Co-Creative Mentoring LLC Sheryl Harrell, MAA.B.S., EFT Cert.
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What's This Water Thing I Keep Hearing About?

6/30/2022

 
Everything good, everything magical, happens between the months of June and August. 
                                                                           
Jenny Han
Welcome back to our Co-Creative Mandalas blog!
 
Each month, we share insights, inspiration, and all the ways the

cycles of the Great Mandala uplift you and support your journey

toward Unity.

This month's theme is Oneness.


As the seasons change, so do our lives…


Since the winter solstice,  Earth slowly tilted back toward the

Sun. On June 21st it reached its peak. We're nearly halfway

through the cycle of the Great Mandala and on the heels of

summer solstice.  


From ancient times, the coming of summer's light and warmth

has been a time of happiness and celebration. This is the time

to contemplate all that's happened to us individually and

collectively since the winter solstice.


As we move through this summer season, it's the perfect time to

stretch yourself, move your body, and grow towards a lighter,

more conscious self. It's a great time to get outdoors, into your

garden, to feel the earth under your feet, to simply stand in the

sunshine and feel the warmth of the Sun on your skin.


All in all the mid-way point of the cycle of the Great Mandala

along with the energy that comes with the summer season

infuses us with not only hope but possibility, potential, the

mystical, and magical.


Summer is symbolic of personal growth. It is a wonderful time to

nurture your potential as you would nurture a tiny seedling and

let your creative energy express itself.  It's also a good time to

consider the bigger picture of your life, your spiritual path,  and

the direction you want to stretch and grow into as you

energetically release darkness and embrace the light.


Right now, everything in nature is growing rapidly, opening up

and soaking in as much of the Sun's energy as possible. Our

gardens are beginning to produce in abundance. And the

seasonal energy is encouraging each of us to do the same.


Sometimes it's not easy, and you may have had challenging

times (or been impacted by collective changes and challenges)

over the past few months.


Yet here you are still here, showing up and reading a blog

like this - which means you have hope and a strong desire to

co-create and experience a better way, a better life and a better

world. Thank you.


I wonder what will blossom for you during the summer season?

Picture
Flowers always make people better, happier, and more hopeful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul.
                                                                        Luther Burbank
The summer season also highlights the importance of inclusion

and welcoming everyone's light. I believe it's essential (and

sometimes challenging) to remember and honor each other's

unique path.  


Sometimes I look at the actions of others and find it difficult to

understand what motivates them. I try to lean into the belief that

we're all doing the best we can with the information we currently

have.


Paradoxically, it is only through recognizing and respecting each

other as separate, individual, autonomous human beings that

we can co-create deep and meaningful connections.


So our job is not to judge ourselves or others but to shift the

balance of light in the world by remembering our Wholeness,

and the Wholeness of all beings. And, letting go of the burden

that comes with feeling separate.


Just as in the joke where one fish asks another, “What’s this

water thing I keep hearing about?” we are immersed in Oneness

in every moment we live, often without being aware of it. And

because our senses tell us that we're separate from the other

people and objects around us, our complex brains have trouble

letting go of that perception,  even when we say we believe in

Oneness, we don’t realize the immense scope of all that

Oneness implies.

Whenever I touch a flower, I touch the sun and yet I don't get burned. When I touch the flower, I touch a cloud without flying to the sky. When I touch the flower, I touch my consciousness, your consciousness, and the great planet Earth at the same time. This miracle is possible because of insight into the nature of inter-being. If you really touch one flower deeply, you touch the whole cosmos. The cosmos is neither one nor many. When you touch one, you touch many, and when you touch many, you touch one...
                                                                       
Thich Nhat Hanh
                                                                 Cultivating the Mind of Love

We live in an intimately connected world.


In the late 1960s, the first photographs of Earth taken from

space had a powerful impact on humanity’s perception of the

world.

Picture
For many of us who saw those photographs when they were

first shown on television and then in magazines, it was the first

time in our lives that we’d ever felt a deeper connection to

everyone and everything on this beautiful blue planet we were

sharing.


In the decades since then, this realization has spread and

expanded, as more and more people have experienced

Oneness in various ways, and seen it for what it is— the very

essence of our being, individually and collectively.


Today, Oneness is expressed through many different streams,

religion, philosophy, indigenous traditions, art, and science…

commingling and converging.


Even in the midst of what appears to be the darkest of times, I

hold the belief that we--individually and collectively--are moving

toward bringing darkness to the light.  


This is the time to celebrate the "beauty of our diversity and the

unity of our existence", and to join hands to serve humanity’s

collective awakening.


