A day of love, an auspicious alignment of planets, New moon in Aquarius, Chinese New Year of the Tiger grrr. Time for some new goals me-thinks. Watch this space
Jonathan Cainer wrote at the beginning of the month that there is a conjunction of Venus and Neptune (8 February), then the Sun and Neptune, followed by Venus and Jupiter (today) he advised that the whole month of February, and not just Valentines day, is a time to fill our hearts with more love :-)
So how have I spent my day? Little lay in cuddling my doggie Jasper all snuggled up in the warm with cold wind outside. Taught a 1 2 1 yoga therapy session, beautiful peaceful start to the day for both of us. We felt lighter and better for making this time for health and well being. When I asked the student if she really did wish to do this session on Valentines day, or would rather be with her partner with breakfast in bed, she replied 'I expect to be treated well every day of the year not just today' Well that says it all really, when today has become so commercialised and over priced - making every day about love is the secret to keeping a relationship alive.
I popped to Walton to treat myself to a cappuccino, and as I left my house a white feather floated down by my feet, what a beautfiul gift from the Universe, and also maybe the Angels were saying they were close by, I felt blessed after the week I have had of challenges with all my familys health.
Then another surprise as I drove round the back of a road where I always park at the weekend and walk to the shops - a bouquet of flowers and a red balloon had been left on the path - what to do, leave it or accept it as another gift from the Universe? Well what do you think i did?
Had some quality family time sharing sugary yum yums - naughty but nice. Walked Jasper along his favourite haunts, then back for a day of TLC - a pamper session followed by snuggle time with Jasper munching choccies and watching the romcom '50 First Dates' and Dancing on Ice full of love songs, hearts and flowers, and now to bed.
Happy Valentines, Happy Chinese New Year full of Love :-)
Love, Light and Lots of Oms xx
Sunday 14 February 2010
Saturday 6 February 2010
Commitment, Contentment, Chaos, Companionship, Caring, Compassion, Camaraderie, Community
Well so much for my commitment to keep a blog rather than a diary - its been rather like my yoga practice this week - non-existent. Its not that I haven't 'done' any yoga (I have taught 12 classes this week) its just my personal practice to be more precise
What is yoga anyway?
It means union, to join together, or 'yoke' - mind, body, soul - to be more aware of the body, emotions, to be in the moment, to have a sense of contentment, and awareness of the impact one has on the world in general and on other beings.
Oh well, maybe I have not done too badly after all. I might not have gone into the studio and practised perfect physical postures, but I have lived life in a yogic way. Accepting the challenges the week brought -
my doggie Jasper has a bad hip, he can't jump on and off the sofa or bed and can't walk up and downstairs at present :-( I have been carrying him so he rests as much as possible (and walks are banned for a few days too)
Dads just completed second round of chemo, skin falling off his feet, very unpleasant side-effects
Mums ill now - very high calcium levels in the body, doctor can't understand why she has not collapsed and been admitted to hospital! (On No please no more hospital visits!)
one of my brothers has to have minor ENT surgery next Thursday (groan hospital again - am praying it goes well and he gets home the same day - fingers crossed)
one of my pregnancy students gave birth at 32 weeks and baby is now in St Peters neo-natal ward (hospital again!) I have been lighting a candle and we have all been sending her positive and loving thoughts
another of my pregnant students is hoping to be back in her home after being a nomad for a month , major renovations have run over and then the boiler just blew up! (she's keeping legs crossed too and wants baby to be 2 weeks late!)
not heard from my son (no news is good news) am hoping things are well in his life in Leeds and that he passed his last year exams - fingers crossed again
my house is total chaos! when do i fit in housework?
like me, loads of students continually have 'stuff' going on in their lives, its often quite relentless,
So, what gets us all through? Yoga.
Yoga has always been my lifeline - every aspect of it, going to class, home practice, breathing and relaxation techniques, meditation, treating others as you would like to be treated yourself, laughter, sharing, a sense of community and support - all things I encourage and foster in my classes. A couple of new students have commented on how lovely the people in class are, that they have never before had an opportunity to get to know anyone in a yoga class, or had the sense of companionship, caring, compassion and camaraderie. Previous ones have been quite a solitary experience - but in this world of stress, fast paced living, spread out and fragmented families, we need a sense of community, caring and belonging more than ever
Quote for the week when 'stuff' happens to you -
'Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass.......its about learning to dance in the rain'
Whats your favourite quote? Or way of seeing the challenges of life?
Om shanti
What is yoga anyway?
