Monthly Archives: June 2017

I’m thinking about that first step…

ONE STEP AT A TIME

“What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step.”
— Antoine De Saint-Exupery

Does the prospect of changing and growing seem monumental to you? Just too much to tackle?

Then consider this approach. Take a simple step of affirming your openness to experience more or something new. Or a different first step might be to let go of judgment by embracing the neutral. Begin to see the people, activities and things around you as neither good nor bad.

A journey is made of many small steps. Don’t focus on a far-off destination if you’re not clear how to get there. Build a foundation that is solid for you. We get to new places one step at a time.

“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”
— Martin Luther King, Jr.

“One may walk over the highest mountain one step at a time.”
— John Wanamaker

Copyright © 1999 – 2017 Higher Awareness Inc.
Edmonton, AB, Canada T5K 0K6

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Energy of Regeneration – Equinox, Part 1

Petra Elmendorff writes about: “Energy of Regeneration – Equinox” in The Main Central Jin Shin Jyutsu Newsletter, issue Number 74, Fall 2011:

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Some Astrological Bites or The Times We Are Living In

As usual I am again fascinated how the cosmic dance is reflected in the world as it seems to appear and how awareness of these rhythms facilitates the ability to synchronize with this cosmic rhythm in my own inner experiences.

The events on the so-called visible plane are for me always a reflection of the invisible energies working: “As above, so below”.

It is Fall now, harvest, the equinox to the energies of nature. Day and night are equal to each other, light and darkness in perfect balance. The energy moves into the sign Libra, which is a sign sensitive to the equilibrium of all things. Libra is an air sign, so consciousness is created through the “mighty powers of the mind” – Mary. This invitation to reflection is given at equinox to serve the knowledge and love of relationship of all things while pondering on the balance of giving and taking.

As we move with the quality of the Fall equinox, we have the chance to reflect on the experiences that have been, for the benefit of setting seeds for the next cycle as we see in the Order of Creation, 2nd Depth (Fall) being the first depth in the Order of Creation. Libra, as a 4th Depth Organ Function Energy Flow is a reminder of the recreation and renewing of the inhalation. This is the time where the light begins to withdraw so the darkness can grow and regeneration can be nurtured in the sacred space of the invisible.

Balanced for the moment of equinox, a new cycle gets impregnated with a new seed, a new dream. Invisible, hidden yet, as an idea or ideal, the Venus principle of Libra and the Venus principle of the 2nd Depth are working together. Venus is vibrating as the reminder of the higher order of the universe and is once again the refocusing to the intrinsic harmony of the cosmic design. Whatever Venus touches is elevated, heightened, and this is especially true for our thoughts and belief systems, since Venus at the point of equinox is bringing awareness through the element air. Venus never ceases to be the muse and the highest ethic of mankind, protector of art, lovers and beauty – always aligned with the most supreme values of life.

Fall equinox, the harvest, is also an invitation to become aware of the cycle from which we are coming and see the results of a movement that started with Aries, with the Spring equinox.

Half a year’s circle has passed since we saw the dramatic events in Japan. Not exactly, but already in the field of Spring equinox (the earthquake was a couple of days earlier), the earthquake, the tsunami – and in the days to come, the nuclear meltdown happened.  As I always look for the relationship of all things, I am sitting with that question: what does it mean? The ripples of the original tsunami waves now are available for reflection with the opportunity to offer it to the evaluation and elevation of the Venus principle.

Equinox in general marks a point of the beginning of a new cycle. Aries, 2nd Depth, represented by the number 9 obviously talking about it, reflected yet the same message in Libra, 4th Depth, the number 6 as a mirrored 9.

To be continued…

 

I create, I create…

BELIEVE YOU ARE A CREATOR

“Every moment of your life is infinitely creative and the universe is endlessly bountiful. Just put forth a clear enough request, and everything your heart desires must come to you.”
— Shakti Gawain

We hold the power to create whatever we desire. Our ability to manifest the changes we desire depends on the depth and passion of our beliefs and on the focus of our attention.

With this understanding, we, as individuals and as society, can design a whole new future for ourselves. Our challenge is to break free of society’s world view, to truly empower our imaginations to create brand new realities. It brings a whole new meaning to ‘vision.’

What do you passionately desire for your own life? For the planet?

