Linda-Ann Stewart

The Cedarfire Newsletter
Tools for Your Mind, Soul and Spirit

2001 Archives

September 2001
October 2001
November 2001
December 2001

September 2001
Volume 2, Issue 3

*** Welcome ***

This month, shift has begun to happen. My boyfriend will be changing jobs in the near future. I know that it is an opportunity for expansion into something greater, but it still was a shock.

All month, I've been preparing to present classes on "Spiritual Self-Hypnosis," beginning in September. They'll be held at my office, and I've spent hours bringing together information for them and promoting the classes. I'm releasing the success of the classes to the Universe. Learning to release has been one of my challenges in this lifetime. This is just another opportunity for me to exercise it.

*** Feature Article ***

* What Are You Training For? *

by
Linda-Ann Stewart

There's an old saying, "You get out of a project what you put into it." This means that however much energy you put into an activity, project or talent, you reap the benefits in equal measure. Athletes wouldn't dream of attempting to "go for the gold" without training mentally and physically. An artist knows that their talent grows the more they exercise it. They recognize there will be hurdles to overcome, but those obstacles simply make their abilities stronger.

The same is true of every aspect of life. If you focus your energy in the direction of prosperity, you'll reap abundance. However, if you expend your thoughts in the area of fear of not being able to pay the bills, that's what you'll manifest. It's like a bank account. Think of what thoughts you're depositing in your mind. Whether those thoughts are positive or negative, you'll earn interest based on the contents of you "account."

It takes concentrated practice to be aware of what thoughts you're thinking. And it takes even more attention and discipline to transform those ideas into ones that are positive and beneficial. Are you putting in ten thoughts of fear for every single thought of faith and confidence? If so, you'll draw out whatever it is that you fear. When you practice focusing on the good each day, you're exercising your confidence in the Universe. If you come up against an obstacle, you'll have the strength to handle it.

Whatever kind of energy you're putting out, you'll be experiencing that in your life. Are you depositing thoughts of an expanded, more abundant life? If not, begin to become aware of what kind of thoughts you're depositing in your emotional bank, and start to train for a better life.

*** Affirmation ***

I become aware of the thoughts that I think that might not be in harmony with the Universe. I train myself to transform them into the kind of idea deposits that I desire. I know that my thoughts manifest their equivalent in my life. I keep my thoughts positive and focused on the Universal Good. Even though I might not see the good in any situation, it is there awaiting my recognition of it. The more I practice this, the stronger and more empowered I become.

*** Question and Answer ***

Question: Why do I have to focus on what I want? Doesn't my subconscious mind already know?

Answer: Your subconscious mind can only absorb what your conscious mind sends its way. So if you want more prosperity, but you constantly focus on not having enough money, that's what the subconscious mind accepts and manifests more of - lack. Your subconscious only knows what it's been told. So if you want to be an artist, but believe you have little talent, and constantly bemoan that idea, your subconscious will make sure that you don't fulfill your potential.

I've known so many people who say they want one thing, but they focus on the opposite (me included). Or they want something, but they don't want to have to change anything to manifest it. A smoker may want to quit smoking without giving up cigarettes. That would be the same as wanting more prosperity without letting go of old attitudes about struggle and lack. Whatever you focus on is what your subconscious mind thinks you want. And it will deliver it to the level that you truly accept.

Would you like to submit a question for me to answer in the newsletter? If so write to me at: linda-ann@cedarfire.com

*** New ***

* New Article *

Problems in life are transitory, while the Reality of the Universe is Eternal and always awaiting your acceptance of it. As you recognize this fact, you expand your consciousness to accept more of the Good of the Universe. This month, I've included an affirmation at the bottom of the article. Read Getting Back In Alignment With The Universe.

This month, Jeri Noble contributes a valuable article about the hidden reasons why we may not be manifesting what we want. We may be getting benefits, called "secondary gains" from staying where we are. Frequently, we may not recognize these reasons, but until we do, we can't move forward. Read Secondary Gain: Keeping Your Reality From Manifesting.

* Seminars *

I've created a page that lists and describes the seminars and classes that I'm going to be presenting in the near future. To see what I'm offering, go to Seminar Schedule.

*** Recommended Reading ***

The Eight Human Talents: Restore the Balance and Serenity Within You with Kundalini Yoga
By Gurmukh

Many years ago, my first yoga class was a kundalini yoga class. This was before I even knew there were different styles of yoga. In the years since, I'd heard very little about kundalini yoga. Then a friend gave me this book, and I've been savoring it for a couple of months.

