Co-Creative Mentoring LLC Sheryl Harrell, MAA.B.S., EFT Cert.
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Welcome to the Season of Blossoming: Awaken to Spring’s Unlimited Potential

3/21/2022

 
Springtime inspires us to believe that, along with the earth, we too might change, release the past, and give birth to new ideas.                                 
                                                              
Madisyn Taylor--DailyOM

Yesterday was the vernal equinox, when the sun crossed the

celestial equator and day and night were of equal length, equal

distance between north and south pole, it stood still in the

balance. This auspicious event has been celebrated for

millennia and marks the beginning of spring. Nature awakens

from its winter slumber and life begins again.


With the arrival of spring, are you experiencing an awakening

within? Are your senses delighted by the fragrance of new

blossoms, the sight of fresh growth, and the promise of warmer

weather? Spring invites us to rejuvenate ourselves and embrace

a new beginning, a new idea, a new vision.


Spring is the beginning of the journey from darkness to light.  It's

an expansive, creative time. Much like the blossoming stage

that accompanies spiritual liberation. This is a time of pure

potential on the wheel the Great Mandala. Anything is possible

for you in the months ahead! We the stand in the doorway

between winter and spring, inviting new growth, blossoming,

and expanding light.
Here comes the sun
Here comes the sun,
And I say, It's all right
Little darling...
I feel that ice is slowly melting
Little darling
It seems like years since it's been clear
Here comes the sun
Here comes the sun,
And I say, It's all right
Here comes the sun
Here comes the sun
It's all right
It's all right

                                                                                  George Harrison
We made it through the dark winter months and here we are at

spring's new beginning. It's the dawn of a new day, a new

season. A new chapter is beginning for you.


Spring is a joyful time, with themes of awakening, rebirth, and

new life. Nature is waking up after her long winter's rest.

Everything is coming alive; the natural world is being reborn.


This same thing is happening within you – in your life & in your

spirit.


It’s the beginning of the growing season. A time of new life

emerging. New beginnings. A new chapter. This is the time to

focus on refining your Vision Statement, on what you want to

see grow and blossom in your life in the months ahead. And, for

asking yourself: How do I want to grow and blossom?


As the seasons change, so do our lives.


The spring energy pulls us toward growth. It provides us with

the supportive, nurturing energy necessary to transform in life.


Now, more than ever, it's so important to be in alignment with

the seasonal energy that helps us flow more easily and

gracefully when life presents changes and challenges.


We spent the past few months focusing on our inner world. It's

been a time of resting and inner reflection, a time of Solitude

and Visioning new dreams.


At the spring equinox your energy begins its shift back into the

outer world.


You may be feeling alive right now with new ideas, new plans,

new inspiration. Your spirit may be feeling ready for a fresh start.

The inspiring spring energy is encouraging you to be reborn.

Parts of you are coming alive in ways they never have before.

Embrace this new beginning.


Spring is an inspiring season filled with so much hope and

possibility. Our lives will be flooded with powerful growth energy

in the coming weeks and months.


And you have the power to create whatever you want with the

rich, expansive energy.


Anything is possible for you in the season ahead! So ... what will

you grow?

Picture
What does the natural world look and feel like where you are?

Does it look and feel like spring yet? Is the ice slowly melting? In

Colorado where I live--the days are spring-like and winter-like--

often within 24 hours.


Sometimes this time of year can feel a little hectic, disorienting,

or chaotic after the inward focus of winter. For some people

spring offers a fresh, bright perspective on life as the earth

warms and  blossoms. In either case, I find a gentle cleansing of

body, heart, mind, spirit, and home smooths the transition from

the quiet solitude of winter into the clear, light, and hopeful

energy of spring.


I'm feeling a mixture of caution and hope. I feel like my spirit is a

bud ready to fully blossom, to feel liberated.


I love the energy of new beginnings, renewal, balance, and

blossoming that comes with spring. I feel it within and see signs

of that movement all around me. The crocus, snowdrops, and

Tete-a-Tete daffodils are blossoming in our yard. The tulips are

showing their green sprouts. I bought daffodils to brighten up

our living room on the days when it's still gray and cold outside.


To celebrate this spring, give yourself the gift of self-care.


As the rise in seasonal energy shows up within and without, it's

so enjoyable to take walks, watching nature as it comes alive

and feeling that same aliveness within. I encourage you to take

a walk today, if you can, get outside and look for signs of inner

and outer spring energy.


