Categories
Most Popular Divine I Am Earth Education Existence Green Lifestyle Revealing Treasures in your Own Backyard Spirituality

Sacred Retreat

I know many people who are entrepreneurs, and small business owners. The world is different from the point of view of owning and operating your own business, whether it’s making art to sell at craft fairs and events, or doing reiki in a room you rent at a wellness center.

As practitioners, makers, and vendors we have in essence two jobs. One is to practice and create the thing we are passionate about. The other is to manage and structure the flow of that passion into a sustainable living.

Sacred Retreat

The REVIVE, REFILL, REFRESH retreat was planned with a vision, hosting a space for people to come and find their center. To come and revive, refill and refresh their soul. What we received was far more powerful then we could’ve ever imagined.

There were 8 participants, and 8 vendors. Each vendor presented a 30-45 min workshop about something they were passionate about.

Auria Faith lead us in an active listening activity where we were partnered up and then given a sheet of questions to ask the other person. The trick was we could only listen to their responses. We were not to talk back or have a conversation about the answers.

She also led us in a guided meditation using essential oils to envision our passions as a seed growing and expanding out into the universe. The choice of oils were Lavender, Wild Orange, and Manuka. Most everyone went for the meditative qualities of Manuka.

Merlin Peters discussed Tensor Rings and how he was lead to being creating them. Marlin discusses how the length of the copper wire is important to how the ring works. Tensor rings transmute negative ions into positive flows. It clears out energy from EMF’s as well.

Joanna Baker lead us in a guided meditation to our shadow selves to see and accept ourselves as we truly are, from all points of view. This was a very peaceful meditation for me, as I felt my shadows were simply there as way showers for the path.

Johanna Geister talked about our energy bodies, discussing the different energy lines and points of our body. She also led us in a grounding visualization where we all went barefoot to the grass to connect with the earth and envision our energy flowing through us as we breathed. It was such a beautiful experience with a little mist coming from the clouds rolling over. She also taught restorative yoga which was a perfect ending to the day.

Brenda Solonoski from Burns Valley Herbals and Retreat gave everyone a tour of her gardens, and identified plants that most people would find in their environments.

She also led a bundle, and tea or steam blend making workshop where people created their own smudge bundles from freshly picked herbs.

Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman from Therapeutic Thymes shared with the group ways to take their business to the next level through target marketing. Therapeutic Thymes is a holistic and nature magazine based out of York.

Jill Reed from Green Healing Room shared her journey to practicing stone readings and was available for readings for everyone. She read EVERYONE at the retreat, each reading was spot on and exactly what each person needed to hear. After her readings she gave each person a stone that was called for them. I received two rough cut jades. These stones have really been powerful for me lately. Holding them while I meditate. Jill has a gift to translating messages she’s open to receiving for each person she reads.

I shared how creativity is spirituality, using the flower of life and sacred geometry to tie everything together. Everyone explored creating the flower of life as we discussed how the meditative process opens up your mind to seeing new perspectives. I also was blessed to share intuitive henna with a few people <3

Each of us has a passion and a desire to share that passion with others. Most of our time is spent working on our goals to keep our fire burning, as well as learning ways to share what we know with others. When we do events and vend at places, a lot of energy goes into preparing our gifts, as well as our hearts and minds for the many people we will interact with throughout the event. We rarely have time for our own sacred retreat.

Rarely do we have time to commune with one another. Let alone share and learn from one another. We each have so many gifts we offer the world, but we are also the people who miss receiving those gifts. We give so much of our time to goals, that we rarely have time to be open to receiving.

This sacred retreat was a time for vendors to come together and share and receive from one another. This retreat showed us how important this was for each of us. We need to remember we too deserve to receive our gifts. It gave us time to listen, and process what we learned. To sit and communicate our own experiences and thoughts. To be there for each other, witnessing each others light and standing in our own.

When we heal ourselves, we help others on their journey by sharing what we’ve learned. Supporting one another by holding space for self expression and authenticity is vital, we are all connected.

I am forever grateful for those who participated in the sacred retreat, Revive, Refill and Refresh in August. Miigwetch to all my relations.

