Hofmann's Potion

Hofmann's Potion by Connie Littlefield, National Film Board of Canada

This is an amazing video that really surprised me.  After all I was living in Canada in the 60's when all this was going on but never heard a word about it.

When I tried to download this video from the National Film Board of Canada web site I was told that I could not download this video in America. Censorship?

Live Life As A Creation

In my heart there is a prayer.

In my mind there is a vision.

In my soul there is a Being.

In my world there is a joy.

In my body there is a comfort.

In my room there is a peacefulness. 

My prayer is for all beings to be happy.

My vision is of a peaceful world of abundance for all.

My Being sources who I am, and gives me all that I need.

My joy is in the beauty of children, the creativity and music of the world.

My comfort is in being a woman and nurturing my family, my animals and myself.

My peacefulness comes from knowing who I am, and surrounding myself with beauty.

Dream the Best for Yourself

Remember that you are the one who is
generating the experiences that you have.
Dream the best for yourself.
Dream something wonderful and beautiful.
Keep clearing the space until you are
surrounded by calm, pure energy.


What is your best dream for yourself?  Please comment...

We've Got Your Back

Dear One,
We love you, and we want to see you strong and courageous.  Be assured that we have "got your back". We are here to support you and nothing is more important for us.
Your Angels

Be Gentle With Yourself

Dear One,
We love you, and we are glad that you are writing again.

Be gentle with yourself and everyone around you. You are making progress and your family is strong and resilient.  Be patient, and remember to water your plants!
Your Angels

Something New

 

“There’s nothing new under the sun.” was one of my father’s favorite phrases.  He was a sarcastic man and his ennui with life gave him a sour disposition.

To my mind there is something new in every moment.  It is true that patterns can repeat and sometimes people do things that are somewhat predictable.  But it is also true that no moment in time can ever be repeated exactly.

Since I became a committed student of technology there has never been a day when I felt like I had a handle on all that is available. Information is exchanged at an exponential rate and new developments happen daily. Rather than having any kind of big picture view I now have to search for and implement information on a “need to know” basis.

In my personal life also I feel like I am constantly recreating myself.  Our lives can quickly become limiting, even imprisoning if we do not frequently review and upgrade our thinking about ourselves and what we are doing in our lives.

My friend Kim says, “Envision it, and then take two steps backward and envision it bigger.” This overcomes a tendency to think small and stay comfortable. We can always grow and learn, although sometimes this can be scary.

This week I had reason to visit the “way back machine”, a site that archives nearly every old web page that has ever been since the beginning of the internet. I looked up my oldest website pages, my “Thoughts Create Reality” site started in 1998.  Sure enough my old pages were there.  There was a page of short essays that looked like a blog, but blogs didn’t exist yet. So much has come into being since those early days on the web.

I remember someone telling me about email before email became widely available. Back then it was something some universities had and she was using it to correspond with a friend in Italy. I didn’t think much about it at the time, little knowing that email would soon take over the world.

Who knew that seemingly frivolous things like Twitter and Facebook could unite people and  bring about political changes  like a successful people’s revolution?

Nine To Five

One of the great blessings of self-employment is that the term “9 to 5” ceases to have meaning. There is just the day and the night and the work to be done.

Our society sanctions selling your soul to the Machine for at least eight hours a day, at least five days a week. Lives are literally spent, the juices all used up, as people slog through uninspired day after uninspired day just to collect a pay check. And we think that is normal! And we think that is how it should be.

Glory to the God of Creativity!
Blessed be the inspired life that energizes body and mind!

Finding within yourself a way to survive by your own happiness is very freeing. Humans are not machines and should not run on factory time. These crazy ideas are throwbacks to the Industrial Revolution when women and children were shackled to looms to increase their productivity.

The factories are mostly gone now. The jobs are gone too and they won’t be back soon.

What would a creative society look like? What if each child and teenager was encouraged to follow their bliss in order to find their life’s work? What would you have done?

I loved making things with paper, glue and scissors. I loved pictures, collages and writing stories, one hunt and peck at a time on my Mom’s typewriter. I loved fashion and fabrics, putting on fashion shows and plays. I loved singing and dancing and playing Indians in the woods.

I am a grownup now. My life supports me playing on the computer all day and all night long if I choose. It gives me time to think and breath and take care of the details. I wonder if I will ever retire, or if perhaps I already have.

All That Is

For years I had elaborate altars in my bedroom. I’ve been a spiritual materialist for a long time (a phrase coined by Chögyam Trungpa to describe Westerners and other folks who like to amass spiritual artifacts. I own four different sets of prayer flags from Tibet, Buddha statues from Bali, India and Cambodia, statues of Tara, Ganesh, Hanuman and Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa (the one true God). I have boxes of photos of tankas, Hindu paintings, incense, incense burners, candles, votives, small household altars from India and Bali, batiks of gods and goddesses, God’s Eyes, crystals, precious stones, Native American fetishes, abalone shells, smudging wands of sage and cedar, books on Hinduism, Buddhism, meditation, yoga, tapes, CDs and DVDs. Stuff, stuff, stuff!


