WAKING PLANET

A Sign in the Sky

2012-02-12T00:36:00.003-05:00

I woke up this morning thinking of that first photo and the need to share it here. After shooting from the car's front window, I was surprised to see that the clouds had formed a spiritual symbol on the left (how many rectilinear clouds do you see?). Do you see it?

I love this photo, because it feels not so much a message about one religion- Christianity- but rather as a recognition of the spiritual nature of all life- around us and in us!

If Jesus were alive today his message would still be all about love. He would still teach acceptance, compassion, justice and peace. And he would still be telling us that we have the potential to do all of the things he did and more.

For me, the true second coming is the recognition of the Divine within each of us. When we connect to the divine in nature (and we thank her for sometimes giving us special signs) we can more easily see that all is whole and holy- and that we are a part of it. We remember our intrinsic beauty and goodness.

"I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in." George Washington Carver

The signs may not always be so obvious, (all of these photos were shot from the car on the NYS Thruway on that same trip) but there are always subtle reminders all around you of the sacredness and interconnectedness of all life. For me, love is always pouring out of the natural world to restore and renew us- and help us to remember. You just need to look, open your heart, appreciate and surrender.

The nature spirits are waiting for you.

"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better." Albert Einstein

Ghana Photo Chronicles

2012-01-30T14:52:00.011-05:00


The 100 ft high, swinging rope bridge at Kakum National Park, is held by cables attached to the biggest trees.

Joakim making his swaying way. After awhile, all you could do was marvel at the amazing perspective it gave you.

Next time, I plan to sleep in a tree-house the park offers and take the canopy walk at dawn when the forest is filled with birds.

My favorite tree- I have no idea what it is


One of the most unusual trees I have ever seen

With its dread-like seedpods

Closer up

From Elmina Slave Castle in Oguaa (Cape Coast). This is where Europeans first made contact with- what was to become the Gold Coast- then Ghana

The University of Ghana in Legon

In Kasoa- this image stays with me.


Buying smoked fish at the makola- the vendors were very friendly- mostly Ga like Joakim

Slice of life in Accra

This one cracks me up. Could the guy look any more desirous? This very popular movie series is described as "sexy, sassy and full of wahala"- which is pidgin for "trouble". Note the sign for church organist training below it.

The makola in Accra- multiply this 100 times and add loud music coming from multiple directions to begin to get a 360 degree sense of this thriving marketplace.

Kente cloth, native to the Akan people of Ghana and Ivory Coast, decorates a roadway.

This is the scene from the Cape Coast Slave Castle- which I will write about in the future. A beautiful beach, but tragic story.

These are the last photos from Ghana I will be posting for awhile. Working now on some video! Stay tuned.

...as someone on FB recently said-
"My favorite new, flower teacher"

Queen of the Night...

Ghanaian Portraits

2012-01-28T18:18:00.003-05:00

Joakim Lartey- Best Life Partner!

At the marketplace in Kasoa


The matriarch, Emily Lartey with adopted son Evans and his fiancee Patience

Near Shai Hills- When the kids saw me they took my picture so it was easy to ask if I could take theirs.


Jamiles, Joakim's brother-in-law Tony and his daughter Naana

Jamiles, his Grandma Emily and Joakim

Joakim's sister Naadu with Jamiles

Kids in Accra

En route from Kasoa to Accra- This was the reaction after I waved


Joakim's niece, Naana- as someone called her "The Future President of Ghana"

The Patriarch, "Over to You!" Joe Lartey- respected and beloved by Ghanaians everywhere!

Selected Flora and Fauna of Ghana,West Africa

2012-01-25T23:39:00.006-05:00

These photos start and end with the Queen of the Night- an amazing flower we had the honor of seeing on three different nights. Each flower blooms for one night only. All that exquisite showiness for a few sweet hours. They certainly reign in the night!

I also caught some baboons, unidentified pink flowers, a beach path, a tiny owl (Elf Owl?) with a mouse, ostriches, an Agama agama (the brilliant lizard), a termite hill, a fresh almond and a crock! I was going to add trees to this, but decided the amazing trees of Ghana deserve a separate post!

A word on the owl. I got that shot on our last night at the beautiful, ocean-side, eco-resort Kasapa Center, outside of Accra. Proprieters Kofi and Susanne are good friends and true visionaries. They began creating this green, sustainable "village-like" resort about ten years ago. They combine traditional African architecture with the latest technologies, such as solar electricity, a bio-dynamic sewage system and modern hygienic compost toilets that work great.

The beauty of the place is only matched by the attentive and caring staff. Everyday, we ate delicious food under a big open air, thatched roof pavilion. One night when Kofi alerted me to the presence of the owl, I left the dining table to get this shot. When I came back, I mentioned that I knew some African people were afraid of owls. My dear sister-in-law, Naadu said, "All of them are!"

At that point one of the staff looked over my shoulder at the picture. "Oh my, was that taken in our country?" she asked. "Yes, I just took it right over there." She let out a shriek and ran to the kitchen laughing. Susanne and Kofi said they are seeing their night visitor in a new way and are enjoying catching glimpses of him. So I hope I helped rehabilitate the image of the owl a little bit.

We felt blessed to spend our last few days at Kasapa, a slice of heaven, where the Queen of the Night flower presaged the emergence of the true Queen of the Night!

more photos on Facebook

Ghana Travels

2012-01-10T11:33:00.005-05:00

Along the road from Oguaa to Accra- the reaction after I waved. B Upton

Enjoying my month stay in sunny, vibrant Ghana. We are visiting family and soaking up the sun and warm hospitality for which Ghanaians are renown. Here is a little photo essay to give you a taste of this beautiful West African country.

God's Grace Barberings- You often see scripture embedded in business names- one of my favorites- "Forgive them God They Know Not What They Do Saloon"

A slow day (Sunday) at Kaneshie Market

This is Accra's central market, down the street. There are 8 million here and on any given day they all seem to be at the Makola

Ghana National Museum

The first is a mask used by the Gelede cult dedicated to paying homage to the spiritual power of elderly and ancestral women. I like that cult. Next to it is a Chi-Wara headdress depicting a half human half antelope that was thought to have taught the ancestors how to farm. The Chi-Wara dance always had a male representing the sun and a female the earth to ensure an abundant farming season. Below are traditional woodcarvings representing communal ideas, myth and proverbial sayings.

And I will leave you for now with some refreshing pictures from the rainforest at Kakum. We had fun walking 100 feet above the ground on swinging rope bridges. The trees and plant life were gorgeous.

My step son Jamiles called this tree the Tree of Souls from Avatar!

It did look magical.

Next time- photos and a thoughts on the Cape Coast Slave Castle. One of the most moving experiences I've had since arriving on Xmas day.

Solstice Moon Art

2011-12-22T14:22:00.006-05:00

Awakening at the Cathedral of the Crooked Tree 2 B Upton

Lunar Eclipse- Seeing the Shadow B Upton

One Light B Upton

Moonlight through the Trees B Upton

Last night was the shortest night of the year- and now the light returns- a perfect occasion to reflect on your own inner light and to make a conscious choice to allow more of it to shine in the coming year.

The world has never needed us to be more in our power and light than it does now. What amplifies your Light? What helps you to connect to your spiritual essence? Creative expression, meditation, acts of kindness, prayer, being in nature's glory, sharing, learning, building community...there are countless ways to realign with your deepest and wisest self. Thoughts and actions that increase forgiveness, gentleness, openness and compassion increase your vibration and light!

The other day it dawned on me (I can be slow sometimes) that almost all of my paintings contain a white spherical object, or a little moon. I also have taken many photos of the moon, especially the moon at Solstices, eclipses and super moon phases- so it seemed like a natural idea to combine them digitally in Moon Art.

I hope these images draw you in and help you to connect to

your greater depths, inner beauty and remembrance of the holiness of all life.

Happy Solstice, Merry Holidays and

Endless Peace, Unlimited Joy and Unconditional Love to you in the New Year!

Love,

Barbara

Amplified Moonlight

2011-12-12T00:25:00.003-05:00

Amplified Moonlight 1 B Upton

Amplified Moonlight 2 B Upton

In honor of the lunar eclipse that took place yesterday, I am sharing some digital photos I took of the lunar eclipse from last June at the Solstice.

As you may know from other posts, I love lunar eclipses. I even created a world peace flag that depicts one (not that I consciously knew it at the time)!

Lunar eclipses help us to release old ways of thinking that no longer serve us. They are times of endings and bright, new beginnings. They can bring about flashes of insight that help you make sense of your world and they can illuminate the highest path before you. Their transformative energy stays around for a long time.

In the days of old, Church Fathers (not a mother among them!) thought lunar eclipses were evil and symbolized "wicked" women. AH! Time to reclaim the lunar eclipse, the time when our earth's shadow transverses the moon and turns it coppery red. Time to own our shadow and the collective shadow of humanity. Time to allow the powerful energies of these cosmological events to spur us on to the next level of our evolutionary journey. Time for women everywhere to reclaim their goddess nature as powerful co-creators, protectors and lovers of this world!

I amplified the colors to match the intensity of the energy of the lunar eclipse! After viewing these images I hope you will take a moment to close your eyes and allow an image of healing, meaning or beauty to be revealed to you.

Sosltice Lunar Eclipse B Upton

Amplified Moonlight 3 B Upton

B Upton

The Awakening at the Cathedral of the Crooked Tree B Upton

Amplified Moonlight 4 B Upton

Just to be accurate a couple of photos from Super Moon at the Spring Equinox showed up and my piece below is semi-transparently superimposed on one of those photos. As I said in that post-

"I hope these pictures will serve as a loving reminder of your own inner beauty, balance and divinity and the role you have to play in these times of transformation."

Lunar Eclipse Awakening B Upton

Blessings of Peace, Joy and Love

Barbara

The LOVE Revolution!

