Co-Creative Mentoring Sheryl Harrell, MAA.B.S.; BCC
  • Home
  • Welcome
  • About
    • Meet Sheryl
    • Emotional Freedom Techniques
    • Circle of Life
  • Blog
  • Mandalas
  • Kind Words
  • Location
  • Services
    • Partnering With Clients
    • Service Options
    • New Client Information
  • Store
    • Co-Creative Mandalas >
      • Calendar 2019
      • Coloring Book
      • Magnets
      • Oracle Cards
      • Personalized Co-Creative Mandala
    • Co-Creative Mentoring
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy

Light Your Inner Fire

6/20/2019

0 Comments

 
Well, I'm not sure what the weather is doing where you are. In

Colorado, we're definitely showing signs of the changing

climate. This week I've worn shorts AND fleece! We've had

pouring rain, temps in the 80s, snow in the mountains, hail,

fierce winds and flood alerts! It seems like a perfect time to write

a blog post!


And, to wish you Happy Summer Solstice! For those enjoying

the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere, this day is

the beginning of lots of sun, fun, and play (hopefully). I know I'm

ready for all that summer brings--sunshine, abundance,

adventures, a beautiful and bountiful garden.  I invite you to join

the long history of cultural celebrations from Central America

(Mayan and Aztec) to England (Stonehenge) by honoring the

gifts of the sun.


It's also the time to celebrate that you've made it to the

midpoint of the Great Round! Take a moment (or two or three)

and pause, notice that you have come halfway around the cycle

of nature, and acknowledge where you've been and where

you're headed. Where were you at the Winter Solstice? What

intentions did you set at the New Year? What seeds did you

plant at the Spring Equinox—the season of rebirth, new

beginnings and a time of hope?


Today,  the sun is at its PEAK (even if it's cloudy). Its fire is

flooding you with extra energy & power. And, you can use that

energy to invigorate & inspire your spirit. This time of year you

can more easily access all this fiery energy & use it to make

meaningful progress on the intentions you planted at the Spring

Equinox.  Just like all those seeds I planted in our garden in

April that have taken a while to germinate, I'm beginning to see

the potential become reality.


The Summer Solstice is a time to celebrate the light of

consciousness within ourselves, each other, and the Source -

where we are united as one. As the astronomy experts for the

Farmer’s Almanac say, “The solstice happens at the same

moment for everyone, everywhere on Earth.” I love this. It

reminds me that I’m part of a global community. It makes me

feel connected, for a moment, to everyone and everything on

Earth.


I particularly love this photo of a zinnia--one of the first flowers

blooming in our garden is so vibrant and fun. Look closely and

you'll see a honey bee is gathering nectar and pollen, all in

anticipation of co-creating something new. Bees and flowers

benefit one another. Flowers provide bees with nectar and

pollen, for feeding their entire colonies. Bees provide flowers

with the means to reproduce. Without pollination, plants can't

create seeds, there won't be a bountiful harvest.

Picture
Despite being about 10 days

behind with planting our

garden, I've noticed

everything is growing really

rapidly right now. All of nature

is experiencing an inner drive

to develop & mature–to

fulfill its purpose on Earth.


And the Summer Solstice energy is pushing you in the same

way. This is a time of coming into maturity and abundance.


You can use all this powerful seasonal energy to gain a clearer

understanding of your own life’s purpose. You can use the sun’s

fiery energy to uplift you, and energize you; and fuel your

growth–in all areas of your life.



With all the excitement for possibilities, we may forget that

giving birth & bringing new things to life can be super frickin'

hard, really messy, work. It's exciting; yes. It's positive; yes. It's

inspiring; of course. AND … it's really, really HARD.


One of the hardest parts is all the self-doubt & uncertainty that

can creep in when you're setting intentions for  changes in

your life. And, fear.  Fear of change. Fear of the unknown.


Recently I've been facing some changes and challenges that

are shaping my current reality (and the future) in unexpected

and unwelcome ways. As I've been moving through this time

I've had moments of being absolutely paralyzed by fear, grief &

self-doubt as I move into the unknown.  The wisest part of me

knows this is the time to notice those feelings and honor their

presence.


It took a while, but fortunately, I had the presence of mind to ask

my Co-Creative Mandala Oracle cards:


What do I need right now? And, how can I move forward?


The two cards I pulled were both surprising and comforting.
Picture
The cards answered:


What I need right now is

the balanced flow and

energy of the Sacral

Chakra--passion, self-

care, and creativity.

Going with the flow with

confidence and patience.

Embrace it all. I need to

nurture myself and allow

creativity to flow. And to

love my body, my life,

and all my experiences.


OMG! How many times have I said those exact words to my

clients?
Picture
And, the other card--

Wholeness--was

reversed. It reminds

me that I'm not seeing

the truth of my power

and presence and

believe that someone or

something else is in

control of my well-being.

I'm afraid to trust myself

and the Universe. This

card invites me to

remember that I am

whole and complete,

that I have the inner

resources and support from the Universe to co-create the life of

my dreams.


WOW! What a breath of frickin' fresh air! What a huge weight off

my shoulders. What a beautiful way to reframe the start of a

new season--in my life and in Nature; what a powerful message

that reminds me to that I have the personal power and inner

strength necessary for moving toward  living the life I want to

live.


We’re the closest to the sun that we’ll be all year. That means

we are being bathed in the energy of the sun.


That means there is an absolute abundance of that rich fire

energy available for you & me to soak up, too. 


This Co-Creative Mandala, "Abundance" invites you to embrace

Summer's Fiery Energy and Light Your Inner Fire.  The spiritual

journey of the Summer Solstice  is one of feeling fully awake,

energized, and open to the light. Now is the time to embrace

your fiery badass self. To soak up that energy and let it fuel you.
Picture
This is the time for celebrating your own Inner Fire--

That badass part of yourself that is super fierce.

Use your Inner Fire to burn away anything that

no longer serves you.

Abundance Exercise:

After the sun completes its cycle and reaches its peak, we begin

letting go as the days start getting shorter again. It’s life’s

beautiful cycle of growing, reaching the peak, and then letting

go in order to change and grow. Sometimes we are excited and

so ready to let something go. Other times, its sad. And

uncomfortable. And we feel resistant. But, when something has

completed its purpose in your life, you need to let it go so you

can change and grow.


Give yourself plenty of time to dive deeply into this exercise.

Meditate, journal, create your sacred space for doing this

exercise throughout the spring season. Come back to this

exercise as often as you like. Make it your own.



Find a quiet place, without interruptions. Light two candles, one

for that part of you that is holding on and one for that part of you

that is letting go.

 

Invest your time and attention. Don’t rush. Close your eyes.

Take several deep breaths. 

 

Open your eyes and focus on the mandala. Invest a

few minutes toward feeling the “Abundance” energy traveling

through your body & all your chakras. Imagine that energy

bursting through your crown chakra & extending far into the

heavens. Now, feel the “Abundance” energy entering your

body through your crown chakra. Sit with this energy for a few

minutes, feel yourself connected to the mandala energy.


What about the mandala captures your attention? Notice and

Wonder--Something in me is feeling...

 
I wonder what it wants me to know?



Begin asking yourself the following questions; acknowledge

whatever is holding you and holding you back. This helps train

your brain to cultivate abundance...
 


1. What has my Inner Fire helped me accomplish so far this

year?


2. Recall moments when I felt really connected to that

part of myself.


3. What do you love about her? Acknowledge the ways she

has given me energy to co-create abundance in my life.


4. Take a moment to acknowledge the abundance in your

life. What are you grateful for?




The cycle of life is once again turning toward new growth and

change. This is the season of fiery hope. Right now, these

energies are combining to make this a time of growth &

evolution. Cultivate your Inner Fire--your gift to the world!


Peace and Joy to your seeking heart,

Sheryl
0 Comments

Spring's Eternal Optimism

3/20/2019

0 Comments

 
What a difference a week makes. This time last week Colorado

was experiencing "snowcopalypse”—bomb cyclone winds,

blowing snow, and road closures. We hunkered down at home

and watched as snow blew sideways and branches fell to the

ground around our house. The first day of spring is

promising to be sunny and warm with most of the evidence of

last week’s storm melted away.



