The good shirts

 I'm sorry I haven't been on here much. The world has been a little crazy and it has taken a lot of energy to keep my part of it going.

I was musing this morning about things and wanted to share some of it. 

Last night I was finishing up the laundry and as I was hanging up clothes, I was thinking how nice my 3 good flannel shirts were clean and ready for the new week. How in the heck at 63 years old did I end up with 3 good flannel shirts!  I have several, don't get me wrong, but these are my favorites. They are the right weight, size and color.  But really?  Who at this time of life has good flannel shirts? 

This got me thinking about where I thought my life would be at this stage. First of all, don't get me wrong, I love my life. I get up every morning and start the day saying good morning to my critters, my dog, my horses, my chickens, even my feral cats. As I am feeding and cleaning pens for every one, I feel a connection to them and to the earth. There is something about animals that bring out the good in most folks. Then I walk my dog around the property a few times, listening to the birdsong, and looking at the tracks the visitors left from the night before. Deer, raccoons, skunks.... yes all the good things.  lol  Then to say my prayers at the top of the hill.

I have noticed that more I thank God for all in this world, the less I seem to need to ask for forgiveness. Not sure what the correlation is, but I have simply noticed it.  Maybe I am living more in a way I'm not causing "as much" trouble.  Or maybe my memory is failing :) 

Then it's time for work. I will be working till I am done on this world. I am totally okay with that. It gives me purpose.  And as I look at things going on in the world today, I think this is a fundamental thing that is lacking in many people's lives. The simple feeling of purpose. It kind of makes things make sense. 

My circle has gotten much smaller, it's more pure in some ways. People in my world understand me, I don't have to be careful how I phrase things. Some folks see me a little eccentric, another boon of being older, we can call it eccentric now. 

Being older has so many upsides. We all age different, I have some friends that are sedentary in a positive way, looking more interior, I have some friends that are still riding horses and kicking butt. I seem to be somewhere in between.  It's all about genetics and how you lived your life. There is no hard and fast rule for where you should be at during any time period of life. I mean really, its right up there with  being 63 and having 3 good flannel shirts. 

7 layers of being, 2nd layer

 The Seven Layers of Being

People can be quite complicated or quite simple depending on how you look at things. We have different needs and wants, different ways of growth and thought.  But we all have the same basic layers to our self.  They need to be kept open and balanced. Each layer has a specific part to our place here on this earth and in the universe. 

2^nd Layer

We have talked about the left side of the brain in the first layer, now lets explore the beauty of the right brain as it is important for our second layer. This layer of being is all about thinking outside the box, or at least letting it be an option. We are talking creativity. We are talking a balance of the 1^st layer and this layer. They will work in tandem when both are balanced.

While the first one is all about survival, this layer is about making your world a pretty place. It’s about color, humor, expression. It brings joy to your life. Simple pleasures, exotic reasoning. All ends of the spectrum.

This layer when balanced brings a little pop to the personality. The ability to create through self-expression, showing you are self-assured.

When this over active you see a loud drama to this creativity.  It isn’t enough to flow, it is all about standing out no matter what the cost. This leads to fear of not being seen.

On the other side when it is under active we see loss of control. There are so times we need to go with the flow, but it is hard when you can’t visualize a creative change. After all it is hard to be creative when you are shadowed in doubt.

The second layer corresponds to the navel or sacral chakra. As it is all about joy and expression, the tarot suit is Cups. It is visualized by the color orange, and frequency this layer thrives on for balance is 417hz. 

To help find that balance again, do things a bit differently, brush your teeth with your non dominate hand, take a new route to a place you go often. Change the color of something you see every day, a tablecloth, the walls, your clothes. Read books or listen to music out of your normal genre.

Find your joy in simple things. Add them to your life. We are here for more than just survival. We are here to flourish!

When the first and second layer work in tandem, you are using both sides of your mind. It opens up the possibilities to an infinite level!  

