A Powerful Few Days

I am not a procrastinator.   And yet, here I find myself waiting until the last day of October to write something.  Glad I am sneaking in under the wire because this is a powerful day, a powerful weekend, and we are entering a powerful week.  Let's start with today.  It's what we in the west call Halloween, but today is called All Hallow's Eve by the Christian Scottish folks.  Another term is All Saint's Eve as we move into a period of honoring those who have died.  From Mexico we have Dia de los Muertos and anyone who has seen the movie Coco was blessed with a heartfelt view of the importance of these days.

It's also a full moon day, a Blue Moon at that, meaning it's the second moon this month.  Those who are into astrology will have much knowledge of the energy available to us.  I am not well versed in this field but recommend finding an astrologer you like and listen in.  Here's one link:

Our Blue Moon

It Won't Appear Blue

And just to be clear, it's not gonna be blue in color...

So Happy Halloween everyone!

Moving into All Saint's Day.  Have you ever created a special altar or sacred space for your loved ones who have died?  Given this may not be your cultural belief, you can still adapt it to a place of honor in your life.  It can be as simple or as elaborate as you like.  A simple lighting of a candle and a poem or a prayer, the reciting of the names of those you are honoring works.  

Or go all out as you see in the many Dia de los Muertos celebrations or as shown in the movie Coco.  Did I mention that is a great movie?  Well, in case you missed it, put that on the play list.

Coco!

Breathe and Go Forward in Wisdom

Which brings us to the importance of this coming week for our entire country and even the global community.  I was reminded of the struggle for women's rights when I tuned into the movie, "I Am Woman" about Helen Reddy's life and how this epic song came to be.  It was made in 2019, before her death, which made watching it that much more touching.  Many younger women today are really not aware of those women who made their lives possible and that they are standing on the shoulders of these brave souls.

Whatever your position on things these days, do not take your responsibilities lightly.  Honor our story, of how women came to be seen as separate from the male and how they had to fight for these freedoms we now enjoy.  There have been many memes listing all the things women could not do and I myself walked through the mess, realizing I was born into an amazing time, when strong and visionary women fought for equal rights next to men.

Here's to Helen and to the women who have stood up for our rights.

I Am Woman

Watch the movie too.

Lastly, as we move into this brand new month, recognize yours own understanding of how you show up to your life.  Pay attention as to how you pay attention.  See if there is any place for a greater opening into the gift that is you.  And I hope you will honor even more every day, the mystery that is this amazing journey of life.  We are blessed by so much.  Let's be sure to say thanks!

Enter Into the Mystery that is LIFE...

Sending Love.

Your Soul Catalyst, Verna

Time Is...

Last December, yes way back then, I sent out our Christmas card with an inspirational reminder of sorts.  It said:

Time is:

My Greatest Gift

My Greatest Responsibility

My Greatest Challenge

My Greatest Inspiration

May I Strive to Remember that My Time is NOW

Let Me Use it Well and Wisely

This blogpost will walk us through these four greats. After all, we only three months left to follow the wisdom within the reminder.  Might be a perfect time to take stock.

 

My Greatest Gift

Fall Time

See the leaves are turning...Fall is Upon Us

September 22 marks 2020's entry into the season of Autumn.  Usually there would be a special gathering here at The Center of Creative Transformation.  Unfortunately, the "time" we find ourselves living in will not allow for a gathering in person.  However, that doesn't mean we don't create our own special ceremony to mark this event.  It's easy to do but it requires the will.  Here's a bit of help if you find yourself with the will to do:

1. Set the time and the day, preferably the 22nd!  But if you miss that date, do it when you can. 
2. Gather a few special items that reflect this seasonal change for you, including a candle and perhaps a leaf from your yard or your neighborhood.  Arrange them in a special place where they can stay for a week or so.
3. Have your journal or writing paper handy so you can jot down any wisdom that makes itself known to you this day.
4. Have some quiet music, perhaps without words, to play during this ceremony.
5. Start with a prayer, a reading, a poem or any other words of wisdom to center and ground you.
6. Ponder the last 3 months and whether you were able to stick with your goals or dreams.  Take time to see if you were using your gift of "time" wisely.
7. Write down your insights.
8. When you are ready, end with a moment of gratitude.
9. Return to your life, prepared to harvest the fruits of your labors.
10. Determine to keep the spirit alive until you are met by the Winter Solstice.

