Everyday We Have An Opportunity To Make History

Dear Friends, Students and Family of Mari Hall and Wisechoices,

I am off to Greece in a few days to teach for three weeks and to introduce a new course “Gateway to the Heart” as many of you know the heart is the bridge between the physical and spiritual aspects of our energy system and the energy center or “chakra” we seem to close the most when we do not love out of fear or judgment/reaction. It is an experiencial course using many different techniques and will be taught in English and translated into Greek. Many of my advanced students will be there to support the work in all the classes. It will be a real homecoming.

The focus of this newsletter is about making our personal history. Each and everyday we all touch others and leave lasting impressions. At times when we may have forgotten how interwoven our histories are we can be blessed with a reminder. This is what happened to me last Sunday when I received an e mail from Jitka, a dear friend and student in the Czech Republic. Along with the letter I received photographs of Jana and Ota; two of the children I had attuned into Reiki many years ago in Czech.













Of course they are almost grown up now. It was so lovely hearing from Jitka their mother. She wanted me to know how much I mean to their family, that I am missed, appreciated and loved. Receiving the letter put me in touch with how our lives have been touched and enhanced by each other...we have a history. Afterwards I sat and looked at some of the pictures I had taken in the Czech Republic; the pictures of Kolin where I first lived and remembered the English classes in the hospital and Gymnasium. All of these children from the school are now grown up and are parents and making their way. I thought of the very first Reiki class for 28 doctors… the people that touched my life in such profound ways, the days at the Red Cross with Josef translating for me while I worked with so many people giving Reiki and love, how we converted a sewing room into a Reiki Room on Friday after seeing clients all day, making sure to pick up the pins on the carpet before teaching Reiki on the weekends. I remembered all the miracles that I had witnessed, the changes in the people as they touched their own souls. I remembered the conversations started and continued with a dictionary, trying to speak Czech, and practicing to ask, ”how much is this,” only to be frustrated because I forgot to learn the numbers. I still had to hold out the change in my hand for them to take what they needed me to pay. I was impressed with the Czech spirit, how the people sang from their heart then and still do now. It was a time to acknowledge the start of coming away from everything that had been familiar, and having to discover my inner will and resolve to trust and embrace the unknown and to find the gift that each new day brings.

Foremost is the impression of how I came into a deep realization how we are the same, no matter what religion, philosophy, color and language we speak. We can choose to find a common language. We can come to understand each other. And this is born from the compassionate heart.

I have changed and learned so much about myself during this time. Looking at the photographs of me taken over the last seventeen years in the many countries I have been blessed to teach in. I see my hair going from dark brown to more silver and then turning to dark blonde, “a woman’s prerogative. In those pictures it is evident how softness had come over me as I moved into my own peaceful place inside. I acknowledged all the inner battles of my spirit. I came to terms with my past, let go of demands, and forgave, let go of people that came into my life and left again. I realized that people came into my life in the “right moment” and that I could choose to let these arrivals awaken me. I also learned not to take their departures personally. That was the biggest lesson. Losing your adopted family is always hard, as the mothering part of me also requires the letting go of those who are precious and yet not to take it personally. I had to realize that it was about choices in living, my process to learn and fine tune while living and working in Europe. And of course during the transition back to the USA and to living with my biological family.

I still haven’t finished learning; life by its very nature will always bring lessons to deepen awareness and turn this new understanding back out to the world. I am more exposed, vulnerable, and I shine from the inside out. I am more dedicated than ever to helping people find this inner same kind of beauty. I am here to light a path to brotherhood and peace from a new perspective. I realize that, like eagles, we all have our own patterns of flight. But I hope we meet in the vast sky of love and compassion. I invite you to join me in this grand adventure called Life. I invite you to remember to fly free and high but you do not have to fly alone.


Love and Blessings,
Mari


Making History Every Day
Your Personal Legacy

When we focus on people who make a huge historical impact-presidents, visionary artists, great spiritual leaders-we sometimes forget that we, too, are making history and influencing the future with the way we live our lives. This is obvious if we just look at our own parents and how the way they lived affected us. In the best case, we received lessons from them or other mentors that have empowered us. On the other hand, we may have decided to depart dramatically from the way they conducted their lives. If so, then their mistakes and shortcomings were catalysts for us to change old familial patterns. Either way, their way of being determined the course of our future. By the same token, our actions determine the course of the future for others, and those who follow us will remember us as part of their history. In light of this, it is good to ask ourselves what our legacy will be. We have all heard stories about family members we may or may not have known; sometimes it is their humor that shines through in others' memories, or their contagious positive energy, or their skill in managing the family assets. People outside our immediate family may have changed the course of our lives as well-a teacher who encouraged and inspired us; a neighbor who helped us in a time of need; or even a stranger who came to our aid in a difficult situation. When we remember these people, we realize that however small our daily lives seem, they are actually very important. How we treat people in each moment, with each interaction, can have a major impact. It helps to begin our days with an acknowledgement of this fact, taking a moment to consider how we want to be in the world and how powerful we really are. We must remember that our lives are not meaningless--quite the opposite. Every day we have an opportunity to "make history" and influence the future for the better.

