Happy Valentine's Day xoxoxo

Unfurling Beauty                                                    B Upton

Saints Bowing in the Mountains

Do you know how beautiful you are?
I think not, my dear.
...For as you talk of God,
I see great parades with wildly colorful bands
Streaming from your mind and heart,
Carrying wonderful and secret messages
To every corner of this world.
I see saints bowing in the mountains
Hundreds of miles away
To the wonder of sounds
That break into light
From your most common words.
Speak to me of your mother,
Your cousins and your friends.
Tell me of squirrels and birds you know.
Awaken your legion of nightingales---
Let them soar wild and free in the sky.
And begin to sing to God.
Let's all begin to sing to God!
Do you know how beautiful you are?
I think not, my dear,
Yet Hafiz
Could set you upon a Stage
And worship you forever!"
- Hafiz

It's Time

"It's Time"                                                           B Upton

Playing with a little crystal ball and sunlight can yield some pretty effects. Hope this image and words resonate within you!

Winter Meditation

The Waking Planet Flag in Winter                                                      B Upton

As the clear winter water
Nourishes the seed within the earth,
I am nourished by new-found awareness
of who I truly am.
This awareness has not yet fully matured,
And I rest content
In the arms of the unfolding universe,
Which will reveal all wisdom
In its time.
the Power of the unmanifest
Even now works within my spiritual heart,
And I am at peace.

The Essene Book of Days by Danaan Parry

Wintry Photos and a Few Words from a Recovering Technophobe

Mystic Mountain                                                                                   B Upton

The video posted below is one of the few things I have found on YouTube that I really like. I'm interested in spiritual awakening, but what is up with all the hypnotic spirals, monotone voices and the nearly incomprehensible messages? Well, I guess I should just say they do not speak to me! But "Of the Wand and the Moon- Raven Chant" below did. (This comes from azze12's channel so many thanks to him!) And hopefully next time I will figure out how to add text to a downloaded video!

I'm a newbie to social media and technology in general. I often find myself perplexed and sometimes frustrated (of course the idea of reading a manual, or directions never occurs to me). I just keep plugging away and try to have fun with it.

I enjoy collecting and sharing good news and stories of innovation, collaboration and compassion- stories that exemplify the awakening that is taking place on our planet. I also like sharing inner technologies- tools for navigating these changing times with more ease and contentment. I trust that my messages- whether here, on my website, FaceBook or YouTube- are reaching exactly who they are meant to reach (yup, talkin' to you)!

The forest was filled with glittering ice and such a peaceful vibe yesterday. Wishing you joy and loving warmth, no matter where you live!

Unexpected Light                                                    B Upton

 Waking Planet Flag by the Pond                                                           B Upton

Raccoon "Art"                                                                                             B Upton   

   

Of The Wand And The Moon - Raven Chant

Light in the Soul

 

My latest FaceBook post. This is a quote I have loved since I was a young girl. The art is a detail of one of my paintings. Hoping you are having a lovely Sunday!

Times of Healing and Hope

My first attempt at YouTube! If after viewing, you feel a little calmer, more hopeful and can breathe a little deeper then I will be happy.

 

If the message resonates please share! Peace to you!

Words of Truth

Passing Storm                                                                                           B Upton

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."
Martin Luther King Jr.

 

Here are a few quotes I posted on my Waking Planet FB site that I began this past summer. Hope you will join the community there to share global good news and stories that energize and inspire. Check back here soon (better yet subscribe to these posts) for the top 10 Waking Planet stories that give me hope for 2011!

"War is obsolete you know. Of course, the mind could rationalize fighting back, but the heart would never understand. Then you would be divided in yourself: the heart and the mind and the war would be inside you." Dalai Lama

 

"Every decision you make - every decision - is not a decision about what to do. It's a decision about Who You Are. When you see this, when you understand it, everything changes. You begin to see life in a new way. All events, occurrences, and situations turn into opportunities to do what you came here to do."
Neale Donald Walsch

 

"Whenever you advise a ruler in the way of Tao, counsel him not to
use force to conquer the universe. For this would only cause resistance. Thorn bushes spring up wherever the army has passed. Lean years follow in the wake of war. Just do what needs to be done. Never take advantage of power...force is followed by loss of strength. This is the way of the Tao. That which goes against the Tao comes to an early end." Lao Tzu Tao Te Ching

