"When everything else disappears,
all that is left this time of year,
minutes seem to slip away, taking with it yesterday.
And when transformation spreads it's wings,
with it inspiration brings,
the spark of life echoes true, for I am truly born anew" Sasha Butterfly Rose, from her album 'Creation Song'
The transformation process may be as a whisper or a rumble. It may also include both and a wide spectrum in between. Today finds it whispering, on the tail end of one cycle. Without a doubt a new wave is not far away! There is never really an end or beginning. It seems that the moment I decided to say "YES!", years ago to this awakening Self, it has been a continuous, non-stop ride! I gave my permission, attuned to the Soul's song, and surrendered to the waves of conscious learning that our teacher, Life, introduces!
I am surfacing from a time of cleansing on very subtle and deep levels, in tandem with a root into more solid grounding, and celebrating a new ray of my Light! All energies have been focused, awareness has been on high alert, and old chapters have been closed. I have felt discombobulated within, which usually goes with the territory. Vulnerabilities have been running high, simultaneously, with a new strength. It is fascinating to realize how many contrary aspects we have in our being, even as they all conspire to bring us to wholeness! I never cease to be amazed at the hand of the Divine, always supporting us along our way, whether we see it or not!
So today, I find myself empty. I found I was moved to clean house, one thing just led to the next. No thought. No plan. Just an inner listening and following, bringing the sacred to the mundane. Before I knew the house was clean, the laundry almost done, noticing it is time to make one more stretch of myself today, and then who knows. I am witnessing once again, how much can 'get done', be 'productive', simply by being in the flow. No mind. No preferences. No inner committee with opinions. Just flowing, allowing my insides to move into their new places, just as it is mirrored in the immediate surroundings. A new home on both planes. This same dynamic has served me many times, alerting me to the 'setting' of this inner shift, at least temporarily.
In this emptiness, letting go comes easily. I also feel more connected to all the blessings of this life and great love for all on this journey with me! It is always so inspiring as we all participate and witness this process, over and over. I have so much gratitude too, for those closest to me, like my lovely husband. We are so blessed to ride these waves hand in hand, holding space when needed and returning the honor for each other! Sometimes it's messy, other times graceful, but always respected.
The 'Creation Song', with it's excerpt above is a beautiful, magical song by this artist. It speaks to the capacity in us all, the innate gift and purpose, for all to transform through out our lives. Just as nature is continuously born anew, so are we. We go through our own deaths of old ways, old selves, to always be rebirthed with a new pureness and truth! We are apart of these cycles of the nature, when we surrender those things that keep us in stagnation, asleep, in fear, and constricted.
This is how we open to Spirit, our Light, Soul and one another with love, peace, and compassion!
Therefore I trust this finds all who read this, in the midst of your own re-birthing process. And if you think you are not, look and listen very closely . . .!!
big love & deep peace~
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Sunday, June 20, 2010
the dance of ecstasies of joy & deepening of peace
The call of the Feminine, in Her Moon aspect, has been calling more frequently. Or perhaps it is that I am more willing to surrender to Her, at last. It has been apparent in conversations lately, that more people are speaking of the need to come within, to touch base into the inner quietude.
There is an understanding that we are a culture of going, doing and achieving. This has been a topic for me recently, just as it was brought to my attention years ago, that this was my mode of operation. That is until I found yoga, or rather it found me! It has taken me years though, even after opening to yoga, to take it from an intellectual understanding. An end to my resistance and the ability to drop down into a deeper knowing in heart and Soul, has been a huge part of my learning. I have never had a doubt that the consciousness and calling of the eternal Mother was trying to get my attention, but it took some untangling of the elements, which kept me in resistance.
I love being in the ecstatic states of creating, the awe of life, the inspirations always waiting around the corner! It seems we all love being in the full Light of the 'Solar Culture', as Christiana Northrup M.D. puts it. She was giving a lecture on PBS recently, for her new revised edition of 'Woman's Bodies,Woman's Wisdom'. I could feel the enthused state rising in me as she spoke about much that I hold dear. I experienced the energy of that enthusiasm growing, inspirations flowing, and the mind running. Unfortunately, it was also time for bed, if I was to be functional the following day! My attempt at meditation after that was a bit, well, frustrating. However, it brought some clarity into view.
She went on to bring attention to the need for the Moon aspect in us all, which aligned with some of what Thomas Moore writes in his book 'Care of the Soul'. This deep Soul work that is found in those quieter, internal times, out of the Sun and in the shadows of the Moon's light. The theme of what draws me most, unraveled itself into a Presence that has always been present. The only thing keeping me in and out of blindness, has been my ability to perceive beyond my 'preferences' for the Sun energy.
