Connection Meditations With Elise Heyward
Supporting. Guiding. Empowering Women
What if we allowed ourselves to be taken by the current
Within this vast and deepest of oceans?
What if we dared to let connection and truth rule
Despite the chance of heartache?
What if we became so brave as to dare to love
Without knowing the outcome?
Featured art by spirithealingsoul
I have been contemplating what meditation is and isn’t, to me. I have had extensive training in the more esoteric background and have now come into the actual learning of different meditation techniques and gaining the qualification to teach meditation to others. What I realise I do when I guide and teach meditation is merge the two teachings together. The pearls of wisdom from my previous esoteric teachers, gathered in chaotic circumstances to uncover truth in every moment and to live from this place, with that inner connection and embodiment is gorgeous and amazing. The stillness that came with some, or most of the techniques in meditation helped me to sink roots deeper and allow higher vibrations to more consciously flow through me in the delicious, deep and patient meditation methods. So that I could really steep in my own essence, witness myself with passionate intimacy and open my mind and body into a suppleness I haven’t experienced before in my life. From studying these seemingly opposite modalities, I can see how they both are a part of a continuum of ONEness. It is creating a beautiful merging of two opposite worlds and is simply enhancing my absolute respect for both modalities.
The more feminine approach is of letting go of restrictions, of embodiment, movement, to allow chaos, flow, rawness, beauty, power, grace, and love be a part of your life. Truly embody it and allow its expression to be present. To experience the plethora of different feminine expressions within each one of us there is a need to be willing to journey into a space of letting go of control for a period of time whilst being guided by the facilitator (at the start). This is opposite of what many western cultures, and in fact many cultures teach- which is control, balance, restrict, silence, not make a scene, don’t express the full range of emotions- truth in the moment. This is often seen as ‘uncivilised’ and archaic, as if we have evolved from this type of behaviour…. but have we really evolved?The basis of these teachings I previously spoke about revolve around the fact that it is energetic- the feminine. It is called shakti in the yogic tradition as the energy that moves form- the masculine. But, over thousands of years traditions have opted to serve only that which could be seen- the masculine physical world. So the feelings, emotions, energy within and around was ignored.
The teachings taught in the Occult traditions kept the flame of the relationship between the feminine and masculine energy alive. Focused on Oneness, in these teachings, both the energy (feminine) and the physical (masculine) were equally worked with. It was known that if energy is suppressed it doesn’t go anywhere, it is stored in the body. Furthermore, this can cause disease and illness in the body. The feminine practices work to release stored energy which presents itself as pain, tension, or perhaps it hasn’t become represented in the physical form yet. So the energy clearing occurs by allowing the body to simply release what it needs to release, by moving the way it needs to move could prevent the physical expression of this, and act as a preventative or a stress release of pent up energy, kind of like pressing ‘re-boot’.
Ancient Egyptian Cults played a huge role in continuing the energetic thread of this ancient wisdom. It is in the balance of these two extreme energies that we can gain balance- not from stifling them, or restricting them with how we perceive ‘awakening’ should look. Relate this to today, even meditation teachers fall under the pressure and culture of how they themselves should be. Now that I am adorned with this mysterious piece of paper giving me the authority to actually teach meditation to others, I have felt the energetics of the need to behave calm all of the time, or be perceived to be calm all of the time. That isn’t me. In this environment? During a pandemic? In lockdown with my two children? I have my personal practices which help me better parent and handle emergencies when called upon, but I do slip from time to time. I am human. I am perceiving in some circles some ‘acting’ other than what is true in the moment. My devotion is to stay real in the moment.
