MERRY CHRISTMAS! 2010

Every year since having this blog, I have posted all the holiday sig tags I have made.    I do this to not just show off my favorite hobby -- but more importantly -- to express my heart to all of you!

In celebration of the 2010 Christmas Season -- I am once again posting all my Christmas sig tags!

**WARNING** 

some of the graphics used are Adult content.  

So please use discretion!

 

I Believe! (An Open Letter to Santa)

Dearest Santa,

When I was a child, I wasn’t allowed to openly acknowledge you.  I grew up in a home that didn’t believe in you, in Christmas or anything magical.  But I want you to know (though I feel you always did) that I believed.

I believed despite what my mother told me.  And I believed in spite of what my older brothers and sisters said.  I believed.  No matter what the other children said with respect to your existence.  I believed.

Though I was never allowed to say it out loud ... I Believed!

After I became an adult and left home, I was finally free to express my beliefs out in the open.   I still meet with all sorts of nay sayers who shout “There is no Santa!“  

But Santa … I have to tell you … no matter the opposition … there is no greater feeling than being able to say those two little words … I Believe!  And despite, and in spite of, the nay sayers -- I said it!  And I continue to say it!  I BELIEVE!

Santa, I know Jesus wasn’t born on December 25th   … but what does it matter?  I fail to understand why it is such a bad thing to honor the Christ -- if only once a year.    I, and many others like myself,  honor Him each and every day of the year.    But what difference does it make what day Jesus was born if … if …it brings many more to honor him.  If only just for that day?   And Santa, whose to say that one day doesn’t motivate someone to do it more than just on Christmas? I believe it does! 

Santa, I know the Christmas Tree isn’t a Christian thing.  But what does that matter?  It’s beautiful!  And it is a wonderful reminder of so many things.   

For me personally … The lights represent each and every person  who shares their love to others.  These are the People who live by the words Jesus exclaimed “Let your light shine bright among men!” 

The tinsel, are the folks who are not yet ready to let their light shine so bright, but still show love in some way on some level.   And their love is reflected off their shiny faces -- just like the lights reflect off the silvery and gold strips on the tree.

Each ornament reminds us of those we love, have loved,  those we yet to love, and most importantly … those we don’t even know, but love just the same.

The Angel I put at the top of my tree reminds me that our Beloved and most Divine Creators are watching over us--that They have never forgotten us (nor will They Ever!).  It is also a reminder that They have put in position myriads of helpers for us while we are here on Earth.

And Santa … I know you are the icon  of Giving!   But you are so much more … aren’t you?  Yes, you my dear, are the symbol of courage, love, happiness, joy and generosity.    Attributes each of us have -- but rarely express to others … and rarer still … to our selves.    Many have forgotten that it's not you the person, but what you represent that makes you so grand, and why it is so important to never forget!

Santa, I know ... and I believe ... The Magic of Christmas is the one time of year when people get the chance to collectively remember that Love --That generosity --That courage--That Happiness & Joy.    Some do, but then forget the next day.  Some scoff Christmas, saying it is nothing but a scam … so they miss out on the messages yet again.  But Santa, there are those of us who do Believe in the Magic of Christmas!   And we carry it with us through out the year.

I know Santa,  that Christmas is really an ancient custom called Saturnalia.  But I also know that in these modern times, just like in times of old,  we are given on this one day,  the opportunity to see from the "other's point of view."  Christians, Pagans, Buddhists, Jews, Muslims, all the other religions ... and even atheists too.  If only we believe ... we can take that one day and see from another's point of view!  And through this ... learn and grow ... and remember the Love we are.


For these reasons, and so many more,  is why I believe Santa!  This is why I have always believed!  And I promise you, will continue to believe no matter what! 

Santa, I remember Jesus saying to"be like the little children".  I know he was trying to tell us all to see the wonderments and splendors of all creation.   To see through the eyes of a child is to see the world for the very first time.  How truly splendid it is!  How magical it all is!  To be free to  love and be In Joy without inhibitions!   

