02.11.08
Posted in Articles, Inspiration at 12:58 am by Administrator
– By Leiah Bowden
It isn’t so meaningful that we can write or speak. It is meaningful that we want to, that we want to bridge the gap between inside and outside, and on the bridge find release and relief from isolation. Tonight I created an Energy Portrait of the unified being created when Lisa and Dennis, longing for each other for over 25 years, finally joined in a bond that spans dimensions and eons.
An Energy Portrait is an audio-visual soul reading in luminous, vibrant pastels on paper and my voice on audio tape with the guidance, singing and chanting that spontaneously pours through my throat as part of the process.
When I created my first Energy Portraits, I thought they were a fascinating kind of art. There was no sound that poured forth. Soon after, I began helping people release blocked energy through an intuitive flow of movements, often with singing and chanting. As anyone who offers and is blessed by this kind of work has undoubtedly heard, people told me, “You were born to do this work.” The occasional chanting and singing that made brief entrances during the physical energy work became a strong component of the Energy Portrait sessions, and it became clear to me that the Energy Portraits are more than art – although I intend no denigration of art for art’s sake! These speak to the soul and of the soul.
As I have created them, I have seen tears streaming down people’s faces and awe on their faces as they recognize that the love they have hidden away, tucked inside their bodies, has found a door and is rushing out to embrace them. Even when I do them long distance, people call or email to tell me how deeply moved by them, as Stacey Wall, a Reiki Master in Massachusetts wrote: “I am so thrilled with the portrait!! Thank you!! The first thing that came to me was “FINALLY someone sees me”. I was so moved by the portrait and even more amazed with how the tape was right on the money. It was wild to think that you don’t know me and yet I had a tape of you telling me all kinds of things about myself that were absolutely accurate.”
More recently I’ve learned that they are being used for inspiration, for personal transformation, and even as corroborating diagnostic tools for acupuncturists. Have you heard the story of how the indigenous Americans initially could not see Columbus’s ships? Their paradigm would not allow a vision of something so utterly out of their understanding of possibility. So it is with seeing energy flowing. I have been teaching The Intuitive Art of Energy Portraiture for some years now, and I can assure you that even if you think you can’t see energy, you can create an Energy Portrait that might even delight and amaze you. In my classes, people who were not artists, who thought they were not creative, whom others had underestimated all their lives, trusted themselves as we went through the series of preparatory meditations and visualizations, to pick up a pastel crayon and begin drawing without judging themselves or planning their creation.
We are radiant beings of brilliance and light, no doubt. Let’s be brave to lift off our shrouds through our fears of our own magnificence.
About the Author
A lifelong meditator and artist, Leiah Bowden creates uniquely radiant Energy Portraits as tools for personal transformation and activation. The supra-images of people and animals flow from her hand and through her voice based on her inner sight and feel of the flow of energies emanating from, to and among people’s physical and multi-dimensional energy centers. Part of the Energy Portrait process includes her singing, chanting, and speaking guidance which pours through me for the person who is the subject of the Energy Portrait, so the finished product comprises is a pastels-on-paper work of art and an audio tape. The Energy Portraits have served people as inspiration for personal growth and emotional support; for moving forward in new ways into their soul’s passion and authentic nature; and as corroboration of an acupuncturist’s diagnosis and plan for treatment. You can find out more about Leiah and her work at www.energyportraits.com.
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Posted in Articles, Inspiration, Self Help, Uncategorized at 12:39 am by Administrator
– By Leiah Bowden
We know that “to heal” means “to make whole.” We heal ourselves when we allow our authentic being to manifest its perfect self in our lives, and we sometimes do this by making drastic changes in our lifestyle, but we do it on a less self-conscious level when we play the way we did when we were children, shifting our balance easily and without thinking from one game to the next, enjoying the moments of free fall in between.