One thing to keep in mind is that there is no perfection in meditation. It’s a practice. Sometimes you go deep, sometimes you don’t. Honouring what arises wherever you are at in practice or in life is the perfection in it. Meditation teachers, or in fact even esoteric facilitators can get caught up on how they ‘should’ be perceived. What I feel is more important is truth. Is to show the humanness, as well as the amazing essence and divinity of someone. I can chat and even be telling a story before a meditation in my own authentic voice and expression that is relatable and HUMAN (sometimes I get excited and swear a little)- my point is, the sense of belonging can be shared. When it’s time for teaching and guiding meditation that ‘HUMAN ME’ slowly drains away and the depth of the practice comes in and service of the divinity or light, within a person and within the room is surrendered to in the moment, based on the energy of the room and who is present, we flow into a meditation aligned with this. Then after the meditation when everyone who wishes to share has shared, then I’ll chat and laugh and tell stories again. It’s a sacred union of humanness, ego and personality WITH connecting to something more than that…. just sublime….
Show me a meditation teacher who has done the work on themselves and I will see his or her authenticity. Being OK in their own methods, and styles, with life experience to have the maturity to hold space and willingness to learn from whatever is presented when it is presented is a must to gain the trust of those who are willing to enter the unknown with you. Humble to know it is the teachings, not themselves the people gather for. Devoted to getting their own ego out of the way to serve with sincerity, and devotion something higher than themselves within the room and within each person gathered. Leading by example only to reveal the truth that meditation is a tool to aid in the path of life- essentially entering the unknown and getting to know and connect to oneself in this amazing and often difficult process. It doesn’t matter which method you choose- masculine or feminine or bridging the gap between them, all can if taught in an intentional way, take you deep into connection and knowing thyself.
There are times when this is not always the case, for example some inherited diseases and illnesses, however doing a regular practice of what feels good for the body the soul has taken unique to each person, will help to reduce the ailments of the body in this instance. It is not simply a matter of moving the body and allowing it to subconsciously take care of things for you in the feminine. At least that hasn’t been the case for me, with two children to stay present for. I feel that we have evolved the masculine parts of us in this culture for a reason. Yes, there are distortions and the creation of patriarchy which has its faults, but we have the opportunity to bring consciousness or clarity to our lives. So, doing meditation under the more masculine method of witnessing, stillness, quietness is a perfect companion to the uncontrollable sometimes wild expression of the feminine.
For me, in my own practice, I cannot do one without the other, it feels like something is missing. The masculine helps us to live in this world, to be present to ourselves, to hold space for ourselves when things get difficult, to be witness with love, to act on plans and get things done out in the world. We need a healthy dose of this. But, in my teachings, there’s a gorgeous sacred union of diving equally into both, a cohesion. What one lacks, the other provides…. and vice versa. Oh, it’s such a beautiful path to walk on.
I hope you can join me in the future some time.
All my love,
Elise
I am awakened once more from my slumber with the Gods
It’s not the desire of the fleshly meeting, no…
Nor is it attempting to satiate the insatiable-
Which lingers as long as I shall have breath in my body,
Song in my throat, a beating heart and spirit in my eyes…
I surrender…..
I surrender…..
I surrender…..
Clean all parts of me that thinks it knows,
Replace it with the innocent curiosity of a child….
I surrender to that part of me that cannot be satiated-
That part that yearns more than anything for the most sacred union
Taking me beyond yet being within my own body more than ever
Allowing connection so deeply: Merging, infusing, creating…
Strong and true in my own being, whole within myself-
My practice, my creativity, my holding, my truth, my embodiment
Yet knowing this to be also in other-
For we are all connected, all part of the All.
I open to all that will come my way, all in the sacred unfolding
And so I continue the practice of union within Self-
Merging two opposites, surrendering, allowing and being in presence.
A deepening of love, of faith, of connection to the ALL
From here let me live….
The flame burns so brightly within her
Her body open, supple and conduit to both worlds
Caught for a gorgeous moment in the huge, open dark space
Where ions of time exists between her gentle, deep breath-
Nourishing herself and All around her-
Connecting All
She travels through civilisations- with her thirst for truth unquenched
Healing those who are unaware by simply embodying her natural essence
She is beyond words, belonging to no one but herself and the divine
No matter the challenge, she feels her inner flame, constant, burning.
Sacred keeper of the soul journey, nurturing protector of the inner flame
Gorgeous Priestess of all that is sacred.
Rise within us All.
