The Return

I have been dreaming.

Sometimes I float through life as in a dream. An incredible, demanding, joyous dream. I must go outside and feel the earth to keep grounded. This is Winter, the coldness reminds me; the time of dreaming. Dreaming of what's to come. Dreaming of what to next create.

But slowly, ever so slowly, I am awakening. The energy is stirring down in the earth, pushing tentatively upwards, like the daffodils through the cold soil. Buds are forming on trees, the bright green of new growth appears in my vision.

In my desire to turn chaos to order, these times of transition inspire me to organize and cleanse my home. Cleaning out the cobwebs and the dust and the clutter and that which is no longer needed, I bring harmony to my worlds, both outer and inner. And reading this article from Mystic Mamma [my favorite - be sure to check it out] about Mercury in Retrograde connects the energy I'm feeling all around me to that which is swirling in the cosmos. As above so below.

According to the insightful and wise counsel of those quoted at Mystic Mamma, Mercury in Retrograde is an excellent time to engage in "re-" activities. And that is exactly what I find myself doing.

*Reorganizing

I have been staying up late, moving things around my home. Rearranging, rethinking. Making piles to be passed on to someone else. Creating space. Our little chimney fire has instigated change [and a bit of chaos], but now I'm looking around with pleasure at the outcome of transition [even though our new propane heater can't quite match the warmth of our wood stove]. Blessings. Life gives us the tools for creation.

*Realizing and Releasing 

Outside, I have been pruning my fruit trees and blueberry bushes. I cut off what is not needed, redirecting the plant's energy into healthy regrowth. Similar work is happening in my inner garden. Over the dark months of winter I have developed a rhythm or two that need pruning. I realize that what once served me is currently not needed. It is time to take my cue from the full moon and release, time to redirect my energy into healthy regrowth.

*Renew and Rejoice
Spring is coming. The time of rebirth is just around the corner. What do I need to renew my Self? [Nourishment. Sleep. Quiet. Being outside. And a bit of creativity here and there.] And the sunshine, how I soak up the sunshine at every opportunity. I rejoice to hear the frogs and the red wing blackbirds and the two-toned whistle of the varied thrush. The winter wren sings a fairy song of spring.

*Reflect

My perspective, although in a constant state of opening, is still relatively small. I weave the pieces  of this and that into the grand tapestry of life, whole and beautiful. As I reflect on the path my life has taken me, full of blessing and wonder,  I can only humbly surrender to the magic of it all. I overflow with gratitude.

*Realign and Remember

It's so easy [for me, at least] to get a little lost as I try to keep up with the forward motion of my days. I can easily get caught in the small stresses of daily life: a sink full of dishes, a rug that desperately needs vacuuming, children running around without coats or hats [or, if you're Yasmina, running around the garden completely naked {in February, mind you} stealing duck eggs and covered in mud from head to toe.] I have to keep bringing myself back to center, reminding myself to perceive with my Spirit eye. I have to remember to hold still and breathe deep, to honor my blessings and to release my gratitude. I realign myself with my highest intentions as I remember who I really am: Spirit incarnated into this messy, beautiful, crazy, awesome life. Let me be a portal of love down to this earth.

Dreaming. Let's all keep dreaming.

*Gratitude*