This flux is not new. The flow from one experience to another is part of the timelessness of our existence. That we have changing needs, changing habits and changes in friendship, career and location is all normal.

And yet it feels as if there are bigger changes afoot all around us right now.

When we feel a new and dynamic form of energy start to affect us, sometimes we embrace it, and sometimes we just want to shut it out. When it’s an unknown sensation, and there’s no one who can explain it to us, the quick reaction would be to ignore it, or to avoid it altogether.

As one of many species on earth, we have been preparing for the BIG changes set to come our way in this magical year of 2012. I believe that feeling the magic, instead of retreating in uncertainty, is our call to Love.

The most certain way to find a sense of stability as we shift from forms of fear into forms of Love, is to look toward what our gut instincts, or our Intuition, have
to tell us…

I will be speaking about this at the Virtual Yoga Conference “Yoga, Meditation and the Philosopher’s Stone” this February. My talk is on Using Intuition in this Dynamic and Passionate Time of Change. We will look at ways to work with what we know, but don’t always acknowledge, to give us a sense of purpose and safety as we transition to the magical new awareness we are opening to.

Breathe, meditate, play, and accept the opening which you have been craving.

Tags: Anatara, changes, love, 2012, Intuition, transition, flow, Virtual Yoga Conference

Last week, here in Canada, there was a death that moved many right across the country… It was movement of the people’s hearts and minds in response to the loss of a man who believed in unity and fairness above all else.

Jack Layton was a father, a deeply affectionate husband, and a grass roots organizer, always bringing to the fore the true needs of some of the often ignored members of society (including women). His social democratic focus allowed him to rise in our political realm, from the position of city councillor in Toronto to the head of the New Democratic Party and official leader of the opposition as a Member of Parliament in our capital city, Ottawa.

This man laughed; he sang, he cried, he showed us that he would get down on his knees with us, the people, when the moment called for it. There is so much said about politicians in the press…we see their actions decoded, dismantled and evaluated. With this sort of analysis, so much is lost about the truth of an individual, about what they choose to ‘stand and fight’ for, and about what this means to the people.

Jack made the world of politics and the world of representing the truth of the people – no matter who he had to do it with – look like fun. His simple honesty and grasp of the important detail of deep humanitarian issues made us Love him.

It’s our hearts that ache this week. We wonder who will represent us as truthfully and clearly as Jack did. We wonder if anyone will ever understand us again.

We wonder how we can now carry the torch and ‘fight’ for ourselves.

This, I believe, is his legacy: He showed us how to represent ourselves by doing it himself first. And, in his transition, he let us see how many others there are who feel the same way. We, the people, poured our hearts out in displays of chalk memorials across the country.

We shared the ‘loss’ as it became a gain…Jack showed us that we are the people, and that what we care about is something worth living and ‘fighting’ for.

One of these community touch points, or areas of rejuvenated awareness, is about this Earth we call “Mother”. Jack believed in her re-emergence as a strong and vibrant supporter for our human unfolding.

In an extraordinarily moving and prescient eulogy, another pre-eminent Canadian, Steven Lewis, former UN Ambassador for HIV-Aids in Africa, used the following words to sum up Jack Layton as man, politician, humanitarian and protector of the Earth and her people:

I believe that these words can be our mantra for the open appreciation of each other and of this glorious planet on which we live, which supports and guides us. In pursuit of our dreams and goals, sometimes we need to be active, sometimes we need to be still and simply listen ….

As you listen to the wisdom of Arundhati Roy, you will know whether in this moment there is harmony for you in action or in stillness…

“Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing.”
Arundhati Roy

It almost seems too simple to be true…

Blessings and Love,
Anatara

Tags: bringing-community-together, humanitarian, honesty, a-new-world, Jack-Layton, rejuvenated-awareness, Arundhati-Roy, Mother-Earth

I was asked recently by a friend to start writing about being a ’midwife’ for the life transition of death. That almost sounds impossible to imagine… ”The life transition of death.” How is death a part of life?

