Practicing Presence Turns Failure to Success

“The season of failure is the best time for sowing the seeds of success.” Paramahansa Yogananda

We all can see the need for sowing seeds of success at times of failure and uncertainty, but why is it the Best time? Success and failure are both necessary parts of the journey of life. This life is made up of dualities: heat and cold, pleasure and pain, sorrow and joy. Failure is part of the learning process. Failure gives much needed information on the direction we want to go. When we are completely present with our current circumstance without judgment our failure becomes fuel to power our success.

The same is true of all sorts of failure. Tough times brought about by financial insecurity, health issues or relationship problems, although unpleasant can be used as agents of positive change! Being present to the most difficult and challenging situations allows a subtle shift in perspective that creates an internal environment for healing and success.

Practicing the Presence

Breath is the cord that links body and soul. When the life energy leaves the body there is no breath. Advanced breathing exercises such as Kriya Yoga* are called pranayama or “life-force control” and advance yogis use this technique to still the breath, calm the heart, and experience ecstacy. But we don’t have to sit for hours in meditation to experience the benefit of being Present. Take three deep breaths, or go outside for a walk and breathe deeply filling the lungs. Observe the breath and the objects in the present environment and feel a gradual shift from confusion to balance immediately.

But what does it mean to practice Presence? Being present means showing up for life—Game on! One who is completely present is completely grounded in the moment. However that looks from the outside s/he is impermeable to attack from any circumstance. One who is fully present is “in the presence” of the higher Self, the source of all life, the unchangeable soul.

Bur let’s rewind a moment… How can we practice presence unless and until we recognize what it means, how it feels, to not be present? As a friend of mine asked, “If I am not present, then where am I?” Am I not always here, right between my ears?” What does it mean to be absent?
Absent-mindedness is forgetfulness. It is the way we check out of current time experience when we perceive pain or anticipate some form of suffering, humiliation or loss. Absent-mindedness is associated with loss of memory, but it can be caused by the memory of loss. Anticipation of pain causes more suffering and loss than pain itself when it is triggered by memories of loss from the past. Most fear and worry are produced by dwelling in this way simultaneously straddling past and future time. Being absent to present experience creates a superficial existence, a half-hearted, surface life based on elusive externals that never dives deep into the truth of any situation.

Whale is a great symbol of Presence living as she does in the ocean. The sea is the place of origin of life on Earth and is also a symbol of the waves of change and emotion we experience from day to day. Taking a few deep “Whale Breaths” and diving deeper into the present moment is the first step in solving any problem.

Eveline Maria Smith and David Wodtke offer this special Seedinar to help you be Present, be Connected, and move in Direct Action from the Heart through “The Art and Science of Conscious Compassion”.

Are you feeling like the carpet has been pulled out from under your feet?
In the course of a day everyone may face some little challenges but what to do when something major hits?
Do you react or respond?
Do you wish you could be Present, be Connected, and move in Direct Action from the Heart?

In this live Seedinar series, you will:
• Learn to Bring Relaxation into Your Daily Life with relation to Present Moment
• Discover Self-Empowerment applying Compassion Training
• Get motivated and inspired to move in Direct Action from the Heart
• Receive four part series recorded audio link within 48 hours of Live broadcasts

Receive two FREE Gifts for registration and participation!
• FREE Affirmations Mp3 audio file
• FREE “Create Your Soul Art & Collage” eBook

This live broadcast is a four part series beginning Tuesday March 13, 2012 at 6 pm PT. Each recurring Tuesday live session will be recorded, questions and active participation is encouraged: Total $97.00

If you are not able to attend the live broadcasts you can still participate! Receive the four recorded broadcast sessions and two FREE Gifts: Total $80.00 when you are registering enter code: Compassion

