3 Weddings and a Fair!

I realized that I have not posted a blog for so long....and I know why! I have been to 3 weddings and did the Transformational Arts Fair. All big rites of passage; events which create powerful transformation for everyone!

The Fair this year (our 3rd annual) was magnificent. Our Fair Committee astounded ourselves with how much fun we had, how much work it was(!), and how much we all grew in our ability to step up and share the wonderful world we live in. After the fair, we have a little celebration and invite the volunteers, exhibitors and musicians. Many people commented on how much LOVE there was...and I am delighted. About a week before the fair, as I was a bit swept away by the details, I went into meditation and asked for help shifting my own energy. And what I got was "It's all about the love!" As soon as that came through, all the stress I was feeling totally evaporated, and I was excited again. So, now that's my new mantra!

There have been lots of requests to do the Fair more than once a year. But that could, perhaps, create a mutiny, so we are cooking up some mini-fairs for you! Stay tuned.....November will bring more opportunities to hang out at QuietStar and enjoy all the love.

A big thanks to everyone who made this Fair happen, including all the volunteers, musicians, exhibitors and all of you who came to soak it up. It was SO worth it for us! (The next blog will be about the weddings...promise!)

Photo Credit: Thanks to Ed Joseph for the great picture of our Love (Closing) Circle at the Fair!
Love and Light, Elaina

The Week of Transformation!

The Week of Transformation! I had the privilege recently to be a student 6 times in a week! (in additional to all that I facilitated). I attended Donna Eden’s Introduction to Energy Medicine, An Evening with Darius (and Linda Mora), Authentic Movement with Raquel Mitchell, 2 Satsang sessions with Lisa Schumacher, who visited with us from Ashland, Oregon, and Reiki 1 with Wendy and Dale. Whew! I guess I inadvertently did my own intensive, while staying right here in SLO! All of them, except Donna Eden, were even at QuietStar.

It was so powerful; I am still integrating! There are so many opportunities for transformation. Each one of those classes or workshops uses a really different approach; yet the goal is basically the same...moving closer to being who we really are and doing what we are here to do in our lives. (Oh, yeah, that would be Soul Path Alignment!) I feel so blessed to have all these opportunities. I am grateful to all the teachers who share so generously of themselves as we receive the blessings and light. And grateful to be living in such interesting times!

I am really finding that being in groups of like-minded people helps me to stay focused on what I want to create and manifest, with grace and love.

How are you supporting your own transformation? Let me hear from you! Love and Light, Elaina

RECEIVE the Transformation

Are we letting ourselves receive the transformation? We are working hard to change, to become more of who we really are. We visualize, do affirmations, use the law of attraction. We are doing our best to be more loving. We are recycling, taking our re-usable bags to the store, shopping at the farmer's market, supporting local business. We are volunteering to give back. But do we take the time to pause, to "receive", to let it all in? My favorite yoga video includes a reminder to "receive your practice". This receiving allows our whole system to take in the change and re-calibrate. Integrating the shifts and transformations requires conscious awareness, too!

Take a moment to breathe in deeply. Review all that you have been shifting. With each inbreath, accept the change. "I accept the changes that are in my highest good. I allow myself to receive the changes that I have created".

I have had the privilege to be at several events since Sunday Circle that brought more of the pieces together. Monday, I attended a Donna Eden (Energy Medicine) presentation, and remembered that I do not need to "live with" things that don't feel right to me. I can consciously change them, even in my own body. Yesterday at QuietStar, I got to be the "student" two more times: in "Authentic Movement" with Raquel Mitchell, I went deeper into my own body to listen and feel what's really true for me. And I felt my body receive more of the transformation I have been experiencing. Then, thanks to Darius and Linda Mora who reminded me last night of this last piece...to accept the change!

I look forward to this weekend, when I get to experience Satsung with Lisa. She is traveling from Ashland, Oregon, following her guidance to share her work with us in San Luis Obispo. I know that I will have the opportunity to receive more of the transformation I have been working for.

