Living Our Dreams

Gifts of the Goddess, from a Goddess..

Isn't she beautiful? This beautiful gift (GAIA) was created for me by my sister-in-law Ellen Putnam Paquette and was my Christmas gift!! It's just wonderful when someone knows you so well and takes the time to create something so special just for you. I am so honored. Visit her ETSY site to see more of her work.

My astrologer Lyn Dalebout, sent me some delicious information on this upcoming full moon which is timed with New Year's Eve. Are you ready to step boldly into 2010? Stay tuned, I have an exciting announcement! 

           By the Light of the Super Moon  Dec 31 2009-Jan 1 2010 

 This epistle arrives in the nick of Full Moon time.  To have a Full Moon eclipse, symbolic of new beginnings, on a new year’s eve, which holds the hope of all things reborn, is a dream come true for astrologers and for someone like me, prone to excessive ceremonies at key junctures of change, like full moons and year end eves. Time  for lit candles and planting paper white bulbs indoors to mark this momentous shift at the end of 2009.  With this celestial event, I feel a renewed sense of hope and possibility for our planet. This year, winter solstice felt like the first day of spring to me...“twelve weeks till bluebirds” is my mantra.

One thought:  it’s as if the whole world went through some form of rehab this year, facing the shadow, confronting denial,  no place to hide, forced learning of new coping skills, and the healthy discipline born from paring down.  One result of this?  Remembering again the immense joy to be found in the simple pleasures of life.

I know now that when a pet dies, it is then you realize the reality of the balance and joy  that came from just a simple walk together.  I will never, ever, take that for granted again, by rushing through the task…I know Cola forgives me from her doggie bed in the heavens, but I cry when I remember any hint of hurry on my part…sigh.

Maybe, at the end of this year, you appreciate even more the miracle of warm food, a safe home, a good bed and  beloveds by your side. Maybe you now consciously  take a moment each day and pray that all people are as fortunate as you are. These kinds of prayers on a global scale have more power than we know.  I believe our combined intentions have actually softened the effects of some of the more cataclysmic potential that existed in 2009.

Did you learn it feels better to deal in the truth of things, and to just be openly honest with one another?  In our vulnerability, all can potentially be healed.  What amazing grace and gifts have come with the hardships of 2009.

So as we arrive at New Years Eve, Dec 31 ,  here are some astrological tidbits about this last Full Moon of 2009 (12:14 pm MST) for your rumination and reflection:

    ***It is not just a Full Moon which always brings the possibility  of illumination and awakening***

     ***It is also a Super Moon, when the Moon is closest to the Earth (Lunar perigee). This Moon will loom extra large in the heavens and is sure to amplify emotions to new heights and depths***

   ***And this is also a Lunar Eclipse (viewed mainly in the Eastern Hemisphere, the right brain of the world), which creates an energetic severing from old patterns, creating a portal of rebirth at the completion of the eclipse***

These astronomical facts speak for themselves.

It seems so much was ushered out of our world this year.  As you sit bundle by the bonfire, or before a simple shining candle,  may the Light of this Super Full Moon Eclipse, on the last day of this year of completions, bring some solace, and help you understand more fully why there was so much mass exodus on so many levels.  And may this radiant  reflective Light also illuminate the next small step you are ready to take on your path to renewal and return in the year of new beginnings, 2010.

 

Peace,

Lyn Dalebout
contabo@earthlink.net

 

 

 

Gypsy Spirit Outpost-Florida

It's been challenging logging on while visiting family, so I'm here in Starbucks this morning taking care of business. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday.  

It's interesting leaving the Mountains and visiting the tropics this time of year, but look where I ended up during one of my Holiday Bliss walks!

Andy and Blue are home fending for themselves, as it's Andy's hig season teaching on the mountain, so I am in Florida spending time with family. 

Finding bliss-FULL moments in chaotic South Florida is always a little challenging for me, but I have taken better care of myself this trip than I have in the past. Walks on the beach with friends, walks in the neighborhood for much needed breathing, a Reiki treatment at an awesome yoga studio which was gifted by my buddy Sues, and opening up to what is alive here in the same way I do at home-which can be difficult in a city environment. I love my iPhone for that reason, it helps me stay awake, noticing those quiet moments that might otherwise slip by unnoticed. 

