I have a friend who is choosing to wallow in the muck of their suffering. No judgment; I’ve just heard their story over and over since our first meeting and yes the Mother has offered beautiful words of wisdom in our previous conversations.
Once again I’m hearing the music, “I’m sorry that you continue to suffer needlessly”, I say. Their reply, “I believe the Dali Lama would say that suffering is not needless, that we need to suffer for our soul’s growth”. My eyebrows rise at reading this last line, and my response, “I do not agree. The Dali Lama, in so many words, has said that suffering is a fact of human existence, but we have a choice to attach or not. In fact attachment/desire is the root of all suffering. If we were to let go of attachment/desire, we would not suffer.” On this last point I don’t necessarily agree, no disrespect, but I feel that not all suffering comes from attachment/desire, but this is best left for another post.
Somewhere between 563 BC to 486 BC Prince Siddhartha, a young prince (Buddha), came to enlightenment while seeking the path which would end suffering for all mankind. When he first began his journey, he believed that total depravation from all desires; including the most basic human needs all while being in a constant state of meditation would lead him to enlightenment. However after many years of intentional depravation, and after becoming a mere shell of his former self, in a flash of inspiration he realized that the true path to enlightenment lies in taking the middle path in all things; not starving oneself on any level.
It is true; suffering is a fact of human existence. Like fear it can be a powerful motivator in getting us to shift. We all experience different levels of suffering throughout our lives.
When one experiences physical suffering most will do what’s necessary to end it. I don’t know anyone who wishes to endure physical pain, unless of course they are a masochistic. Yes, they do exist.
At the beginning of my practice, I learned that there are those who would choose to hold onto their physical suffering, not wanting to heal themselves. All because their infirmity gave them power over family and friends. Or, in their new state of good health, they would have to move forward engaging the outside world.
Emotional suffering can be a little trickier. Emotions can be very convoluted. We are all open to experience ecstatic feeling. However, when it comes to feelings that are uncomfortable or even painful, most of us would shut down and bury them deep within the recesses of our psyche; under padlock and key, with the clearest intention of never resurrecting said feelings into the light of day. Unfortunately, we are all aware that to do this can create a myriad of physical and/or psychological issues.
Of course, like my friend, they can choose to hold onto their suffering as a form of self flagellation. Literally punishing themselves for mistakes they have made and the pain they may have caused others. Or even for the human flaws they see within themselves. Feeling they have no right to experience joy or happiness in their lives. I am bad and imperfect, so therefore I do not deserve. Or it could just be fear to move forward, which ultimately is fear of failure. It is easier to stay in the constant, even if it is not the healthiest of choices.
You might be interested to know that every time we choose to tell our story, the telling gives it fresh energy and reinforces its’ hold on us. So if one chooses to keep retelling their tale of woe, then they are only reinforcing their sense of victimization.
It is my belief that we have choice. We can choose to be happy; not attaching to what we perceive is the negative side of an experience. Life after all is truly about how we choose to perceive our experience. Not to sound Pollyannaish, but there really is a silver lining to every cloud, it is the nature of our world, DUALITY.
As for myself, even though on occasion, I can feel the pangs of suffering, I choose to perceive the silver lining in all things and walk straight up the middle.
Blessings & Love,
Kate
Four Legged Friends
Energetics: the science that deals with the laws of energy and its transformations.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Sunday, February 20, 2011
WINDS OF CHANGE
The winds of change seem to be escalating the release of unresolved issues for a great many of us. Fear is one of the most prevalent states of being that the majority of people are experiencing at this time. This fear has many faces: fear of change, fear of lack, fear of ruin and so on.
With the rising vibration of the planet, many layers are being stripped away from all sentient beings and our beloved Gaia. This process is creating a firestorm of emotional energies raging across the planet and within each of us.
Fear in itself is not a negative emotion. It is only when we allow fear to immobilize us or cause us to act in a self destructive manner that it becomes problematic. Fear can be a wonderful motivator, launching us onto new paths to explore and experience or stopping us short of physical or emotional harm.
It can actually bring about change within a society. Look at the example of the power of directed fear creating dynamic change within the Egyptian community. A whole group of peoples walked through their door of fear, risking life and limb, to stand up to a government that had not been serving their society’s best interest. In one strong collective voice they declared that enough is enough.
I would like to put forth the idea of changing our perception of fear. Instead of resisting this emotion, we can use it to our advantage, motivating us to shift forward. Yesterday, I did just that.
