No Arguments

 

The poster says:

For your own sanity, let people think whatever they want.

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Have you noticed that so many people seem to have only half of the information about a subject and then they want to press their understanding of the subject on you.  

As we listen, we know that their knowledge is lacking and that often, they quote an unreliable source.  We can share with them and point out the facts that they are missing.  This will usually lead to an argument.  

Is it worth your time to argue with someone who obviously does not want to admit to all the facts, and, who may have an emotional attachment to their current belief? 

I have accepted that it is far more important for my time and my energy to let people believe what they will.  It is not my job to correct them.  Part of their life journey is to learn what beliefs and values they hold are true and what beliefs and values are not true.  That is the journey of self discovery.  Who are we to create road blocks on the journey.

Many blessings,

Judy

What is Strength?

 The poster says:

A strong person is not the one who doesn’t cry.  A strong person is one who is quiet and sheds tears for a moment, and then picks up her sword and fights again.

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Finding that place of strength, courage, and compassion is the lifetime journey for all of us.  Most will never achieve it because there is so much that gets in the way.  If we find strength, often our courage will fail us.  If we find courage and strength, we can become bullies because our compassion is lacking.

The learning journeys that we are all on are so amazing.  The best learning, for me, happens when I can stand back from a situation and see what the bigger story is.  I ask my  Eagle guide to help me stand back and see the facts, and to help me ignore the emotions and story that are being played out.  It is so hard for us to “stay out” of the story.

To read more on strength, read about Elephant and strength.

https://www.lightstationwisdom.com/2024/02/elephant-power.html

https://www.lightstationwisdom.com/2023/01/elephant-spirit-animal.html

Blessings,

Judy

Dragonfly

Yesterday and today, I am noticing an abundance of dragonflies around the yard, and in the meadows in the park.  They are all colours.  

As I walked up the hill in the park the other day, three dragonflies flew before me, as though the climb signified a huge change in my life.   My walk was similar to dragonflies journey from egg to larvae to transformation as a dragonfly.  It moves up through the water in the different stages.

I wondered what Dragonfly was trying to tell me – that I will be getting my own set of double wings?  Or, that I will be flying high?  Both those ideas ring true.  Or, is Dragonfly trying to tell me that it is the journey that is the most fun?  My mind flashes with possibilities of light.  It feels like something big will happen.

It is hard to believe that some people think of Dragonfly as bad luck.  However, for some people, change is not good, and so bad luck is the label.  Change is not good or bad at the end of the day because it just is.  It is our response that attaches value to the situation.  

Maybe all the dragonflies are working to help me accept simply being in the moment of this day.  

Whatever the reason that Dragonfly has been showing up, I feel happier for seeing it, and I am grateful.

Blessings,

Judy

Today’s Word - Responsibility

The Poster says:  Responsibility — No single drop of water thinks it is responsible for the flood. —Author Unknown

In this time, we all have work that we must do.  Creator is urging everyone to now take responsibility for their own lives.

• Be accountable to yourself.  The onus is on you for who you are and what you have created.
• Others are responsible for themselves.  Do not try to take away their journey by making decisions for them, or assuming responsibility.
• Remove yourself from victimhood.  You have choices in your life that you can make everyday, in every moment.  And, you can take responsibility for them.
• Make mistakes and acknowledge them as a learning experience that adds to your wisdom.

Blessings,

Judy

Peacock and Seeing

When I am meditating, and an animal comes in to speak about life, I am always intrigued, and invite them in with enthusiasm.  This was how I felt with Peacock.

Peacock had a message around seeing things.  His message is:

• Peacocks are known for their prowess in killing snakes.  Watch for the snake in the grass – the one that has a big agenda that does not include you.  Protect yourself!
• Many say that the spots in my feathers represent the all-seeing eye.  In some cultures, the eye wards off evil or wards off curses.  My feathers do offer protection to me.  Whether they are part of your path and sacred to you is your journey.
• Beware anyone that tries to dazzle you with the extravagant because this is usually for show and does not have substance.  When you are in a business deal where this is happening, do ask “show me the money!”.
• In most cultures, the circle is the symbol of cycles, and of continuity.  This is why there are circles on my feathers, to remind you that you may have been in this place before.  If you did not like it, then now is the time to change -  career, life, relationships, beliefs  -  all can be changed.

