<rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"><channel><title>gracefulwomen</title><description>gracefulwomen</description><link>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/musings</link><item><title>How to thrive during Mercury Retrograde</title><description><![CDATA[Three times a year the orbiting path of Mercury in relationship to Earth causes a pattern that is described as “retrograde”. Each of these periods last for about 3 weeks. Whilst this occurs the earths magnetic field behaves differently. During these periods of retrograde there can be subtle shifts in the way our communication and connection with others is received. Things may not be interpreted as you intended or indeed may go missing all together.We know as women how effected we are by the<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_6d9ff9cac3144390964c32971793a5eb%7Emv2_d_5184_3456_s_4_2.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Sirgun</dc:creator><link>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2019/11/01/How-to-thrive-during-Mercury-Retrograde</link><guid>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2019/11/01/How-to-thrive-during-Mercury-Retrograde</guid><pubDate>Fri, 01 Nov 2019 00:36:02 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>Three times a year the orbiting path of Mercury in relationship to Earth causes a pattern that is described as “retrograde”. Each of these periods last for about 3 weeks. Whilst this occurs the earths magnetic field behaves differently. During these periods of retrograde there can be subtle shifts in the way our communication and connection with others is received. Things may not be interpreted as you intended or indeed may go missing all together.</div><div>We know as women how effected we are by the moon. Well during a period such as this our magnetic field is also altered by the shift in the earths magnetic field. So as we come into contact with another person even before we try to communicate the energy between us can be slightly out. But remember awareness is the key. If you know this is happening you are less likely to react. You can offer each situation to the divine and feel trust not fear. Yogi Bhajan said;“If we didn’t have these three periods a year the human would go crazy from the upward spiraling energy of communication and connection. A time of rest is absolutely essential.”</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_6d9ff9cac3144390964c32971793a5eb~mv2_d_5184_3456_s_4_2.jpg"/><div> During this Mercury Retrograde you may not have as much energy as usual and you may be guided to complete projects that involve inward reflection. It is a wonderful time to journal, to paint, to explore your creative side. Be guided by your higher self. If you feel a sudden sense that you should not go to an event, or a meeting, excuse yourself gracefully. Trust that the Divine has your back.</div><div>Use this period to connect at a deeper level with your higher self and when in communication with others imagine you are communing with theirs.</div><div>Replace fear with trust.Meditate on sensing the shift in yours and the earths magnetic field.Recognise that the other is you.And remember that laughter is the best medicine.</div><div> This is the perfect time to join us in practising the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uoop52U3QOc&amp;t=37s">celestial communication with the Mul Mantra</a> which you can find on our YouTube channel. All love and Sat Nam - Sirgun 🙏💓</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_370b6866d4ee4bb998988943c89182a4~mv2.jpg"/></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Mul Mantra Celestial Communication</title><description><![CDATA[Celestial Communication is a form of moving mediation. It is practised by combining choreographed arm and hand and body movements to mantras or spiritual songs. The mudras and movements are not specified and the teacher or practitioner is free to create their own unique interpretation.Yogi Bhajan taught that Celestial Communication is “the greatest wonder food for the body healing, bringing mental intelligence and creativity, uplifting the soul and the inflow of the spirit.”As most Celestial<img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/Uoop52U3QOc/mqdefault.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Sirgun</dc:creator><link>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2019/10/23/Mul-Mantra-Celestial-Communication</link><guid>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2019/10/23/Mul-Mantra-Celestial-Communication</guid><pubDate>Wed, 23 Oct 2019 05:00:23 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Uoop52U3QOc"/><div>Celestial Communication is a form of moving mediation. It is practised by combining choreographed arm and hand and body movements to mantras or spiritual songs. The mudras and movements are not specified and the teacher or practitioner is free to create their own unique interpretation.</div><div>Yogi Bhajan taught that Celestial Communication is “the greatest wonder food for the body healing, bringing mental intelligence and creativity, uplifting the soul and the inflow of the spirit.”</div><div>As most Celestial Communication predominantly use arm movements and movements using the upper body the meditation works at powerfully opening the heart chakra. The practise is beneficial for strengthening the arcline, the aura and magnifying the Radiant body. </div><div>It is a wonderful practise for women as it enables us to truly drop out of the head and into our body. It brings us back to a connection of our primal and instinctual self through the use of mantra, naad, breath and movement.</div><div>As multi faceted beings practising a multifaceted meditation affords us the capacity to experience the divine within us. It enables us to easily connect to our higher or angelic self. Practised in a group creates a deep sense on oneness and cohesiveness. Our infinite selves join in the act of communal prayer. It is truly a Divine experience.</div><div>The Celestial Communication we are practising for our Sisterhood phase is to the “Mul Mantra” it is a beautiful version by Jai Jagdeesh from her new album All is now light (you can connect to the full album on <a href="https://music.apple.com/au/album/all-is-now-light/1472673911">Apple Music here</a></div><div>ABOUT THE MUL MANTRA</div><div>The Mul Mantra translates as the root mantra from which a spiritual foundation is built.</div><div>Yogi Bhajan said “ The Mul Mantra is a fate killer. It removes the fate and changes the destiny to complete prosperity.”</div><div>We are praising this as a 40 day community meditation to support us in growing Sisterhood. To change the fate of our own past experiences with women's group, and our relationships with women in our lives as well as the collective fate of Sisterhood. We send out the collective prayer that in shifting this fate we can experience the prosperity that will come from the harmonious collaboration of all womanhood.</div><div>TO PRACTICE</div><div>Begin by opening the space by chanting “Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo” 3 times.</div><div>Follow along with the video until you have learnt the movements.</div><div>The mantra is:</div><div>Ek ong kaar</div><div>Sat naam,</div><div>Karataa purakh nirbho, nirvair</div><div>Akaal moorat</div><div>Ajoonee</div><div>Saibhang, gur prasaad. Jap!</div><div>Aad such, jugaad such</div><div>Hai bhee such</div><div>Naanak hosee bhee such</div><div>Translation</div><div>One Creator.</div><div>Truth is His name.</div><div>Doer of everything.</div><div>Fearless, Revengeless, Undying, Unborn, Self illumined</div><div>The Guru's gift, Meditate!</div><div>True in the beginning.</div><div>True through all the ages.</div><div>True even now. Oh Nanak it is forever true.</div><div>Close the space by chanting “Sat Nam”</div><div>We would love to hear about your own experience of this meditation and we encourage you to share this with your communities.</div><div>All love and blessings</div><div>Graceful Women xx</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Learn to use your Menstrual Superpowers.</title><description><![CDATA[How would it be if I told you that you have the most amazing superpowers at your disposal through every stage of your monthly feminine cycle? How would it be if you were to finally embrace that, far from being the “curse” your monthly bleed is in fact the point where you can connect to your most magical, high priestess, Witch self? For many of us our menstrual cycle is something we are yet to fully embody. Most of us don’t have our cycle mapped out and could not say which day of our cycle we are<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_a51d02d2df66423ead57eab9bfb459b4%7Emv2_d_2304_1536_s_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_702%2Ch_468/7956f3_a51d02d2df66423ead57eab9bfb459b4%7Emv2_d_2304_1536_s_2.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Sirgun</dc:creator><link>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2019/08/07/Learn-to-use-your-Menstrual-Superpowers</link><guid>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2019/08/07/Learn-to-use-your-Menstrual-Superpowers</guid><pubDate>Wed, 07 Aug 2019 07:46:06 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>How would it be if I told you that you have the most amazing superpowers at your disposal through every stage of your monthly feminine cycle? How would it be if you were to finally embrace that, far from being the “curse” your monthly bleed is in fact the point where you can connect to your most magical, high priestess, Witch self? For many of us our menstrual cycle is something we are yet to fully embody. Most of us don’t have our cycle mapped out and could not say which day of our cycle we are on. As women we can be be very flowing. Some of us, I am fully in this bracket, don’t like planning. So the thought of “mapping” our cycle feels somewhat restrained and laborious. However I have discovered something you planners out there have known all along… it provides freedom! Also in this case, it opens the door to rich and potent knowledge that can potentially bring an enormous amount of magic into your life.</div><div>You are nature. Nature is you. You are an embodied representation of the cycle of life. Can you stop long enough to breath that in?</div><div>So enough of the hype lets get to the juicy stuff. How can you tap into your super powers? Point to note here… If you are not still bleeding this does not make you a less powerful goddess. On the contrary you are an evolved, ascended priestess who now cycles with the Lunar energy herself. Whatever stage the moon is in represents where you are in your cycle. Also note that if you do not have a regular cycle you too can begin to connect with this lunar energy to help re balance you, your hormones and your menstrual cycle, this is a great tool if you are trying to reignite your monthly bleed. If your cycle is longer or shorter please adjust the length of the phases to suit your cycle. We are women... we do not conform to numbers and timings!</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_a51d02d2df66423ead57eab9bfb459b4~mv2_d_2304_1536_s_2.jpg"/><div>Bleeding</div><div>Day 1-6 of your menstrual cycle Moon Phase - New Energy - Winter / Crone This is the time for inner connection. Slow down. Stop. You will be experiencing a state of expanded awareness. You have the capacity to go very deep in your dreams, meditations and prayers. During this time I always feel I have the capacity to move aspects of the universe like pieces of a jigsaw during my meditations. This is the time to restore, a time of purification. It is a time when we need to self sooth, to nourish. Practising this will lead to deep healing. The more we care for ourselves during these winter days the more energy we will have for the rest of our cycle. This phase will literally be a mirror for how the rest of your month will be. If you “push through” here you will be exhausted by the peak ovulation point of your cycle…you have been warned! This is the phase of acceptance, forgiveness and a time to be present. We can be deeply understanding during this phase and just allow it all to be as it is. We can forgive ourselves and others through our ability to see the bigger picture much clearer. At this time you may feel drawn to rituals, candles, your inner witch will be at play. Embrace her and experience deep profound insights.</div><div>Pre-Ovulation</div><div> Day 7-13  Moon Phase - Waxing Energy - Spring / Maiden Your mojo returns... spring has arrived. You find a new sense of enthusiasm and positivity. You have the stamina to start and maintain projects. You may feel an urge to start something new... or start 10 new things! You may find yourself compelled to change your job, partner, move home. You are willing to take risks and have an insatiable curiosity, which combined with your playful, youthful vibe makes you very attractive. You will have a real lust for life, sex and dancing..lots of dancing! This is the time that your imagination is firing... dream big… prepare the soil... anything is possible and you have the power to get things going.</div><div>Ovulation</div><div>Day 13-21  Moon Phase - Full Energy - Summer / Mother You have arrived. It is your moment. You are absolutely mesmerising and captivating. People will find you very magnetising. This is the time to go for the job interview, apply for the book deal, make your proposal. It will be virtually impossible for anyone to deny you what is so rightfully yours. This is the phase during which you can take charge in all areas of your life. A time to fully awaken to your own mastery. You are able to cope with attention better than at any other time of the month and will seek it out, consciously or unconsciously! Your focus is outward. You will be looking for all that catches your eye. This is a time of prosperity consciousness, you are in your fullness, your are ripe. Life will flow through you and with you. You have the power to create anything... you have the power to create life itself. This is the point in your cycle where you truly can have it all, it is the point where you can have the realisation that</div><div>you truly are all.</div><div>Pre-Menstruation</div><div>Day 23 - 28 Moon Phase - Waning Energy - Autumn/Maga You sense a change in the air. You feel a shift from within. Certain projects, relationships, choices you made earlier in the month seem less aligned to your bigger picture. Your now heightened psychic and intuitive gifts are guiding you to see where you are not aligned with your higher purpose. This is a time of truth. A time to embody your “Sat Nam”. Sometimes this truth can be delivered a little harshly especially if you did not honour yourself during your last dark moon phase. You will become super organised literally editing out the BS that is taking up your valuable energy. This is the time to clear out the internal and external closets. You will have the power of completion. Endings will become liberating. In some circumstances you may feel the urge to walk away from previously perceived golden lined opportunities. You may work late into the nights during this phase knowing that an opportunity for deep rest is about to unfold. Embrace the cycle.</div><div><div>“In her Moontime, of ebb and flow and flood Coursing through The Heavens Illuminating the dark hidden secrets of Feminine Wisdom Releasing these on a flood-tide of remembrance Of our connection with The Earth, our Mother And The Universe. The Sire, not only of Creation, In Union with The Feminine, The Awesome Everything.”</div> By Bethlehem Taylor.</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_370b6866d4ee4bb998988943c89182a4~mv2.jpg"/><div>Dearest Woman, I do hope these words have given you guidance and in some cases sparked a flame within you that will grow so that you may see fully just how marvellous you are. That we truly are the most magnificent beings. That we deserve to be honoured, revered, loved and cherished. That you are powerful beyond measure and hold within you the secrets of life itself.</div><div>Finding a way to break down any barriers that stop you from feeling this way about yourself will bring a richness you cannot imagine.</div><div>See yourself as the Divine sees you. Love yourself as you would love your own child and honour yourself as the Queen you truly are.</div><div>All love Sirgun x</div><div>If you have never explored your womanhood in this way before these teachings will be awakening you to a yearning for deeper understanding. Over the next few months we have monthly moon circles in which we explore the feminine rhythms and sacred rituals that connect us to our inner priestess.</div><div>We are also launching <a href="https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/events/graceful-menopause">Graceful Menopause</a>, monthly workshops offering tools to support women going through peri menopause and menopause.</div><div>We highly recommend exploring books by <a href="https://lisalister.com">Lisa Lister</a>and Wild Power by Alexandra Pope and Shane Hugo Wurlitzer.</div><div><a href="https://katenorthrup.com/preorder/">Kate Northup's</a> latest book Do Less is also wonderful if you are wanting to feminise your working life.</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>A Winter Solstice Family Ritual</title><description><![CDATA[It's the time of year when the chill in the air, the crisp mornings and cold nights invite us to snuggle up get cosy and create space that is enticing and homely. We lay our fires and light our candles and feel a pull to create a tradition that creates memories of this quieter time of the year for our families.Rituals and ceremonies are a beautiful way to mark the seasons in your home. Connecting to the seasons allows us to reconnect to our inner rhythms and listen to the natural callings of<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_8a7678ae6dad489bae10f293d2bf51ed%7Emv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_936%2Ch_452/7956f3_8a7678ae6dad489bae10f293d2bf51ed%7Emv2.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Sirgun</dc:creator><link>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2019/06/21/A-Winter-Solstice-Family-Ritual</link><guid>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2019/06/21/A-Winter-Solstice-Family-Ritual</guid><pubDate>Fri, 21 Jun 2019 08:03:08 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_8a7678ae6dad489bae10f293d2bf51ed~mv2.jpg"/><div>It's the time of year when the chill in the air, the crisp mornings and cold nights invite us to snuggle up get cosy and create space that is enticing and homely. We lay our fires and light our candles and feel a pull to create a tradition that creates memories of this quieter time of the year for our families.</div><div>Rituals and ceremonies are a beautiful way to mark the seasons in your home. Connecting to the seasons allows us to reconnect to our inner rhythms and listen to the natural callings of your soul to slow down, as we feel in winter, or to clear out and get on, as we feel in spring.</div><div>The Solsitces mark two powerful points in our year that can become natural markers for us to stop and make time to be present with our family, friends and loved ones. They provide a time when we can share together our hopes, our fears and our love.</div><div>This Winter Solstice we invite you to join us in creating a tradition that can become an anchor for your family and create beautiful memories for years to come.</div><div>In the week before Winter Solstice gather jam jars and make Solstice Lanterns.</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_a185e1ff75874c1e94511d40f661ddbb~mv2_d_1536_2048_s_2.jpg"/><div>You will need:</div><div>Jam Jars</div><div>Tissue Paper </div><div>Glue</div><div>Pens</div><div>Sequins and sparkles (optional)</div><div>A large candle in a holder which will be used to represent the Sun God. So perhaps it is Red or Orange but equally could be white. </div><div>1. Gather your children/friends to the table and invite them to think about what they would like to bring into their lives. It might be they want to play cards more, cook more, make a veggie patch (please know that as a Mum of four I am aware this is an ideal list I am creating and that it might be 'play video games more'!). Invite them to think what energies they would like to feel more...Joy, happiness, excitement, hugs, laughter. You get the picture.</div><div>2. Let each person choose some tissue paper and write some words on the paper (or help them if they are too young) that reflect what they are wanting to call in with the return of the light.</div><div>3. Painting some glue on the outside of the jar stick the paper on and cover the glass as much or as little as they would like. It does not matter if the words are seen or not, their energy is there. Add sprinkles and sparkles if you would like and make as many lanterns as feels right.</div><div>4. Let them dry and then place them in a prominent spot in your home. On your alter, your table, you're dresser. Let them sit without lighting a candle in them for a day or two.</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_0b866da4d89844c6ab260f5c140906a4~mv2.jpg"/><div>On the night of Winter Solstice come to a central point in your home. Again perhaps this is your kitchen table. All of you sit down after turning out all the lights in the house. Perhaps have just one tea light or small candle lit at the table. Hold hands and sit in the darkness, if possible sit in the quiet. </div><div>Take a few minutes to say how the dark makes you feel. Ask your children how they feel. Perhaps they might want to share a fear they are willing to let go of.</div><div>When everyone has finished sharing choose someone to light the Sun Candle and say these words or similar;</div><div>&quot;Tonight is the night of the Solstice,</div><div>the longest and darkest night of the year,</div><div>As the wheel of the seasons run once more,</div><div>we know that soon the light will reappear.'</div><div>Then each person can light their own individual lantern or lanterns and say;</div><div>&quot;As the light reappears I release my fears.&quot;</div><div>When the last person has lit their lantern the following can be said together or by one person;</div><div>&quot;After this the longest night,</div><div>Our faith is rewarded with hope and light,</div><div>We find gratitude for the earth our Mother,</div><div>We find gratitude for each other,</div><div>And so tonight by candlelight, </div><div>We bless this place with love and grace.&quot;</div><div>At this point allow the children to run around the house turning on all the lights and welcoming in the light and the sun.</div><div>Once the squeals of laughter have died down. Go round turning off the lights returning to your table and sharing in a solstice meal of pumpkin soup and homemade bread or something that feels nourishing for your family.</div><div>Taking time as you eat to talk about all the exciting things you are inviting into you lives over the next 6 months.</div><div>Wishing you a beautiful Winter Solstice.</div><div>With love </div><div>Sirgun x</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Full Moon Ritual</title><description><![CDATA[Happy Full Moon 🌕 How are you feeling? This particular full moon is in Sagittarius and it is conjunction our galactic centre which means today is a powerful day to hold ceremony, rituals, release and forgive. Take time to be aware of what you seeded back at the new moon in Dec 2018 this will now be coming into fruition. This full moon awakens our intuition our expanded state. It is a moon that invites us to defy logic. We may feel a yearning towards deeper seeker. Sagittarius holds the energy<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_c17a41c8420d4dc09923794a3784e74e%7Emv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_640%2Ch_640/7956f3_c17a41c8420d4dc09923794a3784e74e%7Emv2.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Sirgun</dc:creator><link>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2019/06/17/Full-Moon-Ritual</link><guid>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2019/06/17/Full-Moon-Ritual</guid><pubDate>Mon, 17 Jun 2019 03:33:59 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>Happy Full Moon 🌕  How are you feeling?</div><div> This particular full moon is in Sagittarius and it is conjunction our galactic centre which means today is a powerful day to hold ceremony, rituals, release and forgive. Take time to be aware of what you seeded back at the new moon in Dec 2018 this will now be coming into fruition. This full moon awakens our intuition our expanded state. It is a moon that invites us to defy logic. We may feel a yearning towards deeper seeker. Sagittarius holds the energy of abundance and freedom.</div><div> With the opposite sun in Gemini you may feel called to intellectualise how you might bring more of this into your life.</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_c17a41c8420d4dc09923794a3784e74e~mv2.jpg"/><div>Sagittarius Full Moon Ritual On this full moon find a way to ease your body and mind.</div><div> ☿ Pour a bath and add magnesium and Himalayan salts.</div><div> ☿ Light candles all around to evoke the energy of this fire sign. </div><div> ☿ Anoint yourself and the bath with oils of Jasmine, cinnamon, the smells of far off lands.</div><div> ☿ Place a piece of amethyst in the bath and allow it to connect you to spirit and magick. This stone will also soothe and relax.</div><div> ☿ Sprinkle purple or fire colour petals into the water and breath in their fragrance and colour.</div><div> ☿ Sink deep into the waters and connect to that which is beyond the normal realms. Seek answers from within and find explore the ancients worlds from the depths of your imagination.</div><div> ☿ Evoke the energy of abundance and freedom.</div><div> ☿ As you finish your bath bring to mind all you are ready to release and taking out the plug allow the water to draw these energies from you.</div><div> ☿ Close your space by taking some of the water and flowers and offering it back to the earth with gratitude.</div><div> You might also like to seal your ritual with the divine <a href="https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2019/06/15/Full-Moon-Meditation-for-Telepathic-Communication">Meditation for Telepathic Communication</a></div><div>Blessings dear woman on this magickal day.</div><div> Peace, love and Sat Nam 🙏💙🌕</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Full Moon Meditation for Telepathic Communication</title><description><![CDATA[Sat Nam beautiful being.I believe we are all Magical beings and that the abilities and powers of insight and clairvoyance are sometimes lying dormant just waiting to be rediscovered. Kundalini Yoga provides us with countless recipes for rediscovering our intuitive powers.Over this next week - from the Full Moon in Sagittarius to the Winter Solstice here in the Southern Hemisphere - I invite you to practise the following meditation for Telepathic Communication, called Gupt Gian Shakti, the Secret<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/1dc91c_0c7029f57482478f8a9f44966134701a%7Emv2.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Sirgun</dc:creator><link>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2019/06/15/Full-Moon-Meditation-for-Telepathic-Communication</link><guid>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2019/06/15/Full-Moon-Meditation-for-Telepathic-Communication</guid><pubDate>Sun, 16 Jun 2019 00:55:14 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>Sat Nam beautiful being.</div><div>I believe we are all Magical beings and that the abilities and powers of insight and clairvoyance are sometimes lying dormant just waiting to be rediscovered. Kundalini Yoga provides us with countless recipes for rediscovering our intuitive powers.