A man found a cocoon of a butterfly, and he brought it home.One day, a small opening appeared in the cocoon. The man sat and watched the cocoon for several hours as the butterfly struggled to force its body through that little hole.Then it seemed to stop making progress. It appeared as if the butterfly had gotten as far as it could, and it could go no farther. The man decided to help the butterfly in its struggle. He took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon...and the butterfly emerged easily.As the butterfly emerged, the man was surprised. It had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings. He continued to watch the butterfly expecting that, at any moment, the wings would dry out, enlarge, and expand to support the swollen body. He knew that in time the body would contract, and the butterfly would be able to fly...but neither happened!In fact, the butterfly spend the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings.What the man, in his kindness and haste, did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle were required for the butterfly to be able to fly.The butterfly must push its way through the tiny opening to force the fluid from its body and wings. Only by struggling through the opening can the butterfly's wings be ready for flight once it emerges from the cocoon.Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If our Higher Power allowed us to go through life without any obstacles, it would cripple us. We would not be as strong as what we could have been...and we could never fly!Spread your wings and prepare to fly,For you have become a butterfly...Fly abandonedly into the sun!************************************************************I shared this story one morning at a meeting and then a friend invited me to breakfast after that. When we sat at this outdoor setting, LITERALLY...a butterfly landed right on my forehead! I will never forget that and the look on my friends face sitting across the table from me as it was so magical as she just heard that story I shared.I believe there are many versions and perspectives to this story. Sometimes we can only love our loved ones from a distance and while it hurts at times to watch them struggle, sometimes those pains are what is necessary. We can just love them up from the outside. Like watching a baby take its first steps.And it also requires us to get through the hard and tough times (cacoon) as that inner strength we discover as a result, allows us to move on to the next exciting phase in our life. It takes all the personal strength to open that NEW door and walk thru. In this time of transformation, it takes a lot of "letting go" of the old and all that doesn't serve us anymore.May your journey continue to unfold with such mighty grace and that all your inner strength carries you on to new adventures and exciting experiences! My old friend Gary (RIP Gary!) used to say: "look...there ya go, 10 minutes has gone...30 minutes ago has gone, a day ago has gone, a week ago is gone... See how much time flies. It's a new time all the time and we're missing many opportunities."May you soar with new wings on your ever changing path and that you open to recieve all the blessings that is available right in front of you!Happy Spring!Blessings,Joey


I am emerging through yet another cacoon on my path & letting go all that is no longer serving me. I am ready to spread my new wings and soar onto new adventures! How perfect for SPRING!
P.S.If you're in Vegas, check out the current installation at the Bellagio Casino Arboretum as there is a whole Spring theme on butterflies including a green house filled with live butterflies!
Thoughts from my friend Joey
CN

Abbot of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery

Barefoot Sanctuary

The Barefoot Sanctuary has opened inside of Whole Foods at Town Square. They are offering some interesting classes. www.barefootsanctuary.com. Please note the Drum Class (Earth Vibrations with Orlando) and Sacred Dance Fusion (West African & Serpentine dance) offered on Thursday evenings.

Submitted by Brenda

The Garden

I am happy to report that we have baby seedlings popping through the surface of our new garden. The radishes were the first to peek their heads out, then the bib lettuce, the sunflowers and the cosmos flowers.

Although, I knew I was being moved to plant this garden I had no idea what it was going to give me beside the rewards of the harvest. As I spend time out with the seeds, dirt, plants and water every morning I am washed with the sunlight and essence of Mother Earth. I am so deeply grateful for the sweet experience.

Lee

The Shift Movie

For those of you who are unfamiliar with The Shift Movie, here is an introduction: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hL_VTdxvWac. It discusses how an awakening is occuring. Groups are forming literally around the world, large donations are being made and a grand change is on the way.

Submitted by Brenda

111 1111

For the past couple of weeks I have been being followed. Yes, it is true....followed. Tapped on the shoulder. Whispered to. Tugged at. Told. You name it...I have had it.

I have been seeing 111, 1111 1:11, 11:11. Clocks, channels, license plates, price tags...everywhere!! In fact, last night in a dream, I asked someone what time it was and they replied, "It is 11:14". This dream was finally the prompt that I needed to look it up again and then post here. The following is what I found.

"For many years the numbers 11:11 have been mysteriously appearing to people all over the world. Often appearing on digital clocks, the sightings of 11:11 tend to occur during times of heightened awareness, having a most powerful effect on the people involved. This causes a reactivation of our cellular memory banks. There's a stirring deep inside, a hint of remembrance of something long forgotten.

