tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81134593545373796272024-03-13T12:18:24.523-04:00Leslie Blackburn, "Light Bearer"Insights on Love, Spirit, and Sexuality, from Leslie Blackburn, "Light Bearer", Sacred Sexual Healer & Transformational GuideLeslie Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06066456089295109212noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113459354537379627.post-12671174428157218722020-06-22T13:02:00.000-04:002020-06-22T13:02:49.124-04:00The Key to Unlocking the Change We Wish to See is within Our Bodies<div style="background-color: #eaebe8; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8AZAWk7xFauXH4f2T8ik5_oslsVJdL22uJa7xDH89CmRzhenARinBeeUCP5cw6SRvi-XcYM6lySf8UpJSfW3K82gH7C6DnuuxOH28bhQn12CninBS3V5hG2HyqQMbAiHnAsG7YSYM4Oc/s835/464226_280a8f19b06a40ada4c9b67d4b39ad57_mv2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="835" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8AZAWk7xFauXH4f2T8ik5_oslsVJdL22uJa7xDH89CmRzhenARinBeeUCP5cw6SRvi-XcYM6lySf8UpJSfW3K82gH7C6DnuuxOH28bhQn12CninBS3V5hG2HyqQMbAiHnAsG7YSYM4Oc/s320/464226_280a8f19b06a40ada4c9b67d4b39ad57_mv2.png" /></a></div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="m_-565624754491301162editor-text m_-565624754491301162headline-text" style="color: #693d82; display: block; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px; text-align: center;" valign="top"><br /></td><td align="left" class="m_-565624754491301162editor-text m_-565624754491301162headline-text" style="color: #693d82; display: block; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px; text-align: center;" valign="top">The Key to Unlocking the Change We Wish to See is within Our Bodies</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="background-color: #eaebe8; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" style="margin: 0px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;" valign="top" width="100%"><table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; height: 1px; min-width: 20%; table-layout: fixed; width: 126px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#2B8979" height="1" style="background-color: #2b8979; border-bottom-style: none; height: 1px; line-height: 1px; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><img alt="" border="0" class="CToWUd" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgdI0ThBt0PUGTdemcEIxHYuyjs1Z3B9fvHjux2ciayHTfSg5WnCDTq7h5fmrvpBh5pwePTpPzqZwXgVVFej-CFt5hTX8j3joi8TLENU0OIPOwtfsYL9B8tM_5sroLVVLu7c2uoSAEF342ir1cVO5FFl90FKBzaknShHdM=s0-d-e1-ft" style="display: block; height: 1px; width: 5px;" vspace="0" width="5" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="background-color: #eaebe8; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="m_-565624754491301162editor-text" style="display: block; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px; text-align: center;" valign="top"><div style="color: #4c4c4c;"></div><div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;"><br /></div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;">All right y'all we are in the <span style="color: #693d82; font-weight: bold;">big cusp of change</span>. It's working, it's happening. I feel a lot of hope. </div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;"><br /></div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;">Our lives have been completely impacted by a <span style="color: #693d82; font-weight: bold;">global pandemic and major racial horrors</span> and injustice. I see us now in a massive public consciousness awakening to the much needed racial justice and social justice in our society. This is a necessary awareness shift to wake us up and to turn all this around. </div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;"><br /></div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;">As we <span style="font-weight: bold;">a</span><span style="color: #693d82; font-weight: bold;">waken public consciousness</span>, moving forward, we can’t go back. We can't just close our eyes and pretend not to see what we see - well, we can try but it won’t work. You simply cannot “unsee” what has been seen.</div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;"><br /></div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;"><span style="color: #693d82; font-weight: bold;">Trusting our bodies, listening to them, is the key and the way through this.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;"><br /></div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;">As we're in a time of waking up around racism we are noticing that it’s not just overt racism but the the particularly <span style="color: #693d82; font-weight: bold;">destructive subversive racism</span> that's amidst our institutional systems of this country.</div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;"><br /></div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;">We live in a white supremest culture, the dominant society is a white supremest culture. It's so unfortunate that it took these waves of murders of and injustices against black beings by white beings to bring that to the surface again.</div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;"><br /></div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;">But if we look through history this isn't the first time, it happens all the time. It's still happening. <span style="color: #693d82; font-weight: bold;">If you thought you were resting this week in the wake of the injustices toward Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and Tony McDade, look closer. </span>There are still horrific things happening: in the past week deaths of two black men found hanging in trees, two black trans women were killed. Those are just the ones that have come to my attention, I am sure there are others. </div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;"><br /></div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;">This is the stuff we can't let continue to happen.</div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;"><br /></div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;">We have to face it and talk about it and see it and be with it together and we can't just be silent about it anymore. <span style="color: #693d82; font-weight: bold;">Silence is violence.</span><span style="color: #693d82;"> </span>White silence is a really horrific thread that weaves through many of our bodies, mine included. </div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;"><br /></div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;">I'll speak for myself personally. In my own body, when I read about what's happening, I’ve seen a tendency towards freezing, tight throat, clenched ass and belly, heat waves rising, a nauseous sensation in my gut. In the past I would almost exclusively respond to this discomfort by ignoring and sweeping away the horror and not talking about it - essentially shoving it down into my body (which was causing major gut body distress). Or getting defensive and angry, but not actually take any right action - I would passive aggressively let it blurt out rudely on other people.</div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;"><br /></div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;">I’ve witnessed this in my own body and have also seen it back through my family lineage, and through many other white folx. We tend to ignore things, shove them aside, think “well, that doesn't directly impact me, so I'm gonna move on because I can't do anything about it” and we push it away. </div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;"><br /></div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;">This silence response is devastating. We are complicit in the violence when we don't take a stand and do something about it. We must do something about it. </div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;"><br /></div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;"><span style="color: #693d82; font-weight: bold;">Yes some of those ways to take action</span> are to go out and protest, speak your voice, hold space for black folk to speak their voice (not do it for them) and put this information out in ways others people see it. </div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;"><br /></div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;">Also, to <span style="color: #693d82; font-weight: bold;">pay forward</span> the privilege that you’ve walked with in this life to communities that have been disproportionately impacted by these horrors. Donate to funds, and families, and organizations that support Black Lives Matter, LGBTQIA justice. Set up monthly donations, tithe 10% of your income to support others ongoing. I understand how that can feel hard, I’ve felt it myself. Paying forward hard earned money can feel difficult - yet think of it as a generous gift that opens an amazing flow of energy. As I move that energy forward and through, it makes way for more to flow in toward me. Commit to a time frame. Can you tithe for 6 months? a year? and then do a check in and see how it is going. I have committed to 6 months and it feels like a good start, I am sensing the momentum happening. My intention is to continue well beyond that.</div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;"><br /></div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;">Yes we can do those things and I encourage we need to do those things. AND it's not simply a one-time thing. Notice if during this massive wave of attention you do a thing or two to make yourself feel better then stop because you feel like it’s over.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: #693d82; font-weight: bold;">It’s not over yet.</span> This is a lifetime of work, stay in it, build the strength and resiliency in your body to continue growing and learning and changing. And don't forget to care for your body in the midst of it, amp up your anti-racism work and amp up your self care to fuel it.</div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;"><br /></div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;">In addition to all the outward things to do, which are important, <span style="color: #693d82; font-weight: bold;">what is even more important is unpacking this stuff from our bodies.</span><span style="color: #693d82;"> </span>We must do our own human homework. Listening deeply to your body to unwind the trauma. Historical trauma, Intergenerational trauma, Persistent institutional trauma - in addition to all the things that have happened to our own bodies in this lifetime (Personal trauma). See <span style="color: #693d82; font-weight: bold;">Resmaa Menakem’s</span> work and his book <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f%3D001qcbXa-l2FS2BoHqZl5gRKv5WgLwyCunhWY1TO0waMdQQoWJnPCWQ61PSmp5ZoMXyZlw4bgk6hHZgish0NT-VGBOVmTqmVN-2bT0PuQR1HA1k_B6ZZsjhaLfHlynHM1RbVdoJLfpWGa1Ne_ap7e0ISw%3D%3D%26c%3DSaEAf8bYa90F2UVlGEPwewPtZxwpL1Ma4qnbjE9Db6fl6OOvoU11Vw%3D%3D%26ch%3Di9uMMOcal0z8omXssncW0ReRda8ZvuJE8ArCpdBBWtf_0E2SWWd9CQ%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1592929797831000&usg=AFQjCNEsTOGGi5dDT4pNvOfHTClmLp2wAA" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qcbXa-l2FS2BoHqZl5gRKv5WgLwyCunhWY1TO0waMdQQoWJnPCWQ61PSmp5ZoMXyZlw4bgk6hHZgish0NT-VGBOVmTqmVN-2bT0PuQR1HA1k_B6ZZsjhaLfHlynHM1RbVdoJLfpWGa1Ne_ap7e0ISw==&c=SaEAf8bYa90F2UVlGEPwewPtZxwpL1Ma4qnbjE9Db6fl6OOvoU11Vw==&ch=i9uMMOcal0z8omXssncW0ReRda8ZvuJE8ArCpdBBWtf_0E2SWWd9CQ==" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #ef7061; font-style: italic;" target="_blank">My Grandmother’s Hands</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>for more about what he calls HIPP theory and as an excellent resource on unwinding embodied racial trauma and the differences in how white bodies, black bodies and police bodies carry it. </div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;"><br /></div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;">What I and others carry as white folx looks really different than what those carry as black, indigenous, latinx, or people of color. There are ways each of our bodies carry the intergenerational trauma and so our particular bloodline ancestry, influences how we walk in the present moment. Many of us as white folk have shunned our lineage, and don’t know much about it. I invite that also has to change for us to heal. </div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;"><br /></div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;">And what's true is black bodies, in addition to carrying their own burden, have had to take on the additional load of noticing how white bodies react (often from stored trauma being blown through). They must make changes in how they relate with others (for example police) to account for it, because without placating, soothing or making nice to white bodies they are in even more danger of being violently harmed or killed. Black parents have to have conversations with their children that white parents never even think about. White bodies have had the privilege of not needing to pay attention to how black bodies carry trauma because with white bodies they pass as part of dominant society. </div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;"><br /></div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;">Nervous system activation and awareness that many black folx walk with on a day-to-day basis (that is EXHAUSTING for them) white folks don't even realize is a thing. So this whole idea that everybody can just work harder and get the same privilege is wrong. It's actually not possible in our current institutional structure for racism to be abolished. <span style="color: #693d82; font-weight: bold;">We must change the institutional structure to abolish racism.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;"><br /></div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;">What we have to do is rearrange and restructure our institutional system so that we give more space for all bodies to be heard. We must pay attention because this is a time of inviting those as white folx to wake up to witness our own personal impact as well as the systemic impact to other people. </div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;"><br /></div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;">I think many of us don't see it. I certainly didn't for decades and I'm only beginning to. I definitely have been on a journey of noticing now and gosh, you know, I was 48 years old before that really started to wake up my consciousness a little over a year ago. So you know, I get it. I get that that many of us walk through this life seeing in a different way and that it takes shedding aways layers of ego to be willing to see something different no matter how old you are, no matter what your life experiences. </div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;"><br /></div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;">I have to start seeing things different because that's how we're going to make a change and get through this. And so back, once again, to the hope it's possible and it's already happening. </div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;"><br /></div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;"><span style="color: #693d82; font-weight: bold;">I began this discussion with hope - there is hope.</span><span style="color: #693d82;"> </span></div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;"><br /></div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;">There are institutional changes happening. There are ways that we're starting to rewrite the new culture. I’m seeing structure shifts happening. (One example: The majority of the Minneapolis City Council pledged to disband the local police department and replace it with a new public safety model.)</div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;"><br /></div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;">I see now on social media the wishing, the dreaming of what is the new possibility. People are writing about the possibility of revamping what it means to have community protections without police brutality: (the following words are inspired by others I’ve seen posted, authors unknown): “imagine in the future, you are driving down the road and your headlights out. You're pulled over by a Community Support member who says, “hey did you realize your headlight is out?” And you are grateful for the info, and pull over at the next auto supply store and replace it because you care about yourself and the safety of your community.” </div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;"><br /></div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;">OR: “Imagine that you have a scuffle with your neighbor and now you call the Community Support member who comes in and supports mediation to get to a win-win solution between you and your neighbor.” </div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;"><br /></div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;">These are different ways of being and living that we can create in our society. One step at a time. A key step starts with our bodies. <span style="color: #693d82; font-weight: bold;">Until we unpack this from our bodies, we are going to keep blowing the old trauma through to other people and future generations. </span></div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;"><br /></div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;"><span style="color: #693d82; font-weight: bold;">It is crucial that each of us take time to look within and unwind old stories from our bodies, everything else depends on it.</span></div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;"><br /></div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;"><br /></div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;">***</div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;">Many black folx are exhausted and not interested in the emotional labor to teach us white folx, which I deeply respect. And some <span style="font-style: italic;">are</span> offering this work, and I encourage you to support and learn from them directly (here are a few examples that have been important to me, there are many others as well): </div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;"><br /></div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;"><span style="color: #693d82; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;">Layla Saad</span><span style="font-size: 18px;">, </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f%3D001qcbXa-l2FS2BoHqZl5gRKv5WgLwyCunhWY1TO0waMdQQoWJnPCWQ61PSmp5ZoMXye7Vb6dGI6VaPU0zsCi6s-l94epbb9n0jfjTPuy7ModTHg45fKz5gi3uM4lkvsPsOOBNQH8ndvso3SN2qIOx9jY-0U04Vidqnb7IoOF0Gyx4%3D%26c%3DSaEAf8bYa90F2UVlGEPwewPtZxwpL1Ma4qnbjE9Db6fl6OOvoU11Vw%3D%3D%26ch%3Di9uMMOcal0z8omXssncW0ReRda8ZvuJE8ArCpdBBWtf_0E2SWWd9CQ%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1592929797831000&usg=AFQjCNF8duznebAkEb0cYW-eb03jRmoP1A" href="http://laylafsaad.com/meandwhitesupremacy" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #ef7061; font-size: 18px; font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Me and White Supremacy</a><span style="font-size: 18px; font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="font-size: 18px;">book </span></div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;"><span style="color: #693d82; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;">Resmaa Menakem</span><span style="font-size: 18px;">, </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f%3D001qcbXa-l2FS2BoHqZl5gRKv5WgLwyCunhWY1TO0waMdQQoWJnPCWQ61PSmp5ZoMXyZlw4bgk6hHZgish0NT-VGBOVmTqmVN-2bT0PuQR1HA1k_B6ZZsjhaLfHlynHM1RbVdoJLfpWGa1Ne_ap7e0ISw%3D%3D%26c%3DSaEAf8bYa90F2UVlGEPwewPtZxwpL1Ma4qnbjE9Db6fl6OOvoU11Vw%3D%3D%26ch%3Di9uMMOcal0z8omXssncW0ReRda8ZvuJE8ArCpdBBWtf_0E2SWWd9CQ%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1592929797831000&usg=AFQjCNEsTOGGi5dDT4pNvOfHTClmLp2wAA" href="https://www.resmaa.com/books" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #ef7061; font-size: 18px; font-style: italic;" target="_blank">My Grandmother’s Hands</a><span style="font-size: 18px;"> book and free </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f%3D001qcbXa-l2FS2BoHqZl5gRKv5WgLwyCunhWY1TO0waMdQQoWJnPCWQ61PSmp5ZoMXy0U1cepkomKdRjSmW5Ry5RhkpfkJWQZGtJi_sITtiRmPNmMU-XX34ZnxJs0NiBvR53lqFYJCCNYqPS0snGIgDtQ%3D%3D%26c%3DSaEAf8bYa90F2UVlGEPwewPtZxwpL1Ma4qnbjE9Db6fl6OOvoU11Vw%3D%3D%26ch%3Di9uMMOcal0z8omXssncW0ReRda8ZvuJE8ArCpdBBWtf_0E2SWWd9CQ%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1592929797831000&usg=AFQjCNHu9V4tuCQmXS-w_dnN-oG9I3BzjQ" href="https://www.resmaa.com/courses" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #ef7061; font-size: 18px;" target="_blank">online 5 day e-course</a></div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;"><span style="color: #693d82; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;">adrienne maree brown</span><span style="font-size: 18px;">, </span><span style="font-size: 18px; font-style: italic;">Pleasure Activism</span><span style="font-size: 18px;"> book, and “How to Survive the End of the World” podcast with her sister Autumn Brown (support amb directly </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f%3D001qcbXa-l2FS2BoHqZl5gRKv5WgLwyCunhWY1TO0waMdQQoWJnPCWQ61PSmp5ZoMXy2YWd138Nj8bNdHEmsRmCUgs2qihGxjlZxl_dhx-wUsLAxLPvvqZjRGxFb0BamNNlPePzBxES4yGWAXGiucCxCuecwJwZ9as4RyddTtKgcjwRUP3Bn-hvwO_0tYSqTxFlku8wqug95kiXEEeEFNUVZg%3D%3D%26c%3DSaEAf8bYa90F2UVlGEPwewPtZxwpL1Ma4qnbjE9Db6fl6OOvoU11Vw%3D%3D%26ch%3Di9uMMOcal0z8omXssncW0ReRda8ZvuJE8ArCpdBBWtf_0E2SWWd9CQ%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1592929797831000&usg=AFQjCNF9jfGoSprUn-37mL5eUzowx2Gd7A" href="http://adriennemareebrown.net/membership-account/membership-levels/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #ef7061; font-size: 18px;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-size: 18px;"> or </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f%3D001qcbXa-l2FS2BoHqZl5gRKv5WgLwyCunhWY1TO0waMdQQoWJnPCWQ61PSmp5ZoMXynpYccAxCwu3wS0HEOSc89Q7GE8S-KVksazj_IbR4tq9EjA28Ocoa9hb3f3oBeuCSad2UgJWAVQCd1G94zwWHKMAjkFoq7IUAAoN9DUerN05l6dRnfdSUqA%3D%3D%26c%3DSaEAf8bYa90F2UVlGEPwewPtZxwpL1Ma4qnbjE9Db6fl6OOvoU11Vw%3D%3D%26ch%3Di9uMMOcal0z8omXssncW0ReRda8ZvuJE8ArCpdBBWtf_0E2SWWd9CQ%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1592929797831000&usg=AFQjCNFS1XTePNI-AEnXOgj6TzY9xfinwQ" href="https://www.patreon.com/Endoftheworldshow/posts" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #ef7061; font-size: 18px;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-size: 18px;">)</span></div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;">***</div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;"><br /></div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;"><span style="color: #693d82; font-weight: bold;">It is crucial that each of us take time to look within and unwind a stories from our bodies, everything else depends on it.</span></div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;"><br /></div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;">This is the core of my personal journey, and the work that I offer.</div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;"><br /></div><div><font color="#4c4c4c">And I am all in! </font><span style="color: #693d82; font-weight: bold;">I am doing the work not only for myself, but to support others.</span><font color="#4c4c4c"> I see you having the courage to make a change in you and to see things differently. I see your curiosity that there has to be more than the horrors. Yes! Being willing to see a new way opens a portal into so much possibility. </font><span style="font-weight: bold;"><font color="#693d82">Claiming our sexual sovereignty is so deeply connected with our anti-racism work, our grieving and our pleasure. </font><a href="www.leslieblackburn.com" target="_blank"><font color="#e67c73">Reach out</font></a><font color="#693d82">, let’s do this together.</font></span></div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;"><br /></div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;">I support beings of all gender, racial and sexual identities to look deeply within, to trust their power, claim their sexual sovereignty, unwind old stories from their bodies. We do this so that you can feel really good about being alive, and get really clear on your purpose on how you're going to take action in the world to make these changes together.</div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;"><br /></div><div style="color: #4c4c4c;">***</div><div align="left" style="color: #4c4c4c; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div align="left" style="color: #4c4c4c; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #693d82; font-weight: bold; text-decoration-line: underline;">Image credit:</span> Original artwork - marker and colored pencil on paper, by artist Hannah Blackburn (full disclosure, and proud mama moment, she's my daughter!), and here is her statement about it:</div><div align="left" style="color: #4c4c4c; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div align="left" style="color: #4c4c4c; text-align: left;">"I am Hannah Blackburn, an 18 year old artist located in southeast Michigan. I have been creating art for as long as I can remember. Currently, I am in college for Illustration and an apprentice in tattoo artistry. The piece featured above was created with the intention of bringing awareness to the issues in the world right now regarding racism and police brutality. <span style="color: #693d82; font-weight: bold;">ALL of the proceeds of this piece will be donated to Black Lives Matter organizations and local black artists.</span>"</div><div align="left" style="color: #4c4c4c; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div align="left" style="color: #4c4c4c; text-align: left;">Prints of this piece available by emailing her from her website <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f%3D001qcbXa-l2FS2BoHqZl5gRKv5WgLwyCunhWY1TO0waMdQQoWJnPCWQ61PSmp5ZoMXye3FA4DCOLPsbnBP1uia0RlJGYMIoJdycgLK1AqaGToktPDl90NvokJB3mLctnPCBKfeMsLPsU2RtGv4S-WCoLkaV07IpTW_hsKa1o-FNqtvAe5MKtsVHcw%3D%3D%26c%3DSaEAf8bYa90F2UVlGEPwewPtZxwpL1Ma4qnbjE9Db6fl6OOvoU11Vw%3D%3D%26ch%3Di9uMMOcal0z8omXssncW0ReRda8ZvuJE8ArCpdBBWtf_0E2SWWd9CQ%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1592929797831000&usg=AFQjCNF16Wl6nlG9J7k1sKnxG5OoaVAGXA" href="https://swirlingblades.wixsite.com/hannahblackburn" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #ef7061;" target="_blank">here</a>.</div></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div>Leslie Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06066456089295109212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113459354537379627.post-47533846862520623532019-12-10T15:44:00.000-05:002019-12-10T15:58:00.585-05:00Unwinding Racial Trauma & Ancestral HealingI am feeling newly inspired, and also really uncomfortable. Yes this is good.<br />
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So much is moving through me right now. Breathing with the sensations in my body as I notice leaning into the discomfort of seeing more deeply into: who I am, the structures we have collectively created in our society and their roots in racial constructs, and the history of my bloodline lineage.<br />
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My ancestors came over to Turtle Island (the land that became North America and specifically the USA) from England, Germany, a place in France that is now Germany, Scotland, Holland (and I believe Ireland). My ancestors came here mostly 8, 9 and 10 generations ago, with the most recent line still 3 generations back. My most recent ancestor generations were primarily midwest farmers. For most of my life I rejected learning anything about this. I did my best to escape what I labeled as not good enough, and to "succeed".<br />
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My journey first took me through the path of becoming the first in my direct family to go to college. Then after years in a corporate career, to awaken to see there was was something very different I was meant to do and be. In that spiritual awakening I walked a journey of learning from many traditions and cultures and teachers. I am immensely grateful for the access I had to these and acknowledge how my whiteness played a role in such access, through financial and travel privilege.<br />
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I have now spent years in deep connection with the planet and nature - with the capital "M" Mother of the divine feminine. My body has changed. As I reconnected with her, she guided me to see deeper - as always in right timing. Now to be on a journey of learning, finding forgiveness and taking right action to make real change. Acknowledging how oppression and domination STILL permeate this culture we are in and hurts people daily.<br />
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Amidst that, she called me into a major move - the biggest of my lifetime. I did my best to listen to the guidance, to align the things in the 3D reality that the subtle realms were asking of me and supporting me into. I acknowledge the way my whiteness and the way I appear to be in a heterosexual cisgendered partnership (which actually is not true) also supported a ton of privilege in walking the world of home and land ownership (mortgage banking, realtors, taxes). So yes in many ways this new space and home of ours is a magical divinely guided gift. And I do not take that lightly. This gift is a resource to strengthen my body and resilience, and support co-creation of a community, for being even more deeply of service together. I feel deeply the call of being in service here and how it MUST be informed by all of this moving through me now.<br />
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Through this I have been in many months of deep dive into my own bloodline healing and reconnection. I believe much of the rift that we are dealing with in our society right now has to do with the way we as white folk - wait, let me not generalize and actually claim it for myself - I as a white person disconnected and rejected my heritage. I am grateful for the work of <a href="http://adriennemareebrown.net/membership-account/membership-levels/" target="_blank">adrienne maree brown</a>, <a href="https://www.resmaa.com/about" target="_blank">Resmaa Menakem</a>, <a href="http://laylafsaad.com/" target="_blank">Layla Saad</a>, <a href="https://ancestralmedicine.org/" target="_blank">Daniel Foor</a> and others that have helped me begin this lifetime journey of reconnecting with my own heritage and my own truth.<br />
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I continue with the journey of listening deeply to my body - to unwind old stories and build resilience. Questions that will continue to inform me and my work...How am I to be of service? How can I co-create healing in my bloodline ancestry? How do I continue to honor my body and hold space for others? How do I honor right relationship with the land here and the peoples who were forcibly removed from it? How do I take action to make change in the ways dominant culture still oppresses and harms people of color, queer, trans and other marginalized groups on the daily? How do I take action to pay forward the benefits of the privilege I have had in this world that came from simply the skin I was born into? How do these question inform my work in the world? How do I hold space for other bodies and voices to be heard, not just my own?<br />
