LD Day 30 ~ Renew

Nature continuously renews itself year after year.

Today several media reports have come to my attention and I find them worrying. And although I wonder how truthful these messages are nowadays, I still get the feeling that if only a fraction of them is true, I still find them worrying. I try to shake off this feeling while teaching my son at home and I manage reasonably well. With my full attention I guide him through his lessons and we have fun with some word jokes and various exercises that are on his plate today.

But a certain feeling continues to gnaw. Until today I managed to keep that worrying voice out of my system and out of our home. Why does it make itself heard now… Does it have to do with the fact that the messages have touched a sensitive chord in myself? And the answer is yes. That’s exactly it. I can place everything from the medical point of view. But I can’t place what’s going on from the human rights point of view… And now it is up to me to find a way to deal with it.

I thought that a good time to consult the cards and I got:

And while I was thinking about the Wheel of the Year, the seasons and the way nature recovers after disasters, like those horrible forest fires in Australia, it dawned on me.

I am now in the middle of it and I live day by day. I stick to the rules of the game (I think that sounds better than measures, for the time being) and I have my own thoughts about everything. I can’t put my finger on what information is true and what is not, so I take everything for both true and false. The truth will lie somewhere in the middle. There is also such a thing as our Dutch saying: even if the lie is very fast, the truth will overtake him in the end. And I also think of my beautiful sister-in-law’s saying:

My chain of thoughts allows me to being able to reach that desired mode to deal with it.

Where we will be with regard to before or after Corona, I have no idea. We are in the present. Nature is my coach, guide and source of inspiration. She shows me that even if an event is a very destructive one, there will always be a renewing process afterwards. And the way of dealing with it all is the following. When I find it difficult to deal with current events, I go outside and wonder how Nature around me wakes up from hibernation, how birds are busy nesting for their little ones and how the blossoms slowly give way to fresh green leaf. Nature renews an that brings me peace and through me it brings peace into the world around me.

Have a lovely evening and night,
Elke )O( The Alder Scrolls /|\

#Nature #Attention #Inspiration #Druid #ElkeTheAlderScrolls #InTheFootstepsOfTheDruid #LD #DayCard #SelfCoaching #Renew

LD Day 29 ~ Time

Only 8 minutes and today is already yesterday. Time flies. I already had that feeling before the Lockdown, but since the Lockdown even more. And suddenly I really had it with that feeling. The running, the flying and the hurrying. Why? What for? In my case usually because of self-imposed obligations. And then as I lay in bed and thought about the day, I asked myself what did I enjoy today? To whom or what did I really give my attention? And that didn’t make me happy. Because I want to do what I do with my full attention. What an eye opener! And oh dear what a pitfall I keep on tumbling into way too easily time and time again:

• Just this, and that and then …
• Yes, of course I will do that …
• Never mind, I’ll do it in a second …

But once in a while I will get a very strong wake up call. Like tonight.

Tonight I finally took my new mobile in use. Everything transferred, everything installed and completely happy. Like I do every night, I wanted to check what I have planned for tomorrow and then I found out that with the reset of my old phone my Do-Not-Forget-note disappeared into the digital void. Oh dear. And now? Because, well, I have that note to help me remember what I have to do, so I don’t forget anything in the madness of the day. Okay, there was way too much on it, but I would change that. I promise. Hmmmm. So I quickly made a new one and promised myself that I will automatically remember and add everything to it.

And then this beautiful card emerged from the deck. With a truly striking message. Thank you ♥

Time

Embrace the dew drops of life before disappearing with the morning sun.

And I’m going to do just that. Enjoy every moment. Our son’s home schooling, which I really enjoy. The crazy shopping nowadays. All on- and offline meetings in the form of a smile or a conversation or a reaction. And above all replace the “I have to”s by “I want to”s. I am already very curious about the altered choices I make compared to my note.

