A More Meaningful Present

    My partner, Callie, first spied the chair on an early morning walk. It lay discarded by the roadside, weathered by time and neglect. Knowing my sensitivity to energies attached to wood furniture, she hesitated, then decided that this chair was worth carrying home. Fifty years of stories and secrets lay hidden beneath layers of dust and grime. It called to me, whispering, hinting at the past, and begging for another chance. I knew I had to reclaim it, not just as a piece of furniture, but as an artifact of living history--its stories deserving of honor and respect.

The process began with a smoke cleansing ritual, to purify and renew. As the fragrant tendrils of smoke curled around the chair, I could almost feel the weight of its history lifting, each wisp carrying away the years of being ignored. With each pass of the smoke, the chair's energy shifted, becoming lighter, and more vibrant. 

Next came the gentle sanding, a meditative process that connected me to the chair's past. As I worked, the wood began to reveal its story. Psychic visions filled my mind; an older woman, chic with age and happily non-conformist, sitting gracefully in the chair. She lit a pipe, the aromatic smoke mingling with the scent of fine bourbon and warm wood. An orange cat and a black dog lay contentedly at her feet. The soothing sounds of Miles Davis drifted from a spinning LP, filling the room with a mellow, timeless melody. Nearby, a kettle announced its readiness for coffee, adding its soft whistle to the symphony of home.

As I worked oil into the dry wood, it was as if I could hear the chair sigh and stretch with relief. Its grain began to glow, revealing the beauty hidden for so long. With each stroke, I could feel the chair returning to life, its spirit blending with mine. I know from where this chair came, though other than a magnetic pull to the beautiful old structure, nothing else referring to the residents of a large, gable-roofed farmhouse, built in 1912 could be sensed. Unoccupied for over 20 years, it still stands atop a hill overlooking the wooded lake where our home now sits. At times, I felt as if I were in the woman's body, seeing what she saw as she looked out arch-paned windows to the trees and water below.

Callie reinforced the back slats, and finally, I applied a light coat of varnish. The satin gloss brought out the chair's shine, highlighting its once-golden accents. It now stands proudly, a testament to its resilience and the love that had been poured into its construction and its restoration. As I gave it a final touch-up, I could almost hear the old woman's laughter, and see her contented smile.

Now, the chair and I share a bond that goes beyond the physical. Each gentle rock is a dance of gratitude, a celebration of the present moment. The rhythm of the chair becomes the soundtrack to my musings, inspiring stories to share. Together, we blend our spirits, creating a harmony that speaks of the past, present, and future.

In reclaiming this old rocking chair, I have also chiseled a new facet of myself. Its herstory and my own have intertwined, creating a tapestry of memories, dreams, and possibilities. As I sit in the chair, I am reminded that every object has a story, waiting to be told and that sometimes, in reclaiming the past, we find our way to a more meaningful present.

  

 

 

A Heartfelt Thank You

Wow! What an incredible honor it is to be writing this blog post today! I am thrilled and deeply humbled to share that I received a Gold Visionary Award from the Coalition of Visionary Resources (COVR). This recognition from such a respected and dedicated community within the Mind, Body, Spirit industry means the world to me.

When I started The Bloglet of Fire, my goal was simple: to share insights, experiences, and resources that could light the way for others on their personal and spiritual journeys. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine this passion project would resonate deeply with so many of you. To be acknowledged by COVR, an organization that embodies the essence of our industry, is truly beyond words. 

First and foremost, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the members of COVR. Your dedication to fostering growth, connection, and enlightenment within the Mind, Body, Spirit community is nothing short of inspiring. To be recognized by a group of individuals who are so passionate and knowledgeable is a profound honor. Thank you for seeing the value in my work and for this beautiful affirmation of my efforts.

To the readers of The Bloglet of Fire, your unwavering support, thoughtful comments, and shared experiences have been the fuel that keeps this blog burning bright. Each story, each message, and each connection has enriched my life and made this journey incredibly rewarding. Thank you for being a part of this community and for allowing me to be a part of yours. 

