“When you know how to listen,
everyone is the Guru”
– Ram Dass
How do we practice compassionate listening?
We practice compassionate listening by spending time alone in communion with nature and becoming comfortable in our own inner silence.
Only then, do we begin to hear with our heart – our right brain, which is connected with a higher intelligence – present in nature and magnified in all of creation.
Only then, do we begin to tap into a magical vibration – the universal energy of love – which we are and always will be part of.
What does it mean to “commune from the heart”?
To commune from the heart simply means we listen for what the heart is trying to express.
In our relationships and encounters with strangers, we are receptive and open to the feeling, sensory and telepathic messages. Often for humans, these are the messages and clues about what is NOT being expressed, because the left-brain-mind is trying to convince, persuade, manipulate, impress, or control in a person.
We help another person, not by becoming like them and therefore losing our center of Self – but by helping them to see where their words and thoughts are not in harmony with their soul being, heart and body.
We help another person, not by overpowering them with our own thoughts, ideas, or projections of what we would like to see, have affirmed, validated or believed – but by offering a mirror where they have an opportunity to recognise their own light of truth reflected back at them.
Ultimately, we support and encourage a person to feel safe and not to be afraid of their own inner silence… because this is where they access their own innate wisdom and what can only be right and true for them.
Why did we not learn about this in school?
We did not learn about this in school, because instead we have been trained to utilise our left-brain, which is more easily persuaded and conditioned to obey an authoritative structure or power system. Now, more and more our world moves towards a new set of compassionate, feminine values with an appreciation of our heart’s intelligence at the core.
Anyone can practice compassionate listening – it’s not restricted to those with a degree in psychology, any form of elite status, religious or spiritual authority.
Of course, what we are speaking about is not only limited to human exchanges but how we interact and form relationships with all beings (“seen” and “unseen”) and with all of nature.
How do we know when we have achieved a “heart communion” or practiced “compassionate listening”?
We know when we have achieved a heart communion and practiced compassionate listening because both participants leave a conversation or exchange feeling received, uplifted, fulfilled, energised, joyous, lighter and more open.
These are the feelings and signs, which tell us we have truly listened and communed with and from the heart (as it is, in all of nature and magnified in all of creation).
‘It doesn’t matter how slow you go as long as you don’t stop.’ – Confucius
Surrounded by the 4 giants of the European Alps, these days, competitive and serious hiking is very popular in the mountainous areas we spend most of our time in.
I believe we miss so much of the magic, beauty and energy of the mountains if the path we walk becomes a competitive and serious race against time, each other and ourselves.
Equally, in life, if we are always focused on getting ahead to some “where” we think will be “better” or to accomplish a future “goal” – we can miss the valuable and perfect teachings for where we happen to be right now…
When I saunter through the mountains and on many of the old pathways in the Aosta Valley region, I find myself connecting with a very ancient and timeless part of my soul.
Whenever I am in nature, I practice the art of walking slowly and with reverence. I also believe in being open (heart) to listen, feel and connect with what or who is coming to me as a messenger. I love to make my own tracks, pause and rest, go at my own pace and usually I resist following designated pathways set out for serious mountain hikers.
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∼ Butterfly Messenger ∼
On a journey in the mountains I took a few days ago, a messenger came to me in the form of a small, friendly butterfly.
I could see in her wings beautiful colours of luminescent green, gold, orange, blue and brown. These colours kept changing as she gently moved from different angles to the light of the sun. She sat on my shoulder – gently and happily – for probably close to 10 minutes before she flew off into the pine forest.
Before she flew to my shoulder, I had the feeling that I needed to pause, breathe and do a ceremony or simply give thanks before I reached Juerg, Cento and our campervan at the foot of the mountains (where my journey had begun). However, I was not quite sure what was being asked of me, until the butterfly spontaneously arrived. Before long, I realised that my interaction and connection with the butterfly messenger was my “ceremony”.
As a messenger, the teachings of butterfly
are to appreciate and see the value
in each stage of the spiritual journey
and cycles of life.
Butterfly’s life transformation shows us, we each have the possibility and capacity to be reborn by going within ourselves. Therefore, we can draw much value and learn from the cocoon of darkness, despair, doubt, confusion, tiredness and all the emotions we have been conditioned to view as “negative”.