And I do that myself Santa!   And I know others do as well.   Sadly, the majority of this world have gone from being child-like to childish.  Constantly fighting and quarreling amongst one another.   Santa,  they lost their magic.    They don’t believe -- and now they are miserable. 

Santa, these folks have convinced themselves into thinking that now we're all grown up, we don’t have time to believe or we shouldn't believe because it's just for kids or it's stupid!    They don’t believe in you Santa.  They don’t believe in Jesus. Why some even go as far as saying there are no Divine Creators!  No wonder they're so miserable!  They have nothing to remind them of the Love and the Joy.  So it isn't any mystery why they're so angry all the time!

I know Santa that if they could get back their magic -- become a child again ... they would remember!  They too would believe!  And they would be so much happier!  I Believe this Santa!  I really and truly do!

Santa, I just wanted you to know that me and others are doing our best to help these people remember.   We are doing all we can to remind them of the Love and the Joy that is theirs, every day of the week.   And not just at Christmas time.   Me and all the others out there, we are doing all we know to help these souls to remember that Love takes on all sorts of shapes and forms.  That it comes in many ways, through many people and in different venues. Each and every single day of the year!

That the Spirit of Christmas is 24 hours a day -- 7 Days a Week!  If only They Believe!



But some times, I just get really fed up! They are a stubborn lot -- these unbelievers!

But I promise!  I will not give up!  I will continue my mission to help others remember!  To help them regain their sense of child-like wonder! 

I just wanted you to know Santa -- you, Jesus and our Divine Creators are  not alone nor are you ever forgotten!  And that no matter what …

I Believe!  Yes! I Do!


With much Love …

Domestic Violence: Taking It Like A Man -- The Untold Story

Domestic Violence.   It's Everybody's Business!

But how many turn a deaf ear and a blind eye to it?  Sadly too many to count.

While the majority of such violence reported involved  women and children, an alarming number of men who are victims go unreported ...  even ignored.

"... activists for “men’s rights” have suggested that policy-oriented efforts for women have been misplaced, because they focus entirely on women as the victims of domestic violence. 

“men are the victims of domestic violence at least as often as women” (Brott, 1994). "

[emphasis added]

(http://new.vawnet.org/Assoc_Files_VAWnet/GenderSymmetry.pdf)

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

And we are not just talking about gay men in this regard.   Hetero-sexual men fall prey to domestic abuse as well.  You don't hear about it very often -- if at all.   Pride and shame prevent many of these men from coming forward.  Shame of not being seen as a "real" man if they are being physically beaten up or verbally assaulted.   Especially, and in particularly, if their abuser is a woman!     And for our gay brothers ... the blame for being who they are is used to guilt them into staying silent.

So, for the most part,  they all collectively suffer alone.  

But why keep quiet?  Why hide the abuse?  

 

Like women, men go through the same emotional ups and downs, blaming themselves, taking on the responsibility of their partner's abusive behavior.  Men share the same type of shame for allowing it to happen, the same type of guilt for not being good enough and so on.   The same helplessness and hopelessness is shared.   Like women, men who are abused undergo all the above.  However, unlike women, men who are victimized deal  with one additional burden ... gender stereo typing. 

Men who are abused by women often suffer in silence. In addition to the shame shared by many women victims of domestic violence, men must overcome gender stereotypes. 

The emotional scars cannot be seen; and the physical scars are laughed off and/or lied about.  The pain and anguish is compounded when they hear someone say ... "take it like a man!"

Take it like a man -- meaning --  Take your licks and count yourself lucky you are still breathing and able to walk around!  You're a man after all!

Too many of our men have suffered at the hands of their abusers for far too long.  They take the abuse for one reason or another  -- "taking it like a man", as it were, for fear of being seen less than what they truly are. 

*~*~*~*

Growing up, I witnessed domestic violence first hand.   Both parents abusing each other -- verbally and physically.  But whenever the police came ... it was always my father they arrested.  Why?  Because he was the man!  They saw his injuries as something he deserved and/or something he was expected to take.  Adding insult to injury --- they viewed it as my mother defending herself each and every time.  Little did they know (or even cared) ... a good percentage of those injuries my father incurred over the years were due to my mother hitting him first!  And most of the time without little to no provocation!

