Belief

What are the things you are passionate about in life?

Like many Australians, the ocean is one of my biggest loves. There’s nothing I like more than spending a day at the beach under the water.

I am also a firm advocate for standing up for what you believe in.

I don’t normally write about politics, but this is a topic very close to my heart. I believe I have a responsibility to help raise more awareness.

Knowledge is power. And when you know better, you do better.

Sadly, of late the Australian government has made some poor decisions not only for our country, but for the world.

1. Industrial development, the Great Barrier Reef, QLD.

One of the Seven Natural Wonders Of The World. Yes that’s right, approval has been granted to build one of the world’s biggest coal export facilities inside the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. This would see a brand new coal terminal adjacent to a turtle nesting beach, bushland trashed on the World Heritage listed Curtis Island, and 3 million cubic metres of seabed ripped up and dumped inside the Reef World Heritage Area.

Luckily with the advocacy of Green Peace, a petition with 70,000 signatures was delivered to Environment Minister Greg Hunt’s door. Independent enquiries and investigations are now underway – let’s hope this is enough to stop the project.

Diving on the Great Barrier Reef is probably the biggest highlight of my life. It is such a magical place. A true example of just how wonderful the world is in all it’s natural glory. I really hope that many many more generations of people to come will be able to enjoy this natural wonder.

2. Shark culling policy, W.A.

A Shark massacre has just been approved for our western shores. The once protected Great White shark is now allowed to be caught and killed under the new shark culling policy. This has been regarded as a knee-jerk emotional reaction, one that is not based on scientific research.

Some interesting facts: In Australia jellyfish stings have caused at least 60 recorded deaths compared to 202 deaths from shark attacks. The chance of drowning is over 1000 times greater than dying from a shark attack.

Please take a second to sign the Shark Cull Petition by Green Peace

Sadly, it doesn’t stop there. Over in Japan 22,000 dolphins are slaughter every year. The worst happens at the annual dolphin killing season in the secret cove of Taiji. What’s even more tragic is that most of the Japanese people don’t even know it’s happening. I highly recommend watching The Cove, an eye-opening documentary that highlights not only the harrowing cruelty to animals, but also the damaging effect the mercury contaminated dolphin meat (being sold as whale) is having on deforming and killing it’s own people. Here’s a link to The Cove trailer.

Our oceans, and the animals and reef systems within them have been around since the dawn of time. Long before humans arrived on this earth, and certainly well before our current Government was elected. What makes us think we are better than nature? What makes us approve these kinds of atrocious decisions? We have a responsibility to protect, and conserve our precious world so that it may survive for far longer than we ever will.

We are part of nature, we are all one. We have a responsibility to protect the world we live in, to stand up for mother nature.

I’m sorry to say it, but it makes me ashamed to be Australian.

What gives me hope though, is the thousands upon thousands of people who are advocating, challenging, raising awareness – standing up to the Government and holding steadfast to their beliefs. It is these people who make me proud. It’s finite proof that together we can make a difference.

We as a people are so much better than these acts against nature.

Apathy is our worst enemy in situations like these. I know that sometimes the issues seem so big that you don’t even know where to start. Well awareness is the key. Research the facts, talk to people, talk to your friends, your colleagues, your local government. Start the conversation.

But awareness without action is wasted, so make sure you support the change-makers around you, be it Green Peace, The Sea Shepherd, or your local community groups. If there is no person or group currently advocating change, then perhaps it’s time for YOU to step up?

There is HUGE power in numbers.

Together we can make a difference.

I pulled out my oracle cards the other night.

According to the box, “The cards are designed to help manifest your goals, life purpose and divinely inspired dreams” – Sounds pretty good to me!

I’ve only ever used the cards a handful of times, I am definitely no expert – I mainly did it for fun. Not that the self-readings I’ve done in the past haven’t been insightful, but I doubt by own levels of spirituality – I trust in other people who are more ‘skilled’ or ‘talented’ to do readings for me, but I have never backed myself in the ‘spirituality’ stakes. Wow was I wrong! I was about to learn a pretty cool lesson.

