more about Human Design, go to www.jovianarchive.com or play some of the many free recordings on YouTube – there is a rich seam of information just waiting to be tapped into if you’re serious about learning how to play the game of life instead of being happy to struggle against a head wind.

11^th June 2012

Dire straights to home straights – There’s light at the end of the tunnel

Having already spent many years helping people towards their own healing and playing my part by being a catalyst for their change, it has been frustrating during recent years to notice that my own change was not readily forthcoming.  I’ve become accustomed to the fact that those who turn up to welcome in change would inevitably attract messages that would also apply to myself.  And, over time, I just got to thinking that I had to wait patiently, with blind faith as my only companion, for whatever was deemed to be my lot in life.  What I hadn’t realised was that during this extended period of waiting, my ego had dug a deep rut for me to reside in.  Oh, it has undoubtedly been a comfortable rut, so much so that I didn’t realise it was a rut … until today.

Following the very powerful new moon last weekend, I sensed something had to give – maybe all this professional hanging around had to go – it was either time to grab change with both hands or drown in a mire of stagnation.  Well, I couldn’t bear the thought of staying still any longer, so I opted for change and began to make notes about what has to go from my life. If I’m going to make any changes, I need to see clearly where I’m going or how I want my life to be, so I’ve had to lose a few trees in order to see the wood.

It’s early days at present, and progress is slow.  A pre-clearing meditation showed my real self as being represented by a gazelle.  This is what I found out about the gazelle as a power animal:

“The gazelle has the ability to zig-zag swiftly from side to side, often outwitting the cheetah and putting themselves out of the cheetah's straight line run of attack.

  Similarly, those who try and escape depression, fear, negative emotions and habits of the past often find themselves stopped in their tracks, with the negative emotions they try to avoid at their throats. “

And the suggested learning is:

“The gazelle means being at ease with our own vulnerability and using the acute awareness and sensitivity we have.  Acknowledge the ability to discover new paths yet change direction when required, freeing ourselves from the negativity of the past.  Put all your energy into a positive way of living and thinking. Life is an adventure.  Grasp it with both hands and a heart filled with anticipation and eagerness.”  (By Ina Wolcott)

How apt!  Ok, message received and understood.  A subsequent meditation showed me a tortoise crawling out of a hole – perhaps after hibernation – the message from that one simple enough to understand.

So now, I’m making a point of taking one small step each day towards making what might seem like small and inconsequential changes to my life.  Because these changes are deeply personal to me and involve digging to the very heart of myself, there are times when I feel very uncomfortable and even scared, but I’m not giving up.  I know that mental discipline is required and a tenacity, which I thought I had, but only now do I realise what it actually means to use it.  This has to be the hardest part of all I’ve gone through because it's totally self-generated and no one can do any of it for me.

So, I’m setting off on the journey into the second half of this lifetime and breathing deeply in anticipation of all that is to come.  Wish me luck and I’ll post an update when there’s more to tell.  I’m sharing my experience because I know that in these uncertain times, only one thing is certain, and that is change, so I can't be the only one upon this journey.

Blessings to one and all.

... and breathe

Winter is often a time of introspection, consolidation and a desire to hibernate - all good for a time, but not things you want to uphold for too long - it gets boring!  So, with the absence of a defined lurch into spring this year, and the drawn out wet weather, many people are feeling pressured and worn by the lack of upliftment that we expect at this time of year.  

With spring, we expect feelings of awakening, upliftment, forward movement.  This year, a hiatus seemed apparent - things were somehow different. We found ourselves having to stop and think more about what we want, what we're doing and why - in other words, questioning what we've taken for granted.  Indeed, these are times of change, so having a questioning mind would certainly be the order of the day if we are to consider the road ahead.  

A renewed outlook highlights how we easily become complacent within a society that is built upon expectations of what we feel we should have access to and what should be provided for us.  We see the uselessness of things we once held dear and how the need for some things we thought we needed is now no longer apparent.  It becomes evident that being more responsible for ourselves and what we attract into our lives is essential if we want to build a more suitable foundation for our own future.   

When you choose to wake up from the dumbed-down slumbers of the have-it-all society and have a more mindful approach to living, its easier to accept the power that being responsible for yourself brings.  Making up your own mind about anything and everything that comes your way makes the weapons of guilt and blame useless against you because your own truth makes you stronger than you ever imagined.  The trick is to drop the notion some would have you believe that life is about struggle - it's not.  There are only two things you need to remember about life ... Acceptance and Humility.  

Why not start each day by taking a long, slow breathe and letting the river of life take you where it will, knowing that all will unfold perfectly for your highest good.

From my truth to yours ...

Whose body?

"The essence of the principle of the Uncarved Block is that things in their original simplicity contain their own natural power,  power that is easily spoiled and lost when that simplicity is changed."  from the Tao of Pooh.

