Author: Shekhina

Etymology of Our Thoughts

Author Shekhina | Posted on

Uplifting verses downlifting…. our thoughts can lift us up or they can be a downer. Sometimes negative thoughts come out of nowhere, or so it seems. Usually they come from our past and creep up into the present moment when we least expect them. They are the patterns we inherited from our upbringing and our societies. These negative thoughts are so deeply hidden we often don’t even realize they are there.

There is the study of etymology – where our words orginate and how they change throughout history. This is the same with our thoughts. Every thought we have originates from a place in our history, and the history of our ancestors. Our thoughts carry the belief systems of who we are as individuals and as a culture. The first opportunity to catch the little creepy crawlers of negative thoughts, is to notice how you are feeling while thinking or saying them. If you don’t feel good inside or loving to yourself or another – stop in that moment to catch the little yukky bugs!

If I take the thought that “life is a struggle and I have to work hard for what I get” this thought originates from my parents. This thought makes me feel depleted. My parents have worked hard in the car factories to create the US cars that we drive. Every day was hard work to create the life they had for us kids. I grew up with this thought of struggle and hard work, but my life is not theirs. Once I have caught this thought of struggle and become aware of it – I have created a possibility to choose a new thought.

This is a huge opportunity for me to create a beginning of a new belief system by choosing a new thought, one thought at a time. This will create a new belief which becomes a new life I am creating consciously! I can choose to say that life is easily bringing me new solutions on making more money and abundance than ever before. I can see a new options opening for me as I look for them, and as I connect with new people also seeking upliftment in manifesting their lives of abundance and love with grace and ease.

This is my new prayer mantra to work with creating a new life and existence for myself. I always place “with Grace and Ease” after every prayer. This is a way of constantly reminding me of this new possibility. Our old patterns of thinking are like sticky train tracks that are well worn and we feel comfortable in them. To create a new train track without really knowing it, can be scary and feel uncomfortable. We can open to the healing of ourselves in the inbetween. There are new green grasses between the tracks and it poses new things to address when starting a new train of thought.

Dress up your new locomotive with flowers, a sense of humor, post it notes on your computer, refrigerator magnets with affirmations, and prayers asking that these new loving thoughts of abundance, grace and ease come into our lives today. That we laugh at ourselves and remember it is a one thought at a time that we change our beliefs about ourselves and our lives. To have patience with ourselves as we forget and remember to catch the thoughts that do not serve our highest good.

My all time favorite that I will share with you is – Dear Universe of Love and Light, ya know, I can use a miracle today ~ just give me somethin’ here to lift me up to see the goodness in myself and shift these old yukky bug voices out of my head. Universe you can just pluck them out and throw them away for me! Fill me with love and joy ~ Give me some lovin’ here! Gimme the good lovin’ here! I am ready!

Ritual on Mount Tamalpias

Author Shekhina | Posted on

I wake up and it is raining outside my window, it is 11-11-11 and I am planning a ritual with my shaman sister on Mount Tam today. We don’t even question being there regardless of the rain. We drive over contemplating how big this day is.

We forge ahead on the windy road to get to the top of the Mountain weaving through the mists between the veils of worlds within worlds. We are going to a special altar that I started on the mountain many years ago. It is on a peak overlooking the entire bay with a view of Marin, San Francisco, and the California Coastline that reveals the massive blue ocean. The view is breathtaking as we start to hike to the special altar site.

We hike to an incredible green serpentine rock bed. It is like a green heart chakra on the way to rest and we ask this place if we can take some of the special green stones as an offering for the altar when we get there. The wind says yes and gets stronger as we approach – the Spirits have stopped the rain so we can create our ritual with them. They know we are coming and I can feel so much energy as I tell my shaman sister that people all over the world are gathering on this exact day on 11-11-11. We are all connected in a web of loving energetics as today is all about alignment to the oneness of all.

We hike to the peak and there is a beautiful surprise where other sisters, who I do not know, have placed on the altar fresh daisies, apples, crimson pomegranates and golden persimmons. They must have come for the full moon the day before to have ceremony here. I feel overjoyed for the love of others at this holy site honoring the Mother Earth.

