Be Soft
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Tanya Vallianos, MA, LPC, ATR, NCC, EMDR III, EAP II is a psychotherapist in private practice in Fort Collins, CO. She can be reached at www.innersunhealingarts.com or 970-420-9504
The Wisdom Of the Seasons Help Us Transform
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Think of the Seasons as a metaphor for the phases of any life transition journey. If we see change as a naturally occurring event - much like the change of seasons - then we can embrace change as a gift and an invitation to improve and enhance our lives. Butterflies also remind us to never be afraid of spreading our wings (having dreams) and flying as high as we can (achieving those dreams and not limiting ourselves.) They aren’t just pretty creatures, they’re also a great reminder of what matters most in life and what true beauty means.
Currently we are between Winter Solstice (Catching Sparks of Hope in the Darkness) and Late Winter (Exploring and Experimenting to Firm Up Your Vision for the Future).
During your Winter Solstice time and beyond, focus your attention on:
• Turning things upside down to look at your life from new perspectives
• Drawing a line in the sand and saying "enough is enough"
• Telling a new story about your past to find new doors to the future
At the same time, do what you can to avoid these detours:
• Avoiding your quiet time
• Being in a toxic environment
• Being wedded to one solution
While you are in Late Winter moving towards Spring, focus your attention on:
• Following your insights wherever they take you
• Clearing out the old in your space, your to-do list, your relationships, and your mind
• Experimenting and exploring to firm up your vision for the future
At the same time, do what you can to avoid these detours:
• Ignoring your insights
• Doing what you've always done because it's more comfortable than stretching
• Charging ahead without a sense of where you are going
Tanya Vallianos, MA, LPC, ATR, NCC, EMDR III, EAP II is a psychotherapist in private practice in Fort Collins, CO. She can be reached at www.innersunhealingarts.com or 970-420-9504
Water Element Has a Message For You
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The ancients had a profound understanding of emotions and characteristics. They noticed human nature reflected in the four principle forces of nature; earth, air, fire, and water. In their wisdom, they attributed personality traits and emotions to each of the elements to help students of life to understand the conscious mind.
With the element of water, it is fluid and adaptable and dictates one’s ability to manage any given situation. This is often referred to as going with the flow. In ancient China and India, the element of water was said to be the "Chi" energy that flows throughout the body. This energy is able to be directed through exercises such as Tai Chi and yoga, as well as healing modalities like acupuncture.
The element of water tests our ability to be fluid. When we are in right alignment with water, then we are able to adapt more readily to any given situation, small or large, slightly frustrating or largely challenging.
To work with water, learn to understand how water flows as it takes on many different mutations. It can flow gently down a stream, or tumble in a rage along a river. The sea rolls gently against the shore, or violently crashes against the rocks. Here we are able to see the metaphorical wisdom, the yin-yang expression of duality in the nature of water – everything that exists has a polar opposite. Sometimes we must be more forceful, other times quiet and gentle; and then everything in between. All serve us depending on the circumstance.
Water is also adaptable. Water put it in a vessel such as a jug or a bottle, changes shape and fits perfectly to the form of the vessel. Again, we can identify with water’s properties when we are moving through our life journey, seeing the symbolism of how we can adapt to any given situation – just like water.
Water has been traditionally used in ceremony for cleansing and clearing. Ancient and present- day shamans and priests pray for and utilize water to wash away sins, concerns and difficult situations. The next time you take a bath or shower, make an intention. As the water washes over you, honor the water by asking for it to cleanse and clear you, and to bring you the ability to flow more easily throughout your day. The more that we can be in harmony with Nature’s elements, the more that we will see life working with us in our favor.
Tanya Vallianos, MA, LPC, ATR, NCC, EMDR III, EAP II is a psychotherapist in private practice in Fort Collins, CO. She can be reached at www.innersunhealingarts.com or 970-420-9504.
