Now is a time of great influx of light as the Divine Feminine becomes more awakened in all of us. The ancients looked to this time in great anticipation. So, why aren’t we cheering and dancing in the streets? The simplest answer is, because we have work to do.

For thousands of years the patriarchal force has been dominating all of mankind- men as well as women. It’s this out-of-balance negative patriarchal force that has shaped much of our world’s systems, that is, up until now. The Divine Feminine is the emerging balancing or equalizing force.

During the few weeks before Winter Solstice, when our physical world gets darker and colder, areas which may be out of harmony, get triggered or stimulated so we may heal or resolve them and find our way back to balance, to the light. This same energy may mark the greater part of 2012 as we ‘lighten’ our load. It’s all about the light.

As the Divine Feminine,  makes her presence known in your life by illuminating your inner landscape, you may cry in the face of injustices, bristle with imbalance, and shiver in the wake of violence-word or deed. For those of you on the spiritual path, you may find some of your belief systems challenged, your fears and tempers flaring.  Memories of unjust behaviors may trigger sadness, anger or anxiety.  Take heart, these emotions/programs from misaligned belief systems are surfacing to be healed.

You may find the greatest relief from slowing down, watching your thoughts and monitoring your own reactions to people and situations. If you look upon it all from the compassionate-witness point of view you should find the emotional discomforts minimized. Learn from your past and the past experiences of others. Forgiveness is the key. Forgive it all. Forgiveness is not about condoning harmful behavior, it is acceptance that the past happened. Release your attachment to the past happening any other way than the way than it did happen.  Learn from the experience. Forgive yourself and let it go. This is the way to freedom and a more open heart.

If you find yourself stuck in negative thinking, change your breathing, get out in nature, change your mind, shift your focus. Focus on the beautiful things in your life, all those things for which you are grateful.

What is the Divine Feminine?

In a polar universe the feminine is not the opposite of the male but the counter point. She is the wise place from which all things are created. She is the holder of possibilities, the well of dreams, the nourisher and healer of our hearts. She sets the rhythm for life and creation-when it is time to sow, time to rest, and time to harvest. Highly intuitive, she gives and receives in a manner benefiting the whole. She is active and powerful as well as passive and accepting.  She neither attacks, nor retreats but stands steady, strong. She embodies these aspects and more.

What is the Divine Masculine?

The Divine Male is the intellectual, initiating, action-oriented force in our duality bound world. He is protective, methodical, connected with nature. He is nurturing, sensual, and creative. He feels deeply, seeks wisdom, and strives to assimilate the divine in everyday life. Of course these are only a few of his numerous gifts.

Working together in both male and female bodies, the Masculine and Feminine flow, live, and create intuitively and harmoniously, in a way which benefits the greater whole and the individual at the same time.

Looking to the Archetypes for Guidance:

Feminine=Goddess, Queen, Priestess, Warrioress, Lover, Wise Woman

Masculine=God, King, Priest, Warrior, Lover, Sage

Maybe we will never completely peel away all the resistance, all the mistruths, because we have to get up and make lunch. I’m okay with that. The closer I get to seeing and experiencing my own inner infinite self, the more I see the same in others-a true Namaste experience. So, when I get a phone call or an email, which has the potential to upset my balance, I handle it with increasing calm, grace, and less and less drama, tears or anger.

Many times I slip backward. It’s usually when I think I have it all figured out. This is good thing.  It brings humility. Humility brings me back to my humanity and connectedness. And, isn’t this the point of being a spiritual being in a human body?

Esther Hicks, as Abraham, says we will never get it done, because there is really nothing we ‘have’ to do. This idea confused a big part of my brain and at the same time I relaxed. What if all we had to do was just be? Sure, we need to work to pay the bills, take care of all those survival details. But, what if we accomplished all of those details with a detached nonchalance, an easeful effort, without pushing or forcing?

I’m still playing with this one. Not sure I’ll get that one in this lifetime. But it’s there in my mind as a ‘what if,’ something to aspire towards.

Recently on a NASA special covering the last launch of the space shuttle, a scientist mentioned that the universe was speeding up. Of course, this peaked my curiosity. I was all ears. “What this means,” he said. “Is that when you throw your keys in the air and they fall towards the earth, the speed at which the keys travel in both directions is faster.” Another NASA scientist went on to say there is a pushing force coming from deep space.

Wow, now doesn’t this support our ‘new age’ theory of a change with 11-11-11 or 12-21-12? For many of us, this is a validating scientific explanation for what we have been feeling. People are reporting pressure, frustration, moments of overwhelm, a quickening sensation in the gut, disturbing dreams, fluctuating emotions and the feeling of not being comfortable in our skins or anywhere for that matter.

The strength of the phases of the moon reminds us how we are affected by what is in space. If the molecules in space are speeding up you can bet your own molecules are too. The faster molecules move, the higher their vibration. Higher vibrating thoughts mean an increase in consciousness. This is a good thing.

