July Goddess Gathering: ATHENA

July Goddess: ATHENA

“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength,
while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” ― Lao Tzu

Join us for our monthly gathering of the Goddesses for an evening of festivity and celebration of the divine feminine. These events are always guided by the Goddess we invoke and this evening we will be communing with Athena, the Grecian Goddess of Wisdom and War.

Athena is a force to be reckoned with, strong, wise and capable, helping us to choose wisely when to take a stand. Yet, this façade of strength can often create a well of loneliness within her soul. Athena-inspired women know no fear, or at least that's the face they present to the world. Rest assured, Athena;s can be tough, independent, clever and resourceful women. However, the soul call, now that the skills of strength and wisdom have been honed, is to go back and take adventure in the exploration of her weaknesses. For it is often in her very “weaknesses” that the seeds of her true greatness lies dormant. Athena needs to learn how to trust her incredible strength, enough to become truly vulnerable. For in fact, it takes great strength to reveal such tenderness. And it is this display of tenderness that will balance her outer shell of perfection and bring her into her own.

Athena is truly the last step for the Goddess becoming in each of us. She has proven that she can succeed. She has the strength, the wisdom and the courage.  Now all she has to do is trust it and let go! Dare to fail! Dare to feel foolish! Dare to make a mistake! Understand that mistakes are actually a part of every creation and are always a pivotal point to even more successful outcomes. Athena reminds us to open up to our softer side. She reminds to kick-butt and take names.....WITH LOVE. She wants us to know that we are creator Goddesses and that we are the embodiment of the divine feminine!

Come and celebrate being a woman. Dress as befitting a Goddess. Working with the energy of the Divine Feminine is a powerful way to bring great powers of love into your life. Discover who you really are...

4th Thursday of the month (beginning on June 27) 6:30pm  $10

Facilitated by Samantha Banks and Rev. Renee Bledsoe
Hosted at Church of Spiritual Light, 1939 Park Meadows Drive #1, Ft Myers, Fl 33907
A program of the People Shine Project (www.peopleshineproject.org)

Artwork courtesy of Fine Artist: Bryan Larsen  More of his amazing artwork can be found at  www.bryanlarsenfineart.com and www.cordair.com This work is copyrighted by Bryan Larsen and is used with permission. Thank you. Bryan!

A Course In Miracles Study Group

"A Course in Miracles does not aim at teaching the meaning of Love, for that is beyond what can be taught.  It does aim, however, at removing the blocks to the awareness of love's presence, which is your natural inheritance.  The opposite of love is fear, but what is all-encompassing can have no opposite".  - ACIM book

This is an introductory look into the Spiritual Laws of the Universe.  It honors all religions and awakens the enlightenment of the student.  In this monthly class we will be working with the Miracles and the Lessons to open the awareness of the student to new levels of enlightenment.  There will be an advanced class starting in the Fall of 2013.  

Students please bring paper and pen for note taking.

Cost: $10

Contact Mir Lynne Pietrzyk at 239-253-2884 or send email to Lynne@shiftandwakeup.com 

Location: Church of Spiritual Light, 1939 Park Meadows Dr., #1, Fort Myers, FL 33907 (map)

This is a part of the www.PeopleShineProject.org 

July 2013: Time for Change

The new myths, the stories that we will teach our children and endow them with the will to live epic lives, must be forged, lived and told by us.- Alberto Villoldo

The time for change is here. The new earth is here. We stand at the brink of momentous realization that heaven on earth is possible. We also are coming to realize what that is and how that looks, not as innocent children, but as breathing, living, maturing human beings who understand the potential and power of this creation. As that power is realized, and our esteem and knowledge of self grows, not only do we learn about ourselves, we learn about the power of everyone and everything. We see and experience the interconnectedness viscerally and all the time. We read energy and we see the shape of all things in the spirit. And we know that we have the power in our own hands and hearts and minds to get back into the garden.

“The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”  ― Apple Inc.

Most of us have a sense, even if we have never truly experienced it or only in fleeting moments, the power of the potential of this creation and that a very intrinsic part of this is the re-unification of the Creator. We have a longing for true community, but we have forgotten how to be with our tribe. To many, getting along with others without a tremendous amount of negativity and hurtfulness being present has been something only wished for, but never fully realized. But that was before so many people had shifted into the return back to the garden. The garden is quite simply the consciousness that believes and can clearly hold the vision that paradise can be restored to the earth. And that means that the potential for everything on this planet to live and grow in harmony has never been more possible.

