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The Origin of the Serenity Prayer
 
The Serenity Prayer on our center page is perhaps one of the most influential quotes of our time. Although we credited Dr. Niebuhr, the prayer appears to be well travelled, and many question its origin.

Early in World War II, it was printed on cards and distributed to the troops by the U.S.O. By then it had also been reprinted by the National Council of Churches, as well as being considered the backbone of Alcoholics Anonymous (currently being repeated at the beginning and ending of each meeting). Like most of us, AA was struck by the power and wisdom contained in the prayer’s thoughts. “Never had we seen so much A.A. in so few words,” Bill wrote. But despite years of research by numerous individuals, the exact origin of the prayer is potentially a mystery that still remains unsolved.

Every time a researcher appears to uncover the real source, another one crops up to question the former’s claim and raises new, intriguing facts. Here are a few that might interest you.

What is undisputed is the claim of authorship by the theologian Dr. Rheinhold Niebuhr, who had written the prayer as a “tag line” to a sermon he had delivered on Practical Christianity.

Some say it came from the early Greeks; others think it was from the pen of an anonymous English poet; some claim it was written by an American Naval Officer. Other sources have been attributied to ancient Sanskrit texts, Aristotle, St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas and Spinoza. Still no one has actually found the prayer’s ‘exact’ text among the writings of these alleged, original sources. No doubt, what truly are ancient are the prayer’s themes of acceptance, courage to change what can be changed and the freedom to let go what is out of one’s ability to change.

For instance: An article in the Paris Herald Tribune, said, “In a dreary hall of a converted hotel, overlooking the Rhine at Koblenz, is a tablet inscribed with the following words: “God give me the detachment to accept those things I cannot alter;the courage to alter those things I can alter;and the wisdom to distinguish the one thing from the other.” The words were attributed to Friedrich Oetinger (1702-1782).

Other sources say a North German University professor, Dr. Theodor Wilhelm, had acquired the “little prayer” from Canadian soldiers. He had written a book and included the prayer, without attribution, that resulted in the prayer’s appearance in many different places, such as army officer’s halls, schools and other institutions. Further investigation reveals the professor’s nom de plume was Friedrich Oetinger! Same guy!

The Roman philosopher Cicero’s Six Mistakes of Man, reads: “The tendency to worry about things that cannot be changed or corrected.”

A card, called the “General’s Prayer,” from a bookshop in England, and found in a New York bookstore, said: “Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, give us Serenity to accept what cannot be changed, Courage to change what should be changed, and Wisdom to know the one from the other; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.” It dated back to the 14th century!

Others claim the first form of the prayer originated with Boethius, the Roman philosopher (480-524 A.D.), and author of the book, Consolations of Philosophy. Yes there are other claims, and more will continue for years to come.

In any event, Mrs. Reinhold Niebuhr told interviewers that her husband was definitely the prayer’s author, and her husband used and preferred the following form: “God, give us grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, courage to change the things which should be changed,and the wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.”

Dr. Niebuhr told interviewers, “Of course, it may have been spooking around for years, even centuries, but I don’t think so. I honestly believe I wrote it myself.”

All we have to say here at the nest is Bless him for doing just that! We know the past has a habit of coming forward to inspire the future and what better motivation for us today, to live our lives with loving integrity, so future generations likewise will desire to build on our solid foundation!

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Gratitude
unlocks the fullness of life.
 
It turns what we have
into enough, and more.
 
It turns denial into acceptance,
chaos into order,
confusion into clarity....
 
It turns problems into gifts,
failures into success,
the unexpected into perfect timing,
and mistakes into important events.
 
Gratitude
makes sense of our past,
brings peace for today
and creates a vision
for tomorrow.
 
by Melodie Beattie
author of The Language of Letting Go

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Every now and then we do an informal survey about what impact Japanese Psychology has had on people’s lives. One of two things we hear most often has to do with purpose. Most people put it something like this: when I remember my most important purposes on a daily basis and take action, my life works better.

Being clear on our purpose can influence how we spend our time, our money, where we live, how much we work and at what, how we use our words, and how we get along with others. Purpose provide us with a bright light to navigate the overcrowded pathways filled with things calling out for us to do. It can counteract the lethargy of doing nothing when we don’t even know where to begin. Yet knowing our purpose doesn’t mean we act on it.

Author Eknath Easwaren tells a story in one of his books about how we distract ourselves from what needs doing.

“If what needs to be done is income tax preparation, then it must be time to clean the refrigerator. If what needs to be done is to work on our unfinished novel, then it must be time to pay bills. We keep busy, convincing ourselves that we are productive and hard working. Our failure to do what is important is disguised as busyness. Easwaren writes, “In India we call this “painting the bullock cart wheels.” Just when the harvest is ready to be brought in, the farmer notices that the wheels of his bullock cart are looking rather shabby. Instead of going out into the fields, he takes a day to go into town for paint and then spends a week painting beautiful designs on the cart and wheels. When he finally gets around to harvesting the rice, he has to work twelve hours a day just to keep up.”

A teacher of mine poses interesting questions, for our reflection:

~ Can you identify with this strategy, of “painting the bullock cart wheels”?
~ Can you see the ways that you keep busy so you can avoid doing what is really important?

We assume we need to feel like doing something before we do it. Until we feel comfortable or motivated, we assume that it is not possible to go forward and take action.

Even amongst people who are highly productive in theirprofessional lives, they will often not do much in their socalled free time. Surprisingly, according to Professor Csíkszentmihályi’s research at the University of Chicago even the things we like to do, don’t get done. The initial 15 minute effort it takes to start the process to go skiing, write, work in the garden, fill out an application, take a walk, or paint a picture is more than most people are willing to invest when they aren’t in the mood.

It is easy to say
“don’t wait for a feeling”
to do what is important.
But the gap between
‘Saying It’ and actually
‘Taking Action’
is wide.

Yet, when we ask anyone what they feel like after accomplishing an important task, we all know the answer. We feel great and many of us wonder why we don’t keep it up on a consistent basis.

Purposeful living is not about being on a treadmill of “doing.” It’s about knowing what is important, about both the things we have to do and the things we want to do and it is about doing them.

No more information is required. In spite of initial discomfort, it is about applying yourself to the work or activity at hand. And when that is finished for the day you pour yourself into the next thing that you choose to do.Before you know it, meals have been served, books read; children raised; seeds planted; wounds healed… one moment and then another add up to a string of pearls that becomes your life.

As C. S. Lewis writes, “the one thing we want to avoid, is to finish up at the end of our lives not having done the things that we had to do nor even the things that we wanted to do.”

“Flylady,” who is in the business of helping people get things done, begins all her email reminders this way: You are not behind! I don’t want you to try to catch up; I just want you to jump in where we are. O.K.? www.flylady.com

Trudy Boyle is a Constructive Living trainer for business and individuals. Contact her at 1-877-247-2032 or www.constructiveliving.ca

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The recent eclipses gifted us with a time to witness both the light and darkness of the moon and the sun. It is an ideal time to move beyond the dramas of our own light and darkness, to move beyond the duality of our ‘story’ and connect with our deeper truth, our divine interconnection with all things.

It is most appropriate that we should also find the young shoots of stinging nettle rising up in damp and disturbed places challenging and supporting us as we face the nature of our ‘truth’. Stinging Nettle embodies the passage from ego story to divine truth … moving from stinging hairs to the deeper green nourishment within its leaves and stem. Stinging Nettle supports our journey within the light and shadow of ourselves.

The latin root of Stinging Nettle comes from the word “uro” meaning to burn, and anyone brushing against her hollow quills with their bare skin will remember the burning sensation left behind. And yet this is only one part of Stinging Nettle’s story as she also provides deep nourishment on a physical, emotional and spiritual level. Her use is prescribed in cultures around the world to transform life’s passages from birth to death.

The young shoots have long been used as a restorative food source more powerful in nutrients than spinach, and the leaves of the pre-flowering plant are still dried as a healing tea with many uses, including supporting childbirth. Fibres of mature plant stalks were woven into fabric ranging in texture from silky softness to coarse canvas and Nettle fabric has been found in burial sites dating back to the Bronze Age. The Tibetan ascetic and saint Milarepa (1012-1096) was known as the “Green God” because of his exclusive use of Nettle to sustain him during decades of intense meditative practice. It is said that his hair and skin turned green because of his consistent use of Stinging Nettle.

There is value in every part of Stinging Nettle … even her burning sting has been used by some as a remedy for arthritis. So while our first reaction to this plant may be one of avoidance, we can come closer to seeing her gifts.

In this way, our relationship with Nettle mirrors our relationship with ‘truth’. At an ego level, we all have our truths, our beliefs that filter our conversations and perspectives. These truths are often based on personal experience and act as a rock beneath our feet. At their best, they provide a supportive foundation until we progress to transcending our personal truth and connecting with our divine truth. The dark side of truth comes when we judge others through this filter … at that point, we have taken the rock from under our feet and firmly placed it on top of the other person. What results is a wounded relationship where they struggle under the weight of our judgment and we can no longer see their true nature.At that point they are no longer people, but instead become ‘roles’ in our life’s story.

No one is immune from the light and darkness of our personal truths. The protection comes from our awareness, just as our awareness of what Stinging Nettle looks like and the gifts she brings to our lives, allows us to shift our perception of her and avoid being stung.

Stinging Nettle energy can be very healing in the space of a relationship where truth has wounded. Just as with Stinging Nettle’s hollow spines, there is a way to move beyond the sting and access the gifts. By steaming or drying nettle leaves we can remove the burning element and take in her nourishment. In our own lives, this access comes from distilling the issue down to a knowing that our wounded truth has nothing to do with the other person and everything to do with what we wanted to learn in this life. When we let the rest go, we can accept that when truth is viewed through ego, there are as many truths as there are people on the planet. It is not our job to ‘correct’ another’s truth, but to transcend our own.

