The Glowing Hive Health and Healing from Waterloo Region’s Holistic Community:
“Sedona of the North”
Issue 4: October 2012
Where “Sedona of the North” came from (introduction to the first issue of The Glowing Hive: Winter 2011)
Welcome to the very first issue of the e-magazine dedicated to providing information on all aspects of holistic wellness, coming to you from the Waterloo Region. Issued quarterly, The Glowing Hive will offer articles on different aspects of health and healing, including physical health, emotional balance, mental clarity, business success, energy clearing, reviews and creative inspiration. As The Glowing Hive is a complimentary publication, there will be no paid advertising, although we are happy to support our contributors in the wonderful work they do in their own holistic practices and businesses.
This little project was born out of a realization that there are so very many of us in this Region who are doing such wonderful and healing work in a great variety of modalities. I have long been amazed by the energy of this region. As one who moved here about 10 years ago, I was sensitive to what makes this particular area so unique and special.
Local history shows that Kitchener itself was originally established in 1798 as a settlement for German Mennonites seeking freedom from religious persecution, becoming the Town of Berlin in 1854. It has long had an association of being a company town with businesses such as Schneiders, Arrow Shirts, Kaufman Footwear and Krug Furniture having long, long histories in the city, many dating back to some of the first families to settle here.
Perhaps it is the energy behind what brought the settlement into being. Perhaps it is the many familyowned businesses. Perhaps there is some other, yet-unknown cause. Regardless, I have always found Kitchener to be firmly rooted in a commitment to community. From the personal gathering of friends to the neighbourhood associations to the offering of so many opportunities to gather (usually in Victoria Park) to celebrate some event or another. I have lived in many places, from small towns to huge urban centres, both in Canada and the U.S. I have never experienced the kind of drawing together that happens in Kitchener. It is wonderful.
When you look at the “flavours” of this region, it is a pretty remarkable place in which we live. Waterloo, with its cutting edge technological research and future vision-building, is known as “Silicon Valley of the North”. Stratford is world-renown for its connection to Shakespeare and the arts. Guelph has its dedication to the natural sciences and Cambridge, the beautiful meeting place of the Grand and Speed Rivers, with its balance of several towns and a hamlet from the past seems to speak, by its very makeup, of how to create synthesis. All these different areas of focus, so close together, contribute to the experience of a Region that is forward-thinking, community-driven, artistic, innovative and expansive. A place where positive change for the future can be explored, take root and grow!
I know it is a stretch. I know we have no red rocks or natural cathedrals. I know some may giggle at my proposition. But I say, this area has the feel of a “Sedona of the North”. Perhaps not in the landscape (though the Grand is very grand). But in the underlying and supporting energies. There are more bodyworkers, lightworkers, social workers, mental health professionals, naturopaths and therapists here than I have been witness to in other places. There is something that inspires so many in this area to explore health and healing and energy. And how exciting that is. I had a vision of a place that one can come to, from anywhere in the world, and know that they are stepping into a place where many healing hands are available, from any type of modality one would wish to utilize, ready to gently guide to a place of balance and wholeness. And I say, celebrate. Come together in support of all of us who are doing this work, knowing that we are making a difference not only in this region but with ripple effects emanating out. As we change ourselves, we change the world. So, giggle if you will (and I will giggle along) but I say, hurray – “Sedona of the North”.
I hope you enjoy reading The Glowing Hive as much as I have enjoyed putting it together.
~ Tiffany Lazic
CONTENTS
Opening: Seasonal Ponderings: The Mayan Calendar and December 21, 2012
Health and Happiness: That Gentle Touch: Love your Lymph Healthy Living: What is Ayurveda? Of the Earth: Merlinite and Yarrow The Body’s Breath: Creating a Daily Yoga Practice
Abundance and Flow: Creating a Legacy: How to Increase the Flow in Your Business Through Emotional Mastery
Peace and Serenity: Sorting out the Psyche: Managing Change Fabulous Fifty…and Beyond: Dare to be Bold
Enlightenment and Inspiration: Those Awesome Archetypes: A Tarot exploration: The Empress Miracles: Pathways, Compassion and Experience
Quirks and Creativity: Special Feature: Muse Latte and Mother Earth Within these Pages Book Review: Spiritual Bypassing Angels’ Chorus: Unlimited Dance of the Bees: Various Contributions
Illumination and Bliss : Upcoming Events at The Hive: Courses and Workshops for November, December & January Introducing‌. Diane Frederick Hive Scrapbook Friends of The Glowing Hive
Special thanks to Amanda Clark for allowing use of her beautiful art for the cover. To see more of Amanda’s work visit: www.earthangelsart.com To purchase prints, visit her Etsy shop at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/earthangelsarts
CONTRIBUTORS
Mary C. Davis is a Certified One Command® and ThetaHealing™ Practitioner, Prosperity Guide and Business Coach who helps spiritually-oriented wellness professionals create prosperous, fulfilling businesses with ease and joy. She is the creator of The Prosperous Healer's Path™, a training and coaching process that integrates conscious creation tools and practical business-building strategies with spiritual truths, values and inner wisdom. Results include an abundance of money, clients and fulfillment. Mary contributes the “Creating a Legacy” article.
Nicole Ferrill is an art educator and business owner. She received her degree in Secondary Art Education from St. Xavier University in Chicago, IL. With a concentration in digital art and silk screen printmaking, Nicole teaches independent art studio classes as well as digital solutions for small business owners. Her company, Kelsey B Presents, co-produces the SPARKS Symposium and hosts a monthly podcast on its website with local and international musicians. Nicole contributes “The Body’s Breath” article.
Diane has a private counselling practice in Kitchener, Ontario. Her past experience in medical, social service and educational settings gives her a solid foundation on which to build her professional practice. Using wholistic, mind-body approaches, Diane’s areas of clinical counselling expertise include: compulsive disorders, addictions, diabetes, anxiety disorders and stress management. Diane has over two decades of meditation experience and in 1999 completed a professional program under Jon Kabat-Zinn, originator in “Mindfulness- Based Stress Reduction”. She has studied and practiced with David and Caroline Brazier of Amida Trust in Buddhist psychotherapy training. Also, she has completed the intensive program “Meditating with the Body” with Dr. Reginald Ray of Dharma Ocean. She is the author of You’re Breathing Anyway, a practical guide with an accompanying audio CD. It is a guidebook with exercises and guided practices on a CD to develop mindfulness and the skills you need to help you make more conscious choices in everyday living. Diane contributes the “Miracles” article.
Calvin Howard is a visual design artist currently residing in Waterloo Ontario. His images are created through a unique "metamorphosis" using classic photography, Photoshop technology, artistic vision and perhaps..... just a touch of magic. Each individual work of art beckons us to enter a world unlike our literal reality: A world where hope, dreams, and imagination blend to reflect flexibility, growth, and transformation. As he explores his own evolving awakenings, we the viewers of Calvin’s art find ourselves moving also inward, deeper into our own soul journeys. It is Calvin's sincere intention that all of his art shall inspire: joy, attention, consciousness, and change. Calvin contributes art to the “Dance of the Bees” section.
Robynne (Tennant) Kingswood is a CCMH graduate and practices out of Kitchener, Ontario. She has continued along the path of learning throughout her career and incorporates Reflexology, Therapeutic Touch, Reiki, Acupuncture, and Hot Stone Therapy in her treatments. Robynne is a faculty member for CCMH in Professional Development, Law and Ethics and Business, and also lectures provincially for the CMTO on Professionalism. Robynne contributes the “That Gentle Touch” article.
Erin Kiers is the owner of Hybrid, Kitchener Waterloo's first Environmentally Friendly Salon and Spa, located on Weber St in Waterloo. Erin has enjoyed the transformation of a customarily chemical laden industry to one that is more conscientious and is proud of her involvement in that evolution. After experiencing her own personal acceleration to awareness, she focuses her efforts on the transformation of the human consciousness and has contributed to the Hive and Grove on-line magazine in the hopes of inspiring more people in the evolution of our collective spirit. Erin contributes the “Angels’ Chorus” article.
