“Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”  Albert Einstein

With the creation and release of the Children’s Spirit Animal Cards a whole new vista for my work opened up, offering workshops for children and parents. So to introduce these cards I’ve so far taught two workshops on the theme with more scheduled. My wife Jessica joins me for some of these when she can. She’s the mother of two girls, Serena, eight, and Arianna, six, and is a conscientious mother who is currently writing a book on conscious parenting.

I recently completed an hour and a half workshop on the cards. It was a group of five adults and five children ranging in ages from five to thirteen—the children that is. I’m sure they all felt very supported and encouraged that their parent or grandparent was there with them.

There was healing, magic, and some powerful synchronicities. A ten year old boy we’ll call James, who had shared with the group his love for horses shuffles his deck and randomly pulls HORSE from the deck. Later on in the class he further shuffled the cards, had his mother select a card. She also pulled Horse. The message on the card from HORSE spirit said, “Trust your feelings.” Both mother and son agreed that it was a message they needed to hear.

Then there was the thirteen year old girl we’ll call Rebecca, who came with her friend and her friend’s mother. I watched in this workshop and in two subsequent workshops they attended how a spark of light gradually emerged from the expressionless look on her face, an adaptation that betrayed a likely history of childhood trauma. I have no doubt that this workshop and the others provided a strong ray of hope for her healing.

Then there was the little five year old, bright, blue-eyed, blond little girl we’ll call Sara, who came with her grandmother. She had a quiet demeanor and gentleness about her, completely present the entire class, listening intently with a very slight smile on her face the whole time. Sara looked like a very happy child. I asked the group a few minutes into the evening what their favorite animal was. Most everyone, adult and child, shared theirs. Then Sara said something in a very quiet voice I couldn’t understand. I asked her twice to repeat herself, but it still wasn’t clear. Then Grandma translated. “Unicorn,” she said. “She’s been holding the UNICORN card since we started!”

I looked down to her hand and sure enough, there it was. This mythical creature that exists so strongly in our collective consciousness, conveying to us the message, “Use your imagination,” printed boldly across the bottom of the card. This little five year old girl knew the truth of that innately. The presence of an image of a unicorn on the UNICORN card gave her continued reassurance of that truth.

By saying that unicorns are mythical creatures is not saying they aren’t real. It’s a different reality in which unicorns exist, one in which our individual consciousness is intimately connected to the consciousness of our collective human species. Shared cultural and universal myths and stories abound in our collective consciousness. Imagination is the key to tapping into these myths and stories as well as perceiving the non-visible world of Spirit. Children inherently know the truth of this, though we risk losing touch with it as we become “adult-erated.”

Unicorn spirit through the Children’s Spirit Animal Cards, has this to say about imagination:  Many people believe in my existence yet these days very few have actually seen me. Whether or not someone has seen me or even believes in me, it doesn’t matter. I know I’m real! I’m not walking around on the Earth any more as I once did, since I decided a while ago that I’d only be available by someone using their imagination. That’s where I mainly live these days—in people’s imaginations—along with other mythical beings like dragons and the phoenix.

Funny thing is, in its own way, imagination is just as real as the world you see around you! Just a different kind of reality. Everything that humans have created started with a thought or a picture in someone’s mind, with what someone first imagined. So no matter how you do so, it’s time now to express your imaginative side in some way, whether through drawing, painting, writing, sculpting, or any other art form, And have fun doing it!

As adults it takes a child-like innocence to dip into the vast well of imagination to access this “different kind of reality.” To do so, you can always call on the spirit of Unicorn.

To purchase Children’s Spirit Animal Cards, click here.

About The Author:  Dr. Steven Farmer is the author of the several best-selling products including Children’s Spirit Animal Cards, Earth Magic, Animal Spirit Guides, Power Animals, Earth Magic Oracle Cards, Power Animal Oracle Cards, Messages from Your Animal Spirit Guides Oracle Cards, and Sacred Ceremony. He is a shamanic practitioner, ordained minister, hypnotherapist, former college professor and retired psychotherapist.  Steven offers workshops and presentations on a variety of shamanic healing and earth-centered spirituality topics and also offers private shamanic healing and divination sessions.  To learn more about his workshops or to contact him, please visit www.EarthMagic.net.

