Blog Archives
The Goddess of Avalon
The hidden green-blue lake
Sits silent in amongst
The hills of Avalon
Not a ripple to be seen
Like a pea green mist
Out of the water she rises, tossing her curls
Not a drip falls from her long chestnut hair
Her green piercing eyes sparkle like Emeralds’
Up she rears
A dress of shimmering Green
Covered in an array of green beads
And jewels and golden thread
Almost serpent like
Hovering towards the water’s edge
Golden wings appear
She stops and turns
Silent for a moment
Glancing back at the water
The great wings flap
Up above she looks down at the wonder of the Tor
Green mystique magic adorns Glastonbury
Will they ever see the wonder of it all!
She sits now by the Chalice Well
Silence envelops her
Wise words coming to her
Inhaling the serenity of it all she moves on
Secrets of the Holy Grail on her mind
As she moves on smelling the scent of the flowers
And watching all the colours as they dance in the breeze
She is in awe of such beauty
Reaching up to the Holy thorn tree
She asks permission to take a sprig
Attaching it to her button-hole
She takes flight again
Settling in the grounds of the Abbey
She wanders through the ancient Oaks
Like a Majestic Queen
Talking in Celtic tongue
To King Arthur about days gone by
She watches now from a bench
As she sees the monks go about their duties
Meaningful symbols, she told to pass on
She whispers secrets to Mother Earth
This is the only way, they
Will begin to rebirth
Final flight now
She sees the beauty of the sun rise
Orange and yellow warmth
Surrounds her
She wonders how many of them know
How lucky they are
Landing now on the Tor
The view takes her breath away
Rolling on for miles
She chats to St. Michael
About days of old,
Why oh! Oh why! Can’t they see the gold!
Back now at the water’s edge
The Goddess of Avalon
Has done her work
Along with Mother Earth
Ascending Masters, and wise men of Old
I can do no more she sighs
All that’s left is a ripple in time……
Guest Poem
By
Catherine Kennedy
Connect with Catherine on Facebook here
Related articles
- The Lost Soul of Glastonbury (holisticwords.com)
Sneaky Intuition
It has been a while since I have connected with my intuitive side. It has been something that I consciously shut down, hitting the standby button, for an indefinite period. It all came to a grinding halt, when I decided to stop attending a weekly medium-ship development circle.
You see, I have a problem with authority. I hate (strong word, but true) being told what to do and being fed information. I found the lack of control over what I was being relayed was just so tiring, exhausting and personally, soul-destroying. As an “old school” development circle, with strict guidelines and “rules”, I was being boxed in by the instructional medium, who was telling me what I could and could not ask or say.
Just to explain, old school spiritualism is about finding out who is coming though, how they died, a smattering of descriptive information, who they want to talk to and what their message is. There is no room for diversion or actual, tangible spiritual insight. It is a kind of get in, get out conveyor belted process, which had no place in my life.
So, up until very recently, I had parked development. I had no desire to revisit development, well certainly not back into medium-ship development anyway. But my mindset has altered somewhat. I now see the value of developing psychic, intuitive skills and being open to knowing, sensing and feeling what is going on outside the “normal” physical world.
You know that grating feeling in your gut when you just know something is not right or you have an idea, it’s a good idea, yet like day old milk, it’s just on the turn? Well that is your psychic self, giving you the heads up, the skinny and the deliciously enticing teaser, telling you to back down for a while and quit pouring energy into something, that is veering you off the beaten track.
It is funny how things happen (which are totally off the map, in terms of explainable, expected psychic occurrences) to reignite interests. For example, I was invited down to Glastonbury for a “girl’s road trip with a purpose”. We dropped our bags off, at our nightly place of residence, which, incidentally, was labelled a retreat. However, it was far from the Zen inspired place of peace and tranquillity that the name suggested. It was tired and in need of a complete overhaul. Nonetheless, it was relatively clean and the decking, which overlooked undeveloped fallow land, had a clear, uninterrupted view of the Tor.
Anyway, we made our way into town for a spot of lunch. Having placed our order we discussed our brief wander around the town and the coming workshop, that my fellow travellers would be holding the following day. Service at our chosen eatery was a touch on the slow side and my cappuccino had long been demolished when a chap and his wife? Partner? Friend? came into the café.