 

I'll be home on Monday, so I'll be checking in again Tuesday in the meantime...lot's of 

  
 

  

Meeting our Teachers in Unlikely Places

© 2009 Sheri Gaynor-www.sherigaynor.com

Note: This post was written in my journal yesterday as I traveled from Colorado to Florida...

Today I was a traveler on the adventure called life

UNAFRAID

OpEn

SEEING

and a SEEKER...

What lives within me is to listen, to collect and hear people's stories. Today I met a man who in the most loving of ways told me, "You're not ready yet." 

This statement came on the heels of an enlightening conversation with a complete stranger who's empty chair I had inadvertently stolen after standing at the crowded gate for a half hour. When I realized what I had done, I offered to move, but he sat next to me as another seat opened. We chatted and laughed amidst the Holiday chaos and weather delays. As we talked, his story unfolded. The conversation led me to unexpected places, inspiration, hope and questioning. This man had clearly LIVED his dreams. Not only did he live them, he MANIFESTED them in extraordinary ways. He shared with me photos on his phone, taken with celebrities and even the Dali Lama...yes, the Dali Lama. 

What is most impressive about this man is that not only has his life been rich in terms of monetary gain, but more importantly, his life was RICHER through giving, kindness and generosity. He is someone who "knows." He also appears not to just spout the talk, but clearly has his feet on the path. During our conversation, I had the sense this meeting was no accident. I stayed open, open...open. I listened...What is this about? And then I knew...

As our conversation deepened and turned to the spiritual and financial realm, the old fears presented themselves. With a few simple NEGATIVE comments, this man was able to see RIGHT THROUGH ME. 'Oh, see, did you hear what you just said? Why would you think that?" He looked directly into my eyes and then he asked, "What are the only two things you can't control in life?" Thankfully I was able to answer that question correctly, as it felt like a spiritual pop quiz.  I felt my throat clench with school trauma..."SHIT...What if I don't know the answer...I am going to look like a fool!"

It was at the end of our inspiring conversation, after he had given me a gift of one of his beautiful products, that the harsh words came again. "You're just not ready yet," he declared with a giggle and a big smile, yet the words cut me like a sword. I felt myself SHUT THE DOOR. We shook hands, I thanked him, and we parted ways. As I stood in line to board the plane, and played the words OVER AND OVER in my mind,  I felt that familiar feeling of shame rising and then ANGER, a old defense reaction to the PERCEIVED insult. "Who the hell does he think he is telling me I am not READY." And then, SHAME...again. The shadow showed itself...and I heard, "I'm never going to be GOOD ENOUGH." As I walked down the jetway to my seat onboard, I played the tape over and over and I began to feel depressed. REALLY! Remember, this is exactly the opposite of what I screamed from the mountain top while waiting to hear about the book proposal (see the book intro), so it really hit hard. 

But as I sat in my seat and looked around at the faces boarding the plane, the smiles, service men and women returning home and people helping one another with heavy luggage,  I was able to SEE again. Suddenly I could shift the focus, get out of my head, out of my fear, out of my self-judgement and suddenly I heard the word EGO---and there it was--a glimpse of the TRUTH. My mind heard what it wanted to hear, in that old familiar story, "You will NEVER be GOOD ENOUGH." In this realization, everything shifted. I saw the meeting for what it was, a powerful reminder and opportunity to practice transformation. I realized I had met a teacher on the path, someone who became my mirror of negativity and uncertainty for that day. Someone who was much further down the road than I....a wise man if you will. And suddenly I felt GRATITUDE! 

And with this realization, I began to relax around the the truth and actually began to laugh! "Of COURSE I AM NOT READY, I am only beginning this journey of awareness!" After all...in the end...don't we begin each day with Beginners Mind...right here, at the very beginning, doing the best we can in the moment? 