Categories
Divine I Am Existence Green Lifestyle Most Popular Revealing Treasures in your Own Backyard Spirituality Video

The Rising of the Phoenix

Summer Solstice 2020 at Burns Valley Herbals and Retreat was an amazing growing experience.

Bringing up the story of the Phoenix. A powerful fire ceremony, balance through the water, and rising above the ashes.

The weekend started off with lots of rain, which canceled the awesome set The Wild Hymns were going to play! Instead they sat with us and Megan played a little guitar while we listened to the pouring rain.

Around 8pm my children came to me to tell me our tent had flooded and everything was soaked! I became so frustrated… and disappointed. It was a tough moment for me. And on top of that, when we went to get into the car… the door was locked with the keys inside! The universe was really testing me. The rain finally stopped around 8:30 pm, everyone tired, wet and ready for bed.

Saturday morning I woke up early to pray and meditate, to help ground and center my energy for the rest of the weekend, and was greeted by the fog, so peaceful and serene. The message was to breathe and let go. Let go of expectations, fears, worry and doubt.

Everyone woke up a little groggy, but ready to get into the heart of the summer solstice energy. Our schedule was adjusted a bit to accommodate time to clean up campsites. Breakfast was delicious and morning yoga was perfectly lead by Brenda. Our day was off to a more balanced start.

Brenda lead a garden tour, and tea making workshop while others spent time on their creative expressions for the altar. The time was so peaceful.

I was able to fix up the altar area and light the Solstice candle just before it started to rain again. Grateful that this time we were all prepared, we danced and made music to celebrate.

Our fire ceremony was to be held out by the pond, however with the rain we improvised and rearranged the tables under the pavillion to have our ceremony there.

It was divine.

After the ceremony the rain departed and the sky opened up to a beautiful night, where we saw shooting stars and celebrated with jumping the fire, a drum circle and fireworks.

Sunday started with Laughter Yoga, lead by Tammy and Jack Bray.
The perfect ending to such a divine weekend.

At the end of the event on Sunday I went back to the altar to clean up and to my wonder, the Solstice candle was still lit! Even after all the rain!

I am so blessed to know so many beautiful and magickal people. So many kind souls to travel through this life learning from and growing with.

I am forever grateful for my dear sister, Brenda Solonoski. Without her love, support, and partnership this event would not have happened.

Check out the video of our event and look out for the next retreat …

REVIVE, REFILL & REFRESH
August 14th-16th 2020

Categories
Divine I Am Earth Existence Green Lifestyle Most Popular Spirituality Video

Stinging Nettle

Stinging nettle has been used for hundreds of years to treat painful muscles and joints, eczema, arthritis, gout, and anemia. Nettle is a superb nourishing food and has beneficial actions on many parts of the body including the urinary tract, liver, digestive tract, reproductive system, and respiratory system. Known as an overall nourisher and strengthener, stinging nettle leaf is full of vitamins and minerals most notably magnesium, calcium, iron, and protein.

Harvesting stinging nettle at Burns Valley Herbals and Retreat was such a learning experience.  I used gloves to hold the nettles while I cut them, however I still got stung.

I learned when brushed by the nettle, its best to leave the area alone so it will sting less. If you touch the area a lot, it rubs the sting into your skin more and lasts longer! I got a few welts and a rash from where the nettle touched me above the gloves! It went completely away within 12 hours. 

Nettle’s sting, however, reminds us to value our gifts just as we must honor and protect our work if we are to remain healthy. With her sting, she asks us to recognize and honor the worth of what she gives; if you’re willing to brave the sting to gain her treasure, you’re more likely to value what you have taken.

Enjoy the video, please comment, like and subscribe!!

Categories
Art Earth Existence Green Lifestyle Most Popular Revealing Treasures in your Own Backyard Video

Stone Creek

The water at Burns Valley Herbals and Retreat that flows beautifully through the woods, has been named Stone Creek, for the many stones you can find there.

Stone Creek houses many little waterfalls and surrounds a few little islands! These islands have been cleared and named as well… Solomons Stone Island, and Circle Stone Island.  Each island has been cleared so that people can camp and enjoy the water all around them.

