The Baboon and the Butter — Part 1

I live in a beautiful part of Cape Town and one of the great blessings of staying here is the indigenous flora and fauna. We have guinea fowl, ha-de-dah’s, squirrels, cranes, porcupines (although I have never been so privileged as to see one yet) and most poignant of all – baboons.

Baboons are so amusing and so human-like but they can also be quite frightening with their long fangs and alpha male supremacy squabbles. Most of which turn into amateur roof acrobatics when they fight and chase each other from rooftop to rooftop. This is especially daunting as I have a tin roof. I will leave the noise up to your imagination…

But besides this, I love the baboons and find them fascinating. So much so that I have even been on a ‘baboon walk’ – this is where you get to ‘hang out’ with them in their natural environment (run by Baboon Matters Conservation Group).

During my baboon walk I was even groomed by one of them – an honour I shall never forget!

My story begins not so long ago in the sticks far far away…

After seeing my husband off to work one fine day, I found that I was not alone in my house.

There were 2 baboons in my open plan kitchen raiding my reserves. One had my choc-chip cookies under his arm and the other my tub of butter! Now, casting all practical knowledge of how to deal with this situation aside (basically get out), I saw red and charged at them shouting (in the most terrifying voice I could muster) ‘RAAH-RAAH!’ (yes, just like Nicole Kidman in ‘Australia’!).

This baboon had my butter!

For some reason, unbeknown to me, I had a connection with that tub of butter and was willing to risk my life (or perhaps not so dramatically, loss of limb or fingernail) to get it back from the thieving hands of this rude mammal.

“To no avail, he looked up at me, with mild amusement, and to my mind, complete arrogance and hugged the tub of butter to his chest…”

After startling them with my fierce war cries, I ran after them, out of the house and down my driveway into the road — all the while shouting at them to ‘give it back!’

Finally, he stopped to try to consume his prize on my neighbours lawn. I stopped running and stormed up to him with a finger wagging in his face, demanding that he give it back to me this instant! To no avail, he looked up at m — with mild amusement, and to my mind, complete arrogance — and hugged the tub of butter to his chest in a gesture that would have translated a bit like this:

‘When hell freezes over, crazy blonde lady!’

A Little Practical Advice About Baboons…

Once a baboon grabs something, he doesn’t let go. Another interesting fact is that baboons are not scared of women (a fact that got lost by the wayside with me). So here we have a baboon who isn’t letting go. Is this the same for humans? Why can’t we ‘let go’! ?

Hmmm, I’m beginning to smell a moral to this tale…

Back To The Story

I started to see reason (and danger for the first time) and began my ascent back up the driveway in defeat.

I suddenly realised that there was a raucous commotion coming from inside my house. I heard glass crashing and panic set back in…I’m going to stop there and will continue this riveting tale in Part 2 NOW AVAILABLE HERE.

Is Your Past Tripping Up Your Future?

A very common condition

AttitudeAre you living in the past, rehashing past traumas and situations?  Do you feel like you want to let go but just can’t?

“Whether you are experiencing regret, sorrow, guilt, shame or a number of other lower vibrational anxieties, you need to let go and detach.”

So many people live this way and can’t seem to move on.  When you find your mind wandering to situations or incidents that have happened, you are living in the past.  Whether you are experiencing regret, sorrow, guilt, shame or a number of other lower vibrational anxieties, you need to let go and detach.

Detaching from your past

This time of the year sometimes gives rise to uncomfortable ‘quiet moments’ where there is nothing to do and we are faced with the possibility of ‘inner reflection’.  These situations are sometimes mistaken for depression or that feeling of being ‘let down’ by the holidays   for not living up to your expectations, or — perhaps, living up too much to your expectations and now you have nothing to look forward to.  Sound familiar?

“These issues that we sweep under the rug are lessons.”

These times should be taken to explore the residue of past reflections.  Is there something that you have been burying down, deep inside?  Something that yearns to be re-addressed but you simply don’t feel like giving it an audience for fear of having to ‘feel’ all over again?

These issues that we sweep under the rug are lessons.  In order to walk through, or pass, a lesson, we must face it.  This can sometimes be painful but it is necessary.  It may be initially an uncomfortable issue to reconstitute but when you have seen the lesson that you have gleaned from it, you can put it to rest forever.  Never having to face that feeling of unresolved emotion trying to rear its head at you.

“You are always capable of graduating from the class of karma.”

blue butterfly pngWe are here to explore and experience.  Some of these experiences are brought over from past lives or early childhood traumas.  You are always capable of graduating from the class of karma.   You never set up anything for yourself that you cannot handle.  With courage in your toolkit, you can search the hidden meanings of your unresolved issues and find the lessons so that you can graduate to the next level of learning.

You are the driver

Only you can do this as no-one else knows your inner workings.  Never look outside of yourself to anyone or anything to ‘fix’ you.  Only you can do that.  You can seek advice and help along your path but inevitably, you do need to do the work.

“Have both your feet firmly in the present!”

What better way to start the new year than to truly start it afresh?  Face your ‘demons’ with compassion and a yearning to learn from past mistakes and you will be creating a much brighter future for yourself without the need to constantly have one foot in the past.  Have both your feet firmly in the present!

Good luck on your journey into the new year and I wish you all the best life you can possibly dream up for yourself.

Butterflies and Hurricanes — 2012 is Here!

So, 2012 is here and we are about to enter one of the most anticipated years in history!

