She's Back!

Bhuvaneshwari ~ Mistress of the Cosmos

Do you know that the return of Divine Feminine is actually explained, in many beliefs, including Hinduism? There is a story about her leaving the earth, except for in sacred groves, forests, caves... and that she would come back, and that it's now! It is amazing! I hadn't heard that story until I listened to Shakti Meditations. It's an amazing cd.

About eight months ago, my guides started saying, "She's coming..." And I had no idea what the heck they were talking about! Ha ha ha. I just kept hearing it. And then one day I was walking by a big statue and I felt grabbed. I turned around and it was a huge head... Diana. And I knew right away, I got it... I almost started crying on the spot, ha ha ha. Crazy! There was a Native American ceremony up in Canada to welcome Divine Feminine back and send off Divine Masculine with love... last Fall, I think. And it's so darn palpable! It's incredible!

The following cd is AMAZING! I wish that I could give a copy of it to every single woman on the planet, although I do think there is big value in buying such things for our own work :-)

Shakti Meditations: Guided Practices to Invoke the Goddesses of Yoga

Take An Appreciation Break :-)

Click here for more of Martin Spina's art.

Right now, give yourself a few moments of your time. Take a couple of long slow luxurious breaths. After you have relished that sweet release, ponder and appreciate at least one thing that went right today... and if that feels good, keep going! ♥

I found this image on the Facebook page Sun Gazing.

Let it flow! Let it flow! Let it Flow!

This sweet painting is by Angie Rees.

If you want abundance in your life, you must resonate with the vibration of abundance. Abundance is not something we make happen, we don't create and recreate it again and again. Abundance is a flow that we connect to, it's a flow of giving and receiving. It's a beautiful thing, a wonderful dance. If you wish to be connected to this flow, you must feel at ease with both giving and receiving. If you feel that you only appreciate one half of the equation, you will want to cultivate an appreciation for the other.

There are a few things that I do, practices if you will, to help me stay in the flow. When I pay my bills I write "Thank You" on the checks (A nice little tool from Busting Loose from the Money Game). I do it for several reasons. As I said to stay in the flow, but I also find that writing and reading "Thank You!" always feels joyful to me. And I also like to remind myself that the money I am giving is appreciation for something I am receiving and enjoying.

When I find money on the ground I accept that it is a gift. When I am given extra change by accident I give it back, the joy of the exchange and the honoring of abundance is far more valuable to me than a momentary surplus.

I also offer my gratitude for all of the blessings and wonderful things in my life, to The Divine, in a journal. It's not a list of things I am grateful for, it's a conversation. I write things like, "Thank you for my wonderful cuddle bunny, Witty! She gives me so much love and affection! Thank you for my wonderful supportive friends and family, I love them so much! Thank you for my beautiful home and my wonderful town!". Ha ha ha, I actually write all of that, ha ha ha. I've found, for myself and for my clients, that a conversation tends to be much more invigorating and heart opening than a list. That being said, the joyful emotion of gratitude is really the point. So play around with it and see what works for you. Figure out how to get yourself jazzed about the things that are bringing you ease and joy in your life. And if you're feeling a bit down and funky, open that journal up and read a few pages!


Another key element to abundance flow is feeling joy for the abundance in other people's lives. Not just our friends and loved ones, but all beings everywhere. I have absolutely no issue with advertising for this reason. When I hear people kvetching about the ads, particularly on Facebook, it really surprises me. I am so grateful for Facebook and Youtube! I have connected with many friends through Facebook, people that I never thought I would see again. I have found a lot of love and seen amazing wonderful things on both Facebook and Youtube that I never would have seen without those sites. We have access to such incredible beauty and wisdom... and it does not cost us a single cent, unless we choose to click on an ad and buy something that we would like to have. All we have to do in return for this amazing gift is... well really nothing. We don't even have to look at the ads if we don't want to. When you see others thriving and you rejoice in their abundance, you are well on your way, ha ha ha. I love to see everyone thriving so beautifully! I absolutely wish for everyone in the entire world to live and play and laugh in ever flowing joyful abundance. And I do mean everyone. Love! Love! Love!

When I Become A Superhero...

When I become a superhero one of my powers will be to open people to their own hearts. I'll have several cool ways to do it including a love bomb ;-) I promise you, the only thing that will ever bring real change to any situation, internal or external, is love. Since I am not a superhero, yet, I am beginning by working on opening my own heart and offering love to everyone and everything in all of existence. Love is the way, I know it with every fiber of my being.

