Toni Bernhard offers a practice for life

I've had the great fortune to be introduced to Toni Bernhard, author of How to Be Sick: A Buddhist-Inspired Guide for the Chronically Ill and Their Caregivers, scheduled for publication in September (Wisdom Publications). In this lovely, informative volume, Bernhard tells of how she suddenly fell ill in the spring of 2001 while vacationing in Paris with her husband. What at first felt like a tenacious, energy-sapping flu was, in fact, a far more serious viral infection that would make it impossible for her to resume life as she'd known it. The university law professor with a treasured marriage and family soon found herself unable to work, shop, travel, meditate or even enjoy the visits of loved ones without a flare-up of debilitating symptoms.

Bernhard remains ill today, usually confined to her bed. Her book describes how she came to apply her longstanding Buddhist practice to this new reality and to the feelings of frustration, grief and envy of other people's freedom that often arose. Would it surprise you, though, to learn that her difficulties have inspired a lively, enjoyable book? With endearing candor and lucidity, this fine writer and teacher explores principles and practices that should help anyone who suffers, whether physically sick or well, and whether or not that person identifies as a Buddhist.

I have always respected Buddhism but felt distanced from its philosophical ideas and approaches to life and spirituality. In fact, there was much about it that I could not fully grasp. But Bernhard leads readers through easy-to-follow discussions and illustrations of practices such as mudita—taking joy in the joy of others—that not only offer liberation from resentment, loneliness and suffering but, in and of themselves, are just delicious. I suddenly realized that I've been practicing mudita and metta most of my adult life: It has always felt wonderful to enjoy the happiness of others and to sincerely wish them well. The trick is to extend this to all sentient beings and, trickiest of all, to remember to offer this loving gift to oneself. Bernhard shares what has worked for her.

Bernhard's experience reminds us of the preciousness of vulnerability, the impermanence of all that is, the value of the present moment, and the importance of releasing one's anxious tendency to grasp and desperately quest for answers that may never come. She admits that her life with chronic illness is a work in progress. Well, every life is a work in progress, and it is a fine thing to have allies and guides along the path. I am happy to have met Toni Bernhard through her generous teachings in this book and, in gratitude, I wish her peace and freedom.

How to Be Sick: A Buddhist-Inspired Guide for the Chronically Ill and Their Caregivers by Toni Bernhard

Paperback, 185 pages

ISBN-13-978-086171-626-5

Coming September, 2010 from Wisdom Publications 

Also see What are you reading this summer?, posted on InfiniteBody blog on June 29, 2010.

Magickal Visioning Weekend (Samhain)

This weekend (Samhain), when "the veil between the worlds is thin," consider spending some time nurturing your ability to see, really see. See into, under, around, through, into the past, into the future.

Think of this ability not only as a skill to be developed with dedicated practice--and, yes, it is that--but also as a gift to be received with open hands and a peaceful heart.

In particular, give yourself some quiet, private time, and sit with your eyes closed. Focus on your awareness of your awareness (who am I and where am I now?). When you have a clear sense of your self in that way, shift it ever so slightly from its perceived position in space to the right or the left, or forward or behind.

If you're familiar with the yogic chakra system, you can shift this awareness to any of the chakras that you might like to tune into and explore.

Sit and sense what that feels like and what you now perceive and know that was previously unavailable to you. Do not strain at this practice. Allow it. Ease into it. Become comfortable with it.

In time, you can experiment with shifting your awareness further away from your physical body or explore shifting out of the current time and local place.

Allow this ability to come to you and grow more agile and easily available.
Keep a journal of your experiences as you set yourself stronger challenges.

If you are enjoying this or other aspects of Magickal Day and hummingwitch, please keep me posted on your progress and your questions. If you're serious about this work (and play), I'd love to hear from you!

Have a blessed (and fun) Samhain. For those of you who celebrate this as the turning of a new year, I wish you good health and joy.

Eva :-)

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(c)2009, Eva Yaa Asantewaa, http://hummingwitch.blogspot.com

Magickal Stillness Day

This Magickal Day is powered by The World.

