animal teachings

Thanking the Animals on this My 56th Birthday

Today, my 56th birthday, I took some time in quiet reflection.

Some animal friends came to mind that have been pivotal in my life’s journey the past few years. I’ll be sharing how each of them helped me in my upcoming memoir I’m Fine Just the Way I Am.

I couldn’t help but create this little altar of them after I did an oracle reading for myself for my new year ahead.

Onward and forward with gratitude in my heart for each of their blessings and profound teachings…

XO,

Barbara

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Happy, Happy is Just Being You: Oracle and Animal Guidance for the Week

Right away pulling these cards I was struck by the blues and greens within them. Whenever I see these colors together I immediately feel a calming effect on my central nervous system.

I pulled Happy, Happy in reverse which is called protection in this oracle deck – which means to pay closer attention and it’s like a hug from Spirit.

The essential meaning of Happy, Happy is joy and contentment, a sense of fulfillment and a feeling that all is well.

Because it’s in reverse we are being asked where in our lives are we not feeling this? Where do we need to pause, check-in with ourselves, and take stock of where we perhaps are pushing too hard to try and force happiness. 

How often do we forget that we can choose happiness at any given moment? Whether we are working or taking time for play – there is happiness in both. Each provides us satisfaction in some aspect. But if we are too much in one or the other, we can tend to feel a lack. Both are important for feeling grounded and whole.

Peacock Spirit and the message to Let it Shine reminds us that no matter what we are doing or if we are just being, to be totally and authentically ourselves in everything. Within each of us we have many colors. Some days we shine with the most brilliant light and vibrant colors and other days our light is not as bright and our colors more subdued.

But they are all part of who we are. Each serves a purpose in their own way. When we can appreciate all of who we are and what life brings us, this is the key to how we can live a more balanced life and find gifts in all of it.

Looking at the hummingbird on the Happy, Happy card and one who can fly backward and forward, and up and down, so too can we flow with this rhythm as we are called to do on any given day. Within it all there is something to learn and grow from and an opportunity to practice finding the gift in all situations.

And today is also the full moon – strawberry moon – which the energy in this moon is here to help us put into practice, even more, staying in the present moment and following the natural flow of what your heart is calling you to. We each can shine our own light, even in a world that often has much darkness – but how important it is for us to each continue to shine our special light no matter what.

Cards used: Wisdom of the Oracle and Spirit Animal Oracle by Colette Baron-Reid

XO,

Barbara

P.S. I offer personal one-to-one oracle readings and guidance sessions. If you are feeling stuck and need some support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. You can learn more about my oracle reading service here.

New Life in Our Backyard – Video

As I write this blog post there is an Oriole and Robin splashing in the bird bath. First time I’ve ever witnessed that!

Today around 8:15am I was listening to one of my mentors do an oracle reading. The card she pulled was about evolution and new life. It had the image of a sweet baby on the card.

Within moments after she pulled the card and was talking about it, I looked up to see a mama deer and her fawn come into our yard. More new life. I don’t remember in the 32-years that we’ve lived here seeing a fawn. It was such a treat!

I thought about how the oracle reading of new life and seeing the fawn connects with my life right now. 

It’s been a little over one month since my doxie, Gidget passed away. Some moments have been sad as I miss her sweet and loving presence and cuddling with her. But as the days flow by, I’m finding my way. And one thing that has been so beautiful is that my love is deepening even more for her. And I know she feels that. I feel it. And that feels incredibly good.

I’ve been practicing staying in the moment and trying to not let my mind race ahead of me wondering what is next, but just being open to allowing life to flow to me, instead of forcing it. 

My life is already anew in many ways just with how I move about my days now. It’s bittersweet at times, but I’m reminding myself to appreciate the gift of this time for myself now.

Moving through loss is a form of evolution as I reflect on what Gidget brought to my life and what I’ve deepened into with her teaching since she has moved on. This in itself has brought new life to me.

John and I are also going to go look at something tomorrow morning….though I can’t say right now what that is. But in case you are thinking it’s a dog, no, that’s not what it is. 

But it’s something that may bring another aspect of new life for us if it all works out. If not now, I believe it will manifest soon and I’ll be sure to share with you. I have to share it with you now that I’ve teased you, right?  😉

At any rate, I wanted to share this adorable fawn and her dear (deer!) mama with you. Life is always evolving and there are so many gifts in that.

P.S. Tomorrow I’ll be sharing the interview with my friend and new author, Lori Helke and photos of her adorable renovated vintage camper named Beatrice. Stay tuned!

XO,

Barbara

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