Pagan Summer Camp (intro/week one) - Page 2

[Maiasaura]

Daily devotionals, and short ones-- what a great idea! I used to do this back when I was getting sober. Hazeldon has a fab collection of daily meditation books.

As y'all know, I am out of town right now, but when I get back I may look into getting some sort of new one. Maybe M and I will peruse B&N while I'm here Matter of fact, I think that's a mah-velous idea. I can get a posh coffee while I'm there
But not till tomorrow. It's 94* right now and is supposed to hit 97* before the day's out. AND we're in a city, so I know it's really way hotter than the thermometer says. I didn't sleep well or much, last night, so today I'm feeling really off and we already were out and the heat nearly wilted me. I mean, as in, I was feeling like passing out. That's not like me-- so I think I'd better stay in, today.

But tomorrow? B&N for sure-- yep, great idea

[CariOfOz]

OMG how did I miss a camp starting! I have been very disconnected & scattered of late, so I guess it's not surprising!

Re: Morning rituals... I used to have a fantastic one (I think I shared it on a prev camp or one of our monthly threads) but I can't remember what book I got it from!!!! It was an elemental greeting of the day... intended to be said outside if possible, but standing by your bed looking out the window would do just fine. I am going to have to find it again to share I felt incredibly connected, both to myself & the universe, when I was doing this regularly.

My current 'devotion' isn't really one as such, but I take a few minutes to focus on my Treasure Map and reaffirm the 'things' (some material things, some not) that I hope to bring into my life. And I speak to the Goddess in me, and remind us both that we are going to have a beautiful day and will look to see the divine that resides in the 3 boybarians aka my sons It is REALLY helping me to stop & take a deep breath when I'm getting frustrated with them, and helping me to feel like a better ME

[aweynsayl]

huzzah, camp! camp of the campest!

(clay~ please, please do not link to the so called "organizational thread" for last summer's camp. please. please. if you love me, please. it's sooooooo embarrassing. i'll start a new one with links to all the random stuff from the past year-- including tapping and chakras, if you like..... just please make that planning thread go away.)

i'll be back in the morning with a fresh mind and open heart and delighted spirit!

[Maiasaura]

Aweyn and Cari, yay!!

A new day. A glorious day! Welcome, world!

[Aeress]

Mornin' Ladies!

I used to read my daily devotional in the bathroom when I first got up, but tha doesn't work as well in the summer cause I have allergy eyes and it takes longer to wake up. I have "devotional for women who do too much" and a nice deck that the girls lost most of the cards for...grr, but I found some of them recently, so maybe I can do a draw in the morning. I really liked doing a quick read in the morning.

My general ritual is to sit and chat with friends in the morning while drinking coffee. It needs more "umph" though...and it needs to be simple. Hmmm....

[Valerie.Qc]

I drew a card this morning... well... the card jumped out of the deck is a more accurate description of how it went.

Visualization

By drawing this card, you are guided to sit quietly on a daily basis and to visualize yourself living a healthy, happy, abundant, and meaningful life.


Talk about a Do-it-now task!

So I'll use the time I'm going to be sitting on the bench at the park while DS is playing soccer to visualize! (he usually go by himself but there is no way I'm going to let him bike there and back home + playing soccer by this intense heat )


Now: cold shower before heading in the heat! Wet hair will hopefully keep me from wilting on the bench.

[dawningmama]

Subbing! My mod duties and general life responsibilities kept me from camp last year. And this year I am moving from NY to NC in the middle of camp but I want to participate as much as possible anyway. With the chaos of moving and transitioning, I am having trouble Staying Present and I think keeping up with Pagan Camp could be a big help on that front.

Most of my books are packed but I have all these pamphlets of paint colors from the home improvement store. Maybe I can get some random color guidance?

*****

Ok, I closed my eyes and let my hand land where it was drawn. The colors are Mission Stone, Adobe White and Olive Sprig. These colors mean light and stability to me. They are the colors of river rocks so they evoke feelings of tangible, quiet strength. I need that today! This afternoon, I'm moving my mother out of her co-op completely as she closes on her sale tomorrow afternoon. It's a day of Big Change for her and I will need to be her rock, to hold her steady and get her and us to the Next Place. I will keep the serenity and reliability of these colors in my heart and mind as we get through the day.

