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Embodying Grace
We have all heard the stories about the large scale changes happening on Earth. Some predict the “end of the world” and others declare the change will bring about a more peaceful, harmonious way of living. Personally, just the word “change” is enough to make me twitchy. I’ve been through changes…we all have…and some of mine have not been gentle. With all the earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, and terrorist attacks, it is hard not to anticipate that this change is also going to be drastic. But does it have to be?
During a recent session, I had an intuitive flash about this situation. Keeping in mind that my visions are metaphoric, here is what I was shown… I saw an image of the Earth. On one side, I saw caterpillars and the other butterflies. The balance was equal. Some of the butterflies kept crossing back and forth between the two places, throwing off the balance. As the caterpillar side became more populated, the earth would tip. These “tips” brought about unsettling events with the purpose of encouraging transformation and change. Gradually, the balance started to shift and the butterfly side grew to the place that the caterpillar side “poured” into the other…all transformed.
Looking at this metaphor, the following things come to mind. First, caterpillars will eat every bit of plant life in their path. This made me think of our role on the Earth to this point and the problem developing as we use up so much of the Earth’s resources. The other thought was about a caterpillar’s “life purpose.” The focus for this creature is to eat as much as possible so that it has what it needs to transform into a butterfly. Have we on Earth possible “eaten” all that we need to make this change?
A butterfly’s purpose is to help things grow. It is less concerned with its own home and more concerned with making the whole garden beautiful. Again, this is a wonderful metaphor for our world right now. The call is to move beyond simply accumulating into looking for ways to create an abundant “garden” home for all.
I like the metaphor and certainly see in my own life the push to stay in a higher vibrating state. The question is though, what do we do to help ourselves move into our next phase and transform with ease? How do those of us who are already butterflies remember to stay where we belong instead of trying to live in old ways? Here are some tips to help!
Hang out with butterflies: Take a look at the people you spend most of your time with. Would you say they are caterpillars, in a cocoon, or a butterfly? If you answered anything but butterfly, you may want to consider creating some additional support networks. Look for classes or groups that uplift your heart. Find ways to connect with others who are interested in living at a higher vibration.
Pollinate instead of decimate: What can you do today to empower and support someone else to see the beauty in life? Remember that butterflies love the spring flowers, not the dried up husks of winter. Spread sunshine by smiling more, encouraging and loving those around you. Spend a few minutes in front of the mirror each day smiling and telling yourself how happy you are. Even if you aren’t feeling it, it can change the chemistry in your body and uplift your mood.
Spread your wings and fly high: Physically, pay attention to your body postures. Are you hunched over? Are your shoulders curved in? Try throwing back your shoulders and opening your chest to the world. Stand up straight, smile, and walk confidently. Convince your body that you are confident and happy, and you will feel confident and happy. Be a butterfly and choose graceful healing exercises such as Tai Chi or Yoga. Dance and feel free!
Choose to focus on the flowers. Sometimes it feels very difficult not to sink into despair or fear. One thing that might help when the world is overwhelming you is to change your focus. When faced with a situation or experience you don’t like, try making a list of what you do like in the situation. For instance, if you are unhappy with your job make a list of the aspects of your job that you do like. Is your office or workplace comfortable? Do you have a flexible work schedule? Do you enjoy your colleagues? Is the work fulfilling? Do you have a supportive boss? Once you have made a list of what you do like in the situation, identify the specific parts that you are unhappy with. Ask the angels to help you with that part and to guide you to make the changes needed to improve the situation. Once you hand it over, turn your attention back to the flowers (i.e. the parts you are grateful for) and do your best to keep your focus there while the other situation is resolved.
Recognize how powerful you are. Remember that the one that suffers the most when you are sad, angry or afraid is you. Be your own best friend. How can you love yourself in the situation? Step out of the role of victim. Turn your energy and attention to yourself. Do what needs to be done to take care of you. Ask for Divine support where you need help and then relax. What you need will come…
Today is a beautiful day! I invite you to raise your energetic vibration to new heights! Trust that even the most tragic of events is all part of a larger pattern. One that will bear good fruit for us all, even if we can’t see how it can happen. Love as much as you can in the meantime and remember with all things, that “this too shall pass.”
I asked for a quote to finish off this article and this is what I found…
“We need a path not to go from here to there, but to go from here to here.”
Jakusho Kwong
Many Blessings to you and yours!
Nancy
Nancy Nicholas is an Intuitive Life Coach and owner of Sanctuary at the Crossroads, Crossroads Coaching, and Empowering Lightworkers. For a free Divine Purpose Survey and information on Empowerment Readings, Empowerment Products, and the Sensitive Person and Lightworker Mentoring Programs, visit Nancy’s website: http://www.EmpoweringLightworkers.com.
Holiday Gift Giving Without the Hangover
I just LOVE giving gifts at Christmas! It is such fun to find the perfect gift or to help someone else who is less fortunate. Nothing brings more joy or satisfaction.
This year, my desire to give is being frustrated by a series of unexpected very costly expenses. In the span of a month, we’ve had to pay for the following: a car door ($500), dental work ($200), college class ($400), dishwasher (haven’t got it yet but guessing it will be at least $600), and a new furnace ($2300). Needless to say, this has put a damper on the holiday spending plans!
