The Winter Solstice is the return of light. We endure through the darkness to be reborn in light. Journey within to meet the darkness with love and compassion as we take a moment to forgive ourselves and discover our inner light ever present.
Music by Maura ten Hoopen. Licensed from restfulmind.com
REIKI, (pronounced Ray Key) is a stress reduction and relaxation technique in which the practitioner channels Universal energy through the body to assist in removing emotional blockages, stress, and anxiety. In this Reiki infused meditation, healing energy will be guided throughout your body renewing mind, body, and spirit.
In this guided meditation, we will journey within to that place of sacred stillness where our expansive nature interacts with the healing energies of the Universe.
What if we were able to view our struggles as Grace?
I know that might seem like a crazy question to ask. You may be thinking “How could she ask me to look at my struggles my pain, my suffering as grace?”
…and 15 years ago, I would have agreed with you.
My perspective has shifted. It did not happen overnight but through a process shedding the ideas, beliefs and constructs I had learned to believe about who I actually am.
From where I’m standing now I can look back at every perceived struggle, every bit of pain and suffering; whether it was spiritual, physical or mental, and see it has been Grace. Every decision I’ve made for good or ill has led me down the path my soul required I walk in order to learn the lessons needed in this lifetime; to live with an open heart and not one filled with fear.
When I release the need to view my struggles through the eyes of victim-hood, and instead, the through the eyes of a student being guided by a master teacher, I am better able to release my attachment to outcomes and remove my expectations from situations of which I have no control over; moving through my days in a state of flow, not constriction.
In doing this, I am also better able to forgive others. When we forgive ourselves for misguided judgment it becomes easier to forgive others. We learn that we are not perfect and neither is anyone else. We are each learning day by day, moment by moment, breath by breath.
I am not the person I was yesterday. You are not the same person you were last week . Each new choice opens us to the pure potentiality of our experience.
We begin to hold ourselves and others to a standard of GRACE, not perfection.
Namaste
Since we usually tend to focus on what we put in our bodies, I thought I would share a little about being mindful of what we put on our bodies.
The health and beauty industry thrives on promises to remove cellulite, wrinkles, blemishes, etc… But at what cost to our health and that of the environment. Numerous ingredients in cosmetics, shampoos, and lotions contain possible toxic and carcinogenic ingredients. In addition, some exfoliators, which contain tiny plastic beads, are polluting our lakes, rivers and oceans.
The majority of these beauty products are packaged in plastic as well. Plastic is cheap and convenient. As we all know, plastics containing BPA and other harmful chemicals are used routinely for beauty products. Actually, some organic and natural products use plastic packaging.
It seems almost impossible to get away from using plastic. We have eliminated quite a bit in our house, but feel the little we have is too much.
Hence learning to make my own products. I strictly use glass or cosmetic-grade metal containers, which are reusable.
It is also more cost effective to make things like lip balm and body butter. You can buy a pound of raw Shea Butter for less than the total cost of the product(s) that contain only a small amount of the Shea Butter. The next time you are in the store, take a look at the unit price of your favorite face cream, then take look at the ingredients. I guarantee you are over-paying for your 2 ounces of serum that contains barely 1/2 ounce of argan oil. You are paying for packaging and the label.
Not into making your own products but want peace of mind knowing you are getting a product that is safe for you and the environment?
Check out Environmental Working Group to see how your current products rank as far as ingredients goes and maybe you’ll find a healthier alternative for you and the Earth.
Also check out Grove Collaborative for reduced plastic and more sustainable options. We love their products and the special seasonal options!
Being mindful of what we put on (and in) our bodies allows us to not only take better care of ourselves but of our loved ones and the environment.
Namaste
For more information on plastic pollution follow link:
Dandelion Doorways 