When we intentionally and consciously prepare ourselves, our

homes, spaces, and our visions- we move into the spring with

clarity, confidence, grace, and ease! With mindful

awareness, we can draw down a multitude of healing blessings

inherent to each season of the Great Mandala… if only we

create a little time and space to do so.


How do you want to mark and honor the changing season?

What would you like to do with this sacred time? I suggest

keeping it sweet and simple.


It's meaningful to me – honoring the seasonal shifts.  For me,

it’s spiritual,  a sacred practice. It's a time that I connect with

myself by  connecting with Wholeness through nature.


Sometimes I have the best intentions for doing something to

celebrate the change in seasons. Then, life happens, the day

passes....and I'm busy or I forget.


Here's the beauty of seasonal changes--the energy shift lasts

longer than the actual day and time.  Celebrating doesn’t have

to be right ON the equinox! (Don’t put too much pressure on

yourself!) Anytime in the next couple weeks is perfect.


By creating deeper connections in your life – with nature and

with your inner and outer resources, you feel more firmly

grounded in your life. By creating a firm foundation for yourself, 

you feel empowered & in control in your life – so you can face

whatever life throws at you.


Living in alignment with this energy helps you grow, expand,

and experience a deeper, more meaningful life.


So, how do we draw in the growth we want to see in life and find

more balance and open to the new beginnings blossoming right

now?


Listen deeply… to your heart. Tend the garden of your heart

space, open to what's possible as the days lengthen.


Notice the strong and grounding energy all around. Remember,

your deep wisdom of inner listening embodies strength, solitude,

and the courage to step into your vision. You've been

hibernating through the winter, dreaming your creative vision

with deep insight. Now,  waking in the spring, you emerge ready

to succeed.



Here's what's necessary for bringing your vision to the world:


1. Heal and strengthen your body. How can you take care of

yourself and honor your body today?


2. Protect and care for your new creative vision. Who are the

trusted people you can share your vision with?


3. Answer the call to the next level of courage. What is one

courageous act you can take today?


4. Remember the force of love is transformative. How can

you be loving toward yourself and others today?


5. Embrace the rhythms of nature. Where are you in your

process right now?

(Adapted from Bear Energy, author unknown)




Whenever and however you decide to celebrate a simple spring

moment, it doesn’t take much time.  Ten minutes with a candle

and your journal can be very powerful! Walk barefoot in the

grass? In just a few mindful minutes you can reclaim your

balance and feel better… more resilient and more joyful, calmer,

more connected, and more aligned with the energy all around

you. This is the perfect time to use your tools, the meditations,

and practices you already know for growing inner resources and

connecting to your outer resources.


This Co-Creative Mandala, "Blossoming" from a photograph of

Camassia quamash, from the Nez Perz Indigenous Tribe means

"sweetness" (symbolizes consciousness), reminds us of

emerging inner and outer growth.


When we turn toward our vision for the months ahead, we set

our sights on blossoming and thriving. We discover what is

nourishing. This is the time for drawing experience from the past

(winter's Solitude and Vision) and potential from the future

(Spring's Blossoming) into the present moment. Listen to your

inner "yes".


Picture
Spiritual blossoming simply means blossoming in life in all dimensions - being happy, at ease with yourself and with everybody around you.
                                                             
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar        
Blossoming Sacred Practice


Intention:

The real power of the exercise is the intention you place behind

it. This is the time of blossoming. Start your day by setting the

intention that you are dedicating this time to self-care, to

remembering Wholeness by awakening to Unity.  What helps

you remember your purpose? Reading your vision statement?

Journal writing? Being in nature? This is a powerful time for

manifestation. Be gentle with yourself and the new life that's

blossoming, awakening to the light.


When you are ready, invite any subtle colleagues, allies, your

guides and helpers to join you in your sacred practice. Wait a

moment for that connection and alliance to form.



Choose what you need to create sacred space: Flowers, leaves

that represent spring, candles, incense, and music can help

guide your focus.


Before you begin the practice:


First, invest some time reflecting on Blossoming, the stirring

energy and its invitation to welcome your vision as it opens and

unfolds. You may choose to reflect on your vision statement.

How will you support manifesting your vision? How will you

nurture the mandala of your life? How will you practice self-care

and self-compassion?



