Given our current etiquette of “social distancing” (who picked that unfriendly term?) people are staying safely away from each other. But one of the downsides has been how cold the general public has become. We take our little dog out for her daily walk and occasionally see folks walking their dogs on the other side of the street. We always make an effort to make eye contact and smile, yet most people – caught in the grip of fearing the unseen virus – have forgotten this simple, human interaction. Is this the path we’re headed down? Are we destined to become unreachable strangers to our own neighbors? If so, the zombie apocalypse has already taken hold.
I wasn’t sure if I wanted to write comical or sad lyrics, so the end result (a little combination of both) is what you’ll hear in this rendition of Walk On By. The original pop song, by the lovely Dionne Warwick, was one of my mom’s favorites. I heard it a lot growing up as a kid, and I still have Dionne’s record albums as reminders of those early, childhood years. How strange to think it would become the fuel for a revised version to help me express my feelings in these bizarre, Twilight Zone times.
The photos included in the video are my originals from travels to the Mayan Riviera’s cenotes, coastline, and ancient architecture of Tulum, as well as a few from local parks. They were specifically incorporated to provide you some eye candy and as a reminder that our planet is still alive and well, waiting for us to come play outside once again – when the time is appropriate.
Before you listen to the link, please know the audio was recorded on a budget. No sound engineers in the house today so you get what you get. Kinda raw but just keeping it real. Thanks for taking a listen, and please share your thoughts!
My mini sound studio
Vimeo link below. (original lyrics and photos included)
LYRICS: If you see me walking down the street Look at your feet, or up to the sky Walk on by, walk on by
Stay 6 feet away
Wallow in your fear, afraid of all humans No smiles, or greetings, no T.P. You should stay inside Walk on by, walk on by, walk on by
Undercover cops and cameras are watching your moves and logging your face Walk on by, walk on by Don’t stop and say “Hi”
Are you living longer or dying slower? When half of the world has moved on now You feel safe inside The media never lies Walk on by, walk on by
Walk on by, walk on by You stay inside
Nature has returned, the skies are bluer Live in your virtual world Don’t you go outside Walk on by
Don’t you smile Stay six feet away Don’t go out and play Walk on by Walk on by
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This blog’s for all the spring allergy sufferers. Let’s look at some of the energetic, emotional and nutritional issues that leave us feeling like we have to wrap ourselves up like ninjas to deal with the onslaught of spring pollen.
Yours truly, hiding from spring winds and pollen.
For those lucky folks who don’t suffer with pollen allergies, I will say it feels like you’re going to die of an internal war while you drown in your own exhaustion, tears and mucus. Not a pretty picture. Some people may have temporary relief using standard meds, but for others like myself these symptom suppressors create even more fatigue and foggy headedness, or they don’t work at all. This led me some years ago to seek out acupuncture, even though I dreaded the thought of needles.
Internal Heat, painting by Regina Chante
Faithfully each spring I would see my regular Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac) when the symptoms became too much. He would remind me that heat and “wind” (TCM term) were rushing to my head resulting in allergies. He would dutifully remind me that, “You have to let go of deep-seated anger and frustrations.” These suppressed emotions can become stored in the liver, according to eastern medicine. Well, funny thing was, I didn’t feel those emotions (at least not consciously). I just felt defeated by the allergy symptoms.
And so it went. Every late March my head would feel about to explode from headache, sinus pressure, teary/itchy eyes, sneezing, and devastating fatigue. In one of my sessions another insightful acupuncturist commented, “What you eat in the winter plays a significant role in how you feel the following spring.” Wooo…
That ahhhHA! moment
What you eat in one season affects how you fare in the following season. How did no one tell me that sooner? I don’t know who actually said, “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food,” but that was spot on! Some claim it was a quote from the father of modern western medicine, Hippocrates, but there is no evidence of that. Particularly because, with rare exceptions, allopathic medicine pays little attention to the nutritional needs of the body and aims straight for drugs. This is why I turned to eastern medicine where their healing roots go back thousands of years. They’ve had lots of time and people to practice on to get things right. One of their main tenets of healing is look at the diet.