I don't believe I am alone in avoiding the deep shadows of Her light. When we look around our society, it is obvious what we gravitate towards. As mentioned prior, the external world, the Sun, activities, socializing and actualizing. This is part of what we are indeed here for, it is part of our nature, just as the Sun,it's fire and Father Sky. However, there is another half to this story. The other half of our nature is the Moon, the dark soil and deep oceans of MaMa Earth.
They each have their powers to bring life, healing and inspiration. When we live in both aspects equally, we walk this plane in balance and harmony. When we live in one or the other excessively, aspects of our being suffer. This dynamic wholeness has been given to us through out all of nature. Day and Night; Life and Death and it's seasons in between; Will and Surrender; Tension and Relaxation; Giving and Receptivity; Siva and Shakti; Yang and Yin. Yet we also have free will, and often times we choose one of the other, and the one applauded in our society is action, doing, going and achieving.
There is a depth that is missed, even as we accomplish and create wonders in this world. If we don't take time to balance the Sun and Moon in ourselves, we miss out on a deepening within. When do we reflect? Learn the lessons at Soul level? Connect to the subtle aspects of receptivity? When do we integrate? These are the places we have the opportunity to explore in LOTUS EMERGENCE ~ INSPIRED MOVEMENT OF THE SACRED.
I am sure for some, they can do all the above while in the Sun. Or maybe they need only a ray or two of the Moons beam. I have found for myself however, that the consensus of many great Maters holds the truth that speaks: "No one can see their reflection in running water. It is only in still water that we can see." This is a Taoist proverb, that holds to an honoring of the wisdom of the Feminine, of Her inner reflecting.
Maybe the reason more people are feeling this need to go within, is the call from the shift of consciousness upon us. The time of the is Feminine approaching. She is beginning to be heard through Her domain of Intuition. Not to make the Male obsolete, but so we can come into True partnership with one another, with nature, the Cosmos, but firstly, within ourselves.
What we find at Her watery depths, will not be discovered in the light of day. This may bring discomfort for some, but we can't ignore, that whatever is at those depths, is there whether we venture in and become conscious of it or not.
As I surrender more and more, I am finding a beautiful dance between the Ecstasies of Joy and the Deepening of Peace. There was a guilt I used to experience, because I resonate more strongly with the shadows of the Moon Beams. I had a belief that told me it was wrong to want to explore Her water and soils. This belief said I should want to be in the bright lights, running around in the rays of the Sun! This created a shadow of it's own in my psyche. When I finally surrendered, when I gave myself to Her, I found a new balance and a new dance, healing, and inner Truth. The lessons continue to be amazing and enlightening. Yes I share both the light of the Sun and the Moon, but I am always aware, She is the light that shines through my heart and Soul!
In Deep Peace~
There is an understanding that we are a culture of going, doing and achieving. This has been a topic for me recently, just as it was brought to my attention years ago, that this was my mode of operation. That is until I found yoga, or rather it found me! It has taken me years though, even after opening to yoga, to take it from an intellectual understanding. An end to my resistance and the ability to drop down into a deeper knowing in heart and Soul, has been a huge part of my learning. I have never had a doubt that the consciousness and calling of the eternal Mother was trying to get my attention, but it took some untangling of the elements, which kept me in resistance.
I love being in the ecstatic states of creating, the awe of life, the inspirations always waiting around the corner! It seems we all love being in the full Light of the 'Solar Culture', as Christiana Northrup M.D. puts it. She was giving a lecture on PBS recently, for her new revised edition of 'Woman's Bodies,Woman's Wisdom'. I could feel the enthused state rising in me as she spoke about much that I hold dear. I experienced the energy of that enthusiasm growing, inspirations flowing, and the mind running. Unfortunately, it was also time for bed, if I was to be functional the following day! My attempt at meditation after that was a bit, well, frustrating. However, it brought some clarity into view.
She went on to bring attention to the need for the Moon aspect in us all, which aligned with some of what Thomas Moore writes in his book 'Care of the Soul'. This deep Soul work that is found in those quieter, internal times, out of the Sun and in the shadows of the Moon's light. The theme of what draws me most, unraveled itself into a Presence that has always been present. The only thing keeping me in and out of blindness, has been my ability to perceive beyond my 'preferences' for the Sun energy.
I don't believe I am alone in avoiding the deep shadows of Her light. When we look around our society, it is obvious what we gravitate towards. As mentioned prior, the external world, the Sun, activities, socializing and actualizing. This is part of what we are indeed here for, it is part of our nature, just as the Sun,it's fire and Father Sky. However, there is another half to this story. The other half of our nature is the Moon, the dark soil and deep oceans of MaMa Earth.