Maintaining a beautiful altar requires a focus and care that I no longer have. Many things have been put away and forgotten. There was a time when each of these items spoke to me in some way, evoked some feeling of connection to spirit.

My guru, Neem Karoli Baba died before I could get it together to go to India. Still his photos seemed alive to me, and I kept them all over the house, talking to him constantly throughout the day, and always receiving his messages, jokes, tricks and wisdom with joy.

Over the years I have grown spiritually. My gods and my gurus are no longer external . Somehow they have become enmeshed in my being to a degree that I no longer feel any separation from the divine.

Even as outward displays diminished, the inner core intensified. I relaxed into knowing that I am living in, experiencing always a unified field of love that is constant.

It has been easier to experience the presence of Divine Grace when I let go of the visual representations of gods and goddesses with human likenesses. To me, now, the Divine Presence is more like air or water, a living plasma, a matrix or web that I am completely a part of. I am consciousness experiencing being human and learning to function in this holographic universe.

I have tried to build an altar out of light and crystal, a shimmering white light of pure silk, an emptiness like a huge glass bowl, sparkling water bubbling over crystals and sunlight casting rainbows all around.

My god is not static but very much alive and dancing like sunlight on water and the intense radiance of color as painted by flowers. The beauty of the earth is vibrant and powerful as it streams through the animals and plants, and all of nature is alive.

I am part of all that is, and it is part of me.

Following Your Bliss

“Follow Your Bliss’ is easy to say but actually gets rather complicated as competing agendas vie for your attention. My take on this simple formula is to find the things that make you happy and pursue them.

However, if you have kids, a mate, a business or two and a mortgage already as a result of following earlier bliss impulses then you may have to evolve slowly into the “Follow Your Bliss” journey and still take care of everything you want to bring along with you.

The truth is that our creative force can empower us to do amazing things. But if we suppress it and deny it any scope for expression, it can create illness, depression, bottled up anger and frustration.

You will know you are following your bliss if you always have lots of energy for doing what you are doing. A child can be happy doing just about anything, and their energy just flows and flows. But as we age we start to see that some choices have to be made. Unfortunately we are conditioned early by school and work to suppress our own enthusiasms and “follow the curriculum”. We are forced to sit in desks and pay attention to many other people and things. But we are rarely taught to pay attention to ourselves.

Yet it is within our own hearts and ideas that we will find the way to our bliss, our inner wisdom.

For me, getting in touch with my inner self has come mostly in the forms of writing and art. Writing has always brought me great comfort. I journal and write mostly for myself, to keep reminding myself of the truths I so easily forget. I also love to share my writing with others. I write to understand myself, and to work out my ideas. With art I can give some physical expression to the ideas that bubble up from inside.

This has led me to a larger form of creativity… creating a life that I love; creating a life that supports my creativity and allows me time and space to follow my bliss. Following your bliss all by yourself won’t last for long. You must begin to enroll other people in your life to participate in and encourage your self-expression, while you in turn support and encourage theirs.

Ultimately, a whole planet full of happy, self-expressed individuals could solve all of the world’s problems and bring about an Age of Bliss! Truly this is the only way to go!

We begin by setting ourselves free. The keys are in the lock. We just have to turn them. Start by finding and believing in your own inner worth. Listen to yourself, meditate, write, go for long walks, explore the inner landscape.

Create a space where you can find yourself, a space that supports your creative process. Allow yourself the time and the freedom to be in that space, alone and without an imposed agenda. Be patient. It may take a lifetime.

Find out who you are and live it with full expression, unapologetically. Enroll others in doing the same. Join or create a support group, blog, write books, network your bliss.

After a while your circle of support will help you to stay focused, for there will be days when you wake up and wonder why you do what you do, and is it really worth it? Then you will have to turn again within and get back to the wellspring of your happiness. It is great if you have some friends to remind you of all this.

Throwing Something Away

Right now I’m trying to pay attention to what makes me uncomfortable. I was listening to a talk by Pema Chodron called “Getting Unstuck”.

She was talking about our endless desire to be “comfortable” and “safe”; how we are always trying to avoid pain and discomfort. She pointed out that when we experience any uncomfortable feelings we quickly choose one of three options:

1. Getting angry and lashing out at others
2. Addictive behaviors
3. Going unconscious

I saw myself in the addictive behavior although there are elements of all three in my life. I had been noticing that I was interrupting my work flow constantly to have another snack, or make another cup of tea.

