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Valery has a new Blog page which can be found at www.valerycoburn.wordpress.com

Many years ago I spent a lot of my time believing in ‘not good enough’; everyone was better educated and knew way more than I? Then I adopted a nasty practice of putting all those I thought of as greater than I on pedestals of varying heights, only to be revered from a distance sometimes. My grounding in this I think was being born of Victorian parents who taught that we put people like doctors, dentists, teachers and the law way above ourselves? They knew things we didn’t and therefore they were ‘better’ than we were. That as well as being told I was to be seen and not heard.

Somewhere along the way the light did at last go on, and how then I regretted all those lost years of searching. But one could ask, had I not have pursued the search would the light ever have gone on?  It became glaringly obvious to me at some time the gifts I had that perhaps others didn’t, and those who I’d set upon high pedestals; simply had different gifts to myself.
The realisation of my uniqueness, and then acceptance of it were ground breaking, which bought with it many more light bulb moments.

 

 I think we all choose and make our decisions based on the information we have at the time; therefore I believe nothing to be wrong and everything to be simply another experience. There is also a time for everything and everything has its time. I learnt that to be Divine time not necessarily my time. That bought with it just more acceptance and defined the need for more patience to be applied.

Acceptance has become my buzz word for this year in particular. It has top billing so to speak. I am still learning how to be accepting of my ‘God’ given gifts which is what I call them, and I give thanks for them every day. I so rejoice in being able to share them with others without judgement or need for approval. For I believe we have those things we choose to learn, because we study, we’ve read the appropriate books and attend the workshops, we become skilled, trained enough and put them into practice. Then we have our unique gifts which I refer to as ‘God’ given, those are what we are here to share with others. It is surely part of our purpose, part of our passion, part of what makes us who we are as unique individuals.

So when the going gets tough, get out of your own way, stand back and accept your magnificence, your true individuality, your light and your truth. Remember it is no one else’s business only yours for you to know what you know, be who you truly are and walk your talk in authenticity. Sharing a great life allowing your true self to be visible, heard, celebrated and loved.

Always in Love
Valery

 

“...You have it within.
Discover your passion, then simply jump in.
Decide what you love, what excites and inspires,
Then make that your purpose and watch what transpires.”
 
You know how sometimes you can read something, or something just catches your eye and lights up your mind, this happened to me as I read the above this morning. It comes from a children’s book called The Adventures of Blue Ocean Bob, A Journey Begins. Written by Brooks Olbrys, it was inspired from the teachings of great motivational authors such as Earl Nightingale, Napolean Hill, Wallace D Wattles and Bob Proctor. These are some of the writers that have inspired me over the years, and who I still refer to today.

Finding a way to share spiritual principles with children is often difficult, but I believe so necessary in today’s world. Reading is not to every child’s taste, as there are so many other distractions that can lead them down avenues that are not of a spiritual nature. I know life is an adventure for us all and we have all chosen a pathway to follow, all I wish is that my path had opened many years earlier than it did, and that I had had such an inspired book to read.

Yet as the rhyme suggests we all have it within. It never ceases to fascinate me the diversity that life offers us all, and just when and where and how, what we have within us manifests. Then sometimes where is can seemingly disappear and we can feel lost and all at sea again. I use an analogy of surfing to elaborate this point, having a son who is an avid surfer; he once explained to me how it feels when you fall off your surf board which reminded me so much of the story of life itself. I love the ocean, and feel it is an integral part of who we all are, its vastness is awesome its power amazing, its beauty is stunning, and it reflects all back at us when on a good day we see it as such?

 So now when I fall off my surf board, and I feel as though I’m caught up in that washing machine motion of life, I have a different understanding of the process. Sometimes I can get dropped to the bottom of the ocean floor, bump against some rocks and have my legs scraped to pieces. Then as I aim for the surface swimming against time and tide, I break through with a huge sigh and intake of breath. Reaching for my surf board once again, I clamber up and rest for a moment. Feeling the warmth of the sun on my body I give thanks, for I know all things pass, and I that have the skills the inner wisdom and the knowing to let the ocean of life lift me up and support me ready to ride the next wave and smile again.