Today's "card" came to me not by way of imagery, seen in the mind's eye, but by a remembrance of words, specifically these from Eliot:

At the still point of the turning world. (Four Quartets 1: Burnt Norton)

The mage works within an invisibly dynamic stillness at the center of a turning (often erratically-turning) world.

When you feel overwhelmed by circumstances, pull yourself into this still place that has so much energy and awareness and potential for action within it. Know that this is the true you, that you reside comfortably here and that you act from this place. Be at home and be at peace. Do not allow anything to drag you away and drag you down.

Even if you give yourself a few minutes, now and again, to dwell on this thought and experience this sacred and powerful place, you will make a magickal difference in your life. Your decisions, actions and interactions will be healthier, less reactive, more responsive, more effective.

I wish you peace today and all days.

Eva

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(c)2009, Eva Yaa Asantewaa, http://hummingwitch.blogspot.com

So, what's it gonna be?

Everyone can make magick. Your day is magickal if you choose to make it so. How have you made your day magickal? What is your magickal intent for tomorrow?

Eva

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(c)2009, Eva Yaa Asantewaa, http://hummingwitch.blogspot.com

Magickal Support Day

This Magickal Day is powered by the Four of Wands.

Today's "card" is an interpretation of the image of a piece of white cloth affixed to a wall by four nails--four supporting nails/four wands. If you haven't read yesterday's Magickal Day, I suggest that you do so that you will understand what I'm doing with these interpretations of non-Tarot-card images.

This image left me with a vivid impression that the cloth would act as a screen for projection or that some kind of information would appear on it in good time.

Perhaps you have been in need of certain information or you are awaiting a response. You could receive an anticipated or an unexpected message shortly. The prominence of the supportive wands/nails in this image suggests a firm, reliable agent of support or mediation, a person or persons without whom the arrival of this message might not occur or might not be recognized or understood. You are counseled to look around you and see to it that you have this person or persons in place in your life, looking out for you and ready to help you claim the message that is intended for you.

In more general terms, today is a good day to assess the existence and strength of your support system.

Wishing you all blessings,

Eva

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(c)2009, Eva Yaa Asantewaa, http://hummingwitch.blogspot.com

Magickal Guardian Day

This Magickal Day is powered by the Knight of Swords.

You are probably not aware that I get the day's card not always by physically drawing it from a selected deck but often by allowing an image to come to my mind's eye. After decades of working with Tarot and other symbols, I no longer need the decks--although I still love them, love my collection and will use the physical cards in readings in order to give my clients some reassuring grounding and orientation.

I'm telling you this because, today, the Knight of Swords was my Tarot-style interpretation of the actual image of a U.S. soldier, one deployed to either Iraq or Afghanistan, that came to mind. The Tarot archetypes can--and do--manifest in contemporary ways.

Our "knight" is watchful, but the feeling that came along with his appearance suggested that he was telling us to keep watch on him and for him. He is asking for a heightened concern for his well-being. In a time when our nation's war strategies have come under debate, re-evaluation and potential change, it's certainly likely that this message speaks to the situation for all of our men and women in service abroad in Iraq and, particularly, Afghanistan. However--as a card-of-the-day--this image may speak to you individually if you have a loved one or colleague in service.

No matter where you stand on the complex issue of how to engage with  Afghanistan more effectively, please do bear in mind the human cost of war to all affected by it. Send out prayers and positive thoughts to help political and military leaders recognize and take the best, clearest path towards one day bringing an end to these conflicts.

Eva

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(c)2009, Eva Yaa Asantewaa, http://hummingwitch.blogspot.com

Magickal A-Few-of-My-Favorite-Things Day

This Magickal Day is powered by The Star.

Today's Star reminds me of the symbolic image of a star as we use it in cyberspace--as an icon for Favorite!

So, spend some time today thinking about a few of your favorite things, and send out thanks to the Universe for blessing you with these treasures. If your favorite things include favorite people--and I hope they do--drop them a thank you note with a big star on it.

And don't forget your favorite things about yourself. Acknowledge yourself today for the star you are to others and, even more so, to yourself.

When you walk, see the tentacles of light extending from you and sending bright energy into your environment.

Have a stellar day!