The Daily OM

Closing for the Usui Retreat

Spring is just around the corner...

To all of you that participated, thank you for joining with us in the December 2005 virtual retreat. The next one will begin on June 21st. We now have celebrated the end of 2005 and the beginning of 2006.

In a few days I will be celebrating my 61st birthday. I am off to Thessalonica, Greece for three weeks on February 1st to teach Reiki and a self development course “Opening your Heart.” When I am there I plan to meditate and make more mantra beads- which are a sense of joy for me. You will be able to see the results when I return on my web pages www.mantrabeads.com

I am in the process of setting my teaching schedule for the year, Australia is set for November. I am happy to talk with you about organizing courses in your area, contact me at MariHall@hotmail.com

My book Reiki for the Soul will be published in the USA the first part of the year and I will be offering online mentoring to facilitate you through the book. Stay turned for an announcement soon.

I encourage you to take time to connect to nature and breathe…being centered and connected also helps to you to think and feel clearly. In that peaceful place we are also able to see all that we are gifted with each and everyday.

One thing for sure the months of 2006 will pass marked by one special event after another that is why the following articles are so timely. I hope you enjoy reading them.

Love and Blessings,

Mari


The Joy of Being

Celebrating The In-Between Times

While celebrations are intended to honor life's more momentous occasions, much of real life tends to happen during the in-between times. While moving from one moment in time to the next is seldom considered a significant occurrence, it is during those in-between times that we are most in tune with life's most profound, albeit simple joys. Between birth and death, triumph and sorrow, beginnings and endings, we enjoy innumerable experiences that often happen unnoticed. These times are just as worthy of celebration. The in-between times are seldom about landmark moments. How you choose to celebrate them or which moments you choose to celebrate is up to you. You may want to celebrate the simple facts that you are alive and that every day is a chance to spend time with the people you care about or do the work that you love. Then again, when you look at the good that exists in your life, many reasons for celebrating the in-between times may become clear: a cup of your favorite tea, a beautiful sunrise, a good book, and the smell of fresh air can be reasons for celebration. Celebrating the in-between times can be as easy as paying special attention to them when they do happen, rather than taking them for granted. It's your focus of attention that can turn an in-between time into a celebration. You can also pay homage to the in-between times by slowing down and allowing yourself time to look around and allow your heart and mind to take in all of your life's wonders. Far too often, we can let those simple moments of awe pass us by. The in-between times are when life happens to us between the pauses that we take to honor our milestones occasions. Without the in-between times, there would be no big moments to celebrate.


Growing Pains

Initiations for Growth

Life is about growth, which is wonderful, though not always easy. Indeed, many of life's lessons can be painful or difficult. Yet, such challenges are often the ones that present the most opportunity for spiritual growth. Initiations for growth come in many forms. In fact, we can view every challenge in life as an opportunity to learn and grow. While these disruptions in life are not easy, they are necessary. The challenges the universe sends us can seem unbearable at times: a job we don't want to spend another day at, a broken heart that feels as if it will never heal, or a long and painful illness. And then, there are the challenges that can be just as scary because we are being called to step up to the plate in ways that we may think we are not yet ready for: overcoming our fears in order to realize a lifelong dream, leaving behind a situation or people in our life that we may have outgrown, or moving across the world for our dream job or life partner. At such times, it can feel as if the world is testing us and that life is asking more of us than we think we can give. We may feel uncomfortable, frightened, and unsure of what to do. However, life isn't so much going against us as it is encouraging us to grow. During these periods, we can grow stronger by putting one foot in front of the other, as we work through our challenges. We may be asked to let go of old safety measures, shift old patterns of behavior, or step into the abyss of the unknown. When we do rise to the occasion, we end up better off for having made that journey. Not only do we end up learning and growing, but we inevitably become more compassionate to the challenges of others and wiser in the ways of the world. Our faith in the universe also grows because, ultimately, we can't help but realize how much we are supported and taken care of at all times. When we are in the midst of a growing period, it is not easy to see our reward, but it is there, waiting for us to grow big enough to reach it.