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I will end this with a quote from a paper offered to me at a recent workshop called "Unweaving Embodied Racial Dominance: A Cultural Somatics Workshop for White Healers & Activists" with <a href="https://www.amidwifeforcollectiveliberation.com/" target="_blank">Rachael Koeson</a> and <a href="https://www.lilliewolff.com/" target="_blank">Lillie Wolff</a>, referencing work by Robin DiAngelo:<br />
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"Racism hurts (even kills) people of color 24/7. Interrupting it is more important than my ego, feelings or self-image."<br />
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Yes, I am in. Counter to everything in my upbringing that taught me to not ask questions, not look at people, be quiet and small, don't rock the boat, ...<br />
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I will do my best to interrupt. Leslie Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06066456089295109212noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113459354537379627.post-84545867132211397312018-04-16T16:44:00.001-04:002018-04-16T16:44:38.223-04:00Saying YES to conscious connection, YES to sacred sexuality, YES to Sacred Sex Game!As a <a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/sacredsexuality.htm" target="_blank">Sacred Sexuality</a> geek, as well as a <a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/" target="_blank">Sacred Geometry</a> geek, my interest was piqued when a friend shared about <a href="http://www.sacredsexgame.com/" target="_blank">Sacred Sex Game</a>. Just looking at it, I immediately knew I needed to explore! Yay, I LOVE exploring new things that blend facets of life that I love!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYF-5ccGYqTGHNpSDTyIuu09QztP4pEtD0Go1nrV1glj6OlpsJ-gW_9thchFLEbRr30WzPswkLI8PPQC32zFLz30kXZ8DMglJviGW_7r7S6D62PQUOmbFO9UUBF7_TlAhJ3NcJfR4wq5U/s1600/Made+with+love+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1176" data-original-width="1600" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYF-5ccGYqTGHNpSDTyIuu09QztP4pEtD0Go1nrV1glj6OlpsJ-gW_9thchFLEbRr30WzPswkLI8PPQC32zFLz30kXZ8DMglJviGW_7r7S6D62PQUOmbFO9UUBF7_TlAhJ3NcJfR4wq5U/s320/Made+with+love+card.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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When it arrived, I delighted in such a beautiful unboxing experience. Seeing the loving care that went into creating and packing this filled me with joy! Super excited and curious, I laid it on a special place on my altar to await the time I could create intentional space to be with it's magic.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQwmIPTrS_bOYVXxyGblq81hyphenhyphenw5PJs5iuXXz6KC6d4_1crJkbuw5R-NYq-STfd-4HXnUIvHD6S3T3Y3LG5sMI-D4LnhbGVOrqa4lChl9V1d1EtxuAtGn5UvnG5RFnM_SC9Arnl2mZz39s/s1600/20180130_113906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQwmIPTrS_bOYVXxyGblq81hyphenhyphenw5PJs5iuXXz6KC6d4_1crJkbuw5R-NYq-STfd-4HXnUIvHD6S3T3Y3LG5sMI-D4LnhbGVOrqa4lChl9V1d1EtxuAtGn5UvnG5RFnM_SC9Arnl2mZz39s/s320/20180130_113906.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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That time has come and I am super excited to share more!<br />
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<h2>
Playing the Game!</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXE92O-DBf99_N7o0hLkmShXyKKzDq9K4yJVEXEny_AfZEs-mwM9H1rSxgCEj_9D8zOGluqss7tVCi_edyjPnIKjoBH42q-NIcCXQoM3W2V3-EsEEHXYIRoaXH_5bzA0EgajWIf-vGHA4/s1600/IMG_20180410_083423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXE92O-DBf99_N7o0hLkmShXyKKzDq9K4yJVEXEny_AfZEs-mwM9H1rSxgCEj_9D8zOGluqss7tVCi_edyjPnIKjoBH42q-NIcCXQoM3W2V3-EsEEHXYIRoaXH_5bzA0EgajWIf-vGHA4/s320/IMG_20180410_083423.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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My Love, Dixon, and I created a dedicated time and decided the day in which to plan our morning around it! The night before, we brought the game up to our bedroom to prepare. When we arose, in the spacious, no-alarm-needed morning, we snuggled in and began to sink-in together. We opened the space to play it in bed, and were naked (we added our robes, it was cold here in Michigan!) Since we had already done all the conscious unboxing, we opened it and laid it out on the bed surface. It worked well to have the cloth playing surface that could lay anywhere (for example on our not-so-flat comforter surface). It was nice to have the option of laying it out<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuwamiiAVW3KyhPAkSazE0GF9ezDuDaAILxUX9WnMW7qKWHBh7z_DqnUTP4CHHqFWuQm7k9IVX81KHWJKQGEyI_YyOzJ4k7PfkGgGvx1om6doG15S9MQwGnYdQqg0E-6ODWpiV_keZQvg/s1600/IMG_20180410_084354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuwamiiAVW3KyhPAkSazE0GF9ezDuDaAILxUX9WnMW7qKWHBh7z_DqnUTP4CHHqFWuQm7k9IVX81KHWJKQGEyI_YyOzJ4k7PfkGgGvx1om6doG15S9MQwGnYdQqg0E-6ODWpiV_keZQvg/s320/IMG_20180410_084354.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We laid out Sacred Sex Game on our bed to begin!</td></tr>
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wherever we choose! I love the crystals and felt the loving care that went into selecting them, it was lovely to have the different colored stones to choose from. Most of all, I just LOVE the Sacred Geometry steeped throughout the game: the imagery and symbolism, each have a powerful meaning for me personally in my journey already (read my <a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/Assets/Sacred%20Geometry/SacredGeometry.pdf" target="_blank">Sacred Geometry article</a> published in Natural Awakenings). Since a picture speaks a thousand words, this mural I painted on our studio wall says it all (note the Flower of Life and Sri Yantra embedded within, among many other symbols that have been important to me in my path)!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1y1_vgI7gS1lzyMQaeOwvDD4NwNlgqb9WqcwWbNLlJd4tu95gOWyL9uOLGf1RJBl2dmN5Q0omiENFEwdruXu_NcJD_-Z0xuUBxAHiMKDEcSjiKXa1HVfT-LDKG7iNzMFLF7lNy9pT88/s1600/mural+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1025" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1y1_vgI7gS1lzyMQaeOwvDD4NwNlgqb9WqcwWbNLlJd4tu95gOWyL9uOLGf1RJBl2dmN5Q0omiENFEwdruXu_NcJD_-Z0xuUBxAHiMKDEcSjiKXa1HVfT-LDKG7iNzMFLF7lNy9pT88/s400/mural+cropped.jpg" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original painting, life-size mural by Leslie Blackburn</td></tr>
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Plus there is more about the symbolism in the literature that comes with the game.<br />
After we laid out the board and cards, chose our crystal pieces, and selected our scorekeeper - we played the game together. <br />
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<h2>
Things that delighted me about Sacred Sex Game:</h2>
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<span style="color: yellow;"><b>Sinking in with the dedicated time with my Love.</b> </span> It took us awhile to be able to create this time and that was intentional. We knew we wanted to give the game experience the time and space it deserved. This is what I encourage for you to do! When you decide to commit the time to really sink-in with your partner and a conscious experience, magic happens. Create that time and space for Sacred Sex Game or any experience you wish to hold sacred (lovemaking, a meal, a shared conversation), don't just rush into or through it! We took the time, we carved it away. Through that, we got this really beautiful connection time. We learned some new things and we reaffirmed some things about each other.<br />
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">Delightful aha moments!:</span></b><br />
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The game began with a delightful number of cards that encouraged a whole range of connection, including speaking feelings, eye gazing, deep conscious breathing, speaking our truths, and listening consciously. Then as we spiraled deeper into the game, at about midway, one of his cards suggested he touch my breasts and nipples, I agreed with delight and as he did my yoni opened up!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdsQLmtpi-Fs3B5dI3AveabzVQiJcDIBs-zYi8Xt4yg_3zHeAnZ8Ea9Pb2xw_xNuvkuED3hn6CZkcvyX9GCN5ZwoF2_XhZaedNrhZ14aeU_AwIpPzh6SvmzPAKVdLZMIL9pwLDFTUvtEY/s1600/IMG_20180410_093232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdsQLmtpi-Fs3B5dI3AveabzVQiJcDIBs-zYi8Xt4yg_3zHeAnZ8Ea9Pb2xw_xNuvkuED3hn6CZkcvyX9GCN5ZwoF2_XhZaedNrhZ14aeU_AwIpPzh6SvmzPAKVdLZMIL9pwLDFTUvtEY/s320/IMG_20180410_093232.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Then my card suggested the Riding the Tiger posture and that we could do this clothed or nude. We chose nude and invited a full-on penetrative experience and it was so powerful. I noticed it couldn't have happened the same way without the card prior having opened my gates!<br />
<br />
And I loved that: the spiritual synchronicity in the game of "what needs to arise here" and the setting of intention. While the game didn't word it as "setting intention", I believe that in identifying of blocks ahead of time there is an intention set that happens that guides the game to meet those and gently release them.<br />
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">I love the guidance into really conscious communication.</span></b><br />
<br />
Conscious communication is so core to my journey with my partner and I, and it was really beautiful to be affirmed in all the pieces. I felt times of "oh yes that is a part of what we do! oh yes I do that daily! oh yes how cool to really celebrate these things that we do for ourselves and do with each other and do on our own for our own practice!" AND it was beautiful to notice the ones that weren't so easy. A feeling of "oh yes that is a place I could work with, yes I feel I could do that differently". It was important to gently meet those too.<br />
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Sacred Sex Game is inspiring and supportive by offering gentle instructions to bring these conscious ways of connecting into our awareness.<br />
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<h3>
<b><span style="color: yellow;">Repattern the Old "Board Game" Days</span></b></h3>
<br />
What I also liked is the way that this game repatterns the old competitive scripts of board gaming. When I grew up, board games were huge in my family. Yet those days were filled with competition - who gets to go first, who is faster, bigger or better that someone else. It was a time where I learned to rush. Or to feel "I can't wait until it's my turn so I can get ahead" Or "bummer I have to wait through someone else's turn how boring". <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXrWgZFXSLRFxcjXYPahKVGLegI1weZVpCz220a6EGDov3JgJsOuOwLpFBMKfWiUmBlS_hiwDflFLpIy2ir5Zf1sMwGdeJAHoNr6Ci7-Ptki37G4RQaZHGTYalCNXv0xxmALbGc5Pkw5w/s1600/IMG_20180410_093833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXrWgZFXSLRFxcjXYPahKVGLegI1weZVpCz220a6EGDov3JgJsOuOwLpFBMKfWiUmBlS_hiwDflFLpIy2ir5Zf1sMwGdeJAHoNr6Ci7-Ptki37G4RQaZHGTYalCNXv0xxmALbGc5Pkw5w/s320/IMG_20180410_093833.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Instead, in Sacred Sex Game, there is an excitement for both of us through each turn! I was like "Oh yay it's your turn! Oh yay it's my turn! Oh yay it's your turn!" I felt excitement for every piece of the experience, to see what the cards would invite next. To stand up and dance, to honor our senses, to breathe, or to share a deeply powerful conversation. I felt a real delight in the togetherness that was encouraged. Especially seeing that affirmed in the final phase of the game. In the final stage, there is a center circle (which is the Sri Yantra, a power visual representation of sacred sexuality! Yay! Such a gift, and totally connected with my heart!). The person who has already landed there now does the rolling of the dice for the next person - literally calling in and beckoning their partner - "yes yes come to me, join me!" It's not like "I did it first, I won". It is a "yes let's do this together"! It invites us to explore how we can put our energy into both reaching this experience together, which I believe is an important shift in board gaming. I was really thrilled to see that come in, not knowing ahead of time how this might end!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR1vsTJM6BFOJdX1WMd-ukvXSbRt6RvCp91ZIPWYf6xY-AcSvYTSvqxKMlH-gUrrfuWReO1Ikril6tiDauebVY5gowntOAx1cHva0vk9hnEpDcazoMOI4WRn-tqCqrDQKY7FolEiB2gos/s1600/IMG_20180410_110511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR1vsTJM6BFOJdX1WMd-ukvXSbRt6RvCp91ZIPWYf6xY-AcSvYTSvqxKMlH-gUrrfuWReO1Ikril6tiDauebVY5gowntOAx1cHva0vk9hnEpDcazoMOI4WRn-tqCqrDQKY7FolEiB2gos/s320/IMG_20180410_110511.jpg" width="240" /></a>I so loved sinking in with my partner and really delighting in exploring in some fun new surprises, and "who knows what is on the next card?!" It was a lot of fun and a lot of joy!<br />
<br />
We noticed near the end I was fading a little bit, (we hadn't eaten yet, so I got up to juice some celery) which was<br />
a reminder to be really conscious and we took a pause for a moment so I could get what I needed and then we came back to it and finished the game. And now we are excited to complete the Elixir (which we did in the days following and delighted in!)!<br />
<br />
Thoughts from Dixon: "I thought it was yummy, I really enjoyed playing. I don't often really enjoy board games - I feel like they are time killers - like this thing that just fills time because we don't know what else to do. I have not, in years, had a good association with a board game. And HERE I DID! It was great, <b><span style="color: yellow;">I delighted in sharing Sacred Sex Game with you!</span></b>"<br />
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<h3>
<span style="color: yellow;">Repatterning Unconscious Sex Games</span></h3>
<br />
Another repatterning for me was about the idea of playing a "sex game". In my past, as I was in unconscious relationships, we sometimes explored playing a random "sex game", some erotic board game marketed to make your sex life juicier or something to that effect. I would think, "oh this is going to help us be sexy or exciting". My partner or I would have some expectation of what we thought it should be. It would end up instead as a miserable experience involving a lot of alcohol and numbing. Or it might be that I felt like I had to drag my partner into it, and it ended up not being as exciting as I thought it was going to be. <b><span style="color: yellow;">Sacred Sex Game is different, the creators are conscious beings in conscious partnership and that shows through quite clearly!</span></b> Instead, I released all expectations in my experience with Sacred Sex Game, and my partner and I simply met the shared experience together and followed it. <b><span style="color: yellow;">I surrendered into the experience and delighted in the results!</span></b><br />
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<h3>
<b><span style="color: yellow;">Co-creating Sacred Space</span></b></h3>
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I was also delighted in my partner's capacity to meet me with it and to be present together to really take the time, to be serious about it and explore it. Rather than "oh I will just do it because you want me to", and not really show up. Instead it was lovely to both be committed to exploring, we had planned the time together and dedicated the time together.<br />
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Dixon and I do that a lot with what we do in life: setting intentional spaces. I think that is key in life in general, and especially in conscious partnerships. It takes both of us to co-create the sacred space. <b><span style="color: yellow;">The sacred space we co-created together is part of what made our positive experience with Sacred Sex Game possible.</span></b><br />
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<h3>
One thing I would change about the game:</h3>
The one thing I would invite could be different is the imagery on the posture cards to be more inclusive to all partnering configurations of any race, color, age, size, gender identity or sexual preference. I sense that the intention of inclusiveness is there in the overall energy of the game, which I am glad to see. And I acknowledge the difficulty in creating an image that covers such a wide rainbow range of our human journey. For players, I invite holding the awareness of masculine and feminine energies as "energies" available in us all, no matter how we identify in gender <u>(</u>Click to listen to my radio podcasts on <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/bodymindspiritradio/2014/09/16/sacred-sexuality-with-leslie-blackburn" target="_blank">Sacred Feminine ~ Sacred Masculine</a> or <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/bodymindspiritradio/2014/04/15/sacred-sexuality-with-leslie-blackburn" target="_blank">Gender - A New Model</a><u>)</u>. Then as you play the game, dance in those energies in all the ways that delight you, regardless of what you think it "should" look like!<br />
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<h2>
Recommendation</h2>
<br />
Based on my personal experience and as a <a href="http://www.leslieblackburn.com/about.html" target="_blank">professional</a> in the field of Sacred Sexuality, I highly recommend Sacred Sex Game as a way to build and deepen conscious partnership. I have already recommended it to couples (of any gender identity and sexual preference) that I work with in my practice, and will continue to do so.<br />
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Invest in yourself and your partnership! Acquire <a href="http://www.sacredsexgame.com/" target="_blank">Sacred Sex Game</a>, and co-create the sacred space to play it intentionally. It is worth the investment in yourself! <br />
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#sacredsexuality #sacredbody #sacredgeometry #sriyantra #beyou #sexualsovereignty #empowerment #conscious #connection #communication #partnership #intimacy @sacredsexgameLeslie Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06066456089295109212noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113459354537379627.post-90034480768960013362016-04-13T16:13:00.000-04:002016-05-09T16:16:13.671-04:00Exploring Body WisdomAs I slow down for a moment to notice my cherry tree is opening its blossoms today, I'm reminded of the value of noticing the moment. Each year this tree only blooms for 3 or 4 days. It's a special time to be with it emerging in its newness once again! My body journey continues, the spot I spoke of last month, it has changed, revealing a new layer. <br />
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<h3>
<span style="color: yellow;">Listening to My Body<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></h3>
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My hands meet it, listening, my body moves with curiosity, inquiry... I draw, expressing what I feel as I notice the shift. I notice the widening, a softness. Can I allow the support of my family in? Can I receive loving forgiveness from myself? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4plBPtvCRywzaUE7vzLvrfWldw-ha62io8iluNpdQITBG7ezbI_yqBtUDdYynZCkZox87BWumU5n7tVfOjAPZWtZPxpi2_CI7QPfPS6C8isrVb-zWtXsQYFA_xTOrXie27GHmlGTXbQw/s1600/IMG_20160402_153616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4plBPtvCRywzaUE7vzLvrfWldw-ha62io8iluNpdQITBG7ezbI_yqBtUDdYynZCkZox87BWumU5n7tVfOjAPZWtZPxpi2_CI7QPfPS6C8isrVb-zWtXsQYFA_xTOrXie27GHmlGTXbQw/s320/IMG_20160402_153616.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Do I have all the answers...no! This is still a part of my exploration, yet I've learned so much in the process. In what ways is your body communicating with you? Do you find it hard to discern the resistance from the authentic voice? To trust? This path of deeply listening to my body I have found to be one of the most mysterious yet deeply satisfying and hard to convey with words. The first time my mentor even asked me to check in with my body over 15 years ago I was at a loss...what do you mean? My head guides me, I don't know what my body is saying! Since then, much has opened up in my path and I feel so called to share this journey of possibility, this path of self-realization with others. If this is inspiring you, join me in a private session. I would be honored to be your guide :-)<br />
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And I am so excited to announce a new weekend of sacred sexuality classes I will be offering in Ohio! The beautiful beings at the Great Lakes Energy Exchange have invited me to their space in northern Ohio to share a deep and powerful Tantra Weekend experience. I know many of you are in or near that area, I highly encourage you to check this out and join us. They have created this at a super reasonable rate, see their <a href="http://www.youareatthecrossroads.com/TantraWeekend/" target="_blank">website</a> for more details.<br />
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(Excerpt from April 2016 Newsletter, to receive these directly in your email inbox click here to: <a href="http://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?llr=6jpfzucab&p=oi&m=1102356593981&sit=pswy6hydb&f=a9b30d08-9678-4492-a5a7-00457cea007d" target="_blank">Subscribe</a>!)Leslie Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06066456089295109212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113459354537379627.post-79207801933993581732015-10-12T16:15:00.000-04:002015-10-12T16:15:19.082-04:00Listening to My Body: A Food Journey with Orgasmic Results!<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"A whole new door to a whole new level, a whole new Universe just opened!</i></div>
<i></i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><i>My Love! Making love with you this morning! </i></i></div>
<i>
</i>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><i><I am joyful, breathless and sounds move through me, shamanic, wide, settling, easing... I SING...> </i></i></div>
<i>
</i>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><i>My body! Gratitude! Your body gratitude! Thank you Spirit, Earth, Divine!</i></i></div>
<i>
</i>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><i>Yesterday on the Land, was one of the most powerfully wide, and present with my sexual energy in delight with ease and spaciousness in nature than I've ever felt [having had many prior experiences with running sexual energy in nature]!</i></i></div>
<i>
</i>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><i>And today, my pelvis, my body, opens even more in deep love making...we step through a whole new door!"</i></i></div>
</blockquote>
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<h2>
<span style="color: yellow;">
The Food Journey - It's Time!</span></h2>
As I have been living and sharing in the path of <a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/sacredsexuality.htm" target="_blank">Sacred Sexuality</a> for well over a decade, I now see the thread weaving through it all. The spiral that connects my journey and that I offer to others is one of feeling good, connecting with your power, and a path of self-realization by Listening to Your Body! There have been many, many examples of this in my own journey...and the one that is alive in this moment is about food and nourishment. I am now 10 months into a whole new relationship with food, a deeply embodied experience of Listening to My Body that has once again changed my life. This profound Body Listening experience has been very multi-dimensional and has literally changed my physical and energetic bodies in ways that have expanded my joy and presence in life as well as my orgasmic repertoire (yes, they're connected!), and it is now time to share in more detail. <br />
As I do, some of the core principles that I rest in:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Each of our bodies have something different to say, what mine says will be different than yours</li>
<li>Time and journey and where we're at on our own spiral will impact what's right for us now</li>
<li>This is NOT about: "I gave up eating this food and I ate that food and I followed these steps and it worked for me therefore you need to follow them" No, I invite you...Listen to Your OWN Body for what is right for you in each moment!</li>
<li>This IS about: possibilities, things to consider, new perspectives. I've seen over and over in my path that when I could see someone else doing something or being something it made it easier for me to step out of my box and try something new on for size. </li>
<li>It IS about authenticity...discerning the messages I get from my body, my intuition and Spiritual guidance from those that come from my wounded places, my ego and my control-freak self.</li>
<li>And this is what I call a "YES, AND!" You are amazing AND there may be new possibilities to expand in your power and brilliance. You're not broken, there's nothing to fix. This is not about having to DO anything nor about beating yourself up as you start to notice things you may want to change. Be gentle on yourself.</li>
</ul>
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With all that said, I'd like to share my story, and, I will give some specifics. I do that as an offering of possibility...there are themes that I have learned about and noticed that are important to the human body. And the way I did it may not be the path for everyone...I invite that you too can feel really good about who you are by Listening to Your Body!<br />
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<h3>
<span style="color: yellow;">
The Food Backstory, Seeing the Patterns</span></h3>
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For me, I noticed the food spiral in my life looks a little like this:<br />
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<span style="color: cyan;"><b>As a kid in the 70's and 80's</b> </span>I ate very much white refined flour stuff. My favorite foods: white bread, white rice with butter, mashed potatoes and gravy, grits with butter, noodles, stuffing, macaroni and cheese, pizza, tacos, pop (soda), ice cream. Pop and ice cream were considered "special treats", and there was an emotional attachment to them. I remember being very young watching TV with my Dad and sister, having popcorn and laying on the living room floor and he would allow us to have pop in a cup on the counter to drink because it was a "special treat", but my parents didn't want to risk spills in living room.<br />
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Refined packaged stuff was common, eating from boxes and mixes, casseroles and condensed soups. Mom working full-time, now raising two hungry teens alone, as we were whining and complaining "what's for dinner?!" "we're hungry!".<br />
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Not a love-filled experience.<br />
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There was no gratitude practice for food.<br />
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Meals were rushed and hurried. Fear of "not enough", I gotta eat more, if I don't eat it now Dad will eat it off my plate. Desperation to bring it in fast. When we'd go out to eat, which was a rare treat, I chose the deep fried captains platter at the seafood restaurant (the bigger the better). I chose the fettuccine alfredo at the Italian restaurant, with lot's of bread, and ranch dressing.<br />
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<b><span style="color: cyan;">In college (late 80's early 90's):</span></b> I was binge drinking heavily to numb out, and food was an emotional comfort thing, a layer for building armor around my body, and it had to be the exact thing. I remember a time at my later to be in-laws place where I didn't have a certain cheese for a meal that I wanted and yet when someone ran out to get it, they came back with what wasn't the "right" one and I felt such frustration and anger. I was in tears, and I simultaneously felt awful for coming across as so ungrateful. Guilt and shame were now also tied to the food experience. <br />
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I ate fast foods often, Taco Bell, processed foods, heavy on refined flours, sugars, grains, cheese, dairy, pizza, deep fried. <br />
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Gained a bunch of weight in college. I saw my weight approaching 200 lbs when I left to begin my career. Aack! It freaked me out to the point of action. I started swimming again. Lost the weight with exercise and a low fat diet - I recall Snackwell's cookies, gummy bears, Swedish fish, fake sweeteners, and very little fat. All I was worried about was the "Counts"...this is a mindset I see really common in our society, even when someone truly wants to make healthy changes. Often all that is taught is about the "Counts": how many calories? How many grams of fat? Protein? Carbs? So often that's just all we know.<br />
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I want to invite a shift of awareness from the "Counts"...to instead what IS the food we're bringing into our body? Is it clean food, real, whole, as close to the Earth origination as possible? Not just super-super refined. YES there's a difference in quality, YES there's a difference in the way our body works with grams of lab-generated protein in a shake versus really exquisite healthy, straight-from-the-Earth FOOD (vegetables, meats, fruits, etc).<br />
<br />
This mindset is one of the hardest ones to overcome because it's everywhere around us. It's even the basis for the government required labeling on all of our foods.<br />
<br />
So while I USED to only check the "Counts", when I read a label now...it has nothing to do with fat grams, protein grams or carb grams or calorie counts, I don't even look at that section of a label anymore. What I look at are ingredients...what's IN it? How is it processed? I pay attention to whether it's organic or non-GMO or if it has gluten, if it has hidden ingredients (what are the "natural flavors" listed?) and these types of things are harder to assess sometimes. There are assumptions I have to make now...that most corn and soy for example in this country is genetically modified...so unless it's explicitly labeled as non-GMO, I make the assumption it's GMO. If I can assess what ingredients are in the food and how it was processed, I can make choices. If I can't get enough clarity from the label or other sources, the choice is usually to skip that food.<br />
<br />
And there's another piece of misleading information. I see an unfortunate trend in the medical world (and mainstream viewpoints as a result). I also heard it straight from the voice of my father, who underwent a year of intense chemo- and radiation treatments, the general mindset of nutrition for disease and cancer treating in hospital environments is to take in as many calories as you can, "we don't care what they are".<br />
<br />
There's often no acknowledgment or recognition of the quality or energy or vibrancy in the food...no acknowledgement that it matters! I think this is huge detriment to general wellness, let alone recovering from deep illnesses like cancers. Our bodies use the food we eat as building blocks for maintenance and repair...so imagine the difference of taking an empty calorie to rebuild a foundation versus the vibrancy of a whole food. It feels to me like the difference in cheap building materials versus a solid structure in the maintenance of a building. It can make or break the longevity and well-being of the structure!<br />
<br />