2011-12-08T11:45:00.004-05:00

My 25 Year Old Christmas Cactus- a gift from Nan who was a gift to this world and is now making angels laugh B Upton

If you are really paying attention you know we are in the beginning phases of a revolution- but true to our unprecedented times- it is a revolution like no other before it.

It is a revolution of the heart.

Across the globe, people are wiping the sleep from their eyes, taking deep breaths and starting to once again connect to the earth, one another and their deepest selves. We are connecting to the true and unwavering goodness that resides within us. We are also seeing that inherent goodness in every other person. We are awaking to our divine oneness! We are seeing the world with new eyes- eyes of love and reverence for our small, blue miracle of a planet and we are more passionately assuming our rightful roles as earth's protectors.

We are rapidly evolving from creatures of fear- who distrust, believe in scarcity and who are quick to violence, to people who create their lives from love- who radiate compassion, vitality, creativity and joy. It begins with making peace with yourself- honoring and loving every aspect of who you are, forgiving those who hurt you and forgiving yourself (although on a spiritual level- there is nothing to forgive).

When we open our hearts to ourselves, we are able to open them to our brothers and sisters across the globe. We no longer project our rejected and hated parts onto to others and instead recognize our shared humanity. We reconnect to our responsibility to make this world a better place for all.

What flows from making peace with ourselves is that we also make peace with time. We are able to experience the eternal now- the peace of being in the present moment, without struggle or worries. I'll be writing more about this in future posts.

The LOVE Revolution is birthing a new human- one connected, at peace, intuitive, compassionate, passionate about justice and unafraid. It is a challenging time, but also an exciting time to be alive... filled with the promise of a more just, sane, loving and sustainable world!

Occupy the Planet!

Grateful

2011-11-23T23:22:00.010-05:00

My "Fanciful" Lizards B Upton

I have always loved Thanksgiving- one of the more laid back Holidays where we get to enjoy good company, good food and the pleasure of thinking about all that is right in our lives.

When I count my blessings, people come first- my beloved family, all my loved ones and good friends and the friends I have yet to meet! I am thankful for.the gift of life itself and for our beautiful and sacred earth. I am thankful for the time we are living in, which although challenging, is also full of promise. I am grateful that a new world is possible that works for everyone and that humanity is awakening and will not stop until they create it! I am thankful for open hearts, for the eternal possibility of forgiveness and for the unconditional love that permeates our universe and is the ground of our being.

To bring it all down to earth, I am grateful for the conversation I just had with my 8 year old grandson, the oldest of my three little darlings. We talked for well over an hour on subjects ranging from caught critters (he estimates he has caught over 100 geckos- which he eventually frees) pets like Honey Bear (a little dog who has the face of a bear and who is fun to cuddle with) to the stop motion animation he has posted on YouTube and to to art in general. That's when it got very interesting. I asked if he ever considered drawing a picture of one of the geckos.

"Oh, yes, I have" was his reply.

I told him I'd send him a colored pencil drawing I had done of lizards years ago. Then I remembered how "psychedelic" they were and thought it necessary to add,

"They are rather fanciful and don't look like "real" lizards."

He paused and then sagely said, "There is no right or wrong in art- that's what makes it art."

How wonderful and liberating and a long way from the way I was "taught" art. When I was in the first grade, my teacher slapped me across the face because I was not keeping up with the other students in drawing a tree. She told us to draw a line and put a circle on top. I thought to myself, a tree does not look like a lollipop! So I drew 2 lines for the trunk and was filling them in when...

My grandson informed me that he drew all the time and we decided to make a pact- I'd send him my drawing of lizards and he would send me his "as soon as possible". We also discovered that we both love sea horses.

"Do you know it is not the female that carries their young?" he asked.

When I suggested we might both try our artistic hand with them as well, he said, "You just read my mind!"

He mentioned that my artwork is hanging in his great-grandparents house. When I told him I painted them nearly 40 years ago, he exclaimed, "Your art has been hanging for two generations!"

He also told me of a car he painstakingly made for his dad who "loves cars" for Father's Day and that he had written DAD on the sides of it.

"My dad said it was the best present he ever got," he told me proudly.

Here is to innocence, creativity, passion and hope. Here is to future generations! May we redouble our efforts to create a better world for all the precious children everywhere.

The Gecko Catcher Himself

And with his dad, my son

Here is my post from last Thanksgiving- Our Universe, Ourselves, which is my most popular one. It is quite different from this year, but the wish remains the same-

May you have a delightful day filled with goodness, warmth and love. May the blessings of connectedness, plenty and love reach more and more people around the world.

Occupy Your Heart

2011-11-21T10:06:00.002-05:00

I referred to Occupy Wall Street as a Revolution of Love in another post and I think this video sums it up well. Also, here are two videos I recently did. One is of our own local encampment at Occupy Poughkeepsie. A few of us gave them a hand in having a March and Rally to show community solidarity on Nov 12. The mostly, young folks who are occupying struck us with their intelligence, insights, organization and compassion. People from the neighborhood often drop by and if they are hungry they are fed. If you are in the Hudson Valley please join them for a General Assembly everyday at noon and 7PM and visit them at occupypoughkeepsie.org. We know police are cracking down across the country, often violently, against peaceful protesters, so we want local officials to know we stand with our local occupiers!

And here is one from last Thursday- in which over 32,000 rallied in Foley Square and then went across the Brooklyn Bridge.

Occupy Wall St.
Here is 1 reason to join the movement.....
The U.S. Census says the number of children living in poverty in the U.S. rose by 1 million last year. Nearly 1 in 3 children, 33% now live in households considered poor. At the same time the 400 richest people in America – our nation’s oligarchs – have never had it so good, they control more weath than 150 million Americans.
400 people with more wealth than 150 million. Many children in poverty so they can have billions. Sickening.
We simply will not allow this to continue. We are rising up.

"You cannot evict an idea whose time has come."

Blessings of Peace, Faith and Perseverance

11-11-11 Portal to the New Earth

2011-11-10T18:36:00.004-05:00

On Friday, we will experience 11-11-11-11-11-11 (11seconds, 11 minutes after the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month of the 11th year) something that will not happen again for one hundred years! I have written before on the 11:11 phenomena in which millions (some say 75 million) are seeing 11:11 on digital clocks with almost supernatural regularity! I started seeing 11:11 about 15 years ago and have always viewed it as a reassuring sign that all is well. Some feel 11:11 is the trademark of a group of 1,111 fun-loving spirit guides- here to remind us that we are not alone, powerful beyond measure and on track in aligning with our highest, truest and most loving Selves.

Now I see 11:11 everywhere! For instance, I just noticed that the human butterfly crop circle above is a depiction of the evolving human standing between two (slightly wavy) 11's. Now I also see many 11:11's in the piece "Sacred Pond" I did below (which I was not aware of while creating it). Eleven is a spiritual Master number representing illumination, deep insight and great power - so yes, I think the 11-11-11 date at this critical juncture in time is of great significance!

I believe that on 11:11:11 there will be a light-filled infusion of loving energy sweeping around the world. By centering and raising your vibration through meditation, song, dance, or other ways- you will be able to help ground this divine and blissful energy into your being and into the body of the earth. You will also be able to experience a sacred doorway that opens into higher dimensional reality- to a place where you remember that you are pure love and eternally safe.

Some of us are called to join in groups (in the Hudson Valley- the Dreaming Goddess, in Pok at 11AM, Sonic Alchemy Chamber at 7:30PM at Mountain Waldorf School) to usher in these energies. Some may just feel a strong pull to be in nature alone, or with one or two close friends. Listen to your heart. The physical way you honor this sacred day is not as important as the intention you bring to it. I believe this will be a day of amplified energy- whatever intention you have will be strengthened and come into manifestation more quickly. So it is important to hold the highest vision for yourself and for the world and you will automatically be linked to all who are doing the same.

Meditation for 11-11-11 beginning at 11AM in your timezone-

so the energy raised can sweep across the planet!

Take long, deep breaths- letting go of thoughts, worries and cares on every exhale. Inhale peace. Let go of any tension in your body each time you breathe out. Just let it go. If your inner-critic, or inner-cynic starts yakking- simply observe it as "thinking" and go back to your breath. Breathe in peace, relaxation and love. Exhale anger, anxiety and doubt. Inhale freedom. Exhale fear. As you feel more relaxed, allow feelings of deep contentment and calm to flow over you and through you.

Now extend your "roots" down into Mother Earth and draw her nourishing, healing energy into your body bringing harmony and perfect functioning to every cell. As you fill with vital, life-giving (female) earth energy also reach up to the heavens, allowing "branches" to grow from your head and reaching up past the moon and the stars. Inhale and connect with the luminous and loving (male) sky energy. Feel these beautiful energies meet and merge in your heart and bask in the light that is created when you connect to these vast and infinitely loving energies (you are simply connecting to your greater Self).

Hold a vision for the highest and most loving future you can imagine. See all people living in peace, happy, fed, clothed and housed, with good health care, quality education, decent work, freedom, love and dignity. See the earth restored, with a booming green energy economy, safe, natural and nutritious foods, clean waters, rich topsoil, fresh air and with all people having deep respect for the planet and all the life it supports. See yourself at peace. Acknowledge that you are indeed "good enough", and that you utterly belong and are needed on this planet at this time. Vow to bring more of this peace into your everyday life.

Feel your connection to all the other humans on earth who are joining with you on this sacred day to begin the birth of a new, more sane and compassionate humanity Each of you is a point of pure Loving Light- see the points connect creating a dazzling grid of beautiful light all over the planet. Know that this light represents our Waking Planet and that you are an irreplaceable part of it all.

Slowly, begin to be aware of sounds and sights in the place you are in. Come back feeling more whole, harmonious and content. Bring more awareness to your ability to reach this state whenever you choose. Know that on a heart level you are now connected to an ever growing body of souls dedicated to the Great Shift of the Ages that is now upon us. May we all provide each other strength, love, perseverance and joy in these transformational times. May we all be at peace.

