Alone - A Poem

O let me be alone awhile! 

No human form is nigh; 

And I may sing and muse aloud,

No mortal ear is by.

Away, you dreams of earthly bliss,

Ye Earthly cares be gone! 

Depart, ye restless, wondering thoughts, 

And let me be alone!

One hour, my spirit, stretch their wings

And quit this joyless sod;

Bask in the sunshine of the sky, 

And be alone with God.

End Times

 Words by Jesus about the End Times:

“Though I was hungry, you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you took me in.”

“That day of wrath, that dreadful day, shall the whole world in ashes lay, as David and the Sibyls say. What horror will invade the mind, at the last trumpet’s wondrous sound, and through the rending tombs, rebound, and wake the nations underground. The judge ascends his awful throne, He makes each secret sin be known, and all with shame, confess their own. Forget not what the ransom cost, nor let my dear-bought soul be lost. Prostrate my contrite heart I rend. Do not forsake me in my end.” Funeral song in the Requiem Mass. 

The Pregnant Dolphin - A Story

”The famous Italian diver Enzo Mallorca dived into the sea at ​​Syracuse. He was talking to his daughter Rossana who was aboard a boat and felt something slightly hit his back. He turned and saw a dolphin. Then he realized that the dolphin was trying to express something and as the dolphin dived, Enzo followed.

At a depth of about 12 meters, Enzo saw, trapped in an abandoned net, another dolphin. Enzo quickly called to his daughter to grab diving knives and join him. Soon, the two managed to free the dolphin, which issued an "almost human cry".

Abou Ben Adhem - A Poem

Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!)

Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,

And saw, within the moonlight in his room,

Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom,

An angel writing in a book of gold:—

Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,

And to the presence in the room he said,

Horse Whispering

The art of horse whispering was kept a family secret, and horse dealing was conducted using handshakes and passwords to avoid charges of witchcraft. In Essex, 'Cunning Murrel' was used by farmers to heal livestock. Dan Wickett from Polperro, Cornwall, was a wort healer and had also horse whispering abilities. East Anglia was a major area for horse whispering. They often used in horse racing, talismans for 'drawing' - attracting horses, or 'jading', - repelling the horse. A wedge found in a foal's mouth'milt' or 'pad' was dried and soaked in oils to draw. To jade, a frog or natterjack toad was killed and impaled on a whitethorn to dry and buried for a month. It was then thrown into a running stream. One bone would float, and this. was kept as a talisman. This bone was the ileum or pelvic girdle and looks like a wishbone. It was carried in a pouch with flesh and other repellents and when placed in the horse's hoof would stop it from running fast. Herbs were used to attract, such as sorrell, bryony, cinnamon, rosemary, and tansy. Raw ginger under the horses tail would make it 'prance', called 'gingering up'. A twitch in the mouth would create pain and focus the horse's attention on the front of its head for operations at the back. Spiders web, chesse rind and harness leather were used to heal fleshwounds. Horse hair was used to make necklaces to cure goitre. 

The London Stone

William Blake thought that Druids sacrificed human victims on the London Stone! 

The London Stone was first mentioned in a gospel book of the West Saxons before 940 A.D. Stow, in 1598 describes the stone on the south side of Cannon Street as fixed in the ground, very deep, fastened with bars of iron and otherwise so strong that if carts run against it, their wheels be broken but the stone remains unshaken. The original function and significance of this limestone remains a mystery. In the Middle Ages, proclamations would be issued from it and binding agreements sworn over it. When Jack Cade, leader of the Kentish rising in 1450 occupied London for three days, he went straight to the London stone which he ceremoniously struck with his sword. A clue to the stone’s significance is other similar stones, such as the Coronation Stone at Westminster Abbey and the Kingston upon Thames stone upon which seven Anglo-Saxon kings were crowned. It is now thought that the London stone was also originally a symbolic source of power and authority.

The Wraggle-Taggle Gypsies - A Poem

 The Wraggle-Taggle Gipsies - Anon

Three gypsies stood at the castle gate
They sang so high, they sang so low
The lady sate in her chamber late
Her heart it melted away as snow

They sang so sweet, they sang so shrill
That fast her tears began to flow
And she lay down her silken gown
Her golden rings and all her show

She took it off her high-heeled shoes
A-made of Spanish leather-O
She would in the street in her bare, bare feet
All out in the wind and weather-O

 

Ancient Wisdom

Every Springtime, Egypt has an the 'inundation', as the great Nile River floods across the land from the South and flows into the Mediterranean Sea. Rich soil is deposited and this provides for the crops that have sustained the people for millennia. All kinds of fruit and vegetables grew to feed people and animals. This excellent pasture supported healthy people who could fish and hunt water birds, make music and dance, tell stories and create art, sculpture, architecture and paintings. If a society had the means to write, they had the very rare and valuable ability to record their life. The Egyptian priests learnt to read and write and perform mathematics (especially astrology, geometry and algebra) and were very intelligent and knowledgeable and their glory and fame spread throughout the known world.

