Friends, let us know if you like Shaun’s latest Earth Angels, S & S x
‘Earth Angels – Rose, Tutu and Grace’. Oils on canvas. 750mm x 1500mm. Artist: Shaun McCabe
Shaun McCabe with Earth Angels. Oils on canvas.
‘Earth Angel – Rose’. Oils on canvas. Artist: Shaun McCabe
All of us have been faced with the issue of whether or not to forgive someone, or perhaps have been in the situation where being forgiven was the issue, but what does this really mean? What are the implications of forgiving or otherwise?
To be human is to be in relationship – relationship with family, friends, lovers, work colleagues and society in general. In all relationship comes expectation; expectation that you will be fairly treated, respected, loved or a plethora of other expectations. We believe that when these expectations are met, harmony will endure.
Yet these expectations are all based on our own unique understanding of what we expect to receive from the relationship; deliberately or not we then judge the other in the relationship as to whether or not they have lived up to one’s expectations. Failure to meet these expectations on the other’s behalf brings with it rejection based on one’s expectations not being met; we use words like hurt, anger, surprise, disappointment and bewilderment to describe our disappointment, then perhaps we annul the relationship based on the other’s acts and actions, in other words Not Forgive.
But why take this stance? Is it reasonable to suggest that the ego is in play? I am hurt, I have been dishonoured, you have cheated on me by sleeping with another. These and other statements are driven by the ego. The thought of self creates the impression that the self is hurt. (But is it really?) Consider that the actions of the other were most likely brought about by their ego, their selfish interests, with little or no concern for the impact on you. But why should they? Why should they consider you, who said they have to consider others? Think for a little while. Have you always acted in full consideration of others? (I think not.) Let us assume that at some point you have made a mistake that warrants forgiveness from another, would you not be grateful for that person’s forgiveness? Please consider.
As the Author of this paper, I reveal that I have worked in a professional vocation for the last decade with thousands of clients all in different states of confusion, hurt and pain, even despair and depression largely based on the actions of others; or to put it another way were not forgiving others and were duly suffering the consequences of their non-forgiveness. What I have begun to recognize with most, if not all of these clients, is their lack of ownership in their part of the scenario that brought on the situation, but also the ongoing dilemma that they were contributing to by their stubbornness to not move on to forgiveness. Further to that, time and time again as the sessions progressed, the clients revealed all sorts of instances and actions they have taken with others or how they have impacted on others, without a single thought of the harm (be it psychological or otherwise) to others; in fact they justify their actions with a righteousness almost biblical in intensity.
Question: If I can find a justification for all of my actions, words and deeds that have impacted on others, why can I not justify (forgive) the actions, words, deeds of others that have impacted on me?
Forgiveness is a choice. Please consider there is no one reason more valid than another to forgive or not forgive someone. There is no reason to forgive. Perhaps the action of Forgiveness is in itself nothing but an illusion, an act of the ego, in the same way we chose to have our ego hurt to begin with.
For those struggling with this concept of the illusion of self or ego, let me ask you to perform a small, easy task. Please point out to me where the ego is situated on your body and where your thoughts emanate from (then send me an accurate diagram). Lol 🙂
If we consider that forgiveness or non-forgiveness are both acts of ego, which is based on thought and mind and lives only as feelings derived from the past (which only exists as memory, which at best could be unreliable), we can consider the folly of being held to ransom by the feelings and health issues related to not forgiving when compared to the results, benefits or measurements of forgiveness.
When one is unforgiving the emotional damage accumulates from Anger (which affects the liver), Procrastination, which is fear (affects the kidney and gall bladder), Stress; it lowers our vibrational energy, which in turn allows disease to take hold, and on to depression, OCD and possible cancer, not to mention all the negative measurements of a dysfunctional personality and its relationship to others.
May I put forward what I consider a powerful personal observation?
