Manifestation

In last week's blog, I pondered over how much control we actually have over our lives, if any at all, or whether we create a blue print as such, while still 'at home' in the spirit world, documenting our life lessons we wish to execute in our physical bodies and work through before we arrive….

Today I'm touching on the subject of manifestation and how, through this technique, we can perhaps make our wishes come true (there goes my theory about our lifetime possibly being preordained!!!)

In short, manifestation is all about setting an intention, focussing explicitly on your desired outcome, while believing, visualising and wholeheartedly feeling your wish has come into fruition.

I must admit, I have occasionally and successfully experimented with this technique and it didn't take long for my desires to manifest at all. However, three very significant events in my life have happened, which all arose from a passing thought, having no weight behind them what so ever. In fact, all three were, 'Wouldn't it be nice, but will never happen to me', kind of thoughts! Let me explain….. (By the way, I'm sure I have more of these examples up my sleeve, but these ones come to mind instantly).

Twenty-two years ago, after travelling and residing overseas for five or so years, I returned home to find a family member in the throws of a serious addiction. I won't go into all the ins and outs, however this family member consequently entered a rehabilitation unit.

I remember initially visiting my loved one in the rehab, and after a very short time, the thought occurred to me, 'I could easily see myself working in an institution such as this'. The following thought put the first thought immediately to bed, being, 'But I don't have enough credentials and these places are really hard to get into'. Nothing like shutting yourself down. I was always good at that – until I woke up!

Six months later, I successfully applied for a position in a detox centre established by an international not-for-profit organisation, planting the seed for what proved to be a thirteen year career in the addictions field. I did not see that coming at all!

A few years in, I again had a passing thought one day of, 'Wouldn't it be wonderful to drive a company car, but that would never happen to me, plus my position doesn't justify a vehicle anyway'. Well, another year on, I was given an opportunity, within the same organisation, to set up a new program, and yes, as the work was predominantly outreach, a company car was granted. I again never would have believed it….

However, probably the most significant event that has come into fruition, is I now live in the country, close to a beautiful beach. I grew up in the south eastern suburbs of Melbourne, and over most of my life, the thought of residing somewhere rural, near the sea was always enticing. I never actually cemented this desire into a goal, never worked towards it, and I honestly didn't think this would eventuate. However, low and behold, it just fell into place without any effort at all. My now husband, whom I met in Melbourne, was initially from the country and we eventually returned and now live in a beautiful environment with many furry children, whom we dearly love.

So, I'm really none the wiser.

Manifestation definitely works, as I mentioned. I've proven this technique to myself on numerous occasions. I religiously followed the guidelines by completely drowning myself into the outcome I was wanting, and my effort was rewarded by receiving my wish.

I remember one time I desperately wanted a particular person to call me, completely against the odds, and they did, not long after I applied the manifestation technique. Unfortunately, other examples escape me presently, however I know there were more. Yet, other times, infrequent, passing thoughts, loaded with insecurities, have somehow manifested as well, much to my delight.

So, again, maybe we do have that 'blue print' I have been speaking of. Maybe we actually record various life paths, still offering the desired life lessons, but through different circumstances/avenues, where we can then chose which ones we prefer to travel when in our physical body. I could have easily remained in Europe and married my then partner; the path being completely different to my life today! Did I subconsciously manifest my return home?

Maybe, our desires/wants are documented in the blueprint too, and by using the manifestation technique, we are able to enjoy them sooner, while my non-intentional manifestations were also inevitable and manifested themselves when the timing was right. There are so many 'maybes' and I guess we could go on and on, attempting to explore and seek the truth, turning every situation on its head and inside out!

