More about Visionary Fiction

The great Wayne Dyer wrote this years ago in the Introduction to Gifts From Eykis. Although he was writing before the genre was clearly defined to me this paragraph does an excellent job of describing Visionary Fiction.

Throughout history storytelling has been a significant avenue of communication. From Aesop's Fables and biblical parables to Jonathan Livingston Seagull and many additional ancient and modern sources, we can learn readily by stepping aside to the position of objective observer. There the sting of criticism is not so painful. The action and resulting consequences happened to the fox or bird or prodigal son. Ye with very little effort we see how the truth and universal essence belongs to us all. We are moved to new perceptions, emotion, and behavior through these "fictional" examples.

Visionary Fiction

I love books that inspire. It's the genre known as Visionary Fiction or Metaphysical Fiction. Books that make you think outside the box. Books that look at life a little differently. Books that challenge the status quo. Books that consider the possibility that there's more to life than what we see on tv. Books that inspire dreaming. Books that inspire living authentically. I'd like to think The Goddess Documents was one of those books. It'll take a lot more readers before than can be judged to be the case.

Here are two of my favorite Visionary or Transformational Fiction books:

The Power of Choice - A Review of "Left to Tell"

I am inspired by the story of faith during hardship in Left to Tell by Immaculee Ilibagiza

In the midst of the most horrific events I could possibly imagine she made a choice. She could have spent her time reviewing the horrors, her devastingly difficult conditions and the probable fate of her family. Instead she chose to control the only things she could. Herself.

She took herself to a place of absolute faith and protection. She chose HOW she would respond. She responded by finding actual comfort in spirit.

She also chose to forgive. That choice did not come easily nor quickly. But she knew for her it was necessary.

Ilibagiza decided that she would immerse herself in spirit and come out a better person.

She also demonstrates the power of choosing your own destiny, visualizing the results and living the outcome. Despite what she had been through, she didn't see herself as a victim. She chose the life she wanted. And created it.

She is the most inspiring figure in the face of devastation that I have ever heard or read about.

The Goddess Within

Awakening The Goddess Within - The Roots Of Your Feminine Power
By Elizabeth Stahl

Awakening the Goddess Within is an invitation to awaken your feminine source of power. It is about nourishing a woman from the roots of her being and empowering her from the inside out. The presence of the Goddess is within all beings, but as women we are the reflection of her animated nature, we are her voice, her body and her essence.

Acknowledging your value, beauty and self-worth as a woman is essential to awakening the Goddess within you. Remember that you, dear Goddess, are matchless, irreplaceable and distinctive in every way. There are no two people on this earth like you, there is only you, utterly unique and incomparable to anyone else. There is no one greater than or less than you anywhere, you are significant and you are needed to step fully into who you truly are.

In my work with women, the most common theme I hear is that they don’t have the time to nourish themselves; they feel more like slaves to life than Goddesses. Between work life, home life, raising children, soccer, ballet, cooking, cleaning, and so on, women are burning the candle at both ends and devaluing themselves in the process. I have seen women break down in tears over the unloved parts of themselves, I have heard their grief in the shadow of their broken dreams, I have watched as powerful women realize just how undernourished their spirits have become, I have witnessed and supported those who hold this pain deeply.

This is no life for a Goddess! It is time for you to blow on the ember of your inherent self-worth and nurture your feminine spirit. In truth it is only when you become your priority that you will have the inner well of abundance to share with your loved ones – you need fuel to go the distance.

What little things can you work into your day, week or month to re-fuel the Goddess within you? Is getting a massage on your list? How about settling into a hot bath or simply lighting a candle at the end of the day? What are some of the flavors of your life that feed your spirit?

A few of my personal favorites are:

*Making an aromatic cup of tea, infusing myself with herbal wellness.

* Taking beauty walks - breathing in the beauty of life around me.

*Sitting by the ocean and connecting with its power.

*Anointing the Goddess I am with pure body oils and fragrant creams.

*Eating for Beauty - preparing vibrant and alive foods of different colors, tastes and textures.

*Writing in my journal with colorful pens.

*Spending quality time with girlfriends; having Goddess Parties and Sacred Women’s Circles.

*Creating a sacred space that is comforting and calming.

*Calling in guidance; working with a coach, therapist, or tarot cards for support.