The possibility of living life from the perspective of Oneness

represents a profound shift in humanity’s culture from one of

competition to one of co-creation, compassion, and caring.

Every thought we have and action we take becomes part of the collective energy of the planet.
                                                                          Anonymous

When we use our energy to bring light into the world, it

combines with the light brought by others to dispel the darkness.

Many groups are telling us that when the entire family of

humanity understands that each of our thoughts, choices, and

actions affect us all, we will share an incredible level of

consciousness -- one that puts Oneness above all else and

helps us evolve into the best version of ourselves.


This is a very powerful time to ask yourself: What's meaningful

to me? Where do I want to direct my energy? What work am I

meant to do in my life? And then just pay attention to what is

illuminated for you in the coming weeks--being a beautiful

expression of conscious living in your own way, and assisting in

co-creating a whole new way of living on the planet.


Can you imagine anything more inviting than doing what we

came here to do? Whatever that may be for each of us in our

unique manifestation?


This is the time to fulfill your purpose--remembering your

Wholeness--on Earth. The seasonal energy is supporting you,

providing you with the clarity you need.


Are you willing to open your spirit to the Sun's fiery energy, and

allow it to fuel your own rapid, abundant growth?


Are you willing to love your enemy?

     Are you walking the spiritual path or are you just along for the ride?    
                                      
Arlene Lawrence                                                                           The Love Project
Recently, I came across the You Tube video of Dr. Timothy

Shriver's commencement address at Georgetown University:
Dr. Shriver is the son of Sargent Shriver who founded the Peace

Corps. He has also been the Chairman of the Special Olympics

for many years. His inspiring, uplifting commencement address

invites us to "love your enemies". He says "I believe it is

the new requirement for citizenship" and reminds us "We can't

heal what we can't love".


He offers four simple daily reminders for transforming the heart

and that support bringing more love into the world:


1. Get out of your head...open to others...Practice everyday

something that opens your heart.


2. Get help...a sign of bravery not a sign of weakness. Make

your motto: Help. Seeking. Skills


3. Take a chance...don't give up on the human spirit.


4. Tell the story...of the surprising gifts you see in others. Post,

write, talk about "love your enemies".



We diminish ourselves and others when we underestimate the

power of love.

Love and belonging are irreducible needs of all women, men, and children. In the absence of love and belonging, there is always suffering. May you love and know that you are deeply lovable.
                                                                       Brene' Brown

I invite you to remember the next time you react to someone

else's actions that they are of the same Earth as you. They are

looking through a lens that's different from yours.  Find

compassion, bless them, and move along your day in grace.  


When you’re tired and scared, pause for a moment. Sit back a

little. Close your eyes, take a deep breath in through your nose,

belly expanding, and slowly release, breathing out through your

lips, belly contracting. Imagine you’re breathing in space; that

your out breath flows into the sky. Besides calming your vagus

nerve, this helps you remember who you really are – loving

awareness. Loving awareness values the innate worth and

dignity of everyone and our capacity for co-creative self-

expression, intimacy, and Oneness.


The Co-Creative Mandala below, "Oneness" is from

photographs of sunflower (symbolizes happiness), a dahlia

(symbolizes empowerment), and a rainbow (symbolizes

transformation) reminds us that remembering our Wholeness

can happen at any moment in life. The living web of sacredness

supports all beings. The summer season represents a time to

reflect on and appreciate the blessings we have received in

seasons past. And, honor our power to choose love, and look

toward transformation and new growth.  It's a time to honor and

experience Oneness within and with the world around you and

to let your inner brilliance shine forth at full strength. When we

are grounded in Oneness we are one step closer to

experiencing Unity.

Picture
The universe is a multidimensional matrix projection of your soul and each person you meet is a different version of you awakening from the illusion of separation.
                                                                           Alan Watts

Oneness Sacred Practice:


Intention:

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

it. Start your day by setting the intention that you are dedicating

this time to self-care, to remembering Oneness and

awakening to Unity.  This practice is a simple method of helping

you to honor Oneness.   So with practice, it can be used to

manage stress, promote feelings of well-being and be present,

without conscious effort. With practice, you'll discover that this

inner resource is available to you  for increasing periods of time.


Be gentle with yourself as you discover what nurtures and

sustains you.



Before you begin the practice:


Choose what you need to create sacred space: Flowers that

represent summer, candles that represent the fiery summer

energy, incense, and music can help guide your focus.


Invest time toward moving into stillness.


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.


Next, invest some time for reflecting on the Oneness mandala.

