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	<title>The Practice of Contentment</title>
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		<title>A Wet Fish to the Face at Big Day Out 2012</title>
		<link>http://elizahather.com.au/blog/a-wet-fish-to-the-face-at-big-day-out-2012/</link>
		<comments>http://elizahather.com.au/blog/a-wet-fish-to-the-face-at-big-day-out-2012/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 10 Feb 2012 04:03:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>eliza</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://elizahather.com.au/blog/?p=60</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Greetings Dear Souls, In the last few months I have been thinking a lot about expectations. Expectations are indeed a confusing and dangerous beast. Disappointment, uncertainty, hurt, jealousy, anger, resentment, confusion, grief, sadness and betrayal can all stem from expectations not being met. It&#8217;s a concept I have struggled with most of my life. &#160; [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Greetings Dear Souls,</p>
<p>In the last few months I have been thinking a lot about expectations.</p>
<p align="center"><strong>Expectations are indeed a confusing and dangerous beast.</strong></p>
<p>Disappointment, uncertainty, hurt, jealousy, anger, resentment, confusion, grief, sadness and betrayal can all stem from expectations not being met. It&#8217;s a concept I have struggled with most of my life.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p align="center">My mother used to pick me up from school and say things like:<br />
&#8220;I think we should go to Hong Kong for a holiday, what do you think Lizey?&#8221;<br />
&#8220;Really mum? Hell yes, lets’ go! Awesome!&#8221;<br />
Then, several hours later, after some logical thought, she would say:<br />
&#8220;Nah, we can&#8217;t really afford that. Let&#8217;s just go down the coast for the weekend instead&#8221;.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>My problem was, and still is, I&#8217;m a girl who likes to look forward to exciting things. I am super enthusiastic and encourage-able and I enjoy getting prepared for events I consider important. So for the two days I thought I was going toHong KongI had already started to happily plan where I could visit, what I would wear and the strange and unusual things I might get to see.</p>
<p align="center">What I now know that I didn&#8217;t know before is&#8230;&#8230;</p>
<p align="center"><strong>EXPECTATIONS TAKE YOU OUT OF THE PRESENT MOMENT</strong>.</p>
<p>Over the course of those days I was lost in a dream of something that never happened and I missed out on two days of teenage experiences. I don&#8217;t remember what else occurred in those days, only that I felt let down by and resentful to my mother.</p>
<p>As I continued to ponder the notion of dropping expectations out of my life and clearing my mind of future conjecture you can imagine my surprise when (expecting to have a light, fun filled Gold Coast holiday with a large group of friends, all sharing a love of live music at Big Day Out 2012) I instead<strong> experienced a truck load of learning served like a slap to the face with a wet fish.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong></strong><br />
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>In the months leading up to my holiday I spent hours presuming and assuming I would have a frivolous, easy breezy adventure. An opportunity to shake off the cobwebs of 2011 and dance out all the remnants of my recent challenges and trials.</p>
<p>At the end of last year I gave my sub-conscious mind a stern talking to for having me on a drip feed of self awareness but after the wet fish to the face that came while surrounded by thousands of festival goers I was left feeling overwhelmed, scared and very confused. I spent most of the day isolating myself from my friends and unable to express my feelings and paranoia about how I appeared to those around me. Self doubting at every turn. Consumed by anxiety. Discombobulated and disconnected. Needless to say it was a frightening and upsetting experience.</p>
<p>In hindsight, of course, I am very grateful to the wet fish of knowledge I received, regardless of the time, place and intense way it was delivered. But for the past two weeks, since my return home, I have been wondering: if I had expected nothing would I have been able to have some much needed fun while still receiving the insights from my higher self? If I made a choice to release the picture I created before I even leftMelbourne, planning only the practical necessities and leaving the rest to the winds of change, would I have spend four days feeling disconnected and nervous?</p>
<p>Of course not, right? I would have been able to enjoy each moment as it occurred without needing to analyse, interpret or judge it. I could have allowed and trusted my sub-conscious or higher mind to absorb and understand the learning while my conscious brain was fully engaged in the present.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>When you drop your expectations that a person, a situation, a place, or an object should fulfil you, it’s easier to be present in this moment because you’re no longer looking to the next one. Most people want to get what they want, whereas the secret is to want what you get at this moment.</em><em><br />
<em>- Eckhart Tolle</em></em></p></blockquote>
<p>Now having said all of that, <strong>let&#8217;s not confuse expectations with dreams, intentions or premonitions</strong>. Dreams are a beautiful tool to stay connected to The Source and in your own creative sub-conscious. Dreams allow you to be in a trance state, therefore relaxed, flowing and at peace. But the dreamer knows she/he is dreaming and not to expect anything more than the moments of pleasure received while in the dream.</p>
