CAITLIN JOHNSTONE: “On Maintaining Perspective In The Year 20-F*cking-20”

Whenever an author, filmmaker or other artist sets out on the noble endeavor of pointing people toward the ideal of living life to its fullest, they usually wind up depicting a character going off on all sorts of wild adventures, skydiving, trekking across the Himalayas, and so on.

In my opinion reminding people to live life to its fullest is the artist’s single most important job, but this is also where most storytellers get it wrong. Most people who live wild, interesting lives sleepwalk through the whole ride just like everyone else; in the end they’re left with a few amusing anecdotes rattling around in their skulls and a secret sense of dissatisfaction.

This is because most people don’t really show up for life. Even if they’re outwardly doing all sorts of amazing things and racking up a bunch of impressive accomplishments, their attention was mostly consumed with babbling mental chatter almost the entire time. Whatever happens in their life, they weren’t really there for it.

The real way to live life to its fullest is to simply be present for it.

I point this out because, at the midway point of the year 2020, I think it’s extremely relevant.

For better or for worse, we are at a time of great change from which the world will likely never return. We are heading into what is probably the most significant period in human history to date, and it would be wise to pay attention.

But when I look at what people are talking about in my social media feeds, even relatively awake and tuned-in people, I see a lot of chatter about the same-old, same-old. People are still yammering on about the same old electoral politics they’ve been on about for years, still babbling about PC culture being out of control and how crazy some people’s gender pronouns are, still dunking on shitlibs for likes and retweets. Even my own articles I notice get a lot more shares and attention if they involve something that tickles mainstream partisan interests like criticizing Trump or bashing the Democrats.

And I just cannot for the life of me imagine continuing to hold such priorities halfway through the year 20-f*cking-20.

At this time we need to drastically change our perspectives and seriously re-evaluate our priorities. We’re all standing on a precipice together and we have no idea what the plunge will look like, and people are still babbling about whether or not you should wear a face mask at the grocery store. This, to me, is a nonsensical approach to our current predicament.

All the stuff that used to consume so much of our attention in the analysis of establishment power structures has been rendered far less important by recent developments. All these recent developments will probably be rendered less relevant by whatever major events are coming next. The only consistent pattern this year has been a greater and greater deviation from old patterns.

For that reason, it makes sense to do two things:

Shift toward emphasizing a bigger-picture perspective of what’s going on. Fixate less on smaller occurrences and pay more attention to broader overall trends. It doesn’t mean ignore the smaller things, it just means view them in the proper context of a world that’s moving into more and more unfamiliar territory in bigger and bigger ways.

Pay attention. Big things are happening right now, and it would be a damn shame to miss them.

We are experiencing something huge here, and it would be a shame to let it go to waste.

We should rather all approach our current situation at this point in history like someone who is trying to live life to its fullest: mindful, curious, not hung up on petty mental narratives, and appreciative of how lucky we are to be here right now to witness this thing.

And, much like the approach of the end of life, this moment in history should ideally cause us to cast aside petty differences and bring us closer together.

 

~via Caitlin Johnstone

DEANE THOMAS: “Love And A Snow Flake”

A snow flake is such an intricate structure; full of molecular bonds and connections. Molecular structures can be so complex that we never fully get to truly appreciate how unique they are. Snowflakes melt very quickly, when they come into contact with our skin. Yet a group together will form a small mound to be appreciated.

Imagine the amount of energy required to create a snow flake, the journey that it undertakes, and the process which it follows. Enduring, yet so beautiful at the same time. The fragility of its very existence is challenged from the moment it is created. Very much like a human love story!!

Much like most things that are created in nature, there is a cycle and a process for its evolution. We all know the beginning and the end of our life story; we are born and we will die! But what happens to our essence? What happens to our spirit? There are many written theories, and no doubt we already know the answer to that! Much the same as coming to terms with love.

In many ways love can be compared to a snow flake. Beautiful experience, complicated structure, and always melts/disappears when we don’t wish it to! Once we grasp the true concept of love then it all begins to make sense. It is throughout life that our soul reminds us through experiences and encounters. Knowing this we shall certainly learn to trust our inner guide not an illusion from the outside.

