Healing with a Cleansing Fast

Like many people this time of year, I've begun my prayerful fast and cleanse.  The goal is to not only rid my body of toxins and old "junk," but also the mind and spirit.  As I get deeper in, all I can say is....oh boy, there is  a LOT of junk to release.

My body is feeling strong and loved.  It seems to say to me everyday, that it believes me when I say "I am NOW ready to release all that no longer serves my Highest Divine Good."  In his book "Lose Weight, Have More Energy and Be Happier in 10 Days," Peter Glickman says, "...the Master Cleanse, according to its developer, Stanley Burroughs, not only cleanses the colon, but also the liver, kidneys and other organs."  Oh, nuff said.  Man, some stuff you can't unsee...I'll just leave it at that!

Prayer and meditation are an integral part of a fast, in my humble opinion.  As my thoughts become more lucid and focused, my Holy Spirit is able to communicate with me without the background noise getting in the way.  There is no hunger, only periodic random (sometimes weird) cravings.  My sinuses are clear for the first time in months and my belly is not bloated.  My mind can hear its own thoughts and my emotions are calm. 

I can feel my High Guidance getting stronger too.  It's like when you are on a road trip and the radio is fuzzy and making static sounds for several miles.  It is such a joyful moment to finally find a strong, clear signal.  It makes you sit up in your seat and really listen to the music and the words playing on the station you find.  I'm excited to see what will develop over the next few days!

MiChelle Jeneen, Energy Skills Educator
http://www.spiritrefreshed.blogspot.com/

New Electric Ford Focus Revealed

First, the Nissan Leaf.  Then, the Chevy Volt.  Now, Ford has unveiled it's first dedicated electric car.  Since its debut in 1998, the Ford Focus has consistently been one of the most-purchased new cars in the world.

The treehugger in me is cautiously excited.  As a Honda, Toyota and Ford owner (all stick shifts), it makes me happy to think that ecology and commerce are finally trying to work to keep their marriage together. 

Apparently, unlike its competitors, Ford debuted it's new electric car at the widely attended Annual Consumer's Electronics Show in Las Vegas this week.  This move alone speaks not only to the commitment and forward thinking of Ford, but also to the new car buyers of this millennium.  As responsible Earth stewards, it's extremely important that we utilize our personal power (including money) in ways that supports the type of world we wish to create, for the Highest Good.

Besides the fact that the car will reportedly get 100 miles to one charge; multimedia technology created specifically by the company like music sync, traveling wi fi, inflatable seat belts, "my key" teenager driver monitoring system, and more...poise the new Ford on the edge of Jetson-age living in this decade. 
Less pollution and one step closer to releasing our dependance on fossil fuels are two great reasons to get excited about new cars like these.

As the "we are the world" metaphysical mom that I am, most of all, it makes me happy that my children and their children might actually have a chance to live on a beautifully inhabitable planet in the future.  In meditation, it's so helpful to visualize the kind of world we wish to leave behind.  The vision is beginning to solidify for sure.  Thumbs up Ford Motor Company!


MiChelle Jeneen, Energy Skills Educator
http://www.spiritrefreshed.blogspot.com/

Spiritual Hibernation

Hard to believe we are only two weeks into "official" Winter.  For anyone who doubts climate change, this week has made for some interesting arguments.  Southern California, like most of the world, has been hit with some uncharacteristically weird weather.  Last week, it actually snowed enough to make snowmen! 

When it's cold, gray and rainy...it feels good to have an excuse to nest and hibernate.  A big fire in the fireplace, something fragrant and delicious in the oven, movies queued up and and fuzzy slippers with a warm blanket...heaven! 

Personally, like many others, I can't shake the feeling that I've been in hibernation for alot longer than two weeks.  Not physically, but spiritually and emotionally.  It's safe and cozy in my self-made den of protection, for sure.  But as the feeling of "authenticity" continues to wash over me and my life, I can feel the stirrings of preparedness for the spiritual Spring that's forthcoming. 