I thanked Peacock for his wisdom and bid him good bye.

Blessings,

Judy

The Robin Academy

 

Fall is here, and the robins are gone.  I miss their happy chirping in the morning.  I miss how they follow us around to see where we will be digging in the yard or garden.  It gives them a chance for good worms.  This story happened at the beginning of August.  

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As my dog and I completed our morning walk the other day, we rounded the curve at the big maple tree, and came upon a flock of robins – at least twenty.  They looked mostly young, and they were sitting on roots, and low shrubs.  In the manner of a Professor addressing his class, was what appeared to be a much older Robin, sitting on the ground, addressing the youth around him.  Some of the young robins were fluttering at each other – typical kids!

I caught all of this at a glance.  I told my dog to wait and the two of us stopped to see what would happen next.

The Professor Robin gave a sharp chirrup, and the robins got quiet.  He started to speak.  It sounded like he was telling them about the long journey south, and what they would need to do to prepare.  Some of the young robins still had spots on their chest.   He flew up and then back down.  He kept chirruping, and flapping his wings.  And then, as he turned to look around, he spotted us.  He let out a squawk, and all the robins took off.

I was laughing at the remarkable resemblance to our school system that I saw in the Robin Academy.  I even thought how Professor Robin looked like the Dean of the English Department in university.  

It was a fun morning, to see how robins prepare their young.  I am grateful for the experience.

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Blessings,

Judy

Buddha and What Are We Training For

From 2007 until 2013, I taught classes on spirituality called “StarTalker Classes”.  The classes were popular and each class usually was a chapter in the class book that I put together.  In my classes, I sometimes had guest speakers that were specialists in certain parts of spirituality.  This blog comes from my notes on one of the classes.

Our entire life has been training. The question is: training in what? This question means: training in which direction?... Are we training in numbing ourselves in the face of fear, or training in waking up? Training in opening the heart, or training in shutting down? - from "Fruitless Labor," by Gaylon Ferguson

Last night, in my StarTalker class (I teach several ladies a program called StarTalker), our guest speaker talked about all the things that we do in our life, and how they all prepare us for working towards understanding ourselves.  It was interesting to me that it is not about understanding others which is what we learn in school, in psychology or sociology, it is about understanding ourselves.

We are on a journey of self discovery.  We are learning how unique and how exciting our journey is – even if sometimes it feels quite painful.  I am still working through all the ideas that were presented last night.  However, I am once again amazed that the Universe sent the above quote which ties in 6 the session from last night.  

We/I have lots to think about.

Blessings,

Judy

Pilot Whales

I was very young and living on the prairies when I first learned about whales and dolphins.  I have been a fan of whales and dolphins ever since that time.

Often, in dream time, whales and/or dolphins will appear in the dream to bring messages, or to ask for help, and sometimes, just to play.  

It was in dream time that I met the pilot whale.

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Pilot whales are jet black or a very dark grey color. The dorsal fin is set forward on the back and sweeps back. The newborn whale's dorsal fin is flexible at birth so as to facilitate the birthing process. The body is elongated but stocky and narrows abruptly toward the tail fin. ~ Wikipedia

Pilot Whale has set a course for change and invites you to pick up and follow.  The journey involves moving, transforming, and completing.  Moving may mean moving to a different location, or new house, or even to a different career or belief system.  Transforming means changing something about yourself, on a physical, mental, emotional or spiritual basis.  Completing is encouragement to finish those projects that are incomplete.  This is true especially for creative projects.  

Pilot Whale also shows the direction for starting something new.  If things have not been feeling like they are working, then Pilot Whale says that you should change direction.  If the current is holding you back, perhaps you are not to go that way.  Animals always take the path of least resistance, and so too should  humans because one will reach the destination anyway, even if it seems like it is not a direct path.

At times, Pilot Whale simply stops moving and lies on its side, in contemplation and meditation.  She suggests that you meditate on the Ocean, on Oneness, on Love, and on the mystical way that Great Spirit works with all beings.

