spirituality – Page 2 – Butterfly Spirit!

Mark Nepo – Feeding Your Heart

No matter how dark,

the hand always knows

the way to the mouth.

-Idoma Proverb (Nigeria)

Even when we can’t see, we know how to feed ourselves. Even when the way isn’t clear, the heart still pumps. Even when afraid, the air of everything enters and leaves the lungs. Even when clouds grow thick, the sun still pours its light earthward.

This African proverb reminds us that things are never as bad as they seem inside the problem. We have inner reflexes that keep us alive, deep impulses of being and aliveness that work beneath the hardships we are struggling with.

We must remember: the hand cannot eliminate the darkness, only find its way to the mouth. Likewise, our belief in life cannot eliminate our suffering, only find its way to feed our heart.

The above excerpt was taken from “The Book of Awakening”, by Mark Nepo. A reminder to look within. Trust your inner self, keep faith and love at the forefront of all life decisions. May you always tune into your heart. Stay blessed xo

Innsaei – The Sea Within

Image result for deep intuition quotes images

Intuition is seeing with the soul. –Dean Koontz

It was a few years ago, when I watched a documentary called Innsaei on Netflix. It is no coincidence that I recently found this article on an old laptop. It was a frigid winter’s day in 2018, and I was feeling under the weather. A cold was brewing and my soul needed tending on every level. During times when a cold emerges – it’s time to go inwards and be still. On this particular day, I stumbled upon a Netflix documentary that spoke to the soul. Innsaei, written by Hrund Gunnstiensdottir and Kristin Olafsdottir from Iceland. At that precise moment, everything made sense – intuition is always working on your behalf.

Innsaei is an Icelandic term – translates to seeing from the inside out. The sea within – to perceive yourself. The documentary was about soul-searching and tuning into your intuition. The narrator was sharing her own personal legend. The questions I pose to you – how would life unfold if you let go of distractions, inner dialogue and most importantly stress? This is exactly what inspired her to write this documentary.

The film begins with Hrund, leaving a career indefinitely with the United Nations. She felt the UN was keeping her back from the life path she was intended for. Hrund wanted to connect with people. Share their stories, visions and perception on living a holistic life. This brave soul was choosing to go against the grain, leaving the conventional. The documentary intertwines the arts, spirituality, psychology, and education.

The filmmaker’s compelling narrative was a masterpiece. Something that I needed to hear on that particular day. Her burnout, disconnect from her workplace created space for opportunities. One could sense, she lost purpose with serving a system of bureaucracy and financial rewards. Her heart was interested in serving humanity – Mother Earth.

The Narrator left her lucrative job and dove into the unfamiliar. I know for many of us, the unknown can be daunting or even terrifying. You are in the uncomfortable and the only thing to do is surrender to divine grace. The void of the unknown is where transformation begins. There was a vision the filmmaker had which propelled her life forward. At the age of 60, she would travel the entire globe. Her desire was to meet people and inspire humanity. She was going to be the writer she dreamt of being, collecting stories and uniting hearts. The realization was the United Nations career no longer kept her motivated. It was time to move onto something new.

Practice listening to your intuition, your inner voice; ask questions; be curious; see what you see; hear what you hear; and then act upon what you know to be true. These intuitive powers were given to your soul at birth. —Clarissa Pinkola Estés

What is Intuition:

Intuition is your inner source of guidance. When you are in a state of equanimity and flow your intuition begins to whisper. It is that gut feeling you have about a particular situation, person or circumstance. The quiet voice within, that you may disregard is spirit talking to you. There are times when I have not listened to my intuition, however experiences became blessings in disguise.

The narrator traveled around the world to find the true meaning of intuition, and why we should use this inner intelligence to govern our lives. Here are three enlightening stories you may connect to with regards to intuition.

Interview with Malidoma Patrice, West African Leader/Elder

Malidoma Patrice, believed that Mother Earth is a symbol of the wound that all which live in it. Nature is a silent witness of intuition. Nature speaks in all kinds of languages. Our eyes, and ears are to hear and see, something that we often disregard. The sense of the internal. What is blocking us is the world noise of distractions. Nature is how we ignite our intuition. “Intuition binds us together” every human being.

Marina Abramovic – Grandmother of Performing Arts

Marina Abramovic, known as a Visual Arts Medium. She is a performance artist, writer and filmmaker. She uses her body to connect to emotions and the audience. Her message is to confront pain by observation and focus. Abramovic, teaches that ‘in order to create something new, human beings need to go into the unknown”. Intuition is something not to be afraid of. We all have inner gifts inside waiting to be expressed. Whether you are an artist, chef, poet or composer, your talents impact the world. Release your fears, honour your talents, you give others the courage to pursue their calling.