“By believing passionately in something that still does not exist, we create it. The non-existent is whatever we have not sufficiently desired.”
— Nikos Kazantzakis

Copyright © 1999 – 2017 Higher Awareness Inc.
Edmonton, AB, Canada T5K 0K6

I believe, I believe…

BELIEVE IN YOUR OWN SUCCESS

“What you believe yourself to be, you are.”
— Claude M. Bristol

Do you believe, deep down inside of you, that you can succeed in what you want to do?

Beliefs are strong, and they have the power to attract what is believed to us. If we doubt our ability to succeed, if we in fact believe we WON’T succeed, then sure enough, that’s what will happen.

What do you believe about yourself? You have the power to change your beliefs, and that will change your outcome. Set goals you believe you can accomplish. Your beliefs will shape your actions. As you achieve these goals, you’ll begin to believe you are capable of succeeding and of doing even more.

“It is better to believe than to disbelieve; in so doing you bring everything to the realm of possibility.”
— Albert Einstein

“Believe it can be done. When you believe something can be done, really believe, your mind will find the ways to do it. Believing a solution paves the way to solution.”
— Dr. David Schwartz

Copyright © 1999 – 2017 Higher Awareness Inc.
Edmonton, AB, Canada T5K 0K6

I’m thinking about the adventure of life…

ARE YOU AFRAID TO BE DIFFERENT?

On the path of evolution, we move from being a willing and obedient member of the group to wanting to take control over our own lives. This is a necessary but difficult transition.

Andrew Schneider says, “At this point we are afraid of being ourselves. We are afraid of being unique and different. We are afraid of being individually powerful, and even successful. For all of these things stand against the old ways that told us that conformity was right and individualism was wrong.”

“For as long as we possibly can, we make a compromise. We try to live both lives – the dependent tribal life and the independent personal life – as contradictory and opposite as they are.

“We want approval from others. We want to be accepted and popular. We seek this comfort to overcome our fear and feel more secure. …So, at times when we conform, we don’t feel the fear of living. But we might lose the new sense of adventure, discovery, daring and enthusiasm for life that the questioning and questing have brought us.”

“Nature never repeats herself, and the possibilities of one human soul will never be found in another.”
— Elizabeth Cady Stanton

Copyright © 1999 – 2017 Higher Awareness Inc.
Edmonton, AB, Canada T5K 0K6

The Fall Equinox and the Face Flows, Part 3

Louanne Ellis writes about: “The Fall Equinox and the Face Flows” in The Main Central Jin Shin Jyutsu Newsletter, issue Number 74, Fall 2011:

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continued…

The Bladder Flow combined with the Kidney Flow is the Fourth Depth representing our water/emotional nature. When the Bladder Function Energy is out of order it affects our emotional nature through faulty brain “chemistry”. The corresponding attitude is fear. When we get emotionally unstable and mentally confused and/or disabled it is almost impossible to be in positive functioning relationships. The resulting attitude of fear is amplified and reflected in the originating fear in the opposite sign Aries, as a result of separation anxiety. During the Libra phase at midlife, corresponding to the Bladder function, we would fear for losing our social relationships, partners, friends, etc. As we age, there can also be the fear of losing one’s mind, our memory, and our rationality. Dementia, senility, Alzheimer’s, are all mental “diseases” that begin in the “head” and show up most prevalently during the Aquarian phase, 71-77 years, that corresponds to the Gall Bladder. These problems reflect the dramatic nature of not being able to be in relationship as a result of disharmonious brain functions.

The Bladder Flow in harmony supports the ability to create positive relationships based upon good communication skills, mental clarity, and balanced (Libra) emotions (Fourth Depth).

Aquarius, 71-77 years, astrologically is the developmental phase of establishing mental security by being with people that have common ideas, values and activities. Here we often see “senior citizens” participating in a lifestyle that is group oriented, consistent with their desire for commonality.

Aquarius relates to the “higher” functions of the brain, the ability to download and connect on multiplanes or universes in order to access information. It is the individual “brain” connected to the spiritual/collective intelligence. The Aquarian mindset potentially gives us humanitarians, inventors, free spirits, iconoclasts, etc. who are by definition ahead of their time. Aquarians are mentally oriented and problem solvers as a result of their abilities to expand their perception and their ability to connect to the collective “mind”.  They are agents of the future; in youth, rebellious and headstrong, finding themselves uncomfortable with the mainstream. Frustration is the attitude that best describes the specific type of anger that we see in Aquarius, corresponding to the Gall Bladder Function Energy and Third Depth.

