A larger-than-life Release

Remember- that imagination is the faculty of the spirit-when it suggests new pathways to us; we are being invited to explore the territory of the soul, in ways that will certainly change and re-enchant us 
~ Caitlin Matthews 

I held in my hand, a clear piece of quartz - the crystal symbolizes energy, and it facilitates people to focus more. Utilized as a meditative device, quartz is believed to uplifts one’s spirit through concentrating on prayers or thoughts. It is used to assist those needing a fine balance between emotional needs and voids.
For those following my blog, the intricate meaning of quartz in my life was inspired by my daughter’s rose quartz heart, which was with her when she passed away. 

This January, a pebble release took place…but not before it embarked on a journey, as it travelled along the magical island of Maui. From lush bamboo forests, the coiled highway Road to Hana, along the stretch of golden sand beaches and cascading waterfalls… a heart shaped Fluorite pebble, went on many unrestrained adventures.

I have personally always been drawn to the intriguing properties of Fluorite, as it is said to absorb and neutralize negative vibrations. It is known as:  “The Stone of discernment.” 

“When resolutions are being sought, it helps in decreasing your emotional involvement in a situation.  Often in life there are times you can't see the forest for the trees. Fluorite enables you to step back in order to achieve more clarity. The veil of illusion is removed thus allowing order to clear the chaos, making way for new things. Fluorite is symbolic of the integration of a person connecting with the Universal Spirit.  It assembles the purity of character and imparts on our soul that it is time to release and let go.”

It is because of these qualities, that this momentous pebble release has a revered importance for me. In relation to the changes in life I have undergone, I envision myself immersed in a tub filled to the brim, with a thousand of these mystifying gemstones. 

Friends of mine, TJ and Dean Wallis, spent two months away from their home in the Northern region of the Okanagan, exploring the unparalleled beauty of Maui. This trip of a lifetime was connected to discovering what the entire island had to offer.

In between following TJ’s blog, connecting in emails, and along with phone conversations, I was well informed of the pebble that she carried with her. 

I was delighted to hear of the many fascinating places that both her and her husband visited, in making several attempts to release the gemstone. Boundaries were pushed in their daring quests and at times I must admit, I was concerned for their safety. The last thing I wanted to hear was how Dean had rode a palm leaf down a 60 ft waterfall, trying to release the pebble! Yet, I could tell they were both dedicated to the task at hand and were having fun while doing so. 

If anything I have come to understand about The Heart Pebble Movement, it always seems to take those involved, on an unforeseen spiritual journey. I have often wondered if it is the metaphysical attributes of the stone or the symbolism of each one, which bares its final release into the world.  Maybe, the philosopher Plotinus’s reasoning-the human mind is only a reflection of a universal reality- embodies the pebble’s ultimate destination. 

From over 275 freed pebbles, crystals and gemstones all across the earth, no two have been alike. A variety of professions, religious beliefs, cultural and people of all ages have taken part in The Heart Pebble Movement. As I have journeyed through different places, friendships and relationships, releasing those along the way…the pebbles transition has mirrored the changes I have had to accept. 

The powerful significance of TJ and Dean’s release in Maui occurred within a sacred place to me. It is on the island of Maui, where I witnessed the butterfly in the cloud formations on what would have been Shayla’s 22^nd birthday…next week my beloved daughter would have been turning 24 years old. Every year, I still do celebrate the extraordinary day she came into this world, my precious babygirl that brought such light and love into many people’s lives. 

Upon viewing the video where TJ is sharing the Fluorite pebble and Dean is videotaping it, a swell of emotions spilled into tears, as TJ gently held my hand across their kitchen table. This is a woman who has nurtured me when I have been hurt, heard my anguish when I was betrayed, and taken all of my broken bits- looked me straight in the eyes and said: “Do Not let anyone ever have any power over You!” She values me a friend, extends compassion to me when I have needed it and gifted me in ways that only those who appreciate her, can understand. 

WATCH THE VIDEO ON YOU TUBE OF THIS AMAZING PEBBLE RELEASE>>>
 http://youtu.be/9WpIZEHhl98 

My daughter Shayla and I have been featured in Okanagan Woman Magazine; I have provided house and pet care for TJ and Dean, in addition to having worked in their business. One solid value about them is their dedication to their friends, family, work and community that continues to inspire me.

I see this special pebble release as a means to new beginnings. A sign of things to come which frees me and has me take back my life on the ledge of uncertainty. 

Possibly-unknown to my friends who took part in many adventurers in Maui- is that a heart shaped piece of Fluorite was helping each one of us, to let go of things far beyond our control.