<p>Setting your intentions for days, events and activities is also a beautiful tool to manifest your goals and desires. But the skilled manifester knows that the goal is set in clear intent while allowing the journey to take any shape. The outcome is solid but the path is malleable.</p>
<p>Premonitions take a similar shape. You have a vision or a sixth sense about an occurrence in the future or a knowing you might soon receive but the exact place, time and method is unknown, able to be moved and shifted as your sub-conscious mind and The Universe decides. Fluidity.</p>
<p align="center">The Oxford Dictionary list these words as follows:<br />
Expectation: a strong belief that something will happen or be the case<br />
Dream: a cherished aspiration, ambition, or ideal<br />
Manifest: clear or obvious to the eye or mind<br />
Premonition: a strong feeling that something is about to happen</p>
<p>Having an ideal, ambition, indication or feeling that something may happen is natural and intrinsic to intuitive beings but having a strong belief that something WILL occur is counter-productive and detrimental to human beings. Animals in the wild must stay present, in the moment or die, it&#8217;s really very simple.</p>
<p>So, once again, I implore you (and my own mind) to look to the animal kingdom as a guideline for the organic behaviour of loosing all expectations, remaining present and allowing yourself to fully experience and enjoy each unique moment with a fluidity similar to the oceans tides. Take it from me (fish face) remaining in the moment, free of the burden of expectation, is simply the easiest way to be.</p>
<p>Until next time (and always) listen to the knowing in your heart and don&#8217;t believe everything you think.</p>
<p>Love is in the air,<br />
Eliza</p>
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		<title>Welcome to the New New Age</title>
		<link>http://elizahather.com.au/blog/welcome-to-the-new-new-age/</link>
		<comments>http://elizahather.com.au/blog/welcome-to-the-new-new-age/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:07:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>eliza</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://elizahather.com.au/blog/?p=38</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Greetings Dear Souls, Well my friends, it’s 2012 already and we are well and truly into the New Year. I am sure, like me, you have also noticed the vast and profound changes that took place last year. I have been watching, writing and talking about the global and diverse shifts occurring in our universe [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>                                                 Greetings Dear Souls, </p>
<p>Well my friends, it’s 2012 already and we are well and truly into the New Year. </p>
<p>I am sure, like me, you have also noticed the vast and profound changes that took place last year. I have been watching, writing and talking about the global and diverse shifts occurring in our universe for the last few years but <strong>2011 was particularly heavy with the seeds of change</strong>. The evidence is everywhere. Friend’s breaking up, the earth cracking, the ocean spilling over, the repressed rebelling, loved ones taking ill and questioners demanding answers. </p>
<p>The world is indeed shifting and it is inevitable that we will all experience a life alteration. It may have already happened to you or it may be just around the corner.  </p>
<p>In the last twelve months I have done a 180 degree spin on many facets of my life. My goals for the future have shifted dramatically. The place and space I planned to be in at this biological age is completely different from where I am now. My home has changed, my work has changed, my body has changed and most of my relationships have changed. </p>
<p>Of course, it took me some time, a bit of struggle and plenty of strain to experience this transformation and come out the other side aware and unafraid. </p>
<p>But not long after I had adjusted my view, I felt that familiar feeling of change coming again. A tickle at the back of my spine, a slightly nauseous sensation in the bottom of my stomach and I realised the wind was still shifting. Shocked and dumbfounded I asked the universe why? Why did I have to continue to transform when I have only just settled back into my comfort zone?</p>
<p>I have always appreciated movement. I am 34 years old and I have lived in 30 different houses. My mum and I are gypsies at heart. Wheels in motion is a concept I relate to but in 2010 and 2011 I had so many changes <strong>I felt my entire world spin out of control and it was scary</strong>.<br />
<strong><br />
I survived this time, intact and harmonious by simply re-learning the understanding and deep knowing my sub-conscious mind holds in regards to the laws of the universe. </strong></p>
<p>Weather we agree or not. Change, transformation and constant movement are intrinsic and fundamental laws of the universe. </p>
<p>Everything we see, feel, hear, sense, touch and smell (and the things we don’t) is constructed completely out of atoms. Atoms are simply energy in the form of minuscule particles of light. Atoms are attracted to each other and as they gather and join, a change in frequency occurs. They accommodate each other by slowing down. Previously vibrating at a higher speed with more room to move, they reduce their movement, becoming denser and able to be seen with the naked eye, like gas to clouds to water.  </p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://www.painetworks.com/photos/jn/jn0729.JPG" class="alignnone" width="384" height="256" /></p>
<p>Our thoughts are also made up of the same light particles. They have a different form because they vibrate at a higher frequency, therefore unable to be seen. </p>
