How Things Changed

I remember the day I began a new practice and how everything changed from that day forward. I had been reading a book and it inspired me and brought to my mind and heart questions that felt good to ask. One of these questions was, “How can I be of service today?” That was when everything changed. I learned that this questioning helps me be aware to how I present myself to others, what I support, how I encourage, and even the things I let go of. I now ask myself this question everyday. Everyday! Even on those hectic busy days. Even on those days when I may be not feeling well. Even on those days when the unexpected happens. Everyday. Here are some of the answers.

I can be of service in small ways, on those hectic days, by keeping present and working on my personal stress level. I am able to keep a positive perspective and offer this to my family and friends, keeping things light and trying to remain upbeat.

I can be of service, even on those days I do not feel well, by taking good care of my body temple. By practicing good self-care I am modeling this to those around me. My body appreciates and responds to this service of self and the healing can begin.

I can be of service when the plans that have been made need to be released or shifted because the unexpected happens by walking with grace, being open to all possibilities and receptive to what life is presenting to me.

I am always in service to Spirit in my shamanic practice. I am often in service to my clients as a Spiritual Life Coach. I am often in service to my family as a mother and a partner to my husband. I am blessed and happy to be aware of all the different ways I can be of service. Now each day has a purpose and does not blend from one day into another. I bring an awareness to my days. I hold intention in my days. This changes everything. It brings an energy to my day that supports my beliefs, charges my passions, feeds my mind and spirit, honors my body and puts a smile on my face. Everything changed with that one question all those years ago. Who knew!

Blessings ~ Lisa

©COPYRIGHT 2012 Lisa Meade

A Sacred Clearing

Don’t you feel wonderful when you have taken a cluttered table or corner in your home and sorted through it and cleaned it up? Humans have sought cleanliness of their living space, both physically and energetically, throughout time. The word hygiene comes from Hygeia, the Greek goddess of health and cleanliness. Throughout history, we have had a longstanding relationship with our land and the life that evolved there. Even today we appreciate having harmony with our land and seek to manifest peace within our home. There is an ancient tradition of house clearing that evolved in Ireland and Britain and it holds, even today, strong spiritual traditions. This “clearing” actually is a shamanic practice of bringing balance, respect and communication with the spirit realm. The shaman listens to what the message is from the spirits of the land and/or the home.

Looking to shamanic practice, how does one clear their land or home? The first and most important step is to listen; listen and bear witness to the land’s story, the story of the ancestors who sat upon this land before us, and as we listen we sit without judgment and only bring awareness to whatever message we receive. We pay close attention to what we feel, see and know. Pay attention to waterways around the land. These were once believed to be the nervous system of Earth as they allow for energetic communication throughout the body of Earth.

Sometimes we may feel we are communicating with spirits of the land or of the home itself. Offering respect to these spirits as well as honoring what they bring to the land is important. Sometimes a Shaman is needed to come to the property to act as a practitioner to the clearing process. It is through their role that a healing can occur and a honoring and respect of the connection to all those who live or have lived on this land being a part of the whole with the land.

The land, its ancestors, the spirits who hold it energetically to them and those who now wish to reside there can all coexist in harmony and in respect. The honoring of the union of all this, the healing or release of whatever is cluttering the path of this alignment, the remembrance of the history and the celebration of the life unfolding creates a balance and a blessed space for one to live in and create a homestead upon.

Blessings ~ Lisa

©COPYRIGHT 2012 Lisa Meade

Do We Differ On Difference?

An old Chinese proverb states, “Different flowers look good to different people.” Each of us views things differently, appreciates different aspects of life, offers different qualities to situations, shares different perspectives to relationships and more. Thank goodness! We each bring different gifts to this world. We all have different work to do in this lifetime. We all face different challenges and handle them differently from one another too. This is a fact of life, yet there are those who find fault in differences.

Some people have a difficult time accepting a person’s differences. They feel threatened, critical, unwelcome or unheard if someone holds a different opinion, role, thought or position. They feel unless there is union and agreement then there is nothing positive to see.

Our lives are actually enriched when we honor these differences. These add energy to what otherwise could become stagnant. Ronald Heifetz states, "...conflict is the primary engine of creativity and innovation. People don't learn by staring into a mirror; people learn by encountering difference." Things will only change in this world by our honoring and celebrating these differences.

Feeling threatened by someone with an opposing point of view obstructs growth. Resenting or rejecting differences creates negative energies for all involved. Exploring possibilities, allowing room for alternatives, creating a foundation for choice inspires, invigorates and supports. What role would you rather hold?

As we become more and more secure in who we are, we develop more compassion for others. We also give way to the differences between us. And even more beautiful, we begin to appreciate, honor and applaud these differences. Our inner truth recognizes the wisdom in this action. Our authentic self is not threatened. Our spiritual connection with one another is celebrated and encouraged. Our differences are what make us rich!

Blessings ~ Lisa

©COPYRIGHT 2012 Lisa Meade

Making Effort Effortless

The anxious student asked the Zen master how long to enlightenment. The Zen Master answered a long time, at least 10 years. The student said, "Well I will work twice as hard." The Zen master said, "Then it will take 20 years." "No!" said the committed student, "I will work three times as hard." "Well then," said the Zen master, "it will take 30 years." Are you someone who believes that it takes work to be a spiritual being and that the more effort and time you put into it the “better” you will be? Well, consider this. You are already a spiritual being. Ok. Consider this, maybe then you will see what I mean. You are already a human. Do you work at being a better human? Probably not. I understand you can improve. You can improve your health, your piano playing or your crossword skills, but overall, let’s face it, we don’t usually approach our daily life that way. But we have been led to believe that there are spiritual beings who are better at being spiritual than we are and that they have spent a good amount of time in making that so.

Your spiritual journey does not require you to get anything along the way. It is a process. It is an evolution. You are where you need to be where you are right now and if you can focus on that and BE with that you can then open yourself up to what is waiting for you to embrace. You are present to open yourself up to who you are already. You create a welcoming space for your truth and your authenticity.

A favorite quote of mine from Meister Eckhart states, "It is not by your actions that you will be saved, but by your being." How do you Be? It is simple. By not believing you must always be Doing. That does not mean it is easy; it is just that simple. So, the next time you hear that inner critic comparing your spiritual path to another’s or shaming you for a mistake or misspoken word or deed…stop doing and just be. Be present, allow the process to unfold, take in any lesson or gift in the moment, be aware of what is your truth in the moment and breathe it in. That is the work that is required. That is where and when you will find evolution, growth, change, beauty, and insight. Not in the pages of a book or an all day workshop.

Books, events, presentations and other offerings are wonderful seed planters, fire starters, inspiration makers and help us feel connected, get our juices flowing and build wonderful relationships with others. They have GREAT importance in our lives and I honor and celebrate and take part in all. But they are not a measure of my spiritual path. They are just stops along the way.

Blessings ~ Lisa

©COPYRIGHT 2012 Lisa Meade