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Posts Tagged ‘Men and Spirituality’

MONDAY’S POEM: Shadows

May 27, 2013 Leave a comment

I wrote this in anticipation of the Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse we experienced early Saturday morning here on the East Coast. Unfortunately it was cloudy here and we didn’t “see” the eclipse, but all other senses were engaged as the earth’s shadow shrouded the Moon in a dark veil. Did you feel it?

I love the Moon; I have since I was a kid and would watch the moon follow our car as my Dad drove along the country roads of Wisconsin. I’ve been fortunate to see many eclipses; so, while I did not see this Sagittarius Moon eclipse with my normal eyes, I certainly know what it “looked” like!

Shadows

They loom large
Cast by the rising Moon
Full up in the East.

What’s this? Shadows
Dim as the light fades
Swallowed up too soon.

Gone but for a blood
Red rim and rusty face,
Smoke and a faint glow.

But, wait; there’s more:
A grin begins to crack
The dusty rim.

Shadows brighten
And recede walking
Toward the rising Moon.

Alone, the path lies
Dark with shadows
Cast by the rising Moon.

©2013 Richard W. Bredeson. All rights reserved.

Richard’s Message from A Conversation with The Other Side

May 24, 2013 Leave a comment

As promised in yesterday’s post I am providing a link here to a recording of the message I received via Rosemary from The Other Side, this past Monday evening, May 20. The message is just over 10 minutes long and is a great example of the kind of information Rosemary channels from the guides, angels and loved ones who show up at these events. And the special feature of these messages is they are both personal and universal.

Here’s the link:  Message 

Note that toward the end of this message,  there is  information about the Full Moon/Eclipse that occurs tonight (actually early Saturday morning); May 25 at 12:25 am Eastern time. Be sure to listen for it.

So, be careful out there over the long, Full-Moon-influenced weekend!

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PS: Rosemary has scheduled her next Conversation with The Other Side for Friday, June 14, 2013 at 7:00 pm Eastern time. If you are interested in receiving a channeled message like the ones I receive then get more information on Rosemary’s Website!

Struggling? You’re Not Alone! –Richard’s Commentary

May 23, 2013 Leave a comment

I don’t know about you but at first blush I am not comforted by Rosemary’s words that I am “not alone” in the struggles I am experiencing. Of course, what she means is not so much that I am in good company but rather that I can reach out for help because help is always there.

I don’t live vicariously. Yes, I am happy when others are happy; but I don’t seek happiness through others. And yes, I feel sad when others are sad; but I realize my sadness does not help them feel better. So, feeling that others are struggling along with me through these tumultuous times, does not ease my struggle. But finding help does!

I am fortunate to live with someone who is of great help. Rosemary is very generous with me and invites me to her events free-of-charge! Well, yes, I do offer her technical support for these events so there is an exchange of services offered. The real point here is I get great advice, especially when Rosemary hosts a Conversation with The Other Side! This was the case Monday evening, this past May 20th. And it was a great group of people who joined us, mostly online by internet and phone! As always the messages for each individual resonated with the entire group. And, I too received personal messages.

As is typical of these Conversations there were themes and key phrases and words that kept coming up for individuals and the group. Interestingly one of these words was “trying.” People seemed to be “trying to be themselves”, “trying to let go”, ”trying to be present”, “trying to trust” etc. The guides on The Other Side equated this “trying” with “struggling.” They said “trying” doesn’t do it; it doesn’t get the job done. It is a struggle to “try” so give it up. Their advice is to just “be.” Accept things as they are and look for support where it is always available.

There were several stories through the evening of Angel support: car accidents avoided, slips and near falls that didn’t result in falls, help with financial matters. How often do you stop and think to ask your Angels for support? Have you ever experienced an “almost-accident” that didn’t happen and you have no explanation of how you avoided it? Could it have been your Guardian Angel? One participant does work with Angel energy; but she even received advice to ask for their help! I for one am going to start asking my Angels for their help through times of struggle.

Part of my message was about my struggle with “shoulds.” This is a struggle against who I really am, a struggle to fit someone else’s definition of “who I should be.” The message was to “let go and trust.” Trust was another theme of the evening. Struggle comes from not trusting. It is so much easier to simply relax into a trusting mode that everything is working out as it will (not as it “should.”).

Rosemary’s Conversations are always powerful and filled with wonderful advice. Often it is both specific to the individual receiving the messages and Universal in application to the entire group that assembles. The messages from Monday were no exception. And as a special offer to my readers I will add my message in tomorrow’s (Friday’s) post. Be sure to tune in for that message!

