Category: Blog-Creativity

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Wisdom from the Redwoods

I’m at home in the redwoods of California. My whole being knows this to be true.

Until 10 months ago, I was not aware that such a place existed for me. I knew the redwoods existed and had walked in Muir Woods as a teen with my family. Beyond that I gave no thought to those giant trees until I felt a call to walk those centuries old groves. When it evolved into a longing, I realized there was something waiting for me.

Our first adventure hiking amidst the redwoods and sequoias in the state and national parks was soul enriching.

Walking in silence through the groves was so deeply refreshing and perfect that I mourned leaving. All the way home and for days afterwards, I felt a deep loss. I had the idea that I wouldn’t return to these new found friends, or at least not for many years.

Last December my husband opened the invitation to travel. “What are we waiting for?” he asked.

I had no good answer to that question even though life was full of events, work, and people in need. When he asked where I wanted to go, my heart leapt. The redwoods beckoned and we booked our flight. It takes a lot of time to get to those trees. Flying across the country and driving 5 hours north of San Francisco. All to get to the little town of Orick, population 257, and my absolute favorite Prairie Creek State Park.

I could envision our little AirBnB. The picture windows overlooking the hummingbirds, fields of cattle, and the pacific ocean foaming as it kissed the sand.

Unexpectedly rerouted from a visit with dear friends, we found ourselves landing in Arcata for a few days. Offering the opportunity to explore Arcata Community Forest, Arcata Redwood Park, and the Arcata Bird Sanctuary along the coast. As our adventure began, I knew the routine. Relaxed mornings, a longer hike, home for lunch and perhaps a nap outside, a leisurely late afternoon hike, and a quiet evening.

I entered Arcata Community Forest as I do every forest, mountain, or body of water.

I offer gratitude to Pachamama for Her beauty and ask permission to enter. Here, I called upon the deva of the forest, that nature spirit that served the entirety of the ecosystem. And then I introduced ourselves. While that may sound silly, it’s a practice that allows for the respectful exchange of energy.

By stating our names out loud in greeting, I offered our energetic signature to nature and claimed our place within this living energy.

Walking slowly, letting my gaze travel upward, I began to speak silently with the trees. That’s another habit, sometimes silently and often aloud, I enter into conversation with the natural world.

I didn’t get very far into our little chat before I heard “Sssshhhh.”

Okay, that was unexpected and it shut me right up. I opened to listen and heard the trees tell me that my mind was too busy and my body too tense. That was true. I had been working every day, late into the night preparing for the Seeding the Light Gathering. I felt the tightness in my body from sitting at my desk, on the plane, and in the car for so many hours. In total agreement, I zipped my mental lips.

“How about you just hike.”

“Oh yes!” said every fiber of my being as my body and mind exhaled. It was as if these wise teachers offered me the ever present suggestion to “Let go and Just Be.” That day, every step, was a shedding. Without effort, while I soaked in the silent majesty, the stress that had taken up residence within my system released.

I eagerly entered a new trail on Day 2 and wondered what gifts were in store. 

As soon as that thought crossed my mind, I heard the trees whisper “Patience.”

I had to laugh. As if one day of shedding the busyness of my mind was sufficient. So, I brought my whole attention to the path. Again and again as my mind returned to planning and tasks. I realized that I could “just hike” every day and trust that the redwoods would drop their concise teaching into my lap.

Hiking through Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park on day 3, amidst a ton of tourists, I saw such beauty.

In the forests and the enjoyment of each human face turned upward. Within the streams, the sky, those trees. It touched me deeply, this beauty. Even the dust from the gravel which adorned the ferns lining the narrow road felt like a decoration.

At some point the lesson of that day formed into words.

“Nature adorns itself with beauty.”

Day 4 and I finally arrived at Prairie Creek. Deciding on a 6 mile hike, I felt downright giddy as I entered the familiar park.

No lie, it was a bit surprising to me that it felt like Christmas morning as a child. At some point that day, I heard a whisper “This is at-home-ment.” Yes, I knew that ‘being at home in the moment’ and I recognized that this place was that for me. That hike was delightful, especially as we left all the people behind.

It was just us amidst the beauty and stillness of the towering trees.

Unfortunately, we got lost on the loop. It’s a thing we do, getting lost on loops.

