Category: lifestyle

The Glory and Grace of Mother Earth

Today I am flying home from the Pacific Northwest (PNW) to Minnesota. The PNW is one of my very favorite parts of the country. Work, play, and education have brought me to this fabulous part of the country. I have friends, new and old, scattered about the PNW. The ocean, mountains, and rainforests never fail to cause me awe. As the plane took off, it was a cloudy day. Not so very unusual for this part of the country. I am always hoping for clear days because I love seeing the gigantic volcanic mountains that rise up to make the Cascade Mountain Range look like foothills. Whether it is Seattle’s Mt. Reiner, Portland’s Mt. Hood, the topless Mt. St Helen, or one of the others; I am always dumbstruck at their sight. They are stunningly beautiful and energetically powerful in a way I do not really have the words to express. They cause emotions to rise up within me the way the molten lava could rise up within them at any moment.

As we took off and ascended above the clouds and reached our cruising altitude, I looked out the window and low and behold, there were my mountains. They rose like majestic giants above the clouds. The other mountain range could not be seen but here they were, standing sentinel to the passage of time. The white of the clouds lay before them like some royal carpet, pure and pristine. Here, above the clouds, these silent giants rein supreme. They patiently wait, holding space, inspiring dreams, and standing firmly in the now. Their future is uncertain, but then again, so is ours.

These mountains, like so many beautiful parts of our Mother Earth, have Grace. I used to wear a ring with the word “grace” on it. I aspire to have the presence that one would call grace. We have all met people like this. They have a grace and presence about them. You know when these people enter the room, without ever seeing or hearing them do so. You feel them. They float in causing the space to suddenly seem to vibrate at a slightly higher level. Sometimes these are very serious people, but more often than not, they walk with so much joy that you are drawn to them as if by a mysterious tractor beam. You feel safe, accepted, and loved when you are with them.

Where are your favorite places of Grace on the planet? Is it a waterfall, rocky coast, mountains, forest, desert, or something else? Where do you feel Grace? Where do you feel unconditionally loved and accepted? I love you! I accept you! You are perfect just the way you are! Did you know that? You are!

Thank you for reading my blog today. I wish you a lifetime of finding Grace and of being Grace, as if by magic.

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Daily Meditation Adventure: Week 12, 13, and 14

If you have not already joined our Daily Meditation Adventure, I hope you will still do so. Here’s how the last few weeks went for me.

Experiences during the week: Over the last three weeks my experiences have been varied. From drumming meditations to Deepak’s mantra meditations.

What I have learned: I have learned that the drumming meditations seem to resonate a lot with me but drumming is not always convenient. As when in a hotel room with neighbors.

My weight: Intermittent fasting has proven to be a successful weight loss tool for me! I have lost 10 lbs. I give the meditation some credit as well, as it has helped with my stress management and stopped me from eating to comfort myself.

How I feel: I feel as if I am still searching for balance in my life. I feel as if I am still looking for a way to make it all fit into my schedule. I am searching for a way to organize my day so that there is time to do and be it all. I know there is a way to find this alchemy of balance, time, space, and connection. So I pull myself up and I journey on, still trying to be true to myself and respect what I need.

How it is affecting my life: There are times this meditation journey is a stressor and I feel blessed having not succeeded as I would have liked to by this phase in the journey. But then there are times the meditation adventure enhances my life. I have magical experiences and I find a peace and connection I would not, without it.

I would love to hear your experiences with this. Have you had magical experiences? Have you maintained daily meditation? Have you enjoyed this adventure? Is meditation helping enhance your life?

Thank you for reading my blog today. I wish you a lifetime of peace, as if by magic.

Previous meditation blogs by the Adventure Sisters: Join Us on This Adventure, Meditate the weight away?, 9 ways to improve meditation, Meditation contemplations, There’s an App for That: A review of meditation Apps, 7 Common Meditation Myths, 11 Types of Meditation

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Conversation with Emy

Today Adventure Sister Emy and I had a very good conversation. Like so many conversation that happen between Emy and myself it happened via text while Emy was working on things in Minnesota and I was commuting between returning my rental care and arriving at the Sea-Tac airport for my flight home. Life has become very busy lately for the Adventure Sisters, which is certainly it’s own type of adventure. We felt like there was wisdom involved in this conversation that could benefit many people. Conversation with Emy are always infused with colorful ways to describe situations and things. Even when we are feeling stressed or down we manage to find the humor in the situation. As you read this we are on our various trips. Emy in the BWCA and I am in a National Forest in Wisconsin. We are hopefully floating in the water, soaking up the sun, meditation, enjoying nature, and having some much needed alone time. Enjoy the wisdom that came through via our conversation.

