The Guard at the Door

Many of the Western World know they have tipped the scales. Some just a pound or two while others a great deal more. Why do we find dieting so difficult and why does weight-loss return? Is it your body’s survival mechanism, fearing another drought grabs and stores fat in case of famine? Or it is all too easy to slip back to the familiar patterns which create excess? Perhaps, it is the strong body/mind connection in our subconscious needing that weight as it supports. I suspect all play a part in this frustrating script of shape-shifting.

Fat is stored energy. No matter how much we carry, or how it got there, as well as feeling uncomfortable, undermining our confidence, it has to also be serving us. This maybe hard to get your head around but as there is positive and negative in all things, all situations, there has to be a positive reason for re-gaining lost pounds as well for the lack of drive to shift the excess. Perhaps a protection, literally acting as a buffer from the outside world, comfort, a support, or a belief that this is who we are. When we strive for an energetic shift all parts of ourselves need to be on board, otherwise it becomes something “I should do.” The word ‘should’  creates a pressure and often to get away from pressure we give up and return to the ‘familiar norm.’

The holistic approach to wellness connects the mind with the body. What we think or feel registers in the physical and like-wise what happens to the physical effects within. We are biologically designed to survive, adapting when and if needed. This  internal scanner strives to keep us safe. It is like having an inner guard always on duty, your personal body-guard. His job is to ensure your belief patterns  stay intact, no matter how outdated.

Imagine the mind like a field with a path going across it. It makes sense that the more we take the path the easier to cross the field. To form any new pathway (creating change, new habits) it takes more effort. To trample down the grass we need to lift our legs that bit higher. Remember that part that wants to keep us safe? Our guard at the door? He doesn’t want things to change, always hanging on to established paths. He knows they work making his job easier. Familiarity feels comfortable, even when it is not. So, even if our behavior to the outside world seem contra-productive, there is a reason why we keep repeating the same thing.

Want to shape-shift? Work first within the mind and the rest is physics. If you take in more energy than you use, you will gain weight. Fat is stored energy. If you are over filling your storage facilities, suffering a lack of energy or drive and are ready to reclaim your energy, you need to speak to the guard at the door. As long as he knows you will be safe – I have no doubt he will agree to your plan. Energy used equals less in storage.

Join me on my fast paced, eye-opening 1 day workshop ‘Lighter Brighter You – Kick Start Weight-loss’. Discover the key and open the door to successful  shape-shifting. Re-program or reassure the guard at the door. When this belief  unlocks the need to refill the empty coffers is no longer. The body/mind are in agreement and a new path takes form.

Lighter Brighter You – Saturday June 30, 2012 – Norwich – Find out more – visit www.cindyhurn.com

Thank-You Day Forming a New Tradition

As any ex-patriot knows there will always be a missing for bits of the old. Emigrating from the States, I miss my hot-fudge sundaes, the sound of snow shovels scraping against pavements of a cold New England winter and my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving or now more fondly called Turkey Day.

Thanksgiving is all about the fellowship of family/friends sharing the traditional turkey dinner. Everyone eating much as they can and then stuffing-in even more. I have fond childhood memories of being allowed to eat as much pie as I wanted. With a choice of Chocolate or Butterscotch Cream, Apple, Mince or the much sought after Pumpkin Pie I inevitably grazed on them all. Unlike Christmas, this holiday has a very different feel to it. Unless hosting the dinner there is very little to do other than to turn up, eat and lend a hand with the dishes.

Other than the discomfort of an after dinner waist line, what is it about this holiday, this tradition? What are we celebrating? For our forefathers, it was a celebration of Thanksgiving. The pilgrims with the help of the Native Americans made it through the first winter and with a successful harvest were thankful that this next one would be easier. In gratitude for support and knowledge shared in their new home they held a harvest feast inviting the Natives in gratitude.

Thanksgiving is a celebration of bounty and of thanks. Though like many traditions through time this essence has watered down and perhaps now, focus is more on a huge family meal, time off work, Thanksgiving Day football and Black Friday, the biggest shopping day in the year. The bounty has overshadowed the thanks. Though, however, we choose to celebrate, laced within this tradition is the essence of gratitude. For myself, it holds special fondness because of this core.

