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Dig a Little Deeper

Date: January 12, 2012  Author: admin 8 Comments

 

 

It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.

~Aristotle~

I like to believe that Aristotle was suggesting that we watch not only the external voices, but our own internal voices, as well. In a recent post I invited you to watch your thoughts and recognize the negative voices that may be holding you back from living your best life. Our thoughts make up our experience of the World, moment to moment, and being aware of our thoughts, and consciously rewriting the messages we are telling ourselves is important. This time I am going to recommend that we dig a little deeper, as I believe that there is another tool we can use to expedite the process of internal positive change which will then allow us to be even better creators of our lives.

 

Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.

~Rumi~

The above is a favorite Rumi quote of mine, and I whole-heartedly agree with him. I also believe that it is our job to look inside and find the barriers within that we have built against allowing ourselves to live our best life. To the best of my ability, I actively live what author Angeles Arrien coined, The Four Fold Path: show up, pay attention, tell the truth and don’t be attached to outcome. This wonderful methodology can be applied not only to our everyday lives, but also as a way to assist us in finding the barriers we carry within. After all, how can we ask ourselves to show up, pay attention, tell the truth and not be attached to outcome with others if we are not able to do so with ourselves?

 

There are no constraints on the human mind, no walls around the human spirit, no barriers to our progress except those we ourselves erect.

~Ronald Reagan~

Ack! I shall break through my own barrier and agree with Reagan! haha The man was right on this one, and hey, he was an Actor turned President, so he certainly knows about breaking through constraints, right? It’s time to Love ourselves enough to not only watch our negative thinking patterns, but to courageously face the underlying emotions holding us back.

 

For this exercise, set mental programming aside. First, show up for yourself by turning inward. Sit comfortably, close your eyes and turn your attention inside your body. Secondly, pay attention to what is going on within by naming it. What is the emotion behind the thought? Thirdly, tell the Truth. If the emotion is fear, embrace it. Our emotions are simply there doing a job, often to protect us. Be honest with yourself about what is behind the emotion. The fourth and final step is not being attached to outcome. The opposite of attachment is release, and it is through release that we can get to the other side. Know that the emotion served a purpose, thank it, hug it, and say something like, “You are no longer needed. Goodbye.” When this is done with intention, it works surprisingly well.

 

You cannot be wimpy out there on the dream-seeking trail. Dare to break through barriers, to find your own path.

~Les Brown~

It is time to take your own Power back and courageously face your barriers head-on. Know that you are so worthy of having the best life you can live. I invite you to dig deeper to look at what you are letting stand in your way. By courageously facing that which is holding us back, embracing and releasing those blocks, we free ourselves to move through life harmoniously and successfully on our true soul journey.

Love and Blessings,
Antonia

Beauty and Wonder of Bali

Date: January 5, 2012  Author: admin 6 Comments

Antonia, morning meditation at Sanur Beach

After many, many hours of flight (three days, to be exact), a friend and I finally arrived upon the beautiful Indonesian island of Bali. There is a magical wondrous underlying energy here, and I’ve felt immensely grateful to have an opportunity to realize my dream of visiting this spectacular and special land. While the journey’s beginning didn’t match my pictures, my quest to seek out the beauty of the land and incredible temples has exceeded my expectations. I share some of the gloriousness with you here, beloved reader. EnJoy!

 

Sanur Beach

Family Purification Ceremony

Ganung Batur, active volcanic caldera along Lake Batur

Bata Karu

Rice fields in Northern Bali

Near Tanah Lot Temple

Volcanic pools at Pura Thirta Empul

Christina Tobin and Antonia at the Pura Tirta Empul (Purification Holy Temple) 926 C.E.

 

Antonia at Pura Tirta Temple

Love and Blessings,

Antonia

Easing into the Holiday’s

Date: December 8, 2011  Author: admin 10 Comments

The bright, festive leaves of fall are beginning to return to the earth, setting the stage for winter and many holiday festivities. The stark beauty and stillness found in our natural surroundings lie in sharp contrast to the sped up lifestyles we can find ourselves leading during this time of the year. While gathering with friends, family and loved ones is a wonderful way to share in the heart-centered traditions of year’s past, it can also lead to some feelings of overwhelm. There are ways in which we can make the upcoming holidays, and inevitable full schedules, easier on ourselves so we can flow through with ease, grace, and smiles on our faces.