Usui Retreat 3rd week announcement

Greetings Friends, Family and Students of Mari Hall and Wisechoices,

I am starting the 3rd week of our virtual Usui Retreat with a few articles and part of Frank Arjava Petter’s Reiki newsletter that you may find interesting; followed by the link to the third meditation written by Adonea in Sedona, Arizona. I certainly welcome all of you to join with us to be part of this retreat honoring Usui as well as sending energy to our Mother Earth. You can do as much or as little as you would like, there is no one to check on you. Even a minute a day of conscious intention brings great benefit to our Earth and to all of us.May Peace be part of our reality each and every day of this coming New Year.

Brightest Blessings,Love, Mari


Inner Guides
Seeking Advice From Yourself

Since we probably know ourselves better than anyone else does, then we may very well be the best person to ask for advice when we are in a quandary. One interesting exercise is to try asking for advice from your past and future selves. There is the younger self that you used to be and the older, more mature self that you will become. You can gain a different perspective when you view present situations through your younger self's eyes or your mature self's more experienced point of view. Perhaps, your younger self would view a current dilemma in a more innocent, less cynical way. Likewise, your older, hopefully wiser, self may offer advice from a more compassionate, experienced perspective. Think back to how you viewed the world when you were younger. What were your thoughts on happiness, love, and injustice? Think about how you would have reacted to a dilemma you are currently facing. The perspective may shed a different light on relationships, money matters, or life decisions. Likewise, think about the person you will become. A more mature version of you might mull a problem or conflict over carefully before taking action right away... or perhaps not. Maybe your older self would be more willing to take risks, care less about what other people think, and want to enjoy life more. You can even set up an advisory panel of your past, present, and future selves. You might even want to try to have a written dialogue with your selves to record the thoughts, feelings, and advice that your younger and older selves might have for your present self regarding a current situation. Your different selves can give you some invaluable answers. After all, no one can know you better than your selves. You are your wisest guide.

Creative Cuts
Editing Your Life

Our lives can be compared to an ongoing movie script over which we have complete creative control. Within us lies the power to examine what works or isn't working in our lives and make "edits" to our life's script, accordingly. Choosing to actively edit your life can be incredibly empowering. As you evolve, you have the choice to accept the script you've written thus far or edit it so you can create a life that fulfills you. You can cut out from your life's script what is no longer working for you. Acknowledging that you are responsible for the experience you create gives you the ability to create the life you've always longed for. Granted, editing your real life isn't always as easy as erasing a line of text. If you've carried emotional baggage or held on to an unhealthy relationship for a long time, these may be difficult to edit out. But when you do cut out what isn't working from your life, you'll feel lighter and more alive. Editing out activities that you find stressful, disassociating yourself from people that drain your energy, and letting go of your emotional baggage are all beneficial cuts you can make. In the empty spaces that are left behind, you can add in anything you like. Just as you have the power to edit out negative situations or beliefs that you no longer wish to have as part of your life, you can now include the kinds of positive experiences, people, and beliefs that you would like to fill your life with. The manifestation of these thoughts and images as realities in your life will inevitably follow. As you make changes to your life, you can also add in the bits where you choose mo! re intimate, healthier relationships, seek out adventure over tedium, and are no longer negatively impacted by old experiences.
To begin editing your life, simply think about your positive and negative experiences. When you determine what parts of your life are no longer serving you, make the commitment to remove them - though, it is important to remember that there is no proper timing or way to do this, and patience and compassion for yourself are always important during this process. Then, ask yourself what has brought you profound bliss and consider how you can make those experiences and beliefs part of your life now. With a little editing, you'll be able to clear out what is no longer serving you and make room in your life for more happiness, love, and wisdom.

From Arjava’s January 2006 Newsletter

Reiki Lineage

I would like to talk about an important and much discussed issue: Reiki Lineage- your Reiki family tree.

Reiki- Lineage has many aspects. One may think that it is not very important, because all that it is has happened in the past, and you are here and now, in this eternal present moment. But the fact is that time is an invention of man, and in terms of our Reiki Lineage it does not exist. Your teacher is always here with you. Through him you are connected to the source- so- hold him dear.

Remember your teachers for a moment. Are they not here with you right now right now? Do you feel them? Do you bow down to them, or is there some unfinished business in between you two? If there is, finish it before the year grows too old...