Living in England where no such holiday and missing the day, set me thinking. I could hold my own Thanksgiving, perhaps on the Sunday before or after. But the problem I envisioned was although friends and family would enjoy the day without tradition, this would just be a really huge Sunday dinner.  Being the deep thinker that I am, I wanted the emphasis more on the thanks – giving rather than my turkey dinner.

So, it just made obvious sense that if there is no tradition over here it was time to start one. Thinking March is in need of a holiday, encouraging the return of spring, I settled on the first Sunday of March for my day of Thanksgiving. Dutifully naming it Thank-you day, the name is exactly what it says. A day of thanks.

My vision for this new tradition is about appreciating the essence of gratitude. We in the west have so much, giving us the luxury of moaning. While others focus on survival many of us focus on accumulation. With an imbalance on want rather than need we now find ourselves in turning tides. As the financial crisis changes the world around us it also changes our behavior. It is a time of developing awareness not only of behavior, choices and actions but in a very positive way drawing our awareness to the bigger picture as we stop thinking of me and start thinking of we. Which is a good thing.

So what does Thank-you day look like?

Remembering the essence is gratitude, what and who are we thankful for? I envision the people of Great Britain taking time-out to say thank-you to those who have added richness to their life. We are surrounded by the bounty of so many who affect our lives in positive way, whether a good friend, neighbor or someone who has just made your life easier, gave you the answers you needed or for unsolicited support. It is a day of gratitude awareness and of saying thank-you.

What I imagine is a new tradition with people writing notes of thanks – posting them or on the morning popping them through letter boxes. (Although more likely Internet thank-yous would be flying through the air). However expressed, our gratitude of unexpected thank-you will touch hearts.

Sitting here now, there are so many I could and would want to write. It is not about having to say thank-you but  rather wanting to say thank-you. Enjoying the feeling of connection when we appreciate one another. For example, I could write a thank-you to my mechanic who has always looked after my cars. Has been a great guy both assessable and professional and made my life go that more smoother. Or my dentist for ability and skill or maybe my neighbors for being considerate as neighbors. As well the more obvious a friend for helping out through the year. Just a little note, nothing elaborate but one that offers appreciation of another. Our hearts become richer in the process.

The other part of the day is the Thanksgiving Feast with family and friends all joining together to share food. Maybe not the turkey dinner of recent Christmas past. It could be your own tradition formed. I like the idea of a pot luck meal. Everyone bringing a homemade dish of food to share. With the emphasis on the thank-you, it is a day of appreciation and celebration for all that is right within the world. Perhaps developing into community feasts, sharing with the less fortunate, taking away the separation and inviting the essence of gratitude.

We must never underestimate the power of gratitude for it takes down all barriers, opens hearts, reconnects and aligns us to not only to ourselves but to one another. Thank-you Day is a yearly reminder that we are all in this together and shares the light of the heart on a much bigger screen.

I believe that as we are all in this together, let’s choose change which reflects harmony, positivity and heart. Join me on my campaign. I can use all the help I can get to put this message out quickly. As you celebrate the first ever Thank-you Day, enjoy the lovely feeling of gratitude. As the heart opens, smiles abound.

Many Blessings,

Cindy

www.cindyhurn.com

Wisdom of the Rudder

When asked, “What brought you to England?”

“A thought.’” is always my reply.

It happened one morning, 27 years ago. Without any previous contemplation and totally out of the blue I heard, “Move to England.” Delivered like a prismatic lightning flash and with a crystal-clear voice that directive ended up changing my life forever. At the time, I was the last person one would expect to make such a dramatic move. Having never traveled nor with any wish to, I felt quite content in my life, good friends, close family, creative job, 2 lovely cats and a beautiful flat.

I remember the shock of my Dad later that afternoon when he asked “What’s new?”

“I am moving to England.”

“What? Why?”

“I don’t know why. I know I just am.” My voice was calm with acceptance which was to set into motions one of the biggest transitions in my life.

The rest as they say is history. My present life reflects all the changes which followed because I trusted that simple and clear prompt. Always an Intuitive, it was quite common for me to hear, feel or sense the directions of my inner sat nav, my intuition. So, really it was not a total surprise for those I loved as they waved goodbye and watched me struggle with my huge trunk full of belongings.

Looking back now, from here to there, if I hadn’t taken that leap into the unknown, I can see so much of myself would never have unfolded. Sure, other events would have taken place and of course I will never know what would have happened if I chose to stay on that path and where it would lead. What I do know, is I am so thankful for that trust. Smiling, I realize now it never even entered my mind to question or ask why.