We place our special serpentine stones amongst the flowers adding to this amazing altar to the Mother. My sister and I begin to drum and sing to the four directions of Air, Water, Fire, Earth and Center for this day of alignment which has already begun so magically. I open my Heart to the Mother Earth on Mount Tamalpias today, I kiss Her serpentine stones and pray to the Ocean and Her waves dance with me. I drum to the Heart Beat of the Sun. The Ravens fly above and play with us ~ how wonderful to be alive on this day.

We open our arms and sing for the Healing of the Earth, for the peoples of this land and all Her creatures. We sing for the love of all in connection to the Universe. I see so many Ravens dancing with us as our arms are raised to the sky, the winds now so strong we are barely able to stand. Hair flying in the wild gusts, the Ravens laugh at us and we share our love for them. I peek at my watch to see it is just 11:11 on 11-11-11. I stop drumming and we expand our hearts to connect with this amazing moment as everything is as it always really is – connected and all ONE!

We are one with the All That Is! Mother Earth and Bright Sun ~ Mysterious Moon, Stars Above, Exquisite Light, WE ARE ONE ~ Blessed Be! I am so full of Love. I am so full of Love. Thank you Great Spirit!

Redwood Tree Blessings

Author Shekhina | Posted on
Redwood Tree Blessings

The Redwood Tree is a magical tree for me. It is a tall old and wise sage that knows the secrets of the Earth Herself. They stand as some of the oldest trees on the planet and only grow on the California coastline. Redwood trees are ancient giants, the tallest living beings on the Earth, reaching heights of up to 360 feet.

Redwoods are also known for their longevity, typically 500 – 1000 years, but sometimes more than 2000 years. I feel very fortunate to be with these ancient ones of this land. The Redwoods are community trees because they grow in a circle with one another. Their roots are all intertwined and they speak to one another this way like a family that they are.

I have great respect and love for them. I am in awe of them. I go to Muir woods and I walk into the heart of one of  the Redwoods where it has been burned away from a long ago fire. The Redwoods insides are still charred black having been greatly wounded still survives as a grand statement of strength and courage. I walk into the heart of this burned out hearth and I feel a whoosh of energy flowing up to the sky ~ this is the energy of her heart moving from earth to sun above, this is the energy of us all, and our hearth is our hearts.

These great teachers are here to open their secrets only to those who wish to lovingly touch the red earthen colored bark, its furry textures soft and generous. I have come to the old grove to seek out a fallen branch to use in ceremonial power stick making. I lead a group of woman learning the ways of shamanism. We seek out the redwood branch as the power stick to create our connection to Spirit. Amongst the branches on the ground around this big redwood, I find the perfect one.

I pick up the branch and walk to the big Redwood and ask its permission to use this wonderful branch from its body. I explain I am leading strong women in the ways of shamanism and we wish to use your powerful energy in the making of our power sticks. The Redwood answers as I look up tilting my head back so far my chin is straight up, this is the height of this wondrous tree. I can see the sun shining though its top branches streaming into my eyes. I feel an answer  “yes child this is a good opening for the women to see my strength in themselves”. I wrap my arms trying to reach its wide berth barely making it one fifth way around. I hug this ancient one and thank it with love as my chest presses into its reddish body. “Thank you Oh Great One”. I say out loud.

Later in my dreams this night, I see myself at the Redwood only it is talking to me! It tells me, “No one ever in my many years has ever touched me and spoke to me like you have. I am very happy and surprised to be seen and honored. This is a sign that the times are changing that the human kind are awakening. They are awakening to see we are all alive as they are, and can be seen as they are”. The Redwood tells me it has shared this sign happily with the other trees. It shares my love, blessings and gratitude to the Spirit of the Redwood.

Butterfly Kisses

Author Shekhina | Posted on

I follow the path into the city park and I find the perfect spot to lie down on my pink Mexican blanket in the long green grasses. I look up to the blue sky and pray to the trees shifting to the rhythm of the breeze. I pray to the trees asking for help to find my inner spark. I explain to the trees I have felt empty inside and a little lost I admit to them. They bend and sway with the winds taking this in.

