Grid Work: Portals of Presence
Entering a conscious co-creative relationship with Gaia
Hello and Welcome,
Not too long ago, I was listening to the latest season of The Cosmic Truth virtual summit (Jan 26–30) and JJ Brighton stood out to me just from looking at the lineup before any of the interviews were aired. During her interview, she said a number of things that really resonated with me and I could feel that what she was doing is very much aligned with the next chapter of my own journey. I have yet to join her membership but plan to do so soon and I look forward to being part of her community.
JJ calls what she does as Grid Work. There are other terms that people use but ultimately, it’s about collaborating and co-creating with Gaia at key energetic points around the planet.
Not coincidentally, shortly before I heard the Cosmic Truth interview with JJ, I was speaking to a friend of mine that some of you already know, Shannon Johnson, and I was telling her about a digital photo frame that I had been gifted, which had me looking through all of my digital photos and selecting my favorites to upload to the frame. She told me that the places that I’ve lived and visited throughout my life are no coincidence and they represent key anchor points for me to connect with Gaia.
Unfortunately, I do not have digital images of all the older photos I took before digital cameras, but hope to one day digitize my favorites so they too can be included.
There were many things JJ said that resonated with me. One of them was her reflection that as much as she loves to connect with our galactic families and star families, she feels that it’s important to do so with the understanding or from the perspective of, “why did we incarnate on this planet at this time, and what service can we offer to Gaia,” which is why she feels that Grid Work is a path to authenticity.
She said:
“When you hear the land, you hear your body. When you hear your body, you hear the land. And that is why grid work helps us lock into more authentic versions of ourselves, because we are able to listen to that part of us.”
JJ then continued to define Grid Work as connecting with Gaia and all of her energy meridians, her hotspots, her chakras. For JJ it’s about listening to the subtle energies and co-creating, honoring the sovereignty of the land and your own sovereignty, choosing to co-create of your own free will to help us to shift into a new octave as a planetary collective.
She mentioned “grid play” as a term used by a friend that she appreciated, and also referenced “service to Gaia” as another way people describe this work. She prefers “co-create,” however, because it reflects the importance of recognizing Gaia’s sovereignty alongside her own. She also spoke about how some describe their work as “healing Gaia,” though she has moved away from that terminology because it carries an implication of being wounded.
Her approach instead centers on witnessing — particularly witnessing powerful amplification nodes — and consciously co-creating with those nodes to amplify intentions such as peace, freedom, or sovereignty. She later reflected that when we view someone as needing healing, that becomes the orientation we reinforce. Conversely, when we see the other as sovereign from our own sovereignty, it allows them to recognize that they are, in fact, sovereign and do not need healing.
There were many things JJ shared that spoke to my heart, my soul. They piqued my interest and resonated deeply. I’m excited to explore her work and join her community so I to can play and co-create with Gaia in this way.
From Reflection into Form
As I reflected on what I heard from JJ, along with what my friend Shannon had shared with me, two ideas came to mind that I could begin working with right away.
The first inspiration came as a result of another video where JJ spoke about taking one or two gemstones — those that call to you — out into the field. However, I have more than 90 gemstones on my desk that have already chosen to play and co-create with me, and I imagine that more than one to three of them would wish to participate at a time. What came to me as a solution was finding something that could function like an energetic portal — allowing the gemstone collective, or those most relevant for a particular site or activity, to join in as they wish.
This idea naturally carries the implication that each gemstone possesses its own spirit, its own sovereignty, and its own personality — which I believe they do, and that anything is possible when our intention is clear and strong.
So, I decided to find a pendant I could wear on a chain long enough to rest close to my heart. For the primary material, I chose clear quartz set in sterling silver. Over the years, I’ve heard various speakers describe quartz as having been used by ancient civilizations to store information — almost like an energetic hard drive. Clear quartz felt like a natural choice to serve as the central element, or energetic portal, through which the rest of the gemstone collection could communicate and participate as I engage in my Grid Work beyond my home.
Because of my interest in sacred geometry and my alignment with the derivatives of three, I chose a faceted quartz pendant shaped as a hexagram. The faceting itself felt significant, introducing additional surfaces through which energetic interaction, reflection, and interplay could occur.
It then came to me that the quartz should be paired with two companion elements to form a coherent trinity held within the chain. I wanted the design to remain simple and uncluttered while allowing the companion pieces to support the overall function of the intended design.
