Focus

  I am sitting in a De Vere hotel venue writing this blog. It is the first time I have ever done so. This was the idea of a friend of mine. We are here together to encourage and enthuse each other. Both of us need to be outside our familiar surrounds in order to be more productive. I am sure anyone who works from home can relate to this. Perhaps it is also something that affects women even more so - the distractions at home are endless! Did I put the washing on? Have I forgotten something at the shops? Oh and I've just realised I haven't cleaned the bathroom this week etc. etc. Normally none of these things would drift up into my conscious mind but as soon as I sit to write or focus on a creative idea, there they are!
  I know I am not alone in this. When I was studying my student cohort found that as the submission date for another assignment came closer so the piles of ironing suddenly became 'interesting' or bizarrely a cupboard that had not been sorted or cleaned out became an absolute imperative! You have to laugh at yourself when this happens. It is human nature.
  Taking yourself out of your normal environment can be threatening under certain circumstances of course. However, when planned with a particular intention in mind nothing could be better. Isn't that what holidays are for afterall? We need a change of atmosphere, environment and energetic input in order to prompt us to move forward. If these come without us willing their presence in our lives this can be both shocking and unsettling.
  Looking at this from an astrological point of view Uranus is the planet that brings great unexpected upheaval, whilst Saturn is the disciplinarian which deals in structure. The two seem totally opposed in intent but each brings both positive and challenging lessons. When we remember that the situations are lessons, not punishments, we regain our power over the situation and are able to rise above any 'threatening' changes that they may herald. Indeed this is just as valid if the results are 'positive' as we may otherwise become complacent and miss the lesson or opportunity afforded us.
  Staying 'awake' to both opportunity and challenges is quite a feat. We often find ourselves caught up in the emotion of a situation. This can be further exacerbated by those around us. Watching the news or reading the daily papers certainly adds to the fuel of discontent and divisiveness. As I write Sky news is disseminating what I consider to be Western propaganda as well as the government's agenda on unemployment (always read between the lines!). I am finding it difficult not to engage in a political debate as my views are contrary to those being promulgated. However, I am here to write a blog, not to rant about politics. This in itself is a lesson to me to practice what I preach!!
  Focus, focus, focus. I am here to write and to develop several creative ideas as well as to write up the handouts for my next astrology class. Guess what? I have nearly achieved just that!