Dear everyone out there, enjoy every moment, no matter how big or small. And hold on to those feelings! Then, when you look back on the day, the week or the Lockdown, you will remember with a happy feeling. And if that’s not possible because you are being pulled by obligations? Think to yourself:

• Do I have to or do I want to do this?
• Will the world end if I don’t do it today but tomorrow?
• And the most important one: What do I need right now?

Sleep well and see you tomorrow again!

With love,
Elke )O( The Alder Scrolls

#Nature #Attention #Inspiration #Druid #ElkeTheAlderScrolls #InTheFootstepsOfTheDruid #LD #DayCard #Time #SelfCoaching

LD Day 28 ~ Caution

Walking through the Forest of Reverie, the secret of Caution swirls before me. I bend over and pick up the little card. I look at the lovely scenes on the card and my heart opens.

I think about what happened today. How the day started messy and now slowly comes to an end in love and harmony. The secret “Caution” brings a tender smile to my eyes and I think yes, this is good. I have been careful, taking into account my feelings, the feelings of the other person and the feelings we share. Because of this I left no footprints. Rather the opposite, the path is cleared of imperfections.

This secret, Caution, also reminds me of what I recently read in The Awen Alone. The path takes me by a side road to that memory. The Druid feels connected to everything and everyone around him or her. When he/she walks in the forest, he/she feels connected to the trees, the herbs and the plants, the birds and the animals. Because of this relationship, he or she automatically changes his or her life’s perspective. Eyes can no longer be closed to litter in the forest. Choices change with regard to groceries for example. And the goal becomes to make and keep the own footprint on Mother Earth as small as possible. This awareness creates responsibility and a desire to take care of Nature.

After this side road I continue on my path. A smile forms around my mouth when I realize that this attitude to life applies not only to Nature, but to every aspect of my life. When I feel connected to everything and everyone around me, me and you, us and they, we become all one. Then my feelings and those of the other are connected. Through this connection we can enter into a dialogue. We can through the dialogue and expressed feelings, perceive the need in those expressed feelings. This awareness also creates responsibility and the desire to take care of each other. Dealing with everything and everyone around me in that way, I mused further, ensures that there is peace in my environment, in the other and in me. And that surely is, I realized, a nice thought and a feeling to have nowadays.

When I am back at my desk from the Forest of Reverie, I enjoy my mug of warm tea and my thoughts. My heart is open, I smile and feel happy. The feeling of the warmth coming in through my hands and the sip of tea is as warm as the insight that the Secret from the Whispering Woods has brought me today.

With love,
Elke )O( The Alder Scrolls /|\

#Nature #Attention #Inspiration #Druid #ElkeTheAlderScrolls #InTheFootstepsOfTheDruid #LD #DayCard #Caution

LD Day 27 ~ Uncertainty

And then suddenly my LD Daily Cards I share to bring some motivation to get you through the day stopped. On day 13 I was not feeling well and on day 14 I thought ok, stop. Sinusitus just makes screens, daylight and reading a painful sensation. So I took a rest and cared of myself.

And that helped, I’m back 😀 and with a new deck, Whispering Woods. The cards reveal enchanting secrets from the forest. The secret of today is:

Uncertainty

The shades of gray in the fog will eventually disappear.

This card tells you that uncertainty eventually comes to an end. But in order not drown in the mist of uncertainty or to let your own Sun disappear behind an increasingly thick and dark mist, it is best to live in the here and now.

We currently live in a time of uncertainty and due to conflicting reports, negative reports, loss or being/becoming ill, uncertainty can become the predominant factor. It is sometimes damn hard to keep your focus on the positive.

The forest asks you to let go where you have no grip or control. Focus on what lies within your grasp. Like the bright Sun that shines, the beautiful blossom on the trees and all the fresh green that comes through again. Pay attention to what you are doing; gardening, shopping, playing with your children, making music, reading, or doing nothing but simply be. And you will notice that your own security is getting stronger. Certainty comes from within.

What can you do to increase your security?

