0623

Inner

Journeys

withAnne Marie

Bennett

Integratingthe Practice of SoulCollage® into Your Daily

Life

JourneyThrough the Chakras: Seventh Chakra

I don't know about you, but when I started practicingSoulCollage, I knew very little about the chakras. I stepped out into theCompanions Suit simply trusting Seena's voice on her Introduction to SoulCollage CD. My first steps into theChakras found me chatting with a Little Brown Bird in my Heart Chakraarea. After that, I spent a little time in each of the chakras as Idiscovered the Animal Companion who lived in each one. Please note thatthis journey did not happen in the course of a week or a month, but more liketwo years!

This article is the last in a series on each of the sevenchakras. If you missed the previous articles, you can catch up by goingto your Members Home Page and clicking onthe" Soul Treasures Back Issues" icon (and as always, please send areply to this email if you would like us to send you the Member Passwordagain).

Whispers of Love

The seventh chakra is also knownas the Crown Chakra, referring to the area on the crown of one's head. According to Anodea Judith, author of The Sevenfold Journey: Reclaiming Mind, Body andSpirit Through the Chakras, this chakra is about the energy in your bodythat is focused on the top of your head, or the cerebral cortex. Itis also about: consciousness, intelligence, divinity, God, Goddess, and Spirit(to name a few).

A yoga teacher of mine ends every class with a guided meditation. She alwaysbegins by inviting us to imaging a beam of pure white light entering our bodiesat the top of our heads, and following the light, breathing it in, as ittravels down through each chakra of our bodies. When I do this meditation, I liketo imagine Spirit breathing that light right into me from above. It is a very centering, grounding, and lovelypractice to follow, and I do treasure those times of divine connection.

The other day something happened at the pet store that reminded me of this spiritualbond in a very real way. I entered the store and headed for the catfood section but paused at the large rabbit cage for a moment to admire thefour beautiful bunnies that were busily going about their lives. A pure brown one was snoozing in the little plastic hut.Two gray and white rabbits (were nibbling on lettuce and carrots, and the fourth (snow white) was just lookingaround, at his mates, me, the scenery.

I went to get the cat food and on my way back to the register, a patron enteredwith two dogs on leashes. The dogs began barking up a storm... they were reallymaking a racket!

As I passed the rabbit enclosure again, I noticed a different scene there than justa few minutes earlier. All four of therabbits were on dog-terror alert. Theywere sitting up, eyes wide and bright, and their entire bodies were quivering,including their silvery thin whiskers. Ifelt sorry for them so I stopped and stood over the cage, talking softly tothem. "It's all right, little bunnies,"I said calmly. "You're safe here. Thosedogs can't get you. Don't worry, I won'tlet anything happen to you."

But they didn't pay me anyattention at all. As long as those dogswere barking, they couldn't be open to the words of safety and protection I wasoffering to them.

And I wondered how many times am I like those rabbits- on continual terror-alert, frozenin my tracks, even though in reality I am truly safe... even though in reality,the Divine One is standing directly over my head and whispering love right intomy very body and soul.

Reflection Activity: Create a conscious intention thismonth to connect on a daily basis, no matter how short, with the Divine (however you choose to experience the Divine). Ask for guidance in discovering an animal guide who will help you inopening your seventh chakra a little bit at a time so that you can walk throughyour life in the Divine presence more often. If you already have discoveredyour seventh chakra animal, spend some time this week journaling a dialoguewith this animal.

Soul

Friends

TheVoice of a Different Kindred Spirit Each

Week

Fran Cherlow
Long Beach, California

I first met Seena Frost and Mariabruna Sirabella about 5 years agoat a conference called: Re-Enchanting the World. The conference was inPalm Springs and that iswhere I first experienced SoulCollage® . Since then, I have become afacilitator, participate in workshops, and I offer workshops, soulstudio, andreadings inLong Beach.

I found SoulCollage while I was at Esalen Institute. Icame across a flyer and tucked it away. As synchronicity would have it,the flyer kept showing up. I found myself inPalm Springs being drawn to the SoulCollage®images. I am a licensed psychotherapist and I like what SoulCollagepresents to participants and clients. If the facilitator spends timemaking cards, journaling, doing readings, he or she will understand theclient's process.

SoulCollage is an equalizer. It isabout image, imagination, and intuition (from Seena's book). I love howit ties together our creative selves, our unconscious, and our connection tospirit. I've studied many theories and practices of psychotherapy...It isSoulCollage that touches me deeply. And...as Seena says, "you can go asdeep as you dare."

In my groups, I offer the opportunity...to go as deep as youdare. I have facilitated introductory groups, one that celebrated "Dia deLos Muertos" (which honors the ancestors), and companion suitworkshops. Soulstudio is an afternoon of lunch, cardmaking, and community. After a companion suit workshop, the group createdan exhibit of collages of the animal energies. A staff member from the WorldWildlife Foundation came and talked about our relationship to the animals andwe raised funds and awareness for that organization.