An orange spotted butterfly decides to join me on my pink blanket. She sits on the edge of the woven blanket waiting for a proper invitation. She seems to have been tossed about quite a bit by the blowing winds. I speak to her like a friend visiting me. I tell her it is nice to have her visit. She flutters up and lands on my arm and we just stay this way for quite awhile and nap in the sun together. I wake feeling something soft touching my nose and it is her kissing the tip of my nose!

I jump up surprised and open my hand to her and she decides to land in the center of my palm. I look closely to see she has battered wings and I tell her, you are a little worn by life but look, your sleek orange and black colors are still beautiful. I tell her that I also feel like her, a little tattered around my edges, but still beautiful too. Looking at this precious butterfly in my hand I feel all at once a part of the spirit of nature.

I have so much gratitude for the tender love of this butterfly, this precious moment, and myself for opening to prayer. For my prayers have been answered by this creature of the Earth itself. My spark is really being with the oneness of each moment. This is how the gentle sparks are revealed to me…. butterfly kisses on my nose.

We Are The One’s We Have Been Waiting For

Author Shekhina | Posted on

By Elder of the Hopi Nation

You have been telling the people,
That this is the eleventh hour.
Now, you must go and tell the people,
That THIS is the hour,
And there are things to be considered.
Where are you living? What are you doing?
What are your relationships?
Are you in the right relationship?
Where is your water?

Know your garden …
It is time to speak your truth.
Create your community,
Be good to each other.

Do not look outside yourself for a leader.
There is a river flowing now very fast,
It is so great and swift.
That there are those who will be afraid,
They will try to hold onto the shore.
They will feel they are being pulled apart,

And will suffer greatly.
Understand that the river knows its’ destination,
The elders say we must let go of the shore.
Push off into the middle of the river,

Keep our eyes open and our heads above water.
And I say; see who is in there with you,

Hold fast to them and celebrate!
At this time in history,
We are to take nothing personally.
Least of all, ourselves!
For the moment we do,
Our spiritual growth and journey comes to an end.

The time of the Lone Wolf is over!
Gather yourselves!
Banish the word ‘struggle’ from Your attitude and vocabulary.
All that we do now must be done,

In a sacred manner and in celebration.
We are all about to go on a journey,

We are the one’s we have been waiting for!

All Hallows Eve

Author Shekhina | Posted on

All Hallows Eve is a time of honoring all who have passed on to the other side. It is when the veils between the worlds are thinnest and we can lovingly connect to our beloved ones who have shifted over to the spirit realms.

Our Ancestors are the ones who have brought us to be here today. We can acknowledge them in many ways. We can create an Ancestor Altar with all of their pictures to see them. To let them know they live on with us and that we love them. We create an opportunity to speak with them and pray for healing for them, or just say hello and share our love.

Sharing an Ancestor spirit supper with them is also a great way to be together. This evening whatever you are making for dinner, create a special spirit plate for them. Set a place at the table for the ones you love. Share the loving food you have prepared to let them know they are always welcome at your table.

My Oma who passed over this year, I set a plate for you at my table. I love you and miss you. I will make this evening your favorite german food of bratwurst and sauerkraut! I know you like the rotkohl (red cabbage) as well. I will honor you Oma and eat my supper with you. I will place your photo on my altar and speak with you to ask you how you are doing. I will play your favorite waltz music the Blue Danube waltz that you like by Johann Strauss. We danced this together many times, remember Oma?

I still dance with you the waltz and remember your wicked sense of humor, and the sometimes dramatic way you did things. I remember your sneaky playfullness and how you hated to be called Oma because it made you feel old. You had us call you by your first name Marie because this was more youthful! I remember your love for me even when it was hard for you to show it sometimes. I honor you Oma and you live on within me. I have gratitude for all you have shared with me.

