My Beautiful Sky
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Imagine – the very sound of the Universe

26/1/2018

 
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People who chant the mantra 'Om' consider it to be the 'primordial sound' – the sound of the Universe itself. As such, it has no translation, a bit like The Tao has no translation either. Yet, perhaps... you could think of Om as being the lasting echo of the 'Big Bang'. (Ancient philosophy meets theoretical physics!) I like this idea, because recent studies have shown that the Universe is expanding and not only that it is accelerating! To me this demonstrates the creative power of Om. The Universe is not running down (as you might expect from an explosion). No, it is creating and creating itself.

Om is the simplest of mantras – and easy to learn. Some schools of thought decree an exact pronuncation, but I have never subscribed to this pedantic, narrowing view. There are not too many ways you could possibly pronounce it anyway. And Indian researchers, who have been studying Om, have found that it doesn't matter how you say it, how fast, or slow, it always has an essential 'Om-ness' to it. And it is this that meditators focus on when chanting the mantra.

We inhabit a world of thoughts, perceptions and intentions. Just consider that for a moment. Mantras are 'thought vehicles' in a way, verbal (or internally expressed) representations of thoughts or intentions. Thinking of what 'Om' symbolises, It is a sacred, powerful sound. And when you begin to chant it, timing it with your breathing, perhaps you begin to understand how you are the breath and the breath is you; you are the Universe and the Universe is you. All of it carried on a sound...

Om.

This simple mantra and 17 more are in my latest offering. More info on this page.

Who am I ?

16/1/2018

 
It's a question most of us ask at some point in our lives, if not several times. But in this case, I'm not talking existentially. I'm posing a question you may have been asking yourself: who is 'Beautiful Sky'? By now you may have seen the occasional poem or quote, and lots and lots of photographs. But who is the human being behind it all...

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Well, I'm quite a shy person – it doesn't take a genius to work that out (!!) At a party you will find me in the kitchen (cos it's quieter) chatting to one or two people. Never do you find me 'holding court' in a crowd. And yet... having said that, on occasion I have been known to get up in front of a crowd of strangers to tell a story as part of The Story Collective. And anyone who knows me in real life can tell you the huge effort and anxiety I go through in order to do it. Hmmmm.... it seems that sometimes I am pushed out of my comfort zone. Recently, with the publication of my mantra book, I am pushing myself again and this time it is to be more visible online. So please bear with me – it takes some getting used to (!)

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There are not many photos of me, as I tend to be the one behind the camera rather than in front of it. But I appreciate that people might want to know a little bit about me. Ok – so I am a writer, editor and, most recently, photographer (though I feel a bit cheeky saying that as I am still learning). I am also learning to be more mindful and present. Last year I began to develop a practice for myself that involves mindful walking and taking photos. As a result of my mindful practice, I am listening to that little inner voice a bit more – or maybe it's becoming louder (who knows?) And the result was the idea to combine my photos with a selection of my favourite mantras. And to write a book about it!! It was a coming together of my skills AND my passion. How joyful it is to do what you love! So the upcoming mantra book is an offering straight from my heart.

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But this book is just the beginning. I feel there are more books to write as I continue on my journey towards wholeness and presence. Thank you for walking with me so far. Be ready for more posts and photos to come...

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A simple wish – may all beings be happy

4/1/2018

 
I have set a date for the publication of my mantra book Essential Mantras for Everyone. At last! I hear you say :) Well... I wanted an auspicious date, and I reckon the first New Moon of 2018 is just perfect! It will be out on 17 January. Meanwhile, a chance to get acquainted with a truly beautiful mantra, sung by the extraordinary Carrie Grossman. I am so honoured that she has given her blessing for me to make the video below - putting my photos to her beautiful music. Enjoy!

Here we go again...

2/1/2018

 
And so another year is upon us... and here we are, a little bit older, a little bit wiser? I guess so. At least I have realised one thing: I need my daily practice! So off I went on 1st January to 'my happy place'. And (in the words of Kate Bush's extraordinary song 'Somewhere Inbetween') 'It was just so beautiful, It was just so beautiful, It was just - so - beautiful...'
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These days I don't make New Year's resolutions – they feel too restrictive somehow... a bit of a negatve vibe about them. But I do take time to reflect on what I want less of and what I want more of. Less anxiety, more trust. Less worrying and more dreaming. Less consuming, more creating. Less procrastination, more action!

And each year I have a word to reflect on. This year it is Transition. (Lots of depth in that word – lots of ideas and possibilities). Do you have a word? I highly recommend the practice of taking just one word and finding out what it tells you throughout the year. Don't get too hung up on choosing it. Just go with it – whatever word comes to you. (Sometimes the word shows itself in a dream!) Gift yourself this word, and open to it. Be prepared for synchronicities! We live in an amazing Universe!


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I went for another walk this morning (2 Jan)... and I saw my friend the heron! Now, that has to be a good sign, right? I did a quick Google just now and was delighted to discover that one of the many symbolic meanings of the heron is 'easy transitions' Yay!! It also represents the 'in between' state of being (reference the Kate Bush song!)

I do love a bit of Synchronicity! I hope you are feeling refreshed and ready for the new year. May it be just as you dream it to be.

You are welcome to leave a comment – or just say hello! You can connect with me on Facebook and Instagram.

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