Author: Kathy Milano

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Letter from my Kid, A Difference Maker

Here’s a letter from my kid. She’s my favorite Difference Maker but you’re also on that list. I hope you enjoy and participate if this calls to you.

Dear Family and Friends, I hope you are well. I’ve been thinking about the Love Orphanage kids and their recent struggles with education. I’m reaching out to see if you might help me boost the Be a Difference Maker fund. First, let’s take a trip down memory lane.

As an 8th grader looking to start my Silver and Gold Awards as a part of my Girl Scout journey, I was introduced to Ahaji Schreffler, the founder of the nonprofit, We the Village.

Ahaji was raising funds to cover living expenses for the children of Love Orphanage and their “father,” Gabriel Fedelu. The 17 Love O children were orphaned after the 7.0 magnitude earthquake devastated Haiti in 2010. Gabriel, Haitian by birth, returned to the island and founded Love Orphanage where he gathered traumatized and malnourished children. With determination, faith, and great love, he nurtured these children’s emotional and physical wellbeing.

When I learned that none of the children had ever been to school, I was shocked and disappointed.

As someone who loves to learn, I was faced with the harsh reality that not everyone had the luxury of attending school like I did. After learning more about Love Orphanage from Ahaji, I recognized that education is the key to rising out of poverty and decided to team up with We the Village to ensure all 17 kids would get an education.

I created the Be A Difference Maker (BADM) program when I entered the 9th grade and gained the support of many Difference Makers throughout the United States.

Through fund raising and outreach, we funded private education for each child and provided additional materials to continue their education outside of the classroom. It was thrilling to see pictures of the kids in uniform for their first ever day of school. The kids loved learning, earnestly did their homework by lantern light, and all passed their final exams.

While I was in high school, Ahaji and I partnered to create a “Culture Camp” as part of my Girl Scout Gold award.

This weeklong camp-style trip was designed to reinforce what was being taught in school, engage in hands on learning via field trips, and exchange cultural experiences. I’ll never forget our first (of three) Culture Camps. Our team of Difference Makers installed a solar suitcase and we all witnessed the wonder of that naked light bulb turning on – changing their lives forever. 

That was a summer to be remembered as the Love O kids saw the ocean for the first time, ate in a restaurant, and explored their history in the Haitian museum.

Traveling to Haiti for three summers to run this camp was an amazing experience. The kids were healthy, full of energy, and overflowing with love. Witnessing the harsh reality of life in Haiti was disturbing, eye opening, and really sad. There isn’t much of a chance for kids to get educated there as most people live on $2/day.

Above all, these Culture Camps were a welcome reminder that our work to educate the kids needed to continue upon arriving home.

You can learn about the Be A Difference Maker educational program and see my slideshows of our Culture Camp by CLICKING HERE.

As I was graduating from college, the oldest boy, Ylionor was graduating from high school at the age of 22!

We celebrated his graduation with a party and sent photos of Love O’s supporters. Sending the message to Love O that we were proud of all of the children who were doing well in school and getting promoted every year.

This was my dream in action as all this education was fully funded by the BADM donations! 


In the past few years, Haiti has been experiencing even more turmoil after a presidential assasination and civil unrest.

Prices for food skyrocketed, aid workers left the country, and Love O’s neighborhood became unsafe due to gang activity. Ahaji and We the Village worked with Gabriel to relocate the family to a rental home in a safer space.

Unfortunately, their schooling was disrupted and some children had to repeat a grade this year.

Through it all, Gabriel and the children continue to grow safely in an atmosphere of love. They now have 19 children, with Ylioner being the first to complete the second phase of the Be A Difference Maker educational program. He completed technical training in computers at a trade school and he will look for a job as soon as it is safe to do so.

Current Update:  After writing this letter, we learned that Haiti is under a state of emergency. Gangs stormed two large prisons and 4000 inmates escaped. They attempted to seize the airport the following day. Needless to say, the situation in Haiti has gotten much worse. We’ve reached out to Gabriel who knows we are sending prayers and also continuing to fund education for all the kids. As of now, schools are closed in the crisis and it is his hope that they are safe enough to open soon.  

Even in the midst of crisis, 10 years after it was created, the goal of the Be a Difference Maker educational program remains the same.

We aim to offer every Love O child the funds to attend primary school (grades 1-13) and technical/trade school of their choice. To educate the future Difference Makers of Haiti.

None of this would’ve been possible without Difference Makers around the world who have contributed to my 8th grade dream. I’d like to thank all of you who have donated at any time during these past 10 years, especially while I’ve been off tending to my own education.

I’m sharing all of this to ask if you’d join me and become a Difference Maker for the Love O kids.

Our goal is to raise $6300 to cover the costs of sending all 19 children to school in the upcoming 24-25 school year. It currently costs $350 to fund a child for one school year, including uniforms, books, and exam fees. It is our hope that things in Haiti will be much safer when the new school year begins. 

There are a few ways you may contribute if you choose.

Sponsor one or more children for a year with a one time payment or set up a monthly donation of $30 (This is a great option to ensure sustainable education over time). You may also donate any amount you choose from $10 to $6300.

All monies are donated directly through We the Village which is a 501C3 charity. 100% of funds donated through the BADM program will be used for education. I don’t have access to financial information or donation history. All transactions and annual acknowledgement of donations will be handled by We the Village.

Here’s the link to donate!

I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to consider the history and current needs of the Love O kids. I am a Difference Maker who believes in the power of education to help these children rise out of poverty. I hope you join my dream and become a Difference Maker for their future.

Sami Milano
Creator, Be A Difference Maker Educational Program for Love Orphanage, Haiti

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

If you find situations in Haiti and other third world countries, disheartening, look for the good news. There is plenty of healing, empowerment, and growth occurring in small pockets of the world. It’s often the small efforts born from someone’s heart breaking that lead to long-term improvement. This is what happened for Gabriel, Ahaji, and Sami. Three hearts broke and each took the action that called them. Gathering others to support their dreams, magic happened. And continues with long term commitment to empower sustainable change for a small family across the ocean. Whenever your heart breaks, see what action is yours to take. Your contribution matters.

