culture
It’s Always Darkest Before The Dawn
Concepts of the Divine, with an ever-changing definition, have been part of the human experience since the beginning of time. Most of the world’s people throughout history continue to recognize a place for divinity in life.
Our spiritual journey, throughout the ages, has been steeped in mystery and often, superstition and dogma. Organized religions have historically attempted to answer deep questions, and have sometimes provided comfort and solace to people during times of upheaval.
However, the most important questions have been left unanswered. For example, we know precious little about ancient, prehistoric cultures that worshiped the Sacred Feminine. Earliest recorded myths and legends have been lost or destroyed, and most stories that remain portray not only a divine battle of the sexes, but a difficult, contentious relationship between the divine and human beings.
The Greek gods, for example, were capricious and mean-spirited. They plotted all sorts of obstacles that humans either did, or did not overcome in order to survive. Guile and trickery also set the stage for many myths from various indigenous cultures, in early human-god myth making.
With the rise of monotheistic religions, mankind was taught to blindly accept whatever lot the almighty doled out, fairly or unfairly. Emphasis was placed on omnipotent power, absolute authority and greatness, beyond any human capacity to comprehend, much less participate in.
These attitudes toward humans’ relationship with God have been echoed in authoritarian family and community practices, and even the military forces of nations. God became the ‘Almighty Father in the Sky’ issuing strict orders. There was no room for questioning in an authoritarian family or society. “Because I said so,” was reason enough to blindly obey. Punishment for infractions or disobedience was swift and sure.
Always Be True To Yourself!
I have noticed over the past year some interesting changes in our social behavior. It seems people have begun to project not only their energy differently, but also their presence at home and in public. Our socialization and interaction habits appear to have shifted significantly. Many people are now having to ‘relearn’ how to interact with each other in social settings, after many months of lockdowns and social distancing.
Now, I don’t see this as a bad thing at all! I am witnessing people being more aware of their personal space, and less worried about of the perception of others around them. Social interaction seems more authentic and less dressed up. We have become less concerned about how we appear to others in public. Finally, people are letting their hair down and the customary ‘keeping up appearances’ does not appear so important these days.
This suits my approach to life perfectly, as I have always been a proponent of ‘being my own beacon.’ First, and foremost it means be true to yourself, instead of trying to be what you believe others will approve of. However, this does not give us permission to be selfish and rude. We must always treat other as we expect to be treated ourselves. If you like a certain type of music, it doesn’t mean others also enjoy it. Wear a headset! If you don’t feel like interacting with a certain group of people, kindly and gracefully decline that social invitation.
Too often I see people doing things because someone else expects them to, and you can literally see the miserable, uninterested, bored look on their faces. Why put yourself through all that? Why comply with peer pressure, when you can walk your own path of happiness?
I have an acquaintance who has been miserable in their job and due to recent worldly events they have given the opportunity to break free from that toxic workplace and start doing something they have always enjoyed doing. But they were to fearful to take the leap. A wasted opportunity!
The Lotus Flower Reading
I recently attended an online psychic development workshop. In one of the tasks, we had to partner with another student and do a ‘flower reading.’ I know touching an object using psychometry works well in readings, but this is something else.
Our teacher paired us up and we didn’t know in advance with whom. We also had to intuitively pick a flower for our partner beforehand. At the beginning of the session, we had to show the other person the actual flower or a color photo of the flower we had chosen for them on our shared screens.
In preparation for this, I placed many pieces of paper, each with the name of a different flower on it, into a bag, shook it up, and drew one. Spirit guided me to select the Indian lotus flower or nelumbo nucifera.
When it was my turn to read for my classmate, I relaxed and observed the image of the lovely white lotus in front of me. The depth of information that came forth in the reading about her past, how her life was now, and what lay ahead, was truly amazing!
The reading revealed that she was going to be blossoming soon like the lotus, because she currently finds herself in a strong development stage. I later learned that she’d been through some dark times, almost giving up on herself. She had recently begun doing deep shadow work, as well as exploring her psychic development.
She is also recovering from a recent trauma and the lotus is traditionally known for being the ideal gift for someone recovering from any traumatic experience or physical injury. Many years ago, I attended a Yoga class during which the challenges of the lotus position was discussed in-depth. The teacher said that through proper breathwork and becoming more flexible, one’s body will allow you to achieve this pose.
I was only 19 years old at the time and not very supple. I saw no hope of achieving that position for quite some time. However, only a few classes later, we did a session during which a lot of emphasis was placed on our breathing. And to my amazement, I was able to easily get into the lotus position!