Small Manifestations

28 Dec 2024 Leave a comment

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

“Everything you seek and everything you experience – everything– is inside you. If you want to change anything, you do it inside, not outside. The whole idea is total responsibility. There’s no one to blame. It’s all you.”-Joe Vitale

I’ve always been a fan of the film and book The Secret, created by Rhonda Byrne in collaboration with numerous other teachers.  At the time, I was exposed to it, I was working at a homeless shelter in the Bronx.  I was so inspired by it, I bought the DVD, and had a screening at the shelter with a mini workshop. I shared it with friends and parents, who implemented it into my life. And that was the initiation of vision boards in my life. 

Manifestation is a tool I’ve continued to intentionally dabble with in my life, generally at this time of year.  There had been some lashback over the years with the film, because of it’s focus on material things.  I admit that it’s not always on the forefront of my mind of manifesting the life I want.  I sometimes go by the mantra a client once said to me, “life just lifes.”  Yet, over time what is becoming to become apparent is we are constant manifestors, although often unintentional.

The past several days, with preparation for the new year, with fresh goals and intentions I have been listening to interviews with manifesting teachers such as Emma Mumford, Joe Vitale, and Pam Oslie.  There is a reminder that manifestation is a process, but also we are constantly manifesting without even being aware of this. Our thoughts create our reality. The reality we are living (even all that we are complaining about) we manifested this.

I had all this in my mind lately, prior to walking my dog Bella yesterday. A passing thought came of her poop bag by the side of the outside door. I kept it there and didn’t throw it away, because it was a small poop and thought I could add to it, by reusing the bag.  As I opened the front door, the poop bag moved several feet to be on my doorstep waiting for me. I manifested it. It made me laughed but reminded me we manifest on all layers.  However small or large. Our thoughts create reality.

Several weeks ago, I was in Santa Fe New Mexico, inspired by the communal creative vibe that exuded from that city. I went home, wanted create art, and was on the hunt to find a canvas.  I stepped into various everything store shops, and couldn’t find the perfect size.  After having lunch with a friend in Silverlake, in the parking lot was a new canvas and a chair, with a note from the previous owner offering his blessing of creative possibilities to the new owner. I manifested this! 

If I can manifest canvases and poop bags, what else can I manifest?

I share this because the stories we hear of manifestation don’t just have to be big dramatic shifts and changes.  They can, but they start with witnessing and acknowledging the small ways we manifest.  It’s easy to get frustrated with what life seems to throw at us, we seem to be living the motto “life just lifes.”  But we have the power to shift things.  When we complain or act as the victim, we are simply bringing more energy to that situation and remain in it versus taking action. We do have the right to vent, but do we want to live in it?

And so as I write this, what will you manifest?  I will end with a question one spiritual teacher Cynthia Sue Larson asks herself daily…

“How good could it get?”

Love Through a Labyrinth

28 Sep 2024 4 Comments

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

“The unicursal path of the labyrinth is what differentiates it and sets it apart as a spiritual tool. The labyrinth does not engage our thinking minds. It invites our intuitive, pattern-seeking, symbolic mind to come forth. It presents us with only one, but profound, choice. To enter a labyrinth is to choose to walk a spiritual path.” 
― Dr. Lauren Artress

            Labyrinths often are confused with mazes.  At a quick glance, they appear similar.  Oftentimes a circular journey that appears to trick us as we walk towards the center.  Yet there is one differences.  Mazes have multiple options one can talk, a small form of choose your own adventure, filled with false pathways and dead-ends.  But labyrinths do not trick us, there is only one way in and out. 

            Over the years, I’ve wandered through numerous labyrinths, but inside churches, buildings, and in gardens and retreat centers.  Yet, the experience at Chartres Cathedral was profound.  I had heard once that the labyrinths, particularly in France during the medieval times served as a metaphorical pilgrimage people could take if they did not have the time or physical strength to take the 500 plus mile walk via Camino de Santiago. This contemplative practice offered a piece of the reflection that could occur. 

