Tag: Organizations

The Daily OM for December 12th – Putting People on a Pedestal

Putting People on a Pedestal
Allowing Our Loved Ones to Be Human

by Madisyn Taylor

 

When you put somebody on a pedestal it is giving away your power and saying you are not good enough.

When we fall in love with someone or make a new friend, we sometimes see that person in a glowing light. Their good qualities dominate the foreground of our perception and their negative qualities. They just don’t seem to have any. This temporary state of grace is commonly known as putting someone on a pedestal. Often times we put spiritual leaders and our gurus on pedestals. We have all done this to someone at one time or another, and as long as we remember that no one is actually “perfect,“ the pedestal phase of a relationship can be enjoyed for what it is—a phase. It’s when we actually believe our own projection that troubles arise.

Everyone has problems, flaws, and blind spots, just as we do. When we entertain the illusion that someone is perfect, we don’t allow them room to be human, so when they make an error in judgment or act in contradiction to our idea of perfection, we become disillusioned. We may get angry or distance ourselves in response. In the end, they are not to blame for the fact that we idealized them. Granted, they may have enjoyed seeing themselves as perfect through our eyes, but we are the ones who chose to believe an illusion. If you go through this process enough times, you learn that no one is perfect. We are all a combination of divine and human qualities and we all struggle. When we treat the people we love with this awareness, we actually allow for a much greater intimacy than when we held them aloft on an airy throne. The moment you see through your idealized projection is the moment you begin to see your loved one as he or she truly is.

We cannot truly connect with a person when we idealize them. In life, there are no pedestals—we are all walking on the same ground together. When we realize this, we can own our own divinity and our humanity. This is the key to balance and wholeness within ourselves and our relationships.

The Daily OM

The State of Paganism: A Perspective From an Old Witch

The State of Paganism: A Perspective From an Old Witch

Author:   Crick  

As Paganism slowly but surely emerges out of the grip of suppression brought on by what is now commonly referred to as organized religions. We may want to be aware of several pitfalls and realities as we once again step into the light of day.

First of all, the top three organized religions are themselves fairly new in the grand scheme of history. Prior to their appearance on the world stage, basically everyone in the world followed some type of pagan belief, which was for the most part an individual spiritual belief and not an organized religion per se. Such beliefs were influenced by ones personal environment and the immediate world around them. There was an interpersonal awareness that helped to shape one’s values and thus their corresponding beliefs. In today’s artificial world we no longer have such a mainstay or influence to guide us.

The current “accepted” beliefs being touted by the main three organized religions and the suppression of former popular beliefs did not occur as a natural effect of events in human history.

It was and continues to be a planned and concerted action, which began in one instance with the advent of the apologists and has continued on through the ages by acts of repression, fear and some very clever propaganda. These deliberate actions have been supplemented by the tactics of politicians who are overtly biased in favor of the institutions of organized religion.

After all, power begets power.

As such we should be aware that the basic tenet of these man made religious organizations is to hold onto such power at all costs. We as a community would like to think that we are accepting of all religious beliefs and spiritual paths, as we should be.

But we should not be so naïve as to think that just because we are so accepting that organized religions will welcome us back with open arms from the isolation of an exile that they themselves imposed upon those of pagan beliefs.

In all reality they (organized religions) would very much like to see paganism fade away as just another passing fad. An example of this is the gathering in Rome in the summer of 2007 of the Roman Catholic Church of which the primary topic was “how to draw folks away from Devil worship (allegedly paganism) and back into the grasp of the one true church”.

Granted there are some individuals within organized religion who are realistic and enlightened enough to accept the fact that not everyone is going to believe as they do. And thus are willing to work with members of alternate beliefs such as paganism.

However the harsh reality is that these folks generally belong to one of the very aggressive religious organizations whose leaders do not endorse such openness. And as such we are being accepted only in isolated situations and only at the very grass roots of these religious institutions.

Acceptance of the fact that the oldest religious/spiritual beliefs in the world were not obliterated and are making a re-emergence is going to take some considerable time, effort and patience.

