Until next time I wish you Peace and Joy In Your Hearts and Abundance In~All~ Ways!

This month's choice is:

The Way We Pray

Prayer Practices from Around the World
By
Maggie Oman Shannon

A couple of years ago at the persistence of my youngest daughter Mihai, (age Eight) wanting to buy a gift for each person in our family for Christmas, we started the tradition of taking her and her niece (my granddaughter) Sammy, (age Seven) to the Dollar Store to shop for each of us. The first year, it was beyond cute how they, armed with their list, went from aisle to aisle looking for the perfect gifts for everyone. They were so excited to be “giving” as well as receiving on Christmas morning! This year they seemed to be even more excited about it, making their lists early and really putting some thought into what each of us might need or want. My reason for sharing this, is this months choice for the What We’re Reading Article.

This Book, The Way We Pray, was my Christmas gift from my Granddaughter Sammy. I’ve never looked for a book at the dollar store, although I have seen that they have them. I’ve written before how books just seem to come to me in the most unusual way, and how they turn out to be what I want to talk about for any particular month. In early December I had purchased a Prayer book by Marianne Williamson that I had planned on writing about, after opening The Way We Pray and reading the first couple of chapters, I knew that the one I bought would have to wait for a later article. So, Thank You Sammy, for this month’s choice!

I think that we all yearn to feel a spiritual connection with a higher power, what I like about this book is that it gives insight into fifty prayer practices from around the world, creating the perfect resource for your own spiritual exploration. Among the practices described in the book are walking a labyrinth, writing in a gratitude journal, displaying prayer flags, reading sacred scriptures, listening to the resonant sounds of a prayer bowl, fasting, writing haiku, and chanting. As you read through the history of each you become aware of the diversity of the various practices, how each one has it’s own holy dimension. If we can embrace that holy dimension, we can truly begin to heal the separateness. … Ultimately, all paths lead to the Divine. All God’s are One God. There is specialness in ritual and ceremony when we pray but I don’t think there is a “right” or a “wrong” way to pray. As the saying goes … if the only Prayer you ever say is Thank You…that will suffice.

Though the practice of Ikebana, the highly disciplined Japanese form of flower arranging, may not be associated immediately with prayer, there are reasons why we might make such an association. According to Okakura Kakuzo, author of The Book of Tea, “Our legends ascribe the first flower arrangement to those early Buddhist saints who gathered the flowers strewn by the storm and, in their infinite solicitude for all living things, placed them in vessels of water.”
Other scholars concur that ikebana – which means “arranging flowers” in Japanese – has spiritual roots, pointing out that in the sixth century, ritual flower offerings began to be performed in Buddhist temples. An important component of the arrangement was the positioning of its elements: both the flowers and the branches used were deliberately pointed upward to indicate the arranger’s faith.

It is believed that ikebana was inspired after a Japanese man named Ono no Imoko traveled to China in the sixth century, later returning to Japan to become an abbot. During his travels, he had been introduced to the practice of arranging flowers as a religious offering, and he continued the practice even after he retired. There are a number of schools representing different forms of ikebana; the oldest of them is said to have developed from Imoko’s practice. Zen Buddhism and its symbolism remain a strong influence on the practice of ikebana; all arrangements are constructed with elements that represent heaven, earth, and humankind. A mindful arrangement brings these three components together when a human takes the flowers from the earth to represent the qualities of heaven. It is pointed out that, “There is nothing like a prayer form that is dependent on elements that will soon wither and die to reinforce the concept of – and practice of – non-attachment. The very fact that flowers do not last is what makes arranging and viewing them special. Beauty is in the moment, and realization of its fleeting nature is what encourages us to live every instant completely, with our whole minds and bodies.

Whether one follows a particular school of ikebana as a spiritual discipline, or simply decides to view flower arranging as a visual form of prayer, there are many metaphorical associations that will enrich our practice. After all, the lotus is the symbol of spiritual unfoldment in the Buddhist tradition, just as the rose is spiritually significant in the Christian tradition. Luther Burbank wrote, “There is no other door to knowledge than the door nature opens; there is no other truth except the truths we discover in nature.”

Here are suggestions for beginning the Exploration:

What flowers are you drawn to – what flowers represent the spiritual life for you? Begin by placing these on your alter or in the place where you pray and meditate.

Try expressing different attributes of the Divine through flower arrangement. What would majesty look like? What blossoms would you use to depict mercy? Compassion?

The Language of Flowers is a classic little book that explains the folkloric meaning behind flowers – for instance, rosemary signifies remembrance. Being mindful of the meanings of flowers can add another dimension of significance to The Way of the Flower when using it as a prayer practice.