<p>My point is that every single thing in our universe, both the tangible and non-tangible, is made up of <strong>constantly moving, transforming and ever evolving energy</strong>. This includes us too. <strong>Every 7 years every single cell in your body re-generates, placing itself with an updated version.<br />
</strong><br />
Remembering this organic process has helped me immensely and forever to obtain contentment inside and out because my there is no part of me, logical or emotional that can argue with this <strong>universal truth</strong>.  </p>
<p>This particular time in our history is seeing mass, global change because the collective universal energy particles that make up atoms are all <strong>vibrating higher than ever before</strong>. </p>
<p>This rise has been predicted by many cultures. The Mayans for example, did not predict the end of the physical world but a level of consciousness so high it will trigger an end to the limitations, restrictions and barriers preventing us from being content. A change so profound for all humans it can only occur with intensity. The time is now. The energy is high, the atoms are spread out and vibrating at a speed that supports each individuals map of the world to be a drastically shifted. <strong>What an exciting time to be alive!</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>It is natural for people to look about themselves at all that is I their lives, and over look the fact that the way the world appears is not actually the way it is. Our world is a wonderful, malleable one – an illusion with unlimited potential, constantly changing, transforming and evolving. It is energy-putty’ in our hands.</p>
<p>How limited or unlimited anyone perceives their life is simply a matter of the particular frequency, or level of consciousness, which they most readily maintain. Furthermore, if the energy was to rise in it’s overall frequency throughout our entire world, than everyone’s life would be extended, as well as offer a greater menu of life’s experiences. This would do away with apparent limited options and qualities, and limiting sensations. Everyone would have the opportunity to experience different kinds of lives.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong><br />
From Atoms to Angels, Paul D. Walsh-Roberts</strong></p>
<p>2012-2013 will bring much more of these transformations. We must all <strong>bravely face the winds of change</strong>. We must support and allow it to naturally occur in ourselves and in others, and then, give ourselves permission to enjoy the brighter side of the road. </p>
<p>Welcome to the New New Age dear friends.<br />
Love is in the air,<br />
Eliza  </p>
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		<title>Smoke and Mirrors</title>
		<link>http://elizahather.com.au/blog/smoke-and-mirrors/</link>
		<comments>http://elizahather.com.au/blog/smoke-and-mirrors/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:36:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>eliza</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://elizahather.com.au/blog/?p=21</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Greetings Dear Souls, After waking up in The Matrix aware and unafraid I found myself with a new perspective. My vista has, of course, changed and I noticed some things about myself I didn&#8217;t particularly like. With all of my years of nursing and facilitating healing in others, I have mastered the art of objectivity. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Greetings Dear Souls,</p>
<p>After waking up in The Matrix aware and unafraid I found myself with a new perspective. My vista has, of course, changed and I noticed some things about myself I didn&#8217;t particularly like.</p>
<p>With all of my years of nursing and facilitating healing in others, I have mastered the art of objectivity. In my Clinical Hypnotherapy practice it is of no benefit to my clients if I bring all of my own beliefs and associations into that space. Now that I am free of the limitations of my old view, I am able to apply this objectivity to my personal life.</p>
<p>Confronted and shocked by what I saw I decided to do something radical (well, radical according to some) to ensure I learned this profound life lesson.</p>
<p>My radical and spontaneous manouver was inspired by the new Gotye song Smoke and Mirrors. Music has a unique ability to effect and alter the sub-consious mind. It bypasses the conceptual brain so the content is therefore accepted by your soul as important and helpful. The song Smoke and Mirrors encouraged me to realise that, outside of my Clinical Hypnotherapy practice, I was and have been for many years, playing a pleasing game. A intricate, seemingly natural and tricky, tricky, tricky game of making others happy. I had become so good at this charade that I didn&#8217;t even realise I was doing it, until I did.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8lv7jLbXt0">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8lv7jLbXt0</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>You&#8217;re a fraud and you know it</em><br />
<em>But it&#8217;s too good to throw it all away</em><br />
<em>Anyone would do the same</em><br />
<em>You&#8217;ve got &#8216;em going</em><br />
<em>And you&#8217;re careful not to show it</em><br />
<em>Sometimes you even fool yourself a bit</em><br />
<em>It&#8217;s like magic</em><br />
<em>But it&#8217;s always been a smoke and mirrors game</em><br />
<em>Anyone would do the same</em></p>
<p><em>So now that you&#8217;ve arrived, well, you wonder </em><br />
<em>What is it that you&#8217;ve done to make the grade?</em><br />
<em>And should you do the same?</em><br />
<em>(Is that too easy?)</em><br />
<em>Are you only trying to please them?</em><br />
<em>Will they see then-</em><br />
<em>You&#8217;re desperate to deliver</em><br />
<em>Anything that could give you</em><br />
<em>A sense of reassurance</em><br />
<em>When you look in the mirror</em></p>