By consciously working with Stinging Nettle energy we can shift beyond attachment to our story, beyond the drama of right and wrong, to achieve a transcendence or rather an ‘inscendence’ where our truth emanates from the Divine source within ourselves which connects us to all things. A good question to ask is “does this truth I hold in my heart deepen my connection to all things or create a sense of separateness?” This will tell you immediately whether you are viewing the issue from ego story or Divine truth.

Interestingly, Stinging Nettle’s sting is fast and painful, but her nourishing medicine is deep, slow and healing, so take the time you need to look at what your reaction tells you. Where the ‘welts’ are will guide you to places that are still under ego’s control and require healing to shift from your personal truth to your Divine truth. To work with Stinging Nettle energy is to look at a painful encounter that will eventually bring a shift from victimhood to gratitude, as you begin to recognize an opportunity to clearly see areas of yourself hidden behind ego’s shadow.

One remedy for Stinging Nettle’s physical sting is to wrap Burdock’s large leaf around the area. Energetically, Burdock guides us to ground in elements that nourish us and release aspects of our lives that are draining our energy. Interestingly, another folk remedy for the Nettle’s sting is our own saliva, guiding us to look for the answers from within, from our own emotions and creative juices. Using art therapy to work through these emotions may also be beneficial.

All of this healing is focused on ourselves and not on the other person. With Stinging Nettle energy, the source of transformation is from within, from aligning our spirit with Spirit, our nature with Nature, our heart with Heart. With Stinging Nettle, the word “divine” can be re-membered into the word “dive in”!

Asha Croggon is a spiritual herbalist passionate about living an inspired, sustainable life in harmony with the earth. She can be reached at www.gaiatree.ca.

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There ARE things you can do right now!

Just how safe are our homes that we live in each day? We may have cans of discarded paint tucked away in the garage, forgotten chemical fertilizers stored in the basement, and outdated household cleaners stored under the sink, confirming the old adage ‘out of sight, out of mind’. However, once we’ve removed these from our homes the impact of further pollution is removed. But what about the invisible dangers lurking within our homes that we may be unaware of?

Let’s face it, we live in a beautiful part of the world. The West Coast in all its glory is known for its beautiful mountains and green forests. What makes those forests so green? Rain, rain and more rain! And while this rain keeps us hydrated and healthy, it can definitely have an affect on our home’s health. If moisture is an issue inside your home, mold may be present and lurking even if you can’t physically see it. Could mold in your home be making you sick? You may be suffering from symptoms and never question that mold might be the culprit.

Mold will grow above 60% humidity. If you keep your home between 40-60% humidity, your chance of having mold decreases. If you use a woodstove in your home during the winter chances are it is usually dry enough to keep the mold growth down. When you stop using the woodstove, the humidity in the house will go up.

Generally if there is mold outside, it will find its way in. If conditions are right, it will grow. Damp areas inside create the ideal living space for mold.

There are things you can do right now to decrease and prevent mold from becoming a problem:

Buy a humidity meter. If your humidity is above 60% consistently, you need a dehumidifier. Keep the dust down. If moisture is present, dust and pet dander create a place for mold to grow. If you are considering buying new flooring, consider hardwood. Dust shows up easily and therefore can be quickly swept up, eliminating potential problems down the road. When installing flooring, make sure to use nontoxic glue or buy click flooring, which doesn’t require any glue.

If you see visible mold on window sills or walls, DO NOT use bleach to clean it. This can create a more toxic environment. Bleach is hazardous to your health and has been linked to the rising rates of breast cancer in women, reproductive problems in men, and learning and behavioural problems in children.

A better solution would be to mix 20 drops of Tea Tree oil (Melaleuca Alternafolia) with ½ cup of water. You can also use a 3-4% sodium carbonate (also known as soda ash or washing soda) solution in hot water. Clean area with scrub brush and mixture. Wear rubber gloves and a disposable mask.

Symptoms related to mold include: Allergies, asthma, sinus infections, respiratory problems and headaches.

Mold can also increase symptoms of: Fibromyalgia and Multiple Sclerosis.

Some people are more sensitive to mold than others and it might be in your best interest to have a professional clean it for you. If you suspect you may have a mold problem, contact a professional.

Kyla Mortil is a Building Biology Environmental Consultant and has been in the health care industry for fourteen years. She inspects homes for mold, air quality and electromagnetic frequencies. www.enviro-ops.com 250-743-8387

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At times, everyone is aware of the way in which they breathe. Breathing is not a function that is detached from your emotional and mental states, it’s just the opposite; the way in which you breathe reflects the state you are in. When you are asleep your breathing becomes deep, slow and forceful. When under strain your breathing becomes shallow and rapid, when angry it can be quite irregular. Yet when you are relaxed your breathing is slow, rhythmic and quiet. Just as your emotional state alters your breathing, you can consciously change your emotional state.

By having knowledge of breathing exercises you can control panic or distress, steady yourself, reduce tension, lower blood pressure and even cholesterol. Breathing techniques can be “first aid”, preventing both stress and tension from injuring your body. Regular breathing exercises, especially done early in the morning when the air is fresh, will clear the mind and invigorate the body.

The following exercises are drawn from Chinese knowledge.

Refreshing Breathing, To Clear Feelings Of Stagnation. Stand with feet shoulder width apart. Take a deep breath in through your nose. As you do, come up onto your toes, fingers out stretched above your head. In one quick puff, let out all the breath through your mouth, at the same time coming down off your toes, bending at the waist so you end up bent forward almost touching the ground. This exercise is for dispelling that sluggish stagnant feeling. Repeat 3 times.

The S Breath is a special exercise for the lungs. It also aids cold relief and blocked energy. Lie on your back, arms by your side, legs lying loosely out straight. Take a long breath in through your nose. As you do, bring your arms up and then down to rest on the floor above your head. Now make a very loud ESSS sound and continue slowly until you run out of breath. At the same time let your hands lift up and in a semi circular motion come down to your sides. Repeat 3 x.

You may have dismissed the Japanese exercising before work or the Chinese performing Tai Chi routines. But, when you have undertaken a few exercise disciplines yourself, you will admire their dedication and no doubt appreciate the power within the breath that most people take for granted.

Chanchal Cabrera MSc, MNIMH, AHG is a medicl herbalist, 250-336-8767. Discovermore breathing exercises at www.chanchalcabrera.com

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Due to numerous articles that have been written on the dangers of dehydration, we now know how important it is to keep ourselves hydrated. Symptoms such as dizziness, muscle spasms, hunger pangs, constipation, dry wrinkly skin, headaches and loss of balance are all indicators that our bodies are lacking water. In his book, The pH Miracle of Weight Loss, Dr. Robert Young quotes, “In the earliest stages, dehydration can lead to muddled thinking, shortterm memory problems, trouble with basic math and expressing yourself verbally, and difficulty focusing on a computer screen or printed page. Light-headedness and cold hands and feet can also result. The list goes on: anxiety, irritability, depression, sugar cravings, and cramps.”

Knowing how important good, clean water is to our health, we generally ‘go with the flow’ and follow what we believe to be accurate or accepted truths. With the hype and successful marketing techniques from bottled water companies regarding their pure, fresh drinking water, we have ‘jumped on the bandwagon’ and doled out our hard-earned dollars in our quest for ‘pure water’. In fact, in 2005, we spent $652 million dollars according to the Canadian Bottled Water Association.

In providing research for this article, I was not aware, nor I suspect are many others, as to the regulations regarding bottled water. “Approximately 80 percent of bottled water brands are processed waters – municipal or tap water than has been run through a filtration system for impurities and chemicals. More than half of bottled waters around the world are exempt from governmental standards; they don’t have to live up to even the minimal standards tap water is regulated by,” states Dr. Robert Young. In fact, two of largest bottled water sellers use municipal water.

An excerpt from the Canadian Environmental Law Association’s website reads, “Federal law requires that all bottled water offered for sale must be safe to drink. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency periodically samples and analyses both imported and domestic bottled waters. This monitoring focuses primarily on testing bottled waters for bacterial contamination. Yet it is not known how frequently or how thoroughly the Agency tests. There is no requirement that the bottled water companies themselves do comprehensive or regular sampling of their sources or of their products. Nor is there any information readily available to the public about the quality of particular bottled water products.” According to Erin Kobayashi of the Toronto Star “The Canadian Food Inspection Agency only checks the bottling water plants every 12 to 18 months.”

Laying aside our concerns about the source of our bottled water, just how fresh is the water we are drinking? We see expiration dates on the bottles, generally 2 years in the future, however they provide us no clue as to when they actually bottled the water. Are their warehouses air-conditioned during the hot summer months, and are those longhaul trucks travelling across our country refrigerated?

What about the plastic bottles themselves? An CBC news article in December /06 says, “The longer water is stored in plastic bottles, the higher the concentration of a potentially harmful chemical. The research, by a Canadian scientist now working in Germany, involved 132 brands of bottled water from 28 countries produced in containers made from polyethylene terephthalate, or PET. About 20 brands came from Canada. In a paper to be published early next year, William Shotyk of the University of Heidelberg found that the concentration of certain chemicals, such as antimony, increases the longer the water sits in the plastic bottle. Shotyk’s study measured concentrations for a period of up to six months. “It’s increasing over time because [the plastic] is leaching chemicals,” said Shotyk. Shotyk was cautious about the implications for human health, saying more research is needed. Antimony is a white metallic element that in small doses can cause nausea, dizziness and depression. In large doses, it can be fatal.”