My friend Eli ArtSparkle came to visit last weekend and I took her out to the woods and let her pick the spot we would sit for our artmaking. This specific spot is a beautiful place to sit on huge rocks that Brenda and Theo arranged.

Having Eli here really reinforced that my idea of a Plein Air workshop here at Burns Valley is something that I must plan! I can only imagine what beautiful work would be created from having many different artists here, inspired by the land.

Please like & subscribe, & click the bell to be notified when I upload my next video!

Categories
Divine I Am Earth Existence Green Lifestyle Most Popular Revealing Treasures in your Own Backyard Spirituality Video

The Magick of the Flowing Hollow

The Flowing Hollow is a beautiful magickal place at Burns Valley Herbals and Retreat.

Water flows from the spring out of the mountain, into a little creek.

Stones border the creeks edge, creating a path through this magickal water world.

There is more to the Flowing Hollow than water, there is an abundance of life from the earth, and a breeze from the wind. The stone circle brings the warmth of fire to all who gather around. There is also so much spirit, you can feel it.

I am so blessed to be able to spend time down in the Flowing Hollow and am excited to share its magick with others!

Here is a video of it in the day time,

Here is a video of it at night!

 

Categories
Art Divine I Am Earth Existence Green Lifestyle Most Popular Revealing Treasures in your Own Backyard Video

Quarantine Art Series: Sitting Stone

Every now and then it is important we go outside and sit.

To listen to the wind blow around us, and feel the earth beneath our feet.

Sitting stone is just the place to do that at Burns Valley Herbals and Retreat.

I enjoyed sitting at the bench and painting the mountains!

I am looking forward to when others can enjoy this beautiful space with us!

I feel like the summer solstice will be the perfect time!

Categories
Art Divine I Am Earth Existence Most Popular Revealing Treasures in your Own Backyard Spirituality

Quarantine Art Series: Birdie

Disc golf is one of my new favorites. 2015 was when I first learned about disc golf, a friend of mine at the time played in a lot of tournaments! Whenever I visit Burns Valley Herbals and Retreat I love to play! Their course is 18 holes, upper and lower level… it’s a nice workout as you go up the mountain, through the woods and then down the mountain. It’s the journey though, that really counts. The slow walks up the side of the mountain, talking with friends and taking in the beauty of the land. Feeling the earth beneath our feet, and brushing the trees bark with our fingertips as we walk through the woods. Watching the disc soar down the bright green valley. Hearing the cling of the chains as you make a birdie. 

When I awoke the next day, after a 15 hole game, my body was a sweet sore. The kind that reminds you of how good it feels to use your body! Playing disc golf here is one of my most favorite things to do, and there are a lot of my favorite things to do here.  So I decided my drawing today would be of a few baskets and the fairlane. 

Disc golf reminds you to stop and take a deep breath, and let go of whatever you’re holding on it. It’s through letting go at just the right moment that we are able to sore the furthest. 

 
 
Categories
Art Divine I Am Earth Existence Most Popular Spirituality

Quarantine Art Series: Waterfalls in the woods

The sound of water flowing always brings me back to center. Helping me to let go of all my thoughts and feelings in the moment. Showing me how quickly things change, and how no matter what… life still goes on.

Sitting in the woods at Burns Valley Herbals and Retreat has really given me a deeper realization of how important being in nature is for our being. The sounds of the earth fill my mind and heart, allowing me to be present in each breath. From birds flying overhead, to cows in the valley and peepers in the pond… the sounds of spring help wash away the cold winter.

Spending time in the woods with gratitude for each moment. Being able to see how the brown dead leaves make way for new green growth on the side of the mountain. Water rushing over the mossy rocks. Every now and then finding a back up of leaves and branches that need clearing.  Just like our lives… every now and then, seeing how there is a build up of emotion or attachment to things that no longer serve our highest good.

I have been drawn to jump right into the water to clear away what is holding it back from flowing freely. Using this analogy as a reminder to keep my own energy flowing freely. Every now and then, jumping in the water to release, and to celebrate what we’ve let go of and what we have to look forward to.