And while we're on the topic of superheroes... my favorite superheroes are the Green Lanterns. The beautiful artwork at the top of this post is Gloria Gypsy's interpretation of Anahata, the heart chakra. (Click on the image to go to her shop.) The beautiful artwork just above this paragraph is the Green Lanterns' symbol. Oddly similar, no? Ha ha ha! Green Lanterns receive a special ring and a lantern that allows them to channel a magical green energy. The story says that they need sufficient will power to wield the power. They wear the symbol on their heart chakras, and the green energy is the opposite of fear. When they channel it they can create anything, literally anything, that they are able to imagine. Their ability to not be controlled by fear, their will power, and their imaginations are truly what the beings bring to the table and the green energy does everything else. As far as I know the only thing that controls our fears is trust, either in ourselves or in a higher power... and that, my friends, is why I love Green Lanterns! I even have a tattoo of the symbol. Love and joy from me to all of you!

The Most Sacred Place of All...

I've been in a cocoon for awhile, but I feel my wings sprouting again... so let's play!

Click here to find this fabulous watercolor from Megan Welti.

Would you like to 'hear the music' Nietzche was referring to? If you play around with the following meditation every day, eventually you will hear the music, and much more. If you are already hearing it, then it will just get clearer and more defined.

Close your eyes and take three long slow breaths as you bring your awareness to your internal workings. Imagine the breath flowing all the way to your fingers and toes. After the third breath, bring your awareness to your heart chakra, in the center of your chest. Imagine a beautiful, warm, cozy cave inside the center of your own chest. Take a moment to feel the boundaries of the cave and then imagine you are there, sitting on the floor in the center of your beautiful heart cave. Feel the soft carpet, what color is it? Mine is lavender! Breathe swirling gold and white light into that space, illuminating the walls... as you release your breath feel the sensation of being in that space deepen. Play with this, look around with your mind's eye and see what shows up. Check in and see if you notice that things feel different to you when your awareness is focused in your heart. If you begin to feel a physical sensation in your chest, like a gentle pressure or slight cramping feeling, give yourself a pat on the back! That means you are doing a great job! Enjoy!

Love, love, love to all y'all! ;-) ♥

Lavender Shortbread is Divine!

The culinary lavender I got online @ BulkFoods.com :-)

Lavender Shortbread

Preheat oven to 325

3/4 Cup Butter
1/2 Cup Confectioner's Sugar
1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla
1 1/2 Cup Flour
1/4 Teaspoon Salt
2 1/2 Teaspoon Culinary Lavender (It must be finely ground. I use a, well cleaned, coffee grinder.)

Cream butter and confectioners sugar until light. Add vanilla and
cream some more. Mix flour, salt and lavender in a separate bowl and
then mix flour mixture into butter mixture.

Pat dough into a well greased 8" pan or pat into a square
and cut before baking. Bake until shortbread is just
barely starting to brown, about twenty minutes.

Lavender Icing (enough for two batches of shortbread so I half it)

1/3 cup whole milk
1/2 teaspoon dried lavender
3 cups confectioners' sugar

Bring milk and lavender just to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove from heat, and let steep 10 minutes. Strain, and discard lavender. Whisk in sugar until smooth.(I actually add sugar slowly until I get the consistency that is somewhat liquidy enough to spread and set overnight...) You will have to use all of the icing immediately. I personally think the shortbread is better the second day. Enjoy!

The Wayseer Manifesto

Magical Centipedes

The Centipede Animal Totem

I found the photo here and the article here :-)

The Centipede is a fast moving creature with many legs, its bite is poisonous and it is because of this that the Centipede is the symbol of Chiefs. They come in various colors and sizes, but usually do not grow larger than twelve inches. These larger types are known as Giant Centipede’s. The average Centipede is usually only several inches long. They do not like to be handled and will often bite if irritated. They are often kept as pets by many for their interesting coloring and reputation for bringing good luck.

The Centipede is the totem of Chiefs because of its poisonous bite and rapid movements. There is a legend about the Centipede that tells that its painful bite and quick movements frightens even the grand and magnificent Dragon. Indeed Centipede’s frighten many because of their rapid movement and many legged body. It is a wonder that something so small can humble even the largest and most threatening of creatures and people.

