On Conscious Living

It's been said many times that our modern world invites us to become sleepwalkers just drifting through life. Frank McEwan in his book "Mist Filled Path" says many people, without even knowing, accept this invitation. I liken it to walking around in a fog or a daze, cut off and disconnected from the essence of life.

So by that definition living consciously means living fully active and engaged in what happens in your life. It means being aware of your surroundings, being aware of what you're feeding your mind, body and spirit and being aware of the natural world and other beings that share Earth with us. It's also taking responsibility for your thoughts and actions and the impact they may be having on yourself, those around you and the larger world and endeavouring to make them positive and life enriching.

We all come from an Earth honouring tradition somewhere along our ancestral timeline if you trace it back far enough. I know my ancestral line belongs to the Celtic and Scandinavian people with a deep respect and reference for nature, deep belief in spirituality and the interconnectedness of all things and belief in the cyclic nature of life. 

This is not a unique view, many cultures hold similar views. Although I tend to come from the Celtic perspective, I'm also inclusive and enjoy learning how other cultures have seen or see their place in the world particularly in myths, symbolism and art.

A great place to start becoming more conscious and restore your connection to nature is to look at the Elements and how they weave their way through everything. What I mean by the Elements is Air, Fire, Water, Earth and Spirit which are the essential ingredients, building blocks of life, of the Universe and all that is. 

Everything that's whole contains Air, Fire, Water, Earth and has Spirit woven in and holding them together. They combine, creating the cycles of idea, action, empowerment, manifestation, germination, growth, maturity, fruit. 

There are different schools of thought regarding the order the elements combine for the creation cycle. Although I can relate to others the following is still the one I resonate with the most:

    We start with Air, the idea, inspiration and the potential of something;

    Then comes Fire, the spark that sprouts the seeds of potential and starts them growing;

    Water give depth and layers adding more substance and life blood;

    Earth is the fruit and manifestation of the creative process;

    Spirit is the universal magic that weaves everything together.

Take some time out today to wake up, wander through nature and engage all your senses. Consider this continual cycle of creation and how you are a part of it. 

Sharon L Baker is an Intuitive Reader, Mixed Media Artist and Creativity & Wellness Coach living in the Hawkesbury Valley, NSW, Australia. For enquiries and bookings email: hellosharonlbaker@gmail.com