Have a nice day everyone ♥

With love,
Elke )O( The Alder Scrolls /|\

#Nature #Attention #Inspiration #Druid #ElkeTheAlderScrolls #InTheFootstepsOfTheDruid #LD #DayCard #Uncertainty #WhisperingWoods

LD Day 13 ~ King

Dear All,

Here I am, with card in hand, all ready to go, but the accompanying story will not come. And that is fine. Today a bit differently than the rest of the week. The Day Card today is your reflection card for today:

1. Look at the map, what does the picture do to you?
2. Read the message and what does it do to you?
3. And then you link 1 and 2 together, what do 1 and 2 say about your day so far?

The King

When the King appears on your path, it’s time to put your house in order. He also lets you know that something significant is yours to experience. And he requires you to take inventory of anything left undone and do it. Doing these activities has an empowering effect and makes you regain control of your life. The King reminds you to take positive affirmation in your life.

Hmmmm I’d better start working in my garden then, doing the remaining laundry and more chores like that… The list is already there, now to take action 😉

I wish you all a very nice Saturday evening.

Loving regards
Elke )O( The Alder Scrolls /|\

#Nature #Attention #Inspiration #Druid #ElkeTheAlderScrolls #InTheFootstepsOfTheDruid #LD #Daycard #SelfCoaching #King

LD Day 12 ~ The Serpent

I hit the snooze button so many times that it was noon by the time I finally think, ok lady, time to go from the Dream World to the Real World. I see th beautiful, clear, blue sky, the bright sunshine and a wave of gratitude passes through me. I feel blessed that I am home with my loved ones and being able to heal. This may sound strange, but recovering from a burnout-depressed-stressed situation, I have noticed that these last 2 weeks without all sorts of external obligations have been doing me a lot of good. The only ‘obligations’ I have are the groceries and walking our dog. Walking with Keelin is all but an obligation. And grocery shopping is my newest big adventure these days. When I look back at 2 weeks of Lockdown, I hear myself thinking:

“Is it very odd that I would like this to continue for a while longer? Or am I not the only one who thinks like that?”

Coming downstairs, getting my cup of tea and making some breakfast, I notice that I am still in this lovely dreamy state. Sitting at my secretary to draw the Day Card, my ever loyal and helpful cat Poes jumps up to say hello. I love these moments! After a good cuddle I go into meditation and hear: “Mom, can I get some more bread, this time with peanut butter and sausage?”. With a smile on my face I hear my husband urging him to shush, because mommy is busy. The discussion that then arises between father and son makes me smile and open my eyes. Two pairs of apologizing eyes look at me and that makes me laughing out loud.

After our son is sitting happily on the couch with his bread, and my husband behind his computer, I go back to my morning meditation. Pure reality joy! When I open my eyes again I reach out for my Wisdom of Avalon Oracle Cards, wondering what card will be the advise for today.

Today the Serpent glides into our lives and says:

“I bring the message of healing and of gaining knowledge. Whatever situation you’re in right now is meant for this purpose. Knowledge is important. Perhaps it’s time for you to read a book or take a class in order to gain more understanding of your inquiry, or you may need to ask questions of others who ‘know’ and can help you.

Ask me and I will guide you to the right answer easily and effortlessly. I herald success if you follow my signal.

I also want you to know that you may be suffering because there are aspects of yourself that are wounded and still need tending. Now is the time for this. Perhaps you need to rest, meditate, and allow the knowledge to come to consciousness. Or maybe you just need to sleep more.

And remember, each time you experience a healing or learn new things, you may need to shed your skin to adopt a new one. But don’t worry, that is necessary and a beautiful thing.”

Thinking about this message I notice that my thoughts go back to what I read earlier. So many people dive into activities to get through the days. I hear the truth of those words in the noise my neighbours are making in their gardens and their homes. I wonder if people understand what this Lockdown can mean to them if they listen to themselves, if they open up and feel. A shift in thinking, a shift in energy, a shift of awareness?