Tiffany Lazic is a holistic psychotherapist, spiritual counselor and owner of The Hive and Grove Centre for Holistic Wellness and Gifts for the Soul Shop. She has developed and facilitates several courses which invite participants to experience healing and wellness through the magic of symbol and Nature. She is thrilled to continue her association with Toronto’s Transformational Arts College of Spiritual and Holistic Training by teaching the Discovering the Total Self Program at The Hive and Grove in Kitchener. Tiffany is the creator of "The Glowing Hive” and contributes through “Seasonal Ponderings”, “Of the Earth”, “Sorting Out the Psyche”, “Those Awesome Archetypes” and “Between these Pages Book Review” articles.
Norah Nasturas is a Swiss-trained Astrologer living in the Kitchener-Waterloo area since 2003. She is a master consultant with over 35 years of practical experience guiding private clients and business owners utilizing her unique knowledge of established scientific tools and systems from around the world. She has published articles, written columns and been frequent guest on radio shows in France. Norah is fluent in French, Spanish and English. Norah contributes the “Healthy Living” article and this issue’s Seasonal Ponderings.
Phyllis Straub is the author of a recently published book ‘The Ordinary Adept’ (www.theordinaryadept.com) and can be found hiking up the scenic ‘pincushion’ in Olalla sporting an ipad and fresh organic latte in her travel cup. Phyllis contributes the “Healthy Living: The Flow of the Seasons” and “Between the Worlds” articles.
Cheryl Weber-Good is a freelance hand lettering artist who paints heartwarming, colourful messages, quotes and verses. She produces large hand painted banners and signs for institutions as well as fine art and calligraphic treasures for personal gifts and home décor. She is passionate about communication across the millennium connecting humanity through quotations, then capturing and elevating the power of those texts on various artists’ mediums. Much of her inspiration comes from hiking the fields and forests where she lives at her farm, close to New Hamburg, Ontario. Cheryl contributes Inspiration banner artwork in the Dance of the Bees section.
Julie Wise is a motivational coach who helps people navigate change in their lives and reach their personal and professional dreams. Julie is the author of Dream BIGGER: Reclaiming a Life of Joy and Ease. She in an intuitive, trained in Advanced Energy Awareness and Healing, a Celtic Reiki Realm Master and a practitioner of Karmic Regression Therapy. In her workshops and one-to-one sessions, she combines her gifts to help people find the answers they seek to create the life they desire.
Julie contributes the “Dream Weaving” and “Fabulous Fifty…and Beyond” articles.
Seasonal Ponderings Guest Message by Norah Nasturas THE MAYAN CALENDAR AND DECEMBER 21, 2012 We have the idea that is only at the time in which we are living that we are in the top of the knowledge about Science, Mathematics, Astronomy, etc. There have been many ages of knowledge and ones of those times has been garnering much interest and air-time these days. The idea of the Earth’s movement in cycles is not new. We see this in every culture (i.e. India or China) and in the old civilizations. We don’t have this idea in our European culture, but we do know about the precession of equinoxes. We know that we were in the Cycle of Gemini with the first writing documents (i.e. The Rosetta Stone which was written in three different languages). We were in the Cycle of Aries when the Jewish civilization rose (i.e. sacrifice of the Ram), the Cycle of Taurus (Indian and Cretan cultures with the Cow or Bull as the symbol of power) and the Cycle of Pisces with the rise of Christianity (and the symbol of the Fish). We are now moving into the Age of Aquarius. At the site of Chichen Itza on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, there is the great pyramid. Built to exact astronomical correspondences, there are 4 staircases leading to the top, each with 91 steps. Adding top of the pyramid as a step, we have the total number of days in a year (365). The pyramid is built in 9 terraces which speak to the legend of Quetzalcoatl, the Plumed Serpent, and his cycle of return. Quetzalcoatl was a deity in relation with the planet Venus, the wind god, the Creator duality (twins) and the Creator of the Arts, Sciences and Calendar. In the Mayan culture, there are different calendars. In general they follow the year of 360 days plus 5 days of adjustment “the 5 days upon a year”. This is the “Short Calendar”. But there was also the “Long Count Calendar”: around 5125 years which started on August 11, 3114 BC and will end in December 21, 2012. It is very interesting to look the different periods of the Mayan Calendar (particularly the Baktun cycles of 394) to see how it coincides with the big changes in the civilizations around the Earth. In relation with philosophy and evolution of the religions here a little sample: Baktun 4 (1538BC) – Moses Baktun 6 (550BC) - Confucius, Buddha, Pythagoras, Baktun 8 (AD 40) – Quetzalcoatl, Buddhism in China Baktun 9 (AD 632) Islam Baktun 10 (AD 829) Expansion of Christianity, Crusades.
Many people are fascinated with the end of the 13 Baktun (December 21, 2012), but the end of the Mayan Calendar does not refer to the end of times. It refers to the end of the Venus period. It is the starting point of the Sun Calendar. It indicates the end of the Cycle of Venus, leaving space to the coming Sun Cycle. (The Long Count calendar will be not finished in 2012, but actually at the midwinter solstice in the year 2219). What is very interesting to note is, contrary to our European culture, the Maya considered the planet Venus as relating to violent periods: a god of war. From a global perspective, this, then, is a break that will give a fundamental shift in the spiritual evolution or the planet. The Sun Cycle that is coming will be more peaceful, probably more spiritual. From the personal point of view, this new calendar is going to bring changes. With the new cycle, we need to think about our purpose in life. The beginning of a New Year calls us to organize our lives and think fresh. The beginning of a new age calls us to organize with a higher purpose. With the Cycle of the Sun, there is a pull to the aligned with Soul, our connection with the Divine and the Galactic centre. What is truly fascinating is, at this time, we also have the influence of Pluto, the planet of transformations. My idea is that we, everybody needs to follow transformation, not only outside, but inside of us. We need to look at how incredible we have been and see ourselves as pure spirit going from year to year towards our own perfection: suffering, learning, growing. Chart from www.lawoftime.org
Health and Happiness
That Gentle Touch: Article by Robynne (Tennant) Kingswood LOVE YOUR LYMPH
Love your Lymph, go jump in a snow bank. Seriously! It’s a multi step process, you see, all part of shunting to boost your immune system. How does it work? Let’s start with lymph. Lymph is the system of fluid, including white blood cells (your body’s militia against bacteria and viruses) that floods through your body. On the plus side, lymph is a MASSIVE system that squeaks its way to practically everywhere, bathing your body, washing it of toxins, delivering nutrients, and constantly on guard against opportunistic colds and other nastiness. Lymph is a very passive system that requires help to move. Your blood, also cleaning the body and delivering nutrients, though more contained than the matrix of lymph, travels more actively, pushed by the pressure of the heart. Shunting is the act of rapidly moving the fluids in your body due to rapid changes in temperature. Both blood and lymph are effected by shunting. The heat phase of shunting vasodilates (opens) the vessels, allowing for more volume to transit through a given area. Rapid cooling immediately after a heat phase vasoconstricts (narrows) the vessels. Because there are one-way valves preventing backflow, the fluids are shoved forwards as the corridors narrow. The result: rapid forward moving circulation. Like a heavy rain swells a rivers banks and soil is washed away, more toxins are picked up and flushed from the system with this rapid movement. How do we shunt? Well, one more fun way is jumping from hot tub or sauna to snow bank or cold plunge pool. Back and forth, repeat and rinse three or more times. You MUST be hot to the core before going back into the cold, and remember any normal safety protocol you live by. (i.e. if you have a heart condition and are not to do hot tubs, this is not for you.) Likewise, someone who is ill or just recovering from a sickness should not participate. Your constitution must be strong if you plan on weathering the undertow of shunting work. Also be ready for a really deep sleep that night. Your body will take full advantage of the changes so give it time to do its work and hit the hay early. Blitz Gus is another shunting method. Rather than alternating application of heat and cold, Blitz Gus is rapid pressure speed of a cold application. Imagine with me: you, bathing suit, firemans’ hose, ice cold water at high pressure. Go. Sounds like a prison torture to me, but it is another tool for invigorating the system that some swear by. Just a word of caution, it is extreme and can be hard on the system, so make sure you are healthy going in. As for me…sign me up for the hot tub please!
