Bali Blog will call you.....Come to me, you special writing...

This last week, I have fleshed out a wild hair, and no, I didn't need tweezers.

I used the week as a culture soak of a sort. Imagined myself immersed in the culture, environment and sites and experiences of being in Indonesia. Bali, specifically.

The place conjured up tropical vistas, luxurious weather, colorful clothing, different religious practices and foods!

Why not go and immerse myself on a Creative Learning Experience of my own choosing?

This week I watched hours of "Trekking the World- Discovering the Earth's Most Awe-Inspiring Places". A 6 CD disc collection from my library about fantasical REAL places that just oooooze spiritual goodness. I would HIGHLY recommend it.
Harry and I enjoyed it very much!

I went to 2 different cuisine restaurants that I've never tried!

Thai Food at "The Bankok" in Liverpool, with Lynn & Mike and the most decadent curry puffs, deep fried tofu, freshly delicate spring rolls, a big bowl of coconut curry with scallops (the broth was unbelievable at the end!) and banana pastries with coconut ice cream and Jasmine tea. Soooo delicious!

The other restaurant was "New Century" Vietnamese food on Kirkpatrick St. Syracuse. Went with a big bunch of foodies! Mike and Linda, Tim and Dani, Polar, Tom and Harry! A big group of interesting and fun friends who love to eat!
I learned much from them!
Most of us were there for the Pho Soup. A gigantic bowl of brothy deliciousness made with your choice of meat. You add the veggies, sauces and herbs that you like. At the end of the bowl, the broth that has marinated is just amazing!).

Also tried Vietnamese egg rolls and ginger chicken wings. One delightful find was Vietnamese Coffee. So thick, creamy and sweet. More like hot chocolate with a rocket fuel kick!

Oh MY. How DELICIOUS!!

I will be going back to both of these places again and again!

I found that I behaved in my "Bali" a bit more deliberate in my choice during the day. I thought about cooking in the morning for the evening, rather than coming home to it at night ravenous. When you cook with whole grains, it is more of plan ahead style that is helpful.

When I thought I wanted to read, I devoted myself totally to it or any other thing I wanted to do. I really tried to live IN THE MOMENT.

I learned a LOT about Buddhism and Hinduism as well as learned about Holy places and Sacred Temples from that area.

And about their Holy Men and Women

Very different, and yet fascinating.
Also, that these two religions do live peaceably together in certain parts of this big world.
That was comforting and encouraging to hear too...

Yes, I had my regular work to do. I'm also in the midst of several large projects for my business and home as well as at my different jobs.

No Matter! I'm trying to add some Zen Quality of NOW into my existence.

Went to Nirinjan Kaur's Kundalini Yoga Workshop and Chanting program and her music concert for afters last night as my Bali finale.

(Say that 5x fast. Bali Finale, Bali Finale, Bali Finale, Bali Finale, Bali Finale :)

It was very heart opening, enjoyable and totally different in Yoga training as well as music style. Think CHANTING. Think Chakras. Think of "OM" ......in a group for 2 hours.

It was fun to do it with my friend Christine too, who was also into it. Ok, and I admit, some of our Healthful Spiritual Outing had a Marguarita's name all over it :)

Here is one particularly enchanting meditation, to open and enliven the Kundalini energy. We did this mantra for about 10 minutes there.
Click these words to Check it out!
I found it to be totally addictive and it could've gone on longer for me.
Or maybe it did. I wasn't really aware of time....

As a musician, I also very much enjoyed this very different musical presentation, sitting cross legged in front of a microphone leading it. Very different. Very Spiritual.

This was the song that made me want to go see this group....Click here to listen.
We are all Spiritual.
We have to look upon all being as such.

Anyways, it was a week to enjoy my body, pampering myself, working thoughtfully, relaxing consciously with no guilt and enjoying life and my choices.

I hope your week was just as Grand!

This is as an idea was really interesting and I will try again in the future as a good experience to become aware of others' cultures.

A readiness to learn teaching experience of Art, Music, Food, Theology, Culture, Fashion and Environments!

Namaste. (which means "Salutations to you. I honor the Spirit with You.")

DIY~ Bali Retreat: Special Treat for Finale!

What could be more perfect to end my week of the "DIY~ Spiritual, Whole-y, SelfFILLness Bali Retreat" than with going to this event!

Kundalini Yoga Event and Concert Nov. 17th, 2013!

