June 18, 2020

CAITLIN JOHNSTONE: “On Maintaining Perspective In The Year 20 F*cking 20”

Whenever an author, filmmaker or other artist sets out on the noble endeavor of pointing people toward the ideal of living life to its fullest, they usually wind up depicting a character going off on all sorts of wild adventures, skydiving, trekking across the Himalayas, and so on.

In my opinion reminding people to live life to its fullest is the artist’s single most important job, but this is also where most storytellers get it wrong. Most people who live wild, interesting lives sleepwalk through the whole ride just like everyone else; in the end they’re left with a few amusing anecdotes rattling around in their skulls and a secret sense of dissatisfaction.

This is because most people don’t really show up for life. Even if they’re outwardly doing all sorts of amazing things and racking up a bunch of impressive accomplishments, their attention was mostly consumed with babbling mental chatter almost the entire time. Whatever happens in their life, they weren’t really there for it.

The real way to live life to its fullest is to simply be present for it.

I point this out because, at the midway point of the year 2020, I think it’s extremely relevant.

For better or for worse, we are at a time of great change from which the world will likely never return. We are heading into what is probably the most significant period in human history to date, and it would be wise to pay attention.

But when I look at what people are talking about in my social media feeds, even relatively awake and tuned-in people, I see a lot of chatter about the same-old, same-old. People are still yammering on about the same old electoral politics they’ve been on about for years, still babbling about PC culture being out of control and how crazy some people’s gender pronouns are, still dunking on shitlibs for likes and retweets. Even my own articles I notice get a lot more shares and attention if they involve something that tickles mainstream partisan interests like criticizing Trump or bashing the Democrats.

And I just cannot for the life of me imagine continuing to hold such priorities halfway through the year 20-f*cking-20.

At this time we need to drastically change our perspectives and seriously re-evaluate our priorities. We’re all standing on a precipice together and we have no idea what the plunge will look like, and people are still babbling about whether or not you should wear a face mask at the grocery store. This, to me, is a nonsensical approach to our current predicament.

All the stuff that used to consume so much of our attention in the analysis of establishment power structures has been rendered far less important by recent developments. All these recent developments will probably be rendered less relevant by whatever major events are coming next. The only consistent pattern this year has been a greater and greater deviation from old patterns.

For that reason, it makes sense to do two things:

Shift toward emphasizing a bigger-picture perspective of what’s going on. Fixate less on smaller occurrences and pay more attention to broader overall trends. It doesn’t mean ignore the smaller things, it just means view them in the proper context of a world that’s moving into more and more unfamiliar territory in bigger and bigger ways.

Pay attention. Big things are happening right now, and it would be a damn shame to miss them.

We are experiencing something huge here, and it would be a shame to let it go to waste.

We should rather all approach our current situation at this point in history like someone who is trying to live life to its fullest: mindful, curious, not hung up on petty mental narratives, and appreciative of how lucky we are to be here right now to witness this thing.

And, much like the approach of the end of life, this moment in history should ideally cause us to cast aside petty differences and bring us closer together.

~via Caitlin Johnstone

March 31, 2020

CAITLIN JOHNSTONE: “How To Effectively Cope With Your COVID-19 Anxiety”

As 2020 gets crazier and crazier, emotional self-care is getting more and more important. A lot of people, especially the “plugged-in” types who like to pay close attention to what’s going on in the world, are getting into some looping stress patterns over the COVID-19 pandemic that are unnecessary, unhealthy, and unhelpful.

It’s an understandable web to get tangled in; there are all these alarming news stories and statistics pouring in every single day, many of which speak of dangers which may pose a direct threat to the lives and livelihoods of ourselves and our loved ones. Some people spend hours online combing through all the latest information they can find about this thing, and as they’re doing this a tremendous amount of stress builds up in the background of their experience, ultimately culminating in depression, panic attacks, angry outbursts, substance abuse or other unpleasantness.

You see strategies for coping with this increasingly common problem everywhere online, from common healthy stress management techniques like deep breathing and meditation, to escapist claims that the virus doesn’t pose any real danger, to many people simply unplugging from their news feeds altogether. What people aren’t talking about nearly enough, in my opinion, is the simple yet highly effective practice of consciously feeling your feelings.

