Newsletters 2021
May 2021
Born to Fly
In the last few months, I have been contemplating the concepts of goals, ambitions, and our mindset with them.
Throughout my life, I have been very much goal-oriented, always having a dream, a target that I felt I needed to pursue.
Sometimes the goal would be obtained and sometimes it wouldn't, and many times the roads would have wild twists and turns that would bring me to the window of a terrain that was refreshing and unexpected to see.
I remember very vividly, less than a decade ago, my husband and I were on our way to Iran from Europe. Our flight had problems and we had to spend the night in a midway city. Many others were like us and we all ended up at the same hotel needing to spend the next 24 hours with each other. My plans had been deterred, and we had been inconvenienced, but what happened was magical. I got to spend the next three meals with a group of German tourists, who were on their way to Iran as well, and I so much enjoyed it and learned so much about their homeland, their culture, and met a couple of people that truly touched my soul. It was a gift, and if my flight had not been deterred from its plan, I would never have had one of my most joyful experiences!
As we set goals, we need to also be sure we do not lock our minds and hearts in a single-minded pursuit. We want to allow the road to turn, and life to unfold. We want to let the spaces to breathe, not to be boxed in without the cracked open window. The goals are in the land of tomorrows, we don't want to miss on the now, the magic of the present moment we are in, and all that may unfold, different than our perception, or goal.
As I was contemplating this, I saw a video that OSHO, the wise Guru, had recorded that was similar to this thought. It is a very interesting video, and one that opens our eyes to a reality that we have not before seen.
The month of May by its midpoint is the beginning of a very busy and transformative cycle, I feel it is very important to cut the strings around our ankles, so we can fly, so we can soar to new heights, to new perceptions, and visions. Saying "I don't know" will serve us much more than" I do know," for in truth all is unknown, and it is only with open arms that we can experience this flight, and if we close our arms, the flight is not possible.
Please be kind to yourself, open your arms, and take a leap of faith for you.
Mantra for May:
I am free
Hamsa (sound of the breath, connecting us to all there is)
And please click on the video link below and hear what OSHO speaks of.
So excited to share this with you!
Chela Reyna is the creator of an absolutely unique and exquisite online magazine for writers which featured my story in this article. She approached the angle of the article through a different lens, one that is focused on my immigration journey and poetry.
I am thankful to her for giving my story a voice.
Read My Immigrant Journey and My Poetry
Please check out this exquisite online magazine,
Writers for Rights by Chela Reyna.
Every page is truly a gift for the senses!
April 2021
Notions & Yearnings
As we are moving into April and then May, many of us are making plans. As the pandemic crisis is declining, there is a hope, a hope of seeing one another, traveling, creating gatherings, and a feeling that after a year of lockdowns, we are able to come to some level of normalcy. Last year, we were forced to sit, and in this space, many went inward, questioning much, and understanding further what was important to them. And this year, as things open up, there seems to be an urgency of wanting to get out there and create a splash.
Yet, what is important is to allow ourselves to further break free of the limitations we have placed on ourselves. These notions we have had may no longer be important or valid. Do we want to make the same choices or want the same things we did two years ago? Or is it time, to see ourselves as who we are created to be free to fly?
Throughout my life, I have been different things to various groups. The Iranian community has seen me, as a dancer, then later a singer, my clients and students have seen me as an intuitive and teacher, and to some others a peace activist. In truth, I am all those things, and not limited by one. And will there be more definitions? Yes, probably, as I am open to exploration.
I recall a dear client I had twenty years ago who was a psychiatrist, and through a trip to Russia, he fell in love with the country and became interested in space and changed his profession to being involved with space gear! I remember when he told me this his eyes were beaming, and he said, 'I have discovered something I love, beyond my wildest dreams!' He was open and had allowed himself to explore life. He moved to Russia and lived a very full life. He was at that time well into his sixties.
We have perceptions and notions that restrict us: age, profession, regions, etc., wherein truth, there are fewer restrictions than we think, and how can we know what is behind a door unless we open it?
So, as we are busy trying to "get out there", it is important to take stock and remember all we have learned and how we have grown in the last year, and that there are many doors and windows that can open our minds and bring forth new perceptions, and some we may fall in love with!
