Living Curiously

 

I have been reading a lot of blogs lately. What strikes me is the fear and anger that oozes from them. I know that our current reality triggers both of those emotions, but I wonder — shouldn’t blogs be uplifting? How do we move from the fear, anger, and reaction to a placed of peace, resolution, and response? It is only in that place of peace that we quiet our self and begin detangling from both the internal and external fear, anger, and subsequent reaction. 

Fear and anger grab us. Spin us around. Discombobulate us. In this bombardment, we get tangled. We lose control. We react. Our power slips away. We become a puppet to be played with by not only our fear and anger but also the situations and people triggering our fear and anger. 

Are you tired of those puppet masters pulling your strings? I know that I am. Here’s the thing — if we want to be our own masters, and I know that I do, we need to surrender into those very emotions that catch us. Now, that may seem counterintuitive, but hear me out. In the surrendering, we no longer hold on to what has triggered us. By disengaging from the uncertainty and the chaos, we engage our curiosity. 

You may be wondering: Why the heck am I so angry? What is causing my fear? Those are the queries of curiosity. Be with those questions. Engage them. Introspect. Be a witness to your own life. Even if you do not feel that you can begin to unpack those questions, at least recognize that you are caught in the maelstrom of uncertainty and chaos. 

Once you are in a place of quiet calm, you can dig a bit deeper. Ask yourself, “What the heck is going on? Why am I so caught up in this feeling? What is this anger, this fear trying to tell me?” 

Listen, without judgment, without expectation. Listen with curiosity. You may hear the same old tired script playing in your mind. Other words, feelings, images might surface. Don’t discount anything. Get out a pen and paper, art supplies. Set a timer for 10-15 minutes. Write, doodle, draw in ways that represent what you heard. Don’t think. Do. 

Once your curiosity is appeased in the moment, ask yourself, “What can I do going forward to slip from this entrapment and become more powerfully me?”

It’s times to realize that the beginning of changing the external chaos isn’t out there. The beginning of transformation is inside. It starts when you understand yourself. In this understanding you begin to heal those parts of yourself rubbed raw by the fear, the uncertainty, the anger. Maybe you walk this journey of transformation alone or perhaps you find someone to help you more strengthen the connection to your core. 

Community Minister Van Hurst is a spiritual director and intuitive mentor. She has a master’s degree in Natural Health, spiritual direction certification, medical intuitive training, and life coach certification. 

Through individual sessions, programs, and books, she assists others in navigating the uncertainty as they cultivate a lived experience of the sacred showing up in expected and unpredictable ways. The result? Her clients shine forth their most authentic, unapologetic spirit.

Are you ready to shine your most authentic, unapologetic spirit? Reach out.  hurst.vanessa@gmail.com

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/uabBDCkyOAY

Listening with your Body

I cannot help but be aware of how uncertain the world is. & how my imperfections are flaring. But, then I realize that imperfections will always be a part of me. I believe that it is part of our life mission to prune some of the most uneven imperfections from our garden. In doing so, we are able to adopt a more nonviolent approach to life. This pruning is not easy. In fact during this chaotic time we find ourselves in, it is very difficult. Difficult but not impossible. 

We begin the process by understanding how our imperfections are integral to who we are and how we interact with the world. Those cuttings of imperfection have a purpose. They are the compost used to grow ourself into the person rooted in our soul. Remember: nothing is our spiritual life is without use. 

The first video in this series led you through the process of listening to imperfections — ours and others. That is just the beginning of the journey and a step that I encourage you to repeat over and over again. The more your understand your imperfections, the greater the chance that you will identify what is triggering you and learn to prevent your reaction switch from flipping. As you become more in tune with your imperfections and prune those that are getting in your way, you begin to create a more nonviolent stance. You show up in ways that don’t diminish who you are while forging a path of compassionate presence.

A teacher of mine, Thomas Merton, reminds us that “mistakes are part of life…it is by making mistakes that we gain experiences…the repeated experience has a positive value.” Imperfections are only negatives when we allow them to be. They are tools for learning. They are our teachers and fellow sojourners on our life journey. We have only to listen.

How do we become aware of what our imperfections are telling us? Through full body listening. This way of attending is being aware of all of your senses while noticing how they are speaking through your body, mind, and emotions. Noticing how those sensations are impacting your spirit. 