I am but a TRAVELER on this road of life

STILL WRESTLING

my DEMONS

STILL insecure

STILL GROWING

and GRATEFUL

It's about the JOURNEY...not the destination

 

Walk in Bliss

As we move closer to the true season, I think we can all feel the pace picking up a bit. I leave on Saturday to visit my family in Florida and it's been a busy week of clients, classes and getting things tied up in a neat bow, before I leave. 

I won't fib...there have been moments of stress as the list seems to grow longer, but I will tell you this, the BLISS has helped. My biggest moments of quiet have been those times with Blue, watching him hunting for mice-icles in the snow. Fortunately, they evade him, but his joyful pouncing and romping brings a smile to my face a few times a day. Our walks have also been a time of daily reflection in the spirit of Thich Nhat Hanh, he is my teacher...Innocence, simplicity and Bliss....he is my daily reminder. 

I will be checking in from the road, sharing with you my upcoming Gyspy Spirit Holiday Adventure.

May you find some BLISS today....

A Week of bliss-FULL Moments

Thank you to my guest bloggers. You're writings were inspiring and well received. What a treat for all of us. 

Here's a view of my bliss-FULL moments...9-12. 

BIG SNOW BLISS!

 

Blue Bliss
  

 

Sancho Bliss

Jerry the Snowpiller Bliss

Birth Class Bliss

 

Belly Bliss and Birth Symbol's

I can't remember when I have felt so grounded during a Holiday season. When I begin to get impatient standing in a long line or driving behind a cautious driver, I take a deep breathe, look out around me and count my BLISS and Blessings!

 

Guest Author: Carmen Torbus

 My fingers are covered in paint as I type this.  Paint on my fingers always makes me smile.  You would laugh if you knew how many times I've gotten to work, the grocery store or the post office only to realize I have turquoise paint on my knuckles, a smudge of gel medium on my forearm or a piece of scrap paper stuck to the bottom of my shoe.  Although each of these situations have caused fleeting bouts of embarrassment, they always bring a smile to my face and overwhelming, instant bliss. 

This time of year especially, I find myself rushing everywhere I go and I sometimes forget to pause for the most important things in my life. Finding those colorful bits of my creative life following me around, smacking me right in the forehead (or smeared across it anyway) remind me to follow them right back... to make time to follow my bliss.  

Make time for paint covered fingers, doodled journal pages or sketches.

Make time for story time with the kids, or cuddling up with a favorite book.

Make time for intimate moments with loved ones.

Make time for snuggles and games and utter silliness.

Make time for deep conversation, quiet moments and laughter.

Make time for appreciation and thankfulness.

Choose bliss.  

What ever your bliss is...

Find it.

Shine your light on it.   

Follow it. 

Soak it in.

Share it.

Delight in it.

Savor it. 

Devour it. 

Then do it again.

Blissed out again and again,

Carmen Torbus
Bliss follower, big dreamer, mess maker and lover of the words, "I'm so inspired right now!"

Thank you Carmen, for sharing this lovely bliss-FULL moment.  To learn more about Carmen, visit her site. www.carmentorbus.com

Would you like to be a featured guest author? Share a bliss-Full December moment with our readers and help them find serenity during this Holiday season. 

Get the code and join the December Bliss Challenge!

Bliss 9-Guest Post: Katrina E. Kniep

 

I am new to meditation. To be completely honest I've meditated all of three times in my life. However, meditation is something that's been at the bottom of my to-do list for way too long. So, I've decided to add it to my Bliss List this year. 

Yesterday I went out onto our screened in balcony and sat down on the rug next to the Christmas tree. I picked my three favorite ornaments off of the tree and I stared at them. They slowly became my mantra as I drifted out of my monkey mind and into my bliss. 

The smell of real pine next to the sweet, warm Florida air was incredibly pleasing. I could hear the palm branches hit the side of the apartment in a nice whoosh, whoosh, whoosh. I took that pattern and said to myself, "Love, Dream, Imagine."

I cleared out all the to-do lists from my brain, I cleared all the shoulds, I cleared out all the anger, sorrow and physical pain. I packed up my cell phone and internet compulsions and left them far, far away from me. I shoved everything right inside my balcony door to deal with later. For now I would sink into my bliss, even for 30 minutes. And it was heavenly.

