The Lotus Mandala is a creation that was formed to bring through the light of cosmic consciousness onto Earth. Cosmic consciousness and Universal energies are within us, a deep presence of awareness reaching beyond form. This energy offers vast transformation and alignment to the Universe within that is available to all human beings. We are being called to connect with this deeper presence. Accessing this wisdom within opens the doorway to bring forth the essence of who we are. The light of conscious souls touching other souls through time, bridging our transformation into a more awakened way of being. Although what is part of the Mystery is undefinable, perhaps presence can be best described as a feeling or an energy. The energy of presence is like a fluid stillness. It is also profoundly peaceful, soft and graceful, exceptionally alert, precise and fully attentive. Bringing through the light is a gift each of us can offer this world. The beauty is in the uniqueness that each of us allow it through and in the recognition of its presence.
Written by Laura Naomi © copyright 2020 Artwork created in 2019
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 If we are in a place of not knowing or Mystery, this can sometimes feel unbalancing, especially if it is a spiritual transition. Currently we are in the midst of a global shift that is multi-dimensional. It has been developing for some time. It feels as though the Mystery is speaking to a deeper part of us, encouraging connection to a present consciousness where spirit takes flight. I do not know anyone who has experienced growth while in their comfort zone. In more recent times there seems to be a more profound sense of the Unknown emerging. It is common for a lot of people to want to know as much as they can about what is unknown in order for it to make sense to the mind and perhaps ease feelings of anxiety or fear. Does consciousness or awareness matter? For the transition to be bridged into a more awakened way of being, I would say Yes most definitely. Will it happen? It may, or it may not. How does one become more conscious? There lies in the Mystery. The more we try to control, the less control we have, yet we are not powerless. Connecting to the presence within is available to us in any given moment - a peacefulness that gives space to life. In times such as these I feel it is also imperative to make space for our hearts, deeper feelings, our physical bodies, inner wellbeing and each other. I feel that deeper stillness is being asked of us, to go further into the Mystery, to sit and listen to the songs of the Universe while riding the waves of chaos. This could be an opportunity to breathe and move further into presence and let go of anxiety or a story we may identify with. Who are we beyond the chaos, beyond the story? Another important thing to mention is that although we may have our individual shifts happening, there is also a connection to the greater shift of humankind. Since we are all connected energetically, there is the collective energy to consider. Following are some ways that can support in this time of uncertainty. MeditateCurrently, some of us are somewhat confined to our homes and distancing ourselves from others. Creating a space (some of you may already have one) where we can practice Meditation is something we can do to take care of ourselves. Some people find guided Meditation much easier, while others prefer a quiet space and have created their own. Practicing emptying the mind of thoughts supports the health for our inner world. It can either be practiced through allocated Meditation time or throughout the day by noticing any thoughts, acknowledging them and letting them go. Connecting to Stillness Meditation 1. Choose somewhere warm, quiet and comfortable 2. Bring awareness to relaxing the body with the breath. Go through each muscle from head to toe and imagine tension being released from your body 3. Focus now on the breath - slow down and deepen your breathing 4. Visualize breathing in light (or peaceful, replenishing, or cleansing energy) 5. Then visualize breathing out fear (or old energy, negativity, etc) 6. When you feel more at ease and relaxed in the mind and body, pause focusing only on the breath (10mins or longer is preferable) ExerciseMoving the body is essential. Create space for doing Yoga or other forms of exercise. Walking, cycling or running outdoors is perfect for getting out of the house. Exercise is also known for moving old energy out of the body. Focusing on the breath similar to the Meditation above while exercising can also be beneficial.