Let’s practice: Get comfortable. Move into your core. Find a rhythm within your silence. In this moment,  acknowledge the angst.  Let it go as best you can. Feel your peace well up. Rest in your stillness.

• Remember a situation this was triggering for you. Allow the memory to wash over you. Feel what you feel without judgment, shame, or blame. 
• Notice how your body responded to it. 
• What was going on in your mind? Or, what was your self talk?
• Connect to your emotions. What were you feeling? 

Use your answers to create a picture of how you responded and reacted to the situation. Remember, there is no shame or blame. This exercise is a way of understanding exactly what happened. The goal is to increase your awareness of the triggers until you are able to stop the trigger from flipping.  

Are you on the ultimate quest — living into a stronger, more durable relationship with their sacred in ways that make a difference in their world. I am available for spiritual companioning. Schedule a get-to-know-me chat. Fill out this form.

Van(essa) F. Hurst is an intuitive, a mystic, and a contemplative. As a spiritual director she journeys with seekers on the ultimate quest — living into a stronger, more durable relationship with their sacred in ways that make a difference in their world. She is the author of five books and believes that through our lived experiences, we become the people we are meant to be. Questions? Reach out!

A New Year’s Blessing

2024 will soon be a wispy memory. 2025 is here! It will be a year filled with transformational energy and uncertainty. One things is certain was we move into the New Year: we have nothing if we do not have each other.  Community and relationship is so important now. So, hand-in-hand, let’s dive into the new!

As I write this, I remember being younger…you know that time when using paper money and coins was a thing? I would be so excited to get that first new shiny penny each year. A new penny symbolized bright hope for me. I’ve long since transitioned to Apple Pay, so most pennies that I find are littered on the ground and are often battered and grungy. I’ve discovered that I don’t need those bright shiny pennies for hope any more. There is  magic and hope in those battered pennies — the stories it could tell!

Where is my hope this year? I am beginning my 10th month of community ministry certification and a year of building a spiritual direction practice. What have I learned in 2024? To channel Margaret Wheatley as she reminds us that “relationship is all there is.” I have been living into that more and more as I explore this leg of my journey and help others explore theirs.

Life is scary and uncertain. Lots to grieve; lots to find joy in. No matter where we find our self, this year, we are called to connect, to enjoy one another, to stretch outside our limited boundaries, to reach out without any expectations. A year of opportunities:  a chance encounter with an intimate strange. A fleeting connection that  changes you. Engaging and deepening a relationship. Connecting with nature.  All of these connections, and more, are reminders that we are not alone — that we are in this together. 

I have never been so ready to begin a new year. To let the year 2024 slip into my past. To gather what I have learned into my rucksack and enter 2025 poised to find ways to make a difference. I want to show up and support those in my circle. To widen my circle. To take risks and appreciate the possibilities. I hope that you are poised to do the same.  

Thank you for being in my circle — for allowing me to journey with you, for challenging me to step into the margins and leave the constraints of boundaries behind, for being part of my courageous journey into the new. 

#inthistogether, van(essa)

Van(essa) F. Hurst is an intuitive, a mystic, and a contemplative. As a spiritual director she journeys with seekers on the ultimate quest — living into a stronger, more durable relationship with their sacred in ways that make a difference in their world. She is the author of five books and believes that through our lived experiences, we become the people we are meant to be. 

Reach out to me: hurst.vanessa@gmail.com  vanessafhurst.com

Soaring into the Primal Power of Gaia

This past week I looked up into the sky and noticed it blueness and the companion billowing clouds. Wow! I thought. The Canadian wildfires are no longer blowing over Louisville. I can breathe into the blue! In those moments I allowed the blue to rest in my soul and calm the disquiet surrounding me blowing away some of the haze in my spirit.

I realized yet again the impact that nature has upon me. Blue skies uplift me. The eerie haze, not so much. It bogs me down. When I peer through the haze, I can see into the beyond. A place of clarity and wisdom.

There I can focus on the scampering of squirrel or the white stripes on the wings of a mockingbird as it takes flight. Blue jays and cardinals provide splashes of color. Even the cawing of crows anchor me into the moment. Nature calms the dis-ease and kindles the wonder in my soul when I get past that haze.

Nature has another face. The wind whipping through the trees, the rumbling of thunder, the flashes of lightning that brighten the night sky. These bring a different kind of energy. I can get stuck in the fear of what if or I can move through them past the disquiet into the calm. I use the energy of their chaos to stoke the flame at my core into a frenzy. 