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Blessings,

Judy

Crab Motion

 

Sometimes, in my meditation, I have the most unusual interactions with animals.  This post is about Crab and comes from a meditation journal from several years ago.

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Crabs typically walk sideways (a behaviour which gives us the word crabwise). This is because of the articulation of the legs which makes a sidelong gait more efficient. – Wikipedia

Crab also moves forward and backward.  Crab says that motion, regardless of the direction, is still motion.  Motion carries you as you work through your purpose.  Purpose is simply taking action, doing what you know you need to do without the prompting or without following other’s expectations.  

When you are in motion, you are searching.  Although you may believe that you know the destination, along the way, the destination may change.  Thus, you are ever watching for the signs that move you along.  

Crab is always looking for food and for safety.  She tells you that along the journey that you are taking, life will be better if you remember to care for yourself, as part of safety, and that eating the foods that suit your body will also ensure your safety and health.  Specialists and doctors all have different ideas of what the best foods are.  You can tell what foods best serve you by simply holding them to your heart and hearing/feeling/knowing or seeing that the food suits you, or not.

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Blessings,

Judy

It Is About Singing Your Song

 

The other day, while shopping, I heard a three year old singing the most delightful little song.  Her mother quietened her by saying, “No one wants to hear you sing!”  The little girl was crushed!  Then, the two were lost in the crowd.

Years ago when I had a consulting business, I had an unconscious habit of humming while I worked.  The consultants and staff would ask me to stop because they could not concentrate.  Fair enough!  I stopped humming.  Now, I only hum and sing if I am completely by myself. 

I wonder how many of us have lost our voice along our journey because others hushed us.  The strange thing is that music and song are made to be shared. 

I hope that you sing and hum, and add a little dance to your music!  I will listen.

Many blessings,

Judy

A Message From Archangel Azrael

The following message was a download that I received several years ago and that I recorded in my journal.  This seems like a great time to share it with you.

Many blessings,

Judy

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Dearest ones, when I see where you all are walking, the path looks filled with gravel and small rocks.  This is a time of moving from one thing to the next.  As you all describe your life journey as a path, it seems reasonable to see this time as a gravel path that crosses a large plateau. Depending where you are on the plateau, it may seem that the crossing is longer for some than for others.  There is little to break the journey.  If you have ever travelled a gravel road in a car, you will know that you are not able to go too fast, for you might catch the ridge of gravel and go into the ditch.  Also, if you go too fast, you may create a dust storm that swirls around you, and blinds you, and clogs up your car.  

Gravel road on a flat plain

 

This gravel path that you are on is one that you must travel slowly.  There are some very large stones in the way that you must either walk around, or move off the road so that this path may be traveled more easily next time.  Often, under each stone, or in some cases, boulder, you will find treasure.  Oh, not the treasure of the Aztecs gold, or anything like that! The treasure is the gift of the action, and the situation around it.  

For some of you, the chunks of gravel may be inaction – a lull in all that you are doing.  This may be frustrating, however, it is necessary for you to sit and absorb the new vibrations that are coming into your etheric templates, and then the vibrations will become part of your bodies. There are some of you that will not be able to hold the vibration and ground it.  The vibration will call you home and I will be there to help you with the change in being, and delight in walking you to your new path.  

The creation of new things is about closing the old and allowing for the new.  Now is the time to allow.  This means sitting quietly each day, and being content – think of nothing but those small pleasures that relax your body and mind, and feed your soul. Even reading is an activity that will move you along the path to new things.

I am often called “The beginning and ending” angel because I help the transition from your mortal body.  Beginnings and endings are really all part of the symphony, and I am the conductor.  Do you often hear music?  This may be the songs or the music that I and the other Angels play for you to help you smooth out the patterns and rhythms in your life.  Take time to make music, to learn and to create.  This is the reason for the gravel path; it is to slow you down.

Harmonious Blessings and Love,

Archangel Azrael

Confucius Speaks — About Good People

“Good people live wisely and improve customs.” is the meaning that Confucius attributes to the 53rd meaning of the I Ching or Book of Change 

 

 

Picture of the 53rd cast of the I-Ching

The translation of this cast (shown below) comes from a translation by Wilhelm, both in English and French.