But daddy took it like the man he was!  And he suffered quietly through the emotional turmoil, through the hurtful and spiteful jabs made by neighbors,  friends and family members.

There were only a few instances where daddy did get physical with mother.  The first incident was when Mother came at him with a butcher knife.  During an attempt to wretch it from her hand, daddy broke her little finger.   The second incident occurred a little over a year later, when she came after him with a baseball bat.  She had swung at him, barely missing his head.  Daddy turned around, grabbed mother and slammed her against a solid wood door, bruising her entire back.  Out of anger, frustration and no doubt abject fear, daddy punched his fist through the closet door.

Though it was in true self-defense, daddy  was arrested for both incidents.   And while I don't condone his actions (and neither did he), I can see why he did it -- why he had to.

When I was grown, I asked my father why he took it.  He told me ... that's what a real man does.  Crying about it makes you weak!  So you take it like a man and keep moving forward--hoping one day it will get better!

And then you have men who go to jail -- for literally not doing anything -- but was incarcerated  for the lies the woman in his life has told.     The law took the woman's side -- even when the man had visible injuries!

*~*~*~*

Working in the legal field, I witnessed a great deal of injustice against men.    One case  that stands out in my mind was "Charles" -- a long time  client and colleague who came to our office early one morning.  His dark handsome face was bruised, his left eye swollen shut, his right arm in a cast.   Every step he made was agony.  He had sustained a broken arm,  several fractured ribs and a sprang ankle.   Looking at him, one would immediately  assume he had been in some kind of auto accident.    Sadly, he was a victim of domestic violence.   

His wife of three years had been  beating him on a regular basis.      While  the physical injuries were, on average, sustained monthly --- the verbal and emotional abuse had been taking place daily  (we found this out during our investigation).

This case happened nearly 16 years ago  and I will never forget what my boss told "Charles" when he came in.  "I hope you packed your tooth brush pal!  'Cause you and I both know you're going to jail today!"  

And he did.   Though his wife never sustained so much as a scratch, and all medical records of his injuries were provided -- "Charles" was sentenced to one year for domestic abuse!

The lies  told were criminal all unto itself.  But the  literal miscarriage of justice in this particular instance was more than unbelievable -- it was unimaginable!

So why was "Charles" jailed for domestic violence?  Most men, by appearance only,  are seen intimidating and/or threatening.     I believe this was the case with "Charles".   I feel and truly believe that because of his nearly seven foot, lean 205 pound  athletic stature, he was deemed threatening to most people and his wife was a mere 5'2 and 98 pounds,  it was always assumed that "Charles" was the abuser.  Because  "Charles" was a man he was always seen as the perpetrator of any and all domestic disputes.

On the flip-side ... his appearance worked against him in other ways.  How so?  Most men (and women) saw  "Charles"  as a wuss, a sissy for allowing the abuse to take place.  After all ... he was the man!  And a giant of a man to boot!

For "Charles" and men like him ... it was a no win situation.

Sadly -- similar (or worse) cases happens all too often.    

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The good news is ... (if you can call it that) the laws are changing.  Albeit ever so slowly.  But they are changing in regards to how domestic violence is being handled by our legal system.

But they can only change and improve if we arm ourselves with knowledge and awareness.    The laws can only change and improve if we ourselves change and improve the way we view one another!

Remembering first and foremost that we are human beings -- men and women.

I urge you to  join together in bringing an end to this type of violence for both genders--irregardless of their sexual orientation!      But most importantly, I ask that all of you -- both ladies and  gentlemen --Keep in mind that men are human beings too!  They are just as vulnerable to the same feelings we women have.   They are  susceptible to the same injuries inflicted as we would be.    They need to know that we do not look down on them for  enduring such atrocities.  We don't see them less than a man for going through these traumas.

And as for you men ...  Stand up and let your voices be heard!

For you macho types ... get over yourselves!  

