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Wings of Flight

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Tag Archives: Autumn

On Being a Writer

14 Sunday Oct 2012

Posted by Rose in Personal Notes, Writing

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Autumn, connect, Insights, LiteratureLessons, novel, plans, potential, processing

This afternoon I found out that the e-portal was closed to new submissions, and wrote a post here.

Since then, Harper Voyager apologised for the technical glitch and I have now officially submitted my novel to them.

A month ago, only my mum had read my work. And only half a novel’s worth. Today, I submitted a novel to a publisher.

However, the points I made below are still true, so I’ll leave the original post here.

* * * * * * * * * 

Last night, the submission portal at Harper Voyager Publishing closed to un-agented manuscripts.

I didn’t make it.

* * *

The website said 1st – 14th October, opening at 00:01 on Monday the 1st.
Like so many, I assumed that would mean it would close at 23:59 Sunday – not 23:59 Saturday.

They were asking for polished pieces, which mine isn’t. (Well, the first half is relatively polished.) But I knew it wouldn’t hurt to send it off – in case a miracle happened.

I didn’t get that chance.

* * *

But I have a finished novel.

And a query letter. And an idea of how to write a synopsis.

I joined a new writing community; which although I find faults with the limits for a free membership (and can’t afford such a high price for paid), gave me access to about 10 people’s views on my work.
I had access to other people’s query letter formats. And examples of my ‘competition’ specific to my genre.

I got to share my work with my mum; something I was too afraid to do before.

I got to share the journey with my friend and fellow author.

And I wrote 18,500 words in five days. Despite having no idea how this re-write would end.

I turned a 31,000 re-write draft into an 80,000 word completed piece in less than a month. And I have a foundation for a sequel – possibly my nanowrimo piece for this year.

My last “completed novel” is 92,000 words; but full of plot holes. Some chapters still have “add scene about X here” in them. And I hate how the plot is going.

* * *

For this novel, I found a way to push through the hatred for my own characters, after forcing myself to write through periods of desolation. I was home alone for a week with my writing, and I still ate vegetables alongside the extra junk food. I didn’t drink alcohol, despite wanting to most of the time (all the best writers did). I learned that making a mental appointment with my muse actually seems to WORK.

Through sharing my chapters, I found that I can write, and that people like my work.
Through sharing my chapters, I found that I read other people’s work and began to hate my writing. It wasn’t as good as theirs.
Through sharing my chapters, I was able to change the bits I hated and found I almost liked it again.

Now I’m looking at NaNoWriMo ideas for the sequel.

It seems that for this week at least, I found a way to be a writer.

 

Month XII – the iii,ii,i plan

15 Thursday Dec 2011

Posted by Rose in Personal Notes

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3/2/1, Autumn, dancing-with-limitation, seasons, WorkingOnStuff

Well, it’s December and someone forgot to tell me…

I’m home from university, though this holiday is broken up a bit, and I’ve completely failed to keep you updated.

Last Month – November

So what did I do for November:

* applied for a Doctorate course at 4 institutions
* attended another interview

* got accepted to 3 placements

* turned 1 down

* began training for 1 (start in January EEEEE!!!)

* attended a steering group meeting, two focus groups and began helping out at another Anger Management course
* got my old job back/ renewed

* attended Masters course classes

* had dinner with friends twice

* submitted 3 pieces of work for University
* extended the mini-ebook

* created a worksheet
* began new Skype Shivanata sessions
* ran the meditation society
* attended Witchfest International
* got so wrapped up with my other website; The Phoenix Mind

December – Current Activities and My Final Plans

This is the final month of 2011, so I’ll be putting up a post about my word of the year; Strength in a separate post. This month really is all about tying up loose ends and making sure I’m prepared for January and the new year.

My final training with Mind is this Saturday, I’ve begun my essays and I’ve nearly finished reading my book (I’ve read half as many books as I usually do!! Just 11 instead of 25 (or the 26 I read in 6 months of 2010!).

I’m focusing on The Phoenix Mind throughout this year of my degree, but I will be updating hopefully at least twice a month here, because I really want to keep my spirituality and reading as strong focuses in 2012.

Tomorrow I’m heading back to Brighton to see a friend fromAustralia. She’s staying until Tuesday, so I’m going to my training on Saturday morning, then to the Right Here Ice Skating Social on Monday. I arrive home Tuesday evening in order to prepare for the Yule Party we’re holding for my other half and his family. Otherwise, Christmas should be quiet this year.

