Spirituality
The Real Rewards Of Paying It Forward
What does it mean to ‘pay it forward’ from a spiritual perspective? On a simple level, paying it forward means we take a gift of kindness and pass it along to the next recipient, almost like a karma chain. We’ve all probably experienced such a gift, whether it was a cup of coffee, or a new car. But why do it in the first place? We’re all told that humanity is selfish, not selfless.
If we look at paying it forward beyond the superficial ‘it feels good,’ we see that it really does make us feel better on a physical and psychological level. Stress and depression rates are much lower for those who regularly volunteer, or perform acts of charity and kindness. Our brain experiences a ‘happiness boost’ almost immediately. Life expectancy is also higher for those who volunteer, compared to people who don’t. Doing selfless things simply does make us feel good. Continue reading
Connecting With Your Inner Bliss
I recently came across an article about spiritual seekers who travel to distant lands to achieve such a state of bliss and inner peace. But in my experience you really don’t have to go all the way to some exotic destination to achieve a higher state of consciousness.
When I am alone, I often find myself in a state of complete and utter bliss. When I am by myself, my energy is my own. I feel centered and complete, as if on my own little retreat. I have always felt this way and I savor the quiet moments of my day.
With a willing heart to carve out some time in your busy day, you can center yourself by being mindful and allowing your thoughts to simply come and go. Simply take a moment of solitude and go with the flow. Continue reading
An Invitation From The Faeries
Faeries love fun and love to play! When you are experiencing a creative phase, or feeling called to go outdoors, or into the garden, there’s a good chance you are being called out to have some fun and free spirited playtime with the faeries.
Typically, faeries, or fae, are easiest for us to connect with during the times of year when seasonal energy portals are open on the cross quarters holidays of the Summer and Winter Solstice, and Spring and Fall Equinox. These times are traditionally also celebrated in the ancient pagan festivals and religious holy days of Imbolc (Saint Brigid’s Day) on February 1st, Ostara (Easter) on March 21st, Beltane (St. Walburga’s Day)on May 1st, Litha (St John’s Day) on June 20th, Lammas (Loaf Mass Day) on August 1st, and Samhain (All Saints’ Day) on October 31st. Continue reading
The African River Man
During the time of my ukuthwasa (period of initiation to become a traditional healer or sangoma) some decades ago in Southern Africa, my mentor and some other village elders would join our group of ithwasa (sangoma trainees) by the campfire and discuss other spirits. That is, others in addition to those of our ancestors.
We heard many tales of other spirits who control the rivers, oceans and lakes, as well as those who live in the sky and control the rain. There were also stories told of sacred places where spirits inhabited mountains, trees and rocks. I loved hearing those stories from various individuals whom have had unique experiences and felt they had seen and communicated with those various spirits. Continue reading
Do Unto Others
Do unto others as you have them do unto you. It is also known as the Golden Rule. A simple and wise rule to live by, but something humanity struggles to adhere to.
It is also very close to another age-old axiom, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Again, this sounds easy enough. And what if you are one of those people, as many of us are, who are not in the habit of treating yourself very well at all?
How do you typically treat yourself? Do you like yourself? Do you love yourself? Do you approve, care, and not judge yourself harshly? Are you kind and encouraging to yourself? Or is your internal mental chatter and expression riddled with thoughts like: Continue reading
Spiritual Awakening Is A Double-Edged Sword
Many times in my life I’ve had to move on, leaving friends, family, relationships and spouses behind, because I outgrew them. The spiritual awakening process is a double-edged sword. When we awaken, our value systems change. The shift is a blessing, but burning bridges always hurts, and often when we least expect it.
One of the most obvious symptoms of knowing we’re no longer in sync with those around us, is when we can do nothing other than listen to our inner guidance, as it gets louder and louder. And, the more we tune into it, the more authentic we become and we can’t pretend anymore. Truth and integrity take over, because those values are more in alignment with our soul.
Often, those closest to us, align themselves with their own illusion of who they want us to be. They project onto us the values they think they most admire, and choose to find these in us, as opposed to who we really are. As Maya Angelou stated so wisely, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them; the first time.” Continue reading
Recognizing The Color Of Your Door
Since I was a very young child, I always believed I would become a teacher and held on to that belief until I was somewhere in my late 20s. It came as a complete surprise to me to discover that this was not where my life purpose was heading. It is so easy to see where misinterpretations occur as one tends to look back.
Teachers commonly resonate with the color brown. They are usually, calm, dedicated, certainly prepared for the unexpected, as this is sure to happen occasionally when dealing with children of any age.
Teachers and instructors are most often also the ones who will donate extra time and energy to outside causes and have a general concern for what is happening in their environment. Good teachers usually volunteer to assist with extracurricular activities and do not anticipate a payback relating to their time and energy. Continue reading