"If you like to do things in a slow and steady way, don't let others make you feel as if you have to race."
 
  
I'm reading a book called Quiet by Susan Cain. It's about introverts. It has loads of fascinating research and I recommend it if you're a facts kind of person.There's a few things I want to share from it with you.
 
Before I do here's a definition of introversion: a personality trait characterised by a focus on internal feelings rather than on external sources of stimulation. Introversion and extroversion actually relate to how we recharge our brains. Extroverts gain energy from being social; they have a lower basic rate of arousal within their brain. Introverts lose energy from being around people for long periods of time; their brains are easily stimulated. This means that extroverts need to work harder to arouse their minds and bodies to the same ‘normal’ state that introverts might reach quite easily.
 
We are all somewhere on a continuum between the two. Some of us are actually ambiverts – we have a perfect balance of both traits. Introverts sometimes act like an extrovert to cope in the outer world. (it's why I was always picked as an extrovert years back)
 
I've written about introverts before. It's a subject that has many misunderstandings such as, introverts don't like to talk (they do, they're just not so into small talk) and they always want to be alone (they are happy with their own thoughts but do get lonely when they can't share them with others)
 
You might want to check in with some typical traits of extroverts and introverts.
 
Extrovert traits:
 
Has large social networks
Enjoys being the centre of attention
Tends to think out loud
Makes quick decisions
Gains energy from being around other people
Outgoing, enthusiastic, and positive
Thrives in team-oriented and open work settings
 
Introvert traits:
 
Enjoys spending time in solitude
Doesn't prefer to be the centre of attention
Values close one-on-one relationships
Thinks before they speak/not as talkative
Needs time alone to recharge and reflect
Prefers working in quiet, independent environments
Is deeply focussed and thinks about specific interests
Can be seen as reserved
 
For extroverts:
 
Susan Cain says –

• When you want something you go all out to get it.

 

• You enjoy lots of invigorating emotions. Make the most of them: build things, inspire others and think big.

 

• Start a company, launch a website, build a tree house for your kids.

 

• Know that you need to protect your energy.

 

• Train yourself to spend energy on what's truly meaningful to you instead of on activities that look like they'll deliver a quick buzz of money, status or excitement.

 

• Teach yourself to pause and reflect when warning signs appear that things aren't working out as you'd hoped.

 

• Learn from your mistakes.

 

• Seek out counterparts who can help rein you in and compensate for your blind spots.

 
 
For introverts:

• Find your flow by using your gifts.

 

• You have the power of persistence, the tenacity to solve complex problems and the clear-sightedness to avoid pitfalls that trip others up.

 

• You enjoy relative freedom from the temptations of superficial prizes like money and status.

 

• Your biggest challenge may be to fully harness your strengths.

 

• You may be so busy trying to appear like a zestful extrovert that you undervalue your own talents, or feel underestimated by those around you.

 

• When you're focused on a project you care about, you probably find that your energy is boundless.

 

• Stay true to your own nature.

 

• If you like to do things in a slow and steady way, don't let others make you feel as if you have to race.

 

• If you prefer single-tasking to multi-tasking, stick to your guns.

 
I found those tips timely and helpful, I hope you do too.
 
wishing you balance and harmony
 
with light
 
Dawn


Photo by Tanner Boriack on Unsplash

My woolly socks are back in business and fejoas are in my fruit bowl! It's getting cooler here in New Zealand as we settle into Autumn. I am resistant to the initial shift from Summer to Autumn, yet as I get used to the new energy I enjoy the mix of warm sun, crisper air, baths and warming food.
 
Seasonal changes are a great time for some self-reflection. Make a warming cup of something, get a nice pen and your journal and cosy up for a little writing time.
 
When you reflect on your experiences of Summer what are you grateful for?

How have you grown on an inner level over the past few months?

What have you accomplished on an outer level?

What are you proud of?

What needs to happen for greater balance in your world?

How do you re-energize yourself?

What are you ready to let go of?