Here’s an experiment: the next time you find yourself feeling anxious or nervous, step away from the physical space in which you usually station yourself (your desk, the couch, bed, for example), and hang out in a less ritualized place for at least 15 minutes. Bring your attention to something you did as a child that you associate with feeling at peace, calm, happy, or full of well-being. For me it’s pick-up sticks, or a pile of smooth stones to roll around on the floor, or a coloring book. Then get something that is the same or as similar as possible to the materials you may need for your activity, and sit in a non-ritualized place and do it. Let yourself sink into the activity itself and also into the memory of how good it felt to do this when life was simpler.
You will find that some kinks have worked themselves out in the process. And the fewer the kinks, the easier it is for the energy to flow freely through our beings.
With the Harmonic Convergence in 1987, an immense dose of power settled into our energy fields, and we are feeling the constriction physically, emotionally, and spiritually where the kinks have dug in. It’s true that we are the ones we’ve been waiting for, so let’s give ourselves the space we need to heal. In the healing, the heavy lifting will be weightless, and we will come through with flying colors.
About the Author
A lifelong meditator and artist, Leiah Bowden creates uniquely radiant Energy Portraits as tools for personal transformation and activation. The supra-images of people and animals flow from her hand and through her voice based on her inner sight and feel of the flow of energies emanating from, to and among people’s physical and multi-dimensional energy centers. Part of the Energy Portrait process includes her singing, chanting, and speaking guidance which pours through me for the person who is the subject of the Energy Portrait, so the finished product comprises is a pastels-on-paper work of art and an audio tape. The Energy Portraits have served people as inspiration for personal growth and emotional support; for moving forward in new ways into their soul’s passion and authentic nature; and as corroboration of an acupuncturist’s diagnosis and plan for treatment. You can find out more about Leiah and her work at www.energyportraits.com.
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Posted in Articles, Inspiration, Meditation, Spiritual at 12:16 am by Administrator
– By Jim Malloy
Have there ever been times in your life when you needed some guidance?… some direction in life, or a bit of help making a major decision? Where did you turn? To a trusted friend? A family member? An astrologer or psychic? Maybe you found some helpful direction from these sources, or maybe not. Did you ever wish that there was a higher source of wisdom and guidance you could turn to? One that is free from human bias, whose wisdom is absolutely trustworthy? This higher source of guidance does, indeed exist, and is closer than you may imagine. It is always available to you.
Each of you has at least one spiritual guide that is “assigned” to you, and stays with you throughout your life to assist you as needed. (This is not the same as your guardian angel.) You also have what is called your Higher Self. Your Higher Self is that part of your consciousness that is one with Spirit, and therefore, always in touch with the Higher Cosmic Wisdom. Your spiritual guide and your Higher Self assure that there are at least two higher sources of guidance available to you.
Now even though this higher guidance is always available to you, when you begin meditating and traveling your spiritual path, an interesting shift occurs. The light of your Inner Spirit begins to shine more brightly, and this light becomes a sort of beacon, signaling those in the higher spiritual realms that your spiritual journey has truly begun. To assure that your journey goes along in harmony with the cosmic plan, you begin to attract various teachers and guides to fill special needs for your soul’s growth.
These wise and loving beings, who are present to help you travel your spiritual path, gently and quietly suggest possibilities and positive choices whenever needed. However, this must be done without interfering with your free will. This is very important, because cosmic law dictates that your freedom of choice cannot be taken away. This is especially true here on Planet Earth, where learning to make choices is an essential part of the curriculum. So your guides won’t make your decisions for you, or tell you what you “must” do. Rather, they will gently whisper suggestions, and then leave the rest up to you.
This effortless collaboration with your guides is occurring more than you may know. Much of the time when you are making life choices, you are receiving higher guidance. (I’m not referring to mundane choices, such as which kind of breakfast cereal to buy, but choices that have a reasonable impact on your life or the lives of others.) You may not be aware of it, but your guides are there, assisting you.
