In the Energy

Refinement

2012-02-15T20:06:00.000-08:00

In these chaotictimes this turbulent energy is bringing to the surface that which you might notbe aware.

Take this blessed opportunityto change your destiny.

Bearing Witness

2012-02-14T18:56:00.000-08:00

Some of us fall intoS I L E N C E, kicking and screaming all the way.

Laurel - Sprigs and Leaves

2012-02-11T16:25:00.000-08:00

This is what is happening right now.

One Cannot Exist Without the Other

2012-02-08T20:51:00.000-08:00

Have Mercy on yourself.

In the Shadows

2012-02-01T21:04:00.000-08:00

Thomas Hardy

Proud Songsters

The thrushes sing as the sun is going,
And the finches whistle in ones and pairs,
And as it gets dark loud nightingales
In bushes
Pipe, as they can when April wears,
As if all Time were theirs.
These are brand-new birds of twelve-months’ growing,
Which a year ago, or less than twain,
No finches were, nor nightingales,
Nor thrushes,
But only particles of grain,
And earth, and air, and rain.

Copied from Insted

Confession. It Can Be Said.

2012-01-31T18:37:00.000-08:00

Mahatma Gandhi

Confession of errors is like a broom which sweeps away the dirt andleaves the surface brighter and clearer. I feel stronger for confession.

Comprehending and Understanding. Which Will it Be?

2012-01-27T21:31:00.000-08:00

Thomas Merton
We have what we seek, it is there all the time, and if we give it time, it willmake itself known to us.

The Restoration of Edwyn Collins

2012-01-21T10:17:00.000-08:00

The story of Edwyn Collins willtouch your heart.

"In February 2005, EdwynCollins suffered two devastating brain haemorrhages. Heshould have died. Doctors advised that if he did survive, there would be littleof him left. If that wasn’t enough, he went on to contract MRSA as a result ofan operation to his skull and spent six months in hospital.

Initially, Edwyn couldn’tspeak, read, write, walk, sit up or feed himself. He had lost all movement inhis right side and was suffering from aphasia – an inability to use orunderstand language. When he initially recovered consciousness the only wordshe could say were ‘Grace’, ‘Maxwell’,‘yes’ and ‘no’. But with the help of hispartner Grace and their 18-year-old son Will, Edwyn fought back.

Slowly, and with monumental effort, he began to teachhis brain to read and speak all over again – with some areas of his mind it wasif he had been a slate wiped utterly clean. Through a long and arduous road oftherapy he began to re-inhabit his body until he could walk again.

Grace'sstory is an intimate and inspiring account of what you do to survive whenyour husband is all but taken away without warning by a stroke." copied from Edwyn Collins' website.

Thestory of Edwyn Collins as written by his partner, Grace:

Falling & Laughing: The Restoration ofEdwyn Collins

BBC TwoDocumentary on Edwyn Collins recovery:

Edwyn Collins:Home Again

For Changes Are Coming, This May Be Sure

2012-01-18T18:49:00.000-08:00

Samuel TaylorColeridge

A poet ought not topick nature's pocket. Let him borrow, and so borrow as to repay by the very actof borrowing. Examine nature accurately, but write from recollection, and trustmore to the imagination than the memory.

A Commitment

2012-01-16T21:16:00.000-08:00

Please help me to keep an open mind and stay alert to possibilities in this infinite universe.

Remind me that it is not my job to pass judgement on anything or anyone.

Winter Blossoms

2012-01-15T21:29:00.001-08:00

If You Go Out in the Woods Today

2012-01-13T17:15:00.000-08:00

I am never really sure who is taking who for a walk.

Embraced by Nature

2012-01-04T21:07:00.000-08:00

Let nature be your guide to the natural rhythms of life. Notice the weather of the season.

Bertrand Russell

The world is full of magical thingspatiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.

A Sense of Entitlement

2012-01-01T16:47:00.001-08:00

Make the effort without demanding anything in return.

Vita Sackville-West

2011-12-22T18:48:00.000-08:00

Vita Sackville-West

Nothing shows up the difference betweenthe things said or read, so much as the daily experience of it.

