Celebrating ALL things Australian

As we celebrate all things GREAT about our ‘Land of OZ’ it brings my thoughts to all the amazing & unique things I know about my beautiful home – my country. Sure, we have room for improvement in many areas but today is predominantly about CELEBRATION!! Counting our blessings and coming together as Aussies to celebrate our culture and our values.

 We have some of the most incredible land formations, cleanest beaches and unique structures – both man-made & natural. We lead the world in so many ways; we export amazing inventions and brilliant talents (music, art etc) abroad; our freedom and opportunities are amongst the highest in the world.

Most of all I believe what is unique & special about Australia today – is US.

We – the people – ALL of us!

 WE – who have come from many other parts of the world to make this country our home (at whatever point in time) … to try and make it a GREAT place with a bright future for ALL!

WE are the power behind the flag. Not the invaders of the past, or the government of this day or the next. Each of US creates impact with every thought we think and every action we take. So as we fly our flag from the cars, the letterbox or rooftop let us make EVERY thought & action bring about the future we desire.

My highest desire is for all of US to know & experience PEACE within …and all around us…and for this peace to flow out from each of us to the whole world. I know this is achievable. I know that our BREATH is the key – it connects US all!! I know we ARE one = one human family ALL together on ONE planet .. .. unified by our thoughts AND our BREATH.

I know that if WE all continue to breathe into the following affirmations INNER PEACE and WORLD PEACE are realised as we RECONNECT with TRUTH. ***I AM safe now & always *** All of Life loves & supports me now & always ***I am forever releasing past hurts & fears now & always***

U R special, unique, amazing, talented, precious, magnificient, innocent, creative …….& safe ~ just like EVERYBODY ELSE

Welcome back my Love ~ your aliveness is a Gift to the World … I cherish you in my Life!

Unfortunately for many of us, this wasn’t our initial experience – our existence was unplanned or perhaps unwanted by our parents (or that is the impression our ego mind holds). This belief/thought was upheld by a traumatic birth and re-enforced by parental disapproval, difficult school & social experiences … now followed by recurring issues in adult relationships.

Issues of sexual promiscuity, emotional aloofness or ‘overly clingy’ behaviour have been traced to self-loathing & criticism that spills out to others around us and into the wider world. We find ourselves addicted to rejection, or rejecting anyone who genuinely tries to love us. Did you know – You are the Ultimate Healer in your Life (just as I am in mine) and we each have many choices for correcting the lies (based on events at birth & in early childhood) that limit our freedom and bliss.

 The MOST powerful healing tool in OUR Life is our BREATH = when conscious Connected Breathing (CCB) is facilitated by a Qualified Experienced Rebirther/Breathworker we have a SAFE effective tool to begin our healing at the core. Combine CCBs with retraining of the mind – as the ego adopts new thought patterns to replace the old outmoded beliefs – we begin to transform ourselves and our relationships.

CCBs are extremely effective because they bypass the ego mind and connect us with our Deeper Self/ Inner Wisdom where TRUTH exists. As our ego mind heals we no longer display an obsessive need to be ‘special’ or to break with convention and rebel just for the sake of it. We slowly begin to let go of anger, fear, retaliation, addiction, alienation, separation, isolation, pain, illness and disease.

BEWARE: at first this free-er Self may bring up issues around aliveness ( It is said – “LOVE brings up anything unlike itself”) and the need to affirm

- It is safe to be fully alive

 - I no longer need drugs to feel alive

 - it is safe & easy to be in my body

 - It is safe to breathe fully & feel my feelings

 - My aliveness is a pleasure for me & everyone else

- It is safe to be intimate & fear forward

- It is safe to be fully out there & express myself freely & fully

- I no longer have to withhold to survive

Part 3 in this series will explore the topic – You R Safe & Accepted Everywhere

I write this for you (U know who U R) ...and for me ...and for everyone (we R all living with questions & doubts about ourselves our loves & lovers)

Before I go into this 4 Part Series (Pt1: Love = Dirty Word? Pt2: You R Wanted; Pt3: You R Safe & Accepted; Pt4: You R Special) I would like to ‘set the scene’ by reviewing the basic psychological premise behind my writings. I am writing this with humility as an offering of my Truth at this time based on over 20years of personal growth/study/Professional Practice. We are no good to ourselves or each other (let alone a new partner) till we address the hidden motivations that propel us from one lover to the next and the next (serial monogamy).

It is common knowledge that we all have an ego = ego mind is basically the sum total of all our memories/experiences/cultural conditioning etc. Our ego mind is a useful & necessary part of Self. It contains our conscious survival instinct with protective qualities; influences our emotional states and is VERY useful for navigating our way through Life + having FUN.