Let us remember, it is quite important to still allow ourselves space. Space to just be so we can hear the whispers of our souls and listen to our yearnings. This cannot be heard when we are filling up our days with endless to-do lists and busy thoughts, but only when we allow nothingness.
The other day, a minister friend of mine made a very wise observation, he said, 'Rather than doing, it is maybe time to build. To build things that will serve our world, our missions, our hearts.' The older I get the more I recognize this - it is in sitting and allowing space that our truth is heard, not in constant chatter and business.
So, I will continue with this mantra, I am present, as this will connect us to our breath, the Universe, and our Higher Self.
And please at all times remember...
You are born to fly...
Enjoy the Spring air...
Spread your wings...
Open the windows and doors...
and enjoy the flight...
For Spring, Rebirth, and Renewal
Spring...the season of renewal, rejuvenation, and hope is upon us. It is when all life celebrates its entrance with a song and waking up from the long winter nights of cold. Let us connect to its significance.
Nature adorns herself with vibrant colors, the birds sing songs of love, and everything feels more magical and inspiring.
The Spring Equinox is the birth of this magical season, where belief and hope are further awakened, and where we practice this mantra,
I am present.
We breathe in gratitude for arriving at this moment, and for all we have been blessed with.
I will be celebrating Norooz, the New Year, celebrated by many people from Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and more.
A few days before Norooz, we celebrate Chahar Shabeh Souri, where we jump
over fire releasing that which does not serve us from the year that has passed and welcoming the New Year. It is a beautiful tradition, for truly, what does not serve us or no longer holds a place in our life, would best be given to the winds...the rains...the rivers.
How wonderful it is to welcome Spring with open arms and an open heart...to pray and meditate on the wellness of our world, and its healing.
I wish you all a magical Spring, may you awaken to the magic that is you and life.
As we begin this season, let us connect to our inner light, our gratitude, and the joy of being present, today, now. It is easy to lose sight of the blessings, but all we need to do is breathe in all the beauty that is before us; the stars, the sky, the birds, the trees...and in this connection connect to the Essence of it All...Light and Goodness.
Here also let us drop the notions we have, those that box us in, and open our minds and heart to stepping into the unknown steps that will open new doors and adventures for our soul...we can never discover this unless we allow it.
So much to be thankful for, as we bow to the Universe... as we bow to the light that resides in each of us, and as we connect to the ancestral energies and the angels whom each day guide us forward.
Magical Spring is here...let us embrace Her with wonder and joy!
To those who celebrate Norooz, wishing you a Happy Norooz!
With Heart and Hope,
With Heart and Inspiration,
Mitra
For Spring, Rebirth, and Renewal
It is time...
Time to awaken from a long winter night's sleep,
to open the shades and let the sun pour in,
to smell the fresh fragrance of blossoming flowers.
Time to welcome the spring showers
and to dance with the rains,
to renew our promises to the earth,
and to plant new seeds of hope.
It is time...
Time to be in gratitude,
to recognize our blessings,
to revive our spirit.
Time to be present,
to be kind,
to refresh our souls with newfound joy.
It is time...
Time to walk towards our dreams,
to unite hand in hand,
to come together peacefully as one,
to celebrate life,
to dance with the winds of change.
Dear Mother Divine,
may our spirits soar to new heights,
may we fly to new plateaus of awareness,
may our lives be joyous
and our actions reflect love,
and may we walk,
always,
with a peaceful strength.
Now is the time...
In these first days of spring,
may we honor our promises to ourselves,
turn our heads to the skies in prayer,
and open our arms to the magical possibilities
of this season,
renewal,
of life.
This
is our prayer,
whispered to the wind.
A poem from the book
Miraculous Silence
Written by Mitra Rahbar
Music to Welcome Spring
Gift of Spring
Performed by Mitra Rahbar &Rama Morovati
Sung in Farsi
Year of the Ox and the 5 Universal Year
It is here...the Metal Ox has just walked through the gate and into her year.
The Ox's powerful presence can be felt...silent and yet quite powerful. The energy of 2021 is very mercurial with constant chatter and noise, one of the things the Ox is not crazy about. The year at times, appears as a wild ride, with high activity that will not be interrelated. This trend will continue till the end of September and it is in October that the year will settle down. Till then, there is a lot of temporary energy, fast, mercurial, and diverse.
