Explore Transitions Blog May 29, 2012

I invite you to explore Transitions Blog!  The blog has been in production for 30 months now and holds a vast array of articles on Transition related topics.  The topics are Gender Related, Spirituality or Transitions related and often relate to the four eBooks offered on the website, Unity in Gender Diversity.

If you have a specific topic you would like to hear more about I love to have feedback and will respond with an entire blog focused on this topic.  I usually write about topics I observe to be relevant in the news, or things that are dear to my heart.  Since I have posted over 365 blogs my voice has spoken.   It is time we hear from YOU.

To search the blogs use the green box to the right and choose a Post Category.  Most of the posts are Transitions related, so it may be better to choose one of the other categories.  The calendar can also be used to search the posts; the highlighted days are blog posts.  Use the back and forward month’s arrows to go month by month.  If you have not subscribed, then the box to do this is the top green box on the right.  I sincerely hope you find these posts interesting, informative, and thought provoking.

Sequoia Elisabeth

Unity in Gender Diversity     Email me

The Truth About Bullies May 22, 2012

We have been hearing much about bullying in the schools and elsewhere recently.  It is being blamed for suicide, criminal behavior, and general pain and suffering.  Once you understand what is going on, the blaming can stop and the healing can begin.

Bullying is a vicious cycle that is handed down from generation to generation, by individuals who simply are not aware of what they do.  They are generally more concerned about themselves than they are about others.  Yes, I speak of the parents who in their struggle to survive, ignore their children and sometimes even abuse them.  Bullying is something that must be learned and it is often a byproduct of neglect and abuse.

Looking closer it is something we can all relate to, even those who grew up in loving supportive families.  Why is this?   I mean if bullies are from broken homes, how can an average child relate to this?  There must be more to this than meets the eye!

The fact is we all have to deal with bullies to some degree because it is a rite of passage!  Not that it is required, however we all have egos and part of growing up is facing the ego.  The Oneness Principle that I speak so often about dictates that there is only one, so everyone you meet is a reflection of you or an aspect of you.  Some people refer to this as meeting your dark side.  (You will find whatever you are looking for, i.e. expecting)

Have the courage to stand your ground while not stooping to the bully’s level.  Fighting only makes it worse, whether you use fists, words, or other retaliations.   What you give is what you receive!  Do onto others as you would have done to you.  If someone bullies you, calls you bad names, hits you, harasses you, etc. then your re-action will determine the outcome.

First of all understand they have probably endured the very same thing and are simply passing it along.  They are in pain also, and are venting in the only way they know how.  It is a compensation behavior designed to feel better, but unfortunately it only makes the pain worse.  Oh, it may work temporarily to relieve the pain by giving it to someone else, but since this is a circle it only comes back!  And usually it has picked up momentum and hurts worse.  It can be a dead end street that leads to drastic places, like prison, and suicide for both the bully and the “victim”.

There are no victims my friends, only volunteers!  The victim mentality is of the ego and serves to prove its existence.   There is no enemy here, not even the ego!  This is very important to understand.  There is only you!  The answer is Love, Self -Love ultimately, but it can start by loving others, including the bully.

Even if you cannot forgive the bully at first, simply withhold judgment or any action and know they simply are crying out for love and do not understand what is really going on.  No action is necessary, but if you feel the need then stand up for yourself and seek assistance from someone in authority, a teacher, parent, policeman, counselor, or adult friend.  Maturity is what the situation demands.  Talking about the situation can be a great relief.  Understand that you are not alone.  Seek and ye shall find.  Remember the bully needs more help than you do!

Sequoia Elisabeth

Unity in Gender Diversity     FREE eBooks! Click Here

 

The Matrix of Oneness

The concept of Oneness is essential to the New Earth, so I would like to revisit this concept, understanding, philosophy, life style, and/or way of being.  Oneness once fully understood and integrated totally shifts your experience of life itself.  It could be said this is enlightenment, although once you understand Oneness you realize you already are enlightened.  This is the beauty of Oneness!

