Reconnecting...

8 Aug 2007

Welcome to "Reconnecting..." for August.

Welcome to this issue of Reconnecting.  It's been a little while since the last one - a busy time!  What I've been finding recently is that when I pay attention to the universe, there are signs, messages and signals everywhere I look.  But I have to be open to seeing and receiving them.  If I go around with my head in a fog of thoughts and 'have to do's' - something I can tend to do when I'm busy - I miss them.  All it takes though is a gentle nudge, a reminder, and I become aware again of the boundless information and assistance all around me.  Gratitude and appreciation play a big part in this.  So does staying grounded, and being connected to the ever-present now moment.  Sometimes we may feel frustrated when feeling stuck or confused, wondering what to do next, and asking the universe for guidance but feeling as if we're not getting any answers.  But the big thing we usually miss is to listen for the answers.  We can ask all we want, but unless we stay open to hear, see, sense or perceive the answers, we'll go on feeling frustrated. 

The universe answers us in a multitude of ways.  It isn't always with neon signs (though sometimes it can be!).  I was driving along the other day thinking about whether to proceed with something or not when I noticed the sign on the back of the van in front of me.  It said:  "The way ahead is clear".   I felt such a huge surge of relief and couldn't stop smiling.  It felt like such a green light, so I proceeded and it worked out beautifully.

Signs and signals are all around us.  It could be a physical sign such as one you pass on the bus or the name of a shop or a book that is recommended to you.  It could be a conversation you have or an email you receive.  I had a wonderful example of this when I was struggling with a computer problem some months ago and a spam email arrived in my inbox entitled "Stop resisting!".  Again the effect was to make me laugh and relax and let it go.  The problem was then resolved later in the day through unexpected help.  The signs could could show up as an inner gnawing in your gut telling you that you need to change something in your work/life/relationship or that you are somehow off course.  Whatever it is, you then have a choice about whether to follow up on it or to ignore it of course.  But the signs will be there whether you accept them or not.

Next time you're feeling stuck or unsure, ask for guidance by all means.  But then take a look around you.  Open your eyes and your heart to receiving the answers and don't be surprised if they come in unexpected ways.  When we live in balance our inner male and female are able to play their respective roles.  This means letting go and being receptive - allowing the feminine aspect of ourselves to guide us.  And then taking action as appropriate - using our masculine energy.  We can't force the universe to answer us and we can't force a solution to our challenges.  All that does is lead us into resistance, anger or fear.  But by tuning in to our inner guidance system, our emotions, our body and constantly being willing to surrender what we 'think' we want to the bigger picture, then opening our awareness to what is all around us, we begin to let go of struggle and find there is another way.

With love and blessings.
Erica

Erica Connolly
Colourworks Therapist/Teacher
Reconnective Healing Practitioner
www.korani.net

Quote of the Month:

"Faith is walking face-first and full-speed into the dark."
~ Elizabeth Gilbert

Book of the Month: Eat, Pray, Love
by Elizabeth Gilbert



I so enjoyed this book!  It is at once a spiritual journey, a travel journal, a deeply personal story and an inspiration to those on a quest for fulfillment in any sense of that word.  The author tells of a year, divided into thirds, spent in Italy, India and Bali.  In Italy she 'eats', delighting in this sensual activity in the most sensual of countries.  In India she 'prays', or more accurately sits, meditates, and finally brings her somewhat tormented mind into stillness.  In Bali she learns about peace, happiness, smiling and of course, love.  It is hugely readable, deeply moving and also a wry and amusing commentary on the human condition. 

Visit www.elizabethgilbert.com to find out more about the author and your local Amazon online store to purchase the book.

CD of the Month: The Essence by Deva Premal

Beautiful sung mantras and gorgeous wafting music.  I adore the sung Gayatri mantra, one of the oldest forms of connection to the Divine through song.  The other mantras are equally powerful, all sublimely sung by this hugely talented woman.  Her partner, Miten, and a team of supporting musicians add vocals, guitar, keyboard and percussion.  The whole album is filled with subtly woven strands, adding a beat where appropriate and then leaving the haunting voice to itself for optimum power.