I shuffled the cards and asked for guidance (as the instructions tell you to do), I pulled out 4 cards and lay them face down in front of me. As I turned the cards over one by one, and read each one aloud, I was completely shocked.

The cards spoke my truth.

With the cards lined up in a row, the card on the left signifies your immediate past, the next your present, and the 2 after that, your future in 3 month increments. Mine read as follows:

1. Empowerment – “You’re more powerful than you realise. It’s safe for you to be powerful!” This card confirms that your inner power wants to surface. You’ll use this power appropriately, and you’re incapable of abusing it. Instead of worrying what others think about you, use your power to make the world a better place.

This is exactly what this past year has been for me. Stepping out of my comfort zone, finding what authentically inspires me, and having the courage and faith to begin a brand new life-path. If I had to sum that up in one word, it sure would be empowerment.

2. Time To Move On – “It’s time to let go of the old and worn out so that the new can come in.” You need to make room for the new by letting go of the old. First, let go emotionally and intellectually. In other words, ‘quit’ or ‘say goodbye’ in your mind and heart. Don’t plan, scheme, or worry about how your letting-go (or replacement) will occur. You’ll get infinite guidance whenever it’s the right moment to take action. Until then, stay lovingly detached from your old situation.

This hits my present reality to a T! I literally just quit my job, said goodbye to friends, and travelled half way across to the world, home to Australia. What the future holds for me at this stage is uncertain. I don’t yet know where I’ll be living, what my new job will be, or how long I’ll be away for again. It’s scary for me not knowing all the answers, but as this card reminded me – I’m clearing space, making way for the new to come into my life.

3. Self-Employment – “You’re a born entrepreneur, and your business is surrounded by magical opportunities.” You have the drive, discipline and desire to be your own boss. This card also shows you that you have the magical ingredients for a successful business. You’re fully supported spiritually. As long as you stay enthusiastic, new opportunities will come to you. Your positive energy attracts customers, clients, and contracts.

This card made me laugh, as I have just launched my own business. Website is complete, clients base is growing, workshops are being planned – and yes, it’s one of my goals to be working solely for myself in the not so distant future.

4. Rest – “You’ve been working hard. Take a nap and get some rest.” This card asks you to slow down, rest, and be very gentle with yourself. By drawing this card, you’re urged to let go of unnecessary activities, and to focus on self-renewal.

This card made me smile knowingly. For I am like a dog with a bone once I get started on something. I can get swept up with impatience, and wanting everything to happen NOW! I know that I need to make time for play, and for rest – to rejuvenate away from the busy-ness of chasing goals, plans, and big dreams. I need to nurture myself to allow for self-renewal.

These cards really hit home for me. Every single one of them.

It was the first time I actually felt some higher being there with me, I don’t know if I believe in angels, or spirits or any of that but something was there; guiding me towards those specific cards.

I couldn’t believe I had done it all on my own, no spiritual reader, no appointment booked, no money paid – just me and a deck of cards.

I have a newfound respect for my own spiritual power. It’s comforting to know that I can draw on it any time I need.

For some, the word ‘spirituality’ freaks us out. But whatever you call it – your instinct, or your ‘gut’ – it’s all the same thing. It’s our intuition and higher spiritual guidance. Something that often gets over-run by our noisy, logical, minds.

When was the last time you shut down your mind, and tapped into your own inner guidance?

Perhaps there’s been something that your intuition has been trying to tell you?

Make time to get connected with yourself.

You have more power within than you realise.

“One of the great gifts of spiritual knowledge is that it realigns your sense of self to something you may not have even ever imagined was within you. Spirituality says that even if you think you’re limited and small, it simply isn’t so. You’re greater and more powerful than you have ever imagined. A great and divine light exists inside of you.”