 

1.)   Presence: It is so important to stay in the moment, which is where our true power resides. Getting caught up in what needs to be done in the future, or head tripping on the past diminishes our ability to utilize the now.

 

 

 

2.) Body Awareness: In the hustle and bustle of festive activities even the most conscientious of us can lose touch with the vessel carrying us through it all. Remembering to stop and check in with your body is very important, and will allow you to stay centered and nourished during the busy times. Breathe. Allow your breath to carry you inward, expanding and revitalizing you. What needs does your body have? Are you eating right, and drinking enough water? Pure, clean drinking water combats dehydration, which is the main reason for a great deal of fatigue, headaches, and even muscle spasms and back pain.

 

 

 

3.)   Attitude of Ease: It’s okay to let things be easy. I know this can seem contradictory to what we were told, so I think it bears repeating. It’s all right to let things be easy and flowing. While life requires that we put in hard work, that doesn’t mean that life is supposed to be a constant challenge. Reframing our inner attitudes and expectations has a profound influence on our everyday lives. Decide to let it be simple, and fun, so you can gracefully flow from one activity to the next, bringing your best (unhurried) self forward.

 

4.)   Release expectations: It’s natural to want things to be perfect, but there really is no such thing as ‘perfection’. Be gentle with yourself and cut yourself some slack. Set limits, simplify, and be willing to say ‘no’ when it’s appropriate. It’ll be better to arrive a glowing version of yourself than a frazzled one; you’ll all have more fun!

 

5.)   Stillness: I am a strong proponent of the nap. Even lying down for 10-15 minutes can reset the body, and assist you in moving from one task to the next far more efficiently. Unplug and give yourself a moment of calm centering.

 

6.)   Nature: When we spend too much time indoors under synthetic lighting, we can get out of sync with natural rhythms. Bundle up and step outdoors. Mother Earth’s energy is drawing down and inward for regeneration to ensure a plentiful springtime. Breathe in the beauty of nature’s stillness.

 

7.) Gratitude: Place your attention on that which is going right, and count those  Beautiful Blessings. Gratitude alters perception and makes it impossible to stay in lower vibrational energies like stress, worry and frustration. Let the simple practice of peaceful, surrendered, Loving Gratitude change the moment, and your life.

 

8.)   Pamper: What nourishes your body, mind and soul? Light candles and put on some soothing music. Take a bubble bath and sooth your whole being. Get a massage, or other favorite bodywork. Take a rejuvenating yoga class. Travel inward with meditation and have a conversation with your heart. Gift yourself with comforting activities which will assist you in being the best you, so you can enjoy the delicious gifts brought forth during this wonderful time of the year.

 

Wishing you a beautiful Holiday Season!

 

Love and Blessings,

Antonia

Energetic Space Clearing

Date: November 17, 2011  Author: admin 14 Comments

 

Since ancient times, people have used various forms of energetic space clearing to remove residual energies which build up where people live, work, or spend time. While our homes and offices can provide a wonderful respite in which we can live, play, create, and rest, it is important to occasionally take time to revitalize rooms by clearing out the stagnant energies that accumulate. In the interconnected web of life, our energies have frequencies, and the patterns of these energies remain in the areas we touch. Most religious traditions have a method for consecrating sacred space, removing negative energies so that visitors are more likely to connect with divinity, rather than the energies of other patrons. We can utilize these same practices to uplift our homes and workspaces, so that they are a continuing source of rejuvenation, upliftment and nourishing support to us.

 

Culturally and historically

 

The Native Americans have used drums, rattles, and the burning of herbs to clear negative energies. In the Middle East resins are used, such as the burning of frankincense and myrrh. The Balinese are known for using bells to clear and heighten energies. While in China, the use of gongs, chanting and incense are frequently used. Energetic space clearing has a long, ancient history.

 

When to energetically clear space:

  • New home/new office: Make a fresh start in your new space by consciously removing stagnant energies lingering from past residents.

