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Wings of Flight

~ …Emblazing brightness with enchantress Wings…

Monthly Archives: August 2010

Turning Twenty

25 Wednesday Aug 2010

Posted by Rose in Personal Notes

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Insights

When Scott Young wrote about his 20th birthday, he talked about his experiences over the past year; the achievements and the bumps, followed by his goals/plans for the next 12 months.

The Past

When I first came to University, I was blown away within the first week, even, by how much flow I felt. I went to two meditation sessions a week, learned to Unicycle, made four friends and joined a Wiccan Moot and Druid Grove.

I felt at the time that it had been the best year of my life. Then second year came, not without its trials and tribulations, but more focused on my spirituality as I immersed myself in the Pagan life of Brighton, co-ran two societies, started this blog and discovered Shivanata.

And now I’m going to just talk in lists to write about my last year, things that I have achieved, experienced and some future goals. 

An Overview:

In the last 12 months, I have:

  • Attended a handfasting and four pagan Sabbat rituals [two wiccan, two druid].
  • Started one society and took over a second
  • Visited Cornwall and Yorkshire
  • Set up a little online shop
  • Had my first hang-over
  • Began exercising
  • Moved blogs
  • Vastly improved my cooking skills

Alongside those events, I’ve made progress in the various areas of:

  • Relationships. At the end of my second year of University, I had four solid friends of my own age in Brighton. I also have older friends in the Pagan and Blogging communities. My other half and I spent three and a half months apart, which was also an interesting learning curve. I’ve learned about true support and how friendship can grow. This week also celebrates three years and seven months with my other half, which has always been a strong source of learning.
  • Psychology. I passed second year of my degree and am planning a dissertation on the Psychology of Language. I have three volunteering posts – one on a youth panel, a second working with an online network and a third working with mentally-disabled people.
  • Spirituality. I attended my first Druid Handfasting, a few Druid and Wiccan rituals and the local Pagan Pub Moot. My friend and I set up the Sussex Spiritual Society, where we had speakers, singing lessons, co-led a ritual for White Night and ate a lot of cake. I also took over the Creative Meditation and Buddhism Society, leading a couple of meditations. In addition to this, I did my levels I and II in Usui Reiki.
  • Social. I became friendly with more people on my course and though I only went out six times in the whole year, I had my first ever hangover and dropped a friend when I fell on my head. It’s been a year of experiences.
  • Personal Development. I gave up chocolate for three weeks (I just had to mention that). I read 37 books varying from Buddhism, study-skills, happiness and writing to romance novels, minimalism, a play by Oscar Wilde and autobiographies. I currently have seven that are in-progress too. I must have read over 200 blog posts and written well over 150,000 words.
  • Blog. Across my 4 main blogs, I’ve written almost 150 posts as I tried to seek the consistency I was looking for.
  • Writing. On that note, I wrote a blog post for PsychFutures, wrote a 50,000 word novel in 29 days, made the shortlist of a poetry competition, wrote a poem that’ll be published in December, and am crafting my second novel, currently at 40,000 words.

And having just picked up the post, I can add that I’m going to have another poem published [second one this year] in an anthology. Overall then, it’s been a good couple of years. This year, I’ve a few plans in motion already.