Now,  the Vision practice:


1. Take a few deep breaths to ground and center. Take your

time here. Don’t rush. Take several deep breaths and use any

grounding technique that works for you.


If you choose you can imagine a root extending from the base of

your spine and growing deep into the Earth. Invest a few

minutes feeling the Earth energy traveling up your root, through

your body and all your chakras.


Imagine that energy bursting through your crown chakra and

extending far into the heavens. Feel the Source energy entering

your body through your crown chakra, filling and surrounding

you.


Sit in this energy for a few minutes, feel yourself connected to

Source.


2.  Allow your gaze to fall softly on the Blossoming mandala.

Be easy, don't force it. Allow the mandala to come to you. What

do you notice about the mandala? What draws your attention?

How does its energy feel in your body? Just notice and

wonder...I wonder what the Blossoming mandala wants me to

know? Feel its vibration. Allow the Blossoming vibration to flow

to and through your body, bringing you clarity.


3. Ponder for a moment:

    a. Where in your life are you right now?

    b. What have you tended and held close in the winter season

since solstice?

    c. What new shoots in your life are emerging now?


3. Be aware of the qualities of the winter just ending, with its

emphasis on Solitude and Vision. Breathe in these qualities in

your life, and celebrate the gifts of your winter.

    a. What gift of knowing do you welcome, widening the

balance of light at this time of the year?

    b. Breathe in the gifts of the coming spring season - rain and

warmth, increasing sun, and Blossoming.


4. Be aware of the Co-Creative Mandala vibration of

"Blossoming":

    a. What gifts of potential do you welcome into the balance of

light at this time of the year?



Invest a few minutes toward holding the Earth, others, and

yourself in the rhythms of expansion, creativity, and growth.


Now:


In honor of spring,  make a list of the many possibilities you

envision for the future. Take the list outside and bury it in the

earth (or in a planter box or pot), surrendering the fertile seeds

of your imagination to the nurturing soil. In tune with the season,

watch in wonder as the last of the snow dissolves into the rich

brown earth, and stark winter gives way to green possibility and

the beauty of Blossoming. Trust that, along with the Earth, you,

too, are Blossoming.


This spring, gift yourself with some precious time for

Blossoming.


I'm sending you love and gentle spring  blessings for the season

ahead. May this be a time of beautiful, expansive growth,

transformation, and Blossoming for you.

Picture

Are You Feeling Nudged to Awaken? What Will You Do With "Your One Wild and Precious life"?

3/20/2021

 
Spring has come back again. The Earth is like a child who knows poems by heart.
                                                                         Rainer Maria Rilke
The Spring Equinox is a cosmic event that marks the mid-point

between the Winter and Summer Solstices. It's a time when the

darkness of winter is in balance with the light of summer,

promising longer day-light hours to come as spring blossoms

and awakens new life. Ritually, it's a day to acknowledge the

constriction from which we are emerging and to welcome the

expansion of the light into which we are awakening. It's a

moment to acknowledge and celebrate our Wholeness and

awaken to the Oneness to which all beings are called in service

to the Web of Life.



The Spring Equinox is a time of  Awakening.  Spring represents

a new day.  Life is waking up in the warm sunlight & your spirit

may feel ready to make a fresh start. We're shifting from

Winter's inward-focused time of darkness & incubation – into an

external, outward-focused world of light, activity, and rebirth.



It's a time of transformation and transition, not unlike giving

birth. Spring nurtures you, helps you grow, and guides you on

your soul's path.
 

Can you feel the energy shifting? Can you feel the fresh,

invigorating, inspiring energy of Spring beginning to blow into

your life? The winds of change are blowing, and that can make

things feel a bit unsettled (internally and externally) at this time

and throughout the month.  I've noticed that with the weather

patterns here in northern Colorado and across the US. So far

this month, we've had days when the temperatures were close

to 70, followed by a 2-day blizzard that left nearly two feet of

snow, and then sunny warm days arrived again. I feel that

tumultuous energy inside, as well. From one day to the next,

sometimes moment to moment, my energy shifts; my mood

changes.


The changing seasons always stir up intense energy, but the

transition from Winter to Spring is particularly challenging. For

the most part, I have the sense that something new and

beautiful is emerging. But in the process, I often have a feeling

of being squeezed, as what is getting ready to shift comes into

the light of awareness. I have come to recognize that the

squeeze is a good sign that something new is rising...just like

plump seeds below the soil's surface sprouting new growth.