Ok so when the shopping isles are still bare of toilet paper, sanitizer and cans of soup this could mean sharing some of your stash with others. A movement called "Caremongering", which started up in Canada arranges acts of altruism online to uplift communities and has allowed them to tackle the needs of those who are at-risk (BBC). It is a positive twist on virtual interaction, which has become important for people especially with current circumstances where communities are in isolation. Kindness is free. It helps to stay more grounded and connected rather than focused on anxiety. The virus is a collective adversity that is affecting all humankind. We are living through this together. Allow your Creativity to flowMusic has a wonderful ability to evoke energy, emotion and mood. Listen to or sing your favorite music that is uplifting, peaceful, calming, energizing, healing or just some good old fashioned beats. Dancing is fantastic and helps to release and shake out old energy, livening up your emotional and energetic systems. Allow your artistic flare to emerge and create art or write. Below are links to soulful healing music with Laura Naomi and singing bowls with Annie Kropman.. Connect with CommunityConnecting with people we love and trust is important, even if we know they are there for us, pick up the phone anyway and say Hi. It may feel that we are alone sometimes, however in reaching out we are allowing others to hold us and through this action others may ask us to hold them too. In a transition we don't know what may or may not happen so having gratitude for those people in our lives who love and care for us, connects us to our hearts and compassion in challenging times. Trust in SpiritThis can be the most challenging and simplest one of all. The moment just before letting go of control and putting trust in Spirit can feel the scariest. The moment of deciding to hold on or let go is entirely up to us and although it often requires a lot of courage, it can be exhilarating and liberating. The Universe is always present, the same presence is within each of us waiting for us to connect and allow it through. Written by Laura Naomi © copyright 2020 * Laura Naomi plays and sings prayerful songs for healing, connection to spirit and Universal energies. Annie Kropman has been playing singing bowls for several years to support raising the vibration of the light body and for planetary healing. 
PeaceThe experience of peace that permeates my being when I am feeling a profound connection within and outside myself often leaves me speechless and overwhelmed with appreciation. In fact, it's as though everything becomes the same flow of energy, merging what is within and outside myself. Everything is interwoven like a river on its course to the ocean. When I look into your eyes, I see the Universe rising to meet me and all its secrets twinkling beyond the stars. All that I feel you feel, and all you feel I feel. Although the environment no doubt has an impact on us, I do feel like many spiritual qualities, peace primarily emerges from within. I do feel a vast peace when I am in nature, she beckons me to return to the ancient place of timelessness and wisdom. However, as a human being, one can still carry a chaotic mind into a tranquil space. Encouraging the graceful stillness of peace inside also has an ability to develop presence. Having spent an increasing amount of time discovering who I am in sacred community, there is a lot that I have learnt about its natural flow and one important stage is the element of chaos. Chaos is the twisting rocks and crevices that push and pull at the river. Yet the river continues to flow.
Gifts present themselves in many forms, along with moments where I feel I am disintegrating. At these times, I am experiencing a spiritual rebirth of sorts, I am also witnessing it within others and its affect on the community as a whole.
Peace to me holds immense gifts; the ability to hold the self and others in love and compassion, patience, presence, grace and courage. The river of spirit keeps on flowing, allowing room for different moods - twists and turns - as transformation is occurring. I feel this is a lot like peace, transforming the human heart and spirit as each of us experience this life reminding us of the wisdom that has always been. Written by Laura Naomi © copyright 2020  Arcadia National Park, Maine The Wolves WithinLately, life has brought me a series of experiences to bring me back to Earth, to remind me of my humanness. I have experienced this several times over the years; more recently this humanness has carried feelings of exhilaration and raw vulnerability. I experienced extremes of emotion at the same time, both within myself and witnessed it within others - great beauty and connection within suffering and disconnection; empowerment in the inner struggles of not being enough; a strange sense of inclusion within the internal conflict of separation and judgment; the incredible joy of success, while deep insecurities lie just beneath the surface, and an intriguing relationship between compassion and fear... As I walked along a Mt Desert Island shoreline reflecting on