Thunder Mountain offered our products, the Transcendence CD, Fudoza Meditation Benches and mini bodywork sessions as well as a mini Spiritual Cartography Reading.  Interestingly, it seems that at these expos, on one day I will  have a full day of bodywork and on the next it will be a full day of readings.  Keeping with tradition, on Saturday I had a full day of readings which prompted me to post this blog.

THE CAVEATE
First I should state that even though I work in Sedona, I am not OF Sedona.  There is a predominance of what is referred to as “woo-woo” in and out of the Sedona area and I really attempt to separate myself from that perception and energy.  Since I have been doing this type and level of work for over 28 years, long before I ever came to Sedona (since I was 8 yrs old), my readings and my work have a pragmatic base while still maintaining the integrity of the energetic information.  So read on, if you dare

SPIRITUAL CARTOGRAPHY
The overwhelming energy / movement of the world today is one of change and transition.  Thus, I created the Spiritual Cartography session.  In a nutshell, the reading takes into account the predominant energetic signature that surrounds the person in that moment and then explores where their energy is moving.  This may be an emphasis that they are focusing on or some other expenditure of some sort.  At the same time, I become aware of the overwhelming influences that are shaping their current situation and, through dialogue, discuss how best the client can approach these issues.

Usually, there are elements or subconscious energies that we are feeding or moving towards that we are not aware of.  A typical example is when a client asks whether they should  do something, as if they haven’t made up their mind about it and yet the unspoken, unrealized energetic information is that they have ALREADY made the decision.  Inevitably when I sense this and point it out, the client immediately receives clarity on it.

Once all the information is out on the table, we will address the client’s goals (spoken or unspoken) and where the energy is moving to in the future.  At this point I usually ask the client if they have any questions or need clarification on any point.    Most questions are addressed during the session itself.

TRANSITION / TRANSFORMATION
True transition or transformation comes upon you like a thief in the night.  It is gradual and wraps itself around you like a gossamer thread.  Typically, unless one has started on a path with intention, this shift occurs imperceptibly, behind the scenes of typical mile-a-minute lives.  As our sense of time progresses so too does the shift grow and adapt to our circumstances, movements and habits, until one day we wake up and find that something glorious has occurred and we are now transformed.

The emphasis that I found in Pahrump, NV on my Spiritual Cartography readings is only a small ripple in the larger ocean of our desire to know what is to come, how we are to get there and what we do once we arrive.  A shift is occuring and just like the beating of the butterfly’s wings, it started long ago and is just now being felt everywhere.  Pay attention to the almost imperceptible promptings in your life and listen with the innocence of a child and you too will know what is to come and be prepared for the unexpected.

One of the key aspects of each expo is the list of nationally recognized speakers who teach classes all day, both days.  For only the price of admission, attendees can get amazing information from experts in their fields – what a bargain!.  I was fortunate to be asked to present this year on Somatic Consciousness: Exploring The Language of The Universe and felt very lucky, there was standing room only for my talk

The people at the conference were warm, wonderful and very helpful and seemed extremely eager and open.  We can’t wait to go back.

The energy of the area was very nice and reminded me of the foothills of the Sierra Nevada’s where I grew up.  If you are ever in the Colorado area, make sure that you check out Durango.  And be on the lookout for next years WholeExpos in Santa Fe and Durango, we’ll see you there!

Well, the images that came to mind were hilarious to say the least.  Loinclothed yogis entering into the arena for pose offs akin to the break dance battles that were popular in the 80’s, mantra matches, partner yoga that would make the most ardent Twister enthusiasts jealous…and the list goes on.

It’s interesting to me that yoga would even be considered.  The true path of yoga is one of union, to ‘yoke’ or join the mind, the body and the spirit.  In fact, at its highest manifestation yoga is a spiritual endeavor.  The primary function of the physical postures is to prepare the body as a whole for the increased energy that comes from such a spiritual practice.

In essence, yoga is the farthest you can get from a competitive sport.  The true nature of yoga is one of solitary unification with and understanding of your mind, body and spirit.  You cannot work on one component of this triune model without affecting the others (we are not as compartmentalized as Western society would have us think).