Lack of forgiveness creates an attachment to the situation. In Buddhist principles (which I completely agree with) we are taught that any attachment brings with it sorrow. The attachment to another person’s acts will bring sorrow, but further to that the emotion or action committed towards you, adheres itself to your personality, in the same way that wet paint stains your hand if you touch it. If someone has acted violently towards you, it creates violence within you; if someone has judged you unfairly you become suspicious and judge others unfairly; if someone is disloyal to you it breeds lack of loyalty; if someone has cheated you, you become dishonest in your actions; and so on it goes. Whatever you hold onto in the act of non-forgiveness will adhere itself to you like a fungus or cancer and recreate itself in your personality, ultimately destroying your life.
Now that’s a powerful reason to forgive!
End Note:
Over the years I have developed a powerful meditation, where I take the client into a situation where forgiveness is given to those in our life. Interestingly the final result in this meditation is the same for everyone, provided they stick with the meditation to completion (which may take numerous attempts).
To assist the healing I use two powerful oil blends, “Release” and “Forgiveness”. You can obtain these oils via The Reiki Garden.
If you want to purchase these oils via The Reiki Garden Oils Club please contact us either by phone or email and we can organize it for you. As a measurement of my commitment to our club members, once you have your oils please get in touch and I will coach you through my meditation free of charge for your initial session. This offer is valid until the end of April 2014.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Remember to forgive (it’s good for you).
Love Shaun
If you’re ready and willing to make some positive changes in your life, I encourage you to take 5 minutes for yourself now, and listen to Dr. Wayne Dyer. This may be new to you; or you may ‘know it already’ yet forget to put your knowing into practice. Either way, listen and learn now – and if there are others you care about in your life, who you know would benefit from hearing this truth, please pass this on.
Remember what Les Brown says: “Help others achieve their dreams and you’ll achieve yours.”
Much love to you and yours, S x
If your resolve is flagging, or you feel your intention wavering, the following may help. Written by one of today’s few living true spiritual teachers, Paramahamsa Prajnanananda, this New Year’s message hits the mark succinctly. Definitely worth a minute of your day right now, S x
| Loving and Divine Souls,God bless you all.
Year after year, we celebrate these holy days and we wait for them to arrive. We remember our near and dear ones, wish them all the best, and expect the same from them. We make many resolutions for the New Year and dream to achieve a lot. But if we look back, what has happened? It is an annual drama. We repeatedly go back to the old life with a little or no change. Who is responsible for this? If we analyze carefully, our own weakness of mind and slack efforts cause us to miss opportunities. Time and tide do not wait for anyone. Time passes so fast. If we really want success, we should be careful and cautious during every moment and every breath and every step of our lives. Planning our lives and using sincere effort, regular prayer and meditation, self-analysis, and determination in spite of occasional failure, we can without a doubt thrive and achieve success. Procrastination, laziness, and irregular effort will not lead us to reach the desired goal of life. We know our weaknesses and strengths. We must stand up and progress on the path without delay. Who knows what is going to happen tomorrow? Wise people say that if something is a good thing to do, do it now; if it is not a good thing, keep it for tomorrow. These holy days are a time for prayer and contemplation. I am praying for each one of you not to waste time and to be tactful in daily life so that each day will be productive. Please meditate nicely. Pray regularly. Study and contemplate carefully. Do your duty and do not procrastinate. Wishing you a happy, spiritual, and successful new year in every aspect. My love and prayers are for you forever and ever. Let the blessings of God, Jesus, and the masters always be with you. With Love, |
HAPPY NEW YEAR.
Let’s take a look back over the past 12 months, at ‘the year that was’. How did you fare? On a scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high), how would you rate your personal experience of 2013? Would you give it a 9.5 or a 6 or perhaps a 2 (and how does that feel)?
Right now is the perfect time for reflection – to evaluate our score. So ask yourself: on the scoreboard of My Personal Values (what’s important to me in life) and Morals (ie what is right), how well did I (really) do? How many ticks or gold stars can I award myself? And, if I’m truthful with myself, how many crosses or zeros did I collect? Knowing the end result of the Game of Twenty-Thirteen, how could I have done things differently? Could I have chosen thoughts, actions, behaviours that were other than those put into play – and what would that have looked like?