these moments, the moods of the ocean mirrored both the calm and wildness of these treasures. It reminded me of paradoxes and how it can feel when experiencing this phenomenon. Although not extensively, I did ponder for a while, about what does one do when in a paradox. Only the void responded. Despite my love for the unknown, to begin with it wasn't really the answer I was looking for. But as I sat there without clarity, I realized I didn't really know what answer I was looking for. I was in a place of vague inconclusiveness and ambiguity. I then decided to just allow the emotions I was experiencing to just be what they were, without the need to find meaning. Perhaps eventually clarity would appear at some point, and perhaps it wouldn't. I feel that it's more about feeling the variety of human 'states' for the sake of experiencing and accept that life doesn't always make sense. Then I remembered the saying about how two wolves live within every human being. And that these two wolves are in battle. One represents shadow and despair; the other, light and hope. I wonder if this Cherokee saying was interpreted correctly as it ends with, "which wolf wins? The one you feed". Although everyone has their own perspective, what sits well in my heart is that there is no battle and there is space inside where shadow and light become one. Both are valid and both have purpose. If I decide to understand both these parts of myself I can reach a place of integration of these two energies rather than try to eliminate one or the other. This to me brings a sense of peace rather than denying who I am; the wounds, the humanness, the deep beauty of life in all its magnificence and challenges. I can be all of this and allow it to be without editing, embracing ambiguity and letting go of the need to 'know'. The ocean responded with a rumbling swirl upon the rocks below. Thoughts drifted away sailing on the wind beyond the waves. Written by Laura Naomi © copyright 2019  Arcadia National Park, Maine  Every morning I wake with a sense of gratitude. There is a sign at our front door greeting visitors; "With gratitude, the Universe is endlessly abundant". It wasn't as if I had had this sense of gratitude my entire life, rather it grew inside of me and came about through life experiences. These experiences have not only involved profoundly beautiful, spiritual and connected moments, but also deeply painful and trying times. The extremes lead to a deeper and deeper sense of gratitude for simply being alive. The attitude of gratitude is not to deny the reality of what might be happening in the world, rather, it's a choice to focus, (even if for a short amount of time), on what I have in my life, rather than what I don't have. It also has a beautiful ability to dissolve the power-play of competition and comparison that acts out so strongly in cultures and societies. As covered before in a previous Podcast, "Moving Beyond Comparison and Competition", these two energies are from an old paradigm and do not exist in a place of gratitude or abundance. Gratitude is an ancient practice, often exercised in forms of Yoga, Meditation and other modalities of spirituality. To me, it is simply about making a choice, to create space for grace, where I can honor all of life at the deepest levels. It can also involve the acceptance of impermanence; that change is inevitable. When I practice gratitude, I feel a deep sense of connection with existence. My heart is more open, I am able to experience life with a sense of wonder and adventure. Through observation, it has been noticeable that humility and compassion are qualities that also emerge and expand when one is grateful. Even when I have encountered anger or fear while in a space of gratitude, those energies eventually subside. Anger or fear do not exist when I am genuinely compassionate and grateful.
Written by Laura Naomi © copyright 2019
Organic Emergence
When turquoise is given the space to rise to the surface, we are also given the opportunity to practice patience and gratitude by allowing things to be as they are. Mother Earth is sharing her life-blood. As I picked up the turquoise and felt its energy, it glowed the most magnificent blue color. It was magical, healing and alive shining with incredible beauty. I felt a certain sadness within the dream, along with gratitude, wonder and something deeply spiritual. The sadness was because a vast majority of humankind has lost their way. We have stopped listening. We have forgotten. Yet at the same time Mother Earth spoke to me through her immense capacity for love and compassion. © "Wellness for the Soul" - Laura Naomi
Artwork created in 2018