</div><div>Over this next week - from the Full Moon in Sagittarius to the Winter Solstice here in the Southern Hemisphere - I invite you to practise the following meditation for Telepathic Communication, called Gupt Gian Shakti, the Secret Power of Knowledge.</div><div>If you are tuning in after this time, you can also practise this meditation for a powerful upgrade in your telepathic communication super power.</div><div>We have all had those moments when we have thought of someone and then they call.</div><div>Or that we know who is at the door before we open it.</div><div>This meditation will tune these skills. </div><div>It will enable you to send texts from your mind.</div><div>Try it out. Test it afterwards.</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/1dc91c_0c7029f57482478f8a9f44966134701a~mv2.jpg"/><div>To practise...</div><div>Find a comfortable seat.</div><div>Before you sit to practice imagine yourself deep in a forest there has been heavy snow and there is a dense silence all around you. Sit in the sensations that this brings to you.</div><div>Tune in with the Adi Mantra three times &quot;Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo&quot;.</div><div>Interlock your fingers wiht right index finger on top and join the thumbs, stretching them back so they point straight up. Hold the hands in front of the chest between the solar plexus and the heart. Heels of the hand are joined and the arms relaxed. </div><div>Allow the eyes too close.</div><div>Focus on the breath and the sounds of the mantra moving through you as you chant.</div><div>Inhale deeply and full and exhale completely as the entire mantra is chanted out loud.</div><div>RA RA RA RA </div><div>MA MA MA MA</div><div>SA SA SA SAT</div><div>HARI HAR HARI HAR</div><div>Begin with 11mins and build to 31mins, if you are wanting to be clearly heard by another - practise for 31mins for 40 days. Your language will become very clear.</div><div>Listen very carefully as you chant. It is through deep listening that truth is awakened to us.</div><div>Without speaking you can send a thought, mentally from you to another. </div><div>This sound code or Naad existed with a very powerful sect of yogis called Al Panthis.</div><div>RA refers to Father Sun. MA to Mother Moon. Sa and Sat invokes the Truth, and our pure knowledge. HARI HAR pulls this truth to the physical dimensions.</div><div>After completing the meditation sit or lay in silence for 5 mins. </div><div>Go back to the forest. Go back to the silence, the darkness. Awaken the light and the truth within.</div><div>Close your space with the mantra Sat Nam. Affirming that you will maintain this connection to your truth.</div><div>Wishing you wonderful full moon.</div><div>All love and blessed be,</div><div>Sirgun</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_370b6866d4ee4bb998988943c89182a4~mv2.jpg"/><div>Resources</div><div><a href="http://www.yogatech.com/Guru_Rattana_Blog/meditation-for-telepathic-communication-gemini/">www.yogatech.com/Guru_Rattana_Blog/meditation-for-telepathic-communication-gemini/</a></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Episode 4 - Gurunam Singh</title><description><![CDATA[EPISODE 4 - Gurunam Singh on the Graceful Women PodcastSirgun has a beautiful chat with Gurunam Singh leading up to his 2019 Australian tour to Melbourne, Brisbane, Byron Bay & New Zealand.Full tour dates and ticket bookings at gurunam.com.au or to book for Brisbane and Byron Bay click hereEnjoy and Sat Nam x •••The Meditation Gurunam refers to is called "Initiation into Intuition” view at 3HOAnd he recommended this music "Ardhas Bhaee" by Singh Kaurlisten on iTunesLISTEN HERE<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/1dc91c_896220912e334692aa59f28042bbf445%7Emv2_d_1582_2048_s_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_431%2Ch_558/1dc91c_896220912e334692aa59f28042bbf445%7Emv2_d_1582_2048_s_2.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>The Graceful Women Podcast</dc:creator><link>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2019/05/13/Episode-4---Gurunam-Singh</link><guid>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2019/05/13/Episode-4---Gurunam-Singh</guid><pubDate>Mon, 13 May 2019 03:43:49 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/1dc91c_896220912e334692aa59f28042bbf445~mv2_d_1582_2048_s_2.jpg"/><div>EPISODE 4 - Gurunam Singh on the Graceful Women Podcast</div><div>Sirgun has a beautiful chat with Gurunam Singh leading up to his 2019 Australian tour to Melbourne, Brisbane, Byron Bay &amp; New Zealand.</div><div>Full tour dates and ticket bookings at <a href="http://gurunam.com.au">gurunam.com.au or to book for Brisbane and Byron Bay</a>click here</div><div>Enjoy and Sat Nam x </div><div>•••</div><div>The Meditation Gurunam refers to is called &quot;Initiation into Intuition” </div><div><a href="https://www.3ho.org/3ho-lifestyle/aquarian-age/sensory-human/initiation-intuition">view at 3HO</a></div><div>And he recommended this music &quot;Ardhas Bhaee&quot; by Singh Kaur</div><div><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/ardas/178930245?i=178930320">listen on iTunes</a></div><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T4bGy9uZJzU"/><div>LISTEN HERE</div><iframe src="//static.usrfiles.com/html/f84661_893eb83a06ff431bf61c22f2bcec3fed.html"/><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_5a8e2428d3a648cea71a458e152608d9~mv2.png"/></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Knowing your shadow</title><description><![CDATA[by Sirgun I wanted to share this piece of astrology for us all to reflect on. It refers to the Saturn-Pluto retrograde in Capricorn which we are in until Oct-Nov of this year.Astrological report here by Sarah Varcas If you have been feeling some the strong pull of your shadow (perhaps a loud screaming but sometimes a quiet mumbling) then this may help. It is easy to ignore the signals... we turn our back on the signs... we feel exhausted, get ill, feel lost and yet this seems easier than looking<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/1dc91c_014605716ac14148b1dece7f6aec9e7c%7Emv2_d_3024_3671_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_936%2Ch_1136/1dc91c_014605716ac14148b1dece7f6aec9e7c%7Emv2_d_3024_3671_s_4_2.jpg"/>]]></description><link>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2019/05/04/Knowing-your-shadow</link><guid>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2019/05/04/Knowing-your-shadow</guid><pubDate>Sat, 04 May 2019 01:44:11 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1dc91c_014605716ac14148b1dece7f6aec9e7c~mv2_d_3024_3671_s_4_2.jpg"/><div>by Sirgun </div><div>I wanted to share this piece of astrology for us all to reflect on. It refers to the Saturn-Pluto retrograde in Capricorn which we are in until Oct-Nov of this year.</div><div><a href="https://astro-awakenings.co.uk/saturn-pluto-retrograde-in-capricorn-until-october-november-2019">Astrological report here by Sarah Varcas</a></div><div>If you have been feeling some the strong pull of your shadow (perhaps a loud screaming but sometimes a quiet mumbling) then this may help. It is easy to ignore the signals... we turn our back on the signs... we feel exhausted, get ill, feel lost and yet this seems easier than looking deeper at why this is happening. This retrograde is inviting you to stop ignoring and start awakening.In kundalini yoga we work closely with our shadow... we feel her in the kriyas and meditations we notice her because we are practising awareness. But we need to know what to do with her!</div><div>In class this week I shared that Uranus has now started a transit in Taurus for the next Seven years and that this is literally going to be a shake up/breakdown of all we have ever relied on, believed in. Think financial institutions, government, climate. I felt it may come in the form of a major earth quake or natural disaster. Perhaps a completely man made one... War. </div><div>This really goes hand in hand with this retrograde. It’s time to know yourself. To actually get intimate with your shadow side so that you know finally who you are. What if in standing in your vulnerability fully enabled you to actually be and feel happier than you can possibly imagine?How would it be to stop pretending?Really stop constantly doing what you think you should do out of fear of what others might think? </div><div>All these aspects and in truth all of this lifetime we are literally invited to face our ultimate fears, face them and find freedom, peace, happiness and ultimately shunia.If we could all share our truth, even the part we deem ugly we would breakdown the separation we feel between each other and realise we truly are one. We literally are as crazy as each other. Can you feel the compassion that arises from even just reading that? </div><div>As it says in this insight obviously we can’t all go out and act out all our shadow impulses and we may need to seek support as we turn to face ourselves more we also know that what we resist persists, and in opening our arms to the screaming and yelling tantrums of our inner child we can give her what she needs, recognition, acknowledgment, love and a big hug.</div><div>How does that feel in your body? </div><div>My final 10 pence worth is that I am not advocating running out and finding yourself a bunker for the next 7 years so you can hide away from potential disasters!No I am inviting you to face those fears. Face your ultimate fear. It may be it is death. Death of yourself, death of our loved ones. Face this fear fully. For we know it will come. In embracing it we accept that nothing we rely on is permanent. Everything we use to build up this big wall we like to hide behind can be gone in the blink of an eye. Leaving only ourselves.</div><div>Use the tools of kundalini yoga. Reach out if you need support. Find tools that can support you in finding all of yourself.Do all of this with God. With the Divine. Let her guide you, support you. When it feels dark call her and offer her all of your fears let her take the burden so that you can get back to actually enjoying this lifetime.Enjoying this lifetime as you! </div><div>There is wisdom that can support you in this astrological report (it is a long read so get a cuppa). </div><div><a href="https://astro-awakenings.co.uk/saturn-pluto-retrograde-in-capricorn-until-october-november-2019">Astrological report here by Sarah Varcas</a></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Ethical Marketing</title><description><![CDATA[We open up the conversation on Ethical Marketing for spiritual teachers and leaders in the current climate of digital marketing. We start to pose the questions - how do you connect with your students or clients without hooking them with your own story? What is an ethical marketing practice? How the trailblazers before us have mapped the way with marketing programs, how how it might not actually serve you to copy the trend. Tune in with Leila (Tera Manpreet) for a quick outline of some of these<img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/3B7ZYdhfqA8/mqdefault.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Leila (Tera Manpreet)</dc:creator><link>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2019/04/16/Ethical-Marketing</link><guid>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2019/04/16/Ethical-Marketing</guid><pubDate>Tue, 16 Apr 2019 03:24:06 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>We open up the conversation on Ethical Marketing for spiritual teachers and leaders in the current climate of digital marketing. We start to pose the questions - how do you connect with your students or clients without hooking them with your own story? What is an ethical marketing practice? How the trailblazers before us have mapped the way with marketing programs, how how it might not actually serve you to copy the trend. Tune in with Leila (Tera Manpreet) for a quick outline of some of these questions which will be covered in our Ethical Marketing module in our 2019 GRACEFUL BUSINESScourse for conscious entrepreneurs, heart centred small businesses and yoga teachers.</div><div>⚡️ GRACEFUL BUSINESS // Guiding you through ambition, inspiration, technology and morality to success and legacy ⚡️</div><div>Portal open now - First lecture April 24 gracefulwomen.com.au/graceful-business</div><div>Enjoy!</div><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3B7ZYdhfqA8"/></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Episode 2 - Who do you think you are letting down?</title><description><![CDATA[EPISODE 2 - Who Do You Think You Are Letting Down?LISTEN NOW!Share an intimate moment with Sirgun in discussion on the "letting others down" process and navigating the inevitable journey of disappointing people. The reflection rises as Mercury is in its final stages of retrograde in March 2019 and is joined by Chiron - the wounded healer. Sirgun reflects on teachings by her teacher Tosha Silver on this influence on our lives and opens up about her personal journey during this time with great<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_5a8e2428d3a648cea71a458e152608d9%7Emv2.png/v1/fill/w_431%2Ch_442/7956f3_5a8e2428d3a648cea71a458e152608d9%7Emv2.png"/>]]></description><dc:creator>The Graceful Women Podcast</dc:creator><link>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2019/03/27/Episode-2---Who-do-you-think-you-are-letting-down</link><guid>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2019/03/27/Episode-2---Who-do-you-think-you-are-letting-down</guid><pubDate>Wed, 27 Mar 2019 05:57:29 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_5a8e2428d3a648cea71a458e152608d9~mv2.png"/><div>EPISODE 2 - Who Do You Think You Are Letting Down?</div><div>LISTEN NOW!</div><div>Share an intimate moment with Sirgun in discussion on the &quot;letting others down&quot; process and navigating the inevitable journey of disappointing people. </div><div>The reflection rises as Mercury is in its final stages of retrograde in March 2019 and is joined by Chiron - the wounded healer. Sirgun reflects on teachings by her teacher Tosha Silver on this influence on our lives and opens up about her personal journey during this time with great wisdom, softness and vulnerability.</div><div>Sat Nam x </div><iframe src="//static.usrfiles.com/html/f84661_203b4437f28bcf24f3731264934f7193.html"/></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Autumn Equinox : Falling from the light.</title><description><![CDATA[On the 21st March 2019 we celebrate the Autumn Equinox here in Australia.The name ‘equinox’ comes from the Latin "aequus" which means equal and "nox", which means night.It is the time when the sun crosses the plane of the earth's equator, making night and day approximately equal length all over the earth.It is a point of equilibrium in the year. We have two such points each year the other is marked by the Spring Equinox.From the point of the Autumn Equinox to this next shifting point of the<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_0e294816a6994e0396e1c79afe79abc0%7Emv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_702%2Ch_467/7956f3_0e294816a6994e0396e1c79afe79abc0%7Emv2.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Sirgun</dc:creator><link>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2019/03/15/Autumn-Equinox-Falling-from-the-light</link><guid>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2019/03/15/Autumn-Equinox-Falling-from-the-light</guid><pubDate>Fri, 15 Mar 2019 01:47:27 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_0e294816a6994e0396e1c79afe79abc0~mv2.jpg"/><div>On the 21st March 2019 we celebrate the Autumn Equinox here in Australia.</div><div>The name ‘equinox’ comes from the Latin &quot;aequus&quot; which means equal and &quot;nox&quot;, which means night.</div><div>It is the time when the sun crosses the plane of the earth's equator, making night and day approximately equal length all over the earth.</div><div>It is a point of equilibrium in the year. We have two such points each year the other is marked by the Spring Equinox.</div><div>From the point of the Autumn Equinox to this next shifting point of the following spring equinox the light will begin to shorten.</div><div>We are in the waning phase of the year. After the fullness and frolicking of the Summer Solstice we begin our journey inward preparing to sit quietly once again in the darkness with ourself.</div><div>The Autumn Equinox marks the pagan festival of Mabon. In Paganism we celebrate all that has come to fruition this last year... we survey our harvest, our yield. We can acknowledge new relationships, new business ventures, new hobbies, areas of your life you have grown and nurtured from the seed of an idea. It is now time to stand back and acknowledge how far you have come, all that you have created and enjoy the harvest.</div><div>It also marks the time when we honour that which is no longer with us. The seeds that never grew, the ventures that failed to thrive and fell by the way side. The parting of friends. The endings of relationships.</div><div>There are many myths from around the world telling the story of the Autumn Equinox.</div><div>There are stories of the Goddess fleeing until spring when she finally returns with her light.</div><div>There are stories where the God leaves sending the Goddess into despair.</div><div>The Greenman who is vibrant when all is green upon the earth loses his energy as the trees loose their leaves.</div><div>There are also stories of the Goddess who brings the beautiful, plenteous bounty in the growing season and takes her leave at the Autumn Equinox so that she might rest and restore.</div><div>My favourite story is that of Demeter and Persephone.</div><div>The daughter of Demeter, Goddess of Grain, Persephone is taken to the underworld by Haydes to become his queen. Demeter is overcome with grief so deep that she did not care if the crops died.</div><div>Zeus realising that the humans will die unless Demeter stops grieving says he will ask Persephone with whom she would like to live.</div><div>Hyades hearing the plan tricks Persephone into eating pomegranate seeds which would bind her to living in the underworld forever.</div><div>When Zuess heard of the trick he ordered that Persephone be released for 6 month of the year.</div><div>So it is that as spring arrives and Demeter is reunited with her daughter the lightness and warmth and fruitfulness returns to our earth, crops grow and the field are green. When Persephone returns to the underworld in March on the Autumn Equinox, Demeter begins her period of mourning, ignoring the crops and flowers and lets them die.</div><div>So what are some of the rituals you can do at this time of year?</div><div>Write a gratitude journal. Use your journal to find gratitude for everything that has come to fruition. Find gratitude in the simpler things to... a flushing loo, a coffee machine, a warm shower.Create an Alter for Autumn Find a place in your home if you don't have an alter already, where you can leave a few items out on display to remind you to stay in gratitude and to help you connect to the peaceful voice within you. Place on the alter anything that helps you connect to Autumn, leaves, branches, autumnal coloured flowers and crystals. Each day tend to your altar and keep it a tidy and sacred space.Bring about balance to your home. Prepare your home for the coming winter months by clearing out all that no longer fills you heart with joy. Entering the next few months with fewer burdens will allow you to go deeper in your reflections. Start simply with that overflowing drawer you hate...you know the one full of odd keys, chop sticks and other &quot;just in case&quot; items. Freeing yourself of the physical clutter can free your mind of the mental clutter....or the &quot;Garbage&quot; as Yogi Bhajan called it.<div>Get out in nature. When was that last time you headed out into the bush? Being in nature will help to regulate your bodies natural circadian rhythms. This can support the healing of a number of physical ailments such as, balancing menstrual irregularities, migraines, sleeplessness, anxiety...Nature is literally one of the best ways to re calibrate your nervous system and get your body and mind back into balance.</div>Start something new. Take up knitting, sewing, cookery, painting, pottery..... Beginning quiet activities at this time can be deeply healing and bring about a deeper connection to your consciousness.Make a tradition of having an autumnal meal once a year. Let go of all pressure for it to be amazing and just invite friends or family over and enjoy some good local fresh veggies cooked simply so as not to ruin the flavour. Bake some bread...and my favourite make apple pie!</div><div>This is also a wonderful time to spend in meditation. </div><div>One beautiful meditation for this time is Meditation for Self Reflection</div><div>Using the mantra Gobinda Hari. The words are simple and behave like falling leaves, Gobinda Gobinda Hari Hari. </div><div>Gobinda is the aspect of God that is the Sustainer that has kept us going all year. But it is also the aspect of God that is beautiful and lovely. Hari is the aspect of God that is the Creator, that is action, but it also the healing force within us. When we chant Gobinda Hari, we connect with the beautiful harvest within ourselves and we connect with the creative aspect that accomplished it. </div><div>It’s like saying, “Beautiful! Beautiful! I did that! I did that!” </div><div>We connect to the Universal Spirit in a way that allows us to experience this Divinity through ourselves and our lives, and allows us to connect to the beauty of our own experience. Gobinda Hari also allows us to heal ourselves and feel security in a deep place in ourselves through a connection with the knowing that God is a sustaining and healing force at the center of our own hearts.</div><div>To practise</div><div>Sit in easy pose, cross your hands over your chest at the wrist, right over left, palms resting near the shoulders.</div><div>Close your eyes and chant “Gobinda Gobinda Hari Hari”.</div><div>Feel the grace and the kindness of the One who lies in the centre of your own Being.</div><div>Continue for 3-11 mins*</div><div>Source: SpiritVoyage.com*</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_dec22471ec594cdf8d94d66561b1cf65~mv2_d_1242_1242_s_2.jpeg"/><div>Prayer for Abundance </div><div>We have so much before us and for this we are thankful. We have so many blessings, and for this we are thankful. There are others not so fortunate, and by this we are humbled. We shall make an offering in their name to the gods who watch over us, that those in need are someday as blessed as we are this day.</div><div>All love and blessings during this very special time of the year. May you recognise you are bountiful, blissful and beautiful right now in this moment and in all the moments yet to come.</div><div>If you feel called, we invite you to join us on Friday 29th March for our next <a href="https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/events/moon-circle-march">moon circle</a> during which we will celebrate the equinox and the moon. </div><div>Sirgun x</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_370b6866d4ee4bb998988943c89182a4~mv2.jpg"/></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Freak Out! Mercury is Retrograde...</title><description><![CDATA[Last Tuesday Mercury went into Retrograde. Paused within the emotional waters of Pisces. It will be here for nearly the whole of this month until March 28th. It is without doubt one of the most commonly feared and widely acknowledged astrological events, closely followed by Solar and Lunar eclipses. So what does this Mercury in Retrograde actually mean?Retrograde motion is when a planet appears, when observed from Earth, to reverse direction. This happens due to an optical illusion caused by<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_8a37fa71911e40f389e13e329d5eb7c3%7Emv2_d_5760_3840_s_4_2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_702%2Ch_468/7956f3_8a37fa71911e40f389e13e329d5eb7c3%7Emv2_d_5760_3840_s_4_2.jpeg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Sirgun</dc:creator><link>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2019/03/10/Freak-Out-Mercury-is-Retrograde</link><guid>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2019/03/10/Freak-Out-Mercury-is-Retrograde</guid><pubDate>Sun, 10 Mar 2019 01:43:05 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_8a37fa71911e40f389e13e329d5eb7c3~mv2_d_5760_3840_s_4_2.jpeg"/><div> Last Tuesday Mercury went into Retrograde. Paused within the emotional waters of Pisces. It will be here for nearly the whole of this month until March 28th. It is without doubt one of the most commonly feared and widely acknowledged astrological events, closely followed by Solar and Lunar eclipses. </div><div>So what does this Mercury in Retrograde actually mean?</div><div>Retrograde motion is when a planet appears, when observed from Earth, to reverse direction. This happens due to an optical illusion caused by differences in orbit. Since Mercury is the fastest planet in our solar system, it enters apparent retrograde motion between three and four times a year, for about three weeks at a time. (source:Time.com)</div><div>The frequency in which this occurs throughout our year means we all just love to get on the mercury retrograde band wagon, it is the topic of many a meme and used for many an excuse.</div><div>Now for the record I am not an astrologer. I play with astrology and I absolutely love to dive in deep with my favourite astrologers and hear about all the squares and trines, the transits and the aspects. It is a hobby. It is something that resonates deeply with my gypsy roots and my pagan/wicca soul. I want to align myself with the universe. </div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_13e690b8022c41df899e2f6bbe070c5e~mv2_d_5568_3712_s_4_2.jpg"/><div>I know that as a woman I am HUGELY effected by the moon. She can stop me in my tracks with her beauty and amaze me by her subtlety.</div><div>It is the basis of much of what we teach.... align yourself in the rhythm of the moon. Your Moon Cycle, your Moon Centres and The Moons Phases. When we start to work with transits like mercury retrograde we are just adding to an already fabulous tool kit.</div><div>So why does everyone freak out?</div><div>Mercury rules communication. It also rules travel and technology. During this time it is believed that these areas can become untethered and unpredictable. It creates a type of shadow period. In the few weeks either side of the retrograde the energy can often be felt.</div><div>It is a time in which emails go astray. Computers crash. You lose your entire address book from your phone. Delays are expected when traveling. And straight forward conversations take uncanny turns leaving you in turmoil and dismay. That is if you enter this period as <a href="https://www.toshasilver.com">Tosha Silver</a>would say &quot;without God on your side.&quot;</div><div>But in Divine flow, in our neutral mind and connected with our higher sacred self we can trust that all will be as it is meant to be. We can afford ourselves the grace we may need during this period. Extra time in our schedule. Less meetings. Fewer contracts and more time.</div><div>We too can retrograde.... slow down to an almost stand still, that could also be seen as backward movement.... that can afford ourselves the luxury of space.</div><div>On a more personal note during this period long lost lovers may contact you out of the blue, tracking you down on facebook. You may hear from a distant or estranged family member. Or you may see an old friend in the street that you have not seen for years. </div><div>These encounters serve as a portal in which you are gifted the opportunity to re do conversations. Affirm truths. Reflect on the wisdom of the universe in her all knowing ways. Not so much amend but consolidate unfinished stories.