The Centipede possesses several virtues that are powerful and valuable and which any person would be wise to emulate or divine. One who has the power of the Centipede will see enhanced fortune and an improved social life. They are said to bring increased winnings to gamblers and ward off bad luck or black magic.

The Lucky Centipede Totem possesses the following virtues: Gamblers Luck, general good luck, speed, energy, quiet ferocity, healing, improved social life, reduction in negative energy, Wards of negative energies which results in money problems, improved blood circulation.

Heavenly!

Music for Deep Meditation produces fantastic and powerful meditation and relaxation music. They are also friends of mine, I am happy to say :-) Watch this in full screen, it is magnificent!

Asking for a Third Option

"Hey, Grace, can you help me out here?"

About four months ago a friend of mine was telling me about a situation in her life that she was looking for some resolve in. She had come up with two scenarios that she felt were her only two options. Neither one of them was optimal but she could not find another option in the library of her brain that would accommodate everyone involved. As I listened to her I heard, "What about asking for a third option?" in my head... I let the words spill from my mouth and as they did some more came with them, I love it when that happens. I just sit back and listen because the information is inevitably useful for me as well.

So... long story short, asking for the third option is asking Grace to give us a solution that we could not think of with our own limited view. I have recently started calling divinity, consciousness, the Universe, God, Shiva, Allah etc... Grace. For me that is the simplest and most useful word to describe that which is indescribable ;-) The one most important thing to remember when you do ask for a third option, or anything else that we ask Grace for, is to let whatever it is go once you have asked... find a way to allow your mind to accept whatever happens to be perfect, even if it is not what you asked for. And then distract the mind from dwelling on the subject, find something else to focus on, preferably something joyful. Once it has truly been let go of, in my experience anyway, you can be most certain that the third option is coming to you at light speed. Try it out sometime... you might just be surprised by the results.

My Truth About Respect...

Audrey 'King of the Jungle'
Maile Roseland

I was speaking to one of my best friends, recently, and she was very upset about an incident that she had witnessed. There was a man eating in a restaurant at a table next to hers and he was ranting and raving in a negative manner about women and various other groups of people. My friend sat in silent horror, as did everyone else in the restaurant, and simply listened to the man's prejudice. She left the restaurant feeling angry and unsatisfied, wishing that she'd said something to the rude man. I told her that I agreed with the 'turn the other cheek' policy. Anything else would have brought more attention to a man who was really just making a fool of himself anyway. Not to mention that challenging him would fuel his fire and give him a stage for his one man show. All she really wanted was to teach the man some respect but respect is not taught, it's grown... and one must have it for themselves before they can start to feel it for others.

A person who respects himself, or herself, is respectful of others. They don't need to learn respect because it comes naturally to them. People who truly respect themselves may appreciate respect from others but they don't need it or ask for it. It's simply not an issue because people who respect themselves are not overly concerned with what other people are thinking, or saying, about them. They are able to listen to and accept complements or negative feedback and respond to either with a simple thank you. This, in my opinion, is a true sign of strength. Of course it's always nice to hear complements and it's certainly necessary to hear negative feedback as well but to allow oneself to be puffed up or torn down by the opinion of others is exhausting and it can really wear down one's self esteem.

Self esteem is, very basically, how we feel about ourselves. Ego and self esteem are not the same thing. Ego is a sense of self that depends entirely on one's perceived successes or failures in any given arena. I liken self esteem to the love a parent feels for a child. A good parent, in my opinion, loves their child regardless of the child's actions, successes or failures. Imagine asking a parent why they love their child... They love their child simply because the child is, they don't need a reason. This is exactly the kind of love that, when cultivated for ourselves, builds a strong and healthy self esteem.

I've been told for most of my life that loving ourselves is pretty much the key to everything. Knowing this is great but how to 'do it', that's the tricky part. Personally, I think that the most effective way to start building self esteem is to simply take the best care of ourselves that we possibly can. Imagine what you would want for the people that you love and then include yourself in that list. Not too long ago I took the advice of author Louise Hay and started saying "I love you! I really really love you!" to myself in the mirror. I said it, I meant it and I actually let it in. I was amazed at how empowering it felt. This simple act of giving and receiving love to and from myself had a definite and immediate impact on my self esteem.

