Spirit Speaks – Flooding the Land in Calgary

These pictures are from various sources and show the way the Bow and the Elbow Rivers spilled over their river banks, and into downtown Calgary and the surrounding areas.

  

 

The thing about water, is, that it is about emotion.  So, being flooded with water is being flooded with emotion.  Truly, everyone felt fear, awe, anger, frustration, and some even had brushes with death.  Water is also what we use to cleanse. Doctors and nurses wash their hands before an operation.  We use water to bless.  The rite of baptism springs to mind.  And, we use water for drinking, cooking, and playing. 

It seems all of the meanings are gathered in this huge event that started Thursday, and is continuing.

Blessings,

Judy

Buddha Speaks -What Nature Teaches

 

Nature teaches us simplicity and contentment, because in its presence we realize we need very little to be happy.  - Mark Coleman, "A Breath of Fresh Air"

Here in Calgary, we are learning that this is so true, as rains and flooding threaten our city. 

Blessings,

Judy

Buddha Speaks - More on The Eightfold Path

This week has been very challenging because the things that I wanted to do are in conflict with the things that others want me to do.  Some days, it seems like everyone has their own agenda.  I was getting a bit upset by one particular client and their issues. 

Then, I saw the poster above, and, I felt peace.  The reminder about RIGHT ACTION and RIGHT INTENTION was so appropriate.  Doing one’s best, with the best intentions, and without the pressure of the needs of others will ensure that what needs to be done is getting done.

Other posts about the eightfold path:

Buddha Speaks – The Eight Paths 

Buddha Speaks - Right Eating

Buddha Speaks – Attachment

Blessings,

Judy

Spirit Animal – Jack Rabbit Teaches Us to Have Fun

It is early evening and the dogs and I have just come back from a walk.  We were up on the ridge, playing frisbee, and walking around the crest of the hill with our friends.  It was a fun time and very relaxing.

When we got back to the small park where I park my vehicle, the dogs and I were very surprised to see about seven jack rabbits jump up and run around the park, kicking high, and almost dancing!  They were so amazing.  One of the stopped and moved off to the side, almost as though he was the narrator.  The sense was that I was to watch these happy go lucky creatures live in the moment.  And, I was to be aware that I needed to live in the moment.  The moment allows one to be completely free.

Perhaps, you too are to find some guidance from the jack rabbits.

Blessings,

Judy

Spirit Animal – Hawk Owl Gives Advice

I have been hearing from many people who are having experiences with OWL.  While they may be surprised at this, I am not because our stories and legends are full of stories about Owls working with humans.  One of my favorite stories is the version of Merlin that has Archimedes, the Owl, as one of his teachers.

Owl’s current advice is:

• Sometimes it is easier to be creative at night because there is less noise around you.
• Practice seeing without your eyes, but with all of your senses.  Sometimes, you will see more because one’s eyes will only focus on what the eyes know.
• Find a place where you can “perch” for a time and feel safe.  This is the place to contemplate (meditate) and hear more.

This owl picture came from http://theanimalblog.tumblr.com.

Blessings,

Judy

Spirit Speaks – Wisdom From Ganesha

Sometimes, you just need to have an obstacle removed.  Working with Angels, Creator, or any of the Gods/Goddesses that our Ancestors worshiped is possible.

One of the deities that I have worked with for a long time is the god, Ganesha.  While he is considered to be a Hindu deity, he also has roots in several belief systems, including Buddhism.

Ganesha or Ganesh, is all about clearing obstacles.  He moves not just physical obstacles; he works with the mental and spiritual blocks as well.  And, he is wonderful at delivering simple wisdom.

Ganesha says:

• Did you create the block or do you believe others have created it?
• Why do you keep the block?
• If we clear it, what will you do?

See more at  Spirit Speaks – Ganesh     Spirit Animal – Elephant

Blessings,

Judy

Angels Speak - You Can Start Over

Sometimes, we just need to know when to throw in the towel, and, start over.  There is so much magic in just walking away from something that is not serving your needs.  It is awesome!

We have been taught not to give up and to carry on.  What for?  Usually, to serve someone else’s agenda.  If you are doing what feels right to you, regardless of how it looks to others, then you are doing the “right” thing.  Right action is about making your heart sing.

Blessings,

Judy

Buddha Speaks - Growing

On life's journey faith is nourishment, virtuous deeds are a shelter, wisdom is the light by day and right mindfulness is the protection by night. If a man lives a pure life, nothing can destroy him.  -Buddha

We often complain about our lives and how hard they are.  One of the lessons in this short quote is – lead a good, pure life, and the way is not so hard.  If life is hard, then it is growing pains.  We grow and stretch our learning, and we hurt our selves and others along the way.  It is life.

Blessings,

Judy

Spirit Animal - A Great Dog Story

Every once in a while, I read a story that says - this animal is an angel in disguise.  For me, the story below is such an example of an angel.

Enjoy!

Blessings,
Judy

A Brother's Last and Everlasting Gift, a Lab named Tritan

By: Petplace Staff

It's no secret that a good dog can help you get through hard times. There's something about a dog's smile and constant love that is impossible to resist even during great sorrow. I just read a story that makes this especially clear and has an extra tug on the heartstrings.