What impact do these plastic water bottles have on the environment? More than 1 BILLION water bottles are winding up in the trash in California each year. That translates into nearly 3 million empty water bottles going to the trash EVERY day. Only 16% of the water bottles sold in California are being recycled. What this means to our environment is more air pollution, larger landfills, and depletion of our ozone layer.

Now let’s factor in the cost itself for purchasing this so-called ‘pure water’. Based on the cost of three top brand name sellers in bottled water, the average price was 37 cents for 1 cup (8 oz) of water. Multiply that by 8 cups per person (the minimum recommended) per day times 4 people and a typical family of four would be paying $331.52 per month, or $3978.24 per year for questionable water, potentially hazardous plastic packaging and unknown packaging dates. Makes us question the reality of buying water, doesn’t it?

Perhaps a less expensive, environmentally friendly, far healthier solution would be more appealing. There are many water systems available today, however the quality and features can vary drastically. To have a healthy body we need to have healthy internal pH. Disease cannot live in an alkaline body. Today there are water machines that can produce fresh, alkaline, ionic water that changes the body’s pH, detoxifies, neutralizes free radicals and gives us more energy. This superhydrating anti-oxidant water works by balancing the pH levels in our body thereby creating an environment free from bacteria, fungus and inflammation where all disease begins. Additionally, some models allow you to choose between alkaline, purified and acidic water. Alkaline water hydrates the body and keeps our plants healthy and free of disease, while acidic water is ideal for restoring hair and skin to its beautiful, lustrous appearance.

By purchasing a water machine that costs less than bottled water for a year, we nourish our bodies while protecting our most precious resource, Mother Earth.

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Discovered in 1930, Pluto is the smallest, outermost, and slowest moving planet of our solar system, taking 246 years to complete one rotation.

Pluto is the ruler of Scorpio and the 8th house. It rules the subconscious, the unconscious, secrecy, sex, death, the underworld, law & order, destruction and reconstruction, the occult, renewal, kundalini energy, regeneration, rebirth, transformation and spirituality.

Pluto is at the galactic center from January 2006 through Fall 2007. We will feel its intensity for this entire period. It is 248 years since it was last in this location. It was exact December 29, 2006, just after winter solstice. In 2007 it will be exact on July 17, and October 28, with the next most powerfully felt period from mid-July through late October. There is the potential for many people to cross-over during this time.

So what does this mean to everyone?

At its present position you are able to see its effect as governmental deceptions are uncovered, and truths are revealed. We are also witnessing transformations in people who would normally make few or no changes. It is no coincidence that the International Astronomical Union has chosen a time when Pluto is so powerful globally, to downgrade from planet status to dwarf planet status (The decision was made by only 5% of the world’s professional astronomers in 2006). Are they subconsciously feeling too much pressure to change too quickly? So what effect does this demotion have on astrology? According to most astrologers: PLUTO on the Galactic Center . . . Pluto will continue its influence on people, events and mass consciousness. It is worth noting that both Ceres (discovered in 1801) and Xenia (discovered in 2005) have been upgraded to dwarf planets. Are they now going to work with Pluto to bring in the energies in a less intense and more acceptable way? Was the downgrading of Pluto an outward sign of humanity having great difficulty looking at and dealing with the darker side of our nature?

We no longer have a choice in how long we take to get around to facing these issues. Pluto, together with the present increase in earth’s vibration, will force you to bring up everything you have been trying to hide, or put off, including all those repressed emotions, in order to enable you to see and transform everything that has not been working for you. This is potentially a very uncomfortable time for most people and world governments alike. For those who resist, it will feel like they are at the bottom of a dark pit struggling to get out. But, for those that use these energies and work to transform themselves, the results can be very rewarding: increased feelings of freedom and joy with more energy, success and ease in everyday living.

Although intense, this time offers the potential of amazing change. It is more important than ever to let go of your resistance. Surrender to what you are being shown, embrace this and allow yourself to act differently in order to move out of those patterns that have been holding you back. Look at your shadow side with openness and honesty. In this way you will not only help heal yourself, you will also help heal the world and everyone around you. Transformation is very necessary at this time if we want to experience joy and improved quality of life in our future. Pluto is sitting on the galactic centre making sure we each play our part during this time of intense change. Allow Pluto to assist you in removing the blocks which are preventing your spiritual evolution.

Sequoia Springford of Clear Point Healing has been in the health field for 32 years and is a holistic health practitioner in Victoria - For more information phone: (250) 384-8858, or E-mail: clearpointhealing@shaw.ca

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Back in the Middle Ages (1200-1600 A.D.) a great cathedral was being built by many skilled labourers. One day a strange man came to town and asked each of the men what they were doing. One man answered, “I have to lay this brick to feed my nagging wife and my many ungrateful children.” Another answered by saying, “just trying to pass the time until I die and at the same time keep myself afloat.” Another man said, “I’m following my father’s footsteps and doing what I’m told.” An old man answered, “I am a mason, this is what I do.” Yet another man was heard saying, “I do this because I have many debts to pay.” Then the stranger saw a young man laying brick who was working feverishly unlike the other workers. Intrigued, the stranger questioned this young man next. After being questioned, the young brick layer stopped, stared at the yet unfinished building and answered by saying, “I’m taking part in the greatest building project in history. A cathedral unlike any other in the world. One of surpassing beauty and size. This cathedral will be the greatest the world has ever seen. I’m only laying the block, but my efforts will help this great cathedral to stand the test of time so future generations can marvel at and appreciate its awesome beauty.”

This story is all about integrity. Have you ever thought about what integrity means to you personally? Many of us would agree that integrity includes an element of not just being, but do-ing. In other words, keeping one’s word—doing what you say are going to do, or even when. Many of us have been conditioned and trained to define integrity in that way. We’ve learned to associate honesty with integrity. But there is a lot more to this picture than just one’s word.

Integrity is also about, amongst other things, character. Character is what you carry with you all the time, no matter what you are doing in this life. In a practical sense, being in integrity and in line with your character is what you do when nobody is watching you, when you’re not accountable to someone like a coach, teacher, employer, parent, etc. So having character also includes an element of discipline as well. You may wonder what discipline has to do with integrity? Well, because character is how people truly are, or what they do when nobody is watching, then their only accountability is to themselves. And that means that you better be doing something on your own when no one is watching.

The underlying three pieces of integrity that all of us live with, are: self-respect, self-esteem, and self-confidence. I will give you a real-life example of how being out of integrity impacts all of these “selves”.

Clients A&B are $60,000 in debt, and have been working for the last seven months on a debt elimination program. Recently, they received a phone call from a respected company offering a “great” real estate coaching program, and decided on the spur of the moment to buy into this course for $15,000—all on credit. The story they told themselves to justify the purchase, was that getting into real estate was their big dream and would result in loads of money, and, it just seemed like too great an opportunity to pass up. The money made in real estate would come back to them very soon, they decided.

Well here’s the reality. Whether it was a weak moment or a moment of impulse, they got themselves into more debt and essentially wiped themselves out with a lack of discipline and integrity because they told themselves seven months previously that they wouldn’t get any deeper into the credit card black hole (they went against their word in the face of an unexpected circumstance). Buying something that they knew they couldn’t afford also impacted their selfrespect and self-esteem because having respect for oneself includes respect for your words, actions, and thoughts all together. Dis-respecting oneself eventually affects self-esteem, ultimately showing up in negative self-talk such as “I can’t do it.”, “I’m not good enough.”, “I’m not smart enough.” And so on. Eventually that will erode self-confidence as well.

So of all the labourers of the Great Cathedral, which one do you think had high self-respect, esteem and confidence, and which ones didn’t? Therefore, which was living and not just doing, in integrity?

I challenge you all to think about this.

What exactly does integrity mean to you?

Are you in line with everything that it does mean?

Do your actions, words and thoughts all fit into place, or are you out of step with any of them?

Do you do something because you have to, or think you have to, rather than looking at the quality of how you really are all the time?

That is food for thought indeed.

Olena Gill is a life coach in Errington, BC. For more information on workshops, coaching or sessions, please visit www.indigocrystalcoach.com - see ad page 44

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The recent popularity of Sudoku - a Japanese numbers puzzle, has led to it being dubbed “the Rubik’s cube of the 21st century” or the “fastest growing puzzle in the world.” When playing Sudoku you play against yourself and you can also challenge another’s time.

A classic Sudoku Puzzle is played over 9x9 grid (eighty one small squares), that means, 9 squares wide and 9 squares deep. The nine large squares are called the mother squares. The lines of squares running horizontally are called rows, and the lines running vertically are called columns. The grid is further divided by the darker lines into nine 3 X 3 square ‘boxes’. Some of the squares already have numbers in them, some of them are empty and need to be filled. The hard part in Sudoku is that each of the areas can only contain a particular number once.

The bottom line: Each row, column and “box” (3x3) should contain the numbers 1 to 9:

· Number can appear only once on each row

· Number can appear only once on each column

· A number can appear only once in each box (3x3 area)

Although the grid has numbers, nothing has to add up to anything else. You solve Sudoku Puzzles with reasoning and logic. No math is needed to complete the puzzles, and no guessing should be necessary either! In fact the numbers are used only for convenience. One can also use symbols, colors and shapes in place of the numbers. The important thing is to adhere to the rule that there should not be the same element in a row or column of the bigger square.

It may take 3 – 4 days for an inexperienced player to solve a hard puzzle, while the ‘pros’ might solve it within minutes. But that’s the beauty of Sudoku! Even with a busy job and only a few minutes in your lunch hour to do it, you can still enjoy the challenge. There are no shortcuts in this game, your skills simply get better and better through regular playing. Once you get the concept - the ultimate challenge behind sudoku is doing it fast!