Those who choose their destiny will be the heroes, the pioneers, the midwives and the mothers of the future. - Alberto Villoldo

We have an inkling of what this earth can evolve into, if we will stop for a moment and truly assess the situation outside of our own wounds and the trauma and drama that most of us have endured on this journey to build the world into the state that it is now. Some who can only see, yet, in segments may have quite a different view and find it not so easy to be hopeful. But those of us who can see and who know the power of our own mind and intentions, and this is important... also know that this universe is unfolding according to a divine plan... and this is even more important... that the intelligence that created this universe is part of us and we are a part of it... then everything is by our own design... not as mere individuals, but as emerging souls who represent the body of God, who have come here to claim our free will to create paradise and come into the perfection of our wholeness.

“The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking.” ― Albert Einstein

It is in our coming together and opening up to the magnetizing force of Love that we can cross the abyss of our own fears and realize that heaven on earth can begin to manifest for us right here and now. We flow between being of service to ourselves, being of service to others and then eventually when our soul stalkings bring us to the altar of our hearts and what we truly love in our unique expression, we find that what we love serves the world and our joy is the worlds joy and what heals us, heals each other. It is in this space that we come to understand the power of our individuality and our own soul.

Achieving universal higher-state frequency is greatly accelerated as one more easily recognizes and claims their universe citizenship. - Crystal Tones

It is important to approach ourselves holistically, and especially since time is compressing due to our ability to communicate. The energy of time is much denser and can now be used as the tool it was intended to be like never before. While it is true that clock time and the apparent limitations that it can impose seems limiting, time has given us the ability to determine what is truly precious and worthy of our focus, attention and devotion. So, it is here in this space that we stand with these new eyes, taking the gift of time to help us get clear on what we love... and it is through what we love that our soul emerges!

“Grief does not change you. It reveals you.”  ― John Green

True tribal community is where paradise is found. The memory of paradise is kept under the guardianship of our Native American Grandfathers and Grandmothers, the wisdomkeepers, who remind us that when we each know who we are, and we find our joy, then we can take our true place of honor in the community and bring glory and honor to our family, our community and to this creation. Soul's purpose expressed in beauty and creativity and joy is how we are in service to the whole, and is how we meet in tribal community. The power of ritual and ceremony in communion with our geographical tribe is what gives us the ability to be strong enough within our own ranks to truly bless the world. No longer reacting and surviving, we create our lives out of love and honor.

It is time for change, time to allow our wings to spread and to allow our soul's expression to take flight. It is in the very act of flight, our reaching out for and our movement toward what we love that draws it to us. As above, so below... Let this be...Paradise found... created. It's time to GO LIVE!

Sunday Talks with Rev. Renee Bledsoe
July 07 - Sacred Circle Sunday - Time for Change
July 14 - The Soul's Emergence
July 21 - The Power of Story
July 28 - Unity in Diversity


Time For Change Affirmation
I am made of life force energy, magnetized as this body by light and love.
As I care for my spirit and soul, I heal my energy and therefore my body and vice versa.
I draw all my energy back into myself now, so that I choose how to spend it.
I collect up my power of choice and step even more fully into free will.
I take 100% responsibility for my own life.
I take 100% responsibility to do my part to bring heaven to earth.
I am gathering strength and courage daily to be my true self.
I am discovering my higher self and the true nature of being human.
Light is my medium and Love is the binding force for my creations.
I release addictions and attachment now in order to create the real thing.
I allow myself to experience and create true love in all aspects of my life.
My love is my Guide and Guardian.
Time helps me to prioritize and focus on bringing true love into my life.
As I bring true love into my life, I make heaven on earth.
My Joy brings Joy to the World.
My Peace brings Peace to the World.
My Love brings Love to the World.
My Light brings Light to the World
I am the change I wish to see in the world.
It is time for change...

June Goddess Gathering: VESTA

June Goddess: VESTA (Vestal Virgins)

“She had power over the most magnificent forces on Earth, 

but she still didn’t feel like she had power

over the most important thing of all—her own heart.” 