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“There is more to life than increasing its speed.” —Mohandas K. Gandhi

“For fast-acting relief, try slowing down.”—Lily Tomlin

A few years ago when I was writing my book Power Animals, I would ask the spirit of each of the 36 animals for a message, then transcribe it. I was often amazed at the wisdom of the advice that would be conveyed, as if there was a Bluetooth in my head through which each of the spirit animals dictated what I was to write.

Turtle especially came through loud and clear. When I asked what message he wanted me to communicate, he said in a very slow, deep voice, “Slow down! You’ve got all-l-l-l-l-l-l the time in the world,” stretching out the words in a delightfully slow tempo of speech. Certainly made me listen that much more closely.

Flash forward to a recent vacation we took on the Big Island of Hawaii, where for the first few days we stayed with some good friends Bill and Stephanie. I was showing them the new Children’s Spirit Animal Cards and pulled one as a demonstration, asking simply what I needed to pay attention to for this vacation. I drew the Turtle card, which had a similar message: “Take your time.” I got it immediately that this was exactly the spirit animal and message I needed for this trip.

From there it was amazing how many times Turtle showed up in either physical or symbolic form. For instance, later that same day we went to Three Rings Ranch, the home of several rescued animals, and of course, there were two turtles there. Later that day we went snorkeling and two turtles appeared, resting on the rocks near the shoreline where we were swimming.

After we returned one evening I was reading a book to Ari and Serena, and the only animal that was in the book was a turtle. When I had searched for this book earlier, another one that had fallwen off the bookshelf was one of my favorites: Old Turtle. I’m not sure omens get any clearer than this! So even today I feel the presence of Turtle spirit and am continually reminded to slow down and take my time, to not get too caught up in the “hurry up sickness” that is so endemic to contemporary society.

The sage advice from Turtle spirit is captured in his words from the Children’s Spirit Animal Cards, followed by some suggestions to support taking your time:

So many people are in a hurry these days that it is easy to forget to slow down and enjoy whatever is happening. You remember the story of the Tortoise and the Hare? Going faster doesn’t always get you where you are going any more than taking your time and going at your own pace. It also takes courage at times because there are so many rabbits running around like crazy! Just know you will get there just as quickly by going at your own speed and at your own rhythm no matter how quickly others move.

And don’t be in such a hurry to grow up too fast! You may find yourself wanting to do things the older kids are doing, or wanting to learn everything NOW. Know that over time you will learn everything you need to learn, so just take your time with each new thing you’re learning instead of rushing off to something else or being upset because you can’t accomplish more. It takes time to learn things, and you really have all the time in the world, so slow down and only move fast when you actually have to.

ACTIVITY

* Today walk a little bit slower than usual, breathing deeper and slower than usual in rhythm to your stride. Notice how that makes you feel.

* When you get involved with a project of any sort, take as much time as you need to complete it even if it extends over a few days (unless of course it’s homework that is due tomorrow!)

* Ask your mother or father to spend a few hours at the park or beach with no watches or clocks around to remind you of the exact time.

* Observe how the moon changes slowly over a period of about four weeks, since it takes its time doing so.

So try some of these out and see what happens. I’ve noted that when I heed Turtle’s advice I still get done what I need to, but stay calm and centered while doing them. I also take time to go outside whenever I can, even in the middle of writing projects that require continual focus. And life really is too short to make anything a bigger deal than it really is!

“Half our life is spent trying to find something to do with the time we have rushed through life trying to save.” —Will Rogers

To purchase Children’s Spirit Animal Cards, click here.

About The Author:  Dr. Steven Farmer is the author of the several best-selling products including Children’s Spirit Animal Cards, Earth Magic, Animal Spirit Guides, Power Animals, Power Animal Oracle Cards, Messages from Your Animal Spirit Guides Oracle Cards, and Sacred Ceremony. He is a shamanic practitioner, ordained minister, hypnotherapist, former college professor and psychotherapist.  Dr. Farmer offers workshops and presentations on a variety of shamanic healing and earth-centered spirituality topics and also offers private shamanic healing sessions.  To learn more about his workshops or to contact him, please visit www.EarthMagic.net.