We will re-emerge into the light of day one enlightened heart and soul at a time. To believe otherwise is in my personal opinion, both foolish and self-defeating.

Another pitfall we should be wary of is manipulation by the organized religions. They have by virtue of their position in the world today, proven to be very adept at such tactics.

And quite obviously (to some of us anyway) they are employing these tried and proven techniques to the very community that they would like to once again vanquish back into the throes of exile.

What is this manipulation you may ask?

Over the recent years, a crumb will fall off of the table of organized religion and a pagan will be ‘allowed” to sit at the same table as these folks. Each time it has been a Wiccan who is chosen to take such a seat and in each case the chosen Wiccan will proclaim themselves as representative of the whole pagan community. And then folks in the pagan community will swoon like young schoolgirls and say, “oh what a great thing this is for the community”.

In my personal opinion, such proclamations fall right into the hands of those of the organized religions who are sponsoring such meetings.

I have serious reservations about such an approach and reaction for several down to earth reasons.

First of all, realistically we as a community are dealing with folks who are well schooled in such manipulation. It is quite apparent that if you can’t outright obliterate what you object to then you find a way to control it.

For example Brighid the Goddess did not become a Christian saint by happenstance. It was an act of sage manipulation by an organized religion. Hence we have the old adage of, “keeping your friends close but your enemies even closer”.

And so with all due respect to those of the Wicca, I personally have to wonder why organized religion seems to only choose members of Wicca, which is by all accounts barely a generation old and thus but a babe in the world of paganism as the ones who are proffered a seat with these folks.

Please don’t misinterpret what I am saying here, I think that it is great that a pagan of any path gets the crumb that is offered, to a certain extent.

But then this brings me to my next concern.

One of the primary tenets of paganism is diversity. And if we are to avoid the pitfalls of hypocrisy then perhaps those Wicca who are chosen to be seated with organized religions should state responsibly, that in fact they represent but a small portion of the pagan community.

Again, with all due respect to those of the path of Wicca, not only would this be a realistic statement but it would also leave the door open to those of other pagan beliefs. And as such would be a confirmation of the pagan community’s stated belief in the tenet of diversity.

Paganism is after all an acronym or umbrella for many “diverse” beliefs. And no one path can honestly state that they alone represent the many different beliefs that align themselves under the banner of paganism.

In all reality, and yet once again with all due respect, as an Irish witch who also engages the path of shamanism, Wicca does not remotely represent my personal path. Nor does it accurately reflect the beliefs of those who are Asatru, Voudon, Santerian, Odinist, Yoruba, Shamanic, witch and so forth.

If we as a community are going to endorse diversity as one of our founding tenets then we need to surpass the temptations of ego and thus avoid the snare that is being put into place by those religious organizations that have shown such skill in manipulation.

Those who are tapped should show some responsibility and use their opportunities to ensure that organized religion is aware that we are in fact a diverse community and do not fit into one spiritual/religious shoe fits all.

By the same token, we as a community need to overcome our petty ego driven differences and be willing to proffer folks from various pagan beliefs as representatives of our community. Granted this will take a measure of maturity that has for the most part been lacking in our community.

But I personally believe that if we are true to ourselves and our community that we can indeed find the inner strength to exhibit such maturity as a community to express ourselves in such a manner.

The final concern that I would like to express in this treatise is this.
Why do we buy into the perception that organized religion has of us?

Realistically, it is “their” perception and should not be the view that we as pagans hold of ourselves.

Why do we as a community get all flustered and swoon whenever organized religion allows us a seat?

They are in all reality the newcomers to the world stage of religious/spiritual beliefs.

Paganism is in fact the oldest such beliefs in existence, period!
When one of us is invited to their table it should be with the approach that they (organized religions) should be honored to have a member of such an ancient belief seated at their table.

We need to stop playing into their blatant manipulation and express ourselves with aplomb and dignity and not as eager children grateful for a brief moment of attention.

