Angel Wings

A biology professor, Roger Wotton, from University College London, examined pictures of angels and cherubs and concluded that angels are structurally unable to fly.

Of course I am not going to take much notice on that since in a previous post, I discussed how bumblebees are scientifically unable to fly.  

Science is able to provide answers to world's many mysteries, but there are ones where science cannot extend a helping hand.  

Countdown from 30 seconds

On Boxing Day, I went to visit a new tourist attraction in Hong Kong - Noah's Ark.  At first, I thought it's just another theme park with a biblical setting.  However, all the main attractions within the park have a meaningful message behind them.  

One particular activity called 'Countdown from 30 seconds' involves the audience to watch a short video clip, and not to ruin it for bloggers intending to visit the park, the object of the game is to get the participants to write down a message for their loved ones when they only have 30 seconds to live.

What would be your message?

Cosmic Weathering

With Mars beginning its retrograde motion since yesterday and Mercury on 26th, we'll be covering grounds already travelled and going over thoughts and ideas impinging on our consciousness since the beginning of this month.  With it travelling in Capricorn, perhaps our ideas are practical and materially-oriented, coupled with its backward motion, we are likely to feel more cautious with taking any overt actions.  This is especially so with Mars also in retrograde, where our energy and motivation would be turned inward.  We are more contemplative and less likely to take unnecessary risks.  Mars will turn direct again in the 2nd week of March 2010.  What did you expend your energy on back in mid-October?  This Martian retrograde period basically takes us back to that time.  Personally, that was when I was hooked up on my appearance.  I spent a small fortune on a new wardrobe to transform my face - looking at my birth afterwards I noticed Mars was hovering over my Ascendant!  No wonder I was working on a new 'mask' to greet the world!

Dead End

I was walking home with my cousins one night after a barbecue.  Despite being on unfamiliar grounds, I was, somehow, taking the lead and walking ahead of everyone.  

'Turn right here,' one of my cousins called out behind me.

I turned right and found myself staring at a long and dark alleyway with a wall at the end of it.  

'It's a dead end!'  I replied.

'Just keep walking and you'll see a sharp turning on your left,' my cousin explained.

Unconvinced, I remained rooted to the ground.  I could not possibly imagine how another road could branch off from this narrow passageway.

'Trust me!'  my cousin continued.

I took one tentative step forward, then another, all the while thinking 'This is silly, it's a dead end.....'  then all of a sudden, a side lane appeared on my left!

'Told you!'

Life is the same.  Sometimes you may go through a phase in your life where you feel/think you are approaching an obvious dead end.  But unbeknown to you, there is a way out - you may not be able to see it yet, but it is there.  All you need to do is to trust the Universe that it won't forsake you.

Meditation Videos

Doreen Virtue has posted a series of spiritually inspiring meditation videos on Youtube.com.

From releasing negativity to working on forgiveness, these powerful meditations can help you to quieten your mind so you can listen to that inner voice within.

Simply type in '4angeltherapy'.

Enjoy!

A Timely Reminder

With all the positive affirmation books I have read in the last few years, you would think that I should be an expert on putting those theories into practice.  However, just like in James Redfield's 'The Celestine Prophecy', it is hard to 'hold the vision' when you are once again dropped into the world of reality, and surrounded by materialism and skepticism of all sorts.  

Just as I was struggling with the usual problems of the mundane kind, I received my monthly e-newsletter from Susan Jeffers.  The contents consisted of no new concepts, but it was a timely reminder of what I should be doing - to focus on the positive and to think loving thoughts - regardless of the situation involved. 

I'm thankful for Jeffers' message on trying to work on our internal reaction instead of trying to change other people.  'One suggestion is that, instead of trying to change someone, despite how he or she is behaving, just keep silently repeating to yourself "I love you. I love you. I love you." No, I have not lost my mind. As you say these beautiful words, your internal energy starts to shift toward a very loving place. You can't imagine the profound effect it has on others when you project your love onto them!!! Try it and report back to me! As you continue to project your love onto others, you will ultimately melt into the realization that we are all human beings doing the best we can. And from this place, compassion for others...and for ourselves...is born.

Note that it's not that the behavior of others is always right; it's that we hurt only ourselves by letting their behavior take away our peace of mind. Also, we lose our ability to reach out in love when we are constantly in judgment of others. To let others be who they are and reach out to them anyway is the height of loving others. Sending "I love you" thoughts is a wonderful "reaction" to others...despite what they are doing.

Saturn in Libra

Transiting Saturn moved into Libra on 30th October.  Saturn represents structures, stability and authority figures.  Having transiting Saturn in Virgo for the past 2 years had certainly been a tough ride for me personally.  The fact that I have natal Saturn in Virgo in 2nd house does not help either.   One moment I thought I have mastered my assigned life lessons, but the next, found myself back to square one again.  Since the Saturnian sign change, I have felt the shift of energy in my internal and external world.  To start with, I have been feeling much more relaxed.  I no longer feel guilty for spending money on myself and be affected by external factors as much.  Unfortunately, the relaxed attitude turned into procrastination, hence my lack of contribution on my blog for the past six weeks.  Thanks Tamare for the reminder and for visiting my blog despite my lazy silence.  More posts will follow.

