Mind, Body and Soul: Shedding and growth – Ramona Sentinel

Have you visited the sculpture garden in the Anza Borrego Desert? There lies the most beautiful sculpture of a serpent. As Ani DiFranco once said: Art is why I get up in the morning! I couldnt agree more.

Serpents are very symbolic in art and theology. They represent fertility, healing, death, and transformation, but they also represent the uncoiling of energy at the base of the spine.

Growing up in the desert of the Southwest I would often find snake skins that had been sloughed off and abandoned for the elements to reclaim. The skin was soft to the touch with translucent scales.

That happens to us when we shed. Its uncomfortable, then were vulnerable in our new shiny skin until we toughen up, and whats left behind is beautiful and interesting.

If youre shedding an old version of yourself, you probably feel sensitive and irritated. Were constantly going through changes and transformations, but sometimes our growth can be challenging, especially when its emotional or spiritual. As I mentioned in last months article: Transformation isnt easy, but easy doesnt change you.

How do you protect yourself when you go through powerful energetic changes?

First, ground your energy, especially if you feel vulnerable. Close your eyes and visualize roots growing through your feet into the Earth. Then you can surround yourself in a bubble of light, which represents a protective barrier. For those of you who are highly empathic, you will need to consciously breathe deep.

There may be a tendency to hold your breath when you feel uncomfortable, anxious, or around people who you sense are stealing your energy from you.

Take a relaxing bath with 1 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of Epson salt. Spend more time in your sanctuary.

Baths are purifying and soothing to the nervous system. Rest is key when you are in a growth spurt like we see with children.

Allow the process to unfold. After a contraction is always an expansion. We see this is nature before a bloom. Contractions can be painful like in labor, but the expansion into parenthood can be really beautiful, if you accept your new identity.

In this new year, ask yourself: How do you want to grow and really show up in this world on a daily basis.

Tracy Aleksic is founder of Radiant Centre

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Mind, Body and Soul: Shedding and growth - Ramona Sentinel

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