They each have their powers to bring life, healing and inspiration. When we live in both aspects equally, we walk this plane in balance and harmony. When we live in one or the other excessively, aspects of our being suffer. This dynamic wholeness has been given to us through out all of nature. Day and Night; Life and Death and it's seasons in between; Will and Surrender; Tension and Relaxation; Giving and Receptivity; Siva and Shakti; Yang and Yin. Yet we also have free will, and often times we choose one of the other, and the one applauded in our society is action, doing, going and achieving.
There is a depth that is missed, even as we accomplish and create wonders in this world. If we don't take time to balance the Sun and Moon in ourselves, we miss out on a deepening within. When do we reflect? Learn the lessons at Soul level? Connect to the subtle aspects of receptivity? When do we integrate? These are the places we have the opportunity to explore in LOTUS EMERGENCE ~ INSPIRED MOVEMENT OF THE SACRED.
I am sure for some, they can do all the above while in the Sun. Or maybe they need only a ray or two of the Moons beam. I have found for myself however, that the consensus of many great Maters holds the truth that speaks: "No one can see their reflection in running water. It is only in still water that we can see." This is a Taoist proverb, that holds to an honoring of the wisdom of the Feminine, of Her inner reflecting.
Maybe the reason more people are feeling this need to go within, is the call from the shift of consciousness upon us. The time of the is Feminine approaching. She is beginning to be heard through Her domain of Intuition. Not to make the Male obsolete, but so we can come into True partnership with one another, with nature, the Cosmos, but firstly, within ourselves.
What we find at Her watery depths, will not be discovered in the light of day. This may bring discomfort for some, but we can't ignore, that whatever is at those depths, is there whether we venture in and become conscious of it or not.
As I surrender more and more, I am finding a beautiful dance between the Ecstasies of Joy and the Deepening of Peace. There was a guilt I used to experience, because I resonate more strongly with the shadows of the Moon Beams. I had a belief that told me it was wrong to want to explore Her water and soils. This belief said I should want to be in the bright lights, running around in the rays of the Sun! This created a shadow of it's own in my psyche. When I finally surrendered, when I gave myself to Her, I found a new balance and a new dance, healing, and inner Truth. The lessons continue to be amazing and enlightening. Yes I share both the light of the Sun and the Moon, but I am always aware, She is the light that shines through my heart and Soul!
In Deep Peace~
Sunday, May 9, 2010
lotus emergence ~ inspired movement of the sacred
It has been said by the mystics, that the origins of dance sprung forth as expressions of devotion, from the deep states of spiritual connection. Lotus Emergence provides the sacred container and the process by which to journey to our inner realms, igniting the Sacred within us, to emerge.
Through centering and stilling techniques, you are guided into the abode of inner peace and emptiness. It is from here, our movements, our prayers in motion, spring forth spontaneously! Your being becomes inspired by the Sacred. You are transported into the Bliss and Freedom of Spirit. Transformation takes place from the depths of SELF.
An excerpt of a Rumi poem reads:
" ... Close the ears on your head that listen mostly to lies and cynical jokes. There are other things to hear and see: dance-music and a brilliant city inside the Soul.'
The only requirements for this exploration are, the willingness to be present, a desire for connection with Source, and the courage to surrender to the depths of you!
This will be an intimate group, so it is asked that you register early. Details will be provided at that time. I look forward to journeying with you.
In Peace~
Sunday, April 18, 2010
the beauty of 'just being'
"When we speak of God, we are referring to that Supreme Consciousness from which all life arises. We can also talk about the way we experience God, as Divine Love or Divine Presence." Swami Khecaranatha
This Sunday morning was brought with soothing cloud cover, here in the sunny Tucson desert. I could sense my energy slow and restful, calling to retreat inward. Not without a list of things 'to do', I decided to heed the inner call. I lit some incense, put on some of my favorite flute music, and found my niche on the couch, from where I could watch the birds flitting here & there. I sipped my tea and was aware of the thoughts dancing around in my mind. "You should be doing...", "Don't forget...", "Don't you think you ought to...?" Although this practice of 'just being' is something I suggest to people I work with and keeping this balance has been a very important part of my journey, this morning it was clear to see I was a bit rusty!
'Just Being', tends to sound more simple than it is. We constantly have the buzz of the world drawing our attention out to: go do, go see, be more productive. Our nervous systems and minds are used to a certain amount of stimulation, often times depending on how we are with the going, doing and seeing. The cultivation of 'just being' gets lost in the hubub. When we do stop, not to sleep, or even to meditate, but 'just to be', we find the challenge right within us, egging us on to the next thing. Often times it doesn't matter what it is, as long as it is something other than sitting around 'doing nothing', for heaven's sake!
