Greetings from my extraordinarily untidy and overwhelmingly disorganised office!
This last month has been very very busy... but not necessarily with all the right kinds of business. Though if we believe that everything is in Divine order (except my desk) doesn't that mean that whatever was occupying my time, was the right thing to be doing?
Granted, I had decided to take it easy for a little while to be kind to myself following the passing of my father in April... but once I decided to start working again everything and anything seemed to catch my attention... except the backlog of work piling up intimidatingly in every square inch of my office!
It all started with the distractions of the royal wedding of Prince William and his lovely bride Catherine. Wasn't it glorious, beautiful, loving and romantic, and from the simple bouquet of myrtle, lily of the valley and sweet william, to the tree lined Westminster Abbey - from their choice of music, lyrics of the hymns to the dedicated self-penned prayers it was so very personal and spiritual in its symbolism. I loved it, didn't you?
The wedding reminded me not just of my own wedding in April two years ago, but of the symbolic marriage of partnership in our spiritual life between ourselves and God,- or perhaps between our physical self and higher self -, of our soul's purpose and commitment in service to God, and in return a promise of never ending unconditional, immeasurable love.
Very often during meditation and guided visualisation, when I take people to meet their guardian angels, participants will receive a ring or bracelet, a necklace or beautiful belt and ask me what that means. All of these symbols represent an acceptance of commitment and the symbolic marriage of the two parties. Not in a human sense of marriage between us and the angels, but as a representation of total love and acceptance- at a soul level- of both sides - ourselves and our divine guides,... a commitment to serve one another in complete harmony and with integrity, devotion and mutual trust.
I don't know about you but the wedding made me cry. Weddings always do. I'm not sure why it pierces my heart. But in this instance I was reminded of my own vows, not only in my physical human marriage, but also of my commitment many years ago to serve God, Christ and the angels, wherever I am and in what ever circumstances I may find myself. It's good to be reminded of that commitment, and create the right affirmations that I may re-focus on the road ahead, being mindful (re-minding myself) at every opportunity with humour and light-hearted attention detail...
And in all that dedication to serve and connecting to the beauty of nature around me, attending to the garden, the children and grandchildren, writing newsletters and articles, planning talks and workshops, nurturing friendship and the extended family, supporting course students, answering emails, my husband, my study and research, walking the dog, keeping up with my website, meditation and prayer, distant healing, the organisations I now belong to, texting, blogging and tweeting, promoting my new book, may I find the time and commitment to sort out my desk!! ...
Wishing you a wonderful month of love and peaceful dreams,
Chrissie xx
Monday, 23 May 2011
Tuesday, 12 April 2011
Tribute to Fred Astell
FredAstell's physical body died and his spirit passed over to the light on 29th March 2011.
It was my birthday. He was there when I entered the world, and I was with him as he left it. There was half a century and more during which we hardly saw one another, but I adored him. The following was my tribute to him at his funeral in Keswick, Cumbria on 5th April. My sister Stella also read her personal tribute to her beloved father too. It was very moving, and very beautiful.
"When I was a child my dad seemed a big, magical man who laughed loudly, and whistled, and swung me high above his head. He filled my visits with adventures and created wonderful memories for me - then later he delighted in doing the same for my children, his grandson Daniel, and his granddaughter Claire.
My dad spent over half a century following his sacred inner guidance and saved many a soul's despair with his immeasurable kindness, his gifts of healing and good humour - and often at great personal cost.
Dad's passion for life came from his intimate knowledge and experience of the power of God's love which came to him through his friend and saviour Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the mystical visions and guidance of the angels.
Since I became an adult, for thirty years dad has been my spiritual counsellor and mentor. He has enthusiastically encouraged me in finding my own soul purpose. Together we interpreted many of my own visions and explored the ways in which I too could spread the message of love. The one legacy he hoped to leave me was an understanding and personal experience of God's promise of eternal and unconditional love."
This is dad's favourite version of Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, chapter 13, taken from The Living Bible:-
If I had the gift of being able to speak in other languages without learning them, and could speak in every language there is in all of heaven and earth,… but didn’t love others, I would only be making noise.
If I had the gift of prophecy and knew all about what is going to happen in the future, knew anything about everything, but didn’t love others, what good would it do? Even if I had the gift of faith so that I could speak to a mountain and make it move, I would still be worth nothing at all without love. If I gave everything I had to the poor, and if I were burned alive for preaching the Gospel but didn’t have love for others, it would be of no value whatever.
Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, never haughty or selfish or rude. Love doesn’t demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges, and it will hardly even notice when others do it wrong.
It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out.
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. If you love someone you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost, always expect the best of him and always stand your ground defending him.
All the special gifts from God will someday come to an end, but love… goes on forever. Someday prophecy, and speaking in unknown languages, and special knowledge – these gifts will disappear.
Now we know so little, even with our special gifts, and the preaching of those most gifted is still so poor. But when we have been made perfect and complete, then the need for these inadequate special gifts will come to an end, and they will disappear.
It’s like when I was a child I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child does. But when I became a man my thoughts grew far beyond those of my childhood, and now I have put away childish things. In the same way, we can see and understand only a little about God now, as if we were peering at his reflection in a poor mirror; but someday we are going to see him in his completeness, face to face. Now all that I know is hazy and blurred, but then I will see everything clearly, just as clearly as God sees into my heart right now.
There are three things that remain forever – faith, hope and love… and the greatest of these is love.
With my love to you,
Chrissie xx
Monday, 7 March 2011
Angel Guidance, on a clear & beautiful day.
Hi,
I found this among some papers while I was searching for something else. I remember writing it clearly while practising automatic writing and found it very moving. I read it again to myself just now and found that it still inspires me. Clearly at the time it was a personal message to me.
In the absence of anything better to say today I feel like inspired to share it with you. Because, you never know, it might have been whispered to me..... for you too!
Dear you,
"You are a beautiful, loveable soul.
You are responsible for your own choices but you needn't make them from a place of insecurity or uncertainty.
You are always guided with wisdom and love.
Focus and tune into your soul. To the essence of who you really are not what you feel others expect you to be.
In your inner being you have great wisdom.
When you are still, when you trust your self, when you tune your soul to the greater One of which we are all a part... then the answers to whatever you quest will be found.
Go deep within yourself. Trust the faces you see. Trust the sense of inner knowing that you have developed through the years.
Over many lifetimes and many journeys you have travelled. Each lifetime has taught you much about yourself and your world.
You do not need others to affirm your value. Your journeying has led you to this place. Now stop for a moment and take stock of the knowing, for yourself.
You are not alone. Even in your loneliness you are not alone.
Follow your heart. Never be afraid that you may be misled by it.
Fear is not a necessary requirement for life. It is an experience that you have felt in many places and in many lifetimes but it has only brought you pain.
Harness your strength, your courage. Trust yourself and be the person you know that you truly are.
You are so loved.
You are a precious child of the Universe.
You chose to be here.
You chose service.
You will succeed in playing your part."
With my love, and many angel blessings,
Chrissie
I found this among some papers while I was searching for something else. I remember writing it clearly while practising automatic writing and found it very moving. I read it again to myself just now and found that it still inspires me. Clearly at the time it was a personal message to me.
In the absence of anything better to say today I feel like inspired to share it with you. Because, you never know, it might have been whispered to me..... for you too!
Dear you,
"You are a beautiful, loveable soul.
You are responsible for your own choices but you needn't make them from a place of insecurity or uncertainty.
You are always guided with wisdom and love.
Focus and tune into your soul. To the essence of who you really are not what you feel others expect you to be.
In your inner being you have great wisdom.
When you are still, when you trust your self, when you tune your soul to the greater One of which we are all a part... then the answers to whatever you quest will be found.
Go deep within yourself. Trust the faces you see. Trust the sense of inner knowing that you have developed through the years.
Over many lifetimes and many journeys you have travelled. Each lifetime has taught you much about yourself and your world.
You do not need others to affirm your value. Your journeying has led you to this place. Now stop for a moment and take stock of the knowing, for yourself.
You are not alone. Even in your loneliness you are not alone.
Follow your heart. Never be afraid that you may be misled by it.
Fear is not a necessary requirement for life. It is an experience that you have felt in many places and in many lifetimes but it has only brought you pain.
Harness your strength, your courage. Trust yourself and be the person you know that you truly are.
You are so loved.
You are a precious child of the Universe.
You chose to be here.
You chose service.
You will succeed in playing your part."
With my love, and many angel blessings,
Chrissie
Wednesday, 9 February 2011
Valentine's wishes
Hello friends,
It’s an exciting time of preparation and hard work for many of us.
