Welcome the Rain

Picture: Google

A rare occurrence happened here in the desert today. It thundered and rained, for hours, at times downright pouring moisture from the sky. Several times I found myself drawn to the window, to listen to the thunder, to watch the drops falling, and to listen to the sound as they made impact with the roof of this house. My house, my home of 20 years. It probably be the last time that I’d hear this sound within these walls. I paused to take it all in, I wanted to remember the feeling.

I was thinking about how much I love the rain. From the sound, the cleansing metaphor of the landscape and the fragrant smell of wet sagebrush. How much I love to hike in a gentle mist, remembering the feeling of peace and serenity. It wasn’t long until I realized that it was that very feeling I was missing and yearning for. There hasn’t been much peace lately and listening to the rain falling took me back in a way, sorting what’s important, reminding me of who I am. Not that it all could be summed up in a thunderstorm.

It made me think of Germany where rain is in abundance. I remembered my time there and enjoying the mid summer showers that never lasted too long but cleaned the air, washing all the troubles away, even if just for a little while.

Physically, I felt strong today. The barometric pressure broke with the storm moving through and so did my pain levels. I was still fighting the fatigue and my body was still tired, but I didn’t feel super achy which makes all the difference.

On the Homefront, we were on a need to speak basis and a few uglies surfaced last night. “The tongue has no bones yet it is strong enough to break a heart.” And this is exactly what happened last night. It’s amazing how many times this old heart has broken already. You’d think there is nothing left to break, and yet the daggers still get through and hit like a bullseye right in the middle. I know it is because you are fighting your own battles and because you are afraid. And still, it’s not a comfort for me nor a consultation for you. These words linger and they have for years. These words, spoken in anger or fear are impossible to take back. We have reached the point where an apology does no longer suffice.

Here I am, standing at the window, remembering a book titled to welcome the rain. A title meant to remind me to dance in the rain, to jump in the puddles, to embrace the pain. To not mind getting wet and soaked, to let it wash away the tears and worries for awhile. I hope it will rain for quite some time yet.

Rest day – postponed

It’s been kind of non stop for me and for weeks now my days are packed with chores and activities. Just the other night I could have sworn I’d come down with something. I simply felt run down, the needle of my tank was on empty, leaving me with chills and the feeling of exhaustion. To the rescue came a big gulp of homemade Ginger Elixir (Dragons-Breath) and Elderberry Elixir (Dragons-Blood) to step up the immune system. Tomorrow I was surely going to slow down and take a rest day. It felt blissful to imagine the day with no chores, able to start and end it to my hearts content. Of course it never happened and before I knew it the day was filled with Radon, Home and Pest inspections, amongst t preparations for it and other stuff. Such is life in a schedule right now and other times are coming once more.

Coconut Oil Spa

My little bathroom retreat / tub corner with candle chandelier and lots of other candles. Dim the lights, turn into soft music, reiki music at a healing frequency is perfect, light the candles of course and sit back for awhile.

February, month of self care and purification. How well have you looked after yourself so far? Are you running out of ideas or need a few suggestions of how to spoil yourself without breaking the bank? How about a retreat right at home with this Coconut Oil Spa?

Once a week for 20 minutes, that’s all you need to commit to. Soak in a bath with a third cup coconut oil, (careful slippery) 20 drops of lavender oil, and 1 cup of Epsom salts. This combo draws out toxins, balances ph levels, and brings balance back into your being. Plus you sleep like a baby if done in the evening before bedtime, enjoying the calming effects of lavender.

Enjoy. 💙

The laws of detachment

I am talking about detachment today and how it has developed in my life so far. Here is a prior post from the time it first surfaced into my life.

https://rhapsodyboho.wordpress.com/2019/10/06/detachment/

Ever changing, hopefully growing and evolving is luckily a good thing for me. I don’t mind change and there is always something to learn on this path we call life. With it often comes the word of detachment and it has come up quite a bit. Especially in the later part of 2020.

Detachment made it’s debut in October of 2019 and made itself known to my conscious mind. Perhaps it was here before, but this time it was here to stay as if something had to give. A plan had to be developed, at least something had to be in the working, in progress of, changed. Detachment was no longer hiding in the background shadows. With news insights and life experiences deeper lessons were waiting to be learned. Perhaps it revisiting as an urge to further detach, to keep going on what in reality had been started so long ago. Maybe it reappeared as a celebration of how far I had come, cheering myself on from the sidelines to acknowledge the journey, to be proud of the steps, the times of struggle and the opportunities that l found lying in front of my door. Maybe it is to shed clarity, once more providing an honest look back .