Quick to see how out of practice I was, it brought me to a place of re-committing to this much needed balance in my life, body and soul. Familiar with the inner protests to the stillness, I knew it wouldn't take long to settle in. As I sat and allowed the mind to go about it's business, while I simply brought my attention to feel my breathing. I began to notice a gentle sadness and longing surface. I felt a little teary. But, also from experience, I know for myself, it is an inner signal of relief. It feels to me as if, some deep part of myself breathes this deep sigh of relief; that I have finally stopped to allow a deepening, a healing, integration to occur. Before long, the physical body releases a sigh or two and I feel my breath deepening. No longer is the mind acting out. It too has retreated into a quiet corner, maybe feeling ignored or maybe, it really wants some down time too!
As I sat watching the birds, my awareness floats to watch the subtle quivering of the leaves on the tree right outside the window... I am mesmerized by it's gentle shimmy. Listening to the chorus of birds merge with the bamboo flute, my breathing slows and deepens even more. Sipping the tea, I can almost taste each herb I have blended as a treat for my taste buds and nourishment of my body. My awareness is called even deeper within, I feel and hear my heart beat. It seems as if I am hardly even breathing at this point. There is a sense of expansion beyond the physical and I 'just be' with that. Nothing more~Nothing less. Who knows how long I am 'just there', it doesn't matter. From this peace and silence, I hear the message, bubbling up, "Surrender. Receive." It begins to repeat itself, the mantra from the soul to 'me', over and over. I do just as it says and am blessed as it plays on through my heart, mind and body. When I notice it has faded away, I bathe in the blessing and feel the gratitude of return to a practice I have let slide as of late.
The sun is now out and I am off the couch. I am keenly aware of the guidance I was given and will follow. Space was cleared for a couple epiphanies to come forth and I am at ease on all levels. Who knows what the rest of the day will hold, yet I will remain in the spaciousness of 'just being' and allow the continuation of the beauty of surrender.
Peace Within~
This Sunday morning was brought with soothing cloud cover, here in the sunny Tucson desert. I could sense my energy slow and restful, calling to retreat inward. Not without a list of things 'to do', I decided to heed the inner call. I lit some incense, put on some of my favorite flute music, and found my niche on the couch, from where I could watch the birds flitting here & there. I sipped my tea and was aware of the thoughts dancing around in my mind. "You should be doing...", "Don't forget...", "Don't you think you ought to...?" Although this practice of 'just being' is something I suggest to people I work with and keeping this balance has been a very important part of my journey, this morning it was clear to see I was a bit rusty!
'Just Being', tends to sound more simple than it is. We constantly have the buzz of the world drawing our attention out to: go do, go see, be more productive. Our nervous systems and minds are used to a certain amount of stimulation, often times depending on how we are with the going, doing and seeing. The cultivation of 'just being' gets lost in the hubub. When we do stop, not to sleep, or even to meditate, but 'just to be', we find the challenge right within us, egging us on to the next thing. Often times it doesn't matter what it is, as long as it is something other than sitting around 'doing nothing', for heaven's sake!
Quick to see how out of practice I was, it brought me to a place of re-committing to this much needed balance in my life, body and soul. Familiar with the inner protests to the stillness, I knew it wouldn't take long to settle in. As I sat and allowed the mind to go about it's business, while I simply brought my attention to feel my breathing. I began to notice a gentle sadness and longing surface. I felt a little teary. But, also from experience, I know for myself, it is an inner signal of relief. It feels to me as if, some deep part of myself breathes this deep sigh of relief; that I have finally stopped to allow a deepening, a healing, integration to occur. Before long, the physical body releases a sigh or two and I feel my breath deepening. No longer is the mind acting out. It too has retreated into a quiet corner, maybe feeling ignored or maybe, it really wants some down time too!
As I sat watching the birds, my awareness floats to watch the subtle quivering of the leaves on the tree right outside the window... I am mesmerized by it's gentle shimmy. Listening to the chorus of birds merge with the bamboo flute, my breathing slows and deepens even more. Sipping the tea, I can almost taste each herb I have blended as a treat for my taste buds and nourishment of my body. My awareness is called even deeper within, I feel and hear my heart beat. It seems as if I am hardly even breathing at this point. There is a sense of expansion beyond the physical and I 'just be' with that. Nothing more~Nothing less. Who knows how long I am 'just there', it doesn't matter. From this peace and silence, I hear the message, bubbling up, "Surrender. Receive." It begins to repeat itself, the mantra from the soul to 'me', over and over. I do just as it says and am blessed as it plays on through my heart, mind and body. When I notice it has faded away, I bathe in the blessing and feel the gratitude of return to a practice I have let slide as of late.
The sun is now out and I am off the couch. I am keenly aware of the guidance I was given and will follow. Space was cleared for a couple epiphanies to come forth and I am at ease on all levels. Who knows what the rest of the day will hold, yet I will remain in the spaciousness of 'just being' and allow the continuation of the beauty of surrender.