For now, I'll continue to rest, dream and snuggle.  As the tides shift over the next few months, it will be interesting to see what new beauty emerges from the cave of transformation.

MiChelle Jeneen, Energy Skills Educator
www.spiritrefreshed.blogspot.com

Release and the Burning Bowl

This week, we saw the first New Moon of the year with a special manifestation ritual.  Excitement and anticipation for the opportunities of the new year are settling into reflection, goal setting and release.  In honor of new beginnings, I lead a burning bowl ceremony at my house.  It is ceremony whereby, you spend time in prayerful meditation (in my case assisted by shamanic drumming). 

The goal is to bring up to the service all the issues, events, people, feelings etc from the previous year you want to release and be healed of.  With intention, you write each item on a piece of paper and then burn it in a prepared sacred fire for release and transmutation by God and the loving group of angels gathered to assist.  It's a great way to cut cords to old "stuff" and to create space for new growth. 

Then, again with intention, on a separate piece of paper, you write out the new life, attributes etc. you want to create and have manifest in your life...always noting that this or something better is created for the Highest Good for all concerned.  At that point, you can burn the second sheet of paper and release the creation of your goals to God or seal it in an envelope to open the end of the year.

It was a busy day of preparation and sweet omens.  Two hawks excitedly circled overhead, above my driveway, cawing their boisterous cry.  It was as if they were sounding the alarm..."She's here, she's ready, she's awake!"  In shamanic terms, the hawk medicine alerts us that important information is forthcoming.

Collectively and individually, our group members released personal doubts, fears and persistent disappointments.  We released familial trauma and painful lessons inherited from our bloodlines.  After cleansing our auras and balancing our chakras, we then allowed ourselves to dream and feel the prosperity and joy that come from truly living and embodying our life's work, as God intended us to live it in this lifetime. 

We utilized energy medicine, shamanic drumming and the power of fire as catalysts for healing, change and empowerment.  Lost not was the power of laughter and amusement...the Highest level of energy for manifestation.  It was a great day, with great company (in person and angelic alike).  What a blessing to know the power of our Creator and right intention.  Come on 2011, bless and prosper us.  We are soooo ready!

MiChelle Jeneen, Energy Skills Educator
www.spiritrefreshed.blogspot.com

Parenting Spiritually in 2011-Prayer

It's not exactly a news flash, but parenting today is harder than ever. I'm always struck back to reality, when I see how we parents and our teens interact.

Everyone LOVES babies! We get really excited about the shopping, preparing and anticipation of the arrival of a new baby. As they grow, we have parent teacher conferences, little league baseball, soccer games, Sunday school and birthday parties galore.  Fast forward a decade and a half, and the intention is the same, but the application is different.  Before I scream, I say a quick prayer for wisdom and patience (ooooh, that patience is an elusive character).

Then puberty hits...dum, dum, dum. Hormones, power struggles and endless hours of parental anxiety hit the scene. As the mother of a 13 and near 15 year old...I can attest to the fact that the joy, pride and love I feel for my kids is often tempered with tension, frustration and fear (for their futures).  Grades, test scores, college and career planning, peers, social websites, drugs and alcohol, sex, spirituality, emotional growth, compassionate spirit, self esteem...whew, no wonder I often can't sleep at night! 

In every instance, what has helped me the most, beyond therapists, parenting magazines, fellow moms (whom I love dearly) and lovingly nosey mothers and in-laws...prayer and meditation.  Prayer is asking the questions and meditation is listening for God's answer. 

In her book "The Power of a Praying Parent,"  author Stormie OMartian says, "God didn't promise that nothing bad would ever happen to my child.  But praying released the power of God to work in his life, so I could enjoy more peace in the process."  I pray often...alone, with others, with my kids.  My goal is to show them that peace that comes from spending quiet time alone with our Creator, can give us time to let the smoke clear and the clear thinking to return. 