In the northern hemisphere, we enter a new season as the

spring equinox welcomes new life. Whether you're in the north

or south, the change signals that the season before is dying so

a new one can be born. Although there are aspects of each

season that I enjoy, I particularly love this time of year!  Our

garden is full of snowdrops and crocus and every day new

things are popping up and surprising me. The lovely snowdrop

is one of the first flowers to appear in the spring as it warms the

snow around it and works its way through the snow to bloom.



The spring equinox is a seasonal, astronomical event caused by

the Earth's axis tilting neither toward nor away from the sun.

Twice a year, at the Vernal (spring) and Autumnal (fall)

equinoxes (equal light), the Earth's tilt is in perfect balance. Day

and night, light and dark, are nearly equal in length. Springtime

is a time of growth, renewal, new life, and balance.  We begin to

feel more energetic and open to allowing changes – both big

and small – into our lives. This is a time to examine our

lives—inner and outer and make room for the new (think “spring

cleaning”).  Across cultures and traditions people are called to

positive thinking at this time of year. How can anyone not be

inspired by the spirit of optimism that spring brings?

Picture
The darkness of winter is ending &

we’re moving into the warmth of the

light. Nature is coming alive after

months of being dormant.  The same

thing is happening to you.  Your

attention is drawn toward your

intentions for what you want to plant,

grow, and nurture within. The end of

winter can sometimes feel a little unsettling. The energy shifting

from an inward to an outward focus and the transformation it

brings may bring a feeling of being out of balance. Where do

you feel out of balance in your life? Where do you feel

balanced? What are ways to bring balance in to your life?
One way to bring balance in to life is by shifting our perspective.

Research in to the new and growing field of Positive Psychology

shows how important emotions such as hope, joy, and

excitement are to our wellbeing.  

Positive Psychology is the scientific study of the strengths that enable individuals and communities to thrive. The field is founded on the belief that people want to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives, to cultivate what is best within themselves, and to enhance their experiences of love, work, and play.

The founder of Positive Psychology, Dr. Martin Seligman, and

others have determined that one of the key elements that has a

major effect on wellbeing is optimism. Their research shows that

optimistic people are happier, healthier, recover from illness

more quickly, and even live longer.



Optimism is having confidence in a positive future or success of

something even when an optimist encounters a difficult

situation. She makes course corrections toward a desired

outcome because of her positive perspective.  This indicates

that an optimist accepts the situation, even the obstacles to

success and continues to work toward accomplishing her goals-

-Growth Mindset in action (see our March 14th post).



Psychologists also believe that optimism can be learned and/or

can also be genetically inherited. If an individual is taught to see

the positive aspect of each situation and cultivates the belief in a

positive outcome from childhood, this becomes a lifelong habit. I

see myself as an optimist (most of the time) and believe that I

both learned and inherited optimism.



For as far back as I can remember, I heard my mother's words

"Things always turn out for the best". I didn't always believe her

when things didn't turn out the way I wanted them to. But those

words have echoed in my mind and heart for decades, thanks to

my mother. In case you think she lived with her head in the

clouds, never seeing "reality" the way the people around her

did, allow me to tell her story.



She was the oldest of four children, born to farmers in rural

Georgia. From the stories I've been told, I learned that she was

a happy and healthy baby. When she was nine months old, she

became infected with the polio virus. Shortly afterwards, she

was sent 200 miles from her home to a hospital in Warm

Springs, Georgia where she would spend the first five years of

her life. Not only was she separated from her family (my

grandparents couldn't afford to leave the farm and travel to visit

her very often), she was isolated and underwent very painful

treatments, including time in an iron lung. She had very little

comforting, physical touch. The disease left her paralyzed on

one side. I can’t image how she felt or how she survived and

thrived.  I've come to believe that her attitude, her mindset, was

her pathway to living a long and fulfilling life. Much like Viktor

Frankl's examples in Man's Search For Meaning, she choose to

see the "glass half full" even under such devastating

circumstances. She chose to see the present and future from a

positive perspective.



The Positive Psychology approach also recommends building

optimism by habitually recognizing and challenging pessimistic

thoughts – something made much easier by the new season in

which we can throw open the windows, and let in the fresh air

and soft sunlight.



Spring is all about opportunity – a time for cultivating optimism,

for accepting ourselves, finding balance, strengthening the

belief in ourselves and our ability to overcome obstacles,

including our own fear.  This Co-Creative Mandala, "Optimism"

invites you to embrace Spring's Eternal Optimism and step into

the unknown. The spiritual journey of the spring equinox is one

of discovery.  Remember, savor,  and build on optimism

throughout  the year.
Picture
Let go of fears, old habits, and stories.

Throw open the windows and let in the fresh, vibrant

energy of new life.

Infinite possibilities are available to you.

Expect success!

Embrace the beginning of something new!

Optimism Exercise:

Spring has always been considered as a time for change and

personal evolution. If changes need to be made in your

life, this exercise is going to set that in motion. It’s designed to

help you honor what is and leave behind whatever doesn’t serve

you and to support allowing your goals to manifest.



Give yourself plenty of time to dive deeply into this exercise.

Meditate, journal, create your sacred space for doing this

exercise throughout the spring season. Come back to this

exercise as often as you like. Make it your own.



Find a quiet place, without interruptions. Light two candles, one

for that part of you that is holding on and one for that part of you

that is letting go.

 

Invest your time and attention. Don’t rush. Close your eyes.

Take several deep breaths. 

 

Open your eyes and focus on the mandala. Invest a

few minutes toward feeling the “Optimism” energy traveling

through your body & all your chakras. Imagine that energy

bursting through your crown chakra & extending far into the

heavens. Now, feel the “Optimism” energy entering your

body through your crown chakra. Sit with this energy for a few

minutes, feel yourself connected to the mandala energy.


 
What about the mandala captures your attention? Notice and

Wonder--Something in me is feeling...

 
I wonder what it wants me to know?



Begin asking yourself the following questions; acknowledge

whatever is holding you and holding you back. This helps train

your brain to cultivate optimism...
 


1. What does optimism feel/look like to me? What does

optimism mean for me in me spiritual journey?


2. Where do I feel optimistic in my life?


3. Where is there pessimism? Do I feel out of balance in any

aspect of my life?


4. What can I do to bring optimism to that part of my life? 

This is one thing I'm willing to do that brings optimism to

my life.



The cycle of life is once again starting. This is the season of

new beginnings. Right now, these energies are combining to

make this a time of growth & evolution.  In order to make this

change a reality, first appreciate what is. Then cultivate the

power of optimism. Believe that anything is possible this time of

year. Celebrate spring because it reminds us that our optimism

eternal.



You may have difficulty with this process. I know when I first

started intentionally shifting my attention to being optimistic,

I thought I was "betraying" reality. That seems odd to me now,

but I was invested in the limiting beliefs that come with

pessimism. I think I was afraid to let go and allow optimism to

guide my life. I invite you to be gentle with yourself and trust the

process. You've been living with these beliefs for a lifetime;

they've protected you; pessimism has kept you safe. It's

important to acknowledge and honor this.



One energy modality that I've found to be gentle and effective

for working with limiting beliefs is EFT/Tapping. By tapping on

meridian accupoints, EFT-Tapping sends a signal to the energy

system that you are safe.  It's a very effective technique for

clearing our energy system of the disruptions that happened

when the experiences we had created the limiting beliefs.

When we feel safe, we can see our human experience through

a compassionate and optimistic lens.



I offer 30-minute complimentary EFT/Tapping Sessions. This is

a perfect way to begin exploring and releasing limiting beliefs as

you move toward a life of Eternal Optimism.


Peace and Joy to your seeking heart,
Picture
0 Comments

The Power of...YET

3/14/2019

0 Comments

 
We invite you to join us this year as we explore the magic of Co-

Creative Mandalas and the blessings that each season brings. 

Just like the seasons affect all animals, plants, trees, insects,

and flowers--all living things on Earth, we believe the seasons

also have an effect on our mind, body, and spirit. We feel

different energy at different times of the year. For instance, our

energy is much different at Summer Solstice than it is at the

Winter Solstice. Co-Creative Mandalas represent a microcosm

of the greater mandala that is seen throughout the year with

each passing season.  We are thrilled to share insights and

practices that support your journey toward increased peace and

happiness.