I crossed paths with a lovely woman about fifteen years ago. Actually she was massaging me with her powerful, healing hands. We shared a fairly short, interesting chat about the spirit world and all the help and opportunities available and offered to us on a daily basis. The more we spoke, the more excited I became and was ready for a deep, intriguing conversation, as I adore hearing other peoples' opinions and beliefs about spirit. Suddenly her hands stopped their rhythmical movements across my back and I heard her voice profoundly say:

' In the past, I spent years delving into spiritual laws,

meditating and socialising only with spiritualist etc,.

and I suddenly decided I needed to live life here in the physical,

and be present in the physical as best I can,

as the spiritual laws can wait until I return home.

I'm here to live a physical life,

so why attempt to keep my head in the clouds?

I have so much to do here,

and an eternity of spiritual living ahead of me.

It can wait!'

That stopped me in my tracks at the time and I've never forgotten her words since.

Maybe (here I go again!), she has a point!…... 

 

Is Worrying Really Justifiable?

I write these words while my beautiful sister-in-law is under-going major twelve hour surgery, and I'm waiting with bated breath to hear of any news, trying to keep grounded and not get ahead of myself, as best I can. Easier said than done!

Jude is a middle-aged, lovely, warm soul with a heart bigger than Texas. Not only that, she leads the healthiest lifestyle of all the family, yet is the one courageously having to tackle serious health issues. This again forces me to pose the question I have pondered over all my life!

Why is it some (unlikely) people are confronted with such devastating, often simultaneous, numerous occurrences, while others seem to breeze through their 'colorful' journey, ducking and weaving, spared of overwhelming grief and trauma? I guess I'm speaking of the uncontrollable challenges, such as having a life threatening diagnoses thrown our way or experiencing a major car accident with infinite health consequences or fatalities, or having a child pass away suddenly. These sorts of experiences are confronting, heartbreaking and debilitating on physical and emotional levels, and ones you wouldn't wish upon anyone. It always seems to me the most beautiful, thoughtful, genuine people become victims to these heart-wrenching traumas.

So, is our life's journey mapped out before we are born into the physical? Do we really have much control over our lives? I have often read and heard from spiritualists over many years, together with our spirit guides, we discuss and implement a plan (a blue-print as such), where our desired life lessons we wish to experience for ourselves here on earth, are established before we arrive. This includes the people, who play a part within our lives, hence also simultaneously fulfilling their personal lessons.

As the Spirit world (our home) is apparently an environment of pure love, it would seem from a spiritual stance, deciding on our life lessons would be easy while 'sitting on a cloud, feeling blissful' (I don't mean to be facetious, just an exaggerated example). We would believe, as we can view the whole picture of our intended physicality from this stance, we would breeze through our personal challenges in the physical, knowing the outcome, which awaits us consists of insightful teachings and our soul returning home, as our shell is given back to the physical earth (school).

However, I would imagine, as it's (again apparently) only the physical that grants us the pleasure (and pain) of feeling emotions, assuming our intended lessons will be uncomplicated from a place of pure love, may give us quite a shock as we are actually confronted with our lessons while in our bodies, having limited, if any, memory of our home. Maybe this is why souls subconsciously sometimes decide it's just too overwhelming and opt out to return home. If emotions weren't in the picture, life would be black and white and difficulties much easier to bear…...but would prove to be a cold and heartless existence.

Maybe our lessons and how they are executed throughout our lives, are cemented within our 'blue print', and free-will comes into it by challenging us to react positively to our given circumstances. I mean, by focussing on attempting to stay grounded as best we can and to push through the pain, accepting and seeing the glass half full, causing us to successfully learn the insight, thus aiding us to move forward – until the next hurricane from left field presents itself for us to conquer!

An example of this might be a heart broken woman, who has allowed herself to spiral into a deep, dark hole of depression, due to her husband's betrayal. She's experienced all the various emotions and has become shackled to anger, hate and resentment, blocking herself from moving forward and possibly meeting a new, wonderful man. She may begin to self medicate, igniting an addiction. She may become physically ill, due to holding on to the negative, damaging emotions.

