In The Arms Of The Mother

Unfortunately, much of my work keeps me indoors. But I make it a point to step outside each day and be embraced by the arms of the Mother. It is good for me on so many levels. I think too many people today rush from home, to work and then back home again without noting the beauty that surrounds them. Our modern lives keeps us so busy that many feel that they have no time to be outside; this has somehow become a luxury or a choice that can’t be made do to the circumstances of our busy lives.

If I were to choose this way, I would become very disconnected from the earth. I committed to making this a “have to” in my day. And, within a very short period of time, I discovered it became a “want to” and then a “need to”. When I step outside I connect with the energies of most of the elements. Earth grounds me, Air breathes new life into me and awakens me, the Fire of the Sun warms me and sparks my passions alive, and if there is rain or even Water nearby, I am reminded to go with the flow. I connect with all the other living beings around me. I listen to the birds, follow the squirrel as she moves about her day and delight in the dragonfly that flits from branch to branch in iridescent wonder. I celebrate that I am a part of this vast universe and all the energies of it.

I believe I am so powerfully drawn to be out in Nature because I am meant to be in it regularly. I find time to pause and remember all these parts of myself. I seek the beauty and the energies held there to heal me, to restore my balance and to delight me. All of my senses engage with the gifts of the Mother and I need Her medicine to be whole, vibrant and awake.

My soul seeks nourishment from my time spent in Nature. It finds its natural rhythm. It revives itself. It taps into creative energies that surround it. When I do this I feel my perspective shifts. When I go outside I find my energy level becomes exactly what I need at the time. Sometimes it helps me to release negativity that is only dragging me down. Sometimes it invigorates me and energizes me on a whole new level. And then there are the times it calms me and grounds me to stillness and presence.

Take some time today to bring your body outdoors. Try to be mindful of what you are experiencing. Breathe in the energies. Awaken your senses. Allow your soul to delight. You won’t be disappointed, but instead you will be brought to a beautiful place of wonder and recharge.

Blessings, Lisa

The Power of a Talisman

Throughout time people have turned to symbols and tools, body adornment and decoration to help them embody power and energies. We have learned that by placing significance and intention into these objects and symbols we are reminded of our own power within. Over time and with practice and experience we incorporated crystals and stones, natural artifacts, colors, and more to these items to bring even more energies to them.

So what turns a pocket treasure or a pretty piece of jewelry into a powerful talisman? What sets it apart from a much loved piece to a spiritual reminder? Once again it comes down to the intention and the ritual or practice that we apply it to. By definition a talisman is any item that is imbued with specific power by its owner to serve a specific intention. They help ground that intention in our physical realm and on a soul level as well.

A talisman can intend protection, empowerment, attract abundance and more. The more one works with the talisman the more personal it becomes. Whether it be gems, wood, metal, plant, animal or even written word, a talisman can be tremendously powerful to the owner. More often than not the size of the talisman makes it easy to tuck away in a pocket, to be worn or to be carried throughout the day.

Markings that is often inscribed somewhere on the talisman can be in the forms of actual words or in symbols that are universal or specific to the owner. There is no one way for someone to create their talisman. Not only can it then serve in attracting what it is you intend, but it also serves as a reminder of your soul's calling and work.

When you want to create your own personal talisman there are many aspects of it to think about. The intention and planning of its creation is a big part of the power it is bringing. What element is it going to be made from? What energies does that element have? What color would you choose? If there is a symbol or some words that you want to include what will they be?

Once the talisman is created it needs to be cleansed and then charged with your personal energies. Some ways the cleansing can happen are by either smudging or placing the item in the sun or moonlight. The charging can happen by placing it on a personal altar and holding it during your spiritual time or by sitting with it and focusing deeply on what your specific intention is for it to represent. See in your mind's eye the outcome of using this talisman.

Nearly any item that you own can be used as a talisman whether it is a family heirloom or a newly purchased item or something hand crafted. It can be worn as "jewelry" or carried with you throughout the day. What is most important is the cleansing of it to remove any unwanted energies and then the charging of it with the bearer's intentions and energies. Many have found that using a talisman becomes a beautiful affirming representation of their goals and intentions and serves as a personal reminder of their connection to source.