Gurmukh is an internationally renowned kundalini yoga teacher. In this book, she writes about the different chakras, which contain our talents. Exploring each one's strengths and weaknesses, she gives specific exercises to expand the talents, and heal the weaknesses. She identifies the eight strengths as Acceptance, Creativity, Commitment, Compassion, Truth, Intuition, Boundlessness, and the eighth, our aura, as Radiance. Each of these talents has a "shadow" side, which can pull a person out of balance.

The book is well-written, easily read, and humorous. If you're interested in yoga, this is a great book to have. I've recommended the newly released paperback, but it also comes in hardback. I will treasure my copy of this book.

To read more about it, click on The Eight Human Talents: Restore the Balance and Serenity Within You with Kundalini Yoga.

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October 2001
Volume 2, Issue 4

*** Welcome ***

This past month has been challenging for everyone. Our world has changed. We're in the midst of a transformation from an old way of thinking and acting to a new one. Some people are still reacting from an outdated model, and we hear about their attacks on innocent people who look Middle Eastern. Fortunately, there aren't many of those attacks and they are not accepted by any rational person.

Although I'm terribly saddened by the death, injury and loss suffered by the people on the east coast, I'm encouraged by the response of the rest of the world. Even if it's only rhetoric, even if it's temporary, this is the first time that all of the countries of this planet have agreed on anything positive. It's the first time that we have all come together with a common goal. If it's happened once, it makes it easier to occur again. This planet has taken a giant leap forward in evolution.

Okay, I'll get down off my soapbox now.

*** Feature Article ***

* Anger, Hatred and Disempowerment *
by
Linda-Ann Stewart

Since the events of September 11, 2001, I've been hearing a lot about hate. Arabs hating Americans, and Americans hating anyone that even looks like they're of Middle Eastern descent. Hate seems to be a powerful emotion, but the reverse is actually true. When a person hates someone or something, they give their power away to that object. Intense anger motivates hatred. The emotion feels powerful because it's fuelled by the "fight or flight" response that occurs in the body.

"Fight or flight" is a survival mechanism that allows us to deal with immediate danger. A person gets angry and fights the danger off, or gets scared and flees from it, thus saving themselves. You've heard of a one hundred- pound grandmother lifting a car off of her trapped grandson. That's the fight or flight response at its best. Chemicals are dumped into the body to create the strength and the speed needed at that time. But afterwards, there's a letdown, a collapse of the physical system while it recovers.

The mechanism was formed to help in sudden crisis. But if a person remains in that mind-set of fear or anger for a prolonged period of time, the body and mind begin to break down. The energy of the body become depleted, and eventually illness occurs. The mind suffers because the anger needs to be justified and rationalized to continue. Any personal growth or spiritual evolution stops. Ultimately, the anger destroys the person who is chronically angry.

Anger that isn't acknowledged is also dangerous. If anger is ignored, pushed away, or suppressed, it will also feed on itself. And it too will destroy its owner. In this case, the person must accept that they feel angry, and make a rational choice of what they want to do about it if they are to heal. Anger can be turned into something productive, like "Mothers Against Drunk Drivers."

After all, anger is simply energy. When it can be channelled to do something constructive, it fulfills its purpose. However, if it rationalizes a feeling of disempowerment and helplessness and turns to hatred, the energy will defeat that person or culture. Transform any anger you have into positive action. Reclaim your power and refuse to give it away. Your life needs to be consciously controlled by you, not unconsciously controlled by your anger.

*** Affirmation ***

I recognize when I feel angry. Anger is simply energy and an attempt to keep me safe. As I forgive myself for being angry, I understand that I can direct that energy in a constructive way. Using my power of choice, I listen to Divine Guidance as to how to channel my anger productively. In so doing, I reclaim my power and become a positive force in the world.

*** Question and Answer ***

Question: Why do things like the attack on the World Trade Center and Pentagon happen, and kill so many innocent people?

Answer: This is a question that spiritual seekers will be examining for a long time. I know that we are not just our bodies. We have a soul and spirit that is eternal. Sometimes, on an unconscious level, a person agrees or decides to participate in an event that seems horrendous as a way to further their soul growth and to further the evolution of our world.