And be sure to “tune-in” for the next Conversation Rosemary offers. You won’t be sorry! You might even get advice on how to stop the struggle and go with the flow! I sure did.

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ROSEMARY’S EXPLORATION: Struggling? You’re Not Alone!

May 22, 2013 Leave a comment

It seems these days as if everyone is struggling with something. Career, relationship, family, money, health, spiritual questions, life direction. Are you struggling in some area of your life?

What is our tendency when we struggle? We tend to want to hide behind our smiles and say that we’re ‘fine.’ What a loaded word that can be!

Now I’m not advocating that you go around telling everyone all your troubles because that keeps you focused on your drama, your story, instead of the possibilities that are in front of you. But the most important one with whom you can be honest is yourself. Are you honestly facing your situation? Your needs?

Sometimes the worst thing about struggling is the feeling that we are so alone in our situation, that we can’t share with anyone else. We’re ashamed to be struggling or that we’re in our situation or we’re afraid ‘they’ won’t love us anymore if they knew the real story.

These are natural feelings but they don’t have to keep you isolated. The problem with shame is that it holds you back from learning your lessons and living your magnificence. Fear of the loss of love is a common reason to stay mum about what is going on in our lives.

Can you find someone to help you? Maybe it would help to take a good, trusted friend into your confidence. Or find an expert who can give you information so you can choose a path forward. You might be keeping yourself paralyzed simply because you don’t have enough information to make a good decision. This problem can be solved by getting more information.

I would caution you here from joining a support group that tells the same story over and over which can keep you stuck in the problem instead of helping you to find a solution. If you join a group, make sure that it supports you in moving forward, not in staying stuck.

The real growth comes when you are honest with yourself about your life, your situation and your options. This might require help to discern. A coach, mentor or counselor can be your best friend through a transformational process. Even if you ARE a coach/mentor/counselor, you will benefit from seeking your own support!

No one needs to go through this time of amazing transformation alone! Whether you are looking at this time through the lens of esoteric predictions or astrology or cosmological insights or prophecies, we are in a time of change.

Those who are awake and aware realize that living a conscious life means stepping up to the transformation that is offered. This is not for the faint of heart but the rewards are great.

Reach out to your guides for the information that you need to make the decisions that will help you to leap forward in your personal growth. Use the tools of self knowledge that can help you to understand your Soul Purpose and Journey as well as your personality tendencies. Scientific Hand Analysis, Astrology, Numerology, Enneagram, Meyers-Briggs, DISC. Which tool speaks to you?

Do you meditate? Ask your inner wisdom for the guidance that you need at this time. And find a mentor to hold your hand on the journey. You might even assemble a team of experts to support you.

Are you ready to transform? Are you feeling that you’re struggling? Reach out and take a hand that is extended to you and share the journey. We’re here for a reason. Everyone who is sensitive at all is feeling the importance of these times and knows that the struggles are a part of the process.

Hold onto your hat! Big things are coming. And keep holding onto the hand of that mentor who is helping you through the struggles. You are not alone!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PS: Do you feel ready for the coming transformations? Are you in the flow and ready for that next opportunity coming your way? Or, are you struggling along with so many people these days? If you need answers for questions like “what is my next step?” Rosemary can help. Schedule a FREE Discovery Session with her to be sure you are ready! Schedule Here

INSPIRATION FROM ROSEMARY: Are You Struggling?

May 21, 2013 Leave a comment

PS: Do you feel ready for the coming transformations? Are you in the flow and ready for that next opportunity coming your way? If you need answers for questions like “what is my next step?” Rosemary can help. Schedule a FREE Discovery Session with her to be sure you are ready! Schedule Here

Monday’s Poem: Not for Me

May 20, 2013 Leave a comment

I’ve been writing recently about my “Floating Heads” who spoke to me through Rosemary last December. This was during one of her Conversations with The Other Side. I am recalling that December event in anticipation of the Conversation Rosemary has scheduled for tonight, Monday, May 20 at 7:00 PM Eastern time. (See below for details how you can join.) And also see the posts about that December Conversation here if you are at all interested in how a Medium, like Rosemary works: December Post

I wrote this poem back in February remembering what my “Floating Heads” had to say to me:

Not for Me

Not for me but them
They say.
But why, what meaning then
Can pay
For all the errors of this
Poor way?

Just keep doing, write on
They say.
It makes no matter when
We pay.
All errors are erased along
The way.

