Shhhhhhh...

I was so busy and crazy-hectic this last week that I lost a significant amount of sleep and missed church three times.  Walking around exhausted and still trying to accomplish 1400 tasks in two hours, I actually told poor Russ to "stop talking" so that I could concentrate on the million things racing through my brain as I frantically bustled around trying to get it all done.  The "To Do" list was running like a high speed video in my mind, which seemed to be operating at full capacity, and I absolutely could not take in even one more thought.

With several people I know battling health issues, and the new year just ahead, I am reminded to sit still, quiet myself and just listen.  I need to slow down.  I need to stop talking.  I need to shhhhhhh...

Louise Hay's calendar for today

My first blog of 2014 was on January 1st, almost one year ago.  It was titled "Burning the Bowl" and was about a wonderful ceremony that Russell and I had attended, in which you release the old and make way for the new as part of the ritual.

Click here to view blog from Jan 1, 2014: "Burning the Bowl"

I do not remember the thing that I wished to let go of, which I wrote on the piece of paper and burned in the bowl (apparently, it worked).  I do remember the short essay that I received, meant as a message for the year to come.  It was printed on a small, rolled up piece of paper and tied with a ribbon.  I picked it, at random, from a basket that was passed around.  My little scroll was all about being more independent.  That sentiment did ring true for me and I referenced that essay many times over the course of the year.  

This week I will make time to sit quietly and reflect on the past year.  I'll listen to my heart and to my soul's message about the year to come, and try to make it back to that annual ceremony.

I love this shirt!

I wish us all a time of grateful reflection as we look back and appreciate all of the Blessings and lessons of the last year.  I hope that we all find the quiet moments that we need in order to listen to our heart's calling for the year to come.  May we have the ability to listen to our selves and follow our intuition with faith.  May we step confidently toward the goals of our life's journey and toward our own happiness in the new year.

I will end the last blog of 2014 with the same picture and sentiment that ended the first blog of 2014.

Thank you for a wonderful year.  Here's to a Blessed continued journey.

Namaste,

T

Thanks to the team of editors and proofreaders 

 who have checked and improved this blog throughout the year:

Cathy T.

Russell G.

Carole G.

Jeffrey G.

Burning the Bowl...

Last week, Russ and I participated in a “Burning Bowl” ceremony in preparation and celebration of the New Year to come.  It was a new and inspiring event for me.

Basically, You write on a piece of paper all that You wish to release (all that no longer serves Your highest good).  Then burn it in a bowl as part of a sacred ceremony.  In this way, You bring to Your consciousness, all that You wish to let go of, in order that You make room for the new. 

A fitting service for the beginning of the New Year, the tradition appears to have originated in Unity Churches about fifty years ago.  There are many similar types of traditions (of course).  One popular site that comes up when You Google “Burning Bowl Ceremony” includes philosophies of Reiki.  (“A Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing” – Reiki.org)

  

Reiki Burning Bowl Ceremony link... click here

In Judaism, there’s a ritual called “Tashlich” that is most commonly performed during Rosh Hashanah, which is the Jewish New Year.  This involves the symbolic “casting off” of the previous year’s sins by throwing bread into flowing water.

Tashlich link... click here

We could make resolutions that may or may not last until the end of January.  We could also look at patterns in Our life – things We wish to change or let go of.  Then actually let go and invite new thoughts, ideas, creations, situations to enter Our lives. 

In Oprah’s Master Class, she speaks of letting go in terms of “surrender” – as in surrendering to God. 

Oprah's Master Class on YouTube... click here

Oftentimes, habits are hard to break because We tend to cling to what We know.  New frontiers tend to be scary.  But why?  Do they have to be?  Or, is that just one of the old and outdated views that no longer serves?  New frontiers can also bring great joy and excitement!  

As We enter this New Year… I embrace the choice to step boldly into the unknown frontier!

In My own album's opening song “Only Way Home” I say, “Boldly forward is the way back home…” meaning that this is the way to true peace and happiness.  (Isn’t it funny how We all benefit greatly from reminders of that which We already know?)

"Only Way Home" - click here to listen

Anyway, on this the first day of the New Year, I wish You all a beautiful new beginning and the ability and peace of heart to embrace it fully.

I truly believe that Our most precious dreams, goals and aspirations await Us patiently.  May We all have the courage, strength, faith and wisdom to step ever so closer to them on this, Our earthly journey this year.

“Once again I find I’m standing face to face – with a destiny that seems to patiently await” (lines from one of our new songs)

Blessings for the Year to come! Xoxo

Namaste