So I was grateful to find, and delighted to read about <a href="http://www.crazywisdomjournal.com/featuredstories/2015/4/30/the-whole-eater-nutrition-for-individualized-health-an-interview-with-coco-newton?rq=coco%20newton" target="_blank">Coco Newton's work </a>in advocating to shift this mindset in the big power centers of mainstream medical. I have hope that perhaps things will shift to better support our human bodies. I'll come back to Coco and her work later.<br />
<br />
Now back to my food spiral... yes I lost the weight, but I lost it in a gripped way. I was constantly doing more more more, I embarked on a decade long experience of being an endurance athlete. It felt as if..."Oh no if I eat one wrong bite it will all come back!" Instability and gripping, do more more.<br />
<br />
Clenching.<br />
<br />
Quick convenience, processed foods, wrappers, boxes, plastic, microwaves, working mega-hours, anything I could grab fast was what I would eat.<br />
<br />
Diet Cokes. I had been drinking one or more a day through childhood and teens into college. I recall this as my first crack into changing food, I gave them up in the early 90's.<br />
<br />
My body released the headaches that had been so common, wow! A glimmer, I saw only in retrospect more than a decade later, that my Body appreciated the change.<br />
<br />
I began drinking more water.<br />
<br />
I saw a nutritionist when I was endurance athlete (late 90's), and she suggested healthy snacks, cheese, nuts, dried fruit, instead of the empty calorie, low fat things I had been consuming. This felt good to my body, I felt more sustained energy in my day.<br />
<br />
Then I released my microwave after it broke in the late 90's, and have never had one since.<br />
<br />
Indeed, I see now that these have been food shifts on my spiral, one piece at a time.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: yellow;">
Opening to New Possibilities</span></h3>
<br />
Fast forward now to a<span style="color: cyan;"> <b>time after my Spiritual awakening</b> </span>(I share more on my story on that elsewhere) (~2000):<br />
<br />
As I'm traveling around world, I begin witnessing people relate to food differently. Saw people with their hands over food, praying, mindful. Songs and prayer circles to share gratitude, during preparation, before meals. Meditation & yoga retreats in 2004, 2005, Peru in 2006, Egypt 2007, First Vision Quest 2008, ah! There IS a different way!<br />
<br />
At my first Vision Quest in 2008, I had a life changing experience with an avocado! <br />
<br />
For the first time I felt held in love around food, being supported, being offered nourishment. After three days of solo fasting on the land, I returned to receive the most exquisite avocado I had ever experienced. It tasted so amazing, that I was really shocked. I couldn't believe something could taste this good! I asked the chef what he had done...he shared..."well, it's one part your desperation! And then, well ok a little sea salt and lime" :-) My own body found it magical to receive this nourishment. I realized it wasn't only about the spices, it was about the love. As I slowly brought food back into my body after those days fasting, I had deeply embodied experiences that repatterned my awareness around mindful eating. It opened a door that day, one of the major turning points in my life around food repatterning.<br />
<br />
After that I danced in different explorations through the <b><span style="color: cyan;">years of 2008-2014</span></b>:<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Vegetarian<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Vegan<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Raw foods & juicing<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Green smoothies<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Live fermentation<br />
Never was I rigidly in a place that said "yes this is the only way", it was very flexible for me.<br />
<br />
After a significant stretch as a vegetarian, I learned meat felt important to my body, AND then I had an awareness reset around meat, mindfulness in meat.<br />
<br />
Started first with choosing meats without chemical processing, avoided added nitrites, nitrates etc.<br />
<br />
It became clear to me that I wanted to ingest not just any ol' meat, or unhealthy processing or animals that weren't respected in their lives.<br />
<br />
Instead I sought out ways the best I could...Can I mindfully really honor this animal that gave it's gift of life? Yes!<br />
<br />
Can I also find an procure meats from farmers who are local and intentional; free-range chickens, grass-fed beef, sustainable farming practices, wild caught seafood? Yes, <a href="https://plus.google.com/116311136422736036077/about" target="_blank">Pure Pastures</a> (It was such a synchronicity that this beautiful store opened right near my home!) is one wonderful example, aho!<br />
<br />
I had even released breads & pastas to an extent, but I had not stopped them completely. I avoided foods with artificial colors and sweeteners and flavors.<br />
<br />
We considered ourselves "Flexitarian".<br />
<br />
Mostly we ate fairly seasonally, root veggies, squashes and roasts in fall and winter; greens, sprouts, berries in spring and summer.<br />
<br />
Organic and local fruits and vegetables were my preference whenever possible/reasonable. I asked the Universe for help in eating more healthy and fresh foods back when I was steeped in a hectic corporate career. What manifested was the discovery of Door-to-Door Organics in spring of 2007 and have been a regular subscriber to receiving fresh organic fruits and veggies delivered weekly right to our home ever since.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkAnnDIkg0NNtaY0q1vJ_gTPkx0hlhSu_6TCGtxT1ir-jzCx7WGnI0Vl8fT4OPu2CuoUAf6wCDRMUPkXJ89Ov_GqnYpa_y0bnxDhrNTGLf9F1SntCPdg9LzSWfJ6GhMR1ubjH-3hXw78/s1600/20150521_133509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkAnnDIkg0NNtaY0q1vJ_gTPkx0hlhSu_6TCGtxT1ir-jzCx7WGnI0Vl8fT4OPu2CuoUAf6wCDRMUPkXJ89Ov_GqnYpa_y0bnxDhrNTGLf9F1SntCPdg9LzSWfJ6GhMR1ubjH-3hXw78/s320/20150521_133509.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eating wild!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In 2011, I had what I call my <a href="http://blog.onespaceconnected.com/2013/11/nourishing-herbal-love.html" target="_blank">Herbal Awakening</a>! I began eating wild, drinking nourishing herbal infusions daily and coming into new relationship with the plants right outside my back door. And I learned a perspective around supplements and capsules that I've carried with me since (reference: Susun Weed). What resonated was the concept of not using capsules because they bypass the natural body's way of telegraphing information from the mouth and tongue to the rest of the body and the liver as we taste food, so that the appropriate enzymes and body readiness for digestion can begin. A capsule bypasses that and plunks into the stomach and once dissolved, the liver goes "aack, what's here?!" then works hard to get rid of it fast. Instead, Susun encourages accessing nutrients from the very bio-available process of nourishing herbal infusions. That said, I'm now sitting with this a bit as I am currently taking some supplements to support my body to digest some things it was having a hard time doing on its own. And I am finding tremendously positive results. So as I always say, it's all about balance. I am currently feeling out what is right for me, and have actually shifted away from some of the capsules in favor of ingesting the contents directly. Yet for some, the capsule feels right. A little bit of both. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
In summary, I reflect back and see how old patterns and limiting beliefs set the stage for how I related to food and the building blocks of my body. As I woke up to see things differently, I began to make changes. I felt like I ate in a fairly healthy way in most phases of my life (post Spiritual Awakening) when I was actually in them, then an opportunity to see something differently would come in, and I would notice that it was time to change something. What "healthy" means varies a lot. I am inviting another way of looking at it...what feels deeply nourishing to support your body with love in each moment? And acknowledge that this will change over time. During all of these years that I've just described of my food spiral- in a parallel spiral, I was also on a journey of many body awakenings [these are stories for another time, book underway!] and shifts on my path of self-realization. The path of Listening to My Body was opening in a whole spectrum of ways. This deep Listening to My Body unveiled another layer....and in January 2015 I got a hit (my word for when I get spiritual/body guidance that says yes to something!) to do another food shift. February 2015 begins that journey...<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: yellow;">
The Cleanse (Phase 1, February 2015)</span></h3>
<br />
During the last weekend of January as I took part in a training module of a profound three year program (<a href="http://www.biodynamiccranialsacral.com/" target="_blank">Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy training</a>, more on this another time), Spirit gave me a hit...candida? Another synchronicity... the third hit (I've found when something comes around 3 times, I need to listen if I haven't already!). I now had a clear knowing to do something to shift my food, and I was guided by a candida cleanse. There was no specific diagnosis, I had not consulted a doctor in years. I had been feeling various levels of inflammation, my left foot itchy, my left big toenail lost from marathon running years ago, grew back with a fungus, perpetually on-and-off a struggle, other little itchy things on-and-off, vaginal itching, the inside of my belly button would get smelly, red, inflamed, itchy; weird rashy things, skin strangeness. Constipation was a problem and had been to some extent much of my life, including bloating and gassiness. Different things at different times, lots of gastro-intenstinal (GI) stuff. Sometimes gassiness that smelled really foul. Also levels of anxiety and stress, sometimes overwhelming to the point of tears and hopeless feelings. Most of the symptoms I thought I just had to tolerate... I assumed they were just normal part of eating and living. I figured I just needed to sort of suck it up and "deal" with them. I recall a doctor asked me once back in my corporate engineering days whether I had any stress in my job and I kind of shrugged it off, "nah, not anymore than everyone deals with right?" was my answer. In reflection, I was tolerating ENORMOUS levels of stress and had the body tension to prove it. I just thought it was "<a href="http://blog.onespaceconnected.com/2011/12/normal-is-just-button-on-washing.html" target="_blank">normal</a>".<br />
<br />
So I got the hit, I'm supposed to do a candida cleanse. Did some research, one website I felt resonated is <a href="http://naturalcandidacleansing.com/candidadietgoodfoods.html" target="_blank">here</a> and I used it for some guidance, in conjunction with my intuition. Learned this was going to involve eliminating sugar, among a lot of other things. Hmmm, that shouldn't be so bad, I don't eat much sugar anyway. Oh wait...until I looked closer...sugar shows up in A LOT of foods. And the one in particular that the idea of letting go of scared me....Chocolate. I was a daily chocolate eater, multiple times a day. I was bound and determined to still have chocolate even without sugar.<br />
<br />
Also, the cleanse included no grains and no potatoes which meant - no crackers or chips or what I call "crunchies". Oh no! It was a texture thing and I felt it was going to be important for me to have this texture. I felt I needed Chocolate and Crunchies and I knew I needed to find a way to handle still having them.<br />
<br />
So what I did for months: I started making my own chocolate out of high quality cacao, cocoa butter, coconut butter and agave nectar or honey. I remained a daily chocolate eater, it just didn't have sugar, it was high quality, dark, often raw, but it was still chocolate, multiple times a day.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuebnx8Y59dGly9bx45AYIZ_svMrlMeZiJWBEfyfSDkCgYXJvHlrXYeQHu4BwvkI9NJ740rA1p-MRgmN6jxC7betn0JnL3C6sAFTDPvBwwPqi43WmM5-DyfbQG7-CphEAgs4-nyUKVTc/s1600/20151011_163211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuebnx8Y59dGly9bx45AYIZ_svMrlMeZiJWBEfyfSDkCgYXJvHlrXYeQHu4BwvkI9NJ740rA1p-MRgmN6jxC7betn0JnL3C6sAFTDPvBwwPqi43WmM5-DyfbQG7-CphEAgs4-nyUKVTc/s320/20151011_163211.jpg" width="320" /></a>And I made my own raw crackers out of red onion, sunflower seed, almonds, cumin, tomato, salt and flax [gratitude to Victoria Boutenko for the recipe I found at a website that no longer exists, I see her work can be found <a href="http://www.rawfamily.com/" target="_blank">here</a>].<br />
<br />
Awesome! I've got my Chocolate and my Crunchies...whew! This helped me feel safe to proceed, it was the container I needed to feel safe to let go of the other pieces. And so I did, it was a great transition, and in fact shortly my need for the crunchy texture dropped away, so the crackers dropped away. Yet the Chocolate remained. In fact, it grew in importance.<br />
<br />
With this guidance and my new-found container, as of <b><span style="color: cyan;">Feb 4, 2015</span></b> I released:<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Sugar<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Grains<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Legumes<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Beets<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Potatoes<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Mushrooms<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Peanuts (legumes)<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Pistachios, cashews or other mold content concern nuts<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Vinegars (mayo, mustard, etc)<br />
<br />
Nearly eliminated fruits, then brought them in a little bit...(only about 1 serving or less, low glycemic ones, apple, grapefruit)<br />
<br />
At the time I wasn't eating much milk or cream anyway (lactose intolerance), but I was still eating butter and cheese! We'll come back to this later.<br />
<br />
I was eating:<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Healthy veggies, lots of them<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Clean Meats<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Healthy fats<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Olive oil<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Avocado<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Almonds<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Pecans<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Coconut oil<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Sesame, tahini<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Cheese<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Eggs<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Butter<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ghee<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Chia seeds<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Cacao<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Fruits (low glycemic ones in small amounts - grapefruit, apple)<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Live fermented foods (Brinery items, homemade Yogurt from whole, non-homogenized, organic, grass-fed cow's milk)<br />
<br />
I go for about a week or so, have a bit of withdrawal, achy, uncomfortable. Some bouts of flu-like symptoms, which I knew to expect as organisms in my body that were no longer of service were dying off and leaving my system. Then I started feeling better. <br />
<br />
About a week or two in...my friend Brian (who happens to be a <a href="http://www.brianmtruskowski.com/" target="_blank">nutrition/healthy eating coach</a>) asks, "well you gave up dairy too right?" I felt my resistance, anger, it felt like..."you can't tell me to give up cheese, I mean look at all this I already gave up" then right away I recognize it as resistance, this was not an "authentic no" message of the body. It was totally from a wounded-self place. I quickly noticed and felt a recognition "oh!...yeah I need to do this", and I kind of giggled at myself (I knew he was right, as much as I didn't want to admit it!)<br />
<br />
So my body said yep, let's try this. He had suggested just try it for a week and see what happens, and Listen to Your Body! I felt this as a truth for me. And so I did! I released cheese.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: yellow;">
The Epic Poop</span></h3>
<br />
After 10 days of releasing cheese (released now all dairy, except for butter/ghee and my live yogurt) I had what I now call the Epic Poop! It was totally amazing, it changed my life! Wheee! I remember going "I had no idea my body could process so cleanly so powerfully so smoothly and completely!". I realized, oh, yes I need to keep eating this way. And I did. I started to eliminate in a much more regular way. Cleanly, where there was a clear urge, a complete cycle, where it was smooth and long. Instead of in the past - what I had known was a little bit here and there, feeling super-bloated, bound-up, heavy, feeling like I couldn't push things out. Or sometimes it would be loose and explosive and uncomfortable. Not a whole lot in between. <br />
<br />
When this new clean elimination started to happen and I started to feel so much better, I was amazed! And I continued this way for awhile, and then noticed I was struggling with some pieces of it: feeling tenderness on my right side near my liver and that wove into my emotional and family history around anger and the way I carry things. I realized it was mostly working well, then things would happen that would pop me back into constipation again, and I wouldn't know why. Sometimes, while the poops felt amazing, they were also connected with extreme urgency which made it awkward if we were away from the house. Or I would accidentally ingest sugar and find out because my foot would light up with itchy redness and I'd go back and check and find it hiding in something I had eaten...ARGH!<br />
<br />
<br />
<textarea cols="50" readonly="readonly" rows="54" style="background-color: #b6b6b6;">HIDDEN SUGAR
As I released sugar, I started to learn how sneaky it is! It shows up EVERYWHERE! Checking labels would usually uncover it in most grocery purchases, but sometimes it would appear in unexpected places, even as I thought I was being mindful.
One example was the time I was buying bacon (in Phase 1). Yay! I could eat healthy meats so at my trusted grocery store that carries organic meats, by intentional, sustainable farming practices, I thought for sure I could grab a package of bacon and it would be free from things I didn't want to eat. So I bought a package, came home, lovingly prepared and ate it with my family. I even enjoyed cooking with the bacon grease over the next day or so. Until I realized that my left foot had flared up, itchy, red and uncomfortable. What had I eaten? I checked back on my log and sure enough it seemed to time with the bacon and the grease. I checked the package the next time I was at the store and sure enough, while it did not contain added nitrates, nitrites, etc from chemical processing...it had been preserved with sugar.
The second example was as I was out with my daughter trying to find a reasonable place for us to have a quick meal. We stopped at Zoup!, the soup chain that labels each of their soups with main ingredients and whether they are low fat (LF), dairy free (DF) gluten free (GF), vegetarian (V), and/or spicy (S). I thought, surely since they label in this way I will be able to navigate. I chose a soup that fit the things I was eating.
That night, I could feel it...my foot lit up once again. Argh!! What did I eat? I check the website the next day, and by then their "daily soups" had changed so I could not find the one I had eaten. I did my best to check the ingredients based on a similar soup but could not find sugar. Then I had an idea...they sell their broths in jars, let me check their broth ingredients. I did, and sure enough, EVERY soup they make, based on their broths, has sugar in it. (PS I now notice their website has changed since I first researched, now is much easier to navigate and yet still misleading as they note "Key Ingredients" only, which appears to not mention the broth ingredients.)
And finally, one of my family's favorite restaurant night out options is having sushi, it has been one of my favorites and my daughter grew to love it as well. We went for a meal, me carefully selecting options that fit my Phase 1 needs (no rice or soy, or vinegar... not easy at an Asian restaurant). Again I felt something a little off, not as strong as the prior times. Yet I checked in on-line...how is sushi ginger made? How about the sticky rice that the rest of my family ate and my daughter loves? Both cases...Sugar!
In each of these cases I felt frustrated, then chalked it up to another level of learning and awareness! Perhaps my sharing will help others avoid the same pitfalls. </textarea><br />
<br />
The other piece that was happening during this phase was emotional...a huge frustration around having to make everything myself. Going out to restaurants had been a pleasure of mine and a joy with my family, to occasionally take a break from preparing food and go out as a special treat. Eating out I couldn't do anymore, not in the same way. It really became almost depression-like, a real downer. Times where I would just collapse in tears..."really?! I have to spend all these hours and do it all myself?" It felt so daunting and overwhelming to try to do all this, to eat in this way...and yet I knew I HAD to do it. So I bumped up hard against some emotional stuff, and what that did was open up some healing. <br />
<br />
I had the awareness that while I had been living a life where I had shifted my mindfulness around eating, it was only part way. When I would be at the point of taking food into my body, I would hold loving gratitude.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPyqTqeGx-HbOTI0uhKds9_RVpWJ-mlwh1FNI7GeFwUMSvwlULMdPLk8pKiOEPKO0rp4353MJZTXi6GgPW9f4LmxiWKXrmT08iAlU9VY_yLhLS7YId03QxImPVYL09KRb4IPN3SSXjG0c/s1600/20151012_150720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPyqTqeGx-HbOTI0uhKds9_RVpWJ-mlwh1FNI7GeFwUMSvwlULMdPLk8pKiOEPKO0rp4353MJZTXi6GgPW9f4LmxiWKXrmT08iAlU9VY_yLhLS7YId03QxImPVYL09KRb4IPN3SSXjG0c/s320/20151012_150720.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our gratitude stone feels heavy and warm in my hand</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
For years now when my family and I sit down for a meal, we take a breath together and share gratitude. However, at the same time, and I didn't see it until then...I was stressing about the preparation. I wasn't bringing the same mindfulness and spiritual awareness to the planning and preparation. So basically what would happen...I would wait until the last second, I want to eat in 15 minutes, I don't have anything ready, and I feel stressed and maxed. Because in the past I could grab that pre-packaged thing from Trader Joe's and heat it up and be done and be fed. And I couldn't do that anymore.<br />
<br />
<textarea cols="50" readonly="readonly" rows="35" style="background-color: #b6b6b6;">THE GRATITUDE STONE PRACTICE
A beautiful practice that was gifted into my awareness by my shamanic teacher Rose Khalsa during one of several Vision Quests I took with her, is one of the "Gratitude Stone". My family began the practice shortly after, and it has become one of or daily meal rituals ever since.
We have a small stone, rounded, I chose a richly dark, deep one that I had brought back from the oceans of the west coast of the US. You can choose any stone that calls to you. We keep it in the center of our table, and at the beginning of the meal, someone begins. Taking the stone, they hold it in their hands, close their eyes, breathe and settle in. When the gratitude pours through their heart, they share out loud what they feel grateful for in the moment. Words of gratitude pour forth...perhaps for the presence of each other, the food, the beings that brought the food through the process of being here, something specific to that person's experience of life that day. Whatever gratitude feels alive in that moment. When complete, they pass the stone to the next person. It's a delight to receive the stone from the person before, feel its warmth from their hands, and feel the vibration inviting presence and slowing down.
We each listen deeply as the person with the stone speaks, we provide the gift of witnessing, loving and holding space. When all are complete, the stone returns to the center and we begin eating our meal together!
This practice has helped us slow down, see and appreciate each other, Spirit and the meal, and really deeply provide a space for connection time during our meal. I encourage you to take it into your life as well!
</textarea><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Click for more information about <a href="http://www.polaritycenter.org/" target="_blank">Rose Khalsa, her Vision Quests and her work</a>)</i></span><br />
<br />
And so I would be overwhelmed. I realized it was connected back to my childhood. Hurry up and get food on the table, and do it fast, and wasn't with love or caring, and there was anger and frustration surrounding the whole thing. And it was all this really uncomfortable experience. And I noticed now that I was replaying that, I was doing it to myself! I was the one waiting until the last minute to even think about what the meal might be, then feeling like I can't get it on the table, and then doing some rushed thing putting it down. And finally NOW pause, and take a breath of gratitude, only after the prep was done and it was time to eat.<br />
<br />
So my eyes had opened to a new way that my body could feel, it was real and amazing and I knew I needed to explore how to make it sustainable. And I needed some help through the emotional and logistical changes.<br />
<br />
I realized I needed some guidance to really navigate this territory. <br />
<br />
First some beautiful friends in my life, Janine and Milagros, helped me to start to see that food could be about Loving my Body. And part of my spiritual practice. And so I started to shift my awareness around the preparation... as deep gratitude for myself for creating the possibility of nourishing and loving my body in the way I wanted to. And as I started to do that I went "Oh!" in recognition! It shifted things drastically, still difficult, but I was able to find a new rhythm, find ways to manage and balance my time in the kitchen. I began to take days where I would spend an hour or two in preparation that would set things up for the next several days. Instead of trying to do everything before every meal, I found a new cadence. That was shocking to me, I had never done it that way before regularly. It does take a little time, but what I found was as I give myself permission to honor that time, it does not take away linear clock time from my day, it's weird, it's actually creating more energy and time by nourishing my body!<br />
<br />
Also, after eating this way for 3 or 4 months, I reached out to friends for recommendations on how to navigate this realm of food shifting with some professional guidance and started to do some research. I found an <a href="http://www.crazywisdomjournal.com/featuredstories/2015/4/30/the-whole-eater-nutrition-for-individualized-health-an-interview-with-coco-newton?rq=coco%20newton" target="_blank">article</a> in the Crazy Wisdom Community Journal on Coco Newton, and her work on functional nutrition and functional medicine. She had been recommended to me by two dear friends, and this article became the third touch point. Yes, time to listen! It resonated deeply as part of my calling! I was blown away, I saw her with a background in the traditional western medical world, also share about treating our bodies in ways that resonated deeply with me. That we are whole beings, how we move and process and relate with food and the world around us are all connected. So what our childhood life was like is absolutely going to have an impact on how our body processes things. The approach being taken with functional medicine was one of nutrition and wholeness as balance for wellness, AND for treating physical ailments. Coco wasn't available for new patients, so she referred me to <a href="http://www.aartibatavia.com/" target="_blank">Aarti Batavia</a> a <a href="http://www.aartibatavia.com/functional-medicine/" target="_blank">Registered Dietician and Functional Medicine Practitioner</a>. I was excited, I could feel the potency as I reached out to connect with Aarti!<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: yellow;">The Reset (Phase 2, June 2015)</span></h3>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENWms62cZOiv58wA_h9_kVc4hNqBrc2-cGDSSkn4etiVIum2Yg7kjDkAg3PB7Xi3tlnp2FZsTk4pkYuxySmr4tEmWAN_xu511XwmEuG349umhm_1D6Tg1aspEG_d4hVtNZmdBv9mi3qs/s1600/Aarti-intake-process.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENWms62cZOiv58wA_h9_kVc4hNqBrc2-cGDSSkn4etiVIum2Yg7kjDkAg3PB7Xi3tlnp2FZsTk4pkYuxySmr4tEmWAN_xu511XwmEuG349umhm_1D6Tg1aspEG_d4hVtNZmdBv9mi3qs/s320/Aarti-intake-process.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aarti and I began with an extensive intake and life timeline</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Aarti and I started our journey in June 2015, where she had me complete a 20 page intake and a 3 day food diary, that captured my whole history. This was not only the typical family medical history questions, but also included my own journey of my whole life, emotions, mental, physical body, my spiritual journey. The holistic view. She created this exquisite timeline that showed how this journey through my life wove together with relevance to my present experiences, and she was able articulate back to me so much. In our first session, I was blown away, the first thing that came up...she invited me to go back to the place of my grandparents, to find forgiveness in my lineage! And wow was this so true! I could feel it resonate, she hit a theme I had been stuck with and had been working with for myself. That emotional & spiritual piece in balance with the mental and physical. This was the beauty, the balance of the planning and analytical with the intuitive and holistic and spatial, the balance of complementary approaches is what is so important for me, and I saw this in my relationship with Aarti, her capacity and willingness to bring in both. So now in addition to those broader emotional body messages, she encouraged doing some testing to get into some specifics. She recommended a food sensitivity test of 150 items (120 foods and 30 chemicals?). It's a Mediator Release Test...testing a facet of the body's immune response...ranking each of the tested substances by my own personal reactivity to them. The results are different for each person, and they are the basis for a unique food re-introduction plan that follows. The idea is that for the next several months I will be eating nothing that has not been tested, and I will begin, gradually, with only the foods my body says "Yes" to as indicated by a low immune reaction. The test required a blood draw at the lab, then a trip to FedEx where I dropped off my blood for an overnight journey to Florida, sending it off with gratitude and blessings! <br />
<br />
Once the results came back, we met again and reviewed them. At first she showed me the list of foods to which my body had reacted (had a "Food Sensitivity" immune response).<br />
<br />
<textarea cols="50" readonly="readonly" rows="25" style="background-color: #b6b6b6;">WHAT ARE FOOD REACTIONS?
