Alana Sheeren, words + energy

Mantra Wednesday: Peace

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Let peace reign

This week the word “peace” has been ringing in my brain, like a tuning fork that’s trying to pull me to its pitch.

Peace.

If you look it up on dictionary.com you’ll find 10 different definitions for peace as a noun. Personally I like #3, #6 and #7. A state of mutual harmony between people. Freedom of the mind from an annoyance, distraction, anxiety or obsession. A state of tranquility or serenity.

I’m not terribly interested in living a life of constant tranquility or serenity. I like the ups and downs of being human. But it sure is nice to know I have access to it when I need it.

I find as I choose peace more often the ups are easier to enjoy and the downs aren’t as big or dramatic. And to be able to free my mind more quickly from annoyances, anxiety or obsessions? That means a happier me (and that impacts everyone close to me).

Peace keeps me from leaning on my horn when I want the person ahead of me to turn left already.

Peace helps me breathe deeply when the daily frustrations mount.

Peace reminds me to speak kindly when what I really want to do is snap (and helps me calm down and forgive myself when I’ve already spoken angrily).

And as the word reverberates through me, this song comes with it. So I’m sharing it with you. It’s one of my favorites. And around minute 4, she sings the Prayer of St. Francis, which is one I repeat often. It makes my heart widen every time.

How will you choose peace this week?

https://youtu.be/6d6jg7jGBlQ

Oracle Sunday: Speak Your Truth

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I’ve been pulling a weekly oracle card for my news(love)letter list since January. I decided to bring it to the blog, at least for a little while. I’m playing with which structures feel best to me – and to you. So if you have feedback on this change, please share. And if you’d like to sign up for the weekly email from my heart to yours, you can do that right here. —>

This week’s card:

From the Energy Oracle Cards deck by Sandra Anne Taylor
From the Energy Oracle Cards deck by Sandra Anne Taylor

The fifth chakra is located at the throat so this card is all about self-expression.

Are you allowing your voice to be heard or are you standing back out of fear of confrontation?

Are you expressing yourself fully or are you keeping your voice stifled and small?

Your “voice” is the one you speak with and it’s also any other way you express yourself in the world.

Whether your voice goes out via a keyboard and the interwebs or in face to face conversation, it’s important to ask yourself: Am I speaking my truth?

If not, now is the time to start. (Gently, perhaps awkwardly, and with kindness).

Remember this means speaking truthfully to yourself too.

Archangel Gabriel (often represented as a female) is a messenger angel who helps those who wish to communicate clearly, particularly if it’s in a way that benefits others (i.e. the arts or anything related to social justice).

If you are comfortable calling on angelic support, ask Archangel Gabriel to clear any blocks to your communication and support you in speaking truthfully, passionately and in your own unique way.

You can also find a mantra or affirmation that feels good to you, such as “I speak my truth with kindness and grace,” or “My voice has value and is worthy of being heard.”

Choose a phrase that makes you feel good, not one that has you cringing and feeling like you’re mentally making excuses for yourself even as you say it. Baby steps are better than no steps at all.

A visualization for you:

If you’d like, take a few moments right now to breathe deeply, closing your eyes and imagining a swirling blue light at your throat. Notice what shade of blue it is, and if there are any areas that feel darker, lighter, stuck or sluggish. You can simply make a mental note of these, or you can imagine you have a magical spray bottle of healing light that you mentally spray onto your chakra to help dissolve the blockages, like you’re cleaning a window or a mirror.

Now imagine that light from your throat traveling out into the world and touching all those who are ready to hear and be moved by your voice. You can see these people in detail or simply as other points of light. When the light has traveled as far as feels comfortable to you today, call it back into your throat chakra and see it swirling there again. When you are ready, gently move your body and open your eyes. Use this visualization as often as feels good to you and feel free to adapt it to make it your own.

Notice how you use your voice this week and what, if anything, shifts as you place a gentle awareness on it. 

Card copyrights belong to their respective authors, artists, and publishers, and are used for example purposes. I encourage you to purchase the deck(s) that speak to you and get to know them on your own.

**** Mantra Monday is moving to Wednesday, even though it doesn’t have the same snazzy ring to it. See you then!

Mantra Monday: Allow for Emptiness

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Allow for emptiness

Go for a run (or a walk) without headphones on.

Clear those pieces out of your closet that you love but never wear.

Let go of the painful friendships even if they give you something to do on Friday night.

Empty is scary.

But without some amount of emptiness, there is no way to be refilled. 

Do nothing for 15 minutes every day for a week.

Spend an afternoon wandering aimlessly with your intuition as your guide.

Turn your heart upside down and shake the expectations out.

Make room.

Then wait. And trust. And see what comes.

 

Mantra Monday: Pray

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Pray
Pray for the people affected by earthquakes and mudslides and floods and fires.

Pray for the hearts and minds of those who’ve witnessed the hatred and violence that exists in our world.

Pray that Mother Earth is able to withstand the destruction we humans are wreaking.

Pray for the patience to work all day, cook dinner, do the dishes and get your children to bed.

Pray for the ability to celebrate other’s success or joy or new love, and trust that yours is coming.

Pray to be of service, to find happiness, to make good friends.

It doesn’t matter who you pray to, only that you share what’s in your heart.

Hand it over. Offer it up. Send it out into the world. Over and over and over again.

What’s your prayer this week?

P.S. The Shine e-book has arrived! 28 simple practices to bring more ease and grace into your life. More info here.

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