We’ve all heard the maxim, “Do what you did, get what you got.” Yet too often, when pitted against our desire for change, we (choose to) allow our habitual patterns to win the day – and we end up losing the game.
But think about it. In your recreational gaming – PlayStation, chess, WOW, Civilization, Skyrim and Monopoly come to mind but feel free to insert the game or sport you’re familiar with – you can grasp this concept easily (intellectually at least). You employ various tactics or strategies in your game-play, and depending upon your choices – combined with the might of your allies as well as the strength of your opposition – the final result is determined. And if we’re unhappy with the result, we change tactics when we next play. Simple, right? (Of course, we may refuse the invitation to play again.)
The game may last anywhere from a few minutes (the life-span of my average chess game before I’m check-mated) to a saga over many months (the epic ‘big game’ that has the big kids in your life engrossed for hours on end); however, the end result is undeniably clear. Let’s not get caught up by the distraction of now philosophising the principles of living in a society where we have ‘winners’ and ‘losers’. Let’s not do that (for those whose minds were straying in that direction).
Let’s stick to: looking at what we did, seeing what we got, looking within to see if we’re happy with that outcome, and if not – to take clear action, employ different strategies and tactics, and set sail for 2014, plotting the course for a new destination.
However, grasping a concept intellectually is not the same as putting it into practice, right?
And stop for a moment.
What if you’ve already made countless New Year’s Resolutions over the years, started out with the right intention to make some changes – yet, in your eyes, ultimately ‘failed’ by year’s end? That is, you chose to allow your habitual patterns to win the day – which meant you did not (win the day, that is). If so, you may now feel justified in your reluctance or downright refusal to embrace yet another New Year with the same gusto as previous games. Is that why our hospital emergency departments expect at least a 25 per cent rise in patients due to alcohol abuse on New Year’s Eve? Worth considering, isn’t it.
So if we go back to our understanding of “Do what you did, get what you got,” where does that leave us? Where does it leave you? What if you don’t understand which changes are critical to do more than just survive in Life (ie you have a ‘block’)? Or maybe you do understand; but find it impossible to implement the changes you know are necessary (again, you have a block).
A dear mentor of mine (some of you know him) will often remind me: “You don’t know what you don’t know.” Think about it.
More than a decade ago I attended a series of seminars by Landmark Education. It seems that poor old Landmark has its fair share of detractors and has been labelled ‘controversial’ – even, hilariously, a ‘cult’. Funny how some of us react when we get confronted and have our buttons pushed, isn’t it? Regardless, my experience of Landmark was one that contributed greatly to my personal growth and raised my awareness of the ‘stories’ we tell ourselves and others; and the lens through which I viewed my life, hence the attribution.
And so it came to pass in recent days, when pondering my intention for 2014 and using technology learnt from those Landmark seminars, that – with help – I uncovered, acknowledged and had a huge breakthrough with one of my own blocks (yes, I’m a slow learner). It’s funny. It’s so easy to see when others have faulty ‘programming’ running their lives (by faulty, meaning that it has them survive but not thrive in this Game of Life); yet we can be so blind to our own. I’ll give you a tip: often it’s that very trait in others that we particularly dislike and see ourselves as being ‘above’ or ‘better’ (‘than that kind of behaviour’). I got the concept years ago, but only really ‘got it’ experientially last month. It turns out that when others exhibit the personality trait we dislike so much, we’re simply holding up a mirror to ourselves.
Want me to share? Maybe later… Keep reading and I might just tell you.
Let me warn you though. When you get your ‘Aha moment’ and discover the deep-down dirty side of yourself, it’s not pretty – and it’s not a pleasant discovery to realise that you’ve been succumbing to your Shadow side in ways you never knew.
But the great thing is that once you’ve exposed it, it releases its hold over you, and you can then move forward in your life with a true understanding of who you are, and what stops you from becoming your greatest and highest potential as a being on this planet.