Peace Within~
Sunday, April 11, 2010
private sessions ~ unveiling soul yoga
"In my search to find my heart, soul and spirit, Lotus and Unveiling Soul Yoga, were put in my path. She gave me sight to see my inner Self and to learn to make peace~most of the time~ with the heart churning conflicts that can be faced daily. She is a true soul healer" BD
The offering of Unveiling Soul Yoga came about organically around 2003. It is based on my personal yoga practice and deeply inspired by my time with Yogi Amrit Desai and Ananda yoga. My personal path led me to see the value of practicing in a private setting, one on one. I don't feel that it excludes partaking in yoga classes, but there is an added depth that can be attained when one can listen to the personal needs and calling of the body. This new awareness and consciousness can then be taken into the class arena, to benefit ones daily practice!
This practice can be taken as deep as one is so inclined. With guidance and support, we begin to understand the body, to be a vehicle to go beyond the body. With all attention on you, as the student, we listen to what your body needs at any given time. With postures done slowly, consciously and without force, you can nurture your energy level and listen within, to how you can best be nourished through this asana practice. You are able to hear more of the subtle calls from your heart and soul, communicated through your physical form. Tuning in, in this way, allows this practice to bring you into a peaceful, meditative and centered state.
Often, there are holding patterns in the physical body. We experience them as tight muscles, tension or alignment issues. We have emotions that are also stored in the body. These emotions can manifest as the tight muscles or illness. Most of the time these holdings are unconscious and need the 'light of consciousness' brought to them.
But how does one do that? And what does one do when they meet that block? Let's face it, if we wanted to meet it to begin with, we wouldn't need to push it away! As we all know, if something is going to feel good, we have little trouble experiencing it. However, when we don't want to experience something we deem as unpleasant or uncomfortable, we have habitual places to tuck 'it' away. Maybe it's the low back, the shoulder blade, the hamstrings, the pelvis . . . Any place can be the unconscious hiding place!
When we practice in a container that cultivates this inner listening, consciousness grows and we are able to move beyond our patterns of unconscious holding. We become empowered when we can build greater awareness and learn how to bring healing and freedom from old habits and stories locked within. It is not always easy to allow old wounds move through us, which is why this personal support and container is valued, if needed. The releases, whether they be in the forms of, increased range of motion, clearer seeing or emotional, are often necessary to create more space for Grace, so to speak. It is then, that we become lighter in our Being. We become integrated and aligned. We get clear on our patterns and learn that the release brings freedom and bliss!
Unveiling Soul Yoga extends an invitation to explore your inner landscape, delve into your own unique layers of lessons and discover the beauty within!
Peace~
The offering of Unveiling Soul Yoga came about organically around 2003. It is based on my personal yoga practice and deeply inspired by my time with Yogi Amrit Desai and Ananda yoga. My personal path led me to see the value of practicing in a private setting, one on one. I don't feel that it excludes partaking in yoga classes, but there is an added depth that can be attained when one can listen to the personal needs and calling of the body. This new awareness and consciousness can then be taken into the class arena, to benefit ones daily practice!
This practice can be taken as deep as one is so inclined. With guidance and support, we begin to understand the body, to be a vehicle to go beyond the body. With all attention on you, as the student, we listen to what your body needs at any given time. With postures done slowly, consciously and without force, you can nurture your energy level and listen within, to how you can best be nourished through this asana practice. You are able to hear more of the subtle calls from your heart and soul, communicated through your physical form. Tuning in, in this way, allows this practice to bring you into a peaceful, meditative and centered state.
Often, there are holding patterns in the physical body. We experience them as tight muscles, tension or alignment issues. We have emotions that are also stored in the body. These emotions can manifest as the tight muscles or illness. Most of the time these holdings are unconscious and need the 'light of consciousness' brought to them.
But how does one do that? And what does one do when they meet that block? Let's face it, if we wanted to meet it to begin with, we wouldn't need to push it away! As we all know, if something is going to feel good, we have little trouble experiencing it. However, when we don't want to experience something we deem as unpleasant or uncomfortable, we have habitual places to tuck 'it' away. Maybe it's the low back, the shoulder blade, the hamstrings, the pelvis . . . Any place can be the unconscious hiding place!
When we practice in a container that cultivates this inner listening, consciousness grows and we are able to move beyond our patterns of unconscious holding. We become empowered when we can build greater awareness and learn how to bring healing and freedom from old habits and stories locked within. It is not always easy to allow old wounds move through us, which is why this personal support and container is valued, if needed. The releases, whether they be in the forms of, increased range of motion, clearer seeing or emotional, are often necessary to create more space for Grace, so to speak. It is then, that we become lighter in our Being. We become integrated and aligned. We get clear on our patterns and learn that the release brings freedom and bliss!