<p><em>Such highs and lows</em><br />
<em>You put on quite a show</em><br />
<em>All these highs and lows</em><br />
<em>And you&#8217;re never really sure</em><br />
<em>What you do it for</em><br />
<em>Well do you even want to know?</em><br />
<em>You put on quite a show</em></p>
<p><em>Mother</em><br />
<em>Are you watching?</em></p>
<p><em>You&#8217;re a fraud and you know it</em><br />
<em>And every night and day you take the stage</em><br />
<em>And it always entertains</em><br />
<em>You&#8217;re giving pleasure</em><br />
<em>And that&#8217;s admirable you tell yourself</em><br />
<em>And so you gladly sell yourself</em><br />
<em>To others</em><br />
<em>Mother</em><br />
<em>Are you watching?</em></p>
<p><em>Such highs and lows</em><br />
<em>You put on quite a show</em><br />
<em>All these highs and lows</em><br />
<em>And you&#8217;re never really sure</em><br />
<em>What you do it for</em><br />
<em>Well do you even want to know?</em><br />
<em>Yeah you put on quite a show</em></p>
<p>My mentor, Matthew Favaloro, once said to me &#8220;You can never unlearn something you have already learned&#8221;</p>
<p>So, me being the pro-actgive girl I am, I decided that the best way for me to ensure my conscious brain accepted and used this knowledge was to have it tattooed on my arm where it could be seen everyday.</p>
<p>One hour of needling and a lifetime of reading and I am certain that this is a behaviour I will no longer partake in! I share this with you because I hope you too can find a way to ensure you utilise the insights and awareness you have gained. Find a method that works for you and use it well.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" title="right inner forearm, where it can be seen, by me, everyday. Facing me so therefore upside down to the rest of the world. My lesson, not for others to like or dislike. .  " src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/390338_10150519960335930_531505929_11134718_1184377256_n.jpg" alt="" width="576" height="576" /></p>
<p>Until next time friends, listen to the knowing in your heart and don&#8217;t believe everything you think.</p>
<p>Much Love,</p>
<p>Eliza</p>
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		<title>Waking up in The Matrix</title>
		<link>http://elizahather.com.au/blog/waking-up-in-the-matrix/</link>
		<comments>http://elizahather.com.au/blog/waking-up-in-the-matrix/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 26 Nov 2011 23:05:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>eliza</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://elizahather.com.au/blog/?p=17</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Greeting Dear Souls, First of all, let me apologise to those of you who remember my initial pledge to post once a fortnight. I now know that my soul doesn&#8217;t function within the time constraints of my logical mind and in the last 6 months my soul has been through darkness, despair, confusion, grief and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Greeting Dear Souls,</p>
<p>First of all, let me apologise to those of you who remember my initial pledge to post once a fortnight. I now know that my soul doesn&#8217;t function within the time constraints of my logical mind and in the last 6 months my soul has been through darkness, despair, confusion, grief and betrayal. During that experience, organising my thoughts into a readable frame was not permitted by my sub-conscious mind. It was simply not finished shuffling and sorting my feelings and perceptions. Re-shaping my inner world into a picture my outer mind was able to see and accept.  </p>
<p>My conscious mind knew there was turmoil. In fact it was deeply involved in my months of confliction. I have been entrenched in a vicious and bloody battle between my head and my heart, one that made me seriously ill. Migraines, vomiting, diarrhoea and an intense bout of comfort eating. My higher self was in need of such deep and profound re-structuring that it required me to spend hours and days in bed or on the couch watching vacuous T.V. The rest of my daily routine pushed to the back, forced into stasis until all the pieces of the puzzle had fallen into place.  </p>
<p>I could see and sense the cracks and holes. Scared and uncertain I began to notice my view of the world crumbling. Ripples appeared, lines blurred and the borders of my limitations stretched and bended. It was as though I had suddenly realised I was stuck in The Matrix. Confined and put asleep by what my community told me I could and couldn&#8217;t do, what I should and shouldn&#8217;t be able to do, who, what and when I would be. </p>
<p>Waking up, stuck in The Matrix, on a fine spring day in 2011, I realised that my space in the world was actually entirely malleable. Not set by my expectations, my ego or the design of my loved ones. My landscape ready and waiting to be shaped, coloured and directed anyway I need it to be, at any given time, naturally and organically moving with the times and the seasons, never ending in its fluidity.      </p>
<p>The visual representation of this internal shift gave my conceptual or conscious mind a frame that it can understand and, just in the nick of time, before I lost my way completely my head succumbed to the undeniable feelings of my heart and together, with arms linked and courage standing front and centre, we all turned to face the light.</p>
<p>Now that I am free to see and to be I promise I will be more giving with you. I have learned much and continue to do so. In the spirit of candid sharing, I will now use this forum to offer you insights and awareness&#8217;s as they occur, without waiting for them to be logically ordered and measured. Free flowing and fluid! </p>
<p>So, until next time, listen to the knowing in your heart and don&#8217;t believe everything you think.   </p>