Emy and I were discussing our week. I remember Emy sharing that her week had felt something like the passing a kidney stone. Emy has a great way of adding levity to stressful situations. The conversation started when I texted her about a term I heard in Mike Dooley’s book, Infinite Possibilities, Divinely Selfish Soul. Mike credited the term to Richard Bach’s book, Illusions. Emy and I sometime feel that by chasing our dreams to make them a reality we are being selfish. We do not always have the time or energy to give to our families, friends, or other commitments because of the business that comes with living our dreams. I loved the idea that my pursuits are divinely inspired and therefore any perceived selfishness is also divine.

My last 3 months have been crazy busy and full of commitments that take up all of my time from sun up to sun down. Yesterday I worked from 5 am til 10 pm and still was not able to complete everything that needed to get done. The commitments in my life come from a variety of sources. For whatever reason right now, they feel like they are too much to handle. It is easy to focus on the stress, which makes me feel like throwing in the towel, lashing out at others, and looking for places to lay the blame. Emy’s campaign trail activities are putting similar stresses and demands on her. As our discussion continued I reflected that when I focus on the little joys, the way the things I do make a difference, and the connections I feel with those I meet, I am able to see the sun, be the light, and find my smile. We embrace the mantra, “Work is fun all of the time”. And so it is.

As I write this Emy and I are focusing on our anticipation for our trips into the wilderness. We feel we need it now, want it now, hear it calling to us now. We look to the future rewards of the forest and the grounding nature of the water. The anticipation make our trips all the sweeter and more enjoyable.

Thank you for reading my blog today! I wish you a life time of seeing the sun, being the light, and finding your smile, as if by magic. I love you! Sending you healing loving energy from the middle of the forest!

Guidance

I have a vacation looming. A time when I will be all alone in the forest. A magical dance for me with the Fea Folk and Nature Spirits. I am so looking forward to getting off the grid, out of my head, and away from responsibilities. I will have a glorious time, in nature, away from any commitment except to myself. Doesn’t that sound glorious!

When this vacation started to grow near, I started thinking of all the things I could ‘use” the time for. Finishing my Wellness Coaching Certificate, blogging, writing additional chapters for our books. The list was lengthy and growing. It would be easy to fill my days alone with “to do’s”. There is a monthly group I facilitate here in the Twin Cities (If you are interested in attending, message me and I will give you the details). This group is to help people explore their intuitive gifts, find a community of like minded souls, and enjoy be authentically who they truly are without judgment. It was at this group that I asked a question for guidance. I told the group I have this blessed time coming, where I will be alone and have time for myself. I will have the space to do whatever I need. The space to be completely free of responsibility to another living soul. I let them know my “to do” list as rapidly growing with things I could “check off” my list as done. I asked for guidance as to how to spend the time.

I must tell you, that I feel even the question itself was divinely guided. I do not remember feeling conflicted about how to spend the time, only glad to have the time and space. We had extra time at the end of the group and I wanted to allow the group one final opportunity for practice. No other questions were raised so I asked. The guidance, I received, was unanimous. Do not work on a “to do” list. No blogging, no journalling, do not study, do not busy yourself with stuff. BE quiet. Walk/hike, kayak (slowly), sit in peace with nature, meditate, float, and just allow time and space. I guess I was surprised at one level and not surprised at another level. I would not have asked the question if I felt the direction of my “to do” list was where I was supposed to go with this blessed time. I am, however, a person who is driven. I like to use every little bit of time productively and not “waste” it.

Ah ha! There lies the Truth! Time spent in the Now, with your True Self, is never wasted. I realize that I feel if I am not checking something else off the list as done, I feel I have not really been productive. In reality, what could be more productive than living in the now, finding my Joy, just being with me? How is it I have not been able to see in the past, really see and appreciate, the honor and the gifts of Time and Space to just Be? It is in this time and space I will be free to really and honestly experience God. To feel and become Aware of my connection and integration, into the Collective Consciousness.