So, in case some of you are in my situation or worse, I thought it would be helpful to come up with some inexpensive ways to keep the joy of giving in the holidays without the painful hangover that can follow. I’d love to hear your ideas too! Feel free to comment and share!
Holiday Giving Ideas
Barter
Have a skill you can share? Why not barter for gift certificates or products for your loved ones? While this probably won’t work at the major stores, it may with those in the service professions. It doesn’t hurt to ask!
Re-Gift
We all have things in our home that we bought and then didn’t use or were given but didn’t feel drawn to. Those same things might be just what someone else would love to have. Even gently used items can be a delight to someone else. Do you have a favorite CD or book that you are through with? Be creative and look at your possessions through new eyes. I bet you’ll find some unexpected treasures to share!
Give Your Time
My third grade students often make coupon books to give their parents at Christmas. What about the same idea for those you love? How could you give the gift of your time and energy this year? Do you have a talent you can share? My brother in law spent four hours fixing my computers. That was the best gift I could have been given (and saved me from another couple thousand in expenses!). Think about what you have to offer. Be creative!
Make Something
Are you a talented cook? Do you like to create crafts? Look for unique recipes to include with a favorite food item. Visit a local craft store for unique and fun ideas that you can make inexpensively. One of my favorites is to make cinnamon or salt dough ornaments. One year, my son and I made gingerbread people ornaments with names for all of our family members. My parents still have them on their tree.
Choose Smaller Quantity Gifts
Another option is to purchase a helpful service or gift for a shorter time or in a smaller quantity. This year, the Sanctuary members are offering a whole collection of holistic gifts, all for under $20 (Sanctuary Marketplace). Many businesses are offering specials with this approach in mind. Look for samples that you can include in a small Christmas stocking!
Any other ideas? I’d love to hear them! Please comment below and help us all enjoy giving this holiday season!
Blessings to you and yours!
Nancy
Nancy Nicholas is an Intuitive Life Coach who works with clients who are feeling powerless because of a relationship, health situation, job, family matter, or other concern. She offers Empowerment Readings and products which combine Divine guidance with practical coaching tips to help her clients make the necessary changes to move into a better situation. Divinely You, Divine Purpose, and Divinely Us Gift Card Readings available. Visit my website to learn more and to get your free Divine Purpose Survey! www.EmpoweringLightworkers.com.
Create Joy…Try Something New!
After a month of hearing about the Swine Flu and the economic recession, I’ve decided it is time to change the topic! After all, focusing on things that make us afraid only creates more fear. This month, I invite you to focus on things that bring you joy.
During the time of my divorce, I read the book Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach. Each day I read a passage which encouraged me to rediscover my authentic self and create a life I loved. One of the passages was about trying something new at least once a month. I followed her advice and what GOOD advice it was! Not only did I meet a lot of wonderful people, but I also found some new things that empowered and healed me. Many of the Sanctuary at the Crossroads members are people I met during that time.
Ready to give it a try? Great! Here are a few of my favorites…pick one (or more) to try for the month of May (and consider making a commitment to do this every month!):
1. Visit a new garden center: This past weekend, I went to Quailcrest Farm in Wooster (http://www.quailcrest.com/). I had the BEST time looking (and smelling) all the beautiful herbs and flowers. What a wonderful place! I also got this cool heron (see picture below!). Visit Quailcrest or look for a new place to try near you. Pick out a new flower or herb to plant. There are so many varieties out there you are bound to find one that you will love!
2. Try a Bodywork session or Exercise Class: There’s nothing like having your body feel relaxed and energized! Here are some types to try and my favorite practitioners…
Intuitive Massage: Massage and energetic balancing with intuitive insight by Lori Byrnes! http://www.thehealerstouch.com
Stone Massage: Imagine warm stones stroking your body and kneading away all tension and stress! Heaven! http://www.ntwellnesscenter.com
Elemental Reflexology: A foot rub to die for! Very energetically balancing! http://www.AquarianElements.com
Polarity Therapy: Very powerful and great for restoring energetic balancing! http://www.AquarianElements.com
Healing Touch Therapy: Energy therapy developed by a registered nurse. A great way to restore balance and well-being! http://www.HealingTouchMedina.com
Reiki: Healing energy to sooth and balance your system! http://www.NTWellnessCenter.com
Yoga: Great for restoring well-being and harmony on all levels—physical, emotional, spiritual and mental! The Hawk Yoga, Copley, OH– (330) 606 4468
Myofascial Release Therapy: A gentle massage that softens the myofascial tissue for deep relaxation and well-being! Lori Chapin, LMT (216)-272-7229
3. Explore Nature: I’m a huge fan of the great outdoors…especially this time of year. One of my favorite activities is finding a new trail or a new park to go explore. This time of year, there is so much to see! A few favorites in Ohio….
Magee Marsh/Crane Creek State Park (http://www.netwalk.com/~vireo/Magee.html): A great place to see the brightly colored warblers this month!
