learning
Taking Your Spiritual Practice To A New Level
Every person will go through several metaphysical growth spurts and changes in their spiritual practices throughout their lifetime. Whether we are pursuing Transcendental Meditation, Tai Chi, Yoga, Reiki, Tarot, or Dreamwork, it is inevitable that we will at some point begin to question what we might be doing wrong, or how we could do be doing it better?
This usually happens when we have reached a point where our growth or development seems to have reached a point where we need to take our practice to the ‘next level.’ But this is often easier said than done and this shift can be tricky to navigate.
First, examine what you feel or sense to be different or missing in your existing practice. Tap into your intuition and listen to your gut. Following our inner guidance at this point helps us better recognize which direction our personal and spiritual growth needs to go. Ask spirit to guide and direct you.
Second, research how others, who have gone through similar changes, have evolved and mastered their practice. Get a sense of a benchmark or an aspirational goal as to where you should be heading yourself. Then dive in by taking on new challenges in your chosen practice and start working towards that goal. Don’t feel rushed or panicked. Just take it one step and one day at a time.
A key element to building one’s spiritual practice I find most people do not make use of enough is the spiritual communion of sharing your learning and development journey with others. Find a group learning venue, development circle, or support group that will allow you to share your learning and experimentation with other seekers and practitioners. Finding such a like-minded group to get involved with on your journey can be very empowering!
You are not the only one going through the growth spurt or developmental phase you’re experiencing. Why go through it alone, if you can learn and grow along with others, and share your insights and concerns with the group? But, always keep in mind that everyone has different speeds of growth and development. So, never feel like your falling behind. Trust that you are progressing exactly how you are supposed to in your own unique way.
The Moral Of The Story
Since childhood, I have always loved fables and allegories, as well as the parables in The Bible. Indeed, one of my favorites is The Widow’s Two Mites in Luke 21. As a little girl, I used to listen intently to the story of the poor widow who gave more generously to charity than anyone else in the temple, because she gave all that she had. The life lessons and spiritual wisdom in these stories fascinated me.
Recently, I discovered an amusing tale that deals with both the ego and the need to be pragmatic. Three monks sat on a bankside, each in deep meditation. One of the monks, however, became cold, and this interrupted his ability to meditate. He told the other two that he was heading back to their cabin to find his blanket. Off he went, crossing the stream both ways with no problem. Soon he was back, in next to no time, and as dry as he was when he had left.
A short while later, another monk remembered that he had not left his wet clothes out to dry, so he too needed to head back to the cabin to tend to his laundry. Off he also went. The third monk saw, in amazement, how he easily walked across the water back to the cabin, and when he returned, just like the other monk, he was as dry as he had set off.
Seeing his two fellow monks cross the creek without getting wet infuriated the third monk. “So, you think you are both better than me!” he yelled at them. “Well, I will show you that if you can walk on water, then so can I!”
He ran up to the stream, put his foot on the surface of the water and instantly fell in, waist-deep! As a result, the third monk became even angrier and yet more determined to walk on the water. But time and time again he attempted to cross the creek without getting wet, but to no avail.
Distraught by his many failed attempts, one of the other two monks turned around to his friend and said, “Don’t you think it is time we tell him where those stepping stones are?”
This story did not only make me smile, but it also made me reflect upon my life. Indeed, there have been times when I allowed my ego, needlessly, to stand in the way of my better judgment. Like that third monk, I have also allowed myself to become envious and upset by comparing my own achievements to that of others.
Astrology Forecast March 29 – April 4, 2021
The astrological weather is pretty calm this week, with only one significant change in the zodiac energy: today’s Waning Gibbous Moon in Libra. The Libra Moon brings love and relationships to the forefront today, so if you’re facing any conflicts or challenges in the marriage, dating or romance arena, now is the time to get those straightened out.
Fortunately, the Libra Moon trine Mars in Gemini boosts our levels of courage and determination today. It can support you in taking action, as well as being open, resourceful and pragmatic in dealing with relationship challenges. So, today may be a good time to have that long overdue conversation with your significant other.
If you are single, today may also be a window of opportunity to get a date with that new acquaintance. The Libra Moon trine Jupiter in Aquarius later today favors increased popularity and higher levels of social success. So, what are you waiting for?
A Scorpio Moon tomorrow and Wednesday will be setting a rather intense tone. You could find yourself caught up in the details of a highly focused project, but take care not to miss the forest for the trees! Stay alert to what’s going on around you.
The workweek fortunately ends under a Sagittarius Moon, and you may finally feel like you’re all caught up! Maybe for the first time in two months. Enjoy the lull, as things will certainly pick up again next week.
Mercury moves into Aries on Saturday, and you could find yourself going down the ‘Internet rabbit hole’ with how-to-videos on YouTube or researching your family tree. There will be an eagerness to learn new things or become better informed with this Mercury placement, so it will be a goof time to surf the intellectual highway.
Saturday and Sunday unfold with a Capricorn Moon overhead, making this a most productive and satisfying weekend.
Yoga And The Tarot Archetypes
When I’m not doing psychic readings, I enjoy engaging in activities that support a healthy lifestyle, such as Yoga and Herbalism. Although I spent many years training with Yoga masters from around the world and I am a certified Yoga instructor, I continue to learn more each time I get onto the mat.
