That’s right. I believe that everything in life is both a mirror and a teacher.
As you read these philosophical tidbits, I invite you to reflect on how they apply to your life.
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1. Better be safe than sorry
When I bought my bike, Harold at Earle Industries told me “now you have a car!”. I’d bought so many extras: headlight, 2 tail lights, reflectors, helmet, mirror, etc. I may have added weight to the bike, but I also have much greater peace of mind. Drivers here just aren’t used to seeing bikes on the road, and so by helping them see me, I help myself.
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2. Even if the road is rough, don’t give up.
The steepest uphill climb on my journey is the long driveway where I live. I’m pushing so hard at such an angle that I get to the top panting. That’s just the warm-up.
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3. Be ready. Invest in the tools you need for the job.
It may be summer, but during my first weeks of teaching it felt like 2°C (35 °F) in the morning with highs of 11°C (52 °F). I prefer it cool, but like to be comfortable. So that meant equipping myself with the right gear – gloves, ear protector for under my helmet, etc. It was worth the investment. I hate wind in my ears. I also appreciate my new matching padded bike pants and long-sleeved high-collared sport shirt that protects me from cold and sunburns. And those saddle bags are perfect to carry my school books, wardrobe, and groceries – they’re sparing my neck and shoulders after decades of heavy backpacks. Plus we’ve got a great gravel trail on the old railway bed. My old 10 speed road bike just wouldn’t cut it here. I’m so glad I got a hybrid with hydraulic brakes and a front shock to spare my carpal tunnel from a bumpy ride.
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4. Plan ahead.
There’s no way I can bike to school in my teaching clothes. I have to give myself a sponge bath when I get there. So before classes started, I brought enough clothing for 1.5 weeks to give it time to de-wrinkle hanging on the clothes tree in my office. It’s a good system.
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5. There’s a time for everything.
I’ve got 24 gears on this bike. I use ALL of them! I just couldn’t stay in the same gear for the variety of terrain on my journey. And when the bike works, but I don’t, it’s OK to get off and walk.
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6. From one opportunity comes many hidden benefits:
One reason I bought my bike was to get in shape -legs, cardio, etc. I didn’t expect that the sorest part of my body after my first few rides would be my thumbs from changing gears so much on the hills of St. John’s. I’m improving my hand-strength and manual dexterity too. Bonus! To add to that, my arms get quite the workout, both pushing the bike up 2 steep hills and keeping myself from flying over the handlebars on the one roller-coaster dip down 18th St.
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7. Some rules are smart to follow.
There’s a reason St. John’s doesn’t have a cyclist-friendly reputation. First, there are so few bikes on the road that drivers aren’t used to them. Second, cyclists don’t always follow the rules of the road and lose the respect of drivers. On my first day, when I used my hand signals to indicate a turn, a driver slowed beside me, rolled his window down, and thanked me for signalling. I’m not sure why, but that brought tears to my eyes – maybe because I’d heard of drinks being thrown at cyclists. I appreciated the kindness. If you want to share the road, show respect. It’ll be returned. I’m also grateful for the many cars that have stopped to let me to turn left in traffic.
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8, Balance is bliss.
St. John’s is hilly! You got that. I live in the Waterford valley at sea level, and campus is on the other side of a big hill. Although there’s plenty of walking and peddling uphill, there’s also coasting and braking downhill, no matter which direction I’m coming from. It only takes me 30-40 minutes to get to my destination, but it’s a workout both ways. I’m happy with this balance. I’d hate for it to be all uphill one way and all downhill the other. It’s fun to know though, that if I’m working hard on one stretch of my journey to work, I’ll be coasting there on my way home.
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9. What may be easy one day can be hard the next. Go with your flow.
I may be able to make it 3/4 up a long steep hill before walking the rest one day, but only 1/2 the next. That’s OK. My energy or physical stamina aren’t the same every day. Not surprisingly, I’ve noticed that hill is easier on Mondays, once I’ve given my body a break.
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10. When there’s a strong headwind, you may need to walk even on the flat stretches.
Newfoundland is infamous for its winds. It wasn’t unusual to have 70km/hr (44 miles/hr) gusts in the forecast my first weeks of school. External circumstances out of our control can turn what was once easy into a challenge. Don’t quit; just do what you need to do move forward the best way you can.
