Creating Space for Something New

There are times when we decide that we would like to bring something new into our lives. The old patterns just are not working anymore and we feel that as a positive step forward we need to make some changes. It could be a new relationship, a new way of thinking and feeling, a new house or even a new job.

However, sometimes our efforts do not bring the results we desire. Our attempts at bringing a new relationship or new job into our lives results in more of the same old thing. Buying that new house or car does not bring the happiness or change that we seek. The new relationship does not blossom or the new job turns out to be less than ideal. If this is the case, then we need to explore our inner feelings and ask why our attempts do not succeed. Usually the result is a blockage - mental clutter that prevents us from bringing in something truly new and positive into our lives. When we are ready for something new, it should result in positive change and growth for us.

If we are making positive changes, we need to create space in our lives to bring in something new. Creating room might mean changing our beliefs or thoughts. Giving up old patterns or beliefs that we are hanging on to seems to be a necessary first step. If we want a new relationship - one that is different and positive for us - then we need to let go of our old relationship that does not serve us well anymore but we still hold negative feelings about. If we don’t release the old negative patterns we have grown accustomed to then we are not ready to move in a new direction. If we are buying something to merely feel good, then we have not addressed our inner feelings. The novelty of the thing fades and we are back to our old way of feeling. Did we purchase that item to mask or divert us from our inner feelings? In order to create space we need to look inward and find out what our true feelings and beliefs are, since they may be preventing us from bringing in something new and positive into our lives.

We have to let go of the past in order to move forward. We must not cling to feelings of hurt, anger or disappointment. By truly letting go of a past relationship through forgiveness and acceptance, we can heal ourselves and create space in our life for something new, such as a positive relationship. If we focus on the attributes we would like in this new relationship and if we create this space, then we can allow it to happen through the law of attraction. How do we know if we have created that space? It is a feeling inside that we are ready for something new. Trust your inner guidance and feelings. If we still harbor feelings of anger, guilt or resentment, then we have work to do and we are not ready to create space. We first have to resolve and address those underlying feelings to release those mental blockages.

We have to ensure that our desires match our beliefs and feelings. When this occurs then we allow the universe to make it happen because we are on the same frequency as our desires. The law of attraction will bring it to us. When we create the right space for something, then the thing or experience we desire will fill that space.


Namaskar

Pompeys Pillar - A Montana Discovery

Heading east on the I 90 at 75 miles an hour it is easy to miss this National Monument. About thirty minutes east of Billings, Montana a nondescript sign appears announcing Pompeys Pillar. All we knew about Pompeys Pillar was that it is a sandstone rock formation near the Yellowstone River and is some how connected with the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

However, it turns out that Pompeys Pillar is much more than a mere sandstone sculpture. It brings alive the history of the region. It is all too easy to forget about those who came before us, paving the way for the conveniences of the modern lifestyle we all enjoy.

One signature carved into this sandstone sculpture reminds us of an epic journey that occurred a few hundred years ago. Captain William Clark of the famed Lewis and Clark Expedition passed this way on his return trip from the Pacific coast in 1806. At that time this area was wild, unexplored and uncharted. Clark was following the Yellowstone River with his entourage and on July 25, 1806 he discovered this rock formation standing by itself and rising 150 feet above the surrounding landscape. Clark was impressed by this feature and documented it in his journals. He named the formation Pompy’s Tower. When the Lewis and Clark journals were published a few years later it was renamed Pompeys Pillar.

Today, the National Monument is an oasis in this otherwise dry landscape. The sandstone formation is located near the Yellowstone River and is close to Interstate 90. An abundance of Cottonwood trees provide welcome shade and greenery. The native plants, shrubs and flowers offered needed resources and sustenance to the settlers of this area. It is easy to see why this place was attractive and important to the explorers and aboriginal people of the day.

Pompeys Pillar rises abruptly above the flat plains and its presence is immediately felt in its sheer sandstone cliffs. A wooden staircase leads to the top of the formation. On the way to the top there is a viewing platform where Clark signed his name in the stone and dated it July 25, 1806. Other signatures from the 1800s appear as well as some evidence of aboriginal drawings. One cannot help but feel a sense of wonder and connection to this explorer who left his mark. Even more remarkable is that Clark’s signature in this spot is the only physical evidence of the Lewis and Clark Expedition along the entire Lewis and Clark Trail.