Love and Light, Elaina

Past Life Memories and a flute in Zion & Springdale

Visiting Zion National Park yesterday was such an experience! As soon as we stepped thru the visitors gate and I looked at the map, I knew that I HAD to go to Temple of Sinawava. It's as far as the shuttle goes, and the minute I looked up toward the narrow end of the canyon, "I know I've been here before" and the chills of recognition went through my body. Past life memories that were so blissful and wonderful coursing through my energy field. Then there is this beautiful walk along the river. Ahh...the river. I had to get my feet in that river, and when I did, it was like a breath of life! I didn't need to go to the Museum of Human History, cuz I could see it all just then. Even though there were many people there, I was really in another world of flowers and plants, tastes and smells. "Water in the desert"...a feeling that stirs my soul. I am delighted that I had this opportunity to experience all this, and can't wait to bring others here, too!

Just before we entered the Park, I found the little flute I've been looking for. In a store, among the "made in China" souvenirs, were some lovely High Spirits Flutes by Odell Borg. The first one I picked up was mine. I had to try all the others, but this was it! It's in the key of D, and it makes me very happy. Too crowded in the canyon to play it except in my imagination, but it is waiting to create the sounds and energies of that river with me.

I am so grateful for this journey. I didn't have a lot of expectations, only knowing that it would be a powerful gathering of the tribe. It didn't occur to me that part of that tribe would be from another time and space.

Love and Light, Elaina

Sound at Snow Canyon, Utah

We have done it! "Shot" our first video out in the red rocks in Utah. What a wonderful, powerful experience! Bob and I were guided by our host here in Utah, Bud Howard, to an amazing spot out in Snow Canyon. We carried in 5 antique singing bowls, a didgeridoo, rattles, a drum and of course, my voice. We were joined by Bud, his wonderful flute playing, and the local spirits and had a powerful experience aligning to the energy vortex there. I was visited by ancestors, nature spirits, animal spirits, who all had something "to say". Blissful, deep healing energies. Powerful connection to the web of light in and around Gaia. We tried to capture it all on video and audio recordings, so we can share it with you soon! Thanks to all who are holding the vision for us during this journey of transformation.

I have been so "in the moment" that it wasn't until today that I felt inspired to do any sharing at all. We were scheduled to spend two nights here in St George, but we haven't left yet! Bud is encouraging me to plan a QuietStar retreat here...and I just might. Imagine Sedona, but less discovered. Barbara Howard, our other host lead a yoga class on Thursday morning that was also powerful and deep. I am, personally, feeling like I am letting go of so much accumulated debris, allowing me to move gracefully into the next level of my soul path.

We are grateful to the land and the energies here for welcoming us! Stay tuned for a video upload when the spirits smile on our technological awakening.
Love and Light, Elaina (and Bob)

Opening up your voice

Here are the tips I promised for opening up your voice. (Not in any particular order; you can just start with the one that seems easiest!)

Ok, you'll notice that many of them mention QuietStar. I LOVE sound and I can't help but share what I love! So, I have created many opportunities at QuietStar for exploring and making sound! Our store offers demos of many CD's that you can come and listen to; we have singing bowls that you can play, and books to look at. And I have gathered together a wonderful collection of practitioners who use sound and vibration (through their voices and instruments) to assist in the opening of the energy field. The QuietStar Band has its own Facebook page, if you want to check that out.