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11. There’s nothing so refreshing as a paradigm shift.
I had a choice. I knew it’d be raining and cold the next morning. It may have been July, but we were still getting frost warnings at night. I could have dreaded my bike ride or even backed out, but instead, I looked forward to it. I saw it as an adventure. What a feat! I geared up with my rain pants, Gortex, gloves, hiking boots and headed out. It was actually the happiest I’d been biking to work to that point. I may have looked soaked, but I was dry and just so proud of myself. Sephira handled herself great too in the rain! Fun!
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12. Be flexible and adaptable. Sometimes you need to let go of plans.
I’d made it my goal to bike to campus every day during my 5-week contract. I was committed. But there are times you’ve just got to be flexible. With a storm watch, heavy rainfall warning, and risks of flash floods, heavy fog, and winds up to 100km/hr, I reluctantly yet gratefully accepted my housemate’s offer to drive me. Cycling that day wouldn’t have been nice to myself or drivers.
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13. There’s a whole world to discover just off the beaten path:
I’m no stranger to Cashin Ave., a long wide hilly road on my trajectory. But on the first Friday of classes, I wandered just one block off my familiar path to discover Ropewalk Lane, a commercial street with several malls, a big grocery store, and most importantly, a delicious and affordable Filipino restaurant. I’d usually avoid such a street, but it’s great to know it’s there when I need it.
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14. Choose peace
I made the mistake of biking at rush hour once. It frazzled my nerves and I’m sure drivers’ nerves too. So I’ve chosen to bike between 6-6:30am to avoid traffic. I then have lots of time at school to let my hair dry after I get rid of that helmet imprint,set up the classroom, and correct essays. It’s more relaxing that way. Plus, I’m an early bird by nature. And luckily I finished classes before rush hour.
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15. Don’t compare yourself to others.
Many wouldn’t think that my goal to bike to work every day this summer was a big deal. So what!? … an hour of biking a day. But for me, it is! I used to bike all the time, but that was in Ottawa or the flat prairies. It’s hilly here! I also used to walk 1-2 hours a day to work or school for most of my life. I’d choose my housing location to ensure it. Since moving to my current home 2 years ago, however, I’ve been much more sedentary. It’s too far to walk to campus in the summer, and the rest of the year I work from home. So biking to work this summer was a big deal for me. My goals are mine. It doesn’t matter what others think.
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16. Be grateful for breaks, even forced ones.
I can be very goal oriented, forgetting to enjoy the journey. If I could, I’d bike without stopping until I got to where I’m going. I’m finding myself thankful though when the light turns red at the top of a hill. It forces me to stop and take a breather or a sip of water. I can feel my heart pounding, and it’s a nice break. Be grateful for your stop signs.
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17. Be fully present.
Even if drivers mean well, they’re often oblivious. I’m so glad for my mirror. But still, there was this one time when I was just standing still beside a car – slightly behind the front seats – at a red light. The driver decided to make room for cars in the next lane (very polite of her) so she squeezed me against the curb and didn’t hear me shout. Be aware of your environment. Make eye contact. Learn from your lessons. I sure have.
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18. Have vision but pay attention to the road right in front of you too.
It’s thrilling to pick up speed going downhill, but you need to do 2 things. First look ahead to make sure cars aren’t about to cut you off from upcoming side roads and intersections. But also look right in front of you. It’s amazing what you’ll find: potholes, nails, broken glass, toothbrushes, banana peels, and more large machinery bolts than you can imagine…
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19. Balance work and play.
It was the bliss of my leisurely bike rides on an island resort in San Diego that inspired me to buy a bike. Biking to campus on city streets, however, feels like work – or at least a workout. It’s a whole different feeling when I take Sephira for a
ride on the Trailway or up to Cape Amhearst to sit by the lighthouse and contemplate the open seas. I need more of that. Our relationship isn’t only functional; it’s meant to be uplifting and fun!
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20. Solitude is precious, but sometimes, it’s more fun with friends.
I love my solo bikerides. But I’ve enjoyed sharing the adventure too. My friend Leslie and I have plans to explore different trails this summer. She’s got a rack for the back of her car, and I foresee a few seaside cycles this August. Yay!
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21. A smile changes everything.
