One Of A Kind

             We have spoken several times here about how we are Human Beings, not Human Doings.  But it was brought to my attention (again) today, so I guess we’re revisiting.  Which is good, this time it’s a little different.

             There is an enormously powerful and positive movement right now about the acceptability of us just occupying our skins, our space, our bodies.  How, no matter the size nor shape, we have value and we have agency.  No one should be able to say that we, as a person, need to change, need to alter, because of the standards of another.

             If we behave negatively, cause harm?  Of course we should be reprimanded immediately, and called to address/correct our actions; be held accountable.  But to merely carry out our lives, move about in the world?  No, we don’t have to answer to anyone.

             To be our best selves, our most human, we must live in a true and genuine way.  To live our best lives, to go forward and follow the path we set before we arrived here and donned our physical bodies, we must understand that we don’t owe anyone anything.

             To be the best version of ourselves, we need only direct ourselves to our

Life Purpose.

             At this moment in time, on our planet, in our culture, across the globe, there are warriors who are fighting the battle against injustice and ignorance.  More so now than there have ever been before.

             These sacred souls are primarily the Average Jane and Average Joe.  They are mostly not someone rich nor famous nor even considered all that “special” by mainstream media.  But, they have chosen to enrich all of our lives by doing the difficult work.

             I would bet that everyone reading this has come across one or more of them.  They are here amongst us, and they are us.  They are often the quiet prophets, but they are also the outspoken rally leaders.

             They are BEING their most human self by trying to make us all better.  What we can learn from them, and what we can do to help, is to begin in a silent and intentional way.  Sitting with our stillness will open up answers we had trouble hearing due to all of the day-to-day noise and garbage.

             When we occupy our time and mind with positivity, grace, lovingkindness, good people, and that which brings joy, we are bettering the whole.  We are being our best human selves.

             We don’t always have to “do” – this is a time for us to “be” – it is a time for us to support and to assist.  We can put that into practice, we can BE our best self, for the higher and greater good of all, from our own small corner of the world, sending healing to one and all, being the foundation for our improved future.

HERE is a perfect example of how we can all participate.

 

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More Than The Dark

             Earlier this afternoon I was made aware of a very cool holiday of light, created for the appreciation and celebration of Azna, the female aspect of God.  Now, s/he may not be YOUR god, and may not even be a concept you’re comfortable with.  But stick with me here.

             The reason I bring this information up is because it fell into place on exactly the day of Her celebration, from a source which was much older.  But before I was aware of that particular idea, and before I understood the depth of this message, I had been directed to revisit the cards I’m sharing below.

             When the Universe shows us something, in several different ways, it means we need to pay attention.  Which is what we’re doing.  It looks like the time is perfect for some Light, and some nurturing energy.

             And before you slide away, thinking this is all too soft for you, keep in mind, Mother God is a warrior, with armies of Archangels, all of them carrying swords.

             We need only remember our strength, be in our power.  One spark of light is always more than all the darkness.

“Shekinah

The Presence of the Divine Feminine

At the center of everything, there is light.

And I am that light.

Who She Is:

The Shekinah represents the omnipresence and the immanence of the divine feminine.  The Shekinah in Hebrew means ‘to settle, to inhabit, or to dwell.’  It represents an experience of the divine presence right here in the body, and in the world.

In Kabbalism, mystic Judaism, the Shekinah is the feminine aspect of God.  And she is depicted as a piercing, radiant light.  She is the experience of God within us, as the soul of God.

To the Kabbalist, honoring the feminine is of the utmost importance.  This is why the red thread of protection is worn on the left wrist, which is the receiving side of the body.

In Kabbalistic teachings the Shekinah is represented in the tree of life as the pillar of balance.  She is the force which unites the opposites; she brings heaven to earth, and she unites the body and the soul.  Because of her, there can be a direct path of communion between humanity and divinity.

Because of her we can experience God right here in this moment,

and right here in this body.

When Your Soul Selects This Card:

In the Zohar, the main sacred text in Kabbalah, the Shekinah is described as being a world within a world, as a bright radiance at the center of everything.  All life on earth, all consciousness is a part of her light, and is therefore sacred.

The metaphysical theory of immanence is that the divine presence is manifested in the material world.  So there isn’t actually any matter, whether organic or inorganic, that isn’t also a part of the divine.

The Shekinah is light which inhabits your body, your cells, and is in the cells of all the people and all the objects you see around you.  She is also about pure experience.  She is the message, the truth that there is a light at the center of everything which happens to us – both the ‘good’ and the ‘bad.’

And the Shekinah is the reminder that we are not just this body, or this pain we might be going through, or this confusing moment in our brief life. 

We are light.  We are molecules of heaven in human form. 

Right now we can just know this.  We can experience the light we are.  And that we can be enough.  That can be the miracle and the answer we actually need.  Not words, nor meaning, but simply (and more profoundly) pure radiant being.

Soul-Voice Meditation:

Enter the heart, and repeat this mantra:

‘I am the light.’

See what images or words arise.

Intention:

At the center of everything,

there is light.

I am that light.”