The Metal Ox is one of the strongest of all Oxen types. She is ethical, quiet, driven by purpose, honest, kind-hearted, and a lover of arts, and artistic expression. She is not showy, nor driven because of money, she is a no-nonsense lady, and does not like quick schemes, or things that are unruly. However, this year, the Ox finds herself at times needing to go against the status quo, needing to shake up things, this started with the Rat, but in the reign of the Ox, it is not the virus that will most probably take center stage, but rather groups of people, and ideologies.
Most of us, like the Ox, do not like change but this is what all of us have to adapt to; change. Also, we need to be quite mindful of communication and be sure to communicate, and not lose our tempers. Relationships may feel this strain at times but it is important to not build walls but break barriers. In terms of the world, the Ox will try its best to first resolve things diplomatically, and create peaceful measures, but if not successful, then she will use more force.
This transformative year holds much promise for each of us. The Ox and Sheep will feel the energy of change and transformation strongly. Be sure you give yourself downtime in this big year. The Monkey and Rooster are appointed as leaders by the Ox! The Tiger and Snake become a star! The Dog finds adventure, and the Horse finds its stride again.
The Dragon focuses and finds inner breakthrough. The Boar travels and explores, and the Rabbit reflects and studies.
For each animal sign, I have put a few keywords
Rat: Be courageous, enjoy, prosper! You can create big tides.
Ox: Your year to Shine! Be creative! This year is pivotal and transformative. Patience.
Tiger: Patience. Guide others. You will have recognition and create progress.
Rabbit: Reflect, study, plan for the future.
Dragon: Focus, be mindful, interesting turns.
Snake: You are a star! Progress and breakthrough! Interesting year.
Horse: Seek a mentor, find a higher purpose, take care of yourself. A much better year!
Sheep: Embrace Change, Your life will shift this year! Be patient, take time outs.
Monkey: You are a force this year! Awaken to you! Lead. Release ego, Big year!
Rooster: Climb the ladder! You are leading! Everything is possible! Don't argue. Big one!
Dog: Enjoy life, nurture, create beautiful memories. Adventurous year!
Boar: Travel, create movement, allow daily space.
Anchor yourself, focus, and don't create long to-do lists. Prioritize. Be mindful of your diet, your stomach, and allergies, sinus problems, or upper respiratory issues. Eat in small increments, and take naps to rejuvenate.
Take walks in nature, exercise, and allow downtime through the active periods, especially in March, April, end of May, July, end of August, and September.
We have walked into a new year...
one of transformation and change.
Let's trust the walk and the journey!
Happy 2021 and the Reign of the Metal Ox!
Tools & Tips for 2021
Stones for 2021
Red and Jade Stone: protection stone for 2021
Citrine: to raise chi in body
Malachite: to strengthen and align.
Girasol: to raise spirits.
Onyx: to bring in focus
Amethyst: To open up communications
Obsidian/Citrine: To raise the "chi"
Excercise
Outdoor exercise in nature is best in 2021.
Yoga and dance to bring forth healing and a great release outlet
All forms of exercise are recommended as the body needs to constantly create a release and recharge.
To create balance, yoga and tai chi can further support you.
Food and Nutrition
Eat light, lots of greens.
Small increments of food.
Watch intake of salt, also drink lots of water.
Saline Wash for sinus' as sinus passages are sensitive this year.
Ginger for digestion as the digestive tract is sensitive.
Cranberry supplements and water for kidney health.
Turmeric and garlic for joint health.
Mental/Emotional Support
Vitamin B supplements to manage stress
Lavender Oils to restore calm
Rescue Remedy or CBD for anxiety
Chamomile or Bedtime Sleep by Traditional Tea Times
Aromatherapy to create space of calm
Ocean waves or Reiki Vibrations on youtube
Therapy and Anger Management
Anger and Cooling the Flames by Thich Nhat Hanh
Prayer and Reflection
Miraculous Silence by Mitra Rahbar
Meditations and Breath Work
Meditate daily, if possible twice a day, in the morning and before bed.
Practice "Breath of Fire" each week or every two weeks to release pent up energies.
To release pent up frustration/anger:
Do candle or object meditations to strengthen focus