I learned there are 3 types of ways our body can respond to foods, this awareness helped me navigate my body messages...
Food Sensitivity - the immune system reacts to foods and causes the release of chemicals called mediators (such as histamine, prostaglandins, cytokines, etc) from white blood cells. These mediators cause inflammation, pain, etc. These are very complex mechanisms in the circulating cells. Often a really delayed response (45 min to several days) which makes it hard to discern whats going on.
Food Allergy - immune response involves mast cells (the main cells involved in allergic reactions) which are found in tissue not in circulation. It's a different response, quick (often immediate), very well understood, and usually clearly able to tie to the offending food.
And Food Intolerance - this does not involve any immune system response. It does create uncomfortable symptoms from food not being properly digested (it sits and ferments inside the gut). Lactose intolerance is an example of this. </textarea><br />
<br />
Those with a Moderate Reaction were noted in Yellow, and those with a Strong Reaction were noted in Red, with the remaining low reactive items noted in Green. The full list of Yellow and Red is below.<br />
<br />
The plan was to eliminate anything that tested highly reactive (Red) for 6 months, and eliminate those that tested moderately reactive (Yellow) for 3 months. I felt huge resistance again! The things that showed up that I was sensitive to, some of them were foods that had become staples for me in the way I had been eating since February! To name a few:<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Avocado<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Almonds<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Sesame<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Grapefruit<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Yogurt<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Pecans<br />
<br />
Plus, to my great dismay, two things showed up on the list that I feared. I feared it because I knew it meant I had to eliminate something else. Something that had been a daily staple for many years. The very thing I worked so diligently around when I did the last food shift. The two things were:<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Cocoa<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Caffeine<br />
I was in disbelief...my body was reacting to two components of my favorite food...Chocolate!<br />
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<textarea cols="50" readonly="readonly" rows="38" style="background-color: #b6b6b6;">ELIMINATED FOODS - RESET PHASE
As of July 16, 2015, I eliminate these foods for 6 months (they tested highly reactive for me):
Peach
Walnut
And these for 3 months (they tested moderately reactive for me):
Acetaminophen
Almond
Avocado
Caffeine
Catfish
Cocoa
Codfish
Corn
Dill
Blue #1 (FD&C artificial color)
Blue #2
Red #40
Fructose
Grapefruit
Honey
Lamb
Leek
Lentil
Lettuce
Mushroom
Peanut
Pecan
Sesame
Sweet Potato
Wheat
Yogurt</textarea><br />
<br />
So I was like "What do you mean? This is all I've been eating, how am I going to eat?!" Aarti smiles and shows me the list.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dlwxJGdCLtON_7vkZJAtZh_0BLglkDO3v02d1ULUKB4QygMFeJw4uvWTQZX0pHAVRKaCqjJyem_SvevTs9cOWoIuwxU8nPgoG4wEUqf4_dfeH7-cwZLBb1Ue0pDgdiMtbrNSZoUYTi0/s1600/food-sheets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dlwxJGdCLtON_7vkZJAtZh_0BLglkDO3v02d1ULUKB4QygMFeJw4uvWTQZX0pHAVRKaCqjJyem_SvevTs9cOWoIuwxU8nPgoG4wEUqf4_dfeH7-cwZLBb1Ue0pDgdiMtbrNSZoUYTi0/s1600/food-sheets.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My game plan, food logs, lists of allowed foods, planned added foods, <br />supplement spreadsheet all found a home at our dinner table!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Aarti recommended a protocol to reset my diet to eating nothing other than about 30 of those foods that my body indicated caused the least reactivity. I call this phase of my journey "The Reset". The Reset began with the calmest ease for my immune system. This concept resonated deeply, "ImmunoCalm" was one of the words in the paperwork about this food program, ah yes! That feels right. <b><span style="color: lime;"> Let's calm the noisy messages of reactive responses, Listen to My Body, and let it be heard in relative stillness!</span></b><br />
<br />
So on July 16th, I begin with eating only those foods on the low reactive (green) list, bring in from the bottom up, slowly. We even brought in items in categories I had been avoiding during my Cleanse phase: grains and legumes, this surprised me and I wasn't sure how it would feel yet I trusted the process, it felt right. The initial list consisted of about 30 foods.<br />
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<textarea cols="50" readonly="readonly" rows="65" style="background-color: #b6b6b6;">ALLOWED FOODS - RESET PHASE
Phase 2: On July 16, 2015 I reset to eating ONLY these foods for 3 weeks:
Proteins:
Shrimp
Egg
Garbanzo Bean
Pork
Starches:
Oat (gluten-free only)
Millet
Amaranth (grain)
Vegetables:
Lima Bean
Carrot
Cauliflower
Broccoli
Zucchini
Spinach
Fruits:
Banana
Cantaloupe
Blueberry
Cherry
Apple
Nuts/Seeds/Oils:
Cashew
Hazelnut
Olive oil
Flavor Enhancers:
Mustard (seed or powder, not prepared mustard as it has other ingredients)
Parsley
Vanilla
Black Pepper
Paprika
Lemon
Basil
Other:
Apple Cider Vinegar
Spectrum brand - White distilled vinegar
Baking Soda
Salt (Sea Salt or Himalayan Salt)
(32 total items)
If its not on this list, it did not go in my mouth. I drank water primarily. Brushed my teeth with baking soda. Meats: only ones that were cleanly sourced (grass fed, free range, organic, sustainable farming, local etc when possible) and no added stuff, no lunch meats. Fruits and veggies organic wherever possible. Read all labels to check for ingredients. Example, later...when sunflower seeds were added....a package of sunflower seeds had peanut oil and salt in them, they were not ok due to the peanut oil even though sunflower seeds were ok.</textarea><br />
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For the first 3 weeks, I reset to eating only these. I ingested nothing that was not on that list. I even brushed my teeth with baking soda instead of what I considered to be a very healthy option toothpaste I had been using (Fennel, non-fluoride from Trader Joe's).<br />
<br />
And with The Reset, I eliminated all those others on the Yellow and Red list that I was reactive to. And those included Chocolate.<br />
<br />
Recall that chocolate had continued as a daily thing, even as I did the Cleanse in February through June. So now as I start the Reset - Phase 2, I had to give up chocolate?! At first I was like OHHH NO! That was the one last thing!...having given up grains and pasta and cheese...I just didn't think I could do it, really? I'm reactive to chocolate?!...and yet as I moved quickly thru that denial phase (only a few minutes to an hour or so this time!) I realized yep, that's absolutely what I have to do. And so I did. And I did ceremony to do it.<br />
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<h3>
<span style="color: yellow;">Releasing Chocolate - Another lesson in Letting Go!</span></h3>
<br />
Recall it was not just cocoa, but also caffeine that sparked the elimination of chocolate. I had to take a moment to reflect on caffeine for myself. I realized I had not been eating any other caffeine sources. Never was I a coffee drinker, or caffeinated tea drinker...I always drank herbal teas, if any at all. I used to have caffeine in the Diet Coke days but that ended in the 90's. So I never thought of myself as ingesting much caffeine, except for the chocolate of course, but it didn't seem like I was eating the chocolate for the caffeine it was for the chocolate. For what that is worth, anyway! Now I knew I had to give up both cocoa and caffeine.<br />
<br />
There were times back in The Cleanse Phase that I would eat so much cacao, I would max out. I found my limit. I had a day back then that I was grasping at, I had eaten so much cacao thru the course of the day...I maxed. Zingy, wired, anxious, I couldn't fall asleep and I couldn't understand what was going on and the next day I figured out how much I had eaten (by reviewing my food log) and I was like OMG I think I found my maximum.<br />
<br />
So as much as my ego didn't want me to give up chocolate, I knew I needed to...at least to explore it.<br />
<br />
So the day before I was to begin The Reset diet, it was a Wednesday, I remember it well. That morning I ate a little bit of cacao...then I decided "I'm done". I did ceremony, held open space and asked Spirit "please support me to release this for as long as is needed and to hold me safely in this journey of resetting my food". And as I did the prayer and did the release, my body pretty instantly said ok, and I let it go and I didn't have any more chocolate even that day. This was unusual, I had been eating it multiple times a day. And then Thursday when I officially started Phase 2 - The Reset, I didn't have any. And for awhile it was awkward but more from a habitual sense... after dinner I always had chocolate, so the habit of wanting to have it was still there, yet I was able to witness it and not get carried away by it. And that dropped away over time. Never did I really have a true craving for it as I had in the past. That was pretty miraculous to me, being a daily chocolate eater and, frankly, being so addicted to it. I ate it so much that I just didn't think it was going to be possible. To me this <b><span style="color: lime;">ease of release of chocolate was such an strong indicator of how authentically my body was saying I need to make these changes for myself.</span></b><br />
<br />
Yes, I want to point this out.<br />
<br />
There are going to be times when we do something that DOES feel right and yet it's<i> REALLY HARD.</i> And when we ask ourselves for support, and give ourselves the support we need, receive support from our "tribe" of friends and chosen family, and ask Spirit for support, it is possible...and even easier that perhaps it first appeared! Things don't have to be hard to be good for you! And that said, we don't have to do it all at once, it doesn't have to be this overwhelming suffering to make some change. We don't have to do it huge. The things I was doing, I had phased in over decades. If I had tried to make all of these changes to my diet at once, I can't even fathom how hard that would have been for me. In fact, what would happen in the past, as I tried to make changes that weren't authentic or too much at once, they wouldn't stick. By truly listening authentically to my body in the course of time, it becomes something I can truly make as a part of my life, instead of bingeing up and down, trying one thing, finding it doesn't work then forgetting it... then trying another thing...<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: lime;">This felt MUCH more sustainable.</span></b><br />
<br />
Recall the emotional struggles when I was feeling the limits of The Cleanse Phase, now in this Reset Phase, the limits became even stronger! Literally only 30 things on my list that I could eat. This meant NO eating out as I could not risk the uncertainty of what ingredients were used or how things were prepared or sourced. It meant bringing my food with me everywhere, not even eating at friends house most of the time. Except for my few friends that actually understand this stuff with me, like Janine who made a meal for me and I cried with joy and relief because I didn't actually have to make it and it was delightful!<br />
<br />
However, with the healing shift of bringing loving mindfulness to the preparation, the work in advance for trips and going out became manageable, I found that I can do it! I changed my life, changed my rhythms and my cycles of interaction with food, and interaction with my kitchen and how I organize my kitchen. I also changed how I organize my food and how I organize carrying my food. I bought some great containers from <a href="http://www.lifewithoutplastic.com/" target="_blank">Life Without Plastic</a>. It was fun to explore new ways to carry and have food with me so I can sustain myself when I am out for the day. I also found an old cast iron skillet at an estate sale, re-seasoned it and feel in love with how food cooks with it. I started using it almost exclusively. These were all profound shifts that started to happen as I made the changes. <br />
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<a href="https://instagram.com/p/6m3M2CPGew/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A photo posted by Leslie Blackburn (@leslightbearer)</a> on <time datetime="2015-08-20T13:41:22+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Aug 20, 2015 at 6:41am PDT</time></div>
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And I realized this experience fit right in to what I call the value of <a href="http://blog.onespaceconnected.com/2011/07/freedom-and-expansion-yes-boundaries.html" target="_blank">creating a Container</a>! It's not that the list of foods being so small was a restriction. In fact, it became the opposite! By really settling in to the structure of the container, the boundaries, I was able to relax fully into the creative flow. I <br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
discovered and created whole new recipes from my list of allowed foods that were incredibly flavorful, nurturing, filling as well as healthy and clean for my body. I liken it to an improvisational score, it gives enough direction and structure to allow the freedom for lot's of creativity and movement within the framework. Whereas, when the list of options is infinite, it can feel overwhelming to try to narrow down and often the reaction is to just not bother trying.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinE3RaYyyEIbN8KmL2DV5Y4oysUKXhfA3U-GWvpQHPLe3s6vffukzyovkeA0JnN0rPrvclqCuPMtXxIAPUBKllOdPhhMNps3003v79pwz_wdG3oZavgPjTJX08FMg-6Sjfa9fSXMxoEFY/s1600/Moldiv_1444679242526+foods+with+border.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinE3RaYyyEIbN8KmL2DV5Y4oysUKXhfA3U-GWvpQHPLe3s6vffukzyovkeA0JnN0rPrvclqCuPMtXxIAPUBKllOdPhhMNps3003v79pwz_wdG3oZavgPjTJX08FMg-6Sjfa9fSXMxoEFY/s320/Moldiv_1444679242526+foods+with+border.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New nourishing, flavorful, beautiful creations!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Also, the sense of time was important. By creating the structure that had specific time bounds (3 weeks for the first part, another 3 weeks of adding in new foods and supplements, then another 4-6 weeks adding in more foods), I found it really helped to let my body sink in and trust the flow. As I often share with clients, it takes the brain at least 21 days to pattern in a new behavior, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebbian_theory" target="_blank">neurons that fire together wire together</a> and we have to give our brains a chance to repattern old grooves that may have been there for decades! This takes time! By having predetermined stretches of time and a plan, I noticed that my body could relax into letting that rewiring happen. This made a big difference for me in being able to move through the process emotionally as well as physically and mentally. It all comes back to creating a Self-Practice...I found the testing and time plans to be the structure that balanced with my body awareness, intuition and fluidity. <br />
<br />
This was definitely a case where that structure supported me.<br />
<br />
Another part of what made this possible, is having a support network. I've mentioned the friends who opened my eyes to new ways, and there's also the profound power of the love of partners and family. I am so grateful to have the support of my "tribe"! An exquisite example of this came shortly after starting the Reset. My Love (Dixon), my daughter and I went on a family vacation. I had to bring every bite of food with me for a 5 day trip. So I planned and prepared meals ahead of time, then packed up two coolers full of food and a backpacking camp stove. We stayed in a lovely, rustic cottage that had a mini-fridge, but no other kitchen amenities. So I would heat my meals on the camp stove, my Love would bundle up the pot in a towel like an adored baby (to keep it warm), put it in a bag and off to a restaurant we would go, bundle in tow. We'd explain to the server that I am on a restricted diet and needed to bring my own food, while the other two of our party would be ordering from the menu. Every single time we were well received! The restaurant personnel had no problem with the arrangement, and would often bring me a plate or other requested items to support the meal. It took a bit of extra time and planning, and yet made it possible for me to makes the changes my body was asking for while still getting to enjoy time away with my family. Aho!<br />
<br />
And I am noticing the benefits indeed!<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: yellow;">Benefits I Began Experiencing</span></h3>
<h4>
<span style="color: cyan;">
Mindfulness, Expanded Sensory Awareness</span></h4>
<br />
Resetting my food, meant resetting my taste buds and awareness! I began to notice subtle flavors and sweetness that had been overwhelmed by all the noise in the past. At times now, I sit in ecstatic joy as I receive food into my body...the color, the texture and the taste filling me with sensory delight...a powerful facet of Sensual Living! It has become such a joy to receive the simple delights of cool watermelon blended with fresh mint and an ice cube for example...a sweet delightful treat of a drink that I was able to savor on day 73 when I re-introduced mint after adding watermelon on day 72! This has been a delightful journey of no longer taking ingredients for granted.<br />
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A photo posted by Leslie Blackburn (@leslightbearer) on <time datetime="2015-09-06T18:57:38+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Sep 6, 2015 at 11:57am PDT</time></div>
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Unwinding, Creating Ease in my Body</span></h4>
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<i>"I catapulted quickly through the denial of giving up chocolate... granted it's only Day 1, but it feels really good! Feels like Spirit has got my back! I realize, we fight ourselves, by shoving the practices into a part of our brain that's about the to-do list. Often what's simply being asked for is to change the place in our brain from which we are resting our awareness."</i> [See "Food Phase 2 Reset Aha moment insert below] </blockquote>
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~ My Day 1 voice note to myself</blockquote>
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There was a little transition again at first, (the big transition had already happened when I shifted in February, flu-like symptoms, etc) This time there was a little weirdness, because frankly I was eating grains and chickpeas again and I hadn't been eating any since January so I felt some digestive stuff for a short time (grumbly belly, gassiness, only for a few days). The grains were all gluten-free, Oats (gluten-free only), Millet and Amaranth, at first I only started with Oat and Amaranth to take it slow. And I did experience a little headachiness in the first few days, that I attributed to letting go of chocolate. That subsided by about Day 4.<br />
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<textarea cols="75" readonly="readonly" rows="31" style="background-color: #b6b6b6;">FOOD PHASE 2 RESET DAY 1 "Aha Moment"
Noticing this reflection of spiritual practice and (food shift inspirations)
Catapulted thru denial of giving up chocolate, granted only Day 1, but it feels really good! Feels like Spirit has got my back!
I realize, we fight ourselves, by shoving the practices into a part of our brain that's about the to-do list. Often what's simply being asked for is to change the place in our brain from which we are resting our awareness.
Not that its bad to work from that part of the brain, certainly it helped me to put yoga and meditation on a spiritual practice to "do the practices" but sometimes I think we force it into this place on the to-do list and then were still not Being in the practice. There's real value in shifting our way of Being and shifting the place from which we reside in the brain in terms of awareness and perception, and that's part of the practice.
It's not just forcing some list of things to do (which I know I've said before), its also Being IN it. And that Being place is going to be different at different times in our lives. Like I couldn't have done this food shift for example or some of my spiritual practices, at earlier times in my life. They just wouldn't have resonated, I would have thought "yeah that's just boring", or "yeah that's not working" or "that's just silly", they just wouldn't have had a place to take root.
Its really just honoring each of us in our paths on what is ready to take root, what is the shift that's ready in the moment? And its going to look different for everybody. My version of that is going to have one progression that's going to look one way and different than somebody else's progression, and it's not even a hierarchy thing, it's just different. (Important! I invite us to get out of the ego that someone is further along or behind...no, not that, it's simply different!)
And that's what the value of Listening to the Body is to me. Getting into my body and getting into that wide space of awareness where I can actually start to discern my authentic "Yes" or what creates my "Yes", from the message of the place of resistance or wounded place or the place of the egoic mind. This is CORE!</textarea><br />
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About 10 days after the Phase 2 Reset began, I had a miraculous moment again!<br />
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<i>"Sleepy! Waking up! Yummy, Day 10 of Reset. And right now in my body I awoke feeling new levels of no popping or bound feeling in my jaw anymore. Spacious, delightful, ease throughout the torso fascial system, has let go a bit. I can rest in my bed or against my love with ease, not as much gripping in my body in general. More spacious in my head! As if the dura mater has let go a bit the twisting winding sensation of birth that I was noticing awhile ago has eased. I am feeling clearer, waking in the morning, with a "bing!" a bright clarity of readiness to get up. Typically before the alarm even goes off right now and with a lot of energy, and that's so weird, usually I need my half hour of alarm process.</i> </blockquote>
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<i>Noticing less zinginess and anxiety. I think I'm falling asleep easier, even though I'm also quite ebullient at night too! Just higher levels of energy all around, which is really a blessing. One downside I'm noticing right now...anal itchiness, feels like contact as I poop or near a poop, feels like something there is making my anus really itchy, quite uncomfortable (figured this out later and resolved it by avoiding chickpea flour by Swad, made on equipment shared with sulfites and others, instead I began using Bob's Red Mill brand and this worked great).</i> </blockquote>
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<i>The whole dural system has released, like patterns from birth and rebirth have let go, things that were holding, twists and engagements that were holding in my body my whole life have started to let go! And its the most freeing spacious experience of ease! Ahhhhh! Settling, twists and turns in binds in my jaw and my head are all finding their way out...I'm flabbergasted! I think it all this has been a combination of the BCST (Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy - training I have been in for about 1.5 years at this point), and awareness and settling for myself, and receiving sessions, noting how lasting and cumulative the effects are (positive changes in my body from the work). And because of the food shift, I think its no coincidence that the 1st day of my July Reset food shift landed on the 1st day of module 8 (of the BCST training). And I think...</i> </blockquote>
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<i>I'm going to say this and record it now, just in case I don't believe it in the future, and with Dixon as my witness,</i> </blockquote>
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<i>"I had to release chocolate for this to really find its space, and that I am grateful for having released chocolate."</i> </blockquote>
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<i>Yes I am recording this!</i> </blockquote>
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<i>Yes, I am happy I released chocolate! My body is finding great joy in it! And I can't believe I am saying this out loud, let alone recording it and being witnessed by my sweetie!</i> </blockquote>
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<i>I love you! (Dixon says to me)</i> </blockquote>
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<i>It's amazing, its like blowing my mind! Combinations of listening to my body and this is the culmination of my work to date ...Listening to My Body...and the food shifts<br />and the <a href="http://www.somastories.net/" target="_blank">Authentic Movement taught by Stefanie Cohen</a> (a regular part of my practice for the past year and a half) that gives me space to Listen to My Body<br />and the <a href="http://www.biodynamiccranialsacral.com/" target="_blank">Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy training taught by Jan Pemberton</a> which gives me tools and ways to Listen to My Body,<br />among so many other pieces of body awakening and awareness in my journey!<br /> I got intuitively guided into this, it was totally a "Listening to Your Body" thing to begin with...I just can't believe this!</i> </blockquote>
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<i>I CAN believe it though...because I listened!"</i> </blockquote>
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~May Day 10 voice note to myself</blockquote>
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To me it was all about balance...in this case balancing objective with subjective data. We were doing bloodwork and lab test (objective data), and also noting experiences I had been capturing in my food diary (I'd been keeping one since February) which included symptoms and things I am noticing and feeling in my body, and my intuition (subjective data). Making this really balanced choice of how to move forward. We involved my Primary Care Physician (PCP), who ordered the lab tests that Aarti recommended for me. In the results, Aarti noticed I wasn't digesting fats well. So we took a two-pronged approach... supplements were added to rebuild my gut body and its health and invite my body to digest fats that it wasn't doing well on its own, and the second prong was to go see a specialist, a Gastroenterologist to see what he had to say. Why is my body not digesting fats super well? We did all these pieces. <br />
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<textarea cols="50" readonly="readonly" rows="71" style="background-color: #b6b6b6;">SELF ADVOCACY
I want to take a moment to encourage a powerful tool in the toolkit for Listening to Your Body. It is what I call Self-Advocacy. Especially in the realms of our standard western medical system. There's a balance...not everything that the medical system says is good or right, and not everything is bad or wrong either. I want to share an example of how balance and compassion, even within the western medical and insurance realms supported me on this journey.
As I was working with Aarti (her services are not covered under insurance), there were some medical lab test she recommended we run. To do this, required collaboration with a Primary Care Physician (PCP) at my medical center, in other words someone authorized to order the labs, and under the umbrella of my medical insurance. At first I was worried. I no longer had a relationship with a PCP because mine had retired about a decade prior. I had not had a need to see a PCP in years, and had never re-established a relationship with one. I went to a Certified Nurse Midwife for my pelvic exams and mammograms, however, she is not authorized in the system to order the labs. Something that frustrated me, yet I did not feel the call to put any energy into trying to "change the system". So I had to find a new PCP.