Inhaling these waves, I breathe into the primal power. This gives me the energy to tunnel even deeper into my self. At the core, I find the calm. Within this silence, the primal power brings me to magnificent connection. I enter into relationship with nature, the sacred, and, well, everyone. 

Mother Earth, Gaia, offers so many opportunities to enjoy her splendor — to invite me to explore relationship with each calls to move to her rhythm. That’s it! Nature provides  so many ways to be come out of my shell and just be. To feel the joy of the scampering squirrels. And to share that joy with others. 

Vanessa Hurst is the author of Imperfect in an Uncertain World filled with resources for you to live with magical conviction. As an intuitive catalyst/spiritual director, she guides individuals in recognizing and responding to their intuition. Curious? Schedule an intuitive conversation.  

A Magic Iridescence in the Air

There is a magic, an iridescence in the air. It invites us to surge past worries, anxieties, fears into a land of hope where the possibilities of our dreams and desires rest. What is this magic? How do we get it? Well, I have a secret. I have to confess. We already have it. That magic rests within us — it’s rooted deeply in our core and blossoms with our courage, confidence, creativity, and conviction. 

Courage

I don’t know about you, but countless times I have convinced myself that I couldn’t apply for that job — I wasn’t qualified. Or, I couldn’t offer my services — imposter syndrome, anyone? These are just the tips of my fears. But, those times that I called upon my courage and submitted the application, I often got an interview. Maybe I didn’t always get the job, but I got the interview! When I submitted the program idea, I often presented the program. You know what happened? It buoyed my confidence. 

Confidence

Sometimes we are so busy convincing our self what we can’t to that energy of can-do is deflated. An amazing thing happens when we have the courage to try. We begin to understand how capable we are . We own our skills and abilities. We become conscious of our power and celebrate the unique wonder of who we are. We push the boundaries past our perceived limitations and find ourself in the realm of creative.

Creativity 

We do not have to be an artist in a conventional sense to be creative. One who uses their imagination and abilities to produce something unique is an artist. What you create is a reflection of your core. Share it with the world. When you do, your creative spirit bursts forth in ways that intensify that magic, the iridescence in your life. 

Conviction — yeah. Without conviction you would not have the courage, the confidence, the creativity to show up as you. If you have’t realized it yet, that is the magic — being your imperfect self in an uncertain world.

Here’s to the beauty of your spirit shining through each courageous act, every confident moment, and every creative sharing. Here’s to living with conviction that you are who the world has been waiting for. 

Vanessa Hurst is the author of Imperfect in an Uncertain World filled with resources for you to live with magical conviction. As an intuitive catalyst/spiritual director, she guides individuals in recognizing and responding to their intuition. Curious? Schedule an intuitive conversation.  

A Rebellious Act of Self Love

Even a Willow Tree Snaps

Willow tree are amazing. They are so supple, so flexible as they move within breezes and strong winds. They remind me of the the saying “we are never given more than we can handle.” But, is that true? With a strong enough wind, a willow branch will break and so will we.

I wonder if there is a way for us to be like a willow tree no matter where we find ourself.  Maybe. Let’s explore that.

It is inevitable that the winds of uncertainty and upheaval will blow into our life. They might even be fierce enough to overwhelm us. No matter how flexible we may be, we may reach our limit. “No more,” we may groan. So, what do we do next? We engage in a rebellious act of self love. Sounds simple right? Maybe. Maybe not.

I was raised to believe that no matter how bad something got that I needed to rise to the challenge. I am not a quitter. I reevaluated that belief and have decided that it is not quite true. Sometimes you’ve got to step away from a bad situation before you break. Sometimes you’ve got to engage in that rebellious act of self love. 

That a rebellion begins with a simple word shouted from the depths of your soul, “enough!” Saying, “I cannot do this anymore. It is just not working.”

Let talk about an example, maybe you cannot quit your job, but you can take care of yourself  by setting good boundaries. That means taking a time out, discovering what balance means for you, and acting upon what you’ve discovered. 

Let’s return to the example of not being able to quit your job. What actions can you do that will take care of you? Do you job within the constraints of your job description. Take your breaks. Learn to notice when things are triggering. When you leave at the end of your shift, ritualistically shake the dust. Then nurture yourself in your down time. Do not give your work free rent space in your head.