Looking Forward

  • Volunteering. As a volunteer for Care Co-ops, I’ll undergo training in safeguarding and basic counselling skills. Also, as part of the youth panel I joined in March, I’m booked on training days for:
    • equality and diversity
    •  refugees & asylum seeker project
    • YMCA induction
  • Social. I’ve plans for a belated-birthday celebration when I return to Brighton, a dinner-date to catch up with a friend, an invite to meet a friend from Southampton and THREE gigs to go to with friends. It’s going to be fun.
  • Spirituality. I’d like to celebrate each Sabbat, regardless of other things going on and see both the Wiccan and Druid circles at least three times in the year. I’m hoping to re-develop a morning practice, like I had back in 2004. I’d also like to bring that focus of this blog back to spirituality a little. I’m also hoping to make it to Buddfafield festival next July.
  • Wings to Soar. The September will mark the first steps for my two services in the soaring shop, which I hope will be a success. I’m interested in expanding that business too.
  • Job. I’d like to get a paid job of some kind – even if only a part-time job for a couple of weeks. If I only have a paid job for a short time, I’d like to gain some more useful voluntary experience during the year as well.
  • Relationships. I’m content to just nourish the friendships I’ve made this year, though I know I’ll meet new people and I’m also open to that. Running two societies leads to meeting people, and I’ve been nominated to represent Brighton’s Youth Panel up in London, thus shall meet people.
  • Online Community. I’m aiming to get more involved in the online community with my PsychFutures post, a place in Fey’s Spirit Tribe and when NaNoWriMo comes around in November.
  • Education. I’m maintaining a 2:1 But wanted a higher grade in it. Thus, this year I’ll be focusing on getting higher grades in at least my dissertation. I’m living with another psychology student, so we should be able to help each other out.
  • Writing. I’m looking into joining a writing club and at minimum want to attend one of the NaNoWriMo meet ups in November. I’m going to enter some poetry competitions and will possibly enter a few chapters of my story once it’s edited.
  • Miscellaneous. During the last year, I’ve started to do yoga, meditate, attend a pub moot and learn bits of Japanese from my housemates. This year, I want to get back involved in the circus society from my first year and perhaps brush up on my German or Irish language skills.

Today I have flapjacks and a lot of love – what better way to begin my twenties?

In Light,
Rose

In Sight of a Lighthouse

22 Sunday Aug 2010

Posted by Rose in Adventure, Personal Notes

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Tags

potential, SlinkySummer, stormy seas

Fog
Lately I’ve been floating through life a little dazed. I’ve not paid a single moment of attention to my store – though I’ve checked my emails and found that no-one else has either, so it’s not a problem. I can’t remember the last time I did ShivaNata, yoga or meditated. I can’t write much as I left my most recent draft of my story on my other half’s laptop.

I’ve been hanging out a bit at a couple of online community forums and really reconnecting with my daily practise.

Morning pages, drinking water, daily ShivaNata, wake-up yoga, weight training, daily meditation, evening Reiki and dance are all habits I cottoned on to for a while but have since lost.

For Lughnasadh, I didn’t even light a candle.

Stepping Back
I guess that’s my cue to jump into an elaborate routine in preparation for University, where I find myself able to continue habits easier. However, I’m going to start with a letter I wrote.

 This is a wonderful idea I learned from Katie over at The Yogiconomist:  

A Love Letter to Third Year
Dear Upcoming Academic Year,

I find myself once more in this void of anticipation and fear. Of seeing you and of all the experiences you’ll gift me with. I can just feel the potential brimming and it excites me.

Officially, we don’t meet until October, but I’ll be in Brighton from September 11th to get a feel for you. I await that predictable structure of ten-week terms, four-week holidays and then, new to me in the way that finals are, getting results in late June. A gap in exams and results of around 5 weeks – with which to gain volunteering experience, maybe earn some money and chill out with friends.

Time for some unstructured flings with reading and writing for my own pleasure, dance, meditation, yoga and music. I look forward to the structure you’ll provide me.

I’m hoping to give you my all this year; as I know we have give each other so much- and it’d be a shame to waste such an opportunity. You’ve been so patient with me up to now; giving me a little slack just to keep my head above water, but always slipping out of reach to silently entice me into working. Each ten-week session flashes by like light- faster than comprehension.

 

With this final year upon me, I feel a sudden fear of the unknown world beyond education. This truly is the end of the road, and I need to make you last as long as possible – to build upon our foundations steadily in the hopes that our relationship will last long beyond my graduation date next July.

I don’t do free-time well – I can’t be trusted to utilise it well. So I love you for your deadlines and the days I have to spend on campus, using time wisely (or at least in a fun, memory-making way).

In three days, I’ll be twenty. And come September, we’ll celebrate sixteen years together. I’m finding motivators this summer to be true to you- to face the fears and really make the most of our final year together.

And who knows. Maybe I’ll get onto a post-graduate course once I have some experience under my belt, and we can have a reunion party.

One thing I know for sure – I’ll always be a scholar of life, and love nearly every minute of learning.

Yours in Light,
Rose

Structure & The Light
In lieu of the shift back to University, I’m planning to at minimum, get back to meditation and ShivaNata. In a way, Dance of Shiva is a form of yoga, and I generally play with energy during my meditations. I almost drink too much water or herbal tea, so don’t really need to worry about that.

