this time ~ this space

Traffic. Schedules. Work. Family. Friends. Drama. Life. The number one complaint of the day is, “I have no energy.” Yet, we can reclaim the natural energy our body contains. In fact, leading scientists in the study of natural health proclaim the benefits of daily laughter, as it assists in alleviating the impact of stress on the body. Laughing is equated to a low-impact aerobic exercise so it is heart-healthy. Yes, even the most serious-minded can gain value in creating “aha” moments from “lol” experiences.

First, a hat tip to cjwriter who inspired me to continue exploring this subject. Second, a tip of the hat to Paul O’Flaherty who brought this wise and entertaining flash animation to my attention. Click this link to enjoy the presentation.

Summary

1. Get focused. Stop hiding who you really are. Take time to figure out your DNA. When it comes right down to it what do you stand for? Then when you know who you are - turn up the volume.
2. Get focused. Start being intensely selfish. Get hungry for the things that are really important to you. Think of the people you respect and love, the moments you want to relish, the impact you have and the legacy you want to leave. Bottom line: Don’t waste your time on anything else.
3. Be Creative. Stop following the rules. Almost all of the rules are negotiable. Branch out and bear fruit.
4. Be Creative. Start scaring yourself. Explore the edges, dip your toe in the bold, the outrageous and the unthinkable. Seek out and have adventures.
5. Use your wisdom. Stop taking it all so damn seriously. In this moment is it a life and death decision? In 10 years will you remember what you are fretting about? In 100 years will anyone care? Lighten up this too will pass.
6. Use your wisdom. Start getting rid of the crap. Think of all that suffering that’s getting weighing you down and getting in the way. Not just the things but also the habits, memories, attitudes and people. Get rid of the clutter.
7. Take action. Stop being busy. Being busy is seductive. Just because you are going flat out doesn’t mean you are on the right track. If it’s the wrong hole you need to stop digging.
8. Take action. Start something. Don’t wait any longer for permission to do what you want to do. There are always reasons to procrastinate just a little longer. Enough! Just start!

Related posts:
Crossroads: Happiness Questions
Happiness is a decision made between the ears
Self Confidence Boosters
Being happy no matter what
Visualizing the Life You Desire

From First Nations people we learn that animals have much to teach us as they are messengers of the Great Spirit. In their culture a Power Totem Animal is an animal symbol that is there to guide them through their entire life.

There are three other types of totems:
A Journey Totem that is with you for a period or phase of your life perhaps anywhere from a week to a year.

A Visiting Totem who comes briefly with a message for the moment.

A Shadow Totem is an animal whom you may initially fear. They represent the hidden side of yourself and will soon become your allies after certain initiations giving you the opportunity to overcome your fears.

Bear Symbolism - Strength, Introspection, Knowledge, Healing
Bears hibernate in the winter, which may explain their association with “dreaming the Great Spirit” or retrospection. The symbolism of the Bear’s cave reflects returning to the womb of Mother Earth. [A Cave is an archetype for the mind - sleep - returning to higher consciousness.This female receptive energy, for centuries has allowed visionaries, mystics, and shamans to prophesy.] This also suggests a strong feminine aspect, one of nurturing and protection. Bear cubs, born in the early spring, can spend as many as seven years with their mother before reaching maturity.

People with Bear Medicine are considered by many as self-sufficient, and would rather stand on their own two feet than rely on others. They are often considered dreamers. Many have developed the skill of visualizing new things, but as a result can get caught up in the dreaming, making little progress in waking reality.

Bear’s medicine includes introspection, healing, solitude, wisdom, change, communication with Spirit, death and rebirth, transformation, astral travel, creature of dreams, shamans and mystics.

Bear is the keeper of the dreamtime, and stores the teachings of dreams until the dreamer wakes up to them. Many tribes have called this space of inner-knowing the Dream Lodge, where the death of the illusion of physical reality overlays the expansiveness of eternity. It is in the Dream Lodge that our ancestors sit in Council and advise us regarding alternative pathways that lead to our goals.

Bear is the spirit keeper of the West which is the place of maturity and good harvest. The gifts that Bear offers to those with this totem are strength, introspection and knowledge. From this spirit keeper of the west we learn our personal truth, and find our answers that reside within. This animal will show us the path to reach our personal goals.

Bear holds the teachings of introspection and teaches you how to make choices from a position of power. Bear can help us with the ability to turn inward to access our strength and honor your nature cycles. He teaches us when it is time to act and when it is time to be still.

When Bear shows up in your life pay attention to how you think, act and interact. Use discernment in all that you do and discriminate with care.

Related blog posts:

Wisdom: The Old Man/Woman

Secret Gardens: Dreamtime Bear Cave

Evergreens a Symbol of Rebirth

New theme for a new cycle

Secret Gardens: Dragonfly Symbolism

Secret Gardens: Recycling Lost Life

See also: Dreaming
Bear Symbology