Oneness is all inclusive and very simple in concept, but the reality in this ego world is that separation is struggling to maintain a hold on life. This shows up in turmoil, conflict, hate, fear, and loneliness. The only way to move beyond the illusion of separation is to embrace it and see it for what it is; an illusion. When something comes up that you recognize as separation, simply acknowledge it, see beyond it and then just leave separation behind as a concept. Ignore it, it has no power. Instead focus on the Truth. The Truth is that we are One unified and whole being. We are Gaia!

Oneness is Unity expressed, it is love thy neighbor as thy love’s oneself, it is making decisions with the consideration of seven generations to come, it is knowing we are all made of ‘Starstuff’, and it is so much more. Oneness is the realization that everyone you meet is a part of Great Spirit, Universal Intelligence, or God, just like you are, and you have this in common with everything as well as everyone you meet. Each person is individual and connected at the same time.

What you give, you give to yourself, since we are all one.  What you deny for another, you deny yourself.  What you say about another you say about yourself!  What comes around goes around…When you heal yourself, you heal the world!  You are using the same mind as Albert Einstein, or Mother Theresa.   You are ONE with GOD, in a word you are GOD, expressing as the individual you are.  Each form or “thing” you see is unique onto itself.

No two snowflakes are the same, yet a snowflake is like all other snowflakes, just not identical. This goes for all other forms as well.  And even in each moment you are different.  The “you” of last week is different from the “you” of now, which is depicted in this picture of Neo from the Matrix Movie.  The Divine Paradox is: all is the One/Same, yet appears separate/different.  When you meet someone new they are unique and yet they are YOU.  When life is lived from a place of Oneness we become aware of the bond that connects all of life and things are never the same again!

“What is arising now is not a new belief system, a new religion, spiritual ideology, or mythology. We are coming to the end not only of mythologies but also of ideologies and belief systems.  The change goes deeper than the content of your mind, deeper than your thoughts.  In fact, at the heart of the new consciousness lies the transcendence of thought, a newfound ability of rising above thought, of realizing a dimension within yourself that is infinitely more vast than thought.” Eckhart Tolle, A New Earth, Page 21-22

This dimension is the Oneness I speak of.  It is something which must be experienced to truly know what it is, but once that connection is made it is a part of you and cannot be lost.  By simply being aware of this Oneness you are shining light on the shadows and allowing yourself to move beyond thought.

On the New Earth each person is aware of what Oneness is and how it relates to them and the rest of existence, which is exactly what is happening now all over the world!  People are awakening to Divine Oneness and embracing the New Earth.

Nameste’

Sequoia Elisabeth

Unity in Gender Diversity     FREE eBooks! Click Here

Makeup Application Guide May 17, 2012

Makeup is an important part of any woman’s wardrobe; although now-a-days it depends on how you identify and where you live as to how important it is.  Since I grew up in the southern USA, it is very important to me.  Just how much you wear is up to you and will depend on the occasion you are preparing to attend.  For instance, my daily wear consists of moisturizing lotion, mascara and lipstick only.  Sometime I add eye shadow for a bolder look and if it is a formal event I use foundation and the works.

It is important to always clean your face first and then use a good moisturizing lotion to protect your skin.  Foundation can dry out the skin and cause wrinkles over time.  From this point just follow the guide below, leaving out any steps you deem unnecessary.  I rarely use concealer, but this depends on your skin tone.  Practice makes perfect!

1.       CONCEALER

· Purpose: to hide dark shadows and under eye circles.

·Selection: a shade that’s slightly lighter than your skin tone.

·Application: dot in the inner corners of your eyes and gently blend out with a concealer brush or makeup sponge.

NOTE: can be applied a second time over foundation for additional coverage.

2.       FOUNDATION

· Purpose: to provide a smooth base for long-lasting application, add color, even skin tone and hide imperfections.

·Selection:

a. Shade: warm undertones or cool undertones to match your skin. If you have to blend with your neck, it’s too dark!

b. Skin type: normal, oily, dry or sensitive?