I believe we choose who we want to be, that we choose our actions as well as our reactions. That being the case, who do you want to be; the person whose self esteem depends on the opinions of others or the person whose sense of self worth remains unaffected by praise or blame? Personally, I'm striving to be the latter.

The Fun and Crazy Circus

Kinetic Affect performing Without Forgiveness

I often liken this life to a fun and crazy circus. Much like a modern circus, my life has themes and they are never dull... I laugh, I cry and I learn. The theme that is currently appearing in my circus ring is 'Acceptance and Allowing'. In keeping with this theme I've come across the video above. Kinetic Affect tackle a wide variety of issues with deep hearts and well searched souls. They don't serve their findings with silver tongues but instead with the infinitely more valuable commodities of honesty and presence. Click here to check them out for yourselves!

Enjoy!

The Key To Pretty Much Everything

"The Way I Am"

Ingrid Michaelson

My choice to embrace the laws of; attraction, deliberate creation and allowing, have given me the opportunity to examine my taste in music, movies, television, etc... I have five or six hundred songs on my iPod and, amazingly enough, I have discovered that less than fifty of those songs give me a truly positive feeling. I wonder why on earth we so often choose to listen to, watch or read things that give us negative emotions such as sadness, anger, fear or pain. In the last couple of years I have switched out of that wallowing in... whatever... and now I am seeking out things that actually give me joy. It's not as easy as it might sound, at least not for me. I have found that there is a lot of music that I find to be really beautiful and initially I think what I am feeling is pleasant but, if I really pay attention to how I am feeling, I realize that I am actually feeling sadness, loss or even pain. Since I am no longer wanting those emotions to play major parts in my life, I am now choosing not to give them any of my time.

On my quest for new uplifting and joy inspiring media I have come across "The Way I Am" by Ingrid Michaelson. I am completely in love with this song. It's about love and acceptance and those are two things that I am happy to invite into my life. You can see the video above if you haven't yet and here are the lyrics;

If you were falling
Then I would catch you

You need a light
I'd find a match

Cause I love the way you say good morning
And you take me the way I am

If you are chilly
Here take my sweater

Your head is aching
I'll make it better

Cause I love the way you call me baby
And you take me the way I am

I'd buy you Rogaine
When you start losing all your hair

Sew on patches
To all you tear

Cause I love you more than I could ever promise
And you take me the way I am mmm

I played the song for my dad and he said something about it being about 'relationship' love. I laughed and told him that sometimes the song makes me think about two of my best friends who always accept me no matter what crazy stuff I do. It's so great to have that in my life and so sometimes I sing the song to them! Other times I think about the song in terms of God or Consciousness or whatever you'd like to call the divine truth that is everything... I open my heart and mind to consider the deep love and acceptance that I receive from the divine, angels etc... and so I sing the song to God! Lastly, I sometimes think about what I am wanting to feel for myself and so to inspire my desire I sing the song to myself! After all, loving and accepting ourselves is pretty much the key to... everything.
I am sending you all love, joy and acceptance!

I'll Take the Magical Life Please...

Photo from: PhotoshopEssentials.com
They offer free tutorials in Adobe Photoshop!

I recently came to realize that I have been on a quest for a magical life since I was , hmm, well very very young. I was desperate to read and when I did start reading I went hog wild and read everything I could get my hands on. Greek Mythology was my favorite and then Fantasy took over which later blossomed out into the hybrid Science Fiction/Fantasy and the sky was the limit from there. My quest gained a great deal of momentum when I met my spiritual teacher and received Shaktipat at the age of eleven. Suddenly my mind was awakened to all sorts of new ideas and possibilities as well as true love.

As the years passed my ideas about what magic, true magic, was had changed as I lost some of my innocence and 'grew up'. Thanks to God, my ideas didn't change as drastically as they change for most people I've know, but but they did change nonetheless. I no longer believed that anything was possible and I felt lost and alone more often over time. I did therapy which helped me to 'find my way back to myself', if you will. Then I moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico and that was certainly a turning point that steered me back towards the light. I detoured into some darkness but it truly is always darkest before the dawn. I eventually got to a place where I was not just asking for help from God/Consciousness (insert favorite name here, lol) but I was begging for it. And then I came across a man who had recently been to see Joao de Deus (John of God) in Abadiania, Brazil. I had wanted to make this trip for about five years but I'd never had a reason to go because I thought of him as a healer of the physical body and I am blessed with fantastic health.