Now, this is just a general guideline for you.  Feel free to change it up and make this your own!

My Greatest Responsibility

Japanese Cranes Made to Represent Internment Camp "Prisoners"

As I reflect on this "time" we currently find ourselves in, I am driven to ask whether any of us have taken this to heart.  Now, I realize not all of my readers are on my Christmas card list and therefore would not have received these words of wisdom, but, I am sure that some folks may have been inclined to view "time" in this way, at least once or twice.  At least I'd like to think so.  Our "time" is NOW.

This "time" we live in, this now, here in the United States, has challenged us in ways we haven't seen since maybe the '60's.  Turmoil and strife have not normally been our day to day experience.  We may have grown a bit too complacent, thinking we had it all, and that we were in control of our own lives, our comfort, our well-being and our safety.  Maybe, and one thing is certain now - we are faced with the realization what we thought no longer applies.  We are beginning to realize that while we may have felt these things, there have been many among us who faced a very different reality.  And this is becoming painfully apparent.

In this "time", it seems we are more at odds with family, friends and neighbors than we could have ever imagined.  In this "time", it seems that truth evades us even when we sincerely seek it out.  In this "time", our grief and our sorrow seem to overwhelm us with the pain.  In this "time", it seems there is no end to the contradictions and conundrums we are faced with.  In this "time", the anger, the frustration, the deep chasm of emotions often seems to override our sense of calm and decency.  

And, I must admit that I am overwhelmed in this "time".  I really thought that humanity had evolved further than it appears we have.  I have struggled to understand just how low we could go.  But then, I began to watch the Netflix series "Call the Midwife".  And I was reminded of a few things.  Have you watched this series yet?  I know there are those who are calling for a ban on Netflix.  I am not one of them.  And I can't recommend this series more.

In case you haven't seen it, the setting is the late 50's in a poor section of England.  Main characters are Anglican nuns and nurses who have a specialty - midwifery.  Sounds like each episode would be more of the same...delivering babies.  Boring.  I thought this and almost stopped watching.  But I am so glad I kept going.

Call the Midwife brings me to tears every single episode, sometimes to the point of sobbing.  Watching this show painfully reminds me of how things were in a different "time".  Of how cruel humans are to one another and how hatred, bigotry and prejudice are not just from our "time".  This show has reminded me that we here is the USA are simply, unfortunately, continuing the baser human actions that have occurred across time and space.  We are examples of human underdevelopment...

Another way to say this is that we are simply unconscious of what we are doing.  Digging in our heels, refusing to listen, saying angry and mean and scary things to one another.  Allowing radicals on all sides to highjack dialogue, to lead us down roads of half truths and down right lies.  Refusing to take responsibility for our own actions.  Thinking me first.  

Integrative Wisdom is my small way to try and wake us from our slumber.  The work I do serves to try and unlock the doors to our inner realms and help us face what we find.  I am working to do my best to bring conscious awareness of what is needed to heal humanity and to change our ways.  It is my hope that you too will find ways to do the same.  I have faith it can be so.

My Greatest Challenge

The Integrative Wisdom Chaka Series

See the nine videos on You Tube

The latest offering from Integrative Wisdom is my nine part series on the chakras.  I think the greatest "takeaway" for me during the filming was the realization that most of our spirituality is more of a first chakra energy, rather than a seventh chakra energy.  It is a challenge to recognize we may not be as nice or as loving or as kind as we hoped.  We may find our motives are not pure.  It may be time to learn more about the energy we are sending out, not only to ourselves, but to the world.  You can jump right in to watch the 9th video to see what I'm talking about or watch them all.  Let me know what you think.  I welcome dialogue.

