|
Honoring Mother Earth
Joplin. Japan. Memphis. Alabama. Pakistan. Haiti.
So much physical devastation over such a short period of time.
It's clear that Mother Nature is rockin' and rollin', and there isn't much we can do about it.
Crazy stuff is happening to our planet, and we simply can't ignore it any longer. It seems that not a week goes by without another disaster hitting another part of the world. The tornadoes in the Midwest are just the latest in a string of natural catastrophes that have killed hundreds and devastated hundreds of thousands. I was sitting in Famous Dave's down the street from Lake Harriet Spiritual Community when the sirens went off, and my dining companions at the table at which I was sitting looked around to see what we should do. Was it time to get to the basement? After watching the path of the storm on The Weather Channel, it seemed that the tornado was traveling a few miles north of where we were. However, my daughter Emma was scheduled to be at a birthday party right in the trajectory of the storm. Panic struck.
After many phone calls and prayers, I found out that Emma, blessedly, was safe and sound. (THANK YOU, SPIRIT!!) However, there were many people in Northeast Minneapolis whose businesses and homes were destroyed. Our community is pulling together to help out where we can, whether it's a donation of money or goods. It always seems that difficult times can bring out the best in people.
What can we do when everything seems to be going to hell in a handbasket? How can we navigate this intense, emotionally-challenging cycle of humanity? How do we remain present without wallowing in the pain or avoiding it altogether?
I don't know if this will be of assistance, but I thought I'd share my personal recipe for when the shift starts hitting the fan:
1. BREATHE
Whenever my world starts getting crazy, the very first thing I do is take a nice deep breath, filling my lungs with clean, calming energy. I repeat over and over again until I move out of anxiety and into a sense of calm. When all else fails, BREATHE.
2. GROUND
Once I've calm down using my breath, I become my favorite tree; I send my energetic roots into the Earth and imagine that I am firmly planted. I imagine the energy of the Earth traveling up my roots and filling me with strength, solidity, and a foundation of power.
3. CONNECT
Now that I am grounded, I can connect up to my Spiritual Source. I imagine a silver cord going from the center of the Earth through my body and out of my head. It then travels up up up into the center of the Cosmos. It then blends into the Creator, who then sends loving, calming, peaceful energy all the way down the cord and back into me.
Whatever way you connect with the Divine is PERFECT! If you pray, pray. If you read The Bible, go for it! If sitting in meditation is your thing, that's awesome. If a walk in nature gets you in the Zone, lace the shoes and get out there! Use whatever method to move into that sacred place of Spiritual Connection. It's not about doing it right; it's about doing it.
4. OPEN MY HEART
After filling my self with Spirit, I invite my heart to open like the petals of a flower, opening to compassion, understanding and healing. What would it be like to have everything destroyed? What if I lost a loved one? How would I react? What would it feel like to be in the shoes of those who are suffering? I use the feelings that emerge to send beams of loving energy to those who need it, heart to heart. I remind myself of how grateful I am for the life I have, and send prayers, donations, and other positive juju.
5. TRUST
This can be the hardest step. It's the opportunity to accept that painful things happen for a reason. It's hard to imagine that there is a master plan to these horrible events, but there are lessons and gifts contained in the debris. We cannot know why stuff happens to us, but we can trust that Spirit is in charge, providing us with exactly what we need. It never gives us anything we can't handle. It's up to us to trust that process and surrender.
It seems simple, but the devil is in the execution. We need to remember to be present, be connected, and be aware. We can't fall into the trap of fear, panic or resentment. Not only does this apply to the changes in nature, but it also pertains to every other shift that occurs in our lives. These steps have helped me through major life struggles, and I lean into this Magic Recipe whenever I find myself under the wave. I hope it provides you some comfort as well.
Enjoy the beautiful month of June and find joy in the small things. Thank you for your continued support, and make it a wonderful day!
Blessings,
Theresa
LIVE JUICY * LET GO * RECEIVE * BE BIG
| 
