Spring has arrived in all her glory. After much rainfall during the winter months, the coastal community where I live is alive with vibrant shades of green, purples, pinks, and yellows. I sit on my patio overlooking the quiet little canyon in Laguna Beach where I live and I feel peaceful. The giant cottonwood rustles as the breeze tickles her branches and the air is filled with bird songs and wind chimes. Peace.

It is these moments that I want to imprint on my heart and mind for future reference. When life's challenges "invite" me to explore the depths of what I've learned and who I am becoming, I want this peaceful moment in nature to soothe me, give me hope, and remind me that this too shall pass and balance will be restored.

Throughout the world we are watching situations where Mother Nature is actively tearing down everything in her path. It's difficult to see the impact of these events on the communities affected but we need to understand that this isn't a judgment or punishment for anything that people have done. Nature is not vengeful. She is going through a powerful process of transformation, restoring balance with the assistance of the elements. The dilemma is how do we come together to support the needs of those suffering without becoming hopeless or pessimistic? How do we envision a peaceful outcome and create hope?

Sandra Ingerman recently wrote an article for the Huffington Post, "How to Heal Toxic Energy."  She says,

"Throughout time spiritual teachings have taught that our outer world is a reflection of our own inner state of consciousness. When we look at the environmental pollution and the state of the world today we are seeing a reflection of our own inner world. If we want to change the world we need to focus on changing ourselves. And this includes the need to be more conscious of the thoughts we send out." Read full article:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sandra-ingerman/healing-energy_b_867267.html

We need to be conscious of our thoughts, words, and intentions, treating others with the kindness we would like to receive. As I have stated many times, we need to become the change we wish to see. How are you evolving? Consciously or unconsciously?

One of my favorite monthly newsletters is  "Astro Alchemy"rwritten by Simone Bulter. In her current newsletter she shares about the three eclipses we will experience between June 1 and July 1:

"The June 1 partial solar eclipse in jumpy Gemini (2:03 p.m. PDT) gets things going, followed by a total lunar eclipse in Sagittarius on June 15 and another partial solar eclipse in Cancer on July 1. Eclipses are known for bringing abrupt change, especially when they hit sensitive points in your chart...Consciousness is rapidly evolving as dimensions merge and a new world is born. It's our choice: adapt and flourish or resist and suffer.

Does something in your life need dramatic improvement? Since eclipses break through stagnant patterns, now's the time to align with the incoming energies and make a change..." Read the full report: http://www.astroalchemy.com/thismonth.html 

Here are a few suggestions for living more consciously with the intention of becoming part of the solution and helping to restore balance, first within yourself and then for the planet:

BE GRATEFUL. Gratitude transforms your negative thoughts and brings peace of mind. Make a daily list of ten things you are grateful for and read through them frequently. "When you are grateful fear disappears and abundance appears." (Anthony Robbins)

SPEND TIME IN NATURE. Sit with your back against a tree and relax. Just be. Take a walk in nature and listen to the sounds around you. Feel the wind, listen to the birds, smell the fragrance of the natural world.  "Reading about nature is fine, but if a person walks in the woods and listens carefully, he can learn more than what is in books, for they speak with the voice of God.” (George Washington Carver)

WATCH CHILDREN PLAYING. Or better still, play with a child! Pay attention to the freedom they experience when they are playing, especially in nature. "Creative people are curious, flexible, persistent, and independent with a tremendous spirit of adventure and a love of play." (Henri Matisse)

LAUGH. There is nothing as uplifting as laughing with friends. Seek out people who have a positive attitude about life and laugh often. Spend time involved in activities that encourage laughter. “Laughter is the spark of the soul.”

DANCE. Put on music that you love and move to it. You can be alone, with friends, in public, or in the safety of your living room. “To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful. This is power, it is glory on earth and it is yours for the taking.”

Celtic prayers have their roots in nature, the seasons, the elements and the beauty of the world around us. In closing I share this old Irish blessing with you.