Unfortunately, I had nothing to go on but the "list" from the insurance company and my medical center. There was one that had been assigned to me but I had not yet met her, I reached out via an online tool (MyChart) to request that she order the labs. I never heard back from her directly, but had a phone call with one of the nurses in her office who told me that I would need to come in to request this (no problem, I can do that!) BUT that she didn't expect that she would order the labs being requested anyway. What?! I was perplexed. So this doctor was not interested in actually meeting me and learning about my needs and requests, and supporting my choices? My body gave me strong signals that this was not a good fit. Instead of arguing with anger as I may have done in the past, I took a breath and calmly and compassionately explained that we would not be a good fit if the doctor was not open to supporting me in choice. I asked if the nurse had any suggestions for another doctor that may align with my needs better? She had no specific suggestions...so we focused on who was available for the soonest possible visit so I could come in and meet them, at least having a chance to speak my needs in person. My appointment was set for about 2 weeks away, with Dr. Shamsi.
In the meantime, I set intention with Spirit to please guide me into the choice that would be a good fit. I prayed that this doctor would support me with the labs of my choice. And I trusted.
I showed up for the appointment, was called back to wait in the examination room, and as I often do, sat cross-legged in the standard western chair (I find the yogic seat feels so much better for my body). As Dr. Shamsi entered the room...she commented..."Ah! A yoga pose!" Oh yes, I think my prayers had been answered! I felt as if someone in the traditional medical system had noticed and respected the yogic way of life.
I explained my situation, asked for her support with ordering the labs and she was all for it! Very supportive of me, listening to my body and my choices. Together with Aarti, Dr. Shamsi became part of my team of practitioners supporting this journey. And I am grateful. Both Aarti and I expressed our gratitude to Dr. Shamsi for her support. I am proud of myself for stopping and asking for a change when I noticed something that didn't feel good for my body. And I am grateful that the Universe supported me in connecting with the right choice!
If you notice a time in the medical system when you feel you are being pressured or forced to do something that does not feel good for you, slow down, take a breath and listen. Is there another way? Can you ask for a change? A second opinion? I encourage you...be an advocate for your Self care, you are important and deserve it!</textarea><br />
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After about 3 weeks, we started to add a protocol of adding a food or supplement back in to slowly (one per day each day for the next 4 or 5 weeks) now listening for changes. As I started supplements, I was a little torn I hadn't been a fan of supplements in the past. But this was a really intentional way to do supplements, I hadn't done this before. They were specific to my body needs, not random or generalized. I began taking ones selected specifically for my body to:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Support <b><span style="color: lime;">digesting</span></b> the fats I didn't seem to be doing well on my own (digestive enzymes),</li>
<li><b><span style="color: lime;">Repair the lining of my gut</span></b> (L-Glutamine - I could literally feel my gut body saying YES please to receiving this as if a way to rebuild the structure of the gut lining),</li>
<li><span style="color: lime;"><b>Clear out the microbes that weren't supportive</b> </span>(anti microbials: turmeric, berberine, Lauricidin (monolaurin), oregano oil),</li>
<li><b><span style="color: lime;">Bring in extra microbe support </span></b>to re-establish balance in my gut microbiome[ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microbiota] (probiotics),</li>
<li><b><span style="color: lime;">Bring in extra nutrients</span> </b>of the variety that had been low due to the maldigestion issues I had been having (when our gut can't process, it doesn't matter how well we are eating, some of the good stuff just doesn't get absorbed!). Those included: Magnesium, Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, Vitamin B complex to support brain and body functioning.</li>
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And the exploration continues! <br />
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<a href="https://instagram.com/p/8WM0mYPGX6/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Eeee! I get to add my first untested food today on my reset process... I chose #delicata squash! And yesterday i got to reintroduce #cinnamon... So today's experiment... #delicatasquash, #ghee #cinnamon #blackpepper #ginger #himalayansalt... Smells divine as it cooks! #sensualLiving</a></div>
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A photo posted by Leslie Blackburn (@leslightbearer) on <time datetime="2015-10-02T19:26:00+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Oct 2, 2015 at 12:26pm PDT</time></div>
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<span style="color: yellow;">Conclusion</span></h3>
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I am literally feeling more alive, more aware of my subtle body energies, more clarity in my pelvis, wider orgasmic repertoire spectrum (yes, more sexual energy and aliveness!), less bound-up, less tight and wound-up. Literally, I feel my body unwinding through my fascia, my muscle, my dura (the tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord), and my gut body. Plus I am eliminating (yes poop!) in this really balanced and beautiful rhythm of roughly daily, sometimes a little more than once per day. Bowel movements, that used to be rare and forced, are now present with a clear urge, usually in the morning. Often now I drink a nice big glass of water first thing, with a little body movement (walk, stretch), then the urge is clear, and the process of elimination is now a clean, long, thick and heavy poop that sinks, feels clear and complete. Wow! It gave new meaning to the phrase bowel movement! In the past I would often feel stuck, like there's more to push out and I can't, that rarely happens now because the natural movement of my gut body is providing the action, all I need to do is relax and allow. No longer am I having bouts of gassiness or bloating. <br />
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I have a clearer picture when something does flare up and am able to work with it sooner, before it becomes a longer term issue. My whole being has changed and sunk in, I feel more ease in my body...and more at ease in my body. Pelvic clarity, whole new doors of orgasmic repertoire have opened. Yes sexual energy and orgasmic benefits...this is pretty profound. Note that the food changes I made are unique to my body, by listening to what it needed - both intuitively and with testing. So while I noticed eliminating chocolate, sugar, dairy along with eating healthy meats, more whole vegetables in higher ratios to other servings (way less grains for example) were super supportive for my body, along with temporarily establishing a supplement plan to heal my gut body and encourage it to receive more of the nutrients from my food - that does not necessarily mean these are the right answers for everyone. Which ones are right for you? Listen to Your Body for the answers. <br />
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For me to-date, this has been one of the epitomes of the<span style="color: lime;"> <b>value of Listening deeply to My Body</b></span>! I have been able to tap into new levels of aliveness, physical body ease, subtle body clarity, sexual orgasmic pleasure and ecstatic awareness. You too can feel really good about who you are, I encourage you to Listen deeply to Your Body and connect with your bliss!<br />
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<br />Leslie Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06066456089295109212noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113459354537379627.post-50716880933730672342015-08-19T16:24:00.000-04:002015-08-19T16:24:20.648-04:00Celebrating the Weird!<div class="p1">
I am Light Bearer, this is a story and account of the weirdness I feel.</div>
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I was born with and still have a traditionally female body. Yet, I am both female and male in some ways. I am both the analytical engineer and the fluid artist. I have never felt one box of anything defined me... I always feel like I'm different even than the deep differences I step into.</div>
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As an engineer I was one of few women in a highly male-dominated field. As a mother and an aunt, I am “weird” (a direct quote from my nephew, which I delighted in and responded with a large smiling thank you!). As a healer I am now in the unique field of sexuality... in the field of sexuality I'm in a unique role... I am the only one I am aware of sharing this work in this way in the midwest. </div>
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I’ve come to terms with my levels of weirdness often being the weird of the weird.</div>
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There's very little traditional about me. My traditional gender is female. I was raised female yet even as a child I preferred playing football with the boys in the neighborhood well over playing with dolls with the girls. My hair, skin and eye color was so different from my family that I was teased to be the “adopted” one. I dressed in jerseys and wide armbands and shorts. I preferred the concept of tomboy over the concept of being a girl. When we played Batman, I was the one that had to be Batman... I was never Catwoman I was never Robin, oh no,... I must be Batman! As an adult, I struggled with my body for years, trying to make it something I thought I should be, thinner, stronger, tighter. </div>
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Even in my traditional career I was the unusual one... the only woman in the room or the one who used the word “feeling” and got derided for it. </div>
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In my spirituality I've never fit into a box. It started with a traditional Christian beginning... Sunday school, going to church on holidays & funerals. I never felt at home there, I always felt guilt and shame or just this icky feeling of not feeling right in my skin.</div>
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I've since found my way with my Spirituality from within my Being. The new ease and grace of connecting with who I am... connecting with the world around me, connecting with Spirit, the Universe with this vast Other with which I am also One.</div>
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From this new place of deep embodied presence I now feel confident and capable in being truly who I am and letting the boxes of descriptors & categorization be what they are without feeling such a call to force fit my way into them. I no longer feel like I must fit only into those boxes. I feel delighted in my body, learning new things about it all the time. I let go of force fitting it, my weight found a natural balance, my curves took new form. I let go of shaving my legs several years ago, and the joy in the smoothness in my skin is delightful. I was worried about that...what would people think, what would <i>I </i>think? Having been steeped in such a traditional climate of what women "should" look like...it was difficult. I've since repatterned my own awareness and stepped into my choice...acknowledging I always reserve the right to change my mind!</div>
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I've also learned to really face the shadowy aspects in my life the things I didn't want to see or the unknown mysteries that either brought in fear or curiosity or the stiff arm of holding it away. And in my sexuality that is included things as connecting with multiple partners, with partners of various gender identity and sexual preference, with seeing BDSM in a new light with acknowledging the sacred intent of choice in many people. And in all that some of the deepest fears being those of the deep emotionally connected experience with my Love.</div>
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I see many people afraid to be who they are, afraid to enjoy what they enjoy because of fear of how they will be perceived. I see that in me <i>and</i> I see in me the calling and the clarity of being a bridge... being the Light Bearer...shining the light in the shadowy places of possibility. Encouraging that it's all okay, that it's safe to be who we are and who we are doesn't ever have to fit into standard societal boxes and norms. Even something as rooty and base to our Being as gender is misunderstood as being two boxes... there are even little boxes to check on forms... are you female or male? What happens if we don't fit into either one of those boxes? <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhokU0lAom0&list=PL51F1FD4A13EAEF5C&index=9" target="_blank">See my video: Gender Identity & Sexual Preferences - Inviting a New Model!</a></div>
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I invite us all to be authentically who we are, to trust in our Light and to hold ourselves and others in the deep compassion of that authenticity. When you feel something rise up in you as you see someone else doing or being something you didn't expect...pause for a moment...reflect inward, what is this reflecting <i>in</i> you, <i>for</i> you? What are you afraid might happen? Is there something in there you've wanted for yourself and been afraid to acknowledge? Is there something in there you see in you and have been afraid to admit? What would it be like to love yourself and others in a way that finds you in ease and compassion?</div>
Leslie Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06066456089295109212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113459354537379627.post-42761246588702391112013-11-15T18:27:00.001-05:002013-11-15T22:16:53.249-05:00Nourishing Herbal Love!Eeee! I have been raving about my newfound connection to the natural world around me...coming into new relationships with plants has been very alive for me recently. This began with my experience at the <a href="http://midwestwomensherbal.com/" target="_blank">Midwest Women's Herbal Conference</a> last June where I was honored to present on Sacred Sexuality and share my workshop on <a href="http://blog.onespaceconnected.com/2011/07/freedom-and-expansion-yes-boundaries.html" target="_blank">How Boundaries Support Freedom</a>. Honoring that we are all beautiful divine beings that can connect with our health and wholeness from within!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7O1Umwsj2pdS_YR2SbNZBM4SidNVnptt8mS9RWBHwPKp4FiCOOjCKwuFZ1qNnm6vA6vP-MYZcQY823afaHQWJAfkk-ulzjMiNTuznmhdXzsbu25IkmSmy1UtBiMeHDXAMGz9fLrPO7c/s1600/2013-06-27+15.48.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7O1Umwsj2pdS_YR2SbNZBM4SidNVnptt8mS9RWBHwPKp4FiCOOjCKwuFZ1qNnm6vA6vP-MYZcQY823afaHQWJAfkk-ulzjMiNTuznmhdXzsbu25IkmSmy1UtBiMeHDXAMGz9fLrPO7c/s200/2013-06-27+15.48.02.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
What bloomed open for me was a shift in my awareness of herbs and what I used to call "weeds" in my yard. I've begun a regular practice of <b><span style="color: cyan;">eating wild edibles</span></b> right from my backyard...starting with a leaf a day, now often more. I started noticing which plants were flirting with me...and opened up to learning about them. Like Lamb's Quarters, and Lady's Thumb...both profuse in my back yard, yet little did I know how supportive for me they would become! I think I ended up identifying and eating (or making medicines with) over 10 wild edibles that had just shown up in my yard this season!! This doesn't even count the plants I intentionally planted for food, like tomatoes and oregano. The plants that grow near us, live and flourish in the same environment we do. So they are working with the same building blocks, as well as toxins that we are most exposed to. By eating the wild plants near me, I receive a great gift of new ways to work with the world around me in my body. A longer story for another time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxFz650J5mKUTA-xzgSwG0eb4Rv-hkmPxFNnvVQGb6qLXyzgJf4HwKLQc0Dvu3zksbU7ENKHlodAJkTI0GSEluTtqVuBCcSGpFoMP0Usfb5KKYmQOCHp1pZh_hjlsf-Lv3QFe0v7r1wM/s1600/2013-09-26+12.09.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxFz650J5mKUTA-xzgSwG0eb4Rv-hkmPxFNnvVQGb6qLXyzgJf4HwKLQc0Dvu3zksbU7ENKHlodAJkTI0GSEluTtqVuBCcSGpFoMP0Usfb5KKYmQOCHp1pZh_hjlsf-Lv3QFe0v7r1wM/s200/2013-09-26+12.09.42.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the soothing, golden, yin yumminess of Linden!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For now I wanted to share another practice that is nourishing me, inspired by Susun Weed and her teachings. Almost daily, (about 5-6 times per week) I drink a quart of <b><span style="color: cyan;">nourishing herbal infusion</span></b> to support my health, and I share this with my family as well! This feels so good for my body, it's really about accessing the rich nutrients of the plant...things like calcium and protein and other minerals....these are heavy constituents. Think about it...minerals are rocks! So a quick steep of a tea with a tiny amount of herb is not going to access these nourishing constituents. Teas have their own amazing properties too, don't get me wrong. They are providing medicinal components and taste. Yet they just don't carry the nourishment boost that these infusions do. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpdxsHtQA7pB42LT5BpYbbBvosNOTrE3cd5v6IOVW7zraWy9hlaG6AOdxvd0V_IHaPc8Hy5L9G3oQE6cuoN9j5T_HL4Sinh8YHo2WtnO8qog1y8vXVV93yEcS5HJ4lY6L9HVmBr4bVEKg/s1600/2013-10-25+02.03.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpdxsHtQA7pB42LT5BpYbbBvosNOTrE3cd5v6IOVW7zraWy9hlaG6AOdxvd0V_IHaPc8Hy5L9G3oQE6cuoN9j5T_HL4Sinh8YHo2WtnO8qog1y8vXVV93yEcS5HJ4lY6L9HVmBr4bVEKg/s200/2013-10-25+02.03.24.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nettle infusion starting to steep for the night! </td></tr>
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It also resonated with me, that taking a pill or a capsule (supplements) is also not supporting the body in the same way. It's skipping past the "coming into relationship" process of taste, and connection with the tongue and tissues in the mouth that allow the body to telegraph to the rest of our system what's coming, so as to really <i>invite</i> it in for nourishment...rather than quickly process it right out of our system through elimination.<br />
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Drinking these feels amazing, and my body is quite happy with the changes I am feeling as I support myself in this new way. <br />
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I found myself so often sharing links and resources with people that I decided to create this post!<br />
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Here’s a link to information about nourishing herbal infusions and <b><span style="color: cyan;">how to make them</span></b>:<br />
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<a href="http://www.susunweed.com/How_to_make_Infusions.htm">http://www.susunweed.com/How_to_make_Infusions.htm</a><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkYYZEv0hHoX4tuAY4QAXJ529mdI1qSNjXXeT_qPJJd4OmecoX-Y29r1qjvEYpsagdLSh0fI_YgaRRwXTiYVFUl4xtgjNBMmjpWrpesd0YMxXB6BA1lcki99R1q59it2Pgj04uRO12n4/s1600/2013-07-28+19.33.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkYYZEv0hHoX4tuAY4QAXJ529mdI1qSNjXXeT_qPJJd4OmecoX-Y29r1qjvEYpsagdLSh0fI_YgaRRwXTiYVFUl4xtgjNBMmjpWrpesd0YMxXB6BA1lcki99R1q59it2Pgj04uRO12n4/s200/2013-07-28+19.33.03.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red clover I harvested from wild in Detroit <br />
and dried over several weeks...</td></tr>
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And more about <b><span style="color: cyan;">how they support our health</span></b> (for all men and women, even if we are not women in menopause):<br />
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<a href="http://www.menopause-metamorphosis.com/An_Article-healthy.htm">http://www.menopause-metamorphosis.com/An_Article-healthy.htm</a><br />
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I have been alternating between nettle, oat straw, red clover, and linden flower (for linden I only use 1/2 oz dried herb instead of 1 oz for the others, I also usually only use 3/4 oz for nettle and clover). Susun also talks about Comfrey leaf, although that hasn't resonated yet for me.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcxN6mv2AOdW1jok3TBsf6YSqwjX0iRYcSHT3NnLyFi_muWLg71rndJStdt6x4ehp2oDaZA2lH6cVJiuvV4xhXLYfFy8-DVrfsbzCIslXA0NohtJ-10nm9CqiPPED1mA2oTYe09_5LO8/s1600/2013-09-10+09.04.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcxN6mv2AOdW1jok3TBsf6YSqwjX0iRYcSHT3NnLyFi_muWLg71rndJStdt6x4ehp2oDaZA2lH6cVJiuvV4xhXLYfFy8-DVrfsbzCIslXA0NohtJ-10nm9CqiPPED1mA2oTYe09_5LO8/s200/2013-09-10+09.04.20.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drinking the beautiful infusion I <br />
made with the clover I harvested!</td></tr>
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I even <span style="color: cyan;"><b>harvested and dried my own</b></span> red clover! It was enough to make one batch of infusion, and it was a lot of fun. For me what's a bit more accessible and sustainable right now is buying my herbs in bulk.<br />
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You can <b><span style="color: cyan;">buy bulk herbs</span></b> at Mountain Rose Herbs, or Pacific Botanicals (wow am I impressed with the quality of their nettle!) online, or there’s a great local resource here in southeast Michigan called Nature’s Products on Conant near 8 mile in Detroit.<br />
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Enjoy! <br />
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PS. Note that oatstraw is great for supporting libido! Yay, sexual yumminess!<br />
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Sending love and light to you all!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0vKddpMybtKcx06UORpsHJh3_FIV65LzrQyMeaJa-BXs3wY7Lf1C2C4G9CgEpmX6GhNioGF4mr2GKTmU6ma-04DxLk37ADZktxnTeb1r6ecszQScH5NxYLVX7Auz24ycjdmYdZu4hxs/s1600/2013-10-10+12.08.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0vKddpMybtKcx06UORpsHJh3_FIV65LzrQyMeaJa-BXs3wY7Lf1C2C4G9CgEpmX6GhNioGF4mr2GKTmU6ma-04DxLk37ADZktxnTeb1r6ecszQScH5NxYLVX7Auz24ycjdmYdZu4hxs/s200/2013-10-10+12.08.58.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmm! Dandelion flowers and a <br />
linden herbal infusion snack!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_CVOK37O39-UqK0L9PmTLiEFYPsaZ4KHImU0HH6YhymZrLWCzx8PheDY2TkjTdKL2GybCuSCiNFCPyRXp4SmLbc9i5l4e4kci6Bk4hX1_8K8xN6pqQoTIkYeHZhXO7-zkdFvPihaXtMs/s1600/2013-10-24+13.26.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_CVOK37O39-UqK0L9PmTLiEFYPsaZ4KHImU0HH6YhymZrLWCzx8PheDY2TkjTdKL2GybCuSCiNFCPyRXp4SmLbc9i5l4e4kci6Bk4hX1_8K8xN6pqQoTIkYeHZhXO7-zkdFvPihaXtMs/s200/2013-10-24+13.26.04.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
Leslie<br />
Light Bearer<br />
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<!--EndFragment-->Leslie Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06066456089295109212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113459354537379627.post-81466069932941085902013-08-26T16:45:00.000-04:002013-08-26T16:45:10.769-04:00New Sacred Sexuality classes and Apprenticeship: August 2013 Newsletter Excerpt<div style="background-color: black; color: white;">
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Eeee! It's time! So excited to announce the <a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/offerings.htm#events" linktype="1" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff;" target="_blank" track="on">2013/2014 Fall/Winter/Spring classes</a> and <a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/apprenticeship.htm" linktype="1" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff;" target="_blank" track="on">Sacred Sexuality Shamanic Apprenticeship</a> at Mystery School of the Temple Arts!</div>
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For those looking to explore a group class to begin or continue your journey of Sacred Sexuality, I recommend considering one of the following:</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">2013</span>: </div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Oct 5/6</span> - Four class offerings or the option of a weekend<img align="left" alt="wings" border="0" height="112" hspace="5" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.48" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs056/1102356593981/img/48.jpg?a=1114641857523" vspace="5" width="150" />experience that includes all 4 classes:</span></div>
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<li align="left" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: yellow;">One Love: Sacred Sexual Healing"</span>Workshop</span></li>
<li align="left" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: yellow;">"Learning to Let Go!"</span> Self-Exploration Playshop for Women</span></li>
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<li align="left" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: yellow;">"Female Orgasm & Female Ejaculation - Awareness and Empowerment!"</span> Presentation/ Discussion</span></li>
<li align="left" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: yellow;">"Polyamory & Alternative Relationships"</span> Presentation/ Discussion</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">This is a great way to begin! See below, or at the website, for more details. <span style="color: lime;">Register by Oct 2nd. <a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/offerings.htm#events" linktype="1" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff;" target="_blank" track="on">Details>></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">2014:</span></div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Feb 22/23</span> -<span style="color: lime;"> New!</span> The <span style="color: yellow;">"</span><span style="color: yellow;">Sacred </span><span style="color: yellow; font-size: 10pt;">Sexuality Weekend Workshop - Creating Your Blissful Life"</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">, a new offering that explores these teachings through a connected weekend journey. Women, men, singles or couples of any sexual and gender identity are welcome and encouraged. A great place to begin, or continue your journey. <a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/offerings.htm#ss" linktype="1" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff;" target="_blank" track="on">Details>></a> </span></div>
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<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Mar 22/23</span> - </span><span style="color: lime;">New!</span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"> The </span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: yellow;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Sacred Sexuality/Tantra Weekend Playshop for Couples, </span><span style="color: white; font-size: 10pt;">building a foundation and deepening with your partner. </span><a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/offerings.htm#couple" linktype="1" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff; font-size: 10pt;" target="_blank" track="on">Details>></a></span></div>
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<img align="right" alt="couple" border="0" height="149" hspace="5" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.41" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs056/1102356593981/img/41.jpg?a=1114641857523" vspace="5" width="100" /></div>
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And for those who already have experience with this path and are looking for a way to expand and deepen their practice:</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Apr 5/6</span> - <span style="color: lime;">New! </span><span style="color: yellow;">Deepening Your Tantric Practice </span>- New advanced weekend experience by popular request!! <a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/offerings.htm#adv" linktype="1" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff;" target="_blank" track="on">Details>></a></div>