 

  • Remodeling/Construction: Neutralize the energies which probably arrived with the new additions to the home or office, and which may have entered the space with the individuals who assisted with the changes being made.

 

  • Challenges: If there has been illness, divorce, death, or other stressful situations, there is likely a need for conscious clearing and revitalizing.

 

  • Seasons: It is wonderful to do this as the season’s change. I am particularly fond of doing clearing rituals in Spring and Fall.


  • Deep cleaning: You went through and got rid of all of the extra stuff in your home and/or office. Good for you! Now you can complete the process by clearing out old energies, too!

 

  • Celebrations: Welcome the new baby, new partnership or other celebratory moment by first completing your own energetic clearing of the home or office.

 

  • Shifting things: Are you feeling creatively blocked? Does the space just not feel right? Then, the removal of residual energy patterns should help shift things.

 

 

How to energetically space clear:

 

  • Intent: Firstly, set an intention to remove undesired energies, and to bring in more loving, nurturing and harmonious energies into the space.

 

  • Sound: Use of sound is an excellent way to energetically space clear. You can use bells, gongs, drums, rattles, chimes, crystal bowls, tuning forks, or vocal toning. I prefer the use of bells for this stage of clearing, and find it to be the most effective method to quickly dispel undesired energies.

 

  • Smudging: The burning of herbs as a space clearing technique is an ancient and widely used practice. The Native American practice of smudging with sage is a favorite of mine. You can also use various bundled herbs (sweet grass, rosemary, cedar, pine, and juniper are common), incense, or a favorite resin. Give extra attention to the corners of rooms, and under things, where stuck energies like to reside. Be sure to catch falling ash in a dish, and extinguish properly after use.

 

  • Air: Open all of the windows in your house and allow the air to move through the building, revitalizing the energies.

 

  • Salt: A small amount of salt can be spread around the perimeters of the space being cleared, but it is important to vacuum it up within twenty-four hours. Another method is to place a bowl of salt in the center of the room to absorb energies. Again, this should be removed within a day. Make certain to use salt which has been securely stored prior to use, and to properly dispose of your salt by pouring it in a local river, lake or toilet. Never reuse or eat this salt!

 

  • Water: Sprinkling water as a purification technique is another old tradition. One may also wish to lightly sprinkle water infused with essential oils to sweeten the cleared space. Rosemary, lavender and citrus oils are lovely for this purpose.

 

Our spaces are there to nourish, protect, and provide respite for us along the journey. By consciously taking time to clear out the energies and imbibe the space with our own love, they can become an even more nurturing and supportive place.

 

Love and Blessings,

Antonia

Autumnal Gifts

Date: October 26, 2011  Author: admin 16 Comments

While I’m certain that I fall in love with each of the seasons as they circle ‘round, I am finding this fall particularly inspiring. Nature’s festive autumn palette offers such an exquisite array of bright oranges, rich reds and warm golds, shimmering against the dark pine mountains and vibrant greens summer brought forth. The last of the sunny days shine across clear blue skies, giving way earlier and earlier to the longer, colder nights. As Mother Earth’s energy draws down into itself, we too can allow for the falling away of that which longer serves us, making room to welcome new unfoldings as the wheel of the year turns on.

 

 

The winds dance across mountaintops, sweeping down to share secrets with the valley floor. I’ve seen more fellow adventurers on the local hillside trails lately, as we journey out to admire the vibrant changes, festive Hallows decorations, and to drink in the last of the warmth offered prior to first frost’s bite. Scattered leaves stir around us, having served their purpose the plants return to Earth again, forces of death complete the endless cycle. Scattered on cool breezes, the seeds are sent forth for the next year. With clear intentions set, we can also sow new seeds to answer our heart’s calling.

 

 

Reflecting inward, we can look at what the seasons past have delivered into our lives this year, honouring the gifts and lessons brought forth. Through challenges, we can move forward with greater knowledge about what works, and what doesn’t. We also give thanks for our community, for their support assists our successes. Furthermore, this season invites gratitude to those who have come before us, the treasured ancestors who paved the way. And, we have gatherings to look forward to, as we joyously come together in upcoming Holidays.

For what do you give thanks this Fall Season?

Love and Blessings,
Antonia