Month: March 2019

What Was Going On? – Day 139

Posted on by Lisa Weikel Leave a comment
Trout – en.wikipedia.org

What Was Going On?

If you live anywhere near me, I’ll bet you’re probably already asleep as I write this. (Ergo, it’s almost certainly Sunday morning when you’re reading this post.) If that’s the case: Good morning!

I know it’s trite to talk about the weather, but wow. The weather today was such a profoundly welcome taste of spring it made my heart sing. It was the perfect combination of sunshine, cool breezes, and occasional clouds to welcome in the first day of my personal new year.

Needless to say, we took a walk early in the day, expecting to take another one more toward twilight. That second walk didn’t materialize, but if we’re lucky, we’ll make up for it tomorrow. Nevertheless, it is destined to be at least slightly less exquisitely delightful as tonight’s would have been, since it’ll probably be 20 degrees cooler tomorrow than it was today.

Why All the Cars?

When we took our walk late this morning, we were astonished at how creative people were being vis-à-vis parking at High Rocks. No kidding. I have to wonder how people justify parking their cars in some places.

And there were dozens of cars parked along the berm of the couple of roads leading to the park. I’ve never seen so many cars parked in such obscure areas before.

It turns out that today was the first day of trout season in 18 southeastern Pennsylvania counties, Bucks included.

It never would have occurred to me that trout were the allure to all of this park traffic, since we were walking, as I said, close to High Rocks – which is a park known for its gorgeous cliffs overlooking the Tohickon Creek. I am aware that the Tohickon is stocked with trout, but I would not have guessed fisherpeople would park quite so far away from the creek.

Communion With Nature

There’s something peaceful and mesmerizing about fly fishing, which is the primary type of fishing that’s done in the Tohickon. It feels like more of a communion with nature than an attempt to dominate it.

Another thing I will definitely double check on tomorrow, but overall, fisherpeople tend to at least appear to be more respectful, as a group, of the concept of leaving a place as clean or cleaner than when you got there. This is tremendously important to us, since we live here and we are the ones who often end up cleaning up after bikers and hikers, who often just chuck their power bar wrappers or energy drink cartons alongside the trails and roadsides.

Given that so many people were communing, so to speak, with trout today, I thought I’d see if I could find any information from my “usual sources” about what they might be bringing into the lives of those who are so ardently seeking them out.

Adaptability – A Much Needed Skill for These Times

As it happens, in at least the several books in my library by Ted Andrews, I could not find anything specific about Trout. However, I did find this statement by Andrews in Animal-Wise to be intriguing, especially considering what seemed to be the far greater number of fishers this year than others:

“The common ancestors of all vertebrates, fish are some of the most fascinating creatures in the world. They have developed the ability to adapt to all aquatic environments, and thus they are teachers to us of the skills we need to adapt more effectively to our own environments, no matter where the waters of life take us. Fish help us discern how deep the waters are around us and how clear. They reveal the strength of the currents present within our life and life situations and how to swim with them or against if necessary.”

This seems so remarkably appropriate to our circumstances right now. It is obvious why the Tohickon calls to people to pull on their waders and enter her flow. There is no huge mystery why we would be called to seek the wisdom of the waters, as well as those who navigate her for their life.

I did not check my other reference materials tonight, but I will see if I can find any information specific to Trout for us to ponder. But clearly, just the idea of fish in general and their remarkable adaptability is delightful enough.

(T-972)

A New Messenger – Day 138

Posted on by Lisa Weikel 4 Comments
Pileated Woodpecker – Photo: L.Weikel

A New Messenger

I’m luckier than most people. Or maybe I’m not – maybe I’m just more acutely aware of the amazing people and experiences that come into my life on an astonishingly frequent basis, and thus feel luckier. And maybe I seem more aware simply because I ‘pay attention to that stuff.’

Take for instance the fact that a new messenger arrived in my life this morning.

This beautiful Winged One literally squawked and resoundingly banged its head right outside my bedroom window until I woke up and paid attention to it. It found me in my dreams, and both boisterously and tenaciously dragged me out of my sleep and into my day. It even danced around the tree, teasingly allowing me to take its photo a number of times, even though the camera kept weirdly shifting to a brilliant white screen when I zoomed in on it.

