When was the last time you did something foolish?

 

When was the last time you did something foolish?

When was the last time you did something foolish? Playing tricks on people can be humorous, and we all enjoy a good laugh. That is one aspect of April Fool's Day. In 1998, Burger King announced their new Left Handed Burger on April Fool's Day and thousands of customers went to their stores to buy one before the chain announced the next day that it was a joke. Beyond that aspect, every day we have opportunities to choose from, and we exercise our free will every day in choosing between foolish risks and calculated risks. Sometimes, the wise choice looks foolish to others. Shark Tank, the TV show where highly successful business sharks consider backing new inventions, took a pass on the ring doorbell camera. And that became more successful than other new businesses they chose to back. Mark Twain, the famous author, declined to invest in the telephone. Who was foolish in those choices? When I made this my full time business 15 years ago, my mother asked me when I was going to get a real job again. Now, over time she came to appreciate some of the things I do, and she knows that this is a real job. My point is that every time we do something foolish it feels exciting and fresh. When you are doing something new or different and being more humorous and playful, being foolish sparks joy. When we look at the world with a sense of joy, we lift our spirits when we do things that are lighthearted and playful. When we look at a situation and notice that we always do things the same way, our open mind can see different ways to achieve our goals. When we do something different than usual, some will think our new approach is foolish. But is it really? How often do we excede previous limitations when we do something different, something others might think is foollish. We also need to be kind to ourselves when we make mistakes. Being kind to others helps us get past their errors and start fresh. We need to do the same with ourselves and not carry on beating ourselves up when we make a mistake. We need to forgive ourselves and try again. What others may consider foolish often leads to creativity, innovation and personal growth. Many years ago, I was invited to go to a workshop where we walked on fire. My first impression was to wonder how foolish that was and how anyone could do that and not hurt themselves. Then I did it, along with everyone else in the group. And then I wondered what else there was that I thought I could not do, that I could do if I changed my mind. That foolish act broke through barriers. When was the last time others felt that you were being foolish? When was the last time you felt you were being foolish? See the difference between the two? Happy April Fool's Day! The image above is from the Elemental Wisdom Tarot I always love getting feedback, so if any of you has thoughts about these articles I write, or any idea you would like me to include in my newsletters, I will consider all suggestions.

Balancing Acts

 

Balancing Acts

The Spring Equinox this coming Thursday, March 20, brings to mind the value of keeping our balance as we pursue our goals and dreams. This day is equal parts day and night and then tips the balance into more light every day. This is a physical sign of the changes nature is bringing, swinging back and forth between light and dark with the two balance points in the year of the spring and fall equinoxes. There are lots of ways to help us keep our balance. How does that work for us? One big challenge is to reserve some time in our day to nurture our personal relationships and not neglect them because we are working hard at building our business. Both are important. An important aspect is balancing between physical and non-physical activities. I reserve some time almost every day to go to the gym to balance out all the time I spend at my desk talking with people and getting things done on the computer. In the picture above are some of the instruments I use to create additional sound and vibration to reiki energy healing sessions. Sound can help to re-balance us by vibrating through us, with the flow of those vibrations carrying tensions away like a river carrying those disturbances to our system out of our body and into mother earth for recycling. What other ways do we seek balance in our life? How do we balance our every day goals with our long term goals? When we take a little time each day to reflect on where we are and where we are going, we check in with our spirit guides, take a little time to read literature that inspires us, and then think about any changes we want to make to bring us more balance, we will feel better about having our thoughts and actions aligned. Doing that always brings feelings of peace and happiness. Grounding and centering helps us keep our balance. There is always a balance between the give and take in all our relationships. How is the balance between give and take in yours? In our everyday balance, and in the bigger picture,we have karma, where we get back what we give out. When we pay attention to our balance, we often find those places in our life where we need to adjust the balance in order to get a smoother flow of energy in total. Another aspect is this. When we are finding our attention drawn to a subject, it might be that following up on that curiosity will help bring more balance into our life. Our spirit guides often inspire us to follow a lead to get a balancing aspect into our life that we didn't know we needed until after we check it out to see how it feels for us. I always love getting feedback, so if any of you has thoughts about these articles I write, or any idea you would like me to include in my newsletters, I will consider all suggestions.