Conkle’s Hollow State Park (http://www.hockinghillspark.com/Conkles_Hollow.asp): Amazing rim trail and gorge trail…plus close to all the other wonderful hikes at Hocking Hills State Park
Pine Lane Trail (Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area): Off of Center Road (303) near Peninsula. This trail has lots of ravines and great views! For other great trails in CVNRA, check out this link: http://www.trails.com/national-park-trails.aspx?keyword=Cuyahoga+Valley+National+Park&state=OH
Hinckley Lake Metropark (Hinckley, OH): Great trail around the lake and also check out Whipp’s Ledges!
http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.aspx?trailid=HGM072-006&Source=YSSP&oc=6000&utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=ssp&utm_campaign=yssp_catalogtrail&track=1
4. Experience an Intuitive Reading: This has always been one of my favorite things to do! A great way to discover your own personal spiritual support team and be empowered and inspired to live your life purpose. To learn more about the Life Coaching readings I offer, visit my website: http://www.empoweringlightworkers.com/Readings.html. I also have an intuitive coaching club that has an opening this month. It’s a great way to make friendships with like-minded people and get monthly Divine guidance and coaching tips. Give me a call if you’d like to sample a class!
5. Visit local Gardens/Historic sites/Labyrinths: I love Holden Arboretum and Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens. If you visit Stan Hywett be sure to go on the Nooks and Crannies tour. It was a blast getting to go into all the off limit places! Locally, visit the beautiful Blessed Foundation in Medina and walk two labyrinths and enjoy the lovely trails through the woods.
6. Take a new class or a complete a new creative project: There are so many different types of classes out there to sample! Michael’s offers several classes. Sanctuary member, Karen Burke has lots of fiber arts classes to choose from. I’m also a big fan of needle felting. You can purchase your own kits here: http://www.placesintimefarm.com/retailstore.html
7. Create a new look. I recently redesigned the front garden bed by our house. I had the best time coming up with an idea and then finding the items to pull it all together. You can do this with your home, garden, or even with yourself. Look for new art or photographs to decorate your walls (maybe get a new spring family photo taken…Allen Seremak does an excellent job if you are in Northeast Ohio-http://www.AllenSeremakPhoto.com). Try a new hairstyle or scent. Wear a new color. I love the Savannah Moon products (http://www.SavannahMoon.com) if you are looking for a new scent to wear! Holistic Health Consultant, Paula Vetter, has a new weight loss program out too, if you are looking to slim down. Send her an email if you’d like to learn more (Paula@ProfoundWellness.com).
8. Volunteer: Do you have a cause you are passionate about? Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and make a difference. I started the Highland Community Support Network to help out kids and families going through financial hardship. To join this group, visit: http://www.highlandcsn.org. There are lots of other opportunities to volunteer no matter where you live. Contact the organization or park system you are interested in and see what opportunities are available!
9. Discover your Bliss!: One of the most exciting things I did was embark on a whole new career during the year after my divorce. The exploration of where my passions and interests were, led to my current career as an Intuitive Life Coach and holistic business owner. To explore your career dreams, try a session with Career Coach, Cathy Posner (http://www.TransitionConsultingAndCoaching.com)!
Enjoy whatever you choose to try this month!
Blessings to you and yours!
Nancy
Nancy Nicholas is an Intuitive Life Coach offering Life Coaching Readings, Divinely Guided Reading, Products, and Intuitive Coaching Clubs. She is the owner of Crossroads Coaching (http://www.CrossroadsCoachingOnline.com), Sanctuary at the Crossroads, and Empowering Lightworkers (http://www.EmpoweringLightworkers.com). Visit her websites for free gifts and to learn more!
Hand Turned Bowls and Discovering Your Unique Self
I’ve been working with a very gifted artist, named Jim Holland from North Carolina. He makes these amazing hand turned wood bowls, vases and containers. They are really beautiful and each is so unique. I am keeping my favorite stones in one. I purchased one for a friend of mine for Christmas and filled it with tiny stone chips used to balance the chakras (the stone chips are from Corky Larson at Inner Harmony Wellness Center). I have two other vases holding incense and eucalyptus and I’ve just ordered another one for my desk.
As you can see, I really love his work! His website is http://www.HandTurnedBowls.biz if you are interested.
I was thinking about the vases and how each one is so different. A vase starts off as a block of wood…shapeless and without character, like the one below.
Uncarved wood block from Jim Holland
And through the belief that there is something more than the surface reveals and through the willingness to be guided by the Divine, the true beauty and character of the wood can be shown.
Hand Turned Vase created by Jim Holland
I received an email from a woman who had purchased several Divinely You Readings from me for her family. She wrote, “The Divinely You readings gave me such a great new perspective on my family and my one friend! It showed me that we really sometimes don’t realize all of the great qualities that our family and friends have.”
I think this is often true for all of us…and it is also true about how we view ourselves. Sometimes it is easy to focus on what is wrong with those around us. Today, I challenge you to look for what is right…both in your loved ones and in yourself. What do you love about yourself? What do you love about the other people in your life?
Feel free to share what you discover by commenting here and remember to also share it with your loved ones!
Blessings to you and yours!
Nancy