</div><div>Mercury Retrograde is also the most fabulous time to put pen to paper. If you are a writer, a story teller, a painter, a creative... then this is your time. And before you laugh and say &quot;well that's not me&quot;, just remember we are all creative. We all have a story and we all benefit hugely from finding a way to express this aspect of ourselves. It is the perfect time to start a gratitude journal. Not a rushed superficial list, but a heart led, soul inspired list that leaves you in a daily place of awe and bewilderment. Write poetry. Even if you were told at 12 that you should never do it. This Mercury retrograde occurring in Pisces inspires creativity, it is literally begging you to let those words flow and to not judge the outcome one iota.</div><div>Image from astro.com</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_ba422aa4220f481daad4c53552854388~mv2.jpg"/><div>So, what to actually do during mercury retrograde? (Or what not to do!)</div><div>• Stop, breathe and pause before you speak.</div><div>• Consider not signing any important documents, leases or agreements during this time.</div><div>• Don't make final life changing decisions. With this retrograde in Pisces we are dealing with sensitivity, emotions, compassions and love. Our boundaries maybe become unclear or undefined. It will be more important than ever to maintain a practice such as <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=1&amp;cad=rja&amp;uact=8&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjHsuLqrvbgAhUSfCsKHeL1C3QQFjAAegQICRAB&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.3ho.org%2Farticles%2Feverything-kriya-sat-kriya&amp;usg=AOvVaw2iZVKpNBHuQUXizpEkrvwI">Sat Kriya</a>, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=1&amp;cad=rja&amp;uact=8&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjTz639rvbgAhXGdCsKHe4sA-cQFjAAegQIBxAB&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.3ho.org%2Fego-eradicator&amp;usg=AOvVaw1JoPdnwjWTVuJ_qgExh7L5">Ego eradicator</a>, <a href="https://www.3ho.org/kundalini-yoga/chakras/kriya-balancing-aura">Balance Your Aura</a> or our favourite <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WVKU224shw">Gyan Chakra</a> meditation.</div><div>• Do not gossip! There is never a time that this can lead to success but during a mercury retrograde this can only ever lead to heart break. If it is not elevating quit speculating! </div><div>• Meditate, pray, offer it all to the Divine and know that you are supported. Nothing, absolutely nothing is a mistake. Transits are not to be feared but to be explored. Learn how you are affected and adjust your timetable and your lifestyle to best support yourself. The negative mind loves a bit of mercury retrograde drama. The positive mind will dine out on the hashtags. And the neutral mind, well, she will sit quietly observing and waiting for the show to be over, knowing as always that this too shall pass.</div><div>Meditation When You Don't Know What To Do</div><div>Some times no matter how hard we try to get back to our neutral mind and our higher self we find ourselves lost and scared. This is a meditation to do in these times. It would also be a good meditation to practise throughout this mercury retrograde period as a tool to strengthen the nervous system and anchor you in grace.</div><div>- Sit straight, crosslegged or in a chair.</div><div>- Relax the arms down by the side of the body.</div><div>- Bend the elbows and raise the hands up and in until they meet at the level of the chest.</div><div>- The fingers of each hand are extended and joined in a relaxed way. Cross the hands with both palms facing toward the chest. One palm rests</div><div> in the other and the thumbs are crossed. The fingers point up at a comfortable angle. (The position of left and right hand is interchangeable for this exercise.)</div><div>- Look deeply at the third eye, then bring the eyes to the tip of the nose.</div><div>- Follow the following breathing sequence;</div><div>1. Inhale through the nose, then exhale through the nose.</div><div>2. Inhale through the mouth, and exhale through the mouth.</div><div>3. Inhale through the nose, and exhale through the mouth.</div><div>4. Inhale through the mouth, and exhale through the nose.</div><div>Continue this sequence.</div><div>- All breaths should be deep, complete, and powerful.</div><div>- When breathing through the mouth, purse the lips almost as if to whistle.</div><div>- Start practicing this kriya for 3-11 minutes and gradually increase the time to a half hour.</div><div>Happy Mercury Retrograde beautiful soul. Remember you can always reach out to us for a personalised consultation for supportor to design a personalised practice for you to elevate your life. You are never alone and in these times when the current seems to be pulling you backwards, when you think you should be pushing forwards, it is okay to let go, trust in the Divine and allow yourself to reconnect with universal flow.</div><div>All love and Sat Nam</div><div>Sirgun</div><div>Graceful Women xx</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_370b6866d4ee4bb998988943c89182a4~mv2.jpg"/><div>RESOURCES</div><div>About Mercury <a href="http://www.astronomy.com/news/2018/03/mercury-the-swift-planet">astrology.com</a></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>The Graceful Women Podcast</title><description><![CDATA[EPISODE 1 - 2019 Let's Do This!LISTEN NOW!Join us - Tera Manpreet and Sirgun as we launch the Graceful Women Podcast! We have just completed a beautiful new year intention setting workshop under the energy of this powerful new moon • solar eclipse in Capricorn.Sharing our pearls of wisdom that dropped in during our morning with other graceful women to help you start your year with inspired action.Sat Nam x<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_5a8e2428d3a648cea71a458e152608d9%7Emv2.png/v1/fill/w_431%2Ch_442/7956f3_5a8e2428d3a648cea71a458e152608d9%7Emv2.png"/>]]></description><link>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2019/01/13/The-Graceful-Women-Podcast</link><guid>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2019/01/13/The-Graceful-Women-Podcast</guid><pubDate>Sun, 13 Jan 2019 04:00:12 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_5a8e2428d3a648cea71a458e152608d9~mv2.png"/><div>EPISODE 1 - 2019 Let's Do This!</div><div>LISTEN NOW!</div><div>Join us - Tera Manpreet and Sirgun as we launch the Graceful Women Podcast! We have just completed a beautiful new year intention setting workshop under the energy of this powerful new moon • solar eclipse in Capricorn.</div><div>Sharing our pearls of wisdom that dropped in during our morning with other graceful women to help you start your year with inspired action.</div><div>Sat Nam x </div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Beltane Blessings to you this Halloween</title><description><![CDATA[Here in my home my youngest is super excited about going trick or treating this evening and my older daughter about her Halloween party on the weekend. Neither of them, I believe are particularly interested in why they are celebrating they are just enjoying the commercial hype that this day has been given and quite rightly the opportunity to hang out with their friends.Halloween was always one of my favourite celebrations when we lived in the UK. I love carving pumpkins, lighting candles,<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_dc1fbb36386f4644a53cb83f164f02b7%7Emv2_d_1242_1234_s_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_402%2Ch_400/7956f3_dc1fbb36386f4644a53cb83f164f02b7%7Emv2_d_1242_1234_s_2.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Sirgun</dc:creator><link>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2018/10/31/Beltane-Blessings-to-you-this-Halloween</link><guid>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2018/10/31/Beltane-Blessings-to-you-this-Halloween</guid><pubDate>Wed, 31 Oct 2018 03:49:21 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_dc1fbb36386f4644a53cb83f164f02b7~mv2_d_1242_1234_s_2.jpg"/><div>Here in my home my youngest is super excited about going trick or treating this evening and my older daughter about her Halloween party on the weekend. Neither of them, I believe are particularly interested in why they are celebrating they are just enjoying the commercial hype that this day has been given and quite rightly the opportunity to hang out with their friends.</div><div>Halloween was always one of my favourite celebrations when we lived in the UK. I love carving pumpkins, lighting candles, decorating in Autumnal colours. I love walking with my children around the neighbourhood seeing other peoples houses and watching the lights of the homes form the darkness of the street. It is the beginning of the festive season for me and with Guy Fawkes/bonfire night following on the 5th November with the warming soup, mulled wine and fireworks it is a part of winter I deeply enjoy.</div><div>However when we moved to Australia my soul felt lost. Walking around sweating on Halloween I would find myself wondering why anyone would want to dress up as anything with a cloak or full length costume. I needed to re ritualise this day.</div><div>Celebrating Halloween in Australia is a relatively new tradition. Most of my friends say it wasn’t as big even just 7 years ago. The shops are spreading the commercial hype more aligned with our Northern hemisphere heritage and their lolly sales. With this in mind I wanted to explain the true meaning of this celebration and give some ideas for how to create new rituals that align with living in the Southern hemisphere.</div><div>Halloween and Samhain was an Autumn celebration created in the Northern Hemisphere. Here in Australia we would correctly celebrate on the evening of 30th April/1st of May.</div><div>It is the celebration of the days getting both darker and shorter. It is a time to farewell the old year. A time to honour our ancestors and acknowledge that without death there can be no rebirth ( just like our beautiful mantra Sa Ta Na Ma).</div><div>The word Samhain derived from the Celtic Festival and the old Irish word “Samhuin”, meaning “Summers End”.</div><div>It was an important time of stock taking and preparation for the winter months ahead. This time of the year was also felt to be a time where the veil between the worlds of the living and dead was thin and that magical things were able to happen. Bonfires were built to ward off spirits and sacrifices were made to the Gods.</div><div>Halloween is influenced by the Christian holy days of All Saints Day and All Souls Day. A time to honour saints and pray for the recently departed who are yet to reach heaven.</div><div>It was believed the souls of the departed wandered the earth until All Saints Day. All Hallows’ Eve enabled the dead a last chance to gain vengeance on their enemies before they move to the next world.</div><div>Christians wore masks and costumes to disguise themselves, following the lighted candles left by others to guide the travel to worship the next day. </div><div>This is where we get our practice of &quot;Trick or Treating&quot;.</div><div>Here in Australia we should be celebrating Beltane. </div><div>Beltane is the mirror of Samhain. </div><div>Where Samhain is about honouring Death, Beltane is about honouring Life.</div><div>It is the mid point between the Spring and Summer Equinox and falls for us on 1st November. Traditionally it may have been celebrated on the full moon closest to this point.</div><div>It is the time to celebrate fertility and to bring energy to the earths womb so that she may bare fruitfully.</div><div>It is also a time when the veil between the worlds is thin.</div><div>There is magic in the air and the days lengthen and warm. Our bodies respond, we lighten physically and emotionally. We dress lighter and brighter as we enjoy the feel of the sun on our bodies.</div><div>This is the time of year to see and sense the spirits of nature, </div><div>the faery folk.</div><div>They are out playing, teasing and taunting us to join them in their frolicking. </div><div>Traditionally there would be offerings made sweets and cream to these folk so they would not play too many tricks or create mischief.</div><div>So this evening if like me you are escorting your children trick or treating, perhaps take some moments after to help them create an offering to the Faeries.</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_22710eb4481746dcb7ea3cf00cc1c88c~mv2_d_4608_3456_s_4_2.jpg"/><div>Build a small faery garden and place not only sweets but perhaps little scrolls of prayers for the fruitfulness you are calling into your life and your home.</div><div>A tradition of mine is to take a night swim in our pool as the bats fly overhead. I like to feel into the mystical aspects that are awake. I lay out in the water (preferably naked) and invite myself to feel fullness in my entire being. Dream about the unfolding summer ahead, the balmy evenings, the sounds of children playing and the joy of gathering with friends. </div><div>Write a poem and place it on a Beltane alter decorated with the colour green, budding branches and bright flowers.</div><div>Our rituals can be simple and small and yet have such a deep profound effect on our energy as women. </div><div>Here is a beautiful poem that i would like to offer you.</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_4fc71fc029784758ac759cc632a191ac~mv2.jpg"/><div>The Beltane Blessing</div><div>Bless, O threefold true and bountiful, Myself, my spouse, my children. Bless everything within my dwelling and in my possession, Bless the kine and crops, the flocks and corn, From Samhain Eve to Beltane Eve, With goodly progress and gentle blessing, From sea to sea, and every river mouth, From wave to wave, and base of waterfall.</div><div>Be the Maiden, Mother, and Crone, Taking possession of all to me belonging. Be the Horned God, the Wild Spirit of the Forest, Protecting me in truth and honour. Satisfy my soul and shield my loved ones, Blessing every thing and every one, All my land and my surroundings. Great gods who create and bring life to all, I ask for your blessings on this day of fire.</div><div>However you choose to spend today, this evening and tomorrow I wish you joy, abundance, love and laughter for the fertile months to come.</div><div>And as my Romany ancestors would say.</div><div>Ache Mai Deve (May the Divine bless you)</div><div>Gracefully,</div><div>Sirgun x</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Mothering Boys</title><description><![CDATA["If you treat a son as a son today, it is the biggest mistake you can commit. But if you treat your son today that by his own right and grace he is a man of tomorrow and affectionately facilitate his development, that's the best you can do."~ Yogi BhajanMy first born is a boy, well he is actually a man now. He arrived after a rather scary ambulance transfer and an emergency caesarean during which I was asleep. When I woke up and looked at the baby in the cot next to me my first thoughts were how<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_99f3555f654b4472a2d0f60dc343eea0%7Emv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_374%2Ch_498/7956f3_99f3555f654b4472a2d0f60dc343eea0%7Emv2.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Sirgun</dc:creator><link>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2018/10/17/Mothering-Boys</link><guid>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2018/10/17/Mothering-Boys</guid><pubDate>Thu, 18 Oct 2018 06:57:10 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_99f3555f654b4472a2d0f60dc343eea0~mv2.jpg"/><div>&quot;If you treat a son as a son today, it is the biggest mistake you can commit. But if you treat your son today that by his own right and grace he is a man of tomorrow and affectionately facilitate his development, that's the best you can do.&quot;</div><div>~ Yogi Bhajan</div><div>My first born is a boy, well he is actually a man now. He arrived after a rather scary ambulance transfer and an emergency caesarean during which I was asleep. When I woke up and looked at the baby in the cot next to me my first thoughts were how much it looked like the pictures of my brother as a baby. It was this moment that I felt that first bond. </div><div>I found the transition to Mother a challenging one.</div><div>Breastfeeding did not come naturally to me and I was riddled with doubt at my ability to know what to do with this angelic creature who I loved with an almost aggressive nature. </div><div>This little human allowed me to find my wobbly feet as a mother and survived despite my panics, depression, fears and doubts.</div><div>Through it all and there was colic, allergies which began from trying to give him formula in desperation, there was little or no sleep...he remained a joy. He was a happy little boy. Strong and keen to move and explore.</div><div>That first year of Motherhood has been one of the </div><div>hardest years of my life.</div><div>I experienced every emotion. On the days that I have longed to have a &quot;do over&quot; of those years I have reminded myself of my late teacher Guru Dass's kind words reminding me that all was as it was meant to be. We can only truly influence the next breath we take.</div><div>As my son grew up he was sensitive. He was as happy to dance as he was to play trains. He copied me doing the house work and played with his little sister, sure he sometimes bashed her too, but he loved her.</div><div>You see boys are incredibly loving. Deeply sensitive and hugely effected by their Mothers emotions.</div><div>Without a doubt his colic was as a result of my stress. His inability to sleep as a result of me overstimulating him rather than being able to see that he needed quiet. He was my test dummy and he has continued to hold that position with both grace and humour.</div><div>My second son came after a daughter and two miscarriages. I was very ill at the beginning of the pregnancy and yet he stayed stable and strong. He arrived into this world after a planned caesarean and once attached to my breast barely left it for 6 months. I was an experienced mother by now and felt confident in what I was doing. As a result he was content. As long as he was full he was happy. </div><div>He like my other son was and still is hugely sensitive. He is deeply caring and compassionate. He is happy in who is he is as a young man. He once confidently went to school dressed up as a peacock because he has never been told there is anything wrong with expressing himself. He has as many girls for friends as boys. </div><div>I would like to say I don't parent my boys differently to my girls. But I am sure I do.</div><div>In my experience...</div><div>Boys don't hold the grudges girls do. They get angry and then they get over it. My darling daughters can continue scouring for hours, (I have no idea where they get it from).</div><div>Boys, I have found cannot lie. It is not easy for them to do especially to their Mother. Both my boys will smile if they try to lie. (Again the same cannot be said for my girls...)</div><div>My boys are hugely affected by my words and my emotions. They will come to my support and stand by my side. They both hug me, big proper hugs even as teenagers.</div><div>They also listen. They observe. They watch.</div><div>My youngest once told me after a particularly challenging period in my marriage that he would never marry if that was what having a wife looked like. I don't think I will ever recover from that. It was however a very important lesson that I needed in how I was demonstrating relationships to my children.</div><div>Boys want nothing more than to please their Mother.</div><div>You are everything to them, everything. Unless you let them down. The moments I have seen disappointment in the eyes of my sons have been some of the hardest moments of parenting that I have experienced.</div><div>As a mother I have said &quot;sorry&quot; a lot. </div><div>I apologise to my children when I get it wrong.</div><div>Which has happened a lot.</div><div>I have apologised to my eldest son for putting so much responsibility on him at an early age when his father was away. I have apologised for the stricter parenting he received... I have softened with age and subsequent children.</div><div>And I have told them both that they are deeply loved as they are. That I am proud of them. I encourage them to share their feelings. Share their needs and emotions. </div><div>I am deeply blessed to be sharing this parenting journey with my husband who is a wonderful role model for my sons. He is better at housework than me. He shows his emotions and is not afraid to let his children see him cry. He is strong, stable and steady.</div><div>We are not perfect parents by any stretch of the imagination but we are real. We know maintaining open communications is the best thing as a family. We know that we are parents not their best friends...that can come later. </div><div>I feel so blessed to be mothering these amazing boys. </div><div>And as they move further into adulthood I cannot wait to see my men of tomorrow walking their path of truth. </div><div>All love and Sat Nam ~ Sirgun</div><div>We invite Brisbane mothers to a very special workshop &quot;Remembering the Miracle of Motherhood&quot; with Sirgun and Sat Ravi on</div><div>Sunday October 28. To find out more visit our <a href="https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/events/remembering-the-miracle-of-motherhood">event info page here.</a></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Subagh Kriya Magic</title><description><![CDATA[This is an article written by Pip - a dear woman in our Brisbane community. Pip has been practicing kundalini yoga with us on the Path to Grace journey throughout 2017 and 2018. This is her story.✦ ✧ ✦ ✧ ✦I saw Sirgun earlier this year for a Numerology reading. I was in a very low place and needed some guidance.The background of this story - my family had been experiencing a series of financial struggles these past few years. About 6 years ago, my husband was incapacitated with a back injury<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_8efbd38dfc0840b38bf2ce61e7c45e51%7Emv2_d_4032_3024_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_431%2Ch_323/7956f3_8efbd38dfc0840b38bf2ce61e7c45e51%7Emv2_d_4032_3024_s_4_2.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Pip</dc:creator><link>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2018/10/14/Subagh-Kriya-Magic</link><guid>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2018/10/14/Subagh-Kriya-Magic</guid><pubDate>Sun, 14 Oct 2018 06:41:46 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>This is an article written by Pip - a dear woman in our Brisbane community. Pip has been practicing kundalini yoga with us on the Path to Grace journey throughout 2017 and 2018. This is her story.</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_8efbd38dfc0840b38bf2ce61e7c45e51~mv2_d_4032_3024_s_4_2.jpg"/><div>✦ ✧ ✦ ✧ ✦</div><div>I saw Sirgun earlier this year for a Numerology reading. I was in a very low place and needed some guidance.</div><div>The background of this story - my family had been experiencing a series of financial struggles these past few years. </div><div>About 6 years ago, my husband was incapacitated with a back injury requiring expensive surgery. Then a shoulder injury required time off work and extensive rehab.</div><div>We have also had some expensive pet expenses in the last few years. Thousands of dollars worth!</div><div>And then in early 2016, my husband's role at work was made redundant and he ended up being out of work for 6 months. It has been quite a challenging and unravelling time, to say the least!</div><div>Miraculously, another job arrived in late 2016 - and rather bizarrely, in the week he started work, I was interviewed for a part-time teaching job at our children's school (which I am now working in!) The timing was incredible and we felt such relief and gratitude, not to mention a communal exhale when we shared our news. </div><div>We were also conscious that we still had to brace ourselves for a considerable period of financial recovery as we got back on track. </div><div>Fast forward to the beginning of this year, 2018. It has been a slow process of regaining financial security and momentum. A juggling act of cutting back and minimising to try and get ahead. One step forward, two steps back.</div><div>One day I had decided to treat myself and my 4 year old to morning tea at a cafe. Unexpectedly, my credit card got declined. I was horrified. In the scheme of things, It was only a minor thing but it was the last straw for me. I was definitely in a rut of feeling lack and fear. </div><div>I told Sirgun about the cafe incident just days later and the tears started to flow. The feelings of desperation and powerlessness. </div><div>Just feeling like we weren't getting ahead. </div><div>Sirgun 'prescribed' Subagh Kriya and I started practising it daily.</div><div>Within 7 days, a new twist! My husband was made redundant again, but this time I smiled and I thought to myself &quot;The Kriya is working!&quot;. I felt no panic, no sense of desperation or lack. I felt calm. Grounded. I was deeply trusting the process. I knew there was something better on its way. In the same week, while on my morning walk, I saw a man walking towards me. On his t-shirt was the word, SUPPLY!</div><div>And that's just the beginning.</div><div>Well, thanks to Subagh Kriya and trusting in the Divine, I could nearly write a book about the incredible synchronicities and surprises that have occurred this year! I have found this process so subtle in shifting my energies and yet so profound in some of the demonstrations of its power and effects.</div><div>2018 has brought me so many beautiful experiences, particularly around connection, transformative shared experiences, receiving support and generosity from people, bumping into dear friends in random locations, exploring my creativity and receiving such incredible insights and downloads from the Divine (and that's a whole other story!)</div><div>One of my intentions has been around having a 'beautiful home'. </div><div>Here are 5 ways my intentions have manifested! </div><div>A new roof! We have a sweet little postwar home, with an old corrugated iron roof to match. In recent years we've noticed leaks during any prolonged period of rain. We've had so much advice - &quot;patch jobs will be fine for now&quot; to &quot;the whole thing needs replacing&quot;. Urgh... Replacing the roof just wasn't an option - with our recent financial challenges. It was an expensive proposition which we just had to let go of for the time being. Then, one day when I was at work, a man came to the house and suggested to my husband that he could check our roof for evidence of hail damage and then start a claims process with our insurance company. As there was no obligation to sign anything or pay anyone to see if we were even eligible, my husband agreed. Hail damage was found! The claims process was put into action, and our claim was approved. We ended up with a beautiful brand new shiny roof (installed by our preferred roofer who had previously helped us with the patching jobs) and no out-of-pocket expenses to us! Cushion and throw. I wanted to make our living room space a bit cosier for the cooler months - I decided I just wanted a single 'statement' cushion and a matching throw to complement what we already had. I found the cushion I wanted - it was already on sale and when I got to the checkout, discovered it had been discounted even more! The throw I wanted was at IKEA. We stopped in one night on our way to the coast and the only one left was the display model. I asked the assistant if I could have it and she kindly snipped it free from its cable tie. I took it to the checkout and the price was $1! I then turned my mind to a floor covering for my living space. I had seen a design online I liked in the hundreds-of-dollars and thought I'd try Gumtree to see if I could find one second- hand. I found the exact rug I wanted, with the exact dimensions I wanted... For $40.Next, I recalled a floor mirror I had sanded back to its natural timber state many years ago which I had stored at my parents home. I retrieved it and placed it horizontally on my sideboard in my living area and it looks beautiful. This mirror has been at my parents' home for 20 years.. it's only now that I have truly been open to wanting it and been willing to receive it. A new washing machine! My washing machine of 10 years broke! Within days I received my tax refund which covered the cost of a brand new (and larger) model. I love it so much and with 3 children it has made such a difference to my life!