Are you feeling it?  This year has a certain air of mystery, intrigue, excitement, anxiety, angst and nervous anticipation.  What do we do?  What can we do?  Is there anything TO do?

The answer is an emphatic YES!  You can take time out this year for yourself.

The Search to Reconnect with Your Inner Being

Inner reflection is the key to unlocking the authentic you.  The you that is your core essence, buried deep down inside  — past all the various layers you have accumulated over time and experience.

“If you make yourself a top priority, you will be strong enough to help others on their path.”

  • Take time out to meditate, get in touch with the silence.  Learn to be comfortable in silence.
  • Take a fresh look at your diet and make sure to add lots of pure water, fruit and vegetables to it.  Remember that you are what you eat.  Do you feel heavy?  Are you eating heavy starchy foods?  Or too much meat?  Get real about what you are putting into your unique temple.
  • Treat your body to regular exercise.  Do something that you enjoy.  It is useless to commit to an exercise regime when you hate it.  Play to your strengths.  Do you like to take a walk in a forest or along a beach?  Do you enjoy dancing?  Find out what you like to do and fit it into a fitness routine.  Cater to your needs and preferences.
  • Take time out to be in nature — go to the beach, climb mountains, hike in fields or simply sit under a tree.  Reconnect with the Earth — this is your home.  Find the beauty that is on your doorstep.
  • Get creative.  Take time out to muck about.  Get a hobby, rekindle your interest for photography or art.  Give yourself time to explore a creative avenue.
  • Play.  Connect with the inner child every once in a while (preferably as much as you can).  Play in sand, dance in the rain, laugh your head off — let your hair down and stop caring about what anyone thinks.  What do you think?  That’s all that matters.
  • Eat lots of dark chocolate.  I don’t know how important this step is but I thought it might round this list off nicely.  However, it has been proven to release happy endorphins in your body, so a little shouldn’t hurt!  Click here for an article on the positive effects of eating chocolate.
New Years Resolutions…

So, this new year make your resolutions about you and reconnecting to your divine self.  Explore your inner depths and uncover your I AM presence.  If you make yourself a top priority, you will be strong enough to help others on their path.

Be kind and compassionate towards yourself and you will then be able to find it easier to relate to others and to see the connection we all have with each other.

Separation is the Illusion, unity is our reality.

Butterflies and Hurricanes

This year may feel chaotic and turbulent but you can always transmute any energy to your advantage.

You can choose to be the butterfly, free and beautiful or you can get stuck in the hurricane of chaos and drama.

Choices map out our future.  Make sure you choose from your heart.  It is easy to get caught up in drama if you don’t remain grounded and coherent in your thinking patterns.

Detach from drama and be the still presence.  Be compassionate and loving whilst remaining firm and grounded.

Happy New Year everybody!

My new book is due for release soon…

Out now…

The Universe is Expanding – Are You?

The Universe is ever expanding and gives rise to new opportunities for creating and orchestrating planetary and galactic development.

So, if the Universe is pushing ever on outward,

why set boundaries for creativity on any level?

Never limit yourself because anything can be achieved if doubt is removed.

The Universe is not set – why should you be?

Pushing the envelope of creative expansion breaks down any illusion of limitation.

Once you step out of the box, infinity beckons your every whim.

Bask in the knowledge that existence is infinite, as are all possibilities.

We create in a field of pure energy potential.

Sign up HERE to receive your gift of inspirational wallpaper designs from my book ‘Creative Expression’

The above quotations and art have been taken from my new table book ‘Creative Expression – How to find your inspiration…’ available now — CLICK HERE.  All the artworks above are available to purchase as prints at RedBubble.

Are you Swimming in a Sea of Possibility?

Your Creative Legacy

You may think of yourself as a mere drop in the ocean but also know that you are the ocean.  You are special and are eagerly encouraged to leave your loving, creative mark on the world.

In the sea of all possibilities, what form will your mark take?  I can assure you that the excitement lies in finding out.

Remember that the journey should be as pleasurable as arriving at the destination.

Spice it Up!

Your unique stamp or soul imprint allows others to experience life from a different perspective.

Your personal creative endeavours lead to your specific  brand of reality…which allows the collective to experience variety – the spice of life.

Anyone Qualifies!

Imagine a world without musicians, architects, artists, playwrights, comedians, chefs, teachers, programmers, entrepreneurs, healers, writers, homemakers, artisans, designers, gardeners, builders and all those souls who exercise creative flow with everything they touch and do – no matter what profession they are in.

I can’t – can you?

You can contribute to creative expression no matter who you are – no exceptions!

The above imagery and quotations were taken from my table book of art and inspirational teachings called ‘Creative Expression — How to find your inspiration’ (please click the book icon to take you to a full preview of the book):

Are You Breathing Correctly?

Why is the Quality of Breath Important?

Breathe

It is the first thing we do when we experience this life in biology and the last thing we do when we exit.  As physical beings, it is our life – we cannot function without it.  It is the miracle of breath.

“Breathing correctly enlivens your mind, invigorates the body and helps you to find clarity”

In meditation, it is our bridge between the noise of our minds and the approaching silence.  It is our pathway to stillness, to present moment awareness.  Breathing correctly enlivens your mind, invigorates the body and helps you to find clarity.  Your quality of breath will determine your quality of life.

Breathe deep, let your stomach fill with air, breathe out and know that you are alive, feel the tingling sensation in your body.  Your cells are alive and bursting with energy.