Trusting the sat nav of your soul as well as helping you to see what is around the corner, clarifying decisions it also makes our minds much more flexible. Not only are we able to see the bigger picture but are also more comfortable with stepping out of the natural order of things. Thinking out of the box.

When first married we lived in a very small flat. At the time I was looking for a studio to set up my fashion design business. One afternoon a large truck pulled up and amazing my husband, all sorts of counters, clothing rails, light fittings, shelves etc. piled up high on our lawn. Wondering my reason for buying the entire contents of a shop-fitting close out and where on earth was it all going to fit, he knew enough to trust me when I calmly said, “It just makes sense that if we have the inside, the outside will be soon to follow.”

Dutifully he helped to drag it all in. It was a tight fit. In order to get the free-standing counters off the lawn and in the dry we ended up throwing out our bed and sleeping on top of them. But not for long, as my knowing proved right. Soon the most lovely studio came my way. When it did all that stuff dumped unceremoniously on the lawn, fit absolutely perfectly, making the idea workroom. I was in business. Trusting your intuition leads you to another way of thinking, one which proves itself time and time again.

When we awaken our intuition or awaken to our intuition we access a more creative mind. Like diving into a pool of great depth we discover there is so much more and through  this inner-connection we awaken more into ourselves and ultimately the world around us. Strengthening the intuitive connection is like putting a rudder on a boat. By very little effort on the surface we can change directions or hold better the direction in which we move.

Our intuition, our  sixth sense is exactly that. Like the other five it is there to serve. But unlike the others it’s a bit shy, speaking softly it can easily be pushed into the background and forgotten. Always it guides but seldom do we listen. This rather forgotten or undervalued part of ourselves – just makes sense. Not necessarily logically but fueled by emotional intelligence this inner support system is truly amazing. The more we learn to trust and pay attention, out of the wings it flies, taking center stage in our life. Reflecting on it’s prompting and insights life certainly becomes more interesting as we let it do the job it was born to do. Guide us.

I can’t imagine my life without this inner directive and indeed richness. Not only does it guide but as well teaches. Affording me a depth of perception that helps me to see the bigger picture in whatever the situation.

27 years ago it was a thought that changed the tides of my life but it did not stop there. Indeed because of this leap, totally into the unknown, so much has become known and always I will have one hand on that rudder as often it senses before I can see where I am going. So, it is not my hand that turns the rudder but the wisdom of the rudder that moves my hand.

To launch an exciting Autumn Program of Personal/Spiritual Transformational Workshops Cindy offers ‘Awakening Intuition’. An inspiring 2 day workshop reminding us of this amazing inner-support system. Cindy invites us to take the deeper dive and learn to trust the soft, still voice of perception. Intuition senses the best way forward and as we awaken to better communication with this sat nav of our soul – life does indeed gather richness. This course will change your life.

Held in Norwich and running the weekend of Oct.15th & 16th ‘Awakening Intuition’ has limited availability. If  feeling a pull or prompt I would suggest you book early as in this instance I am only taking 10 students and already there are places booked. For further information and to register your place e-mail cindy@cindyhurn.com

www.cindyhurn.com

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Where Treasure Lay

The other night I dreamt I went into a shop to buy some stamps. I delved deep into my hand-bag, resorting to emptying all the change found at the bottom on to a tablecloth. Finding what I needed, I noticed a tiny disk no bigger than a pin head mixed in with the coins. I asked the woman serving did she know what it was. She told me it was a very rare and valuable coin of which there are only 9 left in the world. I wondered how it had found it’s way into the bottom of my bag.

The dream then changed. I was now across the room with the table-cloth all askew. Confused by the skipping of time I suddenly realized the coin was missing. With no luck I carefully searched the cloth, hoping somehow it was still in it’s folds. Looking around I noticed the shop was dark, crammed full and there were large cracks between the floorboards. The coin was so minuscule I wondered if it were possible to find or indeed it was lost. What was the best thing to do?

Within a second of that question, the answer came.  Going over to the woman I told her what happened, suggesting she keep an eye out as perhaps her luck would be better than mine.