·Application: Apply sparingly to forehead, nose, checks and chin using makeup sponge. Blend gently downward to the jawline. Never apply below jawline.  Using the finger tips is acceptable but it means your makeup will not last as long, so if you do not use it much this can get expensive.

NOTE: some foundations change color after application. Wait a few minutes and check color. It should blend so well it’s almost invisible. The new mineral powder foundations blend wonderfully. 

3.       POWDER

·Purpose: to “set” makeup, reduce shine and help foundation last longer. Also helps blush apply more smoothly and evenly.

·Selection: match intensity of foundation

· Application:

a. apply after foundation and before blush.

b. as a finishing touch after completion of makeup.

Apply with a puff or loose powder brush. Dust lightly across forehead, down the nose and across the cheeks and chin concentrating on shiny parts of the face.  Use sparingly.

4.        BLUSH

· Purpose: To add color and glow, plus accent bone structure.  Also adds a vertical lift to the face.

· Selection: select to match coloring and skin tone. Drier skins often do better with a cream rather than powder form. 

·Application: Apply blush starting at the center of the cheek bone, blending up the cheekbone, diagonally out and up toward the hairline right above the ear.

NOTE: Blush and lip color should be selected from the same color family

5.    EYES

Purpose: To accent the face and make you be noticed.  Eyes are the most important feature on your face in terms of makeup.  Using mascara alone will make a big difference.  Pay attention to the eye brows and make sure they are well groomed and can be seen.

Selection: Choose a color that matches your hair color, unless you desire a dramatic effect.

Application:

1. Put eyebrow mascara (if needed) on first and go lightly, should blend naturally, while making the brows more noticeable.
2. Apply eyeliner (if using).  Liquid gives the boldest look, while pencils are easier to use.  Be sure to experiment for best look.
3. Apply mascara next and use curler.  Choose colors that accent your clothes and hair color.
4. Apply eye shadow with the darker color on eye lid.  Blending is important.  Putting darker color on outside and a light shade by the nose makes the face look narrower.  Reverse for a wider look.  Depends on your face shape as which technique to use.
5. Professionals at the makeup counter in dept. stores or specialty stores are good at assisting with color selection and application techniques.
6. Also look on youtube.com for visual instructions.  The more you see it done the easier will be to develop your own style.

            6.    LIPS

Purpose: To accent the face and enhance your beauty.  Lips are very personal so experiment to find your favorite.

Selection: Choose a color that compliments your eye color and makeup.

Application:

1. Use a lip liner when using traditional lipsticks and cover the entire lip with lip liner after it is applied along the edge of lips.  This hides the use of lip liner when the lipstick wears off.  For a fuller look, go slightly outside the lip line and accent the area under the nose.
2. Apply lipstick starting in the center and moving outward in both directions.  Press lips together to blend color.
3. Lip inks or other lasting lipsticks really do not need lip liner.
4. Apply traditional lipstick after eating, drink, or kissing.  Will need to be touched up every few hours unless a long lasting version is used.  This is again personal preference.  Have FUN

Sequoia Elisabeth

Unity in Gender Diversity    Free eBooks

Equality May 15, 2012

Equality is a fairly simple concept and I would like to shed some new light on this topic.  It can apply to just about any subject once it is understood, including marriage, race, color, age, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin/ethnicity or handicap/disability.

What is really at issue here?  Do all humans have equal rights?  Do we really want every human to have equal rights?  How does one decide who has rights and who does not?  At what age does a human have rights?  Do they ever end and did they ever begin?

These are tricky questions and each person will have their own point of view to offer, so as a society what is right, if that is possible?  As you may or may not know nothing is right or wrong lest you make it so.

This blog takes the Spiritual perspective and so I will avoid the dualistic political debates here and point out that Truth lies in Unity Consciousness.  Meaning there is no them, other, opposing view.  Only what you perceive.  New Thought Spirituality, ACIM, the Vedas and others teach that God is all there is, so all is God.  This means there cannot be a duality or the duality is contained within the One.