Counselling Training Essay

Unconditional positive regard and congruence in Client Centred Therapy

The counsellor’s genuine caring and responsibility needs to be in evidence. If the counsellor is only pretending to have unconditional positive regard, it would be obvious, and a client with healthy discernment would seek help elsewhere. On this particular subject, I had a conversation with my counselling trainer, Tony Merry, who told a story of when he was a counsellor. This particular client had no friends because he was so boring! In the course of therapy, the counsellor had felt so bored for seven consecutive therapy sessions that on the seventh occasion, the counsellor stated that he too was bored.The client grew very angry (which was not boring for the counsellor), and from that point onwards the counsellor was not bored by the client. 

I think this was wrong for two reasons. Firstly, the client was not working through his material at his own pace, and secondly he felt the need subsequently to be in therapy to interest his counsellor. I think it is important that a counsellor is congruent, but in a non critical way. 

When I Was One and Twenty - A Poem

 A poem remembered from my childhood:

When I was one-and-twenty

       I heard a wise man say,

“Give crowns and pounds and guineas

       But not your heart away;

Give pearls away and rubies

       But keep your fancy free.”

But I was one-and-twenty,

       No use to talk to me.

When I was one-and-twenty

       I heard him say again,

“The heart out of the bosom

       Was never given in vain;

’Tis paid with sighs a plenty

       And sold for endless rue.”

And I am two-and-twenty,

       And oh, ’tis true, ’tis true.

The Romany Rye - An Extract

One day Cogia Efendy went to a bridal festival. The masters of the feast, observing his old and corse apparel, paid him no consideration whatever. The Cogia saw that he had no chance of notice; so going out, he hurried to his house, and putting on a splendid pelisse, returned to the place of festival. No sooner did he enter the door than the masters advanced to meet him, and saying, "Welcome, Cogia Efendy," with all imaginable honour and reverence, placed him at the head of the table, and said "Please to eat, Lord Cogia." Forthwith the Cogia, taking hold of one of the furs of his pelisse, said "Welcome, my pelisse ; pleased to eat, my Lord." The masters looking at the Cogia with great surprise, said, "What are you about?" Whereupon the Cogia replied, "As it is evident that all the honour paid is paid to my pelisse, I think it ought to have some food too." - Pleasantries of the Cogia Nasr Eddin Efendi 

Self Development

Take charge of your life. Write your life story. What have been the major turning points, successes, reversals and relationships?

What is your life purpose? What gives your life meaning?  What is your greatest fear? What is your greatest regret? What has been your greatest defeat? What makes you angry? What opportunities present themselves to you today? What are the main beliefs you have about yourself and the world? Are these self limiting beliefs? What have you always wanted to do? What preparations have you made for it? What target date have you for it? What are you in denial about? How can you improve your attitude? What are you grateful for? Write down what you want and put a time on it. Do you need to burn bridges? 

Keep a journal with the following sections: Health: Finances: Career: Family: Social: Educational: Home: Emotional: Mental. What will you do in 6 months? What will you do in 5 years? What will you do in 10 years? How might you sabotage yourself? 

Karma and Dharma!

Karma - what is described as a ‘law’ but is only a belief! A belief in reincarnation is required! Are we really punished and rewarded for actions in past lives that we have long forgotten? I doubt it! We see unscrupulous people in prestigious circumstances, and the very kindest in appalling squalor. This is not divine justice! And not very intelligent either! 

Dharma! Life Purpose! We are here to discover who we are, not who we hope we will be, or might be, but who we really are! Inside us is a budding beautiful person, with compassion, caring, thoughtful consideration and endless capacity for service to others to create a better world for everyone. 

You are unique! No-one has ever existed or ever will exist who is like you. You are at one off in the entire universe. Remember your uniqueness! Seek your highest self, your best self, your most generous self, your kindest self. This is your divinity, your eternal self, the one who meets your maker at the end of days. 

Rape in a War Zone

War Rape is not a violation that is exclusively committed against women alone. Many men are also raped in war, usually by an object, rarely by another man. 

Remember - A Poem

Remember me when I am gone away, Gone far away into that silent land; When you can no more hold me by the hand, Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay. 

Remember me when no more day by day You tell me of our future that you planned; Only remember me; you understand It will be late to counsel then or pray. Yet if you should forget me for a while and afterwards remember, do not grieve:

For if the darkness and corruption leave A vestige of the thoughts that once I had, Better by far you should forget and smile Than that you should remember and be sad.  