Ultimately this woman's lesson is to work through, learn from and overcome a situation of betrayal. Choosing to take the difficult (much longer) road or the more grounded route is entirely up to her, as both could ultimately lead to the same outcome – eventually (unless she becomes extremely ill, overdoses or loses her life, in extreme cases). Please forgive me for being so blunt, and of course staying grounded during heart-breaking happenings is absolutely gut-wrenchingly challenging. I've been there too...

So, maybe we really don't have any control over our significance such as, the color of our skin, where we reside, who we marry, which occupation we are destined for, how many children we bear, which day, month, year, time we pass over to return home and how this will occur, or suddenly losing a loved one etc., and all the subtle and sledge-hammer style challenges along the way. Maybe our journey is already preordained - by us.

I always worry over my animals on the farm. Once snake season commences, I carry a constant anxiety, always fearful of (what hasn't even happened) a pet succumbing to a snake bite. It's awful and I consciously realise how detrimental this is to my health and well-being, but I am unable to shake it off, no matter how much effort I put in! However, if I believe the above to be true, it is already written how my animals will eventually depart this earth! They live their journeys too! Should I accept, let go and trust all is happening as it should? I have no control, so what's the point of wasting time and energy over the inevitable?

Maybe we worry for no reason because what will be, will be…. Should we just go with the flow, focussing on being the best we can be at any given moment, 'knowing' all is well, and will always be well, no matter what happens? These are curious thoughts I ponder over often, which completely intrigue me....

Good news. I have just heard beautiful Judy has withstood her operation well and the doctors are extremely pleased with her : )

Again, did I even need to worry? …….. 

 

Waves Of Emotion...

Over these last couple of weeks, between my work and farm life, I've attempted to make the most of the televised Olympic games coverage. I'm so in awe of the talented, resilient, elite athletes, who have worked exceptionally hard, and no doubt, have made many sacrifices along their road to success. It's very inspiring…

Of course, I am nation proud and obviously want Australia to do well, however it's the individual efforts/stories of all Olympians, who have brought me to tears often throughout the games.

I can't even begin to imagine the blood, sweat and tears shed over the many years of training toward reaching such significant personal goals. I'm sure illnesses and injuries have had their place, as well as endless hours of (probably mundane), repetitiveness. Memories of inevitable highs and lows, amazingly strong commitments and keeping the aspired goals in sight, like dangling carrots, add to the determination and hunger of such successful sporting campaigns.

You could sense the overwhelming joy and pride of the athletes, as they entered the Rio venue during the open ceremony, each one honored and humbly grateful to be there; walking tall behind their country's flag and most probably pinching themselves often. Then, as the games began and the Olympians prepared for their individual sports, emotions and adrenalin ran high – as did mine!

I cried for the winners standing on the podium, often in disbelief, listening to their national anthem play through the humongous speakers. I cried for the athletes, who missed out on a win, bitterly disappointed and emotionally beating themselves up in the process; sadly feeling their self-worth decline, as if measured by their success. The added media circus unfortunately amplified their nation's expectations.

I cried for all the various success stories, celebrating with each participant from my lounge room. I also cried for the devastated athletes, whose nerves engulfed them, at a crucial point, from the sheer pressure of being an Olympian. You can learn to prepare for all aspects of a sport, however no one can teach you the overwhelm of an Olympic environment and audience, and knowing of the trillions of eyes focussed on you through technology; counting on you to do your country proud. What a huge, daunting cross to bear.

I cried for the coaches, families and the rest of the support groups of these extraordinary sportsmen and women, each barracking and wishing their star well, while walking along side them, ready to adhere to their every need.

I also cried mixed tears of emotions for the star Olympians, whose dreams had once again

come true for the fourth or fifth time during Olympic participation, and who were now ready to hang up their boots, taking with them infinite, precious memories.