Catherine of Siena wrote, “Perfect prayer is achieved not with many words but with loving desire… Everything you do can be a prayer.” It’s not important “how” you pray … but that you take the time each day to connect to the divine in some way, maybe by reading this book there will be one practice that will speak to you and forever enrich your life for the better.

The Laws of Spirit

By Dan Millman

“There is a Mystery that many call God,

manifesting as Universal Love,

a set of Laws,

and a Great Process.

That Process works through

each and all of us,

and that Process is perfect.

As we discover this fundamental truth

in the journey of our lives,

We find that wherever we step,

the path appears beneath our feet.”

 

Within the mystery of our existence,

the universe operates according to the spiritual laws

as real as the law of gravity

and as constant as the turning of our beautiful planet.

As we align our lives to these laws

we can transform our relationships,

finances, careers and health.

Simply put, they make life work better.

 

This gem of a book has been given to me as a gift three times, and in turn I have passed it on many times. It’s a short afternoon read, only 109 pages and yet it is on my “Must Read” list! The author offers us a teaching tale in which he encounters a woman of great wisdom while on a mountain hike. In a single weekend in the wilderness, this sage takes him and us through experiences and tests that demonstrate the power of spiritual laws as they pertain to everyday life.

 

“If I met my Higher Self

in the mountains,

in the form of a wise being,

what would that being teach me?”

 

Each of the following are covered in more detail as the sage takes Dan on this weekend journey.

 

The Law of Balance

Finding the Middle Way

 

“If gravity is the glue

that holds the universe together,

balance is the key

that unlocks its secrets.  

Balance applies to our body,

mind, and emotions,

to all levels of our being. 

It reminds us that anything we do,

we can overdo or underdo. 

And that if the pendulum  of our lives or habits swing too far to one side,

it will inevitably swing

to the other.”

 

The Law of Choices

Reclaiming Our Power

 

“We are both burdened and blessed

by the great responsibility of free will . . .

the power of choice.

Our future is determined, in large part,

by the choices me make now. 

We cannot always control our circumstances, but we can and do

choose our response to whatever arises.  Reclaiming the power of choice, we find the courage to live fully in the world.”

 

The Law of Process

Taking Life Step By Step

 

“Process transforms any journey

into a series of small steps,

taken one by one,

to reach any goal.

Process transcends time,

teaches patience,

rests on a solid foundation

of careful preparation,

and embodies trust

in our unfolding potential.”

 

The Law Of Presence

Living In The Moment

 

“Time is a paradox,

stretching between a “past” and “future”

that have no reality

except in our own minds.

The idea of time

is a convention of thought and language,

a social agreement.

Here is the deeper truth:

We have only this moment.”

 

The Law Of Compassion

Awakening Our Humanity

 

“The universe does not judge us;

it only provides consequences and lessons

and opportunities to balance and learn

through the law of cause and effect.

Compassion is the recognition that

we are each doing the best we can

within the limits

of our current beliefs and capacities.”

 

The Law Of Faith

Trusting In Spirit

 

“Faith is our direct link to universal wisdom,

reminding us that we know more

than we have heard or read or studied..

that we have only to look, listen,

and trust the love and wisdom

of the Universal Spirit

working through us all.”

 

The Law Of Expectation

Expanding Our Reality

 

“Energy follows thought;

we move toward, but not beyond,

what we can imagine.

What we assume, expect, or believe

creates and colors our experience.

By expanding our deepest beliefs

about what is possible,

we change our experience of life.”

 

The Law of Integrity

Living Our Truth

 

“Integrity means living and acting

in alignment with spiritual law

and with our highest vision,

despite impulses to the contrary,

we recognize, accept, and express

our authentic interior reality,

inspiring others not with words,

but by our example.”

 

The Law Of Action

Moving Into Life

 

“No matter what we feel or know,

no matter what our potential gifts or talents,

only action brings them to life.

Many of us understand concepts

such as commitment, courage, and love,

but we truly know only what we can do.

Doing leads to understanding,

and action turns knowledge to wisdom.”

 

The Law Of Cycles

Dancing To Nature’s Song

 

“The world of nature moves

in rhythms, patterns, and cycles.

The passing of the seasons,

the movement of the stars,

the ebb and flow of the tides.

The seasons do not push one another;

Neither do clouds race the wind

across the sky.

All things happen in

Their own good time…

Rising and falling and rising

like ocean waves,

in the circles of time.”

 

The Law Of Surrender

Embracing A Higher Will

 

“Surrender means

accepting this moment,

this body, and this life

with open arms.

