The nature of freedom – and how it’s only a step away!

The last few months have been absolutely frantic for Dan and I as we have gone back to being students of a new healing modality called D codes. This has been a wonderful learning curve and added a new dimension to our healing work. It hasn’t been easy though. The energy demands although they weren’t huge, were enough to send me into complete overwhelm after week 1!

This meant that I couldn’t interact or engage as much as I would have liked and as time crept on, the pressure only increased what with the course being shortened by a month halfway through, and assessments coming upon us faster than we had anticipated.

Now, as every good D coder knows, you need to be flexible enough to roll with change. And yes, we rolled accordingly – but outside of  D-codes other demands and responsibilities were piling up even higher and heavier than before.

By mid-January, I emerged from overwhelm enough to throw myself into the last four weeks of the course. I learnt a s##t ton and thoroughly enjoyed the experience, but it was a massive relief when it ended. Woo hoo and FREEDOM!

Except – NOPE! – outside pressures were still nearly flattening us and then… war started up. Wow! By this time, I was squashed flat under the weight of circumstances and the horrific events happening in the outside world just made it worse.  As for feeling free… it was a very distant memory.

However, I had been listening to various You Tube talks by Thich Nhat Hanh during this time and was very aware of my lack of meditation practice and the need to get grounded and back to the present moment.

He advocates something called walking meditation; walking slowly and deliberately, in silence, feeling the ground under your feet. On one of our local walks there was a time when Dan was talking but I (for once!) was not. Yes folks, it can happen! Anyway – I decided to concentrate on taking one step at a time and appreciating the world around me, instead of letting my mind (or mouth!) wander.

I was 4 steps in when I got distracted. Yes I am a terrible student of mindfulness! 😉 BUT that’s all it took for me to notice a difference. Thich Nhat Hanh was right. Freedom is possible if you dwell in the present moment, rather than the past or the future. Somehow in those few moments of mindfully taking each step I experienced the feeling of pure and absolute freedom. It was a revelation!

It was the understanding that right in that present moment – “the only moment” as ‘Thay’ would tell us – that I realised that nothing else existed. Not my worries about the future, or the heavy weight I was carrying – not my criticisms of self, or the stress of the world situation. Right in that moment I was completely free. And every time I wanted to feel that, I just had to be present for the next moment, and the one after that and the – wait – was that a squirrel?!

But anyway, the great thing about the present moment is that you can keep coming back to it over and over again and something like walking, which is repetitive, can help to remind you to return back to it with each step.

For all the Buddhists and mindfulness students out there, this may not be news! But for me it was an ephiphany. Freedom was right there within my grasp all the time. However heavy the burdens you carry, however big your problems, you can still escape it all for a moment, in each moment, in every moment.

When we exist in the present moment, we are completely free. It is what some might call the zero point field. The space where everything exists as potential and everything is possible. That is the true nature of reality.

It’s hard to remember when things are tough, so get into the habit of including some mindful steps when you’re out and about; it’s an easy way to connect with self and with the limitless field of potential that you really are.

2021 in review – and good f###ing riddance!

Well, what can I say about 2021? This year has smacked us both into next week pretty much consistently and we’ve found out how strong we actually are. We’ve also learnt pretty much a lifetime’s worth in one year and become completely different people from the ones we were when it started.

We even embarked into being students again, which was exciting and terrifying at the same time. We’ve grappled with time zones and with our own ###t equally.

We’ve had to take the year, one step at a time. At once, hopeless and hopeful, despairing and determined. We’ve had to deal with not being seen and not being able to connect with people. We’ve fought overwhelm while running on empty and ploughed on regardless when all we really wanted to do was give up and let somebody — anybody — else take over.

But the thing is, sometimes things are handed to you for a reason.  Sometimes it isn’t anybody else’s job. Sometimes there isn’t anyone to delegate to. Hell, even to talk to about it! So when you grit your teeth and gather up your (in my case, metaphorical) cajones for the thousandth time to get on with the job, just remember the story of Solomon’s temple.

