Reiki

My partner Starcat and I gave a friend Reiki this afternoon because of his desire for healing. This was my first session of giving Reiki for well over a year, and I had a great time. I am glad I was able to offer help as well as to reacquaint myself with offering Reiki.

I have been wanting to train from Reiki I to Reiki II for the past year or so, and I have bartered enough of my computer knowledge to get training from my Reiki Master, a friend of mine as well. I am looking forward to this new process and new attunement.

I believe that doing Reiki for myself and those in my community will not only help, but is a continuation of my path of learning and healing. I have been changing how I view the world and I think by offering my services to my community with Reiki and my writing, I can help change the world as well.

I am called to become more active in my community and I think that Reiki, and volunteering for the EarthTides organization, are part of this process. I plan to apply for licensure to be Pagan clergy in the next few months as I reawaken my focus on community-building.

Battle of the Nerf Guns

So Dryst and I just finished 4 rounds of Nerf Death Match. I won, with a flawless victory and stealth, the first round and tied with simultaneous shots the next 2 rounds. The final round went to Dryst with a shot to the belly, after losing his hip and shoulder. Clearly, I won outright!

I like to play games with the kids. Sometimes I get frustrated because Dryst is getting better and better the older he gets, but then again, I still have the experience edge. Eventually he will catch up to my experience level, but I will still have guile and subterfuge on my side. His agility and speed are his current assets, but I am gaining my speed again after the accident.

In any event, I think it's fun to be able to run around and play like a kid, or even better, as one of the kids. At the homeschool group, I go outside and play zombies, football, soccer, and other fun stuff. I also play some Xbox 360 with them, but I suck at Halo 3. I am better at Left4Dead than Dryst, though he hates that one but likes Left4Dead 2.

In any event, I am reconnecting with my child-like qualities while still maintaining my knowledge and wisdom from "growing up."

What is the point of wasting all the time I have had to learn by sitting around watching TV or working all the time? Why not enjoy my whole life, rather than just the early parts?

Newsletter Updating

I'm working on my second issue of the EarthTides Pagan Network Newsletter as editor and I am having a blast! I really like trying to get articles to fit well on pages, make the alignment and placement of images look good, as well as organize and keep the calendar and networking sections up-to-date.

I am also the webmaster for the site (http://www.earthtides.org) and so I get to set up a lot of the nuance and updates for that as well.

I think my mind really enjoys organizing data and analyzing structures. Probably why I got a degree in physics and have been an algorithm programmer for over a decade. The "devil" is in the details, as they say, though I am not sure I am fond of that phrase, mainly because the "fun" is in the details. I guess that might be the point, from some points of view.

In any event, along with editing and laying out the newsletter, I also write a regular column for it, "Faerie Tidings," with my partner Starcat. She also has a regular column, and I have decided to start a regular column as well called, go figure, "BlackLion's Den."

In those articles, I hope to be able to convey some similar things that I have on this blog as well as give folks some thoughts and ideas from my point of view. Then again, I am pretty sure it is not possible for me to translate the universe any other way.

I am nearly finished the updated contact information for the networking section and I will update the calendar section after that. Then I will be putting up a new map on the website so people can get an idea where to find local Pagan contacts to attend open circles and meet like-minded folks. Time to get back at it. Blessings!

Awakening and Gratitude

I think the awakening process is both a wonderful thing and a challenging thing at the same time. I have moments of great joy and happiness, yet other times of such frustration and anger. When I am confronted with the patterns I am trying to change, they shackle onto me and want to drag me back to the old way of seeing things. It can be very tiring and miserable, if I let them.

I am thankful that I am able to get out of these moments more easily than in previous years, yet I still am hopeful for the day when these passing thoughts will float on by like wisps of clouds off in the distance. On most occasions, I am able to let them flow on by as I am confident and sure of my new vision and truth.