Modern Megalomania

Modern technology has many advantages and disadvantages. One advantage/disadvantage is that we can communicate at unbelievable speed and in a way that transcends space completely. In Reiki this has created a problem. Many of us have begun to teach distant attunements. A distant attunement is one executed between two people who potentially don’t know each other, and who have no serious relationship with one another. What can I learn from my teacher if I am not even ready to meet him? Of course in an emergency situation this would be a good option for a start. Then after the emergency you can continue the training in person.

The relationship between student and Teacher

In the oriental way this relationship is more of a commitment than marriage, because there is no possibility of divorce. Once you have chosen your teacher, you have chosen him for life; what is being taught becomes in a sense, less important. You learn in your teacher’s presence. You learn from the way he touches you, he looks at you and the way he speaks to you. You learn from the way he solves his daily challenges and from the way he acts with his family...

The importance of the Lineage

The Lineage connects you and your teacher and, most importantly, it connects you and Usui Sensei- through the medium of your teacher. And for Reiki to be a spiritual path, your connection to Usui Sensei must be as solid as anything can be. Especially when the going gets rough, your connection to Usui Sensei can save your sanity- and your life.

What is important?

Your root teacher is the one with whom you studied the teacher’s class. He is the one who gave you the permission to teach in his lineage. So, this is the teacher whose name will appear in your Reiki lineage. When I teach in my Western Reiki lineage, my lineage goes: Usui- Hayashi-Takata-Furumoto- Helbling- Gilgen- Popat- Petter. When I teach in my Japanese Reiki lineage it goes Usui – Hayashi- Sugano-Yamaguchi- Petter. It is important not mix your different lineages, to keep things straight. Having received an attunement from someone does not make him part of your teaching lineage.

Over the years I have received countless attunements from others- but they don’t appear in my lineage. I have received spiritual attunements from Osho and from others, but they have nothing to do with Reiki and my Reiki teaching lineage.
Please make sure that we keep these things clear.

The emailed Attunement process

Imagine you see the Dalai Lama perform an attunement on TV. Would you go ahead and perform this ritual with your students the next day? The same goes for an attunement process that you have not been taught and given permission to practice or teach by your teacher.

The permission of your teacher

In this sense the most valuable gift your teacher may give you is the permission to teach. If he has not given that to you, you are not able to teach in his lineage, however capable you may think you are. It may even point to a personal problem of the teacher, but nevertheless...You must then go to another teacher who is ready to certify you.

My Japanese teacher, Chiyoko Yamaguchi had a good way of letting her students know whether they were ready to teach or not. Of course her students received a certificate with the title “Shihan Kaku (assistant teacher) or Shihan (teacher) on it. Those who completed the Shihan Kaku course were permitted to teach Reiki One. Those who completed the Shihan level (teacher’s level) with her were granted the great honor to buy a scroll from her, as a sign of their Shihan status. This was not a business...This scroll has the Reiki principles written on it in Hayashi Sensei’s hand- writing. Please check the Hayashi Reiki Manual to take a look at it- it is truly beautiful and has tremendous energy. The Shihan who trained with her (or her son) has to have the scroll to be able to teach the first two levels- and he must hang it in the place that he teaches in.... This way you will always recognize who has and has not received her teaching permission. Additionally, in her lineage only! She herself was allowed to train another teacher. After her death this honor has been given to her son, Tadao Yamaguchi exclusively. If you would like to come to the source, I suggest you study with him. He is as far as I know the only person in the Reiki world who has the permission to teach teachers and he does it, too!

In the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai only the president, Mr. Kondo, is allowed to teach another teacher. If you hear of anyone else teaching Teachers the "original Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai” style – or in their lineage, you know that it is not true...

Checking your Reiki Lineage

It may be important to make sure that your teacher has really trained with someone. An example from my own experience: My first Reiki Teacher was my brother. After a while I found out that his Reiki Lineage always stopped with him. There seemed to be no way of finding out that he had learned from. Feeling uncomfortable with this, I went ahead and trained again with a dear friend, Agehanand Popat, in Hamburg. For this reason it is helpful to pass on the names of your teacher, your teacher’s teacher and so on, back to Mrs. Takata., to your master/teacher students. I have heard of so many people who allegedly studied with me, but the fact is that not many people have. In one book on Reiki it is said that I taught 30.000 people in Japan. But the real number is about 300(in 9 years).

Publishing the names of your certified students

Tadao Yamaguchi solved this problem by posting the names of the people who hold the Shihan (Teacher) level in his lineage, on his website. If anyone says that he learned form him or his mother, you can easily check whether this is so or not by looking at his website. Currently there is someone Japanese teaching in Mrs. Yamaguchi’s name, who does not have her permission to teach. If in doubt, please check it at the (Japanese) Jikiden Reiki.com website.

