Inspired by Earth November newsletter

"A few days ago I walked along the edge of the lake and was treated to the crunch and rustle of leaves with each step I made. The acoustics of this season are different and all sounds, no matter how hushed, are as crisp as autumn air." --Eric Sloane


In my Inspired Vinyasa class, the day before Halloween, we focused on the ever relevant theme Tricky Transitions. We did some crazy stuff on the mat recognizing that, off the mat, Life throws us some tricky transitions on its own. And, in both cases, it may not be where we end up that's as important as how we got there. Balance and trust are necessary foundations. If November brings you unexpected challenges forcing you to maneuver, catapult, or twister your way along your path, here are some "rules" to remember...

1) Divine Timing: Remember that foundational word "trust" I mentioned? Create an inherent belief that all things happen when they are supposed to: when the timing is right. Everything needs to align and be in the correct space for our hopes to manifest. And I apologize for using a vague word like "everything", but if I didn't, I 'd have to write your energy encased in positive affirmations and focus, your internal and external balance, your root chakra foundation, the people's attitudes around you, the nurturing of the symbolic seeds you have planted, etc etc etc!-- all need to align (aka everything). Develop patience, trust that what you need will come to you, while establishing positive thoughts towards this wish as though you already have it.

2) Appreciation: Thank whatever higher power you believe in, God(s), Jesus, Angels, Spirit Guides, Energy, Universe (etc) for the good things that come your way. For example, Thank you Universe for letting my dog sleep throughout the night without waking me to go out. BUT, also express thanks for the other stuff. The sad things, the negative things, the unexpected things- they all have something to teach  us so your expression of gratitude could be, Thank you Universe for signs pertaining what I need to learn from ...(fill in the blank). All of the "why me's" and "why is this happening" stuff merely places you in the seat of the victim, not in the seat of strength.

3) Signs: Speaking of signs, learn how to ask for them! "Thank you Universe for sending me a sign regarding..." Keep your eyes and ears open! A couple of days ago, I felt life was at a low and, later that day, someone I hadn't heard from in many months sent me an "I love you" text. I knew immediately she was God-sent though her reasons for reaching out to me were her own. Signs do not come in the manner we expect them to. Most of my signs come from strangers who cross my path.

4) The Learning Lesson: Why take an algebra class if you do not intend to learn from it? You may respond, well it's required. Guess what? So is Life. Life requires you to show up and participate. Think back to all the teachers you had who gave out extra points to the kids who spoke up. If you intend to sit in Life's corners, you are missing out on the learning that you are here to do. And, I believe, the lessons you choose to not learn from will follow you here in your next life. Stop wasting time, stop allowing Fear to be present. "Thank you Universe for helping me to see the learning lesson in this situation".

5) Interpret: I wasn't going to make this a rule but it just occurred to me as I wrote this it needs to be here, too. Think outside of the box. I always see white feathers in weird places when I am struggling. Feathers are reminders from our Angels that they are present and support us. Yesterday, I found a tall black feather in my backyard. It was standing straight up in our long un-mowed grass as though someone had placed it there. As I walked towards it, my initial thought was "please be a leaf!" The black color was throwing me for a loop but, no, it was a perfect feather. Black's connotations are bad, unlucky. But, thinking outside the obvious, I also recognized black is my favorite color and, had that feather been white, I wouldn't have given it as much thought. I said my usual, "thank you angels for your reminder" and I did something I never do- I picked up the feather and carried it inside.

Om shanti shanti shanti (peace)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yoga Class Schedule/Workshops
*Gentle/Restorative classes every Wednesday evening from 6-7:15pm.
Healing Arts Metaphysical, 4 E Wilson Street, Batavia (parking lot in back)
All Levels, Walk-ins, $15

*Gentle/Restorative classes every Sunday from 10-11:15am.
Healing Arts Metaphysical, 4 E Wilson Street, Batavia (parking lot in back)
All Levels, Walk-ins, $15

*Inspired Vinyasa (Level 1), Tuesday's 10-11:15am, 1 E Benton St,, Aurora, downstairs. Parking in back or on street. $12/class, walk-in, all levels. Even more exciting, I will be making a monthly donation to the Aurora Food Pantry as part of the agreement for using this space.  Work out, find peace and give back all at the same time!

Reiki Sessions, Reiki Classes and Angel Card Readings are available as you need.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YOGA FIELD TRIPS!!!
Tuesday, November 13th  7-8pm
Private Sound Healing Gong Bath
I have scheduled a "private" sound healing gong bath with Rodrigo at Healing Arts Metaphysical. This event is for any of my yoga and/or Reiki students. You can walk-in but a head count would be helpful if you want to shoot me an email. $20/person (normally $25)  4 E Wilson, Batavia
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FEATURED HEALING STONE:  Leopard Jasper
by Maryann Sanfilipp, Crystal Writer Extraordinaire

Doesn’t this beautiful stone just look like November?  Many of the leaves have already done their color thing, but there is much beauty to be seen in the colors of November if one just looks.  Jasper is one of the oldest known gemstones and is mentioned in the Bible many times.  Leopard Jasper is just one of the many varieties.  It gets its name from the Greek word, isaspi, which means “spotted stone.” Leopard Jasper reflects the duality between dark and light reminding us to see dark as a complement to light rather than the opposite.
 
Sometimes referred to as Leopardskin Jasper, this is a shamanic stone, which is helpful in journeying and getting in touch with one’s power animal or when trying to connect with animals.  It serves as a reminder of the oneness we have with the natural world.   It is also connected to the physical body supporting and strengthening the spine and thigh muscles.  As such, it is most closely associated with the root chakra and the astrological signs of Gemini and Scorpio.
 
This stone is beneficial for anyone who experiences chronic health problems as it facilitates healing.  It supports one during times of stress and helps to bring tranquility and overall wholeness.  It helps to unify all aspects of life.
 
Leopardskin Jasper has benefits on many levels. It is a stone of regeneration and may help you to look and feel younger.  It is good for skin problems and can help fight infection and is good for insect stings and animal bites.  It is reported to bring you what you really need, not what you think you need!  It keeps negative energies away and gives one strength and energy.  It can help you in being in the right place at the right time, and being surrounded by people who will be instrumental to your personal growth.
 
As we become aware this month of the earth shutting down and going to sleep, this stone us help you deepen our connection to the earth.  Just as Leopard Jasper reminds us of the duality between light and dark, perhaps we should see November as a complement to spring rather that its opposite, as difficult as that may be. 

---