As I look toward the future, I am filled with excitement and anticipation. This award is not just a recognition of past efforts, but a beacon guiding me forward. I am more inspired than ever to continue exploring, learning, and sharing with all of you. The Bloglet of Fire will keep growing, evolving, and striving to bring you content that nourishes the mind, body, and spirit. I am especially eager to delve deeper into sharing accounts from my paranormal and metaphysical experiences. These stories have shaped my own journey profoundly, and I believe they hold valuable insights and inspiration for us all.

Many new ideas and projects are on the horizon, and I can’t wait to dive into them with you. From deeper explorations of spiritual and holistic practices to interviews with inspiring figures in the industry, there is much to look forward to. Together, we will continue to ignite the flames of curiosity, wisdom, and personal growth.

Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for this incredible honor. Here’s to a bright future and the many wonderful adventures we will share on The Bloglet of Fire.

With immense gratitude and joy,

Amber

Roses & Old Books

(Poems from My Garden, Amber Highland, 2024)

Amid the garden's whisper, where roses bloom in soft cascades of crimson and gold, there lies a world of timeless reverie. The petals, delicate as a sigh, cradle the essence of forgotten summers, each fragrance a whisper of days long past.

Here, in this sanctuary, old books rest, their pages weathered and wise. The scent of aged parchment mingles with the roses' perfume, crafting a symphony of memory and dream. 

In the twilight's embrace, the roses and old books converse in a language of beauty and nostalgia, each telling tales of eternal wonder.

Amber Highland, 2024

A Tapestry of Celebration, Protest, Memory, and Promise

Pride Month is an extraordinary time of year, a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of joy, resistance, remembrance, and hope. For the LGBTQIA+ community, it embodies a rich and complex history, capturing the essence of what it means to live authentically in a world that hasn’t always been welcoming. This month is a celebration, a protest, a memory, and a promise all rolled into one.

A Celebration

Pride Month is first and foremost a celebration—a time to honor and rejoice in our identities. It’s a period when the rainbow flags fly high, parades fill the streets with color and music, and communities come together in solidarity and joy. As Jennifer Finney Boylan, a prominent transgender author and activist, once said, "Pride is a celebration of all that we are, of our strength and our beauty, of the incredible diversity of our community. It’s a time to dance and sing, to show the world our true colors."

This celebration is crucial for visibility and representation. It is a powerful affirmation that LGBTQIA+ individuals exist, thrive, and contribute significantly to society. Every joyous moment shared during Pride Month is a testament to the resilience and vibrancy of our community.

A Protest

Yet, Pride is also a protest. It’s a reminder that our rights and freedoms have been hard-won through decades of struggle and activism. A legendary poet and civil rights activist, Audre Lorde poignantly captured this duality: "It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences." Her words remind us that Pride began as a response to oppression and continues to challenge the systemic inequalities that persist today.

The Stonewall Riots of 1969, often considered the catalyst for the modern LGBTQIA+ rights movement, underscore the importance of protest in our history. Pride events around the world continue to honor this legacy by advocating for justice, equality, and the rights of all LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly those within marginalized subgroups who face intersecting forms of discrimination.

A Memory

Pride Month is also a time for memory—a poignant remembrance of those who have fought and those we have lost. It’s about honoring the trailblazers who paved the way for the freedoms we enjoy today. As we march, we carry the memories of countless activists, friends, and loved ones who dedicated their lives to this cause.

Charlie Craggs, a transgender activist and author, highlights the importance of remembering our history: "We owe it to those who came before us to keep their stories alive, to acknowledge their struggles, and to continue the fight they started." Memorials, moments of silence, and storytelling sessions during Pride serve as powerful reminders of our shared history and the enduring spirit of our community.

A Promise

Finally, Pride Month is a promise—a commitment to a future where love and acceptance prevail over hate and discrimination. It’s a pledge to continue advocating for a world where everyone can live authentically without fear. Gabriel Attal, a prominent French politician and openly gay public figure, speaks to this forward-looking vision: "Pride is a promise to future generations that we will never stop fighting for their right to live openly and freely, without prejudice or fear."

This promise extends beyond legislative battles to the everyday acts of kindness, support, and allyship that help build an inclusive society. It’s about ensuring that the next generation grows up in a world that celebrates diversity in all its forms. 