It is that time of year again that we call Valentines Day, the day when we are encouraged to express our love for a significant other preferably with abundant gifts of roses, chocolates, bubbles and a romantic card. As nice as this is, I do think it has become overly hyped and sadly hugely commercialised, as have so many of the moments of celebration in our world today. Christmas has only just passed and Easter eggs and hot cross buns already appear in the shops? This is swiftly followed with all the publicity of Valentines Day. It seems that each year all of this commercialism gathers pace. I begin to wonder if shortly ‘they’, the powers that be that is, will be throwing it all at us in one fell swoop.

I was delighted to hear from my son a couple of years back that he and his partner do not celebrate this date as they don’t believe in the hype of it all. For young 30 something’s I thought this was to be quite admired, as a lot of this hype is focussed very much on the younger folk. I don’t think I’m getting old and crotchety, well some may not agree, but given these times of austerity and hardship that we are told exist, maybe choices need to be made with much more authority instead of being sucked in.

How much more meaningful it would be if we could celebrate the power of love each and every day, not just on one day a year. Love as we know comes in many shades and colours, and as our years go by shifts the energy in several different ways. The world I believe needs more of this all powerful energy, so let us look at how we can add to the power of love in everyday life.

 

 Apart from loving who you are, love what you do, who you do it with and how you go about it. Love yourself to death; somebody once said to me, there really is no greater way of living than loving yourself to death. So holding that thought, we can build into our life every loving thing and saturate it in love. Above all love yourself for who you are, for all of the gifts you hold, have learnt about and have been given. Integrate and feel the energy of love embrace every part of your being, it will then begin to fill every cell in your body. Love the way you look, and the way you share your love with others. Maybe with this awareness you will feel the love that you are heighten and strengthen, simply because you are radiating on such a high frequency now.

 

What we think about we become. Buy flowers if you wish for those you love but periodically not just on one day in the whole year. Share luscious chocs and sweet treats with friends and loved ones when the whim takes you, it doesn’t have to be something that happens because it’s Valentines Day.

We all know what goes round comes round; it’s one of the fundamental rules of the Universe. The more love you fill up with the more exudes from who you are. The smile you share in the super market with the person checking your shopping, or the guy at the petrol station, all sends the message of love out into the world. Project the love from your heart its how all healing and prayer works.

So in this month of February as the shops are trying to tell us our significant other ‘should’ be receiving our love through spending money on a certain product, why not have some fun and find new ways that you can integrate your loving self with those who make your heart sing. Make it a lighter, loving and maybe more heart felt resolution that this year of 2013 will be the year you simply become more of who you truly are? So who are you? You are Love of course!

I’ve been listening and reading in various places to feed back from folks on their outcomes from the 12/12 and 21-12-12 expected events.

 

Over the first few weeks of January many have been comparing their notes. Generally the feed back was of disappointments that nothing mind blowing had actually happened, as most had thought it might. Some meditated on this at length and yet still received very mediocre insights.
For myself I have to say it was peaceful but uneventful although I’m not sure I had any great expectation of anything specific happening, and sometimes I do think this to be the best idea. I think if anything I had thought the event was to be an energy shift pure and simple. Now I did feel an energy shift it is true to say, it was subtle but definitely noticeable. How one interprets that though is another thing entirely.

However, I have observed with interest just how many have been unwell since as well as around this time? Strange viruses and infections, whatever you want to call them have been experienced by many people. These seem to have been lasting a fair length of time and have really got people down. I’m not sure what to deduce from this other than to say, as we mostly know what is hidden has to come to the surface to be dealt with. I do see such things as times of clearing and cleansing, so maybe the length of time that this continued was reflective of the depth of the clearing that was needed for the individual.

This of course is all supposition on my part but it still raises my curiosity. What ever we may or may not have experienced from those dates in December, a shift of energy definitely did occur and the results we are all subject to in some way or other.

I have found myself often signing off a letter with the words ‘keep on keeping on’ as I have always felt there is such strength in this message. I feel now more than ever, as we come through the winter days of bitter cold and  dark and gloomy skies do we need to hang on to this profound message.

As we head toward the light and the warmth and sunshine of spring with all of its glorious re-birthing, I feel my heart lift once again. We know this is what comes next, and it is our ‘knowing’ that is important now I feel for us all. Let go of the when where and how, and step away from hoping into knowing. Hoping has always seemed one step too far away for me. My ‘knowings’ bring me such a sense of contentment within. Knowing empowers our energy and changes the vibration way beyond hope, and gives assurance that all is well.