You wouldn’t think “feel your feelings” is something that needs to be said; it sounds not just like common sense, but like something that happens automatically without your intention or permission. We’ve all experienced emotions we’d prefer not to experience if given the choice, so we assume emotion arises unbidden like a force of nature.

While that can certainly be true, a tremendous range of our emotional spectrum is often blotted out by a basic lack of emotional attentiveness. Our culture tends to encourage us to put all but our loudest emotions on the back burner and focus on other matters, and Covid-19 happens to feed into that dynamic especially well by giving us a bunch of sparkly news headlines and statistics to focus on while this low-level background anxiety slowly builds unnoticed.

Feelings need to be felt. Not acted out on other people, but felt. They’re like small children; if you just give them a cuddle, let them cry and listen to their grievances they feel better in a few minutes, but if you deprive them of attention they’ll start acting out to get it.

At some point between childhood and adulthood, most of us consciously created strategies to stop our feelings from coming up unbidden. At some point, crying in front of your peers became embarrassing and you learned how to stop it from happening. Most of us never thought to take down those defences after they were installed. Some of us have never even re-learned how to cry again. Letting your feelings flow again will take a conscious effort from most of us.

No matter how much mantra repetition, deep breathing or positive affirmations you do, unless you’ve felt those feelings all the way through you’re just wallpapering over the actual issue. A huge percentage of the anxiety that people are currently experiencing is just a big backlog of feelings that need to be felt.

For some of you, just reminding you of that will be enough. Put down the phone and quietly meditate on it until it bubbles up. Hold your feelings like they’re a little baby newborn. Let them happen until they’re all the way done.

Others might need to try out some different strategies. Here are some of mine.

First, I always check in with my body. Am I clenching anything? Hands, bum, tummy, forehead, jaw? What else is happening? Is there background nausea, or a lump in my throat, or is my heart thumping too hard? I investigate. Close your eyes now and try it with me. Scan around for a few minutes.

Try tapping around with the tips of your fingers on one hand of the areas that you identified are tight. You’ll find spots that are a little bit sore. They feel like a light bruise. Tap on those spots for a little longer until they release. Once you’ve done that, let your fingers tap round your body and find other tight spots. Do this for at least a few minutes.

As you’re doing this, the loud buzz of anxiety releases and the actual root feelings become more clear. Sometimes all you have to do is feel them. You will probably feel embarrassed to feel them. That’s just one of the layers of defence you put in all those years ago. If it feels stuck, use your theater improv skills to exaggerate and try some feelings on until you find the source feeling. Feel them all the way through. Sometimes they feel their way to the other side, oftentimes they end abruptly with a burp, the shakes, a yawn or some other release.

If that doesn’t work, I usually hop up and do a very easy qi gong sequence a dear friend of mine taught me years ago. I think any kind of repetitive energy movement would do though. Basically I do the same movement over and over again with my eyes closed. Once the energy is moving around the body I can sense areas of blockage. I just keep looking at them until I’ve fully seen all the parts of it and then it releases, usually by a big expression of feeling like a roar or something, that usually ends in dry retching.

I know I’m done when I’m at zero again. I don’t stop until I feel totally at peace. I think that’s important to note because some people really get off on having big feelings and having their big feelings all over everyone else. Sometimes people want other people to “own” their feelings. Rather than feeling them, they try to make other people feel them by proxy. They’re usually referred to as drama queens.

The point is to release the feelings so your natural peaceful zero point can shine through again. You are the sky, the feelings are weather. Identifying as the weather will mean you are invested in keeping the weather going. Identifying as the feeling will mean you will be invested in keeping the feeling going. Set the intention to let it speak to you, and then let it pass. That’s where health is.

A lot of people are saying that the fear of the coronavirus is more damaging than the virus itself. I think that’s true, but not in the way they mean it. They’re often trying to say that the coronavirus itself a nothingburger and the fear is being used to manipulate us. I think the virus is a real thing, and also our fear will be used by ourselves and others to manipulate us. We need to clear a path to inspiration by feeling through our feelings and getting back to zero as often as possible. This will help us in the big picture by seeing what’s happening and responding with grace, and in the micro by keeping our immune systems in full relaxed readiness and not tangled up, tripping over itself, fighting ghosts and in panic-mode.