It means union, to join together, or 'yoke' - mind, body, soul - to be more aware of the body, emotions, to be in the moment, to have a sense of contentment, and awareness of the impact one has on the world in general and on other beings.
Oh well, maybe I have not done too badly after all. I might not have gone into the studio and practised perfect physical postures, but I have lived life in a yogic way. Accepting the challenges the week brought -
my doggie Jasper has a bad hip, he can't jump on and off the sofa or bed and can't walk up and downstairs at present :-( I have been carrying him so he rests as much as possible (and walks are banned for a few days too)
Dads just completed second round of chemo, skin falling off his feet, very unpleasant side-effects
Mums ill now - very high calcium levels in the body, doctor can't understand why she has not collapsed and been admitted to hospital! (On No please no more hospital visits!)
one of my brothers has to have minor ENT surgery next Thursday (groan hospital again - am praying it goes well and he gets home the same day - fingers crossed)
one of my pregnancy students gave birth at 32 weeks and baby is now in St Peters neo-natal ward (hospital again!) I have been lighting a candle and we have all been sending her positive and loving thoughts
another of my pregnant students is hoping to be back in her home after being a nomad for a month , major renovations have run over and then the boiler just blew up! (she's keeping legs crossed too and wants baby to be 2 weeks late!)
not heard from my son (no news is good news) am hoping things are well in his life in Leeds and that he passed his last year exams - fingers crossed again
my house is total chaos! when do i fit in housework?
like me, loads of students continually have 'stuff' going on in their lives, its often quite relentless,
So, what gets us all through? Yoga.
Yoga has always been my lifeline - every aspect of it, going to class, home practice, breathing and relaxation techniques, meditation, treating others as you would like to be treated yourself, laughter, sharing, a sense of community and support - all things I encourage and foster in my classes. A couple of new students have commented on how lovely the people in class are, that they have never before had an opportunity to get to know anyone in a yoga class, or had the sense of companionship, caring, compassion and camaraderie. Previous ones have been quite a solitary experience - but in this world of stress, fast paced living, spread out and fragmented families, we need a sense of community, caring and belonging more than ever
Quote for the week when 'stuff' happens to you -
'Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass.......its about learning to dance in the rain'
Whats your favourite quote? Or way of seeing the challenges of life?
Om shanti
Sunday 31 January 2010
Sacred Journey Group
Spent a wonderful birthday at the Thistle Hotel Victoria with 22 fellow light worker - very special people, in a special room there. We meditated, did some crystal healing, took time to 'be in the moment,' sent out the light wherever it needed to go, for the highest good of the Earth and its inhabitants. An abundant, tasty shared lunch completed this very special day.
We are known as The Sacred Journey Group, we have been working together this time round for 3 years. (Prior to this we have worked together on and off since the early 90s) Initially in 2007 we met monthly and worked through The Labours of Hercules, a spiritual initiation of mammoth proportions, we really did not know what we had let ourselves in for! (See Alice Bailey) As the years rolled on we have met less in the 'physical' but worked more from a distance, meditating together at the New and Full moon and at other significant days and times of the year. It has been amazing, a total transformation on every level, and also a great support whilst 'being in the real world' doing our day to day work, facing challenges and trying to hold a high standard, taking the light wherever it is needed.
What I find so special about this spiritual family that I have shared so much time with over the years is their courage, support, honesty, integrity, light and love - and the amazing work they all do 'in the real world'. It is humbling to work with them and share the laughter and tears, the highs and lows, light and dark - we remind ourselves that we must hold onto what is really important in our lives -forget the outer trappings, focus on the spiritual, connect to the energy of the heart, bring Heaven down to Earth
Om Shanti, shanti, Shanti
We are known as The Sacred Journey Group, we have been working together this time round for 3 years. (Prior to this we have worked together on and off since the early 90s) Initially in 2007 we met monthly and worked through The Labours of Hercules, a spiritual initiation of mammoth proportions, we really did not know what we had let ourselves in for! (See Alice Bailey) As the years rolled on we have met less in the 'physical' but worked more from a distance, meditating together at the New and Full moon and at other significant days and times of the year. It has been amazing, a total transformation on every level, and also a great support whilst 'being in the real world' doing our day to day work, facing challenges and trying to hold a high standard, taking the light wherever it is needed.