You Are Love. You Are Loved.

Love, Barbara

PS This is the Double Rainbow of the Waking Planet image that came to me after 9/11. It too represents the portal to peace we are about to walk through.

SEE YOU (BE WITH YOU) 11AM on 11:11:11!

October Snow Video

2011-10-31T12:10:00.004-04:00

Luckily, the snow storm Saturday did not take down many trees in the Hudson Valley, but it was fun to watch and the next day the yellow and red leaves covered in snow and the falling leaves and dripping water made for some interesting scenes. Of course, all this freakish weather is another subject entirely!

I noticed the time on this video was 1:22:44. So that is how I knew it was done! Click on the 4 arrows icon on lower right to see full screen. Enjoy.

A Merging of the Worlds

2011-10-27T16:41:00.002-04:00

My dear friends, I am sorry to have been somewhat absent of late. I have been spending more time on Clear Stream Media- chronicling the amazing revolution of love that is happening across our land and around the world. I call it that because I see the values occupiers everywhere share- nonviolence, compassion for one another, true equality, justice and an overriding optimism that we can create a new world! These values spring from an underlying sense that every human has inherent dignity and inalienable rights and I think for many, it is based on a remembrance of the spiritual essence and oneness of all life. It is the perfect energy to usher in our new, awakened world and I have tremendous respect and gratitude for all participating in this bold and creative stand for a new way of being in the world.

For years I have felt like I lead a double existence- posting the positive and joyful on Waking Planet, and the cold reality, challenges ahead and what is working (because I am an optimist by nature) on Clear Stream Media. I felt Waking Planet should be an oasis- a place where you can come to be renewed by beauty, spirit and soul sharing. I still feel that way- so although I may link to a video or short article on Clear Stream, this blog will remain true to the highest vision we can hold together. But Clear Stream will have a new feel- I will be sharing more from the spiritual perspective, along with facts and suggested actions. It's full heading is now "Clear Stream Media, News from Our Waking Planet!"

I invite others to share their information, stories and insights on both blogs. We are all in this together- let's reach out and support each other.

When we are attuned to our highest, deepest and truest selves we see that all is exactly in right order, on time and on purpose. I believe that we have all chosen to be here at this thrilling time of individual and planetary awakening and each of us has a vital and unique role to hasten the evolutionary leap in consciousness that is occurring. More and more we are identifying with the strength, purity and love that exists at our core. This blissful remembrance of who we are- one with all of divine creation helps us to see fear as the illusion it is. As we focus on the only thing that is real, fear transforms and we are able to heal our selves and our world!

A Merging of the Worlds also of course represents the union of heaven and earth, physical and spiritual, mind and heart, male and female, reason and intuition - that is happening now. We are creating a new world together- one that is just, peaceful, sane, sustainable and filled with love.

Occupy Wall St- Down There and Up Here!

2011-10-09T14:10:00.000-04:00

A little different post for Waking Planet- but really this is an awakening whose time has come! As we remember our spiritual essence, we also connect to the strength and power of the people to demand a more just and compassionate world. We are the 99% and in America if you work hard and play by the rules you should be able to have the American Dream- a living wage job, decent housing, health care and the ability to send your children to college. Sign on to the American Dream Contract. Almost a third of a million have already!

For those who are local we are planning a "Occupy Wall Street, Kingston" rally for this Thursday, Oct 13, 12 to1PM, in front of Congressman Hinchey's office, 291 Wall St, Kingston, NY. Our message is to support #OWS, demand jobs, not cuts and that the richest among us pay their fair share! You can sign up here, or just come. Bring a sign, musical instruments if you have them and bring your passion for economic justice for the 99%!.

moveon.org

Awesome Video of Earth from Space and More!

2011-09-27T16:12:00.004-04:00

This is so breathtaking- our earth seen from actual time-lapsed footage from the Space Station!
Doesn't it make you want to pledge to honor and protect this beauteous planet for all time? And here are a few other photos from NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day.

Sun with sunspot Credit: SST, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences


Orion Nebula NASA, JPL-Caltech, T. Megeath (Univ. Toledo, Ohio)


Shapley 1: An Annular Planetary Nebula Image Credit: ESO

What our sun will look like one day when it runs out of nuclear fuel!


Saturn Storm Panoramas Credit: Cassini Imaging Team, SSI, JPL, ESA, NASA

And lastly, one I recently posted on Waking Planet on Facebook-

We each are a part of this magical, wondrous universe. May its beauty reflect back to you the boundless beauty that exists within you! Peaceful blessings.

Almost Forgot the Best Part- The Trees Talkin' !

2011-09-19T21:21:00.000-04:00

To go with the post below. Hope you enjoy!

Tree Talkin'

2011-09-16T10:33:00.004-04:00

"Waking Planet Flag in the Forest" B Upton

In my post, "Childhood Aha! Moments" I spoke of an early memory that has helped shape my worldview today.

I was about 7 or 8 and playing outside alone, as was usual for me, being an only child and not allowed to venture far. So maybe it wasn't surprising that I found my companions in nature. The wind was blowing and whistling through the giant elms overhead. As I looked up I had the distinct impression that the trees were talking to me! I remember feeling very comfortable "talking" to the trees. It seemed they understood and loved me unconditionally and I them! I can't remember specifically how these conversations went, but I was happy to have such powerful friends.

"Sacred Pond" B Upton

"Yellow Fall" B Upton

I have had a love affair with trees and all of wondrous nature ever since.

The other day my 8 year old grandson said, "Grandma do you know that the trees exhale oxygen that we need to breathe in? And that they breathe in the carbon dioxide that we breathe out- isn't that amazing?" Yes it is. In addition to being beautiful, providing habitat for birds and animals, wood for our shelter and warmth, fruits, nuts and shade, trees anchor the soil, conserve water and act as the lungs of our planet.

Trees effect us on deep levels. Studies have shown that trees near homes can boost concentration, calm people, reduce ADHD in children, help people heal faster, strengthen communities and even reduce domestic violence!

"Red Trees and Pink Barn" B Upton

"Tree by the Ocean" B Upton

"Magical Opening" B Upton

We can draw on the strength and endurance of trees in meditations. Like trees, we can become the intermediaries between the earth and heavens; the physical and the spiritual. For a short, guided meditation that will help to restore and calm you, try the Silk Cotton Tree Meditation.

And of course, I highly recommend hugging trees! Let your heart pick one out. Approach it slowly with respect. Touch its bark, breathe in its scent and the fresh air it creates. Look at the beautiful canopy overhead. Then press your heart next to the tree and wrap your arms around it and feel the pulse of life in the tree merge with yours. Allow its strength and steadfastness to fill you. Give thanks for its power and beauty. And don't forget to talk to the tree (you can do so silently). They are very good listeners!

A Mini-meditation for Irene

2011-08-27T12:11:00.000-04:00

Hurricane Irene Seen from Space NASA

Sending peace, protection, light and love to all 65 million of us in the path of Irene!

If you are one of them, here are some practical tips that may be helpful- http://www.weather.com/weather/hurricanecentral/article/when-a-hurricane-threatens_2011-08-22

It is also a good time to feel our connection to one another, to link up energetically with all the people sending love and care to the east coast and to add our own calm and loving intentions for the best possible outcome.

Irene mini meditation-
Take deep calming breaths- breathing in peace and exhaling tension. Focus on your heart center and feel it opening more to send loving thoughts to all in the path of Irene. Imagine a bright light emanating from your heart connecting with the grid of light that is covering the affected area. See the grid brightening as so much love is focused here.

Now focus on Irene and imagine it growing weaker and weaker and veering off to sea. See it growing smaller and slowing down. Feel your intention blending with that of thousands of others and becoming an unstoppable force for good!

Breathe deeply and allow the love and light in your heart to continue to grow and bring calm to all around you. May you be at peace. May you be safe.

Earth Shaking!

2011-08-23T22:18:00.013-04:00

I was at my computer when I received a jolt and looked up to see rainbows dancing on the walls. The crystals hanging in the window were swinging back and forth and clicking against the glass. I heard the dining room table rattling. I jumped up and felt the movement under my feet. I wasn't sure what was going on and at one point thought my washing machine was really off balance! But then I knew- I had just experienced my first earthquake.

So the Eastern Seaboard of the US got a 5.8 quake that miraculously does not appear to have resulted in any serious injuries. Thanks be. One of the members of Waking Planet on Face Book who lives in the epicenter of the quake, said it felt more like a huge energy shift as more of us pull in more light during these transformational times!

No doubt about it, we are going through a Grand Awakening that will forever change how we relate to one another, the earth and to ourselves. We are remembering that we are not humans having a spiritual experience, but that we are spiritual beings having a human one; an old saying that expresses a profound truth! With that remembrance comes boldness, joy and a dedication to bringing more sanity and love to our planet. As we align ourselves with our souls, we are able to give the gift only each of us can and that the world so desperately needs. As I said in my response to her, "We become the guardians of the earth and agents of divine love we were meant to be."

The earth of course is also talking. She is protesting the removal of her mountain tops, the scraping of her ocean floors (bottom trawls and dredges) the polluting of her air, waters and land, the fracturing of her crust (fracking), the cutting of the protective ionosphere with high energy radio beams (HAARP), the oil spills, the forcing of DNA across species barriers (genetic modification), the landmines, the nuclear waste...

So I also think of the quake as a wake up call from Mother Earth! We have got to stop messing with her and learn to live in harmony with the earth and all life on it again. Now I know that is a tall order- but I do believe that when enough of us awaken, well then anything is possible. As I have said here before,

"As the old world disintegrates there is dislocation and confusion- but through the cracks a new light is shining! As millions awaken to their true and beautiful natures that light will only grow in brilliance and power. The solutions that will come from a connected humanity that is in alignment with the earth are almost beyond imagining!"

I also think that as more of us awaken on our own, the shift will be smoother for all of us.