Do the internal work and the external work will follow. This is how we save ourselves.

~via Caitlin Johnstone

March 31, 2020

LISA RENEE (Time Shift Blog): “Relaxation and Fluidity”

“During these times learning how to slow down and achieve a relaxed state of mind is of vital importance, especially when retraining and clearing out our subconscious mind programming. Our brain and our mental body is much more effective when we have slowed down and works more optimally when we are in a relaxed state and calm atmosphere, because this is the natural state of our core spiritual essence. All forms of mental anxiety, stress, and over intellectualizing makes our mind speed up to having too many thoughts at once, and this overwhelms and clouds our Discernment, causing us to make poor impulsive decisions. To make contact and communicate with our subconscious layers, as well as our super consciousness layers, we need to go slower in order to reach a totally relaxed Meditation state and stay fluid within the energies. Energy bodies behave like waters moving in an ocean or river, if we can sense our inner energy when it meets the outer energies, we can navigate the surrounding waters by paying attention to the energy flow. We go with the flow in a state of relaxed fluidity. If we are moving too fast and not paying attention to the energy flow, we can get carried in the current of stronger forces in a sudden and unexpected tidal wave and this is when we get hurt or injured.”

~Lisa Renee

During these times learning how to slow down and achieve a relaxed state of mind is of vital importance, especially when retraining and clearing out our subconscious mind programming. The simple truth is that when we rid our body and mind of destructive habits and useless distractions we create more balance, which naturally manifests more grace and ease in our life.

Our brain and our mental body is much more effective when we have slowed down and works more optimally when we are in a relaxed state and calm atmosphere, because this is the natural state of our core spiritual essence. All forms of mental anxiety, stress, and over intellectualizing makes our mind speed up to having too many thoughts at once, and this overwhelms and clouds our Discernment, causing us to make poor impulsive decisions. To make contact and communicate with our subconscious layers, as well as our super consciousness layers, we need to go slower in order to reach a totally relaxed Meditation state and stay fluid within the energies. Energy bodies behave like waters moving in an ocean or river, if we can sense our inner energy when it meets the outer energies, we can navigate the surrounding waters by paying attention to the energy flow. We go with the flow in a state of relaxed fluidity. If we are moving too fast and not paying attention to the energy flow, we can get carried in the current of stronger forces in a sudden and unexpected tidal wave and this is when we get hurt or injured.

Thus, it is important that you learn to induce a simple meditative state in yourself, where you become the observer and are incredibly relaxed, and yet you are alert, not so relaxed that you fall asleep. Obviously, this state is not for when you are doing heavy physical exertion, but in the majority of your waking life, you can be in this relaxed state of fluidity paying attention to how the energy feels around you, while doing simple tasks or at work completing responsibilities. Using single focus and staying presently focused on the task in front of you, while naturally adjusting to the energies that are making subtle changes to the environment. In the early stage of developing Meditation skill we have to sit, relax and learn to observe the thoughts passing through without having attachment to them. Once we notice the thought pattern, we let it go and bring our focus back to the now moment. The next stage is adjusting to the energies inside you and outside of you. Each of us must find the most natural state of being for our body that feels good in the energetic flow, and not let our mind interfere with that natural state of calm and equilibrium. In our natural state, our inner self will strongly align with the outer self to bring harmony and wholeness between the inner and outer.

Also, we need to know how to stay as calm as possible even when under great stress in the moment. Stress causes our body to enter a heightened state of reactivity due to the release of hormones and Neurotransmitters when we’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed out. So, remaining calm and slowing down, even during potentially tense situations can establish a sense of powerful stillness that will help your mind stop racing from one thought to the next.