This month, exercise is the main goal.

iv/iii/ii/i

iv. Finance: frugal-fifteen
Still on hold; although I made £15 again this month and have a garenteed day of work (£50) in January, to help with the outgoing £1,551.50 of tuition fees and £321 rent… >_>

 

iii. Exercise; physical strength
I managed to keep up my physiotherapy for two months, but have dropped it for the last two weeks. Back on that and re-introduced myself to the wii fit yesterday – with some lunges, push ups and triceps extensions.

ii. Diet: energy/vitality
I’m working my way to waking at 8am again – been waking at 10-11am, but this morning got up at 8:25 and will be getting up at 8:15 tomorrow to catch the train toBrighton. My protein is high, and I’m taking my iron tablet regularly again.

i. Meditation; spirit/strength of mind
Right now, I’m actually happy to led meditation fall to the side. I have so many goals right now and I’ve begun to feel the emotions within my body as a general practise, and don’t feel that I need it as much at this point.

Strengthening aspect for Month XII
For November I focused on quietude. This month requires more integration; into society as a friendly person and into myself with the knowledge and the skills I’ve been learning in my training.

What are your plans for the month?

In light,

Rose

Month XI – the iii, ii, i plan

01 Tuesday Nov 2011

Posted by Rose in Personal Notes

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Autumn, paganism, reflection, seasons

Well. That was a short October… I’ve posted so much >_> <_< Or not. 😛

Happy November All.
And a Blessed Pagan New Year.

Last Month – September

October was interesting for me. I got into my studies, found routine again and promptly met the resistance of meeting the death of the year.

Here’s what I got up to:

* finished one piece of coursework
* visited Stonehenge and Old Sarum with my other half
* had two interviews
* got offered both jobs, could only take one
* attended lectures and practicals for Uni
* began testing skype for shivanata purposes
* got ill
* had meditation
* caught up with a close friend
* published 12 blog posts over at The Phoenix Mind

November – My Plans

This month, I’m aiming to prepare for hibernation.

I’m scheduling blog posts, getting back into my Druid studies, hopefully begin my new volunteering position and there are a few other mental health things I’m attending [facilitating focus groups, consultations and speaking at mental health congress on Dec 1st] that need preparation.

In terms of the goals, Spirituality is now coming to the front. Diet and finance come joint second; with exercise last on my list.

iv/iii/ii/i

iv. Finance: frugal-fifteen
On hold until I have some form of income…

In October I made a total of £19… and paid 115 on food/life and 350 rent. 

iii. Exercise; physical strength
Exercise has been low on my list though i’ve done a lot of walking up hills in order to see friends etc. However, I think I’ve been doing my Physio for over a month, every single day. *win* Considering I got the exercises.. this time last year; i’ve finally managed to do them every night for a month >_> . HUZZAH!

ii. Diet: energy/vitality
I wake at 8:15 every morning. I’m happy with that. Diet… well. I’ve had pizza two nights in a row and then last night had toast and gingerbread biscuits. >_> I’ve been eating a lot of meat lately and need to keep this up; but also eat some more fruit. The daily iron tablet is also not daily right now.

i. Meditation; spirit/strength of mind
This one’s interesting. I’ve been doing Reiki and having 30-second-bursts and mindfulness relatively often. I missed last week’s meditation due to feeling ill but I’ll be leading a session in.. an hour and a half. I also did a ritual this morning for my OBOD initiation ^_^ which always connects me back to spirit.

Strengthening aspect for Month XI
October I was meant to focus on quietude. I guess I managed that by becoming a hermit and being ill but.. it wasn’t QUITE the plan. For November, I want to be preparing, gathering and turning inward. I’m foraging before the Winter.

What are your plans for the month?

In light,
Rose

Samhain

31 Monday Oct 2011

Posted by Rose in Personal Notes

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Autumn, paganism, reflection, seasons

It’s Samhain, (pronounced Sow-en) a time of reflection and of honouring those who have passed through this life and beyond.

Today, I remember Marjorie, Keith, Peggy, Jack and Ellen.  I light a candle in their memory, and in the memory of my ancestors I can’t name.

Happy Halloween.

 

Blessed Be.
Rose

 

 

 

Winter Lists

15 Monday Nov 2010

Posted by Rose in Personal Notes

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Autumn, plans

It’s cold out, we can see our breath on the air [at least here in the UK] and the storms have set in.

However strong the desire to write a post, I’m stuck in a rut. So I’ll just put some lists here to give a brief update. Stay Safe.