I am fortunate that there are many trails in the mountains that surround Bellingham to explore. I have heard from many locals that the Fragrance Lake trail is a wonderful hike with the lake as the prize at the top. Heights, at times, can make me uncomfortable, but because I love being in the mountains and woods, I am frequently walking through that particular door of fear to embrace what I love.
Fragrance Lake trail is 5.5 miles round trip; the elevation gain is 1100 feet by trail’s end for 2200 feet plus on the total hike. The grade is 5 – 7% the majority with many narrowed steep areas; difficulty level is moderately easy to moderately difficult. I felt the majority of the trail was pretty difficult.
As I park Chloe I am excited to get into the woods. I gear up and begin my ascent at 10 a.m. I step into a beautiful, varied landscape that fills my being, overlaid with the smells of rich earth and fragrant evergreen. The slight breeze and cool temperature of 50 degrees is welcoming; perfect for hiking. I make my way up, back and forth, only occasionally pausing to catch my breath or to take a picture to share with you.
About an hour in I came to a very narrow, steep spot and I froze. Literally my legs would not move. So I had a talk with myself. “Kate you’ve come this far, you can do this! You worked hard to get to this point--turning back is not an option. Think what you might miss and just do it!” So I did, and I didn’t even close my eyes.
The trail from that point forward was the most difficult overall, with a narrower, steeper trail line, lots of switchbacks, roots, downed trees and rocks to navigate.
I trudge up and up, hoping the lake will reveal itself at any moment. Thank the goddess; a human being is coming my way. It’s a woman and her dog coming down the trail. I say to her, “Hi. Please tell me the lake is close!” “Well, you still have to go up that rise then down and then…” “Thank you,” I say. “Have a great day!” All the while I’m thinking like, OMG!!! Not one to give up, I breathe deeply and continue on. After about 20 minutes more of climbing I descend down a short trail, come over a rise, and there she is--Fragrance Lake. I fall in love immediately. It’s so worth my efforts. This beautiful lake lying before me is going to be a great place to meditate, contemplate and renew. I begin immediately. It is so peaceful that I don’t want to leave, but, reluctantly, I gear up and begin my hike back.
Since I am so tired and don’t trust my ability to navigate the trail in a safe way back down, I decided to take the fire road. I was given a whole different vantage point from the road and was treated to a beautiful waterfall. Changing orbit can bring new things in after all.
About 40 minutes into the return trip, I get a huge surprise—some very large prints in the mud to my left. My brain begins going through the list. No not dog, no not coyote, no not cougar… BEAR!!!!!!!!… Yes! There are bar in them thare woods.
Please don’t be concerned. I am constantly scanning my surroundings when I hike. I also walk with hiking poles and have decided that if need be I would not hesitate to smack any critter that gets testy with me. Or just run like hell……whichever feels prudent at the moment.
I am back to the beginning after 2.5 hours, feeling very tired but spiritually renewed. I enjoy reliving in my mind’s eye the sights and sounds I experienced through the day as I head home.
I hope you enjoy the pictures I took to share with you. No, I didn’t stop to take pictures of the bear tracks…I mean, please.
Love & Blessings,
Kate
With the rising vibration of the planet, many layers are being stripped away from all sentient beings and our beloved Gaia. This process is creating a firestorm of emotional energies raging across the planet and within each of us.
Fear in itself is not a negative emotion. It is only when we allow fear to immobilize us or cause us to act in a self destructive manner that it becomes problematic. Fear can be a wonderful motivator, launching us onto new paths to explore and experience or stopping us short of physical or emotional harm.
It can actually bring about change within a society. Look at the example of the power of directed fear creating dynamic change within the Egyptian community. A whole group of peoples walked through their door of fear, risking life and limb, to stand up to a government that had not been serving their society’s best interest. In one strong collective voice they declared that enough is enough.
I would like to put forth the idea of changing our perception of fear. Instead of resisting this emotion, we can use it to our advantage, motivating us to shift forward. Yesterday, I did just that.
I am fortunate that there are many trails in the mountains that surround Bellingham to explore. I have heard from many locals that the Fragrance Lake trail is a wonderful hike with the lake as the prize at the top. Heights, at times, can make me uncomfortable, but because I love being in the mountains and woods, I am frequently walking through that particular door of fear to embrace what I love.