The writer catches the changes of hismind on the hop. Growth is exciting; growth is dynamic and alarming. Growth ofthe soul, growth of the mind.

There are no signposts in the sea

Love and Compassion

2011-12-18T18:33:00.000-08:00

Robert Browning

Love is energy of life.

Love
Edward Burne-Jones

Buck Brannaman and Horses and Life

2011-12-17T10:31:00.000-08:00

Buck
The Movie

This film, BUCK, was created to move people to make changes in how they deal with horses and life's challenges. Buck Brannaman is a true cowboy who has overcome tremendous personal odds. This film intends to inspire, motivate and teach through principles of respect, partnership and trust rather than anger, fear and intimidation.

A truly American story about an unsung hero and one of the most successful documentaries of the year, BUCK is about an ordinary man who has made an extraordinary life despite tremendous odds.

Transmutation

2011-12-04T17:39:00.001-08:00

George Eliot

The strongest principle of growth lies in the human choice.

Flat Earth Syndrome

2011-11-30T21:27:00.001-08:00

Notice that life as you know it is changing around you faster than the speed of light? So to speak.

There was that recent test that suggests the possibility of something (neutrinos) traveling faster than the speed of light.

Switzerland to Italy.

Testing once, testing twice…

Not that I want to leave you with the impression that I know what a neutrino is or what it does - just point you in the direction of a relatively new theory…

It is an Inside Job

2011-11-22T19:57:00.001-08:00

You will know you have arrived when no matter where you are...you are there.

Viktor E. Frankl

Between stimulus and response there is a space. In thatspace is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth andour freedom.

Kristina Belkina - Photographer

Looking to the Future

2011-11-20T18:06:00.001-08:00

....how do you get there from here.....once you find yourself....

Kristina Belkina - Photographer

“Certainly, at some hour, though perhaps not your hour, the waiting waters will stir; in some shape, though perhaps not the shape you dreamed, which your heart loved, and for which it bled, the healing herald will descend.”
Charlotte Brontë, Villette

The Doctrine of Rebirth

2011-11-17T20:02:00.001-08:00

Animal Locomotion

2011-11-15T21:38:00.001-08:00

Resiliance - It Is In You

2011-11-12T15:03:00.000-08:00

If youhave never tried meditation but have heard others talk of their experiences or if you tried meditating and thought you failed this websiteoffers up simple and practical information with techniques that work.

The Institute of HeartMath

Download 'THE STATE OF EASE'

Excerpt from 'The State of Ease'

Ourpersonal space of “inner-ease” can be accessed with minimum practice and a

little timespent. When operating in the ease-mode, it’s easier to choose less stressfulperceptions and attitudes and re-create “flow” in our daily routines.Practicing inner-ease creates “flow” by helping to regulate the balance andcooperation between our heart, mind and emotions—coherence. Increased coherencepromotes more intuitive connection with our higher potential for effectivereasoning, discernment and people interactions.

It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times

2011-11-06T11:09:00.000-08:00

Charles Dickens

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to heaven, we were all going direct the other way - in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.

A Tale o f Two Cities

Held By Light Air

2011-11-02T20:22:00.000-07:00

Held by light air.

What an interesting way to describe a seeming lack of progress.

Semantics

2011-10-25T20:40:00.000-07:00

Discerning what in your life needs your attention and what in your life requires that you leave it be is a skill that will serve you well.

What you focus on feeds it with energy; your energy.

As if you don't already have enough to do you also have to mind your thoughts and accept responsibility when your thoughts wander away with you.

The Wild Swans at Coole

by W. B. Yeats

The trees are in their autumn beauty,

The woodland paths are dry,

Under the October twilight the water

Mirrors a still sky;

Upon the brimming water among the stones

Are nine and fifty swans.

The nineteenth Autumn has come upon me

Since I first made my count;

I saw, before I had well finished,

All suddenly mount

And scatter wheeling in great broken rings

Upon their clamorous wings.

I have looked upon those brilliant creatures,

And now my heart is sore.