Deep breathing will help your body and bring balance to your biology.  Try to consciously breathe, even if it is every hour. Most of us breathe shallowly most of the time which restricts oxygen to the brain causing fatigue and lethargy so, whenever you can, put your attention on your breath.

Try this exercise: 

Breathe in to the count of eight – really fill your lungs and let your stomach expand to the extent that you look pregnant.  Hold that breath to the count of eight and then release it slowly to the count of eight.

Do this 3 times as many times a day as you can, especially in the morning, when you awaken, and just before sleep.  It will give you an added kick to the day and induce restful sleep at night.

Mindful Breathing Soothes the Soul

When you engage in mindful breathing – putting your mind on inhalation and exhalation — you form a bridge to the quiet place in your mind.  When a thought arises, brush it aside,  you will need to do this a lot as the mind and ego loves to interrupt this process.  It is like a child that needs to be disciplined a few times before it backs down.

With time and practice, you will be able to cross that bridge a little easier every time you engage in the stillness or meditation (Thursday’s blog will look at the importance of meditation in our lives).

Don’t judge yourself or get upset if your mind just won’t shut up – this is normal and takes a lot of practice to get to the point where you can achieve full stillness without the ‘white noise’.

My Mind just won’t Shut Up!

Sometimes my mind just won’t let go of a song or tune when I am trying to meditate and I just let that be – it usually dissipates in the end anyway.  Follow your mind wherever it takes you.

“This is the journey into the mind and it can be a wonderfully calming experience…”

This journey can be really awesome as you begin to sense the vibrations and different frequencies in the ether and all around you.  It might come in the form of flashing or bright coloured lights or a vortex or wormhole.  Sometimes it just remains dark or ‘spotty’ – a bit like the night sky.  Stay with this and see where it takes you.  This is the journey into the mind and it can be a wonderfully calming experience (it can also be a rollercoaster ride for some, so buckle up!).

Here is a great site for different breath techniques – http://www.scoop.it/t/breathwork/

Thursdays blog is going to take a look at the importance of meditation and quieting the mind…

The above blog has been taken from an extract in my first book ‘Divine You — Redefining Love in the New Earth’.

Other articles you may enjoy:

6 Ways to Alleviate Stress Now

Do You Need To Meditate?

The Zen of Life

5 Easy Steps to Meditating (No Lotus Position Required)

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Armageddon — is it the End of the World on the 21st December 2012?

2012 and the Hype

Green Planet lo resWe are counting down the days to 21-12-2012, the date that the Mayans set as the last date on their calendar.

This is how I see it — definitely not the end of the world.  I don’t think the Mayans ever meant for it to be interpreted that way.  It is a reset button.  And it’s about bloody time!

Resetting the Consciousness

All these portals that we have been going through, like the 10-10-10 and the 11-11-11, are influxes of energy to help us transmute energy for redefining ourselves and our lives.

Huh?

Oh, never mind about the portals business, if that’s freaking you out a bit — just try to understand that change always begins with you.  If everyone turned within and not without — ie. looked outside of themselves for answers — we would have had peace on Earth a long time ago.

But, as is appropriate, we are making that great leap forward now.  Thank goodness for great miracles!

“The people are stepping up and are being heard”

The Lighthouse IIThis time we are living in, is a cause for tumultuous celebration (even if we are celebrating the ‘unknown’) — it should not be interpreted as a time for doom and gloom.  We are sitting on the precipice of global evolution — worldwide change.  You see it in the press every day — not all of it, granted (due to the media being ‘screened’ and a lot of good stuff left out, whilst lower vibration news is left in to create fear and worry that doesn’t serve you), but a lot of the news being reported can be read into and there is definitely global change afoot.

We even see our Mother Earth shake and rattle about preparing for the shift.  The microcosm reflecting the macrocosm and vice-versa.  We all need to bring up some unwanted stuff to transmute and move on from before we can truly step into a new reality.

“The word is being spread at a remarkable pace and we can all join in on this ride and lend our support”

We are seeing new leadership, uprisings, economic protests and so much more.  These are the signs of positive change.  The people are stepping up and are being heard.  It is not easy but it is being done, country by country.

Can you feel the sense of unity?  Especially through the wonders of the internet.  The word is being spread at a remarkable pace and we can all join in on this ride and lend our support.  We are seeing unity consciousness in action, a pace that even the global elite can’t keep up with, as they see the power slip through their fingers.

Be the Change

Gandhi said ‘Be the change you want to see in the world’.  This is a message for us to pull finger NOW.  If you are going to buy into all the ‘end of days’ scenarios then that is what you are going to create in your reality.  You will tread the path of chaos.

“See yourself in this new world and see others there with you, equally enjoying their creative gifts and living their best life”

Believe in your heartIf you master your thoughts and prepare for a world of infinite possibilities where you are the co-creator of your life and reality, and every other living soul is the master of their destiny, then you are preparing yourself — manifesting your dreams as well as the dreams of the collective.  See yourself in this new world and see others there with you, equally enjoying their creative gifts and living their best life with ALL of their basic needs met.

What do you want to see happen in the world?

What would your ideal world look like?

Find this out for yourself, then meditate on it.  Hold that vision.  Your thoughts are mighty and powerful and, if you give this new energy we are being bombarded with a chance, it can give extra potency to your visualizations and manifestation process.  So see, in your third eye — your minds eye, the change you want to manifest and hone in on that every day.