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And a special deepening opportunity. <span style="font-size: 10pt;">If you have been seeking a way to deepen your own practice, learn more about connecting with and sharing your own authentic gift with the world, and/or teach in the realm of Sacred Sexuality, and if you are ready to be present and accept the responsibility of looking deeply within, this apprenticeship is for you! </span></div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Nov 2013- Feb 2014</span> <span style="color: yellow;">Sacred Sexuality Shamanic Apprenticeship <a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/apprenticeship.htm" linktype="1" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff;" target="_blank" track="on">Details>></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Last year, I had an inspirational experience at my vision quest that unlocked a few keys that were waiting to come together for me to share training for teachers in the realm of Sacred Sexuality. Last year 12 people felt the call and entered the circle, it was amazing...are you ready to be one of the Sacred Circle for the 2013/2014 session? I've been sitting with the land a day each week over the last year, receiving guidance and feeling the call to share a new level of deep medicine. It's time!! This will include new teachings that I have not yet shared. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="imgCaptionImg" colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="color: white;" width="180"><img border="0" height="119" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.104" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs111/1102356593981/img/104.jpg?a=1114641857523" width="180" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="imgCaptionText" colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt;">Photo by Miguel</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">If this path calls to you, possibly as weaving into your teachings, or for deepening in your own journey (you don't have to be a teacher or plan to teach to join in!), I invite you to read through the <a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/apprenticeship.htm" linktype="1" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff;" target="_blank" track="on">program details</a> <span style="font-size: 10pt;">to see if it calls to you! Please</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><a href="" shape="rect" style="font-size: 10pt;">reach out </a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">for a discussion about how it may fit for you, or if you have any questions! </span><span style="color: lime; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Register by Sept 27th.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="imgCaptionText" colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt;">Summer stillness in Michigan</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">And don't forget I offer </span><a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/offerings.htm" linktype="1" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;" target="_blank" track="on">Private Sessions</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> as well, so if you'd like to explore this work but the idea of coming to a group class doesn't resonate for you, consider a private setting (Individuals, Couples, Multiple Partners). Please do check out the </span><a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/faq.htm" linktype="1" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;" target="_blank" track="on">FAQ's</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">at my website and </span><a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/contact.htm" linktype="1" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;" target="_blank" track="on">reach out</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">, I would love to hear from you!</span><br />
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Love and light to you all! </div>
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Namaste,</div>
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<em>Leslie </em></div>
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<em>Light Bearer</em></div>
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<tr><td class="imgCaptionText" colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Eeee! We're excited about our new fliers! Grab a few at the next Temple Gathering and help spread the word</td></tr>
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<em style="background-color: #141414; color: yellow; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;"><i>PS. To subscribe to get these Newsletters directly in your email in their original, full format, click <a href="http://visitor.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?m=1102356593981&p=oi" style="color: lime; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Here </a></i></span></em></div>
Leslie Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06066456089295109212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113459354537379627.post-82307672125365230312013-06-20T19:33:00.000-04:002013-08-03T19:35:23.850-04:00Herbal Inspirations, Wisdom of the Body - June 2013 Newsletter Excerpt
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WOWSERS! So much shifting and emerging! I am feeling a deep inspiration of coming into relationship...with myself, my sexuality, the Earth and her beings, Spirit, and others in my life. Part of this inspiration stems from new relationships with my self, my daughter and my fellow powerful Goddesses at the recent <span class="s1"><a href="http://midwestwomensherbal.com/" target="_blank">Midwest Women's Herbal Conference</a></span>. I am living a whole new way of seeing and coming into relationship with the plants all around me...noticing when they flirt with me or call for my attention. Sitting with what medicine they have to share with me, listening, feeling. </div>
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Another part of the inspiration emerges from a powerful weekend of deepening with one of my teachers into the sweet ocean tide of my own internal cranio-sacral rhythms, and coming into relationship with those of others with whom I was honored to be sharing.</div>
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All of this is expanding my awareness...of my own body, of the Earth, plants, trees and animals around me, of the energies moving through me each day. As well as in the deep powerful connection with my Love, as we share our bodies and connect in lovemaking, feeling new beginnings and new possibilities emerge each time we slow down into that space together. I had no idea that in the calling to cranio-sacral work I may find a tidal rhythm in my own body that empowers and supports a new level of letting go into the Divine blessing of female ejaculation and bliss with my lover.</div>
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I recently shared much more about deepening into Body Wisdom in my recent radio episodes which can be listened to or downloaded from the <a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/sacredsexualityresources.htm#radio" target="_blank"><span class="s1">archives</span></a> at my website: </div>
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<li class="li1">Exploring the Felt Sense in our Sexuality, and </li>
<li class="li1">Coming Into Relationship...with Self, Sexuality, Spirit and our partners.</li>
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And I am excited to share two tools you can take with you in your practice in the most recent (June 18th) episode! Listen for these practices: </div>
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<li class="li2">Eye Gazing as Energy Transition </li>
<li class="li2">Self Pleasure homework (homeplay!)<span class="s2"> </span></li>
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Explore with me live by radio... I invite you to listen and/or call in from anywhere in the world to the next <a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/sacredsexualityresources.htm#radio" target="_blank"><span class="s1">"Sacred Sexuality with Leslie Blackburn" Radio Show</span></a> on <span class="s3">the 3rd Tuesday of each month</span>. And don't forget I offer <a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/offerings.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s1">Private Sessions</span></a> as well, so if you'd like to explore this work but the idea of coming to a group class doesn't resonate for you, consider a private setting (Individuals, Couples, Multiple Partners). Please do check out the <a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/faq.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s1">FAQ's</span></a> at my website and <a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/contact.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s1">reach out</span></a>, I would love to hear from you!</div>
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Love and light to you all! </div>
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Namaste,</div>
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<em>Leslie </em></div>
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<em>Light Bearer</em></div>
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<em style="background-color: #141414; color: yellow; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;"><i>PS. To subscribe to get these Newsletters directly in your email in their original, full format, click <a href="http://visitor.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?m=1102356593981&p=oi" style="color: lime; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Here </a></i></span></em></div>
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Leslie Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06066456089295109212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113459354537379627.post-85911530479397760222013-01-30T13:35:00.000-05:002013-01-30T13:35:11.177-05:00Sacred Sexuality Classes! January 2013 Newsletter Excerpt <div style="background-color: black; color: white;">
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I am feeling deep inspiration from a recent Thai yoga massage weekend immersion retreat. I am enjoying the lush experience of meditative, centering, deep inquiry into my own essence, while being supported by others. The feeling of deep familiarity, ancient memory rekindled... present, aware touch; slowed down breath; conscious movement from the core of my very being. Inspiration flows as I connect the dots: this foundational physical reality of breath, sound, movement, touch, and visualization is a Divine spider web, illuminating a path of self-realization.<br />
Sacred Sexuality is an energetic healing path of authenticity which seeks to unwind distortions and uncover Truth through the wisdom encoded in our own bodies. These teachings have turned out to be my most authentic gift and passion to share with the world. The essence of working with energy in the body is about balance, and finding healing in both the feminine and masculine aspects of ourselves. Integrating them together creates wholeness in our body, which projects outwardly into our lives. This method of healing and self-knowledge is a powerful potential for emotional release; improving our health; creating richer and more meaningful relationships with others; manifesting our heart's desires; and for walking a path of connection with Ultimate Bliss, Enlightenment, and the Divine. It is a lifestyle and calling, and it is an honor to share... </div>
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Registration is now open! The <span style="color: lime;">Winter/Spring 2013 Semester </span>of <a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/sacredsexuality.htm" linktype="1" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff;" target="_blank" track="on">Sacred Sexuality</a> classes are <span style="color: lime;">Feb 9, 10, Mar 23, 24, Apr 20,21,</span> specific classes, days and times are below and at the website under <a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/offerings.htm#events" linktype="1" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff;" target="_blank" track="on">Offerings</a>! And notice the new offerings and weekend long experiences! For those of you who have already attended some of my classes or worked with me privately, notice the new <span style="color: #9999ff;">"Tantric Energy Merging"</span> a more advanced exploration that you may find resonant. And if you've considered working with me privately but weren't sure if you wanted to start, I recommend beginning with the <span style="color: #9999ff;">"One Love:Sacred Sexual Healing workshop"</span>, we cover much of the foundational work I share in Introductory sessions thereby supporting a deeper private session experience should you choose to explore that path.<br />
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Our deepening continues with the <a href="" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff;">Sacred Sexuality Shamanic Apprenticeship</a>, our circle nears its formal close, and we together feel the call for co-creating the ongoing integration. I am very honored and grateful for how Spirit guided this group together. Sharing the deep medicine, fills me with gratitude, awe and wonder.<br /><br /><div>
We had a record number of live listeners on my January radio show exploring <span style="color: #9999ff;">"Polyamory - what it is, what it is not"</span> and more! Such gratitude for those of you listening in and reaching out with questions! You can <a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/sacredsexualityresources.htm#radio" linktype="1" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff;" target="_blank" track="on">listen now</a> to the archive of this and other episodes from my website. The February show will be<span style="color: lime;">Tues the 19th</span>, join me live! See below for details.<br /><br /><div>
<img align="right" alt="Jade Dragon" border="0" height="87" hspace="5" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.82" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs111/1102356593981/img/82.png?a=1112213954576" vspace="5" width="100" />And I am so excited and honored to share about my Love's new CD! Explore deepening in your own transformational journey, guided by <a href="http://www.dixonsviolin.com/" linktype="1" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff;" target="_blank" track="on">Dixon's Violin!</a> Announcing the new CD, Jade Dragon! <a href="http://www.dixonsviolin.com/Recordings.html" linktype="1" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff;" target="_blank" track="on">Listen or buy on-line,</a> or we have CD's in-stock here at the Temple! </div>
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<img align="left" border="0" height="150" hspace="5" src="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/Assets/Blogs/leslie-nature-2.jpg" vspace="5" width="101" />Reminder, please join us <span style="color: lime;">Sunday Feb 10th</span>to continue to explore at the next <a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/offerings.htm#events" linktype="1" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff;" target="_blank" track="on">Temple Community Gathering</a> at Mystery School of the Temple Arts in Michigan (5-7pm)! And listen in from anywhere in the world to the next <a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/sacredsexualityresources.htm#radio" linktype="1" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff;" target="_blank" track="on">"Sacred Sexuality with Leslie Blackburn" Radio Show</a> on <span style="color: lime;">Tuesday Feb 19th</span>. And don't forget I offer <a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/offerings.htm" linktype="1" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff;" target="_blank" track="on">Private Sessions</a> as well, so if you'd like to explore this work but the idea of coming to a group class doesn't resonate for you, consider a private setting (Individuals, Couples, Multiple Partners). Please do check out the <a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/faq.htm" linktype="1" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff;" target="_blank" track="on">FAQ's</a> at my website and <a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/contact.htm" linktype="1" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff;" target="_blank" track="on">reach out</a>, I would love to hear from you!<br />
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Love and light to you all! </div>
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Namaste,</div>
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<em>Leslie </em></div>
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<em>Light Bearer</em></div>
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<em style="background-color: #141414; color: yellow; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;"><i>PS. To subscribe to get these Newsletters directly in your email in their original, full format, click <a href="http://visitor.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?m=1102356593981&p=oi" style="color: lime; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Here </a></i></span></em>Leslie Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06066456089295109212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113459354537379627.post-3404538298989262002012-11-14T22:31:00.000-05:002012-11-14T22:31:55.662-05:00November 2012 Newsletter Excerpt: Performance Photos, Filming at the Temple, Radio Show & Temple Gatherings and more<div style="color: white;">
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<span style="color: white;">these are some of the key tenets of the</span> <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QQY26O72Wznh7Fs8y-NNAVTKsSRT8Fbr6arbN7ATuRpgJXu25IpSc6-e_D6IbifY_rlgM26pQMkIj_FaVR8mOuypzmzVLg7c5vajcH3LBYsBumeu0_XAb-lM8F2pSBsmH_-s2XShxtI=" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">path of Sacred Sexuality</a> and have been critical in my personal journey of healing, growth and unfurling. </div>
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At my recent performance at the amazing</div>
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<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QQY26O72Wzmvn5pt48HK7JoK3o3VbURRRGmIkveT5C7OrXz-2rNHQ7HRq0YXQAmevdhsIqhegQ8Bcp1_H-Z1seUItuIK5NOKkLxHMQWHdUiKjrn07YpBcw==" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">DAMNED V - An Exhibition of Enlightened Darkness</a></div>
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, I shared my soul. The
piece was an emergence, an exploration from disconnected body and
darkness to an emergence of enlightened, connected flow. The performance
included fire and movement (inspired by Butoh, qigong and other energy
and intuitive movement</div>
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Photo by Chop Shop Photography</div>
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practices), in conjunction with the transformational strings of <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QQY26O72Wzn5cdGULOyzn4yFhvZ4f7uXSQC0TD8_1En72h2HbZe0yayZutQF41X57tglodamORyRd3Q69z_1Q4MoDSksHjDqdrchbrLbugfwTnoRgDpmLQ==" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Dixon's Violin</a>. Stepping into power, light and flow with confidence and aliveness. Included here are a few photos from the performance. </div>
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And most recently in Ann Arbor, I was inspired with the Continuum Movement (founded by Emilie Conrad) practices of <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QQY26O72WzkQAqkicfTIhSDmJ1sZHDayDXXXpopuHAfFZJyosNP-JClzdKFv9E26nE4mIDFOMrCYO7XMm_GiU432nh7n0Dqmm_6IwDdvhvauImdVxVWhBw==" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Robin Becker</a>.
The practice evoked a deep remembering for me, a visceral familiarity.
Robin's teachings inspired new ways for me to share the power of
accessing body wisdom with others. I am grateful and look forward to
sharing more! </div>
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We
are honored to have had Christopher Essey here at the Mystery School of
the Temple Arts to film for his documentary on Integrative Medicine. I
was honored to share about the healing power of sacred sexuality and
shamanism. Excited to be a part of this inspirational film! More soon on
when the final film will be released ♥ For now, check out his film
promo video and website <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QQY26O72WzmjTaTmX6gf82ry_VMn8WWTtiSWSou-94hiP9BSz7129Ed2QP5Io4GKYGue8HPp8mPFpiJC3uNTyehcwwG2LJtt_-KxqT4JoD3yuDjdwSao3g==" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">here>></a>. </div>
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Our deepening continues with the <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QQY26O72WzkxaUHpt2DGFxnI7-IrxtbIu8_6CqyvosyiD-OI9bpby-CbdnSv2yDs1czGZzJD0jGGUdGX69ByeZSa9bN_huoCGldYhfLST76bm7IsfubYXARRTftW5j5T_LkL5ib-kMfo4sKUj2mqBf1d5bRDAGAfeCvJX28ypnc34XNylJPwVr3vzVmuSWS_" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Sacred Sexuality Shamanic Apprenticeship</a>,
our circle has formed and the program is underway headed into our
darkest season of the year. I am very honored and grateful for how
Spirit guided this group together. Sharing the deep medicine, fills me
with gratitude, awe and wonder. If you are interested in possible future
Apprenticeships, please contact me if you have not already. </div>
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I was so excited, and nervous, to share on my <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QQY26O72Wzk_yFJ09qh4ISCYZgha3ti9L4VG3Y4oSuc53H9aDKVql-CW0wzSCgp7hcs9aCo1q0v7RoeSiUKYfkAZr-STQ9u3LLOQOZHcp-cNI-JNd4tAIPk7YehnTY4kKrZj1VeE0_IQ2_gpYoyQp50urpFtdO0XYerI7d-r1Cw_SONB4pjuYOkkfkk_qgaVdI7A9wPBCGVypcQtSTgLImhkMQ8V-G5G" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">October radio show about "Female Ejaculation"</a>! Yes, every woman and the men who love them deserve to know about this! You can <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QQY26O72Wzmkgg8iCUwvNPKiskEIZkh6aCStHaoqDLDWS26n0kTPi84fSB3HcN1-nGFMDFz53yShyEkFkBnO9sWIHtqyvyRIQJsOdC72lI8L9EwmgjuPR7lp7KnjqAK5ZI902Nddq_v98SfoEcWD1je65WXS0jFFxPuGhDHlAlUnN7J2HmnRKSqoDN7QCHexcPUjzja3yVwrpNTdGGxc9Q==" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">listen now</a>
to the archive of this and other episodes from my website. The
November show will be Tues the 20th, join me live! See below for
details.</div>
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Soon I will be announcing the dates for the Winter/Spring Semester of <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QQY26O72WzlhF8ZarhIgJyYHA4gKL3Dd7lIYayEBj9GBPciDg5WzvxxR84K5JryWV5kG5tEtKBaF_A6Jnp_R6fmPJlGLJIAgEN_tKBT7ja8mKjf0zMNSAWgZM89SPVSgS64tDK3T0yab2-Yn4luUQXv3iAa0nYs6Uc_cXZgl2WZHuuYwzimlSaK3xDP_jDbE" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Sacred Sexuality</a> classes. You can browse the descriptions of past classes at the <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QQY26O72WzkzZsuqs4xrNxFiHb4hqfFA9YAPVEk5Bfa_-MPxHT6IWaqH0AW39cBftSfeuB0tsWpQzv4w9HJVFgmSVzbJK38ckrKXxF34Bpt0QcDxGxyVwQSGvsjOinAYwUVj-DmhITugAHYE0qeowgwmW1h-GN3XcqIW3fDfsTeId4EjXxCawXi-T6JOAcKt" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Offerings</a> page for ideas of what's to come!</div>
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<img align="left" border="0" height="150" hspace="5" src="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/Assets/Blogs/leslie-nature-2.jpg" vspace="5" width="101" /> Reminder, please join us this <span style="color: lime;">Sunday Nov 18th</span> to continue to explore at the next <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QQY26O72WzkzZsuqs4xrNxFiHb4hqfFA9YAPVEk5Bfa_-MPxHT6IWaqH0AW39cBftSfeuB0tsWpQzv4w9HJVFgmSVzbJK38ckrKXxF34Bpt0QcDxGxyVwQSGvsjOinAYwUVj-DmhITugAHYE0qeowgwmW1h-GN3XcqIW3fDfsTeId4EjXxCawXi-T6JOAcKt" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Temple Community Gathering</a> at Mystery School of the Temple Arts in Michigan (5-7pm)! And listen in from anywhere in the world to the next <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QQY26O72Wzmkgg8iCUwvNPKiskEIZkh6aCStHaoqDLDWS26n0kTPi84fSB3HcN1-nGFMDFz53yShyEkFkBnO9sWIHtqyvyRIQJsOdC72lI8L9EwmgjuPR7lp7KnjqAK5ZI902Nddq_v98SfoEcWD1je65WXS0jFFxPuGhDHlAlUnN7J2HmnRKSqoDN7QCHexcPUjzja3yVwrpNTdGGxc9Q==" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">"Sacred Sexuality with Leslie Blackburn" Radio Show</a> on <span style="color: lime;">Tuesday November 20th</span>. And don't forget I offer <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QQY26O72WzkEcdXI0CrSj3J9YEIu0K9JYM4IHVFxN61qEgkwwL1NswV83YkkuX5HibX9uRjIVduophUWtmV9IPlr0E-zGP_xhY8cbom77Sm335Pgw32qYSI19o3gIBhrhwzIsx97n-1WOLJjLKNgzuQXvXMbMyLD9AOX-OjN-sqZS55i9mPWfw==" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Private Sessions</a>
as well, so if you'd like to explore this work but the idea of coming
to a group class doesn't resonate for you, consider a private setting
(Individuals, Couples, Multiple Partners). Please do check out the <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QQY26O72Wzk52tFP-7AX8gMRUCec4VVf6Wi1g2AgK4BkmzFN9k9X9I5Tf8xY7um-N6NUJhXf122cMyy05brq-vULw6loSH6exHhcSXXBMXg1qDXRS0bxff4bXrY848OUbpslVlOAWtqtHxdMqduemGa9urJ8inWkxH-YTsECjqE=" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">FAQ's</a> at my website and <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QQY26O72WznF4XiyNJJFcyNfH_BwEhm75W-_mUtaKYt27dyNK3eTM-d9vcK_4nacX_7ImgP4kKZGa3n2E8-bmQftIuGbNQAoNvidgYjkxwtnmPaYq3rdOXh6kKDmg4gsLKSdoeurUXjzGedZqGn1LFms45EsB96y621QVJxcNhHcZllgyHytEw==" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">reach out</a>, I would love to hear from you!</div>
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<span>Love and light to you all! </span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span>Namaste,</span></div>
<div align="center" style="color: yellow; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<em>Leslie </em></div>
<div align="center" style="color: yellow; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<em>Light Bearer</em></div>
<div align="center" style="color: yellow; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<em> </em></div>
<div align="center" style="color: yellow; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: white;"><i>PS. To subscribe to get these Newsletters directly in your email in their original, full format, click <a href="http://visitor.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?m=1102356593981&p=oi" target="_blank">Here </a></i></span></em></div>
</div>
Leslie Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06066456089295109212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113459354537379627.post-37292114050571141802012-10-15T09:30:00.000-04:002012-11-12T09:36:14.789-05:00October 2012 Newsletter excerpt: Dark & Light, Performance Art, Radio, Temple Gatherings and more<div>
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I have
been so inspired lately by the balance of Light and Dark. The very
nature of finding balance in our duality consciousness (for example:
feminine & masculine, doing & being, mental & emotional, yin
& yang), integrating and bringing wholeness within ourselves to
step into our power. Often in our Spirituality, we get stuck in the
assumption that we can only see the Light, that we need to shove away
the Dark, the Shadow...sweep it under the carpet, or "conquer" it or
destroy it. The reality is, both aspects of light and dark are crucial
to who we are. Energy cannot be hidden (without repercussions, often
quite serious) or destroyed, yet it can be transmuted...changed, healed.
Earlier this year, I deepened in my own Shamanic path by learning and
weaving in some of the most powerful shadow teachings available to
support transmutation and transformation. These Chöd practices
resonated so deeply with me, that it felt like more of a remembering
than a learning. It was indeed. These shamanic Tibetan Buddhist
practices support you in transforming your inner demons and voices that
haunt you ("Feeding Your Demons"), as well as transmuting and clearing
the land, the community and the consciousness around us ("Black Feast").
I have integrated Chöd into my personal growth and sacred sexual
shamanic path, as well as my healing and transformational work with
others. These are powerful practices for self healing and growth, as
well as to support others as a healer in your own practice. If the
concept of this work resonates for you, <a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/contact.htm" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">reach out</a> to me.</div>
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On this
note of Light and Dark, I have been sinking into preparations for my
next performance. I am honored to be performing for the 4th year in a
row at the amazing <a href="http://thatdamnedshow.com/" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">DAMNED V - An Exhibition of Enlightened Darkness</a>. What
I am feeling is an emergence, an exploration from disconnected body and
darkness to an emergence of enlightened, connected flow. The
performance will include fire and movement (inspired by Butoh, qigong
and other energy and intuitive movement practices), in conjunction with
the transformational strings of <a href="http://www.dixonsviolin.com/" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Dixon's Violin</a>.
Stepping into power, light and flow with confidence and aliveness.
