Regina M. Powers's Blog, page 2

Discovering True Beauty

Have you ever stopped to think about the amount of energy it takes to maintain a facade of approval? The effort it requires to keep up those muscle contractions in our face just to fit in can be exhausting. But what if we could let go of all that and just be ourselves?

I recently stumbled upon the teachings of Plotinus who wrote,” Finding the face of beauty in the sculpture by chipping away the superfluous and superficial.” It got me thinking about how much of our journey is about shedding the unnecessary to embrace our true selves. Living authentically from our truth is where true beauty resides. When we finally reach that point, the simple joys of everyday life come to us effortlessly, without overthinking.

Let's be real, it's easier said than done. Like any masterpiece, it takes time and patience to reveal what's been blocking our extraordinary selves. We can't rush the process of uncovering our true essence.

I've had the privilege of witnessing many individuals as they peel away the layers to discover what lies beneath them. It's a journey of breaking free from the emotional burdens and traumas that have been weighing them down. As they let go of the need for safety and release the sentiments of their parents or lineage, I've seen their bodies surrender and their minds find peace.

It’s a touching experience to see a soul reclaiming itself, shedding tears of gratitude as they return home to their true selves. Once released from the burden of others' fears and traumas, their true beauty shines through as they live life authentically.

Here’s to living a life of Truth and Beauty!

Balance & blessings,

Regina

All are Welcome!

I wanted to share a part of The Guest House, a beautiful quote from Rumi that inspired our recent Sol Journey: "The being human is a guest house. Every morning a new arrival. A joy, a depression, a meanness, and some momentary awareness come as an unexpected visit. Welcome and entertain them all!" This quote reminds us that we should welcome all our emotions and experiences, even the difficult ones, as they can help us grow and welcome the new.

The realization that, when we are born into this world, the foundation of many homes is not very welcoming and is a bit unstable. The foundations, built from our parents' wounds, may have a few cracks, making it challenging for us to find balance as we navigate our way through life. We learn early on to be the "good" girl or boy who receives accolades and positive feedback, while the expression of "bad" feelings is often hushed. However, all emotions are valid and should be welcomed. These suppressed emotions often surface during our lifetime. As we work through them and the system feels safe enough to open, we can release and accept the support and compassion that await our arrival. By doing so, the foundation within our body temple feels more like home, allowing us to welcome our "no" or our "yes" with openness and acceptance. It is really when our emotions are allowed to run free through our system that our energy enlivens us, not deadens us.

"The earth and all the other elements continually provide for us, without judgment and discrimination. It does not matter what race, creed, color, gender, or religion we are- no one person is any different than anyone else." Taken from my book, What Color is Your Medicine. I'm always grateful for the time spent on our precious mother earth.

Balance & blessings,

Regina

Exploring the Shadows Within: A Reflection on Self-Discovery

In Santa Barbara, the beautiful morning skies are frequently decorated with a fine layer of dew spread across the foothills. This sight prompted me to contemplate the hidden aspects within us, known as our shadows. These shadows represent the facets of ourselves that elude our awareness. Shadows are often depicted through various art mediums, music, and some spiritual practices. It occurred to me that we harbor numerous concealed shadow elements within our physical and mental beings, as well as in our interactions with ourselves and those around us.

Recently, I encountered "Owning Your Own Shadow" by Robert A. Johnson, a book brimming with captivating tales. It delves into the notion of loving our enemies, emphasizing the importance of first embracing our inner enemy (shadow) before extending love outward. By fully accepting our true selves, we can authentically love those in our lives. Johnson presents this as an opportunity to harmonize our ego and shadow, light and dark sides, virtues and flaws, and masculine and feminine aspects to gain insight into life's dualistic essence. Through this process, we can experience a sense of equilibrium amidst turmoil and reunite with our spirit, the home, or the temple within ourselves.