I looked across to his table and my eyes weirdly widened. I looked at my friend who too had a look of horror on her face. I grabbed my nicotine supply and exclaimed I had to leave immediately, out the back door, and regain my composure. With that, I turned, nearly fell out of the door and made a beeline to the back of the patio seating area.
I giggled, I had no idea why I giggled but I giggled, hoping that the other diners were paying no attention to my utter madness. So, my nicotine intake complete and my composure at a relatively happy equilibrium, I made my way back to our table. I could not explain why the chap unknowingly orchestrated my bolt for the door. My friend, who I would say is much more in touch with her senses, explained that his energy was coming towards me, and far too close for comfort.
So, did this exaggerated “twilight zone” scenario happen to give me a direct, to the point, no holds barred jolt to my system? And why am I killing it with the plethora of clichéd phrases?
OK, so I get it. I made the realisation over the last few months that it is really about living moment to moment and tapping into those momentary feelings, by listening to them and acting on them.
I know, I know, it’s not so cut and dried. How can you live moment to moment when you have a direct debit coming out and pay-day is 3 days shy of the money grabbing programme, imminently dipping in to your bank account and auto raising a big fat ugly charge on your account to boot? Incidents like this place our thoughts and feelings way out into the future and further away from the present. But instead of worrying about it would it not be better to take control of the now? Picking up the phone and telling bully boy bank manager to hold off and put a temporary stay of execution, will make you feel a whole lot better than the insistent churning in your stomach.
And you see, that’s the point. Your intuitive, or gut feeling, is telling you to do something about a situation, to face it and to confront it. Once you have done so, then you can move on, you can relax and just let go of all that tenseness.
Be assertive with your intuition. If something doesn’t feel right then take action to change it, if something has been playing on your mind explore your feelings more in-depth, if someone is annoying you then let them know (nine times out of ten they won’t even know it’s annoying!). When you have faced something, you have previously brushed aside or put off, you will feel so much more at ease.
I do believe that, although not a beautiful, spiritually life changing occurrence in the Glastonbury café, I was supposed to reconnect with my intuitive self, not as a tool to predict the future, but to re-affirm that I should be listening to what my body/mind (and soul) is telling me and to stop pigeon-holing intuition, with my experience of old school medium-ship As they say, “The problem is not the problem; the attitude to the problem is the problem”. Or in my case, the attitude to intuition was the problem!
In a nutshell, your intuition is there to guide you, not to deceive you or lead you down some dark and dismal path. So just go with it!
Related articles
- Why “Psychic” is an Outdated Term (omtimes.com)
- Halloween challenge: psychics submit their powers to a scientific trial | Chris French (guardian.co.uk)
Jealous of the Angels
Christmas is a time when a death of a family member or a friend is felt tenfold. And not having them around, to share the special day, only amplifies the pain and sorrow. But every once in a while, a song strikes a chord into the very hearts of those who have lost a loved one, bringing hope and comfort, and making it that little bit easier to cope.
The countless messages of thanks, from the grieved across the world, are certainly a strong testament to the newly released track, ‘Jealous of the Angels’ by Jenn Bostic, which was inspired by the loss of her father. As a result, the popularity of ‘Jealous of the Angels’ escalated and thanks to DJ Simon Bates the beautiful angelic message hit Radio 2′s Top 10 Most Played. Jenn has since appeared on BBC Breakfast News, after a tip-off from Fearne Cotton, and is planning a further UK tour in the Spring of 2013.
Holistic Words was given an exclusive opportunity to interview Jenn Bostic, the singer-songwriter of ‘Jealous of the Angels’, to find out; why she believes her father is with the Angels, how he communicates his thoughts to her, where God and spirituality sit within her life and why music can bring healing to the world.
♥
What do you feel when you are creating your music and lyrics?
Music is the only way I can fully express my emotions. Song-writing started as a form of therapy for me after I lost my father in a car accident when I was ten. He had such a large influence on music in my life that it is the one way I feel I can truly still connect with him.
How do you know your Dad is around you?