Be clear about what you want.  Focus on living in that reality and change the tracks to your New Earth.

“We set the clocks back when Jesus Christ was born.  Perhaps we need to reboot this system/reality and explore a new age…this so called Age of Aquarius

2012 is about resetting time (or perhaps doing away with it altogether).  It’s not that far-fetched.  We set the clocks back when Jesus Christ was born.  Perhaps we need to reboot this system/reality and explore a new age…this so called Age of Aquarius that everyone was banging on about in the 60’s.

It is upon us and it is exciting.  Pop the champagne cork and manifest Heaven on Earth!

Other articles you may enjoy:

Finding God and a Reason for Being Here

‘Love and Light’ — What Does it Mean?

5 Easy Steps to Meditating (No Lotus Position Required)

 

Finding Humility Through Wisdom

 

6 Ways to Alleviate Stress Now

Mapping your way out of stress

We seem to be living in tumultuous times.  If you don’t take a moment out of the ‘rat race’ it can consume you.

If you feel like you are running around on a hamster wheel or wonder when the light is going to be seen at the end of this future tunnel — then please read on…

Practical steps to take:

You cannot be fully productive if you are running on empty.  There are a few things you can do immediately that will relieve you of any immediate pressure.

  • Breathe
  • Drink lots of water
  • Fresh air
  • Exercise/stretch
  • Write out a plan or strategy
  • Take frequent small breaks

Now, let’s take a closer look…

Breathe

It is very important to breathe correctly.  Most of us do what is called ‘shallow’ breathing. When you breathe properly, you are breathing into your diaphragm and better still, to really oxygenate your body (which will make you feel more awake and alive) — take a deep breath into your stomach.  Let your stomach fill up so that you look like you are pregnant. Whilst you are breathing in — count to 5.  Hold it for 5 and then release it to the count of 5. Do this 3 times.  If you can do this every hour it can help immensely to keep you awake and in tune with your self.Here is some more information with regards to breathwork:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breathwork

Water

Drink lots of pure, clean water.  This will flush out unwanted toxins in your body and keep you flowing.  You will be able to have more clarity of thought and the health benefits of drinking water are too numerous to go into.  Suffice to say that you have nothing to lose and everything to gain in doing this.Too much coffee intake can do more harm than good, so instead of reaching for the java juice — have a glass of water.

Fresh Air

Breathe

We were not meant to be crammed in doors all day, especially if you work in a shop or office.  Go outside, when you can, even if it is for a minute or two and do the breathing exercise.

Even better, whenever you can, take a stroll in a forest or on the beach (if you don’t have access to any of those — go find yourself a tree to sit under).  It does wonders for the body and mind.

Exercise and Stretching

I know those of you who are most stressed probably feel you don’t have time for this step. But even if it is for a couple of minutes — something is better than nothing.

Get up and stretch — if you know a few yoga stretch moves then do that.  If you feel too embarrassed to do it in front of your colleagues then go to the bathroom and stretch.

Stretching releases built up energy and allows it to flow through your body in a balanced way instead of accumulating and being stagnant.  You will feel brighter and more alive.

You should take at least 30 minutes of daily exercise.  Go for a walk on your lunch break. You need to plan for exercise, especially for those of you on a strict schedule.  If you plan for it, you will allow it to happen.  There is always time for something important.

Strategies

If you are stressed out, the likelihood is that you have far too much on your mind.  One of the best techniques for de-cluttering the internal mind chatter is to get it out of your head and onto a whiteboard or diary/notebook.

This way you can see what needs to be done.  You can prioritize it and then  you can start to implement it.  When you do this, it will give you a sense of relief because you will not be stressing over things that you might have forgotten.  All you need to do is consult the board or notebook and then tick it off once it is done.

This really helps to keep your sanity and a clear vision of what needs to be done and in what order of importance.  You will truly start to see the light at the end of the tunnel if you do this.

Breaks

TelephoneYou were never meant to be glued to a computer screen or meant to be shut up in any environment, so, when you can — get up and take a break.  Go walk around the office or walk to the water cooler (don’t forget to have a cup!) and back.

Even little breaks can mean greater success.  They can lessen your chance of developing migraines and headaches and they can lessen your stress when you take a break from a problem.

Sometimes even taking a break can allow you time and space to sort out a problem that you would not have done if you were never removed from it.

Life is for living not stressing

Finally, I would like to end off by saying — life is for living and not stressing out.   What can be done — do.  What can’t be done should not be stressed over.  Worry never solved a problem but clear thinking and planning has.  Shelve the worry and create a space for solution by following the above steps.

Please share with us any tips and tricks you have learnt or discovered about relieving stress.

Other articles you may enjoy:

Serenity…Your Passport to Peace

5 Easy Steps to Meditating (No Lotus Position Required)

What is the Importance of 11-11-11?

Lighten Up!

So that much-anticipated date has come and gone…what now?  What was that about?

For those of you who don’t know, in a nutshell, the number 11 in numerology means illumination or ‘light-bearer’.  It is a master number that cannot be broken down (ie. in numerology if you get a 12 it needs to be broken down to 3 – 1+2=3).

When you have a triple date it is like a holy trinity for this number – triple potency (see ‘Why  3 is a Magic Number’).

11:11 on the Clock 

Have you been glancing at the clock or computer screen (or anything else like a till slip or number plate) and seeing the number 11:11 a lot?

