Zen

Week 52 - the letter "Z" again

Here we are with the end of the 2014 Pagan Blog Project.  I am quite proud that I completed the project and posted at least 52 times.  I am definitely going to continue with the project in 2015 because I've learned so much about myself and about my spirituality.

This week, I'm writing about the art of being Zen.  

Zen
/zɛn/ noun
1. a Japanese school, of 12th-century Chinese origin, teaching that contemplation of one's essential nature to the exclusion of all else is the only way of achieving pure enlightenment
2. Chinese Ch'an. Buddhism. a Mahayana movement, introduced into China in the 6th century a.d. and into Japan in the 12th century, that emphasizes enlightenment for the student by the most direct possible means, accepting formal studies and observances only when they form part of such means.

To many, myself included, Zen is a feeling or a mindset of enlightenment.  It is one of peace, comfort, and security.  While it is a movement or practice, it is also a state-of-mind.  Zen is something I personally wish to achieve and then maintain as much as possible.

Participating in this blog project has allowed me to dig deeper into my personal belief system and establish what it is and what it is not.  For me, that is something that helps bring me to a very zen-like state.  Being an eclectic Pagan, I have no rules or guidelines to follow.  It is up to me to create these for my Shanda-ism.  I generally dislike labels and putting things into categories, but I did need to do that for this.  

Is it defined fully and completely?  No.  But I am getting closer and do have a firmer grip on myself and my spirituality.  And I am honestly proud of the discoveries I've made along this journey and look forward to continuing the next step.

Here's what I've discovered:

Shanda-ism is:

• Pagan
• Eclectic
• Focused on the Elements of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water
• Honoring the Moon, especially her full stage
• Recognizing and celebrating the Seasonal changes, primarily on the changes within Nature
• Balanced in as many ways possible
• Belief in Animism, Pantheism, and reincarnation
• Supports, nurtures, and gives back to the Pagan community that is my own 
• Influenced by Wicca, ADF Druidism, Buddhism, Huna, and Feri Tradition
• It's a little bit Hedge Witch-based
• When I practice magick, it is Grey Witchcraft - embracing both good and bad/light and dark while fully understanding the consequences of all actions
• Belief in Karma as both fear- and love-based
• Has guidelines, not rules, that are based on my personal morals and ethics
• Incorporating labyrinths and animals when possible
• Mostly solitary but does play well with others
• Encourages family participation and exploration

 
Shanda-ism is not:

• Christian
• Highly structured
• Deity-driven
• Focused on Magic(k)
• Ran on Pagan Standard Time 
• Filled with hard and fast rules

Z and K

Week 51 - the letter "Z"

It's a Z week and I didn't know what to write about and have spent most of the week trying to think of the right Z topic to really capture my spirituality.  And...nothing.  Nada.  Zilch.  Ended up having a two-hour phone call/bitch-fest/cry session with one of my best friends and it clicked.  Ironically, the topic actually has nothing to do with her.

I'm choosing to write about my kids - Z and K.  For the record, they are my step kids but I honestly couldn't love them more if they were my own.  And, technically, they are my soon-to-be ex-step kids since their father and I have separated and will be divorcing at some point.  Z is an almost 19 year old college freshman and K is a 15 year old high school sophomore.  I've been in their lives since they were 6, almost 7, and 3.

Why write about them in regards to my spirituality?  Well, for one, they are the two most important people in my life.  They are my family and have been involved with Paganism in some way since our lives joined together.  They have participated in rituals and study groups.  They have asked questions and discovered their own paths to explore and own.  One of my proudest Pagan Mama moments was when the two of them worked together to create and perform an Ostara ritual for our family.

The four of us would have family classes to learn more about Paganism and explore different ideas.  We have done some family rituals and were working towards establishing a family tradition of sorts.  Because of the changes in our lives, that isn't something we are actively working towards at the time.  I haven't spoken with them to see if it is something they would like to continue.

Did we actively raise the children to be Pagan?  Nope.  We encouraged them to find what worked for them.  We supported them as they were in different Christian-based youth groups.  They were never forced to attend a Pagan gathering or class.  I don't know that I would call us a Pagan family but the roots are there.  

My kids are tied to my spirituality because they are tied to me.  They are open-minded, smart, and passionate kids who are making their way in the world.  Z is exploring the Druid tradition and K has felt an affinity to Persephone.  I don't know if either we stay on a Pagan or Pagan-like path and I don't care.  I'm just glad that we have been able to share that connection and it will always remain a link between the three of us. 