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Aries  You continue cautiously in September with Jupiter bringing opportunities for financial increase your way. Often in the past you have spent as much as you have made, and just as quickly and impulsively. Now, however, with your ruler in cautious Cancer, you are enthusiastic to save and budget; perhaps a new experience for you!  Make the most of this time by working on an investment portfolio and saving for the future – or at least a rainy day!  However, around September 6, you begin to want to wave your magic wand and make things happen. Too much caution can make your stir-crazy but it was good while it lasted. Enticing Venus aligns with your ruler, Mars, on September 11 adding charm to enthusiasm and making you pretty irresistible. Don’t be overly optimistic but use the art of diplomacy and gentle persuasion to achieve your goals.

Taurus  This is such a great time for you that I hope you’re making the most of it. The month begins with the Sun in fellow Earth sign of Virgo making a pleasant relationship to abundant Jupiter in your own sign on September 2. You just feel good about life! You feel optimistic; confident and full of vitality! However, the best advice to you right now is to take opportunities or the time will come and go and nothing much will happen. In other words, remember to “make hay while the Sun shines”. However, things get even better around September 11 to 14 when your ruler, Venus, makes a pleasant aspect to Mars inviting you to relax, rejuvenate and enjoy life. With Jupiter in the picture, however, you could go overboard so enjoy this time but tread a little cautiously.

Gemini  As a Gemini you love to dance and move around, physically as well as mentally, seeing the world from different angles and looking at all sides of an issue. This is uppermost in September as your attention moves between your work and desire to play and let your hair down. You just can’t escape work entirely with the Sun in Virgo urging you to organize things and do some essential routine work around the home. You may be feeling a little dazed around September 8 when your ruler, Mercury opposes confusing but mystical Neptune. It’s a good time though to indulge your imagination and enjoy your meditation and spiritual practices rather than stressing over the everyday stuff.

Cancer  You are now in a time of change and vitality. Being a cautious person at heart, change is sometimes difficult, and even painful, but right now, you are ready for it and have the energy to actually enjoy it if you loosen up a little and adopt an adventurous spirit. It’s a great time in September to plan your goals for the future with Mars in your sign making some nice aspects to intuitive planets, Jupiter and Neptune. You’re in a positive frame of mind as September begins and people are drawn to you, giving you the support, friendship and popularity you enjoy. September 8 is an inspirational day rather than a practical one so take time for inspired, spiritual tasks instead of mundane ones. There’s plenty of everyday stuff up ahead when Mercury enters Virgo on September 9 so hold off your work around the house until then!

 Leo  You feel good about life as September begins as your ruling planet, the Sun, makes a lovely trine to abundant Jupiter. Be open to new ideas and opportunities. There’s also good news on the financial front as the Sun is in this area of your chart until September 23.  On September 9, there’s a few day period when it’s ideal to work on projects or work that requires details, such as revising plans, editing, researching or assessing information. You may feel a little isolated around September 11 as a result of the Sun making difficult aspects to the Nodes of the Moon so it’s a good day to spend quiet time alone in retreat rather than trying to fit in with others. The Full Moon is in Pisces the following day and you may be faced with a decision about or with a partner.

Virgo  You prefer the tried and true and the status quo to what you don’t know. However, hold onto your seat belt because change is coming along and it’s best to go with the flow if you can. You like to have all the information in front of you before you make a decision or plan but right now you’re going to have to trust in the Universe. It doesn’t mean you should suspend judgment and powers of discernment and in fact, I’d recommend you do your homework also. However, it’s doubtful that what you finally decide will be based on facts but more likely on something unexpected that happens. The month opens in a spectacular way for you with your Virgo Sun making a lovely trine aspect to abundant, fortunate Jupiter. So be open to what’s coming up and be prepared to act quickly when an opportunity comes your way.  You’re at your charming best around September 11-14 leading up to and after the sweet Full Moon in Pisces, your opposite sign, on September 12.