"I began working with Lotus during a time of undo stress, hoping only to relieve some tension and gain some support. Through a personalized program of yoga and meditation, I was able to heal old wounds and patterns, as well as, wake up to a new understanding of myself and Spirit. With her intuitive guidance, sensitivity and grounded approach, I discovered so much more." AT
"I wish I could put into words what the practice of Unveiling Soul Yoga and the guidance Lotus has brought has meant to me over the past couple of years. With her help, I have less physical pain and have kicked acid reflux that I suffered from for over 10 years! Everything from dentist visits to public speaking has gotten easier for me. Comfort, ease and calm are what I have continued to experience. Her commitment to helping others to heal is inspirational." AV
Unveiling Soul Yoga extends an invitation to explore your inner landscape, delve into your own unique layers of lessons and discover the beauty within!
Peace~
Saturday, April 10, 2010
a few voices of experience from Yoga Nidra
"Every week, Yoga Nidra class gives me priceless gifts: intense relaxation and alignment with my soul. There I breathe. I flow. I listen. Lotus creates a wonderful space for us all to explore what is vital about just 'being'."
"Doors are opening and I am opening."
"Working with the 'primary intention' initially brought a deeper palpable awareness of my connection with Source. After a few days - it just took a gentle reminder from mySelf to tune in and feel alignment. I have been a involved for years with body centered meditation practices - craniosacral work, qi gong, tai chi ... this practice brings my thoughts- my mind into balance with my centered body. This brings awareness to my whole life, actions and non-actions.
The 'secondary intentions' have been equally profound. With Lotus' help, I created an intention based on some patterns and "issues" that are an ongoing concern with me... in a comfortable and soothing way it seems to magically work through my system without stressful mental efforts or inner criticism. I am feeling noticable and fulfilling change happening in a soft and flowing way, not through mental imposition or force. I am deeply grateful for this practice - these new tools for growth, depth and joy!"
Thank you for your sharing~ Peace ~
"Doors are opening and I am opening."
"Working with the 'primary intention' initially brought a deeper palpable awareness of my connection with Source. After a few days - it just took a gentle reminder from mySelf to tune in and feel alignment. I have been a involved for years with body centered meditation practices - craniosacral work, qi gong, tai chi ... this practice brings my thoughts- my mind into balance with my centered body. This brings awareness to my whole life, actions and non-actions.
The 'secondary intentions' have been equally profound. With Lotus' help, I created an intention based on some patterns and "issues" that are an ongoing concern with me... in a comfortable and soothing way it seems to magically work through my system without stressful mental efforts or inner criticism. I am feeling noticable and fulfilling change happening in a soft and flowing way, not through mental imposition or force. I am deeply grateful for this practice - these new tools for growth, depth and joy!"
Thank you for your sharing~ Peace ~
Monday, March 29, 2010
dancing demons & button pushers
Have you seen those oriental or eastern images of the ornate demons, dancing around looking ferocious and foreboding? Well, that is the image that came to me recently while listening to someone explaining some interactions they had been dealing with.
I began to be entranced by all the ways that LIFE brings about our button pushers. Our focus is usually captivated by the dancing demon, the seduction of Maya, or our best friends criticism. All our attention is pulled out side of us, the drama ensues and we are swept up into the belief that the illusion is real, blaming or defending against the perceived attack.
Don't get me wrong. I am well aware that it is an experience that is being had. In those moments our perception of that engagement, with buttons pushed, and the demon still doing it's best to distract us, feels all too real! I too fall into my reactions. But here are a couple of questions to ask:
Why do I react when the person next to me seems not to notice that dancing demon at all?
Who is the 'I' that is in reaction?
What is the true invitation being asked of me through the button pusher?
Who is the button pusher &/or the dancing demon?
What is the true state of who you are?
The demon might pull my hair and I will become indignant and pained, so he decides to pull the hair again and again! Because I gave a reaction. The demon might pull your hair and you might laugh and walk away. The demon now changes up his jig and runs up to pinch you! Aha! Now, you turn around and face him, just as ferociously. He knows he's got your attention! But if he pinches me, it's just a gnat I am swooshing away. So what's up?
We are only going to react to what we have learned to be affected by. This doesn't mean if we both get into a wreck and break a leg, that we won't both feel the pain. But how we respond to the pain is a different story. It is a different story, because we literally carry these stories within us. The philosophy of karma explains this best. To be brief, we come into each incarnation predisposed to certain tendencies that ego will assume as part of the personality. Those tendencies and pre-programming will be buttons awaiting the button pusher! My buttons are different than your buttons based on our individualized souls past incarnations. Maybe I was a hair puller in some other incarnation. Maybe I reveled in upsetting others in that way. Maybe I was their dancing demon. Hence the sayings, "What comes around, goes around" or "An eye for an eye", which were most likely meant as statements of karma,action and consequence, not a literal act of punishment or revenge.
