2009: A Year For Making It Happen

Hurrah hurrah, for so long we have been learning our life lessons, plugging away at growing, onwards and upwards, ever striving and ever thriving...

Now, 2009 is officially the year of MAKING IT HAPPEN. Of applying all that we've learned. Of reaching our highest potential and manifesting that which we've been working towards all this time.

What are you manifesting? What are your gifts you'll be sharing with the world? What will you be doing to shine your light on the whole delicious Universe?

Wide-Awake Meditation - See a Beautiful World Around You (and Therefore Within)

A man in a biiiiig SUV nearly ran into me during a visit to Sydney last month. Had we collided, I would have surely been squished like a bug at a harvesters picnic. Although road rage would have been the easiest and most instantly gratifying behaviour, thanks to a new meditation style that I've been practising, I was able to step into a space of calm and benevolence. Instead of raging at this man for threatening my life, I was able to offer him kindness. Instead of driving away feeling violated, I drove away feeling warm, centred and most definitely empowered with the knowledge that I had behaved with grace and dignity.

The meditation style I'm referring to is called Sacred Vigilance. It is a revolutionary wide-awake meditation style that allows you to achieve the benefits of meditation even if you have mental clutter, a busy schedule or a general inability to meditate in the traditional sense.

In fact, it is the subject of my latest book, Sacred Vigilance, Wide-Awake Meditation. Over the past couple of months, I have been enjoying radio interviews and giving book readings around the country. Following are some of the more popular questions I get asked along with my answers.

Q. What's different about this style of meditation to the regular “OM” style?

A. Sacred Vigilance as an easy meditation style that doesn’t require quiet space, or even a quiet mind. In fact, you have permission to have a busy head which helps alleviate any habits of self-criticism for not being able to meditate “right”. Instead of sending your attention inward (as with traditional meditation), Sacred Vigilance lets you send your focus outward. It allows you to become highly aware of everything happening around you, become appreciative of the people you meet every day, and to recognise the countless blessings being showered upon you.

Q. If this is like the “express” version of meditation for busy people – is it just for corporate people?

A. The beauty of this meditation is that it can be done by anyone, whether they be experienced meditators or beginners. Career women love it, as do men, stay-at-home mums, and anyone who loves meeting for coffee. You only need one minute, one hour or one afternoon for this meditation to manifest abundance and happiness for all, including your Self.

Q. The first step in Wide-Awake Meditation is to open your eyes – does that go against the grain of “going within” style of normal meditation?

A. Being “wide-awake” during meditation allows you to harness your thoughts for emotional and spiritual well-being, thereby producing the same relaxing and soul-quenching effect of traditional meditation. Heightened awareness is about awakening the senses, enlivening the “attitude of gratitude” and enjoying the outcomes of the Law of Benevolence.

Q. Sounds like the perfect antidote to the doom-and-gloom that we are seeing on the news – why is that?

A. “Where your focus goes energy flows” ... As the expression indicates, you can choose whether you get dragged down by the bad news that sells papers, or whether you notice the gadzillion blessings that surround each of us. Noticing blessings helps you realise how lucky you really are, and when you're feeling grateful, you have peace of mind.

Q. Why is this style of meditation necessary?

A. Quiet meditation is a tool to achieve inner peace, which works well for many people for the short-term. Wide-awake meditation facilitates each person being able to identify key points that he or she wants to resolve, thereby achieving long-term inner peace via self-reflection. If the world inside your head is noisy, cluttered or self-deprecating then you'll probably find the world around you is fractured and confusing. By realigning your focus to seeing a beautiful world, a beautiful world is what you'll manifest.

Vibrational Essence 4: Primordial Mother

Mother love is arguably the strongest, most enduring love of all. Kwan Yin, White Tara, Mary and Demeter are just some role models who exemplify mother love in their bottomless, timeless and unconditional love for their children.

The primordial mother embodies love, compassion and trust. All these attributes are a two-way street for her – as happily as she gives these gifts to others, she receives them back unto herself. She never, ever allows herself to accept second best because she knows that in order to shower love upon others she must be ready to accept it in equal measure. The primordial mother revels in her self-respect, self-love and self-appreciation. Her inner child is a reflection of her perfection. Her heart is open and willing to trust. She thinks love; she is love.