And I wonder if people feel the same gratitude as I feel, being able to rest and heal properly, redirect my focus and think about what I really want out of life.

And with these thoughts I softly slide back into the Dream World and I am grateful that on this hour of day I can ♥

Stay safe, heal and rest,

With love,
Elke )O( The Alder Scrolls /|\

#Nature #Attention #Inspiration #Druid #ElkeTheAlderScrolls #InTheFootstepsOfTheDruid #LD #DayCard #SelfCoaching #Serpent

LD Day 11 ~ Movement

Again I rub my eyes that keep closing. They feel dry, they are tired and they sting. I am searching for words, but they don’t want to come. My head is an open space of void and silence. And I say to myself, this is it, it’s been nice, now it’s time for a break. I smile and know, that making that decision is also self-coaching and taking good care of yourself.

Today the Day Card will be just the card and the description.

I hereby invite you to take a look at this card and its description with the following in mind:

# what does this card do to me?
# how do I view change?
# what can I do to welcome this change?

And if you like, I would love to read in the comments what this card means to you on this 11th day of the lockdown♥

Meaning of the card Movement

This card reminds you that all things change as part of the cycle of life. This may be portend a physical move, or it heralds a release from restriction and waiting.

Rejoice, for change is in the air and new things are about to enter your world. This puts you on notice that it’s time to broaden your horizons as you move forward on your path. You may travel to new and foreign places, both physically and inwardly. It is fortunate and timely to do so.

Nothing is ever meant to be static in the ways of the living Mystery. Movement brings challenges that must not be resisted, for progress can only be made by letting go of what was, and welcoming what is yet to come.

This card is always an omen of change for the better.

For now, rest well, take good care of yourself and your loved ones and stay safe.

With love,
Elke )O( The Alder Scrolls /|\

#Nature #Inspiration #Attention #Druid #ElkeTheAlderScrolls #InTheFootsteptOfTheDruid #LD #DayCard #SelfCoaching #Movement

LD Day 10 ~ The Raven

Rebellious

Looking out the window, seeing the beautiful weather oustide and thinking about life as it is right now, I notice I feel very rebellious today. I woke up with a pirate song from Pirates of the Caribbean in my head and that set the tone I think. I want to go out and bike, walk, swim for hours. Not that I can. Oh no, far from that. My out of shape body would let me reach the end of the street and then put me on hold. But the rebel in me is fed up with it all and wants to go against all these measures laid upon us by our government. Might be Spring, might be the Aries I am, but today I want only 1 thing and that’s to be free to do as I wish.

Freedom

Freedom. How often taken for granted. Of course we think about wars in other countries, but when we go on with our daily lives and daily business, it becomes a topic we talk about drinking our coffees and teas. And now, not war, but a virus has us confined to our homes. It feels surreal and I wonder when my alarm clock will go off to wake me up from this odd dream.

Guidance from the Cards

Finishing my tea I leave my thoughts to walk their own path and I drink in the cosiness of what I see when I look from my desk in the kitchen (special times call for special measures) into our living room. I see our cats and dog enjoying a sun bath from sunbeams through the window, son and husband relaxed gaming and I, in a less rebellious and more loving energy, reach out for some Wisdom of Avalon. What Wisdom of Avalon can be used today on Day 10 of the lockdown?

With flapping wings the Raven flies in today and her message:

Remember. Believe in magic, and you cannot help but see it. Magic lives within the belief itself! Expect the unexpected and prepare to be amazed.”

And she is off again.

The Raven reminds you that on the path to wholeness, the magic of Avalon appears and all things become possible. Ask the Raven to help you be aware of synchronicity in your life and to see how the God/Goddess/Universe/Mother Earth works anonymously on your path. If you feel hopeless or lost, you may need reminding that this kind of magic occurs in your life daily. Even if you can’t see it, trust it to bring joy, understanding, and fulfillment to your life, no matter what the present circumstances appear to be.

