The Stillness and a Gift from Red Squirrel

Posted by Barbara Techel

It is around 10 am as I write this today. The sun is out in full force enticing the grass from its slumber. My writing cottage window next to my desk is open a crack and I hear the sounds of sandhill cranes overhead.

Red squirrel as has been his daily visit to our deck and task of filling his tummy, I note the distinct sound of quiet that is outside my window except for the sounds of nature.

The stillness envelops my whole being as I sink into this space of knowing this is a new normal for all of us right now.

I recognize why I’ve been feeling, for the most part, calm during this time of uncertainty. For many years now I’ve been making these shifts within my own psyche to come as often as possible to this space of stillness.

I realize why it is that when I’ve gone out into the world I’d feel the angst and hurriedness from those around me. My daily life, for the most part, is spent in lots of quiet time, and over the years I’ve learned that not being in a hurry or stressed is actually a gift to my nervous system.

So as I sit here at my writing desk, the world outside and for many has come to a halt with staying put, I’m welcoming how this is feeling so good to my own being as more have joined with what I’ve been practicing for many years now. 

And red squirrels symbolism of focused energy is an invitation that when we take this time to journey inward we come to discover things we may not have realized before in our hurried lives. And red squirrel reminds us of the important choice of the activity of play as one we all need more of in order to find our way back to what really matters.

xo,

Barbara

 

 

Guidance from Whale Spirit During These Challenging Times

Posted by Barbara Techel

I’m thinking of all of you as we go through this challenging and unprecedented time in our world. I hope you are finding ways to stay calm, grounded and centered. For the most part, I’m feeling centered, though in being honest, I have had a few moments of feeling scared too. This is natural and vital for each of us to feel our way through this.

And this is one of the teachings (of many) I believe is unfolding from this time. We are being called to hold it all, be in a space of flow, acceptance, and surrender, and find peace within, plus feel the myriad of feelings we feel.

I’ve been using some of my tools in my toolbox more of late like 5-10 minute meditations two to three times a day. I’ve also been practicing, even more, to stop and take deep breaths, and taking time to reflect on the bigger perspective of this time and my belief that we will get through this and we will all be better for it.

Another tool I find helpful and always feel comforted by is tapping into the energy of animals and so I chose a card for us today from The Spirit Animal Oracle.

I pulled Whale Spirit in protection and the message on the card is Trust in the Great Mystery.

Because it came out in reverse we are being called to check in with ourselves when we feel scared. When we are frightened we are giving in to fear (again, totally natural). But this is truly a mystery of what is unfolding right now and we are being called to trust that this is all for the better of our planet. To trust that we will, and already are, learning from this. 

I see Whale Spirit card as a message that this is a time to really lean into your connection with a higher power, no matter how you define it, God, Spirit, Goddess, Universe, etc.

Last night I woke in the middle of the night and my thoughts started to spiral. But I stopped myself and felt into an experience I had almost two years ago when I had a transitional breath session. I recalled how after that session, for the first time in my 55 years, I felt this undeniable energy, and what I identified as God that enveloped me with this deeply touching love I’d never felt before in my life.

I knew in that moment that I was worthy and that I was safe. I had always been. And I hope this is of some help for you too that I share this. It also reminds me  of when listening to Marianne Williamson when in her meditations she says, “God is here.”

So just like what we are going through right now and we don’t know how it will all unfold, we have to trust in what we can’t see. But know we are safe and are being guided by a loving force that is there.

Lastly, I share this from the booklet that I find comforting and I hope it will serve you in this way too:

“You must trust absolutely that what will come will be for the highest good. Stay in your present moment awareness and allow the Hidden Realms to hold your intentions safely until it is time for them to manifest in the Realm of Form. Let go, for you will not be left behind.”

Sending you all so much love and light!

xo,

Barbara

Sweet Connection Outside My Window. The Animal Human Bond Never Ends.

Posted by Barbara Techel

I’d not even noticed until this afternoon. But after running errands and returning to my writing cottage I felt this nudge to look outside my window— the one next to my writing desk.

Gidget passed away May 11, 2019 and when the first snowfall came I felt some grief when it snowed enough to cover the stone heart marker of where we laid her to rest.

But I remember reminding myself that even though I couldn’t see the marker that she was, and will always be, in my heart.

Yesterday I made an announcement on my Facebook and Instagram pages of the release of my latest memoir, I’m Fine Just the Way I Am. The minute I hit the publish button I felt tears rush to the surface.

As I’ve said often along the way, I’ve learned that we are always releasing, integrating and healing. This book has felt vulnerable for me to share in many ways. But my tears were a mixture of just another sweet release and celebration that I did it.

It has been a full week and last night I had to remind myself to take a deep breath. I was tired and so I honored that I really needed to rest and went to bed early.

After rushing around again today I was looking forward to returning to my writing cottage to chill out. And that’s when I felt the nudge to look outside the window.

I smiled when I realized why I was feeling called to do so. The stone heart marker is almost visible once again. And then I knew it was Gidget who had been nudging me. 

I said out loud, “Oh Gidge girl, I love you.”

And when I looked a bit closer I noticed a dried leaf that took on the shape of a heart. You can see it within the stone marker on the bottom left of the photo above.

To me, this was symbolic of Gidget, the protector of my heart as she was in life and now in spirit. My heart within hers and hers within mine for infinity.

Oh, how I love when the universe presents us with these precious gifts.

xo,

Barbara