Eva :-)


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(c)2009, Eva Yaa Asantewaa, http://hummingwitch.blogspot.com

Magickal Cut-it-Free Day

This Magickal Day is powered by the Ace of Swords.

Once you're clear about what you want in your life, you're going to have to have the guts to slice away what you do not want. Find the angel trapped inside in the stone, as Michelangelo would have said it. Don't be afraid to chip away at the excess to get to the best.

Sharpen your visionary and decision-making tools and get to work. The angel's in there.

Much love to you this weekend!

Eva :-)

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(c)2009, Eva Yaa Asantewaa, http://hummingwitch.blogspot.com

Magickal Loving Connection Day

Today's Magickal Day is powered by the Three of Cups.

Come together with friends and supporters and really celebrate the history and beauty of your relationships. Remember the human in all things today, its dignity and preciousness. Make an extra effort to reach out and connect.

Love is very much in the air on Venus's day, Friday. Be a loving person and honor yourself and others, and you will never be lonely. You will find love everywhere.

I heard a wonderful interview with Anna Deavere Smith yesterday (Leonard Lopate on WNYC). When asked how she does what she does, so brilliantly, she replied that she has to love all the various people that she interviews and later embodies. If you've every seen her work, you know that's an awesome love with awesome results.

We can't all be Anna Deveare Smith, but we can take a little bit of that method of profound observation, understanding and empathy and use it as we encounter many things and people today.

Many blessings,
Eva :-)

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(c)2009, Eva Yaa Asantewaa, http://hummingwitch.blogspot.com

Magickal Earthiness Day

This magickal day is powered by the element Earth.

Earth appears to be the slow, solid, stolid element. But to the magick-minded, it is a combination of change within stability and stability within change. Bear that in mind today.

Touch an object. It seems to be all there, right, and reliably unchanging? But it is in motion, a slice of a larger reality.

And so are you. So, when you feel that you have a situation in your life that dominates you and that appears unchangeable, consider that nothing is really unchangeable, and you will begin to understand one of the essential principles of magick.

Have a truly Earthy day!

Eva :-)

(c)2009, Eva Yaa Asantewaa, hummingwitch, http://hummingwitch.blogspot.com

Magickal Flowing Day

This Magickal Day is powered by the element of Water.

And it really feels like it! The humidity, here in New York, is on the rise again. Rain is on the way!

I'm an Earth sign, but Water is my favorite magickal element. When I'm near a body of water, I usually dream more deeply and expansively. I'm more intuitive and psychic. There's something about water that, to me, says deep mind and Spirit.

Take the wateriness of this day and use it to get in touch with your inner depths and the deep ocean of mind that exists in all persons, places and things. It's a good day to meditate, to resonate in tune with someone you love, or to reach out across distance and time. Creative folks get an extra boost today, if they take the time to go into a place of quiet and open up their awareness.

Everything aligns for receiving and transmitting information that really matters. So, if you're a speaker, a teacher, a writer, a performer--anyone involved in communication--commit yourself to being fully receptive, to really paying attention, and to conveying what you learn. Don't forget that important piece: You must share some measure of what you receive.

I'm wishing you a beautiful day full of powerful learning and sharing!

Eva :-)

(c)2009, Eva Yaa Asantewaa, hummingwitch, http://hummingwitch.blogspot.com

Magickal Airy Day

This Magickal Day is powered by the element of Air.

Without straining, breathe in as deeply as you can. Pause a moment. Let go and release as completely as you can. Rest. Breathe in. Pause. Release. Rest.

We all need more Air today--specifically, cleansing air and a buffering space of air around us, around our thoughts, intentions, speech and actions.

Every part of that exercise is important--the intake, pause, complete release and rest.

If you're feeling hurried or hustled, if you're feeling heated or overwhelmed, turn your attention to this breathing practice.

Put a few air pockets in your day--little spaces that you can escape into when what you see and hear and have to deal with are all too much. Or when you feel pressure to make a decision or take an action, and you need time to consider it. Or when you're tempted to mouth off. Recent events suggest that lots of us could use an air pocket of time to think things through before we say or do something that we'll come to regret! :-D

Put a little mental distance between yourself and the craziness. Fill it with cool mountain air and the exquisite songs of the creatures of air.