Bringing ceremonial rituals is a lovely way to create space for our shadows to come forward. The concept of the Mandorla, an almond-shaped light encircling a religious figure such as the Lady of Guadalupe, symbolizes unity. Upon closer inspection, these depictions reveal a coexistence of darkness within the figure and a light surrounding it. The presence of Mandorlas in various ancient artists' drawings suggests a deliberate effort to introduce darkness for the sake of restoring balance. By recognizing the shadow, one can achieve harmony with oneself, openly sharing it within the ceremony as an acknowledgment. One way to start may be by drawing two intersecting circles as a means to recognize and accept our shadow and light merging as one and coming home to ourselves whole.

Remember the well-known radio program "Detective Story" that started with the phrase,

"Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of individuals? The shadow knows." By accepting all aspects of ourselves, we enhance our overall being. Recognizing and embracing our hidden facets may be challenging, but it is essential in achieving completeness, encompassing the positive, negative, and less desirable aspects. Imagine walking on a beam with your arms outstretched, enjoying the moment, when suddenly the beam collapses. You feel surprised and angry, almost as if the beam collapsed on purpose. These entrenched "shadow" aspects within you are so rigid that you couldn't have overlooked the significant crack in the beam!

In some way, we all recognize that certain aspects are not as positive as others. If we ignore them entirely or focus on them too much, we fail to fully accept all aspects of ourselves. I believe that a balanced center exists within each of our hearts. The place where we can forgive, and even find humor in all aspects of ourselves to understand them better. Perhaps it's about recognizing a constant companion in the background, gently nudging us at times to remember our humanity.

Balance & Blessings,

Regina

Hum for health…

I thought I would share a health tip I posted at the start of COVID-19 about Nitric oxide ( NO). Nitric oxide is a vasodilator gas produced in our paranasal sinuses and has anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties. And when you exhale and hum, it increases your nitric oxide levels. Foods high in nitric oxide include green leafy vegetables, dark chocolate, beets, citrus fruits, watermelon, and pomegranates.

Studies have shown nitric oxide levels increased with humming 7 to 15-fold compared with a quiet exhalation. So, why not hum if it can assist and maybe even lessen symptoms of allergic rhinitis, sinus, and respiratory infections? Humming also stimulates the vagus nerve to move you out of the “fight or flight” response and into the “rest and digest” state. It is an easy stress reduction technique that can also decrease inflammation. It’s a win-win-win!!

Since COVID cases are up, why not add some humming during your day to help strengthen your immune system?

Balance & blessings,

Regina

What are your thoughts of late?

- Many have heard of Joe Dispenza, he is someone who had a significant spinal injury and opted out of surgery. Instead, he spent time recreating his spine in his mind, visualizing it healthy and healed. And it worked!  Lynn McTaggart is a researcher with a lot of work on Intention. She wrote a book “The Power of 8” which shares profound healing experiences with groups holding healing intentions for someone in need of assistance. Both people share how powerful our thoughts are at changing our energy and changing our lives. 

 

Maybe it's time to take an inventory, perhaps begin by asking yourself are your thoughts derived from a state of lack, or a less than energy. Are they filled with fear, doubt, and or resistance? Let’s say we want to try something new or different than our current state.

 

Can you trust that a truth resides within you? A truth that wants nothing more than you to be happy, healthy, and abundant with a knowing you are loved and enjoying this Earth school you incarnated into.

 Do you live from Truth?

Spirit-derived thoughts come from a desire to think and create from your TRUTH- from a conscious heart-based reality. Other thoughts are automatic, those that are habitually running with or without an emotional trigger. The type of thoughts you choose will continue to create your life. It's your choice!

 

Let’s begin by imagining you are -Loved, Healthy, Abundant, Strong, Powerful and Courageous.

Maybe you can start with the steps below and see what happens. Before getting underway create a sacred space in a peaceful environment where you feel at home inside and out.

 

STEP 1- BREATH DEEP into your lower belly, allowing your system to awaken your spirit through breath. Invite your entire energy field to be filled with LIGHT through your breath. Intending to activate your transformative light body, the one you came into the world with -this Light filled you.

