Most of us have seen the movie and/or read The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis and many are aware of the biblical messages that the story is based on. What is not commonly known is that the last book of the series is about choosing between fear and love.
***If you have been living in a cave for last decade or two and don't know the story, don't worry, you will still get the message of this blog.***
The lion is Narnia's version of Jesus. False prophets comprise much of the story and manage to cause chaos, tension, and near warfare with power-hungry, talking animals. They go unchallenged by the large amount of animals who follow too easily and question nothing. When everything appears dismal and on the brink of catastrophe, the lion appears. The ending is the greatest part: the lion stands in front of the door of a plain dull shed and all of the Narnians line up in front of him. No one can see what is inside the shed. As they come toward him and take in his awesomeness, some see beauty and feel peace, love and harmony. These beings go into the shed and find themselves in heaven.
Others see the lion and experience fear. These animals/people shy past the shed and lion and stay in Narnia. Their lives continue as it was before. No changes are made.
In the story, Heaven is a brightening of existence, bliss, and joy. Everything and everyone now recognize the world as love. This is what the Narnians learned when they recognized the Lion as a loving being.
With the frequency of the earth getting higher, we will be offered more choices of love and fear. Meditation will help you to be in the moment so that you can be present and more readily recognize when these choices are being offered. Listen to your heart and know for yourself if you are hearing a false prophet, or the real lion of love.
Heather Leigh
Monday, July 29, 2013
Friday, July 26, 2013
Beginnings Through Endings
"Incomplete endings inhibit new beginnings" was the message from Dr. Kathy Hearn at the latest relationship class I took with her. In bringing this collection of words to heart, we did an exercise meant to allow space for awareness of our present state and what we may need more work with. To the best of my ability, I'll share what we did so that you can receive the closure and peace that it gave to me.
***There is no wrong way to do this. As you begin, you will discover what works best for you.***
As always, start with a meditation. Breathe, relax, get present to the moment. Then, take a blank sheet of paper and a pen or some colored pens. Draw a line down the middle, going down the long ways on the paper. Mark your birthdate on one end and the present date on the other.
Now, make lines across the paper writing the names of significant relationships through out your life that have ended. These can be people close to you, situations, divorce date, death of?, anything that has ended and meant something to you.
Go back to each of the marks and write a small note about any regrets you may have, what you could have done better, what you learned from the experience--anything that strikes you as needing to be written. Then write what feels appropriate: Forgiven and/or Forgotten. Give this some thought. Is the person truly forgiven, or are you pushing down past hurts in order not to deal with them now. Reflect on how you feel. No one is going to see this. It's okay if you are still working on forgiving. Be gentle with yourself.
When you are ready to move on to the next person or situation, place a cross next to the person you just worked on. This gives a sense of closure and acknowledgement to the situation.
Once you are done, read over what you have done. Give yourself credit for having delved inside to truly discover where you are in your state of healing and forgiveness of yourself and others. Be aware of relationships that may still need attention and love in order to move past them.
Complete your endings so that you can experience terrific new beginnings.
Heather Leigh
***There is no wrong way to do this. As you begin, you will discover what works best for you.***
As always, start with a meditation. Breathe, relax, get present to the moment. Then, take a blank sheet of paper and a pen or some colored pens. Draw a line down the middle, going down the long ways on the paper. Mark your birthdate on one end and the present date on the other.
Now, make lines across the paper writing the names of significant relationships through out your life that have ended. These can be people close to you, situations, divorce date, death of?, anything that has ended and meant something to you.
Go back to each of the marks and write a small note about any regrets you may have, what you could have done better, what you learned from the experience--anything that strikes you as needing to be written. Then write what feels appropriate: Forgiven and/or Forgotten. Give this some thought. Is the person truly forgiven, or are you pushing down past hurts in order not to deal with them now. Reflect on how you feel. No one is going to see this. It's okay if you are still working on forgiving. Be gentle with yourself.