 

This week’s VPA – Simple transition to complete tasks

– I want an easy transition to cross 10 out of 15 items on my to-do lists and to get it done with space and time. With no loose ends, pretty please.

I’m so grateful for:

– my other half. He was so supportive last week while I was dealing with old patterns. I saw him this weekend and he was so patient and got my mind off things.

– a safe journey home. The train journey back was manic with cancellations, changes and having to travel to Clapham to get from one south coast town to another. [Southampton to Brighton]. I got through it, and I’m home safe and well.

– tea. I love spending time with my other half, but he has limited tea resources. I’m always so grateful for a cup of chai, jasmine or nettle when I return.

– music. It got me to his house, then home through the train changes and now as I’m doing some work, it’s here to keep me focused.

– community. I had three friends to text on the train home. I’ve come back to find a “how are you, we should meet up this week” message from another. I feel loved, accepted and just.. safe. I’ve support and connection here. I’m so blessed to have that.

– food. I was well fed. I’m so lucky that I have enough food to eat, and to share with my friends.

– writing. I got back into novel-writing and I’ve realised how blessed I am to be able to escape into another world.

– time. I have enough time. At this point, I’ve enough to time to fit in everything. I just need to remember that and use it wisely.

 

This week’s To-Do:

– Dissertation Ethics form
– Dissertation Statements
– Dissertation Meeting with Tutor about above two items
– Neurobiology Report
– Neurobiology Paper Presentation
– Consciousness Concept Diary
– Consciousness Presentation Write-Up
– Right Here Paperwork
– Chase up placement emails
– Lead meditation
– Novel-write
– Sort out Seidr night
– Finish 2 books that have been lent to me
– Daily Shivanata

 

And rewards –

– Seth Lakeman gig, [wed]

– Meeting a friend for lunch [tues?]

 

Tonight, I light a candle in gratitude for being here; safe and well.

 

In candle Light,

Rose.

 

DWL: Week One

03 Sunday Oct 2010

Posted by Rose in Habits, Personal Notes

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Autumn, breaking habits&labels, dancing-with-limitation, potential, soar


So, my theme for the month is Connecting. On Community.

Today, I went for a 30 minute walk with my housemate. Then I cooked while she ate in the kitchen; and we chatted as I ate. Community. Discussion. Space from technology; no music or phones.

Community Spirit

Through the next week, I’ve got so many plans – it’s the first week of University after four months off. The rough plan so far is:

Monday – volunteering 12-2 & meditation 6-7

Tuesday – dissertation meeting 3-4 & meditation 4-5 & gig [the birthday massacre] 7-11

Wednesday – tai chi – 7-8

Thursday – volunteering meeting 1-4

Friday – my other half comes down

So I’ve a bit of a busy week when you add lectures and travel.

And then I watched this. It’s long, but so worth it. I’ve read Tim Ferris’s book, I read Leo’s blog and have one of his books. The video talks about meditation, zen practise, waking early, habit formation, motivation, healthy space-taking and work-play balance.

Some phrases and tips I’d heard; others were new to me. It’s good to be reminded and good to learn.

Discipline, as you may know, is something I struggle with.

“Dancing with that limitation. Finding the edge of your limitation and dancing with it.” – Susan O’Connell

Wow.

I dance. That’s my connection. Movement touches my spirit and is a meditation I can connect through. And that reminded me of Balance.

Balancing with Self-development

Exercise. – Shivanata. Dancing. Free weights. Stretches. Yoga. Breathing exercises. Walking.

Aim: 20 minutes a day of any combination of those.

Reading. – Writing books, core texts, journal papers, blogs.

Aim: 30 minutes a day minimum.

Quiet-space. – Meditation. Writing on my patterns. Analysis of my plans/behaviour, Breathing exercises. Walking.

Aim: two 20 minute sessions in the week.

Sustenance. – Junk-food-free day. Five-a-day. Water first thing. Breathing exercises. Yoga/stretches. Fruit juice. Fresh meal.

Aim: two of the above each day.

Writing. – coursework, dissertation notes, blog, novel, diary entry.

Aim: thirty minutes a day.

Now, a lot of those overlap. Today, I did: Walking. Free-weights. Fully fresh meal [tuna and sweetcorn rice with thyme sauce]. Pattern-analysis. Reading journal paper. Reading Blogs. Blog-writing. Dissertation notes.

Which means I’ve done 20 minutes of Exercise, Read for 30 minutes, done one of my twice-weekly Quiet sessions, met the Sustenance goals and Written enough.

