8th Mar 2010
One of the great benefits, among many, of starting or maintaining a daily spiritual practice is the chance to focus on you. The opportunities we make to do this are minimal at best, so why not take a chance and spend time with yourself? If your first thought is “but I’m too busy,” then a practice is even more important, to help support your active life. It doesn’t have to take long – just five or ten minutes is a great start. Each day you’ll have something to look forward to. By spending time in solitude, you can reconnect with your inner self and enhance your awareness of who you really are.
Attitude and intention are the keys to a successful practice. Focus on something that you want to do, but don’t make it a chore – it should be fun! Approach your practice with reverence and joy. If you miss a day or two, don’t stress out about it; you can easily pick up right where you left off. No guilt trips necessary!
Below are some ideas you might want to adopt as a daily practice. Try one, adapt one to fit your needs, or create your own. We’re thankful to the folks who responded to our question about this on Facebook and shared their ideas. If you have more ideas to add, you can go to our Facebook page or contact us on Twitter.
Daily practice ideas include:
- meditation
- yoga, Tai Chi, or a martial arts routine
- Tarot, I Ching, or rune readings
- walking or sitting outdoors in a beautiful setting
- baking or cooking
- exercise: swimming, running, hiking, horseback riding
- prayer
- snuggling with a beloved pet
- doing crafts or other artwork
- reading poetry or passages from inspirational books
- journal writing
- gardening
- singing, drumming, or playing a musical instrument
- doing crossword puzzles or Sudoku
Posted at 7:00 am
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2nd Mar 2010
Spring is on its way, and you may be feeling the increase in energy as nature begins to stir and awaken. It’s a good time to implement changes in your life. Perhaps you’ve encountered some interesting ideas and are inspired about a new goal or intention. You might need more information, some motivation, or maybe you just wonder how to begin.
Taking on a new project can seem overwhelming, whether it’s external, like “planting an herb garden” or “learning to sew,” or internal, such as “practicing gratitude” or “being more compassionate.” Gathering information and deciding on your approach is part of the process. Be sure you have the resources and support you need, whether it is seedlings and a sunny patch of earth or a supportive friend to help encourage your new attitude.
When you’re starting out, create a list or outline of how to get where you’re headed, like a map to your goal. Look for opportunities to take action. Question yourself, so you can go deeper and uncover a variety of methods that work for you. For motivation, find inspiring websites, informative books, and people who are already well-versed in the subject.
If you get overwhelmed, start small. At least make a start, even if you don’t know exactly how you’ll get there. A ship in dry dock isn’t going anywhere. You need to leave port and head out on the open seas. You can correct your course as you go, but the main thing is to get moving. Find one thing you can do today that will get you closer to your goal. It might be as simple as a phone call to find out when the fabric store is open, or looking up quotes about compassion online.
Once you’ve made that first step, encourage yourself to follow through and keep learning and growing. You may even change your original goal as you discover another one that fits you better – do what feels right to you. Life is about the journey, not just the destination. Bon voyage!
Posted at 10:00 am
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25th Feb 2010
When we discover those things that we are passionate about, we say (and feel) “yes!” These moments indicate the direction we should be going. They are a call to inspired action. We feel powerful, capable, and full of life. We’re full of energy and our path opens up before us.
Saying “no” to things, or railing against them, puts up an energy wall and stops our movement. Sometimes we can lose track of our passions. We get caught up in the daily tasks that we “have” to do. Life can become a bit boring, grey around the edges, or perhaps stressful and anxious.
Following our passions is empowering. By saying “yes!” we reaffirm who we are, how we connect with the Divine, and where we are going. We feel happy with ourselves and all that we are becoming.
Here are some ways to harness the power of “yes!”
- Make time to daydream. Think about what you want, about what sounds really fun and inspiring in this moment. Jot down your ideas.
- Laugh! Find things that make you giggle. Make faces with a friend. Come up with elaborate playful pranks. Be silly. Laugh until you cry.
- When someone asks you to do something that sounds awesome, say “yes!” immediately, rather than consulting your appointment book first. You can find something else to let go of in order to make time for yourself.
- Kdf;fj;adlfj lja;slkjf slkj aldskjf;salkjfa’’orfaoijf;vn ;kUiau. Wm0,rm ud;fkjfs ‘lkdghdkjf’a dlf! *
- Go back to things that you’ve done already that you’ve found joyful and use them as a springboard to the next inspired step.
* Please excuse suggestion number four. We were busy being completely silly and the Fae Translation Program (FTG) went awry.
Posted at 9:30 pm
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21st Feb 2010
The world we know is one of many. Other realities and levels of being exist all around us, and they normally remain unseen. Yet there are places where they can overlap. One of these is the dreamlands. When we fall asleep, the usual boundaries of our consciousness are dissolved and we have access to spaces where we can interact with beings from other planes.