A Rare Sighting

Some might say it was a Spirit bird for that reason. (And others might say it was just the way the light was hitting the iPhone, Lisa. Settle yourself.)

Either way, at least I did manage to snag a photo I could use to share with all of you, although it doesn’t do justice to the brilliant beauty and captivating authority exuding from my Pileated friend.

I want to note a few things here: We have lived in this house for 34 years. During that time, I have seen a Pileated Woodpecker here on our property one other time, and that was about four years ago or so. It may actually have been in a tree between our house and that of the parents of the infamous Duckhead, which would qualify this Pileated as indeed the first one to make an appearance on our property to our knowledge.

It’s thus extremely odd that this fairly ginormous woodpecker seemed to make a point of diving into my subconscious and pulling me out of a dream to communicate with me. This is particularly true when you consider Pileateds are notoriously shy and generally like to hide from people.

Significance of Pileated Woodpecker

I only just now had a chance to look up the spiritual significance often attributed specifically to Pileated Woodpeckers.

This is from Animal-Wise* by Ted Andrews:

“PILEATED WOODPECKER – Keynote: Follow your own rhythm, regardless of others

“I am fortunate to have in the woods around my home at least seven types of woodpeckers, including the pileated. All woodpeckers teach us something about a new rhythm at play within our life. Some do so more strongly than others and the pileated woodpecker is one of them.

All woodpeckers have a strong bill, pointed for chipping and digging through the bark of a tree for insects. Their stiff tail is used as a prop, allowing them to ‘drum.’

The pileated is a wary kind of woodpecker. One of the largest, it is not always seen. It is solid black, distinguishing it from most other birds and it has the red crested plumage. Any kind of crown or crest on an animal is usually an indication to follow one’s own thinking.

When the pileated appears, it is time to follow your own thinking and your own rhythms. Be wary of others trying to nudge you into a rhythm or behavior with which you are not comfortable. Trust your own instincts as to the rhythm that works for you. Though others may not understand your thinking processes as you take on new endeavors, do not be dissuaded – even if you do not quite understand them. The pileated reminds us that our way will work best now. Take your thoughts and give them action.”

Big Day for This Message

A lot’s been coming to me lately in the form of messages, both overt and subtle. There is no question but that change is charging the air around me. A few times lately, I’ve literally sensed a faint buzzing or sizzling charge in the atmosphere around me.

While I am not fully aware of the changes that are trying to manifest in my life (even though I sense them nearby), I can’t help but honor Pileated Woodpecker for knocking at the door of my dreams this morning: my 60th birthday.

There’s Work to be done. And I’m grateful and excited to feel so supported and encouraged.

Pileated Woodpecker – wikipedia.com

*affiliate link

(T-973)

 

Things Didn’t Go As Planned – Day 137

Posted on by Lisa Weikel 2 Comments

 

“Things Didn’t Go As Planned”

That’s an apt title to give to this post. It can easily be applied to the way my day unfolded. It could readily be applied to the way my week turned out.

In many ways, those words dovetail with the strong warning I was given by at least three people adept in the more sensitive ways of the world.

I was told in no uncertain terms that I need to shift my usual ways of being from a generally affable willingness to put the needs of others ahead of, not necessarily my needs, but the requirements of my life purpose. Sometimes those requirements might seem, on the surface, to be legitimate ‘needs’ of mine, while other times those requirements might seem more like frivolous desires. Frivolous desires to those who think, and live, and breathe a different way than I do.

I felt a yearning all week to hunker down and reflect on my life. I’m embarrassed at how many times I basically declared this need publicly, right here in Ruffled Feathers, in a number of 1111 Devotion posts. The truth is, I am less embarrassed by my public declaration and far more embarrassed by my utter failure to honor my declaration. In some ways it feels like a moral failure, because if there is one thing I loathe, it is saying I will do something and then not – for that is the very definition of acting without impeccability.

Peeling Back the Layers

And that’s when we start peeling back the layers and seeing my addiction. My addiction to feeling like I must make sure everyone else in my immediate sphere of influence (such as it is) is happy – or at the very least, is not feeling in need of something, be it support either material or emotional or otherwise – before I can take a few moments to myself.

Don’t get me wrong! Believe it or not, I’m not even remotely close to being a hovering parent. Nor would anyone (especially Karl) consider me a doting spouse. Hopefully, I wouldn’t be considered an overbearing friend. (At least I hope I wouldn’t. If I’ve dropped the ball on this interpretation, please send me a private email and set the record straight!)