This leads us directly to the statement Dr. Gabriel Cousens makes at The Tree of Life. "The personality is a case of mistaken identity." We believe we are this body, these thoughts, our stories, the personality ~ the EGO. Ego is not a bad guy in totality. We need it's faculties to navigate this life in these bodies. But it is when we BELIEVE in this ego as who we are, we will fall prey to all the dancing demons! When I react to getting my hair pulled and it brings up my stories of victimization or self-pity, ego tries to defend the 'personality' by getting indignant or it may succumb to tears. This is the personality carrying out it's role on auto-pilot, identified to the ego/personality. This is the mission of us all . . . stop identifying with this level of our reality. Yes, we have the personality, but it is not who we are.
The invitation by each button pusher or dancing demon, is to stop reacting to and believing the lie of the small self. Instead to become acquainted with the True Self. Now, I understand that this line of thought may not make sense to everyone. We all start from wherever we are. But, with some investigation, I have faith that we all will see the perception I am coming from. It is difficult to separate these layers of the Self, to see them each clearly. But it does happen, and it is that experience that brings each of us into the KNOWING, rather than the philosophizing about what I am saying.
LIFE is the button pusher and the demon. LIFE is also the PEACE, UNITY & LOVE. Life is our teacher of lessons. But on the side of the coin where Maya, otherwise termed illusion, has hold over our perception, we need our buttons pushed to help us to get free of them. How do we get free. First, realize it isn't really personal. That each demon is in service to your seeing clearly. Next, stop reacting habitually, and start asking deeper questions about what is REALLY going on. What is the situation teaching you? Why are you reacting the way you are? What are the emotions or truths that are being revealed to you by the demon? Investigate whether or not you may not wanting to face an aspect of yourself. Look in the mirror.
Then, stop. Just stop and draw your attention in and ask your self 'WHO is experiencing this situation?' HMMM. This is the substance of most importance. We are so busy looking outside, watching and reacting in our own special ways to our demons. We believe the experience because it is jumping around in front of us and creating all sorts of uncomfortable emotions inside of us. We believe the experience is the truth, but really it is that which is EXPERIENCING, that is the Truth. Stop looking at all that noise externally for a minute. WHO is looking at it all? WHO is witnessing 'you' stopping to look? Seriously. Sit with this, close the eyes and just breathe and turn your attention inward to seek the WHO? This is as far as I go with words. This is where only you can pick up this trail. And when you KNOW, the words will be few.
The True Self is the purpose of all the spiritual practices we do. The more we practice, the more we experience this Self, the more we identify with IT and the less we are taken in by the ups & downs of the personality. The dancing demons lose their power. And why is this important? Well, once you visit this Self a few times, you'll begin to understand. But in words, we can say that if you desire Peace, Joy, Harmony, Love and Compassion to be your reality, then transformation through this seeking central in 'the way'. It is central in all versions of the Way.
Every time participants go into Yoga Nidra, they strengthen the connection to the WHO? the Self, the Source. Every time students join me for private sessions of Unveiling Soul Yoga, they discover what separates them from the expansion of Self, then they move through the blocks and gain new awareness. Every time I guide someone in the Zero Point process, they quickly dissipate old stories, thought forms and identifications, opening them up to more authentic ways of being. All of these vehicles offer a glimps or connection to that Source within.
We are all seeking Freedom, Love and Joy. We just haven't been taught how to achieve those qualities in a way that will last. In fact, we need to know that these are not emotions, they are qualities of being. In general, we haven't been shown what stands in the way, on all levels, which include ego, or how to heal from our past in this life or previous lives.
I hope all who have read this are encouraged to begin or continue this path of seeking. Each will find their own place of resonance, the methods by which to start the unveiling process. Each will know, because that voice within will lead the way. So in closing, lets all be as thankful as possible for our button pushers, our dancing demons and each opportunity they give us to wake-up, question and become conscious!
Peace~ Lotus
I began to be entranced by all the ways that LIFE brings about our button pushers. Our focus is usually captivated by the dancing demon, the seduction of Maya, or our best friends criticism. All our attention is pulled out side of us, the drama ensues and we are swept up into the belief that the illusion is real, blaming or defending against the perceived attack.
Don't get me wrong. I am well aware that it is an experience that is being had. In those moments our perception of that engagement, with buttons pushed, and the demon still doing it's best to distract us, feels all too real! I too fall into my reactions. But here are a couple of questions to ask:
Why do I react when the person next to me seems not to notice that dancing demon at all?
Who is the 'I' that is in reaction?
What is the true invitation being asked of me through the button pusher?
Who is the button pusher &/or the dancing demon?
What is the true state of who you are?
The demon might pull my hair and I will become indignant and pained, so he decides to pull the hair again and again! Because I gave a reaction. The demon might pull your hair and you might laugh and walk away. The demon now changes up his jig and runs up to pinch you! Aha! Now, you turn around and face him, just as ferociously. He knows he's got your attention! But if he pinches me, it's just a gnat I am swooshing away. So what's up?