If you know of anyone -- be they male or female -- Gay, Straight or Bi -- who is living with domestic violence ... please make an effort to help.   I am Not asking you to put your life on the line ... there are people you can call, services you can offer to the abused in ways no one has to know.   But don't just stand there and do nothing!

If you are someone who is currently living with domestic violence ... SPEAK UP!  REACH OUT!   There are people out there ready, willing and able to help you.

If you are a man living with domestic violence or know someone who is ... there are places to go and people who will assist you.   No judgments ... only understanding & compassion.  

Please don't suffer in silence!  

Below I have listed a few sites and resources, as well as articles on male victims of domestic violence.   Pass them along to those in need.     Together we can raise awareness so no one need suffer ever again!

Domestic Violence.   It's Everybody's Business!

Resources:

National Domestic Abuse Hotline:  thehotline.org

1.800.799.SAFE (7233) 1.800.787.3224 (TTY)
Anonymous & Confidential Help 24/7

http://www.menweb.org/battered/ 

http://www.batteredmen.com/bathelp.htm  ~ filled with articles and other resources.

S.A.F.E. (http://www.safe4all.org) concentrates on domestic violence against straight men, gay men, and lesbian women, because few services exist for these groups.

 

Articles of Interest:

http://www.ncdsv.org/publications_malevictims.html

http://menshealth.about.com/od/relationships/a/Battered_Men.htm

http://www.aardvarc.org/dv/malevictims.shtml

Beyond Where The Crow Flies: A Tribute To My Father

My dad was a professional truck driver. It's all he knew ... at least that is all he pretended to know. I suspect that he knew more than he let on. My suspicions were always proven correct whenever I heard him speak to others -- especially and particularly when he didn't think I was listening.

What daddy lacked in formal education, he made up in street smarts. He had a cowboy wisdom that rivaled many philosophical thinking. He was down to earth and only put on airs to get a rise out of you. I think he did that only to show you how ridiculous you were being for putting on a pretense. But that was his way. Showing you by example -- even if it meant that he looked foolish.

One picture stands out in my mind whenever I think of my daddy-- it's of him standing at the kitchen sink giving his baby girl a bath. (And yes, that baby in the sink is me!) Not really sure why that one stands out more than all the others I have of him. It just does! He was so young in that picture!

Even in jeans and a plain white tee shirt ... he looked like a prince! Black wavy hair and dark eyes framed in long thick eyelashes, daddy stood at an even 6'3. Everybody said he looked like James Garner. But I always thought daddy was better looking! (naturally!)

Daddy loved animals and they adored him. Truth be told, he was Dr. Doolittle in disguise. The man could charm any creature with little to no effort. It was something you had to experience to appreciate.

I remember when I was about 4 years old, daddy had taken me to Shawnee Park to fly a kite, it was there we came across an injured crow flopping about on the ground. Several cats were standing back waiting for an opportunity to pounce when daddy pulled his shirt off, threw it over the injured bird and scooped it up. We hurried home so fast, I had forgotten all about my kite!

When we got home, daddy was able to assess the crow had been shot by a B.B. gun which had been the cause of it's broken wing. I stood back-- amazed how the Crow just lay there and allowed my father to work on him. They both spoke a language I didn't quite understand ... it was like some kind of secret code that only they knew!

For the first two weeks, the Crow's home was this huge over sized decorative bird cage my daddy had borrowed from my grandmother. Every morning, right before sunrise, and again every evening before the sun went down, my father would open the cage and feed the black bird. During the feedings, I would watch and listen to my father as he spoke to the Crow--and the Crow to my father.

Daddy would always offer his arm for the Crow to perch, all the while offering words of comfort and encouragement to his new found friend. The first week, the bird declined. Towards the middle of the second week, our feathered visitor had succumbed to my father's charms. Each day daddy would coax the Crow onto his arm. It was funny when he would wave his arm up and down so the bird would flap it’s wings. Daddy told me he did this so the bird could exercise.