 

‎"Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence and I learn, whatever state I may be in, therein to be content." Helen Keller

"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves." John Muir

The Catskills                                                                                               B Upton

"Trust returns. Healing happens. Energy flows. Renaissance arrives. Attitudes change. Peace arises. You emerge. "((Kairos)) Tashi Rana

 

New Day                                                              B Upton

 "Nothing is impossible, even the word itself says...'I'm possible'" Audrey Hepburn

 

 “When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.” Jimi Hendrix 

 

"Learn from the mistakes of others. You can't live long enough to make them all yourself." Eleanor Roosevelt

 

"In the Mind of God, there is a fully created image of you at your most creative. abundant and joyful. And there is a divine blueprint by which this image would take form in your life. It is not something you can MAKE happen, but it is something you can ALLOW to happen, by making the softening of your heart your primary goal. This is the meaning of spiritual surrender." Marianne Williamson 

 

Wishing you a peaceful last day of 2010! Let's stoke the power of love in  2011! May you be blessed.

 

 

Symbolism of the Waking Planet Flag

New Version of the Waking Planet Flag                                          c. B Upton

As we just experienced a beautiful lunar eclipse, thought I would post a description from my website that describes the symbolism of the sun, earth and moon forming a lunar eclipse in my Waking Planet world flag. By the way, I was just fooling around and inserted a photo of our Earth from space, instead of the symbolic blue disc. I think it is an interesting juxtaposition of the actual with the symbolism of the rainbow figures, sun and moon. Let me know what you think!

"The earth, glowing with vitality, is surrounded by colorful figures representing the beauty that is possible when people of different colors, tongues and beliefs come together in mutual respect and support. The rainbow spectrum also stands for the integrated wholeness at the core of every individual. We access this inner peace by accepting and loving all aspects of our humanness. 
                                                    
The rising sun symbolizes the new millennium and the unlimited energy we are being given to be our best selves and to live our life’s purpose. The sun also represents our male aspect, which must be balanced with our inner female represented by the moon for inner peace to flourish.

The moon above also reminds us that life is cyclical and that every crisis creates a new opportunity of equal intensity—all the challenges facing us today are providing the catalyst for a massive awakening on our planet. The moon also connects us to our intuitive knowing. It whispers to us to act upon the love and wisdom of our higher selves in this precious lifetime. 

The Waking Planet new world flag represents a lunar eclipse, a cosmological event in time spanning millions of miles! The symbolism of a lunar eclipse—the time when the earth travels between the sun and the moon and casts its shadow on the moon is key. By accepting and even learning to love our own shadow, with all of our human shortcomings, we experience inner peace — the foundation for peace in the world. Lunar eclipses were once feared, but now embraced, as opportunities for tremendous growth, self-awareness and spiritual awakening." From Waking Planet.

Holy Night

Pre-Eclipse- Moon with Large Halo    B Upton

It was spectacular watching our Solstice Lunar Eclipse! I bundled up and dragged a rocking chair outdoors to have a ringside seat. From time to time I would pop back in to stand by the wood stove and fortify myself with a little ginger brandy! Once when I went back out I was startled to see all the clouds had parted and there was the beautiful coppery red orange moon nestled in a sea of bright stars. Stunning! Unfortunately, I wasn't able to do the sight justice with my little hand held digital camera, but it is forever seared in my memory.

Just Beginning!                                                              B Upton

Almost There!                                 B Upton

At one point as we neared totality there was a sudden howling from coyotes and perhaps a few dogs. Isn't that amazing? They were connecting to what was happening! 

I thought of the fact that this could be seen by 1.5 billion people! How wonderful to think of 100's of millions staring in wonder simultaneously. I kept getting chills up my spine, but it wasn't from the cold. 

We can draw on the power of this cosmological event to help us make changes in our own lives. May we more easily release old doubts and fears and strengthen our resolve to live from our hearts with purpose and joy! New beginnings, new hope, a return to the Light...

The Solstice Total Lunar Eclipse 2010                   B Upton

A neat time lapsed video of the eclipse!
Happy Solstice!

Magical Lunar Eclipse on the Solstice!