Visit www.devapremalmiten.com to listen to samples and to find out more

Website of the Month: Attract World Peace



My lovely Colourworks friend in New York, Beth Morgan, sent me this recently:

"Some colleagues of mine who also work with the Law of Attraction have put together a short but beautiful piece on visualizing and attracting world peace. You can find it at http://www.attractworldpeace.com/   Once you watch it, you can use any method you wish to visualize world peace but if you like this short video, you can also watch it every day to trigger the intention.

This has nothing to do with any particular belief system other than the belief that the world can improve, heal and change for the better. In fact, the quotes in the short video come from people from all parts of the political spectrum."

If we really believe we can create our own reality, world peace has got to be a pretty good place to start....

Colourworks Bottle of the Month: No. 7 - Neptune

This month's bottle is one that keeps coming up with my clients and students.  I ran a Colourworks 'update' day on 070707 so this bottle No 7 was much in evidence on that day.  But it keeps coming up so it just had to be featured this month.

It's an elusive one.  That's part of it's energy.  The mystery, the illusion, the stirring of the depths.  It's about seeing clearly through the illusion to the truth beyond.  With its deep turquoise blue it is very much of, about and from the sea, with all that the sea has to offer.  Powerful, flowing, moving, unable to be pinned down.  This is one to assist you to see into your own dearly-held illusions and to release them.  Turquoise is also a great teacher if you are needing to reach a place of faith and trust.

This and all other Colourworks bottles are available for £20 + p&p. Contact me to purchase or to find out more.
Go to www.colourworks.org to view the range.
(From 1 September 2007 bottles will cost £22 each + p&p.)

UK Based Eco Sites

Here are a couple of great sites to get you thinking about climate change and positive ways to impact the planet (thanks to Jane Knight)

http://together.com/

http://www.icount.org.uk/

Battery Cows - The True Price of Cheap Milk

"Compassion in World Farming has exposed the shocking truth behind many intensive dairy farms with the first ever film footage of its kind.  It reveals miserable images of 'battery' cows crowded together in barren sheds behind bars with nothing but dirty and slippery concrete to stand on.

In the most intensive zero grazing systems, cows are often confined to cubicles that are too small for them to stand and lie comfortably.  This can result in cows standing with their hind feet in their own excrement which can cause painful foot infections.  In some cases the cows are not even provided with bedding material and are forced to lie on bare concrete.

CIWF is already in high-level dialogue with politicians, farmers and supermarkets to find viable alternatives to zero grazing and high-yield single purpose breeds.  We are seeking fairer milk prices for farmers so that they don't have to take the intensive farming route.  Cheap milk costs more than you think..."

Read more and watch CIWF's short YouTube film here

Events and Workshops

Colour 1 Workshop
Farnham, Dorset, 8-9 September
(This workshop is now fully booked!  I will be setting another date October/November, venue to be announced.  Please let me know if you would like to take part as I will set a date once I have enough interest...)

This unique 2-day workshop will teach you how to work with colour to inspire, assist and facilitate healing for others.  It will also be a powerful journey for you, opening you up to the gifts colour brings and helping you reveal more of your true self. 

Learn about colour, how it heals and what it reveals to us.  Learn about our chakra colours and how they are changing as we evolve.  Discover some of the many ways colour can be used to complement any other forms of healing or therapy.  Learn how to interpret the coloured bottles to give insightful readings and to enhance any healing or therapeutic work you already do.  Receive a reading for yourself and delight in the magic of this beautiful system.

Colourworks goes way beyond the study of colour.  It is truly a gift to anyone who wants to:

• reclaim their authentic power
• engage with their own healing and personal development
• open to higher levels of spiritual connection
• deepen their understanding of the path they have chosen

For further details on workshops and courses please email me or phone 01722 781096.

I am currently considering offering a day of healing and readings in Reading, Berkshire with a workshop to follow.  Please let me know if you are interested.  I am also available to travel to other areas to offer taster days of Colour Readings, Colour Soul Readings,  Metatronic HealingTM and Colour Healing and of course workshops.  Contact me on erica@korani.net or phone 01722 781096.

Monthly Meditation Group, Salisbury, 27 August

Join our friendly, supportive group for meditation, colour, visualisation, healing, energy work and ongoing spiritual development, upstairs at the Green House,  Salisbury.  Cost: £5.00 per person.  Call me on 01722 781096 or email me for further details.