Wow I loved making this essence. I know when my heart chakra is open because I feel a tickle. A spark. A smile that I cannot suppress... So when I was gathering ingredients for this essence, I was in heaven. And when in heaven, well, it's best to keep it simple...

• Geranium
• Pink everlasting daisy
• Pink succulent
• Aventurine
• An affirmation that I wrote especially for this blend: I am loved, I am lovely, I am love.
  
• All wrapped up in an abundance of pink feathers (pink is the colour of compassion and self-love, while feathers are a symbol of air, the element that represents the heart chakra).

And all this on a Wednesday. Wednesday was "...named after Mercury which rules over intellect, versatility, healing and mediation" (The 7-Day Chakra Workout) and is the day that resonates with the heart chakra.

Yum yum.

Vibrational Essence 2: Magical Muse

As you can see, these essences aren't being made in order. I'm allowing myself to be guided by Spirit as to when the right time for each essence is to be made. I'm so glad I did... this Magical Muse blend was made under the "smiley moon" witnessed here in the southern hemisphere on 1 December 2008 - a rare phenomenon that I would have missed had I made the essence straight away after creating the 1st essence (Warrior Queen).

This 2nd blend in the series correlates with the sacral chakra and is named after the archetype: Magical Muse.

Magical Muses are the goddesses that rule over creativity, self-gratification, abundance and the feminine divine: Ishtar, Venus, Aphrodite, and the nine daughters of the Greek goddess Mnemosyne… they show us how to creatively, emotionally and sexually connect with others with respect and fluidity.

The magical muse is able to accept change gracefully. She openly and readily releases any need to control external forces. She can step into the flow of life whilst maintaining her sense of purpose. She has a magnetic aura and her body confidence is alluring and sensual. As such, she loves words like succulent, curvaceous, juicy and divine. In the aspect of abundance, the magical muse naturally attracts that which is exactly right for her. She asks for what she deserves and gives herself permission to receive it. She relishes beauty, embodies grace and attracts both attributes with ease.

To make this essence, I gathered the following ingredients on the first day of summer:

• plants that drew my attention to them -- red-flowering gum, hibiscus (a diuretic to flush issues retained at all levels of consciousness), orange nasturtium (for clearing blocked energy), a flowering succulent (succulent is a great word to spark up the magical muse!) and a sprig from a money tree (representing abundance);
• red jasper (in feng shui it helps bring change, and metaphysically it helps detox the blood and blood-rich organs) and citrine (abundance);
• a cat brooch (feline qualities are housed in the sacral chakra);
• affirmation: I have an abundance of time, health, happiness and wealth.
  

After moon-bathing this wonderful mix under the smiley moon on Monday evening (a day named after the moon and which correlates to the sacral chakra), I rested the brew on a magnificent orange sheath that became part of my heritage during a stint at one of The Gift weekends. It was during this powerful rites to my Self that I became intimate with the wondrous layers of womanhood and came to appreciate my glorious Self fully.

And so, what a magical blend this latest vibrational essence has turned out to be!

Vibrational Essence 3: Daring Diva

Any goddess or patroness that inspires you to step into your own personal power is a Daring Diva: the Greek maiden Persephone, volcano goddess Pele, Babylonian goddess Lilith and moon goddess Artemis are just a few role models.

A daring diva is able to present her stunning and glorious Self to the world whether the world likes it or not! She is absolutely real whether she is performing on stage in the lead role, supporting from back stage or simply content to be relaxing in the audience. She rises above superficiality and allows her authenticity to be her guiding force in decision-making and her actions. She is intrinsically connected to her intuitive Self and she is readily able to marshal her personal power for her highest good. She knows that anxiety and ‘butterflies’ that sit in her belly is simply her inner tigress preparing her for success.

I was out walking when the idea came to me for a vibrational essence to assist with adding spark to the daring diva... It is when I'm walking that I'm in my most delicious state of clarity. In this state, I realise how easy life is, how perfectly at home I am in my body and person, and that I have thousands of reasons to be happy.

So, on this day, a Tuesday, I asked Spirit to send me the ingredients I needed for this blend, to associate with the solar plexus chakra.