As a woman grows, she blossoms and blooms, and discovers more of who she is. She is fed by her pleasures as she weaves through her life’s challenges and triumphs. Calling in the goddess is an act of love. It is a powerful re-connection to the essence of a woman’s divine feminine spirit, her love and beauty and her wondrous womanly ways. You are the Goddess dearest one, from birth to death and everyplace in between. Unlock, unleash, unravel and step into your true calling as the Goddess you are begins to take root, for she is ready to take her place at the throne of your feminine power.

Truth is Beauty, Beauty Truth

Elizabeth Stahl B.A., N.H.C., is the creator and facilitator of “My Goddess Party”, Star of Aphrodite Life Coaching and The Sacred Woman’s Circle.

Elizabeth has 16 years of experience in the Natural Health Field specializing in Women’s Health and Wellness.

Elizabeth combines her practice as a Natural Health Consultant, with her Life Coaching Practice, Goddess Parties and Sacred Women’s Circles.

She is available for private sessions, group work, classes, workshops and Virtual Goddess Parties over the telephone.

For more information contact:
Elizabeth Stahl

Check out my websites at:

http://www.MyGoddessParty.com

http://www.Goals2Gold.com

http://www.MyVirtualGoddessParty.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_Stahl

Perfect Life

When I was a kid, I just knew I'd have the perfect life when I grew up.

When I was kid, I imagined that I'd settle down, get married, and have kids.

The only thing I got right was the settling down part. Unfortunately, it's my body that's settled down, not my life. Those body parts I was particularly proud of in my youth have settled down at least six inches from where they were 20 years ago.

Kids? A long time ago, I realized kids are for people who aren't addicted to sleep.

Sleep deprivation starts early. Being pregnant presents its own sleeping challenges. Once born, the baby dictates when and if the parents sleep. Then there's a childhood full of nightmares, illnesses and slumber parties to keep parents awake.

When they get to be teenagers, then parents get to sleep, right? Not in today's world. Even if the parents are lucky enough to have kids that make it home by curfew, there's a still a lot to keep them up worrying all night. Are the kids into drugs, gangs, dangerous counter-culture, or raves? Should you preach abstinence or safe sex? Purple hair is a blessing these days.

Marriage? My dog and cat are about as much of a long-term relationship as I can handle. And I ended up giving the cat to my parents.

When I was a kid, I just knew I 'd have a great home and a housekeeper. After owning a home, I can really relate to that movie "The Money Pit". I used travel nine months out of the year. Owning a house for me meant the following:

Get home. Fix the air conditioner. Go back on the road.
Get home. Fix the roof. Go back on the road.
Get home. Fix the toilet. Replace the carpet. Go back on the road.
Get home. Replace the air conditioner. Go back on the road.
Sold the house.

I've never had the home (or the paycheck) big enough for the housekeeper.

That leaves the career.

When I was a kid, I dreamed I'd have this great career. You know, plenty of responsibility, creativity, money, travel and free time? Well, that's how kids dream isn't it?

My last career as a Catastrophe Claim Supervisor for a major insurance company fit two of those criteria. Plenty of responsibility and plenty of travel. Unfortunately, being a storm-chaser who followed hurricanes, tornadoes and hailstorms, meant I was on call to leave for anywhere in the country with just 24 hours notice. Then I might be gone for three weeks to six months at a time.

The 72 hour workweeks didn't leave much room for free time. The money was okay, if you don't consider the trade-offs; like having control over my own life. And creativity? Two words say it all; insurance claims.

When I was a kid, I just knew I'd have the perfect life when I grew up. I was right. But, I've changed my definition of perfect to mean unpredictable.

Cinderella Stories

I have always been drawn to Cinderella stories - the classic story and newly styled versions like "Ever After." When I was younger, I think was drawn to them for the rescue aspect. Cinderella being rescued by her Fairy Godmother and the Prince. Now I think the pull for me is the emergence of an Inner Self that is much more beautiful, much more wise and much more authentic than anyone around would ever have guessed. I like the idea of the Inner Light shining forth into the world. My views regarding the Fairy Godmother are reflected below. The Prince to me represents any heartfelt dream. The chance to truly shine. So it's not about rescue for me anymore. It's about stepping into my own Glory.

About the whole Fairy Godmother thing...