Dates for your diary - next meetings:

Monday 27 August, 7.00-8.30pm
Monday 17 September, 7.00-8.30pm

Kindred Spirits

Kindred Spirits is a group of like-minded people who share an interest in the natural power of healing, meditation, inspiration and the deep trust in the universal energy that is available to us all.  Meetings are on the first Thursday of the month, from 7.00-8.30pm, either at Farnham Farmhouse, Farnham, Dorset; or at the Sixpenny Handley Village Hall, Dorset.  The gatherings are to support each other in a healing space that is non-judgemental and empowering to the individual and the group.  Bring with you an open heart, respect for each other, a cushion and blanket and a £3.00 donation.  Next meeting Thursday 6 September.

Contact Sarah Lownds, 01725 516942 or email sarpenela@btopenworld.com

Colour and Chi Kung, Whiteparish, Salisbury, 1 September

In this one-day workshop we will tune into the late summer energies to focus on positive and practical ways to enhance your well-being. The late  summer is a time for ripening, harvesting, gathering and celebrating what we have achieved so far, and we will explore the qualities of this time of year through colour, movement, meditation, visualisation and healing energies.

Chi Kung links the seasons to corresponding body organs, elements and colours. The late summer has a particular focus on the element of Earth and the colours yellow and copper, so we will be particularly working with these energies.  Our focus on the Earth element makes this workshop ideal for anyone who needs to feel more grounded and more connected to the Earth and will help us deepen our intentions and expand our focus.

This workshop is part of a series to connect with the Elements. 

Future dates are: 

Metal Element: 20 October, Whiteparish Salisbury
Water Element: a 2-day intensive workshop in January 2008, Whiteparish, Salisbury

Contact me on 01722 781096 or email me to book your place or to find out more.

Chi Kung Classes in Salisbury

Wednesday Evenings, 7-9pm, at the Brickworth Life Centre, Brickworth Lane, Whiteparish, Salisbury, SP5 2QE
5  weeks from 5 September @ £11 per session or £50 if paid in advance

Chi Kung or Qigong is an ancient Chinese form of movement exercise which helps to restore the body’s natural harmony through a range of exercises and meditations.  It is at the root of Tai Chi and other martial arts as its aim is to build the body’s central resourcing system, cultivating ‘Chi’ (natural energy), which can then be used for whatever we choose.  It is useful to relieve stress, encourage a calm body and a clear mind.  Great for creative people and for health care professionals who spend more time looking after others than themselves.

The flowing movements are easy to follow and have several layers of awareness to consider, ranging from the mechanics of the movement to the energetics. The session begins with exercises to prepare for Chi Kung, followed by a themed selection of Chi Kung forms and completes with a 20 minute Taoist meditation.

It would be helpful to have done yoga, meditation or Tai Chi.

Classes are held in a variety of other locations, please see website for more details.

For further information contact Clara on 02380 284044 or email clara@newforestchikung.co.uk

Visit www.newforestchikung.co.uk

Balance, Health and Well-Being

Would you like to help clients, family, or friends to achieve optimum health and well being?  Systematic Kinesiology is the answer.

Developed by Chiropractors in the mid 1960’s Systematic Kinesiology is a wonderfully diverse and comprehensive combination of techniques - yet it is incredibly simple to apply and straightforward and easy to learn.

BALANCE IS THE KEY - ANYTHING THAT CORRECTS ANY PART OF US HELPS TO CORRECT THE WHOLE PERSON.

Kinesiology addresses the whole person and is a system which links traditional Chinese ideas of energy flow found in acupuncture and acupressure with Western style muscle testing. This brings balance to the body by removing toxins, relieving energy blockages, reducing tension, and enhancing the body’s natural healing ability and can be helpful for the following:

• Back ache, neck pain & sport injuries
• Food sensitivity, digestive disorders, abdominal pain & I.B.S
• Stress management, emotional issues, anxiety, chronic fatigue, depression & phobias
• Skin problems, eczema, rashes & spots

These are just some examples of what Kinesiology can address.

Training now available in the Salisbury area.  Taster session Saturday 11 August, 10am-12pm, cost £3 per person.  For further details please contact:

Julie Bingham Dip AK, ASK
Healthwise
Phone 01980 654072

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