So, how then, does yoga fit into an Olympic scenario?  A competition consists of one or more competitors moving to the floor and performing a timed routine that consists of strength and balance poses.  The competitors are judged on several criteria and the score are compared.  The key term here is “compared.”  One competitor when interviewed by the Washington Post stated, “I guess what you can say is the competition gives you a way to see where you are in your practice compared to other people.”  Again, true yoga is not about comparison or competition, these two dynamics breed ego, the natural antithesis to liberation brought on by a solid yoga practice.

I personally can’t see yoga having a place in a competitive arena but by the same token I have to say that anything is possible and the strength of this practice is in its influence on our whole environment.  Perhaps, if yoga is allowed to become an Olympic sport, the soft, calming influence of its energy will bring about a profound shift and example of the true embodiment of “Spirit” of Sportsmanship.

For those who would like to listen to the full NPR report check out:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=91975547

Also, the Washington Post Online had a similar article where they had a question and answer session with a competitive yogi.  For your review:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/24/AR2008012402134.html

It was an extremely illuminating experience.  We (the would be authors) were able to spend time in beautiful surroundings, get feedback on projects and meet with other authors.  Add great food, awesome workshops and a good time was had by all.

With all this, there is one experience that sticks out in my mind each time I think about the weekend.

At the end of the conference I was saying good-bye to a gentleman who had come to receive feedback on his book.  The majority of the agents and editors in attendance didn’t feel that the book was unique enough for the market place.  This in and of itself wasn’t that shocking since most of us had heard similar constructive and not so constructive criticisms of our works.  What was striking to me was how deflated he seemed to be by the news.

Don’t get me wrong I understand that we authors have to have a certain amount of thickness to our creative skins in order to survive.  What this episode did for me was put into perspective two diametrically opposed views of the same profession.

This conference showed me time and time again that editors and agents are hungry to put out a good product, find that new voice or discover the next great literary genius.  However, they are also very business oriented, so much so that some seemed to border on cynical.  Two comments I heard that capture this spirit were, “we (the agents) are just waiting for the writer to let us down” or “what I hate to see most is a good idea wasted on a bad writer.”

To be fair I also heard the same agents saying, “write your passion,” “write from your heart” and “tell us your story.”  So the question is, in the end do the passion and the business ends of this profession mix?

You could spend your entire life studying a subject that contains a great message, can impact the world in a positive way and will benefit many people but, according to those professionals in attendance at the conference, if you don’t have the right connections, enough publicity behind you or your book published so that you can submit to local news stations, your chances for success are limited.

To me, the lowly, self-proclaimed writer, this seems way too cut and dry.

INTENTION & ENERGY
In my business, one that I have been a part of my entire life, intention and energy are everything.  What’s amazing about intention and energy is you don’t have to believe for the concepts behind them to work.  So, to all the would-be authors, writers, agents and editors out there…keep the faith.

KEEP WRITING
Authors keep writing.  It’s all about feeding what it is that you love.  The more you research and absorb yourself in the project, the more energy you put toward that ultimate goal.  If publishing is a passion that you just can’t see yourself living without, then keep moving forward one step at a time, regardless of what ANYONE says to you.  Know that you are becoming the expert in that field.  Talk about your passion to everyone you meet.  Remember, passion is infectious.  Pass it around!

BELIEVE
Believe in yourself even when no one else does.  This is probably the most important aspect of success.  There will come a time when you have to walk the path towards success alone and unsure of yourself.  These moments (hopefully few) will define you and your work.  They will temper your resolve and show you a side of yourself you can’t easily see when others are always there for you.

REMEMBER THE JOURNEY
It can be helpful to keep in mind that this entire experience is part of the larger journey called Life.  The most successful individuals are the ones who remember that life is full of ups and downs and that ‘even this too shall pass’.

If you truly are passionate about anything then it will become you and you it.  When this happens those around you will notice and eventually, down the road, others will see and want to know more…that, my friends, is when the fun begins and the book deals roll in.

Be well.