In many ways SoulCollage has affected my life. When Istarted offering workshops, I used the Long Beach Museum of Art. In time,the museum changed its policy and didn't offer outside classes/workshops. And so, I decided that I would create my own space. Now Ihave a place where participants can come for a day of making cards,participating in workshops, and making time to nurture themselves. There is a soaking pool, a space to have lunch...and because it's a block fromthe beach, a location to take a quiet walk.

I would say that SoulCollagewas inspirational in many ways. Last September, I was fortunate enough tobe the chairperson of the first annual SoulCollage Facilitators' conference. Iloved hearing the talks, sharing with other facilitators, and being a partof watching where SoulCollage will grow. This November, at theSoulCollage Facilitators' conference in Asilomar, Seena and I will facilitate a discussiongroup about SoulCollage and it's relationship to Eckhart Tolle's A NewEarth.(Editor's Note: You must be a SoulCollage Facilitator to attend this conference).

I'm not one to give advice...and I believe thatSoulCollage is a process that unfolds on its own. We canfacilitate the learning of how to find images...and each person will learn whichmagazines and resources meet their needs. We can facilitate ourparticipants' ability to know what to name their cards and what suit they belongto. They will find these as well. Ultimately, whatseems most relevant to me is to be there as witness. In thisregard, I'd say that facilitating the asking of questions that have meaning forthe participant and attentive listening are tools most relevant to me.

I have been traveling toDavisCaliforniato participate in card making with Sara Post and her group. Often Ilet myself wander about the tables filled with images until one grabsme. Then, I look for a background that will enhance the images...andbegin. Sometimes, if I am making a community card, I bring picturesor special remembrances of the person who I will honor.

I lovethe process of putting it all together. I also like using rubbercement for my cards. I make copies of all my cards so that I have atraveling set. I've been learning to make cards withintention. This is a process of unfolding the parts of the intention, findingthe images to represent the parts, and then making acard. I love working with Sara because she spends lotsof time on journaling and on connecting the visual images with the deeperlevels. In theLong Beach/Los Angeles community,several of us are now sharing cards and creating a readings group.

One goal I have this year is to create a website. For now, please look on the SoulCollageweb site for my workshops and other offerings.

I feel so blessed to be a part of the SoulCollagecommunity, and I welcome your connection with me. (Frani1 at aol.com)

I would also like to share this quotation with you:

In the silence of listening, you can know yourself ineveryone,
the unseen singing softly to itself and to you.

--- Rachel Naomi Remen

2 of my current favorite SoulCollage cards are:

My Romantic Self
Suit: Committee

I am the one who reminds you to"smell the flowers" and the sweet joy of living. I am the onewho reminds you to trust and to savor the connection of man and woman and ofall beings. I am the one who reminds you to adore and to be adored.

Shadow: Becoming enmeshed andlosing vision.

Wisdom
Suit: Council

I am the one who bringsenlightenment. I am the wisdom of manycultures, genders, ages, species. I am the one who gifts you with a cosmicknowing.   I suggest reading, listening, and being quiet. I amthe one who takes you to the deepest caverns and to the greatest heights.

Shadow: Missing the present moment...

I made this card at the first workshop that I attended with Seena andMariabruna. I have always been a supporter of Jane Goodall's work. I never understood how much wisdom she could impart to me through thiscard.   This card has come up in many readings. It is always anamazing gift.

SoulCollage

Expressions

Idea of the Week

Card Protection

I'll tell youwhat I do with my cards...just another idea. I print them on card stockat 4x6 and then I glue a decorative scrapbook paper backing to them. Then I putthem into a Scotch Self-Sealing Laminating Pouch for 4x6pictures. Depending on how many you have to do it could get costly, but Ibuy them using a 40% off coupon at Michaels or at Wal-Mart. Keeps themreal nice! --- from Peggy inIllinois

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Have You Joined the Circle Yet?

There are still some spaces left in our Summer Soul Sisters Circle. Won't you please consider joining us?

A Soul Sisters Circle is a group of (ten or less) women SoulCollagers, just like you, with apassion for SoulCollage and a longing to connect with other sistersaround the world.

What will our Summer Soul Sisters Circlesbe doing? We'll be gathering via tele-calls 5 times throughout thissummer. Our tele-calls will cover a variety of SoulCollage topics, andwill be facilitated by Anne Marie Bennett. Consider each one tobe an open forum for sharing ideas, SoulCollage cards and wisdom. Eachcircle will also do at least one card reading during our time together.

Give yourself the gift of connection this summer.... you'll be so glad you did!

Note:
The Sunday Circle is unavailable at this time,
but the Monday evening circle still has spaces left.

There is more information about dates, time and your small investment on this KaleidoSoul page.