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Aspirational Dreaming

Aspirational Dreaming.

It’s a thing. Consider how many times you are presented with someone who does something truly amazing or simply appealing. And you notice a response in your own being. A quickening. A feeling of thrill or aliveness in your body. Or a sense of “Wow!” that floats itself forward with words to express your admiration or interest. Perhaps it’s a private, tiny voice within that says …

“I’d like to do that.”

However you get “sparked,” times like these are noticeable if you’re paying attention. It’s important to differentiate between noticing admiration or being impressed by someone’s achievements, commitment to excellence, or a personal quality like intelligence, curious enthusiasm, or a potential for joyful love.

There’s a bit of aspirational noticing in these moments as well.

Yet, you don’t feel inspired to leap out of your chair and yell “Yes! I too will swim from Cuba to Florida without stopping at the age of 64!” For those of you who are missing that reference, check out the movie Nyad on Netflix. I first heard Diane Nyad interviewed on the Chasing Life podcast with Sanjay Gupta. “Wow!” I thought. “That’s amazing.”

After watching the movie of her epic swims (yes, plural), I’m still amazed.

And have absolutely no desire to get off my comfy couch and dip my toe in a pool, let alone swim across an ocean. (If you haven’t read about my courageous weeny swim with dolphins in Hawaii, you can do so here). So, that’s a hard no. No fizzle of excitement and longing to aspire to that feat.

Inspiration, even when faced with someone’s aspirational character, does not a dream make.

You’ve got to tune into your own oracle. That spidey sense that lives within you and knows how to track the clues on your Soulful Map. While sometimes it is clear, your inner knowing often whispers in goosebumps, single thought sentences, or an unsettled feeling in your solar plexus.

That’s a typical signal for me.

When my solar plexus starts getting squirmy and I’m thinking “uh oh,” I’m aware that something is coming down that garden Soul Path and aiming right toward me.

Requiring me to pay attention, take some Tiny Actions toward whatever nudge is appearing, and say “yes” even if my eyes squeeze shut and I cross my fingers behind my back.

When someone or something demonstrates a part of your Soul’s next dream, you’ll get put on notice. 


Whether you are attuned enough to notice the notice is another story.

However, I believe you’re fully wired to perceive and translate all the clues laid upon your path. After all, you’ve got 5 senses in working order, an oracle body, and a 6th sense that is already scanning for your next expansion.

That’s one way to catch the dream. Notice what seems really appealing to you – aspirational even – and give it a wee bit of attention.

All it takes is that little nod of noticing for your Soul to say “Yes! Game on!” It’s a tricky thing, this clue following. If your mind gets in on the game too early, it does what it always does. Tries to figure out what the clues mean or how it’s gonna work out or if you’ve got what it takes, etc, etc, etc.

The mind is a party pooper and a dream crasher.

Yet, there is a bit of loveliness about that mind of yours. It has stored so much knowledge, many strategies, and knows how to plan stuff and take action. It’s such a help in so many ways. The mind can’t help crashing about like a bull in a china shop when the Aspirational Dreaming process turns on (or is noticed midway through its process).

So let’s not be so hard on the mind, but put it to good use.

I’m in the midst of my Aspirational Dreaming process these days. I’ve explored my Hidden Gems from last year. I’m spending time in reflection with my blank journal of creative wonder. (Just so we’re clear, my mind and solar plexus are very creatively wondering what the hell we’re up to in 2024. Both are busy commenting and squirming about. And I’m doing my utmost best to ignore them.)

I’m tracking clues now. What person, story, action, imaginative idea, or place in this lovely world is catching my attention?

When I notice my inner fizzle of excitement, anxiety, or a sense of a “yes” to a really cool idea, I make note. Wherever I am, I write it in my phone or on a scrap of paper. I tell whomever I’m with, if trustworthy with my dreaming, what is emerging. I track the clues like Inspector Clouseau on a good day.

Then I draw, write, and describe those clues on the blank pages of my new journal.

Aspirational Dreaming. So many ways to play the Soul’s Game. This is my way this year. In 2010, I played this game for a dozen Fridays at the Grounds for Sculpture in New Jersey. Almost a year to the day later, Soul Sanctuary was birthed. That dream worked out well. If you don’t know that story, you can read it here.

The Soul is your partner in this process. The mind is the servant. You’re the one noticing stuff with your beautiful body oracle.

You don’t have to swim across the ocean with jelly fish, sharks, and storms. You just have to explore the possibility that there’s more to life this year than you’re currently expecting.

Dive in and explore what’s possible. I’ll be swimming in the currents of curious exploration with you. It’s gonna be a good year!

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

So many scientific discoveries, courageous exploration, and inventions that benefit humanity have landed unexpectedly. Often in the shower, while napping, or when playing with friends. It’s important for your intuitive dreaming as well as your logical, linear planning to take breaks. To let your body, mind, emotions, and energy take a rest. Go out and play a bit more. Find your way of R&R that is enjoyable, not just a vegging on the couch as a recovery method. Enthusiastic play, relaxation, and enjoyable activity. It’s all vitally important for the creative genius that you’re capable of being. The world benefits from small to gigantic ideas. Time to play and dream.

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Applause Please!


The New Year is upon you. Right on the tail of your full belly, busy schedule, and (hopefully) positive feelings about your world.

Before you dive back into your regular work and life schedule, how about you take a breath and consider the year you’ve been living? There’s time enough for New Year’s resolutions, goals, or choosing a “word of the year” after the ball drops at midnight on January 1, 2024. Perhaps you can spare an hour over the next few days to take stock of where you’ve been.

My favorite practice is Seeking the Hidden Gems of 2023. You’ll float back over the past year to uncover all the ways you’ve grown into a wiser human being.