There are some people on our planet that want to control how everyone else lives and believes, and they use fear and terror as their tools. The Catholic church did this in the middle ages during the Inquisition and the Burning Times. Hitler did it in the 30's and 40's. The Ku Klux Klan has done it in the past 100 years in the southern part of the US, to persecute the former slaves. Whenever there is intolerance of any race, creed, lifestyle, etc., there is the seed of violence.

I'm praying that something wonderful comes out of this, and hope that maybe it means we're approaching an end to terrorism. The entire world seems to be coming together in the desire for this enterprise. Hopefully, this terrible time will help to end intolerance.

Would you like to submit a question for me to answer in the newsletter? If so write to me at: linda-ann@cedarfire.com.

*** New ***

* New Article *

Having compassion for someone doesn't mean protecting them from the consequences of their actions. When we excuse a perpetrator of his/her offense, we indirectly give them approval of their actions. By doing so, we interfere with their learning from the experience. Learn how to have a detached sense of compassion. This article includes an affirmation to help you along the way. Read The Nature of Compassion.

Quantum Reality by Jeri Noble addresses the mechanics of metaphysics. It helps to understand why the process works, while you're learning to use it. This article explores some of the different facets of how conscious creation takes place, including why rituals sometimes help and some sidetrips that are self-destructive.

*** Recommended Reading ***

Richard Hittleman's Yoga: 28-Day Exercise Plan
by Richard Hittleman

When I first got involved in yoga over twenty years ago, I didn't how to practice at home. I'd taken a couple of classes, but knew very little about how to exercise on my own. This was long before VCR's and videotapes. I discovered this book, and it was exactly what I was looking for. When a client comes to me, and expresses an interest in yoga, I recommend this book.

As its title suggests, it's a 28-day yoga plan. Every day, you have certain postures that you do. Each fourth day, you review what you've learned. The postures are explained step-by-step, and you're taken through them from a beginner's perspective and flexibility. At the end of each day, there's an essay about some aspect of yoga. Some of the titles of these essays: "What is yoga," "Yoga nutrition," "Arthritus," "Weight regulation," and "Exercising the organs and glands." The author claims that this is an "accelerated method of instruction that now enables any serious student to learn and practice 38 Yoga exercises within a four week period." I can attest to the truth of that statement. At the end of the 28 days, he's compiled the exercises into three daily routines that you rotate.

To read more about it, click on Richard Hittleman's Yoga: 28-Day Exercise Plan.

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November 2001
Volume 2, Issue 5

*** Welcome ***

This has been a month of changes. Changes in the world, changes of the season, changes in the individual's life. My boyfriend, Jeff, and I drove up into the mountains above Flagstaff to take photos of the leaves changing. The aspens had turned the color of gold, and it was like driving through a tunnel that shimmered and glistened. This is a change of season that precedes winter, traditionally a time of retreat. I sense that our world is undergoing a shift of consciousness, and many people are experiencing this turning within to assess the change. Just as autumn precedes winter, so does winter precede spring, and I believe that we're moving into a new season of life.

*** Feature Article ***

* In A Crisis, Get Back To Basics *
by
Linda-Ann Stewart

Several years ago, I went through a life-changing crisis. The experience threw me into shellshock and knocked me off my spiritual foundation. I had the intellectual knowledge of how the Universe works, but my connection to my Power had disappeared.

Many times, the purpose of a crisis is to shed light on what's not working. In this case, a person needs to evaluate where they've violated a spiritual principle. Review what you know to discover where you've slipped off the path. Using new techniques to discover where you've blocked the Universal flow can be helpful, as long as you don't completely throw out the fundamentals of your spiritual beliefs.

When a person goes through a crisis, they tend to feel powerless, as I did. I've seen people completely abandon their spiritual beliefs, and everything they have learned from them as a way to regain some connection to their Spirit. Doing this while under pressure, anxiety or stress can't build a strong foundation.

While in a crisis, strengthening your foundation is essential. It's best not to make any drastic changes at this time. Change is best conducted in a time of calm. Spiritually, a time of crisis may signal to go deeper within, to get to know your spiritual beliefs better. Once you've weathered the difficulty, and gotten on more solid ground, that's the time to spread your wings.