See..to me... the Fairy Godmother represents the magic within each of us. The potential to create whatever we choose in our lives. She's the part of us sometimes called the Inner Being, the True Self or the Higher Self. She knows we're perfect. She knows we came to this life intentionally. She really is the "God"mother of our being. Capable of creating whatever we choose in this life. The strength, the wisdom, the certainty. That's all part of the Godmothers gifts to us.

The Godmother is always there guiding us - leading us - waiting for us. She spends a lot of time waiting for us. Mostly waiting for us to understand how perfect and powerful we are. Waiting for us to let in the Good that has been prepared for us.

She knows. Knows we're good. Knows we're God. Knows its all perfect.

Why Ask a Guru?

Ask a guru - Google it - but always check with your Inner Being.

Using the Mirror as a reflective tool - part two

When a young woman sees the truth of her soul – clearly and unencumbered, miracles begin to happen. Some young women immediately get in touch with their soul’s purpose and mission. Others become incredibly clear on a situation or a relationship in their lives. Still others find the courage to follow the dream that has always been present in them at some level of their being.

In short, whatever will most propel the young woman forward is what is she is able to see. She sees it by looking in her own eyes. She sees the possibilities.
From that moment on the world no longer looks the same. Most women immediately assume complete responsibility for their lives. They see the potential in themselves and use that knowledge to launch themselves more fully into their lives and into the world. They step out of an ordinary existence into the truth of their own divinity.

You see, once a woman sees the truth about herself, she can also see beyond herself. She sees the places in the world where she can help others. She sees the potential of the world where love, hope and compassion are reflected. She finds the cause bigger than herself that can change the world.”

Excerpted from "The Goddess Documents"

Using the Mirror as a reflective tool - part one

“We use the mirror to strip away the doubt. We use the mirror to strip away the layers of falseness and uncertainty we have learned to carry. In the mirror we use there is no need for the trappings of the world. In our mirrors, God is always present. God is present in each of our young women. Just as God is present in each human being. But in our mirrors the complications are removed. Only the truth of the soul remains. "

Excerpted from "The Goddess Documents"

Reviewing "The Alchemist"

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is an inspiring novel about a young man in search of his fortune. It reached into my soul and touched the place inside me which is always searching.

The journey echoes that of so many of us seekers in the world. We search through many kingdoms for our treasure. And while it may be where we least expect it, the real prize is in the journey itself.

In The Alchemist we follow the trail blazed by the boy Santiago. Although as we are told his name in the beginning of the book, as we follow his adventures he is referred to simply as the boy. That simple technique helps us stay in touch with the sweetness and innocnce of the main character despite the many unsettling circumstances he finds himself in. Somehow we remain convinced that the boy would stay true to his heart and his purpose even when he seems to be going astray.

Early in the book the boy is told by a man claiming to be the King of Salem that, "To realize one's Personal Legend is a person's only real obligation." The King also offers the following," And when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."

The book then leads the boy through his Personal Legend. The boy learns much, ages and matures until he must face the final challenge on his Personal Legend.

Along the way he has the option of consulting fortune telling coins, given to him by the King, but chooses instead to watch the signs and learn the "Language of the World" and in fact the language of his own heart.

In the end the boy understands that he must look within, "It was his heart that would tell him where his treasure was hidden."

Told simply and elegantly The Alchemist is an easy read with layers of depth within. I recommend it to anyone who enjoyes a well-told parable.

Insecurity

Insecurity is a crazy thing. Sometimes we believe what it has to tell us is real. Take for example that big interview. You put on your best suit, show up, nail it with your best professional persona.

Afterwards the doubts start to creep in. What if they think that's who I am? Oh, I wish I was that mature? Got them fooled, don'’t I? And so we question ourselves.

But really, that'’s life. A series of personas we put on to fit the situation. That doesn'’t make us fake or phony. It doesn'’t make us wrong or a fraud. It's just our natural ability to adapt.

We have this myth in our society that to be real means being the same all the time. Well, the realest people I know are those who can take their authentic self into any situation and still fit it. They don't fit in by being the same or by being phony. They fit in by adapting the situation.

It'’s like your clothes. You wear your shorts to the baseball game, your dress to your cousin'’s wedding, and a business suit to the big meeting. And then there'’s bedtime attire, but that'’s a topic all in itself. Underneath those clothes it'’s the same body, probably pretty much the same face (depending on whether or not you botox), the same person. So it is with personas. We just put on whatseem’s suitable for the moment.