Even though the first day of spring is less than a week away

(WAHOO!), it’s still winter outside (as evidenced by the blizzard

that blew through Colorado yesterday leaving snow in our front

yard, sub-zero wind chill, and icicles hanging from the gutters).

The Earth is quiet throughout the winter months, sleeping and

preparing for new growth. It’s also a time to rest and invest time

toward preparing internally for changes we envision.


This runs counter to the energy on January 1st  which invited

me to commit myself to fresh beginnings and new intentions. I’m

pretty sure that many of us translated the spirit of these

beginnings into resolutions, setting goals, making plans, and

moving into action.  We begin with feeling motivated and

energized; we envision our best possible self and set intentions

and create goals to support the changes we hope for.


Every year I say to myself "This year will be different. I'm going

to finish all the projects I made resolutions for last year". For a

while I’ve been trying to figure out why I can stick to my

resolutions for a while and then slowly drift back to the habits I

had before that pesky New Year came along putting pressure

on me to clear out closets, eat healthier or join a gym all in

service of “new year, new me” . Even if I manage to stay the

course for a while, all those good intentions for mind, body, spirit

improvements often fade in the rear view mirror in a month or so

and I go back to the habits I had before I envisioned clean

closets, de-cluttered desks, and a slimmer, trimmer body.


Research shows a third of resolutions don’t make it past the first

month.  Why is that?

Picture
Some experts say we set goals

that are too lofty or not

connected to our values or are

based on outside approval.

Others say it’s because our

goals aren’t S.M.A.R.T. or

because the goal takes too long

to achieve. I can see how those


reasons may be barriers to achieving our goals.


And…I think there’s a deeper reason that we abandon our

resolutions, goals or intentions--particularly the ones we make

at the end of the year.


I hold the belief that the movement toward action at the New

Year may run counter to the seasonal energy present at that

time and throughout the weeks of winter. Have you noticed that

your energy is different in January than it is in June? More on

this later.


Sometimes when I don't achieve my goals or master a

challenge as rapidly I like, I get frustrated. I lose motivation; I

feel impatient. Full disclosure: I’m not a particularly patient

person. Many years ago I told my more patient friends (who

urged me to be patient) that “patience isn’t a virtue, it’s a waste

of time”. They laughed; I laughed. But I was (and still am)

serious about that, some of the time. Even though I strive to

change my ways and be more patient, there’s still a kernel of

truth in that statement (a story for another time).


I recently saw a FRUSTRATION HAPPENS bumper

sticker--(why didn't I think of that?). I admit I smiled when I read

it.  Each day I find plenty of good reasons to be impatient--long

lines. Telemarketers. A goal isn’t materializing “fast enough.” I

can drive myself crazy (crazier than I already am), be irritable,

feel victimized, or try to force an outcome--all self-defeating

behaviors. Or, I can learn to cultivate the power of Yet--a type of

hope that reminds us that just because we haven’t achieved our

goal yet, we’re on a learning journey and we shouldn’t give up

even when we’re faced with challenges. It’s an exciting concept.

I love the Sesame Street song!


Dr. Carol Dweck has made it her life’s work to research how

learning happens. Although she’s primarily done her research in

education, I think her results point toward understanding how

our mindset supports achieving our goals.  As I understand it,

she identifies two mindsets: Fixed and Growth. These mindsets

are based on the stories we tell ourselves when we’re faced

with a learning curve or waiting to achieve our goals.


The fixed mindset stories are based on limiting beliefs we have

about ourselves—“you’re not good enough”, “it’s safer not to

try”. The growth mindset stories are based on realizing we have

a choice about how we approach challenges and obstacles “I

am good enough”, “I’m willing to give it a try”. At the heart of

growth mindset is patience—the practice of waiting, watching,

knowing when to act and learning along the way. Patience

attunes us to our intuition. It is self-care in action.


So, how are the power of YET and patience connected to the

seasonal energy that’s present in the winter months? So glad

you asked!


There is a special stillness in winter. Everything seems dead &

frozen, but life is quietly unfolding deep in the darkness. It’s a

time of turning inward. It’s a time of rest.  A time when anything

is possible. New possibilities are born within us at this time of

year, even if we can’t see them--yet. Winter is a time of

envisioning new beginnings. As we move from winter to spring,

we’ll begin looking forward to the projects & plans we’ll bring to

fruition over the months ahead. Patience is the energy that

winter invites us to cultivate; it's the foundation upon which our

goals and plans are built. Patience draws us inward toward

wisdom, our Wholeness. It invites us to trust ourselves, our

intuition, and the power of...yet.
Picture
Possibilities are quietly unfolding in the darkness.

Change is happening deep within even if you can't see it.

Nurture the seeds of new ideas and intentions.

Trust in the order of all things.

Patience Exercise:

Bring your dreams to life. If changes need to be made in your

life, this exercise is going to set that in motion. It’s designed to

help you honor what is and leave behind whatever doesn’t serve

you and to support allowing your goals to manifest.


Give yourself plenty of time to dive deeply into this exercise.

Meditate, journal, create your sacred space for doing this

exercise throughout the remaining days of winter and in to

the spring season. Come back to this exercise as often as you

like. Make it your own.


Find a quiet place, without interruptions. Light two candles, one

for that part of you that is holding on and one for that part of you

that is letting go.
 

Invest your time and attention. Don’t rush. Close your eyes.

Take several deep breaths.  
 

Open your eyes and focus on the mandala. Invest a

few minutes toward feeling the “Patience” energy traveling

through your body & all your chakras. Imagine that energy

bursting through your crown chakra & extending far into the

heavens. Now, feel the “Patience” energy entering your

body through your crown chakra. Sit with this energy for a few

minutes, feel yourself connected to the mandala energy.

 
What about the mandala captures your attention? Notice and

Wonder--Something in me is feeling...

 
I wonder what it wants me to know?
 

Begin asking yourself the following questions; acknowledge

whatever is holding you and holding you back. This helps train

your brain to cultivate a growth mindset...


1. What has changed in my life over the past 6 months?


2. What do I need to let go of now in order to freely move

forward in my life? What beliefs or assumptions are holding 

me back?


3. What changes am I currently experiencing in my life?


4. What is newly beginning in my life?




This is a transformative time in your life as you begin

implementing all the changes & plans you dreamt about over

the winter . Right now, these energies are combining to make

this a time of growth & evolution.  In order to make this change

a reality, first appreciate what is. Then cultivate the power of

Yet, your gift of patience, and invite transformation to effortlessly

unfold.


Imagine re-reading your answers to these questions 12 months

from now. How will you feel? Are you going to re-read it and feel

like nothing has changed? Or are you going to look back and

say, “WOW! This last year has been filled with patience, so

much more self-love and greater abundance!”


Trust that everything is unfolding in the perfect way. Allow

yourself to open to the greatest possibilities the coming spring

holds for you. Trust that you are on your path and exactly where

you are meant to be. Open to all the blessings that you co-

create with the Universe.


Peace and joy to your seeking heart,
Picture
0 Comments

Let Your Light Shine! Part 2

12/21/2018

0 Comments

 
Gratitude is one of the most powerful forces in the universe.

Today I'm brimming over with gratitude...Gratitude for you and

the exquisite circle of spirit-friends who are part of the Co-

Creative Mandalas community. So thank you, thank you, thank

you for all you do to remember your Wholeness and to bring

your Light to the world! Thank you for sharing your gifts

generously with the world, in whatever way you do. I feel

comforted by your presence.


I'm grateful for our collective wisdom that brings us to this

precious moment of waking up; and for life filled with

opportunities to grow; and for our strength to dance with shadow

& Light. So a shout out to you all (each and every one)...may

gratitude open and fill your heart on this Winter Solstice and

throughout the holiday season...


What better time to offer a simple  "Wow!" and "Thank You!" 

than this time of year. November brought the opportunity to

celebrate Lakshmi, the Goddess of Prosperity during Diwali; the

beginning of December gave us Hanukkah and the celebration

of light  and today, in the Northern Hemisphere, is the Winter

Solstice. I love this time of year with all the opportunities for

celebrating inner and outer Light.


