Dr. Deb's Blog
Emergencies On Earth – Judith Simon Prager’s Tools For Crisis
MARCH 22ND, 2011My heart has been aching for all people and animals affected by earthquakes, tsunamis, political unrest, wars, etc. It can feel overwhelming. So I have drawn on all the practices that help me focus on good and light like prayer, meditation, donating to the American Red Cross, Divine Love Healing, dancing, and reading spiritual texts.
I also look to mentors like Judith Simon Prager, co-author of “Verbal First Aid” and Tom Kenyon for his visualization for protecting against radiation.
When I received Judith’s newsletter I felt compelled to share it in its entirety with everyone of you. She shares so many valuable tools for crisis. My prayer is that you find them useful in this time of challenge:
Judith Simon Prager, Verbal First Aid – Special Edition: Emergencies On Earth
Sacred Symbols – A Labor of Love
FEBRUARY 17TH, 2011I have never been able to separate the sacred from the everyday. From grade school all the way through college I remember the feeling that I was holding Jesus’ hand while walking to class. In nature I feel the presence of God. I’m always seeing angels in patterns made by the clouds, and when I dance I can feel Spirit move through me. So when it comes to decorating my home, I love to surround myself with art that feels sacred to me.
Last October we moved into a new home that has a large open space where I can host gatherings. Sometimes people dance in the space, sometimes they create collages while sitting at long tables, and other times they sit theatre-style to listen to presentations. When the space is not in use, it is empty. So I asked my dad if he would build a wooden screen to close off the empty space when it is not in use.
As we talked about the design of the screens we thought it would be great to include sacred symbols from all over the world. Together we researched and chose the following symbols. Then my dad built the most beautiful screens made of Spanish Cedar with inlaid Maple. He cut each symbol out of Oak and my mom stained each one. The result: a breathtaking labor of love! In fact, so breathtaking I just had to share it with you.
Yin Yang
Taoist symbol of the interplay of forces in the universe. This represents the unity between all opposites – the masculine and the feminine; the darkness and light. Yin and Yang symbolize the primal cosmic forces. Yin is receptive, passive, cold, feminine energy. Yang is masculine, movement, force and heat. The dark and light represent knowledge and ignorance. In a spiritual practice, use the Yin Yang to help maintain a balance between opposites and instill unity personally and globally. In seeing the opposites, it is noted that each has a little of the other, which is often overlooked in life. Instead of seeing absolute, learn to see an all inclusive form of diversity. This symbol has been a universal symbol of balanced consciousness for thousands of years and brings inner radiance to all who view it. In using this symbol on water, all elements will become balanced, all molecules will pass this balance to all beings.
Om
The Mother of All Mantras is the primordial sound by which the earth was created. The past, present and future are all blended in this one all-inclusive sound. By using this symbolic image, the concept of infinite love and infinite creation is conveyed beyond the limitation of words or ideas.
Ananse Ntontan
“spider’s web”
symbol of wisdom, creativity and the complexities of life
Ananse, the spider, is a well-known character in African folktales.
Sankofa
“return and get it”
symbol of importance of learning from the past
Osram Ne Nsoromma
“The Moon and the Star”
symbol of love, faithfulness, harmony
This symbol reflects the harmony that exists in the bonding between a man and a woman.
Proverb: “Kyekye pe aware.” (The North Star has a deep love for marriage. She is always in the sky waiting for the return of the moon, her husband.)
Angel
The word ‘angel’ derives from the Greek and translates to the phrase “messenger of God.”
Asase Ye Duru
“the Earth has weight”
symbol of providence and the divinity of Mother Earth
This symbol represents the importance of the Earth in sustaining life.
The Fleur-de-Lis Cross
In heraldry, the three petals represent faith, wisdom and chivalry. The four arms spread these to the four corners of the world.
As a Christian Cross, the three petals represent the Trinity and the total twelve petals represent the Apostles.
Triple Spiral
The Triade, Triskele, or Triple Spiral, is an ancient Celtic symbol related to earthly life, the afterlife and reincarnation. It is drawn in one continuous line, suggesting a fluid movement of time. Triades are one of the most common elements of Celtic art. They are found in a variety of styles in both ancient and contemporary uses, especially in relation to depictions of the Mother Goddess. They also evoke the universal concept of the domains of material existence- earth, water, and sky; body, mind and spirit; and the eternally spiraling cycles of time. Used in a personal spiritual practice, this symbol reinforces the movement and interconnection between the dimensions or realms of consciousness – ordinary reality, the underworld, the overworld, all integral to a complete earth experience. In larger context, the Triade radiates the potential of complete experience and wisdom for all. In water, the harmonic convergence of all truths bring a quality to water that nourishes all cells with expansive potential for greater creation.