So, we ended up adding another few miles to our hike. My legs began to talk to me about strength and persistence, or maybe it was me talking to them. It began to blur until I heard the whisper of “Tenacity.” The fullness of that lesson unfolded in an instant. It’s a big one and, once received, I tapped into the energy of Pachamama and finished that hike happy and ready for lunch.

Day 5 brought a harder hike and the absence of trail signs.

High on the mountain, we laughed about a friend’s interest in Bigfoot sightings. I then startled at every rustle. We wondered if folks ended up sleeping in these woods when they couldn’t find their way out. I thought next time I’d bring more snacks and a whistle to call for assistance if needed. Most of the time, we didn’t speak as the silence was so intense that it seemed to have taken on material form.

“Silence and Trust.” Two lessons that day.

Eventually, many hours later, we arrived at the ranger station. Ready for that nap. Day 6 brought teachings about the experience of “Wonder.” And a reminder of “Strength” as hiking required more than my body was used to. I soon recognized, however, that my idea of my body’s ability was too limited, proven by what was accomplished without undue strain.

By Day 7, the lesson was “Ease” sprinkled with the constant reminder that “Life reveals Beauty.”

Driving south, we meandered through the Avenue of the Giants and stopped for one more tiny taste of these giants. Fallen trees, massive root systems, towering trees. We posed like others at the Founders Tree with its height of 346 feet and circumference of 40 feet. I witnessed awe and delight on every face I passed.

As I left, I shared my gratitude to these elders for their teachings. They whispered one more message to me. One that broke open my heart.

I realized in that moment that nature knows who we are and sees us clearly. And not just we as a human race, but me as a little personality. The wise ones had seen into my heart and reflected this back to me.

Being seen like that inspired me to live as one who loves purely, seeds beauty, gives generously, and honors all forms of life.

I’ll probably need many more hikes to truly live that aspiration. But, I know my teachers are waiting for my arrival, eager to whisper what I most need to learn.

Sssshhh, Let Go. Just Be. Patience. Nature adorns itself with Beauty. At-home-ment. Tenacity. Silence and Trust. Wonder. Strength. Ease. And the greatest of these was Love.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

The Japanese Society of Forest Medicine researches the therapeutic benefits of forests on human health and wellbeing. Forest bathing involves walking slowly, mindfully as you open the senses, notice your response, and enjoy the ecosystem. Statistics indicate that the average American spends 93 percent of the time indoors and about ten hours a day on social media. That can’t be good for your health. Forest bathing research revealed benefits such as strengthening the immune system, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, boosting overall sense of well being, and improving cardiovascular and metabolic health.

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Lessons from a Tadpole

As a child, I was fascinated by tadpoles. And I wasn’t alone.

Freely roaming the neighborhood during summer months, we kids would gather in my neighbor’s frog enclosure to search for new life. When tadpoles first appeared in the manmade pond, we peered into the murky water.

Like curious child scientists, we observed the natural evolutionary process of this ancient species.

Between neighborhood games of sheep and wolf, picking berries from the garden, and sleeping under the stars, we tracked the tadpoles’ progress. Spending quality time on our bellies became an integral part of our playtime.

We were delighted by the alchemical process when tiny legs appeared.

As small arms grew and tails shortened, we knew to check the surrounding banks to ensure gradual slopes of dirt and rocks for the froglets to make their way onto land.

Beyond observerIng, we became participants in creating an environment to support progress.

The froglets had to navigate their way out of water in order to live and breathe on land. The water, which sourced early development, became deadly if they were unable to make the transition.

This unfolding mystery trained us as naturalists and strengthened our connection to the rhythms of nature.

Our experiential learning required no adult supervision, textbooks, or standardized testing.

Just the presence of enthusiastic playmates with curious minds and a sense of wonder for a complex ecosystem resulting from millions of years of evolution.

Looking back upon my tadpole research, I recognize the valuable modeling of how to live in an ever changing world.

Complex personal, societal, and global challenges requires us, like the tadpole, to grow legs, learn to breathe through change, climb out of our comfort zone, and skillfully navigate new terrain. The combination of outer turmoil and inner evolutionary pulsing invites the potential to adapt skillfully. As adults, we rely upon learned experience, cognitive problem solving, and well honed defense mechanisms to move through adversity.

Yet, the inner curious child scientist suggests a different approach.