Healthy Living Article by Norah Nasturas WHAT IS AYURVEDA?
Ayurveda is an ancient system of healing which has its roots in the Vedic knowledge of ancient India. With these very old roots going back 5000 years, Ayurveda is one of the oldest healing systems in existence, dealing with the nature and the purpose of life. Translated from the Sanskrit, Ayur means “life” and Veda “knowledge”, making Ayurveda the practice of the Knowledge of Life. According to this system, each person’s life is a microcosm of the cosmos. Ayurveda is an art of daily living from practical, philosophical and spiritual points of view, understanding each person as unique. This philosophy about the balance between body, mind and consciousness is the foundation of health and happiness: these 3 aspects of each person work together in maintaining balance between the 5 basic elements of Space, Air, Fire, Water and Earth. This gives us 3 different combinations which are referred to as the Doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Vata is composed of Space and Air, in relation with movement. Pitta is composed of Fire and Water in relation with metabolic system. Kapha is a combination of Earth and Water and holds the cells together. According to Ayurveda, there are six progressive stages of disease: accumulation, provocation, spread, deposition, manifestation and differentiation. Ayurveda addresses disease or imbalance with prevention which involves attention to maintaining the balance of the constitution. Living a proper lifestyle of prevention involves the knowledge of one’s own unique constitution (dosha) and how to maintain its balance in the face of all outer and inner challenges and stresses. Ayurveda doesn’t only treat symptoms but attempts to re-establish the person’s original unique constitutional balance. Treatment may be applied to the physical, emotional and spiritual levels. The tradition in Ayurveda is to look first at the emotional levels, however, there are eight traditional limbs or branches of approach: Surgery; Internal medicine; Gynaecology; Paediatrics; Ear, nose and throat; Psychiatry; Toxicology and Geriatrics. Every patient is a book, and it is important to develop a keen sense of observation in order to read the book. Patient assessment procedures include Jyotish (Vedic Astrology); examination of the pulse; questions about urine, feces and tongue; observation of the person’s speech and voice; examination of the eyes (color, shape, position, etc); movements and walking; as well as other areas of focus.
Modern allopathic medicine uses powerful and effective drugs such as antibiotics, steroids, tranquilizers or muscle relaxants. However, these drugs usually have side effects. For example, some people are sensitive to penicillin. Because penicillin is hot, sharp and penetrating, it is Pitta-provoking. The same holds true for aspirin: a Pitta person is sensitive to aspirin. In such case as a Pitta person would benefit from aspirin, but has the Pitta-sensitivity, an Ayurvedic doctor can suggest that aspirin be taken with bicarbonate of soda. This is an example of an Ayurvedic preparation (shanka bhasma). The aspirin still work but will not burn the wall of the stomach for the Pitta person. Ayurveda uses gemstones, herbs, crystals, metals, colors, mantra and sound for the purpose of healing. Marma therapy (pressing points or using tools such as acupuncture needles to send energy to the organs and connective tissue), and relative disciplines such as Jyotish, Meditation, Yoga-asanas and Pranayama are also significant aspects of Ayurvedic treatments. What to use, when, in what combination and for whom IS the strength and great contribution of Ayurveda to any healthy lifestyle.
Of the Earth Article by Tiffany Lazic Merlinite: Merlinite, by its very name, conjures up images of magic and mystery, of deep wisdom and Otherworldly-seeing eyes. The role of the Magician Archetype, as embodied by the fabled Merlin, was as intermediary between the highest realms of the Divine and those more earth-bound. The stone, Merlinite, is said to connect one with the vibrations of heaven and earth, allowing access to multiple realms. There is mystery in this stone, but there is also support for deep healing. As the Magician is able to see the higher patterns that flow through all our experiences (positive and not), so Merlinite supports us to move through and past experiences that may have hurt us, allowing us to remain open to both what new experiences await us and to others we may meet along the way. There is a sweetness to Merlinite that, even though recognizing the pain of what may have been experienced, can bring even the hint of humour that comes with seeing the bigger picture. Physically, Merlinite helps us remain strong and facilitates flow. It supports the skeletal structure, as well as vascular and lymphatic systems. Whether physically, emotionally or spiritually, Merlinite brings us the promise of our own strength and reminds us that there are ways to move through challenges towards healing.
Yarrow Yarrow has been known since ancient times for its ability to heal minor to serious wounds, especially when used as a poultice to stop bleeding. It is very helpful in many situations where blood is concerned: cuts and scrapes, hemorrhoids, bruises, sores, post-partum care, bloody coughs, bleeding ulcers, nosebleeds and even in cases where blood flow is the issue (varicose veins). Once known as herbal militaris, it was a military mainstay - certainly handy on the battlefield when the likelihood of cuts, scrapes and much worse was very high. Working energetically with Yarrow, I have found it to inspire the quality of optimism and the ability to encourage flexibility: being many things to many people and being comfortable taking many shapes as the situation may require. It can be drunk as a tea to help with bladder infections. It can be used as a cold compress to ease the pain of sprains. And, when used in a hot tea, it is great for colds (important for this time of year). And, all around wonderful herb to have on hand.
Yarrow Cold Prevention Tonic Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tbsp of dried yarrow. Strain. Drink this twice a day if you feel a cold coming on. Caution: Do not use if pregnant.
The Body’s Breath Article by Nicole Ferrill CREATING A DAILY YOGA PRACTICE
The demands of life’s schedule can leave little time for ourselves. Running to work, picking up kids, shuffling them where they need to be, eating on the go, taking care of everyone else’s needs, can wear us down and send us to an early bedtime. There are thousands of articles on how we should take time to treat ourselves that advise us to read a book, take a walk, or slip into a soothing bath. But one of the best things you can do for your body both internally and externally is creating a daily yoga practice. It doesn’t have to be extensive or demanding. You don’t have to turn yourself into a pretzel. You don’t even have to follow an expert in a DVD. Combing a few yoga postures for a complete body stretch will enrich the beginning of your day and afford you many health benefits. It is known that yoga is beneficial for body, mind and spirit, but that is a vast and vague description. Often times, we can become overwhelmed when we begin a practice but don’t know why we’re doing what we’re doing. Let’s examine six yoga asanas that you can do each morning that have specific benefits you can keep in mind while doing your practice. Standing Forward Bend: This posture is an inversion which means your head is lower than your heart. Inverted postures assist in lymphatic drainage which cannot occur on its own as the lymphatic system does not have a pump like the cardiovascular system. This posture aids in the relief of insomnia, stress and depression. It is a wonderful hamstring stretch as well as creating a healthy spine by allowing the vertebrae to separate and realign naturally through gravity. *Proceed with caution in inversion postures if you have high blood pressure or history of stroke.
Tree Pose: This balance posture will improve the stability in your legs while strengthening the bones of the hips. For you to reap the benefits of this posture it is not necessary to have your bent leg tucked all the way up the opposing thigh. Simply prop your foot either at ankle height, on your calf or above your knee for a full benefit. This posture helps strengthen the ligaments and tendons in the feet. It also promotes selfconfidence through balance.
Side Bend: Along with the Standing Forward Bend, the Side Bend also benefits the spine by lengthening and improving its flexibility. It expands the ribcage and encourages better breathing. It reduces muscle tension in the neck, shoulders and upper back, the most common areas for us to hold stress.