Your thinking will sharpen and will be infused with stronger insight. Your thoughts will be conveyed with precision and efficacy.

It's also a good day to turn your exhalations into magickal hums!

Thank you so much for visiting hummingwitch and for supporting this work. I hope you will continue to enjoy what you find here and share it with others!

Wishing you a bright day, a bright weekend and--if you're celebrating it--a beautiful New Year!

Eva :-)

(c)2009, Eva Yaa Asantewaa, hummingwitch, http://hummingwitch.blogspot.com

Magickal Sparks Day

This Magickal Day is powered by the element of Fire.

Perhaps you'll need a fire lit under you to really get going today.

Or you're overly sensitive and easily irritated, at the mercy of needling pockets of internal fire when something gets under your skin.

Or maybe your fire will come in the form of sudden, star-like flashes of awareness and insight.

In any case, Fire governs your day, and it represents an impetus to clear something out of the way so that you can move forward. Fire spurs you to take action.

Set a controlled fire--one that gives light and burns away what is no longer needed.

Set a fire for warmth or for enthusiasm. Keep it reasonably contained so that it does not run away with itself and so that it performs a specific job for you.

Set a fire that lights up and motivates others. Your influence can be positive, very strong and viral, as we like to say on The Internets.

Make space for play, for humor and merriment, sometime today. You may revisit something connected to your youth that is a happy or a silly memory. It's amazing what lives on within you!

Wear one item of clothing in a fire color--red, orange, gold or yellow.

When you feel low in energy or when you have to present yourself in front of others, call up the energy of Fire. Visualizing and internalizing the feeling of one of the Fire colors can help with this. Keep a strict, low limit on the amount of time that you do this, as too much Fire can easily set your nerves on edge and unnecessarily disrupt your environment and your interactions. I find that gold is the safest color for the purpose of self-presentation, and yellow is very good for clear mental energy, writing and speaking.

However you address this magickal day and its transformative element of Fire, make it a good one and remember to give something back.

Have a wonderful day!

Eva :-)

(c)2009, Eva Yaa Asantewaa, hummingwitch, http://hummingwitch.blogspot.com

Magickal Can-Do Day

Today, let's celebrate the ability of Tarot's Magician to perform not only magic tricks but serious magick as he/she wields a set of finely-crafted tools. Some of these tools are material items; others are made of mind and energy. Since Mercury is retrograding, now through the end of this month, we find the Magician applying every available tool to dig for buried or overlooked truths and bring them into light.

Have you begun to make a list of the types of things you hope to uncover in this retro period? If not, take some time to do so today. You might find that some of the information you're seeking will be a little easier to dislodge today and will lead to other, deeper revelations in days to come.

I'm wishing you light!

Eva :-)

PS: Just in case you wondered: Why do folks like me use these odd spellings--magick and magickal--instead of the more customary magic and magical? To distinguish stage magic (think David Copperfield and Penn and Teller) from ritual and ceremonial practices (spiritual and transformative).

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(c)2009, Eva Yaa Asantewaa, hummingwitch, http://hummingwitch.blogspot.com

Magickal Hummingwitch Day

Why call this blog hummingwitch?

Because humming is something we all might tend to do--say, when we're cooking a meal or washing the dishes. As such, it evokes the age-old kitchenwitch way of life, one that utilizes what one has close to hand, the everyday magick of everyday household tools and resources pressed into service, at times, for a little something extra-special.

Humble. Earthy. Practical. There when you need them.

Moreover, humming can be a kind of secret, wordless chant that anyone can do, a sound vibration with magickal and healing effects for the vocalizer, the listener, the environment and all within it.

The hummingwitch, then, musically conceals the nature of his/her verbal intention (spell) while powerfully building, projecting and transmitting it.

So, for today, I invite you to explore the power of intention, of humming and of humming your intention.

Form a specific intention in words and, if possible, vivid imagery. Check in with your feelings. How do you feel? What is the energy of your intention? Can you now allow those words, images, feelings and energy to generate a musical hum?

You need not hum any actual song. Just allow a simple melody of any kind to come through. If there happens to be a specific song that sums up what you're experiencing and intending, then go right ahead and hum it. But the best hum is the one that arises from deep within you.

