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EMBRACING AN EMBODIED SPIRITUALITY
It seems like the older I get, the more I realize how important it is to be in my BODY vs. getting stuck on the hamster wheel in my mind... especially important to remember in challenging times like these.
That awareness may actually have started when I was first learning astrology in the early '90s and discovered that I have no Earth signs in my chart. For those who don't know, the element of Earth symbolizes, among other things, our physical body and sensations.
I've often thought that may be one of the reasons I actively seek out ways to activate all my senses. That's one of the foundations of creating transformative rituals, which I wrote about in my Master's thesis, and later in my book, "Circle of One: The Art of Becoming a SELF-Centered Woman".
And it's certainly what attracted me about the two most recent additions to my spiritual practice -- Positive Intelligence(TM) with its emphasis on focusing on one or more of your five senses when you've been "hijacked" by your Saboteurs; and Joy Intelligence(TM) with its powerful Chair of Joy(R) experience of Sit. Breathe. Think. Feel. (And I get to talk about both of them LIVE this Saturday! See the first "Pick" below.)
I also believe that, while "talk therapy" is certainly powerful, we can get to an even deeper level of healing through body-oriented therapies like SE (Somatic Experiencing), EMDR, Gestalt, or dance therapy to name a few (definitely google them to learn more).
Yet another profound reminder to pay attention to the wisdom of my body was when I did the private meditation retreat with my brother that I mentioned last month in my October Deb's Picks. I entered the day-long experience with the intention to "reflect on the trajectory that has been my life and consider what could be next - in my work, life, and relationships".
Well, totally unexpectedly for both of us, I ended up moving/dancing to the terrific playlist he had created for me as I verbally shared my reflections for about 3-4 hours! And as I flowed through it all, one of the biggest messages I got was that my body has the answers. So now, in addition to my daily pilates/barre/yoga practice, I'm now dancing every day for at least 5 minutes, just bopping around my office!
What about you? How do you stay grounded and centered in your body when your mind wants to take over?
Well, now is a great time to contemplate that as we move toward the earthy energy of the Taurus Full Moon coming up on November 15th. Taurus wants us to pay attention to all of our senses -- what we can touch, taste, smell, hear, and feel – to re-ground ourselves and feel more secure when life is over the top. It’s ruled by the planet Venus which is concerned with money and love, and reminds us to revel in our sensuality.
And with the Sun in transformative Scorpio right now from October 22nd to November 21st, it's also a powerful opportunity to use this new (or revived) body-wisdom to dive deep into our psyches to face our fears and shadow-selves in order to transform them into our own brand of personal power. You can read more about that energy in my Scorpio New Moon blog. (And definitely check out the recording of my virtual New Moon SisterCircle I facilitated through the Wellness Universe on November 1st when we explored "Transforming Fear into Power".)
So, my Deb’s Picks this month reflect all of those themes in one way or another. Check them out below and let me know what resonates with you.
Then, be sure to join us for my upcoming Taurus/Scorpio Full Moon TeleMeditation on Friday, November 15th at Noon -- click HERE for details on how to join us. Hope to “hear” you then!
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