Appreciate the Small Things in Life

This morning, on my way to work, the panic outburst of a woman chasing after her escaping puppy caught my attention.  The lady managed to put a firm grasp on her doggie before it left the park gate, but as I continued onward with my journey, I soon witnessed a man, whose doggie was also running away from him, but this time towards the park gate.  It turned out that the two dogs were running towards one another because they couldn't wait to see each other!  I momentarily stopped to make sure that was the case, afterall, why would dogs do that?!  However, that was exactly what it was, the two doggies met at the gate and then, totally ignoring their owners, sauntered into the park side by side.  

I know there are many stories of this kind where animals have demonstrated human traits/behaviours, but this incident instantly put a smile on my face as I continued on my way to work.

The Anger Button

I've always had a problem with controlling my anger, in that, I allow the tiniest irritant to get the better of me.

I like Louise Hay's doctrine on anger.  Louise believes that we are actually responsible for our anger seemingly caused by external factors.  Imagine an 'anger button' within each of us. Basically, we should not allow other people's words and actions to annoy us to the point that the button is pressed, triggering the anger process.

Easier said than done.  But yesterday, while I was on my way to my apartment, I overheard a conversation between two grandmas in the lift.  One said to the other 'You would never have guessed what I had to put up with today at the newspaper stand.'  

I began to pray for the lift to move slowly enough so I would hear the whole conversation.  

'I went to get a newspaper and told the man I was in a hurry so he would serve me quickly.  And do you know what he said?  He turned to his colleague, as if I was invisible, and remarked 'Everyone says they're in a hurry, isn't that funny?'  I was fuming hearing that but I managed to keep my mouth shut - so rude of him!'

Oh, I thought, feeling a bit disappointed.  What's the point of getting angry over THAT?  If I was in the woman's position, I would just assume the guy made a passing comment.  I personally don't see the rudeness in that.  However, that incident neatly illustrates that the anger button in each of us is pressed easier than others.  I know people who don't even seem to have an anger button at all!  

I wonder what your reaction would be if you were the woman in the lift?

The Meaning of 2nd House

Each house in a birthchart represents a specific area of life.  The 2nd house is related to material possessions, one's values, self-esteem, earning power and spending habits to name but a few. I remember when I first learned about this concept, I thought it was strange how these unrelated themes are strung together and put into the same house.  Afterall, what has money got to do with personal values?  

Through my work, I have learned that confident individuals are able to 'sell' themselves well, hence it has a positive effect on their earnings too.  Furthermore, according to the law of attraction, you attract what you send out.  Therefore, an individual with a healthy dosage of self-esteem is able to value oneself and can project one's self belief onto the external world.

The Philosophy of Sailing

I never gave much thought to sailing in a boat.  You get in one and allow the current of the water to carry you.....or so I thought that's what happens!

My friend Jacqui invited me to visit her on Lamma Island a few weeks ago.  I was just expecting a day of relaxing on the beach, but instead, I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered that Jacqui and her husband Shane are owners of a nifty sailing boat.  Jacqui even offered to take me for a ride!  I was slightly worried initially, since swimming isn't something I feel comfortable with (just in case of accidents!), however, I couldn't make myself refuse such a great opportunity to get closer to the water so I accepted in the end.

Captain Jacqui advised that it would be best if I positioned myself in the centre of the boat and  when there's a 'knock', I would need to duck to avoid being hit by the sail.  Jacqui explained that a 'knock' is when there's a sudden change in wind direction and so the sail flips to the opposite side.  There's no use going against it but to go with the flow.  How philosophical - I can relate this in my own life too, there are times when we find ourselves in the middle of a 'knock', i.e. a sudden change, there's nothing we can do about it except to go with the flow.

We continued our journey when Jacqui began to give me a running commentary of what she was doing.  I was amazed to see Jacqui carefully observing the surface of the water - 'The patch of water in front is still', 'Let's catch the wind on the left'.  I used to think sailing was a haphazard activity!  Jacqui went on to say that on detection of a wave ahead, it would be easier to face it rather than avoid it.  It looks ominous but once you're in the middle of one, it wouldn't seem so bad.  Jacqui was very confident with what she was doing so I put complete trust in her as we glided towards the turbulent patch of water.  Again, I noticed the connection between sailing and life - an approaching wave, or obstacles in life, may appear to be threatening, but face it with courage and you will find it isn't as scary as it first looked.

Thank you Captain Jacqui for such an insightful journey!

The Power Game

Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. once said 'A moment's insight is sometimes worth a lifetime's experience.'

I could not agree more.

Earlier this week, I trekked all the way to Lamma Island to see my spiritual friend Jacqui.  I still find it a miracle to have met another reiki practitioner outside the reiki circle and in Hong Kong of all places!  Having been here for a year now, I am finding this place vibrationally low so to become acquainted with Jacqui is a real god-send.