</div><div>We have also had some other magical things happen around money and supply... </div><div>Since the redundancy at the beginning of this year, my husband has been able to do some ongoing consulting work, during this time. Although it has paid less than his previous role, it has been such a welcome relief to us, to help sustain us financially. It has also provided flexibility to allow him to pursue other job opportunities and the organisation he has been working for has openly supported him in doing so, which has been a true blessing. We discovered we were over-paying our Council rates - and have been reimbursed!Another discovery - I was being under-paid at work and have now had this rectified, with some back-pay reimbursed to me and my new (significantly) higher rate now in place moving forward.We won first prize in my son's kindy raffle! The prize was a small tablet device which will certainly create some ease around my home with three children! It will serve as a birthday gift for my daughter, whose birth date, incidentally, is 1/11/11.... and here we are in an &quot;11&quot; year... (Honestly, I couldn't make this stuff up! )</div><div>Postscript</div><div>A new chapter is about to begin! Next week, my husband starts a new job - on his birthday! Yes, after 6 months since the redundancy earlier this year, countless applications and interviews (and, truthfully a few disappointments along the way), he has a new job! We are feeling so full of gratitude for this year! We are currently celebrating with a family holiday this week, perfectly timed with the school holidays, and as luck would have it we are at the beach - the most nourishing place for my soul. I feel such abundance in time, spaciousness, nature, beauty, creativity, ease and connection. </div><div>At this time last year, I was planning my daughter's 6th birthday party - the theme was &quot;Matilda&quot;. I printed off a beautiful Roald Dahl quote:</div><div>&quot;Those who don't believe in magic will never find it&quot;.</div><div>My experiences with Subagh Kriya and Path to Grace have been nothing short of magical. My cup runneth over, and I am feeling such gratitude for this year. Magical times indeed.</div><div>Sat Nam. </div><div>Pip</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_ac0c938b7a5b45be9e6cdaf93dc757db~mv2.jpg"/><div><div>Learn More About <a href="https://www.3ho.org/kundalini-yoga/kriya/featured-kriyas/yogi-bhajan-teaches-sobagh-kriya-invoke-wealth-universe">Subagh Kriya here</a> (as taught by Yogi Bhajan at the 1996 Summer </div>Solstice. Courtesy of 3HO).</div><div>Interested in practicing Kundalini Yoga with Graceful Women?</div><div>Join us on Path to Grace - your Monday evening weekly ritual. <a href="https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/spirited-radiance">New Term starts Monday October 15</a></div><div>Also available to practice from our. </div><div>❂ ❁ ❀ ✦ ❀ ❁ ❂</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Graceful Women take Time with Guru Meher</title><description><![CDATA[We spend a beautiful afternoon with Guru Meher at Mount Cootha in Brisbane on the eve of his debut Australian workshop tour of his book "Senses of the Soul - Solutions to Stress". A spontaneous conversation with Guru Meher where he shares stories of his kundalini yoga journey with his teacher Yogi Bhajan, secrets to a successful 35 year marriage, his top 5 kriyas and meditations and just all round having a lovely graceful chat about life.To connect with Guru Meher or to learn more about his work<img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/zN_Jm2Mzp9E/mqdefault.jpg"/>]]></description><link>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2018/10/13/Graceful-Women-take-Time-with-Guru-Meher</link><guid>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2018/10/13/Graceful-Women-take-Time-with-Guru-Meher</guid><pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2018 00:36:15 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>We spend a beautiful afternoon with Guru Meher at Mount Cootha in Brisbane on the eve of his debut Australian workshop tour of his book &quot;Senses of the Soul - Solutions to Stress&quot;. A spontaneous conversation with Guru Meher where he shares stories of his kundalini yoga journey with his teacher Yogi Bhajan, secrets to a successful 35 year marriage, his top 5 kriyas and meditations and just all round having a lovely graceful chat about life.</div><div>To connect with Guru Meher or to learn more about his work with emotions visit <a href="http://www.sensesofthesoul.com">www.sensesofthesoul.com</a></div><div>Sat Nam • Sirgun, Sat Ravi and Tera Manpreet</div><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zN_Jm2Mzp9E"/><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_cfc707d330f34ede85fc31320df702c6~mv2.jpg"/></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>I am Spirit and my Radiance is Boundless</title><description><![CDATA[The final Realm of our year long journey through the 8 human talents brings us to the the home of our pure consciousness. The Crown Chakra. The place from which we merge with the infinite. We enter a state of bliss and we experience the fullness of our electromagnetic field. Once activated we feel protected, guided we become radiant and boundless.Imagine connecting to this energy everyday. Imagine cultivating a practise that allows you to open to this experience releasing you from the shackles<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_4e53aae3ed5445389dd52d49d317661a%7Emv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_431%2Ch_431/7956f3_4e53aae3ed5445389dd52d49d317661a%7Emv2.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Sirgun</dc:creator><link>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2018/10/08/I-am-Spirit-and-my-Radiance-is-Boundless</link><guid>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2018/10/08/I-am-Spirit-and-my-Radiance-is-Boundless</guid><pubDate>Mon, 08 Oct 2018 00:42:55 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_4e53aae3ed5445389dd52d49d317661a~mv2.jpg"/><div>The final Realm of our year long journey through the 8 human talents brings us to the the home of our pure consciousness. </div><div>The Crown Chakra.</div><div>The place from which we merge with the infinite. We enter a state of bliss and we experience the fullness of our electromagnetic field. Once activated we feel protected, guided we become radiant and boundless.</div><div>Imagine connecting to this energy everyday. Imagine cultivating a practise that allows you to open to this experience releasing you from the shackles of overwhelm, confusion, distrust and despair.</div><div>As householders it is important for us to remain grounded. We cannot be floating off into the ethers whilst driving our cars, parenting, or making split second decisions in important business meetings. We need to employ all the chakras in order to live a life that is both grounded and expansive.</div><div>(Photo by Spencer Tunick)</div><div>This is where practice of kundalini yoga comes in. Each amazing kriya is designed to systematically work through your chakras and bring you back to a state of balance. The reason we as teachers use the kriyas as they are given is because this is a technology that can only work if it is done correctly and in its entirety. </div><div>The mediations are the icing on the cake.</div><div>Which brings me to the icing of our energetic being... The Aura.</div><div>The Aura and our circumvent force is where we harness our full potential. Your aura holds within it both the patterns of this life time and that of generational patterning. It is from here that the journey of interactions and experiences we have incarnated to experience are stored. These patterns can be both released and evolved through specific kriyas and meditations.</div><div>Yogi Bhajan said that your vibration feeds your circumvent force. If your vibration is low then your circumvent force is weak. The circumvent forces works like a protective shield. If we are trapped in negative patterns we become ill, lost, unable to protect ourselves from psychic vampires.</div><div>As we travel through this next Realm we will explore topics that support you in clearing, cleansing and strengthening your connection to the divine, the universe and the infinite.</div><div>We will use tools that provide you with an opportunity to experience a boundlessness that may have previously felt unattainable in a human form.</div><div>We will explore the concept of sensing and stretching our auric field as well as learning how we might be able to read the aura of another.</div><div>We will master the practise the Celestial Communication. A practise Yogi Bhajan said is the “greatest wonder food for the body healing, bringing mental intelligence and creativity, and uplifting the soul and the inflow of the spirit.”  Yogi Bhajan gave this practise specifically to support women.</div><div>Beyond all of this we will come together to support and uplift each other. </div><div>As we enter the last few months of 2018 we remember that the purpose of this 11 year is, Mastery. </div><div>In tantric numerology, 11 is the number of infinity. &quot;It asks do I allow infinity to flow through me?&quot;</div><div>Join us on this magical journey and truly understand what it is to experience heaven on earth.</div><div>All love and Sat Nam</div><div>Sirgun</div><div>GRACEFUL WOMEN</div><div>To learn more about Path to Grace and the final realm Spirited Radiance - The Crown and The Aura click here</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>September 10 | Your Weekly Affirmations by Simi</title><description><![CDATA[Greetings beautiful women.I had such a wonderful time with you all up in Brisbane, such a treat to share this work and to be so graciously received was incredible for me. I know there was a lot of information, but I hope it whetted your appetite to learn more about astrology, its such a wonderful tool for self knowledge, and like I said, if even just to know your element count, so you know how you can bring more balance into your life. Ive had lots of bookings and look forward to connecting with<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/e5197e9763dd437e87c807dfd96b8914.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Simi Sutton</dc:creator><link>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2018/09/10/September-10-Your-Weekly-Affirmations-by-Simi</link><guid>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2018/09/10/September-10-Your-Weekly-Affirmations-by-Simi</guid><pubDate>Mon, 10 Sep 2018 04:58:20 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/1dc91c_8d6d11b04478496292b296f0ecc53dce~mv2_d_4992_3328_s_4_2.jpg"/><div>Greetings beautiful women.</div><div>I had such a wonderful time with you all up in Brisbane, such a treat to share this work and to be so graciously received was incredible for me. I know there was a lot of information, but I hope it whetted your appetite to learn more about astrology, its such a wonderful tool for self knowledge, and like I said, if even just to know your element count, so you know how you can bring more balance into your life. Ive had lots of bookings and look forward to connecting with you more to share more about your unique blueprint.</div><div>We have a new moon in Virgo the earth healer this Monday, so the affirmations are all around what are these new seeds that you can sow this next lunar cycle, to become manifest at the full moon. The affirmations are crafted specifically for you, I hope you enjoy them.</div><div>Love Simi xx</div><div>Aries/Aries rising</div><div>“The spark of the new earth ignites through me</div><div>As I take charge of my brilliant creativity”</div><div>Taurus/Taurus rising</div><div>“My home and hearth is where it all starts</div><div>All I envision for the new earth - through the lens of my heart”</div><div>Gemini/Gemini rising</div><div>“People who have graced my path, new and old</div><div>Have imparted wisdom to me that I now hold”</div><div>Cancer/Cancer rising</div><div>“The oracle I seek is in fact, me</div><div>When I look within , the answers I’ll see”</div><div>Leo/ Leo rising</div><div>“I embody love and wisdom divine</div><div>My creation is revealed and then can be refined”</div><div>Virgo/Virgo rising</div><div>“Healer of earth, is my mission this life</div><div>Its in wise action that I take, which will divert strife”</div><div>Libra/Libra rising</div><div>“A retreat is where my soul is calling me</div><div>To recharge, renew and connect with infinity”</div><div>Scorpio/Scorpio rising</div><div>“I know myself when my gifts are shared</div><div>I must not hide them away or ever be scared”</div><div>Sagittarius/Sagittarius rising</div><div>“The time is now for me to up level</div><div>Being seen in the world, whether neat, spunky or dishevelled “</div><div>Capricorn/Capricorn rising</div><div>“Travelling afar and exploration is on my mind, </div><div>Ill get there in the end and in the meanwhile I’ll be kind”</div><div>Aquarius/Aquarius rising</div><div>“When I truly look deep , deep down within</div><div>I feel my authentic truth and from here attract my kin”</div><div>Pisces/Pisces rising</div><div>“Through others I see my own reflection</div><div>What I am, what I’m not</div><div>It's all perfection”</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/1dc91c_78c7d4f2b3f3453c988dbadb55973bdf~mv2_d_1836_1406_s_2.png"/></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>August 20 | Your Weekly Affirmations by Simi</title><description><![CDATA[As the moon builds up towards her fullness in Pisces, we find ourself at the gibbous moon in Sagittarius, still building and collecting what we need for our creations. We are creating still in this Sun in Leo phase for another few days, before The sun moves into Virgo, and we move into refining our creations. Mars is still retrograde for another few days, but pretty soon one by one all those retrograde planets will start going direct and come mid September they will be going direct again and we<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/e5197e9763dd437e87c807dfd96b8914.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Simi Sutton</dc:creator><link>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2018/08/20/August-20-Your-Weekly-Affirmations-by-Simi</link><guid>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2018/08/20/August-20-Your-Weekly-Affirmations-by-Simi</guid><pubDate>Mon, 20 Aug 2018 02:08:09 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/e5197e9763dd437e87c807dfd96b8914.jpg"/><div>As the moon builds up towards her fullness in Pisces, we find ourself at the gibbous moon in Sagittarius, still building and collecting what we need for our creations. We are creating still in this Sun in Leo phase for another few days, before The sun moves into Virgo, and we move into refining our creations. Mars is still retrograde for another few days, but pretty soon one by one all those retrograde planets will start going direct and come mid September they will be going direct again and we will feel all the reflective energy we’ve been playing in will start to dance out into the world and we will feel some forward motion. </div><div>I'm so looking forward to sharing some workshop magic with you at The Kundalini of Astrology. Playing with our charts, learning our elemental medicine and dancing our dragon codes! There are a handful of places <div>available if you would like to join us. <a href="https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/events/the-kundalini-of-astrology-a-cosmic-download">Bookings here.</a></div></div><div>Here are your affirmations for this week.</div><div>Love Simi xx</div><div>Aries/Aries rising</div><div>“Building up my will</div><div>And power from within</div><div>Lets me magnetise</div><div>My beloved kin”</div><div>Taurus/Taurus rising</div><div>“Moving into the world </div><div>With play and curiosity </div><div>Brings gifts of fulfilment </div><div>And I feel so free”</div><div>Gemini/Gemini rising</div><div>“When I look within </div><div>I see my inner gifts </div><div>I bring my gaze back </div><div>Whenever this shifts”</div><div>Cancer/Cancer rising</div><div>“Aware of when I project onto others </div><div>Brings me back to myself and my thoughts </div><div>Doing the inner work </div><div>Is the practice of spiritual sport”</div><div>Leo/ Leo rising</div><div>“The moon builds </div><div>As I fill up from within </div><div>Anchoring my creations </div><div>Blends the yang and my yin”</div><div>Virgo/Virgo rising</div><div>“This heroes journey I’m on </div><div>Can sometimes feel discrete </div><div>This work I do upon myself though </div><div>It's really no mean feat”</div><div>Libra/Libra rising</div><div>“Sharing with others </div><div>Is the medicine that fills </div><div>It's like nectar from the goddess </div><div>And into my heart it spills”</div><div>Scorpio/Scorpio rising</div><div>“Larger than life </div><div>Is how I’m feeling </div><div>This cosmic alignment </div><div>Has got me reeling!”</div><div>Sagittarius/Sagittarius rising</div><div>“Feeling like I can tackle it all </div><div>This new moon to the full </div><div>I magnetise towards myself </div><div>And come all the dreams I pull”</div><div>Capricorn/Capricorn rising</div><div>“Intensity, power and drive </div><div>Are embedded deep within me so, </div><div>I balance these with other parts </div><div>Like my precious home and family”</div><div>Aquarius/Aquarius rising</div><div>“Building community and friendship </div><div>is something I value </div><div>It fills me with chi </div><div>As I know I'm another you”</div><div>Pisces/Pisces rising</div><div>“People are drawn to me </div><div>For my kind spirit and heart </div><div>I practice love and kindness </div><div>For of the same one we are part”</div><div>Simi will be visiting Brisbane on Friday October 31 for a very special workshop </div><div><a href="https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/events/the-kundalini-of-astrology-a-cosmic-download">The Kundalini of Astrology</a>at Soul Space in Newmarket. </div><div>This three hour workshop is perfect for astrology beginners through to experts as we traverse </div><div>the sun, ascendent and moon signs through the lens of Kundalini Yoga.</div><div>Book your space<div>here now.</div></div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_04f78d1f3a2b4b5e8e9cecf2a75088b7~mv2_d_1708_1212_s_2.png"/></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>The Glory of the Lion - Your Weekly Affirmations by Simi</title><description><![CDATA[Phew! Eclipse season... tick! What a reflective one it has been too. So much power and love with it though. And also a lot of reflecting with all those planets retrograde, making us reconsider, remember and reevaluate. Where do we give our power away when we should rest within?All comes from here, shining from our hearts - the home of the lioness. Such beautiful and challenging times were in. Very hard to deny your truth now, what lights you up, what brings you down, it is all so very<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/1dc91c_b0ca3ab2e924453abc09c471af82b7fd%7Emv2_d_2044_1522_s_2.png"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Simi Sutton</dc:creator><link>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2018/08/13/The-Glory-of-the-Lion---Your-Weekly-Affirmations-by-Simi</link><guid>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2018/08/13/The-Glory-of-the-Lion---Your-Weekly-Affirmations-by-Simi</guid><pubDate>Mon, 13 Aug 2018 01:34:00 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/1dc91c_b0ca3ab2e924453abc09c471af82b7fd~mv2_d_2044_1522_s_2.png"/><div>Phew! Eclipse season... tick! What a reflective one it has been too. So much power and love with it though. And also a lot of reflecting with all those planets retrograde, making us reconsider, remember and reevaluate. Where do we give our power away when we should rest within?</div><div>All comes from here, shining from our hearts - the home of the lioness. Such beautiful and challenging times were in. </div><div>Very hard to deny your truth now, what lights you up, what brings you down, it is all so very illuminated right now. </div><div>Nonetheless, the universe has our back and everything is in its right place. </div><div>Here are your eclipse affirmations.</div><div>Love Simi xx</div><div>Aries/Aries rising</div><div>”I am a creator of powerful joy</div><div>It comes from way down deep</div><div>Its mine when I stop playing small</div><div>And from out of my soul it seeps”</div><div>Taurus/Taurus rising</div><div>“Sensuality is the nature of me</div><div>The pleasure and beauty of life </div><div>Any pain my ancestors held</div><div>Is Gone from me , and I free myself from all strife”</div><div>Gemini/Gemini rising</div><div>“Out of the depths and into the light</div><div>The spark of creation flies</div><div>I free it up and bounce it off others,</div><div>Together we watch it ignite”</div><div>Cancer/Cancer rising</div><div>“The gifts of my heart </div><div>Are made known to me</div><div>My softness, my shadow and light</div><div>When I own all I am,</div><div>In relationship</div><div>Is when that ship can take flight”</div><div>Leo/ Leo rising</div><div>“New beginnings and I know my power </div><div>On the wings of this I am free,</div><div>I combine this with love and wisdom, And speak, </div><div>all the things that are important to me”</div><div>Virgo/Virgo rising</div><div>“Reflecting on what I share with the earth</div><div>Is what I have been going through,</div><div>It’s time to stabilise my worth,</div><div>And follow insights that are new”</div><div>Libra/Libra rising</div><div>“I have new gifts to share </div><div>From these downloads of the moon,</div><div>They come through when I allow them the space,</div><div>To listen, vibrate and attune”</div><div>Scorpio/Scorpio rising</div><div>“Letting go of my past wounds and fears </div><div>Is a work always in progress</div><div>The more I do it</div><div>The easier it becomes </div><div>And then will come sure success”</div><div>Sagittarius/Sagittarius rising</div><div>“In refection of all that has been ,</div><div>and all that has gone before,</div><div>I realise I am never alone</div><div>As The Divine is in my core”</div><div>Capricorn/Capricorn rising</div><div>“The power within me snuggles in my love </div><div>And together they right the wrongs</div><div>Wisdom and foresight are my allies right now</div><div>And I anchor these gifts from above”</div><div>Aquarius/Aquarius rising</div><div>“Relating with others can be tricky for me</div><div>As I do like to be so detached</div><div>But when I do I am set free </div><div>And through them I can see where I’m at”</div><div>Pisces/Pisces rising</div><div>“Daily rituals of self love and care </div><div>Will help me when all else fails</div><div>Im backing myself</div><div>With spirit because,</div><div>I know truth prevails”</div><div>&quot;How is everyone feeling? I just love Leo season. And after this eclipse triptology </div><div>I feel like my world has just come out of a universal sized washing machine, with a golden fabric softener for the final cycle and now I am hanging out to dry in the glorious sun! </div><div>Anyone else feel similar?&quot;</div><div>~ Tera Manpreet, Path to Grace 2018</div><div>Simi will be visiting Brisbane on Friday October 31 for a very special workshop </div><div><a href="https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/events/the-kundalini-of-astrology-a-cosmic-download">The Kundalini of Astrology</a>at Soul Space in Newmarket. </div><div>This three hour workshop is perfect for astrology beginners through to experts as we traverse </div><div>the sun, ascendent and moon signs through the lens of Kundalini Yoga.</div><div>Book your space<div>here now.</div></div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/1dc91c_d2eeca9e951a47cfa73b32293bc913b7~mv2_d_2106_1636_s_2.png"/></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>What is the Lionsgate Portal?</title><description><![CDATA[What is the Lionsgate? It is a portal that opens on 8.8 (August 8th) when our Sun and the Earth aligns with the Sirian star system and the Central Sun, which delivers light codes and frequencies that are designed to raise our consciousness propel you into the Aquarian Age. The age of Heart, Wisdom and Collective Consciousness. Ancient civilisations on Earth knew of these galactic alignments and founded their civilisations on the connection with our local star systems and the teachings other<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/1dc91c_ec5a468bd7b24704b7a2f9119c368c97%7Emv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_431%2Ch_493/1dc91c_ec5a468bd7b24704b7a2f9119c368c97%7Emv2.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Leila Tera Manpreet</dc:creator><link>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2018/08/11/What-is-the-Lionsgate-Portal</link><guid>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2018/08/11/What-is-the-Lionsgate-Portal</guid><pubDate>Wed, 08 Aug 2018 00:19:00 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>What is the Lionsgate? It is a portal that opens on 8.8 (August 8th) when our Sun and the Earth aligns with the Sirian star system and the Central Sun, which delivers light codes and frequencies that are designed to raise our consciousness propel you into the Aquarian Age. The age of Heart, Wisdom and Collective Consciousness. Ancient civilisations on Earth knew of these galactic alignments and founded their civilisations on the connection with our local star systems and the teachings other conscious races across the galactic have for earthlings. </div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/1dc91c_ec5a468bd7b24704b7a2f9119c368c97~mv2.jpg"/><div> It’s hard to know for sure, what the ‘truth’ is. But one thing is certain and that is a mass awakening is occurring at this time. You can feel it. Your insides are waking up. Your heart is jumping for joy at the cosmic-ness of the conversations going on around you. You get goosebumps and shivers down your spine and throughout your body when someone says something far out to you or in your presence. Something much bigger than ‘you and I’ is occurring in our reality and your body is an antenna for picking up on the signals. So what if it can’t be proven in an encyclopaedia or a text book. Your physical being is tuned in, tapped in and turned on! This is what kundalini yoga is for. Tune your body into the finest and most subtle frequencies and you will be communing with the gods and living amongst miracles. Happy Lionsgate loves Leila Tera Manpreet xx</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>The Partial Solar Eclipse in Cancer Friday 13th, 2018</title><description><![CDATA[Eclipse season is here and this beauty is the first of 3 for the season. It is a fascinating chart full of information, and I look forward to sharing astrology with you on Path to Grace, so you too, can understand more of what you’re looking at when you look at a chart.From an evolutionary astrology perspective (from the perspective of the evolution of the soul) this eclipse is happening right on our evolutionary point as a collective in the sign of Cancer, the crab. Mother moon, divine femme,<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/39a2a5c071354095b4bee25ac0985897.jpg/v1/fill/w_702%2Ch_551/39a2a5c071354095b4bee25ac0985897.