The man conveyed to me how John of God had removed all of the anger from his soul. I knew it was true because he'd had a terrible reputation for being a supremely unpleasant man and the man I was speaking to was obviously kind-hearted and full of love and gratitude. I thought to myself that if John of God could remove the anger from this guy then I bet he could probably help me with the sadness and pain that I'd still felt a deep connection to at the time. So at that moment I said to the man and to myself that I was going to see John of God! I didn't know how but I knew I'd get there and that boosted my quest up several notches.

Soon after this I was told about The Secret for the first time and by the third time I was told about how great it was I figured maybe I should check it out. I'm grateful that I did 'cause it added some high octane fuel to my newly reawakened quest. I watched it every day for over a month. My creativity reared it's beautiful head and I started designing t-shirts, blogging and playing! Yup, I started wanting to play like a little girl again and I liked it! Skipping, jumping, singing and cartwheeling around in the grass has brought a whole lotta love and joy into my life and my dog's life too, lol. I can't even express how freeing that has been... a lot though! Already my connection to the sadness and pain had started to lessen somewhat.

About a year and a half after I watched The Secret I found some Abraham-Hicks cds that I had lost track of for quite a few years and started listening to them again. I'd actually been to an Abraham-Hicks seminar in Albuquerque in '02... I remember having loved it but somehow... Well, we all get things in our own time, sheesh! (Abraham-Hicks is where the 'Law of Attraction' the core message of The Secret actually comes from.) Their cd's are amazing, very empowering. They have some great videos on Youtube as well. You'll find one of the videos in a previous post of mine if you click on the tag Abraham-Hicks.

So then about nine months ago a friend of mine asked me to stay with her while she was in the hospital recovering from an operation that she needed to have. She came through her operation like a champion and the recovery was more of the same. Several weeks after I returned home she called me and told me that she decided she wanted to go to Brazil to see John of God and she wanted to bring me with her as a thank you. She said that it would be fun to go with me, being as I'd wanted to go for such a long time and would be very enthusiastic. I was ecstatic, of course, and a couple of months later I found myself in Abadiania, Brazil having the time of my life! It was heaven on earth for me. I've written plenty about that though so I will move on...

I will tell you that the sadness and pain I felt such a strong connection to is gone, completely gone, and I have received many other fabulous gifts from that trip as well. I am most certainly going back, hopefully soon. One of the gifts I received was another huge boost towards the knowing that a magical life is not only possible but it's happening now. My experiences in Abadiania were truly fantastical and definitely magical. Spiritual teachers have been telling me that anything is possible since I was a child and now a variety of scientists are offering corroborating evidence with quantum physics. Just check out What the Bleep!? - Down the Rabbit Hole, it's amazing.

My most recent incredible boost came from a friend of mine in Abadiania. He told me about Matrix Energetics. I don't know really how to describe Matrix Energetics so I'll just give you an excerpt from the website and if you like it you can click on the paragraph and follow the link down this rabbit hole;

Matrix Energetics is a complete system of healing, self-care and transformation. It is a transferable and teachable phenomenon, powered by intent, which has a physical and observable effect every time. Complete beginners as well as seasoned health care practitioners are able to perform and utilize this work to affect change-with no waiting and no running of energy. Anyone can learn this skill and practice Matrix Energetics.

I can tell you that after taking one seminar I am totally hooked on it! I had so much fun at that seminar it was like taking a vacation with a bunch of crazy fun kids and just playing and playing and playing! Which is pretty much what we did with some quantum physics, a little consciousness and all kinds of what I'd call magic thrown into the games. On a video testimonial from the website a woman said something to the effect that a Matrix Energetics seminar was like a trip to Hogwart's. ( the school that Harry Potter attends) I'd have to agree with her. And now I know for certain that magic does exist! True magic, the kind of magic that you always wanted to believe in. I could tell you incredible stories but I think that if you are ready for this amazing experience you will know it and you will embrace it! I did. I found out about Matrix Energetics in mid May and I was at a seminar in L.A. on June 6th. The money I needed to do it just flowed right to me and I took that crazy bull's horns and went with it.

