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The Soulful Practice Of Kirtan Chanting
An ancient spiritual practice less known in the West has transformed my spiritual routine in recent years. It is known as kirtan a beautiful form of devotional chanting that originated in ancient India.
The term “kirtan” comes from Sanskrit and means “narrating, reciting, telling, describing” of an idea or story, particularly in a religious context. This enchanting practice weaves together music, meditation, chanting, and a deep sense of spiritual expression.
Kirtan is a central practice in the Bhakti Yoga tradition, which emphasizes love and devotion to a personal deity. It involves the repetitive chanting of mantras and divine names, traditionally in Sanskrit, accompanied by musical instruments such as the harmonium, tabla, and cymbals.
Traditionally, kirtans focus on chanting the names of deities like Krishna, Rama, or Sita. The kirtan leader sings a line and the congregation responds, creating a rhythmic and melodic interplay that is both meditative and invigorating.
While Kirtan remains rooted in its spiritual origins, it has gained global popularity beyond India and the Bhakti tradition. As the practice of yoga has boomed worldwide, kirtan too has seen an immense rise in popularity. It’s a testament to the universal appeal and transformative power of this captivating practice.
Kirtan events and gatherings are known for being welcoming and inclusive, focusing on the shared experience of chanting rather than strict religious adherence. Unlike the typical musical experience in spiritual settings, kirtan invites everyone to participate in a soulful, call-and-response chanting that creates a profound connection to the divine and brings people closer together.
The Subtle Psychic Power Of Flower Essences
Flower essences are one of my favorite spiritual resources. These vibrational imprints of flowers in water, preserved with alcohol, are a powerful tool for personal and spiritual development. They have been used for centuries to promote emotional well-being, balance and healing.
I come from a long line of female herbalists on my mother’s side of the family. They were seers, healers and mystics who combined their psychic gifts with natural healing practices.
That’s why I’ve always been interested in the metaphysical properties of plants, especially herbs and flowers. I love to alchemize them into tinctures, potions and remedies!
The main reason I love flower essences and remedies in particular is that, unlike essential oils and herbal remedies, flower essences are easier and safer to work with on a subtle energy level over the long term, making them particularly effective for enhancing psychic development and spiritual growth.
Flower essences were popularized in the early 20th century by Dr. Edward Bach. He was a British homeopath and bacteriologist who believed that the dew collected from flowers contained the healing properties of the plant. His research led to the creation of the Bach Flower Remedies, a set of 38 essences, each targeting a specific emotional state.
Bach’s remedies were based on the idea that certain flowers have healing properties that can help balance emotional states and promote overall well-being. Dr. Bach believed that emotional and mental states significantly influence physical health, and by addressing negative emotions, one can facilitate healing and prevent illness.
Always Keep Your Eye On The Prize
Have you ever watched a professional athlete train for a race or tournament? The loyalty and dedication to achieving their ultimate goal can be awe-inspiring!
Serious athletes often rise at the crack of dawn, train for hours on end, follow a strict diet, and often miss family gatherings and social events. Nothing will stand in the way of the true competitor winning the gold their heart desires.
What drives an athlete to this extent? Is it all worth it, and what does it mean to us ordinary people?
The truth is that this level of dedication is not only possible for a few chosen or talented individuals. This kind of perseverance is something we are all capable of if we choose!
Our world has the potential to become a much better place if more of us embraced the dedication and commitment that athletes demonstrate in their pursuits. When we invest in our own development, we are so much better equipped to make meaningful contributions to society and support the well-being of others.
Elite athletes have little room for frivolity or laziness. They train seriously and stay focused, even in times of injury, disaster, or chaos. This unwavering commitment to their craft teaches us the importance of consistency and dedication in all aspects of life.
By adopting a similar mindset in our daily endeavors, we can cultivate the same kind of discipline and resilience. When faced with challenges or disruptions, staying focused on our goals allows us to overcome obstacles with determination and purpose, ultimately leading us to success.