At some point, I want to honor this connection with them with a tattoo or a piece of jewelry.  I've seen some designs that are referred to as the Celtic symbol for motherhood. From Inked Weddings:

Celtic Motherhood Knot Design: Traditionally, it is one of two hearts intertwined together; the lines seemingly have no openings, so they strongly signify an unbreakable bond. One heart is lower than the first heart and both hearts are intertwined in a continuous knot. Children are denoted by a dot which can be inside or outside the heart design.

Variations are hearts, starts, flowers, initials, zodiac symbols, colored dots symbolizing the birthstone or their names instead of the traditional dots. The variations and possibilities are endless and limited only by your imagination. A phrase you can incorporate into your motherhood knot design is: Grá Máthair which translated from Gaelic, means “A mother’s love”. Or you can use, Grá Mo Chroí which means the “love of my heart” or “my love, my darling”. Is there any love greater then that of a mother and her children? There is an old Irish saying that says ” A mother holds her children’s hands for a little while and their hearts forever.”

I like the design and symbolism a great deal.  I don't know if it is a route that I will go or not but it is something to consider.  My bond with the kids is important to me on every level and I'd like to proclaim that with something creative and unique. 

Yin Yang, part 2

Week 50 - the letter "Y" again

Last week was Yin Yang and I am fried from the week.  I honestly don't know what topic to cover and I also just cannot think much right now so we are going to play picture time on the same topic.

 

Yin Yang

Week 49 - the letter "Y"

The concept of Yin Yang is one that fits nicely into my spirituality.  Balance is incredible important to me in all aspects of my life and it is something that I actively work to achieve.  To many, the primary representation of Yin Yang (also known as "Yin and Yang" or "Yinyang") is a balance.  And while that is an aspect, it is not the only one.

There are four main aspects of Yin and Yang relationship:

1. Yin-Yang are opposites - They are either on the opposite ends of a cycle, like the seasons of the year, or, opposites on a continuum of energy or matter. This opposition is relative, and can only be spoken of in relationships. For example: Water is Yin relative to steam but Yang relative to ice. Yin and Yang are never static but in a constantly changing balance.
2. Interdependent: Can not exist without each other - The Tai Ji (Supreme Ultimate) diagram shows the relationship of Yin & Yang and illustrates interdependence on Yin & Yang. Nothing is totally Yin or totally Yang. Just as a state of total Yin is reached, Yang begins to grow. Yin contains seed of Yang and vise versa. They constantly transform into each other. For Example: no energy without matter, no day without night. The classics state: "Yin creates Yang and Yang activates Yin".
3. Mutual consumption of Yin and Yang - Relative levels of Yin Yang are continuously changing. Normally this is a harmonious change, but when Yin or Yang are out of balance they affect each other, and too much of one can eventually weaken (consume) the other.
4. Inter-transformation of Yin and Yang - One can change into the other, but it is not a random event, happening only when the time is right. For example: Spring only comes when winter is finished.

The complexity of Yin Yang is also incredibly simple.  And to me, that is beautiful.

General Qualities of Yin and Yang:

Yin = Darkness...Yang = Light
Yin = Moon...Yang = Sun
Yin = Feminine...Yang = Masculine
Yin = Shade...Yang = Brightness
Yin = Rest...Yang = Activity
Yin = West...Yang = East
Yin = Sunset...Yang = Sunrise
Yin = North...Yang = South
Yin = the heavens...Yang = the earth
Yin = Right...Yang = Left
Yin = Flat...Yang = Round
Yin = Matter...Yang = Energy
Yin = More material/dense...Yang = Non-material, rarefied

When you look at the symbol, you see how each section has a little bit of the other in itself.  You cannot have one without the other and they aren't truly opposites but do balance each other or are parts of a continuous cycles.  My goal is to lead a life as balanced as possible.

Yin and Yang is also used in Chinese Medicine.  The information is interesting but not something that excites me so visit this site to read more.

“If we never experience the chill of a dark winter, it is very unlikely that we will ever cherish the warmth of a bright summer’s day. Nothing stimulates our appetite for the simple joys of life more than the starvation caused by sadness or desperation. In order to complete our amazing life journey successfully, it is vital that we turn each and every dark tear into a pearl of wisdom, and find the blessing in every curse.” - Anthon St. Maarten, Divine Living: The Essential Guide To Your True Destiny