Each and every athlete should be so extremely proud of themselves, regardless of personal outcome. To be an Olympian is already such an amazing accomplishment, encompassing and proudly acknowledging all those hard yards of pain, stamina and clear purpose. The raw waves of every emotion complete the picture, which of course, are exaggerated within Olympic conditions. I think you are all incredible and should celebrate your outstanding achievements, regardless of podium outcome or not, especially our Aussies.

Congratulations and well done xo

Instant Peace...

In one of my previous blogs, I mentioned I returned to yoga this year; once again pursuing the ancient spiritual science, incorporating mind, body and spirit.

Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self – The Bhagavad Gita.

Sounds pretty deep and insightful, doesn't it? And it is! It's an amazing process of stilling the natural upheaval of thoughts and restlessness of the body. Yoga is about going within.

Last time I actively pursued this practice, it was in a beautiful, suitable venue, close to the ocean. The atmosphere was serenely fitting, incorporating earth colors accentuated by dimmed lighting. Soft, but powerful repetitive music hummed in the background and the temperature of the room was just right.

Each week I would front up, ready to 'go within', and execute the yoga postures role modelled to the class as best I could. However, while I was balancing on one leg, or 'pretzeling' my body, my mind was busy planning my shopping list or guessing what time high tide was in the morning, and pondering over when would be a good time to turn the water pump on for the cattle troughs!

Nearing the end of the class, after I had usefully planned the following day, it was time for Savasana (corpse pose), which is a restorative pose consisting of lying down on the floor and relaxing your muscles. While Savasana requires no physical effort, it can be one of the most difficult yoga poses to master. 

 

'Students will find they either fall asleep, go into a dreamy state or otherwise find their mind thinking and planning for such mundane things as the grocery shopping, or worrying about work'.

Well, I'd already mentally completed my shopping list, so I skipped that bit and fell straight to sleep, (and upon waking, hoped I didn't embarrass myself by snoring). This happened every single week, however I found it to be a wonderful (guilt-free) rest; one I immensely enjoyed. The most uncomfortable part of the whole yoga experience was having to pick myself up off the floor at the end of each session and dragging myself home, especially during the cold South Gippsland winters…..

So five years on, I'm once again a keen participant of a yoga class; a different one, with a different teacher, and a somewhat different me. I actually do go 'within' now, as opposed to planning my shopping list. I do feel a stillness as I focus on my poses and imagine how my body, as a whole, is working its magic to create the particular postures. I even find myself in a subtle meditative state during my practice, or often I'm dizzy (in a good way), as I feel my body releasing pent up energies. By the time I'm walking (more like floating) out the door after a one and a half hour session, I always feel like I have just experienced a full-body massage, which is so nurturing and gratifying.

However the most profound simple act (one which I have always taken for granted), is my breath! Conscious breathing, taught within the yoga framework, is so powerful. Before each yoga pose, and sometimes at the completion, we start with our hands in prayer position, resting on our sternum, and focussing on our heart (centre) area. Through the nose, we breathe a few deep breaths in and out...and we are centred. In fact, 'we are centred immediately'. I find this astounding.

I now finally understand when, many times throughout my journey, I was encouraged to breathe during anxious times. It's our breath that transports us to the quiet place within (our centre), where time stands still and all is well. The ancient yogis taught that learning to control the breath can assist in regulating and calming the mind and that proper breathing enhances focus, concentration, relaxation, and energy.

So each time, as we go about our daily lives and feel off balance, anxious, upset, confused, nervous or even craving an unwanted addiction we have let go of, we can instantly become centred and brought back into 'the now', where there is no turbulence, no upheaval. All we need do is take some deep breaths, especially if we close our eyes and focus on our heart centre, and we immediately find peace, bringing ourselves back to the starting line, before the overwhelm. It's that simple!

So, I will continue on my enjoyable and inspiring yoga quest, reaping the many physical, mindful and spiritual benefits, while I will also remind myself to consciously breathe often as I go about my day, reducing mental noise of agitation, distractions and self-doubt.

