Hi Trinity and Chris,

A huge thanks to you both for an interesting and thought provoking weekend on the level 1 'Unfolding into Light' course, which provided a safe environment for everyone to be themselves without fear of being judged or criticised.

I wasn't sure exactly what to expect (which was part of the excitement!) but with an early helping hand from you, Trinity, I felt more at ease and able to go with the flow as the event progressed, gently challenging me through meditation and other exercises to explore some of my deepest feelings and reflect on what is truly important and fulfilling in my life. And Chris, such an incisive and profound understanding of what it means to connect with the essence of our being, communicated with great clarity and depth from your own personal journey.
I was at times acutely aware of what is missing from my day to day existence (for that is what it has felt like for so long) and, as I tuned in to other people's experiences and we shared them with each other, took those first tentative steps to rediscover a sense of joy and lightness squashed and trampled over so many years, trapped beneath the surface and hidden from view but not completely extinguished.

With love and best wishes,

Andy

Hi Andy,

Thanks for the wonderful feedback - it was a real joy watching how you overcame many deep issues and found a sense of centredness through the weekend.

I believe you responded so well because you have a deep sense of connection to spirit which may not always seem apparent because of the issues you're dealing with. Have no doubt though that the connection is there - a little ash needs to be cleared away from the still burning embers!

My most sincerest best wishes on your continued unfolding

Chris

Hi Andy,

I wouldn't be so tough on yourself with regards to intuition. We live in a crazy world of constant distraction and interference. When we really start listening inside, we first have to switch off the noise that has been invading our space for so long. I often found in the beginning that when I asked "what should I do now?" nothing came. In the beginning I often got frustrated but then suddenly I was able to view the situation in a new light: we are constantly thinking what to do now, how to do it and what to do next. This thought process makes us tight. What we really need to do is stop, wait and relax. To not get tight if an answer doesn't immediately come - waiting is the answer. If we can be patient long enough, then the right course of action will arise naturally by itself. Lao Tzu is quoted as saying this...

"Can you wait until the mud has settled
and the water is clear?
Can you remain unmoving until the
right action arises naturally by itself?"

Who did you end up with in the sharing? Was it quite a powerful one? Did you feel a resonance with them? Perhaps in waiting you aligned exactly with the Universe and exactly the right choice was made.

Just a thought!

Chris

Many thanks, Chris for sharing your insight and the Lao Tzu quote you mention is very pertinent to how I am feeling right now.
I have found from experience that trying to force the issue is often counter productive. Far better (as you say) to be patient, go beyond any tightness (coiled springs or snakes in my case!) and listen to your inner voice, after filtering out the interference of the modern world.

The attached poem I've self-penned is perhaps an indication that I am ready to take on board this new and alternative way of being, in the widest sense of the word.

With love and light,

Andy

LIFE AND THE MAGNIFICENCE OF TREES

There they stand, majesty unrivalled as if sole owners of the landscape
Arching their branches into the sky like no other form in nature
Breathing, living things responding to changes in weather and seasons
Roots firm but trunks gently swaying in the wind, flexing with life’s many challenges

Dappled shade as the sun’s rays penetrate through many outstretched branches
Even in winter once leaves shed a certain silhouette of beauty retained
Young saplings competing for light and warmth, finding their place in the world
Soon to grow to a myriad of leaves as different colours, textures and shapes abound

Older specimens watching in unison as man destroys the lungs of the planet
Creaking timber as felling takes place; heart-felt sorrow and sadness fill the air
In mourning for the loss of a much loved friend cut down in its prime
But through all life’s dramas retaining their magnificence, standing proud and tall
Not retreating underground or feeling they don’t belong centre stage on this earthly plane.

By A Capewell

February 2008

That's an awesome poem Andy. You've captured perfectly what I often observe and feel about trees myself. That they stand there majestically by the sides of motorways or railway lines for example. They put up with all our ignorance and yet continue to stand tall and proud. Its a beautiful poem - you have a wonderful gift. Keep expressing.

Thankyou!

Chris

What a wonderful poem. I feel a deep affinity with trees and am frequently moved to profound respect at their role upon this planet at this time. Heartfelt thanks for sharing with us here.

Thank you for the kind words to me too. I felt a really strong pull to connect with you during the opening meditation. Your soul was inviting a deeper connection. I found it most synchronistic and wonderful that we were able to share together shortly afterwards.

I loved hearing of your dreams... and hope to hear of more

With Love
Trinity

Dear everyone,

Last weekend's course was a pleasure to attend, I felt my understanding of the path that I am on become clearer, pieces of jigsaw fitting into place - I believe every little bit of effort put into discovering myself, be it practising what I have already learnt, or learning new ways to unlock my soul, will help it to flow freely and find my true self. It was hugely inspiring to meet other people also doing this, and to share ideas, thoughts and experiences. And thanks so much to Chris and Trinity for creating such a warm, relaxed platform on which to explore ourselves a little, and for the wisdom and practises that I took away with me. All of the meditations and exercises over the weekend I found valuable, though some of them I feel I would need to practise more to experience them fully, which I hope I will continue to do. The one which struck me most profoundly at the time, was looking into a partners eyes, longer than I have ever looked into anyones eyes for, and the rollercoaster of feelings i observed, ending up with an overwhelming sense of love. That was really amazing.