There are certain times I just feel his presence. I can’t explain it. It’s a feeling I get. A few months after writing “Jealous of the Angels,” my best friend Ashley had a dream in which my dad came to her and said, “Please tell Jenn that I am so proud of her and that I’m at every one of her shows.” That has been something I’ve held very close to my heart.
Are you comforted by your belief that your Dad is watching over you?
Absolutely. Ever since I lost him there has been this desire to know that he is proud of me. When Ashley had that dream it gave me such peace.
What would you say to someone who has lost a loved one?
It’s okay to grieve, it’s healthy to express those painful emotions through tears and talking about what’s happened. There is a time for mourning and there is a time for joy. It’s important to cherish and be grateful for the time we did have with our loved ones who have passed, and while we never will forget them it’s important to keep moving forward and value the people we still have with us. I believe they would want us to live a life of happiness and joy.
Given your song, Jealous of the Angels, would you say that this faith stems from Christianity or Spiritualism?
I was raised in a Christian home and still hold those values and beliefs today. I have seen God use healing through music, turning the most tragic day of my life into a song that so many people have been comforted by.
Do you talk to the Angels/your Dad and do you feel you ever receive a response?
I spend a lot of time in prayer and meditation, although I don’t hear an audible response I feel at peace during this time and am able to think very clearly.
What are the most inspiring words anyone has ever said to you?
After being moved by “Jealous of the Angels,” a man came up to me at a show and said, “There’s a big responsibility behind that song, I hope you know that.” It has really stuck with me, only adding to my desire to share this song with the world.
Who inspires you and why?
My Mom. She is an absolutely amazing woman who has handled single motherhood after my dad’s passing with grace and love. She managed to remain positive, encouraging and strong after losing the love of her life. It’s overwhelming to sit back and think about how much she has sacrificed for my brother and I. I love her with all my heart.
Do you believe in the power of positive thinking/thoughts and if so how do you keep yourself positive?
Yes! There is so much power in positive thinking. As I mentioned early, it has taken sixteen years, but I have seen the most horrific event of my life turn into a song that is healing people around the world. Even if things don’t make sense in the now, it’s so important to remain positive and keep pressing through. I love this quote:
Nothing could be worse than the fear that one had given up too soon, and left one unexpended effort that might have saved the world. ~ Jane Addams
You have just completed a tour of the UK. How was the reception and how did it differ from the USA?
This recent tour of the UK supporting Christian Kane was absolutely incredible. I was welcomed with loving open arms, and I met so many incredible people who were truly touched and moved by the music. I have been performing for years in the US, growing and learning, finding my voice. All of the hard work I’ve put in here has been paying off in both areas. Although there have been more doors opened to me in the UK, I am very grateful for the continued support I get from all over the world.
Why do you feel the song, Jealous of the Angels, helps others?
I have been told on countless occasions that the “Jealous of the Angels” lyric carries the words that those who are grieving can’t seem to find. As a songwriter there is no greater compliment and I am honoured to be a part of something that is so much bigger than me.
Have you received any personal responses, from listeners or DJ’s, when your song has been played on Radio 2?
The response has been great. I have received a number of emails, tweets, Facebook posts from listeners as well as feedback from a few radio DJ’s, saying that their phones “ring of the hook” whenever the song is played. I am absolutely humbled by the response.
Have you set the dates for your next UK tour yet, and if so, where will you be playing?
The dates have not yet been set, but I look forward to coming back in the very near future. Information is constantly being update on www.jennbostic.com.
Why have you released the album in the UK first, as opposed to the US?
As an independent artist, it is very important to focus the resources we have toward proper promotion. “Jealous of the Angels” has received radio support in the UK, and the response has been too overwhelming not to follow it up with an album. I look forward to sharing it with the rest of the world shortly.
Competition is very fierce for the Christmas number one and the odds for Jealous of the Angels is 33/1. What would it mean to you if you hit the number one spot?
It is so humbling to even be considered for the Christmas number one. There are so many incredible songs in the running that I would be completely overwhelmed if “Jealous of the Angels” landed at the top. Regardless of what number it is, I just pray it brings comfort to those who are missing lost loved ones this Christmas.
Are you healthy and how do you look after yourself?
Eating healthy and exercising regularly is very important to me. It affects every part of daily life. I like to spend the first half an hour of my day reading, praying and/or meditating. It really helps to clear my mind and start the day on a positive note.