To avoid problems

I suggest that you always issue a certificate, and that you publish your student’s names on your website. This way we can avoid all sorts of complications.

Wishing you all the best, from heart to heart, your friend

Frank Arjava Petter
Reprinted by Arjava’s Written Permission. Copyright © 2006 by Frank Arjava Petter


Here’s the link to the 3rd weeks Usui Retrea meditation. http://www.wisechoices.com/forum/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=7

Usui Retreat 2nd week announcement

Greetings Friends, Family and Students of Mari Hall and Wisechoices,

I am starting the 2nd week of our virtual Usui Retreat with a few articles you may find interesting followed by the link to the second meditation written by Adonea in Sedona, Arizona. I certainly welcome all of you to join with us to be part of this retreat honoring Usui as well as sending energy to our Mother Earth. You can do as much or as little as you would like, there is no one to check on you. Even a minute a day of conscious intention brings great benefit to our Earth and to all of us.

May Peace be part of our reality each and every day of the coming New Year.

Brightest Blessings,
Love, Mari

Intertwined Fates
We Are All Connected

There are times when we may feel disconnected from the world. Our actions can seem like they are of no major consequence, and we may feel like we exist in our own vacuum. Yet, the truth is that our simplest thought or action - the decisions we make each day, and how we see and relate to the world - can be incredibly significant and have a profound impact on the lives of those around us, as well as the world at large. The earth and everything on it is bound by an invisible connection between people, animals, plants, the air, the water, and the soil. Insignificant actions on your part, whether positive or negative, can have an impact on people and the environment that seem entirely separate from your personal realm of existence. Staying conscious of the interconnection between all things can help you think of your choices and your life in terms of the broader effect you may be creating. Think of buying a wooden stool. The wood was once part of a tree which is part of a forest. A person was paid to fell the tree, another to cut the wood, and yet another to build the stool. Their income may have had a positive effect on their families, just as the loss of the tree may have had a negative impact on the forest or the animals that made that tree their home. An encouraging word to a young child about their special talent can influence this person to develop their gift so that one day their inventions can change the lives of millions. A poem written "merely" to express oneself can make a stranger reading it online from thousands of miles away feel less alone because there is someone else out there who feels exactly the way they do. Staying conscious of your connection to all things can help you think of your choices in terms of their impact. We are powerful enough that what we do and say can reverberate through the lives of people we may never meet. Understanding that you are intimately connected with all things and understanding your power to affect our world can be the first step on the road to living more consciously.


Peeling Away The Layers
Trees Shedding Their Bark

Trees grow up through their branches and down through their roots into the earth. They also grow wider with each passing year. As they do, they shed the bark that served to protect them but now is no longer big enough to contain them. In the same way, we create boundaries and develop defenses to protect ourselves and then, at a certain point, we outgrow them. If we don't allow ourselves to shed our protective layer, we can't expand to our full potential. Trees need their protective bark to enable the delicate process of growth and renewal to unfold without threat. Likewise, we need our boundaries and defenses so that the more vulnerable parts of ourselves can safely heal and unfold. But our growth also depends upon our ability to soften, loosen, and shed boundaries and defenses we no longer need. It is often the case in life that structures we put in place to help us grow eventually become constricting. Unlike a tree, we must consciously decide when it's time to shed our bark and expand our boundaries, so we can move into our next ring of growth. Many spiritual teachers have suggested that our egos don't disappear so much as they become large enough to hold more than just our small sense of self-the boundary of self widens to contain people and beings other than just "me." Each time we shed a layer of defensiveness or ease up on a boundary that we no longer need, we metaphorically become bigger people. With this in mind, it is important that we take time to question our boundaries and defenses. While it is essential to set and honor the protective barriers we have put in place, it is equally important that we soften and release them when the time comes. In doing so, we create the space for our next phase of growth.

Here’s the link to the meditation. http://www.wisechoices.com/forum/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=7

The December 2005 Usui Retreat Starts Now

Greetings Friends, Family and Students
of Mari Hall and Wisechoices,
I thought I would start our virtual Usui Retreat with a few articles you may find interesting followed by the link to the first meditation written by Adonea in Sedona, Arizona. I certainly welcome all of you to join with us to be part of this retreat honoring Usui as well as sending energy to our Mother Earth. You can do as much or as little as you would like, there is no one to check on you. Even a minute a day of conscious intention brings great benefit to our Earth and to all of us.