So what happens when they get stuck in an eddy or throw a line around a nearby tree? Well, some of the practices I have been doing recently have been focused on the energy of my normal flow of life. What are the things, right now, that I can be thankful for? I know that, in these times, trying to be thankful for the person or event that I’m upset about just doesn’t feel right. I can, though, focus on the kitten-boys and how cute they are and how soft they are. I can count on the sun, and warmth, and the comfortable spot I have found to also be good reminders of my gratitude.

It sometimes takes a little while to get back to where I want to be and where I want to feel. But I know, after doing it many times, that I will be able to get out of these sludge thoughts and back into my light and happy thoughts. Once I am confident that the dark mood has passed, I am able to look back on the triggers that occurred and see them in a more positive light. Next time, the trigger will be seen and understood better, and then I will be able to overcome those feelings a little easier.

I know that I can sometimes get stuck in the “why haven’t I finished with all those old thoughts already?” moments, but I am glad that I have discovered that I am a great learner and that my journey is a continuously challenging and rewarding one. Thankfully, I choose to be on this path where the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the darkest, scariest parts of the forest are already behind me. Fear not, and the fear goes away.

Getting Ready for Thanksgiving

I really enjoy cooking! Perfect for this time of year. I have made a squash medley, made up of butternut, acorn, and delicata squashes. With a little bit of maple syrup, vegan margarine and soy milk, it will make a lovely vegan squash dish! Well, the bit I tried tasted good!

I also made a stuffing with my own "poultry" seasoning, similar to Bell's, with onions and celery. Of course, I am not stuffing anything into the cloaca of a dead bird, but I call it the same. A friend calls it dressing, but I am also not dressing anything either.

I made a double batch of a great vegan gravy the other day. I brought some over to our homeschool group's Thanksgiving celebration, and I saved the other half for the mashed potatoes that we are going to make in the morning. Along with some steamed broccoli and the seitan that Quester made, we shall have a wonderful feast!

We are having 17 people for Thanksgiving this year, my Dad and his wife among the new folks this time around. I hope they enjoy themselves. They have a bunch of weird, freaky people to hang out with. Should be fun!

In any event, I am looking forward to tomorrow!

Introspection

I am now at a point in my life where I am ready to look inward. I have followed and been a part of many diverse and different ways of looking at the universe, and have picked up a lot of great information and ideas, but also a lot of bad habits that are hindering my growth now.

I want to find the place within myself, the quiet, loving, caring me that will help guide my next thoughts and actions. A place I can go in times of strife or worry or doubt where I can be myself and find myself. I no longer enjoy "enforcing rules," especially since they are all made up in the first place. I want to release being "right" and "first."

I want to find a peace and joy with everyone I encounter, enjoying their laughter and uniqueness. I want to celebrate their triumphs and help guide them when they are low. I want to be joyful and find the good things in every situation. I want to be the brilliant and happy being I know that I am, that each of us are when we allow ourselves to be ourselves.

Some of the techniques I have learned so far are from Eastern philosophy, though not necessarily unique to them. Yoga and meditation have been really helpful tools and I am looking forward to integrating more of those into my daily routine. I also want to do more visualizing, creating a path to happiness through conjuring more of the things I want to experience in my life. No limits!

Writing has also been very cathartic and I am happy to be able to speak my truths and offer my thoughts to my readers, as well as allowing my thoughts to flow with an energy all their own. And, with this practice, I am feeling more and more confident in my art and more comfortable offering myself to the world. I am very much looking forward to the opportunity to share my knowledge and love to those who want it.

Outrageous

I had this feeling earlier this evening. I want to do something totally outrageous. Something that is totally in line with who I am, yet something that is very outgoing and very powerful. I had a thought of dressing up crazy and going out, but I have done that already! I am thinking something life-changing and profound, not only for me, but for all who experience it.

Perhaps I could do some stand-up comedy. Or some really funny skit downtown. Or something really fun musically. Kalimba anyone?