I personally believe that this is why they (organized religions) only invite the Wicca (who are the babes of pagan society) into their midst. In this manner they can point and say “but they have only been around since 1952” and so the manipulation continues and unadulterated attempts at control continues.

In closing I would like to make it clear that I am not casting about disparaging thoughts against those of the Wicca or any other members of organized religions and/or other pagan paths.

My words are simply a reflection of the realities that we as pagans did not create but which we have to live with. How cognizant we are and how we approach such issues as a community in regards to organized religions will determine whether we remain in the daylight or whether we once again resume our existence in the darkness of religious/spiritual exile.

If you don’t want to think of these issues in regards to yourself then maybe you should consider the religious/spiritual freedoms (true freedoms) of your children and your children’s children.

For in all reality, such manipulation and control did not occur over one generation nor is it likely to ebb within just one generation. Freedom of religious/spiritual beliefs is an ongoing struggle against those who would have it otherwise.

I think the last 2000 years or so has made that quite clear…

Your Animal Spirit for December 9th is The Porcupine

Your Animal Spirit for Today
December 9, 2013

Porcupine

Porcupine has appeared in your reading today to bring a message of innocence and trust. Although Porcupine can throw quills when cornered, he is gentle, loving, and non-aggressive. Is there an area of your life that need Porcupine energy? Have you lost the ability to trust??

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Dec. 9th is The Hawk

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Hawk

High flying and courageous Hawk uses his sharp vision to see all aspects of the world below him in minute detail. He is gifted at taking in all he sees and quickly creating a powerful plan of action. The Hawk suggests that while a broad view of the situation should be taken, the details cannot be overlooked. The Hawk calls for authoritative action based upon a thorough understanding of the circumstances.

As a daily card, The Hawk indicates your vision may be too limited from your current vantage point. You should step back far enough from the situation to see the “big picture.” Then study the details and act commandingly on what you have learned.

Dream Journey To Manifest Your Desires

 Dream Journey To Manifest Your Desires

Use this journey to help you manifest an important personal goal.

Just before you go to sleep, lay back skyclad and get as comfortable as you can. Shift your body slightly to get even more comfortable. Take a few deep breaths to center your awareness. Now, imagine you are a star of white light in the night sky. Merge into the starlight and become the head and limbs of a five-pointed star. Transform into a luminous star body and a disk of brillant light. Direct your starlight toward one person goal. Use your intention and breath to focus your awareness completely on that goal. Allow your feeling and energy to move your goal to its desired outcome. Move into the future for a moment and actually imagine successfully manifesting the results you desire. Merge with that desired outcome as deeply as you can for at least fifteen minutes. When you are done, drift to sleep.

The Daily Motivator for Nov. 22 – Helping others

Helping others

Helping others helps you, at the very deepest level. Giving real value serves  to create real value in your own life.

By providing encouragement, you receive encouragement. When you teach, you  learn.

Each day is rich with opportunities for you to make a positive difference in  the lives of those around you. And it is through genuinely enriching the lives  of others that you find true richness in your own.

Right here, right now, there is a beautiful way to give of yourself, and to  make the world a better place. Choose to do so, and immediately feel the  benefits begin to manifest.

You have the chance today to change lives for the better. It’s difficult to  imagine anything that could be more fulfilling than that.

Reach out, give a hand, make a difference, and offer a kindness. The lives  you lift will most certainly include your own.

— Ralph Marston

The Daily Motivator

The Pagan Man

The Pagan Man

Author:   Panisch Lockelear   

When you see images of the green man, Hermes, and the horned gods of many pagan religious paths, it is easy to deduce that the male role is important within out pagan society. When I was younger, I went from elder to elder seeking to understand my role as a male in the ways of the various pagan paths. Although my findings were varied, a single idea prevailed. One of a strong man, full of wisdom. A protector of the innocent and a hunter and provider.

This was somewhat different from the images I was exposed to as a younger pagan male. The men that made up most of the pagan community seemed to be a little more and a little less, when measured to this general sense or idea of a pagan man.