But there is within me a huge desire to ‘be there’ for those who might need me.

This is a way of being in the world that can be fraught with issues. One such issue might be the possibility that some might take advantage of me. Given that I am no spring chicken, and given that I’ve pretty much always operated from this point of view, I have learned from my mistakes and cultivated a decent amount of discernment.

Certainly, I’m not perfect. But as soon as I sniff out a taker, I pretty much know how to jettison them from my orbit.

Over-Booking

Another issue that can arise is sort of a double-header: giving my time and attention to others to such an extent that I end up with no time for myself.

It’s an over-booking issue. (Ha – that sounds a bit ridiculous, but it symptomatic of a weird way I look at time.) I always think I’m going to have enough later for myself. And usually, I think, I do.

Yet it is a double header because when things get particularly dicey, not only do I not engage in the essential self-inquiry into my own state of well-being, which necessarily includes fleshing out how I feel about my life and its trajectory, but by failing to allow myself that self-inquiry, I deplete my life force, my essential energy. And when that gets worn down to a bare nubbin, no one wins.

Lately though, especially, I’ve been getting the message that this is a moment in my life when it’s time to really figure out what’s next. Really sit with and listen to what my soul is telling me is the next best use of my unique experiences, gifts, and personality. And for whatever reason, it has seemed as if the requests for my time and attention from others has increased exponentially in that same period – just as I was getting deluged with this message to put my self-reflection at the top of my ‘to-do’ list.

Status Report

So, that’s just a bit of a status report.

I know I’m not feeling anything unique. I would be shocked if most of you don’t now, or have not felt at some time, this same acute existential agony at some point in your own lives.

And maybe that’s why I’m admitting it here. Because it’s a lot more than me just deciding to schedule a massage for myself or take a nice long bath one night. It’s a lot more than what seems to be talked about all over the place and labeled as ‘self-care.’

It’s much deeper than that.

As I said to Karl just tonight on our walk: all of a sudden, I feel as though my expiration date is starting to become visible, as if it’s been written in invisible ink all these years, but now I just wiped it with lemon juice and am holding it over a flame. You know: my ‘sell-by’ date.

Which brings me back to my very first statement: “Things didn’t go as planned,” specifically in reference to setting aside time to be with my Self to discern what is calling me forward.

While this might hold true for my day, week, and maybe even recent months or year, I can say one thing for certain: I do not want to hear myself saying or thinking or feeling it at the end of my life.

And I’m the only one who can remedy that.

(T-974)

Holding My Breath – Day 136

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Mercury – Photo: newsroom.ucla.org

Holding My Breath

I know we’ve chatted (ok, I’ve pecked out some thoughts, you’ve all been mostly quiet) about the astrological significance of ‘Mercury Retrograde’ (sometimes appearing shorthand as Mercury Rx).

This is technically an illusion, as no planets actually move backward. But they can, from the perspective of the Earth and in context to the sun and the rest of the planets, appear to be moving backwards and thus, often, moving back ‘into’ a different astrological sign or house (or both).

It is generally observed that when Mercury, the planet that is often associated with communication and connection, electronic gadgets, contracts, automobiles, etc., goes retrograde, it lasts approximately three weeks. The phenomenon happens three or four times per year.

Inasmuch as Mercury is so key to communication, when it goes retrograde, the conventional wisdom is that we should all spend those three weeks or so reflecting, reviewing, editing, going over situations and occurrences once more, and taking stock. It is generally suggested that we refrain from entering into anything new during this time (since it is a time best suited to reflecting and reviewing rather than forging ahead), such as agreements or contracts. It’s also recommended that we not purchase any big ticket items – particularly electronic items.

Electronics Can Go Phlooey

And who can forget my prolonged struggle with Dell back in the last Mercury Rx, when they eventually ended up giving me a new motherboard or something, basically giving me a new laptop. (Admit it, those posts were simply riveting, right?!)

Another common cause for concern or irritation during these time periods is miscommunication, which can lead to arguments, misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and big messes. Obviously, this is why it’s considered wise to hold off on finalizing contracts – and signing them – during Merc Rx.

