Nature, Rhythms and Synchronicity

All around us and within us are the rhythms and synchronicities of nature. I seem to become more clearly aware of this as I immerse deeper into myself and experience my interconnectiveness with the universe.
During our shamanic apprenticeship phone conference last week, the topic regarding the "calling in" of an animal in nature was discussed.
Ever since I can remember, I have had a strong relationship with the natural world. Years ago, during endurance training and long runs, it seemed that I was a magnet for the four legged, winged ones and water beings. The encounters were both enchanting and fascinating.
Since that time of calling in the eagles, fish, fox, deer and others, I was asked to take a pause and experience the natural world at a slower pace. The encounters continued and brought me many reassuring and comforting messages.
Recently, I have been graced with a new breath of life and find my self running once again to the familiar rhythm that connects me with the heartbeat of the earth. In the past several weeks, I have called in the fish at the dawn of the day with my yoga routine and a hawk during a mid day run.
Last week, during a morning run, just after tuning in with the drum-like rhythm of my foot strikes, I thought to myself, "Perhaps I will see a woodpecker today". Approximately two minutes later, I was presented with a close encounter of the most beautiful woodpecker I have ever seen! I believe it was a Pileated woodpecker, the one that Woody is fashioned after, not your small downy variety. It swooped and dived several times about 12 feet in front of me, then landed on a branch for a moment, then flew out of sight.
This all took place at the same spot on the trail which I had closely encountered a hawk years ago and a fox this past fall during a run. Perhaps a magical spot?
Now that I look back on these wonder-full encounters, I notice that I have created a portal in nature. Whether on the path of my run or in the setting of my intention, with the drum beat of life, I am able to call in and meet with one of my greatest teachers, deeply stirring the rhythms within.

Shungo,
AncientWindRunner

Shamanic Videos

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Kxdqjn1sFM8&feature=related
(Inuit)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=tW6pVFOpE6Q&feature=related
shaman levitation

http://youtube.com/watch?v=47pRIniVg1Y&feature=related
Chris angel levitation--I think this could be for real...how, and why not?

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ddee2gt5_3U

http://youtube.com/watch?v=woA1uCb0pjE&feature=related

Support Siberia Ancient Tribal Lands

Dear friends and family,
I have an urgent appeal for your support of the indigenous people of the Altai Republic in Southern Siberia. They are at great risk. Unprecedented new Russian land laws have suddenly required the Altai people to survey and register their ancient tribal lands. To not do so makes their communal lands vulnerable to division and purchase by private individuals and corporations. This would begin the slow displacement and annihilation of their livelihood, culture, and communities. These indigenous people do not have the resources to have their lands surveyed and have turned to the non-profit Altai Mir University for help. I volunteer for Altai Mir, and I can tell you that all the money we raise is going to this survey effort.
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE WITH A DONATION OF ONLY $10. Help us win a $50,000 Challenge Grant from the Case Foundation. The top 4 organizations in NUMBERS of donations - NOT DOLLARS - will win. We need 1000 people (each from a different credit card) to donate by 3:00pm EST on January 31st. 100% of this money will go toward surveying and registering the Altai people's lands. With your help, we will succeed.
Please rush to http://givingchallenge.globalgiving.com/dy/registry/ag.html?cmd=prevfund&regid=1267&RF=fundraiserwidget1267 and donate today! By forwarding this appeal to your networks, friends, and families immediately, we can reach out to folks so much faster. That is one of the reasons for this grant, to activate online donations for small organizations.
Thank you for protecting this land. As concerned global citizens, we cannot change what happened to the lands of the indigenous peoples of North America, who share much in tradition and ceremony with the Altai people. But we can make a difference in Altai.
Peace to you and those you love,
Susan Q

Welcome Apprentices!

Hello to all the new apprentices...this is our blog space! So, by now you have found your way in, and probably had to get a password...hopefully it was not too big of a challenge...but you know, initiations abound. So, this is our "professional site" where we want to list shamanic happenings (in the world and in OUR worlds), strange things that go bleep in the night, ideas about books, questions, experiences using your cards, journeys, all that. I will start a few threads here in the next day or so. Be sure to check back here at LEAST once a week (I think you can be notified about postings, but I'm not sure how--anyone else know?) as this is our community service. We want to give back to the Spirits, and the world, and this is one way. Hugs to you! Robin