So stop beating yourself up. Be you. Whoever that happens to be in the moment.

Fairy Godmothers

Fairy Godmother, as the term is used in The Goddess Documents, represents something different than what we typically think of in fairy tales. The Daughters of Inanna don't call themselves Fairy Godmothers because they are really so much more about empowering women than about magically transforming lives. The Daughters represent the ultimate coach and mentor - one who really truly sees the Inner Potential of the woman she is assisting. One who sees the probable realities and guides her charge toward the "higher" path.

Selfishness

"Take Care of yourself so that you can help take care of others." Drs. Ron and Mary Hulnick, University of Santa Monica.

I believe in selfishness as a foundational principle in life. In order to live the lives we truly dream of it's important to be supremely selfish. That doesn't mean unkind or inconsiderate. But it does mean not denying our Selves, our thoughts, our true desires.

More on this later.

Resistance

I know it feels real but resistance is really created by your thoughts. It comes from thinking about reality instead of experiencing it. Consider for a moment any resistance and resulting procrastination you may be feeling about a pending project. Now consider a project you recently completed. What'’s the difference between the two. The difference is action versus thought. The thoughts create feelings. Voila resistance.

We get so used to areas of resistance in our life sometimes they become almost invisible to us. One way to identify areas of resistance is to look at things you are wanting in your life and not getting. The degree to which we resist what we don'’t want equals the degree to which we arenÂ’t allowing what we do want into our lives. So we unconsciously resist bringing into our lives the things we want because we wonÂ’t accept the things which we already have wanted or unwanted.

If you are resisting a person at your office or a function of your job or your entire job,– you are equally resisting something that you do want in your life. Oh it may not feel like you a’re resisting that new job. It may feel like you are wanting it badly. But the resistance to the job you currently have is holding the new job at bay.

The good news is that I don'’t believe that we are ever given anything that we cannot use. So when you feel that resistance the thing to do is to move fully into it. Stop trying to make it go away. Experience the energy of the feeling of resistance. Then use that energy to do or deal with what you are resisting.

The feeling of resistance is actually a gift of energy. But most of us believe we have to overcome or ignore the resistance. Use the energy gift to move through your seeming obstacle with more ease and grace than you could ever have imagined.

Often the feeling of resistance manifests as procrastination. I think that most of us have had the feeling of procrastination and dread of a project. But after we'’ve actually tackled the project, we find it was so easy that we just laugh that we didn'’t go ahead and just do it” in the first place. That'’s using the gift of the energy we have avoided.

One method of experiencing the energy of the resistance is taught by Arnold Patent in You Can Have it All. Start be scanning your body for the feelings associated with the resistance. Feel the feelings free of any judgment whether they are good or bad. Welcome them. Feel the power of the feelings. Feel where you can feel them in your body. Check and see if there is size, color shape and/or dimension to the feelings. Now feel the feelings vibrate through your body. Feel the power of the feelings. Now feel appreciation for the feelings. Feel appreciation for the power of the feelings. Feel love for yourself as you feel your feelings. Feel love for yourself feeling the power of the feelings.

The above process can be used for any feeling. It opens us to the gift of the power and energy that is available with our feelings. In the case of resistance it also provides momentum to tackle what you'’ve been resisting. Once you have cleared the resistance for what you thought you didn'’t want, you ha’ve also made room for what you really do want.

Personal Freedom

True personal freedom is in discipline. Or as Reverend Michael (of Agape International Spiritual Center) says blisscipline. For in blisscipline we commune with God. We open ourselves. We remove the blocks to our freedom. We remove the blocks to our truth. We stand in an awareness of what is real. It may appear to take time. It may appear to take energy. But really it give us time, it gives us energy. And it gives us clarity.

With time, energy and clarity we can be free. If freedom is being true to ourselves, there is no greater freedom than time, energy and clarity. If freedom is in being happy to be who we are than our blisscipline is our first step. Anchoring each day. Anchoring each moment. Anchoring each second in the truth of our being. We know that God flows through us when we allow it. Anchoring each day in our own personal blisscipline is the first step in living an authentic life.

Spiritual Path

For several years it has bothered me when people talk about their experiences along the “Spiritual path.” I never understood why I got that little pang of discomfort and annoyance when I heard those words.