“If the collective give it a positive meaning then it becomes potent.  So even if this number is a man-made phenomenon, that is great! “

It is a sign or a wink from spirit saying ‘we are here, we love you’ – a reminder that you are never alone on your path to enlightenment.  It is also a wake-up call to those who are still in the dream of reality.

There are some skeptics who would say, ‘just a coincidence’ or ‘you are giving it meaning’ and the answer is a resounding ‘yes!’.  You are the creator of your experience, so whatever meaning you give this IS.

If the collective give it a positive meaning then it becomes potent.  So even if this number is a man-made phenomenon, that is great!

We are co-creating a beautiful thing and that is how this works.

Nothing Happened!

Nothing much will be experienced in linearity but there was an influx of cosmic energy on this date.

Symptoms were as such:  heart palpitations, anxiety, nervousness, excitement, nausea, buzzing (no not from the coffee) and the list goes on.

When you look at these symptoms you have to realise the significance of the conditions when you are relating them to an energy surge.

Chaos Theory

What we are supposed to do with this ‘energy’ is to transmute it for the highest good.  When you are co-creating in this reality, everything you do is felt as a whole as we are all connected.

So when you use this energy for purposes that are not beneficial to you or others, you are spreading a ‘chaotic’ energy.  You are the hurricane.

“It is your choice if you want to be in the chaotic form of this energy “

When you are using this energy to spread love, harmony and compassion, you are in alignment with your higher self and the good of all – you are the butterfly.

Butterflies and Hurricanes

It is your choice if you want to be in the chaotic form of this energy and use it to create disharmony (the hurricane) or whether you want to elevate yourself and create a world of love, joy and pure freedom (the butterfly)…

There is an awesome song by Muse called ‘Butterflies and Hurricanes‘ give it a listen here.  It’s sure to kick-start your day!

Hop on Board the Roller-Coaster (Regrettably, Not Optional)

This NOW moment might feel like a roller-coaster ride and it is.  What you have to determine is, would you like to enjoy the ride or be petrified?

Fasten your seat-belts because either way it’s going to be a blast!

Use this energy to create what you want to see in your life.  Set your goals and focus on that.  If you don’t want chaos in your life then take your focus off of that.  Do not give chaos a thought – blank your mind and start visualizing what you do want.

Spill Your 11:11 Beans…

Let me know about your experiences on 11-11-11 or the build up thereto…I’d love to hear them.

My husband saw 2 flashes of light across the sky at about 13h00.  He said it was like someone was taking a giant flash photograph and it only lasted for about a second.

Man on a Cloud — Fear Factor or Fiction?

I am going to be addressing a difficult and tricky topic — God.  Yes, very ambitious, I know, but very necessary.

“Our natural state is unity consciousness not separation…”

For those of you who don’t know me, I suppose you could interpret my beliefs as ‘spiritual’ as I do not subscribe to any religion.  I am not opposed to any said religion if it is perpetuating love, compassion and understanding — I just don’t like to label myself.

I don’t want to offend anybody, that is not my intention, I would just like to discuss an alternative view of God.

With that out the way, we can get on with the juicy stuff…

Our Perception is Paramount

What idiot, with his head firmly planted up his backside, came up with the all-too-familiar saying “put the fear of God into you”?  It seems like an absolute dichotomy to me and here’s why:

I don’t believe for a moment, and, I would bet my life in saying, that we are most certainly not supposed to fear God — I think that is a very human interpretation.  God, as Jesus Christ put it, is our loving ‘father/mother’ (parental analogy). A ‘parent’, nonetheless, that can be viewed from both sides of the scale.

Leave Personified Concepts of God at the Door, Please

I feel that the word ‘God’ has become overused and totally abused.  It can come with some unwanted ‘baggage’ due to a long history of the ‘us against them’ attitude and not forgetting that white bearded old tosser dishing out punishment, sitting atop a fluffy cloud.

God for me is everything and can’t be solely personified (that is just our human brains trying to grapple with a difficult concept).

Unfortunately, a lot of people still get hung up on the personification of God but for you more broad-minded readers, I will continue…

Is God Really About Love?

Inspiring Life QuoteLove is the root/prime emotion of the positive scale and fear is the root/prime emotion on the negative scale.

So, if you want to interpret God as something to be feared, I believe,  you have the freedom of choice to do so.

However, always remember that you are making this choice and it has got pretty much nothing to do with God and everything to do with your perceptions.

“God would not ever need to judge…”

God is omnipotent and you can interpret God as both the Yin and the Yang, the light and the dark, the fear and the love – but it is all down to your choosing not Gods’ judgment — in my opinion God would not ever need to judge.

Please remember that judgment is different to discernment.  One needs to discern (the act or process of exhibiting keen insight ) but one does not need to judge (an opinion or conclusion).

God just is.

A Parent Without Unconditional Love?

Let’s take a closer look at God the parent.  Would you prefer that your child love you or fear you?

” To want someone or somethings fear is a resounding alarm to your own feelings of insecurity and vulnerability”

Look to GodIn fact, would you want anyone to fear you instead of love you?

If you do prefer being feared as opposed to being loved, then I suggest you take a serious look into why you feel weak.  To want someone or somethings fear is a resounding alarm to your own feelings of insecurity and vulnerability.

As with the school bully  – the bully is usually seeking to feel powerful because he/she is being bullied by a parent or older sibling, etc. This is not a satisfying way to gain love and respect.

So why do people fear God?

What a slap in the face for this omnipotent entity.  We need to take a long and hard look at why we were taught to be ‘God fearing’ people.