The appearance of 11:11 is also a powerful confirmation that we are on the right track, aligned with our highest Truth. Throughout the years, I have personally encountered thousands of people all over the world who, have experienced repeated sightings of 11:11. They all want to know what is happening to them and why. What does the 11:11 signify? 11:11 is a pre-encoded trigger placed into our cellular memory banks prior to our descent into matter which, when activated, signifies that our time of completion is near. This refers to the completion of duality.

When the 11:11 appears to you, it is your wake-up call. A direct channel opens up between you and the Invisible. When this happens, it is time to reflect on whatever you are doing for a moment and Look Larger.

A transfer is in position.

You can enter the Greater Reality if you wish pray or meditate and seed your future and also, you can be seeded by the Invisible. You can ask for help in some specific area of your life or simply listen quietly and receive a revelation.

The appearance of 11:11 is an always beneficial act of Divine Intervention telling you that it is time to take a good look around you and see what is really happening. It's time to pierce the veils of illusion that keep us bound to an unreal world.

You have been chosen, because you are ready, to step into the Greater Reality. To lead the way for others into a new way of living, into a Greater Love. To ascend from duality into Oneness. The 11.11 is the bridge our vitality and oneness. It is our pathway into the postive unknown and beyond."

This is so exciting to me. I am very grateful and happy.

I AM ready to step into the Greater Reality.

xoxo Wendy

Reiki Path

Reiki Calling
Many people I know end up living in Las Vegas not by choice but by a “calling”. Some had declared for years that they would never choose to live in Las Vegas. Some aren’t even sure how or why they ended up here as they had no desire or intention to do so. I’ve personally lived here and moved away numerous times. When I graduated from UNLV and moved away one of my co-workers was surprised and said, “oh, you’ll be back”. It was not my intention but here I am many years later and several moves away and back.
How does this relate to Reiki. So too is the “call” of Reiki. I was first introduced to Reiki by a nurse friend in Tucson many years ago. At that time it did not resonate with me in fact it was not until this last move that my Reiki path began to unfold. At my Spiritual center there is a Reiki healing circle on Monday evenings. I thought about it for many months before I was actually able to physically attend a session. Although the group was not what I was seeking the Reiki certainly wanted to be part of my life. I became attuned and began my Reiki journey.
We all have the Reiki life force energy and many people unknowingly utilize Reiki in their daily experiences. By becoming attuned we fine tune our connection to the Reiki energy frequency. Practice strengthens our ability to allow ourselves to be that channel of energy to facilitate using it for healing ourselves and assist others in receiving healing energy.
Many people are attracted to Reiki and become attuned but fail to discover their ideal Teacher and are disillusioned with the training, the process and their connection. We are all beings of Light and Love. Reiki can only be used for good. However, some individuals may become intrigued by their assumed power and either glamorize or become sidetracked by their self perceived powers.
Remember that Reiki can do no harm. Where there is light there can not be darkness. We can use our Reiki energy to do good in this world. I encourage everyone who is drawn to Reiki to seek the right Teacher for their individual unique Reiki path. If your first experience is not all that you expected then seek another and another and another until you are with the appropriate Teacher for YOU! We are all ONE. Noreen

Light & Love vs Judgment

Each day we experience many different challenges and interactions with other human beings. It is my personal desire to only see the light and love in people and situations. I recognize that it is not my place to solve other peoples problems and therefore I choose not to analyze them. There are better ways for me to utilize my energies by directing them to Spiritual growth, healing work, positive expressions and spending time with like minded individuals. Living with ease and grace is much more rewarding than being in judgment of others actions, decisions or their state of enlightenment. I bless everyone and every thing knowing that we are all ONE.


It is possible to avoid many interactions that we know will place us out of balance. There are times that we are exposed to situations that are uncomfortable but are a platform for learning and growth. We are then able to protect ourselves in the future and be clear on what we desire as our reality. In addition there may be some other connection that is revealed during this process which causes us to say “ah-ha, that is Spirits message or intention for me“.


Thank you my Source friends for being part of my journey, treasure and family. Let the unfolding continue and the pace accelerate. We are ready! Noreen

The Rock

"Have non-physical beings come to experience form other than humans?"

(Abraham) "Yes, oh everything that you see. Non-physical energy is in the dirt, and the frog and the cat, too. In other words, non-physical energy is consciousness focused in everything that exists. Everything that makes up any particle of anything in your physical reality is an extension of consciousness.

"Does a rock know it's a rock?"