On the mountain, a tree: The image of DEVELOPMENT. 
Thus the superior man abides in dignity and virtue, 
In order to improve the mores. 

The tree on the mountain is visible from afar, and its development influences the landscape of the entire region. It does not shoot up like a swamp plant; its growth proceeds gradually. Thus also the work of influencing people can be only gradual. No sudden influence or awakening is of lasting effect. Progress must be quite gradual, and in order to obtain such progress in public opinion and in the mores of the people, it is necessary for the personality to acquire influence and weight. This comes about through careful and constant work on one's own moral development. 

I saw this cast of the I-Ching, and immediately realized that this is actually the journey of our lives. It takes well into our adult hood before we develop the credibility to have others look to us for answers, or for leadership.  The Mayans believed one was not truly a Master or a true teacher until the person reached 52 years of age.

The irony of this, is, that while many of us believe in the wisdom that comes from age, we have created “Masters” programs in our Universities and Business Schools that purport to give a twenty-two to twenty-six year old the same knowledge one has at fifty-two.  Does it work?  In most cases, no!  The other sad fact about this hypocrisy is that the twenty-something wants to earn the same as the fifty something, and feels it is “due” to them because they have the education. 

Blessings,

Judy

Skunk’s Support

One of the things that Creator worked with me on is to understand how to change our lives.  Creator lead me through a meditation-journey.  Part of the journey was meeting up with a Spirit Animal guide who will help me through the changes.

My spirit guide was Skunk.  I thought this was odd because I have an aversion to very strong smells.  However, as we sat on the beach of the river, side by side, I grew accustomed to Skunk’s odour, and actually even found it comforting.

Some of the ideas that Skunk conveyed were:

• You need to be di-stinct.  Be comfortable being different.  Distinguish your self by your smell, your appearance, and your actions.
• You need to follow your in-stinct.  When something smells wrong, know that it is wrong and do not look to fix it.  Walk away!
• If you are indi-stinct, it is difficult to be a teacher-leader.  This is the time to show your skills and to share them.

Skunk went on to share some other thoughts that I need to sort through for a while.  

If you have thoughts on Skunk’s appearance by my side, please send me your comments.

Many blessings,

Judy

Sparrow Sings

Our window was open this morning, and I could hear the Sparrows singing away as they hopped around the bird feeder to gather food.  Suddenly, it got quiet.  Then the most beautiful, clear notes rang out.  I peeked out the window.  It was one Sparrow, sitting on the grass by itself, singing away while the others got food.

The sound was clear, like a flute going to unusual notes.  Sparrow seemed to be singing about taking a long journey, and how great it is to be finally at “home” again.  The song seemed to cover the ideas of having a permanent home, and the dangers of that as well as the idea of moving every six months.  

I realized what brave, small creatures that these Sparrows are.  They travel long journeys twice a year to be able to raise chicks, and to be able to survive the winter.  They are very different from us humans.

The song was about five minutes.  When it was done – it was about 5:30am – I snuggled in for another hour of sleep.

Many blessings,

Judy

The Meditating Monk and Fear

 Picture of Buddha comes from an email so origin is not known.

One of the hardest things that I have found is the process of letting go of fear.  From the time that we are very young, we are conditioned to the idea of fear, and that we must fear anything that is different or unknown.  Perhaps, because of that conditioning, I have gone out of my way to meet, head on, what it is I fear.  I often wondered if I just had a streak of recklessness in me –which was the consensus of my parents – or whether I was legitimately moving forward on my journey.  

This train of thought has been a source of many meditations and contemplations for me.  I wonder if I am able to overcome all fear.  Then I remembered the teaching about the spider.   

I went through my notes, and found that I actually wrote about this  last year – April 13th.  Here is the story.

A Tibetan story tells of a meditation student who, while meditating in his room, believed he saw a spider descending in front of him. Each day the menacing creature returned, growing larger and larger each time. So frightened was the student, that he went to his teacher to report his dilemma. He said he planned to place a knife in his lap during meditation, so when the spider appeared he would kill it. The teacher advised him against this plan. Instead, he suggested, bring a piece of chalk to meditation, and when the spider appeared, mark an "X" on its belly. Then report back.

