Why I can relate to Pema Chodron's teaching?

Here are some of her epic quotes: 

“You are the sky. Everything else – it’s just the weather.”

“The most difficult times for many of us are the ones we give ourselves.” 

 " If you don't know the nature of fear, then you can never be fearless."

 

 I started watching her videos and interviews 3-4 years ago and I found an instant attraction to her teachings. She is just like me, she struggles, she messes up, she is human. Pema Chodron is not someone who is sitting on a high horse telling me what to do. She walks the walk and she is funny, she even swears. Here is a video of her interview, Enjoy!!

Busy in my studio - Creating one of a kind talking stick / wand Sacred Art

Creative juice is flowing in my studio.... I can't stop creating. I have been working with deer antler this whole week and it is amazing !! Here are a few sacred pieces I made this week.

Most of the time, I picked out the stones or crystals that I am called to and the rest just falls into place.

The wisdom wand - This one is anchored by a pyrite with shells and metal beads

Clarity Wand- Crystal anchored with moonstones and jet bead chips

Protective Wand - Turquoise, clear quartz with crystals, black tourmaline and tiger's eye

The Power of Affirmation

For those of you who don't know what Affirmations are, they are words or phrases that you speak out loud or to yourself to solidify an idea. After they are heard or said repeatedly, they become a reality, which can be positive or negative or in my opinion, mislead.  It is like advertising on TV or internet, after you see it so many times, you believe what's said.

We are in some ways programmed to believe certain things:

- Don't believe in your intuition. It is just co-incidence, there is no such thing.
- It is just a dream, it doesn't mean anything.
- Women should stay at home and take care of the family.
- Women should work, it is a different world.
- Men should not cry or be vulnerable, it means they are weak.
- People who do not believe in what I believe are my enemies.
- We need more things.

Well, we can also use affirmations to create a positive space for ourselves.

Tips for creating positive affirmations:

- Start inwardly, by this I mean, start with" I am ready to receive abundance from the Universe" instead of "I want a new car".

- Write it down and speak it out loud. If you don't say it, the Universe will not know it.

- Your affirmations should mean something to you- something that speaks to you, it should be personal.

- Ask for what you want, don't be shy. The Universe is listening . Again, go inwardly instead of wanting "things".

- Be Kind to yourself

Here is an example of my daily affirmation, I speak it out loud everyday before my meditation.

My Daily Affirmation

My vision is to cultivate my wisdom, kindness and bring forth the person I am 

In the forefront of my life

Be me fully

And also tend to my wounding, my insecurity, my not knowing

Loving myself

Practicing love and kindness in every breathe

Practicing listening deeply to lessen other people's suffering

Going on my inner journeys to bring forth my spirit animal and all of my ancestors

They are always there in me

Bring forth these gifts

Amen

And so it is

Grace & Gentle Spirit Talking Stick

This talking stick represents grace, determination and the gentle spirit of the deer. The mystical power of the deer antler has been revered in many traditions as a symbol of life regeneration.
The magical ability to regenerate, being in touch with life’s mysteries is embodied in the deer antler.
This talking stick guides you to refine your intuition, psychic abilities and connect to your heart chakra.
This is a beauty !!!

I make each talking stick intended for a person, if that person is you, you will know it.

The Talking Stick is a tool used in many Native American Traditions when a council is called. It allows all council members to present their Sacred Point of View. The Talking Stick is passed from person to person as they speak and only the person holding the stick is allowed to talk during that time period. Every member of the meeting must listen closely to the words being spoken with their heart. Native American children are taught to listen from a very young age; they are also taught to respect another's viewpoint. This is not to say that they may not disagree, but rather they are bound by their personal honor to allow everyone their Sacred Point of View. 

A Sanctuary, A Sacred Space , A Prayer Corner whatever you call it, create one in your home

A Sanctuary, A Sacred Space , A Prayer Corner whatever you call it, create one in your home. It is so important in our busy life to create a space that brings peace and sense of stillness. Whatever your path is, a sanctuary is so important and essential in our spiritual growth. A place where it brings you back to the present.

For me, I set my intention of finding a sacred space in my house. I found this corner in front of the fire place that speaks to me. Putting my meditation cushion there and sitting down for the first time, I know it is the right spot.  I placed my Himalayan Salt Lamp, my journal, my drums  and my candles in the corner, my altar consists of my crystals ( whatever speaks to me on the day) and offering ( I use tobacco but it is a personal choice, it can be flowers, fruits or something thoughtful, the intentions are more important than the actual offerings ) and there it is your " Own Personal Sanctuary.

Personally, the space helps me center myself everyday before heading out in the busy and noisy world. I sit 5 minutes in the morning and 5 minutes in the evening and whenever I can on the weekend. Set your alarm on your phone every other day to remind yourself.  My last piece of advise is be kind to yourself if you don't sit everyday, it takes time, it is like learning a new skill.


Tips for setting up a personal sanctuary

- Not a high traffic area
- Sit there and see how the energy feels
- Sage it, cleanse it and or light a candle and say a prayer to set the space ready
- Put an mini altar to remind you to return to that space
- Set an alarm on your phone alarm to light a candle and to put out a candle everyday
- Put fresh flowers on the altar (a reminder to return )
- It is a personal space, put whatever speaks to you on the altar
- Be kind to yourself

My Sacred Space with my talking stick, my drums and my journal

My Alter, my crystals , candle, sage and Himalayan salt lamp

The 3 Breathe Practice

Whether you are a beginner or you have practiced meditation for a while, there are days that you will just walk pass your cushion and cannot get yourself to sit on it. I have many days like that, convincing myself I am too busy even for 5 minutes.

Well, I have adopted a 3 breathe practice in my daily life inspired by Thich Nhat Hanh. In his spiritual community, Plum village, they have a mindfulness bell that rings randomly throughout the day. When the bell rings, everyone pause and take a moment to come back to the present. My interpretation in my life, I will take 3 conscious breathe every so often to commit to staying present. For example, waiting in line at the bank, pumping gas, traffic jam, waiting to pick up my kids from school. There are many opportunities for us to take the advantage of slowing down and committing to staying present. 3 conscious breathe is all it takes, even sometimes, I will wonder off after the second breathe. 

Give it a try, it is 5 - 10 seconds of investment a day !!

Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh