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ROSEMARY’S INSPIRATION: Are You Moving?
Rosemary’s “Two-Minute” video for the week: Are You Moving?
Change…and moving in the rain!
As I write this I have finished up our first day of moving. I’m feeling a bit tired and stiff…some muscles were stretched a bit more than usual today! But thank goodness for Qigong! I moved well through the day and after a rest will be ready for another one tomorrow!
I woke up on the first day of August to rain. My first reaction was, “oh, no, moving in the rain won’t be much fun” (as if moving is ever fun!). Then I quickly recalled my Dad’s admonition to never complain about the rain. He was a dairy farmer his whole life. The grass and the crops that provided all the feed for the cattle depended on the rain. And when you are in the middle of a field, putting up hay for the winter, the rain can be inconvenient. But it is not something to complain about, ever!
I quickly changed my “oh, no” to an “oh, well, we do need some rain; and in any case there is nothing I can do about it!”
Fortunately we live in Maryland where the weather can change on a dime. By the afternoon the rain was gone and the sun was shining and we moved our first load without getting wet at all!
Whether we are talking about change in the weather or we are talking about bigger changes, like moving an entire household to a new house, change is inevitable. The only question is what attitude to assume when looking at the on-rushing changes.
And this is my point. Rosemary and I have both been writing a lot about change lately. We are anticipating many changes in the coming months. We know many will be great, in full alignment with our direction and goals. We also know there will be stumbling blocks put in our way; our lessons lie before us and we accept them. The question we ask as we move into every step, every change we either want to make or are forced to make by circumstances is: “how is my attitude toward this change?”
Some days it’s going to rain. Some days we might stumble. Some lessons may be harder to learn than others. But we both know we are on the right path, we are doing what we love, and we are ever expanding into our Soul Purpose Work.
How do you approach change in your life? Do you fear it? Avoid it? Do you rush into it with your eyes shut? These questions bring me to my second point about change: After I get my attitude about the inevitability of change set correctly I then face the choices in my response to the change.
All change comes with choice. My response today to the rain I awoke to could have been to postpone the move by a day. The weather report indicated the possible clearing by the afternoon, but you know how well the weather people predict! I moved forward with a certain amount of trust that things would work out. While my Dad was saying: “never complain about the rain” Rosemary’s Mom was saying: “things always work out for the best.” And sure enough, they did today!
So, maybe the big lesson today is “trust your parents.” They may have some pithy sayings and family proverbs to offer but in my case they tend to be right more often than not!
Adopt a positive attitude toward inevitable change, make the best choices you can under the circumstances and trust your parents! Good guidance for facing the changes that are coming!
PS: Happy Solar Return, Rosemary!! Yes, Rosemary and I have the same birthday. This year is the 41st one we’ve been happy to share!
ROSEMARY’S EXPLORATION: The Power Is in You – Richard’s Commentary
Rosemary’s Exploration this week contained a lot of good advice. I too have the sense that there is tremendous energy for change building in the World. I think a lot of this energy build-up is from the extreme polarity that we are experiencing. Whether it is political factions (both within and between political parties), economic debates about the best way forward, religious extremism or raging debates about social issues, people seem divided into camps of widely differing views and value. This polarization is creating the environment that will force change.
And there is another source of this change energy; as Rosemary observes: “It is time to transform. We’re still feeling the effects of the 2012 energy that gave a huge boost to the transformation energy. It’s not over yet!”
Rosemary and I are going through tremendous change ourselves as we are in the midst of packing up for our move to larger space and a greater degree of freedom. With any change of this magnitude comes the combination of excitement and trepidation. The questions: is this the right thing, am I taking the right steps, can I do it, do I have the energy, can we afford it, are followed by answers: yes, this is a necessary step forward, we have the way and the means, … and in the end, we trust!
And where does that sense of trust come from? Inside!
And this is the key response that Rosemary urges: as we face the building powers that are bringing about the changes we sense, we need to go inside to find the empowerment needed to make the best choices, to decide on our next steps for forward progress.
