soul evolution

Overcoming Seasonal Depression

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We are at the end of the year.  The collective energy of all that has changed, grown, and faded away tends to catch up to us when we slow down.  The temperatures are also falling.  Our joints become stiff, the cold naturally slows the blood flow through the body.  The dark energy of the closing of the year surrounds us.

Connection and disconnection exist in this time of year.  One of the best ways to move through the darker aspects of the year is to connect with community.  When seasonal depression sets in, we draw inward.  Connecting to friends, family and making new connections is important.  Tangible human connection is important, it is one of the great losses we’ve faced because of the rise of technology.  Start a club, a group, connect to others through Meetup.com or visit sites around town.

Engaging your spirituality is also important during this time of year.  Introspection is important but we cannot allow ourselves to get stuck there.  Deepening of the connection to our practice is important in keeping us grounded.  Expanding our spiritual circles also allows us to explore and open up to new avenues of growth.  In pulling away from things during a depressive state, many also pull away from spiritual practice.  We have to remember that even if there is struggle we have to show up to our spiritual practice.

Movement also helps us to keep things moving.  The body becomes rigid in the cold.  Things like yoga, working out, jogging, going for walks, dancing, and engaging the body allows a tactile connection to the flow of live.

The idea is to keep simple, but get started.  When depression binds us, we become stagnant and disconnected.  We also have to remember that there is joy just beyond the darkness, but the darkness is also important.  Depression takes us to the dark edges of our reality.  We have to be careful how long we stay there.  Journaling is also an important thing to add to your journey.

Daily gratitude lists are also important during this time.  We often forget the smallest things in our experience… start with small gratitude and they will lead you to bigger ones.

What are you grateful for?

What brings you out of depressive states?

Also, remember… if you are finding life to be difficult, reach out.  Sitting in our spaces alone only keeps us disconnected.

 

 

 

 

Creating Sacred Space

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There are times when I feel that I need to escape the world around me.  The busy energy of the year, the technology that expands and binds, the hurried energy of time.  Having a place to breathe is just as important as the action of breathing.

What is sacred space?

Sacred space can be any place where you decide to meet the divine.  Sacred space can also be that place deep within your being that holds your energy and light.  Sacred space is the rest stop on our busy highways.

Sacred space can be a room, a park, a bench, etc.  I typically have a few different places that I can duck into around my work place that I can retreat to for a bit to find balance.  There is a wonderful fountain, and I sit and watch the water.  Just being present in that space makes it sacred.

If you are at home, you can make your space sacred by adding statues, incense, or whatever else connects you to your divine self.  Invite the divine into this space with you.  Allow yourself to be creative, even if you don’t have a lot of space you can still created a sacred corner.  When I first started connecting to my higher vibrations, I used an old shoe box with a bandana on it as my altar.  I had a few candles, a couple of stones, and my tarot deck.  Sacred space is uniquely yours.

Mentally you can also create sacred spaces.  Visualizing a harmonious environment, seeing temple, or entering into the void can bring peace both internally and externally.

Where do you find sacred space?  What is sacred space to you?

Michael A. Brazell CFT CSN MAT PAT

www.michaelbrazell.com

www.blogtalkradio.com/michaelbrazell

Going Back to the Beginning: Fundamentals

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To say that this month has been chaotic would be an understatement.  I’ve been witness to a lot of upheaval, lots of drama and lots of change.   We are also about to enter the “dark months” of the year, and introspective times are creeping up on many of us.  Many of us are hearing our souls call to move into greater states of awakening.  It’s important to find space, to breathe and to trust our process.

I am finding myself going back to basics, going back to the places where I first met the divine.

I can remember my grandmother telling us bible stories when we were young.  We would sing “Yes, Jesus love me” and I can remember her having us place our hands on the TV screen with the televagelists of the time.  My foundation is in Christianity.  I can still remember the first time that I saw someone speaking in tongues, and have always had a deep fascination for how spirit grabs us.