Picture
Maybe you're like me-- as much as I want to awaken, to

embrace new beginnings,  I also have a part that is fixed to what

I know. And that part is being challenged lately by the quantum

changes that are happening inside and all around each of us. I

feel excitement and more energy as Spring approaches--

pouring over seed and flower catalogs, dreaming about what the

garden will look like, shifting my focus from "cacooning" to

spreading my wings. And, as spring gets underway, my energy

will shift from dreaming to doing. I'm feeling moved and

energized by the possibilities for a fresh start and clarity during

spring and beyond. Not everyone feels that way.


Sometimes, I don't feel that way either. In conversations with

clients who report that this time is difficult for them, almost too

intense, I realize they're looking for ways to ease their journey

into the new season--internally and externally. This is the time to

hold space for that, too. One of our spiritual tasks during this

time is finding ways to balance this "topsy-turvy" energy and

return to or reinforce a sense of equilibrium to the places in life

that are currently feeling out of balance.



Awakening can be messy. Awakening can be chaotic,

sometimes moving forward, sometimes circling back. It's not

linear. It's like an upward, expanding spiral.  Awakening is

something that the we are, a way of being– not something that

we do. Moving to a higher frequency is not all smooth sailing.

We are all acclimating to a new way of being and this may take

some time and the process needs support. Through our daily

self-care practices and rituals, we co-create meaning for

ourselves, we open to new beginnings, to transformation. 

Awakening occurs when we make deep connections with

nature, with Oneness, and our deep down, inner self--our

Wholeness.


This is a potent time to focus on what you want your Awakening

to look like. The seasonal energy is always pushing us to grow.

It's always providing  us with the supportive, nurturing energy

necessary to transform our life.



This is the time to live in alignment with this energy, and to grow

and experience a deeper more meaningful and purposeful life.



Overall, Spring is a joyful time. Everything is coming alive.


Nature is waking up & being reborn.


The same thing is happening within you. Your spirit is coming

alive with hopeful, excited energy. Parts of you are being reborn

& coming alive in ways they never have before. You have the

power & potential to grow into WHATEVER YOU WANT this

year! Especially if you put some really focused attention and

intention into what you want that to be.


The beautiful & empowering thing about Spring is:



Just like in the outer world of gardening, this is when you get to

plant new seeds for your life & set spring intentions, when you

begin to bloom & flower in the outside world, after months of

being inwardly-focused & tucked away inside your house.

(Literally AND figuratively.) This time of year your spirit is bright

& coming alive with new ideas; hopefully you’re feeling inspired

& excited to try new things.


Your work this season is to take care of yourself, clear any

energetic blocks to Awakening, and align your energy with the

seasonal energy. These steps will help you determine which of

your winter dreams you want to focus spring’s powerful growth

energy on. Spring Equinox is the beginning; the Awakening will

continue throughout the spring season.


Spring and summer bring powerful growth energy. If you’re not

clear about where to focus that energy, it may feel chaotic and

overwhelming. Your energy gets pulled in many different

directions and could leave you feeling burned out. When you’re

really clear, calm, and relaxed about where you want to see

growth, you have the power to transform your life.


Here are three simple, powerful steps (a fourth one, an

Awakening Exercise, can be found below) for supporting your

Spring journey toward Awakening:



1. Self-care: One of the easiest ways to incorporate self-care

when you feel the intensity of the seasonal energy (or any time

you feel pulled from your center) is through connecting with your

breathing.


“Whenever your mind becomes scattered, use your breath as a 

means to take hold of your mind again.” Thich Nhat Hanh 


Try this breathing meditation every morning for the next week

(and beyond, if you choose) and anytime you want to regain

your balance:


5-Minute Breathing Meditation*:


    I. Before you begin this meditation, think of an area of your

life that feels out of balance.

  
   II. Set an intention to breathe love and gratitude into this area

of your life.

  
  III. Set a “gentle” timer, i.e., a quiet ring tone on your phone, for

5 minutes.

    
  IV. Take slow, deep breaths. As you breathe in, repeat to

yourself: “Breathe in gratitude”. “Breathe out love”. Do this for

three breaths.


  V. Then switch and repeat to yourself: “Breathe in love”.

“Breathe out gratitude.” Do this for three breaths.