Lying Side Twist: Twists benefit the spine as well as the organs in the trunk of the body. Twisting encourages a healthy spinal rotation. It also contracts and releases organs which promote blood flow. Blood flow helps carry oxygen to organs which are the building blocks for healing tissue. Twists stimulate circulation, in effect cleansing the organs and glands.
Cobra: This posture seems to concentrate on the lower back as it is the part of the body most arched, however it is also a chest opener and works to clear the passages of the lungs and heart. It helps to ease the symptoms of asthma as well as strengthening the muscles in the shoulders and chest. It improves circulation to the pelvic region and decreases stiffness of the lower back. And best of all, it can aid in soothing sciatica pain. *Always follow Cobra with a reverse posture such as Little Boat Pose. Corpse Pose: Savasana or Corpse Pose is a meditative posture that closes your daily practice. This meditative posture brings you into the present moment by requiring you to completely relax and concentrate on your breath. It relieves stress and promotes self-acceptance by allowing your mind to take a break from the demands you put on yourself through your practice or your daily life. Experience peace while in Corpse Pose by truly allowing yourself to release any tension and allow the mat to take the full weight of your body. Setting aside 10 minutes aside each morning to stretch your body through the practice of Yoga will improve your overall health and mood. Remember that the postures do not have to be intense or difficult for you to receive a benefit from a daily practice. Treat yourself today. Join Nicole Ferrill for her “Gentle Yoga for Round Bodies”. Tuesdays (5:30 – 6:30) at The Hive and Grove.
Abundance and Flow
CREATING A LEGACY Article by Mary Davis HOW TO INCREASE THE FLOW IN YOUR BUSINESS THROUGH EMOTIONAL MASTERY
“Feelings, whether of compassion or irritation, should be welcomed, recognized and treated on an absolutely equal basis; because both are ourselves.” ~ Thich Nhat Hanh (The Miracle of Mindfulness) In The Miracle of Mindfulness, a friend of author Thich Nhat Hanh recounts a story of how the Vietnamese Buddhist monk was speaking at a church, when an audience member scornfully reprimanded him. The significant part of the story is the skillful way Hanh responded to the anger this event triggered within himself and the subsequent effect this had on his response to his rebuker. He didn’t deny, suppress or minimize his feelings. In fact, Hanh admitted that he had wanted to respond to the man with anger – he felt the full force of this emotion. However, he used his connection to his breath to allow the anger to pass through him, so he could respond with calm and understanding. This story provides a powerful example of emotional mastery and flow – particularly, the practice of mindfully allowing ourselves to feel troubling emotions with acceptance and compassion and process them so they pass through us. Although not traditionally associated with the physical aspects of business, emotional mastery (along with mastery of our thoughts) energetically underpins the flow of clients and money into our businesses. The question is, how do we develop emotional mastery? Like everything in life, it’s a practice. If we were to deconstruct emotional mastery, we would see that it’s an inner process involving three core parts: 1) cultivating the neutral witness within; 2) learning how to feel and accept our emotions; and 3) processing and surrendering our emotions. Cultivating the Neutral Witness Some spiritual teachers call the unbiased presence within us the “Neutral Witness”, others call it the “Detached Observer”. I like calling it the “Compassionate Witness or Observer”, because the idea of having a Compassionate Witness creates a greater feeling of inner safety for me. In order to allow ourselves to feel our feelings, we have to, first, feel safe inside to do so. This requires developing a Neutral or Compassionate Witness within – an inner friend who will not shame, judge and “make it wrong” for us to be experiencing certain emotions; an observer who will simply notice what’s arising, without the polarized negative or positive bias of everyday awareness. So, how do we access this Compassionate, Neutral Witness within? We can start by setting the intention that we’ll do so and, then, offer up a prayer requesting that we connect with this part of ourselves. Practices such as Anapana Sati (meditating on in-and-out breathing) and Yoga can help us develop our capacity to move into the consciousness of the Compassionate, Neutral Witness. Another practice I find helpful is to visualize my Compassionate Witness as an inner entity who is non-reactively watching what’s going on inside me.
Learning How to Feel and Accept Our Emotions Denying or suppressing our feelings is pervasive in our society and world. For many of us, it’s an ingrained habit we rarely notice. Yet, by creating a safe, inner environment for experiencing emotions (accessing the Compassionate, Neutral Witness) and cultivating our awareness in the moment, we can notice when emotions are coming up that we habitually repress, and choose another response. We can learn how to feel our feelings by:
noticing when we resist a feeling and how it feels as we try to show up in the world in a way that’s different from how we’re feeling; keeping a daily “feelings journal”: writing down what we’re feeling in the moment or taking a “feelings inventory” at the end of each day; finding the feelings in our bodies through brief body scans, noticing any physical signs of unacknowledged emotions and naming those feelings; and discerning what happiness, anger, sadness, hurt, fear and shame (and associated emotions) feel like in our bodies.
As we learn how to feel our feelings, with our Compassionate Neutral Witness observing, we naturally release our tendencies to resist or suppress our emotions and start accepting them instead, which fosters integration and flow. Processing and Surrendering Our Emotions Allowing ourselves to feel and accept our emotions, with the help of the Witness, is often all that’s needed to process them and enable them to pass through us. However, sometimes, we need additional help to process and surrender these emotions at a deeper level. This is the stage where additional exploration and other energy/spiritual healing practices or tools can be very valuable. Spiritual bypassing occurs when we unconsciously use Spiritual Truth and practices to avoid dealing with our human, shadow side – to resist painful, difficult feelings we have, unresolved wounds and unmet developmental needs from our past. The irony is that we can, also, consciously use these principles and practices to help us accept and integrate the disowned parts of ourselves, feel what wants to be felt and process what wants to be processed. When we use Spiritual Truth and energy/spiritual healing practices to support our emotional bodies, we surrender our emotions to the power of Grace. Grace is the unconditional love and support of the Universe. We can’t change without it, and we connect with it when we use our spiritual practices and tools consciously. Transformation happens when we ask Grace to enter our lives to help us experience integration and balance. Practising emotional mastery is important to spiritual entrepreneurs, like you and me, because it opens up ALL the energy flows in our businesses, including the visible flows of clients, money and other material resources. Also, it helps us to access our Higher Guidance and supports us in operating our businesses from the consciousness of the heart.
Peace and Serenity
Sorting out the Psyche
SORTING OUT THE PSYCHE Article by Tiffany Lazic MANAGING CHANGE If there is one constant in the human experience, it is that, for the most part, not many of us welcomes change. There seems to be something innate in the human psyche that strives to maintain equilibrium, that status quo. A kind of instinctive “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality. Most of us have an enormous capacity to keep trucking along a certain path, even when there are many indicators that it is time to turn our course. As topsyturvy as that path may be, it feels better than starting to carve out a new, unfamiliar one. Most often that which causes us to begin to actively explore the idea of making a change in our lives is coming to the realization that the old way is just not workable anymore. It is not actually the choice to move into change but the choice to move away from something else which is causing too much discomfort. Rather than be a positive forward movement INTO something, it is a reactive response AWAY FROM something. The need for change comes upon us, rarely welcomed. In some cases, it is devastating. Addictions work talks about “hitting bottom”, understanding that the bottom will look different for each person. If one is looking at alcoholism, for one the bottom may be the experience of going to work hungover, realizing that one’s behavior is impacting many areas in one’s life, that one’s ability to function in the day-to-day is being affected by alcohol. For another, “hitting bottom” may be having lost work, family, and friends. The 2 scenarios are very different, but the inner experience of “I can’t do this anymore” is the same. However it comes to be, “hitting bottom” will always give the information that there is nothing for it, but that things have to change. Another form that “forced change” can take is referred to as the “dark night of the soul”. It is said that if you are human, you will experience a dark night of the soul. These are always precipitated by some form of loss. It may be the loss of a job or career, the ending of a marriage, perhaps even kids growing up and leaving home or the death of a loved one. What is central in every dark night of the soul is that we are suddenly faced with the recognition that who we thought we were is no longer who we are able to be. If I have connected my self, my work, my identity with a certain way of being in the world (in my career, in my relationship, in the roles I take on for others) and that certain way of being is no longer there, then who am I? A dark night of the soul is a crisis of identity. They are always lonely and scary, especially the first time (yes, I said first time. Hang on to your hats….many people will experience a few such “opportunities to grow”.) In the between the extremes of “hitting bottom” and “dark night of the soul” is a wide range of experiences we can go through which urge us to look at what is not working for us anymore and what we must do. Our emotions are our unfailing barometer on this front. Our bodies are unendingly eloquent when it comes to communicating to us what is working for us and what is not. That heaviness in your heart, that scratchiness in your stomach, that clenching in your abdomen – they are all signals that something is awry. That, at your core, you know there is something that needs to be changed, even if your mind is busy working out all the justifications as to why things are “absolutely fine just as they are”. From a holistic (body, emotions, mind and spirit connection) perspective, we know that if we allow the mind to take top billing and ignore what our emotions are trying to tell us, eventually the emotions will become stuck in our bodies and lead to dis-ease. This is often another form of “hitting bottom”: our bodies saying “we just can’t do this anymore”. As much as we resist bringing change into our lives, there are tools that we can employ to make moving into these new areas as easy as possible. It doesn’t have to be as scary as our minds tell us it is going to be.
