Reigning it in

Yes... still Nov. 3rd, 2017...... 

I took the portal to Terra Perma with Brighid. I knew I was early by a little bit, so I didn't want to be in the Horizon Realm just yet. I wanted to get a hold of myself and reign in the turmoil. I will not be able to learn anything or save lives if I am out of sorts as I have been. 

The start of reigning things in was resolving my anger with Levi and giving him the gift as a reminder that I care and am not mad at him. This is NOT all his fault. He was not able to speak about thing. He is a little younger than I am. I bet he is just as scared. I have been a rock for so many other people. I need to be a rock for him, too. I can do that.

I started working on my focus and reminding myself of my values through the jounralling and the transcribing of The Art of Peace. I took a walk through the real world woods. BRRRRrrrrr...... Then I sat on a meditation mat in Wellness Center that Mom uses as a dojo or workshop training area. There I sat and did some more transcribing.

The Art of Peace is the art of learning deeply,
the art of knowing oneself.

From here, I got up and moved through every kata I know, every movement of Aikido and every motion related to Do. I stretched and moves slow so as to maintain deep control as I had seen Andrew do. I did not put power or magic behind any of it, just feeling my body remember the movements. Being one with these movements was a good feeling. After, I stood, centered, and grounded. I poured myself some tea from my thermos into my personal cup and sat to transcribe a little more.

Study the teachings of the pine tree, the bamboo, and the plum blossom.
The pine is evergreen, firmly rooted, and venerable.
The bamboo is strong, resilient, unbreakable.
The plum blossom is hardy, fragrant, and elegant.

I can be deeply rooted and rely on old teachings and wisdom. I can be strong and flexible... unbreakable. I can be enduring and graceful/gracious.

To practice properly the Art of Peace, you must:
- Calm the spirit and return to the source.
- Cleanse the body and spirit by removing all malice, selfishness, and desire.
- Be ever grateful for the gifts received from the universe, your family, Mother Nature, and your fellow human beings.

I took some time to meditate deeply and release the stress within. I am better than this, better than I have been. I can do better. I need to. People will be counting on me.

I felt a great deal more stable after all this. I refilled my teacup and stepped outside to face the north. I touched the ground with my palms, leaving my teacup between my feet, and offered my thanks for the ground upon which I walk and the stability Earth provides me. 

I turned to the east and spread my arms out wide, taking in a deep breath and letting it out slowly. I gave thanks to Air for the air that I breathe and the knowledge I have in my head through all I have learned so far. 

I turned to the south, made fists, and crossed by wrists over my chest. I gave thanks to Fire for the fires outside of that keep us warm, protect us, and cook our food. I also gave thanks for the Fire within, the spark of inspiration and courage to do what is write... even if it is scary. 

I turned to the west, picked up my teacup, sipped about half and poured a libation of the rest upon the ground. I gave thanks to Water for sustaining me, refreshing me, and reminding me to be fluid/flexible/adaptable. I thanked Water for lending is qualities of healing to all that I do and will do.

Finally, I returned to facing north. I performed a self blessing, touching feet, knees, groin, chest, and lips:

Blessed be my feet that walk the sacred path.
Blessed be my knees that kneel at the sacred altar.
Blessed be my loins from which spring forth pleasure and life.
Blessed be my chest formed in beauty and in strength.
Blessed be my lips that utter the sacred words.
Blessed be all of me.

One final Centering and grounding out in this cold and then I rook my teacup and myself back inside. I think I am ready now. I packed my things in my backpack and lifted Brighid to my shoulder. Then I used the portal there in the back to enter the Sanctuary's dojo.

I hope Mom is back and has resolved things with Dad. I hope I am doing the right thing.

I walked to the house seeking them out and seeking dinner.