To be honest, I rarely take notice when Mercury goes retrograde. I’ve been told by some that if Mercury is retrograde at the time you are born (and it’s thus part of your ‘natal chart’), the usual difficulties most people experience during them are not as pronounced. In my case, it was retrograde when I was born. (As were something like four other planets – a situation I’ll address another time. Perhaps.) But the bottom line is, for me, I’ve barely noticed them.

Except for my laptop snafu during the last one.

This One’s Been a Doozy

And now this one, too. Interestingly, I’ve noticed what seemed to have been a lot more miscommunications during this one, missed calls, missing emails, Facebook went offline or had some big meltdown one day. My Dell once again started acting up. It blue screened on me once. It’s been whirring without explanation. All very worrying. It’s been a three week period that generally seemed to make us all want to just hunker down to wait it out. Engage in that reviewing and releasing activity that’s so often recommended and hope for the best..

Unfortunately, I’ve seen a lot of things break. Of course, there’s the ongoing saga of my car. Oh my goodness. No RToD of late, and the check engine light goes on haphazardly. But there was quite a dramatic message delivered by my car at the outset of this Mercury Rx which I’ve not yet shared with all of you. It’s goose-bump worthy.

Add to that the fact that my espresso machine has decided to completely act out and squirt grind-filled water forcefully and haphazardly all over the place instead of expressing crema every single time I try to use it. (I know; Perhaps I sound elitist and bratty just by the mere fact that I own one of these machines – but hey. Cut a girl a break. I make my own lattés and it’s a simple pleasure that harms no one.)

And now…the other pole of my ingestion of fluids is hampered as well: my freezer’s ice machine has suddenly just stopped making ice. Aaarrgggh. I am one of those people who likes a lot of ice in my tall glass of seltzer water. Well, that’s thwarted now. And I’ll be honest: I am bummed.

Collateral Damage, Too

Finally, while it did not happen directly to me, the transmission in one of my son’s cars just totally bit the dust on Monday, stranding my daughter in law on a busy highway. The cost to replace it is extremely high – and it is such a disappointment. The car was cool to drive and was pretty, too. Best of all, it was great on gas. It was a Chevy Volt.

Today we went looking for a replacement and didn’t we end up spending all our time running from one place to another completely wasting our time due to ‘miscommunication?!?!’ Two different times we were told that a used vehicle we were interested in was at the place we called. And both times, after traveling there personally to test-drive each one, we were told it had ‘just been sold.’

Wow!

So needless to say, I’m psyched that Mercury stations direct tomorrow (the 28th). By Friday Mercury will once again be appearing to move forward in the sky – and hopefully flow and harmony will be restored. I’m holding my breath.

(T-975)

Fasting as a Way of Being – Day 135

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Cloud reflections; Photo: L.Weikel

Fasting as a Way of Being

It never fails. I feel good, vibrant.

I fast on Mondays, not for any health reason per se, but mostly because Karl and I got in the habit of doing so 27 years ago.

I know there was a time – a couple of years, perhaps, although that seems too long – that we put a temporary hold on that discipline. I’m not even sure why now. It may have been the loss of Karl, but to be fair, I really can’t – and shouldn’t – blame every disruption in our lives since 2011 on him.

It’s Become Like Second Nature

Indeed, it may actually have been a decade ago that we fell off the wagon for a brief while. Something tells me it may have been sometime after I started working for the Women’s Law Project, which was in 2003. Sitting here, I find it weird how I cannot distinctly remember a time since 1992 when we didn’t fast on Mondays. It feels so second nature to do so.

But I know we did go back to eating every day for a time. And it didn’t suit us. We missed the feeling, the strength, the sense of discipline and inner power that comes from just giving your system a rest.

Some days are harder than others. I’d say 80% of the time I barely even remember I’m fasting. It’s as if my system not only expects to take a full rest at least once a day, every week, but also revels in it. But those 20% moments? Those occasional times when I find my thoughts relentlessly turning to food or urging me to contemplate in exquisite detail just how tart and refreshing a nice juicy apple would taste? Those are the days I am most happy with my decision to hang in there. It’s those days that bring my attention precisely to what I’m doing and why. That focus on my commitment.