The Highwayman

 Poems from my childhood.... The first part only…. The Highwayman by Alfred Noyes

The wind was a torrent of darkness among the gusty trees, and the moon was a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas. The road was a ribbon of moonlight over the purple moor, and the highwayman came riding, riding, riding, the highway man came riding, up to the old inn door. 

He’d a French cocked-hat on his forehead, a bunch of lace at his chin, a coat of the claret velvet, and breaches of brown doeskin. They fitted with never a wrinkle, his boots were up to his thigh, and he rode with a jewelled twinkle, his pistol butts a twinkle, his rapier hilt a twinkle, under the Jewelled sky. 

Over the cobbles he clattered and clashed in the dark inn yard. He tapped with his whip on the shutters, but all was locked and barred. He whistled a tune to the window, and he should be waiting there, but the landlord’s black eyed daughter, Bess, the landlord’s daughter, platting a dark red love knot into her long black hair.

I Shall - A Poem

 

I shall pass this way but once - through this toilsome world!

Alas! Once and only once! And if I can show kindness to any human being, let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again! 

Music Choice

 Song Laboratory Labotorium Piesni * Belarusian traditional song 'Shtoj pa moru' ['Out there on the sea'] - recorded in Świątynia Dźwięku - Sound Temple Andara  in Borsk in Kashubian region (Poland).

Third Force Field Analysis

Gossip is good for us, providing it is positive and true! Avoid critical gossip and lies! 

Give people more than they expect! 

When you lose, don’t lose the lesson!

Keep improving yourself!

How can you change your life for the better?

Each day, learn something valuable, read a poem, listen to a piece of music, walk in nature, speak to someone in a meaningful way, perform an act of kindness. 

Listen as well as talk!

Define your life path!

Remember no-one is perfect, and we argue with others when we are most unhappy with ourselves. 

Put values of caring, truth, understanding and compassion at the centre of your relationships. 

Look at difficult situations from all perspectives. 

Better Relating

Are you listening to the other person? 

Do you understand each other’s frustration? 

Do you display a sense of superiority, making them feel worthless? 

Do you recognise the other person’s achievements? 

Do you refuse to shared household activities because you consider yourself the breadwinner and therefore deserve to get easy in the home? 

Are you just playing laser and caring? 

Is there some other deep-seated anger, which motivates your unwillingness to understand the other persons problems? 

Do you want to be happy?

Rules of Loving

Don’t score points. Be supportive not judgmental. Win-win. Practice forgiveness. Be prepared to say you are sorry and thank you. Decide you really want the relationship to work 100%. Be in the relationship for the long run. Don’t play tricks or deceive. All vulnerability. Celebrate differences. Compromise. Ask for what you need. Learn to handle conflict by listening, caring and allowing times of upset and hurt to heal. Spite will finish the relationship. What qualities are you looking for - and what qualities do you offer? Commit to doing the best for your partner and the relationship. 

Better Relationships - Part Three

Towards creating better relationships: 

Cut out negative self talk. Admit and celebrate differences. What do you need to do differently? 

Get a picture in your mind’s eye of a typical difficult situation. Reduce it in size, colour and volume. Replace the negative scene with a positive memory. Increase the colour, volume and size. 

Ask questions! Why do you say that? Can you give me an example? What is the cause of the problem? How can we resolve this so we can move forward? Answer with thoughtful caring: I apologise for my part in that because I didn’t notice. I understand you are angry with me about that and I will be careful not to repeat it.

Relating styles: 

Prescriptive - this is what you should do!  

Informative: I share this knowledge with you.  

Confronting: You are not OK.  

Cathartic: Emotional.  

Catalytic: Reflective.  

Supportive: Empathic.  

Cognitive: Cerebral. 

Personal Growth Part 1

Are you able to solve complex problems in your life? If not, why not? 

Can you maintain yourself as a competent, intelligent, skilful, resourceful and resilient person whatever the stresses on you?

Are you capable of controlling your feelings? This is self empowerment. 

Be motivated from within yourself rather than from the world outside yourself. 

Free yourself from the need for approval. 

Set your own rules of conduct for yourself and boundaries with others. 

Be free from the desire for accomplishment, money, and success. 

Accept yourself but improve yourself where you can. 

Can you deal with disagreements, conflicts and compromises? 

Be free from hero worship. No one is perfect! 

Become a doer rather than a critic? Easy to criticise if you don’t do much yourself well. 

Welcome new people, places and hobbies and interests into your life. 

If Nobody Smiles Poem

If nobody smiled and nobody cared, and nobody helped us along; If every fellow looked out for himself, and the good things all went to the strong; If nobody cared just a little for you, and nobody thought about me; And we stood all alone in the battle of life, what a dreary old world this would be.