The Spiritual And Therapeutic Energies Of Blue
In metaphysics, colors are associated with a specific energy signature or vibrational frequency that affects our aura as well as the energy fields in our surroundings. The energy signature of blue carries certain vibrational qualities that have both spiritual and therapeutic significance.
In spiritual and religious contexts, this color is often associated with the divine and sacred, representing a connection to the heavens and the spiritual realm. The color blue also holds a significant place in various mythologies around the world.
From its celestial associations in Greek mythology, to its divine symbolism in Norse mythology, to its mystical significance in Celtic mythology, blue represents the vastness of the cosmos, the power of divine forces, and the enduring nature of wisdom and knowledge.
Blue is also traditionally associated with spiritual healing and purification and is considered a protective color. It is believed to have a calming and cleansing effect on the mind and spirit. It is also said to ward off negative energies and provide a shield against spiritual harm.
Beyond its spiritual symbolism, blue is considered an important color in color therapy for its various therapeutic effects that promote physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.
Full Moon Release Ritual
Tomorrow’s Gemini Full Moon will be the last full moon before the winter solstice. Traditionally also known as the Beaver Moon, Frost Moon, or Mourning Moon, this full moon is a perfect time for introspection, spiritual contemplation and inner transformation.
The November Full Moon invites us to gather our resources, release what no longer serves us, and embrace the transformative power of the changing seasons.
As we prepare for winter within and without, we can cultivate the resilience and wisdom necessary to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The ideal way to do this is through a full moon ritual.
Full moon release rituals have been practiced for centuries in various cultures and spiritual traditions. The goal of these rituals is to create space for growth, transformation, and new beginnings. The phases of the moon are traditionally associated with cycles of growth, decline, and renewal, making the full moon a particularly powerful time to release negative energies, unwanted patterns, and emotions that no longer serve us.
The ancient Egyptians worshipped the moon goddess Isis, who symbolized fertility, magic, and transformation. They believed that the full moon had the power to cleanse and purify.
How To Manifest Your Best Life
As spiritual beings in physical form, we are the conscious creators of our best life and have the divine power to shape our own destiny. We create our future every day with our free will. But contrary to what some believe, this is not just a matter of positive thinking, daydreaming, or casually wishing for a better future without being proactive.
To achieve what we want in life, we must take daily action steps that will lead to the achievement of our goals and manifest the results we desire.
If you have been wishing for a better life and a brighter future with little success, the following strategies can empower you to achieve better results. By implementing these tactics gradually, one day at a time, you will see a major change in your life.
Gratitude
Gratitude is the mother of all manifestation efforts. When we are grateful for what we already have, we attract more of what we want.
Seems simple, right? Yet we easily forget to count our blessings and tend to be very ungrateful. Instead of celebrating what is good in our lives, we tend to focus on what is wrong or missing. When we are constantly sulking or complaining, we are self-sabotaging because wherever our focus goes, energy flows.
Transform Your Life With Enthusiasm
Enthusiasm is a powerful energy that can have a profound effect on our life. It is that feeling of excitement and passion for something, and a great motivator. It inspires us to achieve our goals, stay focused and make the most of every day. Without something exciting to look forward to, life tends to become dull and dreary, and also very challenging.
The energy of enthusiasm is a key aspect of future manifestation. Our emotions predict what we can expect to attract into our life, or not. When we lack enthusiasm it is usually a warning sign that we are unlikely to manifest much to look forward to anytime soon.
To invite new possibilities, opportunities and blessings in life, we must think about it, set an intention for it, imagine it, visualize it, pray for it, meditate on it, and consistently work towards it mind, body and soul. The moment we start to do this, our emotional energy frequency shifts to feeling inspired, hopeful and enthusiastic. Then you know you are on track to making some of your dreams come true.
Enthusiasm also keeps us motivated and determined to keep going, even when things get tough. It gives us an energy boost and drive to keep going and push through any obstacles that may arise. It helps us to stay positive and look on the bright side of things. It also keeps us focused to stay on track with our goals.
Without enthusiasm we become less productive. When we are truly enthusiastic about something, we are more likely to put in the necessary effort to get things done. This empowers us to achieve more in our life and make the most of our time.