Sudoku develops your reasoning skills and concentration. Many also believe that as ‘age starts catching up with us’, this mental workout which the brain gets from playing logic puzzles, can help to decrease memory decline, make us smarter and even slow the progress of Alzheimer’s disease.

The allure of Sudoku lies in that it first seems to be an easy game, yet difficult ones keep the avid player coming back for more. If you’re a fan, you’ll be pleased to know there are 6,670,903,752,021,072,936,960 possible games in that 9x9 grid! Sit back and relax, this friend will last a lifetime!

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There are 2 very significant events in your life. One is when you are born and the other is when you find out why. Finding out WHY seems to pose the greatest challenge!

The “WHY” is sometimes referred to as a Sacred Gift. There are many Sacred or Spiritual Gifts identified in ancient scriptures. These Gifts aren’t the same as skills or talents or even ‘natural’ gifts. They are in you but they are not of you. The good news is that everyone, without exception, has one or more. However, some people live their whole lives never having experienced them.

Essentially, Sacred Gifts are tools given to you at birth by a loving Creator, that make certain things you do seem easy, effortless and extremely joyful. Like any tool, they allow you to do what you are doing more easily when you have the right tool for the job.

Let’s use an actual toolbox as an example. If you’re given a hammer at birth as one of your life tools and you don’t know what it is or what it’s for, you may spend your life trying to use the hammer to saw wood and become very frustrated and not find it very fulfilling. There’s nothing wrong with the tool and while it is necessary for you to be able to saw wood, this would definitely be the wrong tool for the job.

This is true with life in general. If you choose a particular job, project or anything that is out of alignment with the tools you’ve been given at birth, you will likely feel frustrated and not very fulfilled. If you discover the set of tools you have, you’ll know what jobs will be effortless for you. You will also know what tools you’ll need to borrow from others that you may not have in your tool box.

This is also true of your Sacred Gifts. Often to get a job done you need assistance. You need to go and find someone else with a particular Gift so that you can gain its benefit. In the same way, your Sacred Gifts are also intended for you to lend or give away to others so that they can benefit. Fortunately, when we share our gifts and draw from the gifts of others remarkable results can occur.

If you’re not happy and life feels empty and meaningless then either you are not aware of the tools you have and what they can do or you are not sharing them. Perhaps you don’t even know how to find the other tools you need to get the job done.

Here are some of the characteristics of a Sacred Gift.

1 - Your gift mixed with your personality and experiences makes you totally unique. No one else has the same tools, toolbox, experience, training and passion you do. This means only you can do what you most desire to do in life.

2 - You may have several Sacred Gifts. This explains why you might feel compelled to do certain things and then totally change directions and be totally successful at that as well. Sometimes all of your gifts surface at once and very magical results occur … results that seem to defy the “norm”.

3 - Sometimes Sacred Gifts are in complete contrast to your personality, or your lifestyle. A homeless person with a spiritual gift of Hospitality is a great example.

4 - Your gifts will often not be accessible to you for your own personal good. You may have the hammer but someone else has the nail. Your Gift may only show up when someone is in need of it - then the combination of your gift and their need creates the result. Have you ever heard of a brilliant financial planner who is broke? Same concept.

5 - The Sacred Gifts you have been given at birth are at the very fundamental level of your essence, they will seem effortless to you. For instance, the saw is amazed at how easily the hammer drives the nail. So if people say to you “ I could never do that,” don’t argue, they may be right. Because it’s so effortless to you, you may find yourself judging others for their inability to do it as effortlessly as you do. Don’t judge others, instead give thanks that you have exactly the right tools.

6 -Your Sacred Gifts are in you but they can remain dormant and unused if you are not willing to share them or if you are trying to figure out a way for the benefit to come back to you. A simple prayer at the start of each day is “I offer my Gifts today to be of benefit to others” and just watch what starts to show up and what gets asked of you.

7 - One of the great things about Sacred Gifts is that with desire and practice they can grow to create supernatural results. They may look like a skill or talent to you initially, but like muscles the more you use them the more they develop and the more they can do.

8 - All of the Sacred Gifts are instruments of healing. Sharing your particular Sacred Gift with the world is your way of healing this planet. When someone benefits from your Gift, you have, in that moment healed a situation, a person, a problem. That’s why it is Truth when it’s said that we are all healers. We are!

9 - These Gifts are freely granted. You don’t have to be “good” to earn them and they aren’t taken away from you when you are “bad”. There is evidence of some of the most beautiful Sacred Gifts at work behind prison walls in people who have committed terrible crimes.

10 - Sacred Gifts can bear results above and beyond our “normal” human abilities. They transcend what we ‘should’ be able to do. People who are aware of their gifts and share them, seem powerfully charismatic. “Charismatic” or “charisma” comes from the root word charism defined as : ‘a living gift believed to be given by God’ or “a spiritual endowment.” Being charismatic is about giving something of yourself that comes from deep within your spirit.

11- They are your way of giving back, of being of service. Being of service is not just about working in soup kitchens or volunteering at church or in disasters. You are “in service” in the truest form of the meaning when you share your Gifts.

One of Mother Teresa’s Sacred Gifts was Compassion or Mercy. She used it everyday on every street in every gutter in every encounter. She didn’t fight against the tool she was given or decide not to use it because she couldn’t figure out how to generate income for herself. She just went about using her gift and living a very joy- filled, supernatural life. She trusted the Great Universe to provide her with what she needed. She knew the tool in her toolbox and shared it willingly. How could she be so happy with what appeared to be so little? Because she also had the Sacred Gift of Simplicity.

There is tremendous value in discovering and tapping in to your Sacred Gifts and also recognizing those of your family members and friends. Although many of them are not thought of as Sacred Gifts they still carry healing qualities and have a great potential to change your life and the lives of others. Observe what tools are in your toolbox and in those around you...imagine if they were all utilized. Life would be so much easier and make much more sense.

One of the best things I’ve learned is NOT to judge anyone by their personality or outward appearance. You could really be missing the true essence of that person.

In other words, understanding what Sacred Gifts are all about really helps lessen judgment of yourself and others. It actually gives you an ability to see through the toolbox to the tools inside. A kind of x-ray vision that allows you to appreciate the tool or Gift you receive from each other.

Monique MacDonald will in Parksville, Sat. May 23rd from 8:30am to 6pm. Contact delaine.walsh@gmail.com

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"The Most Important Relationship you can foster is with your Divine Self."

As we walk the path of ascension, we are guided in many ways to do many different things. We may be led to assist others, work on healing the Earth, build healing practices, volunteer, meditate, support love/light workers financially, write articles, create groups for spiritual discussion, hold retreats, provide guidance and teachings, create metaphysical retail outlets, and so much more.

Until now, we have worked primarily outside ourselves. When we looked within, it was often to discover wounds, past karma, triggers, fears and blockages. Facing our fears has been difficult work!

In recent meditations the Divine Mother asked me to share the message - it is now time to look inwards and remember our Divinity. The Divine Mother has said, “The most important relationship you can foster is with your Divine Self”.

When sharing this message with others, questions arose regarding selfishness and self love, due to our judgements and perceptions around each of these. We have been taught through the ages that selfishness is bad, and that selflessness and sacrifice were virtues. These teachings judge negatively those who take time for themselves, who focus inward for answers and say no to all the pressures of today’s living.

During meditation the Divine Mother has indicated several times the importance of the relationship with Self. It is being suggested that we look at “selfishness” from a new perspective - as Self Love. When we view “selfishness” from this perspective, we realize the value of putting ourselves first. We realize that without self love, we can not reach ascension. Our judgement and rejection of “selfishness” is a true rejection of Self and prevents us from reaching higher levels of love and understanding.

It is time to embrace Self Love, and our own Divinity, learning to love all of ourself, not just the parts we like. Divinity is our individual connection and codes of God/ Goddess. We have forgotten that we each hold God/Goddess within us and now is the time to awaken and activate our Divinity codes.

As humanity continues on its spiritual path, with more and more awakening each day, it is time now to honour the God/Goddess within. It is time to remember who we are, our Divine Purpose, our Divine Gifts, our Divine Self. It is time to seek, embrace, and celebrate our Goodness - our ‘God’ness and our Divinity.

Ana La Rai may be reached a 250-752-5117 see ad on this page's PDF.

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They say, it is possible to come to a place within, where we are totally aligned with all of the love and light in the Universe - that we will be complete and no longer require material things to help us stay on course.

I believe this is true, yet today, I am aware of the reality that I’m not quite there yet! Thus, there are objects found and made throughout our house and garden, intentionally placed to inspire and encourage us.

Downstairs, beside the air tight stove is a small wrought iron stand upon which we’ve placed shells, dried herbs, eagle feathers, crystals, and beside it a prayer cushion. This is where we do our meditations and I also say my prayers.

It’s a bit of ritual to start the day and being on my knees for prayer keeps my focus on track. It creates a mood of reverence. I like to linger over these contemplative objects; I like to touch them and marvel over their intricacies. I like to get my heart and head into their space. It brings that certain knowingness that the same all-pervasive Spirit who created such a delightful gift as a sprig of lavender also created me.

These moments of grace are what I look for in my day; these are the moments that fulfill my hunger and satisfy my thirst. These moments come too far apart and too few between for my liking, so I drink deeply of them when I’m there and I try to make them expand.

Perhaps when we are more highly evolved we won’t need our aides, tools and props but right now I need help to create these prime moments. My head is always running off on one tangent or another, creating little scenarios and dramas or lingering over yesterday’s news. So these utensils from our spiritual toolkit make us pause and get into the present. When we are in the present, we seem to receive our jolts of joy.