I look at the card and the message and a mixture of feelings runs through me from happiness to being fed up and everything in between. I feel puzzled and want to shout out to the Crows, Magpies and Jackdaws I see on the grass in the middle of my street: what kind of advise is this!

Then I feel soft fur touch my arm and a rough cat tongue licks my hand. Instantly deep love for my cat pulls me back into the real world. And that is magic. I look back at the birds and the card and thank the magnificent Raven for flying into my life this day.

Trust in magic and magic will occur

And that is my mantra for the rest of the day. My rebellious inner self has calmed down again and I am back to doing my things with attention, staying in the here and now, staying connected and being inspired by Mother Earth.

I hope the Raven may inspire you as well today♥

With love,
Elke )O( De Elzenboom /|\

#Nature #Inspiration #Attention #Druid #ElkeTheAlderScrolls #InTheFootsteptOfTheDruid #LD #DayCard #SelfCoaching #Raven

LD Day 9 ~ The Spider

Today’s card usually made me get the creeps and this same card also made it happen that last Fall I rescued a spider from my playful kitten and placed her/him gently outside. Me, the spiders-scare-me-to-the-bone-me! Ok, Lucas helped as well and I will share a link to his adorable adventures below this post. But ok, what was so inspiring that Spider and I finally, with respect for eachothers personal space, became friends? Her message! And today, after the day that we got tightened government measures, on this New Moon Day, I think we couldn’t get a better advise from this powerful and wise Spirit Animal.

Spider reminds that you have within you the gift to create meaningful, purposeful work. Within you is an artist, waiting to be expressed. Think about this:
# Do you write in a journal each day?
# Do you draw, paint, cook or play music?
# Do you realize that everything you do on a daily basis is an act of co-creation with the Divine?

She helps you to gain insights from your inner or intuitive world and your shadow world (what lies hidden and may come into the light). And when you have a clear view of your inside world, you know what you want and what makes you happy, you are going to radiate that into the outside world. The outside world is going to respond to that and in that way you attract what you want out of life. So within, so without.

The theme question Spider always asks is:

Are you happy with the life you are weaving, creating?

I know it’s quite a question to ask of you in this time. So what could she mean by this in this moment of time?

Spider advises you that it’s time to be aware of your responsibility for the creations in your life. Maybe you need to rethink an issue and apply your inner artist to find a solution. If you’re unhappy with anything or frustrated or scared or sad, ask yourself:

How can I create a better, more meaningful, productive and loving experience for myself and others?

Whether you see yourself as an artist or not, you are the architect of your own life, your own happiness and your own fulfillment.

What life are you building?

Don’t just sit there, this is your time to create!

Try to see this surreal world we’re living in today as a reset, a new start or a challenge to see things differently. And try to see it that way with an open mind, open for all kinds of options and possibilities. If you find that hard, try this exercise.

Do a brainstorm session.

Take 3 deep breaths in through your nose and out of your mouth. Grab a piece of paper and write down all that comes up to make your life nicer, more beautiful or more happy , no matter how crazy or how out of the box or how out of reach your thoughts may seem. Set the time for like 15 minutes. After those 15 minutes put down your pen. If you have a garden or a balcony, go there and breathe in the fresh air. If you don’t have a garden or a balcony, step into another room and take a breath of air. Come back to your paper and look at what you’ve written.

Choose the 3 options that make you smile and your hart sing just by reading them.

These make you genuinely happy. Read them, feel them and see what steps you can take today to work to realize them. The energy this day will help you kick-start.

Today is a New Moon and the season of Aries begins. Both New Moon and Aries are about new beginnings and firey energy to get you motivated and started . This energy and your options might just work magic for you, even in these grim times.

Have a nice and sunny Tuesday and stay safe!

