A Step Back In Time...

Last Saturday night my older brother and I had the absolute pleasure of attending a school reunion, organised by a group of fellow students in a popular Melbourne hotel, which had been completely renovated since last we visited many years ago.

Our quaint high school was quite small, only carrying just over 300 students at one time, and eventually closed in December of 1992, due to diminishing attendances. A few years later, it was then demolished to make way for new housing estates. A sad day as a significant chapter of our youth came to a close.

The reunion welcomed all past students and teachers to attend and our excitement grew as my brother and I drove the two hour trip to the venue. Passing the time, we reminisced and wondered whose faces we would recognise and who we thought would show.

It was a brilliant evening had by all. I was extremely disappointed not one person from my year presented, however there were many people I knew and recognised, who were a delight to reconnect with. Most from my brother's year were there, and as I was the 'little sister' back in the day, I remembered them well, as they did me.

Looking across the surprisingly large group of people, I saw familiar teenage faces, now with laugh lines and greying hair, or in some cases no hair at all! However, the smiles and the glistening pairs of eyes were just the same as ever before. Young at heart and conversing of old school days seemed to transform everyone back to the classroom of familiar closeness, cheekiness and laughter, and many amusing secrets were unveiled about each other. Where had the time gone….forty years had slipped unknowingly by.

It was interesting to hear each other's life journeys thus far. Everyone had an amazing, unique story to share, filled with inevitable lows and highs. Amongst the eccentric, creative, successful, famous, humble and high achieving lives, I was saddened to hear there were absent students, who were struggling with on-going mental health issues and/or drug addictions. Some were also fighting a terminal illness and a few had already lost their battles. Life can be so raw and cruel….

The reunion was a wonderful experience and the general consensus seemed like only yesterday that we had all seen and known each other. It was also the happiest I'd seen my brother in a long time, and that made me smile.

No doubt as the years continue, another reunion will pop up that we will happily attend – if we are lucky enough to still be around. It was a lovely, memorable evening stepping back in time with beautiful souls….

My Sacred Space....

In last week's blog, I excitedly shared I was in the process of purchasing a laptop and setting it up in a beautiful north-west facing room in our home, where once upon a time I took great pleasure in channeling Sekhem Energy for the healing of others. The massage table, which once stood dominantly in the centre of this space, is presently folded and camouflaged under a colorful, bright couch, – until another time, a divine time.

This particular room, which is neither small nor large, holds the most calming, wise, gentle energy. I absolutely adore the atmosphere and look forward to spending more time here meditating, writing, reading or just 'being', whilst soaking up the stillness of this magical environment. It's so soothing for my soul.

So, as of this week, this room has officially become 'my sacred space'. From now on, the new laptop will be used purely for my writing and will remain settled on a little, second-hand, timber desk I once bought from an elderly man. This rustic desk is situated in front of a three-quarter length, colonial, timber window, which beautifully allows the afternoon sun's warmth and brightness to fill the room, whilst I look out onto part of our roofed, rear, cedar verandah and rose garden.

This lovely view of nature allows me to remain grounded in between spiritual practices, and often the willy wagtails will dance for me on the outside window panes, making me lose my concentration. They are so gorgeous and always remind me of my father, who had many play around him when, for hours, he used to tend to his precious garden. Come to think of it, my father, who is in Spirit, is probably sending the little birds as a sign he is near! If I happen to be at my desk during evenings, I have the privilege of being seated in the front row of witnessing the most spectacular sunsets, which take my breath away time and time again, whilst reminding me I am a mere pinprick within this vast universe.

The window sill, which I face when I am sitting at my desk, carries my larger crystals to infuse the atmosphere of the room with healing and cleansing qualities, whilst also enabling me to continuously admire them. To their left on the sill sits a gorgeous scented candle I light whenever I sit down to write. I am prepared, and have many more in the desk cupboard to keep me going for months on end. There is also a glass jar I have decorated with colorful ribbon near the right corner of the window. I call this jar 'My Celebration of 2016', as it has within it singular pieces of small, folded paper, each documented with a significant and wonderful event as it happens to me throughout the year, and which I read on New Year's Eve to reminisce and smile over at the closing of yet another fortunate twelve months in this physical life.

Above me, hanging across a three-quarter rolled up, bamboo blind in a semi circle, are Buddhist Prayer Flags, adding color and wisdom to my room. I adore these; I always have. They emanate such powerful and purposeful messages, and command a gentle respect. To my left, staggeringly nailed to the wall, are my Levels 1 & 2 Sekhem Energy Healing Certificates, which remind me every day of what's to come. Being absorbed in this energy is sheer bliss, and I look forward to sharing it once again.

