On a January Saturday afternoon, Carlesbad stood in her room, wondering what to do–
Drawing a total blank, she vowed not to waste the day, so she put on her coat and stepped out of the house. Equipped for utility, she brought her keys & wallet only. Off she went! Sauntering through the flamboyantly colorful streets of her predominately Mexican, though undergoing gentrification, Chicago neighborhood.
Her saunter led her to stand at the front door of a new café situated just beneath the L train.
She stood there for a moment, considering if it was her destiny to step inside.
Having no where else to turn in mind, Carlesbad opened the door, stepped up to the counter, smiled at the barista then ordered up a delicious chai.
She made her way to a bar stool by the window, where she took her seat. Sitting quietly, sipping her drink. Gazing out upon the activity, of the colorful city streets.
From a quiet perspective, it is easy to listen, and to pay attention, to the conversations that the rest of the room is engaging in.
She was rather enjoying this meditation–
When Super South Side George rolled in. He was boasting!
About his new bar, that he’d just bought up that morning, up north, in Bucktown.
The window gazing silent sitter felt the room hush as an audience formed to listen intently to George’s story.
He was already the proud owner of the local pub across the street. Aware of his surroundings, George made it clear, that it was a safe place for single women to come have a solitary seat.
Like a cat, Carlesbad alertly sat, patiently waiting for her moment to pounce.
George paid for his bagel sandwich with cash. Then he stood, silently, waiting by the register for the rest of his order.
Quick! Make your move before he gets out the door.
Personal approaches are best executed from the front. The other person has a better chance of hearing your voice when meeting face to face. Chasing this man, calling to gain his attention while his back is turned, would be a poor start.
Hi George! May I speak with you a moment?
Stunned, George stated back at her with what appeared to be fear. Reading his inclination to turn & run, Carlesbad again spoke up.
Oh no! She responded to his demeanor. Please, allow me to explain. I am a Firewalking Instructor, pointing to her pin. Glasswalking is also an offering, it’s been on my mind to be in touch with you.
His heart clearly melted and a smile beamed across his face. Oh! Glass, he said in his thick south side of Chicago accent, Ya! We’ve got plenty of that. Across the street- at my bar, Bottles & Cans. Drop off a container. I’d be happy to help you to collect bottles of glass.
Nice! How easy was that.
Thank you!! she said. Shaking his hand.
Since then, Carlesbad has made the venture over to her local pub on Sunday afternoons to pick up the weekly collection of empty bottles of booze. Upon arrival, George always rises, hushes the crowd in his midst to a silence before he announces that This gal is a Firewalker, and a Glasswalker and we’re helpin’ her!
This is what happens when you follow your intuition–
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Kate & Carly’s relationship was hot- from the moment they met.
Taking turns pouring water over hot rocks, fanning the steam as it rushed the room, filling their chests– in a sultry sauna.
They grew closer, sitting there, alone together, opening up into a candid conversation about the remnants of rape.
They discussed their hard learned lessons about the meaning of consent. They shared in how physical touch, when performed in such a manner can act as an alarming trigger. And, of course they discussed at length the particulars of each of their Mothers.
This quickly made bond, moved towards a pact of personal empowerment.
Kate & Carly dedicated themselves to becoming Warriors, through the life affirming, endurance building, spirit re-vitalizing, practice of Forrest Yoga.
Practicing under the guidance of the gracefully militant, Master of Edge Play Artistry, Gwen Mihaljevich.
Pulling their shoe strings together they dedicated a semester to the Science of Life, a.k.a. Ayurveda. They got comfy cozy with owning their sexuality through Core Energetics, feeling the breeze along the way, as city cyclists.
Now, these two kung fu ladies are putting together their own spec-tac-ul-ar! They’ve developed a workshop for feeling into our bodies and, expanding the “reactions” of our nervous systems. Its culmination is a lesson on Paying Attention– with a Glasswalk.
This is only the beginning!!
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In the month of November a Deep Diving Midwesterner set out on an adventure. To the Pacific Northwest, where extreme challenges would test her limits in order to extend what is meant by her own personal best.
Tolly Burkan, the Father of Firewalking has now settled into retirement. Just before taking off his cap for good, Ms. Carlyle stood before him in trial.
Along with a wonderful group of fellow World Leaders.
Together they held hands supporting one another as they walked through the fire.
Quite literally actually.
Redefining her role in society almost entirely.
Now Miss Carly will focus her business on igniting the fire that sits at the Heart Center– with the set intention of empowering each individual she may encounter.
Developing a platform for sustainably strength building self-esteem.
So we may all be blessed by the success of conquering personal challenge.
That my Friends, is truly the test.
What defines your personal best?
The process of living in the heart center.
A dedicated practice of mine for over a year.
As the Moon came in conjunction with my Moon at 23 degrees Leo, both cusping the Ascendant, I sat in the hot seat during a meditation.
Charged with channelling the energies for the group to focus.
Leo rules the Heart.
Lion Hearted! RAWR!!
With my natal moon hiding in the 12th house, even as a little Leo, I can be rather shy. So as it became my turn to speak, Self Acceptance, is the topic chosen & spoken.
However, my Heart spoke out for me & called in its own energy. As we went into meditation over 25 people listened to, heard from, and felt their own hearts.
Holy cow!!
Having been in attendance with this circle for over 5 years, I can attest with certainty that this was the Heart’s premiere.
Which shined a bright light on my Mission in Life:
Speak from the Heart.
Aho!
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