During my visit, we talked about best friends in our lives.  I mentioned that Suni, my spiritual sister whom I met while working in Japan, was someone I felt totally comfortable in disclosing my secrets to.  I never worry about being judged by her at all.  Jacqui said it was because Suni and I were at peace with one another.  Neither one of us felt the need to out-do the other.  In essence, we are at equilibrium in terms of our personal power.  Such simple words, but all of a sudden, I felt a big knot in my physical body being untied.  In the past few years, I have been enmeshed in many power struggles with quite a number of individuals.  Having the tendency to assign meaning to my encounters, I attributed those experiences as important life lessons - which they were, however, the fact that I kept on being caught-up in those kinds of situations meant that I still had to make sense of the purpose behind them.  Is it to make me more assertive?  More tolerant?  More forgiving?  More confident?  Perhaps it's all of the above.   Thinking back to my previous power struggle episodes, I've identified 'insecurity' and 'jealousy' as the main reasons for my opponents' attacks.  Since they were supposed to be mirroring my internal state, I also have to watch-out for times when I get insecure and feel jealousy bubbling in my psyche.  Thanks to Jacqui's insightful words, I now know how to step out of the boxing-ring and not fight with all my might.  Instead, I should just step inside the eye of the hurricane and isolate the calmness within myself and use the Universal energy of love to transmute and redress the power imbalance.

Cultural Differences in Face Reading

My sister forwarded me an article on the BBC News website, which I thought was interesting in response to my previous post on cultural differences.

The researchers have found that East Asians are more likely to focus on the eyes when reading facial expressions in comparison to their western counterparts, whom are more likely to scan the whole face - including the mouth.  This is extended to emoticons, where the eyes are exaggerated in the east compared to the mouth in the west.

East West differences in Emoticons

Emotion	West	East
'Happy'	:-)	(^_^)
'Sad'	:-(	(;_;) or (T_T)
'Surprise'	:-o	(o.o)

I'll let you read it for yourselves on http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8199951.stm

Cultural Differences

Having been working in Hong Kong for a year, plus the fact that I was born here, I thought I had an upper-hand in understanding how a traditional 'Hong Konger' feels and thinks compared to a random foreigner without any links to this place - how wrong I was...

I've always heard that the locals here could tell whether a Chinese person is born and bred in Hong Kong or not.  Apparently, Chinese born or bred elsewheres have this 'dumb' look about them, that they don't look very street-wise.  I still remember over a decade ago, I came back to Hong Kong for a short visit and was put under this category.  Needless to say, I wasn't very flattered to be labelled as dumb but what can you do?  I wasn't planning on returning so I put it out of my mind. A few years ago though, I came back again for another brief visit, this time, I really liked the place.  People could still tell we're from overseas but only because of our 'friendly aura' and our non-Chinese looking noses!  It was, overall, a much more positive experience this second time round.  So much so that I decided I could work in this place - and here I am now!

I discovered how much I had been 'Hong Kong-ized' when I returned to England for a break and found myself ignoring shop assistants greeting me.  I've been so used to not making eye-contact with people (especially those giving out leaflets on the streets!) and putting on this hostile face (to ward off con artists - no joke, they are everywhere here - don't say I haven't warned you!) that I carried this defensive behaviour home.  Fortunately, it didn't take me long to pack those barriers away. I soon got used to smiling to strangers again (namely shop assistants and grannies around town!). But now that I'm back in Hong Kong, my mask is back on when I venture out..

So that's on the outside, what about the inside?

My decision to relocate to Hong Kong was met with praises and encouragements from my British friends:  'Go for it!', 'You're so brave!' Unfortuantely, the story is very different on this side of the world.  Only the other day, from a conversation I had with a neighbour in the village I moved out of a few months ago, I learned that people there thought I relocated to Hong Kong because I couldn't find a job in the UK!  I was shocked!  How could they think of such a thing (i.e. to think the worse in others)?  I wasn't a fresh graduate nor an unemployed soul - but then, how would they know?  So I put her straight.  Mind you, I don't think she believed me - some people here just do not understand the concept of giving up a stable job for the unknown - well, I'm a living example!

Universe, please open the minds of these people...for their own sake!

Unemployment

One of the side effects of the Credit Crunch is redundancy. I have been incredibly lucky so far and hope that those around me who are made redundant will soon find another source of income, or at least, understand why it has happened to them.

Although I have never been made redundant before (touch wood :P), I have experienced a period of unemployment in the past.

I returned to England from Japan six years ago and spent the first month enjoying myself, not worrying about my future. Towards the end of the month though, my carefree attitude began to evaporate. At the time, I wanted to leave teaching and explore another line of work. I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do, but the thought of working with international students, helping them settle into living in Britain appealed to me. After all, having lived alone in a foreign country, I completely understand how important it is to receive support from the locals. Thus I sent that wish out to the universe and began to wait for a reply, albeit rather impatiently.

Instead, I received another message through an old school friend. To cut a long story short, I was guided back onto the teaching path. I then made the necessary research and sent in the required application.

All in all, I was unemployed for four months.

