Protect yourself or you'll lose power

Ok, for those of you who remember the first days of 2012 for me: the disappearing hat, also grandmother's antique hand-mirror (that I realize was also gone from that night, aaand I shouldn't have brought it in the first place. All part of the lesson, you see), then a ticket for not wearing my seatbelt, then imac power cord - not yet a year old - just stopped working.

First of all, the conclusions:

1. The girl who owns the hat is totally awesome and my target audience and someone I very much want wearing my hat! She's adorable, interesting, smart, fun, funnY, and trustworthy! She appreciates it. So that's awesome. I want a photo of her with it on! Anyways. . .

2. The Apple store switched out the power cord, no questions asked. (Thank you dear Robiti for helping with this.)

3. I paid my parking ticket immediately upon entering my house, right after getting it. Ripped it up.

And then, after a few days, the lesson became clear:
Protect yourself or you'll lose power

This is a powerful statement in so many ways - from physically, to what and how you choose to divulge, indulge, and invest. Don't be naive, however don't be fearful. Protect - not from fear, just wisdom. Protect your peace of mind, for example, protect your health.

Really great first few days of this 2012 new year. Hope you are well!

Guovssahas, Serpents, and Red Resonant Dragon

The great Teacher Eden Sky writes:
"December 21, 2012 marks the Shifting of World Ages, a return to zero point, where we officially transition from the current 5,125 year World Age Cycle, and enter into a New World Cycle; marking a new level of our unfoldment as a planetary collective; a new level of our human evolution in concert with our living Universe.

If one researches prophecies from ancient cultures, and investigates modern scientific and spiritual decodings of these times we are living in, one will find a whole spectrum of insight, opinions, warnings, facts, theories, and possibilities about where we have come from, and where we are heading. While many pieces of the puzzle match up, plenty of pieces and voices do not align, and in fact contradict one another.

I write this article as someone who has been in this field of investigation and discovery for 17 years and counting, having passionately delved into this realm and taken in information and insights from countless sources. In this personal journey, my intention has been to be informed of various viewpoints, especially those thought to be from the most reputable sources, including indigenous messengers, highly regarded researchers, deeply inspired visionaries, and critically thinking scientists. Upon taking in all of these viewpoints, I then seek to integrate them inside of myself, cross-referencing all the data and voices and applying the discernment of my own intelligence and intuition, that ultimately I can arrive at a synthesis of my own heart's comprehension. It is from this place of what I would call my own "embodiment" that I always attempt to communicate to the world from.

I believe it is ideal for each of us to evolve and refine our own personal embodiment of truth, awareness, and inspiration to guide us from within and to help influence our collective humanity. Therefore, I do not proclaim to know anything more than anyone else. I am simply interested in sharing the understandings I have come to as they have cultivated within me during years of dedicated exploration, in hopes that they may stimulate deeper levels of your own knowing.

That said, the message I wish to offer to the human family is this:
Let us realize that December 21, 2012 does indeed mark the completion of a vast cycle, and the dawning of a New World Age on Planet Earth. However, let us not naively look to this one day to instantly transform all the far-reaching crises and imbalances we face as a global society." READ MORE OF EDEN SKY

I am feeling intense energy and as my body, mind, and spirit are aligned through good decisions, my cells are guiding my body, working as a team, informing me of what I need. Water, movement, quiet stillness, stretching, proper fuel. . .

Last night was especially strong and aligned and I experienced prolonged moments of bliss.

According to the 13 moon calendar, it was Yellow Cosmic Seed
I endure in order to target,
Transcending awareness.
I seal the input of flowering
With the cosmic tone of presence.
I am guided by the power of elegance.

Today is:
Red Magnetic Serpent
I unify in order to survive,
Attracting instinct.
I seal the store of life force
With the magnetic tone of purpose.
I am guided by my own power doubled.

The serpent and my experience last night are synonymous. Twisting and stretching and turning like the DNA spiral, the life force and light force travel in spiral. I experienced Kundalini Rising

The Sacral Chakra is an area of contemplation. The Crown Chakra is the gift. These make up my essence.
Imagining a rainbow bridge of light connecting the northern lights to the southern lights.
The indiginous people of Norway, the Sami, called the Aurora Boreais - Guovssahas - which means "the light which can be heard". The northern lights were traditionally associated with sound by the Sami and symbols are on the Sami's shamanistic drums.