By T L Alton 
*Photographs and Video submitted by TJ and Dean Wallis 

Inseparable

The Example

 Here’s an example from…A Butterfly;

 That on a rough, hard rock…Happy can lie;

 Friendless and all alone…On this unsweetened stone.

Now let my bed be hard… No care take I;

 I’ll make my joy like this…Small Butterfly;

Whose happy heart has power…To make a stone a flower.  

By William H. Davies. Louis Untermeyer, (1885–1977). Modern British Poetry. 1920

In this blog posting is the embodiment of the metaphorical illustration of the butterfly. This winged creature freely implores us to surrender to the changes in our lives. Throughout its short life span, the butterfly embraces its transformation, with unyielding bravery.

Shayla represented these stunning reflections of nature in her life on this earth and after her passing. I have shared before how she sent a heavenly message while I was mourning her loss. Sitting alone on a beach in Maui, I was there to honour her on what would have been her 22^nd Birthday. Gazing upwards, tears scattered on my cheeks, I saw the following image of grace, beauty and love. 

This year, in springtime, I travelled to London. My intention was to take in sight-seeing and place pebbles all over England, in Shayla’s memory. My adventures led me to the Natural History Museum. Outside of the museum was an exhibit called Sensational Butterflies. Once I walked inside the butterfly house, I was able to stand amongst the brilliance of nature’s creation. I casually strolled through the area and was in awe when butterflies began to perch all over me. I was mesmerized by their vibrant colours and absorbed every bit of the incredible experience into my broken heart.  I stepped closer to explore in a glass enclosure, the enthralling life cycle of these remarkable insects.  I was intrigued by their embryonic cycle from an egg to caterpillar, then the transformation from chrysalis to spectacular butterfly. 

As a blue morpho from South America landed on my skirt, I thought of my daughter.  I pondered how her life was comparable to a butterfly; being vulnerable as a young girl who was bullied for being ‘different’- to finding her inner beauty and strength- enabling her to spread her wings and fly. 

In many cultures, it is fascinating to know that the butterfly is associated with the soul, which further connects our representation of faith and living things with it. Shayla explored many aspects of herself as she experienced shifts in her own life. The pathway to Heaven for my daughter was forged with her dedication as a Christian, yet she was intrigued by other cultures, religions and her own Aboriginal roots. Unknown to me, was the link of the memorial granite stone I had created in my daughter’s memory to Christianity- which regards the butterfly as a symbol for the soul. I further learned the butterfly is illustrated on ancient Christian tombs, as Christ has been shown embracing a butterfly in Christian artwork. Long before I discovered this-on my daughter’s marker I had a butterfly etched upon the front of it.

 Reflecting on this, I hold close to my heart in its correlation and think it is rather fitting for a young girl, whose transformation was only complete on her final ascent.

By T.L. Alton  

The Underside of Grief in Paradise

After arriving home from England, back in February, I would depart within a few days to Maui on a solo trip. This was not a vacation, rather a journey to embrace the unbearable…my daughter’s 22^nd birthday.

Growing up, Shayla always made special occasions as centerpieces uniting us to life. She simply did not join in a celebration; my daughter was the party in itself. Her laughter filled every corner of the room, her comedic faces and impromptu dancing turned the quietest space into a lively sphere of entertainment.

In October 2011, my partner and I had travelled to Hawaii and spent 3 weeks in paradise. I blogged daily about our epic adventures and Shayla followed along. One day, I sent her a message in a bottle, from Oahu. I was home back in Canada, long before it arrived to her in Kamloops. The glee that came from within her when she received it was well worth the anticipated wait. She proudly showed her friends and told her family about her special Hawaiian souvenir. When we spoke last November, and I asked her if there was any place she would like to go for her birthday, I was elated to hear her answer, “Hawaii, of course, would be awesome momma!”  Even though it was not financially possible for me to afford the trip at that time, I knew someday we would go together as mother and daughter. What I had not counted on was for her life to be taken only a month later and my world was changed forever.

After her passing, I was contacted from someone I had not seen or spoken to in almost ten years. They made me a kind-hearted offer, I could not refuse. They presented me with the means to travel anywhere I wanted for the first upcoming birthday in 22 years, without my babygirl. I did not hesitate and found myself only days before February 24, 2011, on a plane, by myself to Maui. I was nervous at travelling on my own and also worried how I would handle the impending birthday of my daughter.

The next two blogs will cover more in detail, the tender fragments of my voyage into the unknown…I would discover much about my own self and let faith be my teacher on this uncertain journey.

By Tonya Alton