Honouring our feelings of discomfort and disharmony in relation to where we currently are on our journey (as well as what we may see happening around us in the world), is an important part of accepting that we are forever moving through cycles of change, transformation and growth.
A natural part of growth is feeling discomfort and resistance as we move into the unknown! These are cycles of deep change and transformation, which Mother Earth is also mirroring back to us!
Rather than judge these cycles of change as something “negative” or “wrong” – can we allow what needs to occur from a deep place of trust, love and respect… like the life cycle of the butterfly shows us so beautifully?
Can we observe and learn from Mother Earth by working with the mirror she provides us, as well as primarily focusing our energy on our own inner transformational process?
In the far distance: Monte Bianco (4,810 m) tallest mountain of the European Alps.
∼ Balance and Patience ∼
I am learning that in order to ease our transition through these current challenging times on the earth, we need two main qualities – balance and patience.
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Balance… Balance can only be found by a certain amount of detachment from the outside world and all of its noise, busyness and distractions… Slowing down to find our balance means we focus more of our attention on our inner being. This involves checking in with our authentic self – i.e paying attention to what our feelings, our center of self/solar plexus, our bodies and our heart are communicating to us. It also involves (with love and compassion) tending to the forgotten, vulnerable, shadow parts of ourselves (our inner child/children), which we may find are being triggered by the outside world and especially our relationships.
What are the unique signs of your body and emotions, which tell you – you need to slow down and reconnect with your own unique rhythm and pace?
When you know you are feeling off-balance, what is your resistance to taking the time and space you need – to come back to your center of Self?
Patience… There is nothing else like precious time spent connecting and being one with Mother Nature. Reconnecting our bodies to her natural and ancient rhythms, seasons and cycles, allows us to remember we are not separate and to be patient with ourselves and our own growth process.
I really love and savour spending time in nature with both my dog and my partner Juerg. However, grounding my energy on a solitary walk in nature and or just sitting and being alone next to a tree, with my own thoughts and feelings is essential for me to retain a sense of well-being and harmony in our shared relationship. This is the same for Juerg too.
When did you last make quality, nurturing time and space for yourself – to be alone in nature – with out any distractions?
In these times of deep transformation on the earth, may you pause and rest when you need too…
may you find balance and patience…
so that you continue to move forward with grace and confidence
on your own unique life path and journey.
Photos shared are from a 5-hour saunter I made recently, to the top of Monte Zerbion (2722m) with stunning views of the Aosta Valley and three of the Giants of the Alps – Monte Rosa (4,634 m), Monte Bianco (4,810 m), and Gran Paradiso (4,061 m).
I find sacred moments of nourishment, inspiration, quiet reverence and solitude here in the mountains of Italy… where in the world do you find your own precious and healing moments in nature? I would love to hear from you, in the comments below…
My work is supporting and mentoring men and women to embrace their authentic being and be true to the timeless calling of their heart and soul. I offer intuitive guidance and support through Soul Sessions, which take place internationally via Skype. Soul Sessions are a unique chance to feel, reflect and connect with the deeper part of your being – your heart and soul.
For more information, or to book a session
please use the “work with me” link under the menu title – or click here
More reading from Rainbowtree Woman about the soul journey
and the path of healing and transformation, – click here
I have learned through my own experience, the importance and challenge in creating a life path, which is unique to your own soul.
In my chosen art form of photography, this has to do with the study of light and the intimate presence of all beings in nature.
The result can only be achieved by spending much time alone with nature… listening, observing and feeling in a receptive, sensory, feminine state of BEING.
Therefore this essence or energy, transmuted through my photographs is the result of a learned, intuitive skill over hundreds of hours of practice, patience and being attentive to the smaller details of life.
…Details, which many people disregard or miss because they are either too busy, or too distracted by keeping up with the latest trends in technology.
Remaining true to how Juerg and I live and share our lives, my camera is not “the latest”, “the greatest”, “the most advanced, expensive or sought after”.
We drive a 30-year-old campervan, which we bought in Switzerland destined to be shipped to Bulgaria for parts!
We believe that in order to live and be authentic –
in these challenging times especially, life is about the inside growth and expansion on our journey and less and less about what is primarily visible on the “outside”.
Recently, I accidentally dropped my camera on a hard concrete floor. It now carries a crack on the outer rim of the lens.