When you are ready to move on to the next person or situation, place a cross next to the person you just worked on. This gives a sense of closure and acknowledgement to the situation.
Once you are done, read over what you have done. Give yourself credit for having delved inside to truly discover where you are in your state of healing and forgiveness of yourself and others. Be aware of relationships that may still need attention and love in order to move past them.
Complete your endings so that you can experience terrific new beginnings.
Heather Leigh
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Writing Whole
It has been said that writing is autobiographic. While the story may not be obviously a memoir, it is a reflection of where our personality is at the time of the story. When we write, we reveal what we are good at, what comes naturally, and what could be improved on.
When I first started writing, the the compliments showered on my sense of humor, and the critiques wrapped around my lack of grounding--readers did not know where they were. The stories lacked a base of where the scene was taking place, what time/time period it was, what characters and scenes looked like, and a feel of what was going on. It was as if there was this funny, creative story floating around in the universe; great to watch but no place to put your feet down.
So I set to work learning how to set up a base to make the reader want to stay in the story. While floating in space my be exciting for a while, audiences want to relax and feel comfortable and be a part of what is going on--not scrambling about for a seat. I went into the scene with the reader. What does this place smell, feel, sound and look like? What color is the heroine's t-shirt? What does the clock on the wall read? Are we standing on rock, grass or ocean sand?
As my writing improved by learning how to get it grounded, I became more grounded as a person. There is a connection. I needed to stop, smell more roses, observe my physical surroundings, notice the color of the sky, keep track of time, balance my checkbook, and change my oil. I was not appreciating the benefits of the everyday mundane stuff that kept me from floating away into the clouds.
The things that I had to learn to be a better writer will not be what everyone needs as we all have a different story to tell, and a different way to make ourselves better.
The reason this blog is posted under spirituality and not my writers blog, is that this is another way to better ourselves. Write some creative fiction, have it critiqued by several writers (avoid non-writing friends as they will tend to tell you the story is great and have no idea how to critique it), and discover what areas of your life you could work on. What commonalities are people remarking on? These will guide you to inner awareness in a neutral territory. Your friend may not tell you where you are lacking, but your stories will reveal it.
Is your writing pedantic, overly dramatic, full of anger and scorn, silly, scattered? Does it run from details, or tar and feather itself in overblown fears? Does it sound lonely, or lively beyond belief? Is your character hidden and constipated?
You can't hide from your personality in a story. Your insides are thrust open and your vulnerable heart exposed to every reader. Don't let that scare you from doing this exercise. Spiritual growth is not for the couch potato lounger, but the benefits are worth a story or two.
Heather Leigh
When I first started writing, the the compliments showered on my sense of humor, and the critiques wrapped around my lack of grounding--readers did not know where they were. The stories lacked a base of where the scene was taking place, what time/time period it was, what characters and scenes looked like, and a feel of what was going on. It was as if there was this funny, creative story floating around in the universe; great to watch but no place to put your feet down.
So I set to work learning how to set up a base to make the reader want to stay in the story. While floating in space my be exciting for a while, audiences want to relax and feel comfortable and be a part of what is going on--not scrambling about for a seat. I went into the scene with the reader. What does this place smell, feel, sound and look like? What color is the heroine's t-shirt? What does the clock on the wall read? Are we standing on rock, grass or ocean sand?
As my writing improved by learning how to get it grounded, I became more grounded as a person. There is a connection. I needed to stop, smell more roses, observe my physical surroundings, notice the color of the sky, keep track of time, balance my checkbook, and change my oil. I was not appreciating the benefits of the everyday mundane stuff that kept me from floating away into the clouds.
The things that I had to learn to be a better writer will not be what everyone needs as we all have a different story to tell, and a different way to make ourselves better.