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Simi Sutton</dc:creator><link>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2018/07/13/The-Partial-Solar-Eclipse-in-Cancer-Friday-13th-2018</link><guid>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2018/07/13/The-Partial-Solar-Eclipse-in-Cancer-Friday-13th-2018</guid><pubDate>Fri, 13 Jul 2018 07:34:00 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/39a2a5c071354095b4bee25ac0985897.jpg"/><div>Eclipse season is here and this beauty is the first of 3 for the season. It is a fascinating chart full of information, and I look forward to sharing astrology with you on <a href="https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/intuitive-power">Path to Grace</a>, so you too, can understand more of what you’re looking at when you look at a chart.</div><div>From an evolutionary astrology perspective (from the perspective of the evolution of the soul) this eclipse is happening right on our evolutionary point as a collective in the sign of Cancer, the crab. Mother moon, divine femme, ruled by the moon. There will be a lot coming up around how to nurture ourselves, our families and our world that is needing us to evolve into this softness, empathy and feeling more and more.</div><div>You may have heard we are in the times of the </div><div>return of the sacred feminine. </div><div>You may feel this, but what does it mean? </div><div>How do you embody Her?</div><div>In the times we are in, there is great danger of being so disconnected from this heart space as we are so immersed in the fastness and impossible patriarchal structure of these times. You may have heard we are in the times of the return of the sacred feminine, you may feel this, but what does it mean? How do embody Her? I find it very interesting that this eclipse is happening on Friday 13th which we’ve all been told is a “scary day”, it is in fact, the day of the goddess.. Friday (Freya - Norse Goddess) is the day of Venus the planet of love and the number 13 is a sacred number signifying birth, benevolence and luck. </div><div>So it is in these little programs that we must decode and find the divinity and truth within by feeling what's true for us, and not just what we were told. It is time to release our shame of what it means to be a woman, a nurturer, a divine goddess, a mother, a lover, a feeler, that which we have, in fact, been shamed for being, for thousands of years. This archetype exists in men also, it is not just about women.</div><div>I see this eclipse as a time to reclaim this power that is so deep within our souls and to really sit and tune in with what that means for us regarding how we mother, were mothered and mother others (not just children, but friends, family and the world). </div><div>Are we a martyr and give with out filling our own cup </div><div>and then become resentful? </div><div>Maybe the other end of the scale </div><div>where we were neglected and abandoned </div><div>when we needed care the most.</div><div>... these are the ponderings of this particular eclipse and it will be up to our own individual evolution as to how we answer these questions and what healing or insight may come.</div><div>There is a dynamic playing out on this new moon eclipse. Being a “good girl” or playing safe, versus being who we really are and digging deep to find that wild woman who will be seen whether we like it or not, because she is part of the truth that has been lost and it's time for us to reclaim ALL of who we are. It is time to restructure our limitations and rise beyond them - becoming radically more of who we are and unafraid! There is an opportunity now to lift the lid of what keeps us safe and move more towards what makes us feel ALIVE, evolving and agents of change. </div><div>The aspect that's being made between Uranus (the ruler of kundalini energy) and Mars (the planet of action and assertion) speaks of this. Mars is retrograde and is the closest he’s been to earth since 2003, so were are being asked to reflect and review past actions and come up with more nurturing ways of inhabiting and being on this beautiful planet. So go gently, be mindful of the strong energies around, take action by choosing love and do your Sadhana! You will find all of the answers in Sadhana.</div><div>Kundalini Yoga is such a wonderful way to work with the energies of astrology, enabling us to harness the frequencies, becoming part of the solution, by knowing what's going on with the planets and how to flow and stabilise with them. This is how we be the change, it is an inside job, and then flows out by holding the frequency that you have cultivated.</div><div>I'm looking forward to sharing so much more with you during this realm of Intuitive Power and reclaiming HER. </div><div>Sat Nam beauties.</div><div>Love Simi </div><div>You can connect with Simi through our Intuitive Power realm - 9 weeks of Kundalini Yoga, Astrology </div><div>and sacred connection with our community of Graceful Women. </div><div>Sign up online here.</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/1dc91c_0f9960484b0e412a884d3dacce7d9eb2~mv2_d_1822_1410_s_2.png"/></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>The Importance of Rest</title><description><![CDATA[In the hustle and bustle of the 21st Century, rest and relaxation feels like a luxury. It seems like an art, to craft your day to allow space for some down time. Often we are constantly bombarded by stimuli… traffic, phone calls, people, social media, news, light and sound. Urban environments especially are highly stimulating for the nervous system and demand a need to be “on guard” all the time. Rest and relaxation equals danger! As a consequence, we are overstimulated and exhausted. With the<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_15f1251642644be4a0052f5b7ab92c91%7Emv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_702%2Ch_472/7956f3_15f1251642644be4a0052f5b7ab92c91%7Emv2.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Sat Ravi</dc:creator><link>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2018/05/16/The-Importance-of-Rest</link><guid>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2018/05/16/The-Importance-of-Rest</guid><pubDate>Wed, 16 May 2018 11:08:13 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>In the hustle and bustle of the 21st Century, rest and relaxation feels like a luxury. It seems like an art, to craft your day to allow space for some down time. Often we are constantly bombarded by stimuli… traffic, phone calls, people, social media, news, light and sound. Urban environments especially are highly stimulating for the nervous system and demand a need to be “on guard” all the time. Rest and relaxation equals danger! As a consequence, we are overstimulated and exhausted. With the rise of mental illness, adrenal fatigue and autoimmune conditions, we are realising more and more, that rest is a necessity. An essential and non negotiable part of our health and wellness.</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_15f1251642644be4a0052f5b7ab92c91~mv2.jpg"/><div>Yogi Bhajan said that in the future stress would become the disease of the modern time, which shall “eat every person”. He identified stress as becoming a disease more fatal than cancer and heart failure. He defines stress as “when an outside pressure is not matched and overcome by your inside intelligence.” This is confronting and simultaneously very empowering. It credits our inner innate wisdom as the key to managing stress. We have this amazing body and mind that is constantly managing stress. It is when the outside inputs become greater than our ability to cope and metabolise that we have the feelings of overwhelm and depletion as physical symptoms of stress. </div><div>It seems almost certain that in the short term that the outside pressures are not going away. Unless of course you drop everything and move to the Bahamas. Which is always an option! Failing that, you may consider how your lifestyle is creating outside pressure. Are you juggling too many things? Is there something you can let go of? Are you in the rat-race of bigger and better? Could you pause and appreciate all that you currently have? Are you working in a way that energises you? Or is work a constant drain? Do you have people around you that uplift you? Or are there too many energy vampires in your close circle? </div><div>The other option we have is to increase our capacity to manage stress. This is where kundalini yoga comes in. The process of going through the kriyas and meditations allows us to practice being in stress and moving through stress. We build the capacity to observe and witness. We build the capacity to be, even when there is something challenging us. Then we rest. We allow the body to adjust and integrate the experience, the changes and the learnings. Each time we practice, we build the strength of our nervous system. A strong nervous system allows us to go through life with grit and grace. </div><div>One of our inspirations for offering Rest &amp; Restore was to highlight the importance of rest. To provide an antidote to stress. An antidote to worn out. These beautiful classes are not physically challenging. Rather we create a soothing space that invites an effortless ease. So that we can practice being in flow, being in balance. So we feel whole and refreshed, grounded and at peace. This is a kind of Friday night that will set you up for the weekend. Allow you to be present with the people you love and the projects you’d like to do. We send so much love to all of you who are feeling depleted. There is light, there is hope. You are worth it.</div><div><a href="https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/events/rest-and-restore-in-may">Book now</a> for our next Rest &amp; Restore class.</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Women supporting women</title><description><![CDATA[Something very special is happening in the world right now. It is powerful and transformational. Women are waking up, stepping into their power and healing their wounds. Inclusive and together. Supporting each other. Boozy catch ups and gossip sessions are gradually being replaced by yoga classes and circles. Women are seeking each other out for inspiration and encouragement.Last weekend we attended Women’s Camp in Adelaide. We were invited to teach a workshop on the 11 Moon Centres of a Woman.<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_2bbfe53df99c436db6365bb3b1035ef5%7Emv2_d_3672_3021_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_626%2Ch_515/7956f3_2bbfe53df99c436db6365bb3b1035ef5%7Emv2_d_3672_3021_s_4_2.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Sat Ravi</dc:creator><link>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2018/04/15/Women-supporting-women</link><guid>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2018/04/15/Women-supporting-women</guid><pubDate>Sun, 15 Apr 2018 10:23:12 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>Something very special is happening in the world right now. It is powerful and transformational. Women are waking up, stepping into their power and healing their wounds. Inclusive and together. Supporting each other. Boozy catch ups and gossip sessions are gradually being replaced by yoga classes and circles. Women are seeking each other out for inspiration and encouragement.</div><div>Last weekend we attended Women’s Camp in Adelaide. We were invited to teach a workshop on the 11 Moon Centres of a Woman. The workshop was a huge success because it was everything that it is to be a woman. It was meaningful but lighthearted, joyful yet ceremonious, intellectual yet heartfelt. It was flowing, understanding, creative and compassionate. It embraced all it is to be a woman in the 21st Century and allowed all of that to be. The women felt connected to themselves and each other. Simply being in this intentioned space and sharing our lives, even just for a weekend, was deeply healing. Women’s Camp celebrated the feminine as a rhythm to be proud of. As a rhythm of strength. For too long women have been trying to prove themselves and be successful in the world by acting like men. Women’s awakening is not having to prove ourselves, it is knowing that we are already enough. Women’s awakening is success through embracing being a woman. </div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_2bbfe53df99c436db6365bb3b1035ef5~mv2_d_3672_3021_s_4_2.jpg"/><div>Yogi Bhajan was a great advocate for women as leaders. He believed women can heal the generations before and after them by living a life of grace. This is the time for grace. Amongst all the busyness and drudgery of the routine and household concerns, this is where our enlightenment is waiting for us. In this relationship, in this job, in this place, with these people around you.</div><div>At <a href="https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/about-path-to-grace">Path to Grace</a> we are creating this deeply healing space on a weekly basis. It is a safe and sacred space for women to come together. A nurturing place to connect. A supportive environment for growth and learning. It is honouring the feminine in each other and in all. The women who attend speak so highly of this blessed opportunity to meet other women and journey together to uplift each other. There is a knowing that we are all uplifted together.</div><div>This is not only happening at Path to Grace. There are so many women’s circles and movements popping up everywhere. There is a global shift in consciousness. In our experience, women are craving this. This is a much needed and long overdue healing.</div><div>“Being a woman is the last highest incarnation.” </div><div>Yogi Bhajan</div><div>Our community of amazing women is growing and expanding. Courageous Love begins April 23rd in Newmarket and we now have <a href="https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/yoga-at-home">courses online</a> and many ways to connect online if you don’t live in Brisbane. Please reach out and connect. We are here for you. So much love.</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>I am Courageous, and my World is Ruled By Love.</title><description><![CDATA[We all know that it takes courage to love. You may have learnt this from an early age. Chances are that at some point when you were small your Mother scolded you for something, something you would not have even known you had done.In that moment you would have felt that first pain of rejection. A first pang in your heart.You may have gone on to experience your first love. Do you remember that courage it took to let someone know how you felt? The courage it took to actually let yourself be<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_75d8a47c950944f492fdb3b407d5d84e%7Emv2_d_4032_3024_s_4_2.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Sirgun</dc:creator><link>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2018/04/01/I-am-Courageous-and-my-World-is-Ruled-By-Love</link><guid>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2018/04/01/I-am-Courageous-and-my-World-is-Ruled-By-Love</guid><pubDate>Sun, 01 Apr 2018 12:29:13 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_75d8a47c950944f492fdb3b407d5d84e~mv2_d_4032_3024_s_4_2.jpg"/><div>We all know that it takes courage to love. </div><div>You may have learnt this from an early age. Chances are that at some point when you were small your Mother scolded you for something, something you would not have even known you had done.</div><div>In that moment you would have felt that first pain of rejection. A first pang in your heart.</div><div>You may have gone on to experience your first love. Do you remember that courage it took to let someone know how you felt? The courage it took to actually let yourself be seen.</div><div>The joy you felt if the feeling was mutual. </div><div>Do you remember your first heart break?</div><div>I can still feel the deep pit, hollow pain of loss I felt, if I go back to some of those times in my life. There were a few.</div><div>I can remember the way time seemed to stand still as I stood in a shower and tried to feel the water on my body but the pain had numbed the sensations. </div><div>The wondering if I would ever get over him.</div><div>It took me around 36 years to realise that the love I was seeking externally had always been there inside of me.</div><div>It was a harsh realisation. </div><div>I learnt that I had been externally searching through lovers, friends, my children, for a love they could never possibly give me. </div><div>I realised I was desperately clinging to them to fulfil me, to restore me, to complete me.</div><div>During my Conscious Pregnancy Teacher Training I learnt about the importance of the navel centre, the third chakra. The gap I have in my stomach muscles (diastitis recti) caused by my four pregnancies was one of the reasons I was struggling so much both physically and energetically.</div><div>Yogi Bhajan says &quot;If you do not know how to balance the third chakra, you may have all the degrees, all the knowledge, all the money, all the beauty, but you shall be unhappy.&quot;</div><div>When the navel chakra is balanced our lives our balanced.</div><div>When it is not balanced our lives are out of balance too.</div><div>It is from the navel that all the chakras and meridian points within the body are put back on line.</div><div>We are fired up! </div><div>Once we have strengthened and balanced the navel chakra we can know the infinite experience of life. </div><div>From here we can begin to understand and open to, the true meaning of love.</div><div>We can begin to explore the vastness that can be felt from living a truly heart led life.</div><div>Many of us will have experienced many teachings on the navel and heart chakra. We will have practised forgiveness, compassion, we will have felt moments of heart opening. And yet still we find that we do not fully understand,</div><div>We have not fully embodied. We may be exhausted from trying.</div><div>During the Courageous Love realm of Path To Grace we will explore these teachings in a new way. </div><div>You will work powerfully and energetically on creating lasting balance and strength in your navel point.</div><div>You will learn how to begin each day aligned and centred.</div><div>You will learn how your menstrual cycle and Moon Centres effect these chakras and how you can work with your own unique cycle and use this cycle to live your optimum life.</div><div>We will work together as a community so that we can learn how to create strong relationships based on mutual respect, compassion, based on love and not fear.</div><div>There has never been a more important time to work on ourselves. To clear the stories, to release the fears, to clear the path for a new paradigm.</div><div>The work we do on ourselves has a lasting impact on all areas of our lives. On all the relationships within our lives. </div><div>The work we do collectively as women will and is impacting global change.</div><div>Join us. </div><div>Women unfold the future.</div><div>All love and Sat Nam.</div><div>Join us here for Courageous Love</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Dissolving Time with the Miracle Mantra</title><description><![CDATA[Every now and then we are presented with the opportunity to participate in a unique experience. One such opportunity came to me in the form of a mantra evening. At the time, I knew only a little about mantra. I was studying to become a Kundalini Yoga Teacher so I was using mantra but I didn’t really understand it and wasn’t entirely sure why we used so much of it in the yoga. I enjoyed it but I sometimes found it hard to learn new words and to talk confidently about why we even did mantra in the<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_7527b22aaad64e5fb37103c55cefdc5e%7Emv2_d_5100_3400_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_626%2Ch_417/7956f3_7527b22aaad64e5fb37103c55cefdc5e%7Emv2_d_5100_3400_s_4_2.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Sat Ravi</dc:creator><link>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2018/03/24/Dissolving-Time-with-the-Miracle-Mantra</link><guid>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2018/03/24/Dissolving-Time-with-the-Miracle-Mantra</guid><pubDate>Sat, 24 Mar 2018 05:55:22 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>Every now and then we are presented with the opportunity to participate in a unique experience. One such opportunity came to me in the form of a mantra evening. At the time, I knew only a little about mantra. I was studying to become a Kundalini Yoga Teacher so I was using mantra but I didn’t really understand it and wasn’t entirely sure why we used so much of it in the yoga. I enjoyed it but I sometimes found it hard to learn new words and to talk confidently about why we even did mantra in the first place.</div><div>I was in my early twenties at the time and I was always keen to try something new. I had moved to Melbourne from a small country town to be exposed to these different things that weren’t previously available to me. I had a deep trust in the yogic community and in my teacher Billie. When she mentioned that she was hosting Miracle Mantra at her studio Kundalini House, I was very curious. She talked about it but it still seemed rather mysterious and I wasn’t really sure that two hours of mantra could be as great as she was making out. I checked in with another student Teacher and we decided to go together for moral support and &quot;check it out&quot;.</div><div>The lights were softly lit in the studio which was warm and cozy. The yogis were arriving with their sheepskins and head covers and settling into their space for the evening. I too took my place and felt a mixture of peace and excitement. The space was creating this sense of calm within me and the unknown from a place of safety was creating a sense of excitement. </div><div>Miracle Mantra is a fast paced mantra. It has a very structured pattern and timing. There is no time for you to think about anything else. I listened to Billie explain the mantra. The mantra is five repetitions on one breath of &quot;Guru Guru Wahe Guru Guru Ram Das Guru&quot;. The meaning and purpose of Miracle Mantra is for transformation. It is designed to help us realise the gifts all around us. This mantra opens up your perception. You are able to recognise all the gifts that are constantly flowing to you</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_7527b22aaad64e5fb37103c55cefdc5e~mv2_d_5100_3400_s_4_2.jpg"/><div>Miracle Mantra is an Ashtang Mantra, meaning that it has 8 parts. The first part, Guru Guru Wahe Guru, projects your own infinite power out to the universe and second part brings the Infinite energy and wisdom inside. “Guru&quot; is wisdom; that which transforms any kind of ignorance or block into light. &quot;Gu&quot; is darkness, and &quot;Ru&quot; means light. You start with a very personal wisdom as you chant &quot;Guru&quot;. When you Repeat &quot; Guru&quot;, you expand that into experience. Then you say &quot;Wahe Guru&quot; to go beyond conscious knowledge and into the realm of the infinite. Again you chant, &quot;Guru&quot; and begin bringing this same wisdom back into the world as &quot;Ram Das&quot; the manifesting power of the Universe coming into your life in service. The cycle is complete when you say “Guru&quot; a final time. You are back where you started, but with the eyes of infinity and the heart of Guru Ram Das. This chant is also designed to heal and activate the chakras. Each part of this mantra resonates with our 7 chakras.</div><div>GURU — First chakra, base of spine</div><div>GURU — Second chakra, sex organ, abdomen</div><div>WAHE — Third chakra, navel</div><div>GURU — Fourth chakra, heart</div><div>GURU — Fifth chakra, throat</div><div>RAM DAS — Sixth chakra, third eye</div><div>GURU — Seventh Chakra, Top of Head</div><div>As we began the mantra I was confronted by the fast pace as it challenged my initial feelings of peace. I focused on the feelings in my mouth and trying to pronounce the words correctly. I also focused on the rhythm and the changing sensations of my breath. The mantra gave my mind something to focus on. Quickly all thoughts of myself, the outside world or anything else fell away. I soon dropped deeply into the most amazing trance like experience. There was just my consciousness and this sound current. Time dissolved as the power of the mantra took hold. I felt as if I could have continued this state of being forever. Just sitting here chanting and synchronising with the sound current. </div><div>This was a Saturday night in North Fitzroy. As I left the studio and walked down Brunswick St, a party street, I imagined I was feeling higher than anyone else out on the town that night. The mantra continued to play in my mind and body. Guru Guru Wahe Guru Guru Ram Das Guru. I don’t remember falling asleep but I do remember my Sunday feeling so clear and tensionless. It was as if a pressure valve had been realised. I had a lasting feeling of peaceful vitality which I love so much about Kundalini Yoga. I felt truly abundant and grateful for my life in that moment. This is truly a gift.</div><div>Miracle Mantra is being offered during this holiday time because Easter is also a celebration of transformation. Christ was taken to the depths of darkness and died. Through his resurrection, he opened people’s heart to love and they experienced the light. When we say miracles we are not talking about things beyond our imagination but things that block our imagination. Just like when a seed grows in the ground it is given all the nutrients it needs to survive and grow. Similarly your soul is given all the connections and challenges needed to be fulfilled. This mantra opens up your perception. You are able to recognise all the gifts that are constantly flowing to you.</div><div>Please join us for a very special Easter Monday evening. </div><div>April 2nd | 6.30-8.30pm | Soul Space, Newmarket</div><div>Bookings now open <a href="https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/events/miracle-mantra">here</a>.</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>New Moon Intentions</title><description><![CDATA[As women we are intrinsically connected to the waxing and waning of our beautiful Moon. She offers us the opportunity to connect at a deeper level with ourselves and with nature.For centuries this is how we lived. The rituals and habits gave us comfort and support. Along with the seasons and our own unique cycles we lived in harmony.We encourage a re connection to these cycles as a tool in which to undo some of the modern day pressure and disconnect.Every month we are given a new opportunity to<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_148d450357194ee187f3fbc6b9ddc60e%7Emv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_626%2Ch_373/7956f3_148d450357194ee187f3fbc6b9ddc60e%7Emv2.jpeg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Sirgun</dc:creator><link>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2018/03/16/New-Moon-Intentions</link><guid>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2018/03/16/New-Moon-Intentions</guid><pubDate>Fri, 16 Mar 2018 01:48:34 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_148d450357194ee187f3fbc6b9ddc60e~mv2.jpeg"/><div>As women we are intrinsically connected to the waxing and waning of our beautiful Moon. She offers us the opportunity to connect at a deeper level with ourselves and with nature.</div><div>For centuries this is how we lived. The rituals and habits gave us comfort and support. Along with the seasons and our own unique cycles we lived in harmony.</div><div>We encourage a re connection to these cycles as a tool in which to undo some of the modern day pressure and disconnect.