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		<title>Moving Forward with Courage</title>
		<link>http://elizahather.com.au/blog/moving-forward-with-courage/</link>
		<comments>http://elizahather.com.au/blog/moving-forward-with-courage/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 14 Sep 2011 10:14:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>eliza</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://elizahather.com.au/blog/?p=11</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Greetings Dear Souls, It&#8217;s been more than a month since my last confession. I have been rather delayed in reporting back to you from my road towards full and complete contentment. Since my last post my journey has taken me through cantankerous self sabotaging road blocks, over lazy streams of doubt and down into deep rooted [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Greetings Dear Souls,</p>
<p>It&#8217;s been more than a month since my last confession. I have been rather delayed in reporting back to you from my road towards full and complete contentment. Since my last post my journey has taken me through cantankerous self sabotaging road blocks, over lazy streams of doubt and down into deep rooted valleys of fear all the while clambering over old dead judgemental wood! Yes indeed it&#8217;s been quite a trip.</p>
<p><a style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CkibiDRuw58/Tm8NNnYNE4I/AAAAAAAAACY/mPEvmgU5zww/s1600/P1030859.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CkibiDRuw58/Tm8NNnYNE4I/AAAAAAAAACY/mPEvmgU5zww/s320/P1030859.JPG" alt="" width="213" height="320" border="0" /></a>I encountered many other people on my path, all of whom seemed to understand the difficulty of embarking on such a journey. They too are on their road. Travelling with only a fragment of their map, unable to recall the big picture or maybe choosing to remember to forget. I&#8217;m not sure about the exact details of what they encountered on their trail because each persons journey is, of course, unique. I know they too encountered bumps and humps, cross-roads, U-turns and pot holes but I also noticed that, like me, they where<strong> still moving along their path</strong>. It&#8217;s true that many were spotted standing still for a moment or two, gazing back with wonder and uncertainty at the road already travelled. But eventually, if you watch long enough, each one faces forward and keeps on walking.</p>
<p>I wonder if you have encountered travellers of this kind along your road. It&#8217;s a real pleasure to<strong> recognise a fellow traveller</strong>, to pause and <strong>exchange learning</strong> as we pass. What I find the most fascinating is the amount of people I see on this track who are walking with less and less burdens but more mechanisms and gadgets. Some have thrown out the trash, some have recycled the rubbish into useful resources while others have finally plunged into the very bottom of their bag and found the tool they need to continue. The massive numbers I am observing on the path to contentment have thrilled and inspired me. I believe that the numbers have swelled, more and more in the last few years than ever before, because the universe has conspired for it to be so&#8230;..</p>
<p>If you have doubt about this then look around you and take note of the signs. The <a href="http://articles.cnn.com/2011-01-28/opinion/shaikh.egypt.protests_1_rami-khouri-today-s-arab-arab-revolution?_s=PM:OPINION">revolution sweeping across the Arab countries</a>, the celebrity driven push to accept all sex&#8217;s, races and shapes, the rising of natural, alternative therapies and the realisation of a need for synergy between man and nature. There are signs of progressive, positive change everywhere, big and small, inside and outside. This is the time, it is inevitable that we will all change our course towards the path of peace and love. You, me, everybody.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR_KtClaVyaAeLTW3rA_GoBG1ZNVMtXSOGtszmirNzs42t-dhLg"><img src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR_KtClaVyaAeLTW3rA_GoBG1ZNVMtXSOGtszmirNzs42t-dhLg" alt="" width="200" height="148" border="0" /></a></div>
<p>The funny thing about change is that it occurs always, weather you fully accept it or not. The seasons always shift, the mammals still migrate and the earth continues to turn. These things are intrinsic and undeniable. And the change that&#8217;s taking place at the moment, for all of man kind, in many different ways, is incontrovertible and will have a profound effect on the entire universe. This is what they call the<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_phenomenon"> 2012 phenomenon</a>.</p>
<p>So, knowing that there are many people, all over the world, choosing to look back only for a moment before re-focusing and forging their own path towards contentment, I feel strong enough to draw a new map. One that is fully supported by a higher wind as being the right path for the greater good. But, it will be my map so it contains the signs I respond to, the rest stops I choose to use and the tools that fit best in my hands. My map, my torch, my life, my tools.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fR_vrr_nU4E/Tm8N1i1BZqI/AAAAAAAAACc/8YxhhhKlgTo/s1600/P1030648.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fR_vrr_nU4E/Tm8N1i1BZqI/AAAAAAAAACc/8YxhhhKlgTo/s200/P1030648.JPG" alt="" width="200" height="132" border="0" /></a></div>
<p>What tools do you prefer to use? What tools do you still need to find to keep moving forward? Go into your bag, pick out the ones you like, get some new ones if you want to, throw away the items that no longer work for you and secure the rest into your backpack, then just keep on walking.<a href="http://www.shirleymaclaine.com/encounter/printthread.php?t=194267">Â </a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.shirleymaclaine.com/encounter/printthread.php?t=194267">Ultreya!</a> to you all my friends.</p>