The holidays don't hold the same meaning for everyone, even

though many traditions celebrate the Light during this time of

year.
Picture
I've been celebrating Winter

Solstice for nearly 40 years.  The

first celebration took place with

friends who lived outside of

Roseburg, Oregon. Martha and

Alan laid a cedar bough spiral on

the ground, under a star-lit sky, with

one lit candle standing in the center

of the spiral, a reminder that even in the darkness there is

always the Light. Each of us walked the spiral to the center and

lit our own candles. As we returned around the spiral, we carried

our candles, placing them somewhere along the spiral. When

we each had completed our journey to the center and back, the

entire spiral was illuminated with our individual and collective

Light. It was magic!  Such rituals are done all over the world on

the longest night as the darkness is vanquished and the Light

returns. Magical, indeed.


Christmas is also magical for me, even if it's a bit more

complicated--what with the commercialism that often begins

before Halloween, the expectations for the "perfect" gift or

event. I love transforming our home with sparkling lights

and color, of sharing love and the joy of being together, and

bringing gifts to each other. It's a time set aside to remember

that we are all sparks of Light and Love walking the planet. I still

send handwritten holiday greetings because it's a time of

thinking of others. 


For those of us keenly aware of the cycle of the seasons, the

Winter Solstice is the day on which the rest of the year

pivots...At the Summer Solstice, I experienced all the abundant

energy that comes with bright sunlight and long days, which

called me outside and into activity late into the bright night of the

longest day of the year. Now, the journey around the sun

inspires me to breathe in and sit with myself and enjoy a time of

reflection and stillness when the world sleeps, and I slow down

in preparation for the returning Light.


As we enter the winter season, we remember that it's like the

chrysalis stage in the evolution of the butterfly. This is the time

when the caterpillar is wrapped up quietly, in the dark of her

cocoon. It doesn’t look like anything’s happening. Deep inside, a

quiet transformation is beginning. The caterpillar is evolving,

preparing to emerge as a magnificent butterfly.


All of nature, including us, is undergoing this same

transformation throughout winter. To the outside world life is still

& quiet. The days are short; the trees are bare; Earth is asleep.

Everything appears to be dead or frozen. You can't see that

something meaningful happening. Hidden inside you or deep

underground, a magical transformation is occurring.  Whether or

not  you can see it in nature and in your life, your spirit and

Earth are undergoing a significant transformation.


I invite you to be like the caterpillar. Wrap yourself snuggly in

your cocoon, and simply rest. Rest. Rest. Rest. No work is

required.


This inward stillness offers an opportunity to envision changes I

want to see in my life, for clearing inner and outer clutter and

creating spaciousness. Every time I pause, reflect, and let go of

what no longer serves me, I see well-being in all areas of my

life.
Picture
The journey around the sun is nearly complete.

Embrace the grace and ease of the season.

This is the time of Restoration.

Allow the stillness to guide you.

Restoration Exercise:

Bring your dreams to life. This exercise will help you open

yourself to the positivity & possibilities of the holiday season and

the coming New Year. It’s designed to help you honor and leave

behind whatever doesn’t serve you and to bring your Light to the

season and to the New Year.


Give yourself plenty of time to dive deeply into this exercise.

Meditate, journal, create your sacred space for doing this

exercise throughout the holidays,  the winter season and in to

the New Year. Come back to this exercise as often as you like.

Make it your own.


Find a quiet place, without interruptions. Light two candles, one

for that part of you that is holding on and one for that part of you

that is letting go.
 

Invest your time and attention. Don’t rush. Close your eyes.

Take several deep breaths.  
 

Open your eyes and focus on the mandala. Invest a

few minutes toward feeling the “Restoration” energy traveling

through your body & all your chakras. Imagine that energy

bursting through your crown chakra & extending far into the

heavens. Now, feel the “Restoration” energy entering your

body through your crown chakra. Sit with this energy for a few

minutes, feel yourself connected to the mandala energy.

 
What about the mandala captures your attention? Notice and

Wonder--Something in me is feeling...

 
I wonder what it wants me to know?
 

Begin asking yourself the following questions; acknowledge

whatever is holding you and holding you back. This helps train

your brain to see yourself in a different light.
 

Reflect on the year that’s ending & your hopes for the New

Year.


     1. What do you want to leave behind with the old year? What

no longer serves you? What keeps your Light from shining in

the world?

 
Let your Light encase all that you are holding on to. 

Honor whatever is holding you back and remember that it

served you at one time. When you're ready, allow yourself to let

go.


     2. What do you want to keep that supports your next journey

around the sun? What are your strengths and gifts? What ways

do you bring your Light to the world?



    3. What are your hopes & wishes for the New Year?
 

What are you already starting to dream about? What ideas are

coming up for your life in the New Year? What ways will you

share your Light with the world?
 

Get really clear & very specific about what you’d like to draw

into your life. The clearer you are the more power the exercise

will hold. Read your hopes and wishes out loud.


This exercise is an act of self-love, the cornerstone of a

miraculous life. During this holiday season it may be hard to let

your Light shine when you’re stressed about money, worried

about gatherings and tensions in your family, or burned out with

end-of-the-year deadlines.


Here’s a quick suggestion to bring you back to a place of self-

love in an instant….no matter how stressed you feel:

Simply close your eyes, put your hand on your heart and

breathe into that area. Then silently ask yourself the question,

“What’s the most loving thing I could do for myself right now?”

Your answer might be something as simple as taking some

deep breaths or drinking some water. It might be saying “no” to

a recent request or speaking up for yourself. Or it might be to

come back to the "Restoration" mandala as a reminder to stop,

breathe, and appreciate the gift of this season.


It may seem odd that I'm suggesting that you stop and ask

yourself this question when you’re in the midst of so much to do,

but it just takes a few seconds, and it brings you back to your

heart and to your Light. And when we take care of ourselves,

everything else flows more easily and we have more space to

let our Light shine.


May your days be filled with love, deep peace and Light during

this holiday season and beyond.


Blessings, 

Picture
0 Comments

You Deserve a Life of Great Fullness

11/22/2018

0 Comments

 
Today is Thanksgiving in the U.S. This is a powerful time of year

to do the really important work of exploring your limiting beliefs.

Understanding what your limiting beliefs hold is a critical part of

growth & evolution. Clearing limiting beliefs is a lifelong process.

I’ve been working on finding ways to clear limiting beliefs for

many years and have found that Emotional Freedom

Techniques (EFT/Tapping) and Co-Creative Mandalas help you

to safely explore limiting beliefs, give thanks for the ways those

beliefs have served you in the past, while still being honest

about your current situation.


And ... you have to be brave enough to really look at those parts

of yourself–all those parts you want to hide & push away.

Uncovering and clearing limiting beliefs is your pathway to

Wholeness and peace—to a life of Great Fullness.


Picture
What are Limiting

Beliefs?


We all have limiting beliefs.

Most of them are hidden

within us.  These beliefs

are often so subtle that we

are unable to recognize

them. Like chameleons,

they blend in with the background. A belief is an idea about your

experience that you hold to be true. Such an idea guides your

actions, filters your experience, gives or denies you permission

to act and lets you know what things mean. Sometimes these

beliefs are useful and sometimes they aren’t. When they work

for us and bring us what we want we can think of them as

empowering beliefs. When they work against us they can get in

the way of our progress and make life much harder than it

needs to be. In these cases we call them limiting beliefs. Rather

than decide whether a belief is right or wrong it is more useful to

consider whether it is helpful or unhelpful, limiting or enhancing.



How Limiting Beliefs Are Formed?


So much of who we are now and how we perceive the world is

shaped by our early childhood experiences. This is particularly

true when it comes to our beliefs about our potential for success

and happiness, as well as our faith that we’re deserving and

capable of living a passionate life. As we grow up, traits

associated with “being good” are accepted, while others

associated with “being bad” are rejected. As children, when we

expressed certain parts of ourselves, we received negative cues

from our environment that threatened our basic needs for

safety, security, and/or belonging. We adjusted our behavior to

gratify those needs and learned to adapt to the external world.