I've been feeling this as an expression of my own story, an emergence
into deep emotional, visceral connection. I invite you to check out
this amazing 3 night exhibit in Detroit, Michigan which includes
introspective visual art as well as live performance art. See below for
more details! </div>
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Our deepening continues with the <a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/apprenticeship.htm" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Sacred Sexuality Shamanic Apprenticeship</a>,
our circle has formed and the program is underway headed into our
darkest season of the year. I am very honored and grateful for how
Spirit guided this group together. Sharing the deep medicine, fills me
with gratitude, awe and wonder. If you are interested in possible future
Apprenticeships, please <a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/contact.htm" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">contact</a> me if you have not already.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> <img align="left" border="0" height="199" hspace="5" src="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/Assets/Mystery%20School%20of%20the%20Temple%20Arts/shivashaktiyabyum.jpg" vspace="5" width="159" /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
I am honored to share that my September radio show, where I spoke about "Orgasmic Repertoire", was "far and away THE most listened to program we have EVER done to date" according to <a href="http://www.bodymindspiritradio.com/" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Body Mind Spirit RADIO</a>! Thank YOU for making that happen! You can listen now to the archive of this and other episodes from my website <a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/sacredsexualityresources.htm#radio" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">here>></a>. The October show is tomorrow, join me live! See below for details.</div>
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<div>
So wonderful to have recently shared my "One Love: Sacred
Sexual Healing Workshop" which was really well received, as welll as
the all new "Polyamory and Alternative Relationships" class. We shared
from a deeply vulnerable, yet exciting and safe place! The feedback has
touched my heart, and I am filled with gratitude! One woman shared "After
the workshop I felt SO highly elevated on the path of polyamory. For
me, polyamory went from being a large unknown (though exciting) void to
something that felt far more familiar. I felt far better equipped in
understanding its challenges, which allowed its blessings to shine forth
in my heart and mind." </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Soon I will be announcing the dates for the Winter/Spring Semester of <a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/sacredsexuality.htm" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Sacred Sexuality</a> classes. You can browse the descriptions of past classes at the <a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/offerings.htm#events" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Offerings</a> page for ideas of what's to come!</div>
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<img align="left" border="0" height="194" hspace="5" src="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/Assets/Blogs/leslie-nature-2.jpg" vspace="5" width="130" /><br />
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Reminder, please join us <span style="color: lime;">Sunday Nov 18th</span> to continue to explore at the next <a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/offerings.htm#events" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Temple Community Gathering</a> at Mystery School of the Temple Arts in Michigan (new time - 5-7pm)! And listen in from anywhere in the world to the next <a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/sacredsexualityresources.htm#radio" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">"Sacred Sexuality with Leslie Blackburn" Radio Show</a> on <span style="color: lime;">Tuesday October 16th</span>. And don't forget I offer <a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/offerings.htm" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Private Sessions</a>
as well, so if you'd like to explore this work but the idea of coming
to a group class doesn't resonate for you, consider a private setting
(Individuals, Couples, Multiple Partners). Please do check out the <a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/faq.htm" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">FAQ's</a> at my website and <a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/contact.htm" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="color: #9999ff; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">reach out</a>, I would love to hear from you!</div>
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Love and light to you all! </div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
Namaste,</div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Leslie</i></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;"><i> Light Bearer</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: white;"><i>PS. To subscribe to get these Newsletters directly in your email in their original, full format, click <a href="http://visitor.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?m=1102356593981&p=oi" target="_blank">Here </a></i></span></div>
Leslie Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06066456089295109212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113459354537379627.post-51571136674039451002012-08-21T22:05:00.000-04:002012-08-21T22:08:48.285-04:00Emotional Processing Toolkit!<style>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Often I work with people seeking to improve their intimacy and connection in their relationships. One of the most crucial aspects of supporting that deepening, is learning communication tools that support each of us as individuals, as well as nurturing the 3rd entity of the "us-ness" in relationship. One such tool is working with our <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rL1MTRwT5eU" target="_blank">Emotional Body</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">When we are triggered into anger, frustration, jealousy,
fear, etc it is crucial to acknowledge and FEEL it in the moment, let it move
safely.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Emotions that aren’t
honored and are instead stuffed away, get stuck in the body and eventually
manifest as tightness, pain, disease, even cancer.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Don’t allow them to fester, process them as they arise.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> And acknowledge that there are likely
many old ones stuck right now, the very trigger moment that arises has very
little to do with what just happened, and a lot to do with what you’ve stored
away over time.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> So as you begin
this practice, there may be a lot more to process than you expect.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Allow yourself to follow it, and you
will find the old stuff will release, de-fuse and the triggered places happen
less and less, and in smaller ways.</span><span style="font-size: small;">
Here are some steps to processing in the moment:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">1.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> <span style="color: cyan;">
</span></span></span><span style="color: cyan; font-size: small;">Recognize</span><span style="font-size: small;"> the emotion in the moment</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">a.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>You may suddenly feel disconnected, paralyzed,
out of body</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">b.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>Sensations in your solar plexus center (3<sup>rd</sup>
chakra)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">2.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="color: cyan; font-size: small;">Say it out loud</span> </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">a.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>Own it as mine, takes partner out of the picture</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">b.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>Allows partner to become witness</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">c.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>Hard for Ego!</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">3.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="color: cyan; font-size: small;">Tell your partner</span><span style="font-size: small;"> “I need some time for myself
to move some energy and I will return soon”</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">a.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>No drama/games</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">b.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>Release old “subconscious contracts” that drain
energy (you know the ones…like “You get angry, I get frustrated, you get sad, I
feel guilty” notice if you have a particular pattern, this helps you step
outside of it to break the pattern)</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">4.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>Be active!</span><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="color: cyan; font-size: small;">Move the energy</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">a.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>Bulk Energy releasing tools (Emotional Release)
– Rules: do not hurt yourself, or anyone or anything.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> For example, do NOT direct anger at your partner </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>i.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Pillow
Hitting</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>ii.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Hand
scream</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>iii.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Wailing</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>iv.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Pelvic
thrusts</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">b.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>Cathartic movement</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">c.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>Even if you want to curl into a ball, especially
if you want to curl into a ball, MOVE instead</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Do NOT make your partner responsible for creating
unhappiness in you!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">If you must stay in proximity, remain in the </span><span style="color: cyan; font-size: small;">“I feel”</span><span style="font-size: small;">
discussion (not the “blame” or “you did” discussion).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Once you release and move some energy and feel some
spaciousness, return and acknowledge your partner and yourself.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> If it’s possible to share in the moment
do, or create an intentional time/space to do so in the near future.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> <a href="http://blog.onespaceconnected.com/2011/12/normal-is-just-button-on-washing.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: cyan;">Journal</span></a> about what you’ve noticed for
yourself.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Give yourself a breath
of gratitude for taking time for your own healing and growth!</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Be gentle with yourself, reach out for
help and support from a <a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/about.htm" target="_blank">Sacred Sexual Healer & Transformational Guide</a> if
you desire additional assistance or feel overwhelmed by the process.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> I would be honored to support you on
your journey of self-healing and awareness, please email or call! My contact information is at my website: <a href="http://www.mysteryschoolofthetemplearts.com/">www.MysterySchooloftheTempleArts.com</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(portions of this post were inspired by “Tantric Orgasm for Women” by
Diana Richardson)</span></div>
Leslie Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06066456089295109212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113459354537379627.post-77692520196764405252012-08-20T09:50:00.000-04:002012-11-12T09:51:27.299-05:00August 2012 Newsletter Excerpt: Vision Quest inspirations, Temple Gathering this Sunday, New Apprenticeship and more<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOYzbUGosalBkZnM5L24NAsedQWq31wNCPY0kF4oAo_IAcKQ9NqVh5TAZBeYxN6buvHe_U_sdEfoFVA0PPaBM1NVeu-FwzxT_X6P7yZ36GYcMSb6yTDUCLrUsrXh85E0c8QxPVETlYWM/s1600/pond+at+Rune+Hill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOYzbUGosalBkZnM5L24NAsedQWq31wNCPY0kF4oAo_IAcKQ9NqVh5TAZBeYxN6buvHe_U_sdEfoFVA0PPaBM1NVeu-FwzxT_X6P7yZ36GYcMSb6yTDUCLrUsrXh85E0c8QxPVETlYWM/s320/pond+at+Rune+Hill.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
As I sit here on a glorious, sunny afternoon, I am filled with gratitude and love for so much in my life. I have been midwifing myself back into 3D reality having recently returned from a rebirth experience of a Vision Quest on the land in western New York, with my amazing teacher and a sacred circle of new friends. <br />
<br />
I am very grateful to have had some amazing spiritual journeys in my life, and this one marks the threshold of a new phase of my own growth and learning. For the first time, I allowed someone very close to me to support me deeply in my journey. My Love, Dixon, chose to support me and the group in a very special way, tending the sacred fire and holding a safe space 24 hours a day for 3 days, including a night of intense thunderstorms! Thanks to Dixon and the other amazing fire tenders, the fire that held our center blazed on! I and the other questers journeyed solo into the land and into our hearts. For those 3 days, I fasted on nothing but water. I met my basic shelter needs with a simple mosquito net and shade structure for rain protection, opting out of using a tent this time. I had warm clothes, sleeping bag, water and my sacred, ceremonial objects and journal. Nothing else, no distractions, just me... the raw, vulnerable me... and the animals, insects, Earth, Sky and Spirit.<br />
<br />
What unfolded was perhaps the most powerful awareness opening experience of my life. I tapped into the visionary realms of Spirit and dreamtime in a way that was so visceral and real. I faced some very real fears, as well as joys. I carry with me now the understanding that I can indeed stand with one foot in the 3D world and one in the Spirit realm. That in fact, I MUST do so...to continue to grow and learn myself and that in my teachings I am here to be that bridge, shine the Light of possibility and help others see that infinite power within themselves as well. I am incorporating now, more than ever, ...weaving the vast teachings and facing the dark shadows that are crucial to the path of Sacred Sexuality. I AM a Sacred Sexual Shaman, a Lightworker, supporting others to find and share their gift with the world. A healing path in which I support each person where they are, empowering choice and shedding light on the power we each have to heal our own bodies, learn and grow. I do not take this lightly, I am humbled, honored and grateful. I feel more aligned and on path than ever.<br />
<br />
I have such gratitude to Spirit, and the animal world for their guidance and protection. I plan to share more and more of this story as time goes on, for now I will share this one piece:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>On the way home, as I was blessed to not have to drive during the 10 hour return (gratitude once again to my Love!) I got to gaze out the side window at one point and saw a bald eagle!!!...soaring, flying, right along with us, over the water we were crossing. I felt the freedom, the guidance, the love...yes, "follow your path...fly!!" he encouraged! </li>
</ul>
<br />
And so the journey continues!!<br />
<br />
<br />
Which leads me to being excited to share an important announcement of the next phase that was also guided during the quest. I am pleased to offer a new <span style="color: lime;">Sacred Sexuality Shamanic Apprenticeship</span>! If you have been seeking a way to deepen your own practice, learn more about connecting with and sharing your own authentic gift with the world, and/or teach in the realm of Sacred Sexuality, this apprenticeship is for you! I am honored to be sharing some powerful teachings, many for the first time. This will be an integrative program consisting of group training held once a week over a series of 4 months (about 4 each month, for a total of 16 evening sessions), guidance for integration and home practice between sessions, along with a day long connection with the land. Running from <span style="color: lime;">October 2012- February 2013</span>, with the specific dates and details to be announced shortly. Open to all, men and women of any sexual and gender identity, that feel called to this path! Group size will be limited, if this apprenticeship is calling you please <a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/contact.htm" target="_blank">contact</a> me to receive full details as soon as they are available.<br />
<br />
And if you aren't quite feeling called to the commitment of the Apprenticeship program, here are dates for the new set of Fall <a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/offerings.htm#events" target="_blank">Sacred Sexuality</a> classes:<br />
<ul>
<li>"Tantric Energy Touch":<span style="color: lime;"> Sunday Sep 9, 2012, 5-7pm</span></li>
<li>"One Love: Sacred Sexual Healing Workshop": <span style="color: lime;">Saturday Oct 6, 2012, 10am-1pm</span></li>
<li>New!! "Polyamory & Alternative Relationships": <span style="color: lime;">Saturday Oct 6, 2012, 2:30-4:30pm</span></li>
</ul>
Check the Offerings page for details and click here to register!<br />
<br />
Reminder, please join us Sunday Aug 26th to continue to explore at the next <a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/offerings.htm#events" target="_blank">Temple Community Gathering</a> at Mystery School of the Temple Arts in Michigan! And listen in from anywhere in the world to the next <a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/offerings.htm#events" target="_blank">"Sacred Sexuality with Leslie Blackburn" Radio Show</a> on Tuesday August 21st. And don't forget I offer Private Sessions as well, so if you'd like to explore this work but the idea of coming to a group class doesn't resonate for you, consider a private setting (Individuals, Couples, Multiple Partners). Please do check out the FAQ's at my website and reach out, I would love to hear from you!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Love and light to you all! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Namaste,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: yellow;"><i>Leslie </i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;"><i> Light Bearer</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: white;"><i>PS. To subscribe to get these Newsletters directly in your email in their original, full format, click <a href="http://visitor.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?m=1102356593981&p=oi" target="_blank">Here </a></i></span></div>
Leslie Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06066456089295109212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113459354537379627.post-31429038796741115812012-06-27T21:31:00.000-04:002012-06-27T21:31:21.701-04:00What does "Love" mean to you?!<br />
Recently, I wrote a bit about love:<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">"So what does "love" mean to you? Does it evoke an expansive, bright feeling of aliveness?
A state of being and awareness that is transcendental? Or do you feel fleeting happiness,
or even anger, guilt, or shame? I invite you to explore "love" as a state of being,
as the Oneness that we all share, Universal Love. This is different than <a href="http://blog.onespaceconnected.com/2011/08/sharing-love-energyaack-guilt-shame.html" target="_blank">human, romantic love.</a> </span>While romantic love can also be wonderful, it lies in a transitory place, a duality...<span style="font-size: small;">one
moment love, the next hate. What's it like to transmute, transform and purge our
old ideas of love into the infinite energy space? One that empowers us to be our
fully authentic selves! Love as a state of being!"
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
...and then invited a deeper exploration at the <a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/offerings.htm#events" target="_blank">Temple Community Gathering</a>. An inspiring man, a client of mine I will refer to as PS, reached out, unable to attend the Gathering in person, and shared a bit of his story. I shared his story at the Gathering, and the response was overwhelmingly resonant! <br />
<br />
It has been such an honor to work with PS over the past few years, I am impressed by his body awareness and willingness to slow down and notice it's messages. His personal growth and brightness has bloomed over this time as he's embodied the very concepts we work with and integrated them into his life's path!<br />
<br />
Many people at the Gathering that day asked to see the email he shared. I am grateful to have his permission, and am happy to share his words here (the color emphasis I've added)!<br />
<blockquote>
<blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: small;">Sure Leslie, <br /><br />
Thank you for the opportunity. My personal discovery has been that as I started connecting more and more with my body on my journey over the last few years and listening to my body's signals to me I realized that love was not what I was taught my upbringing it was. Through my surroundings and popular culture I was taught that signs of love are 'being struck' by somebody, butterflies in the stomach, anticipation of how the date will turn out, will the person like me as much as I do them etc, increased heart rate, shortness of breath, even difficulty sleeping etc... Well, it turned out, at least for my body, that those are symptoms of fear. <span style="color: cyan;"> So I realized that what I was always told was love was actually fear</span> - exact opposite of love. I also realized that the language we use to describe this is more fear-like than love-like. We say <span style="color: cyan;">'fall in love' - I would now much rather like 'ascend into love'.</span> I have had women tell me in the past that I am so handsome that 'they get weak when they see me' or that their 'knees get weak' thinking they give me a complement - <span style="color: cyan;">I would have preferred that they had told me that they get strong when they see me. That would be more like love.
</span><br /><br />
It has been the truth in my life that the origin of the fear is the energetic resemblance between the person and those that, although they loved us, actually hurt us most - our parents. The spirit in me recognizes the energies of those that attempted to disconnect us from the source and the body reacts with fear. As I have not been raised to understand what love is and what joy is so as to get my life energy from them, I learned to get energy and the feeling of being alive from cheap thrills and fears - one of them being the fear of those that look like those that hurt me. So I used to go for it - I would get the buzz of feeling alive - like I always do from any fear inducing event. Naturally those relationships had to 'go bad' at some point. <span style="color: cyan;">Actually they were 'bad' from beginning - they started with fear!
</span><br /><br />
Love is entirely different and is a state of being and it can be heightened by the presence of another person and <span style="color: cyan;">I try now to seek those types of relationships - that will help me ascend to love, not fall into fear.</span> I am also trying to understand what the role of 'exclusivity' is in relationships which to me feels more like ownership or tax-beneficial societal arrangements rather than love enhancing arrangement. I don't have answers yet that would give me certainty with which I can organize my life but am continuing my journey.
<br /><br />
This is an important topic for my growth and thank you for the opportunity to write a bit about it. I wish I could be there at the gathering - hope to do it next time.
<br />
<br />
With love,</span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: small;"> PS</span></blockquote>
</blockquote>
<br />
Explore how love feels in <i style="color: cyan;">your</i> body, and <span style="color: cyan;">please share your comments! </span><br />
<br />
Namaste,<br />
LeslieLeslie Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06066456089295109212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113459354537379627.post-66651940521757697512012-06-18T10:32:00.000-04:002012-06-18T10:39:41.821-04:00What is your "Sex Elevator Speech"?!A couple of months ago at a <a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/offerings.htm#events" target="_blank">Temple Community Gathering</a> here at Mystery School of the Temple Arts in Dearborn, MI, we explored sharing our <b style="color: cyan;">"Sex Elevator Speeches"</b>, and at the most recent Gathering yesterday, the topic came up again with wild interest! So I decided to share more about it!<br />
<br />
Gratitude to one of my amazing teachers and fellow colleague, <a href="http://reidaboutsex.com/" target="_blank">Reid Mihalko</a>, for sharing this! His wild, open and safe approach to love and sexuality is inspiring and fun! He suggests sharing 5 key points about your Sexuality with anyone you meet! Try offering your answers to the following 5 questions with a friend, a lover or a new connection...and then ask them to share theirs with you!:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>What is your <b style="color: cyan;">Relationship Status, and what are your Relationship Rules/<a href="http://blog.onespaceconnected.com/2011/07/freedom-and-expansion-yes-boundaries.html" target="_blank">Boundaries</a></b>? Are you not in a relationship at all? Do you have one partner? More than one partner? Which gender(s)? Are you married? Do you follow traditional rules in your marriage or have you agreed to alternative ones? What are your unique rules? Etc.</li>
<li>When were you last <b style="color: cyan;">tested for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI's)</b>?, which ones?, what were the results? Release fear and shame about these infections, open honest communication can shift a ton of anxiety. Learn more about the infections and notice they aren't as scary as you may think. Learn safe ways to connect deeply, regardless of your status. </li>
<li>What are your<b> <span style="color: cyan;">Safer Sex Protocols</span></b>? For example condom usage...do you use one for penetrative sex only? Oral sex? Do you use a dental dam? Do you have a fluid bonded partner (meaning no barrier usage at all)? Etc. </li>
<li>What do you really <b style="color: cyan;">Like</b><span style="color: cyan;"> </span>to explore sexually? Note, this does not have to be just a list of "sex acts"...your answer might include something like one of mine that I will share here! "I really like to explore deep, conscious, connections with people, both men and women, and let our bodies decide how that energy sharing unfolds!" </li>
<li>What do you <b style="color: cyan;">Not Like</b>? Again, in addition to a list of actions, explore what other facets don't work for you. One of mine is: "I don't like disrespect or <a href="http://blog.onespaceconnected.com/2011/07/freedom-and-expansion-yes-boundaries.html" target="_blank">boundary</a> pushing. I love to explore a range of energies from soft and expansive to intense and raw, perhaps even shocking to some...however it must be with full awareness and respect of all parties involved!"</li>
</ol>
And don't assume you know the answers for yourself until you speak them! If you are in a partnership, explore saying them out loud, in your own words, with each other. You might be surprised what you learn together!<br />
<br />
For example, my Love and I, after having been in a deeply connected, highly communicative, polyamorous relationship for over a year, were <i>still</i> surprised to hear how each of us shared our answers when we first learned this! It was a beautiful way to expand our sexual path together!<br />
<br />
In love and light! Leslie<br />
<br />
<br />Leslie Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06066456089295109212noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113459354537379627.post-36904963348813869012012-03-17T12:37:00.000-04:002012-03-17T12:37:17.730-04:00Which Mystery School of the Temple Arts class is right for me?!<table _mce_style="background-color: #000000; display: table; margin-bottom: 6px;" bgcolor="#000000" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="mceItemTable" height="1289" id="textEdit"><tbody>
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<tr><td _mce_style="text-align: left; font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; color: #ffffff;" align="left" style="color: white; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: left;"> <div _mce_style="font-size: 18pt; color: #ffff00; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" style="color: yellow; font-size: 18pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div>Often I get questions about the classes offered at Mystery School of the Temple Arts. Here's an introduction to them that I wrote in a recent newsletter that thought I would share to help navigate which class is right for you! And as always, feel free to <a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/contact.htm" style="color: #b4a7d6;" target="_blank">contact me</a> directly with any questions!<br />
<div _mce_style="font-size: 18pt; color: #ffff00; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" style="color: yellow; font-size: 18pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div _mce_style="font-size: 18pt; color: #ffff00; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" style="color: yellow; font-size: 18pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #ffffff; font-size: 10pt;" style="color: white; font-size: 10pt;">If you've been considering a class, and wondering which is right for you...I recommend starting with the morning workshop on Feb 11th (<a _mce_href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/offerings.htm#events" _mce_shape="rect" _mce_style="color: #9999ff; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/offerings.htm#events" shape="rect" style="color: rgb(153, 153, 255) ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;">"One Love: Sacred Sexual Healing Workshop"</a>), this is a great Introduction to the path of Sacred Sexuality and sets the stage beautifully for the afternoon experience the same day (<span _mce_style="color: #9999ff;" style="color: #9999ff;">"Pleasure, Love ,Bliss...Just BE it!!"</span> Feb 11th), as well as providing a beautiful Introduction to working with me privately if that is of interest! Once you've had some experience with this work (helpful experience includes practices such as meditation, qigong and yoga that bring mindfulness and breath awareness, even if you haven't had a class like this before),<span _mce_style="color: #9999ff;" style="color: #9999ff;"> the Playshops</span> (Feb 25th and March 24th) are an excellent way to deepen your practice. And as always, <span _mce_style="color: #9999ff;" style="color: #9999ff;">"Tantric Energy Touch"</span> (next offered on March 25th) has had great reviews and is also an excellent place to start, as well as deepen, your practice. </span></div><div _mce_style="font-size: 18pt; color: #ffff00; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" style="color: yellow; font-size: 18pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div _mce_style="font-size: 18pt; color: #ffff00; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" style="color: yellow; font-size: 18pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #ffffff; font-size: 10pt;" style="color: white; font-size: 10pt;">Any class can be taken multiple times, each time the energy of the group differs and offers unique experiences. And the "One Love: Sacred Sexual Healing Workshop" has some exciting and powerful new content since it was last offered so I invite you to join in again if you feel called!</span></div><div _mce_style="font-size: 18pt; color: #ffff00; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" style="color: yellow; font-size: 18pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div _mce_style="font-size: 18pt; color: #ffff00; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" style="color: yellow; font-size: 18pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #ffffff; font-size: 10pt;" style="color: white; font-size: 10pt;">Reminder that classes sizes are limited and they do tend to fill up, pre-registration is required. More details on all classes and refund policies are listed <a _mce_href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/offerings.htm#events" _mce_shape="rect" _mce_style="color: #9999ff; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/offerings.htm#events" shape="rect" style="color: rgb(153, 153, 255) ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;">on-line</a>.</span></div><div _mce_style="font-size: 18pt; color: #ffff00; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" style="color: yellow; font-size: 18pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div _mce_style="font-size: 18pt; color: #ffff00; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" style="color: yellow; font-size: 18pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #ffffff; font-size: 10pt;" style="color: white; font-size: 10pt;">If you have any questions, or would like to chat about which class feels right for you, feel free to <a _mce_href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/contact.htm" _mce_shape="rect" _mce_style="color: #9999ff; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/contact.htm" shape="rect" style="color: rgb(153, 153, 255) ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;">contact</a> me! Also with the help of amazing people in my life, I have created some videos to share a bit more about facets of this powerful, life changing path. If you'd like to see and hear more, consider starting with this one:</span></div><table _mce_style="text-align: center; margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px;" align="center" class="imgCaptionTable mceItemTable" style="margin-bottom: 20px; margin-top: 20px; text-align: center; width: 199px;"><tbody>
<tr> <td _mce_style="text-align: center;" class="imgCaptionImg" style="text-align: center;" width="199"><a _mce_href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=632ajEGK0z8" _mce_shape="rect" class="imgCaptionAnchor" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=632ajEGK0z8" shape="rect"><img _mce_src="https://thumbnail.constantcontact.com/remoting/v1/vthumb/YOUTUBE/bf5149344afd4bdb90182ef3f8709336" alt="Sacred Sexuality: Overcoming Fears & Finding Your Truth" border="0" height="149.25" src="https://thumbnail.constantcontact.com/remoting/v1/vthumb/YOUTUBE/bf5149344afd4bdb90182ef3f8709336" width="199" /></a></td> </tr>
<tr> <td _mce_style="text-align: center; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;" class="imgCaptionText" style="color: white; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-align: center;">Sacred Sexuality: Overcoming Fears & Finding Your Truth</td> </tr>
</tbody> </table><div _mce_style="font-size: 18pt; color: #ffff00; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" style="color: yellow; font-size: 18pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div _mce_style="font-size: 18pt; color: #ffff00; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; text-align: center;" align="center" style="color: yellow; font-size: 18pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="color: #ffffff; font-size: 10pt;" style="color: white; font-size: 10pt;">Love and light to you all! </span></div><div _mce_style="font-size: 18pt; color: #ffff00; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; text-align: center;" align="center" style="color: yellow; font-size: 18pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="color: #ffffff; font-size: 10pt;" style="color: white; font-size: 10pt;">Namaste,</span></div><div _mce_style="font-size: 18pt; color: #ffff00; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; text-align: center;" align="center" style="color: yellow; font-size: 18pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="color: #ffff00; font-size: 12pt;" style="color: yellow; font-size: 12pt;"><em>Leslie </em></span></div><div _mce_style="font-size: 18pt; color: #ffff00; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; text-align: center;" align="center" style="color: yellow; font-size: 18pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="color: #ffffff; font-size: 10pt;" style="color: white; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Leslie Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06066456089295109212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113459354537379627.post-26058571821785445742012-03-02T18:31:00.001-05:002012-12-13T11:30:21.173-05:00Announcing New Radio Show!I was recently at a yoga workshop with Arthur Kilmurray and was inspired in so many ways (special thank you to Katherine Schaefer for hosting)! I had many, what I call, "Body Aha Moments!" as he teaches from a place rooted in body wisdom. And in the realm of body our biggest hurdle can often be slowing down enough to notice the messages! He shared a quote about living life from Mary Oliver that really resonated for me, and it went something like this:<br />
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<span style="color: lime;"> "Notice (Pay Attention), Be Astonished (Get excited!) and TELL About it!"</span><br />