My Greatest Inspiration

In Honor of Justice Ginsburg

Ha, while we may have thought that we had enough to divide us, another event has rocked our country  with the death of one of our supreme court justices.  Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, RBG, died.  While she requested that the government wait until after the election to pursue a replacement, the powers that be suggest a quick process.  Those who see justice through a democratic lens are expressing fear and anger at this.  They express a sense of despair.  However, it is also being shared that Justice Ginsburg has accomplished her work in the world, and in fact, it is now those left behind who are called to take up the good fight.

If indeed, you are feeling despair, anger, sorrow and think about giving up, think again.  It may just be that each of us are now being called to recognized the "time" for us to act has come.  Do we care enough to follow in her footsteps?  And it's important to note that whatever side of the country's struggles you are on, you are on the carpet to make sure you are acting with decency and moral fortitude.

This might be the most difficult part as we are so genuinely unaware of our own biases or judgements or blame.  Whatever your stance, you will benefit by displaying compassion while expressing your beliefs and opinions.  This is wisdom we can really benefit from.  Trust me.  Our immune systems depend on it.

Lastly:

Don't Forget to Prepare For Dia de los Muertos

Coming the end of October...

A Great Way to Honor "Time"

And Those Who Have Gone Before

PS:

Another special day in October is the 11th.  On this day, Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh will turn 94 years old.  It has been 6 years since a major stroke affected him.  His community states he is beginning to show signs of physical decline and they are planning a major spiritual event for his birthday or what his community calls his "continuation day".  They ask that we might practice a walking meditation and to forgive and love those with whom we might have difficulties.

What a perfect "time" to practice this.  No?  Yes.  There will be some form of ceremony here that day.  It seems only appropriate.  I would love to hear if you will do so as well.

PPS:

Dear Friends, by now I am sure you know my work in the world is about healing.  It's not about taking sides, but it is about waking up to a truth that is truth and that can't be manipulated or staged or contrived.  We can begin to live in this truth, but only if we recognize our biases and our prejudices and our shadow beliefs.  This takes personal development work.  I am here to assist as a catalyst and a guide, a personal development coach with your growth in mind and heart.  Let me know if you are ready to do your work.

Until then,

Your Soul Catalyst,

Verna

11:11 AND a New Decade in 50 Days! Oh, AND the Mercury Transit!

Oh me oh my.  Chances are you won't be reading this on 11/11, but still maybe you will be able to recall the excitement surrounding this day.  Or maybe you will just recall this day as Veteran's Day.  At any rate, it felt like a big day to me so I really wanted to mark the day with a new post.

What was kind of funny to me is that I was thwarted today several times.  You see, I forgot it was a national holiday and so my trips to the credit union, the bank, and the library were for naught.  And you would think the first closed governmental building would have clued me in, but alas, nope.

Anyway, I did go look for a website that showed the Mercury transit, which is watching a tiny black round thing cross the sun, with the aid of very powerful telescopes of course.  It was pretty darn amazing.  It also was a great way to remind oneself that no matter how much it feels like this planet is stationary, it is definitely not.  And that's a pretty big deal if we think about it.

Miracle.  Magic.  Marvelous.

Mercury's Magic

Lastly, and this one really stunned me, even though I know we are nearing the end of the year.  We are only 50 days away from a brand new decade!  Now, that's the potential for a fresh start isn't it?!  I mean, can you imagine the new journal you should get to mark this occasion?  An entirely new 10 years!  And, from what I hear from various astrologists out in the wild world, we are moving even more deeply into a new age...wait for it...yes, it really is the Dawning of the Age of Aquarius.

The Age of Aquarius

However, the dawning details are just way too complicated and daunting to add to this humble post, so we will just leave that here as we hum a few bars...