As a child grows older, goes to school, and interacts with peers,

the carefree passion that was once natural and easy is now

tempered by social or peer expectations, subtle shaming, and

criticisms. As a child moves into adolescence, she may begin to

believe the negative feelings she has about herself. These

learnings form our beliefs and expectations about the world and

become the “writing on our walls” i.e., the longer we hold on to a

belief or fear, the more ingrained it is in our minds. These beliefs

once served a very important function: They kept us safe. They

protected us from experiencing pain. As adults, who are in

charge of our lives, limiting beliefs no longer serve us.
Picture
Benefits of Finding and

Clearing Limiting Beliefs


Talking about and working on

limiting beliefs isn’t a popular

topic. Who enjoys looking at

her limiting beliefs that show

up as procrastination or self-

sabotage? Focusing on our

strengths is more enjoyable and life-affirming.


Exploring our limiting beliefs, however, gives us tremendous

opportunities for growth and development, for noticing and

acknowledging those parts of our self that are afraid. So what

are the benefits?


1. You become more grounded, human, and whole. When you

can accept your own darker parts, it is easier to accept the

shadow in others and you won't be triggered so easily by other's

behaviors.


2. As you clear your limiting beliefs, you’re approaching your

authentic self. You’ll see yourself and others and evaluate

situations with greater clarity, compassion, and understanding.


3. You liberate a tremendous reservoir of energy you were

unconsciously investing in protecting yourself. This can improve

your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.


4. It unlocks more of your creative potential. Creativeness, as

psychologists like Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers found, is a

spontaneous occurrence in mentally healthy (integrated)

individuals.



Tips For Engaging in Limiting Belief Work


1. Center yourself. Before you begin working with your limiting

beliefs, you want to be in a calm, clear, neutral space. Focusing

on Co-Creative Mandalas and breathing into your heart will help

you be centered.


2. Cultivate self-compassion. It is helpful to cultivate a sense

of unconditional friendliness with one’s self. In Buddhism, it’s

called Maitri. Start by accepting your own humanness.


Remember that we all have limiting beliefs—everyone is in the

soup together, as Jung used to say.


3. Cultivate Self-Awareness. Foster nonjudgmental

awareness--the ability to stay aware of the present moment

without involving the inner critic.


This Co-Creative Mandala--"Great Fullness", invites you to

express gratitude, acknowledge the yin/yang of life, and 

honor all parts of yourself.
Picture
Embrace the joy and the suffering that is all of life.

Be still, notice and sit with the beliefs

that hold you and hold you back.

Dance with your human and

your divine nature.

Great Fullness Exercise:


Give yourself plenty of time to dive deeply into this exercise.

Meditate, journal, create your sacred space for doing this

exercise throughout this autumn season. Come back to this

exercise as often as you like. Make it your own.


Find a quiet place, without interruptions. Light two candles, one

for that part of you that is afraid and one for that part of you

that is courageous.


Close your eyes. Take a couple of deep breaths.


Now, open your eyes and take in the energy of the

mandala...focus on each part of the mandala--the center, the

colors, shape, and texture. Allow yourself to feel the vibration of

Great Fullness.


What about the mandala captures your attention? Notice and

Wonder--


Something in me is feeling:


I wonder what it wants me to know?


Now, begin asking yourself the following questions to

acknowledge the beliefs holding you and holding you back. This

helps train your brain to see yourself in a different light.



1. What is your most debilitating limiting belief?


We all have many limiting beliefs, but isolate one that really

interferes with your growth or impacts your ability to take action.

You don’t feel good enough? You don’t make enough money?

You’re not smart? You aren’t pretty enough? You aren’t

lovable?



2. Why do you have this limiting belief?


This is a question you should ask until you run out of answers.

Write down every reason you can think of, starting with the main

one that probably occurred when you were small. Write these

reasons down so you don’t forget them.



3. What evidence do you have that undermines your

limiting belief?


You might feel a certain way about yourself, but that doesn’t

make it true. And even if there were truth in the original belief

and feelings, you have lived a lot of life since then. There are

hundreds of reasons why you are smart, lovable, attractive, etc.

Write those down too.



4. What would you do with your life if you no longer had

this limiting belief?


Imagine the belief disappeared instantly. How would this change

your perceptions of what you can do and how you can change

your life? What goals would you set for yourself?



5. Would you be willing to write down your limiting belief on

a small piece of paper and seal it in an envelope for a

week?


Could you operate in your life by putting this belief “on hold” for

a week and act “as if” it didn’t exist? Write it down on a piece of

paper and assign a number to it between 1-10, with 10 being

“extremely limiting” and 1 being “not very limiting” based on how

you feel about the belief now.



6. What are 3-5 small, manageable actions you could take

on your goal this week while your limiting belief is sealed in

an envelope?


Acting “as if” you have no limiting belief around your goal, create

a few actions you will commit to take in the direction of your goal

and write them on a calendar.


Now that your limiting belief is isolated, undermined, and locked

in an envelope, use this time of freedom from the belief to take

action. Commit to the actions you outlined and marked on your

calendar.


You will likely see how taking these actions further loosens the

grip of this belief. Open your envelop and assign a number to

the belief again as you did in question 5. How has it changed

for you?


Continue working through your limiting beliefs this way,

acknowledging, addressing, releasing them, and taking forward

action in the direction of your Great Fullness.


You may have difficulty with this process. I know when I first

started exploring limiting beliefs they were subtle and hard to

find and let go of--kind of like trying to pin down Jell-O  Be

gentle with yourself and trust the process. You've been living

with these beliefs for a lifetime; they've protected you; they've

kept you safe. It's important to acknowledge and honor this.


One energy modality that I've found to be gentle and effective

for working with limiting beliefs is EFT/Tapping. By tapping on

meridian accupoints, EFT-Tapping sends a signal to the energy

system that you are safe.  It's a very effective technique for

clearing our energy system of the disruptions that happened

when the experiences we had that created the limiting beliefs.

When we feel safe, we can see our human experience through

a compassionate and loving lens.


I offer 30-minute complimentary EFT/Tapping Sessions. This is

a perfect way to begin exploring and releasing limiting beliefs as

you move toward a life of Great Fullness.


Peace and Joy to your seeking heart,

Picture
0 Comments

The Universe Wants You to Grow!

9/22/2018

0 Comments

 
With each change of season, I use the opportunity to reflect on

how interconnected I am to Nature and to the energy present at

each season. With the beginning of the Autumnal Equinox,

summer is ending. I feel such gratitude for the joy and fun and

all the amazing, abundant experiences I had this summer. Don

and I had massive growth in our gardens, and we’re harvesting

and enjoying an abundance of veggies and gorgeous flowers.

Even though in Colorado where we live, the days still seem

more like summer (in the mid-80s today), I feel the change in

the air. It’s time to move into the next powerful cycle by taking

stock of the blessings summer brought and also by

acknowledging inner changes, growth, and what I need to

release and let go of.


The Autumnal Equinox is the second of two days when the

Earth is in perfect balance—day and night are approximately

equal. In spring the daylight hours start to lengthen, and begins

the cycle when we co-create new life with Nature and begin

bringing our “winter dreams” into reality. It’s the season of new

beginnings. In the fall the days begin to shorten, and we enter

the cycle of releasing and dying.  Autumn is the time to reflect

and appreciate the abundant harvest—what we’ve grown in our

gardens (or have enjoyed from others’ gardens) as well as the

ways we’ve grown, evolved, and our triumphs from this year.

Remembering and feeling proud of our accomplishments is an

act of self-care and self-acceptance.  This is the time to

remember that you're friggin’ AWESOME!

Picture
Whether you can see or

feel the growth right now,

your soul has expanded

and evolved since you set

your intentions at the New

Year, planted seeds at

the Vernal Equinox, and

experienced the intense


growing months since the Summer Solstice. The bountiful

harvest that’s taking place right now will continue to unfold over

the coming months as your focus turns inward. 
The Great Mandala, the wheel of the seasons, is turning from

the beauty and abundance of summer toward the darkness of

winter. Remember, in order for new growth to happen in spring,

things die in autumn. This cycle occurs outwardly in nature and

within. This is a powerful time to cultivate deep gratitude as you

turn toward transformation, resting, and dreaming of the seeds

you’ll plant for next year’s harvest. This is the time to cultivate

gratitude to fuel your visions over the coming months.