 VI. Continue breathing easily and deeply for the remainder of

the 5-minutes.




2. Clearing energetic blocks: In order to move forward, it’s

necessary to take clear, inspired actions.  These clear and

inspired actions are sometimes hidden by old conflicts,

beliefs, and energetic patterns that need to be cleared

(remember: Awakening is Messy). You won’t be able to take

inspired actions and create the life you want to live without

clarity.
 

I love clarity; it’s the start of everything.


That's why I love  EFT/Tapping  so much. I know I mention this

technique often in my blogs: Because it works for clearing

limiting beliefs and inner conflicts that keep us stuck! I've seen

amazing results for myself and my clients since I found

EFT/Tapping. Of course it's taken dedication to doing the work

and lots of introspection and tapping, but since I started

incorporating EFT/ Tapping, along with meditation and other

tools, the transformation in my life and the lives of my clients

astounds me.



Check out Carol Look's coaching program: Clarity in Action.


Carol is an EFT/Tapping Master who has decades of experience

helping clients show up for themselves by teaching them to

clear behaviors and fears that get in the way of clarity.

Picture
3.  Aligning your energy:  I've co-created a spring equinox Co-

Creative Mandalas Oracle Card spread & journal prompts to

help you connect with your own inner wisdom,  gain insight into

your deeper thoughts & feelings, and align your energy with the

seasonal energy. The mandalas, messages, and affirmations

support your understanding of where to direct your energy so

you get the most impact of spring's powerful growth energy.

Spring Equinox 2021 Oracle Card Reading
File Size: 423 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Your power to grow & evolve, to Awaken and realize your winter

dreams–is reborn in spring. This is a time of pure potential.

Anything is possible in your life right now. This Co-Creative

Mandala, "Awakening", from photographs of daffodils
(symbols

of rebirth and hope, new life and resilience, positivity and joy

and an appreciation for being alive)
  reminds us to be open to

possibilities, to be curious, to discover what is easy, playful, and

unexpected. Your work right now is to connect deeply with your

dreams. What do you want to nurture & bring to life this season?

When you are really clear about what you want to bring to life,

you have the power to channel the potent energy of spring &

create whatever you want in your life.

Picture
Everything and everyone has in themselves a hidden wholeness, a potential for growth, a dream of themselves.
                                                                            Dr. Rachel Ramen
Awakening Exercise:

In this simple, yet powerful exercise, I invite you to celebrate

Awakening and feel supported by your inner and outer

resources.  Honor this powerful time of rebirth, new beginnings,

and possibilities.


Intention:


This is a special opportunity to reflect on the powerful energy,

within you and as it's reflected in nature. The Equinoxes are a

time of the perfect balance of light and darkness on Earth. And

this powerful energy brings balance into any parts of your life &

your spirit that are feeling a bit turned upside down.



Give yourself plenty of time without interruptions to dive

deeply into this exercise. Meditate, journal, create and bless   

your sacred space.


Make this exercise your own. Invest your time and attention.


Don’t rush.
 

As you sit quietly in your space, light a candle that welcomes

'Awakening'. 



In a moment, when you are done reading through the

instructions, write everything that the Co-Creative

Mandala-'Awakening' makes you think of. Write how you feel

when you look at it. Write about what the associated chakras

represent (sacral, solar plexus, heart, and crown) and how that

might be applicable to your journey toward Oneness this year.



Close your eyes. Bring your awareness to your breath; just be

with your breath. Take a deep breath in. Breathe out. Take

another deep breath in. Breathe out. Notice the sensations as

you exhale—without judgement.  Feel the body breathing. Bring

your body into stillness.


Open your eyes and bring your attention to the 'Awakening'

mandala; allow the mandala energy to fill your heart; be with

whatever is there.


Invest a few minutes toward allowing the 'Awakening' energy to

flow to and through your body.  Imagine that energy bursting

through your crown chakra and extending far into the heavens.


Imagine the 'Awakening' energy flowing through you and down

deep into the earth. Imagine it radiating from your heart and

extending out in front of you and behind you. Imagine the

'Awakening' energy is a radiant ball that encircles you.


Now, sit with this energy for a few minutes.

 
What about the 'Awakening' mandala captures your attention?


Notice and Wonder--Something in me is feeling...


I wonder what it wants me to know?
 

