I had an opportunity to visit the National Portrait Gallery recently. They have an exhibition of photos as part of the National Photographic Portrait Prize 2016. Each of the photos captures striking moments.
And each striking moment is wonderful, serious, and resplendent, in the way each person's world is snapped in an instant. And the explanation and meaning the photographer puts in it.
It is full of story. In image, and glory.
We each uniquely see stories differently, from our own perspectives. And we learn from the stories and perspectives that others bring. In the relating.
Each moment is a story in the living. And it is only understood richly as a whole life story in hindsight...when the various snapshots are pondered with insight.
As you live your days, from holy moment to moment, in awareness, or daze, it creates a tapestry that can truly amaze.
Tell me your story. A powerful opening in therapy, relationship, and coaching. So much can be learned from that process. The meaning, the dialogue, the perspective, the monologue.
It is personal. And it is private. And it is selective. In the telling.
It provides a process for bringing out the truth, of the person, as they see it, at that moment.
It is beautiful. And it is glorious.
It is serious. And wondrous.
How you weave your stories to your liking, and disliking, and observing, is poetic and majestic. And changing.
And understanding the process of self-knowledge and courage that life's makings and breakings, can bring to the story, is captivating. It is poetic. And it provides a great perspective to build new moments of clarity and reality.
All of the arts...therapeutic, creative, generative, for art makers and observers, has an amazing ability to help tune in to what is true within us. A beautiful dialogue between the storyteller and receiver.
Tell me your story. What is your poetry? What is your art piece? And the unique and precious glory that it brings. Such a lovely place to begin.
SaraSwati Shakti
Copyright © 2016. All rights reserved.
www.lovingpsyche.com
Tuesday, 29 March 2016
Sunday, 20 March 2016
Sit, And Admire
When my son was very little, we had a ritual.
He was always busy, curious, and keen to move from activity to activity, regularly. Projects were moved through, quickly. From one to next, without a breath.
So I taught him something worth doing. To Sit, And Admire, before moving on, to the next thing.
To Sit, and Admire. A ritual. Celebrating.
To give thanks for what he had done. To appreciate what he had achieved. To pat himself on the back, and honestly critique.
To Sit, and Admire.
And to learn from each achievement. To take in the aroma of the wonderment of each project.
The conclusion, and the pause. The ending, for a new beginning.
Easter is a great symbolic reminder of end, and renewal. A chance to pause over the weekend. Honouring the process of closing an old chapter, for beginning anew. A timely opportunity to partake in a life review.
Considering what you have learned, where you have grown, what you have achieved, and gratefully taken on.
A conscious pause. To savour. Before moving on. Before going beyond, where you have been. To say goodbye to what was. And to welcome a new life chapter in.
As the end of the first quarter of 2016 is nearing, you may wish to consider where your footsteps have been.
Sit, and Admire. How far you've come.
1. What are you most proud of? In outer achievements, and inner dialogue.
2. What have you learned? In lessons, and blessings, and views.
3. Where will you next head? For more satisfaction, and happiness.
Sit, and Admire. And Celebrate. And have a lovely Easter weekend.
SaraSwati Shakti
Copyright © 2016. All rights reserved.
www.lovingpsyche.com
He was always busy, curious, and keen to move from activity to activity, regularly. Projects were moved through, quickly. From one to next, without a breath.
So I taught him something worth doing. To Sit, And Admire, before moving on, to the next thing.
To Sit, and Admire. A ritual. Celebrating.
To give thanks for what he had done. To appreciate what he had achieved. To pat himself on the back, and honestly critique.
To Sit, and Admire.
And to learn from each achievement. To take in the aroma of the wonderment of each project.
The conclusion, and the pause. The ending, for a new beginning.
Easter is a great symbolic reminder of end, and renewal. A chance to pause over the weekend. Honouring the process of closing an old chapter, for beginning anew. A timely opportunity to partake in a life review.
Considering what you have learned, where you have grown, what you have achieved, and gratefully taken on.
A conscious pause. To savour. Before moving on. Before going beyond, where you have been. To say goodbye to what was. And to welcome a new life chapter in.
As the end of the first quarter of 2016 is nearing, you may wish to consider where your footsteps have been.
Sit, and Admire. How far you've come.
1. What are you most proud of? In outer achievements, and inner dialogue.
2. What have you learned? In lessons, and blessings, and views.
3. Where will you next head? For more satisfaction, and happiness.
Sit, and Admire. And Celebrate. And have a lovely Easter weekend.