What I think is most important, especially if you are one that loves fresh starts, is that you also make a concentrated attempt to end this decade with intention as well.  For the next 50 days, see if you can reflect back on the last decade and track your growth, your understanding, your insight into who the heck you are and why you are here on this planet now.

What is waiting within your deepest self for you to find?  What is waiting for you to finally release and let go? Maybe you can set aside a special notebook or maybe even make one with 50 pages in it and take a few minutes for the next 50 days to write stuff down.

Let yourself be with yourself for a change.  Give that YOU some true quality time, not for worldly endeavors, but for soulful ones.  Decide to Go SLO=W.  Stop.  Listen.  Observe.  Voila, wisdom appears in the form of knowledge, self knowledge.  And as Bruce Lipton has said in his book, The Biology of Belief, "self knowledge is self empowerment".  What better way to usher out the old...decade, and usher in the new...decade than by empowering yourself FOR yourself!!!!

And lest you think this selfish, dear one, please know that the more you know and understand you, the better partner, friend, daughter, spouse etc you will be.  SO in reality, one of the least selfish things you can do.  It's way more selfish to wallow in your self doubt, your self pity, your self depreciation...well, I think you get the gist.

So, dear reader, go forth and get quiet for a bit.  Let your soul shine a bit and let it talk to you.  You will be guided I am sure.  And it may be a little bit scary, but nothing like those horror movies we are encouraged to see.  You can do this.  I have faith in you.

Be fierce.  Be brave.  Be present. 

Be You.

OK, I think that's it for this love letter for the wonderful 11:11 Mercury transit, New Decade in 50 days post.  Hope you will take this to heart and mark the passing of this decade with purpose!

Your Soul Catalyst,

Verna

The Soul and Fall Time

Fall Time

So, what's on your agenda for Fall?  Probably Halloween and Thanksgiving preparations.  Anything else come to mind for Fall?  Used to be the start of school, but most kids now do that while it's still summer.  Oh and now the big push is for all the pumpkin spice latte or whatever other "fall-type" flavor gets hyped.  Seems a little bit boring if you ask me.  Of course, I know you didn't ask.  But I decided to go ahead and share a bit more about what Fall Time agendas might look like, if we really wanted to go deep.

Fall Time comes after Summer Time, which is all about planting.  So, it makes sense that Fall Time is all about...

Harvest!  

So, if you were to humor me and go deep instead of just drinking one more cinnamon flavored drink, what might you be ready to harvest in your life this year?  What have you been tenderly caring for and gently nourishing for the past 3 months?

Any idea?  I hope so, cause it's time.  You got three months to reap the fruits of your labors. This is if you take any stock in working with the seasons.  I know we live in a time when we can almost forget about seasons.  We can get almost any fruit or vegetable at any time of year.  We can experience the exact type of weather we want in the moment just by driving or flying to another part of the world.  We have options.  At least some of us do.  Others of us are not able to be quite so mobile or have endless resources to buy whatever season we might take a fancy to today.

Problem with that, is that's all artificial.  There are prices to pay for not living in harmony with nature and blooming right where you are planted.  If you lean to agreement with this, you may want to rethink your fall agenda.  

Can you take a few minutes to stop?  To get quiet and still?  To ask your deeper self if there's something that is ready to come to the surface and live more completely and center stage than it has been doing?  If you are living within the seasonal shifts, you might already know exactly what is ready for harvest.  But, if you haven't, this may cause a bit of unease.

That's really OK though, cause being uneasy may mean you are very close to discovering gold.  Gold ready to be dug up and purified.  Let yourself listen in, then move it.  Take the steps you need to bring forth your soul's bounty.

Your soul is waiting for you to recognize and claim its gifts.  In this time of harvest, won't you begin to reach out your hands and gather in the prize?

Steps to Harvest:

1.  Identify what it was your soul planted this Summer.

2.  Recognize if you have completed the preliminary steps needed for growth.

3.  Get busy and complete those steps if not yet done.

4.  Create a ceremony to honor your work.

5.  Enjoy!

In love,

The Soul Catalyst