<p>Listen to the knowing in your heart and don&#8217;t believe everything you think,<br />
Love Eliza xoxo</p>
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		<title>Contemplating Meditating</title>
		<link>http://elizahather.com.au/blog/greetings-dear-souls-part-2/</link>
		<comments>http://elizahather.com.au/blog/greetings-dear-souls-part-2/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 09 Sep 2011 20:36:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>eliza</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://elizahather.com.au/blog/?p=7</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Well, my path to enlightenment through the daily practice of meditation has taken an unexpected turn. During the last few weeks I have adopted a puppy, gone away for the weekend, started a reiki course and been violently ill, twice. So, I admit to you all, in this space of openness, that I did not [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Well, my path to enlightenment through the daily practice of meditation has taken an unexpected turn. During the last few weeks I have adopted a puppy, gone away for the weekend, started a reiki course and been violently ill, twice. So, I admit to you all, in this space of openness, that I did not go to any meditation class, find a meditation teacher or finish my guide book <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZwnXj0Ck1k">The Art of Meditation by Matthieu Ricard</a>. Needless to say I have failed to devoted the time necessary to learn the art of meditation and we all know that you can not learn to run without first learning how to use your legs!</p>
<p><a href="http://joannewellington.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/conscious-mind-vs-subconscious-mind.jpg"><img src="http://joannewellington.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/conscious-mind-vs-subconscious-mind.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="160" height="200" /></a>I have always appreciated my organic ability to learn and adapt dexterously. But, when it comes to this particular endeavour, I find it necessary to remind myself that my transformation may not look or sound exactly as my logical, or conscious, mind expects it to. This is not to say that I have failed to move forward on my path to contentment, quite the opposite. In the last fortnight I spent a lot of time deliberating on my resoning&#8217;s for meditating. My logical brain needed impetus. My sub-conscious mind <strong>knows</strong> that this is an natural evolution, much like my gradual but inevitable transition into vegetarianism, but in order for profound self development to occur we must have both <a href="http://www.2knowmyself.com/subconscious_mind/conscious_mind_vs_subconscious_mind">the conscious and the sub-conscious minds</a> in agreement. So, I considered about what I, as a woman who can be selfish at times, can get, for myself, from this practical application.</p>
<p>I fully accept my ultimate goal is to be of service to all sentient beings and that, through mediation I can find that place with ease and grace. As far away as that feels to me right now, I am happy with that outcome. But the concept is a challenging one to embrace when there is movies to watch and friends to share with, exhibitions to absorb and gigs to dance at. Why would I want to sacrifice those fun and familiar things to sit in stillness by myself?</p>
<p>On my weekend away I spent two days with a 4 month old baby boy. He is a dear friend and I delighted in spending quality time with him. What surprised me was that I learned a valuable lesson by observing him closely. He really did seem to have mastered to art of contentment. It took some support from those around him and a few colourful objects but there was no denying that he was in a place of peace and happiness for most of the day. Then I noticed he very much enjoyed looking at a ABC learning book, his first book.</p>
<p>The letters were in glittery colours with various items to highlight the letter. A is for apple, B is for bear, C is for car and so on. He was just as mesmerised with the images in this book and he was with his colourful toy. The difference was that this book was specifically designed for him toÂ <strong>LEARN</strong>.</p>
<p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NJ57q_XC7mw/Tjt8sfsi1qI/AAAAAAAAACU/JH7jOZgHR20/s1600/229777_10150332965765930_531505929_10066758_813430_n.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NJ57q_XC7mw/Tjt8sfsi1qI/AAAAAAAAACU/JH7jOZgHR20/s200/229777_10150332965765930_531505929_10066758_813430_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="200" height="186" /></a>Ding! Light bulb goes on! But of course, it&#8217;s right there in front of me! I already know that the quickest and easiest way to learn is while in a trance state. That&#8217;s the principle behind my Clinical Hypnotherapy training. I induce my clients into a state of trance to facilitate speedy learning and change. That&#8217;s most certainly how children&#8217;s books encourage learning; attract the readers attention and hold it long enough for the desired message to be acknowledged. Not understood mind you, just acknowledged. See the understanding can come later, as long as the sub-conscious mind has acknowledged the message, it will use the power of connectedness to gain understanding when the time is right. But that&#8217;s for another post.</p>
<p>O.K. so, if I meditate daily I can re-learn how to be comfortable, calm, happy and satisfied with life and everything it brings. I can be endlessly fascinated with the simplest of things, I can be free of the weight of self assessment, free of the noose of judgement and free of the burden of destructive thought patterns. I can have more energy to enjoy my favoured activities and I can be healthier then I&#8217;ve ever been. I can just BE! Just like a baby is happy to JUST BE. Wow! That&#8217;s a bloody good reason to sit in a room by myself and shut off my chatter brain for a while. And when I do I contribute to a deeper sense of peace that can be felt by all beings. That&#8217;s inarguably a win win situation.</p>