It was in that decision the teaching of this dream wrapped itself around me. I had a choice. I could have turned everything upside down. Searched frantically even though somehow I knew the coin was not mine to find. It would have caused all kinds of upset of what could have been, what I could have had, could have done. Bemoaning the lost of a treasure which I never even knew I had would have left me upset, bereft.

But, then maybe it wasn’t lost. As it was the woman who told me about the coin and its’ value, perhaps, it was for her and I simply carried it this far for her to find.

It was her treasure not mine.

Awakening, I knew in my awareness the real treasure lay. I hadn’t lost it nor could I ever. True wealth lies within. Found in the richness and generosity of Spirit, we it’s carriers. It can spill forth suddenly when you are looking for something else or when we  make the choice to give. Either way, all of us are richer because of it’s sharing.

The Dream-World hosts vast knowledge. As a Lucid Dreamer and Spiritual Mentor I draw inspiration, intuitive insights and Spiritual teachings from this inner landscape. In fact, many of my courses and workshops come directly from ‘teaching’ dreams. Although Dream-Wealth is available to us all, to access and retain this wisdom, one-first needs to know how to knock upon it’s door.

Dream-Work plays a large part in all my Personal/Spiritual Transformational Development courses and workshops, known as the ‘Awakening Process’.  Also offered is a 7 month Spiritual Mentoring Program the ‘Awaken Path” for those of you drawn to the Mystery Schools. For further information about my upcoming program as well as personal Spiritual Mentoring Packages e-mail cindy@cindyhurn.com (My new website www.cindyhurn is in process, look for it in July.. somethings just take time.)

The Lesson of Osiris

I am having trouble with the cat.

Originally a stray, Osiris has lived with us for 5 of his 7 years. In the beginning he would hide for hours somewhere in the house needing to feel safe. Little steps but eventually he’d sit next to us on the couch accepting closeness but the smallest unexpected sound, like a sneeze, would set off his wild side and he would be off like a shot. With patience and love there has been great change. As he learned to trust he began to relax. I was so pleased with my ‘cat therapy’ and looked forward to him learning to give back as well as to receive. It’s been a challenge for not only him but me as well. My last cats were with me for 18 years and I am missing that intimacy of a cat asleep at the end of my bed. Not too long ago, I awoke with him purring contentedly astride my hip, giving me great hope.

Sadly though, he has reverted.

It all started when he brought home a new friend for dinner. A lovely black and white young cat. They became best buddies. The problem is she is always on alert. Also a stray, from probably a kitten, she does not settle. She seems happy, purring away but also happy to chew on your hand or dash through the house. She survives surfing the rush of adrenaline.

This morning, I saw a change in Osiris. He was in the yard coming over to the opened door until he caught sight of someone else  in the kitchen. Shooting me a fearful look he darted away. He has returned to that non-trusting heightened state of alert.

The teaching of my cat clearly shows me how friends influence one another. We pattern match with the friends we keep. His new friend reminds him of his old life and his old behavior returns. The lesson is no matter how much therapy or growth, we can go back as well as forward. Pattern matching can either be positive or limiting. It is dependent on the mindsets involved.

They say if you really want to get on with life it involves letting go of the old patterns which no longer suit: perhaps the people you hang out with, your job, identity, home or lifestyle. This is never an easy process as we are letting go of what is familiar.

The teaching of Osiris shows it is all too easy to stop moving forward and revert.

It is tempting when making great change to pull back, put the brakes on and return to what we know. I wonder how he would be if his new friend refused her dinner invitation. Again the difference lies totally in our mindset. Do we embrace the new or accept limitation?  As we grow we step through fear which act as a barrier defining our old life. If we stop, we slip back and fear returns. The look in Osiris’ eyes this morning showed clearly his old fear has awakened.

I will persevere and hopefully this is just on one of those learning curves as often to go forward we need to go back. So, I will be gentle and patient and who knows? I might end up with two cats asleep at the end of my bed.