During that period, I fervently asked for universal guidance. I was thrown into a cocktail mixture of frustration, irritation, depression, exhilaration and finally, gratification. On hindsight, I should have put my complete trust in the universe and allowed events to unfold in its course.

I know it may seem easy for me to say to my unemployed friends to keep their spirits up and to appreciate the fact that the universe has better plans waiting for them around the corner, but I have been through a similar experience - I can honestly say that I have learnt from my four months of unemployment hell all those years ago. Last year, I had the sudden urge to give up my stable job even though I didn't have another one to go to. Luckily, something did turn up before the end of my contract. The new job turned out to be a complete nightmare - but it was a necessary life lesson for me because I learned so much about myself and had gained a phenomenal amount of self-confident from the experience. Yet again, I resigned - for the second time in the same year, and right in the middle of credit crunch. Most of the people around me thought I was mad to make the move, but for once in my life, I was overwhelmed by a sense of trust in the universe. It just felt so right to move on, despite all the surface tensions and struggles. The universe did not forsake me. I secured another job within a week - it even fulfilled all of my wishes I had asked for!

I do strongly believe that everything happens for a reason. On the surface, it may seem traumatic, but if you dig deep within, you will find the required tools to overcome those obstacles thrown in your way.

Empowerment

In my early days of being acquainted with Doreen Virtue's work, I remember coming across her explanation of being 'empowered'. This is basically having the confidence in yourself and not giving your power away.

Easier said than done.

I found it even more difficult to practice it when I come to understand that blaming others for our unhappiness is considered to be giving one's power away. Thinking back to Louise Hay's work, I guess it is true, because Louise mentioned that we have the power to not allow others annoy or irritate us with their words or actions. So even if we do come face-to-face with bullies and become upset, we cannot say 'X really annoyed me. It's all his/her fault.' What we need to say is acknowledge X's behaviour as unacceptable and then give the pain to the divine for transmutation. I personally like to think that it's just another lesson for me to learn about another aspect of human life, e.g. tolerance, acceptance. I release the pain associated with the event in question, asking the divine to help me extract the lesson then move on.

The Art of Taking

For as long as I can remember, I've always had the tendency to feel bad about asking others for favours. I even went through a phase where I would feel bad about accepting drinks from people I'm visiting! Gradually though, I learned that by refusing others' offers, I'm not actually being polite but rude. It is about keeping a balance between giving and taking. I feel bad about taking and feel more comfortable with giving.

As transiting Saturn conjunct my natal North Node in Virgo 2nd house, I am in yet another one of my hard lesson cycles. In my previous cycles, I have learnt to be comfortable with accepting hospitalities from others. I still have a long way to go. Only recently, I made the mistake of blocking my 'taking' side again and refused kindness from others. I'm still regretting over that!

Angels, please help me accept goodness from the Universe graciously.

Doors

I remember when I was still working in Japan, I would fly back to England once a year. I'm now reliving the same lifestyle - working in Hong Kong and flying back home for my annual break.

There is one big difference though.

Back in the days of jetting back and forth between Japan and England, I would feel attached to Japan while I was there and not wanting to leave, and vice versa for when I was back home. This changed in my final year when I had a sudden yearning to leave Japan and return home.

A few years on, I'm now flying between England and Hong Kong. One big difference is that I have family, relatives and in both places. What's more, when in Hong Kong, as much as I miss England, I do want to stay there, and now that I'm home, as much as I want to stay, I do want to return to the far east. I feel at home in both countries. If you ask me to choose, I wouldn't be able to.

Maybe a few more years down the line, my feelings will change, but for now, I want to go with the flow - the flow being what feels right at this moment in time. If something is meant to be, then doors will open for you to breeze through.

However, there are different types of doors - some are already wide open, so all you need to do is step through the threshold. Others are half-closed, ajar, closed or even locked. Thinking back, the door to Hong Kong was ajar to start with. The Universe nudged me to come face-to-face with it. I had to have the courage to walk up to it, push it wide open, then finally stepping through it. It wasn't a smooth ride though, there were times when I had the urge to run back out, but my intuition told me to stay put. I used positive affirmation, Angeltherapy, the Secret etc to help me through the tough times.

Life is a long journey, there will be challenges and obstacles in the way. Asking for help is a strength not a weakness. Light is always at the end of the tunnel.

Basil Does the Trick

Apparently, constipation is prevalent in the female population of Hong Kong. I have learnt this fact from more than one source - friends, relatives and the media. I was initially surprised by this piece of information, especially that I do not suffer from it at all (touch wood!). A quick browse in Louise Hay's dictionary of ailments finds that it is related to the difficult in releasing old ideas, being stuck in the past and sometimes being stingy. The corresponding affirmation is 'As I release the past, the new and fresh and vital enter. I allow life to flow through me.'

Perhaps collectively, these women are finding it hard to let go of their past hurts and are resistant to changes. I encountered a recipe from Spirit & Destiny which may be of help:

S & D, March 2009, p88

Basil pesto

Basil aids digestion and eases stomach cramps associated with constipation, so tuck into pesto if you're a bit bunged-up. A natural tranquiliser, basil helps the body relax, which also keeps things moving. Whenever you're in need, eating three spoonfuls of pesto - neat, tossed through pasta or spread on bruschetta - should do the trick.

