Imbolc

Imbolc celebrates the return of light as we have passed through the darkest hours of winter. Most of us have rested and become more withdrawn during the shorter, colder days. The earth begins to renew it's growth with the feeling of Spring just around the corner. Imbolc brings new life, a sense of joy with the imminent warmth of the Sun.

Similarly, it is a good time to plant our own seeds for emotional, mental and spiritual development. What do we want to grow, to harvest in our lives? What new pleasures do we want to experience? What projects do we want to embark on? Do we want to establish, re-ignite or continue to burn with the fires of passion?

Imbolc is a time to give thought to bringing about positive changes, to see emerging shoots and growth in our lives for the forthcoming Ostara - the Spring Equinox, when all life entwines in the riches of nature.

Meditation with Michael

Archangel Michael appeared before me and I immediately felt peaceful in his presence. As he stood facing me, he gently placed his left hand on my right cheek and his right hand carefully on my left shoulder, cupping my neck. It felt comfortable, warm and loving.

I closed my eyes and breathed in the golden light emanating from him. With tenderness, he said I was a beautiful being and I should never doubt myself. If I ever needed support I was only to ask and it would be provided. He told me to keep on my path and keep moving forward. Then I felt his left hand softly on my heart, Anahata – my heart chakra. It was warm and a bright light filled my chest and exploded through my body. It felt amazing and I breathed in every molecule.

Peace was with me again and the busy chatter in my mind had faded. As I opened my eyes, I was alone yet restored of energy and motivation.

This meditation came to me during Savasana, the final resting pose during a yoga class. We spent a lot of time focussing on opening the heart. I felt blessed to receive this message.

Tuscan Passion

I was recently blessed with an opportunity to travel to Italy. It was a destination high on my 'must visit' list, particularly with my passion for Renaissance art.

Rome is of course Rome. Grand, old, hot, and busy. The ancient architecture, ruins and art were simply stunning. But it was Florence and Tuscany that captured my heart. It was also visually and culturally amazing, but the people were also very welcoming.

It was in the little villages of Tuscany that I began to see the Italian passion for food and life. The produce was incredibly fresh and flavoursome, so much so that I thought it had to be organic. It not only tasted wonderful, it looked stunning too. Siesta is a reality - shops close for several hours and streets become quieter as locals gather with family and friends. The Italian's passion for food is so richly embedded into their culture that they grow their food with love, prepare their food with love and eat their food with love. It is just simply all about love.

Living in big industrialised cities and working in time pressured environments leaves us little opportunity to create our own haven of freshly grown produce. Perhaps a few herbs or a tomato plant in a box to get us started can help restore the connection to earth. In the very least I feel inspired to create my food with love, to really enjoy the preparation and be grateful for what I am about to receive to nourish my body. I may not have grown it myself and it may not be organic, but at least I can enjoy my food with love.