A few years ago I saw a video of a man who lived by himself on a lake in Alaska, in a cabin he had built from the trees he found there. It was small, with basic furnishings he had made and a well-designed kitchen. He had two dogs and a small herd of goats. In the opening scene he … Read More
Two Spiritual Paths, two poems
This post is about two paths of spiritual awakening that activate from the same place: an irresistible pull to know what lies beyond physical reality. Divergence Imagine that one of the paths goes to the right, the other to the left. The one to the right leads “down” into the earth, to the realm of plant spirits and medicines, the … Read More
No winter blahs!
Here we are, looking through a misty window at a combination of short days, grey skies, humidity, and what seems like a constant drip. Winter can seem like a hard time to enjoy being outside, when you’re near the Salish Sea off BC’s Wet Coast. Excuses are abundant: it’s too cold for gardening, too grey for feeling good, too wet … Read More
I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
I have always loved this poem. It was composed by John Magee, a Spitfire pilot serving with the Royal Canadian Air Force, at the beginning of the Second World War. He was 19 years old when he wrote these words, and still 19 when he died. Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth, and danced the skies on … Read More
Born Whole post #18 – How you can work with me
Healing work: EFT and energetic/shamanic work for pre-birth or other life issues – A private session in person, on the phone, or online to heal your own pre-birth (or past life, or current life) traumas and issues one on one, in privacy and full confidentiality. Training in Spiritual and Shamanic awareness, expansion, and power – Two introductory online workshops where … Read More
Telling the truth
The Leopard told me once “It’s hard work, being a Grandfather”. Years have gone by; more and more, I understand. The Leopard gave me courage – the years, clear sight. My duty now is to tell the truth. Some truth lifts, pleases, brings joy. Other truth stings, touches grief. I owe you both. Knowing that some will hurt, I owe … Read More
Born Whole post #17 – Appendix 3: The Beginnings of Physical Existence
Later in the research, Grant and I decided to take another journey. This was a side trip from our initial pre-conception-to-birth itinerary. We would begin again at the point when the Chosen One among the eggs was about to be released from the ovary. However, this time we would move not forward but backward in time. Our goal was to … Read More
A gift of gratitude
This morning I offered three sacred herbs to the water in a ceremony of gratitude. My gratitude today was for my spiritual path and the teachings of giving back. As I made the offering I spoke my gratitude for my teachers, to my teachers, and for the lineages they have carried and shared. In my mind I saw teachers I … Read More
Loneliness and ceremony
Sometimes as I am preparing to lead a ceremony with other people I feel lonely. That feeling may remain until I arrive at the place where the ceremony will be held, when I can connect with those unseen ones who will guide, accompany, and witness me and the other two-leggeds who will participate. Then the loneliness disappears and I understand … Read More
Born Whole post #16 – Appendix 2: Four Days Without Water
This is the story of a powerful experience of solitude in nature, and some of the lessons I learned in that time and place. André looked at me and said, “What are you taking with you?” “Sleeping bag, underpad, tarp and ropes in case it rains, my ceremonial materials, and some water.” “No, you’re not.” “Huh? Not what?” “No water.” … Read More