1. Find some music you like and sing along. Start in the privacy of your car or your own home, then branch out to trying it with friends you trust.
2. Find a group that does "toning" and practice with them. It always helps to be around people doing what you want to do. Try humming along, then become louder as you are ready.
3. Remember to breathe! And relax your throat.
4. Close your eyes and IMAGINE toning. Pretty soon you will be able to do it out loud.
5. Read, study, educate yourself about sound and the human energy field. There are some great professional sound healers out there, with wonderful CD's and books. Have you heard Tom Kenyon or Jonathan Goldman. Also be sure to check out two Central Coast artists, Sophia (Song Healer from Carmel and Aleya Dao from Carpinteria) Visit QuietStar's website for a look at some of their CD's. Click here and choose the sound and vibrational healing subcategory. Just by listening and imitating, you will learn how to use your voice!
6. Use a singing bowl as background. There are metal "Tibetan" bowls, and quartz crystal bowls. You are welcome to come play ours during our open store hours...we'll even close the door so you can sing along and be alone! And for a real treat, check out Deborah Van Dyke's beautiful book "Travelling the Sacred Sound Current".
7. Sing, sing, sing! I like to go to churches and sing all those hymns from my childhood. (Sometimes I change the words in my head to match my current philosophy).
8. Chant, chant, chant! Chants are great because they are repetitive, so the words are easy to learn! Their purpose is to open and connect with the Divine. Google "kirtan" and find a group chanting that you can attend.
9. Visit QuietStar for Sunday Circle. On the first Sunday of the month (except July, closed for the 4th!), we gather to use our voices to create a Vortex of healing and transformational energy. The QuietStar Band provides didgeridoo, singing bowl and drum accompaniment.
10. Open your throat chakra. Usually if you have closed down your voice, you have closed down this chakra. It is located in the center of your neck, about where your "adam's apple" is located. Imagine a ball of blue light centered here. Imagine it being completely safe to express your voice. Breathe into this ball of light, energizing and expanding it. For further assistance try essential oil of lavendar or peppermint (put a drop on the skin or take a gentle breath of it. If you're still feeling stuck, try working with an energy healer.
11. (Shameless self-promotion)....Buy the QuietStar CD "The Bliss of Transformation" and practice along with us. I hope this helps you to find your voice and have lots of fun using it!

Love and Light, Elaina

Fun with my Voice

Recently, I was at a special gathering of our Flute Circle, and I had the privilege of bringing through some sound (toning**) while others played flute, electric bass guitar, didgeridoo, and drums. It was magical and I felt so honored. Afterward a former student at QuietStar came up to me and shyly said that she feels really called to “do that” and asked me about how I started “doing that”…did it always just flow? Of course, the answer is No, and that led to a whole discussion about the vulnerability of letting your voice out. I am so excited when someone finds the space to do just that. She inspired me to tell my story, so here it is.

When I was young, I sang in chorus at school, sometimes playing the autoharp in accompaniment. Then in 5th or 6th grade, someone told me I couldn't carry a tune, and I promptly stopped singing. Up to this point, I had been "producing" neighborhood plays and leading Christmas carols at all family events.

I went on with my life, and about 25 years later, I was at an Easter service, singing in the congregation, and the friend I was with looked at me and said, "Your voice...it's amazing. You need to be singing!" So I just started singing every chance I got...His comment reminded me how much I loved singing, and I knew at that very moment, from the little chills in my body that I would be going somewhere with my voice.

The short story is that in 2008, the QuietStar Band created their first CD, and for me, it was a truly amazing experience! (link to Band info) Once the sound really starts to come through me (after I let go of control!) it isn't usually very scary anymore. And the feeling after I allow this expression, is pure bliss! And here is more of the story...

Little by little, I have found myself using my voice in all kinds of interesting ways. Having channeled energy for many years, I began to "sing along" with Enya in some of my sessions. I was then synergistically guided to a couple Sound Healers, and knew that's what I had been doing! Since then, I have found chanting to be an amazing way to expand my voice, have studied with various vocal teachers, and see as much live music as I can. But the biggest thing has just been to allow...to connect deeply with Spirit and to allow myself to be a channel for the sound and energy. And then the bliss makes me wonder why I ever thought letting go was hard!

In my next post, I will include some tips for opening up your voice....in the meantime, just sing anytime, anywhere you feel comfortable. And if you can't sing out, hum.