What does your ideal weekend look/feel like?
Spending quality time with people the I love, eating good food, listening to music, playing board games, attending concerts.
What is your ultimate ambition?
I want to share my music with as many people as possible. I have been fortunate enough to see the healing power it can have and I want to continue seeing that on a larger scale with new songs as well. The ultimate goal for me has always been to someday win a Grammy, but I have already been blessed with so much more than I deserve.
If you were not a singer/songwriter, what would you be?
A music teacher. I received my degree in Music Education from Berklee College of Music in 2008, and absolutely love inspiring others to play music. Music has played such an important role in my life and I’m not sure where I would be without it. Helping others discover that love of music is a definitely a passion of mine.
What’s next for Jenn?
On December 29th, I’m so excited to be playing at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. I have been dreaming about singing on this stage since I was a little girl! I’m also hoping to be performing over in Europe sometime in early 2013.
Jenn Bostic
‘Jealous Of The Angels’
UK single release is out now
Holistic Affirmation Station
“It’s now very important for me to know,
If I’m choosing from my ego or choosing from my soul.
For the seeds I now sow with heartfelt intention,
Will grow and blossom beyond all expectation.”
Mantra taken from Tom Lescher of New Paradigm Astrology
Charitable Approach to Spirituality
FREE….….a word that always catches the eye. It draws us in, we want to find out more, and being a cynical bunch, we want to check the small print to find that all illusive catch. Free has become a staple, a highly lucrative commodity in today’s society and if something is truly free, or you are given the choice to pay only what you can afford, it becomes a very inciting, welcomed opportunity.
Holistic and non-religious spiritual therapies and practices have escalated in price over the last few years, simply because it is now a recognised industry, with very marketable products. Something that used to cost no more than lunch and a cup of coffee has increased so much that the average person views complementary or spiritual therapy as a high cost luxury they can do without.
However, things are changing. Perhaps the doom casters have directly engineered that change, by creating an urgent need to get spiritual practices out to the masses. It only takes one person in the spiritual community to change their business plan and wallop! A tiny ripple of change soon turns in to a major charitable tidal wave. Now, the “those that have” are being joined by “the have not’s”. People at the opposite ends of the pay scale are developing spiritually, on equal ground and equal footing.
Non-profit organisations, such as the London College of Spirituality and the London Spiritual Movement, have led the donation field in the UK, by switching from set fees to donation based talks and workshops. Vaz Sriharan from the LCS told me, “The response has been phenomenal and most events are packed out. With our donations, our facilitators can access hundreds of individuals as opposed to a few. Their message reaches a far wider audience, allowing many to be transformed and everyone benefits.” Simply by offering skills, knowledge and expertise on a donation basis, light-workers are actually hitting a demographic that may not have paid full whack.
At the other end of the spectrum, I recently followed a Facebook post written by a very well-known spiritual name, announcing the release of a new DVD. What followed was a bombardment of comments such as “does this mean that only those people of a particular wealth level are going to be able to benefit? What happens for everyone else who can’t afford or doesn’t know about it?” and, “….if it was as important as you say then why don’t you do it for free? Spiritual ‘gurus’ make money in other ways……There needs to be more balance within spirituality and asking of money for such things.”
I kind of get their point. Why? Well, the tone was just all wrong. If it had not come from them directly then their social media team need a severe talking to! You really cannot tell people to spread the word and make sure everyone knows about, as it is so important everyone watches it, at a price of X amount for the web link and X amount for the hard copy DVD. Really? Are you serious? Surely if you feel so passionate about something, and really believe everyone in the world needs the information immediately, then would you not gift that information?
Perhaps I am being a little unfair; perhaps I am missing the whole picture. Yes, in this particular case, there are costs involved in producing a film. But, the internet is a global community and if you do have an urgent message to get out there, then YouTube does not cost a penny – and has a far wider reach than any boxed DVD.
Of course a spiritual or holistic “business” needs to provide the facilitator with funds, in order to live and meet day-to-day life commitments. They really cannot ignore mortgage or rent payments, they cannot live on fresh air pie and a duck under the table they need to provide at least the basic essentials for themselves and their family. Yet, there are many opportunities for the sector to give something back, by lowering monetary expectations, which benefits everyone involved – financially and spiritually.
