Bountiful Blessings

How blessed we are to be living in a time in history when our most ancient ways of understanding the world and the universe are intertwined and joined with the most advanced ways of viewing reality. This supports the creation of a new paradigm for honoring the earth and for supporting one another as we grow into our human spiritual being-ness. A true Shaman continuously expresses their spirituality, but not in a pompous or arrogant way. They live it, not only when they are teaching or healing or in ceremony, but in the everyday. The keep their profound gifts of spirit congruent with the aspects of living in today’s world.

There is also a beautiful and gracious reverence for all interactions with the spirits as well as with the interactions of the people and beings that cross the Shaman’s path. Honoring plants and stones, honoring spirits of all realms, honoring the neighbor and the stranger…the Shaman walks a path of respect and integrity while appreciating the interconnection of all.

Shamans have an understanding that everything in this world is of spirit and inspirited. There is no separation. Thus, there is a deep sense of being responsible to express gratitude to all for the relationships that offer lessons, gifts of understanding and relationship.

Putting action and intention together in the same moment brings an importance to spiritual practice that I am embracing and focusing my intention to put into an ongoing practice. It is so easy in our culture today to put what we believe as important in our lives, including our spiritual practices, into intellectual and theoretical folders in our minds. But putting these into action in our real lives, walking the talk, is where our personal power grows, our interconnectedness blossoms and transcendence occurs.

Keeping our thoughts, words and actions in alignment means living in gratitude, living in the moment, living with truth and faith. It means eliminating the thoughts of separation. In this place I am called to step up and treat all beings as treasured and cherished loved ones. Living this way supports the earth’s renewal. Living this way is the way of the Shaman and I aspire to become more gracious at my attempts.

Living this way is about deliberately loving what we practice, loving the world, and being part of the whole. It will transform lives. It is my hope that through the choice and intention that I bring to this way of life I will bring more balance to my days, step more fully into my power and create interactions that will be glorious examples of spiritual relationships.

Blessings ~ Lisa

©COPYRIGHT 2012 Lisa Meade

Creating Sacred Space

Take a walk through my home and you will find each room honors my family’s connection with Spirit in some way. The Goddess, who is prominent in our lives, holds sacred space on the walls, in the color choices of the paint, through sacred art, and even in the patterns of the material used in our curtains and drapes. We have very intentionally woven our spiritual beliefs into our home décor. We are surrounded by the celebration of what we hold in our hearts and we love it. Most people who enter our home do not notice the intentional decorations. But we do, and that was and is the point. Each child participated in some way, whether it was in the color scheme choices, teaching them how to paint walls, in the choosing of a special painting to give as a birthday gift or even in selecting throw pillows that have a specific pattern woven through. We have learned and discussed the meaning of the different symbolism of each Goddess…Kwan Yin and the dragon, The Morrigan and the raven, The Goddess Nut and the skies above. We have as a family specifically chosen which Goddess is to be celebrated in which room of the house, based upon Her story, Her attributes, and Her lessons and gifts. The meaning is significant to us and that is what is important.

Altars are scattered throughout the home as well. Special places to pause in our day to reflect upon our actions, to seek insight and strength, to make offerings at and to call upon the compassion and offerings of Spirit to support and guide us.

Intentionality is a personal gift to self and those you hold close. It offers a special bond that can be shared and can be woven into the fabric of your relationships. Growing up in this surrounding feels very normal and in alignment with mine and my family’s beliefs and practices. We have grown accustomed to it. But we do not take it for granted. We have made a point of bringing tradition and celebration into this environment that adds a layer of its own to the spirituality of our family.

How do you bring representations of your spiritual beliefs into your home? Do you have sacred space that honors this important part of your being? They say the temple is within, and it is. But it can also be displayed in the space around you and offer you a special way to connect with your sacredness. Do you also create spiritual connections around you as well that are tangible and intentional? Do they offer up to you moments in your day to support your connection with Spirit? If not and you want to consider small ways to start there are beautiful ways to build this bridge. A simple altar set up in a room can offer you peace and connection. A vase of flowers that are a certain color of significance or hold special meaning to you may brighten a corner. Perhaps you may create or purchase a piece of sacred art to display within your home. There are many ways to begin, if you wish. Finding ways to embrace your spirituality in ways that are unique and personal brings a special beauty to your relationship with your beliefs. It adds emotion and beauty. And it awakens the energies within.

Blessings ~ Lisa

©COPYRIGHT 2012 Lisa Meade

Peppered Throughout the Day

Admittedly, I have very busy days. With five children, even those out on their own need TLC regularly, my darling husband, three separate careers, ongoing course work and all the small stuff… well, you can imagine. We all have full or overflowing plates it seems. Given that, I am quite certain that a small and simple acts that I have placed into the tiny spaces of free time that are left in my day are what save me. These acts keeps me grounded. They preserve my focus on my intentions. They help me stay connected to Spirit. They also support me in letting the petty problems that I stub my ego on throughout the day, roll off my back. They allow my heart to stay open to others.

So what are these small and simple acts that I weave through my day? I pepper my day with moments of prayer, deep breathing, positive affirmations, chants, meditations and more. These small undertakings keep the flow in my day. I rarely get stuck anymore. I am not saying I don’t have a “bad” day from time to time, that is inevitable, but these choices I make to bring the focus back can help save the day from falling completely into that deep black hole!

It is not unusual to find me chanting through a red light. You may see me whispering a mantra to myself as I chop the onions for the veggie chili for dinner. You may find me with my eyes closed after getting off the phone with one of my adult children, sending them prayers of positive energy and light to assist get them over whatever troubling speed bump they are facing.

People often wonder at how they can “become” more spiritual. It is as though they think there is a course they can take or a method that they can be trained in. The reality is that we are spiritual beings and we forget that beautiful truth. Being spiritual means just that…be spiritual. Bring whatever sacred act you feel connected to, whatever resonates with you into your life regularly and meaningfully. You must practice trusting it, honoring it, celebrating with it and relying on it.

Life will give you all the opportunities to put it into practice. And your mind will try to tell you there is not enough time. BUT that is exactly when you need it the most! Making time for your spirituality is as important as making time to exercise, or making time to eat healthy whole foods, or making time to laugh. Without it…what kind of a life are you living? You get to choose each and every glorious day!

Blessings ~ Lisa

©COPYRIGHT 2012 Lisa Meade