The Triple Spiral also represents the Maiden, Mother, and Crone.
The Maiden represents enchantment, inception, expansion, the female principle, the promise of new beginnings, youth, excitement, and a carefree erotic aura. The Maiden in Greek Mythology is Persephone – purity – and a representation of new beginnings. Other maiden goddesses include: Brigid, Nimue, among others.
The Mother represents ripeness, fertility, fulfillment, stability, and power. The Mother Goddess in Greek mythology is Demeter, represtning wellspring of life, giving and compassionate. Other mother goddesses include: Aa, Ambika, Ceres, Astarte, Lakshmi.
The Crone represents wisdom, repose, and compassion. The Crone in Greek mythology is Hecate – wise, knowing, a culmination of a lifetime of experience. Crone goddesses include: Hel, Maman Brigitte, Oya, Sedna, Skuld, and others.
Nyame Dua
“tree of god” – altar
symbol of God’s presence and protection
Labyrinth
The symbolic meaning of labyrinth is also associated with the various symbolic meanings of the spiral in that we can trace our footsteps (both metaphorical and literal) back to and from the Source (center or core). In walking the Chartres style labyrinth the walker meanders through each of the four quadrants several times before reaching the goal. An expectancy is created as to when the center will be reached. At the center is a rosette design which has a rich symbolic value including that of enlightenment. The four arms of the cross are readily visible and provide significant Christian symbolism.
Labyrinths have been used for ages. Native Americans used the labyrinth as a symbol that represents birth, rebirth and/or transition from one world to the next. On a philosophical level, the symbolic meaning of labyrinth is as complex as the symbol itself. With many twists and turns, the labyrinth does not share its secrets easily.
On the surface the symbolic meaning of the labyrinth deals with:
- passage of time
- spiritual growth
- enlightenment
- connection to source
- rebirth
- resurrection
- emergence
- evolution
- progress
- spiritual path
- initiation
The labyrinth can be a powerful tool for inner enhancement and development. It is designed specifically for this purpose. When walking the labyrinth, we find our perspective constantly changing. Our vision and physical bodies are never facing the same direction for long. This is a technique to coax our inner knowing out from within.
Further, the spiraling inward motion is a physical replication of our spiritual tendency to seek within the highest truths in order to find eternal freedom. When we are moving outward from the source, it is an action that we have made the divine connection and now we are expressing our completeness outwardly – essentially sharing our highest good with all around us.
It is important to note that walking the labyrinth (mentally or physically) is not intended to be overly challenging. There are no dead-ends with the labyrinth, only meandering waves of smooth lines designed to gently nudge us back to our destination.
This is where labyrinths are often confused with mazes. Big difference. Mazes are designed to challenge intellect and strategic skills. Whereas the labyrinth is an exercise in soul development.
Lotus
The lotus flower symbol has deep, mythic meaning for many cultures. The lotus blossom has been revered, attributed to deities, and meditated on for thousands of years.
The mystical lotus bloom appears in poetry, the writings of saints and sages, on temple walls, and as a central concept in several world religions.
This powerful and ancient image symbolizes harmony, spiritual illumination and unlimited potential. The lotus is a type of water lily which rises from the sludge of muddy waters and opens into a beautiful flower. It is often used as a mandala, or circular symbol, but any way you use the Lotus in a spiritual practice, it will provide a resonant field that reinforces the concept of resurrection. Human mistakes and challenges are the fertilizer for brilliance and awakened creation as the Lotus shows us. Borne in the murkiest of ponds, Lotus still emerges pure. Use the Lotus as a reminder that “this, too, shall pass.” Be assured that all fertilizer nurtures a beautiful new life. In the greater world, Lotus is a peaceful cosmic beacon for forgiveness, gratitude and compassion to prevail where the sludge of conflict has resided. Using this symbol on water invites a balance between humility and pride.
