Cloud9000 - Special Contributors

I love cinema, it’s a real opportunity to switch off, fall into a fantasy world and forget the craziness of ‘real’ life. This weekend I took my stepkids to see Ratatouille – a magical animation from the Pixar people.

Ratatouille is about a rat called Remy who dreams of becoming a great chef despite his family’s wishes and the obvious problem of being a rat in a decidedly rodent phobic profession.  When fate places Remy in the city of Paris, he finds himself ideally situated beneath a restaurant made famous by his culinary hero, Auguste Gusteau.  Despite the apparent dangers of being an unwanted visitor in the kitchen at one of Paris’ most exclusive restaurant, Remy forms an unlikely partnership with Linguini, the garbage boy, who inadvertently discovers Remy’s amazing talents.

Soon Remy finds himself torn between following his dreams of becoming a chef or returning forever to his previous existence as a rat.  He learns the truth about friendship, family and having no choice but to be who he really is, a rat who wants to be a chef www.ratatouillemovie.net.

I resonated with Remy, not only because I am a Water Rat in the Chinese Horoscope but because I also had to face the same challenges as the rat.

A few years ago I had to make the decision to keep following the ingrained Jewish beliefs, laws, culture and customs of my community or follow my own way and be who I am, despite the alienation and isolation.  I have chosen to live shamanically, in tune with nature and in harmony with my inner voice and my destiny in order to find real happiness.

The film highlights that to really LIVE life we have to become who we truly are, regardless of what others around us think.  There is a wonderful scene where Remy’s father takes Remy to see all the dead rats killed by poison laid down by humans.  Remy’s father warns him that, as a rat he will always be the enemy.  Remy looks at his father and the dead rats and then says he’d rather keep following his dream and accept who he is then go back to the rat colony and live in fear.  He was willing to change the ‘paradigm’ to something new.

The message of the film is to follow your passion, your dreams, your inner truth and to be proud of who are you are.  Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise and don’t give up on your dreams and goals, regardless of the tests life throws at you.  When we follow our dreams, and challenge old paradigms and limiting belief systems, we change the world and make it a better place - we become the change we want to see in the world and then we will find real happiness.

Go see the film – it’s wonderfully uplifting if you are feeling that following your dream is an uphill struggle!!!

Love and blessings

Rebekah Shaman.
xxxx

The Libran new moon is represented by the scales and reminds us to walk the middle path.  We need to find the balance between following our hearts and compromising to accommodate others. This is a time to create harmony in relationships both personal and professional.

All year we have been getting a clearer understanding of who we are and what our true purpose in life is.  This moon cycle we must find the way to fulfill our desires while working in cooperation and harmony with others.  Think before jumping to conclusions. Negotiate rather than attack or go on the defensive, and be diplomatic while standing firm with what you believe in. The Libran moon reminds us that we must listen more, trust more, and be more understanding to those around us, even when we disagree.

Libra also re-energises our lives and relationships.  We may experience a new sense of love and respect in our present relationship or, if single, we may find that we fall in love at first sight.  Enjoy this time as we take pleasure in working, interacting and playing with others in a supportive and loving environment.

When we work as a team we are so much more powerful.  Jesus said ‘Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth.’ Living in harmony with ourselves and others gives us a sense of self worth. We receive a deep feeling of peace that permeates throughout our being and into the Universe, touching all those around us as we become the change.

RITUAL FOR THE NEW MOON

This new moon is a time for creativity to flow and re-energize our relationships and dreams. In order to take full opportunity of this power we need to get in touch with what is holding us back.

Once we face the truth we become empowered to change it.  The dark moon allows us to find that quiet space within where we can remove our ‘mask’ and accept who we are with real honesty.

Sit in a quiet room – be patient and wait until you have completed all your tasks for the day and you are ready to give the time to yourself.  Light some candles and burn incense to create an ambient space. Sit in a comfortable position with your back straight.  Close your eyes and become aware of your body. Connect deeply and slowly with your toes, legs, thighs, torso, arms, neck, face and then crown.  Exhale all your stresses and release all your frustrations, just breathe them right out of your body. Repeat this process three times. 

Take a piece of paper or your journal and write down these questions:

How do I create a more harmonious life?

How do I create more harmony in my relationships?

How do I create more balance in my life?

How do I create more joy in my life?

How do I create more abundance in my life?

How do I unlock doors that are keeping me stuck in the past?

How do I release the fear and follow my heart?

Allow the questions to permeate into your being and ask the Universe for help and guidance. Gradually, as the moon waxes to full, it will bring you the answers in many different forms so that you can make the changes to move forward in your life with confidence.

Love and Blessings

Rebekah Shaman