by Robin Carlton on September 13, 2009
One of the highlights of our Mt. Shasta trip was the Sweat Lodge experience. Tina Sacchi, our facilitator, has a lot of experience leading sweat lodges and she prefers to run them in the Hawaiian Style. Apparently that means it is not as hot as the traditional Native American sweats, and she is very open about allowing participants to leave the circle if they feel they have to.
The purpose of a Sweat Lodge is to release all our blocks and limitations and things we have been holding on to that are holding us back. With intention, we release on all levels: mind, body, spirit and emotional…an old tradition with different variations across different cultures. Many times, the actual sweat lodge is a temporary structure that is constructed and covered by the participants as part of the ceremony. However, at the Gatehouse Retreat, the building is a permanent structure, much like a hogan on an Indian Reservation. And the fire is contained in a wood-burning stove with a flat container of lava rocks on the top where the leader pours water to build up the heat.
In all the experiences I have had over the past 25 years, I had never had the opportunity to be in a Sweat Lodge. Deep down, I was a little nervous about it from all the stories I had heard. But I was certainly willing to give it a try.
The session consists of 3 “rounds,” where we spend some time inside in the heat and then come out to cool off and spend some time writing in our journals about our experience and the thoughts that have come up. Then we would go back in and Tina would add some heat to the fire. During the sessions, we were able to talk about things that were coming up or sing a song or say whatever we felt moved to say. Tina would play her drum and keep adding herbs and oils to the lava rocks as she added water to create more steam heat. Each session was hotter than the last, and the 3rd round was REALLY hot–but, to my surprise, not TOO hot. The last round is meant to help us really move the energy and release whatever it is that we have been hanging on to that just is no longer serving us.
I was amazed to see that I was literally dripping with sweat. I hardly ever sweat, and it was fun to see me sweating like a basketball player. All in all, I was very proud of myself and of everyone else because we were able to stick it out to the end, with no one breaking down and having to leave. I truly did enjoy it and made some huge shifts in some issues I have been dealing with. Just before we started our first round, a raven flew right over our circle from west to east, and Tina said that that indicated New Beginnings and would bring clarity. During one of the sessions, Annie St. John-Wilkins shared a song that she has recently written, and I was amazed that the words totally explained a previous message I had received from a very intuitive friend of mine–there was the clarity!
I can’t wait to do another one!
In my next article, I’ll talk about our experience of looking for UFOs!
That’s it for now! Heather
by Robin Carlton on September 9, 2009
Well, we just got back from an awesome “Enlightenment Journey” to Mt. Shasta with 10 totally awesome ladies. We flew up to Medford, Oregon, rented cars, and then drove town to Mt. Shasta City which is located in Northern California, about an hour and a half drive south of Ashland, Oregon.
Tina Sacchi was our Spiritual Facilitator and did an outstanding job of following her guidance and leading the group to exactly where we were supposed to be in every moment. We stayed at the Gatehouse Retreat Center that was just perfect because we had full run of the property which gave us access to the firepit, the Sweat Lodge, the hammock, the gardens, the trees, the house, the kitchen, the huge living room and plenty of beds for everyone so nobody had to share beds with anyone else.
We spent the first day on a 5 hour tour with Ashalyn, owner of Shasta Vortex Tours. She took us way back on the mountain roads to waterfalls, parks, fabulous tree circles, and meditation portals, as she gave us an introduction to the Mt. Shasta area. We packed sack lunches every day so we never had to hurry to get home from all the powerful spots we were visiting.
Saturday morning we reserved the Stewart Mineral Springs bathhouse so we were able to spend a full 2 hours relaxing in the healing spring waters, laying in the sauna, and then, for those who were brave enough, dipping into the 58 degree spring pools outside. The bathhouse was just lovely with beautiful, calming energy and a perfect place to start the day with the sounds of Enya wafting through the building. We had another picnic lunch and visited the Headwaters Park, where the Sacramento River begins. You can take jugs there to fill up with the pure, delicious water. The park has trails all through an enchanting woods where we had a guided meditation and then had some free time to just wander through the paths.
Then we had LOTS of shopping time at the delightful little shops in Mt. Shasta City…crystals, books, clothing, gifts, etc.–not to mention the refreshing Hawaiian shaved ice and root beer floats! We had such a great time connecting with the people in the shops and restaurants. Everyone seemed to be “on the path” and open to sharing their spiritual experiences with us.