Registration Form URL: http://www.anymeeting.com/PIID=EC56DB80884C



*NOTE: Kriya Yoga is referred to by Krishna, India's greatest prophet, in a stanza of the Bhagavad-Gita: "Offering inhaling breath into the outgoing breath, and offering the outgoing breath into the inhaling breath, the yogi neutralizes both these breaths; he thus releases the life force from the heart and brings it under his control... Kriya Yoga is a simple, psycho physiological method by which the human blood is decarbonized and recharged with oxygen. The atoms of this extra oxygen are transmuted into life current to rejuvenate the brain and spinal centers. (1) By stopping the accumulation of venous blood, the yogi is able to lessen or prevent the decay of tissues; the advanced yogi transmutes his cells into pure energy. Elijah, Jesus, Kabir, and other prophets were past masters in the use of Kriya or a similar technique, by which they caused their bodies to dematerialize at will." (Autobiography Of a Yogi, 1946, p.244)

Find Your Self in the Chinese year of the Blue-Green Dragon

Welcome Home! The Earth Healing call on the Solstice was awesome! It was held at Noon PST and you may access the recording on the Earth Healing Page. What a wonderful feeling to Heal the Earth and our Self! Join me and many others in ushering in the New Light!!

My dear friend Be reminded me that 2012 is the Chinese year of the Dragon. Snake's message speaks of the winged serpent, an ancient symbol of Christ , aka Queztalcotl, the One who goes by many names. We may know and feel that 2012 is to be a year like no other. This is not because the world is ending, or we are "ascending" from the Earth, but because we stand on the brink of a New World. And it depends on a change in consciousness.

"Be the Change you wish to see in the world" as Ghandi said, is a daily practice of Core Awareness. In essence it is a Circle process that you begin in this moment. This new paradigm in Environmental Consciousness is embodied in the four phases of Transformation outlined by the Animals. To "eviron" is a transitive verb meaning: to form a circle or ring around. Forming a circle is an ancient way of defining boundaries, of protection, of healing Wisdom.

*Breathe into the Present
*Connect and Feel What Is
*Choose Free Will, Move into Action
*Now Let go, Allow Grace to Flow

This "New World" is inside us already. The Second Coming of Christ is the Rebirth of your Core Awareness which gives rise to the Awakening of the Heart's Natural Love. It is the Child Heart born anew in you! If this sounds esoteric or mysterious come on the healing call, or schedule a Core Awareness session and find out how simple it can be. Simple Presence opens the gate, Connection to you Source builds the Bridge for you to come Home to your Self.

Feel the spark of New Fire that is ignited Now. It is there inside to bring Courage, Endurance and Joy in the days ahead. Many come to the Gate and then fall back to sleep. Will you wake and find your own unique expression? Discovering your Gifts long hidden in the Shadows is like the return of the prodigal son. It is a return of Joy and Peace. Join me in Waking the Blue-Green Dragon, and Thanks for BEE-ing You!

Raven Wisdom

Raven, watch over the Child of my Heart. Prepare me for the next stage of my evolution, the next level of consciousness. Fill my heart with faith, trust and love for All, that heals all wounds of fear, betrayal and resentment. I am Thy Child. Thou art my Father, Mother and Friend. Move me with compassion for all beings! Lead me on new paths of adventure through direct action from the heart to the land of Grace, Forgiveness and Freedom!

November 11, 2011 ~*~ 11/11/11 :O)

Raven ushers in the Creative Genius of the Child Heart bringing the fire of passion and desire to the People from the darkness of the Void, allowing the Great Mystery to manifest in a tangible way as Practical Magic. Raven, are you there?

Yes, I am Raven, I am so proud of the Children of the Earth Mother! You have done well to let go of the confining need to understand everything that is occurring around you and within you, and yet, to hold the mind steady with common sense and determination.

From the feeling of emptiness inside you I emerge with the spark of Life, the Creative force. I carry the fire of Your inmost desire which ignites your Highest Dream into manifestation. Often I have flown out of the dark places of sorrow and guilt, dullness and fear. At these times you instantly feel lighter, more innocent and Happy for No Reason.