No matter what area of life you look at, you’re seeking the small to large wins. No need to dwell on all things undone or resolutions left by the way side. This is a celebratory practice looking backwards. And it’s not just reserved for the big gains, although I’m sure you’ll find some of those. Remember that it is deeply personal and all relative. What’s a win to you may be nothing to another.

In this practice, there is no other to consider. After all, it’s your life you’re living.

You’ll want to float about in many categories of life. Some examples may include hobbies, friendships, all things health, dreams, care offered others or the planet, financial harmony, creative pursuits, favorite contributions (work, volunteer, private prayers), spending time alone, play, enhancing family wellbeing, spiritual practice, and any other aspect of YOUR wellbeing.

When your mind goes to a critical assessment of what wasn’t accomplished, where you failed, or what is missing, take a breath and remind yourself that Part Two of the practice, Aspirational Dreaming in 2024, doesn’t happen until the New Year.

I expect you to be surprised and delighted by all the Hidden Gems you'll uncover. 


When you consider all of the Tiny Actions, simple pleasures, and many small to large wins, perhaps you’ll discover a more capable version of yourself.

One who is deeply human in all of your vulnerabilities, desires, beauty, and gifts. One who is more interconnected with others than you may have realized. One who has been receiving as well as giving, and most likely sharing times of happiness, meaning, and contribution with others (animals and nature included!).

It’s often the things you take for granted that, when written on your list, add up to reveal you are quite something and have lived a fuller life than you’ve realized.

Of course, you’ll want to include the challenges you’ve faced. When you do, instead of focusing upon how hard, sad, or overwhelmingly devastating these times were, seek the tiny if not great things you learned about yourself, others, and life.

When I’ve faced the most challenging times in my life, I’ve looked for how Love infiltrates every encounter.

I could write a book on how Love moves in these moments. Through others, through me, through the physical space, and through all emotions that ebb and flow. It amazes me and leaves me open, willing, and ready to be with Life as hard as it is showing up in those moments. When I forget to seek Love, I’m stressed and dismayed. It’s amazing how easily you drop into fear and stress while leaving love and wonder off to one side, isn’t it? Yet that is the way of it for most humans, even with the best of intentions.

The cool thing about Seeking Hidden Gems is that you may want to revisit the practice throughout the year.

A monthly or quarterly review is not just for the financially savvy human. Recognizing how you’re growing into your wisdom, generous spirit, and capacity to enjoy Life requires awareness. Without stopping to smell the proverbial rose, you miss what’s often right under your nose.

Here’s the How To. It’s simple.

Give yourself the gift of a quiet space, at least an hour or so, and a blank notebook. You can nourish this practice any way that makes sense to you. Some folks love to create a ceremony by opening sacred space, lighting a candle, enjoying soothing instrumental music, and whatever is personally meaningful. I’m a big fan of the unlined journal, colored pens, and doodling my findings. I find this type of “journal” invites the seeding of new growth and nourishment of dreams I can’t yet articulate.

Choose your 6 – 10 categories for review. Be creative and find those areas of life that are truly meaningful to you.

And don’t leave out the hard ones! They often yield the most surprising fruit. The idea of “float back” is to let your mind gently travel over the year. It’s typically not in a linear fashion. More like a meandering through memories. Some insights are bright and obvious. Others have a more subtle glow and may have to be sought with a bit more relaxed diligence.

A few simple questions may prompt your meandering treasure hunt.

What was good about that time or situation? How did I grow into a stronger, more compassionate, and competent person? Where did play, creativity, laughter, and fun show up in the year? What tiny gains added up or seeded something I can keep on nourishing in 2024? What did I really love, enjoy, or benefit from last year? What motivated me to be kind, generous, and loving? Am I any wiser? What did I offer others? What did I bring out into the world?

When you’ve meandered a bit, written down some notes, and examined all your categories, take a look at any areas where the gems are sparse.

Now it’s time to go smaller. If you’re like most people, you may be looking for those bigger gems that sparkle for all to see. Find the tiny movements you made. Getting out of bed on hard days. Helping a stranger. Donating a dollar to a food bank at the grocery store. Eating a few green beans. Exploring a new activity or place.

Finding a bunch of “micro movements” toward wellbeing and wisdom is essential in every category.

Spoiler alert: if you take the time to WholeHeartedly Seek your Hidden Gems, you may discover a wise, loving, and creative person living within your skin. Seems worth the meander. Don’t forget this is a celebratory practice, so give yourself a round of applause and maybe a few pats on the back along the way.

Check out the HeartWarming News below. You’ll want to seek other’s good fortune as well as your own. Win win!

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

You CAN catch happiness. Studies have shown that stress is catching, such as how witnessing others in pain can activate the pain network in your brain. (Hint: turn off the evening news and read your news selectively). New studies on “positive empathy” reveals that your brain will also resonate with positive emotions. Witnessing other’s good fortune can activate the reward system in your brain. Hip hip hooray for you and me! Positive empathy experiences are good for your peace of mind, relationships, happiness, and self satisfaction. Lots of not so hidden gems there!

 

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Simple Experiments for the Dark Time

It’s dark and getting colder in North America and much of the world.

Inviting you to slow down, light your candles, warm your hands by the fire, and enjoy your time indoors. It’s hard to miss the obvious invitation to slow down, go inside, nourish what is meaningful, and rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.

Yet, modern life has clearly disrupted your tendency to sync up with the seasonal wisdom.

It’s a social thing, this modern life. Artificial lights, smart phones, instant messaging, the world wide web, and scrolling on social media keep you connected all day, every day. Schedules, tasks, automobiles, and your people scattered about the world. It’s different than living in ancient times in a village where the seasonal wisdom reigned supreme.

Just because the wonders of modern life encourage you to “run, run, Rudolph” doesn’t mean you have to keep up the pace.

Imagine having the audacity to launch a social experiment in the midst of the hustle and bustle of all this holiday hoopla.

Settle in your home. Light a candle or fire. Soft music. Quiet conversation. Silence. No TV or books. 


“Everyday?!?! How long?” screams the mind.