So I have been making a list of all the things I feel worried about, those long-standing issues that remain unresolved:
Money owed
Tax debt
Lack of health insurance
My weight
Lack of exercise
Never enough time
Things that need to be done
Etc.

All the usual kinds of things that people have in their bag of concerns.

The thing to do according to Pema Chodron is just to notice the discomfort and just to be with it. That means no running for a snack! Interesting. Just being with the feeling of discomfort and allowing it to be present.

It’s not a matter of throwing away, or even resolving a stressful issue. It is more a matter of letting go of my desire to feel safe and comfortable, my need to look good, my need to be in control.

Last year I threw away guilt… that is to say I just let it fall like a cloak falling off my shoulders and lying in a heap on the ground. I walked away thinking, “Guilt, Boy! That sure was a waste of time and energy!”

Maybe this year I can let go of clinging to comfort. It is such a natural thing, as babies we want to be held, fed, protected and cared for. And all of these are important for our early survival. But there comes a day when the child can let go of some of that clinging and find their own sustenance. Of course the first thing the child does is try to find some place of comfort.

Can I grow beyond this mindset? To achieve a state of being beyond my little self with all her little needs and desires? Can I walk out beyond my safe boundaries and be with whatever I may experience?

I give myself permission now to be naked (kind of like Venus on the half shell) I see myself allowing it all to fall away, my true self revealed.

An Energy Exercise You Can Use Right Now

"Moving Ahead In Joy!"©2004 Richard Ross. All rights reserved.

Emotional Freedom &  Healing

This process can be used to move forward in any (or every) area of your life. It can also be used to transform your present situation into a better one, and it can be used to clear away any seeming resistance or challenge to taking your next big step in the world.

Prior to beginning the technique simply put your attention on the situation or area you wish to transform or manifest, and begin as follows:

1. Locate a tender or sensitive spot on left side of chest. For most of us it is somewhere beneath the collarbone and above the breast area on the left side. Find the spot on yourself by pressing, using one or two fingers, around this area until you find the spot that is more tender or sensitive than the area around it.

While rubbing that spot continuously in a small circle, repeat the following out loud: "I affirm that I______, am ready, willing, and able to move forward in my life right now. I know that I am ready. I clear away any resistance or fear thoughts that would prevent me from fully moving to the highest possible level right now. I ask the Universe, God, Spirit, Angels, Gurus and Ancestors to assist me in every way possible to move forward in my life.... right now!"

Keep rubbing until you feel ready to stop, then still holding the spot take a full breath in and out.

2. Tap lightly on the inside end of both eyebrows, the ends near bridge of nose, and repeat out loud: "I attract abundant goodness into my life now and I am at peace as this process unfolds."

Keep tapping until you feel ready to stop, then still holding those spots take a full breath in and out.

3. Tap lightly on outside sides of both eyes, on bone near temple and repeat out loud: "I send these requests out to the world in many ways and everyone I meet assists me to live my highest vision."

Keep tapping until you feel ready to stop, then still holding that spot take a full breath in and out.

4. Tap lightly under both eyes on bone, and repeat out loud:  "Previous patterns have no power over me now. I am healing them as I say these very words. Healing is happening for me on a very deep level now.

"Keep tapping until you feel ready to stop, then still holding that spot take a full breath in and out.

5. Tap lightly under nose (above upper lip) and repeat out loud:  "I am discovering daily just how much I have to be grateful for. As I vibrate with this positive energy, I become a magnet for more and more goodness in my life right now."

Keep tapping until you feel ready to stop, then still holding that spot take a full breath in and out.

6. Tap lightly under bottom lip (in crease before chin begins) and repeat out loud:  "All my life is becoming more joyful on every level and all the forces of the Universe are supporting me in my intention. Everything is coming to me easily and effortlessly!"

Keep tapping until you feel ready to stop, then still holding that spot take a full breath in and out.

7. Now this is the most important step. Spend at least five minutes, with your eyes closed, and visualize the specific area you want to transform (or all areas) exactly as you want it to be. Experience it as though it has already happened. Feel all the positive feelings.

Touch the textures, hear the sounds, feel the feelings. Make it a full multi-sensory experience as though it were all happening right now.

8. Take a moment to breathe deeply, reflect again on how you are feeling right now. Give thanks for the healing that has happened, and for the new creations that already in process.

Repeat daily (or frequently) until your goal/desire creates or transforms. You may repeat the process at other times for any other situation you wish to create or transform.

Nothing Was Withheld

Dear One,
We love you, and we have always been with you, hand delivering whatever you need to learn, or be inspired by.

Nothing was withheld from you in terms of education or learning experience. You have chosen to be self-taught and to take your inspiration from a wide field of teachers.

Integrating all of that into everything you do and everything you create has been your challenge.

Your Angels.

Trust the impulses of your heart.

