Hello, Again

Who hasn’t had the experience of meeting someone for the first time and yet knowing that there was something just SO familiar about them, someone we may be instantly attracted to, or even repelled by? I daresay we have all had that experience at some time or other in our lives. I believe we recognize each other at a soul level – at a mutually agreed upon time and place where we come together for whatever purpose there might be: a continuation of a relationship, an opportunity to complete/have closure, a re-do, perhaps – but there is always something on a soul level to achieve, or we wouldn’t find ourselves on each other’s path.

            It’s fascinating to recognize this when it occurs. A “chance” encounter, an introduction, a mutual hobby or interest that you engage in – but there he/she is! And when that recognition hits, when you’ve (re)connected…the guides and angels are cheering in the ethers because they know the fun that is about to ensue! It may not feel that way – it could be difficult and arduous to clear whatever you’ve come together to clear. But it can also be absolutely wonderful – like meeting a long lost friend whom you haven’t seen in “forever”, and your souls dance in their recognition of the deep love that is there. Whatever the situation for you and your “soulmate”, there is always so much love behind it – or you wouldn’t have found each other again to do this dance with through time.

            One of my favorite stories is Neale Donald Walsch’s The Little Soul and the Sun, where two souls reconnect to experience that part of themselves known as forgiveness. The one soul agrees to come back and show the Little Soul just what forgiveness looks like. In essence the soul says, “When I come back and do the worst that I can do to you (to teach you forgiveness), don’t forget who I Am, or we are both sunk.”  (that’s a real paraphrase there!) The Little Soul promises that he won’t forget, and God says, “I send you nothing but angels.” I can’t tell you how that phrase has repeated in my head in trying situations with others; and in contrast, the beautiful ones, as well.

            I’ve been fortunate to have this happen in my life more than once, and to have the recognition of those persons – both positive and definitely not positive, in one particular case. I have always understood the intent of these encounters.  I feel these are among our most significant relationships, for they are the ones that mirror who we are to each other. In the past couple of years, I’ve had one such angel reappear in my life, and the magnitude of the recognition has not escaped me..either of us, actually..and the dance our souls have done.  It’s not the first time, no, that this has occurred for me, but this has been quite lovely in the joy and fun I have derived from this reconnecting. And the learning.  And the remembering.  And yes, even some forgiving.

As a regressionist (Soul Sessions), I have helped other people find and understand the connections of soul to soul. How they have known each other before, in whatever role they have played for each other – whether it be parent, sibling, lover, friend, child – brings to light the gifts inherent in that relationship, and how they are furthering each other’s soul mission in being brought together again. It is truly so Divine, and, by the way, no accident!!

            Why do I share this? Because it’s another way to know that we are not alone here on the planet, especially in those times when we feel that could be the case. Because if we but open our eyes, we know there are those significant relationships that bring us what we most need when we most need it (ok, we might not appreciate that right away, but if we allow ourselves to ride the experience, we will). Because however you label it, it is a heart opener. Because there is so much love in the Universe for us, that these souls agree to come here and remind us of that deep connection that really only resides within each of us, but outpictures in those we draw to us in our lives. It is nothing short of a blessing and a gift. You have been that for another, as another has been that for you!

            I’m sure that as you have read this, someone(s) has come to mind for you. Either send them love if they are gone or not close to you, or go give them a hug!!

            “I send you nothing but angels.” – Neale Donald Walsch

Holiday Open House

Open House - Saturday, December 7th
A Center for Spiritual Education and Healing
1893 Billingsgate Circle, Suite B, Richmond, Va. 23238; (804) 350-6743
On the web: www.innerpeacerichmond.com;
Find the Inner Peace page on Facebook, and Rev. Lisa on Twitter!

Please RSVP for our events!
 

Qi To Wellness & Inner Peace
Present
AN OPEN HOUSE
 

Saturday, Dec 7
10:00am-3:00pm
 

 
 

SCHEDULE

Demos/Presentations (free)
10:00  Welcome and networking (all)
10:30  Yoga for Health/Energy (Anna)
11:15  Guided Meditation (Rev. Lisa C. Marks, M.Ed)
11:45  Breathing Exercise (Omar Collins)
12:30  Acupuncture & You (Susan Sandlin)
01:15  Mindful Nourishment (Aqiylah Collins)

(*order of presentations subject to change*)

 
 

THROUGHOUT THE DAY
Personal Sessions ($1/min/ 20 min. max)
Bio Mat Sessions - Rev. Lisa
Chakra Clearings - Rev. Lisa
AromaTouch - Omar/Aqiylah
Holiday Survival - Aqiylah

 
 

Silent Auction
Items to include wellness sessions, coaching, energy work, aromatherapy, etc.
 

 REFRESHMENTS
Courtesy of Laurel Herman

 

Gift certificates available for holiday giving!

 

Satori Nights

Satori Nights

What is Satori?? Satori means “spiritual awakening”, which is what you will achieve in the course of playing the game. Based on the Radical Forgiveness work of Colin Tipping, this largely intuitive game will bring you peace and resolution magically in your life, in order to move forward with a greater sense of freedom.

·         2-5 players

·         Good for family groups, groups of friends, individuals desiring to come together
to have a greater sense of peace and forgiveness in their lives

·         Being in a safe and sacred environment with a counselor guiding the game

Rev. Lisa C. Marks, M.Ed, certified counselor and ordained minister of Religious Science leads these evenings. She will lead these groups in your home, as well as bringing groups into Inner Peace.