Over the last couple of decades, there has been steady growth in the field of complimentary and alternative medicine and it has certainly become more widely accepted than it was 20 years ago, but what exactly does that mean to the individual?

Well, take a look at the websites of a few alternative practitioners – what do they say to you between the lines of assurances?  Are they intimating you should hang off their every word and trust their familiar patter since it’s now become ‘mainstream’ or do they say ‘hang on a minute, you can read this blurb, but do you really need it?  Couldn’t you work out the answer to your health questions simply by listening to what your body’s been trying to tell you for ages?’  These therapies may not be pumped full of synthetic drugs but are they really any different in their approach to that of the allopathic doctor?

Well, the process of standardising and homogenising the alternative health movement is now almost complete and a good few therapy genres can even produce evidence based studies to prove their viability – that’s good surely...?  Well yes, I guess that means these therapies can be relied upon, within the boundaries of their respective red tape, to carry some responsibility for our health, therefore we don’t have to try too hard to keep in shape (you know, like relying on your doctor!).  And yes, like visiting your GP, there are generally some benefits to be gained from anyone worth their salt, but the question remains – how much of this could you do yourself with a little effort? 

The trouble is that everything is made to appear so complicated that we are all led to believe we couldn’t possibly know what is good for us and how to take care of ourselves.  A few thousand years ago, it was a case of survival of the fittest.  If you didn’t use the instinct you were born with, you just didn’t survive.  Of course, there have always been people who have had the ability to help and heal others in a naturally gifted way, but equally, there have been just as many ready to usurp that human need in return for a tidy sum.

These days, as soon as we enter this life, we’re told what is good for us – not much room for individuality and certainly not for instinct.  It seems from the outset, we are being conditioned to get used to operating within rules, whatever we are doing, but who benefits?  It is highly likely that operating by the rules of others, where our own wellbeing is concerned, will gradually erode  our ability to decide what is right for us because we have  a) forgotten what our own instinct feels like and  b) how to trust it. 

In actual fact, nature has installed various mechanisms within us all to enable us to make good choices for ourselves, but these usually go unheeded as the stimuli of western civilisation makes all but the well disciplined fail to notice their intent.  So, how do we go about deciding if we want or need to seek out the help of a therapist?  The following check list may be of assistance ...

• Why do you think you need to see someone?
• Have you done everything possible to tackle the problem yourself?
• Are you looking for a quick fix or a long term solution/program?
• How much are you just looking for emotional support?

You would be forgiven for thinking at this point that I am trying to dissuade you from seeing a therapist at all – not so, there are times when we could all use a catalyst or a conduit.  What I am suggesting is to be mindful of why and to stop being so willing to hand over responsibility to someone else.  After all, it’s not uncommon for some to pay a visit to the docs for a diagnosis, even a prescription, with no intention of taking the recommended medication, because they had already decided upon their own course of action.  For some, it would be nice to do similar with complimentary medicine but because the protocol is not so clear cut, we feel we are not armed with enough information to make a good decision about treatment.  This is when instinct comes in handy.

Another set of hurdles can present when we have long-standing chronic ‘niggles’ and we’ve made a decision to find the cause.  Each therapist has his/her own preferred angle, indeed some really are prepared to play detective to work out the pieces of your particular puzzle, but who’s to say they’re not just treating more symptoms ...?  The only person who will know the answer to that question is you – usually some way down the line when you realise you’re still not as full of energy/health as you should be, just a few £’s lighter.  Where was instinct when you needed it?

Unless you have diligently logged your own life history and included all relevent health information, it can be quite difficult for anyone to get to the bottom of your malfunction.  These days, more and more elaborate layers of protocol are being brought in to provide an off-the-shelf toolkit for the serious therapist, so in theory, they can’t fail but it can take quite a commitment from the you, the client, to pursue a protracted course of treatment - and to have deep pockets.  So, lets go back to the beginning ... how much can you do for yourself? 

You could ...

•     Remove all forms of stress from your life
•     Remove all blocking factors to good health (mental, physical & emotional)
•     Find what makes you truly happy!  

You see, I believe that if we all learned as much as possible about the way we tick, and, more to the point, took action upon that knowledge, we’d be doing far more for our personal health and happiness.  The fact is that if we don’t adopt a maintenance routine of our own, based upon our own instinctive truths, time will ensure we embrace poor health, poor quality of life and early effects of old age, not to mention being a burden upon society (how willing are you to rely upon the ‘yoof’ of today to care for you?). 

 

If care of the self was something parents and teachers passed on to children from the outset, it would not be so difficult to pursuade people that in actual fact, this is what we are meant to do.   If we do not care for the vessel which holds our spirit, we are not being respectful to ourselves and can not flourish on all levels.  

 

The reason we are here is to simply be happy – life is not meant to be a struggle.  Honing and trusting our natural instinct means we stand a far better chance of achieving a long and happy life, guided by our own personal truth.