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Happy Summer Solstice: Shining Light on Our Shadows

6/20/2020

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There's a crack, a crack in everything--
that's how the light gets in.
                                                      Leonard Cohen

The Summer Solstice invites you to shine your brightest right

now. To stand your tallest. Everything in nature is stretching &

growing & preparing to bear fruit.  And so are you! How can you

use this incredible influx of energy? Where do you want to direct

this extra fire? How can you connect with this powerful time to

expand & co-create transformation in your life?  How can you

use this energy to bring more light to the world? This is a really

important, meaningful time. And the most important thing you

can do is to trust you're being guided. Trust in the forces that

encourage ALL living things to grow & blossom & bear fruit. The

natural forces that are pushing the plants in the garden to

produce their vegetables and flowers are pushing you, too –

encouraging you to blossom, directing you toward living your

purpose.


There are ancient beliefs that say the Summer Solstice opens

the portal between this world and the spiritual realm. Is that

true? Over the past few months, there have been times when

it's been hard to see an opening that lets the light in. We’ve

been on a roller coaster ride this year, and try as we might,

there have been times when it hasn’t all been fun, or peaceful,

or comforting.


With the Solstice opening the portal into the spiritual realm, we

can find our way back to balance, joy, gratitude, and yes, fun by

letting go and accepting what was, what is, and what will be.

The present moment is the only thing in our control, the only

thing that is certain. Surrendering isn't giving up; acceptance

isn't resignation. Being in the present is like laying in a field,

looking up at the blue summer sky and watching the clouds go

by. There's no resistance to the moment to moment

experience, there's no judgment about the clouds, there's only

observation, surrendering to what is, and accepting that

change happens. 


For the next few days, the cosmic "weather" will be electrifying!

So, what cosmic energies are at play now and how will they

create a shift? The day after the Solstice, June 21st, there will

be a strong solar eclipse--signifying change, PLUS the Cancer

New Moon--signifying new growth. Imagine for a moment that

with the Summer Solstice and these cosmic occurrences you

will actually find balance, joy, and new growth in your life.



Is this possible?


If so, what shifts are you likely to see, feel and experience in

your life?

Picture
It has been an intense 6

months, individually and

collectively. We've faced a

global pandemic – and

everything that has come

up around that. We've lived

life in quarantine. We've

experienced the entire

world shutting down around

us.


Perhaps you've faced illness, the death of someone close to

you, job and/or housing insecurity.


We are continuing to live through uncertainty, and a time that

calls for deep surrender  to the present. When we surrender, we

are "relinquishing our demand that the present be something

other than it actually is. We are fostering a willingness to be

present with what is". Surrendering to the present entails

surrendering to our current limitations, both internal and

external. I'm not saying this is easy. It takes practice.
 

And, we're also living through the dismantling of structures,

systems, and the unconscious biases that perpetuate a culture

of racism.

 
This is a HUGELY transformative time! No one can predict what

the future will look like. We may be afraid of the unknown. We

may feel hopeful and excited about new possibilities--

possibilities we have yet to imagine.



Even though the Summer Solstice and all the energetic

upheaval we're experiencing tugs at us to take action, to be co-

creative, to go out and play--this is also a powerful time for

going inward and connecting with yourself at a deeper level.

Reflecting on the inner and outer changes brings you into closer

connection with your own vulnerabilities and enables you to

view things from multiple perspectives, helping you on your path

toward well-being, remembering your wholeness and living a

purposeful life. The more I look inside my own being, the more I

notice the many ways my outer world is reflected within me. All

the conflicts, pain, and suffering--the shadows--in the world

today exist within. This realization can be uncomfortable; it can

be empowering.



One key to moving forward with confidence and grace is

gathering the tools and the aid you need to get the most out of

your journey. What’s giving you guidance in THIS

moment?  I've noticed that each time I respond to a call in my

life, things start to happen — things that help me, things that

stand in my way, often a mix of both, show up.


In this article, Positive Psychology coach Homaira Kabir offers

three simple ways
to connect with the present moment--when

we're longing for the "good old days" when the world felt

"normal".



It's the longest day of the year. Right now the Sun is at the

height of its power. And so are you. The Summer Solstice is the

perfect time to shine your brightest .


We're only half way through the Great Round & it's already been

a full, intense, wild ride. The Summer Solstice is a powerful time

to PAUSE. 
 

Pause for a moment & acknowledge how you've already grown

& evolved this year. Pause for a moment & allow yourself to feel

proud of yourself.
 

Feel proud of all you've accomplished so far this year. Even if it

feels like all you've accomplished is simply surviving.
 

Surviving is absolutely worth celebrating!


I really encourage you to set some time aside this weekend &

touch in with this powerful seasonal time. (You'll find a

mediation/journaling exercise below.) The most important thing

you can do is to go outside. Breathe in the new energy of

Summer.Take a walk. Watch the clouds drift by. Play in your

garden or someone else's garden. Gardens are filled with hope,

healing, learning and inspiration. They are a place to connect

with the beauty of nature – all things we need now more than

ever.



This Co-Creative Mandala, "De-Light-Filled" was co-created

from a photograph of marigold and a painted lady butterfly.

Marigold is also called "herb of the sun" and symbolizes new

beginnings, passion and creativity. The butterfly symbolizes

massive transformation.


Picture
The sun is at its peak.

Let the Summer Solstice

inspire you to

shine your brightest

be your boldest

and

radiate and expand

your inner light.


De-Light-Filled Exercise:


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

Summer Solstice  and  connect with the power of light that

nurtures you.


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

“De-Light-Filled”.


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 “De-Light-Filled” 

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

bursting through your crown chakra & extending far into the

heavens.


Imagine the “De-Light-Filled” 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 “De-Light-Filled” 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.


By asking ourselves questions related to what’s happening

seasonally, we can connect with the powerful & unique energy

present in that season and infuse our lives with insight,

inspiration, sacred strength and wisdom.



Now, ask yourself:


  1. What's changed in my life since the Winter Solstice?
  2. What challenges have I faced? What did I learn by going through them?
  3. What do I feel really proud of from the past 6 months? What accomplishments do I want to celebrate?

Do you spend time beating yourself up for the things you don’t

get done?. Take a moment to acknowledge how much you do

accomplish. It’s a lot. You work hard. Pause here and give

yourself a genuine pat on the back. Life is hard. And you do

your best. Which is spectacular. Be nice to yourself. Say thanks.




There’s a lot happening in the world right now that deserves our

attention, but in moments like this, it’s even more important to

reserve some time for slowing down, unwinding, and caring for

yourself.



Peace and joy to your seeking heart,                  

Picture
0 Comments

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

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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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