Fragrance Lake trail is 5.5 miles round trip; the elevation gain is 1100 feet by trail’s end for 2200 feet plus on the total hike. The grade is 5 – 7% the majority with many narrowed steep areas; difficulty level is moderately easy to moderately difficult. I felt the majority of the trail was pretty difficult.
As I park Chloe I am excited to get into the woods. I gear up and begin my ascent at 10 a.m. I step into a beautiful, varied landscape that fills my being, overlaid with the smells of rich earth and fragrant evergreen. The slight breeze and cool temperature of 50 degrees is welcoming; perfect for hiking. I make my way up, back and forth, only occasionally pausing to catch my breath or to take a picture to share with you.
About an hour in I came to a very narrow, steep spot and I froze. Literally my legs would not move. So I had a talk with myself. “Kate you’ve come this far, you can do this! You worked hard to get to this point--turning back is not an option. Think what you might miss and just do it!” So I did, and I didn’t even close my eyes.
The trail from that point forward was the most difficult overall, with a narrower, steeper trail line, lots of switchbacks, roots, downed trees and rocks to navigate.
I trudge up and up, hoping the lake will reveal itself at any moment. Thank the goddess; a human being is coming my way. It’s a woman and her dog coming down the trail. I say to her, “Hi. Please tell me the lake is close!” “Well, you still have to go up that rise then down and then…” “Thank you,” I say. “Have a great day!” All the while I’m thinking like, OMG!!! Not one to give up, I breathe deeply and continue on. After about 20 minutes more of climbing I descend down a short trail, come over a rise, and there she is--Fragrance Lake. I fall in love immediately. It’s so worth my efforts. This beautiful lake lying before me is going to be a great place to meditate, contemplate and renew. I begin immediately. It is so peaceful that I don’t want to leave, but, reluctantly, I gear up and begin my hike back.
Since I am so tired and don’t trust my ability to navigate the trail in a safe way back down, I decided to take the fire road. I was given a whole different vantage point from the road and was treated to a beautiful waterfall. Changing orbit can bring new things in after all.
About 40 minutes into the return trip, I get a huge surprise—some very large prints in the mud to my left. My brain begins going through the list. No not dog, no not coyote, no not cougar… BEAR!!!!!!!!… Yes! There are bar in them thare woods.
Please don’t be concerned. I am constantly scanning my surroundings when I hike. I also walk with hiking poles and have decided that if need be I would not hesitate to smack any critter that gets testy with me. Or just run like hell……whichever feels prudent at the moment.
I am back to the beginning after 2.5 hours, feeling very tired but spiritually renewed. I enjoy reliving in my mind’s eye the sights and sounds I experienced through the day as I head home.
I hope you enjoy the pictures I took to share with you. No, I didn’t stop to take pictures of the bear tracks…I mean, please.
Love & Blessings,
Kate
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Hello Everyone,
It was my hope/intention that this blog generate dialogue with its readers, which would lead to helpful if not profound revelations for us all.
So, with this in mind, I would encourage each and everyone who reads Hands that Heal Thru Energetics to ask questions and/or make comments. All are welcome.
As always, I am here for you!
Kate
It was my hope/intention that this blog generate dialogue with its readers, which would lead to helpful if not profound revelations for us all.
So, with this in mind, I would encourage each and everyone who reads Hands that Heal Thru Energetics to ask questions and/or make comments. All are welcome.
As always, I am here for you!
Kate
SPRING CLEANING
I can’t think of a single person whose life is not moving at mach 10. I mean really, who has time to sit and take a peek inside these days? And yet it is important to pause and do just that.
I like to come to a standstill and go within for a good inventory of everything now and again. To really listen to what I might have to say. To see what needs to be weeded out.
So many things shift and change in our lives, it’s nice to know how we’re truly feeling about who we are, what we’re doing and what we want to manifest. In my opinion, there is no greater waste of motion than trying to manifest old dreams that no longer apply, but we won’t know that unless we get in touch with who we are now.
It is also a time to find hidden ideals, feelings etc, that no longer serve our highest good. Releasing them will provide us with an opening for those that do serve us.
Yes, going within can be scary. You never know what you might discover. Our highest good asks us to be strong and to ask the hard questions. During this exploration, when you see things that you are proud of, please give yourself a pat on the back or a gold star. For those things that might make you cringe, please let go without self judgment. After all, we are here to learn.