― Josephine Angelini, Goddess

Join us for our monthly gathering of the Goddesses for an evening of festivity and celebration of the divine feminine. These events are always guided by the Goddess we invoke and this evening, in honor of the Summer Solstice, we will be communing with Vesta, the Roman Fire Goddess of home and hearth. Here we will become as her Priestesses in ancient Rome keeping the sacred flame within the temple alive... Discovering our own sacred flame and what we need to do for ourselves to keep our own eternal flame well tended and strong. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect to your divine nature through the archetype of the beautiful Vesta and commune with other Goddesses!

Come and celebrate being a woman. Dress as befitting a Goddess. Working with the energy of the Divine Feminine is a powerful way to bring great powers of love into your life. Discover who you really are...

4th Thursday of the month (beginning on June 27) 6:30pm  $10

Facilitated by Samantha Banks and Rev. Renee Bledsoe
Hosted at Church of Spiritual Light, 1939 Park Meadows Drive #1, Ft Myers, Fl 33907
A program of the People Shine Project (www.peopleshineproject.org)

Cancer Care Support Group

Cancer Support groups present information, provide comfort, teach coping skills, help reduce anxiety, and provide a place for people to share common concerns and emotional support. 

People who take part in support groups believe that they can live healthier, happier lives if they spend time relating to others. They say that when they have emotional support, it is easier to deal with their health and social problems. Some claim that the bonds formed between members of support groups help them feel stronger. They further claim that sharing feelings and experiences within support groups can reduce stress, fear, and anxiety and help to promote healing. Evidence suggests that support groups can improve quality of life for people with cancer.

Meets on the second Thursday 6:30-8pm and the fourth Tuesday 12-1:30
$5 (donation to People Shine Project space)

Location: Church of Spiritual Light, 1939 Park Meadows Dr. #1 Fort Myers, Fl 33907 (map)

Facilitated by Christi Geib  - 248-835-4198

Christi@ChristiGeib.com 

Kicking Butts - Smoking Cessation Support Group

Come share your experience, strength and hope. Receive the support of a community of people who share the intention to stop smoking. In this group we will be sharing our issues, including our successes, struggles, and victories. Former smokers welcome to come and share your experience.

Come and join us - All are welcome - Open to the public.

Meets 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 7pm $5
Located at Church of Spiritual Light, 1939 Park Meadows Dr. #1, Ft. Myers, FL 33907
There group is a program of the People Shine Project. There is a suggested donation of $5 which goes directly to support the hard costs of the People Shine Project.

About People Shine Project:

The People Shine Project is a  non-profit SW Florida community service program that promotes and facilitates integrative recovery and holistic self care practices through affordable classes, groups and workshops, as well as private consultations. But it's actually even more than that. The People Shine Project is a movement, which is starting to take hold at the grassroots level of community. It is the movement toward the use of transformational and holistic methods, coupled with more personal responsibility for self care. It is our vision to inspire and educate people to take a more balanced and proactive approach to self care, wellness and personal growth. As advocates for integrative medicine, we have formed a unique community alliance which allows us to bring over 50+ classes per month (and growing) together under one roof to support this vision.

For more info visit www.peopleshineproject.org

June 2013: Prayer & Intention

June 2013: Prayer & Intention
The power of prayer and intention in our lives is all important to the realization of our free will and to the creation of a life of our choosing. Prayer is the voice that we give to these choices as we petition the higher powers that be for the love, support, protection and abundance that are not only necessary to our physical survival, but also our spiritual evolution. For in the asking, we come to realize that all is given, especially when we embrace the shamanic nature of our being and become the tracker in our lives.

“You pray in your distress and in your need; would that you might pray also in the fullness of your joy and in your days of abundance.” ― Kahlil Gibran

When we gather in community on the medicine wheel we have milestones and markers, which allow us to not only see the signs and experience the synchronicities, but to better interpret them, offering us a way to ground, anchor and integrate the knowledge, or to simply have more patience as we build our own faith in the process of unfolding. With these spiritual eyes on the shamanic path we can see the often subtle responses to our prayers that will better allow the omnipotent forces that we have invoked to do their magic. And we can also better hear the instructions of our soul which can guide our actions and decisions.