Libra  As a Libra, you usually like to be actively engaged in life but as September begins you long for some quiet, down time. If you can, take some time out and plan a trip or at least a few days away spending time in the solace of Nature or in some type of retreat. You will feel better for it. Just lately you have been overworked and at times feel as if you are at everyone’s beck and call. Now you need time for yourself; realize you do not have to be accessible to everyone and it’s important to be selective. A good time for reflection and review is when Mercury moves into your 12^th House on September 9. Around this time you may feel like expressing how you feel to loved ones but watch out for a Neptune opposition to Mercury which may cause others to misunderstand what you’re saying, however clear you think you are! Expect a nice, social time around September 11 when your ruler, Venus, makes a sextile to Mars; a good time to plan a party or social event.

Scorpio  Expect a dose of good news as the month begins when the Sun trines Jupiter on September 2 encouraging you to feel good about life and bringing you energy and vitality. Your friends are particularly helpful to you and opportunity could come your way through networking; this trend continues through September 9. Although a fortunate time, it is good for you to take the initiative rather than sit back and wait for things to happen. As a Scorpio, you often have deep feelings swirling around that even you are not always aware of! This is particularly true as Mercury trines Pluto but right now is a good time to bring those feelings to the surface through honest communication. If you can do that you will feel as if a weight has been lifted from your shoulders. Now is the time to share and it’s a good time to work with and tackle issues that are difficult to define or just plain difficult. If you’re single and seeking romance, there’s a nice romantic period around September 11-14 when a new love interest could appear.

Sagittarius  You begin the month in positive career mode now that Mercury is once again direct in this area of your chart making progress possible now. Make the most of this positive communication time to ask for a raise or new responsibilities! Also, if you had to drop projects you were working on previously, now is the time to pick them up again. You are at your most efficient, and this is a good time to make plans and implement them, with a nice Sun/Jupiter trine in the practical Earth signs. Don’t forget to also work on nurturing your soul this month as the Pisces Full Moon reminds you that without a strong, spiritual foundation, you will find it impossible to achieve your highest aspirations. This Full Moon also stirs up your emotions and it’s possible that a relationship or event from the past comes up so that you feel nostalgic about what might have been. However, focus on the here and now to make the most of a brilliant Mercury/Jupiter trine around September 14.

Capricorn  September begins well for you with a joyful trine of the Sun and Jupiter in fellow Earth signs offering you promise of success and happy times ahead. You feel optimistic about the future and self-confident; ready to take on any challenges. This is a good time to make some beneficial personal change, such as a decision to exercise on a regular basis or do regular spiritual practices. You will then make the most of this connection; you will find if you don’t make some type of positive change the period will come and go without much happening. Also, just because you feel good now doesn’t mean that there aren’t a few challenges up ahead (aren’t there always?!) Some challenging aspects from Mercury around September 8 and 9 may bring frustration around the areas of expression or communication related to your career. It’s not a time to seek a raise or a new job but a couple of days later at the time of the Full Moon in Pisces on September 12, Mercury makes a positive aspect to Pluto, indicating a green light to reach for your goals.

Aquarius  Your financial situation should improve at the beginning of September if you work at it. There’s a nice trine from Jupiter to the Sun between your area of shared resources and your home or inner self. What this indicates is that your inner values and integrity could bring financial rewards and benefits. Other people, such as an employer or client, can see just what a worthwhile and honest person you are and give you the break you need. It can indicate an opportunity to set up or improve a home-based business. You have been challenged by relationships over the past few months but things should ease off a bit in this area so that you find yourself freer to express yourself and work on your own goals and ambitions. Perhaps another person has been challenging you and how you spend your money and you may feel that you can no longer tolerate this and may consider ending the relationship, or changing it in some way. It may be best to wait a few days before you make any drastic decisions. Mars brings you the courage and energy to make a change in this area around September 18 when it enters Leo and your area of partnerships and relationships.

Pisces   The month begins in a joyful way as the Sun makes a trine to your ruling planet, abundant Jupiter, filling you with hope and optimism. The problem with Jupiter aspects if that we feel so good we just let them come and go without doing anything special and therefore the effects are often not long-lasting. To make the most of beneficial Jupiter aspects, it’s good to initiate something or do something positive that will have a lasting effect. It is like seed planting time; if we plant no seeds, nothing will blossom but if we take the time to plant the right seeds, beautiful flowers will bloom in the future. September 2-3 is a good time for a weekend away with a friend or loved one. If you’re seeking romance, this could blossom around September 11 when Venus and Mars join forces bringing love into your life. There is a Full Moon in your sign a day later on September 12 which increases this romantic feeling and propels you to spread compassion and kindness to all around you.