Thus we were inspired to make prayer cushions, designed with the hopes that the textures, fabrics and colours will help to evoke a mood or atmosphere to inspire us inward where we can rejuvenate our souls. We created scrolls as gentle reminders to stay on our path, to be true to our hearts, to be still inside and take the time to get into the present. These art aides for the spirit are meant to sow some seeds of beauty, to help others in a common movement towards peace and wellbeing. We all need encouragement and support in our efforts to generate a community of love and peace, and by contributing from our individual hearts we can build that community.

Ron and Lorna, LMK Fabric Arts - Specializing in Decorative Accessories, check your favourite stores for these fine products.

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I am often asked, what does LOVE mean to me. When I say I LOVE you or sign my correspondence Love Liz, I am expressing my desires for others, and affirming my own intention and integrity for loving.

L - May you have the strength to Let Go of the stories which no longer serve you.

O - May you give yourself permission to Own the richness of your life’s path.

V - May you Value your contributions.

E - May you Embrace the truth of your magnificence.

I’ve learned to let go of the past and remember - everything happens for a reason. Certainly, situations arise to challenge this truth…yet, with each experience I know I’m called to release another piece of my story… Revisiting the story without judgement, blame, fault finding or criticism frees me to love myself.

As I have looked back on my life, I have realized there were no mistakes… I was doing the best I could each day, month, year. With each experience, I was learning new healthy ways of living my life. When the guilt, fears, and limitations return… I remind myself that I am still doing the best I can… I am supporting myself and owning the richness of my life which guides me in new self-supportive ways. One of the greatest gifts I’ve received, is learning to value my contribution to the lives of others and to my world in general. The more I am able to value myself… the more love I receive and give… As I value myself… I give others the permission to do the same.

As I embrace the truth that I make a difference… knowing there is only one me, I begin to witness the shifts in the lives of those I love… I am able to truly accept my magnificence and know I am empowering others to embrace their own magnificence…

Today I…
Know… Who I am makes a difference…
Accept myself exactly as I am…
Support myself in loving and supportive ways…
Take time to appreciate myself and those I love…
Live in the ease and joy of LOVE…
And so it is…

Liz Robitaille is an internationally recognized Louise L Hay teacher and founder of Wisdom is Within Coaching. Contact her at 250-757-9794 / 877-986-5321 / liz@wisdomiswithin.com

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Most of us, and I hope all of us, are aware of the seriousness of our human condition with regard to our disharmonious relationship to one another and to the environment. The signs are foreboding. We can no longer afford to remain behind our blindfolds with the hope that if we don’t look at it the signs will go away. It appears that we are losing while on this journey. However, if we believe that there is still hope, we can listen to the voices of our tribal ancestors, who are lovingly urging and guiding us towards a harmonious coexistence with everything around us.

Tribal culture precedes civilization. The beginning of civilization is a stage of human cultural development when writing and keeping written records were attained, and it is also characterized by urbanization, larger populations, city-states, advanced technology, agriculture and complex social organizations. Living in ‘pre-civilized’ conditions, pure tribal cultures existed outside the civilized world even up the 1970s. Today there is a resurgence of interest in the ancient ways of the shamans who explore mystical states to find solutions to problems. An increasing number of Westerners are learning to use many shamanic methods tested for thousands of years to access alternate dimensions of reality in order to make contact with sources of wisdom and power.

The word ‘shaman’ is an arbitrarily chosen word adopted from the language of the Tungus people of Siberia. The word describes a person who interacts directly with the spirit world for assistance to relieve the spiritual side of illness, to divine for information, to help escort the soul of the dead, or to perform a variety of rituals and ceremonies for their community. Cross-culturally, shamans have taken on many roles such as healers, herbalists, priests, psychotherapists, mystics, storytellers, and even magicians, but most importantly they maintain their community’s health and wellbeing. The practice of the shaman as a healer is no longer exclusive to tribal societies. During the advancement of civilizations some shamanic elements have been absorbed by religious practices, and vice versa. It is also true that there are many alternative healing practices where shamanic elements are present but it is not necessarily shamanism. Today, religion and medical science are separate and independent branches of the shaman’s original role. Shamans are individuals who have the ability to alter their ordinary state of consciousness and to travel to other realms with the assistance of their spirit helpers, to bring back power to heal, wisdom to advise, or knowledge to guide. Shamans are travellers between realities and many worlds.

Modern practitioners of shamanism still use the same methods as our ancestor shamans did for finding and returning lost soul fragments, bringing back lost power, advice, guidance or knowledge. They may extract intrusions that cause localized illness, remove possessions that inflict emotional disturbance, or guide one, through rituals and ceremonies to assist the healing process. There is an increasing expression of interest in this ancient mode by the scientific community, so numerous experiments are being conducted to prove or disprove its validity. It is interesting to note that the results have been positive and it appears that shamanic methods are slowly reclaiming their rightful place in alternative approaches to health and healing.

Shamanism was born in ancient tribal societies. Many cultures, even today, still continue their ancient ways, while others lost due to the pressure of global political and religious expansion. We are grateful to those indigenous elders who kept the knowledge safely in silence until the right time arrived for its resurgence. Micheal Harner is instrumental in the revival of shamanism in the West, a Professor of Anthropology, who during his study of an indigenous tribe in the Upper Amazon experienced shamanic initiation. After studying many cultures he found an astonishing similarity in shamanic practices throughout the world. Eventually he established an institute dedicated to the study and teaching of core shamanism that embraces methods and practices common to all cultures. His teachings are non-culture specific. He claims, and has proven, that individuals can learn shamanic methods to use for themselves, or for assisting friends and relatives. Some people become gifted healers to assist others.

There are a good number of shamanic practitioners world-wide, including shamans belonging to indigenous societies. However, just being trained in shamanic methods is not an initiation to become one. Even today, a successful shaman is still chosen. A spirit appears usually unexpectedly, and offers healing power for the initiate. There are many cross-cultural examples that simply wishing, or studying for many years, will not guarantee that the shamanic gift is obtained. There are, however, many successful and dedicated shamanic practitioners today whose initiation into the profession is the same as it was thousands of years ago, and still are known only by their successes. They get clients by word-of-mouth, often have to be searched for far and wide, and they don’t ring the bell when the hour is up. There is great hope that more and more people will recognize the validity of this ancient healing practice and offer the respect it so profoundly deserves.

In closing I would like to cite Michael Harner from his book, The Way of the Shaman, 1980, p.139:

“In shamanism there is ultimately no distinction between helping others and helping yourself. By helping others shamanically, one becomes more powerful, selffulfilled, and joyous. Shamanism goes far beyond a primary self-concerned transcendence of ordinary reality. It is transcendence for a broader purpose, the helping of humankind. The enlightenment of shamanism is the ability to light up what others perceive as darkness, and thereby to see and to journey on behalf of a humanity that is perilously close to losing its spiritual connectedness with all its relatives, the plants and animals of this good Earth.”

Gizelle Rhyon-Berry, M.A.Ed., is from Victoria, BC, and presently working on a research assignment in cross-cultural shamanism at the Foundation for Shamanic Studies in California (www.shamanism.org). She is also on their teaching faculty and instructs weekend courses in Western Canada. For information on her work she can be reached at: rhyon-berry@verizon.net, or info@shamanism.org. For her workshop schedule please consult the FSS website: www.shamanism.org.

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"In ancient times a SAGE was a messenger, delivering profound truths to an individual or a collective group" ... Here is your MesSAGE for the next 3 months ...

IF YOU WERE BORN IN:

JANUARY: It is your time to enjoy recognition for who you truly are! Continue to open fully as you reap your rewards for doing so!

FEBRUARY: It is your time to enjoy recognition for who you truly are! Continue to open fully as you reap your rewards for doing so!

MARCH: Reaching a plateau through trust has brought you new experiences of great joy. Show others how simple this truly is!

APRIL: Your experiences have proven that life unfolds in magical ways when one accepts that this is so. Much simpler than you thought, isn¹t it?

MAY: Synchronicity is leading to the highest & best for you, laying foundations for your future. Simply watch it magically unfold!

JUNE: Things seem to be appearing out of nowhere for you; this is the new magical vibration you have been waiting for. Enjoy the ride!

JULY: There is an integration that has taken place within your being. This has centered you in who you truly are, which allows you to simply be you!

AUGUST: Another aspect of yourself has come to light, surprising you with your innate wisdom from within. Acknowledge this with self love & gratitude!

SEPTEMBER: You are in a place of clearing & preparation for your future. Simply open to receive your new experience; it will magically show up!

OCTOBER: You are on the brink of all the pieces coming together. In this integration, new form will set the tone for the future, revealing grace!

NOVEMBER: There is an acceleration in your being, moving you magically forward. This is spirit in motion, aligning changes for your future!

DECEMBER: There is a sense of alteration in your being that has taken you to an expanded awareness. These new perceptions serve you well for your future!

Channelled by Maureen Freeman of SAGE. You may contact her at 250-598-5221 or sage@johnsmarvels.com for personal readings by phone, mail or email. A Messenger’s MesSAGE is copyright © 2004 EAGLEye/ONE

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In recent years, more people have heard about the Mayan Calendar and what this highly evolved race predicted. They were able to depict time and foresee the future outside of our solar system. Through mathematical calculations dating back 16.4 billion years they devised a calendar that had 9 levels divided into 13 sections consisting of 7 days and 6 nights. A DAY signified a period of enlightenment or increase in consciousness while each NIGHT was a period of applying that consciousness. Furthermore, each level had a particular intention. To get a better grasp of the time frame of DAY and NIGHT, at the beginning of the 1st level, 16.4 billion years ago (Cellular) each DAY and NIGHT was 1.26 billion years. For those unfamiliar with this notion of day and night not equalling 24 hours, it can become somewhat confusing. Yet as time speeds up, this 8th level (Galactic) that we are presently living in, each DAY and NIGHT signifies 360 days. When we reach the final 9th level (Universal) in 2011 each DAY and NIGHT will equal 20 days.