All's changed since I, hearing at twilight,

The first time on this shore,

The bell-beat of their wings above my head,

Trod with a lighter tread.

Unwearied still, lover by lover,

They paddle in the cold,

Companionable streams or climb the air;

Their hearts have not grown old;

Passion or conquest, wander where they will,

Attend upon them still.

But now they drift on the still water

Mysterious, beautiful;

Among what rushes will they build,

By what lake's edge or pool

Delight men's eyes, when I awake some day

To find they have flown away?

R.B.Kitaj: the tower by W.B.Yeats

V&A Collection

Organic Powers of the Universe

2011-08-26T23:23:00.000-07:00

With everything that is happening in our world there is a lot of opportunity to give of yourself. Your generosity of time and spirit can extend to your neighbour, co-worker, country or all the way around the globe and back again.

In times of change, transformation, destruction and chaos being an example of love, faith and hope is how we will lead each other to the brave new world.

Remember that no matter what is going on around you, you know how to love.....

Antoine de Saint-Exupery

When you give yourself, you receive more than you give.

Dancing Dervishes of Constantinople – Samuel Read

V&A Collection

Tree of Life

2011-08-25T22:17:00.000-07:00

I was reflecting on our reliance on plastic products – from straws to tanning beds. Enough said on that subject. And off I went on a tangent meditation: trees. The lungs of our planet. Trees provide us with wood. Wood can be shaped, carved, woven and burnt. Wood provides us with shelter, warmth and beauty.

Indigenous cultures know to ask permission before cutting, hacking and removing from the forest. They know who to ask permission from. They know why to ask permission.

"Why Me Lord"

Kris Kristofferson

Tell me Lord, if you think there's a way I can try to repay

All I've taken from you
Maybe Lord,

I can show someone else

What I've been through myself

On my way back to you.

'Study of the Trunk of an Elm Tree'

John Constable RA - V&A Collection

Wanting What You Have

2011-06-26T22:07:00.000-07:00

The moment when you become aware of grace and you feel your faith, intention, destiny, wisdom and experience infinitely expanding in that energy of grace is the moment when the conscious journey begins.

That moment has been waiting to happen....

Emily Carr

I sat staring, staring, staring – half lost, learning a new language or rather the same language in a different dialect. So still were the big woods where I sat, sound might not yet have been born.

Primroses and Bird's Nests
William Henry Hunt - V&A Collection

Aung San Suu Kyi

2011-06-20T18:25:00.000-07:00

Copied from: The Guardian - Article Dated: June 20, 2011

"Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi speaks movingly of price of resistance in first of BBC's Reith lectures"

"Whenever I was asked at the end of each stretch of house arrest how it felt to be free, I would answer that I felt no different because my mind had always been free. I have spoken out often of the inner freedom that comes out from following a course in harmony with one's conscience."

"There is certainly a danger that the acceptance of spiritual freedom as a satisfactory substitute for all other freedoms could lead to passivity and resignation. But an inner sense of freedom can reinforce a practical drive for the more fundamental freedoms in the form of human rights and rule of law."

The Guardian, June 20, 2011 - Article written by: Simon Tisdall

Everywhere You Go There You Are

2011-06-16T21:37:00.000-07:00

Travel to far away places can be a transformative experience or you can arrive at your destination and awaken to a realization that everywhere you go there you are.

J.R.R. Tolkien
All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost. From the ashes a fire shall be woken, a light from the shadows shall spring; renenwed shall be blade that was broken, the crownless again shall be king.

Victoria and Albert Museum

Show Me the Way

2011-05-24T20:09:00.000-07:00

During our daily fight for survival we don’t often stop to ask what we can do to give back to those around us, to give of ourselves. Start with a kind and compassionate thought, a smile and go from there.....

Contemplate the idea that in your life there is more than enough rather than not enough.

Print, Aquatint, Etching

H Beard Print Collection - V&A Collection

Imagination

2011-04-06T23:28:00.000-07:00

Have you ever tried to avoid a life lesson?