The nature of frustration is understandable on an age related basis. At 71-77 years we can have progressive ideas and a keen ability to see reality without the bias of a younger ego-driven personality. It is frustrating to not have the physical energy and influence to assert one’s objective and clear vision gained by a lifetime of experience. It is a classic dilemma of the wisdom of the “grandfather” being discounted by the up and coming youth. It is a contrast of gained knowledge in conflict with the technological progress and current culture.

By supporting the Gall Bladder Function Energy, we can help to harmonize the predictable frustration that these individuals experience. The Gall Bladder along with the Stomach and Bladder all support different aspects of brain functions. The Stomach has the most direct connection to the physical functioning. We see with learning impaired individuals a direct link to coordination and fine motor skills. The Bladder, through chemistry and hormones, directly affects emotional states. The Gall Bladder is related more to the higher consciousness of perceptual understanding that helps to place adversity in a spiritual or philosophical context, neutralizing attitudinal extremes that provoke anger. Relationships are a fundamentally important aspect of our lives. The harmonious functioning of the Face Flows directly affect our ability to enjoy and connect with people on all levels through good communication (Gemini), diplomatic (Libra) and perceptual (Aquarius) abilities.

Thank you, Louanne.

Thank you, Mary.

Thank you, David.

Gassho, Namaste, Blessings

All issues of The Main Central Jin Shin Jyutsu Newsletter at http://www.jsjinc.net.

 

I’m thinking about spiritual materialism…

EGO’S TRICKS

“One of the great dangers of transformational work is that the ego attempts to sidestep deep psychological work by leaping into the transcendent too soon. This is because the ego always fancies itself much more ‘advanced’ than it actually is.”
— Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson

The Tibetan teacher, Chogyam Trungpa, warned of the trap of spiritual materialism. He says we must be ever diligent to spot the ego’s use of the spiritual journey to further its own ends.

We may think it’s spiritual to yearn for divine connection. And yet, if the longing is to fill an emptiness inside, just how does this differ from the one who yearns for money or possessions to fill the inner void? Do we look to our spiritual practices as proof of our evolved consciousness or as protection against fears?

Any time we use spiritual disciplines to maintain our identity and security, we are not yet on the path of genuine spiritual development.

“Enlightenment is ego’s ultimate disappointment.”
— Chögyam Trungpa

Copyright © 1999 – 2017 Higher Awareness Inc.
Edmonton, AB, Canada T5K 0K6

The Fall Equinox and the Face Flows, Part 2

Louanne Ellis writes about: “The Fall Equinox and the Face Flows” in The Main Central Jin Shin Jyutsu Newsletter, issue Number 74, Fall 2011:

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continued…

The first phase of “formal” mental development during youth is the Gemini phase that corresponds to the Stomach, First Depth. This period, ages 15-21 years, represents our individual mental body and the initial skill sets for learning and communication established in youth.

The second phase is the Libra period, ages 42-49 years, that corresponds to the Bladder and Fourth Depth. It is the middle age and intellectual phase representing the ability to be cooperative and in social relationships supported by our ability to communicate with others.

The third and final phase is the Aquarian phase, ages 71-77, that corresponds to the Third Depth – Gall Bladder Function Energy, representing the senior stage and spiritual intellectual development. At this time we experience our objectivity and clarity devoted to finding solutions that can help to bring personal peace as well as assistance in our communities. It is the spiritual connection with our individual intellectual potential that stimulates innovative thinking directed toward the betterment of mankind.

The Face Flows as they correspond to the air signs in astrology are the support and development system for our intellect and the corresponding ability to communicate. They are the cornerstones of our ability to relate based on the ability to communicate.

The attitude associated with the Stomach function and the First Depth is worry. The evolutionary function of Gemini is the development of an independent mind and communication skills. When the Stomach Flow is out of harmony we have a brain that may not be functioning well. I remember Mary saying that it could result in insanity, a dramatic and acute representation. In less extreme examples we see learning disabilities and memory functions being compromised. A healthy Stomach function and Gemini individuals will be witty, curious, great communicators and enthusiastic readers and writers.

When the Gemini phase (15-21 years) completes its phase, we are recognized by our culture as adults. The individual is legally mature enough to be independently responsible. This can precipitate fear and/or anxiety about what to do, making the right decisions. Worry seems to be a mentally dominated attitude that corresponds well with this phase of life. Leaving the nest and a secure environment can be fearful, and at this age action is the theme, and more accurately, reaction.

