This month, I've found an article that addresses something that happens all too often in our community... And a certain someone decided to say something about it... It can be found at the Witches' Voice site, as well. (http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.html?a=usks&c=words&id=13790)

       Enjoy, and Good Dreaming...

                     -ShadowDarkFyre the LordVengeance

       Stating the obvious, people are scared these days. People are hurting. It may not seem like it to the unobservant eye. It may seem like a little bit of tension and that's all. Trust me, it's not the case. Especially if you're a psionic(telepath, empath, etc.), in which case you're dealing with your own tempest, and those of others around you as well. With the economy being how it is, the worry about making ends meet, wars and rumors of stressing people out, and the ever-present something that a growing number in the community say they feel coming down the proverbial pipe, and you can see how it builds up.

       It's at times like this that the individual should learn to take a "Physician, heal thyself" mentality to dealing with the storm.

       Sure, you can run away, and a lot of people prctice that strategy. Either hide in themselves, run away for real, avoid people who point out to them the truth, or flat out ignore it. Problem with that is, it'll be there when you return. Best way to handle it is to face it, and take control of your internal weather.

       My Master went for a boat ride one day when it started storming on Him and everyone in the boat. He simply got up and said "Peace. Be still." Just that. Nothing else. No flourish or hoop-jumping. Just three words to speak to the weather and calm it. That same commons sense can be used with dealing with our inner storms. Sometimes, just taking a breath, and exhaling out those three words, or whatever words or mantra brings you peace, will make all the difference in the world. It allows you the chance to take control of that which you think cannot be dealt with. Admittedly, though, it takes more for some than just that. First step is to actually face it.

       Never be afraid to let yourself grieve, or rant, or have a bitchfest. You know what our parents always told us. You keep that in, you'll make yourself sick. That's not just a saying, for those of you who think it is. It's plain common sense. So if you have to have a while to cry, cry. If you feel like ranting at the heavens. Yell yourself hoarse. If you need to talk to someone and get out your frustrations, do it. It's plain hobbit sense to take out the garbage.

       And on that note, if you're of the habit of avoiding the ones you love because of your inner storms,... stop it. No, not everyone's going to be able to handle it. However, you have to figure that those who are closest to you have already seen your worst already. And if they havenae' run for the hills yet, then you're good. Don't be afraid to let them see you when you're hurt. To hell with your reputation or your strong face forward. They know you underneath it. If some of them skip town on you, then you'll know the truth. The rest, you'll know you can depend on.

       Lastly, stand your ground against yourself. It's easy to let go and let the tempest take you. It takes no effort at all to let the tornado sweep you up and off. It takes more strength, however, to dig your feet in and refuse to let it take you. It takes strength to face it on and tell it, "No. I will not let yoou take me from all that is dear to me. From all that I love. By my will, I say no. You move." A famous science fiction series says, "Fear is the mind-killer. I will face my fear. I will let it pass through me. Until only I remain."

       In the end, you have to be the one to face it. You have to be the one to have the strength to let your loved ones do their job, and love you through it. You have to be the one to set it all free. Otherwise, you run the risk of not living as you wish. As you should. As you were meant to. You have to have the faith to know that you have the strength and the will enough to take those storms and burn them away in the light of your inner sun. To be free. That by your will, you can conquer them,... and heal yourself. And live.

       The wind and the waves within shall obey thy will.

       The first step is as simple as saying three words.

       Peace. Be still.