</div><div>Every month we are given a new opportunity to create clarity and direction in our lives. It comes with the New Moon.</div><div>The day before the New Moon we experience the Black of the Moon a day when we can assess the previous month. In the spiritual world the endless talk of &quot;letting go&quot; has left us feeling blasé about these opportunities. We are overwhelmed by the pressure to let go!</div><div>In simple terms all that we are doing is releasing the pressure that we have placed on ourselves.</div><div> We pressure ourselves so much.... To make failing relationships work, to stay in a job we hate, to be better at EVERYTHING. </div><div>When we spend conscious time writing down and evaluating how our month has been regularly we can start to see the patterns that emerge....the ones which bring us joy and perhaps the ones that are not serving us.</div><div>It is here that we can learn to let go.</div><div>We can set our New Moon intentions either at the exact time of the New Moon or in the next 12 -24hrs after.</div><div>I follow a method that I was taught by my teacher Paramatma Siri Sadhana (who provides amazing insights via her <a href="https://www.paramatmasirisadhana.com/spaceweatherservice/">Space Weather Sevice</a>).</div><div>To practise.</div><div>Take a piece of paper or get your self a New Moon Intentions Book!</div><div>Create 3 columns.</div><div>In the first column write the header;</div><div>&quot;It would be a miracle if....&quot;</div><div>In the second column write;</div><div>&quot;I believe and rely on miracles...&quot;</div><div>In the third column write;</div><div>&quot;My Action Points.&quot;</div><div>Continue then to fill the table by completing 11 intentions as follows.</div><div>In the first column write what you are calling in. </div><div>For example it might be;</div><div>&quot;It would be a miracle if I was a published author.&quot;</div><div>In the second column you would write it as if it had happened. </div><div>&quot;I am a published author.&quot;</div><div>In the third column you would write 3 action points to assist in you realising your intentions.</div><div>&quot; 1. I will write a book proposal. 2. I will send copies of my articles to 5 magazines. 3. I will find a course that can teach me how to self publish.&quot;</div><div>Continue this process for the next 11 points.</div><div>The intentions can be as far ranging as your life...from work to family....from relationships to self love...</div><div>Sat Ravi and I get together each month and write intentions in this way for Graceful Women and have found it both supportive to our business and a powerful tool of manifestation and abundance.</div><div>Remember that the first step is actually to define your true intentions. In order to know these you will need to connect to your desires. </div><div>&quot;When your intention is aligned with your Hearts deepest desires all the forces of the Universe re align with you, to delight with you, to create with you, for your pure intention has set you free.&quot; - Little Wings Collection</div><div>I hope you enjoy this wonderful ritual as much as we do...</div><div>All love and Sat Nam </div><div>Sirgun x</div><div>P.S Another great way to bring about Miracles in your life would be to join us for our</div><div><a href="https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/events/miracle-mantra">Miracle Mantra Evening</a> on Easter Monday 2nd April 6.30-8.30pm. You can also join this event online.</div><div>&quot;I don't believe in Miracles, I rely on them.&quot; - Yogi Bhajan</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>The 10 things I love about Kundalini Yoga</title><description><![CDATA[Kundalini Yoga has been one of the most exquisite gifts in my life. I stumbled upon this incredible path after years of soul depleting habits. I smoked, drank, ate bad food and permitted an abusive relationship. In my early twenties I was living in Manila, Philippines, one of the most polluted cities in the world. I was doing all the things I "wanted" to do but with very little consciousness. I was doing well I thought. Then my body caught up with me. I was overweight, not menstruating and would<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_26cdb7e0063d4ac3973474cf94028f54%7Emv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_626%2Ch_417/7956f3_26cdb7e0063d4ac3973474cf94028f54%7Emv2.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Sat Ravi</dc:creator><link>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2017/11/18/The-10-things-I-love-about-Kundalini-Yoga</link><guid>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2017/11/18/The-10-things-I-love-about-Kundalini-Yoga</guid><pubDate>Sat, 18 Nov 2017 07:19:09 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_26cdb7e0063d4ac3973474cf94028f54~mv2.jpg"/><div>Kundalini Yoga has been one of the most exquisite gifts in my life. I stumbled upon this incredible path after years of soul depleting habits. I smoked, drank, ate bad food and permitted an abusive relationship. In my early twenties I was living in Manila, Philippines, one of the most polluted cities in the world. I was doing all the things I &quot;wanted&quot; to do but with very little consciousness. I was doing well I thought. Then my body caught up with me. I was overweight, not menstruating and would be puffed walking to the end of the block. I had practiced Iyengar Yoga years before and I enjoyed that so I went looking for Iyengar classes. I found a local yoga school around the corner practicing Tantra Yoga. That didn't mean much to me at the time and I didn't really mind. I didn't fully understand these people in orange robes and mantras in a foreign language. I just remember starting to feel good, really good. I was enjoying classes so much I started practicing at home. I was without any books just repeating some the of things we did in class. I quite easily and naturally stopped smoking, cleaned up my diet and started menstruating again. </div><div>Upon returning to Australia I immediately went looking for Tantra Yoga. The only class in Melbourne was on the other side of the city. Damn. So I thought I'd try Iyengar Yoga again. Disappointingly and somewhat surprisingly I left class feeling &quot;unfinished&quot;. Where was the mantra? That feeling of deep connection? What I would now call a spiritual experience. Thus began my search for a yoga like Tantra Yoga that could deliver this feeling I was looking for. The wholeness and completeness. I tried all the classes in my local area. One day I saw a little flyer for Kundalini Yoga with a picture of a lady in white. I thought I may as well try that one too. I arrived into a warm and inviting space with only a handful of students. As soon as we tuned in with the Adi Mantra I thought &quot;I'm home&quot;. Just like that. I knew this was right for me. I diligently attended classes every Tuesday night and resumed a home practice this time with the help of some books. I was also riding my bike 30km a day. I was feeling amazing! Obviously I'm a huge fan and here are 10 things I love about Kundalini Yoga. I could probably write 100 things I love about Kundalini Yoga! </div><div>1. The way it makes me feel.</div><div>I feel clear, inspired and energised. It tends to strip away tiredness and lethargy leaving me with the vitality to manage life a little less crazily!</div><div>2. The people I meet.</div><div>Sat Nam, meaning truth is my identity, is our greeting in Kundalini Yoga. It has become for me a key for belonging. I've travelled around Australia and to many corners of the world. Sat Nam is the link to community and global family around the world.</div><div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_44b8368ad8aa4f5589e70fe45a6ba576~mv2.jpg"/><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_515f3cc3afc74bed92677163f008ff39~mv2.jpg"/><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_8697e37bef374d0ea5b20e4651418385~mv2.jpg"/><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_370c37f901544d4ba41b46d9d1e56a11~mv2.jpg"/><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_aa828be7257d4c8aa2c8d7665616d71a~mv2.jpg"/><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_c938a9d48e694bb99054a14c36ec0cc1~mv2.jpg"/></div><div>3. The mantras and music.</div><div>The mantras range from fun and upbeat to absolutely divine. I find mantra to be the most efficient and effective way to calm my mind and arrive in consciousness. Beautiful artists such as Snatam Kaur, Jai-Jagdeesh, Sada Sat Kaur, Nirinjan Kaur, Mirabai Ceiba and Gurunam Singh take me to higher places through their music.</div><div>4. The relevance to 2017.</div><div>With ever increasing speeds and constant demands for our attention, Kundalini Yoga provides a systematic approach to soothe and balance the nervous system. It creates a space for peace and clarity amid the noise and constant barrage of information.</div><div>5. Yogi Bhajan.</div><div>Yogi Bhajan, Master of Kundalini Yoga, left an incredible legacy for our time. He broke with tradition in order to serve an aching and desperate need for meaning. He is a Teacher of the highest order, a Teacher of the heart. He continues to hold the teachings that he shared for all of us today. Sometimes I feel he is right with me when I practice which is a great source of comfort.</div><div>6. The Kriyas.</div><div>There is a kriya or meditation for just about anything you can think of. Conquering sleep, compulsive eating, creating prosperity, for a flexible spine. For paranoia, anger, emotional balance, an open heart, to name but a few. You can really use the kriyas and meditations as a therapy and find something directly relevant to where you are at in your life right now.</div><div>7. The caliber of Teachers.</div><div>Kundalini Yoga teachers have a trained ability to hold a clear, strong and humble space for students. They are powerful, devotional, compassionate, inspiring and radiant. Teachers such as Guru Jagat, Guru Singh, Guru Charan Singh, Shiv Charan Singh, Sunder Singh, Gurmukh and many others, we are spoilt for choice.</div><div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_6a2f532671fc44dab90bf37d61ac9b79~mv2.jpg"/><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_0dfbe3019d1c4aa5bbac6010aa28554c~mv2.jpg"/><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_8b45684b7d6b407ca17c672429d1210a~mv2.jpg"/><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_d1530ea2a8774df9b8ca9ffd4685def4~mv2.jpg"/><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_58aaddd437c14ed1a11a4120cb647aa4~mv2.jpg"/><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_d216da3ba9994cf284834ffa6132fff6~mv2.jpg"/></div><div>8. The weird, wacky and wonderful stuff!</div><div>I've pop-corned, elephant walked, slapped the ground, danced, laughed, cried and everything in between. Kundalini Yoga has some pretty weird and wacky stuff but I love how it makes the class laugh and relax. Yoga is not all serious!</div><div>9. The resting bits.</div><div>It is often in the space between a posture or kriya that provides the most clarity and calm. A sweet release from the holding. It is a time when I feel an integration of my body, mind and spirit. An expanded sense of self. A deep peace.</div><div>10. The support of a lifetime practice.</div><div>Since starting Kundalini Yoga in 2008 I have time and time again used it to support me through highs, lows and the daily humdrum. As I evolve I continue to find deeper and deeper meaning and relevance in the teachings. For this I am eternally grateful. </div><div>If you have never tried Kundalini Yoga, I really recommend you look up a class in your local area. If you're in Brisbane, you can find us on Monday nights at Soul Space in Newmarket. Keep an eye out for our free classes in January 2018. If you are a seasoned Kundalini Yogi, you might consider joining us for Teacher Training starting in June 2018 for the next level of wow.</div><div>Love and Sat Nam. </div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>For better, for worse and thank God for Yoga</title><description><![CDATA[As of just a couple of weeks ago I have been married to the same man for 17 years. As I write this I am rather disappointed that a fanfare hasn’t sounded…because to be honest I am pretty damn pleased with myself and my hubby for getting here.Not only have we been married this long but we have created 4 beings and for the first 13 years we moved home at least once every 2 years. To top it all off we then relocated to Australia from the UK, twice!I am still waiting for the fanfare……During this<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/1dc91c_bc0653c2af0f460ca599fff336cb699b%7Emv2.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Sirgun</dc:creator><link>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2017/10/01/for-better-for-worse-and-thank-god-for-yoga</link><guid>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2017/10/01/for-better-for-worse-and-thank-god-for-yoga</guid><pubDate>Sun, 01 Oct 2017 08:12:18 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/1dc91c_bc0653c2af0f460ca599fff336cb699b~mv2.jpg"/><div>As of just a couple of weeks ago I have been married to the same man for 17 years. As I write this I am rather disappointed that a fanfare hasn’t sounded…because to be honest I am pretty damn pleased with myself and my hubby for getting here.</div><div>Not only have we been married this long but we have created 4 beings and for the first 13 years we moved home at least once every 2 years. To top it all off we then relocated to Australia from the UK, twice!</div><div>I am still waiting for the fanfare……</div><div>During this time I have never had an affair either physically or mentally and I fully believe he hasn’t either….(to be honest I have sometimes told him an affair might be more sustainable than me being active our sex life! But joking about this is not something I feel is particularly clever).</div><div>You see as much as we were together this whole time and functioning as a family pretty convincingly, I cannot say that I have not hated him sometimes. I think there has always been love…but sometimes it is a love that you feel for the man that gave you your children as opposed to the man you have to actually live with…Whilst I do not really like having this conversation with him I am pretty sure he would say he has felt the same.</div><div>And yet here we are 17 years and a few weeks and I can place my hand on my heart and say I have never loved him more or found him more physically attractive than I do today.</div><div>We have got here not through couples counselling but through the belief that we can make it work. Our saving grace is that my husband having witnessed his parents work through their own problems believed we could do the same…I in contrast having experienced my parents go through a rather messy divorce am more inclined to shout “Its over!” during an argument.</div><div>One of the most profound realisations I experienced was as I went through my Kundalini teacher training and learnt some pretty harsh realities about the way I was viewing life. The way I was projecting blame outwards and onto my husband rather than taking responsibility for myself, my actions and my personal issues. The way I was looking at him to “complete me”. (Do you remember Jerry McGuire?)</div><div>My other quite shattering realisations have involved me finally recognising that I have experienced complex trauma as a child. Just the very act of voicing this was enough to make quite huge shifts. It has allowed me to actually give myself a break. To recognise that I have areas where I am missing basic skills which I did not learn as a child. My healing has been nearly as much in the uncovering and accepting of my anxiety and my shame as it has in the re learning.</div><div>As for sex…Well for most of the years that we had small children it was the furthest thing from my mind. I was at my most sexy when pregnant, perhaps the reason we had 4 children!</div><div>Amazingly my husband has found me more sexy and more attractive with every year. He was attracted to the woman I was whilst I was still longing for my emaciated early twenties self. The irony of this was that I had hated this body as much as my post children body. </div><div>The judgement of my own body turned into judgement of him. He wasn’t romantic, he didn’t wine and dine me, he didn’t buy me flowers. The truth is I didn’t do any of these for him or for myself either! </div><div>Once I stopped looking to him to “put me in the mood” I learnt how to get myself in the mood. I started to rediscover my own pleasure and sensuality. Massaging my body with a blend of essential oils and almond oil after my showers with special attention to my tummy was a wonderful start.</div><div>Honouring that I needed time to be with myself. Time to meditate, to move my body aerobically as well as through yoga. Food that helped me re connect with myself as a woman.</div><div>All these tools have improved not only my mental health but my physical health and my sex life.</div><div>Sure there are still times I am not in the mood…but I can honour these times in relation to my moon cycle and moon centres. Now we enjoy nothing more than a quick lunch hour together!</div><div>The message of this musing is simply to say….I have been to the brink and come back. I believe it is possible and I believe that this journey can take your relationship too a new and beautiful depth.</div><div>And yes it does help that my children are older now….I am not going lie about that…So hold in there and remember it does get easier, you do get more sleep and you will have more freedom again.</div><div>And when you do, like us you can totally embarrass your children by “making out” in the kitchen! </div><div>During our next 6 week course  we will dive into some of what I have discussed here and more of the amazing Women’s teachings around this subject.</div><div>I would also like to honour those of you who’s relationships did not turn around. I honour you and I see you. My first marriage didn’t either. We live, we learn and we are the amazing women we are today because of it.</div><div>This course is for all women, whatever your journey. We always learn so much from each other when we can come together in this powerful way. We hope you can join us.</div><div>All love and Sat Nam </div><div>Sirgun xxx</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/1dc91c_60d0e06d15584764a88ec88c239d98fd~mv2.jpg"/></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>The magic and chaos of relationships</title><description><![CDATA[During my high school years and early twenties I was horrified by the idea of being married or in a marriage like relationship. I just couldn’t imagine someone, let alone a man, placing any kind of restrictions on my free will, adventurous spirit and myriad of ever changing desires and preferences. I was fiercely independent and I liked it that way! I tell myself now that I have a much more mature perspective of what it means to be in relationship, at the same time, that idea of freedom and<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/1dc91c_9c1521059c5c40fd976c8ed1ca6f5ad9%7Emv2_d_3840_2160_s_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_626%2Ch_352/1dc91c_9c1521059c5c40fd976c8ed1ca6f5ad9%7Emv2_d_3840_2160_s_2.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Sat Ravi (Meg)</dc:creator><link>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2017/09/21/The-magic-and-chaos-of-relationships</link><guid>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2017/09/21/The-magic-and-chaos-of-relationships</guid><pubDate>Sun, 24 Sep 2017 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/1dc91c_9c1521059c5c40fd976c8ed1ca6f5ad9~mv2_d_3840_2160_s_2.jpg"/><div>During my high school years and early twenties I was horrified by the idea of being married or in a marriage like relationship. I just couldn’t imagine someone, let alone a man, placing any kind of restrictions on my free will, adventurous spirit and myriad of ever changing desires and preferences. I was fiercely independent and I liked it that way! I tell myself now that I have a much more mature perspective of what it means to be in relationship, at the same time, that idea of freedom and independence or sovereignty has remained centrally important to me. So how does one create a harmonious blend of freedom and security within a committed relationship? How does one allow space for growth and change overtime? How does one evolve a relationship; bending, forming, dissolving and reforming, without throwing the baby out with the bath water?!</div><div>My number one weapon of choice (considered choice of worlds, it can be a battleground out there!) is to encourage each other to follow their passions, their true passions. The thing that makes your heart sing and your eyes sparkle. The thing that gets you out of bed in the morning, your why. Seeing my partner come alive when he is inspired by something, makes me feel alive. His sparkle lights the house, likewise his gloom dims the house. I would argue this is even more powerful in women. Our glow and illumination touches the hearts of men and children, our darkness is palpable, isolating and sometimes damnright scary. Encouraging the other to follow their passions requires growth from both parties.</div><div>Growth is rarely smooth and easy. Think of the teenage years, menopause, the arrival or departure of family members. It persistently demands your attention, your trust, creativity, patience and understanding. Then when you have nothing left, it demands more. There might be some pruning needed before the new shoots start to emerge, and a high intensity growth period calling on all your energy stores and nutrients before any fruit is even harvested. There can be times of beauty and times of ugliness. When we grow we take up more space, or at least we take up different space. Old strategies might be failing us, ingrained patterns of behaviour are not working either. We don’t necessarily understand what is happening or where we are headed but it is not very comfortable either way. We have no map, no compass and our phone battery is dead so the GPS is not working either. We are charting new territory like a complete amateur! Probably starting to feel cranky too!</div><div>I take some comfort in the cycles of growth when I look to the natural world. Spring follows the winter and autumn follows the summer. The moon waxes and wanes. The tides are high and low. Day turns into night and into day again. The earth spins and she freezes and melts, becomes dry and splits before soaking in the rains again and erupting in green. Year round she sustains us through all the change. Woman too is inherently linked to earthly cyclical rhythms through menstruation and her moon centres. When we slow down and listen, we can begin to hear the wisdom of the earth. How to change with the seasons, how to move with the rhythms of the cycles. </div><div>Our relationships too have a cyclical energy and push/pull motion as the polarities of masculine and feminine are at play, creating both magic and chaos. We become close, we pull away, we inspire each other, we annoy each other, we are on the same page and then living with a complete alien. We want freedom and security, comfort and support. Sometimes we just want to throw in the towel and become a nun! In the teachings of kundalini yoga we learn that men and women are not the same, not equal, yet they are perfect polarities and compliment each other when freedom is given to live to their true essences and their needs as men and women are met.</div><div>We will be exploring this topic, the play of the masculine and feminine and looking at our relationship needs in our upcoming course  starting October 16th. Bookings are available  or please come to our free class on October 9th to find out more.</div><div>Always in love,</div><div>Sat Ravi</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>My Shadow and Me</title><description><![CDATA[A little while ago now I listened to a podcast with Sarah Wilson, the I Quit Sugar woman, in which she talked about anxiety.It was the sort of moment that feels like someone has literally whacked you in the face.After listening I just sat. Nothing. Nothing but absolute shock.I realised that I too suffered from anxiety.Now anyone who knows me and has done for a long time will not be that surprised. I mean I lead a pretty busy life with my 4 kiddies and a travelling hubby.But this anxiety, the<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_0e294816a6994e0396e1c79afe79abc0%7Emv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_400%2Ch_266/7956f3_0e294816a6994e0396e1c79afe79abc0%7Emv2.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Sirgun</dc:creator><link>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2017/08/03/My-Shadow-and-Me</link><guid>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2017/08/03/My-Shadow-and-Me</guid><pubDate>Thu, 03 Aug 2017 05:09:13 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_0e294816a6994e0396e1c79afe79abc0~mv2.jpg"/><div>A little while ago now I listened to a podcast with Sarah Wilson, the I Quit Sugar woman, in which she talked about anxiety.</div><div>It was the sort of moment that feels like someone has literally whacked you in the face.</div><div>After listening I just sat. Nothing. </div><div>Nothing but absolute shock.</div><div>I realised that I too suffered from anxiety.</div><div>Now anyone who knows me and has done for a long time will not be that surprised. I mean I lead a pretty busy life with my 4 kiddies and a travelling hubby.</div><div>But this anxiety, the stuff I felt in this moment, this has come from a place of trauma, shame, and pain.</div><div>This was the point at which a big cloak fell off a big elephant and I looked at my self full on.</div><div>I looked at who I actually was rather than who I wanted to be.</div><div>My anxiety comes up where it does for lots of us, in my home. </div><div>It comes up around time constraints....Hugely! </div><div>I shared today with my students that in the mornings I play mantra, dance around, smile, joke and then BANG I look at my watch and realise the time and I freak out! I don't know why I freak out...I mean what will it matter if we are late? I have 4 children. Who can really expect me to get them to school for a 7.15am ensemble practise?!</div><div>But you know, I expect myself to....My fear of what the other will think if I do not make it is immeasurable in that moment.</div><div>I want to be perfect.</div><div>On time, with tidy children, happy! I want everyone to be smiling like a TV sitcom...I want us to be early even...OMG I want perfection....</div><div>The truth is, I have perfection in the moment before I freak out.</div><div>Over the years that I have been practising yoga and through therapy I have managed to bring so much more awareness to this behaviour. I am now at times even able to witness it rising and let it go.</div><div>However, never before have I given myself permission to name what I experience.</div><div>In owning this I am beginning the journey towards real healing, forgiveness and an acceptance that perfection is not my goal....happiness is.</div><div>I began writing a journal of all the times I feel anxious...all of them...</div><div>Sometimes replying to a text can make me anxious.</div><div>As I deepen my understanding of myself as a woman I feel more inclined to let go of striving to be anything. Instead I feel a passionate pull towards just sitting with what I already am and what I already experience.</div><div>My other powerful realisation came from a tv show I have been watching...(this is a massive breakthrough for me...I have allowed myself to watch tv...which may sound crazy to some of you but for me actually sitting in the day time and watching tv was a forbidden act...).