Unbeknownst to My Clients

One thing I really like about working at Medicine in Balance is the fact that I see clients on Tuesdays.  As a general rule, I’ve made it part of my individual ritual to never drink alcohol the night before I see a client. That goes for anywhere, any time. If I know (or even suspect) I will be called upon to “do the Work,” as I call it, on any given day, I will take care and be discerning in what I ingest the day before.

But clients with whom I work on a Tuesday receive the added benefit of me not having eaten since Sunday evening. I honestly like it that way. It feels like a double-dose not only of commitment but also of clarity. Again, it always surprises me how clear and strong I feel while I’m fasting.

All that being said, sometimes in the evenings when I’ve broken my fast (like tonight), I find my eyes drooping and my body just wanting to fall asleep. And I ask myself, “Who am I to say no to my sweet body, which sustains me so well, day in and day out?”

So I go to bed.

Sleep well.

Prairie Dog flossing

And P.S.: Prairie Dog was underneath my pick yet again today. So I’m keeping this little guy in my thoughts.

(T-976)

Whale Comes Calling – Day 134

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Photo: www.pacificwhale.org

Whale Comes Calling

Man, I have just been having a time of it lately.

I think I’ve mentioned at least a couple of times lately that over the past two weeks or so, I’ve received some truly astonishing messages. And I’ve wanted to share them with you – but not until I’ve given myself an opportunity to reflect on them on my own.

I even vowed to devote some alone time over this past weekend to my desire to take a deep dive into the specifics of some of the more blatant pantomimes by the Universe, as well as some of the startling actual verbal messages I received. They all fit together more perfectly than anything I could have arranged or orchestrated for myself on my own.

Well, so much for that. As happens now and again, I’ve neglected my self and – worse – neglected my creative inspiration and joy. I’ve also perpetrated the greatest of sins: I’ve failed to walk my talk.

Alas, I’ve Been Talking the Talk

Yes, I’ve written about this before, the occasional lapse in journal entries.

I am relentless with my clients and loved ones, reminding them often to keep a journal, extolling the virtues of capturing the details of our daily lives on paper (or yes, I’ll settle for electronic writing at this point). So I get particularly irritated with myself when I allow days to go by without writing down my most exquisite experiences.

It’s one thing to miss a few days when we occasionally hit a patch of life that feels like we’re on the set of Groundhog Day. You know: those days that feel like they’re just repeats of every other day and don’t deserve any attention.

But I have to tell you: Spirit has been working overtime with me lately, so that cannot be my excuse! And I am beyond grateful for, well, all of it, especially when the messages or connections have come completely unexpectedly. Which makes it all the more important for me to honor what I’ve received by writing it down.

So, yeah. Sometimes it takes time to write this stuff down. Not in the sense of (looking at my non-existent wristwatch) giving myself half an hour in the middle of the day to write down the facts. No. That simply does not work.

Finding My Groove Takes Time

Hard as it is to describe, I need to settle into the groove of writing, especially when I want to touch the numinous. And that requires allowing myself to reconnect with the moments deeply enough to tap into the details as if I am writing the experience in the moment of living it.

It’s the same as when I’m writing chapters in my books. In order to get myself back to those places and the felt experience of living those moments, I need to afford myself time.

And time is what I’ve been giving everyone else lately. Not that I begrudge it; I don’t. But yikes…the very fact that I’m in this position writing about this (yet again) is because I’ve not heeded the messages. Ugh. Busted. Again.

Whale/Elk

So along comes Monday (today). I actually became distracted by needing to speak to someone on the phone and never got around to picking my Medicine Card for the day. Karl picked and I read his; but my pick got lost in the shuffle, so to speak.

When we both realized my lapse this evening as we tried to recall what I’d picked as we walked, I headed straight to the deck when we got home. I picked Whale with Elk underneath.

Suffice it to say, it didn’t take a sledgehammer to make me realize that Spirit was growing impatient with my dalliance. Whale in the Medicine Cards®is the Record Keeper. And Elk, of course, is Stamina, the one who continues onward, “having no other defense except his ability to go the distance, setting a pace that allow(s) him to utilize his stamina and energy to the fullest.”

“Elk medicine teaches that pacing yourself will increase your stamina.”

I’m getting a strong feeling that tomorrow circumstances will coalesce that will allow me to do just exactly what I need: Be the Record Keeper and pace myself. These connections and messages from Spirit and my son have been too precious not to accord them honor and appreciation.