<p>So, with nothing to loose except for my ego I delve once again into the practice of meditation. My intention is fully accepted but all parts of my conscious and sub-consciousÂ minds and now I can truly begin. Would you like to begin too?</p>
<p>&#8220;Without an actor action will not come. Intent comes before action&#8221;- H.H. The Dali Lama- 11th June 2011</p>
<p>Here are some practical tips straight from His Holiness The Dali Lama to get you started:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.wisdom-books.com/Covers/20111.jpg"><img src="http://www.wisdom-books.com/Covers/20111.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Sit easy cross legged or lotus position with head facing forward and spine straight. Place your left and right thumbs together comfortably in front of you or on your knees, palms facing down. Rest your tongue on roof of your mouth near your teeth, with eyes open or half closed. Neither be too comfortable (lying down) nor too rigid (sit on a pillow or chair if preferred).</p>
<p>Look at or imagine an object in front of you, like a lotus flower, symbol or rock. Or, another method is to count your breaths. Maintain your focus on your breaths or object while observing the sensations, emotions and sounds you notice. Observe these things as if you are watching them from behind yourself. Do not get involved or attempt to like or dislike them. Make no judgment or discernment, simply notice what you notice. Like watching birds fly north and then change direction to head south east. Do not try to steer the birds or approve of their flight, simply observe them and them let them fly off. When your focus drifts, place your attention on a part of your object you haven&#8217;t noticed before. Study the top half or the colour detail on one corner. If using the breathing technique, re-focus by paying attention to where the breath touches the skin in your nose. When you begin to become tired stop and try again later.</p>
<p>The Dali Lama states that meditation should be fastened to <strong>quality</strong>not quantity. When you begin to feel tired, your energy is spoiled so you must stop and come back to it later. The more you practice the longer you can go. Start small and build up.</p>
<p>So, bearing those easy, straight forward tips in mind, I now integrate this practice into my daily routine and I&#8217;m thrilled to know that I can begin with only a few minutes at a time. No pressure, just apply myself for the length of time I feel is <strong>right, for just me</strong>. As I do this I will remember that my mind is like water, although a little muddy with some nasty floaters, it is pure, natural and powerful in it&#8217;s essence.</p>
<p>Until next time, listen to the knowing in your heart and don&#8217;t believe everything you think.<br />
Love and light,<br />
Eliza</p>
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		<title>Inspiration from His Holiness The Dali Lama</title>
		<link>http://elizahather.com.au/blog/greetings-dear-souls/</link>
		<comments>http://elizahather.com.au/blog/greetings-dear-souls/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 09 Sep 2011 20:34:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>eliza</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://elizahather.com.au/blog/?p=4</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Welcome to my blog. I am a Clinical Hypnotherapist, Neuro-Linguistic Practitioner, Ego State Therapist and Registered Nurse, but first and foremost I am a seeker of happiness and peace for all sentient beings. The purpose of this blog is simply to share information, insights and learning, and to create a platform to bounce ideas back and forth, generate [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>Welcome to my blog. I am a Clinical Hypnotherapist, Neuro-Linguistic Practitioner, Ego State Therapist and Registered Nurse, but first and foremost I am a seeker of happiness and peace for all sentient beings.</div>
<p>The purpose of this blog is simply to share information, insights and learning, and to create a platform to bounce ideas back and forth, generate awareness and encourage<strong> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altruism">altruism</a></strong>. This space will also allow my clients and friends to benefit from the wealth of information I have gathered over my years of facilitating consciousnesses (or<strong> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mindfulness">mindfulness</a></strong>) in others and actively seeking it for myself.</p>
<p>&#8220;We must use human intelligence in a maxi-mine way to understand our self and transform destructive emotion&#8221;- H.H. The Dali Lama</p>
<p>I recently had the pleasure of learning the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodhisattvacary%C4%81vat%C4%81ra">Way of The Bodhisattva</a>direct from H.H The Dali Lama. As expected the three days of teachings left me inspired, contemplative and filled with compassion. But, over the last few weeks I have been reluctant to share my learning&#8217;s with those whom have asked me. This is not out of greed or egoism but simply because it has taken me some time for the learning&#8217;s to present themselves to my conscious awareness in a way I can explain them to you.</p>
<p>So, for my first few posts I would like to share with you some of that learning and how I have interpreted and applied it to my everyday life.</p>