“The function of prayer is not to influence God, but rather to change the nature of the one who prays.” ― Søren Kierkegaard

We came here to create. We are creators, or more aptly put, co-creators. First through the protection of our ego we acted out our lives and created in unconscious ritual. As we learned more about who and what we truly are, we no longer act out only symbolically, but with reverence and respect as we create a new earth reality by taking these same rituals and framing and containing them in the story of our life under the protection of sacred ceremony... consciously and with positive intent.

“Let your intentions be good - embodied in good thoughts, cheerful words, and unselfish deeds - and the world will be to you a bright and happy place in which to work and play and serve” - Grenville Kleiser

In our unawakened state we may have found ourselves relying a great deal on our own steam and forgetting to pray. Or we may have prayed, but only at times of sorrow, angst or fear. Most of us were plenty good at forming an intention, but painfully shy of releasing it to the Universe, which is actually what makes an intention, a prayer. Ultimately we want to integrate prayer and intention and weave a practice of ritual and ceremony into our lives that allows us to dance our prayers, sing our prayers, cook, clean and garden our prayers... create art, or sit in silence and be one with our intentions, certain of the soul's purpose and the desires of our heart, so that the very actions of our life take on new meaning under this high guidance.

“I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I intended to be.”  - Douglas Adams

It's been a challenging journey, as we've experienced the knowledge of good and evil, duality and the polarizations of right and wrong doing. Now, unlike ever before, we have the opportunity to come to the center of our Self, the altar of our soul and pray in ways that make our whole life a sacred ceremony. When we pray we are speaking to the Divine, but when we wrap our prayers in ritual and ceremony, we are speaking directly and intimately to the divinity within our own being. We are speaking to our own soul and acknowledging that God comes through the people, the earth and that we are a great mystery. And as we leave room, the magic of the universe begins to respond back in spite of its mysterious nature, we can communicate meaningfully because we have framed and contained our desires in sacred space and surrendered them in complete faith.

“I am realistic – I expect miracles.”  ― Wayne W. Dyer

Make an intention to be listening with humility and awareness to the whispering of your soul. Then give a voice to it...spoken and written. Place it within the safe space of sacred ceremony. Enlivened with symbology, imagery, music... dance, drum and sweat your prayers... Annointed with precious oils. Activated with spiritual guides and angels. Taken into the silence of the void of your being. Align the Wills, then surrender fully to your soul, and to the Great Mystery. Watch and wait with calm certainty that the circumstances, the synergy and the guidance for right action will come and ultimately create something through this kind of surrender that far exceeds any meager wish that we can come up with on our own. That is the true power of prayer and intention.

“Heaven on Earth is a choice you must make, not a place you must find.” ― Wayne W. Dyer

Sunday Talks with Rev. Renee Bledsoe
June 02 - The Power of Prayer & Intention
June 09 - Activating Prayer Code: Ceremony & Ritual
June 16 - The Role of Heavenly and Earth Angels in the Fulfillment of Desire
June 23 - Sacred Circle Sunday - Summer Solstice Celebration - Happy Father's Day
June 30 - Let your Life be a Prayer

Affirmations
I pray and intend my life with humility, awareness and surrender.
I claim my free will through the power of prayer.
I raise the quality of my prayers.
I pray for peace, love and joy for myself and others.
I create a sacred space for my prayers.
I seek to align with the divine will of my GodSelf.
I allow heavenly and earth angels to love and support me.
As an earth angel I am supportive of my fellow travelers and render aid in times of need.
I create a sacred life that inspires the world to wonder.
I invoke the higher powers of the universe to reveal and support my life purpose.
The more I recognize and acknowledge my life purpose, the more power and support comes to me.
I embrace the mystery of my life.
I wrap my prayers in the protection of the medicine wheel and intend for my highest good.
My intentions are for the highest good of all concerned.
I am open to this or something better and welcome the creativity of my higher power.
I pray for guidance in all aspects of my life.
I ask and it is given.
I knock and the door is opened.
As I converse with the universe, elements of my own mysterious nature are revealed
In prayer I come to a better understanding of myself.
I inspire and infuse my prayers with sacred ceremony and ritual.
My prayers are made whole within the the sacred container of the medicine wheel.
I meditate, listen, journal and use divination to determine my heart's desires.
I want for nothing, and choose to create my bliss.
My joyful creations add to the beauty of the earth.
I send lovingkindness to all.
I see the undeviating justice in my life.
I allow myself to receive good into my life.
My entire life is a sacrament and a prayer.
I will to will thy will..