Luna Goddess
Symbolic of the regenerative, life-giving forces of the cosmos, Luna Goddess represents the Moon as a keeper of wisdom and magical power. Her hands connect above her head creating a halo of sacred knowledge. Her belly contains the genesis of light within the darkness of the womb. She holds the frequency of all life honoring the Great Cosmic Mystery in balance with the manifestation of earthly creation. Using this symbol enhances sacred creativity within the consciousness of the individual, and on a larger scale, helps to maintain a sacred reverence for the darkness that is in the process of giving birth to light. Where darkness prevails on earth, within individuals or populations, Luna Goddess silently resonates a remembrance and a return to reason and balance.
Love and Peace
‘nuff said
Aya
“fern”
symbol of endurance and resourcefulness
The fern is a hardy plant that can grow in difficult places. “An individual who wears this symbol suggests that he has endured many adversities and outlasted much difficulty.” (Willis, The Adinkra Dictionary)
Winter Solstice 2010 plus Full Moon and Total Lunar Eclipse! Enjoy a Playlist, Poetry and Ritual
DECEMBER 20TH, 2010I adore creating rituals at special times of the year, so I absolutely love this time of year as we celebrate the season of light with Hanukkah and Christmas as well as experience the quiet reflection time of Winter Solstice. This year is even more special since we have the rare opportunity to experience a full moon AND a total lunar eclipse on Winter Solstice.
The Details:
According to NASA, the lunar eclipse begins on Tuesday morning, Dec. 21st, at 1:33 am EST (Monday, Dec. 20th, at 10:33 pm PST). At that time, Earth’s shadow will appear as a dark-red bite at the edge of the lunar disk. It takes about an hour for the “bite” to expand and swallow the entire Moon. Totality commences at 02:41 am EST (11:41 pm PST) and lasts for 72 minutes.
If you’re planning to dash out for only one quick look - it is December, after all - choose this moment: 03:17 am EST (17 minutes past midnight PST). That’s when the Moon will be in deepest shadow, displaying the most fantastic shades of coppery red.
How rare is this?
Geoff Chester of the US Naval Observatory inspected a list of eclipses going back 2000 years. “Since Year 1, I can only find one previous instance of an eclipse matching the same calendar date as the solstice, and that is 1638 DEC 21,” says Chester. “Fortunately we won’t have to wait 372 years for the next one…that will be on 2094 DEC 21.”
What is Winter Solstice?
Winter Solstice is the longest night of the year and metaphorically offers us an opportunity to reflect on our own darkness, our own shadow. If you lived in Austin I’d invite you to come celebrate this time of reflection with us as we dance, pray, reflect, release and transform. But since most of you don’t live here, I thought I’d share the playlist, poetry and ritual that I’ll be using tomorrow. (I want to thank Shiva Rea for sharing these Rumi poems with me through the course I am taking with her called “Living Yoga Sadhana Firekeepers”)
Playlist:
Sri Rudram by Anant Jesse
Amba Amba by Larisa Stow & Gathering Guru
Arianna by Paul Schwartz
Maha Deva Soulshine by Wah!
Be the Change by MC Yogi
Sanctuary by Donna De Lory
Secret Words of Ecstasy by Mantra of Joy
Dakini by Aram Ram
Sat Narayan by GuruGanesha Singh
Panjabi Beats by Dimitri from London
Om Namo Narayana by Manish Vyas
Bathe in These Waters by Donna De Lory
Om Namah Shivaya/Thy Will Be Done by Donna De Lory
Om gum Ganapatayei Namaha by Deva Premal
Poetry:
One, One, One
The lamps are different,
But the Light is the same.
So many garish lamps in the dying brain’s lamp shop,
Forget about them.
Concentrate on essence, concentrate on Light.
In lucid bliss, calmly smoking off its own holy fire,
The Light strains toward you from all things,
All people, all possible permutations of good, evil, thought, passion.
The lamps are different,
But the Light is the same.
One matter, one enerty, one Light, one Light-mind,
Endlessly emanating all things.
One turning and burning diamond,
One, one, one,
Ground yourself, strip yourself down,
To blind loving silence.
Stay there, until you see
You are gazing at the Light
With its own ageless eyes.
~Rumi
Wine of Divine Grace is Limitless
All limits come only from the faults of the cup
Moonlight floods the whole sky
From horizon to horizon
How much it can fill your room
Depends on its windows
Grant a great dignity my friend
To the cup of your life
Love has designed it to hold its eternal wine
~Rumi
Ritual: Observe your life with compassion. Ask yourself what shadows (self-limiting beliefs, behaviors that dim your light, negative thought patterns, energy leaks, unclear boundaries, etc..) you are ready to release and transform. Write them on a piece of paper and burn them to symbolically transform the dark into the light.