British School – Mindfulness

The narrator went to a school in the United Kingdom. Here she was shown how moments of mindfulness impact the behaviour and attitude of students. It was a new way of learning, as facilitators incorporated breathing practices, meditation and yoga into education. Children, even adults need time to breathe, connect with their hearts and have moments of stillness. The element of mindfulness allows one to be fully present in a state of peace.

What this documentary gave me was clarity. That everyone has their own unique timeline. Life unfolds the way it is supposed to. Focus on your daily objectives, wins and things which touch your spirit. It is never about anyone else but you. Suffering brings you closer to the higher-power for a reason. You need to create space for faith and your vision. Intuition is connecting to your higher self, it will never lead you astray. If you are at a crossroads in your life, may the next step elevate you towards your dream Allow the forces of nature to guide you, remember to seek within.

Come from the heart, the true heart, not the head. When in doubt, choose the heart. This does not mean to deny your own experiences and that which you have empirically learned through the years. It means to trust yourself to integrate intuition and experience. There is a balance, a harmony to be nurtured, between the head and the heart. When the intuition rings clear and true, loving impulses are favored. –Brian Weiss

Magic of the Universe

Speak To The Universe Quotes. QuotesGram

All the powers in the universe are already ours. It is we who have put our hands before our eyes and cry that it is dark. –Swami Vivekanada

What is the Universe? Defined by Wikipedia, “The universe is all of space and time and their contents, including planets, stars, galaxies, and all other forms of matter and energy”. The universe is precisely made up of components of the ethers! I once read that stars and humans consist of similar chemical elements. Think how magical you are, you are like stardust! In my own interpretation, the universe is a grand phenomenon. It listens and responds to our intentions and overall frequency. The universe is beyond our grasp, however resides within you. Listening intently to your thoughts and heart desires. An awareness that there is invisible force guiding your life and destiny.

The Universe is cosmically woven: embodies Mother Nature, galaxies, consciousness and humanity. It is endless, formless, it will always continue. For example, think of the symbol of infinity, there are two circles that overlap one another. Circles are infinite, never ceasing to stop. A circle is symbolic as it represents divine nature, chakra spiritual energy and patterns. The circle unifies and expands, it is associated with totality, wholeness and eternity. When you master your life lessons, everything comes full circle – you make a conscious choice to evolve.

Life is a full circle, widening until it joins the circle motions of the infinite. –Anais Nin.

For example, the sun, moon and earth are all circular. They are in harmony with the sacred universe, flowing like the cycles of nature. There is always balance and unification within the universe. A unified field of possibilities. All things have potential in every aspect of your life. Every decision you make connects you to your soul purpose. There is no separation, everyone is connected.

I have written about the concept of “Universe” in a few articles. Recently, I have felt compelled to research this topic further and understand how it was orchestrated. The definition of the universe may vary from each individual. How many times have you done this, looked up at the sky and asked how did creation begin? How did everything evolve? Evolution of mankind, it all started somewhere. Do you ever stargaze in the evening, hoping to see a shooting star or are mesmerized by the beauty of the sky? These are tiny miracles that shine upon us daily.

Look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see, and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious. –Stephen Hawking

The marvel of the Egyptian Pyramids, Stonehenge in the UK, and the Acropolis in Greece. These are all Ancient Wonders of the world, with profound historical significance. They were constructed or self-made centuries ago. It is remarkable how these ancient wonders are still standing. There are several theories on this, however this is an entire different article.

Did you know that the Universe resides in you? Within you, are all the answers your soul seeks. The Universe supports you and wants you to live your best life. For example, think of the universe as Aladdin’s lamp. The tale of Aladdin is about a young boy who discovers a magical lamp. He was only permitted three wishes to be granted by his companion the “Genie”. The universe is like the genie! It wants you to live beyond your dreams. Your emotions, thoughts, are all vibrations you transmit. The universe picks up on your requests and sends the frequency out to the universe. This can be defined and termed as the “Law of Attraction”.