When you look closely at the energy present at each season

and what’s happening in Nature, you begin to see the same

cycle of birth, growth, and death within. When changes occur in

Nature, you also experience an energetic shift.  When you

consciously connect with the Universe you realize how it is

supporting your growth at each step along your pathway to

remembering your Wholeness. This time of Transformation is a

reminder that the Universe wants you to grow, evolve, and

release whatever no longer serves you—to make room for new

visions, ideas, and intentions.


The inner and outer energy is changing, the season is changing

and so are you. Your soul is longing to stretch, grow, and let go

along with the changes all around you. This Co-Creative

Mandala--"Transformation", invites you to express gratitude,

acknowledge your accomplishments, and  honor this time of

releasing, shedding the old, dying petals that no longer serve

you.
Picture
Release what no longer serves you.

This is the time to turn inward.

Connect with the mystery & magic of autumn.

The Universe supports your Transformation!

Transformation Exercise:


Give yourself plenty of time to dive deeply into this exercise.

Light two candles, one for what you’re releasing and one for the

future. Meditate, journal, create your sacred space throughout

this autumn season. Come back to this exercise over the next

couple of months. Make the exercise your own.


Find a quiet place, without interruptions. Close your eyes. Take

a couple of deep breaths.


Now, open your eyes and take in the energy of the

mandala...focus on each part of the mandala--the center, the

colors, shape, and texture. Allow yourself to feel the vibration of

Transformation.


What about the mandala captures your attention? Notice and

Wonder--


Something in me is feeling:


I wonder what it wants me to know?



1. Reflect on the blessings you’ve received this year.

Throughout the ages our ancestors created a yearly ritual that

included pausing and expressing gratitude for the bountiful

abundance all around at this time of year. What blessings did

you experience this summer? What are you grateful for?


2. Reflect on your personal growth and accomplishments.

You’ve invested time and put forth energy to tend and nurture

your visions and your dreams—the intentions you set at the

New Year and the seeds you planted in the spring. What outer

accomplishments are you proud of? What inner growth has

taken place over the past few months? Write a note to yourself

and express how proud you are of your accomplishments! You

ROCK!!!


3. Reflect on this time of balance. Autumn, like spring, is when

the Earth is in balance. What areas of your life are balanced?

What areas of your life do you need to restore balance? What

can you do to bring balance to your life?


4. Reflect on this season of dying and letting go; of shedding the

old to make room for the new. What are you ready to let go of?

What “old petals” do you need to shed in order for your soul to

blossom?




You may have difficulty with the autumn Transformation energy.

I know at times I've experienced challenges due to loss and

grief this time of year.  Shifting from the nostalgia that comes

from letting go of the past can be disturbing. With the right tools,

you can hold a friendly and welcoming space for your emotions,

tap into Transformation and begin to say a little "yes" to letting

go.


We look for ways to feel good when we're feeling bad. This is

the body's natural inclination to move toward healing, toward

Wholeness and wellbeing. By tapping on meridian accupoints,

EFT-Tapping sends a signal to the energy system that

everything is okay. It's a very effective technique for clearing our

energy system of the disruptions that show up as unprocessed

emotions; we feel comforted and soothed as a result of tapping.

When we feel better, we can see our human experience through

a compassionate and loving lens.


I would be honored to be your companion, your "spiritual

Sherpa", supporting your journey through the peaks and

valleys  that come with  releasing and shedding  old patterns as

you  embrace Transformation.


Peace and joy to your seeking heart,

Picture
0 Comments

Life is Working FOR You!

7/30/2018

0 Comments

 
Does it  seem like that being human is a test? And you either

pass or fail? Or maybe it's punishment for all your bad karma?

Many years ago someone either told me or I read that it's easy

to be an angel until someone or something ruffles your feathers.

I admit my feathers have been ruffled lately.


For the past while (measured in years, months, weeks, days, or

hours), it seems that being human can be exceptionally

challenging. Much of the change is difficult. Sometimes it's hard

not to feel powerless, at the mercy of circumstances beyond

your control. It can seem like it will never end! Are you

experiencing fear for the future, anger, anxiety, sadness, grief,

hopelessness, or worry--the emotional symptoms of stress and

dis-ease (loss of Wholeness)?  Does it seem like the natural

flow of information between your mind, body, spirit and the

environment is disrupted? Do you feel out of balance? You’re

not alone. Stress in all its many forms is a sign that we're

resisting life, creating friction between what is and our

perception of what we believe should be happening. It’s also a

sign that something big is awakening inside you. All stress is a

portal for raising consciousness and for remembering our

Wholeness. I believe that we're experiencing these opportunities

as a way to access and maintain our inner power for personal

and global transformation.

Picture
When I look at this photo of

a Gladiolus, I'm reminded of

its ability to transform heavy

energy. Beginning at the

bottom of the stem where all

the buds are closed, one by

one each blossom opens,

reaching upward until the

entire stem is covered with

magnificent blooms.

Gladiolus symbolize great blessings, support awakening, and

synchronize all chakras. Having glads in our gardens and in our

homes raises our vibration as the layers of heavy energy are

peeled away. We need that support now more than ever.
Life is messy, and tough at times… and sometimes being in a

human form can feel like, despite our best efforts, life is

conspiring against us.  At those times we may want to hide the

not-so-pretty-stuff from others or even our self.  There are times

when being present to life's challenges means experiencing

emotions that are hard to feel good about and I just want to pull

into myself.


But, (everyone's got a big but--so here's mine): I would be doing

you (and myself) a great disservice if I hid or, at best, ignored

the dis-ease. Those messengers show up as sensations 

in our body when someone or something triggers unprocessed

emotions.  No one wants those "guests". Who invited them

anyway?   It's no wonder we aren't eager to look at them. But,

(here's that big but again), we're missing an opportunity for deep

healing when we take a "spiritual bypass"--avoiding our

emotions in favor of feeling endlessly good and/or shaming

ourselves or feeling guilty because we're not being "spiritual".

This is a defense that shields us from our truth, disconnects us

from ourselves, and creates a barrier to experiencing our next

breakthrough.  I'm in no way suggesting we should stop seeking

ways to feel better in the midst of "life happening" or we should

stop expressing our authentic joy. I am suggesting that all

"those" emotions are meaningful, brilliantly intelligent, and offer

us opportunities for waking up and owning our personal

power. So, if we don't "kill the messengers", what is the

alternative?  Is it possible to find your center even in the midst of

feeling out of balance? Is it possible to hold space for being both

spiritual AND human?  I believe the answer is Yes!


We experience imbalance for a reason...it's sending an

invitation to embrace what needs to change from within. Our

human emotions have presence, energy, vibration and innate

intelligence. When we acknowledge the significance of the

emotions associated with life's unpredictable and inconvenient

events, we begin to co-create a different relationship with our

"negative" emotions and with life. We begin to develop a sense

of trust in our personal power and our inner process no matter

what we're experiencing.  When we invest intention and

attention toward tapping in to our inner resources we expand

our capacity to freely choose our responses to life in all its

messiness.


Finding balance and wellbeing requires a shift in perspective

and a move away from the either (I'm spiritual) OR (I'm human)

to the  both (I'm spiritual) AND (I'm human) mindset. This shift in

perspective allows us to access an abundant universe and is a

pathway to the peace and freedom we're seeking.


Life is designed to push us to our edges AND to remind us of

our Wholeness. The word healing comes from the root word in

Anglo-Saxon ....Hal which means – Whole – Hale or Hearty also

– Holy –Wholeness. Healing is the reorganization, reintegration

of things that have come apart.  In times of crisis and chaos

when we're falling apart, we tend to forget that we are already

whole, complete, perfect, just the way we are. In the midst of

everything that is happening that throws us off balance, this is

the time to expand personal power by loving and accepting

ourselves.  Carl Rogers, the great client-centered therapist of

the 20th century, called this the paradox of growth: We need to

love ourselves just the way we are, with all our problems and

limitations, our humanness. When we do that, we start to

change. Every single person has the capacity--the personal

power--to transform her experience, to wake up and be held by

her connectedness to the web of Wholeness.  Believe it or not,

you already hold the personal power to transform all this (and so

much more). You just need to tap into your inner resources.


