Meaning Archives - Page 2 of 2 - Mercedes Déziel-Hupé

Source: TheSacredFeminine.com

Until a few years ago, when there was all the rage with The Secret, most of us hadn’t even reflected on the concept of manifestation. I can’t speak for others, but I hadn’t thought that my thoughts could have an impact on my life. In fact, I didn’t suspect that my recurring emotions, mindsets and deep-rooted beliefs had any bearing on the opportunities that came into my life, the ideas I had or the company I kept. To me, it was all luck and fate.

Along with legions of people around the world looking for meaning, I watched and studied The Secret. Many areas of my life have improved since, but I can’t say that there were sudden, miracle-like changes following that enlightening film. That’s because that film is but the tip of the iceberg when it comes to manifesting. What the film doesn’t explicitly say, is that The Law of Attraction does not lead you to wants, if those are not in line with your beliefs. It takes the shape of the world you believe in; it reflects YOU. On that, the sequel The Moses Code is very enlightening. You can also find it on Gaim TV.

The 2 Lessons Missing From The Secret:

1-The Universe will give you more of what you believe, whether you think you want it or not. If you don’t want what you’re getting, take a look at what you believe – and replace it with something true to you.

I’m also on the journey of exploring my beliefs and my deeper, “agreements”. The areas of my life that are mediocre are that way because of something I believe. Whether we admit that we are responsible for attracting experiences or not, science has already shown the correlation of happiness and attitude.

I may not like to think that I’ve attracted student loans, or job losses or tax issues. I may not like the idea that I had a part in landing a job that lead me to a burnout. But on some level, I know that my beliefs about abundance and support had an immense part to play in drawing these experiences to me in the first place. I’ve often thought that money was hard to come by and that work was hard or that I had little support. The truth is, “truth” is relative and so facts may be interpreted differently depending on your perspective. Someone’s tragic car accident is another person’s wake-up call.

Granted, there are things that happen to us because of other people’s free will and this is a little bit difficult to comprehend in cases such as childhood illness, but the fact remains that perspective plays a big part in how events unfold. Some Holocaust survivors have reported living happy lives while depression soars among people who’ve never lived war. Let that sink in.

I decided to replace my “I’m not supported” belief with “the support I need comes to me”. This then becomes an exercise in perspective; whenever something happens that makes me feel unsupported, I review the event and look for the thing that does make me feel supported and focus on it. This then changes how I feel about, which usually leads me to a solution or at least closure.

2-The Universe will give you what you need. If your communication is off, your messages will be distorted. Find ways to reconnect to ease the process.

In First Nations cultures, there’s no doubt that the Universe is ONE and as humans, we’re children of Earth and Sky. From my understanding, Father Sky gives us a purpose; Mother Earth gives us presence. Father Sky gives us a soul and Mother Earth gives us a physical body and the human experience. They love us so much. Whenever I practice pranic breathing in honour of my spiritual parents, I feel a windfall of love and support. When we connect to the heritage of both are parents, which is to say we’re aware of our purpose and we’re present, then we find meaning. When we’re connected, they can provide for us.

Have you ever noticed how certain people are naturally happy, have a great outlook and seem unnaturally fortunate or lucky? Good things seem to happen to them and you wonder “Geez, I wish my life were that easy” or “I wish I were going on a trip in the middle of winter – how do they do it?”

They may not be aware they’re doing it or even adhere to the concepts I’m simplifying here, but these folks are simply enhancing their natural energy (their good vibes, if you will) through their beliefs. They’re probably also quite adept at practising gratitude or they’re good listeners. These are all practices of people who are mindful and present. In other words, they call “Earth Mom” more often to let her know how they are.

These “fortunate” people – let’s call them Naturals – probably know themselves very well and have a certain zest for life. Or perhaps they have a particular passion that drives them. In essence, they’re found purpose and created meaning in their lives.

I Want to Manifest A Better Life Now

In a nutshell, manifestation can only happen when there’s a connection (purpose and presence) and the right conduit (belief). Find the reason why you want experiences, people and things in your life and start appreciating where you are in the process, while keeping in your heart why you’re doing it.

Practising presence or “being in the moment” also makes it easier to break a pattern; the most powerful creative time (now). Awareness is only possible now and so is action. Those are key elements to breaking free from a pattern…

Adding more love to your thoughts, actions, beliefs and habits… I addressed this in my post on “Raising Your Vibe“. When we add love (whatever makes us feel loving) we make it easier to manifest our needs and many of our wants. Whatever that is for you, do more of it! If you like to cook or enjoy gardening, all the power to you. If you like to belt out Adele while you’re cleaning or you love knitting, then knock yourself out! Carve out time to do YOU and find ways to bring your jam into the less-awesome things we all need to do, whether it’s paying your bills or doing groceries.

Lots of love to you all on your manifesting journey!