Let you gaze fall softly on the mandala. Use these prompts for

connecting your purpose to the energy of the mandala:


What message does it have for you? What expansive energy do

you want more of in your life?  You may choose to reflect on

your vision statement. How will honoring Oneness support

manifesting your vision?  How will you nurture the mandala of

your life? How will you practice self-care and self-compassion

by welcoming Oneness into your life? How will you bring more

light into the world?



Now, the Oneness practice:*


I Notice/I Am:


I ran across this practice from Diane Ragsdale who did an

exercise called "I notice / I am" led by two of her Indigenous

colleagues at Banff Centre. I think it is aligns nicely with the

summer energy and remembering Oneness:


1. Sit outside for 20-30 minutes and jot down what you notice--in

nature, all around you, people, animals, etc.. For instance, "I

notice the clear blue sky", "I notice the warmth of the sun." "I

notice a man walking".  Read what you've written aloud.
 

2. Then come indoors review your list and substitute "I am" for

"I notice". For instance "I am the clear, blue sky", "I am the

warmth of the sun", "I am a man walking".


3. Each statement becomes part of your Oneness poem. Read

your poem aloud.


This is an example of my Oneness poem: 


I am the chaotic wind blowing every which way.
I am green leaves attached to branches and limbs.
I am the warmth in the air signaling that summer has arrived.
I am bright green grass watered by the rain and warmed by the sun.
I am the tall thick maple tree that endures season after season.
I am the red-tailed hawk crying out, where's my food, where's my food.
I am the child laughing in delight for the joy of playing.
I am a man walking, toward a destination? or for pleasure?

*This is a great exercise to do with other people. Read your "I

notice" lists to each other. Create a poem that includes each

other's "I am" list. Read your collective poem aloud.


So during the summer season, let’s celebrate our individual and

collective Oneness.  Let’s celebrate the courage and

compassion of the collective, and the appreciation of

differences.  Whoever and wherever you are, may you be held

in tenderness, may you be safe and protected, may you be well

and at ease, may you be happy.


Wishing you much love, warmth, and light,

Picture

It's Time to Shine Your Brightest!

6/20/2021

 
Summer is shining, weather is sweet, makes you wanna move your dancing feet.
                                                                                 Bob Marley
The magnificence of Summer Solstice has arrived! Depending

on where you live--this year's Summer Solstice falls on June

20th or June 21st.


The Summer Solstice is the celebration of the sun, the longest

day of the year, and the first day of summer!


Right now the sun is at the height of its power.


And so are you!!


We hope you are enjoying being a bit less restrictive and

moving your dancing feet, by seeing family and friends, feeling

more comfortable traveling, dining out or getting back to your

pre-COVID activities. All in all, it just feels better, doesn't it?


Can you find some time to be outside today or tomorrow?

Sit outside for lunch? A walk after dinner? A glass of wine

outside this evening? Or, just PAUSE for a moment outside, as

you come and go today.


Take a moment & soak in today's powerful fire energy.


Ever since the Winter Solstice, the daylight hours have been

growing; at Summer Solstice the daylight is 5 hours and 49

minutes longer than the Winter Solstice. Every day, our side of

the Earth has been tilting on its axis back toward the sun. On

the Summer Solstice, the sun has reached its peak.


Picture
The natural forces that are driving the plants in your garden to

grow their lush flowers & vegetables are also present in your

life. They're fueling you, supporting & encouraging you, to grow

your own precious fruit, to realize the dreams you envisioned for

this year.


The arrival of summer coincides with the perfect time to expand

your awareness and your inner fire because we're moving away

from a difficult, constricted, contracted year.  When awareness

contracts, we feel less optimistic and see fewer opportunities.

Expanded awareness is open to new possibilities and flowing

toward realizing your full potential--remembering your

Wholeness.


We are ½ way through the year. The Solstice finds us bringing

things all the way through to completion and setting the stage

for the next cycle of change. So, as we complete the first half of

the Great Mandala cycle, what might you do to bring yourself all

the way through the cycle with a sense of clarity, fulfillment, and

alignment with the intentions you set in January? What happens

if you take yourself back in your awareness to the beginning of

the cycle at Winter Solstice, in the dark and deep of Silence?

What did you think you would have done by now? What might

you have envisioned for yourself then?  What plans are still on

hold? What is taking up space that needs to move? That needs

to go? As you enter summertime, ask yourself, what are am I

ready to release?


A question that has been on my mind a lot lately is, "How do I

expand my awareness, my inner fire, my light, so that I'm

realizing my vision and remembering my Wholeness as a travel

along the path toward Oneness? How can I use this incredible

influx of energy right now? Where do I want to direct the sun's

powerful fire?