I can only hope that by exposing my own lapses, each of you will forgive your own – and just pick up your pens or your keyboards tomorrow and join me tomorrow. Let’s excavate the magic together!

Elk in Oregon; Photo: L.Weikel

(T-977)

What Really Matters – Day 133

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Cabin Run; Photo: L.Weikel

Setting Precedent

I’m worried.

I think the worst thing about what’s unfolding before our eyes is our country’s adoption of an attitude of plain old not giving a shit.

We see it all over the place, and of course, the main sources are those who have the most stature and, sadly, are the most notorious in our culture.

The definition of notorious? – Adj., widely and unfavorably known. (Emphasis added)

It seems to me that we’re losing something huge when those to whom we accord great responsibility and respect act in ways that make it excruciatingly clear they don’t give a shit.

When the Notorious Set Precedent

When, for instance, they do not care whether they’re exposed as taking advantage of their stature to curry favor or monetary gain. Or are exposed as tax cheats. Or are exposed as flagrantly making money on stock trades made moment before passage of legislation they took part in crafting and passing. Or are shown over and over and over again to simply lie for the sake of lying (or seeing what they can get away with.) And I’m only scratching the surface.

We are slapped in the face, day in and day out, with examples of people gaming the system, or simply flipping the table on it, in big ways and small. Cheating is exposed every day. We are drowning in corruption. And the prevailing attitude? Who gives a shit? And ultimately, “Then I might as well get mine.”

Yes, I’ll admit it: I’m old school. I’ve been a follower of rules for most of my life. A ‘good girl,’ if you will. I basically respect law and order, and I place great respect in the founding documents of our country and the laws, rules, and regulations passed by our legislative bodies.

Society Functions Best With One Set of Basic Values and Rules

I’d say my perspective is primarily that society functions best when we share a basic respect for the fundamentals. When we feel that the rules (laws) exist to make life run smoothly and efficiently. That stoplights are at intersections for a reason. That society deems certain actions to be crimes because they harm the rest of us (whether it be one of us, as in an assault, or all of us, as in dumping toxic waste into streams in the dead of night).

My issue with the way our country seems to be headed right now (more so than at any other time since the early 20thcentury and the reign of the robber barons) is that there seem to be two sets of rules. The rules for most of us, and the rules for the rich and powerful.

And that’s where things really get dicey. Because as more and more people see that nothing really matters, nobody gives a shit, or rules are made for suckers, a precedent is set. As more people witness all the little cuts to our country’s moral and ethical and decent body day after day, the more likely it is they’ll decide they don’t need to be decent, follow the rules, or obey the laws, either. And that’s when anarchy sets in.

No Lack of Enforcers

Oh yeah, we can take solace in the fact that there will always be police (probably more and more) and other ‘enforcers’ to go after those who do not have the money or power to fight for their innocence. Yippie. We’ve seen enough of that skewed justice lately to make us all lose faith in our system. And when more and more people stop giving a shit? There won’t be enough police or enforcers to take care of all that’s going to go down.

Just taking a walk today (picking up two grocery bags’ worth of garbage along the way, thank you everyone for coming out to enjoy High Rocks State Park – we love to pick up your fast food wrappers, cigarette butts, empty soda cans and beer bottles – so nice of you to come out to the country to enjoy Mother Nature and then effectively take a dump out your car window), we witnessed lots and lots of people just doing whatever they want. This vehicle, for instance:

Seriously. This was only one of many vehicles illegally parked directly, flagrantly, underneath signs that state in big bold letters: NO PARKING ANY TIME. (There was yet another identical sign posted right in front of the truck.) The main reason for the prohibition of parking on this single lane dirt road is because people fall at High Rocks. Often. Accidents happen. Emergency vehicles need to be able to get through, to get near enough to rescue people.

Why Should Anyone Follow the Rules?

But hey. Who cares? Who cares if something happens while you’re deep in the woods and no one can get around your truck? Nobody gives a shit. Rules are made for suckers. It’s ok. Steal a movie off the internet. Cop a feel at a bar. Go to a sex club where 13 year old girls are passed around. Everybody does it. (At least, the rich and powerful do it.)  It’s OK. You won’t pay a price. In fact, it will get swept under the rug. Nothing matters.

