New Beginnings

Greetings Star Seeds,
​
A week into 2018 I wanted to share some musings from 2017. I won’t call these resolutions because I feel that some of us have a tendency to pile a whole bunch of demands on ourselves that, on top of being unrealistic and unsustainable, trail off after a couple weeks only to make way for an increase in self-criticism and judgement around our total lack of discipline and commitment to …[fill in the blank]. My solution to resolutions that make me feel crappy about myself is...skip ‘em. Instead I plan to love myself fiercely no matter what I do, don’t do, how much I weigh, or what I accomplish (or don’t!)  

My musings centered around the following curiosity. What if we chose to embrace a template of ease, joy, grace, play and flow and made that our default setting? What if we decided to let go of outmoded blueprints that are based in an approach that exalts striving, struggling, surviving and suffering? I find that these are usually externally imposed ideas that we have internalized and that in no way reflect our Divinity. Now, this doesn’t mean that bad shit won’t happen and that we won’t feel pain and hurt and anger at the injustices in the world. And I am not suggesting that we won't work towards our goals and dreams. Saturn in Capricorn won't stand for that one! What it does offer is the possibility of occupying a space that is based on trust and love rather than fear and drudgery. No matter what the circumstance.

We can choose to live in an empowered way and create new experiences that jive with our soul path simply by being present to what is. We can re-write the story we tell ourselves about who we are. Daily, if need be. We can aim to love all of our parts and make a conscious choice to drop labels of good and bad. What if we endeavored to explore the teachings a particular situation is offering, rather than deciding an experience is a success or a failure?

The more consistently we engage with these practices, the more we move away from blame and guilt or feeling victimized and the quicker we are able to move on with new information and make different choices. ​What if we intended to offer and receive the gifts of the Divine in every breath, in every moment and in every situation and relationship? What if we started to play with these perceptual shifts? Maybe our outlook would change. Maybe we would live with less stress. Perhaps we would have a little more fun. Animals and children are wonderful models of how to engage in play and flow. Playfulness brings us into the present moment and also reminds us to breathe. Think about it: It's impossible to play while holding your breath! I believe that we are here to live life to the fullest and that joy is our birthright. Do you give yourself permission to do so? 

Each year a group of friends and I choose one word that we consider a beacon to light our path into the coming year. This year the word that came to me was Devotion and my vow is that I may be devoted to the things that bring me more joy, ease, and grace. I am choosing to devote myself to that which keeps me balanced and happy. These are a few of the ways I intend to do this:

Walking in nature. Often.

Cultivating stillness and silence. So that my inner guidance and wisdom can come through with clarity.

Laughing and playing and breathing more.

Re-writing the story I tell myself about myself. 

Expressing appreciation to others. Gratitude, expressed authentically not only creates feelings of well being and connection, but it is a heart opening practice. I view acts of giving and receiving like a practice that strengthens our heart physical heart muscle as well as our energetic heart. 

Connecting. It's good for our health and the planet.I always feel expanded, blissed out, and nourished after a true heart connection with another being. It makes me a happier person. 

​Making self-care rituals a priority. I like to make a list of self-care practices that are non-negotiable. The things that I do to sustain my sanity, well being and health on all levels so that I can feel nourished and care for and nurture others from a place of surplus energy. We cannot give and remain well resourced if our well is dry.

Forgiving. Forgiving myself, my imperfections, the past, the things left undone, my parents, those who I have been hurt by. Forgiveness is a process. Mainly I ask for the grace to forgive, because it is not something you can just decide to do and it happens. It takes time and intention and the willingness to let go of anger and resentment so that you can be free. It is a path toward healing and heart expansion and I truly believe that invoking the assistance of the Divine is imperative on this journey.

Star-gazing whenever possible!

I also wish to devote myself to the possibility of re-framing any fear based thoughts, detaching from over stimulation and nervous system overload, and stepping away from people, places and things that vampire my happy, and zap my energy.  

I invite you to surround yourself with those who celebrate your accomplishments and triumphs and can provide encouragement and support when life gets challenging. These are the folks that truly see you. And to be truly witnessed and accepted is one of the most healing things I know of. Do the same for others. Be generous with your words and deeds. 

Astrologically, we step into 2018 with five planets in Capricorn, the industrious sign of "gettin it done". Welcome responsibility (the ability to respond) around work, be it career or personal and collective pursuits. Be deliberate and cautious and cultivate patience and tenacity. Avoid the pitfalls of falling into judgement around any shortcomings. Slow and steady. We may be able to access new ways to be passionate and driven around our projects and goals in ways that spark and keep our interest. Saturn in the sign of the sea goat offers discipline and boundaries as a gateway to liberation. Review foundational structures and make sure they are working for you in current time realities. If not, reconfigure them so that you can soar high from a place of groundedness with supports intact. For essence support around this, check out one of my favorite formulas for jump-starting projects, 

Get it Done! In my opinion, it's the energizer bunny in my spiritual toolkit. Click here to purchase. 

Jupiter (the planet of expansion) will shine it's light in Scorpio until mid November 2018, revealing anything that's no longer wishing to remain hidden and urging us to compost what's not working for us. The phoenix rises from the ashes. Great potential for reinvention and transformation abounds if we engage in working with these cosmic energies! 

Finally, if you are curious and interested in shifting perspectives in 2018, please join me and my amazing friend and astrologer-extraordinaire Stella the Good Witch as we explore how eclipses and essences offer transformation. Eclipses are supercharged lunations that reveal what's been obscured and bring deep opportunities for change. Essences allow us to align with the changes that are wanting to happen. Through ritual, guided meditation, art, tarot, interactive astro play and essence dosing, we'll dive deep into the healing opportunities presenting themselves in the upcoming 1/31 and 2/15 eclipse season.

For details on this class and to register, please go here. 

And if you are wanting to start the year out with some grounded bodywork, I have a special offer available for new clients only.
90 minutes of integrative bodywork (in SF only) for $150 (regularly priced at $175).
Available for purchase now through January 31st and can be redeemed at any time. 

May we be kind and careful with ourselves and each other. 
May we engage in more of what brings us peace and joy.
May our visions for 2018 manifest. 
May we be remember who we are.

If you feel called, please leave a comment. I would love to hear from you! 

With infinite love and gratitude, Claudia