Today's practice is all about self-love. I am going through a process of forgiveness of self and of others this week. Most importantly, I'm becoming aware how holding onto resentments -- even against myself is blocking my personal growth, emotionally, spiritually, financially, mentally and in so many ways. I'm going through some really deep changes thanks to all of my journaling, and yoga. I'm connecting strongly to crystal and energy healing. I am coming into my own and starting to use all the gifts that Divinity has blessed me with.
Sometimes it feels like it's one step forward and two steps backwards. But oftentimes that's how it is. Today started off amazing and then it kind of wasn't. I'm hanging in there!
Yesterday's reflections and accompanying meditation in "Rituals For Transformation" by Briana and Dr. Peter Borten, were all about being in the moment -- residing in that quiet place of stillness that only you can find, while plumbing the depths of your subconscious and allowing things to surface organically. I noticed a theme that is occurring in my world over the last few days and that is one of forgiveness. In today's journaling exercise the book explored that area of life. I was able to release a lot of the areas that were being blocked due to a lack of forgiveness for myself and others. The lesson today was that "Forgiveness is the key to freedom". As part of the journaling exercise, you make your own affirmation. Mine is " 'I reclaim my freedom by exercising forgiveness!" Since the I agree with the book's statement that not forgiving is like holding onto restrictions that keep you from being truly free. I've found that what we won't forgive in others can often reflect an aspect that we won't or would not be willing to forgive within ourselves. When we forgive we make room for our own human imperfections and this is the space we can truly grow in. We are free to make mistakes, screw up, not be perfect and then correct imbalances and move on after our life lessons are learned. Today I tried to think of everyone that I couldn't forgive and aspects of my own self that I held a space of unforgiving judgment in and I just let them go as best as I could. It really did feel freeing!
One of the most beautiful songs I know about forgiveness is performed, composed and written by the amazing Rachelle Ferrell, whom I've had the pleasure of seeing live and who blows me away and brings me to tears...
"I Forgive You" Lyrics
It doesn't really matter what you did anymore It doesn't really matter what you did it for Or who you did it to…
Chorus
I forgive you I forgive you I forgive you Totally completely now What a freedom just releasing from my heart From my mind and soul!
Verse 2
It doesn't really matter whether or not I understand It doesn't really matter whether or not you're still my man I still love you… and
Chorus
I forgive you I forgive you I forgive you Totally completely now What a freedom just releasing from my heart From my mind and soul!
Bridge
I no longer want to hold on To that which doesn't make me strong And I don't wanna care no more 'Bout what's right or wrong I just wanna be whole again I want to be free again Want to be me again I just want to heal…
Pivot
I'm so tired of being in pain I just want to be whole again So…
Chorus
I forgive you I forgive you I forgive you Totally completely now What a feeling just releasing from my heart From my mind and soul!
Today felt kind of like a long distance marathon run. I've had to get my moments of stillness where I could find them. In my "Rituals For Transformation" journal I was urged to gather as many opportunities for tranquility that I can find. I'm an aspiring journalists so I am constantly bombarded with media. With this ceaseless flow of information, it is essential for me to find spaces where I can practice mindfulness. Buses, subways, moments on city benches, waiting to move at cross walks, in-between sips of coffee ☕ and other captured minutes or seconds can be chances for deep meaning. It's all about the quality of the journey and not the number of miles covered. Whether the road ahead is smooth or if every step has to navigate bumps and bends in the road matters not. The question I'm allowing into my focus is how I'm choosing to traverse the terrain ahead and what can I smile at and wish well as I leave it behind. How can I both conquer and surrender to the now? As I let it all flow with forward momentum and foster a spirit of acceptance, I learn and I grow.
That's how I feel today after completing a good many of my goals! There is a silver lining gleaming on the edge of the horizon and everything that I could ever wish for waiting for me there. I feel so happy right now and it's an inner glow coming from within. It's both surprising and true and beautiful to behold in my mind's eye. I'm finally living the life I want!
Carnelian is all about getting in touch with the creativity that bubbles up from deep inside-- from your High Self, where it can be expressed on this plane of existence with truth, integrity and a deep soul meaning. The "Carnelian" card from Toni Carmine Salerno's "Crystal Oracle" deck is emphasizing the fact that there is great healing and peace to be found within carnelian energy that can calm anxieties and refresh your very inner being by revitalizing your creative pursuits.
Today's yoga practice was all about finding a moment to allow. To let the world around me unfold and watch it as if outside myself-- to just observe the flow of life. I was living inside that flow as it occurred around me. I am creating my reality with an ease that becomes more and more graceful and brave as it unfolds. This is what being in the moment is all about. This is the stuff dreams are made of.
Toni Carmine Salerno's "Energy Oracle" deck is right on the mark as always, guiding my steps, connected to the cosmos as only crystal energy can. The card I drew today -- "Gold In Quartz" let me know that I am on the right path, using my intuition, that third eye and beyond power of my Higher Self to imagine into being the existence that I was born to live. This life of beauty and joy is awaiting me right now in every shining moment of love and gratitude.
"This Magic Moment" Performed By Ben E King and The Drifters
I've been noticing lately that the negative emotions that I can sort through and resolve on the yoga mat, are the same ones that I can move through and let go more easily off the mat. Emotions like fear, rage, anger, and jealousy are being supplanted by courage, peace, compassion and love. The true glowing radiance that is my soul is being polished in all the rusty spots until it is shining like a full moon. I am beginning to release all the psychic debris from my aura thanks to the energies of Divinity and all of my crystal helpers. To them I am eternally grateful!
Today I drew the "Tiger Iron" card from Toni Carmine Salerno's deck. The affirmation for this card is "I may not have the power to change the world, 🌎 but I can change my perception of it." The message here is that even if we are going through times that are not ideal or working through difficult emotions, we have the opportunity to look at the situation as a time to grow from the challenge or to lament our position. I choose growth. Even saying that in my head just feel right to. I feel stronger and more grounded now. I choose to tap into the practical spirituality of tiger's eye 🐅 crystal. A raw primal, earthy, sexual, creative power married with Divine intention.
