Life is a journey…are we making life choices, which support and nurture our inner-soul-growth?
…On reflection, I see that from the “outside” the choices I made and the path I/we forged and created may have appeared irrational, unconventional, obscure and unplanned to some people. However, as I began to view my life choices more from the “inside” and less how others and society perceived me, I came to realise that the most important was that I listened to my own intuition and followed my heart and soul. I now know that this way never demonstrates a carefully-calculated-straight-path because it is open to flow and spontaneously change as we grow to become more authentic and self-embodied…
Jaymie Elder
Excerpt from: “The Soul Purpose of our Journey” This post is about looking at life and our journey from the perspective of our soul, where I share much from my own personal life teachings, wisdom and journey…it was written in May 2018.
…Which life choices have you made lately, which may have appeared irrational, “unplanned”, or obscure to other people or society – but they felt TRUE to your heart and soul?…🌺
Jaymie Elder is a soul journey guide, artist, writer and traveller offering intuitive guidance/Soul Sessions internationally via Skype. Jaymie is dedicated to supporting others to heal and grow towards their authentic self – and a life in harmony with their heart and soul being. Learn more about Jaymie and her work here
Bring your grief, sadness, loss of hope, emptiness, despair, – whatever you are feeling – to a wise, ancient, tree being. A true, majestic, spirit friend.
Climb up high in your tree beings branches, sit or lay down low near your tree beings trunk.
Take several long, deep, breaths… let your heaviness and tears be comforted by the great loving arms of your tree beings branches.
Let your hurt be softened by peace as you become one with your tree (true) being.
Remain with your tree being, as long as you need too. Close your eyes, fall asleep, dream…
Exchange your blessings and gratitude. – whatever it was you needed – energy, balance, peace, unconditional love, wisdom, courage, inner strength… you can now move forward on your journey.
Always remember, the potential for a true friend – a spirit brother or sister – exists in the heart and frequency of all living beings!
We only need to feel, become more receptive and patient with an open, loving heart.
Copyright Jaymie Elder, Spring Equinox, Italy, 2021
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More reading from Rainbowtree Woman about the Soul Journey and the path of healing and transformation: – Click here
‘It doesn’t matter how slow you go as long as you don’t stop.’ – Confucius
Surrounded by the 4 giants of the European Alps, these days, competitive and serious hiking is very popular in the mountainous areas we spend most of our time in.
I believe we miss so much of the magic, beauty and energy of the mountains if the path we walk becomes a competitive and serious race against time, each other and ourselves.
Equally, in life, if we are always focused on getting ahead to some “where” we think will be “better” or to accomplish a future “goal” – we can miss the valuable and perfect teachings for where we happen to be right now…
When I saunter through the mountains and on many of the old pathways in the Aosta Valley region, I find myself connecting with a very ancient and timeless part of my soul.
Whenever I am in nature, I practice the art of walking slowly and with reverence. I also believe in being open (heart) to listen, feel and connect with what or who is coming to me as a messenger. I love to make my own tracks, pause and rest, go at my own pace and usually I resist following designated pathways set out for serious mountain hikers.
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∼ Butterfly Messenger ∼
On a journey in the mountains I took a few days ago, a messenger came to me in the form of a small, friendly butterfly.
I could see in her wings beautiful colours of luminescent green, gold, orange, blue and brown. These colours kept changing as she gently moved from different angles to the light of the sun. She sat on my shoulder – gently and happily – for probably close to 10 minutes before she flew off into the pine forest.
Before she flew to my shoulder, I had the feeling that I needed to pause, breathe and do a ceremony or simply give thanks before I reached Juerg, Cento and our campervan at the foot of the mountains (where my journey had begun). However, I was not quite sure what was being asked of me, until the butterfly spontaneously arrived. Before long, I realised that my interaction and connection with the butterfly messenger was my “ceremony”.
As a messenger, the teachings of butterfly
are to appreciate and see the value
in each stage of the spiritual journey
and cycles of life.
Butterfly’s life transformation shows us, we each have the possibility and capacity to be reborn by going within ourselves. Therefore, we can draw much value and learn from the cocoon of darkness, despair, doubt, confusion, tiredness and all the emotions we have been conditioned to view as “negative”.
