Lifestyle
The True Meaning Of Being Balanced
Spiritual teachers often emphasize the importance of achieving and maintaining balance as a fundamental aspect of well-being, personal growth, and spiritual development.
But what does it really mean? Is it about having a healthy work-life balance? Is it about a balanced diet or exercise routine? No, these are just some of the smaller elements of achieving true balance.
Balance refers to being holistically balanced in all aspects of our existence: body, mind, and spirit. Achieving and maintaining balance means creating a harmonious and integrated life in which all aspects of our being support each other, leading to overall well-being and a deeper connection with our true self.
We are more than our physical health, appearance and fitness levels. We are more than our thoughts, ideas, and knowledge. And we are more than our spiritual beliefs and practices. We are a wondrous compilation of all these things that make up our body, mind, and spirit. When any part of us is unhealthy or dysfunctional, it disrupts our alignment with our higher self. This is the true meaning of being out of balance.
Striving to be true to your higher self should always be your priority. Your higher self is the real you, the you that exists in harmony with the universe and is an expression of the divine. It is only when we are in alignment with our higher self that the world truly opens up for so much more to flow into our lives…instead of out of them.
Tarot Forecast August 2024: Seven Of Wands
The card for this month is the Seven of Wands, which predicts the need for determination, resilience and facing challenges head-on.
The Seven of Wands depicts a figure standing on higher ground, holding off opponents below with a single wand. The imagery conveys a sense of defiance and unwavering determination, suggesting that despite the challenges and competition, victory is possible through perseverance and courage.
As we enter this month with the Seven of Wands as our guiding influence, we are reminded of the importance of staying true to our values and beliefs, even in the face of significant obstacles. The Seven of Wands encourages us to adopt a warrior-like spirit, ready to defend our positions and protect what we hold dear.
This card signals a time when we must be prepared to encounter resistance and opposition, whether in our personal, professional or spiritual pursuits. It serves as a reminder that while challenges are inevitable, our strength lies in our ability to remain steadfast and resilient. The Seven of Wands teaches us that through determination and unwavering focus we can overcome adversity and emerge victorious.
We are likely to find ourselves in situations this month where we need to defend our position or beliefs, but remember that your courage and inner strength will see you through. Our resilience and positive attitude will inspire those around us, creating an atmosphere of motivation and progress.
The Mystical Healing Power Of Flowers
If you were to walk into my garden in England, one of the first things you might notice is a beautiful hanging basket full of purple petunias. I put it there for a number of reasons, and not just to admire its beauty. No, it is where it is because of how it makes me feel.
The energy of flowers is metaphysically powerful and can help you achieve emotional and spiritual well-being. My purple petunias make me feel motivated and full of well-being.
Okay, this may seem like a bold statement, but flowers are truly magical in that they can help increase your productivity and overall happiness, soothe any sensitivities in your life, and motivate you at the same time. And yes, they can do this for you just by looking at them.
So, how do flowers work their magic on us? Mother Nature puts a lot of time and effort into creating beautiful flowers. In fact, a single flower can take weeks or even months to fully develop, making it the part of the plant with the highest energy vibration. When you work with such masterpieces of nature, you are indeed working with the most powerful and purest of energies.
Each flower carries its unique vibrational frequency, which interacts with our own energy fields. This interaction can lead to subtle yet profound changes in our mental, emotional and spiritual state. For example, the vibrant purple hue of petunias resonates with the crown chakra, enhancing our connection to higher consciousness and promoting a sense of peace and clarity. Similarly, the delicate structure and soothing colors of flowers like lavender can harmonize our energy, reducing stress and fostering relaxation.
Thanks, Mom, For Teaching Me Love And Kindness
We all know people who have come in and out of our lives saying or doing just the right thing, at just the right time. People come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Some of these wonderful messengers and wayshowers may stay in our lives, or leave just as quickly as they came.
I have had several experiences with such earth angels. When I think of ‘earth angels,’ I think of one person in particular: my mother. She taught me many things that have helped me so much in my life. In particular she taught me the fruits of the spirit by applying them in her own life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Children don’t do what adults say…they do what we do. Parents who are great role models and truly involved in their children’s lives raise kind adults, who in turn gift the same values to their own children. I was very fortunate to have a mother who didn’t leave me to fend for myself when I was growing up. She was very active in my life and taught me to be kind and courteous to everyone; to respect the elderly; and to always smile and be positive because we attract what we put out in the world.