These are the lessons and attitudes flooding our collective consciousness every day. I fear we’re becoming numb to it. To the outrageous and blatant disregard for basic decency, fair play, and respect for others.

We Need to Be the Ones Who Care

Yes. I am worried. The examples being set are impacting all of us – but especially our youth.

And yet, in spite of it all, I refuse to believe that integrity and honor are dead. I refuse to believe that doing the right thing when no one is looking is stupid. Or for suckers. Or a lost, outmoded way of being in the world.

Integrity matters. Honor matters. Caring and respect and right actions matter.

We matter. We need to stand for what we know is right. We need to give a shit.

(T-978)

Aunt Grace’s Cake – Day 132

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Aunt Grace’s Cake

I’m a woman of my word. I promised my “# 2”* son that this weekend I would bake him the cake that was the traditional birthday cake in our household when I was growing up. Even though his birthday was this past Tuesday, and I made him Carol’s Chocolate Cake last weekend.

It took longer than I expected to make it today. I’m not sure why – maybe I’m just operating in a slow motion fugue state?

Fugue State!

I can vouch for the fact that I am feeling the effects of eating  it. Wow, talk about fugue states. I. Am. There.

These two cakes are very different. The walnut torte (aka Aunt Grace’s Cake) has no flour. Only a dozen eggs, a pound of powdered sugar, a pound of walnuts and a few other things. Even the icing has eggs in it. Not to mention three large chocolate bars (melted) and another pound of powdered sugar.

Goodness. Just reciting the basic ingredients pushes me into that fugue state I mentioned above.

The chocolate cake has flour, sugar, cocoa, butter… and coffee.

Needless to say, indulging in both of these within the span of five or six days is a shock to my system! It’s a stretch to keep my eyes open.

Oh – and yet again, I picked Prairie Dog today. Unbelievable.

As much as I love making favorite dishes (or baked goods) (or whatever) for the people I love, and as much as I love the shamanic work I do, working on those things is not indulging in the “Lisa time” I vowed to engage in today. Nope.

Still Owe Myself Some Serious Alone Time

I still have not written down all the cool experiences of the past couple weeks. I must do that. It is crucial that I not let even one more day go by without writing those experiences down.

Tomorrow. I feel cautiously optimistic that tomorrow will be my day. (And if I choose Prairie Dog again…I’m not going to admit it.)  Of course, that’s not true.

By the decimation of the cake shown in the photo below, I clearly should not have bestowed cake cutting and distribution responsibilities to the honored recipient of said cake. The pieces were too gigantic. I cannot believe we ate half the cake. That borders on gross. No, it crossed the line.

Time for bed.

 

Half eaten; Photo: L. Weikel

 

*I know you’re all wondering if “# 2” son means he’s my second favorite son (which, all things considered, wouldn’t be terrible) or if he’s simply the second of my three sons. Meaning the middle child. Which has its own special place in all mothers’ hearts. Sort of. If we remember.

(T-980)

Not a Power Post – Day 131

Posted on by Lisa Weikel Leave a comment
Sleeping Beauties – Photo: L.Weikel

Not a Power Post

OK, I’ll admit it. I am super tired.

I ended up squeezing in about 2.5 hours of sleep last night. Got my beloved to the airport in jig time (only to have his flight delayed for four hours, including having to switch planes). Yikes!  His delay, however, did not provide any respite for me – and as a result, I have not stopped moving forward, either working or meeting with people, since then.

And that includes right up to this very moment, since until I started writing this post, I was trying to get a follow up to my client written while it was still fresh in my mind.

A Nagging Thought

While I was doing that, I felt this nagging sense at the back of my mind – as if I should be doing something else. And then it dawned on me: I have to get this written early tonight! I won’t be here at my usual ‘muse-time!’

Needless to say, while I would not characterize writing this post as ‘work,’ I would emphasize that my 1111 Devotion is an Act of Power, as well as a visible expression of my love for and memory of Karl. So, it’s beyond ‘work.’ It’s ‘love’ – making the writing of it all the more non-negotiable.

Sacred Space Shifts Everything

I did have an amazing session, though. What a gift it is to do shamanic work. And what’s really cool for me to have experienced first hand (yet again) is how creating Sacred Space shifts everything.

Yes, I was tired. But once Sacred Space was opened, I forgot all about myself. Indeed, the room was filled with such a sense of excitement and anticipation for the breakthrough that eventually occurred that I did not even once think about anything other than the person I was with and the confluence of events that brought them to work with me in that moment.