As I’ve written before, I am completely committed to writing my “morning pages” as urged by Julia Cameron in her book The Artist’s Way. I have been practicing this approach to inner work for years and for me it works very well. As I sit with my pages I move inside and let words flow up and out onto the page; I gain insight, strategies, confirmation, hope, trust…Where does this support come from? Inside, from both my self, and my Self!
If you have been reading this blog much at all you probably already know I have many practices for inner work (and outer, physical work): Qigong, Yoga, sitting meditation, breath-work, cooking (yes, I consider this a spiritual practice!) and even household chores (I enjoy doing laundry!). But when I really need answers I seek my pages and write.
I wrote in my pages this morning about the move, the strategies and logistics, the concerns and the excitement. And I ended the pages with a tremendous sense of hope and trust. Yes, this is a big change; this is a time for big changes and hope, trust, and courage. Fortunately both Rosemary and I are Leos, both born on August 2. We both have courage to spare!
ROSEMARY’S EXPLORATION: The Power Is in You
It seems that everyone these days is feeling the weight of a struggle in some area of their life – financial, family, health, career, spiritual. It can be a simple problem that must be solved or a complex issue that is beyond one’s control. The common thread seems to be that there is a sense of urgency about the issue and the question is, ‘What is my next step?’
Where do you seek the answer to that question? Are you willing to take responsibility for finding the solutions yourself or do you hide your head in the sand ostrich-style and hope it will go away? Are you waiting for someone to come along and solve it for you?
The answer is within you, no matter what the problem or issue might be that you are facing. Others might share wisdom or their experience. Some might be experts, some might not know what they are talking about. You might get conflicting advice from others and feel confused.
Do your research AND check in with your own inner guidance. Even if everyone around you gives you the same advice but your ‘gut feeling’ contradicts that, follow the direction of your gut. Your intuition is tuned in to the lessons that are there for you to learn. Your angels and guides are ready to help you grow. Your inner support system will help you.
Of course, it is wise to have a human support system, too, but only if those people are willing to support you in whatever YOU choose as your path. Are you surrounded by folks who want you to do things their way? Do you feel that you are criticized if you choose a path they don’t support? Then find a new support system!
The power is in you to move forward in your life. You are equipped to handle whatever lessons come your way. No matter how large or small the issue is that is on your plate today, you can take care of it.
What is the problem that wakes you up at night? What is sitting in that pile on the corner of your desk that you are hoping will go away? Who are you avoiding calling because you dread the conversation?
The power is in you if you claim it! You are not helpless even if some days it feels that way.
Ask for help. Find a friend or counselor or advisor to listen to you and to help you put one foot in front of the other. Because this is what it takes to move forward.
Many sensitive people are feeling the energy of change on the planet at this time. It is affecting different people in different ways but some of us are having similar reactions. There are big changes coming. We are all in the cauldron of transformation whether we really want to be there or not. The question is not ‘Will you change?’ but ‘How will you change?’
Ask yourself if you can see a new way to handle whatever problems you are facing no matter what they are. If everything in your life is going smoothly then look for ways that you can advance your personal growth.
It is time to transform. We’re still feeling the effects of the 2012 energy that gave a huge boost to the transformation energy. It’s not over yet!
The good news is that the power is in you!!!
PS: In this video Rosemary talks about going inside yourself to find the power to move forward. Find your guidance and empowerment inside you! Not sure how? Talk to Rosemary! Apply for a FREE “Discovery Session” with her and learn tools of self-discovery! Apply Here
Protect Yourself – Richard’s Commentary
This week’s message from The Divine Feminine was powerful, practical and personal. They are very methodical in their prescription for self-protection. Their message coupled with my recent experience with Sri Karunamayi during this weekend celebration known as Guru Purnima offers a lot of material for my posts at the end of this week. And it is all coming from theGoddess!
The Divine Feminine listed specific areas of our lives in which we need to consider ways and tools to protect ourselves:
- Protect yourself from fear
- Protect yourself from apathy
- Protect yourself from the energies of other people
- Protect yourself from negative thoughts and limiting beliefs
- Protect yourself from misguided choices
This is quite a list! Each item here deserves a separate blog post but for today and tomorrow I am going to focus on two and the related tools to protect against these negative forces that can so easily derail our good intentions.