1^st Satori evening: Wednesday, June 19^th, 7:00 pm. First come, first serve basis…limited to 5 participants. Call 804-350-6743 to sign up.$20 per player.

Testimonials:

" I think it’s fair to say that there were times when each of us were pretty dumbfounded by how the game played out and how we each felt that it had meaning for each of us individually and for all of us collectively. I don't know how it works, but it sure seemed to work for us." Kitty J. Boitnott, Ph.D., NBCT

“This game is so very intuitive, it quickly got to the core issues that were affecting my life.  Rev. Lisa provided a very safe and sacred space to do this work in. I was very grateful to have her as the game master, and guide. LH

Satori, an intuitive game concerning radical forgiveness was on target for issues in my life. Rev. Lisa compassionately guided me through the game allowing me to open up and release my feelings in a safe space. Working on forgiveness is serious business, this game allowed for serious thought provoking moments and much laughter. I look forward to playing again. TRN

Tribute to My Friend

In this life, I have been blessed to know some of the best people. These souls have shown up in the guise of family members, teachers, students, mentors, co-workers, and incredible friends. That is my definition of hitting the lottery! But I really hit the jackpot when I met a great lady named Ann Warren Watlington many moons ago, when we were both in our 20’s, and teaching at the same school.

Annie made her transition on April 2^nd, and it was quite a shock to me. She had a recurrence of the breast cancer that she beat almost 20 yrs. ago, It came back in a relentless fury, and when finally found, was already stage 4. She was gone in a couple of months. I didn’t know about any of this, as our last get-together had been in November, where she seemed good to me. It was our  “normal” to go quite some time between visits. Apparently she wanted to tell me herself, but it all just went too fast. I am left wishing I had known so that I could have been there for her, and yet understanding that it was the way it was meant to be. Even with all I know and believe to be true about Life, there is still the physical loss that will stay with me for the rest of my stay here on Planet Earth.

Annie filled up a room with her presence and her gorgeous head of cascading red hair.  She was gentle, loving, and profound. She was a being of immense grace and courage, and handled her cancer that way, adopting her child from China that way, taking care of her special needs brother, Sam, that way, and teaching that way. Ann loved history! She knew it well, taught it well, and when she retired, worked at historical sites in Richmond, including St. John’s Church and the Dooley Mansion. She was full of spunk, had a wicked sense of humor – could find the funny in anything – and loved Carson (her child from China) with all the love she embodied and then some (in fact, I think having Carson kept her healthy and vibrant as long as she was).  And Ann loved me in such an unconditional way that I will always be grateful for. She always saw the best in me, and never hesitated to tell me. And I loved her back, just being so thankful for a friend/sister like her. I always looked forward to our time together, to talk and talk, laugh and laugh, catch up, and just enjoy being “girls” with one another. It was comfortable and easy to be with Ann. It also gives me comfort to know, as her sister shared with me, that the talks Ann and I had had along the way about life and death, and my take on how the Universe works, were a comfort to her as she neared the end. So, perhaps, in that way, I was present with her.

What I know is that through the year that they tried to find out why Ann was having such digestive issues (which is how the cancer showed itself again without being diagnosed as anything other than acid reflux), and couldn’t find the answer til the end, was because they weren’t supposed to. For whatever reasons, she was done here. While that’s a hard one for her family and friends, I know that’s how the Universe works. You cannot leave before it’s time, and as I learned through reading Home With God, by Neale Donald Walsch, you cannot die against your will (whether it’s a conscious choice or a soul choice), and that no death is ever a tragedy, it is always a gift. She is needed elsewhere now to be an angel to Carson and to fulfill her mission as Spirit. And while I will sorely miss her human presence, I know what the gift is for me: 

          

I have another dear friend/mentor in my life who is a grief counselor (as am I), and I have spoken with her a couple of times since Annie’s transition. She asked me what Ann’s legacy is to me. Mostly, it is about how she lived her life with the determination that nothing was going to get in her way of what she wanted to do in life – not the cancer, not letting anyone tell her “no” to adopting Carson in her late 40’s, retiring when she wanted to and finding new purpose in her life. She also gifts me with her unwavering ability to stay in a place of grace in the face of the hardships she coped with. And perhaps, most importantly, her absolute devotion to her family and her love of her pets. We were always sharing stories about our cats (and she also had dogs) with each other! The way I can best honor her is to carry these gifts within myself, which keeps her memory alive for me. Looking at Annie’s legacy to me has also left me thinking about the legacy I wish to leave when I am done, and living that way…. I am so grateful. I have been so blessed by her presence in my life.

Journey well, Sweet Annie, and there will certainly be a lot to catch up on when next we see each other! There is a cherished space in my heart where you will reside until then.

The Story of Ceri

The Story of Ceri

                  The Universe works in mysterious ways…for wo/man and animal alike, and the joining thereof.

                  I understand that not everyone is as avid an animal lover as I am, but I know plenty of people who are. And I’m glad I’m this way, because it’s always been an honor to share my home with the dogs I grew up with, and the cats I’ve had since adulthood. I have always had a strong connection to the animals in my life. So, those of you who are like me will really get this story, and I hope the rest of you can resonate with it on some level.