So that is to be my focus now that I share with you, move from hope to knowing that all will be well. This brings with it a sense of calmness and peace and gratitude, for all is in Divine right order, always.

Keep on Keeping On
Love Always,

 Valery

Once again I am inspired to write these words which I have taken from my latest Interfaith newsletter. The writer wrote similarly as he had also been inspired by someone saying this to him over the New Year celebrations.

 

As you know my intent this year is to focus on building on the essence of community whether on the internet through my website or physically, or both. It matters not, only that we come together as one voice, and there are many already doing this I know.

Then low and behold more inspiration today from the pen of Mary Morrissey, which I have reprinted and included below which is again along similar lines.

 

Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world.  In fact, it is the only thing that ever has.”
 
It has been well researched that the group of people we surround ourselves with have the power to influence our thoughts, feelings and actions --and ultimately, the results we create in life.
 
Your success is directly related to the amount of support that you create and accept in your life.  (One strategy to create this kind of support is to create a community of like minds.)  These are my words as hers are speaking of a mastermind group specifically.
 
Be sure that you have a group of people in your lives who believe in you, and who call you into your greatness. Choose those people who believe in your possibilities, who stand for your excellence and help you remember how powerful you are when you forget.

 

And so to ‘Planning for Miracles’….and as my Interfaith friend says,

 

“How would life work out if I planned for Miracles to happen? If instead of assuming the impossible would never happen, that I am not enough, or don't have enough, I acted as though the Miracles were just around the next corner, just out of sight but there none the less?

Could I let go of my old mind set of the world being harsh and unforgiving, and instead see the generosity and kindness of the source of Love in every moment?

And if I can, what might I be able to offer from my heart's deepest desires to serve, free from the fear of not being enough and not being supported; instead opening to the endless creative potential in every single moment?

What if our collective intentions and soul energy could unite in planning for Miracles for this next year, and beyond? What might we achieve together?”

 

So my resolution for 2013, is to do my best to plan for Miracles, accepting them and making the space for them to happen without holding fast to any outcome. My intent is to focus on the essence of community knowing that it already exists. To touch, taste, hear and smell life differently, and to be in the flow complete with an open heart, trusting that whatever or wherever the flow may be I will be there with you.
 
Here’s to the Miracle that Life Really is………..
Always In Love

Valery

Once again we are faced with a horrific shooting in New Town, Connecticut USA this week. We see and hear how 20 young souls and four adults all lost their lives in this terrible tragedy.

Our hearts and minds and prayers although sent to these families and friends who now have such devastated lives, can nowhere bring us close to the pain they are experiencing just now. We can only imagine how this must feel and how long their grief will last. It is Christmas time now, and each year that comes will bring with it this desperately sad memory for them all.

Yet there are lessons for us all, as always with tragedies as with all life itself, nothing is separate, therefore how can we not all take responsibility for who we are. How we act, what we say, how we behave and what we think. What we give and what we take, all is such a part of what makes up our individual worlds, and what and how we choose to live in it.

The power of the child energy is huge; nothing shifts anyone further than the energy which belongs to a child. As we look at the faces of these 20 young souls we look at the faces of angels, how many times have we witnessed this, the face of a child is so easily recognised as that of an angel. There is something in their eyes that tells us, is a mirror almost and helps us to remember the light that shines within us all. That is the light that beams from us all wherever or whoever we may be.

Yes these dear souls, as with others will change laws, change minds, change hearts and help some to wake up and realise what is really going on. This is the power of the child energy, this raw, heart rending, eye watering energy that literally can rip hearts apart, make communities become stronger, closer and with deeper ties, and lives lived in more conscious awareness.

There is only the energy of love or fear this we know. I pray that this desperate act of one sad lost soul does not dredge up more fear, but bring deeper more profound love and understanding within our hearts for each other. May we all be free from suffering, may those in places of power be guided to a course that will bring peace in our time. May we all know in our hearts the love that exists for all, that love is all there is, that can heal, forgive and make a difference.  It is only love that will bring about the peace, joy and happiness that is our true birthright our gift to each other and to the world?

Blessed Be

I know there are many books that can give a message that can be life changing, but I feel this book is set apart from any other I have ever read before.

Anita Moorjani’s book is entitled ‘Dying to Be Me’. It is a totally amazing and inspirational story of Anita’s journey from cancer to near death and to true healing.