Back on Nov. 24, 2006 we made the transition to the Fifth DAY, which will now last 360 days. The Fifth DAY is the ‘pulse of LIGHT’, representing the Light of Quetzalcoaltl or Christ Energy. This pulse of LIGHT carries the breakthrough energy of this Galactic Underworld (an Underworld is a specific level of evolution of consciousness). This Galactic Underworld is in reality an exactly charted wave movement of alternating energies that chart the overall collective development of humanity at the present time.

“For the first time in history, a small minority of humanity has now come to realize that we are living in a divine process of creation and that this process is exactly charted by the Mayan Calendar”, says Carl Calleman.

On May 22, 2007 we will be at the halfway point of the Fifth DAY. This day, coined “The Breakthrough Celebration”, will be a day where thousands of people around the world will gather together in joy and focus on creating a new reality. Here are examples of what many people will SEE on that day:

Be it Now ! A vision of our world that we can ALL believe in!

We see clearly a world of harmony and peace amongst nations, races, genders, ideologies and religions.

We see acceptance by all of the many paths available for the human spirit to realize its highest potential through art, music, culture, education, science, religion, adventure and joyous living.

We see all life on Planet Earth living in balance, harmony and respect.

We see perfect health, well being, infinite abundance and profound inner peace as the norm amongst our brothers and sisters of Planet Earth.

We see science and technology maturing to serve the planet in wholesome, productive and abundant ways that feeds, clothes, houses and nourishes the body and spirit of the world’s populations, while nurturing Planet Earth’s pristine nature.

We see sustainable communities linked together by worthy causes bringing intelligence, wisdom, compassion, sustenance, spirit, and a sense of belonging and unity to everyone.

We see effective government that abides by the principles of Divine Harmony and that operates from a vision of humanity’s greater purpose.

We see the people of Planet Earth acting as a single being with vision, intent and conscious creativity while simultaneously honoring and nurturing the Divine Individuality of each member from birth through wholesome education and a vision-oriented social and economic structure.

We see the life on Planet Earth joining in a single song of praise and gratitude and reaching out to the heavens for exploration and adventure.

Let’s BE part of this wave of LOVE!

For Mayan Calendar readings & update on May 22 event, call Stephanie Labelle 250-337-0055. With thanks to Carl Johan Calleman /in memory of Ian XEL Lungold for their exhaustive research on the Mayan Calendar. www.breakthroughcelebration.com, www.mayanmajix.com, www.calleman.com, www.infinityaffinity.org

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Sometimes I have wondered if books would eventually fade away into the ethers as more children seem to have electronics permanently attached to their bodies, (that was a bit of a jest - and not). I, for one, could not imagine a home without a book or 2 (hundred)! I know I’m not the only one who has thought about this. Well today I’m pleased to report, you need not worry. There are signs that a new generation is emerging who have other ideas. Take my ‘great-niece Sophie’ for instance. At one year and a few months old, her favourite ’toys’ are now her BOOKS! And her favourite outing with Gramma...the library! Whew! Relax fellow believers in the beauty of the printed page...there will still be little ones growing up to follow your aging footsteps.

Let’s begin where we left off last issue with Olena Gill’s new book The Indigo Survival Guide. Olena Gill has been an avid champion for the Indigos for many years and if that subject intrigues or mystifies you, you are going to love this book. She shares stories from her own life that will have many a reader breathing a sigh of relief while saying ‘thank god it’s not just me.’ The book truly is a survival guide with a great deal of information on who fits into the categories of Indigo/Crystal/Adult Indigo . Likewise, there are numerous techniques and suggestions for coping with and understanding your kids or yourself. Supersensitive people have been waiting for years for someone to notice their struggle and lend a hand. Ms. Gill has responded with 210 pages written with care and attention, including 25 keys for survival and guidance. This information assists these wise beings to be better understood and supported, so they can start DOing what they came here to do in the first place...BE the Peacemakers. ISBN 0-595-40203-8

Your Power to Create – from Wishful Thinking to True Manifestation - Caroline Myss In this audio CD Caroline takes us on a direct path to the heart of human creative power-and how each of us can learn to harness it if we practice and discipline ourselves every day. Drawing on her intuitive grasp of spiritual truths, she cuts through the myths surrounding manifestation and share with us the 5 steps for true manifestation using practical tools to unlocking our abundant potential. Audio CD ISBN 978-1-59179-550-6

Your Body Speaks Your Mind – Decoding the Emotional, Psychological, and Spiritual Messages that Underlie Illness - Deb Shapiro This book and CD takes us on a journey to show a practical way to learn the language of our body so that we can understand how our thoughts and feelings directly affect our physical health. This step-bystep guide reveals what our body is trying to tell us and includes a cross-referenced index of symptomatic illnesses and the corresponding emotional imbalances they symbolize. The CD is a creative visualization and meditation technique designed to enhance our ability to listen, communicate with and heal our body. This book can be a valuable guide and resource. ISBN 1-59179-418-8

When the Impossible Happens - Stanislav Grof Dr. Grof, a psychiatrist and researcher into nonordinary states of consciousness, takes us on a mesmerizing firsthand account of over 50 years of inquiry into the very fabric of our existence. Out-ofbody experiences, past-life memories and encounters with deities, demons and extraterrestrials are just a few topics covered in this book. This book is guaranteed to shake the foundations of what we assume to be reality, and offers us a new vision of our human potential. ISBN 1-59179-420-X

Numbers: The Energy Forces in Your Name - Paul G. Minar If numerology fascinates you this is one book you’ll not want to miss. Drawing on thirty years as a professional numerologist, Paul offers a comprehensive yet easy-to-understand guide to the meaning and methods of Numerology, including how to use the nine creative forces in your name. Combining modern techniques with information channeled to him by the ancient mathematician and “Father of Numerology”, Pythagoras reveals the incredible power of numerology. Discovering your ‘numerical DNA’, creating successful outcomes, and the nine parts of God’s creative energy, are just a few exercises available in this book. ISBN 0-595-38070-0

The Way of the Superior Man – A Spiritual Guide to Mastering the Challenges of Women, Work, and Sexual Desire - David Deida This book offers a practical guidebook for men for living a life of integrity, authenticity and freedom. Quoted as ‘The Ultimate Spiritual Guide for Men’ it answers questions that men have undoubtedly asked themselves – What is your true purpose in life? What do women really want? What makes a good lover? This book is for today’s man: to discover the ‘unity of heart and spine’ through the full expression of consciousness and love in the infinite openness of the present moment. (A great read for women as well!) ISBN 1-59179-257-6

The Self-Hypnosis Diet – Use the Power of Your Mind to Reach Your Perfect Weight- Steven & Joy Gurgevich In this combined book and companion CD of guided self-hypnosis sessions, renowned health experts Steven and Joy reveal the most powerful tool available for sustained weight-loss – the subconscious mind. Different from other weight loss books, it provides the ‘missing ingredient” and focuses on the power of the mind to create a healthy lifestyle. They are instructors of Dr. Andrew Weil’s Integrative Medicine Program. ISBN 978-1-59179-475-2

Ancient Secrets of Facial Rejuvenation – a holistic, non-surgical approach to youth & wellbeing – Victoria J Mogilner If plastic surgery or botox treatments for facial rejuvenation makes you run the other way, then this book just might be for you. The Acupressure Facelift gives you a stepby- step guide with detailed photos presenting a wealth of strategies for attaining outer beauty and inner well-being. Drawing on more than thirty years experience, Victoria provides a way for those seeking to change their lives from the inside out. ISBN 978-1-57731-552-0

10 Steps to Take Charge of Your Emotional Life- Eve A.Wood Overcoming Anxiety, Distress, and Depression Through Whole-Person HealingThis book brings an integrative approach to healing – combining traditional psychiatric medicine and the latest mind-body therapies. It provides a detailed and practical guide to achieve emotional balance and happiness. This valuable book will enable people to work with their doctors to develop an effective plan for emotional wellness. ISBN 978- 1-419-1121-8

Happiness – A Guide to Developing Life’s Most Important Skill – Matthieu Ricard This audio CD merges the newest scientific research with traditional Buddhist teachings and contemporary Western philosophy to show us how to realize the experience of happiness. “Happiness is not something you seek, but rather it is a skill you develop”, says Matthieu, a major participant doing collaborative research spearheaded by the Dalai Lama and the Mind and Life Institute. He shares evidence of the profound and measurable effects of inner well-being on our bodies and minds cultivating authentic happiness. ISBN 978-1-59179- 555-1

Now - let’s have some music why don’t we!