Love and Light, Elaina
**What is toning?...answers by Yvonne Roza

Our Bodies can help us align with our Soul Path vibration

In our quest to align with the vibration of our Soul Path, listening to our physical bodies is an important consideration. It is my belief that, as humans, we are in a rapid phase of evolution. We are hearing a lot about "Indigo Children" or "New Kids" these days. These are the children being born with bodies and energy systems that work in new ways, to accommodate a rapidly evolving world. (For more info, visit www.QuietStar.com/NewKids.htm). Now I'd, take this a step further. There are many of us, already in bodies, who find that ours don't work the "old way" anymore! What seems to be at work here is a phenomenon that surprised me at first: evolution is taking place in adult bodies, too. There doesn't seem to be any age limit...just a desire to become all that we can be. So, here we are, finding out that we have to eat differently, breathe deeper, exercise in new ways. One thing I have discovered is that food that worked before, doesn't now. One of my goals is to consistently raise the vibration of my whole system (body-mind-energy field). As I do the spiritual and emotional growth, I must acknowledge and support the shifting of my physical body to meet this new vibration. My body seems to have constantly shifting preferences, and I notice this in lots of other people as well. Sometimes the live/raw food option seems to give me the most energy. Sometimes it's another food that I haven't been able to digest in the past, and now my body wants it. And, have you ever noticed how challenging it is sometimes to determine if you need rest or need to push your body? Listening requires time and focus. Perhaps just a few deep breaths with my eyes closed will bring clarity about the best choice. Yesterday someone mentioned that they were trying to make a choice between two medical interventions that a doctor had recommended. I asked if she had checked with her body. "I never even thought of that...I can't believe I missed it!" was her response. In times of stress sometimes we forget how much direct knowledge we can access if we are just still! I await her report back from her "conversation" with her body! Don't you love synchronicity? As I was pondering writing this, I received this great blog from Dr. Zoe Wells and wanted to pass it on to you....I hope it is helpful! As our bodies evolve, gluten seems to one of those things we can't tolerate sometimes. She has included some great suggestions about how to get "tested" for glucose intolerance, and I realized that tests such as these are another way to "listen" to our body! Link to Dr. Zoe's blog Love and Light, Elaina

Green Juice recipe

Ok, it's really time for spring cleaning, for me. I have run out of excuses and reasons to wait. I know that the vibration of what I put in my body makes a huge difference in my ability to flow with the changing vibrations of our time...and I am ready for the rocket fuel!

I made 3 quarts of green juice, and feel better already. I thought I might do the real juice feasting thing (only green juice), but so far, I have just ADDED green juice, while cleaning up my act with what else I am putting in. I feel so nourished! Sometimes, I find that if I am struggling with making the complete change, baby steps help. Adding in is always easier than taking away. So I have upped the dark, leafy greens in any form, and am looking for ways to choose raw/living food each time I eat. I have had a couple requests for my green juice recipe, so here it is.

It takes a Vita-Mix or other super-powered blender to do this....otherwise, be sure and juice the celery, lemons and ginger, then add to your blender. I always use organic ingredients, and I don't peel anything!

Put in blender (see above for juicer option)
6 stalks celery
Chunk of fresh ginger, to taste. (I use about 2 T., but that's pretty spicy)
1/2 bunch cilantro (stems included)
1/2 large cucumber
1-2 whole lemons
1-2 cups water
Blend till it's all moving, then add, one leaf at a time, with blender running:
1 pound kale (I like dino kale)

Store in glass jars in refrigerator or ice chest/cooler for the road. Fill jars to top so no room for air!
Perhaps you will join me in cleansing for the spring. Let me hear your successes!

A new blog for me....

I have just created this blog in class! I feel so dog-gone competent!! I have been wanting to write more, so here goes...

My thanks to Solstice Green Directory who is sponsoring a series of classes so that Jenny Malott of Live Artfully productions can hold our hands through the maze of options in the Social Networking field.

Here is a link to some amazing facts "Is Social Networking a Fad?" It inspired me to get going with the blogging! I think you will enjoy it too...

There is so much change in the wind, it's hard to keep up! I seem to be on a major learning curve with technology...in so many areas! How is this connected to Soul Path Alignment?? A very good question; one I ask all the time. It seems like it's about sharing what is coming through me...with a larger audience than I can reach in person. It's very exciting...I'm shooting video, recording music, and learning how to use ProTools! It will be very fun to create these new projects. You will be the first to hear and see what I am up to if you subscribe to this blog.

In transformation, Elaina