                  About a month ago, I started taking notice of a cat that was frequenting my yard. I honestly think she’s been around on and off since I’ve lived here the past couple of years, but she wasn’t on my radar. All of a sudden – she was! She was friendly and affectionate, and I thought she must live somewhere close by, but then, something deeper inside told me that wasn’t the case. I gave her some food outside, and she acted like she hadn’t eaten in a long time. I started keeping an eye on her. She became a fixture in the yard. I didn’t feel that she had a home, and when I consulted an animal communicator (thank you, Adrienne), that was confirmed. I did try to find someone to claim her, including putting an announcement on the radio, but no one came forward, and I somehow knew no one would. I began thinking about how to find her a home, because after all, I have 3 cats, and that’s my limit!

 “HA”, said the Universe.

I started coming home and being greeted by her – out of the front bushes, or off the porch. I was feeding her, yes I was! I did all the typical of me kinds of things – I made beds and soft places for her all over the front yard. She had a box under the eaves of the house with a towel in it for comfort. There was a beach towel on the ground among the bushes. In the cat pen I have on the porch for one of my “girls”, Tessa, who does enjoy the great outdoors, I built a cozy haven for colder days and rainy days, with a big blanket inside it, and beach towels on top to keep cold and wind out. And, oh yes, I put a cat toy in there for her to cuddle up to for good measure.

More conversation with the animal communicator, who said, “Congratulations on your new kitty! She’s adopted you. She says she sat on your lap in Egypt. And oh, she’d like a goddess name – in fact, she’d like to be called Ceridwyn; Ceri for short (which she answered to right away, I might add – and the name, which is Celtic, means “beautiful poetry.” I LOVE that!).” Oye. I was not in the market for a new cat. In fact, it was the furthest thing from my mind. What would people think if I brought in another cat? What would my current cats think? Shoot – what do I think? But this has clearly not been about me.

I put out feelers for a home for her on the one hand, while actually contemplating how I could make it work, on the other. I thought my cats would disown me…and ok, feeding another one? “Um,  Universe, if this is to be, then the money needs to be there to feed her and get her checked out physically”, as there was no way I was going to risk my current felines’ health and well-being…. Enter PAL (Prevent A Litter). I called them – because I thought she might be pregnant on top of everything else. But luckily, the clipped left ear says she’s been spayed!  I borrowed a friend’s top-load c at carrier, and managed to get her there, and checked out. She was good to go: feline-lukemia free, wormed, they said they could tell by her teeth that she is either 4 or 5 yrs. old, and a free rabies shot – and then I knew I could bring her inside, which is what she “said” she wanted (and certainly tried many an evening to follow me in). More conversation with the animal communicator said my cats understood, but weren’t thrilled. They said they’d do it for me. (Guilt!) They had been sitting and looking at her through the glass door for weeks, so how different would it be to have her in the house?

Again, the Universe said, “HA!”

Last Sunday, on a cold and rainy, yucky afternoon, I decided we were going to try it. She’d been outside 24 hrs. after being wormed (which the vet had said to give her that time still outside), and had run off after the vet visit, because I’m sure she felt she could no longer trust me. I had decided that if, after the vet visit, she ran off and didn’t come back, I had done the right thing, and had the satisfaction of knowing she was well and armed with the rabies vaccine. She had been in and out of the yard since, and up in the woods more than in the past month. I knew she was trying to make a decision, like I was.  Because of the bad weather, she was nearby. When I came back from my Sunday service, I started the preparations – she was going in the bathroom upstairs where she could chill and not be surrounded by the other cats. I remained open to this working or not – went outside, lured her to me with some cat chow, and snatched her up and whisked her inside. When I picked her up, she struggled – when we walked through that door and she realized what was happening, she relaxed. She was inside.

This hasn’t been an easy week, but it’s getting easier. There’s been a whole lot of hissing going on around here, and I have felt terrible that I’ve disrupted everyone’s lives. Within two nights, she was out of the bathroom, and I just decided that they would all have to work it out. The unlikely hero of the story is Mystic, my alpha cat, my “just leave me alone” cat. She has been a constant, calming force in all this, and has been with Ceri a lot, just being in her presence and staying centered about it all. Tessa is coming around – they got nose to nose yesterday evening. Kali, my little goddess of fire and spit, has vacillated between staying under the chair in my bedroom, and trying to be big and bad. She has swiped at Ceri, and consequently, Ceri is spending most of her time in the upstairs bedroom – with the company of Mystic, a good bit of the time. In the 5 days since she’s been inside, she’s shown no desire to go out, and has really only looked outside a few times, and then turned away. Luckily, she is using the litter box (that was a big concern, but does say to me that she’s been inside before)!  She is happy and purring. She has toys and food and (eventual) sisters and shelter. She doesn’t have to forage or hide or be out in the elements. I do believe she’s home. She belongs, or this wouldn’t have happened the way it has. We aren’t out of the woods yet, as a family adjusting, but we’re doing better than expected this quickly.

Love shows up in many different ways and forms. I have manifested – even tho I didn’t do it consciously – the lap cat I don’t have (none of mine are real cuddlers that way), another calico (which I had said if I got another cat EVER, it would be another calico), and an affectionate, lovely being who is supposed to be with us. Who knows what she has come to teach us – and vice versa!