Spirit sent me:

• Yellow kangaroo paw: allows us to be tolerant of mistakes in our selves and others;
• Nasturtium to kick-start stagnant energy;
• Tiger eye gemstone;
• I wanted a yellow ribbon to place around the brewing bowl to represent "boundaries", but instead I tripped over a yellow power cable (ha!) so used that instead. I shaped it into a shining star around the bowl;
• Affirmation: I am my own tigress mother, daring diva and super star.
  
• The flowers were picked during a "power walk" to add to the em-powerment of the blend;
• Blended on a Tuesday: "The solar plexus chakra rules our personal power, fear, autonomy and metabolism. 
It resonates with the planet Mars, after which Tuesday is named. Being the planet representing war and conflict, it took on the male energy of the Roman god of war, Mars. Tuesday, therefore, is the perfect day to think about all things associated with courage, action, initiative and daring. When balanced, this chakra brings us energy, effectiveness, spontaneity, and a healthy sense of Self." (Extract from The 7-Day Chakra Workout) And a healthy sense of Self = Daring Diva.

Finally, I wanted to use a sunflower. Out of all the plants and flowers I passed on my walk, none of them scream "DIVA!" more than a sunflower. When I was nearing home and still no sign of a sunflower, I asked Spirit, "if now is the right time to create this blend, please send me a sunflower."

Even though I meandered streets and walked further than I normally would have, I did not find a sunflower in anyone's garden nor in any public parks. So when I returned home, I accepted this as a sign to wait. But then I pulled out my iPhone to read the time, and WOW, there was a picture of a sunflower on my screen.

Thank you Spirit!

So instead of using an actual sunflower in the blend, I used a sprinkling of sunflower seeds. Afterwards, I sprinkled the seeds throughout my garden and look forward to seeing them grow. Seeing each flower turn her face to the sun will strengthen my intention to be a Daring Diva in every aspect of my life.

Love love love,
Anita

Vibrational Essence 1: Warrior Queen

History is saturated with the deeds, ingenuity and strength of Warrior Queens: Greek goddess Athena, Celtic queen Bodicea, Egyptian pharaoh-queen Hatshepsut, Elizabeth I, Marie Antoinette... the list is as endless as it is inspirational. All these queens share common attributes of resilience, poise, self-assurance and a dynamic presence.

Warrior queens have unshakeable trust in their abilities to lead. Without hesitation they are prepared to stand up for their rights and the rights of others who rely on them for security. They forge ahead despite (or because of) obstacles. They carve their own path and lead by example. They stay balanced in times or duress, and connected to their traditions and sources of inspiration whether they be at war or in peace. They are in tune with their physical body and respond to threatening situations rationally. And, they are deeply connected with Mother Earth and humanity.

To make this essence in honour of the Warrior Queen, I was guided to Kings Park in Perth. I strolled the gardens with my daughter in her pram, drinking in the spring-time sunshine on our faces, listening to the children playing in the park, avoiding the two rangers who seemed to be stalking me each time I stopped in front of a garden bed...

I had written a list of the particular flowers I was seeking, but each time I bent down to pick one a ranger would appear. So, I took that as a sign to release my expectations, and trust that Spirit would send exactly that which I needed to create an essence to ignite Warrior Queen energy within women. The minute I surrendered my expectation, whammo -- along came the ingredients:

• Zamia Warrior: it's a very TOUGH plant with spiky leaves and pods designed to protect it from dinosaurs;
• Coast Sword-Edge: a frond (a "sword") fell off this plant as I stopped to read the title plate;
  
• Soil from the dinosaur garden: this earth link signifies the deep and biding relation between our "now" and our ancestry throughout all time. It signifies our connection to humanity and all of Mother Earth's living creatures;
  
• A feather from a raven: According to Australia's the world's most gifted animal shamanist Scott Alexander King, the raven represents LAW. As do warrior queens;

To these ingredients, I also added a raw garnet and an affirmation "I am Queen of my Self". I also placed the brew underneath a striking red painting so that the sun reflected powerful red energy into the brew.
Mm-mm-mmmmmmmmmm!
xx Anita

Vibrational Essences: The Journey Begins.

Ever since selling my business, (Goddess Playshops), to two gorgeous souls (watch out for the re-launch in February 2009), my head has been overflowing with new ideas -- new products, new articles, a new movie, new initiatives, new opportunities...