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Those closest to me see how often I get excited about new awarenesses, things to share, it's so wonderful! Often though, for me, I get stuck before the "Tell About it" Part...I share with those close to me but the vulnerability of sharing more broadly sometimes feels scary and I contract.<br />
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As Spirit is guiding me to share my story, more and more I am feeling called to share the deeper, harder stuff. To invite others to see that there are possibilities in life, love, consciousness and sexuality far beyond what we often think are possible.<br />
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Sure enough, as I declared my readiness to the Universe, a beautiful opportunity unfolded. And now I am thrilled and honored to announce my new Radio Show! <br />
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I am so excited!! I will be hosting this monthly radio program beginning March 20, 2012! <b><span style="color: cyan;">"Sacred Sexuality with Leslie Blackburn"</span></b> will air live on Body Mind Spirit Radio the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 10-11am (now a new time, same day!).<br />
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<u>Options to Listen in live: </u><br />
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1) Internet streaming: Go to <a href="http://www.bodymindspiritradio.com/" target="_blank">Body Mind Spirit Radio</a> (no sign-in required)<br />
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2) By phone: call 646 378-0378 to listen in! You don't have to talk, however if you choose to talk, dial 1 to be in the caller queue<br />
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3) Join in directly to <a href="http://www.bodymindspiritradio.com/events/sacred-sexuality-with-leslie-blackburn" target="_blank">Leslie's Show Event</a> on Body Mind Spirit Radio (requires a free sign-up, enables you to leave a comment & join in the chat room)<br />
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First one: <span style="color: lime;">Tuesday Mar 20, 2012, 12-1pm (EST)</span>, continuing the <span style="color: lime;">3rd Tuesday of each month</span>!<br />
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Please join me each month for straight talk, enthusiastic support and heart-felt encouragement for YOU to OPEN up to YOUR Sacred Sexuality!Leslie Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06066456089295109212noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113459354537379627.post-75640593742322871902011-12-25T21:38:00.009-05:002014-10-21T08:46:24.812-04:00“Normal” is just a button on a washing machineAt this time of the winter solstice nature experiences an energy of slowing down, going inward, and shedding of old skins - like deaths in preparation for rebirth. This is reflected in us as well, yet sometimes we meet this natural tendency with resistance, or feel so overwhelmed with activity and stresses that we don’t even realize we need to slow down. <br />
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So as I sank into some inward time recently, I realized that much of how my life is structured now is so very different than 15, 10, or even 5 years ago! The way I naturally experience my life now, they way I create it, is so vastly different than before that I often forget that at one time<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: cyan;"><i> I didn’t even realize it was possible!</i></b> And so as I hear clients and other people remark about frustrations they have in their own lives, often in 3<sup>rd</sup> person generalizations…things like “well you know, all men out there are…” or “everyone is stressed out and rushed, that’s normal” or “no I wasn’t abused, but I did experience, you know, the ‘normal’ spankings and verbal attacks of child hood” or “you can’t just leave your job…” </span><br />
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I would like to offer a new way of seeing it - <b style="color: cyan;">a sample of a possible reality, a portion of my story.</b> And share that it didn’t all happen easily or overnight, it was progression of waking up, seeing things a new way, making mistakes and trying again, feeling the differences in my body as I explored new ways of being.<br />
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So let me share a few things that I used to consider “normal”, or even necessary, that are <b style="color: cyan;">no longer a regular part of my life: </b><br />
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<li><u>Diet Coke</u> (or other artificial beverages) – in high school I drank the stuff like crazy, I quit a year or two into college, suddenly headaches I had experienced regularly went away. Over time, other artificial foods and substances that no longer resonate for me have dropped away as well.</li>
<li><u>Bar Scene</u> – I thought the only form of recreation and meeting people was hanging out with alcohol and “friends”. Sure it was great for numbing out, but once the drinking stopped I realized how sensory-overloading the places are. Sports on TV’s, music, loud conversations, aggressive behaviors, heavy food, smoke (or at least in those days) so overwhelming to the senses…that is, when I finally started to feel my senses again.</li>
<li><u>The TV and associated media bombardment</u> - I realized the thing was on when no one was even in the room. Or it would be on with people in the room and no one watching it. So I turned it off. At first it was hard… it was so QUIET! Wow, silence. Suddenly I had to start listening to the voices in my head that I had been drowning out for so long. </li>
<li><u>Sitting at a Desk</u> – I sat at a desk all through school, college, 15 years of corporate engineering. We in the west just assume we must sit in chairs and position tables or desks in front of us to eat or work. I began sitting cross-legged, meditation style, on a zafu (cushion filled with buck wheat hulls, designed for meditation) years ago to explore meditation and yoga. I realized after I left corporate life that I enjoyed sitting that way so much more than in a chair. So I created a workstation for my laptop which positions it in front of me at arm level, while seated on a zafu on the floor. This is how I spent the computer portion of my “work day” now!</li>
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I feel so far removed from some of these things that often they don’t even cross my mind in the realm of possible options anymore, sort of like a whole new baseline of what is “normal” in my world and that of my closest friends. Sometimes I forget they exist. I feel healthier, happier and more connected to my body than I have ever felt. <i> Does that seem possible?! Yes, it is!</i><br />
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So if you feel stuck,<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: cyan;"> how can you begin to make the shifts that feel good for you?</b> How do you even know what feels good from a place of authentic self? (Note this can be very different than the messages from your wounded self that often throws in some curve balls like “oh yes eating chocolate covered marshmallows all day long sounds like it would feel soooo good!”) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Here are a few things that have been pivotal for me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Journaling </span></h2>
Get a journal and a pen and start writing! Stream of consciousness at first, just dump out all the thoughts in your head. No need to write with any grammar or spelling perfection, or even sentence structure. Just let the thoughts pour out. <br />
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The book “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron was one of my big inspirations for this. I was resistant at first…I remember thinking, ”I’m not a writer”. I recall at one point in my early days of journaling literally writing the words “blah, blah, blah, I don’t feel like writing right now, I don’t know what I should be writing, blah, blah, blah….” And within a few more lines, emotions, thoughts and important awarenesses in my life began pouring onto the pages. The key was giving it a chance, actually doing it daily to create the new pattern.<br />
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Years later, I still journal regularly as an integral part of my life and how I process self-growth. What and how it works for me has changed in many beautiful ways and it all began with simply putting pen to paper!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Meditation </span></h2>
Just slow down enough to notice 5 breaths. Sit quietly, remove distractions (silence phones, turn down lights, find a comfy way to support your body while remaining alert, an erect seated position works well for this if you can get comfy in it…knees below hips help keep the back happy) and notice your breathing. See if you can count 5 breaths, each inhale, each exhale, and just notice what it feels like to breathe. If after those first 5 breaths it still feels good to explore what might open up, stay seated and continue. If after those first 5 breaths it feels like you are done, then get up and continue with your day. <br />
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Slowing down like this gives us a chance to actually notice the messages that may be bombarding us to get our attention, but we’re operating in such an accelerated state we never knew they were there. So if you feel a flood of thoughts…take this chance to journal! Capture the ones you are worried you’ll forget about, make a to-do list, etc. Notice the ones that don’t need your attention and let them float on. And notice if some come in that you are resisting: write them down, see them, witness them. Give them the honor of being seen, even if you don’t like it. And then notice if some space opens up to just BE in the moment. <br />
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Often our mind just needs some reassurance that you’ve got things captured, so you can let go of the reins a little bit and relax.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Yoga</span> </span></h2>
Yoga or, at a minimum, a form of movement where you are also noticing your breath and your body is also important. Mindful, intentional movement and flow is very different than disconnecting from your body and forcing yourself to “exercise” because you “should” (hmm….reading a magazine on the stationary bike sound familiar to anyone? Yes, I have to admit, it does to me!). Yoga is about union, finding and connecting with opposite energies in the body to integrate and find balance. <br />
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I was drawn to yoga initially for the physical benefits (at the time I was endurance athlete who had experienced many overuse injuries) to improve flexibility and strengthen the small balancing muscles in my body. What I experienced over the last 15 years in my practice was a shift in awareness to the spirituality of yoga, the life philosophy of yoga. What began as “what poses can I do?” has grown into “what can I learn about myself from the poses?”. My yoga practice has helped me discover more about who I really am, because of the awareness it’s brought me about the messages of my body and breath.<br />
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Consider this…there is no “normal”!<span style="font-size: small;"> <b style="color: cyan;">“Normal” is just a button on a washing machine.</b> </span>The only people who are “normal” are the ones you don’t know very well. YOU get to define your life, you don’t have to force yourself into any boxes that society wants to create for you. Rewrite your script, repattern the old limiting beliefs that lead you into thinking they are the only way.<br />
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<b style="color: cyan;">You have the power to choose! </b><br />
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Decide if anything I've suggested here resonates for you and if so, go for it! And no need to beat yourself up if it feels like there’s too much to tackle at once! Go slow, take your time, start noticing your life and your patterns and see if there are ways to make small changes right now that will shift your trajectory over time. It doesn’t have to match my list, I only offer it here as a possible reality. Notice what your list is. And while it all doesn’t have to happen overnight… <b style="color: cyan;">Yes it CAN BEGIN right now! </b><br />
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<b><span style="color: cyan;">What do you feel stuck with because you assume it's "normal"? What do you choose to change?</span></b><br />
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<span style="color: cyan; font-weight: bold;">Update! </span>I invite you to join in what has become a daily practice for me, year around, for the past several years. I feel safer in my body, more comfortable in my skin, more relaxed and less anxious than ever before. It helps me release stress and "plug-in" to the sweet resource of the Earth....Ahhhhh! See more about and how to do this practice at my video <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2S5HCdi0NA&list=UUdSIjHZJ0lzZWD25BsuzIOA" target="_blank">"Barefeet Earth!!" here>></a> Leslie Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06066456089295109212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113459354537379627.post-48181489615026065872011-11-06T21:56:00.002-05:002011-11-07T11:15:17.254-05:00Play! Laughter as Healing!During a yoga class I was taking recently, my teacher asked us to reflect back on the earliest memories of being a child just spinning around in circles in the yard until falling over in exhaustion and laughter. She encouraged us to bring that element of playful freedom into our practice that morning. Yes! I love this! And I so enjoyed playing in that freedom during my practice! However, at the same time I realized my most playful memories are more recent than childhood. As I kid I was always so shy and hard on myself that I never really let myself let go into that care-free bliss. <br />
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So a few days later unseasonably warm weather inspired my 9 yr old daughter and I to spend some time at the park. We ended up playing on the play structure, in a very open space near the ball fields. I had a blast hanging upside down on the monkey bars (thanks to my recent love of the aerial arts totally healing my traumatic experience of falling from them as a kid, a subject worthy of a blog of it's own!).<br />
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But when she asked me to play Hide & Seek, my initial analytical reaction was to think "oh no, there's really no place to hide around here, and I don't like playing hide and seek, and...". Immediately the inspiration from yoga flooded back in through my body...<span style="color: cyan;">YES! I WILL play hide and seek, because, well why not?!</span><br />
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So we did! "3, 2, 1...ready or not here I come!!"<br />
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The wide open space we were in made "logical" hiding spots limited. And what I quickly experienced was you don't always need logic...just PLAY! <br />
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On my first turn to hide, I curled in a ball on the grass underneath the picnic blanket we brought. Surely she won't see me, she'll see it as just a crumple on the ground. As I waited for the count down my ribs heaved with the laughter I was trying to suppress...which made me laugh even harder at the thought! Of course she quickly came up behind me and announced she could see my shoes, which just caused an explosion of laughter as she pounced on top of me blanket and all!!<br />
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Another time as I "hid" in plain view on top of the play structure in a ball, she walked about two step before being directly in my line of sight. "WAIT!" I declared, as I placed a pebble on my head. "I am hiding under a rock and you can't see me!!" <span style="color: cyan;">BWWAHHH HA HA! We roared again and again!!!...</span><br />
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I can't recall the last time I laughed so hard and let go in play so deeply! And it felt sooooo good! My connection with my daughter deepened, and I felt so alive and vibrant! Truly a healing, blissful experience :) <br />
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<div style="color: cyan;">Invite yourself to let go in play, what's stopping you?!</div>Leslie Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06066456089295109212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113459354537379627.post-7909464137551323012011-09-25T17:53:00.000-04:002011-09-25T17:53:34.987-04:00Should I Avoid Orgasm?I was on the phone with a wonderful woman recently, very spiritually aware and present, and we were discussing a totally unrelated topic, when she nervously asked if she could ask me a more intimate question. I responded, yes of course! I love supporting people in asking the toughest, most embarrassing questions. And creating that safe space to do so is very important to me!<br />
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So she proceeded to ask about orgasms. <b><span style="color: cyan;"> "Should I avoid having orgasms?"</span></b> She had been exploring her sexuality and her spirituality, and after reading about some tantric practices was concerned that she may be losing life force energy through her orgasms, so perhaps she should limit them. She had experienced some mystical, orgasmic experiences in meditation, and thought that perhaps she should limit the physical sexual experiences in favor of exploring the mystical.<br />
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In short my answer was <b><span style="color: cyan;">"Heck no! If they feel good, no need to stop! Enjoy your orgasms! Yes, keep having them! Feel them nourish you!" </span></b>and oh by the way, by exploring the physical and sexual, you can also expand your capacity to explore the spiritual and mystical! <br />
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I went on to explain my thoughts on this topic! <br />
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Many of the ancient texts were written by men for men, so sometimes in the translation process the relevancy for women gets missed. What I believe she had likely encountered were teachings that are focused for men based on ancient traditions that work within the realm of energy. <br />
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To state this complex topic as simply as possible, begins with the premise that our creative, sexual, life force energy is contained within our sexual organs (sperm in the testicles for men, ova (eggs) in the ovaries for women). Therefore when a man has a traditional orgasm* that includes an ejaculation, he releases sperm from his body and therefore loses some of that life force energy. However, when women experience orgasm, we do not release the ovum from our body, and therefore do not necessarily experience the same drain of energy. (Notice I say "necessarily", let's come back to this later** :) Instead, a woman will more typically feel drained during menstruation, when the egg leaves the body. <br />
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Female orgasms generate a tremendous amount of wonderful, nourishing, nurturing, magnetic energy! Think of it as a coccoon of energy surrounding her and her partner(s). All those involved are then able to breathe and absorb the healing, nurturing qualities of this energy into their own bodies and energy fields. Allow it in, feel the vibrancy, the nourishment and let it feed you with love and light!<br />
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<b><span style="color: cyan;">So yes ladies! Allow yourself to freely experience your orgasms!</span></b> Share the loving energy with your partner and breathe in the nurturing qualities for yourselves as well! <br />
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<i>* Orgasm for men as we typically know of it includes an ejaculation at so nearly the same time that we don't even realize they are two separate events. Yes guys, orgasm and ejaculation can be separated! This is an empowering practice that can change your capacity for pleasure and pleasure with your partner, in phenomenal ways! </i><i>See <a href="http://mysteryschoolofthetemplearts.com/">MysterySchooloftheTempleArts.com</a></i><i> </i><i>to learn more.</i><i></i><br />
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<i>**And yes there are many types of female orgasm, some feel more draining than others. In short, "energy-giving" orgasms are an exploration of expansion and blooming open in bliss, whereas "energy-draining" orgasms are more contracting and tense, maybe even feeling like "it wasn't worth it" afterwards. You can learn to enjoy energy-giving orgasms as often as you like! </i><i>See <a href="http://mysteryschoolofthetemplearts.com/">MysterySchooloftheTempleArts.com</a> </i><i>for classes and private sessions </i><i>to learn more. Also, more on Female Orgasm in a future blog! Including a whole new way of looking at orgasms (they aren't just limited to physical experiences!) :)</i><i> </i><br />
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As always I welcome comments here and please feel free to contact me directly!Leslie Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06066456089295109212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113459354537379627.post-91262864169334673172011-09-14T11:52:00.001-04:002012-04-30T17:51:53.323-04:00PC Muscles can do what?!So my Love just dug out my old exercise ball to use as a chair and it reminded me of nearly a decade ago when I was in labor with my daughter. I recall the wonderful feeling of laboring while letting my pelvic floor sink onto a similar ball at the hospital. It was so relaxing and wonderful to feel the gentle counter pressure of the ball supporting me. Then I also remembered the birth. Magical and wonderful to bring my daughter into this world, one of the most beautiful experiences of my life! Yet it was filled with anxiety, fear, tension and pain. I pushed like crazy, assuming that my body fitness from being an long time endurance triathlete was helping me out...hey I can finish 140.6 mile races so I should be able to nail this giving birth thing, right? I can "do" this! I had practiced my Kegel clenches, I was strong, so this should be a piece of cake!<br />
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Was I ever wrong.<br />
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Childbirth is like life. And I was approaching it the way I had approached life for so many years. Be strong, do it myself, don't let anyone else in. Muscle my way through it.<br />
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Let me invite you to consider a new way. Letting go, finding a balance of relaxed surrender and purposeful action is such a smoother way to flow with life...and childbirth! <br />
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One of the biggest awarenesses I've had in my exploration of sacred sexuality and healing is the power of the PC Muscles. And wow are they a physical manifestation of the analogy for learning to let go!<br />
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<b style="color: cyan;">PC Muscles</b>. Pubococcygeus muscle. The muscles in the pelvic floor that retain the flow of urine for example. Found in both men and women, fitness and fluidity in these muscles can change the way we experience childbirth as well as our sexuality, vibrancy and orgasm.<br />
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So my aha moment was when I realized you can do more than what most of us know as "Kegel clenches" with these muscles!<br />
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Many of us know about clenching them, pulling upward, retaining. This can help create tone in the muscles, which is really important. And only one half of the balance. The clench pulling upward tends to create and inspire tension. So we are told "clench and release clench and release" and what often happens in my experience and in my research with others is we "clench hold, maybe release a fraction, then clench again". The release and relax portion gets sort of skimmed over. And the next piece gets ignored altogether....<br />
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So here's the other piece! And no one tells us about this! You can actually relax them, then push out the other way, so the sensation is a blooming, an opening, downward and outward.<br />
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Ahhhh!! <b><span style="color: cyan;">Clench, release</span> </b>(really release, not just a little bit) and <b style="color: cyan;">RELAX</b> (this takes a ton of time and relaxation and practice of "being" not doing... so foreign for most of us who carry chronic tightness in the pelvic floor) and then <b style="color: cyan;">push downward, outward and bloom open</b>!<br />
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I truly believe I went through nearly the entire experience of childbirth clenching and pulling upward, effectively holding on to my daughter, when I thought I was pushing her out! No wonder it took so long and felt so hard!<br />
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It's only now, a decade later, after a lot of pelvic awareness and healing that I can notice the difference between a "clenching, retaining" muscle push and a "blooming, releasing" muscle push. The empowerment in my life, my sexuality and my orgasmic repertoire (oh so the topic of an upcoming blog!) has been life changing!<br />
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So I implore all women (and men too! just not so much for the childbirth part :)...take notice! <b style="color: cyan;">Bring awareness to your pelvic floor, breathe deeply into your belly and lower abdomen, soften, relax, start to notice this area of the body that we all tend to hold so tightly. </b> This is not about 6 pack abs, flat bellies or tight asses, think beautiful Buddha belly and let your body soften and open.<br />
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No one tells us about this stuff! I am here to change that! :) Feel free to reach out, contact me, and leave a comment!Leslie Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06066456089295109212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113459354537379627.post-6075169587352522192011-08-15T16:32:00.001-04:002011-08-15T17:57:05.892-04:00Sharing Love Energy...Aack! Guilt & Shame!How often do we sabotage ourselves against pleasure and love? What's it like to really open to the possibility of allowing loving energy to move through our bodies? And IF we actually let ourselves feel that, do we let ourselves share that with a partner?!<br />
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</div><div style="color: cyan;">Seems like it's easy right? "Sure why not feel good?! Count me in!"</div><br />
Seems obvious, yet actually what I've seen (and experienced!) over and over is that while our analytical Minds say "Heck yeah, count me in for feeling good!" our Bodies often speak a very different message, like screaming "Hey no way, I don't feel safe, I am tightening up here can't you hear me?! Stop, you're not listening!". Speaking from my own personal experience... I have felt myself start to feel pleasure, get scared and close down, A LOT.<br />
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I've done a lot of healing around that, letting old junky stuff move out of my body, honoring her. For that I am grateful! And it's not over, it's a path! I am willing to continue this deep, edgy, vulnerable journey that is also so rewarding with the Bliss of opening, allowing and feeling! <br />
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And by partner, I don't necessarily mean someone we are physically or sexually attracted to. What's it like to hold open the space of a Transcendental Love connection? What I am referring to is sharing Universal Love, that Oneness that connects us all. We often get this confused with Romantic Love or Human Love. And while Romantic Love can be really wonderful, and perhaps be present in that same Transcendental Love connection, it's not required! So we get worried, like "Oh, I am not supposed to be feeling pleasure with this person (or in this environment, or by myself)" so we shut it down, turn it off, and stop feeling. We are basically sabotaging ourselves from feeling our own true, innate nature!<br />
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We are innately blissful beings, Infinite Beings in Finite form. We've just created so many layers of armor and barriers (<i>note:</i> barriers are different than <a href="http://blog.onespaceconnected.com/2011/07/freedom-and-expansion-yes-boundaries.html">healthy boundaries</a>, which do support our freedom and bliss!) around ourselves that we don't notice our blissful nature. So consider letting go, shedding the layers to let your innate Bliss shine through! And enjoy sharing this in a Loving connection with a tree, a friend or another fellow human you are blessed to walk on this planet with at this time! Give yourself permission, you deserve it :)<br />
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Leslie Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06066456089295109212noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113459354537379627.post-84256531032845084852011-07-01T23:40:00.003-04:002012-03-02T16:28:33.866-05:00Freedom and Expansion! Yes, Boundaries make it happen!Often when I mention the word "Boundaries" I sense a familiar grimace of "oh no, that sounds like a list of restrictions". Actually not so! In fact, just the opposite is true. <br />
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<div style="color: cyan;"><b>Boundaries support Freedom and Expansion! Yes, really!</b></div><br />
When we can check-in with our authentic selves and sense what our boundaries are, and then communicate them clearly and with compassion, we actually support ourselves into full, yummy freedom! And this allows us to begin to drop away the barriers we've erected over time that are often subconscious, unhealthy ways of keeping people out. <br />
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For example, consider a study that was done with kids on a playground. Playground equipment was set up in the center of a large, open space. At first, the kids come out to play and they stay fairly clustered in on the equipment. Next, a fence is erected around the perimeter of the open space. Now the kids come out to play, and they play FULLY, out to the edges of the space. <br />
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Notice how when the edges are unclear, the kids contract away from their fullest potential of playful freedom. But when that same spot of grass becomes clearly a safe space to play, they are able to expand into exploring the edges. The same applies with our adult selves. Our <a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/sacredsexuality.htm#energies">Divine Feminine energy</a> needs to feel safe before she feels ready to open into yummy playful vibrancy! And it's our <a href="http://www.onespaceconnected.com/MysterySchooloftheTempleArts/sacredsexuality.htm#energies">Healthy Masculine energy</a> that provides that safe container, the space for her to play. He is ever present in his clear, conscious awareness, witnessing without judging her. And in that she feels safe to surrender and open to share her light and energy.<br />
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So check in with the messages of your body, from your authentic place of clarity (not from your wounded or addicted self), and be willing to explore softening and opening into new edges by honoring your boundaries and those of the ones around you. <br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I would love to support you in your journey of self awareness, I offer Individual and Couple Coaching, Group Classes, Workshops, and Retreats. Read more at my website at <a href="http://www.mysteryschoolofthetemplearts.com/">www.MysterySchooloftheTempleArts.com</a> and please contact me to explore the possibilities!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i style="color: lime;">New!!!</i> An update! Since I posted this last July, I am honored to now have available a series of videos...and one of them is on this very topic! Check it out here </span><span style="font-size: small;">"How Boundaries Support Freedom":</span><br />
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</span>Leslie Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06066456089295109212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8113459354537379627.post-69245023015208769992011-06-11T19:30:00.003-04:002011-06-11T20:16:12.230-04:00Exploring the Depths of Sexuality<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What do these words mean to you? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: cyan; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Sex.</b> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: cyan; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: cyan; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Spirituality.</b><b> </b> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: cyan; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: cyan; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Sacred Sexuality.</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Do they seem discordant? Separate concepts strung together arbitrarily? Or do they flow as a natural connection? Sex carries so much baggage in our society, and in so much of humanity on this entire planet in this age!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So I invite you, let’s slow down, and breathe for a moment, feel…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sex. What is the resistance (or the excitement or the addiction or the fuss) all about? We tend to make assumptions, constantly, that shape our perspectives on life and reality. In fact our intentions and thoughts create our reality. These assumptions are based on our own filters, what we have heard or been told in life. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So what’s it like to drop away the filters? And learn from clear self-awareness, finding your own truth, from inside. This is what gnosis is all about, wisdom from that authentic place of source at your center. Not from our filters or expectations based on what society or some one else defines for us. As a colleague of mine says “definition is just mental programming, to <i>experience</i> is truth”.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The tough part is we carry so much shielding that the concept of feeling into our own authentic truth and center can either make no sense whatsoever or seem so out of reach. However, no matter what you currently believe about yourself, you have that power to choose! You absolutely can look inside and reach the unreachable.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So let’s strip away some of those layers.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: cyan; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Sacred Sexuality.</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">That which is physical and sexual is also sacred and spiritual! What comes up for you in that concept? Like “hey no way, they tell me I am only allowed to have sex for pro-creation, or I can’t have sex at all, or even let myself think about sex or feel sexy feelings”.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So I ask you to consider, why? Because somebody just said so? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Does it feel authentically true to you? If yes, beautiful! Go with that! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Or does a part of you grimace at that thought, tighten up, feel unsure, feel guilty or shameful? If so, go with that! Open to the possibilities. Dive deeper, past the mental programming. Dive past the “they”, who is “they” anyway? Parents, society, education systems, religious institutions, media? There is no “they” at your authentic center. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Whichever choice you make, here’s the key… OWN your choice as yours, and enjoy it! There is one freedom NO ONE can take away from you and that is the freedom to choose. Choose from your authentic core, your center, not from your addicted self, or wounded self. And believe that your choice is yours, it is! Don’t give up your power to anyone else outside of you. You create your reality! So create what <i>you</i> want not what you think “they” said it “should” be. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Consider that your sexual energy is your life force energy, it’s what created you! How can this core, fundamental, foundation of our selves be an energy that shouldn’t be felt or should be squashed away? It is in fact through the infinite power of this very energy that you can heal your body, connect deeply with others, manifest your hearts desires and connect with Divine bliss. It is due to the fear of this very powerful reality that much of the misinformation and arbitrary definitions (mental programming) have been perpetuated, often unconsciously, through the “they”.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So why not feel pleasure? What is stopping you? Is it limiting beliefs? Past patterns? What “they” tell you? Allow yourself to feel. Learn safe ways to connect with the wisdom of your body and communicate what feels safe and what feels good for you. And as you do, feel the bliss of expansion into that freedom!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Remember, “definition is just mental programming, to <i>experience</i> is truth”. So don’t take my word or anyone else’s word for it, what do YOU feel? Step deeper than the “mental programming” and into the wisdom of your body. Are you ready for the Mystery?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I would love to support you in your journey, I offer Individual and Couple Coaching, Group Classes, Workshops, and Retreats. Read more at my website at <a href="http://www.mysteryschoolofthetemplearts.com/">www.MysterySchooloftheTempleArts.com</a> and please contact me to explore the possibilities!</span></span></div>Leslie Blackburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06066456089295109212noreply@blogger.com4