The Seven Layers of Being

People can be quite complicated or quite simple depending on how you look at things. We have different needs and wants, different ways of growth and thought.  But we all have the same basic layers to our self.  They need to be kept open and balanced. Each layer has a specific part to our place here on this earth and in the universe.

First Layer

Our first layer is the outside layer, the part that everyone sees. It is the layer for survival. This is the foundation of all that we are. It is the ability to take care of yourself, to keep the basic needs of water, food, shelter close at hand.

It is represented by things needed to maintain on this earth. We need shelter from the storm, physical care. This is a left brain concept using logic to keep us physically healthy.

People who are balanced in this layer are independent, self-assured, aware.

Many financial moguls have over active first layer. They put everything into the pursuit of financial gain. Started by the need to simply survive to the need to have it all. This layer is out of balance with the rest of the layers and this will show up in the need to have other’s ease the burdens of underdeveloped inner layers.

If the balance of the layer is underactive you have a person that is totally dependent on others. Unable to fend for themselves this leads to a lack of self-worth. Fear is the motivation as there is constant battle for simple survival. This shows up as false bravado, insecurity, and bullying to get past they knowledge they are not able to simply take care of themselves.

Over active or under active, either needs adjusting. To find that perfect balance comes from using logic tempered with awareness that there is more than simply survival. There are other factors at work in the body, and this foundation must be strong to hold the rest of them up and to allow them to thrive as well.

The color for this layer is red. The tarot suit is Pentacles.  The chakra equivalent is the base or root chakra. The frequency this layer thrives for balance under is 396mhz.  To gentle or open this layer, nature is your key. Walk barefoot in the grass, play in the dirt, hike in the woods. If you don’t have that available, watch nature documentaries, run your hands under water, go for a walk.  

This first layer is what holds the other layers together. It is the foundation we need while we are walking in balance on this earth. It is important to remember, nature is what we are.

Layer 2 is coming soon. 

If you have time feel free to visit the Reiki Ranch Products page. 

Oh Henry..

I have a couple of horses, a quarter horse mare named Sara, and an off the track Thoroughbred named Henry. Both very sweet horses, and a bit bored because I don't ride anymore. They are more like pasture pets getting treats and brushed once in a while, and turned out everyday to graze and play.

Yesterday I heard Henry whinnying trying to get my attention.  I looked out and saw Sara peacefully munching out in the pasture and couldn't figure out why Henry was staring at the house making all the noise. 

It was then I realized he didn't have his fly mask on.  Henry hates flies, he can't just shake his head now and then if they land on him, he just really doesn't like them. 

So I go down the the barn and he sticks his head over the gate so I can put his mask on. He stands patiently while I velcro the fastener. And after I'm done, he trots happily away to the pasture to join Sara.

That horse cracks me up! 

Take a picture of him isn't easy either.  :)

If you need any soap, home or bath products I have updated the Reiki Ranch Products page!  

Metta

The Pali word metta is a multi-significant term meaning loving-kindness, friendliness, goodwill, benevolence, fellowship, amity, concord, inoffensiveness and non-violence. The Pali commentators define metta as the strong wish for the welfare and happiness of others (parahita-parasukha-kamana). Essentially metta is an altruistic attitude of love and friendliness as distinguished from mere amiability based on self-interest. Through metta one refuses to be offensive and renounces bitterness, resentment and animosity of every kind, developing instead a mind of friendliness, accommodativeness and benevolence which seeks the well-being and happiness of others. True metta is devoid of self-interest. It evokes within a warm-hearted feeling of fellowship, sympathy and love, which grows boundless with practice and overcomes all social, religious, racial, political and economic barriers. Metta is indeed a universal, unselfish and all-embracing love.