Copyright 2011, Chrissie Blaze, All Rights Reserved.

Internationally-renowed astrology Chrissie Blaze

About The Author:  Chrissie Blaze is an internationally-renowned professional astrologer, author of eight books and sought-after international speaker. She is an author of eight published books and her newest book, “Deeper Into Love: 7 Keys to a Heart-Based Spirituality” by Mill City Press.  Her books in print are all available at Satiama by clicking here.

For in-depth horoscopes, astrology lecture events and downloads, astrological alerts, meditation and more, join the Satiama Astrology Community, led  by Chrissie Blaze.

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Beginnings

I grew up in the ’70s and ’80s singing with my big family in rural Missouri. Friends sometimes joked that visiting the Brunks was like finding yourself in the middle of a Broadway musical, with someone bursting into song with only the slightest provocation.

Our home was set at the edge of a large meadow ringed by wooded hills. I remember hanging out laundry in the back yard, singing at the top of my heart into the immense space, hearing my voice echo back. Sometimes I was Maria from the Sound of Music; sometimes I was Orphan Annie singing about her hard knock life (this was if the laundry was excessive, which it could be in a family with nine children); always in the back of my mind I was imagining Someone Important overhearing me and saying, “wow, that girl has talent!” And then of course they would swoop me up out of my mundane existence, for what great future I didn’t even bother to imagine — whatever it was would be a fun adventure.

Years later, I had had plenty of fun adventures. Still no one had “discovered” me, and it was no surprise because in all my busy-ness I had put music as a last priority. It sat there, a kind of smothered longing, waiting for someone to notice and give it the importance necessary to come into the light again. I could mostly tell by the way I was jealous when other people sang in public that there was anything alive there for me at all.

Then one night I had a dream. I was sitting in the bleachers in a huge stadium with many other people. The space in the middle was a big blank nothingness. We were all just silently waiting. For what? A song came to mind — my friend Jeremy Roske’s song based on Donovan’s soundtrack to Brother Sun, Sister Moon: “If you want to live life free, take your time, go slowly. Do few things but do them well; heartfelt words grow purely.” I felt a little awkward because everyone else was so silent but the urge to just sing was so strong, and I decided to let it out. Me, nobody special, started singing into the silence because I liked to . . . I enjoyed feeling the sound come out, enjoyed the beauty and the meaning of the words, enjoyed the gift of the song from my friend. And then, when I was done, I got up, got my things and started to walk out of the stadium. Everything was still silent with all the people waiting . . . and then, as I walked up past one of the last rows of bleachers, someone else started singing. I felt gladness.

I could hear the whisper well up inside me: We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.

Now I live with my wonderful family as we weave art and love and prayer into the fabric of our daily lives. I write songs while making dinner, playing with children, going for long walks and yes, even doing laundry. I record in my home recording studio and can be found singing at concerts, gatherings, sacred services and retreats. It is a dream come true to share this music with you.

Blessed Be!

Ringtones:

Winter Solstice

Spirit Walking Shoes

Alleluia

Relax and Let Go

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If it is so as stated by Emerson that every institution is but the lengthened shadow of one person, then the Agape International Spiritual Center, the University of Transformational Studies and Leadership, Association for Global New Thought, and the Season for Nonviolence are indeed extensions of Michael Bernard Beckwith and his vision of a world joined together by humankind’s highest development spiritually, educationally, scientifically, governmentally, economically and socially.

Dr. Beckwith’s life is a living testament to building community. In the 1970’s he began a journey that to this day embraces the world’s major spiritual teachings and cultures of East and West.  “I greatly admire what you are doing to bring about the Beloved Community,” the late Coretta Scott King wrote to him, “which is certainly what my dear husband worked for and ultimately gave his life.”

In l986, Dr. Beckwith founded the Agape International Spiritual Center, located at the Los Angeles headquarters of the Agape Movement, a trans-religious community which today counts a membership of thousands locally, and hundreds of thousands of worldwide friends, as well as regional and international affiliates.