[wombatclay]

Good Golly Miss Molly, it's HOOOOOOT!

Today is a day for doing crafts in the shade I think. Possible a little foot dabbling or swimming in the lake, perhaps a few refreshing drinks, maybe even a little hand waving and shoulder rubbing.... but absolutely nothing that requires much moving around in the sun!

Yesterday we talked about quick and easy, down and dirty, 1-5 minute tricks for connecting to spirit and starting the day out on the right (metaphysical) foot. Morning Cards and Morning Readings were the two techniques that seemed to fit the bill.

Morning Cards... grab a tarot deck, a rune deck, playing cards, a few beautiful postcards, the pages of a gorgeous (or meaningful) calendar, a pouch of rune stones, your I Ching sticks, your D&D markers... whatever you have! Grab one out of the stack to represent your day, or your self. What do you see? What is going on in the image? The "oracular whammy" is less important here than the act of intentionally connecting and being present with yourself. Sure, it would be nice if the card "worked" on an oracular level, but just taking that moment and DOING IT NOW is where the real magic is.

--- I grabbed my rune deck and pulled "Risk/Gamble" for the day and "Journey/Control" for me... which actually does help since I have been debating whether I should go into town today.---

Morning Readings are another quick connection... grab a book of devotions, a page a day book, a collection of quotes or poems (haiku is short, as are limricks!), a book from your specific religious tradition, whatever you have! Read a page or a paragraph or a line and see how it can be applied to the day. Again, the magic comes from DOING IT NOW. Right now. Stick a book behind the toilet or next to your toothbrush. Hang something from a fridge magnet or on the rear view mirror. Stick a collection in your diaper bag, briefcase, messenger tote, beach bag, or lunch sack. Throw a collection of poems in the car and hide an anthology of quickie "adult tales" under your pillow. Whatever it takes to do it now.

---I grabbed the Celtic Spirit book... today's poem is from Mama Goose "There was an old woman lived under a hill, and if she's not gone then she lives there still." and the meditation was on the Divine Feminine.---

So what was your morning card? What was your morning reading? What? It's too hot? You can't get off the couch? Well, no worries! DO IT NOW! Open google, type in +quotation +"insert interest here", click on the first hit, read the first quote. Now share! What did you find? How do you feel?

[wombatclay]

Building on our morning practice... Crafts!

One thing I adore is to use something physical to remind me to do something spiritual. In my case, I often use beading or fiber arts to craft something "simple" and then charge it with meaning. Then, during the day, when I physically bump into that item it reminds me to re-center/focus/do X.

For example, I love to bead and make jewelry. So I often make a necklace or bracelet that is crafted around a specific intention... when I wear the necklace, every time DS pulls on it I remember to breath deeply before responding. When I wear the bracelet, every time it bumps into the computer I am reminded to pause and consider if being on the computer is the best way to spend my time. When I wear the anklet, every time it chimes I ground/center.

Outside I have windchimes that "cue" meditative moments... when the wind makes them chime I offer a quick blessing to the wind. When the rainbows dance on the ceiling (crystal in the window, or just sun on a dvd) I thank the sun. And so on...

These things take seconds to do, and are a wonderful way to remain present during the day... but without the actual physical reminder, well... I just don't do them!

What physical items do you have RIGHT NOW (no shopping trip required) that could serve as triggers or short cuts? Can you put a cup of water on the counter and thank the waters every time you see it during the day? Then offer the water out of doors each night? Could you place a tiny bowl of deep dark chocolate drops on your desk or shelf and offer a blessing on whomever/whatever in on your mind (or walking past) each time you nibble one? Could you grab a ribbon, hair try, dangle earring, bracelet, piece of string, bead, or other wearable item and dedicate it to mindfulness? Perhaps tie the ribbon round your child's diapers or around your older child's snack drawer for a frequent reminder, or hide the item in the bottom of your bag for a more surprising reminder?