Pride Month encapsulates the full spectrum of the LGBTQIA+ experience. It’s a celebration of who we are, a protest against the injustices we face, a memory of those who have paved the way, and a promise to keep fighting for a better future. As we revel in the festivities and reflect on our journey, let us carry forward the spirit of Pride throughout the year, striving for a world where everyone can proudly and safely be themselves. Happy Pride! 

A Microcosm of Life

 Reflections on a Tree: A Microcosm of Life

Standing before an ancient oak, I'm often struck by the profound complexity and simplicity that it embodies. A tree is more than a static fixture in the landscape; it's a dynamic, intricate network of life and communication, mirroring the interconnectedness of all living things. 

At the base, the roots delve deep into the earth, seeking sustenance and stability. These roots do more than just anchor the tree; they form an underground network that connects with other trees, sharing nutrients and information. Through this subterranean web, trees communicate distress signals about droughts or insect attacks, demonstrating a form of community and mutual aid. It's a silent symphony of survival, a testament to the power of connection and cooperation, much like human societies. 

Moving up the trunk, we find the sturdy backbone of the tree, a bridge between the hidden depths of the roots and the sunlit canopy above. The trunk symbolizes growth and resilience, standing firm against the forces of nature. It bears the scars of past seasons—storms weathered, branches lost, yet it continues to reach skyward. This resilience reflects our own journeys, marked by challenges and growth, always striving for higher aspirations.

At the top, the highest leaf dances in the wind, basking in the sunlight. Each leaf is a marvel of efficiency, converting sunlight into energy through photosynthesis, sustaining the tree and, by extension, all life that depends on it. These leaves, reaching out to the light, remind me of our innate desire for growth, knowledge, and enlightenment. They also symbolize the beauty of individual contributions to the larger whole—each leaf, while seemingly insignificant on its own, plays a critical role in the tree's vitality.

A tree, then, is a reflection of life itself. Its roots teach us about the importance of community and support systems. The trunk illustrates resilience and growth through adversity. The leaves remind us of the quest for knowledge and the value of every individual. 

Standing beneath the vast canopy, I see the tree not just as a singular organism, but as a metaphor for the interconnected web of life. Each part, from the deepest root to the highest leaf, plays an essential role, mirroring the interconnectedness and complexity of our own lives. In every tree, we find a microcosm of existence, a silent witness to the profound beauty and intricacy of life.

 

The Sacred Dance of Nature

Understanding the Importance of Reading Signs for Human Development

Deep within the core of human existence exists a primal connection to the natural world—a connection that transcends time and space, weaving through the very fabric of our being. Since time immemorial, humans have looked to the signs of nature for guidance, wisdom, and sustenance. From the ancient art of divination to modern ecological sciences, the importance of interpreting these signs cannot be overstated.

The roots of our fascination with nature's signs can be traced back to the dawn of human history. In prehistoric times, when our ancestors roamed the untamed wilderness, survival depended on their ability to understand the language of the natural world. Every rustle in the leaves, every ripple in the water, held significance—a clue to be deciphered in the eternal quest for sustenance and safety.

Anthropological studies have shed light on the pivotal role that divination played in early human societies. In her seminal work "The Origins of Divination," scholar Sarah Iles Johnston explores how ancient cultures across the globe developed intricate systems of divination to navigate the uncertainties of life. From the casting of lots by the Babylonians to the reading of animal entrails by the Etruscans, these practices were born out of a fundamental need for survival and vitality.

The importance of reading signs from nature extends beyond mere survival—it encompasses the holistic development of humankind. In his groundbreaking book "Biophilia," biologist E.O. Wilson argues that humans have an innate affinity for the natural world, rooted in our evolutionary history. He posits that our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being is intricately tied to our connection with nature—a connection that is reaffirmed through the interpretation of its signs.

The ancient Greeks, renowned for their reverence of nature, believed in the concept of "mimesis"—the imitation of nature's patterns in art, literature, and philosophy. In her article "Mimesis and Meaning: Reading Signs in Ancient Greek Culture," classicist Mary Lefkowitz explores how the Greeks viewed nature as a source of inspiration and insight. By studying the movements of celestial bodies, the flight of birds, and the patterns of weather, they sought to discern the will of the gods and unravel the mysteries of existence.

