A Family of Angels

As we move into the month of November, I think about the upcoming family gatherings sprinkled throughout the last two months of the year and am reminded of the many supportive "families" I have in my life.  

In 2014, I visited The Omega Institute for Holistic Studies, and had the pleasure of hearing J. Edward Lynch, Ph.D. speak about the "Seven Families" that we belong to as human beings: 

1. Family of God/Divine/Source
2. Family of Ancient Ancestors
3. Family of Ancestors
4. Family of Procreation
5. Family of Origin
6. Family of (Earth) Angels
7. Family of Choice

Typically in systemic constellations, we work with our families of ancestors, procreation and origin, but this month, we will continue to honor the presence of resources and support in our lives with a look at our Family of Angels.  J. Edward Lynch describes the members of this family as people in our lives who are unrelated to us and who came at just the right moment to help us.  They are those who said or did something that encouraged us to continue moving forward in life with hope and love.

---

A Heart-Centered Pause

Recently, I attended a workshop where I was reminded of the importance of taking a moment to turn inward and connect to my heart when I was feeling overwhelmed.  In that powerful pause I realigned myself to the presence of love within, and felt a calm surround me.

This month, I invite you to take a moment each day to step outside the brisk pace of life and tune into your heart.  As you center yourself and breathe, focus on a light shining in your heart an watch it grow more radiant with each breath.  Allow this light to fill you and then surround your whole body. With your next breath, take a moment and consider that all beings have this luminous light within. It's something we share no matter where we live or what we look like.  When we align ourselves with our own heart-light and live accordingly, we remind others of their own heart-light. Taking a heart-centered pause daily activates and strengthens the brilliant strands of love that connect all living beings in the web of life.