Avoidance Techniques (my top 5 list)

Procrastination
Denial
Anger/Rage
Depression
Overworking

Do you have enough self awareness to be honest with yourself when you fall back on the old ways?

Napoleon Hill

"Every Adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit."

Pattern made by Sue Lawty on a south Devon beach

Supernova

2011-03-23T23:02:00.000-07:00

I have the choice to be strong and carry on....it is a good place to be!

Agatha Christie

Many people go right through life in the grip of an idea which has been impressed on them in very tender years.

Victoria and Albert Museum Collection

Don't Get Ahead of Yourself

2011-02-23T21:04:00.000-08:00

There is so much uncertainty in my life right now and I am loving it. It is energizing and revitalizing because I can create new experiences in the moment. It means that that I am alert and paying attention to the symbols and messages surrounding me. It is a wonderful to wake up happy and curious to see what the day will bring.

Meister Eckhart

There exists only the present instant... a Now which always and without end is itself new. There is no yesterday nor any tomorrow, but only Now, as it was a thousand years ago and as it will be a thousand years hence.

http://bridgetispainting.blogspot.com/

Bridget Couc alias Brigitte Coucoureux

The Geometry of Relationships

2011-02-13T21:10:00.000-08:00

Lately there has been an ever changing cast of characters in my life. We arrive at an 'intersection' - meet - and go our separate ways. Our chance encounters have left lasting impressions and redirected the trajectory of our lives or confirmed that we are headed in the right direction. Words and thoughts can echo for years into the future.

An offhanded comment overheard at the exact right moment can validate and inject some much needed confidence into resolve to carry on.

The smallest kindness - a gesture, a smile, a word - can never be underestimated or weighted with too much importance. The random acts of kindness concept is not new but you can find ways to re-invent it.

W. R. Inge

The phase of thought or feeling which we call Mysticism has its origin in that which is the raw material of all religion, and perhaps of all philosophy and art as well, namely, that dim consciousness of the beyond, which is part of our nature as human beings.

Growing Some Mojo

2011-02-09T22:48:00.000-08:00

I have been experiencing tired and old responses to life situations; the responses have been conditioned by the years spent in a rather less than conscious state.

When you are 'living in the moment' of the experience and gripped by fear or anger it can be rather tricky to stay in the observer role.

What to do?

Without reliving the event in question over and over again try allowing for a new response; even if for a millisecond.

It is a start...

Ram Dass

You and I are the force for transformation in the world. We are the consciousness that will define the nature of the reality we are moving into.

Many Roads to Rome

2011-01-30T20:05:00.000-08:00

Fearlessness.

Today I was reminded that the fear of failure ensures your failure.

I have populated this life with so many strong individuals from whom I can look to for inspiration and guidance. I have to do the work myself but I can observe and put into practice what I have learned from others who are further along in life.

And I know that my universe is very interactive and responsive to my queries.

A Meditation

Paul Hookham

‘THE SELF is Peace; that Self am I.

The Self is Strength; that Self am I.’

What needs this trembling strife

With phantom threats of Form and Time and Space?

Could once my Life

Be shorn of their illusion, and efface

From its clear heaven that stormful imagery,

My Self were seen

An Essence free, unchanging, strong, serene.

Hygieia in Gustav Klimt's painting Medicine, 1901

Scaling the Summit

2011-01-29T00:43:00.000-08:00

It was only a week ago that I was out in the valley on the back of a horse but it feels like eons have passed in the meantime.

It wasn't raining that Saturday afternoon so I took the opportunity to rent a pony and go for a trail ride. It was heaven to be able to pat a dog and tickle horses noses. (Horse noses are the velvety best.) Just off the trail I saw a doe and her fawn; such delicate creatures.

I would like to give gratitude for having the freedom and means to leave the city and spend time in the forest.

Rumi

As you start to walk out on the way,

the way appears.

Kristina Belkina Photographer

We Become What What We Focus On

2011-01-23T12:14:00.000-08:00

Conscious of our thoughts and how the focus of our thoughts directs us requires a mental vigiliance.

