Presence Matters

January 19, 2012

As life in Virginia unfolds, I am noticing how the web of life is holding me. Despite a schedule that is chock full with lots of work to accomplish, I love how my family, staff and friends enfold me in their worlds and provide a kind of support that is invaluable. These are the relationships that are the easiest to take for granted – so I continually remind myself to not do that! In staying conscious and aware of how rich life can be, I find that I can feel more of the joy in each moment. Not all moments – but more than what I could feel if I were caught in seeing the glass half empty – or what was lacking in any given moment.

Take a look around your own life. Where is the richness that is quietly awaiting your awareness, patiently hoping you will slow down enough to notice?

January 18, 2012

As I hold a healing space for others to grow and unfold, I am frequently touched deeply by someone else’s process.This being affected by others around us is how life works, yet it always comes as a gentle nudge to me as well. And so, when my friend and colleague, Chery Owens started her own blog several months ago, I was glad to hear of it. And, in Sedona this last week she shared a piece that came to her which she posted to her blog. Here is the link to her exquisite word-smithing. And, enjoy!

January 17 & 18, 2012

As I travel back to Virginia, I thought you all might enjoy some of the best photos from this past week.

Clouds and Light

Jesse Kalu Plays His Flute

Light on Oak Creek Canyon

Sunset Color in Sedona

Good Night All!

January 14, 2012

More from participants in Release and Renewal:

Research has found that in the life of a cell, within our bodies, the neural circuitry has two main possibilities.

The first is that our cells can run on their survival circuits, due to a fight-flight-freeze response in the nervous system, which is helpful and sometimes vital in the short run for escaping from dangerous situations.(Think of a child who learns to freeze and be silent in an alcoholic family situation growing up, where being seen could mean abuse. Or, think of running to rescue someone at the scene of an accident. Or, think of successfully fighting off an assailant who attacks you.)

This survival circuitry is brilliant, and if successful, keeps us here to live another day. However, we are not meant to have this circuitry operating all the time. And what we are finding in today’s stressful, high paced world, is that many people stay in this survival circuitry even after the emergency situation is over. Sometimes years after the events, even when you are supposedly relaxed, the circuitry is running unconsciously in the background. This is a constant drain on our systems and will ultimately lead to a breakdown in our health at some point if we get depleted enough. (This can be everything from a cold to more serious illness.) I think of this as the circuitry of fear.

The other circuitry for our cells to run on is a healthy life-giving circuitry where the systems of regeneration and renewal are the primary operators. In this option, the cells flourish and have the energy to meet challenges with resilience. We are able to bounce back and be renewed. I think of this as the circuitry of love.

Here is the issue – both circuitry programs cannot run at the same time.

Which circuitry program are you operating from these days? And which circuitry do you choose to support you for the coming year?

Early Morning in Sedona

January 13, 2012

The following are insights from Release and Renewal participants:

Yesterday we all created our own sacred ceremonies to invoke Spirit in support of our prayers for the coming year.

While communing with Oak Creek in the afternoon sun: When the flow of life is moving through us in a life-giving way, it is like a healthy stream. When you disturb the mud at the bottom, it clears relatively quickly. When we are connected to healthy resources, so that life moves through us and feeds us on a steady basis, we have more resilience. This means that when the “mud” of life gets stirred up, when our life’s challenges cause us to feel muddled or confused or overwhelmed,  it clears more quickly – and with more grace and ease. 

Sunshine and Blue Skies in Sedona

January 12, 2012

Today has been full of healing, hiking, sunshine, and great camaraderie. At the end of a day this full, the only sane thing I can do is rest, so this blog post is about reminding all of us to take the time to rest, slow down and smell the sage filled air.  I am heading to bed, to do just that. Enjoy!

Evening Comes to Sedona

January 11, 2012

The opening day of Release and  Renewal brought rich camaraderie and sharing. The theme of this year’s circle seems to be about claiming who we are, being willing to look at ourselves – gifts, challenges, strengths, and fears – and listen to the voice of the Soul under it all. I am in awe of the clarity that emerged.

I feel such gratitude to the people who heard their own inner call and showed up to create this healing circle, and to Spirit for guiding me to facilitate this process.

We are now gathering for our evening meal, and I cannot wait for tomorrow.

Big Sky and Rocks

January 10, 2012

After the blog post yesterday I had a number of people contact me and ask for what exactly I do – what questions I ask myself to set my new year intentions. I share them with you below.

If we all could set intentions for the highest good periodically, I believe it would change the world. If you want to, take a few minutes now to write down a list of the major events that occurred for you in 2011 – accomplishments and challenges, as well as those things you would rather forget.

Then make a second list of what you would like to have more of in 2012. This could include fun things, nurturing things, etc. drawn directly from what you are letting go of from 2011.

What things are energizing for you – life giving? Name specific activities in the areas of:

Your personal health and well being

Food and physical nourishment

Family and friends

Your work or career

Community life

Spirituality

Then name the roadblocks that have gotten in the way of you having these thing in the past – what activities and attitudes are energy draining – life taking? Be specific. Decide to take on one thing from this list per week. If you can let things go more quickly than that, do it. But this process cannot be rushed, so take your time. I find myself getting dream images that help me tune in more as well. And, enjoy!

Sedona Rock Formations

January 9, 2012

As we approach the Release and Renewal – New Year retreat that starts on Wednesday morning, I find myself slowing down and tuning inward, to discern what it is that has nourished me most across the last year, and what I definitely want to let go of – to release – so as to have space and energy for what I want to create in the coming year.

It is a fun endeavor to do this every year at this time, and I really like doing it. I usually don’t make huge changes in any given year, but whatever changes happen, I would prefer to let them happen in my own time – meaning in a timeframe that works for my entire system and my future. Even though I take a low key, non-pressured approach to my new year intentions, I realize how important it is to set them in place – to plan and dream and imagine – and then release them into the Universe to manifest when the time is right.

Have you taken the time to do this for yourself this year?

Beautiful Bell Rock in Sedona

January 7, 2012

As we rounded the curve in Route 179 this afternoon and I saw the first hint of the deep red rock formations of Sedona, I felt a thrill run through my bones. The dull greys and browns of the desert hills between Phoenix and Flagstaff slowly gave way to the rich color that defines this place – “The Red Rocks of Sedona.”

As soon as the car was unpacked I was out in the clear, sunlit air, climbing and breathing deeply. I always feel as though I am closer to Spirit here in this exquisite environment. It certainly is a Spirit filled part of the planet. The huge blue sky, the cool, crisp air, the birds and animals that are everywhere, and the dramatic rocky vistas.

Upon reflection, I actually think it’s that I remember more often to connect with Spirit here. The natural beauty calls to me and I gladly respond.

As the day waned Mom and I walked together, enjoying the oncoming evening and the sounds of the birds. Darkness fell and the moon emerged shining brightly to lead us home.