Category Archives: Inspirational

3 Reasons Why Our Future Feels So Uncertain

Around the world spiritual peeps are worried that their future feels uncertain. Why does your future feel uncertain – and why isn’t this a bad thing?

If you’ve been on a spiritual journey, there’s usually a sense of direction and movement – a sense that you’re going somewhere. When do you get the odd moment that you feel directionless and unsure, it’s quite unsettling, usually part of a shift cycle, and it usually passes very quickly.

So you’re not wrong to feel uncomfortable about the fact that the future seems so uncertain – and you’re in good company with many of the spiritual peeps around the world who have the same question.

Why does your future feel uncertain right now, and what’s the lesson in all this?

Paradigm blindness

Have you ever had that experience where you’re trying to explain something to somebody, and they can’t understand it because they don’t have a frame of reference to understand it with? Continue reading

Daily Divination 5/3/16 ~ Growth in Harvest

Today, two of the most positive runes appear to wish us well. In this reading we see our harvest, not just what we will reap but what we have earned. Those of us that have put in the time and the honest effort will see that returned to them by the gift of the growth cycle. We also see the acute effect of growth on that harvest, brought to us by the joy and bountiful nature of the Nordic god Ing.

rune 5316 doneJera, the 12th rune of the Elder Futhark and the first of our reading, represents the completion of a cycle. Like the 12 months in a year, the cycle completes and begins again. Jera represents the harvest, the fruitful end of the annual cycle, but more broadly reminds us of continued success through harmony with nature. By working with these cycles, putting in diligent work even when the harvest seems to be in the distant future, we ensure our that year after year we are fed. We work with faith, passion, and patience to secure our future needs.

Ingwaz is the rune of potency and growth. The rune was named after Ing who was later known as Freyr. He was one of the most important gods, loved and revered by all. He was the recipient of many sacrifices and blessings as the Norse people believed that their wealth, harvests, and fertility, depended on his benevolence and blessings. The symbol represents unity, harmony, and peace between peoples. It can represent a wholesome relationship in marriage and family and a safe and secure home. It also serves as a beacon of light for spiritual inspiration.

Together, we see the combined effect of these two extremely positive runes. We prepare for the harvest with hard work and excitement, all the while giving gratitude to those who have helped us in our path. As we do this we keep in mind the symbol of the great Ingwaz. A uniting force in this world, it reminds us that those around us want to help us to be successful. Those that love you  want to see you happy. They want to see you successful and will often help you along the way even when neither of you realize. Today, keep an eye out for this help in the form of inspiration that will light the path in front of you. Harmony, peace, and success are waiting.

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Daily Divination 4/30/16 ~ The Dawn After the Storm

If your week has been anything like mine, this Saturday reading should come as a relief. The runes today speak of the energy of dawn breaking through into the energy of the storm. Chaotic forces are at work to be sure, but when these forces have played out they settle into a state that lets in the light.

In fact, the chaotic storm is required to wash away stagnant energy that we so often get stuck in . Here we see the first rays of dawn breaking through and illuminating the way forward, and that will be a quite a sight to behold.

runes 43016 doneHagalaz, if you haven’t guessed yet, is our storm rune. It represents the chaotic forces of nature and suggests that the environment is ripe for an uproar of energetic clashing.

When Hagalaz appears, you should be on the lookout for rapid change and aggressive influences. It is a time for caution, yes, but more importantly it is a time to be aware. The unseen forces at work in your life are extremely active, and maintaining your composure in the face of these forces will draw them out into the light.

These forces might be positive or negative, and that is why it is important to let them appear as honestly as you can see them. Negative forces will shrivel and waste away, while positive influences get the chance to work with you, often becoming great assets to you. Adopting them will help you on your way, and you will continue on a bit lighter without the excess baggage of dark or unhelpful pressures.

Dagaz is the manifestation of a very different type of energy and suggests a time of clarity following darkness or obfuscation. This is why we refer to it as the rune of the dawn. When we wake to see a sunrise, we see the darkness gently lifted away by the first rays of light.

A dull, dim light followed by the rising of our great sun bringing warmth, life, and vitality to every organism on Earth. This profound sight plays out each and every day, though we are not always able to appreciate the magical magnitude of it. This rune is also referred to as the rune of the breakthrough.

It is interesting to note that many across the world will celebrate Beltane this weekend, the last of three spring fertility rituals in Pagan tradition.

In this, we ask for abundance in this year’s harvest and for the strength to turn this wheel of fortune once again. We celebrate the fullness of life by jumping through the fire. I am also reminded of the saying, “April showers bring May flowers” as we close this busy, chaotic, and often tumultuous month.