The only thing that I had to put effort into was the cooking and the walk. And they were so worth it.

If you felt you could dance with your limitations – what would you incorporate?

In Light,

Rose

Quietude of Autumn (& Space)

13 Monday Sep 2010

Posted by Rose in Personal Notes, Poetic

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Autumn, seasons, vpa

Part i – Animation of Autumn & Spirit: sharing my excitement & musings on nature
Part ii – Emergence of Autumn & Ritual: sharing the move home & musings on community

Quietude

I tread lightly upon the floor; bare feet meeting the warmth of carpet. It’s dark outside, the quiet murmur of birdsong slipping through the single glazed windows of my room. I’ve built an altar here, at last, to the spirit of my spirit. I light a candle upon the altar; rolling my shoulders to bring my body into motion. I draw the curtains slowly; mindful of the sleeping bodies in the rooms surrounding my own.

The morning sky is crisp and blue; circling around me as I stand, breathing in the air and stretching my muscles. A winged being, I float on the thermals of a sky born this very morning. I spend a few moments in the silence before grabbing my mp3 player and slipping my headphones in- a soft glow of Celtic music gently nudging me to wakefulness.

Pouring my herbal tea from my thermos, I take in the scent of familiar mornings. I’m moved. I experience. The candle is extinguished, a prayer of peace and compassion emitted as the flame is extinguished.

Ritual

This, a routine for winter, reminds me of the light; focusing my morning before it has begun. However, it’s still autumn for now; the leaves just touching the earthen tones of brown and hues of orange.

Once my housemates awaken, I can dance. For now though, I slip into some playful yoga; the flailing art of shivanata; complete with rubber ducks. Now I’ve an hour to spend – writing, reading, listening. I have podcasts, novels, lecture recordings and text books; all for the taking.

Morning routine complete, I’m now ready to take on the day – showers, breakfast, the bus, lectures and all. I begin with today’s study material – lecture notes or seminar papers. On Thursdays, when I’ve no formal teaching, I can either review the week or prepare for Friday. This enables me to keep up with the week’s material; solidifying the lessons and read any text book chapters for the next week.

This way, my weekends are free for creativity. I can edit my novel, read fiction, draw, dance, sing and see friends. This is when I can write my blog posts; letters to clients, paint, research and seek jobs.

Quiet

Autumn is also my time of space.

It’s interesting how my cravings mirror the balance each person seems to strive for. I want community; and quiet.

Last night, the second of my three house-mates returned [I hadn’t met her before].  So far we get on and she seems lovely; however, I stayed up until 2am writing and was woken by the sound of the hairdryer in the room next door… at 7:15am.

I swear she said she was going wash her hair last night… so I feel a little more… abruptly awoken than planned.  However, I’ve a cup of nettle tea from my thermos flask, I’ve Seth Lakeman playing and a candle burning.

Some mornings, that’s going to be the closest I can get; especially while my housemates wake earlier than me.

I’ll make the quiet in my soul and let it spread.

The Ask

Last night, in true Sunday fashion over at The Fluent Self, I wrote a Very Personal Ad for a smooth transition into this routine. Not so sure about the smoothness, but it got me out of bed and it’s now relatively peaceful.

Here’s what I want:

My morning routine is beautiful in my head. I’ve even written a blog post explaining how it is – what happens and how I feel in it. But I’ve never actually done it…

I’d like information and I’m asking for at least one full-run-through so that I can see what’s stopping me.

Ways this could work:

Both my housemates are waking between 7 and 7:30am tomorrow and then off to Uni by 8:30. That means the kitchen and bathroom will be in and out of use; I’ve asked them to wake me when they leave. I’ll have an hour to practice the ritual in a kind of slow “i don’t need to get up officially until 9:30am” way.

My commitment.

To be gentle with myself. To blog about it.
To get some tea.

I have tea, I’m taking it slowly and I’m posting this blog.
It’s all just practise, and there’s always tomorrow.

Emergence of Autumn (& Ritual)

10 Friday Sep 2010

Posted by Rose in Personal Notes, Poetic

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Autumn, druidry, Insights, seasons

Part i – Animation of Autumn & Spirit: sharing my excitement & musings on nature

Emergence
Autumn is a time of reflection for me. I tend to draw back a little while everyone else makes their new acquaintances and enjoy the solitary walks under the changing canopies. I begin to light candles and break out the long-sleeves.