We will always be guided to where we are needed, where we are going, and when to heal/regenerate. When we are open to receive love, it will be presented. Our soul, our intuition, our instinct will always “know” when it meets or senses true love. This is one thing we can be grateful for. There is no doubt about it, for the universal laws apply. This can happen when we least expect it, and the wonder is simply magic.

The true love essence will be stronger than before because we have healed. Our energy levels will be higher, and our vibration too. We will then begin to follow our inner guidance. Whether we are guided to a new place or a new opportunity or a new person, we shall simply stop questioning and just enjoy everything. Our internal guidance is never wrong, but our thoughts often are and can be!

After years of healing and getting to the truth of our self, it is not time to be repeating the same old stuff we have done for eons. We woke for a reason, and it is not something that has been written about. We were not given any rule book or guidance, we are simply relying on like-minded soul family members to get us to this point. We have conquered the biggest battles any man or woman can, to reach a place of Oneness.

We have prepared the present and future generations with the right balance of information, so that they too understand what love actually is. Now is the time for the hard work to be rewarded with the pleasure of a whole life. A life full of love, happiness and joy — in a place we create for ourselves and our families. We will bring together those that are meant to be with and around us, and together we will create loving communities.

The significance of a snow flake in our lives is one we shall consider, particularly when its beauty and presence are magical. We can always preserve the essence of a snow flake in our mind and body, much the same as love itself. Once we have preserved the essence, we are complete and whole. It is for us then to maintain that wholeness, knowing we are love.

Unconditional love is our natural essence, it is our state of being, and it is who we are!

 

~via BodyMindSoulSpirit.com

SHERRIE DILLARD: “Synchronicities — Dance With The Cosmic Flow”

We are being led. There is a presence moving through our heart, mind, and soul that guides and directs us. Meaningful coincidences or synchronicities, open us to new insights and help us to understand ourselves and what is happening around us in new ways. Synchronicity is intuition expressed in the outer world.

Synchronicities are no accident. The universe has carefully orchestrated the seemingly impossible convergences of things, people, events, and conditions. It does not matter how great or small the coincidence may be. We immediately recognize when we intersect with the cosmic. Although others may not always be able to feel and see it, we know when we are touched by the transcendent. The heart smiles, the mind opens, and like an Olympian gymnast, the soul joyously flips and leaps.

Offering a Glimpse into a Forgotten Reality

Synchronicities provide us with a glimpse into a reality that we have forgotten. They speak to the authentic self that is comfortable and at home in the realm of cosmic truth. Despite the powerful effect that a synchronicity can have on us, we all too soon attempt to dumb it down by rationalization.

We want to creep back into the logical and the rational as if the cosmic doors had not flung open. The thinking mind wants to take charge and explain away the magic and unexplainable; don’t let it. Live with the mystery and allow it to flow through the mind, body and spirit like a healing balm. Synchronicities invite us to experience life through the cosmic portal of connection and oneness. Soak in the deep rays of the universal life force current and allow it to promote and support aspects of self that we may not always have the courage to know.

Helpful Suggestions to Increase the Flow

Here are some suggestions that can help to increase the flow of synchronicities:

Ask for Synchronicities

Simple, but true, when we ask for synchronicities, we experience them. As we let go of our expectations of how and when they occur, they naturally flow into our life in surprising ways. Just make the intent and allow the universe to manifest it.

Notice the Effect

However big, small or insignificant they may seem to be, the effect that a synchronicity has on our heart and soul is what matters. When we notice synchronicities and embrace them, they multiply.

Communicate with Your Surroundings

Imagine synchronicities as a form or communication with the universe. We don’t always notice when divine presence is answering and responding to our needs and requests. Synchronicities let us know that we are known and heard. They are a calling card informing us that we are watched over and that we are in the flow of our soul’s current.

Act On That Guidance

Synchronicities alert us to possibilities and open us to higher wisdom and love. Noticing and acting on them strengthens our soul energy and guides us into the positive. Even though life can be challenging at times, synchronicities remind us that unexpected good fortune can come to us to in surprising ways.

Have Gratitude

Live with the awareness that a wonderful, personally crafted surprise is on its way. Say, thank you, blow a big kiss and dance with the cosmic flow of the all that is. The positive and abundant energy of universal divine joy and creativity is available to us, wherever we are, and in whatever we are doing.