Fortunately, this has not affected the photographic quality. However, as in all accidents in life, I have taken it upon myself, to search for a “hidden meaning or message”.
I believe this “crack” has to do with a need
for me to place greater value on the work, I am creating and sharing and the life path I have carved out together
with my soul companion, Juerg.
Reflecting a bit deeper,
I also realise that my time alone in nature with my camera
refreshes, nourishes and nurtures my soul,
in a way that nothing else really compares to in my life.
My time alone in nature,
also shifts me into a place of deep gratitude
and I remember my connection and true place within all of life.
How much value do we place
on the time and space in our lives
when we connect with the sacred feminine in nature?
Doing our inner work,
(which includes the work to heal and transform our shadow)
is a valuable, ongoing and necessary part
of our creative soul journey.
I believe this is the transformational, healing and forgiveness work we all must devote ourselves too, as artists and creators – in order to bring our unique identity, beauty, and light into this world… (through the lense cracks! 🙂 ).
I am patiently, sometimes impatiently 🙂
unfolding to my potential in this life. And I continue to devote myself to the life-long-study of what nature shares freely with all…
…in essence – the Sacred Feminine Energy – which creates and flows through all life on this planet but can only truly be felt in the heart.
I am happy you have joined me on this journey!
What is it that you can do, which no one else can?
What feeds your soul, allows you to feel peace and balance but also ignites your heart and soul?
Life is a discovery of who we truly are and the unique gifts and inherent talents we have to bring to the world.
Begin to recognise the magnificence of your own being.
There is no one else like you. The world needs you. The Universe wants you to be all you can truly be!
My work is supporting and mentoring men and women to embrace their authentic being and be true to the timeless calling of their heart and soul. I offer intuitive guidance and support through Soul Sessions, which take place internationally via Skype. Soul Sessions are a unique chance to feel, reflect and connect with the deeper part of your being – your heart and soul.
For more information, or to ask me any further questions,
use the “contact me” link under the menu title – or click here
More reading from Rainbowtree Woman about the soul journey
and the path of healing and transformation, – click here
1 year ago, I was asking a question to my spirit guides about what this really means… and this was their reply to me…
Human beings naturally crave structure, security, or a clear and straight path laid out before them. Many search for a spiritual leader or community, a daily routine, ‘an acceptable way’ to follow – so life feels more safe, predictable and ‘known’…
But the heart yearns for the deeper springs of life and the path of the soul is uniquely your own.
It’s a pathway that you forge into the unknown and only your heart can intuitively feel/know what is right and true for you.
If you really choose this path, with all your heart and being, know that you will be challenged.
You will need courage and perseverance to keep opening your heart towards the unhealed shadow – of which has been ‘hidden’ to you…
Experiences which may come to you won’t always be easy, pleasant or beautiful… It may sometimes feel as if you walk a lonely path but you will always be much closer to us than you know…
Above all,…you will grow,…
There will be others… Soul friends and spiritual companions to meet again, Soul family to share laughter, tears, wisdom and experiences along the way…
It will not matter, if you only cross paths for a short moment or never meet each other in the physical. It’s the mutual exchange of heart energy, which has the power to transform, heal, inspire and illuminate lives.
Dear one, to live your life from the level of the heart and soul means to be open to heal your old wounds and from limiting beliefs and conditioning, create new, loving and joyful possibilities…
It means to recognise the importance of your inner work and honour yourself as a sacred conduit – here to help raise the consciousness and heart energy on beautiful Mother Earth…
It means wherever possible, guided by your feelings and heart – to transform darkness, hurt and fear into light, love, forgiveness, beauty, appreciation and fulfillment.
This is the magic, the spiritual alchemy, the infinite possibility, the realness, humility and freedom of living – connected and true – to your heart and soul.
“The knowledge of the heart is in no book
and is not to be found in the mouth of any teacher,
but grows out of you like the green seed from the dark earth.”
– Carl Jung (The Red Book)
“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” – Carl Jung …. i.e not who we “think” we should be, who others would like us to be, or who we think we should have been more, in order to receive love, approval and acceptance…
To become conscious of the wounds and various masks we adopted in childhood (and often continue to use later in our relationships) – is a lifes work and healing journey, which takes much courage and endurance.