Since I believe it is important to do this periodically, I made the time this week to do just that. No great outer exploration of my new locale, but a deep exploration of my inner terrain became my focus.
I found many things I am proud of, and a couple of things that did make me cringe, which I let go without any self recrimination. All and all I’d say it was a thorough spring cleaning; out with what no longer serves me, and acknowledgement of what does, along with new possibilities.
Blessings & Love,
Kate
I like to come to a standstill and go within for a good inventory of everything now and again. To really listen to what I might have to say. To see what needs to be weeded out.
So many things shift and change in our lives, it’s nice to know how we’re truly feeling about who we are, what we’re doing and what we want to manifest. In my opinion, there is no greater waste of motion than trying to manifest old dreams that no longer apply, but we won’t know that unless we get in touch with who we are now.
It is also a time to find hidden ideals, feelings etc, that no longer serve our highest good. Releasing them will provide us with an opening for those that do serve us.
Yes, going within can be scary. You never know what you might discover. Our highest good asks us to be strong and to ask the hard questions. During this exploration, when you see things that you are proud of, please give yourself a pat on the back or a gold star. For those things that might make you cringe, please let go without self judgment. After all, we are here to learn.
Since I believe it is important to do this periodically, I made the time this week to do just that. No great outer exploration of my new locale, but a deep exploration of my inner terrain became my focus.
I found many things I am proud of, and a couple of things that did make me cringe, which I let go without any self recrimination. All and all I’d say it was a thorough spring cleaning; out with what no longer serves me, and acknowledgement of what does, along with new possibilities.
Blessings & Love,
Kate
Sunday, February 6, 2011
HIGHLY ELEVATED
STOP!!!
You are about to enter an unedited zone and could be exposed to grammatical errors or inappropriate content. Proceed with caution! ;-)
I awoke on Sunday with a strong pull to immerse myself in the vibrations that only the higher elevations can provide. So I headed to the spot where locals like to go to get high on cold mountain air, skies so clear and blue it feels like you can reach up and skim the surface- now wouldn’t that be cool, and the adrenalin junkies get their fix racing down the slopes at break neck speeds.
So, I am off to Mount Baker on a scouting expedition. Mount Baker rises from the landscape at 10,781 feet and lies 31 miles due east of Bellingham proper. She is a beautiful sight on the horizon-always stirring primal feelings every time I gaze at her. Mount Baker is the second most active volcano in the Cascade Volcanic Arc and the youngest at a mere 80 – 90,000 years old and is the third largest in the Cascade Arc.
Mount Baker is known by the local Native American tribes of Lummi and Nooksack, as Koma Kulshan or simply Kulshan. Interestingly enough the name does not refer to the mountain itself, but to the region, Go Up High or Way Back in the Mountains Shooting.
It is a picturesque day as I set out, sunny, cool and not a rain cloud on the horizon. I’m taking the most direct route, route 542, also known as the Mount Baker Scenic Highway. It was just that. Amazing landscapes lay on both sides of the road. Seriously, I could spend a few hours just taking in the sights along the highway, but I want to get to the mountain.
As the road begins winding its way up the mountain the old growth forest of Snoqualmie National Forest becomes the backdrop. Breathtaking. I slow down to 45 from 55 just so I can safely take it all in. Even then it would have been nice if I had someone else driving or could set the car on autopilot.
About 7 miles past the ranger station I notice a sign/exit for Nooksack Falls -also known as Wells Creek Falls. Excited to see the falls I take the exit, but only make it a short distance because the road is like Swiss cheese due to washout from rain and snow. I feel it would be prudent to park and walk. I am treated with a minor cascade on my little exploration. It’s lovely. After taking a few shots, pictures are attached; I head back to the main road.
A short distance up the road I notice a trailhead that looks interesting, so I decide to park and do a little more exploring. It is the Excelsior Pass trailhead located at 4200 feet. The trail is the easiest of three accesses to the High Divide and the trail description hints to mountain meadows and alpine vistas. However, since I‘m not really equipped for a lengthy hike today, I tell myself, “keep it short Kate”, as I begin hiking up the trail.