The Doorways of Santa FeWe'd driven through Santa Fe, albeit during a snow storm on New Years Eve a few years ago. We had been on our way to the Grand Canyon, but mother nature had other ideas. This time, although no snow, the streets were still quiet and were a maze for the cold wind to dance. A few artisans remain huddled waiting for the last stragglers to walk by. Although the end of Winter held back visitors, it did not hinder the creative spirit clearly felt and seen in every direction. The artist in me soaked it all in, the diversity wondrously healing for my soul. I started noticing hidden doorways that beckoned me with their story. I feel deliciously drawn by the mystery of what lies beyond; my imagination starts to soar. I wonder what the story is that weaves mine with theirs... My curious spirit wanders to great depths, as each scene shares its tale. The worn wood, the well-trodden stairway, the emotion captured indefinitely in sculptures, the morning light shining gently upon rustic walls, the wings of great angels, eagles and hearts. It becomes a carnival for the eyes, almost to the point of overwhelm that we have to pause and take a breath. After tracing more roads, we came to rest for a while inside a quaint hotel. Sitting by the fire I felt as though we'd traveled to another country. More doorways opened to more doorways, each revealing a mystery within. It felt not unlike the nature of human beings; that inside each of us are doorways, which open to more doorways, revealing the mystery within. Photography and writing by: Laura Naomi © Santa Fe, New Mexico, 2019   As the morning broke, we watched an ever-changing mist dancing upon the surface of a still Lake Pukaki. A gentle breeze teased the air, as the mist twirled and plumed about. We gazed for some time and captured the moods of the moment. The daylight of the South Island offered magical gifts around every corner; gentle whispers of ice dripping into mossy streams; giant glaciers cracking and sighing as they maneuvered their way along well traveled channels; birds sung as if formed by the strings of a harp, their beauty elegant and fairy-like. The evening offered a different demeanor; its darkness vast and silent, casting us into another world. We sang to the stars and listened as the last note echoed among the peaks; not a moment later the mountain rumbled in an eerie reply. Photography and writing by: Laura Naomi © Lake Pukaki, New Zealand, 2014  The peaks jutted gracefully into the afternoon sky. I was awe-struck. The only sound, an occasional cawing from the resident ravens. As we stood in the unearthly silence, their throaty voices shared legends of the ancient mountains. The longer we stood in the silence, the deeper the peace resonated. I felt it settle into me, finding a place of rest - as had the unwavering lake, mirroring a tranquil scene perfectly present to all of existence.
Photography and writing by: Laura Naomi © Teton National Park, Wyoming, 2017
 As I walk along the street I turn to notice a series of lowered heads. It could almost pass for a collective slumber; the world has (literally) fallen asleep. Perhaps the afternoon siesta has hit the western world? But, of course not, it’s just texting. Thumbs are going full speed ahead, clicking in code, texting in icons and smilies. I also see eyes glued to iPads, minds linked to cyber space. I contemplate on societies or individuals without access to the web. I wonder what it must be like for them not owning a cell phone, a computer, or some technical device. I reflect further feeling the increasing distance between those people and communities. Most people I know rely on the internet, yet I do know some who don’t (intentionally). There are also a vast amount who don’t unintentionally. I have come to realise that social media and the internet for some has become an addiction. In fact, it has developed into a serious issue. Human beings are linked through energy more so than ever, via these channels, yet there is still a deep unconsciousness about this area of existence. I continue to walk past most people attached to a device of some sort, talking to it, through it, at it, with it. I feel as though time is on fast forward around me, it almost seems like a blur as I slow down inside my own space. I order a chai and I find that even when I move my arm to take a sip, it seems like an eon passes for the cup to reach my lips. I taste an earthy honey merged with spices and a faint hint of vanilla. I am aware of all my senses. Anxiety and stress are some of the most common issues I hear when people come to an appointment. It often takes a lot of time and effort to be able to let go and surrender. The Hare to me represents the pace of modern times; do more, be more, go faster, I want, I should, you should, we all should. I want it yesterday! Instant gratification. Addiction. Reward is given when “it” (whatever ‘it’ is, usually reaching a goal) is achieved in the quickest manner possible. The faster the better, because the Western world is a consumer society that has gotten very demanding and greedy. This promotes competition and comparison and is something we are fed very early in life. The Hare also has a bit of an inflated ego. He thinks he’s stronger, superior and embodies arrogance. I see both the Hare and Tortoise inside every human being and it is magnified in Western culture. I relate more to the Tortoise personally because I was taught that doing something well was more important than doing it quickly (or half-assed). It’s better to lay a stable, balanced and secure foundation rather than look good doing it. It’s almost like a theatre set, where the façade looks spectacular, yet it is only a prop for the stage. The substance is the energy, the feelings, the rawness of the performance. If I cannot reach my audience or touch the hearts of those who showed up, then both you and I will be left feeling disheartened.  