How can you nurture your self and your spirit through phsyical triggers? What can you do RIGHT NOW, THIS MOMENT, to bring connection into your space? Small things, easy things, a flower on the shelf of the fridge and ribbon tied around your ankle, a bead strung through a zipper pull, a cd set in the window to throw rainbows across the room....

Stay cool, stay happy, sip those camp beverages and share those campy crafts!

[Aeress]

For the Lazy and Facebooker- I did my tarot on facebook, got the empress

The Empress

Empress_profile The Empress card represents a woman who is very nurturing, cares about the earth, and tends to have a very sweet demeanor. She is often times a mother or mother figure, a pregnant woman, a nurse or caregiver, or a strong supported of environmental issues. She is usually sweet and kind, never showing prejudice despite age, race, or social status, and she is a great listener, willing to be there with open arms to anyone who needs her help or support. Sometimes this card can represent an impending pregnancy, birth of a child, or birth of a grand-child. An Empress outcome displays a devoted wife or mother and is a great card to have it she represents you or you have her in your life. Love will be sweet with a woman like her.

[aweynsayl]

mornin'! it's still early here, and i've not wiped the sleep from my eyes, but i have my coffee, my incense, and my laptop in the garden!

i have the witches almanac, but to be honest, those are often larger ritual ideas, which tend to make me feel guilty for not spending more time on them.... sometimes it's good for a quickie, though!

i love the idea of using a different book... i was thinking i'd do that with my rose catalog... begin figuring out which roses want to be in my garden! i also have a really sweet home decorating book, which has really simple, soothing home ideas that are easy to apply...that might be nice as well.

i also love the TM idea!... i tend to avoid mine in the morning, because it's so huge and so overwhelming.... once i had the idea to make cards out of it, and draw one each day. might try something like that, keep it quick and simple, because my map has not been a regular part of my day.

i usually do morning cards... i'll eta mine in a bit. --ok. i drew the eagle: "spirit,integrity, connection to the angelic realm"... then i drew a "word" card and got "integrity." hmmmm.....


btw-- not lost on me that i "put off" the "do it now" camp last night... but for what it's worth i did it for a "do it now" i think you'll all approve of.... finally watching half blood prince (though we didnt make it all the way thru....)

[aweynsayl]

crafting! yippie!

i used to do a lot with a huge jar of embroidery thread and a small jar of semi-precious stone beads... quick and easy, tie one on in the morning, cut it off (and any negativity with it!) at night...

i love the idea of wind chimes. i was at a home recently that had those really huge wonderful ones, and it really did make me pause each time i heard them. they're on my wish list, for sure!

i keep a small vase of water on the kitchen windowsill or on my altar, to remind myself to "fill" ME back up-- that was a camp idea, maybe from year one?

sometimes i keep my meditation music running in the bedroom, so each time i go in there, i get a "whiff" of calm (we keep the door closed, so i dont hear it if i'm in the rest of the house)... (ok, that's not crafting, but it's a "bump into reminder")

for a while, i had beaded thematic charms on each window-- by room, sort of reminding me what the purpose of the room was-- calming in the bathroom, rich and sexy in the bedroom, earthy and rustic in the kitchen, playful in the crafting/play/etc area......

i also lurve to collect treasures on walks... i have a huge box filled with pinecones, rocks, shells, driftwood.... i keep them out in various places, so that i remember that moment of joy, calm, playfulness, etc... when i see them--nice to combine that with photos from the trip they came from... i have a photo frame with a pic of us on the beach, and shells from the beach in the frame (it's one of those double ones... glass inside to hold treasures, sort of like a shadow box). or maybe one of those electronic frames-- and put a special slide show on it, of special images that will ground you each time you walk by it.... i keep a photo collage on our bedroom door. it has images from my life before dh/ds, images of just dh and i, and images of all of us... all of them sort of "key" moments, that remind me of "our energy"... keeps me in the spirit of us, rather than getting distracted by other's energies as the day goes on.....

i'll get out ds's crafts for later and see what we can come up with today! maybe finish our "summer" gingerbread house...... use it to remind us of our metaphorical home......