I write to you on a beautiful sunny morning with a blue cloudless sky gloriously smiling through my office window having just returned from walking my dog Daisy through the woods. The woodpeckers are busy tapping, snowdrops are appearing in cheery green and white bunches at the base of some of the trees. At the edge of the wood stands a pair of Hazel trees adorned with bright yellow catkins and as we walked towards them to admire their delicate beauty to my absolute delight and fascination I stood and watched hundreds of little brown bees creating bright yellow velvet ‘trousers’ of fresh wild pollen on their tiny back legs. The sound of harmonious music from their unified drone was magical. As I walked back to the gate of my cottage a pair of turtle-necked doves greeted me from the fence. Magical!
So,… the flowers are pushing through, the birds are pairing up, the bees are busy again… it is that time of year when the first touches of the onset of Spring fills me with awe and wonder at the generosity our Earthly Mother.
It is also that time of year again when the shops are full of bright red love hearts, black and red Valentine’s cards, and the price of carnations and red roses doubles! A time of ‘Love in the air’, and a reason perhaps to add a little extra romance to our lives.
The symbol of the heart can never, in my opinion, be over used. Have you noticed how many symbols of ‘love’ and sweethearts are being used as home and shop decorations at the moment, with or without a connection to Saint Valentine?
Symbols carry the energy of whatever it is they represent, and in this case we are choosing, inadvertently, to fill our homes with love by following a recent popular fashion of interior design. How wonderful. The universe wins again!
But what if low self esteem, or painful past experiences prevents you from feeling the ‘love in the air’… perhaps there is a sense of deep regret, loss, or rejection you are unable to release? The answer is to join in. Choose to feel loved, and to be loving anyway. Think pink! Buy yourself some pink roses, pop a rose quartz heart in your pocket, and call upon the angels to help you release any negative energy and help you to build your self esteem and self love once again.
Archangel Chamuel and the angels of love carry the essence of unconditional love. Take a few moments to call them close to you in your mind and thank them for always being there. Imagine a swirling pink mist approaching you, enfolding you and melting away any self-doubt and ‘anti-love’. Open your heart chakra as wide as you can. An open heart is essential on your journey of spiritual self discovery.
Always remember that you are loved completely, for who you are, by God and the angels, and you are encouraged to share unconditional love with everyone you meet. You might not send everyone flowers and cards, or even tell them you love them… but your love will shine through a smile,a gentle touch, a kind word, and your patience.
Love given unconditionally is the greatest gift of all, and the magic of love is that the more you share it around, the more it comes back to you!
Excuse me... I must dash off and buy a Valentine's card!
Love and blessings in abundance,
Chrissie
It’s an exciting time of preparation and hard work for many of us.
I write to you on a beautiful sunny morning with a blue cloudless sky gloriously smiling through my office window having just returned from walking my dog Daisy through the woods. The woodpeckers are busy tapping, snowdrops are appearing in cheery green and white bunches at the base of some of the trees. At the edge of the wood stands a pair of Hazel trees adorned with bright yellow catkins and as we walked towards them to admire their delicate beauty to my absolute delight and fascination I stood and watched hundreds of little brown bees creating bright yellow velvet ‘trousers’ of fresh wild pollen on their tiny back legs. The sound of harmonious music from their unified drone was magical. As I walked back to the gate of my cottage a pair of turtle-necked doves greeted me from the fence. Magical!
So,… the flowers are pushing through, the birds are pairing up, the bees are busy again… it is that time of year when the first touches of the onset of Spring fills me with awe and wonder at the generosity our Earthly Mother.
It is also that time of year again when the shops are full of bright red love hearts, black and red Valentine’s cards, and the price of carnations and red roses doubles! A time of ‘Love in the air’, and a reason perhaps to add a little extra romance to our lives.
The symbol of the heart can never, in my opinion, be over used. Have you noticed how many symbols of ‘love’ and sweethearts are being used as home and shop decorations at the moment, with or without a connection to Saint Valentine?
Symbols carry the energy of whatever it is they represent, and in this case we are choosing, inadvertently, to fill our homes with love by following a recent popular fashion of interior design. How wonderful. The universe wins again!