For the past couple of years I have found myself living in joy more and more of the time. My temper has dramatically changed and I find it so much easier to let go of anger, pain and shame. I am able to feel my emotions and then to let them go, so simple! When I do find myself in a tantrum I am able to step back and laugh at myself and move on to the business of my magical life! The things that I am wanting are flowing into my life more and more easily. Ease and joy are the name of my game now and it's happening... like magic! So the next time someone tells you that you can do anything, be anything or have anything that you are wishing for... Believe it! It's the complete and utter truth.

The Eye of the Beholder

Lately I have found myself feeling a little less than satisfied with my current size and shape. For many reasons, all known to me, I have put on a lil extra weight and it's just not sitting well with me. I hear myself criticizing my body and I actually have to laugh a little. How many times have my friends told me they were unhappy about there bodies and I told them to relax and that they were gorgeous? (And it was true every time.) I am not a huge fan of hypocrisy in general and even less so in myself. So I keep telling myself what I would tell any other person in the world, "Shut up and be happy, you are gorgeous!" Is it working? Kinda, but sometimes a little outside help doesn't hurt...

So this morning I was reading a post from Kristen on my favorite blog GlamSpirit about an article by Walter Kirn that had inspired her. I followed her link and was not disappointed. The article is about how Walter has come to view and define beauty in women over the years. His words are touching, honest and inspiring. It's so refreshing to read about a man finding beauty where we might find flaws. It also got me thinking and I decided that for the times when "beautiful!" is not the first thing I say to my reflection in the mirror perhaps "I love you!" will be my replacement. Maybe that's a better way to go anyway... hmmmmm, ya think? After all there is nothing sexier on the planet than a healthy self esteem.

I want to say thank you to Kristen and to Walter Kirn for their timely inspiration. Oh and, by the way, Kristen is gorgeous... not just words, folks.

Skype Me Baby!

Gotta love the video phone.

Oscar sure does!

For everyone who does not already know about Skype it is a super fantastic service that's available to anyone with access to a computer. Skype allows you to make video calls to other Skype members (anywhere in the world) for free, that's right gang, for FREE! Oh and membership is free too. A couple of weeks ago I was using a computer in an Internet cafe in Brazil and I was speaking face to face with my sister who was still half asleep in her bed in Upstate New York. It was fantastic. You can also use your Skype account to call people on the telephone for ridiculously low rates. People were making calls to their friends all over the world, for free, on the computers at this Internet cafe in Brazil. In fact all of the Internet cafes that I went to were Skype ready and even had headsets on all of the computers so people could speak with relative privacy. It really is an incredible service and I'd have to say an absolute must if you're planning to travel. If you don't have it then click on the Skype ad on the right side of this page and get it, you will not regret it! All you have to do is to download the program and away you go! Free Video Phone, People! Video phone is good and free is good, the combination... Fantastic!

A Prayer Meeting in the Heart of the World

Okay, a wee bit more about my trip to Brazil... My first morning waking up in Abadiania my eyes popped open at about 6 am, first time for everything right? Every morning after I spontaneously awoke between the hours of 4:30 am and 6:30 am, depending on the schedule of that day. I had no alarm clock and it didn't matter if I went to bed at 9 pm or 12 am. I didn't even feel tired... weeeell most of the time anyway, lol. So that, for me, was pretty amazing and cool. Oh and, by the way, I am still waking up early, although here I may or may not get up early... that's an Abadiania thing.

My Sunday morning in Abadiania started around 6:30 am. I woke up, meditated, did a little stretching and then went down to the pousada dining room for breakfast. (I stayed at Pousada Irmâo Sol, Irmâ Lua aka "Martin's" and it was wonderful. You can find it in the Casa Guide) So, anyway, at breakfast my friends Brian and Noreen told me that they were going to a prayer meeting at the Casa de Dom Inacio de Loyola. I asked if I could tag along and they said, "Of course!"

I had no idea what to expect. the Casa is kinda technically Catholic, Jesuit and Spiritist. (I was born Episcopalian, grew up going to an ashram that was primarily Hindu but open to all faiths and over time I have become... hmmmm. All I know is that there is nothing that exists that is not God, Consciousness or whatever you'd like to call IT.)

So, to start the meeting a lovely man stands up in front of our little group of about twenty people and tells us to share prayers, poetry, hymns, songs or do whatever comes into our heart but to just please refrain from trying to coach us. He went on to say that each person in the meeting was doing their own work, that we should respect this and to please simply use this time to share. I was excited to hear what would come next!