Wishing you interesting and helpful self discoveries.

​
with light
Dawn


​Photo by Hannah Olinger on Unsplash

 
"This is global change at work. It truly is awesome in the real sense of that word."


New Zealand recently experienced a devastating and terrifying event in Christchurch that became world news. One person, fuelled by hate, acted out the thoughts and feelings of many which resulted in over one hundred people either dead or injured. Such intense feelings and actions are rooted in fear and ignorance. To heal fear we must love as it is Love that can contain and dissolve fear. Ignorance has it's own timeline. It needs loving and gentle education.
 
In the aftermath of the nation's shock many people felt deep sadness, grief, anger and fear. We also felt Love. Humanity has a way to go before everyone knows the truth – we are all one. The shift to a greater coming together of all people, I believe, has intensified since this event. People are experiencing their hearts opening and they are realising that truth.
 
Those amazing people who lost their lives are bringing people who are ready the most wonderful gifts that are still unfolding, and will be for a long, long time. When we grieve our hearts open. This can get us in touch with unhealed issues we are holding within such as our own racism and separation issues. Healing conversations are being had around these life-changing topics .
 
We are also seeing –

• Covert racism dissolving as love overrides our fear.
• Differing religions embracing in genuine love.
• Our prime minister demonstrating real oneness for all the world to see.
• Hearts opening to the suffering of people we have kept at arms length.

 
This is global change at work. It truly is awesome in the real sense of that word.
 
I feel deep gratitude, emotion and awe at what these people, now in spirit, are achieving. I am sending love, often, to those loved one's left behind who are in great pain.
 
You too can send your love and prayers where you feel drawn to.
 
Christchurch is hurting.
Children are scared. Adults are scared.
Trauma will be affecting all of those involved – police, ambulance officers, medical staff, witnesses, those passing by, friends and family out of town, the Muslim community world wide and on it goes.
 
Stay in Love, you really do have the power to change the world if you do.
As I saw today, 'Every act of love and kindness raises the vibration of the entire planet.'
 
with Light
Dawn

​

Image by truthseeker08 on Pixabay

 
Allowing myself deep rest is a classic 'work in progress'. I have a tendency to move from doing things for others to work, jobs, exercise and round again. When I can convince myself I need me time I often find a shoulds list attached. This is an epidemic issue, especially for women.
 
I was discussing this topic with a wise psychologist recently. My need for rest was high yet my list of work jobs was pressuring my thinking mind. I have a bossy, strong ego around doing. She told me restoration means to restore a connection to one's self. I like that. It's something we habitually avoid. My conditioning is all about staying productive. It's an easy way to get attention and energy. And seeking that from outside one's self is not only unhealthy, it's tiring and unfulfilling.  
 
I know that a balanced authentic life means greater health on every level so I am keen to make deep rest a priority. I love my weekly restorative yoga class. I probably need 7 of them though. Rest must happen regularly.
 
Here's some benefits of rest:

• Rest reduces the risk of heart disease and inflammation. If you sit for your work note this fact – Each one hour increase in sitting time associates with an 18% increased cardiovascular disease mortality risk. Ok, I am now standing at my laptop!

 

• Keeping the pace up without adequate rest depresses your immune system.

 

• This one is a quick fix – your mental energy will be restored. Your aha moments will just appear. Clarity is a super bonus of rest time.

 

• This gem I found might excite you creative types. My ego mind can actually get on board with this fact: " ...reflective time is critical to producing solutions and creative breakthroughs."

 

• Studies have shown that working more hours actually means less productivity as well as reducing your ability to focus.

 

• Your short term memory will improve.

 

• You will process change more effectively.

 
Schedule your rest time if that works for you. Try telling yourself it's ok to not have any demands on your time. No need to rush, no shoulds. Give yourself permission. You may be drawn to do but it will have a calmer, easier quality.
 
wishing you deep rest
 
with light
Dawn

Image by Amy Treasure

I recently woke up feeling blah. The day before I'd had my weekly coconut milk decaf latte and GF, DF, refined sugar-free muffin for breakfast. At lunch I had refined carbs. Later on I sipped a glass of wine while I cooked our dinner.
 