Using the Yin-Yang symbol we can say God is that which is both inside & outside the circle.  The portion inside is Man or the duality of good/bad, male/female, etc.  The other observation you may have made here is that all is balanced in this symbol and indeed this is the ideal.  However, all is fluid in reality and thus it is constantly shifting, shaping, and forming.

Equality is desirable because this is our concept of Peace, however I will point out that all is balanced right now because all is of the ONE.  The shape, form, and expression is constantly changing; however all elements are present, so all is balanced.  This is the power of Oneness and why this concept has been taught on some level since time began.  We are all ONE, meaning equality is inherint or inalienable! How society chooses to express this equality is in the details and we all know not to sweat the details.

Sequoia Elisabeth

Unity in Gender Diversity     FREE eBooks! Click Here

 

Shake It Off May 11, 2012

One day a farmer’s donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally he decided the animal was old and the well needed to be covered up, it just wasn’t worth it to retrieve the donkey.

He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone’s amazement, he quieted down. A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well and was astonished at what he saw.

With every shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake off the dirt and take a step up. As the farmer’s neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and trotted off!

Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a stepping stone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up!

         Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

         1. Free your heart from hatred

         2. Free your mind from worries

         3. Live simply

         4. Give more

         5. Expect less

         Enjoy Your Week!

         SHAKE IT OFF

Sequoia Elisabeth

Unity in Gender Diversity     FREE eBooks! Click Here

Silence is a Gift from God May 8, 2012

Silence is a gift from God!  When was the last time you sat in silence?  Are you able to work without music, television, or other distractions on?  Don’t feel bad if the answer is no because it is human nature to need these distractions.  The reason is quite simple – the mind never stops.  Your mind is going even when you sleep; it demands attention constantly!  This does not mean you must abide by this request.

Spiritual Masters such as the Dali Lama suggest sitting in silence at least 15 minutes daily.  You can think of it as meditation if this helps but really it is a practice of aligning with Great Spirit, Prime Creator, Divine Source or God.  The practice keeps you aligned with the essence of which you come.

The possession of God is the silence of the heart. The thought of God is the silence of the mind. ~ Mother Mary of St Austin

Silence is the folding of the wings of the intellect to open the door of the heart. ~Catherine de Hueck Doherty

Sequoia Elisabeth

Unity in Gender Diversity     Continue reading for FREE! Click Here

Pride May 4, 2012

The phrase “Pride cometh before a fall” probably came from the 1611, King James Version of the Bible, Book of Proverbs, 16:18.  Some versions say it this way, “Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”  Either way the point is fairly obvious.  A person who is extremely proud of his or her abilities will often suffer a setback or failure, because he or she tends to be overconfident and to make errors of judgment.

Have you ever thought of how Pride fits into your life?  If you are GLBTQ then you have probably attended a Pride festival of some type.  There is an interesting irony to this event, so I would like to share a few thoughts on Pride since June is rapidly approaching and Pride festivals will be taking place all over the USA and elsewhere.

Let’s look at this word a little closer, Pride [prahyd] noun, verb, prid·ed, prid·ing.

Noun ~

1. A high or inordinate opinion of one’s owns dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing, conduct, etc.

2. The state or feeling of being proud.

3. A becoming or dignified sense of what is due to oneself or one’s position or character; self-respect; self-esteem.

4. Pleasure or satisfaction taken in something done by or belonging to oneself or believed to reflect credit upon oneself: civic pride.