Serves 4

Preparation time: 10 minutes

INGREDIENTS

- 50g basil leaves

- 1-2 garlic cloves, peeled

- 25g pine nuts

- 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

- 2 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1) Roughly tear the basil and put into a mortar with the garlic, pine nuts and a little of the olive oil.

2) Pound with a pestle until the mixture forms a paste, or whizz together in a food processor.

3) Gradually pour in the rest of the olive oil, mixing together well.

4) Stir in the Parmesan. Can be served on bruschetta and salmon or mixed with pasta.

Let go Max! Let go....

I don't handle endings well.

I can recall quite a few incidents where I found it so hard to say goodbye that I just left the situation. This then left me with a bad feeling and the regret of 'I should've just said goodbye! I so wish I could turn back the time...'

Perhaps the universe is trying to make me stronger, so it keeps on sending me these 'ending lessons'. But every time, either I don't have the courage to say goodbye and regret it or that I do make the effort but then get criticisms from those around me. I think at the end of the day, the underlying lesson is to trust myself and ignore other people's opinions - easier said than done. Angels, continue to work with me!

Life Mission

The demise of Michael Jackson has sent a shock wave across the world.  For some, it is still hard to believe that the King of Pop has left the earth plane.  I remember it took me a long time to accept Princess Diana's death.  I was so convinced that she was hiding away in a secret location!

Over lunch today, I had an insightful discussion with a friend about identifying one's mission in life.  When you find your gift or talent endowed by the universe, all obstacles put in your path would seem illusional and easy to defeat.  I guess for the longest time, I had doubts of my own chosen career path.  Seeing others around me, gaining social respect because of how much they earn, did make me think I had made the wrong choice.  However, the economic crisis we are currently in has confirmed the fact that I have made the right decision.  I am doing what the universe has asked me to do.  Once you find your mission in life, all problems begin to melt away, or at least, would seem surmountable.  

Life is extremely fragile; living happily is ultimately more important than anything else.

Mr G has left the building!

Coincidentally, it has been exactly a year since I wrote about Mr G - an endearing character with too much self-confidence.  I talked about the Mr Gs in my life and the lessons I had to endure.  Every time when I enter a new phase in my life, I would look out for the new Mr G.  Strangely enough, since my relocation, I notice that the typical Mr G is absent.  This does not mean I am leading a peaceful life - far from it!  Mr G has simply 'evolved' to someone who is covertly arrogant.  However, once you have scratched the confident surface, a rather vulnerable side is exposed.  With the assistance of a newly acquainted spiritual friend, I soon discovered that the quietly confident mask hides an individual with negligible amount of skills and talents within. 

I had a tough time adjusting to this evolution of life lessons.  Initially, I thought perhaps these newly evolved 'teachers' are mirroring a part of me?  But after discussing this through with my spiritual friend, we identified that perhaps the lack of talent in these people is actually acting as a motivator to squeeze out all the confidence I have within me - if these people can find a reserve of it without having the reason to, then surely I could too?!  In addition, I think another lesson is to have a great heart to forgive these people.  A sensitive soul like me have found their harsh energy pretty hard to bear at times, but, as mentioned in a previous post,  as hurtful and annoying these people can be, the cure is to think loving and positive thoughts of them.  I command justice in the situation and trust with all my heart that the universe will be fair to everyone involved.  

Though tough and treacherous, I walk on this path with like-minded companions, both near me and from a far distance, connected via cyber space.  I am grateful to still have my existing spiritual links with certain individuals who have been counselling me on my life's ups and downs.  I want to thank the universe also for sending me new individuals who speak my language of spiritualism.  If it weren't for them, I wouldn't have detected this evolution so quickly and would still be wallowing in self-pity!

Courage or Impatience?

Have you ever felt the urge to tell a friend, who has been complaining non-stop on the same problem, to snap out of it?

I've had my share of these people in my life.  Every time, though, I didn't have the guts, or heart I would like to think, to tell them to stop retelling their problems to me and instead, think of a plan to get out of the hell-hole.  Unfortunately, there are people out there who love to just complain and complain - I like that too, but not on a regular basis!  I like to get my moans out and then get on with life.  

I find these people quite draining.  At first, I thought it was my own problem for not being patient enough to assist my pals, but then one day, while travelling on the train, I overheard someone talking (loudly) on his mobile phone.  Basically, he was announcing, rather firmly, to the person on the other end to stop wasting time on discussing the same problem.  I wished I had his courage (or impatience!) to tell my acquaintances to stop going round in circles.  Having lived in Hong Kong for the past 10 months, perhaps I've accumulated enough blunt/bold/rudeness to be less considerate?!

Stand Your Ground

Arthur Schopenhauer's quote I'm sharing with everyone this week has given me some food for thought:

All truth passes through three stages - 

First, it is ridiculed;

Second,  it is violently opposed;

And third, it is accepted as self-evident.