If you have found yourself in the storm this week, this month, or even this year, it is time to open up to a new light. The dawn is coming and it is bringing something completely new. It is a fresh start to your day and to your life.

If you let it, it will arrive pleasantly, gently, beautifully, and it will bring abundance and strength along with a new set of allies. Give thanks for this month and this storm, for it has prepared the way forward. May your May be ever so flowerful.

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Daily Divination 4/23/16 ~ Storm in Motion

Today’s reading comes with a strong theme of movement and change. Powerful, maybe even chaotic forces are at work but do not let that scare you.

Disruption breaks us free of our old habits and even our old selves. That which doesn’t serve us anymore can be set free to create space for new habits, new mindsets, and new opportunities. Let’s dig in.

Runes 4/23/16

Hagalaz is our first rune, the storm rune of disruption. It gives us our modern letter ‘H’ and translates to hail, reinforcing the idea of the storm of natural disruptive forces. It warns of challenges and possibly the delay of action due to unforeseen complications. Like many others that can be perceived as negative, it takes a deeper interpretation to see their necessary place in your life.

Strong winds that change or even destroy your plans may save you from going too far down the wrong path. They might highlight weaknesses in yourself or your projects that may need to be mended and strengthened before moving forward. A house that cannot survive a storm is not a safe house for you and your family.

Our second rune is Raido, the rune of the journey or the travelers rune. Above all, it is linked to motion. It may indicate that travel is necessary or that movement is required, or the travel or return of loved ones. To move up one level, it can also refer to the spirit quest of your life.

We humans are busy by nature, moving constantly just to stay alive and always striving to make things better. We yearn for experiences outside of our comfort zone and we long to see exotic places. True travel is one of the most liberating experiences we can have, and it rewards us with a sense of wonder. We see our small place in this world and though it is small, it is grand.

Together we see the storm in motion. Raido acts on Hagalaz to produce change and movement in an already chaotic environment. The forces at work will be jarring for sure, and often frightening. Today, look at it for what it is. The movement is you moving forward through your life unafraid. You come upon challenges and you stare them down. You walk through doors and you take opportunities that were too frightening just last year. You’re a new person with a new set of strengths, and a vast knowledge of who you are and the mission you are on. Carry on and do not give in to worry or doubt. You are ready to stand in your power and take on whatever may come.

Alistair & Forest

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How to Be Mindful: 4 Important Techniques

What does being mindful mean? You may have heard of mindfulness meditation but what does it mean to BE mindful? Mindfulness is defined as the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something. Being mindful means to have that awareness of everything around you. According to Jon Kabat-Zinn, “mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way; on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.”

baerefoot woodsMindfulness practitioners learn how to pay attention on purpose by practicing specially developed mindfulness meditation practices & mindful movements. Being mindful is an intentional way of being that you can cultivate on a daily basis. Being mindful means to be conscious and aware of all the things around you and how you affect them.

For instance, I live in a house that has a basement apartment below. I try to be conscious of the noise that I make and since I stay up very late at night doing things like writing articles I try my best to not disturb people sleeping in close proximity to my activities. I am careful not to wear shoes in my house and to walk lightly on my feet. 

As a young man, I was taught by rainbow family elders to tread lightly in the woods. Not only does this mean to physically walk lightly, meaning on the front of your feet and not on your heels, but also to be aware of WHERE you step, HOW you step ,and even WHEN you step. Basically, this just means to be aware of how you affect your surroundings.

Another way to practice being mindful is with your voice. Not only can one take care in what they say but HOW they say it. The volume of one’s voice can also be important.

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Do you use an inside voice when you’re outside? You may not get heard or may get asked to constantly repeat yourself. Do you use an outside voice when you’re inside? You may be so loud that you become annoying without even knowing it.

Being aware of your surroundings and the vibration you are putting forth in those surroundings is very important when being mindful.

There are many ways to become more mindful and mindfulness meditation is one of those ways. There are many mindfulness meditation resources on the web. Here are some tips on being more mindful…

  • Pay attention to your breathing. When all else fails always return to this tip.

  • Try to notice everything that you are doing when you’re doing something specific. For instance, if you are taking a shower notice the sound of the water, the temperature of the water, the smell of the soap and any other thing that you can sense. If you are eating notice the texture and the color of the food, its taste, its smell and texture.

  • Focus on the things that distract you. Pay attention to where you space out, for example, being on the computer, driving, doing household chores. Focus on bringing more awareness to those moments of distraction.