The first area I’d like to examine in some detail is apathy. I think this force is attacking many people in this country and even the world. I don’t want to get into politics or the economy or institutional stagnation here, but let’s face it: for the most part our governments, our elected officials and our own constituency is bogged down in a state of paralysis that I believe is born out of apathy. We are stuck in a spiral of petty politics and an uncaring economic system that seems to be in steady decline. And who is out there to raise the banner of protest against this apathetic state we’ve sunk to? “Where is the Outrage?” read one blog-post recently! The so-called “middle class” is the “poster-child” now. But does anyone really care about the real middle-class?
How do we protect against apathy? The answer lies in Purpose! The Divine Feminine say we each have a Soul Purpose. We are incarnated at this particular time in history with a distinct purpose to fulfill. We are each a unique part of the Divine Plan of Love and Light. And we have a “collective purpose” as we move deeper into the 21st Century so full of potential for Divine Transformation. We all must find our purpose, and we all must commit to that purpose and live lives of purposeful action. This is the way out of apathy. Whether we, as individuals, as a community or a powerful Nation, are to move beyond ourselves and into a New World transformed by the energies of change swirling around us, is a choice; it is our choice.
How do we know what our purpose is? There are many ways. For one it is written in our hands. The blueprints for our life are with us from before birth, stored in our fingerprints; and our hand-prints show us a map, not only of where we are going but where we have been. Find someone to read your hands and reveal your purpose. Then move firmly into that purpose and away from apathy!
The second area I’d like to address is misguided choices. The Divine Feminine advise trusting our intuition and accepting the choices we make and the lessons that come with them. The choices guided by intuition take us on the path of greatest growth. But for men this is not always the easiest thing. The old cliché is to trust “women’s intuition.” But what about we men? The key here is to learn to meditate and to practice meditation as a life-long commitment. Meditation helps us get deeper in touch with our own inner selves. This is where intuition lives, inside! And I have found that the more I practice going inside to look for answers the more I can trust the answers that come.
The Divine Feminine offered very practical ways to protect ourselves from those five negative forces arrayed against our expansion of consciousness and our contribution to the evolution of human consciousness. The main key is to do the inner work to develop the self and find the True Self in the process!
PS: If you are searching for someone to reveal your Soul Purpose and read your hands, Rosemary is both highly trained and exceptionally skilled through years of experience. For more information Click Here
PPS: I will be offering more detail on meditation and developing intuition in tomorrow’s post.
ROSEMARY’S EXPLORATION: Protect Yourself
Again this week, The Divine Feminine wish to continue instructing us in 21st Century living.
“Dear Ones,
We do not say ‘Protect Yourself’ to make you fear what is happening, but to empower you to handle the tumultuous energies of the transformational time in which you are living.
As life on Planet Earth moves forward in its evolution, each individual must maintain their forward momentum and continue to evolve. There are, however, many situations and energies that would distract one from this path. There are also those who believe that, through the instilling of fear in individuals, they can exert power over them. As consciousness students, you have the power to overcome the efforts of those who wish you to stay in the energy of fear.
Protect yourself from fear. This does not mean that there will not arise occasions when your immediate reaction will be a feeling of fear. You do not, however, have to stay in fear if you have developed the tools to deal with this.
The first tool you must learn to protect yourself is to develop your connection with your spirit guides and the angels who would protect you with their power. You have guides who would instruct you in actions to take if you would ask them and listen to their guidance. You have angels who would protect you if you would invite them to help in your life. These assistants from other realms are available to you if you learn to connect with them.
Protect yourself from apathy. You have been given a human life on Planet Earth at this time in its history because your Soul chose to assist humanity in its transformation and evolution. Care about your role in this process. Determine the Purpose which your Soul agreed to manifest and take action to pursue that Purpose in your life. Do not allow difficulties to distract you from your Purpose. If you find yourself drifting into apathy or not caring about your daily life, then get help to move you back onto your path of personal growth.
