Rain Retreat Meditation

In the Buddhist tradition “Phansa” is the rainy season—typically July, August, and September. During this window of time, monks stay indoors to study, meditate, and teach. This practice stems from when Buddha stayed inside to avoid stepping on and killing insects and seedlings.

I’m fascinated by this tradition. However, with owning a healing practice and teaching, taking a three month hiatus simply isn’t prudent.

Last fall Terrill Welch over at Creative Potager posed the sprout question, “Where are you finding sublime bliss today?”

Shorty thereafter, Catie Manning over at As Told by CatMan – The Rose Bandit asked, “How do you get rid of stress?”

My answer to both was the same—in the shower.

It’s here that I take a mini Rain Retreat. Pulling in a Rubbermaid footstool, I sit with my back to the shower-head, and wholly relax as the hot water pelts my neck and shoulders, washing any physical tension right down the drain. The emotional tension melts away as I practice my personal version of metta:

I visualize myself as a smooth pebble that’s been tossed into a still pond. The pebble—me—produces a gentle ripple effect on the calm surface. The first time I say the metta, I start with myself. Then each consecutive time I replace “I” with the next person in my life—the next ring out—and so on.

It looks something like this: me, Len, our son, Kayley, individual family members, individual friends, neighbors, clients—you get the idea—until I end with,
“May all beings…”

May I live in safety
May I be healthy—body, mind, and spirit
May I live with ease
May I listen more than I speak
May my motivation be positive, uplifting, constructive, and healing
May I interact with kindness and respect
May my constant companions be peace of mind and joy
May laughter reside in my heart

Where do you go to retreat?

Listen with your heart,

Laurie Buchanan

“Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
— Laurie Buchanan

Please visit HolEssence and our Facebook page

© 2012 Laurie Buchanan– All Rights Reserved

Painting a Word Picture

Laurie Scheer has made the details of this year’s Writers’ Institute available on the UW-Madison website. Needless to say, as an instructor I’m beyond excited!

The first person who introduced me to the concept of “show, don’t tell” was Laurel Yourke. The person who hammered the idea home was Christine DeSmet. You can learn more about all three of these creative and engaging women on the “Instructor” page.

Those of you who know me well are aware that Len and I haven’t had a television for almost 32 years. We’re avid readers. As such, I’m always asking friends and clients about books. My friend Sandi introduced me to the work of Dorothea Benton Frank. Now there’s an author who can paint a word picture: 

“To her right, the creek was completely placid and the shrimp boats were reflected in the water in perfect mirror images. Great beauty did not always require great sums of money, she thought. Sometimes something as easy and undemanding as an old shrimp boat, moored to an ancient piling battered from salt and time, could stop your heart in the same way as might a great work of art.”

Ms. Frank’s description immediately called to mind one of our favorite locations in Nova Scotia. But even if I didn’t have that memory to fall back on, her words painted a vivid picture on the canvas in my mind.

Who is your favorite word painter?

Listen with your heart,

Laurie Buchanan

“Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
— Laurie Buchanan

www.HolEssence.com and our Facebook page

© 2012 Laurie Buchanan – All Rights Reserved

Difference Makes the World Go Round

In our younger years many of us worked hard to fit in, striving for sameness. Somewhat like a chameleon, we wanted to blend in wherever we went. It felt comfortable—even safe—to be like everyone else.

As we gain life experience, most of us celebrate human difference, equality, and personal choice—not only ours, but that of others.

What does it mean to be meaningfully different—different in a way that makes a positive difference? What does it mean to stand out from the crowd?

Maybe it means to zig when other zag, or to say “no” when others say “yes.” Maybe it means to minimize when others maximize, or to take a stand for something or someone when others remain seated.

What’s different about you?

Listen with your heart,

Laurie Buchanan

“Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
— Laurie Buchanan

Please visit HolEssence and our Facebook page

© 2012 Laurie Buchanan – All Rights Reserved

Tuesdays with Laurie

This year—2012—is like a shiny new penny. Not being one to spend time, I took New Year’s Eve and day to think about how I’m going to invest time this year.

Recently, one of my Life Harmony students wistfully said, “I wish that our mid-week check-ins were done at HolEssence. Like Mitch did with his college professor in the book ‘Tuesdays with Morrie,’ I’d like to come here each week to answer your Internal Inventory questions in person—sort of like Tuesdays with Laurie.”
And with that play on words, she laughed.