I have done a lot of soul searching starting 2021 and I like where I’m going and how it is developing. And while detachment is growing daily from the life I have come to known so well, there is a peace like no other within me now. In recent posts I have expressed my opinion and feelings about giving ourselves far too little recognition and support. So don’t forget to acknowledge your successes and how far you have come. You have worked hard getting here, each and every day.

In my life, the change is still building, every day, in every action and experience. I am standing on the brink of a new world, on the brink of my forever. There is no fear, no worries. There is no need to have it all figured out. And when it does surface from time to time, it’s usually not here to stay.

As I review my path, I recognize the crossroads and the inability of accepting mediocre, of accepting anything less then I deserve. I guess I am coming into my crone, me goddess power. I know that each day without progress and inaction is a day that is wasted and a day I won’t get back, and yet if I need to take such a day to give my body rest or when it is tormented with chronic pain, then so be it too. I am no longer compromising, putting myself last, and I am listening a great deal and in many different ways. I don’t feel guilty or worry about coming across as selfish. Taking care of myself is essential, otherwise I am no good to anyone.

Detachments comes in many different ways such as acceptance. Here it reminds me that it is not the absence of love but the ability to take care of yourself in the midst of someone else’s choices. It is about letting yourself off the hook for their choices. It’s a nudge to re-instill that you can’t make anyone better then they choose to be, because they are doing this to themselves, not to you. It’s an urge to find compassion while loving them just the same. The laws of detachment are teaching me to allow others to be who they are, without imposing rigid ideas of what is right and wrong. It allows me to be who I am. To not force situations and to remember that solutions will emerge if you believe that even the uncertainty has a place in the grand scheme.

Morning Rituals

Morning Rituals Phoebe Garneworthy @lost_nowhere & Rhapsody Bohème

Maybe it’s time for the morning ritual post after all. Things are still not perfect after yesterday, but today seems like a good time to follow some of this advice and speed up my recovery out of the rut.

Mornings have become a sacred time for me and it wasn’t always so. I used to sleep later and basically missed watching the day slowly come to life. I didn’t get up that late, 8 or 9 AM but usually by then, the day was well on it’s way already with all the hustle and bustle. My Cinnamon Girl (puppy) is getting me up earlier these days and although rough at first, I have gotten used to it and even have come to like it.

I love the soft light in the morning, casting it’s beautiful glow and warmth’s through the patio glass door. You might find us snuggling up in front of it to soak up a few rays, or just sipping coffee. Well, me at least, not the puppy.

I remember growing up in Germany as a child. On school days, every minute it took get ready in the morning was calculated so I could stay as late as possible in bed, lol. It’s been years I have given that ion and I rather get up earlier so I can somewhat ease into the day. But lately this has taken on a whole new level. To be exact, over the past month, since Cinnamon came into my life. She is teaching me to enjoy my morning time even more. To start each day with laughter and cuddles and peace in my heart. She fills a space that was a black hole for many years.

I can’t help but to sit here and realize how important it has been for me to start my days the best way I can. To be calm and awake. To be mindful, to cleanse, set my intentions and manifest. Here are a few morning rituals that might help you set your day as well.

Cleanse and refresh – drink water or take a shower or bath

Attract abundance – write down 3 things you are grateful for

Connect mindfully – inhale and exhale five deep breaths

Ignite clarity and creativity – burn candles, incense or oils

Self heal – meditate for 10-30 minutes

Be open to change – stretch your body with yoga or dance

Manifestations – write down your goals / intentions for the day

Nurture with self love – go for a walk in nature

🙏🏼Namaste

Breaking the cycle

If you’re an empath, and just so happen to be an introvert on top of it, you will often find yourself carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. From time to time it just catches up with us, and we yearn for a break from all the times we had to be so strong.

I keep talking about what a huge transition year 2020 has been for me and it’s not over yet, and will cross into 2021. Eagerly I take each step, already looking forward to the next in anticipation of where it will take me on this journey called life. By now I have completely surrendered to being guided, and the only time I interfere is when things don’t feel right and are threatening my authentic self.

More and more it becomes obvious what I’m working towards and the rewards of such make every struggle worthwhile. I don’t complain and I recognize them as an essential step in the journey. I am picky these days, picky with how I allocate my time, who I spend it with and on what. It all has to allow time working towards a better future, while nourishing my soul, to stay healthy and as balanced as possible. When I say balanced I mean to support my health, since I fight a chronic autoimmune disease. It has taught me to look after myself more and putting myself first, I’m still a learner when it comes to that process but I’m doing it.

