Nikki Starcat Shields's Blog, page 30
March 21, 2015
Starcat’s Favorites: It’s Official!
Flowers in March? I wish. This was in May…
Well, it’s officially Spring! The vernal equinox was yesterday, so in calendar terms at least, we’re entering the warmer part of the year. I’m so glad! Today, I’m even willing to wait a while for the true blessings of spring to show up: flowers, green grass, baby birds, and walking barefoot. With daytime temperatures still generally hovering in the 30’s where I live, it’s gonna be a while…
Here are some links to keep you amused in the meantime, or to...
March 17, 2015
The Value of Saying No
As spring begins to peek its head above the snowbanks, they begin to arrive. Squelching through the mud. Swarming, seemingly out of nowhere, falling like snowflakes, or maybe apple blossoms. Moving in and making themselves at home. What are they?
Ladybugs? Migrating birds? Nope.
Invitations.
In just the past two weeks, I’ve received invitations via Facebook to belly-dancing classes, a Spring Equinox celebration, a late-night dance party, a spring cleanse workshop, several festivals, performan...
March 14, 2015
Banishing the March Blues
The view on my walk: spring sun on piles of snow.
It seems like every year around this time I go through some kind of emotional struggle, or even a physical illness. It’s an old familiar pattern. Even when I start the year off with exciting goals and intentions, March is when things seem to crash. Here in northern New England, while there are some signs of spring, it’s still really cold out. Seasonal transitions can be hard, and this one really kicks my butt.
But I’d rather not live inside an...
March 7, 2015
Starcat’s Favorites: A Slow Transition
March is here! Which is great, because it’s the month that contains the official start of Spring. And not-so-great, because it’s a month where I tend to struggle along. This particular seasonal transition seems to really leave me feeling “meh.” I’ve started a conversation about the March blues over on Facebook, and I’ll be summarizing and sharing some of the community’s wisdom here on the blog this coming week. Leave a comment if you have experiences or ideas to share!
In the meantime, here ar...
March 6, 2015
Freed From the Spell: Strengthening Your Self-Worth
It’s really no wonder that those of us who identify as empaths learn to look to external sources for validation of our basic worth. Think about it: with the cascade of emotional data that washes over us, at least some of it will be a direct reflection, information about how others see us in any given moment. It’s like we’ve fallen under a spell, convinced like a faery tale character that this mirror is the true source of our worthiness.
Luckily, it’s simply not true.
It’s time to awaken from th...
February 24, 2015
Upgrading Your Filters
As an empath, introvert, HSP, or simply someone who is sensitive to the energies in your immediate environment, social situations can be challenging. You might become overwhelmed by others’ emotions, sometimes to the extent that you’re not sure whether what you’re feeling is yours or not. Sound about right? Then this post is for you.
Over time, taking on others’ negative emotions can wear you down, drain your energy, and even affect your physical health. I’ve found that setting up“filters” aro...
February 16, 2015
Starcat’s Favorites: Slowly, Slowly
This winter has been especially snowy here in northern New England, as I’m sure you’ve heard by now. I don’t know if that’s contributing to my own desire for extended hibernationor not, but I’m not complaining. When the latest winter storm cancels my plans, I’m happy to stay at home. I’ve been moving slowly, relishing some inner changes that are rippling outward through my world. Dreaming, and drawing, and playfully planning some exciting things for this year.
You’ve heard of the slow food mov...
February 8, 2015
Your Spiritual Superpowers
We all have various talents and skills, ones that are innate to us and others that we may have nurtured and refined over time. In modern culture, valued skills are ones that are obvious to everyone. You might be a great cook, able to repair just about any piece of machinery, a whiz at computers, or a talented musician.
But there are invisible talents, too, and I call these spiritual superpowers.
Years ago, a friend who was a working mother complained to me about her stay-at-home partner. While...
February 2, 2015
Barefoot In the Snow!
Guess what? I did it! I took the dare and went outside in the storm to feel the snow under my bare feet.
It felt unexpectedly good. Very invigorating! I felt tingly from the soles of my feet all the way up through the top of my head. It could have been the full moon. I’ll have to try this again.
If there is snow where you are, I double cat dare you – go outside barefoot! You’ll love it.
January 31, 2015
Starcat’s Favorites: Barefoot In Winter
No, I’m not gonna step outside and put my bare toes in the acres of snow that surround our house. Though maybe I should. It could be quite invigorating. I get the chills just thinking of it…brrrrrr!
What I’m referring to is an amazing new opportunity for women (if you’re a guy, please read on below for this week’s links, and perhaps share this with the beloved women in your world!)who’d love to add some peace and purpose to your daily life. My sweet soul sister Nova Om created the Barefoot Bei...