What I find so special about this spiritual family that I have shared so much time with over the years is their courage, support, honesty, integrity, light and love - and the amazing work they all do 'in the real world'. It is humbling to work with them and share the laughter and tears, the highs and lows, light and dark - we remind ourselves that we must hold onto what is really important in our lives -forget the outer trappings, focus on the spiritual, connect to the energy of the heart, bring Heaven down to Earth
Om Shanti, shanti, Shanti
Monday 25 January 2010
Angels
I am an Aquarian with Leo rising, full moon in couple of days will be challenging.... I often read Jonathan Cainer and just loved his words under Leo on Friday 22 Jan -
'Next time you see a coffee shop, don't be fooled. It is a front. It is where guardian Angels go while they wait for humans they have been sent to look after to make up their minds. Angels cannot assist people who do not know what they want. Nor, though, can they leave their charges unprotected. So they retire to these cafes until their aid is requested. Free your Angel from cappuccino overload this weekend - give it something to do'
Remember - ask and it shall be given. Do you commune with your Angels every day? If No, then 2010 is the time to begin! Often people begin to 'test the water' by asking their Angel to find them a parking space. Try it, it really does work. Then ask your Angel to show or guide you to something you need to see or read, and be surprised.
Try starting the day with a prayer, or choosing an Angel card to see which quality the Angels are surrounding you with, then watch the day unfold with awareness.
'Listen to the Whispers' as Angels commune with you every day
Do end the day with thanks - an attitude of gratitude goes a long way, and opens the door to even greater assistance and abundance :-)
So don't leave your Angel in the coffee shop! Keep it on your shoulder :-)
Angelic Blessings xxx
'Next time you see a coffee shop, don't be fooled. It is a front. It is where guardian Angels go while they wait for humans they have been sent to look after to make up their minds. Angels cannot assist people who do not know what they want. Nor, though, can they leave their charges unprotected. So they retire to these cafes until their aid is requested. Free your Angel from cappuccino overload this weekend - give it something to do'
Remember - ask and it shall be given. Do you commune with your Angels every day? If No, then 2010 is the time to begin! Often people begin to 'test the water' by asking their Angel to find them a parking space. Try it, it really does work. Then ask your Angel to show or guide you to something you need to see or read, and be surprised.
Try starting the day with a prayer, or choosing an Angel card to see which quality the Angels are surrounding you with, then watch the day unfold with awareness.
'Listen to the Whispers' as Angels commune with you every day
Do end the day with thanks - an attitude of gratitude goes a long way, and opens the door to even greater assistance and abundance :-)
So don't leave your Angel in the coffee shop! Keep it on your shoulder :-)
Angelic Blessings xxx
Friday 22 January 2010
Blue Monday to TGIFriday :-)
So much for regular blogging. The year has carried on at the same frantic pace. Lost count of the times the heating has broken down in the past 5 days, at one point sounded like the boiler would explode! Called on the knowledge and expertise of my neighbour Andrew who runs a brilliant local building firm and also local Keith who replaced the necessary parts and responded to calls at top speed (reasons to be grateful). As the snow has passed, I can live without much heating, but not good to have a cold yoga studio :-(
'Blue Monday' as the day is known every year was OK for me, normally falls right near, or on my birthday. First year in a while the Daily Mail hasn't run a 4 page spread on it, just the TV announcing the blues. Its all a state of mind really and I was in good spirits.
Mercury stopped its retrograde motion (always causes communication issues, stuff breaking down) so didn't know why my 'stuff' continued to break down??
Worse day was Tuesday - put the heating, on prepared for baby massage class, had breakfast then discovered the room was stone cold with 7 babies due to arrive imminently, panic...Andrew to the rescue and kind neighbour Vanessa lent me another heater, just in the nick of time. The temperature rose, I didn't have to abandon the original lesson plan, took a few yogic deep breaths, and away we went, massaging, singing and doing baby yoga together. Mums with their babies, me with my dolly.
Next problem arose as I left to get in my car and drive to a last minute interview - it wouldn't start! Frantic call to the job agency, company and taxi firm, then off to Chertsey. Waste of time and money, third sentence uttered by interviewer 'am looking for someone with relevant experience, we have no time to train you' (Was a post in Social Services as a part-time occupational therapist)
Frustration of the week (and actually whole New Year arose) felt like crying in the interview.....what next? Taught 3 more classes and collapsed in a heap, what a day. Pondered my life and instability and purpose, why am I living like this? What do I have to show for this hard work and struggle? Then a student texted me with thanks for the class and learning, another to say she had had a baby boy and what an amazing experience - all the yoga breathing, exercises and postures were very helpful in labour - Aha moment so thats why :-)
By the end of the week the car had a new battery, set of plugs, and mid 'n' back exhaust. Gratitude again this time to one of my brothers and a local garage with speedy work. Bought some wheel trims to tidy it up, remembering Louise Hays book 'You Can Heal Your Life' - your car is a mirror of yourself - time to give it and myself some tlc :-)
Reflecting on the weeks challenges, I realised my mums-to-be coming to class are also under constant pressure.Our everyday lifestyle can be relentless, recession worries, house moves/extensions, families to tend to, ageing parents, and they are carrying new life inside, their bodies undergoing massive changes day by day, its very humbling. Puts my life back in perspective.