[ian'smommaya]

those are some great idea's aweynsayl

[_ktg_]

Morning Cards... Yay for FB tarot, its the intent which counts.
Day: The World (Inverted) It's Thanksgiving Day. You've just finished a delicious meal, and there's a hot mug of coffee in your hand. Friends and family are arguing about the latest fiasco, the baby's cooing at you from across the table, and your feet are rubbing the belly of a devoted mutt. You're happy, fulfilled and truly thankful (at least until you have to start the dishes!). For this moment, the World and everything in it is yours.
We all recognize this feeling. It can come at any time or place and is always welcome. We can feel it at home raking the leaves or on the world stage accepting the Nobel Prize. It can seem quiet and simple, or wild and glorious. What is this feeling, and where does it come from? Card 21 can help us find out.

Me: The Hanged Man (Inverted) The Hanged Man is one of the most mysterious cards in the tarot deck. It is simple, but complex. It attracts, but also disturbs. It contradicts itself in countless ways. The Hanged Man is unsettling because it symbolizes the action of paradox in our lives. A paradox is something that appears contradictory, and yet is true. The Hanged Man presents to us certain truths, but they are hidden in their opposites. The main lesson of the Hanged Man is that we 'control' by letting go - we 'win' by surrendering. The figure on Card 12 has made the ultimate surrender - to die on the cross of his own travails - yet he shines with the glory of divine understanding. He has sacrificed himself, but he emerges the victor. The Hanged Man also tells us that we can 'move forward' by standing still. By suspending time, we can have all the time in the world.

Morning Readings Once again - yay for google:

“Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections.”

Ahh the message today - let go, surrender, accept, and be thankful in the little things

[_ktg_]

Crafts! In the spirit of DO IT NOW - I'll be shredding a favorite pair of jeans (they have too many holes in all the wrong spots) along with wool sweater that I have had sitting in my desk drawer and braiding a small rug for my kitchen sink to remind me of softness, & love.

I loved those jeans and yup its been on my list for a very long time to do, and now is the time. I like the water idea too...

[aweynsayl]

here, clay-- an 09 camp links thread....

Originally Posted by ian'smommaya

those are some great idea's aweynsayl

thankee!

Originally Posted by _ktg_

I loved those jeans and yup its been on my list for a very long time to do, and now is the time.

wow! that sounds wonderful!

[wombatclay]

2009 link added to OP!

Love the idea for a rug! That's a bigger craft than I can manage with the wee ones, but I'd love to do something along those lines. And what a great reminder to sink into comfort... every time you stand on it you'll have that reminder and all the positive memories!

[femme_rouge]

What inspirational ideas!

Quote of the day:

Robert Service
Be master of your petty annoyances and conserve your energies for the big, worthwhile things. It isn't the mountain ahead that wears you out - it's the grain of sand in your shoe.

Mamas, this is a great reminder for me these days. I seem to have gotten into the habit of thinking more negatively than I have in a long time. I'm working on it.

Hmm still pondering a Do It Now craft...Maybe I'll put a grain of sand in my shoe.

[Maiasaura]

Originally Posted by dawningmama

And this year I am moving from NY to NC in the middle of camp but I want to participate as much as possible anyway.

Where in NC? I'm in Asheville-- though at the moment, I'm visiting in MA. When are you moving?

So, mamas, M and I went to Barnes and Noble today, and I found a daily reader I think I'll be happy with. It's called Pocketful of Miracles by Joan Borysenko.
Today's thought was basically when you do your life review, what kind of impression will you have left on other people? One of joy or one of pain? And see if you can bring a consciousness of love into every interaction

No crafties for me. Not here in MA, anyway! I don't have daily ones, but sometimes I do make friendship bracelets with intent. I also have my little bitty kitchen altar on the back of the stove, which, since I'm in the kitchen most of the time, I do focus intent on that.
I love the wind chime idea.
I will have to think on daily crafties.

I have been trying to smudge every morning, and salute the directions and the Goddess and God.

[dawningmama]

We are moving to Cary, NC. I hope to visit Asheville on a long weekend in the next year or so, though. My mama was there a few years ago and said I would love it.

The river rocks colors thing was an immense help. We got my mama all moved out and tomorrow is her big day! I hope she's able to get a good night's sleep tonight!