Climbing the Gates - Falkner Evans Trio If you’re into traditional jazz this album is one you’ll want to hear. Combining bassist, drummer and pianist, this trio makes complex tunes sound simple. Evan’s says, “the beauty of the trio is that the pianist gets to lead and control the harmonies, but there also is the group interplay that can inspire each of us in our improvisation and push the music to greater heights.” ISBN 6-3018310042-8

Lounging Around - Ron Kaplan Lounging Around remastered in 2006 captures the mood and ambience of a small intimate martini lounge where mesmerizing traditional jazz music plays in the background. This CD is full of tunes reflecting lost love and difficult relationships, yet always with an undercurrent of redemption and hope. Says Ron, “I choose my own material that moves me, that means something special to me, that I can relate to.” His 5th album is sure to delight his listeners for generations to come. ISBN 7-8370735710-2

State of Grace III - Paul Schwartz State of Grace III is a wonderful range of musical arrangements from modern pulsing rhythmic patterns to instrumentals combined with solo or chorus vocals by singers. He is one of the world’s leaders in creating eloquently spiritual, modern-classical music integrating both pop and new age. Paul’s third album features his trademark seductive ambient grooves with lyrics based on traditional religious texts. He quotes, “I get excited by the challenges of creating a new sound by successfully merging disparate classical and pop elements. Each track sounds unique and having its own identity.” ISBN – 0-9992376922-4

The Beaten Path - Shad Weathersby Shad, famous for his Rhythm & Blues and Jazz traditions in New Orleans has just recorded his fifth album and has stood out as the city’s top folk and Americana singer-songwriters. This CD showcases his quirkybut- thought-provoking lyrics and well-crafted timeless acoustic-based music. His albums he explains are “little stories, small slices of life, ‘life markers’ his points of reference along the journey of life. Tango Legends - Vayo If the tango appeals to you this delightful album is the revival of traditional tangos. This is Vayo’s third album taking dramatic interpretations of classic tangos in Spanish that is framed by the acoustic instruments (bandoneon, guitar and bass) that are typical of the genre since the early times. Regardless if you can understand the lyrics or not, the mood and feeling of these pieces is ideal for dancing or listening and subtly draws you into the experience of the Tango. ISBN – 6-1998119722-9

The Shape of Life - Jeff Ball One of the premier players of the wooden American Indian flute- Jeff Ball’s 7th album brings together one of the world’s oldest melodic instruments with one of the newest instruments (the space-age “hang”). Hangs have been designed with more than 45 different musical scales and is described as looking like a flying saucer. Played with both hands in a rhythmic fashion like a hand drum, it makes bell-like sounds, somewhat like a steel drum. These combined sounds merging modern and ancient draw musical inspiration from around the world. As Jeff says, “Individuality is the tradition I’m following. This is American wood-flute music for the modern age.” Delightful and hauntingly beautiful this album is.

Quiet Beauty – Heartsongs for Cello and Piano - James Todd Very few recordings have the cello as the primary lead instrument yielding this album a rich tapestry of cello sounds playing harmony with each other, while interacting with the piano. Few cellists have such a successful career onstage in the classical world, but James has backed many top pop, rock, folk, country, R&B, new age and opera artists as well. This beautiful listening CD is peaceful and relaxing, but with enough internal movement and complexity to make deeper listening a rewarding experience.

...and on that note, we wish you a glorious summer overflowing with warm wishes from all of us here at ‘the nest’.

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From a vision of indigenous grandmothers and many hands of the multicultural Alaskan community, a large, seven-foot diameter, crystal inlaid, GrandMother Drum was built in 2000. The GrandMother Drum is traveling the world as an international symbol of the Universal Heart that connects all races and all cultures of the human family. Immediately after her birth in 2001, GrandMother Drum was invited to be the very heartbeat of Alaska’s largest human rights march, gathering over five thousand people. Within six months, the worldwide request for her community healing work spread like a wildfire of love. In 2002-03the project launched two “Ring of Fire” World Tours in Australia, traveling over twenty thousand miles, sharing culture, promoting cross-cultural awareness, healing and reconciliation.

The GrandMother Drum is a living, beating symbol from the hearts of the Grandmothers that we are all one people, that Mother Earth is our one country, that love is stronger than fear and that peace and freedom are the birthrights of all humanity. The drum is the centerpiece of creating celebrations that honor the unique gifts and spiritual traditions of the diverse cultures of the human family with the theme: The Heartbeat of One Family, One Earth.

The largest drum of its kind in the world, the GrandMother Drum took over a year to construct, has over 1300 strips of wood, two hundred crystals inlaid in its kettle base and is covered by one giant buffalo hide. This produces a phenomenal sound that stirs the soul, and has a tremendous healing effect on the body. “When people of diverse cultures are beating together around a thundering seven- foot heartbeat, they get it,” says drumkeeper Suraj Holzwarth, “They remember who they are and what is really important- caring, sharing and respecting one another. GrandMother Drum is electrifying-she is absolutely contagious!” At home and around the world, the GrandMother Drum is known as the vibration of pure love.

Early in 2001, GrandMother Drum gave birth to the Baby Drum Project. Baby Drums are replicas of the giant seven- foot drum made in workshops throughout the tour. They allow people around the world to get personally involved in the project’s worldwide drumming vigils for peace. “We want to gather a Million Drums for Peace,” says drumkeeper Suraj Holzwarth, “and connect our global family heartbeat to heartbeat.” Over six hundred Baby Drums have been made and sold with proceeds supporting the international travels of the GrandMother Drum.

The “Ring of Fire” World Tours also involve interactive performance concerts, personal and community healing ceremonies, drum making workshops, children’s storytelling, dance, ritual art, and earth healings that focus on activating what the Grandmothers call the “Ring of Fire”. The project also conducts special land activation’s and healings in caves and volcanic areas throughout the earth.

According to stories of the world's religions, creation started with Sound, with the Word, with the Big Bang. GrandMother Drum was built for just that, to sound a Big Bang of Love and create a new age of peace and illumination among humanity. Indeed...her presence heals.

GrandMother Drum is coming to the Island - see ad this page!

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Here I SIT , perched atop my soapbox ready to have a chat with you. Yes, I admit I have elevated the common soapbox to a beautiful blue silk cushion, but I believe that is befitting the new consciousness of treating yourself royally...or the way you deserve to be treated. Yes, EVERYthing changes when we do that! “Life is Good!”, I say.

Speaking of good, I had lots of nice comments about my ‘white heart glowing’ in the last issue. I just want to remind you that what you see in me, you also see in yourself. There is, without a doubt, a wave of change rolling round the world, and I’m proud to purrrrr my part in it. As I strive to bring peace to the world around me, I am sometimes overwhelmed by the expansiveness of the job at hand. Yet, I have been especially observant of the young people this year and how quick they are to implement change.

Hence the topic of my new ‘bandwagon’ or ‘silk cushion’...it’s - what and how, we teach our children.

Recently, I came across these photos a reader sent me some time ago...I only have room to show you 2 but you get the drift. Little gold kitten and ‘decent sized’ rodent, perched in conversation on the window ledge. It would appear no one told them they were arch enemies, that history proves that one was born to destroy the other. What I see instead is two members of different species, laying down tradition and potential differences, cuddled up together in loving friendship with each other. Warm and fuzzy together, safe in each other’s arms.

 

Think about it for a moment - it appears someone neglected to tell these two they were not supposed to be friends. Or someone did tell them, and they decided they liked each other anyway and ignored the rules. Think about it! What if we started right now teaching our children (regardless of how many legs they have) that it’s OK to leave the past behind and make friends with the future. What if the dove of peace flew through your heart right now and left an invisible awakening so profound you could not suppress your joy, and you ran out and shared the news with the children who were in fact waiting for your arrival! Imagine if they were just waiting for the OK from you to start a NEW way of interacting with each other? What if they were waiting for you to explain to them the power of patience and self control, of compassion and fair play, of self worth and team spirit living hand in hand? WHAT IF you knew your influence on just one child made the difference in bringing peace to the world?

How much can we learn from a small cat and his new best friend? Remember the freedom trust brings! Imagine sharing that truth with a child. P A W S i t i v e l y .

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Gongs belong to the oldest and most important musical instruments of South East Asia. Although their origins may be traced back to the second millennium B.C., it is assumed that the gong is much older. In Chinese history, gongs are mentioned around 500 A.D., attributed to a nation called HSI YU between Tibet and Burma.

Historic research provides us with four main centers - Burma, China, Annam, Java. At least 7 gong shapes and sound structures stem from these regions. Only a few families knew the tradition of gong making as it was passed from generation to generation. The art of making gongs was veiled in a sense of magic. Gong makers believed that a gong could only succeed with the help of higher powers.

The gong was an important element in the lives of Far East people and still is in some countries today. In Asian families, the gong was an attribute of wealth and served as a status symbol. In rites, the gong was used in the evocation of ghosts and in the banning of demons. In rituals of the Far East, the gong has retained its special significance to this day - touching a gong brings fortune and strength.

As a musical instrument, the gong accompanied celebrations, funeral ceremonies, songs, and theater plays. In the music of the Asian high cultures, the gong was used as an orchestral instrument. Orchestras with gong plays containing up to 18 notes were not uncommon. They were also played in private concerts at residences.

Since about 1790, gongs were used in European orchestras. Since then, the terms “Tam Tam” for flat gongs, and “Gong” for bossed gongs, have become customary. However, the authentic term in all languages of the origin countries is GONG.

The above info/photo are from the Paiste website.www.paiste.com

The Gong sphere, true to its shape, is an energy and a tool to assist us to achieve wholeness and unity consciousness. The particular gong that I use is a Paiste 28 inch symphonic gong which came to me from Sedona. It was gifted to me by a friend who recognized my affinity to this off-world instrument, after having both experienced an absolutely amazing private gong meditation from a resident Sedonian artist.

In addition to being a healing tool, and a facilitator of incredible meditations, the gong is known as a manifesting tool, as it is, in my opinion a primordial sound upon which matter is formed. My first gong meditation seemed to confirm this. I saw the gong sound reverberations as light streaming throughout room, (as if the room was an electrified cage). Do not expect to experience this amazing phenomena unless all light is excluded from the room.

The gong has the richness & uniqueness of the crystal & tibetan bowls, and of the didgeridoo, yet it is entirely different. The gong’s off-worldly sound has somewhat of a planetary resonance with a similar frequency to the didgeridoo, but with the celestial mystique of bells or chimes – and with its unpredictable overtones being its signature / salient characteristic. The gong sound lends itself well to the accompaniment of “toning” with voices.