Also fixed to the wall, is a porcelain plate with a black and white print of my European birth town. I always thought it to be daggy and hid it in a drawer for years, however it's one of the few pieces of my heritage I own, and seems to become more significant the older I grow. I felt it was time to finally honor it.

To my right on the carpeted floor sits my beautiful alter, complete with a cushion for my bum, consisting of a chakra (colored) candle, surrounded by earthy materials; each one of personal value. Under the alter hides my cd player with all the various spiritual disks I've accumulated over the years, such as ones for relaxation, angel therapies, guided meditations and hypnosis, all for varying issues and aimed lovingly towards growth, awareness and healing.

To the right of the alter stands a beautiful, tall timber, second hand bookshelf, which was kindly given to me by a previous employer. It is filled with well-loved spiritual books, each offering similar words of wisdom and divine guidance, yet each with the author's personal stamp. All are beautifully printed and so precious to my soul.

The shelves also carry particular objects, which each hold a treasured memory, such as Phyllis's 100^th birthday invitation. A grand lady, who I had the pleasure of assisting in her lovely home and who passed over at the age of 102! We became great friends, regardless of the fifty or so year age difference and she will always hold a special place in my heart.

Then there's Oscar's favorite, weathered mouse and ball. He was our gorgeous, ginger cat, who we sadly needed to send on to the Spirit world just over two years ago; literally breaking my heart. I have also kept some of his beautiful, ginger tail fur and lovingly placed it inside a matchbox wearing his photo. He was and will forever be my special boy.

I treasure a precious photo of my father and I, taken not long before his passing in 2002; fourteen years ago, yet seems like only yesterday. I also have a one and only print of Glen, whom I was very close to before he suddenly passed away on Valentines Day 2000. That date my life took a whole new direction!

I own eight decks of various reading cards, mostly Angel ones. I have a smudge stick, which I use infrequently: only when I feel the need. I have two lovely, calming, jade green plants upholding the oxygen in the room. I have a chain of quaint, beautiful sounding chimes hanging from the corner of the bookshelf, and a round, flat cane dish, filled with many pocket-sized crystals, all colors of the rainbow. They sit proudly on a pine coffee table in the centre of the room and are an absolute delight to look at, especially when the afternoon sun catches them.

Hanging on the wall above the couch, I have a magical, pastel spirit guide drawing, completed by a psychic artist, who picked me out of a crowd of strangers during a spiritual church service in 2003. It wasn't until the end of the service that the artist, who drew with her eyes closed using her spiritual sight (amazing), pointed to me and stated this drawing is a gift from the Angels, while she continued to relay their messages, one by one. I was overwhelmed with gratitude and I will always fondly remember the meaning of this beautiful image. I'm so in awe of 'Carol'.

Hanging on another wall, I have a mesmerising black and white picture of an American Indian woman, who expresses a powerful, important message. I found this poster in storage amongst my husband's belongings many years ago, and after consulting with him, I visited a framing shop and was professionally assisted with the most perfect, fitting frame. I just love it and could admire it for hours.

Not to forget, I also have an animal rescue calendar hanging on the wall from a farm in Tasmania, which does amazing and inspiring work to save creatures. Each month features the life story and photo of one of the many rescued animals, and it melts my heart every time I flip a page to the following month. If I happen to be losing a little faith in humanity, I look at my calendar and instantly it is restored. Such a purposeful life mission.

There are many more objects which complete my room. In fact, my whole life story thus far is embedded and confined in this cluster of material belongings. By examining the contents, my biography could easily be written by a stranger. 

 

I'm extremely grateful to have my own space where I may, at my own pace, learn, grow, manifest, communicate with Spirit, send healing outward etc. What I love and cherish most of all is when I'm spending time in my beautiful room, one by one (I have two) my fluff ball felines gravitate toward the energy, enter and curl up somewhere in a chosen comfortable spot, be it by my side on the desk while I write or on my lap when I'm sitting on the couch reading. They know when they're on a good thing : )

However, I feel I need to acknowledge, although all the above precious material objects mean the absolute world to me on a very personal scale, I can actually let each and every one of them go. There was a time I wouldn't have been able to accept or admit this easily, yet since I have learned spiritual insight and love are all that matter, I can detach myself if need be………...however, having said that, I'm going to make the most of my loved and cherished space, including all my treasures, and enjoy them while I can…….because I can.

                   

I Finally Get It!!!