Brightest Blessings, May Peace be part of our reality each and every day.

Love, Mari



What Matters
Getting Back To Holiday Basics

The true meaning of the holidays can easily get lost in the details. While many of the diverse festivals and feasts we celebrate are designed to be times for celebrating life, new beginnings, traditions, and landmark occasions, those sentiments can be swept away by the stress of overloaded to-do lists and seemingly never-ending holiday obligations. Yet there are many unique and satisfying ways to celebrate the holidays without spending too much money or becoming exhausted in the process. Whereas the media, and possibly even loved ones, may encourage you to do and buy more, concentrating on the spirit of faith, giving, love, and hope during the holidays can help you do more with less. You can create new holiday traditions that help you focus on what you find important. Holidays can be a wonderful time for taking stock of what matters most to you. This can include family, community, helping those less fortunate, and loving the earth. If you feel driven to give the people in your life gifts, consider presents that encourage positive living or whose impact will continue to be felt long after the holidays. Think about donating your effort to making someone else's life better by hosting a party for seniors or volunteering at a homeless shelter. You can also make a charitable donation or plant a seedling tree in a loved one's name. Instead of giving your friends and family material goods, give them the gift of your time. Organize get-togethers that include relatives or acquaintances that you seldom see and emphasize togetherness, fun, and celebration. Time spent making homemade gifts can give you a chance to ruminate on what you treasure about your loved ones. When exploring the true meaning of the holidays and getting back to the true spirit of the season, allow yourself to alter existing traditions. Even a blessing before a meal or a walk under the stars can help you reconnect with the holidays. Do what fulfills you and then stop before your celebration becomes more of a hassle than a happy occasion. Get back to the basics of generosity and goodwill, and your holiday will certainly be a rewarding one.

Beings of Light
Human Angels

During each of our journeys, there are those inevitable moments when someone comes into our life at precisely the right time and says or does precisely the right thing. Their words or actions may help us perceive ourselves more clearly, remind us that everything will turn out for the best, help us cope, or see us through difficult situations. These people are human angels - individuals designated by the universe to be of service to those in need at specific points in time. Some human angels make a commitment before their births to make a positive contribution to the world at a particular moment. Others were chosen by the universe. All human angels, however, come into our lives when we least expect them and when we can most benefit from their presence. A few of the human angels we may encounter are in professions where helping others is an everyday occurrence. But most of them are regular people, going about their daily lives until called upon to be in the right place at the right time to bring peace, joy, help, or heal someone when they most need it. You may have met a human angel in the form of a teacher who gave you a piece of advice that touched your soul and influenced your path. The person that momentarily stopped you to say hello on the street, delaying you long enough to avoid an oncoming car or a collision, is also a human angel. They may offer nothing more than a kind word or a smile, but they will offer it when you can draw the most strength and support from their simple action. You may be a human angel yet not know it. Your fate or intuition may guide you toward other people's challenging or distressing situations, leading you to infer that you simply have bad luck. But recognizing yourself as a human angel can help you deal with the pain you see and understand that you are there to help and comfort others during their times of need. Human angels give of their inner light to all who need it, coming into our lives and often changing us forever. Their task has its challenges, but it is they that have the power to teach, bring us joy, and comfort us in times of despair.

The first Meditation for the Usui Retreat can be found by following this link http://www.wisechoices.com/forum/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=7

Seasons Greetings

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays
Mari and her grandchildren, Tanner, Jinny and Jeremy

Hello and Happy Holidays to you all. I have found that it is so easy to get lost in all the rush and preparations of the season especially being task oriented as I am. I have just stopped “doing” for a few minutes to breathe and bring myself back to a sense of stillness. In this space I also am feeling so much gratitude. I started to think of all the people who have remained in my life, but also the people who have come into and yes, even out of my life this year. With this are the gifts each has brought to me of themselves. When I have allowed myself to experience their unique qualities and accept them as they are then the door has also been open for them to experience me. We have met in the center … in the heart where love, acceptance and respect are. All these powerful relationships have certainly been instrumental for my personal growth. Thank you all for continuing to grace my life.

The special prayer on the card above was given to me by my friend Janet Cohen, it was her grandmother’s favorite prayer. I have been using it as a mantra. It is very deep and meaningful. I love the rhythm of the prayer as I work with my beads.

I pray these things never end
The sand and the sea
The rush of the waters
The crash of the heavens
The prayer of man.


