A few days ago, I returned from the mountains, where I was reminded of two powerful principles that often run hand-in-hand: slow down, and listen. Apparently, in my own efforts to avoid (what I perceive as) failure, I lost touch with a few fundamentals — the very same fundamentals that led me to fall head over heels in love with God, and inspired my sense of service in this space.
For those unfamiliar with my journey, it is deeply rooted in listening. That’s all I wanted 15 years ago, as the illusions of my existence shattered into both nothingness and everythingness at once. I was lost. And the “self” who got me there didn’t have my ear anymore. I surrendered everything I knew to be true and began a meditation practice. I started with just three minutes twice a day, and as I anchored into the practice and gradually extended it, sinking in, surrendering more and more, I began to hear, see, and feel God. In the years since, I’ve been lovingly guided through some crazy plot twists, witnessing miracle upon miracle along the way. I felt so supported that, eventually (around this time last year), I began to believe I might have exceeded my limit on blessings, as if there were a cap on divine grace. I started thinking I could no longer receive the same level of support while continuing on as I always had.
In addition, "stakes" were at an all-time high, as I was entirely dependent on a spiritually devoted business for my primary source of income. The other streams I had relied on that kept me "safe", but not expanding, well, they kept me too safe and were no longer available within my field. I couldn't attract them back no matter how hard I tried and oh, I tried.
Gradually, the feeling that simply being myself was no longer enough to receive support, combined with the pressure to manifest a stable income from a fledgling business, led to moments of self-abandonment. I stopped listening. I rejected my visions. I discredited my joy. I rationalized away non-linear desires. Not every time... but enough. Within a month, frustration had moved in, then resentfulness, and lastly indignation followed. And then death came knocking... thank God.
"Back to basics," Spirit said.
"Okay," I responded.
I prioritized slowing down. Listening. Honoring.
I stopped taxing my sacral with a whole lotta "meh", and started responding only to "fuck yeah".
I remembered that I was enough for simply being alive and by default everything I had done (and could ever do) was enough.
I said something out loud that needed to be said out loud.
I bought a banjo. (I felt called to the banjo months ago but I rejected the idea, always having been an aspiring percussionist.)
And then I booked my first long-term client this year.
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The first initiation within the Shamanic tradition is often about listening and seeing beyond the surface of things. "Things are not as they seem," my ancestors used to say repeatedly during my second awakening. It’s a deep attunement to the subtle messages of nature, Spirit, and one’s own inner voice. This initiation marks the beginning of our journey into expanded consciousness and serves as the foundation for all further spiritual growth and learning within this tradition. It teaches us that before we can truly connect with the world around us, we must first learn to quiet our minds, open our senses, and let go of ego-driven thoughts. It involves embracing a receptive, observant state to hear the wisdom of Spirit directly and to understand that true guidance is often subtle and requires a certain level of surrender and humility. By learning to listen in this way, we can access insights, visions, and wisdom that help us connect with our purpose, our ancestors, and the energies around us.
From this initial attunement, we are taught to recognize that everything in existence has a voice and spirit — whether animals, plants, or the elements themselves. It’s an invitation to engage with life on a profoundly sacred level, cultivating respect and reverence for all that exists.
As we navigate through the last few degrees of the Aries-Libra Nodal transit and embrace the themes associated with the Cross of the Sleeping Phoenix in 2027, I encourage you to carve out moments in your day for deep listening, if you are not already. Whether through meditation, somatic surrender, Shamanic journeying, nature walks, or simply sitting in quietude, allow yourself to receive the wisdom that is ever-present within you. Only Spirit truly knows the contours of your path and holds the insights uniquely meant for you. No amount of outside advice can replace the guidance that comes from deep, intentional listening. It’s a wisdom that bypasses the surface of our struggles and speaks to the core of who we are, helping us stay rooted on the path we’re meant to walk, even when doubt and fear creep in. Trust that voice as your truest guide, leading you toward your highest path.
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"By Earth, steady and wise,
Ground my spirit, open my eyes.
With roots that sink and senses clear,
Help me feel what’s truly here.
By Water, deep and pure,
Let flow the truths that heal and cure.
In stillness and in currents strong,
May I hear the ancient song.
By Fire, fierce and bright,
Ignite my heart with sacred sight.
Burn away all doubt and fear,
So Spirit’s voice may draw me near.
By Air, soft and free,
Whisper truths that wait for me.
Through rustling leaves and winds that blow,
Teach me all I need to know.
Guides and guardians, spirits near,
Make my heart open, make my ears clear.
I listen now, with soul and skin,
As wisdom flows, I welcome it in.
Aho, so it is."
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