“What about shopping after work? I have gifts to wrap, meals to prepare, guests to host, travel plans to make!” The mind is going a bit crazy with this simple experiment. That’s to be expected.

You define the parameters of your experiment. 5 minutes or 5 hours. Alone or with others.

You may enjoy the lusciousness of non doing as you relax in the dim light listening to your favorite music or people. The body remembers the ancient times and will slowly settle in. Make sure you throw in some silence as you sit in the dark with the lights of the tree, menorah, or fire. The more you practice this during the winter season, the more memory awakens.

Ancient wisdom embodied in the modern world.

Moving back into the world of hustle, you’ll bring a slower rhythm out into the world. Returning to nourish in the quiet of your home. Allowing yourself to discover your own way of realigning with the wise movement of the natural world.

Every moment is sacred and filled with potential joy, wonder, and the warmth of love.

However you celebrate the Light of the Season, enjoy it. I wish you great peace and less stress. I hope you breathe deeply and carve out a single minute for yourself to enjoy your surroundings. Again and again. Every day.

1 minute of nourished wonder. Repeat. Repeat.

That’s another simple experiment. Don’t tell your mind. It will only freak out.

I hope you show up wherever you are to these invitations. So you may savor the light within and around you.

I hope you gather your friends and family around you so they may experience the peace within you and bask in your light.

I’m off now to bask within the Salon at Soul Sanctuary. Just for an entire minute. I’ll be thinking of you.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Northern Norwegians have figured out how to live joyfully in the dark days of winter. Imagine living in a place where the sun doesn’t rise (or only briefly peaks out on the horizon) from the middle of November through the end of January. It becomes part of the culture to nestle into the warmth of the hearth, love of family and friends, comfort food and activities. All the while, going about the daily actions of living, playing, and working. Rather than hibernating, you’ll find these Norwegians slipping into warm clothes while turning on their headlamps to light the way. Joyful dark days.

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4 Tips for Reducing Holiday Tension

The Thanksgiving Holiday is upon us in the United States.

Bringing families and friends together to share a meal with gratitude for the abundance of love, food, community, and pleasure. Unless tensions arise for any number of reasons. Perhaps you stress when hosting, families don’t get along, you are dealing with grief or loneliness, someone drinks too much, politics get dicey, or any number of ways your leftover childhood issues come uninvited to dinner.

Here’s four suggestions to lower your tension this turkey day.

1. Be Yourself

That might sound obvious, but it’s hard for people to be comfortable in their own skin when there is any kind of tension present. Family gatherings may be the one place you actually drop into yourself and feel at home. I’m happy for you. I’m also aware that a large number of people feel anxious in anticipation of all those inlaws and outlaws gathering in one place.

What if you decided ahead of time to show up as who you feel yourself to be?

If you’re used to wearing a mask or using strategies to protect yourself, why not let at least one of them drop off? If that sounds terrifying, try it out for a few minutes with the most benign person at dinner. Most people don’t notice you’re all masked up like its Halloween, so they won’t notice if you let just one layer loose.

As long as you feel safe enough, it’s an interesting game to play. After all, it’s up to you to step into your own skin, comfy or not, so perhaps you give yourself permission this year to begin.

2. Acknowledge your personal, family and or friend situation.

You all may be at peace, enthusiastic about your lives, and happy to stuff your face together. Or you may be in a terrible fight, hate being in a crowd, are deep in grief, or worried about that relative who has gone off the rails. Whether it is temporary or long standing, let it be that.

Wishing life was different or getting angry at others for being who they are, where they are, and how they’re behaving is gonna give you indigestion.

Deciding ahead of time to make peace with your situation or come to a temporary truce within yourself may allow you to take the edge off. With that mindset shift, you might actually find some beauty hidden in the day.

3. Remember to wear pants.

This is for anyone feeling the stress of hosting and trying to make a meal tasty and special for everyone. Worrying about how clean the house is, whether the turkey will be moist, or if you have enough matching place settings is beside the point. You’re hosting. Everyone else is grateful they are not.

It doesn’t need to be perfect and you don’t have to worry about everyone’s wellbeing. Don’t fry your brain over entertaining. Even if your guests are grumpy and silently judging your spread, they’re still eating your meal.

So, forget worrying about what other people think.

Keep it simple and do your best. Above all, remember to wear pants. 


Or a skirt. Seriously, as long as you remember the basics like getting dressed and putting some food on the table, the day will be a success. Spray some lemon spray by the front door so guests think your house is clean and enjoy your day.

4. Focus on the worthy.

It’s Thanksgiving and the hint is in the name. Spend some time contemplating what’s really important in life. What are you grateful for? Even if life isn’t quite working out as you’d like, spend the day saying thank you – aloud and silently – for all you have been given, created, and are in the process of dreaming.

Be generous with your gratitude.

Play a game where you let everyone know your appreciation. One at a time. Thank them for who they are, what they’ve given you, or, if all else fails, for passing the gravy. Be generous – give that thanks away freely.

And don’t forget to pass some loving gratitude to yourself.

For showing up however you have on this day of Giving Thanks. And for all the ways you make the world sparkle a bit brighter because you exist.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Want to be a Human Book? Explore the Human Library Project where you can volunteer your time and “story” in order to educate others. It began in Copenhagen in 2000 with an intent to break down stereotypes and stigma. Gathering volunteers to share stories of what it was like to grow up gay, placed in child protective services, being psychic, surviving a suicide attempt, being deaf and depressed, living as an immigrant, and more. You’re helped to “unjudge someone” when you sit for 30 minutes listening to a life story. 80 countries and going strong.

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I’m Thinking in an Irish Accent

It began quietly enough. Making my protein shake one morning, I noticed my thoughts had an accent.

That was certainly different, so it got my attention. I tuned in to listen to the inner mental dialogue I normally ignore as drivel. To be sure, it was still drivel, but all the more entertaining with different lingo and a new take on profanity. Although the dialogue was silly nonsense, it had some entertaining visuals.