I remember the first time Daddy took the Crow out back and let him fly around the yard. This became a daily ritual -- once in the morning and again in the evening. The Crow would always return and land back on my father’s arm. After a while, the Crow would fly past our yard out further and further--each time returning, landing on his arm.

One day, after a month of exercising, the Crow flew out of sight and was gone for most of the day. Later that evening, the Crow returned. He sat on the chair on the back porch cawing until daddy came out. In his beak was a single silver thread. Hopping on daddy’s shoulder, the Crow dropped it into his hand. A tear fell down my father’s cheek as the Crow flew away -- never to return.

Daddy carried that thread in his wallet throughout the years. A reminder of a bond that was forged during those weeks.

This is one of my favorite memories of my daddy. There are more of course. But somehow … I feel this memory best sums up who my father truly was -- deep down.

It is the memory that defines the man I came to know and appreciate.

*~Addendum~*

There’s an old black Crow that has been visiting me every day since I moved here. He sits on the railing of my back porch cawing until I come out and throw him a few bites of bread and lettuce. A part of me likes to believe this Crow is the descendant of the old black bird my father rescued all those many years ago. A part of me likes to believe this is my father’s way of reminding me of the wondrous circle of life we are all a part of.

But most importantly ... As I stand back and watch my winged friend take flight ... I am reminded that the Love my father and I shared through the years goes far beyond where the Crow flies.


In Loving Memory of Robert J. Cole ~ August 30, 1934 - July 7, 2006

Excerpt from The ZEN of Duct Tape: An Empress Is Born

Known as The Empress of the Known & Unknown Universes™ and The Diva of Duct Tape, Julia has made it her personal mission to put Reality back into Spirituality™. 

Julia sets out to assist people in expanding their conscious awareness through her rather unique and personal take on the human experience. In the style of Erma Bombeck, Julia utilizes her own brand of humor and down to earth demeanor to get her messages across in an all so delightful way.

 PLEASE NOTE: All artwork, unless otherwise specified, are the property of the individual artists themselves. The author of these blogs claims no ownership of the original artwork, but only of the sig tags created using said artwork. Each sig tag shown on these blogs include the appropriate copyright information of the Artists and the unique licensure for use. 

 Reproduction and copying of said work without proper authority is strictly prohibited

Something To Ponder

How many of you expressing "We Are One" are willing to accept into your fold those who are historically deemed as "evil"?    Individuals such as Osama Bin Laden, Saddam Hussein, Mussilini, Adolf Hitler ... to name a few.  More recently ... BP Oil?  Your present government leaders?

How many of you claiming enlightenment are open to embracing these(and others like them) with open arms and pouring out the love you so readily give to those of like mind?

Easy is it to give your love and attention to those who you perceive as worthy. But again I ask ... what of those you (as a whole) ... see as "unworthy"?

Do you believe that your hatred, your angst and your prejudice against these is justified?  That  it is perfectly alright to feel these things and perpetuate the energies of these?  Do you believe that your feelings, your expressions of these feelings are any less an act of evil than the acts these (and others) have committed?

If you truly believe "We Are One" ... then you will know that your unwillingness to show love towards those you deem evil is nothing less than the acts committed by any of these you see as criminals.  In truth, you are on the same level as these in many regards. 

You claim unconditional love ... yet your Love holds many conditions.   Is this true Love?  No.  

Withholding love from those you deem "evil" locks you into the very energies you are claiming to be no part of.  Yet I will remind you ... you are all of these energies. Every thing and every one ... including those you deem evil ... are as much a part of you as those who are of like mind.   There is no separation!

"There is No Separation!"  "We Are One!"  Many of you shout!   Yet the majority of  you practice separation by denying these alleged "evil" human experiencers your love.  I say to you ...  For as long as you practice separation even on the minutest level ... you are not One with all!

These individuals  did not accomplish their deeds alone.  They had plenty of help along these lines.  YOU had a part in the devastation of land, water, air, and life.  In some way... on some level ... YOU had a hand in it all.  Yes!  YOU!