Some key steps to keep in mind are the following: 1. Listen to your feelings, even if you don’t like what they are saying. Listening to your feelings doesn’t mean that you have to take any particular action. For example, if your feelings are saying “I feel stifled and undervalued in my job. I hate it. I want to leave”, it doesn’t mean you have to quit tomorrow or even ever. It just means that you are honouring the validity of your feelings. You are accepting your truth as you are experiencing it in that moment. 2. Discern whether your feelings are temporary and mutable or consistent and persistent. Have you carried these feelings for a long, long time? Are these familiar feelings that come up again and again only to be pushed away? If so, then an inner part of yourself is giving a clear message that something has to change. 3. Plan! If it is evident, without a shadow of a doubt, that change is necessary…if having sat with your feelings and listened to your feelings, it is clear that the feelings are not going to shift and so something else has to…then start to explore possible shifts and changes that could be made. Be sure to explore several different options. In a situation where one feels stifled and undervalued in the workplace, one could explore embracing the limitations of that particular workplace. Accepting that validation is not possible there, but detaching from the need for work validation and moving into self-validation will create an inner shift. One may explore bringing the need for more expansion and contribution to one’s supervisor. Looking at the possibility of changing jobs may be one of many avenues that can be explored. What is important to realize is that it is not the ONLY option. Sometimes even just realizing that one HAS options is enough to shift the feelings. And that in itself has created change. 4. Recognize the difference between short-term and long-term change. Not all change is created equal. Short-term change needs to be manageable and specific. Long-term change needs to contain room for re-evaluation and flexibility. You may decide that, while you are revamping your resume and scouting out the job options available, you will put a flower and a sign that reads “You are doing a GREAT job” on your desk and designate 11:11 every day as a moment when you close your eyes for 30 seconds to connect to all those qualities within yourself that you know to be strengths and that are incalculably valuable. 5. Reward changes you have made. This does not have to be from anything external. It doesn’t necessarily mean experience dinners or Black Forest cakes or shopping sprees. It does mean, looking at the movement you have created in your life and seeing the difference (no matter how small) that it has made. Celebration is what brings soul to life. Even if that celebration is a candlelit bath or dancing in the living room to your favourite song. Our spirits respond and we being to embody the power of change, making future change less scary. There is a Truth in all this which can be helpful to keep in mind. We are always in a state of change. The Universe is not static and neither are we. To resist change brings discomfort and at times, suffering. To embrace change, as much as it can feel unnerving, is to actually embrace the movement of life itself.
Highly recommended reading: Dark Nights of the Soul: A Guide to Finding Your Way Through Life’s Ordeals By Thomas Moore
Moore shows how honouring “dark nights”, those periods of fragility, are positive opportunities to delve into the soul’s deepest needs to provide healing and a new understanding of life’s meaning. Available at “Gifts for the Soul Shop”: $20.00
Fabulous Fifty…and Beyond Article by Julie Wise DARE TO BE BOLD
“Devote today to something so daring even you can’t believe you’re doing it.” ~ Oprah Winfrey It’s autumn, and that means my birthday year is winding down. Last year, on November 2, I challenged myself to come up with 55 things I wanted to accomplish in the coming year. My criteria were simple. The ideas had to be fun, challenging in some way, and feed or awaken a passion. I figured this would help me celebrate turning fifty-five in style! And it has. So far, I’ve crossed thirty-two items off my list and I still have a few more weeks to go. My experiences ranged from learning a new language, having a weekend away with my best friend and driving a BMW sport convertible to rock climbing, attending the Friday the 13th motorcycle event in Port Dover and gokarting. I’ve had more adventures in the past nine or ten months than I’ve had in the last ten years. And I’ve discovered a few things along the way.
Fears can be conquered … and beyond fear lie excitement and exhilaration. Fun and laughter are the best antidotes to anything that ails you. We are all capable of doing things we’re convinced we can’t do. Endless possibilities and potential surround us all the time. All we have to do is pay attention (and be willing to try).
Let me give you an example from my list that illustrates these points. For some unknown reason, as I created my list, I added “go to circus school”. I have no idea where that came from. It seemed like a random and crazy idea, one that I’d certainly never do (circus school? Around here?) but I wrote it down anyway. A few months ago, at a friend’s birthday party, people asked me to name the wildest item on my list. Of course, I mentioned going to circus school. It turned out that someone knew someone who goes regularly to the Toronto School of Circus Arts about an hour’s drive away. Oops, I was caught! No excuses.
So I checked out the website and discovered that for a mere $25 on Friday evenings you can learn how to do the flying trapeze. Yes, the one where you swing through the air … high, high, high above the ground. Did I mention I’m afraid of heights? I happened to be talking to my daughter and she said she’d go if I’d go. Gulp. I had nothing to lose but my fear. So we went. And we did it. We each climbed the 30-foot metal extension ladder, rattling and creaking, up to the narrow platform. Heart pounding, reached out and grabbed the tiny bar and held on for dear life, and then jumped … plummeting and then swinging high, back and forth several times. My daughter managed to get her knees over the bar and hang upside down as she swung. I almost got my knees up but had to surrender to aging tummy muscles that didn’t quite have the gusto. However, I did do an amazing back flip dismount into the net! It’s probably the most terrifying thing I’ve ever done. Even as I was flying through the air, I couldn’t believe I was doing it. But, you know, it was fun! And so, I ask mischievously, what’s one bold and daring thing you could do this month?
Enlightenment and Inspiration
Those Awesome Archetypes: A Tarot Exploration Article by Tiffany Lazic THE EMPRESS From the mysterious regality of The High Priestess, the Fool next encounters another female figure: this one seeming far more open and approachable. It is The Empress. Sitting on a throne cushioned by pillows surrounded by Nature with trees in the distance and a hearty crop of wheat before her, the Empress gazes on those who approach with warm and welcoming eyes. She is comfortable both in her seating and her setting. The Empress represents the archetypal Mother: the caregiver, the nurturer, the comforter. In the division of domains, it is the Mother’s focus to honour and care for life that has been brought forth. If the High Priestess is the one who facilitates the Mystery of passage from one form to another, the Empress is the one who nurtures that which has manifested in this material world. She is the continuance of the teachings of the High Priestess which is evidenced in the water flowing through the trees behind her: water which originated at the High Priestess’ feet. We have tended to move to a vision of Mother which focuses on the moment of deliverance. Mother as one who births. But the Empress extends this moment through time: all the moments that connect the passage into life to the passage out of life. The Empress is all the actions, big and small, that serve to nourish life and encourage growth. The Empress is absolutely tied to the Land in the energy and archetype of Mother Earth. She is Nature and all that which supports health, sustainability and abundance, represented in Mother Goddesses across cultures. Caring for the Land (whether globally or that which lies right under our feet) is the message of the Empress. By extension, she is also the energy that encourages attention to the health, sustainability and growth of our bodies: ensuring that we get enough sleep, that we eat nutritious meals, that our bodies are strong, that we experience moments of release and relaxation. All this is part of what the Empress teaches. But her focus also includes the other aspects of our well-being: that we experience emotional balance, that we experience ourselves as loved and cared for, that we have a soft but guiding place to fall. The Empress does not deal in theory and concepts. She is the embodiment of that which has been manifested and her energy is expressed through the tangible. When one experiences a hurt, the Empress does not stand aside, aloof, carrying a message of lessons learned. She hunkers down and wraps one in her abundant folds, whispering endearments, encouragement and love. But she also knows that empowerment and strength are gained through mistakes, sometimes even those hurts. Caring for is not the same as “doing everything for”. This only serves to debilitate and is actually very “unloving”, in the long run. We may need to move through our mistakes in order to promote our own growth, but the Empress always cares.