In addition to my regular energy medicine practice, Life Harmony program, article commitments, and 16 classes and workshops that I’m presenting at HolEssence this year, I’ve been gifted with two dream-come-true opportunities:

-  I’m speaking at The Writers’ Institute at UW-Madison in April.
-  I’m speaking at the first annual Women with Sacred Souls International Gathering and Retreat in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico in October.

Each of these commitments requires a significant investment of thought-filled time. With that in mind, this year I’m taking a more Zen-like approach and streamlining my blogging schedule to one post per week—remaining simple, yet full.

Your place is ready and waiting with a delicious cuppa hot tea. Please consider this an open invitation to invest Tuesdays with Laurie.

Are you modifying anything this year?

Listen with your heart,

Laurie Buchanan

© 2012 Laurie Buchanan – All Rights Reserved

2011 in review

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

The concert hall at the Syndey Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 44,000 times in 2011. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 16 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.

Click here to see the complete report.

Sagittarius – (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Symbol – The Archer
Ruling Planet – Jupiter
Element – Fire
Keywords – I Perceive
Key Notes – Aspiration & Direction
Power Color – Mint Green

Traits
Action orientation
Optimistic and freedom-loving
Jovial and good-humored
Honest and straightforward
Intellectual and philosophical

Medical Astrology
Sagittarius rules the hips, thighs, liver, and sciatic nerve.

Gemstone Affinities
Regarded as the luckiest sign in the zodiac, Sagittarians always appear to land on their feet. Engaged in an eternal quest for meaning, Chrysoprase helps prevent burnout while achieving this goal. It can also help to broaden one’s perspective and light up the path ahead. Its philanthropic urges are in tune with Sagittarius’s leader, beneficent Jupiter. Green Aventurine—a stone of the heart—helps Sagittarius to expand under Jupiter’s tutelage while avoiding excess. Mint Green Fluorite promotes relaxation, serenity, and peace required for meditation. It focuses inner vision and shuts off the questioning mind, creating a space for Sagittarians to simply be.

The Moon of Long Nights (Nov 22 – Dec 21)
This period is one of sharing and communications. This is the time to share the experiences of the year with friends and family and in doing so, to examine your own life and discover in yourself new opportunities for growth. The influence is one of introspection.

Fire Element
Sagittarius is a fire element—active, self-assertive, creative, energetic, and just a wee tad on the impatient order. They impart spirit and energy.

Fire signs are passionate and loving, confident and innovative. Fire shapes inspiration. This is the impetuous element of spirit and creative life. The spontaneous Fire element is active and outgoing. It is innovative and initiatory. Fire signs get things moving. They act immediately with verve and confidence. A passionate element, this is the world of inspiration and creativity.

A Mutable Sign
Sagittarius goes at a great gallop! They are energetic, ambitious, generous, freedom-loving, and a seeker of challenge. They are open to new ideas and exploration.

Zodiac Compatibility
Given freedom, Sagittarians in any relationship are warm, affectionate, and interesting companions, but they’re most compatible with Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius.

Famous Sagittarians
John F. Kennedy Jr. (Nov 25), Bette Midler (Dec 1), and Brad Pitt (Dec 18).

Do you have any Sagittarians in your life?

Laurie Buchanan

“Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
— Laurie Buchanan

Please visit HolEssence and our Facebook page

© 2011 Laurie Buchanan – All Rights Reserved

Scorpio – (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Symbol – Scorpion
Ruling Planet – Pluto
Element – Water
Keywords – I create
Key Notes – Willpower & Confidence
Power Color – Brown

Traits
Ability to feel and intuitively know
Determined and forceful
Emotional and intuitive
Powerful and passionate
Exciting and magnetic

Medical Astrology
Scorpio rules the reproductive system, sexual organs, bowels, and excretory system.

Gemstone Affinities
Self-reliant, magnetic Scorpio is an intense and enigmatic sign. Powerful emotions flow beneath an outwardly calm surface. Known for its insightfulness, Scorpio is one of the signs where transformation occurs—a quality of its ruler Pluto. Brown Topaz helps to promote positive transformation. It resonates with loyalty and fidelity, Scorpio attributes. Straight-shooting, they tell the unvarnished truth, sometimes incurring anger from the recipient. As such, Scorpio benefits from the protective energy of Apache Tears. Forgiveness and releasing resentment—great qualities for any zodiac sign—are triggered by Smoky Quartz.