Really, it is a completely natural progression of thought…we live, therefore we die.
Death is possible as the completion of the harmonious cycle, which is life. Life and death exist because of one another. Each fulfills the experience of the other.

As we are so conscious of our waking existence, of our lives, death starts to appear to be a tragic and unfair end to something that we generally appreciate and want to continue with. It makes us feel that someone or something is making a choice for us that we don’t really want to accept. This is more grave and uncomfortable with illness, tragic sudden accidental death, and the death of the young.

But what would it be like if we didn’t feel as if we needed to hang on to life with such tenacity? What would the anticipation of death feel like if we knew and believed that death was a beautiful transition meant to bring us an understanding of the truth of the universe and life? That was a long-winded way to say that I believe that death, no matter how it changes our physical existence, really gives us an opportunity to see truth as we have never seen it before from within our human and “live” forms.

Death is an opportunity to give up our dense and sometimes ill bodies.
Death is an opportunity to transition away from our controlling egos and minds.
The experience of death can add an awareness of the unfathomable perfection of existence.

Death is inevitable, death is a friend, death is a graduation into the world of telepathic communication with all that is. Death is literally a mind-blowing event. It exposes the frivolity of our thoughts and of our conscious minds. And it does this through bliss and wonder.

So why are we so afraid of death?
Why do we fear it for ourselves and for others?

I think that we primarily fear it because it is so unknown. Even though people may share experiences with us of their own near-death experiences, we can’t open a manual that will tell us exactly what will happen and what it will feel like.

We hold on with great tenacity to these lives that we ‘have’ under our control.
But what or ‘who’ is really in control?

It is nice to believe that we can control life and death, but both are really only things that we can participate in when and as it happens. When we surrender to both life and death, we are stepping into the ‘mystery’. This allows us to be, have, and do exactly what we have come here for. This life of yours is a transient experience. It will end, and another will start…

We can help each other as midwives to the mystery through the dying process, as we already help each other in midwifing the birth process.

It is easy to fear change. Death presents itself as one of the biggest changes we can imagine. As we learn how to accept this change, rather than fearing it, the process of death can remain unknown, but we can become open to sliding easily through the transition.

I don’t welcome death as something that I want to experience today. I’m enjoying this life. At the same time I know that I am ready to accept the transition whenever it occurs.

In my practice I frequently offer insight and guidance to the dying and to their families.
In this role as midwife, I tune into the fears and the joys of everyone touched by the transition. Once an individual has moved across the membrane between ‘life’ and ’death’, I also receive information from them in their new form.

We support as natural the fear of death and the sadness of loss, which accompanies the ‘loss’ of a friend or loved one.

How about shifting this belief instead by supporting the magnificence of the transition which is death?

Consider the possibility that death is a transition as magnificent as birth.

With Love and Blessings,
Anatara

Tags: midwife, life transition of death, Life and death, anticipation of death, experience of death, Death is inevitable, why are we afraid of death

Yes, many of you understand what is happening Universally. How everything is speeding up.
How everything is so intense.

Not saying whether it is good or bad – it just is.

We are faced with so many challenges and hurdles. I myself have had to deal with other people’s fears, so much so that it has taken me out of my own life of business, family and friends. Just keeping the balance of joy and happiness has required me to focus on total consciousness at all times.

I have discovered that the most beneficial way to relieve the stress is “Laughter Yoga”. Laughing at the ridiculous situations. Laughing at the unconscious behavior of individuals as they create unnecessary stress for themselves and others out of fear. Laughing out the sadness and disappointments as life’s journey continues to unfold.

It helps to remember that each of these moments is truly fleeting.

They are only with us as long as we choose to keep them around.

We as individuals have the power within us to create and be pro-active on what enters our lives and crosses our paths. It is about the power of now.

Tags: Laughter Yoga, fear of changes, fearful time of my life, facing the challenges

I guess I didn’t really realize how stressful it was until, after one particularly tiring day mostly spent bickering with Mumsie, I snapped poor Hubby’s head off after he made an innocuous statement. He didn’t say a word at the time, bless him, but he did bring it up again that night when Mumsie had gone upstairs to her room.