Honouring our feelings of discomfort and disharmony in relation to where we currently are on our journey (as well as what we may see happening around us in the world), is an important part of accepting that we are forever moving through cycles of change, transformation and growth.
A natural part of growth is feeling discomfort and resistance as we move into the unknown! These are cycles of deep change and transformation, which Mother Earth is also mirroring back to us!
Rather than judge these cycles of change as something “negative” or “wrong” – can we allow what needs to occur from a deep place of trust, love and respect… like the life cycle of the butterfly shows us so beautifully?
Can we observe and learn from Mother Earth by working with the mirror she provides us, as well as primarily focusing our energy on our own inner transformational process?
In the far distance: Monte Bianco (4,810 m) tallest mountain of the European Alps.
∼ Balance and Patience ∼
I am learning that in order to ease our transition through these current challenging times on the earth, we need two main qualities – balance and patience.
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Balance… Balance can only be found by a certain amount of detachment from the outside world and all of its noise, busyness and distractions… Slowing down to find our balance means we focus more of our attention on our inner being. This involves checking in with our authentic self – i.e paying attention to what our feelings, our center of self/solar plexus, our bodies and our heart are communicating to us. It also involves (with love and compassion) tending to the forgotten, vulnerable, shadow parts of ourselves (our inner child/children), which we may find are being triggered by the outside world and especially our relationships.
What are the unique signs of your body and emotions, which tell you – you need to slow down and reconnect with your own unique rhythm and pace?
When you know you are feeling off-balance, what is your resistance to taking the time and space you need – to come back to your center of Self?
Patience… There is nothing else like precious time spent connecting and being one with Mother Nature. Reconnecting our bodies to her natural and ancient rhythms, seasons and cycles, allows us to remember we are not separate and to be patient with ourselves and our own growth process.
I really love and savour spending time in nature with both my dog and my partner Juerg. However, grounding my energy on a solitary walk in nature and or just sitting and being alone next to a tree, with my own thoughts and feelings is essential for me to retain a sense of well-being and harmony in our shared relationship. This is the same for Juerg too.
When did you last make quality, nurturing time and space for yourself – to be alone in nature – with out any distractions?
In these times of deep transformation on the earth, may you pause and rest when you need too…
may you find balance and patience…
so that you continue to move forward with grace and confidence
on your own unique life path and journey.
Photos shared are from a 5-hour saunter I made recently, to the top of Monte Zerbion (2722m) with stunning views of the Aosta Valley and three of the Giants of the Alps – Monte Rosa (4,634 m), Monte Bianco (4,810 m), and Gran Paradiso (4,061 m).
I find sacred moments of nourishment, inspiration, quiet reverence and solitude here in the mountains of Italy… where in the world do you find your own precious and healing moments in nature? I would love to hear from you, in the comments below…
My work is supporting and mentoring men and women to embrace their authentic being and be true to the timeless calling of their heart and soul. I offer intuitive guidance and support through Soul Sessions, which take place internationally via Skype. Soul Sessions are a unique chance to feel, reflect and connect with the deeper part of your being – your heart and soul.
For more information, or to book a session
please use the “work with me” link under the menu title – or click here
More reading from Rainbowtree Woman about the soul journey
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“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” – Carl Jung …. i.e not who we “think” we should be, who others would like us to be, or who we think we should have been more, in order to receive love, approval and acceptance…
To become conscious of the wounds and various masks we adopted in childhood (and often continue to use later in our relationships) – is a lifes work and healing journey, which takes much courage and endurance.
However, I believe it is our free choice and great opportunity to consciously do our own inner healing work – rather than unconsciously re-create old family patterns or project our anger, hurt and pain out into the world and on to others.
Everything begins to transform and expand, the more we come from a place of love and acceptance for ourselves and value the uniqueness of who we are and the path we have walked in our own life (loving and challenging experiences).
For a long time, I have felt drawn to the energy and symbolism of the Lion. To me, the Lion represents the courage to be our authentic self, – to speak and act in harmony with our heart…even if it means, we stand alone in a crowd.
“Journey with my Lion – what it means to embody Lion energy” is a post I made 4 years ago, which incorporates my artwork and writing to share about some of my own vulnerabilities, strengths and awareness gained, through working closely (over a period of many months) with the energy and symbolism of the Lion and Lioness.