One area I've been guided to work in especially, is in the creation of 7 vibrational essences to inspire the 7 archetypal energies within...

I published an excerpt of The Goddess Diet (book to be released in 2009) in the October issue of Living Now magazine. I have never received such an overwhelming response as I did for the "See A Goddess in the Mirror in 7 Days" article. It confirmed that the seven archetypes I identified struck a deep chord within women. My readers recognised each of the aspects of goddess within themselves. What's more, they connected with each of the aspects. They aspired to BE each of the archetypes. Wonderful stuff.

So, after much contemplation and preparation, this week I embarked on my first vibrational essence to assist women with inviting in the archetypal energy they seek.

It was a fantastic, inspirational, fulfilling, yummy experience. Normally I spend a lot of time doing trial-and-error with my product development, but with this first essence, I am thrilled to report that I absolutely ROCKED IT FIRST TIME. I'm so excited... Spirit is certainly revealing great things!

I'll be blogging my journey through the 7 essences here, so stay tuned...

:-)
Anita

Free books

I have just moved house and in the process, found a dozen copies of the 1st edition of The Goddess Guide to Chakra Vitality. I would rather they were being of use to someone who needs a copy rather than have them gather dust on my shelf. That's why I've decided to give them away to anyone who:

• has thought about buying the book but hasn't been able to afford it or access it (for whatever reason);
• understands the books I'm giving away are 1st edition and is a "lite" version of the current edition;
• is willing to contribute some sort of energy exchange in return for the postage of their free book.

Q: How Do I Qualify?
A: Add a comment about why you would love this book in your hot little hands. The 12 most creative answers will win a book. I am happy to post them anywhere in the world, so no matter where you live, you are welcome to enter. Make sure you let me know how to contact you if you win! I will be picking winners on 1 December so get those goddess juices flowing :-)

Thank the goddess

When you are happy, praise goddess
When times are hard, seek goddess
When you are in solace, worship goddess
When you are in pain, trust goddess
And for every other moment, thank the goddess

Source: ThankTheGoddess.com

I wish for... my family's happiness

I wish I may,
I wish I might,
Enjoy my family's happiness,
Day and night!

Thanks WishGoddess for granting my wish today!

:-))))

Love love love,
me

Goddess Time

Continuing on with the "fun goddess" theme, I've come up with the manifestation of "Goddess Time" - a heart-shaped watch with the frolicking goddess (famous for her appearance on the cover of The Goddess Guide to Chakra Vitality by Anita Ryan-Revel).

Now you have the perfect reminder that every moment is "Goddess Time". There are no numbers on the face so that you don't get bogged down by "regular time". Every time you check what time it is, you can say to yourself, "who cares? It's goddess time!" Check it out.

Aussie Goddess: Leonie Allan

This gorgeous "custom soul art" was created for me* by this month's Aussie Goddess, Leonie Allan.

Leonie is an awesome artist, photographer, circle caster and GODDESS. Enjoy her insights on how she incorporates Spirit into the every day in order to reconnect with her inner goddess.


* Disclosure: I commissioned this piece. Like 100% of posts on this blog, this is not a sponsored post. I am introducing Leonie to you because she is truly a magical, inspirational, sparkling, joyous Aussie Goddess, and I know you will love her as much as I do :-)

Goddess Bless America

Oooooooh I had some fun this week coming up with a "Goddess Bless America" theme... a nice little play on the "God Bless America" catch-cry, and one that's popular with goddess gals with a sense of humour. Now this catchy little image is on t-shirts, mousepads, teddy-bears, aprons and even a throw pillow. Who'd have thought I could do all that in one evening? Goes to show, when she wants it to happen, she makes it happen in Goddess Time.

Somehow "Goddess Bless Australia" doesn't have the same ring to it, but you never know what will happen next. Stay tuned... ;-)

One-minute wisdoms on a phone near you

Launched: igoddess.mobi ... Start each day with an affirmation that promotes a sense of "goddess- ness" within you. I'll be posting bite-size bits of wisdom to igoddess.mobi each day to help you step into your goddess space and claim the glorious Self you were born to be. To view these messages on your phone, simply visit igoddess.mobi and begin affirming, journaling, do-ing or be-ing -- whatever you are guided to do after reading each day's one-minute wisdom :-)

Being Goddess is Easy!

