Dancing to the beat of my drum

I was in a bit of a mood yesterday - tired and trying to figure out how to prioritize my life and slow down. I was letting myself get out of hand - go to work, go to the gym and workout, go home and do housework (work...work...work), and then sleep if I was lucky enough. I’m starting to see how work truly is a 4 letter word. Don't misunderstand, I love my job!  As a good friend pointed out in her comment about my last blog, I don’t even know what day of the week it is half of the time…. 

I lit a candle and took some quiet time to meditate and ask for answers on how to balance, work, workouts, play, meditation, and school / studies. 

Woodpecker appeared. I heard him rapping on the tree. And then nature’s drum stopped and flew off. I knew instantly what I had to do. 

I lit the sage on my altar and smudged myself. I then smudged the altar, the seven directions, rattles, flute and drum. 

I started tapping slowly on the drum. Eventually, my breathing slowed and my heart pulsated in sync with the beat of the drum. I sang my power song and then felt my body sway to the beat. The dance of the drum began. 

Snake appeared with her back to me - I standing behind her. She and I were swaying (similar to a cobra) simultaneously as if we were dancing together, and then we melded. 

Snake, my birth totem and teacher. Showing me how to overcome multiple snake bites (figuratively of course) and transmute the negative into positive, so I listened. 

In a nutshell, I shall remain open to all of the opportunities I’ve set in motion and consume each one in small bites to achieve what I set out to accomplish - physically, spiritually and emotionally. 

Blessings,
WS

Rest & Cleansing Moon

A new moon (Rest & Cleansing Moon) begins today. 

Associated with this moon is the precious and playful Otter; the Quaking Aspen; Silver, both in mineral and color, and Air with the influence of the Butterfly clan. 

I floated along Resurrection Bay when two Otter appeared nearby, also in the water. Their silver fur glistened in the sun as they lay on their backs, holding onto one another. As if on cue, they rolled and chattered, sounding more to me like they were giggling. They would stop, look at me as if beckoning me to join them in their playtime. I wondered what adventure they were making up? And then they disappeared. I realized then, I needed to learn to play more, rejoicing in my relationships with others as well as loving myself. Perhaps I should go play in the snow... 

Loving myself. Hmmmm. I’ve heard the voices before; “start playing and relaxing. All of this work and no play is killing your relationship with yourself and others. And what happened to your spirit? Perhaps taking time to quiet your mind will rekindle the playful creative side in you.” I do believe I'm on the right track with my workout routine, but am I having fun and truly loving the effects all of this is having on me? Maybe a little more gratitude, eh? 

I found myself hiking along a mountain path when I heard a noise. I stopped and listened. No, I hear birds singing, but wait, what’s that? Then as clear as the day, I heard the Aspen. The breeze of their voices singing to me in harmony with the birds. I once sung with the birds. What happened? I let the hustle of the day just flutter me away and I stopped creating music. I thought to myself, It’s probably too late to re-learn how to sing and create music again. 

There it was again, the wind speaking softly; “It’s never too late to create. Look around you and all of the beauty Mother Earth has birthed, again and again. Every day is a creation. Look at the sun as it starts to lay down and sleep, slowly dimming against the canvas of reds and oranges… What are you going to create each day? Perhaps living daily as a live sculpture of love. Whatever you create, do so in love and harmony with all around you and within you. Remember, we are a ripple in the water, creating from within and sending out into the world around us."

A shift in consciousness

“Always remember you are braver than you believe,

stronger than you seem,

and smarter than you think”

-A. A. Milne

While growing up [in a DV environment], I was always told how dumb I was and how I would never amount to anything (anybody). I learned how to be fearful, and my belief system became distorted. In my mind however, I thought I was a Princess Warrior (Xena style of course) - brave and strong in every way possible. Manifesting this bravery only occurred however when I was alone in nature, or immersing myself in my music, both of which were my saving grace.

Mother Nature became my teacher. The plants shared their healing properties, the animals guided me to safety, and taught me how to laugh and play. Father Sun warmed me, while Grandmother Moon embraced me with her light, showing me how to let go and allow the light fill me - removing the sorrow and darkness within.

Music became my emotional release, where unspoken feelings were sung in melody. My voice emerged, growing stronger, eventually filling me with the power to invoke my warrior self. I became brave and started standing up for myself and for those who had yet to find their voice and power.

I no longer don the Warrior persona, however I know she’s near by should a need arise for her protection. Sometimes as an Adult, I hear the ‘past’ voices telling me that I’m not good enough, or strong enough,  or smart enough …

At these times, I remind myself to shift my focus from a mindset of failing, to a state of succeeding. Every time, the outcome is positively manifested, and I find that I am brave, strong & smart.

Namaste,

WS

Reflecting Forward

I was met with many challenges during my 2014 journey;

I lost my job; I found a great job.

I ended a relationship; I found myself.

I ended up in ER twice; I am becoming stronger and healthier each day. 

I moved from my townhouse/community; I bought a new house and gained a new community of friends.

I have a quote on my SP page as well as in my email signature. 

Go Forward With Courage 

"When you are in doubt, be still, and wait; 
when doubt no longer exists for you, then go forward with courage.

So long as mists envelop you, be still; 
be still until the sunlight pours through and dispels the mists 
-- as it surely will. 

Then act with courage." 

- Ponca Chief White Eagle (1800's to 1914) 

The mists of 2014 have indeed lifted and I feel the rays of light within, hopefully extending without.

I wish for all, the rays of the sun to warm and guide you on your journey this year; always finding the courage to move forward towards your goals and attaining them.

In light and love,

WS