The need to shield one’s self from emotional impacts by others during spiritual practice is something that’s really important and was evident for one of my dearest friends last night. When we open ourselves up to others either in ritual or perhaps just during a conversation about our beliefs, we really do open up and we can be vulnerable to opposing, aggressive (whether meant or not) and negative viewpoints, actions, emotions, words and so forth from others. If we don’t protect ourselves by shielding or with some other similar action, then we can feel not just our thoughts being stamped on but also our emotions. Our very hearts can feel abused regardless of whether the other person was intentionally hurtful or just over excited and opinionated.

This is true in fact of any conversation or action that comes from the heart and soul. When we open our inner most secrets to a lover, we bear our soul and can become vulnerable to their response if it’s not supportive. For folks dependent on alcohol, drugs or other substances who reveal their fears to others in rehab, I can only imagine how vulnerable and exposed they too must feel. In fact anyone who opens their heart to others for help and who do so trusting that they won’t be crushed, dishonoured, disrespected, rejected or hurt in return. We are all at times at the mercy of those around us at times when we especially need support and love.

I have frequently pointed folks to these shielding exercises in circumstances similar to this and again I offer these as a means of protection to anyone who feels a little crushed by the words and actions of others. There are many ways to protect yourself and this is just one and I hope that it serves a valuable purpose for folks.

http://www.oakandmistletoe.com.au/useful-articles/shielding-yourself-psychic-harm

Smiles and blessings, Amethyst

I’ve spent the last few days pondering over which guitar to buy and have got my mind so befuddled and confused that I’m totally stuck on the decision. So that means two things for me. The first is that I need to stop thinking about either of them and just rest without a decision for a couple of days to let the universe help me work on this. Secondly (and I find this usually is the case for me) if I hesitate on something, it means it’s not the right one for me anyway and something better or more suitable is around the corner.

So many times in the past I have wanted to do something or buy something and I have hesitated and every time there has been a excellent reason for hesitating so I’m trusting my instincts on this and just stopping the whole process of these two for a couple of days. That will let my spinning head settle and allow whatever else is waiting for me to come through. Fingers crossed :)

Smiles and blessings, Amethyst

I had a very important exam yesterday, 3 hours long, and as I mentioned, dam important! Do you think I could study for it? Not on your life! The procrastination elf came to stay and I found any and every reason not to study. With that said, I aced the exam and with one exception I think I pretty much did everything and more required.

Now this is great in one aspect and a dam worry in another. On the good side, it confirmed for me that I do know my stuff and I can recall and utilise the information I need when confronted by a patient case. On the bad side it insidiously tells my mind that I don’t need to study for exams because “I know it all!” What rot of course!

I have another exam coming up shortly that I don’t know everything I need to know so I really should study for that one. There are chemical equations and diagrams I need to know (not my strength area) and some important details on chemical constituents. I really should get the books out.

One wonderful light at the end of the tunnel though is that next semester is my last semester and I have no exams that semester! Woohoo!

Smiles and blessings, Amethyst

Every winter I say this but oh my giddy aunt, I HATE winter cold temperatures! These last two mornings it has been only 4 degrees (centigrade) and it’s been hard to get out bed and face the cold. The days have been crisp with the sunshine and we haven’t had any winter storms yet (thankfully) and my hot water bottle has been getting its annual work out but actually getting out of bed or stepping outside is not a favourite task right now!

One thing I am thankful for is that my arthritis is in check (has been for about 2 years now) and while I know the triggers like being in rainy, cold weather, for the most part my herbs have controlled it. Winter used to be so incredibly painful for me and I remember the worst year, I actually ended up walking with walking sticks because the pain in my spine and hips was so bad. It seems much better now although I still avoid the triggers because a painful bout of winter arthritis is debilitating but winter in general for me sees me staying fairly close to home, rugged up in woollies with the heater anyway!

Smiles and blessings, Amethyst