</div><div>The show is called Good Witch. I love it...I love the absolute cheesy goodness of it...I love that my heart opens when I watch it and I love even more that it connects me to my witchy self. </div><div>In it the main character says that she realised her purpose was to help others.</div><div>Once again I got smacked in the face. </div><div>Me too...</div><div>I want to help others..no hook. </div><div>What disconnects me from this is when I try to make this a pressured, controlled, organised act.</div><div>&quot;I can help others when I have a website.&quot;</div><div>&quot;I can help others when I have that qualification.&quot;</div><div>And so on.</div><div>And yet here in this moment I realised that just being open, honest. Just by sharing myself openly when I teach is enough.</div><div>And the deeper realisation that serving those people who present themselves to me each day....My children, my husband, the lady in the supermarket...my students, my friends and my dear animals...</div><div>Here in these moments I can feel so fulfilled and nourished that I need not panic, need not feel a sense of lack, need not return to my story.</div><div>And so as we approach the August eclipse season I will spend these next few days in the lead up really opening with honesty to myself and to my beautiful shadow self and I will hold her and help her unburden the unnecessary expectations, the pain of doubt and judgment and the fear of being left alone.</div><div>And Iwill let my eyes rest on all that is being offered to me every day.</div><div>Transformation does not have to be an explosive fear driven event.</div><div>It can be a peaceful, self nurturing embrace.</div><div>All love and Sat Nam xxx</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>What is Grace?</title><description><![CDATA[The next module on Path to Grace is “Grace”. As we are ready to launch this module I knew that I needed to sit down and write about my thoughts on Grace.And in that moment I froze….Call it writers block, call it procrastination, avoidance, laziness…I am happy to use them all. Nothing would come out of me.Well, that is a lie. What actually came booming out of my head was;“How can I possibly write about Grace when I feel the furthest from Grace ever…”Of course I have a picture of what I think it]]></description><dc:creator>Sirgun</dc:creator><link>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2017/07/21/What-is-Grace</link><guid>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2017/07/21/What-is-Grace</guid><pubDate>Fri, 21 Jul 2017 02:32:45 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_d552dea545644782a63201c454610131~mv2_d_1200_1200_s_2.jpg"/><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_84800241d9c04265b34279106d6583c6~mv2.jpg"/><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_3ec3f80f05774d96962076bc0934b68c~mv2.png"/></div><div>The next module on Path to Grace is “Grace”. </div><div>As we are ready to launch this module I knew that I needed to sit down and write about my thoughts on Grace.</div><div>And in that moment I froze….Call it writers block, call it procrastination, avoidance, laziness…I am happy to use them all. Nothing would come out of me.</div><div>Well, that is a lie. What actually came booming out of my head was;</div><div>“How can I possibly write about Grace when I feel the furthest from Grace ever…”</div><div>Of course I have a picture of what I think it looks like for someone to be in their Grace.</div><div>Normally I picture a serene looking woman, simply beautiful, wearing white, flowing clothes and walking in a field or on a beach… Or same woman serving others in a temple or at a shelter…Or same woman sitting in field with her children, everyone smiling and laughing, calmly and peacefully…</div><div>Oh yes, I see the picture my ego has painted of Grace and it is a hard act to follow.</div><div>In fact every little part of me wants to scream;</div><div>“F#ck that!” </div><div>And I know that doing that does not fit my box marked ‘Grace’.</div><div>So my block, it was around that old friend of mine, ‘not good enough’.</div><div>I am not what I would class as a Graceful being…I mean sure I dress in white flowing clothes sometimes and on those days when I have had enough sleep I don't look too scary. But well I have many attributes that are not that Graceful. My language! My ability to lose my shit with my dear children, and husband, and to lose it with myself…</div><div>At this point it occurs to me that trying to be a Graceful Woman can start to sound a little bit like too much work. It starts to feel like an unattainable place that is only reserved for Saints and Princesses.</div><div>But the truth is that this is again exactly what the ego wants us to believe.</div><div>Lets look at the facts.</div><div>Joan of Arc…I actually probably do not need to say anything else here, however…</div><div>She is a woman fully in her Grace and not an item of flowing white in any picture I have ever seen. I see swords and purpose and the absolute strength to stand in her truth and face her fears.</div><div>As far as princesses go if any of you have not watched the film Frozen congratulations! However, here we have Elsa the Princess who banished herself because she could not hold back her ‘truth’ anymore. </div><div>Both her and her sister realising that by being who they uniquely already are is the best way to serve their kingdom.</div><div>(As an aside can I just highlight here that in neither of these examples are the subjects a) Saved by men or b) Married.)</div><div>So where is this all leading? Why exactly would I write such a damning musing on being Graceful?</div><div>Well the reason is this…</div><div>I do not believe that it is my job or anyone else job to tell you how to be Graceful. I do not think that doing our 6 week course is going to “fix” you in such a way, although I have observed that some of the women do start wearing more white…which is totally optional.</div><div>I whole heartedly believe that by virtue of being a Woman you are Graceful. Your Grace is yours. You will have your own unique flavour of Grace and it will not look like anyone elses.</div><div>Grace is when we stand in our truth and defend those beliefs with our words and our actions as our swords. Grace is when we stay up all night caring for our children and still have the energy to have a cup of tea with a friend in need that next day. Grace is also saying “No”.</div><div>And by saying no we are able to be so much more in our Grace as we are being truthful and not feeling resentful or angry but carrying out our daily tasks with ease in our hearts.</div><div>How this looks for you will be different to how this looks for me. Yet both of us can be in our Grace.</div><div>Sometimes we are too caught up in trying to be whatever it is that our ego wants us to be that we forget that we already hold these energies within us.</div><div>There are days that I don't feel in the slightest bit Graceful. But that does not mean that I am not.</div><div>For me the work that we do when we come together as women in community is to remind each other. We support each other and we lift each other up.</div><div>Combine that with some bad ass Meditations and Kriyas that help to keep our friend ego in check for long enough that we see some light, and we start to see the shifts.</div><div>So in answer to the question what is Grace?</div><div>Grace my dear Woman is you…</div><div>So much love and Sat Nam </div><div>Sirgun xxx </div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>40 Day of No Complaining and No Gossiping</title><description><![CDATA[For the Intuition Module of Path to Grace one of the practises we are encouraging is a 40 days of no complaining and no gossiping.Now some of you may be thinking that this is an easy option, but before you start leaping with joy for not being asked to hold your arms at a 60 degree angle for 20 mins I invite you to think for a moment about how many times you either complain, or talk about another person.And how many times you are not even really aware that you are doing it!Now I can find a lot to<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_c7c4bf52e35b45d1859f55bc6e5e07f3%7Emv2.gif"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Sirgun</dc:creator><link>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2017/06/25/40-Day-of-No-Complaining-and-No-gossiping</link><guid>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2017/06/25/40-Day-of-No-Complaining-and-No-gossiping</guid><pubDate>Sun, 25 Jun 2017 10:22:14 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_c7c4bf52e35b45d1859f55bc6e5e07f3~mv2.gif"/><div>For the Intuition Module of Path to Grace one of the practises we are encouraging is a 40 days of no complaining and no gossiping.</div><div>Now some of you may be thinking that this is an easy option, but before you start leaping with joy for not being asked to hold your arms at a 60 degree angle for 20 mins I invite you to think for a moment about how many times you either complain, or talk about another person.</div><div>And how many times you are not even really aware that you are doing it!</div><div>Now I can find a lot to complain about... My husband is deployed at the moment, I have 4 kids, 4 sets of after school activities, 4 mouths to feed...you get the story. But I have noticed that complaining does not make me feel better. It brings me deeper into despair and my biggest awareness is that I believe it fuels my anxiety. </div><div>I am not an obvious anxiety sufferer. But sometimes and particularly when my husband is away I experience a greater susceptibility to anxiety and this triggers patterns in me that I have worked hard to put to sleep. </div><div>It seems to me that the more I complain the more energy I am bringing to this negativity within my life. </div><div>I would just like to clarify one thing though, and that is that not complaining does not mean that you have to pretend or be inauthentic. There are days when things go wrong, there are days when we really need the support of others and there are days that we need to talk about what is happening.</div><div>What I have noticed though is that when practising a deeper level of self awareness there is not the same need to talk as much, complain as much or even complain at all. </div><div>We are able to recognise what is.</div><div>Recently I had a car accident. Someone drove into the back of my car. </div><div>When it happened I was shocked. I even observed an anger in my body. But then when I saw the other person I realised that absolutely nothing was going to change what had happened. </div><div>It had already happened and all I could do was influence this next moment. I asked how he was.</div><div>I got his details. I told him that the most important thing was that both of us were ok.</div><div>And this was my truth.</div><div>What I found afterwards was that I did not have such a strong desire to complain about it, bitch about it, go on and on about it.</div><div>I had not supressed any of my emotions I had recognised the truth of the situation and therefore it seems that there wasn't the fuel.</div><div>Moving onto gossip....</div><div>Since undertaking my Kundalini teacher training I have been blessed with women in my life who have helped to raise me up to be the best version of myself. We support each in this by making choices around how we choose to &quot;chat&quot;. </div><div>Whilst I am not going to paint a picture of a group of women all wearing white, behaving whiter than white at all times...we do try very hard to maintain a higher vibration and have an awareness of what it is that we are saying. </div><div>Yogi Bhajan defined gossip as any kind of talk about someone who is not present. Whether you speak highly of someone or speak lowly of someone, if that someone is not within earshot of what you are saying, it’s all gossip.</div><div>Simple. </div><div>This is an opportunity to truly observe your behaviour, both your thoughts and your words. At times what you notice in your mind may not make you feel good about yourself. </div><div>This is normal.</div><div> Just like any other practise it will bring stuff up for you, challenge you and help you to clear even more 'stuff'. </div><div>During this module of Path to Grace we are chanting the mantra Ek Ong Kar Sat Gur Prasad, Sat Gur Prasad, Ek Ong Kar. </div><div>This mantra comes with the warning that it is such powerful and creative mantra that we must watch our thoughts and and actions. It will bring us into such a powerful state of manifestation that even our thoughts will accelerate into being.</div><div>This mantra takes negative thought, stops it in its tracks and reverses it to positivity.</div><div>Practising no complaining and no gossiping is the perfect accompaniment to this mantra and meditation. </div><div>It is 40 days in which we can bring ourselves into a new level of conscious awareness. </div><div>Where we can stay connected to our higher self, our higher truth, our soul.</div><div>Where we can find a quietness we may not usually experience and learn from this place.</div><div>I hope you will join us in this 40 day practise. </div><div>Please share your insights.</div><div>You can also join me every morning for live Sadhana on the Graceful women Facebook Page. </div><div>All love and Sat Nam</div><div>Sirgun x</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>40 days of the Meditation for Healing Addiction</title><description><![CDATA[Over the past 40 days I have been getting up and hosting a 5am Meditation on Graceful Women Facebook live. As part of the Radiance Sadhana for Path to Grace we have been practising 11 minutes of the mediation for Healing Addiction.Yogi Bhajan said"This meditation is one of a class of meditations that will become well known to the future medical society. Meditation will be used to alleviate all kinds of mental and physical afflictions. But it may be as many as 500 years, however, before the new<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_35e6406517f741e693adac35d7be3bd9%7Emv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_431%2Ch_287/7956f3_35e6406517f741e693adac35d7be3bd9%7Emv2.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Sirgun</dc:creator><link>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2017/06/11/What-I-learnt-from-40-days-of-the-Meditation-for-Healing-Addiction</link><guid>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2017/06/11/What-I-learnt-from-40-days-of-the-Meditation-for-Healing-Addiction</guid><pubDate>Sun, 11 Jun 2017 11:24:39 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_35e6406517f741e693adac35d7be3bd9~mv2.jpg"/><div>Over the past 40 days I have been getting up and hosting a 5am Meditation on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wearegracefulwomen/videos/1918521768385838/">Graceful Women Facebook live.</a></div><div>As part of the Radiance Sadhana for Path to Grace we have been practising 11 minutes of the mediation for Healing Addiction.</div><div>Yogi Bhajan said</div><div>&quot;This meditation is one of a class of meditations that will become well known to the future medical society. Meditation will be used to alleviate all kinds of mental and physical afflictions. But it may be as many as 500 years, however, before the new medical science will understand the effects of this kind of meditation well enough to delineate and measure all its parameters.&quot;</div><div>But, you may be thinking, I don't have any addictions to deal with.&quot;</div><div>Yogi Bhajan also said</div><div>&quot;In modern culture, this imbalance (in the pineal area) is pandemic. If we are not addicted to smoking, eating, drinking, or drugs, then we are addicted subconsciously to acceptance, advancement, rejection, emotional love, etc. All of these lead us to insecure and neurotic behavior patterns.&quot;*</div><div>And now it may seem a little bit clearer. We are all dealing with some type of addiction. </div><div>Some of us may not be dealing with alcohol or drug addictions but the addiction we have to technology, coffee, sugar....that is very real. On top of this, our addiction to behaviour patterns such as FOMO, our need to take selfies of every moment of the day and our desire to see just how many people 'like' those photos, is creating a whole new level of addictions. </div><div>The neurosis of modern day life is real. The endless worry. But more fascinating is the fact that much of this worry is all in our mind. Most of us are not living in daily fear. We know where our next meal will come from and we feel safe in our homes. </div><div>Our worries are based around what others think of us.</div><div>Our worries are based on a need to belong, to be accepted, to be not only doing a good job but doing such an amazing job we have 1 million 'likes' to prove it.</div><div>Nowhere is this clearer to me the in the world of parenting.</div><div>I have been in this game now for 16 years. I can honestly say the game has changed quite significantly since the arrival of iPhones. Which really although we cannot remember a time with out them are quite a recent phenomena. But even before this I experienced the pressure of parenting and the stresses that it created on my life. The comparisons that I experienced when attending playgroups and mums n bubs...</div><div>Was my baby hitting the right milestones at the right time...?</div><div>Why was little johnny already doing algebra and my son can't even place 5 blocks on top of each other? Of course as I continued through my parenting I noticed with each child that I cared less and less what others children were doing and I relaxed knowing my children would reach milestones in their own good time. </div><div>Although let me share that I am not advocating having a large family just to come to this conclusion. I have always struggled with these types of neurosis. I have always struggled with belonging, with missing out. I have struggled with being the odd one out...(perhaps my ginger hair had something to do with this...?). </div><div>I still struggle. </div><div>It has meant that at times I have not voiced the words that I know come from my soul. I have said 'yes' when I have deeply wanted to say 'no'. It has created for me a struggle within and a deeper separation. Why are others so much stronger? Why are they clearer in their intentions? Why is everyone better at this game of life than me?</div><div>So moving into this 40 days I knew things would come up. </div><div>And they did.</div><div>Firstly the meditation involves you sitting with your hands in fist and thumbs placed into your temples (see picture above), which immediately places a stress onto the nervous system. Then you continue in this posture squeezing your molars together and with each squeeze you recite a sound...Sa Ta Na Ma. (This means beginning, life, death, re birth).</div><div>Now I have a long standing fear of dentists and all things teeth! It is big and real. Clenching and unclenching your jaw and molars creates the same experience that you would have if your were doing this through fear, worry, stress. Think about it...even check now and see if your jaw is clenched. In kundalini yoga we are literally putting our body though the stress responses in order to tone up the nervous system. It is exactly what we do when we are physically training the body. We are moving in and out of stress in order to strengthen the resilience in the body to stress factors.</div><div>The action of doing this with the thumbs pressed into the temple:</div><div>&quot;...triggers a rhythmic reflex current into the central brain. This current activates the brain area directly underneath the stem of the pineal gland.&quot;</div><div>&quot;Imbalance in this pineal area upsets the radiance of the pineal gland itself. It is this pulsating radiance that regulates the pituitary gland. Since the pituitary regulates the rest of the glandular system, the entire body and mind go out of balance. This meditation corrects the problem.&quot;*</div><div>Last week I heard Guru Singh say in one of his podcasts that Kundalini Yoga works likes homeopathic medicine, it brings everything out. </div><div>Oh and it does, it all comes out into the open and you have to face it.</div><div>On Friday I went to the dentist for the first time in 4 years. I had toothache. The meditation did not cause this but I knew when I started that I was going to face this fear by the end, and with one day to go I was in the chair. </div><div>And I survived. </div><div>I did better than that I felt great. I know I will go back (she was an amazing dentist should anyone want a recommendation...). </div><div>I chanted silently throughout the whole experience the same Sa Ta Na Ma and I knew that I was strong enough to cope.</div><div>As well as this I have become more aware of areas in my life where I was over reacting. I became more aware of outbursts of anger whether internal or external. I have noticed a distinct lack of any desire to reach for chocolate (which may have something to do with the Green Diet as well).</div><div>I have also noticed that I have been less critical of my body, (this is such a long standing addiction of mine) and more able to feel acceptance. Some of my previous thoughts are just not there.</div><div>I have cleared my home of lots of clutter as well as lost any desire to fill it with any more clutter. I notice from this that shopping has been at times a source of comfort for me.</div><div>But what I am feeling most is an urge to make decisions based on my inner guidance and not on my need to have people like me. </div><div>My inner voice has become louder and clearer and although I have worked with this voice for years it is a different voice that I hear and she is not a voice of doubt but a voice of clarity.</div><div>It has been the perfect stepping stone to propel us into the next module on Path to Gracewhich is Intuition. This is one of my favourite subjects and along with ritual form a strong part of my daily practise. </div><div>Of all the 40 day practises that I have done I honestly believe this has been one of the most challenging, confronting and transformational. </div><div>I will continue to do 3 mins as a daily tune up and if needs be revisit it in the future.</div><div>If you are feeling a call to try kundalini yoga and truly meet yourself then we have <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/a-path-to-grace-free-class-june-tickets-33241782065">a free class coming up tomorrow night (Monday 12th June) at Soul Space in Newmarket.</a></div><div>We would love to meet you.</div><div>We will be holding future meditations on our Graceful Women <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wearegracefulwomen/">Facebook</a>page as well as other exciting new opportunities to practise with us coming up soon. </div><div>Together we are so much stronger....</div><div>All love and Sat Nam </div><div>Sirgun xxx</div><div>*(Source 3HO Foundation)</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_3758d1d41f2a40dca2812072db9d15ec~mv2.jpg"/></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>What is Intuition and how is it going to change your life?</title><description><![CDATA[intuitionɪntjʊˈɪʃ(ə)n/• the ability to understand something instinctively, without the need for conscious reasoning.• a thing that one knows or considers likely from instinctive feeling rather than conscious reasoning.Intuition is creative. It is the voice of love. It is neutral. It is consistent. Your intuitive voice is the voice that you hear before ego steps in, it is the voice before doubt. It is the overriding urge to say yes that fills you with goosebumps on every surface of your body. It<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_31eb490b3dc84aa990df1680669f4c65%7Emv2.png/v1/fill/w_232%2Ch_301/7956f3_31eb490b3dc84aa990df1680669f4c65%7Emv2.png"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Sirgun</dc:creator><link>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2017/06/04/What-is-Intuition-and-how-is-it-going-to-change-your-life</link><guid>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2017/06/04/What-is-Intuition-and-how-is-it-going-to-change-your-life</guid><pubDate>Sun, 04 Jun 2017 07:02:49 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_31eb490b3dc84aa990df1680669f4c65~mv2.png"/><div>intuition</div><div>ɪntjʊˈɪʃ(ə)n/</div><div>• the ability to understand something instinctively, without the need for conscious reasoning.</div><div>• a thing that one knows or considers likely from instinctive feeling rather than conscious reasoning.</div><div>Intuition is creative. It is the voice of love. It is neutral. It is consistent. </div><div>Your intuitive voice is the voice that you hear before ego steps in, it is the voice before doubt. It is the overriding urge to say yes that fills you with goosebumps on every surface of your body. It is the knowing to change directions on your way home and take an alternative route, even though you may never know why.</div><div>Intuition is within us all. It is very much like Tinker Bell and can only be experienced if you believe in it. Your intuition needs your faith and your courage. And like all muscles it needs a regular work out.</div><div>We have all had those moments when we know who is on the end of the phone ( I am now clearly showing my age) before we answer. Or we have been thinking of someone and they call. </div><div>Yogi Bhajan says that he does not believe in magic, he relys on it. </div><div>Intuition is that magic.</div><div>As a woman we are 16 times more intuitive than a man. We have 16 times more connection through the subtle realm. The ability open up to the unknown and connect to our deepest knowing.</div><div>It is why as a mother you just know when there is something wrong with your child. </div><div>So how would it be if we let our intuition guide us back to our souls path? How would it be if instead of ignoring or numbing the call that rises from within us, we open our heart fully and recognise when the ego has taken over.</div><div>How would it be if we said &quot;Yes&quot;</div><div>I am going to tell you. It will be amazing. Scary of course but magical beyond belief.</div><div>In Kundalini Yoga we are working on tangible ways in which to strengthen this muscle within you. To be more precise the gland. We work at opening the Pituitary Gland and bringing it back into full working order providing a light and a whole new eye ( the third eye or Ajna Chakra) to help you see your direction clearly. This gland is where we find our connection. In a world where we search endlessly to find connection via external means such a social media, we have lost sight (ha ha!) of the ability we have to connect to others through this means. And whilst this may seem all a little Star Wars I believe that if you are reading this you at some level have been guided here and the connection you search for, the longing to belong, you have the solutions within you right now.</div><div>During the next <a href="https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/path-to-grace">Module of Path To Grace</a> we will be harnessing this energy.</div><div>We will be exploring the teachings and developing our ability to open to the unknown through intuition and sensitivity. In this way we will be establishing an open, sensitive and unlimited field.</div><div>In return you will feel a connection to others on a much deeper level. You will see clearly who the other person is. You will be drawn to like minded souls. You will be magnetic, radiant and light filled. Others will be drawn to this light and you will be able to guide them. You will serve from your heart and know where to place your energies to the best effect. You will know clearly when to say &quot;No&quot; and people will hear you. You will have compassion for others. And you will be following your truth. Your soul will be smiling....