The student returned to his meditation. When the spider again appeared, he resisted the urge to attack it, and instead did just what the master suggested. When he later reported back to the master, the teacher told him to lift up his shirt and look at his own belly. There was the "X".

Because this is coming up for me again, in the spring, almost a year later, I feel that I need to do some karma clearing around belief systems connected to fear.  

I am off to do that now.   Have a wonderful day!

Many blessings,

Judy

Moose Is An Ancient Four Legged One

 

Moose in the snow from a set of winter pictures of Jasper, Alberta

As we approach Christmas, notice that in many yards in Calgary, and I am sure elsewhere, there are stunning light displays of a moose.  Some are large while others are small.  Since moose often comes to the city and hangs out along the river in Fish Creek Park.  Moose seems to represent the wildness and ruggedness of the West.  Here is a bit about this huge animal.

Moose are one of the more ancient four legged ones. In Alberta, we see them in the foothills, in wooded areas, and sometimes even along the rivers in the city. Moose was named from the Algonquin word “Moz” which roughly means stick or twig eater. Moose are totally herbivores and may eat up to 112 pounds of food per day in the summertime as the winter time is almost a time of fasting for them. Their great size – averaging six and a half feet at the shoulder, and one thousand pounds – makes sustenance a full time occupation. Their colouring allows them to blend into the bush, grass and water that are their habitat. Moose runs at about twenty-eight miles per hour, and swims quite rapidly as well. Even with its huge antlers which may weigh seventy-five pounds, the bull moose will move silently through the forest, and will appear invisible as well. When we do see Moose, it is so powerful a presence, one cannot help but feel a sense of the majestic force of Nature.

Our Ancestors have many legends surrounding Moose. Some are that those born with Moose’s shape – long legs and arms – will have Moose’s ability to connect with the higher realms. Moose’s gifts – presence and invisibility are also the message to those Moose appears to. Moose says to go and do what ever your journey is without drawing attention to yourself. If Moose has antlers, the message is to open up the crown chakra and connect to the universal consciousness and connect with the Heavens and Mother Earth and understand that balance is required. Moose reminds you that you do have great wisdom and that the wisdom is to be shared discretely; and that one should not be troubled by the garbled advice from those around them.

Moose’s habitat in summer is water. Here, Moose pulls up the tenderest shoots of marine plants, and feasts on the water lily, a brilliant yellow flower. This is a reminder that one must constantly plunge the depths of emotion to find the true moments of love and swallow them whole to incorporate them into one’s being, for love is the one true thing. All other emotion must be examined, and blessed and released to prevent this density from holding one back from growing into their full power.

Blessings,

Judy

White Owl’s Thoughts - Spirit Animal

This picture is from a series of wild life pictures someone sent me in an email.  Origin not known.

A while ago, one of my clients phoned me because they had an unusual experience driving into work in the morning, down Memorial Drive.  He said that a big white owl flew across his windshield twice.  He was awestruck.  However, when he excitedly looked around at other drivers, no one else appeared to see it.  He wanted to know what the message was.  The following message came to me in a meditation.  I shared it with him, and with his permission, with you.

White Owl’s Message

“This is the time to practice wisdom.  One of the greatest gifts of wisdom is patience.  The large Earth changes are upon us, and, because they happen slowly, humans do not see the degree of change that is happening.  We animals notice that the Sun and the Moon do not seem to always be in the place that it has been in seasons gone by.  We notice that there is more water in some places and much dryness in others.  It changes our food supply and we too must change – move to new hunting grounds and find new prey.  We notice that some of our kind do not seem to be as plentiful.  We that survive will need to continue the species.  We see changes in our abilities with each new change.  We are not ones to die off; we are survivors.  

We find it easy to move.  We have no home or possessions to carry with us.  We simply set our destination, and fly to that place.  We do have favourite places that we like to be, although it does not matter much to us where we sleep.  Humans are weighted down by so many things.  Perhaps that is why humans cannot fly.  Even your clothes seem heavy.  

I, Owl, say to you that now is a good time to look at lightening your load and finding ways to make your journey easier. “

Many blessings,

Judy

You are a Visitor Here

  

   "Lady Traveler" from Microsoft Clip Art....

