Issue 27

Issue 27

In this issue:

1) Welcome Letter by Sibyl McLendon
2) It Takes Courage by Robert Knowlton
3) Smudging by Sibyl McLendon
4) The Color Of Friendship Author Unknown
5) The Power Of Music
6) Aromatherapy Horoscope by Françoise Rapp
7) Cultivating Happiness by Rinatta Pares

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Welcome Letter
By Sibyl Dream Walker

Welcome, greetings and Ya'ah'he! I hope that for those of you in the U.S., your Mother's day was a good one. This has been a hard week for us, and Mother's day was blessed, but full of mixed emotions. We have had a very painful thing happen to us as a family this week, full of hard lessons and growth for all of us. Since it involves others who are not a part of the family, I do not feel comfortable sharing the details, but suffice it to say, this has been hard. We will emerge stronger, no doubt, and wiser, but working through pain that has arrived unannounced, and over which we have NO control has led me to again, share the Serenity Prayer with you:

God grant me the wisdom to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can
And the wisdom to know the difference.

I find this prayer so profound, every time I say it. Finding the wisdom to know the difference between the things in our lives that we can change and the things that we can't is a life-long task, I think.
May is a month of mixed emotions for me anyway, full of celebration and sadness. Besides Mother's day, there is the anniversary of my Mother's death, my beloved sister Kim's birthday and my oldest son's birthday. Lots of ups and downs there! Added to this is the fact that it is already reaching temperatures of over 100 degrees here in Southern Arizona, and I am lucky I am still able to get up in the morning! Looks to be a long hot summer here. I hope that you enjoy this week's newsletter.

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SOMETIMES I GO ABOUT PITYING MYSELF,
BUT ALL THE WHILE
I AM BEING CARRIED BY GREAT WINDS
ACROSS THE SKY......

(Ojibwe Song)

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IT TAKES COURAGE
by Robert Knowlton, Executive Coach

"Listening to your heart is not simple. Finding out who you are is not simple. It takes a lot of hard work and courage to get to know who you are and what you want."
-- Sue Bender

How does a person find the time, space, inclination and direction to understand his or her self and unique purpose? What seems to stop the flow of true, natural, purposeful action?

Your purpose is your gift to the world. It is a sacred source for you to connect with and contribute to others at a deep and powerful level. I have heard many times from clients in all walks of life, "Yeah, but how do I do it? How do I live aligned with my purpose?"
I believe it begins and ends with Courage -- the Courage to trust your heart, trust your values, and to trust yourself.

It takes courage to open up, to ask for what you want and courage to face your truth. Some say it takes courage to be real and to be authentically You.

So what stops us from being real, from living on purpose?

In my own life it has been fear. The fear of showing vulnerability. The fear of being judged. The fear of
rejection, fear of failure, fear of being alone, fear of the unknown, of uncertainty, and in the end, it seems to be the fear of losing my "life".

I have come to realize (and of course you must arrive at your own conclusions) that no one, no situation, no experience, can take away my purpose. Eventually, one way or another I will die. But, in the process of living, I am the one who is responsible for living my own purposeful life. A life and a truth that belongs to this moment only, to this opportunity to live fully.

How can I live in this moment fully? What courage do I need to call on? I summon my courage to let go of perceived past wrongs, of regrets, hurts, and of old longings. I work to own the memories, the true lessons learned, thoughts and images of joy and of love, of compassion and caring. I let go of blaming and anger; release jealousy, envy and any feelings of scarcity, helplessness, hopelessness and worthlessness.

As humans, we heal and build at the same time. Both take courage. You decide when you are ready to move to the next step in your purposeful evolution. Look around. You'll find a book, a friend, a coach, a spiritual guide or teacher to help you uncover your own true connection to yourself, your truth and your purpose. Maybe you will be that friend, guide or teacher for another, which will be part of your healing journey to Authentic Purposefulness.

No matter where you are in this evolutionary process, there is room to grow. We all face our own challenges to live fulfilling, passionate and compassionate lives.

I am truly grateful for others who showed me through books, stories and in the way they live their life that I can live on purpose and be happy. The key ingredient, I have learned, is Courage.

It takes courage to accept responsibility for my own success and happiness. The courage to live on Purpose. The courage to be real.