Not to say that all with the Empress is gentle. As with any archetype, she also has her dark side or two. There can be a wrath with the Empress that is terrible to behold. She is not to be crossed. And more surely than that, you do not threaten her beloved charges. Mama Bear has nothing on an Empress on a rampage. One version of this aspect is that of Kali who is seen as the Hindu destroyer goddess. But, in Her story, Her destructive rampage is encouraged by the other Gods to save them and humanity from being overcome by demons. At the heart of Her destruction is the desire to protect life which is being threatened. In one version of the story, Her rampage comes to an end when She hears a baby’s cry (the God Shiva in disguise) and calms Herself in order to comfort and nourish Him. She becomes once again the benevolent Mother. The other shadow aspect of the Empress comes to the fore when the “destructive element” embodied by Kali is completely ignored or repressed. Healthy growth is a positive thing. Supporting growth that is balanced and manageable is the Light aspect charge of the Empress. This requires some element of destruction: of recognizing when something is growing too fast or too much or when the growth of one thing is threatening the development of another. If we focus on nurturing our bodies to the exclusion and detriment of our emotions, our minds or our spirit, there will be a cost. The most distressing example of uncontrolled growth is the disease of cancer. Cancer cells are those cells which have shifted in their structure to allow for unrestricted growth. Abundance is a good and positive thing. Uncontrolled growth is not. You can see this evidenced in unrestrained material accumulation (rampant consumerism or hoarding) and excessive waste (disposable goods or the philosophy of a “throw-away society”). The Empress wants all good things for us. She wants us to feel safe, content, loved and happy. She wants us to feel supported in our home, in our work, in our relationships, on the Earth. She wants us to feel strong, empowered and capable. To achieve this, she teaches us how to live in balance, how to nurture healthy growth, how to engage from a place of care and honest concern and to honour that most precious of all things: Life. Encountering the Empress, we are encouraged to ask: How am I (or am I not) supporting my own growth and development and that of others? How am I (or am I not) being gentle and loving with myself and others? What in my life needs to be pruned in order that others things can thrive? In what ways am I expressing the joy and wonder of being alive and in this life? Life is a banquet and the Empress is generous. Tuck in!
Highly recommended reading: Staying Healthy with the Seasons By Elson M. Haas, M.D.
The essential concept of seasonal prevention includes nutrition, exercise, herbal and natural remedies with wise lifestyle choices as the keys to mind, body and spiritual health in balance with nature. Available at “Gifts for the Soul Shop”: $22.99
Miracles Article by Diane Frederick PATHWAYS, COMPASSION AND EXPERIENCE
Pathways, Compassion and Experience. How do these words or concepts relate to each other? What do they mean to you? Is there any right answer? The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines these words as follows: pathways: "a line of communication over interconnecting neurons extending from one organ or center to another; also: a network of interconnecting neurons along which a nerve impulse travels, the sequence of usually enzyme-catalyzed reactions by which one substance is converted into another -- metabolic pathways". Compassion:" sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it". Experience: "the fact or state of having been affected by or gained knowledge through direct observation or participation; the conscious events that make up an individual life; something personally encountered, undergone, or lived through; the act or process of directly perceiving events or reality". For the last two decades, I have studied and practiced various forms of meditation. Although each of these practices has its own qualities and richness within the form, a shared common ground to all practices is to quiet the mind and calm the body in order to create an openness or spaciousness for something new to germinate or take shape. This is a form or a discipline for training the mind and body to discover its natural resting state. An experienced state that can be "gained through direct observation or participation". Through practicing awareness/mindfulness of what is happening in now time, this engagement in the process creates a “conscious event�. The experience becomes real to the person. When I'm questioned or asked to describe compassion, I always take a deep breath to be fully present to the person asking the question. I find it difficult to answer the question in a succinct way. For me, compassion is experiential. The experience encompasses my whole being. There is a somatic, felt sense with a spaciousness to be fully conscious to another whether the circumstances are joyful or distressing. During a retreat this summer, I was fortunate to spend time in study with Caroline Brazier author of Other-Centred Therapy. While the approach remains client-centred, there is a shift to how the
person perceives their particular distress in relationship to other/s and their circumstances. An opening, a spaciousness is created to observe both the inner and outer life. By being present to another, my own thoughts of the moment dissipate while my consciousness expands. And, I feel good all over! These neurological pathways of "interconnecting neurons along which a nerve impulse travels" come together to secrete a chemical response to my experience of compassion. There is an interconnectedness between these pathways and experience. Why not strengthen these pathways? No longer are we confined to the notion that the brain is hardwired. Research in Neuroplasticity is demonstrating just how the brain can change. This, in turn, has the potential to change how we perceive ourselves, others and the world in which we live. Last year when I read Karen Armstrong’s book, Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life, I was excited and energized from her comprehensive approach to bring compassion into everyday life. Immediately, after reading the book I set out to summarize each chapter. In September, I looked at these notes. While reading the notes, I became aware of experiencing a visceral reaction to the words and the potential for a better world, one step at a time. Then, I just knew that it was time for me to take some steps to help others open to the experience of compassion. In 2007, Karen Armstrong was awarded the TED Prize. With the 100,000 “wish for better world”, she wanted to build a global community. This was the seed for the Charter of Compassion. The Charter was launched on November 12, 2009. To date, 90,721 individuals have affirmed the charter. Also, cities, groups, schools, and book groups have taken root. Karen with involved others are making a difference to fulfill the vision of a better world by reorientating our minds and hearts. Resources of interest: Rick Hanson: Understanding Neuroplasticity (on Youtube: 7:05 minutes) The Charter of Compassion: http://charterforcompassion.org
Join Diane Frederick for her “Pathways to Live a Compassionate Life” at The Hive and Grove. November 7, 14, 21, and 28.
Quirks and Creativity
Between the worlds Article by Phyllis Straub MUSE LATTE AND MOTHER EARTH
I recently found a photo with one definition of a Writer: ‘A peculiar organism capable of transforming caffeine into books.’ This definition struck a chord with me, and after I stopped laughing at how hilariously appropriate it was to my own self, I began to realize the connection between writing inspiration, spirituality, and fabulous latte’s. I’m particularly grateful for many wonderful opportunities to experience lattes in environments highly favourable to the writer’s muse; some might call these places Sacred Spots, and I’ve actually taken pictures of some of these lattes to recall the experiences in these inspirational spots.
At the Blaq Sheep Cafe in Kitsilano, they make a to-die-for-latte into a work of art that stimulates the senses and opened up a torrent of conversation between myself and a newly found ‘old friend’ Deborah. Kitsilano is such a scenic place, and the people are quite ‘chill’ as they say in Vancouver, which has created a highly inspirational energy around this area. A number of extraordinary environmentalists were birthed in Kitsilano such as David Suzuki and the Greenpeace organization; both hugely responsible for awakening humanities deep respect for the divine Mother Earth.