But what if low self esteem, or painful past experiences prevents you from feeling the ‘love in the air’… perhaps there is a sense of deep regret, loss, or rejection you are unable to release? The answer is to join in. Choose to feel loved, and to be loving anyway. Think pink! Buy yourself some pink roses, pop a rose quartz heart in your pocket, and call upon the angels to help you release any negative energy and help you to build your self esteem and self love once again.
Archangel Chamuel and the angels of love carry the essence of unconditional love. Take a few moments to call them close to you in your mind and thank them for always being there. Imagine a swirling pink mist approaching you, enfolding you and melting away any self-doubt and ‘anti-love’. Open your heart chakra as wide as you can. An open heart is essential on your journey of spiritual self discovery.
Always remember that you are loved completely, for who you are, by God and the angels, and you are encouraged to share unconditional love with everyone you meet. You might not send everyone flowers and cards, or even tell them you love them… but your love will shine through a smile,a gentle touch, a kind word, and your patience.
Love given unconditionally is the greatest gift of all, and the magic of love is that the more you share it around, the more it comes back to you!
Excuse me... I must dash off and buy a Valentine's card!
Love and blessings in abundance,
Chrissie
Tuesday, 25 January 2011
Stopped in my tracks!
Hi there lovely people,
Goodness....It is l most the end of January already.
Have you kept your resolutions... did you make any?
Every year I resolve to make changes of one type or another, but this year ( thanks to an extreme message from the angels) I am determined to. I have been shown that I really do need to listen to:
a) the kind advice of all my friends and family...
b) my own inner/higher knowing... and
c) the meaningful message of the universe/angels.
What am I talking about? Let me explain...
Yesterday was a normal busy day. I planned to deliver my last minute paperwork and talk things through with the kind person who is going to complete my January 31st tax return for me at 10.am.... meet my colleague Richard at 1pm to finalise the arrangements at the gorgeous venue for our new Masterclass Workshop in Stansted.... see a lovely lady for a one-to-one near by at 2.30.... drive down to London, select a new jacket with a returns voucher in a particular shop..... pop in to see my mother at 4pm, and then baby-sit for my son's children where I could meet my daughter for an hour too and later catch up on all my emails once the babies were asleep!
Not all of it fell into place as planned, and that was ok as these things happen. As I hurried down to London for the family commitments the oil light and STOP sign suddenly appeared on my control board. Knowing that to be an acute problem I drove straight to my mother's waited and checked the oil levels which, surprisingly, were fine. It gave me chance to have a nice cup of tea even if I had to forego a mini-shopping trip, and then I slammed down the bonnet, washed my hands and continued round to my son's ... minus the red light and with no need of oil.
Then....last night as I drove home late from baby-sitting my grandchildren, a weird accident happened. The bonnet of my little car flew open and smashed with a great 'bang' against the windscreen. Although the screen didn't smash I couldn't see a thing in front of me and had to pull over onto the hard shoulder and call the RAC to come out and help me as I couldn't force the bonnet back down myself.
(Lesson 1.... we cannot do everything ourselves and it's essential to have a support system lined up for those occasions where help is needed, even though sometimes it is hard to ask).
The loudness of the bang shocked me, and I panicked, slamming on my brakes, jolting my back. Although I wasn't hurt I observed that I got upset at the realisation that I might have caused an accident if anyone had been behind me.
(Lesson 2... it is perfectly normal to get upset sometimes and even to panic when things beyond our control shock us. This is not a sign of failure or weakness.)
As soon as I had called the rescue service out, the Highway Police arrived and told me that these cars are renowned for having a faulty bonnet catch...., he also kindly pointed out that I had pulled in by the side of one of their CCTV cameras, so that I was perfectly safe as I was on screen at their central office. I didn't feel at all vulnerable or unsafe but that was reassuring anyway.
(Lesson 3... trust that in all situations angels are 'watching over us' and even if we ever doubt it everything is for a reason.)
When the helpful RAC driver arrived and fixed the bonnet down with plastic ties, he reliably informed me that if I drove slowly (no faster than 40mph) I would manage the fifty miles and make it home safely.
(Lesson 4.... with self discipline it is possible to drive slowly and mindfully, and that it is better to be slower and safe than fast and stressed........even for speedy old rush around me.)
As I contemplated the reason for this (other than the faulty bonnet catch) I was intrigued by the drama and loudness of the message. This really did stop me in my tracks, and I was unable to see the way. it was almost like a slap in the face.
