Stained Glass and spirits

Some photos I found so beautiful, thought I'd share!  The one is of some of the stained glass in the sanctuary (now the home of Thou Art Gallery) and the other one is of me and Sidney.  If you notice, there are two orbs between us, just about at my heart level.  We have had many photos with orbs and this is the newest one... Enjoy!

Breathing, Our Life Force Energy

Did you know that we breathe roughly 23,000 times a day and take in about 4,500 gallons of air - 25 times that amount during exercise...  Of course it makes sense that this influences our minds, bodies and overall health!  There are three types of "breathers"...  nasal, chest, or belly...  Do you know which one you are?  Here are some clues:  

Nasal breathers breathe only in through the nose (no, really??!).  They do not use their diaphragm thus resulting in a lack of oxygen flow throughout the body.

Chest breathers use only a slight portion of the diaphragm bringing in some oxygen to the entire body, but still not enough for optimum health.

Diaphragm breathers (top answer!) use their bellies - using the full diaphragm to breathe as nature intended.  They bring in the necessary oxygen to feed the body, mind and spirit - yeah!!

Breathing helps the healing process, it empowers you with a tool to help you connect back to the wisdom of the body.  It helps us check in with whats happening on the inside.  The breath cycle is a representation of the life cycle... inhale (a new beginning), space before exhale (a natural ending cycle), exhale (letting go and beginning again).  

Breathing is not just a physical process.  Notice how you feel when you get upset or depressed - your breathing patterns change, and when breathing patterns change so to does your state of mind and emotions.  If you practice focusing on your breathing (diaphragm breathing please) when you are upset, your thoughts and emotions will become stabilized, as well as allowing a more relaxed and at-ease body and mind.  The breath is what brings you back into balance.  So, that being said, I highly recommend practicing belly breathing in everything you do, and notice how life starts to flow with your breath instead of getting stuck where you are!

1, 2, 3, deep breath, pause, and exhale!

Silly Girls

Silly Silly Girls!!!

Sara and I have been having lots of fun since she has returned to Groton.  She is one of my favorite people to hang around with.  She is not weirded out by being silly and actually instigates it!  Today she got her hair cut and then spent hours taking photos for her facebook page...  Of course I had to take the opportunity to "jump right in" and voila - beauty (and silliness).  I highly recommend dropping your "I'm the grown up" face once in awhile and playing and laughing till you can't breathe!  Enjoy your day with be "weird, but in a good way"! * Janet

The Book of Runes

Each morning and evening I pick a Rune from the Book of Runes.  The Runes as described here are healing, merciful Runes, an Oracle system, that will do no harm.  They speak of the language of possibilities and they provide a mirror for the magic of knowing ourselves, a means of communication with the knowledge of our subconscious mind.  Consulting an Oracle is not having your fortune told.  It does not give you instructions on what to do nor does it predict future events.  An Oracle points your attention towards those hidden fears and motivations that will shape your future by their unfelt presence within each present moment.  Once seen and recognized there elements become absorbed into the realm of personal choice.  Oracles do not absolve you of the responsibility for selecting your future, but rather direct your attention towards those inner choices that may be most important elements in determining your future. 

That being said, today I chose the Rune of Wholeness.  The prayer that was shared, known as the Gayatri, which embodies the spirit of the Rune of Wholeness addresses the Sun (Creator/Creation).  I found it most profound and wanted to share with you, so here it is:

You who are the source of all power, whose rays illuminate the world, illuminate also my heart, so that it too can do your work.  While reciting this it is recommended that you visualize the sun's rays streaming forth into the world, entering your heart, then streaming out from your heart's center and back into the world.  

Imagine of we all did this daily?  Spent time focused on Love.  The energy that would stream from us and the vibrations that would be created that would be felt by all!  How easy would it be for us to change hate to love, war to peace, and unhappiness to joy?  I am filled with hope every time I do this, and my dream for you is that you have the same experience.  Till next time, practice loving kindness with yourself and all those around you!  Janet

The Dance Continues

My friend Sidney Moonchild, one of the most amazing artists that I personally know, has FINALLY begun painting again!!!  I just checked out her updated website and it is smashing! What a gift Sidney is offering.  To be able to evoke such emotions by sharing what she loves to do... Now that's my idea of living!!

My favorite new painting is the first dancer in the series of dancing goddesses of emotions.  

Every time I look at her I see something/someone different.  The dancer "tickles" my insides and I can actually feel the soft breeze on my face as she leaps, turning her lovely face toward me.  She is looking at me, but also past me, into the future that I am creating.  I can't wait to see who shows up next!!  

I highly recommend that you pay a visit to Sidney's website, peruse her art, let the joy bubble up and surround you and allow the magic to enter!

Enjoy!   J.

The Ladies in the Church are Ready to Play

I have been re-organizing the office to make space for Rhonda Marr, acupuncturist who will be in the office on Tuesdays.  During my reorganizing I packaged some essential oils for clients and spent some time planning on where to put them.  I lined them up on the counter in the reception area, all very nice and neat.  

With all my "ducks in a row" for the day I called it a night and began my evening rituals.   I lit some sage to clear any energies  hanging on from the day, picked my Rune and prepared my intentions for dream time.  I consciously asked "The Ladies" to make themselves known and reminded them that James from Syracuse Paranormals was coming soon (he asked me to let them know that he was coming).  Had great dreams... woke up refreshed and went downstairs to let Bru out.  I checked the heat in my office (turning it up for appointments so they would be really warm) and just happened to glance at the counter with the oils... I was stopped in my tracks because the oils that had been lined in 4 rows, 3 bottles deep were now "rearranged".  The first bottle in all the rows were moved.  Two to the right, two to the left.   

Of course I did the whole thing that most human beings would do - doubt...  Hummm, did I move them and forget, was someone else in the office and "knocked them out of place"...  ya' know - the whole gambit of self doubt...  BUT, I did let those thoughts go and got goose bumps up both my arms and the hair on my neck and the top of my head stood on end.  Yup, it was them.  They have decided its time to play!  This was a few days ago, today they told me "clean the church, company is coming" and then they added... "We don't want our house to be seen as unclean".  Wow, did I start cleaning (as I imagine most people would too!).  So, I will keep you all posted as to who the "company" is!  Stay warm and remember to keep an open mind and heart so that you can hear your own heart beat!!

Syracuse Paranormal Group

I am finally thawing out from our very cold weather, so my fingers can type again...

The past few weeks have been very exciting here at 111 Church Street.  I was interviewed by Channel 10 news, worked out an agreement with a lovely and capable acupuncturist who will be coming every Tuesday, setup another workshop for ARCH training and certification program, and have been in contact with Syracuse Paranormals.   They are interested in coming to visit the "band of workers" here.  I have been "seeing" spirit in this church since I taught sunday school here 15 years ago, and now I believe others will see them too!!!   Be sure to check back for progress and findings.  I can't wait!!

Stay warm,

Janet