My mother also made sure that we ate all our meals at the table until we left home as young adults. My husband pointed out once that when my mother calls us, she always asks how everyone is, not just me. She is very supportive and interested in how everyone is doing. I know a lot of people like her who would walk right up to you and give you a hug and ask you how you are.
Astrology Forecast July 29 – August 4, 2024
The week begins this morning with the Moon in a moody semisextile aspect to Chiron and a semisquare to the Node, causing us to feel more emotionally sensitive and introspective, with a hint of tension about our path forward.
Pay attention to subtle inner cues, as these can offer profound insights into personal growth and understanding. You may feel a slight tug between past patterns and future aspirations this morning, requiring a balanced approach to resolution. Trust your intuition and consider how your actions align with your long-term goals.
Fortunately, the Sun’s quintile to the Moon later this morning offers a spark of creative inspiration and emotional clarity. This aspect enhances your ability to express yourself authentically and creatively, paving the way for positive interactions and innovative solutions.
This week we can expect to feel the pre-shadow effects of Mercury going retrograde on Sunday. As it is, Mercury is already slowing down to retrace its steps through the degrees it will later revisit during retrograde.
We may begin to notice miscommunication, delays, and technological glitches even before the official retrograde period begins next week. The pre-shadow phase sets the stage for retrograde, and being aware of it can help you prepare and manage its potential effects more effectively. If you have not already done so, now is the time to back up all your data and update your computer and smartphone.
Self-Charity Is Your Spiritual Responsibility
Charity truly begins at home. To be truly charitable to others, we must first be kind and generous to ourselves.
Whether we view “charity” as giving alms to the poor, showing kindness to strangers, or extending non-judgment in times of questionable behavior, it is imperative that we first take care of our own needs. Why? Because we cannot freely and easily give to others what we have not given to ourselves.
Our true nature as incarnated spirit beings is to be loving, kind, and giving. However, it is our spiritual duty to take care of ourselves first so that we can offer more to others and make a real difference in the world.
Self-charity, or prioritizing our own needs before helping others, involves several key components.
Self-awareness is critical, requiring regular self-reflection and mindfulness to stay in tune with our mental, emotional, and physical states. Prioritizing self-care through activities such as regular exercise, healthy eating, adequate sleep, and relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga is essential.
Mindful time management helps balance work, rest, and play, ensuring we don’t overcommit and have enough downtime to recharge.
Emotional management is essential and includes healthy ways to process and express emotions, such as journaling, talking to a trusted friend or therapist, or engaging in creative activities. Setting boundaries, learning to say no, and protecting our time, energy, and resources help us manage our lives effectively. Seeking support when needed, whether from friends, family, or professionals, ensures that we don’t carry burdens alone.
The Choice To Stay In Your Peace And Joy
The other day I was sitting in a park surrounded by people. Some were sitting in chairs, looking up at the trees, seemingly in a state of pure relaxation, with no thoughts in their minds, just taking in the nature and sounds around them.
I felt a deep sense of peace and tranquillity, having just meditated before coming to the park. I had spread a blanket under my favourite oak tree with a book in my hand.
I looked around and saw a young family. The children were playing, throwing a ball back and forth, while the father was absorbed in his mobile phone. The mother was busy preparing a picnic, setting the table with a beautiful tablecloth. Eventually they settled down.
On the other side of the park was a lovely play area where families watched their children playing, climbing and jumping.
In the middle of the park, a group of young people were playing volleyball, being quite loud and using foul language. Their behaviour attracted everyone’s attention. The family preparing for the picnic decided to leave, put everything in their cars and drove off. Others sitting in deckchairs and some children in the play area also left.
The noisy volleyball group eventually attracted the attention of a police patrol. I overheard one of the officers reminding them of the ban on alcohol in public parks and urging them to be respectful of others, especially with small children around. Despite the warnings, they remained loud and disrespectful until they finally left.