“You need an outlet”, was what he said when I’d apologized and ended up in tears of frustration.

And that’s when God opened a door for me.

I went to the library the other day to pick up a book I’d requested when I came across a pamphlet called “Caring for Caregivers”. Normally, I wouldn’t have given it a second glance as I’ve always thought that I’m coping just fine, thank you. However, Hubby’s words came back to me so I took one home to read.

Wow. I never realized how much information and help are out there for caregivers. There are one-to-one or group emotional support meetings, workshops on recognizing the stresses and dealing with the challenges of care giving, and educational sessions for those who want to learn more about the medical and legal aspects of care giving – all free of charge.

Before I could change my mind, I picked up the phone and signed up for one of the workshops on the challenges of care giving. The workshop is scheduled for the beginning of September, which will give me sufficient time to prepare myself and write down some concerns and questions.

In the meantime, I’m also looking at pursuing various other “outlets”, such as a photography workshop, yoga classes, etc. With Fiona agreeing to come twice a week as of September, it will give me enough time to pamper myself a little – I might even finally get around to using the spa gift certificate that a friend gave me for my birthday almost five years ago!

Tags: caring for the caregiver, emotional support, challenges of care giving, workshops for caregivers

Almost 90 years’ difference.

I was shocked when I saw them both sticking their tongues out at each other in that naughty way that I am sure we all remember.
I say that I was shocked because I have always taught my child that this sort of behaviour was not allowed, but what can I say now?

Here was his elder playing in such a way.

I have to admit it was fun to watch the two being so mischievous, pointing the finger at each other, blaming one another.
Don’t you remember ever doing that?

So of course the next time I caught them making those gestures, both were reprimanded.
In return I was treated to two mischievous, naughty, pouty faces.

Truly the monkey following the Master at any age.

Tags: zen master, my son, monkey see monkey do, blessing time, family banding

It’s hard to watch Mumsie, who’s always been a vibrant, warm and loving woman, slowly but inevitably become more forgetful, confused and frustrated. Everyone says how wonderfully alert and healthy she is at 93 – and that’s undoubtedly so – but they are not with her 24/7 like I am, so they don’t notice all the inevitable changes that are happening to her.

The challenge is to enable her to maintain as much independence as possible without compromising her safety. This is not as easy as it may sound and Mumsie and I are often at loggerheads about what’s “safe” and what’s not. She still thinks she’s able to do certain things (like climb a ladder!) that are now well beyond her capabilities.

While I don’t want to wrap her up in cotton wool, I also don’t want her to end up jeopardizing her health and safety. A friend of hers fell a few months ago and is now in a wheelchair and living in a seniors’ home. She’s in constant pain but won’t take the pain medication prescribed for her as she thinks “there’s no point”…sadly, she’s given up on life. I don’t want that for Mumsie – if she ends up in a wheelchair because it’s an inevitable aging process, so be it. But I don’t want her to fall and sustain permanent damage to herself, which would result in a painful and severe downturn in her quality of life.

I’ve spoken to her doctor and to a friend of mine who’s a nurse at a senior home. They both assure me that I’m doing the right thing – allowing her some independence but trying to prevent her from hurting herself. But it’s a constant struggle for both Mumsie and me – to find the balance between respecting and loving her as my mother and caring for her almost as one would a child, while ensuring that she maintains her dignity. A friend said to me “it’s like having children” but it’s not really. A child becomes more independent while an aging parent becomes less so.

And yet, with all the struggles that Mumsie and I continue to face, we both still feel blessed to have each other in our lives. Whenever I get frustrated, I try and take a step back to consider what my life would be without her – and that immediately helps me realize how incredibly fortunate I am to still have her with me.