Laughter Lightning

 

Laughter Lightning

Laughter is lightning for our mind. Why is that? What is the nature of comedy? Why does it work? Comedians and humorous writers see the same things we see, but they see things differently, and when we are cracking up because of this different point of view, lightning is zapping our mind. This past month, one of my favorite authors crossed over into the the next dimension where we all go for our encore performances. Tom Robbins was a writer who had a great sense of humor. He lived 92 years and wrote stories that had me dropping the books while cracking up with laughter. Another of my favorite authors, Ray Bradbury, also was 92 when he made his transition. Hmmm..............I wonder what that means? So often, when a person wants a day off from work they have to call in sick in order to get it. Robbins called in well when he sold his first novel and never went back to his day job. Interestingly, Robbins wrote all of his book manuscripts long hand, then had someone else type them up to send to his publisher. One other author you might have read, Wayne Dyer, also wrote all his books long hand. Writing by hand slows the process down while encouraging deeper connection to thoughts with the written words becoming an act of creation, thoughts manifesting into action. We create in three levels of communication. We begin with a thought, the second level is when we speak those thoughts, then thirdly, they take on another level of reality when we write them down. Robbins was unique in that he was not only humorous, but his books included metaphysical matters like reincarnation, tarot card readings, aromatherapy, the second coming, the dance of the seven veils, moon lore, mythology and more, all treated with a wildly weird sense of humor. Robbins could find humor everywhere, even in subjects we don't usually find humorous. His most popular titles include: Jitterbug Perfume Even Cowgirls Get the Blues Still Life with Woodpecker Another Roadside Attraction Skinny Legs and All Half Asleep in Frog Pajamas Tibetan Peach Pie Now I know that what might be hilarious to me might not be to your taste, but my main point here is the value of humor in our life, the value of humor to our spirit, and its use in healing. Notice how a joke or funny story breaks the ice when meeting new people or starting a presentation. Notice how when you are feeling stressed or burdened that finding something to laugh about lightens the load. After laughing a bit, you might decide that there are some things on your mind you can let go of, or not worry about. And there have been studies done where they discovered that laughter can help boost the immune system. Music helps boost the immune system too. Often, I look on Netflix to watch stand up comedians after a long day of work or to lift my spirits after a stretch of focused, intense sessions. And as you have noticed, I like to use humor to help make points in my sessions. One of the other benefits I have noticed from fun reading is this. When we read books that require focus because we are learning something new, we may be going over parts of it and making notes. We are working at a slower pace. When I take a break just to read a fun book, my pace is quicker, so when I return to the books that require more attention, my mind is quicker, my reading speed is faster. Humor lifts our spirits in the same way that love does. When you laugh with a person, your energies become warmer and more harmonious. Who are your favorite authors who write with a great sense of humor? I am always willing to check out new ones, just as I am always checking out new comedians. I always love hearing from you, so if you feel like sending me a note, calling or coming to see me, please do! If any of you has any idea you would like me to include in my newsletters, I will consider all suggestions. *********************

What do we learn from disasters?

 

What do we learn from disasters?

Disasters, while tragic, often serve as a poignant reminder of our resilience and the unyielding spirit of community. Observing the California fires, it’s heartwarming to witness how adversity ignites a collective drive to support one another, showcasing the innate goodness of humanity. Many survivors, despite losing their homes, emphasize the priceless value of life and loved ones, a perspective that, while seemingly simplistic, starkly contrasts our often distracted daily lives. These harrowing events compel us to re-evaluate our priorities, fostering gratitude for the little things we might otherwise take for granted. Remember the fires here a few years ago? For a while, those of us who lived in nearby towns were hyper alert, hoping the fires would be put out before they could spread here. We were greatly relieved when they did not. The sight of entire neighborhoods consumed by fire is both chilling and awe-inspiring, as we are reminded of the fragility of our built environments. Ultimately, disasters teach us that while structures may crumble, the bonds of community and the appreciation for life endure, and that is a lesson worth holding onto. Disasters are literally the end of one phase of our life and the beginning of our next phase. Our things may all be gone, but our spirit helps us begin again, this time, with even more heart.

Midwinter Joys, Snow or No

 

Midwinter Joys, Snow or No

As we embrace December this year, there is a palpable shift in energy that feels notably more serene than in years past. While the festive atmosphere still hosts its share of gatherings, they resonate with a quieter, more intimate vibe that encourages us to slow down and savor the moments. This season, illuminated by the Full Oak Moon or Cold Moon, invites us into a space of profound reflection and introspection. It is a time when the Sagittarius season inspires us to dream boldly about the future while honoring the cyclical nature of our lives. The cold, characteristic of this time of year, serves as a gentle reminder of the strength that lies in the restful depths of winter. As the Oak symbolizes resilience and the promise of new beginnings, we are reminded that, like this magnificent tree, our spirits too will awaken and flourish as the sunlight gradually returns, leading us into the vibrant renewal of summer. December was also the time when druids harvested mistletoe from oaks. Mistletoe does not grow on the earth or in the sky, but rather high up in the tree, between heaven and earth. An appropriate sort of meditation for this time. With the festive spirit of the season, we treat ourselves to parties and special events before putting renewed energy back into our work after the holidays. Some of us are enjoying popular Christmas traditions while others of us are enjoying other ways to celebrate the season. Some people want snow so that it fits their picture of the season. Of course, some parts of our country now have so much snow that they are not hoping for more. People who work in ski resorts want all they can get, yet one of the odd results of global warming is that some ski resorts are not open due to lack of snow, and in places around the world, glaciers are melting, including our own Glacier National Park, which some time in the near future, will not have any more glaciers. Part of the changing realities of our present world. Let us embrace this quieter energy as an opportunity for growth and rejuvenation, setting the stage for the blossoming possibilities that lie ahead. I always love hearing from you, so if you feel like sending me a note, calling or coming to see me, please do!