My friend and I just bought tickets to both the Workshop and the Concert, which coincidentally (? :) is the same day as my designated end to my wild hair idea for the Bali Staycation!

Coincidence?
I think NOT. :)

I first heard Nirinjan Kaur's music that came to me in a link from my Youtube channel. It was on the same page with Doreen Virtue's trip to Glastonbury. So, yah, I clicked on it. I guess the link came to magickally from something I signed up for on a Yoga binge :)

I LOVE this song. It is so meditative.

Give it a listen.

Nirinjan Kaur Singing "I Am" at Sat Nam Fest East 2013

Join Me? :)

$45. tickets. Get them now, or they'll be gone....

DIY~ Bali Retreat : Acquiring the materials

Hey Ho my friends and fellow virtual travelers!

Have you been thinking on the Bali Retreat Idea?

I have. I posted the elements yesterday that I wanted to include in my personal week's Quest.

So, now, I'm thinking on how to acquire them for little or no money. Remember, we can do this and draw it to ourselves, and make it happen if we really want it!

Here are some ideas that I've been amassing and implementing (shown in Parenthesis)

Juicing for breakfast  (have juicer, not afraid to use it! :)

Healthy meals eaten with focus (will feature more Whole Foods. "God Food" (if it grows...eat it... if not...don't)

Yoga (DVDs/Videos that I own or am ordering thru my Netflix or County Library card)

Nature walks (will make an effort to get to Beaver Lake and Baltimore Woods for a lovely fall walk during that week)

Listening to relaxing sounds (rounding up some Meditative music and Gregorian chant CDs. Also considering signing up for a Kundalini Yoga experience and concert on Nov. 17th. Have to get ticket yet!)

Playing music or drumming (easily done as a musician for me, but making some time for fun and not just practice)


Cleansing and pampering body techniques  (surfing online for home spa remedies)

Cleansing and pampering Spirit techniques  (Guided meditations, grounding and also going to watch some favorite movies, such as "Eat, Pray, Love" and "South Pacific" to get me in the Bali Mood!)

Swimming in turquoise water  (my work out of the blue offered its employees a "free week" at the YMCA coupon! I'm saving it for the week of Nov. 10-17 and will be able to go swimming! Also a 9am yoga class on that Saturday. I will stop in before the week noted and find out what all they offer!)

Sunshine (I already have a tanning membership. I need sunshine or else I suffer from SAD -Seasonal Affective Disorder. This week, I will up my dose a bit to go to the Tropics and imagine myself lying on the beach!)

Dancing- Yoga Body Movement (have some DVDs but I am going to make a selection and put it on my Spotify and dance at home daily that week for a bit!)

Fiiiiyaaaah  (an evening bonfire for a bit each nite in my firepit!)

Reading books and/or watching/listening to Positive Empowering lectures(have ordered MANY from the library and on Netflix)

Meditation (planning on starting my morning every day with this first thing for 10 minutes)

Disconnect from media (easier said than done, granted, but am getting my work email and only posting these blogs and will get right OFF when done)

Connecting more deeply to Inner Spirit/Intuition

Prayer

Vision board and Journaling/ Creative Expression

Hydrate (will increase my water intake)

Cool clothes/wraps/different fashion(taking more care about what I wear, and if I haven't worn something in awhile, I'm going to wear stuff I don't normally wear and feature fun stuff! Especially bright colors of the Tropics this week! Hot pinks! Turquoise! Yellow!)

A glass of good red wine savored.(ONE, Merlyn. ONE.)

Herbal Supplements 
For myself, I need more B vitamin (who doesn't?) I am also low on D. Natural green if possible.

Adventure- go someplace new. I'm thinking of the Art Museum to see some new exhibits.

and

REST/Good Sleep (bedtime of 10pm after a hot bath nightly) And naps if I can get them!

Just wanted to give you some ideas on how to implement!

How is your list coming along? Found some ingenious ways to add some tropical rest to your upcoming Retreat week?

DIY~ Bali Retreat Elements

Hey ho!

Been busy and need some downtime?  Me too. Time to refuel.

So, as in my last blog here, I put forth the idea of a "Do It Yourself Bali Spiritual Virtual Retreat."
Which basically is me (or you) imagining self in Bali at a Holistic Spiritual retreat and taking some of those elements and making it happen.


SIGH



Bali!