Wanting to change but finding you take two steps forward then one back? Wanting a complete overhaul of self and looking for Personal/Spiritual Transformational Development? Cindy offers a 7 month VIP Mentoring Program, ‘Awakened Path’ which strips away conditioning, awakening your magnificence.  As a Spiritual Mentor, Cindy opens the doors of perception, seeing the interconnectedness of all things. When feeling stuck or fearful on some level we are accepting limitation. A spiritual perspective is essential to understanding the bigger picture. We all have gifts to give. ‘Awakened Path’ starts May 2011. For further details on VIP Mentoring Program contact Cindy now. E-mail  cindy@cindyhurn.com

Pathway to your Authentic Self – Reclaiming You

Awakening to the Power Within

Imagine – You are on a path. It is dark and your only light is the lantern which you carry. It’s light is low. Unsure with each step you struggle, often stumbling or loosing your way. Misjudgment and uncertainty are your companions on this long journey. You travel this way for many miles and much time. Sometimes though, the dim light brightens and the path forward is lit clearly. Amazed at how far off the path you have fallen, the strength of sight leads you back to the path. The light has not only cleared your vision but as well lifted your spirits. In this lightness of being you are aware of so many changes you can make helping yourself on your journey. You feel vibrant, uplifted, alive. Then a strange thing happens. Distracted you forget about the path, loosing sight, the light dims as your fear increases. Again, each step becomes a struggle as you walk, stumble and walk again.

How much easier the path forward if your lantern were bright and constant. Not only would you see where you are going but as well able to turn and see where you came from, giving yourself the insight of experience.

Remember, you hold the light. It is only dim because you forgot to feed the flame. Turning your attention away from the knowing your light reflects this uncertainty.

At the core of our being lies our authentic self. This is the me we were born to be. It provides the fuel to your flame. When we attune with our authentic-self we choose to live in awareness and not in fear. Life is richer in the truest sense of the word as we align with inner wealth.

All of us are unique. We hold within our beings gifts to give into this world. This program is always playing but hardly heard as we listen more to our conditioned-self and accept limitation, the dimming of our light. Sculpted since birth this conditioned-self reflects beliefs, practices, realities, structures, insecurities, challenges, hopes, disappointments of all who have influenced us positively or negatively. Whether parents, teachers, siblings, friends or society it is through this conditioning we learn what we are and forget who we are.

The who is the key. It unlocks a natural perception to life. Giving us the insight of deeper thought we become more able to respond to our core, our authentic-self while the unsupported conditioned-self falls away. In the end it is simple – we not only have ourselves but more of who we truly be.

There is no greater light than that which is natural.

Rev. Cindy Hurn

Tired of that flickering light and would like to uncover more of who you are and less of what your not? Join me on an exciting journey of personal awareness. This VIP program Pathway to your Authentic Self – Reclaiming You is a three-month intensive where the layers of conditioning are gently peeled away connecting you to who you truly be. Applications for this deep inner core awakening will be sent out in January for a February start. Why stumble through another year? Make 2011 shine bright reflecting your personal stamp out into the world. Contact me now – cindy@cindyhurn.com

Life can only get more interesting.

Flapping Cellophane in the Wind

I vowed to change the world today, my goal – to pick up one piece of litter each day. Change comes in all shapes and sizes and although not world saving it is world helping. So, there I was this morning jogging through the cemetery, when my eyes settled on a discarded cellophane sleeve from a bouquet of flowers. As I bent down to pick up my very first daily litter, I caught site of two more sleeves nearby. One became three as I carried on jogging, flapping cellophane in the wind.

I did feel a bit strange. Creating a habit always does but perhaps more honestly, I wondered about my new commitment. What if I couldn’t find any bins and had to keep hold of the litter my entire journey? Would it make me too aware? Instead of seeing the wood through the trees would I miss both the wood and the trees seeing only the litter? Do I want so much litter consciousness? Have I started something that would overwhelm me or swamp me with responsibility?

As the cellophane rustled I knew this morning’s vow was not as simple as just picking up a daily piece of litter. That’s easy, certainly manageable but in the very act of doing I find myself more aware of my environment. As my hand reaches down, the litter becomes my teacher.

We are the earth’s caretakers. We are awakening to the realization that we could have, should have, been aware and put more effort into the job while the earth remaining beautiful and bountiful is getting a bit ragged around the edges.

Life has a natural decay and when anything is left to gather debris, it will. Brought home to us when we have a clear out. Are we not amazed at all the stuff/junk we have amassed?

I think perhaps we have fallen ‘asleep’; turning responsibility over to local government believing it’s their job to do the tidy up. The problem with ‘passing the buck’ is we dissociate from our environment and no longer see the edges starting to unravel.