Where had I been and what was I doing trying to cram all this into one day? .... even though I should have taken the day for resting as I was incredibly tired having spent several long days doing all my end of year accounts and paperwork at the last minute.
Fascinatingly just as I was approaching home a third sign popped up ...... when my oil light and red STOP appeared again for the second time on the control board.
For months now, no probably years, those close to me have suggested I should slow down and take a little more time out, to stop 'driving' myself so hard. Often I don't even notice how hard I am working or how many hours I have put in to a project because I love my work... well most of it.
This time, rather than through the words of friends which are perhaps falling on deaf ears, I do believe that the angels had become a little exasperated and created a more obvious message for me to see and hear for myself.
We know God works in mysterious ways.... how can we serve others to the best of our ability, or shine our light to it's full potential if we become worn out and dimmed down by self imposed pressure....( however good the reasons may be). Ah, I am so good at making this point in my talks and workshops. Kindness and caring for others may become second nature, but taking enough care of oneself and 'Learning to love oneself' can be more difficult .... perhaps here in my middle years it is now time to really stop, look and listen.
So that's my aim for 2011. To conserve my energies a little more and try to slow down the rushing about in serving others. To take time to listen to my higher guidance, and follow it (perhaps a teacher teaches what the teacher needs to hear), and to see where and how I can manage my time more effectively so that I really can drive a little slower!
After all 11 is the number of mastery. Lets see if I can master this! Anyone out there like to join me?
It might be the end of January, but it is only the beginning of the rest of life!
Hope your year has started well for you, and I wish you everything you wish for yourself for 2011.
Lots of love and angel blessings,
Chrissie
Goodness....It is l most the end of January already.
Have you kept your resolutions... did you make any?
Every year I resolve to make changes of one type or another, but this year ( thanks to an extreme message from the angels) I am determined to. I have been shown that I really do need to listen to:
a) the kind advice of all my friends and family...
b) my own inner/higher knowing... and
c) the meaningful message of the universe/angels.
What am I talking about? Let me explain...
Yesterday was a normal busy day. I planned to deliver my last minute paperwork and talk things through with the kind person who is going to complete my January 31st tax return for me at 10.am.... meet my colleague Richard at 1pm to finalise the arrangements at the gorgeous venue for our new Masterclass Workshop in Stansted.... see a lovely lady for a one-to-one near by at 2.30.... drive down to London, select a new jacket with a returns voucher in a particular shop..... pop in to see my mother at 4pm, and then baby-sit for my son's children where I could meet my daughter for an hour too and later catch up on all my emails once the babies were asleep!
Not all of it fell into place as planned, and that was ok as these things happen. As I hurried down to London for the family commitments the oil light and STOP sign suddenly appeared on my control board. Knowing that to be an acute problem I drove straight to my mother's waited and checked the oil levels which, surprisingly, were fine. It gave me chance to have a nice cup of tea even if I had to forego a mini-shopping trip, and then I slammed down the bonnet, washed my hands and continued round to my son's ... minus the red light and with no need of oil.
Then....last night as I drove home late from baby-sitting my grandchildren, a weird accident happened. The bonnet of my little car flew open and smashed with a great 'bang' against the windscreen. Although the screen didn't smash I couldn't see a thing in front of me and had to pull over onto the hard shoulder and call the RAC to come out and help me as I couldn't force the bonnet back down myself.
(Lesson 1.... we cannot do everything ourselves and it's essential to have a support system lined up for those occasions where help is needed, even though sometimes it is hard to ask).
The loudness of the bang shocked me, and I panicked, slamming on my brakes, jolting my back. Although I wasn't hurt I observed that I got upset at the realisation that I might have caused an accident if anyone had been behind me.
(Lesson 2... it is perfectly normal to get upset sometimes and even to panic when things beyond our control shock us. This is not a sign of failure or weakness.)
As soon as I had called the rescue service out, the Highway Police arrived and told me that these cars are renowned for having a faulty bonnet catch...., he also kindly pointed out that I had pulled in by the side of one of their CCTV cameras, so that I was perfectly safe as I was on screen at their central office. I didn't feel at all vulnerable or unsafe but that was reassuring anyway.
(Lesson 3... trust that in all situations angels are 'watching over us' and even if we ever doubt it everything is for a reason.)
When the helpful RAC driver arrived and fixed the bonnet down with plastic ties, he reliably informed me that if I drove slowly (no faster than 40mph) I would manage the fifty miles and make it home safely.