And the Universe is taking that “HA”, and changing it to an “Ahhhhhhhhhh”!

                 

Oh Where, Oh Where, Did My Status Quo Go??

Have you been wondering what the heck happened to the things in life that you thought you could count on? Have you been pondering why you feel disconcerted on the inside when things on the outside no longer look familiar?  Are you tired of the “new day, new rules” feeling every time you turn around? That’s because the sense of any sort of status quo (Webster’s defines it “as the current state of affairs”) is in constant flux. I’ve been feeling this way since January 1, 2001. And now, as we hit these ever higher vibrations, there will be less and less of the familiar to hold onto (with the opportunity to build a new familiar).

    Is there any good news in this? Of course there is! First of all, this is the Time of Authenticity, where if we are not following the path of our soul, we are going to be mighty uncomfortable. What does THAT mean??? It means that we have to go within and listen to the messages we are getting ALL THE TIME (yes, even YOU!), whether we realize it or not. If there is anything that you feel called to do that you haven’t attempted, the good news is also that NOW is the time. The whole work paradigm is changing – where it was really never acceptable to be unhappy in our work life, it is really very unacceptable now, and our souls will not let us be ok with that. In fact, if we aren’t in right placement, we will be moved in some fashion. Just know, there is something MUCH better coming!! The key, as I have discovered, is to stay as positive as you can, even if you aren’t feeling it. Do whatever you need to uplift yourself. For me, it’s music, guided visualizations, reading authors who resonate with me, and spending time in contemplation with my journal.

Secondly, this is the opportunity to define our lives on OUR terms, from the entrepreneur of us, the within of us, that knows our true desires, and what we came to the planet to accomplish. One of the big “aha”s  I’ve had is that these are the times I came here for, and that without me (as is true for you, as well) things will not evolve in the same way on our planet. That’s how important we are! Even in the chaos, there is harmony among the souls here, even if it doesn’t appear to be so. It is our job to define our own status quo, start acting “as if”, and taking a step daily to transform our lives to what is in alignment with who we are, as well as how we fit into the whole planetary scheme. Who we are DOES make a difference!!

    Are you ready to do things differently and redefine your status quo? Are you ready to act “as if”? My nephew, Jason, and I are offering a workshop that can help you get there. Come join us for “All The World’s MY Stage” that combines acting skills and spirituality  - and an opportunity to be video-taped acting “as if”. It will be fun, build confidence in yourself and your desires, and give you a taste of the possibilities that your soul has in store for you! Check out Inner Peace’s website for more information: www.innerpeacerichmond.com.

    Here’s to yours, mine, and ours new status quo! And So It Is!!

What Is Working Well In Your Life?

Very often, we tend to focus on what is not working well in our lives. There may be one “bad” comment that comes our way, or one “wrong” thing that happens, and we let it define our day, instead of the perhaps hundreds of things that have gone right all day! Why do we do that to ourselves??

The counselor part of me says that it’s old conditioning or past patterns that no longer even exist (except that we believe they do!) that keep us in victim mode, or in our own personal self-sabotage. Just yesterday, someone who is very close to me responded to an e-mail I’d sent her brooding about something in my life with, “just sheep-dip that old crap thinking off!” It is so easy to forget Who We Are in any given moment, and thank goodness for those in our lives who remind us and are mirrors for us! So, I invite you to try the sheep-dip (bring your favorite cracker! LOL!)

 Mary Morrisey, author of Your Field of Dreams, invites us to treat each day as if it’s a “brand new baby day” and start anew. The good news is that we don’t have to wait until tomorrow to have a fresh start, we can begin right here, right now, in THIS moment. The choice is always ours! I love using affirmations, and have several favorites, but among them is Louise Hay’s, “I Love and Approve of myself exactly as I Am!” Not when this or that happens, but seeing the perfection of where we are right now! Saying this to ourselves in the mirror is especially empowering. And remembering what Power-FULL beings we are can change any circumstance, as well. Ernest Holmes reminds us that “I Am A Center in Divine Mind.” Isn’t this better than focusing on our mis-alligned self-perceptions?

I believe gratitude is THE KEY to recognizing what IS working in our lives. If we get into the mass consciousness, which is riddled with fear and anxiety provoking attitudes and beliefs, it’s hard to see the proverbial forest for the trees. It doesn’t have to be our experience! Take this moment and think of just one thing you are grateful for – and not as a passing thought – but as a prevailing thought that you wish to savor. Now get into the feeling behind that thought, and wallow in it (because there’s something worth wallowing in!)!. Isn’t that much better than anything seemingly negative “out there” that we tend to focus our attention and energy on?

Go somewhere that puts you in a gratitude space! When I walk the labyrinth, it is with the gratitude of being in that sacred space. When I am among the petals there in the center of the labyrinth, I take the time to focus on what the petals mean to me: I am grateful for the faith to know that all is well. I surrender to this faith (because sometimes, that’s what it takes!). I am an abundant being, in service to the gift of being on the planet at this time, and the mission I came for. I forgive all circumstances and people that I have allowed to cause me pain, and myself most of all, for indulging in that pain. I have truly overcome so much through my faith in the process of life. And then, when I step into the middle, where love resides, I am reminded that all of this takes place through the over-riding prevalence of love in my life and affairs. Because wherever I am putting my focus of attention – good, bad, or indifferent – I am loving in my life. So choosing to love what is working, and giving gratitude for those things, will fuel their continuation in a very positive way – and more, and better! It is so cleansing and healing and uplifting and encouraging and soul gratifying! How can you then NOT see what is working in your life??