But here’s the catch: It not just what you eat with your mouth that is your diet. Your body also digests what you’re “chewing on” in your mind! If you’re in a constant state of worry, over-stressed, over-thinking (like most of modern society) you’re weakening your digestive power from too much information and sensory overload!
It is true that, looking back over the last couple decades, my ability to digest well has decreased. It could be related to stress from over-thinking, but nearly everyone I meet is stressed and yet not all of them have spring allergies. Perhaps they have digestive issues but they’re expressed differently and not so much outwardly.
There are additional components to weak digestion that we mustn’t overlook. I’ve heard it said that our nation’s people are literally dying from malnutrition, even though we have abundant food everywhere. How can this be? Some important factors to take into consideration is the nutrient-deficient topsoil in which most commercial (even organic) food is grown; growth hormones & antibiotics injected into farm animals; genetic modification of many foods we eat that contain foreign bacteria, animal DNA and other strange components Nature never intended; and pollution such as heavy metals and chemical sprays that are applied on the plants or have been absorbed through their roots. None of these issues help the body digest and absorb adequate nutrition and may, in fact, be preventing it.
So, what to do?
Most answers come to me intuitively, through listening to messages I pick up via other people, my own research, and how my body feels. While I haven’t fully cleared allergies from my system I have healed a great deal by doing the following:
Eat quality food in smaller portions, more frequently, also known as “grazing”. Avoid large meals.
Limit or avoid caffeine (this includes caffeinated teas).
Limit or avoid intensely sweet snacks (like candy).
Limit or avoid greasy, fried foods.
Start the day with freshly squeezed lemon water, add up to 20 drops of Trace Minerals per glass, sweeten with Stevia.
Have a green drink once a day, blend with apple juice and a banana.
Take B vitamin complex each day.
DANCE!
CATNAP often.
Do a little something each day that feels like a sense of accomplishment.
If the digestion system is working properly, the adrenals aren’t tapped out, and the liver is purring the body will not overheat and send a storm into the cranium. In my research I have found that some people need to boost their enzymatic supply which may be low for many reasons. This is where Trace Minerals have proven very helpful.
Since one would have to eat a boatload of food to achieve maximum nutrition I have turned to powdered greens. It is concentrated food which lessens the need for eating so much bulk. That makes the stomach very happy!
Gentle, rhythmic movement is super helpful, including dance, yoga, tai chi, or any other non-stressful exercise.
Journaling can be a great way to unload the thoughts of the day so one has a clear mind.
Singing, chanting, humming are all great ways to massage the organs through the pumping action of the diaphragm muscle.
Receiving regular massage or other form of bodywork where you can feel nurtured and nourished is a must.
Also take into account that many people who are depleted in the digestion system are also the nurturers in their family and workplace, and they’re prone to do all for other people and forget themselves. This is where family and friends can pick up the slack and help out.
These are all just helpful suggestions. They are a place to start but you must find our own way, your own unique remedies, and learn to hear you body’s unique way of communicating to you.
*Medical Disclaimer: Information provided in this blog is not intended to replace licensed medical care. I cannot/will not prescribe, diagnose, or “treat” in medical terms. This blog is intended to heighten your awareness of wholistic approaches to healing. You are encouraged to do further research on your own behalf, consult with a qualified Naturopath, MD, or other experienced healthcare practitioner of your choice. Ultimately, you are responsible for the choices you make related to maintaining your health and well-being.
Community includes neighbors, local businesses, online groups, and Nature (but that’s for another blog). In the grander sceme of life they are our extended family. Most of us need each other now more than ever to help keep our heads above the seemingly endless tsunamis of life. While those at the economic apex are making obscene profit from suffering it is the base of the pyramid where the everyday people like us reside. It is the base of the pyramid that holds the foundation and the power. We are the backbone of the human species and our survival requires that we stay strong, united and flexible. When we align in our common needs and talents, in the name of Love, the collective fear drops and immune systems are strengthened. We stand tall, dream together, and manifest a happier, healthier world.