Ultimately, many of us fail to realise that we also have choice about how to manage this powerful ego Self. And that we also have other facets to ourselves = the deeper mind – often called Inner Intelligence/Higher Self/Spiritual Wisdom. This aspect of Self is often (mostly) unconscious, yet available through various practices such as CCBs/Rebirthing , meditation, or our Dreams (the dream world can be a mix of ego & higher self guidance).

Beyond the Higher Self – or perhaps within it = somewhere deeper in our-selves is the collective unconscious = our link to ABSOLUTELY everyone & everything – including the Supreme Intelligence (often called God). I prefer the name/concept offered by Course In Miracles = “All That Is’.

At any time of any day/month/year of our Life we are FREE to choose to act from information available through any of these sources. The majority of us operate from ego mind most of the time; with many (if not the majority of people) operating almost entirely from ego thoughts of lack, greed, control & need. Ego mind can be the prison that holds us in a state of thinking/being that is detrimental to our health & ultimate enjoyment of Life.

But our FREEDOM & choice IS within US = there are many practical & effective methods for expanding our choices

*by expanding awareness beyond ego

*by healing our version of the past

 *by forgiving ourselves & others for any previous or current FUs (fuckups=that’s the big ones usually)/mistakes/errors/detours etc).

 And most importantly

*by developing or training our ego mind to allow access to deeper awareness

*by generating thoughts that enhance our lifestyle & create higher levels of enjoyment, ease, peace, health & wellbeing while fostering more satisfying encounters with others & the world around us.

As we ‘make peace’ with our ego self and begin to love & completely accept ourselves we are now empowered to come together = to share freely & completely as lovers.

In Part 2 – let’s get clear about how much we are wanted = by each other & by the world – simply for being alive

In the womb baby is insulated & protected as he/she grows & develops. All needs are supplied until baby is ready to emerge.

For most of us, the first Separation Trauma was felt at our birth. That experience of leaving the womb and separating from our mother as the cord was cut and we took our first breath. Yet evidence of Separation Trauma is most often
recognised in very young children (0-7years) as they are parted from a parent or someone to whom they have become attached. With this type of Separation Trauma it is common to witness anger, screaming, tears, sadness and devastation as the raw emotions are expressed.

Gradually as we ‘grow up’ we learn to ‘cope’ with this trauma by burying it or hiding it by using various pacifiers. Until eventually we have ‘forgotten’ the existence of separation trauma until we begin to form close relationships (best friends/lovers etc). Mild forms of Separation Trauma can surface when our loved one/other leaves us to go to work each day or away for a weekend or extended vacation.

The extreme form of Separation Trauma will emerge with death of a loved one/other or the end of an intimate relationship. When, once again that which was buried/hidden comes to the surface bringing extreme emotional turmoil.

A powerful way to heal Separation Trauma is to recognise the link between our birth experience and our breath. For the majority of us birth was extremely painful,
traumatic and scary. And that’s just for the baby. In our culture we put most of the emphasis on the mother during birth. We recognise her fears and pain, and attempt to support her through the birthing as much as possible.

Yet it is the baby who will be carrying his or her Birth Trauma for a lifetime.

Separation Trauma/Birth Trauma is often linked to depression, long-term illness, ageing, emotional disorders, stress, anxiety, alcoholism, substance abuse, violence and crime. Luckily there is a wonderful Natural Therapy called
Rebirthing/Breathwork which effectively supports us to heal our Birth
Trauma/Separation Trauma in a gentle manner. Rebirthing/Breathwork combines CCBs (conscious connected breathing) with the basic principal – All Thought is Creative.

As we move into the deeper healing available with this therapy, we access and release unconscious thoughts formed at birth which often continues to influence our
lives. Rebirth/Breathwork sessions are best started with a qualified experienced Rebirther/Breathworker who has a high commitment to their own healing process; who continues to update their training; and with whom you feel comfortable. The recommended number of private sessions varies, with a minimum
of 10 as an ideal starting point.

When your competency increases with this therapy, it then becomes possible to
Rebirth yourself (become your own therapist). A wonderful introduction to Rebirthing/Breathwork is my 8 week BREATHWORX course where each participant is given the tools and awareness to begin to develop a healing relationship with their breath in a safe supportive group.

               

This morning, my footprints were the first ones in the sand on the southern end of Palm Beach Gold Coast Australia. The ocean was calm - a low tide revealing lots of interesting seashells. The planet Jupiter (9degree Taurus) and the ¾ Moon in Gemini were directly above as I walked slowly south absorbing all the sights and sounds of this early spring morning.

I breathed in deeply the smell of the sea and delighted in the sounds of the twittering birds excited about the new day about to dawn. It is a wonderful rarity to have the beach entirely to myself. A time of communing with nature, reflecting on my life situations and gaining clarity of purpose.