For example, have you ever been heading somewhere and had a sudden urge to stop at a place that wasn’t on your planned itinerary, only to run into an old friend. Perhaps this friend has some information for you - or vice versa - that turns out to be quite meaningful. Or perhaps your meeting leads to some positive new opportunity for one or both of you. These kinds of synchronicities begin to occur more frequently for those traveling their spiritual path. And what’s behind them? It’s your spiritual guides whispering gentle suggestions in your ear. This guidance process can be easy and spontaneous… part of the natural dynamic of your life.
Speedbumps on the Path
However, sometimes you may go through periods when it seems as though the choice-making process is a struggle. You may feel confused, ambivalent, or completely clueless. At these times, something is obstructing the clear flow of inner guidance, as well as the clarity of your own thinking process. What causes this? The most common cause is the constricting anxiety that comes from “over-importantizing” decisions… giving too much weight to the outcome.
What often adds to the anxiety, is the notion that there is one right choice, and we have to discover what it is. There is a tendency to feel - either consciously or unconsciously - that if we make the right choice, The Universe will smile upon us, doing everything possible to support us. Our road will be smooth and easy. Everything will work out perfectly… the right choice will lead us to nirvana.
But if we make the wrong choice… take the wrong road, we fear that we will encounter countless obstacles, and nothing will work out favorably. Although we may blame “The Universe” for making this road so hard to find, it is generally the anxiety of thinking we must find the one right way that makes it difficult.
Now, sometimes there is one choice that is more in harmony with your soul’s plan, and may well lead to greater joy than the other choices. However, when this is the case, The Universe does not obscure it just to see if you can find it. That would serve no positive purpose. On the contrary, it tends to post signs flashing “this way,” all around you, and in every corner of your psyche. And if you do happen to choose another route, The Universe does not withhold it’s unconditionally loving support because of it.
However, quite often there is not just one road that you are meant to take, but several possible roads, leading to several “possible futures” that will all bear fruit in some way. And all will have their joys as well as their challenges. From the higher cosmic perspective, your soul’s growth is the top priority, and life is set up so that even the dumbest choices will open a doorway to growth and valuable spiritual lessons.
Follow Your Bliss
If you ask for higher guidance, more often than you may imagine, your guides will encourage you to do what you love, i.e. to follow your heart’s desire… your highest ideal. Or as the great mythologist, Joseph Campbell put it, to “follow your bliss.” Of course, that excludes anything that will cause anyone any harm. Such choices may catalyze a feeling of elation or excitement within you when you think about them.
On the other hand, there may be occasions when your higher guidance will encourage you to do what’s best for all concerned, even if it does not seem so blissful. In such cases, you most likely know what to do already, but may try to ignore it, hoping your guides will get you off the hook with an easier course to take.
When you begin to understand these dynamics of choice and of working with your guides, things tend to lighten up considerably. You begin to feel free of the pressure, and are less likely to over-importantize, and agonize over decisions. Choices start to come more easily… sometimes instantly, sometimes emerging and taking shape gradually. You begin to trust more in your instincts and intuition. And when you aren’t all knotted up with anxiety, you are way more receptive to the gentle whisperings of your spiritual guides. So the whole process once again becomes a spontaneous collaboration between you and your higher guidance.
Inviting Higher Guidance
Of course, there may still be occasions when a major life choice is not perfectly clear, and you feel the need for some extra help. At these times, it’s best to turn within and ask for higher guidance. In such cases, the same principle holds true… the more you can relax and not get all knotted up with anxiety over the outcome, the easier it is to be receptive to your guides. For these occasions, here’s an easy exercise you can do to get in touch with your Higher Self when you need some guidance.
1. Sit comfortably with your eyes closed. Breathe easily and naturally.
2. Imagine yourself in a place where you feel completely comfortable and at peace. It may be somewhere in nature, a room where you feel very comfortable… wherever you feel most at peace.
3. Picture a being of light approaching from a distance. You can see that this being is radiating great peace, love, and wisdom.