I also need to continue to work on mastering the Savasana pose, as I still to this day find myself falling into a beautiful, deep sleep during the end phase of the yoga class.

This, I imagine, may take some time to perfect, as I'm not sure if I want to let my guilt-free nap go just yet. : )

A Blogger's Milestone...

Yay, I'm excited and proud of myself! 

 

One year ago, after spending way too much time in the contemplation stage, I finally became proactive and commenced this baby, my blog. How time flies!

August of last year, I promised myself I would commit to uploading one blog post a week, and although some weeks have been a little challenging, due to limited time, I have managed to achieve my goal. I'm celebrating a wonderful and satisfying 'sense of achievement'. : )

The post you are currently reading is the 52nd one to be published under The Stumbling Spiritualist banner, and approximately 3000 of you lovely souls have taken the time to read my stories, whereby, over the last twelve months shared my personal experiences. However, it's not about how many people read my blogs (although it's a lovely feeling to have them read), it's about putting a smile on someone's face when they need it most. Even if only one of you found the time to check my blogs out, creating that smile, I would still be over the moon.

My goal was to not only fulfill my own dreams by purposefully allowing creative juices to flow, but for you to realise you're not alone when it comes to questioning the possibility of spiritual phenomena. I have also documented various other experiences in the hope they would resonate with you on some level, offering reassurance, comfort and confirmation that you are not flying solo when it comes to sometimes feeling unsure, unbalanced, sensitive, insecure or emotional, whilst on this 'often crazy' life journey.

I have well and truly (and dare I say, bravely), put myself out there as I revealed personal accounts of my physical and emotional world. I pray, from interpreting my stories, you have taken with you that which you most needed at the time, and have somehow placed this information into your own perspective to assist growth and healing. This is my greatest wish for you as you absorb my words. They are honest and unpretentious, as I believe I am.

Reminiscing over this last year, I feel I have grown more mindful of... well,... everything really! Quite possibly it has a lot to do with this blog. All week, as I go about my daily life, I have a little mental note book in the back of my mind, collecting any unique, significant, thought provoking experiences or feelings to possibly share with you. Ones that arouse strong, certain emotions that we can all relate to and often reflect on, yet don't feel comfortable disclosing…Well, I disclose and will continue to do so, aiming for my highest potential to surface through infinite insights unveiled, one after the other, which in turn I will share to hopefully assist you to further unleash your personal power and wisdom.

Twelve months ago, I introduced myself as, ' A humble, middle-aged, fellow student of this wonderful, frustrating, confusing and amazing journey we call life'.

Today I am 'A humble, middle-aged, fellow student and blogger of this wonderful, frustrating, confusing and amazing journey we call life!' ….. : )

I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to pen my experiences by allowing my passion to blossom, and I thank you so much for taking the time to read my heartfelt words. May they leave a positive, healing. lasting impression…..

With Love

The Stumbling Spiritualist 

 

The Stranger's Smile....

I've been wanting to pen this wonderful experience for so long, as it's a regular occurrence, which melts my heart each time....

I live in a small country town, where the nearest service township is 40 kilometres away. This is where I purchase my weekly food shop and take care of errands. A while back, I was also employed in this town and drove back and forth on a daily basis.

A few years ago, one particular day, I was driving to work at around 7.30am.

I would always take the same route each morning, which involved travelling down a long, straight stretch of bitumen with beautiful farmland on either side. Mind you, I never really noticed the picturesque scenery, as I was always on tender hooks, thinking about my work commitments. My employment position proved to be very stress provoking, due to the concept being completely against my grain on many levels, hence I found it extremely challenging. I wish I had have listened to my gut feeling upon accepting the position, however it was a good learning lesson!

I would have work on my mind constantly, much to my husband's disgust. I was always one step ahead of myself, instead of being present in the now and finally (after much ego hesitation), I resigned after my husband disclosed he was beginning to 'not like me very much'!

