Bernadette's Vision

Yesterday I sat down with my Tax lady and prepared my 2011 taxes. Just the word Taxes makes me uncomfortable. Being self-employed guarantees I will owe money at the end of the year.

I was really proud of myself, as I am every year when I finish the spreadsheet with all of my expenses. But once I was with her, I became anxious. The amount I owe isn't really a surprise, I had already estimated accurately. Knowing that I have until April 18th to pay it however, created anxiety.

With the economic downturn, my business has definitely been adversely affected. Like everyone else, I've had to do more for less. I am however grateful for the many blessings self-employment affords me. Sometimes, my human side/ego blinds me to the miracles abundantly available to us.

So I came home a bit crabby, stressed and overwhelmed. My Dad asked how much I owed and I found myself snapping "I don't want to talk about it". In that instant I knew I needed to release my anxiety and anger. I began meditating on the knowing "there is enough in the universe for all of us". I listened to some affirmations and started visualizing all debts being paid in full with plenty of money left over.

Today, I woke up intent on having a positive day. I focused on the things I'm grateful for today and all the blessings I have around me and in my life. I slipped a few times, kicking myself for "knowing better" then to stress out. Then I balanced my checking account and somehow, I have enough money to pay my bills due this week. I chuckled, looked up and thanked the Universe for the blessings of always having enough.

Sometimes it's hard to overcome our human tendency to worry about tomorrow. It's not a big deal though, refocus and get back into the moment. Most of the time we realize that in this very moment, the worries we are carrying are not actualized in our reality. The more we focus on NOW the more power we have to create a better next moment, next day, next month and so on.

I'm human too, yes I should know better, I've been through more trying times and made it out just fine. I know many of you are faced with the same challenges. It's important we stay focused on what we have that we are grateful for and more will be added. As we love ourselves, one another and All That Is, we stand in the most powerful energy of creation, abundance and joy available.

So be thankful for the ability to pay your bills, even if it's 1 bill at a time. Be grateful for everything you see, feel and are blessed with. When times are tough and doubt creeps in, write out affirmations over and over! It really does wonders to shift your energy to a much higher place. Meditate and ask to see the opportunities to manifest your needs, desires and wishes.

Stay in the moment, the second you are in right now, from there you have power to create.
Blessings,
Bernadette Dickinson (c) 2012

Next week, I will be doing a slide show video with tools and tips on Managing Life as an Empath.

_Did you wake up this morning ready to clean the Christmas mess? I got a head start and started cleaning last night. Our celebration was intimate and small so we didn't have much to clean. I just have to take the tree down but I'm enjoying the soft lights at night, so I may leave it for a week more.

As the year winds down it's time to think about your intentions and path for 2012. What you want, who should be there, where you want to go, all things to consider. For instance, I am determined to lose some 'Thyroid' weight and plan to do a Green Smoothie Fast as well as start a new workout routine.

Being clear on our intentions is mandatory if we want to create the life we desire. Start your list of priorities, values and intentions. Right before New Years Eve I will post a blog about what to do with that list.

For today, just start your list and add to it as the week progresses.

Blessings,
Bernadette

__ Everyday our lives act as a mirror for us to truly see where we need to grow and where we need to give. Relationships provide a very personal mirror to the beliefs, attitudes and points of growth within us.

When things are flowing smoothly it’s easy to see beauty and express love. When things begin to become conflicted and full of turmoil we tend to blame others, circumstances and events for our unhappiness. During the times when things are challenging, we have the biggest opportunity to grow.

How others relate to us can be a very big mirror. When others seem hostile, angry or selfish we want to point blame. We in turn get defensive and can easily see their faults and faulty beliefs. How often do we stop our judgments of others and ask ourselves “What do I have to learn from this about myself”?

In romantic relationships we are quick to feel injured, rejected, abandoned and rejected when the object of our desire doesn’t respond in accord with our desires. In turn we withdraw, disconnect or retaliate. This energy only perpetuates our negative feelings and can destroy a relationship quickly.

Daily practice of mindfulness and meditation can create conscious and loving behaviors in you and in turn those around you.

When things around you begin to feel chaotic, overwhelming or just dissatisfying ask these questions:

            What am I projecting to others and my environment?

            What am I thinking about this situation or person?

            How can I change my thoughts and feelings about this to reflect love?

            What Am I really upset about?

            What can I give to someone else that I feel I am lacking?

When you begin to clarify how you feel, and shift to a place of love for yourself and others, you will instantly see a shift of energy. Sometimes that means allowing others to feel angry, sad or take time alone. Allowing others the freedom to express themselves fully is the ultimate act of love. If they are being abusive then it is up to you to stay a safe distance from them. Know you can’t change someone and accept you can only change yourself.

I will be posting communication techniques in upcoming blogs. Until then, Happy Living!!


Blessings,
Bernadette
© 2009 all rights reserved

Last night on Hidden Wisdom Radio my dear friend Ric called in and shared his unique perspective on reality. Ric and I have had these conversations privately for many years. I thought it would be really special to have him on On Air so others could benefit. After a couple of years of poking and prodding it finally happened, Ric called in and had a "Live On Air" conversation. You can listen by going here and listening to last night's show about the Planet's 11th Hour.