We are only going to react to what we have learned to be affected by. This doesn't mean if we both get into a wreck and break a leg, that we won't both feel the pain. But how we respond to the pain is a different story. It is a different story, because we literally carry these stories within us. The philosophy of karma explains this best. To be brief, we come into each incarnation predisposed to certain tendencies that ego will assume as part of the personality. Those tendencies and pre-programming will be buttons awaiting the button pusher! My buttons are different than your buttons based on our individualized souls past incarnations. Maybe I was a hair puller in some other incarnation. Maybe I reveled in upsetting others in that way. Maybe I was their dancing demon. Hence the sayings, "What comes around, goes around" or "An eye for an eye", which were most likely meant as statements of karma,action and consequence, not a literal act of punishment or revenge.
This leads us directly to the statement Dr. Gabriel Cousens makes at The Tree of Life. "The personality is a case of mistaken identity." We believe we are this body, these thoughts, our stories, the personality ~ the EGO. Ego is not a bad guy in totality. We need it's faculties to navigate this life in these bodies. But it is when we BELIEVE in this ego as who we are, we will fall prey to all the dancing demons! When I react to getting my hair pulled and it brings up my stories of victimization or self-pity, ego tries to defend the 'personality' by getting indignant or it may succumb to tears. This is the personality carrying out it's role on auto-pilot, identified to the ego/personality. This is the mission of us all . . . stop identifying with this level of our reality. Yes, we have the personality, but it is not who we are.
The invitation by each button pusher or dancing demon, is to stop reacting to and believing the lie of the small self. Instead to become acquainted with the True Self. Now, I understand that this line of thought may not make sense to everyone. We all start from wherever we are. But, with some investigation, I have faith that we all will see the perception I am coming from. It is difficult to separate these layers of the Self, to see them each clearly. But it does happen, and it is that experience that brings each of us into the KNOWING, rather than the philosophizing about what I am saying.
LIFE is the button pusher and the demon. LIFE is also the PEACE, UNITY & LOVE. Life is our teacher of lessons. But on the side of the coin where Maya, otherwise termed illusion, has hold over our perception, we need our buttons pushed to help us to get free of them. How do we get free. First, realize it isn't really personal. That each demon is in service to your seeing clearly. Next, stop reacting habitually, and start asking deeper questions about what is REALLY going on. What is the situation teaching you? Why are you reacting the way you are? What are the emotions or truths that are being revealed to you by the demon? Investigate whether or not you may not wanting to face an aspect of yourself. Look in the mirror.
Then, stop. Just stop and draw your attention in and ask your self 'WHO is experiencing this situation?' HMMM. This is the substance of most importance. We are so busy looking outside, watching and reacting in our own special ways to our demons. We believe the experience because it is jumping around in front of us and creating all sorts of uncomfortable emotions inside of us. We believe the experience is the truth, but really it is that which is EXPERIENCING, that is the Truth. Stop looking at all that noise externally for a minute. WHO is looking at it all? WHO is witnessing 'you' stopping to look? Seriously. Sit with this, close the eyes and just breathe and turn your attention inward to seek the WHO? This is as far as I go with words. This is where only you can pick up this trail. And when you KNOW, the words will be few.
The True Self is the purpose of all the spiritual practices we do. The more we practice, the more we experience this Self, the more we identify with IT and the less we are taken in by the ups & downs of the personality. The dancing demons lose their power. And why is this important? Well, once you visit this Self a few times, you'll begin to understand. But in words, we can say that if you desire Peace, Joy, Harmony, Love and Compassion to be your reality, then transformation through this seeking central in 'the way'. It is central in all versions of the Way.
Every time participants go into Yoga Nidra, they strengthen the connection to the WHO? the Self, the Source. Every time students join me for private sessions of Unveiling Soul Yoga, they discover what separates them from the expansion of Self, then they move through the blocks and gain new awareness. Every time I guide someone in the Zero Point process, they quickly dissipate old stories, thought forms and identifications, opening them up to more authentic ways of being. All of these vehicles offer a glimps or connection to that Source within.
We are all seeking Freedom, Love and Joy. We just haven't been taught how to achieve those qualities in a way that will last. In fact, we need to know that these are not emotions, they are qualities of being. In general, we haven't been shown what stands in the way, on all levels, which include ego, or how to heal from our past in this life or previous lives.
I hope all who have read this are encouraged to begin or continue this path of seeking. Each will find their own place of resonance, the methods by which to start the unveiling process. Each will know, because that voice within will lead the way. So in closing, lets all be as thankful as possible for our button pushers, our dancing demons and each opportunity they give us to wake-up, question and become conscious!
Peace~ Lotus
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