I’m just missing that sense of connection – that flow. I’m just downloading some new podcasts to delve into [which are crashing things, but never mind] and who knows – maybe by the end of next week, I can be on my shiny new laptop – complete with the blog posts I haven’t been able to access since May when my laptop died. I should be reunited with that sense of structure I’ve been craving. Should be able to reach out to the community and re-connect.

The light is shining through from the rocks, the fog is lifting and I can see port. I hope to then be back on schedule with weekly posts of some relevance within the next fortnight.

Until then, take care.

In Light,
Rose

Inspired Ideas

16 Monday Aug 2010

Posted by Rose in Insights, Personal Notes

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

potential, soar

I found this Influences meme on The Spilled Ink Athenaeum & Alchemy Lab and decided it looked like a fun reminder. I didn’t quite follow the rule of how many pictures of each size to use, but never mind.

Find out more and grab the empty map.

Rose’s Influences

Books
Oh. Where to start. I love reading books – nonfiction or fiction, romance or sci-fi. I’m also currently writing my second novel. Books are the window to emotions and experiences I’ve yet to have. Examples include “Eat, Pray, Love” which gave me an idea of the experiences one gets when they travel and “The Celestine Prophecy”, which shares experiences of spiritual energy I’ve not had myself. Favourite authors include Edgar Allen Poe, Oscar Wilde, Theresa Tomlinson, David Clement Davies, Kenneth Oppal and Nora Roberts.

Cherry Blossom
Makes me think of haikus. Of The Last Samurai. Of Buddhism and perfection in every day. The everyday miracle and beauty. It’s also a personal symbol of my first love, which still makes me smile.

Aurora Borealis
Beauty in the every day – I’m going to jump to the bottom image of the moon because this is about my fascination with the sky. Stars, moon, planets, clouds – I’m fascinated by it all and nothing takes me out of a bad mood than a little sky-gazing. (i’ve never seen the Northern Lights, but it’s on my to-do list!)

Practical Magic
It’s got two good actresses in it, it’s about love conquering all and it’s got magic in it. ❤ Nuff said.

George Carlin
He stepped beyond the realm of “acceptable” speech and shared my love of linguistics. His angry rants got me through the trials of being a teen. The quote states “it’s not the end of an egg, it’s the beginning of a CHICKEN. It’s hen CUM ARHG!” from his sketch “Food”.

Writing
I’m a published poet [going to be published in another anthology this December] and writing my second book. I write short stories and poetry in my spare time and love the act of writing (Diary for example). Writing is a large part of my life; a form of transport from the everyday meanders of life.

I also draw, and paint with watercolour pencils [and won a competition when I was about 14].

Music
I would never describe myself as “music is my life” like so many seem to. Yet, analysing my day, I can’t sleep without music on. I have the music channel on more than any other TV show/channel and I sing pretty much 10 hours a day. I can also vaguely play the recorder and piano/violin. I’m learning to play the Jews Harp.

Spirituality/Space/Art/Sky
I just loved this picture. It inspired me on the spot just for it’s colour and all the possibilities it could represent.

Water
I LOVE water. The idea of being able to fit any container [situation] and to flow with life – to weave around the obstacles within the river and that no matter what path you choose, you’ll reach the sea. The I love its taste – drinking more water than any flavoured drink and I love to swim.

Tea
Having said that, I LOVE my herbal teas. The scents and tastes of each scent is a new inspiration to me. The feeling evoked are steady rhythms by which I meter my day.

Pride and Prejudice
I love the language, the society, Mr Bennet’s remarks and the fact that love conquers all. Enough said.

Otep
My favourite band, they speak out against the injustices of the world – with videos involving telling George Bush to shove it and another video of Sarah Palin getting covered in… stuff. Victims of childhood abuse and rape have used their music to speak out and gain control of their situations. Anything that helps people in that situation gets support from me.

Wolves
The idea of having a pack. The ever-lasting love and support. They’re also gorgeous! Sparked when I discovered Shamanism and Native American Spirituality, the feeling of being a pack animal has always been present in me.

Particle Physics
I love quantum mechanics and learning about the elementary particles of quarks and leptons. I won’t go into too much detail, but the study of energy {and thus of magic} intrigues me.