Letting go the mind, we might breathe deeply, drop into (onto) our belly, and reconnect with the rhythm of our essential nature. Relaxed and open, we’re free to gaze into the murky situation. Seeking subtle clues which offer a broader understanding of the potential for transformation. From this vantage point, we may recognize that we are swimming in the evolutionary stream of life.

What began millions of years ago is unfolding through us, inviting the next phase of becoming.

What was once perceived as a problem may be welcomed as a necessary phase of our own evolution. Broadening our vision, we recognize that so many others, seen and unseen, have prepared the environment for our growth and cleared the way for our move into new territory.

Welcoming support makes sense as no one travels alone on the journey of life.

Swim. Climb. Leap.

My love affair with tadpoles taught me how every phase of development has value. That it is important to look beneath the surface, engage a sense of childlike wonder, and enlist playmates to make life’s journey more enjoyable.

This story also appears in Natural Awakenings Magazine, South Jersey and Philadelphia additions.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Researchers suggest that early childhood years are fundamental in developing positive environmental attitudes and a commitment to caring for the Earth. With time playing in parks, forests, and playgrounds, children have the opportunity to reduce stress, engage in creative play, and explore the natural world. Research has found physical and psychological benefits including increased cooperation, verbal expression, and social comfort entering play with other.

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The K’intu. An Andean Blessing.

As I climbed the hills in the Sacred Valley, every step was a prayer of gratitude.  

Pausing often to catch my breath in the high altitude, I drank in the beauty of the mountains, valleys, small towns, and roaming llamas. I felt the hum of power of the Sacred Site moving up from the Earth to bless my body and offer me nurturance and strength. While I saw and heard my fellow journeyers, I was immersed within my own experience of quiet wonder as I prepared for the ceremony above.  

I arrived to find the Paqos (shamans) had prepared the space and had laid the first layers of the Despacho.

This offering (meaning dispatch in Spanish) is a traditional offering of the shamans in the Andes. It is a sweet gift of sugar, spices, nuts, seeds, candies, flowers, and other items representing the cosmic journey we share with all living beings. Laid upon paper, it will be wrapped and used to cleanse the energy of all participants before being offered to the fire. 

As we settled in a circle, the shamans gave a k’intu to each participant.

“Anay” (thank you). I dropped within for a moment to explore what prayers wanted to be blown into this small offering. With intent, breath, and quiet voice, I offered my prayers in the tradition of the Andes. I first called upon the lineages, celestial bodies, and archetypal powers to be present. I then recognized my humanness which included all that I did not know and the mistakes I inadvertently made. I moved on to offer my gratitude for life and all things within this experience. Lastly, I shared my personal prayers for the wellbeing and harmony for myself, my family and friends, all those I serve, and all projects I was called to offer. I offered my prayers for all people, creatures, and Pachamama. 

The k’intu is a fan of three cocoa leaves with a red and white carnation petal.

The k’intu may serve as a Despacho, of which there are many varieties, as an offering of thanksgiving and reverence to Pachamama (Mother Earth), the mountains and sacred spaces, and the celestial beings that watch over Earth. It may also, as in this case, be placed in a larger Despacho which gathers the prayers of many.

The three leaves of the k’intu represent the three worlds and the three Divine attributes of human equilibrium. 

In the Andean cosmovision, there are three worlds or realms known as the upper world (hanaqpacha), middle world (kaypacha), and lower world (ukhupacha). These mythical realms each serve a purpose, have guardians to guide your journeys, and offer support to the human experience. 

In the Peruvian tradition, there are also three energetic centers (belly, heart, head) which empower living in connection and right relationship with all life.

Each center represents and fuels one of the three Divine attributes of human equilibrium. The belly, or llank’ay (yank eye), represents creative expression, work and loving service. The heart, or munay (moon eye), represents pure loving and being in right relationship. The third eye, head, or yachay (yach eye), represents wisdom, clear knowing, and clear sight.

When it was time, I went to the shaman and offered my k’intu, vibrating with the power of my prayers.

Using this trio of cocoa leaves, she blessed my three centers before offering it to the shaman who was creating the Despacho. My prayers, along with all who participated, entered this sweet gift to life. I sat in the fresh air, hot sun, amidst the ancient ones residing in the mountains, and felt my body vibrating with this blessing.