I feel blessed for these wise Eternal souls in my life. I appreciate their Bravery to be a part of the group and to give their nonjudgemental Guidance. Thank you to all who channeled this advice for me, I Appreciate you!

Thank you for reading my blog today. I wish you a lifetime of clear Guidance and Blessed Friends, as if by magic.

Drumming With the Wolves; My Experience

On Saturday, July 21st I received the exciting opportunity to be part of an event called, Drumming with the Wolves. It was held at the Wildlife Science Center. To follow is the intentions behind the event, what I experienced there, and how it changed me.

The event was the brain child of one of my friends, Vonne. I feel grateful and blessed that she invited me to be a co-organizer for this important event. It was set with the idea of raising money to help support this important center and all of the great research they are gathering, knowledge they are sharing, and endangered animals they are fighting to keep from extinction.

The event started around 6 pm. The evening was sunny and warm and about 30-40 people joined us to have the opportunity to see these great creatures up close, learn about them, and be part of a drum circle. There was a strong feeling of community as old friends reunited and new friends met for the first time. I met some amazing people, who I hope to see again and again at future events. Peggy, the Founder, Biologist, and Wolf Mother took us on a tour of her amazing facility. We started off by meeting the Wolves. As we walked along their enclosures the Wolves ran up to the fence to meet us. I remember when my eyes met the golden eyes of the first majestic animal. I fell in love. You could see the wildness in his being but also the love. These Wolves are, after all, spiritual beings too. Peggy graciously educated us, answered questions, and howled so that the Wolves would howl back. I cannot describe the way it took my breath away to hear 100+ Wolves howling in chores together. I have heard Wolves howl when Emy and I were camping in the Boundary Waters but to have them all around us howling, was a completely different experience. We met many Wolves on this tour, all with their own interesting and unique stories to tell.

After we met the Wolves we got to meet some of the other wild creatures that have come to live there, because they cannot be released back to the wild. Mountain Lions, Lynx, and Bobcats all call the Wildlife Science Center home. Additionally, there are Bears, Raccoons, an elderly Porcupine, Fox, and Skunk. Each creature has its own story of how it came to call the heartfelt place home. There are also Raptors, who we did not get to meet, perhaps during the next public event called The Harvest Howl in October.

After we finished our tours we shared in a potluck. Prayer Ties were made with Tobacco grown from a 100 year old seed shared by an attending indigenous woman. Intentions and prayers were placed in the Ties to be fed to the fire. It was very beautiful and powerful. That this tradition was shared with us and the tobacco song sung in the native tongue made me feel honored and blessed to be a part of this.

I led a healing meditation. I was awed and a bit amused as the wolves added their howls from time to time to the meditation. It was as though they wanted to participate.

Now it was time for the drumming. Lisa called in the directions and led the drumming. The drums beat matched with the heartbeat of the Earth. Each drumming session had a powerful intention set with it. Children and adults all participated. There were Drums, Dowels, Tibetan Tingsha Cymbals, Singing Bowls, Rattles, and even a white Crystal Bowl. A Didgeridoo was played earlier in the night offering sound baths to some participants. It was a blend of cultures and such an amazing sense of community. There was no judgment, only love, community, and respect. The Drumming was an important and inspiring part of the evening. As our Drums beat together, joining us with each other and the natural world around us, our prayers were carried off with the Drum beats and vibrations. It connected us together with one another and with all of nature.

The Wolves; who are a fierce hunter, strong predator, and create fear in so many – displayed only love and curiosity during our visit. They are well cared for and respected. They are not pets but rather wild animals who need our help and understanding to survive. At the end of the night we howled, Peggy howled, and the Wolves howled. It was a final goodbye and great end to the night.

It was an experience that was transformative in many ways. I was looking forward to the Drumming but the night was so much more than just that. The opportunities to join these kind of events is a blessing. They enhance your life and teach you things about others, but more than anything else, they help you to know yourself even better. What moves you, inspires you, touches your heart? This event and the people and creatures I met here did all these things for me and more.

Thank you for reading my blog today. May you find events that foster in you a deeper connection with yourself and those around you, as if by magic. I love you!

Nibi Walks – what they are and why you may want to participate!

Now and then we are given the opportunity to be a part of something. The chance to be one of the change agents on this planet. I was invited to an event where I got to meet a number of really amazing people who are walking (literally walking) to be change agents, to make a difference on this planet. I participated in a short walk with them and felt inspired (and invited) to join them on a bigger event. Let me share with you a little about these amazing people.