SaraSwati Shakti
Copyright © 2016. All rights reserved.
www.lovingpsyche.com
Saturday, 20 February 2016
Upon Reflection
At dawn this morning, by a river that runs alongside my neighbourhood, I noticed something new. Something irregular.
The river, was absolutely still.
So still that the water was a perfect mirror of the scene above her.
A complete, unadulterated, reflection. No exception.
And it didn't escape me, that my inner river, was similar. Still. And present. In the moment. Of contentment.
A mirror.
Stillness, within, and without, everywhere, about.
A clean slate, for a new day, as I sat, to contemplate.
A lovely observation. And a grateful contemplation.
And as I proceeded to walk along that lovely, still river, it changed. As I too had changed.
My mind was becaming busier. Passing by, I spoke briefly to people familiar. I made plans in my head for the day, and my week ahead. I noticed old ruminations, entering the field of stillness, coming into play.
And I noticed the river, had begun to ripple, as my mind had too.
A mirror.
Energy reflecting.
Reinforcing an awareness, that cultivating stillness, has an impact. And that what we bring as energy affects the world around us, and vice versa.
Watching how energy moves, as a reflection.
Knowing that it can be difficult to maintain stillness, with the movement through an ordinary day. And being aware that the ripples inside us, and those surrounding us, in leading a contemporary life, can contribute, or get in the way.
Learning to cultivate stillness, in the moment, can create a peaceful richness. And a self-awareness that is valuable for wellness.
Creating the time, to refine the mind, and emotions, has a marvellous affect on the world around us.
Through meditation, mindfulness, and creative immersion, or whatever practice satisfies it, in a personal way, can instill a peacefulness for blissfulness, as part of the day.
A lovely lesson, upon reflection.
And a beautiful motivation, for creating a peaceful projection, into the world today.
Much love
SaraSwati Shakti
Copyright © 2016. All rights reserved.
www.lovingpsyche.com
The river, was absolutely still.
So still that the water was a perfect mirror of the scene above her.
A complete, unadulterated, reflection. No exception.
And it didn't escape me, that my inner river, was similar. Still. And present. In the moment. Of contentment.
A mirror.
Stillness, within, and without, everywhere, about.
A clean slate, for a new day, as I sat, to contemplate.
A lovely observation. And a grateful contemplation.
And as I proceeded to walk along that lovely, still river, it changed. As I too had changed.
My mind was becaming busier. Passing by, I spoke briefly to people familiar. I made plans in my head for the day, and my week ahead. I noticed old ruminations, entering the field of stillness, coming into play.
And I noticed the river, had begun to ripple, as my mind had too.
A mirror.
Energy reflecting.
Reinforcing an awareness, that cultivating stillness, has an impact. And that what we bring as energy affects the world around us, and vice versa.
Watching how energy moves, as a reflection.
Knowing that it can be difficult to maintain stillness, with the movement through an ordinary day. And being aware that the ripples inside us, and those surrounding us, in leading a contemporary life, can contribute, or get in the way.
Learning to cultivate stillness, in the moment, can create a peaceful richness. And a self-awareness that is valuable for wellness.
Creating the time, to refine the mind, and emotions, has a marvellous affect on the world around us.
Through meditation, mindfulness, and creative immersion, or whatever practice satisfies it, in a personal way, can instill a peacefulness for blissfulness, as part of the day.
A lovely lesson, upon reflection.
And a beautiful motivation, for creating a peaceful projection, into the world today.
Much love
SaraSwati Shakti
Copyright © 2016. All rights reserved.
www.lovingpsyche.com
Sunday, 14 February 2016
For a new beginning
There is a poem I dearly love. It is by the late John O'Donohue.
It is from his book To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings. And it is called For a New Beginning.
And every beginning, which naturally follows some form of ending, offers uncertainties, and blessings.
It touches a place that I have visited frequently. A place of deep soul. Sensing that something is beckoning, to take hold. The place of fresh new beginnings. The restlessness, and the wrestling with in-betweens, and the uncertainties that brings, before the Sunrise sets in.
I dedicate it to each of you starting newness. And greater trueness, of your soulful existence, as you move more deeply into the year.
And as the last winds of the past season bellow, and the colours start to mellow, toward a new rhythm quickening, may it help you launch into new measures, of heartfelt treasures, as your soul continues to grin.
Begin.
In out-of-the-way places of the heart,
Where your thoughts never think to wander,
This beginning has been quietly forming,
Waiting until you were ready to emerge.
Copyright © 2016. All rights reserved.
It is from his book To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings. And it is called For a New Beginning.
