Kestrel Two Feet

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  • What Broken Rainbows Symbolize: A Deeper Look

    What Broken Rainbows Symbolize: A Deeper Look

    We have been having a lot of rain lately and one such storm produced a rainbow. This rainbow was unusual in that it was broken. You could see the rainbow streak down and, in the center, it looked like someone had simply taken an eraser and removed a section of it. While rainbows usually are signs of hope, I couldn’t help but feel that the break was significant.

    Researching “broken rainbows” led to many topics, including movies and organizations. I was surprised at how many people had used the term “Broken Rainbow” to title their idea. It took a little refining of my search term to get to what message a broken rainbow could be sending. It would not be surprising that a broken rainbow may be symbolic of broken hopes and shattered dreams.

    As I gazed at the sight, I felt like it was trying to convey something more. As I explored the topic further, I discovered a meaning that seemed more in line with what I was feeling. One source talked about broken rainbows being a sign of inner turmoil or deep confusion. This sign could be leading me to a deeper exploration of my thoughts and feelings. Confronting my shadow self and making it part of my whole. One reason this meaning resonated with me was that I have been feeling very confused and blocked lately. I know the direction I want to go but feel there is a large “hole” in my way. I get the sense, the rainbow is my path and the break, my biggest block. It will take hard work, patience, and perseverance in order to work through this obstacle and clear my path.

    There are many other meanings that can be taken from rainbows and even broken rainbows. Including loss, hopelessness and even a need to heal. Often times there is no book or guide to say, “This is what this means for you”. We have to look and explore ourselves in order to find the meaning that is meant specifically for us. And it may not always be what the experts say it is.

  • How Trees Teach Us About Life and Manifestation

    How Trees Teach Us About Life and Manifestation

    Lately I’ve been having images of myself as a tree. Today my meditation was no different. I felt roots grow out of my feet, anchoring me to the ground. I felt my arms as branches reaching up to the sky. I felt the warmth of the sun on my “leaves”. I could feel a squirrel running up and down my trunk.

    I didn’t understand what I was supposed to be learning from this experience until today. It was a lesson in manifestation. Trees, and other plant life, do not chase down things they need and want. They can’t. They stay in one place and wait for everything to come to them. As I was the tree, I felt this. I could sense nutrients and water flowing to me from a nearby stream. They also rained down from the sky. I felt the animals take my seeds and scatter them in order to allow my offspring to grow. Everything I needed was somehow carried out for me without me having to do anything except think it.

    This can be difficult for many of us to accept. We are taught that if we want something, we have to go out and work for it. Chase it down. Go grab it before it’s too late. Leaving many of us frustrated when the thing we want slips through our fingers. What did we do wrong? In many cases we will be told that we tried too hard.

    So do we sit back and do nothing. Then we will be in the same place as above. There is a fine line between chasing a dream and working for a dream. If we want companionship, sitting in our rooms wishing for the right person to come along, we will never meet anyone. If we go out all the time and constantly reach out and try to force a relationship on someone who doesn’t want it, we will push them away. You need to go out and attend events that you enjoy doing and allow the right person to attend those events too.

    Money is another category where people can try too hard. They push for the wrong career. Struggle through high paying jobs, without ever accumulating wealth. While someone with a less lucrative career becomes wealthy and retires early.

    It’s all in the mindset. How do you approach the things you want. Do you sit back and do nothing? Do you force the issue. Or do you light a spark and see where the flame leads you? If you meditate regularly on areas you would like to change in your life, the answers will come. It may take time and you may have to explore many branches. But you will learn all the lessons you will need along the way.

  • Healing Messages from Nature: Insights from a Chickadee Encounter

    Healing Messages from Nature: Insights from a Chickadee Encounter

    This past week has been difficult for me. I have not felt well emotionally, physically, or spiritually. In an attempt to reset and heal myself, I decided to revisit my old meditation spot and had an amazing visit.