 

                                                           I have been experiencing many different lessons of life over the past twenty years.  Early in this adventure, after each experience, I usually would say, "Wow!  That was intense! I am glad that I am through that!"  As I grew older and wiser, I realized that the lessons were the journey. And, as I traveled around the world, I realized that the lessons of life were very much paralleled by the challenges one faces traveling in different countries where we cannot communicate in a common language and thus revert to signing and engaging in a genuine exchange.  Words do limit how another interprets what one says. 

I had pretty much forgotten about my earlier discoveries as I am busy learning new things all the time.  Then, the other day, I found this passage when I was working through some Buddhist teachings.  I loved the phrasing!  It took me back to the earlier times when I was a visitor in so many countries and cities.  

May you enjoy this teaching as I did!

                                      Dhammavadaka

Remember always that you are just a visitor here, a traveler passing through. Your stay is but short and the moment of your departure unknown.

None can live without toil and a craft that provides your needs is a blessing indeed. But if you toil without rest, fatigue and weariness will overtake you, and you will denied the joy that comes from labour's end.

Speak quietly and kindly and be not forward with either opinions or advice. If you talk much, this will make you deaf to what others say, and you should know that there are few so wise that they cannot learn from others.

Be near when help is needed, but far when praise and thanks are being offered.

Take small account of might, wealth and fame, for they soon pass and are forgotten. Instead, nurture love within you and and strive to be a friend to all. Truly, compassion is a balm for many wounds.

Treasure silence when you find it, and while being mindful of your duties, set time aside, to be alone with yourself.  
Cast off pretense and self-deception and see yourself as you really are.

Despite all appearances, no one is really evil. They are led astray by ignorance. If you ponder this truth always you will offer more light, rather then blame and condemnation.  
You, no less than all beings have Buddha Nature within. Your essential Mind is pure. Therefore, when defilements cause you to stumble and fall, let not remorse nor dark foreboding cast you down. Be of good cheer and with this understanding, summon strength and walk on.  

Faith is like a lamp and wisdom makes the flame burn bright. Carry this lamp always and in good time the darkness will yield and you will abide in the Light. 

Note - I believe this was written by  Shravasti Dhammika ... I thank you for this writing.

Blessings,

Judy

It is About Singing Your Song

The other day, while shopping, I heard a three year old singing the most delightful little song.  Her mother quietened her by saying, “No one wants to hear you sing!”  The little girl was crushed!  Then, the two were lost in the crowd.

Years ago when I had a consulting business, I had an unconscious habit of humming while I worked.  The consultants and staff would ask me to stop because they could not concentrate.  Fair enough!  I stopped humming.  Now, I only hum and sing if I am completely by myself.  

I wonder how many of us have lost our voice along our journey because others hushed us.  The strange thing is that music and song are made to be shared.  

I hope that you sing and hum, and add a little dance to your music!  I will listen.

Many blessings,

Judy

Who Do You Want To Be?

  

One of the things that a person undertakes when they begin the practice of Buddhism, is to figure out who they are.  This is a difficult thing to do because many times we have been shaped by so many people, beginning with our parents, that we truly have no idea of what we like.  We are much like the bride in the movie, “Run Away Bride”, who does not know what kind of egg she likes because she has always liked what her fiancé liked.  Here is a simple meditation to do each time you sit in meditation. Try to answer one question per meditation.  

Enjoy the journey!

WHO DO I WANT TO BE? 
Mentally project yourself 5 years into the future: how would I like to be, having accomplished what I want to accomplish, learned what I want to learn, did what I wanted to do.
- Which qualities have I developed in myself?  
- Which are the most important lessons I have learned?  
- What have I done for others that I feel most happy about?  
- How did I manage to stop underestimating myself?  
- How did I manage to stop underestimating other people?  
- How did I manage to stop pretending that I cannot do things?  
- Which kind of powers and abilities did I discover in myself?  
- Which kind of powers and abilities did I find in others?  
- What can I do right now in order to be this person in five years?  
- If it feels right, make a commitment to yourself to make this vision reality.

Many blessings,

Judy