And every beginning, which naturally follows some form of ending, offers uncertainties, and blessings.
It touches a place that I have visited frequently. A place of deep soul. Sensing that something is beckoning, to take hold. The place of fresh new beginnings. The restlessness, and the wrestling with in-betweens, and the uncertainties that brings, before the Sunrise sets in.
I dedicate it to each of you starting newness. And greater trueness, of your soulful existence, as you move more deeply into the year.
And as the last winds of the past season bellow, and the colours start to mellow, toward a new rhythm quickening, may it help you launch into new measures, of heartfelt treasures, as your soul continues to grin.
Begin.
In out-of-the-way places of the heart,
Where your thoughts never think to wander,
This beginning has been quietly forming,
Waiting until you were ready to emerge.
For a long time it has watched your desire
Feeling the emptiness grow inside you,
Noticing how you willed yourself on,
Still unable to leave what you had outgrown.
It watched you play with the seduction of safety
And the grey promises that sameness whispered
Heard the waves of turmoil rise and relent
Wondered would you always live like this.
Then the delight, when your courage kindled,
And out you stepped onto new ground,
Your eyes young again with energy and dream
A path of plenitude opening before you.
Though your destination is not clear
You can trust the promise of this opening;
Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning
That is one with your life's desire
Awaken your spirit to adventure
Holding nothing back, learn to find ease in risk
Soon you will be home in a new rhythm
For your soul senses the world that awaits you.
Yes, the world awaits you. Begin.
SaraSwati Shakti
www.lovingpsyche.com.auCopyright © 2016. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, 10 February 2016
Centred, and Whole
An invitation resulted in a lovely occasion over the last week. A visit to the Masonic Centre in Sydney. And while I have visited there regularly for conferences and meetings, this one was different, satiating a long held curiosity.
The Freemasons, the Masonic Lodge, it's symbolism and it's history. A museum, and active community, passed through many generations, in the heart of the city of Sydney. Demystifying, and enlightening this most interesting fraternity, that built so much structure, with spirit, globally.
I have always been excited about experiencing and learning about different traditions, and the rituals that surround them. Their living history, in the present. It is part of what helps me to understand the diversity of the world I appreciate, and it's impact on the world we live in.
And the symbols, emblems and allegorical meanings, unique to the tradition, of freemasonary, yet linked to so many other traditions universally, is fascinating. The quest for Masonic light, or knowledge, is explained as a journey. Just like any we take in finding the value we create, in whatever group, organisation, or community, to which we belong and participate.
Being birthed, initiated, serving, resting, and transforming, as our lives generate.
I have so many favourite components of what I learned, it would be too much here to elaborate. Instead I will focus on the one most meaningful element that stood out for me. The place of ceremony and initiation of a candidate, or lodge member, and their representative reality.
On a floor of chequered black and white squares representing light and shadow, which we each must traverse in our changing worlds, an important spot, in the centre. A Star emblem. Or what I saw as a five pointed pentacle, in a circle. A central, protective, whole, mandala symbol.
And directly above, hanging from the ceiling, the capital letter G.
G. For God.
And in between, stands the person, individually, singularly, and wholly, signifying so eloquently the connection between the Higher Mind, and their Earthly Being.
Solidifying the importance of the link each individual has to the higher dimensions, while grounded on sacred Earth reality.
What rich symbology, of the power we each weave! To impact, and impart, our centredness, directly.
As Above, So Below, reflectively.
Our vertical, upright, upstanding bodies, and beings, linking to the higher Self, with our worldly work and worth, connecting.
Embracing that knowledge, and the responsibility it brings, in the evolution of humanity.
Linking the wonders of Earth, with Heavenly beauty, and connecting centredly, and wholly.
The privilege and responsibility we hold, as human beings.
The Higher Purpose, on Earth, as we each evolve. How wonderfully extraordinary. Reinforcing, for every body the practice of vertical connection, with reverence, as important. Centredness and Wholly holy.
Much Love
SaraSwati Shakti
Copyright © 2016. All rights reserved.
www.lovingpsyche.com
The Freemasons, the Masonic Lodge, it's symbolism and it's history. A museum, and active community, passed through many generations, in the heart of the city of Sydney. Demystifying, and enlightening this most interesting fraternity, that built so much structure, with spirit, globally.
I have always been excited about experiencing and learning about different traditions, and the rituals that surround them. Their living history, in the present. It is part of what helps me to understand the diversity of the world I appreciate, and it's impact on the world we live in.