    Today I was joined by a chickadee during my meditation. The first message it had for me was to get rid of my crap. You can imagine how it relayed that message. I then noticed it had something in its beak. I first thought this was a message about adding something to my life. But after watching him flit from branch to branch, I realized that the something was actually stuck to his beak. I felt that this message was trying to tell me about how I am “stuck”. I’m not sure of the exact block it was trying to convey. This will require more meditation through the week.

    After journaling my experience today, I decided to research more about the chickadee. Many people recognize this bird by the black cap on its head. The cap symbolizes the higher mind, and the thinking process. While the black color represents mystery. The two together reflects the ability of the chickadee to help one uncover the mysteries and secrets of the mind. The chickadee can help one uncover a higher truth.

    There are also seven kinds of chickadees. A number which has much significance in the spiritual world. Seven corresponds to the number of chakras, major planets, and rays of power. Many consider the number seven to be lucky and will incorporate it into their lives as much as possible.

    I feel especially blessed and grateful to have received a visit from the chickadee spirit today. And I hope I can honor its message.

  • Recommitting to Spirituality: Lessons from My Journey

    Recommitting to Spirituality: Lessons from My Journey

    It was almost a year ago that I started writing this blog. I started out all excited and writing every day. Then it slowed down to every few days. Then once a week. And now I’m having a hard time coming with things to write about.

    When I started my spiritual journey, I knew my life was about to change. But I didn’t realize how hard that would be and to what extent it would change. I didn’t realize that it would change the way I eat, and the way I breath. I didn’t anticipate the arguments I would have with my husband. I didn’t anticipate the rabbit holes I would go down. It all became too much. I had to set everything aside, and live without it for several weeks.

    I thought it would just be like flipping a switch, now I’m “on”, now I’m “off”. But it wasn’t like that at all. I felt lost without it. I became physically ill and mentally unfocused. Everything became harder. Some might call my experience the “Dark Night of the Soul”. I don’t feel that it was a true dark night. I’ve been through much darker experiences in my past. It was revealing though, in telling me where my true beliefs lie.

    So today, I’m starting over. I’m recommitting myself to my spiritual practices. But I’m going to start smaller and focus on one thing at a time. I’m going to find a way to work my life around my spirituality, instead of the other way around.

    I still anticipate more setbacks in the future. But I know they will help me learn where to go and how to get there.

  • Overcoming Fear: Embracing Life Beyond Anxiety

    Overcoming Fear: Embracing Life Beyond Anxiety

    Fear is a pervasive aspect of life. All creatures feel it to some degree. It helps us avoid dangers in the world. But when that fear is overwhelming it can prevent us from living our lives to the fullest.

    During today’s meditation, I learned that I am still terrified from my past. In many of my past lives, I died from trauma. This has led me to a heightened sense of danger in situations which pose no threat. I was plagued with visions of things like cooking dinner resulting in a fire which killed or injured my whole family. I am deathly afraid of enclosed spaces. Don’t ask me to get on an elevator, I’ll start seeing it get stuck and then plunging all occupants to its death. I could go on with all the ways I have envisioned my demise and the demise of those I love.

    Recently I’ve noticed myself avoiding my favorite room. I’ve spent today wondering why. I have not come up with an answer yet. But I’m working on purposely going there and spending some time there to see what feelings come up.

    So how do I live with all this fear. First, I try to imagine the best thing that can happen from any situation. Driving down the road, I picture getting to my destination safe and sound. And try to avoid the image of a fatal crash.

    Next, I try and determine the source of this fear. My claustrophobia I learned stems from a past life in which I died in the trunk of a car. This was during a kidnapping gone wrong. It has forever left a mark on my soul that enclosed spaces which I am not in control of the exit, are dangerous. How does knowing the source of this fear help? By knowing the source, I don’t feel crazy anymore. It also helps me to recognize differences between the dangerous situation and the benign one. It doesn’t eliminate the phobia, but it does lower the intensity of the fear.