Surrender involves

getting out of our own way

and living in accord with

a higher will,

Expressed as the wisdom of the heart,

far more than passive acceptance,

surrender uses every challenge

as a means of spiritual growth

and expanded awareness.”

 

“These are my wishes and prayers for you, all the days of your life: May you find grace as you surrender to life. May you find happiness, as you stop seeking it. May you come to trust these laws and inherit the wisdom of the Earth. May you reconnect with the heart of nature and feel the blessings of Spirit.” ~ The Sage

 

Abundant Peace, Love and Joy!

Bobbie

This month's pick is

Reiki for Beginners
Mastering Natural Healing Techniques
By: David F. Vennells

 As many of you know, Reiki is very near and dear to my heart. For those that don’t, I can, without a shadow of a doubt tell you that I am still on this earthly plain of existence because of this Beautiful Healing Technique!  I am a Reiki Master/Teacher and firmly believe that each and every being on this Wonderfully Amazing Planet should not only experience, but also learn to “tap” into the pure Divine Love that IS Reiki.

 
There are many books that have been written about Reiki, but very few as a Teacher that I will recommend. This one happens to be one that I recommend most often.  It is as important to the author, as it is to me, that the true origins of the Reiki Lineage remain sacred and continue to be taught.  The book begins by taking us through his own personal healing journey with Reiki and how, like so many of us it was so instrumental in opening doors to not only healing on a physical level, but to emotional and spiritual healing as well. This book is rich in the history of Reiki as well as a guide through the basic principles of this simple, yet powerful hands on healing technique.

 
A little about what Reiki is,

Reiki is the name given to a simple yet profound natural system of healing for body and mind, which was developed by Dr. Mikao Usui who lived in Japan in the nineteenth century.  Rei, which means Universal or God’s Wisdom and Ki, means Life Force Energy.  So Reiki can be translated as Spiritually Guided Life Force Energy.  Although most people cannot see Ki, modern physics tells us that beyond the level of the smallest particles of matter, energy exists everywhere, in the air we breathe, in our food and water, in the light from the sun. Even inanimate objects possess a low or slow frequency of energy. 

Life Force Energy is the foundation of ALL life, “a sort of cosmic soup that supports, nourishes and sustains the cycle of birth, life and death of all living things. When we are in touch with this energy through prayer, meditation or Reiki, we feel less separate and increasingly whole within ourselves and within the whole of creation. We experience a sense of unity, we become more aware of our place or role in the great scheme of things and at the same time we feel supported, safe, open and confident in our abilities to be all that we are, without doubt or apology”.

Life Force Energy runs through subtle pathways or meridians in the human body. When these pathways are blocked or imbalanced, due to stress for example, illness can result.  Reiki works by re-balancing and cleansing these areas of the body, allowing the energy to flow thereby promoting health and well-being.
 
How can we expect to be a peaceful presence in this world unless each of us take it upon ourselves to heal from within and then let that healing trickle out to each person, animal, plant, tree, object that we come in contact with; and in doing so, we are truly taking part in the healing of not only ourselves but our Beautiful Mother Earth.

I encourage you to empower yourself, reach beyond what you think is possible…reach beyond what you think you are capable of.  Seek out more information on Reiki, find a Reiki Practitioner in your area, attend a Reiki Share, and learn more about it! 

I promise you, that if you take that first step, the way that you view your personal power and life itself will change for the better and you will be well on your way to your own peace and joy that has been lying dormant, patiently awaiting your awakening.
 

Reiki brings forth in you what you never thought possible.
 
 
NOW is the time!
Your Spirit is Calling To You!
Your Mother Earth is Calling To You!
 
 

“When our eyes see our hands doing the work of our hearts, the circle of creation is completed inside us, the doors of our soul fly open, and Love steps forth to heal everything in sight”.
 
For those of you that are here in the Phoenix area, join us July 10th, 2010 for our Reiki Share.

Learn more about it and experience a sample Reiki session. If you are a practitioner and would like to come give as well as receive, we welcome you with open arms and would be honored by your participation.

 
Date: July 10th, 2010
Time: 1pm – 4pm
Location: Agave Library
23550 N. 36th Ave
Phoenix, AZ
 
 Please RSVP to bobbie@theangelsonearth.org  if you plan on attending,
 this is a free event and open to the public.

Happy Reading!

October 2009


This month's choice is:

There's A Spiritual Solution
To Every Problem

By 

Wayne Dyer

As I have mentioned,  there are books that we read that are defining points in our lives, this is one such book for me. I first read this book more then 6 years ago and it is a book I have selected from my book collection over and over again when I need to remind myself of what I already know.
It is like an old and dear friend that you would call when you need someone to pick you up, give you great advice and remind you that you are Loved beyond measure... beyond all of the problems in your life that you perceive.   