Some of our dreams consist of our minds clearing themselves of jumbled thoughts and experiences from daily life. Yet there are also dreams which resonate with us more deeply. We meet people or beings we seem to know, yet have never met in the waking world. We visit certain dream cities or forests on a regular basis.
In the dreamlands, we can commune more directly with the Divine, often represented symbolically by people, animals, or trees. Your dream messages may be delivered in scenes that are familiar yet altered: encountering your current lover in your childhood home, or talking with a tiger cat in outer space.
Our dream worlds can also be conduits to alternate realities, which allow us to contact other versions of ourselves in those realms. We can learn about ways of being that we never thought were possible. We can consult with these “like-minded” beings, who can give us comfort and knowledge that is deeply personal.
Dreams are one way to access the Borderlands, the places between our world and the world of other beings, such as the Fae. This is not the only way to meet with faeries, but it is fairly simple to do. If you want to meet with a faerie or spirit guide in your dreams, set that intention before you go to sleep. Ask them to meet with you during the night and share their wisdom. Also tell yourself that you will recall your dreams upon awakening.
When you wake up, give yourself a few minutes of quiet in order to remember your dreams. The dreams you have just before waking up may not be the only ones, but if you let those dreams float through your mind, they will often awaken memories of what came earlier. Keep a dream journal or sketchbook handy, so you can write or draw what you recall. This will help you practice being more open to remembering your dreams on a regular basis, as well as to stay mindful of the messages you receive from the other side.
Always rely on your own intuition and wisdom – if you receive advice that doesn’t feel right to you, you can modify it or ignore it. Just as in this world, each being has their own beliefs and opinions, so take what you learn with a healthy grain of salt. Remember to be respectful of those you encounter in the dreamlands. Thank them for their assistance, help them when you can, and perhaps you’ll develop an otherworldly friendship.
Posted at 11:26 pm
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19th Feb 2010
This morning we were getting ready to post our daily Feline Dreamers Twitter/Facebook update, when Starcat experienced a really cool visual image. Usually we post a snippet of insight that inspires us and is a good reminder on how to live consciously. When pondering what to write about today, Starcat suddenly saw a swirling whirl of energy all around, just beyond the illusion of “normal reality.” It was like there was universal wisdom everywhere, surrounding the world on all sides. All she had to do was reach up with an imaginary arm of intuition and pluck a morsel of wisdom, like a ripe fruit from a willing tree.
The wisdom of the universe is always available, always loving, always open, free for the sharing. All we need to do is reach out and grab some. We can explore it or simply acknowledge it and move on. We can do what we want with it. We might mold it into a short quote, make a blog post or article from it, or even, when we get a really juicy “aha!” epiphany, write a whole book.
Many artists say that they are a conduit, and although their creations are offered through the lens of their own experiences, they come from somewhere beyond. Yes, it takes talent, skill, and practice (along with a healthy dose of patience) to bring forth a new creation. And it’s done in partnership with the Divine.
How do you manifest creations in your life? Art is not the only way that one creates. We also create our relationships, our careers, and our joys. In what ways do you feel empowered to create? What tools do you use? What medium do you most enjoy using? How do you envision Divine wisdom and inspiration?
Posted at 8:31 pm
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15th Feb 2010
At the heart of it all
Deep down at the crux
The stars spun and swirled
As the dance went on.
The greens and reds intertwined
Among the branches and roots,
Majestic trees partnered with
Holy clouds and shining waters.
Mountain tops lifted their peaks
To watch the sunset
Beside the roaring river.
And still we sat by the fire
Arm in arm, smile in smile,
Tickled by the universe.
Posted at 5:17 pm
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11th Feb 2010
In our community, there is much talk of returning to ancient ways, particularly in the realm of growing and preserving our own food and other methods of sustainability. A lot of wonderful work is being done in this realm, such as organic gardening, keeping and caring for animals, and making clothing. There are some areas, though, where modern people have a luxury that we feel is worth keeping.
In ancient history, most people were too busy surviving to devote much time to their personal spirituality (there are exceptions, of course), and left it to a priest or other spiritual leader to guide them. Much of this was based on dogma and strict enforcement of traditions. Only monks and nuns were afforded time for contemplation and meditation, although they too certainly made sacrifices.
Because of our modern lifestyles, we tend to have more leisure time. This gives us the opportunity to focus on our inner lives. Many of us have blogs or keep a journal, take classes to develop our skills, read self-help books, and even go on retreats. This means that many more folks are discovering their own personal spiritual paths and taking the time to figure out what they are called to do with their lives.