The view from the top of Pompeys Pillar provides a 360 degree panoramic view of the plains, Yellowstone River and the mountains and hills in the distance. It is easy to see why Clark described the view as remarkable. Although modern society and “progress” has changed the area, it is remarkable that the view remains much the same as what Clark would have seen in 1806.

Viewing Clark’s signature was a moving experience not so much for the sake of the signature but as a reflection from an explorer who found something remarkable and beautiful about this place. Climbing to the top of the Pillar, the view remains beautiful and that sense of wonder and remarkableness comes alive. Here on Pompey’s Pillar we felt a connection to the past and we were able to take in the spectacular scenery that Clark discovered. We were grateful for having the oportunity to stop at Pompeys Pillar and we are reminded that each day holds its own discoveries.

Namaskar





Captain William Clark's Signature, evidence of his visit to Pompeys Pillar

Thoughts about Waste and Abundance

Some neighbours of ours recently moved and they left a load of garbage behind. There didn’t seem to be any thought about whether the waste disposal service would even take the items. They left propane tanks, batteries, tools, a barbeque, metal, wood and mounds of garbage in bags and boxes. Some of the items were clearly still useable. Several coolers and buckets were in good shape and the barbeque looked fairly new and could possibly be refurbished. Other items such as the propane tanks and batteries should have been taken to the local eco station where disposal is free.

All of this garbage was dumped on the curb without any thought. This got me thinking about the waste that we generate. It is obvious that North America is a land of consumers and the things we consume we throw away at an astonishing rate.

We all wish for abundance in our lives which many of us translate into material wealth. This is only one small aspect of abundance. When I think of abundance I think of spiritual abundance. Spiritual abundance is our measure of contentment and happiness. Yes we need a certain amount of material wealth to be comfortable and basically happy. However, we also need peace, love, a sense of purpose and connection to the universal source.

The excessive waste that is generated seems to be symbolically linked to discontent in society. Perfectly good items are being thrown away and the amount of trash is a cause for concern not only for the environment but for the health and spiritual contentment of us all.

I am not saying that we cannot throw anything away. It is almost nearly impossible to not throw anything away. There is going to be a certain amount of trash that we will generate. However, it is the latent disregard and thoughtlessness of this throw away mentality that causes concern. Being thoughtful means being aware of the things we are throwing away and our effects on the environment and each other. When we throw things away we are harming the environment and we are harming ourselves.

Could the things we throw away have another use? Could they can be donated to a charity or recycled? I am absolutely amazed at how many people throw cans and bottles away. Not only are they throwing money away they are preventing these items from being recycled by tossing them in the garbage. Recycling programs are great and we should all participate.

There is also the issue of wasting resources. Even with sky high gas prices many of us will needlessly idle our vehicles to keep them warm or cool. Believing in abundance doesn’t mean that we shall take as much as we can and waste it all at will. We should use what is given to us with gratitude and appreciation and when we are done with the item can we find another use for it or recycle it? If we truly believe in abundance we should know that there is enough to go around for everyone.

Rampart consumerism is a symptom of unhappiness and lack of fulfilment. I read an article which stated that an average American has at least 7 credit cards. The first question is why? Obviously, to support out of control purchasing. Also, I read that most Americans have at least three cell phones. Consumer debt is out of control and is also a symptom that we are out of balance.

We really need to think about the purchases we make and the amount of waste it can generate. Instead of eating fast food and creating a lot of paper waste it would be better ( and healthier too) to purchase our meals at a grocery store. If we are shopping to buy things to make us feel good how long will that feeling last? Probably not long and the item we purchased will eventually end up on the curb. We need to rethink our spending habits and purchase those things that we truly need. Avoid purchases that will contribute to waste and purchases for the purpose of feeling good. We should be wise as consumers purchasing things that we need and thinking about the waste that we generate. If we are seeking spiritual fulfillment we should be looking elsewhere than in shopping malls. Consumerism leads to clutter and clutter can block our spiritual fulfillment.

I realized that I have thrown away things with disregard. This has given me a new perspective about the garbage I throw out on a weekly basis. Feeling I should do something about all the waste my neighbour dumped, I did pick up the items that could be safely disposed and took them to the eco centre. My Father took the Barbeque and cleaned it up. He changed the burners and it has now found a new use. I am trying to be more careful in my shopping habits with a view to buying things I can use and will not throw out after a short period of time. I believe that we can all make a difference and protect and enhance this beautiful planet.