If only those pesky demons had kept themselves to themselves they wouldn’t have ended up enslaved and having to build his temple for him. Damn! I bet they wish they’d stayed home that day! 😉

The fact is that the more challenges you have to overcome the stronger and better you will get at doing it. So when those unfair and unacceptable things happen, remember that they are also working for you to build you something better; because that is the nature of light and dark. One assists the other in moving forward, even though they don’t intend to.

So, take that demons! 😉 – we just got bigger and smarter and better than we could have done without the absolute pile of s###e that came our way this year. And that’s got to be better for everyone.

To detox, or not to detox? You might be surprised…

I’m a member of a group for healers and people that want to clear their crap so they can fulfil their potential. Part of this month’s effort is a very comprehensive detox plan.

I won’t bore you with the finer details, but suffice it to say, for me, de-tox doesn’t sound like the most appealing idea.  Because hey, when you’re going through a hard time, the last thing you really want to do is ramp up the challenge level by forcing yourself to down a bunch of vile-tasting tinctures, remove the flavour from your food, and cut out sugar and gluten.

Don’t get me wrong though. I am quite sure that the plan is sound, and I know the effects would be helpful for my body. Some might argue that BECAUSE I’m going through a hard time, this is the exact right point to lessen the load by clearing out those toxins.

If that’s you and you’re going for it – great! Don’t let me stop you. But if, like me, you’re exhausted – only keeping going by sheer willpower and bloody mindedness – then the thought of a de-tox might tip you over the edge. So, before you tip – stop – rewind – and read on!

What if there was another way? I’m not saying DON’T detox ever. They can be great. In fact, I have done various cleanses in my time that involved taking large amounts of apple juice and olive oil, or stinking green powder that doesn’t really want to dissolve in water – because, you know, it’s algae! I’ve even had the proverbial tube up the bum, otherwise known as colonics. And I’m sure that none of them were as thorough and well-thought out as this one.

The trouble for some of us is – we know it won’t wash. It all comes down to ‘know thyself’. I do – and I know that I won’t take the tinctures (after the first evil mouthful!) 😉 I won’t stick to the diet plan and I’ll probably topple over while trying to do it, however slowly and carefully the measures are introduced. But what about the fact that I’ve been under all of the stress for an unacceptable period of time and my body really needs me to do something to help it?

Well, like I said, this detox plan is thorough. It starts with de-cluttering your physical environment, and particularly the part of it that is social media. I reckoned I could do that! Cutting down on the number of facebook groups I’m part of, pages I follow etc. And the same goes for other types of social media.

Things could be a whole lot more clear and condensed, so that, if you’re going to waste time on facebook or twitter, you can waste it more effectively!😉 Same with email – and what about the photos and files on your phone or computer? Yikes! Are they organised so you can find them easily? You’d be surprised the relief you can get by sorting things like that so that you don’t spend hours looking for something you want.

Then you can look around you at the toxins in your physical environment. Actually, if you’re really stressed out, don’t research this too hard please! No need to take up carpets and stop breathing when you’re in a polluted area. It’s all about small steps.

I’ve been changing up the household products I use for a while so they have less harsh chemicals and are more natural (the buzz word is ‘clean’) and plant-based.

One word of warning by the way – a lot of places are jumping on the ‘no plastic’ bandwagon which is great, we need that. But don’t be seduced by ‘no plastic waste’ and exchange it for more chemicals. That is to say, it’s up to you if you want to do that. Just make sure you’re aware so you can make the decision for yourself, rather than have it made for you.

Yes, it will take a bit of research if you’re going to do it properly, but you could stick to the products that have the most physical effect on you. Say laundry liquid (goes on your clothes which you wear next to your skin) and dish tabs (affects the stuff you eat off). Or look at your face and body creams. It’s all making an effort towards letting less toxins in – and you haven’t even said no to that doughnut yet!