    Finally, it helps me to understand that everyone feels fear during their lives. While you may not suffer from claustrophobia, everyone fears something. Maybe you fear rejection and so you are always trying to fit in. Maybe you fear spiders, or snakes, so you always avoid places where those animals are likely to be. Some people fear water and drowning, while others fear heights. Most people fear death and anything unknown.

    The trick of living with your fears is not necessarily conquering them, but rather not letting them conquer you. It is ok to be afraid. But you should not let your fear control your thoughts and actions. This is easier said than done. Even knowing that my fears are unfounded, I still find myself letting them make my decisions. Using the mantra, “Better safe than sorry”.

    I have been living less in fear by using some simple exercises to reduce their strength. By acknowledging them and examining them, it reduces the fear from unknowing. I’ve also been working on more mindfulness and conscious living. Paying more attention to what’s happening around me and why I’m doing certain things, helps me to break patterns earlier. Before they get a chance to become habits. And lastly, I’ve been focusing on living in the present more. Fear is usually a state of living in the future. We never fear the past, only what could happen if we do certain things. By living in the present and not thinking about tomorrow, my fear becomes more manageable.

    I would love to hear how you manage your daily fears. Leave me a comment and tell me what most scares you and how you get through it.

  • The Spiritual Significance of Rabbit Encounters in Nature

    The Spiritual Significance of Rabbit Encounters in Nature

    Spring is here and with it, nice weather and more time out in nature.

    Today I was able to do my meditation out in nature. My intention was simply to reconnect with myself and the earth. The birds were louder than ever before. The gentle breeze seemed more intense than I remember. The grass was greener. Everything felt more alive. I forgot how calming and revitalizing just sitting outside can be. Needless to say, I definitely reconnected.

    The best part was a rabbit that stopped by. This was a wild cottontail that came within a few feet of me. I’ve never seen a rabbit so close and yet so calm. He actually walked directly towards me at one point. I felt a connection and gently allowed my mind to settle on him. For a brief moment I could actually feel him chewing and taste the grass in my mouth. (Not very tasty if you ask me.) I felt as if I was actually the rabbit. I could feel my legs lumbering along. Eventually the spell was broken by a noise off in the distance. As he quickly hopped away, I was filled with a sense of wonder.

    After this experience, I researched rabbit totems and spiritual significance. The rabbit is associated with the goddess Hecate and the lunar cycle. It is said that a visit from a rabbit can help you see the signs around you and lead a more fertile life. Let’s hope I recognize the signs when I see them.

  • Eco-Friendly Choices: How to Heal Our Planet

    Eco-Friendly Choices: How to Heal Our Planet

    A large part of my spiritual journey is finding ways to return to nature. And to help her heal and stay healthy. This can be accomplished by many actions.

    Most people are familiar with the concept of the three R’s: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. But how many actually try to live by it. I have started in a few small ways to reduce my use of environmentally harmful items.

    1. I have stopped using plastic utensils at work. Opting for the stainless steel that are washed and reused. My workplace runs the dishwasher daily regardless of how full it is, so my use of these utensils does not add water or soap use to the company. This not only lowers the water consumption (used to make disposable utensils) but also reduces the amount of plastic going to landfills.
    2. I have switched my normal shampoo and body wash to shampoo and conditioner bars and bars of soap. I found a company online that sells all-natural body and hair care products. Not only do they come in paper boxes (no plastic waste), but they are also better for my hair and body. My hair is cleaner and softer than it has ever been.
      • Here is their official site if you would like to check them out. I do not currently get any incentives from them. I just really love the product. The Earthling Co.™ Official Site | Clean Personal Care, Real Results
      • Another switch I’ve made in the shower is to use washcloths instead of poufs. (Those plastic mesh body scrubbers everyone likes.) The washcloth is all-natural cotton and washable. So, I have less consumption and lower my plastic use at the same time.
    3. When I go shopping, I look for products that either have no packaging or come in paper or glass containers. One example would be the olive oil I recently purchased. There were several brands of similar prices. However, a few brands were bottled in glass bottles while others came in plastic bottles. I purchased one of the brands which used glass bottles.
      • By trying to purchase mostly fresh fruits and vegetables, I also reduce packaging. Many of these products are sold without any packaging. This is especially true when shopping at farmers markets.
      • I ask for paper bags at checkout when possible. This serves two purposes. I can reuse the bags to collect yard waste and then place it on my compost pile. They add nutrients to your compost while reducing plastic waste. Win/Win!!