Protect yourself from the energies of other people. YOU are the only one with your Soul Purpose on this planet. YOU are the only one who can play your role in the unfolding of the Universe’s Plan for humanity. If you encounter others who would interfere with your evolution then you must learn to separate your energy from theirs.
Develop rituals of protection so that you can keep your environment and your energy field clear of the energies of others. Learn to use meditation, candles, incense, sage, crystals, feng shui, and whatever other tools will help you to clear your space and keep your energy field filled with only your energy.
Protect yourself from negative thoughts and limiting beliefs. These insidious energies can be at work in your life at the unconscious level and, yet, they can be very powerful. Do the work, which might require outside assistance, to clear these from your unconscious mind so that you are able to move forward along your path of growth. Develop the tools to recognize when these are holding you back. Become conscious at all times of how your mind can play tricks on you.
Protect yourself from misguided choices. Learn to trust and follow your intuition. No matter what choices you make, there will be lessons to learn. At this time, however, your intuition will lead you on the path of greatest growth and fastest evolutionary progress. Learn how to access the great guidance available through your own intuition.
Develop these tools and you will have a toolbox to protect yourself!
And so it is.”
PS: In this message The Divine Feminine talk about tools for self-protection, empowerment and clearing negative energies. You too have these powers of self-protection and can use them at any time. Not sure how? Talk to Rosemary! Apply for a FREE “Discovery Session” with her and learn tools of protection! Apply Here
ROSEMARY’S INSPIRATION: Protect Yourself
Rosemary’s “Two-Minute” video for the week: Protect Yourself
PS: In this video Rosemary talks about tools for self-protection, empowerment and clearing negative energies. You too have these powers of self-protection and can use them at any time. Not sure how? Talk to Rosemary! Apply for a FREE “Discovery Session” with her and learn tools of protection! Apply Here
Perfection in the Imperfect
In yesterday’s post I told the story of my misplaced sunglasses and my frustration/anger/lesson/awareness/self-love/love development. I am still processing this as a real opportunity for insight and growth. The day after I found the glasses I wrote this in my pages:
It is a better day today because I found my sunglasses. I know, it’s silly to have spent so much emotional energy on this little thing. And when did they turn up? After I had let them go, let go of all that emotional energy, accepted the loss and the lesson and put a good face on the rest of the day. And there is even a deeper lesson in the outcome: accept the lessons as soon as they arise with their teachings! Don’t spend the emotional capital on these small things. Save it, store it. This is true awareness.
Practice Awareness! This leads to perfection. Above all stay in the energy of Love as much and as often as possible. This is the true perspective and the true path to the Tao.
Whether the sunglasses turned up or were gone forever is immaterial. The lesson is the true and best outcome here. The first priority is Practice->Love. This is the Ultimate Way. And the Penultimate is Awareness->Perfection. The first leads to the second. Of course there is a tight feedback loop through all of this. Practice goes to awareness and perfection and Love – the end of it all. But the persistence in the practice comes from Love too. And the awareness comes from Love and practice. It is all tightly woven and I have much to continue to learn and bring to Perfection.
This whole notion of Perfection is a sticky one, especially for an Enneagram Type 1! OK, the Universe is already perfect. It is a whirling mass of delightful energy with an incredible force of Consciousness driving it. Call it Qi, call it the Tao, the Collective Consciousness of the All, Source, God/Goddess. It is perfect in its creation and its evolution. This is a key understanding. This does not mean that I am perfect, that everything I do is perfect. It does mean that there is no imperfection in Creation. It means that all the imperfections somehow blend into a perfect set of lessons for us all and we learn them to lead to the Ultimate Perfection of the Plan for the Universe. Somehow our mistakes are correcting over the long haul. They are necessary to spur and guide the evolution of consciousness.
The secret here is acceptance. It’s one thing to realize this at some level, to write about it intellectually, to think it through and see the logic of it. It is quite another thing to live by the rule: All imperfections are necessary to form the Perfect Whole. There is an implicit acceptance here that is required to the fulfillment of the Perfection – Prajna Paramita!