I am aiming for the target date of Nov.10 -17 that I can set aside for myself to disconnect and plug in. Granted, I still have to go to work, but my Intention is for it to be:
 a stay at home, turn within, pamper self, learning, empowering, fit growing time.
For ME.

For you, at your own place if you like. I'm supplying ideas here on what I'm doing on this my next fun wild hair!

SO,

my next step was to envision what things I would want to focus on, in order to do something like this "Staycation" at home.

If I were to go to Bali on a Holistic Spiritual Retreat, I imagine that I would experience:

Juicing for breakfast
Healthy meals eaten with focus
Yoga
Nature walks
Listening to relaxing sounds
Playing music or drumming
Cleansing and pampering body techniques
Cleansing and pampering Spirit techniques 
Swimming in turquoise water
Sunshine
Dancing- Yoga Body Movement
Fiiiiyaaaah
Reading books and/or watching/listening to Positive Empowering lectures
Meditation
Disconnect from media 
Prayer
Vision board and Journaling/ Creative Expression
Hydrate
Cool clothes/wraps/different fashion
A glass of good red wine savored.
Herbal Supplements (in whatever way is necessary for you) 
For myself, I need more B vitamin (who doesn't?) I am also low on D, and I would also have some natural green. I mean, afterall, I'm in BALI.  It too is medicinal for me. 
Adventure- go someplace new
and
REST/Good Sleep.


Yah, so those are my Must Haves on my list!

Now the next step is to figure out how to get all those awesome things on my Wish List, while planted here in CNY during the oncoming winter season.

I am working on these ideas, and coming up with some awesome ideas!

Will share more next time!

How are you coming on your list? :)

Leave me a comment and let me know!

In the meantime......

A friend sent me this wee meditation.

Soak in this picture right NOW:

"Warm breezes fingering their way threw your hair. Hearing in the winds a soft melodious voice singing so, so soft and lifting - calling, calling us to enter in this harmonious joining of earth, sun, water, and sky-basking in its beauty. Salty air from the ocean wafting into the nostrils and helping us to breath in more deeply then ever before and slowly letting it out... tasting the salt in the mouth ever-so-slightly. Coconut tree's dancing, swaying with hot sand beneath your feet, until you walk into the water, and lay down at the waters edge letting the sand embrace you... and the water lap over you in gentle waves. While watching the water birds fly above and swoop down swiftly into the ocean getting their fish. Clouds drifting languorously, sleepy, like a dream that envelopes you gently and gives a gentle kiss to let you know no harm will be done. Being in the sweet harmony of nature, love, and light."

DIY Bali Retreat~

Ok, so I saw a website from a Healer that is offering a week of Healthful, Spiritual Retreats to Bali.

Think on that.  A WEEK in BALI.
Yoga, sunshine, turquoise waters, nature walks, healthful food, lectures, meditation, reading books and naps in the shade.

Yah, I would so love that. I think you would too? But Bali has to wait a bit longer for me at this point, yet there's no reason why we can't make this a bit of a reality!

I'm offering to you, at no cost, (just some of your own time invested in yourself in your own life) a

"Do It Yourself Whole-Y SelfFILLness Spiritual Healthy Retreat!"

We may not be able to actually board a plane for Bali, 

yet we can BLOOM WHERE WE ARE PLANTED!

I have picked a target week.  

Sunday November 10 through Sunday November 17, 2013

It's before the busy holidays for us to Ground and Center ourselves. 

It is the Changing of the Seasons. Always a good time for detox and taking some time to adjust.

Yes, I still have to work. I am trying to plan it ANYWAYS.

I will take you on this Journey Quest with me, if you want to read about it...

or you can actually pack your Spiritual bags, do the exercises as I do and go on your own Journey!

So to catch you up to date, I will let you know what I'm doing now to prep myself for it.

You can jump in anytime and join me (and anyone else who wants the adventure)

Exercise #1

Clear your plate.

The time is now, to start removing obstacles and clearing that week of anything but the absolute necessity. If you have to work, do so! I do too. How'ere, there's a lot of shite that I don't "have" to do, but end up doing. I'm using my time now till the November 10th date to get stuff done. Like clean my house, do the yard work, not schedule appointments for my target date and only commit to what is a "must do".

Exercise #2

Dream.

Imagine what a lovely Spiritual Healthy Retreat in Bali might mean to you, personally. Think of the elements that would: Inspire, Heal, Relax and Energize You. 