To read the post, click on my Lion painting and the quote by Carl Jung, below:
“Your work is not to drag the world into a new awareness, kicking and screaming. Your work is to simply do your work, sacredly, secretly and silently And those with “eyes to see” and “ears to hear” will respond….”
– Unknown
Recently, I have been spending time alone in the beautiful spring nature of the European Alps. Almost as soon as we arrived, I found myself drawn to the alpine wild flowers, abundant, lively bees and colourful hives around me…
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So what is the message of the bee?
Above all, bee shows us devotion towards a higher purpose and the magical interconnectedness in all of life. Bee is completely devoted to work for the common good of the hive.
This can mirror the commitment we make to our own soul work – the on-going work of healing, transforming, learning and growing towards our higher purpose – Higher Self or spiritual potential.
* * *
“Ultimately, this devotion to our soul work is the greatest service we offer humanity. When we raise our vibration through healing and transforming our core wounds (our shadow)
– we influence the greater consciousness of humanity and all of creation.”
* * *
Find that hard to believe? Over many years, I have observed that my own inner work has extended out to influence those around me in subtle ways – family, animals, partnerships, friends or strangers.
Our soul journey of healing and transformation, is unique to each one of us. As we continue on this journey, we can increasingly recognise the value of our inner work. This work does not require the approval or recognition of others! Perhaps this is the most liberating part about our soul work! …No one else in this world has lived, felt, seen and shared the same experiences as each one of us…No one else walks the same path to know and feel their own divinity – their own Higher Self or spiritual essence.
How can we integrate the wisdom of the bee into our own lives and for our own Soul Journey?
The bee is a symbol for soul wisdom. Bee collects pollen from many flowers and turns it into nourishing honey – the gold of bees. Just so, we collect experiences from the many circumstances of our life – painful, loving, challenging and beautiful…and from these experiences we can extract spiritual gold.
This spiritual gold is a result of our willingness and courage to be honest and true to ourselves,… to feel deeply into our own wounds – our own patterns, beliefs, masks, our shadow personalities, our hurt inner children – all of which long for the light of our conscious awareness, understanding, love, forgiveness and compassion.
Are we devoted to our path of healing (soul work)?
In today’s busy world, it is so easy to distract ourselves from facing and owning how we are truly feeling.
Just like any form of addiction, we can use social media to instantly distract ourselves from our emotions and feelings. Spending hours online, we can get lost amongst endless information, music, videos, nice photographs, “what we want to see” in order to “feel better“. Or, we may take the anger, frustration or helplessness we feel and project huge amounts of energy into endless arguments with people whom we may never meet in person.
These emotions and patterns will always re-surface again and again until we are ready to look at and work with the truth in ourselves. We can try, but in the end we can not hide from the truth. Eventually, when we are ready, our soul calls to us, ….loud enough so that we must pay attention.
We grow in love by having the courage to truly face (not turn away) from our uncomfortable emotions i.e. anger, doubt, fear, sadness, jealousy, etc…. We grow in love by being fully present and honest with ourselves and others. It is simple to write about but not easy to practise in all of our relationships, especially with ourselves.
Let us begin today, in small ways…
those with “eyes to see” and “ears to hear” will respond….
Let us practise being devoted and humble like the bee. Let us start today, in small ways,…becoming more present with our emotions, feelings and allowing our heart to guide us in all our actions.
The more we are practising this in our everyday lives, the more we realise that it is our energy that draws people and experiences to us. Rather than judge the experiences as good or bad / right or wrong, we trust and know that somewhere, somehow…. it is for the highest good of our souls evolution.
With an open mind and heart, we can ask for our own inner guidance to come forward….we delve deeper for the hidden (shadow) learning, messages and wisdom about our own life and journey, which can be reflected back to us through another person, experience or encounter. This is the way of the spiritual alchemist – the humble yet extraordinary bee – collecting pollen (experience) and transforming it into honey (wisdom).
This does not mean we over-analyse situations, experiences and people with our mind. We are inviting the wise, intuitive, feminine or feeling part of our being to come forward and help us to understand, transform, heal and grow.
When we look outside for recognition, rewards or approval for our actions our focus is mis-directed. With humility and devotion like the bee, we know that no matter what the outcome, we must keep moving forward on our journey.
* * *
You cannot force someone to comprehend a message that they are not ready to receive.
But…. never underestimate the power of planting a seed.