That’s how my husband found me in my kitchen. Cracking myself up and mumbling about some shite nonsense.

I blame it on the Derry Girls. All 5 of them, boy included.

I’m not particularly Irish myself. Despite my very Irish surnames on both sides of my family. I blame that distancing from my heritage on my Mother and those felt shamrocks she pinned to my knee socks on St. Patrick’s day. Dressed head to toe in green, I’m not sure why I needed to adorn myself further. I think it was an Irish thing.

It wasn’t until 7th grade that I finally figured out that since they were attached by safety pins, those damn shamrocks could be easily unattached as soon as I was out of sight of my house. I was a bit slow in those days.

If only I hung out with the Derry girls, I’d have quickly tossed those shamrocks as I engaged in any manner of shenanigans.

It wasn’t until season 3 of this Netflix series that I realized I was watching a Seinfeld like show, albeit in a little town in Ireland. A cast of “characters” (adults included), plenty of ridiculousness, no one learning from the lessons they encountered, clever story lines, and the occasional poignancy depicted within friendships, insecurities, and the Troubles. 


Reflecting upon how easily this Derry girl thinking had infiltrated my psyche, I realized how influenced you and I truly are.

Beyond the influence of society via film, stories, media, institutional training, and cultural lore, there is family. The stories you’ve lived with your family of origin and the stories you’ve carried.

Some may be obvious, yet most are subtle, buried deep within your physicality, energetics, and psyche.

You are living the stories of your ancestors whether you notice them or not. 


You can explore this via genetics, epigenetics, ancestral energetic influence, and inherited family trauma patterns.

I see these all the time in my work with Energy Medicine and the Andean Energy Medicine (Peru). Long gone ancestors have offered their unresolved issues down through the generations through many pathways.

Perhaps hoping one day a great great grandchild will work things out for the family.

Later that same day, I was engaged in a relatively mindless task and I wandered into a pictorial daydream. I was in my parents’ bedroom at the time my Mom was bed bound in hospice. I thought poignantly that my parents would’ve enjoyed the Derry Girls given their heritage and well oiled funny bones.

Next thing I know Mom and I were cracking up, tears running down our faces, about that Mother Mary statue episode. 



That’s how my husband found me. Making a sign for a yard sale and laughing my ass off … in an Irish accent. While finding me like this isn’t a surprise, he wondered what it was this time that had me going on. I realized in the telling that I had entered a new level of connection with my Mom. We were both reminiscing about the episode we had “seen” and which, as usually happens, it became even funnier with the retelling.

After my gratitude and laughter subsided, I realized the time of year.

Here it was coming on Halloween (with many fond costume memories), all Saint’s Day (a time of honoring our family passed), the Day of the Dead (a time to honor the ancestors), and my Mom’s birthday. All happening the week after my yard sale where I was finally cleaning out things I “carried” home after cleaning out my family home a few years ago.

Ahhhh. I almost missed it. This clue to explore more of the subtle, pervasive influence that my family (recent and ancient) has had, and is having, on my current life.

I added some photos to my ancestor’s altar in my guest room. Including my husband’s family. Spend some moments in gratitude for our lineages who have given us so many gifts. Including the hidden kind that source our strength and fuel our stuck patterns. I’m grateful for the entertaining way this invitation came my way. And the new connections that arose as a result of engaging my inner Irish.

As I begin my excavation of these past familial influences, I’ll use the tools I already have developed. 

Integrating the capacity to dialogue with aspects of the self and relatives long gone with the shamanic practices of tracking and journeying. Tuning into the mental, emotional, physical, and energetic patterns being played out in my daily life. All of this leading to the energetic clearing of those energy patterns which aren’t mine to carry. Honoring those who came before me, doing the best they could, while making the space for me to walk forward, doing the best I can. Cleaning things up for myself and for future generations.

If I may help you “clean up” your lineage and the energy you carry, please let me know. 



There are so many avenues to do this work. Andean Energy Medicine. Heart Assisted Therapy. The Emotion and Body Code. AngelicEnergetics™. I use them all and likely will continue for as long as I’m breathing.

And if you’re watching Derry Girls, I suggest using subtitles. Unless you’re full blown Irish.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Many organizations are focused upon intergenerational healing and the importance of attending to 7 generations in both directions. Every culture in this war torn world of those who conquer has experienced attempted annihilation of peoples, cultural beliefs, religious practices, and traditions. Denying people their place, voice, and worth as equals in the human family. Healing of The Seven Generations is a Canadian organization focused upon healing the trauma of the impact of residential schools on the First Peoples and their descendants. One story. Replayed around the world throughout time. Whatever your ancestral story, let’s heal this within ourselves and the world.

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Celestial Librarians Await You

I was driving on the highway when I received the name for an integrated Angelic Healing method: AngelicEnergetics™.

That’s often the way of it, this celestial communication. While I love those larger than life stories of meeting a fully winged Angel in the hallway while traipsing to the bathroom in the middle of the night, those kinda things never happened to me.

In fact, I pretty much dismissed a few years of lovely appearances, helpful suggestions, and mind blowing instruction about the secrets of the Universe because they didn’t meet my idea of how Angels et al should show up.

Somewhere along the years, my rational brain took a nap and I caught up with all those interactions. That’s the beauty of a celestial rendezvous. Even when you’re late to the party, you’re invited to reminisce about all those times you saw, heard, felt, or were spontaneously guided to the perfect moment, information, or opportunity.

I could write a book about my celestial encounters, but that’s not so interesting to me.

I’d rather explore with you how to expand YOUR contact with those cosmic conversationalists. It lights me up when you access a new way of connecting to your own intuitive genius and begin the nonlinear path of walking hand in hand with the Angels. And then play around with how to share your unique intuitive style with others so they may enter their own Angelic connection.

Once you’re in the conversation, the libraries of the heavens open for you.



That’s why I’m not so interested in one book. Not when every conversation opens a new story, a new technique, and a new way to offer this knowledge to others. I guess I’m more of a Celestial Librarian than an author of personal encounters with the Divine (by any name and form).

