Dec 2008 Birds of change, shine bright.

The year 2008 is flying downward to rest its wings and nestle its head against a very tired downy breast. Like a dear bird who has survived seasons of sunshine and rain and snow and wind, this year has had events that will literally go into the history books for many to learn from years from now. This year has brought many things that were incredible and unpleasant. The greatest gift of this is the ability we have to create change when the unpleasant becomes unacceptable.

The year to come will have challenges as we begin to ask ourselves and others to count ourselves as part of a whole, not so much as individually separate. This is not to say that individuality will disappear - we need those persons who stand out in a crowd; they teach us what we desire to strive toward and also what we decide is not our cup of tea. And this does not mean that we will become one gigantic farm commune with one big kitchen. What it does mean, though, is there will be a greater movement toward gathering like minds/ energy toward a greater awareness, a softer kindness and a gentler heart toward those who you have always known were there, but didn't include. Like Earth, for instance.

We often times need the situation to get our attention before we choose to take action. The gas prices, the economy, the relationships sometimes have to get really challenging before we decide to make a change. The trick is when making any changes, to do it with a sense of freedom, a sense of heavy weights being lifted off ones shoulders knowing that once you begin any journey you are never at square one again. Every step is forward. Even when things have the appearance that nothing is changing or the results are not what was anticipated, you still know more on this day than yesterday. Experience alone is a teacher. Doing nothing is a choice and can still teach many valuable things.

Often when I am coaching a client to learn to listen to their intuition and they are not sure, sometimes buying time can help bring in further information. I often tell clients if they get invited to go somewhere and for some reason they are unsure, to buy some time (do nothing), tell the person inviting that they will answer them tomorrow. Then sit with their intuition and begin to ask, "Show me what it is I need to know. Why do I feel reluctant to go?" Will the answer be there every time? The short answer is yes. The long answer is it may not be what you expect. It may be that the person calls you back and cancels! Intuition may have given you a heads up that the event was not going to happen.

Intuition, gut feelings, knowing, all these will be ever expanding tools we will continue to welcome into our being like long lost friends. That sixth sense that is talked about with "other people" is right here in all of us and the more we use it, the greater awareness, a softer kindness and a gentler heart is expressed. I have often said that even the most manipulative persons are keenly using their intuition, it is just a bit misguided and ego inflated often times. It may be that they feel lost and scared and feel the only way to feel ok is through power. They tap into their intuition and benefit in ways that do not always produce lasting results or fulfilling truths.

What we do know is that Mother Earth and "we the people" have to work together to help each other. Going "green" is important, understanding your place in the big picture is important. Forgiveness is important so we can move on. Fear, doubt and worry only add weight to a backpack already full of neat stuff. No need to clutter up your shiny goods with goop.

This year, between my husband and I, there have been 7 deaths in our circle of friends and family. Grief can be one of those challenges I mentioned earlier. Sometimes things get to be where the voice is loud enough to create change. How my husband and I create change for our life may be different for others and their lives, but still a teacher is a teacher, no matter the form. I have been fortunate enough to connect on a spiritual level with several of those who have passed over. The message has been the same. "I'm OK!"is sent with smiles. Smiles! No doubt, no worry, no fear, just joy. More spiritual helpers on the other side, I say!

As we move into a brilliant new year, many of us will be dusting off the best treasure we have had hidden for a long time in the attic: our hearts. A light will begin to shine in new ways. Those who felt unworthy or unavailable to be part of a greater whole will be able to give themselves permission to do so. Imagine that. Permission to be part of change, permission to make choices, and permission to create change in their lives.

Begin to ground yourself with meditative walks, being mindful in each step. Begin to talk to your body. Listen when you get the inclination when something fits energetically or does not fit anymore.Be aware of what goes into and onto your body. Drink your tea and water with gratitude. Eat with blessings of abundance in nourishment. One of the things I tell my kids: eat because you are hungry, not just because it is in front of you. This keeps one present in the moment and connected to the body (especially in the season of goodies, knowing when enough is enough). Breathe deeply. Breath cleanses many organs, it is not just the lungs that get oxygen. And look with your eyes, feel with your heart. Do they match up? Do you see the joy and love your eyes and heart are capable of witnessing?

I had a wonderful client recently where the intuitive message was sometimes we get angry because things that are not acceptable have somehow made it into the acceptable box. And this is not ok with many of us any longer. It is not just about things, or whether you put your cans in the recycle cart. It is about living with your heart, listening to your intuition, speaking truth, staking your claim out loud when you could not do so in the past. This is not about permission to act silly because you have always wanted to in ways that are not appropriate or harmful. It is about learning discernment and how your actions encourage spiritual growth for not only yourself but for those around you. And when your Spirit begins to be strong and grow, then my dear friends, winter turns into spring once again. New flight, new wings, a new year.

May you enjoy the deepest of coziness that warms yourself and others. Rest well. Breathe deeply. Fill your spirit with the fuel of the Holidays: joy. Collect your thoughts, your energy, your inventory of strengths and passions about life. Your light will be called upon soon. Many candles can light a city and it all begins with a single flame.The birds of love and light will be ready to fly again soon and we have much to do.Shine bright,~Bright Star

Copyright 2008 all articles are the personal property of Cheryl Kaufmann and Bright Star Inspirations. Sharing information is permitted without written consent but must be accompanied by acknowledgment of the source via this website, author's name and/or business.