Another aspect I like to think about is (as I call it): “Feng Shoo”! Feng Shoo is about clearing the space around you so it’s easier to manage – and again it’s a relatively easy win. If you have some time to tidy and organise the things that annoy you, then do it. You’ll be surprised at the hit you get from it.

At the end of the day though, if you want to detox then you can’t really completely ignore diet. I don’t mean go on a diet, but try and listen more to what your body really wants.

Yesterday, for example, I was craving something sweet after lunch. I thought maybe I’d eat some chocolate, but I knew I didn’t really want it and that it wouldn’t give me what I needed.

I happened to have some brazil nuts and apricots in the fridge and my body was much happier with those. I found I didn’t want the chocolate at all after that. So find the things you like that are better for you and not crammed full of #%#t!

Does this mean that I’ll be giving up all processed sugars and gluten this month? Not on your nelly! But what I have found is that making simple swaps, whenever I can manage it, is helping me feel better.

What happened is that by following the detox pathway (without following the detox pathway!) I sent out my intention to the universe to tell it I want to help my physical body. And in so doing, certain things have come to my attention. Really big things. Like – why am I spending the better part of every morning figuratively banging my head against the wall, which leaves me demoralised, depressed and with no energy for the rest of the day. Great question! Time to change things up.

So that’s how committing energetically to something, gives the universe the go-ahead signal to send you the solutions and ideas you need to reach your goals.

Yes – maybe further down the line there will be some more focus on diet and nutrition, more clever swaps and even the odd foul-tasting tincture. But for now I’m going with what the universe is showing me is possible. And that’s actually something quite big. I’m  going to leave the head-banging til the evening, when I’m tired and likely to get less done anyway. Bingo! Massive detox win!

This should give me more energy to focus on myself. Which means I can put a bit more into clearing up my environment, paring back my social media habit and maybe – just maybe – eating one less doughnut! 😉

Who do you think you are?

This month I have learnt something really important. I have learnt about me! To thine own self be true seems to be the theme of this year. And having (re)discovered myself, that is exactly what I am going to do.

What about you? Are you being the real version of yourself? Or are you, instead, embodying the version of yourself that others want to see, or your boss prefers, or your family needs you to be?

When you peel away everyone else who has an input or an opinion on who you are – what is left? Or rather who is left? Who would you be if you weren’t having to adapt to other people’s demands, or conform to other’s expectations? Take some time and think about that. Mull over it in the bath, or maybe do some journaling. It’s a big question!

It is true that you can’t contain energy. The energy that makes up who we are cannot be limited. And yet we impose limits upon ourselves. DOH! Why do we do it?? We make ‘boxes’ for ourselves, and we label them and ask ourselves to stay inside them.

I’ve never been very good with people imposing limits on me from outside. In fact, just try it! I will kick over the traces in no time. But what about ME placing limits on myself? That’s just fine and dandy it seems.

Well, after my recent wake-up call I’m calling time! NO MORE LIMITS! And I suggest you do it as well. Firstly, souls can’t be contained and restricted and secondly, why on earth would we do this to ourselves instead of being everything we can be and came here to be.

So… it’s coming up to Halloween. A good time to look back on your year. On who you SHOULD have been and who you are GOING to be. If you’ve been hiding your light under a bushel then give yourself a quick slap round the face (with a wet fish if necessary) and snap out of it.

I’m limitless, you’re limitless. Get with the program and get your real self out there in the world where it’s needed.

‘Nuff said!

Moo’s perspective on the afterlife

I have decided to put together some of the info that Moo has given us about his life after cat! Remember that this is only his perspective. It is not to say that everyone will experience it exactly the same, but it gives an idea of what is possible.

He has told us that he is often formless, but that he can take any form as and when he wishes. Although he had many lives as a human, he enjoyed being cat very much and occasionally, when we have been out and about somewhere rural, he has enjoyed taking that form and prowling round the area.

However, what he has done to let us know of his presence is to create a smell. This is quite a common phenomenon. For example, after my husband died I smelt Germolene! And the reason for that was, he used to put it on his face and I’d tell him off for using it like a face cream! But it was something that I immediately connected with him, which is why he chose it.