Some people think that being goddess has to be hard work. Truth is, being goddess is as easy as a walk in the park!

Best of all, it only takes three easy steps to become goddess.

Read the three easy steps here, in this article by Anita Revel.

Goddess TV

At last! A home for "goddess" themed movies and inspirational videos: GoddessTV.com . It's only in baby stages at the moment, but soon I'll be putting the call-out to InnerGoddess members to contribute their creations... if you're interested in show-casing one of your masterpieces, visit GoddessTV.com to submit your ideas.

Goddess On Board

Click here to read the Top 5 reasons why you need this "Goddess On Board" bumper sticker on your car's rear window...

Dads in Distress

Five men suicide each day in Australia. How can we, as their goddess sisters, help? Read the article here.

How Affirmations Are Evil

I received a letter from an InnerGoddess member that concerned me. Actually, it concerns you too which is why I'm sharing it with you -- it's a perfect illustration of how affirmations can be used for "evil".

Read the article here.

the Love and Blissings Book

Prayers for strength, healing and unconditional love gain momentum when spoken and shared by many, so don't forget to sign the "Love and Blissings Book"... lodge your request for loving support, or pledge that you will send your loving support to those who request it. Read the full post here

Pay It Forward Day 2008

There is tremendous power and positive energy in giving - indeed as there is in receiving.

In the past it was easier for me to receive only once I'd reached a "bank balance" of giving. I wouldn't ask a friend for help with babysitting unless I'd done something to earn "credit points" with that friend, for example. Or I wouldn't say "I need a break" to the boss unless I'd billed more than my target sales, as another example. In the meantime I compromised my health and my relationships simply because I felt too unworthy to ask for what I needed (and often deserved!)

But now, I am able to ask and receive exactly what is in my highest interest to receive. And I give, not to earn credit points, but simply because it is a joyous and gratifying thing to do.

So whether you're like the "Old Me" who is unable to ask for help until you've offered it first, or like the "Now Me" who can ask and offer help with equal measure, consider joining in the fun and altruism of PAY IT FORWARD DAY on 4 April 2008.

Hundreds of people from around the world (including me) have already become Champions of PIFD... on 4 April we'll be doing our darnedest to pass on random acts of kindness in order to help someone else.

You don't have to spend a lot of money to pay a kind act forward. In fact, if you're creative you don't need to spend any money at all! Some simple ideas of what you can do include * Paying the toll for the car behind you * Giving up your seat on a bus or a train for someone else * Giving flowers to a sick person in hospital * Giving your frequent flyer miles to a homesick family

What are you planning to do? Inspire us! Share here...

Introducing my little star

Three weeks early and weighing 6lb 7oz, my little shining star was born on Friday 22/2 in Perth. We didn't have a name picked out for our little "Bebe", but after 24 hours of getting to know her we were guided to name her Phoebe Ostara.

The name Phoebe means "bright, radiant; the shining one". Ostara is the goddess of the dawn (her name translates to East), and represents new beginnings and divine balance. I look forward to seeing how the energy of her name transpires to bring her joy and success as she grows up :-)

I was supported by friends around the world who were lighting candles and saying prayers for the safe delivery of Phoebe and the wellbeing for both of us. Knowing that these intentions were being offered on my behalf was an incredible source of comfort and strength for me. Thank you. Having been surrounded by boys all my life, it's a joy beyond measure to have this precious little girl enter my life.

As for Blaze, our big boofy blonde wonder dog, well, let's just say he doesn't have a clue what's going on -- he's just wondering what this little lump is, and why the heck it's taking ALL the attention of everyone in the household...

Thank you everyone for your emails, text messages, smoke signals & phone calls. How lucky can one girl get?

Goddess Birth Signs - What's Yours?

Pre-dating Astrology are the ancient gods and goddesses of all time. Each culture had its own divine being or pantheon of deities, yet they all transcended earthly borders and time with common attributes: security, creation, power, benevolence, judiciousness, wisdom and divinity.

And, each deity's energy was more evident at certain times of the year, season or moon cycle than at other times. But just like astrology, goddess energy defines who we are and what our life purpose may be.

Read the article at GoddessBirthSigns.com, then return here to share your thoughts -- does your goddess birth sign resonate with you?