Upcoming Tele-Classes

Illustrating Healing:
SoulCollage and
the Grief Journey

presented by Roberta Rook
SoulCollage Facilitator in Maryland

Words alone are often not adequate, nor easily available, to describe the impact of loss inour lives. The imagery that we choose and that chooses us in theSoulCollage process has enormous power to heal. The focus of thistele-class will include ways to use SoulCollage inexploring:

· Our feelings around loss

· New roles and identities as weheal through loss

· The spiritual images, archetypes, and guideswe use in order to derive meaning from loss and change

· How to contiinue bonds with lost loved ones throughvisual commemoration.

Whether you are facing the challenge of grief in your own life, or arejourneying with others as they walk the path of grief, you are invited to joinus in this important conversation.

RobertaRook is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who has been working withthe bereaved for the past 8 years, having come to this work through her own"dark night". She is a SoulCollage Facilitator who has used thisprocess in grief work for the past three years.

Date: Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Time:
8:00 pm Eastern, 7:00 pm Central, 6:00 pm Mountain,
5:00 pm Pacific, 2:00 pm Hawaiian,
Thursday 1 a.m.. in London,
Thursday 2 a.m. in Rome, Thursday 10 a.m. in Melbourne Australia
and Thursday 12 noon in New Zealand

Save the date now.
All of our tele-classes are FR*EE for members, always!
And remember, don't worry if you can't attend...
we'll be recording it and you can listen to it anytime in your
Member's Only Audio Library.
We will give you the phone number and access code
to call in that week's issue of Soul Treasures.

SoulCollage Facilitator Training- Connecticut

New England SoulCollage Facilitator Training- April 17-19, 2009 in Litchfield, Connecticut. If you've been longing to take your SoulCollage practice out into theworld by becoming an "official" Facilitator, then pleasejoin us for a beautiful spring weekend at Wisdom House. There's more information on this KaleidoSoul page . Register before July 30 and save $50 with the Early Bird Discount.

SoulNourishment

Resourcesto support your inner work
as you dive deeper

into your beautiful soul

Books:

Ten Commandmentsof Self-Esteem, by Catherine Cardinal, Ph.D. A deceptively small book but packed with thekind of wisdom that inspires transformation. If you've ever felt down on yourself, or wondered how you can feelbetter about yourself, you will find this book cheerfully uplifting, practicaland most of all helpful!

Addiction andGrace, by Gerald G. May, M.D. Icame across this book almost 20 years ago and treasure its wisdom andclarity. Drawing on his experiences as apsychiatrist working with the chemically dependent, May believes that addictionrepresents an attempt to assert complete control over our lives. He also believes that it is only bysurrendering to God's grace that we can come to terms with ourselves and attainharmony with the world. Applies to otheraddictions besides alcohol and drugs (ie: food, sugar, shopping, clutter...etc).

45 MasterCharacters: Mythic Models for Creating Original Characters, by VictoriaLynn Schmidt. This is marketed as a bookfor writers, BUT... if you're struggling with or curious about the concept ofarchetypes, it will help you immeasurably. 45 Master Characters exploresthe most common female and male archetypes. Examples culled from literature, television and film only serve to makethe topic of archetypes more understandable. Also examined are the mythic journeys of heroes and heroines.

How Much Joy CanYou Stand? By Suzanne Falter-Barns. Subtitle: How To Push Past Your Fears and Create Your Dreams. This is the little book of wisdom you've beenlooking for that will steer you back on the path of your dreams. Joy is everywhere around us... are you openingyour arms and pulling it in, or are you pushing it away subconsciously. Barnsshows us how to reach out and embrace joy with all our souls.

Peace Prayers:Meditations, Affirmations, Invocations, Poems, and Prayers for Peace,edited by the staff of Harper San Francisco. This little book is an excellent compilation of prayers, reflections,affirmations, poems and quotations on peace. From ancient Rome to modern Vietnam, from Africa to Australia, thewriters, thinkers, poets, politicians, religious figures, and even warriorscollected here all express the urgent need for a true and lasting peace thatcan only come from a just and cooperative world community.

Websites:

My SoulCollage Journey- Wonderful SoulCollage blog from Audrey in Texas

Angel Art- I found these lovely watercolors last month while traveling in Sedona. Created by Tammy Peterson.

AllBooks For Less- Amazing website for any book lover. They have zillionsof books (I'm not kidding!) on any topic you can think of, all at greatlyreduced prices. It's not like Amazon or Half.com where you are buyingfrom individual sellers. This is a reputable dealer and most of the booksare available in quantity, which is great for book clubs as well as giftgiving. Search for your favorite author or topic and see how muchsavings you can gather this summer!

Funny Bone- Check this site out and get ready to laugh.

StarrStuff's Animal Totems- If you're fascinated by the idea of animals as guides and totems, try browsing around this site. Animals separated into categories: birds, land, aquatic, insects, reptiles.