</div><div>If you are interested in knowing more about Path to Grace or any of the work we do including day retreats and private consults please email us at hello@gracefulwomen.com.au </div><div>All love and Sat Nam Sirgun xxx</div><div>&quot;When we meditate, there are a lot of promises. It is totally bogus. When we meditate, it is a totally simple thing. Our mental subconscious garbage starts floating through our arcline. Meditation is cleaning your own subconscious so you can feel and think and totally act right.&quot; -Yogi Bhajan</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>PURPOSE</title><description><![CDATA[This week we taught a class on purpose….My research into preparing for this class literally ripped me in two and grabbed at my heart violently….What the fuck is my purpose? There are so many potential purposes that I actually have no idea which ones are real and which ones I have created in order to keep myself busy, and therefore distracting myself from my actual purpose.Do you know what dawned on me….?Dawned is not actually the right word to describe this actually….it really slapped me round<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_50a32d72fae6490189d4d7a628cf47c2%7Emv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_344%2Ch_326/7956f3_50a32d72fae6490189d4d7a628cf47c2%7Emv2.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Sirgun</dc:creator><link>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2017/03/03/PURPOSE</link><guid>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2017/03/03/PURPOSE</guid><pubDate>Fri, 03 Mar 2017 12:35:51 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_50a32d72fae6490189d4d7a628cf47c2~mv2.jpg"/><div>This week we taught a class on purpose….</div><div>My research into preparing for this class literally ripped me in two and grabbed at my heart violently….</div><div>What the fuck is my purpose? </div><div>There are so many potential purposes that I actually have no idea which ones are real and which ones I have created in order to keep myself busy, and therefore distracting myself from my actual purpose.</div><div>Do you know what dawned on me….?</div><div>Dawned is not actually the right word to describe this actually….it really slapped me round my face hard.</div><div>I don’t want to acknowledge my purpose as I have spent so many years running away from it.</div><div>(I am not going to do a big justification thing here about how I obviously I love my children and think they are the best thing that ever happened in my life….etc. This is a given. I am a mother and that is clearly the way I feel about my small ones….)</div><div>What if my Dharma is to be a Mother?</div><div>I have 4 children! 4! What part of me has not recognised this? </div><div>The part that has been running away because it has not allowed the Mother to be enough!</div><div>If I look back over the last 16 years I have been searching endlessly for something to be my thing…</div><div>What I do know to be true is that teaching yoga is also my ‘thing’.</div><div>I am beyond passionate about teaching yoga….it is the space in which I lose myself…I lose track of time…I love the connection and the energy….I love serving my students….</div><div>But I also recognise that being a Mother has been placed before me very clearly. </div><div>Interestingly when I went through my crisis at the weekend I spoke with my 13 year old daughter and asked her if she wished that I just stayed at home….her answer was delightfully ‘We are not at home all the time so why should you be….?’.</div><div>The clarity afforded to a teenager is something to behold…truly they will tell it to you as it is. For this comment I was grateful....there have been many that have not landed with me so well!</div><div>Important to note I am not about to give up teaching yoga and stay at home every hour of the day…No no no! I have spent my time at home and I am now enjoying my new freedom.</div><div>I do feel that I am however fully allowing the responsibility of my purpose as a mother to truly settle within me.....FINALLY!</div><div>So as I meditated on my discomfort and my awareness I began to understand fully the advice Yogi Bhajan gives us.</div><div>He encourages us not to constantly seek and search for our purpose. </div><div>He encourages us to sit, to meditate to be still and let things come to you.</div><div>He is not saying we should be passive. </div><div>He is saying that if we put the energy we are wasting on searching into being truly present for our selves and the current situations that we are presented with then we will be fulfilling our purpose. </div><div>Once we align ourselves in this way and stop losing the energy to our thoughts, we become so vital, so on point and present that we begin to create the shift that is truly serving our higher good.</div><div>Our purpose is to be present where we are.....</div><div>To be fully present as a Mother, wife, lover, friend. </div><div>To be present in the vocation that we have currently been placed in. </div><div>It is then that we serve others....</div><div>We shine our bright Yogi Lights and we inspire the people we work with, live with, drink tea with....</div><div>We become Lighthouses!</div><div>So it is now my purpose to recognise where I am and what is being presented to me.</div><div>To be fully with my children, fully with my husband, fully with my friends and fully with my students….and when I am not I will be fully with myself.</div><div>And when I fail…then I will try again next time.</div><div>All love and Sat Nam xxx</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Soulful Spiritual Space</title><description><![CDATA[Sangat is a Sikh term with its origin in the Sanskrit word 'sangh', which means company, fellowship and association. In Sikh vocabulary, the word has a special connotation. It stands for the body of men and women who meet religiously, especially in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib.Sangat is a place of sanctuary. It is the place where like minded souls can come together and uplift each other.I am feeling very passionate about this space right now…I know this is where the magic is…and it<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_a03256ab6cbb44debfe74b844541b69f%7Emv2_d_3962_5935_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_470%2Ch_704/7956f3_a03256ab6cbb44debfe74b844541b69f%7Emv2_d_3962_5935_s_4_2.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Sirgun</dc:creator><link>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2016/12/10/Soulful-Spiritual-Space</link><guid>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2016/12/10/Soulful-Spiritual-Space</guid><pubDate>Sat, 10 Dec 2016 12:22:48 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_a03256ab6cbb44debfe74b844541b69f~mv2_d_3962_5935_s_4_2.jpg"/><div>Sangat is a Sikh term with its origin in the Sanskrit word 'sangh', which means company, fellowship and association. In Sikh vocabulary, the word has a special connotation. It stands for the body of men and women who meet religiously, especially in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib.</div><div>Sangat is a place of sanctuary. It is the place where like minded souls can come together and uplift each other.</div><div>I am feeling very passionate about this space right now…I know this is where the magic is…and it comes when we are here fully and when we let go of the old competitive dialogue and start to recognise that the other woman’s success is a success for you….</div><div>It is in this space that we as women can really start to open up deeper and release the veils. </div><div>We are given permission as we watch others give themselves permission. </div><div>We feel more able to step outside our own comfort zone as we realise we are not alone.</div><div>As humans we need to be part of a tribe. </div><div>When we begin to have our spiritual awakening or we begin a deeper journey of self discovery we find that parts of our old life begin to fall away. </div><div>It can be hugely challenging and frightening but once we start to engage with people who are sharing in our beliefs we begin to feel at home again….</div><div>Forming Sangat is one of the most important motivations I have for the work of Graceful Women.</div><div>I believe that we can only truly know our selves and grow deeper by developing understanding of what it is to be Woman by journeying with other women on that same path.</div><div>I am passionate about building a strong community here in Brisbane that can help to support each other as we grow and expand.</div><div>Path To Grace, and our monthly gatherings, Womens Camp and all the work of Graceful Women are places where this community is building.</div><div>Path to Grace is all about Sangat. We support each other on the journey of growth and discovery and the bond you form with the women you meet will be like no other…..</div><div>I encourage you today to sit in reflection and gratitude for your tribe….</div><div>Feel the support and strength that you gain from having them there right behind you every step of the way…</div><div>Honour the ritual of time with Women.</div><div>Love yourself enough that you trust in this space…</div><div>Sat Nam Gorgeous Women</div><div>Yours in Service</div><div>Sirgun </div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Freedom in discipline!</title><description><![CDATA[In a world of push and pull, here and there, where are you? Do you know what moves you, inspires you, depletes you?I've been finding it more and more important to have a disciplined practice in order to dance between the push and the pull of the infomanic world. A regular practice builds the experience within myself to go through something challenging, to come up against limitations, to persevere in the difficult bits and emerge on the other side to new possibilities.Cultivating a discipline<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/6d01f2f42aac4f98bdea4b98449d5e5e.jpg/v1/fill/w_470%2Ch_313/6d01f2f42aac4f98bdea4b98449d5e5e.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Sat Ravi</dc:creator><link>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2016/11/30/Freedom-in-discipline</link><guid>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2016/11/30/Freedom-in-discipline</guid><pubDate>Wed, 30 Nov 2016 05:08:27 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/6d01f2f42aac4f98bdea4b98449d5e5e.jpg"/><div>In a world of push and pull, here and there, where are you? Do you know what moves you, inspires you, depletes you?</div><div>I've been finding it more and more important to have a disciplined practice in order to dance between the push and the pull of the infomanic world. A regular practice builds the experience within myself to go through something challenging, to come up against limitations, to persevere in the difficult bits and emerge on the other side to new possibilities.</div><div>Cultivating a discipline seems to go against the grain of freedom yet it is in the showing up everyday that I am freed. It shows me conditioned ways of seeing and behaving, ingrained patterns of reacting that are unchecked and repeated over and over again. It gives me choices and it is in accepting and recognising choice that I find freedom. I choose to respond in this way. I choose to feel this way. I don't give away my power to someone else by saying or thinking &quot;You did this to me and made me feel sad&quot;. I decide. I'm going to feel sad in this moment. I could choose any number of responses, either way, the choice is mine. Not only do I liberate myself, I liberate others. I liberate my parents, my partner, my friends, my colleagues, other drivers on the road. How amazingly simple and refreshing is that?!</div><div>At Graceful Women we can help you design a personal <a href="mailto:hello@gracefulwomen.com.au?subject=Enquiry about a personal home practice">home practice</a> or join us on a Path to Grace for an immersive journey of backing yourself. </div><div>Love Sat Ravi xx</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Why we need to gather as women</title><description><![CDATA[Time seems to be moving fast with rapid shifts and evolutions. Yet something primal remains through the ages, the calling to sit in circle with other women. To listen to our sisters’ joys, challenges, hopes and pains. To hold the space for the sharing of our stories. For healing through support, love and presence. To be heard without judgement already lightens our load. To be witnessed by our community for what we know is the next right move. To be gently reminded by our community of the wisdom<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_1aaf99e8acf54f7393f1f696990f177c%7Emv2_d_2002_3000_s_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_288%2Ch_431/7956f3_1aaf99e8acf54f7393f1f696990f177c%7Emv2_d_2002_3000_s_2.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Sat Ravi / Meg</dc:creator><link>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2016/11/01/Why-we-need-to-gather-as-women</link><guid>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2016/11/01/Why-we-need-to-gather-as-women</guid><pubDate>Wed, 02 Nov 2016 05:33:55 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_1aaf99e8acf54f7393f1f696990f177c~mv2_d_2002_3000_s_2.jpg"/><div>Time seems to be moving fast with rapid shifts and evolutions. Yet something primal remains through the ages, the calling to sit in circle with other women. To listen to our sisters’ joys, challenges, hopes and pains. To hold the space for the sharing of our stories. For healing through support, love and presence. To be heard without judgement already lightens our load. To be witnessed by our community for what we know is the next right move. To be gently reminded by our community of the wisdom that comes from within. This is powerful. This heals hearts, homes and families. This can heal the psyche of a nation. </div><div>Yogi Bhajan was a great feminist. He taught about the power of women and described woman as a complete unit created by God. When we recognise ourselves as a complete unit we don’t need to seek approval from the outside. We understand that our partners can’t make us happy, that our money can’t make us happy. We don’t keep choosing unhealthy relationships because we step into our power and say “I love you so I won’t stand for that”.</div><div>When we accept that we are women and we walk towards our destiny with all our gifts and talents, we will be noticed as nothing less than inspirational. Then we can really start to make changes in our workplaces, homes, economy, politics and countries. </div><div>Our feminism doesn’t need to be angry yet it is strong.</div><div>Our feminism doesn’t need to be in your face yet it is ever present.</div><div>Being a leader requires you to stretch your nervous system so that you can handle being seen, this is where the practice of Kundalini Yoga is so relevant and practical. It is the direct application of ancient yogic techniques for a modern day world so that we can handle the times and become invincible, radiant, intuitive, courageous and vital women. </div><div>Learn not to be afraid of yourself.</div><div>Be radical and join us for </div><div>With love</div><div>Sat Ravi xx</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Graceful gentle movement</title><description><![CDATA[GUEST BLOG: Review of monthly women's gathering "A Moment of Grace" - September 2016GRACEFUL: characterised by elegance or beauty of form, manner, movement, or speech; elegant dance.After driving towards a mist-filled-mountain, just out of Samford, I was greeted by a smiling turban headed woman dressed in white saying ‘we are just starting the Kriyas. You’ve only missed the part where we wrote down what we wanted to let go of’.‘What’s a Kriya?’ I wondered. Mmm. I’ve known for a few years now<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_b458e9b9f14c40f4aeffb41c5aef9e3e%7Emv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_288%2Ch_524/7956f3_b458e9b9f14c40f4aeffb41c5aef9e3e%7Emv2.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Suzie McDarra</dc:creator><link>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2016/10/10/Graceful-gentle-movement</link><guid>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2016/10/10/Graceful-gentle-movement</guid><pubDate>Mon, 10 Oct 2016 01:46:02 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/7956f3_b458e9b9f14c40f4aeffb41c5aef9e3e~mv2.jpg"/><div>GUEST BLOG: Review of monthly women's gathering &quot;A Moment of Grace&quot; - September 2016</div><div>GRACEFUL: characterised by elegance or beauty of form, manner, movement, or speech; elegant dance.</div><div>After driving towards a mist-filled-mountain, just out of Samford, I was greeted by a smiling turban headed woman dressed in white saying ‘we are just starting the Kriyas. You’ve only missed the part where we wrote down what we wanted to let go of’.</div><div>‘What’s a Kriya?’ I wondered. Mmm. I’ve known for a few years now that I’ve been working up to this, breathing out immediately: ‘I let go of my fear of connecting with women in groups’. Despite fear, there was something greater supporting me - it had been the lunar eclipse with the energy in Chiron, the healer, just days before and I knew it was time to let go. And so I entered to women in circle: jumping and shaking and moving in a dance on the spot.</div><div>I joined in, and after several minutes of intensity, I looked around to see the energy of each woman surrendering control of the body and empowered by the freedom to move spontaneously. All of us, freeing ourselves of something no longer necessary.</div><div>We sat in circle and shared our letting go’s….sickness, fatigue, poverty-consciousness, addictions, fear and the like. Our paper-containing-confessions were read, ripped to shreds and offered to a beautiful flower filled bowl of water. Water carries away.</div><div>Kriyas, I know now, are a set of intense physical movements – “just 52” – which are done as part of a series. They have a power of their own to awaken the body, allowing the higher self to take over control from the nervous system in order for blocks to be removed and transformation to occur.</div><div>At one point in the process I felt like the sutures of my past wounds were being opened and filled with a blast of releasing energy.</div><div>Smudged clean, we cooled our sweat with a nourishing share-plate lunch on a deck with a beautiful outlook to the misty mountains before gathering again to write our intention to seed. Kriya rebirthing exercises invoked our positive intentions into being. Energised from the experience, I was left with a sense of vitality and inner power underpinned by a feeling of calm in feeling a sense of place in this group of women all gathering for the same purpose – to release our own and to support each other’s release; to let go and to grow – with the grace of women, free.</div><div>Using fire to support bringing our seed into reality, we each offered our written intention to the flames. The sounds of a live guitar and the receiving of a gentle shoulder rub supported our singing of the mantra ‘sa ray sa sa’. It was both powerful and beautiful to see our actions in unison expanding towards the Infinite Self and bringing that back down into the Finite Self.</div><div>As always nature offered us her gift of support: the lightest, gentlest sprinkle of rain began to fall in the last minutes of our mantra, dousing the fire and leaving us feeling cleansed, refreshed and somewhat more crystalised than opaque like the mist that previously surrounded us.</div><div>Please join us at our next Moment of Grace</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>What the hell is Kundalini Yoga?</title><description><![CDATA[So here you are on our page thinking how much you would like to be part of women’s gatherings and rituals and suddenly you spot “Kundalini Yoga"! If you have not heard of it before you might be wondering what it is. There are a number of common misconceptions.Firstly it is not all about sex...it is a tantric based yoga but this is different to tantra (tantra is about relationships). Its is a tantric yoga because it draws on the male and female energies within each of us and balances them, which<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fc3d610a075447594656284fb02bf06.jpg/v1/fill/w_470%2Ch_313/6fc3d610a075447594656284fb02bf06.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Sirgun</dc:creator><link>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2016/09/21/What-the-hell-is-Kundalini-Yoga</link><guid>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2016/09/21/What-the-hell-is-Kundalini-Yoga</guid><pubDate>Wed, 21 Sep 2016 13:37:44 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fc3d610a075447594656284fb02bf06.jpg"/><div>So here you are on our page thinking how much you would like to be part of women’s gatherings and rituals and suddenly you spot “Kundalini Yoga&quot;! If you have not heard of it before you might be wondering what it is. There are a number of common misconceptions.</div><div>Firstly it is not all about sex...it is a tantric based yoga but this is different to tantra (tantra is about relationships). Its is a tantric yoga because it draws on the male and female energies within each of us and balances them, which in turn balances us.</div><div>Secondly you do not have to become a Sikh. Kundalini yoga does have Sikh traditions and Yogi Bhajan who brought kundalini yoga to the west in 1968 was a Sikh. Kundalini yoga is not religious...it is spiritual.</div><div>Thirdly everyone is who practises kundalini yoga is a little bit crazy........no comment!</div><div>Kundalini yoga is a strong and dynamic practise that can also be soft and subtle. It leaves you feeling like you have had an experience. It incorporates the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of yoga. We work a lot on pranayama (breathing), meditation, chanting, mudras (hand</div><div>postures) and spirituality. There is also a strong use of ritual and dance. Classes are taught using kriyas, this is a series of asanas (postures) that have been put together in a specific order so that they work on specific areas within the body or emotional aspects of our lives. Kriyas can be used to target anger, lack of sleep, need for self love, over coming addiction, increasing flexibility of the spine....the lists is endless.</div><div>Kundalini yoga will challenge you like no other yoga....but in my experience most people drawn to this yoga fall in love with it immediately, and it is a deep love affair....this was certainly my story.</div><div>Yogi Bhajan shared many teaching specifically for women he was a feminist for sure.</div><div>It is these teaching that Sat Ravi and I draw on to teach our workshops and retreats and use during our day to day lives. It is these teachings that encourage us as women to be strong, be steady and be graceful. It is theses teachings that give me peace, help me to feel a deep connection to my soul, open up my intuition and bring real harmony to my daily life.</div><div>So what the hell is Kundalini Yoga....just so much more....</div><div>Love Sirgun xxx</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Hello internet dating!</title><description><![CDATA[After an unexpected relationship breakup which exploded my heart, I cried my way through deep healing, took the time to nourish the deepest parts of Self and rebuild an identity as an empowered and single women. I am ready to meet someone now and so I have entered the world of internet dating. I was very resistant in the beginning but after some encouragement from a good friend who has met someone special online, I signed up. “Just have some with fun it” she said joyfully.Now the world of<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/1625ea86005e488c97c7268b653f7489.jpeg/v1/fill/w_470%2Ch_313/1625ea86005e488c97c7268b653f7489.jpeg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Sat Ravi</dc:creator><link>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2016/09/21/Hello-internet-dating</link><guid>https://www.gracefulwomen.com.au/single-post/2016/09/21/Hello-internet-dating</guid><pubDate>Wed, 21 Sep 2016 09:20:44 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/1625ea86005e488c97c7268b653f7489.jpeg"/><div>After an unexpected relationship breakup which exploded my heart, I cried my way through deep healing, took the time to nourish the deepest parts of Self and rebuild an identity as an empowered and single women. I am ready to meet someone now and so I have entered the world of internet dating. I was very resistant in the beginning but after some encouragement from a good friend who has met someone special online, I signed up. “Just have some with fun it” she said joyfully.</div><div>Now the world of internet dating is pretty diverse. There’s RSVP, eHarmony, Zoosk, Tinder, Match, Love Again, Senior Singles, Grinder....the list goes on. Different sites have different intents ranging from casual sex to finding marriage partners. The people within are diverse as well. This has been one of the most interesting things so far about internet dating, the diverse people that I have been able to connect with, either through messaging or in person. I’ve had dates with people from Iran, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Italy and Sydney. I’ve chatted with people from Colombia, Portugal, France, Brisbane and Adelaide. I’ve met web designers, social workers, musicians, real estate agents, graphic designers, financial advisers and people in transition. So much potential out there and so many people looking for love!</div><div>What I have learnt from online dating is that it is so important for me to be centred in a place of Self love. If I try to look for love outside of myself, I will be pulled in a thousand different directions and feel confused and open myself to being overly influenced by all the glittering lights, distractions and chiselled abs. I have to be confident and unashamedly me, wear the clothes I like, laugh loudly, eat proudly and share my thoughts openly. If I radiate me and I radiate love I will attract the man into my life that is resonating at a high frequency. If I resonate from loneliness or feel desperate and dateless, it’s tempting to be cheap and go for the first bit of attention that comes my way. It’s teaching me to be comfortable in my own power as a woman and my ability to creatively manifest. I have to know and believe that I’m a catch and that I don’t have to chase men around. So I’m not rushing. I’m open and I’m respectful but first and foremost I’m centred in love and the best version of myself. </div><div>Yogi Bhajan says &quot;Patience pays. Wait. Let the hand of God work for you. The One who has created you, let Him create all the environments, circumstances, and facilities and faculties. </div><div>Oh individual, why you are in a very doubtful state? The One who has made you will take care of you. The One who has created this Universe, all the planets, planetary faculties and facilities on Earth, He is the One who has created you. Wait. Have patience. Lean on him. And all best things will come to you. Dwell in God. Dwell in God. Dwell in God. Befriend your soul. Dwell in God and befriend your soul. Dwell in God and befriend your soul. Dwell in God and befriend your soul. All the faculties and facilities of the Creation, which are in your best interest shall be at your feet. You need million things. Million things will reach you if you are stable, established, firm, patient. Remember, Creator watches over you and Creation is ready to serve you, if you just be you. So please take away the ghost of your life and stop chasing round. Consolidate. Concentrate. Be you. And may all the peace and peaceful environments, prosperity approach you forever. Sat Nam&quot; </div><div>Join us at aGraceful Women gathering to cultivate Self Love, connection and a sense of belonging that is enriching and reinforces the truth that you are a radiant and divine goddess with unique gifts and talents to share with the world.</div><div>With love,</div><div>Sat Ravi xx</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item></channel></rss>