I prayed to live this blessing in the moments of my life. And to be reminded of this ceremony and place of power when I fell into the slumber of my conditioned human self. 

I believe in the practicality of translating this tradition of the Andean ceremony into the everyday journey of living. I see this as a practice which has no end and no score card. Just the simple desire to evolve into a kinder, more peaceful human being who offers something beneficial to the world. The key word here being practice. 

To practice munay, you have to open and clear your heart. To practice yachay, you have to let go of judgments, opinions, and the idea that accumulated information equals knowledge. To practice llank’ay, you have to act and express your creative work imbued with loving service.

Sitting in ceremony offers you the opportunity to receive your k'intu, receive the blessings of your centers, and contribute to the Despacho. 


If you are able to travel to New Jersey at the end of July, you’ll have this direct experience with the Peruvian shamans during the Seeding the Light Gathering. 

This primoridal light, known as Ti in the Peruvian tradition, may be known by other names as well. It is the chi, ki, prana, holy spirit, and pure light of the Divine. That which animates all life and connects all living energy. 

You may think of all ceremony, shamanic healing, and the Munay Ki initiations as a sharing of this light.

The light is information. It is energy. And the Ti informs your energetic system so it may uplevel in vibration as it clears the old, dense energy from your system. All activities in the Seeding the Light Gathering are offering you this energy transmission so your LightBody may upgrade. This empowers your intent to practice wisdom, love, and creative expression in your own life.

You are an expression of this pure Ti and have your own way of sharing your wisdom, love, and creative work with the world. 

While the Peruvian shamans and ceremonies will enhance your capacity to do this, there are many ways in which you may grow your light. Clearing out the dense or stagnant energy from your field is an essential health and growth process. However this is done, it benefits the free flowing of life force (chi, prana, Ti) so that your innate wisdom may expand your capacity to live and serve with wisdom, love, and creative work.

50% of tickets for the Seeding the Light Gathering have been sold. If you are interested, please book your Weekend or 5 day Immersion now.

When you register, you’ll also be given the opportunity to have a private healing session with one of the shamans. This is a chance to experience the traditional healing methods which clearing your field of old energy and receiving an infusion of the high light.

I’ve also experienced the power of ceremony and healings on ZOOM. Seems funny, yet the Sacred healing practices know how to use every technology.

If you are unable to make the Seeding the Light Gathering, yet would like to experience a Despacho ceremony, Munay Ki initiation, or Andean Energy Medicine healing session, I’d be happy to offer this for you. Please visit my Andean Energy Medicine page or reach out to me if you’d like to bring a group to Soul Sanctuary in the future. I have limited availability in mid August and then am booking in mid October. 

Please know that when I blow my prayers into my k’intu during ceremony in the Seeding the Light Gathering, I’ll be including you.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Fair trade products from Peru are available via many resources. When I first learned that quinoa, a staple for the Peruvian diet, was becoming too expensive for locals due to the high demand of overseas consumption, I was dismayed. That led me to research how to purchase not only quinoa but all Peruvian products from Fair Trade certified suppliers. This certification, across all countries, meets rigorous economic, social, and environmental standards. Do your research so those producing the product benefit. This honors Ayni (reciprocity) which is an embedded social and spiritual aspect of Peruvian culture.

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May Day Memories

It was a beautiful May day at Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania back in 1986.

I was looking forward to partaking in the annual May Day celebration at this college so infused with Welsh traditions. As a graduate student, this was my first year living in the undergrad dorms as a “Warden.” An oxymoron, this term Warden, since Bryn Mawr had an honor code and no real rules for me to enforce.

I was more of a House Mama for young women in their time of need.

Truth be told, there were very few “times of need” during my 2 years living at Bryn Mawr. While I supported a few undergrads, I was better known for my annual Dead Plant Sales (no green thumb here) and the Couch Potato Movie Fest during exam time. This was a favorite across campus as I provided good snacks, fun movies, and a much needed break for these really bright, over achieving students.

I appreciated everything about those Warden years, but most especially having my tuition, room and board offered in exchange for living on a beautiful campus.

There were a lot of traditions at Bryn Mawr which was one of the “Seven Sisters” colleges for women. I enjoyed participating in most of them, although never understood why my dorm had to “haze” me along with the freshman. After a week of tortured anxiety and teasing about what was to come, it was mostly silly (they made me wear brown. I dislike the color brown immensely) and I lost some sleep. Otherwise, it was fun and I was rewarded with lots of good food and hugs. (If only hazing was that sweet across all institutions).