To be effective we need to establish a peaceful mind-set before concentrating on any one thing, especially when facing conflicts or challenges. General fluidity and relaxation of both the mind and body will greatly improve higher sensory perception development and build spiritual communication links, helping to bring more ease and clarity for problem solving. When a person is fluid and relaxed, their Energy Receivers are open and more receptive to guidance and creative resolutions. Listen to your body, treat your body with care and make corrections when you feel tense, by returning back to a state where your bio-rhythm feels relaxed and open. With practice you can discipline your mind and emotions from overwhelming your effectiveness in a range of social settings. The more we dis-identify from our need to control the external influences and learn to allow and accept situations we have no control over, the more quickly we can adapt and stay relaxed while addressing stressful situations.

As many of us in the spiritual community are fully aware, we must move out of the Subconscious Programming and Mind Control conditioning of the 3D way of existence and be hypervigilant to constantly refocus ourselves into higher states of being. Expressing unconditional love, Compassion, gratitude, appreciation, and the Spirits of Christ, are great sources of higher states. Knowing that love, heartful presence, being in alignment with nature, and being an authentic and caring human are the simple keys to ensure our success in every way to rebuild our lightbody. May we inspire others who may come into contact with us, to know the truth in the path of unconditional love, as it is the only path of spiritual freedom!

(Source: ES News- Subconscious Programming)

~via EnergeticSynthesis.com – Time Shift Blog – March 31, 2020

August 30, 2016

ALEXA PELLEGRINI: “The Empath’s Dating Survival Guide: 5 Tips for a Healthy Relationship”

For empaths, dating can be filled with the highest highs and the lowest lows. If you’re an empath, you’re already aware of how being an antennae for others’ feelings isn’t always easy, especially in romantic relationships. The chances of being an empath are high if you experience social anxiety and just seem to ‘know’ what others are thinking or feeling. The extreme sensitivity that comes with being an empath, along with a natural tendency toward self-sacrifice, can make relationships dramatic and heartbreaking. But, by using these dating tips specifically created for empaths, you can find a relationship that provides you with the chance to give endless love and compassion — and receive the same in return.

Don’t rush the relationship: Like many empaths, you probably have an overwhelming desire to merge with your partner, body and soul, and it’s tempting to fantasize about the incredible intimacy you’ll share. But, it’s important to tap into your own empathy and realize that your partner may need more time to open up and get to your level. Talking about a past life you’ve shared together or how you’ve already sensed the future of your relationship could make your partner uncomfortable. After all, the best part of falling in love are the healthy surprises that go with it, and it can be unnerving to hear that you already know things will pan out! Instead of romanticizing the emotional connection you had with your partner on first sight, get to know your partner slowly and let the relationship progress naturally

Keep the communication balanced: By your third or fourth date, you may feel deeply involved with your partner and have the urge to share your life’s story, including some of your most private memories. Although it’s tempting to be an open book to earn your partner’s sympathy and trust, this sets you up for potentially revealing intimate details of your life without receiving the same in return. If your relationship fizzles out unexpectedly, you may feel emotionally violated knowing your ex-lover has seen the depths of your heart when they didn’t deserve to. You also pose the risk of emotionally alienating your partner by getting too heavy too fast. Instead, focus on creating a balanced stream of communication, with equal give and take.

Avoid creating unrealistic expectations: When you feel you’re merging with someone on a soul level, it’s easy to accidentally create unrealistic expectations. Telling your partner after just a few months of dating that you sense you’ll be together always may seem like a harmless statement that expresses the depths of your love. But, by indulging in this thinking, you risk losing touch with reality. Empaths often suffer from a fear of losing those they love. However, making statements like ‘I’ll never leave you’ or ‘I just can’t live without you’ in order to create an indestructible attachment just does more harm than good. Although it’s sweet to be romantic, you don’t want to set yourself up for a co-dependent, anxious relationship.

Acknowledge your lover’s faults: Because you’re so compassionate, it’s easy to overlook your partner’s faults. Forgiving annoying quirks can be helpful, but sweeping more serious issues under the rug will set you up for unhappiness and heartbreak. If you find you’re making sacrifices and constant excuses for your partner’s bad behaviors, it’s time to meditate and ask yourself what you’re really getting from the relationship. Trust yourself, and realize that you deserve the best. And remember: it’s not your responsibility to take care of the weak and wounded at the expense of your own happiness.