(Abraham) "Not only does it know it is a rock but it revels in being that. And we have to say to you, the consciousness that is at the heart of that which you are is also the consciousness that is at the heart of that which is the rock and revels in every part of its participation."

"So a rock is more advanced that us?"

(Abraham) "Rock is more allowing than you, but less asking. So, you are more important to the expansion of the universe. The rock is more important to the stability."

The Teachings of Abraham
San Diego Art of Allowing Workshop
submitted by Brenda

One of the many "Seekers"

New Thought is such ancient/old thought...I share Spinoza with you...before Emerson, Thoreau, Holmes, Fillmores...the orignal "Secret" adventurers...CN

1634-1672 Amsterdam/after escaping from Portugal’s inquisition
Spinoza believed that everything that exists is G-d. However, he did not hold the converse view that G-d is no more than the sum of what exists. G-d had infinite qualities, of which we can perceive only two, thought and extension. Hence G-d must also exist in dimensions far beyond those of the visible world.

Summary of Spinoza's Ethical Theory
http://www.saudades.org/spin.htm
1. Spinoza's Perfectionism
Spinoza's ethics is organized around the search for the highest or supreme good [summum bonum], which once achieved will guarantee lasting happiness. This search is evident in his early Treatise on the Emendation of the Intellect: "I resolved at length to enquire whether there existed a true good, one which was capable of communicating itself and could alone affect the mind to the exclusion of all else, whether, in fact, there was something whose discovery and acquisition would afford me a continuous and supreme joy to all eternity" (p. 233).
The conclusion he reaches is that this good is not wealth, honor, or sensual pleasure but "the achievement of the highest human perfection" (p. 236), and that this depends upon the acquisition of a kind of universal knowledge: "man conceives a human nature much stronger than his own, and sees no reason why he cannot acquire such a nature. Thus he is urged to seek the means that will bring him to such a perfection, and all that can be the means of his attaining this objective is called a true good, while the supreme good is to arrive at the enjoyment of such a nature, together with other individuals, if possible. What that nature is we shall show in its proper place; namely, the knowledge of the union which the mind has with the whole of Nature" (p. 235).

What's Out There

"You know what's out there?" (Gazing at the night sky) "A series of higher tones. Arranged by Nature, governed by the laws of physics of the whole universe! It's an overtone. It's an energy. It's a wave length. And if you're not riding it - Good Lordy, you'll never hear it!"

"Where do you think it comes from...what I hear?"

"I think it comes from all around you, really. It comes through us - some of us. It's invisible, but you feel it."

"So, only some of us can hear it?"

"Only some of us are listening."

- excerpt from the film August Rush

submitted by Brenda

2012

A fascinating day of research...
http://www.endoftime2012.com/signs-in-the-sky.php

as time permits visit this site-although the name is less than encouraging the various links are awesome insights..more to come :-) In LOVE & LIGHT my adventure continues through fractal and quantum leaps! CN

Spiritual Awakening

“You are the luminous mystery in which the entire universe with its forms and phenomena arises and subsides. When this realization dawns there is a complete transformation of your personal self into your universal self . . . the complete loss of all fear, including death. You have become a being who radiates love the same way the sun radiates light.” ― Deepak Chopra

Submitted by Brenda

Surfer of Enlightenment

I was in California on a spiritual retreat. We had a free night with no activities and a group of six of us decided to drive our rented SUV to Encinitas. Someone had suggested that we meditate in the botanical gardens of a temple there founded by Paramahansa Yogananda. We were very excited about using our newly acquired mantras in a sacred garden, but as we drove round and round in the area where the temple was supposed to be located, we could not find it. As it was near the beach, we encountered many surfers in wet suits walking back to their cars at the end of the day. Finally, we decided to ask one of the surfers where the temple was and that we heard it was a good place to meditate. The surfer said, “Dude, you can meditate anywhere.” After a moment of silence and a feeling of the wind taken out of our sails, we all broke out into infectious laughter! The truth was so obvious. We had been driving round and round, getting more and more irritated looking for a place to meditate! It was the beautiful simplicity of Source speaking to us through a surfer walking on the street.

Love,

Brenda

Reiki 1-2-3

The healing modality called Reiki had been introduced to me about 10 years ago as my eldest sister was a practitioner although not a practicing one and while visiting me in LA gave me a “treatment”. I felt nothing. I don’t remember if she explained the process or if I was just not present to the experience. It was a non-event for me.