And the symbols, emblems and allegorical meanings, unique to the tradition, of freemasonary, yet linked to so many other traditions universally, is fascinating. The quest for Masonic light, or knowledge, is explained as a journey. Just like any we take in finding the value we create, in whatever group, organisation, or community, to which we belong and participate.
Being birthed, initiated, serving, resting, and transforming, as our lives generate.
I have so many favourite components of what I learned, it would be too much here to elaborate. Instead I will focus on the one most meaningful element that stood out for me. The place of ceremony and initiation of a candidate, or lodge member, and their representative reality.
On a floor of chequered black and white squares representing light and shadow, which we each must traverse in our changing worlds, an important spot, in the centre. A Star emblem. Or what I saw as a five pointed pentacle, in a circle. A central, protective, whole, mandala symbol.
And directly above, hanging from the ceiling, the capital letter G.
G. For God.
And in between, stands the person, individually, singularly, and wholly, signifying so eloquently the connection between the Higher Mind, and their Earthly Being.
Solidifying the importance of the link each individual has to the higher dimensions, while grounded on sacred Earth reality.
What rich symbology, of the power we each weave! To impact, and impart, our centredness, directly.
As Above, So Below, reflectively.
Our vertical, upright, upstanding bodies, and beings, linking to the higher Self, with our worldly work and worth, connecting.
Embracing that knowledge, and the responsibility it brings, in the evolution of humanity.
Linking the wonders of Earth, with Heavenly beauty, and connecting centredly, and wholly.
The privilege and responsibility we hold, as human beings.
The Higher Purpose, on Earth, as we each evolve. How wonderfully extraordinary. Reinforcing, for every body the practice of vertical connection, with reverence, as important. Centredness and Wholly holy.
Much Love
SaraSwati Shakti
Copyright © 2016. All rights reserved.
www.lovingpsyche.com
Friday, 29 January 2016
Dreamtime Present
I have been away. On a Walkabout. Into the centre. Of Australia. The spiritual centre. Of Dreamtime Present. Kata Tjuta and Uluru. A beautiful view.
It has been on my list for many years. A dream that has come true.
And of my being, connecting, to the inner space projecting. My heart touched unfathomably by experiencing indigenous sacred space, and surrounding community.
January...taking the Pace of Peace with me that my pre-Christmas spirit intentions brought with me.
Have you noticed? A Pace of Peace helps you deal with the shadowy things. So you can focus on the beauty.
Going to Uluru in January is hot. There are flies to swat. The weather is intense. My regular activities are curbed for a different intent. Slow, Slow, Slowing down, walking my body around. Feeling the intensity, with loving propensity.
And, oh what joys the bright side brought. Stormy, rainy weather springs. Sensationally dramatic. Waterfalls and rainbows, rich red soil. And aliveness. In the heat, and the heart, of the semi-desert.
A Dreamtime Present.
There is something so magical about listening to the stories of an ancient land. The Dreamtime. As it's called in Australia. Many layers revealed of traditional values, morals, and virtues that are perpetual to honouring people.
Allowing for the beauty of navigating inner and outer landscapes, relating.
And how are you relating? How is your dreamtime story transpiring? Has your own January soul walkabout been inspiring, as you lean deeper into the new year. Readying for the Year of The Fire Monkey, actioning your purpose, and why you're here?
Take the time to jot down what has inspired you, values, pastimes, and passions too. Acknowledge what was great about January. What you learned about yourself, and others too. And take it with you into the love month of February. Add any desires and actions that prompt you to continue to unfold your life story : with friends, family, community, and the work that you do. Loving you and those around you.
And keep it flowing as your dreamtime bliss list, in your heart, mind and body, as your evolving year continues, with each precious present that it gifts you.
Much love
SaraSwati Shakti
Copyright © 2016. All rights reserved.
www.lovingpsyche.com.
It has been on my list for many years. A dream that has come true.
And of my being, connecting, to the inner space projecting. My heart touched unfathomably by experiencing indigenous sacred space, and surrounding community.
January...taking the Pace of Peace with me that my pre-Christmas spirit intentions brought with me.
Have you noticed? A Pace of Peace helps you deal with the shadowy things. So you can focus on the beauty.
Going to Uluru in January is hot. There are flies to swat. The weather is intense. My regular activities are curbed for a different intent. Slow, Slow, Slowing down, walking my body around. Feeling the intensity, with loving propensity.
And, oh what joys the bright side brought. Stormy, rainy weather springs. Sensationally dramatic. Waterfalls and rainbows, rich red soil. And aliveness. In the heat, and the heart, of the semi-desert.