Faery Forest in the Night

Author Shekhina | Posted on
Faery Forest in the Night

I gaze towards the earth where I walk and I see within the grasses white tiny daisies like stars in the sky ~ and so the faeries show me the daisies really are the stars! Worlds within worlds when we see with our second sight, between the veils of what magic truly is.

The Faery who lives in the swishy poplar trees way up high says, “Hello” to me. Her dress is made of yellow light with an orange flower in her hair ~ she tells me to never forget the faeries are here to help us weave the stories of our lives. Let us begin with a night like tonight where twilight is and stars shine. The mystery of how the night life is for the faeries ~ come and see, says she, and off I go. Down the path that weaves left to right, I am in a slight trance by the crickets who sing.

They know just what to do to tempt me to walk deeper into the faery forest. I feel a shifting in the air itself, a crisp evergreen smell from the trees as the mists lay upon the branches. The needles twinkle with the moonlight reflections. I see the moon betwixt the clouds only when she wishes to show her crescent fingers that point me the way. I feel warmer as I walk and hear voices whisper. They do not frighten me as I have my special talisman around my neck to chase the bad spirits away. It is made of purple, green, and grey ~ labradorite. It shines in the moon. It is a favorite of the faeries. The labradorite is translucent with many layers inside like the many worlds of the fey.

I remember now why I have come: to meet the Faery Queen. She knows I am coming because I told her in a dream, this is how the faeries are, they speak from many places but, the humans need the second sight to see and the magic to hear them dance. So not knowing really where I go, I trust my senses and my heart for my mission is true. I have come to change the contracts of this life. There are many lives and this one has reached the time to recreate new contracts with my soul. For this I need to see the Faery Queen.

I am told by a bright sylph to blink my eyes three times and then open slowly and I do. There is a small cavern beneath the great oak tree before me. I duck and enter this place where the smell is of earthen mushrooms and dampness. There are little gnomes pushing chairs here and there to make room for me. They are not taking kindly to my size. I try and apologize. They hush me like a foolish child and one in red trousers waves a small hand to sit on the ground they swept for me. There are many brown bark roots twisting on the ceiling and I am asked not to touch!

There is faery protocol and I am instructed by a small elf who attends the Queen of the Fey. He lets me know I need 3 things to present to Her when She arrives. First, I must give Her an eye lash freshly plucked, this eyelash carries everything I have ever seen in my whole lifetime. Secondly, she will want to know my heart is true. I will need to tell her a secret that has never been heard by anyone. Thirdly the elf tells me, she will need to know your love for Her. She will want you to give Her one of your heart beats. I tell the elf who is very serious now, that I am not sure how to give a heart beat because I have never done this before. This is the riddle he tells me! Only those who can find the beat of their heart to give, may then have entry to speak with the Faery Queen.

Ha! I say to the elf now sitting on my left ear, I know just how to do this! But I won’t say ~ I ask you who reads this story ~ do tell me how you would offer a beat of your heart to the Queen of the Faeries?

The Golden Screen Door

Author Shekhina | Posted on

The open heart is the key to everything on the spiritual path. Sometimes I feel at a loss at how to keep my heart cracked open when I feel the outside world not so loving towards me. I feel like an old oak wood door that I try to prop open with a door jam and a sign that says “Keep Open!”. But, how do I keep protected so that not just anyone comes in this beautiful open oak wood door of my heart? How can I protect my heart? I add this to my prayer list today, I often have a list…..

Dear Great Spirit, how is it that I can stay open to love and not get knocked over by the one who is not so loving? I ask you Great Spirit in this prayer to show me or tell me what is the secret to this complication of relationship? How do I keep my heart open to the ones I love when they sometimes say hurtful things that throw me into a spin of sadness or pain?

I suddenly hear from Great Spirit that we are all doing the best we can and we are all wounded in some way. To have compassion for all, means to know this. Great Spirit says, also remember that your brown oak door can have a golden screen door too! A strong screen door that keeps the bugs out and all that does not serve your highest good.