TGIF - To be kind to myself I slept in, bliss. My earth Angel friend Sarah popped round with roses and a birthday card from my old work mates - early birthday surprise. Put a smile on my face :-)
Another baby is born...
A new day, a new dawn tomorrow
Om shanti
'Blue Monday' as the day is known every year was OK for me, normally falls right near, or on my birthday. First year in a while the Daily Mail hasn't run a 4 page spread on it, just the TV announcing the blues. Its all a state of mind really and I was in good spirits.
Mercury stopped its retrograde motion (always causes communication issues, stuff breaking down) so didn't know why my 'stuff' continued to break down??
Worse day was Tuesday - put the heating, on prepared for baby massage class, had breakfast then discovered the room was stone cold with 7 babies due to arrive imminently, panic...Andrew to the rescue and kind neighbour Vanessa lent me another heater, just in the nick of time. The temperature rose, I didn't have to abandon the original lesson plan, took a few yogic deep breaths, and away we went, massaging, singing and doing baby yoga together. Mums with their babies, me with my dolly.
Next problem arose as I left to get in my car and drive to a last minute interview - it wouldn't start! Frantic call to the job agency, company and taxi firm, then off to Chertsey. Waste of time and money, third sentence uttered by interviewer 'am looking for someone with relevant experience, we have no time to train you' (Was a post in Social Services as a part-time occupational therapist)
Frustration of the week (and actually whole New Year arose) felt like crying in the interview.....what next? Taught 3 more classes and collapsed in a heap, what a day. Pondered my life and instability and purpose, why am I living like this? What do I have to show for this hard work and struggle? Then a student texted me with thanks for the class and learning, another to say she had had a baby boy and what an amazing experience - all the yoga breathing, exercises and postures were very helpful in labour - Aha moment so thats why :-)
By the end of the week the car had a new battery, set of plugs, and mid 'n' back exhaust. Gratitude again this time to one of my brothers and a local garage with speedy work. Bought some wheel trims to tidy it up, remembering Louise Hays book 'You Can Heal Your Life' - your car is a mirror of yourself - time to give it and myself some tlc :-)
Reflecting on the weeks challenges, I realised my mums-to-be coming to class are also under constant pressure.Our everyday lifestyle can be relentless, recession worries, house moves/extensions, families to tend to, ageing parents, and they are carrying new life inside, their bodies undergoing massive changes day by day, its very humbling. Puts my life back in perspective.
TGIF - To be kind to myself I slept in, bliss. My earth Angel friend Sarah popped round with roses and a birthday card from my old work mates - early birthday surprise. Put a smile on my face :-)
Another baby is born...
A new day, a new dawn tomorrow
Om shanti
Sunday 17 January 2010
Reflections on a Year So Far
Saw a competition for blogging, wondered how to begin, an email led the way and voila - here I am. Instead of a diary - time to type when the PC works :-) A virgin blogger begins.
What a New Year, no resolutions accomplished, housework not done, signs of Xmas still everywhere, total chaos - dad collapsed, paramedics rushed him into hospital - it really was living in the moment and runnning on adrenalin! Now he is home, a family under pressure breathe a collective sigh of relief
Wednesday Winter Wonderland, waking up to a silent, still, snowy landscape, Jasper (my doggie) taking tentative tiddly steps in the garden, lone paw prints trailing behind him, birds calling, sounds of scraping tools clearing cars and drives, the day begins. My bank occupational therapy work cancelled (again!) relief (I can stay in the warm and have a duvet day) panic (not enough money to pay the rent) tears (as life makes me slow down and stop) the drama with dad has caught up with me, time to really 'feel' the aftershocks. My bad shoulder that has felt totally unconnected to me begins to release, as the tears flow.
As a yoga teacher and therapist I am only too aware of the power of blocked emotions held within, it has been a revelation to experience this again first hand. My coping strategy - hold it all in my right shoulder! Dived back into bed, curled up in a ball and went with the flow, cold snow mirroring my body and stuck, held emotions.
