Tuesday, 8 August 2017

A Love Transcending...

In 2015 I documented a story about an individual, who remains lovingly embedded in my heart. Fifteen years had passed before I was able to sit down to write, knowing I would experience a flood of emotions I had safely locked away in a special part of my soul. I wrote of Glen's unanticipated death on Valentines Day in the year 2000, and how my world changed forever more.

Glen and I shared a connection I cannot even begin to describe, which even in death remains strong and in tact. I don't feel the need to question or make sense of our union. It just 'is' and feels completely natural and beautiful. In fact, if there was ever any doubt floating around in my head regarding life after death, Glen's passing greatly surpassed any proof my belief system required. I am certain we had met before, possibly often, in another time, another place.

I had always been intrigued with the concept of reincarnation and diverse past lives, and during the year 2001, I stumbled across a book that took my breath away. This book is called 'Many Lives, Many Masters', by Dr. Brian Weiss, and is filled with incredible, powerful, personal experiences and valuable insights. I related and aligned wholeheartedly to its contents.

In the nineties, when the book was published, Dr. Weiss was a traditional psychotherapist, stemming from a scientific background. When he believed his methods of therapy were failing, he turned to hypnosis. One particular day Dr. Weiss was astonished and sceptical when a client began to recall past life traumas that seemed to hold the key to her present reoccurring problems. I was amazed! During this era I too was counselling people with problematic issues and welcomed the idea of hypnosis. I was excited to think how easily people could heal themselves.

This book fascinated me to no end and I had to find someone in Melbourne who had been educated by Dr. Weiss, as I knew he conducted seminars and workshops both nationally and internationally.
It wasn't long before I found a professional, who had recently returned from America under his guidance. I didn't hesitate to phone for an appointment time!

I remember parking outside an extravagant house in an upper class Melbourne suburb. Sitting in my car I questioned how hypnosis would work on me. I was hardly able to achieve falling into a meditative state, so how could I possibly be hypnotised?! However, I quickly attempted to put an end to my uncertainty by remembering there was surely a good reason I had arrived at this point and to have faith in the process. I proceeded to ring the door bell.

I was warmly greeted by a middle aged man with a lovely, approachable manner, who instantly put me at ease. We sat down in his impressive study for an introductory chat, and I explained my purpose for the consultation was to explore a past life regression. I disclosed I had read Dr. Weiss's fascinating book and was familiar with his technique, and that I was a little concerned I may not be the most cooperative person to regress, but certainly not through a lack of enthusiasm. The practitioner reacted with confidence and eagerness to commence.

I sat in a comfortable arm chair, eyes closed, listening to this man's quiet, rhythmic voice directing me to sink further and further into a relaxed state. I'm not sure how long this process took, but eventually he counted backwards from ten very slowly, and as he arrived at number one he asked me to walk through a doorway, which through visualisation, I was standing in front of. Curiously I proceeded and instantly knew, without yet witnessing, I had entered into a strange, yet familiar environment.

I then heard the therapist's voice prompting me to look down at my feet to decipher my footwear, if any at all. From this one gesture, my mind suddenly opened up to a vivid scene, as if it were a movie on a large screen and I was one of the starring actors!

I certainly was wearing shoes, but none I had any memory of owning. They were very simple, brown, leather slip-ons, complimenting the plain, long, brown tunic and creamy colored shirt/top I wore. My dark hair was tied up in a long braid hanging down to my waist, which was accentuated by some sort of string. I was of medium height and build and in my mid twenties. Happily married, with a son aged eight and a little girl aged six, I lived a busy, tiresome lifestyle, but a simple, happy one. I seemed carefree and content.

I felt this was an English Medieval existence and I was a peasant farmer's wife, residing in a small, quaint village consisting of a cluster of basic homes of straw, mud and wood. I sensed our humble, close, farming community efficiently and calmly went about the day, while living off the land and supporting each other as much as possible. It felt an uncomplicated, satisfying and rewarding existence.

After exploring my lifestyle a little more in detail, the therapist asked I move forward in time to a particular, significant episode, which may have occurred...

The scene changed to a pitch black night. Our village was quiet, my beloved family sound asleep. Suddenly there was shouting, screaming, children crying and the galloping of horses to be heard. The night had come alight with fire balls thrown onto the roofs of village houses. People and animals were running in all directions, many being killed by vicious horseman. The cool air was filled with the stench of smoke and fear, and death.