But here is where things get a little more fruity…

The Word

Words are our greatest power.  We have the ability to sway masses with speech, we can cut deeper than a knife with our tongue and we can make amends with an apology.

“…when we think rather than feel, we can easily be misled by the word.”

We are touched with our hearts and the language of the heart knows only love but when we move out of our ‘heart space’ and into our heads, in other words, when we think rather than feel, we can easily be misled by the word.

I am certain that if you put your faith in your heart, you would feel an amplitude of love for God and fear would not feature.  But religion has taught us to fear God.

For what purpose, you might ask?

To keep you a slave to the system.

Nuts and Bolts

With the fear of hell and an eternity in a burning inferno looming over our heads, we are tethered to God through fear and in order to keep on the straight and narrow we hand over our control to religious institutions and the powers that be.

“Not only has this been the most dis-empowering act of all time on humanity but it has literally kept us in servitude and, for the most part, disconnected from God and all that Is.”

HeartThey in turn and with the aid of our allegiance, blind faith and money, will make sure that our souls are not damned and that we neatly fit into society.  Not only has this been the most dis-empowering act of all time on humanity but it has literally kept us in servitude and, for the most part, disconnected from God and all that Is.

Unite!

Our natural state is unity consciousness not separation.

This great split among people over religion and whose God is right has divided humanity and kept us in a perpetual state of warring factions — the old ‘us against them’ mindset.  This suits the people ‘in charge’ just fine.

We are handing our power over to others when we buy into the fear of God.

I’m going to step off my soapbox for now.  This is going to be continued…(or CLICK HERE to go to Part 2)

Other articles you may enjoy:

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‘Love and Light’ — What Does it Mean?

10 Ascension Tips You Need to Know

Cosmic Dance

As tongue-in-cheek as this article title intended to be — there is something to this biblical concept of ‘ascension’ but it may not be what you think.

To Be or Not To Be…What Was the Question?

Who am I?  

If this has been your question, then I would like to officially welcome you to the human race.

What needs to be clarified is that you know who you are.  You are the I Am that I Am.  This is not just some new flavour caption or the latest (or possibly, oldest) spiritual declaration of the times. This is a statement that holds no ego, no space and no time.  This is your true identity.  When you question your identity, you believe that you are less than what you are.  You are never this — you are only stuck in the illusion or the dream that you are lacking in some way or another.

Your Personal Spiritual Path

Now to find true meaning behind the saying is your spiritual path — your journey to enlightenment.  To say the words with no meaning or context is useless and is as effective as saying any prayer like a parrot and not feeling the words being said.

“You do not need to ‘find’ yourself because you were and are never lost.”

We so often miss this vital point.  Your ‘homework’ is to give juice to this phrase.  You do not need to ‘find’ yourself because you were and are never lost.  You need to rediscover who you are because you have forgotten – that’s all.  How you get to this point is entirely up to you.  Every soul takes a unique path to their spiritual awakening and this can be fun and daunting at the same time.  Now, this brings me to ascension – the latest hot topic.

Don’t Be Fooled by the Rapture

EscapismWill some be beamed off the face of the Earth (possibly like the Mayan civilization – disappeared never to be seen again) or will we all die and move on to the wondrous 5th dimension that has been promised by so many prophets and soothsayers?  Will the religiously righteous be taken up to heaven while the rest are left to fight out the apocalypse?  Is this all just one big hoax or money-making scheme?

They do seem like rather strange questions, don’t they? But believe it or not, they are being asked. We are looking outside ourselves for answers and we want them fast.

Some were even led to believe that the 21st December 2012 was going to be ‘the date’.

Now here’s how I understand this cosmic rapturing conundrum.

Could Love Be Key to the Ascension?

Ascension is a state of elevating yourself into a different level of consciousness and, in my humble opinion, is not a physical event.  This is a lateral and not a literal experience.

What has love got to do with it?  Let’s examine this more closely.

Firstly, fear is the catalyst for being in an eternal drama.  I say eternal because if you don’t break the pattern of fear it will lead to the inevitable cycle of karma – cause and effect.  You will be doing it again if you don’t learn this time around.

“You incarnated with the intention to overcome the illusion and fear is the root cause of all illusion.”

This is not some form of punishment – this will come from the will of your over soul – your higher self. You incarnated with the intention to overcome the illusion and fear is the root cause of all illusion.  Love is the reality and love will cancel out all fear.

So your job is to examine fear – not to push it aside like most of us are guilty of doing but to take it out and look at it.  We need to face the fear and walk through it.  You can take this literally or metaphorically, the choice is yours and will fit the situation.

Trust Your Gut Instinct

Your discernment is the key factor in outing your darkness.  Only you know what cobwebs are lurking in the deep caverns of your soul.  Only you can dust those corners and expose them to the light.

If some fears need facing head on, then do it!  If some need therapy, then do it!  If some need deep reflection and meditation, then do it!  No more excuses.  If you are making excuses, for whatever reasons you have, be very sure that you are fully aware that your excuses ARE your choices.

“No-one else is responsible for you.”

If you choose to excuse yourself from your lessons then you will be in for another round on the karma wheel – your choice.  Some people take longer to pull finger than others – this applies to lifetimes too, you know.  So it is appropriate that some will not achieve full enlightenment in this lifetime, there will be other lifetimes to battle this out – your choice.  If you are a go-getter, then why not make it this lifetime?