The reason this blog is posted under spirituality and not my writers blog, is that this is another way to better ourselves. Write some creative fiction, have it critiqued by several writers (avoid non-writing friends as they will tend to tell you the story is great and have no idea how to critique it), and discover what areas of your life you could work on. What commonalities are people remarking on? These will guide you to inner awareness in a neutral territory. Your friend may not tell you where you are lacking, but your stories will reveal it.
Is your writing pedantic, overly dramatic, full of anger and scorn, silly, scattered? Does it run from details, or tar and feather itself in overblown fears? Does it sound lonely, or lively beyond belief? Is your character hidden and constipated?
You can't hide from your personality in a story. Your insides are thrust open and your vulnerable heart exposed to every reader. Don't let that scare you from doing this exercise. Spiritual growth is not for the couch potato lounger, but the benefits are worth a story or two.
Heather Leigh
Friday, July 19, 2013
Love, Epiphanies, and Bliss
"Free to Love" is the class I'm taking now, presented by Reverend Dr. Kathy Hearn. As having a loving relationship is a common world wide desire, the chairs filled quickly with eager students. When I walked into the room, it felt like a spiritual singles dating encounter. I mean, what better place to meet your mate than a class that promised to release a horde of healthy partners into the world? I know in the back of my mind, that desire was certainly present.
All that aside, in the first class I learned some fresh information about relationships, meditated on being open to love, talked about the process of being free to love, set personal intentions for myself, the class, the world, and received information that turned into a learning epiphany for me.
Epiphany: when I love someone unconditionally, I release my attachment to them!
Quick disclaimer, as I am still wrapping my head around what this fully means, I will do my best to explain, but cannot promise guru precision on getting every word correct.
What Reverend Kathy said, was that if there is someone in your life who is in a negative state, it is okay not to hang out with them (my interpretation, she phrased it with much more eloquence). If you want to be of service to the world, and there is someone who is being an obstacle to your obtaining this desire, then stepping away from this person/environment may be the best thing to do.
Wow, this explained so much to me. In wanting to grow spiritually and be a loving person, I struggled with the fact that there are certain people and situations that I just don't want to be around. I thought that I should be okay with being around anyone. After all, if my intention is to love all beings, shouldn't I want to be with them, too?
Further, I know that as I grow spiritually, I am able to be around a wider group of people and not be effected by any negative energy they may be giving out. However, there are still some who I am not ready to be around, especially for a lengthy time. As the spiritual growth path is an upward spiral, I am getting better at loving unconditionally.
I'm reaching for the nirvana of Jesus' bliss, but have yet to arrive.
Heather Leigh
All that aside, in the first class I learned some fresh information about relationships, meditated on being open to love, talked about the process of being free to love, set personal intentions for myself, the class, the world, and received information that turned into a learning epiphany for me.
Epiphany: when I love someone unconditionally, I release my attachment to them!
Quick disclaimer, as I am still wrapping my head around what this fully means, I will do my best to explain, but cannot promise guru precision on getting every word correct.
What Reverend Kathy said, was that if there is someone in your life who is in a negative state, it is okay not to hang out with them (my interpretation, she phrased it with much more eloquence). If you want to be of service to the world, and there is someone who is being an obstacle to your obtaining this desire, then stepping away from this person/environment may be the best thing to do.
Wow, this explained so much to me. In wanting to grow spiritually and be a loving person, I struggled with the fact that there are certain people and situations that I just don't want to be around. I thought that I should be okay with being around anyone. After all, if my intention is to love all beings, shouldn't I want to be with them, too?
Further, I know that as I grow spiritually, I am able to be around a wider group of people and not be effected by any negative energy they may be giving out. However, there are still some who I am not ready to be around, especially for a lengthy time. As the spiritual growth path is an upward spiral, I am getting better at loving unconditionally.
I'm reaching for the nirvana of Jesus' bliss, but have yet to arrive.