In the spirit of uniting I have reached out to my little community of people and businesses who are offering valuable services, support, art, and education and charging nothing or very little for their outreach. I share them here with you, dear reader, in case you are looking for such people at this time. Hopefully this blog will also inspire you to do likewise. Find the people in your tribe, community, and online connections who are available and willing to offer something to the public at low or no cost. We have the internet and we have our INNERNET. Let’s be there for each other, if not physically than at least virtually, in spirit and from the heart.
*****
Welcome to the world of Cultural Creatives
Michelle’s talents are numerous, from greeting card designer, professional quilter, to now an online instructor of a very affordable and helpful graphic design course she created! Since a lot of people are working from home now after being laid off why not pick up some valuable skillsets you can take into creative projects and possibly future job scenarios?
Michelle’s message: “This course was designed specifically for: the business owner, the administrative assistant, non-profit organizations, even the stay at home mom who’s ratcheting up her side hustle. These lessons are for those that don’t want to or can’t spend the extra cash on a professional designer to produce project after project. I’ll teach you how to create those beautiful marketing pieces yourself. Best of all?… You can use the software you already own, there’s no need to buy anything extra. All of the concepts I teach can be applied across multiple applications.”
Being stuck at home, away from regular gym routine is hard on the body and mind. Brooke has taken this opportunity to develop yoga videos for helping you stay in shape, stretch, reduce stress, improve circulation, and keep you grounded, right from the comfort of your home.
Conde is the perfect cheerleader for people who are already feeling solid in their spiritual practice but in need of a little boost! She often hosts free video talks on Facebook.
Conde’s message: “My name is Conde Bartlett. I am a channel, author, intuitive, speaker, energetic healer and tapping and essential oil expert. I have the unique ability to see what is possible for people and help them achieve it. As the owner of Cocoon Wellness Center for the last ten years, I have assisted thousands of people all over the world create changes they never dreamed possible; physical healing, happiness, spiritual awareness and financial abundance.”
Being home as much as we are these days can be stressful for our pets who are picking up on all our depression, worries and anxiety. In extreme cases, I have read headlines lately of people giving away their pets to shelters because they literally cannot afford to feed them. Such tragedy! If you have recently inherited an abandoned pet, are seeing stress symptoms in your pet, or grieving the loss of one, please do not hesitate to call on the very talented animal communicator Darcy Pariso. As you can see from her Testimonials page I highly recommend her. She provided great insight a few years ago into our sheltie’s health issues and has been very accurate in her readings.
Rosie is a fellow dowser and distance healer. She has many years of providing in-person and online support.
Rosie’s message: “I am called to step up and offer more. If you’ve spent any time with me, you may or may not have realized I am a frequency keeper. I know a lot of these terms are thrown around but there really is no other way to explain it. With intention I can hold a very high frequency of Love and fill spaces and clear them. I do it in homes, work places, gatherings and can do it remotely. We all can, really, but usually for short spirts and if we’re around people we like. It’s that spark and energy exchange that happens when you fall in love. Well, I love everything. Truly. That’s my gift. So, with these higher frequencies of love, it cracks open our heart space, our gateway to the soul. That’s when healing occurs. Not by me, I am only here to help raise and support your energy, listen to your souls message and hold you on your healing journey.”
Michelle V. is a very talented digital artist. She has quite the repertoire on her instagram page and is happy to offer her artistic talents.
Michelle V’s message: “Hello! My name’s Michelle and I have a passion for creating illustrative work and filling people’s lives with a little more color through my art. For about $20 I can make your next icon of yourself, pets or bring your character to life! If interested, reach me atviimichie@gmail.comor look at more of my work at www.instagram.com/viimichie/ .Hope everyone is doing great and staying safe!“
While New Renaissance Bookstore is temporarily closed they are reaching out to the public with ongoing, free or low-cost webinars. Everything from meditation, natural health education, angelic messages, kirtan chanting, and more.