With New Year in January and winter’s closure in February many people [pagans are no exception] feel the urge to “spring clean”. That is to clear the cobwebs, donate old items, re-arrange furniture and re-assess their goals.

For me, however, September brings this urge out. It’s going to get dark, I’m starting a new academic year and I’m packing winter clothes into a suitcase. Stepping to my bookcase, I take another sip of chai tea; the flavour of warmth and rejuvenation coursing through my taste buds. I’m moving back out; moving back to a place where my spiritual and communal cravings are satisfied.

And it’s this renewal of the earth that brings out in me the urge to research pagan courses.

Formality: Ritual & Training

As true to my usual routine, I’ve been looking over the curricula for the OBOD and AODA formal training.

I’ve so much I could say; about the elements of nwyfre, gwyar, and calas and what I find myself doodling in my spare time; speaking of the druidic pull I feel and then that distance over such book-driven courses. But I’ll leave it for another post.

I feel new to the craft with others, but I’ve experienced a wide-range of rites. I’ve been attending open Wiccan rituals; a Pagan moot and a Druid Grove. My first Beltain at University comprised of three rituals – one solitary, one druid and another Alexandrian Wiccan. I co-led a small “duet” esbat with a friend, played a male as ten of us danced the maypole and blessed a group circle with incense. The Druid Alban Hefin [Litha] Sabbat involved 120 of us in a circle while I took part with just three others to celebrate the Wiccan Modron.

This is my time of reflection and thus, for me, of renewal.

I’ve put out searches for local pagan groups and I’ve a new list of books on matters from eco-living to Taoist creation stories. I review my daily practise; something that tends to temper out come spring. I’m just so much more in tune with my experience of the Gods when it’s dark outside and I’m huddled up in a cosy fleece.

Perhaps it’s the candles.

November & Fear of the Dark

This autumn, this year in general, I’m focused on community. And just by synchronicity of that focus, my Irish friend is visiting me in November.

I’ve given my word that we can perform a rite together, which is both terrifying and exciting to me.

Despite being a solitary practitioner for over six years, I’ve only ever co-led one rite with another person present. It helped that he’d never done a ritual with another person, either – relieving pressure of expectations. And it was a wonderful experience. We admitted our fear of the dark [while in Stanmer Woods, alone] and had some interesting experiences – the presence of a tawny owl and possible fae abound.

My friend Ciaran is bringing his covener, Maera with him. We’ve spoken online and get on well. They already work together as members of the same coven, so I’m intrigued and excited by how they perform rites. However, as a less experienced Pagan; especially one whose rituals usually consist of meditation and writing in a circle; I feel a little out of my depth.

With the move back to Brighton and the shift in season, I feel that scholarly drive to expand my horizons and welcome autumn with my daily rites once more.

Ceremony

Slipping quietly down the stairs, I switch on the kettle and open the window to let in the cool morning air. This is how days should start.

And this is how I thank the Gods for the blessing of another day; tuning in to the world around me and that which lies within.

Animation of Autumn (& Spirit)

09 Thursday Sep 2010

Posted by Rose in Personal Notes, Poetic

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Autumn, druidry, Insights, seasons

Autumn is reaching out her arms to me; quivering in the shifting warmth as the cold slips quietly into our lives.

Animation & The Spirit

The excitement bubbles beneath the surface and I can barely contain the will to express. So I’ve got Lunasa blasting from my speakers; the violins can be heard from downstairs and it makes grin like Stephen Fry* – I can’t help but dance in my seat.

[*As in when he played the Cheshire Cat in the recent Alice in Wonderland movie]

Damn. One of my cats is complaining so I best turn it down a little. Maybe she should sleep downstairs.

Enthusiasm

With my family, you’re meant to smile politely and state that you’re looking forward to something. Dignified. And afterwards, you comment on how many wonderfully intellectual conversations you shared and how exquisite the food was.

Sheesh, up yourself much? This is all just my opinion, but it doesn’t sit well with me to force my joy into a little box and never show it in public. If I’m so happy I could dance in the street, I damn well WILL dance.

When I explained that I wanted to stay in Brighton next Summer to do something that inspired me, I had to add a disclaimer.

I know that once I’m out of University i’ll need to join “the real world” and get a job. I’ll need to act mature and “normal” and do all I can to fit in with others expectations. And I take that seriously.

It’s purely because of that; because this could be my last chance to experience before I’m tethered to a mortgage, job and children that I’m so determined to go to this camp.

