Happy New Year!
Every year at this time we can’t help but think about how the previous year was and what we’d like for the coming year. Some people do resolutions, some people do intentions, but it’s hard to pass up the convention altogether. And we’re no different. It’s about hope after all, faith underneath that. Even if the past has been difficult, tomorrow is another day. That's always true but there’s something powerful about participating in a communal worldwide ritual period of prayer and intention whether it's as secular for you as a calendar with goals written on it or as spiritual as a candle lit with a fervent prayer. Let us know if we can support you along the way!
The article this month is actually a piece Sheryl wrote for the painting class both of us attended last semester. Sheryl found that class very challenging emotionally and, as usual when it comes to healing work, she chose to meditate on what to do her final project on. What, she asked, would be most beneficial for her (and others) on the artist path? The flower essence Lady Slipper came to mind, and, to fill the assignment, she wrote about what the essence is used for before painting it. It seemed appropriate for the New Year, so we’re sharing it with all of you. If you want to see an image of the finished painting, there it is above!
All the best to you and yours in the coming year from...
Paul and Sheryl
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Lady Slippers on the Path
In the wild, the Lady Slipper is a rare and increasingly endangered species. With its ecosystem and well-being severely encroached upon by the modern world, it's amazing that we can actually still find them. They were rare when I was a child and had them pointed out to me on a science walk through the local woods. We were told to love them from a distance — to never touch them or attempt to bring one home. They die when they are picked and are very difficult to cultivate except under very particular conditions.
It seems a fragile plant. It even takes a long time to bloom — 16 years is not unheard of. And yet a plant that has found a protected spot in its preferred location can live 50 years! Only found in northern climates, you are in for a surprise if you do happen to come across one. They are wonderful, large and beautiful orchids, rare to see anywhere outside of a hothouse environment.
Lady Slippers hold a special place in my heart. I use them in the flower essence aromatherapy oil I make called "Manifesting Life Purpose," one of my favorites because the Jasmine in it smells amazing! The Lady Slipper — the one used as a flower essence is called the Showy Lady Slipper — is also known as The Queen. It calls to a person when they feel estranged from their higher purpose and inner authority. Pulled by the external expectations of the modern world, family conditioning, fear of criticism, concern about doing "the right thing," the desire to fit in, the desire to please, the Lady Slipper calls: "You need me!"
The Lady Slipper helps a person integrate their spiritual purpose within the confines of their daily work. How do you find that protected place in your soul where you can express your highest callings despite the encroachment of the modern world and your desire to remain whole within it? So important to artists and sensitive types of all sorts, the Lady Slipper helps you find that safe place to regain your composure, strength and inspiration. It helps you go within to hear the murmurings of your inner callings despite the external noise and internalized messages from the world around. By helping to calm sensitivity, anxiety and depression, it supports you to follow the dictates of your heart while keeping body and soul intact. To bring your fullest self to whatever you do, you are guided by this plant to walk the path with spiritual purpose and integrity.
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Want Some Mama Love?
All newsletter subscribers are eligible for a 10% discount in Sheryl's Etsy shop throughout this coming year. Use the coupon code you will find in the email version of this newsletter. Or sign up for the newsletter by sending an email to Sheryl asking to be signed up. She'll send you the code in her reply.--------------------------------------
Looking for a Spiritual Counseling and Healing Session?
Make an appointment at http://www.healingcommunication.com/How_to_Make_an_Appointment_with_Spiritual_Counselors_and_Healers_Sheryl_Karas_and_Paul_Hood.html--------------------------------------
WHERE TO FIND OUR ARTWORK
In our joint Etsy shop... http://www.etsy.com/shop/PaulnSherylArt
Beautiful Photographic Prints by Paul Hood... http://PaulHood.imagekind.com/
Beautiful Photographic Prints and Artwork by Sheryl Karas... http://sherylkaras.imagekind.com
Art notecards, T-shirts, mugs and other gifts featuring our images... http://www.zazzle.com/paulnsheryl*
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WHERE TO FIND OUR VIDEOS
http://www.youtube.com/user/healerteam
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