Dr. Deb's Blog
Would You Take This Dare?
MAY 11TH, 2011We are never too old to dare ourselves to try something new. This spring I decided to do something I’ve never done before… in fact I’ve been afraid to even try. Yes, the Daring Diva was afraid to dare! Was it ziplining from tops of 100-year-old Cypress trees? Nope. That was my Mother’s Day gift this year.
My dare was much more adventurous. Much riskier. It was starting a vegetable garden!
Why was I so afraid of this? Partly because my mom and sister are amazing gardeners and I never felt that I had their gift. But mostly because I was afraid nothing would grow or that I’d kill whatever did grow. Failure. That’s what I was afraid of. But my desire to live a more sustainable life and share this with my 13-year old son, Micah, was stronger than my fear, so we dug in. Literally.
To my delight, Micah really got into it… he was an instant pro with a hoe!
We prepared the beds and planted carrots, parsley, cilantro, bell peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, basil and beans.
We watered every day and weeded almost every day.
And we waited.
For days nothing seemed to be growing but weeds. Then we finally saw the green leaves of precious vegetables poking their heads out. It was SOOOO exciting!!!
Everything started growing except the beans. Only one bean plant out of 24 seeds grew.
I have to admit that I felt sad every time I went to water the beans and was starting to feel like a “bean failure.” But we didn’t give up. We kept watering and weeding (and talking to the seeds – which is only a little embarrassing when you don’t realize your neighbor is in her backyard and can hear you reciting poetry to your barren plot of dirt).
And guess what? One morning we woke up and 23 little bean sprouts had shot through the earth!!! I literally JUMPED and DANCED for JOY!!!!!
And within 2 days they were all growing into healthy bean plants!!
I’m so glad I dared myself to plant this garden. It has given my son and me a very beautiful project to share. It has taught me so much about weeds and rabbits. It will soon provide fresh produce for my family. And it has taught me once again to never give up and to trust in the wisdom of Mother Nature.
Wanna share your favorite gardening tip with me? I’m listening!!!!!
Bearthday 2011 blog
APRIL 27TH, 2011
Every April, in honor of Earth Day and Bar Ostrand’s birthday (Bar is the ‘goddess in charge’ of my Daring Diva Dance Class) I create a special “Bearthday” class. Each year I wonder how I will create a playlist as wonderful as the last year’s. And each year, like magic, the perfect music comes to my awareness just in the nick of time.
Since many of you don’t live close enough to come dance with us I wanted to share the fabulous music we danced to this week. The theme of this year’s Bearthday class was LOVE. LOVE for ourselves, LOVE for our planet and LOVE for each other. The combination of lyrics, voices, rhythms and melodies created the perfect fuel for us to dance our prayers of LOVE. I dare you not to be moved by this music! Better yet, I dare you to put these tunes on your iPod, blast it loud and dance like there’s nobody watching. When you do, let me know how it was!
Bearthday 2011 Playlist
From Will Blunderfield’s heart-opening new CD, “Hallelujah”
Long Time Sun
Hallelujah
Gayatri Mantra
Guest House
Pull Through
From Wah!’s new CD “Maa”
Jagatambe
Love Holding Love
Parashakti
Shanti
Pahimam
From Wade Imre Morisette’s CD “Maha Moha: The Great Delusion”
Prayer
Inside
From the Goddess Alchemy Project CD “Frequencies of the Motherland”
Kundalini Manifest
From Bliss’s CD “ Hundred Thousand Angels”
Come Into the Light
A Hundred Thousand Angels
Grace
Farewell to Music
The most fun you’ll ever have cleaning out your closet.
APRIL 14TH, 2011
Last weekend I had the most fun cleaning out my closet! It all started with an idea from my friend Marianne MacKenzie who wanted to create a “Clothes Swap” with a twist. The twist? Well, Marianne’s specialties are soul coaching and Feng Shui, so she wanted to teach women the deeper aspects of clearing their closets. She also wanted to bring in her pal and style expert Michelle Rodriguez to teach women how to adorn and appreciate their beautiful bodies at any size or shape. What a great idea! Of course, I wanted to add pleasurable movement and delicious food to the day so I created a play-list and invited my friend “The Spicy Heretic” (aka Tina Moody) to provide sumptuous gluten-free, low-glycemic fare.
The end result was more fun than words can express. Fifteen women arrived with bags of clothes, jewelry, belts, bags, shoes and scarves that they no longer desired. We laughed, learned, danced, “shopped”, ate and laughed some more. We tried things on that we would never have thought to try on – and loved how we looked! Everyone left with bags of goodies – for free. And we took twenty bags to 2 charities when it was all over.
Talk about a win-win-win situation! So what are you waiting for?
Connect with some experts in decluttering and style and create a fun clothing swap in your own community. Then send me some photos of the fun you had!
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)
How to prepare for a pleasure and love-filled Valentine’s Day
FEBRUARY 10TH, 2011I don’t know about you, but somewhere between getting my work done, making dinner and checking homework my sensuality gets swept under the rug.
My desire is to be intentional and present in all areas of my life – including the part of me that is sexy. So in honor of Valentine’s Day I’m teaching a class called “Exotic Moves for Everyday Divas.” It’s designed for any woman of any size, any age or any fitness level to release her inner sexy, confident, powerful self.
If you live in the Austin area, click here and come play with us on Friday the 11th. But for those of you who live too far away to join us, here are some of my top tips for feeling sensual and creating your own exotic dance:
1. Create a temple space in your bathroom and bedroom with candles and music
2. Take a long hot bath with your favorite bath salts or oils
3. Use an exfoliating body scrub (my favorite is Rice Bran Polisher by Sense)
4. Shave
5. Put on a deep moisturizing lotion (my favorite is Firming Body Nourisher by Sense because its hydroxy complex, shea butter, Irish moss and mallow hydrate so deeply – while coneflower and gotu kola enhance elasticity…which means tighter skin!)
6. Candlelight – I know I already mentioned this, but everything looks better in candlelight….and my new favorite candles are actually battery-powered so they can burn for hours without leaving any smoky residue on the walls or ceiling.
7. Stretch slowly. I actually do this while putting on my Firming Body Nourisher.
8. As you begin to dance, slow EVERYTHING down as if you are moving through molasses
9. Don’t go with the beat of the music. I know that seems counter intuitive, but trust me on this one. Moving to your OWN rhythm is much sexier than moving to the beat of the music.
10. FEEL every move…notice your feet on the floor, the air touching the hairs on your arms, the feel of your own skin….
11. Let your hands trace your curves. If you are dancing for your beloved, there’s a saying I learned from a performer long ago when she was talking about how to get a man to notice something: “If you want them to notice it, you need to touch it or point to it.” So drag your hand across your favorite parts….arms, hips, collar bones….and his eyes will follow.
12. Set your hips free to sway or circle or undulate. This is the most important physical move because it is guaranteed to increase the flow of energy in your body and help you get in touch with your feminine essence and feminine power.
13. If you are dancing for your beloved, soften your gaze and give him eye contact. For many of us this is the hardest thing to do, but it is so important for a feeling of connection.
Okay, these are my BEST tips – and I’d also love to hear yours. How do you awaken your sensual side? Please share below as we all prepare for a pleasure and love-filled Valentine’s Day!