Heather Leigh
Monday, July 15, 2013
Money Equals Partner
During the last class I took linking money and spirituality, the instructor, Reverend Kevin, had us do an exercise in which we described our deepest core beliefs about money and/ or how it makes us feel in one or two words. For example: ignore it, fear, overwhelming, passive-aggressive, manipulative, vulnerable, hated, never enough.
Now, picture money as a person. This is often how we view our partner.
Oh, wow, now that is an eye opener.
Displaying what came out for me personally is more vulnerable and open than I am willing to do on the inter net. However, this exercise sure gave me some insight into past relationships.
Money is about energy flow. A healthy money relationship will help you to have healthier relations with every one around you. Be willing to go within and explore how you feel about money. Be candid with yourself. This is an inside job and no one has to know what you come up with.
What views did your parents have about money? How have you behaved with the money in your life? When you think about money, how does your body feel? How does it feel when you feel you are lacking or have a lot? Does your heart race anxiously?
Are there things you could do right now to improve the relationship? Start a savings account? Spend more on yourself? Balance your checkbook? There are always baby steps to be taken that lead to any kind of self-improvement. And if creating a healthier, more joy-filled, loving relationship with your present or future partner sounds like a good thing to you, then taking the steps toward better money management is well worth the effort.
This week I'll be starting a class on improving relationships from a spiritual viewpoint. The timing couldn't be better after this last class exercise.
An abundance of healthy free-flowing money and a healthy loving partnership--this is going to be a wonderful summer as a result of two awesome classes. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Universe!
Heather Leigh
Now, picture money as a person. This is often how we view our partner.
Oh, wow, now that is an eye opener.
Displaying what came out for me personally is more vulnerable and open than I am willing to do on the inter net. However, this exercise sure gave me some insight into past relationships.
Money is about energy flow. A healthy money relationship will help you to have healthier relations with every one around you. Be willing to go within and explore how you feel about money. Be candid with yourself. This is an inside job and no one has to know what you come up with.
What views did your parents have about money? How have you behaved with the money in your life? When you think about money, how does your body feel? How does it feel when you feel you are lacking or have a lot? Does your heart race anxiously?
Are there things you could do right now to improve the relationship? Start a savings account? Spend more on yourself? Balance your checkbook? There are always baby steps to be taken that lead to any kind of self-improvement. And if creating a healthier, more joy-filled, loving relationship with your present or future partner sounds like a good thing to you, then taking the steps toward better money management is well worth the effort.
This week I'll be starting a class on improving relationships from a spiritual viewpoint. The timing couldn't be better after this last class exercise.
An abundance of healthy free-flowing money and a healthy loving partnership--this is going to be a wonderful summer as a result of two awesome classes. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Universe!
Heather Leigh
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Spiritual Money
Last night I finished a class linking money to spirituality. We utilized a book called, 'It's Not About The Money' by Brent Kessel. The particulars of the book I will leave for you to learn if you, hopefully, read it--I highly recommend you do.
The leader of the class, Reverend Kevin, had us do a meditation in which we visualized what our lives would be like if we had enough money. Immediately, I was challenged. Enough...enough? I want more than enough! I cried out inside. Why is he saying only Enough?! I pouted.
After calming down my five-year-old acting ego, I thought, perhaps, this was not a grave, silly oversight of the instructor. Maybe, just maybe, it was I who needed to question my reaction. Here's what I came up with:
If I never feel like I have enough money, wouldn't having more than enough present other difficulties? Maybe I would feel guilty of having a surplus when others have so little. How much time would I have
to spend managing all of this extra money? What should I do with it? Should I create a gigantic Trust Fund for my boys that will turn them into spoiled lazy adults? Who could I trust to manage this extra money? How much of my time will be taken away from my joy of writing if I spend my day counting coins? My mind rocks with all the questions that arise from all this more than enough stuff.
So I decided to explore the original meditation visualization we had been given. This way calmed me down. What if enough included the ability to tithe, save, reach my financial goals, and live the way I've been envisioning. What if the whole world had enough?