Stay centered in what is working – stay centered in the miracles that occur daily in our lives. Expect them, invite them, recognize them – they ARE there, all around! And then, be grateful for them! Be open to the form the miracle takes – it may not be what you think you want, but it WILL be absolutely perfect! It will bring you more to be grateful for!

Please feel free to respond to this blog, and share what is working in YOUR life! It will uplift us all!

And So It Is!

Nourishing the Soul - by Laurel Herman

As many of you know,  my involvement with cooking and organics is my mission. Healing through nourishment. I have an enormous schedule to live up to. It is filled to the brim with work and classes.
But lets look for a moment for the primary foods that nourish us most. There are the people and places that provide the sacred space in which we can grow, find peace in a busy world and connect.

Can you carve out an hour or two to fill that sacred space?  How about filling it with the energy of those who support you on your journey.  Better yet, to  just be in the presence of others that know and understand what it is like to stretch ourselves,  get out of our comfort zones and expand our hearts.

There is a little space with big heart, and soul that provides that very menu of comfort and support.
Inner Peace has two services a month.. and lots of really enriching programs, classes, and events. In the very sense of the word service......for your, mind, body and soul....make time to enjoy the richness
of the meal offered...Namaste. 

The Greatest Love of All

While I can’t say I was a huge Whitney Houston fan, I must say she’s been on my mind a lot since her “untimely” death. My first thought in hearing that term used is, “Is any death untimely”? And the answer to 

that, in my mind, is no. Our soul knows when it is our time to exit.

As I walked the labyrinth the other day, which was the day of Whitney’s “home-going” service (I actually love that term!), I carried her with me through my walk, and thought about her struggles with substances, which mainly had to do with her struggles with herself. It also struck me that this has happened in the month of February, the month of Love, and how ironic it is that she was known for a song that she 

mirrored through her shadow side:

“ I decided long ago, never to walk in anyone's shadows

If I fail, if I succeed At least I'll live as I believe No matter what they take from me They can't take away my dignity Because the greatest love of all Is happening to me I found the greatest love of all Inside of me The greatest love of all Is easy to achieve Learning to love yourself It is the greatest love of all.”

  

Honestly, truer words were never sung. But NOT always so easy to achieve, as I believe many of us can attest to. My own life has been a determination to get to the “heart” of me, to love me. Sometimes I’m better at that than at other times – but I daresay that’s true for most of us.

            

I am coming to more and more deeply understand about love for myself. I’m not sure I can adequately express it, but the feeling of it is so centering and rings to the core of me. It’s like a heart opening that carries a vibration unlike any other. It’s the vibration of “rightness”, of all things being balanced in my world: my world being me, my “me-ness”, if you will – physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually.  And part of why that is so important to me is due to my medicine name, which is Crystal Heart Delight. This name, as my mentor and friend, Kathryn, likes to say, has “worked me and learned me.” I’ve had the self-realization that the word “delight” is actually opening to de-light (the light) inside me, inside my own heart.

            

My Science of Mind class has just begun reading the wonderful Gerald Jampolsky book, Love Is Letting Go of Fear.  This book is based on teachings from A Course in Miracles, the first one being “All That I Give Is Given to Myself”. So, it is truly about giving away what we would like to experience in our lives – Love, in all its forms. Gerald says, “The law of love is that you are Love, and that as you give Love to others you teach yourself what you are.” This speaks to the fact that we are all students and teachers, that we teach/give what it is we most need to learn. And that thing is Love.

            

It’s 2012. It is a return to the heart and living through the heart, less from the intellect. Often, loving self is nothing more than getting out of our own way, letting ourselves just Be, realizing the gifts we are to the world – otherwise we wouldn’t be here. Not a one of us is a mistake. Just by virtue of being present on the planet, we are worthy and deserving of all the best this planet has to offer. Do loving things for yourself, speak loving words about yourself, and you will be more loving all the way around. After all, “learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all”!

And So It Is!

Check Out Intenders Circle Four Agreements Wisdom Group

Special Workshop Information: Art Journaling for the Soul

Art Journaling for the Soul Workshop
Come experience the excitement of Art Journaling for the Soul 2-day workshop with sisters Donna Hollowell and Tracy Whichard.  With their guidance, you will explore your own "inner layers" through the combination of your written words and creative "play" using mixed media (paint, images, stamps, glitter, pens, etc).  No artistic ability necessary!

February 11 & 12, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Crossroads Arts Center
2016 Staples Mill Road
Richmond, VA

Cost: $225.00 (Journal, materials, and supplies included)
Advanced registration is required.  Space is limited.
Contact Donna at donnahollowell@yahoo.com, or (252)-202-4669

www.theartisticonion.com

Amidst the Petals

I am very fortunate in this life to have a best friend, Laura, who is more like a sister to me. We have known each other since we were 7 years old. Her dad used to refer to us as the Bobsey Twins ( most of you are probably too young to know who they were – but they were book characters), and many people do look at us and think we’re sisters. In our hearts, we definitely are. She is my biggest fan, no matter what I choose to do. And vice versa.

