Be Mindful

For "M" I will discuss being mindful. I think that being Mindful is one of the most important things we can do in life. Being Mindful is just being aware, with no judgement of what is. Living in the moment. How often do you live in the moment. I know that most times we are really only in the moment in times of meditation. While I am a huge proponent of meditation and I believe that it should be done everyday, I think that we need to learn how to take this meditation with us.
Many people say that meditation is difficult and clearing the mind is too hard. But being mindful can put you in a state of meditation and can be done throughout the day. We need to escape the notion that meditation must be done in a seated position in a quiet room. Yes, this is one way to do it, and a very nice way that I enjoy doing it. But being mindful is so much more.
Being Mindful is looking at the world with new fresh eyes. Take a moment now, look around like you have never been in this room before. What do you see? What do you hear? What do you smell? Does it feel different than it did when you started? Too often we get so used to our surroundings that everything becomes wallpaper... we don't even notice things anymore.

My favorite way to remind myself to be mindful... and a great way to introduce yourself to meditation.... or to get in some meditation time if you are short on time... is in the shower. While you are in the shower become completely present in the moment. Don't rush through. Don't be on autopilot. Feel the water hit your skin. Note the temperature. Listen to the water hit the shower walls and floor. Smell the scents of your shampoos and soaps. Does your shower feel different. Does time seem to slow down. How about your breathing? Did it slow down too? This is what being mindful can do for you. This is how our bodies and minds are meant to live. Not focused on the past or the future, but in the moment.

I welcome comments!

Learning about my Authentic Self

I decided to talk about learning for my "L" post. I think because one trait I see with most Pagans I meet is that they are either looking to learn or teaching. Of course I think we are all always learning. Learning about ourselves, each other, our faith, everything in life. Once we stop learning than life ceases, for once you know everything than what is the point?

I can only speak for myself here, but I think there are many others who will see similarities. When I first began this path I grabbed all of the recommended "beginner" books that all the sites and people say to start with. (Now, I'm not going to mention titles here because I do not think there is anything innately wrong with these books, and do not want which books they were to be the focus of this).  Unfortunately as I grew into my path as well as into myself I realized these were all the wrong books to start with.
Yes, these basic books teach you what tools to use, how to cast a circle, and a few basic spells. They teach you that you are to honor nature and all that is.... you know the basics. But there is something even more basic that we need to know FIRST. And that is .... wait for it.... Me!... well you..... you, know your Authentic Self.

You need to know who YOU are. You need to know what your core values and beliefs are. I didn't need to read a book to tell me what my beliefs are or what I value. Once I truly found my authentic self I realized that the answers aren't in the books. They are in me. And while the books can offer me inspiration and some good info, they are not the end all be all of my Spirituality. Most beginner books tell you to cast a circle for a variety of different reasons, this never felt right to me. I can do my work much better without the circle. Until I had found my Authentic Self I was stuck where many people are, thinking that I HAD to cast a circle, because the books say so, and all the people I talk to say so.

Learning who we are at our soul level is the highest education we can find. it affords us the ability to live and walk our path in our own personal way, bringing us closer to the Divine. The closer you are to your authentic self the closer you are to the Divine in you. I also think that once you have learned about your authentic self and are living your authentic life than what others are doing, how they practice their faith becomes of little consequence to you. Once I learned this important lesson I have found it easier to let my Divine light shine, I have found my confidence in my beliefs and practices. All while at the same time allowing others to live their own authentic self. This was the best lesson I could have learned on my path.

I welcome comments,
Blissings and Love!

Enlightenment

So, I have been gone a while! I guess trying to start blogging while pregnant wasn't a great idea =P. But I have been inspired in my life a lot since the baby girl has arrived. One of the things that inspired me recently (like today) is the Pagan Blog Project.  I thought this would be the kick in the pants I needed to really do my blog the way I envision myself doing it.... you know consistently. So here I am starting this in week 9.... the letter E. Which, as the Universe works, is the best time for me to start, because I would like to talk about enlightenment.

The biggest Enlightenment came in my spiritual life. I found a huge pull back to my faith. Not that I ever left it, but I had been talking the talk and not walking the walk. I was not LIVING my path.  So, I began making changes, simple changes. Working harder to recycle, meditating and saying my blessings to the Goddess everyday, reading and learning everyday, being more vocal and active in groups, but most importantly honoring my true self. This enlightenment I had made me realize I had not been living my truth in a very long time. I was afraid to speak my truth, especially about my faith (even to other Pagans), for fear of judgement. I didn't want to hear that because I do not cast circles, or have a magical name, etc, that I was not a "true" pagan. I would find myself second guessing what I believed in my soul because someone would tell me how I was doing it wrong. My soul searching enlightenment solidified in me that faith is personal, so there is no wrong or even better.

Since this enlightenment, I have been at peace in all aspects of my life. I no longer present my false self to the world (well, not as often at least =P). I am more positive, and embracing of others.  I feel more "grown up", and this has even turned me down a surprising path. I have begun looking at Ministry Programs so that I can become a Pagan Priestess and be there for other Pagans.

I am so thankful for this time in my life and the enlightenment that I have had. But I am also aware that true enlightenment is a never ending journey.

In Love and Light

Blessings to all

✬✬✬☮☯✽❀♥❤❥❣ ❧♡۵ ☣☼ ۵♡❧❣❥❤♥☮☯✽❀✬✬✬