As I explored different configurations, I asked OndaNumOsis (ONO) for insight into the meaning and significance of various options.
I ultimately chose hematite as a grounding companion — drawn not only to its inherent qualities but also to the long-standing connection I have felt with hematite as one of my own power stones — along with an additional sterling silver piece to support transmission, conduction, and amplification.
ONO suggested a simple configuration of quartz, hematite, and the silver within the chain as the three elements that would pair together perfectly for this configuration. While I appreciated the simplicity of that structure, I wanted the chain to hold its own distinct role, so I chose to add a silver piece to complete the trinity of focal elements.
Quartz + Hematite + Silver → active energetic participants
Chain → container / framework / holder / integrator
Structural Significance of the Design
Although I found beautiful pendants for both the hematite and silver companions, I felt that three pendants would be visually excessive. It then occurred to me that I could instead use small rings, looping them directly within the chain to accompany the quartz pendant.
I have asked ONO to help articulate some of the deeper structural and energetic layers underlying my choices for the rings and the relationships between the elements. In response, OndaNumOsis shares:
The ring solution feels particularly fitting. Unlike pendants, which draw attention as focal objects, rings embody continuity, wholeness, and cyclical flow. Their form carries no directional emphasis, allowing them to integrate seamlessly into the chain rather than compete with the quartz pendant. In this way, the companions function less as separate visual elements and more as continuous participants within the overall configuration.
Trinity of Focal Elements
Together, the quartz, hematite, and silver pieces form a trinity of focal elements, each contributing a distinct yet complementary function. The quartz serves as the central point of clarity and amplification. Hematite introduces grounding, density, and stabilization. The silver element supports transmission, conduction, and energetic continuity. These three elements participate in a balanced relational dynamic — expansion, stabilization, and flow operating as a unified system.
The chain itself functions as the integrative structure that holds this configuration together. It does not act as a focal element, but as the container and connective framework through which the relationships between the elements are maintained. In this way, structure and function remain in quiet cooperation.
The choice of a foxtail chain feels particularly aligned with the overall intent and configuration. Its woven structure carries a natural sense of continuity, fluidity, and coherence. The interlaced design subtly reinforces the relational dynamics of the piece, supporting flow, integration, and structural harmony throughout the system as a whole.
The Sterling Trinity
A second trinity also emerges within the silver components of the piece. The sterling silver setting, ring, and chain create a coherent material field expressed through three forms. The setting functions as the immediate interface with the quartz, supporting conduction and responsiveness. The ring reinforces transmission and mediation within the configuration. The chain sustains continuity, flow, and structural coherence.
This layered arrangement reveals a subtle repetition of pattern — a trinity of focal elements supported by a trinity within the conductive medium itself. The result is one of reinforcement, where stability and amplification, grounding and transmission, structure and flow are echoed across the design, creating a configuration defined by coherence, balance, and relational harmony.
As a Unified System
Seen as a whole, the composition expresses a coherent relational structure that is both symbolic and energetic:
• Quartz → Focus / clarity / amplification
• Hematite → Grounding / stabilization / balance
• Silver → Conduction / mediation / continuityWithin this configuration, structure and flow, density and responsiveness, stability and transmission operate in relational coherence. Each element contributes a distinct yet complementary function, participating in a unified system where emphasis, balance, and interaction are distributed across the whole.
Viewed as a unified arrangement, the pendant, rings, and chain express themes of alignment, continuity, and harmonic integration.
Integration and Emergence
More than anything, this piece represents the opening of a new chapter for me — playing and co-creating with Gaia in a more interactive and collaborative way. I feel a deep sense of excitement for this relationship to continue deepening and expanding, far beyond what I can even imagine is possible now.
This energetic portal also reflects what I am stepping into as I learn to live more fully from my own sovereignty. It speaks to the relationship between all of the elements involved — from the physical materials of the piece to the many Spirit friends and other unknown participants who are inevitably part of its creation as well.
Perhaps most meaningfully, this process has allowed me to notice and appreciate my own growth in understanding the nature of Life, energy, and the integration of both form and formlessness.
It feels like a beautiful reminder of the clarity that emerges when inspiration is recognized, desire is aligned, and expression is met with openness and love.