However, I believe it is our free choice and great opportunity to consciously do our own inner healing work – rather than unconsciously re-create old family patterns or project our anger, hurt and pain out into the world and on to others.
Everything begins to transform and expand, the more we come from a place of love and acceptance for ourselves and value the uniqueness of who we are and the path we have walked in our own life (loving and challenging experiences).
For a long time, I have felt drawn to the energy and symbolism of the Lion. To me, the Lion represents the courage to be our authentic self, – to speak and act in harmony with our heart…even if it means, we stand alone in a crowd.
“Journey with my Lion – what it means to embody Lion energy” is a post I made 4 years ago, which incorporates my artwork and writing to share about some of my own vulnerabilities, strengths and awareness gained, through working closely (over a period of many months) with the energy and symbolism of the Lion and Lioness.
To read the post, click on my Lion painting and the quote by Carl Jung, below:
…see the value of more resting, listening, reflecting, feeling and being…
* * * *
Today, women find it challenging to create enough time and space to nurture their inner world. Often overlooked or neglected, this can eventually lead to all kinds of physical, mental and emotional problems such as chronic fatigue, depression, period pain or feeling unbalanced, overwhelmed, easily stressed and a lack of meaning and depth to one’s life.
Almost like an overused “cliché”, we hear the word “Soul” through the new age and spiritual community. However, we lack access to the authentic wisdom about how we women might bring more soul fulfillment and the sacred feminine into our everyday lives.
To be clear and without judgment (each stage of our journey has valuable lessons and this is not about feeling “pressured”), I am not suggesting we pamper ourselves in self-indulgent, self-care methods that only achieve short-term, superficial results.
Sometimes it is wonderful to feel pampered. However, while some of these popular outer methods may give us a quick and easy “lift” they often have no value or depth of meaning for the soul. And so, we make no personal, beneficial changes and we continue the cycle of our repetitive, self-harming patterns, unhealthy relationships or doing and caring too much for the needs of others.
Instead, I am referring to all the ways, which we may feed ourselves internally using methods, rituals and practices that are self-sustaining, enriching and nourishing for our inner selves, our heart, womb and soul.
For example, taking time out for ourselves to rest and be alone with the elements of nature, journal writing and connecting in with our spirit guides, expressing our creativity through music, art or dance, sacred ritual and ceremony, receiving and living in harmony with the deeper messages of the seasons and cycles of the moon, inner-child healing and shadow work,…
While this may sound like a lot of work or a life-long commitment, we can begin by simply recognising the gifts and healing benefits of what is around us and available to us today,.. right now,.. in this moment.
What the soul longs for has nothing to do with the ego’s superficial, wants, ambitions or desires.
I experience my soul longing as an ancient calling – to come back into alignment with my authentic being, the unconditional love of Self and the true path of my hearts knowing.
Sometimes, it’s more about being happy with the beauty and blessings, which surround you, right now, and trusting your journey of unfoldment rather than constantly thinking you should be somewhere else or “further ahead”, in order to be happy and fulfilled.
The healing energy of Mother Earth, which is unconditional love, helps us to ground ourselves but also, do our inner work and come to a place of love and compassion for ourselves and others.
It is my belief that as we do our soul-work of inner transformation and healing, we take our ancestors with us. We are all connected; therefore, all our ancestors live, learn and love together with and through us on our soul journey.
In your alone time in nature or in meditation, try the simple exercise of asking the women in your ancestral lineage to come forward and be near you. Be receptive to who is making their energetic presence known to you. It could be your grandmother who has recently passed over… or, it could be a female ancestor whom you have never met in this lifetime.
While you may think you are sitting alone, you will soon realise that in fact you are never alone. There is more love, strength, wisdom and energy available to us than we can possibly comprehend with our human understanding or perceived-limited-reality.
…When we rest and nourish our soul in ways that support our healing and authentic being, we find we naturally are better, more balanced, loving and giving mothers, lovers, partners, daughters, co-workers, sisters and friends…
This is why it is so important we create enough time and space to nurture our inner world – our soul.
My work is supporting and mentoring women to embrace their authentic being and be true to the ancient calling of their heart and soul. I offer intuitive guidance and support through Soul Sessions, which take place internationally via Skype. Soul Sessions are a unique chance to feel, reflect and connect with the deeper part of your being – your heart and soul.