Several years later after moving to Nevada, my other sister (sister #2) quit her stable job on the quest for spiritual enlightenment and full time study of metaphysics. She too became a Reiki practitioner and I remember her telling me more detail about during that time. Over the years as she developed her studies she would ask if we (those in the household) would like her to send distance Reiki. I accepted and my mother has done so on numerous occasions and the aftermath was that the experience was good but really felt more like a good nap would feel.

Fast track to a year ago, I had been fine tuning my “intuition” or “messages” as I have called them and I got “Reiki” that came to me. Okay, I think I know about Reiki. “So what about it”, I thought. This was a time of extreme pressure as I was in high gear with my new business and the magnitude of the stress was off the charts. My sister #2 had warned me during this time that she was getting messages about me that I needed to slow down or I was in for a BIG fall physically. Yeah, yeah so that is easy to say but when you are running a new company and you are the sole person driving the business on the street that was impossible I thought.

I will interject that I have gotten signs or messages before but I have been one of those people that needed to be sure. So, I would get a sign and acknowledge that it could be a sign. Then I would ask the Universe, “Was that a sign? If so, please send me another one to make sure.” Then, I would get the confirming sign and just to be sure I would say, “Hmmm, maybe that wasn’t really a sign but if I had a 3rd sign I would be really sure.” Trusting soul that I am.

About a day later, my cousin in Los Angeles calls me and is discussing an article that she read on ways to feel better by detoxing the body and emotions. She listed Reiki as one of the methods. The lightbulb over my head illuminated, 2nd sign! Okay, I guess I need to find a Reiki practitioner but where. I arrive home to find the article that my cousin spoke to me about on the fax machine. I found it fascinating that it was a fax. I can’t remember the last time I received a fax that was not a contract. So, I carried the article around in case I had a moment to read it.

I got busy as I and a lot of people are apt to do when driving themselves too hard and the thought of taking care of “me” was low on the list or reading for pleasure for that matter. Until, I got ill and was in need of a doctor. I am not a fan of traditional western medicine because I believe it is set up to keep us sick so I prefer holistic approaches. I went to see my Naturopath. As I was checking out, I knocked over the business card holder and all the cards fell on the floor face up interestingly enough. As I gazed upon all those pretty glossy dark cards on the floor, they all read REIKI MASTER and the name of the practitioner. I laughed aloud! Thought to myself, I hear you …I hear you! I came home and made the call to the Reiki practitioner immediately who was newly set up in the offices of my Naturopath and I made an appointment.

This experience with Mary, the Reiki Master was going to push me in an entirely new direction of health and spiritual development. I had no idea what was in store.

I laid down on the table with the soft music playing, the soft sound of water running through the fountain and palpable feeling of higher energy in the room started me off to my Reiki experience. Mary explained to me that Reiki was the Universal Life Force Energy that we all have access. When you are attuned into Reiki it is accomplished through a ritual that is overseen by a Reiki Master and the process opens your higher chakras to allow for the Life Force Energy to flow through you and out of your hands to the one in need of healing. You are a vessel. She said I cannot control it; the energy will flow where it needs the healing. She gave more in depth detail about this modality of healing that was much clearer for me now whether I was more open to understand it or that it was just presented more clearly to me, I do not know.

Mary’s room was filled with significant metaphysical paraphernalia. I was instantly attracted to it and the feeling that I had from the experience so far. I already had an affinity for crystals and stones. Even rocks that I picked up along hikes were special to me and I would take them home. However, the healing properties of crystals and stones were being attracted to me like I was a magnet. Mary used crystals and had some significant pieces around the room.


During the session, I fell into a blissful state of being present but not asleep. Thoughts would come to me and then I would acknowledge them and send them on their way. I was at peace and I really needed it. My body and spirit were tired. At one point about ¼ through the session, Mary was at my feet and I started to feel my spirit lift from my body. Slightly startled by the experience, I brought myself back and as I did I realized I had some control over this (control was something I needed back then as it was a safe zone for me) and let it happen again by just releasing myself. There my spirit went again slightly coming out of my physical body about ½ way out and ½ way in and like a straw I sucked myself back in. Then Mary said, “Are you floatin’ yet?” I was amazed that she knew what was going on. I am not sure but I think if Mary had not broken the silence I could have floated out.

When the session was over, we discussed how I felt and any information she received during the session that would be helpful. I continued to be astounded by her accuracy of what she was telling me based on the energy and messages she received from my body. She explained that I should drink a lot of water and rest if possible the remainder of the day.

The floating spirit experience was so profound for me I spent the ride home calling loved ones that would understand and listen to tell them about this extraordinary experience. That afternoon I felt wiped out and did indeed rest but my body felt like it had been run over by a truck. The most extraordinary part of it was that my spirit still felt dislodge from the physical body. I knew the body was in pain but I did not really feel it.