Healing begins with self-acceptance, even when circumstances

seem unacceptable. Practicing self-love, self-acceptance, and

self-compassion lowers our stress levels and opens our

awareness to our authentic self. Through that window of

personal power, the possibilities, the love, peace and beauty of

the universe can shine. We see that life is always working for

us.

 
This Co-Creative Mandala--"Personal Power", invites you to

honor your inner terrain of personal power and to embrace your

humanness.
Picture
Honor your precious life.

Fully embrace yourself as you are.

Loving yourself is your only responsibility.

Life is working for you!

 Personal Power Exercise:


Give yourself plenty of time to dive deeply into this exercise.

Meditate, journal, create your sacred space. Allow yourself to

feel the vibration of Personal Power. Make the exercise your

own.


Find a quiet place, without interruptions. Close your eyes. Take

a couple of deep breaths.


Now, open your eyes and take in the energy of the

mandala...focus on each part of the mandala--the center, the

colors, shape, and texture. What about the mandala captures

your attention? Notice--something in me is

feeling__________________________________(what is the

emotion?)


Now, think of a current difficult, stressful situation or issue in

your life.


1. Relax, close your eyes, breathe deeply.

2. Notice how you are inside right now.

3. Notice where the sensation is in your body.

4. Without rushing, just allowing--notice something in me is

feeling________________________________ (what is the

emotion?)

5. Open you eyes and look at the mandala.

6. As you're looking at the mandala, cross your arms over your

chest (like you're cradling your heart) and lightly tap the front of

your shoulders as you look at the mandala. Feel the Wholeness

around you. Feel the Personal Power within.

7. Notice any shifts in your energy--something in me is

feeling__________________________________(what is the

emotion?)

8. What message does the Personal Power mandala have for

you?

Shifting from what you've been doing to what you are capable of

being can be frightening. With the right tools, you can hold a

friendly and welcoming space for your emotions, tap into

Personal Power and begin to say a little "yes" to your

humanness.


We look for ways to feel good when we're feeling bad. This is

the body's natural inclination to move toward healing, toward

Wholeness and wellbeing. By tapping on meridian accupoints,

EFT-Tapping sends a signal to the energy system that

everything is okay. It's a very effective technique for clearing our

energy system of the disruptions that show up as unprocessed

emotions; we feel comforted and soothed as a result of tapping.

When we feel better, we can see our human experience through

a compassionate and loving lens. 


I would be honored to be your companion, your "spiritual

midwife", holding sacred space for you as you birth your

Wholeness.


Peace and joy to your seeking heart,

Picture
0 Comments

Let Your Light Shine!

6/21/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Happy Summer Solstice to everyone in the Northern

Hemisphere!  Today at 4:06 AM MDT, the sun reached its

highest point and marks the longest day of the year: The

beginning of summer.  Solstice comes from the Latin Words:

SOL= SUN and STICE=to stand still. It’s a time of celebration,

sunshine and all things summer!  Experts say it’s a time when

our mood is elevated and spiritually it’s a time to honor our

INNER FIRE--the passion that brings forth the invisible Spirit

into the visible world.



This turning of the wheel began in December, with the Winter

Solstice, the shortest day of the year--the time for rest. As the

Great Mandala turned toward spring, we experienced the time

for planning, for visioning, for creating a map for the future,

preparing the soil, planting seeds, and trusting in nature to

nourish new life as it emerges from the earth and trusting

ourselves to nourish our hopes and dreams so they will manifest

in the world.


This photo of hibiscus symbolizes an outward expression of joy

and happiness. It reminds

us to enjoy every step of

the way along the path

toward realizing our

dreams and to see beauty

and find reason to

celebrate the simplest of

joys. It reminds me of

summer.



Without a doubt, this is my favorite time of year! It's the time for

appreciating the people and events that brought me to this new

place. For releasing the darkness (it's been a rough few

months). For honoring my dedication  to personal evolution that

has brought me to this longest day of the year. It's the time to

look with wonder and awe as flowers and vegetables emerge

in our amazing garden and to see what I envisioned for my life

is manifesting. This is the time to notice how the cycles of my

life are reflected in the cycles of nature. 

 

I first noticed (but didn't understand) my connectivity to nature

when I was 7 years old; the year when I discovered my passion

for the garden. It was the first of many years I would spend with

my grandmother. Every summer from that point forward until I

was 13 years old, I played at her side as she tenderly cared for

the flowers and vegetables she grew on my grandparent's farm

in Georgia. As if by osmosis, I learned about planting and

growing flowers--four o ‘clocks, sunflowers, black-eyed Susans,

daisies, and zinnias. Those summer days were the happiest

times of my life. Feeling nurtured and playing in Mammaw’s

flower beds shaped who I am today--a gardener of the soil and

of the soul. So today, I give thanks for a wonderful, kind, and

generous  grandmother who loved me and in that loving, helped

me see the beauty of nature and my place in it through the

simple joy of gardening. Through those experiences I learned

that "The garden is the world living deep inside you". Tobacco

Brown, Artist.



For centuries many people have written about the solstice as a

historically powerful time of the year- when we make a great

shift in our energies. Rituals are performed that not only honor

the beginning of many lovely summer days to come, but also

the abundance of the Earth, and the shedding of personal

shadows. It is a time to walk in the light.  It's a time to

focus on what we want to co-create.



The sun’s cycle throughout the year can be a metaphor of our

own personal growth cycle; expressing gratitude, stepping away

from darkness, and harnessing our inner creative power.



This Co-Creative Mandala--"Inner Fire", invites you to honor

your inner fire and your connection to nature’s cycles.  
Picture
This is the time to let go.

Express yourself and don't hold back.

Move forward with confidence.

Radiate your light into the world.

Inner Fire Exercise:


Give yourself plenty of time to dive deeply into this exercise.

Meditate, journal, create your sacred space. Allow yourself to

feel the vibration of Inner Fire. Make the exercise your own.



Find a quiet place, without interruptions. Close your eyes. Take

a couple of deep breaths. Notice what's happening in your body.



Now, open your eyes and take in the energy of the

mandala...focus on each part of the mandala--the

center, the colors, shape, and texture. What about the mandala

captures your attention?



Look into the depths of your heart and soul and ask yourself:


What do I want to let go of?  Who and what do I want to

celebrate? What has my Inner Fire helped me accomplish so far

this year? How does that part of myself manifest in my life? How

will my Inner Fire support my heart's desire? What do I need to

set my spirit ablaze? What message does this Inner Fire

mandala have for me?



What if you notice resistance?


Did you notice fear or resistance surfacing as you completed the

Inner Fire Exercise? When you identify any resistance that may

be blocking you from moving forward, you can use Emotional

Freedom Techniques (EFT) to release and clear the fears that

may be keeping you stuck! Once any fears or resistance are

cleared, the door opens to accessing your full potential for

manifesting your hopes and dreams.



Isn’t it time to let your light shine? Acknowledge the fierce,

powerful, badass that you are? Express gratitude for that part of

yourself in the same way that we celebrate the summer sun that

grows our gardens and warms our days.


Peace and joy to your seeking heart,

Picture
0 Comments

New Beginnings

5/1/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
On March 20th at 10:15 AM MDT in Colorado, we experienced

the Vernal Equinox, a very special time when the day was

almost as long as the night.  Spring has Sprung!


Changes that happen now are planting the seeds of opportunity

for realizing some big dreams. During this second full month of

spring, as I look at this photo of daffodils, I find myself thinking

about movement

forward, and 

manifestation–through

focus, intention and

emerging energy,

what  I want to see take

flight in  my life—what

beauty  I  want to allow

to unfold and shape into

a new reality. I'm also

noticing that annual feeling--as if on cue--to put my space in

order--to clean indoors and out (think, donating bags of clothes

that are no longer a good fit and boxes of books that I've already

read or may never read). This is the time when budding trees

are bursting forth with the promise of a bountiful harvest,

when ducklings swim alongside their mothers, preparing for the

day when they'll take  flight, and the bees are drinking in the first

nectar of the season, ensuring that in a few months there    

will be fruit hanging from the trees. It's the time for planning our

gardens (creating a map for the future), preparing the soil and

planting seeds (trusting the process), and observing the

emerging plants (appreciating new life).



