Woodpecker’s drumming conjures up images and visions of our Mother’s changing heartbeat, energetic pulsing and weather forecast. Moreover, their spirited teachings aid us in loosening up our souls for exploration in other realms, dimensions, new vistas and novel experiences. Consuming a spiritual diet of Woodpecker reminds us to “march to the beat of your own drum”. When stillness speaks, we experience an internal rapture that resonates within our souls that sparks a fire in our right brains that lights up an awakening in our consciousness. Staying in the flow of expecting synchronicity, stepping into, accepting the present moment as it is and embracing the unfolding mystery is good medicine for that. This is easier when we feel secure and at peace on the inside or if our surroundings reinforce a sense of comfort. It is more difficult to sustain that place when the outer world looks anything but. The trick in this true wizardry is to sustain this state of consciousness, especially when fear and terror kick in. Woodpecker reminds us that we influence one another’s energy fields with relation to what is going on in the inside of our Being.

Spending time out in Nature and getting in alignment with Nature’s rhythm sometimes feels like an inconvenient truth. What happened to that clear blue sky? Is it too cold, hot or wet? Has globalization, dying trees, poor air quality index or stock market got your hue feeling manic and blue? Of course, it is always most difficult to stay in alignment in a domestic partnership, particularly when we are oriented very differently or coming from different planets. I remember walking on the trails with a student some years ago and he was afraid of venturing further down the trail because he was deathly afraid of ticks. In a space of trust, we empathized with his fear and then recognized that it was actually scarier to avoid our fears than actually face them head on.

In that light, folks in our neck of the woods have felt the experience of terror in Boston hit close to home. It is challenging to remember that terrorism seeks to disrupt the status quo and instill fear and panic in the masses, like the boy’s fear of ticks blocked him from staying connected. Yes, we feel rage and a deep hurt in our soul wherever tyranny exists. But Woodpecker reminds us that even in the wild, there is a drumming that lifts our spirits. Rather than consuming the terror within the terrorists, we need to heed the drum beat that reminds us there are no enemies. Rather than reacting to the spirited energies pouring in right now, may we consciously move with these energies to wake up and know inner peace. In this powerful forthcoming Wesak Full Moon, may we allow ourselves to wake up to the Love and Light that Buddha and Christ illuminate for us to see.

When enough of us sustain this internal martial arts practice, we shall overcome and see the New World being revealed, so within as without. The old world and old ways are hanging by a thread. For many, that reality is alarming. Who will keep us safe and protected? It is becoming clearer we all must stand in our own personal authority by being secure within our own Being and summoning protection accordingly. In the spirit of that, may the energy of Woodpecker offer you powerful protection and guidance as you embark on drumming up a new dream for yourself. There is so much help from the spirit realm waiting for us, if only we allow ourselves to receive. Perhaps it might feel uncomfortable creating space out in Nature. But in that place, we afford ourselves the opportunity to know ourselves on a deeper level by letting the distractions gently pass us by with care.

See you further on down on the trails,

Ari