Dove on Changing Patterns

I kept hearing, “Look out the window.”  At first it was a plea and then it became demanding.  I finally went to the kitchen window and looked out.  I saw the most beautiful pair of mourning doves sitting on the branch of one of our spruce trees.

They both oo’oo’d, and said that they had something to share with me about change.  Here is what they said:

• Whatever the pattern has been, such as Doves flying south for the winter, there comes a time to break the pattern.
• Patterns are often genetic in origin, and, in our case, are part of our innate design.  You can see that we have broken this pattern this year, and this will begin the change for our offspring.  
• Patterns were designed to meet a certain environment.  When the environment changes, then it is time to change the pattern.
• While others do not feel the need to change, there are always those pioneers that need to follow the new sound or drum beat.  It is often the role of the pioneers to be ridiculed or called crazy.  They are not crazy.
• Being at one with change, and breaking patterns is what is required to help one’s survival.  Live well.

Blessings,

Judy

A Healing Chant/Prayer

I am a baby boomer, as are many of my friends.  Now, when we meet, one of the first topics of conversation is “how are your parents” (or mother or father).  It seems like many of us are having the experience of loved ones and friends dying.  Often, death may seem like a blessing because the person has had an illness that debilitates and causes the family to feel helpless. 

Picture of healing lotus from qimansworld.today.com

 

 

 

Several days ago, one of my clients phoned me and said that she and some friends wanted to get together to do a healing prayer for a good friend that had cancer and was given several months to live.  She asked if I could recommend a good healing prayer.  I recommended the following chant to her.  

Traditional Buddhist Blessing and Healing Chant

Just as the soft rains fill the streams,  
pour into the rivers and join together in the oceans,  
so may the power of every moment of your goodness  
flow forth to awaken and heal all beings,  
Those here now, those gone before, those yet to come.

By the power of every moment of your goodness  
May your heart's wishes be soon fulfilled  
as completely shining as the bright full moon,  
as magically as by a wish-fulfilling gem.

By the power of every moment of your goodness  
May all dangers be averted and all disease be gone.  
May no obstacle come across your way.  
May you enjoy fulfillment and long life.

For all in whose heart dwells respect,  
who follow the wisdom and compassion of the Way,  
May your life prosper in the four blessings  
of old age, beauty, happiness and strength.

I love this chant because it is so peaceful and beautiful.  When I read it and say it, it makes me feel connected with the All.  If you decide to use this chant for someone you know, say it out loud,  either one, three, or seven times, each time that you do the chant.  There is power in the sound of the voice and power in the number of repetitions.

Many Blessings,

Judy

Wood Caribou

Picture from www.deer.rr.ualberta.ca Years ago, my husband and I spent a week in Jasper, and hiked the mountains and explored springs, falls, and natural wonders. One of the natural wonders that was a surprise is Wood Caribou. I had no idea that caribou existed as far south as Jasper National Park. Every where we went, we saw signs up advising of Caribou crossing, and notices to stay away from them because they were quite aggressive with humans. We thought that seemed fair since humans are the predator that has caused the most damage to the Wood Caribou. In spring, Caribou climbs to the high alpine meadow of the Rockies. Since hiking trails now lead to some of these meadows, we expected to see herds of them. However, they were invisible. Perhaps this is part of their message to us. Knowing that the males are significantly larger than females, and that both of them will each weigh 450 and 250 pounds respectively, it is hard to believe they could hide so easily. Most Caribou are predominantly brown to olive, with whitish under parts, buttocks and legs. There is some geographic variation. Some populations in Greenland and northeastern Canada have nearly white coats. Both sexes are antlered.  Caribou offers many messages. - every year, take two big trips. A change of scenery allows you to appreciate what you have. - learn how to use your environment to your advantage to feel safe and to enjoy the abundance of it. - do not be afraid of adventure. Being a risk taker keeps us interested in life and helps us stay alert for predators (those who would use us to their own advantage). - enjoy the wilderness and protect it. Everything came from it, and most life depends on it (logging, gas, oil, coal and mining in general). Many blessings, Judy