I read somewhere recently that 9 out of 10 animal species are found in the ocean – if true, no wonder I feel so alive when near it!

 It was a surprise to see Currumbin Creek so low, with sandbanks in some unusual places – looked as if I could easily walk across to the other side. Yet, this is normally quite a deep and busy thoroughfare for boats and lots of other watercraft.  

As I looked across the creek I spotted some of the sculptures from the Swell Festival still on display. This annual event brings many extra visitors to Currumbin Beach during September, as well as promoting creative talents amongst participants.

The Sun (25 degree Virgo) was VERY shy this morning, taking extra long to rise above the clouds. Surfers Paradise was also hidden due to heavy smoke haze on the horizon. Gradually light came into the day….. and more and more footprints were being left in the sand.

It amazes me how many people who are out walking or jogging on this magnificent beach rarely glance to either side and fail to engage in the magic all around them. I feel uplifted and pleased to have left my footprints in the sand today.

Over the years I have been asked many times to facilitate Astrology Classes, and although I often teach some of the basics in a Natal Chart Reading; it has never been the ‘right time’ to do a structured class. Now is the right time.

My love of this wonderful language of symbols began in the mid 1980s in this lifetime (I am sure I have lived other lifetimes where I have also been an Astrologer). This connection has continued to grow and blossom with structured studies, working with clients, research, reading books and articles. Working with Astrology on a daily basis is a bit like having a referdex (street directory) to a city – you have an idea of what type of environment (transits) you are travelling in; and the type of detours you are most prone to enjoy. Yet the choice is totally yours as to what ‘road’ (energy) you choose to utilise at any given time.

Of course, there are always ‘the biggies’ in Life = the major Astrological Transits often indicate times in our Life when we are prone to upheaval/change and the distress involved. For me, my Saturn Return between age 28 to 30 years ( will occur again at 56 to 60 years) was a huge shift. I was also experiencing other significant transits. And when combined, they were enough to turn my world upside-down. During this period I came to see the true value in having a Natal Chart Reading by a Professional Astrologer. This approach to Astrology is worlds apart from ‘pop astrology’ found in newspapers, magazines and the like.

In my Astrology Basics Part 1 we begin our journey into the world of the Professional Astrologer – learning to identify in our own Natal Charts the key ingredients that make up the unique individual that we each are. As we explore the Astrological symbols and their meanings we also delve into the basic elements that make up Life = Earth, Air, Fire, Water. Would you like to join us?

 YaninaYoga is often engaged in community building and community spirit. I love to be involved in gatherings and events that bring diverse groups of people together.

 I feel these events offer a unique platform for interaction, communication and sharing – all of which contribute to buillding communities.

YaninaYoga was recently involved with an event at Currumbin Primary School - a Local Business Expo.

The event was designed to showcase a selection of businesses in the local area.

My stall offered information and flyers about my many services – Deep Tissue Therapeutic Massage, Reflexology,  Astrology, Breathwork/Rebirthing, Yoga/Relaxation/Meditation. The stall was also setup to gather expressions of interest for the variety of classes/workshops/groups available.

          While at the expo/out & about networking with other businesses in the Currumbin Community, I met Rob from Express Car Cleaning 0407 401707 who comes to your workplace or home and professionally cleanes your car in an ‘environtmentally friendly manner’ ; Naomi from Blooms Flower Factory had an awesome assortment of delightful flowers. I am enjoying a magnificient bunch of deep red roses on my kitchen table as I write. Queensland Surf Lifesaving were represented amongst the 6o+ businesses involved. I enjoyed a chat with the ladies from Currumbin RSL; with Emma from Ballard Communications  (marketing specialist); and the crew from Alex Jones Graphics. Some of the other interesting participants on the day were BodyCareByKaren (I won a Nutrimetics Naturally Voucher); Sky and Anglea from Yoga for Kids and Ezra, Jess & Mickie who are beautiful CreativeSpirits. I am looking forward to a simular gathering in 2012.

Meanwhile YaninaYoga is still accepting expressions of interest for they variety of Classes available & the manyNatural Therapies too.

Ancient peoples would connect to the Moon more strongly when it was full – they could easily observe the build-up towards the full and the waning into nothing-ness.  Today, with the help of the telescope we are more informed. We tend to follow the new Moon as it builds to full & returns back to reconnect with (conjunct) the Sun as a full cycle. We see this 28/29 day passage through each sign of the Zodiac (Moon spends approx 2 ½ days in each sign) as a full cycle.