            Today, I invited Laura to walk the labyrinth with me, her “virgin” journey. This has been an unusually warm, beautiful, January day – and so we also walked the track for a while following our experience in the labyrinth. Laura took it seriously – walked meditatively along with me – and deemed it “interesting”, which is how Laura processes things. In particular, she was intrigued with the petals and their meanings.

When we got to the middle, and stood in the petals, I explained to Laura where she was standing (abundance) and where I was standing (forgiveness). I told her that I like to contemplate why I find myself standing where I am, and what that means for me, and that I will then go from petal to petal and stand in its energy – and then in the center of Love – before I do the return walk.  So, we did that. As I walked from petal to petal, I heard a phrase for each one, and I share that here:

                        I stand in faith – and I trust myself.

                        I stand in surrender – and I love myself.

                        I stand in abundance – and I know myself.

                        I stand in service – and I grace myself.

                        I stand in forgiveness – and I release myself.

                        I stand in overcoming – and I honor myself.

            And then, I moved to the middle, Love, and heard:

                        I stand in Love – and I recognize myself.

            I can tell you that I floated through the return walk. The sun shone brighter, the air felt sweeter, my energy was lighter, and I was happy. Every time I go in the labyrinth, I get another layer of understanding, and it is bringing me more and more in balance.

            Again, I make the sincere offer that I would love to walk with anyone who is interested in having the experience of walking the labyrinth, or who would like to walk it again…. As an aside, I also walked the labyrinth this week at Richmond Hill – a beautiful stone labyrinth in the heart of Richmond, in the setting of what used to be a home for nuns, but now houses those clergy praying for Richmond (and that’s a very cursory explanation) – which feels very “old” and very sacred. We are so fortunate to have these meditative tools in our midst!

            And So It Is!

The Path is Ever Changing

Yes, once again walking the labyrinth experiences!

            Interestingly enough, the path felt completely different as I walked last week. I actually thought I had mis-stepped somehow (don’t we ALL experience that??), and I was disconcerted for quite a few minutes, feeling somewhat disoriented; but since I have learned to “walk where my feet are”, I continued the path as it was. And guess what? It didn’t let me down, and led me where I wanted to go! Now is that a metaphor for life or what??!!

            Yes, the path is ever-changing. It’s when we accept and flow with that change (as I chose to do in the labyrinth) that we can see the perfection in it. It may be that we go on faith and trust the flow of our path (yes, sometimes blindly!), as truly, we are never off of it! It may be that we are seeing that path with fresh eyes, and have a new awareness and appreciation for where we are on the path! Or, as has been going around in my mind, “everything old is new again” – and we make it so! Life has many twists and turns, and avoiding them is not the answer – being fully present in those moments is the key, gaining what we need to gain in order to function more presently in our lives. While we may feel that we stray off the path from time to time, we need to realize that no matter what, we are where we are. Period. No judgment, no regret, no wishing it were different, acknowledging the perfection. It can be so exciting!

            Also this past week, I participated in a labyrinth walk with a group of people on the Solstice. The path was very full that evening, with everyone carrying a lit candle – and this is how I viewed it: many, many people will cross our path throughout our life. Some may be familiar, some may be walking the path closely beside us, some may be strangers, some may be in a hurry, while some may be very, very slow. But everyONE of them is the Light; as am I, as are you! We may move out of the way for some – some may stand to the side for us –  we may come face-to-face with others, we may avoid some, some may cross our path for but a second…AND, we are all on the path together. We are ALL shining our light at the rate of vibration that is comfortable for us. At some level, we all recognize that, and know that the sea of humanity that we meet along the way all have the same basic desires: for peace, for love, for connection. If we can be cognizant of that, and just smile at everyone we meet, we create the Light as we go.

I have been so grateful for these walking meditations, and the enlightenment they’ve brought me. I feel it helping me to walk my path – the one outside of the labyrinth – in a more conscious, peaceful, purposeful way. We are called in this coming year to find those avenues to peace (inner and outer) to help us stay on an even keel as we navigate 2012. We are here to be examples of the Light  - much needed in our world in this NOW!

Here’s to Being the Light on the ever-changing path of Life!

Surrendering into love

Another labyrinth walk this morning.

My Science of Mind class/friends met me there, and we walked as a group. It was wonderful to share such sacred time with these amazing women. The insights that everyone left with were stunning and honoring of each individual path, and us as a unit. We are a very connected group, and it was so incredible for me to share this experience with them. My heart is full of gratitude.

I found myself in the petal of surrender this morning, and it was so appropriate to stand there and soak in that energy. It is absolutely what I intend to do as much as possible, but realize that actually getting there can be difficult for me, because I feel I need to be in control of my destiny. But what I’ve learned is, I’m not in control of anything! My life reflects that in many ways, AND I see that as good. Being “out of control” speaks to detachment, it speaks to allowing, it’s speaks – most of all – to trusting: something I don’t think I do very well, but that I am seeing I must do more than I give myself credit for. At the core of me, from the depths of my soul, I know all is well, and all is as it “should” be. For now. Understanding that all there is, is change: Opportunity to choose again; Opportunity to allow life to flow FOR me, as well as FROM me.