However, with the good comes the bad, where there is light there is always dark. The polar ends are ever-present, even in those who profess to be spiritual. You know the score; the free talk that leads to an hour-long promotion of the “latest new offering” or “BOGOF” deal. But what I have been privy to, and witnessed with my own eyes, is the level of donations that are made. Some feel it in their hearts to gift the full suggested donation, while others – with sheepish, zero eye contact – take the donation envelope (which of course is there to extend the privacy of said donation giver), handing it back as quick as a flash and purposefully making a quick exit. I have even seen a two for one offer, or rather two people donating £5 (approx $8) in one envelope for a 3 hour workshop!
We have no doubt all seen such behaviour, in the regular and spiritualist churches, as the donation plate or pouch is ushered between the isles. People jiggling their pockets, in a bid to assure onlookers that they have cash and are gladly donating their entire pocket full with glee, only to create the magicians sleight of hand by clinking the change already placed.
Wow! Either I am psychic, spectacularly observant or I am under no illusion that people are people and my inner cynic raises its ugly head far to often.
Any way, I have digressed slightly….
There are many opportunities for everyone to experience great spiritual teaching and introductions into holistic therapies and services, at a fraction of the cost. Why not check out your local groups, meet-ups and social networking sites as you may be surprised at what’s out there. Just remember that the organisers, teachers and mentors need to keep the doors open, travel to and from the venues and donate their time just for you.
You’ll Catch Me on a Sunbeam….
You’ll catch me on a sunbeam, as the light begins to fade.
Riding on a star stream, of every prayer I’ve ever prayed.
You’ll find me in me in eternity, for we’re all already there.
Spread out across the galaxy, with no crosses left to bear.
I’ll see you in a super nova, as your energy expands.
To catch a spirit falling over, landing in your healing hands.
We’ll see them in the Universe, every dream we’ve ever dreamt.
Every wish a wish so glorious, we know this life’s been heaven-sent.
So today’s the day for gratitude, for hope to fill your soul.
Embrace this sacred attitude, and let your sunlight make you make whole……
∞
Guest poem by Dominic Ruffy
Dominic is a Light-worker, working for the Amy Winehouse Foundation and other Rehab groups, assisting addicts and recovering addicts.
Holistic Words Quote
Sometimes it is important to gift your skills unconditionally – doing what you do for the sheer love of it – and, in turn, release the need to serve the ego. The ultimate reward is knowing that – no matter how small – you can help others without want or need of material gain.
~ Holistic Words
How Are You Feeling?
Are you busy? Do you feel as if you are running around, yet things just don’t seem to get done?
Is it just me or is there a mad rush, a panic in the air? Personally, the next six weeks are chock full of life, work, writing, events, meetings, courses, interviews.
There has also been a huge rank up in activity, for many spiritual and holistic workers here in the UK, and it would certainly be interesting to find out how the rest of the world is doing.
Has paranormal activity increased?
If you are a holistic or spiritual worker, are you seeing more clients?
If you are not a light-worker, have you been drawn to see someone or increased sessions?
Have your thoughts about everyday life changed in the last few weeks?
Has your intuition heightened or your beliefs changed?
Do you feel the need to leave your current place of employment/home and are searching for new experiences and surroundings?
I have soo many questions for you, yet these should provide food for thought and may inspire some more leading, personal questions for yourself.
Please let me know how you are feeling and how you are getting on. It would be great to hear you thoughts.
Andrea x
Welcome to Holistic Words
There are two sides to every story and at Holistic Words we love to give you both sides!
Holistic Words, the holistic and spiritual blog, now incorporates Holistic Words Media, a PR & SEO writing service, exclusively for the spiritual and holistic sector
Holistic Words will continue to share regular posts on the spiritual, metaphysical and holistic world. However, your story can now be told through the magic of PR and Holistic Words Media.
The choice is yours!
Have a browse through the Holistic Words categories, such as:
Creative Spirit ~ Spiritual Life ~ Spiritual World
Or pop over to Holistic Words Media, and find out more about the PR services available, exclusively for the Spiritual and Holistic Sector
Holistic Words
Holistic Words Media
Holistic Words
Holistic Words Media
Holistic Words
Holistic Words Media
Holistic Words
Holistic Words MediaHolistic Words is a
So What Now?