As soon as I hit the tree line it feels like I’ve walked into a Cathedral. With reverent hushed tones, the water is falling over rocks in the little stream just off the trail and even the birds chirp their praises softly. I can feel Divine’s presence all around me. The landscape of old growth forest looks and feels as if I had stepped into a time portal and have gone back 1000 years. As I walk the trail at a 4% incline, the smell of conifers fills my senses and ice crystal rain softly on me from the snow covered tree tops. Sunlight is illuminating each crystal, giving me the sensation of being coated in Fairy dust adding to the otherworldly feel that envelopes me. The trail keeps beaconing to me, wanting me to keep going, hinting to the unexplored beauty that waits, but common sense prevails and after only 30 minutes I reluctantly turn around and begin head back down.
On my drive up I passed a trailhead that went along a river. I decided to make that my last stop before heading back to Bellingham. It doesn’t disappoint. I take the short hike enjoying the water as it is rushing past, taking with it all my cares.
Feeling recharged and more importantly reconnected I make my way back to Bellingham on 542 and pass an Eagle standing like a lone sentinel on my path high in the trees. Life is good.
Blessings & Love,
Kate
You are about to enter an unedited zone and could be exposed to grammatical errors or inappropriate content. Proceed with caution! ;-)
I awoke on Sunday with a strong pull to immerse myself in the vibrations that only the higher elevations can provide. So I headed to the spot where locals like to go to get high on cold mountain air, skies so clear and blue it feels like you can reach up and skim the surface- now wouldn’t that be cool, and the adrenalin junkies get their fix racing down the slopes at break neck speeds.
So, I am off to Mount Baker on a scouting expedition. Mount Baker rises from the landscape at 10,781 feet and lies 31 miles due east of Bellingham proper. She is a beautiful sight on the horizon-always stirring primal feelings every time I gaze at her. Mount Baker is the second most active volcano in the Cascade Volcanic Arc and the youngest at a mere 80 – 90,000 years old and is the third largest in the Cascade Arc.
Mount Baker is known by the local Native American tribes of Lummi and Nooksack, as Koma Kulshan or simply Kulshan. Interestingly enough the name does not refer to the mountain itself, but to the region, Go Up High or Way Back in the Mountains Shooting.
It is a picturesque day as I set out, sunny, cool and not a rain cloud on the horizon. I’m taking the most direct route, route 542, also known as the Mount Baker Scenic Highway. It was just that. Amazing landscapes lay on both sides of the road. Seriously, I could spend a few hours just taking in the sights along the highway, but I want to get to the mountain.
As the road begins winding its way up the mountain the old growth forest of Snoqualmie National Forest becomes the backdrop. Breathtaking. I slow down to 45 from 55 just so I can safely take it all in. Even then it would have been nice if I had someone else driving or could set the car on autopilot.
About 7 miles past the ranger station I notice a sign/exit for Nooksack Falls -also known as Wells Creek Falls. Excited to see the falls I take the exit, but only make it a short distance because the road is like Swiss cheese due to washout from rain and snow. I feel it would be prudent to park and walk. I am treated with a minor cascade on my little exploration. It’s lovely. After taking a few shots, pictures are attached; I head back to the main road.
A short distance up the road I notice a trailhead that looks interesting, so I decide to park and do a little more exploring. It is the Excelsior Pass trailhead located at 4200 feet. The trail is the easiest of three accesses to the High Divide and the trail description hints to mountain meadows and alpine vistas. However, since I‘m not really equipped for a lengthy hike today, I tell myself, “keep it short Kate”, as I begin hiking up the trail.
As soon as I hit the tree line it feels like I’ve walked into a Cathedral. With reverent hushed tones, the water is falling over rocks in the little stream just off the trail and even the birds chirp their praises softly. I can feel Divine’s presence all around me. The landscape of old growth forest looks and feels as if I had stepped into a time portal and have gone back 1000 years. As I walk the trail at a 4% incline, the smell of conifers fills my senses and ice crystal rain softly on me from the snow covered tree tops. Sunlight is illuminating each crystal, giving me the sensation of being coated in Fairy dust adding to the otherworldly feel that envelopes me. The trail keeps beaconing to me, wanting me to keep going, hinting to the unexplored beauty that waits, but common sense prevails and after only 30 minutes I reluctantly turn around and begin head back down.
On my drive up I passed a trailhead that went along a river. I decided to make that my last stop before heading back to Bellingham. It doesn’t disappoint. I take the short hike enjoying the water as it is rushing past, taking with it all my cares.
Feeling recharged and more importantly reconnected I make my way back to Bellingham on 542 and pass an Eagle standing like a lone sentinel on my path high in the trees. Life is good.
Blessings & Love,
Kate
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