Ask yourself, “what is pushing be toward a break?” It may not be a job. It could be something else. Use the above steps to be that will within the chaos. When you discover what to do, act with rebellious self love. In time those acts will bring you out of the chaos into your peace.

A rebellious act of self love is not an act of selfishness, but an act that says, I love you.

 

Vanessa Hurst is the author of Imperfect in an Uncertain World. As an intuitive catalyst/spiritual director, she guides individuals in recognizing and responding to their intuition. Curious? Schedule an intuitive conversation. 

Intuition Incoming!

Lately my intuition has been on fire. Everywhere I turn, I hear, “incoming!” Sparks are flaring in dreams, on walks, in the words of another, even in emails. Exhausting? No. Exhilarating? Heck yeah! I do admit that it is easy to get overwhelmed by all the stimulation.

How not to get overwhelmed? I don’t get too concerned by the little blips that spark and, in a curls of smoke, go poof! If I need to attend to them, they will return with a brighter light. As the spark flares its way into my life, I can no longer ignore it. I must breathe into it…make it mine.

Aware, I attend to it in the moment. I can ask myself: What is that murder of crows cawing at me? What is the meaning of the dream symbols? How do the words of a friend trigger an inner knowing? These are just examples. The ways that intuition comes to us is varied — and longer than I can list here!

Don’t have time to decipher your intuition in the moment? Jot down the key noticings. You can write it down, use the memo app on your phone, or even audiotape it. When you have time, return to it. 

Here’s what I do to use the notes as a spark. 

• If it is a symbol in a dream, I begin to write what I remember and then let my intuition fill in the rest. As I write, I am mindful about any meaning I attribute to the symbols within. I don’t stress if things don’t come. The key is to keep my pen on the paper and write. I don’t think, I just write what comes to me.  You can do the same.
• If it is a symbol or sign, write what I remember and what surfaced inside of me. Then I look up online the symbol or sign. For example, search for “crow meaning.” I see if anything brings an aha to my search. 
• If a conversation triggers an intuitive aha, I spend sometime reflecting on the message. I find that writing it down works best for me. What comes from what the person is saying? I write until I have exhausted your understanding of the message.

Intuition is not an exact science. The more you dig into the messages, the easier it will be to decipher, understand, and respond to them. In time you will be flowing within the mystery and magic of your intuition regularly. 

Vanessa Hurst is the author of As Natural As Breathing: Being Intuitive. As an intuitive catalyst, she guides individuals in recognizing and responding to their intuition. Curious? Schedule an intuitive conversation. 

I am awake

I am awake. Not the eyes opening at the sound of an alarm clock kind of awake. No, the awareness that comes from being in the moment — noticing how I am distracted, acknowledging the distractions, and moving back into the present moment, ready to listen to what is evolving. And, the more I am awake, the more that I discover how I am getting caught in my distractions!

This kind of awareness is not so easy. It takes practice. I remember during my coach training that the instructor told us more than once: practice does not make perfect; practice makes permanent. Isn’t that what being awake in the moment is all about? We don’t always hear that soft voice of intuition; but the more we listen for it, the easier it becomes to identify those messages. We may never be perfectly intuitively, but, with practice, we get better at recognizing how it speaks to us.

That is what this intuitive journey is all about — recognizing what we are seeing and attending to what we recognize. 

How do we do this? By noticing what is happening in and around us — by being aware. Try this: at certain points in the day, ask yourself what is trying to get your attention. This could be a distraction or an intuitive message. Don’t worry about discerning what is what. Practice identifying what is knocking on the door of your being. 

Focus on the internal:

What is spinning in your mind?

What emotions are your feeling?

What is your body telling you? 

Don’t give yourself too long. You do not want to second guess yourself. Maybe 30-45 seconds for each question. Quickly jot down your noticings. 

Next focus on the external. Use all five of your senses to identity what is vying for your attention. 

Again, don’t give yourself too long. Notice for maybe 60-75 seconds. 

Notice what resonates with you; notice what drags you down. If you have time later, journal about what you picked up. Keep your notes. Pay attention to patterns. Learn to separate, through trial and error, what is a distraction and what is intuitive. You may not become perfectly intuitive but accessing your intuition will become permanent.

Vanessa Hurst is the author of As Natural As Breathing: Being Intuitive. As an intuitive catalyst, she guides individuals in recognizing and responding to their intuition. Curious? Schedule an intuitive conversation.