I sensed the ambush was a jest to the soldiers, who happened to be passing through. Their laughter echoed across the land as they killed in cold blood. Our men on foot tried their best to protect the village, but many died instantly by the sword. There was bloody chaos everywhere.

My husband screamed for me to take the children to the river as fast as I could and frantically rushed outside to assist his peers. I feared for all our safety and hurriedly lifted my daughter up onto my hip, while I grabbed my son's hand, and we ran as fast as we could through a paddock to the water's edge, urging other women with their children to follow. There I left my offspring in the care of a neighboring friend and cautiously and quickly made my way back to assist the weaker.

As I hurriedly hooked my arm through an elderly woman's, I looked up and saw my husband not far away, desperately avenging the unexpected attackers. His back was turned when I spotted him. Then, in a split second he faced me, and before I could even think to warn him, a horseman came charging through the blood bath and swung his sword forcefully, striking it into my husband's back as he rode past. As if in slow motion, my beloved's eyes pierced into mine as he fell to his death onto the ground. It was the first time I had seen his face clearly throughout the regression and I instantly recognised those distinctive, deep, dark eyes to be Glen's. Oh my god!

The therapist again quickly prompted me to move forward in time to shield me from the emotions of shock and grief, which accompanied this event. He asked me to determine how I experienced my own death in this lifetime..


From the day I buried my spouse, I lost my will to live. I knew I had responsibilities I needed to honor and spent the remaining years numbly and half heartedly farming, supporting the elderly and assisting young mothers, who had also tragically lost their husbands. I loved, taught and cared for my children, and when they were old enough to fend for themselves and to marry, I was satisfied my purpose was complete. I fell sick at the age of thirty-six and had no desire to fight my illness, which quickly consumed me. However, predominantly I died of a broken heart, as I never recovered from the grief of the sudden, violent trauma of losing my precious mate.

I remember the empathetic practitioner decided then it was time to assist me to return to the room. Once I was fully present, we debriefed and discussed the phenomenon at length and all the assorted emotions I was feeling, and placed them into a perspective I could easily comprehend, easily digest. However, all I could think was I had lost Glen not once, but twice.

As far as being hypnotised, I obviously carried a preconceived idea of how deep one sinks into self. I have to admit I was completely aware of... well,... everything during the process. I was most certainly in a relaxed state, however whether I'd call it trance-inducing is arguable… and if I'm completely honest, I came out of the experience questioning whether I had imagined the story I revealed, or whether it really did rise from deep within my subconscience? Although, where would I have suddenly pulled this experience from, when throughout my life, I'd hardly given a second thought to medieval times? The scene unfolded so easily too! I didn't then and still don't believe today I am gifted to possess a quick, creative imagination such as this.

So yes, I am convinced this event is an authentic lifetime I have experienced with Glen and it also demonstrated my intuition was correct.

'I had indeed known and loved Glen in a previous lifetime.'



Now that I have written this particular account, which is one I have been meaning to write for years, it has only just occurred to me, through the written word, how many similarities I have discovered within both this documented past life and my life today:

  • I wore thick, dark, braided hair down to my waist until I was in my late thirties.
  • I am a farmer's wife and reside within a supportive, farming community.
  • I adore living on the land with many animals.
  • I chose to have our home built of timber and painted inside and out with earthy, neutral tones.
  • I love all natural materials and colors.
  • I've passionately and joyfully assisted others ever since I can remember.
  • On both accounts of Glen's passing, I felt powerless to save him.
  • I've had to deal with Glen's sudden death a second time and if I'm honest, I'm still not much good at it.

I'm astounded, that's quite a list! So what's my lesson in all of this?
I have always imagined, if we don't succeed in mastering our particular chosen life lessons through our intended situations, we may again choose to be presented with similar lessons via different scenarios. This may eventuate in the same lifetime or another – until we acquire valuable, insight and growth.

I've sat contemplating my pre-existence with Glen over the last few days, digging deep to reach the truth, my truth. I feel I must resolve this lesson, as I do not want to possibly have to face Glen's death a third time, in yet another physicality. I couldn't bear it.

There are many contrasting themes, which unfolded throughout both my lives with Glen, however I feel I may have finally arrived at a significant common denominator. After he was buried in this life, I again grieved quietly and in solitude for a long time. I was extremely independent and thankfully lived on my own, as I looked forward to and appreciated the privacy at the end of each day. My responsibilities entailed challenging work commitments and keeping an eye on my family, and that was pretty much it at the time. Most evenings were free to mourn without the daytime camouflage.