* * *
The more we are being authentically who we are, (less concerned about what others think or say about us or trying to “prove” something to others)…we are vibrating (buzzing 🙂 ) in our core essence. We are touching others with our energy, dispersing seeds of consciousness, love and truth – meanwhile, always continuing with our own soul work.
This is truly the highest we can bee. 😊
Bee Prayer: Winged spirit of sweetness, I call on you. Teach me the ways of Transformation and fertilisation, The path from pollen to sweetness honey. Teach me to taste the essence Of each place I alight, Carrying that essence with me To continue creation’s cycle. Teach me the ways of hope, Reminding me that what seems impossible May yet be achieved. Flitting tears of the gods, Draw me ever closer to the wisdom Hidden within beauty. Give me flight and sunlight, Passion and productivity, Cooperation with those around me And sharpened strength to defend my home. May I ever spiral out from my heart, Searching for what I need, And return there once again To turn those lessons into nourishment. Bee spirit, I call you. Source: Animal Totem
Jaymie Elder is a soul journey guide, artist, photographer and traveller offering intuitive Soul Sessions internationally via Skype. Jaymie is dedicated to supporting others to heal and grow towards their authentic self – and a life in harmony with their heart and soul being. Learn more about Jaymie and her work here.
Please share your feedback in the comments below…If you enjoyed this post, please share it, follow my blog or register to receive notifications in your email box for my future posts. Thank you!
“The most essential in your life is your own being.
Without knowing the true essence of your being, your heart will always remain empty and dissatisfied.
Without recognition of who you are, without inwardly awakening to that,
you stumble like a drunkard through a maze of meaningless limitations.
Remember your Self…
If you want to awaken to reality, no spiritual entertainment technique can help you. You may have to go through the pain of disillusionment, but that’s in fact your liberation.
It is time to face yourself. “
– Gayan Sylvie Winter and Jo Dose (The Native American Wisdom Tarot)
“This post was originally created 4 years ago. After sharing it amongst friends on social media, I received many heartfelt comments and messages. As in all my posts, I draw from my own personal life experiences and inner knowing. I share my perspective on how we may grow towards a more compassionate understanding of each person’s journey in life. I do not pretend to have all the answers or to proclaim myself an expert in suicide prevention because I have learned each person’s healing journey, set of life challenges, cultural and ancestral wounding are unique and very personal. However, I do firmly believe the greatest gifts we can share with others on their life path are the experiences, compassion, wisdom and learning gained – from our own life’s journey. Please feel free to share your comments and feedback or send this post to anyone you feel could benefit from reading it.” – Jaymie Elder 20/11/2019
“A WASTED TALENT…”
“Jaymie, you are a wasted talent.” …. One day around 12 years ago, this came to me as statement from an old family friend… The person’s intentions were well-meaning. The statement came from a place of admiration for my artistic talents but also a concern.
Afterward, I remember doing some processing around our conversation. It became clear to me that the statement was a projection and therefore had less to do with me and more to do with the persons own feelings, self-worth and life experiences. At that time, I was living together with my partner in his home in a beautiful part of New Zealand. I had long since rejected a career path I “thought” was laid out before me. I had already begun a spiritual journey of deep self-enquiry and personal healing. For the first time in my life, I was truly feeling happy, balanced and content. This had nothing to do with my sense of productivity and need to prove myself through “outer success”.
However, I would be lying if I said these words did not trigger hurt from my past – and they have remained with me to this day.
The energy and symbolism behind these words have been a common thread throughout my life. A thread or belief, which is about “never feeling good enough”….which then leads into a deeper feeling of shame.
In our modern world, there is much pressure and expectation to achieve through our mind or body. I’ve touched on this subject several times in earlier posts. In this post, I want to address this growing pressure, which is affecting our young people and what we need to focus on – if we choose a path of healing and transformation.
The fact is, in our modern world people judge success externally, like being “well known” …making a lot of money… owning or accumulating material possessions…. youtube and social media popularity,… flying here and there around the world… being physically attractive and fit… or being “driven”, motivated, positive or always “busy”.
In my own life, the pressure I have felt to achieve and appear perfect on the outside has challenged me to redefine what success really means. In my early twenties, I realised that society’s definition of success and perfection would never fit who I truly am and the only way I could find real happiness and fulfillment was to follow the guidance of my own heart and soul.