I visualize and create this screen door with gold mesh that keeps out the words that are not so nice. I can stop them from entering through the door of my heart. When the words that are not loving come flying towards the screen they hit the gold mesh and come tumbling down onto the ground like brown leaves falling to the earth. The loving wind comes by and sweeps the words away.

I am reminded by Great Spirit that I am strong and willful. I create this self loving protection screen to be able to keep my lovely oak door safe and open. I am thrilled about the golden screen door and complete my prayers with a thank you to Great Spirit for my divine screen made of light so that love may enter my heart and keep out all that does not serve my highest good. Thank you for showing me that I can protect myself and keep an open heart all at the same time.

I see a beautiful green ivy wrapping all around my oak door. The ivy gently twines all around my heart caressing beautiful verdant vines of Mother Earths love for me. Thank you Mother Earth and Great Spirit.

Sunrise Orange Meditation

Author Shekhina | Posted on

Streams of sun honey waves of light move through the ethers and find a resting place upon my eyelids this morning. My sunrise meditation begins with gratitude for being here in my warm bed to receive this love from the star to this earth, our sun. I feel this as a beginning moment of my day, but also the beginning moment of all life on this earth. The sun rises as it has since the beginning of time.

I gently open my eyes to see the beauty of pink, orange misty rose and I breath this into my heart to fill myself up. How nice to feel the ease of love in this moment of connection to the fire in the sky that feeds my soul.

How can I keep this feeling throughout my day while living in a city with dogs barking and sirens howling? What a challenge to keep this moment alive within me. I ask out loud to the sun, ” How can I have this beautiful moment throughout my day?” The answer comes right away – When you close your eyes now what do you see? When I do this I see a golden ball of the sun shining inside my eyelids!

The sunlight is inside of you, all of creation is inside of you little one! You are a part of All That Is. The innocence of your open heart allows you to be inside of the love that is you. This innocence is your connection to your soul within and it is the sun outside as well!

The sun continues to share with me, there is a web of light that is created by the sun and all the stars. Your soul also is a little star of light in existence. We are all a part of the big web of gossamer threads. We are all a part of this creation energy, little one of light.

We are in a universe that is a quantum field where there are many ways you choose to work with your threads of light. You have the free choice of your day little one. Every thought starts a new path of light to create your day. When you live in a city you have many weavers of many paths of light that are chosen.

When you keep your clear vision of the sunlight in your heart that you have seen this morning, of loving kindness to yourself, this is what guides your day. Your thoughts, your streams of light create your experience in the field of possibilities. This is the gift of creation energy!

I remember the sun that shines always even when I cannot see it at night time. I open to the sun that is in the sky and the sunlight that is inside of me throughout this day. I feel the orange rosy pink light in my heart and I am glad.

Love ~

Author Shekhina | Posted on

I marvel at love because it reveals itself in so many creative ways. I see the love in the sun when it rises in pinks and oranges to kiss my face every morning. The precious, sweet hummingbird that flies and stops in front me to say hello in the forest.

I am in awe by the ancient sequoia redwood as I open and wrap my arms around its thick earth red trunk. Old sequoias send their loving strength throughout the California Coastline reminding us that time is a much bigger expansiveness as love truly is.

I marvel at love when it shows itself in a mother tenderly holding her child with such caressing hands. Or the person who smiles at me on a busy day walking up a steep hill in San Francisco sharing the knowing of the work it takes to make it all the way up!

I marvel at the love between two lovers who know all their deepest secrets and yet there is always more to uncover as we open our hearts to one another. Love is a place of discovery and rediscovery. Just when we think we know someone, love will create a new surprise, a gift of learning.

Learning how to keep our hearts open is the quest for all of us and a beautiful one to embark upon. It is a constant choosing to love when life brings its challenges and things we did not necessarily seek, but yet, choosing to love ourselves and our Beloved is all of the journey.

Love is a yielding, a deep surrender to the preciousness of each other. When we are vulnerable, sad, angry, happy or in joy and we let go of our expectations we see into the depth of each others eyes, to the sweet soul, and we see the truth of love within each other. This is a gift, the most important gift we will ever be able to offer or receive from one another. Ecstasy is in all of this!