This is a great time to listen to your intuition and then proceed

with the intention of manifesting your vision for this year. Make

the most of this opportunity to co-create wholeness in body,

mind and spirit! You have the power within you to do this.


In previous posts this year, we explored expanding awareness

and remembering Wholeness on the Pathway to Oneness,  in

Silence, Reflection, Awakening, Courage, and Exploration. Each

month up to this point has led to the question:


What lights you up?  What brings a smile to your face, expands

your awareness, makes you lean forward and ready to go, and

ignites your inner fire so that you shine your brightest?


What do you really need to do in order to experience a sense of

fulfillment, but more importantly: Who do you choose to be for

yourself and with yourself so that you:  



    >Feel joy as you focus on creating a healthy, happy,

      and whole life.


    >Feel empowered as you move into summer. Feel lit up

      about your life.


    >Feel strong, and fiercely rooted in your life as you move

      toward Oneness in the second half of the year.


    >Feel confident in yourself & the power of your inner fire

      so that you can shine your brightest.

Picture
And one day she discovered that she was fierce,
and strong, and full of fire,
and that not even she could hold herself back
because her passion burned
brighter than her fears.

                                                                              Mark Anthony


Living a "lit life"


According to Micah Blacklight, the “lighting up” can come from

within or without. Internally, we may get sparked by a thought,

feeling, memory or energy state. Externally, we might connect

with a person, place, event or thing--including the natural world.


Expressing yourself joyfully, creatively, lovingly, with care and

kindness can also light you up. Whatever you most value in

yourself,  your connection to Oneness, is the source of

expanding your inner light. Give yourself permission to shine

your brightest, to be more expressive while the fiery energy of

summer is at its peak.


These are a few examples of a "lit life":


1. Finding projects, feelings, and activities that give you

energy and enthusiasm and gets you moving, ready to go

each day.


2. Feeling inspired to follow your heart so that you go in the

direction you most want to go while becoming the person

you want to be.


3. Hearing the music of your soul's passion and calling that

infuses life with wonder, magic, light and creativity.


4. Staying aware and present in the moment and giving

attention to what matters to you.



This is the perfect time to live your lit life. Give yourself

permission to be more expansive; let your ideas flow more

freely; let you light shine.


The Paradox of Fiery Energy and Being Gentle

You can’t rip the skin off a snake.
When it’s time, the snake sheds its skin.

                                                                           Baba Hari Dass
Now, here's the paradox: This Solstice is unique. We're just

emerging from a months long "cacooning". I think that if we try

to push ourselves into high gear right now, and it doesn't feel

congruent with how we feel, all of the insights, wisdom, and

energy shifts we experienced during the many, many months of

lock-down may be lost. This is clearly a time to go gently, as we

go through this "birthing", out into the world of deeper

connection and interaction with each other, into more complex

interconnectedness, and moving toward Oneness.


I've found that force almost always brings a backlash.


So how can we stay present to what is most deeply true in us,

experience the fiery energy of summer, and at the same time,

go gently?


Whenever the seasons change, particularly at the soltices,  it’s

like riding a giant wave of creative power. I’m filled with

inspiration, energy and excitement.


Then...whoosh...the energy changes.


Over the years I learned that each season is very much like a

birth and it’s essential for my emotional well-being that I create a

little time to allow the gems of wisdom to integrate around my

experience. And it’s only when I don’t give myself time to

integrate that I start to feel off.


I've noticed that it’s common for creative visionaries to be

constantly looking out toward the next horizon. It’s also very

common for healers and sensitive types to be tending to others

without giving yourself the time you need to listen deeply to your

inner voice.


When you're on a creative, spiritual journey, you’re always going

to be stretching into new creative territory...AND it’s important to

mine the wisdom and lessons of each experience.


Life seems to be flowing so fast these days. Wherever you are

today offer yourself a moment to sit quietly, acknowledge any

pains or hurts present at this time, the constriction you might be

feeling, and bathe your cells and your entire being in light to

ignite your season ahead.


Give yourself the gift of time.


Stay sensitive to that part of yourself that may not be ready to

keep up with the rush toward change that comes with Summer

Solstice energy.


Give yourself space to feel, understand and articulate what

you’ve just been through in the past few months and what

you've accomplished. Journal, meditate, rest, practice the

20-5-3 rule for reducing stress, and feeling healthier and

happier.


When you're ready, invest the time and intention to integrate the

Summer Solstice fiery energy:



1. Express gratitude for your inner fire, that part of

yourself that is fierce and powerful. What has it helped you

co-create and manifest during the first half of this year's

cycle?


2. The sun is at its peak. What have accomplished

recently that you're proud of?