This is the Heart of Perfection. Acceptance: acceptance of the form and formlessness, the empty limitlessness, the mistakes, illness, old age, death – all part of the Heart of Perfect Wisdom – Prajna Paramita!
Is this the Buddha’s real meaning in the Heart Sutra, that all the imperfections in the world, all the suffering, all the strife are all part of a greater Perfect Whole? Acceptance, surrender, is the pivot point of the Buddha’s Four Noble Truths. And how can there be anything left after that surrender but pure Love?
Peace and blessings!
Love and Life Purpose – Richard’s Commentary
The heart of the message from The Divine Feminine channeled by Rosemary for this week’s Mystic Message is:
The work of the enlightened ones and all spiritual students who wish to support the evolution of human consciousness is to spread the high vibration energy of Love into the energy grid of the Planet. This energy attracts assistance from other realms to amplify the energy on Earth.
I would like to think I am a “spiritual student” and certainly wish to support the evolution of human consciousness. And yet I seem to fail so often in so many ways! Or do I? Here’s this week’s story:
I “lost” my sunglasses. They happen to be an expensive pair that I like; I’ve had them for several years and have taken very good care of them. My first reaction when I lose something is to begin a frantic search. Searching with no results leads to frustration. The longer the search the greater the frustration. And when the long search is fruitless, frustration turns easily to anger.
The anger is self-directed. I am at fault for misplacing/losing the sunglasses. I am further at fault for wasting all the energy in the search, then the frustration, then the anger. And though the anger is self-directed, it is not necessarily self-contained. It spills over through a bad mood. Everyone around me experiences my loss!
After much consternation a night passes without their appearance. My temper is vented in my “morning pages” and through writing out the story a perspective begins to emerge: this is a small loss, my frustration and anger are over-blown, there is a lesson here, the Mystic Message this week is about Love, beginning with self-love.
Ah ha; there can be no love without first loving one’s self. And self-directed anger over small errors is the antithesis of self-love. Directing this anger-energy into the grid of the planet is the antithesis of what a “spiritual student” needs to strive for; and it likely “attracts assistance from other realms” that I would rather not attract!
The trouble is I’m an Enneagram type 1, “The Perfectionist.” And I really struggle with this pervasive characteristic, or motivation in myself. Sometimes it is a harsh, unforgiving task-master riding on my shoulders. I want things, events and people to be correct, to go the right way, to be smooth and cooperative, to follow rules…to be perfect. And when things, events, people go awry, I too easily move to anger. And where is the love in that?
There are many lessons in this story. The main one I choose to take away today is one of “awareness.” And I am practicing this lesson, it seems, on a moment-to-moment basis (and maybe that’s the point!). It is time to become fully aware, moment-to-moment!
A few days ago I offered the story of Tenno and his umbrella. Did he get angry with himself when he failed to answer Master Nan-in’s question about placement of his umbrella? No. He simply surrendered to his need for more study and practice – 10 years more!
After writing these thoughts down in my “morning pages” the day after my loss, I felt better. I accepted the lesson and my imperfection. I realized my anger-energy was pointless and wasted, maybe even damaging! I let go of the sunglasses. They had served me well; it was time to move on. It was time to practice love!
That evening I found the sunglasses, buried in a chair I had been using. My relief tangled with my realization that I had learned another (again) lesson on love. If I had started with love, even self-love for attracting a valuable lesson, I would have saved myself a lot of time and dark energy, and maybe I would have found my sunglasses earlier in the day!
I remain a “spiritual student.”
MONDAY’S POEM: Vital Force
The feeling of Qigong:
Vital Force
Formlessness
Empty force
Breathing in
Deep down
Belly out
Rootedness
Feet connect
Bubbling spring
Qi rises
Radiating upward
Earth offers.
Root chakra seals
Lower Tan T’ien stores
Energy forms
Prana expands
Heart opens
Expression flows
Mind merges
Vision extends
Crown reaches
Heavenly Love.
Humans link
Heaven and Earth
Form and formless
Eternally One.
©2013 Richard W. Bredeson. All rights reserved.
Men and The Goddess 