The universe loves and cares for YOU in every way. Serendipities, signs, happenstances are all manifestations of the universe. Every aspect of your life is a blessing whether positive or negative. When you face doubt or lack, know source energy is taking care of you. All you have to do is ask. Asking? How many times do you forget to do that? Once you make a conscious decision on what you desire the universe hears that request instantly. Your only job is to be clear, trust the process of life and surrender. The universe is going to arrange every aspect of your life. As a musical symphony is composed of melodies and harmony, all the notes align together to make a masterpiece. Your life is like a beautiful song from the universe – sing it loud! It is meant to be absolutely glorious. Through our eyes, the universe is perceiving itself. Through our ears, the universe is listening to its harmonies. We are the witnesses through which the universe becomes conscious of its glory, of its magnificence – Alan Watts

You have been given the gifts from the beginning of birth, can you remember? The year 2020 has certainly been full of surprises. Can you align yourself to the light of the universe and open yourself to miracles? Perhaps, this is the time humanity is seeking transformation for the best. Let this year be a turning point for you. Healing, growing and shedding the past are central to 2020. Listen to your inner voice, the universe is YOU! Know you chose to be on earth, at this pivotal point in time. The unpredictable and unknown will create the life you have been waiting for!

Journeying Through – The Wizard of Oz

You’ve always had the power my dear, you just had to learn it for yourself. – Glinda the Good Witch

“There’s no place like home, there’s no place like home”. How many times have you heard this famous phrase from The Wizard of Oz? A novel written by Lyman Frank Baum in the 1930’s. I recall watching this classic movie as a young child numerous times. It invoked such magic and mystery. All I ever wanted was a pair of ruby shoes and to time travel! Wouldn’t be delightful to have those shoes, and manifest anything you desire? Maybe we could go back to the past, or see into the future? There is distinct symbolism behind The Wizard of Oz. The storyline and characters have a deeper spiritual connotation. Themes of love, friendship and trust are incorporated into this tale. I invite you to dive into the journey of Oz.

Dorothy Gayle, from Kansas is the main character of the story. A young spirit who is drawn to adventure and mysticism. Her life changes in an instant, during a dramatic storm. Everything is flipped upside down, as her home is lifted by a cyclone. Dorothy, along with her pet dog Toto arrive in a city called Oz. An enchanted place, full of illumination and wonder. Her home lands on the Wicked Witch of the East. The protagonist, feels abandoned and reluctant to trust others in Oz. Although the cyclone breaks Dorothy’s foundation, at this moment is when her spiritual quest begins. While she feels alone, there are pivotal characters that guide her towards self-discovery and “home”.

Glinda -The Good Witch

One of the first individuals Dorothy encounters is Glinda -The Good Witch. This character represents one of Dorothy’s spirit guides or can be depicted as distant family. Glinda, reiterates that Dorothy is always safe and guided by light. Glinda, almost seems like a guardian angel watching over Dorothy. The Good Witch gives Dorothy ruby slippers as a gift, to protect her from negativity. On Dorothy’s sacred quest she also encounters the Munchkins, who represent innocence, positivity and happiness. Glinda, reminds Dorothy to reflect inwards and pursue The Yellow Brick Road. This will lead her to the Emerald City and eventually back home.

The Yellow Brick Road signifies a spiritual pilgrimage. An emphasis, on what is ahead of you. Take time to visualize on your dreams, and the future you desire. Pursue your path to enlightenment, however daunting it may be. Self-discovery can be challenging at times, however you are ready. There are critical experiences that connect everything in your life.

The Yellow Brick road is yours to uncover and is uniquely woven. You have the answers, and are all knowing. Whatever path you take, you will end up exactly where you need to be. In Buddhist teachings, the Golden path is referred to as the path to your soul. The soul takes this journey in order to achieve enlightenment and return to the Higher Power. Perhaps, collectively individuals like Dorothy are on this inner search to really understand themselves?

Don’t wait for the right answer and the golden path to present themselves. This is precisely why you’re stuck. Starting without seeing the end is difficult, so we often wait until we see the end, scanning relentlessly for the right way, the best way and the perfect way – Seth Godin

Cowardly Lion

Each character Dorothy encounters is critical in her journey. The characters reflect emotions or parts of herself that she needs to acknowledge. The Cowardly Lion, signifies courage – to take changes, be brave SPEAK YOUR VOICE! We all have that lion energy within us. Do you honour yourself & boundaries? Take those risks and leaps of faith, you can accomplish anything you put your mind too! It is rewarding to know you are capable of changing your life at any given moment. Courage is something Dorothy needed while in Oz. She had to trust in the unfamiliar, surrender attachments and old versions of herself. Have you ever felt this way? In order to evolve, you may have to relinquish parts of yourself and give birth to a grander version.