5. Something that causes a person or persons to be proud: His art collection was the pride of the family.

If we again look even closer one word seems to jump out in the definition, Ego.  Look at the synonyms for Pride – conceit, self-esteem, egotism, vanity, vain glory, implies an unduly favorable idea of one’s own appearance, advantages, achievements, etc., and often applies to offensive characteristics. Pride is a lofty and often arrogant assumption of superiority in some respect: Pride must have a fall. Conceit implies an exaggerated estimate of one’s own abilities or attainments, together with pride: blinded by conceit. Self-esteem may imply an estimate of oneself that is higher than those held by others: a ridiculous self-esteem. Egotism implies an excessive pre-occupation with oneself or with one’s own concerns, usually but not always accompanied by pride or conceit: His egotism blinded him to others’ difficulties. Vanity implies self-admiration and an excessive desire to be admired by others: His vanity was easily flattered. Vain glory, somewhat literary, implies an inordinate and therefore empty or unjustified pride: puffed up by vain glory – boast.

The antonym is humility!  Jesus taught us to have a humble approach to life and not get caught up in our own achievements.  Life is about what you have to offer – what you give!  Pride has its uses and serves to balance life, but it is a trap so many of us fall prey to.  Celebrate your successes, feel good about yourself, know that you have great worth, and do it with humility, so you can avoid the fall!

Sequoia Elisabeth

Unity in Gender Diversity     Discover Free eBooks click here

How to Handle Rejection from Family Members May 2, 2012

Today’s blog is a sharing from another blog I recently read.  This subject touches me deeply and from chats with readers I feel this message will touch you as well.  The topic is “How to Handle Rejection from Family Members”.  We are all family – Love is the answer!

“The Voice for Love: “Precious One, please know firstly that consciously choosing to extend love to anyone or anything is always helpful, even if you cannot see the effects. There is more to your experience than meets the eye. So we thank you and encourage you to continue in your quest to extend love to others, even those who do not seem to want or accept your love.

“We would like to challenge you further, for in your quest to extend love you are now seeking a deeper level of understanding and a deeper experience. You have extended love to the persons about whom you are asking; now extend love to the very behaviors they are expressing. Those behaviors are expressions of fear, doubt, guilt, and pain. Although tempting to take their rejection personally you need not take them as personal attacks, though they are presented that way. You may also see these behaviors and expressions as separate from the person expressing them. See the person as innocent but fearful, and all these painful expressions as mere defenses, put up to avoid further pain.

“Extending love to negative behaviors may seem counter-intuitive or counterproductive, as though to do so means you approve of these things. Yet Love is not approval, but Love is acceptance of What Is. Love is knowing that you are both safe and free at all times. Love does not fear anything nor react to perceived attacks. Love is not defensive or resistant or afraid. Love allows others to be as they are, where they are, and loving them even when pushed away. Love allows the pushing away. Love is at peace and loves anyway.

“It is possible to extend love from afar, to hold these dear ones in your heart despite their rejection of you. They are asking for their freedom – give it them. To be embroiled in conflict, to push or force or argue, this is not what Love would do. Love says, ‘Yes, you may be that way.’ Loves gives to all their freedom and loves anyway. Step back, dear one, from the pain of this situation. You need not fix it, solve it, or sort it out. Extend love to the situation exactly as it is – that is, extend patience; extend freedom; extend allowance; extend compassion. These are all facets of the great diamond of love that you hold. Love can be extended in infinite ways, so do not underestimate its power.

“Remember that what is resisted grows stronger; it must, to prove itself. Therefore, do not resist the painful behaviors of your loved ones. Accept, allow, extend love to all that is happening without resistance or fear. Love is a healing balm and is not limited by time or space. You do not have to convince these dear ones in your life to accept love. Only you can accept love, know love, choose love, and extend love for yourself. Each one must make this choice when they are ready. Love would never force itself on another who is not ready to receive it. Trust that all will come to the glory of Love in their own perfect time; that is what the journey of life is for.

“Rest, dear one, from your efforts. Extend love to yourself as well as others. Be at peace and trust that God knows the way into each and every heart.”” (http://www.thevoiceforlove.com/community/handle-rejection-from-family/, 2012)

Please know that I Love You!  Even and especially my birth family who has had difficulty accepting my transgender journey, know that we are separate, yet ONE!

Sequoia Elisabeth

Unity in Gender Diversity     Discover Free eBooks click here