Just as often you reason this away and cling to the image of the dull and the terrible world! Simply remember when the Shadow comes not to fight it. Embrace the Shadow and allow those feelings to simply be without thought or explanation and you will begin to see more and more that this darkness is the vehicle for your Radiance and Light. It is the harbinger of your own God-spark, the gestation of your Truth, Wisdom and Majestic Self in the dark womb of the Earth Mother!

From the Velvety Darkness of the clear night Sky thousands of suns and moons shine through to guide and protect you on your journey back to your Highest Truth of Unity and Bliss consciousness. Love All! Love all you quirks and frailties. Respect All! Actively love even the darkness in others that defines the light.

And give Thanks to the Giver of All, offering the gift of Unconditional Forgiveness and acceptance for All, for yourself, for those around you and for this World just as it is. In this Thanks-Giving I bless You Now in the Presence of the Mother, Father, Child. I am Raven, your humble servant.

Moving swiftly toward Unity: Antelope Speaks

Antelope speaks of the power of action, adaptability and insulation from the elements along with the ability to derive abundance even through times of drought.

Antelope, I know and feel your presence in the aspect of the Earth Mother now. Will you speak? Yes, very soon I will speak. Just for now feel the presence of my protecting love deeper and deeper in your Core Heart and surrounding you like a thick hide that insulates you from all concerns. Watch for signals in the distance, for however distant I appear I am ever with you. Listen deeply and be ready to move on the swift winds of Peace and Joy that blow through your disquietude.

Antelope comes quickly from the Earth Mother to ease the restless heart and adapt to the inner and outer environment as it presents itself.

“I am strong and self-assured as I return to centered, grounded focus on the Truth in my Core Heart.”

Antelope, is that you? Yes! I am Antelope, creature of the plains. I move with great speed and draw sustenance from a sometimes barren and arid environment. I receive all the moisture I need from the plants I eat and I receive signals from others in my family over great distances.

My horns connect me to the higher vibrations and my four hooves connect me to the Earth, even as I fly like the wind! In this time of great change I will help you to become more aware of the Signals you receive from your spiritual family and to feed yourself from the ever-Present Love that is the water of life.

You constantly receive signals as thoughts and feelings. If you feel in the dark, stuck and uncertain, then you are receiving the vibrations of the shadow frequencies: the grief and despair that are so prevalent in the world now. But take this to heart – any thought or feeling you receive, any signal from the outside has a relative frequency in you. Respect All Life!

When up feel life is getting you down it is time to draw from the Core Heart the fire of compassion and forgiveness. Burn the seeds of sorrow in the blaze of awakening Truth: You are a Child of the One Mother, Father, Creator fully endowed with the Light of the Soul!

I am Antelope, here to remind you that the Mother comes quickly when She hears her Child crying in the wilderness. Offer all sorrows, desires, doubts, hopes and expectations to the Divine Mother and bask in the warmth of Her glowing Presence. Then You will be a beacon of light and your Soul spark will ignite the Heart’s Natural Love in many others. All my Love and Gratitude is with You.

Thank You Antelope!

There is no future happiness, Bobcat Speaks

(excerpt from Animal Balance Journal)

There is no future happiness. There is no better world. This is it! Practice happiness now. Bobcat, do you wish to speak?

Yes, I am Bobcat. I am the growing power of Silence. When you seek answers in the Void and empty places of your heart you often hear nothing and run on feeling unfulfilled and dissatisfied. But the Mother is always with you closer even than your hands and feet. Dive deeper into the Silence and you will feel your heart beat in resonance with the Core Heart of Earth Mother.

Give up hope of finding happiness in future and begin to feel the Presence of your own Divinity which bubbles up like a clear mountain spring in the blissful awareness of this moment. Breathe, relax and feel the expansive space at your Core that opens to magnetic qualities of Love and Gratitude. These are your innate qualities that hold the answers you seek and lead you home.