I’ve been spending time looking back through some of our campervan journey photos from throughout Europe. These images of The Mérens Horse – known as the Black Prince of the Pyrenees – touched me deep in my soul!
During the spring and autumn of 2014, we were fortunate to spend much time exploring in the Ariège region of the French Pyrenees. We returned to this beautiful, peaceful alp several times, to spend the night and also forage for the well known and delicious Black Trumpet Mushrooms – Trompette de Mort!
I remember well, photographing and quietly observing the majestic herd of Mérens, as well as the beautiful, mountain cows and their young, sweet calves. Both herds of young and old were peacefully co-existing together – free to roam, in the beautiful scenery of the Pyrenees mountains.
(In many mountainous areas of Europe, small, sustainable farming is rich in ancient tradition and very different from the industrialized dairy farming practices eg, where cows will have their horns removed and calves are most often separated from their mothers or killed at birth. Mountain farmers will usually name their cows and maintain a close bond with them – just as it has always been done in the past! The cows will enjoy a wide, diverse terrain to graze, including large areas of natural, wild, medicinal and nutritional herbs, flowers as well as forested areas for foraging and resting in the shade….not to forget fresh, clean mountain air to breathe!)
Here on the alp, I also remember a little French girl who clearly was just as captured by these beautiful beings as I was. Each time I glanced away from the horses and looked behind my shoulder, I saw that she was following me…. she had a small camera, which I saw her father give her. It seemed as though she was totally immersed in the moment with the horses, cows and tranquil scenery – much like I was.
5 years later, I wonder if the little French girl looks back at her photos and remembers that special day with the beautiful Mountain cows and the Mérens horses.
Many of us share precious moments in our life, where we may feel a connection or see a reflection of a younger, innocent part of our being… this could also be through our relationship with own children or grandchildren. These precious, healing moments are usually when we are simply being in harmony with our heart, nature and our inner child feels playful, creative and free.
A bit about the Mérens Horse…
“This small, black horse is native to the Ariège Pyrenees, having the name of a village in the high mountains close to Andorra. Paintings of horses strikingly similar to the Mérens are found on the walls of the cave at Niaux. Gentle, hardy and economical, the Mérens horse has long been a companion to the “Montagnol” (mountain farmer) and the soldier, notably with the armies of the Count of Foix Gaston Phoebus in the Middle Ages, and later Napoleon during the Russian campaign. His gentle disposition makes him a favorite with children.
In June the herd is led up to the summer pastures to spend several months in total freedom in the high mountains. This life with the herd gives the Mérens horse the mental balance for which he is known. While Mérens horses are increasingly bred in other regions of France and even other countries, an authentic Mérens is one who has run free in the high Pyrenees like his ancestor’s thousands of years ago.”
credit: https://www.ariege.com/en/discover-ariege/agro-pastoralism/merens-horse
Jaymie Elder is a soul journey guide, artist, photographer and traveller offering intuitive guidance/Soul Sessions internationally via Skype. Jaymie is dedicated to supporting others to heal and grow towards their authentic self – and a life in harmony with their heart and soul being.
Jaymie is an Artist who is committed to creating portraits of your animal companions, which you can hold dear to your heart for a lifetime. She knows from her own experiences, the profound connection and emotional bond we can develop with our pets.
If you would love a portrait of your horse, dog, bird or cat
– you can learn more about her portrait work here.
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Do you wish to grow towards being your authentic self,…
or continue to be pressured to “achieve”
based on the values and expectations of other people and society?
In today’s world, there is much pressure to conform and achieve according to the standards of other people and society. Success is seen as being “driven”, “motivated”, “famous”, “looking good”, “getting ahead” and accumulating status, popularity or material possessions.
Let us ask ourselves these questions,… Are we being true to our heart? Are we sharing the true essence of who we are? Despite our self-doubts and vulnerabilities, do we find the courage to keep moving forward and into the unknown? Is the life we live a reflection of our own gifts, talents, and creative expression? Are we sincerely devoted to our path of healing and growing? Are we in alignment with a greater, higher power rather than our ego’s shallow needs, wants and desires?
Mainstream society does not encourage self-reflection and completely neglects the inner journey of discovering who we are, embodying our unique, creative potential and a sense of purpose for our life.