© 2000, Options Success Coaching and Training

******************************************************
Robert Knowlton is an Executive Success Coach.
Coaching in leadership development, communication strategies, and realizing your purpose and personal vision. Contact me now if you are ready to move to the next level of success and fulfillment in your business and life.

Subscribe to my free e-newsletter, ON PURPOSE to get
coaching tips and strategies for living a success-full and meaningful life. Visit my web site at:
http://www.SuccessOptions.com/ezine.htm?CSF or send an email to purpose98-subscribe@listbot.com

Options Success Coaching and Training
http://www.SuccessOptions.com
mailto:Coach@SuccessOptions.com
Free Success Quotes Screensaver!
http://www.SuccessOptions.com/download.htm?courage

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The man who sat on the ground in his tipi
meditating on life and its meaning,
accepting the kinship of all creatures
and acknowledging unity with the universe of things
was infusing into his being the true essence of civilization.
- Luther Standing Bear, Lakota

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Smudging
By Sibyl McLendon

Smudging is a very old American Indian ritual. It is done to cleanse people, places and things. It is believed that using smoke from a sacred substance can clear away negativity, and make the participants ready for ceremony and only able to speak the truth. Smudging a home can clear away negative vibrations and entities, if done properly.
The materials used for smudging vary slightly from area to area. In the East and Middle America, the smudge used was traditionally sweet grass. In other areas, including the Southwest, it is sage. This is not the cooking herb! Sage grass grows wild in the Southwest, and it is different than the herb. Smudge can usually be purchased in what is called "bundles" from a variety of new age stores, or stores that specialize in Native products. Many times the sage will be mixed with cedar or lavender. This is fine. It can also be purchased in many places on the Internet. If all else fails, you can use cedar incense.
Once you have your smudge stick, what you want to do is to hold it in your hand with something underneath it to catch the falling embers as you smudge. Traditionally this is a large abalone shell, but even an ashtray will suffice. You will light the end of the bundle, and then blow it out, just as if it were incense. Then you want to sweep the smoke over yourself before you do any smudging of objects or other people. Traditionally, a smudge feather is used, but you can just use your hands to direct the smoke.
Now if your intention is to smudge your home, or some other dwelling, you need to make sure that a window is open, even if it just a crack. You can also leave the door open. This is because you must leave somewhere for any negativity that you are driving out of the dwelling has somewhere to exit. Then just go from room to room, sweeping the smoke around, into every corner, every closet, everywhere that you can. The scent is invigorating. You might want to do this on a regular basis.
If you are starting any ceremony or ritual, you will want to smudge everyone involved. You can just pass it around and let everyone smudge themselves. Prayers can be said during this to draw down the Above Beings.
Now, when you are finished, you will want to put out your smudge stick. To do this, stick the lit end into some dirt or sand. If you put it under water, you will have a difficult time relighting it when you want to use it the next time.
I have seen some really miraculous things happen while smudging. Do not do it lightly, but in a prayerful and respectful manner and it will be of great benefit to all.

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...everything on the earth has a purpose, every disease an herb to cure it, and every person a mission. This is the Indian theory of existence. ---Mourning Dove (Christine Quintasket 1888-1936 Salish)

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The Color of Friendship

Once upon a time the colors of the world started to quarrel.
All claimed that they were the best.
The most important.
The most useful.
The favorite.

Green said:
"Clearly I am the most important. I am the sign of life and of hope. I was
chosen for grass, trees and leaves. Without me, all animals would die. Look
over the countryside and you will see that I am in the majority."

Blue interrupted:
"You only think about the earth, but consider the sky and the sea. It is
the water that is the basis of life and drawn up by the clouds from the deep
sea. The sky gives space and peace and serenity. Without my peace, you would
all be nothing."

Yellow chuckled:
"You are all so serious. I bring laughter, gaiety, and warmth into the
world. The sun is yellow, the moon is yellow, the stars are yellow. Every
time you look at a sunflower, the whole world starts to smile. Without me
there would be no fun."

Orange started next to blow her trumpet:
"I am the color of health and strength. I may be scarce, but I am precious
for I serve the needs of human life. I carry the most important vitamins.
Think of carrots, pumpkins, oranges, mangoes, and papayas. I don't hang
around all the time, but when I fill the sky at sunrise or sunset, my beauty
is so striking that no one gives another thought to any of you."