Relax into your body and its quietness. Be with the energy, be

present, listen.



Here's the ritual:


1. Begin by reflecting on the following questions:

Take out a piece of paper and answer these questions:


    What new plans & ideas did you dream about over winter?

    What new inspirations do you feel alive with?

    What do you want to start this spring?

    What great things do you want to achieve?




2. Read what you've written:

Read out loud what you wrote in response to the questions

above.




3. Ask for support:

In whatever words come to you, ask for support from the

Universe/God/Goddess/Guides–whatever Higher Power calls to

you in this moment.


Ask the spring energy to infuse your dreams with life.




 4. Give thanks:

Thank whatever Higher Power you call on, for bringing your

dreams to life. Say thanks as though your dream has already

come true. (Because it HAS, you’re simply calling it into your

life.)


Don’t worry about getting the words perfect, or saying the exact

right thing. Just say whatever comes to your mind & your heart.

It’s okay if it feels awkward & clunky. (Remember: Awakening is

messy and takes practice!)


5.
Reread your words often:

As often as possible, read your words during the first days of

spring.  Then, release your dreams to the Universe, your higher

power, and trust that vision is  being drawn into your life.


Continue to do this practice as often as you are called to during

the spring months.


May you trust your unfolding journey.
May you feel supported.
May you allow you purpose to unfold.
May the portal of your heart open.
May you Awaken to Oneness.

I'm wishing you a smooth transition from winter to spring.


Peace and joy to your awakening heart!

Picture
*Adapted from a meditation practice by Starlight Meditation (www.starlight-meditation.com)

Finding Stillness in the Storm

3/21/2020

 
The Vernal Equinox finally arrived on the 19th—earlier than it’s

been in over a century ! I love this time of year, when light and

darkness are in balance before the light grows stronger. This is

the time to celebrate new opportunities, a time when all inner

and outer resources are brought into harmony; a time of new life

and rebirth, as well as the end of winter. Can you feel the

energy shifting? Can you feel the fresh, invigorating, inspiring

energy of Spring blowing into your life? This season represents

a time of powerful cleansing and transformation.


Maybe you don't feel it YET...but you will. That's the promise of

Spring!


In typical fashion, a day after it was hot enough to wear shorts,

the first day of Spring where I am in Colorado brought a blizzard

with wet, heavy snow, weighing down tree branches and

covering the landscape.  This unpredictable season can be

challenging.  The winds of inner and outer change are blowing,

(I've noticed lots of blustery days recently) and that can make

things feel a bit topsy-turvy.   You may even feel a little

restlessness with all of this new energy.  Don't be surprised if

this is a bit of a wild ride.   “All great change is preceded by

chaos”
   Deepak Chopra As the earth turns away from

darkness, the shift from Winter to Spring is preparing us to

radiate more light.


Even if you’ve been feeling SO READY to leave Winter behind

and for Spring to arrive (I know that's how I’ve been feeling), it’s

important to remember that we’re letting go of the past and

opening to new life. The Vernal Equinox is a time of balance

between Yin energy--Winter's inward-focused darkness &

incubation – and Yang energy--Spring's external, outward-

focused world of light, activity, and rebirth. As the daylight hours

lengthen, we still need restful, nurturing energy. There is huge

growth & transformation coming in the days, weeks, and months

ahead. In order to embrace the changes, you need more rest!

There may be a silver lining to this period of physical distancing

and "cacooning" (reframing "isolating"): It gives us the gift of

time. So ... consider this your permission slip for giving yourself

time to rest, even when you're pulled toward activity. Give space

to the quiet voice asking for gentleness, for radical self-care, an

act of loving yourself that contributes to manifesting your

preferred future.


Picture
In my back yard, the Tete’ a

Tete’ daffodils are showing off

their bright, yellow blossoms. 

Just like the new growth we

see around us, the dreams

we envisioned earlier this

year are emerging.  It's a very

intense time of transition, not

unlike giving birth.  There is

powerful seasonal energy in

the air that brings all your Winter dreams to life. This is the time

for aligning yourself with the changes that are coming, for

revisiting your Vision 2020, and for committing to bringing

yourself into deeper contact with your own magic. What you

envisioned for yourself a couple of months ago may not be your

vision now. Has your Vision changed since January? What do

you want to be born into your life this Spring? This year? How

do you want to feel today? This month? This year?