As Yoda said, ‘Do or do not – there is no try’.  But the bottom line to this bollocking is that you must be responsible for your choices.  No-one else is responsible for you.  If this is your mindset you are in for a rude awakening!  No pun intended.

I Am that I Am

Now let’s get back to ascension. Ascension, for me, is embodying your experience here on earth by:

  • knowing at a deep soul level your ‘I Am’ presence (being resolute about who you are),
  • accepting what is and always knowing when to take appropriate loving action when there is something you can change,
  • understanding that unconditional love holds the answer to all problems,
  • finding the compassion in any situation and forgiving freely,
  • giving freely with no attachment,
  • seeing divinity en-masse, with no exceptions,
  • knowing, at all times, that there is divine order,
  • knowing you are a part of the entire system called ‘life’ therefore stepping into unity consciousness,
  • honouring all life — in whatever shape or form, including self,
  • being comfortably in the world but not of it.

We need to face everything with resolution that all is in divine order.  Whatever is just is.  There is a peace that comes with this acceptance.  If you are fighting this phrase you still need to accept that there is divine order and that you are divine.

If you do feel this then when you are faced with a fear based situation, be the calm presence.

“There simply is no ‘ceasing to exist’ – even if you do leave your body behind.”

Even if this situation means death – all you have to do is state I AM THAT I AM.  If you die in fear you will generate a lesson that you will have to walk through again…yup, the good ‘ol wheel of karma.

If you die stating and knowing in your heart that you ARE the divine, you have accepted mastery.  You are in dharma or nirvana.  There simply is no ‘ceasing to exist’ — even if you do leave your body behind.  If you ascend with or without your body —state the I AM THAT I AM.

Your only job is to make sure you know what you are stating and that it is felt in your heart.

The Heart Chakra

When you are faced with fear, try to concentrate your energy on your heart center.  Feel your heart swell with love and gratitude for whatever brings you these feelings in your life – whether it be your children, grandchildren, pets, friends, anything that brings you joy and feelings of elation — this is how you will elevate yourself into a different frequency.  Now expand that feeling.

Practice this over and over again until you can switch on the sensation of immense love whenever you have to.  When you send out love and light to the world or to anyone or anything, make sure you are feeling the love in your heart centre (chakra).  This makes it more potent and it will bring more of that feeling back to you – so it’s a win-win situation.

When you love, there simply is no space left for fear.  You will be on a different vibratory plane.  Fear won’t ‘fit’ anymore.

Truth Be Told

I read a channeled message saying that we need to speak our truths.  If you don’t speak your truth for fear of what people may think of you, you are not ready.  That resonated with me and I am now fully motivated to stand up and say it like it is and if people think I’m a nutter, well, why the hell not!

I am proud to stand up at AA (abnormal anonymous – although not quite so anonymous anymore) and say, ‘Hi, my name is Cherie and I am completely abnormal.  But hey, I Am that I Am.’

The ascension is the awakening to your divine self, the knowledge that you are a part of God and the acceptance that everything has divine order and purpose.  In order to do this, you must also see this divinity en-masse — in everyone and everything.  How can peace and love not arise with this attitude?

Other articles you may enjoy:

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The Secret to Excellent Living

Finding Humility Through Wisdom

Taking Responsibility For Your Co-Creative Abilities

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John Cleese – Pushing Boundaries Through Comedy

WARNING:  PG 13 – Foul language used in this blog

I was fortunate enough to be able to go and see John Cleese‘s new show ‘Alimony Tour’ in 2012.

“Without these ground-breaking, side-splitting writers and actors we might never have broken the barrier of vulgar, fowl and completely insane comedy”

I have always been a huge fan of Fawlty Towers and Monty Python, not to mention A Fish Called Wanda and the latest triumph, ‘Spud’ – a movie made from the South African novel of the same title by John Van De Ruit.

The childhood memories of Basil Fawlty and the ‘deceased parrot’ skit are some of my fondest.  This so-called ‘black/dark’ humor has been my life-line in many occasions and it is all due to the genius of pioneer comedians such as Cleese and the Python team, as well as Connie Booth (Cleese’s first wife and co-writer and star of Fawlty Towers).

Without these ground-breaking, side-splitting writers and actors we might never have broken the barrier of vulgar, fowl and completely insane comedy.

Pushing Boundaries

Cleese mentioned that he was the first person to say ‘shit’ on the BBC and consequentially went on to be the ‘first’ person to say ‘fuck’ at the church memorial service for his fellow writer/actor/friend, Graham Chapman.  A tribute, Cleese declared, that his friend, Chapman, would have wanted him to fulfill at Chapman’s expense *grin*.

“With their light of humor, they shone laughter and mirth into the hearts of millions who needed to be uplifted from their daily grind.”

The Python team went on to push all sorts of boundaries with their completely zany comedy skits and movies.  The one thing they did achieve through this was a world-wide fan base and some of the best and most diverse comedy to hit the screens ever!

This opened up new avenues and diverse channels for finding humour in the mundane and darkest of places.  What’s life about if we can’t take the Micky out of everything!

Comedic pioneers, with their light of humour, shone laughter and mirth into the hearts of millions who needed to be uplifted from their daily grind.

On With the Show…

Mona Lisa grinThe show was about Cleese’s personal and professional history and what a journey it was!  From the humble beginnings in a one-horse town to the moment David Frost called him up to be on telly – the show takes you through the trials and tribulations of this mans extraordinary life.