Makes me wonder if you’ve got your library card and if you want to explore what’s waiting for you with AngelicEnergetics™?

It was the Angels’ idea to integrate Energy Psychology and Energy Medicine techniques with Angelic energy healing. 


That was right up my alley as I’m aware of the efficient power of very simple Energy Psychology and Energy Medicine techniques.

They clarify your energy field, organize your capacity to receive and process information, and restructure the energy body to hold more light. It made great sense to me to add these techniques to the Angelic connection, communication, and energy healing. Great sense. 



Plus the Archangels and the Seven Rays of Divine Light are generous, brilliant teachers.

For the past fifteen years, they’ve been mentoring me in new ways to work with light, color frequency, light chambers (matrices of light), and planetary lightwork. These Angelic partners are quite considerate as all techniques and direct teaching take into consideration how you “work” as an intuitive being and where you are on your own developmental learning curve. As you gain more experience with AngelicEnergetics™, you recognize how to adapt the techniques to work with groups, individuals, places, or cosmic situations.

The Angels of the Rays have been recently teaching me how to “dose the light” to complement other traditional and holistic interventions.

That was unexpected and came in handy when working on my dog after his skunk encounter. They’ve also had me update the Practitioner and Advanced Practitioner Manuals. There’s more to come in that regard, but I need to play with others a bit before they’ll release more techniques. Are you in? If so, you’ll meet them soon enough and develop a new, even deeper relationship than you have right now.

I’m inviting you to explore AngelicEnergetics™ for your own benefit.

If you want to take it further and share it with others informally or professionally, that’s great. I’ll support both options and share what I’ve learned to launch you onto your own direct learning path. However, I want to be really clear about something. If you explore AngelicEnergetics™, you’ll be reaping the benefits and supporting your personal expansion at all levels of your being.

As a natural outcome, you’ll heal, shift, and grow energetically, physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. All in accordance with your Soul’s guidance.

I use AngelicEnergetics™ every week for myself, in my work, with nature, in the world, and throughout the cosmos. It’s just a natural way of being and always empowers my intent to be a beneficial presence as I become a better human. I’d love to share what I’ve learned with you so you may expand your way of being a joyful, beneficial presence in the world.

Whether you know nothing about energy healing or Angels, or you’re a wise professional serving the world, AngelicEnergetics™ is calling you.

Dip your toe in the energy with the AngelicEnergetics™ Group Healing ZOOM events. Dive deeper with a 1 or 2 day in person training at Soul Sanctuary. The 1 day EveryOne AngelicEnergetics™ training empowers your personal work. If you want to share it with others for fun or professionally, you need to attend the 2 day (plus) Practitioner training. All details are available here or check out my Workshop page.

How do you know if this modality is right for you? Ask the Angels. And if you want a second opinion, feel free to reach out to me for a chat.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Turns out that more people believe in Angels and heaven than in the devil and hell. Although things that science can’t explain and the power of prayer beat out both heaven and the Angels. Bet that’s getting a good laugh rippling across the proverbial heavens. So says a recent AP-NORC poll of 1680 adults in the US. That devil is still beating out ghosts, karma, and yoga as a spiritual practice. I wonder what the yogis say about that? They probably just take a deep breath and let it go with a harmonious “Ooooooommmmmmmm.”

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Help! My Siblings are Fighting!

All around the world, my human family is having a really hard time. 

In the midst of conflict, it’s easy to forget that we the people share something so common and so very precious. We’re all living, breathing human beings. Sharing our lives on this planet which is so rich in resources and also so at risk of deterioration. 

This amnesia is so pervasive that it leaves brothers fighting against brothers. Mothers against mothers. Siblings against siblings. 

It’s enough to make a grown human weep. And many are weeping all over the world. Those in the line of fire, witnessing the destructive nature of humanity, and mourning the loss of people, creatures, landscapes, and ideals such as peace, harmony, and respect. When the world wide news seeps so easily into your home and your psyche, you can’t help but shake a bit. 

I’ve been listening to a lot of people shaking these past weeks. In fear, outrage, and deep sorrow.

A pervading sense of helplessness comes from being so unsettled by what is happening in the world(s) around us. Fear, outrage, and sorrow activate the stress response system. Repeatedly. Flooding your body with cortisol or adrenaline. And linking to all those stored memories of feeling unsafe, unsettled, and unsupported. 

It’s not only the dropping of bombs and horror of witnessing the loss of life, limbs, and neighborhoods as wars rage in the Middle East and Ukraine. 

It’s the relentless awareness of the prevalence of war zones which infiltrate all levels of humanity and spaces on the planet. Domestic violence. Cartel wars. Political infighting. Civil unrest. Human trafficking. Species extinction. Gang violence. Fiscal inequity. Environmental destruction. Sexual abuse. Crimes against people of color, gender fluidity, immigrants, and those unfortunate to live in impoverished neighborhoods. Religious condemnation. Dictators and terror. 

Us vs them. Us vs them. Us vs them.

What’s it gonna take to stop a world gone mad due to the shared insanity of humanity?

And before you say “it’s not me, it’s them making all the trouble,” consider how you just plopped right in the middle of “us vs them.”

Here’s 5 considerations when the world around you is at war and you’re suffering. 


#1. Don’t join the fight. 

It’s a challenge not to take sides. Especially when you feel one side is so right and the other side is so wrong. No one said this step was going to be easy. Rather than jumping into the fray with your fists, your opinion, and your heightened stress producing chemistry, take a pause and a few deep breaths. 

#2.  Soothe your system.

When you are in a fight or flight/flee/freeze response, you’re no good to anyone. Least of all yourself. Whether you are in extreme distress or chronically worried, it’s important to have the skill and practices to regulate your own physiology. Lots of ways to to this, but the hint was in #1. Take a pause and breathe. When you “calm yourself,” as my Grandma used to say, you regulate your physiology and gain access to the wisdom of your higher order thinking and caring heart.

