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Each month a new inspirational,
spiritual, or educational article by Alice McCall is posted.
If
you would like to read past articles,
please follow this link.
February 2008
Solitary Work
Sacred & Powerful
For centuries people that were connected
with God, the universe, the earth, and themselves took the time to
do what is simply called, “the work.”
In Native American
cultures, young men and women would travel alone to a remote spot of
the earth for their transformational vision quest. Each would seek
his or her own name, and own life’s purpose, through solitary
prayer, fasting, and dreaming.
Throughout the history of
native cultures, people would take the time to do inner work. Some
traveled to a remote desert to accomplish healing and connectedness
through the discipline of sand painting. Although the designs vary
tremendously, they all start the same way, by drawing a sacred
circle in the sand. Then the person would sit within it, and in a
meditative state receive the designs to draw in the sand. They knew
the sand painting would be temporary art, lasting only until the
winds and rains erased it. Still the work was done with a deep
knowing of the importance and magic in doing it. They understood
that through meditation and intention, their work would be clearly
heard and responded to. This was most often done for the purpose of
healing oneself, someone else, or humanity at large. Since healing
means “to become whole,” the work might also result in a deeper
understanding of self and purpose.
How often do you take time
out to do “the work”? How much do you trust the power and magic of
your own intention, thoughts and actions?
I am finding that
more and more, people are sincerely interested in taking a whole day
out to attend one of my day retreats. This was not the case several
years ago. I take this as a sign that people are searching for help
to get in touch with themselves, and connect with something bigger
than their daily lives.
I personally take at least one day a
month to do “the work” that seems right for me, at the time.
Sometimes I have a focus on enhancing my energy through Qigong, T’ai
Chi and Yoga intermixed with meditation. Other months, it is a day
of mediating, receiving information and expressing it through
writing or drawing. My creative expressions from these days are
stored in a large drawing tablet in the closet. They are not
something that I look at, or even think about often. However, I knew
the moment I drew them that they were coming from inside of me –
teaching me, healing me, and creating something powerful for me!
Doing “the work” can also come from creative arts,
meditation,
dreams, direction from spirit guides, journaling,
books and so much
more. I recommend having your wand, rattle, drum, or other symbols
that are important to you on hand. Also, include any rituals that
you enjoy like lighting candles, saging your space, calling in your
favorite guides, or making a small altar. “The work,” is meant to be
a special experience for you, and only you can discover the best way
to achieve that experience.
So, why not take time out, to do
your own sacred and powerful work? Arrange a spot where you can be
alone and uninterrupted. Ground yourself in Source energy. Breathe
in the energy that will support your work. Allow yourself to be in
harmony with the elements. Trust God and the Universe to guide you.
Then let the day flow and enjoy your own brand of healing magic.
Contact Alice
to learn how she can help you master this topic - or transform other
health, emotion, and spiritual issues. Free consultations for
all new clients to learn how Alice's work is directly tailored to
address your areas of concern. Don't wait - step onto your Healing
Path today!
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