Just a few entries down on Waking Planet someone had posted a video of Gregg Braden. He was talking about the touching story of geese and how closely attuned they are to one another as they fly. By going together in formation they are able to go 71% farther than by going alone! There is no one leader- they take turns and- this is the amazing part- if one of them is injured or sick and falls out of formation, two geese always go down with that bird. They stay with the injured one until the bird dies, or is able to fly again. Then the three fly off together, eventually reconnecting with their flock. Braden says we are essentially living as a flock moving toward a common goal. He asks for each of us to have compassion and forgiveness, so that no one is ever left behind, as we all move together toward the Shift of the Ages.

Clear Stream Media: Women in Black in the Hudson Valley and Beyond- new video!

2011-08-22T23:00:00.000-04:00

Clear Stream Media: Women in Black in the Hudson Valley and Beyond- new video!

Childhood Aha! Moments

2011-08-08T18:43:00.003-04:00

Dating myself with this old photo!

Sometimes during difficult times it is good to get back to basics and nothing gets me there so easily as remembering moments of insight from my childhood!

I was a lucky kid, the only one in a loving extended family, so my epiphanies were for the most part, positive. I think it is important to remember all the times when you arrived at a belief about life. Sometimes, when we were hurt as children, we may have come to a conclusion that is really not borne out today. For instance, we may have decided at an early age that we were not good enough. We need to revisit erroneous conclusions like that and see them from an adult perspective. Sometimes we also need to comfort our inner child and to allow the healing to begin.

These Aha! moments are very powerful. We need to reinforce the moments of pure clarity when we saw we were one with all and to work with the conclusions we made as children that were false and that we can now release.

"It's never to late to have a happy childhood." Tom Robbins

When I think of Aha! moments from my childhood, that helped shaped me into who I am today, this is the first that comes to mind.

I was about 11 and I was very excited because I was going to my Aunt Jennie's to make Santa Claus's out of brandy snifters! As I recall, you gave him a Styrofoam head and made felt arms that wrapped around the bulbous glass which was his belly. This sounded like high art to me and I could hardly wait.

But then something happened, I don't recall what and I was told I could not go. I was disappointed in the dramatic way only an 11 year old can be, when suddenly something else popped up (again I can't even remember what it was) but I thought "Oh, if I had gone to Aunt Jennie's I would have missed out on this way cooler thing." It was then and there that I had the epiphany...

"Everything always happens for a reason."

It has been at the core of my being ever since. Of course, the terrible suffering of humanity seems to make this a naive and even heartless maxim, but one must take a much larger view to realize there is divine perfection in all of it. That does not mean we are off the hook to do all we can to lessen the suffering in this world. I think that is one of the main reasons we have been put on this earth. But when you act from anger you add anger to the world, when you act from inner peace and love that is what you increase in the world. When you remember that every event in your life, no matter how painful, was designed by your higher self to serve the awakening of your soul in this lifetime, everything changes. You approach the world with compassion instead of judgment. Forgiveness blossoms more easily and organically.

Today this particular Aha! moment manifests for me as an overriding trust in the inherent goodness of the universe, of humanity and of the Divine Plan of which we are all an integral part.

My second Aha! moment occurred when I was a younger child. I was learning that there were many different religions in the world. People were all praying to different Gods, which utterly confused this choir girl from the Olivet First Presbyterian Church! Then one moment it hit me- they were all praying to the same One and calling the One different names. I remember feeling much better then and had my first sense of the unity of all humanity.

The third moment I will share in my next post is about the day I discovered my relationship to the trees; a relationship that still gives me wonderful strength and positive energy. Til the next time (which I promise will be soon)!

I'd love to hear about your Aha! moments from childhood. Peaceful blessings of love and never forget...

You are the center of the universe.

Divinity exists in you as Love

unconditional and endless.

Are You a Wayseer?

2011-07-21T09:05:00.000-04:00

The Inchworm and the Blue Flower

2011-07-13T23:32:00.009-04:00

Had fun watching and photographing this little guy- not sure exactly what he is- but he moves like an inchworm. If anyone knows more about him let me know!

Coupled with the bright blue of the balloon flower, they made quite a pair. I love his arrow-like, black markings and his seemingly infinite number of ways to move about; hanging upside down one minute- standing at attention the next! He also moves well to the beat of African percussion. Thanks to Joakim Lartey, joakimlartey.com, for the great music!

Sacred Earth Series, Part II- Pond Life

2011-07-09T00:58:00.002-04:00

I had fun putting this together- entering into the secret underworld of a pond to watch the mystical minnows, floating salamanders and serpentine snakes. I must admit it was a little addicting, especially watching the minnows; silver one moment, black the next, flinching when they touch, to sensuously running their bodies over one another, stationary in patterns that reminded me of calligraphy (what is their message?) to darting so fast as to be a blur and appearing and disappearing, into and out of nowhere.

On the radio I heard an ex-prisoner describe the hierarchy there and the lowest of the low were called "minnows". When you search for "minnow" you find mostly articles describing them as bait- near the bottom of the food chain.

Yet I find them lovely with their gossamer fins, mysterious movements (they often move backwards) and the way they catch the sun and glint silver in the water. It was also intriguing to focus in on the way they are with one another and how they move as one.

“To see a world in a grain of sand
And a heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand
And eternity in an hour”

William Blake

Owl Snoozing- Laying Down to Sleep!

2011-07-02T22:16:00.008-04:00

As some of you know, I am an avid lover of owls and also most fortunate to have been graced by their (almost daily) presence many summers for the last 11 years. The babies usually make their debut in the spring with an unusual, kind of sucking-in sound (one year my husband thought it was the sound of some cheap sneakers he had bought!). Lucky for us, the babies, like all babies, seem to have their hours mixed up. And they don't have any fear of us, in fact, they seem very curious, often landing near.

Well, so far this year no sneaker sound, not a baby in sight. But I still hope the babies may appear, or maybe the adults will visit as I do hear their whoo whoo whooing quite often.

In the meantime, here are some shots from last year. Sorry they are a little blurry- he was high up and I was hand holding, but the sequence is fun and I have never seen an owl sleep like that on a branch before- have you?!

I just happened to catch him when he woke up in the last photo. I like that he was looking right at me, as he had been before his little nap.

Blessings of New Awakenings to you!

Beauty in Blue

2011-06-29T11:38:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends, I don't know why, but this post magically disappeared from the blog. It has gotten thousands of hits- I'm not sure where folks are coming from- but thought I should repost!

Holy Blue Flowers B Upton

Crescent Earth NASA

"November Volunteers" B Upton

"Ice" B Upton

"Three Baby Owls at Night" B Upton

Earth from Space NASA

"Blue Angel" B Upton

"The Catskills" B Upton


Butterfly Tree Photographer Unknown

May we open to the holiness of life all around us and within us!

Sacred Earth Series Part 1- in Honor of the Solstice

2011-06-22T11:51:00.002-04:00

Hope you enjoy this little video I just did! The Mountain Laurel was so beautiful this year and I loved its contrast to the dark forest. I was able to capture a few visiting creatures too. Future series will feature the owls (hopefully)!

I want to thank the wonderful musicians Joakim Lartey and Thomas Workman. Their piece is called "Solstice 1111" They will be playing as Bakana! in Woodstock with Chris Lane (electric and acoustic guitars, cigar box guitar, ngoni, looping, and more!) Check them out on Saturday, July 8 at 8PM, at the Vivo Gallery, 105A Mill Hill Rd and be prepared to be transported to other realms!

Happy Solstice! May the bright, radiant light of the Solstice fill you with warmth and vitality!

Returning to the Mountain

2011-06-17T00:25:00.004-04:00

It was wonderful coming home a few days ago to find the Mountain Laurel in full bloom. I was returning from the Southwest, so the lush verdant life of New York in early June was particularly soothing! The cool, moist mountain air also felt like a healing balm. I spent most of the first day back just being in the woods. My batteries needed recharging!

So I apologize for being absent from this blog for awhile (I was happily caring for my three wonderful grand- children). I am back and excited to see where these musings on beauty, the universe, inner peace, unity consciousness and transformation go! I hope they brighten your day and help strengthen your connection to our sacred earth, all life and your deepest self. I hope they, like my Waking Planet flag, remind you of the peace available within you and in our world. May you find inspiration here for believing in yourself, opening your heart and making the contribution that only you can make to create a more loving and just future!

I was also thrilled that a lovely blue heron was part of my first day welcoming committee.

"The intelligence of the universe's design is equally matched by the depth of love that inspired it."

Christopher Bache

Peace to you!

Barbara

Beauty Heals!

2011-05-20T16:00:00.003-04:00

Feather of a Male Indian Peafowl Michael Maggs

Indigo Lactarius Dan Molter

African Grey Parrot Peeking Out From Under Its Wing Avenue

Great Egret Nest with Three Chicks Mike Baird

Henbit Deadnettle Masaki Ikeda

Physalis Rudiger Krutz

The Antelope Canyon in Arizona Lucas Loffler

Swan with Nine Cygnets S Sepp

Lilium martagon Bohringer Friedrich

Most of the photos and artwork on this blog are my own, but it is always wonderful to be able to share what I think are some of the most beautiful photos on the internet, through Wikimedia Commons! Thank you to all the great photographers who choose to share in this generous way!

Nature beckons to us continually... come closer and see the intricate, exquisite artistry of life all around us! It invites us to slow down, breathe deeper, and to feel our oneness with our beautiful, sacred earth and all life! We can breathe in the brilliant shimmering color, explore the exquisite patterns, get lost in magical light and be charmed by the graceful lines of the natural world. We can let beauty have her way with us! Greater contentment, inner peace, connection to the earth and to your true, eternal self, are the gifts she gives in return.

When you really allow beauty in, you also are recognizing the ephemeral nature of life and the preciousness of every living thing, every moment. Gratefulness will naturally well up in your heart and that is a good thing.