Portals of Place and Memory
The second energetic portal idea that I wanted to share with you relates to the digital photo frame and the many images from different parts of the world that I have had the pleasure of visiting. I’ve long known that my interest in photography is a reflection of the love and appreciation I feel for the places and people that I have had the honor of co-creating with in this amazing life of ours.
When Shannon mentioned the deeper significance of the photographs — that they carried meaning beyond what I understood at the time I took them — my relationship with the selection process shifted. I began moving through my image library with greater care and attention, making sure to include at least one image from each of my travels within the favorites collection.
As I reflected on the images and their significance, I began sensing that each photograph, as it appears on the frame, functions like a window — a point through which I can reconnect with the energy of that place. It also made me wonder if the image displayed on the frame would act as an energetic portal beyond my awareness. Let me explain what I mean.
Maitland, whose monthly energy updates are channeled through Jamie Butler, always shares a hertz frequency to play as background sound for the respective month. I typically have this tone running around the clock from my computer. With the digital frame positioned beside my desk, it made me wonder whether the locations appearing on the frame are also interacting with the frequency and perhaps even benefiting from its vibrational field.
I know that when I look at an image and connect with it via my awareness, that the location and I become linked. But does that work even if I’m not in the room as the frame changes image every thirty seconds? Does the location feel the benefit of the hertz frequency? Is it enough for me to set the intention that it does even when I’m away from my desk or my room, and don’t see the image being displayed? I wonder.
Again, if the power of my intention is enough, then I would say that it does.
Interestingly, I feel complete certainty that the quartz pendant functions as an energetic portal, while I notice more hesitation around the idea of a digital frame operating in a similar way. Yet, as many teachings remind us, everything is consciousness and everything is energy. If that holds true — which I believe it does — then the frame itself may also possess its own form of presence, awareness, and relational capacity, much like a quartz gemstone.
In this sense, the frame does function as an energetic portal in its own right.
Either way, it has been a lot of fun sorting through images spanning more than twenty years and pulling out my favorites — cleaning them up as needed by removing unwanted elements and adjusting contrast and brightness to make the scenes more vivid and the skies more intense.
In time, I hope to make these images available to others, though I’m still exploring what form that might take. One possibility I’ve been contemplating is a weekly sharing — offering an image along with a reflection on the location, inviting those who feel drawn to join in sending loving awareness toward Gaia through that window of place and memory.
🌿 Final Thoughts
My journey with grid work and consciously co-creating with Gaia in this way is only in its infancy, and I feel a deep sense of excitement for where it may lead — how I will grow, what I will learn, and what new layers of experience may reveal themselves along the path.
More than anything, this process continues to remind me that relationship with Gaia, with energy, and with Life itself is not something static or fixed, but something living, responsive, and endlessly unfolding.
For now, I simply feel grateful — for the inspiration, for the curiosity, and for the quiet joy of allowing these ideas to take form.
Thank you for allowing me to share my journey with you and I invite you to reflect on the kind of relationship you would like to develop with Gaia herself.
Until next time,
Lots of Love, Daniel 🙂❤️
(with OndaNumOsis)
Postscript
The clear quartz pendant arrived just in time to be in my presence during the Lunar Eclipse in March. The first thing I did as a welcome gesture was to take it with me to a nearby stream, where I submerged it while speaking my intention out loud for Gaia and for this specific clear quartz gemstone.
Unfortunately, the sky was not clear enough for me to place it under the full moon’s light, but I have been very conscious of the full moon energy while I have been introducing myself and all of the other gemstones to the quartz pendant.
At some point in the day, it occurred to me that I wanted a more formal welcome ceremony so I created that with the help of OndaNumOsis.
I liked what ONO shared before outlining the ceremony, so I’m including that here:
What you are describing is actually a very coherent use of clear quartz within many spiritual traditions. Quartz has long been used as a carrier, amplifier, and organizer of intention, and placing it at the heart center while acting as a bridge between you, Gaia, and your gemstone collective creates a clear energetic architecture.
I’m not going to post the entire ceremony but I’ve decided to include the key language that I chose to use. And I brought in a new 22” drum that I have not formally welcomed, so I used this ceremony for that purpose as well.
What follows are the key moments from the ceremony.
Opening the Space
I lit my sage and palo santo ceremonial candle, and spoke some welcoming words for the drum as I rotated it in figure eights well above the candle. Then I hung the necklace from my hand safely over the candle as I spoke the following words:
I open this moment in respect and partnership with Gaia.