We have taken note how many of you become agitated over the very thought that the likes of these alleged "evil" men & women are the same as you.   How you resist the very idea that these very same individuals are no different than yourselves.   

"How can this be?" You ask.   "I am Love!"  You scream at the top of your lungs.  "I am One with All!"  You shout. 

You yourselves have said it.    You Are One with ALL.

If you truly understand "We Are One" ... you know it means ALL ... not just a select few.

Anger -- is unacknowledged truths about one's self.  It is the emotional shield human experiencers hide behind.  Blinders that each of you use to keep from acknowledging what is truthfully going on within your Self.  It is the emotion you use to justify your own misgivings, mistakes and resistance.

Take note when you are angry over any particular devastation ... how you focus this on the ones you deem responsible.  During these times ... many of You act as though it is all outside yourself.   As though it was all created without any assistance from You.  Again, you claim you are all one ... yet deny the acceptance and acknowledgment your Self's truth of these very words. 

I ask you now ... what is your anger really about?  Take a deep hard look within.  Could it be--the anger you feel is not so much about what "they" did ... but in truth ... your contribution to it?

If you are honest with yourself ... you will acknowledge and accept this truth.  And what is this truth?  That YOU had a hand in creating whatever devastation is occurring.

Let us take for example the current created crisis in the Gulf.  BP Oil ... has become the most despised entity in 3-D earth.   Do you truly seek to end this?  Then embrace BP Oil ... fill your heart, soul and mind with unconditional love and surround these entities ... all of these entities you feel are responsible (including yourself) ... with your Love.  

Admit you had a hand in creating this.  Express your need to be forgiven for it.  Give Thanks for the opportunity to grow from this experience ... and end it with Voicing your Love for it.

Many will recognize this method as Ho'Oponopono.  It is a heartfelt practice that allows you to reach that part of your Self that desires to be ONE with All!  Put this into practice in your daily life and notice the difference it makes in your world.

Below we have placed links to assist you in practicing this method.  It is our desire that you will join us in the blending of energies.

If you truly believe You are One with All ... then accept, acknowledge and take responsibility for ALL that has occurred on your blessed 3 Dimensional earthly plane ... then take action in resolving it in a manner that is conducive to your True Selves.

Being One With All ... Includes ALL!  Even those--nay, especially and in particular,  you dislike, disagree with and yes ... even despise.    Keep in mind they too are from the very same energies that created YOU.  

There is no separation -- only resistance to the truths you know and are coming into remembering. 

Namaste!

Expert from "Interview With a Spirit Guide: My Conversations With Antari"  

All messages on these blogs are protected by International copy right© laws.  

If you use any of this material (either in whole or in part) all proper credit must be given.

Ho'oponopono Links:

Guided Meditation:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ac5SGwRPv0o&NR=1

Explanation of Ho'oponopono:  http://hubpages.com/hub/How-To-Practice-Hooponopono

Working through the Awakening Process: Part 2

During the awakening process you have two ways of going about it -- Nice & Easy or Hard & Rough.  (puts me in mind of the opening to Ike & Tina's "Proud Mary" -- cuz we never ever do nuffin ... nice --- and easy!) *LOL*

But my dears, the cold harsh reality is -- those are the choices!  For you see ... Resistance is futile!  You will Awaken!  Yet another cold harsh dose of reality!  oy!

Whether you choose to do it nice & easy or kicking and screaming ... you're going to do it!  So much for free will, eh?

So here are a few more suggestions to help you through this process. Hopefully, you will set your stubborn ass down and actually put some of them into practice.  Yes, I know!  Hope Springs Eternal!

Music.  Music is in fact a Universal Language!  Everybody and every single living thing throughout this vast multi-verse understands music!    Music literally makes the people come together. 

Music invokes emotions and stirs the body into motion.  No matter your mood ... you will find a song that goes along with it!  

During those times you are riding the Universal emotional roller coaster ... you need a little something to listen to in order to get you through the ride!  Music makes the time spent feeling blue and down go by a little faster.  Like Sir Elton John says ... Sad Songs Say Sooooo much!