On first impressions of the male pagan, I saw a man full of strong drink, drumming from dusk until dawn, a savage sexual appetite, and servant to the woman of their choosing. On the other hand I could also see a man that cared about his own and all children. I found a wealth of teachings about the land we call mother, and the ways and order of the circle of life we all share.

I must say that many ways and experiences from the pagan men who influenced me greatly, were in my mind conflicting. How could a strong man be a hunter, provider and protector of his clan or those who he was sided and also be sub servant, nurturing and bow to what seemed like a lesser position within our religion?

The men, who I learned from, were all of these things and more. Why then would they seem to take a lesser position within our pagan community?

In talking to a man who had the greatest impact on me as a pagan young man, I learned a lot from my mentor and elder Pond hopper I think he had the greatest impact on me, because he seemed to always have time to answer my often strange questions. He took the time to explain this to me and what I noticed was these were teachings he himself actually lived by.

I remember getting into the subject of pagan male role models and I asked him who his were. His answer surprised me. He said ‘ the Grey Squirrel’.

His words hit home for me. ‘You see, the Grey Squirrel helps his mate to make a house in the trees for the family, he helps her in gathering nuts and food for the long winter’. ‘ When a wayward bird comes along to attack him and his young, he becomes a fierce fighter, yet to see the male Grey Squirrel with his young, he is tender and playful.’

I thought on this and quickly replied to Pond hopper asking him, ‘ well what about sharks or fish, who eat their young or leave their young to fend for themselves, never becoming a part of their life?’

I realize his reply to me now was to make me think for myself. He said to me, ‘ Have you ever heard on the television or read in a paper where a man hurt one of his kids or left his family alone?’

Then he asked me…’ Why do you think that is?’

Of course I had no idea at that age as to why. Later on he explained by simply asking, it is funny how we mirror nature and nature seems to mirror us? The fact is we are not being mirrored at all, because we are apart of this circle of life.

We must play our role in this circle. The only difference between the animals and us is the fact that we can choose. We can choose to either be like the Grey Squirrel or like the shark. I pondered this for many years and found a lot of honor in his teachings.

I slowly began to understand that a good pagan man could be fierce and strong when need be. He can be a hunter and he can be a teacher as well.

A mature pagan man also understands that he is apart of a larger circle as well and must learn to adapt, live and work within both the clan family and the natural circles he finds himself in. I learned that there is a natural order and there is a wisdom needed to be able to navigate this order. This is something the pagan male will strive to become comfortable with by making mistakes and testing his bounds.

Falling down, becomes our teacher and the prize is wisdom. I have fallen down a lot in my life and on my pagan path. For that, I thank the gods and pond hopper for the effort and the gift of time they took to raise me to be a pagan man.

I still strive to understand the mother Earth and her circle that I must be a part of. I learned that I would fall down and in doing so I will learn. I know now that the role of the pagan male is something different to all of us depending on the teachers we have had. The way we have gained our wisdom to navigate the circles we are in are important. They are as important and those elders who take the time to teach us.

I am reminded that in my life as a pagan male, I am a role model for those younger men who watch me. They look to me for the knowledge needed to find their place within the circle as hunters, providers, protectors, servants, and men of real wisdom. I know that I owe a debt to the circle of life.

I know now that Pond Hopper was a man that understood the need to lead by example. I also know that while I may fall down, this is not the end of me. To be strong enough to do that means that I am not relegated to a lesser role within the pagan religion. My role is very well defined and the gods and my mentors are my guides.

The Daily Motivator for Nov. 15th – Real, fulfilling life

Real, fulfilling life

Life gives to you what you give to life. The way you experience life depends  on the way you choose to live it.

If you act according to your own greed, you will suffer from the greed of  others. If you live with hatred you will be the recipient of hatred.

When you live out of a sense of authentic love, you will receive love from  others. Live with true respect, and you will be truly respected.

You cannot possibly get the good things you do not wish to give. You cannot possibly avoid receiving in return whatever it is you offer to life.