People shared poetry, prayers and hymns in English, French, Armenian, German, Portuguese and even Gaelic! The prayer book that we were given contained every type of prayer imaginable, including a Native American blessing. We enjoyed hearing and joining in on several Buddhist and Hindu chants and the grand finale of this incredible worship sharing experience was the entire group singing "Let It Be" by the Beatles at the request of a lovely English gentleman. I must confess that I had tears streaming down my face for the better part of the hour long meeting. In my head I was begging God to somehow let me live in this incredible place where all people are welcome and encouraged to come and worship together in whatever manner they pleased. For me this was just further confirmation that Abadiania is in fact Heaven on Earth!

Back from Heaven...

I just got back from Abadiania where the Casa Dom Inácio De Loyola is located and I have to say that I feel as though I have been to Heaven. The hour and a half cab ride from Brasilia Airport gives only a preview of the beauty of Abadiania. The clouds dip below the horizon giving one the impression that one is floating in the sky. There are pretty white Brahman Cows dotting the lovely green hills and people and towns are few and far between. The Taxi whizzes by the breathtaking countryside at a speed that is slightly less than comfortable but ya gotta just go with the Brazilian flow! As the towns do pass you catch glimpses of cool rustic wooden furniture and shiny copper pots laid out by the road in an attempt to draw in passers by. The copper pots come in many sizes from very small to massive, so big that it would take three men just to pick one up... empty!

I had an amazing and magical trip to Heaven and I will return as soon as I possibly can. If you are wondering why I went to this distant small town simply read the post before this one and all will be revealed. Okay well, some will be revealed anyway! And as for the details of my trip, well... That's a long involved story of spiritual healing a wee bit too private for this blog. Sorry gang! I will tell you that Abadiania is a magical place and if you choose to make the journey, prepare to leave a changed person.

I'm Going to Abadiania with a Journal on My Knee!

Photo from Rupert Drew

(Guided Tours to the Casa de Dom Inacio)

For seven years I've wanted to go to see John of God in Abadiania, Brazil and by this time next week I'll be there! John of God is an amazing healer... or rather a channel for healing entities. The entities have been healing people through John of God for many, many years now. I have known many people that he, or rather the entities, healed of numerous physical and emotional health issues. If you want to know more about him there is a wealth of information on the internet. The 'official' site is www.johnofgod.com. (If you already know who he is and are wanting to go, there is a fantastic website with all of the information that you'll need called Friends of the Casa. Whether you want to go with a guided group or on your own private adventure Friends of the Casa will get you there.)

I will be there for my 40th birthday which I find to be wonderfully auspicious! Sooooo have a fantastic couple of weeks while I am gone. I've decided to go old school... I'm leaving my Macbook at home and bring my travel journal instead!
Big Love to All Y'all!

I've Been Drinking from the Cup of Hafiz!

The Ceiling at the tomb of Hafiz
Photo from Roozbeh Taassob @ Wikimedia Commons

There is no sweeter nectar for the heart and soul than the poetry of the great Sufi master Hafiz. I have taken to opening up my copy of "The Gift" in the morning to begin my day with some pure unadulterated joy. I have fallen, and fallen hard, for Daniel Ladinsky's translations of my beloved Hafiz. Pick up a copy, you will most certainly will not regret it. Here is my favorite poem of all time:

If The Falling of a Hoof

If the falling of a hoof
Ever rings the temple bells,


If a lonely man's final scream
before he hangs himself


And the nightingale's perfect lyric
Of happiness
All become an equal cause to dance,

The Sun has at last parted
It's curtain before you-

God has stopped playing child's games
With your mind
And dragged you backstage
By the hair,

Shown to you the only possible
Reason

For this bizarre and spectacular
Existence.

Go running through the streets
Creating divine chaos,

Make everyone and yourself ecstatically mad
For the Friend's beautiful open arms.

Go running through this world
Giving love, giving love,

If the falling of a hoof upon this earth
Ever rings the
Temple
Bell.

Oh My God! I love that poem soooooooooo much. I feel such unimaginable bliss and awe every single time I read it. I can almost see Hafiz sitting on the steps of a temple, giggling away as a passing camel's footfall rings the temple bells... Oh what a beautiful and wondrous world it is that we live in!