The other night I heard a new bird singing, with a lovely trill at the end. I was listening with joy when I suddenly burst into tears. I didn't expect that! But the bird's song was just so perfect, yet so vulnerable. It made me want to protect the earth and all its life even more. I also felt blessed by the beauty all around me and sent out a prayer that more will be able to deeply connect to the beauty of our earth and find the healing that is waiting for them there.

Connect to mother earth

to breathe more deeply

Breathe more deeply

to connect with beauty

Connect to beauty

to open to gratitude

Open to gratitude

to focus on what is working

Focus on what is working

to draw more if it to you

Draw more of it to you

to follow your heart

Follow your heart

to live your soul's purpose

Live you soul's purpose

to be you.

Rare Sights and Sounds of Our Mysterious Universe!

2011-05-16T12:13:00.008-04:00

Mountains on Saturn's Moon Iapetus NASA

Saturn's Rings with Its Moon Enceladus NASA

NASA has traveled farther and captured more incredible photos in just the last ten years than ever before, but sadly, they rarely make the news in any big way. From moon mountains and Polar Aurorae to the existence of a little moon called Enceladus, located in Saturn's rings, here are a few photos to intrigue and remind us of the miracle of our breathtaking universe!

Saturn's Aurora at Ultra-Violet Wavelengths NASA

North Pole Aurora of Saturn Seen with Infrared Light NASA

An aurora is caused by charged particles streaming along the magnetic field lines of a planet into its atmosphere, like we see on Earth with the Northern and Southern Lights. Scientists working with data from the Cassini probe called Saturn's Aurora at its North Pole "a fantastic surprise" that showed that there was something "special and unforseen" about the planet's magnetosphere.

Come to find out the auorae are linked to an electrical connection between the Ringed Planet and one of its smallest moons, Enceladus. Enceladus is only one of three planetary bodies in the Outer Solar System that has eruptions- in this case, huge geysers of heated liquid and organic particles.

Processed Blue so we can see the individual jets gushing from Enceladus NASA

Raw, unprocessed photo from Cassini of the plumes shooting out of Enceladus!

Scientists have even recorded the sound of these two heavenly bodies interacting!

As if all that were not fascinating enough- there is more. Did you know that there is a mysterious, hexagon shape at the top of Saturn? It has been there for at least the last 20 years!

And I leave you with the photo I liked the most of Enceladus!

Enceladus with Saturn's Rings NASA

As I said in another post-

"The universe we live in is one integrated, whole; all is connected, all is sacred. May its splendor continually blow our minds and shatter the illusion of our fear-based egos, so we can see once again that we are whole, good and intimately connected to the one, great web of life."

Our Waking Planet and the Double Rainbow

2011-05-14T02:20:00.009-04:00

Crescent Earth NASA

" A revolution of love is sweeping the planet. Fear has material resources, but love has cosmic support. Ultimately, love will prevail because only love is real." Marriane Williamson.

What an exciting time to be alive. We are on the cusp of a great awakening- a spiritual renaissance that will forever change the way we view one another, our earth and most importantly ourselves. We are remembering that there is divinity in all life- in every person, in every living thing and in our own hearts. When we embrace our inner sacredness, the holiness of all creation lights up around us. Then we joyfully can claim more of our ability and responsibility to protect the earth and to work for a more just, sane and compassionate world!

The Double Rainbow in the Waking Planet Image B Upton

I designed the Waking Planet World Flag to represent the new world we are in the process of creating. I found that sometimes as I softly gazed on the flag that the center circle, representing the earth, would divide into two and overlap forming an almond or vulva shape in the middle. I called it the Double Rainbow and saw it as an auspicious sign symbolizing the portal to peace we are now walking through. Also, because it is something that happens through our own mind and observation, to me it represented the power we have within to change perspective, to create and to transform.

I later learned that I had created a Vesica Piscis, the most powerful symbol of sacred geometry, representing the union of the Divine with the world of matter, the blending of heaven and earth- a source of great power and energy for thousands of years!

Waking Planet Flag B Upton

Waking Planet Mini Meditation

You might try gazing at the Waking Planet image above- don't try to see the Double Rainbow- just relax, breath deeply and on every exhale, let go of tensions in your body and breathe out any worries. Breathe in the colors and let them energize you. Breathe in the harmony of a world which respects the inherent dignity of all people. Breathe in the beauty of an earth that is protected and revered once again. Breathe in the balance between the sun and the moon, your masculine and feminine sides. Breathe in the unconditional love that is being birthed on our planet now. And maybe when you least expect it, there it will be- the Double Rainbow, the vesica piscis, the womb of the new earth we are creating.

Let the image of Waking Planet put you back in touch with your own beauty, brilliance and inner harmony. The colored rainbow figures not only represent the people of the world coming together in mutual respect and caring, they also represent your chakras or energy centers that serve as a conduit for divine life force energy. Imagine your energy centers brightly colored, spinning with health and vitality from the base of your spine to the top of your head. Imagine more light filled energy filling you and radiating from you. Whether you see the Double Rainbow or not is not important, but I hope this little exercise leaves you feeling more peaceful and renewed! I have found meditating on the Waking Planet image to be very centering and healing (I also dream more in color when I do)!

My flag, my art and me B Upton

We all chose to be here at this critical juncture in time and the world needs us to be in our power and light. Claim yours and let it shine!

A shower of loving blessings to you,

Barbara

"Human Angels"

2011-05-09T11:11:00.002-04:00

I always love videos about our spiritual nature and Enya, the singer, is one of my favorites. I hope you will go through your day as the angel, you in truth are!

(and please check out my new album on Facebook and join the Waking Planet group if you haven't yet!)

Sweet Pansies

2011-04-29T00:25:00.008-04:00

One of my joyful, Spring rituals is to visit a local farm market and buy some pansies to photograph or paint! I love their bright little faces, swirling graceful petals, brilliant colors and dramatic markings. They seem so fragile yet they are very hardy! After a rain, they seem the perfect symbol of freshness, renewal and new beginnings! The Johnny Jump Ups growing against the rocks (2nd to last) come up every year. I think of them as wild little pansies. I love that they are the first to appear and the last to leave (as I documented here.) I also like the little white specks on the black centers of the pansies that give a cosmic feel! You feel drawn into their starry depths.

Here is a painting I did a few Springs past. Not pansies, but they seem somewhat related. These flowers are very small and with incredible detail (some of which I left out, out of sheer laziness). A 10 x 10" giclee print on wrapped canvas is available of this painting, for $60 on the Waking Planet site.

Another Spring Flower acrylic by B Upton

Hope they all brighten your day! Keep Faith

Beauty in White!

2011-04-23T23:33:00.009-04:00

Baby Owl Feather B Upton

Detail from "Our Waking Planet" B Upton

Sombrero Galaxy M104 NASA

Portland White Rose B Upton

Barred Owl in the Sun B Upton

Birch B Upton

Mountain Laurel B Upton

Super Moon B Upton

Detail "Our Waking Planet" Acrylic by B Upton

Another Portland Beauty B Upton

A mini-mini meditation for you, inspired by the color white!

White Light Meditation

Take three deep breaths. Inhale peace, exhale tension, growing more relaxed with every breath you take. Imagine you are in a beautiful forest that smells of pine and cedar. Hear the rush of a waterfall and go closer until you can feel the refreshing mist from the waterfall on your face. Now imagine this mist is filled with a glowing white, light filled with love, that gently surrounds you and comforts you. Let this light flow into your heart and then spread through you bringing vitality, harmony and health to your every cell. As you breathe the white light in, a growing sense of calm and well being flows through you.

Imagine a symbol of white that is beautiful to you. Let its beauty fill your heart as you give thanks for the blessings of this earth. Return to your day refreshed, calm and content!

If you enjoyed this series check out Beauty in Blue and Beauty in Red.

Peacefully...

More Spring Unfurling!

2011-04-14T21:23:00.004-04:00

Does anyone know what the name of the plant is in 1, 3 and 6? It has the most amazing vitality- a burst of bright green in a dark forest. This last one is the Trillium I spoke about. It even has a nodding bud! So exquisite...Stay tuned for blossoming!

Thought for the Day-
“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.” Dr. Seuss

Photos from April 11 11

2011-04-12T21:29:00.001-04:00

Happy Spring! It is so wonderful to hear a gentle rain and the sound of peepers as I write. The long, hard winter is over. New life and colors are sprouting everywhere and I love chronicling the changes. I hope the trillium comes up again in the woods by the drive. I'll be sure to get a photo of it for you- it is a most rare and delicate flower.

May the Spring breezes bring you renewal and a new sense of hope; may the scent of the warming earth bring you peace, the sounds of the returning birds bring joy and the emerging beauty of returning life remind you of the eternal beauty that exists at your core! Attune to the Spring energies and feel the new possibilities of life beckoning you.

As Robin Willimas said, Spring is nature's way of saying "Let's party!" Enjoy!

Universe in a Brain Cell

2011-04-02T19:13:00.007-04:00

The universe is us, we are the universe.

All is divine, the divine is all.

As above, so below.

Fascinating to see that the human brain cell looks uncannily similar to a simulated picture of our entire universe! One is micrometers wide; the other spans billions of light years. Yet a pattern is retained. There is a correspondence between the great and little worlds.

Seeing the microcosm in the macrocosm helps us to shift our perspective. We are part of a much larger whole. We are all made of the same divine substance. Those we share this spinning planet with are in fact our true brothers and sisters! Silly us, how could we forget?

"Emergence" B Upton

You are a reflection of me, I am a reflection of you. The same divine light that shines at your inner most core, shines at mine.

You are my sister, my brother: I am your sister. I believe these are the truths awakening in millions of us on our "small blue dot". May we have faith and courage to do the work that is asked of us in our collective quest for a better world.