I am really not sure what I am going to do, but that feeling is what I am going for! I want to feel strong and powerful and really make an impact in other people's lives. Definitely something positive and uplifting!

I am the creator of my own reality, and, like I said in an earlier post, I want to do something outlandish and crazy. I like the idea of doing something fun and interesting above and beyond all the fun things that I already do!

Any thoughts? I will probably mesh something together from a bunch of different responses or a bunch of random thoughts that come to me.

Guess this post is NOT outrageous, just thinking about doing something outrageous! :)

In the Moment

When you pick up your next drink (water, milk, beer, soy nog), what do you notice? Are you paying attention to how the muscles in your arm are working seamlessly to bring the glass to your lips? Are you letting the flavor of the liquid wash over your tongue and down your throat, or do you let it linger a little longer, noticing all the intricacies and nuances as they play over your taste buds? Do you pay attention to the gentle sound of it resting back on the table or coaster as you set it down?

When focusing on the now, what are you experiencing? For me, each moment lasts a little longer. In fact, time seems to have no consequence as I type these letters, letting each keystroke on the keyboard flow effortlessly through my Self and onto the screen. The words and motion of typing becomes one with my thoughts at this moment. At other times, I am oblivious to what my fingers are doing, lost in the thought or feeling.

When living your life in the moment, if you have ever tried, what is it that you notice the most? Do you notice your body more, or the object of your attention? It is said that we receive over a million signals to process every second, and that we only see maybe a hundred of them. We can only really focus on a small amount in any given moment. What if you were lost in thought? Perhaps none of the external stimuli are noticed by you.

Just for a moment, try to take in much more of what is being offered to you, both internally and also from without. What do you experience? What things do you take for granted? Does your sense of smell overpower your sense of sight, or does what you are touching become your focus? Perhaps go through each sense that you have and focus on it exclusively, or as much as possible. Close your eyes and listen to the sounds of the room you are in, to your own heartbeat, to the silence.

Imagine that you could focus on just the things that bring you happiness. What things about the chair you are sitting on do you enjoy - the way it feels? What about where you are living; what do you enjoy most right now? Who are the people you love the most? What qualities about them can you list in your mind or on a piece of paper that you like most about them? What about the people you currently have a grudge against, or are having a challenging time with? What qualities can you find that are not ones that may trigger your anger or frustration?

Now try to do this more often; perhaps every day. Practice it once an hour by setting an alarm or at the top of the hour, whatever you are doing or wherever you are. What are the best things you can think about this moment? Try it. You might actually enjoy yourself more often!

Tapping In

I really love tapping in to the wellspring and life of the universe. When I write something that really connects with those who read my words, I am touched and feel very profoundly thankful! As I learn my craft more and as I write more often, I believe I can tap into this wellspring more easily and more frequently.

I think it is true for everyone, in their own way. There are great artists that can tap into this brilliant energy and transform our experiences and emotions in strong and powerful ways. With just a moment or two of silence and inner listening, each of us can bring out that which we all contain within, this great, pure, creative love.

That feeling of upliftment that we all feel, more often with practice, is the real success, the real goal of our lives. Doing something that feels so good to create, as well as that experience of connection, where others can also appreciate, in their own way, that creative expression manifested through you.

So what is it that you are passionate about? What things can you do right now that will bring you joy? What about an "a ha!" moment, or a "wow, never thought of it that way before" thought? Find a place where you can be totally focused on you and your inner world. What thoughts come to mind? What inspirations, no matter what the subject, no matter what the idea?

Your inspirations are the culmination of everything you have every experienced becoming actual in this place, right now. What unique insights and ideas can you bring forth? Create it! Follow through by writing it down, or if it has no word-form, draw it, paint it, code it, sing it, play it, or act it out!

All it takes is this moment, right now, to tap into your life-force, this wellspring of joy and possibility. Why not try it? Right...now!

