 shadow to light Sometimes when newsletter time rolls around, I admit, I struggle for something to say. Today, I have a lot to say. Before all of this "stuff" (I refuse to say the C.V. words putting them out to the Universe-- they are already there thousandfold), I had scheduled my first Death Cafe meeting to be in mid-April, and I had become trained in November as an End-of-Life Doula (EOL). Explaining the first, Death Cafes were created in 2011 by Jon Underwood with the first meeting being held in his London home. The intention behind these meetings was, and still is, to make the topic of death less taboo, less scary. The meetings do not have an agenda and are guided by organic conversation by whomever shows up. They are not typically for grieving; they are for exploring whatever feels necessary to be explored at that time. As an EOL, I resonated with the most human element that no one should die alone. I did not know vigils and deaths could be pre-planned: to be carried out the way the transitioning person wanted. It was exciting, actually, to think about creating a beautiful healthy space in which to transition from. I hadn't known the dying experience could be so much more than what most of us have possibly experienced. From scents and lighting to colors and space. Fast forward to the tumultuous road my mind has been traveling down as I am imminently aware that death is all around us in an in-your-face way that it wasn't before. I have been struggling with the idea that this may not be the right time to have these talks because maybe people need to be eased into the conversation when death is not close. But, I do not think that is true. So many people are now facing this subject alone, as those transitioning are now forced to do so alone. The Yin Yang symbol reminds us of the complementary relationship of duality. Without the the dark side of the symbol, we could not know the light side; it would not exist. We, as a culture, do not typically like to address or venture into the dark side, our dark side. But we have to, and I am realizing now is the time to do so. Who on Earth would take the time to do that if we were not quarantined?! No one! We will be running for the outdoors so use this time well. My human side has been dabbling in the chaos and the fear, but at least I am aware that is time for my human side to co-mingle with my spiritual side, to be the Yin to my Yang. My human side wants the comfort of the known but has to deal with the part of me that believes there are no coincidences and that the Earth needed us to back off for awhile. We have been so collectively busy polluting the Earth and not caring. I was hoping this would open eyes to the necessity of being more eco-friendly on the other side of all this but then I read someone's FB post where they said, with everyone at home, there were too many dishes to keep up with and they were switching to paper. Our "conveniences" are not convenient to the planet. In turn, that means they are not convenient for our health. This is only one of the reasons we find ourselves here. We have to find a better way without reverting back to a normal that was not. I was originally finding myself mad that people are dying too soon because of CV. But that comes from fear. It does not parallel with my belief, which is that we come here to learn necessary and chosen lessons. We leave when we have done so. I am realizing this may be the lesson we chose to endure. You don't have to agree with me whatsoever. We all have opinions, and opinions are notoriously not based in fact. But, it is this belief that led me to became an EOL and Death Cafe host. When this is behind us, it may be me and my beliefs you may rely upon to sit with your loved ones who are passing when you can no longer do it yourself, mentally or physically. In my Reiki practice, I have received messages from people who are no longer living so my personal belief about death, and life after, is rather strong. My Libra scales are struggling for balance; I am trying to not permit my human side to step forward with fabled stories of Worry and Fear. I have to go back to what I know and am comfortable with. Love is the essential ingredient in our collective lives, and death is the only constant in an ever changing world for those who are alive. Speaking of non-coincidences, this is my 44th newsletter. In numerology, 44 is a master healing number. The number represents solid constant ground for present and future generations. And the number 4, by itself, is a very earthy number. (Again, a sign from our planet?) Forty-four represents balance and building a foundation. That means now is the time to build upon a new new. Do not be afraid of your shadows. The line between the dark and light sides of the Yin Yang symbol should truly be blurred though both are represented within each other to create a whole. My human and spiritual sides are still testing each other as I write this but I have to dig deeper. Balance is the only way. And by the time I write again, it will be for newsletter #45, a number that represents seeking your higher purpose. To more easily manifest that purpose, stop to set your foundation right now. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Yoga Class Schedule ALL classes are currently ONLINE through Zoom at the original days/times. The Zoom code to access is https://zoom.us/j/8033508899 . *SUNDAY'S: 10-11:15am, Gentle/Restorative *TUESDAY'S: 10-11:15am, Inspired Vinyasa (All Levels) *WEDNESDAY'S: 6-7:15pm, Gentle/Restorative The classes are currently free and all are welcome to join. If you miss a class, I am posting them to my YouTube page, which can be found by searching my name or by following this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9b8ULuY6A2uAuoxC2iaO2Q -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FEATURED HEALING STONE: Lepidolite by Maryann Sanfilipp, Crystal Writer Extraordinaire As we are entering spring and the month of April, we are faced with more adversity than merely April showers. Facing the challenges of quarantine and social distancing may be adding additional stress to everyday life. As we try to remain calm and centered, we may experience anxiety every so often. Lepidolite is a stone that may be of assistance in these trying times. The name, Lepidolite, comes from the Greek word for scale because of its association with restoring balance and harmony. Its intense blue color evokes the spirit of the sky and the oceans, the life-giving elements of the planet in the never-ending cycle of life. Lepidolite is most effective in calming frayed nerves, helping one to release stress and worry, and is at its best when life is most challenging. It is a stone of serenity helping one to balance emotional extremes. It helps one to find a strong, stable emotional center. As one of the best mood stabilizers in the world of gemstones, the Lepidolite crystal contains a high amount of lithium, which is also used in anti-anxiety medication. However, Lepidolite doesn't require a prescription and side effects include a sense of calm and tranquility during times of stress and chaos. Call on Lepidolite to balance the mind and spirit, especially when you need to cool off fiery emotions. This gentle healing stone stimulates all chakras, dissolving energy blocks keeping you from true happiness. It is especially tied to the heart and third eye chakra. You can even take a bath with this stone in the water! If you don't have Lepidolite and are unable to obtain it right now, there are other stones that promote calming of anxiety. Some of these are: amethyst, angelite, fluorite, blue lace agate, rose quartz, and black tourmaline. So, meditate, hold on to your crystals, do yoga with Sandra, listen to calming music, turn off the news for a good part of the day, exercise, go for a walk, get enough sleep and be in the moment. As Michael Symon says, "Tough times don't last, tough people do!" We have the mental toughness and our yoga tools to get through this, and we are all in this together. Shanti! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FEATURED QUOTE: "Yin and Yang in themselves are of course opposites, so we use Yin and Yang to generalize opposing elements such as up and down, left and right, day and night, water and fire, male and female, inside and outside. But Yin and Yang do not exist in separated and independent forms. Yin and Yang are two faces of a whole, or, it may be said, Yin and Yang join together and combine into a whole." JINGHAN HE, Bagua Daoyin: A Unique Branch of Daoist Learning, A Secret Skill of the Palace
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