 

STEP 2-Set your INTENTION* Maybe start with I AM HEALTHY  

 

Begin by seeing and feeling yourself HEALTHY. This along with receiving what you need when you need it to be healthy. Trust, and have the patience that all is in Divine right order.

 

STEP 3- While staying with your Intention* Fill your heart with GRATITUDE for your HEALTHY body, as if it already exists here now. Trust the process while you open, allow, and receive. EVERY thought creates an ENERGY, it’s up to you the energy you wish to create!

STEP 4- Now imagine the summer heat of the sun assisting to transmute what’s not you...Give all these less-than thoughts and energies to the Sun, the Moon, or our dear Mother Earth. Knowing these spirit-filled thoughts are already within you, they want nothing more than to join you. All awaiting to awaken your HEALTHY, Vibrant, LOVING, & Abundant self! You can only RECEIVE as much as you GIVE. So, give over what’s not you, and see what happens.

 

Holding onto positive thoughts until you are one with them, with NATURE. Nature is us; we are Nature. A part of all that is within the natural EBB and FLOW of LIFE. A daily practice is ideal.

Love & blessings,      

Regina    

What are you thinking about of late?

- Many have heard of Joe Dispenza, he is someone who had a significant spinal injury and opted out of surgery. Instead, he spent time recreating his spine in his mind, visualizing it healthy and healed. And it worked!  Lynn McTaggart is a researcher with a lot of work on Intention. She wrote a book “The Power of 8” which shares profound healing experiences with groups holding healing intentions for someone in need of assistance. Both people share how powerful our thoughts are at changing our energy and changing our lives. 

 

Maybe its time to take an inventory, perhaps begin by asking yourself are your thoughts derived from a state of lack, or a less than energy? Are they filled with fear, doubt, and or resistance? Let’s say we want to try something new or different than our current state.

 

Can you trust that a truth resides within you? A truth that wants nothing more than you to be happy, healthy, and abundant with a knowing you are loved and enjoying this Earth school you incarnated into.

 Do you live from Truth?

Spirit-derived thoughts come from a desire to think and create from your TRUTH- from a conscious heart-based reality. Other thoughts are automatic, those that are habitually running with or without an emotional trigger. The type of thoughts you chose will continue to create your life. It's your choice!

 

Let’s begin by imagining you are -Loved, Healthy, Abundant, Strong, Powerful and Courageous! 

Maybe you can start with the steps below and see what happens..

 

STEP 1-BREATH DEEP into your low belly, allow your system to awaken your spirit through breath. Invite your entire energy field to be filled with LIGHT through your breath. Intending to activate your transformative light body, the one you came into the world with -this Light filled you.

 

STEP 2-Set your INTENTION* Maybe start with I AM HEALTHY  

 

Begin by seeing and feeling yourself HEALTHY, along with receiving what you need when you need it. Trust, and have the patience that all is in Divine right order.

 

STEP 3- While with your Intention* Fill your heart with GRATITUDE for your HEALTHY body that already exists here now. Trust the process while you open, allow, and receive. EVERY thought creates an ENERGY, it’s up to you the energy you wish to create!

STEP 4-Imagine the summer sun assisting to transmute what’s not you...Give all these less-than thoughts and energies to the Sun, the Moon, or our dear Mother Earth. Knowing these spirit-filled thoughts are already within you, they want nothing more than to join you. All awaiting to awaken your HEALTHY, Vibrant, LOVING, & Abundant self! You can only RECEIVE as much as you GIVE. So, give over what’s not you, and see what happens.

 

Holding onto these positive thoughts until you are one with them, with NATURE. Nature is us; we are Nature. A part of all that is within the natural EBB and FLOW of LIFE. En-Joy:)

Love & blessings,      

Regina    

What sets your Soul on Fire?

