The Importance of Being Present During my 3 years of Shaman training, I was shown the value of active listening and active seeing over and over again. These have proven to be very valuable tools indeed. In my travels of late, I frequently observe the lack of presence in the people around me. So many are consumed within their own thoughts and actions that they are becoming invisible to one another. I’m all about making eye contact, yet I’ve been looked past as if I’m not there on numerous occasions, even when they are looking right at me. People have been colliding with me so frequently in stores that it seems more than just a fluke. People are not actively seeing. Those who know me, know that I speak to the point, however, when speaking with someone more times than not, they are hearing something totally different than what I am saying. People are not actively listening. I feel confident to say, these points are reaching disturbing proportion. Of course, I don’t take it personally, I realize that these are just symptoms of a greater issue. People are withdrawing inside themselves being caught up in their own play and not realizing that what one does affects the whole. Even if our orbit is small. There is no arguing that these are extremely challenging times as we shift within and without. The planet and all living things are experiencing their own transformations. However, we can use this time wisely to practice being fully present in each moment. Being more aware of our actions, our words and our thoughts. When we are fully present in the moment, no matter what it is, our experiences become fuller/richer and our consciousness grows. The time has never been more conducive to positive change. Use your power wisely, and with compassion and awareness. In doing this our transformations will flow more smoothly and provide support to one another. Blessings, Kate

PAST THE EXPIRATION DATE It is a simple fact of nature. All relationships, whether they are casual acquaintances, friendships or loves, have expiration dates. We are not privy to the specific date of their demise, but it is there, nonetheless. We are a species rapt in the rapture that new relationships bring. We leap blindly into the experience usually without a care as to whether or not it is going to last a few hours, days, weeks, months, years or a lifetime. I believe this is a genetic drive; otherwise we would all be too afraid to dive in. Most of us have an idea of where we would like to see a relationship go. We continually write or rewrite the act for each day and project far into the future. When we attempt to cling to our contrived scenarios--turning our thoughts to what was or could be--we keep ourselves trapped in illusion and out of reality. This, my friends, can cause a great deal of pain. When the dynamics begin to shift in a relationship, it is a possible sign that a catabolic process has begun and the expiration date could be looming. If you’re like most, you’ll find yourself wondering” What did I do wrong? If only I had…. I don’t want this to end. I am sensing something is off, but if I don’t ask then maybe it will just go away.” Here’s a novel idea. Why not be present in each day and in every relationship? Give them the attention they deserve, taking and giving to each the very best we have to offer. Then, with an open heart and gratitude, let go when it is time. In doing this we are always present to what is-- here and now. We see clearly what is before us--not just what we want to see. We have to be able to ask ourselves and others the hard questions and to act according to the truth of what is. This will ensure our solid seat in reality, enabling us to take action in our highest good. Blessings, Kate