I know a part of me died with Glen that awful day in the year 2000, and my world took a major turn. Throughout my life I have consistently possessed a certain drive, and reliably fulfilled expectations, or assisted where I could. While this has continued post Glen, the energy around this has somewhat modified.

I've persistently loved, cared for, nurtured, honored my jobs, tasks, roles, what have you, throughout the many diverse roads life has taken me down over these last seventeen years, however I now carry a subtle, underlying edge of despondency towards myself – similar direction as in my past life. It's not that I believe I am unworthy and put myself through an all-together unhealthy wringer, I could just do a whole lot better if I chose to.

I guess I care a little less knowing, with quiet anticipation, eventually a reunion awaits with all I have soulfully loved and lost in this lifetime, and who are all minding a small, personal piece of my heart until I return home. Surely others, who have loved and lost, feel this way too. It's not that I want to accelerate my homebound journey, I just don't wish to prolong it... and I'm guessing, this just could be my most predominant lesson I need to grasp!

I actually do believe there's no reason to miss my loved ones, for we will be reunited again in no time, life is shortand why not give myself as much love and respect as I do others? Isn't it time I nurture my mind, body and soul holistically and whole-heartedly? Isn't my body my temple? I tend to ignore this fact often.

I know if I aspire to feel my best on all levels (whatever benchmark my best is at the time), the life lessons I planned to conquer in this lifetime, will flow toward me with ease and grace - however they choose to appear. I am not to waste a single second of this existence, and if I heed the signs and guidance always around me and become accordingly proactive, I will return home one day with great personal, subjective achievements – ones I had intended to fulfil all along, I'm sure.

I know this to be my truth. My challenge is to fuel it with powerful, passionate emotions, which in turn will encourage creative, physical motivation to live my life to the fullest, while perhaps appreciating my underlying grief to be a crucial stepping stone towards enlightenment. Maybe I will even thank it one day, who knows? This way I will surely, successfully complete my lessonsand just maybe, I will be spared of losing Glen again.



'You are not here by
accident or by some
coincidence of nature. You
are a spiritual being
learning lessons of love in
this earth school.'

By Dr. Brian Weiss.









Monday, 24 July 2017

A Crappy Day...

Why am I feeling so emotionally crappy today?
Is it due to having received my sister-in-law's positive medical results, tainted with an underlying disappointment? My expectations have let me down. When will I learn not to have any!

Is it caused by the confusing and unpleasant conversation I had with a family member during a loud, annual social event I recently reluctantly attended? He seemed to think I had been judging him (did I miss something?) and politely told me to mind my own business. I have the greatest respect for this loved one, so this particular interaction has left me endlessly pondering and processing in an attempt to place it into justifiable perspective. Unfinished business for sure. Or maybe it's the residue of a few glasses of red wine I consumed that night? My poor body would surely be unhappily detoxing from this unusual occurrence.

Is it the horrendous winds presently blowing like there's no tomorrow, making outside work uncomfortable and difficult? Our timber home is whistling through every nook and cranny, giving my fluff balls and I a sense of unwelcome restlessness.

Perhaps, unbeknown to me, my hormones have decided to throw a party, tipping my equilibrium, just because they can… and of course, as happens every time I feel crappy, more crappiness is what I seem to manifest.

This morning I woke feeling a little unwell – sore throat, lethargic, hot, then cold and headachy. Although many people I have been in contact with of late have been ill with colds and influenzas, I know by my own track record, my immune system will only cave if I am feeling emotionally unbalanced. So I am not surprised.

I still needed to complete my morning farm chores as well as feed my beautiful animals, so a little unenthusiastically, I ventured outside to wrestle the relentless wind. I then made my way to our local shops to buy the daily paper, check our post office box and shop for salad ingredients for our local football club. There's a home game this weekend and I volunteer to make the side salads for the dinners after the games. That's my contribution as 'Mrs President'! I also picked up a take-away almond latte on my way out, which I was very much looking forward to drinking once home, not knowing, due to feeling a little off, if it would taste as delicious as usual.

Well, I arrived home to discover my passenger car seat had a weird stain underneath my shopping bag of goodies. It didn't take long to realise the sun dried tomatoes had sprung a leak. Oil, great! After I cleaned everything as best I could, I suddenly remembered my coffee! That will go down well now after a quick zap in the microwave, I thought, but no, I couldn't find it. Retracing my steps in my mind, I decided there was only one reason why my coffee had disappeared. I'd left it sitting on top of my car roof after I loaded my shopping and drove off homeward bound. Damn, how mindless of me!