Thank you Katrina, for sharing this lovely bliss-FULL moment. To view more of Katrina's writing, visit her blog.

Would you like to be a featured guest author? Share a bliss-Full December moment with our readers and help them find serenity during this Holiday season. 

Get the code and join the December Bliss Challenge!

Bliss 8-BIG SNOW

We woke this morning to over a foot of fresh powder! The Delegates were correct in leaving early, and we are holding the intention in our hearts that they can travel back to their villages, towns and countries, with no flight penalties. 

Yesterday was DreamTime Monday.  It seemed appropriate to be creating my December Art of Intention after such a sacred weekend. As I woke this morning, new images were in my mind for the painting I began this morning. Often, I have to live with the images that present themselves to sort through them and see which feel the most significant to the moment. Sometimes the images are fleeting and I see this as a way of release. The ones that continue to show themselves, are the ones I move toward and "listen," to. 

As I continue to work on my painting-this one was too big for my DreamTime Journal-I know this month's Art of Intention is about Integrity. Yes, I put the capital there purposefully. 

I hope you will join me this month as we continue our December EveryDay Bliss Challenge and join us for EnVision Art of Intention.  Feel free to send me your Art of Intention and I will share it on my FB page to inspire others to join in the Creative AWAKENINGS adventure.  

Will you create a December intention?

 
 
 

She Rises-Weekend Bliss....

As I get older, I find that truly profound experiences leave me literally speechless. Words cannot express the feelings and emotions.  This was my experience today, as I tried to understand the experiences of this past weekend attending the XI Encuentro Indigena de las Americas-XI Native Gathering of the Americas.

I have incredible gratitude to the Delegates, Elders and Tribal Members, who shared their rituals, stories, dances, and hopes and dreams with those of us non-indigenous people in attendance. To allow us to be a part of your conference, was an incredible honor, and one I will always hold sacred. 

Kiauhi de Mexico, and her Mother dress for the evening dance 

 

What is truly amazing is how complete strangers can form deep bonds, even when there is a struggle to speak one another's languages. Perhaps it is just this part, the willingness to try and understand and learn from one another, that creates the intense connection.  

My heart was heavy, as I said goodbye early to the Delegates we hosted-Humberto de Puerto Rico and Alejandro de Costa Rica-due to a winter storm warning. I have so much gratitude to both of them for letting me practice my broken Spanish and to Humberto and my friend Anne (who also hosted Delegates), for helping me to communicate, when needed. If you look at the smiles on both these GENTLE-men's faces, you will know their hearts. Both of them are fabulous story tellers, with a wonderful sense of humor. 

Alejandro Y Humberto. We woke to snow yesterday, which was a treat for both of them! 

This morning, I felt as if I was in a fog. I was not completely grounded and knew that I needed to head into the studio to work through my emotions. I was grateful to have the time, as I had not booked clients, expecting to still be hosting. The familiar internal tension was present, an urgency of sorts, letting me know that the simmering had begun. So many feelings were stirring inside, I tried to write about the experience, but nothing came; only single words. I knew it was about trusting the images to help me integrate. 

The time spent preparing the paper and the studio, is almost a ritual. The act of preparation allows the images to stew, eventually surfacing, revealing the images. As I put things in order, I know if I relax and trust, I the images will appear. Once the canvas is ready, I reach for the first color, pick up a brush and...LISTEN. 

This is what appeared today. It is the beginning of a story...

  

 

Bliss 4-XI Native Gathering of the Americas

A cloud of Eagle Wings over the pasture at 6:30 am this morning, as we gathered for an opening ceremony. I have posted the full album on my FB page, as I have to get back to help at the conference. 

What a blessing to be a part of this amazing experience. 

 A Native American Elder and Medicine Woman from Argentina, light a sacred candle in honor of the sun rising over the mountains. 

In a spontaneous moment, I ran to the studio to get a roll of paper and crayons, to create a mural of the stories we heard this morning. We worked in the back of the room as the elders shared their prayers, songs and stories.

Art knows no boundaries....I am BLISSED!