Whatever the future brings, we feel that combining ancient life skills with modern individuality enhances our lives and adds creativity and joy. We can more effectively cooperate with others in our communities. When we each develop the skills and wisdom that appeal to us, we see the value in others’ skills, which may be quite different than our own. Working together, we barter and trade what we need. One family may have extra honey from their beehives, which can be traded to the neighbors down the street for healing herbs. A massage therapist can trade sessions with a math tutor for her kids. You get the idea… Sure, there are some “yucky” jobs that we will still have to deal with, but for the most part, people can focus on what they like to do.
Even the exchange of money for services is an example of this type of trade, though it can often be perceived negatively based on our beliefs. When we use our money to purchase the things we do believe in, like buying a hybrid car to lessen our emissions if we want to be environmentally conscious and still drive around, we are speaking up for what we have discovered to be our personal truths. We know that we’re not doing it because someone tells us we have to, but because it comes from within.
To combine ancient ways with modern leisure, look around you to see what can be simplified. Take time to contemplate what is most meaningful to you, and then take action. Focus on skills that you have, things that you’d love to learn, and areas where you wish to see improvement. Let go of distractions that no longer inspire you. Find enjoyable ways to serve a need in your community. A combination of these things, and others that you create, will help enhance your spiritual connection and enjoyment of life.
Posted at 10:27 pm
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8th Feb 2010
What is that inspires you? What thoughts, ideas, places, or people bring you a feeling of joy and connection? We’re talking about the kind of feelings that make you want to create, in whatever forms you enjoy. Remember, being creative is not only about the fine arts, such as literature, music, and painting. You are creative each day, as you live your life and shape it according to your desires. When you become more conscious of this process you will experience delight and joy as you go about your daily activities.
Do your children or your friends inspire you to be at your creative best? Are there any paintings, sculptures, or other works of art that fire you up? Seeing your tidied-up workshop or kitchen can inspire you to create a brand-new project or recipe. Perhaps you find inspiration from taking a walk in nature or on a busy city street. Maybe for you it’s sitting alone in the dark listening to your favorite music, or finding a comfy window seat and re-reading a much-loved book.
The key is to find what speaks to you. Then you can surround yourself with things you’ve found inspire you: colorful flowers, thought-provoking quotes, paper snowflakes on the windows, a soft blanket to curl up in, a notebook in which to jot down your ideas. These things will serve to remind you that you are a creative being and can achieve your dreams and goals.
Whenever you invoke this feeling of inspiration, are there ways you can harness it and create more of what you dream about? Will you create your own music or writings? Make a quilt or plant a garden? Update your personal finances? Will you share your skills or wisdom with others through teaching? Do you want to find a new way to communicate with your friends and loved ones, or the world as a whole? Be inspired and create!
Posted at 1:17 pm
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5th Feb 2010
Since our last update we have been busy little fae, working on many aspects of Feline Dreamers.
As you may have noticed, we have been adding more blog entries. We’ve also been working on ideas for an e-book that we’ll be offering soon.
The book for our 30-Day Core Belief kit is coming along great. We only have Day 30 and the introduction left to finish! We’ve scheduled some studio time next week with our friend JWL of Crafted Recordings (http://www.craftedrecordings.com/), to get started on recording the audio for the guided meditations.
The newly updated website should be up and running very soon. We received some awesome feline artwork from our friend Max (http://mortalityfigure.com/), and will be incorporating it into the site’s new look. It’s so cool to have our own logo!
We now have a Feline Dreamers presence on Facebook and Twitter, and we will be launching our brand-new weekly e-zine, Dream Journal, when the website is ready to go.
So much to do, and we’re certainly having fun doing it! We hope you’ll keep in touch, and enjoy some of our new offerings. We wish you creative energy in your life!
Blessings,
Starcat and BlackLion
Posted at 10:25 pm
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4th Feb 2010
Meditiation is one of the tools that we encourage for those seeking to explore themselves more deeply. There are many ways to meditate. They can be either guided or self-directed. By seeking within, you can find that which seek outside of yourself.
Essentially, meditation allows us to connect more directly with our inner knowing. Through vivid imagery and calming pathways, we can access our deep yearnings and bring forth thoughts and ideas that can guide us in the directions we most want. The wisdom that comes from seeking within allows each of us the opportunity to find connection with other beings as well as help us lay to rest our “monkey mind.”
We do a chakra cleansing guided meditation which allows us to not only access the energies of our inner selves, but to access the divine connections we have with All-That-Is. By focusing within, we can better offer our true selves to others. Be the way you want the world to be. You can do this by learning who you are and what you really want. Know thyself.
Posted at 11:38 pm
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