Awareness

Lady Bugs

Various challenges and insights have come into my reality as of late, and I've learned the benefit of being fully aware of every moment. Interesting patterns have entered my awareness, one of them being, having several sightings of ladybugs at interesting times. So, I thought I would dig a little deeper, and see if there were any significance to these random, or not so random, sightings. Why not. I gotta have fun with it.

Here is what I found.

Ladybug - Life, Rebirth, Abundance, Hope

Lady bugs with their bright red shells and black spots carry the magic of rebirth. Red and black are the colors of thoughts and manifestation. Often Ladybug will appear to us when we have an opportunity to succeed, grow, and start something new. All of the beetle family transforms from larvae to adult, showing us we too can transform our lives. Let Ladybugs consume your unwanted fears and encourage new adventures.

Ladybug: The Ladybug is associated with spirituality and religious devotion. The name Ladybug originated in Europe during the Middle Ages, when insects were destroying the crops. Catholic farmers were said to have prayed to the Virgin Mary for help. Soon after, Ladybugs appeared and began eating the pests and saved the crops from destruction. The farmers began to call the Ladybugs “the Beetles of Our Lady” and eventually they were known as Lady Beetles. The Ladybug's red wings are said to represent the Virgin's cloak and the black spots her joys and sorrows.

The Ladybug is widely considered a symbol of luck and is seen as a good omen when it comes calling. In Sweden, it is said that if one lands on a young woman's hand, she will soon get married. In France, it is said that if you are ill when one lands on you, it will fly away with your illness.

Ladybugs are also considered to be symbols of fire and the Sun.

Ladybug teaches life is short and it teaches to let go of ones' worries and fears, to trust in spirit and enjoy life. It brings the gifts of renewal and regeneration. The message of the Ladybug could be asking you to “Let go and let God”.

If anyone out there has anything else to share or add, please let me know.

Have a blessed weekend!

Shifts

Let yourself be open and life will be easier. A spoon of salt in a glass of water makes the water undrinkable. A spoon of salt in a lake is almost unnoticed. ~Buddha

For the last several weeks I have been dealing with a shift in my thoracic spine...Its hard to explain...for its not painful...but can be a bit annoying. I did a few sessions of acupuncture to help bring energy flow to the area...hopefully breaking up any congestion. Then today during practice it hit me...when experiencing growth in your body or even in life...the old way of moving or living needs to be no longer. Once that bit of wisdom hit me I approached everything differently...and it made a world of difference. My old way of moving through that area wasn't working for me anymore...and with the growth that I have experienced...it forced me to approach the practice in a whole other way. How wonderful...and what a great metaphor for life...as we grow and change...the old ways just need to fall away...as we move into a new way of being...approaching things with fresh eyes...taking our awareness even deeper. Isn't that what this practice is all about. Not necessarily accomplishment...but deepening...awakening...experiencing...becoming more aware. My body has already been through various changes and I am coming to know that with these growing pains it leads me down another path of exploration and discovery...and when we are in that space...it all comes!! No need to judge...or push against...go with it...flow with it...be with it...and then...everything seems to fall into place.

So...life is interesting...as I have watched things unfold here in Mysore...not just in my practice...which is only a tool...but with my attitude...and the weird coincidences and connections I have made here. It continues to boggle my mind...but hey...I have no complaints. But, I must say...I have heard it time and time again...India...is something...and it does something to you...and I dunno...its strange and magical at the same time...it tugs at your heart somehow. And...unexpectedly I have connected with someone that has come quite unexpected...in a way I can't explain...and like I have said before...there is no need to...because words are words...and the unseen...and the knowing...are what is truly real...The right people just seem to come at the right time. Wow. Amazing. Peace.

Still Waters Run Deep

Life seems to finally be settling for me. For the first time in a long time I have been spending a vast amount of time with just me...and its been good. I have been able to tap into some of the things I have been wanting to cultivate...I have learned so much more about myself...some of my weaknesses...my strengths. Its funny how when your single again...after an almost four year relationship...how you finally find space to be more of who you are. I am not necessarily saying that can't happen in a relationship...but it can be challenging to keep that up. Obviously, some day I would like start dating again...but having this time has allowed me to tap into what I really want in a relationship and what I truly deserve. I mean, if I can't be my own best company...what kind of partner would I make? Probably, not so much fun. I have been enjoying my time. Its been cool.
Just practicing stillness...being with just you...and not running from it...there is so much to learn in that stillness. Wow...it can be pretty deep. That awareness deepens...that knowing...shines through. My yoga practice has really taken on a new shape as well. Its amazing how our practices evolve through time. When I internally feel stronger...it always shows up in my practice...and when I feel in alignment with the universe that strength isn't just physical its the knowing that I am so much more than what is seen with our own eyes.
Well, I am still just trying to figure it all out...but geesh...there is no other place I would rather be than right here right know...it feels so good...that comfort of just feeling good in your own skin.
Even though I do look forward to my first trip to Mysore, India in May...this time I have been taking...in this moment has been priceless. Thank you! Thank you! Peace.