This is the time to send out into the universe what I wish to birth.

It's the time for New Beginnings … (a necessary redundancy).



Spring's subtle and dramatic beauty fills my senses and brings

me comfort in the knowledge that I've been given a reprieve

from the cold, dark days of winter. I also notice the magical

beauty of inner, subtle energy.  It helps me embody the cycles

of nature in balance and to become more like the flow of nature

when I breathe, in my movements, in my thoughts … allowing

the ebb and flow that is life.  I love knowing that as I cultivate

respect for nature and take the time to observe all her beauty in

diverse forms, I experience the evolution of consciousness; I'm

changed as I embrace the rhythm of this new season and come

into balance. By being more in touch with my inner and outer

resources, I discover the blessings of nature and my inspired

life.



This Co-Creative Mandala--"New Beginnings" from a

photograph of daffodils (they are such diverse and amazing

flowers!), reminds us of the unique combination of yin and yang

that this time of year offers and invites us to embrace balance,

both inside and out … Allowing the mandala energy to emerge

from within, we co-create with the energy of the universe and

allow it to flow into our body, mind and spirit as it activates the

natural healing potential that exists within each of us. We have

the potential for co-creating that perfect balance of equal day

and equal night within our own being…equal yang and equal

yin. When the body is in balance, the mind is clear and the spirit

can soar and charge ahead into new spaces, where anything

we dream of can become our reality.
Picture

Believe in yourself
and trust the co-creative energy
that flows to you, through you, and as you.
Remember that the universe wants you
to succeed.

This is the time to remember that your thoughts are pure energy

and energy is intention … your intention forms your reality, and

with pure energy, your dreams, what you imagine for yourself,

can become your reality. 



The universe is sending you connections that can help you

reach your wildest dreams. You’re on a mission of self-

discovery!



New Beginnings Exercise:


Find a quiet place, without interruptions. Close your eyes. Take

a couple of deep breaths. Now, open your eyes and take in the

energy of the mandala...the colors, shape, texture, the yin and

yang, the balance. What about the mandala captures your

attention?


And now ask yourself:


What do I intend for myself? What New Beginnings am I open

to? Am I in balance? What do I need to create an inner equal

day and equal night? How can I co-create the perfect balance of

yang and yin for optimal health and well-being? What message

does the mandala offer me in support of remembering my

Wholeness?



What if you notice resistance?


Did you notice fear or resistance surfacing as you completed the

the New Beginnings Exercise? When you identify any

resistance that may be blocking you from moving forward, you

can use Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) to release and

clear your fears that may be keeping you stuck! Once any fears

or resistance is cleared, the door opens to allow New

Beginnings.




Isn’t it time to move forward and enjoy the abundance you

deserve? When you are ready to release any resistance that

may be holding you back, and start to notice how much

abundance is in your life, the universe will support you in new

and surprising ways.


 
Peace and joy to your seeking heart,

Picture
0 Comments

Coherence: The Heart Beat of Self-Love

2/14/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
A while back, I started hearing about Coherence and wondered:

So, what is Coherence and is it possible to experience it?

Doing a quick online search I found,  among many definitions,
t
hat "spectral coherence is commonly used to estimate
t
he power transfer between input and output of a linear system."

Uh, all righty then...that's not exactly what I had in mind when I

asked the question! Another definition states it is "the quality of

forming a unified whole".  I think I’m getting warmer.


 
From the folks at the HeartMath Institute, who have

done extensive research into the way in which our hearts

and nervous systems are in reciprocal communication,

“Coherence is the state when the heart, mind and emotions are

in energetic alignment and cooperation. It is a state that builds

resiliency – personal energy is accumulated, not wasted –

leaving more energy to manifest intentions and harmonious

outcomes.” Just like when the instruments of an orchestra play

in harmony the result is music.  In the same way when the

different systems of our bodies are connected and coherent

the result is the emotional state, the vibration of, health and

wellbeing. In this energetic field, we have the capacity for

remembering our Wholeness. How awesome is that!



Coherence is our natural state of being. A coherent --

unified — mind, body, and spirit relationship is one that

is balanced, healthy, and harmonious. Coherence is both the

destination and the journey. It's simultaneously the "chicken

AND the egg"...to mix metaphors. When you are living in

coherence you already have the capacity for (while expanding

your capacity for) taking care of, loving, and healing yourself.

Coherence is the heart beat of self-love. You shift your vibration 

when you have compassion and love for yourself. When you

experience the vibration of self-love--coherence--you

experience  many benefits. Decisions and solutions flow more

easily because of your increased access to our heart’s intuitive

wisdom; your choices become clearer and more effective; you

feel more emotional freedom. The question arises: How do we

shift our vibration toward self-love and maintain coherence

in the face of what appears to be humanity’s fast and furious

trajectory into separation, division, and disharmony?



Throughout my life I have, to the best of my awareness and

ability, searched for the truths of life. After decades of seeking, I

have discovered that co-creating mandalas has given me a

way to tap into vast possibilities for remembering my

Wholeness.  I offer a way to create a sacred space with

Co-Creative Mandalas for those interested in connecting with

themselves. 




When used as a tool in personal meditation, healing, or self-

realization, mandalas

help you to find the 

coherence within

yourself and connect

to the coherence in

world outside: In

the words of Joseph

Campbell, mandalas

offer a way “to

coordinate your circle

with the universal circle.”  The more you are able to recognize

the coherence within the mandala, the more you are able to

remember your Wholeness and live your life in harmony, in

alignment, with all parts of yourself and with the world around

you. 


When you experience a Co-Creative Mandala, all the pieces--

the colors, number of segments,  and the flower or plant from

which the mandala originated, are eternally expanding and

growing from its center, while simultaneously contracting and

returning to its core. Co-Creative Mandalas are more than their

shape: They represent Wholeness and remind you of your

relation  to the infinite, to the All that is.
Picture
Here's a simple, yet profound, way to shift your vibration every

day: Use this Co-Creative Mandala,  "Coherence" as a focal

point for this exercise:


(You'll need pen and paper.  Set aside five or ten minutes a day-

-preferably in the morning-- for this exercise)


1. Take a couple of minutes and let your eyes gently scan the

Co-Creative Mandala. What do you see in the colors? the

shape? What feelings arise when you look at the mandala?


2. Breathe all those qualities into your heart.


3. Now, think of ten things that you love about yourself. Write

them down. They can be big: “I’m creative” or small: “I brush my

teeth very well.”


4. When you've created your list, turn your attention back to the

mandala. Holding your hand over your heart, read your list,

alternating your focus between the list and the mandala until

you've said all 10 things you love about yourself out loud.


(Expect this to feel weird at first. Try to make your list different

every day. Keep doing this exercise every day for a month).



Sometimes  we can’t find our way to loving ourselves or to

thinking of anything that we love about ourselves. If you’re

experiencing this obstacle, I invite you to consider Emotional

Freedom Techniques (EFT-Tapping) for exploring the beliefs

that keep you from self-love.



I would love to read about your experiences. I invite you to leave

comments below.



Wishing you peace, joy, and coherence!
Picture
0 Comments
<<Previous
    Picture

    Author

    Sheryl Harrell, Gardener
    of the Soil and of the
    Soul & Co-Creator of
    Mandalas. Happy you
    found my Blog!

    Categories

    All
    New Year
    Spring Equinox
    Summer Solstice

    Archives

    June 2019
    March 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    September 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    February 2017
    December 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016

    RSS Feed

Picture

Connect With Sheryl:

Phone: 970-221-3898

Location:



1101 E. Elizabeth St.

Fort Collins CO 80524

Serving Northern Colorado and
Southern Wyoming, including Cheyenne
and Laramie.

Click Location for directions and map.

    Questions? Comments? Contact Sheryl and she will get back to you, pronto!

Submit
     Home      Welcome      About      Disclaimer      Kind Words      Say Hello      Services      Shop    Privacy Policy
©2014-2019 Sheryl Harrell Co-Creative Mentoring   All Rights Reserved