Nikki Starcat Shields's Blog, page 22

Starcat’s Favorites: The Full Moon

Happy Full Moon!

Most of my energy right now is wrapped up in finishing my book draft. Still, a writer needs a break now and then, so I’ll be hitting the beach tomorrow evening to howl at the moon with my wild women sisters. (Thank goodness for the warmth of the campfire!) I’ve been doing some crafting, which for me seems to go along with cooler weather. And I discovered some cool new links for you, in my random glances at the internet between writing sessions. Enjoy!

Taking advantage of the...

Authenticity in Community

My Word of the Year for 2016, which I chose late last fall, is AUTHENTIC. I made a good choice. It’s been really fulfilling, and quite freeing. Mygood friend Dawn recently posted the following goal inan online group we’re both part of (shared with permission):

“My goal right now, in life and in my business, is to be my authentic self 100% rather than trying to ‘fit in,’ which leaves me feeling insecure and awkward. I am so much happier and successful when I am ME without apologies.”

Such an a...

6 Ideas for a Daily Self-Love Practice

You can see the value of learning to love yourself. You understand why it’s important. You know it will help you live a more joyful life, appreciate others more, and have more energy for pursuing your most cherished dreams. But how on Earth do you get there?

Like any skill worth having, self-love comes through dedicated practice.

In this case, learning to love yourself more is a matter of spiritual practice. What do I mean by that? Spiritual practice is something that you do regularly to get...

Gratitude Takes Over the World

I’ve just finished reading a life-changing book. As a bookworm, I probably say that a lot, and I’m not making it up. But truly, this is a game-changer. I think you should read it. As soon as possible.

The book is Thank and Grow Rich by Pam Grout. I’m currently 10 days into the main practice of the book, which is mentioned in the subtitle: “A 30-Day Experiment In Shameless Gratitude and Unabashed Joy.” And it’s working. I mean, I’m already a pretty happy person. But I’ve been receiving amazing...

Starcat’s Favorites: Abundant Harvest

Happy Autumn! And Happy Spring to those of you in the southern hemisphere! It is the time for harvest, and the gardens and farmer’s markets are full of abundant vegetables and fruits. Delicious! It’s also time to take a look at what we’re harvesting in our personal lives, and to share our gratitude for all the many blessings we receive all the time.

What are you receiving at this sacred harvest time? What are you most thankful for? I’m thankful for my wonderful community of family and friends...

Gratitude to Yemaya!

Last weekend I posted, among other things, a link to an article about the Feast Day of Yemaya, the Mother of Oceans. On Thursday, I gathered with three witchy friends at my favorite beach, and we did a ritual offering to the Goddess Yemaya. It was beautiful, profound, and such a delight.

We gave offerings to Yemaya, said prayers to Her, and made wishes. Then we swam in the ocean, getting tossed around by the cold waves, laughing and shrieking. It was amazing.

Early this morning, I visited a...

Starcat’s Favorites: Labors of Love

Happy Labor Day weekend, if you’re in the U.S. If not, well, happy weekend anyway! The list of resources I want to share with you this week certainly reflects my own recent labors, working on my two book projects. The Heart of the Goddess book in particular has had me following the trails of some interesting topics I needed to research. I love my work.

Today, though, I took some time off from writing and spent a lovely morning with my Mom, visiting a craft fair in a local seaside town. My fri...

A Summertime Thing

Oh, dear neglected blog! I’ve been off enjoying the summer weather and lots of fun events with friends, plus working on more books. I recently read that blogs aren’t as popular as they once were, and that perhaps their time has passed. I disagree! I still enjoy reading and writing blog posts, and I’ve just refreshed my own blogging plans so that I’ll be here with you more often.

So, what have I been up to, exactly? This summer has included the usual round of birthdays and family reunions. I’v...

Starcat’s Favorites: Water and Sky

I know I’ve mentioned about a hundred gazillion times that I love summer. Not really a popular opinion this week here in Maine, when the temperatures are in the mid 90s. Most people I run into are complaining about being too dang hot. But I love it.

My favorites this summer are swimming and watching the sky. Yesterday I saw gorgeous clouds, dozens of dragonflies converging on our yard at dusk, a deep-yellow half-moon, and two shooting stars. And that’s just one day! I’ve been swimming in the...

Finding Your Place

I remember reading the Carlos Castenada books back in the early 1990s. One of the things that stuck with me was when the teacher asked his apprentice to find “his spot in the room.” The student didn’t understand the assignment at first, and picked a place at random, but Don Juan wasn’t buying it. Over time, the student learned to find his “power spot,” the place where he was at his best, and his energy system was operating at full capacity.

We all have these places.

Usually, your home is one...