Biking is not only about sharing the road with cars, but sharing the trails with pedestrian. What a difference it makes to smile and say hello, or use my pretty sounding copper bell instead of shouting that I’m coming up behind someone.
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22. Trust in God, but tie your camel.
I may invite Archangel Michael to ride with me and guard my bike when I’m shopping, but I also have 2 locks to keep it safe. One’s a U-lock for the frame and the other’s a cable lock for the wheels. It’s just best not tempt those who, for their own reasons, choose to take others’ belongings as their part-time job. That’s why I was relieved to find out I could lock Sephira in my office while on campus. More peace of mind.
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23. There are no coincidences.
You know me. I’m all about signs and symbolism. Everything has meaning. So I couldn’t help but laugh when the wind blew an empty chip bag from up high to right under my wheels when biking to school one day. I’m both a health food nut and a chipaholic, so the message was clear. Sephira’s helping me make up for my chip cravings.
Just because they say there’s 0% chance of rain, it doesn’t mean you won’t get soaked. Surprise showers, heavy fog or mist – they’re all refreshing reminders that it’s good to be prepared. There’s no use blaming anyone for anything. It’s healthier to take responsibility or to simply enjoy the surprises.
Where’s your go-to spot?
/in Life By DesignI had to get out.
So I hopped on my bike and went to my new go-to-spot: Fort Amherst.
After 30 minutes of healthy peddling along safe and scenic roads, I can be sitting on a cliff staring out at the open ocean. Instant soothing – just add water.
I’ve only been there a few times so far, but it’s become my new go-to-spot. Both the getting there and being there fulfill my needs.
I recognize a pattern. When I was living in a German village at the age of 5, I used to bike to a nearby duck pond to sit and connect. Later in Ottawa, I’d bike to Hogg’s Back Falls to nourish my soul. Now I can bike to the ocean.
Where’s your go-to spot? Please comment below. I’d love to know what easily accessible surroundings call you when your body, mind, and spirit need a quick boost.
Playing tourist on Bell Island – natural inspiration
/in Life By Design, Photography ProjectsA client asked to postpone her Soul Energy Portrait experience, so I found myself with 2 days wide open last weekend.
I love what I do, so I’ll admit, I tend to overwork. But after my teaching contract ended, I promised myself to add more summer fun to the mix.
So what did I do? On Saturday, I checked out the online event listings and treated myself to 2 theatrical performances and lunch out. I love playing tourist in my own city!
If you’re in St. John’s, go see “Fleming” – a great way to tour the Basilica with the Bishop whose vision it was to build it in the late 1800s. Theatre and history make such a great mix. This was so much better than reading panels.
On Sunday, two of my photo buddies and I went to Bell Island. It’s a 20-30 minute drive from St. John’s and a cheap 20-minute ferry to the island.
Oh how wonderful it was to explore without a plan, hike in such beauty, and learn about the iron-ore mining history that had once turned this 20km island into a booming centre. The mines closed in 1966 and the population dispersed. But the new hiking trails, museum, and lighthouse café were plenty to keep us happy. Plus we never drove more than 2 minutes without stopping to take pictures. Fun!
Playing tourist is definitely one of the ways I enjoy exploring and expressing my love of beauty and the beauty of love.
Enjoy the results and make a date with your Self or friends to do the same. You don’t have to go far to have a holiday!
Note: Click on the first image and use the arrows to scroll through bigger images.
New Soul Energy Portrait and Prayer
/in Paintings, Soul Energy Portrait ExamplesThis is the second Nadine I’ve had the pleasure to work with this year (see previous post). Both such beautiful souls! I can vouch for that because the work I do connects me to their Higher Self, their divine essence and their Higher Councils. That’s how I can help them see themselves through the eyes of their soul no matter where they live in the world.
Although Nadine lives several hours away, I worked with her for more than a week. I sent her daily love notes filled with messages from her Guides, photos of the painting process, symbolic interpretations, and homework. When guided, I also did energy work on her and her painting, so that it would continue to act as a portal to the Universal Energy Flow.
Keep reading to witness the evolution of her painting and to experience for yourself the prayer that was birthed from her process. First, here’s Nadine’s testimonial.
I leave you with this prayer.
It was inspired by all that Nadine and I experienced together during this beautifully intensive period of time.
May it serve you as it continues to serve her.