Now, more than ever, movement, meditation, prayer, deep breathing and healthy eating will make a huge difference in managing this revved up energy–just as a surfer has to paddle to catch the wave and ride it without being swamped by it.

Let go and allow yourself to attune to the spiritual aspect of your being. This is a great opportunity to recalibrate your mind, change behaviors that no longer suit you. Thought always precedes form. YOU have the power.

Be gentle on yourselves and those around you. Take that extra breath before reacting. Drink more water, eat plenty of those fresh fruits and veggies this summer, and do some yoga. Stretching the body helps it to accommodate the increase in vibration more harmoniously.

Wishing you all a great ride!

With love and blessings…

Costa Rica has had this effect on me in the past. Every single trip we’ve taken down there over the last 10 + years stimulates this response from my nervous system.  Though, this year was different. When we drove up our steep road in our 4 wheel drive rental car and pulled into our own driveway, I began to purr. Well, not actually. In my head I purred and hummed with joy relishing the feeling of expanded comfort. It finally happened. I had successfully pushed through one of my most firm belief systems- that I would always feel challenged in Costa Rica.

What I discovered and continue to rediscover over and over again, is that when we face a fear, it shifts. We simply have to get right in front of it and face it. Look it in the eye. Take it in. Experience it without reacting. When we can be ‘in’ it completely, it begins to soften. The dark scary parts begin to lighten and look more friendly. Soon we are starring into the belly of the beast which is no longer a beast but a sweet house cat.

The miracle of this growth is the inspiration we give to others so they may face their inner demons and push past the false limitations and enjoy the infinite within themselves.

As I feel into the year it seems like it is going to be one of expansion for all of us.  Maybe if we all hold hands as we look into the dark void of fear, we can walk into the light with courage and a new found sense of self.

This emptying is helping us to grow and be more authentic. By finding out who we aren’t we are discovering who we are. By excavating all that no longer aligns with us, we unveil the truth and beauty of who and what we are on a deeper layer.  The metaphor about putting more clothing in a already full closet is perfect for these times.

If you are wanting, asking, praying for change, joy and happiness then understand that you will need to clean out the closet first. Empty out old beliefs, habits, thought patterns and reactive behaviors. Maybe, like me, you may need to recreate old dreams that suit the deeper you.

Here’s what we surmised is going on with most of us while on this path of self-discovery, emptying and excavation.
1. We seem to share a sense of disconnect.
2. Feelings of optimism are fleeting.
3. Old dreams and the old sense of purpose seems to have evaporated.
4. We may feel lost, adrift and without moorings.
5. Our deepest fears may have manifested (if only in our minds).

While we did not come up with a cure, we decided that it is a time to remember and connect with those whom you resonate, or feel a genuine friendship-heart connection. Take heart and take moments to listen to that still voice within.  Trust what you are hearing (as long as it is positive). When the time feels right, take that leap of faith, and act on your guidance.

I look forward to seeing you on the path and send this Buddhist blessing to you all.

May all beings be safe.
May all beings be healthy.
May all beings be happy.
May all beings live with ease.

Wishing you ease and joy on your courageous journeys.

Friday, October 15, 2010, 6:30-8:30 pm,$25 PrePaid, $30 at the door. At Franklin Yoga & Wellness, 1256 West Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 508 520-4515

Are you feeling disconnected? Have you lost your enthusiasm for your work?  Do you find making decisions challenging?

Using breathing, guided visualizations, meditation, and mantra, Kaye will assist you in creating a clear connection to your inner voice, the gentle positive voice of wisdom available to you. It’s only a matter of finding the right muscles, and finding the habit and method which works for you.  Kaye will instruct you on how to tell the ‘right’ voice from the ‘wrong’ voice. You will leave the 2-hour workshop feeling relaxed, grounded, connected and more hopeful.  All are welcome.

Kaye is the director and co-founder of Franklin Yoga & Wellness. She has taught many hours of Kundalini Yoga & Meditation, Hatha Yoga, and Meditation classes. She is certified in a number of body work modalities and specializes in ‘listening to the body’s wisdom.’ She has been communicating with the Divine since she was a young girl and loves nothing more than turning others onto this amazing resource.

I’ll begin with the failures or, more gently, my stumbles. I mostly succeeded in keeping the promise I made to myself in that I did it every day but one, Valentine’s Day. In a benevolent act of self love during the most inhospitable time of the year, I chose to skip my sadhana on the day of love.  Towards the end of my challenge, in the middle of the longest days of the year, I did not rise before the sun on numerous occasions. She just couldn’t coax me out from under the covers, even with her sweet summer, morning breezes, much before 6am.

Okay here are my victories. It has been a very remarkable year for me. I began my journey in the expansive, endless-sky, desert town of Espanola, New Mexico, long-time home of my spiritual teacher, Yogi Bhajan. I took my meditation journey home to Massachusetts, and to my ever expanding joy, realized I was able to sleep a little later each day as autumn began shortening our days here in New England.