It is my understanding that it is the keepers of the 7th dimension, (the Andromedans), that prevail over the path/door-ways of cosmic/celestial sound. From Barbara Hand Clow’s description, the Andromedans are Christ consciousness light beings. The sacred sounds/harmonics from Andromeda are transmitted to heal & re-awaken humanity. And so it is with this awesome experience. Light beings can be invited into the circle of a “Mystic Gong Meditation” to prevail over, and to bless us each with a gift, a healing and an adventure in consciousness.

Gong experiences are most suitable for the adventurer-“warrior.” It is not an event for the timid or for the faint of heart. The gong-sound magic speaks to the Shaman / Alchemist within. Although some people consider that this could be a great opportunity to experiment using recreation drugs, let me make it very clear that this is totally unacceptable behaviour. The Gong experience can verge on overwhelming for someone in complete charge of their faculties, and it could be excessively challenging for someone not in complete control of their mental & emotional faculties. Suffice it to say drugs will not enhance your experience - rather they will hinder it. In these high vibrational times, you are better equipped within your heart and soul to fly to higher realms. Drugs actually hold you back from reaching those accellerated spaces. Some will disagree...but in the world of the gong ...this is so.

Gong events are about transformation and the intention is to resonate with pure love, - and yet, it is not always gentle. For people who suspect that they have sensitive ears I suggest using hearing protection. Simple foamy ear plugs will do the trick - although most people love the building resonance.

The group energy takes the gong to where it will go, and invariably it will at times get boisterous, (especially if our dragon friends take the stage). The power of the group intention combined with the vibration of the ancient gong resonance - are a masterful combination. Grateful we are for such a gift!

Blissful Blessings, AnandaOm, E-mail anandaom@yahoo.ca In reverence & humility, Caretaker of the Gong and Instrument of The Divine in Loving Service to All That Is.

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I remember a long, long time ago when everything was green and blue with yellow stars that lit the way and red sunsets that looked as good as wild berries tasted. It brings a smile to a very old man’s smooth face. Not like today - old men are full of wrinkles..not then. Air was clean and water clear and bodies were strong and went on for a long time. You gotta love the thought of that...a long time ago when this Island of yours was one big heart shining. I called a girl that once..big heart shining...but I don’t know if she remembers. Don’t matter really, these days I call myself Grandfather Dragonfly. I could call myself anything I want, it’s the love glowing from inside my heart that is my real name...same as you. Some things like that don’t change - other things do. Like Mother Earth...she ain’t got the same colours anymore, but I’ll tell you...she’s getting ready to sing a song like you never heard before...she’s getting ready to show you colours you’ll hardly believe are true. That’s good. You need a good surprise.

One of these days yer gonna get it right..and when you do Mother Earth’s gonna be so happy, she’ll show you then. I was born a patient man...but I’m tellin you, I’ve been waiting a long time for people to paddle their own canoes and bless the water as they’re doing it. I’ve been waiting for the big light to shine inside. I see a lot of people waking up...and that means good things are coming. I said I wanted to talk today to remind you that it don’t matter if anybody likes ya - what matters is you like yourself. What matters is you remember the ways of the old chiefs and do good for everything around you. That means no fightin’ - just cause you can fight doesn’t mean yer strong..old chiefs didn’t fight, they got along. People started fighting when they got weak - it’s easy to fight and hurt others, but you gotta be strong to live in balance, to hold integrity and truth within. I remember when the old chiefs use to gather and share what they knew with each other. A long time later I seen a lot of selfish people grabbing for stuff they don’t need. Trouble is - stuff - don’t do you much good in the long run. That’s why we used to give stuff away - good stuff too. That cleared your space so you could love better. Some of ya think love is just a crazy thing - if that’s true, then I’m startin’ my own crazy club! If you think Love is a sign of weakness, well yer in for a big surprise when you see the new wave come in and I don’t mean water. I mean it’s the people who love the most who are coming into power. That’s good too, cause they are the strong ones. It won’t do you no good to lift heavy things if you don’t bless those things for helping you and bless every bone in your own body in gratitude. Some of you heard stories that the times were coming when Mother Earth would take back her power - that scared you. Don’t need to be scared. Cause right in the center core of Mother Earth is loving kindness - so you don’t got nothin’ to worry about with Mother. You might have to worry about some two leggeds trying to use Mother as their excuse for their own bad behaviour. I’d say don’t worry about that either - if enough of you would just love those guys anyway, their power would fall away. I know about that, once upon a time I got angry and tried to cause trouble...but it wasn’t much fun. It made me hurt inside...then one day I could feel people loving me even when I didn’t deserve it...they were loving me, for no reason! They weren’t big - but they were the most powerful people I ever saw, and still are...and I remembered the old chiefs and I was sorry and that was good. I asked forgiveness and said I didn’t want to cause trouble anymore...if you been thinking about that - I’m telling you it’s real easy once you decide. It will make your heart soar. You know, even old chiefs get off track sometimes - but a Wise One listens to the reminders and fixes things. That’s where the joke comes in - nothin’ scares you when yer in your honest place...that’s why you’re so strong. Things will change quick when there’s enough of you saying you’re sorry with a big heart shining. Cause Hearts are bright when you ask forgiveness, and they’re brighter when you give it. Yup, Mothers wakin up all right! That makes me smile and I’m only talking now because I Love Ya, and todays a good day to sing a Love Song.

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We are the vibration of the 999 speaking to you through the energetic system of what you know as the Grand Council of Light which is a closer match to your patterns and thus a perfect buffering for the intensity of the Loving Light that is our code.

Today we welcome you to the reality of the most outrageous times in the Universe. Times we say that are overflowing with goodness - power and responsibility. The new energetic system we spoke of early in your new year, the ~ 555:777:999 ~ is now fluidly-solid in it’s foundational layer.

There will be no going backwards this time. This time you are ready! We already see a direct and focused spiraling upward as this system nurtures itself into place, and stablilize it shall over the next 6 months of your time. You may perhaps notice an increase in the vibrations around you as you draw closer to the days of the 777 (July 7/07). Certainly you will know the difference by the time the month of November arrives this year. That is the time we call the 11:11:11 gateway gathering. This year an experience worthy of preparation.

This vibration of 555:777:999 portal of possibility is pristine in its perfection. It demands accuracy of the heart to fully utilise its resources. There is nothing to fear and no exclusions present...you will access its potential in your own way and your own time. The more loving and understanding you become - the wider the gateway opens for you. Your experience each day will be different...as you practice living in the beloved present. Each day a new opportunity, a gift, to realize the beauty and joy of being consciously attentive to everything around you. Trying as best you can to leave timeless invisible footprints of healing golden love everywhere you travel...is a worthwhile goal

This will be a time of great rejoicing for many of you who have watched in bewilderment as some of your comrades have lived their lives in unkind and thoughtless ways. We say now your persistance and ‘refusal to slide through life’ verses being energetically conscious’ of the trails you’ve left behind...will pay off now.Perhaps you have felt that no one on planet earth has ever noticed the good you have done. Indeed perhaps this is true...who cares we say! What matters is YOU noticed and did not give up, and now, the whole universe can see the accumulated effect of your love.

It appears your hearts have created a jump-start position for you this time round. Your persistent diligence, as you practiced over the years to be mindful and aware of others around you, has created a consciousness powerful enough to neutralize unkind words and actions. Look at you, doing your best to live as the Ancient Masters of Transformation would live - were they here to do so. Still some of you desire to call those old ones to return, LOOK we say, return they do not - instead they have trusted YOU with their past positions. Imagine that!

Imagine that!

Assist you they do - but trust you to carry on where they left off. The torch is yours now. You know, if you search your hearts, that it is true.

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I’m always hungry for adventure, so when I was approached to be part of an invisible dream that stretched me way outside the box, I said why not? It will soon be summer whether I help research a 1000 + acres of land or not.

We started troubleshooting the seemingly impossible notion of where the 3 or 4 million bucks would come from. That would have immediately shut the door on our dream a few years ago. This time we kept creeping along until we got to the front gates of our consciousness and pronounced our willingness to trust and let that money unfold as it would. With that in the background, we opened a window of possibility, as the Vancouver Island property beckoned us to come and explore its magic!

I chuckled as I signed a Right To Access form which allows us to have closer looks. If nothing else came of this, that in itself was such a powerful personal statement for me. Finally I was ready - to expand outside my own predefined and limited box.

At first glance, the neighbors appeared as diverse as the cultures of the noble mushroom. On our first visit an osprey’s brown speckled wing span kept in stride as I gunned up the VW van, keeping up with me for at least 200 yards. There are red and blue shotgun shells nearest to the waterfall and inner echos of wildlife calling to be protected. My heart sings and weeps in the same beat. On the centre of the property there are burned out fire circles with charcoal galore, 90 year old stumps - mossy ones, stumps begging for attention.

In the forest, I found it difficult to hear the “YOU can’t do that because” and focused on the ground beneath our bicycle tires. It is SO grand a size but what of the $$$$ ? Pushing that aside allowed us to press uphill.

Logging roads are separated by green and pink and blue surveyors’ tape hanging on the bushes, masked by creek access pounded over dipping warrior trees setting the pace for development nearby. The vision of a wireless- communication-global-Eco-Outdoor- Learning-Centre re-surfaces. This is too big to ignore.

There’s room, room for horsetail committees, and existing local associations. What if a few of the numerous potential land partners, or inventors who’ve been dreaming of ways of harvesting hobbies into professions, knew about THIS dream. What if we pooled our resources...What if ! What If...

Now that I’ve uncovered the potential locked in ‘the imaginative realms’ I feel quite prepared to pursue ‘the reality’. If you are a peacemaking type who can imagine a new community concept and want to grow into this idea with me, call me. My name’s Janit you’ve got my number! 250-331-3335

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