Sunday afternoon we drove up to Castle Lake, just 15 minutes from the retreat center, and basked in the gorgeous sunlight and cool breezes. We were able to get a quite a few fascinating “orb” pictures in the surrounding woods.
Later that afternoon we had a Sweat Lodge experience that I will describe in my next post. I had never done one before and was quite pleased that I was able to stick it out!
All in all, we had an outstanding trip. Everyone got along with each other, strong new bonds were created between the group members who had not even met each other just 4 days before. I love how these journeys bring people together like that. We could NOT have asked for better weather and the experiences we had are priceless. ”Enchanting” and “Magical” were the words we heard over and over again. Take a peek at our pictures here.
We invite you to join us in one of our future Enlightenment Journeys as they are announced in the coming months. We had such a good time in Mt. Shasta that we decided to go again every August.
by Robin Carlton on September 8, 2009
copyright Robin Carlton
On September 12th worldwide, hundreds of Angel Therapists will hold events simultaneously, with the focus on bringing peace within and to the world with the help of the angels. Doreen Virtue created this special day for everyone to come together and play.
Come celebrate at Storm Wisdom with Gisela Arenas (Quantum-Angel® Practioner), Victoria Barna (Certified Spiritual Director) and Shirley Swift-Wilkinson (Certified Spiritual Counselor personally trained by Doreen Virtue). A special three hour event has been created to celebrate this day using a special prayer that Doreen Virtue wrote especially for the 2009 International Angel Day.
I sat down with all three of these talented and lovely ladies to get an insiders look at what they have in store for you. This is going to be an action packed three hours and I’m positive you will leave the workshop feeling peaceful, relaxed and rejuvenated!
You’ll start the workshop off with breathing and toning exercises that will help you ground before the activities begin. From there you’ll experience a guided meditation that will help you connect to the angels as well as any other guides that may be there for you that day. This workshop is very interactive where you’ll be working with other participants and sharing your experiences.
An introduction to a group of Crystals that help connect to the angels will be presented and you’ll have an opportunity to experience a mediation using the stones. And, they’re going to bring out the Angel Cards where you’ll be able to play and have fun with each other using the cards. A very special group reading will take place and it’s sure to be enlightening. The workshop will end with a Universal Dance. Oh, I almost forgot, there’s a special gift for everyone who attends.
Two workshops have been scheduled:
♥ Morning session is 10am to 1:00 pm
♥Afternoon session is 2pm to 5:00pm
The cost of the workshop is $35 pre-registered. Space is limited so register now by visiting www.StormWisdom.com and click on the events page or call Storm Wisdom at 602-334-1204. The location is at Storm Wisdom, 3375 E Shea Blvd, Suite A-1, Phoenix, AZ. It’s right off the 51 on Shea Blvd.
The Angels look forward to celebrating with you on this special day!
by Robin Carlton on August 18, 2009
I thought I’d send a request to all of you to find out what is it you’d like to see here on The Enlightened Blog. I’ll be posting some more stores/centers to our list and I’m just about ready to update the meetings page. There’s still alot of work to be done and I’d like to know what you think.
by Robin Carlton on August 10, 2009
What happens when you combine a big heart, a powerful intuitive and a straight talking coach? You get Julie Farha!
You’ll immediately get a sense of her loving, caring and generous spirit when you meet her for the first time. She exudes warmth, love and humor.
Julie published a workbook last year “Exploring Your Potential, Who Am I and Why Am I Here” so she could provide a tool to others to help them discover themselves like they had never before. This work is based on her own experience of discovering what her gifts where by deeply exploring the five areas that are crucial to living a happy, fulfilled life.
Recently, Julie has recognized two very important area her clients where needing insight. Interestingly enough, she was also seeing the same questions coming in from her family and friends. Although Julie’s work as a whole assists people in these areas, she decided that she needed to create a quick, easy way people could get a few tools to help them along. She decided to develop a workshop call “The New Relationship” dealing with past and present relationships and how they have impacted one’s life and the choices that are currently being made.
In “The New Relationship” Julie will help you recognize patterns and behaviors that aren’t serving you and show you how your past and present relationships are a reflection of you. You’ll leave with tools that assist you in creating the relationship you desire.