It doesn't sound too bad, yet being a sensitive type, it was. The coconut sugar in the muffin and the slight caffeine in the decaf had me ungrounded and angsty for a few hours. The lunch carbs had me tired in the afternoon and the glass of sav had me awake in the night a few times with a pale fog in the morning to top it off.
 
That whole day I was somewhat ahead of myself. It's one of those sayings that really means ungrounded, i.e., I wasn't fully present in my body. When that happens I'm not in touch with my feelings, needs or inner knowing. My actions and reactions are not from a solid, authentic place. They come from habit, conditioning and often with a fear mentality.
 
As you can imagine that meant numerous unhelpful outcomes. For me it looked like busyness when I needed rest, blame as I avoided my feelings, work when I needed play and looking for things outside of myself to help me feel better.
 
It felt like I was a long way from authentic presence. It doesn't make for a high vibe me either! Here's two helpful questions to ponder or journal.
 
What expands me?
 
What contracts me?
 
Knowing the answers to these questions AND making choices that are pro expansion will support you to feel bigger, wiser, more intuitive, happier and, you'll have more energy too.
 
 
Wishing you expansion!
 
with light
Dawn

Photo by Ana J on Pixabay

I believe we all have varying degrees of trauma. There are no perfect childhoods. Our care givers did things the only way they knew how to at the time. Their actions were based on their own history. Being human means we make mistakes and can operate unconsciously from ego, fear and conditioning. As adults our intellect can make sense of that yet understanding trauma does not heal it.
 
The spiritual truth that we create our lives to learn the lessons we are drawn to work on doesn't heal trauma either. It too helps us understand yet fear and deep emotion are still trapped in our physical cells causing us an array of issues.
 
The way we internalise events varies depending on our sensitivities and circumstances. The bottles of paint I accidentally knocked down creating a major colourful mess while helping a teacher when I was 7 is not what many would perceive as traumatic yet I was overwhelmed with emotion I didn't know how to cope with. Those less sensitive or more emotionally intelligent may have laughed and rolled with it. That experience certainly wasn't life threatening like other traumatic situations I was involved in yet it did bring about some internalised shame.
 
Trauma has been defined as the result of an overwhelming amount of stress that exceeds one's ability to cope, or integrate the emotions involved with that experience. I have been working on deactivating my own wound up, deeply buried inner turmoil for many years so I have come to know the nature of trauma well.
 
Lately I've noticed that others are having spontaneous trauma memories appearing. It seems we are collectively ready to handle the truth of our past so we can make peace with it for a healthier, happier life.
 
Unhealed trauma creates –

• Anxiety
• Addiction (being busy, eating, drinking, over thinking, working, gaming, exercising etc... as ways to avoid one's feelings. It's rampant.)
• Relationship issues
• Blame and judgement
• Depression
• Body pain and tension
• Over reactions
• Sexual issues
• Money problems
• Lack of self esteem
• Shame
• Health problems

 
There's more I could add to that list but you get the idea. Trauma is affecting our lives adversely and stopping us from living to our full potential.
 
Here's what needs to happen for healing to come about –

• Be present to uncomfortable feelings

 

• Stay with your bodily experience

 

• Resist analysing – it will disconnect you from your body

 

• Experience the emotion that wants to move – it is old, trapped energy that was not allowed space to be expressed

 

• Be patient with yourself, trauma healing is a process

 

• Know that timing is everything – you must have a safe space to be vulnerable when trauma is ready to be unlocked. (people who can listen, understand, be empathic and give you room to feel are valuable)

 

• You also need a particular level of psychological maturity to be courageous enough to allow painful emotion to release from your body

 
 
Trust what is occurring. Don't be annoyed that there is more to heal. Healing is a long, long journey. It isn't a few workshops and sessions, nor is it one big purge and it's all done. We have a lot to make peace with. Go gently and kindly. Life is a play; the game gets easier as we make room for more light in our body. Be brave and loving.
 