Dear One,
We love you, and we honor your creative process. Trust in your creative impulses and take the time to make your ideas manifest.

It is one more way in which you have become "too busy", and could relax and allow things to take a more natural course. Creativity has always been a healing path for you.

Trust the impulses of your heart.

Your Angels

Be Willing to Listen

Dear One,
We love you and we are always by your side. No matter where you go, you are never alone, and you can always call on us for guidance.

You notice the big shift your life has taken in the past year. It is no accident. You have now opened yourself up to a higher octave of learning. Because you are willing to listen, there is no need to shout. The messages will come through more clearly as you are willing to accept and integrate them into your life.

The important thing is to be fully present in each moment as much as possible, so that when the messages come through you can be fully aware of them, and speak or write them right away. Don't sit on them! Be prepared to speak your truth!

Place your full trust in the goodness of this world, and bless all that you see, however painful or difficult it may look on the outside. Know that God's love and compassion is within each individual as they learn about love. Eventually it will come to full blossom as they open their hearts.
Your Angels

Understanding How Precious You Are

Dear One,
We love you and we are so happy that you remembered us. We love it when you remember us because we are always here with you, and we are always loving you.

We watch over you as lovingly as any mother watches over her toddler. We give you space to explore the world on your own. But we are always close enough to catch you if you stumble.

You have been growing so well lately and learning how to manifest the life that you want. Finally you have shed the tired old clothing of shame, guilt and feeling inadequate that you wore for so long. Finally you understand that we are here for you. We are always here for you, have always been, will always be.

You are taking good care of yourself now, and finally understanding how precious you are, how important your feelings are, how carefully you must guard your inner harmony and well-being.

Dear One, we are so happy when you say that you are grateful for your life, and for your body. Your gratitude bubbles like a happy stream through your body, and you drink in the beauty of your surroundings.

You are blessed dear one, with loving family and friends who inspire and comfort you.
Thank you dear one, thank you for listening.
Your Angels

Soak Up the Goodness

Dear One,
We love you, and we are glad that you are enjoying this magical time. Soak up the goodness of these beautiful days, and store it up in your cells. It is better than any supplement.

Be good to yourself and those around you, giving fully of your own attention and care to your own wellbeing as you do for everyone else.

Trust that in time the seeds you plant (in the garden, and in your creative work)will grow and develop over time. You cannot force the outcome, just till and water the garden.

Trust that these words are meant for you, and also may be of service to others.

You are loved and blessed always.
Your Angels

The Answers to Your Questions Are Always Available

Dear One,
We love you, and we are always here for you. The answers to your questions are always available, but you may have difficulty discerning them because there is so much going on in your environment and in your mind.

When you have a question write it down. Spend time thinking about your question. Be open to any ideas that come into your mind. Keep track of the ideas and begin to implement them. Keep a seperate notebook for money questions, health questions, pet related, etc.
Your Angels

Angels Gather Around Me!

Angels Gather Around Me!
Let us sing a song
In praise of morning.

Dear One,
We love you, and we're watching over you. You feel like your life is blessed, and it's true.

You feel a deep contentment, a centeredness, a rootedness that was never there before. Where does it come from?

• staying in place


• expecting the best


• practising gratitude


• being deeply relaxed


• quickly letting go of shame, guilt, fear and feelings of separation


• experiencing oneness

At the center of your being is the love, the wellspring of joy. Life continues and you are within the flow of all things.

We love you,
Your Angels

Wealth

The wealth of happiness card in my Tarot deck is the ten of cups. The picture shows ten goblets overflowing with a sparkling, bubbling liquid. Last time I threw the cards I got the nine and the ten of cups and I knew that this was it, that my life had finally reached some pinnacle of joy that I had been seeking all my life.

It seems a bit strange because in so many ways I have failed to accomplish or acquire the things that I once thought would make me happy. I am alone a lot, but it has brought me more stable emotions, and a clearer sense of my own voice.

I live in a beautiful place. This morning I carried my tea out to the meadow where my two beagles like to race around sniffing out rabbits. The sky was the most heavenly shade of blue. The grey woods now have a haze of green leaves budding, and splashes of white dogwood and pink redbud.

The grass in the meadow is old and yellow from last year, but everywhere the new grass is shooting up and creating an undercarpet of green.

I sat out on my favorite log and drank my tea. There is a huge contentment in my soul, and all I could think of to say to God was "Thank you!" I marvel at how my life brings me what I need each day. The more I trust it, the easier it gets just to stay open to receive what comes, and also to stay open to lose what goes.

My whole life seems like such a miracle to me, the incredible beauty of this North Carolina spring, my own ability to heal and grow, my family and my dogs and cats, my work, my clients and my friends. Having work I love is a great blessing. I marvel at the crooked path that brought me to this place and time.