My plate is full with no boredom by my side, but I am not too busy that I forget to breathe deeply and take time. I have made it a priority and it is important for my mental and physical well being. As an introvert I need time in Mother Nature or time to myself to recharge. Gifting myself such moments is sheer bliss, but seldom understood by others. I come across as too busy and perhaps it must be boring to just sit there and gaze at the sky, to listen to the birds, marvel at the full moon, watch an animal nearby, smell the flowers, or daydream while letting my soul absorb the sweet nectar of such a precious gift. One persons boredom is my heaven and a time I need and commit to. Another is this blog, and a few more.

I have come to terms with so much over the course of this year. I am constantly adding more peace to what’s already within my heart. The struggle lessens more and more although some days still pack a heavy punch. Numbers appear as signs from the universe and especially today, the messages are so obvious and in plain sight. Three different number sequences appeared today with 777 being the last one.

“Don’t chase, don’t beg, don’t stress, don’t be desperate, just relax. When you relax it will come to you. Make your wants, want you.”

I am at peace and I am a warrior of the light. I am that person who breaks the cycle.

Where I was judged, I choose understanding.

Where I was rejected, I choose acceptance.

Where I was shamed, I choose compassion.

I am that person I needed when I was hurting, when I was growing up. I am not the person who hurt me.

I vow to be better than what broke me, to heal instead of becoming bitter. To act from my heart, and not my place of pain, no matter how many times it might be perceived as a weakness or foolish. My heart will not harden and it is not up to me to judge and punish those who take advantage of me, for they will have to answer in their own due time and my prayers continue to be with those. For they do not know what they are doing.

I am a warrior, the person that breaks the cycle and like a dear Sister always says “The revolution begins with me.” Come join us and see. But either way, please make sure to stop by her blog and say hello. You won’t be disappointed and she is simply amazing.

The Vagus Nerve

Picture from google

Just a few days ago I learned about the vagus nerve and I wonder if someone else has ever heard of it! It is the longest nerve of the autoimmune nervous system that regulates blood pressure, sweating, digestion, speaking, and heart rate. It relays anti-inflammatory signals to and from the gut, heart, lungs, liver, and spleen while promoting healthy digestion and vital living. But only when it is functioning optimally.

The article even suggested hacking the nervous system for healing. Now how would someone do this? Here are a few things we can do at home for vagus nerve stimulation.

1. Breathing exercises like Buteyko
2. Meditation
3. Exercise. Movement is good; too much is not
4. Yoga
5. Omega 3 rich diet
6. Probiotics and a probiotic-rich diet
7. Singing and chanting
8. Splashing your face with cold water
9. Hugging
10. Massages
11. Intermittent fasting

If you feel like your vagus nerve is not performing at optimal level, here are a few more things to research and consider.

1. Heal your gut. I have long believed that autoimmune issues develop in the gut, from conditions such as leaky gut.
2. Balance your minerals. Is your body too acidic?
3. LAUGH! Laughing is so helpful for the stimulation of the vagus nerve
4. Gargle daily
5. Work on neck and shoulder tension

I hope I have given you a glimpse into alternative treatments and considerations. All you have to do is pick one and commit to it. Once you have made it a habit you can layer on another, and so on. What you have to lose? Potentially feeling better and your health it’s what at stakes here. So let’s make a conscious choice, and pick one.

There are few on the list that apply to me and which could benefit from improvement. I am tackling a big one as I frequently deal with neck and shoulder tension. I have honest heart to hearts scheduled with myself to address the issues that cause these tensions. Hot showers and range of motion exercises will also be helpful alleviating some of the triggers.

Good luck everyone….

Work in progress – My About me page

rhapsodyboho.wordpress.com/about/

We are all work in progress and from time to time a update is necessary if we put pen and paper to who we are. Or screen and keyboard like it is in this case. You can can find this page under the menu section titled about me or the link above.

Much has happened on the Homefront since the last update and while essential fundamentals stayed the same, new wisdom and experiences were gathered, evolving me step by step into the person I am meant to become. Many of you have been there through the process and have guided me and thanks and gratitude for your time and efforts comes from the bottom of my heart. This is for you, for myself and a glimpse for my new followers that don’t know me this well yet. Thank you for believing in me, for your likes, follows and comments. For trusting in me and for choosing this humble blog worthy to fill a part of your day. It means the world to me.

Have you updated yourself lately. This year has been a wild ride and I’m sure there are things you can add to your repertoire. We are life long learners.