Life is sweet because of the friends we love, and the things that in common we share; And we want to live on, not because of ourselves, but because of the people who care. It's giving and doing for somebody else - on that all of life's splendor depends; And the joy in the world, when you've summed it all up, is found in the love of our friends.

 

The History of Don Quixote - An Extract

   His armour being scoured, his morion transformed into a helmet, his horse named, and himself confirmed with a new name also, he forthwith bethought himself, that now he wanted nothing but a lady on whom he might bestow his service and affection; for the knight-errant that is loveless resembles a tree that wants leaves and fruit, or a body without a soul: and therefore he was wont to say, ‘If I should for my sins, or by good hap, encounter there abroad with some giant (as knights-errant do ordinarily), and that I should overthrow him with one blow to the ground, or cut him with a stroke in two halves, or finally overcome, and make him yield to me, would it not be very expedient to have some lady to whom I might present him? 

Paying Compliments

 I constantly learn from you.

The way you treat people is beautiful.

You are strong. I like that.

You are such a good listener and pay good attention to me. I always feel heard by you.

I appreciate your authenticity. 

I like how you will stand up and be counted. 

You step up to the plate. I like that about you. 

Having your confidence is something I aspire to. 

You make me feel that I belong.

Your resilience is inspiring. 

I like that you will always apologise when you are wrong. 

I admire your passion.

Your resilience is inspiring. 

Basics of Good Relationships

Does this person like you, are they interested in you and in how you’re feeling? Do they listen to you and validate your emotions? Are they loving, do they appreciate you and feel proud to be with you? Do they treat you as an equal? Do they believe you are an individual and respect your independence? Do they get on with your friends and family? Do they make excuses for bad behaviour or apologise and make every effort not to upset you again? Can they admit to being wrong and take responsibility for their actions? Do they take an interest in your hobbies? Are they honest and straightforward? Do they play games with people’s feelings? Do they respect you and your choices and wants you to be happy? Do they try to push you into anything you’re uncomfortable with? Are they trustworthy? Do you feel safe and relaxed around them? Do they respect people and keep good company? Are they reliable? Do they understand that no means no? Do they keep secrets? Do they respect your privacy? Do they understand that everyone has a right to end the relationship.

Distance Healing - Harry Edwards Healing Sanctuary

Free Gong healing video

Who was Harry Edwards? 
Harry Edwards was born in Balham, south London, in 1893, and was one of nine children born to his father, who was a printer, and his mother, who was a dressmaker. This was a dedicated Church of England family and at the age of twelve, Harry joined the London Diocese Church Lads' Brigade, and later, as a young man, he trained with his father as a printer until the outbreak of war and in 1914 he enlisted as an engineer in the Royal Sussex Regiment and was promoted to Captain. He served in India and the Middle East. 

Meditation - A Free YouTube Video

This is a meditation titled 'Your Spirit Guide' written by Wendy Stokes and presented by hypnotherapist, Sherry Wakeman. To visit Sherry's website, click on the hyperlink:
http://www.sherrywakeman.com/

The Hole in the Boat - A Story

A man was asked to paint a boat. He painted the boat a bright red, as the owner asked him. While painting, he noticed a small hole in the hull, and repaired it.

When he finished painting, he received his money and left. The next day, the owner arrived and gave the painter another cheque for more money. The painter was surprised and said “You've already paid me for painting the boat!”

“But this money is not for the paint job. It's for repairing the hole in the boat.”

“Ah! But it was a small service... it's not worth paying me such a high amount for something so insignificant.”

“But you do not understand. Let me tell you what happened:

“When I asked you to paint the boat, I forgot to mention the hole.

“When they children took the boat out this morning, they did not know that there was a hole. I was not at home at that time and when I returned, and noticed they had taken the boat out and I was desperate because I remembered that the boat had a hole in it. Imagine my relief and joy when I saw them returning from fishing.

Then, I examined the boat and found that you had repaired the hole!

Psychic News Article

Automatic “or trance writing” is sometimes called “psychography”. It is a popular method of channelling, as teachers from the spirit realms deliver a message through a medium who writes the message rather than speaks it.  This might be a personal message, or it might be a message for society or for the world. Automatic writing is an activity which is usually carried out alone on a regular basis. 