Hugh Laurie & Stephen Fry
I do like some of their sketches, but this is more about the people. Stephen Fry is well known for speaking up and speaking out. I’m also a fan of Edgar Allen Poe, Oscar Wilde, Theresa Tomlinson, David Clement Davies, Drew Barrymore, Eliza Dushku, Otep Shamaya, Kenneth Oppal and Nora Roberts. I love House M.D.

Walt Disney
Fantasia, anyone?
I watch a Disney movie at least once a week. My favourites are Robin Hood, Little Mermaid, Lion King, Swan Princess, Beauty and the Beast and Fantasia. The ideas within are so poetic and a few of the lines are amazing.
For example; in Disney’s Robin Hood, a 7-year old bunny says “DEATH TO TYRANTS!” when he attacks a chicken with a wooden sword.

You had to be there :p

Pentacle/Spirituality/Dragon
Mythology is an amazing part of my life and how I’ve shaped my morals [see also: books]. My spirituality is another major contributor as are those who follow their own path. I’m incredibly inspired by those who shake off the expectations of society and follow their own way.

Gyr Falcon
If I could do anything in the world, I’d work with falcons.

     how could anyone think he isn’t just ADORABLE? I was smitten!
I visit the Hawk Conservancy once a year [don’t have a car, no public transport nearby] and know half of the birds by name. I love the idea and the sheer feeling of watching them fly. This visit, I fell in love with Hades, a Gyr Falcon who tilted his head. I yawned and he opened his beak and tilted his head at me. I was completely taken and now I’ll use him as an inspiring reminder of the simple things.

Any questions? 🙂

In Light
Rose

Need to mend your wings?

14 Saturday Aug 2010

Posted by Rose in Personal Notes

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SoaringStore

Soaring Store

I went to check on my online store and found that I couldn’t remember the password… So i’ve taken off password protection and we are now open. :-O

-cuts ribbon and hands random strangers in the street flutes of appletize-

I hope that when you need insight or support you’ll pop back and see if I can help. Please drop me an email [or a tweet if twitter’s behaving itself] if you need more information/ want to check I can help with your situation.

 In Light,
Rose

Momentum & a Checklist

12 Thursday Aug 2010

Posted by Rose in Personal Notes, Writing

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

novel, SlinkySummer, SoaringStore

I’m still working on my store and my novel; and I’ve not been checking in here because I’ve found that taking the next step is easier if I don’t let myself ask “is this a silly idea?” “oh, i need to do X and Y- which should I do first” or “oh i’ll just tell them what I’m doing today and then work…”.

So I’m over 32,000 words of my novel; with a plot in place [though i need to pad it out with sub-plots, else won’t reach my minimum word count] and I’m almost ready to open up shop.

I’m also trying to get back into some of my old rituals – simple movements like yoga when I wake up [or shivanata, now i’ve discovered it] and drinking half a glass of water first thing.  I’m journalling and I’ve got back into reading lately – read 5 books in just over a fortnight: Hurrah for taking time out each evening to read and to write.

 So, let’s check in with this~

Currently Reading:

The Philosophy Gym
Buddhism: plain & simple
How To Practise
Wights & Ancestors
Learn More, Study Less
How To Study Psychology
Dissertation Materials – papers/books/websites/previous work

Preparing to Read:
The Philosopher & the Wolf
Consciousness At The Crossroads
Inside-Out Simplicity

Writing
Novel – 32,087
Dissertation Notes
Blog-posts
Brief outlines for store – excel spreadsheets/outlines for letters/ideas for quotes and pictures
Poetry for competitions
Gratitude journaling again [complete with drawings!]

Health & Movement
Daily shivanata/yoga
Daily exercise – physio for arms&legs
Meditation
Water – first thing
Dance & Sing

Community
Bought gig tickets with two friends from University
Added Psychfutures, Spirit Tribe and GPS communities to favourites bar
Updating my CV ready for job applications
Emailed KJ to book meditation for next term
Launching my community-service in August

And that list for 5 things kind of got large; with sub-divisions inspired by Notes from the Frugal Trenches, but we’ll see how I go =)

I’m just doing; a step at a time.

In Light,
Rose

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Rose

artist, neuroscientist, writer & dreamer

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