Tin Man

The Tin Man, is the sacred heart. Are you tuning into your heart and inner wisdom? For years we have focused on the mind which governs many of us at times. The tendency is to get caught in ego mind, and disregard that essential energy we hold in our heart centre. The heart is a separate intuitive centre full of knowledge. When you allow your heart to expand, you elevate as a human being. That loving force is sensed by others instantly. The Tin Man was afraid to listen to his heart. When you are in unison with the mind and heart, harmony is created within. Dorothy had to open herself up while being in Oz, as she did, healing began. Do you feel like you need to connect with your heart centre? The Tin Man is a reminder to soften, and gently allow your heart to guide the way.

“Believe in Your Heart” Believe in your heart that you’re meant to live a life full of passion, purpose, magic and miracles.
― Roy T. Bennett

Scarecrow

In essence, the Wizard of Oz offers the spiritual gateway to the divine mind. Dorothy encounters the Scarecrow at a fork in the road. It is here, the decision to remain the same or evolve. The scarecrow is the reminder to connect to your consciousness. One can see how each character in the Wizard of Oz has a deeper significance. A phrase I am reminded of is: ”your mind is a garden. Your thoughts are the seeds. You can grow flowers or you can grow weeds”. Fill your mind with seeds of knowledge and it will expand like a garden. Being positive is the first step. However, add an emotional frequency of elevated states of such as; joy, peace, love, gratitude can truly bridge the heart/mind connection. Dorothy had to comprehend her higher mind, this is connected to a deeper energy.

True courage is in facing danger when you are afraid. – Wizard of Oz

The Wicked Witch of the West

This witch represents a part of ourselves we want to neglect. Our shadow self and the ego. The Wicked Witch of the West, was related to Dorothy’s inner fear and darkness. The witch wanted revenge on Dorothy has her home landed on her sister. The ego is a part of us, this is unquestionable. When we understand the ego, is here to teach us we break free from fear and attachment. Your thoughts are just thoughts, and can be changed instantly.

Dorothy was accompanied by all characters on pathway towards the Yellow Brick Road. In essence, she was collecting fragments of herself together to reconcile. The heart, mind and courage are elements we need to connect to daily. All characters assisted one another to grow in a distinctive way. They were sharing there story and elevated one another. However, it was Dorothy who was in search of the Golden Path.

The path to our destination is not always a straight one. We go down the wrong road, we get lost, we turn back. Maybe it doesn’t matter which road we embark on. Maybe what matters is that we embark.”
― Barbara Hall

One can assume that The Wizard of Oz was a dream sequence. All Dorothy had to do was click her Ruby shoes together and be home. Perhaps, she needed to encounter all the various characters, obstacles and epiphanies in order to truly find herself? Life is never a straight and narrow path, sometimes there will be detours and roadblocks overcome.

The Wizard in the Emerald City was unable to assist Dorothy for a specific reason. Dorothy’s revelation was to tune into her own heart, energy and soul in order to return home. She didn’t have to wish upon the rainbow, the rainbow was within her. The Golden Path was always within her reach.

You have plenty of courage, I am sure. All you need is confidence in yourself. There is no living thing that is not afraid when it faces danger. The true courage is in facing danger when you are afraid, and that kind of courage you have in plenty. – The Wizard of Oz

An Inspiring Story About Breathe

There is an old Vedic story about prana that occurs in various Upanishads. The five main faculties of our nature – the mind, breathe (prana), speech, ear and eye – were arguing with each other as to which was the best and most important. This reflects the ordinary human condition in which our faculties are not integrated but fight with each other, competing for their rule of our attention. To resolve this dispute they decided that each would leave the body and see whose absence was most missed.

First speech left the body, but the body continued though mute. Next the eye left, but the body continued though blind. Next the ear left, but the body continued though deaf. Then the mind left, but the body continued though the unconscious. Finally the prana began to leave and the body began to die and all the other faculties began to lose their energy. So they all rushed to prana and told it to stay, lauding its supremacy. Clearly prana won the argument. Prana gives energy to all our faculties. The moral of this story is that to control all our faculties the key is the control of prana/breathe.

The excerpt above is taken from “Yoga and Ayurveda” written by David Frawley pg. 120. I opened this book recently, and landed on this specific page. It was a gentle reminder to breathe. The power of our breathe brings us back to the present moment. Your breathe is home. Remember calm is a “superpower “- stay well xo

A Precious Human Life – The Dalai Lama

Every day, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be ...