Just over a decade ago, it would be ludicrous to suggest that stress can affect our physical health.  Once upon a time, it was heretical to even think that earth wasn't in the centre of the universe and that we could be related to gorillas and baboons.  Furthermore, God used to live on the clouds until mortals extended their mode of transport to the firmament and discovered 'the man upstairs' must have moved somewhere else.  I'm sure you can think of many more examples where ridiculous ideas have become a part of our daily routine.

The more I practise The Secret, the more I am convinced of its ability to shape our lives.  Of course, 'Cosmic Ordering', 'Positive Affirmations', 'Angeltherapy' are all part of the same idea - that we send out to the universe our wishes.  I wonder if our future would incorporate these practices as part of our daily life?

Ear Chakras

The ear chakras are located just above the eyebrows.

I've been acutely aware of my tense shoulders lately, which I attribute to the stresses being put upon me.  However, I was baffled by the discomfort between my eyebrows and forehead.  Having listened to the latest of Doreen Virtue's radio show, I now believe the aches and pains are likely to be caused by all the negative utterances directed at me, which are then absorbed into my system, via the ear chakras.

I feel it is important to take time-out in order to cleanse and balance our mind, body and spirit.  These quiet moments allow us to be in touch with our inner self and to listen to our voice within.  

Skin as Smooth as a Baby's Bottom

Don't know about you, but I'm amongst the population of females who is striving for silky soft skin. According to Louise Hay's 'Heal Your Body' - a dictionary of ailments and their origins, skin problems are related to one's sense of individuality and how one is prone to the opinions of others.  In a previous post, I have mentioned my struggle with hives a few years back.  In fact, that was how I stepped onto the path of shrugging off external opinions, with the help of Louise Hay's positive affirmation work.  The original problem was too ingrained in my psyche that my skin condition remained for months.  Despite not receiving immediate effect, the journey enabled me to understand myself more, and through other spiritual means, e.g. EFT, reiki, astrology, feng shui, I began to cleanse my internal state, since this has a knock-on effect on the external world.  

Does this mean good skin may be related to a strong sense of individuality and a high confidence level?

Just for fun, I made a list of all the people I know with skin to die for.  So far, it appears that people with velvet skin are those with a strong personality and are likely to be immune to negative opinions from others.  This makes sense since Louise Hay's affirmation for skin conditions is 'I feel safe to be me'.  For these individuals, they feel comfortable and safe to be in their own skin, thus any external attack would not have an averse effect on them.

Even though there are many other factors which may influence one's skin condition, I would be interested to see if anyone else could repeat this little investigation and see what you find.  

Cosmic Reflections

When I first started this blog, I remember spending many days pondering over the title. 'Cosmic Reflections' came to mind, since I believe that the stars reflect the happenings on Earth, instead of influencing it.  In the end, I settled on Cosmic Potentials as I strongly feel astrology assists us in tapping into our hidden talents.

Many spiritual writers mention in their work the concept of mirroring, in that, situations and people occurring around us are reflections of our inner state.  So, for example, if I am particularly annoyed by a friend who is selfish, that person is brought to me due to my selfish side attracting that character into my life.  The likelihood is that I am unable to face the selfish side of myself, therefore, I attract someone with that trait in order to 'face' up to it from an external source.  

Interestingly, I once met someone whom I swear was my evil twin!  I say that because I totally understood her spiteful intentions behind all the malicious and hurtful things she did and said   To see my 'dark side' manifest in another person was quite a spooky experience!  She was certainly one of the tougher life lessons I had to endure.  As that individual is now out of my life, and may I add I have no one quite like that around me currently (touch wood!), I take it as a cue that for now, I have learned the lesson required of me.  It wasn't an easy time to live through, but it has taught me to appreciate the supportive people the universe has sent my way, and to be active in clearing negative thoughts from my system, for fear of attracting less than desirable people into my life again.  

I also believe that we all come from the same universal source, therefore, we are all the same.  When someone irritates you, instead of sending negative thoughts their way (which is the automatic thing to do!), we should try to understand their intentions for their behaviour.  Forgiveness is the key.  We say to the universe 'Help me understand why this person/situation has been sent my way so I can extract the underlying lesson and move on.'

Think slowly, carefully and practically

Characterised by miscommunications and delays, Mercury retrograde is never an easy period to live through.  We are advised to back-up all of our computer files just to be on the safe side, and contracts are best left to be signed well after 30th May, when the planet moves forward again.  

The backward motion began last Thursday (7th May) in Gemini and is now traversing into the territory of Taurus.  This is likely to help us not only to slow down our thinking, but also to add a touch of simplicity and practicality to ideas which are normally perceived to be problematic and complicated.

Personally, I have encountered a few hiccups since the commencement of this retrograde. I won't bore you with the details, but suffice to say that I was able to review and reflect on those challenges with the help of supportive individuals around me, instead of simply reacting negatively and defensively to those obstacles.  These 'growth opportunities', as I would like to call them, allow me to recognise the fact that life is merely cyclical, in that, the universe throws 'lessons' at us at all times until we master the underlying skills.   For me, I feel I need to be in touch with my Uranian and Neptunian energies more and to loosen up the Saturnian grip. 

