tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5832825231349391049.post2368000238854605956..comments2023-06-02T15:27:53.470+01:00Comments on The Spiritual Journey Of A Somerset Pagan: Tears and HallucinationsAndyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03474171962206192207noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5832825231349391049.post-18326634085220751322009-01-25T22:04:00.000+00:002009-01-25T22:04:00.000+00:00I really want to thank each and every one of you f...I really want to thank each and every one of you for your lovely, supportive, encouraging and inspiration messages. You've no idea how you have helped me over what have been some pretty dark days.<BR/><BR/>I do intend to return to my Blog, and start visiting the blogs I've enjoyed so much very shortly. My father makes very slow, but thankfully, very steady progress. He has a checkup with his consultant on Tuesday of this week, and once that is out of the way, things should begin to return to some kind of normality. Also, my mother has been rather poorly with what appears to be a very vicious bug indeed, and she's not totally well yet herself. Add the fact that my work life is ever changing I've been somewhat dragged into dealing with the matters of this realm in a very real way I guess.<BR/> <BR/>Also, I now have an allotment that is taking up lots of my time at the moment!<BR/><BR/>But I will be back - promise! I hear Imbolc calling, the quickening, an inner stirring deep within me is very evident. I hear the call and I am responding, and I will be sharing this and many other things with you very soon, I hope!<BR/><BR/>Love, Andy, xAndyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03474171962206192207noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5832825231349391049.post-82464150990722868382009-01-12T13:52:00.000+00:002009-01-12T13:52:00.000+00:00Hi there Andy. Hope you're ok, we've missed you ab...Hi there Andy. Hope you're ok, we've missed you about the blogosphere. It must have been a difficult time for you.At times like this I always find it helpful to listen to music. Thanks for your message.<BR/><BR/><BR/>Ffraid,xAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5832825231349391049.post-60187192301067137192009-01-12T03:58:00.000+00:002009-01-12T03:58:00.000+00:00Hi. I just found your blog and have read back thro...Hi. I just found your blog and have read back through a good few posts. I love your honesty and open approach to life.<BR/><BR/>I wouldn't worry about not being able to focus on your spirituality at the moment - your father needs you and I'm certain the divine (who/whatever that is to you) understands that. Nothing's changed inside, it's just your conscious thoughts that aren't focused, that's all.<BR/><BR/>Best wishes.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5832825231349391049.post-51385964165650447662009-01-11T13:57:00.000+00:002009-01-11T13:57:00.000+00:00How are you Andy? Thinking of you and sending bes...How are you Andy? Thinking of you and sending best wishes xxThe Shepton Witchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13112727851345880405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5832825231349391049.post-68986963324622654122009-01-05T11:11:00.000+00:002009-01-05T11:11:00.000+00:00Hi Andy. I've been checking up on your blog to see...Hi Andy. I've been checking up on your blog to see how you're doing. Looking forward to hearing more of you.<BR/><BR/>Happy New Year!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5832825231349391049.post-33650732073922889632008-12-31T03:24:00.000+00:002008-12-31T03:24:00.000+00:00Aloha, Andy-My intuition was telling me to look in...Aloha, Andy-<BR/>My intuition was telling me to look in on you. Lo & behold a new post! It seems that you and I are going through a similar life passage. My Dad is fighting cancer, my mom is (finally) growing up a bit; and I'm humbled, emotional. Actually you expressed it quite well. I too had to follow a "not normal" path that complicated my life and relations, but now all that seems so insignificant in the face of mortality. <BR/> It is a mercy, I think, when our "practice" gets side-tracked by life. I have found REIKI to be transformative! wish I'd begun years ago; do think about it. These are actually the times of great growth for us both, I'm certain. I too am learning about the elements and finding it helpful. "Healing With Form, Energy & Light" by Rinpoche is a TREASURE of good info. Stop by my blog, comfortSpiral, for some tropical pictures & warm wishes. I am intending all good for you, Brother. Warm Aloha, CloudiaCloudiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05853753108637831069noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5832825231349391049.post-226313636333080012008-12-28T21:58:00.000+00:002008-12-28T21:58:00.000+00:00Thank you so much for all your responses, you're s...Thank you so much for all your responses, you're such magickal and special people, and I really value you and what you say. I intend to get this poor forsaken blog back up and running in the very near future. This has been a time of deep work for me and I'll attempt to share something of that with you all very soon.<BR/><BR/>Many blessings, AndyAndyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03474171962206192207noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5832825231349391049.post-60936559910615228222008-12-20T23:54:00.000+00:002008-12-20T23:54:00.000+00:00Peace Andy,Allah! Although I haven't stopped by y...Peace Andy,<BR/><BR/>Allah! Although I haven't stopped by your blog in a while, can I add my own prayer for healing for your father?<BR/><BR/>My own father is coping with something at the moment (though not, insha Allah, as serious) and so I can relate to some of what you say. At any rate, regardless of this, I can clearly see that this has been difficult and trying for you. A traditional Muslim understanding of sickness (and coping with it) is to see it as a purification. So, though this has been difficult for you, I hope it has been something of a purification too.<BR/><BR/>It is entirely natural to feel drained - in all senses. Spirituality, it seems to me, is (if anything) an attempt to become more human. Thus, we become more aware of (and open to) just how connected to all things we are. Given the stressful circumstances you describe, it is small wonder that you've not had time for 'spiritual' things! Or, in other words, dealing with the mortality of our parents is a deeply spiritual matter. In any case, is spirituality merely a matter of ritualised action? Or, is it also an orientation to life?