This took me by surprise!
DECEMBER 10TH, 2010
Today is my baby boy’s 13th birthday. 12:14 a.m. to be exact. I’ve known this day was coming since the day he was born, so I am a bit surprised by the intensity of emotion that is washing over me.
It started last night as he was getting ready for bed and asked me to set the alarm and wake him up at midnight so he could be awake when he turned into a teenager. At that very moment, my heart cracked wide open and a stream of memories began flooding my mind.
A flood that has continued all through the day: the first moment our eyes met, the sounds of his first lusty cries and his soft coos, the feel of him snuggled in my arms….. and now he is a teenager who dressed himself according to his own fashion sense, packed up the homework he did without my assistance last night, put his newly-received-birthday earphones on and walked down the street to take the bus to school while listening to his favorite tunes.
And here I sit at my computer, trying to focus on my work, but instead continue to have visions of him eating his first solid food, smiling with his first tooth, learning to ride a bike, reading his first words, swimming in his first swim meet…..and my heart is overflowing with every emotion in the book. All I can say is it is a miracle and a huge privilege to be this boy’s mom.
And since I can’t seem to concentrate on my work today, I’m going to allow my heart to stay cracked wide open with love streaming out to all of you with this prayer: May this powerful mother-love bring peace, love, light and joy to every heart it reaches.
Can you relate? Please leave a comment below on how you embrace vulnerability in your life.
Namaste.
The Divine Love Healing Project
SEPTEMBER 7TH, 2010I first became aware of The Divine Love Healing process two years ago when my good friend and mentor, Dr. Christiane Northrup, shared it with me while we were attending a workshop together. The process Robert Fritchie has created is deceptively simple and stunningly powerful. It has become a part of my everyday spiritual practice. Now, Robert Fritchie is offering a new program to the general public that will allow you to receive a free healing wherever you are! There are no special preparations. There is absolutely no cost. And no one will send you emails, product announcements, or sell your name to a marketer. This is truly a gift.
Here’s what Robert says about The Divine Love Healing Project:
There are five key things that you need to know about. Please be assured that these five things are true, whether or not you currently believe them. Simply try the Program and verify your own truth. Here is what you need to know:
A. We all have an individual Spirit. Your Spirit is the highest connection you have to the Creator of the universe. That connection transcends all humanity and can not be manipulated by mankind – by you, us, or anyone else.
B. The energy of the Creator is called Divine Love. Divine Love is the most powerful healing force in the universe. And it is available to you no matter who you are, or what you have, or have not done in your life.
C. We utilize our Spirit and Divine Love to help your spirit connect with Divine Love to whatever needs attention in your entire system.
D. Your Spirit sets the order of healing in your body.
E. Everything that happens is done according to the Creator’s Will.
This program is only for those individuals that register. By registering for the healing, you are setting an intention to receive a healing for whatever is troubling you.
We are facilitating your healing at any distance and at any location by focusing on your personal Spirit to connect you with Divine Love.
It is Divine Love that does the healing in your being, not us.
If you are besieged by many problems, it may take repeated sessions to receive sufficient energy to correct whatever you are addressing. This is because your Spirit knows exactly what your body needs and it controls the healing rate in your system.
The schedule is:
Sundays at 11AM EST for ½ hour. Sundays at 9PM EST for ½ hour.
You can receive a Divine Love Healing anywhere, at any time, without interrupting your daily activities. We provide this service absolutely free in a research capacity to help humanity. If you are interested in receiving healing help where you can speak to us, you might consider joining our live Healing Help Conference Calls on Sunday nights where we try to help people correct spiritual, mental or physical problems.
We are providing this program because the world and its people are hurting. World Service Institute is a nonprofit company that teaches people how to Apply Divine Love in their lives. We offer hands-on programs called Conference Calls as well as several of our own self-help healing books.
Click FREE HEALING to register.
We ask that you post your results using the TESTIMONIALS tab on our World Service Institute website at:
www.worldserviceinstitute.org to help spread the message of Divine Love throughout the world.
May Peace and Love be with you,
Robert Fritchie, Director
World Service Institute