Her second and very timely workshop, “Managing Change“, will provide tools to navigate the changes that are taking place in people’s lives right now.
In “Managing Change” Julie will show you how to create peaceful moments in stressful times, explain why it’s important to look for opportunity in what may seem like a crisis, and she’ll help you discover solutions that you may not have seen previously.
The main purpose for these workshops is to create an awareness that will change how you view life situations forever. By attending one or both of these workshops you will find clear insight and will walk away with at least one tool you can use to make changes, if you so choose.
So come meet Julie in-person before the workshops and get to know her a little better to see if she is someone who you’d like to be your guide while exploring your potential. At each event you can register to win a free copy of Julie’s workbook!
Meet and Greet with Julie Farha
Wednesday August 12th 6:30 to 8pm FREE
Storm Wisdom 3375 E. Shea Blvd Suite A1 Phoenix – call to register 602-334-1204
The New Relationship with Julie
Heal the Past ~ Embrace the Present ~ Choose Your Future
Saturday, August 15th 10am – 1pm $39 pre-registered $49 at the door
Storm Wisdom 3375 E Shea Blvd Suite A1 Phoenix 602-334-1204
Managing Change
Wednesday, August 20th 2009 6pm – 8pm $15
Storm Wisdom 3375 E Shea Blvd Suite A1 Phoenix 602-334-1204 Call to Register or visit website
by Robin Carlton on July 24, 2009
Sorry this is so last minute but I thought you’d love to hear about a sale! 
Gypsy Trader is having a Christmas in July sale on Satruday, July 25th from 12 noon until midnight. All regular price inventory is 50% off. That’s a great savings. Maybe I’ll see you there!
by Robin Carlton on July 19, 2009
How have you been doing the last few weeks? Have you been able to implement at least one of the little things we discussed previously? Here in part three, I’m giving you ten more ideas that you can work towards.
Turn the light off when you leave a room.
I live with the light task master:lol: and he has trained us well in this area. Since the day I met him he’s been a stickler for turning off the lights when you leave a room. While you’re at it, why not turn the TV off when you leave the room for an extended period of time too.
Use a lunch box, not a paper bag.
Since we live here in Arizona, I’d imagine that most of you already use an insulated lunch box. What I have noticed, is that a lot of people use a plastic bag from the grocery store. Just be sure to recycle it once you’re done using it.
Pick up litter and recycle it.
For instance, we live out in a rural area and there happens to be some people, we don’t know who, that religiously leave their box of empty beer cans on the side of the road. How do I know it’s just one person or persons? What are the odds that the exact same brand is left in the exact same quantity each time along the same road every time? So, anyway, we pick it up and recycle the aluminum cans.
Donate used books or take them in to a used book store for store credit.
There are quite a few places that will take your used books if you don’t want them any longer. Consider donating them to the library, a school or a shelter. We also have quite a few used book stores in town that you can receive credit towards the purchase of other used books you may be interested in reading.
Choose products that are environmentally friendly.
Why not try using vinegar to clean your kitchen? There are many alternative cleaning products that not only help the environment, but are better for your health too.
Think before you print.
It’s easy to just print things out and place them in a folder, or for some, a stack on the side of your desk. Consider creating email folders and labeling them with the topic of the email and place the email in the folder. Since I started doing this, my organizational skills have improved dramatically. It’s so much easier to find what I’m looking for.
Take a shorter shower.
I’ve been working on this one. Sometimes it’s just easier to wind down in a hot shower. Of course, not this time of year!
Fix leaking faucets.
You’d be amazed at how much water is lost through a teeny, tiny leak.
Clean windows with old newspapers.
Newspapers work really well!
Wipe up spills with reusable towels.
Stop using paper towels to wipe up spills. Use a towel. It’ll save you money too!
Well, I hope I’ve offered you a few ideas that you can easily implement into your routine to not only help the environment but to also save some money.
Let me know how it’s going.
by Robin Carlton on June 27, 2009
You’re going to start seeing more things here on The Enlightened Blog that are focused on the local Arizona spiritual community. I’d like this blog to be known as the place to go to find out about events, classes, workshops, groups, meetings and where to shop for all things metaphysical.