<BR/><BR/>In my work in university student support, I deal with many students in stressful situations who relate much the same feeling of 'not doing enough'. It always strikes me, though, that a human being has only a finite amount of energy - and when difficulties come (as they always do) it is right, fit and proper that your attention should be directed towards them.<BR/><BR/>In closing, may God grant physical healing to your father and the beautiful healing of patience to you and your mother.<BR/><BR/>Allah!<BR/><BR/>Abdur RahmanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5832825231349391049.post-33346595733517454222008-12-16T08:54:00.000+00:002008-12-16T08:54:00.000+00:00Be gentle with yourself, Andy. You are looking squ...Be gentle with yourself, Andy. You are looking squarely at the mortality of someone you love and at your own mortality. I, for one, know how that can take the wind out of your sails and send you spinning. Feel what you need to feel, be there for those you love. This is not a time of action, but of feeling and digesting the emotional lessons on a subconscious level. The conscious analysis will come later. <BR/>Don't forget to look after yourself while you are looking after others ... a dry well can quench nobody's thirst.<BR/>A blessed Yule to you, my dear.<BR/>SeshatAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5832825231349391049.post-12697804922057743462008-12-15T10:27:00.000+00:002008-12-15T10:27:00.000+00:00Andy, that goshdarned inner critic of yours is in ...Andy, that goshdarned inner critic of yours is in overdrive, no? You haven't got much to reproach yourself for, in my opinion!<BR/><BR/>Lets enumerate: you've supported your APs, who by your own account haven't necessarily supported you when you needed them. You're working flat you (this I know), you're trying to organise your spiritual life and you're dealing with a feeling of powerlessness. This is ironic - it seems to me that you have been enormously effective and powerFUL through this incredibly difficult time.<BR/><BR/>Try and get the critic to shut up, my dear. You're winning. Putting that bread of human kindness out there. You are strong. And there will be time for you to relax and spend with your partner when the water is a bit less choppy.<BR/><BR/>I'm so glad your father is on the mend. A relief!!Now you've got less to worry about on his behalf, take the time you need for you!!<BR/><BR/>Thinking of you - Happy Yule my dear.<BR/><BR/>TGW xxxAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5832825231349391049.post-11670422411695016412008-12-12T13:03:00.000+00:002008-12-12T13:03:00.000+00:00I'm sorry not to have been a very regular commente...I'm sorry not to have been a very regular commenter here lately.<BR/>You sum up beautifully your experiences and those of your father. The title of your post is so eloquent.<BR/>I'm glad that the bridge between you and your parents was built in time for your father's illness, and that he seems to be on the mend.<BR/>I was struck by what you said about seeing your father cry. It's actually heartbreaking that as a society we make it so unacceptable for men to cry - almost as if they need a medical 'excuse'.<BR/>Thinking of you all. Oh and by the way, tell your inner critic to go and bug someone else for a while!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5832825231349391049.post-58197091889324531722008-12-10T14:55:00.000+00:002008-12-10T14:55:00.000+00:00I like to think that my own ritual practices will ...I like to think that my own ritual practices will open up my heart and fill me with compassion for others, such as you have for your father, despite the fact that he doesn't fully accept who you are.<BR/><BR/>I hope you'll find some clarity and focus soon. I know how difficult it can be from personal experience to practice my own spirituality when life is full of seemingly unending distractions.<BR/><BR/>I'm a believer that everything happens for a purpose (nothing is truly meaningless) and all experiences (good or bad) can be harnessed for the good of ourselves and those who surround us. <BR/><BR/>Blessings and good health to both you and your parents.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5832825231349391049.post-10320179447851377672008-12-09T02:49:00.000+00:002008-12-09T02:49:00.000+00:00It is good to hear that your father is on his way ...It is good to hear that your father is on his way to getting better. I've been checking back often to see if you'd posted an update.<BR/><BR/>Remember that as humans we are only capable of expending so much energy. It isn't about the ability to control that energy, just that we have a limit to the amount we can deal with at a single moment. I think it is quite possible that your inability to focus on your spirituality right now is the Universe's way of telling you that it knows your desire to continue that connection, but your focus is needed elsewhere. In a way it is the Universe saying "I understand. It is okay. I will be here when you have the energy to sit with me again."<BR/><BR/>Now is not the time to push yourself beyond your limits. Just be there for your family while still maintaining a level of energy that you are still able to care for yourself. You will do no one any good if you are out of commission because you've gone and overdone it.<BR/><BR/>{{{HUGS}}}Foxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13917677532722185229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5832825231349391049.post-22187272319861940532008-12-08T23:19:00.000+00:002008-12-08T23:19:00.000+00:00Andy- such good news that Dad is now home & on...Andy- such good news that Dad is now home & on the way to a full recovery.<BR/>I know what you mean about feeling like being in fog and finding the way Hazey- I have felt- still feel a little confused with my emotions and my lifes direction- since the flu episode and the whole negative vibes this world recession is giving out.<BR/>There is light at the end of the tunnel and some quality time with family & friends this coming yuletide will help us all on our way.<BR/>you take good care of yourself my friend. Brightest Blessings.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com