Wow, I am so excited!!!! I have this exhilarated feeling of anticipation that great things are about to happen; come into fruition : ) Let me tell you why.....

I visited a beautiful, Spiritual Centre in Foster a couple of weeks ago, named 'Be Enchanted'. It was a gorgeous, crisp morning and the meandering, ascending road it resides on has such a magical feel about it. There are plenty of birds, and beautiful, tall trees, which allow the sun's rays to shine through their branches, throwing shadows onto the earth. Aahh, the magic of nature is wonderous.

Walking into the centre, I couldn't believe my eyes! Amongst loads of other various items, there were crystals from floor to ceiling, every color, every size, every shape you can imagine. I felt like an ecstatic child let loose in a lolly shop, and the energy in this spacious environment was magnificent. It was truly an incredible experience and my visit lasted much longer than I had intended, as there was so much to admire.

Amongst many available healing modalities and ones still to be manifested, Be Enchanted offers Angel Readings, and I decided to book myself in for the following week. I hadn't received a reading for a long while and the opportunity once again awoke my intrigue. Later that afternoon I was conversing with a friend and shared I was having this reading, and in a very blasé way told her, 'I don't really know why, as I always seem to be told what I already know and feel, however it's nice to have confirmation and reassurance'.

The day arrived and I was excited to be communicating with Spirit, equipped with mobile phone/voice recorder in hand. It was another lovely, coolish, yet sunny day, and with anticipation, I was ready to learn from the Angels what I needed to know at this time for my highest good.

Sandey warmly greeted and showed me into her serene, healing space, fuelled with a gentle, powerful energy. We made ourselves comfortable on the couch and after some initial, friendly conversation, the Angel cards were shuffled, as I clumsily found my voice recorder button and proceeded to turn it on.

Sandey was quiet for a moment, then suddenly opened her eyes, looked straight at me and said, 'Why are you here?' I looked at her a little dumb-founded as she again spoke saying, 'You know what the Angels are going to say. You can hear them, in fact you should be giving readings!'

Completely stopped in my tracks, I needed a minute to digest this surprising information. Sandey continued to explain what was occurring, and gave me much encouragement regarding personal issues I may be in need of releasing on a subconscious level, and life-style changes I would benefit from etc. All of the information resonated.

Suddenly it dawned on me what I had said to my friend! I don't really know why I have readings, as I always seem to be told what I already know and feel, however it's nice to have confirmation and reassurance! I've thought this for many years, however I never truly 'realised' what I was actually saying! Of course I receive messages! In fact all the time, through books, through cards, through physical signs, through thoughts that come to mind, through feelings, words or phrases. I also strongly 'see' through my minds eye.

However, everyone has this connection and it's different for each of us. We are who we are, and because we are unable to slip into each other's bodies and minds to compare this phenomenon, we have to trust ourselves that we are receiving guidance and healing advice. And why wouldn't we be? If everyone else receives loving guidance, we do too. No singling out here! We all have so much spiritual assistance, as I have mentioned time and time again in my earlier blogs.

We just need to listen and watch for the many signs constantly around us on a daily basis. We are never alone. The challenge though, is to be open to receiving and to become proactive upon being presented with helpful advice; not choosing to ignore it.

However, this spiritual journey of ours is just that; a journey.

Try not to be impatient (as I often am), and know that everything has divine timing. You grow at your own personal pace with heaps of spiritual support along the way, such as a gentle nudge to move forward fearlessly or a reminder to rest and rejuvenate. Try to refrain from beating yourself up or being your own worst critic. It's a waste of time and energy and bogs you down into a lower vibration, making your life more difficult than it can be. Believe me when I say this, as I am speaking from experience!

So, getting back to why I am so very excited, I have come to the conclusion to trust (myself) that I am communicating with Spirit, and to take note and be mindful of information that does actually come from outside of myself. In fact, since I have consciously come to this realisation, I have felt, seen and heard spiritual signs left, right and centre.

I am picking up a new laptop tomorrow morning. One which will purely assist my passion for writing, set up permanently in my beautiful spiritual room. No more using the office computer when it's free, surrounded by paperwork of bills, accounts and taxation reports etc. I have been guided to meditate in 'my' room, before sitting down to write and I have been assured wise, healing words to share will flow freely. How wonderful!

For many years I have asked Spirit that I may be a clear, pure and open channel to be used for healing, in whichever shape or form I may serve best. Reflecting, I have always worked in a healing profession, one way or another. As far back as I can remember, I have also always prayed that I may be granted clear Spirit communication. Maybe, now that I finally trust myself, my spiritual journey will move forward more quickly and easily with me not standing in the way.