I painted "Emergence" a few years ago, before seeing either of the other two pictures. I was striving to represent the divine mystery and deep beauty of our universe... and of ourselves!

Blessings of the Very Small and the Very Large!

Beauty in Red

2011-03-25T13:28:00.003-04:00

Trinity of Self: The Mother B Upton

Red Rose Nebula NASA

Rose B Upton


Pomegranates B Upton

Red Trees with Pink Building B Upton

Hibiscus with Bee B Upton


"Magical Feminine I" Detail B Upton Red Spot on Jupiter B Upton Red- the color of passion, excitement, enthusiasm, beauty and love. Wishing you all these things in copious quantities today! It is also the color of our root chakra at the base of our spine that gives a sense of ground-edness and belonging in this world. If you enjoy this series check out my Beauty in Blue and Beauty in White too!

Supermoon at the Spring Equinox!

2011-03-21T22:25:00.003-04:00

Supermoon 1 (not photoshopped) B Upton

Supermoon 2 B Upton

Supermoon 3 B Upton

We just experienced a rare cosmological event called Supermoon. It occurs about every 18 years when the moon's elliptical orbit comes closest to the earth (lunar perigee) at the time of a full moon. NASA said it would be a full moon "of rare size and beauty" and it did not disappoint! It was 14% bigger and 30% brighter than normal and had a mystical, magical vibe that I hope is transmitted by these photos.

Supermoon 4 B Upton

Supermoon 5 B Upton

"The moon above reminds us that life is cyclical and that every crisis creates a new opportunity of equal intensity—all the challenges facing us today are providing the catalyst for a massive awakening on our planet. The moon also connects us to our intuitive knowing. It whispers to us to act upon the love and wisdom of our higher selves in this precious lifetime."
From wakingplanet.com

So what may be the special message of a supermoon? To me, it is about remembering what we are most in need of now - the reassertion of the divine feminine to heal our hearts and the planet. The qualities of caring, compassion and respect are awakening within us now as we birth a new world based on love rather than fear. That it appeared on the Spring Equinox, the time of equal day and night (equinox means equal night) also points to the need for a balance of the masculine and feminine within.

I hope these pictures will serve as a loving reminder of your own inner beauty, balance and divinity and the role you have to play in these times of transformation.

Cathedral of the Crooked Tree B Upton

Peaceful, moon blessings!

Mini Meditations, Part One - The Silk Cotton Tree

2011-03-08T22:15:00.010-05:00


Waking Planet About Us Page B Upton

African Silk Cotton Tree (See the woman on the left?! This tree is a giant!) B Upton

This is the beginning of a series of short meditations inspired by the photos above! Benefits will be enhanced by doing it outside, but you can do indoors too. This will help you connect to the earth, your breath and spirit. In it you will become like the tree and you will feel more centered, peaceful and strong.

Part One - The Silk Cotton Tree (Earth)
Take some nice deep breaths. Allow yourself to relax more and more with every breath you take. Each time you exhale let all of your cares and worries go, just breathe them out...let them go. For the next few minutes you can choose to be worry-free. You deserve this!

Our Home NASA

Bring your awareness to the earth. Feel her vast and powerful energy. Note her exquisite beauty. Our earth is a fragile, spinning jewel; the most beautiful of our solar system and perhaps the most beautiful beyond that! Although she is facing challenges, the earth also still holds amazing energy that has the power to heal, restore and make whole.

It is available to you now. All you have to do is use your imagination to connect to this loving source. It is easy, because you are just coming into alignment with your natural state of oneness with the earth and all life on it.

So begin by imagining roots extending from your feet and from the base of your spine- sinking deep down into the rich loamy soil of mother earth. As your roots go deeper and deeper, your connection to the earth grows stronger. You begin to feel a sense of deep belonging and safety which helps you relax more completely.

When you feel very peaceful and relaxed, begin drawing up the nurturing, vibrant and healing energy of mother earth every time you inhale. You might imagine this as a beautiful golden light. Let this light bring strength and health to your every cell. When you feel full of this strong earth energy - this golden light - imagine branches sprouting from your head and extending up into the sky. See them growing as high as other trees, to the moon, past planets, intertwining through the sublime beauty of our galaxy, our universe, our home. Feel your leaves gently swaying in the celestial winds.

As you inhale allow the loving energy of the heavens to flow unobstructed down into you. Imagine it filling every part of you with brilliant, joyful, white light. It awakens the divinity within and brings you the peace "that passes all understanding."

Now once again draw up the life force energy of the earth and the life blessing energy of the heavens. Imagine these energies merging in your heart - earth's golden light blending with the white light of spirit.

It feels like a homecoming- you are aware of your balance, grace and strength. Like the tree, you have become an intermediary between the physical and spiritual worlds. You are meant to be a conduit for these vast, healing energies. When you invite them in, you are energized and made whole. From this place you begin to remember your infinite and divine capacity for love and compassion.

And like the Silk Cotton Tree, you can stand strong, still and steadfast as change happens all around you. Give thanks to the earth below you and the heavens above you. Give thanks for this precious life.

Return to you day feeling more relaxed, centered and at peace.
Peaceful and Loving Blessings on Your Path!
Barbara

Coming Next! Mini Meditation, Part Two- The Water Lily

Playful Moon

2011-03-06T18:45:00.001-05:00

Aren't these fun shots? I'm sorry I don't know the photographer, but thanks to Marilyn for sharing them with me.

One World, One people, One Future. All is one. All is here. All is now. Playful moon blessings!

Moving Crop Circles!

2011-02-27T00:00:00.000-05:00

Oh, my goodness! Crop circles were meant to move.

Owl Wisdom of the Day!

2011-02-21T23:37:00.004-05:00

Owl Wisdom of the Day- this time from one of the babies - can be found at the Waking Planet Community on FaceBook. (just search "waking planet" on FB- can't get the link to work, sorry!)

I think of it as a little haven where we can share good news, inspiration, love-in-action, art, beauty and stories that remind us of the holiness of self and all. I hope you will join the over 1,000 like-minded spirits there!

I will be posting another video soon- a guided meditation/visualization to connect to the earth, your breath, gratitude and beauty- the first four steps to inner peace. I realized I needed to work with the steps a little more before sharing- I hope the video will help open clear calm spaces within you, ease tensions and help you to relax more fully into the deep, sacred center of your being where there is no fear, no anger, no pain.

Happy Valentine's Day xoxoxo

2011-02-14T17:09:00.001-05:00


Unfurling Beauty B Upton

Saints Bowing in the Mountains

Do you know how beautiful you are?
I think not, my dear.
...For as you talk of God,
I see great parades with wildly colorful bands
Streaming from your mind and heart,
Carrying wonderful and secret messages
To every corner of this world.
I see saints bowing in the mountains
Hundreds of miles away
To the wonder of sounds
That break into light
From your most common words.
Speak to me of your mother,
Your cousins and your friends.
Tell me of squirrels and birds you know.
Awaken your legion of nightingales---
Let them soar wild and free in the sky.
And begin to sing to God.
Let's all begin to sing to God!
Do you know how beautiful you are?
I think not, my dear,
Yet Hafiz
Could set you upon a Stage
And worship you forever!"
- Hafiz

It's Time

2011-02-08T21:31:00.000-05:00


"It's Time" B Upton

Playing with a little crystal ball and sunlight can yield some pretty effects. Hope this image and words resonate within you!

Winter Meditation

2011-02-03T12:17:00.000-05:00


The Waking Planet Flag in Winter B Upton

As the clear winter water
Nourishes the seed within the earth,
I am nourished by new-found awareness
of who I truly am.
This awareness has not yet fully matured,
And I rest content
In the arms of the unfolding universe,
Which will reveal all wisdom
In its time.
the Power of the unmanifest
Even now works within my spiritual heart,
And I am at peace.

The Essene Book of Days by Danaan Parry

Wintry Photos and a Few Words from a Recovering Technophobe

2011-01-22T18:06:00.002-05:00

Mystic Mountain B Upton

The video posted below is one of the few things I have found on YouTube that I really like. I'm interested in spiritual awakening, but what is up with all the hypnotic spirals, monotone voices and the nearly incomprehensible messages? Well, I guess I should just say they do not speak to me! But "Of the Wand and the Moon- Raven Chant" below did. (This comes from azze12's channel so many thanks to him!) And hopefully next time I will figure out how to add text to a downloaded video!

I'm a newbie to social media and technology in general. I often find myself perplexed and sometimes frustrated (of course the idea of reading a manual, or directions never occurs to me). I just keep plugging away and try to have fun with it.

I enjoy collecting and sharing good news and stories of innovation, collaboration and compassion- stories that exemplify the awakening that is taking place on our planet. I also like sharing inner technologies- tools for navigating these changing times with more ease and contentment. I trust that my messages- whether here, on my website, FaceBook or YouTube- are reaching exactly who they are meant to reach (yup, talkin' to you)!

The forest was filled with glittering ice and such a peaceful vibe yesterday. Wishing you joy and loving warmth, no matter where you live!

Unexpected Light B Upton

Waking Planet Flag by the Pond B Upton

Raccoon "Art" B Upton

Of The Wand And The Moon - Raven Chant

2011-01-22T16:58:00.001-05:00

Light in the Soul

2011-01-16T12:20:00.002-05:00

My latest FaceBook post. This is a quote I have loved since I was a young girl. The art is a detail of one of my paintings. Hoping you are having a lovely Sunday!

Times of Healing and Hope

2011-01-04T21:08:00.003-05:00

My first attempt at YouTube! If after viewing, you feel a little calmer, more hopeful and can breathe a little deeper then I will be happy.

If the message resonates please share! Peace to you!

Words of Truth

2010-12-30T14:40:00.012-05:00

Passing Storm B Upton

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."
Martin Luther King Jr.

Here are a few quotes I posted on my Waking Planet FB site that I began this past summer. Hope you will join the community there to share global good news and stories that energize and inspire. Check back here soon (better yet subscribe to these posts) for the top 10 Waking Planet stories that give me hope for 2011!