There are a number of ways you may choose to consider to help you uncover and break through your Major Block. You won’t be surprised to hear me say that this therapist http://thereikigarden.org/shaun/ is the one I would personally recommend, but you may have others come to mind. Choose who and what feels right for you. But JUST DO IT.
To help me understand the origins of my particularly spectacular block, the Universe presented me with Personality and Spirituality, http://personalityspirituality.net/articles/the-michael-teachings/chief-features/ – a blog written by psychologist Barry who-appears-to-have-no-surname. No matter, I encourage you to explore it and see if within its pages you come face-to-face with your own Shadow side.
If 2013 was a tough year for you – as indeed it was for many of our loved ones – just get back up again and dust yourself off. 2014 is a new game and you can choose to play differently this time around.
Did you ever play Tekken? I hear the kids are up to Version 100 now, but I only knew the original that we played on the first PlayStation models. That was twenty years ago, and I still remember the booming “K.O. KNOCKOUT” when my character bit the dust. But did she stay down? No! (My stubbornness wouldn’t let that happen.)
And neither will you. You’re not going to give up the ghost; you’re going to remember that Diamonds are only created after incredible heat and pressure, and sometimes the impact of high-speed collisions – and you’re not going to let yourself be stopped by the whisperings of your Shadow side.
Fare thee well on your journey through 2014. Much love and best wishes, S x
Do you remember some of the lyrics to a 70s song (Masters Apprentices, I’m told): “Do what you wanna do, be what you wanna be, yeah…”
As we head into a brand-new year of possibilities, opportunities and potential, how would you like 2014 to look, feel and be for you? What do you ‘wanna’ do? What do you ‘wanna’ be? As the old year rolls over into the new, many of us will state our new year’s resolution/s – some of us privately or furtively; others making an openly bold proclamation. Many of us will roll our eyes at the very notion and, once again, fail to achieve the unspoken potential available to us – and within us. Based on the past few years’ results, how’s this working for you? Are you going to just roll over again? Or is this the year we will see the blossoming of your life? Aren’t you bored with the justification of ‘not yet, I’m not ready…I don’t have the time…one day…’
Why not reach inside NOW and choose for that one day to be TODAY. This is YOUR life, so guess what? YOU get to choose! For those of you who have come to Shaun for guidance over the years, the following will be acutely familiar to you:
Q: What is the one thing in life you HAVE TO DO?
A: The only thing in life you have to do is die. (So, guess what? You get to CHOOSE EVERYTHING ELSE.)
How many times in your life have you experienced ‘putting off til later’ what you can powerfully choose to do today?
Perhaps it is within your realm of health and fitness, creativity, relationship, spirituality, career/vocation, finance, self-expression – you know what it is: your inner dream.
For years, Shaun has put his painting practice on the backburner; now we’re no longer at our old Glenferrie Road premises 24/7, I invite you to visit our new Oil Portraits page and see how he is choosing to explore a new avenue of expressing emotion, love and healing in-between your visits to our studio for reiki, massage, tarot and guidance.
http://thereikigarden.org/oil-portraits-2/
Make 2014 the year you choose to honour your Inner Child.
Much love, S x
Dream Catcher. Oils on canvas.
Artist: Shaun McCabe
Inner Child. Oils on canvas.
Artist: Shaun McCabe
If you have wandered past The Reiki Garden sometime during the past few weeks, chances are you may have noticed something a little different. But do not panic! We have not ‘gone’, only moved. A few minutes away as the crow flies – to quiet and leafy Caulfield. Many of our Reiki Garden friends have already visited the new studio, and we are now also available for Home Visits and Phone Readings.
In the meantime, let us share this passage with you. Mother Teresa had a version hanging on a wall in her home for children in Calcutta. Have a read, and you’ll understand why.
People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you.
Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.
Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.
Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.
Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
Peace be with you, S.
As children we learned the distinction of good and not good. We started to dream of the possibilities ahead of us.
As teenagers we saw that much was wrong in our world and became passionately involved in causes where we just knew we could make a difference. Save the trees/rainforest/environment. Save the wolf, save the dolphin, save the whales. Pro-life, pro-choice, no return to backstreet abortions. Make love/peace not war. Imagine. Meat is murder. End world hunger. Save the children.