'Relax' and 'Chill' are my keywords.  Afterall, life is a journey so it should be enjoyed.

Picture taken from Doreen Virtue's 'Heal With Your Angels Oracle Deck'

Technology: A Blessing or a Curse?

I often see many young people playing on their PSPs while travelling on public transports.  So engrossed in their cyber worlds that they are oblivious to their surroundings.  For solo travellers, I understand the need to pass the time with this handy device.  However, I  have also noticed young children travelling with their families being entertained by their electronic toys instead of passing the time by engaging in a conversation with their carers.

Don't get me wrong, modern technology has made many positive impacts on our standard of living.  Just last month, courtesy of Facebook, I was able to reunite with my primary school friends, whom I have lost complete touch with for the last decade and a half. Now, without technology, I probably would never see these people again.  So unlike those electronic devices, technology can also act as a bridge, linking people together through cyber space.  

Technology is a blessing when used appropriately, but it can equally turn into a nuisance when the user turns into an addict.  At the end of the day, it's a question of self-discipline.  I know I need to work on self-control when it comes to surfing the internet!  Funnily enough, I'm resisting the addiction cord-cutting technique with Archangel Michael and Raphael; perhaps I'm not quite ready to let this one go yet.  I wonder what I'm holding on to?

Effect of Pluto in Capricorn

Facing the current economic crisis, many companies are attempting to reduce their expenditures, from pay cuts to layoffs, to more creative, environmental (and dare I say moral) means.  One multinational company manages to successfully reduce its expenses by conserving electricity and other material resources (e.g. stationery supplies), instead of removing jobs from workers.  Travel expense is also minimised by using video-conferencing.  

This stringent use of resources is evidence of how Pluto in Capricorn is being manifested.

Inspirational Quotes

Whenever I need a pick-me-up, I would indulge myself on a healthy dosage of wise words articulated by our predecessors.  

Lately, I'm finding it a challenge to shake off worrying and fearful thoughts.  Here's a prescription for keeping negativity at bay:

The only way to pass any test is to take the test

Anon.

If you are not living on the edge, you are taking up too much room.

Native American saying

Life shrinks and expands in proportion to one's courage.

Anais Nin

I need to take an emotional breath, step back and remind myself who's actually in charge of my life.  

Judith Knowlton

You must do the things you think you cannot do.  

Eleanor Roosevelt  

If one is the master of one thing and understands one thing well, one has, at the same time, insight and understanding into many other things.

Vincent Van Gogh

Crystal Culture

I've been searching for a reasonably priced crystal sphere for the past year.  The other day, I encountered two orangy-yellow transparent ones and wondered if they were citrine.  The stallkeeper confirmed otherwise and went on to tell me that they were even better than citrine at attracting wealth (even though I hadn't mentioned anything about money).  I asked for their prices but thought they were unreasonable.  She immediately asked if I wanted to buy one.  I politely declined and began to browse other products. However, every crystal I subsequently picked up was accompanied by a brief commentary of what they were and why I should buy them.  

To me, crystals are sacred.  They 'call' to us when the timing is right.  We purchase it and work with it.  We are not owners but guardians of them.  The low energy of the stallkeeper did no justice to her crystals.  A genuine crystal lover/guardian would still give you information on the crystal, but the focus is on teaching, learning and healing, instead of profit-making.  The energies of these crystal vendors vibrate at much higher levels.  And most importantly of all, they let you browse in peace!

The Power of Three

The Universe sends signs and messages to us in various ways.  When the same sign appears three times in the same day, I would stop and take note of the hidden message behind it.  

Coincidentally (or not?), I heard/read the phrase 'start of something new' three times yesterday.  I then asked myself - is there a hidden message behind it?  I then recalled a song with the same title, here's the lyrics:

Start of Something New

Living in my own world

Didn't understand

That anything can happen

When you take a chance

I never believed in

What I couldn't see

I never opened my heart yeah!!

To all the possibilities

I know that something has changed

Never felt this way

And right here tonight

This could be the start

Of something new

It feels so right

To be here with you

And now looking in your eyes

I feel in my heart

The start of something new

Now who'd of ever thought that

We'd both be here tonight

And the world looks so much brighter

With you by my side

I know that something has changed

Never felt this way

I know it for real

This could be the start

Of something new

It feels so right

To be here with you

And now looking in your eyes

I feel in my heart

The start of something new

I never knew that it could happen

Till it happened to me

I didn't know it before 

But now it's easy to see

It's a start 

Of something new

It feels so right

To be here with you

And now looking in your eyes

I feel in my heart

That it's the start 

Of something new

It feels so right 

To be here with you

And now looking in your eyes

I feel in my heart

The start of something new

Start of something new

There Are No Words

There Are No Words

There are no words ...what can I say?

At last her sweet soul winged its way

To peace and freedom in the sky

Where never again will she suffer or cry.

It's all part of God's great plan ...

Which remains a mystery to man.

We cannot understand His ways

Nor can we count our earthly days.