I am quoting now from the back cover of the book which I hope will inspire you to order it if you haven’t already done so.

‘Anita relates how, after fighting cancer for almost four years, her body – overwhelmed by the malignant cells spreading throughout her system – began shutting down. As her organs failed, she entered into an extraordinary near-death experience where she realised her inherent worth….and the actual cause of her disease. Upon regaining consciousness, Anita found that her condition had improved so rapidly that she could be released from the hospital within weeks….without a trace of cancer in her body!

Anita recounts stories of her childhood in Hong Kong, her challenge to establish her career and find true love, as well as how she eventually ended up in that hospital bed where she defied all medical knowledge.’

The compelling nature of this book hardly allowed me to put it down, and it is probably the fastest I have ever read a book before. It is so extraordinary and moving to read such a story filled with so much emotion and honesty, I felt the energy of the book was filling me up. It has made a huge impact on me and I have felt my energy change since the read.  I have much more understanding now of so much that I thought I knew, I don’t want to spoil the story for you, but it takes you on to a whole new level of being. Anita’s wonderful use of language and descriptive writing allows you to journey with her, and as such is totally absorbing. Her ability to recount her experiences in such finite detail, of leaving her body and becoming aware of the Oneness that I can only speak of, deepens for me so much more in my understanding, and brings with it a greater sense of peace in my heart.

It is definitely a book that everyone should read, particularly those with a fear of dying. It is a book that all in the medical profession should read anyone in a caring role or who believes in nothing particularly at all. It will inspire, evoke ‘knowings’ and bring about a firm sense of that saying ‘All is in Divine Right Order.’

I will say no more other than to urge you to maybe give this as a gift to yourself this Christmas; life will never seem quite the same again. My good friends at Cygnus books have copies and you can reach them through www.cygnus-books.co.uk or by calling them on 0845 456 1577 or 01558 825 500. If you do this and are not aware of how Cygnus operates, please quote my membership number 103892 as one of their gifts is to reward those who support them. I have been proud to do that almost since they began.

Sending Loving Blessings and Seasonal Greetings to all, may I wish you the best of times this Christmas and throughout the coming New Year.

Supporting the Spirit of Community
Valery

New Beginnings again - 2013 here we come…………

 

I have such a heightened sense of the season that approaches. With reading a lot of input on the forthcoming dates of 12/12/12 and the 21/12/12 one cannot help but feel the gathering energy at this time.

 

I feel it is full of a diverse mix of energies. Anticipation, excitement, a buzziness I have not been aware of before. At the same time there is also a peace, a restedness, and the warmth of compassion and a loving heart. For it is from the heart we now come, in word and deed and action. This year has taken us deeper than ever before into the depths of our hearts where we know the truth of all. With courage and strength from that place we can stand tall embracing the light and the light of all around us. Authenticity was my buzz word for this year, and I have heard it repeated by many as they awakened to their truth.

 

This year of 2012 has been about so much; clearing and cleansing out 'stuff' that had been hidden away for fear of discovery. Dying to the old self has been a long drawn out process that seems to have lasted most of the year for some. Now as we move more and more into the transparency that life offers us all, just more ‘stuff’ comes to the light to be cleared. Trusting and being able to get to the very heart of the matter has allowed for so much more freedom, joy and compassion to be experienced. Doorways have opened and stepping through them has seemed a joyful release. We are here now at the gateway of 2012 and on the 12th of the  12th this will lead us onward to the powerful opening of 21/12/12.

 

Numbers have always fascinated me, and like me I am sure you have read oodles of information about the significance of these two dates. Therefore I will simply add this, take heart beloveds, for you have travelled far and will continue to do so. Now with that song in your heart which brings joy to your soul, the quote ‘Let go and let God’ is as appropriate now as ever was. Keep faith in your heart and trust in each hand, for together these two bedfellows will never desert you. With openness, honesty and truth, love in your heart and joy in your soul, you are ready to fly.

 

Sitting at the gateway of 12/12/12, be where you choose to be with whom you would choose to be with, whether by your side of in your loving thoughts. Come from the heart, then let go again of all that no longer serves you, in gratitude give thanks for all that does. Honour yourself, your journey to this place your courage and your guidance. Then with conscious awareness step through the gateway with love and your song in your heart. 'Be still and know that you are God.'