(Lesson 4.... with self discipline it is possible to drive slowly and mindfully, and that it is better to be slower and safe than fast and stressed........even for speedy old rush around me.)
As I contemplated the reason for this (other than the faulty bonnet catch) I was intrigued by the drama and loudness of the message. This really did stop me in my tracks, and I was unable to see the way. it was almost like a slap in the face.
Where had I been and what was I doing trying to cram all this into one day? .... even though I should have taken the day for resting as I was incredibly tired having spent several long days doing all my end of year accounts and paperwork at the last minute.
Fascinatingly just as I was approaching home a third sign popped up ...... when my oil light and red STOP appeared again for the second time on the control board.
For months now, no probably years, those close to me have suggested I should slow down and take a little more time out, to stop 'driving' myself so hard. Often I don't even notice how hard I am working or how many hours I have put in to a project because I love my work... well most of it.
This time, rather than through the words of friends which are perhaps falling on deaf ears, I do believe that the angels had become a little exasperated and created a more obvious message for me to see and hear for myself.
We know God works in mysterious ways.... how can we serve others to the best of our ability, or shine our light to it's full potential if we become worn out and dimmed down by self imposed pressure....( however good the reasons may be). Ah, I am so good at making this point in my talks and workshops. Kindness and caring for others may become second nature, but taking enough care of oneself and 'Learning to love oneself' can be more difficult .... perhaps here in my middle years it is now time to really stop, look and listen.
So that's my aim for 2011. To conserve my energies a little more and try to slow down the rushing about in serving others. To take time to listen to my higher guidance, and follow it (perhaps a teacher teaches what the teacher needs to hear), and to see where and how I can manage my time more effectively so that I really can drive a little slower!
After all 11 is the number of mastery. Lets see if I can master this! Anyone out there like to join me?
It might be the end of January, but it is only the beginning of the rest of life!
Hope your year has started well for you, and I wish you everything you wish for yourself for 2011.
Lots of love and angel blessings,
Chrissie
Tuesday, 14 December 2010
Advent adventures!
Hi lovely friends,
We're half way through December already, and I am far from organised for Christmas. Is that because of so much traveling during November and the beginning of December I wonder... so that the Christmas season has sneaked upon me unawares? Or maybe due to an overwhelming amount of work, my next book to complete, the Essene newsletter to revise in order to create a tribute to our friend and Chairman rather than Christmas issue... articles and letters to write for magazines ( Spring issues!!) and new contacts to follow up, plus orders from the internet to process, and colleagues to meet.... and then babysit, take grandchildren to the West End, spend time with husband, dog, family and friends and try hard to get some shopping done!
Goodness, no wonder I'm aging rapidly!!! Please, don't get me wrong, I'm happy to work hard, and this is not a complaint. I just wonder sometimes at how I can lament the missing hours from my days, the missing days from my weeks and puzzle over how the years whizz by so steamingly fast, when it is through my own personal choice that I fill all my thoughts, and my time?
So, let me stop for a while and do what's really important during Advent. Let me reflect upon the real reason for the season.
Winter is traditionally a time for retreat, reflection and rest after all. The whole of nature knows that. The sap from the trees retreats into the nurturing belly of Mother Earth to rest and replenish in order to rise renewed and refreshed in the spirt of re-growth. The plants either die back or stop, and many animals hibernate until Winter has past. They do that naturally.
But Advent is part of the Christian calendar which, although it can be argued celebrates a birthday which was certainly not in December and which also ousted a pagan festival at the same time of year, is to commemorate the arrival of one of the greatest spiritual teachers of all time. Believed by many Christians to be the personification of God, born as man.
Advent is about anticipation. The Church has many rituals and symbols for Advent such as four candles - one of which is lit on each of the Sundays before Christmas. Some countries will have a special wreath and as we know children for decades have enjoyed eagerly counting down to Christmas by opening the tiny windows of an Advent calendar. (I so looked forward to my own glittery Nativity scene which came out each year and took pride of place on the mantle piece. As the years went by I knew exactly which picture was secretly hiding behind the windows and often peeped inside the double door to see the baby Jesus for the 25th).