I was invited to a “Water Ceremony” this past Sunday. Upon arriving with my husband and meeting a friend there, we discovered we were in for a real treat. It was a special day and they were having a Nibi Walk as part of this ceremony. I learned that the Nibi Walks started with the the Chief asked the women of the tribe, “What will you do to protect the water?” A woman out of Thunder Bay was moved to walk. Dreamt that she should walk. The first Nibi Walk started with her and she walked around Lake Superior carrying water! WOW! That is dedication!

Our walk that morning was just a short walk, a little more than 15 minutes each way. After making an offering we collected water from the Mississippi. Since I hadn’t brought my own vessel, someone was kind enough to share a vessel with me to carry the water. The women carry the water. The men can walk to support the woman but the responsibility to carry the water lies with the women. It was explained to me that in this indigenous people’s culture, the woman is the creator of life. She is life. The water is life. We cannot live without the water. This is why it is her responsibility to collect the water, to care for the water, to protect the water. This makes sense to me. The woman is the creative life force, the goddess, the bringer of life. We collect the water and walked along while songs were sung in a native language.

I walked with the water, between my friend and my husband. I was surrounded by a community of people all who I was so proud to be a part of. I felt honored to be welcomed to participate with this dynamic group. August 4th there will be a Nibi Walk along the the Wisconsin River. These amazing women walk about 28 miles a day. Everyone is welcome to participate, even if they can only walk 1 mile 1 day. The Wisconsin River Nibi Walk concludes on Aug 18th. If I did not already have plans for these weekends I would walk at least one day with them. Next year the walk will be along the Red River. I grew up in the Red River Valley. I feel a kinship to this river. I plan to participate in the Red River Nibi Walk. I already have friend who is planning on joining the cause with me.

Are you available to support either of these walks? I hope you will consider it. If you cannot be there in person perhaps you would like to support them with a donation toward the preservation of clean water. (Click the link if you would like to make a donation) When they asked for donations, they said one of the uses for them would be to get more youth involved in the walks. What a wonderful thing for the children of today, our leaders of tomorrow, to participate in an event like this!

After we walked to the designated spot, we climbed down the bank and returned our water to the river. We then climbed up from the river to walk back and join in the circle for a final part of the ceremony. We came together as a community. We shared our experiences, met new friends and reconnect with those we had met before. I even met a Minnesota House of Representative; Mary Kunesh-Podein. Who was there, not to campaign but to support this important cause. Adventure Sister Emy is also running on a platform that is all about clean water and protecting what we love. Both of these woman need our support in order to be able to make a difference.

I encourage you to do what you can to make a difference, whether it is joining an event, sharing the word about these events, financially supporting an event or a candidate. You have to do what feels right for you.

“To thine own self be true”~ William Shakespeare

We all need water to survive. Even if all you do is read this blog, share this blog, or learn more about Nibi Walks, you can make a difference.

I love you! Thank you for reading my blog today. May you find and follow your passion, as if by magic.

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Stepping into Your Power; 3 Techniques To Help You No Longer Feel Trapped or Powerless.

I’ve been listening to Mike Dooley’s auto book Infinite Possibilities. It is a great book discussing your ability to create the world around you. It dives into the how and why thoughts become things. There is a part of the book where he talks about depression. He references that a description of depression, that resonates with him, comes from one of the Seth books, by Jane Roberts. In this book Seth describes depression as feeling powerless. He goes on to expand on this description as feeling as if you are trapped by your life. Have you ever felt powerless and trapped by your life?

First off, let me say, depression can be a very serious disease. I do not intend to take it lightly or, for this blog, to inspire anyone to stop taking medication to treat depression. Always talk to your doctor before stopping depression medication. They are not meant to be stopped suddenly. If you feel depressed, get help; talk to a professional!

Now let’s talk about how you can address your feelings of powerlessness. Let’s talk about you no longer letting the circumstances of your life make you feel trapped. Where is your focus? What is it that consumes your thoughts? Like the quote by Norman Vincent Peale says, “Change your thoughts, change your world“. Have you seen the picture where two men are riding on the train? One man is seated on the right side of the train and his window looks out onto the stone cliff wall. He has no view at all, just the dark grey rock of the cliff. The other man is seated on the left side of the train and his window looks out into a vast and sunny landscape. The man on the right is frowning and looking disappointed. The man on the left is smiling and obviously enjoying the ride very much. All the man on the right has to do is turn his head to the left to see the same stunning view the other man sees. In fact, there are even more seats available on the left side of the train. He could just move to a different window seat if he is not enjoying the current view out of his window. There is always, always, always something to be grateful for! Sometime we just have to take notice of it.