May I Spread My Wings And Fly
Dear God and Guiding Spirits
Angels of Light & Love
Thank you for infusing my heart
with the breath of life and divine Spirit.
I open onto You, my Self, and the world around me.
Thank you for your tender love and care
as I emerge more and more into my Self every day.
I have been gently rocked by your unconditional love
and know I can connect to it anytime.
Every cell of my being appreciates your support.
Thank you for this reminder that all I need to do is ask.
Thank you for showing me what no longer serves.
I welcome the release and relief.
I am grateful for the role that it all played until now.
I see and accept it for what it is as it shows itself on its way out.
May it be transmuted by the Universe
Into something that serves the Greater Good.
Thank you helping me see myself
through the eyes of my soul.
I honour the mirrors that present themselves
as I continue my transformational journey.
I ask for your continued love and support
that I may shine as my radiant Self.
I feel my blossoming, I see the openings.
I happily co-create my Path with you.
Please guide me in my days
So I may be open to giving and receiving
In all I am and all that I do.
Bless these wings that I may dance
my True Colours and fly in freedom,
Spreading my unique gifts
along the way.
May I then come to rest every evening
in tranquil slumber.
Hold me in your Love,
that I may refill my cup with
love, peace, joy, health, wealth, and happiness.
So be it, Aho, Amen.
Would you like a Co-Creative Soul Energy Portrait of your own? Click here for more information & prices in effect until September 1st.
Pearls of Wisdom from a Cycling Philosopher
/in Life By Design, My TravelsI’d say that’s a great personality for a bike and also a teacher…
That’s right. I believe that everything in life is both a mirror and a teacher.
In the short time we’ve ridden together, I’ve learned so much!
I’m not just talking about biking. I’m talking about life!
Pearls of Wisdom
Join me on a Voyage of Connection – A Guided Visualization
/in Guided Meditations, Life By DesignAre you feeling disconnected?
Join me on this voyage of connection.
It’s another guided visualization meditation I channeled live during a group session.
This time, you’ll be transported in a bubble of light into magical worlds.
You’ll connect to Guides and receive messages and tools for your journey to your Highest Good.
It’s a lot faster than some of my other co-created meditations. There’s more movement and less pauses for you to explore the space on your own. It asks you to immediately trust what comes up for you and just play along. May it be whatever you need it to be.
Your discovery journey will be different every time you listen.
Guided visualizations are more than just a focused time to tap into Guidance.
Depending on the theme, a guided visualization can help you activate the natural healing properties of the Life Force dancing within you.
This is one of those.
So find a comfortable spot, close your eyes, and enjoy the journey. Do not use while driving.
(best enjoyed with headphones)
P.S.. If you’d like to listen to / download another one, sign-up by clicking here. You’ll receive the access link in your email inbox and my ezine every 2 weeks.
P.P.S You can also order a custom channeled meditation co-created with your Team of Divine Helpers. My introductory prices end September 1st, so act fast. Click here to learn more.
Playing with the Fairies
/in Life By DesignI’m sure they’re in there. I haven’t seen them, but I can sense their presence – inviting me to play, dance, sing, and cherish Mother Earth in all her beauty.
Children here in Newfoundland were taught to fear fairies who would turn babies into changelings. Folks carried hard tack bread in their pockets for protection. But this was just another way to keep children from wandering too far at night.
I see fairies as keepers of the land. They connect us to our earthly roots and teach us the wisdom of nature. They’re healers – a big part of why we feel so much better after spending time in nature.
I’ve been more aware of fairy energy these days than usual. Maybe because it’s finally summer here.
Fairy Tea Party
Just a few weeks ago, during Summer Solstice, a group of us gathered in Bauline to celebrate the occasion with a Fairy Tea Party.
My new friend Maggie Power hosted it and longtime friend and collaborator Regina Wright led our fire ceremony.
We ate, danced, sang, laughed, and drummed.
It felt sooooo good to reconnect with Regina’s Destiny Drum. Of all my painted drums, I resonate most with the voice of this fire horse.
We then blew our concerns, troubles, prayers, and wishes into magic bubbles that we released into the Universe. Oh how I love bubbles!
And with reverence, we infused our thanks and wishes for Mother Earth into a beautifully crafted prayer stick that we added to the fire.