 But what if we took the full Moon as a beginning point and followed the cycle through the ‘nothing-ness’ and back to full? The full Moon is the point at which the Moon is exactly opposite the Sun; perhaps this alternate method of beginning a Moon cycle would contribute more successfully in bringing our awareness back to a more holistic life focus? Moon symbolises emotion and the feeling nature, while Sun is about ego and enterprise.

Tomorrow (at 9.10pm Eastern Australian time) we will be experiencing a full Moon at 26degrees Scorpio. This will usually have the most influence on people with any Inner Planet (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus or Mars) at 26 degrees of any Fixed Sign (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius). Depending on the Planet involved, any other Transits and the Houses too; some may experience the event as a profound shift, a menacing nuisance, or a minor hiccup. A Professional Astrologer is best consulted when seeking to take advantage of each significant event.

Until very recently I had the misconception that Vedic Astrology was a Moon centered form of Astrological. Although Vedic Astrology deals very much with Karmic forces and influences in a Natal Chart; and the Moon (in Western Astrology) also symbolises our karmic or past life links, both are Sun centered. That is, they both work off the position of the Sun at each individual’s time and place of birth.

 It seems there is some rivalry between the 2 styles of Astrology; I believe both are extremely valuable and have their relevance to us all. If you feel drawn to have a certain style of Astrological reading – then that is the perfect 1 for you at the time. Some people also find Chinese Astrology fits more easily with their beliefs and understanding. How wonderful it is that we have so many choices available to guide us when we are feeling unsure, lost or confused about our life situations.

As I was doing some research for this blog I also investigated the phenomenon of a Blue Moon – this is when we have 2 full Moons in the 1 month. And it is quite rare.  The pattern appears to be approximately every 3years. Our next Blue Moon occurs in August 2012 (2^nd /Aquarius & 31^st/Pisces), followed by another July 2015 (2^nd /Capricorn & 31^st/Aquarius), and March 2018 (2^nd /Virgo & 31^st/Libra); while the previous 1 occurred December 2009 (2^nd /Gemini & 31^st /Cancer). If any of these special full Moons have a connection to elements your Natal Chart, it is expected that you will notice this unique event; and even have an opportunity to capitalise on the energies available for healing or expanding consciousness.

Steps to Fitness

 Now that the 28 days in February 2011 are fading into the past, it is helpful to realise that we can utilise the 28 day Moon Cycles (mentioned in Part 2) to continue on our path to improved fitness and well-being.

At this point, it may be useful to ask ourselves – what does fitness mean to me?

For each of us it will often mean very different things. For some, it maybe about loosing weight, decreasing a dress or pant size or maybe just loosing a few kilos ; or for a few it maybe to gaining a little more curves. While for others, it maybe about cutting out certain items from diet or daily intake. And for another group of people, it maybe about ‘kicking a habit’ – such as smoking, gambling, compulsive shopping or excessive drinking.

Fitness may be many things to many people – from those who feel they have only minor issues to address, to those facing enormous challenges. Either way – The ABC of Fitness Feb/Fabulous Fitness gives practical and effective guidelines to follow.

During my Feb 2011 I found myself healing a teeth and gum problem of longstanding with unexpected results. To read more .. .. .. watchout for my next post .. ..

Astrology is an ancient language of symbols that has been used by humans for centuries to assist with decision making, planning events, understanding themselves and the world around them; and predicting the future.

My use of Astrology as a Natural Health Professional includes drawing on an individuals’ Natal Chart to gauge their current circumstances, as well as past & inner working potentials. I often cast my eye over the current transits for my clients when making appointments for major healing sessions such as Rebirthing/Breathwork.

The dynamics of Fitness Feb include the fact that for most of the month the Sun (symbol of Self in Natal Chart) is in the sign of Aquarius – giving potential for change/new ideas & higher concepts, even eccentric behaviour. The planet Mars (the body) is also in Aquarius for much of February 2011 giving an energy boost to our actions if we are starting bodywork, a diet, new exercise routine.

On February 1st 2011 the Moon is conjunct Mercury and Pluto (by sign) in Capricorn – this brings discipline, structure, stability and planning potential to put in place our new plans for the next 28 days. While, on the 3rd Feb we have a New Moon (Sun conjunct Moon) in Aquarius, which is the beginning of the next 28day Lunar cycle (it takes 28 days for the Moon to travel through the zodiac).

Another way to work with the Fitness Feb Concept is to follow the Moon. Every 28 days the Moon begins a new cycle; starting any new project with a New Moon ensures we have aligned ourselves with the powerful energy of The Universe. By following the 28day Moon cycle we could continue our Fitness Feb Healthy agenda all the way throughout the year & beyond. Drawing on the Moon energy allows us to utilise any one of the 28day cycles should we encounter difficulties in achieving our goals on the first attempt.

Visit the Calendar on my website to see where the Moon Cycles begin for 2011.