Visualization is another important tool in helping you change your world. Imagine the future you want. Picture the things that will help you to feel the way you want to feel. Let’s say you want to feel joyful. Visualize yourself doing something that feels that way. Maybe you are sitting on a blanket in a grassy meadow on a warm sunny day, with just the right amount of breeze, surrounded by puppies. The puppies are up to funny antics, romping and playing with one another. Some are climbing on your lap and licking your face. You can’t help but giggle and feel joyous as the sun warms your face and your soul feels renewed. There are so many joyous events you could visualize. Maybe you see yourself going to the mailbox and opening an envelope. When you see what is inside your eyes widen, your heart lightens, and you whoop for joy! What great news! You have been hoping this would happen and now here is the confirmation that your dream has come true! You pump your arms in the air and maybe jump for joy as you run back to the house to share the great news with your friends and loved ones. They are all as happy and excited as you are! They celebrate and share your joy!

One final suggestion I have is to take action. This can feel daunting and even impossible at times but you can do it. It doesn’t have to be a big action. Get out into nature. Mother Nature has an amazing ability to feed our soul and help us feel renewed. Go for a walk. Our bodies are meant to move. Endorphins are released when we move and they stimulate our brains to feel better. Pick a corner of your home and clean it. I always feel better when my space is clean and uncluttered. Trying to take on the whole home feels to overwhelming but cleaning off the top of just one table, going through one drawer, or washing some dishes can have a great effect on the psyche and get some momentum flowing. It can also help you feel some pride, which is a powerful thing in moving out of powerlessness and into taking the reins of your life and living your dreams.

If you are feeling powerlessness and trapped by your life, I am so sorry that you feel that way. It is not a fun place to be. Be brave, take a couple small steps today. You can do it. Seek help, you do not have to go it alone. Look for the things you are grateful for. Noticing them will bring more things to be grateful for into your life. Visualize a better tomorrow. Our thoughts do create our reality. Take action, it does not have to be a big action, just a couple small steps can really get the ball rolling toward living the life of your dreams. In fact, you already did take action. You read this blog! I love you. I am proud of you!

Thank you for reading my blog today. May you feel powerful and live the life of your dreams, as if by magic!

Daily Meditation Adventure – Week 11

If you have not already joined our Daily Meditation Adventure, I hope you will still do so. Here’s how the last week went for me.

Experiences during the week: I notice that I am (more able) to get into a meditative state. I also notice that I am able to settle into longer and longer meditations. I went from 10 minutes one day to 20 minutes the next day and the 20 minute meditation actually felt shorter than the 10.

My weight: Intermittent fasting has sprang my weight loss forward. I have lost about 7 lbs since starting it. I find it very helpful. The meditations certainly help me stick to the hours of fasting but are not the soul cause of my weight loss.

How I feel: I feel more connected. I find that I am manifesting situations and experiences more quickly since starting my meditation practice. Even if my practice has not been perfect and I have missed days (even weeks) at one point, the constant return and true desire to have a daily practice seems to be enhancing my life.

How it is affecting my life: One day I chose a guided meditation for creativity. I felt very inspired after the meditation and wrote short story. I feel that at this point the meditation is more of a beneficial presence in my life rather than the stressor that it was when I first started doing it.

What I have learned: I have learned to never give up. To try try again and I will be successful. What a Lessons that is! There are so many times in life when our first attempt at something does not yield the results we would like. But we can be successful We WILL be successful if only we believed continue to try!

Oprah and Deepak are offering a free 21 day meditation series. There is an app you download and you can listen to a new lesson and meditation everyday that builds on the previous day or can stand alone. This series is the Energy of Attraction. In the past I joined a series that was related to Time. They are definitely worth checking them out.

I would love to hear your experiences with this. Have you fallen off the meditation wagon? Have you maintained daily meditation? Have you enjoyed this adventure? Is meditation helping enhance your life?

Thank you for reading my blog today. I wish you a lifetime of achieving goals and the drive to keep going to get to limited-less success, as if by magic.

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