But who are we to question and doubt?

God knoweth well what He's about;

He knew she longed to "go to sleep"

Where only angels, a vigil keep.

The pain of living grew too great

No longer could she stay and wait;

She did not want to leave you, dear,

But she had finished her work down here.

So she closed her eyes and when she awoke,

These are the words the Master spoke ...

"Welcome, dear child, you are Home at last,

And now the burden of living is past."

"There's work for you in My Kingdom, dear

And you are needed and wanted here."

So weep not, she has just gone on ahead,

Don't think of her as being dead.

She's out of sight for a little while,

And you'll miss her touch and her little smile,

But you know she is safe in the home above

Where there is nothing but Peace and Love.

And, surely, you would not deny her peace ...

And you're glad that she has found release.

Think of her there as a soul that is free,

And Home at last, where she wanted to be.

~ Helen Steiner Rice ~

A Beautiful Poem

If Tomorrow Starts Without Me

Author believed to be

David Romano

When tomorrow starts without me,

And I'm not there to see,

If the sun should rise and find your eyes

all filled with tears for me,

I wish so much you wouldn't cry

The way you did today,

While thinking of the many things,

We didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me,

As much as I love you,

and each time that you think of me,

I know you'll miss me too.

But when tomorrow starts without me,

Please try to understand,

That an angel came and called my name,

And took me by the hand,

and said my place was ready,

In heaven far above,

And that I'd have to leave behind

All those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away,

A tear fell from my eye

For all my life, I'd always thought,

I didn't want to die.

I had so much to live for,

So much left yet to do,

It seemed almost impossible,

That I was leaving you.

I thought of all the yesterdays

The good ones and the bad,

I thought of all the love we shared,

and all the fun we had

If I could re-live yesterday

Just even for a while,

I'd say good-bye and kiss you

And maybe see you smile.

But then I fully realized,

That this could never be,

For emptiness and memories,

would take the place of me.

And when I thought of worldly things,

I might miss come tomorrow,

I thought of you, and when I did,

My heart was filled with sorrow.

But when I walked through heaven's gates,

I felt so much at home

When God looked down and smiled at me,

From His great golden throne.

He said, "This is eternity,

And all I've promised you."

Today your life on earth is past,

But here life starts anew

I promise no tomorrow,

But today will always last,

And since each day's the same way

There's no longing for the past.

You have been so faithful,

So trusting and so true.

Though there were times

You did some things

You knew you shouldn't do.

But you have been forgiven

And now at last you're free.

So won't you come and take my hand

And share my life with me?

So when tomorrow starts without me,

Don't think we're far apart,

For every time you think of me,

I'm right here, in your heart.

Taken from http://angel-on-my-shoulder.com

Life Is Too Precious

Life is Too Precious

Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.

Life is beauty, admire it.

Life is bliss, taste it.

Life is a dream, realise it.

Life is a challenge, meet it.

Life is a duty, complete it.

Life is a game, play it.

Life is a promise, fulfill it.

Life is sorrow, overcome it.

Life is a song, sing it.

Life is a struggle, accept it.

Life is a tragedy, confront it.

Life is an adventure, dare it.

Life is luck, make it.

Life is too precious, do not destroy it.

Life is life, fight for it.

                                ---Mother Theresa

Archangel Azrael

Archangel Azrael is also known as the 'Angel of Death', who helps souls to cross-over to Heaven from the physical realm.  Azrael surrounds grieving family members and friends with healing energy and divine light to help them cope with the loss.  

'Azrael, I ask that you lift my thoughts and emotions skyward, and help my heart to heal.  Give me hope and faith, Azrael.'

Message from Azrael:  Even the strongest person experiences upsetting situations, and there's no shame in taking time to heal your heart.  This is a good time for quiet reflection upon your true feelings.  Write them down in a private journal, and then call upon me to bring comfort to your heart and mind.  I can help you sleep better at night, and put your mind at ease.

Your loved ones aren't far away; in fact, they're quite near.  In your quiet moments, you can feel their presence.  These really are true visitations, and I ask you to trust your intuition.  You may notice dream visits from deceased loved ones.  Know that your loved ones are happy, free of all suffering, and want the same for you.  Your loved ones want to work with your guardian angels to help you be peaceful, so watch for other signs from Heaven.  

Feng Shui Tips

It has been over two weeks since I've updated my blog - I've let myself drift again!  Actually, I have a valid excuse - I've been feeling under the weather lately and still suffering from a tickly cough.  Looking at Louise Hay's 'Heal Your Body' dictionary, I'm crying out for attention and have something I wish to say.  Problem is, I don't know what that is!  Well, consciously I don't anyway.  I'm going to re-read 'The Secret' as I feel I need a booster shot of some positive affirmations!

For the last couple of weeks, I got myself hooked on feng shui again.  I want to recommend a blog I've been following, written by a talented spiritual healer - Padmaa.  

Padmaa has been advising me on my house's feng shui a few months back and I can honestly say that I've noticed a positive shift in my life.  For feng shui tips and other easy spells, go to http://tipsbypadmaa.blogspot.com