 

It has not been seen for centuries- that rare celestial event when we have a total lunar eclipse on the Winter Solstice, Dec 21st. The show begins at 1:33am EST and finishes at 5:01am EST. If you want to catch the totality when the moon takes on the coppery glow of all the sunrises and sunsets on Earth tune in at 3:17am EST.

Thanks to ShadowandSubstance.com

Lunar eclipses were once feared, but now are seen as opportunities for transformation. It is the best time to set an intention of releasing old thoughts, stories and ways of being that no longer serve you. In the first hours of the Solstice you will be able to celebrate the return of the light for our planet and within yourself!

Lunar eclipses are especially dear to me. When I created the Waking Planet world flag to represent the peace available within us and in our world, I realized I had also depicted a cosmological event in time spanning millions of miles, a time when the earth, moon and sun are in perfect alignment- a lunar eclipse. Read more here.

Shadow and Substance has some lovely animations. And Mr. Eclipse has good information and pictures too. Enjoy!

Thanks to Mr. Eclipse!

The Healing Power of Nature!

Please join us on Facebook too- for good news, inspirational stories and a growing community of people who believe a different world is possible!

here is my latest post there-

The Catskills                                                                                   B Upton

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves. ~John Muir

The Seventh Step to Inner Peace- Connect with Your Divinity

"Heart Light 1"                                                                                            B Upton

I have to confess that when I began writing about the Seven Steps to Inner Peace last August, I wasn't sure what they all were!  Something told me to just trust my intuition, write when inspired (hence, the time it has taken!) and to let the words spring from my heart. I have enjoyed doing it and hope the steps and images spark your own inner knowing! 

Here is a review of the first six steps (click on the step for more) with a new anchoring affirmation for each!

Step 1. Connect to the Earth
Bring more awareness to your body and allow the strong, nurturing and healing energies of our beautiful earth to fill you.
Affirmation "I am one with the earth. I am grounded. I am safe. I belong."


Step 2. Connect with Your Breath
As you allow your breath to naturally slow down and deepen, your body and mind will also relax.
Affirmation "I breathe in vitality and exhale tension. I become more peaceful with every breath I take."

Step 3. Connect with Gratitude
Your state of mind creates your reality. When you focus on gratitude you shift your focus to what is right and working in your life. What you focus on increases.
Affirmation "I easily recognize and give thanks for the blessings in my life."


Step 4. Connect with Beauty
Beauty nourishes, heals and restores you at your deepest level. Beauty is a requirement of your soul.
Affirmation "I walk in beauty. Beauty before me, beauty behind me, beauty above me, beauty below me...beauty all around me." (from a Navajo prayer)


Step 5. Connect with Your Shadow
There has never been a better time to declare a truce with yourself! Bring acceptance, light and love to the parts you once rejected in yourself. Remember, feeling "unlovable" is fed by fear and based on an illusion. Bring understanding, compassion and acceptance to all of who you are.
Affirmation "I am healed. I am one. I am whole."


Step 6. Connect with Your Heart
Your natural state is to have an open heart overflowing with warmth, light and love! Forgiveness unlocks the sweetness of your true Self. All love is founded in self-love.
Affirmation "It is safe to give love, receive love and be the love that I am."


Step 7. Connect with Your Divinity
"The divine exists in me, as me. I honor my creator by recognizing the light within me and living from that place of unconditional love."


You find your divinity in the same place as you find your rejected self- in your shadow. Although the shadow is mostly made up of parts you find unacceptable and have denied in yourself, it also contains your unowned brilliance!

"Messages in the Shadows"                          B Upton

I know it is hard for some of us to realize that the traits we find so appealing in others are projections of what we already have in us. We are not encouraged to embrace our talents, or our inner-light! We are taught that is is egotistical to think well of ourselves, but the truth is, if we are at war with ourselves, we will not be much good to anyone else. Don't worry about getting a "big head". You have a lifetime of put downs to counter so that you may arrive at a truer picture of the extraordinary being you are!

And don't stop there! Practice expanding your sense of identity to include others, the earth, the universe and the divine, because at your core, you are one with it all. The Light of the Divine Source lives in your heart. It is not something you need to earn. It is already one with you. This sacred light has the ability to heal others, yourself and the planet and no one has more of it than you do. 