Relax

Sometimes I like to relax. I know, a luxury for a lot of people, but I like to do relaxing things at least once a day if not more often. I like to read, play games, do research on the computer, walk, play sports, watch sports, do art, make music, and enjoy hanging out with the family, among many things.

I also know that I do not always take care of my wants as much as I would like sometimes. I also feel somewhat guilty for actually indulging the pleasures that I want to enjoy. Perhaps it is a matter of conditioning but the fact remains that I do have those feelings. I guess my focus, during those times, is more on what other people may think of me doing something for myself rather than doing it because I am worth taking care of.

One of the challenges I am overcoming is that I really do like me, but do not always show it or do the things that really take care of me. I have been fasting from sugar and sweeteners since Samhain and I will continue until Yule (with a one-day reprieve on Thanksgiving). I am also taking a break on dairy, though I do have some on occasion. So far I feel clearer and I am losing weight. Which only makes sense at the rate I had been eating sugar the past couple months.

In any event, my focus has been drinking more raw vegan smoothies/elixirs for breakfast as well as only eating when hungry. I know that this is only the “action” portion of my life. In addition, I have been focusing on feeling better about my choices and my wants. Actually being who I want to be and enjoying whoever I am in the moment.

In any event, it takes time and patience to get what you want and be who you want. But, you also have to remember that you are who you are right now, and you have to start where you are. Be yourself, be happy in who you are and feel your happiness and joy in all things. Just a matter of practice and intention. It is worth the effort so far, and I am enjoying the process as well!

Family

I am really enjoying family time! Today, my mom came over and had lunch with us. I really like having her come over and enjoying the afternoon together.

We also had a left-over dinner, which ranged from BBQ Tempeh and mashed potatoes, to Asian stir-fry to Indian latkes. Yum!

We are in the middle of our double-feature movie night. First was "Up" and now we are getting ready to watch "Transformers 2." Popcorn is popping in the kitchen and Starcat is on the other computer finishing up her blog challenge.

Now that I got the "facts" of the day going, here is something more: My heart is full of joy!

I am so thankful for my wonderful family, both blood and chosen that I have created! I have such a wonderful partner in Starcat, and I am glad that we have found each other! The kids are great and fresh, and I am learning so much about myself through learning and teaching with them. The "Boys" are strong and powerful and gentle, in their own ways, and I am really thankful for their energy and courage and happiness. I am thankful for "whose a puppy!". She is such a sweet dog and, even though she still smells of skunk, I love her! And of course, the kitten babies. I am so thankful that they are so cute and cuddly and want to sleep with me! Yay kittens!

I hope all of you out there are as thankful as I am with their family. Even with all the challenges we may face, love always will overcome fear.

Wishing you and yours many blessings!

Exploring Alternate Ways to Interact

I’m exploring a new way to interact with people, especially when people are anxious or angry or upset. One way that I do this is by holding my tongue, rather than trying to offer “solutions” or to give advice. Usually the people want to vent or get me to buy into whatever drama they are experiencing, and I would rather not. I know that I am feeling better about this reaction than to follow that path, but I also know it is just one more step in the direction of allowing them to be themselves (and whatever emotional tone or vibration they wish to experience) while maintaining my center and state of joy.

I think there are a couple people in my life who act like I used to act, or at least act in a way that would trigger a reaction that I used to do. Now that I am more conscious of my inner voice and the triggers that would cause such a reaction, I am now able to thank the voice for its input without bringing it to the forefront and actualize it, perpetuating the situation.

Unfortunately, I am not perfect at this, though why I should expect to be perfect at this new way of doing things I don’t know. In any event, I am usually able to change my attitude and feel better in a matter of moments, rather than letting it splash into other areas of my day, or on anyone else for that matter. With continued practice, I will enjoy myself without having to feel negative emotions except for the briefest of times.