Wishing you gentleness on your healing journey
 
with light
Dawn

Image by Alexas_Fotos on Pixabay

Last week we looked at the general energy of this number three year – it's all about creativity, expression and communication. We're a few weeks into the new energy of 2019. Can you sense a different vibe? I mentioned in my last blog that it can take some time to get used to a new year. What we did the year before doesn't always work. Take some time to listen to your inner voice about what needs to change for your life to flow better.
 
Ok, your new personal year –
 
Add the date and month of your birth to 2019 and keep adding until you get a single number. My birthday is January the 16th (Yay, it's tomorrow!!) So 1 + 6 + 1+ 2 + 0 + 1 + 9 = 20    2 + 0 = 2  so 2 is my personal year number.
 
If your personal year number is 1 it's your year to shine. Be bold, be yourself and trust your own guidance. Seize all the opportunities presented. Make the changes you've been waiting to make. It's time to plant the seeds you want to grow.
 
A number 2 year is time to rest and listen. This is my new vibe; it follows a number 1 year which is usually quite full on so resting is good news for us two year peeps.
 
Things will come to you when you are receptive. Be calm. There is no need to try hard this year. Practise patience. Do the small things and wait. It's a year of blending two different parts of your life together.
 
A number 3 year means it's time to express yourself and socialise. It's a joyous, fun year of communication and travel. Don't scatter your energies. Emotions can change quickly. You will radiate your beauty this year! As 2019 is a universal 3 year you'll get a double whammy of the 3 vibe so enjoy.
 
A number 4 year is a time to organise and take responsibility. Its time to excel. Make peace with past mistakes. Get your life in order. Take time out sometimes, this will enable you to move ahead quickly. Prepare for your future security. Work at what you do best. It's an industrious year.
 
A number 5 year is about freedom, change and adventure. It's a year to enjoy life. Avoid restrictions. Motivate others. Release the old, bring in the new. Promote yourself and your ideas. It's a progressive year.
 
A number 6 year is about love and responsibility. Slow down and enjoy your home life. You will be surrounded by love and feel content. Finish what your start, no need to rush.  Allow yourself to be nurtured.
 
A number 7 year is about introspection and silence. Get in touch with your spirituality. Reflect. Being alone is more satisfying. Be patient.
You can have periods of using your intuitive/creative side as well as your  practical /analytical side. It's great for research and behind the scenes work.
 
A number 8 year is about success and money. It's your power year. Big steps forward happen now. Plan your moves. Watch your ego. Take action. There are big things to be done. 8 years make you a star!
 
A number 9 year is the time to discard all things redundant like negative attitudes, material stuff and relationships that don't serve you. Tidy up loose ends. It's a time to quietly review your life. Avoid stress. You're in a process of completion.
 
The energy of numbers is fascinating. Use this mini guidance to bring greater harmony to your new year.
 
I wish you all a year where your authenticity shines!
 
with light
Dawn
 

Image by William Farlow, Unsplash.

 
I am back at my desk after days of easy hanging out at our beachy bach in Golden Bay, NZ. It is exciting to be home as it's my new moon today (I'm a Capricorn!) which means I am vibed up for planning.
 
Christmas and New Year celebrations are behind us and collectively we're considering what we want to do, be and create this year.
 
The first new moon of the year is a new beginning time for everyone - the vibe is high right now and will be for a few days so enjoy sorting out your own action plans.
 
2019 adds up to a 3 – this means it's a universal number 3 energy for all of us. (You will have your own personal year number also) It's a year that will be all about communication, creativity and expression. It's time for everyone to express themselves, speak their truth and share their passions.
 
It takes awhile to adjust to the vibration of a new year so be patient with yourself while you feel your way. We're leaving behind an emotional 2018 that was all about our relationship with ourselves and others as well as looking for balance
The collective shift into expression will take some getting used to.
 