While practicing the other day, I found myself thinking about the Tarot cards while in a particular yoga posture. It was the asana known as the Hero’s pose, or Virasana. The pose involves kneeling or sitting in between your bent legs.
As I was sitting in this stretch, I was wondering how the posture got its name, which comes from the Sanskrit word vira meaning ‘hero.’ It occurred to me that a hero was someone who had to think of someone else or others in that moment more than themselves. When we are pushed to our edge, in that moment of vulnerability, it makes us stronger. The same humility can be found in certain Yoga postures.
Then the Emperor card from the Tarot deck came to mind. The Emperor in a reading can show a ruler or leader who is strong, confident, and who guides others. Might there be an ancient connection with Yoga and the Tarot?
I then began to think of other Yoga postures and how they might correlate with the other Major Arcana cards in the Tarot.
The first that came up for me was The Hanged Man. This iconic card features a figure hanging upside down from a tree. Hanging from a tree in this way would certainly make one see the world from a different perspective. Interestingly, the headstand pose in Yoga, Sirsanasa, aims to create mental balance and physical poise. Continue reading
What You Can Expect From The Year 2021
Next year, the world’s energy imprint will be a 5, according to Numerology. During a 5 year, one can typically expect lots of activity, and after all the turmoil of 2020, we will now have even more catching up to do than usual. The energy of the 5 is fast moving and encourages us to meet life’s challenges with renewed vigor.
Some aspects of life will gradually begin to return to normal in the new year, but bear in mind that some things have changed and shifted more permanently, pulling us forward to embrace new innovations and alternatives for 2021. It calls us to find new ways to do old things.
If you find it challenging to keep up, ask for help. There is always someone helpful you can reach out to, who can show you the nuances and tips. It reminds me of my first encounter with video back in the day. My son had to show me the tricks and secrets of Nintendo’s Mario game, which of course he loved sharing! Who says you cannot teach an old dog new tricks?
The keywords for next year’s 5 energy are freedom, change, fun, travel and adventure. And we could certainly use some of all that! The energy of the 5 makes it especially a great year to travel. Finally, we will be able to do so, as the year progresses. So, start planning that dream vacation now, and look into one or more of those exotic destinations you have had on your bucket list for so many years.
But beware, in a 5 year we can also feel that our energy is scattered, so focusing on what’s most important is key. There will be many shiny objects to distract us in a 5 year, so if we are not mindful, we may find that nothing of importance will get done.
With all the energy of novelty and excitement we may encounter in 2021, we will have to pace ourselves, stay grounded and maintain our self-care practices. If you will be taking risks, first take a closer look, because not all that glitters is gold.
Adaptability Is The Key To Manifesting Your Best Life
A life lesson most often learned the hard way, is how important adaptability is to our prosperity, happiness and well-being. Adaptability is a skill that must be learned by all of us. For once you are open to this path, your world will open up in ways you never could have previously imagined!
We are all born with the capability to be adaptable. Without this, we would not be able to function effectively in this physical world. In primitive times we had to adapt to the changing seasons, extreme climates, the scarcity of food, health challenges and other challenges of human survival and evolution.
What I find most intriguing about adaptability, is that we can consciously decide to be open to adapting at any time. We simply need to open up to the Universe and all the opportunities it has to offer. It’s as simple as looking out for opportunities around us to try new things, meet new people, explore new ideas and experiences.
It can be painful at first, as it requires stepping out of your comfort zone, but it gets easier the more you do it. Look at it this way: when you choose to start working out, your muscles will change over time, because they are dealing with new, unexpected demands and are becoming better at what you are requiring it to do. Eventually it becomes second nature and you become stronger. The same thing happens when you open your mind to new thought processes, new ideas, new ways of thinking.
Being adaptable means that you have the courage and enthusiasm to go beyond your comfort zone, and experiment with what the Universe is trying to direct you through. It can be as simple as deciding to finally stop and grab food at an Indian restaurant you pass daily. You may have never tried Indian food before, but it kept catching your eye. When you are adaptable, and open to the signs of spirit coming in, you will embrace such an opportunity to try something new. Continue reading
Open-Minded Curiosity Is The Key To A Happy, Healthy Life
A client asked the other day how I keep my immunity up during these challenging times, and if there is anything special one can do to stay mentally healthy. My answer was simple. You simply need to keep an open mind, and have passion for life.
Working with spirit has taught me over the years to live my life wholeheartedly, with daily gratitude, and with an open mind and a healthy curiosity. I am always eager to learn and experience new things. We are not meant to be constantly stuck in a rut, nor spend our lives in mediocre stagnation.
Just the other day, a friend told me that she thought I am the most imaginative and adventurous person she has ever met. I am always so optimistic and upbeat, she said, and she gets energy from me just by spending time with me.
She has also witnessed how positive things happen in my life through my spiritual practices. For example, I use certain crystals, visualizations and affirmations to bring about real change in my life – not only for myself, but also for others.
The more we are open-minded to explore new horizons, and learn new things, the more we allow positive, creative new energies to enter our reality, empowering us to achieve things that we otherwise wouldn’t – especially when we just sit around doing nothing.