You can start softly and let your volume gradually increase. Or do just the reverse: Go from a louder hum to a quieter one. You can start with and maintain a nearly inaudible but, paradoxically, powerful hum just under your breath. Or you can do a silent hum in your mind alone. Try different approaches to your humming practice, and see which feels right and most effective for you according to your immediate needs and intention.

Remember, when you hum, no one will suspect that you're doing magick--unless they subscribe to this blog! :-D

Have fun and, as you try this practice and others, write in and let me (us) know how they're working for you! Thanks!

Eva :-)

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(c)2009, Eva Yaa Asantewaa, hummingwitch, http://hummingwitch.blogspot.com

Magickal Time-for-Self Day

Keep your magickal mirror and listening practices and journaling going.

What's that you say? You haven't started them?

I know...time...privacy...the usual.

So, take a look at that. Slow down, take a deep breath, and look at things exactly as they are in your life, and see what emerges from that attention. Let that be your meditation for today.

Wishing you a transformative day!

Eva :-)

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(c)2009, Eva Yaa Asantewaa, hummingwitch, http://hummingwitch.blogspot.com

Magickal Listening Day

Keep practicing your mirror work from yesterday. Commit to at least five minutes per day when you are very busy and fifteen minutes of serious attention to this practice just one day per week when you have more time.

For today, though, we will begin working with a different powerful sense/mode of awareness.

Set up your stereo system or mp3 player with one track of music (instrumental or vocal) for three rounds of repeated listening. Keep a pen and paper nearby. Sit or lie down with your eyes closed, breath deeply and steadily, clear your mind and open your awareness to listening as closely as you can without an agenda, without projecting anything into the music or its lyrics. Just be open and receptive.

When you have listened for three times, sit in silence for a few minutes and let the experience set. When you feel ready, write anything unexpected that you have experienced or learned. Even if you selected a cut of music that's very familiar to you, you may have heard something new in it. If you're listening to a singer, you may discover that you now know something about the singer that you did not know before. Or, perhaps you've found an answer to a question that's been circling around within you for a while.

Deeply enjoy the sounds of your day!

Eva :-)

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(c)2009, Eva Yaa Asantewaa, hummingwitch, http://hummingwitch.blogspot.com

Magickal Mirror Day

So what if you don't own a Tarot deck? You have any number of divination-ready devices close to hand, and one of them is frequently right in front of your face!

Look into your bathroom mirror, a wonderfully portable pocket mirror, any mirror or suitably, clearly reflective surface; size does not matter. Breathe deeply, steadily and evenly. Clear your mind and take a few steps back from the emotional heat of whatever might be preoccupying you.

Spend some moments just gazing into the mirror. You will see yourself, of course, but--with practice--you will eventually begin to see beyond your physical self and to sense the energies that course within you and around you. You may begin to sense--or even see--aspects of yourself that do not belong to this current time or place but that hold significant information about your current concerns.

You can ask a question and receive an answer in various subtle ways, some of which might not manifest right away (for example, a later dream or, perhaps, a conversation with a friend). So, stay alert!

Have a beautifully reflective day!

Eva :-)

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(c)2009, Eva Yaa Asantewaa, hummingwitch, http://hummingwitch.blogspot.com

Magickal Foolishness Day

The Fool, Tarot's fearless, clever, agile dancer, slips around or flips over obstructions and is your guide today. If you've been feeling fearful, sluggish, awkward or stymied in your desire to move and change, take some time to meditate and access your Inner Acrobat!

Eva :-)

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(c)2009, Eva Yaa Asantewaa, hummingwitch, http://hummingwitch.blogspot.com

Magickal Words Day

"I am the Lady of Words of Power, Come to me for my Words have Power." -- the goddess Isis (from Gods of the Egyptians by E. Wallis Budge)

How will you manifest your Inner Isis today?

Do your words have power? Or do others' words hold power over you? How do you use words to undermine your inherent magick? How can you use them, instead, to advance your magick?

Today, consider your choice of words in all matters and how your words could be more magickally effective.

Be in your power today.

Eva :-)

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(c)2009, Eva Yaa Asantewaa, hummingwitch, http://hummingwitch.blogspot.com