  • Be aware of people around you. Notice their eyes, their clothes. Take advantage of every moment and compliment someone or express affection.

 

Imagine a more mindful world!

5 Curses To Recognize As Blessings in Disguise

As they say, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. But, I think we can all agree that this is easier said than done. Sometimes it’s hard to see the blessing in the worst catastrophes and to remain confident that everything will work out, especially when you’ve just been blind sided.

no-place-to-go_8-reasons-women-stay-in-painful-relationshipsWhile changes of this magnitude can serve as a major wake up call or a catalyst to initiate our spiritual growth and evolution of consciousness, when we hit these road blocks, it’s more than difficult to just pick up and say “hey, better things are waiting for me around the corner!”.

It takes time to process, introspect and finally see, that the hand we’ve been dealt, was exactly the change we might have needed.

The purpose of this article is to support you through any hardships that you might be going through. We feel you. We go through them too… <3 We’re all in this together!

5. You lose your job

We all know that getting fired never feels good, but let’s be honest about it, if you were truly and honestly pursuing what you really wanted to do chances are you wouldn’t be kicking your lunch box down the street right now. Sometimes, when we can’t make the decision for ourselves to move on, life gives us a hard shove to get going in the right direction. Take time to reflect on what you appreciated about your previous position as well as the negative and you will find if you are honest with yourself, that it wasn’t the right fit for you.

Now is great time to do some real introspection, especially if you have been in the same role for a long amount of time. You may find a completely new direction and one that serves your true authentic self and let’s you shine.

4. You separate from your partner

51076First off I’d like to say, as hard as it may be for some of you to hear– not everyone is meant to be with us for the long haul. Everyone has a special purpose in our lives, and with each person we are able to share moments which leave lasting impressions that we can take with us along our journeys. At every moment we are learning and growing and we never stop; change is continual and as we change, it only makes sense that the people, experiences and circumstances change along with.

If you are newly single or mentally processing the fall out from a long-term relationship, the aftermath can be devastating. If the relationship has been closed off by one of the partners, the best thing you can do is keep your distance. Early after a breakup the emotions are still running high with both individuals and you’ll both need your space.

When we give ourselves this space, we allow for healing to usher in and a time of reflection begins. Quite often, if one partner has decided to leave, the other may also feel in some sense relieved, as relationships can only flourish when both partners are in harmony. Soon, you may begin to recognize that it was only the familiarity and the attachment to the person which enabled you to continue in the relationship, all the while your spirit was urging you onto new and needed experiences.

3. You lose your house

signs-youre-a-Losing your home is devastating. Without a home base to rest our heads at the end of the day can make us feel lost and unstable. A shift from the normal safe routine, we quite literally feel like we have been thrown out to the wolves, to fend for ourselves. Upon reflection however, you may find that your home wasn’t benefiting you in some way. Either the mortgage was too high, or the area where you lived wasn’t serving you or your families needs. Whatever the cause, when we can find trust in knowing that everything happens for a reason, we find comfort in the understanding that life can be like a tornado, and sometimes that tornado is what it took to shake us out of our stagnant state. It’s best to just let it pick you up, ruffle you up and put you back down where you are supposed to be.

2. You are diagnosed with an illness

The most serious of events to transpire, being diagnosed with any kind of illness quite literally catapults you into a state of shock. While this occurence may not rightfully fit in with a few others on this list, it is included because of its profound impact on emotional, psychological and spiritual well-being. There is nothing more frightening than being told your health is at risk, while at the same time there is also nothing more that would motivate us more to live our life to the fullest. Being told that your time is limited or that you’re physical health will not permit you to do the things you once thought, immediately puts you on this path. The path to experience everything you can in the time you have. The path that opens your heart to forgive and love others in ways you never thought were possible and to appreciate the little things in life, that most others often tend to ignore.

1. You lose someone close to you

Parents reaching out handWhen you lose someone you love, there are no words to express how you feel. There isn’t anything that can comfort a grieving heart and nothing will ever replace that person. You are only left with a gigantic void that pierces so deeply that it permeates to the fibre of your being. Now, we can never say that losing someone is a blessing, however we can say that not having this person truly and deeply highlights our immense unconditional, insatiable capacity for love, that we should always appreciate.

I believe that love is at the fabric of our being,  it is the vibration of creation and without love– life would cease to exist. We can love far after a person is gone and long before they even arrive. Our genuine inherent ability to love with all of our being is so deep, that it transcends space and time and in the end if you don’t believe in life after death, rest assured in knowing that if anything is to go on past our physical bodies when we die, it’s love.

by LJ Vanier, Team Spirit!