December 26, 2014

Column 1: Should I stay or should I go?

THIS week Mark asked: "I'm unsure whether to stay in my current job. Lately I'm becoming more frustrated with the actions and decisions of some colleagues. Would it be best to move on?"

When I contemplated this week's column, before I even knew the question, I began receiving strong feelings about its core messages. When I tuned in more acutely and drew the cards in response to your question, this is what they revealed.

The first card Communicating Freely symbolises the source of your concern and frustrations. Do you feel you have not been speaking up for yourself? Have you had some great ideas at work but felt unsure of how to express them for fear of others' reactions?

Know that you can speak your truth in a way that is respectful and composed, yet still honours your feelings about the situation. It is about taking a risk and stepping out of your comfort zone. I can assure you this always works out for your highest good, and actually for the good of those around you, even if you can't see it at first. My suggestion would be to heed the advice from the guidebook, "This isn't the time to step back – rather, it is time to step forward and share from your heart."

Mark, please don't let the image of the girl playing her flute with her pet unicorn distract you from the true meaning of this next card: Following Your Bliss. This card represents your resolution. It is all about discovering what brings you the most joy. What are you truly passionate about?

You don't need to necessarily leave your job. If you are already in your dream job or are satisfied with your daily work, then the issue might be about not letting your outer circumstances dictate your inner sense of peace and wellbeing. Easier said than done ... I know.

You can however take small steps toward a new job or career that better fits with your desires and passions. Maybe while you are still in your current job, you can begin exploring other avenues. There might be a part-time course in your preferred field. Once you start to pursue what "makes your heart sing" you will feel energised and re-invigorated. This is a good indication of when you are on the right path. It is possible to combine what you love with your career. When you act from a place of joy, doors of opportunity will fly open for you.

The final card Being in the Flow represents a possible future outcome from following the advice of the other two cards. For you, it demonstrates that once you speak your truth and follow your path of joy, you will feel more in the flow.

You may have noticed lately that you have been encountering moments where life feels like a struggle and more stressful than usual. This is an indication that there is an easier way if you take a step back and consider whether you feel you are on the right path. When you are in the flow, life is easy. Signs, insights, and your next action step, present themselves in what seems like miraculous ways. The key is to follow your heart's true desires then you will see how life will unfold more naturally for you.

Today's cards have been drawn from the Gateway Oracle Cards. All material relating to the cards and guidebook is copyright to Denise Linn, 2012.

January 9, 2015

Column 2: Time to let go of negativity

THIS week Claire asked: "Once again I've overindulged at Christmas. I usually find it takes me a while to recover. What can I do differently?"

Today I was drawn to Doreen Virtue's Archangel Raphael Healing Oracle Cards. The first card was Forgiveness Heals. You might think, "What has forgiveness got to do with overindulgence?" But honestly, there could not have been a more accurate card to represent the source of the issue. It is about replacing toxic emotions with peace and health. When you are angry with yourself or others, it is you who suffers. This card symbolises that it is time to let go of past negative experiences and emotions that have been stored in your mind, heart and body. You may be pleasantly surprised by how much physical and emotional baggage you let go of by allowing yourself to forgive.

The second card was Detoxification. It doesn't mean you have to buy a program or pills, quite the opposite. A detox can be as simple as refining what and how you eat and drink (without judgement). It can be about moderation as opposed to cutting entire things out. It can be reducing some things you consume and increasing others (you will have an instinct about what these are already). It can be starting your day with some fresh lemon juice in a glass of water to kick-start your metabolism. Do explore what detoxification means to you, but I am getting a strong sense that this card's message will ring true because it is something you have considered for some time. Take it slowly; enjoy the process by looking at it as an act of self-love. When you begin to take care of any aspect of yourself, your effort will be rewarded by how you feel within. The outer effects will be the icing on the cake (no pun intended).

The final card, which can represent the result of acting on the other...