I walked out of the petal and stood in the area between the petals, which is Love. I heard, as I stood there, “ Surrender IN Love, surrender TO Love, surrender INTO Love.” Recently, there have been a couple of situations that I have had to surrender to – not giving away my power to them, but maintaining my power from that place of my own integrity, and letting it be what it is for now. That doesn’t take away the pain necessarily that I feel, or looking at my responsibility in calling these things into my experience; but it also allows me to realize that there is a bigger picture here, and opportunity for growth for all involved, especially me. Surrendering allows me to look at things as an observer – and as the observer, detaching from  the “up close and personal”, I ask myself what the best way is to be the face of love, the face of compassion, the face of understanding in letting everyone be who they are, where they are, in the situation. I’m not saying I always achieve that, but it is my intent, and I get there easier these days, with much more love, compassion, and understanding for ME first, and then for everyone/thing involved.

It’s the holiday season. It brings out the light and shadow in all of us – the best and the worst, the joy and the sorrow/depression, depending on our particular circumstances. I recommend finding the things about the holidays that you DO enjoy – for me it would be the lights and the music – and immerse yourself in those. That’s the gift you give yourself – allowing you to be where you are. And then, surrender INTO the love of this time and beyond – it is palpable if you intend to feel it, as much or as little as you can handle. Be ok with what is for you. Instead of trying to control everything, allow yourself to be “out of control” and see how much more easily this time unfolds before you. This time, anytime, all time – it’s one and the same.

Always, in all ways, “to thine own self, be true”.

My wish for you, for me, for Gaia, and our global family, is to surrender into the love that we have the potential for on this planet, that we came here with, that we ALREADY are – and let it spread to all corners of the Universe… and experience the dissolving of anything less than that here and NOW! Will you join me in that vision? All it takes is to intend it, and see how YOUR world reflects that, which will outpicture to the greater whole! Imagine what our world could look like 1 minute from now, 1 hour from now…1 year from now…

And So It IS!

An abundance of love

I walked the labyrinth today. I was the only one walking it, and I took my time, my consideration, and my soul on that walk. In fact, my soul called me there, as it had a message for me.

While I have walked the labyrinth a number of times before, I did it without the information and awareness that I now have about the uniqueness of such a walk. I have learned most of this from Karrie Wallen – and have experienced it the most with Dr. Kathryn Leeman (both from Redlands, Ca.). For me now, being in the labyrinth is like being in the womb – very safe, very peaceful, very cocooned, yet very open.

In the center of the labyrinth, there are petals, and each petal has a meaning, with the center between the petals being designated as Love. I found myself walk right into the petal of Abundance, and as I stood there, the energy felt electric – I knew I was in the right spot. I also walked through each of the petals – faith, surrender, service, forgiveness, and overcoming – but the “charge” for me this walk was in abundance. So, I thought: “is this love of abundance?” And the answer was “no, it’s about an Abundance of Love” –  my whole being resonated with that, and an excitement built within me. I had my message – and that’s what I contemplated on the rest of my walk through the labyrinth…

An abundance of Love – am I always aware of that? Am I always in the flow of that? Isn’t that true for ALL of us? Didn’t we come to the planet to experience ourselves as this Love so that we could shine it upon others in our lives? Isn’t that “shining” upon ourselves and others the abundance of the Universe? And if so, then how could there POSSIBLY be lack of any kind? Love is free, freely given, “what makes the world go ‘round”, the best part of us, and our soul speaking to and through us. Stop in this moment and feel the abundance of love in your life – and if you have difficulty with that, look at where you might be denying yourself that love. Look in the mirror, in your own eyes, and see your soul shining through, loving YOU! It is so unconditional, so unabashedly given, so pure in its intent…can you see it? Can you feel it? It’s your birthright!

At this time of year, it’s easy to get caught up in the holiday trappings and forget Who We Are! This year, remember that the best gift given, that carries the most gratitude with it, is that Abundance of Love! And you know what? As you open to that Love, watch how abundance fills the other areas of your life to overflowing as well! It’s guaranteed!

If you’d like to walk the labyrinth with me, at any time, please contact me at purplrev@gmail.com, or call the Inner Peace number: 804-350-6743.

Here’s wishing you and yours an Abundance of Love this holiday season, and all good things in your life in 2012!

Prevent Illness With Naturopathy

We're posting a piece on naturopathy that local conscious entrepreneur and Inner Peace supporter Tanya Wineland wrote for the My Time Matters Blog.

Last November, CBSNews.com reported that “more than 59 million Americans had no health insurance for at least part of 2010, an increase of 4 million from the previous year”. As it turns out, half of America’s uninsured are actually over the poverty line. And in the current economic climate, many are living in survival mode. To insure or ensure health, is that really the question?

Well, that was my question as I looked into health insurance quotes recently. After reading over all the policy options on Anthem’s website, I became frustrated and thoroughly confused. I realized that what I wanted and needed are two different things. I want preventive health coverage and emergency care coverage, but not at the risk of shelling out every cent I make.

So I took a break. Mulling around the house a bit, I found myself fixated on the worn spine of a book I know all too well. A book that has gotten me through many a dis-ease, as its author would say. That book is none other than Louise Hay’s You Can Heal Your Life. A classic informational text exploring the power of thought and the ways it can manifest in our bodies.