Requirements: You need to ensure you are warm, comfortable and will not be disturbed for an hour. A ‘Please do not disturb’ note should be placed on your front door and all phones turned off. If possible, there should be soft lighting, such as a well shaded electric light (but not unshielded candles due to fire risk). Well chosen instrumental music can be played quietly in the background providing it doesn’t cause any distraction. A comfortable chair should be selected at a suitable table. You will need to buy a pencil and a large leaf notebook for dates times and written messages. The same writing implements, notebook, chair and table, should be used at every sitting and kept exclusively for the purpose of automatic writing. Certain items of jewellery or clothing can also be selected, such as a ring or headscarf. You need a clock with a delicate alarm. If you go to sleep, you should be woken gently.

The Immune System

We are all familiar with the needs of our immune system which helps our lymphocytes fight disease. There are two types of these specialised defence  lord cells, basofils and neutrophils. Vitamin C, D3, and Zinc are thought to boost these defence cells. Maybe Echinacea, and possible garlic also. A healthy and varied diet with high fibre and exercise is also valuable. Small amounts of particular stresses also boosts these defence cells, a cold shower, public speaking and other short term stresses. Sleep is a major factor is boosting our immune system and research has shown the massage is also very effective. Our gut diversity of organisms has been proved to be necessary in having a well functioning immune system. 

Validations - A Story

A school teacher asked her students to list the names of the other students on two sheets of paper, leaving a space between each name. Then she told them to think of the nicest thing they could write about their classmates.

At the end of the class, each one handed in their paper.

At the next class, the teacher wrote down the name of each student on a separate sheet of paper, and listed what everyone else had said about that individual.

 

At the following class, she gave each student his or her list. Before long, the entire class was smiling. Each student said 'I never knew that I meant anything to anyone!' and, 'I didn't know others liked me so much".

The Gypsy's Curse - A Story

Christina and Leah were two sisters who had been brought up in a French convent.When they were children, a cart-horse had run over them, leaving a scar across both their bodies. A gypsy who saw the accident made a pronouncement "Their destiny is tied to blood!" 

The date is 1910. Christina, the eldest is a maid looking after a lady and her daughter. They thought highly of Christina as she worked hard but she was paid very little. The convent often wrote to the mistress asking for money, which she gave. Within 5 years, Leah was ready to leave the convent and applied to join the small household. She was accepted but only at no further cost to the mistress. Both sisters slept in the same bed, as they had as children. But they argued about sending what little money they had to their mother who constantly asked for financial assistance, especially as they were not in good health. Christina used the money they would have sent to their mother to make lace ribbons and knitted garments for Leah. The mistress saw the beautiful clothes and thought they were stealing from her. 

Canine Catastrophe!

5 dogs go missing ever day in the UK. There are 8 million dogs in the UK. It is often not known by dog lovers that many thousands of dogs are suffering needlessly - and the huge expense in a 'merry go round' of sad lives.

Breeders, from council estates, greyhound tracks, multiple occupancy kennels and pet shops, run a business with a small amount of capital outlay, yet puppies can sell for £1,000 each, especially if a pedigree features in a popular children's film or is a winner at Crufts or is seen with a popular celebrity.

Richard Dadd

Richard began his life with a tremendously promising career as a distinguished painter.

 Of the seven children of Robert Dadd’s first marriage, three, Richard, George, and Maria were to become completely insane, while Stephen had a private attendant but little more is known of his circumstances. Robert the eldest brother, born 13, July 1813 practiced as a chemist for many years in Whitechapel. George was the youngest of Richard’s full brothers, born 13, December 1822. He was a skilled carpenter at Chatham Dockyard. He began to show signs of mental instability when he was 20 yrs old and in 1843, the same year that Richard became unstable. He was admitted to Bethlehem and stayed there until his death in 1868. Though both brothers were confined in the same hospital, it is unlikely they met. John, a half brother, born to his father’s second wife and the second of two boys, was born 24, May 1829. He was apprenticed to Robert and went to America to establish a popular drug store. 

The Mother-in-Law - A Story

Scott Mann posted this story about his mother-in-law.

Sharon is my mother-in-law. She taught me it’s important work to see someone for who they are and not what you expect.

When I first met my mother-in-law, I had a hard time understanding her thick south Virginia accent.

And she seemed a little bossy in that southern passive aggressive yet polite way.

But I knew she was important to the love of my life, so I accepted her grudgingly as some of us do when family is forced on us. After 5 years I still didn’t really know her.

When my wife got leukemia at 30 years of age. Then our world was shattered and changed forever, Sharon very quietly moved, with her dependent Vietnam vet husband, into our house and became Michele’s caretaker too.

Over the last two years she bought most of the groceries, cooked almost every meal, did most of the laundry and cleaning, drove both dependents to almost every one of the 300+ doctor appointments, sorted tens of thousands of pills, and made sure they were all taken on time at every hour every day.

And she did this when she herself was diagnosed with cancer 6 months ago.

When she was getting a mastectomy and going through chemo.