Erased? But how I wonder now.
No pay?
Can this be true? I wonder how.
They say
it can be so: the forgiving Tao’s
The Way.

©2013 Richard W. Bredeson. All rights reserved.

PS: There is still time and some space available for tonight’s Conversation. It is held online using either video conferencing or phone. Learn more here

The Fever Story; 2nd and Final Chapter (and only the beginning!)

May 17, 2013 Leave a comment

Both Rosemary and I have been writing for some time about the importance of the times we are in; these times of great change, transformation. We are not alone in our sense and our gathering information and exploring the energies, vibrations, influences and characteristics of these times. If you are reading this blog and you are breathing then you know what we are talking and writing about. There is both a sense of great elation, of a coming freedom we have not yet known, and a sense of impending doom. I’ve heard many people speak of these “dire” times we have entered.

With this sense of great change afoot, I return to my story about my fever last week and what it means to me. My friends, the “Floating Heads” (ref: this post) had more to tell me about the meanings behind the illness:

QRS: Listen to the music: you are opening to love. Your chest is cracking open. Your body is the chrysalis that is splitting to reveal your inner splendor. This is a very vulnerable time for you. Feel it. Go with it. There is no putting it back together now. The butterfly in all her sensitivity and delicate style is emerging. Treat yourself very gently now. Watch and feel this process.

Be very careful with your emotions. Cry if that’s what you need. Don’t forget to laugh. Examine every moment as a new learning experience. Your “What is this?” question applies to every moment. Don’t waste a single one; examine everything as a curious child. No anger, no judgment, no second guessing. It all just is. Trust it all as perfection and part of the growth experience. Remember when you emerged from your first experience of a sweat lodge ceremony? It’s like that. You are birthing yourself out of the heart of the fever and gradually appearing as new creature. Learn all there is for you to gain in these next weeks and months. Receive. Don’t over-analyze. Accept. Breathe it all in as a wondrous New Being.

End of the story!

Now it’s up to me to do the work. And it’s all about awareness. It is about living in the moment and being inquisitive. “What is this?” It is living with this great mantra/koan/question: “What is this?” Awaken to curiosity – the curiosity of a child! With this curiosity comes delight. Lightness and laughter abound. This is the awakening I am called to and long for. This is it!

Why do I write all of this? Why am I telling you this personal story?

We are all in this together. I am not alone in my awakening journey. You are here with me. We are in the great transformation. Live it with me. Are you curious about what comes next? Join me in this curious, exciting, maybe dangerous, certainly delightful exploration of what comes next!

You are not alone!

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Brain Science, Storytelling, and YOU! – Richard’s Commentary

May 16, 2013 Leave a comment

I have a recent story to tell and I hope I only have to tell it once! As always it is a question of learning the lessons. Here’s the story:

About a week ago I started running a fever. I had no real symptoms other than the severe body aches and pains that often accompany a fever. As this one developed not only did the aches and pains get worse but the fever turned into significant shakes and sweats over a three-day and night period. I had not experienced this kind of illness since I came down with malaria in Africa more than 40 years ago – it was that bad!

The fever was at its worst right at the New Moon/Solar eclipse last Thursday evening. I went to the doc Friday afternoon about the time I started to feel just a bit better. Lots of causes, thankfully, have been eliminated. And now I am much better, finishing a course of antibiotics even though I suspect it was viral. But much more important than the medical report or even my symptoms and treatment are the lessons and symbols represented by this fever and my experience of it.

I have been processing this experience, this story since I was well enough to meditate and write about it. And my old friends, QRS (remember my “floating heads”?) have helped me with some interpretation. Here’s the real story of my serious fever:

What is the message from my unconscious mind via my body?

QRS: Your body heated up to burn out some impurities. The shakes were because you are not using the “shaking technique” from Jeff Primack (this is a Qi-generating approach by shaking the whole body for a period of time; we did it for 12 minutes at the Qi-Revolution weekend!). Do it for five minutes every day. It will help. The sweats were to purge impurities through your largest organ – your skin. Shower to cleanse away the toxins. Heat, fire is from the heart. You are heart-broken for multiple reasons. The fever was a reminder of the fire and passion of your heart and that you need to attend and mend the brokenness before you can do any real work of consequence. The fire was a tempering and a mending process. You will emerge from this stronger if you take these words “to heart”! The weakness was to get you to rest. You have to be quiet to mend. Your quiet time has helped. The aches and pains were your body knocking at your door to let you know it needs your care. Yes, Qigong has been good. But keep it up. Don’t let your body turn to brittle old bones!