            I was reminded that a pilgrimage begins with intention, often when one leaves the home. Last week, as we waited at Gare Montparnesse for our train track to be displayed to Chartres, we witnessed a staff member arguing with her boss.  He didn’t seem to be understanding her as her voice elevated, at one point she screamed and hit the floor.  Was it a panic attack, stress induced stress or a dramatic act?  We couldn’t tell as a handsome passenger who also was a doctor, offered his help.  As the fainting woman was sent away in a mini ambulance golf cart, I wondered had the pilgrimage begun. Each component played a part in the day: the heavy bags we carried, a miscommunication with the uber driver, the short but steep distance we walked from the train station to the hotel?  A line of police vans drove by and small tents were getting set up.  I couldn’t help but wonder what type of celebration was occurring or who was here.  We queried our receptionist, who stated simply that someone important was in town. Thoughts immediately went to political importance.  When I inquired if it was the president, she nodded her head, not wanting to verbally share who was here but not denying it either.

And so the pilgrimage really did begun. Each persona we met with during the day served as an archetype for the journey: the victim, the doctor, the police, the staff, and the president.   We were prompt to arrive at Chartres Cathedral, as we were aware the labyrinth is only open for several hours on Fridays during some parts of the year. But as we walked to the Cathedral, we noticed crowds of students gathered outside and inside.  Was it a massive field trip or something else?  I later learned it was a photo op with President Macron.  We were so in the zone of the moment that we didn’t seem to absorb he was in the Cathedral the same time as us.  The labyrinth appeared before us, uncovered from the chairs that usually sit on top of it. I was curious how this labyrinth experience would compare to others I have done in the world. 

One is to think of an intention as you enter a labyrinth. And so I did.  As I meandered from one side of it to the other I reflected on this intention.  Volunteers guarded the labyrinth, from tourists who stumbled unknowingly onto the labyrinth.  They ensured that all who would grace the space offered their respect to what lay underneath them.  If they were not going to walk it appropriately, they would have to leave the labyrinth and walk around the perimeter. The protector archetype was present, as was the fool, and the student.  And as I walked the labyrinth, I would repeat my mantra. Pause.  Repeat.  Many of us were spread out, but as we entered the final stretch of the labyrinth, there was a bit of a human traffic jam.  I wondered if I would feel frustrated with so many people there. Were people taking it seriously or was it just another quick tourist photo op?

But something shifted and changed.  I dropped into this sentimental place observing my fellow pilgrims. And then I couldn’t stop crying for the beauty of the moment.  This entire day was a metaphor of life.  All the characters and interactions, and in the symbolism of this walk we were each headed for a moment in the center.  The Chartres labyrinth is special in there are 6 petals in the center, for this particular walk, unspoken rules were created were our specific group.  We were all strangers from different parts of the world momentarily gathered to embark on this contemplative tradition.  As we walked into the entryway to the center, each of us would step to the left, as the person in the center stepped out.  Some people had their hands to their hearts, bellies, both, or even palms open, ready to receive.  As the person stood in the center, they faced the altar and infamous stained glass windows.  It was as if it was there moment to shine, receive our quiet intentions and prayers, before stepping out. I couldn’t help but compare this specific part to one’s death, offerings, acknowledgement and prayers are made for a moment in time in one’s honor before you step out of the labyrinth.

Each time you walk the labyrinth it’s different but this specific moment will be etched in my mind.  It served as a powerful reminder of meeting each part of ourselves on the journey of life. And having a moment of grace before one steps out of their path on earth. What are your stepping into? What are you leaving behind?

            And so I challenge you to find a local labyrinth, make one, engage in a finger labyrinth and notice what metaphors arise on the journey.

My First Pow Wow

09 Jun 2024 6 Comments

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

Upon moving back to America six months ago, I became interested in learning more about the Indigenous culture here.  I’ve been a sound healer for several years, and know that there are aspects that borrow from indigenous traditions and healings.  I want to know more, and have gone to an in person workshop and taken a virtual course by indigenous healer Asha Frost.  But this is not enough, I want to expose myself more to the knowledge and traditions out there.

And so this weekend I went to my first pow wow, it was a small one held in Oxnard College. But it was beautiful.  People from various tribes came from different parts of California and the surrounding states.   There was aspects of ceremony and ritual, with sage burning, as communal drums played.  Traditional colorful attire worn and gourd dances were performed.  There were dances that honor various individuals in attendance whose family members donate money to on the ground, as they stand and dance behind them.  The money is picked up by another individual, afterwards often times the individual honored, then offers the money to the drummers and singers who played the entire time.  It was fascinating to witness the energy of money being performed in front of our very eyes. 