Make a List of all the things-whatever they are-and write them down. 

I will share my list with you tomorrow. 

Please feel free to share your list here as well.

In the meantime, I leave you with this song to get you started!

click this link to hear the song, "Bali Hai" from South Pacific! 

Z is for Zephyr

Zephyr is:  a light or west wind ...and from Mythology: Zephyrus ~ God of the west wind

As I approach the end of this blogging project (a full year of writing weekly alphabetical posts for the Pagan Blog Project) I used this opportunity to write about things I knew and got out a lot of information to others.
I also used this time to learn about words I did not know about and pass on what I found as well. I have learned much!

Maybe you've read my stuff...maybe this is a first time for you. No matter. I'm glad you are here.

Zephyr is a word that I don't think I've ever said, much less used in my psyche.

Here is what I found out about this new word to me (link research on the end):

"Zephyr was the gentle wind of the west and the interceder between the World of the living and the Underworld. Zephyr was the fresh wind who brought the spring rains that were so valuable for awakening the nature."

"Zephyr was the son of Astraeus and Eos, the goddess of the dawn and he was the father of the spring flowers. His mate was Podarge and together they created the two immortal horses of Achilles, Xanthus and Balius"

"Zephyrus was the wind that guided Aphrodite to the sea of Paphos when she was born and the only wind Odysseus allowed helping him find his way to Ithaca."

"On the British Isles, it was noticed the Western wind brought "small fine rain" in the spring. Hence, one of the magickal traditions from that island attached the essence or element of water to the direction of West.

"The West represents the essence of water, and is the direction of healing. It is the place where the sun sets."

"What does the West Wind symbolize in the famous writing, "Ode to The West Wind?

Answer:

IN The West Wind ,the west wind symbolizes the rejuvenating force of the universe ,at the same time it is the emblem of the eternal dichotomy of creation & destruction that is innate in the continuity of existence.It is the omnipresent force that acts as a "destroyer" to do away the contamination while preserving the dormant potentiality to usher in a rejuvenating future for the whole world-both elemental and human."

Just recently...as in 2 days ago...
at Yule 12/21/12 some folks around the globe were concerned about the "Mayan Prophecy" about the End of the World.
Some of us had "end of the world" parties mingled in with our Yule celebrations.

Ok, Merlyn....What does this all have to do with Zephyr?

Well, there's nothing like a little doomsday prophecy...
or bad news about a person's health...
or the upcoming New Year to blow in.....
to make folks THINK and PONDER about their lives.

It comes to us like a Zephyr. A warm wind. To shiver us and warm us to living, to heal us from our faults, to give us the wafting breeze of OTHER THINGS that are more important. To remember that our sun WILL SET someday. Maybe today. Maybe not today.

We need to live our lives on the Zephyr wind.

Live each day as your last.
Be grateful.
If you have something to say, say it.
If you have good things to do, do them.
If you want to go somewhere, go there.

Why wait?

The Zephyr breeze is a gentle thing, that stirs the soul. We know what it is that we must do.
The Zephyr breeze from the west wind, reminds us that it is time. Time to do, time to change, time to heal.
It cleanses us and the wind whips away the contamination of our hearts and leaves us with a warm feeling in our hearts and souls.

Indeed, Zephyr is a grand rarely used word!

And one that I shall now use more often and with clarity.

Take time today, before the holidays, to ground and let the Zephyr winds put you on the right path with the wind at your back to go into this next new year!

                                 "Zephyr" by Danielle Cavanaugh
***************************************************************************

More research can be found hither:
http://www.greek-gods.info/ancient-greek-gods/anemoi/zephyr/

http://www.jesterbear.com/Wicca/FourEssences.html

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_does_the_West_Wind_symbolize_in_Ode_to_The_West_Wind

Q is for Quartz: Merlyn's Magick Crystals!

Quartz crystals have long been revered as magickal items.
It is considered to be the "Universal Crystal".
It is a mineral rock formation that is present and abundant on earth.
Quartz is natural silicone and sometimes spoken of as the "Ice of the Gods".

There are many different kinds of naturally forming rock crystals. Generally, they are clear and translucent. But some, like Jasper are opaque.

I usually put out a pile of crystals when I give my card readings. They help to give me clarity, dispel negative energy and support me in the readings that I share.

Generally, I feel compelled to pick up one or more certain crystals when I am working with someone on their reading, or I pick up a stone/gem before or after in the interim between readings. They calm me and help to focus my energy.