You'll be wanting to speak out and share your truth. You may be drawn to help others by sharing your story, it's time to do it!
 
Clear communication is an art. Own your truth, don't blame, listen when people are calm and speak from your heart. Don't expect others to see things the way you do. Look out for power games, they are draining and unhealthy.
 
Be mindful of not taking on too much (it will be easy to scatter your energy) Finish projects before taking on new ones.
 
Journal your thoughts and feelings. Share with those who can hold space without being opinionated.
 
Be loving and clear with your verbal boundaries.
 
Be respectful of other peoples realities.
 
Write, paint, sing, garden, design, cook – get creating! When you don't express yourself creatively issues around the sacral chakra region can manifest (hips, reproductive system, lower back, colon).
 
Emotions can be intensified with a 3 vibe so take it easy, don't over think and remember to have fun!
 
wishing you graceful expression

with light
Dawn 




​
Photo by Ivanovgood Pixabay

 
How was your year? It seems 2018 was a challenging and exciting year for many of us. The end of the year is a good time to self-reflect so I thought I would give you some journal questions to play with. Journaling helps us know ourselves better. It also gives us the opportunity to solidify our discoveries.
 
Reflecting on the year for myself brings a big out breath. A year ago we were living at my in-laws in a caravan looking for a new home and now we are having our first summer in our partially renovated (house renovators need support groups!), tropical hideaway.
 
I enjoyed teaching past life regression in Auckland and Tauranga as well as having 26 weeks of super fun facilitating Tarot classes. I also finished my first book and had it fully edited - that task is finalised tomorrow, the last day of the year!
 
Personally I also managed to squeeze in some brand new trauma memories popping up. Yikes! That had me revisiting the toughest feeling there is, shame. In hindsight it was another wonderful learning opportunity and powerfully healing. Now there is even more authentic me in the foreground!
 
 
Here are some end of the year journal questions to play with –
 
What did I learn about myself this year?
 
What new experiences did I have?
 
What did I accomplish that I am proud of?
 
What were my biggest challenges?
 
How did I help others this year?
 
What am I being called to work on?
 
What guidance would I give myself if I began 2018 again?
 
What will I take from this year into my new year?
 
It's powerful to vocalise the answers to these questions too, so maybe you share with a friend or say your answers out loud as well as writing them down.
 
Wishing you a light filled New Year
 
with light
 
Dawn





Image by Ana Tavares

​It's Christmas Love time! I've always enjoyed this time of year. The smell of fresh pine radiates from my sparkly tree and the Summer vibe is kicking in. There's the excitement of gifts to give and receive. There's also yummy food being gathered and prepared.
 
The vibration of giving is tangible at this time of the year. Gracious giving and receiving opens our hearts. We feel genuinely cared for and appreciated and we want others to feel the same. The heart chakra expands when appreciation and love abound. With an open heart we look and act more beautiful. This is what I love. Giving gifts is healing for everyone!
 
Jesus was an open-hearted, healer kind of guy. This vibe is what I like to imbibe at Christmas time. I celebrate gratitude, appreciation and the big kind of Love. And sure, we don't need presents and a feast to be grateful but having all three is a bonus in my world!
 
This time of the year there are millions of people giving and receiving. The collective energy of Big Love is palpable when you tune into that. Yes, there's too much commercialism and hype but instead of focusing on what you don't like you could experiment being with the spirit of Love and Gratitude.
 
When we appreciate and accept our friends and family for who they really are, wounds and all, we expand our heart centre. We can do this for strangers too. In this practice our loving light radiates towards others, affecting their vibration. This can soften prickly bits as well as bring healing.
 
Enjoy giving at this time, in whatever way you feel drawn to do that. Your smile and words can be enough. Your loving light is always needed.
 
Let the big Love vibe of Christmas shine all over you and everyone you know.
 
Wishing you a Loving Christmas
 
with light
Dawn