On reflection, I see that from the “outside” the choices I made and the path I forged and created for myself may have appeared irrational, unconventional, obscure and unplanned to some people. However, as I began to view my life choices more from the “inside” and less how others and society perceived me, I came torealise that the most important was that I listened to my own intuition and followed my heart and soul. I now know that this way never demonstrates a carefully-calculated-straight–path because it is open to flow and spontaneously change as we grow to become more authentically who we are.
We have a choice… we can choose a path, accepted by society and others… or follow our heart – often into the unknown. On this path, we may be misunderstood and challenged by many but the rewards are, we grow towards our authenticity, integrity, creativity, soulful possibilities and fulfillment…
OUR GREATEST ”WORK” IS TO HONOUR OUR SOUL JOURNEY
AND GROW TOWARDS BEING OUR TRUE SELF.
Our Soul Journey is a slow but steady process where we increasingly open ourselves to look at the truth in our hearts, in our relationships, people and the world around us. To grow, we need to be challenged and it is our relationships that provide us with many opportunities to do our inner work.
When we leave this body, we do not take with us our superficial human “goals and achievements” or any of our “materialistic successes”. It’s the energy of who we are and what we share with others, which is most important.
In life, it is not important or possible for everyone to understand us – but it is important we are being true to our hearts. Only WE can know what that means, what it looks like or how it feels! This is not information we are given freely in school! However, it’s what our journey in life will show us through our own challenges and experiences.
Our Soul Journey is about whether we are living, being, feeling and sharing in harmony with our heart and who we truly are.
HEALING OUR GENERATIONAL WOUNDS.
My birth nation, New Zealand has the highest rate of teen suicide in the world. The 2017 Unicef report had NZ towards the bottom of the developed world (38th out of 41 countries) in relation to the health and wellbeing of children and youth.
A long period of poor, non-compassionate government policy is a justified target for our anger and frustration. But more important for ourselves and the collective consciousness of all New Zealanders (and the world), is if we each focus on our own personal healing and shadow work.
Our shadow encompasses everything we do not “like” about ourselves – it is the suppressed, hidden parts of ourselves, which we have never acknowledged but long for our conscious awareness, understanding, truth, love and integration. The more we ignore or suppress our shadow – the more it grows in power and can manifest in self- harming, destructive patterns. The more we find the courage to openly acknowledge, heal and transform our shadow – the more light and compassion we bring into our relationship with ourselves, others and the world.
Healing and transformational changes will not occur without serious inner work to do with our own personal shadow – as well as the shadow of the culture/nation we live in…
The generational wounds of a nation or “ancestral wounding”
are where core beliefs about our self-worth, historical and family trauma are passed on from generation to generation
–unless we contribute to healing this through our own inner work.
It is the wounded masculine (perfectionism, over-achieving and controlling, unable to express sadness, vulnerability or sorrow, ignorance, stubbornness, rigidity) which overrides, neglects and ridicules the sacred feminine (sensitivity, creativity, feeling, intuition, compassion, gentleness, being and nurturing).
Of course, these are wounds that extend far beyond New Zealand and deep into our modern human history, psyche and collective consciousness. However, the wounded masculine energy is vividly portrayed and often glorified within the New Zealand culture. For those who are unaware, the “harden up, stay staunch” attitude is prolific amongst many men in New Zealand. From a young age, watching the Alblacks “haka” on television, boys can be conditioned to conform to a particular “mould”. While attitudes are now beginning to change through awareness and new leaders coming to the fore, in the past and still in many cases today, expressing emotions like sadness and despair, can be judged as a sign of weakness.
Around 14 years ago, a New Zealand male friend of mine committed suicide (aged 23 years old). In his suicide note, he apologised to friends and family saying that he could no longer go on because he was “so tired”. My friend was a funny, gifted, highly creative, very sensitive and caring soul. In the final years of his life, we both moved to opposite ends of New Zealand and sadly, I lost my once close connection with him. Because of this, I do not wish to assume what was going on in his mind at the time he took his own life.
However, based on my understanding of his difficult past and the trauma he had experienced in his early life – I do believe he was tired of fighting – for his true self – and having to shut himself down – in order to “fit in” or function in society that largely excludes and ridicules the softer, feminine qualities, which are more prominent in some men.