Note: Before the discovery of Pluto, the ruling plant for this sign was Mars—the two are more or less interchangeable with regard to the Scorpio personality, especially since the recent downgrade of Pluto from a full-blown planet to a “dwarf planet.”

The Moon of Frost (Oct 23 – Nov 21)
This period is one of intellect and mind. This is the time to explore and develop ideas, but these new ideas can lead to so much excitement that proper timing can often be ignored. The influence is one of impulsiveness.

Water Element
Scorpio is a water element — sympathetic and imaginative. They bring emotional sensitivity and intuition.

The Water signs are the intuitive dreamers of this world. Water shapes intuition and emotional experience, and is linked to the feeling and emotional world. The element of intuitive perception, water signs are inward-looking and sensitive. This is a passive, rhythmic element that ebbs and flows. Water signs need time to withdraw, to process emotional experiences, and then to reemerge into the world.

A Fixed Sign
The Scorpio individual is imaginative, passionate, and emotional. For better or for worse, they are intense, intuitive, and complex people who give life their all.

Zodiac Compatibility
Scorpio in any relationship is fiercely private, deeply-feeling, and intensely loyal, but they’re most compatible with Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn.

Famous Scorpios
Julia Roberts (Oct 28), Demi Moore (Nov 11), and Leonardo DiCaprio (Nov 11).

Do you have any Scorpios in your life?

Laurie Buchanan

“Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
— Laurie Buchanan

Please visit HolEssence and our Facebook page

© 2011 Laurie Buchanan – All Rights Reserved

Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Symbol – The Scales
Ruling Planet – Venus
Element – Air
Keywords – I Balance
Key Notes – Harmony & Balance
Power Color – Yellow

Traits
Thinking and communication
Diplomatic and urbane
Romantic and charming
Easygoing and sociable
Idealistic and peaceable

Medical Astrology
Libra rules the kidneys, skin, lumbar region, and buttocks.

Gemstone Affinities
Romantic Venus rules this charming sign. Not surprisingly, Librans are happiest in relationships. No wonder this is the sign of marriage and partnership. Peace and balance are the keynotes of Libra. This sign is concerned with beauty of all kinds. Ametrine (a natural mix of Amethyst and Citrine) promotes peace and harmony of mind, keeping Libra’s ever-important scales balanced. Supporting the qualities of morality, justice, and freedom, Amber particularly resonates with these Libran qualities. Softening the sometimes-judgmental side of this sign, Libra has a strong affinity with Citrine; it helps their energy to flow in a clean, structured, and balanced way.

The Moon of Falling Leaves (Sep 23 – Oct 22)
This period is one of calm and introspection. This is the time to slow down a little, time to enjoy the fruits of your labor, and time to turn to inner resources. The influence is one of appreciation.

Air Element
Libra is an air element—intelligent, communicative, sociable, versatile, and unpredictable. They bring intellect and a strong ability to communicate.

Energetic, friendly, and playful, talkative air signs may well be described as “Chatty Cathy.” Air shapes ideas. This is the world of intellectual perception and logical thought. Air is the element of discernment and analysis, of comment and dissection. It’s the mental element that thinks things through, but also has bright flashes of intuition. The air element is inventive and full of new ideas. Air signs need to express themselves, for this is the element of communication.

A Cardinal Sign
Libra is active, artistic, easygoing, and peaceable—prizing justice, beauty, and harmony above all things. Their reputation for indecisiveness stems from a desire to evaluate everything in an effort to make perfectly balanced judgements. Diplomatic, polished, and socially inclined, wise Librans withdraw periodically to recharge their personal batteries.

Zodiac Compatibility
Despising discord and confrontation, Librans innately strive for balance and serenity in any relationship, but they’re most compatible with Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius.

Famous Librans
Barbara Walters (Sept 25), Susan Sarandon (Oct 4), and John Lennon (Oct 9).

Note: Libra is the only zodiac sign that’s represented by an inanimate object—scales. 

Do you have any Librans in your life?