In today's world, the importance of reconnecting with nature's signs cannot be overemphasized. As we grapple with environmental degradation, climate change, and the erosion of traditional knowledge systems, there is an urgent need to heed the wisdom of the past and forge a harmonious relationship with the natural world.

Ecopsychology, a burgeoning field that explores the interplay between human psychology and the environment, highlights the therapeutic benefits of nature-based practices. From forest bathing to wilderness therapy, these approaches emphasize the healing power of reconnecting with the natural world and attuning ourselves to its rhythms and cycles.

The importance of reading the signs of nature upon the development of humankind cannot be overstated. From our earliest ancestors to the present day, the art of divination has served as a beacon of guidance and wisdom, guiding us through the labyrinth of existence. As we stand at the crossroads of history, let us embrace the sacred dance of nature and honor the timeless wisdom encoded within its signs.

 

References:

1. Johnston, Sarah Iles. "The Origins of Divination." Oxford University Press, 2008.

2. Wilson, Edward O. "Biophilia." Harvard University Press, 1984.

3. Lefkowitz, Mary. "Mimesis and Meaning: Reading Signs in Ancient Greek Culture." Classical Antiquity, Vol. 18, No. 1, 1999, pp. 135-153.

4. Kellert, Stephen R., and Timothy Farnham, editors. "The Biophilia Hypothesis." Island Press, 1993.

 

Whispers From the Pasture

A Tale of Equine Connection  

    As the morning sun cast its golden hue over the rolling hills, a tranquil scene unfolded at the edge of the pasture. Savannah, a majestic mare with a coat the color of rich chestnut and white linen, stood gracefully amidst a patch of wild chamomile and thyme. With gentle yet purposeful movements, she pawed at the earth, releasing fragrant wisps of herbs into the crisp morning air.

Across the pasture, Helio, a vibrant Lusitano gelding with dappled markings, raised his head, his ears swiveling attentively as he caught wind of Savannah's movements. His nostrils flared, drawing in the familiar scents carried by the breeze. In their silent exchange, there was an understanding that transcended words—a language spoken not through mouths, but through the subtle cues of nature.  

In the distance, a group of humans approached, their footsteps muffled by the soft earth. Among them was Claire, a young woman whose heart beat in rhythm with the hoofbeats of the horses she loved. As she drew nearer, she felt a sense of calm wash over her—a feeling of belonging that only the presence of these magnificent creatures could evoke.

Savannah turned her gaze towards Claire, her dark eyes reflecting the wisdom of ages past. In that moment, Lily felt a connection that went beyond mere companionship. It was as if Savannah could see into her very soul, understanding her fears and her dreams without the need for words.

Beside Claire, Dr. Roberts, a therapist specializing in Equine Assisted Therapy, watched the interaction unfold with keen interest. For her, this was more than just a simple exchange between horse and human—it was a testament to the healing power of equine companionship. In the presence of these gentle giants, barriers melted away, allowing for true connection and emotional healing to take place.

As the morning wore on, Claire found herself immersed in the timeless dance of horse and human, each movement a reflection of the bond that united them. In their eyes, she found solace, and her troubles melted away like dew in the morning sun. In their presence, she found sanctuary, and her spirit soared on wings of freedom.

Reflecting on the profound revelations of self and the world that occurred in moments like these, Claire remembered a quote from Patricia Atchison: "In their eyes, we find solace and our troubles melt away; in their presence, we find sanctuary and our spirits soar." These words echoed in her mind, resonating with the truth she felt deep in her heart.

As the day drew to a close and the sun dipped below the horizon, Claire knew that she would carry the lessons learned in this sacred space with her always. For in the company of horses, she had found not only healing, but also a deep sense of connection to the natural world and to herself.

 ----

For further reading on the profound impact of equine companionship and the benefits of Equine Assisted Therapy, consider exploring these books:

 1. "The Tao of Equus: A Woman's Journey of Healing and Transformation Through the Way of the Horse" by Linda Kohanov

2. "The Power of Horses: True Stories from Country Music Stars" by Gina Kimmel and Kenny Rogers

3. "Healing with Horses: Growth and Transformation with the Majestic Horse" by Angie Anderson

4. “Beyond Words: The Healing Power of Horses” by Alita H. Buzel, PH.D.