A PRECIOUS HUMAN LIFE

“Every day

Think as you wake up,

Today I am fortunate

To have woken up,

I am alive,

I have a precious human life,

I am not going to waste it,

I am going to use

All my energies to develop myself,

To expand my heart out to others,

To achieve enlightenment for

The benefit of all beings,

I am going to have kind

Thoughts towards other,

I am not going to get angry,

Or think badly about others,

I am going to benefit others

As much as I can”

Words of wisdom from The Dalai Lama. Remember to be kind, gracious and extend your heart whenever you can. Wishing everyone a peaceful transition into July. Stay well xo

Yoga Inspiration – Yogi Bhajan

Never try to impress others, try to impress yourself and find ...

Let the wind be behind you
Angels dance with you
And your consciousness
Guide you to victory.
Let the angels
The Great Souls, the Avatars,
And all incarnations of God
Pray for you.
Walk tall and bless all,
In your innocence with your love,
For each one’s peace
And prosperity.
Remember what time wants:
Serve the needs of the time and space.
You will be sacred, exalted,
Beautiful, bountiful and fulfilled.

An enlightening quote from Yogi Bhajan. Due to Corona Virus, I have not been able to teach yoga since March. However, I have been following a few individuals online that have helped develop my individual practice. Yoga with Adriene, Yoga TX and Sarah Beth Yoga are great resources to enhance your yoga journey. Yoga brings me home, as I feel more balance, peace and light. This quote I often recited while teaching class to invigorate spirit and the soul! Let your heart guide you, dance with the angels and remember to L O V E xo!

My Love Is Your Love – Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston Quote: “I wish to you, joy and happiness. But ...

If tomorrow is judgement day
And I’m standin’ on the front line
And the Lord ask me what I did with my life
I will say I spent it with you

If I wake up in World War Three
I see destruction and poverty
And I feel like I wanna go home
It’s okay if you’re coming with me

‘Cause your love is my love
And my love is your love
It would take an eternity to break us
And the chains of Amistad couldn’t hold us

If I lose my fame and fortune
And I’m homeless on the street
And I’m sleepin’ in Grand Central Station
It’s okay if you’re sleepin’ with me

As the years they pass us by
We stay young through each other’s eyes
And no matter how old we get
It’s okay as long as I got you babe

‘Cause your love is my love
And my love is your love
It would take an eternity to break us
And the chains of Amistad couldn’t hold us

If I should die this very day
Don’t cry, ’cause on earth we wasn’t meant to stay
And no matter what the people say
I’ll be waiting for you after the judgement day

‘Cause your love is my love
And my love is your love
It would take an eternity to break us
And the chains of Amistad couldn’t hold us

A song of love and comfort from the late Whitney Houston. Let us remember that love has an healing energy and vibration. When we stand in love, peace and light, we can truly change the consciousness of humanity. Let us stand in Amistad. Pray, keep faith and rise. Stay blessed xo

The Golden Path – Seth Godin

Seth Godin Quote: Own your dreams. Empowering Quote Wall Art | Etsy

Don’t wait for the right answer and the golden path to present themselves.

This is precisely why you’re stuck. Starting without seeing the end is difficult, so we often wait until we see the end, scanning relentlessly for the right way, the best way and the perfect way.

The way to get unstuck is to start down the wrong path, right now.

Step by step, page by page, interaction by interaction. As you start moving, you can’t help but improve, can’t help but incrementally find yourself getting back toward your north star.

You might not end up with perfect, but it’s significantly more valuable than being stuck.

Don’t just start. Continue. Ship. Repeat.

An inspirational quote, from Author and Entrepreneur Seth Godin. A reminder to pursue the Golden Path. What is the Golden Path you may ask? It is your individual journey, the quest to inner peace and fulfillment. We may veer off our path at times, do know you will always be guided home. Allow love and peace to be at the center of your being. Be ambitious, take risks and seek your adventure! Stay blessed xo

Desiderata – Max Ehrmann

Be Gentle with Yourself by Max Ehrmann. $38.00, via Etsy ...

GO PLACIDLY amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.

The Desiderata was written by Max Ehrmann in 1927. He was an American writer who wrote on spiritual themes. I hope this selection of poetry provides comfort and peace during this time on Earth. A reminder that the universe is working with you. All things are coming together. Stay humble, remember self-love and care. SHINE your radiant heart xo