Agape’s local outreach programs feed the homeless, serve individuals who are imprisoned and counsel their families, partnership with community service organizations active in children’s schools and youth at risk homes, support the arts, and advocate the preservation of the planet’s environmental resources.  Agape’s global humanitarian programs include the building of schools, orphanages, hospitals and libraries, and the construction of an Eco Village in partnership with the Association for Global New Thought for the Sarvodaya Foundation in Sri Lanka, along with supporting its home for unwed mothers.

Dr. Beckwith’s renown as a harbinger of the world’s quest for peace has drawn into his visionary orbit leading catalysts of societal change.  Arun Gandhi, grandson of Mohandas K. Gandhi, shares with Dr. Beckwith the national co-directorship of A Season for Nonviolence, which promotes the principles of nonviolence taught by Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Their work is endorsed by UNESCO on behalf of its Culture of Peace and Nonviolence Appeal by Nobel Peace Laureates.  Other distinguished supporters include Dr. C.T. Vivian, Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne of Sri Lanka, His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet, Dr. Robert Thurman, professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist studies at Columbia University, and Dr. Robert Muller, former Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations.

A Season for Nonviolence is a grassroots campaign whose participants are located in more than one hundred U.S. cities in 40 states and10 countries.  Its inauguration in l998 at the United Nations marked the first commemoration of the 50^th and 30^th memorial anniversaries of M.K. Gandhi and Martin Luther King, respectively.   Throughout its 64-day campaign across the nation, over three hundred events and programs are facilitated.

As co-founder and president of the Association for Global New Thought, Dr. Beckwith stands at the forefront with other visionaries in the fields spirituality, education, sociology, economics, science, international futurists—those who dare  to call an end to human suffering. AGNT is the convening organization of A Season for Nonviolence, of which the Dalai Lama has said:  “Both Gandhi and Martin Luther King are inspiring examples of the power and truth of nonviolence and the actions that arise from them.  They not only embraced nonviolence in principle, but implemented it in action.  This Season for Nonviolence is a very good tool to remind us of their witness, but also of the large unfinished work we have together in transforming awareness on our planet.”

The Association for Global New Thought exists for the purpose of galvanizing organizations and individuals to complete the unfinished mission to which the Dalai Lama refers. As its voice, Dr. Beckwith guides activities such as AGNT’s Awakened World conference, which brings together mentors at their creative edge in guiding humanity to its highest potential.   Every other year the Synthesis Dialogues are held with His Holiness, the Dalai Lama of Tibet, drawing together impresarios of peace who create together networks of people engaged in transformative world leadership.

Dr. Beckwith is a sought after meditation teacher, and facilitates conferences and seminars on the Life Visioning Process, which he originated.  He is the author of the national bestseller Spiritual Liberation: Fulfilling Your Soul’s Potential, Inspirations of the Heart, Forty Day Mind Fast-Soul Feast, and A Manifesto of Peace. He has appeared on The Oprah Show, Larry King Live, and is a featured teacher in the book and  film The Secret.  He is also featured in the following films:  The Moses Code, Pass It On, and Living Luminaries, as well as in a documentary of his own life, Spiritual Liberation.

His humanitarian activities have attracted to him and to the Agape Movement accolades from many organizations, a few of which are:

2010  Enstooled as a Chief through the Etherean Mission in Accra Ghana, Africa

2010  The Light of God Expressing in Society Award, Association of Unity Churches

2009  Gamble Tree of Life Award

2009  BraveHeart Award for Inspiration

2009  Visionary Spotlight Award, presented by Hollywood Note Foundation

2008  The Maharishi Award

2007  Model Citizen Award

2006  Black Aids Institute Hero Award

2004  The Africa Achievement Peace Award

2004  The Kashi Humanitarian Award

2004  Dr. Beckwith and Agape’s works were read into the 107^th Congressional Record

2002  California Legislature Assembly Award for Meritorious Service to Humanity

2002  World Festival of Sacred Music Local Hero Award

2000  Induction into the Martin Luther King Board of Preachers at Morehouse College

2001  Gandhi-King-Ikeda Award from Morehouse College 

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Spiritual author and teacher Sharon Salzberg

Sharon Salzberg has been a student of meditation since 1971, and leading meditation retreats worldwide since 1974. She teaches both intensive awareness practice (vipassana or insight meditation) and the profound cultivation of lovingkindness and compassion (the Brahma Viharas).