Part of my DNA comes from Norway - Olsen - so the Sami and northern lights are of particular interest to me.

I am:
Red Resonant Dragon
I channel in order to nurture,
Inspiring being.
I seal the input of birth
With the resonant tone of attunement.
I am guided by the power of space.
I am a galactic activation portal...enter me.

With Gratitude and Lovingessence.

Sustained Energy and Deeper Appreciation

Today is the last day of my mono-diet - a winter, ayurvedic cleanse consisting of the following for 14 days:

Kitchari - a meal of mung beans, white basmati rice, plenty of ghee, and broccoli, beets, cauliflower, carrots (basically whatever veggies you want to add), and any spices.

1 probiotic (10 billion live per day) and 2 liver support pills

At least 64 oz of filtered water per day

That's it for 14 days.

This is a nourishing cleanse and extremely easy on your digestive system. Although I found eating the same meal for two weeks booorrring, I loved the way it makes me feel! I have sustained energy throughout the entire day, no sugar highs/crashes (which I have really noticed since I'm not eating sugar of any kind) and no lethargy due to certain foods (gluten? meat?). The best way to describe it is my energy is sustained and balanced, I feel great from the inside out, and I LOVE IT.

In my experience this cleanse was 100% worth doing. Aside from how awesome I feel both physically and mentally, I APPRECIATE so much more the fact that on a daily basis I am able to eat a variety of foods for the energy I intake. Many fellow human beings would feel lucky to eat this every day of their lives, just to have something to eat. I feel amazing, and when I'm back to a regular diet of whatever I want, I will more often choose food for the way it will make me feel after eating it. This was a lesson in food as energy - if the input is awesome, so will be how you feel.

I'll finish my cleanse tomorrow, just in time for Winter Solstice 2011 and in preparation for 2012. Excited for new beginnings!

In La Kesh - I am another yourself

Into this right now, she says it so clearly and beautifully. "Be an Agent of Calm. . . I am another yourself".

What is happening now

Amazing to be contributing right now. 2012 is an Awakening of Consciousness. Another level of experience, understanding, and oneness is unfolding. I believe it will be very challenging but also relieving - that the "old way of being" will expire and this new way of being will be a rebirth for our species. A renaissance of humanity. We desperately need it and it is here. The revolution is within ourselves. Get to know our hearts, our inner sacred leaders, be an agent of calm. Share the beauty you find. Inspire through your essence. Contribute with your unique love. "I am another yourself"

Love,
Nancy

Core Story and Not Being Boooorrrriiiing

December 31 – Core Story
What central story is at the core of you, and how do you share it with the world? (Bonus: Consider your reflections from this month. Look through them to discover a thread you may not have noticed until today.) (Author: Molly O’Neill)
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I just read all of my December Reverb10 posts and notice that I hold peace of mind and balance above all else. Finally. And I have for a few years now. Maybe it really is wisdom that comes with age and experience.

Being healthly, to me, is connected to making dreams come true, because you have the energy and will to execute. I also notice that I am grateful for Love in my life. I think there are at least 3 posts about Rob in my December reflections. That's just it. He's the real deal. And so am I, I've noticed. I appreciate authenticity - but I also found when reading that balanced authenticity can be BOOORRRRIIIING!

Writing needs spice, flavor, something you can taste. I didn't really find that in my Reverb10 responses, but the prompts helped me reflect and focus - while also realizing that personal reflection is often boring. I'm more interested in the fascinating product rather than the process. It was kind of a big deal for me to make my responses public - reflections are generally left to my journals. But it was a good step for me because I overcame the worry of being interesting. And it turns out, surprisingly, that several people were reading my posts and, in fact, a few times chose my responses as Story of the Day from the reverb10 community. Who'd a thought?!

My core story: Twenty years ago I was a Mormon Missionary and believed in the Universal Law of Blood Atonement, which is at the core of Christianity. When I came home from my mission my mother became very ill, severely chemically depressed which looked very much like madness. This challenged my view of the world and I had to be open enough to realize a new one. That's the big lesson of the ordeal.

Living with my parents at the time and watching the devastating downward spiral of my mother's mental health, it hit me that I had been going about life in the wrong way. What I gained from my religious years was the ability to listen to my inner voice, my soul. Instead of believing it was the "whisperings of the Holy Ghost" (essentially God), I recognized it as my own spirituality and voice. So, at 25, I shed my religious skin and embodied my own skin, from the inside out. It was a journey. This is my core story and why I value peace of mind above all else. This value informs my decisions and my spiritual inner voice guides my life. It helps keep me calm and balanced.