If you seek a better world and a more joyful existence give up hope and go within. Listen deeply in the silence to find the secret treasure buried there.

I Bobcat, Earth Mother, silent shakti, am guiding you with Respect for All Life.

Emptiness Opens to Creativity

Dragonfly, You have danced in the wind and light of Summer
playfully tugging my heartstrings. My Mind wants Answers, yet
you bring only Questions. Now I feel you are ready to speak…

Yes, I am Dragonfly. One of the most ancient life forms to live on
Earth Mother. You look for Change in the World. I have seen many
changes over hundreds of millions of years. My many eyes see
everywhere and my translucent wings reflect the Light.

In truth there is only One Light which is reflected and refracted into
many forms and colors. I am reflecting your light back to you now
upon this page in a new way so you may see your Self better. And
you are also a reflection of light, though at times you feel more like
a Black Hole!

Life for the People on Earth feels very dark at this time of
Purification. You have been shown and told that all is Light and joy,
yet there are times you feel darkness and despair all around. Know I
am always holding You, carrying You, shining a light of higher
truth especially at the times when delusion grips you.

But do not shy away from the Black Void. When you feel the
emptiness allow Yourself to dive deep into it. Wash Your Self in its
waters, for they are the waters of Creator. Your emptiness opens to
creativity when you let it.

Black is the color of our Mother, the Void from Whom all Life
Springs. The Water of Life is the Pond where I lay my eggs. They
hatch in those dark depths and live as nymphs for two years before
they mature with wings of Light.

With Patience, Trust, Surrender and Grace You too will fly out of
the darkness of despair and sorrow. Learn to fly on the winds of
Grace as Swan has shown. When your Joy matures you will shine a
new light that Reflects the splendor and glory of All Creation.

Be Present and Keep It Simple

In Part IV of Animal Balance Journal from July Snake speaks of the Light that shines in the sometimes dark moments of change. Snake carries a powerful alchemy of Rebirth and Healing.

July 25, 2011

There is a remarkable shift occurring with humanity which is clothed in the disguise of the ordinary. Everyday life is riddled with the moth holes of the dull and the terrible experiences that are common to many People at this time. War and rumor of war, violence and strife fill the news, yet there is also the sense of expansion and hope. The drudgery and oppression of the common man may be at an all time high. But these rents in the fabric of life when held up to the light for closer scrutiny allow pin holes of radiance to illuminate our paths of change.

Snake is the hidden helper of Earth’s Children. The coiled energy at the base of the spine known as kundalini rises, and the double helix of our DNA awakens to the transmuting touch of Song of the Soul. Snake, will you speak today?

Yes, I am Snake, the keeper of the Golden Treasure of the Child Heart, the Core Heart. I am here to help you when you call at any time. Call on me when you are bitten by the poisonous fangs of the illusion of separation. I am You, We are One. Call on the aspect of your True Self that lives in the World fully Present, Committed and Connected, but is not of the World alone.

I am the Involutionary path: The Way, the Truth and the Light. Call on me in times of pleasure and pain alike! I shower the Earth and all her Children with unconditional Forgiveness, Grace and the Peace beyond Understanding. Through the pain of initiation and renunciation you may shed the skins of the false reality known as duality.

Invite me to enter your Core Heart so that more and more you step into the Unity of Oneness whence flows All Wisdom, Power, Purpose and deepest Truth. I and Thou are One. This is the magical alchemy which turns your dross to Gold magnetizing your Miracles in the midst of transition. Be Present and keep it Simple. You are already experiencing the Rebirth of your Highest Dreams.

One more Re-MIND-er as you read or listen to these words. Be attentive in this moment to what is rising and falling in you. Open to your Truth and Joy by puffing your Awareness even through the empty space of lack and loss, the dull and the terrible.

I am Snake! I enter through any small opening to bless You with the One Love of the Core Heart. With All my Respect and gracious Gratitude for Who You Really Are.

Thank You Snake