Metta makes one a pure font of well-being and safety for others. Just as a mother gives her own life to protect her child, so metta only gives and never wants anything in return. To promote one's own interest is a primordial motivation of human nature. When this urge is transformed into the desire to promote the interest and happiness of others, not only is the basic urge of self-seeking overcome, but the mind becomes universal by identifying its own interest with the interest of all. By making this change one also promotes one's own well-being in the best possible manner.

Metta is the protective and immensely patient attitude of a mother who forbears all difficulties for the sake of her child and ever protects it despite its misbehavior. Metta is also the attitude of a friend who wants to give one the best to further one's well-being. If these qualities of metta are sufficiently cultivated through metta-bhavana — the meditation on universal love — the result is the acquisition of a tremendous inner power which preserves, protects and heals both oneself and others.

Apart from its higher implications, today metta is a pragmatic necessity. In a world menaced by all kinds of destructiveness, metta in deed, word and thought is the only constructive means to bring concord, peace and mutual understanding. Indeed, metta is the supreme means, for it forms the fundamental tenet of all the higher religions as well as the basis for all benevolent activities intended to promote human well-being.

Easter Sunday

This time of year means so many things to so many people.  Spring has sprung, the earth wakes back up and plants start growing, flowers pop out and show their brightly colored addition to the green of the grass and the brown of the earth.  There is a sense of joy that bides it’s time growing with the flowers and trees.  It grows at a steady rate as we do this time of year.

But Easter, Ostara, Beltane, whatever you choose to call it means the same inner growth for all.

It is a time to stop the winter’s reflections and start the action of growth.  To weed your world of those that insult your soul, to plant new wonders for the months ahead.  But nothing can be done until you forgive those things in your past that hold you at bay.

Easter history shows that as Jesus emerged from his resting place on the 3^rd day, he did not do so in anger, hatred or any other unkindness.  He did so in forgiveness.  Not only did He forgive all who harmed and opposed Him, He forgave all unkindness’s done by man.  All He asked for was to be remembered for doing so.  Remembering to pass down the gift that He bestowed on us that day.  All He asked was for us to love one another, to take care of each other.  When we fall from these simple tasks, we are still forgiven so the weight of the lack of attention to such things does not stop us from starting anew.

When we learn how to forgive we allow all around us to be human.  There are those that say we are flawed, but I disagree.  There are no flaws, only differences.  We are perfect and right were we are supposed to be in the journey we call life. 

All we have to do is like who we are.  Seems so simple, but for many it is so very hard.  I wonder how easy it would be if we didn’t put so much weight on what others think of us.  If we looked in the mirror every morning and saw the perfection that is us.  The beauty in the flecks of color in our eyes, the wave of the hair, the amazing dexterity of the hand.  The sound of our laughter, the cleansing strength of our tears, the simple kindness in our smile.  To see these things just as they are, not to compare them to others.

This is a test I give you.  To see yourself from your loved ones eyes.  To accept the fact that you are worthy of this amazing gift.   It is easy to see when you have forgiven those that wronged you.  When you wipe that slate clean, all you see is YOU, in the glorious splendor that was created by God. 

Happy Easter, Enjoy the Ride! 

With love,

The Cosmic Reboot

You know when you have a feeling, like a small poke or idea from the universe. Every time I sit to ponder, or meditate I can't quite grasp what it is that I am missing.

At first I felt like the magic of the world was being taken away. All the emotional blight that is blinding us all, the fear and anger over how we humans are treating each other. It's like the soulfulness of man has left the building. People take so others will suffer. It is not the way we are told this shift would happen. It was supposed to be all about finding the love in our hearts and connecting on a deeper level. We keeping falling into the trap that change is easy because it will be good. But that isn't how it works now is it. We fight it tooth and nail, wanting to feel in control, when in fact as well know, control is the illusion.