Michelle Michalek writes from Buffalo, New York and tells the story of her beloved younger brother who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer at the heartbreakingly young age of 20. Upon receiving his diagnosis, he had only one request. Jeremy wanted a pit bull puppy. So Michelle immediately took up the task of finding him the perfect puppy. She found a brindle puppy that was sure to be perfect on the same day that Jeremy had lung surgery. A few days after he came home, Michelle picked up the puppy and brought him to her brother.


Knowing the dog was unlikely to understand her, she explained on the drive that he was to be the best friend to a very sick, but also very special boy. The dog must have understood because when Michelle brought him into the room full of family and friends, the pup made a beeline for her brother. For the next three years Jeremy and his dog Remy were inseparable. Jeremy often told Michelle that if it wasn't for his beloved canine that he would have lost it. Remy was there and strong through the worst of the disease.

When Jeremy began to get much worse, he worried about Michelle. The thought of leaving his sister bothered him terribly, so he convinced Michelle that she needed a puppy as well. Michelle was understandably reticent, but Jeremy insisted and she finally agreed. Knowing that Michelle had always wanted a yellow lab, he began to search for the right puppy in the newspaper and making phone calls.



Jeremy found Michelle a wonderful lab pup that she named Tritan. For the next several years they raised the puppy together. He helped them laugh when they wanted to cry. It was the last thing they did together. Three months later Jeremy passed away. Remy and Michelle were devastated.

Tritan though, would not let them sink deep into their depression. Tritan wouldn't allow Remy to ignore his food, harassing him to eat. He also pestered him until he would get up and play. Tritan wouldn't let Michelle stay in bed and mope either. He jumped on her, yanked of the sheets, barked and eventually got her out of bed every morning. He never left her side. He comforted her when she cried. He made her smile when she didn't want to. He couldn't replace her brother, but Tritan gave her a similar sort of unconditional love. Michelle realized that her brother knew exactly what he was doing when he got her Tritan and understood what he meant when he told her she would realize one day that he was right to get her a dog. Michelle says, "There is no greater gift than the last gift my brother gave me, my yellow lab Tritan.

PS.. check out more good reading at http://www.petplace.com/.

Spirit Animal – Beaver Truth

Beaver has been on my mind a lot these past few weeks, and it seems that almost every day I see a picture of Beaver on a magazine, calendar, or on my laptop.   This means that Beaver has something to say to me.

1. Beaver is taking me on as a student, and will be my Spirit Animal tutor for the next while.
2. Beaver’s concern is that I see things and don’t pay attention to them.  I am not making time for my own exploration of new ideas.
3. Wading into anything is Beaver’s idea of a good time. And, now, Beaver wants me to wade into something new.  Some of it is teaching and some of it is letting go of old things.
4. Beaver’s idea of a joke is “stick to it”.  Although sticks and trees are a major part of its life, the point is that sometimes we need discipline in our lives.

Perhaps Beaver has been speaking to you, too.  What does he say?

Blessings,

Judy

Angels Speak - Holding The Light

One of the most difficult things to do, I think, is to hold the light every minute of the day, especially when you have to work at a job where this may be difficult.  How do you find ways to keep your light present when people are arguing, or back stabbing, or even crying?

Blessings,

Judy

Buddha Speaks – Changing Habits

Changing ourselves involves learning how to develop those states, behaviors, and dispositions that are healthy, while allowing the unhealthy ones to atrophy from neglect.   - Andrew Olendzki, "Turning the Corner"

 

I think this is clearly stated.

Blessings,

Judy

Spirit Speaks – The Many Paths of Truth

The picture above is titled “The Many Paths Of Truth”.  What I find interesting is that I am not sure who created it.  So, is it really the truth?

What does truth mean?  Is it the physics of the natural world-type truth?  Is it what is right for one person?  It might be a lie for another person such as who is the right and truth in the two sides in a war or conflict.  Or, is it the truth of religion?  If religion is all myth, then the truth is nothing?  Is it the truth of our hearts? Since our hearts are mortal, then we have limited truth.

It is all very fascinating.  What is the path of truth for you?

Blessings,

Judy

Spirit Speaks – Transformation Washes Through Us

This picture reminds us that there are grand changes in the Earth’s energy from the last three eclipses, and the recent full moon.

Feel the changes sweep through your body.  As it changes, notice that you are very tired and grumpy.  Then, you are full of energy and excitement.  Then you are sad or even depressed.  Then you are filled with love and joy.  Forgiveness is easy. 

Do these symptoms sound schizophrenic to you?  They are very close to the symptoms of that dis-ease.  Currently, you are in a state of dis-ease so it is not any wonder that the symptoms are very similar.  Through this change, we throw out all that we have valued because it no longer carries weight.  Notice that all of the crimes against THE PEOPLE – YOU AND I AND ALL OF US – are being uncovered and brought to the forefront, or, as one of my friends says, “into the light”.

We are not willing to be told what to do, think, say, believe, value, or obey.  We are free minded with free will.  We can choose differently than we have in the past.

Go forth and change!

Blessings,

Judy