Why You Should Wish Upon a Dandelion

You may be wondering why I've been talking so much about dandelions. When my designer and I created the Start Within branding, I was so excited to include a dandelion in the new logo. I feel that, symbolically, the dandelion is a great icon of renewal and growth -- that only can come from an inward focus ... like starting within!

The dandelion plant itself has amazing internal cleansing properties, as I discussed in my last post. Cleansing rituals, I believe, can help you to rejuvenate yourself. Cleansing is beneficial for each part of you --- your mind, body, and spirit.

Read on for more interesting points about dandelions and suggestions on how to do a Thought Cleanse for the Spring!

Why the Fascination With Dandelions?

There are many folklore superstitions that have been attached to dandelions over the years. In addition to granting wishes, many people believe that dandelion seeds will carry your thoughts and dreams to loved ones when you blow them into the air. It's been said that if you can blow all the seeds off a dandelion with a single breath, then the person you love will love you back. If seeds remain, then the object of your affection may have reservations about their feelings toward you.

Still others believe dandelions may help you tell the time or even predict the weather. For example, dandelions have been called the shepherd's clock; since their flowers tend to open shortly after first light and close again at dusk. Amateur meteorologists might use dandelions as an informal barometer. When dandelions have seeded, they will tend to extend into a full ball in good weather. If rain is on the way, however, they will tend to fold like an umbrella and remain tightly closed.

How many of these superstitions hold any truth? You can decide! 

Wish Upon a Dandelion to Cleanse Your Thoughts

The one thing that is for sure, scientifically, is that blowing a dandelion's seeds into the air will have an impact. Where those seeds fall on fertile soil, there likely will be new dandelions in the future!

When your attention is caught by dandelion seeds floating in the spring breeze, pause for a moment and take stock of your thoughts. Which thoughts are consuming your mind -- positive and hopeful or negative and fearful? Is it time for a thought cleanse?

By replacing negative beliefs with new, revitalizing thought patterns, you can gain the power to transform your behaviors, emotions, and attitudes. Even if you can't find a dandelion on which to blow, you can still do a thought cleanse.

With that in mind: close your eyes, envision the dandelion, get quiet, and start within. Ask yourself:

What NEW Thought Seeds Would You Like to Plant This Spring?  ... then blow

Why You Need Rituals in Your Life

What Are You Ready to Release?

November, 2017 marks one year that I've been leading New Moon Circles!

Over this past year, I've learned so much -- about myself, and also about the significance of rituals. Rituals enable us to consciously recognize pivotal moments in our lives, and notice the synergy with the ebb and flow of Nature and the world around us.

What rituals do you include in your daily / weekly / monthly / quarterly routine? Do you have a Circle or tribe of women that supports you in your rituals?

I've recently learned that this period of late October / early November is called Samhain, in Celtic tradition.  You may be more familiar with it as Halloween as it's typically celebrated in the US.

It's a ripe time to take the opportunity to reflect on your year and note what you've manifested, and note what you're ready to release.

If you'd like to try out a Samhain ritual to assist you with this release, click HERE.

Full Moon Ritual

Good news -- the Taurus Full Moon is all about abundance!

So, this is a good time (after you've released what no longer serves you), to be conscious about what abundance you'd like to call into your life. Remember that abundance is more than just about financial overflow.

In what other areas of your life would you like to manifest abundance? Click HERE for a ritual to help you set conscious intentions for abundance over the next few days.

Being Mindful Amid the Chaos

For most of us, these are challenging times. Period. We're being asked to dig deep and really consider what's important, where we stand on many local, national and global issues.

It feels like a whirlwind! I haven't been fully present until now to begin sharing my thoughts.

For me, recent events have deepened my understanding of my calling. I am called to be of service. I am called to work with heart-centered purposeful founders and leaders who want to create change and have a tangible impact both with their work and with their lives.

If you feel inspired to take action, make change -- it's going to be critical that you explore all of the ways to nourish your whole self: body, mind, and spirit. That you seek out activities and communities in which you can experience the freedom that comes from mindfulness and reconnecting with your core mission.

I'll be sharing tips, ideas and resources to address the stress, anxiety and overwhelm that many of us are feeling. I'll also be facilitating discussions and Sister Circles with that distinct purpose. For today, you can listen to my interview on the My Seven Chakras show to learn more about my personal journey to mindfulness.

Let's get prepared to take conscious action, rooted in shared priorities, so we can feel more grounded and achieve enduring results.