The names Grey Owl, Morning Star and Crazy Horse have held a place of wonder in my mind and in my heart from a young age. I’ve pondered the nature of these names and of the practice behind it. I’ve also wondered about the meaning of clans and if they necessarily had ties to lineage. It would seem that as an adult walking into a culture that was never explained to me, my genuine curiosity is met with warmth and in time, I’m discovering the ways in which these practices hold meaning.

I was not fortunate enough to grow up in the tradition of my Cree ancestors, but I am trying to learn about their ways and find the wisdom in their customs, legends and beliefs. I was named in my late twenties and have only recently received my clan. How do a spirit name, a clan and a person interact?

The truth is, I’m finding out as I go. I have yet to fully understand what my name means, and I’ve even more to learn in regard to my clan.

What I do understand is that we are children of Sky and Earth. We are souls, who’re given a nature and a body. We have an essence that is both metaphysical and physical. We are gifted from our spiritual father and from our spiritual mother.

Spirit Names

In my limited experience in bearing a spirit name, I understand it as a gift from tFather Sky. It’s the guiding principle in my life and in finding myself, despite all the noise. A name is given by an Elder (or a family member), which is used in ceremony, during teachings or when in alignment with my purpose, my true nature. The name is given when the bearer is ready for the responsibility it entails, as the bearer grows into the full meaning of the name and carries this medicine with them. A name chooses the bearer. It is given as a ceremony and must be feasted and honoured.

Dodem (Clan)

Artist: Jim Oskineegish

A clan, or dodem (i.e. totem is an adaptation of the original word), is a soul family. It helps the clan member understand his or her nature and his or her role in the collective. This isn’t a blood line, as far as I understand it. Traditionally, members of the same clan wouldn’t marry, even if they were not related. My clan, or dodem, is a gift from the Earth Mother. It’s the group that shares my life mission, my values, goals and skills. Clans are also revealed in ceremony and should be considered an honour and it’s a privilege to be “accepted” into a clan. The clan chooses us, much like the name.

A clan is not to be confused with astrology or with power or spirit animals. Power animals (or spirit animals) are guides or helpers that come into our life and journey with us either for a temporary period, to help us learn a lesson for example or stick with us for life. These are considered helpers or teachers, but are not your clan. Your clan is essentially what you’re made of, where you come from and that does not change.

Both clans and spirit names are very personal because they pertain to our truest selves.

Source: Massiflux.com

There are many existing clans, depending on the beliefs and customs of the Nation to which one belongs. I asked a Cree Elder because my heritage is mostly Cree. There are far more than I could name here, but I have heard of Fish, Bear, Bird, Moose, Turtle, Wolf, Butterfly and Snake clans to name a few. A common approach when discovering your clan is to become familiar with the animal’s traits, qualities, habits and environments. This, in turn, helps us understand their medicine. What do they carry and what do they have to teach us about ourselves?

What About City Slickers?

In our contemporary world, finding your clan may mean something different to you. It may mean finding a group of friends who love and accept you for who you are. They support you in your life mission, when you are being authentically YOU. Your clan understands you because they are your kin on emotional and spiritual levels. Your clan acts as your support system. These are the people who share your values and your goals. They aren’t competing with you, but rather, are moving independently towards a shared vision and cheering you on.

Remember that First Nations do not marry into their clan, so it’s perfectly normal to find your clan as friends outside of your romantic relationships. Your clan’s place is that of your soul family, so if you have a complimentary relationship with your partner, that’s nothing to be concerned about.

I am fairly certain that my partner and I are not from the same clan, and for us, it means that our natures compliment each other. We share values and goals as well but we are not alike and that keeps things fresh. We also catch each other’s blind spots. Other clans can act as wonderful teachers.

I have met remarkable Moose Clan and Fish Clan Elders and one of my closest friends is Bear Clan. Because they differ from my nature, I learn from their personalities and perspectives.

Different Belief Systems

Artist: Norval Morrisseau

Whether you adhere to the spiritual concept of a soul family, in very real terms, or whether your belief system differs from this one, the importance of finding the people you most identify with will help you learn greatly about yourself. It will also provide tremendous support in being who you are and provide courage and inspiration. Your clan also offers safe haven and an environment to refuel. We may be born into families, but we all have clans, which may or may not be our physical families. This is something First Nations understood. We are given a physical family but we also have our heart-centred families – or rather, we find them and they find us.

I feel that I have gained so much from learning my clan. Many of my questions about myself were resolved instantly. Others will resolve over time and familiarity with the characteristics and values of my clan. I will study the characteristics of the emblem and meditate on its medicine.

Will you honour yourself by honouring your origins, and your clan?

Tag: Meaning (page 2 of 2)

Manifestation: 2 Lessons Missing From The Secret

Finding Your Clan

Spirit Names

Dodem (Clan)

What About City Slickers?

Different Belief Systems

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