Moving debris, and rearranging rocks to create a bank where we want to the water to flow. Such is life.  Water is life.

 

 

Categories
Art Divine I Am Earth Existence Most Popular Spirituality Video

Quarantine Art Series: Blossom

Every day I wake up to the sounds of the earth blossoming, and I can feel myself mimicking her song.

Blossom means to develop, grow, mature and evolve. How fitting of a title for this moment.

Everyday we are being challenged to evolve past our preconceived notions, and things we thought we knew. We are being asked to mature in ways we might have always sidestepped. True growth happens in the shadows, in the spaces between.

Yesterday I posted a blog about how I found a red-tailed hawk… well I have to correct that, and after some further investigation it was actually a Great Horned owl.

The message from the red-tailed hawk was so important for me yesterday, and its amazing how the universe continues to speak to us no matter how we are perceiving our surroundings. Sometimes we overlook or over analyze things, but the universe is always speaking.

wp-1588518370902.jpg

The Great Horned owl has a similar message… but one that I needed to hear today.

I have started this new quarantine art series from inspiration to take time to be in nature creating art every day. To help ground myself, while going through the emotional waters of this quarantine period.

The Great Horned owl feathers carry the power of the ability to connect to the quietude of the Divine. In the silence, you will find the support and solace you seek.

Facing our fears and seeing our shadows is the theme of 2020. The Great Horned owl lends enormous support for seeing into the shadow of our own unconscious and finding the fears and secret desires that motivate us.

Great horned owl spiritual meaning relates to fiercely defending what you believe in as well as staying strictly loyal to where you are most at home.  So perfect for this time where we are forced to stay at home and really commit to where we give our loyalty.

The owl will teach you about the wise use of warrior power and the amazing gifts of strength and courage. When you turn these gifts to focus on facing your own fears, you’ll reap the most reward.

Even though I was incorrect on my assessment of the bird skull I found the other day, the universe spoke to me with exactly what I needed to hear in each moment. This is what happens when we are open to receiving and are actively listening.

This is what happens when we begin to blossom.

Remember to Like and Subscribe!

<3

Categories
Art Divine I Am Earth Existence Most Popular Spirituality Video

Quarantine Art Series: The Gift

This has been by far one of the most dynamic and intense moments in our lives.

Drawing out every emotion and every trigger from our darkest parts.

We are finding ourselves reacting to things at such a raw level.

What do we do in these moments? We dig deep, look deep, and pray. Pray to our Gods, pray to our earth, pray to ourselves… where is the peace in the unknown? How do we get there when everything is dark?

Hope. We have to keep faith that this trial is a blessing in disguise. That what comes from this will be the most beautiful gift you have ever received, and never could have imagined.

Grace. We have to find gratitude in every breath. Deep breaths into self, and full breaths out, releasing all that is not for our highest good. In the moments where everything feels like its too much… like we can’t go any further, the universe always sends us a sign, a gift.

The other day I went for a walk through the woods here at Burns Valley Herbals and Retreat. I have been finding this week to be particularly difficult to navigate through my emotions. The unknown is nerve racking. Except for when you find the gift in it.

On my walk I came across a dead red-tailed hawk. The bones and feathers showed themselves to me, as I asked for clarity. I was gifted the skull and feathers, as a reminder of my role as a leader.

The Hawk represents a messenger in the Native American culture. It often shows up in our life when we need to pay attention to the subtle messages found around us, and from those we come into contact with.

The hawk’s gifts include clear sightedness, being observant, messages from the universe, guardianship, courage, wisdom, illumination, seeing the bigger picture, creativity, truth, experience, wise use of opportunities, overcoming problems, and focus.

The hawk is a bird of the heavens, arranging the changes necessary to prompt our spiritual growth. When accepting its presence in your life, you will be asked to surrender/give up anything that doesn’t honour the integrity of all life. Although hard work is involved, the rewards to be reaped are great, far outweighing this.

This was SO the message I needed to hear… the universe always provides when we are open to receiving. I am ready to focus on creating sacred space for self exploration through creative expression.

And so with that, I present The Gift.

 migwetch.