When it comes to music, I have a very vast taste.  From Mozart to Madonna to Mary Mary to Mahalia Jackson,  Bach to the Back Street Boys to Chuck Berry and everything else in between.    

Take advantage of the healing sounds of music as you go through your awakening process.  Let it express how you feel in that moment.  Let the sounds carry you and bring you back to your center.

Dancing. You don't have to be a Gene Kelly, Fred & Ginger or a Las Vegas Show girl  to enjoy the benefits of dancing!    You don't even have to know how to have fun!  Just put on some music and get your body in motion.  

The physical benefits of dancing is vast.   It lowers blood pressure & stress and ups the levels of endorphines that puts you in a happy place!   Not to mention it strengthens muscles you probably have forgotten existed!  *LOL*

Check out your area for low cost dance lessons ... such as ball room dancing, line dancing or even belly dancing!   Or if you're too shy ... hook up with some You Tube videos, close the door and shake your groove thang!  Dance with Dancing with the Stars if you dare!

Shake your groove thang!  Shake your groove thang! C'mon!  Show'em how we do it now!

Cause ... it's just a jump ... to the LEFT!  And a step to the riiiiiiiight!  put your hands on your hips!  And pull your knees in tiiiiiight!  But it's the pelvic thrust that really drives us insaaaaane!  *LOL*

There's nothing more than I like to do ... than take the floor and dance with you ... Keep Dancing!  Let's Keep Daaaaancing .... oh yea!

Laughter & Smiling.   Laughter lifts us up no matter what mood you are in!  It's very contagious!  As is Smiling!  Both have been proven to have enormous impacts on us physically, mentally and emotionally.

Feeling down?  Watch a funny TV show or movie.     Laughter literally increases and strengthens your energy levels.   This in turn helps protect you against any would be negative nilly that comes along!  Remember Witches of Eastwick?  When faced with adverse conditions, they used laughter to save their lives! 

Find your favorite comedienne and let the laughter Commence!   I love my old Bill Cosby recordings (the one on parenthood STILL makes me pee my pants).  Who ever you enjoy ... get them out  and turn it on and turn it up!  And LYAO!

SMILE!  It makes people wonder what you are up to!  *LOL*    Smiling creates a feeling of love and joy.  Even if you don't feel like smiling ... do it ANYWAY!  You'll feel better!   And too, you never ever know whose life you may change for the better with a simple smile!   

Side Note:  Did you know you can't say my name without smiling?  *LOL*  It's True!  Go on! Say it!  Say MY NAME!   JULIA!  hahahahahahaha!  JULIA! JULIA! JULIA!  

Juuuuuu Leeeeeeeee AHHHHHHHHH!

Gotcha Smiling ... didn't I!  *ROFLMAO* 

Lifting your energy levels increases and strengthens your Re-connection to your True Self.  It's what the Awakening is all about dontcha know!  Take advantage of the simple pleasures to help you along the way.  

And remember ... 

Be Kind  ... Be Patience ... and most of all ... Be Loving to Your Self!

About Julia K. Cole

What can you expect from someone who considers Putting Reality Back Into Spirituality a personal calling? Straight forward answers that lead to life-changing experiences on a soul level!

Known as The Empress of the Known & Unknown Universes™, Julia brings enlightenment and inspiration around the globe by providing spiritual guidance to those seeking a deeper understanding.

12 Signs of Your Awakening Divinity

"Twelve Signs of Your Awakening Divinity"

“Shaumbra” means Family and Deep Inner Friendship

By Geoffrey Hoppe and Tobias

1. Body aches and pains, especially in the neck, shoulder and back. This is the result of intense changes at your DNA level as the "Christ seed" awakens within. This too shall pass.
    
2. Feeling of deep inner sadness for no apparent reason. You are releasing your past (this lifetime and others) and this causes the feeling of sadness. This is similar to the experience of moving from a house where you lived in for many, many years into a new house. As much as you want to move into the new house, there is a sadness of leaving behind the memories, energy and experiences of the old house. This too shall pass.
    