Namaste 🙏🏼

Your support network

Diagram by Danielle MacKinnon

I’ve been reading a new book called “Soul Contracts.” It’s another self help book that aids in finding harmony and your inner brilliance. It explains various soul contracts, human actions and decisions, as well as unconditional love, understanding the bigger picture, our connection to source (soul), the need for safety and our root belief systems.

MacKinnon explains that many unseen and unconscious energies influence our every day. They can cause us to behave a certain way, think a certain thought, or believe certain ideas about ourselves. All these energies are our soul contracts and are a part of our soul system. These ways of thinking, feeling and believing take away from our ability to discover who we really are. They prevent us from living the life we want to live and from having the relationships we so desperately crave. Many of these contracts are created by ourselves without us ever realizing.

Let’s say you experienced someone who made you feel that you are not good enough. Most likely this experience comes with intense negative emotions, heartache and pain. That is if you believed in it. If not, then you most likely laughed the whole incident off and it wasn’t stored as a painful experience. But let’s say they got to you and pain has arisen from it. Perhaps so much of it that you promised to prove them and yourself wrong. Guess what? You created a soul contract for yourself. A soul contract is born from a negative experience and is never derived from joy. However, soul contracts are not a negative or painful thing, and are often created to help us overcome a certain lessons, so don’t feel discouraged if you stumble across one. I know it sounds confusing but just think of it this way. Just because you had a negative experience (out of your control) doesn’t mean it has to stay a negative mark on your life (within your control).

Back to the example: By entertaining the thought of not being good enough it becomes a seed thought, something you come to believe and plant deep within your soul. It’s quite common that we adapt many of such seed thoughts which in return form our root belief system. Those are our experiences, what life has taught us. Each seed thought has its on emotions attached. These emotions live in our memory or our subconscious where they are stored. From there we learn how to react to a certain situation, how to protect ourselves, and how to avoid the pain that was associated with the experience. It’s almost like a self defense mechanism. What we often don’t realize is that some of these experiences and what once worked for us, lies many years back and is outdated.

Still it’s there for our resource, where they linger in the background. You might not notice them for a long time, until something happens that triggers that very thought. Now that same painful emotion surfaces and it will over and over again until you face and recognize as to why you feel this way. It’s not enough to say “oh I bumped into a soul contract” but you will also have to put in the work and analyze why you feel this way, what happened in the past and how you want to go forward in the future.

Now that the emotion has been recalled, it’s like getting a reminder. Memories surface and doubt creeps in whether you are going to be good enough or not. Your mind is racing and the struggle begins as you frantically add new elements to the equation, called anxiety and fear. Now your actions are driven by those emotions and all you can do is hope for the best. It’s almost paralyzing.

As you can see things can get quite complex as we try to figure it out and find our way. It can take years, perhaps a lifetime. This diagram in the book really made me think about our support network along the way. It helped me understand as to why people come and go in our life. We all are travelers, trying to find our way and it’s nothing personal. But if you have encountered someone by our side who is willing to stay the course and put in the work with you, consider yourself extremely lucky. It’s rare I think.

In an exercise MacKinnon prompts us to list all the people in our lives and place them on the according circle. And to be honest. You might be married but that doesn’t mean that your husband/wife is your soul partner. If there are things you can’t discuss and have to keep from him/her, then they are not your soul partner and perhaps just a friend. Maybe in some instances not even that anymore. As you place the people on your circles, take an honest look at the finished picture. It will also tell a story about yourself. Has your protection mechanism developed so strongly that you haven’t allowed people into your inner circle? Do you shut people out? Do you invite people into your life even though the friendship is all about them? What are you seeing?

I wanted to write this post and share a new perspective so you can give yourself a break. To perhaps understand some things a little better and hopefully gain some insights. I still see so many being so hard on themselves, as well as placing too many unrealistic conditions that only end in disappointment. Maybe we need to remember that we all fight unseen battles. Perhaps you fill out your own diagram and better understand how much unconditional love it truly takes to be there. Who is in your circle and in who’s circle do you belong? Do you believe that the people in your most inner circle can be there for you as you go through the process of mastering your soul contracts. As you go through the ups and downs, the hard work, and the amazing insights? Can they handle what you are saying? Will they think you are crazy? Do you have to censor yourself around them and tiptoe as to not bruise egos? And at the same time, can you be that very person you crave for someone else?

Closing note: Remember that it’s not quantity but quality of who makes your circle. If you are a loner and introvert, you might only have one or two people listed on it and that’s perfectly ok.

Journey into self love

It takes a very strong individual to sit with themselves, calm their storms, and heal all of their issues without trying to bring someone else into that chaos. Your journey into self love is just that….and you are doing it.