Red could stand it no longer he shouted out:
"I am the ruler of all of you. I am blood - life's blood! I am the color
of danger and of bravery. I am willing to fight for a cause. I bring fire
into the blood. Without me, the earth would be as empty as the moon. I am
the color of passion and of love, the red rose, the poinsettia and the
poppy."

Purple rose up to his full height:
He was very tall and spoke with great pomp: "I am the color of royalty and
power. Kings, chiefs, and bishops have always chosen me for I am the sign of
authority and wisdom. People do not question me! They listen and obey."

Finally Indigo spoke, much more quietly than all the others, but with just
as much determination: "Think of me. I am the color of silence. You hardly
notice me, but without me you all become superficial. I represent thought
and reflection, twilight and deep water. You need me for balance and
contrast, for prayer and inner peace."

And so the colors went on boasting, each convinced of his or her own
superiority. Their quarreling became louder and louder. Suddenly there was a
startling flash of bright lightening thunder rolled and boomed. Rain started
to pour down relentlessly. The colors crouched down in fear, drawing close
to one another for comfort.

In the midst of the clamor, rain began to speak:
"You foolish colors, fighting amongst yourselves, each trying to dominate
the rest. Don't you know that you were each made for a special purpose,
unique and different? Join hands with one another and come to me."

Doing as they were told, the colors united and joined hands.

The rain continued:
"From now on, when it rains, each of you will stretch across the sky in a
great bow of color as a reminder that you can all live in peace. The Rainbow
is a sign of hope for tomorrow." And so, whenever a good rain washes the
world, and a Rainbow appears in the sky, let us remember to appreciate one
another.

~Author Unknown

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Let's sit in a sweat and all join hands
And pray to these spirits all across this land
Show me the plan so I can lead
Indeed stop the prejudice, hate and greed
Plant my seed uplift hope to raise
A child that gets praised and see's brighter days
And teach him all of our beliefs
Introduce him to Joseph the Chief
Please my son...put down the gun
Stand up and fight and refuse to run
I make this your quest ...It's your mission
Your decision... speak out to all the prisons
And every Indian Nation
Make a stop at every reservation
Every minute of your time invest
Litefoot my son thats your vision quest

Lyrics by LiteFoot (the first American Indian rapper)

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The Power Of Music

I Have a Dream
Lyrics: Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus
Vocals: Abba
Album: Voulez-Vous

I have a dream, a song to sing
To help me cope with anything
If you see the wonder of a fairy tale
You can take the future even if you fail
I believe in angels
Something good in everything I see
I believe in angels
When I know the time is right for me
I'll cross the stream - I have a dream

I have a dream, a fantasy
To help me through reality
And my destination makes it worth the while
Pushing through the darkness still another mile
I believe in angels
Something good in everything I see
I believe in angels
When I know the time is right for me
I'll cross the stream - I have a dream
I'll cross the stream - I have a dream

I have a dream, a song to sing
To help me cope with anything
If you see the wonder of a fairy tale
You can take the future even if you fail
I believe in angels
Something good in everything I see
I believe in angels
When I know the time is right for me
I'll cross the stream - I have a dream
I'll cross the stream - I have a dream

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Your Monthly Aromatic Horoscope: May, 2001

Create your own special aromatherapy blend developed especially
around your monthly horoscope. Use these recipes to enjoy more
energy, more laughter, and less stress this month.

Each recipe should be made by pouring the oil essences into a
10-ml bottle and adding vegetable oil to fill.

*********************
Happy Birthday TAURUS!
*********************
This month will bring good financial news. The planets are
supporting you! Thanks to Saturn who was holding you back for
the last 2 years. So, enjoy a sweet and beautiful birthday.
Plan, re-organize…but above all, enjoy the simple pleasures of
life!

Your aromatic blend:
- 3 drops of Orange
- 3 drops of Lemon
- 1 drop of Rose

Anoint your heart chakra, or just breathe it in deeply during
the day!

*********************
GEMINI
*********************
You will have to keep your energy level up and be on the go in
your career. But the stars are comforting you with many
enjoyable romantic days to come, too!

Your aromatic blend:
- 3 drops of Peppermint
- 4 drops of Rosemary

Add this blend to your unscented body lotion and/or shower gel.
Place 3 drops into the palm of your hands and breathe deeply.
Diffuse it in your home to uplift your mood.

