Storm Wisdom Blog

“The heart of the matter is always our oneness with divine spirit, our union with all life.” Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese Buddhist monk

What does oneness mean to you? I just returned from an amazing Contact Retreat led by Annie Bossingham with over 20 participants. In reality there were many more in the unseen realms attending with great love and support as well. It was such a great reminder of our interconnectedness with all life – seen and unseen! During meditations with intergalactic beings I felt such deep feelings of unconditional love and acceptance that I was overwhelmed at times. Being able to open to the possibilities of ‘something more’ beyond current limiting beliefs enriched my experience as it did for others.

Imagine, if you can, the possibilities of other civilizations, intergalactic ones, that we can’t see who have experienced what our planet is going through right now. Imagine what can be learned from their experiences. Once a tipping point was reached some civilizations survived, others didn’t, and yet those who survived rebuilt and evolved beyond separation and recognized the value and beauty of oneness. Theoretical physicist Albert Einstein has said that “A person experiences life as something separated from the rest – a kind of optical delusion of consciousness. Our task must be to free ourselves from this self-imposed prison, and through compassion, to find the reality of Oneness.” Our spiritual journey of awakening includes ‘remembering’ that we aren’t separated. We are a part of the whole, an expansive whole! We come from the one Source which I like to think of as LOVE.

I believe that each one of us is an expression of the one Source here on earth and that LOVE is the greatest transformer of all. In order for humanity and this planet to heal it requires each one of us to awaken and make a commitment to change. What will happen if we embrace our differences and value them? Rather than focus on what separates and divides us, what if we seek to understand and lean more into using our differences to build strength and collaboration? What if we begin to see others and life through the lens of love? What if we accept that change and peace begins with each one of us – one person at a time? Oglala medicine and holy man Black Elk has said that “Peace comes within the souls of men when they realize their oneness with the Universe, when they realize it is really everywhere, it is within each one of us.” What if we learn to accept through our prayer and meditations the wisdom that is available for us? What if we open to receive the unconditional love that is waiting to be shared through our interconnectedness and recognize that we are one and in our oneness all is possible? How will life for you change?

For me, the moments that I’ve felt and experienced Oneness through the years brings tears to my eyes. Feeling unconditional love and the interconnectedness to all life is overwhelming and yet it gives me hope that magic can happen if we are willing to change. I hope that your week is filled with love and magic beyond your imagination.

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.

Sometimes I wonder.

I get feedback about being a good listener, sounding board, advisor, or neighbor. I am told I’m humorous, generous and supportive. Most of the time, I feel like being a good friend is one of my strong suits.

Then there are times like today, when I wonder if that is true.

Life is full of ups and downs. Hopefully the older we get (or more truthfully the more experienced we get!), there are more highs, than lows. Most of the time I feel as if I ride those waves pretty easily with my family and friends.

But the truth is, I have a low tolerance for someone who stays in victim mode.

Mind you, we all experience moments of victim or martyr and we should expect that. We are, after all, human. We are emotionally affected by situations, circumstances, and the actions (or inactions) of ourselves or others.

Some build over time. Others seem to spring on us in the moment. We experience something hurtful, unexpected, shaming, offensive, etc. And it has impact. Maybe we feel surprised, scared, taken advantage of, shamed, belittled or…

Sometime, we actually are a victim.

What I recognize is that I am good at showing up and supporting someone who is dealing with a difficult problem. Until it has gone on for too long.

The problem is.., “too long” is subjective. What might be too long for me versus someone else, could be vastly different.

What I have noticed in my relationships is that when someone gets stuck in victim mode for an extended period, and the narrative doesn’t evolve, shift or change. I lose interest. If every time we talk, they relay the same stories with similar outcomes or no new perspectives I get bored. Eventually annoyed.

I remember when I was a coach, I often coached on relationships or work/life balance. If for the client, the same situations were continually coming up and the same choices were being made; I would tell my client, that perhaps they should find a different coach who offered a new view or more aligned solutions. As it appeared that the ones that I offered, weren’t doing much to move the needle for them.

I was also confident that my perspective about their situation wasn’t going to change.

I’m not sure if that was the catalyst for my current modus operandi. Perhaps I got so used to the idea that if either of us didn’t change, it would be healthier for both to simply find a better fit.

The difference is these were clients. Not friends.

I have both friends and family members who I have simply stopped trying to support. And in some cases, this means minimizing my time around them. Either we’ve lost touch or our interactions are perfunctory.

I understand that friendships fluctuate. Our relationships are dynamic and are in constant motion. However there is also usually a state of tension. That is how we sense our connection to others. Both sides are responsible for holding onto their end of the invisible, yet important rubber band of friendship.

Maybe it is the awareness that the tension is gone in these relationships that makes them feel so different. Not only is there no elasticity, I am keenly aware that I have let go altogether.

How does that stack up against “through thick or thin”? How does that stack up against my perceived identity of “being a good friend”?

Perhaps what is even more telling is that in this moment, I seem to be okay with letting go.

“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.

“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.