Don’t resist change or parting ways: As an empath, it’s easier for you than most to sense when a relationship isn’t working. Because of your heightened sensitivity and desire to be loved, you may fear an impending breakup and do anything you can to keep your relationship alive. It’s challenging to realize that the person you love has become distant or a root cause of your unhappiness, and you may be tempted to do all that you can to recreate the beautiful connection you initially had. You must ask yourself: Do I love the person before me, or do I love the idealized version I’ve created of them? If you see qualities in your partner that may threaten the future stability of your relationship, communicate your feelings but don’t give into the urge to fix or change them. It’s important to recognize when it’s time to keep trying or let go. Use your keen insight to recognize when a relationship has served its purpose so you can move on to discover what fulfills you.

©Universal Copyright 2015 is authorized here. Please distribute freely as long as both the author Alexa Pellegrini and www.QuantumStones.com are included as the resource and this information is distributed on a non-commercial no charge basis.

August 30, 2016

STEPHANIE LUCAS: “Are You an Empath? Social Anxiety Could Be a Sign…”

Accepting your role in a socially inclined world as an empath who picks up on others energies can be challenging. This is often particularly true for those on their ascension journey and seeking their path back to Source – a time when it’s essential to protect yourself from negative energies.I say this as someone who once struggled intensely in social situations – even minor outings like picking up groceries had me feeling as though I was running a gauntlet filled with reject extras from a “Walking Dead” episode.Some may say this just means I’m ‘sensitive’ and to some extent – they are right! However, evidence is mounting with studies indicating strong correlations between social anxieties and empath abilities. In other words, social anxiety doesn’t necessarily make you crazy, overly sensitive to daily life, or mean that you need a prescription – you just might need some empath sensitivity skills and tools to cope with anxiety.

Are You an Empath or an Empathic Being?

Before delving into the gist of what it means to be an empath or tips for coping with empath related anxiety…take the quick, fun, spam-free ‘Are You an Empath Quiz!’

TAKE THE QUIZ: DO YOU HAVE SIGNS OF BEING AN EMPATH?

Now that you have discovered your potential attunement as an empath – or lack thereof – learn more about what this means for you and how you can better handle social anxieties related to possessing this gift.

What Does it Mean to Be an Empath Versus Empathic?

Empaths are typically described as those with elevated cognitive empathy tendencies who have a knack for tuning into other’s mental states. In other words, they are Highly Sensitive. Empathics are often considered to border on clairvoyant/reading abilities and they often seriously struggle in crowds to the point of panic attacks of having to leave the room.

Many on this level of the empath scale require special training to learn how to handle all the radiating energy fields they both consciously and unconsciously tap into and OUT OF certain social interactions. While a precious gift to the receptive empath, these sensitivities can prove cumbersome without the right tools to understand, acknowledge, and control them.

Solutions You Can Implement NOW for Anxiety Relief

Empath related social anxiety is a burden that can be alleviated and often resolved with the right intentions and approaches. For those with extreme anxiety, you may want to obtain, train, and harness the protective energies of white light, healing stones and crystals for anxiety, or even use sacred geometry as tools to aid your journey along with the following strategies.

Don’t attempt to be normal or fix yourself– this is only fighting universal intentions and there’s nothing wrong with you. And besides, who wants to be normal?
Strive for a Stress Free Existence by choosing whose energies you surround and associate with – even online! (Especially online!)
Avoid overwhelming yourself in work and home situations – even hobbies – and take proactive steps to cut ties with negativity and stressors. Replace with them new passions!
Study your emphatic abilities, and learn to manage and control them under experienced guidance from a holistic healer, and perhaps learn to embrace your own energetic healing abilities.
Listen to your conscious and subconscious – they don’t lie, only tell universal truths!

Personally, I seem to have reached a cross point between embracing my empath skills and still lacking in shielding abilities. In essence… a message from my Higher Self seems to be guiding me to accepting that a part of my own soul still needs assessing and healing. Are you an empath, and if so, do you struggle in social situations and what are your solutions?

©Universal Copyright 2015 is authorized here. Please distribute freely as long as both the author Stephanie Lucas and www.QuantumStones.com are included as the resource and this information is distributed on a non-commercial no charge basis.