For two chilly November days, I woke in the whee hours and did Sadhana with my inspiring step son in upstate New York at the ‘Castle,’ of a famous actor who hired him to do some detailed wood-work.  Back at home during the darkest winter months, I chanted with other yogis in Millis and Franklin and was lucky enough to be part of introducing 18 amazing teacher trainees to the group sadhana experience.

Early spring brought me to Pura Vida, the pure life, of Costa Rica where I rose and stepped out on a balcony overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the pulsing rain forest every morning for seven days.  I timed it so that as I began chanting the sun’s rays would graze the tops of the trees and the world would open up before me like the colorful flowers punctuating the landscape. Pure Bliss, just like waking up with God at your side!

June found me at a Reserve and the rambling Martha’s Vineyard family home of dear friends and fellow teachers, where we lead a weekend workshop.  We woke to hundreds of swans landing in the brackish waters of Great Pond. The Fourth of July holiday brought me together with very dear friends on the Island of Chincoteague, off the coast of Virginia. I find meditating on islands  yummy– with the ocean surrounding the land and all those wonderful negative ions clearing out those unwanted thoughts.

Château de Chenonceau and Me

My dreams came true at the end of July, when I woke up in Paris and still did my Sadhana, sneaking peaks at photos from the prior day’s travels. In August I was pinching myself as I opened my eyes in various towns along the Loire Valley in France.  I love France! I won’t even begin to get into what I love about France here because this post is getting too long as it is.  Let’s just say I was very, very happy there.

The summation: 365 days of Sadhana made me stronger, more resilient energetically, healthier and happier.  I was less tired and less crabby. I ate better and had a better outlook. We even made more money for part of the year.

It is a panacea. Honestly, I believe it can cure anyone of just about anything.  Go figure.  I had no idea the power of that regular a practice.  I found the closer I woke to 4 am, the better my day was as a result. The days I woke up later and felt less enthusiastic about my practice were not so good.  I found I could anticipate certain challenges and in a sense work through them during the meditation, clearing my emotional system for the day.

I want to thank my husband, Guruatma, for his unwavering daily support, participation and leadership.  (He is leading Sadhana several times per week at our yoga studio, Franklin Yoga & Wellness.)

Try it, you’ll like it.  The only caveat is that it takes about three weeks 21 days or so to get over the super tired feeling.

I drove 2,000 kilometers along roads and highways lined with acres of sunflower farms, to Orleans, Tours, Blois, Ambois, St. Catherine de Fierbois and Chinon.  My favorite drive was the back road which followed the Loire River from Blois to Tours.  With the river on my right and fields of varying shades on my left stretching southward and the endless blue sky, I could almost hear the rapid cadence of the horses hooves galloping along the same road nearly 600 years before.

The land felt gentle and the picaresque towns serene compared with life in New England, USA. I fell in love with the high puffy lavender clouds and expansive sky, the rolling fields, the limestone architecture and the modeled trunks of the Sycamore trees. A part of me felt at home and at peace.

Here are a great number of photos of the numerous and varied statues erected in her honor.

Kaye & Joan for the First Time

July 21, 2010.

On our first day in Paris we wandered toward the famous Notre Dame Cathedral.  From the banks of Seine River you can see it’s Gothic square spires stretching towards the puffy white and gray clouds.  Even the sky looked French with it’s Louis XIV opulent blue. Two children, one boy and one girl, stretched out their arms, and with small pieces of a baguette held between their fingers, birds- sparrows I think, began to land on their arms and hands for their evening meal.

The queue moved quickly and before I knew it we were passing under the carved arches and between the mammoth wood and wrought iron doors.  I don’t know why the builders of cathedrals make the doors so huge.  A man on a horse could pass beneath with another man on his shoulders.  Maybe the doors are so large merely to accommodate God.

Up on right side of the transept, in view of the huge altar, stood the first real-life Jeanne d’Arc statue I had ever seen.  This would be the first of many.  There she stood, silent, proud and ever-inspiring, with an eternal view of the altar, and the gigantic rose window stretching over her head. This would have made her very happy.

Stay tuned for more photos and details on Joan of Arc and my trip to France…

I think it’s trust, or rather, the lack of trust which keeps me suspended thusly, half in and half out of my body.

It isn’t hardship, starvation, torture or any of the usual painful body events which would make one want to vacate the body. On the contrary, I have everything I need in terms of food, shelter and clothing.  I even have to admit, as far as bodies go, I was given a fairly good one.

So, this force which keeps me separated from my body must be my mind.  Yet, I still waiver.  This barrier has density, a heft, a palpable thickness.  It must be molecular, something physical.  I use my will and my practiced, meditative mind to force myself deeper into my cells and sometimes it works.  Sometimes it doesn’t.

As I write this, I am remembering.  Effort- movement, walking, writing, yoga- initiates the penetrating process.  The barrier begins to soften and yield.  But, the feeling of separation is self-perpetuating and keeps me from moving.  I feel without propulsion.

When I successfully overcome this lackadaisical malaise and get my butt off the chair, I immediately feel better.

I move, walk, run, write, stretch or breathe and I begin to slip in, settle down.  I am connected once again and it’s bliss.