Sharon’s latest book is the New York Times Best Seller, Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation: A 28-Day Program, published by Workman Publishing. She is also the author of The Kindness Handbook and The Force of Kindness, both published by Sounds True; Faith: Trusting Your Own Deepest Experience, published by Riverhead Books; Lovingkindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness and A Heart as Wide as the World, both published by Shambhala Publications; and co-author with Joseph Goldstein of Insight Meditation, a Step-by-Step Course on How to Meditate (audio), from Sounds True. She has edited Voices of Insight, an anthology of writings by vipassana teachers in the West, also published by Shambhala.

Sharon Salzberg is cofounder of the Insight Meditation Society (IMS) in Barre, Massachusetts. She has played a crucial role in bringing Asian meditation practices to the West. The ancient Buddhist practices of vipassana (mindfulness) and metta (lovingkindness) are the foundations of her work. “Each of us has a genuine capacity for love, forgiveness, wisdom and compassion. Meditation awakens these qualities so that we can discover for ourselves the unique happiness that is our birthright.” For more information about Sharon, please visit: www.SharonSalzberg.com.

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“Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart.” Kahlil Gibran

 Swan’s Message: You Are Beautiful Just as You Are

 The image of Swan in Children’s Spirit Animal Cards gliding along the water so gracefully and peacefully immediately evokes a feeling of beauty in action. The message on the oracle card itself—“You are beautiful just as you are”—can serve as a reminder from Swan Spirit of the true meaning of what beauty is.

For any child (or any adult for that matter) there are undoubtedly periods where their self-esteem is being challenged. Whether due to dramatic changes taking place at the child’s particular developmental stage, the karmic soul pattern they brought into the world, or that they’re simply having a bad day, the cards can be a tool to provide guidance from spirit that can help provide better understanding and a new perspective on their feelings.

The collaboration between the child’s subconscious need and Spirit’s response through any of the twenty-four cards may result in Swan being the card that is chosen. The magic of these cards is in the way that the right message is typically delivered by the appropriate spirit animal at the right time. For instance, when the child draws Swan, they are encouraged to see the deeper beauty in themselves and in the world around them. And in fact, the child (or the parent on behalf of the child) can call on Swan Spirit whenever they’re feeling “ugly” in any way.

For the younger child the image itself may be just enough to lighten the mood, whereas the child who can read may choose to read the message on the card or continue on to the expanded reading in the guidebook. Parents can also support this message by joining in with their child as they work with the cards, as there is also a section in the accompanying guidebook that offers suggestions for parents. If their child is not yet reading, they may read the expanded message to them.

Here’s expanded message from Swan Spirit from the guidebook:

“There’s a saying that says, “Beauty is only skin deep”—which means it’s just on the surface—but it really goes much deeper than that. No matter how you look, it’s how you feel inside that really counts. There will be days that no matter what you do you will feel like the ugly duckling, but it’s especially important on those days—as well as others—to let your spirit shine through like a light from inside. That way you bring this inner beauty out to the world.

One way to help your inner light shine is to be grateful for all that you have, while another is to compliment (or say nice things) to others. Try and make them smile. It will feel good to do so, and when you feel good, it’s natural to shine. Others will be affected such that they will feel beautiful too! So simply know that you are beautiful just as you are, and in knowing and accepting that, there’s great beauty.”

Children’s Spirit Animal Cards each include an expanded message from each spirit animal and suggestions for activities that will reinforce the message itself.

Here are the activity suggestions for Swan:

* Write in your journal about what special gifts or talents you have that you are proud of.

* Let your mother or father know at least two things that you like about yourself.

* Imagine there’s a beautiful light inside you that sparkles even more when you smile and share that feeling with others.

* In your own mind or even out loud, repeat the phrase, “I am beautiful just as I am” a few times each day.

* Notice the beauty all around you, in other people, animals, plants, and other parts of Nature.

Although written with the child in mind, I’m sure all of us from time to time can benefit from this kind of perspective!