My friend was an outsider his whole life in terms of fitting into the typical Kiwi male “accepted persona”. The conservative Kiwi males do not find it easy to talk about their feelings and emotions. However, what made my friend so unique and special was that he had been through so much in his life – but he had not closed his heart – he remained a very feeling person, with so much sensitivity and compassion to share with others.
Of course, I know that my friend is still with me now and the act of taking his own life – did not mean he “failed”, he was “punished” or that his suicide was the “ultimate sin” (as some religious dogmas would have us believe).
I know that his journey of learning and growth continues and he found relief from “tiredness” after leaving his physical body. I also believe that if he was able to change his mind and move through his internal blockages towards self-healing – the universe (Spirit, God, Creator, Angels – whichever words describe a Higher Power for you) would have staged an intervention and he would not have succeeded in taking his own life.
ONLY THOSE WHO HAVE KNOWN DARKNESS,… CAN TRULY APPRECIATE THE LIGHT…
“Human nature is constructed in such a way, that you end up learning much more from a life of suffering than from a life of ease. That does not mean that I recommend a quest for suffering or anything like that. But this is what I want. To make people understand: you can always pick yourself up again.
It’s always worth it starting from zero again, once, or a thousand times,
as long as you’re still alive. That’s the biggest lesson in life.
In other words, you are not defeated until you give up the fight.
You give up the fight by giving up the dream.
Fighting, dreaming, being down on the ground,
confronting reality, that’s what gives meaning to existence…
to the lives, we lead.” – José Mujica (former President of Uruguay)
New Zealand suicide rate is highest since records began 10 years ago – with 668 people dying by suicide in the past year. It was the fourth year in a row that number has increased. New Zealand also has “one of the world’s worst records for bullying in school”, says Shaun Robinson of the Mental Health Foundations New Zealand.
While more recent efforts have been made to address these issues within communities, the statistics put out by UNICEF tell us that something very serious is being over-looked or hidden. In any culture, country or nation, the youth are our future and therefore the responsibility of all.
Will these young (obviously) sensitive souls who have taken their own lives, awaken people to their own shadow and the shadow wounds of a nation?
The wounded masculine – warrior, aggressive energy – needs the sacred feminine to heal and create a much-needed balance, inner peace, personal self-care and respect, sensitivity to our own and other’s feelings, love, nurturing, compassion, connection and wholeness.
The first step towards healing – is to create better forms of communication and open discussion so that young people can feel safe and supported to express themselves and truly be heard. While suicide is a delicate subject for many people, it should not be closed to discussion and hidden behind shame, self-blame and closed doors.
Are we, the women and men of New Zealand ready to support and encourage these open, supportive, compassionate discussions – after having spent time working on healing and transforming our own shadow?
“Knowing your own darkness is the best method
for dealing with the darknesses of other people.”
– Carl Jung
WE DO NOT KNOW WHAT EACH SOUL IS HERE FOR, ON EARTH.
LET US NOT JUDGE THE PATH OF OTHERS.
Each soul incarnates and re-incarnates on to earth with different lessons to learn. A soul family and country provides the opportunities and challenges (a foundation – a structure) for these lessons to be offered and it is then the free will choice of each soul to complete and fulfill them.
Even if we do not understand the path a young person chooses – it’s not our place to judge or project onto them from our own unfulfilled dreams, expectations and beliefs about life and our own ego-based “ambitions”.
Unfortunately, too often, the subtle, critical comments are slipping out unconsciously… It is much easier
to project on to others rather than become conscious
of our own unhealed wounds and shadow.
Over time, these comments build up the voice of our “inner critic” – potentially becoming very destructive to a young person’s self-worth and feeling about their own unique identity and path in life.
Let us be conscious of the impact we have on those around us with our words and projections. Let us continue to be devoted to our own inner work and Soul Journey, so that we may offer soul wisdom (gained through our own life experiences), compassion and loving support to others.
Let us be the leader and wise friend we would have loved to know – when we were a young person.
A compassionate and courageous leader knows; – New paths towards light, compassion and transformation
only come through fully experiencing our inner places of darkness and despair.
– There is immense value in our on-going inner work
(truth-seeking, personal healing, shadow work and self-discovery.)
– Difficulties and challenges viewed from a ‘soul perspective’ help us
to recognise we are each provided with the perfect lessons and opportunities
to grow deeper in love, truth and wisdom on our Soul Journey.