Imagine, just for a moment if we all vowed to pick up one piece of litter day? Imagine if it just became a habit? If litter consciousness came back into vogue and no longer would crisp packets, soda cans, cigarette butts, candy wrappers hit the ground? Imagine this awareness spreading with more people caring for those edges, our neighbourhoods, streets, parks, and green areas? Mighty oaks from little acorns grow.

Change doesn’t have to be big. A little act of kindness like picking up one piece of litter becomes a gift to us all. Once I settled into my new habit running with flapping cellophane in the wind felt a lovely thing to do.

Today I caught sight of the Earth, as she smiled with gratitude.

Cascading Bubbles in the Air

On my recent return flight from the states I saw something that would forever change my flying experience. It happened at that time in a flight when passengers fed; slip off into their own private space. Engrossed in books, movies, music or relaxing in the place of reverie all is quiet bar the sound of the engine wrapping itself around the plane. When suddenly, a short, loud, delightful burst of serious, belly laughter fills the air. With silence broken a number of disconcerted bodies shift and settle. But not for long, as a few moments later another loud burst of laughter escapes. Straight from the belly it is deep, rich and male.

From my seat I can see its owner, a young man enjoying a movie on the small screen in front of him. Every few moments he explodes into totally delightful laughter. Many peer over their seats, straining to find the origin of this unexpected sound. This goes on for sometime. Like a roller-coaster ride there are moments of silence and then rolls of very loud laughter which sends cascading bubbles down the isles. With fascination, I watch the reaction to his enjoyment. Not everyone finds it delightful. Straining faces quickly turn to disapproving glances, annoyance and sadly disgust, which I find quite odd. Perhaps it is an unusual occurrence but to me his outbursts are delicious. I can’t help smile as more and more bubbles settle around me. With no curiosity about his viewing I just appreciate his life spilling over into mine. Caught in the web of humor, he remains oblivious of others. If he thinks something funny, we all know it.

How can one disapprove of laughter I thought? Okay, perhaps at someones cost or an inappropriate moment but his laughter came from a positive response to the movie. He was having fun. Maybe they found it difficult because unexpected, it was unusual or unsettling. Perhaps they felt it too invasive.

Have we become so far removed into our heads that we find it strange to hear laughter? With text and e-mail becoming more the norm, has our communication suffered? Have we fallen into silence, not in our head but with one another? Has the tap, tap, tapping taken the place of brief, little unexpected chats? Have we forgotten how to enjoy?

I am sure we can all recall the roll of a good belly laugh when something strikes us so funny tears literally roll down our cheeks. It feels fantastic. Usually this happens in the company of others. Laughter is a contagious energy, a very social expression of fun. Perhaps then, it was the context that disconcerted many and the fact that this young man laughed alone. If he were crying I wonder if as many necks would have strained. Would we have been as bothered? Annoyed? Are we more tolerant with an expression of unhappiness and feel invaded with one that is one pleasurable?

I don’t have the answers to my questions. But I do think it a bit sad that laughter; real laughter seems a rare commodity these days.

Laughter is such a healing emotion and indeed there are records of people healing their illness through laughter. Watching comedy after comedy they laughed themselves to better health. If laughter holds such power, why don’t we make it a point to promote this positive expression? How much better we would feel.

In my household come Christmas we buy our house a present. Each December our home gets a new board game. We make it a point to have games evenings, as it just feels good to laugh. I wonder with technological advancement are we loosing out on social interaction, made excited by the roll of a die, as we prefer to play alone on our computer, X box and phone.

Wouldn’t it be great if we made the effort to bring more fun into our lives and fill the airwaves with our laughter? Cascading more and more of those delightful bubbles out into the world. Laughter is contagious. How much lighter and brighter we would be.

I thank that happy, fellow passenger as he made an imprint on my mind. I don’t think I will ever fly again without a smile as when the lights dim and all is quiet I will recall the huge, totally appetizing, vivacious, richness of his laughter and who knows it maybe me that others peer around their seats to see, as my chuckle sends cascading bubbles in the air.

Changing Skylines

Fascinated I watch the tree surgeon very carefully and systematically fell a group of tall sycamore trees. First the lower branches are removed leaving footholds to the upper canopy. Standing ready to feed branches into the chipper I am bewildered as more and more greenery falls to the ground. We are lucky as it is one of those brilliant blue days. Hot, sunny with not a cloud in the sky.