Truth is there. Unbridled and resting within our core.
Truth is there. For those with the courage to see it, to feel it, to embody it…
Truth is there. For everyone to listen to, to open to, to trust….
Truth is there. Though not usually jumped into….
Truth is there. Though fear aides the turning away from it
Truth is there. Though many suppress inner knowings and numb awareness
Truth is there. Though can’t be controlled as we enter the deep unknown
Truth is there. Though painful ends and shattered dreams may result
Truth is there. It lurks in the dark, knocks on our doors and sends us constant messages
Truth is there. Addictions, suppression and numbing reigns if unwilling to see it
Truth is here. Say yes and watch our soul journey take off.
Truth is here. Surrendering all that we thought was right before.
Truth is here. Energy is growing and new contracts are formed
Truth is here for those with the courage to face it
Truth is here for those who don’t have the courage to face it
Life serves us our individual lessons, forming who we are becoming along the way.
Truth is the guide through the unknown. Truth is always there for us to dive into…
Truth is the guide through our Hero’s or Heroine’s journey.
Truth shapes who we are, and it’s the way we face truth as we embark on our journey
That is most important now.
Written by Elise Heyward
Featured art by Chirila Corina
This is a podcast that I decided to turn into a live on my Facebook page Timeless Tea as I was broadcasting. Please do join this page if you haven’t already! I couldn’t not speak about the importance of using this as a tool to deepen into ourselves despite the chaos. I hope this serves in some way…
Sending so much love,
Elise
https://www.timelessteaaustralia.com/
Sacred union is not something to be attained, it is something to be surrendered into. It describes the meeting of two opposites. The merging of dichotomy. And, for many it is the merciless path of the unknown, where energy becomes your master and lover, unlocking a passion for the sacred mysteries, a compass, and the only truth in which to live by. Serving the light, there are no guide posts in a one size fits all type of function. We are all so different. This brings me to a couple of points I am pondering: 1. How am I helping myself to serve the light? And 2. How am I helping others to shine their light? This is not a cheesy love and light message. This is a message that rumbles from the depths of the underworld, sends quakes and cracks up to your life, which is now being made visible. Areas ready to shift, pregnant with change and ready to birth the new. Where can you shed more light? In other words- where can you be more conscious? Where can you discover more about yourself, where can you hold more courage in light of being in the uncomfortable, about ingrained patterns, or woundings you didn’t know or see before. It is THIS which is the study. The practices are ways to work around the mind. But, there comes a time when we must connect to our inner being. The wise parts of ourselves without logic or reason. From here, we are preparing to enter the realm of sacred union.
For me, I love writing. I love letting energy flow through my entire body and out through my fingertips as I not so delicately typed on my keyboard. I feel this as sacred union. I sit, feeling my whole body, being present, opening and allowing…. then I get bursts of inspiration flooding my system and I can’t keep up with the words to be typed. Where these words come from, I know not. This is an example of allowing myself to merge with the unknown… If I didn’t allow space and time for this to happen, I wouldn’t be writing, or feeling connected. I have little control over what comes through, In fact I have none at all- only if I choose to edit should pieces of my ego flood into the words. So, often I do not edit. I like it raw, authentic, imperfect to the human eye. It is, after all a rough translation of the vibrational melody and rhythm I feel when I type. A connection to something else beyond… To me, that’s sacred union. Now, apply this to being with a person. Relinquishing control. Trusting the energy and where or how it moves you. Letting go of how it should look. Accepting Self and Other. Feeling connected to Self and loving Self opens the door to accepting love from others.