I was especially looking forward to dancing around the May Pole on May Day.

Grad students had their own May Pole and I was surrounded by other Wardens and friends from my department. We shared our breakfast and champagne, dressed in white and readied ourselves to frolic amidst the ribbons. I had visions of skipping along as we worked together to create a beautiful weave of colorful ribbons.

They should have provided we innocents with a bit more instruction other than “make sure your move the ribbon up and down.”

I never knew May Pole dancing was considered a blood sport. 


Seriously, I was grateful to make it out alive and with my head intact.

When the whistle blew, all these white frocked women started running FAST. My breath grew jagged as I strongly raised my ribbon up and down. Keeping pace and weaving the damn May Pole was more than I bargained for. There was no mercy as all the onlookers cheered us on and yelled “keep up!”

I should’ve worn better undies as my white flouncy dress blew up to my waist.

I thought we’d be skipping, laughing, and gently floating our ribbons about. I guess I figured a halo of flowers would magically appear on our heads, crowning us as the May Day Goddesses we were. By the time we were done, half of us were bent over, hands on our knees and breathing hard. The others were laughing and offering high fives. You can guess what group I was in.

Despite my near death experience, it was a lovely day of celebration.

I knew May Day was a pagan tradition which occurs between the Spring Equinox (Ostara) and the upcoming Summer Solstice (Litha). Sometimes called Beltane, it is related to fertility as Spring is at its peak. What I didn’t know is that it also is used in countries like the UK and Germany to celebrate worker’s rights.

I wandered about the campus that day, drinking champagne, and watching women race around the May Pole.

The even had a May Hole to honor the lesbian students (before all the initials came into use). It is a lovely thing to participate in ritual, whether deeply familiar or totally new. When you are invited into someone else’s world to experience celebration, you are joined together for those moments. When a friend wished me a happy May Day today, this memory came flooding back.

Bringing a sense of appreciate for a life rich with stepping into ritual celebrations in worlds that are different than my own.

Ritual, celebration, and relationships allow you to remember that you are part of one human family and a part of this beautiful planet. They remind you to open your perception, stoke your curiosity, and engage with the unfamiliar. If only for one day.

I also remind you to check your undies if you’re racing around the May Pole in a cute white dress.

Have a beautiful May Day however you celebrate. If nothing is on your agenda, go check out what Pachamama is offering you. In my neck of the woods, Spring has sprung. The sky is beautiful, the day is warm, and the flowers are colorful.

I can celebrate this.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Ritual and ceremony have been part of the human experience since the beginning of history. There is plenty of research revealing the benefit of participating in both group and individual ritual. Helping to reduce stress in times of uncertainty, promoting social connectedness, grounding into shared values, and improving health. Even when the rituals seem meaningless, such as in research studies, they work. Ritual connects us to something ancient, larger than ourselves, and deepens meaning. Whether moving through a period of grief, honoring a coming of age, celebrating a religious festival, or that annual Thanksgiving family football game, ritual matters. Do your own research to see what ritual or ceremony does for your life.

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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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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.

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Soul Sanctuary Celebrates 12 Years.

I’m sitting in a silent Soul Sanctuary. Quietly communing with the wonder of this space.

It’s a bit mind blowing to review the journey that got me here. My original plan was to continue as psychologist and executive director of a nonprofit agency serving DYFS adolescents until I retired. Funny how Life has a way of inviting you onto a new path. Even funnier that you say yes. Innocently stepping onto an entirely new trajectory that at first masquerades as something similar to the path you’ve been living.

Not all Journeys have clearly marked paths and signs. I think that’s by design.

I’m not sure I had the vision or the courage back then to head in the direction I’ve been led. Although with hindsight, I must’ve had a huge trust and a fair amount of courage to walk away from the security of a job that allowed me to grow personally, empower others, and create change in the wider community. Thank the Angels who whispered there was another way even though I didn’t know who was talking nor where that “way” would lead me.

That was in 2005 and there were many twists and unexpected turns that landed me here today celebrating Soul Sanctuary’s 12th birthday.