 

~via OMTimes.com

ATHENA MELCHIZEDEK: “About Presence, Embodiment And Personal Process”

So much has been written about Presence and Embodiment but very little around the actual personal process that is required to become a fully Present and Embodied being.

In this case when I speak of Presence I am speaking of the integration of the True and Higher SELF that we always ARE without the distortions of wounds, traumas, masks and defenses of the egoic nature that all obscure this from being fully realized.

Presence is not found in the stories of yesterday nor in the “what ifs” of tomorrow.

Presence is the NOW!  Life is happening NOW.  Transmutation is happening right here in the NOW moment.

And what of Embodiment — what does this really mean?

Embodiment is bringing to your conscious awareness every thought, feeling, and sensation — awareness of every energy stream that runs through this miraculous physical body — from moment to moment.

It is having a full awareness and experience of the full Self in the moment while remaining in relationship and having full conscious awareness and contact with another.

This allows a spaciousness to arise in the relational field that can enable the deepening of the process of another.

As we work through our own issues by slowing down our process and becoming aware of the movement of energies within our own bodies, we become aware that our body holds all the answers to all our questions.

It is an infinite fountain of wisdom and knowledge and if we can slow down our process and quiet the mind long enough it will reveal these precious gifts.

In our personal process we are continuously dissolving old paradigms, old images, thoughts and beliefs that have been hardwired into oursystems at the cellular level by our early environmental conditioning, childhood wounds, and misperceptions of reality.

As we dissolve the old belief patterns we are doing nothing less than reforming our neural pathways, literally.

We are creating new ways of being, new ways of seeing, and new ways of perceiving as we undertake the process of allowing more of our Presence to shine through.

This is what “to process” means in this context.

The importance and value of group energy as a reflective mirror should not be underestimated.  It really amplifies and accelerates every piece of work.

Undeniably, groups enable an experience of far wider transferential issues than one-to-one integration work can offer and allow us to experience the possibility of different outcomes immediately thus breaking habitual patterns.

This is because in any group we are attracted to join we will find the exact configuration that represents our next level of refinement.  This will happen whether we are in a formal process group or whether we are just living our lives.  For our energy field will attract in like energy.  This is physics.

When we do this work consciously i.e. we are aware of what is being presented to us and can now see this in our self, we begin the rewiring of the neural pathways of the brain as we are called to a new response to the thought, action, or word that created our original wounding or trauma.

When we do this work in ourselves, it opens up the possibility for others in the group, as we are all connected in the oneness of all life.

Through harmonic resonance and a new conscious awareness, as we raise our frequency, we automatically create the opportunity for others to rise as they see them selves and, particularly their shadow, in the group mirror.

Our very being and presence can present them with a new possibility and opportunity to experience the perceived self differently.  As we transform, so can they.

The implications of this work for the world at large become much greater when we realize that our presence and embodiment affects not only our self but all those with whom we are in contact: friends, family, colleagues, strangers.  We do not have to DO anything.  We simply have to BE.  This is enough.

Once we have cleared and purified the vessel, our very BEING becomes a profound transformative Presence in the world.

Namaste!!!

 

 

~via ConsciousReminder.com

JESSIE KLASSEN: “6 Simple Ways To Keep You And Your Family Grounded”

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With so much of an energetic shift occurring within our Universe, upon our planet, and within the entire collective, it can be increasingly hard to stay grounded.  Throw in work, family, and everyday responsibilities, and it can be even harder to find time to think about how to stay grounded!

But the good news is that staying grounded is not something that takes up extra time or effort.  Simply being mindful is all that you need.

Why is it so important to be grounded?

Being grounded means that you are fully present in your being.  When you are present, you are able to fully integrate the positive energies of the Universe.  This means that you are able to experience what you came here to experience and learn the lessons that you came here to learn.  Which means that you are being fully “you”, which is why you are really here!

Also, you are helping Mother Earth by holding the light here and grounding it into her.

We all know what it means to not be fully present.  You know, those times when your temper flares suddenly or when you are dropping, breaking, or tripping over things?  When you don’t feel like you are really here?  When you feel like the world and your life is out of your control?