"War is obsolete you know. Of course, the mind could rationalize fighting back, but the heart would never understand. Then you would be divided in yourself: the heart and the mind and the war would be inside you." Dalai Lama

"Every decision you make - every decision - is not a decision about what to do. It's a decision about Who You Are. When you see this, when you understand it, everything changes. You begin to see life in a new way. All events, occurrences, and situations turn into opportunities to do what you came here to do."
Neale Donald Walsch

"Whenever you advise a ruler in the way of Tao, counsel him not to
use force to conquer the universe. For this would only cause resistance. Thorn bushes spring up wherever the army has passed. Lean years follow in the wake of war. Just do what needs to be done. Never take advantage of power...force is followed by loss of strength. This is the way of the Tao. That which goes against the Tao comes to an early end." Lao Tzu Tao Te Ching

‎"Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence and I learn, whatever state I may be in, therein to be content." Helen Keller

"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves." John Muir

The Catskills B Upton

"Trust returns. Healing happens. Energy flows. Renaissance arrives. Attitudes change. Peace arises. You emerge. "((Kairos)) Tashi Rana

New Day B Upton

"Nothing is impossible, even the word itself says...'I'm possible'" Audrey Hepburn

“When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.” Jimi Hendrix

"Learn from the mistakes of others. You can't live long enough to make them all yourself." Eleanor Roosevelt

"In the Mind of God, there is a fully created image of you at your most creative. abundant and joyful. And there is a divine blueprint by which this image would take form in your life. It is not something you can MAKE happen, but it is something you can ALLOW to happen, by making the softening of your heart your primary goal. This is the meaning of spiritual surrender." Marianne Williamson

Wishing you a peaceful last day of 2010! Let's stoke the power of love in 2011! May you be blessed.

Symbolism of the Waking Planet Flag

2010-12-28T22:42:00.003-05:00

New Version of the Waking Planet Flag c. B Upton

As we just experienced a beautiful lunar eclipse, thought I would post a description from my website that describes the symbolism of the sun, earth and moon forming a lunar eclipse in my Waking Planet world flag. By the way, I was just fooling around and inserted a photo of our Earth from space, instead of the symbolic blue disc. I think it is an interesting juxtaposition of the actual with the symbolism of the rainbow figures, sun and moon. Let me know what you think!

"The earth, glowing with vitality, is surrounded by colorful figures representing the beauty that is possible when people of different colors, tongues and beliefs come together in mutual respect and support. The rainbow spectrum also stands for the integrated wholeness at the core of every individual. We access this inner peace by accepting and loving all aspects of our humanness.

The rising sun symbolizes the new millennium and the unlimited energy we are being given to be our best selves and to live our life’s purpose. The sun also represents our male aspect, which must be balanced with our inner female represented by the moon for inner peace to flourish.

The moon above also reminds us that life is cyclical and that every crisis creates a new opportunity of equal intensity—all the challenges facing us today are providing the catalyst for a massive awakening on our planet. The moon also connects us to our intuitive knowing. It whispers to us to act upon the love and wisdom of our higher selves in this precious lifetime.

The Waking Planet new world flag represents a lunar eclipse, a cosmological event in time spanning millions of miles! The symbolism of a lunar eclipse—the time when the earth travels between the sun and the moon and casts its shadow on the moon is key. By accepting and even learning to love our own shadow, with all of our human shortcomings, we experience inner peace — the foundation for peace in the world. Lunar eclipses were once feared, but now embraced, as opportunities for tremendous growth, self-awareness and spiritual awakening." From Waking Planet.

Holy Night

2010-12-21T13:26:00.007-05:00


Pre-Eclipse- Moon with Large Halo B Upton

It was spectacular watching our Solstice Lunar Eclipse! I bundled up and dragged a rocking chair outdoors to have a ringside seat. From time to time I would pop back in to stand by the wood stove and fortify myself with a little ginger brandy! Once when I went back out I was startled to see all the clouds had parted and there was the beautiful coppery red orange moon nestled in a sea of bright stars. Stunning! Unfortunately, I wasn't able to do the sight justice with my little hand held digital camera, but it is forever seared in my memory.

Just Beginning! B Upton

Almost There! B Upton

At one point as we neared totality there was a sudden howling from coyotes and perhaps a few dogs. Isn't that amazing? They were connecting to what was happening!

I thought of the fact that this could be seen by 1.5 billion people! How wonderful to think of 100's of millions staring in wonder simultaneously. I kept getting chills up my spine, but it wasn't from the cold.

We can draw on the power of this cosmological event to help us make changes in our own lives. May we more easily release old doubts and fears and strengthen our resolve to live from our hearts with purpose and joy! New beginnings, new hope, a return to the Light...


The Solstice Total Lunar Eclipse 2010 B Upton

A neat time lapsed video of the eclipse!
Happy Solstice!

Magical Lunar Eclipse on the Solstice!

2010-12-20T10:48:00.004-05:00

It has not been seen for centuries- that rare celestial event when we have a total lunar eclipse on the Winter Solstice, Dec 21st. The show begins at 1:33am EST and finishes at 5:01am EST. If you want to catch the totality when the moon takes on the coppery glow of all the sunrises and sunsets on Earth tune in at 3:17am EST.


Thanks to ShadowandSubstance.com

Lunar eclipses were once feared, but now are seen as opportunities for transformation. It is the best time to set an intention of releasing old thoughts, stories and ways of being that no longer serve you. In the first hours of the Solstice you will be able to celebrate the return of the light for our planet and within yourself!

Lunar eclipses are especially dear to me. When I created the Waking Planet world flag to represent the peace available within us and in our world, I realized I had also depicted a cosmological event in time spanning millions of miles, a time when the earth, moon and sun are in perfect alignment- a lunar eclipse. Read more here.

Shadow and Substance has some lovely animations. And Mr. Eclipse has good information and pictures too. Enjoy!

Thanks to Mr. Eclipse!

The Healing Power of Nature!

2010-12-17T11:44:00.000-05:00

Please join us on Facebook too- for good news, inspirational stories and a growing community of people who believe a different world is possible!

here is my latest post there-

The Catskills B Upton

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves. ~John Muir

The Seventh Step to Inner Peace- Connect with Your Divinity

2010-12-06T01:42:00.011-05:00

"Heart Light 1" B Upton

I have to confess that when I began writing about the Seven Steps to Inner Peace last August, I wasn't sure what they all were! Something told me to just trust my intuition, write when inspired (hence, the time it has taken!) and to let the words spring from my heart. I have enjoyed doing it and hope the steps and images spark your own inner knowing!

Here is a review of the first six steps (click on the step for more) with a new anchoring affirmation for each!

Step 1. Connect to the Earth
Bring more awareness to your body and allow the strong, nurturing and healing energies of our beautiful earth to fill you.
Affirmation "I am one with the earth. I am grounded. I am safe. I belong."

Step 2. Connect with Your Breath
As you allow your breath to naturally slow down and deepen, your body and mind will also relax.
Affirmation "I breathe in vitality and exhale tension. I become more peaceful with every breath I take."

Step 3. Connect with Gratitude
Your state of mind creates your reality. When you focus on gratitude you shift your focus to what is right and working in your life. What you focus on increases.
Affirmation "I easily recognize and give thanks for the blessings in my life."

Step 4. Connect with Beauty
Beauty nourishes, heals and restores you at your deepest level. Beauty is a requirement of your soul.
Affirmation "I walk in beauty. Beauty before me, beauty behind me, beauty above me, beauty below me...beauty all around me." (from a Navajo prayer)

Step 5. Connect with Your Shadow
There has never been a better time to declare a truce with yourself! Bring acceptance, light and love to the parts you once rejected in yourself. Remember, feeling "unlovable" is fed by fear and based on an illusion. Bring understanding, compassion and acceptance to all of who you are.
Affirmation "I am healed. I am one. I am whole."

Step 6. Connect with Your Heart
Your natural state is to have an open heart overflowing with warmth, light and love! Forgiveness unlocks the sweetness of your true Self. All love is founded in self-love.
Affirmation "It is safe to give love, receive love and be the love that I am."

Step 7. Connect with Your Divinity
"The divine exists in me, as me. I honor my creator by recognizing the light within me and living from that place of unconditional love."

You find your divinity in the same place as you find your rejected self- in your shadow. Although the shadow is mostly made up of parts you find unacceptable and have denied in yourself, it also contains your unowned brilliance!

"Messages in the Shadows" B Upton

I know it is hard for some of us to realize that the traits we find so appealing in others are projections of what we already have in us. We are not encouraged to embrace our talents, or our inner-light! We are taught that is is egotistical to think well of ourselves, but the truth is, if we are at war with ourselves, we will not be much good to anyone else. Don't worry about getting a "big head". You have a lifetime of put downs to counter so that you may arrive at a truer picture of the extraordinary being you are!

And don't stop there! Practice expanding your sense of identity to include others, the earth, the universe and the divine, because at your core, you are one with it all. The Light of the Divine Source lives in your heart. It is not something you need to earn. It is already one with you. This sacred light has the ability to heal others, yourself and the planet and no one has more of it than you do.

You are not just a drop in the ocean. You are the mighty ocean in the drop ~ Rumi

The one tool I have found most helpful in connecting with this luminous Reality is meditation. I know "meditation" is a word that can strike terror in many people's minds! I used to approach it as a "should" and worried too much about whether I was doing it "right". But then I realized there are as many ways to meditate as there are people. Walking meditation was the answer for me (combining Steps One and Seven). If you currently practice meditating - good for you and keep it up! If you have tried and given up, or this is new for you, I hope you will give it a try (again). The rewards of being in the stillness of the present moment are great. I believe in simplicity and in what works so I will be sharing some tools and techniques that have helped me in meditating in future blogs.