At this time of great abundance, and over indulgence... anticipation - yes, waiting - has so often been replaced by a modern requirement of instant gratification... and a sense of greed seems to have replaced need.... But wouldn't it be fabulous to build into our daily busyness (without having to be reminded) a silent time each day for personal reflection. A few moments of precious time to reflect with gratitude for what we have already, rather than what we 'want'. A time to reflect on the important moments in life, such as happy memories and the people who mean something to us ... friends no longer present, yet whose presence is felt in that stillness. A time to reflect on what real love means rather than the price of presents, and the importance of giving generously of ourselves without looking for return or counting cost. How often do we reflect upon deep meaningful soul searching things, in the hurry and scuttle of the days in December?
So, here we are, in the midst of Advent, mid Winter. Christmas time again, already.
Many of us have had lots of hard weather conditions already and more snow predicted over the next few weeks. Yet in all the hardship the weather may cause, there is so much beauty; and an enormous amount of light. In every snow flake....we can see the beauty and light, glistening from the frost as the sun catches it... beauty and light, from the flickering flames of a log fire... beauty and light... and from the clear star laden skies...Everywhere beauty and light when we stop rushing and notice.
Here's a suggestion for this anticipatory run up to Christmas. Let's remember why it is Advent, everyday let's reflect even for a few moments on the true reason for the season.
Whatever your religious or spiritual beliefs, the teacher who was born to be the Christ and whose declaration 'I am the Light' changed the world, and gave a new meaning to the December festival we now celebrate, because of His faith and His message of love .
Let us add our own light through our thoughts during Advent, to all that we see, every glisten of frost, every icicle, every symbol of Christmastime.
My wish for you is that you will enjoy shining our own beauty and light into the shadows of the Wintery nights, and with an open heart in the true meaning of generosity your Christmas will be filled with giving and receiving friendship and love in abundance.
with my love,
Christmas blessings,
Chrissie
We're half way through December already, and I am far from organised for Christmas. Is that because of so much traveling during November and the beginning of December I wonder... so that the Christmas season has sneaked upon me unawares? Or maybe due to an overwhelming amount of work, my next book to complete, the Essene newsletter to revise in order to create a tribute to our friend and Chairman rather than Christmas issue... articles and letters to write for magazines ( Spring issues!!) and new contacts to follow up, plus orders from the internet to process, and colleagues to meet.... and then babysit, take grandchildren to the West End, spend time with husband, dog, family and friends and try hard to get some shopping done!
Goodness, no wonder I'm aging rapidly!!! Please, don't get me wrong, I'm happy to work hard, and this is not a complaint. I just wonder sometimes at how I can lament the missing hours from my days, the missing days from my weeks and puzzle over how the years whizz by so steamingly fast, when it is through my own personal choice that I fill all my thoughts, and my time?
So, let me stop for a while and do what's really important during Advent. Let me reflect upon the real reason for the season.
Winter is traditionally a time for retreat, reflection and rest after all. The whole of nature knows that. The sap from the trees retreats into the nurturing belly of Mother Earth to rest and replenish in order to rise renewed and refreshed in the spirt of re-growth. The plants either die back or stop, and many animals hibernate until Winter has past. They do that naturally.
But Advent is part of the Christian calendar which, although it can be argued celebrates a birthday which was certainly not in December and which also ousted a pagan festival at the same time of year, is to commemorate the arrival of one of the greatest spiritual teachers of all time. Believed by many Christians to be the personification of God, born as man.
Advent is about anticipation. The Church has many rituals and symbols for Advent such as four candles - one of which is lit on each of the Sundays before Christmas. Some countries will have a special wreath and as we know children for decades have enjoyed eagerly counting down to Christmas by opening the tiny windows of an Advent calendar. (I so looked forward to my own glittery Nativity scene which came out each year and took pride of place on the mantle piece. As the years went by I knew exactly which picture was secretly hiding behind the windows and often peeped inside the double door to see the baby Jesus for the 25th).
At this time of great abundance, and over indulgence... anticipation - yes, waiting - has so often been replaced by a modern requirement of instant gratification... and a sense of greed seems to have replaced need.... But wouldn't it be fabulous to build into our daily busyness (without having to be reminded) a silent time each day for personal reflection. A few moments of precious time to reflect with gratitude for what we have already, rather than what we 'want'. A time to reflect on the important moments in life, such as happy memories and the people who mean something to us ... friends no longer present, yet whose presence is felt in that stillness. A time to reflect on what real love means rather than the price of presents, and the importance of giving generously of ourselves without looking for return or counting cost. How often do we reflect upon deep meaningful soul searching things, in the hurry and scuttle of the days in December?