In the Wee Small Hours

 

In the Wee Small Hours

A frequently asked question is what does it mean when we wake up at 3 am with thoughts and dreams that are powerful enough to wake us, and then we go back to sleep. It seems that the universe opens its doors, inviting us to receive messages from the spirit realm. It's almost as if the cosmos has set up an exclusive late-night hotline just for us! Tied intricately to the number 3—often celebrated as the number of manifestation and creation—this hour becomes a golden opportunity for inspiration and enlightenment. So, if you find yourself wide awake, staring at the ceiling, take a moment to embrace the magic of the night. Who knows? You might just be on the brink of a profound revelation or a brilliant idea waiting to burst forth into existence! Jot it down so that you can reconsider it after you wake up to start your day. Awakening during the early hours of the morning, such as at 2, 3, 4, 5 can hold intriguing significance beyond mere sleep disruption. Many cultures and belief systems suggest that these awakenings may be linked to our body's natural rhythms or even spiritual messages. For instance, waking at 2 AM might indicate a time for reflection and self-evaluation with a focus on balance, while 4 AM could be associated with heightened intuition and creativity and how they can be used for stress relief. Waking at 5 can be about connecting with higher realms and aligning with circadian rhythms. These moments of awakening can serve as invitations to explore our inner thoughts, reevaluate our goals, or connect with deeper aspects of ourselves. Embracing these early hours with curiosity may lead to profound insights and personal growth, transforming what may seem like an inconvenience into an opportunity for self-discovery and inspiration. It is a common experience to awaken with a flurry of ideas and insights, only to find ourselves drifting back into the comfort of sleep, allowing those valuable thoughts to slip away into the recesses of our minds. Imagine the potential unlocked by simply keeping a notepad by your bedside, ready to document those bursts of creativity and reflection. Embracing this practice not only helps preserve our ideas but also empowers us to harness our subconscious mind, transforming those ephemeral thoughts into tangible actions that can lead us toward our aspirations. So, let us strive to awaken not just our bodies, but also our creativity, ensuring that no brilliant thought goes unnoticed or unrecorded. Does this season, this part of the year, bnring you any different awakenings?

Dressed to the Nines

 

Dressed to the Nines

Dressed to the nines is an old expression meaning to the highest degree. As we know from numerology, 9 signifies the completion of a cycle, getting things finished and wrapping things up. Nine is not only the number of completion, it is also the number of wisdom and leadership. That is why people traditionally dress up when going to a symphony, theater performance, a public presentation by a well known speaker, a business event such as an expo or awards ceremony. These kinds of dress up occasions reflect the special vibe of the event, where the participants will all dress up creating an aura of higher energy. Some people joke about having a suit for weddings and funerals, but the other examples named above are times when excellence is awarded and the evening is enveloped in a celebratory aura. This includes getting together with family & friends for Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas and Solstice parties, going to New Year's Eve parties. It feels good to be casual for every day, and dress for events. Another way to look at dress is this. We notice that shamans, healers, and spiritual leaders of all kinds don special garments before beginning to lead ceremonies. Why? Because the person getting dressed to lead a ritual of any kind is getting their mind into that altered state. You could say that for the leader, the ritual is beginning from the time they do their ritual cleaning and dressing, then getting their tools ready for use. So they are changing their consciousness as they prepare and they are in an altered state before their performance begins and lasts beyond the night. The energy stays with us for a good while after a ceremony. Changing our appearance is all about changing our attitude and mental state. We are changing our mind as we change our clothes. And this suggests to us excellence, doing the best we can, using our abilities to the nines. Many of us have experienced that feeling of the nines when we have set a goal and accomplished it, whether in our career, a sport, a hobby, overcoming a health challenge, or perhaps as a volunteer with a charity. Even when we are teaching ourselves something new or developing a new habit, and we strive to do our best, we are going for the nines. Notice how you do certain things to shift your consciousness. Is your desk or office set up to facilitate your flow and productivity? Do you wear certain things to get ready? What habits do you cultivate to sharpen your wits and shift your consciousness? When do you dress to the nines? How do you feel about yourself when you do? How does your outer state reflect your inner state? Are you considering some new ideas about this now? I always love hearing from you, so if you feel like sending me a note, calling or coming to see me, please do! If any of you has any idea you would like me to include in my newsletters, I will consider all suggestions.