What I really would have benefited from today is my soothing, rejuvenating, weekly yoga class, and although my mind and spirit were willing, my body pleaded with me not to attend. I am feeling much worse than this morning and still have afternoon farm jobs to conquer, not to mention my employment off the farm tomorrow. I'm devouring vitamin C as we speak… and I am writing because I love to do so. I frustratingly haven't found the time to put pen to paper in the last couple of weeks, and I'm feeling the consequences. My soul is longing to be fed and today I'm making the most of a little peaceful spell in the house. I may be feeling crappy, but I'm making sense of my crappiness through the written word. I was for a short while anyway. 

My husband soon arrived home limping, due to an accident at work, and can hardly walk now – joy! Looks like my intermittent, peaceful, writing spurts just became a rarity! Time to put the nurse's cap back on, and gumboots simultaneously to step up the farm work.

Thankfully I don't feel dispirited very often, and hopefully I will be able to stop this cold, or whatever it is, in its tracks with fresh air, abundant water and a good, healthy diet with some vitamins thrown in. Most importantly I will pause to take a deep breath, return to the moment and centre myself often by closing my eyes and focussing on my heart area. It works a treat and only takes a few minutes. If only I would remember to do so more often!

I know I have created this physical and emotional imbalance within myself through thoughts fuelled with not-so-pleasant emotions, and mostly hanging onto 'stuff', which doesn't serve me – or doesn't serve me any longer, to be precise. I am constantly amazed to think my thoughts create my life. I have proven this in my world often, prompting significant, welcoming awareness. This gift of awareness always leads to positive change and growth, up another rung or through another layer if I choose to listen, more importantly if I choose to act. Timing seems to be an important factor as well.

So I wish to get a grip, as I'm not enjoying feeling this way at all. I will aspire to awaken tomorrow with renewed positivity and enthusiasm, grateful for my life, grateful to be alive. Even if I am unable to pinpoint the cause of my lower mood, I will sit with it and let it pass, as it always does. I find this works best for me… and I know my physical body will follow suit with healing.


Saturday, 1 July 2017

Jocose Island...

Once again, I am prompted to participate in a short meditation guided by the lovely Leanda Michelle.

Feeling somewhat defeated, depleted, heavyhearted, due to recent events, I didn't sink into the relaxation as easily as usual, however once the guided meditation commenced, I was fully there…



I instantly find myself standing on a beautiful island, close to a gently-rolling, brilliant-blue water's edge. It's a most glorious, warm, clear, sunny afternoon and I welcome the massaging sand underneath my feet. A ceremony seems to be happening. The air is filled with the waft of delicious cuisine, which I now see is a colorful, elaborate banquet.

I sense this is a celebration of sorts, although for which occasion, I'm not sure. After a while, I realise this is a regular normality for this beautiful Polynesian tribe. They all seem so happy and humble and are celebrating their gratitude for life.

The atmosphere is uplifting and light and I can't help smiling. There is music being played with guitars and drums, while in unison, angelic, male voices echo across the beach. People are dancing and laughing and having a wonderful time. They're wearing grass skirts, flowers and shell chains around their necks; the women in their hair. There are vibrant colors everywhere I look. It's absolutely mesmerising to witness.

The adults portray themselves as unguarded, warm and approachable. They are not surprised by my presence, and don't actually take too much notice of me observing the scene. The fifteen or so inquisitive children however, are in complete awe, and rush over to play with my hands, touch my skin, my hair and my light, white, summer dress I find myself wearing. 'Gosh, imagine if I was blonde and fair-skinned! How would they react then?', I amusingly wonder.

There is delightful movement everywhere. Women are talking and laughing among themselves, as they creatively tend to their banquet. Some men are presently in the process of constructing a fire in preparation for the incoming, cooler, evening air. The musicians are chanting to the dancers, who are happily aligned with the melodic beat. Once their curiosity has been satisfied, the children too disperse in all directions, playing and laughing as they go. Each soul seems oblivious to any worries and completely absorbed in the jocose activities taking place, as the sun slowly begins to descend to the rhythmic sound of gentle waves breaking on the foreshore… and I am prompted to remember not to take life or myself too seriously. 
 

I awaken from my meditative state feeling lighter in my gut area. The knot has untangled and I am thankful for, yet another, appropriate reminder.






Friday, 16 June 2017

My Happy Place ...