Oh, I get it. I need to adjust what I think of as enough.
Then enough felt comfortable. I felt safe, relaxed, and harmonious. I was catching a glimpse of The Middle Way (another good subject to blog about!).
So what about that...the whole world having enough of:
Note that the basics vary with each person, country, culture, family. I see a five bedroom house with an ocean view. You may see a mansion, and someone in an oppressed area may see four walls with indoor plumbing and electricity as their 'enough'. The world is full of variety and enough is subjective.
And in the end, Love is Enough.
Heather Leigh
The leader of the class, Reverend Kevin, had us do a meditation in which we visualized what our lives would be like if we had enough money. Immediately, I was challenged. Enough...enough? I want more than enough! I cried out inside. Why is he saying only Enough?! I pouted.
After calming down my five-year-old acting ego, I thought, perhaps, this was not a grave, silly oversight of the instructor. Maybe, just maybe, it was I who needed to question my reaction. Here's what I came up with:
If I never feel like I have enough money, wouldn't having more than enough present other difficulties? Maybe I would feel guilty of having a surplus when others have so little. How much time would I have
to spend managing all of this extra money? What should I do with it? Should I create a gigantic Trust Fund for my boys that will turn them into spoiled lazy adults? Who could I trust to manage this extra money? How much of my time will be taken away from my joy of writing if I spend my day counting coins? My mind rocks with all the questions that arise from all this more than enough stuff.
So I decided to explore the original meditation visualization we had been given. This way calmed me down. What if enough included the ability to tithe, save, reach my financial goals, and live the way I've been envisioning. What if the whole world had enough?
Oh, I get it. I need to adjust what I think of as enough.
Then enough felt comfortable. I felt safe, relaxed, and harmonious. I was catching a glimpse of The Middle Way (another good subject to blog about!).
So what about that...the whole world having enough of:
- the basics: food, clothing and shelter
- time with family and friends
- creative play time
- finances
- career that brought joy
- ability to meet goals
Note that the basics vary with each person, country, culture, family. I see a five bedroom house with an ocean view. You may see a mansion, and someone in an oppressed area may see four walls with indoor plumbing and electricity as their 'enough'. The world is full of variety and enough is subjective.
And in the end, Love is Enough.
Heather Leigh
Monday, July 8, 2013
Fill Your Emptiness
While visiting my Akashic Records this morning, I was given a vision of emptiness.
There are ten goals that I have been envisioning, and being in a state of thankfulness with, for the past year. Today, I asked for guidance on manifesting these goals.
I was shown an escalator which brought me upward to a platform that led to a great black nothingness. What is this? I questioned. It came to me that my future/present is an empty void that I supply with my thoughts to bring into physical reality. I can fill it with whatever I choose.
So I put into this void a beautiful house in the perfect area, filled with all of the things and people that bring me joy. Suddenly, the house appeared in sharp clarity. I walked into my house and was surrounded in love and joy. A joy that I had created.
My job now is to hold onto this vision and believe in its reality, stay focused, keep the faith, send out love and kindness, and be thankful for all that I have.
What will you fill your void with?
Heather Leigh
There are ten goals that I have been envisioning, and being in a state of thankfulness with, for the past year. Today, I asked for guidance on manifesting these goals.
I was shown an escalator which brought me upward to a platform that led to a great black nothingness. What is this? I questioned. It came to me that my future/present is an empty void that I supply with my thoughts to bring into physical reality. I can fill it with whatever I choose.
So I put into this void a beautiful house in the perfect area, filled with all of the things and people that bring me joy. Suddenly, the house appeared in sharp clarity. I walked into my house and was surrounded in love and joy. A joy that I had created.
My job now is to hold onto this vision and believe in its reality, stay focused, keep the faith, send out love and kindness, and be thankful for all that I have.
What will you fill your void with?
Heather Leigh
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