These are usually the times when it seems that everything that could go wrong, goes wrong.

This or it feels like we are going through life on autopilot.  Hearing but not really listening to our loved ones, continually focused on our future tasks or living in our regrets of our past.  Where we are distracted by a busy world and not engaged with our own life.  In this way, our lives flash by us in a series of duties without us really experiencing true joy and bliss.

And what is it to be fully present?

To show up and be engaged with our own lives.  To be aware of each moment of our day and our role within it.  To notice our children and our loved ones and the gift that they are within our lives.  To be aware of our surroundings and not oblivious to the beauty of nature.

Being grounded is when you have trust in your life and the unfoldment of it.  You are not easily shaken by outside circumstances.  You respond instead of react to the world.

This does not mean that we are not busy or that we stop working, it simply means that we are calm and peaceful within our lives.

So what are some easy ways to stay grounded?

1) Be aware of your body

We are here in a physical body for a reason.  But so many of us have lost contact with our own sacred body temples.

Sometimes just taking a moment to breathe in and feel your body will bring your awareness into your self and ground you.  Notice anything you feel.  Sensations, pain, these are all signals from your body.  Are you carrying any stress?  Where is it in your body?  Take note of it, and breathe in and out, inhaling pure, healing air on your in breath and exhaling the stress on your out breath.

You can ask your kids to do the same.  If they feel stressed or anxious about something, this is a practice that can be done while sitting in the car or lying in bed at night.

Let them know that we are not meant to feel stressed all the time and that our bodies are happy to let it go.  Our stress is just a warning signal and should not be a constant part of our existence.

Saying “I love myself”will also bring your awareness into your body, as well as, “I am fully present in my being.”

2) Engage your physical senses

No matter where we are throughout our day, or what we are doing, simply noticing all of our senses makes our lives here a richer experience.  We are pulled into the NOW moment and we find ourselves able to stay there for longer periods of time.

In line at the supermarket, notice your surroundings.  What do you see, hear, smell?  What food are you purchasing for supper?  As you choose your ingredients, smell them.  Hold them in your hands and feel their texture on your skin.

When making love, be aware of your body and of your partner’s body.  Focus on your pleasure, and on that of your partners’.  It makes for a deeper, more sensual, closer bond with your partner and it increases your own confidence.  A more satisfying sexual experience depends on us staying in the Now.

Throughout your day, just notice your body in your surroundings.  Appreciate the senses that you have and what they tell you.  You will start to notice the subtleties of life and your world will become richer.  You may also start to notice smells and sounds in your environment that you hadn’t minded before but now find offensive, and you will know it is your senses waking up to the world around you.  You will probably notice your sensitivity increase to perfumes, and this is a good thing, as most of them are quite toxic to our bodies.

Our perception of our world is quite limited for the most part, because most of the time we are not using all of our available senses.  As we open to them and use them, they become keener, much like a muscle that we are exercising.

Don’t be surprised if your perception of your world continues to change.  It will continue to change as you continue to see through the many layers that make up our experience.

The skies will become more vivid, nature more beautiful, and you will start to notice the subtle kindnesses and beauty amongst people as well.  You will also find these kindnesses extended out to you, as higher frequencies will be aligning with yours.

3) Cook and eat mindfully

Honoring our bodies with healthy food is one of the easiest ways to feel present.

When you are cooking supper, engage with the food that you are preparing.  Imagine where it was grown and how it will nourish your body.  Taste it with your eyes closed.  What is the texture like on your tongue?

Give thanks to the earth for her gifts, and if you are eating meat, to the animal that gave themselves to you.

As you eat your meal, mention to your children where their food was grown.  Discuss why it is good for them and what it is doing for their bodies.  Our bodies are a reflection of what we nourish them with, and they are our vehicle for this world.  Let your children know how important it is to be mindful of what they eat.

If you can, try to purchase food grown by responsible and ethical farmers and companies, such as fair trade and organic.

And if you can’t have this interaction with your food?  Chances are you shouldn’t be eating it.

As you become more mindful of the food that you eat, your body will become clearer and better able to communicate with you.  You will find yourself craving healthier foods and you will stop craving less healthy, over-processed foods.