I've had a desire for many years to write a novel of my core story. Maybe the drama of the story is the spice itself. It's been a dramatic ride, after all. I just don't want it to be Boooorrrriiiing! So, I wonder, how can I do this from a place of calm, balance, and appreciation and infuse my writing with flavor?? If any of you have ideas, I would love to hear them!

Here's the Sap

December 30 – Gift
This month, gifts and gift-giving can seem inescapable. What’s the most memorable gift, tangible or emotional, you received this year?
(Author: Holly Root)
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This is going to sound corny but really, it's been Rob and the way he loves me. He's taught me about real companionship, good communication (and I already thought I was pretty good), and giving people (myself included) the benefit of the doubt. When asked, he's able to shed light on my shortcomings or challenges that are very helpful. He is an amazing friend and a gift.

Health and Honing My Element (that sounds tasty)

December 29 – Defining Moment
Describe a defining moment or series of events that has affected your life this year.
(Author: Kathryn Fitzmaurice)
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Hmmm, not to include 2011 incidents now that we're four months in! I'd have to say a moment that stands out for me, and maybe it's because it was more recent, is December 25th, Christmas Day. I woke up with a pretty painful abdomen. All set to ride Beaver Creek Christmas morning, Rob and I couldn't because I was feeling so shitty. Then and there I decided to take it down a notch and really be a steward of my body - make strong, awesome choices about my energy consumption, period.

Flash to 4 months and 2 days into 2011 and I feel like I've given myself the chance to be in some of the best shape/health of my life. Feeling great most of all. 2011 is about health and honing my Element.

Also, when I went to Provo, UT to take care of my parents when my mother got a new knee at age 73, I got to spend an afternoon with two friends I've known for 20+ years. We were freshmen at BYU together. Woah. And though we've all gone separate ways and hadn't been in close touch (they are mothers, one is still Mormon, one is not) - we connected just as we did so long ago, but with more wisdom from experience. Both of these women told me that at different times in their lives they've thought - "What would Nancy do?" That was incredible for me to hear, I had no idea, and it warmed me to know that thinking of what I might do in a situation gave someone courage or a new perspective. That just plain rocks! And yeah, we were all teary at that beautiful lunch over homemade bread and delicious potage. Definitely a defining moment in my life.

Don't Misplace the Anxiety

I was able to do all of the December prompts from Reverb10 pretty much on time, until Christmas day. No matter that it's April now, I want to finish the last few. The question:

December 28 – Achieve
What’s the thing you most want to achieve next year? How do you imagine you’ll feel when you get it? Free? Happy? Complete? Blissful? Write that feeling down. Then, brainstorm 10 things you can do, or 10 new thoughts you can think, in order to experience that feeling today. (Author: Tara Sophia Mohr)
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Interesting that this is the post I stopped at. Because I have 3 good ideas to execute, but you're asking me which is the best one. Or the most timely one. What do I want to achieve most? Getting my head around the idea and executing it to satisfaction, I suppose, though that's vague. I'm often vague. Which makes me think of Nouvelle Vague, and what a cool set of words that is, but I digress. Having ideas and not settling on one is the result of. . . fear?! I guess. It would seem.
I imagine I'll feel. . . relieved that I've done it and moved forward, progressed to the next step.

10 things to do/think daily to experience that feeling:

Make healthy energy choices: right food, enough sleep, etc
Meditate
Act as if I've already done it. Feel the satisfaction and go from there
Write
Keep it simple and organized
Follow the plan
Don't misplace the anxiety
Stretch
Consume only the most inspiring
Limit useless consumption

Ordinary Joy

I was able to do all of the December prompts from #reverb10 pretty much on time, until Christmas day. But, I've learned so many important things from this exercise that I wanted to finish the remaining 7 prompts. So here they are.

December 27 – Ordinary Joy
Our most profound joy is often experienced during ordinary moments. What was one of your most joyful ordinary moments this year? (Author: Brené Brown)

Sitting with Rob over breakfast and an espresso, a weekend of projecting in Avon or Denver and realizing that we like to spend time in the same way, dancing in the kitchen or living room, brainstorming ideas, giving advice, a trusted perspective, crying with laughter. And we get to kiss too.