I find myself going back to the beginning.  Many turn an odd eye when I mention my love for my Christian path, and my deep love for it.  For me, its more than a religion, it’s family, it’s memories of when things were easier, it’s where I first met the divine on this road.  I just started reading Mark Townsend’s “Jesus Through Pagan Eyes”, and I’ll be posting a review on it soon.

 

I’m also going to devote another blog to my spirituality beginnings.   I’m hearing the call of my past, and I’m taking time to sit with it.  To open to my safe space, and to be more engaged in my process.

Where did you first meet the divine?

M. Brazell CFT CSN MAT PAT

Intentional Breathing: Creating Sacred Space

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According to a world population data 108 people die every minute.  We never know when we will say our final prayer, that deep exhale.  These numbers also remind me of how often so many of us take for granted the fact that we are breathing.  When life gets chaotic we hold or breath.  We forget that it is the breath that helps things to move.  We have to remember to breathe.

Intentional breathing helps us to make each breath count.  To go into a place of purpose with each inhalation and each exhalation.  When we connect into this space of intention we invite spirit into that moment with us.  We “bring in” something that we might be missing, and create space for clarity, connection, and movement.

So, here is an easy process that will help you to start a process of intentional breathing:

1)  Pick a word, a concept, or something positive that you want to bring into your experience. (love, hope, peace, joy, connection, compassion)

2)  Bring that word into your mind’s eye.  Focus on it, begin to feel it move through you.

3) Take a deep in-breath.  Breathe that word into every fabric of your being.

4) Exhale and create space for the next breath, create space for the intention to become reality.

5) Keep this process going.  The pause throughout the day and re-connect into this space of intention.

 

Where do you hold your breath?   When do you feel that you need movement?  What do you feel you need in your experience that you are lacking?

 

Mahayogi Das

www.michaelbrazell.com

www.blogtalkradio.com/michaelbrazell

 

 

Upheaval: Cycles of love and chaos

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Chaos seems to be a constant in our time.  We are feeling the energy shifting around us with more frequency.  The earth and the universe that surround us are in constant change.  We are feeling the frequencies of both love and chaos enter into our lives.  We have to be sure that we are preparing ourselves for the cycles ahead.

Welcome to 2012.

I am not going to talk about the doomsday events, nor am I going to talk about the coming wave of light beings, and we will be sure not to talk about the mother ships lovingly circling the earth, but we have to admit this has been an interesting year.

2012 is what I like to call the year of expectation.  It’s a very powerful and spiritual time, and as a global society we have energized it with a vibration of spiritual change.   For better or worse, we are all “expecting” that something or even nothing will happen.  Within the “something-ness” and “nothingness” of this year are a multitude of layers.  Poles are shifting, the weather has been intense, violence has been on an increase, and mother Gaia is shrugging her shoulders.

As new energy comes in, old energy goes out.  Dimensional energies are also merging.  We are in 3rd dimensional density.  This is our tangible reality.  Just beyond us is the place where thought becomes manifest.  One of the theories is that as 4th and 5th dimensional energies begin to merge with our more dense reality we will see thought become reality in an instant.  Many of us are feeling the pushing sensation, the call to do something greater than what is right in front of us…and many of us are taking to the call.  For others, this call is bringing conflict.  Trust is not something we do well with in this density, but it is a big part of the spiritual process.  Trust that when you take that step out into the world, that the universe is going to be there.  Just as when you inhale, we seldom guess if the air is going to fill our lungs… it just does.

Love and chaos are beautiful dancers.  In Chinese philosophy it is thought that through chaos all creativity is born.  We are creating new realities constantly.  Each breath is an action of dying, and then being reborn.  We have to learn to trust the breath.  Breath is movement, breath is action, breath is compassion, breath is life.  We in essence are the breath, and everything in the universe breathes.  It’s important to pay attention to your breath daily.  Notice if you are holding it in, or forgetting to inhale.  Are your exhales shallow?  The breath is what will help us get through the upheaval.  As it moves, so do we.  Every try to run a marathon holding your breath?  It’s not possible.