Depending on the emotional and mental security established in childhood there might not be much attitude, a tribute to good parenting, good genetics and circumstances. Generally speaking, worry is a “mental” condition that is often related to not knowing what to do, or having the strength to do it. It is an action problem, which is key at this developmental phase of life.

The Libra period, ages 43-49 years, is the highlight of this Fall equinox article. This is the significant transition where we switch from a masculine orientation to the feminine. It is the beginning stage of ego “deconstruction” bringing the individual into balance, as he gives up self-interest as a life strategy. Libra is the sign that signifies partnership, balance, cooperation, diplomacy, beauty and justice. These qualities are the prerequisites for being in relationship. Here we find lawyers, counselors, and all types of partnerships, marriage, friendships and business.

To be continued…

I’m thinking about tension…

WORK WITH TENSION

“You never will be the person you can be if pressure, tension and discipline are taken out of your life.”
— James G. Bilkey

We need tension in our lives. It’s the force of personal evolution — it sparks creativity and higher consciousness. If we’re not comfortable with a situation, we try to improve it, right?

Tension arises through our experience of opposites. These opposites fight each other as each one struggles for dominance. Tension is transformed when two opposite dimensions of reality are brought together in balance and in wholeness.

Know that tension is an integral part of growth. Instead of avoiding or resisting tension when it arises, identify the opposing forces at play. Make space for each of them to be there together and the tension will transform.

We encounter tensions between positives and negatives, mind and body, self and environment, self and others, and personality and soul – the dualities in our lives.

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”
— Neale Donald Walsch

Copyright © 1999 – 2017 Higher Awareness Inc.
Edmonton, AB, Canada T5K 0K6

The Fall Equinox and the Face Flows, Part 1

Louanne Ellis writes about: “The Fall Equinox and the Face Flows” in The Main Central Jin Shin Jyutsu Newsletter, issue Number 74, Fall 2011:

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The first day of Fall begins on September 21st, when the sun’s rays are perpendicular to the equator, creating a day of equal light and dark for all of earth. The sun “sets” annually on this day for the northern hemisphere signifying the same message energetically that we experience as sunset at the end of each day. Light symbolizing the active masculine aspect of our day is giving over to the “dark”, the feminine energy of merging and interior focusing. We literally find ourselves spending more time “inside” as the days get shorter and the light diminishes. The sun’s light will continue to wane as its strength moves south, until the winter solstice when it starts to build again, returning to rise like dawn above the equator at the spring equinox.

Sunset corresponds to midlife, the full moon and the astrological sign Libra. It is a powerful significant benchmark in human development worthy of the term “midlife crisis”. The first day of Fall marks the completion of the first half of the natural year, and midlife on the human life scale. Birth, initiates the first half of life and the masculine energetic phase supporting the development of ego consciousness and individuation. It is characterized by exteriorization – activity and physical growth. During this period the sunlight symbolizing the individualized ego is “growing”. It will peak at the first Saturn return, 29-2 years, in the Sun’s rulership sigh, Leo. This is the high point of individuated ego consciousness.

Sunset, corresponding to Fall and Libra, symbolically initiates the second half of the day, year or life (depending on the scale of observation). This half of life is dominated by the interiorizing, merging and relationship orientation of the feminine that supports the process of ego “deconstruction”. Simply, we see that the “light-daytime” corresponds to masculine exteriorizing energy, and at sunset we make the transition to “darkness-night” that corresponds to the interiorizing, merging feminine phase. It is interesting that the night is when we join the super-conscious, the unconscious, and our spirit world in dreams and night travel, night school, etc. We merge temporarily with the collective until dawn, the birth of another day, when we are consciously reconnected with our physical body and our individualized ego experience. Understanding the nature of “nightlife” offers great insight into the nature of the feminine and its meaningful developmental function during the second half of our lives that begins at “sunset”.

The Face Flows – The Air Element

All the Face Flows correspond to the air signs that relate to the development and functions of the intellect and communication. They originate in the “head”, a curiously natural phenomenon. The three Face Flows are: Stomach, a Surface Flow corresponding to Gemini; the Bladder, a Deep Flow, corresponding to Libra; and the Gall Bladder, a Middle Flow corresponding to Aquarius. Our intellectual abilities, brain functions, communication skills and relationship potential are all supported by the Face Flows.

To be continued…