Friday, December 28, 2018

Using My Imagination - #65

At New Zealand's Wangapeka retreat center there were many cups to choose from. I imagined the choice was a one time event and that I would be expected to use this cup exclusively for the duration of my stay. With that assumption in mind, it took me a long time to decide which cup would be the best one for me. In retrospect, one reason the Focus cup clung to my fingers was that I imagined it  would help me pay attention to my intention to discover the shamanic world view.  

While most people grabbed a different cup for each meal, I jealously guarded my Focus. On a day filled with insecurity about the upcoming quest, I hid Focus on a messy kitchen shelf behind the handwritten signs signifying gluten free food.   

In my imagination, the cup was helping me. When I returned home and opened The Aware Athlete book we've been discussing, I appreciated, in a new way, this sentence:

"Our imagination is the most powerful most basic, gentle, creative, and universal entry point into the process of true fitness."

I could have cheered! This imagination stuff is fun as well as helpful in becoming fit! I was so glad that I had the imagination to capture the still life you see above.  

As we come to the close of 2018, I leave you with these questions:

Is imagination a skill or is it more like a muscle you can develop?

I would love to know how you think about and use your imagination. Please reply to this email as the comments section isn't working all of a sudden. When you make a comment in the email, I will cut and paste it into the comment section.

CLUE: This morning I have been challenged to list the ten best things that happened in 2018 and I invite you to do the same. My inspiration comes from WomanPause Newsletter by Diane Gottlieb.

Thanks for exploring the mystery - Nicky Mendenhall





Friday, December 21, 2018

Asking for Help - #64

Miyazu Garden is the home of the glorious tree you see above. The many trunks are symbolic of my multi-faceted  journey to New Zealand. While my suitcase was unpacked shortly after I returned home, my experiences still need time to penetrate my routine consciousness.

Scott Forrester, author of The Aware Athlete, might be surprised to know that I copied a paragraph from his message into my travel journal; a message I received before plunking my body on an airplane seat for 15 hours and 20 minutes flying time.  

Throughout the journey, I pondered this one particular sentence:

"Imagination plus action equals dreams realized."

During the Shamanic retreat, led by John Broomfield (pictured below with my son Matt), these words became true despite my undeveloped relationship with imagination.  
Lying down, with eye shades to block out light, listening to a steady drum beat, inwardly asking to be introduced to my power animal, internal barriers were removed.  

Much to my delight on this inward journey, I met a bear. This bear was sturdy and strong, qualities I want help developing.

A persistent message of the workshop was that help is always available, we just have to remember to ask. 

I'm trying to remember!

My best to all of you for a peaceful and happy holiday season. 

Do you ask for help from others you can see or spirit helpers? Do you, like me many times, forget to ask? Let me know how you think about needing assistance and where you go when you need it. Aging, which we are all doing, like it or not, gives us many opportunities to solicit help.

CLUE: When you ask another, whether they be visible or invisible for aid, can you remember how good it feels when someone needs your help and then pat yourself on the back for asking?

Thanks for exploring the mystery - Nicky Mendenhall