[Get my freebie, The Self Soothe Strategy, or read my Breathe Like a Dolphin blog for some valuable practices.]

#3. Consider your sibling’s position.

In indigenous and wisdom traditions around the world, humanity is viewed as one family sharing the precious resources in one ecosystem. The “us vs them” gives way to the kinship view where all are related. So, once you are soothed and before you jump into action, consider your kin. That “other” individual, group, or country. What is their framework of the world and how may this “fighting” be viewed as protecting what is most valuable or necessary to them?

You step into the other’s world as you ponder and research this question. To increase understanding, perhaps access some compassion, and seek some common ground. After all, “those people” are also mothers, fathers, children, aunties, uncles, siblings, and cousins. Calm and considering, you now open to a new opportunity for peace, caring, and assistance. 

#4.  Ask the question, “What is mine to do?”

Whether you’re in the center of the storm, inflamed by the news, or deeply bothered by one of the countless disturbing situations in the world, ask this question. You may or may not get an immediate answer. This is not a problem to solve or an invitation for your mind figure out the correct answer. It is more of a request to the great intelligence that guides the moon cycles or inhabits all of the natural world. Let the answer come to you. It may surprise you and even seem unrelated, but take heed and follow up with calm, heart centered action. 

#5. Take action guided by a wise, compassionate heart. 

When you don’t feel so wise or compassionate, remember that somebody somewhere has some sage advice. It may come to you in a role model, a random interaction, a book or story, or through your own wise heart. When it’s time to do something, whatever that something is, bring the higher qualities of respect, understanding, compassion, forgiveness, and love into your offering.

Even the tiniest of action, when guided by love, sends a ripple out into the world. 

There are many ways to respond to the unrelenting sorrows of a human race at war with itself. Considering how you contribute to all the ways this world calls for your attention isn’t a one time action. More like a way of being. 

Peacemaking within. Lovemaking within. Harmony making within. 

We all live in our own world of perception which is interconnected with all worlds of perception. So your viewpoint matters and so do your tiny actions. When you realize deep in your bones that the world changes around you as you make adjustments to the world within you, something happens. 

You move away from throwing fuel on the fire of “us vs them” and enter the world of one family. Some of whom you love deeply and some who disturb the hell out of you. You aspire to become a safe space of harmony for others to rest within. You practice living respectfully, compassionately, and lovingly to yourself and others near and far. Imperfectly executing this desire.

All the while humming the Beatles tune “Come together right now over me.” 

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

I’ve got some good news for you! There’s a lot of creative, collaborative, innovative solutions happening around the world. So much that I can’t squeeze it into this little pink box. Let me suggest something. If you’re gonna watch or read the news, read across the ‘far, left, middle, right, far’ to get an idea of different perspectives. Check out how other countries see things. Widen your perspective. Then mine the web for good news. I don’t subscribe to anything so that I seek news rather than have it pushed to me. With one exception. Reasons to be Cheerful slides into my inbox and motivates me to make a difference any way I can. I figure that beats me hanging out with ‘us who are bitchin’ about them.’

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We Got Skunked

Decision time.

Do I take my dog out front in my pjs and pink fuzzy slippers to bless “his” fire hydrant or let him roam free in the backyard?

We’ve been a little overprotective of Milo ever since he broke his foot this summer while chasing an intruder. Especially since his tendency is to take off like a bat outta hell if he sees a squirrel or bunny. Yet, his foot had healed nicely and it was early, cold, and damp.

I kept an eye on him as he patrolled and watered the garden beds.

When he disappeared into the overgrown woods, I went to make my smoothie. Trusting he’d bark when it was time to get his portion. Mid-smoothie, I was prompted to look outside as I witnessed him leaping over the greenery and streaking toward the side yard. It was such a full out run that I went out on the deck to investigate.

My mind scrambled and I couldn’t understand why two black and white creatures were nose to nose in my yard.

Within seconds I was screaming “Milo, No!”while watching two snarling creatures locked in a battle. In hindsight, I realize my stress response had diminished my frontal lobe functioning. I was terrified that Milo was going to be bitten in the face by this creature.

Seems I forgot all about a skunk’s secret weapon.

I saw the moment Milo got sprayed in the face and his valiant effort to go in for one more snarl. I’m sure the burning was too much for him as he ran in a panic, rubbing his face in the grass. My extensive vocabulary changed to “Milo, Come!” as I ran along with him.

As he streaked by me on the deck, I saw his look of panic in his blood red eyes.

He’s quick and efficient. I’ll grant him that. In his frenzied state, Milo blessed the carpets in 3 rooms with that skunk’s parting gift before I caught him. Knowing I had to wash out his eyes, I leashed him and dragged the poor beast to grab towels and upstairs to the bathroom. Not even letting him pause for another wipe of his face.

As I ran the water, my entire focus was on protecting his eyes.

We were in sync as he brought his face under the warm water, flushing out his eyes. Quickly laying towels over the bathroom rug, I sought the dog shampoo. Only to find we had none. I grabbed my liquid soap made of plants which was good for sensitive skin. Not so great for de-skunking, but okay if soap got in his eyes.

Keeping up a constant stream of soothing language while lathering Milo allowed me to calm us both down a bit.

As my system reorganized and my higher order thinking came back on line, I realized a few things. He stunk. I stunk. My house stunk. And his eyes were clearing up rapidly. Once he had his roll about on the towels (and my bathroom rug) he was fluffy and a bit less stinky.

Leashed, I took him to the kitchen while I called the vet. “Watch his eyes.” 



I looked up how to get out skunk smell from a dog, my rugs, and my house. Just too complicated for me in that moment to do by myself. When I saw he was still shaking, I sat down and did a Body Code session to clear the trauma. No surprise that first up was the physical-emotional shock, unbalanced adrenals, and other relevant reactions. I treated myself as well while we moved through the protocol to help my system rebalance.

It worked well for both of us.

Too bad The Body Code doesn’t get out skunk oil. 


Next, I found the best rug cleaning service for stinky rugs and arranged for a thorough job three days hence.