Remember that all the Power to heal and triumph over any situation is within you. Techniques of any belief system are simply tools to help you to access that Power. During a crisis, rediscovering the roots of your spiritual beliefs may be the best thing you can do. In the years following my crisis, I went back to the fundamentals to re-learn all that I already knew. The time was well spent. As a result, I healed much stronger and with a deeper faith.

*** Affirmation ***

I know that I have all the Power of the Universe at my command. My connection with my Spirit is always present, whether I feel it or not. In a time of crisis, I go deeper within to heal myself. I'm Divinely Guided to any new techniques that help me strengthen my spiritual foundation, recognizing them for what they are, simply tools.

*** Question and Answer ***

Question: I have been in a relationship for about a year now and have put a lot of energy into it without any expectations of anything in return. Why has it not manifested any further?

Answer: Although you say that you've been in this relationship with no expectations, you have had an expectation, that the relationship would progress. I'm sure you thought it would happen on its own. That's what we're told. But by trying not to have any expectations, you've actually manifested what you were expecting. No expectations, no progression.

We've been told over and over to let go of any expectations in our relationships, when what it actually means is to not have any expectations of our partner. The idea of no expectation really means that we shouldn't expect our partner to change to suit us or to our ideas of how they should be. However, there are some expectations we should have in any relationship. To be treated well, to have open communication, to have respect, to be treated equally. When we put so much energy into a relationship, and don't get anything back, it's time to reassess the relationship. The person you're with may not be able to give you what you obviously want.

You need to set some boundaries of what you expect from the relationship. Only that way can the Universe and the other person know what you need. You deserve to do that. You deserve to value yourself, and to expect to be valued by the other person. By stating what you need and want, you allow the other person to decide whether they can give it to you or not. If they choose not to, then you need to let go and move on. By doing so, you give the Universe the opportunity to bring someone else into your life who can fill your needs.

Would you like to submit a question for me to answer in the newsletter? If so write to me at: linda-ann@cedarfire.com

*** New ***

* Teleclasses, Anyone? *

I'm investigating the possibility of presenting teleclasses or teleseminars. What is this? It's a class or seminar you can attend from anywhere in the world, as long as you have a phone and access to long distance. It's like a conference call, where participants call a number, and are all connected to each other and the facilitator (in this case, me). There would be a class fee and long distance charges. The class or seminar session is generally one hour at a time, for the length of the seminar, say four weeks. I'm looking into the possibility of presenting these, but would like to know if there's any interest before I proceed further.

If this sounds like it might interest you, please click on this link teleclasspoll@cedarfire.com I just want to get an idea if this is something you feel might be of value, and want to take a poll. In no way does this commit you to anything. It is simply a survey. Thank you for your participation.

* New Article *

What are you willing to give up for your good? This month's article addresses the concept that to accept more good, something else is presently in its place. It includes questions to ask yourself when you're not manifesting what you want. Read Create Space For Your Good.

The second article this month, "It Was Just Like In the Movies....", is by guest writer, Asoka Selvarajah. Thought is powerful. This article considers that the world moviegoer's enjoyment of disaster pictures may be visualizing those very disasters into reality. This is a concept friends and I wondered about long before September 11.

*** Recommended Reading ***

The Wisdom Of Florence Scovel Shinn
by Florence Scovel Shinn

When I went back to basics, this was the first book that I read. This is actually a compilation of her four books, "The Game of Life, and How To Play It," "The Power of the Spoken Word," "Your Word Is Your Wand," and "The Secret Door To Success." The author was well known for her teachings about affirmations.

"The Game of Life.." is a primer on Universal Laws. It covers such topics as affirmations, prosperity, karma, nonresistance, forgiveness, intuition, the divine design, and more. "The Secret Door To Success" is a sequel to "The Game of Life..." The title, "The Power of the Spoken Word," speaks for itself. "Your Word Is Your Wand" is filled with affirmations on various topics.

All of these books, which are compiled into "The Wisdom of Florence Scovel Shinn," utilize affirmations as the way to transform. In this compilation, you'll find hundreds of affirmations for any number of problems. This is a classic in metaphysical literature, and every metaphysician should have it in their library.

To read more about it, click on The Wisdom of Florence Scovel Shinn: Four Complete Books, the Game of Life and how to Play It/the Power of the Spoken Word/Your Word Is Your Wand, The Secret of Success

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December 2001
Volume 2, Issue 6

*** Welcome ***

I apologize that the newsletter is late. I couldn't get into my account at Yahoo to send it out on time. It's been very frustrating.