Their mission : Through New Renaissance we consciously attune ourselves to the Divine and manifest that vision as channels of God’s Light. We nurture the spiritual awakening of truth seekers of all paths by attuning to the highest needs of our customers and ourselves, creating an uplifting environment of unconditional love and acceptance, offering spiritual teachings from East and West and providing healing products and services. Our business serves as an example reflecting the values of balance, good health and abundance to promote a holistic, spiritual and joyous lifestyle.
If you’re enjoying this blog and would like to reciprocate with a gift donation, please visit: paypal.me/reginachante
Much love and appreciation!
“If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him… We need not wait to see what others do.”
A Simple, Fun Way to Balance the Energetic Organs with Qigong
About one-third of the world is in some form of lock-down / home-stay, whatever term we wish to use, so what better time to practice some very simple qigong (chee-gong) techniques!
Qigong is an ancient, effective way to reduce stress, deepen the breath, and balance the subtle energy fields that are inherently linked to the health of our physical body.
In traditional eastern medicine there are six healing sounds and colors, as well as correlating tastes and seasons that relate to the body, energetically and physically. When one or more of those systems begins to falter it eventually brings the other systems out of balance. The quickest way to restore balance is through deep breathing, stretching, intention, and activating the senses through sound.
Each energetic organ system correlates to different human emotions. If stress is not processed at the time of challenging events it can be retained as unprocessed energy that builds up in the energetic organ systems. Eventually, noticeable and often unwelcomed changes in one’s mood and physical functions becomes more apparent. This may ultimately lead to some form dis-ease but is preventable if kept in check through regular, energetic organ cleansing.
I have been practicing various forms of qigong for many years, from the more involved Soaring CraneMedical Qigong to simpler forms like the one shared below. Often times I have found that the simplest forms are the best for keeping the body/mind healthy, especially if one is in a time crunch or has low energy to begin with.
THE SIX HEALING SOUNDS Perform each routine 3, 6 or 9 times a day, preferably sitting upright. However, if you have any range of motion issues you may adjust the actions according to your needs. If you are bed-ridden you may even do this routine entirely in your mind. Presence and intention are what matters. Say each sound softly like a whisper, and picture its appropriate color bathing the related organ system while going through the motions. On the inhale, between each sound, smile gently at each of the organs as you do so.
AUTUMN
AUTUMN visualize the color: WHITE healing move: palms facing up, push up to the sky and say, SSSS organs affected: LUNG, LARGE INTESTINE, nose, wind pipes, diaphragm muscle, skin. related taste: spicy element: metal Imbalanced: sadness, grief, cough, shortness of breath, easily sick, anxiety, posterior headache, sore throat, lack of sensuality, overly critical, skin sensitivities/ rashes, depression, fatigue, asthma, bowel movement issues, struggles with “letting go”. Balanced: Organized, meticulous, inner strength, likes rules/structure, self-disciplined, conscientious.
WINTER
WINTER visualize the color: BLUE / BLACK healing move: clasp fingers around knees to anchor, gently arch back, away from knees and say: WOOO (sound like soft wind) organs affected: KIDNEYS, URINARY BLADDER, ears, reproductive organs, bone marrow, bones, teeth, brain. related taste: salty element: water Imbalanced: contracted, easily cold, dark circles under eyes, bladder issues, cold extremities, hot flashes, night sweats, dry mucus membrane, hearing issues, tinnitus, anxious, fearful, phobic. Balanced: fearless, perserverance, determination, longevity.
SPRING
SPRING visualize the color: GREEN healing move: palms face up, lean and stretch torso to the left, gently lift right shoulder, look up and say: SHHHH (like you’re hushing someone) organs affected: LIVER, GALLBLADDER, eyes, optic nerves, brain, spine, nervous system, quality of blood. related taste: sour element: wood Imbalanced: frustration, angry, mental depression, irritability, moody, frequent sighing, feeling gloom-n-doom, dizziness, stressful dreams, teeth grinding, poor vision, tinnitus, itchy eyes, rib tenderness. Balanced: Goal-oriented, visionary, easily manifests, strategic, assertive at achieving.