Speaking of mantra beads those of you who have asked, YES I do special orders for the mantra beads. I also make them as a bracelet or necklace. Just write to me about what you would like. To view the pieces go to http://www.mantrabeads.com/ and enter the store.

I thought I would also take this moment to send you two articles that have been published in OM. I hope it will be thought provoking especially at this time of the year.

I will be sending out the meditations for the Usui retreat starting the 21st of December. I invite you to join with us. For more information about the retreat go to http://www.wisechoices.com/usui.asp


Love and Blessings,


Mari


Peeling Away the Layers

Trees Shedding Their Bark

Trees grow up through their branches and down through their roots into the earth. They also grow wider with each passing year. As they do, they shed the bark that served to protect them but now is no longer big enough to contain them. In the same way, we create boundaries and develop defenses to protect ourselves and then, at a certain point, we outgrow them. If we don't allow ourselves to shed our protective layer, we can't expand to our full potential. Trees need their protective bark to enable the delicate process of growth and renewal to unfold without threat. Likewise, we need our boundaries and defenses so that the more vulnerable parts of ourselves can safely heal and unfold. But our growth also depends upon our ability to soften, loosen, and shed boundaries and defenses we no longer need. It is often the case in life that structures we put in place to help us grow eventually become constricting. Unlike a tree, we must consciously decide when it's time to shed our bark and expand our boundaries, so we can move into our next ring of growth. Many spiritual teachers have suggested that our egos don't disappear so much as they become large enough to hold more than just our small sense of self-the boundary of self widens to contain people and beings other than just "me." Each time we shed a layer of defensiveness or ease up on a boundary that we no longer need, we metaphorically become bigger people. With this in mind, it is important that we take time to question our boundaries and defenses. While it is essential to set and honor the protective barriers we have put in place, it is equally important that we soften and release them when the time comes. In doing so, we create the space for our next phase of growth.

Power of Union

Entering Into Partnership

The purpose of partnership is to create something greater than we can create alone. Not because of any deficiency or incompleteness in us, but because each of us is unique, with our own talents and abilities, and in partnership we increase the efforts and talents available for creating something meaningful together. All partnerships, whether romantic, creative, or professionally-based, can be powerful relationships for personal growth. In partnership we harness the power of union. It is important to choose our partnerships consciously. Sometimes forged quickly during times of need, we may find ourselves rushing into unions with perhaps not the clearest intentions. Partnerships created from those starting point might serve our immediate needs, but the repercussions of a union so quickly fostered without much thought can be difficult to recover from. Granted, there is something to learn from every relationship, but looking to another to fix or complete us can turn a partnership into a dependent bond. If we can stay clear about what we want and what we need in a partnership, while staying grounded and remembering that we are our own source of happiness and fulfillment, we can create partnerships that support and enhance the best of who we are. Everyone in our lives is a mirror reflecting back the parts we love and dislike about ourselves. If we have the courage to recognize our reflections in each other, we can grow through our partnerships. A partnership that offers both acceptance of who we are and an opportunity for personal transformation can be fertile ground for growing a healthy, lasting union. When we find this kind of partnership, we are more likely to want to keep it, invest in it, and nurture it. Life is a collaborative effort. Much of what we do can be enhanced through partnership. Together we are stronger because our personal power is multiplied by two. Through partnership we experience the joys of working, living, and loving together.

The December Newsletter

Dear Students,Friends and Family of Wisechoices and Mari Hall,

Gracious it is December already…this year has just flown by. Our Virtual 21 day Usui Retreat will start on the 21st of December. Adonea a wonderful Reiki Master/ Teacher from Sedona, Arizona will be doing the meditations for us. When I was in Sedona I spent several lovely days talking with her about Reiki and our individual paths in Reiki. I know you will enjoy her contribution. Make sure mark your calendar and also let your friends and Reiki groups know. For more information you can go to the Usui pages at our website by following this link: http://www.wisechoices.com/usui.asp

To those of you who have visited my new web site www.mantrabeads.com Thank you. I am receiving very positive feed back on the mantra (prayer) beads. The people who now own them have remarked that they feel the energy in them. I am also taking special orders; they are an excellent Christmas present. If you have not taken the time please do. These are a real labor of love and faith.

Here is a question I was asked today. “Yes, your professional life may take up much of your time and energy, but there is much more to you than what you do for a living. What do you do for a life?”

This is the type of question that can be life altering especially when I choose to answer it from very real and honest space. My first response was; what I do for a life is BEing my authentic self and living from my heart. Perhaps you would like to consider what your answer would be. Let me know what you come up with.

And on this note I am sharing an excellent article from the Daily OM with you.

