Woman’s Best Friend

28 Jul 2024 Leave a comment

by Dr. Tricia Wolanin in Uncategorized Tags: , ,

Little do we know the impact we make on each other.  This was the case yesterday, when I returned home from an event.  Generally when I return home, my 15 ½ year old Bella is asleep in her dog bed.  It’s a cozy nook that has a good view of the front door and most of the house.  But when I came home yesterday, she wasn’t there, I looked next into my bedroom, where I had placed a new dog bed for her.  She wasn’t there either.  Automatically I worried, don’t pets hide when it is their time to die? Bella was 15 ½ years old, and I worried if her time neared.  I was relieved as I entered the guest room and found her in an unusual spot.

        Amidst my carry on luggage I had just emptied out, with clothes and yarn sprawled on the floor, she was there, laying on top of it. Wanting to be close to my scent, even though I only left two hours prior.  It was such a precious moment, and a reminder how often we take those moments for granted.

         Earlier I admit I was disappointed, it was my first sound bath I held that nobody attended.  I tried to make the most of it, but couldn’t help but having a chatter of negative thoughts emerge, that I repivoted.  When we host events and nobody comes, oftentimes we begin to question numerous things: our advertisement, location, time of day, time of year, our skills, and ourselves.  But when I entered my home, all of that was paused as I saw Bella cozy in my atmosphere. In a world that can be harsh, there is a soft landing that reminds us that beings do care.

         There is power and beauty in the adage that a dog is a man’s best friend.  Through financial ups and downs, moves, job shifts, relationship shifts, weight gains and losses, and fads, it is pets that are our consistency.  We take that for granted, but how sweet it is after a difficult day to see that a being is waiting for you and longing to be close to even your scent?  It made me pause my heart and send appreciation for the kind gentle soul she is.  And a reminder to be appreciative of all beings that are in our lives.

Ode to Tuscon

15 Jul 2024 Leave a comment

by Dr. Tricia Wolanin in Uncategorized

There’s sizzle in the air

Locals do not dare

A warning by desert snakes

Bodies yearn to shake

Indigenous ancestors cleanse

Offerings make ammends

Quick movements caught of iguana

Sultry feelings makes me wanna

Heed from the heat

Quench I cant beat

Move quick

Wet sticks

Breathe past

Breathe thru

Breath fast

Breathe new

Spiritual Inclusivity

13 Jul 2024 Leave a comment

by Dr. Tricia Wolanin in Uncategorized Tags: , , , ,

Part of what draws me to towns that are known as “spiritual” is that the inclusivity that is exuded.  Years ago I went to Glastonbury England, and what I found fascinating is that on their main street there were stores that had images of Mary, Merlin, and Buddha all rolled into one.  On the street you found stores that had sculptures of the Green Man, fairies, a Goddess temple, and so much more.  This is the case in Sedona.

Sedona, known as the most beautiful place on Earth, with it’s vortices, new age healers that reside, and tourists yearning to be recharged that flock here.   At a store’s checkout, was an image of Yogananda, Jesus, and the Dalai Lama above their register, while another had Jesus, Ganesh, and dreamcatchers. I made a visit to a local shaman’s house for an indigenous healing session, and around the room were images of his Indian guru, Jesus, the Black Madonna and numerous other spiritual items that surrounded him.  All were called upon from him and myself to allow the healing to occur through him as the vessel and to me the recipient. 

There is comfort for me in places that offer spiritual inclusivity.  All are welcome, all forms of worship to higher beings that are self-realized regardless of the country they stem from or the people that worship them.  Perhaps you’ve been lucky enough to witness this, and if so, how did it impact you? There’s so much we have to learn from each other, and I embrace all places that embrace all.

Sound Healing with a Twist

01 Jul 2024 Leave a comment

by Dr. Tricia Wolanin in Uncategorized

This past weekend I offered my first sound private birthday sound healing that was held on a beach.  Summer officially started one week ago, the sun was primed to be strong and the clouds minimal.  I have never held a sound bath outside in a public space, where you are not in control of the environment.  The ocean waved a consistent background beat, but so did the ice cream man who rang his bell as he pushed his cart.  Children played with their parents, friends gathered, and the distracting sounds were prominent.  I was really curious of how this would work out.   Would those in the sound bath hear me? Would they be impacted by the sound? Could they feel my intention?  I was curious if other beachgoers would look at me like I was crazy.  But it was LA, sound baths have become the new norm. 

         I was aware that certain instruments would not reverberate in such an open space.  The noises I made needed to be loud and movable.  The ten attendees were spread out, and I wanted to give them an immersive experience. I ensured I walked to each participant with numerous sound instruments for the hour playing them over and around the body.  I walked barefoot in the scorching sand. This could have been an impediment, but I reframed my mind to be in a meditative state to get past the shrieks I initially wanted to let out as I walked from one area to another, my feet seeking solace in the shaded areas that were made available.

I was sweating throughout much of it, and unaware how it was landing. Two attendees got up and looked at their phones.  I automatically thought the hour was a flop.

         But as we processed as a group, feedback was good.  Yes, listening to the instruments was a challenge, but they found it to be a discerning meditative task at hand.  One individual who got up and looked at her phone was so energized, she needed to release excess energy. Both opted to capture photos of the session and the group.  The birthday girl cried due to gratitude in being able to share this with her friends.  Others noted moments of childhood flashbacks, relaxation, and feeling my energy entering the instruments through them. The collective sound bath was a success despite all that I couldn’t control. 

         As I led the sound bath, I reminded myself certain things are out of my control.  It is what it is.  Que se ra se ra.  What will be will be.  We can have the strongest intentions, but things don’t always go as planned. I had prepped to be early, but parking lots were full. My friends unloaded the instruments, set up shop, and had to reset up the spot for the perfect birthday space.  Two crystal mallets were lost in the commute.  We started late and dragged the numerous instruments back half a mile to the car.  But despite the worries, sweats, and strains, it was a success. The birthday girl was able to share her collective sound bath with her closest friends and had a touching moment. This is all I can ask for, and I was grateful I was able to be part of this process.  The more I do sound healings, I realize what is asked of me is to clear the vessel, allow the sound to shine through, and let go of all the excess stress and self-critical thoughts that may arise along the way. Keep the vessel clear for the healing to be as pure as possible.  Get out of your own way. As with sound, so with life.