Showing up to the experiences is also a tough thing for a lot of us to do.  I know there are times I would much rather watch a delicious movie on netflix, but avoiding things in our life do not make them go away, it only gives them momentary space, and at times this actually waters things weeds we might not want in our garden.  Showing up is also defined as taking responsibility, accountability, and acceptance of what is right in front of us.  Showing up is also loving those sometimes broken pieces, the struggle, and the upheaval itself.  Yes, love your upheaval.  Love it so fully and unconditionally that it becomes something that aligns you instead of something that binds you.

Love and chaos.  Both beautiful.

Breathe, trust yourself unconditionally, and show up.

Namaste.

 

Mahayogi Das CFT CSN MAT PAT

www.michaelbrazell.com

www.blogtalkradio.com/michaelbrazell

 

Coming into alignment: Purpose, Self, Breath

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This seems to be the year of integration.  Many of us are hearing the call to come into being, to begin showing up, to be the divine light we were meant to always be.  For some the process will be an easy one, for others this means making radical shifts.  Being in the present is an action of surrender.  So many of us spend so much time in the past, even exploring past lives to find some tidbit of knowledge that can unbind us from some future karma that has not yet been actualized.

Breathe!

Breathing is one of the most important things we do.  It is spirituality stripped down.  It is our common bond to all things in life.  Breathing is the religion of life.  It is the divine mother birthing a new moment, it is father god bringing us connection, light.

I see too many people living on the inhale, life catching them off guard.  Then they forget to exhale.  It is in the out breath that we inspire new life, new connection, and expansion.  We have to break living in a state of waking apnea.  When we breathe we move, and this brings us into alignment.

The physical body is where we meet the breath.  We must take care of the temple.  The physical body is the temple of the soul, where we congregate with life herself.  We often speak of alignment in our spiritual practice, but how can we align with purpose if our bodies are held out of alignment due to neglect?  Take a moment to breath deeply.  Then exhale.  Where do you feel the breath stopping?  Where do you feel resistance?  Sit for a moment with that energy, be in that space of deep listening and ask what is needed in this moment.

Purpose is an unfolding lotus.

It changes as we breathe.  The road bends, it turns, as do we.

I love yoga as it is a constant action of surrender.  It is a unification of mind, body, spirit, breath, and purpose.  It is action coupled with intention.  Desire and will holding my space as I move around the mat.  This is how I am choosing to live my life in this moment.

What is calling you in this moment?   Where do you need movement?  Are you restricted in physical mobility, can you improve on this?  If not, find the smallest level possible and breathe into that space… The body is constantly moving, even if we are not.. Let’s join her in this eternal dance.

PBP2012: M is for Micro Meditations

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I love meditation.  There is something beautiful about the sacredness of coming into that deep place of being.  When we are finally able to become still enough to align breath, intention and will.  Where we meditate can play into when we can meditate.  For many of us that are engaged in a spiritual journey we may have altar or sacred spaces we have designated as our meditation area.

If you are like me, you are most likely feeling this hectic energy that is pushing us in a multitude of directions.  Many of us are being called to service, and many others are finding their lives in the midst of chaotic energy.  I look towards my meditation corner longingly, but I at times neglect making time to  devote to sitting in front of my altar… What’s a busy mystic to do?

We have to find time to meditate in the moment.  I find that sacred space is constantly around me if I allow myself to tune into it.  Creating space in the moment is also important in allowing spirit/intuition/and inner guidance to step in.

These micro meditations can last a single breath or they can last several moments.  There is no right or wrong way to meditate, but we have to be able to let go of some greater prescription of what meditation has to be.  If you are not able to meditate for one breath, then how do you expect to be able to make that hour-long meditation work later in the day.  Meditation usually ends up on the cutting room floor at the end of a hectic day.

However, if you are adding micro meditations in throughout the day, you are allowing full integration of your practice and life experience.  We have to carve out those moments, otherwise many of us take on a bit of regret for not finding the time to meditate.