To be in a place that you can squarely look at reality and what's happening daily on the planet gives one an internal perspective that is greatly needed. It is quickly becoming apparent that something needs to change or somethings going to give if we don't do things drastically differently. We have exceeded the use of planetary resources, polluted, exploited and destroyed all necessary parts of nature. It's time we become united as One with nature and each other in this delicate balance.

At this time of transition we are all being given the opportunity to deepen our relationship to self and to All That Is or God. In turning inward we will find eternal truth, peace and joy. Personally I've been gradually unplugging from more distractions. I turned off our satellite TV service, I'm moving away from social networking, spending more time meditating and enjoying life. Life meaning nature, love, family, gardening and appreciation of all that is natural.

As we get more in touch with ourselves, our ability to look at what's happening will improve. We will be able to not only see what's happening but respond in a peaceful, powerful way. We will see where we can personally change our relationship to nature and the planet. In turn we will find our own solutions for living differently and with greater appreciation for the delicate balance of life.

I hope we can all embrace Love in a way that extends to all living things, releasing all fear of the other or unknown. In a state of deep appreciation and love we can handle anything, move through anything and remain true to our own loving nature. This is a very exciting and monumental time on earth for humans. We can rise up and change our course, becoming self sufficient and respectful of nature, knowing that our choices are ultimately based on truth.

As discussed at the end of last night's show, have the conversation with yourself, others and choose to honestly, openly look at reality. As more people wake up to reality, we can bind together as One and make this a miraculous journey no matter what happens.

Blessings,
Bernadette Dickinson
(c)2011 All rights reserved

The energies of late have had me asking Spirit a lot of questions. Why has the energy been so erratic? Why one day it's so heavy and the next so light. Why do I have such motivation one minute and absolutely none the next.

Spirit has guided me into understanding that at this time things are changing. The changes at hand are creating more of a contrast. Partly so that we can become more aware of ourselves and awake to the polarity. In understanding life we must embrace the contrast of light and dark, good and evil, happy and sad, knowing they each originate with God or Source.

So much of our lives are eaten away by distractions and busy schedules. Many people are so busy they don't even know what they feel, think or want. As these energies bring about a more conscious awareness of the contrast we begin to connect at a deeper level with ourselves and each other.

Sometimes things have to magnify before we pay attention to them. It would seem this way in politics and reform. Many people don't pay attention to what is happening until it affects them. The food crisis, housing crisis and now healthcare are all things we pay little attention to until it affects us. For many years we've had a wonderful time enjoying plentiful days, now it's getting harder to simply "make it".

We are in a time of great contrast. In recognizing the polarity and contrast in our world and lives we are awakening to our own internal desires. As we see what is lacking we can then be more creative in manifesting our desires. We are also beginning to become aware of the connectedness of us all. The Oneness that affects all of us is important to understand. If one suffers, eventually we all suffer. If one succeeds, eventually we all succeed. As we see the contrast becoming more obvious, we will find new ways of relating to ourselves, each other and the Earth.

Our focus is changing as a species. We are looking for ways to benefit the whole of society not just ourselves. So as you continue to note the contrast, know it is there for you to shift your perspective. Find new ways of doing things, seeing things, and experiencing things. Then find ways to balance yourself knowing that all is coming into balance. As we recognize the extreme contrast we can also see that things are trying to balance themselves. We can help that process just in recognizing they are both good for us.

Blessings,
Bernadette
(c) 2010 all rights reserved

Many of us have been raised to believe that we must be responsible for
other people’s feelings. We were taught that in order to be responsible
we must always cooperate.

Cooperation is a very desirable characteristic. When a company or group
of people want to accomplish something, cooperation is essential. Each
individual must be responsible for an assigned task and cooperate with
the other team members in order to fulfill the desired outcome.

Sometimes in life however, we over-cooperate. If someone in our life
doesn’t follow through on things, we take on their responsibilities and do things for them. This over-cooperation ultimately leads to resentment and
blame.

We are solely responsible for ourselves. It is not our responsibility to
help others or to fix things for them. I am not saying that we shouldn’t
offer help to others, but that we should not enable others by doing things for them. What happens to each of us is ultimately our own responsibility.

Many people come to me about failing relationships, businesses, and
depression. During the first session I always ask, “Why do you think you
are going through this?” It always fascinates me how many people or
things we can blame for our own unhappiness. I hear everything from,
“It is my parents fault” to “My Sixth grade teacher told me I would never
amount to anything”.

Placing blame on others does not release us from our own responsibility.
I can say that it is my parent’s fault that I am horrible in relationships, but
it is still my choice to not change my behavior in relationships.
Likewise, when someone in our life continually makes excuses for not
fulfilling their responsibilities and asks us to somehow fix that, we are not
allowing them to learn their own lessons.

Children can’t learn how to walk if we constantly carry them around.
Adults can’t learn how to be responsible if other people continually do
things for them.

If I am in a bad relationship, it is not my partner’s fault. My partner may
not be the best or healthiest choice, but it is my own responsibility that I
continue in the relationship.