The emcee for the day was a veteran, and I was surprised to find many present were veterans, including two Vietnam vets. At one moment he stated, “During funerals we go to, there are 6-8 pallbearers.  What about in life?”  He further shared that we should not wait until our deaths to have 6-8 people carry us, depend on others while you are alive.  He reminded the crowd that we are all human and have our vices, but collectively we can help each other out.  He found this to be true for gourd dances. People have been cured of various ailments, particularly returning back from war through this collective dance. 

It was beautiful to witness generations of families are present sharing the lineage of wisdom passed through song and movement. I began to tear up seeing this display of support and hearing the loud strong hearty drum beat, as the drummers beat on one large drum in unison.  Seeing this beauty of culture displayed reminded me of the African drum circle I attended in New Orleans next to an ancient tree, where African Americans have been meeting Sundays since the time of slavery.  It was the one time of week they were allowed to collectively worship while their masters went to church. In both of these instances, I felt I time travelled and saw the ancestors and their kin playing the drums and dancing to demonstrate solidarity, freedom, and connection.

The longer I am in America, I’m trying to truly understand what this country is about.  What do we represent? What is freedom? Where did we come from?  Who are the ancestors of the land and all that inhabit it now? What can we learn from them? What wisdom can be gained from all that was lost and somehow saved through traditions such as this?

powwowDownload

“Or can you be like you, and reconnect to your own sacred Medicines? Your own beautiful ancestry? Your own power, presence, and brilliance? I see you wanting to. I see you aspiring to. I see you reconnecting. Can you be like you? As I reclaim and remember me. And then, we can finally walk in right relation to each other.” 
― Asha Frost, You Are the Medicine: 13 Moons of Indigenous Wisdom, Ancestral Connection, and Animal Spirit Guidance

Retreats

03 Jun 2024 Leave a comment

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

Somehow I have learned to feel at home on a retreat, regardless of the location. I know how it works.  There is a sense of familiarity in that you are going to be asked to connect with the collective present, with oneself, and hopefully nature.  Space will be available for silence and processing, after being pushed out of your comfort box.  Opportunities for reflection walks and moments alone journaling are abundant.

Limited time is given to post on social media or check your emails. Your daily busy routines are interrupted by a long pause.  One slows down and cannot escape oneself, and all the moments for awe and wonder arise.  It doesn’t matter where the retreat setting is:    on a mountain top in the chill rich autumn months, on the beach on a hot summer day, next to the ocean in a natural spring bath during the fluctuating weather of spring.  If you listen, sacredness is present.

But even though I know the structure of what may arise at a retreat, there’s always some element of surprise. There is a new piece of information I hear that I cannot wait to share with a loved one, or something that is unravelled that you discover about yourself. Or the essence of the land becomes embedded in your bones, and there is a vow to return to this exact healing place again.

Retreats nourish our bodies, souls, and minds. They cradle our overworked bodies, while providing a nook to sleep in, and satiate your belly with delicious healthy cuisine.  And somehow for a moment, we feel satisfied with what is in the human experience.  The joys we celebrate, sorrows we grieve, mysteries that unfold, and the sublime feeling that lingers.

Like the ocean waves that hit the rocks and sway back to source, there is a natural rhythm present, a push and pull that’s gravitational.  Nothing shall be feared if one surrenders to the creative process that one is immersed in.  Retreats call us back to ourselves.  That inner self that is unique and yet the same as everyone else.  Perhaps this is what Jospeh Campbell meant when he said “Follow Your Bliss,” as he returned to the Esalen retreat center annually for his birthday.  Someone who studied mythology and cultures from around the world when travel was limited and met with some of the greatest minds and artists of his time, chose to return to a retreat center in Big Sur California each year to honor his birth.

Magic happens at retreat centers that is ineffable, and it is my hope you grant yourself this gift. Perhaps it will be once, but I have a feeling if you are moved as much as Joseph Campbell and I, you will be called to return annually to come home to yourself.