What ignites your divine spark into motion and sets your soul on fire? For me, the magical flow of energy runs through our entire system when we feel most alive. Or when our heart opens wide while in concert with the Universal energy of Love where magic and mystery collide!

Our spirit, or "Shen" in Chinese medicine, is said to reside in the heart, in the element of Fire. The Shen is described by some as the light that radiates from a lit candle. or the twinkle that shines through the eyes of a soul who has a fully embodied spirit in form. Our internal flame brilliantly shines when the virtues of unconditional love, compassion, kindness, acceptance, forgiveness, tolerance, wisdom, and generosity are freely running through our system. A fire that burns from this balanced state radiates the energy of warmth and love to all without effort.

 

Since arriving in Santa Barbara, my spirit now understands what meeting our vibrational match means. It sometimes takes a stronger light to reflect our larger selves so that which is not us can come forward to clear. The magnetic sunlight here in Santa Barbara with its nurturing mountains holds us while the ocean tides take out any turbulent seas within. I knew it was time for a deeper connection and communion with my spirit. I was guided into nature along the silver blue seas making room for more of my true self.

 

The Fire element requires balance, honor, and respect, as do we. If we hold too much fire it can be destructive or cause burnout, and too little we lack vital energy, motivation, passion, and or creativity. I've experienced some threads of my finally woven tapestry that haven't been carrying those higher vibrational frequencies seen above.

The terrain many of us birthed into held lower vibrational frequencies, and many brought in well before we arrived here on Earth. These unknown gifts are anger, hate, shame, guilt, remorse, greed, or jealousy. Unbeknownst to me, my internal flame could not fully ignite if I held any lower frequencies. It became clear I was no longer willing or able to hold or accept lower vibrational frequencies. I knew it was time for a connection with spirit brighter than ever before. I was guided into nature to the sights and sounds as a process of making more room for parts of myself yet known.

 

The mantra I was holding throughout this time was, " May I now fully embody my spirit into form." Interestingly, a quote from Shakespeare kept popping up, "There is nothing more confining than the prison we don't know we are in." Our lives are all divinely orchestrated. It is up to us how much or how little we want to travel into the unchartered waters of embodiment. A fully lived life means being completely connected, without any separation of our heart-mind-body and spirit.

 

This night of December 21, 2023, is the winter solstice. It is a transitional time of darkness and into the receiving of more light. It is a powerful time of rebirth and renewal. A time to be in stillness, to be with yourself and let go of anything that's not you. Allowing any lower vibrational holdings to come to the surface to be released and transformed into light. A time of embodying yourself as the universal energy of love, while inviting your spirit into form. The healing balm of Love is always available in the rebirth of your light body. Your soul wants nothing more than for you to connect, sparkle and shine!

“ It has become apparent that our truest nature to fully connect, heal and grow is to be mirrored by something that reflects our full essence. I believe the natural world is that ideal mirror.” Regina Powers

Sending balance and blessings to you and your entire family during this holiday season.

In Joy, Peace & Love

Regina

Kindness begets Kindness

Of late, messages of kindness have been coming to me in a variety of ways. One through song, a reading, two quotes, and even signage beneath a tree! I believe everything happens for a reason which left me asking; what is the lesson? Am I kind enough to myself in my thoughts, words, and actions? Then yesterday while in line waiting to pay for gas, an elderly gentleman stood in front of me attempting to purchase a 12-pac of water. He was having a hard time getting his money as he was fumbling around with his wallet & change purse. I could feel the cashier's patience was wearing thin. I didn't react. I just witnessed what was in front of me.

The gentleman finally gave the cashier all the money and picked up the water. I went back to open the door for the gentleman, knowing he would struggle to do so. I then turned toward the cashier when a smile came across his face as his energy completely shifted. The cashier realized I was fine, as was he and the gentleman he served.

I ended up giving the cashier 30 dollars cash for the gas not sure why as I usually give 40 dollars. Funny enough, the pump stopped at $29.99. I'm a numbers person. The 9’s have a significant meaning to me. Needless to say, I was extremely grateful for the fill-up spot I chose.