<p>Before seeing The Dali Lama I had dabbled with the notion of meditation for many years. I understood that guru&#8217;s and enlightened beings from all over the world rave about the power of meditation for a good reason and that, in India, meditation is documented to have been a part of normal society over 5000 years ago. I knew that Buddha, who is probably the most famous meditation icon, dates back to 500 B.C. and I assumed that the primitive man induced a state of trance while staring into his fire.</p>
<p>What I didn&#8217;t know was that the science community has been studying the benefits of meditation for years and have proven that daily meditation can contribute significantly to the reduction of stress, anxiety, anger, depression, high blood pressure as well as strengthen the immune system, accelerate the healing of psoriasis and reinforce positive emotions and the faculty of attention. Neuroscience has now developed enough (with the use of the <a href="http://yogaterapist.net/files/hersenscan.pdf">M.R.I.</a>,Â <a href="http://www.quantumconsciousness.org/EEGmeditation.htm">E.E.G.</a> and<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuroimaging">M.E.G.</a> machines and techniques) to be able to intelligently understand and accept the immense power of contemplation.</p>
<p>When I really think about this notion of contemplation I realise that I, very naturally, already know how to meditate. I learned how to meditate before I learned how to walk, or even crawl. I don&#8217;t remember the moment it happened but I know that I became intrigued with staring at colourful objects before I knew my eyes were meant for seeing. When my gaze feel upon something interesting, I was drawn to it. I wanted to focus on that one thing and the more I did the more I was drawn in, like a spell had come over me. It was as if everything else faded away and it felt natural to give all my attention to only one thing.<br />
<a href="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTFqkPrx6BHGe35Hxkr1s9yk6ZZ0dWLDoPP05g9v1u9je0F05R83w"><img src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTFqkPrx6BHGe35Hxkr1s9yk6ZZ0dWLDoPP05g9v1u9je0F05R83w" border="0" alt="" width="200" height="133" /></a></p>
<p>As I did, a calmness came over me. I didn&#8217;t care that I was hungry, tired or dirty. My parents noticed it too, so they went out and brought me more colourful objects. My uncles and aunts and neighbours brought me colourful things too. Everyone seemed to know that I was content if I could be allowed to zone out on one thing. But, then I had too many things to look at and my focus wavered. I quickly learned to split my attention on the various objects, people and energy that came my way. This was, after all, what everyone else seemed to be doing. But the more information I received, the more confused I became. It was really too much for my conscious brain so I learned to generalise, delete and distort, as we say in <a href="http://www.nlpmind.com/deletion.htm">N.L.P lingo</a>. ThisÂ created judgement before acceptance and encouraged me to seek comfort and happiness from those around me, not from within myself. How simple it all seemed when I was satisfied to just sit and contemplate that one object.</p>
<p>So, today, I begin to once again seek comfort and calmness from within, dispelling the early learning of excess and egoism. As an intelligent adult I KNOW we are all interconnected and I now accept with the utmost credence that in order to dispel my own destructive emotions and obtain inner peace I must actively seek happiness for others.</p>
<p>&#8220;The ultimate goal of meditation is to acquire the ability to liberate all beings from suffering and contribute to their well-being&#8221; Matthieu Ricard.</p>
<p>&#8220;Be the change you want to see in the world&#8221; MahatmaÂ Gandhi</p>
<p>&#8220;With my heart I meditate, and my spirit doth search diligently;&#8221; Psalms 77:6</p>
<p>&#8220;The first peace, which is the most important, is that which comes within the souls of the people when they realize their relationship, their oneness with the universe and all it&#8217;s powers, and when they realize that at the centre of the universe dwells the Great Spirit and that this centre is really everywhere, it is within each of us&#8221; &#8211; Black Elk Oglala Sioux</p>
<p>O.K, my intention is set. I accept the benefits of daily meditation, I expect them to be felt and experienced and I am happy with my reasons to devote my time to this practice. I will begin by continuing my research to determine the best techniques and tools to master this ancient art. I will read &#8220;The art of Meditation&#8221; by Mathieu Ricard,Â <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZwnXj0Ck1k">watch him on You Tube</a> and I will find an authentic living masterÂ @Â <a href="http://nkt-kmc-australia.org/">Kadampa Meditation Centre</a> to assist my development as this is essential to ensure I remain focused and inspired.</p>
<p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k-jUpFBNjl8/ThqEqrqB5FI/AAAAAAAAACQ/GhgyPNXVO44/s1600/P1040072.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k-jUpFBNjl8/ThqEqrqB5FI/AAAAAAAAACQ/GhgyPNXVO44/s200/P1040072.JPG" border="0" alt="" width="133" height="200" /></a></p>
<p>I will post once a fortnight and I promise to be truthful and candid with you as I continue to share my ups and downs on the path to contentment. Next week will be focused on the techniques and tools needed to master meditation, including the simple and straight forward advice I received from The Dali Lama last month. The following post I will consider the difference between Hypnotherapy and Meditation.</p>
<p>I am excited to share this knowledge and I sincerely hope to receive some gifts of knowledge back from you. Until then, listen to the<strong>knowing</strong> in your heart and don&#8217;t believe everything you <strong>think</strong>!<br />
xoxo Eliza</p>
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