4) Get physical/Get outside!

There is nothing like moving, working, stretching, pushing the limits of your body to bring your awareness into it.  With farming as my livelihood, I have no shortage of physical work that I can engage in throughout my day, and sometimes, it still doesn’t feel like it’s enough for me to stay grounded.

There are moments when I haven’t been outside yet because of housework that I am doing, and suddenly it will hit me, “I have to go outside.”And out the door I go.  My soul, body, and mind are all screaming at me to get out there.

Both of my parents are like this, and my husband knows this about me now as well and he understands.  I am not running from my household duties, but I simply need to be healed by nature and I need the open space around me as I move.  I need to feel the sun and the sky, and have the wind wash my worries away.

Sometimes all I need is a quick fix in my garden, or a walk around my farm, or to just go out to my chicken coop and pick eggs.  Or to throw a ball around with my kids or jump with them on their trampoline.

So I have blended getting physical with getting outside, which for me, is necessary.  But simply stretching in your home, or doing yoga would be great too.  Or going out for a walk or sitting on your balcony or on a bench in a park and observing your surroundings.

If you have potted plants, play in their dirt or gently touch their leaves.  Our hands are like grounding rods for us, and that is why our sense of touch is so important to engage.

Sitting beneath a tree is a great idea, and imagining yourself with roots like one as well.  Feel yourself held by Mother Earth.  Feel her unconditional love surround you.

Pick up a rock, feel it’s sturdiness, and allow it to ground you.

If being outside is an impossibility, observe nature from a window.  Nature is here to heal us, and her healing begins as soon as you notice her.

The other morning as I was doing chores with my eyes on the gorgeous pink sunrise that was lighting up the sky, I could hear a soft voice say, “As you begin to notice the life that is in nature, the nature of life is revealed to you.”

And of course, if you can, go barefoot.  Truly feel the earth upon your feet, holding you, supporting you.

5) Hold a loved one

I have felt the need for this necessary now more than ever.  Sometimes I still just couldn’t feel calm and safe no matter what I was doing.  And these were the times I would just hold one of my children or hug my husband.  My older children sometimes laugh at me at first, but then they sink into my embrace and relax there for a while.  You will soon discover that everyone needs an embrace.  They are incredibly powerful and can heal you in moments where you might spend days trying to achieve the same results otherwise.

If you don’t have a child or a partner, embrace your pet.  Stroke their fur, give them love, feel their love for you in return.  Hugging a tree is powerful as well, and I go so far as to kiss them these days as well!

6) De-schedule

Now more than ever it is important to be open to Spirit as it moves through us, and that means taking plenty of downtime for ourselves and as a family to just be in our own company and hear our souls speaking to us.

It’s good to get involved in activities and to be learning new things, but when we become rushed and stressed trying to make it to all of these extra-curricular activities, we are no longer in the moment of our lives.  Our lives start flying past us and before long we realize that we are missing it.

Not only that, it becomes more challenging to eat properly and mindfully when we are always on the go.

Make time to read books or articles that you are drawn to, as they hold the words that are already within you, waiting to be revealed.

Let your creativity flow, take time to draw or color with your children, and don’t worry about your skill level.  It is a wonderful way to relax and release stuck energy.

Get lost in yourself and in your family.  Look at yourself and your loved ones from a new perspective, as if you have never seen them before.  What do you see?

Embrace your body, honour yourself, and you will be showing up for your life.

Allow your soul to move through you.  Let your inner child out!  Be playful, be silly, and most of all, be you!

How do you stay grounded?  Do you have any questions?  I would love to hear from you!

My email is hello@jessieklassen.com or visit my website at jessieklassen.com

love,
Jessie

 

 

About the authorJessie Klassen is a farmer, author, and mother of 3 sensitive children.  An empath herself from a long line of nature lovers, Jessie has been inspired to help others reconnect with the magic of nature and the magic of their own inner nature child.  Her children’s book “The Sapling” will be released in the summer of 2017.  Honoring the lessons of the trees, a portion of proceeds will be donated to the TreeSisters and the Nature Conservancy of Canada for reforestation and the protection of our earth.  ~via In5D.com