Today’s Deck:

The Divine Feminine by Meggan Watterson, artwork by Lisbeth Cheever-Gessaman

 

 

 

 

 

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Actuality of Composure and Stillness

             Sitting in traffic, several days last week, brought about the first image of today’s message.  It also goes along with last week’s.  Because, sometimes there’s a theme.

             For quite a while now I’ve understood that Time and I have a complicated relationship.  (Much like how I feel about products made of wood – I love trees.  I also love the feel of smooth wood.  But, if I have something made of wood, a tree had to die.  See?  Complicated.)

             The belief that every incident and occurrence happens when and where it is supposed to generally equals a zen and calm attitude.  Except.  Except when we get wrapped up in the Ego and the Body and the culture we’re immersed in.

             What the Universe would like us to pay more attention to is:

patience.

             That illusive virtue so many of us struggle with.  It’s about Perspective.  It’s about Free Will.

             Trying to be patient and wait for our future to unfold can bring many of us to an anxious and unproductive boiling point.  Sometimes we think that time just needs to go FASTER!

             Or, maybe it needs to slow down?  The complication for me is that I don’t realize time is going anywhere at all.  I don’t mind waiting in line, or even sitting still while others do what they need to.  But, then.  I DO mind!  It can seem senseless.  It can seem random.

             Which is where Patience comes in.  If we allow ourselves the idea that all is in Divine Order, that all is as it should be, and will be, we are better equipped to wear the mantle of calm.  Not rushing can be it’s own event.

             We arrive when we get there.  The party starts when it does.  Nothing is permanent, so there is no reason to hurry.  (Unless a restaurant is closing and we won’t get dinner, in that case, speed the fuck up.)

             As we age, time takes on a different meaning.  As we see the wisdom in releasing stress and agitation, we can enjoy more moments, more days, more of our entire journey.  We can treasure how naturally much of life drops in to place.

             When we are all jacked up, waiting and pacing, time isn’t changing.  We’re simply not enjoying the spot in time we are occupying.  When we examine (and then put into action) where we can let go of that false sense of urgency, we may then allow ourselves to sit in serenity.  We give ourselves permission to observe.  We are free to . . . be.

             Breathe deeply.  Regain composure.  Sit in the now.  What gift has time brought you?  The reality is, that car in front of you always moves, eventually.

It was not hot today,
there was rain.
And I was pleased.

 

 

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Compassionate Encouragement

             This past week was . . . . . tumultuous.  There have been some pretty towering highs, and a few crushing lows.   Both personally and in the news.

             As we’ve previously discussed, I have chosen to keep myself safe by “curating the feed” of what I’m exposed to.  External negativity is simply not healthy.

             In fact, that’s exactly what the Universe wants to remind us.   Protecting ourselves is vital to our wellbeing.  While at the same time staying informed and knowledgeable.  We need to consider how those outside influences are going to affect us, on all levels.

             Our priority must be to respond

gently.

             As with lovingkindness, this recommendation is about allowing ourselves the gentle gift of care.  It is enormously better for us when we make a point of avoiding harshness, avoiding the clamor of ignorance and hatred.  Yes, this can be difficult, but it must be done (or, at least attempted) if we are to stay safe, sane, and able to help.

             While we also must recognize our power (we are stronger than we realize), it is vital to surround ourselves with the comforts which sooth and cleanse, heal and repair.

             When we dig around in our toolbox, let us find those items which bring us the most joy, the gentlest compassion, the largest dose of solace.

             In a loud and ugly world, our task is to share joy, bring healing, and show the strength a gentle gesture embodies.

 

Personal Note:

photo credit needed, I can’t find the original, nor can I recall where I got this image.  This was the one I was directed to use, so I’m hoping I can figure out where it came from.

 

 

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Limber Adaptation

             Not all lessons are pleasant.  In fact, most aren’t.  It could be due to how growth can cause pain, discomfort.  Often our progress takes us places we never thought we’d go. And that’s just not always easy.

             Forward momentum is what sometimes hurts.  Sitting still, in a spiritual sense, is akin to stagnation.  On the physical level though, it is one of the best tools we can utilize for our education and fulfillment.  It’s up to us to understand when to apply moving, and when to apply being.

             We are in charge of our original chart, but not always in charge of the way it plays out.  The detours in Life, while beneficial, send us traveling off in seemingly random directions.  The key to that movement aspect of our journey is to stay

flexible.

             When we fight the changes, they become even MORE difficult.  It is useless to wage battle against Mother Nature due to the fact that we are part of Her.  She is part of us.

             We wear disposable bodies, we age.  We are here to gain knowledge, we are here as if it were a school.  Many of us become old in the process.

             All living beings have a cycle, one of the stages is always death.  Anything which grows will eventually come to the same end/will loop around within that same circuit.  It’s an enduring and endless pattern.  We’re like fruit, we rot, becoming compost so that life may begin anew.  We’re like rocks, we erode, becoming sand and gravel and dirt so that other parts of life may take hold and be birthed.

             To retain our flexibility we need to see all angles of the equation, all sides of the view.  We are better able to gain access to our purpose and our joy if we bend like the trees in a strong wind, swaying as the storm passes us by.

          It’s also up to us to watch for signs.  The Universe’s reminders are usually clear, and simple.  The action and discernment are our jobs.

             This week:

be aware, be bendy.

 

 

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