You are not just a drop in the ocean. You are the mighty ocean in the drop ~ Rumi

The one tool I have found most helpful in connecting with this luminous Reality is meditation. I know "meditation" is a word that can strike terror in many people's minds! I used to approach it as a "should" and worried too much about whether I was doing it "right". But then I realized there are as many ways to meditate as there are people. Walking meditation was the answer for me (combining Steps One and Seven). If you currently practice meditating - good for you and keep it up! If you have tried and given up, or this is new for you, I hope you will give it a try (again). The rewards of being in the stillness of the present moment are great. I believe in simplicity and in what works so I will be sharing some tools and  techniques that have helped me in meditating in future blogs.

The Seven Steps only become effective by practicing them, but this is a practice that you can make joyful (I'm a big believer in joy). For instance, to practice Step One, you could give yourself a couple of minutes every morning (hopefully outside) to face east, breathe in the light of the new day and to feel grounded, strengthened and supported by the earth.  You could  tape the affirmations and listen to them as you go to sleep, etc. Come up with practices that sound like fun to you.

With time, I sincerely hope the steps help you experience greater and greater levels of inner peace, self-love, oneness and the joy you deserve!

I can think of no better way to end these steps than by quoting Marianne Williamson who sums it all up beautifully in this famous quote

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

                                                               
                                                          Namaste!

"Heart Light 2"                                                                                         B Upton

Our Universe, Ourselves!

I like how this video shows the grandeur and incomprehensible enormity of our universe! It's mind boggling to know that it takes 100,000 years traveling at the speed of light just to begin to see the shape of our Milky Way (and 5 million light years away our galaxy itself becomes a mere speck of light)! One is humbled, but at the same time exhilarated. We are all a part of this amazing universe and this Sacred Mystery is a part of us.


I believe our ability to see deeply into our cosmos reflects our growing consciousness. For most of human history our vision was limited to what could be seen with the human eye. We assumed all that we saw revolved around us and that we were the center of the universe. Geocentric humans felt they were at the top of the hierarchy and that it was their right to dominate and exploit nature and others. But now we see we are no where near the top or center of anything.  We see we are a mote of dust on a speck of dust spinning through an endless universe. How can our consciousness not be changed by this?


I think a journey to the edge of the cosmos also signals our journey to the deepest and truest parts of who we are. As more of the miraculousness of the universe is revealed, we will be able to more readily grasp the miracle of who we are and the role we have to play on earth.


In 2003, astronomers turned the Hubble telescope on a dark patch in the night sky, the size of a grain of rice held at arm's length. They thought they might just see more black space, but what they saw amazed them. Repeated exposures kept revealing fainter galaxies. Over 11 days, The Ultra Deep Field, called the "most amazing photograph ever taken", revealed over 10,000 galaxies in that very small part of the sky!

Hubble Ultra Deep Field- The Most Amazing Photograph Ever Taken   NASA

Pictures like this can make us feel very, very, very small, yet indescribably large at the same time. 

The universe we live in is one integrated, whole; all is connected, all is sacred. May its splendor continually blow our minds and shatter the illusion of our fear-based egos, so we can see once again that we are whole, good and intimately connected to the one, great web of life.

The Seventh Step to Inner Peace- Connecting to Your Divinity and Purpose is next!

"  When you try to pick out anything by itself, you find it hitched to everything else in the universe."    John Muir 

Flammarion Woodcut- Some say he is peering at the wonders within us!

Wishing you a shower of blessings on this day of giving thanks. 11/25/2010

Our Recent Art Show

Sorry I have been away and not writing here for awhile- but now I am back and want to continue with the steps to inner peace, among other new things. So check back often!

Thought I would share some pictures from the art show Monika Kretschmar and I had recently in New Paltz, NY. Big thanks to Maria at LaBella Bistro who provided the beautiful space as well as some delicious hors d'oeuvres for our opening! 

Visit Fine Art America for more of Monika's fantastic art http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/1-monika-kretschmar.html
and visit her website for more on the Inner Voice Drawing modality she created. http://www.innervoicedrawing.com/

More of my photos and art can be seen at my website- www.wakingplanet.com

Thank you to all who purchased art. May you enjoy the pieces for decades to come!