As Regina guided us in a musical fairy meditation, my visions came streaming in. I knew they held messages for the group and was welcomed to share a mini- Divine Storytelling Time to support them on their journey. The fairies had an unmistakable hand in that!
The whole afternoon was magical. It was playful. We radiated with joy.
I need to play more. Believe it or not, I’m way too serious!
What about you?
When was the last time you let your inner child out to play?
Trust me, it’s such a happy healthy thing to do.
Ask your heart: “How can I reconnect to that childlike joy today?”
Invite the fairies to relieve you of your troubles and to tickle your fancy so that you too can laugh and play.
EnJOY!
MindShift – the painting
/in Paintings“MindShift” – original sold – click photo for prints.
What we do for others is truly a gift for ourselves and those around us.
That’s how I feel as I gaze upon this painting. It’s slowly come into being over the past 6 months (plus a lifetime).
Layer by layer, it evolved as I did. But before I could finish it, I had to allow the energies of the last few Soul Energy Portraits to bathe my own experience.
Ask any energy worker. When we channel Universal Love & Light, it’s as much a gift to us as it is for the person we’re channeling for.
The energy blesses us on its way through.
That’s not all though.
As I witnessed the radiance of my clients’ Higher Selves, their Magnific-Essence also touched my soul.
This painting brings our communal process to an even Higher level, opening space for all those ready to receive its energy. Are you ready?
MindShift Symbolism
In its essence, “MindShift” is about freeing the mind through a fine balance between insight and innovation.
It’s about realigning with your soul through a change of focus and perception to break through the barriers of illusion. It’s about seeing, knowing, being, and expressing your Truth.
Peacock energy is present to transform lurking poisons into beauty. It assists you to use your experiences for growth. You’re asked to shift your perspective. Challenges can then be accepted as happening for you, not to you.
Dragonfly energy circles around you to help cut through self-created illusion. It allows you to understand your ill-serving beliefs and self-beliefs. It encourages you to let go of your perceived limitations and doubts. By focusing your attention on pearls of pure potential, it moves you forward to fulfill your birthright.
It’s through this inner work that peace of mind and peace of heart can be achieved.
You can now access your intuition – the full moon that spills over the edges of your physical being to light your Path.
This inner glow emanates from a Celtic design with a triple spiral (triskele). It represents the harmonious union, motion and transformation achieved through
Every dot in this inner sphere is a prayer, a seed, a portal to the Divine – nourishing you with Divine Love & Light as you journey on your path to our Highest Good.
MindShift is an invitation. It’s the birthplace of Acceptance, Self-Love, Love.
Is there any wonder I’m in Love with this painting?
Your Turn
I now invite you to gaze upon “MindShift” and feel its energy.
What message does it hold for you?
Are you moved to form your own prayer?
Are you inspired to write a letter to your self from from your soul?
I’d love to hear how the work my clients and I have done together has inspired you here today. Free free to comment below.
“MindShift” – original sold – click here for prints
Acrylics on gallery-wrapped canvas. No framing necessary.
On the Trail to Paradise
/in Life By DesignI just love that moment when I pass the threshold from the known to the unknown.
It’s both exciting and scary; it awakens my childlike wonder, curiosity, sense of adventure, as well as the little voices of fear and doubt that tag along for the ride.
That’s how I felt when I took my bike for a solo ride on the T’Railway from my house to the town of Paradise. I’d walked it plenty of times through the neighbouring Bowring Park and a little past that, but not much.
When my familiar path ended, I stopped. I had no idea where to go. The trail ended on a busy street. Maybe I was wrong. Maybe the trail didn’t go all the way to Paradise. Maybe this was a bad idea. Maybe I should go back or wait to do it with someone who’s been here before…
I took a deep breath, asked for Guidance and waited.
I soon spotted a couple of cyclists across the busy street. As they turned a corner, my eyes spotted a pathway sign hidden in the trees. My courage returned!
Yay! Smooth sailing from here! Well, not quite… Bumpy gravelly riding, but hey! That’s why I bought a hybrid.
Without the high winds and cold from the week before, it was perfect – and so much flatter than my roller-coaster ride to campus!
After about 15 km (~9.5 miles) I reached Octagon Pond. Friendly strollers told me I was still far from the ocean, so I decided that was enough.