Stereo MC's lyrics

If you make sure you're connected / The writing's on the wall / But if your mind's neglected / Stumble you might fall

When you do stumble and fall....a spiritual freefall into old habits and ways....you are going to be asked to get yourself back up and and re-double your efforts on the path to enlighenment. There is no doubt - you can and you will get back up.

Try to re-focus your thoughts on a love energy or loving energy instead of what you didn't get or what someone did to you. Feel love and compassion for yourself first. There are beautiful, soul growing lessons in every moment. I know that some of those soul growing moments cause an unquantifiable amount of emotional discomfort...but that is getting into dark night of the soul territory...for another post.

By George William Russell

(A. E. In The Irish Theosophist)

NEVER is there day so gleaming
But the dusk o'ertakes it;
Never night so dark and dreaming
But the dawn awakes it:
And the soul has nights and days
In its own eternal ways.

Kristina Belkina Photographer

Minutia

2011-01-19T23:20:00.000-08:00

This week's lessons have come in rapid succession. I guess I am not supposed to perform a post mortem on the events that have occured but am meant to observe and quickly assimilate.

I can't know the grand design of my life seeing as details of the plan are being revealed to me on a need to know basis. I shouldn't struggle with the minutia and try to manage the chaos.

There are natural, organic laws governing what appears to be chaos and anarchy.

Evelyn Underhill
This is the secret of joy. We shall no longer strive for our own way; but commit ourselves, easily and simply, to God's way, acquiesce in His will, and in so doing find our peace.

Hills and Valleys - Far and Wide

2011-01-10T22:25:00.000-08:00

I am going through a period in life where staying in the observer role for longer periods of time is zenning me out and is rather less taxing than trying to manipulate or think the outcome of situations.

It doesn't mean that life is just happening to me or that I am not participating; I find that my greatest powers of creativity can be exercised in how I take life's hills and valleys in stride.

Lewis Carroll
I have had prayers answered - most strangely so sometimes - but I think our Heavenly Father's loving-kindness has been even more evident in what He has refused me.

William Morris by George Frederic Watts, 1870

Lighthouse

2011-01-09T09:10:00.000-08:00

A lighthouse guides sailors away from the dangers of coastlines and gives them direction on their journeys.

Without the need to have people take your advice or force your opinions on them sometimes you can be a lighthouse for others on their journeys. I realize that is pushing a metaphor beyond its intended limits.

You can guide others by example or by simply stating how you handled a situation that is similiar to what they are experiencing. Or by
showing that you got back up and are standing strong, solid and grounded with renewed strength and focus after having weathered the storms of personal trials.

With silence and without want of recognition you can do that for others.

C. S. Lewis
You don't have a soul. You are a Soul. You have a body.

Kristina Belkina Photographer

Incandescence

2011-01-06T20:51:00.000-08:00

Woke and experienced an amazing meditation - I was visualizing floating in the ocean...floating...floating with a clear mind surrounded by a great expanse of possibilities. I could feel myself being supported and suspended in the water and bobbing gently with the current. Some days it is just that easy to connect and decompress.

Of course when I left the sanctuary of home it was an effort to maintain the serenity vibe.

Buddha in Glory

Rainer Maria Rilke

Center of all centers, core of cores,
almond self-enclosed, and growing sweet--
all this universe, to the furthest stars
all beyond them, is your flesh, your fruit.

Now you feel how nothing clings to you;
your vast shell reaches into endless space,
and there the rich, thick fluids rise and flow.
Illuminated in your infinite peace,

a billion stars go spinning through the night,
blazing high above your head.
But in you is the presence that
will be, when all the stars are dead.

Kristina Belkina Photographer

Capturing an Essence

2011-01-05T17:58:00.000-08:00

If you can’t meet up with a group of like-minded people obviously that is the way things are meant to be at this moment so don’t fight it.

I am fortunate in that I love reading and have taken the time over the years to find writers that capture the essence of where I am experientially, emotionally or provide timely guidance as to direction on my journey.

Access to spiritual guidance and direction is possible in every waking moment – not just in books.

· Stuck?

· Frustrated?