All of which makes me think about the series of truly astounding experiences I’ve had (and messages I’ve received) over the past 10 days or so. I want to share them with you, but I know I must digest them first within my own self.

I’m hoping I will get some time this weekend to do just that.

Agenda: Baking and Reflecting

Ah yes, I seek time to reflect upon my recent experiences and give myself the space and freedom to chart where they may be leading me next. Other than baking the walnut torte (a/k/a “Aunt Grace’s Cake”) I promised my son I’d make this weekend, I want to point the Eye of Sauron on myself.

(Hey, I know how some people, mostly my own family members, feel when I give them the look and demand they really dig into their feelings, motivations, fears, and aspirations. It’s only fair I direct that no-bullshit gaze on myself occasionally.)

So there you have it, my agenda for this first weekend of spring: Me time.

Needless to say, this will only happen if I get a long, delicious night’s sleep. That’s also in the plan.

(T-980)

Prairie Dog Squared – Day 130

Posted on by Lisa Weikel Leave a comment

 

Prairie Dog Squared!          

It’s been a long time since I subjected you to hearing about one of my ‘picks’ on my day, so it seems timely to share my Prairie Dog squared* that showed up this morning. It’s timely because I need to get up at the pre-crack of dawn tomorrow to make an airport run, and I’m feeling a need to heed it.

Yeah. The alarm is set for 3:30 (hmmm, let’s see, that’s three hours and fifteen minutes from now…) so I can get out of here by 4:00 a.m. Yippee!

I’m making my Prairie Dog pick my topic this evening because I really think I was being told this morning that it would be in my best interests to write a brief post this evening, so I can at least get three hours’ worth of sleep.

Time to Rest! Time for Bed!

Why might I think that? Prairie Dog’s message for me this evening is contained within the first two stanzas of its introductory poem:

“Prairie Dog…calls me / when it’s time to rest (…)”

It goes further when it states later on:

“If Prairie Dog has surfaced in your cards today, it may be a warning that your body’s fuel gauge is running low. (…) Take a much needed break before you crash and burn.”

I know I’m talking to kindred spirits when I quote these words. I have a feeling more than half of you are saying, “Yeah, if I picked Medicine Cards, I bet I’d choose Prairie Dog too.”

An Honorary ‘Pick-Share’

So here you go: I officially bestow upon any and all of you who are not choosing cards for yourselves each day (and no, I will not go down the road of, “Why aren’t you? You’re life would be so much richer!”) an honorary ‘share’ in my Prairie Dog squared pick.

Just remember though: Prairie Dog’s key word is “Retreat,” so by accepting this honorary pick-share, you’re subconsciously agreeing to come to one of my retreats when I finally get some scheduled. Although I guess by stating it up front, it wouldn’t be subconscious. Hmm.

Naaaah, I would never coerce anyone to come to one of my retreats. But if you haven’t attended one, I have to tell you: you don’t know what you’re missing.

(Wow – I did not intend to go down the road of self-promotion!)

But seriously? By accepting this honorary share, it is helpful to really take this in and contemplate it:

“Praire Dog medicine teaches that strength and inspiration can be found by retreating into the stillness that quiets the mind. The strength of this medicine is also knowing when and how to replenish your life force.”

My wish for each and every one of you, regardless of whether you’re choosing Medicine Cards, or utilizing any other daily devotional or soul-nourishing tool, is a day of retreat. A day of rest and respite from the frenzied energies that seem to surround us more and more. Even if the best you can muster in the moment is a quick thought and an internal chuckle at how adorable these little creatures are.

Canary In the Coal Mine?

Be gentle with yourselves, my friends.

I sometimes wonder if I am a canary in the coal mine. If I am, then I take my job seriously. Consider yourselves encouraged and gently urged to take some time to just be still today. Maybe take some time this weekend to get some extra sleep. Read a book. Take a walk near the woods and listen for the peepers.

Spring has arrived. Our sap is starting to run. Let’s not burn out before we even begin.

(I’ll think of you in three hours…)

*As you’ll recall, picking a card and saying it’s squared, or should be accorded extra special attention, is achieved by having a blank card on the bottom of the deck.

medium.com

(T-981)