It didn’t help that my grandparents don’t know what Buddhism is and get vague images of the 1970’s hippie scene* when I mentioned it.

[* Again, nothing wrong with this except that my family tend to judge and wouldn’t want me sitting in a tent praying to the flowers. Well, tough.]

In Flow

When 2010 began, I spoke about how everyone seemed to be in the zone of making the most of life. In March, I found myself carried on this current of flow. Now, I can feel the tide pulling me into the next swirl; and I’m anxious to go.

I’ve put a heavy emphasis on human connection and community for the next four months, though I’ll be taking time to myself with my books, writing, shivanata and some healthy food.

I’m attending three gigs, meeting a friend at the beach, shopping and making dinner with another, celebrating five birthdays, society meetings, another friend is visiting from Ireland [who I met up with last year when I went there], Pagan Sabbats, volunteering and then classes.

Then, for next year we’ve already got a few plans in motion… a karaoke night, the Buddhist camp, yoga, Pagan Sabbats, volunteering, classes, societies & whatever other plans come to fruition. I’m excited for the opportunities; bubbling over with the suspense of another journey around the sun.

Spirituality

This morning I read Ali’s posts about her peace retreat in Ireland; and one phrase she used in this post spoke to me:

“I sat to pray, and no words came, except the sacred silence, the intake of breath, the slow and gentle rearranging of my body to open and let in just a little more sky. What kind of prayer could I utter after this? When what I wanted most was only to keep moving, to keep shifting in this way, until every part of me was open, and the waters and the clouds and the mountains in their shining came rolling in.”

The very concept of “letting in a little more sky” moved me. Then I read on and interpreted her idea as “shifting until open; so water, sky and earth could move into me”. Apart from its apparent poetry, I felt a kind of… personal truth in her words. Except I’d have never thought to word it that way.

(For those who don’t know, Ali writes the most amazingly articulate posts about all sorts of topics, though they seem to focus on spirituality, nature, poetry and peace. With my own love of language, reading her blog is like getting a fix of imagery and connection through words.)

This is what I’m excited for. I can feel my petals opening towards the sky and see the insects ready to reach in. I feel the breeze and prepare to take a big breath, to sigh out the scents of the flowers around me. For me, I connect with the air and ocean much easier than the Earth or Fire. If I had to choose one element, I’d go with water*. And yet, if I look closely, I feel alive in the forest, with the scents of herbs, with bare feet over grass and with my hands in the soil. And I have an inner fire everyone claims they feel emanating from me.

[*astrologically speaking, I’m one part Virgo/earth and two parts Scorpio/water]

I’m vaguely pyrophobic, so never explored the firey side of myself- yet even people who only know me online [even one woman who knows me only through three forum posts I made a comment:

“I could see that it matches something in you, your special, glowing fires, banked in serenity.”

But I’ve never connected with fire in the way I connect with the elements of air, water and earth. Though if I seek connections; I find them. My first [and still most often called upon] face of deity have been the fiery warriors; Scathach, Morrigan and Artemis/Diana. The animals I call upon for guidance are the birds of prey, the wolves and tigers; the bear, the turtle, the deer and the butterfly.

I have balance, yet still seek only four of the five elements in my words, my thought and my actions.

A Society Without Flame

I’m not sure I can even call it conditioning but the physical parts of our world barely mention fire. As Ali mentions in another post, our bodies forget the fire:

“I stood on the shore letting the sun and wind bathe the white stone in my palm, then bent to wash the stone in the waters of the lake. Breath, blood, bone — wind, water, stone”

We are warm-blooded beings who use fire to cook and to stay warm. Without it, we could survive- body heat, the skins of animals and a raw diet; but life wouldn’t have the tastes, textures and feel. Could we tell stories without that atmosphere or meditate without the steady flame? Would it truly satisfy us?

Where would we be without the passion of anger, love and a sense of justice? Without the encouraging words and hugs of friendship – would we function as a society without fire?

The typical picture of this world shows the sea, some land with trees and the sky. Fire is left out of our artwork as it has been left out of our physical bodies.

The closest I can think is in the autumnal colours. The leaves here will soon fade to rustic beige, rich brown and orange hue. The colours of flame will keep us warm as the temperature cools and winter approaches.

And I for one will light a candle to welcome her in.

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Your Host

Rose

artist, neuroscientist, writer & dreamer

2014 Goals

1 . De-clutter.
2 . Connect with Spirit.
3 . Get into Routine.
4 . Track Word Count and Read 26 Books.

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