wisdom – Page 2 – Butterfly Spirit!

Brave – Sara Bareilles

You can be amazing
You can turn a phrase into a weapon or a drug
You can be the outcast
Or be the backlash of somebody’s lack of love
Or you can start speaking up

Nothing’s gonna hurt you the way that words do
When they settle ‘neath your skin
Kept on the inside and no sunlight
Sometimes a shadow wins
But I wonder what would happen if you

Say what you wanna say
And let the words fall out
Honestly, I wanna see you be brave
With what you want to say
And let the words fall out
Honestly, I wanna see you be brave

I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I wanna see you be brave

Everybody’s been there
Everybody’s been stared down by the enemy
Fallen for the fear
And done some disappearing
Bow down to the mighty
Don’t run, stop holding your tongue

Maybe there’s a way out of the cage where you live
Maybe one of these days you can let the light in
Show me how big your brave is

Say what you wanna say
And let the words fall out
Honestly, I wanna see you be brave
With what you want to say
And let the words fall out
Honestly, I wanna see you be brave

And since your history of silence
Won’t do you any good
Did you think it would?
Let your words be anything but empty
Why don’t you tell them the truth?

Say what you wanna say
And let the words fall out
Honestly, I wanna see you be brave
With what you want to say
And let the words fall out
Honestly, I wanna see you be brave

I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I wanna see you be brave

This beautiful song Brave by Sara Bareilles, is a reminder to take action! Be brave in the pursuit what sets your soul on free. Raise your voice, speak from your heart and know you are capable of achieving anything. Happy April and stay blessed xo

Kindness

Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind. Henry James

Wherever you are living, every human being has been impacted by Covid. We are all collectively sharing a similar dialogue. Though life has transformed, let us play our part by being kind to ourselves and others. Have you ever noticed, when you smile at a stranger they respond in the same manner? A smile is a warm exchange, that you are acknowledging someone. This is true kind-heartedness. It is an expression of gratitude from your heart to another.

I am humbled to write this piece from my own personal experience. We learn by hearing stories from others. Similar to our ancestors, they shared stories throughout generations to guide and teach us. These narratives were created to help you progress. We are able to relate, reflect and share our experience for the better. My story begins with nurturing of the spirit. I was in need of some vitamins and required a visit to a health and wellness store.

While searching for a few items, I saw a customer service representative and decided to ask for assistance. We spoke for a few moments. Instantly, I felt myself being triggered and judged. The guidance was unfriendly and it caused emotions to arise. Has this happened to you before? An interaction with a complete stranger can cause you to feel intense emotions? “I kept thinking, is this all about me? Am I projecting energy this is causing this all to happen”?

I absorbed the energy from the sales representative and was quite upset. They were condescending, and right away I felt small. Not a good feeling for the soul. Instead of walking away, I took a few breaths and came back to equanimity. Started to regain my strength and approached him. I needed to advocate for myself. I honoured myself and told him how the interaction made me feel. I explained the importance of being heart centered and kind – especially during Covid.

My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness. Dalai Lama

What I reflect on daily, is that I am unaware of what someone may be experiencing. When you demean someone else, majority of the time it is all about “YOU”. Kindness is inner job, first and foremost are you being kind to yourself? Your self-talk is vital to your wellbeing. Plant seeds of kindness within. They will begin to blossom from you heart and expand. Your inner discourse towards yourself impacts the mind and body connection.

When one stands up for themselves, it creates a domino affect. No matter what the situation is, may you always remember that you have every right to be heard and appreciated. You are strong and here to make an impact in the world. Kindness touches others. You do this by loving strangers unconditionally. Not by hiding yourself, however by shining your “LIGHT”. Let us all rise to by extending our best selves forward.

During the time of Covid, many have been soul searching. May you be mindful when encountering others, to be empathetic and genuine. It cost nothing to be kind to people. Why are we so guarded? How can we return to the essence of love? Love is a spiritual energy that changes the chemistry of our being. My observation over the past year is that we need to extend our compassion and be kind. Each day make it a priority to see someone smile. Uplift others for no reason or expectation.

Kindness is about giving from a sincere place within. Giving can take on many forms: listening to others or leaving a thank you note, this is kindness. Doing something for the sake of giving, to see someone light up from the inside out. Let kindness be in your smile, radiating from your heart – this will impact those around you. Do your best to do an act of kindness towards yourself and others daily. Lets create a world based on this principle.

Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love. Lao-Tzu

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

Poetry: I Carry Your Heart With Me – by E. E. Cummings

I Carry Your Heart (Print): "I carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)" ee cummings. Sarah Ann Campbell Design | Love life quotes, Girly quotes, Wonderful words

i carry your heart with me (i carry it in
my heart) i am never without it (anywhere
i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing, my darling)
i fear
no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet) i want
no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)
and it’s you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that’s keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)

I love to LOVE!T his poem by E. E. Cummings speaks volumes to the heart and soul. I hope you find what you are looking for when it comes to love & relationships. Remember you are divine, have so much to give and are precious. Your soulmate is in search of you, keep shining that beautiful spirit always xoxo

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

The Secret of Life

25 Jack Canfield Quotes To Nourish Your Soul (2019)

As the Lord was creating the world he called upon his Archangels.

The Lord asked his Archangels to help him decide where to put the secret of Life.

“Bury it in the ground, “one angel replied”.

“Put it on the bottom of the sea, said another”.

“Hide it in the mountains, “another suggested”.

The Lord replied, “if I see to do any of those only a few will find the secret of Life.

The Secret of Life must be accessible to EVERYONE!”

One angel, replied, “I know: put it in each man’s heart.

Nobody will think to look there”.

“Yes! Said the Lord. “Within each man’s heart”.

And so it was –

The SECRET OF LIFE lies within all of us.

Taken from the Chicken Soup For the Soul, by Jack Canfield. A gentle reminder to pay attention to your heart space. An energy center, that is always whispering messages to you. Are you taking time to slow down and listen? May you always remember that you have divine wisdom within your soul. Stay well xo

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

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!

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

Wisdom – Ralph Waldo Emerson

A comforting quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson. I hope that everyone is taking care of there heart & souls. Remember to do what makes you smile each day. See the opportunity in each experience. Please remember you are capable of achieving anything you desire. Laugh, love and never forget to dream! Blessings xo