My way back was much faster. I hadn’t realized there’d been a slight incline most of the way.
I love how you see different things when you’re heading in the opposite direction.
This time, I spotted Berg’s Famous Ice Cream when the trail crossed a major intersection. I treated myself to a double scoop of mint-chocolate & cherry cheese cake on a cone. Bonus!
3.5 hours later, I was back home. I was proud and happy I’d answered that call to get out of the studio and explore the world around me.
What about you?
When was the last time you played tourist in your own town?
Do you ever walk or drive not knowing where you’re going – listening for an inner “Left” or “Right” at every intersection?
Is there an activity you’ve always wanted to try “some day”?
What adventure calls you?
Listen. Stretch. Grow. And have fun with it.
Then tell what this post inspired you to do in the comments below. I’d love to know.
Nadine’s Soul Energy Portrait
/in Paintings, Soul Energy Portrait ExamplesNadine felt stuck and knew something had to change. She didn’t want to be held back by old negative beliefs.
That’s when she heard the call to work with me.
Nadine had felt the energy of my paintings in a local shaman’s treatment room and her mother had benefited from one of my Divine Storytelling Time packages.
Her husband, bless him, picked up on the hints and hired me to co-create a Soul Energy Portrait for Nadine’s birthday. What a gift!
We spent over a week via email (and through communication with her Divine Helpers) uncovering the layers of symbolism, releasing blockages, opening up transformational energy channels, receiving messages from Guides, and welcoming a soul shift.
Her process and painting were as unique as all my Co-Creative Soul Energy portrait experiences are.
But I believe that what one person does to raise their vibration helps all others. That’s how we affect the consciousness of the planet.
That’s why I felt inspired to write this prayer here for you today. It’s based on her process and painting. If it serves you, feel free to use it.
A Transformational Prayer
Dear God and Guiding Spirits,
Angels of Light and Love,
Guide me on my Path to my Highest Good.
Thank you for helping me stretch and grow.
Like the snake, I am ready to shed my skin.
I release all that no longer serves me
in the spirit of forgiveness, love, and compassion.
Help me feel your eternal support
As I wind my way through life,
Twisting and turning,
With your Light shining on my back.
Thank you for helping me see
That from the depths of my dark pools
Sparkles points of Light –
Every one a scale, prayer, or intention
Brilliant in the night sky.
May your unconditional love
Teach me to love myself more fully.
Thank you also for your peacock medicine
That helps me transform poison into beauty.
May I continue to accept that my challenges have happened for me, not to me.
I hear you when you say that I am perfect in my imperfection.
Help me to let go of the camouflage
And to embrace the mystery
So that my Radiance may ripple in waves of Light
Within my own heart and the heart of the world.
Help me to keep my vision High
And to express my authentic Voice
I have answered your call.
I am here.
May my unique creations continue to emerge and crystallize
Bringing love, peace, joy, health, wealth
and happiness into Being.
In your glow, I am ready to shine.
So be it. Aho. Amen.
“I knew there was something for me here. It was my time for this beautiful process to move me along my path. Your intuitive nature, painting style, and messages were exactly what I needed.
Initially, each day was an amazing process of discovery, for as each new layer was added on the canvas, a new level of subconscious beliefs was brought to the surface to be processed. With continued layers and daily intuitive messages, the truth took shape and my essences came to light.
Now, that the canvas is complete and a beautiful energy painting is hanging in my home, the process is not; it continues. As I look upon my painting, maybe a portion catches my eye and draws me in, and I continue to contemplate as I go about my day. Evolving reflection and growth happen well beyond the end of the “making”. This amazing process with you has been a truly uplifting journey that will continue for some time!”
Oh Ego, You’re So Silly…
/in Life By DesignIt sure gets quicker with practice.
The more aware you are of what’s happening inside and out, the easier and clearer it all becomes.
I couldn’t help but smile the other day when my Observer Self recorded this conversation between ego and inner knowing.
It all happened so fast – faster than you can read this.
It started when I received an email from Memorial University of Newfoundland asking me to commit to teaching in their intensive English Language Summer School program for a 6th year in a row.
Here’s how it played out.
Decision made and I stand 100% behind it. That’s the only way to go!
Don’t worry – I’ll still make time to be of service to you too – through my artwork for sale, intuitive services, and blog.