    These are just a few of the ways I’ve been trying to be more environmentally friendly. I would love to hear from everyone any other ideas they may have. Leave me a comment and let me know what you do.

  • Understanding Thundersnow: A Rare Meteorological Event

    Understanding Thundersnow: A Rare Meteorological Event

    This morning I had the privilege of watching a rare meteorological event – thundersnow! If you have not heard of this phenomenon, it is when you have thunder and lightning during a snowstorm. It is very rare and requires an alignment of several natural and atmospheric conditions to occur. I don’t fully understand all the science behind this type of weather, so here is the link to provide more information – Thundersnow – Wikipedia

    As I was listening to the thunder and watching the lightning and snow, I imagined what ancient people must have thought. I could see an eagle flying across the sky as the Native Americans watched. Pointing it out as the thunder and lightning happened. I imagine this being the start of the Thunderbird and Firebird legends. The power of the bird mirroring the power of the thunder.

    For me it was a very energy filled, chaotic time. I could feel something in the air. A type of charged atmosphere. Being a rare and unique occurrence, it reminded me of the uniqueness of the individual. We all have an experience which no one else will ever have. Our life is very rare; I am the only one who will ever live my life. This helps me to appreciate my life even more. And the unique perspective I can bring to various problems and challenges.

    It was an awe-inspiring experience. And I hope you will have a similar experience in your life.

  • The Magic of Ravens: Unlocking Past Life Secrets

    The Magic of Ravens: Unlocking Past Life Secrets

    Recently I’ve been having the raven enter my meditations. During today’s meditations, he led me through some past journeys my soul has been on, after an especially traumatic incarnation. I received an impression that raven is my guide for my past life explorations. He helped me to answer a few questions I had about my past lives. And the role some souls have played in them and the soul I am today. This seems only fitting. After looking up more about the raven, I learned he often plays a part in discovery.

    The raven is strongly tied to magical workings. He also is known for bringing light to the darkness. Much as discovering one’s past is bringing light to who they are. It can also be a sign that raven is awakening the magic within oneself.

    Many people know that ravens are closely related to crows. It would make sense then that a member of this family would be guiding me through my past lives. Crows can associated with past life connections. Like ravens, crows are also strongly tied to magic and manifestation.

    I am excited to see where this new totem will guide me!

  • Embracing the Sandhill Crane: A Spring Symbol

    Embracing the Sandhill Crane: A Spring Symbol

    It is time for migration in the Midwest. For me this means a return of the sandhill crane to my hometown. I’ve always welcomed them and looked forward to seeing them in the fields and marshes. I had not thought to write about them until today. I kept seeing them every few minutes as I was driving home. Flying in front of my truck, sitting in a roadside field, or even just perched somewhere. I had never encountered so many of them in such a short time span. Could these sightings mean something? Other than the obvious that spring is coming.

    Looking up cranes, especially sandhill cranes, in my resources brought some insight. Cranes are symbols of longevity, wisdom, and transformation. They can also be symbols of balance. One reading talked about how you rarely see a young crane. Mostly because the babies are well hidden and difficult to find. This could be your sign to not reveal everything. You should hold off on discussing certain projects openly in order to protect them.

    As for balance, the sandhill crane is not a sign that you need to juggle better. Or stand on your head. Instead, it is a sign that you need to focus on one thing over dividing your attention. If you have multiple projects you’re working on, focus on one of them to completion. You will perform better work and have better mental health.

    So, the message is clear. Focus on a single project and don’t share it just yet.