On the big island of Hawaii there are two particularly inspiring cafés. Pelé’s Café, perched on the waterfront in Kona, provided a fabulous ocean view and who can resist the endorphin rush from a piece of macadamia nut pie combined with Kona coffee! Thusly inspired I could almost hear the Hawaiian Goddess Pelé calling to me as the wind rustled the thatched patio roof... Mauna Kea, the world’s tallest volcano, resides on Hawaii's big island. Volcanic action on the planet is one way Mother Earth rebalances her energies. Pelé implores to be gentle with our Earth Mother. Aha! What about all those chemicals in coffee (some say there are 76 different poisons found in the average bean)? Particularly: that caffeine. Hmmm, I say. What about Bruce Lipton? Thoughts become things. Personally I think that I stay inside of my body because of the endorphins created by a good latte. I think that my writers muse provides a huge download from spirit when I’m in a sacred environment AND drinking a latte. And I do go for the organic beans myself, if I’m going to drink something reported to have 76 poisons they are going to be organic damn it!
A word to those dabbling or immersed in the creative arts: Do tap into the bounty of inspiration from the archetypal muse and organic earthly delights, keeping in mind your thoughts as you do so (damn that’s a great latte, and wow is that garden ever beautiful – oh my here comes another idea for that community project I’m volunteering for!!).
Within these Pages Book Review SPIRITUAL BYPASSING: When Spirituality Disconnects Us from What Really Matters. By Robert Augustus Masters, PhD Review by Tiffany Lazic
This brilliant book touches on a subject not much acknowledged or discussed but one that has far-reaching effects. Spiritual bypassing is described as “the use of spiritual practices or beliefs to avoid dealing with painful feelings, unresolved wounds, and developmental needs”. It is said that spiritual bypassing is so pervasive in our culture that it largely goes unnoticed. Along the road to wholeness, it is a Truth that one must learn to negotiate the sometimes contradictory paths of emotional healing and spiritual practice. The 2 paths often seem at odds with each other. The emotional healing path will challenge us to establish boundaries. The spiritual path will encourage us to see all as interconnected – boundaryless. How does one reconcile these seemingly oppositional concepts? One of many that one finds while moving forward with a foot on each path. It is also a Truth that the path of emotional healing is fraught with spiky things that hurt while the spiritual path is lovely and peaceful, often accompanied by angelic chorus and softly tinging bells. One commentator on the book Spiritual Bypassing noted that “when Carl Jung noted that “neurosis is always a substitute for legitimate suffering”, he hinted that, especially for the Western psyche, spiritual practice itself can be just such a sneaky neurosis.” Who would willingly choose to amble down the spiky path with stinging barbs that snag and hamper when one could skip down a moss-lined path of fragrant flowers? Masters does a beautiful job of highlighting the absolute importance of embracing spirituality in one’s life and in one’s healing process. As a psychotherapist, he describes his work as guiding those who work with him to “turn toward and enter their pain so that they might pass through it rather than rise above it or otherwise avoid it. At essence, his work is about becoming more intimate with all that we are – dark and light, high and low, shallow and deep, neurotic and transcendent, dying and undying”. It is the transcendent that gives light to the healing journey, but to shortcut the journey can lead to as many inner conflicts and tensions as any other type of more easily recognized compulsive behaviors, addictions or escape mechanisms. Doubly subtitled as “When Spirituality Disconnects Us from What Really Matters” and “Learning to Recognize and Transform the Obstacles that Keep Us from Living Life Fully”, this book presents the ways in which we may be using spiritual practice to avoid what is really going on within us. How the embracing of certain spiritual “beliefs” can actually cause us to reject aspects of our own truth and the validity of our own experiences, uncomfortable as they may be to acknowledge.
Masters illustrates common pitfalls found in spiritual bypassing, such as:
An inability to fully experience unpleasant emotions Avoidance of hurt, rage, grief, fear, shame, terror, loneliness and despair Confrontation-phobia disguised as blind compassion Rejection of anger as “unspiritual” Attachment to magical thinking Preference for “peak-experiences” rather than smaller, slower gains Confusion around boundaries and “being limitless” “Spiritualized blame” around creating our realities Spiritual gullibility and “guruship”
This book is written fully from the acknowledgement of the importance of the spiritual as a vital aspect of living a full, fulfilling and healthy life. But it underscores that that life cannot be achieved at the cost to other elements of our lives. We are beings who have experienced painful events in our past, likely continue to feel the impact of those experiences in our present and most probably encounter current situations that may have a tendency to “poke the dragon sleeping in the shadows”. Masters’ intent is to convey that the most powerful approach, and that which will create the most solid foundation upon which to build a future, is that which allows us to approach the dragon and learn what it has to teach us about what we have been carrying. That is the key to finally letting go of the burden and being truly free. Though written for anyone who wishes to learn more about spiritual bypassing and how to avoid such pitfalls, Masters includes 2 insightful appendices for practitioners and psychotherapists. The first, “The Method of No Method: Intuitive, Integral Psychotherapy” expands on how to hold therapeutic space that allows for guidance from the psychotherapist with the most client-empowering approach. The second appendix, “Illuminating and Integrating Body, Mind, Emotion, and Spirituality”, illustrates healthy perspectives on listening to all aspects of our beings, particularly as relates to the personal, interpersonal and transpersonal. A wonderful book, clearly written with helpful examples, Spiritual Bypassing is highly recommended for those involved in their own healing journey and for those helping those on the journey. When we are caught up in spiritual bypassing, we want the treasure without having to face the dragon, believing that any negative thought or emotions require no more than waving our magic wand of positive thoughts and intentions to be conquered. The dragon, however, cannot be so easily pushed aside! It is so easy to get negative about negativity, turning away from our pain and whatever else reminds us that all is not well, regardless of our beliefs to the contrary. Turning toward our pain is an act of radical caring – and not just caring for ourselves – because in doing so we cease to fuel our avoidance and those addictive behaviors we have used to keep ourselves removed from pain. In turning towards our pain, we also, however indirectly, turn towards others’ pain, both on the personal and collective level, (in both personal and collective contexts), and so our compassion for others deepens. Turning towards our pain is about bringing into our heart all that we have rejected, ostracized, disowned, neglected, bypassed, shunned, excommunicated or otherwise deemed as unworthy in ourselves. Our heart has room for it all.
