Storm Wisdom Blog

Start With Love!

Start With Love!

“You are a creature of Divine Love connected at all times to Source. Divine Love is when you see God in everyone and everything you encounter.” Wayne Dyer, American author and speaker

How are you navigating the intense energies right now? There have been record breaking temperatures around the world, drought, political unrest, and the devastating loss from the fires in Maui. The earth and all life forms have cried out in sorrow and pain. I’m holding space for recovery and rebuilding with love. In addition, the Lion’s Gate portal that opened August 8th (8/8) brought opportunities for cleansing and encouragement to open to new possibilities, to live from our hearts, step into our power, and open to self-love. Whew! For me, it’s been an invitation to STOP and take a few deep breaths. I recognized that if I didn’t I could easily dive deep into the proverbial rabbit hole so I remembered to focus on gratitude, what’s working, and the source of who I am – LOVE!

LOVE is the greatest transformer of all. It is who we are in our core – our eternal self. At times I’ve found it challenging to remember this when faced with loss and suffering. How about you? Often we view ourselves separate and we forget that we are all a part of the whole. Some of you may find this hard to believe and that’s ok. This is part of our journey of remembering isn’t it? It doesn’t matter which religious tradition you embrace, there is the theme of love at its heart. This anonymous quote reminds us that “Buddha was not a Buddhist. Jesus was not a Christian. Muhammad was not a Muslim. They were teachers who taught love.” Religious institutions were created later by human beings. More conscious creation based on love, acceptance, unity, forgiveness, and compassion are greatly needed as opportunities for recovery and rebuilding are presented.

Imagine a world where people help and support one another without being compelled by a disaster. Remember how good you have felt after helping someone. Imagine in that moment that the source of your giving was from the light and love within you. Freely given without expecting something in return. Indian Hindu monk and yogi Paramahansa Yogananda has said “Feel the love of God; then in every person you will see the face of the Father, the light of love which is in all. You will find a magic, living relationship uniting the trees, the sky, the stars, all people and all living things; and you will feel a oneness with them. This is the code of divine love.” Start with LOVE!

Notice the beauty around you and feel the magic of life! I hope your coming week is filled with more love, peace, joy, and wonder. You are amazing and loved!

I’m available by phone or Zoom for private coaching and channeled information sessions by appointment. To schedule please go to victoriabarna.com. I’m also available for in-person sessions. Please call Storm Wisdom (602)334-1204 to schedule.

Like a River!

Like a River!

“Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it.” Lao Tzu, Chinese Taoist philosopher

Flow, fluidity, and change seem to be a recurring theme for me right now. How about you? I realize that personal awareness and growth are ongoing. For me anyway, it’s not just ‘one and done’! As I write this week I’m reminded how powerful water images and metaphors can be. Lunar energies are also strong right now with a Super Moon kicking off August and a Blue Super Moon ending the month. These lunar energies also affect the movement of tides! However, let’s use the image of a river as we navigate change. Remember, change is constant. One moment is never exactly the same once it’s experienced. Imagine a river now with your eyes closed. Imagine sitting on the bank of the river and notice how it’s moving and flowing.Take a few deep breaths. Now, breathe normally as you enjoy the view of the river. Keeping your eyes closed, notice what surrounds the river. Are there trees, mountains, or a waterfall perhaps? What sounds do you hear? What fragrance can you smell? Enjoy the beauty all around you. Now look at the river again. Does it look the same or has it changed? Can you see more movement? Has something else entered the river? Has it become still or more active? Have you noticed how flexible, soft, or violent it can be from moment to moment? Have you noticed how easily it has changed?

Now, Imagine consciousness, your life, personal growth and awareness as a river. It expands, contracts, and changes in each and every moment although there are times it may not feel like it! This week my awareness seems to be a little deeper than earlier writings. I’ve noticed that flow, fluidity, and change apply to more than what’s going on in day to day life. It’s all inclusive. At some level I know this but I feel it more consciously right now. The writer and poet Parr Winn has said, “All I need is a little bit of fluidity . . Fluidity of thoughts . . Fluidity of words . . And fluidity in action . . In short, fluidity of mind, spirit, and body.” How true! “In short, fluidity of mind, spirit, and body.” How often is resistance our default behavior or habit? When I say, “I’m willing and open to change?” Do I really mean it? Or is it only when I believe I can control it?

Now, imagine your river once again. Picture several boulders in the river. Maybe there are some fallen tree limbs there too. Now, look at the water. Does the flow stop or does the river change course and find a way over or around the obstacles? Usually it will flow over or around the obstacles won’t it? It doesn’t move through the obstacles that create resistance. Rather it finds another way. It’s willing to change! American spiritual teacher and author Adyashanti has said “Once you go into resistance, you are in opposition to the fluidity of life.” How much time is spent in your life resisting? What will you notice that’s different when flow, fluidity, and change become a more comfortable way to be? How will personal growth and awareness be affected? Will life be lived more consciously? I’m curious! Imagine living life like a river – Adapting and being flexible; moving beyond resistance. Hmmm.