A puzzle that is solved for you is really not any fun. A life that is lived  for you is no life at all.

Make your own way, shoulder your own burdens, and give your very best in  every moment. That is real, fulfilling life, and it is priceless.

— Ralph Marston

The Daily Motivator

A Belated Happy & Honored Veterans Day To All Our Dear Brothers & Sisters!


I can never begin to apologize enough for not honoring all of our proud Veterans yesterday, on their day. We did not forget you, how could we? If it wasn’t for all those who have sacrificed so much in the past and the present, we would not have the freedoms we do today. Thank you for all you have done for your country. We love you and we wish you a very Happy & Honored Veterans’ Day!

I feel extremely bad about this but we did have an emergency so we were not on the internet yesterday. Of all days, Veterans Days, I am so, so, very sorry. I beg your forgiveness and to the best of my ability and control, nothing like this will ever happen again.

Yesterday, our plumbing did not realize it was Veterans’ Day. We have one of our toilet blow a gasket. Oh brother, did it ever. I spent yesterday with my head stuck in the back of the toilet, in the bowl of the toilet, truthfully I don’t believe there was a place on that toilet I wasn’t at. I got all the parts replaced and have had to let it stand for 24 hours then we will see if it leaks. If it does, does anyone have any dynamite I can have? I was not cut out to be a plumber but I can say one thing, I did not have a plumber crack, lol! Mystie made sure of that. Every time my shorts started to slide down, she would try to pull them up. First time, she stuck her hands in my shorts and pulled them up. You can imagine my reaction, “What the hell do you think you are doing? Get your hands off my a**!” She does not make a good plumber’s helper at all. Now me on the other hand, you ever need a witch who knows her way around pipes and plumbing, just give me a call, lol!

Again, I am apologize to all of our Brothers & Sisters in the Craft and outside the Craft who have served our country so bravely. You have sacrificed so much I think every day of the year we should honor you and never ever take you for granted. You have gave so much of yourself and given us so much. Thank you and we will never forget you.

Goddess Bless Our Veterans and the Men & Women of All Our Armed Forces!

Lady Of The Abyss & The WOTC

Daily Motivator for November 10th – Success is not a secret

Success is not a secret

Success is not a secret. It is a choice, a choice that is made over and over  again.

The choice that brings success and achievement is more than a one-time event.  It is a choice that is integrated into every moment of life.

It’s one thing to decide upon a course of action and then leave it at that.  Such a strategy will leave you with nothing but empty wishes and good  intentions.

Real achievement comes from choosing to achieve, again and again, moment  after moment, until the goal is attained. Real achievement comes from choosing  to achieve, and then continually reaffirming that choice with action.

Choosing success is really quite easy. To actually reach that success, just  keep on choosing it.

Keep on choosing, and acting on that choice, for as long as necessary. And  anything is within your reach.

— Ralph Marston

The Daily Motivator

While You Are Waiting On Us To Get Our Act Together, Check this out!

It has been one of those mornings. I have been trying to get some business done and looked at the clock and freaked. We will be here in just a moment. What I have been aiming to do and while I am think about it, I might as well ask. Do you have a website that is posted on our Links/Awards Page? If so, I want to know if any of you listed there have a banner. Why? Because I want to start a scrolling banner marquee. It will feature everyone’s banner scrolling happily along on the front page. I am sure you have seen them and know what I am talking about. But I would like to give it a try, plus it is free advertisement for your site.

 

I figure by doing this I am helping out the Pagan community. We are a large and fast growing Pagan site. But one site can’t get out our message the way it should be. I want more bigger and prosperous sites. I want our community to become big and strong like it once was. Giving me your banner to put on the front page of this site, I guarantee you will get visitors. The more members or followers that each of our sites attract, the stronger we grow.