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CANCER
*********************
Chill out and don't work too hard…everything is coming its way.
Enjoy the wonderful energy of the full moon on May 7th. Plan a
nice evening with friends, or maybe a more intimate dinner!

Your aromatic blend:
- 4 drops of Orange
- 1 drop of Rose
- 3 drops of Sandalwood

Add this blend to your unscented body lotion and/or shower gel.
Place 3 drops into the palm of your hands and breathe deeply.

*********************
LEO
*********************
Be creative, express yourself...the planets are making you
playful, glowing, and sparkling! Enjoy many pleasant social
opportunities, and put added focus on creative projects.

Your aromatic blend:
- 3 drops of Ylang Ylang
- 4 drops of Sandalwood

Add this blend to your unscented body lotion and/or shower gel.
Place 3 drops into the palm of your hands and breathe deeply.

*********************
VIRGO
*********************
Put yourself on the starting blocks…opportunities for
professional success are beaming at their brightest this month!
Take advantage of the amazing planetary position to plan,
research, or make important calls.

Your aromatic blend:
- 4 drops of Rosemary
- 4 drops of Peppermint
- 3 drops of Orange

Add this blend to your unscented body lotion and/or shower gel.
Place 3 drops into the palm of your hands and breathe deeply.

*********************
LIBRA
*********************
You are in the spotlight this month! Everything is sparkling
and will come your way. Enjoy these rare moments of good fortune.

Your aromatic blend:
- 4 drops of Lavender
- 6 drops of Orange

Add this blend to your unscented body lotion and/or shower gel.
Place 3 drops into the palm of your hands and breathe deeply.
Diffuse it in your home to uplift your mood.

*********************
SCORPIO
*********************
Insight and choices will be highlighted this month. Take your
time to evaluate what you need to sort out.

Your aromatic blend:
- 4 drops of Sandalwood
- 3 drops of Patchouli
- 2 drops of Orange

Add this blend to your unscented body lotion and/or shower gel.
Place 3 drops into the palm of your hands and breathe deeply.

*********************
SAGITTARIUS
*********************
The stars are teasing you by putting you in a playful and silly
mood! Magnetism and charm are in your magic wand and you should
definitely use it to your advantage!

Your aromatic blend:
- 3 drops of Orange
- 1 drop of Rose
- 3 drops of Patchouli

Add this blend to your unscented body lotion and/or shower gel.
Place 3 drops into the palm of your hands and breathe deeply.
Anoint the heart and 2nd chakra (located in the abdomen area).

*********************
CAPRICORN
*********************
You have a busy month ahead of you! And you might find yourself
putting in some extra hours. Patience and faith are the words to
motivate you.

Your aromatic blend:
- 5 drops of Rosemary
- 4 drops of Lavender
- 4 drops of Orange

Add this blend to your unscented body lotion and/or shower gel.
Place 3 drops into the palm of your hands and breathe deeply.
Diffuse it in your home to uplift your mood. Anoint the sacrum
(1st chakra).

*********************
AQUARIUS
*********************
Fun, fun, and more fun is in the air. Create, be inspired,
enjoy sweet moments with friends and family, meet new people,
etc. This month is pure bliss for you and a real gift from the
Universe!

Your aromatic blend:
- 1 drop of Rose
- 5 drops of Sandalwood

Add this blend to your unscented body lotion and/or shower gel.
Place 3 drops into the palm of your hands and breathe deeply.
Anoint the abdomen (2nd chakra) and heart (4th chakra).

*********************
PISCES
*********************
This is a good time for reevaluating your life. Enjoy quiet
moments alone and indulge yourself. Remember that sometimes we
need not push too hard in order to make things happen!

Your aromatic blend:
- 3 drops of Patchouli
- 3 drops of Ylang Ylang
- 4 drops of Orange

Pour this blend in your warm bath. Add this blend to your
unscented body lotion and/or shower gel. Place 3 drops into the
palm of your hands and breathe deeply.

*********************
ARIES
*********************
Although it looks like you are faced with some tough issues
this month, you possess all the bright energy to tackle them
quickly. Stay positive!