4. As he or she reaches you, you realize that it is your Higher Self.
5. Invite your Higher Self to sit with you. Notice how you feel completely at home and at peace in it’s unconditionally loving presence.
6. Briefly explain the situation to your Higher Self, and ask for his or her guidance.
7. Then you can either sit quietly, waiting for the response… or you can carry on a dialogue with your Higher Self.
You may receive an answer immediately, or after a short time. Your Higher Self may give you an answer in the form of words, symbols, pictures, or just a deep knowing. The answer may be very specific, or it may come in the form of a higher truth, which sheds enough light on the situation to help you choose wisely. If you don’t receive an answer while you are sitting, it’s ok. You have still begun the guidance process, and that’s important. Once you have begun the process, your guidance will most likely find you at a moment when you are not trying to find it.
Guidance from your Higher Self or your spiritual guides should always be gentle, and feel kind, compassionate, and accepting. It should never be a command (except in rare, life threatening situations requiring instant action). If a guide tells you that you “must” do this or that, it is not your Higher Self or a higher spirit guide. Simply disregard the advice, and ask it to move along.
Remember, you are being gently guided and lovingly cared for at all times. The more you learn to trust this, the easier it will be for your Higher Self and spiritual guides to assist you, and the more harmonious and enjoyable your journey will be.
About the Author
Trained as a meditation teacher in 1973 by the International Meditation Society, Jim Malloy has 30 years of experience teaching meditation. He has taught meditation classes throughout the western and southwestern United States and in England. In 1975 he opened and directed a meditation center on the Oregon coast.
He has been practicing daily meditation for 37 years. To deepen his practice and further his teaching skills, he has studied with some of the world’s foremost experts on meditation from India, Japan, and Tibet… including Maharishi Mahesh Yogi; Swami Muktananda; Joshu Sasaki Roshi; Shunryu Suzuki Roshi; and the 16th Karmapa.
You can learn more at www.meditationcenter.com or contact Jim Malloy by email: jmalloy@meditationcenter.com.
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11.09.06
Posted in Gift Ideas, Inspiration at 7:28 pm by Administrator
What is good karma? Are those old sayings true; “What goes around, comes around,” “You only get back what you give.” “The energy you put out is what comes back to you.” It’s a mystery how it all works, but somehow things always have a way of balancing out. When we are victims of cruelty or insult, do we think “it will come back to him (her).” Do we say to ourselves that our god or the universe will correct the situation? So here’s a question, does that correction really happen or is it something to have to believe so we don’t become discouraged. If we wish for the correction or balance does that mean we are wishing harm on others?
The Dalai Lama says in his teachings, “We should avoid even the smallest negative actions, and we should perform even the most insignificant positive actions without underestimating their value. The reason for this is that the happiness we all want and the sufffering we all try to avoid are produced precisely by our actions, or karma.” What are your thoughts on karma? Have you had an experience in your life in which you believe karma was at play?
If you want to send some good karma to a friend or loved one check out our new Good Karma Gift Box http://www.rapunzelgifts.com/karma.html. This fun-filled box contains a karma blessing kit, a karma violation ticket book and a parking fairy for the car, to help decrease road rage and increase parking karma.
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10.18.06
Posted in Inspiration at 2:11 am by Administrator
I received one of those chain emails today and though I get far too many to read and pass along, this one really struck a chord. It reminds of us to think positively and visualize what can be.
“Be sure to be conscious of your thoughts as much as you possibly can the entire day. Resist negative words even if you are using them in a positive way, i.e.: no war, no pollution and no hunger. Think positive thoughts.
World Peace; Imagine Palestinians and Israelis shaking hands and laughing, a prosperous and peaceful Iraq, a stable and civil Darfur.
Food for All; Imagine all the children in Africagoing to bed with full tummies and smiles on their faces.
Healthy Planet; clear air over Los Angeles, New York, China, everywhere; clean rivers, clean oceans, happy marine life.
Ok. You get the picture.”
Are you keeping your thoughts in check today?
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