SUMMER
SUMMER visualize the color: RED healing move: palms face up, lean and stretch torso to the right, look up and say: HAAA organs affected: HEART, SMALL INTESTINE, PERICARDIUM, blood cells, blood in general. related taste: bitter element: fire Imbalanced: heart palpitations, suppressed immune system, nightmares, excess heat, darkish purple to sickly pale complexion, poor long-term memory, psychological imbalance, nervous laughter. Balanced: charismatic, social, passionate, intuitive, creative.
LATE SUMMER / EARLY FALL
LATE SUMMER / EARLY FALL visualize the color: GOLDEN YELLOW healing move: fingers of both hands beneath sternum, just to the left, look up and say HOOO organs affected: STOMACH, SPLEEN, mouth, taste, muscles, lymphatic system. related taste: sweet element: earth Imbalanced: diarrhea, fatigue, sinus congestion, crave sweets, menstrual problems, fuzzy thinking, over-worrying, easy weight gain, gas/bloating, food allergies. Balanced: Mediator, nurturer, compassionate, grounded.
POST-SUMMER / TRIPLE WARMER
SUMMER visualize the color: VIOLET healing move: Lie on your back or safely lean back, inhale deeply, exhale as you imagine a large roller pressing out your breath you hands move from your cranium to your hips, say HEEE organs affected: ALL GLANDS, METABOLISM, pituitary, pineal, thyroid, thymus, pancreas, adrenals, gonads related taste: mild or bitter element: fire Imbalanced: chronic stress, fight or flight mode, reactive instead of responsive, weakened immunity, chronic digestive complaints. Balanced: feeling overall balanced, healing, brings hot energy down to lower centers and cooling energy to higher centers, promotes relaxed sleep.
If you prefer a video version of this qigong demonstration please see Taoist Master, Mantak Chia’s video presentation link below. It has a lengthy intro so you may wish to fast forward to one minute into the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBVIhpaPs9o
*****
If you would like to see and support the artistic talents of Serenna, below is a statement she has written for you:
Thank you for viewing my art! You can find more of the work I do on instagram @rennadraws. I am not taking commissions at the moment but they will be opening in the near future. However, I do have a ko-fi if you would like to contribute and support in the meanwhile. Thank you so much! My ko-fi page can be followed here:https://ko-fi.com/petitechocomochi
Thank you for reading. Many blessings to you and yours! If you found today’s blog enjoyable and helpful in any way and would like to make a gift donation, please visit: paypal.me/reginachante
Disclaimer: Information provided here is not intended to replace professional care. This blog is intended to heighten your awareness of energy medicine. If you are currently having health issues and/or musculoskeletal pain you are encouraged to do further research on your own behalf and consult with the healthcare practitioner of your choice prior to performing these routines. Ultimately, you are the manager of health maintenance and well-being decisions.
Funny the article linked below came up on my newsfeed just now. I have to admit that, as a saxophonist, feelings of “meh” were washing over me in the last years of performing with large dance bands. The *blues* overcame me from playing too much of other peoples’ pop tunes just b/c it got me a paycheck and made the audience dance. I was already getting bored with myself and tried to understand this mysterious anguish. Maybe I needed to try a more challenging genre? But the thought of hashing out the usual jazz standards was not my cup o’tea. Partly b/c jazz was never my strength, mostly b/c plenty of talented musicians out there already do an amazing job at playing straight ahead jazz. I even toyed with a solo project for awhile: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACYm0g2WxSo
My Alto Sax
Shortly after getting the solo project up and running with the fine talents of Ronn Chick (http://ronnchickmusic.com/), Oscar-nominated Nashville music producer, engineer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, creating most of my back-up tracks, the local pubs couldn’t afford the fees that ASCAP, BMI and others were suddenly charging them for allowing cover tunes to be played, and I had no original tunes to offer. Plus, being a stickler for perfect audio I was setting up/tearing down my own PA gear at every gig which, frankly, was flat-out exhausting.