3. Summer Solstice includes completion, letting go.

What has come to completion in your life?  Honor yourself

and what has been healed or transformed in you.




Co-Creative Mandala Oracle Reading


I've co-created a Summer Solstice Co-Creative Mandalas

Oracle Card spread to help you connect with your inner light, 

gain insight into your deeper thoughts & feelings, and gently

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 from summer's powerful, fiery energy.



Picture
Throat Chakra:

Self Expression


Use your power to fiercely and

fully express yourself. Now is

the time to stand up for yourself

and shine brightly.


Affirmation:

I trust myself and honor my

inner voice. I am free to lovingly

express myself in all ways and

let my light shine.


Picture
Wisdom

This is the time for sharing your

wisdom. You have so much love to

give. Take a leap of faith and have

the courage to fulfill your destiny

for bringing blessings to you and

to the world.


Affirmation:

I am open to Wisdom. I feel deep

joy and peace about myself and

my life. I am open to living my life

purpose.


Picture
Abundance

You have planted the seeds

of abundance and now the

universe is blessing you.

Open your heart, open your

arms, open your mind. You

are about to receive.


Affirmation:

Abundance blooms all around

me and radiates through me. I

see blessings everywhere

and in everything.


Contact me if you'd like to receive a PDF of the reading and

journal prompts.



Your power to shine brightly, to radiate your inner fire comes to

life beginning with Summer Solstice. This is a time to lift and

expand energy levels.  This Co-Creative Mandala, "Expansion",

from photographs of sunflower (symbol of lifting energy)  and

gailardia (symbol of joy) remind us to remember how wonderful

it feels to be happy, to be open to joy. Your work right now is to

welcome and appreciate your radiant light and remember you're

shining as brightly as the sun. Welcome this expansive season

of abundance and creativity.

Picture
Whatever you decide to do, make sure it
makes you happy.

                                                                                 Paulo Coelho

Expansion (What Lights You Up) Exercise:


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

"Expansion" and feel supported by your inner and outer

resources.  Honor this powerful time of completion and

preparation for the next cycle.


Intention:



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

within you and as it's reflected in nature.
It may be easy to

connect and get lit up— or it may be difficult getting started. 

Maybe you are in a tough place, dealing with stress, loss, or

lack of meaning.
Or, you might already feel lit up. You still can

use this exercise to be calm and alert, focusing on what you

desire and in the moment.  As you discover or reflect on what

lights up your life, you will see more "Expansion" in your life.




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

"Expansion" energy.



In a moment, when you are done reading through the

instructions, write everything that the Co-Creative

Mandala-"Expansion" makes you think of. Write how you feel

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

represent (root, sacral, solar plexus, heart, throat, 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 "Expansion"

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

whatever is there.


Invest a few minutes toward allowing the "Expansion" energy to

flow to and through your body.  Imagine that energy bursting

through your crown chakra and extending far into the heavens.


Imagine the "Expansion" 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

"Expansion" energy is a radiant ball that encircles you.


Now, sit with this energy for a few minutes.

 
What about the "Expansion" 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 exercise:


Enjoy this exploration as you think about whatever expands

your heart and feels joyful for you. You likely have already been

thinking of your dreams and vision for this year.  Finding and

expanding ways to embody a space that lights you up serves

yourself and others.


Thinking about what dreams you want to realize in the coming

weeks, what lights you up?
Whatever your dreams are—and

whether they’re big or small—take this one step toward bringing

them to life.



The phrase “what lights you up” contains so many wonderful

elements. Let’s explore your treasures and use them to create

an extraordinarily fulfilling life.


Get our your journal or pen and paper and write a list of

everything that lights you up--that energizes you and gets you

out of bed every morning; that brings a smile to your face, that

makes you feel happy. 


Here are some examples to get you started:


     >Being with people you like and love

     >Learning (reading, media, podcasts, researching)

     >Traveling

     >Being creative (artwork, music, writing, filming, teaching

       classes)

     >Hobbies

     >Spiritual inner work; meditation, mindfulness, retreats,

       nature walks

 
Use your list as a reference going forward.


Just like the Earth's powerful sun, we each have our own inner

fire that nourishes our visions and dreams. Without it, just like in

nature without the sun, our dreams will die.


Summer's sun reminds us to celebrate our inner fire and to let

our light shine brightly.


By honoring your light, your world lights up.Your lit-up energy

can boost and supercharge your life. It gives you energy,

inspiration, purpose and focus.



Wishing you a lit life and happy, dancing feet!
Picture

Happy Summer Solstice: Shining Light on Our Shadows

6/20/2020

 
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

Light Your Inner Fire

6/21/2019

 
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

    Picture

    Author

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

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