Parenting.com has a timely "Moms and Dads New Years Resolutions" on their website.  Tips like nurturing a marriage separately from the kids and carving out quality family time for outdoor play, all reminded me how important it is to relax and slow down.  Like many parents, my husband and I are actively engaged (trying) to stay connected to the kids and to stay in their inner circle.

We struggle to swallow hard, breath deep and remember we are stewards, not dictators. These new generation of kids energetically come here with a different agenda (and BS radar) that us old folks had to work hard to remember. We were never taught to question authority, to build a deep relationship with God for our self (without the dogma of the world or the church on the corner), to utilize intuition for everything and to live life freely an open without fear. Metaphysical Mom Leigh Harris lists some great mindful goal setting ideas in her blog this week.

Watching my boys become men, right in front of my eyes, has me thumbing through the photo albums and boxes of old jerseys and sports equipment. I remember how idealist I was, as a new mom. And I distinctly remember saying "Their life, and dreams, are their own...not mine or their dad's."  Now, with their help, I'm learning to put those ideals into practice.

MiChelle Jeneen, Energy Skills Educator
www.spiritrefreshed.blogspot.com


 

Meditation for the New Year

Artwork courtesy of http://leahdorion.com/

There is a feeling of hope and anticipation in the air.  Beyond the calendar New Year...the theme of 2011 already seems to be strive for authenticity...have faith...reflect...be where you are.

So many new, creative ideas are being dropped into my spirit right now.  I can feel my energetic space expanding, like a balloon, full of breath and ideas.  The challenge, with this human body and physical plane, is to remain grounded, present and to bring the spiritual into the here and now.

Important work is at hand, and it requires work.  But struggle and lack are beginning to fall away.  The time for allowing is upon us.  So the "work" requires meditation, reflection, visualization, contemplation and setting of right intention.  "Peace, be still." is an anthem that keeps playing in my head.  Allowing and surrendering the Spirit of Oneness to guide my thoughts and actions proves to be calming, healing...though at times quite terrifying.  Challenge yourself this seek to sit quietly in reflection on 2010.  Then allow yourself to dream and visualize a new story for yourself and ask for angelic assistance to allow those blessings to come into fruition.

MiChelle Jeneen, Energy Skills Educator
www.spiritrefreshed.blogspot.com

Numerology for the year 2011 and Beyond

It's always funny to me, when I see in my news feeds, bylines like "Predictions for the year 2011!"  ...like the Great and Powerful Oz has spoken!  If you Google "2011 predictions," you'll find astrological predictions, numerological predictions, weather predictions and of course, college football predictions (I live with a houseful of jocks). 

Many believe that we are predisposed to certain inevitable events.  When my kids were small, this book about the numerical significance of our date of birth jumped off the shelf.  It is a fun reference (and quite accurate) about one's predispositions, gifts, challenges and some of the personality aspects of a person.  For instance, my date of birth says, "As you may be interested in many different and sometimes unusual subjects, it is important not to scatter your energies.  At some point, you may become interested in philosophical or more spiritual subjects, and you may be able to turn these toward helping other people.  It is important to develop your highly intuitive powers and learn to trust your first instincts."  Hmmm, that author's been talking to someone!

In truth, our future is written in pencil.  So the stars, numbers, our astrological sign, our spiritual blueprint and Akashic records all have significance in our lives.  But our hands should always be on the steering wheel of our life.  Our path and journey are decided by our choices in the now.

As we gently glide into this New Year of 2011, a fresh start and opportunities for diligent application of faith and affirmative prayer will abound.  The Universe has cracked open in a way unlike any other time.  It is our chance, now, today, to use the gifts in the present for the Highest Good of ourselves as well as for those around us.  Here is to New Beginnings!

MiChelle Jeneen, Energy Skills Educator
http://www.spiritrefreshed.blogspot.com/