My gratitude toward the Universe for this Life Force Energy experience and for making sure that I got this message is overflowing. I know in retrospect listening to this message although it took hitting a brick wall to heed it helped save me in many ways.

Although, I had a dozen or so follow up sessions I never got to the same place again although they were great sessions. I realized the paths that crossed with Mary were for that time and the message was given and received. She told me during the initial session that I was a Light Worker. I had no idea what that meant and just offered a respectful acknowledgement.

Since, this time other brick wall experiences have had to transpire before I got messages that assisted me to go down the predetermined path of my destiny and I have finally started to listen intently.

Amazingly spiritual people have entered my life with extraordinary gifts from Source. We as a group are developing our gifts together and I am amazed by the energy of these souls and how unified I feel with them. This power group of nine brought Reiki back to me with a heightened level. I did not know when I first had the experience with Mary that I would be channeling Reiki energy myself.

I am going to be attuned to Reiki 1 tomorrow during an intimate ceremony under the full moon by my new - old dear friends Noreen and Vhan and I am so thrilled. I know this is part of my destiny and I am incredibly grateful that I am remembering the way of my predetermined passage. My respect for Noreen and Vhan as my teachers and guides shines bright. I am humbled by the feeling of heat and energy flowing from my hands and honor this with immense gratitude.


Namaste’
Lee

We're Televisionaries

Source showed this to me today.

We're Televisionaries.

-Jef

Laughter Club

Check out this video on laughter yoga:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWi6QVsW-qA&NR=1

Love & Laughter,

Brenda

The Money Eel

In the late 80’s, a girlfriend and I took a trip to the Yucatan Peninsula. I had never been to Mexico and I was really looking forward to some much needed rest and relaxation. The cabins where we stayed were quite rustic and had no air conditioning, television or telephone, but they took care of the necessities - a complimentary hammock just outside each cabin. The expansive private beach was wonderful and I felt like an explorer; much like I felt as a child, exploring the woods around my home. In all honesty, I was not prepared for this perfectly magical setting with the crystal clear blue water – really it was more a vibrant shade of aqua. During the day, we would pack some snacks and head down the beach looking for whatever adventure we would encounter. Generally, we did not run into any other people. We spent our time in deep conversation and wading in the water with schools of brightly colored fish surrounding us.

One day, we decided to take a short drive to snorkel at Xel-ha (pronounced Shel-ha). This was my first time to snorkel and I was very excited. Placing the fins on my feet, the mask on my eyes and the snorkel in my mouth, I discovered a whole other world under the sea. The fish were mesmerizing to me and I was taken by their graceful, fluid movements - and their lighting quick agility. There were so many and such a variety of fellow swimmers…blue fish with yellow fins, black and white striped fish and stingrays, all coexisting together.

Then, I noticed that floating on the bottom, in the sand, were some dollar bills – the kind with 50’s and 100’s on them. As I blinked my eyes a few times, I could see that there were quite a few scattered around some large rocks. As I began to plan my approach to dive for my treasure, I noticed a “face,” looming the background. It was the face of a moray eel carefully camouflaged in the rocks, overseeing the money. It was as though the eel was the armored Brinks truck of the water world; keeping watch on the “bank.” I realized that he was fairly large and could do some damage if a lily white hand came close to his jaws. After giving this some thought, I snorkeled away from the scene. It was a strong message from me - to me - that I would always be taken care of, financially and every other way, by the universe and I did not need to potentially harm myself or take great risks in order to get my fair share of anything in life.

After a few years, I found myself back at Xel-ha, snorkeling with my family. On the drive, I told my story of the last time I was there and, of course, the money eel. I didn’t realize at the time that the end of the story was still in the making. As I was eating a bite of lunch, I looked down and beside my chair was a $50 bill. Hummmm…why hadn’t I seen it when I sat down? There were no other patrons in the restaurant at the time and therefore, no way to mistake this poignant gift from Source. You see, I believe that as long as we - the ones in the physical bodies - are in a state of allowing, the power that creates worlds oversees our well-being. Well Being abounds, my friends. Do you see it?

Love,

Brenda

Grateful

Miracles do happen. On a regular basis. Large and small. We must be awake enough to notice. Source: today, 3-3-09, I have noticed. Lovingly, Wendy

On-line Spiritual Television

Check out http://www.lotusproject.tv/.

Brenda

Out Sourcing

Jef -Photo by Brenda-