Much as the story goes, I couldn’t quite figure out where my horns fit into all the new electronic genre that was pouring out. I didn’t even know who I was as a horn player. Years and years of playing and singing cover tunes helped me keep my chops up but my soul yearned to be something new, something I hadn’t birthed yet.
Chillin’ In My Crib With My Horn.
The last couple years have been hell on wheels, purging, packing and ultimately moving house. Finally I have a practice space to call my own, and the lengthy vacation from the horns gave me time to become a blogger, which you are reading now. This has afforded me time to keep expressing myself while having time to re-evaluate my relationship with my heavy metal girls.
No, I haven’t given up music, or the saxophone. But I DO need to meditate with them awhile and let the spirit of the 🎷 have a ❤️ to ❤️ with my muse. We got lotsa time right now with this virus circus going on to ponder our path forward from here. It is my hope that the spirit of music and the 🎷 will join together and blossom a new version of me, as a musician and as a force to be reckoned with. That kind of rebirthing energy takes time, diligence, and soul connection. With that said, stay-tuned! I’m polishing my metal. 😏
What inspired me to write this little blog is the fact that a friend has experienced noticeable relief from chronic, dry cough for more than several hours after drinking warm, Lemon Balm herbal tea. This was the first cough relief she’s had since January this year. All remedies prior, from cough syrups, lozenges, anti-cough teas, increased water consumption, to acupuncture gave little more than temporary relief, if any.
Lemon Balm (melissa officianalis)
Being stuck indoors in the winter, breathing stagnant, recycled, overly-dry air takes its toll on our lungs. Dried out tissues become more vulnerable and make the perfect breeding ground for pathogens. The body sensing the presence of pathogens then creates more mucus to entrap them, but since the body has become too dried out and weak the mucus adheres to the lungs obstructing deep breathing. The body will try to clear the thickened mucus with constant coughing but to no avail. The key is to keep the interior of the body warm and moist with proper blood and lymph circulation. To do this requires fresh air, movement, adequate sleep and proper nutrition which are sometimes hard to come by in our busy, stress-filled lives.
Lemon Balm tea
Lemon balm tea is easy enough to purchase, and the lemon balm plant is SUPER easy to grow. In fact, like all members of the mint family, it will literally take over your garden if you don’t contain it. Pictured above is lemon balm I brought over from my last house, and it’s taking off like a rocket in this five gallon container! It makes an ideal plant for gardeners who live in apartments and have access to a sunny window, balcony or rooftop container garden.
Herbal remedies have been successfully utilized for millennia because, having evolved alongside the human species, they resonate with the needs of the human body. Lemon Balm is one such example, for it has shown to:
relieve hypertension / anxiety
boost immunity
break fevers
reduce herpes virus
soothe digestion
reduce bloating / flatulence
reduce nausea
reduce headache
relieve insect bites
I hope you found this information useful and will pass it on to others who may benefit. As with any herbal remedy, please check with your primary care physician if you are already taking medication, pregnant/breastfeeding, or preparing for surgery.
*Health Disclaimer: Herbal information provided here is not intended to replace licensed medical care. I cannot/will not prescribe, diagnose, or “treat” in medical terms. This blog is intended to heighten your awareness of the natural world of healing with plants. You are encouraged to do further research on your own behalf, consult with a qualified Naturopath or other experienced healthcare practitioner of your choice. Ultimately, you are responsible for the choices you make related to maintaining your health and well-being.
It has taken me a little while to gather the energy and focus to write again. Like so many people I have been processing the loss of my job (temporarily), my in-person social networking with co-workers and patients, and the peace of mind that providing massage and bodywork gives me and the recipients. My line of work is a kind of meditation because in order to provide for others I have to be in a good space myself, a clear vessel of healing love and energy. But that disappeared almost overnight and the shock wave left me reeling more than I expected.