Thank you, Swan Spirit! Thank you, Creator!

To purchase Children’s Spirit Animal Cards, click here.

About The Author:  Dr. Steven Farmer is the author of the several best-selling products including Children’s Spirit Animal Cards, Earth Magic, Animal Spirit Guides, Power Animals, Power Animal Oracle Cards, Messages from Your Animal Spirit Guides Oracle Cards, and Sacred Ceremony. He is a shamanic practitioner, ordained minister, hypnotherapist, former college professor and psychotherapist.  Farmer offers workshops and presentations on a variety of shamanic healing and earth-centered spirituality topics and also offers private shamanic healing sessions.  To learn more about his workshops or to contact him, please visit www.drstevenfarmer.com.

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Animal Communicator Elizabeth Anglin

As I attempt to write this article, my two year old cat, Bella, is curled up over my heart, between me and the computer.  I can’t see my fingers as I type, so I consider throwing her off with the excuse. “Not now Bella, I’m busy!” and then it strikes me that I am writing about experiencing the spiritually conscious state of “no separation” through animal communication, developing a limitless, non-separate ego, a heart for all beings everywhere.  My ego wants Bella off my chest so I can write without distraction, but my heart says “Aw, come on… let her stay!”

So, she stays, and though I have a cramp in my forearm where the bulk of her weight rests, I type through it.

My personal path to animal communication started with science, not spirituality.  My father is a plant biologist and my older brother is a wildlife biologist.  As children we were encouraged to go out into the woods and “pay attention” to animals around us, and when able, take a notebook and make notes about their behaviors and relationships with each other as well as their environment.  Sometimes it would take an hour or more of quiet “paying attention” to become fully aware of the animals around us and their movements and relationships, and that time was often equal to formal “meditation” training.  After sitting quietly in the woods for an hour, the chattering voice of the individualized ego would become tired of shouting, “Me, me, me, me, me!” and “My butt hurts sitting on this log!” and it became much easier to notice all of the other beings living and working in the same vicinity.

The Beautiful Bella

Animal communication as a practice requires the skills a scientist uses to objectively witness and analyze the physical world.  It also requires the meditative skills a monk or yogi uses to objectively experience both the physical and spiritual worlds.  While a life scientist in the western tradition would use physical observation to analyze and explain how all living beings are connected physically through their co-evolution of suitable habitats and eco-systems, a meditative monk or yogi would use both physical and spiritual observation to analyze and explain how all living beings are connected in the realm of spirit, or consciousness.

The basic practice of good science is also the basic practice of “skillful” consciousness and spiritual awareness, and vice versa.

The Buddha speaks of the practice of being mindful, objective and alert of others and the universe as imperative to cultivating  a limitless heart – implying that stretching one’s awareness to include everything is also stretching one’s heart to do the same:

“As a mother would risk her life
to protect her child, her only child,
even so should one cultivate a limitless heart
with regard to all beings.
With good will for the entire cosmos,
cultivate a limitless heart:
Above, below, & all around,
unobstructed, without hostility or hate.
Whether standing, walking,
sitting, or lying down,
as long as one is alert,
one should be resolved on this mindfulness.
This is called a sublime abiding
here & now.”
Buddha
Karaniya  Metta  Sutta.

This is, in essence, is what I am attempting to practice when I practice animal communication – even when my ego, and my cat supporting forearm, are both tired and sore. Elizabeth Anglin, August 2, 2011

About The Author:  Elizabeth Anglin is a gifted Psychic Remote Viewer, Animal Communicator, Spirit Medium and Reiki Master.  Her readings and healings are gentle, joyful, in-depth and highly personal.  She creates a sacred space where your loved ones in spirit, animals, spirit guides and guardian angels can connect in love to offer you healing information, problem solving assistance, moral support and encouragement.  Sessions with Elizabeth are energetically dynamic, compassionate and non-judgmental.  She has over two decades of experience with altered states of consciousness and meditation and has undergone a life-changing shamanic transformation.  As a Near Death Experiencer (NDEr) – she is uniquely qualified to view and report on the spiritual/non-physical side of animal and human reality.   Elizabeth may be contacted through her websites http://www.ElizabethAnglin.com and http://www.PetTelepath.com.

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