Take a look at your day.  When would you be able to squeeze in meditation?  Be creative.  I like using the crosswalks on the way home from work.  When the light is red and I am waiting, I tune fully into my breath.  I allow my mind to become still, and I focus on how red the “do not walk” sign is.  Once it changes I continue my journey home.

Share your micro meditations experiences  or ideas below!

Michael A Brazell CFT CSN MAT PAT

www.michaelbrazell.com

www.blogtalkradio.com/michaelbrazell

www.paradigmshiftdc.com

Psychic Protection: Tools of the Trade

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There is a lot of buzz this year surrounding all the wonders this year is heralding.  I am seeing more lightworkers waking up to their purpose, healers coming into their power, and people taking the step into a life they might not have imagined possible.  We know that this year is bringing in a new and powerful energy.  It is tangible.  It is amazing to be on the front lines of this changing dynamic, this new and beautiful energy, but there is the other side of the coin that we are not really discussing.

There is a universal balance that naturally occurs as awakening takes place, and as light beings are moving into places of power, so are those that are not of the light.  In this changing dynamic it is more important than ever for us to hold our center, breath, and protect ourselves.  This is also one of the most neglected areas of psychic work.  It’s fun and powerful to be able to connect and gain information, but we have to do that from a place of protection and grounding.  Information and energy is moving around us quickly, and we really need to be careful of how much of our personal power we give away.  Below I am going to give you some techniques that I use to invoke a bit of protection in my own practice:

  1. Hematite is a great protection stone.  So is Black Tourmaline.  These stones are like little soldiers that will help to absorb the negative energy energy around you.  The beautiful thing about stones is that they work even if you are not conscious of the fact they are with you.
  2. White light and affirmation work.  Saying affirmations of protection throughout the day is a great way to remind yourself that you are protected and surrounded by the white light of the divine.  Sit and visualize the energy moving around you, and through you.  Then extend this energy into the spaces that you are in to ward against any energies that might be in those spaces.
  3. Eat healthy foods.  Yes, eating poorly lowers our immune system, our energy system and makes us sluggish.  Give yourself lots of leafy greens, fresh raw veggies, and water throughout your day.
  4. Exercise.  When we are in motion we are less stagnant and are able to move energy around and through us with ease.  Holding sacred space even in our physical activities is important for our growth and connection to the temple which houses the soul.
  5. Develop a daily spiritual practice.  I like to start my sacred practice first thing in the morning.  This can be as involved or as simple as you want.  I do yoga, affirmations of protection and grounding, visualization of white light, and a few other techniques that are my own.  Start the day in gratitude and try to find “sacred moments” throughout the day
  6. Breathe.  This is probably the most important thing to be aware of.  I notice people holding their breath throughout the day.  Breathing in itself is cleansing.  So BREATHE!
  7. Tune in throughout the day.  Are you giving away power?  Are you in center?  Where are your thoughts?  Carry a pocket journal and tune into spirit through the day.  Develop communication and conversation with your intuition.

It is not my purpose to create any fear, but we really need to be sure that we are keeping up with these shifting energies.  We want to be sure that we are as healthy and whole as we can be.  Moving into divine space is a beautiful thing, and as a teacher it is my goal to help you get there safely.

Here is a recent episode of:  The Psychic and The Witch with a discussion on protection work.

In a future post I’ll discuss magical protection.  Using charms, amulets, gris gris, roots, and physical body practice to engage the protective elements.

You are loved, you are beautiful, you are divine.

Michael A. Brazell CFT CSN MAT PAT

www.michaelbrazell.com

www.deviantyogi.com

www.blogtalkradio.com/michaelbrazell

michael@michaelbrazell.com

It’s Time to Pay Up: Universal Contracts

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Change is in the air… and not just because it is spring.  One of the beautiful things about my job is that I get a front row seat to the lives of others.  Normally, I might get to do one life path reading.  This is where someone is deciding to do something new, make a big change, or step in a new direction.  The majority of the other readings were the usual: money, love, job, etc.  Every week, I am seeing more and more people making massive changes.