· Overwhelmed?

· Apathetic?

Start by breathing it out and breathing through it. Just breathe. Wait for your thoughts to settle and if they don’t settle be the observer of your thoughts. One day you will find yourself overcome with the joy of knowing stillness of mind.

XLII. "'My future will not copy fair my past'..."

by Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861)

'My future will not copy fair my past'---

I wrote that once; and thinking at my side

My ministering life-angel justified

The word by his appealing look upcast

To the white throne of God, I turned at last,

And there, instead, saw thee, not unallied

To angels in thy soul! Then I, long tried

By natural ills, received the comfort fast,

While budding, at thy sight, my pilgrim's staff

Gave out green leaves with morning dews impearled.

I seek no copy now of life's first half:

Leave here the pages with long musing curled,

And write me new my future's epigraph,

New angel mine, unhoped for in the world

Kristina Belkina Photographer

Spiritual Endurance

2011-01-04T22:49:00.000-08:00

I don’t know about you but I have found that after only a few days into this new year I am already zipping along at warp speed.

Life is presenting me with what could be the 'black hole' of change but instead of being overwhelmed by it all I am rolling up my sleeves and getting on with it.

Have you ever heard of spiritual endurance?

Spiritual endurance is necessary for the journey to self because you need to be able to push on through the worst of times and the best of times and pause to appreciate it all.

You probably don't realize just how much emotional fortitude you have.

Grace is everyone and everywhere.

Kristina Belkina Photographer

Where I Am

2011-01-02T13:26:00.000-08:00

Snow has blanketed the pastoral fields and farmhouses and ice is inches thick on the lake.

The snow crunches and whispers as I walk across the ice on the frozen lake.

Ice and frost make decorative sculptures on the bare branches of the winter trees.

A resident eagles soars above the frozen waters scanning the white terrain for signs of life.

As instinct directs them a herd of horses paw the snow with their hooves searching for a blade to nibble.

A church bell rings out across the open space calling to followers.

The white of the snow beneath my feet contrasts with the blue sky overhead.

I breathe in the cold, fresh air and pause and acknowledge the beauty and grace that has surrounded me.

Considering where I have been in life I couldn't have imagined myself in such a place and yet here I am...

Wherever you are right now and irregardless of what others may say you to can find yourself.

Questioning Your Thoughts

2011-01-01T16:53:00.000-08:00

Do you want a life that is full and meaningful?

Feeling disconnected and wondering how to connect to a life that has purpose?

Start by showing up for your own life instead of relying on auto-pilot thoughts.
Observe and question your thoughts.
Observe and question your reactions to people, places and things.
Feel your emotions instead of sleeping, watching TV or eating.

Have you ever noticed that when people, places and things are pissing you off or getting you down that you are the ONE common denominator in all situations you encounter? Wherever you go there you are. I am not suggesting that you are the PROBLEM but your attitude might be getting in the way of your happiness.

What would happen if you tried walking away from a fight without getting the last word in? For one thing the fight would be over.
Are you always the victim?
Do you have to prove a point?
Do you always have to be right?
Do you have to feel that everyone likes you?

Think about it - you always have a choice in how you react or respond to a situation - you don't always exercise that choice.

Consider how unconscious patterns may be interfering with healthy choices: just because you were brought up in a certain way doesn't mean you have to live that way until the end of days. People can recover from their childhoods.

You can start showing up for your own life.

May you experience grace!

Transformation

2010-09-04T18:02:00.000-07:00

This is my first blog ever and I am about to participate with eyes wide open. It has taken a monumental leap of faith to sit myself at this keyboard.

I didn't throw the door open on my CLOSET as much as open it a crack to make sure no one was looking and than step out and whisper to the world, 'here I am, Melinda, a healer.'

Nothing like embracing your life purpose - sorta.

All that is about to change as I find a way to be true to myself; I look forward to sharing insights. You can find out more information about what I do at my website http://www.intheenergy.com/ or feel free to contact me for more information.

Falling short of profound but nevertheless weighted with meaning this will be my first entry.

May you awaken to grace. Melinda