Not too long ago, I realized, it’s all spiritual. Everything from worshipping in a temple, mosque or church - to sitting in silent meditation, reading ancient Eastern text - to working everyday in a factory. Even sitting in a bar drinking yourself into oblivion is spiritual. It’s all spiritual. That’s the only reason we’re here. How is that musicians and artists can practice their craft and produce greatness in the midst of an alcoholic stupor.

It’s the recognition. It’s the recognition of the spiritual presence. Spirit, God, the Universe or whatever one chooses to call it. Or don’t even call it anything. Recognizing the presence is what I believe we’re here to do. Once we recognize the presence, we allow it be, to come through and manifest- wherever. Whether it’s a symphony, a work of art like Michelangelo’s David or the interpretation go the theory of relativity by Einstein. Most of the greatness we experience that blesses nurtures or advances our lives is not the result of a spiritual quest. It mostly comes through when we get quiet and allow the presence to simply be.

And then there’s the path. To me a path implies a prescribed route. A way by which others have traveled before us. By the reality of the presence is that it comes from many directions – sometimes a circular route. And somehow it merely appears without any preparation or traveling it all. It comes through art, music, the written and spoken word, science, math, religion and mysticism. It comes from the earth, the starts, and the water and from the fire. There is no path there. Once again, there is only the Allowing. It’s available to all of us regardless of where we have been or where we think we’re going. The presence is always everywhere. It is only up to us to stop and let it flow through us and deliver us individually and collectively to peace.

Goddess Principle: Silence

"One of our ancient sayings is that 'To the man who can
perfectly ponder inaction,all things are possible."
- Ernest Holmes in Science of Mind

One of the principles talked about in The Goddess Documents is the principle of silence.

Silence is where we find our demons and our gods. The demons that rule us whisper, speak and sometimes scream at us in the quiet. The self-talk, the errands, the petty day-to -day chatter that fills our heads becomes so apparent when we sit in silence. Often it does its job so well that we give up on sitting and get up to perform those very petty errands and demands. Not realizing that the silence holds more than we could have ever imagined, we comply with the voices that seek to distract us.

But when we sit in silence and watch or breath or chant a mantra (silently or out loud), the silence becomes a profound source of comfort and peace. And yes in that moment we can become one with the universe- maybe even touch God.

Statue of The Goddess Inanna

About the book

Living a Fulfilled Life

Ever wonder what it will take for you to live a more fulfilled life? Do you want to find your inner strengths? Do you know there is more to you than most people ever see?

That's how Bri felt when she discovered the Daughters of Innana. She was feeling empty and alone when she discovered a secret society of women devoted to the upliftment of women.

Bri was skeptical, but willing to take a risk. What she found in the Daughters of Innana was beyond her wildest dreams.

This short novel is in many ways a guidebook for seeing and bringing out the best in yourself. Read about Bri, Sarah and the Other Daughters now!

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Trudi White caters to the new genre of Spiritual Fiction by releasing a new novel The Goddess Documents at Lulu.com

LONG BEACH, CA—AUGUST 26, 2005— Trudi White offers a refreshing new entry into the Spiritual Fiction market with The Goddess Documents.

This enjoyable is directly aimed at women who are questioning their lives. They may be wondering what it will take to live a more fulfilled life. Or they may be thinking that there is more to life than most people ever see.

That's how Bri felt when she discovered the Daughters of Inanna. She was feeling empty and alone when she discovered a secret society of women devoted to the upliftment of women.

Bri was skeptical, but willing to take a risk. What she found in the Daughters of Inanna was beyond her wildest dreams.

This short novel is in many ways a guidebook for seeing and bringing out the best in your Self. Read about Bri, Sarah and the Other Daughters now!

Link to Publication: http://www.lulu.com/content/403309

ABOUT AUTHOR

Trudi White is a writer and a Life Coach. Despite being devoted to personal development from an early age, Trudi spent years in a safe corporate job. Finally after over 16 years doing the corporate thing she took advantage of a restructuring in the organization and left that secure position. Finally there came a time when she could not ignore the call for “something more” any longer. Now she writes and shares her views on personal development through Life Coaching and on her website www.nextactioncoach.com

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MEDIA CONTACT: Trudi White, truwhite@gmail.com, 714-724-1720