Thursday thick, slushy start, as my emotions thaw so too does the snow, more movement in my shoulder too :-) Pregnant yoga student texts me she is in labour...so will not make class. I wish I had had more time to prepare her, she never got to too many classes, work and then weather preventing her. Did we cover enough? Sent her positive thoughts and healing. All the mums did too later that night in class, wondering who would be next?
Friday - New moon in Capricorn - time to centre, pray, and meditate long distance with my Sacred Journey friends (Earth Angels) contemplate beginning the year again, refreshed and revitalised.
New Moon = New Beginnings. I spend time giving thanks for the gifts of the year so far, ' an attitude of gratitude' goes along way :-)
Rainy day, the snow and slush have gone, hospital visit with dad. He has to have some kidney tests in nuclear medicine department. He is so much brighter, chirpier, energised and very chatty. Shared time together took me back to being a little girl again - 'daddys girl'. Spending time with him reminiscing is always a revelation, what our parents lived through - they should all write books (or a blog)
Sad to see a little baby crying and having tests, uncomprehending - what a way to begin a life - what a way for dad to be ending his life. After this last year and half of hell with dad and his cancer battle I have decided I wish to go quickly, quietly and with dignity intact!
My pregnant student texts me again, her baby is born a boy :-) tough experience but she 'got in the zone' just as we practised in class :-) Lots of breathing and body awareness, very minimal intervention, shortish labour as labours go and only 38 weeks - excellent - yoga in pregnancy really works! Whenever we have scare with dad and think its the end, a mum from my classes gives birth, the circle of life continues, the only certainty is change - embrace it, hug it, bless it :-)
Saturday quickie - my website is nearly ready to go live and be a 'work in progress' - just like my life really :-) New Moon - New Beginnings continues... Om shanti
What a New Year, no resolutions accomplished, housework not done, signs of Xmas still everywhere, total chaos - dad collapsed, paramedics rushed him into hospital - it really was living in the moment and runnning on adrenalin! Now he is home, a family under pressure breathe a collective sigh of relief
Wednesday Winter Wonderland, waking up to a silent, still, snowy landscape, Jasper (my doggie) taking tentative tiddly steps in the garden, lone paw prints trailing behind him, birds calling, sounds of scraping tools clearing cars and drives, the day begins. My bank occupational therapy work cancelled (again!) relief (I can stay in the warm and have a duvet day) panic (not enough money to pay the rent) tears (as life makes me slow down and stop) the drama with dad has caught up with me, time to really 'feel' the aftershocks. My bad shoulder that has felt totally unconnected to me begins to release, as the tears flow.
As a yoga teacher and therapist I am only too aware of the power of blocked emotions held within, it has been a revelation to experience this again first hand. My coping strategy - hold it all in my right shoulder! Dived back into bed, curled up in a ball and went with the flow, cold snow mirroring my body and stuck, held emotions.
Thursday thick, slushy start, as my emotions thaw so too does the snow, more movement in my shoulder too :-) Pregnant yoga student texts me she is in labour...so will not make class. I wish I had had more time to prepare her, she never got to too many classes, work and then weather preventing her. Did we cover enough? Sent her positive thoughts and healing. All the mums did too later that night in class, wondering who would be next?
Friday - New moon in Capricorn - time to centre, pray, and meditate long distance with my Sacred Journey friends (Earth Angels) contemplate beginning the year again, refreshed and revitalised.
New Moon = New Beginnings. I spend time giving thanks for the gifts of the year so far, ' an attitude of gratitude' goes along way :-)
Rainy day, the snow and slush have gone, hospital visit with dad. He has to have some kidney tests in nuclear medicine department. He is so much brighter, chirpier, energised and very chatty. Shared time together took me back to being a little girl again - 'daddys girl'. Spending time with him reminiscing is always a revelation, what our parents lived through - they should all write books (or a blog)
Sad to see a little baby crying and having tests, uncomprehending - what a way to begin a life - what a way for dad to be ending his life. After this last year and half of hell with dad and his cancer battle I have decided I wish to go quickly, quietly and with dignity intact!
My pregnant student texts me again, her baby is born a boy :-) tough experience but she 'got in the zone' just as we practised in class :-) Lots of breathing and body awareness, very minimal intervention, shortish labour as labours go and only 38 weeks - excellent - yoga in pregnancy really works! Whenever we have scare with dad and think its the end, a mum from my classes gives birth, the circle of life continues, the only certainty is change - embrace it, hug it, bless it :-)
Saturday quickie - my website is nearly ready to go live and be a 'work in progress' - just like my life really :-) New Moon - New Beginnings continues... Om shanti
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