 

You know what the WOTC’s mission is: To bring our Religion back to the mainstream. Please give me your banner or point me in the direction of it. If an individual doesn’t find what he likes on this site, he has other options. Right now, it looks like we are it. I know that is not true. There are gorgeous Pagan blogs and Facebook pages that just haven’t been found yet. This is the perfect way for our community to come together and grow and become strong. With the Goddess behind us, we will be unstoppable.

 

If you would like to become a part of this, please drop me a link or your site addy in the comment section. Or you can email me at thewotcstrustfund@yahoo.com.

Thank so much for your help.

*A Quick Revision* You site doesn’t have to be on the Links Page to have your banner posted in the marquee.  So we are looking for all Pagan sites right now!

Wakey, Wakey, It’s Tuesday Morning, Time To Get Up!

“The Mother’s Prayer”

“Our Mother, whose body is the Earth,
Sacred is thy being.
Thy garden grow.
Thy will be done in our cities, as it is in nature.

Thanks be this day for food, and air, and water.
Forgive us our sins against Earth, as we are learning to forgive one
another.
And surrender us not unto extinction, but deliver us from our folly.
For thine is the beauty, and the power, and all life, from birth to
death, from beginning to end, forever.

So be it,
Blessed be.”

1989 by Henry Horton

 

Your Animal Spirit for October 30th is Porcupine

Your Animal Spirit for Today
October 30, 2013

Porcupine

Porcupine has appeared in your reading today to bring a message of innocence and trust. Although Porcupine can throw quills when cornered, he is gentle, loving, and non-aggressive. Is there an area of your life that need Porcupine energy? Have you lost the ability to trust??

Daily Motivator for October 27th – Right here and now

Right here and now

If you wish to have it done, begin to do it now. If you wish to experience  life, then fully live it today.

The future is not certain and the past is out of reach. Now is where your  possibilities dwell, and now is when you must live them.

Don’t waste your wish on what might never be, or long for what is finished.  Invest your energy in the magnificent life that is right here and now.

Yes, by all means work toward a meaningful purpose. And as you do, find  richness and joy in the portion of the journey that is happening now.

Everything that is, is now, and it is more than enough. Let go of any sense of lack or need, and open yourself to the unique wonder of this moment.

There is limitless value to be lived right here and now. This is when you can  experience life at its best, so do.

— Ralph Marston

The Daily Motivator

Celebrating Spirituality 365 Days A Year – Hi Matsur

magick89

October 22 and 23

Hi Matsur

Hi Matsur is a Japanese festival of purification and is celebrated annually at this time. Beginning on the eve of the 22nd there are torchlight processions and parades through the streets in honor of the ancient Gods. The procession ends at a sacred shrine in Kurama, where it is believed that the ancient ones return to Earth at the stroke of midnight. Prayers and invocations will be offered the following day.

 

The Daily Motivator for Oct. 22nd – Energy and drive

Energy and drive

Just about any technique, process or system can lead to success or to  failure. What matters most is not the technique, but the energy and drive you  put into it.

If you feel you’re stuck in a hopeless situation, you’ll remain stuck as long  as you feel that way. As soon as you become enthusiastic about the opportunities  for improvement, you’ll begin to make those improvements.

In every kind of endeavor, there are those who succeed spectacularly and  those who barely get by. The difference is not in the occupation, but in  attitude, commitment and level of energy.

There are people who make it their business to make a positive difference in  life. Choosing each day to be one of those people will give you a continuing  supply of amazingly effective energy.

Even though you may not be in an ideal situation, you can create an ideal  outcome. Use the day, use the moment, use the encounter, use the circumstance to  lift the world higher.

With an attitude of generosity and a commitment to excellence, every day can  be a great day. Decide to give real, meaningful value to life right now, and  feel the positive energy begin

Ralph Marston

The Daily Motivator

Home Protection Prayer To The Morrighan

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Home Protection prayer to The Morrighan

Hail Morrighan! Hail Morrighan!
Protect this land from those who would trespass upon it!
Hail Morrighan! Hail Morrighan!
Guard this land and all those who dwell within it!
Hail Morrighan! Hail Morrighan!
Watch over this land and all contained upon it!
Hail Morrighan! Hail Morrighan!
Goddess of battle, great goddess of the land,
She who is the Washer at the Ford, Mistress of Ravens,
And Keeper of the Shield,
We call upon you for protection.
Trespassers beware! The great Morrighan stands guard,
And she shall unleash her displeasure upon you.
Let it be known that this land falls under her protection,
And to do harm to any within it
Is to invite her wrath.
Hail Morrighan! Hail Morrighan!
We honor and thank you this day!
Hail Morrighan! Hail Morrighan!