Being Who You Are
Living Your Truth

When we are young children, we live authentically, seldom afraid or embarrassed to seek out what we want or to speak our minds. As we grow older, we tend to tuck that authenticity away, putting it aside while we chase our dreams, afraid that it might hinder us in our success. But we never let that freedom go completely. We may conform to society while embracing secret passions when alone. We may withhold certain opinions, though it doesn't change the fact that we possess them. It is important, however, to never stray too far from that youthful brashness and self-interest for they are qualities that help make you who you are. The authentic you is your true self and, in living authentically, you live your truth, making time for the things you love and projecting who you really are. The simplest way to live your truth is to leave the expectations of other behind and live the way you feel most worthwhile.

It takes being selfish in a healthy way by doing what you know is best for you, regardless of the opinions of others - even the opinions of close friends and family. Living authentically means that you make choices without fear, trusting in your soul's wisdom... If you value personal pursuits, don't feel forced into a certain job just to make enough money to keep up with your neighbors. Conversely, if you prize success in business, don't let others' perception of what's right for you hold you back. Denying your unique truth can lead to feelings of failure and dissatisfaction because you aren't acknowledging your true self. In living your truth, there are no pretenses. Everything you do will reflect who you truly are.

If you are unsure of who the authentic you really is, look inward and ask yourself what your purpose, values, and needs are. Honor your strengths and don't let yourself be guided by what other expect of you. Finally, discover your passions by trying new things, and sticking with those things that stir your soul. Finding who you really are and then making the choice to embrace you true dreams and desires will take your life in a direction that is both satisfying and deeply meaningful.

Recently I did a review of a book by Joyce Shafer titled “I Don’t Want to be Your Guru, But I Have Something to Say.” It has such a good message that I am sharing it with you. Here is the description: “Are you on a journey, or just takin a trip?” That is the question Old Bill posed to A.J. in the small, isolated café nestled in the vivid hues of the Southwest desert. The conversation about the holographic nature of reality, religions, cultures, and what self-empowerment really is stretched across the afternoon. Years later, A.J. returns to give a gift to the wise man who’s challenging questions and unique perspective altered the course of so many lives. But it doesn’t take long for A.J. to realize an even greater cosmic mystery is about to unfold. Follow this link to either purchase or download it. I am going to give the download as gifts this Christmas. I believe you will enjoy it. www.lulu.com/content/127175


I have a pen friend named Mari Hall; yes there are at least two Mari Halls; when I met her she was living in Seattle, Washington where I was born… a coincidence do you suppose? It has been delightful to write to her over the years and follow her amazing career as an artist. It is a Flash movie about peace. It is entitled "Heart Story" it is a small file size (96K). What Mari has said is “With world events continuing to gravitate towards more global aggression, I think it is a great time to review in our hearts, how much better life could be, filling our hearts and lives with more love.” Follow this link to view the movie. http://www.marizart.com/test/heart.html


Incredible Coincidences
Synchronicity

Everyone has experienced the pleasantly surprised feelings left behind by a meaningful coincidence. The situation itself may be insignificant - the book whose title you couldn't remember falls off the bookstore shelf or an acquaintance that seems to enter your life again and again - but the message inherent in the coincidence may not be. Synchronicity, or the unlikely conjunction of events, can be an eye-opening experience. Psychologist Carl Jung theorized that synchronicities occurred when universal forces were aligned with the experiences of an individual, leading to coincidences that appear to be more than just chance. These incidents happen because everything is innately connected. He believed that such events can be called forth by an individual's unconscious needs. Nothing occurs randomly. Rather, we draw certain people, situations, and blessings to ourselves.

A synchronistic event such as a chance encounter can be positive, negative, or neutral, and feel deeply mysterious or commonplace. Some coincidences are obvious while others are not apparent until after careful analysis. Perhaps during an ongoing financial crisis, you always found just enough money to get by. Or a recurring dream prepares you for an eventual physical event. Many times, synchronicities represent opportunities to learn about ourselves and the external world. If you feel touched by multiple coincidences or intrigued by a single one, ask yourself why you may be attracting the people involved or the situations. Is it highlighting some aspect of your life or suggesting a course of action? The soul, believed Jung, whispers to us through synchronicity calling us to attention.

Seeking the meaning behind a synchronistic event can help you know yourself better, kick start your creativity, or show you future pitfalls to avoid. The most profound coincidences often occur at life's crossroads, stopping us in our tracks.

I will be sending the first meditation on the 21st of December.

Love and Blessings,
Mari