Blessings, Lisa

A Story of Empowerment

As CBS News corespondent Steve Hartman once said, "Everybody has a story." Each story is as unique as the individual. Some stories have mysterious twists and turns to the plot while some have tragedy, romance or wonder. They all have one thing in common. Nobody has to be defined by their story.

In the shamanic practice story is a powerful tool. The shaman, often referred to as the Master Storyteller, will work with a client to help them see that while the events and relationships that have occurred within their story are undeniable and very real, the amount of power we give to them is always within our control.

So many times this depends upon our perspective, our willingness to let go what is no longer or has never served us and to embrace any gifts or lessons that have come our way from the unfolding story and its energies. We can use these events and relationships to propel us forward, to grow and expand and learn more about ourselves, or we can use them to keep us stuck and in a victim role. Authoring our story and choosing what to emphasize, to serve as fodder to our life's journey and to what we want to call our truth is where the power lies.

When we reflect on our life story we can find the places that serve as traps for us. Think back to your past, note the memories that come up, feel the emotions that are attached to them, pay attention to the energy of your body, and note how your soul feels? Your body, mind and soul can help you to discern if your story is empowering for you or not. Anger, guilt, blame, sadness, fear and bitterness will weigh us down and our story is not serving us as an effective tool. But if we find in these reflections peace, fondness, honoring of life lessons and trust of the future then we know we have done the work to move forward in a healthy relationship with our story.

How do we step away from the negative emotions and energies of our life story? There are many answers to that question, but the first step that will lead in the right direction is learning how to create a new version of the story. We have the ability to choose how we will continue to react to what others have done to us or what they have not given us. We have the choice of whether to stay stuck festering about a life event that was not fair, tragic or life changing or not. We can look to these places for insight and lessons, learn to walk away with this and apply it to our current moment and take it along with us. All the while, we then leave behind all the negative energies, the wounded ego, the guilt or shame that does not encourage our soul's growth.

Learning to find a life story that is empowering, supportive and has possibilities give us a chance to step out of our past and be fully alive in the moment. It gives us the ability to be open to all the options and opportunities that life will offer. It affords us to embrace the energies of forgiveness. When we become engaged in the role of author of our life story, we no longer leave it up to others belief, actions or energies to dictate what our future holds. Instead we are in charge and we can bring all our creative energies and dreams to the story of today.

Blessings, Lisa

Evolving

As with many spiritual practitioners, the shaman understands that one has to put more than just intention into one's evolution. It seems for most people the desire to expand to grow, and to move forward is a natural one. Transformation is sometimes born from dreams and hopes, often from pain and struggle and our soul beckons us onward.

As a shaman I see the unfolding of the transformation. The longing and desire to respond to the soul's call, the inspiration and influence of the guides, the coming together of the energies that surround and support us all taking part in the formation of the "medicine" necessary for the next step along the path. The seeds are planted, but the nurturing needs to take place for the growth to occur.

Bringing all this together, whether through ritual, practice and ceremony, and applying it with intention the manifestation begins. Intention is of the mind. We need to do more than just think about how we want things to be different in our life. Action is directed by the energies and the guides. When we engage this action with our intention then the shifts begin to occur. These changes are not always what we anticipated. They are sometimes quite challenging, especially as we break out of our comfort zone. Often times they are questioned by those around us, as we approach our day to day relationships and tasks from a different perspective. But they are necessary.

Evolving into our most Soul Self needs the combination of the two factors; thought and action. We all know how thinking about a new cleaner way of eating does not make it happen. We need to make healthier food choices, change our cooking methods, or perhaps alter the quantities that we eat. Just thinking about it, talking about it and wanting it or intending it...does not make it happen. The evolution is not complete. So it is with our soul work.

Whatever we are seeking to change, to grow, to release or to embrace of our self on a spiritual level requires us to listen closely to the direction of our soul. That intuitive voice that challenges you, that inspiring thought that tugs at you, those dreams that you have where you see your new self doing or being what you are hoping for...all these are thought activators and change making moments for you to adopt.

Shamanism brings together the beauty of the possibilities of evolving to our soul. It supports the bridge between intention and evolution by bringing together the thoughts with the energies, the inspiration with the guides and the dreams to the reality.

Blessings, Lisa