Byron Katie

The Work! I heard this expression from Gurdjieff and others,  but Byron Katie has her own take on it with questions! Katie was so depressed she couldn’t get up and felt she didn’t exist any more. She asks of your self judgment statements, is it true? Can you absolutely know it is true? How do you react when you think this thought? How would you be without this thought? 

1. Who angers, saddens, frightens, or disappoints you? What is it about them that you didn't or don't still like?

Eg., I am angry at them because they gamble all our money, saddened because they are worth more than a dradful life of gambling debts, frightened because of their anger and aggression, confused because I work hard and have nothing to show for it. (Name) doesn't listen to me. I am angry because he/she doesn't appreciate me. I'm angry because he/she doesn't care about my health. I don't like him/her because he/she argues all the time. I'm saddened due to his/hergambling debts

The Fool

Wise men learn more from fools than fools learn from wise men! 

Taking as an example of the Fool from Tarot Apokalypsis by Erik  C Dunne and Kim Huggens we read... At the beginning it is the end; at the end it is the beginning. The highest point is the lowest! Ambiguity reigns! But from the lowest, the highest might be attained. This is the path of the Holy Fool! The madman filled with the ecstasy of union with the Beloved. What wisdom is concealed in the moment? What love is hidden in the yearning? What progress is achieved in the dance? Truly God comes to us like madness, but the connection is prepared, the steps are learnt over generations, the rhythm guarded, and supervision required for structure to achieve the union with the deity. For you are not you, and I am not I. Your head will grow dizzy from the spinning and weaving of love, drink deeply of the wine that is communion with the Godhead and inhale the opiate of joy. You will know ecstasy that will liberate you from chains of density. Only when you cannot think of yourself without thinking of God, will you realise that when you turn your head in any direction, God will be there, as God is within yourself and within the Beloved. You no longer exist, only God exists. The One, the All - and the Nothing! All your moments will be eternity! 

The Fool is an instigation and a conclusion! It exists at the beginning and end of the Major Arcana, as each of the Major cards provides a learning experience, and we are the greater Fool, the Sacred Fool, as we end each of the 21 destinations of our karma. There are no boundaries between ourselves and the Beloved, ourselves and the deity. 

Meditation by Anne Yates - Your Garden

An interactive meditation presented by Anne Yates with words by Wendy Stokes
Make yourself comfortable and avoid interruptions, relax and imagine....

The Dream of Cybele - A Story

It was a scramble to the cavern. We had been told of the pitfalls and given good instructions as to the position and size of the entrance. I had grazed my hand and the stinging continued as I neared the cave mouth. As I walked within, the blackness consumed me. There was uneven rock and gravel underfoot. I was amazed how clearly I could hear my laboured breathing and the rapid pulse of my heartbeat. The sound seemed amplified and the reverberation echoed around what could only be a vast chamber. I could smell the scent if wood smoke, slightly perfumed with pine resin. I reached out to touch the side walls. they were cold and smooth and hard, like frozen ice. I shivered in the chill air. As i took a few tentative steps forward, my eyes accustomed to the darkness. Within the cavern were extraordinary shapes, huge columns from floor to roof space - great mountains of rock with strange colours and hues. 

Elegy - A Poem

Elegy - Written in a Country Churchyard by Thomas Gray.

I am sharing poem that I remember from my childhood...

The curfew tolls the knell of parting day,
    The lowing herd wind slowly o'er the lea,
The ploughman homeward plods his weary way,
    And leaves the world to darkness and to me.

Now fades the glimmering landscape on the sight,
    And all the air a solemn stillness holds,
Save where the beetle wheels his droning flight,
    And drowsy tinklings lull the distant folds:

Save that from yonder ivy-mantled tow'r
    The moping owl does to the moon complain
Of such as, wand'ring near her secret bow'r,
    Molest her ancient solitary reign.^[34]

Dreams and Dreaming!

"An uninterpreted dream is like an unopened letter"

Dreams and Dreaming Part 2: When we arrive at 60 years of age, we will have been asleep for 20 years and awake for only 40! Everyone dreams many times each night, but few remember their dreams. Dreaming is vital to our mental health and we cannot do without our dreams even for a few days. If you see someone’s eyes are moving under their closed eyelids whilst asleep, they are almost certainly dreaming.

Fascinating Examples:
The champion golfer, Jack Nicklaus had a dream where he swung the golf club in a new way. He tried it and won many tournaments. There was a mathematical genius in India, Svinivasa Ramanujan, who often saw handwriting on a screen that demonstrated new mathematical solutions and once he dreamed that a Hindu Goddess appeared to him and showed him a new formula.