In the near future, you’ll also start to see new things added to the resource page. I’ll be posting a variety of useful information including a section for those of you who are working to grow your holistic/spiritual businesses.
Today, I’ve posted a list of local stores throught metro Phoenix. I’m sure I don’t have all of them here but it’s a good start. If you know of a store that I’ve missed, let me know and I’ll add it. You’ll also be able to find this list on the tab at the top of the blog labeled “Arizona Stores”. In the future I’ll be writing special features on the stores because each one has a unique personality all of its own.
A Peace of the Universe
7000 E. Shea Blvd, Ste 1710
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Phone: (480) 596-3755
www.apeaceoftheuniverse.com
Angels Serenity
4839 E. Greenway Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Phone: (602) 482-0036
www.angelsserenity.com
Gypsy Trader
20811 N. Cave Creek Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85024
Phone: (602) 971-4445
www.gypsytraderarizona.com
Intuitive Development Center
11223 N. 28th Drive Bldg F, Ste 101
Phoenix, AZ 85028
Phone: (602) 621-4027
www.intuitivedevelopment.org
Jan Ross New Age Book & Gifts
4239 W. Thunderbird Rd Ste 2
Phoenix, AZ 85053
Phone: (602) 841-4933
www.janrossnewagebooksandgifts.com
Lavendar Moon Store & Holistic Center
14130 W. McDowell Rd, Ste A104
Goodyear, AZ 85395
Phone: (623-935-0501
www.lavendarmoonstore.com
Lightworkers Gifts
5116 W. Peoria Ave
Glendale, AZ 85302
Phone: (623) 334-3393
www.lightworkersgifts.com
Storm Wisdom
3375 E. Shea Blvd, Ste A-1
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Phone: (602) 334-1204
www.stormwisdom.com
The Astrology Store
5731 W. Glendale Ave.
Glendale, AZ 85301
Phone: (623) 463-6286
www.theastrologystore.com
Vision Quest Metaphysical Bookstore
2225 N. Scottsdale Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85257
Phone: (480) 949-1888
www.visionquestbooks.com
by Robin Carlton on June 24, 2009
Last week I listed ten small things you can do to make a difference to help make the planet a healthier place. How did you do? Did you implement at least one thing from the list? If you did, congratulations! If not, maybe you’ll find a few things from this week’s list you can do.
So let’s get to it!
- Plant a garden – try a container garden first
- Buy rechargeable batteries
- Put unused napkins back in their container
- Bring your own coffee cup
- Keep your car tires inflated properly (this saves on gas)
- Support local farmers click here
- Use both sides of paper when printing
- Turn your thermostat down 1 degree this summer
- Recycle your old cell phones
- Wash your clothes in cold water
My husband and I planted a garden a few months ago. It’s been quite the experience since neither of us had any idea what we’re doing. We’ve learned quite a bit about what not to do, so when we plant again for the fall, maybe I’ll share a few tips.
Let me know how you’re doing with any of the small changes you made from last week’s list.
Have a happy week! J
by Robin Carlton on June 15, 2009
I’ve been thinking about the little things we can do to make our planet just a little bit healthier. Most of the time, these little things not only make a difference to our environment, but you’ll find that you’ll be keeping more of the green stuff in your wallet too.
I’ve compiled about 60 ideas of things that we can do to help out Mother Earth. I’ve decided to break them down into six parts and I’ll post a set of ten weekly. This will give you an opportunity to pick a few and implement them each week. Before you know it you’ll have made some pretty small changes that can add up to make a really BIG difference. So, here’s the first ten.
- Use cloth napkins
- Switch to energy-saving bulbs ( I did this one already)
- Hang dry your clothes (hey, before you know it, it’ll be warm enough to dry your clothes in minutes outside!)
- Make you next outfit vintage
- Pay your bills online (this one’s pretty easy)
- Just say no to plastic bags – (I’ve got about a dozen or so cloth bags that I keep in my car so I’ll have them available when I’m shopping)
- Unplug your appliances when there not being used – (this is a work in progress for me)
- Taste test a local wine
- Rediscover the library – (I love the library!)
- Switch off your computer when your not using it – This is especially a good idea when monsoon season arrives
These are just a few ideas to get you started this week. I’ve already been doing some of this things and I think I’ll try to add at least one more to my list. How about you? Will you pick one or two things you can do this week to make a difference.