 

In closing I refer to some words I wrote in describing my ‘Heart Retreats’………..

 

A Reconnected HEART says “I hear you and sings your name”.

 

A HEART Reconnected says “I feel you, welcome”.

 

THE HEART always knows the truth of who you truly are.

 

My wish for you this season of Joy and Celebration, is Heart Felt on the sharing in Community – or Common Unity as I feel it to be, and so may it be filled with Love, Peace, Happiness and Fun.

 

2013 will Bless us beyond measure with the Abundance for a Life well lived in Harmony and Balance with All That Is.

 

With Happy Seasonal Greetings

 

Supporting you Spiritually

 

Valery xxx

I hear many saying ‘where on earth has this year gone?’ well indeed; it has gone in a flash hasn’t it? Seemingly faster and faster as life speeds by and we have surely seen so much flash before us this year.

So maybe to ask some questions of ourselves about this year might be interesting, provoke a deeper understanding of the why’s and wherefore’s, then  allow a place to be arrived at where gratitude is given? For 2012 was and still is a major test for some, although I think much has been asked of us all. I come back to the one word which rings out so loud and clear about this year, and it is authenticity. With that in mind why not set yourself some questions, my suggestions are below;

How did 2012 serve us?

Did it meet our hopes and dreams?

Were we able to let go of all that no longer serves us?

Were we able to reach a greater sense of wellbeing and contentment?

Are we moving toward 2013 with hope and excitement in our hearts?

It really can be a challenge to move beyond all the doom and gloom that can fill our lives. Times are hard and in some ways looking to maybe get a little harder yet. But everything I believe comes down to our own perception and interpretation. What we then choose to act upon and is the glass half full or half empty?

The major uplift we all experienced this year began with the Jubilee celebrations and went on to the awe inspiring Olympic Games, we must not forget that high euphoria and let it become just a memory. Much was spoken about what the legacies would be as a result of the games, you may recall. I would like to share with you the legacy as it sits with me?

My heart was moved so many times over this summer by so many things. I cried more times than I care to remember at the achievements made through selfless dedication and focus to a sport, most of which I had previously no interest in at all. Not only by the Paralympians whose triumph over adversity was above and beyond what I personally could ever imagine would be possible. But by all our British men and women athletes who expressed openly and with so much passion their appreciation at being British. I cried with others who won medals and who displayed such pride in themselves their sport and their nation. I cried with absolute unashamed joy at the spectacle displayed for the whole world to see at our opening and closing ceremonies. I sat in awe and total wonder at the minds that had created it all, at all of the volunteers who had simply wanted to be there, to be a part, to have their own stories to tell as a result, to generations to come. The whole extravaganza was to leave me with lasting memories, and legacies I can now interpret for myself.

For surely life is but a mirror, reflecting back at us all that is? In that mirror we are shown, how stoic we can be, just how strong and resilient, overcoming adversity and any obstacle put in our way. We are shown we are not ‘the story’ we are a result of it. We are shown where opportunities lie and taking chances can lead. We recognised in others, places inside them where maybe a part of us lay hidden. As a result we knew in our heart of hearts that everything is possible, and that we can achieve whatever we choose and then act upon it. As someone who has come to terms with living with a condition that has somewhat disabled me, I know that I am not that condition, it is not who I am. 2012 therefore, and all it held, served to inspire, uplift and ignite sparks in me that continue to flicker. Sometimes the spark will grow a little dimmer, sometimes even be blown out, it is then I know that I have a choice, to stay in the dark or to re-ignite that flame.

Life it is said was not meant to be easy but it was meant to be embraced, held and explored. What costs little or nothing often holds the greatest gifts. To awake each day and say thank you for another gift, this brand new day that you hold in your heart and hands, is ‘Gods’ gift to you. For it is in this present, this present moment that another opportunity will come. Gratitude for life itself is a glorious practice to adopt. Living in our body as we do we take all of its functions mostly for granted? Give thanks for all you’ve been given and rejoice in the legacies life has left you. Look inside, look into your heart, feel in your heart, speak from your heart, love from your heart and boundless gifts will be unwrapped before your very eyes.

2013 beckons us all, look forward from your heart, stay connected in your heart. I ask that 2013 to be the year for us all that we enter with courage, love, faith, hope and peace, in the full knowledge that coming from that sacred place all will be given.

With Boundless Blessings and Abundant Love

Valery