 

The Pagan Journey

 

The Daily Motivator for Oct. 14th – Your best day yet

Your best day yet

You are here, on this day, with dreams, desires, challenges, opportunities,  and the ability to successfully deal with it all. So give this day a solid,  meaningful, positive purpose and claim the great value it offers.

Make the choice to make some progress in a direction of your choosing.  Instead of merely letting the time pass, put life and love, substance and  experience into that time.

Think of what a great opportunity you have with each day that comes your way.  You have the opportunity to make a difference, to truly change the world, and to  live your precious life in new and joyful ways.

Look back and recall the best day you’ve ever experienced, and make the  choice to make this one even better. The quality of each day depends on what you  put into it, so start right now to put your best into this day that you  have.

Instead of merely wishing for what could be or complaining about what has  been, you can do something much more powerful. You can act, right here and now,  to significantly raise the quality of your life experience.

Today is happening, so take an active and positively supportive role. Feel  your authentic purpose, live this day with that purpose, and make it the best  day yet.

— Ralph Marston

The Daily Motivator

Quiz of the Day – What’s Your Place In Nature?

Your Place in Nature? – Quiz

Humanity evolved from the heart of Nature. Day by day, season by season,  generation after generation, human lives were linked inseparably to the cycles  of the living world. Like the heartbeat of a great Mother, the rhythms and  workings of the natural world imprinted themselves into every cell of our  bodies. We knew our place within the whole and developed spiritual beliefs that  honored our independence within the vast network of sibling species.

For eons, the idea that humanity could be separate from the rest of life was  essentially incomprehensible. Only in the past few hundred years have our minds  fully embraced these concepts that tear us from the embrace of our broader  family. The new myth is hard. By keeping us from recognizing the Earth as our  natural means of support, it engenders in us a feeling of abandonment.

How do you perceive the living world around you? How do you view nature? Take  this quiz and find out:

As you consider each question, jot down your responses. Be brief. The point  is not to have everything all polished and exact – it is to get you thinking.

1.  How would you define Nature? What is your personal relationship with it?

2.  What is humanity’s relationship to Nature?

3.  What do you like most about the natural world? Which plants and animals  are most important?

4.  What do you not trust about the natural world? What aspects of it scare  you? Which animals or plants would you consider “bad?”

After taking this quiz step back. Create some distance between yourself and  the mainstream consciousness. Work with your beliefs. As you begin to see the  world more clearly, you’ll have an opportunity to observe your own beliefs with  greater objectivity. Feel your connections. The very best way to demonstrate the  illusion of separation is to gain some first-hand experience of just how  connected you really are. Then, when you hear messages that try to convince you  that you’re isolated, they won’t have any power. You’ll already know the truth  because you’ve felt it in your body.

Daily Motivator for October 9th – Richer and richer

Richer and richer

The way to be rich is to realize how rich you are. The way to be rich is to  express and to live the unique abundance that is yours.

It’s not what you get that makes you rich. It’s what you do with all you  have.

The way to be truly rich is to make good, meaningful use of what you have.  The way to be exceptionally rich is to be generous with all that you are.

The abundance of the universe is literally everywhere. What transforms that  abundance into real richness is your choice to make purposeful, loving use of  it.

Each day is overflowing with possibilities for new richness. See the best  possibilities, act on them, and find true delight in making life richer and  richer.

Make joyful use of each moment, and sincerely give the best of who you are.  Live a life that is rich indeed.

— Ralph Marston

The Daily Motivator