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"Better late than never?" Sometimes, but with regard to this ordinarily "first of the month" newsletter, I would like to invoke the spirit of "Better because it's late." I did my best to write it on while still on the mainland--a kind of "Aloha Farewell," but couldn't catch the current of my truth. But after sifting through the sands of my first four days on Maui, my inner newsletter said, "It's time!" Novelists say their characters talk to them. I have a talking newsletter.
A few years ago. I read one of Gregg Braden's books--one that focuses on the science of prayer. I don't remember the title, but one of its stories has remained in my psyche, turning over just often enough to remind me that it's still breathing. The details are fuzzy now, but the message continues to glow. Braden accompanied a friend high into the hills of the countryside for one specific purpose: to perform a ritual prayer invoking rain. The hike took hours and after finding the right spot, they created a ceremonial rock circle. Once it was ready, Braden watched as his friend stepped inside to pray. Within minutes, the man stepped out again and signaled that he was ready to go.
So soon? Braden asked. I thought you were going to pray for rain.
Oh no, the man replied. I would never pray for rain as that would indicate my belief in lack. I prayed rain. Once I've had the experience of rain, the prayer is complete.
How could removing one word make such a difference? In his more recent book, "The Divine Matrix," Braden expounds further, saying that we must feel our desires in such a way that we actually have the experience itself. This, he says, is what The Divine Matrix--that web of energy that connects all things--responds to. And what turns this "thesis" into a powerful tool the emerging science that backs it up.
So here are my own reflections about "praying rain."
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1. You must be in it not looking at it. Many of us are skilled in the art of visualization, a powerful tool in its own right. But in that context, we are onlookers of our own desired experience. Recently, I've been "praying circle" with regard to manifesting my first Peaceful Woman retreat in Maui this September. Seeing myself in a circle by the sea with six women was powerful until I realized that I was looking at myself sitting there instead of being in the circle, looking out into the eyes of the other women. Feeling from there made a dramatic difference!
2. Find the BodySmile. The body needs to be part of this kind of prayer. Gregg Braden's friend told him that when he "prayed rain" he could smell it in the air and experienced it drenching his body and the people of the town as they rejoiced in the streets. When we truly feel the completion of something, the body feels it too. So if you desire work that fulfills you, for example, experience yourself in that work until the body joins you with an irrepressible grin, a rush of warm energy or increased relaxation. If your body has the experience with you, you'll know you are "praying rain."
3. Enjoy Your Course Correction. Agree to catch yourself speaking words that are counter to your prayer and use that as a signal to return to the state of praying. In the rain example it would be something like, "A lot of good my new umbrella is doing me!" Or perhaps something more subtle like, "I just wish it would rain!" Those are the moments to slip back into the experience of "praying rain" until you could swear you just felt a splash of it on your face.
4. Detach from the Outcome. I know! Where did that come from? It may seem counter to the act of prayer, but here's the thing: holding onto the outcome is not release--and release, freedom and joy is what "The Divine Matrix" responds to according to Braden. When we "pray rain" and then go on our way, enjoying our lives in the moment, we're in a state of receptivity. Not waiting--just experiencing, present and open to receive. And in that state, as it turns out, we often receive far more than we even asked for because our limited version doesn't get in the way of the Universe's downpour.
You're probably not in the market for "praying rain," but I invite you to ask yourself this question. "What is the experience I want to be having and can I allow myself to fully pray it?"
Together on the Evolving Journey,
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The Peaceful Woman... The Maui Blog
One week ago today, I took flight from Sacramento and landed five hours later "on island" as they say in Hawaii. It's been a peaceful transition, albeit full of adjustments and surprises. Already it feels like home.
In my lovely new abode in Haiku, where it rains most nights and early mornings, but is balmy and warm by day, I've created my bedroom/office where I write, do astrology readings, and venture out to find my place in The Peaceful Woman community. Loving kudos to my housemates, Karren Louise and Linda who have embraced me with such warmth.
My first Maui Passage for The Peaceful Woman is set for September 19 -- 25.
Check out this No Lecture(TM) retreat in Nature's Classroom(TM) where your unfolding truth holds center stage in the midst of Maui's beauty and the loving support of your own circle of six!
To learn more, visit www.thepeacefulwoman.com There's a 10% discount for signing up directly through a facilitator. I'd love to talk to you more about it if sparks a flame in you!
The " Moving to Maui" blog has been enjoyed by many readers, some of which have implored me to keep writing about my adventure in Maui. Check out the latest edition! |
© 2009 Evolving Journey. All Rights Reserved. Contact Maridel Bowes at maridelbowes@gmail.com.
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