The "I" that is me - you cannot see

You see only the form that you think is me.
This form that you see, will not always be;
but the "I" that is me - lives eternally.

In this book the Author explains what he refers to as Unity or God Consciousness and writes. "There is only one problem that we face, and that is our belief that we are separate from God. As you increase the frequency at which you live, you shift your energy field to a level wherein you elicit the qualities of Godliness. You become pure spirit. You see no divisions and you know that you are connected to everyone and all living creatures. You become a piece of God so to speak and this mystical sense of connectedness no longer allows you to feel separate." 

This Book provides the opportunity to think outside the box, and if we are willing to open our eyes and hearts to something beyond what we have been taught,  we can see through the problems solving tools he provides that "All Problems are Illusions."  This may sound oversimplified
if you face seemingly unsolvable problems everyday, but think about this... If God is good and God made everything, then everything is good. God cannot behold anything less. So where does all this stuff that we lump into the category of problems come from? The Koran puts it this way, "Whatever good you have is all from God, whatever evil (problem), all is from yourself." In this book Wayne Dyer explains that when we come to believe that we are separate from God we experience this feeling of separation in our mind, and our mind tells us that we have a problem. The problem, created by our beliefs and existing in our mind, causes us to feel an absence of peace or love. Those beliefs can manifest as disease in our bodies,  we begin searching for a solution.   Our conditioning is so strong that we often have far greater faith in our problems than we do in our ability to no longer have them.

"We are capable of reaching a state of awareness in which we can perform miracles."

"Your true identity is the mind of mind, the eye of the eye, and the breath of the breath. Go there and you will find the beginning of a Spiritual solution to any problems you believe you have."

Abundant Peace, Love and Joy!

Bobbie

September 2009

This month's pick is
Reiki Shamanism:  A Guide to Out of Body Healing 
By: Jim PathFinder Ewing.

While this book may appeal more to those of you that have some knowledge of Reiki or Shamanism, the Author does a very good job of explaining both,  and in fact, gives information on several other Healing Modalities as well. Reiki Shamanism did for me what I love a good book to do. It sent me searching for more information and gave me a desire to read other books that Mr PathFinder Ewing has written and recommended.    

The Author is a Shaman ~ Reiki Master Teacher with years of experience in both healing modalities, giving us insight on how each compliment the other and how he has grown in his own Spiritual Journey combining the two. 

The book begins with the history of both Reiki and Shamanism and then weaving the two together showing us the deep relationship that they share. The story of how Reiki was discovered by Dr. Usui on a spiritual quest in 1920 of a 21 day fast, prayer and meditation is consistent with indigenous pathways for acquiring Shamanic skills or knowledge. Dr. Usui recounts it in his written works, saying simply " I was inspired".  After fasting on the sacred mountain of Mt. Kurama in Japan for 21 days he felt an energy come down through his crown. The symbols that are taught today are those that came, written in the ancient Japanese Kanji form of writing. This method of fasting is an ancient and traditional method for finding enlightenment among most cultures. The method of learning to "see what is really real" the Author explains,  is essentially Shamanic and is perfectly described in Dr Usui's words, "mind and heart blended as one."  The most ancient of the spiritual technologies available to us, however, is Shamanism. It is believed to be 30,000 to 45,000 years old! We are taken on Journey's with him as he describes healing that he has been a part of and gives instruction on how anyone can do this by outlining Shamanic journeying, which he explains is the key to out-of-body healing, and how to incorporate Reiki with it.

The Author writes ~ "In these times of war, food shortages, economic uncertainty, even the massive ecological disaster of climate change, people around the globe are faced with the task of growing beyond their comfort level in order to confront the vast unknowns that are arising in the world. We are so barraged with sights, sounds, information and persuasions that are frightening and seem beyond our ability to affect that there is a natural tendency to draw within and avoid all but the most certain information, focusing only on that which is before us or easily accomplished. If there is any certainty, however, it is that if ever there was a time for expanding our spiritual knowledge to encompass change, this is it. How do we do this? We look within, and we see how our brothers and sisters of the earth, the plant and animal nations, accomplish growth to the unknown."   

Jim Pathfinder Ewing's other books and information can be found at his website: Healing the Earth/Ourselves at www.blueskywaters.com

You can also find him on FaceBook and MySpace 

Happy Reading!

Abundant Peace, Love and Joy!

Bobbie