I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving. I gave thanks for all of the wonderful things in my life. In the coming month, many people will be rushing around, trying to get shopping, wrapping, and decorating done. At a busy time like this, it's especially important to remember to take time to care for yourself.

Have a safe, healthy, happy holiday season!

*** Feature Article ***

* Practicing Goodwill To Yourself *
by
Linda-Ann Stewart

This is the season for "Peace on earth, goodwill to all." But how is your goodwill towards yourself? In other words, how are you treating yourself? Are you doing things that nurture and nourish your inner being or are you putting yourself last on your list? The way you take care of yourself impacts your relations with everything in your world. When you don't give your inner self importance, Life treats you much in the same way.

The Bible says to "Love thy neighbor as thyself." This has been interpreted to mean that we're to put others first. But read of the whole quote, "Love thy neighbor AS thyself," not more than yourself. If you don't love yourself, you can't love your neighbor. Love of self and goodwill extends outward like the ripples in a pond. When you tend to yourself, you can tend to others because you have more love to spread.

There's an old saying, "Charity begins at home." This is because if you give all of yourself away, there's nothing left for you, therefore there's nothing left of you to give. If you don't nurture yourself in a healthy way, your inner self will insist on it. For instance, if you work too hard, you might get sick to get some time off.

How can you nurture yourself? I'm not talking about eating a pound of fudge, but doing something that makes your inner being feel nourished. Getting enough sleep and eating healthy meals would be a good start. Other things to do could be to take a walk, get out into nature, meditate, do yoga, take a bubble bath, rent a video, or something else that makes you feel special. For you are special to the Universe. The Infinite wants you to show goodwill to yourself, so that your peace will spread to the world.

*** Affirmation ***

Peace on earth begins with each individual person. I love myself as much as the Universe loves me. Therefore, I treat myself with goodwill. I nurture my inner being and nourish my physical self in healthy ways. As I give more love to myself, I have more to give to others in the world.

*** Question and Answer ***

Question: If a person is daily using several affirmations, which one will manifest first?

Answer: I always suggest that a person restrict themselves to affirming in one area of their life at a time. You can affirm one area, and when you see improvement in that area, you can move onto another area of your life. The reason for this is that when the subconscious mind gets too many instructions at one time, it tends to rebel. Think about how you'd feel if someone dumped a lot of tasks on you, and expected them to be immediately completed. The subconscious gets overwhelmed. If you use several affirmations at a time, the affirmation the subconscious will manifest, if it manifests any of them, is the one with the least conflict and that you feel most confident of. In other words, the one that has the least resistance or fear around the issue, or that you've had the most success with in the past.

Would you like to submit a question for me to answer in the newsletter? If so write to me at: linda-ann@cedarfire.com

*** New ***

* Teleclass Poll Results *

I want to thank everyone who participated in my survey to discover if there were many of you interested in my presenting teleclasses. At this time, there weren't enough people who expressed an interest in teleclasses for me to move forward with them. I plan to do so at a future time, however, it's just that they're going on the back burner right now. Again, thanks to everyone, to the ones who responded and the ones who didn't.

* New Article *

Many people, especially those from dysfunctional homes, believe that Life is against them. But the entirety of the Universe is on your side. This article explores how you can begin believing that Life is for you. Read The Universe Is On Your Side and its affirmation.

The guest article this month is about the home. Because of the season, I thought it would be appropriate. Learn how to transform your house into a sanctuary for your spirit and a reflection for your soul. Read Use Your Senses To Create A Sacred Home by Lorraine Aho.

*** Recommended Reading ***

The Abundance Book
by John Randolph Price

This little book is worth its weight in gold. I've used mine so much that it's fallen apart, and I keep it in a ziplock bag. Quoting from various teachers and books about prosperity, it condenses all the wisdom about and abundance into this tiny volume. The author writes about the profound idea that you are your own money, and that it's your energy that circulates. He includes some prosperity "secrets" to help manifest quicker and easier.

Included in this book is a 40 day prosperity plan, which are 10 affirmations you meditate on. Taking one of these affirmations each day, you circulate through them 4 times. By the end of the 40 days, you'll have begun to change your consciousness about money, prosperity and abundance. This book will change your perspective on money and yourself. Whenever I get into fear about finances, I pull this book out and read it again.

To read more about it, click on The Abundance Book

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