The mantra I keep saying to myself, which I picked up from the Abraham books is this: “I intend to see that which I want to see.” What that means to me is that, for each moment (or segment of intention), I can choose to feel and experience that which I want to, especially the fun and interesting things that I enjoy. And even if the situation is not “ideal” I can still find the aspects which I want to encourage and let the ones I wish to discourage not gain any of my energy. I focus my energy on what I want rather than the lack of it.

So, by being myself, the way I want to be, I am able to feel and experience the energy and situations I want. I hope that by feeling positive and being centered, I am able to help those around me and those I interact with. I can show them that there are other ways to experience the universe and, even though they may want different things than me, they can still enjoy whatever they are doing with joy, love and happiness in their hearts, like I do. And when I don’t, I know I am able to get back to that place easily and with little effort.

The Winds of Change

The winds of change are upon us this day. We sit here in this trench, but we can all smell it. The air is dank and foul, the blood and death of our countrymen in the field ahead. We’ll be one of them soon enough, when the whistle blows. It is just a matter of time.

I shiver again in my drenched gear. Throughout the day, the rain has been heavy and cold, and there is no cover. I wipe another drip from my forehead, forgetting it will do no good, leaving a muddy and bloody smear where the wet had been.

We’re out of cigarettes and my hands continue to tremble. I assume it is from withdrawals, but I know it is from exhaustion and fear. The vacant eyes of my comrades are mirrors of my own, reflecting the spectre of death which sings softly in the back of our minds.

Waiting is the way of war, and then, of a sudden, the chaos begins again. Another inch of soil taken is another inch given on another day. We hold the line, waiting for the order, waiting for reinforcements, waiting for the enemy’s advance, waiting to die.

The artillery siren sounds and we huddle closer to our dirt wall for what little protection it offers. The explosions and their whistles surround us, deafening, ringing, flashing. One hits nearby, sending mud and gore and shrapnel into our pit. A quick thud and my buddy is dead, hot metal ripping through his neck and jaw. I can smell his flesh cooking as he slumps down, leaning into me as if for one last moment of comfort. He dies in my arms, his eyes lost yet finally at peace.

I look around and see others screaming in pain, or lost and wandering in shock without limbs, and I notice, in the mud wall just behind my head, a strip of grey no more than an inch long, yet curled and sharp, wedged most of the way in. Six inches, the difference between life and death. Six inches closer and I am dead. Six inches away from my buddy and he is alive, holding me in my last breath.

I pluck the shard out, burning the fingertips on my thumb and index finger a little. So small, yet so deadly at the force it was jettisoned at me. I hold it in my palm and roll it over a couple of times, scraping away the dirt.

The cacophony stops. I look up at my fellows, my brethren. The chaos ends and the waiting begins again. Soon, we all know, the retaliation, the call to arms, the offensive.

I ready my weapon and slide the memento into my breast pocket. Perhaps I can show it to my grandchildren, resting on my mantel as a lost memory of a forgotten war for a forgettable cause. Perhaps my mother will keep it in her purse, the forgotten face of her lost child.

I can barely register the high-pitched whistle as it is blown down the line.

I lift my weary body and go over the lip.

Entertainment and Fun

One of the things I find very fascinating is the diverse ways people are entertained and have fun. Right now, the kids are attacking each other while wearing some lacrosse gear and wrestling around. We just came back from watching Dancing with the Stars at Grammy's house. I also petted some lovely kittens as they came in for the evening and will probably play some video games and read before I go to bed.

I also am glad to have such a great number of choices to choose from. I am enjoying writing these daily blogs (along with a 20 minute stream-of-consciousness writing that Starcat and I are doing daily) as well as drumming, making music, playing games (like old-school Magic card game), and I am gearing my body up to play the next session of soccer at a local indoor sports complex.

My goal, in the next few months, is to create even more interesting and fun activities and events in my life. I want to try something really different for me, like hang-gliding in Brazil, or skydiving in France, or scuba diving in Bermuda, or some other wonderfully fun and interesting things right here at home. I think I will do more skiing this year (and avoid the trampoline this time!).