Combining the virus scare with my own personal health issue of seasonal allergies took the wind out of me. I have wanted to be supportive of others but realized my body must have first priority for a few days. I have stayed relatively quiet, turned within, and connected with Nature, even if only through a window to limit pollen intrusion. During that time I have been reminiscing about the work of Dr. Bruce Lipton. He is a very enthusiastic scientist of stem cell biology, author of two powerful books, The Biology of Belief, and Spontaneous Evolution, Our Positive Future and a Way to Get There From Here, and creator of many wonderful YouTube videos. I have linked him below for your entertainment.
His discussion on the evolution of a caterpillar to a butterfly just seems so fitting in our current situation. For some time we have collectively felt that something big was coming down the pipe. Hollywood has taken clear advantage of the public’s precognition as has the media and politicians. They’ve all played their roles so perfectly you almost can’t tell anymore what’s real and what’s hyped misinformation and false flag operations.
I heard recently that when the world gets too polarized with us vs. them mentality a cosmic 2×4 smacks the species across the head, as if to say get it right or face extinction. It’s very obvious what we’ve been doing wrong from the way we filthy up the planet’s ecosystem, to mistreating animals, and creating divisions between ourselves and people who are different from us. So, the question is: How do we get it right? What does it take for us to spiritually evolve for real? Here’s where Dr. Lipton’s work is so relevant!
He shares the story of the caterpillar turning into a butterfly. Caterpillar is happy to munch away all day, gorging non-stop on every plant leaf it can find till an unavoidable urge to fall into a deep sleep / transition takes over. It disappears into a hardened skin, and if you were to open the chrysalis in the stage between its being a caterpillar and butterfly all you would find is undifferentiated goo. That’s kind of where we are right now. We have gorged upon the Earth’s resources, become overly full of ourselves and disconnected from our planet. This virus scare has successfully put us all into hibernation, into lock down, and for the most part separated us from the lives we once knew. We may feel completely lost, scared and apocalyptic as our old identities get put on hold. We may try to maintain old ways of thinking and doing but circumstances hold us back and this can be a very confusing, frustrating and even painful process for some, while for others it may the very rest and relaxation they’ve needed for so long but wouldn’t give to themselves.
The goo stage is not here, not there, not the old version of us and not the new, because who and what we are becoming has yet to be seen. But here’s the catch: Something inside knows exactly what we are becoming, what our true human potential is, and it’s been hiding inside our DNA the whole time. In the caterpillar these anomalies are scientifically termed imaginal cells. No, seriously. They didn’t know what else to call them, I guess. They arise here and there in the goo, very limited in numbers at first, from the genome of the caterpillar.
Imaginal Cell
They’re different, unrecognizable, and according to the immune system that still lives in the caterpillar goo these imaginal cells are a threat! Just like the folks who get attacked in society because they bring new, compassionate ways of thinking and acting, who speak of exposing our deepest, most heinous secrets, and attempt to open our minds and hearts to a bigger version of us.
The imaginal cells are “…. regarded as threats and are attacked by the caterpillar’s immune system. But they persist, multiply, and connect with each other. The Imaginal cells form clusters and clumps, begin resonating at the same frequency and passing information back and forth until they hit a tipping point.” (The story of Imaginal Cells/Imaginal Labs).
Where do these imaginal cells come from? Where do you come from? It’s a spark of something beyond the scope of human understanding. Perhaps the human heart, if we listened long enough, would fill us in because the heart forms in the embryo BEFORE the brain. The heart is the master connection to All That Is, to all of Creation, to Source, the Divine, whatever you wish to call it. The imaginal cells are one with that magical spark too. They persist, against all odds, against all suppression and threat of death. They are a different frequency from the prior caterpillar cells, they bond, communicate, and entrain the old body into something that flies! The caterpillar could never have imagined that it would one day be airborne!
