What happens when as authors, interpreters and storyellers we decenter ourselves? What happens when we deeply listen? What happens when we consider collective story, collective trauma, and collective separation from self? Can we begin collaborating with all life, to author a more all inclusive narrative? 

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What are our dreams communicating? What language does the plant speak? Does the soul speak? 

All these questions and contemplations are explored and more on this episode of the Community Within podcast. 

In this episode, Shelby shares with vulnerability the experience of being in a low, melancholy mood. By way of story and metaphor she supports embodiment, grace and appreciation for cycles within ourselves. 

Humans are not static and our mood will ebb and flow through our major phases, seasons and cycles as it is designed perfectly and divinely to do so. 

With a slightly off-the-beaten path exploration into the ingestion and digestion of art and music with respect to processing of emotions. Lana Del Rey's new album and the influence of embodied art on our alchemizing of emotions. 

Thank you for listening. Please rate and follow the show, send it to a friend and consider sharing your feedback. 

Are we aware of and participating in a conscious, reciprocal relationship with the nature around us? 

In sharing two distinct stories, Shelby invites the listener to consider their relationship with the natural world. In a contemplative review she explores the relationship between humans and all beings in a complex web of symbiosis. Suggesting that in a regulated state and embodying our authentic deep instinctual desires, and our most conscious expressions of emotional vibration we inherently find ourselves in the flow of life and reciprocity.

I ask you, when is the last time you sad in the souil and really listened?

When did you last introduce yourself to a tree?

When did you last contemplate the wolf? Or the ladybug or the flower?

Are you being consciously aware of their presence because they may very well be of yours. 

Notables: 

• Introductory piece of writing 0:45 - 03:33 
• Beginning of a new story 08:50
• The Praying Mantis pine tree 11:30
• Symbolism of  praying mantis 13:23
• symbolism of pine trees 16:18
• Introducing myself to the tree 18:00
• deepest desires and reciprocity 26:50
• the big question 27:44

What keeping alcohol in my life was doing for me, how it served me and my expression and the way my stories created the backdrop for this to happen.

What my eventual decision after teetering back and forth in this relationship ,and acceptance of a sober, teetotal lifestyle has given back to me. 

The initiate has the power of sight. She has hindsight, and foresight. My initiate sees what is necessary to let go of and what is needed to bring death and rebirth. My Initiate guides transformation and when I can fully surrender to her she keeps me steadfast and in alignment, shepherding me closer to who I am. There's a hunger in her, a lone-wolf. She longs for growth, skill and intenionality.

Affectionately titled "Fireside Reflections" 

Reflection being an important part of growth and spiritual development, there is charity in being willing to go deeper and share what new awareness has emerged. In sharing these first few community members there is opportunity to observe objectively, learning and acknowledging even more. Listen to the end to hear new insights, exploration of separation and finally a recording of "You are my sunshine" being sung round the "campfire" by Shelby and her 3 young boys. 

Shelby brings the listener along for a journey beyond the ego and into an uncomfortable truth.

Unconscious beliefs have the power to colour our experience and communication with others. It's only when we accept the invitation to light our candle and journey into the darkness of our discomfort that we can arrive at it's origin. 

Once arrived, we can bring it home to our true nature. 

Enountering, loving, and sharing the burden of the inner child while sharing and describing the internal and external process of journeying deep within and remaining open to what we encounter.