If anyone has any fun or cool ideas that I might be interested in, let me know! I would love to discover something I can do right now to have even more weird and strange and exciting times. :)

Helping a friend

I woke up early this morning and went over to my friend's house and helped build a wheelchair ramp to the side door. She broke her ankle while traveling for work in Turkey and would have had a challenging time getting into her house without the ramp.

I am not much of a carpenter myself, but I am quite a good assistant and I learned a good amount of stuff while carrying wood, holding pieces together, clamping, designing, digging, and some other stuff. I had a real fun time today doing that and am thankful to be part of such a great and creative community!

They arrive home tonight at 10 PM and will find out this great surprise when they arrive. We left them a signed note and ribbon to show our love and affection (along with the ramp of course). I wish I could see the look on their faces (hopefully happy ones!) and wish them all the best for her quick recovery!

I am looking forward to creating even more wonderful and thoughtful ideas as the holiday and family season revs up!

Many blessings to all the wonderful people in my life!

Divination and its Tools

Divination takes many forms: cards, dice, bones, tea leaves, weather, and much more. This basically includes anything that can take on a “random” form, or at least the appearance of randomness. Essentially, the Universe (and our higher self) is able to affect and form messages in a symbolic manner that allows us, with interpretation, to better understand ourselves and our hidden goals and trends.

Someone who gives a reading is usually good at reading a person’s energy and, with the divination tools, is able to help guide the querent towards more understanding. I have found that doing my own divination has helped me understand myself and to see the energies and patterns around me.

I find that I am drifting away from Tarot cards and their interpretations (by many and various authors) and more toward creating a card set that is personal to me, or at least one that has a more positive outlook, rather than the doom and gloom that some card sets portend. I find that the biases and prejudices of these folk are not always in line with where I am right now.

I have already begun to write down thoughts and descriptions of a new card system that I want to add to my repertoire of divination tools. The cards I wish to create have four aspects, symbolic meanings, and a positive way of viewing things (since there are, to me, no negatives, only challenges and opportunities for new understanding).

The four aspects are as follows, using the four sides of a square card (rather than rectangular or circular or some other shape):

The first position is when the face of the card is upright, pointing such that the top of the picture is pointed away from the base of the spread. Traditionally, this is the direct meaning of the card, where the subject of the card is present and observed by the querent. The subject of the card (call its position obverse for now) is “actual” or manifested.

The second is the reverse aspect of the card (the top of the card is facing the bottom of the spread), which means that the querent is resisting or is focusing on the lack of the subject.

In addition, there are two more aspects of divination that I wish to address but are rarely used: one is if the card is turned to the right, which indicates that the subject is entering or starting to manifest in the querent’s life.

And finally, if the card is turned to the left (with the top to the left of the spread) than that energy is subsiding or in the process of being released.

By creating a deck of symbols that are easily recognized (and less mystified) I hope to create a tool that many people will be able to use. Additionally, by using all four directions to divine, it will be possible to do a more fine-tuned reading for those who are seeking a deeper wisdom.

Communication

(This is day 3 of Starcat and I's 30 day blog posting challenge! ...so far so good!)

Communication is sometimes an awkward event, with both parties trying to convey information, and more often trying to convince the other that they are "right" or at least "justified" in their reaction to what the other is saying. This can lead to one side pulling their energies back and letting the other go on a tirade, which quickly becomes a one-sided conversation. Another example is if both feel "right" and battle to overcome the other's defenses. Neither of these ways will be satisfying to either party in the long run. Either resentment or bruised egos will result.

However, there are other ways of communicating that allow each person to relate what they are feeling and thinking and not expecting the other to involve themselves emotionally in an uncomfortable way. If each person can remain calm and centered, even when conveying strong feelings, both parties will be uplifted by the conversation.