From my ground job as chipper-woman I catch glimpses of the work up high. I am surprised as what I thought quite destructive has a certain beauty. I feel like I am watching art or sculpture in motion. More branches drop. Like pieces of a puzzle, a tall Scots Pine and huge Beech tree emerge framed by dazzling blue, giving a feeling of space and expansion.

As the skyline changes, the distance moves forward. Flooding light into the shadows I am bathed in brilliance, suddenly more aware of what is no longer hidden.

I am amazed.

I am sure all of us have changed skylines at one time or another. On a deeper level we are aware of things that need to go or have out-lived. Perhaps hem us in or block the light, keeping us from seeing what is hidden.

‘Changing Skylines’ can take any form. Work situations, which crowd you or leave you in shadow, relationships or friendships that could do with a bit of pruning or re-assessing or the need or want to totally let go of the old and begin afresh. Even changing dress size involves the same decision to let go of what no longer serves.

Whenever we decide to create change we are setting into motion a series of events, which in its own way is very much like a dance, a living moving sculpture. Some decisions are simple. You just know what to do, what needs felling. You are ready for the space it offers to replant. Others we agonized as uncertainty wields the cut of the ‘change’ saw. Perhaps fearing the inevitability that by removing a branch there is no going back.

The thing is that with each cut a new horizon emerges and with it light. As puzzle pieces fall visibility improves making it easier to know the next step. And although I could not have pieced the tree back together I could have at any given point made another decision, setting off a new series of events.

The one certain thing about change is that it is constant. When we actively work to create change we have the opportunity to shape shift our skylines and by doing we create new space to grow. So, if you aren’t sure about what to take away or cut out start with a very light trim. Then see how the landscape evolves. There is no need to go as far as I did that sunny afternoon, as a single branch removed will bring in its place a warming ray of sunshine.

‘Changing Skylines’ opens choice, expansion and further vision. As we let go of what no longer serves us we open to new possibility.

I thank those trees for serving me well. For their beauty and support. I will replant and honor that space and in the cold winter months their echo of life will heat my home.

www.cindyhurn.com

The Ant’s Moccasins

Perched on the edge of my garden chair, I lean over to get a closer look at the multitude of tiny ants busying around my feet. Their movements seem so haphazard, going in one direction, switching to another, marching in wide curves than staccato back and forth movements, popping down a crack in the payment, popping right back up and then more circling. Each ant seemingly involved only in their journey as from my overhead view I don’t see one connecting with another. Nor from my perspective are they working as a group, just a bunch of tiny dots frantically running around.

Totally engrossed and really wanting to know what they are up to, their purpose, their destination, I pick an ant and study its’ winding, erratic (or so it seems to me) path. No easy challenge. Keeping my eyes on the fast-moving tiny dot I watch, trying to understand the where and the why of the ant. I can’t see any food or any carrying, just frenzied movements, here, there and back again with no repeat pattern.

Each time I think I know where it is going I surmise the why. Only to find my theory, the story of the ant, totally changes as inevitably he doesn’t go where I think he will. My brain trying to understand or believing I do ends up mimicking the fast movement of the little guy.

The ah ha! moment suddenly drops when I realize how futile of me to think that I can understand the mind of an ant. That I know what he is doing or why he is doing it. I am not an ant.

Isn’t this such a reflection of every day relationships? We see someone running around doing this and that caught up in their own world and we surmise that not only know what they are doing but why they are and also what they are thinking while they do it. However can that be possible?

Okay, once we know someone quite well we know their patterns of thought and can to some degree get an insight into what is going on in their heads. But, how many relationships have fallen far because we sit there making up stories about another. Why so and so hasn’t called or why they are acting in a certain way. It is all too easy, to believe our assumptions, judgement, made-up stories. Then what do we do? We relate based on our pre-judgment, often leading to misunderstanding. We believe that we know, that we are right until the ant suddenly does the unexpected and totally throws us.

The truth of the matter, the only way I could understand the ant would be to ask him what is going on and then I will only really know if he wants to tell me and I have the willingness to look out through his eyes to fully understand. For how can we know the mind of another unless “we walk a mile in their moccasins?”

Communication is the key here. Instead of thinking we know why she is doing that, stop and have the conversation. It can be quite surprising as well as refreshing to discover how incredibly off target we can be.

Life is about perspective and the only way to really truly know another’s is to have the conversation. So, pull up a chair, lean over and talk to that ant.

Cindy

www.cindyhurn.com