I notice a particular tree swaying gently in the wind. The leaves flutter slightly. The tree is in no hurry to go anywhere or become anything. The breeze and the leaves almost become one yet they are defined at the same time. A perfect union. No one controlling the other, just a synchronistic dance of no effort. I reached for my cell phone and looked it over for a moment. I remembered an elder some time ago pointing to the trees, the rocks and then a lamp post then the concrete pathway saying, “you and I and all these things, even the man-made things, we are all made up of the same stuff”. I remember his round cheeks and dark eyes. I reflect deeper. What would happen if everyone on the planet stopped doing for a moment. What if each human turned to another human being and said… Hi. I see you. I hear you. Your presence matters in the world. What if we focused on just one breath. Feeling life enter our lungs and feeling the air leave the body again. A miracle of existence. I’m alive! You’re alive! How blessed am I? To be alive! To write these words. To connect to you. I feel the wisdom of this moment and know that there is no race that I’m running. No competitors. No one to compare myself to. That is an illusion. If I give attention to what is happening inside of me, and what is happening inside of others - to listen well, I am being fully present right now. Have you ever been emotionally charged having received an email or text that was less than desirable? Once I almost walked into a pole. I was not being present to what is happening around me, only the intensity of my emotion. This is the scattered energy of the Hare. It was a good reminder to let go and do the things necessary to return to stillness. Taking the time to do this brings me back to the awareness that I am not these emotions. I am experiencing them, yet it is not necessary to run around frantically. It will achieve nothing. In fact, the only thing it will achieve is more anxiety and stress. There is a lot of mockery around people who are perceived as ‘slow’ in the western culture. In school, it is interpreted as there is something wrong with that student. Everybody has different styles of learning and different ways of navigating through life.  Being able to remain connected to the stillness inside also connects one to synchronicity. Even in chaos. Riding the waves becomes a skill because chaos is a natural part of life. When I am in this peaceful place, my relationship to others and my environment is like the wind in those leaves; everything is connected, yet defined at the same time. Unity. Nature remembers, now it’s in our hands as human beings to remember.
I become aware of my cell phone again and smile. It is made up of the same essence as all other things. I am not attached to it though. It’s an object. It doesn’t hold any power other than what I give it. It’s like a lot of things really. Like fear - fear only exists when it is inside of me. Behind the bravado, behind the Hare’s impatience and need to look good and be flashy, is unconsciousness. He misses things. He isn’t paying attention to the little things. He misses messages, the more subtle energies around him that hold immense wisdom. He is disconnected to why he took the journey in the first place. He’s gotten caught up in “stigmas” and “should’s” and egoism. He’s forgotten to just be himself. Sometimes the Hare aspect of me enjoys a faster pace, especially in business, yet instead of being self-absorbed, I choose to act with presence, where I’m conscious of other’s needs too. Some may take a slower pace, while others are at full speed. What will benefit all is finding a way to work together. Deep within me is a space where no time exists, there is no sense of pace at all and there is no need or desire to be attached to ‘getting it done’ or wanting something yesterday. Things occur at the right time and right place. Forcing it will only cause upset. The Tortoise in me is pretty strong. It is quite content observing and being. Exploring things to deep levels is what it does and sitting in a particular space for a period of time. Time is irrelevant in this space and the Tortoise is aware of it… and it keeps on going. There’s awareness of what is happening around me, there’s awareness of others. I’m noticing the subtleties, the energies and things that seem so tiny, yet bring incredible joy to my being. I’m allowing the moment to unfold, yet I am also very focused and very present. I’m laying down a sound foundation, that I come to feel and experience very well. I do not worry what I look like, because there will be moments where I look at my worst, yet, I feel alive and I am not attached or consumed by what others may think. I am connected to a deep sense of gratitude. I am alive. I am here, sharing this with you. How lucky am I. Written by Laura Naomi © Laura Naomi 2018 |
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