So this one particular sunny, chilly morning, I was, as usual, highly strung and driving on auto-pilot, while organising my working day in my mind, totally oblivious to the stunning, surrounding physical world. I was feeling disheartened and scattered and not in a good place emotionally at all, but one I had sadly become accustomed to over the previous few months.

Suddenly, in the near distance, I saw a person standing by the roadside wearing dark clothes and holding a medium-sized, black dog by the collar. As I approached closer I could see this person was a tall, ruffled, elderly man, with a slender physique, shoulder length, thinning, grey hair and wearing a grey beard. Thick black-rimmed glasses were crookedly balancing on his nose and he held a stick in one hand, which didn't seem to be aiding his walk. He was wearing a pair of old jeans and a waterproof coat, which I assumed had seen many winters. His furry companion seemed well behaved and protectively loved by the old man, waiting patiently for me to safely pass them by.

I, of course, slowed right down, not wanting to scare this beautiful dog or his owner, and as I drove by, the man, who was in a bent position, crouching and hanging on to his precious pet, waved his stick in the air to greet me. He was wearing the most beautiful, approachable, toothless smile and his eyes were sparkling 'hello'. He seemed so care-free and happy, and unconditionally offered me the warmest 'Good morning'. It was as though he had known me all my life and I felt so appreciated by this stranger!

The impact this experience gave me was lasting. This simple act of kindness brought me back to earth and enabled me to once again realise what's important in life. Living isn't about feeling stressed all the time and causing sickness in the process, especially worrying about uncontrollable situations. Life is about being kind and letting someone know they matter, and not worrying over the small, unimportant stuff. It's about accepting YOU the way you are and letting YOU shine – just as this man role modelled.

I still see this gentleman and his dog regularly on the same stretch of road, in fact I look forward to spotting them and warmly returning his familiar greeting. He's become a significant part of my life now and always a great reminder of what's real; more importantly, to 'keep it simple'.

I have often thought to stop to let this lovely man know the impact his kindness has made on a complete stranger, but I enjoy the anonymity of the whole experience and don't wish to change the energy of this special occurrence. However, one fine day I surely will, before this gracious soul disappears from my life….

Animal Intuition...

Do You feel your beloved pet animals understand you? Do they ever suddenly sit up startled and stare into thin air? Are they able to sense when a spirit visits? I believe they can…..

We have two precious feline fluff balls in our family, among other pet animals that live outside on our farm. I guess, as having children of our own proved to be impossible, these beautiful creatures take their place, and although this may sound completely absurd to parents across the world, I couldn't imagine loving my children any more than I do my four legged kids.

Ginge is our seventeen month old (obviously) ginger, male cat, who has grown into a huge teddy-bear-like, happy, gentle giant with a beautiful laid back nature. He thrives on affection and has a healthy appetite – often! He is also our number one pest control officer, quick to catch mice when in the mood.

Bluebell is a petite, beautiful, flecky grey and white, female cat, nearly ten months old. Sometimes depending on how she moves, it almost looks like she has the shape of a grey heart imprinted on her torso. After a dramatic start in life of being dumped at four weeks old and my husband discovering her with her tiny, bloody face, she seems to have forgotten her awful past. She is thriving, completely cheeky, mischievous and playful – much to Ginge's disgust, who just wants to be left alone. Bell is infatuated with Ginge's long, thick, tail and pounces on it at any given opportunity. That worries me for when snake season commences in a few months…

Both often continue to act out their disagreeing moments and it's been a long, on-going challenge to bring them together toward amicability. We didn't plan to adopt more than one cat, however when Bell came into our lives needing love and care, there was no question that we would help her. We love them both to bits.

I seem to have a unique communication line with both Ginge and Bluebell. I am able to read their facial expressions and body language, as I'm sure they can read mine. Both respond to my voice and seem to be able to look straight through me. Telepathically, there is also a connection, which I've witnessed often.

