Monday, October 17, 2011

What Is Your Constitution?

I believe we are here on this planet to know, love, and fully accept ourselves. When we know, love, and fully accept ourselves, we can know, love, and fully accept others - creating a conscious state of oneness. When we speak our authentic truth, we give others encouragement to do the same. When we understand our constitution, we become more aware of those around us, empowering ourselves to choose experiences that align with who we are and who we desire to become.

Constitution can be defined as:

· (n.) The aggregate of all one's inherited physical qualities; the aggregate of the vital powers of an individual, with reference to ability to endure hardship, resist disease, etc.; as, a robust constitution.

· (n.) The aggregate of mental qualities; temperament.

· (n.) The state of being; that form of being, or structure and connection of parts, which constitutes and characterizes a system or body; natural condition; structure; texture; conformation.

Understanding our unique Constitution is vital for our individual and collective evolution. Identifying our natural condition, the character of our BEing, and our vital powers or beliefs, is essential awareness that can bring about transformational change in our lives. Owning, accepting, loving, and embracing who we are can help us make better choices in our relationships, experiences, and endeavors.

Join me this week in identifying your own Constitution by asking yourself:

  • What are my natural tendencies?
  • How am I made up?
  • What experiences, relationships, and activities do I need in my daily life to thrive?

As an example, here are some aspects that make up my Constitution - the elements that have always been a part of who I am and who I strive to become.

Jennifer's Constitution

...values authentic, honest communication.

...thrives when connecting with others, nature, and all things.

...feels aligned when building communities.

...driven to make a big positive difference.

...centers when the body-mind-spirit is in harmony...

...appreciates positive affirmation and verbal support.

...needs consistent, moderate exercise to feel in balance.

...connects to higher and true self with yoga & meditation.

...rejuvenates with healthy, whole, alive food.

...finds joy in beauty, nature, and friendship.

...loves to write.

...thrives when helping others be their best.

...seeks out connection - with life, mysteries, synchronicities, & all things.

...sensitive to sugar imbalances in the body.

...embodies strong opinions.

...craves learning and awareness.

...defaults to using mental reasoning and processing.

...needs organization and aesthetic spaces to be productive.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Striking The Balance

October is one of my favorite months of the year - a transitional time where the mountains turn into a patchwork of colors, the air is crisp and the cooler temperatures invite us to bring out our sweaters and settle into the coziness of fall. It is also my birthday month, a time where I reflect on my life and how I have been able to strike the balance of raising and caring for my family, aligning my work with my higher purpose, and following my heart as I strive to walk an authentic and inspired life. It is a month that is governed by the energies of Libra - the symbol of the scales - the ruler of balance.

The forces of Libra invite us to look at how we are effectively utilizing our strengths, living our ideals, and organizing ourselves so we can truly be in harmony with our purpose and paths. It is a time ripe with opportunity to put things in order, to build upon the foundations which have been laid by our past activities or ideas, and to make right use of our intelligence (intellectual, emotional, and intuitive) to make decisions that are in alignment with our values and vision.

Probably the most important influence of Libra is the opportunity we all have to become "master builders", using the talents and abilities we have been given to bring light and love into form. This expression can be seen in building friendships, partnerships, families, organizations, and communities. This expression can be seen in the ideas we initiate, the projects we start, the products we design, and the services we offer. Whatever our expression, we have the capability to tune into our Source, whatever we call it, and ask for it's essence to guide and direct our choices in a way that not only serves our highest and greatest good but the highest and greatest good of all.

Join me in taking a moment to reflect on these ideals by asking yourself:

  • Do the activities that occupy my daily routine express my ideals and values?
  • Am I using my strengths to the best of my ability in my relationships, work environment, and personal endeavors?
  • Are my actions and choices aligned with who I strive to be?

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Celebrating The Autumnal Equinox

September 24, 2011 marks the Autumnal Equinox, the time at which the sun crosses the plane of the equator away from the relevant hemisphere, making day and night of equal length. "Equinoxes fall on the halfway point between solstices and occur, according to the Washington Post, "when the sun crosses the equator and day and night are of roughly equal length, everywhere in the world." It also marks the first official day of Fall where those of us in the northern hemisphere will begin to experience shorter days and longer nights, peaking on the Winter Solstice, December 22, 2011. The Autumnal Equinox is also the time when the sun enters the sign of Libra, the scales, reflecting the balanced day and night of the equinox. This also marks the time when farmers bring in their harvested goods, as I did yesterday with my delicious and organic, corn, zucchini, cabbage, swiss chard, and tomatoes from my garden.

Use this auspicious time to harvest your own bounty, whether that be the vegetables from your garden or the insight and awareness that has grown within you over the past year. Cultivate your creativity. Gather your awareness. Harvest your accomplishments and nestle in to the beauty and comfort that Fall offers you.