Listen with your heart,

Laurie Buchanan

“Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
                — Laurie Buchanan

Please visit HolEssence and our Facebook page

© 2011 Laurie Buchanan – All Rights Reserved

Virgo (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

Symbol – The Virgin
Ruling Planet – Mercury
Element – Earth
Keywords – I Analyze
Key Notes – Efficiency & Precision
Power Color – White

Traits
Common sense
Modest and shy
Meticulous and reliable
Practical and diligent
Intelligent and analytical

Medical Astrology
Virgo rules the digestive system, intestines, spleen, and nervous system.

Gemstone Affinities
Virgo is a practical and well-organized sign. As befits its ruler, Mercury, Virgoans are analytical and discriminating. Moonstone magnifies the inner aspect of situations, enabling Virgo to get to the nub of the problem or experience. Always seeking perfection, Pearl helps Virgoans attune to the ebb and flow of life. Opal taps Virgo into universal harmony, helping them to achieve their health goals. Health—or lack thereof—is a peculiarly Virgoan fascination. This helps explain why Virgo seeks to understand the psychosomatic nature of disease.

The Moon of Harvesting (Aug 23 – Sep 22)
This period is one of gathering together and receiving. This is the time to see what your seeds of labor have become; to harvest and use the potential inside. The influence is one of discovery.

Earth Element
Virgo is an earth element—practical, careful, reliable, and resolute. They impart form and structure.

Material and sensual earth signs like to enjoy the pleasures of life. Earth shapes matter. Earth is the element of the material world—it’s stable and grounded. Practical and productive, it’s concerned with self-sufficiency and security. Earth signs are sensual signs. This is the element most involved in the physical body and the senses.

A Mutable Sign
The epitome of perfectionism, Virgoans are reserved, modest, practical, discriminating, and industrious. Analytical and painstaking, they seek to know and to understand. 

Zodiac Compatibility
Virgoans in any relationship are classy, intelligent, and witty, but they’re most compatible with Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. 

Famous Virgoans
Mother Teresa (Aug 27), Michael Jackson (Aug 29), and Hugh Grant (Sept 9). 

Do you have any Virgos in your life?

Listen with your heart,

Laurie Buchanan

“Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
                — Laurie Buchanan

Please visit HolEssence and our Facebook page

© 2011 Laurie Buchanan – All Rights Reserved

Leo (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

Symbol – Lion
Ruling planet – Sun
Element – Fire
Keywords – I Will
Key Notes – Warmth & Exuberance
Power Color – Orange

Traits
Action orientation
Generous and warmhearted
Creative and enthusiastic
Broad-minded and expansive
Faithful and loving

Medical Astrology
Leo rules the heart, chest, spine, spinal column, and upper back.

Gemstone Affinities
As the natural ruler of the Zodiac, the lion has a larger-than-life personality. The sun lights up for openhearted Leo and everyone around them. From fire-orange to brownish-red, Carnelian can assist in getting the mind out of mental ruts and back on track for success. It bolsters ambition and drive, reminding the wearer of future goals—hence a powerful decision-making tool. Fire Agate promotes positive expression for an abundant storehouse of energy, while Sunstone has an uplifting spiritual quality that resonates with the generosity and enthusiasm of Leo, bringing out their inherent leadership qualities.

The Moon of Ripening (Jul 23 – Aug 22)
This period is one of warmth and openness. This is the time to open up and bask in the warmth of the declining sun before the labors of the harvest ahead. The influence is one of reflection.

Fire Element
Leo is a fire element—active, self-assertive, creative, energetic, and impatient. They impart spirit and energy.

Fire signs are passionate, loving, confident, and innovative. Fire shapes inspiration. This is the impetuous element of spirit and creative life. The spontaneous fire element is active and outgoing. It’s innovative and initiatory. Fire signs get things moving. They act immediately with verve and confidence. A passionate element, this is the world of inspiration and creativity.

A Fixed Sign
Powerful and expansive—Leos are enthusiastic, generous, and extravagant. Usually dogmatic and fixed in their opinions, they roar for a good cause while inwardly possessing spirituality and deep love. 

Zodiac Compatibility
Leos in any relationship are smart, refined, and enjoy reciprocating attention and appreciation, but they’re most compatible with Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. 

Famous Leo’s
Sandra Bullock (Jul 26), Robert De Niro (Aug 17), and Robert Redford (Aug 18).

Do you have any Leos in your life?

Listen with your heart,

Laurie Buchanan

“Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
                — Laurie Buchanan

www.HolEssence.com and our Facebook page

© 2011 Laurie Buchanan – All Rights Reserved