So, here we are, in the midst of Advent, mid Winter. Christmas time again, already.
Many of us have had lots of hard weather conditions already and more snow predicted over the next few weeks. Yet in all the hardship the weather may cause, there is so much beauty; and an enormous amount of light. In every snow flake....we can see the beauty and light, glistening from the frost as the sun catches it... beauty and light, from the flickering flames of a log fire... beauty and light... and from the clear star laden skies...Everywhere beauty and light when we stop rushing and notice.
Here's a suggestion for this anticipatory run up to Christmas. Let's remember why it is Advent, everyday let's reflect even for a few moments on the true reason for the season.
Whatever your religious or spiritual beliefs, the teacher who was born to be the Christ and whose declaration 'I am the Light' changed the world, and gave a new meaning to the December festival we now celebrate, because of His faith and His message of love .
Let us add our own light through our thoughts during Advent, to all that we see, every glisten of frost, every icicle, every symbol of Christmastime.
My wish for you is that you will enjoy shining our own beauty and light into the shadows of the Wintery nights, and with an open heart in the true meaning of generosity your Christmas will be filled with giving and receiving friendship and love in abundance.
with my love,
Christmas blessings,
Chrissie
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
Peace, Peace, Angel of Peace, be always everywhere.
I arrived into Belfast on the 5th November, and not a firework or bonfire in sight! Apparently it's very English, and only on this side of the water, to build bonfires, buy fireworks and celebrate Guy Fawkes ( doh, of course it is!!)... but then to continue with endless evenings of flashes and bangs late into the night! Ofcourse here in the UK we also have excuse of the celebration of the Indian Hindu festival of Divali, and it may also tie into the Sikh festival too, of Guru Nanak's birthday... and so fireworks may or may not be flashing right through the month of November, depending where you live on our multi-faith and multi-cultural island. So this year I missed it, and far more peaceful it was too!
Instead I enjoyed ten glorious days of travelling throughout north and south Ireland, and fulfilling the part of my life that gives me so much satisfaction.... meeting and greeting, sharing and talking, healing and teaching with lots and lots of wonderful people.
Ireland has a spirituality all of its own. A mystical magical way of being, that welcomes you onto its land and embraces you in its glorious natural colours, whispers through the Hawthorn trees, and stares out at you from historical ruins. It's in the tilt of musicality in the accent, the humour, the hospitality. And, steeped in the Celtic traditions of its true religion is the depth and nurturing richness of the very peat itself. I love it!
With every 'tour' of workshops seems to come a theme. Not intentionally, but nevertheless a strong train of thought that takes over and becomes the main message... whatever I might have decided beforehand, on a merely mortal level. This time the theme was peace.
Everywhere I taught in Ireland this time I found myself taking about inner peace and the need to centre oneself into ones own truth. To become confident and comfortable with the knowledge that no matter what... if we stand in our truth, with no desire to convince the other that your own truth is better than their's; if we can release the desire to rob anyone else of their own feelings, or their truth we release the ego from its power struggle, and its soul destroying stronghold.
To be able to give someone else the permission to be in their truth, and to hold on to yours without making either of you 'wrong' is a great gift. To step back from the argument, and decide that you are 'ok' knowing that both of you are actually 'right' and no-one needs to be 'wrong' and then to agree to differ with a smile... is empowering to both sides, to say the least.
With us right now is a beautiful full moon. This is a perfect opportunity to let go of anything we feel is holding us back in any way. Archangel Gabriel, the guardian of the moon is the energy to call upon to organise your thoughts. Ask for help in recognising and releasing anything negative, or a habit or addiction, or excess weight, and visualise it becoming less a little more each day as the moon wanes... This leaves you with a renewed freedom and strength, ready to build up a fabulous positive new energy with the new moon in a couple of weeks.
I'm going to ask Gabriel to help me to release aspects of my own nature that prevent me from experienceing true inner peace, a little bit at a time with the waning moon. Then on the first day of the new moon I can start to build on the positive energy of inner calm .... just in time for the run up to Christmas!
We cannot find world peace until we have found inner peace..... and each time I find myself developing a new theme for my talks I remind myself that, certainly in my own case, "the teacher usually teaches what the teacher needs to learn" !!
Lots of Love,
Chrissie
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