I wanted a little time to consolidate what I learnt and experienced at last weekends course, and to watch my feelings through the week. At first, I felt quite elated, and quite floaty, it was difficult to get back into work mode on Monday, I felt distracted and couldnt concentrate. Things kept popping into my head from the weekend - some of them tiny things which Chris had said, which I was glad of as I felt at the time there was so much information I might forget it all! I practised some meditation and exercises in the evening and when I was walking about felt like I had new eyes, watching for signs, feeling a little more aware.

As the week progressed, I felt a bit different, a bit deflated, like my life seemed a bit futile. I haven't felt like this for a while, as I am quite happy with my life situation in general at the moment. I love my work, especially when I'm surveying for various wildlife out in the countryside, and practically trying to promote and implement sustainability - but the other side is being in the office writing reports, dealing with clients who dont really seem to care, working in a business at the end of the day. So although I love aspects of my job, and it gives me the means to live comfortably, I suddenly started feeling uncomfortable at being a part of a society which feels so meaningless. I realise how much of my life goes into making enough money to be a full member of that society. I think I also felt a bit fearful that if I keep on following a path which takes me back to my true self, by meditating, by meeting, sharing and learning from others on such a path, that I will lose the self that I know and that I feel fairly happy with. Although there are things I want to change about myself, theres things I like as well, what if I lost them all and didnt know myself any more. I couldnt stop the feeling of unease I was having.

I met up with a friend for the first time on Friday, who I had been emailing for several months and who I have found a spiritual connection to. He has been meditating deeply for the last year or so, and is a huge inspiration in many ways. When I described the worries I had been having, he said that if I continued on this path to finding myself, I wouldnt lose those parts of my personality that were true, I would only naturally shed the parts of me that were unhelpful, or were not real. Although it might be sad to leave certain parts of my life behind, like it is when friends you were once very close with drift away and become a part of your history, I guess its fine to be sad as long as you dont become attached to that sadness or the memory - and you embrace the changes and the adventure unfolding. I have only just started on this journey, only in the last few months properly started to look inwards and already have had so many realisations.

I will continue to try to quieten myself enough to listen to intuition and to see those signs, the synchronciity...its great to know there is this community to come to for inspiration and pointers..so thank you Chris and Trinity and all for their part in this.

By the way Andy, I loved your poem, it encapsulated me in images, wonderful...I agree too, trees are incredible, so much energy and wisdom. soon in the spring I am going to a special woodland near me to just sit and listen Heart warming to hear about your experiences and realisations coming from the weekend too.

Much Love to you all.
elly
aka the blissful urchin xxx

p.s. Dont think I can make the Easter unfolding into light part 2. I wondered if there will be one later in the year?

Hi Elly,

Thank you for taking the time to share such wonderful posting.

When we embark on the journey of self realisation we begin to shed anything that no longer serves us, experiencing unrest when we do things that are not necessarily part of our path any more. In that respect it sounds like you are well on course.

Your work sounds very interesting. Nature and wildlife have been such a profound inspiration for me during my unfolding and continue to be so.

Your friend sounds wise

We shall be holding another Way of the Heart (level 2) later this year. For now there are still a couple of places left on the Easter course, so if you find that you can make it, please do let me know.

Sending Love to you.

Trinity

p.s. Love the name 'Blissful Urchin'!

Hi Elly (aka the blissful urchin),

Hope you’re well; it’s great to hear your experiences from the level 1 course and I’m glad it’s starting to unfold for you spiritually.
You express yourself so clearly and perceptively; I can relate to a lot of what you have mentioned, especially my feelings in the days afterwards. That initial elation and being on cloud 9, bits of the weekend popping into my head at unusual times and, in my case, getting dreams which seem to point the way forward for me. Also, the ‘new eyes’ with a heightened awareness and vision and then the fear of wondering what will happen in the future, even though you know deep down the journey path is soul inspired.

Although I have made some posts on the website, I have been getting a lot of resistance and tightness internally about sharing my experiences there but your post encouraged me to let that go, so thanks Elly. Likewise the kind comments about my poem. I’ve had this affinity with trees for as long as I can remember so it felt quite natural to express it in this way. Enjoy the spring woodland adventure when it comes along.

Love and best wishes,

Andy

Hi Chris,

I will give your suggestion about coming on the level 2 course "Way of the Heart" some serious consideration; my initial thoughts (not necessarily soul inspired) are that although it is over five weeks away it might be a bit too soon after level 1; on the other hand... Guess what I am trying to say is that I don't know (or maybe do at some deep level!) and that my current process of taking decisions is flawed.
If I take an example from 'Unfolding to Light', as you know you asked us all to pick a corner of the room before working in pairs. In my case, I was unable to connect with my intuitive self at that point so wasn't sure what to do and left things to chance-the probability that everyone else would make a definite choice and I could take the remaining corner by default.
Not so much a decision after all but certainly no recipe for contented living, more an ongoing mental struggle between two opposing tribes, my false and authentic selves!

Trusting things may become clearer in time...

Love and best wishes,

Andy