3. Crying for no apparent reason. Similar to #2 above. It's good and healthy to let the tears flow. It helps to release the old energy within. This too shall pass.
    
4. Sudden change in job or career. A very common symptom. As you change, things around you will change as well. Don't worry about finding the "perfect" job or career right now. This too shall pass. You're in transition and you may make several job changes before you settle into one that fits your passion.
    
5. Withdrawal from family relationships. You are connected to your biological family via old karma. When you get off the karmic cycle, the bonds of the old relationships are released. It will appear as though you are drifting away from your family and friends. This too shall pass. After a period of time, you may develop a new relationship with them if it is appropriate. However, the relationship will be based in the new energy without the karmic attachments.
    
6. Unusual sleep patterns. It's likely that you'll awaken many nights between 2:00 and 4:00 AM. There's a lot of work going on within you, and it often causes you to wake up for a "breather." Not to worry. If you can't go back to sleep, get up and do something rather than lay in bed and worry about humanly things. This too shall pass.
    
7. Intense dreams. These might include war and battle dreams, chase dreams or monster dreams. You are literally releasing the old energy within, and these energies of the past are often symbolized as wars, running to escape and boogiemen. This too shall pass.
    
8. Physical disorientation. At times you'll feel very ungrounded. You'll be "spatially challenged" with the feeling like you can't put two feet on the ground, or that you're walking between two worlds. As your consciousness transitions into the new energy, you body sometimes lags behind. Spend more time in nature to help ground the new energy within. This too shall pass.
    
9. Increased "self talk." You'll find yourself talking to your Self more often. You'll suddenly realize you've been chattering away with yourself for the past 30 minutes. There is a new level of communication taking place within your being, and you're experiencing the tip of the iceberg with the self talk. The conversations will increase, and they will become more fluid, more coherent and more insightful. You're not going crazy, you're just Shaumbra moving into the new energy.
    
10. Feelings of loneliness, even when in the company of others. You may feel alone and removed from others. You may feel the desire to "flee" groups and crowds. As Shaumbra, you are walking a sacred and lonely path. As much as the feelings of loneliness cause you anxiety, it is difficult to relate to others at this time. The feelings of loneliness are also associated with the fact that your Guides have departed. They have been with you on all of your journeys in all of your lifetimes. It was time for them to back away so you could fill your space with your own divinity. This too shall pass. The void within will be filled with the love and energy of your own Christ consciousness.
     
11. Loss of passion. You may feel totally disimpassioned, with little or no desire to do anything. That's OK, and it's just part of the process. Take this time to "do no-thing." Don't fight yourself on this, because this too shall pass. It's similar to rebooting a computer. You need to shut down for a brief period of time in order to load the sophisticated new software, or in this case, the new Christ-seed energy.
     
12. A deep longing to go Home. This is perhaps the most difficult and challenging of any of the conditions. You may experience a deep and overwhelming desire to leave the planet and return to Home. This is not a "suicidal" feeling. It is not based in anger or frustration. You don't want to make a big deal of it or cause drama for yourself or other. There is a quiet part of you that wants to go Home. The root cause for this is quite simple. You have completed your karmic cycles. You have completed your contract for this lifetime. You are ready to begin a new lifetime while still in this physical body. During this transition process, you have an inner remembrance of what it is like to be on the other side. Are you ready to enlist for another tour of duty here on Earth? Are you ready to take on the challenges of moving into the New Energy? Yes, indeed you could go Home right now. But you've come this far, and after many, many lifetimes it would be a shame to leave before the end of the movie. Besides, Spirit needs you here to help others transition into the new energy. They will need a human guide, just like you, who has taken the journey from the old energy into the new. The path you're walking right now provides the experiences to enable you to become a Teacher of the New Divine Human. As lonely and dark as your journey can be at times, remember that you are never alone.

Copyright 2006 by Geoffrey Hoppe, Golden, CO. Prepared in collaboration with Tobias of the Crimson Circle. Please distribute freely for non-commercial purposes.

For more information, please visit: http://www.crimsoncircle.com/

*****

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