With all my tasks done, I made peace with what had rearranged my day and that stink which was well entrenched in my nostrils. 

We took some sniff and strolls. Then sat outside on the deck for hours waiting for my husband to return from a trip.



Welcome home, lol. I quickly headed out to buy skunk shampoo and get my hair triple washed at the salon.

After a second bath that evening, I’d like to say Milo isn’t a skunk pup. But, I’d be lying. Eventually he’ll reject all that oil from his system, but not today. You might be gung ho about coating your dog in a skunk defying mix, leaving it on for 5 minutes, hosing him off, and repeating the process. But, I’m not. 



Our house has very clean rugs, towels on the furniture where skunk pup rests, and a calm dog who continues to keep watch over his domain.



I recognize the power of Energy Medicine techniques such as The Body Code every week in my office. And I saw its potential to help both of us quickly process the trauma of our skunk encounter. We’re all quite calm and tolerant of the subtle, but lingering stink. 



Milo could write a testimonial for The Body Code, but he’s too busy patrolling the yard as the apex predator he believes himself to be.

I won’t disabuse him of this notion. Yet, I will check the back yard before letting him out in the early morning. If I can assist you in processing the challenges of life, old or new, with any of the Energy Psychology or Energy Medicine techniques I know, please reach out.

It’s safe now ‘cause I no longer stink. 


 

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Challenging events and bad news can devastate, challenge a shift, or invite something new. The old adage of a silver lining is worth remembering. With so much emphasis is placed on avoiding trouble and decreasing stress, many people don’t even realize there are more types of stress response than just “fight or flight.” The Challenge Stress Response invites creativity in dealing with obstacles and perhaps even looking hard for that silver lining. Like when COVID shut down public places, restaurants and street vendors got creative in the open air. Something that continues to this day. Check out my Self Soothe Strategy PlayBook and Meditation so you may be flexible in the face of your “skunk.”

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The Generous Friendship of Trees

I turned off the car, took one conscious breath, and sat a moment.

Finding a space of peace within as I let my busy mind and active body settle from my morning. Silently, I breathed away those thoughts which competed for my scattered attention. Encouraged by my newfound peace, my eyes focused on what stood before me. 

A beautiful tree of red situated next to a smaller tree of yellow.

Such beauty in these Fall colors! They had not been present last time I parked my car before them. Or had they? I didn’t know.

So often racing from one space to another. I didn’t notice them yesterday, but these delightful colors were definitely present today.

I breathed in appreciation of the artistry dancing in the breeze before me.

My eyes slowly wandered to the left and took a moment to process the mix of colors around me. A beautiful holly tree with glistening green leaves. So vibrantly alive. These sturdy green leaves reflected the light as if diamonds had taken a pause in flight to wink at me.

I couldn’t help but noticing how generously the natural world shared beauty, diversity, and support.

Woven into the green holly leaves were splashes of red. The branches of the neighboring tree had come to visit, rest, and share in the beautification of this tiny patch of nature. I wondered if the red leaves understood the holly’s desire to adorn herself. Or if it was a beautiful friendship where the holly enjoyed both the brilliant red leaves and the stark naked branches in winter of her neighbor.

I don’t know how long I sat there. Creatively exploring the intent and friendship of the trees before me.

Smiling, I realized that this decorative gift of red was to be repaid in time. Day after day the red leaves would flutter in the breeze, leaving branches of brown unadorned. No longer offering a gift of color to the holly, roles would reverse as the receiver became the giver.

Throughout the winter, the vibrant holly tree would cradle the naked branches and adorn them with leaves of green and diamond lights.

I figured then that the sun and breeze conspired to dance this model of reciprocal giving. So its graceful movement and reflecting light might catch the fancy of a distracted driver who parked before it.

Inviting her to take a breath, enjoy a moment of stillness, and feel a deep sense of peace.

Such a generous lesson before me.

One that had been missed over many, many years of parking in that spot. Funny thing. In the days that followed, I found generous weavings of red, orange, brown, and green everywhere I went. When I was distracted by mindless, unimportant thoughts, dancing forests, alive with color, reminded me to breathe deeply. To open my eyes to the gifts of beauty, generosity, and magical light existing everywhere.

Reminding me to share my beautiful light with others.

To dance in harmony with others across all seasons. With all manner of support. Sometimes giving. Sometimes receiving. Always grateful for this generous exchange. 

In the Andean Medicine tradition and Peruvian culture, this generous exchange is called Ayni.

Reciprocity or the mutual exchange of energy, care, and love is the way of life for those in many indigenous cultures. Underlying this core principle is the understanding that all things are connected in the Universe.

This energy of giving and receiving is happening all the time across and between the cosmos, Earth, peoples, nature, and all creatures.

When you recognize this interconnectivity within life, your thoughts, words, and deeds align with Ayni. “What I do for you, I also do for me.” You care for the community in relationship with the wide world as this is essential to your wellbeing.

All of life, apart from we humans, practice Ayni. This generous friendship of trees is only one example.

If you’d like to learn more about the beautiful principles guiding the interconnected life of the cosmos and Earth, you can explore any wisdom tradition that holds this value. By whatever name it is called.

I often teach the Art of Becoming classes for women which explore Ayni, Beauty, Wisdom, and Love.

These classes and retreats journeys into the Andean cosmovision, use the Andean Medicine Wheel as a Map, and wise guardians to provide guidance on your life journey.

You may always learn more by visiting these pages:  Andean Energy Medicine, Workshops, or Classes and Retreats. 

 

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Vast forests of aspen are all interconnected by roots and, get this, are one genetic individual. Genetically identical, a forest of aspen is really one organism. Dr. Michael Grant at University of Colorado studied an aspen clone in Utah consisting of a calculated 47,000 tree trunks covering 106 acres. Doing the math, it weighed in at 13 million pounds. Just because we look different than frogs, an iceberg, or Marie living in Ireland doesn’t mean we can’t act as if we’re one big organism. Energetically, we are.