This blog is to ask all you imaginal cells to join together with those whom you resonate. Fear is to be expected but you are not alone, you were never alone, and if you’re ever in doubt simply turn to Nature as your guide. There is where the elemental forces dance in their balanced, rhythmic turn, and where everything has managed to stay afloat for millions of years untold. It never needed us to manage it or genetically modify its Divine codes. It has been perfect all along, just like you. Breathe deep often and know that this too shall pass, you are here to witness and midwife this birth – even through the intense pains, suffering and fatigue. Be the imaginal cells you are.
Tonight I received my first request for a free oracle reading. This person had a general inquiry into the state of the world so thought I would share. Perhaps this reading speaks to you as well.
Question: With everything in turmoil, and change the only constant – how can we rearrange the state of things to be better than they were before, and continue to be better?
Oracle Reading 03/15/20, Regina Chante
ORACLE MESSAGE: It’s easy to love when everything’s going peacefully but the challenge is to love fierce and true when all is in chaos. Bird feathers come from our winged family in the sky who fly high above. They can see the big picture. To lighten your heart see everyone you meet, in person and through interface technology, from your heart. Send them the love you wish to feel within yourself. As a ceremony you could hold a Prayer Feather between your palms, infusing it with the heartfelt memories, love, and healing wishes for all, then hang it by a string from a tree. As the winds blow imagine your feather’s wishes and prayers riding the winds around the globe.
This is an excellent time to meditate, turn within, journal your dreams, connect with your ancestors’ spirits. They, too, survived and ultimately thrived in times of great turmoil, loss, and chaos. They have wisdom to share if you will listen. The north symbolizes the darkest time of the night and year, the dark night of the soul, if you will. You are a Spirit Keeper of the North, holding the healing space for others who perhaps are looking for your strength. For ceremony you may wish to stand outdoors, facing north. Allow yourself to be in the depths of the womb of night. Your ancestors are nearby. Are you listening?
Plant spirits are strong and wish to communicate with us, especially now, knowing we need the vitality, endurance and strength they possess through all the hardships they endure. Mighty Oak says, “Stand in your strength, relax and recharge so you can endure the journey. Storms make your roots grow deeper.” Scleranthus advises you to “Leave fickle, indecisiveness aside and do what is needed to maintain balance and stability”. Cherry Plum advises us to “Avoid being irrational stand with composure. Breathe deep”. All Heal reminds us that “Being in a constant state of stress takes a toll on the body, making it more vulnerable. The focus now must be on maintaining one’s health, allowing time for recovery on all levels, emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually”. Call on the plant spirits when you need medicine. Notice what you’re drawn to. Give them your gratitude.
Unconditional Love pretty much speaks for itself, for only Love of the highest order gives us the desire, passion and power to heal, transform and overcome. Love is also common sense. It is not found in fear and shielding one’s heart from creation. Step away from victimhood and judgment. See others as you wish them to see you. Love transmutes fear, and is the most powerful medicine humans have at all times. The choice is ours. Love > fear.
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Oracle readings are now free, this week only March 15 through the 22nd. If you have a question you would like answered please send it to: https://reginachante.org/contact/ I will have a response to you within the day. Warmest wishes!
For this week (March 15 – 22) I am offering free, personalized, mini-oracle card readings for anyone interested. My gift to you. Is there a query you have that needs extra understanding or insights. The reading is visually pleasing and each card’s meaning is broken out for you to ponder. If interested please email me with one question at: https://reginachante.org/contact/ Much love and good health to you and yours!
Dana O’Driscoll has gone above and beyond in her creation of The Plant Spirit Oracle Book and Oracle Deck. The oracle card stock is heavy, durable, very easy to handle, and her artwork is mesmerizing. The companion book is replete with divinations, recipes, herbal uses, and deeper insights into each plant. Additionally, she has included wisdom gained from many years working intimately with the plant spirit realm in how to journey with plants, grow, harvest, and prepare oils and tinctures. Her Druid practice has clearly been a valuable aid in producing these wondrous and timely resources for those who wish to deepen their relationship with the plant spirit realm. ❤️🌿
Regina Chante 