A Surprise Visit from Snail

Posted December 22, 2021 by Barbara Techel

The snail came to me unexpectedly.

It was a little over a week ago that I felt something ‘off’ in my lower back. I contemplated getting in for a chiropractic adjustment. But I put it off knowing I had a scheduled appointment in two days.

I regret that choice. The pain by this point was intense and the spasms I was experiencing were like lightning strikes.

After sharing what was going on with my chiropractor and needing the ‘lift’ of the bed to lower me down for an adjustment I was told it was my right SI joint (Sacroiliac joint) that was inflamed.

I hope this is a one and never again situation for me.

But enter the blessing.

I pretty much had to be lying on my back, switching between ice and moist heat for the next three days and also doing various stretches throughout the day. When I did move, I had to be super careful as not to bring on another spasm.

At first, I was frustrated I couldn’t move about as I’m used to.

By the second day, I realized I could continue to fight this or find a way to appreciate this slower pace.

And that’s when an image entered my mind. That of a snail in its shell.

I watched in my mind’s eye as snail moved ever so slowly from the left side of my brain to the right. I was reminded of when life is busy and hectic, how I yearn for the pace of a snail.

Here was my opportunity. Right here and now to embrace this. I exhaled and relaxed.

This time of healing my back would require patience – a virtue of snail.

It was time for me to protect my back and find joy in this inward time within my own shell.

And oh, how I began to really enjoy it!

While I’m feeling much better, I still have to be cautious as I continue to heal. But what is staying with me, for now, is still this slower way of embracing the beginning of each day and as I move throughout it.

I feel more centered. I feel more balanced. I feel more connected.

This time of year, I know, can feel so hustle and bustle for many, so I hope this message comes as one that is welcome for you.

I, for one, am grateful for snail and her perfect timing teaching.

I hope you find some time to embrace your inner snail this holiday season. You will be wonderfully rewarded. I promise.

Barb

Winter Solstice Blessings to You!

Posted December 20, 2021 by Barbara Techel

From my home to yours, I put a short video together for you below in celebration of the cozy and magic of home. I hope you will enjoy it.

I also came across this image and quote. It really spoke to me. At times, I wish I could be a critter in the woods as I imagine them all gathered together in celebration of this magical time of year. The trees as their friends and how they truly appreciate the earth as their home. I take this all into my being and carry it in my heart as a way of living in connection with nature…even if only in a visualization.

I sense the spirit of the animals so close right now. Our guides – always willing to walk beside us – and how they remind us that this time of year is vital to go within and listen…and connect with what is true and real for each of us.

Thank you for being here and for all the messages of love and kindness you’ve shared over the past year here in my online home.

Barb

Bluebird Gently Nudged My Inner Critic to Step to the Side

Posted December 9, 2021 by Barbara Techel

I don’t remember if I mentioned here that I’m enrolled in a 7-week course studying the journey and teachings of St. Francis of Assisi and St. Clare. Oh, what a joy this course is! Each week during the live call I’m touched to the core by the lesson and the connection with my fellow classmates as we ponder a thought-provoking prompt.

It’s been the perfect gift of self-care for me.

So perhaps you are wondering what this sculpted Bluebird and my inner critic have to do with this?

Well, our recent assignment was to intuitively sculpt something out of clay. Yesterday was the day I mustered up the courage to give it a try.

As I warmed the clay by rolling it in my hands I didn’t know what I was going to make. But as I sat looking out my Joyful Pause Cottage window, the clay beginning to soften in my hands, I noticed the bird feeders swaying gently in the wind. It came to me to sculpt a bird.

My inner critic showed up right away saying I couldn’t make a bird. It also wasn’t going to be artist quality. All that old conditioning that shows up when we try something new. I know you get it because it’s just part of the human experience.

The name of the game is to gently acknowledge the inner critic, understand this is her way of protecting you, and forge ahead despite this.

The thought rolled through my mind of how do I begin to make a bird? Ah yes, start with the head. This then led to the beak, which I really enjoyed sculpting, then the body, and finally the wings. Then it intuitively came to me to perch him on a heart.

It was then I knew he was meant to be a Bluebird, though I wasn’t exactly sure why at that point. After baking him in the oven and he cooled I painted him.

I loved how he intuitively ended up with his head tilted toward the sky. As I’ve sat in reflection and what the message is for me I sense the bluebird representing how far I’ve come in spreading my wings on so many levels – and the message to continue to do so – and how when I stay connected to a greater source and all that is – and allow my heart to lead the way, I’m gifted with an abundance of joy.

He is by no means perfectly shaped, but his message is one that brought warmth to my heart and a welcome reflection that is indeed perfect.

He is now perched on top of where I store my paints with the bird feeders as the background. But most importantly, where I can see him as a reminder of living a simple life and one connected to nature, the animals, and all that is. This…this is what makes my heart feel at home.

Barb