A Dreamtime Present.
There is something so magical about listening to the stories of an ancient land. The Dreamtime. As it's called in Australia. Many layers revealed of traditional values, morals, and virtues that are perpetual to honouring people.
Allowing for the beauty of navigating inner and outer landscapes, relating.
And how are you relating? How is your dreamtime story transpiring? Has your own January soul walkabout been inspiring, as you lean deeper into the new year. Readying for the Year of The Fire Monkey, actioning your purpose, and why you're here?
Take the time to jot down what has inspired you, values, pastimes, and passions too. Acknowledge what was great about January. What you learned about yourself, and others too. And take it with you into the love month of February. Add any desires and actions that prompt you to continue to unfold your life story : with friends, family, community, and the work that you do. Loving you and those around you.
And keep it flowing as your dreamtime bliss list, in your heart, mind and body, as your evolving year continues, with each precious present that it gifts you.
Much love
SaraSwati Shakti
Copyright © 2016. All rights reserved.
www.lovingpsyche.com.
Thursday, 10 December 2015
PACE of PEACE
There is a word that I have always liked. The word is PACE. And it tends to present itself quite regularly this time of year, when life amps up a pace, with a pre-Christmas cheer race. Reminding me to pace myself.
And that's when I link it in with another meaning. One I like even more appreciatively. The Italian meaning, albeit pronounced differently, PACE, meaning, PEACE.
The PACE of PEACE.
Cutting back on complexity, and making it a time of meaningful simplicity, deliberately, and how it feels within.
PEACE.
That's The Christmas Present.
PEACE.
A PEACE PACE. To appreciate the season, leading into Christmas.
Scheduling, to take account, and invite in, the Christmas feeling. With a PACE of PEACE.
Being receptive to the art of slow, contentment, and deliberate savouring of the beauty a PACE of PEACE brings. So that the sacredness of Christmas, and what it means, really, sets in.
Fitting PEACE in.
Because waiting for peace, for a later date, is less appealing, than feeling it right here. Leading up to, and throughout, Christmas.
Finding, and savouring it now, during the time it is meant to set in, and embedding it, into the scheme of things, regularly, creates it more tangibly as a set point for longevity, and into next year.
A PACE of PEACE. In time, mind, heart and relating. Really appreciating. The peaceful beauty that the season brings. And the wonder it brings.
Validating it as a word, a prayer, and a regular activity, so that the Peace on Earth we sing this time of year, can open as more of a possibility, collectively, as the real thing.
An inner aspect radiating out into the world, and mirroring back more genuinely. Practicing a PACE of PEACE, weaving it in, and rippling it out energetically, into the wider scheme of things.
Willing, and creating, a PACE of PEACE for the rest of the year, and carrying it wholeheartedly and giftedly into 2016.
SaraSwati Shakti
www.lovingpsyche.com
Copyright © 2015. All rights reserved.
And that's when I link it in with another meaning. One I like even more appreciatively. The Italian meaning, albeit pronounced differently, PACE, meaning, PEACE.
The PACE of PEACE.
Cutting back on complexity, and making it a time of meaningful simplicity, deliberately, and how it feels within.
PEACE.
That's The Christmas Present.
PEACE.
A PEACE PACE. To appreciate the season, leading into Christmas.
Scheduling, to take account, and invite in, the Christmas feeling. With a PACE of PEACE.
Being receptive to the art of slow, contentment, and deliberate savouring of the beauty a PACE of PEACE brings. So that the sacredness of Christmas, and what it means, really, sets in.
Fitting PEACE in.
Because waiting for peace, for a later date, is less appealing, than feeling it right here. Leading up to, and throughout, Christmas.
Finding, and savouring it now, during the time it is meant to set in, and embedding it, into the scheme of things, regularly, creates it more tangibly as a set point for longevity, and into next year.
A PACE of PEACE. In time, mind, heart and relating. Really appreciating. The peaceful beauty that the season brings. And the wonder it brings.
Validating it as a word, a prayer, and a regular activity, so that the Peace on Earth we sing this time of year, can open as more of a possibility, collectively, as the real thing.
An inner aspect radiating out into the world, and mirroring back more genuinely. Practicing a PACE of PEACE, weaving it in, and rippling it out energetically, into the wider scheme of things.
Willing, and creating, a PACE of PEACE for the rest of the year, and carrying it wholeheartedly and giftedly into 2016.
SaraSwati Shakti
www.lovingpsyche.com
Copyright © 2015. All rights reserved.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)