Hierophant - The Tarot

The keys represent entry to a holy place, a place of wisdom and truth. Access to spiritual authority. There  is good life guidance and a path of integrity and caring. The hierophant is a man of power, standing and authority but one should be wary of being misled on account of looks and the honour that others give. The 3 tiered papal crown denotes faith, hope and charity, the spiritual, material and intellectual worlds, the mind, body and soul. He wears a cloak and has his right hand raised in blessing. The columns represent rigour and mercy. King Solomon’s Temple had 2 columns. 

Lead by example. Be a guide to others. Meditate on balance, understanding and integrity. 

Wendy's Dream Column

Dream: I dreamt I saw myself in a coffin. Am I going to die? SW Monmouth

Weendy's Reply: Phoenix! One day we all will, but we need to live life to the full before the final day. When we confront thoughts of death, it can help us to be determined to live in a vital way. There could be a loss of something important eg., self-esteem, youth, friendship or potential ambitions. My advice is to pursue what excites your passions, anything that gives you a sense of achievement and ways in which you can really live your life with flourish. Consider also how you can increase your energy levels. Meditate on causing a stir with new, dynamic, go-getting plans. Use the affirmation: Everyday is a rich and fulfilling experience.  

Introducing Joylina Goodings

Emissary of Light! 
Joylina invited me to her home in a leafy London suburb. The room was very beautiful and it reminded me of a high mountain landscape. I was not surprised to hear that Joylina has been involved with leading holidays to places of spiritual interest around the world. She has visited S America, S Africa, Europe and Australasia, Tibet and Bhutan.  Bhutan, a small country in the Himalayan foothills, is known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon and is one of her favourite places due to their emphasis on Gross National Happiness instead of Gross National Product. The people, young and old, rich and poor, all have wonderful smiles on their faces. Even the feral dogs don't fight for food but wait patiently in a line for the tourists to feed them.

There are many Buddhist monasteries in this region and Joylina told me the head Lama recognised her group members as “sisters in spirit” though of different religions and from different parts of the world. Joylina describes the meeting "He gave each of us a personal blessing which included chanted prayers and an anointing with holy water. It was Remembrance Day, November 11th. The armistice was signed to end the first world war and we said prayers for peace around the world. The Lama invited us to the monastery balcony, which overlooks a steep ravine where he also prays for all sentient beings each day. The lama asked if he could join us and we held hands in a mutual prayer. Then we recalled the legend which tells of a place where the Buddha hit a rock with his staff and water gushed out, and we were shown this spiritual spring of sacred water to fill our water bottles. It was a very memorable and moving morning."

Coincidence! What’s it all about?

A 'coincidence' is two unrelated events that take place at the same time. Coincidences are surprisingly common and occur many times each day, for example, I was thinking about a friend this morning when she telephoned me. Is this just a co-incidence or could it have been telepathy?

Q & A from postbag 1

Q: How can I  refresh my dream-life?

Wendy replies: Pull out the furniture and vacuum behind everything. Turn over the mattress and give both sides a vacuuming. If possible paint the room sky blue. Put away winter woolies and place your favourite Spring and Summer clothes at the front of your wardrobe. Throw away feather pillows that can cause stuffy noses and red eyes and launder fresh sheets and duvet covers. Buy some new nightwear - or for the best and luxurious sleep ever - go naked and prepare for the very best dreams of the year.

Using an aromatherapy eye pillow will stimulate vivid dreams and provide a refreshing sleep.

How to make an aromatherapy eye pillow: 

Buy a new face flannel, fold it in half and sew the long side and one short side to form a pouch. Fill the bag with rice. Sprinkle a few drops of lavender or tea-tree oil or place a few sprigs of sage or mint in the bag with the rice and sew the last short side to keep the contents inside. When you are ready to sleep, lie down and place the bag over your eyes for ten minutes.  

If the weather is very warm, cool your aromatherapy eye pillow by placing it in the fridge before use.

Davey Arthur - A Story

These stories were told by Davey Arthur at his concert on Saturday, the 26th of February 1994 at Jacksons Lane.

The accordion player was reading the music they were playing all night. All others played by ear, old songs they have played for decades! They often take a new musician with them on tour to give them the oppportunity of learning the old songs and being part of the group in a concert setting.

Davey asked for a drink and the base player gave him a quarter inch of water in a glass. No-one laughed! The fiddle player played so hard he broke a string - he played his heart out that night - and every night. Davey said he and the guitar player swore they would never chase the same woman because their friendship meant so much. His friend gave up touring to get married! 