Tags: taking care of my mother, the balance of life, precious time with my mother, how to take good care of seniors, senior’s safety

Whenever my son calls me “Mummy”, it is hard for me not to think of my own mother. It’s almost a strange moment. . .a hesitation to respond, even though it’s been several years since he’s been able to speak.

Circle of life. Balance. Awareness.

It really is a beautiful flow that many of us get to experience. The changes and shifts that ultimately take place in life.

My little Zen Master continues to guide me through my life.

Tags: Mother’s Day, being a mother, mummy, my son, Zen Master

One night, after everyone else had gone to bed, my cousin Jo and I had a wonderful chat about yoga – the whole mind, spirit and body aspect of it and how it has helped both of us so much. “I make it a point to find time to practice my yoga every day”, she said, “because I know how beneficial it is for me”. Then came her big question: “How often do you practice”?

Ummmm…

“Not often enough because I’m always so busy” was my feeble response. Well, that set my cousin off. “Make time – I’m busy too but I make time for my yoga because it’s important” she said. “There’s no point dieting and exercising on your treadmill if you don’t practice your yoga as well.”

She’s right. I’ve been so busy making sure that I eat the right foods and get my exercise on the treadmill that yoga has fallen by the wayside. No wonder I’ve been feeling so out of sorts lately – I’ve been focusing only on my physical health and have neglected my mind and spirit.

My cousin’s suggestion was all the incentive I needed. The following morning, we woke early and practiced our yoga, loving every second of it.

They left a few days ago but I’ve been continuing my morning practice (miss sharing that special time with her). What a difference it’s made! So thanks, cuz, for nudging me in the right direction…

Tags: morning yoga, yoga practice, time for yoga, make time for yoga practice, exercising, dieting, benefit of yoga

And I realized that all this ‘thinking’ required an awful lot of energy…

So I started to relax into the apparent agenda that I had prepared for myself…this made me laugh.
I wondered who I was that I would know how the day would actually unfold.
I started to wonder about what gave me such a grand sense of importance in the detail of what I was calling ‘my’ day.

I laughed some more.

There are a few things that I would like to see accomplished by the time I go to sleep tonight. There are a few things that others would like to see me accomplish by the time this day is complete as well.

But who is in ‘charge’ of how this happens?
Who is really calling the shots and deciding how and when this will happen?

I assume that I am the main instrument within my day. I will play myself as I would an instrument, following the rise and fall of the score placed before me. I will attempt to do this without trying to re-write the score placed before me by this day, and by the needs of myself and others, and most especially by the hidden spirit guiding this day.

There is a script or a score available for every one of our days…but it is not written by ‘us’. It is not written by what our minds believe that we should be doing, or by what we think that we need to do. The most valuable score is written by our higher selves, which is in tune with, and in touch with the grander scheme of things for us.

I was actually laughing at myself for thinking that I could really ‘plan’ anything. I remembered, and found comfort in knowing that by giving over the playing of my instrument to the direction of my Intuition, I would find the truth about my day. Then I would come into a flow with the real outcome of this day.

So, as I put myself down to sleep now, what I remember of this day is how it feels to play in harmony with my Intuitive Guidance, not what it might have felt like to push against it, in the belief that I knew what was right on my own.

I never have the feeling that I am alone.
I always walk, play and dance in consort with what intuition directs me to ‘do’.

I am free in this way…free from the need to be in charge of things, and free from the pain of thinking that I am ‘right’.

You can easily ‘try’ it as well.
Begin your day by centering yourself, and from this place ask your spirit nature what you can do. When you see your mind come up with answers, instead of your delicious and calm intuitive side, stop again, take a breath, and re-ask what to do, and how you might proceed.

Play with the differences between doing and asking.

You will get the chance to ‘do’ something. You are simply looking for clues about how to ‘do’ what spirit intends, rather than what ‘you’ intend.

Have fun with this! It’s a great adventure!

With Love and Blessings,
Anatara

Tags: have fun, thinking about what I need to do, thinking about what I need to accomplish, who’s in charge, it’s my day, ask your spirit nature, trust your intuition