During the initially months, when Ginge and Bell were constantly trying to eat each other (yes, Bell too, even though she was less than a quarter of Ginge's size), I would silently talk to them individually and attempt to explain the situation. Ginge would look up attentively, sit quietly with his ears pointed my way. When I finished by asking him to please be patient, as Bell is only a playful juvenile, he would walk off, away from her, in a disgruntled fashion. However, when I telepathically spoke to Bell, she seemed completely oblivious to anything I said and would suddenly jump up and run away, playing with an imaginary, flying obstacle within her reach.

These days, now that Bell is a little older, she seems to hear me. For a while she would sleep next to my waist on top of our doona each night. I loved having her beside me (although it was a little uncomfortable) and would stroke her gently until both of us drifted off to sleep. However, from one day to the next, she decided to sleep in her own little bed, that I had initially purchased many months ago, on the bedroom floor.

After a week or so, I telepathically pleaded with her to return to our bed as I missed her terribly. That night she was back, much to my delight, and has continued to sleep with us ever since. Ginge rests at our feet and never needs any prompting to do so. I've suggested to my husband we may need to buy a larger bed!

Often, Bluebell will suddenly stop in her tracks and sit very quietly on edge, staring across the room with huge, marble-like eyes. I will look to see what has caught her undivided attention, however there is never anything out of the norm to be seen. No matter what I say or do, I cannot distract or coax her to unfix her gaze. Sometimes her stare will follow an invisible force across the room, while her body language sways between angst and curiosity. This continues on for a few minutes, and then as if nothing happened, she's back to her usual self!

I believe Bell is observing a spirit, who has popped in, such as our beautiful, previous cat, whom we needed to have euthanased just over two years ago. I have no doubt Oscar is still around, amused by the fiery relationship between these two egos, and feeling grateful he was an 'only child'. This occurrence no longer seems to happen with Ginge. Possibly, being now older, he's used to the spirit traffic and it has ceased to affect him the way it does Bell.

Who knows what's really going on, however one thing I am certain of and that is animals are completely intuitive and we can learn so much from them if we take the time to stop and read the play. I couldn't imagine my life without my precious furry children, big, small and in between….Many have passed over into the spirit world over the years, however I'm sure I still feel them often and I'm so grateful I do. I pray that this never changes :)

A Reminder From Spirit With Love...

Following on from last week's blog, I continue to feel unsettled and on edge. The familiar, ferocious wind we are experiencing isn't helping, as it always manages to throw my balance. The sadness I still feel for my loved ones, presently bravely ploughing through rough waters, wears me down, and I'm feeling scattered, trying to stretch myself in too many directions.

It's time to lighten up! Time to shove the heaviness off my shoulders and to stand up straight and tall to move forward fearlessly, leaving all that doesn't serve me behind. Furthermore to this, I was given a wonderful, significant reminder from Spirit this week. Let me explain….

A few weeks ago, my brother and I attended a school reunion in Melbourne. It was the very first reunion I had been to in thirty-two years and I was so excited. In fact, once we reached the venue, I had slipped completely into my element. I felt entirely content within myself, embracing my personal power. I was centred, leaving no room for fear or self judgement or any form of negativity. With great anticipation, I was happily awaiting to re-connect with childhood friends. I actually couldn't wipe the smile off my face, and I felt so much love for the whole 'reunion concept', waiting to thoroughly enjoy linking up with familiar souls, who had played a huge part within my prominent, learning teenage years.

As the evening progressed, I could genuinely feel the difference in myself. I knew I was emanating that which I was feeling. My energy/aura was up beat and approachable, hence why I was able to enjoy such meaningful

re-connections, although only fleetingly, as there were so many people to speak with and so little time.

I felt 'alive', 'in the moment' and completely in my heart centre. That's the only way I can describe it. It felt amazing and I made a mental note suggesting this is how I could always be feeling, and that it's entirely up to me!