Your aromatic blend:
- 3 drops of Sage
- 4 drops of Lavender

Add this blend to your unscented body lotion and/or shower gel.
Place 3 drops into the palm of your hands and breathe deeply.

********************************************************
Purchase the essential oils to prepare your customized aromatic
blend this month just by clicking here:
http://www.aromalchemy.com/aromatherapy/ouroils.html
********************************************************

In Good Health,
Françoise Rapp
Melusine-Arom'Alchemy
Healing through your senses
http://www.aromalchemy.com
francoise@aromalchemy.com

This article was originally published by Françoise Rapp in "The
Arom'Alchemy Newsletter," a weekly ezine dedicated to educating
and inspiring people to live a life of total harmony through the
use of aromatherapy and flower essences. Françoise was formally
trained in aromatherapy and perfumery by priests and alchemists
in France, and her talents have been featured in RedBook
Magazine and New Age Journal. To have her free newsletter
delivered to your email, visit
www.aromalchemy.com/education/index.html.

Cultivating Happiness

We always seem to want those things we don't have. Moreover, we are often convinced that if we had those things we want so badly, we would finally be happy.

Singles who want to be in a relationship often believe once they are in one they will finally be happy. Those in shaky relationships hope their relationship will work out, because having worked it out will finally make them happy.

"I will be happy when I am in love." "I will be happy when he/she does really loves me." "I will be happy when I know he or she is committed to me." "I will be happy when my husband/wife is more considerate." Sound familiar?

The truth is that happiness is an attitude. It's not something created by outside circumstances, but instead is completely within your control. This means that you can be happy regardless of whether you are in a relationship or not. You can be happy regardless of whether your relationship is working out or not. If fact, if you cultivate happiness, your relationship will improve.

You will not get that deep sense of satisfaction and happiness you crave just by getting or improving a relationship. Nothing will give you that sense of happiness, unless you cultivate it consciously.

Is the glass half empty or half full? Life and relationships work better when the glass is half full. Below are some simple yet specific steps you can take to cultivate happiness and see the glass half full, regardless of your relationship status.

1. Be grateful

Create a sense of gratitude for what you have, for what is working, for what is wonderful and sweet in your life. A morning or evening gratitude list, written each day, can do wonders for helping you feel grateful.

2. Take care of yourself

Identify the small things in life that make you feel good, and do one daily. A short walk, a few minutes of writing in your journal, a short meditation, watching the sunset. Whatever reminds you that you are a human being and not a human doing will improve your outlook on life.

3. Be creative

Creativity and self-expression generate happiness. Schedule some creative time each day, even if it's just a few minutes of writing, painting, sculpting, etc.

4. Move

Moving our bodies generates feel-good hormones called endorphins. Move a little every day to stay happy.

5. Get someone to take care of you

It feels good to be taken care of, even in small ways. Get a massage, a manicure, someone to carry your groceries, launder your clothes, or fix something for you.

6. Read inspirational material

It helps to be reminded of positive thoughts and positive attitudes. Get a small book of positive, inspirational thoughts and keep it by your desk. Read one or two thoughts each day.

7. Contribute

Stand up for something that matters to you. Contributing, making a difference feels good. It boosts your self-esteem, your gratitude and feeling of well being.

8. Get some time

I know this one is hard, especially if you are a single parent. But if you are determined, you can find some time every day to just be. Make sure you do this - it will make a big difference in your ability to be happy.

9. Be in nature

Nature rejuvenates and restores the human spirit. Whether your brand of nature is mountains or the ocean, give yourself the gift of visiting it frequently.

10. Be happy

No matter how many wonderful things you do to create a positive, happy, satisfied life, you could still end up unhappy. Ultimately, happiness, gratitude, a feeling of satisfaction is a choice. People often do not choose happiness. Many feel refusing to be happy will somehow get them what whey want, like a child holding his breath. Holding your breath will not get your what you want. It is happiness that attracts.

Your Relationship Coach,
Rinatta Paries
www.WhatItTakes.com

This article was originally published by Coach Rinatta Paries in "The Relationship Coach Newsletter," a weekly e-zine for people who want fulfilling relationships. For singles, the newsletter will help you attract your Mr. or Ms. Right. If you're in a relationship, you will learn to create more closeness and intimacy with your mate. To subscribe, go to www.WhatItTakes.com

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