I’m awash in gratitude. Allowing the images of the people who have walked through these doors. Seeking solace, expansion, community, and above all, love. I’m moved deeply by the way everyone has seeded Soul Sanctuary with trust, courage, desire, and movement toward a broader life. And how tears, laughter, and determination have watered these seeds. I’m thinking of all the people who have helped me in so many ways, and those who share the gift of the work we do at Soul Sanctuary with others. It is so very helpful and really generous. I’m awash in this generous spirit in this very moment.

Entering an energetically enriched conscious space such as Soul Sanctuary naturally invites and empowers healing and transformation.

I’ve witnessed a lot of transformation in myself, my offerings, and the way in which transformation occurs within people. It has become easier, more gracefully fluid, and quite astonishing to witness how that which creates suffering may fall away to reveal that which is ready to blossom.

It’s a quiet year without fanfare, this 12th wonder of a birthday for Soul Sanctuary. Yet there are gifts to be given and worthy children to receive them.

Please celebrate with me by providing support for our Love Orphanage family in Haiti

The annual Village Walk is taking place this Saturday, October 7th, in many areas.

I won’t be walking in Moorestown at Strawbridge Lake this year, so Esther Clark is leading the way. If you’re local, join Esther from the Church St entrance. Walk begins at 10 am and is a lovely, easy stroll with friends. Arrive a few minutes early.

I’ll be celebrating young love at a wedding so I’ll dance for Love O kids this year.

They are worth our attention, love, and of course, our monetary contribution. You can register to walk or run at a few locations. Or you can sit on your couch, work in your garden, or play with your grandkids. However you want to spend the day is great. Go ahead and register to walk or make a donation.

It’s a big deal this year ’cause Haiti’s poverty, gang activity, and civil unrest has run up prices and required the Love O family to relocate temporarily for safety reasons.

You can get all of the details at the Love Oprhanage site. Anything you donate will be used for living expenses such as rent, food, and medical treatment. Go here to register or donate.

My heart is full of gratitude for Gabriel who committed his life to care for orphans in Haiti.

He always speaks with astonishment that people around the world would help him raise these children. That many Difference Makers would fund education and travel during the summers to Haiti and create a Culture Camp with the kids. He just can’t believe so many care about children in a forgotten place.

Yet what astonishes all of us is that a man can commit his life to make the impossible possible.

I’ve seen first hand over 3 summers, and years of photos, how love can truly inspire people to make a life saving difference for virtual strangers. I thank you. All of you who have never met Gabriel and the Love O kids but have supported the Be a Difference Maker program because my kid asked you to put them through school. And now, I ask you to help them live.

This dream of a healthy, safe Love O is astounding and totally achievable. And worth celebrating.

It’s an ordinary day turned magical with my focus on 12 years of beauty, love, and transformation. And a heartfelt prayer that children in Haiti and everywhere be supported on their own path of growth.

I wouldn’t feel so completely awash in gratitude without you and all the ways you show up.

May you continue to be blessed as you walk the path your Soul calls you to, with ease or challenge, knowing you are part of a community that loves, transforms, and serves with gratitude.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

A lot has happened since I first “met” the Love O Family. Gabriel and his staff of 2 cared for 19 kids in an overcrowded house. No school. Limited food. Long term effects of trauma and malnourishment. And plenty of love, faith, and hard work. Since then? 9 years of school. New home with solar panels, lights (!), running water. Medical care. New children. 4 summers of Culture Camp. Swims in the ocean. Amazing. They’ve had losses. Normal losses and heartbreaking tragedies. Dangers and moves to safety. The hardships continue in Haiti, yet Love is the prevailing force. It shows itself in healthy, happy children. Gratitude overflows for all who persist in their support of Love O. You truly are a Difference Maker. 

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Everything I Own Is Temporary

Everything I own is temporary
Brilliant ideas, coveted objects
Valued relationships, my very personhood
Nothing protected from an unseen hand
Wiping clean my slate
Upending familiar ground upon which I tread
Tinkering with a fragile sense of self
While I sleep
Walk
Through days chock full of importance

Despite every grand effort to trick
That which I want and need
So very much
to remain true, steadfastly loyal
Cemented into certainty
Everything flickers and grows feeble
Snuffed out like a flame
Abruptly squeezed by meaty fingers
Or barely noticed, fading like dusk
Soundlessly swallowed whole by night