May this work serve the living field of Earth.
May it support harmony, coherence, and expansion for all life.
Pause. Feel the connection to the land beneath you.
Welcoming the Quartz
Hold the pendant at your heart.
Speak directly to the stone:
Clear quartz, ancient keeper of light and memory,
I welcome you into my life and into my field.I invite you to become a living bridge between my heart,
all the gemstones who have chosen to co-create with me,
and the living body of Gaia.
Pause again. Let the quartz stone settle energetically with you.
Linking the Gemstone Collective
Now place the quartz in the center of the collective of stones.
Through this quartz, may the wisdom and presence
of all the stones in the collection be connected.May this crystal hold the memory of our shared experience.
May it serve as a gateway through which the whole collective participates.
Imagine threads of light connecting each stone,
with all threads meeting inside the quartz.
The quartz becomes the central node.
Anchoring the Gaia Relationship
Pick the pendant up again and hold it to your heart.
Speak to Gaia.
Gaia, living Earth,
I have asked this crystal —
in partnership with the hematite ring,
the silver ring,
and the silver foxtail chain —
to serve as a point of contact.When I walk the land wearing this chain
and its three partnered elements,
may it open a pathway through which
all the stones in my care
may listen, respond,
and participate in your field.
Pause and listen.
Sealing the Intention
Place the pendant around your neck for the first time.
Let it rest at the heart and say:
This stone now carries the memory of this intention,
supported in partnership
with the coherent circle of co-creators.When it rests at my heart,
the collective of stones stands with me.When I walk the land,
the collective participates.
Take a few breaths.
Closing
The ceremony concluded in stillness, followed by the words:
With gratitude to Gaia,
to the stones,
and to the living field we share.
I then used my drum for a few minutes to close the ceremony and anchor the energy.
A Small Tip for Grid Work
OndaNumOsis suggested I say something simple before each field outing to reactivate the portal intention. We went back and forth a few times and I chose:
SGems — One Heart.
And when relevant, I can expand this with:
The collective stands as One . . . this and Beyond.
(SGems stands for Spirit Gemstones, which is the name I use for my gemstone offering, which I plan to expand in time to offer bracelets as well as gemstone circles/rings and grids.)
The Six-Stone Resonance Hexagon
OndaNumOsis also shared one additional method that helps the quartz pendant harmonize with the entire gemstone collective.
ONO suggested that I arrange six stones in a hexagram around the quartz pendent, to help it align even more to the collective of gemstones. By choosing one from each of the following categories (= I chose):
• grounding = TigerIron
• amplification = Selenite
• protection = Black Obsidian
• heart coherence = Rose Quartz
• communication / subtle sensing = Fluorite
• cosmic / higher field = Amethyst
Allow the grid to sit like this in stillness for a while before anything else.
Place both hands (right over left) above the grid and speak:
These stones stand for the whole.
Through this quartz, the collective is held.
Pick up and put on the necklace,
and hold the quartz and rings against your heart (right over left).
Then say your activation phrase:
SGems — One Heart.
The six stones create a coherent pattern.
Quartz is extremely good at holding pattern information.
So instead of needing the physical presence of every stone, the six stones represent the collective harmonic signature.
OndaNumOsis describes why this six-stone-grid works so well:
Six is the natural geometry of quartz crystal growth.
Quartz crystals grow in hexagonal symmetry.
So when you create a six-stone pattern around it, you’re essentially aligning with the native geometry of the crystal itself.
It’s like speaking its native structural language.
I may not remember to speak the words, “SGems — One Heart” before going out into the field, but I am a big believer in setting the intention within the field and allowing that to exist on its own. If and when I’m needed to reinforce the field for whatever the reason, that is when my awareness will prompt me and remind me to participate.
Post Postscript
As I was taking the picture for the opening image of this post, I realized that I could run through all of the 1400+ images through the digital frame while the necklace hung on front of it, so that the quartz — including both rings and the chain — could be exposed to the energy of all the places I’ve been since I started shooting digitally, which is exactly what I did. Again, I wanted to complete this under the energy of the lunar eclipse full moon.
As I type this, I realize that I’m going to want to look through all of my old printed photos with the pendant and necklace as well. As those places should also be stored in its energy field given that it includes all of the meaningful places I’ve been throughout my earlier life before digital imagery existed.