The one common denominator in these changes is a move towards spirituality. People are looking to be of service, to connect to community, to be part of something and not just another cog in the machine.  I’ve seen doctors become painters, CEOs become writers, and people finally living their dreams both big and small.  I find a beauty in the finality of 2012.  What if it does all end?  How did you live your life?  Did you live it in joy and love, or are you anchored into tons of regret?  What would you change if you only had one more day, or a few more months?  At times it feels like the universe is calling in contracts that we made in the “in-between” life.   I am seeing people go through these rapid awakening cycles.  It’s a beautiful thing.

I am a firm believer that our purpose in this life is to just be happy.  The only thing we are required to do is breathe.  Everything else we do is a choice.  We can choose joy or sadness, love or hate, and everything in between.

Change can be incremental.  You don’t have to go out right this very moment and quit your job… unless you truly want to.  If you could do anything for the rest of your life, and be completely happy… what would it be?   Whats stopping you from doing it?   What steps can you take to get there?

We forget to dream.  It’s time to sit with a piece of paper and start dreaming.  If you have ever wanted to do anything with your life, but have held back… write it down. Let your imagination soar.  Clown college, starting a business, becoming a professional poet, etc.  If you are drawing a blank, even better.  Blank is a good starting point, it just means that you are allowing fear to block your outcome..

What do you feel your purpose is?  What did you come into this life to do?  Are you doing it?  If not, what would get you jump started in to making it a reality?

We’ll be going deeper in the coming weeks.   For now… get that paper/journal out and start dreaming.

Michael A. Brazell CFT CSN MAT PAT

www.michaelbrazell.com

www.deviantyogi.com

michael@michaelbrazell.com

PBP2012: I is for Imagination!

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Stagnation is an ugly monster that sits on the edge of our spiritual practice.  It lies in wait.  It’s soldiers of choice are boredom and routine.  In steps our hero, Imagination!

Creativity is a great thing in our spiritual practice, it allows us to have fun and to not take it all so seriously.  In a fast paced digital world we tend to lose that creative spark.  I am aware that it shifts, but for me, there is a tangibility in imagination.  Remembering back to when a sheet and a table became a mountain, or action figures springing to life, rushing into battle.  Imagination is a key element in spirituality.  On some levels we are using our minds eye to access realms that are just beyond our vision.  There is a beauty in being able to close our eyes and see the Star Goddess or Shiva as we see them.  Imagination is also key element in accessing and deepening clairvoyance.  Understanding symbols, going beyond prescribed messages and taking it deeper.  At times it is a powerful thing to look at the work through the eyes of a child.  This morning I had the chance to see this play out, as often times the divine brings me.  There was a mom and her little girl sitting on the metro this morning.  The mom was deeply engaged in her blackberry, but the child was in a far distant place.  In the child’s hands where these small pieces of paper, and she was deeply involved in a discussion with the paper–and then the pieces of paper were also talking to one another.  I was just out of earshot, but there was a beauty in that moment. When paper becomes more than paper, when distant realms become accessible because we realize they are not that far away.  Bringing that child like quality into our spiritual practice allows us to see it in its simplicity.  Why does it all have to be so complicated?   Things can just be a little outside of the lines and we can be okay with that.

Here are a few exercises:

  • Go to the store and buy a toy, then go home and play with it.
  • Buy a coloring book
  • Swing on a swing
  • sing nursery rhymes
  • Pull out some Dr. Seuss, or your favorite Books from yesteryear.  I loved the Ramona series, Where the Sidewalk ends.

There is a simplicity with these actions.  What if we approached our divine connection this way?  With open arms, and eyes wide open.  If anything, this will shake up your routine a bit.  Break free from your attachments to a process and just be present.

Love and Light

Michael A. Brazell CFT CSN MAT PAT

www.deviantyogi.com

www.michaelbrazell.com