However, after that wonderful event, I returned to the norm of life, still for a few days embraced by the happy, lingering memories, which slowly, but surely dissipated storing themselves in my personal history. I guess I sank back into my familiar, see-sawing inner world by my own doing...

Two weeks later I was casually scrolling through Face Book one evening before retiring to bed, and noticed one of the past students from the reunion had sent me a friend request. I didn't remember this man from school on the night, as he was a few years above me, however I did meet him at the celebration and we shared some brief, but fascinating conversations throughout the evening. He was interesting to speak with and played a part in the reunion experience being so enjoyable.

So I happily accepted Michael's friend request. Five minutes later a notification arrived informing me of a message he had placed on my time line. I intriguingly brought up my Face Book page to check it out.

Well, what a beautiful surprise! Such lovely, heartfelt, honest words. You could have knocked me over with a feather…...and it was for the world to see, which, I must admit, embarrassed me a little just quietly, thanks to my whispering, undeserving voice that rears its ugly head every now and again!

These were some of Michael's words:

'Just wanted to say what a pleasure it was meeting at the reunion. You smile with your eyes and have a vivacious attitude to life that is truly infectious. I wish you all the best'.

Honestly, I was completely overwhelmed that firstly, someone would put themselves out there like that to secondly, say such lovely comments about me. My shocked ego 'obviously' enjoyed the moment, however I instantly knew Michael was perceiving the 'Camilla', (whom he had never previously met), who was emanating from her heart centre. I guess you could say, 'the real Camilla'.

I could feel Michael was very intuitive and obviously confidently voices what he thinks, as opposed to most people, who have passing thoughts that subside as quickly as they arrive. I was very flattered and grateful for Michael's words. That was really sweet of him to post, however the reason for his positive perception of me that evening was because I had let go (or placed on the back-burner) my usual niggling issues of self doubt etc. and allowed my soul, my authentic self, to lead. I possibly found this easy, as I was removed from my usual environment, feeling carefree and excited, while stepping sideways from my life as I know it, similar to a little vacation – or so it seemed.

However, there shouldn't need to be 'a little vacation'! Why can't/don't I always live life from my heart centre? How easy living would be? How happy and content I would be? How well I would write!! Man, the advantages are endless...

When we are centred in our hearts, balanced and consciously allowing our authentic, beautiful selves to shine, we automatically feel at ease and fully accept and appreciate who we are, hence becoming more fearless, more caring, more joyous, more grateful and more giving people. From this stance, we then also continue to attract souls of the same substance, welcome opportunities and inspiring events into our lives, which we nurture, appreciate and celebrate. How enticing that sounds! Don't you agree?

So Spirit kindly reminded me how energetic I felt during the reunion while I was speaking my truth, by having Michael post a lovely message that would make me sit up and take notice. I say 'reminded' because I already knew how differently I portrayed myself to the world that night and how magical I felt.

The only way I can try and explain the feeling I experienced is how one feels when they're about to embark on a first, second, third date - full of enthusiasm, positive anticipation and motivation, placing one's best foot forward, all with love in one's heart. Now replace the word 'date', with 'you and your zest for life', and apply the adjectives..

So how do we achieve this? The following few suggestions have served me well:

Let go of the small stuff, as it's all small stuff (however I still often need to remind myself of this). 

 

Be mindful of every moment, yet expect greatness to unfold during your journey through your attraction.

Be content within yourself and let go of self judgement, as well as for others. 

Give unconditionally and you will unexpectedly be rewarded time and time again and usually when you most need it.

Don't be afraid to give compliments, whether you know the person or not (just as Michael did).

Each of us needs to individually figure out how to peel back the layers to expose and live from the heart. The challenge is to remain in this wonderful space and not be thrown off centre…….however, that's why we're here in the physical. 'They' say 'practice makes perfect!'. May you find the right path for you….. xo