Mother Cleese

I loved the story of his mother.  In a nutshell, she lived to be 101 years old – being born in 1900 and passing away in 2001, she experienced a centuries worth of tumultuous history – living through WW1, WW2 and the cold war – just to name a few major events.

However, according to Cleese, she never really noticed any of it due to her incessant fears, worries and phobias.  Something he later turned around when he offered to hire a hitman to ‘take her out’ if it made her feel better.  This made her laugh about her situation and from that moment onward they shared a special bond through his talent of ‘black comedy’.

The Effect on the Masses

What stood out for me during the performance was how all the thousands of people in the audience responded to some of the clips he was showing from his various shows.  The crowd was applauding, giving standing ovations and laughing merrily.

“When you have the ability to laugh, you have the ability to heal.”

This brought me to think:  How wonderful is laughter?!  It can unite so many people under its umbrella.  It can make us look at situations and find the humor, no matter how diverse in nature.

Laughter is the Best Damn Medicine

The human being has this wonderful gift – to laugh.  And, more importantly, to laugh at ourselves.  So many times, we take ourselves and situations too seriously.  When you have the ability to laugh, you have the ability to heal.

Be lighthearted and find something to laugh about every day.  You will reduce stress and you will be a fantastic person to be around.

Go on – have a laugh!

A Parting Word of Thanks (Just Don’t Mention the War!)

Thank you, John Cleese, and all the other comedians who pushed the boundaries and gave us all something to laugh about!  The echoes of laughter will linger long after you have moved on.

You leave this planet a much more jolly place to be in.  You all deserve medals for your contributions to pant-wetting.

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A Practical Guide to Feeling Good

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Turning a Negative into a Positive

Facebook Header SpectacularWe all know about positive thinking and the Law of Attraction but do we really put it into practice?

I have so many friends who say they completely understand the Law of Attraction but I find these very same people asking me to join groups on Facebook with very negative connotations, such as ‘Stop Child Abuse’ or ‘Fight Cancer’ . They still don’t quite get it.

So how do you phrase with positivity then?

It does take some getting used to and it can be thought-provoking but it is possible. Mother Theresa said something very profound to demonstrate this premise, it went along the lines of: You’ll never see her at an Anti-War Rally but you will find her at a Pro-Peace Demonstration.

“When we harp on negative words or phrasing we are actually calling them into existence or perpetuating their existence…”

Let’s take the ‘Stop Child Abuse’ campaign, this can be rephrased as the ‘Love and Respect our Children’ or ‘Joyous Childhood’ campaign. ‘Fight Cancer’ can equate positively to ’Complete Physical Well-being”.

What Happens When we Focus on Negativity?

Pink PoppiesWhen we harp on negative words or phrasing we are actually calling them into existence or perpetuating their existence. Feeding the problem, making it recur over and over until we change our mindset.

Let’s try to think a little differently and see what a world of difference we make.

When I talk to most people about this they nearly always tell me that it is far to difficult to alter ones thoughts.  It is not — it just takes time, awareness and patience.

How to Stop Negativity 

The first step is to put your awareness on your thoughts and try to stop the negative ones in their tracks.

At first, some of these thoughts will slip through the cracks and you’ll find yourself in a fear induced state of panic of what might be or what has been and might happen again (isn’t this conducive to how most of us think?).

This is actually quite a normal state of mind in our society – one could even say a collective state of mind. Don’t give up on it though, with repetition things will change and you will find it easier and easier to stop your train of thought when you want to.

One by one you will slowly begin to eradicate these unproductive thought processes from you mind.

Patience is a Strong Virtue

Blue BirdsEverything takes time and a bit of getting used to so the best is to be patient with yourself and gently usher in the new positive thought process.

Do not judge yourself if you fall of the track every now and again – you just pick yourself up and get back on track.  Before you know it, you will be identifying negative thought patterns more and more easily and you will be able to alter the pattern to positivity.

“Just remember the ‘what if’s’ usually never ever happen anyway – how much time have we wasted on this?”

I know this for sure because I practice this and find it to be very effective. It has taken me almost a year to be at a point where I can change negative thoughts midstream and reverse it to a more positive scenario.

What if I Lapse?

Believe me, I also have my lapses but more often than not it can be stopped before one gets carried away in the stream of ‘what if’ scenarios.

I was very good at the ‘what if’ scenario – I’m sure we could all win Oscars for that but how about changing the ‘what if’ into a ‘what is’ because only what is happening now is of true importance. Just remember the ‘what if’s’ usually never ever happen anyway – how much time have we wasted on this?  Read more about how to stop worrisome thoughts HERE.

Easier said than done? Most definitely, but anything of great importance is worth the persistence. Persist with this and, I promise you, you will reap the rewards of a clear and positive state of mind.

Positive thoughts can pull you out of the darkness.
Positive thoughts can heal a sick body.
Positive thoughts can help eliminate our biggest obstacle, fear.

You are in Control 

PoppiesPositivity will alter your perception of the world you live in – the choice is, and always will remain, with you.

You create your life experience, you are in control.  What you see reflected in your life circumstance is what you have projected, consciously – or most of the time unconsciously.  Be clear about this and move on to filtering your wants and don’t wants.

Live your best life – you can only do this when you take responsibility for your actions and thoughts.  Take control of your life and truly live!

Have Your Say…

  • Are you a positive person or do you feel yourself slipping into the negative realms before you can stop it?  Share your thoughts and experiences…I’d love to hear from you.

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