What was yours? Do you remember?
Think about it. The dreams and ideals may be buried deeply, but I promise you if you go searching you will find them. Close your eyes. Breathe. Remember.
As we became young adults our career choices were sometimes guided by our youthful visions. With light in our eyes we were inspired by the faith in our own abilities. To shape the world into the one we saw so clearly that it was not simply our imagination. It was possible, do-able, and with persistence inevitable.
We were invincible. Remember?
Then the minutes, hours and days became months and then years. For many of us our focus shifted, imperceptibly, to our jobs and career paths, our relationships and families, the state of our health, the state of our finances, our personal successes and our failures, our tears of sadness and of joy; the many intricacies in the maze of our life.
As we drown in the whirlpool, falling asleep at the wheel of our life, we forget what is deeply important to us. We lose sight of the meaning and purpose and direction we clearly saw in our innocence. And we feel empty. And this emptiness we stuff with food, toys, houses, clothes, sex, drugs, power over others, self-abuse. You know the ones you choose.
Reading through a little purple book by UK sun-sign astrologer Jonathan Cainer recently, Cosmic Ordering (I know, I know, but make a judgement and you can miss the whole point of any valuable lesson in life), served as a timely reminder.
So my question to your higher self.
Part 1. How can you best serve humanity?
Part 2. What is your Highest Choice?
Take your time here (and by the way there are no Right or Wrong answers).
You may even find, after contemplation and inner searching, that you are already engaged in a lifestyle choice and practice that is aligned with your forgotten dreams, hopes and ideals. Although perhaps your intention needs re-defining and ‘tweaking’.
Or you may be disturbed to realize you’ve been asleep for longer than you care to remember. Too long.
(But you’re awake now.)
You may even brush aside your hidden dreams as the fanciful, impractical and idealistic workings of a highly imaginative adolescent mind. It’s okay to do that if you’re being authentic and true. Not to me, or anyone else, but to yourself. Do yourself a huge favour and be truthful – with you.
And remember, to create anything you must first imagine it. Imagination therefore is not silly, or foolish, or childish. Rather, it’s a critically important prerequisite for any human creation, invention and achievement.
“You have to imagine it before you can go ahead and make it happen,” John Lennon once said.
Let me ask you again:
How can you best serve humanity?
It is a difficult question, but one that deserves your time and consideration. I invite you to take up the challenge. Sit with it for the next couple of days – you’ll be both amazed and delighted with how life unfolds to provide you with your answer.
My love and blessings to the wondrous, innocent child within you.
And my gratitude to Jonathan Cainer for my own timely reminder.
With thanks, S.
Blessings from the Reiki Garden
THURSDAY, 10 MAY – 7PM, AN EVENING WITH ARTEMIS
We invite you to share this special evening with us.
Artemis is an internationally acclaimed clairvoyant and spiritual teacher, who has dedicated her life to uncovering the deeper meaning behind our life’s journey and our spiritual and psychic potential, and to sharing her wisdom with others. With a deep interest in all forms of self-healing, Artemis also teaches the ancient and modern uses of essential oils, and how these can be used to raise physical and spiritual vibration.
We may need to limit the number of attendees, so let us know in advance if you will be joining us. Please be seated by 7pm. As we are expecting more friends than we have chairs, you may wish to bring a cushion.
Next Week:
Everyday Essential Oils for Physical and Emotional Healing and Wellbeing, Beginners/Advanced
When: Thursday, 17 May ~ 7pm-9pm
Cost: FREE
Ph: 9077 5661 to reserve your seat
Essential Oils and Guided Meditation Evenings
If you are a) interested in essential oils and/or b) interested in ways to enhance your physical and emotional wellbeing, we invite you to come along to our Thursday evening meetings.
The Reiki Garden hosts these weekly events for members of our Essential Oils Club, with new members always welcome.
Rosa damascena
Melbourne-Tarot.com 