The Seven Steps only become effective by practicing them, but this is a practice that you can make joyful (I'm a big believer in joy). For instance, to practice Step One, you could give yourself a couple of minutes every morning (hopefully outside) to face east, breathe in the light of the new day and to feel grounded, strengthened and supported by the earth. You could tape the affirmations and listen to them as you go to sleep, etc. Come up with practices that sound like fun to you.

With time, I sincerely hope the steps help you experience greater and greater levels of inner peace, self-love, oneness and the joy you deserve!

I can think of no better way to end these steps than by quoting Marianne Williamson who sums it all up beautifully in this famous quote

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Namaste!

"Heart Light 2" B Upton

Our Universe, Ourselves!

2010-11-26T00:28:00.012-05:00

I like how this video shows the grandeur and incomprehensible enormity of our universe! It's mind boggling to know that it takes 100,000 years traveling at the speed of light just to begin to see the shape of our Milky Way (and 5 million light years away our galaxy itself becomes a mere speck of light)! One is humbled, but at the same time exhilarated. We are all a part of this amazing universe and this Sacred Mystery is a part of us.

I believe our ability to see deeply into our cosmos reflects our growing consciousness. For most of human history our vision was limited to what could be seen with the human eye. We assumed all that we saw revolved around us and that we were the center of the universe. Geocentric humans felt they were at the top of the hierarchy and that it was their right to dominate and exploit nature and others. But now we see we are no where near the top or center of anything. We see we are a mote of dust on a speck of dust spinning through an endless universe. How can our consciousness not be changed by this?

I think a journey to the edge of the cosmos also signals our journey to the deepest and truest parts of who we are. As more of the miraculousness of the universe is revealed, we will be able to more readily grasp the miracle of who we are and the role we have to play on earth.

In 2003, astronomers turned the Hubble telescope on a dark patch in the night sky, the size of a grain of rice held at arm's length. They thought they might just see more black space, but what they saw amazed them. Repeated exposures kept revealing fainter galaxies. Over 11 days, The Ultra Deep Field, called the "most amazing photograph ever taken", revealed over 10,000 galaxies in that very small part of the sky!

Hubble Ultra Deep Field- The Most Amazing Photograph Ever Taken NASA

Pictures like this can make us feel very, very, very small, yet indescribably large at the same time.

The universe we live in is one integrated, whole; all is connected, all is sacred. May its splendor continually blow our minds and shatter the illusion of our fear-based egos, so we can see once again that we are whole, good and intimately connected to the one, great web of life.

The Seventh Step to Inner Peace- Connecting to Your Divinity and Purpose is next!

" When you try to pick out anything by itself, you find it hitched to everything else in the universe." John Muir

Flammarion Woodcut- Some say he is peering at the wonders within us!

Wishing you a shower of blessings on this day of giving thanks. 11/25/2010

Our Recent Art Show

2010-11-10T23:23:00.002-05:00

Sorry I have been away and not writing here for awhile- but now I am back and want to continue with the steps to inner peace, among other new things. So check back often!

Thought I would share some pictures from the art show Monika Kretschmar and I had recently in New Paltz, NY. Big thanks to Maria at LaBella Bistro who provided the beautiful space as well as some delicious hors d'oeuvres for our opening!

Visit Fine Art America for more of Monika's fantastic art http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/1-monika-kretschmar.html
and visit her website for more on the Inner Voice Drawing modality she created. http://www.innervoicedrawing.com/

More of my photos and art can be seen at my website- www.wakingplanet.com

Thank you to all who purchased art. May you enjoy the pieces for decades to come!

Jon Us 10/10/10!

2010-10-08T22:06:00.011-04:00

10/10/10 is a special day! There will be meditations for peace and Power of One calls the day Humanity's Date with Destiny. If you live in the Hudson Valley come share your positive intention for a more peaceful and sustainable world at the opening of the art show "Offerings of Beauty" at La Bella Bistro, 5-7PM at 194 Main St in New Paltz. Refreshments will be served. Thank you to Maria of La Bella!

Connect with Your Heart

2010-09-26T16:32:00.011-04:00

Crescent Earth NASA

If you spend a lot of time in your mind, I am asking that for this sixth step to inner peace that you drop down into your heart. Just as a change in perspective reveals a beautiful crescent earth, new possibilities will be revealed to you.

When we connect with our hearts, we are connecting with our feelings, our infinite capacity for compassion and to our true essence, which has been and always will be love. When our hearts are wide open (their natural state) we are in a place of oneness with the earth, all life, our deepest selves and our divine source. We are home.

All of us are on the path to a soft and open heart, but if you are like most, you have erected walls, even fortresses around yours. I think it is important to first simply acknowledge if this is true for you. Can you see your defenses without judging them, without making yourself wrong? You must have had a good reason to build those walls of protection!

But now those walls are blocking out the light and diminishing your ability to love and to be loved. They are causing more trouble than they are worth! The good news is there is a better way.

In Sanskrit the name for heart is anahata which means unstruck or unhurt. What this is saying is that underneath all the drama and the stories of victimhood you tell yourself, there is a part of you that can never be harmed- your eternal, vast and beautiful self! You are already safe.

You can access that sacred self by choosing moment to moment to live from your love-filled soul, rather than your fear-driven ego. The best (and only) place to start is with your relationship with yourself. That's why the shadow work in step five is so important. When you look at yourself with more compassionate eyes you see the world in a more loving way. When you declare an inner truce you project a more harmonious vibration into our world. When you are able to see without the distorting lens of fear, the other becomes your brother-your sister, the earth becomes your sacred home and you are one with All That Is.

Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the sweetness of your true heart. Ah, forgiveness! Nothing keeps us stuck in our hard and closed hearts more than holding a grudge. Yet, I know how hard it is to let it go! Forgiving can't be forced, but is always an option available to you. I think it helps to begin by reframing forgiveness- it is not about condoning hurtful behavior- it is about setting yourself free! You do this by recognizing your humanness and forgiving yourself for sometimes "missing the mark", which was the original meaning of the word "sin". Then you can extend forgiveness to others, knowing that they too have been wounded and were only doing the best they could, even if it fell very short of your expectations.

"The Spiral Goddess Says Embrace Yourself!" B Upton

In any moment you can justify your anger, resentment and fear, or choose to walk through them. The nature of emotions is to flow. You feel them, to release them. The pain is in the resistance.

Forgiveness is a gift you give to yourself. It can release you from the past and allow you to step into the magnificence of your true self; vibrant, healthy, joyful, loving and free! Just saying that your intention is to begin the work of forgiveness, will set up powerful forces for change that will bring you more naturally into your heart- into your true essence.

In the dream below I heard that the message for humanity at this time was to "seek your heart". I send you blessings and strength on your quest to live from that divine place within you.

___________________________________________

" Close your eyes and put both hands over your heart. Picture a stream of brilliant white light entering your heart. Focus on the vision of light and say out loud: " I am willing to let the love in." Feel the energy flowing into your heart." - Louise L. Hay

WAKING PLANET

A Sign in the Sky

Ghana Photo Chronicles

Ghanaian Portraits

Selected Flora and Fauna of Ghana,West Africa

Ghana Travels

Solstice Moon Art

Amplified Moonlight

The LOVE Revolution!

Grateful

Occupy Your Heart

11-11-11 Portal to the New Earth

October Snow Video

A Merging of the Worlds

Occupy Wall St- Down There and Up Here!

Awesome Video of Earth from Space and More!

Almost Forgot the Best Part- The Trees Talkin' !

Tree Talkin'

A Mini-meditation for Irene

Earth Shaking!

Clear Stream Media: Women in Black in the Hudson Valley and Beyond- new video!

Childhood Aha! Moments

Are You a Wayseer?

The Inchworm and the Blue Flower

Sacred Earth Series, Part II- Pond Life

Owl Snoozing- Laying Down to Sleep!

Beauty in Blue

Sacred Earth Series Part 1- in Honor of the Solstice

Returning to the Mountain

Beauty Heals!

Rare Sights and Sounds of Our Mysterious Universe!

Our Waking Planet and the Double Rainbow

"Human Angels"

Sweet Pansies

Beauty in White!

More Spring Unfurling!

Photos from April 11 11

Universe in a Brain Cell

Beauty in Red

Supermoon at the Spring Equinox!

Mini Meditations, Part One - The Silk Cotton Tree

Playful Moon

Moving Crop Circles!

Owl Wisdom of the Day!

Happy Valentine's Day xoxoxo

It's Time

Winter Meditation

Wintry Photos and a Few Words from a Recovering Technophobe

Of The Wand And The Moon - Raven Chant

Light in the Soul

Times of Healing and Hope

Words of Truth

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."Martin Luther King Jr.

"War is obsolete you know. Of course, the mind could rationalize fighting back, but the heart would never understand. Then you would be divided in yourself: the heart and the mind and the war would be inside you." Dalai Lama

‎"Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence and I learn, whatever state I may be in, therein to be content." Helen Keller

"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves." John Muir

"Trust returns. Healing happens. Energy flows. Renaissance arrives. Attitudes change. Peace arises. You emerge. "((Kairos)) Tashi Rana

"Nothing is impossible, even the word itself says...'I'm possible'" Audrey Hepburn

“When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.” Jimi Hendrix

"Learn from the mistakes of others. You can't live long enough to make them all yourself." Eleanor Roosevelt

Wishing you a peaceful last day of 2010! Let's stoke the power of love in 2011! May you be blessed.

Symbolism of the Waking Planet Flag

Holy Night

Magical Lunar Eclipse on the Solstice!

The Healing Power of Nature!

Please join us on Facebook too- for good news, inspirational stories and a growing community of people who believe a different world is possible!

here is my latest post there-

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves. ~John Muir

The Seventh Step to Inner Peace- Connect with Your Divinity

Our Universe, Ourselves!

Our Recent Art Show

Jon Us 10/10/10!

Connect with Your Heart

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."
Martin Luther King Jr.