One of the challenges that I face is when someone with a strong personality needs to “vent” and expects me to be okay with that. Granted, most of the time I can remain centered and focused, but sometimes with such aggressive energy, I get defensive and pull back from the conversation. Ultimately, it is my choice and my energy that would bring about such a “confrontation,” and I am glad I have surrounded myself with a lot of calm, centered people.

Ideally, when both people in a conversation are grounded, it is each of our responsibilities to remain in our centered state regardless of the temperament or “control” the other may have. With practice, it is even possible to remain centered through the most toxic and verbally violent tirades, much to the chagrin of the one who wants to drop you down into their drama.

I hope with continued practice and patience, I am able to attract these ideal cases more often, and to successfully avoid any increased amount of drama. I know of several people who are having communication issues and I hope they can resolve them in a kind and gentle manner. I also have a friend who is having a challenging communication with me, mainly because I chose not to fall into the “dark” place that he’s coming from. By choosing to be centered and to feel calm, I was able to “withstand” a very strong verbal “attack.” Thankfully, I came away with hope for the other and I still wish him all the best.

Regardless of how you choose to communicate, any time that you find yourself in a challenging situation, know that your beliefs and assumptions play a large role in the encounter. Such a situation, in the future, need not arise at all, if you intend and expect harmony and harmonious interactions with those around you.

So remember, be yourself and try to remain in your center, or vortex as Abraham calls it. It’s the place where you find joyous, calm and happy thoughts. Good luck!

Zombii

I wrote up my first scene for the Zombii play that my friends Kristen and Melian and I are writing together.

We talked about the different acts and some of the scenes and characters last night and we got on a nice roll.

We also "assigned" scenes that we each would do.

I had a blast writing it and I think it will be funny and tragic at the same time. :)

We are entering it into a contest but I want to do it for the fun of it!

I also want my friends from Shoggoth Assembly to put something together, if they are interested, when we finish it! :)

Why Are We Here?

We have manifested because the Divine had a thought about who we could become, an idea of our ideal life that we can attain if we so choose. That ideal way is unique to each of us and is so fulfilling and satisfying that we would wish to attain even more when we get there.

There is no end or beginning. We continue to create and recreate ourselves all the time. We are essentially infinite Divine beings ourselves. We are creators of worlds, in our dreams and thoughts and outrages. Yet our creations, like us, have free will. We have the ability and grace to choose to be whatever we want, even to the point of blinding ourselves to our own gloriousness.

So the age-old question: “why are we here?” is an easy thing to answer: because we wanted to be! We each chose to come to this place to grow, to expand, to create, and to learn. We are also great teachers to those who have not yet come to this physical world. We are able to show them all the possibilities we are capable of and all the great mysteries yet to explore. All possible ways of being are explored here, including our animal, plant, fungus, and rock friends.

At this time in your life, what things, beings, and actions are you choosing to create and surround yourself with? What great lessons are you teaching yourself? Do you feel wonderful, ready to take on the world? Or do you still have challenges that you do not yet wish to face?

We are all here to be ourselves, to learn from and teach each other and to expand All That Is into frontiers never before seen in the universe. There will never be another moment like this one. Now is the moment that we create in and when we can do the most. There is no past and future, only memories and thoughts of what might be. The past and future can easily be changed by using the power of your now to guide them.

Every possibility is available to you right now, and every possibility will happen; we will experience it or our counterparts on adjacent lifelines will. This is why you have so much power! You can guide your lifeline to be whatever you want simply by attracting these things that you most desire!

A simple technique is to visualize yourself doing or being or experiencing a certain thing. Since all possibilities are going to manifest, you can be or do or have anything that is possible. Start by simply manifesting your favorite beverage, a small amount of unexpected cash, or a call from a friend you haven’t spoken with for a while. As you practice and manifest these simple things, your confidence will increase and you will allow yourself to imagine and believe in manifesting even “larger” and “bigger” things. There are no limits except the ones you place on yourself. So be calm, stay true to yourself, and enjoy!