You may have heard that as a nation and a global community we are entering a new paradigm; one that is rife with shifts in our personal and professional lives. I feel like both of mine are in the spin cycle (though it does makes for fantastic creative output, let me tell you.) Changes, challenges, transitions; call them what you will. The fact of the matter is that you are an evolving Soul attracting to you exactly what you must experience at any moment ever and always.

And what does insurance provide for the evolving Soul attracting to it exactly what it requires to experience at any moment ever and always? Nothing, of course.

Following naturopathy or a more holistic lifestyle, however, can bring boundless energy, pleasure, and greater joy to ones life. So here is my suggestion to the cost conscious: Honor your pocketbook by insuring your body to the best of your ability, but ensure the well-being of your body, mind, and spirit through naturopathic practices.

Contributing medical doctors and writers to EverydayHealth.com report that Naturopathy is “an alternative medicine approach that uses your body’s own abilities to stay healthy. Rather than focusing on illness, naturopathy seeks to promote wellness.” Here are but a few of the ways I incorporate naturopathy into my daily regimen:

• Exercise. Hello!
• Meditation will always come before medication.
• Detoxify the body with bacteria-free, reverse osmosis water.
• Gratitude is the best attitude.
• No food allergies? Better to ask the body.
• Energy modalities like reiki or quantum touch work only when the mind and body are open and ready to receive healing.
• Chiropractic changes lives. I adore my chiropractor! Many long-term chiropractic clients would agree that they go for relief and stay for wellness.
• The healing power of touch soothes many aches.

No problems with gluten? Those without Celiac Disease can still be gluten sensitive or gluten intolerant. Try the finger test. Hold out either of your hands, fingers together. If the top of your pinky rests below the upper crease of your ring finger, then you are most likely gluten intolerant. Only medical tests can tell you for sure, but they are pricey.

Other examples of naturopathic treatment include nutrition, spirituality, coaching or counseling, and herbal supplements. Try one and see how you feel. It could just change your life. It continues to change mine everyday.

Update on Dr. Leeman's Richmond Offerings

The Healing Heart Retreat we posted about previously has been rescheduled for early next Spring. Dr. Kathryn Leeman will still offer Song of the Soul as scheduled. There are NO pre-requisites for the retreat. All you will need is the Carolyn Myss Sacred Contracts Archetypes Cards, a journal, some walking shoes, and the rest will be given to you upon your registration.

Dr. Kathryn Leeman Returns to Richmond

Dr. Kathryn Leeman, an Inner Peace favorite, returns to Richmond in November with another Healing Heart Retreat and a new workshop! Dr. Leeman is a transpersonal psychologist who has led transformational workshops and journeys all over the world for over 25 years.

The Healing Heart Retreat allows you to communicate with your soul to discover what truly has heart and meaning to you NOW in your life. Do you often feel alone and have no one to relate to? Do you have a longing inside, yet cannot put it into words? Come find your passion, be with people of like-mind and heart, and watch your life take on a new direction. Release the pain and suffering of past incidents, have your heart cradled, experience unconditional love (perhaps for the first time), while expanding your awareness of who you really are.

Read more about The Healing Heart Retreat...http://ow.ly/6KBdU

During this time of unprecedented individual and planetary increase, many of us are wondering why we are here.  The collective reality continues to fluctuate and rumble, as it releases old outdated structures and systems; while attempting to align with the new beliefs and structures of an increasingly conscious humanity.

Many of us feel we are experts when it comes to the experience of darkness, yet novices when it comes to living in the light.  Let it be known that the time has come for us to move out of the shadow and into the light!  One of the foci of this weekend workshop is to assist you in moving beyond your own criticism and judgment of yourself and into love and gratitude for the entirety of your Being.

Read more about Discovering the Song of Your Soul...http://ow.ly/6KBgp

Therapeutic Groups at Inner Peace

Rev. Lisa C. Marks, M.Ed, an ordained minister of Religious Science, credentialed counselor, and working towards obtaining an LPC, is offering the following groups (dates and times to be scheduled based on interest):

• Beyond Depression:  For those who experience depression, it is often difficult to see what is on the other side of it, or that there can be “the other side” of it. This group will help participants to understand their depression, gain tools for overcoming it, and gain the courage to look ahead knowing that an individual can lead a productive life without depression.
• Where Am I Not Being Me?:  This group will focus on our relationship with ourselves, and how that major, main relationship is the basis for all other relationships in our lives. This group is meant to be uplifting, encouraging, and will incorporate elements of Louise Hay’s work, You Can Heal Your Life.
• Life Transitions: Most often, we look at grief and loss as losing those close to us, be they family, pets, friends, etc. But issues of grief and loss incorporate so many more issues: loss of job, moving, divorce, etc. In today’s atmosphere and economic conditions, we feel this grief in other ways as well – loss of status, fear of loss of prosperity, and more. We will explore these issues in a safe, sacred space, and come away with tools to create the lives we most wish to live.

All groups are designed for 8 weeks, $15 per session. Groups are forming now. Please call us (804) 350-6743 to register, or send an e-mail to InnerPeaceRichmond@gmail.com.

Blog Talk Radio Interview with Rev. Lisa Marks

Rev. Lisa Marks was recently featured on Blog Talk Radio's The Honoring Hour, discussing her work with Past Life Regression Therapy and Soul Sessions. Click on the player below to listen to Rev. Lisa and this insightful episode of The Houring Hour.