I have taken a few pictures of my favorite Quartz (many varieties below) and the pictures are ok, but really don't do them justice on how they feel or the clarity of their color...
but here you go....

These are some of the ones I use most:

Citrine
I use this stone A LOT. It really helps me to feel instantly better. I chose this particular Citrine by the "feel" of it. It sent tingles through my entire hand and emanated up my forearm. That was definately the one for me!
Citrine helps to dispel negative feelings and aids in digestion problems. It is also said that it "gives joy and love to the owner."
It is said to remove fear and to prevent nightmares.
It is a guardian of sorts. I would agree.
This stone makes me feel "happier" when I hold it. :)

Rose Quartz
Called the "Love Stone."
I received my first Rose Quartz (the small tumbled smooth one in the picture) at my Renewal of Vows to my husband, Harry, on our first year married, by the officiator of the ceremony.
This stone gives a feeling of well being, and yes, even self worth.
It is a good stone to give anyone, especially those that are young, those in love,  or even those who are in need of some self esteem enhancement.
The bigger one here is a favorite to hold. It feels so GOOD.

Amethyst
This is a Power stone.
Originally it was called on to "protect the wearer from drunkeness."
Indeed, it's name means "Without drunkeness" and is used to protect against poison.
I once gave this beautiful stone to a friend of mine who was having problems with his own heavy drinking. He carried it as a "worry stone" in his pocket and seemed to help him get his act together.
Ancinet Egyptians used this stone to ward against fearful or guilty feelings. Indeed, it is a stone that can help you relax and promotes rest. Put it under your pillow for sweet, restful sleep. When gently rubbed against your forehead, it can help to eliminate headaches.
This is a most beauteous stone, and the picture does not do it justice. Plus there is a sweet natural carving on this stone that fits my thumb to rub back and forth in a soothing manner. It was made for me, it seems.

Smoky Quartz
This is a Grounding stone. When Harry and I had our first official "date", we wound up at an Alternative bookstore. We ended up buying some stones on a whim. It was prophetic.
We both bought smoky quartz for ourselves as a gift to each other, without at the time realizing their importance or their significance.
Smoky Quartz is a stone of Endurance, Personal Pride, and Creativity in Business. It is also connected with the "sounds of the Universe."
Not a bad gem rookie choice for "two musicians in love who wanted to be a force for good and for a business partnership as well." :)

Jasper (in particular, Picture Jasper)
 This is a stone of the Earth, even so far as depicting the earth in it's designs. A most beautiful stone, with many varieties and markings. It is a stone that helps you commune with nature and it's beauty and to be one with the Earth. It is also for Creativity, Cleansing and for the Immune system.
This is a beautiful piece. So beautiful that I had an jeweler friend of mine make it into a necklace.
It reminds me of a fanciful landscape with rocks and trees and ...fairies.

Adventurine
A stone for LUCK.
Green Adventurine is known for being a bringer of Luck!
Blue Adventurine is for a positive mental outlook and for self discipline.
Both make me feel quite good when I hold them. Both stones are said to stabilize emotions.
A good stone to give teenagers and menopausal women :)

Geodes
I have several Geodes and basically, I love them as I feel they "give off beauty."
Indeed they are thought to be "Radiators".
These stones remind me that "You can't judge a book by its cover."
On the outside, they look just like plain old ugly rocks....

 But on the inside they are brimming with a delicate, cut glass beauty, not revealed until opened.

I like to be reminded of this when giving readings.
Sometimes the person you are helping to counsel, is like a geode.
Beautiful deep within, unreleased....but with a crusty, hard plain shell on the outside.
It is a defense mechanism to protect.
It is my duty to remind them to SHINE.
These stones are also used to promote fertility and to attract LOVE.

Then of course, there are the Quartz crystals that we all know and love....

This big one has an interesting groove in it that also fits my index finger and when I hold it, it gives me tingles and calms me immediately.

This one is a sweet "pocket sized" crystal with a wee baby crystal on its base.

Well, I hope that this helps you!

Here is a pic of some of my beautiful stones mentioned above:

Here are some fun links for you to do your own "digging" :)


http://www.shimmerlings.com/gemstones/quartz.htm

http://www.kacha-stones.com/quartz_crystals_properties.htm

http://mairingrauld.webs.com/stonesandmetals.htm