In stillness I stand
On solid ground amidst shifting sands
Sheltered beneath a canopy so green
Glistening with cascading rain
Softly nourishing gardens and lawns
Quiet companion on a leash
Three smiling men riding a single lawn mower
An amusement park of movement and stillness
Revealing the script behind the play
Written in vanishing ink

Nothing matters  And everything is worth engaging in

Life in every form is meant to be lived
Not there
Far in the future dressed in a different garment
Bright, beautiful and pleasing to the i
But here
Looking as it is right now
Not well put together
Yet perfectly arranged

Shifting awareness emboldened
By a dog unburdened by a broken foot
Gracefully releasing the chase of
Every wiry squirrel 
Content to sniff the winds of change
Black and white fur dancing
With pink petals, water and breeze
Untroubled by the sun’s game of hiding
Vigilantly at rest, no need to seek
Eyes meet in silent acquiescence

Hands splayed open
Grasping not one thing
I treasure that which cleans my slate
And welcome the dusk that robs my light
I pray then and there to the witness within
Let this softening of my body
Sing a gentle lullaby to my mind’s desire
To know, to strive, to do, to become
So I may instead honor this temporary breeze
And perfection of these trees

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Creativity is inherent to human development and essential to discovery of the wonder of the world. Anyone who has every witnessed an infant discover her toes or attended a high school art show has done their research. The question for you is not whether you are creative, rather how are you expressing your creativity. By choosing different ways to express yourself and your view of the world,  you enhance new neural learning, hone observational skill, and let a wee bit of your genius flow out to the world. The more you create, the more you translate the world according to you for the rest of us to enjoy. Forget about being good at anything. Create as an experiment, for the sheer joy of it, or to enhance wellbeing. 

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Label Me This?

I had a lot of conversations and emails after my last blog on gender fluidity.

Thanks for that. There were a few that especially got my wee brain to thinking. One in particular questioned whether we were all making too much of these labels. And if it would be more beneficial to focus on the person and how we feel about them. Shared with a beautiful yet poignant example of a family’s love and acceptance of a trans child.

So I headed to the thinking spot of my favorite boy bear, Winnie the Pooh. “Think, think, think.”

A few scenes from my life flashed with this contemplation. None of them about gender identification, by the way. All of them about the use of labels with some benefits and some cons.

Nearing completion of my clinical psychology PhD program, I worked a 12 month internship at a Pennsylvania state school and hospital for adolescents. I have lots of flashes of memories of that time, both exhilarating and deeply humbling. Mostly, I felt grateful to enjoy the quality training, my likable colleagues, and those often delightful, usually challenging teens.

Getting teased one day by the staff, I was asked if they’d have to call me “Doctor” when I graduated. “You betcha,” I said “even my mother has to call me freakin’ doctor!”

We shared a good laugh and got back to work. As I walked back to the intern office, I realized that I meant it. I was finishing the most challenging 6 years of my educational life and I was damn sure gonna use that hard earned title. Even now, as I recall the challenges of those years and the way I grew, I understand that sentiment. That label was really important as I strengthened my new identity.

I was ready to slap Doctor in front of my name at every opportunity.

When I graduated, the staff thoughtfully gave me a shiny gold nameplate for my desk. I read my name with its PhD caboose with a grateful smile as we all celebrated. “One more gift!” said my coworker as she handed me one more nameplate.

“Call me freakin’ doctor”

You can bet that nameplate went on my desk in the intern office. Then life went on as I left the world of academia and wobbled into environments that would test and mold me as a young “doctor.” The days of handholding were long gone.

Another memory arrived which fast forwarded me a dozen years when I was running a nonprofit agency in New Jersey. Working within a creative model, we helped teens stay out of those hospitals and residential centers so they could heal in community. Truth be told, those centers didn’t want these kids given the severity of their trauma and behavior. Training newly graduated PhD clinicians, I noticed something telling.

These young therapists threw around their “doctor” label like enthusiastic guests with confetti at a wedding.

I understood this. I remembered the insecurity I felt as I entered new jobs requiring competent application of my clinical skills which often seemed shaky at best in the face of tremendous challenge. In supervision, we explored their vulnerabilities and strengthened their skills.

I helped these new PhDs soften their use of “Doctor.” Learning there was a time and place for this label.

Exploring how to use or not use with community colleagues and examine the benefit of this label with clients, in school meetings, and at court appearances. Including how that well-earned term provided bolstering to shaky legs and a nervous stomach. 