I’m available by phone or Zoom for private coaching and channeled information sessions by appointment. To schedule please go to victoriabarna.com. I’m also available for in-person sessions. Please call Storm Wisdom, (602)334-1204 to schedule.

Be Yourself

Be Yourself

“The only thing that matters in life is your own opinion about yourself.” OSHO, Indian philosopher and mystic

How often do we let the opinion of others influence how we feel about ourselves? As I have journeyed with others on their path of spiritual awakening and traveled my own path I have found that the opinion of others can make a difference if we let it. After all, who doesn’t want to be liked and seen in a positive light! This happens far too often and until we recognize its influence it can block our personal growth and self awareness. Through quiet time or meditation the inward journey of remembering and re-discovery can provide a way to get to know who you are, what you value, and imagine the life you want to live! How you feel about yourself is the most important.

American philosopher and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson has said, “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” Think about it. It takes courage to peel back the layers of who you’ve been and explore who you are and want to become more of. Also, asking “What am I willing to change in me?” This is key. Many people want to be in a loving and intimate relationship and search for ‘the one’! How would you feel if ‘the one’ turns out to be you? Feeling good, confident, and loving about yourself, first, is key to being in a healthy relationship with others.

Remember, you are the artist, author, and creator of your life. It can be whatever you want it to be! Create it with confidence, love, and compassion for yourself! Notice any differences in your relationships and friends that you might attract. The author Roy T. Bennett has said, “Believe in your infinite potential. Your only limitations are those you set upon yourself.” Will you love and believe in yourself enough? Are you ready to be yourself?

I’m holding space for you and I’m sending lots of love to each one of you. Have an amazing, joy filled, and fun week! Enjoy your inward exploration!

I’m available by phone or Zoom for private coaching and channeled information sessions by appointment. To schedule please go to victoriabarna.com. I’m also available for in-person sessions. Please call Storm Wisdom, (602)334-1204 to schedule.

Awakening!

Awakening!

“We are here to awaken from our illusion of separateness.” Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese Buddhist Monk

How are you doing this week? I hope you’re finding ways to stay cool. I’m limiting my time outdoors that’s for sure! I’m grateful for our air conditioning too! Whew!!

Recently I finished reading Arielle Ford’s new book The Love Thief and really enjoyed it. She says it’s her first attempt at writing fiction and I found her storytelling ability enjoyable and relatable. This story reminded me so much of a fellow traveler’s journey of spiritual awakening. There are so many ways it can happen since each one of us is individual and unique. However, we often ask ourselves, “What’s my purpose, Who am I, or Why am I here?” These questions are similar for each one of us. Along the way of re-discovery and remembering we often meet fellow travelers who help us. Through the years of my own growth and working with others I’ve heard many ideas of why we chose to come to Earth at this time.

In addition to Thich Nhat Hanh’s view of awakening from the illusion of separateness there are others who believe that we are here to: honor and know God, survive, find our passion, be happy, help others, recognize and use our gifts, experience life completely, create heaven on earth, be authentic, seek harmony with nature, be successful, achieve goals, or evolve by learning and growing. The list goes on and on and I’m sure each one of you has your own point of view to add. HRH the Dalai Lama has said, “Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.” It seems there is no right or wrong answer is there? Some people believe that enlightenment is why we’re here and yet there are those who believe we are already enlightened. There are so many questions to be explored during your quiet moments of introspection!

For me, many years ago while doing a walking meditation during my Theology program I asked, “Why am I here?” I heard, “To remember and help others remember.” At the time I didn’t understand what it meant. Through the years more clarity has come. I realize that we aren’t separated. This is an illusion. We are both human and divine. We are a part of Source, God/Goddess/All That Is. We entered life forgetting. Then we have the opportunity to explore, experience, awaken, and remember. We are LOVE in our core. Loving and being loved is a part of our true nature. Through our lived experiences this part of our nature is often closed. Remembering is an awakening experience. Along my journey I’ve also realized that being more kind and compassionate is important.

Another perspective comes from the Mind Journal, Zen quotes, “The Universe isn’t interested in your achievements . . . Just your heart. When you choose to act out of kindness, compassion, and love, you are already aligned with your true purpose. No need to look any further.” What has been your experience as you have explored why you’re here? What do you believe? Have you begun a conscious journey of awakening? Are you ready if you haven’t? I’m excited for you regardless of where you are on your path. It’s exciting, fun, and often surprising! Mine continues to evolve with deeper levels of understanding.

I’m holding space for you and I’m sending lots of love to each one of you. Have an amazing, joy filled, and fun week!

I’m available by phone or Zoom for private coaching and channeled information sessions by appointment. To schedule please go to victoriabarna.com. I’m also available for in-person sessions. Please call Storm Wisdom, (602)334-1204 to schedule.