This is a powerful time for co-creating our individual and

collective future. How we align our energy right now, especially

as conscious, aware, intentional people, really matters. Where

we focus our attention and intention will impact the whole, and

add to the collective love, hope, kindness, and compassion. It

takes an immense amount of courage to let go of the past we’ve

cherished and open to an uncertain, new future. I believe there

is something new arising from this time of unpredictability and

uncertainty. I see a willingness to move together and be

available to what is needed. I have great hope for what will

evolve out of this global situation, out of this season of change,

tumult, and rebirth.  You are called to trust that life is working for

you, for all Beings. When you feel overwhelmed or pressured,

remember that going inward is a wonderful way to regenerate

yourself. Connect to your authentic self and ask yourself what

you need to let go of in order to become more calm and

balanced so that you grace-fully weather the changes.



How do we find stillness and peace when "life happens", when

people and events pull us out of our center?  Rebecca Abraxas


offers three easy, powerful ways keep peace alive.


This Co-Creative Mandala—“Anticipation” reminds us that we

are preparing to radiate more light and we have the power to

make a difference.  I like the energy of “Anticipation” because it

encompasses both our imagination and action.


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Like the transition from winter to spring

Let go and embrace new beginnings.

Allow the transformation that

Harmonizes mind, body, and spirit.

Align your intentions with the

Expanding energy

That brings your Vision to life.


Anticipation Exercise:

In this simple, yet powerful exercise, I invite you to celebrate

harmonizing mind, body, spirit in anticipation of shifting from

constriction to expansion. Our thoughts, words, and actions

change the world. When we embrace the unfolding and trust the

process, we remember that we are being supported.  Life is

always moving toward expansion.


Give yourself plenty of time without interruptions to dive deeply

into this exercise. Meditate, journal, create and bless your

sacred space.


Make this exercise your own. Invest your time and attention.


Don’t rush.


As you sit quietly in your space, light a candle that welcomes

“Anticipation”.


Close your eyes. Bring your awareness to your breath; just be

with your breath. Take a deep breath in. Breathe out. Take

another deep breath in. Breathe out. Notice the sensations as

you exhale—without judgement.  Feel the body breathing. Bring

your body into stillness.


Open your eyes and bring your attention to the mandala; allow

the mandala energy to fill your heart; be with whatever is there.

Invest a few minutes toward allowing the “Anticipation”  energy

to flow to and through your body.  Imagine that energy bursting

through your crown chakra & extending far into the heavens.

Imagine the “Anticipation”  energy flowing through you and

down deep into the earth. Imagine it radiating from your heart

and extending out in front of you and behind you. Imagine the

“Anticipation” energy is a radiant ball that encircles you. Now, sit

with this energy for a few minutes.


What about the mandala captures your attention?


Notice and Wonder--Something in me is feeling...


I wonder what it wants me to know?


Relax into your body and its quietness. Be with the energy, be

present, listen.


Scan your life, think about a situation that you're feeling

constricted (rather than expansive) about.


Now, ask yourself:


  1. "What do I need right now?"
  2. "Who do I want to be, my best version of myself, in this situation?"
  3. "How do I demonstrate that?"
  4. "What if everything is already okay?"

Allow yourself to hang out in this powerful inquiry and see what

shows up.  No need to rush. 


After you've reminded yourself that life is moving toward

expansion,


Ask yourself

  1. "How can I serve?"

Listen to the answers you receive and act on them from a place

of love and compassion. 


Repeat this exercise as often as you like.


Is it difficult to find your Wholeness—the Stillness in the

Storm, in the midst of all the uncertainty  that comes with the

current global crisis?  One energy modality that I've found to be

gentle and effective for when I’m triggered or stressed is

EFT/Tapping. By tapping on meridian acupoints, EFT/Tapping

sends a signal to your energy system to let it know you're safe.

It's a very effective technique for clearing the energy system of

of the disruptions that happened from past experiences or

from worry about the future. When we feel safe, we can see our

our human experience through a compassionate and optimistic

lens.


I offer 30-minute complimentary EFT/Tapping Sessions by

phone. I'm here to support you on your journey.



I hope you enjoy all the new beginnings as the Great Mandala

turns toward Spring!!


Sending you the blessings of love, light, and stillness,


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Spring's Eternal Optimism

3/20/2019

 
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
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    Author

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