Your mind has been in a fog. This was a reminder to not slip away into a fog like your dad did! Awaken! And stay awake.

You think you have been working hard on yourself. Don’t mistake effort for accomplishment. Working hard is only part of it. Achieving is necessary. Awaken! It is time to break out. Move beyond the chrysalis stage and emerge, fly. You have so much to do, but time is not infinite. Deaths of your friends are to remind you of this. Their time ran out; mission accomplished. Yes, you have your purpose, your mission, but you only have the rest of your life to fulfill it. Don’t let us down. Wake up!

This explanation of my story has helped me realize the fever had its purpose. And I have my lesson to take to heart. As I wrote this I also recalled the Buddhist prayer, or Evening Gatha, we recited at Zen Mountain Monastery when I spent some time there:

Let me respectfully remind you,
Life and death are of supreme importance.
Time swiftly passes by and opportunity is lost.
Each of us should strive to awaken. . .
. . . awaken,
Take heed. Do not squander your life.

Do not squander your life…

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INSPIRATION FROM ROSEMARY: Whose Story Are You Telling?

May 14, 2013 Leave a comment

My video for the week: Whose Story Are You Telling?

PS: Here is a fun way to find out who might be renting space in your brain: join Rosemary for a Conversation with The Other Side. Next Monday, May 20, at 7:00 pm she is offering an online Conversation where you can talk to anyone from your past who has crossed over whose story you may be holding on to. Get more information and registration  details at TheScientificMystic.com

I Ching Cast for the New Moon in Taurus; May 9, 2013

May 13, 2013 Leave a comment

Yes, it’s Monday, but since I published a “Sunday Poem” for Mothers’ Day yesterday, I am publishing my “moonthly” I Ching reading for the Taurus New Moon (and solar eclipse) that occurred last Thursday evening (8:29 pm EDT).

As I enjoy doing on, or shortly after the New Moon, I cast a Gua, a hexagram, for the I Ching to see what the yarrow stalks had to tell me about the energies for the up-coming moonth. For me this helps put me in a frame of anticipation as I calmly manipulate the yarrow stalks to generate the 6 Yao, or lines, of the Gua. And, after the power of this New Moon, which included a solar eclipse, I really needed both calming and anticipation!

Fu-Turning BackThe hexagram I cast was Fu which means “Turning Back” in The Complete I Ching translated by Taoist Master Alfred Huang.

Note that the third line is a six, a greater yin line which means it’s a moving line. The energy of the moonth may begin with Fu, but the moving line generates a new Gua when the third line moves to a yang line. The new Gua and therefore the new energy coming in during the moonth is symbolized by the hexagram Ming Yi which means “Brilliance Injured.”Ming Yi-Brilliance Injured

“Turning Back” is about the cycles of life. Everything turns and returns. Dawn follows the night. The Decision for this Gua is positive and ends with “Favorable to have somewhere to go.”

As I look at this in the greater context of the New Moon/Solar Eclipse I can see positive change coming as the result; the expected transformation is in its early stages of unfolding. The “turning back” is part of a cycle that may be repeating but the cycle is more like a spiral that rises with each dawn. There is a direction to the cycle: favorable to have somewhere to go!

There is a concern expressed here in the third yao, the changing line: the Yao Text for the third six (greater yin) is “Repeatedly turning back. Adversity. No fault. This “turning back” feels like spinning wheels. No progress can be made this way. And while this sense of being stuck may be excusable (no fault) I am glad to receive this warning that there could be some “wheel-spinning” energy the early part of this moonth.

There is a Chinese saying that helps with my understanding of “Brilliance Injured”: “tao guang yang hui” which means “hide one’s light and abide one’s time.” Here too is a message about the energy of the moonth: it might be wise to keep one’s head down and exercise patience. Yes, change is coming; the lower trigram is Li or Fire. But fire is under the upper trigram, Kun or Earth. This is like sunset; the light is hidden under the darkness, below the earth’s horizon. There may be some darkness, some shadow energy hidden in the change energy this moonth.

The advice I have taken from this divination is “don’t let the darkness extinguish the light; just turn your light down a notch and remain steadfast and upright. Remember the “turning back” – the sun will rise again.

There is one more piece of good news in this accomplished gua, Ming Yi: its mutual gua is Jie, Relief. Biding one’s time does lead to relief!

Have a good moonth and keep your head down!

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