With love,
Elke )O( The Alder Scrolls /|\

The link to Lucas:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/lucasthespider
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNqRS1gSJFMNPVwye1gyI_g

#Nature #Inspiration #Attention #Druid #ElkeTheAlderScrolls #InTheFootsteptOfTheDruid #LD #DayCard #SelfCoaching #Spider #NewMoon

LD Day 8 ~ The CoW

Today’s story is a bit more personal than usual. On the first day of week 2 of the lockdown I notice that at home we have found ourselves a nice balance, we maintain the good vibes and energy and although our world is very small at the moment, we are happy.

What a total difference when I enter the supermarket. People are nervous, very insecure about how to walk past others, anxious, some a bit aggressive and all over a bit lost, because of the amount of empty shelves. Because of those energies I didn’t pay attention, forgot things on my list and had to go back and forth 5 times. When I came back home I was exhausted and so happy to find myself embraced by the warm happy energy inside my home.

Do you have similar experiences? And how are things at home for you? Finding balance or found it already? Still feeling ok?

I just drew today’s card and it fits what’s keeping me busy today very well.

Today the Cow has a message for you:

Take my milk; I can always feed you. I’ll eat the grass of the God/Goddess and, in turn, pass good fortune on to you. Nourishment is never-ending when I appear on your path. Don’t forget to till the soil so that grass may grow. Abundance is made manifest out of a universal system. Do your part, and I will do mine with joy. Ask, and you will recieve all the blessings I have to offer.”

The Cow reminds you that there is no shortage of blessings in the world. Ask to partake in infinite abundance, and you will, indeed, get exactly what you need.

In this card I read to messages:

1. Stop hoarding the shops

It hurts me when I read stories of people not being able to get their groceries, because other people took too many. It breaks my heart when I read about the nurse who cannot get a decent meal, because her shift ends late and by the time she gets to the grocery stores, they are empty. I do embrace initiatives like the hospitals that organize their own grocery departments so their staff can buy food for themselves and their families, and the grocery stores that have special opening hours for the Elderly. I also read a story about a country in which hand gel costs like 1,95 and 2 costs 95,-.

I really wonder, why this hoarding? Stop it! We are dealing with a virus, not a grocery devouring caterpillar!

Grocery stores here keep asking people to go back to their regular shopping, because there is enough in store. I truly hope they will finally listen and things will settle down to normality in the grocery stores again.

But the phrase ‘civilization is just a thin layer of varnish’ (is this also how you say it in English?) is so visible right now and that makes me sad. I know, I am an optimist, an idealist and an overall positivist and hoped for the better, that now we could all stand together. But reality shows differently.

And with those feelings I went back home on my bike with the groceries. When a guy in a car was too slow, so I had to step down, I heard myself making a not so nice remark. Wow, that negative vibe that was present in the supermarket got to me real quickly! I did my ho’oponopono to get back on my happy energetic feet. When I saw the trees again, one of my sacred bushes, the Willow waved her love to me with her long elegant branches and the young Oaks joked about it so that it made me laugh. On top of that the Poplars took my negative emotions away and I was so grateful for my Tree friends to be there for me. The rest of the way I was back in my happy vibes. Even so that I started greeting and made an Elderly Lady smile and wave back to me with her both arms. That’s how I like it and that lead me to message 2.

2. The vibes you send out in the world, will come back to you

This is one of the cosmic rules and that’s why, although we take what’s happening at the moment very seriously, keep here ate my home most of the news outdoors. We catch up twice a day and that’s it. We focus on happy thoughts, happy energy and the good things in life. And wow that was so noticeable when I cam home. I was so grateful and I still am. Now more than ever I am aware of this cosmic rule when I go out, either to walk the dog or to do the groceries.

So please remember:

• If you focus on fear, shortage, or panic, that’s what you’re sending into the world, what you’re asking for and what you will get back.
• If you focus on nourishment, abundance and good vibes, that’s what you will get back.

My question for you: what do you send out in the world?

Have a lovely evening and stay in the happy vibe!

With love,
Elke )O( The Alder Scrolls /|\

#Nature #Inspiration #Attention #Druid #ElkeTheAlderScrolls #InTheFootsteptOfTheDruid #LD #SelfCoaching #Cow