I finally get it now!

I'm so excited and I'm feeling so empowered........Thank you Spirit, for all you do, and for guiding me to Be Enchanted, unveiling a significant, personal epiphany. xoxoxo

My Joy Of Giving...

I love giving – in all sorts of contexts! However, I feel such joy in the whole process of giving presents, that I have mindfully and specifically chosen for beautiful souls. It makes my heart sing seeing the delight on their faces, regardless of who they are.

I'm not just talking about birthday gifts, or wedding or house warming presents etc. I especially love surprising people with unexpected gifts, such as sending my lovely friend an appropriate healing crystal, as she bravely faces her cancer treatment, or leaving a little bottle of eucalyptus oil with a thoughtful card on a friend's door step, who has been nursing a severe head/chest cold.

I also adore giving precious books, personally and intuitively selected, knowing the receiver will find appropriate, healing words offering comfort, hope and insight during a significant challenging time. However sometimes, it's just a spontaneous, beautiful card sent in the mail with often a little affirmation quote, or a packet of happy sunflower seeds (or other lovely flowers) placed inside, reminding them they are not alone, or how much they have achieved and to take some time out to acknowledge and celebrate their efforts.

There are many more examples I could write here, but I'm sure you get my drift.

I was thinking this week, I haven't sent anyone a surprise for a little while and the more I excitedly pondered over whom and what I could send, the more joy I felt.

So, I decided I would commit myself to sending a little unexpected gift to someone once a month, not only to bring them a happy moment, but to also fulfil my heart. In fact, I will send it anonymously! I will sign the card with something along the lines of, ' From a caring friend, who thinks the world of you'. Then I further thought, why not suggest to the receiver, he or she does the same! Send a little anonymous present to someone they feel will delight in and appreciate the surprise. Yes, that's what I will do! Now I just need to go inside myself and ask who would benefit the most at this particular time.

After all, it's the simple, little things in life that are the most meaningful..... : )

 

 

Farewell For Now.....

 This week our hearts were heavy as we sadly farewelled a wonderful, dear, courageous friend and colleague, who had spent some years living and working in our rural community.
 We congregated in our local, ritzy cafe/bar to honor his colorful, short life of fifty-two years. Simultaneously, close friends and family gathered in Melbourne to celebrate his life and to fulfil his wishes by spreading his precious ashes across Port Phillip Bay.

This gorgeous man was intelligent, warm, kind, lovable, cheeky and unpretentious. His presence made you feel at ease, his sense of humor made you laugh. His professional, empathetic and sincere persona would often transform into an extroverted 'life of the party', always keen to experience a good time!
 

Through his unintentional role-modelling, we were taught how to live in the present and to enjoy and appreciate each moment. Whether this was because he knew he was living on borrowed time? He would make light of most situations, possibly protecting us from the raw truth or hiding his sensitive vulnerability. One thing's for sure! Over decades and with both fists outstretched, he fought a long and tiring health battle head on. Often the disease would fold him to his knees, however he always managed to find the emotional and physical strength to rise and continue fighting. It was the secondary complications that challenged him most and consequently silenced his breath.

 

 

So as the heavens cried uncontrollably, we raised our 'vodka' glasses in honor of our sweet friend and silently asked the Angels to hold him in their arms, now and always.....whilst suddenly a beautiful, rich rainbow appeared out of nowhere, bringing comfort and joy to our grieving hearts.

 

Thank you Mark, for being you.
Miss you.....xo 

I know with all my being that when our loved ones pass, they are surrounded with love and light as their souls travel 'home'. A home free of pain, a home of pure love that can't even begin to be understood from our physical stance. So with this 'knowing', you would think I am spared of grief! Yes, I am happy for the departed soul, especially if it has endured a long and difficult illness. I find great joy in imagining the reunion with their spirit guides, departed family, friends, pets etc. However, I still grieve.
 

Perhaps it is not so much my sorrow, but the sorrow I feel emanating from the loved ones left behind (who don't yet remember what I do), although I certainly also miss the familiarity of the departed soul, even though the physicality is all that has vanished. The 'person as I knew them' is constantly on my mind for many weeks after they have crossed over. I wonder if this is because their energy is with me, letting me know they have arrived home safe and well. I like to think so.
 

However, regardless of my mixed emotions, it's been an honor sharing a part of my journey with such an interesting man as Mark, and besides nurturing many, (now even more precious), memories, I hope we may reunite one day to remember and laugh over the good old days 'in the physical'....