Angels’ Chorus: Poem and Article by Erin Kiers UNLIMITED
To err is human but spirit is perfection. Physically we have limitations, Spiritually we have none. We find our minds, bodies and spirits yearning for reprieve, craving for balance and grounding. During this cycle of winter and endings we welcome a much needed time for reflection. This time the mirror’s reflection is of self-improvement and looking back to where we have been. How far back we peer is individual, but it is limitless for sure. Reconnecting with ancestors to draw upon their wisdom and guidance brings us comfort, guidance and reassurance of the continuity of life and spiritual connectedness. Resurrecting of past lives for resolution and release to prepare for strengthening the spirit and cleansing the soul is both reenergizing and empowering. Remembering not only each success of the past year but the challenges, opportunities for growth and improvements allow for celebration of spirit. Last but certainly not least this period of rest, end, reprieve, however you wish to define this essential cycle of spiritual development, is a time of peace, serenity and deep meditation steeped in exquisite tranquility. This beautiful time of conscious suspension is essential to gather strength for what is to come…
We beckon to you sweet one with wings unfurled; come rest your weary heads upon our breast. Share with us your woes, your sadness, your desires, your wishes. We will cast away the high paced obligations that drain you and cause you to be low in spirit and energy. Allow us to shelter you awhile beneath the shelter of our unconditional love. Find reprieve in our hands; find solace in your time of rest. Rejuvenate your spirit, reenergize your soul and reconnect with your roots, your past, which guides you forth. Remember who you are so that when it is time, you may remind others of their own divinity. ~The Angels~
Dance of the Bees
Artwork by Cheryl Weber-Good
Still warmth in stone womb With soaring Solar Centre Glowing embers sing. ~ Tiffany Lazic
Artwork by Cal Howard
Illumination and Bliss
Upcoming Events at The Hive
November Nov 7 Nov 8 Nov 23 - 25 Nov 26 Nov 26
Pathways to Live a Compassionate Life: Diane Frederick (4 classes) Sizzling Chakras: Alessandra & Armand Sagredo (8 classes) The Healing Power of Sound: Ann-Marie Boudreau Advanced Astrology: Norah Nasturas (10 classes) Spirit Quest: Barb Bedford
December Dec 1 Dec 8 Dec 15
Introduction to Tibetan Planet Singing Bowls: Lisa Wilvert Creating Fabulous Gift Wrap: Cheryl Weber-Good Marseilles Tarot Intensive for Beginners: Norah Nasturas January
Jan 2 Jan 8 Jan 10 Jan 12 – 13 Jan 16 Jan 18 Jan 19 Jan 30
Spirit Quest: Barb Bedford Exploring the Spiritual Realms of the Non-Physical (TAC): Tiffany Lazic Transformations: Meeting Your Inner Selves (TAC): Tiffany Lazic Tibetan Planet Singing Bowl Training: Lisa Wilvert Ayurveda for Women: Norah Nasturas The Tarot Adept: Mastery of the Major Arcana: Tiffany Lazic (6 classes) Goddess Burlesque Dance Class: Natalie Rubyhill Introduction to Feng Shui: Norah Nasturas
CONNECTING WITH MEDITATION & MOVEMENT Mondays (9:30 – 10:30)……………………Hatha Yoga Tuesdays (5:30 – 6:30)………………….…Yoga for Round Bodies st 1 Wednesday…..…………………………….Jewelry Fun ($15) nd 2 Wednesday………………………………..Usui Reiki Share Fridays (9:30 – 10:30)……………….……..Hatha Yoga Saturdays (9:30 – 10:30)………………….Hatha Yoga
Contact The Hive and Grove for individual class cost or “Rotation” pricing.
Transformational Arts College of Spiritual and Holistic Training’s Discovering the Total Self Program at The Hive and Grove Each course is 8 weeks, except where noted. Start date is indicated beside each course. Maps of Consciousness: Spirituality & Higher Self (Nov 6) Cycles of Life: From Child to Adult (Nov 8) The Healing Power of Sound (3 full days: Nov 23 – 25) with Ann-Marie Boudreau Exploring the Spiritual Realms of the Non-Physical (Jan 8) Transformations: Meeting Your Inner Selves (Jan 10) Meditation & the Mystical path of the Chakras (Mar 1) The Multi-Dimensional Being: Spiritual Healing & Energy Transfer (Mar 18) Living Your Higher Self: The Sacred Human (Mar 20) Being Human: The Path of Emotional Healing (May 10) Gifts of Spirit: The Intuitive Arts (May 14) Cycles of Life: From Child to Adult (May 16) The Healing Power of Sound (3 full days: July 12 – 14) with Ann-Marie Boudreau
Facilitated by Tiffany Lazic, except where noted.
THE WISDOM RED TENT EVENT Sunday, November 25, 2012 2:00 – 4:00 Celebrate the wisdom within and the legacy of the ancestors
The Hive and Grove Winter Wonder Open House and Sale December 8, 2012 Celebrate the Season We invite you to enjoy browsing for gifts while enjoying homemade baking and warming teas. 20% off all items in the Gifts for the Soul shop. PLUS Participate in Cheryl Weber-Good’s Creating Fabulous Gift Wrap Workshop Remember….The Hive and Grove has the ever-helpful Wish List for Loved Ones.
Please note: The Hive and Grove will be closed Dec 25 – Jan 2.
Introducing… Every issue meet some of our Hive and Grove facilitators. We often learn about training and credentials in bios. This section asks several questions that introduce you to the “inner inspirations” of the engaging and inspiring instructors you will see in our beautiful classroom. Diane Frederick: Author of You’re Breathing Anyway with accompanying audio cd, Diane facilitates the Pathways to Live a Compassionate Life course at The Hive and Grove. Where do you most feel yourself? When I ask myself this question another questions arises – Where are you most at home today? My immediate response is in my body. That sense of always coming home to a place that is both familiar and always present. I have travelled on my own a number of times. In unfamiliar places with different cultures, I experience this felt sense of safety by being grounded in my body. Who has been the greatest influence on your work? In 1996, I read Jack Kornfield’s book A Path with Heart. While reading the book, it become more and more apparent to me that his words and approach to his psychology practice and spiritual life was how I wanted to practice and the path to follow in my everyday spiritual life. The following year I attended a retreat that he facilitated. What is one book you wish everyone would read? Karen Armstrong’s book Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life. Her approach to a kinder, softer world with compassion gives me hope for the future in this world of conflict. The twelve steps outline and suggest concrete ways of enhancing compassion in our everyday lives from a practical, action orientated perspective. What is the quality you most cultivate in yourself? It is a privilege for me to help others along in this journey we call life. By teaching and cultivating the gentleness of mindfulness/awareness that has so helped me in my life’s journey; I have been witness to some beautiful transformational processes. For me this is a true opening of the heart to experience compassion for myself and others. What is one story about yourself that makes you laugh or you remember with awe? There are times my thoughts create a smile or a soft laugh. I try not to take myself too seriously. Today walking to my car, I looked up and saw the beautiful colour of the changing leaves on a tree. The experience of the wonder of the universe with me in it came together without boundaries or concepts. That for me is a memory of awe. What is your favorite message or saying? My favourite poet is Rumi. Quite often I’ll open a book of his poetry and just savour the words for how ever long it lasts. At this time the message that seems to be sticking is: "Let the beauty we love be what we do!"
The Scrapbook
Students’ work from Summer’s Magickal Living course
Getting ready for a sound massage: The Healing Power of Sound course
Hanging out in the Meditation Tent.
A young visitor herding sheep
Lisa Wilvert demonstrates a Tibetan Planet Singing Bowl session
Friends of the Glowing Hive
Dream BIGGER: Reclaiming a Life of Joy and Ease by Julie Wise
Julie Wise Consulting Create the Life You Want Now! Life's greatest gifts are often well disguised by unattractive wrapping! As a coach, my goal is to work with you to discover the hidden potential in your challenges. Together we will:
Discover and clarify what you want to achieve Explore your vision for the future Develop solutions and strategies Create and implement an action plan
www.juliewiseconsulting.com www.fabfiftyfive.wordpress.com
Healing Arts Learning Organization
The Hive and Grove 226 Frederick St Kitchener, ON N2H 2M8 Telephone: 519-578-LOVE (5683) Email: hiveandgrove@gmail.com Website: www.hiveandgove.ca
The Healing Arts Learning Organization is a motivated team of dedicated holistic health care professionals committed to providing quality education, business opportunities, personal growth and healing.
Diversified training programs to meet your individual needs
www.healingartslearning.org 519-570-1040
Artisan Cheryl Weber-Good composes hand painted calligraphy masterpieces on many surfaces: wall hangings, wedding lettering art, church banners, personalized gifts and mural writing. www.writehand.ca
Kitchener/Waterloo’s first Environmentally Friendly Hair Salon and Spa 133 Weber St North, Waterloo * 519-886-8624 www.hybridhairanddetoxspa.ca
Embrace the Glow‌ Look forward to future issues of The Glowing Hive, distributed online on a quarterly basis, capturing the energy of the Seasons. Winter: January 1, 2013 Spring: April 1, 2013 Summer: July 1, 2013 Fall: Oct 1, 2013 For comments, feedback and suggestions, please contact Tiffany Lazic at hiveandgrove@gmail.com To join The Hive and Grove online community, for discussions and postings on topics related to holistic health, emotional healing and expressions of Spirit, go to The Hive Social‌ http://thehiveandgrove.ning.com