Happiness is a choice and a responsibility. We are the deciders of our
own fate. If something doesn’t make me happy, I choose not to do it. If I do something that makes me unhappy, I recognize that I chose to do it
and take responsibility for my own choice.

Last week I wrote about how we miss so many things because we aren't paying attention to the details of life. This week I want to share with you some insights Spirit has shown me on our focus. In photography there is a term called "bokeh". Bokeh is used to describe the blur in the background or foreground of a photo. When we focus on a subject but want that subject to stand out, we blur the background so as not to distract from the point of focus.

Many times in life we become so overly focused on one thing that we literally create a blur of the things going on in the background of our lives. In photography we do it purposely, unfortunately in life we do it unconsciously. Think about  the things you focus on daily. Is there one thing that continually gets your time and attention while other things fade into the background? Whether it is a relationship, finances, job or a particular issue, when we allow our focus to become so concentrated on one thing, other things in our lives suffer.

Mistakes are made when we focus so far off into the future that we can't see the things standing right in front of us. Perhaps we are looking far to the horizon where we set our sights on accomplishing a great goal. When we only focus on future accomplishments, we alienate ourselves from the people and things in our lives that are present in the moment.

On the other hand sometimes we only focus on the past and get very stuck there. When we rehash our lives or events in the past we literally tune out life and only see the movies play in our heads of the past. It can be very traumatic to relive painful memories, past failures and loss. The trouble with this is that as long as we live in the past we can't move forward. Our minds then begin to project these past events into the present and even the future. We get so lost in the reverie of thought that we can't seem to see a way out of it. In terms of relationships, when we focus so much on the past hurts we've endured or even caused, we end up paralyzed and can't do anything to change it. We project those hurts into our current circumstances and begin to feel those familiar feelings from the past, believing the same thing is happening in the current relationship. It feels so real that we react to our current partner as if he/she is doing the same thing as our past partner did. When we only focus on the past we miss out on the experience thats right in front of us. The same applies to jobs, goals, even weight loss. When we got stuck focusing on past failures we no longer have the confidence to move forward in a positive way.

Paying attention to the Bokeh in a photograph is a great reminder to consciously
be aware of what you are focused on. In the photo I shot of this bird, you can't make out anything in the background other then faded colors. How many times do we miss what is right before us and opt to focus on what is already behind us. Our minds can easily get lost in the pictures within our heads. It is up to us to consciously control our focus and thoughts. When we choose what we will focus on, our lives manifest in a more controlled fashion. We are no longer victims of circumstance but powerful Creators in our own lives, co-creating with the Universe and God.

(c) 2011 Bernadette Dickinson all rights reserved

Within the last few months I’ve taken more of an interest in photography. It’s a great hobby and it is the perfect avenue for consciousness. I’ve wanted to improve my photos for years but haven’t made the time. It’s not that I want to become a professional, I like the challenge of improving my skills. Photography shows me where my focus is and depicts my moods, emotions and thoughts quite perfectly.

Joining a photo journal site has inspired me greatly to take a photo everyday. Having that daily task makes me look at things differently. As I go about my day, I’m much more conscious of what is around me, details I wouldn’t normally notice. Sometimes we get so busy “doing” we forget what is showing up in our lives. Hawks and Eagles have been everywhere for weeks now. The red tailed Hawk is one of my totem animals and to have the Eagle added to that is exciting. When I’m out and about I see no less then 6 Hawks a day. People who drive by while I’m shooting don’t even notice them. A couple of weeks ago I started seeing Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles. Not just one time, literally everyday I’m seeing them. Again, as I shoot them, no one else seems to notice them as they drive on with their day.

The message from the Hawk is powerful, especially because it is a red tailed Hawk. The red is intensified life-force energy, teaching balance and rapid development of psychic energies. It also warns of the ability to tear off the heads of snakes in my life. Comments and actions will be like the hawk’s beak and talons, strong and powerful, but with the ability to tear or kill. Hawks are great visionaries of the air and can see at great distances much like the Eagle.

Eagles teach a different lesson. Eagle ears are not visible but they can hear very well, in fact they hunt as much by sound as sight. They build their nests high above the ground in a place of safety. Their message is an opening of new vision that reaches to the past, within the present and to the future. Eagles have the ability to see forward, sideways and far into the distance. They glide gracefully and swiftly with little effort. The also sit still and let the other birds do the hard work, swooping in when food is found. They teach how to move between the worlds and touch all life with healing, mediating creative life force within the world.

Taking photos of these great birds has reminded me to stay focused and aware of what I do and say. As I continue my daily photos I am forced to focus more clearly on what I am seeing, hearing and thinking. The Universe speaks to us in many different ways, it’s up to us to notice, listen and respond. Paths of opportunity open before us everyday, are you noticing? Are you focused on the answers or simply the questions? I challenge you to notice the messages around you, sent specifically to you from our Loving Universe. We can all learn from the Hawk and Eagle. Ask to see the entire landscape of your life without obscured vision. Ask to hear clearly the answers you are seeking. Learn to sit still, taking note of the winds in your life that will carry you forward with ease.

Bernadette Dickinson ©2011 All rights reserved.