We never know how one act of kindness can ripple out. It's here we begin to see how connected we all are. It is also how much or how little our reactions, thoughts, and words can affect the world around us.

Often we see something and think that's nice only to go about our business. It's as if we don't register the message and miss out on the deeper meaning it has for us. The words above from Lao Tzu appeared and I thought why not start here?

~May loving-kindness fill our words to assist in creating more confidence.~May our thoughts be filled with kindness for ourselves, and watch them flow over to all we meet. In a world where you can be anything, be kind. ~ BuddhaBalance & blessings, Regina

Summer of Innocence

Summer is upon us! It's a time to make memories and recall the previous ones we've made. Summertime allows us to be outdoors more often to enjoy the various happenings'

many sights, sounds, and smells. I so enjoy watching children frolicking about without a care in the world. An effortless smile comes to our faces when recalling that age of innocence. To look further into these feelings, it could be the sense of freedom or loss of control while being fully in the moment.

How often does the sense of responsibility or need for control take over an event or moment that started with a beautiful sense of wonder and excitement? Only to lose sight of the connection with others when locked into those habitual patterns and behaviors that no longer serve but are still being served!

Summertime is a great time to make room for a little of our childlike essence to be set free! Provide a reprieve to lighten the burden or stresses of life when so doing. Let us try and imagine you're joining those children in their contagious fits of laughter when you next find yourself out in nature. Perhaps at the ocean's edge or staring into the summer sky with the intent to open and allow your system to take in the fresh, clear new energies of summer. The fire within our hearts wants nothing more than to open and receive these expansive energies of summer.

Here's to a summer of endless opportunities to "Live in the sunshine. Swim in the sea. Drink in the wild air." This life is such a precious gift. Let's unwrap it this summer with a time-out to have some fun!

A Time of Transition...

Transitions can bring up many emotions as our systems begin to shift and change. It’s as if the change is already taking place before it occurs.

We know change is part of our natural evolution; it is how we evolve. Transitions are also a clearing of sorts, both known and unknown. Like a shedding of skin, to make room for new energies and growth.

We know that the heart meridian runs along the palm of your hand, so opening ourselves up to the sun can open and clear parts of our emotional and physical hearts. The image of myself being like a tree, extending my branches to receive the sun, is a practice I have started again to assist me during this time.

If you think about it, a tree never stops the sun from showering it with its incredible energies. The tree remains open to graciously receive the sun's nourishing rays to continue its life journey. It's all about remaining open! This is in order to receive all the abundant life-affirming energies that are here for each of us!

A tree doesn’t allow rotten fruit or leaves to hang on; they all just fall away. No effort, just letting go of what has lived a life. Allowing the process of change to take place without grabbing hold or attempting to fix or control things allows life to move and flow with more ease and grace. A tree doesn’t think about providing the Earth's soil with beautiful nutrients to feed the plants and animals, it just does. Living, dying, and birthing is one of the most life-affirming processes we can be part of- if we so choose.

I am currently in a time of transition, as my NorCal chapter is ending. I recently gazed up at Mount Tamalpais, it was as if she was waving goodbye to me. I instantly began to well up, knowing I would miss our time together. I have also started to gift and sell some of my belongings. And just before I gave my bike away, I took it for one last spin. As I was handing it over, tears started to fall. A letting go, allowing another to receive the joy it gifted me, providing more room in me to receive the joys I will be gifted. I am feeling into the life I have lived here that is now readying to be set free, as I also prepare to be born anew. A stripping down to my bare bones, to be hollowed out, to breathe in the fresh new energies of change.

I have so many wonderful memories and am so very grateful for my time here. This poem from author Azar Nafisi feels quite fitting. ~ " You get a strange feeling when you're about to leave a place like you'll not only miss the people you love, but you will miss the person you are now at this time and this place, because you'll never be this way again."

Balance and Blessings,

— Regina