World Superstitions

The Latin root of the word ‘superstition’ means ‘to stand over in awe’ and relates to irrational belief that defies a logical explanation. Many primitive beliefs date back a thousand years and more. They were created to try to overcome fear of the unknown and the loss of control over life and death events. Many people believed that the future was influenced by ordinary, everyday mistakes and that the future could be foretold by carefully watching simple actions of daily living. These odd ideas were deeply embedded in the minds of people across the globe. Once a belief becomes part of the tradition of a country, it is almost impossible to remove it. Education has eliminated many of these customs from our culture as we now live in a society that requires demonstration, proof, argument and understanding, for belief to survive.

Superstitions Part Two

The superstition about walking under a ladder is not because a pot of paint might fall on you. It is due to the shape that the ladder makes when placed against a wall. The triangle was a holy shape in times gone by, and when walking beneath the ladder, one ‘breaks the triangle’ – the symbol of the Christian Trinity.

In herbal folklore Solomon’s Seal will banish poisonous insects, a hazel tree branch that is gathered on Palm Sunday will keep lightening away, caraway seeds prevent poultry from wandering and fennel banishes witches.

Wendy's Dream Column

Dream: I am riding on a man's cycle along dark country lanes. I am going to a place where children are hiding. One holds a lit cigarette so I can recognise a place to stop. I am to rescue many children - about eight at a time. I take them all on the bike and they climb on each other's shoulders. Over the years I have had this recurring dream, I must have carried hundreds to safety. 

Wendy's reply: This profound dream reminds me of those brave people who fought in the resistance during the war and put their own lives at risk to save others from jeopardy. I suspect you have done much charitable work in the world without any recognition and thereby are privy to a personal secret concerning your sacrifice for others. You may have experienced hardship as a child or you could have inherited a truly unselfish disposition. Meditate on how it would feel for you to be holding the lighted cigarette, for you to be rescued from danger and be held tight on the shoulders of a strong person who is deeply committed to your welfare. Use the affirmation: I am a radiant beacon to others to achieve satisfaction of a life richly lived for the welfare of others. I will bestow a special gift upon myself as thanks from those who are unable to thank me personally for my kindness. 

Agents

There are some big literary agencies and smaller ones, some tough and some fuzzy ones, some clever, some sincere, some dismissive and some just mercenary! 

Some deal exclusively with book rights, some with film rights, some with both, and some deal with other rights, such as public relations, and some deal with all rights. Agents often need legal knowledge that specifically pertains to publishing, a speciality within general law. 

The best agents will be impressed by their clients presentation skills, their knowledge and abilities, and will want - and know how to get - the best for their client. Most agents have many years of knowledge and a long contact list of executives in peripheral businesses, especially in the publicity departments of magazines, newspapers, TV and radio channels. They will represent you, manage you, and should sell you to all they meet. They will look after your public profile, will advise you on future possibilities and opportunities, they will help raise your profile online and offline, and will help hone your public image. They will steer you away from what is not suitable for your particular 'brand'. Your brand is the best 'fit' for what you intend to do in terms of current targets and future aspirations. They will define what you are offering and help you to develop the skills that will land you with the work you seek. To be taken on by a literary agent expect to pay 10% - 15% of your income. 

Recommended: 

Counselling Case Study 1985

From my training journal of 1995. 

The approach I use with all my clients is Rogerian / person centred approach, where my clients congruency provides its own focus and momentum, and I accompany the client on that journey in the sessions. In the way I work, each session is complete, and I don’t refer to previous issues. The approach involves reflecting the current client’s feelings. This has been shown to increase emotional tolerance levels, and provide access for catharsis, reflecting thoughts and meanings which may provide insight, and having a nonjudgemental attitude - I may not always be accepting of what they do but I look at my own projections and deal with these in my own therapy and supervision sessions, and I try to remember that we are all in the process of becoming, and I value my clients bravery and potentials. By being congruent where I feel it is appropriate, I may state my thoughts and feelings, which allows the client to see the ‘real’ me and hence transferences are not so likely to occur. If a transference happens, it happens, and I do not interpret it or amplify it. If a client is unhappy with a session, if they tell me before they leave, I return their fee. 

Q & A from Wendy’s Postbag

 Dear Wendy: I would like to see energy fields around people. What is the best way to do this? Joe

Dear Joe: Some people can see colours surrounding a person, especially around their head. These colours can vary in intensity, hue and tone, and sometimes can move and mix together. Generally, the clearer and brighter the colour, the healthier the person. Dull and weak colours, often show ill-health. Very dark patches, like deep blobs of muddy colour, can reveal poor judgment, addictions, and other dangers. Stand in front of someone who has the light behind them. Look for colours about six inches surrounding their head. In addition to seeing, it is also possible to ‘sense’ the aura’s vibrations. With your hands, feel the energy that surrounds their shoulders and throat areas, approximately one foot away, then about eight inches away from their body.