But now I am starting to wonder, about the magic part. I don't mean the abracadabra kind of thing, but the balanced flow of life on the planet. The finding of gifts and signs in a subtle form to let you know you are on the right track, or at least to know you are not now or ever alone. Because we are causing less pain to the planet the animals are coming around more. I had deer outside my kitchen window last night and I haven't seen them that close in a couple of years. So I wonder if perhaps the "magic" is returning because we aren't so prone to messing it up. We are being sincerely humbled during this time, and I think it is a good thing.

I just can't quite put my finger on it. The energy of the human connection is so staggeringly incorrect, for lack of a better term. Anyone have a better handle on this?

A great Saturday!

Sitting here listening to the rain beat against my roof, the fire is going and the house is warm. I'm drinking coffee from my Wonder Woman mug and planning my day. It's a day of creating! 

I have everything I need to make soap and bath products, and even flea powder for our fur babies. The plans are set, the supplies are out. 

Got a bit of rock and roll playing in the background.....let the games begin!  

The Wonders of Mallow

I just had my gal bladder surgery a few days ago, and I guess it's the clean living, I am out and about gently doing some chores. I have been walking a lot, and did a listing appointment a couple days ago. But today I am harvesting Mallow.

 Our winter has stopped here for a bit and the plants all think it's spring. The weather is very mild and bulbs are coming up and so are the "so called" weeds. I have noticed some beautiful mallow plants coming in around the place and decided to harvest some leaves and roots. Flowers won't come out till the early summer, so I left several plants so I can harvest those later. This weed has so much going for it, it will sooth your skin and ease your lungs and digestive tract as well. Here is a run down of this awesome plant that grows just about everywhere around here from the UK's permaculture site.

 Harvest Leaves, in spring; flowers from late spring; seed pods from early summer. Roots could be harvested from larger rosettes whenever large enough. 

Medicinal and nutritional constituents Vitmains A,B,C,E; inulin; mucilage; phenols; flavonoids; essential fatty acids; fibre; calcium; magnesium; zinc; selenium; potassium.

 Traditional and contemporary uses As with many wild food plants, the common mallow has also had a long history of medicinal use. Due to its high mucilage content, mallows make excellent soothing demulcent herbs, especially for cases of inflammation, either for the urinary, digestive or respiratory systems. Pregnant women or new mothers may like to know that mallow leaves can provide useful amounts of iron, as well as being quite high in zinc and most vitamins.

 All of the Mallow family with exception of the cotton plant (Gossypium hirsutum), are reportedly edible. With their high mucilage content, the leaves can usefully be taken as an emergency antidote to irritation or burning that may be caused by the accidental consumption of acrid plants in the buttercup family.

 Creative cooks can substitute mallow for spinach in many dishes, including soups, salads, gnocchi and quiche. I have even flash-fried larger mallow leaves for just one second in hot oil to make 'popadoms'. Mallow also makes a great addition to soups, whereby the mucilage helps to thicken them.

 In Jewish culture, mallow has been been considered the 'most important plant in local gather society'. Every spring mallow is gathered in the countryside. Its common name in both Hebrew and Arabic, translates to 'bread'. During the war of 1948, when Jerusalem was under siege, mallow was an important famine crop, and one that is still celebrated on Independence day every year with a traditional dish made from mallow leaves.

 Common mallow can be substituted for the family relative Corchorus olitorius aka 'jutes mallow', when making the Egyptian / Middle-eastern dish 'Molokhia'. This traditional dish is usually served with chicken.

 In China, mallow roots are a popular and a common ingredient in making hearty, yet medicinally potent soups and broths. The inulin-rich tap roots of a number of different mallow species, including common mallow, have been used.

 The seed pods can be substituted for most of the egg white if wanting to make mallow meringues. Simply boil up the peeled seed pods using 3 parts water 1 part seed pods, and reduce the liquid by half. For every half cup of liquid add one egg white, ¼ tsp of cream of tartar, some vanilla and castor sugar, then whip it up until foamy and stiff, just like meringues.

Golden Rule

I find it interesting that so many different faiths have the same basic rule. I wonder why it is so hard for some to follow....