Namaskar

Here is an interesting video about where all our stuff comes from and where it goes. An interesting perspective by Annie Leonard.

http:/storyofstuff/

The Power of Gratitude

A friend of ours recently sent a thank you card to us and to some other friends for support she received during a difficult time. It struck me on reading the thank you that I developed warm positive feeling.

A thank you may appear to be simple and of little consequence. However, if made genuinely from the heart its effects are profound indeed. By being thankful and grateful we are not only expressing this to a few people but to the universe at large. The benefits are outstanding. A thank you releases positive energy not only from the perspective of the person sending the thank you but also the person receiving the thank you shares in this energy.

Let’s look at the effect when we are grateful. The most obvious one is that we feel good. A positive energy grows within and vibrates out from us. When we share our gratitude with another person or to the universe we are allowing this positive energy to spread. This permits the positive energy to be reflected back to us and allows more of what we are grateful for into our lives.

Being thankful silences the negative critical voice that may be present in our heads. This creates space to generate more positive circumstances in our lives. Being positive in our everyday outlook may be a hard thing to do; however, by being grateful for what we have in our lives allows positive energy to grow within us. This will undoubtedly have the effect of improving our day to day outlook and our circumstances.

People who are grateful on a daily basis are truly blessed and have a unique and beautiful perspective.


Namaskar

Havasupai Waterfalls

It is a sight to behold. The blue-green water cascading over stark red rock and an azure sky beaming over head. The heat can be relentless here, but the water is refreshing and cool in this Arizona desert oasis.

The vividly coloured waterfalls of the Havasupai Reservation provide a stunning surreal backdrop amongst the sheer red rock walls and lush greenery of the Havasu Canyon. A special place located in a remote part of the Grand Canyon it is truly an oasis in the parched Arizona landscape. The only access in is either by foot, mule or helicopter. The Village of Supai is located about eight miles into the Canyon and is the tribal centre for the Havasupai Tribe. The Havasupai people are known as “the people of the blue-green waters”. They live simply and peacefully and also abstain from alcohol and firearms.

Arizona is noted for its beautiful desert landscape a sea of red rock and beautiful canyon formations. The Grand Canyon usually comes to mind as the focal point of Arizona scenery. Havasu Canyon is a tributary to the Grand Canyon, a stunning chasm of sculpted red rock and immense beauty.

We decided to try the hike into Supai from the Hualapai Hilltop, located about 60 miles off the famous Route 66. We started early in the morning and descended into the dry and barren canyon. The strong Arizona sun heats things up quite rapidly and with little shade the heat is something to contend with. It is hard to believe that this bone dry canyon was going to turn into an oasis of water and greenery. After about six miles almost miraculously the canyon takes an abrupt turn and follows a route through lush green trees. The Havasu Creek emerging from a spring farther up the canyon has altered the landscape in this part of the canyon creating coolness and shade among this otherwise hot dry gorge. The Creek flows through the Village of Supai and beyond to the Grand Canyon where it joins the Colorado River.

The Village of Supai is basic and miles away from the hectic pace of large congested cities. The Pony Express still operates here daily bringing the mail in and out by donkey. There are no cars and few modern conveniences. There is a simple lodge, a couple of stores and a restaurant.

Two miles beyond the village, the Havasu Creek on its way to the Grand Canyon flows over a series of waterfalls. Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls are the highest and most spectacular. Havasu Falls tumbles over the red rock in a twin plume of water landing into a beautiful pool. Swimming in the cool water is invigorating near the roaring waterfalls. Further afoot, Mooney Falls is a spectacular 190 ft waterfall cascading into a beautiful pool. The water is refreshing and the whole experience rejuvenates the soul and being one with it provides a strong connection with this environment.

Namaskar

Although there are limited services if you are interested in going you need to book in advance. The lodge in Supai is the only accommodation and there is a campground. Since this area is located on the Havasupai Reservation there is an entrance fee.

The closest large centre to Havasupai is Kingman, Arizona. From Kingman it is about a 2 hour drive to the Hualapai Hilltop.


Havasu Canyon






Havasu Falls