Roll on 2013!
Yes, I know it is early but there is no harm in looking forward to the future…..is there?
There is no denying that the last 12 months or so have been a time of great upheaval for many of us – financially, spiritually and emotionally – and perhaps we are not out of the woods, just yet.
Nevertheless, does it really matter? Do we need to understand exactly what is going on in our world at all times? Is it more important to live our lives with appreciation and gratitude for what we have right now? Do we really need, or want, to know what lies in store for us in the future?
The answer is very simple: Live in, and make the best of, the Now – this very hour, minute, second – as you can never get it back.
I have found this philosophy is gently trickling into the forefront of people’s minds. In addition, many sceptics (for want of a better word) have turned towards a more spiritual, holistic way of life, yet with a no-nonsense approach.
What do I mean by that? Well, on the harsher side of life, and if you look at what is going on in the world right now, people are dictating their own futures, and not leaving it up to the governing authorities to decide what is best.
The banks are decaying rapidly and, in turn, they are loosing their political golden carrot. The BIFF (bosses in fancy footwear), of historically great and noble corporations, have taken a massive popularity nosedive, suffering highly public humiliation, for their underhand and greedy dealings.
All of which, I attribute to a strong change in human attitudes and tolerance levels.
On a more personal level, this time last year I encountered many light workers – be they Clairvoyants, Healers, Spiritual Coaches – who began to question their core faith and beliefs. As a result, their energy levels and enthusiasm for their work weakened.
Nevertheless, they carried on utilising their skills even though, deep down inside, a war was raging, a conflict of intention and purpose. They just did not feel right and questioned how they could honourably help others, if they themselves did not wholeheartedly believe in their raison d’etre. Thus, an irritating game ensued, a frustration, a desperate need for something, anything, to happen.
The emotional highs and lows have perpetuated into 2012. Small sparks of ingenuity, coupled with self-doubt and a lack of confidence. Our very resolve, as spiritual beings, is still being tested with this contrast of help and encouragement, followed by desperation to find the ultimate objective, the end goal.
In the sales world, there is a phrase known as “The Take Away”. A salesperson tells you that you cannot live without his product (excitement) and then tells you that you cannot afford it (disappointment). Therefore, you either dig your heals in and bite his hand off or you admit defeat and walk away, head bowed.
However, the experience of such light and shade, lends us the quality to recognise the positive, good things in life. It is like a universal Q&A, helping us to realise our own personal thoughts, wants, needs and priorities. We could optimistically look at it as a wake-up call, asking us to address and realigning our emotional life balance. Furthermore, by viewing it as a welcomed occurrence, we can gain essential emotional power and inner strength.
We live in a reality where infinite possibilities are available. Yet, we must shed the suppressive barriers of our own making. It is time for us to realise that we are all-powerful, spirit beings
and we should revere ourselves as such, in order to reclaim our personal, emotional and creative sparkle.
What I am really trying to say is grab life firmly by the horns and say; “I am better than this, I can make a difference, I am powerful and I have the opportunity, at any time, to change my life”
You really only get one chance, just one shot, to experience this life before you are spring boarded into the next, so make it count. If you are not happy, then get happy. If there is something not right in your life, change it. If you have a burning ambition, make it happen. And with dog-eared determination, you really can do anything, in the pursuit of your own personal happiness.
To come full circle, here is my early prediction for 2013.………..
In spite of the Maya, we will see the New Year in, and welcome it, with great gusto. Though there will be further physical and emotional challenges ahead which will lead us towards a higher level of humanity. We will adopt a purer, more natural lifestyle, as global avarice declines. We will also see an increase in new ideas, new outlooks, new philosophies and new spiritual tools to work with. We should all be looking forward to this contemporary, innovative, creative and exciting chapter in our human existence. Nonetheless, that is in the future and it has not happened yet.
The most important gift you can give yourself is the gift of self-worth, self-approval, self empowerment and self belief; as the only one that can improve and create your prefect future is you.
{My article was first published in the Silent Voices Magazine, Aug 2012}
Related articles
- The Synchronicity of Evolution (holisticwords.com)