For Moo, as a cat, it was a bit more difficult to find a smell we’d connect with him, but he told us it was one of his favourite flowers. It doesn’t exist on this planet, which is why we don’t recognise it, but it’s very distinctive, so we always know it’s him.

I got to wondering how he spent his time, although he has said he is mostly working on us, with us, or on our behalf! This was his choice and part of why he has stayed on. He’s still a very close member of our family – just not a physical one!

However, he does have a few hobbies. He loves to learn and is finding out more about the way that energy works so that he can, in turn, help us in our healing practice. Don’t think for a minute that knowledge of a subject is finite! Quantum physics, for instance, is a great example of the more you learn, the more you realise there is to learn!

Moo also enjoys singing and attends choir practice. As you might imagine, it’s not quite like choir practice here on earth! The music is very different, as there is a greater tonal range available in the non-physical. Also, music is much more than sound; it is also light and colour.

This rather ignited Dan’s imagination, and before Moo could say – ‘DON’T!’ – he’d drawn Moo, in his cat form, in a little choirboy outfit looking very holy. We rolled around laughing! Moo was not quite as impressed… although, as you might guess, he’s pretty used to our sense of humour by now. In fact, he has a great sense of humour of his own. It was evident when he was around physically as cat, believe it or not, and is very obvious now when we talk to him. So, for anyone thinking that the afterlife turns you into a bland, emotionless light-being that never has any fun – think again! 😉

Another thing that people assume about the afterlife, is that since you’re no longer in a physical body, you don’t need food and drink. This is true. However, it has crossed my mind how someone like Gordon Ramsey, for example, would find ‘heaven’! – assuming he’s not going to end up in Hell’s Kitchen. (Sorry, I couldn’t resist that terrible joke!). 😉

When you’ve spent your life involved with food; creating textures and flavour combinations, what are you going to do in a place where no one needs to eat? Well – I have news for Gordon. Turns out, our Moo loves to cook. Which means, people DO eat in the afterlife. Who knew? I think the idea is that since you don’t need to eat 3 times a day, it becomes an experience, and you choose to have that experience as and when it suits you.

The other thing about cooking and eating is – where do you do that? Does Moo have a house?

Well – apparently, he, personally, doesn’t need one. The Universe is his ‘house’ and he can create what he needs when he needs it – but he does have a place that he has created from various rooms in various houses, from different lives that he has lived.

His last human life was in China, a few hundred years ago, so he has a few Chinese-style rooms. He also likes to use the lounge from the last house we were in (which was a beautiful, period property with beams and a fireplace). Also the kitchen from that house, which is interesting, but I guess he did spend a lot of time in the kitchen when he was a cat!

He often tried to jump up on the counter when he knew he wasn’t allowed. Moo along with a lot of other cats, didn’t enjoy boundaries, but, who knows, perhaps some part of him remembered that as a human, he liked to cook!

So, from what Moo has shared with us – and remember this is from his perspective and experience – it looks like you get to have a house; whatever house you like, even if it is a mishmash of many houses! You also get to cook and eat if you want. It’s not necessary to cook if you want to eat though, as you could create it through the power of intention and imagination –  in the same way that you would create a house.

You can spend your time how you like. Moo has chosen to do a lot of work with and for us, to help us with our life purpose, as it is also his life purpose! But he also gets free time. He spends time with friends, and has hobbies, such as singing – but that’s just his preference. He chooses what he wants to experience in each moment.

Trouble is, he also has us! 😉 And being who I am, I often try to broaden his horizons. Not that they need broadening, but I may have mentioned that he is very patient – and that he knows what we’re like! So, occasionally I’ll set him a challenge such as: have you ever played a game of Croquet? No? Well, go off and try it (imagine Moo’s eyes rolling here). Ha ha! Just imagine what I’ll think of next. There is no peace for some in the afterlife, I can tell you! 😉