So, when two people come together ready to meet, and by that I mean meet intimately, energetically. The body comes with ease after the raw meeting of the energy and soul. It’s the surrender over to the soul or energy of the other person, the God in the other person where the two opposites merge. The brain cannot access thoughts, cannot access techniques which worked before, or whatever else goes on in the brain before sex. Instead an openness to what is present is felt. Acceptance of Self and expression of self flows beautifully and rhythmically… both meeting in the centre becomes a beautiful composition of music, unique and flowing with the two people who are making love. Where the universe opens and freedom in love and connection begins. The connection that runs through is the same space needed for creativity. It’s the God vibration. It’s timeless, embodied and a beautiful experience to have when both people are surrendered to both of each others highest and to the highest in all. I feel this in my bones that when two people meet from this place it’s healing not just each other, but if they merge with a shared prayer they hold in their hearts, when the energy of God merges within them and infuses with what’s in their hearts then it benefits the whole in that prayer. We become the embodiment of the prayer, connected to the divine source, and in service to the timeless, formless aspect of the other WITHIN the union of flesh. Re-writing thousands of years of shame and guilt for union in the flesh beyond the procreation entitlement. Beyond…. just far, far beyond…
Some people explain tantra as shadow work, and it’s true. But to truely practice and honour the energy here, we must also worship the light and connection present. We can’t let go into connection without doing the shadow work, and we must keep checking in with Self to ensure we are staying in alignment. It’s the merging of all opposites- both macro and micro level. It’s the study of Self and the willingness to openly learn more (keeping pride or embarrassment or any other emotion in sight) through union with another who is also doing the work on Self. It’s beyond body yearnings. It’s beyond all thoughts. It’s beyond your perception of who you might think is a perfect partner suit for you. It’s the playing out of divine timing and sacred contracts. It’s aligned with the ancient mystical laws. It’s making music that nourishes, nurtures and heals- creating a balm source of hope for humanity. For me, it’s the only way.
Featured image by David Heskin
Please enjoy this raw conversation. It’s time to just start opening to the energy and responding from this open space- start living our lives from this open space….
A special thanks to Belinda for going into the uncomfortable, I’m with you, Sister! What a rush! Growth doesn’t happen from our comfort zone!!
Loads of love,
Elise
We find ourselves in a time of looking beyond…. beyond what we previously knew, what we previously could have even perceived or imagined. This is the beautiful beginning of the time when we are humbled, when we become aware of greater cycles beyond that which our personal short existence can tell us. We are entering the unknown both within us, and in the world that surrounds us. A world of timelessness. Of boundlessness. Of releasing. Of stepping into that which creates and maintains faith. Of true sacred union with the divine. This is being birthed now. This is the connection we have been disconnected from, the balance between energy, the mystical component- the divine merging with our bodies in sacred, holy union. Now as we walk this earth. Yes, we are entering the time of energy. And energy moves through everything. There is no boundary it cannot and will not cross. There is nothing it cannot and will not touch and create permanent change. Change- that which creates fear in the collective. Change IS the only constant in life, and yet we try to protect ourselves from it. And this is the start, only the start of that process. A random virus unseen to the human eye, so minute is it, has brought an outdated system of greed, manipulation, gross power and a focus of wealth as the main example of success to a holt. Priorities are shifting and our hearts are igniting again.
I live across the road from a childcare facility and I overheard two men who introduced each other so they clearly didn’t know each other, discussing openly about their income situation, the fact that neither had a job to go to. Both were not angry. They were talking for longer than half an hour, connecting in, knowing that they weren’t alone. It was beautiful. Two men who are usually too busy to drop off their kids and rush to work to even acknowledge each other previously has lead to openly discussing how they are doing and sharing their situations with each other. This is huge, and a bloody big step in healing the gaping wounds within our masculine energy on the planet. Time to surrender. Time to connect to the heart. Time to re-prioritise. Time to create a new and connected way to live which includes the divine masculine. Oh, yes. We are changed forever. It’s up to us to watch what our attention is focused on. Are you trying to get things back to the way they were? Or are you courageously attentive to your thoughts and energy as the world around us takes a new shape- bravely entering the unknown with child like curiosity? What are you co-creating? Fear? Or connection? Hope or hopelessness? Love or separation?
I enter this time and every minute with hope- that being present in the moment connected to my energy with the loving prayer to help calm others and lovingly support them during these changes IS energetically felt.
I have faith, absolute faith in the forming soul connection of each person having a huge impact on humanity.
To the shifting <3
With love,
Elise