“The past is not a burden;
it is a scaffold which brought us to this day. We are free to be who we are –
to create our own life out of our past and out of the present.
We are our ancestors.
When we can heal ourselves, we also heal our ancestors, our grandmothers, our grandfathers, and our children.
When we heal ourselves, we heal Mother Earth.”
– Grandmother Rita Pitka Blumenstein
Jaymie Elder is a soul journey guide, artist, writer and traveller offering intuitive guidance/Soul Sessions internationally via Skype. Jaymie is dedicated to supporting others to heal and grow towards their authentic self – and a life in harmony with their heart and soul being. Learn more about Jaymie and her work here.
“I have spent many years, working through
the generational wounds of the men and women in my family.
During this time, I discovered positive characteristics
but also negative beliefs about my self-worth and my capacity
to create an authentic and fulfilling life from my creative and soul gifts.
I see both the shadow and the light portrayed.
My inner work and healing journey continues after 20 years
of being devoted to walking the path of my heart and soul.
I’m grateful I chose my family and New Zealand as my birth country
and for the many opportunities to heal and grow deeper on my Soul Journey.” – Jaymie Elder
Where is my true path?
“Our true path must come from our own heart and spirit and no one can tell us what that is,…” – Juerg Dreamturtle
Below, my partner of 15 years, Juerg Dreamturtle shares about the path of our heart and soul – and his book “Sacred Journey” – (video 15mins)
Please share your feedback in the comments below…Write to me; any questions you may have based on this article, my work or just to say hello 🙂 If you enjoyed this post, please share it, follow my blog or register to receive notifications in your email box for my future posts. Thank you!
More reading from Rainbowtree Woman about the Soul Journey
and the path of healing and transformation: – Click here
The most adventurous journey to embark on; is the journey to yourself,
the most exciting thing to discover; is who you really are,
the most treasured pieces that you can find; are all the pieces of you,
the most special portrait you can recognize; is the portrait of your soul.
– Unknown
If we only think of ourselves and each other in terms of our dense, physical human bodies and mind, life can be incredibly limiting and somewhat shallow and meaningless.
Mainstream society conditions us to be overly focused on external appearances and short term, superficial goals – looking pretty, material wealth, achieving ego and physical results… all of which means absolutely nothing to the soul.
Get to know the soul being you are…the ancient being inside of you, which is eternal, compassionate, authentic, strong, resilient, patient and wise. The soul knows what it means to be authentic and it has nothing to do with outside appearances.
Soul work will always challenge us to go deeper – to remove our false masks, limiting self-beliefs and above all, be honest and true to ourselves and others.
We cannot really get to know our soul unless we are also prepared to crack open our protective shell and allow the light of truth to illuminate our shadow.
For any readers new to the concept of our “shadow” – it basically means our past wounds or, the lost, vulnerable and broken parts of ourselves longing for love, compassion, forgiveness and conscious awareness. “Everyone carries a shadow,” Carl Jung wrote, “and the less it is embodied in the individual’s conscious life the blacker and denser it is.”
The Journey of the Soul is about having the courage and endurance to continuously face these wounds, heal and embrace the depth of our being – every moment… so that we may continue to grow towards self-awareness, authenticity, compassion and soul wisdom. I have come to learn that authenticity means to be in touch with my own vulnerability and that this is strength, honesty and being true to my heart and soul.
The featured image for this post is a photograph I took of an ancient Holm Oak Tree in the Madonie National Park, Sicily. Every time I am in this Park, I connect with a different tree. Many of the Holm Oaks are between 500 to 800 years old. This tree with its huge crack in the center of the trunk was obviously struck by lightning – perhaps hundreds of years ago!
What struck me 🙂 was that although the inner trunk was blackened by the fire and completely hollow,… the tree was still incredibly strong, healthy, huge, majestic and wise.
To climb inside the tree and listen to its wisdom was a magical experience. For me, this majestic being is a celebration and reflection of the Journey of the Soul.
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Jaymie Elder is a soul journey guide, artist, photographer and traveller offering intuitive guidance/Soul Sessions internationally via Skype. Jaymie is dedicated to supporting others to heal and grow towards their authentic self – and a life in harmony with their heart and soul being. Learn more about Jaymie and her work here.
Rainbowtree Woman 