Relationships shifted when Dr. was followed by a first name or plain old first names were used with protective service case workers who had decades of experience. Interactions with a little labeling thrown in as a descriptor or token of respect kept the focus on the people, not the label.

It was also a time of label dissection to peel off the many diagnosis and rigid opinions about these teens and their families.

Labels carried information, yet unexamined, they often disrupt the potential to experience the (real live) person in front of you. It made better sense to help staff, community agencies, the teens, and their families understand their needs, strengths, and behaviors in ways that defied the demonizing labels they all carried. Examining individual strengths, vulnerabilities, gifts, and skills yet to be developed empowered healing rather than diminishing a person as part of an “undesirable” group.

It was valuable work, this label deconstruction, so the benefit of humanizing reconstruction could take priority.

Another memory flashed of my sweet Dad who tended to use first names with everyone. His doctors, friends, executives, and little kids. I had to roll my eyes a bit when he was seated on the rug in a second grade classroom on Grandparent’s Day. Playing a social interaction game of greeting one another, a wide eyed boy tripped over remembering my Dad’s last name.

“Call me Bob,” my Dad smiled.

Only to invoke the teacher’s rapid instruction to use “Mister.” Poor kid was set up. Recognizing when labels are set in place, for better or worse, there is a time to comply and a time to challenge.

I’ve seen Mister Bob do both with great success

I guess I could say I was raised by a “label rebel.”

So many flashes of “ sweet labeling” in my years of life.

The pleasure of calling friends “Mrs” when newly married or “Dad” when entering the magic of parenthood. My newborn baby being (fondly) called “nosy” when she was a few days old. As a new “Mama,” I quickly corrected that label to “curious” since she hadn’t yet begun to speak and fend for herself. Witnessing the hurt of labels with ethnic, gender, and racial slurs that broke my heart. Or disordered parents or teachers identifying children as “bad,” “worthless,” “lazy,” and “stupid.”

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.”

So. Not. True.

I’ve witnessed the horrible outcome of verbal abuse in families, schools, neighborhoods, religious institutions, workplaces, peers groups, and self-talk. Wounding can happen when labels intend harm, respectful labels are missed, or a person’s desire for a label/no label is misunderstood.

Perhaps there isn’t one correct answer about how to use a label well or not so well. Maybe, just maybe, you could be “curious” about any label bandied about.

To understand what it means to the one using it or receiving it. Learning what is helpful and what is harmful. You don’t live in an all or nothing world, although many people are “black and white” thinkers. It’s tricky, but this duality, engrained in culture and language, can be disassembled one label at a time.

It’s a slow, but worthwhile process and it begins with one person, one label at a time.

Coming full circle yesterday, a colleague from grad school asked if I had course descriptions he needed for advanced certification. While I couldn’t help him, I realized something important. My Master’s and Doctorate diplomas, rewritten with my married name, were so very important when I ordered them. Leaving that nonprofit agency to open my private practice, I felt a bit unsteady. I figured those diplomas, and all they represented, would give me some respectability as I started over from scratch. My plan was to hang them on the wall above my desk so they’d “have my back.”

My newly lettered diplomas took 9 months to arrive. By which time, I realized I didn’t need to be called freakin’ doctor anymore.

That label was no longer necessary and those diplomas are collecting dust in my basement. All of this “think, think, thinking” revealed the importance of deeply examining those labels that remain, whether they be rigid, fluid, or fragile. Perhaps some are important, others are loosening, and a few are collecting dust in my basement.

I imagine that I’ll be considering those labels I use for you as well. Giving some the heave ho as no longer necessary. And enjoying the ones that remind me of who you are.

You Beautiful Soul, you.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News


A recent study examined the impact of mindfulness on “Linguistic intergroup bias” (LIB). University students were asked to describe cartoons depicting various scenarios, such as one adult hitting another. The response could be factual (one person hitting another) or make a character inference (they’re violent). Bias was found when cartoons were viewed as friend (factual descriptions) or enemy (inference). Inclusion of mindfulness (observe thoughts as fleeting mental contractions not part of cartoon event) reduced biased responses. Other studies suggest that mindfulness may reduce stereotypical and prejudicial thinking. Why not try it out? Thoughts are like floating clouds, watch them pass.