I reside and work predominantly on a beautiful, rural, cattle farm my husband and I purchased in 2002. I'm a born and bred city girl and through surprising circumstances, I quite suddenly found myself swapping a social/welfare career for complete serenity and solitude. Although the move was exciting and positively life-changing, it proved to be quite an extraordinary transition on many levels.

Initially I concentrated on cleaning up farm waste material, which had been cunningly hidden from view. I enthusiastically learnt such tasks as pulling down aged, rusty, fence wire, and by hand, replacing fence posts—all toward the improvement of our property. It was liberating dirtying my hands and I slept like a baby at night, satisfied with my physical achievements. I would be alone most days listening to the mesmerising and diverse sounds of nature, while a group of curious cattle would stand close by, supervising my every move. It was bizarre and completely unfamiliar to the lifestyle I was accustomed to. After nine months however, I began wishing the steers would join in on my one-sided conversations, as their big, beautiful, brown eyes were no longer quenching my social needs. The honeymoon was over and although I loved my country life, including all my precious, adopted, furry, family members, there was definitely something missing …and it didn't take too long to work out what that was.

All my adult life I had been employed in a service role, and to the best of my ability assisted people of all ages to heal and grow. This opportunity initially arose through a nursing capacity, later in the addictions arena. I worked for a Not For Profit Organisation for ten years, engaged in various, internal programs. My roles were challenging and fulfilling, yet often frustrating and at times also extremely heartbreaking. It was imperative I kept a regular health check on my mental and emotional barometer.

So here I was, suddenly immersed in the rawness of Mother Earth, happily soaking in the fresh, clean air, as the sun kissed my face. It was humbling and I was truly grateful, but was this now my purpose forever more; to nurture our land and animals? Would my life now consist of patching fences, making sure we stored sufficient fuel for our farm equipment and regularly turning the pump on to keep our cattle watered?

I contemplated this question for many months and suddenly one day it dawned on me, 'Yes, I was exactly where I was meant to be!'. I realised I had been granted the opportunity to recuperate from all the pain and suffering I had listened to for so many years, which had become my norm, day in, day out. My energy had constantly swayed between desperately wanting vulnerable, often broken, individuals to realise they matter, while keeping healthy, professional boundaries. It was an internal struggle at times, as I felt their debilitating pain. Perhaps then, this was my reward for having consistently and passionately chosen to assist others? A gift of solitude; being embraced by nature's peacefulness and healing. Once I acknowledged this new understanding to be true, I actually found it quite easy to savour each moment in nature by being mindfully present. However, the niggling feeling to help people and to promote positively continued.

After considering how I could possibly still have a voice for those who would choose to listen, while working our farm, I remembered how in the past I loved to pen my words. In fact, I lived and breathed writing throughout my younger years. My journal was my most trusted friend, which supported me through challenging, teenage years. I even tried my hand at writing poems! 'Maybe the vast internet would be a wonderful and appropriate venue to share my knowledge?', I thought.

I finally decided to start a blog. Not so much a running commentary, but a non-fiction story journal, documenting my experiences. It's perfect for me here on the farm! When I find the time, which is often in short bursts between necessary farm chores, I step into my own, authentic world. I feel time then stands still, yet in reality passes so quickly. I predominantly write about my personal encounters, ones people can surely relate to. As the words unfold the content magically falls into perspective and I gain an awareness of rhyme and reason. My focus is to promote a sense of 'journeying together', and to bring comfort, hope, growth and understanding through messages the reader perhaps recognises in his or her own life. Topics vary as significant experiences happen throughout my weeks. If my intuition tells me there is benefit in sharing my, often very personal, occurrences, I will happily do so.

These days my shoulders are a touch lighter and carry contrasting concerns, such as my fear of snakes and our fluff balls coming together, or our house water pump breaking down, which means we have no water! Worse still, the need for rain when drought happens. I think the thoughts of a farmer now, however I continue to want to make a difference in this beautiful world of ours, if only small. I still wish for those, who are lacking in self worth and direction, to find peace and self love. I believe low self esteem is the root cause of most of the issues we humans face. I most certainly advocate to look within and to listen in an attempt to live as true to ourselves as possible. I pray people discover what it is that makes their heart sing and find the courage to pursue it. Each day brings a new gift of learning and my daily goal is to grow a little more insightful than I was yesterday; to be a better person than I was yesterday ...and to write as often as I am able. There is once again a satisfying purpose to my otherwise busy lifestyle and with only a pen and paper or laptop needed, I am able to visit 'my happy place' whenever I wish to …and I am truly thankful for that.

'May you find your happy place too'.